Effingham's Masonic Temple
Dublin Core
Title
Effingham's Masonic Temple
Subject
Charter Oak Lodge No. 58 of Free and Accepted Masons
Trompe l'oeil painting
Freemasonry - United States
Education of children
Trompe l'oeil painting
Freemasonry - United States
Education of children
Description
History and artwork of the Charter Oak Lodge No. 58 of Free and Accepted Masons in Effingham, New Hampshire
Date
19th century
20th century
20th century
Rights
No rights - United States
Language
eng
Coverage
New Hampshire, Effingham
Collection Items
Charter Oak History
A copy of the original Charter Oak painted by Charles de Wolf Brownell before the tree fell in 1856. The massive oak tree once stood in Hartford, CT. It is believed that the State of Connecticut's charter was hidden safely in the tree for years after…
Birth of the Charter Oak Lodge
According to the pamphlet, a specimen from the famed Charter Oak in Hartford, CT was procured and as a result, it was determined the name of the new Masonic Hall in Effingham would be the Charter Oak Lodge, No. 58. Dr. J. Blackmer shared his thoughts…
New England Masonic Institute
The New England Masonic Charitable Institute was built in 1858 by the Charter Oak Lodge No. 58. The only school in the country known to have been built and run by the Masons, according to the National Register of Historic Places. A sketch of the…
New England Masonic Charitable Institute Calendar and Tuition Leaflet
The leaflet explains the school calendar and the costs of the education including instruction and board.
Charter Oak Lodge Advertisement
A poster advertising the public installation of Charter Oak Lodge officers. Tickets were 25 cents and included a free supper.
George Washington Dressed in Masonic Regalia
It is believed that many Founding Fathers including George Washington were Masons. The painting, by Hattie E. Burdette, was produced for the George Washington Bicentennial Commission in 1932. Lithograph copies on canvas were distributed to lodges…
Masonic Bible
The Masonic Bible sits on a cushioned podium in the center of the temple. Masonry is not considered a religion. A Masonic Bible is in most cases a regular King James Bible, containing both Old and New Testaments, with some pages at the beginning…
Masonic Door Knocker
The brass door knocker is fashioned into the Masonic symbol of a square and compasses with a gavel hanging over. Within their trade, the gavel is an instrument used by operative Masons to break off the rough and superfluous parts of stones. The gavel…
Masonic Symbol Embossed on White Cotton
A framed Masonic symbol of a square and compasses with the letter "G" embossed on white cotton fabric represents the organization's roots. The square and compasses are common tools of the Freemasons. The “G” at its center remains subject to dispute;…
Charter Oak Lodge Flag
A blue and yellow flag with the popular Masonic symbol hangs in the temple. The square and compasses together remind Freemasons to explore their desires and passions without stepping outside the realms of moral behavior. The blue and yellow colors…