Saturday, July 17, 2010

Sentimental Sunday: Masonic Medal


Masonic Medal
Originally uploaded by midgefrazel
I hope someone can tell me for sure if this is a Masonic medal. This is Pawcatuck, CT.

Listed in a RI City Direction is my grandfather's name in a different Masonic group but the next one down on the list is this chapter but it met in the same Masonic Building in Westerly, RI (20 Elm St) which is just over the border from Pawcatuck, CT.

Two Facebook friends helped me out with this as soon as I posted this to Facebook! One tells me that the RAM on the front means Royal Arch Mason and referred me to the RI Chapter of this advanced degree of Masons. The other explained that the symbol on the front is the Masonic Keystone

I do know that both my grandfather and his brother were Masons. I think it might be a good idea to photograph or scan the Lodge booklet I have.I might guess that this medal belonged to the brother as he lived in that area even after my grandfather moved to Cranston, RI

A comment here from a reader says: [an he is an expert on Masons!]
Yes, it is a Masonic medal, and a unique design, I might add. It is for a Royal Arch Chapter, which is an appendant group of Freemasonry, and a part of what is commonly called the York Rite. One must be a Master Mason in a local Masonic lodge before he can join the Royal Arch. The keystone symbol is the common design element for the Royal Arch. The symbols and marks on the reverse are unusual."

Thank you everyone who helped!


2 comments:

Christopher Hodapp said...

Yes, it is a Masonic medal, and a unique design, I might add. It is for a Royal Arch Chapter, which is an appendant group of Freemasonry, and a part of what is commonly called the York Rite. One must be a Master Mason in a local Masonic lodge before he can join the Royal Arch. The keystone symbol is the common design element for the Royal Arch. The symbols and marks on the reverse are unusual.

Unknown said...

Well never seen it made as a pendent, but it is a York Rite Mark Master Masons mark. The keystone side shows the York Rite Chapter name and number. The circle in the middle should contain the personal Mark on that member. The other side with the cup is a Jewish Half Shekel in silver. Join the York rite and they will explain that =).