A collection of late 19th century Masonic material from a prominent Philadelphia Mason

Philadelphia / Chicago: Grand Cross of Constantine, 1892-1901. This small collection consists of correspondence and ephemera from a Philadelphia Mason and Civil War veteran Charles K. Francis. The bulk of the collection consists of correspondence between Francis (Grand Registrar-General) and Sir John Corson Smith, M.E. Grand Sovereign (Chicago) regarding the workings of the Supreme Grand Chapter of the Grand Cross of Constantine, a Christian Masonic order known today as the Red Cross of Constantine. Included are six letters, two handwritten and four typed copies, from Francis to Smith written in November 1893 and 1894. Also included is a handwritten response by Smith to Francis on Grand Cross letterhead written Oct. 30, 1894. In his letters, Francis reports on duties as Grand-Registrar General in managing order members and representatives and in sending convention proceedings and ritual booklets. Accompanied ephemera includes the Proceedings of the Meeting of the Supreme Grand Chapter of the Grand Cross of Constantine for its fifth convention held on October 2, 1891 (25 pp.); it was at this convention that Francis was installed as a Knight of the Order; a printed meeting notice for the Order's annual assembly held in Buffalo on September 15, 1893; three form letters from Smith printed on Grand Cross of Constantine letterhead addressed to Knights of this Supreme Grand Chapter (1896; 1897; 1901); one sheet of blank letterhead. Also included are three pieces of ephemera for various Philadelphia Masonic orders, including a member's booklet for Fraternity Lodge No. 265 A.A.S.R., a pamphlet for Continental Lodge No. 20 Knights of Birmingham, and a printed notice for a private meeting of the Philadelphia Masonic lodge held on April 28, 1885 in Philadelphia. 16 pieces total. Item #14214

Price: $650.00