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Master Mason certificate issued to James Harding
1756-09-06
Freemasons. Philadelphia Lodge, No. 2 (Philadelphia, Pa.); Shute, William, -1783
USA: Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
Parchment
10 3/4" x 14 11/16"; 28 x 38 cm.; 1 item (1 page)
Gift of the Supreme Council, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction
A90/036/001

Master Mason certificate issued by Philadelphia Lodge, No. 2, (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) to James Harding and dated September 6, 1756. Written in the hand of William Shute, the Worshipful Master of Philadelphia Lodge, No. 2. The certificate was originally a gift of William F. E. Gurley, 33, to the Supreme Council, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.


Signed and Sealed: Masonic Certificates, corridor, part one, 2017 Master Mason Certificate, 1756 Issued to James Harding, Philadelphia Lodge No. 2, Pennsylvania Gift of the Supreme Council, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, A90/036/001 William Shute, Worshipful Master of Philadelphia Lodge No. 2 signed this hand-written certificate, noting James Harding as a Master Mason. In the 1700s certificates were generally issued on request. Not everyone needed one, but a Masonic brother planning to travel or undertaking a move might decide to pay a fee and receive his certificate. This document would help him prove his membership in a town where he was a stranger.