Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

Masonic Worshipful Master's Chair
ca. 1797
Attributed to Henry Connelly
USA: Pennsylvania, Cumberland County, Newville
Walnut, pine, birch, brass, leather
overall: 58"h x 28"w x 20"d
Special Acquisitions Fund
88.43

Armchair with Masonic symbols; made in the Sheraton style in rural Pennsylvania, probably in Newville (Cumberland County). The extended back, with arched crest, is constructed of supports carved in the shape of Masonic symbols representing the Royal Arch and pillars, with swagged drapery, over an altar supporting the compasses and quadrant of a Past Master, and the square, plumb rule, and level of the Master and Wardens of a lodge. The crest is inlaid with symbols of a chisel, mallet, and keystone associated with the Mark Master Degree; the center of the keystone is inscribed with a Mark Master's HTWSSTKS nmemonic and personal mark represented by a bar of music. The chair currently has a brown leather seat with a studded nail decoration.

This chair was presented to the lodge at Newville, Pennsylvania by Archibald McCoy in the spring of 1798. Brother McCoy was a charter member of the lodge and its first Junior Warden. The chair was returned to McCoy when the lodge vacated its charter in 1806. For further information, see Hamilton, John D., "Material Culture of American Freemasons," 1994, p. 55, 263.