Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

Composite Portrait of Officers of Masonic St. James Lodge No. 23 in Original Frame
1872
Nathan D. Morgan (1821-1871) Studio
USA: Connecticut, Norwich
a: photographs on paper, b: walnut, metal, paper
overall (framed): 56 x 53 x 4 in.; 142.24 x 134.62 x 10.16 cm
Gift of Valley of Norwich, Connecticut, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, U.S.A.
2003.018.3a-b

a: Composite portrait made up of photographs of the officers of Connecticut's St. James Lodge No. 23. In an elaborate mat. Photographs are likely albumen prints. All have sitter's names on the back. b: Brown, varnished wood frame with gold-colored metal strips along rabbet.

The Grand Lodge of Connecticut first chartered St. James Lodge No. 23 in 1793. The lodge, which closed in the 1830s due to anti-Masonic sentiment, was rechartered in Norwich in early 1873. Photographer Nathan Morgan set this collection of portraits of lodge members in street clothes with lodge officers wearing their jewels in an ornately painted background. This group portrait likely commemorated the lodge’s revival and was, most probably, displayed in its meeting place.