Objects

Viewing Record 1 of 8
Next Record
Switch Views: Lightbox | Image List | List

Broadside Announcing Anti-Masonic Lecture by Avery Allyn
ca. 1830
Maker not marked
USA: Massachusetts, Boston (probably)
Woodcut on paper, linen backed
overall: 23-1/2"h x 18"w
Loaned by the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts
GL2004.0514

Broadside announcing the offering of the Royal Arch degree in New York; has woodcut illustration with caption, "Three weary travelers from Babylon in search of more light"; the Anti-Mason offering the Royal Arch degree is Avery Allyn; broadside reads "Royal Arch Degree. Prices Reduced."; Avery Allyn is exposing Masonic ritual to the public for a fee


The disappearance of William Morgan of Batavia, New York, in 1827 sparked the Anti-Masonic Party and prompted numerous Anti-Masonic lecturers to tour the country. This broadside announces a talk by a well-known Anti-Mason, Avery Allyn, at Boston's Pantheon Hall. By demonstrating the Royal Arch degrees, Allyn sought to make known what he believed were various irreligious and anti-American aspects of Freemasonry. He also thought that revealing Freemasonry's so-called "secret" rituals would make the fraternity less attractive to potential members. For further information, see Newell, Aimee, et.al., "Curiosities of the Craft: Treasures from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts Collection", 2013, p. 184-185.