Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

Masonic Apron
1796
Maker not marked
Ireland: County Down
Wool on linen; cotton
overall: 21 5/8 x 16 1/4 x 1/8 in
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Streeter, Jr.
79.70

Masonic Apron; long body with rounded corners and rounded flap; white linen; on flap: all-seeing eye, angels, rooster, pot of insense and coffin; embroidered under flap inside wreath, "Wm. Leigh July 6th 1796"; on apron: sun, moon: in center starburst with purple, red, and yellow thread, arch with hourglass on keystone reads "Cemented with Love"; figure wearing Masonic apron at each bottom corner, one stands on pedestal marked "TF"; within arch: clasped hands square and compasses and open book that reads "God is our guide"; embroidered border of three stripes in rust, peach and yellow; no backing. Shows other symbols, serpent and sword, Adam and Eve, hand holding sword and ladder.

This apron memorializes not only William Leigh, but also the Alexander Stuart McKee family. The McKees immigrated from County Down, Ireland, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Masonic motto "Cemented with Love," along with the name “William Leigh” and the date “July 6th, 1796” are embroidered under the flap of this apron. The motto speaks to both fraternal values and the affection that joins family members together.