This week’s spotlight on the Albert L. Einolf Museum was prepared by Nathaniel Gilchrist P.M., Lodge No. 43.
Henry Shippen Masonic Apron, Early 19th century
Measurements: Image: height 19”, width 19 ½” Overall: height 25”, width 25”
Description: Silk embroidered, and gilt painted Masonic apron owned by Henry Shippen (1788-1839) with blue ruched silk border and strings. – Unsigned Framing: Wood and composition with gold paint.
Henry Shippen was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1788., and was educated for the bar. In the war of 1812, he organized a company of volunteer cavalry, in which James Buchanan, afterward President of the United States, was a private. Mr. Shippen was made captain and ordered on-duty September 5, 1812, by Governor Simon Snyder, afterward first aide-de-camp to Major General Nathaniel Watson, commanding Pennsylvania Volunteers at Baltimore, September 16, 1814. In 1819 he moved to Huntingdon, where he practiced law and became a member of the legislature. In 1825 he was appointed president judge of the sixth judicial district of Pennsylvania, then comprising the counties of Crawford, Erie, Warren, Venango, and Mercer. He moved to Meadville in 1825, where he lived and served the district until his death, in 1839. It is said that he never had but one decision reversed by the higher court during all his years of service. He was the great-grandson of Edward Shippen, the first mayor of Philadelphia. He was raised in Lodge 43 in 1813 but later withdrew after leaving the area.
Image of Henry Shippen’s Masonic Apron, Albert L. Einolf Museum
Masonic Apron, Early 19th century – Unsigned Framing: Original wood with dark stain finish
Measurements: Image: height 17”, width 22” Overall: height 23 ½”, width 28 ½”
Description: Silk embroidered and painted Apron with Masonic symbols and ruched blue silk border.
On display at the Lancaster Masonic Center 4th Floor Albert L. Einolf Museum
Origin unknown. No information is available as to who the owner may have been.
Masonic Apron Early 19th century – Unsigned Framing: Wood with stained finish
Measurements: Image: height 17”, width 15” Overall: height 24 ½”, width 18 ½”
Description: Silk embroidered and painted apron with Masonic symbols, gilt work, and ruched red silk border with tan ruched strings.
There is no known information regarding this apron. On display at the Lancaster Masonic Center 4th Floor Albert L. Einolf Museum. Origin unknown. No information as to who the owner may have been. Appears to be a Royal Arch Mason apron.
Isaac Lightner Masonic Apron Early 19th century – engraving by Thomas Kensett (British, 1786-1829) Inscribed T. Kensett Cheshire Connect / Sculpsit et edidit MDCCCXII in image, and copyright secured The Masters Carpet compleat center below image. Framing: Wood and composition with gold paint
Measurements: Image: height 18”, width 14 ½” Overall: height 21”, width 17 ¾”
Description: Unfinished silk or linen Masonic apron with symbolic engraving by Thomas Kensett. On display at the Lancaster Masonic Center 4th Floor Albert L. Einolf Museum
Isaac Lightner had been raised In Lodge 43 in 1812 but withdrew several years after when he relocated to Western Pennsylvania, and eventually Ohio. Nathaniel Lightner, a relative, served as Worshipful Master of Lodge 43 in 1814, and a former mayor of Lancaster from 1834-1830. The Isaac Lightner apron was donated by his daughter in 1905.
Adam Hubley Masonic Apron, Early 19th century – Unsigned Framing: Wood with inner gilt trim
Measurements: Image: height 17 ½”, width 16” Overall: height 22”, width 27″
Description: Silk embroidered and painted Masonic apron, worn by Adam Hubley, with symbolic design, and blue ruched border and strings.
On display at the Lancaster Masonic Center 4th Floor Albert L. Einolf Museum.
Adam Hubley was one of the founding fathers of Lodge 43 as one of the seven charter members presiding at the first meeting in 1785. Adam Hubley was a prominent officer of the Revolutionary Army and served as a Lieutenant in the First Pennsylvania Battalion in 1775. In was promoted to Major and Lieutenant Colonel of the 10th Pennsylvania regiment in 1776. He also rose to Lieutenant Colonel Commander of the 11th Pennsylvania Regiment in his military career serving under George Washington. Following his military career, he served as a member of the Legislature and of the State Senate.
Matthew McKelly Masonic Apron, Early 19th century – Unsigned Framing: Wood frame
Measurements: Image: height 14 ½”, width 17” Overall: height 23”, width 25 ½”
Description: Linen or silk embroidered and painted Masonic apron, worn by Matthew McKelly (circa 1826), with symbolic design, and metal stamped ornament secured to the apron with white ribbon.
On display at the Lancaster Masonic Center 4th Floor Albert L. Einolf Museum.
Matthew McKelly served as Worshipful Master in 1827. He was born in Ireland and emigrated to America in 1801 with his parents where they settled in Lancaster, Pa. He worked as a printer for the Intelligencer, then studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1825. In 1834 he was appointed chief clerk in the Auditor Generals’ office in Harrisburg.
Two Unknown Masonic Aprons, Mid to Late 18th century – Unknown origin, found loose in a box in the archives of Lodge 43 in 2021
Top Apron Measurements: Image: height 14 ½”, width 17”, Bottom Apron Measurements: Image: height 14 ½”, width 17″
Description: Linen or silk embroidered and hand-painted Masonic aprons.
On display at the Lancaster Masonic Center 4th Floor Albert L. Einolf Museum
Image of Henry Shippen’s Masonic Apron, Albert L. Einolf Museum
