Early Knight Templar Apron

Masonic Library & Museum Association - MLMA

An International Organization of Librarians, Archivists, Curators, & Directors

Early Knight Templar Apron

This apron of the Knights Templar degree belonged to General Samuel Crocker Lawrence of Massachusetts. Lawrence became a brigadier general of Massachusetts militia during the Civil War, where he served from 1862-1864. He was wounded at the Battle of Bull Run. The Knights Templar regalia was likely worn by Lawrence while he was a member of DeMolay Commandery in Boston beginning in 1858. In 1894, he served as Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Massachusetts. This regalia was worn prior to 1859, when members of the Knights Templar Commanderies still wore aprons as part of their “uniform.” Samuel Crocker Lawrence is the namesake of the Library of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. We are unsure how this apron made its way to Iowa.

Be sure to visit the Museum and Library of the Grand Lodge of Iowa at:

http://showcase.netins.net/web/iowamasons/library.html