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| From the Museum to the Lodge. by Travis Simpkins |
From the Museum to the
Lodge
by Travis Simpkins
Since joining Freemasonry two years
ago, I have often been asked what prompted my decision to submit a
petition. I wasn't a very typical candidate. I didn't have a Masonic
family connection and I didn't have any friends that I knew to be
Masons. So, for me, it really wasn't a plain and direct choice.
Rather, Freemasonry was a destination I found on a circuitous path
that began in the galleries of a Museum.
Then, as now, I was involved with
several different museums: the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum,
Worcester Art Museum, Worcester Historical Museum, the Massachusetts
State House and I spent a great deal of time at the Museum of Fine
Arts in Boston. The art museums are encyclopedic collections that
range from Ancient Art to Andy Warhol. The historical museum and the
State House contain objects with a localized American focus. As
someone who is equally interested in ancient cultures and colonial
history, these collective institutions were the perfect places to be.
I've been intrigued by everything
related to ancient Egypt for as long as I can remember. Part of my
museum assignments center on creating sketches of works in the
collections and I still enjoy spending productive hours surrounded by
archaeological treasures from Egyptian tombs. My initial interest in
Masonic themes was fostered in those rooms. I don't recall the exact
progression of studies that led me from one point to another, but
references to Freemasonry's esoteric and stylistic influences are
encountered frequently the more you look into the history of modern
Egyptology from the 18th to the 20th Centuries.
I have a curious mind, and through additional reading, I very quickly
developed a respect for Masonic philosophy and practice. The concepts
of self improvement and a deep connection with history, which are so
inherent within Freemasonry, were things that I found appealing and
wanted to learn more about.
Masonic symbols and aesthetics
interested me as well, and I'd spend a lot of time admiring a set of
silver Masonic jewels created by Paul Revere in 1793 that were on
display at the Worcester Art Museum. Also, a nearby gallery housed a
collection of arms and armor that were inherited from the Higgins
Armory Museum when it closed in 2013. Included among those objects
was an early 19th Century ceremonial sword with a skull
and crossbones on the hilt, utilized in the 28th Degree
(Knight of the Sun) of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. My
interest was piqued.
While watching a
Masonic-themed documentary, I was impressed with the insights of one
of the presenters, Dr. Mark Koltko-Rivera. I contacted him, explained
who I am and that I was interested in learning more about joining.
Brother Mark not only provided me with information, but he also
directed me towards another valuable resource: Christopher Hodapp.
Bro Hodapp was very helpful and his book, Freemasons for Dummies, was
the catalyst in me taking the first step.
In beginning the process
of looking at local Lodges, I felt compelled to revisit the Paul
Revere jewels at the museum. I had looked at the aesthetics of the
jewels many times, admired their beauty, but I hadn't looked very
deeply into their background. I suppose, because they were so old, I
just assumed that the Lodge from which they originated was no longer
active. After taking note that the pieces were on loan from Morning
Star Lodge, I looked them up online and discovered that the Lodge was
not only still active but that it was located within a mile of my
downtown apartment. I did some more research, reading through the
long history of Morning Star Lodge, and was fascinated by it's
connection to the patriot Isaiah Thomas and other notable figures
within the community. That was it. A few days later I sent an email
to the Secretary, met with the Brethren and here I am. I can honestly
say that it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.
After relaying that brief
story to fellow Freemasons, they usually ask if there is really much
Masonic Art on display in an art museum. The answer is: It depends on
how loosely you define the term. Much of what we would consider
“Masonic Art”, like tracing boards and such, won't be found in
the galleries of a non-specialized collection. However, there are
many pieces that fit into the overall theme. Some of the other items
I see on a regular basis, not mentioned above, include a medieval
Chapter House brought over stone-by-stone from France, Babylonian
carved reliefs, Crusader-era swords, a tapestry depicting Godfrey de
Bouillon, portraits of George Washington, a cornerstone set in a
Masonic ceremony by Paul Revere, marble statues of Gods &
Goddesses, dozens of paintings portraying the Holy Saints John and
Classical styles of architecture utilized within the museum buildings
themselves. There's always plenty there if you look for it.
When mentioning museums
and Masonry together, I've found that I am preaching to the choir
much of the time. However, I also meet many Brothers who never visit
museums. They'll ask what relevance museums might have to an average
Masonic Lodge today. Some correlations should be obvious, but my
basic viewpoint is that the quest for enlightenment is not by any
means a one-way street. If Museums led me to Masonry, certainly it
could work the other way around. A couple things come to mind. One is
simply practical. Much of Masonic Ritual centers on events,
allegorical or not, which take place in Ancient History. The distant
past is often an abstract concept to fathom, hard to visualize, and
it helps to place things in a relatable context. Objects in museums
provide a tangible association with the past, a physical connection
with history. Another aspect of Museums appeals to the core purpose
of Freemasonry, namely self improvement... the very thing which
initially drew me to the Craft. Walking through the galleries of a
Museum, one is surrounded by the wondrous creativity of mankind. And
I've found that by looking at the great achievements of others, we
can come to discover the true potential within ourselves.
- TS
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| From the Museum to the Lodge. by Travis Simpkins |
