03/30/2026
We warmly welcome you to explore our latest video!
https://nymasoniclibrary.org/youtube-channel/
A special thanks to the M∴W∴ Steve Rubin for his initiative and R∴W∴ Jason Short for video production.
A fascinating artifact at the Chancellor Robert R Livingston Masonic Library of Grand Lodge is a Past Master's Jewel belonging to Levi Andrews, a member of St. John's Lodge No. 2 (now No. 3) of North Carolina. Engraved with his mark—an eagle and American flag with its pole resting on a heart—and the Latin motto "Pro Patria Bono" ("For the Homeland"), this jewel commemorates his receipt of the Past Master Degree from his lodge in 1793.
The Grand Lodge's Committee of Antiquities noted a Past Master's Certificate issued by St. John's Lodge, No. 2, of New Bern, N.C., to Brother Levi Andrews, dated February 12, 1793. This certificate is believed to contain the earliest documented evidence of Capitular Degrees in North Carolina, possibly even the United States.
Intriguingly, Levi Andrews never served as Master of his lodge, yet his jewel designates him as a "Worshipful Brother," a title typically reserved for those elected, invested, and installed as Master.
This predates the formation of Grand Chapters, when Royal Arch Degrees were conferred within symbolic lodges. Traditionally, the conferral of the Most Excellent Master Degree (preceding the Holy Royal Arch Degree) required prior service as Master of a Lodge and investiture with the secrets of the Chair.
As it became more challenging to gather candidates for the Royal Arch Degree, the practice of conferring the Past Master Degree (sometimes called the "Virtual Past Master Degree," though its proper name is simply Past Master Degree) developed. While recipients of this degree do not gain the privileges or designation of an elected, invested, and installed Master, they do receive the secrets of the Chair.
This jewel, however, represents a time before these practices were standardized. It stands as a relic of a less defined era, honoring Levi Andrews as a "Worshipful Brother" despite never having served as Master of his lodge.
See our website for more information, and please check us out on social media!
www.facebook.com/livingstonlibrary
www.instagram.com/nymasoniclibrary/
www.nymasoniclibrary.org/events/
Night At The Museum! April 14 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Chancellor Robert R Livingston Masonic Library 71 West 23rd St, 14th floor, New York, NY, United States
