Our journal
2 December 01, 2025
1. Alexander C. Cherkas
In Memoriam
2. Violetta S. Molchanova
R.M.L. McEwen (1833–1910): Recorder of Ivanhoe Commandery No. 8
Recorder. 2025. 1(2): 52.
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Recorder. 2025. 1(2): 52.
Abstract:
Ralph Maxwell L. McEwen (1833–1910) was a long-time resident of St. Louis, Missouri, where he lived from 1870 until his death. Born in Adams County, Pennsylvania, he built his professional life as a clerk in the local post office. In 1878 he married Mary McEwen, and together they raised three sons. McEwen was actively involved in Masonic life, holding membership in Ivanhoe Commandery No. 8 and Occidental Lodge No. 163, A.F.&A.M. His dedicated service culminated in his role as Recorder in 1895. McEwen’s life reflects civic engagement, family devotion, and active participation in the Masonic fraternity.
Ralph Maxwell L. McEwen (1833–1910) was a long-time resident of St. Louis, Missouri, where he lived from 1870 until his death. Born in Adams County, Pennsylvania, he built his professional life as a clerk in the local post office. In 1878 he married Mary McEwen, and together they raised three sons. McEwen was actively involved in Masonic life, holding membership in Ivanhoe Commandery No. 8 and Occidental Lodge No. 163, A.F.&A.M. His dedicated service culminated in his role as Recorder in 1895. McEwen’s life reflects civic engagement, family devotion, and active participation in the Masonic fraternity.
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Articles
3. Alexander C. Cherkas
Sir George Stodart Blackie (1834–1881) in the Museum Collection of Cherkas Global University: Commemorating the 190th Anniversary of His Birth
Recorder. 2025. 1(2): 53-57.
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Recorder. 2025. 1(2): 53-57.
Abstract:
This work is a tribute to the 190th anniversary of the birth of Sir George Stodart Blackie (1834–1881). It provides a biographical account of his life, with a special focus on his service with Masonic organizations in the United States. The source base comprised the following two groups of materials: 1) annual reports of the Masonic order of Knights Templar (specifically, the annual reports of the Grand Commanderies of New York and Louisiana); 2) photographs from the museum collection of Cherkas Global University (specifically, the photograph of G.S. Blackie represented by Exhibit No. 006). The study’s findings revealed that Sir George S. Blackie was an outstanding man. An Edinburgh University graduate, he moved in 1856 to the United States (Nashville, Tennessee), where he got involved with a local university and a number of local Masonic organizations. During the American Civil War, he served as a surgeon in the Confederate States Army. Afterwards, he resumed his academic and social work. At the height of his career with Masonic organizations in 1871–1872, he held the office of Grand Commander of Knights Templar of Tennessee. A participant in the 18th Triennial Conclave of the Knights Templar of the United States, held at Baltimore, Maryland, in September 1871, he later criticized the Order’s leadership for the ostentatious pomp and display with which that event was organized.
This work is a tribute to the 190th anniversary of the birth of Sir George Stodart Blackie (1834–1881). It provides a biographical account of his life, with a special focus on his service with Masonic organizations in the United States. The source base comprised the following two groups of materials: 1) annual reports of the Masonic order of Knights Templar (specifically, the annual reports of the Grand Commanderies of New York and Louisiana); 2) photographs from the museum collection of Cherkas Global University (specifically, the photograph of G.S. Blackie represented by Exhibit No. 006). The study’s findings revealed that Sir George S. Blackie was an outstanding man. An Edinburgh University graduate, he moved in 1856 to the United States (Nashville, Tennessee), where he got involved with a local university and a number of local Masonic organizations. During the American Civil War, he served as a surgeon in the Confederate States Army. Afterwards, he resumed his academic and social work. At the height of his career with Masonic organizations in 1871–1872, he held the office of Grand Commander of Knights Templar of Tennessee. A participant in the 18th Triennial Conclave of the Knights Templar of the United States, held at Baltimore, Maryland, in September 1871, he later criticized the Order’s leadership for the ostentatious pomp and display with which that event was organized.
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4. Alexander C. Cherkas
Sir Albert E. Worthington (1849–1915) in the Museum Collection of Cherkas Global University: Commemorating the 175th Anniversary of His Birth
Recorder. 2025. 1(2): 58-61.
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Recorder. 2025. 1(2): 58-61.
Abstract:
This work commemorates the 175th anniversary of the birth of Albert Edwin Worthington (1849–1915), a member of the Masonic order of Knights Templar. It offers a biographical account of his life and examines a sword that used to belong to him. The source base comprised the following three groups: 1) items of material culture from the museum collection of Masonic swords at Cherkas Global University; 2) personal documents from commercial US databases; 3) regional periodical press materials (specifically, those from the newspaper Transcript-Telegram for 1915). The study’s findings revealed that Albert E. Worthington (1849–1915) was a fairly well-rounded person. During his youth, he received a good education and was professionally engaged in choral singing as a tenor – eventually, he remained attached to the choir at his local Baptist church throughout his life. Around 1885, he joined Masonry (a local Masonic lodge and Springfield Commandery No. 6, KT). It is this period that his sword which is part of the sword collection at Cherkas Global University (Exhibit No. 036/KT032) appears to date to. As regards his personal life, A. E. Worthington married twice and had three children. To date, no photographs of A. E. Worthington have been found, leaving the search for a likeness of him ongoing.
This work commemorates the 175th anniversary of the birth of Albert Edwin Worthington (1849–1915), a member of the Masonic order of Knights Templar. It offers a biographical account of his life and examines a sword that used to belong to him. The source base comprised the following three groups: 1) items of material culture from the museum collection of Masonic swords at Cherkas Global University; 2) personal documents from commercial US databases; 3) regional periodical press materials (specifically, those from the newspaper Transcript-Telegram for 1915). The study’s findings revealed that Albert E. Worthington (1849–1915) was a fairly well-rounded person. During his youth, he received a good education and was professionally engaged in choral singing as a tenor – eventually, he remained attached to the choir at his local Baptist church throughout his life. Around 1885, he joined Masonry (a local Masonic lodge and Springfield Commandery No. 6, KT). It is this period that his sword which is part of the sword collection at Cherkas Global University (Exhibit No. 036/KT032) appears to date to. As regards his personal life, A. E. Worthington married twice and had three children. To date, no photographs of A. E. Worthington have been found, leaving the search for a likeness of him ongoing.
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5. Konstantine V. Taran
“Little Commandery” – Children from the Masonic Widows and Orphans’ Home of Kentucky
Recorder. 2025. 1(2): 62-64.
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Recorder. 2025. 1(2): 62-64.
Abstract:
While examining the Photographical Souvenir of the Twenty-Sixth Triennial Conclave in Boston (1895), researchers identified a unique photograph depicting members of Louisville Commandery No. 1 accompanied by twenty-six boys dressed in Knights Templar uniforms. These boys represented the “Little Commandery” of the Masonic Widows and Orphans’ Home of Kentucky, an institution founded in 1867 by the Grand Lodge of Kentucky to support families affected by the Civil War. The image shows the boys carrying the American flag, the Home’s flag, and likely their own banner, each wearing the official Conclave badge. The “Little Commandery” symbolized the Home’s educational, moral, and fraternal influence on its young residents.
While examining the Photographical Souvenir of the Twenty-Sixth Triennial Conclave in Boston (1895), researchers identified a unique photograph depicting members of Louisville Commandery No. 1 accompanied by twenty-six boys dressed in Knights Templar uniforms. These boys represented the “Little Commandery” of the Masonic Widows and Orphans’ Home of Kentucky, an institution founded in 1867 by the Grand Lodge of Kentucky to support families affected by the Civil War. The image shows the boys carrying the American flag, the Home’s flag, and likely their own banner, each wearing the official Conclave badge. The “Little Commandery” symbolized the Home’s educational, moral, and fraternal influence on its young residents.
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6. Anvar M. Mamadaliev
Lesser-Known Traditions of the Masonic Order of Knights Templar
Recorder. 2025. 1(2): 65-67.
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Recorder. 2025. 1(2): 65-67.
Abstract:
Over the past two centuries, the Masonic Knights Templar have developed a wide range of customs, including the now-forgotten tradition of appointing unmarried women as Commandery sponsors. A notable example appears in the souvenir album of the 28th Triennial Conclave held in Louisville in 1901, which features a group portrait of twenty-nine sponsors representing every Commandery in Kentucky. Archival evidence shows that these women, aged 18–32, served as symbolic supporters of their Commanderies and were replaced upon marriage. Rooted in medieval precedents—such as the example of Catherine of Siena—the tradition highlights the historical moral and ceremonial role women played in supporting Templar ideals.
Over the past two centuries, the Masonic Knights Templar have developed a wide range of customs, including the now-forgotten tradition of appointing unmarried women as Commandery sponsors. A notable example appears in the souvenir album of the 28th Triennial Conclave held in Louisville in 1901, which features a group portrait of twenty-nine sponsors representing every Commandery in Kentucky. Archival evidence shows that these women, aged 18–32, served as symbolic supporters of their Commanderies and were replaced upon marriage. Rooted in medieval precedents—such as the example of Catherine of Siena—the tradition highlights the historical moral and ceremonial role women played in supporting Templar ideals.
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7. Anvar M. Mamadaliev
The Oldest Mason of New York State
Recorder. 2025. 1(2): 68.
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Recorder. 2025. 1(2): 68.
Abstract:
Thomas Heald Brown (1791–1893) was a long-lived figure of American Freemasonry whose Masonic career spanned more than seven decades. Born in Massachusetts, he became a Master Mason in June 1821 and later settled in Gloversville, New York. Remarkably, he was knighted a Templar on February 14, 1893, by Holy Cross Commandery No. 51, only weeks before his death at the age of 102. Contemporary newspapers noted Brown as the oldest Mason in New York State, commemorating his exceptional longevity and dedication to the Craft.
Thomas Heald Brown (1791–1893) was a long-lived figure of American Freemasonry whose Masonic career spanned more than seven decades. Born in Massachusetts, he became a Master Mason in June 1821 and later settled in Gloversville, New York. Remarkably, he was knighted a Templar on February 14, 1893, by Holy Cross Commandery No. 51, only weeks before his death at the age of 102. Contemporary newspapers noted Brown as the oldest Mason in New York State, commemorating his exceptional longevity and dedication to the Craft.
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Uniform (Exhibitions)
8. Airin Cherkas
Museum of Cherkas Global University Today
Recorder. 2025. 1(2): 69.
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Recorder. 2025. 1(2): 69.
Abstract:
This section highlights selected exhibitions of The Museum of the History of the American Knights Templar (also known as the Museum of Cherkas Global University). Founded on August 1, 2024, the museum initially developed four core collections: the Sword Collection; the Uniform Collection; the Badge Collection; and the Photo Collection, which includes portraits, group photographs, and promotional materials from U.S. Knights Templar commanderies. On November 1, 2025, a fifth collection—Personal Belongings and Souvenirs—was established. By October 2025, the museum’s holdings numbered approximately 700 items, reflecting its rapid growth and expanding historical significance.
This section highlights selected exhibitions of The Museum of the History of the American Knights Templar (also known as the Museum of Cherkas Global University). Founded on August 1, 2024, the museum initially developed four core collections: the Sword Collection; the Uniform Collection; the Badge Collection; and the Photo Collection, which includes portraits, group photographs, and promotional materials from U.S. Knights Templar commanderies. On November 1, 2025, a fifth collection—Personal Belongings and Souvenirs—was established. By October 2025, the museum’s holdings numbered approximately 700 items, reflecting its rapid growth and expanding historical significance.
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9. Airin Cherkas
Black uniform of a knight from Trinity Commandery No. 1, KT – Exposition No. 017 (Feb. 28, 2025)
Recorder. 2025. 1(2): 70-71.
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Recorder. 2025. 1(2): 70-71.
Abstract:
Exposition No. 017, held on February 28, 2025, at The Museum of the History of the American Knights Templar, showcased the black uniform of a knight from Trinity Commandery No. 1 in Derry, New Hampshire. The exhibit featured a complete and well-preserved uniform set, including the original sash, knight’s apron, Commandery and Red Cross insignia, a belt, and an exceptionally rare type of chains used to secure the sword. This collection provides valuable insight into the material culture and ceremonial attire of the Knights Templar in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Exposition No. 017, held on February 28, 2025, at The Museum of the History of the American Knights Templar, showcased the black uniform of a knight from Trinity Commandery No. 1 in Derry, New Hampshire. The exhibit featured a complete and well-preserved uniform set, including the original sash, knight’s apron, Commandery and Red Cross insignia, a belt, and an exceptionally rare type of chains used to secure the sword. This collection provides valuable insight into the material culture and ceremonial attire of the Knights Templar in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
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10. Airin Cherkas
White uniform of a knight from St. Elmo Commandery No. 9, KT – Exposition No. 018 (March 14, 2025)
Recorder. 2025. 1(2): 72-74.
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Recorder. 2025. 1(2): 72-74.
Abstract:
Exposition No. 018, held on March 14, 2025, at The Museum of the History of the American Knights Templar, presented the white uniform of a knight from St. Elmo Commandery No. 9 in Meriden, Connecticut. The exhibit featured a complete and authentic uniform set, including the original sash, knight’s apron, Commandery insignia, and a belt with its original buckle. A particularly notable highlight was the very rare original sword preserved with the ensemble. This exposition offers valuable insight into the ceremonial regalia and historical craftsmanship of St. Elmo Commandery No. 9.
Exposition No. 018, held on March 14, 2025, at The Museum of the History of the American Knights Templar, presented the white uniform of a knight from St. Elmo Commandery No. 9 in Meriden, Connecticut. The exhibit featured a complete and authentic uniform set, including the original sash, knight’s apron, Commandery insignia, and a belt with its original buckle. A particularly notable highlight was the very rare original sword preserved with the ensemble. This exposition offers valuable insight into the ceremonial regalia and historical craftsmanship of St. Elmo Commandery No. 9.
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11. Airin Cherkas
White uniform of an Officer Recorder from De Witt Clinton Commandery, KT – Exposition No. 019 (March 20, 2025)
Recorder. 2025. 1(2): 75-77.
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Recorder. 2025. 1(2): 75-77.
Abstract:
Exposition No. 019, held on March 20, 2025, at The Museum of the History of the American Knights Templar, showcased the white ceremonial uniform of an Officer Recorder from De Witt Clinton Commandery. Dating to the early twentieth century, the uniform represents a well-preserved example of Knights Templar regalia. The set includes the original sash, knight’s apron, Commandery and officer insignia, a standard belt with buckle, and a rare original sword. This exhibition highlights the distinctive attributes of Recorder-level attire and contributes to the broader understanding of Templar ceremonial traditions.
Exposition No. 019, held on March 20, 2025, at The Museum of the History of the American Knights Templar, showcased the white ceremonial uniform of an Officer Recorder from De Witt Clinton Commandery. Dating to the early twentieth century, the uniform represents a well-preserved example of Knights Templar regalia. The set includes the original sash, knight’s apron, Commandery and officer insignia, a standard belt with buckle, and a rare original sword. This exhibition highlights the distinctive attributes of Recorder-level attire and contributes to the broader understanding of Templar ceremonial traditions.
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12. Airin Cherkas
A group of knights in Regulation Fatigue Coat from the Grand Commandery of Illinois KT – Exposition No. 020 (March 24, 2025)
Recorder. 2025. 1(2): 78-81.
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Recorder. 2025. 1(2): 78-81.
Abstract:
Exposition No. 020, held on March 24, 2025, at The Museum of the History of the American Knights Templar, featured a unique display of early twentieth-century ceremonial attire: a group of knights wearing the Regulation Fatigue Coat of the Grand Commandery of Illinois. The presentation included three representative figures—a knight from St. John Commandery No. 26 (Peru), a knight from Chevalier Bayard Commandery No. 52 (Chicago), and the Eminent Commander from Montjoie Commandery No. 53 (Chicago). This exhibition offered valuable insight into the standardized dress and hierarchical distinctions within Illinois Commanderies.
Exposition No. 020, held on March 24, 2025, at The Museum of the History of the American Knights Templar, featured a unique display of early twentieth-century ceremonial attire: a group of knights wearing the Regulation Fatigue Coat of the Grand Commandery of Illinois. The presentation included three representative figures—a knight from St. John Commandery No. 26 (Peru), a knight from Chevalier Bayard Commandery No. 52 (Chicago), and the Eminent Commander from Montjoie Commandery No. 53 (Chicago). This exhibition offered valuable insight into the standardized dress and hierarchical distinctions within Illinois Commanderies.
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13. Airin Cherkas
The White uniform for Eminent Commander from Pilgrim Commandery No. 19, KT – Exposition No. 021 (Apr. 9, 2025)
Recorder. 2025. 1(2): 82-85.
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Recorder. 2025. 1(2): 82-85.
Abstract:
Exposition No. 021, held on April 9, 2025, at The Museum of the History of the American Knights Templar, showcased the early twentieth-century white ceremonial uniform of the Eminent Commander of Pilgrim Commandery No. 19 in Farmington, Maine. The display featured a complete officer’s ensemble, including a dress coat marked “Pilgrim” on the collar, an apron and sash, a regulation belt, and a regulation sword unique to the commandery. This exposition highlights the distinctive stylistic and hierarchical elements of high-ranking Templar regalia in the New England tradition.
Exposition No. 021, held on April 9, 2025, at The Museum of the History of the American Knights Templar, showcased the early twentieth-century white ceremonial uniform of the Eminent Commander of Pilgrim Commandery No. 19 in Farmington, Maine. The display featured a complete officer’s ensemble, including a dress coat marked “Pilgrim” on the collar, an apron and sash, a regulation belt, and a regulation sword unique to the commandery. This exposition highlights the distinctive stylistic and hierarchical elements of high-ranking Templar regalia in the New England tradition.
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Leafing Through Antique Books
14. Natalia A. Shevchenko
Thomas Smith Webb ‘The Freemasons Monitor of Illustration of Masonry’. Chapters VI–VII
Recorder. 2025. 1(2): 86-89.
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Recorder. 2025. 1(2): 86-89.
Abstract:
Thomas Smith Webb (1771–1819) was one of the most influential figures in early American Freemasonry and the Knights Templar. Serving as the first Deputy Grand Master of the General Grand Encampment from 1816 until his death, he played a decisive role in shaping the York Rite. His seminal work, The Freemason’s Monitor; or, Illustrations of Masonry (1797), underwent five revised editions during his lifetime and became foundational for the development of Masonic ritual in the United States. The rare 1816 edition represents the culmination of his editorial efforts. In this section, we continue presenting Webb’s remarkable book by offering Chapters VI and VII.
Thomas Smith Webb (1771–1819) was one of the most influential figures in early American Freemasonry and the Knights Templar. Serving as the first Deputy Grand Master of the General Grand Encampment from 1816 until his death, he played a decisive role in shaping the York Rite. His seminal work, The Freemason’s Monitor; or, Illustrations of Masonry (1797), underwent five revised editions during his lifetime and became foundational for the development of Masonic ritual in the United States. The rare 1816 edition represents the culmination of his editorial efforts. In this section, we continue presenting Webb’s remarkable book by offering Chapters VI and VII.
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15. Natalia A. Shevchenko
Benjamin Brown French ‘A Letter and Short Poem, on the Death of Abraham Lincoln’
Recorder. 2025. 1(2): 90-92.
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Recorder. 2025. 1(2): 90-92.
Abstract:
Benjamin Brown French (1800–1870) was a distinguished American public official and a leading figure in nineteenth-century Freemasonry. A politician, telegraph pioneer, Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives, and Public Commissioner of Buildings in Washington, D.C., he also served as Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the USA from 1859 to 1865. French personally knew President Abraham Lincoln and valued their friendship deeply. In the year of his death, a small brochure was published containing his letter and poem reflecting on Lincoln’s assassination. This publication—now a historical rarity—is presented here for the reader’s consideration.
Benjamin Brown French (1800–1870) was a distinguished American public official and a leading figure in nineteenth-century Freemasonry. A politician, telegraph pioneer, Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives, and Public Commissioner of Buildings in Washington, D.C., he also served as Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the USA from 1859 to 1865. French personally knew President Abraham Lincoln and valued their friendship deeply. In the year of his death, a small brochure was published containing his letter and poem reflecting on Lincoln’s assassination. This publication—now a historical rarity—is presented here for the reader’s consideration.
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New Publication
16. Violetta S. Molchanova
Review of the Book Alexander C. Cherkas, History of Bethany Commandery No. 28, Knights Templar (Mendota, Illinois). Houston, 2025
Recorder. 2025. 1(2): 93-94.
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Recorder. 2025. 1(2): 93-94.
Abstract:
A new monograph by Dr. Alexander C. Cherkas, History of Bethany Commandery No. 28, Knights Templar (Mendota, Illinois), presents a comprehensive examination of the commandery’s 127-year history, from its founding in 1868 in the post–Civil War era to its closure in 1995 due to declining membership. During its existence, more than 400 men belonged to Bethany Commandery No. 28, with over 100 maintaining long-term membership. The richly illustrated volume features numerous archival photographs and detailed biographical sketches of the commandery’s members. The book offers valuable insights into local Masonic life and is intended for a broad readership.
A new monograph by Dr. Alexander C. Cherkas, History of Bethany Commandery No. 28, Knights Templar (Mendota, Illinois), presents a comprehensive examination of the commandery’s 127-year history, from its founding in 1868 in the post–Civil War era to its closure in 1995 due to declining membership. During its existence, more than 400 men belonged to Bethany Commandery No. 28, with over 100 maintaining long-term membership. The richly illustrated volume features numerous archival photographs and detailed biographical sketches of the commandery’s members. The book offers valuable insights into local Masonic life and is intended for a broad readership.
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17.
Full number
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18.
Cover
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