Our journal
2-1 December 10, 2025
1. Alexander C. Cherkas
Original Research
2. Alexander C. Cherkas
History of Beauseant Commandery No. 11, KT (Quincy, Illinois)
Recorder. 2025. 1(2-1): 98-168.
Number of views: 35 Download in PDF
Recorder. 2025. 1(2-1): 98-168.
Abstract:
The present study examines the history of Beauseant Commandery No. 11, a Masonic body of the Knights Templar located in Quincy, Illinois. The research is based on the annual Proceedings of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of the State of Illinois for the period 1861–1911. In the conclusion, the author emphasizes that Beauseant Commandery No. 11 operated in Quincy for fifty years, from 1861 to 1911. During this time, no fewer than 279 individuals became affiliated with the commandery. Among them were several notable figures, including Brigadier General George Valentine Rutherford (1830–1876), a Civil War veteran and eyewitness to the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. A number of Past Commanders of Beauseant Commandery also held officer positions within the Grand Commandery of Illinois, and in 1887, Past Commander Edward Starr Mulliner was elected Grand Commander. Throughout its existence, the commandery experienced both periods of rapid development and phases of decline. Significant membership growth occurred during the first fifteen years, and by 1876, the commandery numbered 113 members. Subsequently, due to a variety of factors, membership stagnated and began to fall. Contributing causes included the establishment in 1882 of El Aksa Commandery No. 55 in the same city; the insufficiently developed network of local Chapters, which served as the principal source of new members for the Knights Templar; as well as additional contributing circumstances. As a result, by 1901, only one-third of the former membership remained—44 members. A renewed period of growth began after 1901. In 1911, the members of Beauseant Commandery No. 11 and El Aksa Commandery No. 55, both located in Quincy, decided to unite and submitted a petition to that effect to the Grand Commandery of Illinois. As a result, in 1912 a new Knights Templar body—Quincy Commandery No. 77—was established in the city. With its creation, the history of Beauseant Commandery No. 11 came to a close.
The present study examines the history of Beauseant Commandery No. 11, a Masonic body of the Knights Templar located in Quincy, Illinois. The research is based on the annual Proceedings of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of the State of Illinois for the period 1861–1911. In the conclusion, the author emphasizes that Beauseant Commandery No. 11 operated in Quincy for fifty years, from 1861 to 1911. During this time, no fewer than 279 individuals became affiliated with the commandery. Among them were several notable figures, including Brigadier General George Valentine Rutherford (1830–1876), a Civil War veteran and eyewitness to the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. A number of Past Commanders of Beauseant Commandery also held officer positions within the Grand Commandery of Illinois, and in 1887, Past Commander Edward Starr Mulliner was elected Grand Commander. Throughout its existence, the commandery experienced both periods of rapid development and phases of decline. Significant membership growth occurred during the first fifteen years, and by 1876, the commandery numbered 113 members. Subsequently, due to a variety of factors, membership stagnated and began to fall. Contributing causes included the establishment in 1882 of El Aksa Commandery No. 55 in the same city; the insufficiently developed network of local Chapters, which served as the principal source of new members for the Knights Templar; as well as additional contributing circumstances. As a result, by 1901, only one-third of the former membership remained—44 members. A renewed period of growth began after 1901. In 1911, the members of Beauseant Commandery No. 11 and El Aksa Commandery No. 55, both located in Quincy, decided to unite and submitted a petition to that effect to the Grand Commandery of Illinois. As a result, in 1912 a new Knights Templar body—Quincy Commandery No. 77—was established in the city. With its creation, the history of Beauseant Commandery No. 11 came to a close.
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3.
Full number
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4.
Cover
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