Our journal
2-3 December 24, 2025
1.
Original Research
2. A.C. Cherkas
History of Quincy Commandery No. 77, KT (Quincy, Illinois)
Recorder. 2025. 1(2-3): 216-312.
Number of views: 23 Download in PDF
Recorder. 2025. 1(2-3): 216-312.
Abstract:
This study is devoted to the history of one of the active commanderies of the Masonic Order of Knights Templar in the State of Illinois—Quincy Commandery No. 77. The source base of the research consists of the proceedings of the annual conclaves of the Grand Commandery of Illinois for the period from 1912 to 2023. These materials contain information on changes in the numerical strength of the commandery, the results of official inspections, and other administrative data. The preparation of concise biographical sketches of the members of Quincy Commandery No. 77 relied upon materials drawn from commercial genealogical and biographical databases. In the conclusion, the author arrives at the following findings. Quincy Commandery No. 77, located in Quincy, Illinois, was established in 1912 through the consolidation of two local commanderies, namely Beauseant Commandery No. 11 and El-Aksa Commandery No. 55. As a result, at the time of its formation the commandery comprised 135 knights, reaching its peak membership of 179 in 1924. Over the years of its existence, according to incomplete data, no fewer than 461 individuals passed through the ranks of Quincy Commandery No. 77, 190 of whom remained knights of the commandery until their deaths. Among its membership were three veterans of the American Civil War and at least seven veterans of the First World War. The oldest knight was Past Commander Henry Warren Mead, born in 1830. Other notable members included Past Commander Pressly Alvin Laird, who in 2005 was elected Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Illinois. In its social and public life, the commandery participated in annual conclaves held both within the State of Illinois and beyond its borders, took part in parades and served as escorts at official functions, and engaged in drill, patriotic, and youth-oriented activities. It also contributed to charitable initiatives sponsored by the Grand Commandery of Illinois. The study presents concise biographies of 142 knights whose terms of service in the commandery are known and who remained members of Quincy Commandery No. 77 at the time of their deaths. These biographical entries include complete dates of birth and death, places of birth, names of spouses, dates of initiation as Knights Templar, as well as records of advancement and offices held, where applicable. This body of material is of exceptional value for genealogical research.
This study is devoted to the history of one of the active commanderies of the Masonic Order of Knights Templar in the State of Illinois—Quincy Commandery No. 77. The source base of the research consists of the proceedings of the annual conclaves of the Grand Commandery of Illinois for the period from 1912 to 2023. These materials contain information on changes in the numerical strength of the commandery, the results of official inspections, and other administrative data. The preparation of concise biographical sketches of the members of Quincy Commandery No. 77 relied upon materials drawn from commercial genealogical and biographical databases. In the conclusion, the author arrives at the following findings. Quincy Commandery No. 77, located in Quincy, Illinois, was established in 1912 through the consolidation of two local commanderies, namely Beauseant Commandery No. 11 and El-Aksa Commandery No. 55. As a result, at the time of its formation the commandery comprised 135 knights, reaching its peak membership of 179 in 1924. Over the years of its existence, according to incomplete data, no fewer than 461 individuals passed through the ranks of Quincy Commandery No. 77, 190 of whom remained knights of the commandery until their deaths. Among its membership were three veterans of the American Civil War and at least seven veterans of the First World War. The oldest knight was Past Commander Henry Warren Mead, born in 1830. Other notable members included Past Commander Pressly Alvin Laird, who in 2005 was elected Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Illinois. In its social and public life, the commandery participated in annual conclaves held both within the State of Illinois and beyond its borders, took part in parades and served as escorts at official functions, and engaged in drill, patriotic, and youth-oriented activities. It also contributed to charitable initiatives sponsored by the Grand Commandery of Illinois. The study presents concise biographies of 142 knights whose terms of service in the commandery are known and who remained members of Quincy Commandery No. 77 at the time of their deaths. These biographical entries include complete dates of birth and death, places of birth, names of spouses, dates of initiation as Knights Templar, as well as records of advancement and offices held, where applicable. This body of material is of exceptional value for genealogical research.
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3.
Full Number
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4.
Cover
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Number of views: 21 Download in PDF