The Masonic Book Club, Vol. 14A. Bespangled, Painted & Embroidered: Decorated Masonic Aprons in America, 1790-1850 - Louis L. Williams

On September 10, 1982, M.W. Bro. Raymond H. Bachman, Grand Master of Masons in Illinois, came to Bloomington and instituted Ancient Landmarks Lodge U.D. Choosing its name presented some difficulties, since most good Masonic allusions, like Acacia, Anchor and Ark, Blazing Star, Charity, Further Light, etc., had already been chosen. But although several of our sister states had used the name, Ancient Landmarks had never been used in Illinois, and thus it became the name of our new and in some respects, special Lodge.

The name seemed to call for an explanation, at least to our own members, and your author decided he should provide it, by writing a short treatise on "Landmarks." What a joke that turned out to be. Next to the history of the Fraternity itself, Landmarks is about the second largest subject. The literature on Landmarks is extensive, and the subject had been well covered by Silas H. Shepherd, formerly dean of Wisconsin researchers, in his treatise on the subject published by The Masonic Service Association in 1924.

But one small phase of Landmarks had always intrigued me, and now begged for attention. For several years, I had urged successive Grand Masters of Illinois to "Make a Mason at sight," and their answer had always been to find a man of sufficient renown and interest to justify the honor, and they would consider it. Let me tell you it's not easy to meet those requirements. Further study of the problem seemed indicated, and here is the result.