c. 1822

Masonic Apron and Sash

On 22 March 1823, John Sheets, grand master of the Masons of Indiana, granted a dispensation to Alexander Ewing, worshipful master (the most senior officer), "together with all such brethren who might thereafter become members" to form a lodge. After gathering many influential men from Fort Wayne, Wayne Lodge No. 25, Free and Assembled Masons Society, received its charter from the Grand Lodge of the State of Indiana on 10 November 1823. This was the first such society organized in Fort Wayne.(38) This Masonic apron and sash were used in rituals. The sash was found folded up inside the pocket of the apron and warns "The Strong Scattereth the Weak." The apron is white cotton printed with several Masonic symbols in black. One hundred years later, the eight-story Masonic Temple built in 1923 still stands tall and proud on Washington Street today, a symbol of historical continuity.