Owner Comments:
MASONIC ISSUE APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
Choice Uncirculated+ — Designated “Proof Like” by NGC
*A beautiful example of this relatively scarce issue. When held in-hand, the devices are “deeply” reflective. I think this medal easily grades DPL (Deep Proof Like) and am somewhat surprised it did not receive this designation. - That said, the specimen is truly handsome. Completely untoned surfaces enhance strong devices for an example extremely well-kept since 1892; at the time of writing this, 131 years (2023)..*
MASONIC ISSUE BACKGROUND:
Struck circa 1892 to commemorate the Masonic Temple in Denver, Colorado (obverse), as well as the 25th triennial of the Knights Templar which is a fraternal order associated with Freemasonry (see below).
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The Knights Templar, full name The United Religious, Military and Masonic Orders of the Temple and of St John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes and Malta, is a fraternal order affiliated with Freemasonry.
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“Unlike the initial degrees conferred in a regular Masonic Lodge, which (in most Regular Masonic jurisdictions) only require a belief in a Supreme Being regardless of religious affiliation, the Knights Templar is one of several additional Masonic Orders in which membership is open only to Freemasons who profess a belief in Christianity. One of the obligations entrants to the order are required to declare is to protect and defend the Christian faith. The word "United" in its full title indicates that more than one historical tradition and more than one actual order are jointly controlled within this system. The individual orders 'united' within this system are principally the Knights of the Temple (Knights Templar), the Knights of Malta, the Knights of St Paul, and only within the York Rite, the Knights of the Red Cross.” — Credited Source: “Knights Templar". London: Mark Masons' Hall. Retrieved 8 March 2019. Prospective Candidates must be Master Masons, Royal Arch Masons and Christian
RARITY: Unknown; Likely rare (I have seen 5-6 other examples some to auction; 1 other that was graded by NGC as MS-64 DPL)
NGC Census not available.
MASONIC ISSUE DESCRIPTION:
(Aluminum, 38mm, Round, Plain Edge)
OBVERSE: Denver’ Colorado / (Image of Masonic Temple) / Masonic Temple / August 6-13. 1892
REVERSE: Twenty Fifth Triennial Conclave Knights Templar / (Image of K.T. (Knights Templar Insignia in Middle) / 5892
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
“Masonry Comes to the Rockies” | Published by Grand Lodge of Colorado A.F. & A.M. | http://www.coloradofreemasons.org/
“The Gold Rush fever of the Pikes Peak region in 1858 was intoxicating. It entranced men of all descriptions, fortune-hunters, prospectors, and rovers, eager for quick wealth and excitement. Its hurriedly-formed wagon trains departing from Missouri river outposts threw together for 700-mile, month-long journeys, men of every ilk, many of them fleeing from the rigidity of law and order and civilization.
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But its lure was irresistible to Masons, too. Many members of the craft responded to the sudden challenge of the frontier. And having been forced to associate with adventurers of dubious backgrounds during the tedious overland journey, upon arrival in the new country they quickly sought the company of their brethren. Within ten days after the founding of the first permanent settlement at Auraria, at the junction of Cherry Creek and the Platte, the first informal assemblage of seven Masons was held in what was to be the Territory and then the State of Colorado.
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It has been said that in every pioneer settlement of the West first came the church, then a school, and then the Masonic Lodge but in Colorado this order was reversed. Years ago, the Rev. John M. Chivington, first presiding elder of the Methodist Church in this area and first Grand Master of Colorado, wrote: "On May 8, 1860 I arrived in Denver, published an appointment, and preached the following Sunday in the Masonic Hall. Henry Allen founded a Masonic Lodge in Colorado long before there was a church or school."
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Allen was thus acknowledged the father of Masonry in Colorado. He became Master of Auraria Lodge under dispensation.”