Dispensation issued to Thomas J. Prestley by the Grand Royal Black Chapter of United States of America, 1938 November 10

A dispensation (a document usually given as a precursor to a charter) issued by the Grand Royal Black Chapter of the United States to Thomas J. Prestly. The document authorizes Prestley to create the Star of the East Preceptory, No. 106, in the city of Lynn, Massachusetts. Dated November 10, 1938. While not a Masonic organization, the Black Royal Institution borrowed heavily from Masonic symbolism and philosophy. Depicted at the bottom of the certificate is an intertwined square and level followed by depictions of a keystone and next by the single most identifiable symbol of Freemasonry, a crossed compass and set-square adorned with the letter "G." While a separate entity from the Orange Order, candidates for membership to the Royal Black Institution must first become a member of the Orange Order.