Box 1

Scope and Contents

Petition to form a Rose Croix chapter and consistory in Boston, dated June 25, 1845. This petition from a group of Boston Freemasons, but written by Sovereign Grand Commander John James Joseph Gourgas, asks for the Supreme Council's authority to form a Rose Croix Chapter and a Consistory in the City of Boston, Massachusetts. It is signed by Edward, A. Raymond, Abraham A. Dame, Enoch Hobart, F E White, Elias Haskell, Charles W. Moore, and Reuel Baker.

Scope and Contents

Dispensation issued by the Supreme Council to form a Rose Croix chapter in Boston, dated June 25, 1845. This dispensation (a document usually given as a precursor to a charter) authorizes Edward A. Raymond, Abram A. Dame, and others to form a Rose Croix chapter in the city of Boston, Massachusetts. It is signed by Sovereign Grand Commander John James Joseph Gourgas, Edward A. Raymond, Charles W. Moore, Giles F. Yates, and Killian Van Rensselaer.

Scope and Contents Letter from John James Joseph Gourgas to Edward A. Raymond, dated November 8, 1847. In this letter, Sovereign Grand Commander Gourgas pushes Edward A. Raymond, Charles W. Moore, and Reuel Baker to take a stand against the decision of the Supreme Council of England and its Sovereign Grand Commander, Robert Thomas Crucefix, to unite with the Grand Orient de France. Gourgas had accused the Grand Orient of subverting the Scottish Rite, altering for its own purpose, degrees, obligations and...

Scope and Contents

Handwritten supplique for Killian H. Van Rensselaer, dated June 17, 1845. This supplique or application, written by Sovereign Grand Commander John James Joseph Gourgas, declares Killian H. Van Rensselaer's intention to join the Supreme Council, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. It is signed by Killian H. Van Rensselaer.

Scope and Contents

Handwritten summons from Sovereign Grand Commander John James Joseph Gourgas to Edward A. Raymond, dated November 22, 1847. In this handwritten summons addressed to Edward A. Raymond, Sovereign Grand Commander Gourgas directs Raymond, Charles W. Moore, and Reuel Baker to attend the Constitutional Meeting of the Grand and Supreme Council held on December 7, 1847.

Scope and Contents

Denunciation of the Comte de St. Laurent, a Cerneau follower, dated after 1838. In this document, Sovereign Grand Commander John James Joseph Gourgas denounces the Comte de St. Laurent, a Black Freemason and follower of Joseph Cerneau.