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| John F. Coleman Coverstone Cemetery, Shenandoah, VA |
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| Mitchell and Reba Coleman Morris Coverstone Cemetery, Shenandoah, VA |
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| Lester and Mabel Floyd Marsh Fort Hill Memorial Park, Lynchburg, VA |
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| Russell and Edith Rucker Bumgardner Coverstone Cemetery, Shenandoah, VA |
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| Otto "Jack" and Margaret Killeen Sprott Forest Lawn Cemetery, Norfolk, VA |
Each one contains the symbol of the Masons, a fraternal
organization that traces its origins to the fraternities of stonemasons in the
14th century. The Masons controlled the qualifications for
membership in a masonry craft guild and how stonemasons would interact with
customers.
The most identifiable symbol of the Masons is an
architect’s tools: the square and compass. The symbol may or may not include
the letter “G.” The letter has several interpretations: God, Geometry (considered
the noblest of sciences), Great Architect of the Universe.
The Masons are often viewed with suspicion. Some say they
are a cult in opposition to Christianity. Others view Masons as a serious group
eager to do good in the world.
Amy Johnson Crow continues to challenge genealogy
bloggers and non-bloggers alike to think about our ancestors and share a story
or photo about them. The challenge is “52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks.”
Wendy
© 2020, Wendy Mathias. All rights reserved.
Impressive looking tombstones. Hubby's dad was a Mason. Hubby and his brother chose not to join though they were active in the youth organizations through high school.
ReplyDeleteBetty
My ancestors belonged to the Masons as well and I've always understood them to be a charitable organization. In addition I had women ancestors who belonged to The Eastern Star.
ReplyDeleteI had some Masons and Eastern Stars, as well. I need to study up on what those organizations do.
ReplyDeleteThese are really interesting headstones.
ReplyDelete