Description
Offered here is a rare and historically rich 1887 Masonic event card from Ophir Chapter No. 84, Royal Arch Masons, located in Atlantic, Iowa. This printed card announces a Special Convocation held at the Masonic Temple on June 20, 1887, as indicated by the symbolic Masonic calendar dates: A.L. 5887 and A.I. 2417. Although it also shows “A.D. 1687,” this is clearly a typographical or symbolic flourish, as all Masonic date formats align with the year 1887.
Printed on very thick stock, the card’s reverse side lists the names of the Novitiates being inducted during the ceremony: Frank Cox, L.J. Smith, and John C. Petty. These personalized details add to the rarity and local historical value of the item, offering insight into the membership and ritual activities of a 19th-century Iowa Masonic lodge.
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Original printed card from a 19th-century Royal Arch Masons event
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Symbolic Masonic calendar dating (A.L. 5887 / A.I. 2417) confirms the 1887 date
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Lists three novitiates by name, providing genealogical interest
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From Ophir Chapter No. 84, a Royal Arch Masons chapter in Atlantic, Iowa
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Printed on thick cardstock; likely intended for formal distribution or recordkeeping
This piece is an exceptional example of American Masonic ephemera and would make a valuable addition to any fraternal organization archive, Iowa history collection, or Masonic memorabilia display.
