Masonic apron used by Leroy Buster Gilliard

Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

Masonic apron used by Leroy Buster Gilliard, of Gothic Lodge No. 212, in Charleston, South Carolina. The apron has a printed white leather front, blue fabric backing, blue ribbon border trim around the front, and two S-twisted blue cords attached to the top front, each of which end with a dark blue tassel. At the center of the apron front is a blue printed masonic design of pillars along either side of a raised checkerboard floor and compasses with the letter "G" in the center. The apron has a triangular flap at the top, printed with Masonic imagery of the Eye of Providence in blue ink, and bordered with blue ribbon trim. When the flap is lifted lines of both printed text and handwriting are visible. The lines read [LODGE No. 212, F. & A.M. / BROTHER Leroy B Gilliard / Initiated 19 Passed 19 / Raised 19 / 41 Cooper St / W.M.

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