”Cushing Council, No. 4, R. and S. M.—The council takes its name from Thos. H. Cushing, Worshipful Grand Master of Union Lodge in 1822, who did much to advance Cryptic Masonry among New London brethren, and through whose teachings was the formation of above council from a charter granted May 10, a.d. 1855, A.l. 2855, Royal and Select Masters, dating from the year in which King Solomon’s temple was completed. Royal Arch Masons commence their era with the year in which the second temple was commenced, which was five hundred years before Christ.

The officers for 1881 are Alfred Fenwick, T. I. M.; John Miller, Rt. I. D. M.; E. Winslow, I. P. C; John Salter, C. G.; Alex. Merrill, Comp. Treas.; Chas. B. Ware, Comp. Rec.; Orlo Atwood, Comp. Cond.; F. P. Kenyon, Comp. Steward; Anthony Jerome, Comp. Sen.

Palestine Commandery, No. 4, K. T.—The charter of Palestine Commandery bears date of May 10, A.d. 1855, A.o. 1123, being granted by the Grand Commandery, but bears only the signature of the Right Eminent Grand Commander.

The officers for 1881 are Sir Knight Philo B. Hovey, E. C; Sir Knight Wm. H. Tubbs, C. G.; Sir Knight Wm. H. Bentley, Gen.; Sir Knight Chas. B. Ware, S. W.; Sir Knight C. W. Strickland, J. W.; Sir Knight F. W. Smith, Prelate; Sir Knight Alfred Fenwick, Sentinel.

Knights Templar were the most celebrated and powerful of the mediaeval military orders of Christendom. Their origin dates from the early ages of the Christian Church, when a holy veneration for the scenes which had been consecrated by the Founder of our religion led thousands of pious pilgrims to visit Jerusalem, for the purpose of offering up their devotions at the sepulchre of the Lord. But when Palestine was conquered by the Arabs the dangers attending the pilgrimage were eminently increased, and to protect the pious pilgrims (in 1064 not less than seven thousand pilgrims assembled around the tomb of Christ) thus exposed to plunder and death, a band of noble knights, who had distinguished themselves at the siege of Jerusalem, united in a brotherhood and bound themselves to protect the pilgrims through the passes and defiles of the mountains to the Holy City. The order as it now exists in the United States is a lineal descendant of the ancient order.”

Reference Data:

History of New London County, Connecticut, by Duane Hamilton Hurd, 1882, page 211