Certificates are ubiquitous in most fraternal collections. They come in various sizes with a fascinating array of designs. In Freemasonry, they typically represent membership in multiple lodges and rites and are kept by the holder as testimony that they were dues-current and, as such, able to be received by other Masons with all the rights and benefits.
But what about the spouses? In American Masonic rituals, mutual aid is frequently mentioned, and patronage is to be extended to the wives and other female family members should they request or require it. But how would a Mason at large recognize the wife or widow of a fellow brother who he had never met? In the mid-19th century, the Order of the Eastern Star was created to formally recognize Masonic wives, daughters, and other female relatives. Other organizations also devised unique ceremonies and modes of recognition for them.
We recently located a fascinating certificate issued on February 22, 1886, by the Supreme Council of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction, for Mrs. Olive Elsie Gifford, wife of William M. Gifford, 32°, a member of the Valley of Oakland, A. & A.S.R. This certificate, which is illustrated with neo-Egyptian figures, is very similar to others issued by the Supreme Council, S.J., could be produced by Mrs. Gifford to identify her as the wife of a Scottish Rite Mason. She would thus be entitled to “the protection, safeguard and assistance of all Freemasons of the said Rite in the World, unto whom these presents shall come.”
The certificate is signed by Frederick Webler, Secretary General, and Albert Pike, Grand Commander. In the far right corner, it is numbered 493.
