Name/Title
Book of Escutcheons by Edwin A. Sherman for Gethsemane Chapter, Knight Rose Croix No. 5Entry/Object ID
2023.1.1Description
Leatherbound red and black book containing eighty-one hand-drawn escutcheons by Edwin A. ShermanContext
These unique coats of arms were hand-painted by Edwin Allen Sherman, 33°, Grand Cross, for the brethren of Gethsemane Chapter Rose Croix No. 5. Sherman was a firebrand personality, writing copious books on Freemasonry, patriotism, and other subjects. Occasionally controversial and eccentric, he was an American pioneer of California and the father of the Scottish Rite on the west coast. Of interest to Scottish Rite Masons, he was instrumental in Albert Pike’s visit to these parts.
Eighty-one members of Gethsemane Chapter are recorded in this register. While most are complete, a few feature the members’ original rough sketches.
Each bears the Latin inscription:
ORDO AB CHAO (ORDER FROM CHAOS)
LUX E’ TENEBRIS (LIGHT FROM DARKNESS)
Note Sherman’s attention to detail and knowledge of heraldry
One of the escutcheons displayed here are of a notable politician who rose to great heights on the state and federal political stage:
Dr. George Cooper Pardee, 33° (1857–1941), a physician from a prominent San Francisco family, who served as Oakland’s 29th Mayor (1893–1895), and California’s 21st Governor (1903–1907), etc.
Nathan Weston Spaulding (1829–1903), a close friend of the Pardee family, Spaulding was the 15th Mayor of Oakland (1871–1873), Assistant US Treasurer in San Francisco (1881–1885), Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of California; founder and first master of Oakland Lodge No. 188, Grand High Priest of California, H.R.A., etc.
The other images are details of the various symbols chosen by the members. Some are based upon family heraldic crests, professions, or Masonic symbols that were important to them. These artworks speak much to the mindsets of the era, giving insight into the thoughts of people now long gone.Collection
Sherman, Edwin A.Cataloged By
Adam KendallProvenance
Provenance Detail
Gethsemane Chapter of Knights Rose Croix No. 5, Valley of Oakland, A. & A.S.R.Place
* Untyped Place
Oakland, California, CaliforniaAcquisition Method
FoundUpdate Date
May 21, 2024
