Skip to main content

Constellation Lodge Records

 Collection
Identifier: nnhc-wcl

Scope and Contents

The Constellation Lodge Papers contain records of Lodge #892 of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. The collection includes general historical files such as bulletins, by-laws, schedules, invitations, and reports; newsletters sent out to lodge brothers by National Service Committee Chairman Henry Kallenbach, Jr.; and letters from lodge brothers serving in the First World War sent to Kallenbach.

Dates

  • Creation: 1916 - 1927
  • Creation: Majority of material found within 1917 - 1919

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Materials are open without restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

Please consult staff to determine ability to reuse materials from collection.

Biographical / Historical

At the time of World War I, there were approximately 80,000 masons (Ancient Free & Accepted Masons) in the Chicago District. The District was divided into at least 200 smaller units or lodges, operating independently but under the same fundamental principles and procedures. The mason motto was "Service to God and Humanity," and their tenants were "Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth."

Constellation Lodge #892 was probably organized in the first decade of the twentieth century and by 1917 had about 850 members. Over 100 of these members served in World War I and two died in action.

This lodge has since disbanded and its lodge hall at 3910 N. Damen Avenue sold. Since the masons are a secret fraternal organization, very few additional details are available, other than these records, regarding this lodge's membership, activities or dissolution.

Extent

2 Linear Feet (in 4 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The majority of the collection consists of letters from lodge brothers serving in World War I, with updates on their lives and activities. It also contains a small amount of historical information about Lodge #892 of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged in 3 series:

Series 1: General Historical Files, 1916-1927

Series 2: National Service Committee Records, 1918-1919

Series 3: Letters to Henry Kallenbach, 1917-1919

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Brenda Weigelt donated this collection in 1989. It had been in the possession of her late husband, Johnnie Weigelt, who purchased the 3910 North Damen building from the Constellation Lodge in the early 1950s. The records were left in the building when it was sold.

Subject

Source

Title
Guide to the Constellation Lodge Records
Status
Completed
Author
Processed by Becky Haglund Tousey, 1990. Updated and ingested into ArchivesSpace by Allyson Smally, 2021.
Date
1990
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the Northside Neighborhood History Collection Repository

Contact:
Sulzer Regional Library
Chicago Public Library
4455 N. Lincoln Avenue
Chicago IL 60625 United States
(312) 742-4455