A B’nai B’rith Token of Generosity

B'nai B'rith Identification Tag, 1927. United States. Gift of Nancy S. Lynn in Memory of John A. Lynn, 99.049.28.

This small metal item in the collection of the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library features a menorah with the numbers “1927.” It is an identification tag produced by the International Order of B’nai B’rith, one of the largest Jewish organizations in the world. This tag was a symbol of the owner’s charitable donations through the organization.

B’nai B’rith, which means “Children of the Covenant” in Hebrew, was established in New York, New York, in 1843 by a group of German Jewish immigrants. Some of its goals as a fraternal organization were “alleviating the wants of the poor and needy,” “visiting and attending the sick," and "providing for, protecting, and assisting the widow and the orphan,” as described in its constitution. The group evolved into a general charitable and service organization in the early 1900s. B’nai B’rith is the oldest national Jewish organization in the United States.

Its Wider Scope Program, begun in 1927 as this tag illustrates, helped fund major initiatives in the United States and abroad. Two of these were the now-independent Anti-Defamation League and Hillel International, a program for Jewish university students. Expanding charitable and human rights work internationally continued to be a goal of B’nai B’rith. Earning non-governmental organization (NGO) status in 1947, it was the first Jewish organization to have regular, full representation at the United Nations.

B'nai B'rith Identification Tag, 1927. United States. Gift of Nancy S. Lynn in Memory of John A. Lynn, 99.049.28.

The reverse of this tag identifies the owner as subscriber number 3072 to the Wider Scope program that supported B’nai Brith’s projects. This subscriber was John A. Lynn (1861-1945), from North Jackson, Ohio. Lynn’s granddaughter gave this token, and other items related to Lynn’s involvement in Masonic and fraternal organizations to the museum in 1999.

Lynn had a full life in Ohio—marrying his wife Jessie Patchin in 1896, parenting two children, and working as an insurance agent. In addition to his membership in B’nai B’rith, he was also a Freemason, Shriner, and Knight Templar, as shown in this image, from the same gift to the museum. This small tag is a tangible sign of Lynn’s generosity.

Further Reading:

• A United Order True Sisters Anniversary Medal
• B’nai B’rith Klutznick National Jewish Museum and B’nai B’rith Archives

Christmas on the Home Front: Masonic Christmas cards in World War I and World War II

The Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library’s collection includes a large collection of material related to World War I and World War II. Like their fellow patriotic citizens, members of Masonic and fraternal organizations fought in the wars and supported them at home. However, even during times of war, daily life continues, and Americans whole-heartedly celebrated Christmas during these turbulent years. In the spirit of the holidays, here are two Christmas cards sent during World War I and World War II by Masonic organizations.

Sent by Colonial Chapter, No. 87, Order of the Eastern Star, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this first card wishes its members a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Ella L. Smith, Worthy Matron, and Wm. F. C. Whitehouse, Worthy Patron. Illustrated with a garland of holly at the top and sides, the card also depicts the British, American, and French flags at the center. This card is undated, but the three flags represent the allied powers in World War I.

Massachusetts-based Brookline Lodge issued the second card, titled “Peace, Good-Will, Brotherhood.” The card’s design is hand drawn and written by hand. It was then mass-produced and sent out to members. Illustrated with holly, a lit candle and candle holder, as well as the square and compass, the card reads “May we ever cherish and defend such a way of life—and hold in sacred memory those who gave their lives that we might have Freedom.” T. Wesley Downer, Worshipful Master of the lodge in 1945, sent this card just a few months after the end of World War II. Brookline Lodge sent out this Christmas card during their twenty-fifth anniversary year. During their anniversary celebration, Henry S. C. Cummings, Secretary and Historian, stated “We cannot help but be reminded of this moment to a quarter of a century ago—for the first World War had just been won over those who schemed to change our way of life. We have again triumphed over these same forces of evil, and in a real sense, enjoy much the same impulses that stirred then in the hearts of men, in their desire for a friendlier, more orderly and righteous world.”

These Christmas cards help remind us of the importance of family, friends, and community in turbulent times. Happy Holidays from the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library!

Photo caption

Order of Eastern Star Christmas and New Years card, undated, Museum purchase, A2022/185/001.

Brookline Lodge Christmas card, 1945, Collection of the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, A2019/125/001.