Masonic Certificate, 1828

Masonic Certificate, 1828
Issued to William Hyler, Mariner Lodge No. 385, New York, New York
Designed by John Rubens Smith (1775-1849), New York, New York
Engraved by Peter Maverick (1780-1831), New York, New York
Published by Samuel Maverick (1789-1845), New York, New York
Museum Purchase, A85/025/001

This certificate, addressed to “…all Men Enlightened on the surface of the Earth,” was filled in for William Hyler, a member of Mariner Lodge No. 385 in New York City. Seafaring men established this lodge in 1825. The lodge used a certificate printed in Spanish, English and French so that its brethren would be able to help prove their Masonic affiliation in different parts of the world.