Masonick Melodies by Bro Luke Eastman (1818)

NOTE: The following material was scanned from Luke Eastman’s 1818 book, “Masonik Melodies;” from the collection of Lilynne Helen Davis, Past Grand Organist, Washington Order of the Eastern Star; Worthy Matron of Laurel Chapter, Black Diamond, Washington (2004 – 2006). The pages of the original book displayed their true age, including wormholes and cross-page print bleeding. Hence, the adjustments in the scanning settings forced a compromise in the original quality. Lilynne is a talented pianist and singer, who distinguishes herself by playing for a large number of Masonic events, including Master Masons’ Installations; thus her familiarity, devotion and following of the music of the Master Mason’s antiquity. It should be appreciated that Freemasonry composes a unique culture, which embodies all of the arts – including Masonic music.

EASTERN STAR ADDENDUM As of the year 2000, the general thought was that the Order of the Eastern Star had no historic music of its own. Suffice it to say that such a notion was seriously mistaken; as Robert Macoy included unique Eastern Star music in his “Adoptive Rite.” That work also included unique Eastern Star artwork, which should have survived the 1800s; but somehow failed. Given that the modern Eastern Star ritual borrowed heavily from that work, it is surprising that the music and art wasn’t also brought forward; or at least emulated. However, it should also be noted that the Order of the Eastern Star also seems to have also lost track of two great history books on the origins and evolution of the Order, one written by Willis Engle (1899) and another by Harold Voorhis (1901). In any event, the Eastern Star art and music are included in this section, in the interest of preserving important Masonic art forms.

ADAH

RUTH

ESTHER

MARTHA

ELECTA