SOVEREIGN GRAND COMMANDER ALBERT PIKE SUPREME COUNCIL FREEMASON

26in x 72in Cardboard cutout of Albert Pike. Pike was a poet, author, editor, orator, lawyer, jurist, and Confederate General. He was also a Freemason who served as Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council, Scottish Rite. His works include Esoterika, Reprints of Old Rituals, Book of the Words, Morals and DOgma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, and Indo-Aryan Deities and Worship as Contained in the Rig-Veda. Dimensions are 72x26 inches.All Sovereign Grand Commander Albert Pike Supreme Council Freemason cardboard cutouts come folded and have an easel attached to the back to be self-standing. Items are printed and produced to order. Rush production and shipping is available.

Introduction to Albert Pike

Celebrate the legacy of one of the most influential figures in Freemasonry with our lifesize cardboard cutout of Albert Pike, the Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council. Perfect for historical displays, Masonic events, or as an inspiring addition to your home or office, this cutout captures the distinguished presence of Albert Pike, reflecting his significant impact on Freemasonry and American history.

Background of Albert Pike

Albert Pike was born on December 29, 1809, in Boston, Massachusetts. He was a polymath with a diverse range of interests and talents, including law, military service, journalism, and poetry. Pike attended Harvard University but left before completing his degree, choosing instead to embark on various adventures, including a stint as a schoolteacher and a writer for local newspapers.

In 1831, Pike moved to Arkansas, where he established himself as a prominent lawyer and became involved in politics. He served as a brigadier general in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War, although his military career was marked by controversy and challenges.

Pike's most enduring legacy, however, is his contribution to Freemasonry. He joined the fraternity in 1850 and quickly rose through the ranks. In 1859, Pike was elected Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council, Southern Jurisdiction, a position he held until his death in 1891.

As a leading figure in Freemasonry, Pike dedicated himself to the study and reform of Masonic rituals and philosophy. His magnum opus, "Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry," published in 1871, remains one of the most comprehensive and influential works on Masonic teachings. The book explores the symbolism, philosophy, and ethics of the Scottish Rite, offering profound insights into the principles of Freemasonry.

Pike's intellectual contributions extended beyond Freemasonry. He was a prolific writer and poet, with works covering a wide range of subjects, including law, history, and linguistics. His scholarship and literary output reflect his deep commitment to knowledge and enlightenment.

Despite his achievements, Pike's legacy is complex. His involvement with the Confederacy and his views on race have been subjects of controversy and debate. Modern assessments of Pike often grapple with these aspects of his life while recognizing his contributions to Freemasonry and his intellectual pursuits.

Albert Pike died on April 2, 1891, in Washington, D.C. He was buried at Oak Hill Cemetery, but his remains were later moved to the House of the Temple, the headquarters of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction, in Washington, D.C.

Cultural Impact of Albert Pike

Albert Pike's impact on Freemasonry and American intellectual history is profound and multifaceted. As Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council, Pike played a crucial role in shaping the rituals, teachings, and organization of the Scottish Rite. His work "Morals and Dogma" remains a cornerstone of Masonic literature, offering a detailed exposition of Masonic philosophy and ethics.

Pike's contributions to Freemasonry extended beyond his writings. He was instrumental in expanding the influence and reach of the Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction, helping to establish it as a major force in American Freemasonry. His leadership and vision helped to unify and strengthen the fraternity, promoting its values of brotherhood, knowledge, and moral integrity.

In addition to his Masonic achievements, Pike's broader intellectual legacy is significant. His writings on law, history, and language reflect his wide-ranging interests and his commitment to scholarship. Pike was a member of several learned societies and corresponded with leading intellectuals of his time, contributing to the cultural and intellectual milieu of 19th-century America.

Pike's complex legacy includes his controversial involvement with the Confederacy and his views on race. These aspects of his life have been the subject of ongoing debate and reassessment. In recent years, efforts to understand and contextualize Pike's life and work have sought to balance his contributions to Freemasonry and his intellectual achievements with a critical examination of his more problematic views and actions.

Despite these controversies, Pike's influence on Freemasonry remains undeniable. His work continues to be studied and revered by Masons around the world, and his contributions to the fraternity have left an indelible mark on its history and development.

This cutout of Albert Pike celebrates his remarkable contributions and enduring legacy as a leading figure in Freemasonry. It serves as a tribute to his intellectual brilliance, his impact on the development of Masonic rituals and philosophy, and his significant role in shaping the cultural and intellectual heritage of American Freemasonry.