Democratic Sentinel, Volume 22, Number 17, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 April 1898 — HOUSE WITH A HISTORY [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

HOUSE WITH A HISTORY

Structure Which Has More than Common Interest for Masons. In Canton, N. Y., stands a house which has more than a common interest for the masons of the country. It shows, in the first place, “the royal arch,” which seems to be a shape of mystic meaning to the order. And in the second place, it was built to flaunt the principles of its builder, Paul Boynton, in the faces of his enemies, the anti-Masons. Boynton came to Canton in 1831 and was prominently identified Avith the Masonic order. About that time a crusade against the organization started; there were pamphlets published on “Masonry Exposed” and the like. In

the excitement one prominent opponent of the Masons disappeared and his comrades alleged foul play. Boynton's house Avas burned in the trouble that followed. Boynton forthwith built another house. It is the “x-oyal arch house,” Avhich is still standing. Along the cornice over each arch there are characters carved unknown to any but royal arch Masons.

BOYNTON’S ROYAL ARCH HOUSE.