Masons

[Donna McCreary]

Years ago, I was researching Parson John Todd who came to Clark County, Indiana in the early 1800's to establish Presbyterian churches and schools. Parson Todd was a founder of Hanover College, and a founder of the local Masonic Lodge, and a first cousin to Mary Lincoln's grandfather. Lodge members graciously allowed me access to their historical records, and I found that the majority of the founding members were Presbyterian. I have never known if there was an early connection between Masons and Presbyterians nationally, or if it just turned out that way here locally. This area was populated primarily by Scots/Irish immigrants, and that could be the connection.