Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reviews.
and which all help to elucidate the early history of the Craft in Philadelphia . These begin with a notice , bearing date 2 Sth June 1733 , that at the Grand Lodge held the preceding Monday , at the Tun in Water-street , "Humphry Mnrry , Esq ., wa 3 elected Grand Muster for tho year ensuing , who appointed Mr . Thomas Hart his Deputy ; and Mr . Peter CuK and Mr . James
Bingham were chosen Wardens . A very elegant entertainment was provided upon tho occasion , at which the Proprietor , tho Governor , tho Mayor of tho city , and several other persons of distinction honoured tho Society with their presence . " In a similar extract , dated 27 th Jnne 173 i , a similar announcement is made as to a Grand Lodge having boon held at tho samo placo , " whon Benjamin
I * ranklui being elected Grand Mastor for tho year ensuing , appointod Mr . John Crap to bo his Deputy , and James Hamilton , Esq ., and Thomas Hopkinson , Gent ., were chosen Wardens . " A similar entertainment followed . It will be noticed , with rogard to tho latter excerpt , that it precedes by several mont ' is the formal application by Franklin to Price , which boars date "
Philadelphia , 2 Sfch November 1731 , " for a Deputation confirming tho brethren of Pennsylvania in the privileges they already enjoyed . This is a point of somo importance , for many allege that Philadelphia Masonry owes its origin to Price ; whereas , in tho above notice , we have irrefutable evidence that a Grand Lodge was in full working order full five months before . Franklin , on tho strength of a report
from London in tbe Boston prints , that Price ' s powers had been ex . tended over the whole of America , thought it necessary to apply to Price for a confirmation of Philadelphian Masonic rights and privileges . What , if any , response was made by the Bostonian Masonio chief does not appear on the record , but we think the Philadelphia evidence we have just quoted and commented upon , mnst set at rest
any claim that Philadelphia was indebted for its Masonry to Boston . Five other announcements of a similar character follow . In the first , dated 3 rd July 1735 , it is stated that " James Hamilton , Esq . " was chosen Grand Master , that he appointed Thomas Hopkinson to be hia Deputy , and that Messrs . William Plumstead and Joseph Shippen were nominated and choson Grand Wardens . In the second , dated
8 th July 1736 , Thomas Hopkinson is the G . M ., William Plumstead Deputy , and Messrs . Joseph Shippen and Henry Pratt Wardens . In the third , dated 30 th June 1737 , William Plumstead is G . M ., Joseph Shippen jun . Deputy , and Messrs . Henry Pratt and Philip Syng Wardens . In the fourth , of Gth July 1738 , Mr . Joseph Shippen is G . M ., Mr . Philip Syng Deputy , and Dr . Thomas Cadwalader and
Mr . Thomas Boude Wardens ; and in the fifth , and last , of 25 th June 1741 , Mr . Philip Syng is G . M ., Mr . Thomas Boude Deputy , and Mr . Lambert Emerson and Dr . Thomas Bond Wardens , it being further mentioned in notices 1 , 3 , 4 and 5 , that the Grand Lodge was held at the Indian King , "in Market-street , " or , more generally , "in this city . " Following these is an extract from a work now in the library
of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania , published in 1811 , and republished in 1831 , which refers distinctly to a Grand Lodge having been held as early as 1732 , at the Tun Tavern , "the fashionablo hotel of the time . " It then goes on to mention an incident whioh occurred in 1737 , and which is worth quoting . " In tho year 1737 , a melancholy event occurred , which gave the
brethren much uneasiness . A party of idle men , not belonging to the Craft , with a view of enjoying the fright which they supposed they would excite , either volunteered their services , or acceded to the wishes of a young man , to initiate him into tho mysteries of Masonry , aud accordingly instituted a variety of ridiculous opera , tions at night in a cellar , to all which he submitted with fortitude ,
although they were painful and extremely trying to a young mind . Finding that their object was likely to be defeated , a bowl of burning spirit , into which he had been directed to look for some time , was thrown over him , and his clothes taking fire , ho was so much burnt that he died in a few days afterwards . " This melancholy event justly excited the public indignation , and
the chief promoter of the mischief , after a legal investigation , was ignominiously punished by being burnt on the hand : but unfortunately the scene having been conducted under the impression of a connection with Masonry , a considerable prejudice among those who were unacquainted with the principles of the Craft was excited , and to such a degree did it extend , that the brethren deemed it
necessary to come forward , and after stating the occurrence in the newspapers , to ' declare the abhorrence of all true brethren to this practice , and that the persons concerned were uot of this Society , nor of any society of Free and Accepted Masons . ' " This disclaimer , we are told , in a footnote , was signed by " Thomas Hopkinson G . M ., W . Plumstead D . G . M ., Joseph Shippen , and H . Pratt G . W . "
The extract then goes on to mention that , on the 23 rd September 1743 , the Eight Honourable Lord John Ward , Grand Master of Eng . land , nominated Thomas Oxnard , Esq ., Provincial Grand Master of all North America "—this is mentioned , but without detail , by Preston —and that acting under this Deputation , the said Thomas Oxnard , on the 10 th July 1749 , appointed Benjamin Franklin Provincial G . M . of
Pennsylvania , with full authority to appoint his officers , hold a Grand Lodge and issue warrants . In accordance with this , the first Grand Lodge was held on 5 th September of same year at the " Royal Standard" in Market-street , and Franklin appointed Dr . Thomas Bond his Deputy , Joseph Shippen S . G . W ., Philip Syng J . G . W ., W . Plumstead Grand Treasurer , and Daniel Byies Graud
Socretary . At this meeting a warrant , signed by Lord Byron , was granted to James Pogreen and others to hold a Lodge in Philadelphia . On 13 th March 1750 , William Allen , Recorder of the City , presented to the Grand Lodge a commission from England , appointing him Prov . Graud Master—the issue of a patent for Pennsylvania , but withont details , is mentioned by Preston . The appointment was
recognised , and Allen appointed Franklin his Deputy , and the other officers according to rank . Under this patent , they continued working till they were ultimately superseded by " tho Ancients . " We read further that a Grand Lodge was erected in tho alley leading from Second-street to Dock-street , and remained till 1785 , when " the Moderns" had so diminished that the two surviving trustees wero
Reviews.
authorised by an act of the Legislature to sell it , and apply the proceeds to a charitable purpose Tho Prov . Grand Lodge Ancients was ohartered by Earl Kelly on 14 th July 1701 , William Ball of Philadelphia being appointed Prov . Grand Master thereunder . Tho othor particulars refer to tho progress of Freemasonry under this system , and the erection of a Masonic Hall in Philadelphia .
Tho next important contribution to this history is a copy of tho original subscription list for tho erection in 1751 , by tho Grand and first St John ' s Lodges , of a Masonic Hall . From this it seems that tho project was started on 12 th March 1752 . Among the subscribers will bo fonnd tho names of James Hamilton £ 50 , William Allen £ 50 , B . Franklin £ 20 , Wm . Plnmsted £ 25 , Thos . Cadwalader ,
Thomas Bond £ 15 , and Thos . Boude £ 15 . Several of them , and notably tho names of Allen , Franklin , and Bondo in 1732 , havo already been mentioned among the Grand Officers of the Lodge . Then aro given particulars of the meeting on St . John ' s Day , 21 th Jnne 1755 , whon tho Prov . G . Lodge attended Divino Servico in Christ Chui'ch , Philadelphia , and a sermon was preached by tho
Rev . Bro . William Smith ' , who received a vote of thanks , and was requested to furnish a copy for the press . Next is a list of " Debts duo to the Lodgo for quarterage , " this being , we are told , " tho original accounts of tho members of tho first Lodge , " though why it should bo described ns "the first" Lodsre is a pnzzle , seeing there had beon already a Lodgo or Lodges in 1730 . Wepresnmo it is meant
to bo "tho first Lodge whioh is shown to have been warranted , namely , that referred to as having had a warrant granted to Jame 3 Pogreen and others in 1819 , for wo find among tho members the name of " Jas . Polgreen . " From another list we note that £ 1 7 s was tho sum paid for membership , £ 3 for being made a Maso : i , fifteen shillings for being passed , and £ 1 7 s for being raised—at
least , wo presume this is meant by " ( Master ) being inserted against certain of tho names . Next in order is tho warrant granted by the Grand Lodgo ( Ancients ) , London , to No . 2 , Philadelphia , or it should bo said , tho warrant granted by the G . Lodgo of Pennsylvania under date of 10 th February 1780 , in confirmation of the original warrant granted by the London Grand Lodgo on 7 th June
1758 . We pass next to the Prov . G . Lodgo Warrant granted to W . Ball , as P . G . M . and others by tho G . Lodge , Ancients , Earl of Kelly G . M ., beiug No . I . Pennsylvania and No . 89 England . The Warrant is printed in extenso , and is preceded by a very curious letter from the well-known Laurence Dermott , G . Secretary " Ancients , " explanatory of the delay which had occurred in complying with
the request of the Ponnsylvaman brethren for such an authorisation . Bro . Dermott declares on " the word of a man , " that he had "wrote three Warr . " The first was captured by tho French . " The Second Warrant , " proceeds Dermott , " I delivered to the Senr . Grand Warden ( now Deputy ) and he to his Servfc . and from whence God knows all the account I can give of it is , that I sup .
pose it was mislaid and consequently lost , doubtless you'll wonder why this seeming neglegence , if so I beg leave to make a remark whioh yon little expect . " Then the worthy G . Sec . goes on to point out how the application " was made in a wrong corner I mean the Lodge No . 2 who are compo'd of very poor mechanicka ( tho honest men ) and complain'd of a great hardship on them in
subscribing 2 . 6 pence each for tho first warrant that was sent to P hiladelphia . " Payment was made iu two capital sums amounting together to under " 2 . 14 . 0 and about 3 Shills loft unpaid to this day . however , the brethren of Philadelphia refunded tho cash which doubtless was Joyfully Reed . " Then fcho second application was mado to No . 2 for Prov . G . Warrant " without any notice
taken of the Grand Lodge . " But Dermott was ordered to prepare one which was lost as stated . Another was prepared and "Brother Joseph Read having Reed . Money from P hiladelphia to pay for pro - vincial Gd Warrant was call'd on to pay the same absolutely refused to pay one farthing until the Gd . Officers , wou'd first produce a Receipt under your hand that you bad received the said provincl .
Grand Warrant . This bsing A matter unprecedented as well as disagreeable in tho proposal had a sensible effect upon Gentlemen who thought it not altogether consistant with their duties as Gd . Officers To send ventures of Masonry abroad to persons who had a warrant ( and consequently knew where and who to address ) yet did not think it worth while to write to them . " However , as ho
goes on to remark , " it is all over and every thing is made agreeable and I hope will continue so ; " and he concludes by mentioning the expense of warrant and registry as 3 . 10 . 6 , and he sends a doz . of Constitution Book 3 " sold in London at 5 s . a piece and One Book bound in blue morocco and gilt which I beg you'll take care of for
the Owners whoes Namo yon'll find iu Gold letters in tho msido of the Cover . " A postscript is added to tho effect that the letter is privato and confidential and there is added an earnest hope " That you will do me justice in Assuring tho Society that next to God I love the Brotherhood . "
The last printed record of the doings of the Moderns appeared under date " Thursday , 19 th June 1760 , " in The Pennsylvania Journal and Weekly Advertiser , and is a notice to the members of No . 3 ( the Tun Lodge ) to meet and celebrate St . John ' s Day . The last written official act of the same is dated " Philada ., 28 th Febry . 1782 , " fixing a meeting of subscribers for 11 th March , at G p . m ., at the City
Tavern . It concludes , " So many deaths and removals have happened lately , that wo can't expect above ten or twelve . " This is signed by Edward Shippen , and addressed to " John Swift , Esq ., Neshaminy , Bucks County . " The Moderns wholly ceased working about 1793 , when their hall was sold , and the proceeds thereof belonging to the first Lodge , donated to tho city as a fund to " furnish the poor with wood , " and has since been merged into tho City Fuel
Fund . So far the record is almost wholly occupied with particulars of the Moderns . We next come to the minutos of Royal Arch Lodge , No . 3 , of Philadelphia , which it seems aro complete from the end of 1767 till now . Some curious circumstances are noted . Thus it is entered , on 2 nd November 1769 , that two brethren having used the " Master and brethren of Lodge No . 13 with great indignity , " shall not be ad-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reviews.
and which all help to elucidate the early history of the Craft in Philadelphia . These begin with a notice , bearing date 2 Sth June 1733 , that at the Grand Lodge held the preceding Monday , at the Tun in Water-street , "Humphry Mnrry , Esq ., wa 3 elected Grand Muster for tho year ensuing , who appointed Mr . Thomas Hart his Deputy ; and Mr . Peter CuK and Mr . James
Bingham were chosen Wardens . A very elegant entertainment was provided upon tho occasion , at which the Proprietor , tho Governor , tho Mayor of tho city , and several other persons of distinction honoured tho Society with their presence . " In a similar extract , dated 27 th Jnne 173 i , a similar announcement is made as to a Grand Lodge having boon held at tho samo placo , " whon Benjamin
I * ranklui being elected Grand Mastor for tho year ensuing , appointod Mr . John Crap to bo his Deputy , and James Hamilton , Esq ., and Thomas Hopkinson , Gent ., were chosen Wardens . " A similar entertainment followed . It will be noticed , with rogard to tho latter excerpt , that it precedes by several mont ' is the formal application by Franklin to Price , which boars date "
Philadelphia , 2 Sfch November 1731 , " for a Deputation confirming tho brethren of Pennsylvania in the privileges they already enjoyed . This is a point of somo importance , for many allege that Philadelphia Masonry owes its origin to Price ; whereas , in tho above notice , we have irrefutable evidence that a Grand Lodge was in full working order full five months before . Franklin , on tho strength of a report
from London in tbe Boston prints , that Price ' s powers had been ex . tended over the whole of America , thought it necessary to apply to Price for a confirmation of Philadelphian Masonic rights and privileges . What , if any , response was made by the Bostonian Masonio chief does not appear on the record , but we think the Philadelphia evidence we have just quoted and commented upon , mnst set at rest
any claim that Philadelphia was indebted for its Masonry to Boston . Five other announcements of a similar character follow . In the first , dated 3 rd July 1735 , it is stated that " James Hamilton , Esq . " was chosen Grand Master , that he appointed Thomas Hopkinson to be hia Deputy , and that Messrs . William Plumstead and Joseph Shippen were nominated and choson Grand Wardens . In the second , dated
8 th July 1736 , Thomas Hopkinson is the G . M ., William Plumstead Deputy , and Messrs . Joseph Shippen and Henry Pratt Wardens . In the third , dated 30 th June 1737 , William Plumstead is G . M ., Joseph Shippen jun . Deputy , and Messrs . Henry Pratt and Philip Syng Wardens . In the fourth , of Gth July 1738 , Mr . Joseph Shippen is G . M ., Mr . Philip Syng Deputy , and Dr . Thomas Cadwalader and
Mr . Thomas Boude Wardens ; and in the fifth , and last , of 25 th June 1741 , Mr . Philip Syng is G . M ., Mr . Thomas Boude Deputy , and Mr . Lambert Emerson and Dr . Thomas Bond Wardens , it being further mentioned in notices 1 , 3 , 4 and 5 , that the Grand Lodge was held at the Indian King , "in Market-street , " or , more generally , "in this city . " Following these is an extract from a work now in the library
of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania , published in 1811 , and republished in 1831 , which refers distinctly to a Grand Lodge having been held as early as 1732 , at the Tun Tavern , "the fashionablo hotel of the time . " It then goes on to mention an incident whioh occurred in 1737 , and which is worth quoting . " In tho year 1737 , a melancholy event occurred , which gave the
brethren much uneasiness . A party of idle men , not belonging to the Craft , with a view of enjoying the fright which they supposed they would excite , either volunteered their services , or acceded to the wishes of a young man , to initiate him into tho mysteries of Masonry , aud accordingly instituted a variety of ridiculous opera , tions at night in a cellar , to all which he submitted with fortitude ,
although they were painful and extremely trying to a young mind . Finding that their object was likely to be defeated , a bowl of burning spirit , into which he had been directed to look for some time , was thrown over him , and his clothes taking fire , ho was so much burnt that he died in a few days afterwards . " This melancholy event justly excited the public indignation , and
the chief promoter of the mischief , after a legal investigation , was ignominiously punished by being burnt on the hand : but unfortunately the scene having been conducted under the impression of a connection with Masonry , a considerable prejudice among those who were unacquainted with the principles of the Craft was excited , and to such a degree did it extend , that the brethren deemed it
necessary to come forward , and after stating the occurrence in the newspapers , to ' declare the abhorrence of all true brethren to this practice , and that the persons concerned were uot of this Society , nor of any society of Free and Accepted Masons . ' " This disclaimer , we are told , in a footnote , was signed by " Thomas Hopkinson G . M ., W . Plumstead D . G . M ., Joseph Shippen , and H . Pratt G . W . "
The extract then goes on to mention that , on the 23 rd September 1743 , the Eight Honourable Lord John Ward , Grand Master of Eng . land , nominated Thomas Oxnard , Esq ., Provincial Grand Master of all North America "—this is mentioned , but without detail , by Preston —and that acting under this Deputation , the said Thomas Oxnard , on the 10 th July 1749 , appointed Benjamin Franklin Provincial G . M . of
Pennsylvania , with full authority to appoint his officers , hold a Grand Lodge and issue warrants . In accordance with this , the first Grand Lodge was held on 5 th September of same year at the " Royal Standard" in Market-street , and Franklin appointed Dr . Thomas Bond his Deputy , Joseph Shippen S . G . W ., Philip Syng J . G . W ., W . Plumstead Grand Treasurer , and Daniel Byies Graud
Socretary . At this meeting a warrant , signed by Lord Byron , was granted to James Pogreen and others to hold a Lodge in Philadelphia . On 13 th March 1750 , William Allen , Recorder of the City , presented to the Grand Lodge a commission from England , appointing him Prov . Graud Master—the issue of a patent for Pennsylvania , but withont details , is mentioned by Preston . The appointment was
recognised , and Allen appointed Franklin his Deputy , and the other officers according to rank . Under this patent , they continued working till they were ultimately superseded by " tho Ancients . " We read further that a Grand Lodge was erected in tho alley leading from Second-street to Dock-street , and remained till 1785 , when " the Moderns" had so diminished that the two surviving trustees wero
Reviews.
authorised by an act of the Legislature to sell it , and apply the proceeds to a charitable purpose Tho Prov . Grand Lodge Ancients was ohartered by Earl Kelly on 14 th July 1701 , William Ball of Philadelphia being appointed Prov . Grand Master thereunder . Tho othor particulars refer to tho progress of Freemasonry under this system , and the erection of a Masonic Hall in Philadelphia .
Tho next important contribution to this history is a copy of tho original subscription list for tho erection in 1751 , by tho Grand and first St John ' s Lodges , of a Masonic Hall . From this it seems that tho project was started on 12 th March 1752 . Among the subscribers will bo fonnd tho names of James Hamilton £ 50 , William Allen £ 50 , B . Franklin £ 20 , Wm . Plnmsted £ 25 , Thos . Cadwalader ,
Thomas Bond £ 15 , and Thos . Boude £ 15 . Several of them , and notably tho names of Allen , Franklin , and Bondo in 1732 , havo already been mentioned among the Grand Officers of the Lodge . Then aro given particulars of the meeting on St . John ' s Day , 21 th Jnne 1755 , whon tho Prov . G . Lodge attended Divino Servico in Christ Chui'ch , Philadelphia , and a sermon was preached by tho
Rev . Bro . William Smith ' , who received a vote of thanks , and was requested to furnish a copy for the press . Next is a list of " Debts duo to the Lodgo for quarterage , " this being , we are told , " tho original accounts of tho members of tho first Lodge , " though why it should bo described ns "the first" Lodsre is a pnzzle , seeing there had beon already a Lodgo or Lodges in 1730 . Wepresnmo it is meant
to bo "tho first Lodge whioh is shown to have been warranted , namely , that referred to as having had a warrant granted to Jame 3 Pogreen and others in 1819 , for wo find among tho members the name of " Jas . Polgreen . " From another list we note that £ 1 7 s was tho sum paid for membership , £ 3 for being made a Maso : i , fifteen shillings for being passed , and £ 1 7 s for being raised—at
least , wo presume this is meant by " ( Master ) being inserted against certain of tho names . Next in order is tho warrant granted by the Grand Lodgo ( Ancients ) , London , to No . 2 , Philadelphia , or it should bo said , tho warrant granted by the G . Lodgo of Pennsylvania under date of 10 th February 1780 , in confirmation of the original warrant granted by the London Grand Lodgo on 7 th June
1758 . We pass next to the Prov . G . Lodgo Warrant granted to W . Ball , as P . G . M . and others by tho G . Lodge , Ancients , Earl of Kelly G . M ., beiug No . I . Pennsylvania and No . 89 England . The Warrant is printed in extenso , and is preceded by a very curious letter from the well-known Laurence Dermott , G . Secretary " Ancients , " explanatory of the delay which had occurred in complying with
the request of the Ponnsylvaman brethren for such an authorisation . Bro . Dermott declares on " the word of a man , " that he had "wrote three Warr . " The first was captured by tho French . " The Second Warrant , " proceeds Dermott , " I delivered to the Senr . Grand Warden ( now Deputy ) and he to his Servfc . and from whence God knows all the account I can give of it is , that I sup .
pose it was mislaid and consequently lost , doubtless you'll wonder why this seeming neglegence , if so I beg leave to make a remark whioh yon little expect . " Then the worthy G . Sec . goes on to point out how the application " was made in a wrong corner I mean the Lodge No . 2 who are compo'd of very poor mechanicka ( tho honest men ) and complain'd of a great hardship on them in
subscribing 2 . 6 pence each for tho first warrant that was sent to P hiladelphia . " Payment was made iu two capital sums amounting together to under " 2 . 14 . 0 and about 3 Shills loft unpaid to this day . however , the brethren of Philadelphia refunded tho cash which doubtless was Joyfully Reed . " Then fcho second application was mado to No . 2 for Prov . G . Warrant " without any notice
taken of the Grand Lodge . " But Dermott was ordered to prepare one which was lost as stated . Another was prepared and "Brother Joseph Read having Reed . Money from P hiladelphia to pay for pro - vincial Gd Warrant was call'd on to pay the same absolutely refused to pay one farthing until the Gd . Officers , wou'd first produce a Receipt under your hand that you bad received the said provincl .
Grand Warrant . This bsing A matter unprecedented as well as disagreeable in tho proposal had a sensible effect upon Gentlemen who thought it not altogether consistant with their duties as Gd . Officers To send ventures of Masonry abroad to persons who had a warrant ( and consequently knew where and who to address ) yet did not think it worth while to write to them . " However , as ho
goes on to remark , " it is all over and every thing is made agreeable and I hope will continue so ; " and he concludes by mentioning the expense of warrant and registry as 3 . 10 . 6 , and he sends a doz . of Constitution Book 3 " sold in London at 5 s . a piece and One Book bound in blue morocco and gilt which I beg you'll take care of for
the Owners whoes Namo yon'll find iu Gold letters in tho msido of the Cover . " A postscript is added to tho effect that the letter is privato and confidential and there is added an earnest hope " That you will do me justice in Assuring tho Society that next to God I love the Brotherhood . "
The last printed record of the doings of the Moderns appeared under date " Thursday , 19 th June 1760 , " in The Pennsylvania Journal and Weekly Advertiser , and is a notice to the members of No . 3 ( the Tun Lodge ) to meet and celebrate St . John ' s Day . The last written official act of the same is dated " Philada ., 28 th Febry . 1782 , " fixing a meeting of subscribers for 11 th March , at G p . m ., at the City
Tavern . It concludes , " So many deaths and removals have happened lately , that wo can't expect above ten or twelve . " This is signed by Edward Shippen , and addressed to " John Swift , Esq ., Neshaminy , Bucks County . " The Moderns wholly ceased working about 1793 , when their hall was sold , and the proceeds thereof belonging to the first Lodge , donated to tho city as a fund to " furnish the poor with wood , " and has since been merged into tho City Fuel
Fund . So far the record is almost wholly occupied with particulars of the Moderns . We next come to the minutos of Royal Arch Lodge , No . 3 , of Philadelphia , which it seems aro complete from the end of 1767 till now . Some curious circumstances are noted . Thus it is entered , on 2 nd November 1769 , that two brethren having used the " Master and brethren of Lodge No . 13 with great indignity , " shall not be ad-