RIGMCarlile

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JOHN CARLILE 1762-1832

JohnCarlile1905.jpg

Grand Master 1817-1824

NOTES

INSTALLATION, JUNE 1818

From New England Galaxy, Vol. I, No. 38, 07/03/1818, Page 3:

The Annual election of the Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, was holden at St. John's Hall, in Providence, on Wednesday last; and the following Brethren were elected to hold their offices for the year ensuing:

  • M. W. John Carlile, Grand Master.
  • R. W. Richard Anthony, Deputy Grand Master.
  • W. Samuel Jackson, Grand Senior Warden.
  • W. Charles Cotten, Grand Junior Warden.
  • Benjamin Clifford, Grand Treasurer.
  • Walker Humphry, Grand Secretary.
  • W. Seth Peck, Grand Senior Deacon.
  • Jeremiah Bliss, Grand Junior Deacon.
  • Rev. Barnabas Bates, Grand Chaplain.
  • Asa Bosworth, Grand Marshal.
  • William Douglass, Grand Sword Bearer.
  • Bernon Dunn, Grand Tyler.
  • Jason Williams, Grand Steward.

Agreeably in arrangement, the procession formed about 12o'clock, and proceeded to the Episcopal Church, where appropriate ceremonies were performed, and a Discourse delivered by the Reverend John L. Blake, in which the principles of Masonry were lucidly delineated, and the moral obligations which they sanction and imposed urged and enforced. After the services, the procession returned to St. John's Hall, where a sumptuous dinner was provided.

BIOGRAPHY

From History of Freemasonry in Rhode Island, 1895, Page 293:

Whoever turns the pages of the Masonic annals of Rhode Island, as they present a record of influential Craftsmen and important events belonging to the first quarter of the present century, will frequently note the name of John Carlile, who was an intimate friend and trusted associate of Thomas Smith Webb, and a prominent member of St. John's Lodge in Providence.

The Carlile family came from Wales in the early part of the seventeenth century and settled in Boston. John Carlile, father of the subject of this sketch, married a daughter of Paul Revere. John Carlile, 2d, as he was often designated, this being the form in which his name frequently appears in the Grand Lodge records, was born in Boston in the year 1762. He died in Providence, July 17, 1832. His mortal remains rest in the church yard of St. John's Church, Providence, and the tombstone there placed bears the following inscription: "Col. John Carlile, died July 17, 1832, in the 70th year of his age."

The present writer has been unable to gather desired material for a satisfactory account of this man who, it is evident, was an influential citizen of Providence during the latter part of the eighteenth century and the early part of the present century. Sufficient information has been obtained to justify the statement that he was an enterprising and upright man, possessed in large degree of the qualities which are calculated to command respect and inspire confidence. In Staples' Annals are several references to him as serving on important Committees appointed by the Town Council of Providence, showing that he was interested and influential in public affairs. He helped organize the public schools of Providence and was a promoter of measures looking to a higher range and improved methods of education. He was engaged in the lumber business at 113 South Main St., Providence, and his residence, for a considerable term of years, was at 16 George St.

In the Masonic Fraternity John Carlile held foremost place. His services in the several departments of Freemasonry were of a conspicuous character. He was a wise and able counsellor, well versed in the history and principles of the Institution, and ever ready to promote its interests. He was a stedfast supporter of Webb in matters connected with ritual and ceremonial procedure. He served in the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island as Senior Grand Warden, in 1815, as Deputy Grand Master in 1816, and was elected Grand Master in June, 1817. He held this highest office until 1824, and administered its duties in a manner generally satisfactory to Grand Lodge and the Fraternity of the jurisdiction.

An excellent portrait of this honored Craftsman was presented to St. John's Lodge, Providence, by his son. This portrait was painted by Gilbert Stuart, the celebrated American portrait painter, who resided in Boston from 1805 until the time of his death. 1828, and who is also supposed to have painted the portrait of Webb. Both portraits, it may be observed, are now placed in Freemasons' Hall, Providence.


Rhode Island People