RIGMChamplin
CHRISTOPHER CHAMPLIN 1731-1805
Grand Master 1791-1794
BIOGRAPHY
Christopher Champlin, for whom our medal “For Outstanding Masonic Achievement” is named, served as the first Grand Master of Masons in Rhode Island from June 27, 1791 to June 24, 1794. He was born in Charlestown, Rhode Island, February 7, 1731, the son of Col. Christopher and Hannah (Hill) Champlin and, while a young man, moved with his parents to Newport, Rhode Island. He was admitted to membership in St. John’s Lodge No. 1 of Newport, on December 21, 1758 and was ever after a “most zealous supporter of Freemasonry.” Upon the organization of Grand Lodge by St. John’s Lodge of Newport and St. John's Lodge of Providence, he was chosen Grand Master. On April 12, 1802 as Past Grand Master, he officiated at the laying of the cornerstone of the Masonic Hall.
In the business world he was an importer of dry goods and at one time was agent for a Boston concern who had the contract for supplying the needs of British warships in the various ports of the American Colonies. Later, he turned his attention to shipping and built and operated many vessels with marked success. In later life he owned much property in Newport, including many large stores and warehouses on the wharf which still bears his name.
In 1767 he married Margaret Grant, daughter of Lawton Grant of Newport and continued to reside in that city until his death, with the exception of the period of the British occupation of Newport which he spent on his farm in Narragansett. He served for sixteen years as a member of the Rhode Island Legislature, which met alternately in the two capitals of Providence and Newport. In 1795 he became President of the Bank of Rhode Island, which he helped to establish, and retained that position until his death on April 25, 1805.
