RIGMChamplin
CHRISTOPHER CHAMPLIN 1731-1805
Picture from History of Freemasonry in Rhode Island, 1895, by Henry W. Rugg.
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.
Biography from the Grand Lodge Bicentennial Committee, 1990:
CHRISTOPHER CHAMPLIN THE FIRST GRAND MASTER OF MASONS IN RHODE ISLAND Was the son of Col. Christopher and Hannah (Hill) Champlin, of Westerly, R.I. He was born in Charlestown, R.I. February 7, 1731. Mr. George C. Mason, in an article on the Champlin family, (published in the Providence Journal, May, 1855) says: "Col. Champlin early showed a disposition to serve his country, having learned in his father's house that every man, when required, should be ready to do his part in the field; and it was there that he learned the use of arms. A youth at Crown Point, yet he was deemed worthy of the appointment of Major in the Rhode Island Regiment, under the command of Christopher Harris, and he served through the whole campaign." Mr. Champlin with other members of his family removed to Newport, early, and entered into mercantile life, confining his attention to the importation of dry goods. At that time he occupied a store on Thames Street, near Pelham. Later his business was carried on near Washington Square. He was the agent of Mr. Powell of Boston, the agent for supplying British Ships of war in Colonial Ports. He finally invested in shipping which he prosecuted with marked success. Mr. Mason says: "Col. Champlin was thoroughly imbued with the science of astrology, his faith was so strong, that he would not allow one of his many vessels that he built to leave the stocks until his horoscope was cast; and when the time had come, according to his calculations, by day or night, at that moment the blocks must be knocked away and the vessel given to the waves." He was married 1767 to Margaret, daughter of Lawton Grant of Newport. He owned much property in Newport, many large stores and warehouses on the wharf which still bears his name. When the British took possession of Newport, he, with many others, left Newport, and returned to his farm in Narragansett. After the peace he returned to Newport and resumed his active life. For sixteen years he was elected a member of the Legislature of Rhode Island. In 1795 he was active in establishing the Bank of Rhode Island, of which he was elected President, and he continued to hold the office until the time of his death, April, 25, 1805.
He was an able and zealous supporter of Freemasonry, and, for a number of years, especially active in promoting its interests. He united with other influential Brethren of Newport and Providence in the formation of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island, and was elected Grand Master by the body thus established in 1791. He rendered long and faithful service to the Craft. As one of the leaders of the movement to organize the Grand Lodge, and as the first Grand Master of the Masonic Fraternity in this State, he is entitled to special remembrance by the Masons of Rhode Island.
From History of Freemasonry in Rhode Island, 1895, Page 270:
Christopher Champlin, the first Grand Master of Masons in Rhode Island, was son of Col. Christopher and Hannah (Hill) Champlin, of Westerly, R. I. He was born in Charlestown, R. I., February 7, 1731. Mr. George C. Mason, in an article on the Champlin family, (published in the Providence Journal, May, 1855) says: "Col. Champlin early showed a disposition to serve his country, having learned in his father's house that every man, when required, should be ready to do his part in the field : and it was there that he learned the use of arms. A youth at Crown Point, yet he was deemed worthy of the appointment of Major in the Rhode Island Regiment, under the command of Christopher Harris, and he served through the whole campaign." Mr. Champlin with other members of his family removed to Newport, early, and entered into mercantile life, confining his attention to the importation of dry goods. At that time he occupied a store on Thames street, near Pel-ham. Later his business was carried on near Washington Square. He was the agent of Mr. Powell of Boston, the agent for supplying British ships of war in Colonial ports. He finally invested in shipping which he prosecuted with marked success. Mr. Mason says : " Col. Champlin was thoroughly imbued with the science of astrology, his faith was so strong, that he would not allow one of his many vessels that he built to leave the stocks until his horoscope was cast; and when the time had come, according to his calculations, by day or night, at that moment the blocks must be knocked away and the vessel given to the waves." He was married 1767 to Margaret, daughter of Lawton Grant of Newport. He owned much property in Newport, many large stores and warehouses on the wharf which still bears his name. When the British took possession of Newport, he, with many others, left Newport, and returned to his farm in Narragansett. After the peace he returned to Newport and resumed his active life. For sixteen years he was elected a member of the Legislature of Rhode Island. In 1795 he was active in establishing the Bank of Rhode Island, of which he was elected President, and he continued to hold the office until the time of his death, April 25, 1805.
He was an able and zealous supporter of Freemasonry, and, for a number of years, especially active in promoting its interests. He united with other influential brethren of Newport and Providence in the formation of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island, and was elected Grand Master by the body thus established, in 1791. He rendered long and faithful service to the Craft. As one of the leaders of the movement to organize the Grand Lodge, and as the first Grand Master of the Masonic Fraternity in this State, Christopher Champlin is entitled to special remembrance by the Masons of this jurisdiction.
