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THE BUNKER HILL MONUMENT

BunkerHillMonument.jpg
Bunker Hill Monument

THE JOSEPH WARREN MONUMENT, 1828

From Amaranth, or Masonic Garland, Vol. I, No. 3, June 1828, Page 65:

BunkerHill1_1828.jpg

Gen. Warren was appointed Grand Master of Masons in Boston, and within one hundred miles of the same, by virtue of a commission from the Right Honorable and Most Worshipful George, Earl of Dalhousie, Grand Master of Masons in Scotland, in December 5769; and in 1773, a commission was received from the Rt. H. and M. W. Patrick, Earl of Dumphries, Grand Master of Masons in Scotland, under date of March 3, 1772, appointing him G. Master of Masons for the "Continent of America." He held this oflice and discharged its duties, not merely in a manner honorable to himself, but to the great satisfaction and lasting benefit of the fraternity, until the day of his premature death. His signature is fixed to several charters now in existence, and it is regarded as a venerated relick.

Gen. Warren was born in Roxbury, Mass. A. D. 1740. He graduated at Harvard College in 1759, and turned his attention to medical studies ; for the practice of which he was soon qualified. In his profession he was among the most eminent. His fine address, observes his biographer, as well as his attention to philosophy and the belle-lettres, gained him the esteem and regard of the polite and learned ; while his frank, open disposition and obliging attention lo persons under various circumstances of human distress, caused him to be greatly beloved by those who tread the humble walks of life. Charitable and generous, he fed the hungry, clothed the naked, and administered the healing balm to the afflicted. But nature designed him for a different and more active sphere. At the commencement of difficulties between the colonics and mother country, he had an opportunity to shew his taste as a fine writer, and also his eloquence and patriotic zeal. He was in the class of bold politicians, as they were then distinguished from the modern whigs.— He despised the suppliant tone of children to mother Britain. His maxim was that, "every kind of taxation was complete tyranny," on the part of England. He watched over the interests of his country with the earnestness of a faithful guardian ; and his vigilance increased with every alarm. When the American army first assembled at Cambridge, and was in confusion, Warren's exertions and weight of character restored order in the camp, and inspired the soldiers with a zeal that led them on to Independence. From the year 1768, he was a principal member of a secret meeting or caucus in Boston, which had great influence on the concerns of the country. With all his boldness and decision and zeal, he was circumspect and wise. In this assembly, the plans of defence were matured. After the destruction of the tea, it was no longer kept secret.

He was twice chosen the public orator of the town, on the anniversary of the massacre, and his orations breathe the energy of a great and daring mind. It was lie, who, on the evening before the battle of Lexington, obtained information cf the intended expedition against Concord, and at ten o'clock at night, dispatched an express to Messrs. Hancock and Adams, who were at Lexington, to warn them of their danger. Ho himself, on the next day, the memorable nineteenth of April, was very active. It is said, in Gen. Heath's memoirs, that a ball took off part of his oarlock. After the departure of Hancock to Congress, he was chosen president, of the provincial Congress in this place. Four days previous to the battle of Bunker's or Breed's Hill, he received his commission of Major General. When the intrenchments were made upon the fatal spot, to encourage the men within the lines, he went down from Cambridge and joined them as a volunteer Qn the eventful day of the battle, June 17th. Just as the retreat commenced, a ball struck him on the head, and lie died in the trenches, aged thirty-five years. He was the first victim of rank that fell in the struggle with Great Britain; and is numbered among the "illustrious dead," as one who stands pre-eminent for his virtues, his talents, his patriotism and self-devotedness ; whose consecrated niche in the temple of Fame will be sought and reverenced by every son and daughter of America; and our children's children, even to the fiftieth generation, shall be taught to lisp the name of Warren.

During the short period that our distinguished brother presided over the interests of the fraternity in America, notwithstanding the disturbed and unsettled state of public feeling, Masonry nourished, and increased in numbers and respectability. His loss then was a severe blow to the institution. By it, the Lodges were again deprived of ahead. Difficulties arose respecting the extent of the powers of the Grand Lodge; of its capacity to perform its usual functions; and confusion and disorder followed. The meetings were suspended during the occupancy of Boston by the British, but immediately on its evacuation, and previous to any regular communication; and we may say, previous to the adjustment of the existing difficulties; the brethren, influenced by a pious regard to the memory of their late illustrious and revered Grand Master, were induced to search for his body; which, in the hurry and bustle of a field of battle, had been indiscriminately buried on the spot where he breathed out his soul to him who gave it. They accordingly repaired to the place; and by the direction of a person who was on the ground at the time of his burial, a spot was discovered where the earth had been recently turned up. On removing the turf and opening the grave, (which was on the brow of the hill, adjacent to a small cluster of springs) the remains were discovered. Though in a mangled condition, they were identified by means of an artificial tooth, and some o(her marks known to his friends. Having been raised, the corpse was conveyed, with all due respect and solemnity, to the State House in this city; from whence, by a large and respectable concourse of the brotherhood, with the late Grand Officers attending in procession, the mortal remains were carried to the Stone Chapel, where an animated eulogium was pronounced.

The following extract from the answer of John Adams, President of the United States, to an address from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, in 1798, respecting the aspersions of Professor Robison, bears unequivocal testimony to the character of Gen. Warren, and to the value of the institution:

"Many of my best friends have been masons, and two of them, my professional patrons, the learned Gridley, and my intimate friend, your immortal Warren, whose life and death were lessons and examples of patriotism and philanthropy, were Grand Masters; yet so it has happened, that I had never the felicity to be initiated. Such examples as these, and a greater still in my venerable predecessor, {Washington} would have been sufficient to induce me to hold the institution and fraternity in esteem and honor, as favorable to the support of civil authority, if I had not known their love of fine arts, their delight in hospitality and devotion to humanity."

The candid and liberal sentiments exhibited in this short extract, deserve to be inscribed on the tablet of masonry in 'letters of gold.' They teach a lesson to our enemies ; to the bigoted and narrow-minded, who are incessantly assailing us with their puerile and pointless missiles, that should forever quiet or sink them into merited contempt. Men, of little mental capacity, are incompetent duly to appreciate the worth or insignificance of any matter out of the ordinary course of events: such, generally speaking, are the opponents of Freemasonry. But they are entirely harmless;— they may cause momentary uneasiness, but nothing more;—they have neither mind nor judgment enough to produce any serious or permanent effect; if they had, they would be enabled to comprehend the nature of the institution and, knowing its worth, would scorn its traducers.

From Amaranth, or Masonic Garland, Vol. I, No. 6, September 1828, Page 161:

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In our June number, (page sixty-five) we gave a view of the old
 monument, erected by King Solomon's Lodge, in honor of our illus
trious brother, Gen. Joseph Warren. We now present our readers
 with a correct drawing of the new monument, as it will appear
 when finished. In describing it, we shall quote our friends of the
 Evening Bulletin and the Times:—

"The site of the monument is
 not far from that of the old Tuscan pillar erected in memory of
 Gen. Warren, in 1788, by his Masonic brethren, but now demolish
ed. It is about two miles from the centre of the city of Boston, on an open piece of ground, elevated about 70 feet, commanding a full view of the city and its harbour, and an extensive and beautiful prospect of the surrounding country. Looking cast, the spectator beholds before him in the distance, a great portion of Boston harbor, gemmed with numerous islets, and alive with swarms of naval craft of all classes, moving in various directions, and exhibiting a singularly animated contrast to the tranquil forest and mountain scenery, interspersed with quiet villages, in the rear ground.—A little to the right, rises the now magnificent metropolis, spreading its neighbourly bridges across Charles river to the main land." The corner stone was laid by Gen. Lafayette on the 17th of June, 1825, the day that completed the half century from that on which the battle of Bunker Hill was fought. The depth however, at which it was laid, being insufficient to resist the action of the frost, it was taken up, the foundation sunk, the stone relaid, and on the 21st July, 1827, the base, 50 feet in diameter, was completed.—Since that time the monument has been raised ten courses above the surface of the earth, and is now progressing.

The monument will be 220 feet in height. From its summit, the surrounding country and the ocean to the distance of many miles, may be seen, and will afford one of the most delightful prospects in the United States. The exterior of the monument, "it is already known, is to have four equal faces, tapering very gradually from its base upwards ; but the interior wall is circular, between which and a hollow cone in the centre, the steps leading to the summit, more than 300 in number, are to be fixed."

The association own fifteen acres of land around the monument, which has already advanced in value very considerably from the original cost, and every step taken to complete the work, increases its value.

Five acres around the monument are to be ornamented with trees, which will form a beautiful promenade.

COMPLETION OF MONUMENT, 1843

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. II, No. 9, July 1843, Page 283:

The “completion of the Bunker Hill Monument” was celebrated on the 17th ultimo — that day being the sixty-eighth anniversary of the battle. The arrangements were on an extensive scale, and the Procession presented the most magnificent and brilliant pageant ever witnessed in this country. Indeed, if viewed with reference to the character and condition of the individuals who composed it, the history of the world does not furnish its parallel or its equal. The number of persons who joined in it is variously estimated at from thirty to fifty thousand. Among them were the President of the United States, and the members of his Cabinet The escort was composed of “Volunteer Militia,” including several military companies from New York and other States. They made a rich and beautiful display.

The Procession was arranged in four divisions; at the head of the third of which, and on the right of the other societies, was placed King Solomon’s Lodge.

This Lodge was constituted in Charlestown, where its meetings arc now regularly held, in 1783, by authority of a Charter from the “Massachusetts Grand Lodge,” of which Gen. Warren had been Grand Master. In 1794, the members of the Lodge, in the spirit of patriotism and fraternal affection which have ever distinguished the Craft, resolved to erect a Monument on Bunker Hill to the memory of their “late beloved and Most Worshipful Brother, the Hon. Joseph Warren, and his associates, who nobly fell on that memorable spot, in the cause of their country.” The land for the purpose was given by the Hon. James Russell. The Monument erected was a Tuscan Pillar, eighteen feet high. On the top was placed an Urn, with the initials of Gen. Warren, enclosed in the Square and Compass. Its coat was about one thousand dollars.

The Lodge continued to keep this Monument in repair, until the year 1825, when, through the patriotic exertions of some distinguished gentlemen of Boston, the Bunker Hill “Monument Association” was formed, and tho erection of a more enduring Monument was commenced. A more enduring Monument. Not one emanating in a purer patriotism, or breathing a holier veneration for the memories and the virtues of the illustrious patriots, who, by their blood, have consecrated for all coming generations, the spot where it stood, and where its successor now stands, pointing, like the finger of time, to the everlasting Lodge, where the Supreme Grand Master forever presides.

King Solomon’s Lodge was among the first to favor and forward the new undertaking, by generously tendering to the Association, as a donation, its own Monument, and the land on which it stood. It subsequently, in common with other Masonic societies, made large pecuniary contributions towards the completion of the work.It was in consideration of these facts, that the committee of arrangements for the celebration, were led to assign to this Lodge, the distinguished and honorable station which it occupied in the Procession. They also furnish a sufficient reason why it was proper that it should appear as the principal Masonic body, in preference to the Grand Lodge.

Our only cause of regret is, that Mr. Webster, as the orator of the day, did not think the services of this Lodge, nor the relation in which it stood to the occasion, of sufficient importance to entitle it to his notice. He very properly alluded to the assistance which had been rendered by various associations and individuals. But he could not find one word of thanks, not one poor expression of gratitude, for the Lodge which was the first to erect a Pillar to the virtues of their patriotic Brothers, on whose bones he was himself erecting a monument to bis own fame!

He was not ignorant of the facts here stated, for he had been furnished with them. He could not have forgotten them, for the Lodge was before him. He could not have forgotten them, for he was surrounded by aged and venerable Brethren, decked in tho paraphernalia of the Order,— some of whom were his personal acquaintances,— gentlemen who had largely contributed of their talents and influence to elevate him to the commanding position he now occupies,—and whom he knew to have been engaged in the revolutionary struggle, in achieving the events which he was so eloquently eulogizing. (Hon. Benjamin Russell, and Col. Henry Purkitt of Boston, are here particularly alluded to. They, with Mr. Soley, of Charlestown, and Maj. Hutchings, of Concord, N. H., sat on the platform near Mr. Webster while he was speaking.) He could not have forgotten them, for the aged Brother (Mr. Justice Soley) who had the happiness and the honor to pronounce the address at the completion and dedication of the first Monument, sat by his side!

There were about seven hundred Masons in the Procession who wore their regalia, and probably three times that number who did not. It was not designed to be a general muster of the Fraternity. Those who appeared were the guests of King Solomon’s Lodge. Had the Grand Lodge assumed the direction, the number present would have been very large. That honor however more properly belonged to the Lodge in whose hands it was placed; and well and fitly were the responsible duties entrusted to it discharged. The officers and members, with W. Brother Francis L. Raymond as their Master, appeared in entirely new and beautiful regalia. In their midst were the elective officers of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, the grand officers of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, and delegates from several of the other Grand Lodges in the New England States, in their rich and showy dresses.

Immediately after King Solomon’s Lodge, came the Boston Encampment of Knights Templars, in full costume, under command of Sir John B. Hammatt. They appeared with full ranks, and attracted much attention. Their dress, though sombre, is rich and imposing. Next followed St Andrew’s Royal Arch Chapter, with Comp. Hugh H. Tuttle, H. P., at their head. This being the senior Chapter in the State, the Companions generally rallied under its banner. We also noticed the banner of St Paul’s Chapter; and the banner of the Grand Chapter was present by permission. This portion of the procession made a brilliant display; and was succeeded by the following Lodges with their banners, arranged agreeably to the dates of their respective Charters:— St John’s, St. Andrew’s, Massachusetts, and Mount Lebanon, of Boston,—Middlesex, Framingham; Star-in-the-East, New Bedford; Meridian, Needham ; Olive Branch, Sutton; Rising Star, Stoughton.

In a barouche, provided for the purpose, were four aged and highly respectable Brethren,— three of them wearing the regalia of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, viz.: Hon. Benj. Russell, Past Grand Master, and a soldier of tho revolution; John Soley, Esq., also a Past Grand Master, and Col. Henry Purkitt, a Past Grand Warden, a revolutionary soldier, and one of the few surviving members of the “Boston Tea Party.” The fourth Brother was Maj. Hutchings, a Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire. Major Russell wore the Masonic Apron, formerly belonging to Gen. Joseph Warren. This apron was also worn at the laying of the corner stone of the Monument We hope to obtain it for the Grand Lodge of this State, when it will be put in frame and carefully preserved.

The procession was arranged and conducted under the direction of Brother Winslow Lewis, Jr. The arrangements were all admirably made and executed, and to the efficiency of the Marshal and his assistants are the Brethren greatly indebted for the regularity and order which distinguished this, as well as every other division of the great procession.

The day was one of the finest of the season, and everything passed off to the entire satisfaction of all parties. The Masonic part of the procession was everywhere well and kindly received. We heard not one offensive expression from any source. On the contrary, many words of congratulation reached our ear, and the carriage in which Maj. Russell and his venerable associates rode, was received throughout the whole line of the procession with frequent and hearty cheers. It was literally filled with bouquets. “King Solomon’s Lodge” and “the Masons” greeted us on all sides, and everywhere in the accents of friendship, of sympathy for the wrongs we have suffered, of encouragement for the future. The papers, we believe without an exception, have spoken cheeringly and kindly of us. True our whilom Brother of the Boston Courier could see but old men in the procession; but this is probably to be attributed to an obliquity of vision, to attacks of which our amicable coNtemporary is subject The following remarks from the pen of Miss Walter, the accomplished editor of the Boston Transcript, will commend themselves and the writer to our readers. With them we close our brief and hastily written notice of this interesting and patriotic celebration.

“The various Masonic Lodges that united in the procession, formed another interesting, and, at this period, a novel feature in the long line of public associations. In the remark, that where Masonry was, there was Liberty and Benevolence (made by the good and lamented Lafayette, on his last visit to Boston) be tree, the public appearance of this fraternity, after an interval of retirement, may he deemed a happy omen of the indissoluble ties and unity of social brotherhood. The occasion was peculiarly auspicious, and, whilst the eye gazed upon the living, memory called to mind the names of the illustrious dead who had been associated as Brethren— Washington, Lafayette, Warren, Franklin, Clinton, Brooks, Bigelow, and Marshall— men of principle themselves, and staunch upholders of the principles of Masonry. King Solomon’s Lodge, the first to erect a Monument on Bunker Hill to the memory of Gen. Warren, their Grand Master, was regarded with unusual interest With this Lodge, rode in an elegant barouche, four venerable members— Henry Purkitt, John Soley, Major Hutchings, of N. H., and Benjamin Russell, Esq., the last of whom wore the apron which was part of the regalia worn by Gen. Warren, when Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.”

CELEBRATION, 1845

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. IV, No. 10, August 1845, Page 289:

THE MASONIC CELEBRATION ON BUNKER-HILL,
BY KING SOLOMON'S LODGE, JUNE 24, A. L. 5845.

A great work has been completed. The last offering has been laid upon the altar, and the incense of gratitude has ascended to heaven. A nation has mourned for its patriot-dead, and Masonry has enwreathed their mausoleum with the perennial garland of fraternal remembrance.

The twenty-fourth of June last, was a proud day for the Masonic Fraternity in Massachusetts; but it was a prouder day for KING SOLOMON'S LODGE, under whose immediate auspices the ceremonies and festivities we are about to narrate, were projected and conducted.

This Lodge received its Charter on the 5th September, 1783, from the "Massachusetts Grand Lodge,"- over which Gen. JOSEPH WARREN had presided as Grand Master, from its organization in 1769, to the 17th June, 1775, when he closed his labors on earth. In November, 1794, or about nine years after its establishment, the Lodge appointed a committee "to erect such a Monument in Mr. Russell's Pasture, (Bunker-Hill,) - provided the land can be procured,- as in their opinion will do honor to the Lodge, in memory of our late Brother, the M. W. JOSEPH WARREN. The land was procured, the Monument erected, and, in December following, publicly dedicated." The Lodge, by its Master and Wardens, continued to hold and keep the Monument in repair, until 1825, when, it having been determined by a number of patriotic and public spirited citizens, to erect a more enduring structure, it preaented it, with the land on which it stood, to the "Bunker-Hill Monument Association," upon the assurance that "some trace of its former existence" should be preserved. On the completion of the present Monument, the government of the Association were waited upon by a committee, and, in compliance with the assurance given by their predecessors, they readily granted the Lodge permission to place within their obelisk, an exact model of the original Monument. The model was accordingly procured. It is made of the finest Italian marble, and was constructed by one of the best artists in the country. It is a beautiful work, and eminently worthy of the place it occupies, and of the sacred purposes for which it has been constructed. Including the granite pedestal on which it stands, it is about nine feet in height.

The following view was taken from the original monument, before its removal from the hill, by Br. ABEL BOWEN, to be introduced in the "History of Boston," published by him some years since, and from it the present model has been made. The original inscription, together with that which bas been added by the committee, are given below :-

BunkerHill1_1828.jpg
ORIGINAL INSCRIPTION.
"Erected A. D. MDCCXCIV., by King 8olomon's Lodge of Freemasons, constituted at Charlestown, 1783, in memory of Major General JOSEPH WARREN and his Associates, who were slain on this memorable spot, June 17, 1775.
'None but they who set a just value upon the blessings of Liherty are worthy to enjoy her. In vain we toiled; in vain we fought; we died in vain, if you, our offspring, want valor to repel the assaults of her invaders!'
Charlettown Settled 1628 ; Burnt 1775 ; Rebuilt 1776. The enclosed laud giveu by Hon. James Russell."

NEW INSCRIPTION, "This is an exact model of the first monument erected on Bunker-Hill, which, with the land on which it stood, was given, A. D. 1825, by King Solomon's Lodge, of this town, to the Bunker-Hill Monument Association, that they might erect upon its site a more imposing structure. The Association, in fulfilment of a pledge at that time given, have allowed, in their imperishable obelisk, this model to be inserted, with appropriate ceremonies, by King Solomon's Lodge, June 24th, A. D. 1845."*

Note: The model is placed on the floor of the inner chamber, or well-room, of the new monument, on a base of granite, directly in front of the entrance door. We have been kindly favored with the following extract frnm the Report of the Building Committee of the Bunker-Hill Monumeut Association, wbich, at a meeting of the Directors, held 17th June, 1846, was read, unanimously accepted, and ordered to he recorded.

"The communications from King Solomon's Lodge to the Board of Directors, which were referred to the Building Committee, with full powers, and which make a part of this report, have been duly considered, and after mature deliberation, it was determined, that, instead of placing a tablet with an inscription in the upper part of the Monument, as had been suggested by the Lodge, and partially acceded to by the committee, leave be granted to erect a small marble monument in the hollow cone of the Bunker-Hill Mi,nument, on the ground ftoor, directly in front of the entrance door,- a location favorable for those who may visit the monument and are unable from infirmity or age to ascend to its summit. To this proposition the Lodge has acceeded; a marble monument, a fac-simile of the one originally erected by the Lodge, is now completed and placed in its destined position. There may it remain, to perpetuate the memory of the illustrious dead, and a lasting memento of brotherly love."

A true copy from the Record, G. WASHINGTON WARREN, Sec. of B. H. M, A.

Having proceeded thua far, the Lodge next determined to commemorate their new work, by suitable public ceremonies; and to this end, invited the co-operation of the Grand Lodge, and such other branches of the Masonic Fraternity, as might be disposed to unite with them. The invitation was accepted by the Grand Lodge, and. the 24th of June, the anniversary of St. John the Baptist, fixed upon as a suitable day for the contemplated purpose.

The arrangements were made by a joint committee, consisting of R. W. Brs. John B. Hammatt, Thomas Power, Winslow Lewis, Jr., Edward A. Raymond, and Ruel Baker, on the part of the Grand Lodge; and of R. W. John Soley, Thomas Hooper, Charles W. Moore, Francis L. Raymond, Dexter Bowman, Charles B. Rogers, J. A. D. Worcester, and G. Washington Warren, on the part of King Solomon's Lodge. The committee could not but feel that a heavy responsibility rested upon them. An exclusively Masonic procession had not been formed, nor a Masonic festival held, in Boston or its vicinity, for fifteen years. They were about to try an experiment. They were again to appear before their fellow-citizens, decked with the same insignia which, in years gone by, had subjected them to reproach, contumely and insult. For protection against a recurrence of such a result, they relied on the personal character of the Brethren to be assembled, and the candor and impartiality of an intelligent community. They have not been deceived. Their faith has been realized, and their fondest hopes gratified.

The arrangements were necessarily more than usually elaborate and complicated. The ceremonies were to differ from those of ordinary Masonic festivals. Two objects were to be combined in one. Patriotism and Freemasonry were to walk hand-in-hand together. A Monument of Love was to be erected to the one, a Monument of Marble and Fealty to the other. The association was a legitimate and natural one,- as much so as life and air: where there is no air there can be no life, and where there is no Patriotism there can be no Freemasonry. Yet, on this occasion, the distinctive character of each was to be regarded, and both were to be honored with the laurel-wreath, without disturbing their natural relation. It is due to the committee to say, that they were eminently successful, and that their arrangements throughout bore the marks of c·orrect judgment and just discrimination.

The procession was formed in Charlestown Square, at 11 o'clock under the direction of the Grand Marshal, W. Br. Winslow Lewis, Jr. as Chief Marshal. and his Aides, Brs. Newell A. Thompson and Peter C. Jones,- all of whom were mounted. (W. Br. HUGH H. TUTTLE, Grand Sword Bearer, acted for Br. Lewis as G. Marshal of the Grand Lodge.)

The following was the

ORDER OF PROCESSION.

  • 1st. Boston Encampment, with Band of Music.
  • 2d. Entered Apprentices, with Banner.
  • 3d. Fellow-Crafts, with Banner.
  • 4th. Master Masons, not members of Lodges represented, with Banner.
  • 5th. Blue Lodges, with Banners, according to date of charter, youngest first.
  • 6th. Royal Arch Masons, not members of Chapters represented.
  • 7th. Royal Arch Chapters, with Banners, according to date of Charters, youngest first.
  • 8th. Grand Chapters of other States, with Banners.
  • 9th. Grand Chapter of Massachusetts, with Banner.
  • 10th. Grand Encampments of other States.
  • 11th. Grand Encampment of Massachusetts and Rhode laland.
  • 12th. Grand Lodges of other States, with Banners.
  • 13th. King Solomon's Lodge, and invited guests.
  • 14th. Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, with Banners.

The Boston Encampment was under the command of Sir John R. Bradford, of St. John's Encampment, at Providence; (Sir Winslow Lewis, Jr. is the Commander of this Encampment; but being engaged u Marshal of the day, the command devolved on the Generalissimo); Worcester County Encampment, at Sutton; and Portland Encampment, at Portland, Me., were also present, and enrolled themselves under the same command,-forming a body of about eighty Knights Templar, "in their solemn suits of black, with their caps, aprons, jewels and arms,"- presenting, says a contemporary, "a fine martial appearance, and bringing vividly to mind, the romantic and historical details of the times of the Crusades." They did indeed present a beautiful appearance, and under their excellent and skilful commander, discharged the important duty committed to them, with the tact and promptness of a well disciplined corps. We were highly gratified to see the Encampments of Providence and Portland so well and creditably represented. Both bodies were in "fine dreds" but we were particularly struck with the martial appearance of the former. They were in perfect uniform, and the peculiarity of their new and handsome caps, with their silver mounted swords, made them an object of special notice.

The Grand Encampment of Massachusetts and Rhode Island wu also preaent, under the command of the Grand Master, Sir JOHN FLINT. Among the visitors who formed in this body, we noticed Sir ARCHIBALD BULL., of Troy, N. Y., Grand Master of the Gen. Grand Encampment of the United States, and Insp. Gen. 33d; Sir GILES F. YATES, of Schenectady, N. Y., Lt. Grand Commander of the Supreme Grand Council of the 33d, for the Northern District and Jurisdiction of the United States; and Sir KILLIAN H. VAN RENSSELAER, of N. York city, a member of the Supreme Council. All of these Brethren appeared in the regalia of Grand Inspectors of the 33d degree. (It is worthy of remark, that seven of the nine members composing the Sup. Council 33d, were in the procession, viz., Ill. Brs. G. F. Yates, E. A. Raymond, C. W. Moore, R. Baker, K. H. Van Rensselaer, J. Christie, and Archibald Bull. A special meeting of the Council was held at the Merchants' Exchange, in this city, on the 26th June, the proceedings of which we may hereafter notice.) Sir Ammi B. Young, of this city, was also with the Grand Encampment, in the beautiful and princely dress of the 16th degree.

Besides the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, there were preaent the G. Lodges of New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Maine. The G. Lodge of Pennsylvania waa represented by R, W. Jpseph R. Chandler, Esq., who appeared in his regalia as Past Grand Master of that body. He walked with the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, supported by two Stewards, with white rods. Joseph T. Buckingham, Esq., President of the Bunker Hill Monument Assocaition and W. W. Whieldon, Esq, one of the directors, also walked with the Grand Lodge. The aged Brother Dr. Wm. Ingalls, of this city, carried the "great lights."

The Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Massachusetts, with Comp. Thomas Tolman, Esq., G. H. P., at their head, presented a fine appearance. St. Andrew's and St. Paul's Chapters, of this city, were also present, with their respective banners. A large number of R. A. Masons walked in the procession, and it is probable that several other Chapters were represented by their officers, but we have not learned their names.

Among the Lodge1 present in form, were the following :-St. John's, Boston; St. John's, Portsmouth, N. H.; St. Andrew's, Boston; Tyrian, Gloucester; Massachusetts Boston; King Solomon's, Charlestown; Middlesex, Framingham; Columbian, Boston; Hiram, West Cambridge; Rising Star, Stoughton; Mt. Lebanon, Boston; Aurora, Fitchburg; Jordan, Danvers; St. Matthew's, Andover; Liberty, Beverly; and Morning Star, Worcester. Beaide these, Essex, Salem; Philanthropic, Marblehead; St. Mark's, Newburyport; Mt. Carmel, Lynn; Star-of-Bethlehem, Chelsea, and several other Lodges, were present by full delegations, but not in form. Among the invited gueats in King Solomon's Lodge, was the Hon. Thomas J. Goodwin, of New York, a Past Master of the Lodge, and a Past Grand officer of the Grand Lodge of this State. We also noticed several of the elder members of the Lodge in the ranks.

Dr. John C. Warren, Robert G. Shaw, Esq., and some other members of the "Building Committee" of the Association, had signified their intention to be present, but were prevented by business engagements. Dr. Warren, io a note to the committee, assigning a reason for his unexpected absence, writes- "Having felt a great interest in the ceremonies of the occasion, and a strong desire to show my respect for the Fraternity, in which my father and uncle"(Dr. John aad Gen. Joseph Warren - both of whom were Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts) "felt tbe deepest interest, you will readily imagine that I experience great regret" at not being present."

The procession moved from the Square at a quarter past 11 o'clock, passed up Main to Walker street, up Walker to High, through High to Lexington, down Lexington to Bunker-Hill street aad thence to Monument street, where, opening to the right and left, it changed fronts, and passed up Monument street to the place of meeting on Bunker-Hill. The windows of the houses in the streets along the whole line of march, were filled with ladies,- presenting a lively and beautiful scene, and everywhere the procession was received with bright smiles, the waving of handkerchiefs, and the strewing of flowers and bouquets by the hand of beauty. It was a joyous hour,- one of those bright spots in human existence, around which the affections cluster and memory delights to linger, long years after the occasion has passed away, and when many of those endeared to us by the ties of a cherished friendship, are known no more on earth.

The procession arrived at the Hill about 20 minutes past 12 o'clock. The ceremonies were commenced upon a raised, covered platform, at the southerly angle of the Monument, by a fervent and appropriate prayer, by the Reverend Joseph O. Skinner, of Dudley, one of the Grand Cbaplains. The venerable Br. John Soley, Grand Master, then rose, and in a firm voice and impressive manner, addressed the Grand Master as follows:-

Most Worshipful: – Half a century ago, I had the honor of dedicating, in tbe name of King Solomon's Lodge, the first Monument erected on this spot to the memory of those brave men who here fell in the cause of American freedom; and now, after a lapse of fifty years, I am, by the mercy of Divine Providence, spared to unite with a new generation, and over the graves of our departed countrymen, to offer anew our heartfelt gratitude for their patriotic services, and to shed the tear of affectionate remembrance over their virtues. The story of our resistance to the regal mandates and oppresive requisitions of our maternal alliance, has long since been spread upon the page of history, and deeply engraven upon the heart of every American.

The result of that resistance, under the guidance of Divine Wisdom, and the sword of our illustrioua Brother Washington, was our independence as a nation, and the establishment of our civil and religious privileges as a people. Let us, as American citizen,, strive to merit a continuance of these inestimable blessings, and, forgetting the wrongs that are past, let us cultivate peace and kindred feeling with the family from whence we sprang, end be mutually inclined to promote the prosperity of each other, so long as we continue members of the family of nations; and to this end let us implore the Almighty Architect of the Universe to control that grasping ambition, which is the bane of public and private virtue, and the grave of national glory.

At the formation of the Bunker Hill Monument Association, King Solomon's Lodge transferred to that body the Monument they bad erected, with the land belonging to the same, upon condition that there should be placed within the walls of the Monument they were about to erect, a suitable memorial of the ancient pillar, in order to perpetuate that early patriotic act of the Masonic Fraternity. In carrying out this intention, a model of the original monument has been executed in marble, and placed on the spot intended for its location; and now, sir, I present you with these working tools, to enable you to examine its architectural proportions, and am ready to introduce you to the place of its deposit.

To this address the MW. Grand Master, Augustus Peabody, Esq. replied,in a spirited and effective manner, as follows :-

Venerable and respected Brother: - Rarely does it fall to the lot of a member of our Fraternity, that he can stand erect, in manly form, and in unimpaired vigor rehearse the story of his Masonic labors fifty years ago. Yet you tell us of what you did as Master of King Solomon's Lodge, at that remote period.

We learn from our ·book of Constitutions, published before the present century, that on the 2d of December 1794, the handsome Monument that graced the heights of Charlestown, as publicly dedicated by the society of Freemasons; on which occasion a spirited Dedicatory Address was pronounced by the Right Worshipful John Soley, Jr., Master of King Solomon's Lodge. On the pedestal of the Monument was this inscription:-

Erected A. D. MDCCXCIV., by King 8olomon's Lodge of Freemasons, constituted at Charlestown, 1783, in memory of Major General JOSEPH WARREN and his Associates, who were slain on this memorable spot, June 17, 1775.

Then followed this monitory address to posterity:-

'None but they who set a just value upon the blessings of Liherty are worthy to enjoy her. In vain we toiled; in vain we fought; we died in vain, if you, our offspring, want valor to repel the assaults of her invaders!'


Your address has sounded to us like "a tale of the times of old,"-" the voice of the deeds of the days of other years. You have been spared to pass the fate-mark of threescore and ten. You have lived in the days of our Washington and Warren, and survive to tell us of their deeds, which you witnessed.

Ever since its settlement, Charlestown has been the residence of Brethren dear to the Craft. Most of them have passed away in honor,- but some yet remain in honor.

Meetings of the Grand Lodge have been held in Charlestown, where many of its ruling members abode. On the 26th of May, 1785, a Convention was here held to consider the state of Freemasonry. On the 2d of December, 1794, the first Monument was dedicated; and on the 17th June, 1825, the Corner-Stone of the splendid edifice before us, was in due form laid by the Craft, assisted by the great LAFAYETTE. These meetings, from the first, were held in Warren Hall; and King Solomon's Lodge now holds its meetings in Warren Hall. The location has been changed; but the cherished name remains.

It was natural to expect that in the home of Freemasons, the spirit of freedom should reside; and that Charlestown should give one of the earliest and most brilliant pages to the history of American Independence.

The Freemasons of Charlestown witnessed the conflagration of their village by hostile incendiaries ; and saw their heights crimsoned by the best blood of their Brethren. But all this did not extinguish their zeal for the Order; and soon after the revolution, before their desolated ·domicile were completely rebuilt,- they provided Warren Hall for the Craft And on the 5th of September, 1783, from the Massachusetts Grand Lodge, over which their Warren had presided, they procured the Charter of King Solomon's Lodge, which has ever since remained a chosen dwelling of charity - and still is a faithful and correct working Lodge, from which many other Lodges in the country might receive valuable lessons.

You, sir, are one, whose whole life has been marked by ardent attachment to the Order. In youth, you dedicated the first Monument to the memory of the early victims in the strife for freedom; and now, in the full maturity of age, you present to us the tools with which you have chiseled in marble, a more enduring model of your early memorial.

With no ordinary pleasure the Grand Lodge receive these evidences of your fidelity and enterprize, and will proceed to examine the work.

The Grand Master, with his officers, here proceeded to examine the work; during which ceremony one of the bands played a dirge. Having completed the inspection, he returned to the platform, and concluded as follows:-

On this consecrated spot, surrounded by these works, which, with ever living freshness, remind us of the early sorrows, the long continued anxious strife, and the ultimate triumph of Patriotism and Freemasoury, we pronounce them finished - and well done!

Brethren - Behold these emblems! They have an enduring power to speak to the heart things that the tongue cannot utter. Here, we unitedly resolve ever to cherish them as dear remembrancers of those who fell in their country's cause and of those who have so worthily commemorated their fame.

Venerable Brother:- Our heart's prayer is, that you may be spared, in years to come, to give us other examples of National an Masonic virtue; and when at last you shall be called before our Grand Master above, that he may pronounce your earthly labors well done.

The following Hymn, from Br. Power's Masonic Melodies, was sung by the choir, with excellent effect:

Tune.- "Auld Lang Syne."

We met in love; we part in peace;
Our council-labors o'er;
We'll ask, ere life's best days shall cease,
To meet in time once more.

Chorus.-'Mid fairest scene to memory dear,
In change of joy and pain,
We'll think of friends assembled here,
And hope to meet again.

Though changes mark time's onward way
In all we fondly claim,
Fraternal hopes a hall ne'er decay,
Our landmarks still the same.
Chorus.-'Mid fairest scene to memory dear, &c.

Our Faith unmoved, with Truth our guide,
As seasons mark our clime,
Through winter's chill, or summer's pride,
We'll hail the Art sublime!
Chorus.-'Mid fairest scene to memory dear, &c.

When life shall find its silent close,
With Hope's kind promise blest,
In that Grand Lodge may all repose,
Where joys immortal rest!
Chorus.-'Mid fairest scene to memory dear, &c.

Br. G. WASHINGTON WARREN, J. W. of King Solomon's Lodge, and Orator of the day, was then introduced by W. Br. Rogers, and delivered the following concise, well-written and appropriate ADDRESS:

M. W. Grand Master and Brethren :-

Three score years and ten - the allotted period of human existence - have now elapsed, since the field on which we stand was consecrated by the blood of Patriots and rendered thenceforth memorable by the bravery of those heroic men who led or mingled in the first great battle of the American Revolution. On this field, and in that battle, Freemasonry stood forth pre-eminent as the defender - even to Martyrdom, o( American Liberty. For here - seventy years ago - amid the flames of burning Charlestown, the roar of the booming cannon, the shouts and cries of contending armies - did the spirit of the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts take its flight to the Supreme Architect of the Universe, whence it emanated. Many others of the Masonic Fraternity were here fighting by the side and cheered by the example of General WASHINGTON, and many fell with him, and died, albeit they gave no sign.

It was the high sense of the patriotic and exalted senicea rendered to their country by General Warren and other members of the Masonic Fraternity, that prompted King Solomon's Lodge in Charlestown, to be the first to distinguish the place of his death by a suitable Monument. In 1794 - nineteen years after the battle - about the same length of time that the Bunker-Hill Monument Association were afterwards engaged in erecting their obelisk - this Lodge procured a grant of the land from the honorable James Russell, who was then its proprietor, and erected thereon at their own cost a beautiful Tuscan Pillar "to the memory of General Joseph Warren and his associates." They subsequently fenced out a road, leading from the street to their Monument, obtained an act of the General Court authorizing them to hold the land and protect the Monument from injury, and adopted a standing by-law that "their Master and Wardens should visit the same, as often as occasion may require and keep it in complete repair, at the expense of the Lodge, forever." For over thirty years that work of their bands, with its gilded urn glittering to the sun, stood up alone to signify to the world that this was no common earth.

That effort of King Solomon's Lodge was the distant precursor of a greater enterprize. In the year 1824-5, towards the close of the half century after the battle of Bunker-Hill, a strong conviction pervaded the community, that there ought to be erected on the spot an imperishable Monument - one which planted deep and firmly in the earth should reach through the clouds, and meet the sun in bis daily course at high twelve for it was then felt by the country that nothing but such a structure could adequately denote the momentous results of that struggle. A general association was therefore formed to carry into execution the popular design. At that juncture, King Solomon's Lodge came forward and presented to the new association their land and their Monument. It was among the first, and we may add among the most liberal donations to the Bunker-Hill Monument Association. Nor did their liberality stop here, but afterwards when this proud structure - the erection of which was commenced before its cost was counted - had little more than showed itself above the surface of the ground, and by the exhaustion of the means obtained was arrested in its course, with the gloomy prospect of its remaining for a long time to come an abortive attempt, tel1ing of nothing but the ingratitude of the age which undertook it - this same Lodge came forward and from their limited funds contributed by the hands of their worthy treasurer, John Gregory, two hundred dollars towards the completion of the work. Other Lodges and Masonic bodies made similar donations, and many individual members of the Fraternity from first to last subscribed liberally to the noble object-impelled not only by the feeling of patriotism which 1hey possess in common with their fellow-countrymen, but also by that strong tie of sympathy and of fellowship which binds them peculiarly to Bunker-Hill.

It was undoubtedly owing to the remarkable interest which the Masonic Fraternity were known to have felt in the place, that the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts were specially invited to lay the cornerstone of the new Monument. Twenty years ago the last Tuesday, that important ceremony was ably performed by the Most Worshipful John Abbot, then Grand Master, with the assistance of that esteemed Mason, and illustrious man, General Lafayette, whose triumphal visit at that time to the scenes of his early heroism forms of itself an epoch in the American history. The august occasion of the 17th June, 1825, brought together from all parts of our country the Brethren of every degree. The glory of that splendid pageant, has passed away, but its memory will cling to the latest generation;- nor will our Fraternity ever fail to regard with honorable satisfaction, the part which they took in laying the foundation of a monumental structure destined to endure to the remotest era, an appropriate tribute of the nineteenth century to the spirit of liberty.

The Monument Association, in 1825, through their organ the Hon. Edward Everett, then Secretary, expressed in a letter which is still upon record, "the high sense which the officers of the Association entertained of the patriotic spirit which prompted King Solomon's Lodge to the erection of a Monument at so early a period, and, compared with the resources at command, at so great expense," and further declared, that "the wish of the Lodge that some trace of the existence of their work may be found in the archives of the association shall be faithfully fulfilled."

In a commendable compliance with this understanding, the present officers of the Association have offered the floor of the inner room of their obelisk for the erection of an exact model of the old Monument. The model, furnished by the present members of the Lodge, has now been exhibited to the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Massachusetts for his approbation, who has been pleased to pronounce the work to be well done and placed in Masonic order. And it is with sincere pleasure, Most Worshipful, that I now present to you the thanks of my Lodge for the interest which you have all along taken in the prosecution of a work which is to perpetuate the name of your heroic predecessor.

There is also connected with this occasion an association of extraordinary interest. Our worthy and venerable Brother, who, in the name of King Solomon's Lodge has presented their model to the Grand Master for his acceptance, was himself in 1794, Master of the Lodge and dedicated the old Monument. He is the sole survivor of that small but patriotic band of Brothers who reared the first Pillar on Bunker-Hill. Half a century has since passed away, and still he remains steadfast and honored amid all the changes and bereavements of time. In the name of our Lodge do I thank you, sir, for the zeal and patriotism which you then and have ever since exhibited. Bartlett, Newell, Swan, Calder, Frothingham, Stearns, Goodwin, Hurd, and your other associates have long since preceded you to that Lodge above, not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Far distant be the day of your departure, but whenever it shall come, bear witness to the cordial thanks we now express to you and to them for thus having added another link to unite our hearts to this hallowed ground. Yes, venerable Brother! As long as this towering obelisk shall lift up high its Cap-Stone to receive the earliest glimmer of the morning sunlight, and shall enclose at its base, within its huge sides of massive granite, the beautiful representation of its parent Monument - as long as the name of Bunker-Hill shall cause a thrilling sensation in the American heart, so long shall that illustrious deed of your's and your ancient Brethren be borne in grateful remembrance by our Fraternity.

In the ceremonies of this morning we do not seek to exhibit a vain apirit of ostentation. We wish fairly to discharge a duty which we owe to truth and to history. If gratitude for the performance of signal services be creditable to any age, it is all the more creditable the sooner it is testified after such services are rendered. If it were an achievement, honorable to our people, by means of a general association in 1825 to commence, and in 1843 to complete a Monument on Bunker-Hill, commemorating the battle of the 17th June, 1776, it was certainly more honorable to a single Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons to pay the same tribute of respect in 1794, when the generation had not yet passed away who witnessed the memorable conflict. Time and national prosperity had not at that earlier period so richly unfolded the inestimable consequences of the long continued series of struggles which was so. brilliantly but terribly opened on this scene of most deadly execution. The name of Bunker-Hill had not then become so prevalent a rallying word throughout our wide spread land, nor was the place itself visited so frequently as it now is daily by pilgrims from every clime. But the ancient members of King Solomon's Lodge, brought up at its feet, and feeling to the full the generous emotions with which the contemplation of the place can never fail to inspire all true lovers of their country, thought they were doing but a simple act of duty in setting up a Pillar of their own to single out the spot, dear to them as inhabitants of Charlestown, as joint heirs with their fellow-countrymen in the blessed inheritance of civil and religious liberty, and still equally dear to them as members of an institution whose beloved chief bad here shed his life-blood for the baptism of his country's freedom. And when in the course of events, the whole community of a succeeding age were instigated by their sense of justice as well as of gratitude, to offer in a similar but more enduring manner, their homage of veneration to the men who here fought, bled and died, it was noble in the Lodge to withdraw their rightful claim to the land, and to surrender the cherished work of their hands, to give place to another structure, which in the sublimity of its conception, and in the generality of its contributors, should utter forth an universal sentiment.

And how rightly, Brethren, our predecessors judged in deeming this field to be deserving of monumental distinction! Other places there are familiar and endeared to every American heart,- other fields which in the view of history and of distant ages will appear as classic, ay, holy ground, but here, where our fathers first met in the form of an organized army with the fixed resolution to oppose a foreign government, whose injustice they had not been able to dissuade and were then determined as a last resort with their arms to defeat ;-here, where in battle array, and in sight, almost within reach of the swift-spreading flames, which were involving in a common destruction the dwellings and the sacred temple of worship of this devoted town, they gallantly resisted the skilful attacks of an experienced European soldiery, and where they displayed that steadiness of nerve and daring courage, which clearly demonstrated that on a fair trial, upon any thing like equal terms and with the just cause which they had, they would ever be victorious ;-here, here is the spot, where all the world over, and in all time to come, the friends of Freedom will turn their glowing thoughts as to the prominent battle-ground of the American Revolution. Here flowed in copious streams the blood of the champions of American Liberty ; here, her principles first took deep root in the American soil, and here at last, has a grateful posterity reared upon a foundation not to be disturbed, a permanent Monument, which shall forever proclaim her triumph.

It is, Brethren, a pleasing reflection, and one in which we may indulge with an honest pride, that of the celebrated men who conducted our country safely through the revolution, and established it upon the firm basis of the Federal Constitution; the greater portion were leading members also of the Masonic Fraternity. And so we shall. find in all ages of the world, the eminent mon of our Craft laboring assiduously for the amelioration and advancement of their fellow-beings. But when the great issue of modern times was made up in the new world, between a home and a foreign government, between an equality among men and elective offices on the one hand, and an aristocracy of rank and hereditary rulers on the other, the principles of our Institution would naturally incline its members to the choice of true patriotism. Washington, Franklin, Hancock, Samuel Adams, Knox, Green, Sullivan, Stark, Brooks, and indeed almost all of that noble race-themselves Freemasons, must have found in their more humble Masonic Brethren, ardent supporters in the cause which they so fearlessly espoused; and the revered memory of the martyr of Bunker-Hill must have roused the enthusiasm of them all. An Institution which has raised so many men who have promoted the public welfare and national renown, and which has perfumed the path-way of time from generation to generation with the fragrance of its extended charities, may justly claim the admiration of mankind. Freemasonry - whose Lodges universally are dedicated to God and the holy Saint Johns, and which professes for its cordial principles equality, morality and brotherly love, may with truth be said to be founded upon a rock. The popular breath may graze it, the storm and tempest of faction may now and then assail it, but as long as its members adhere to the old foundation it will not fall, because it is founded upon a rock. Be it our aim, Brethren, to cultivate these principles in their purity, and let it ever be the constant strife and study of us all to become worthy Masons, that we may thereby be rendered the better citizens.

But those of us who are members of King Solomon's Lodge the occasion addresses with stronger emphasis. - It is the glorious lot of this Lodge to be identified with Bunker-Hill, and to have earned a proud name in having distinguished it by a token of their fond regard, long before the projectors of this Monument had conceived of their design, and that name we trust will endure with this Monument as long as mankind shall be permitted by Providence to have a dwelling place upon earth. Already are there borne upon our roll the names of many men now gathered to the dust, who, in their time were excellent citizens, the salutary influence of whose services and example extends to the present moment. May the number of such men increase in every generation. Established in a town, the whole face of whose territory was once marked by an unsparing conflagration, which, perhaps, was intended chiefly as the parental chastisement of a foreign power, but which burnt out of the land once for all every anti-republican predilection and every trace of colonial subservience, having in their daily view this ineffaceable memorial of patriotism unalloyed, may King Solomon's Lodge imitate with unerring diligence the matchless virtues of the fathers of our republic. May they ever resolve, that as they were the first to bear public testimony to the magnanimous sacrifice offered up with a pious trust on Bunker-Hill, so they will be the last to forsake the sacred principles, which these scenes will speak out continually, instructing with stirring eloquence the advancing ages of the world.

But let none of us depart hence, without feeling and duly acknowledging the paramount obligations resting upon us all as citizens of this great republic. We stand on the spot where was exhibited the first scene in the drama, the closing act of which brought out in full reality the perfect equality and freedom of man. Not now the mere creatures of circumstance, nor dependent for success in life upon the accident of birth, nor upon the capricious smile of arbitrary power, we stand up as free men possessing the liberty and the facilities to develop all the capacities of manhood, and sharing the encouraging prospect of receiving in due time a fair reward for laborious exertion. Survey the past period of seventy years, thronged as each year has been with eventful incidents, and estimate if possible the vast improvements which have sprung up in government, in every branch of science and of art, and in every thing which adds comfort and dignity to life. These are the trophies of the liberated and expanding mind. The old world has gained much by the unrestrained progress of the new, while the new world has received in turn favorable impulses from the awakened spirit of the old. It is this onward movement of our time that should inspire our hearts with joyful hope and with noble designs. Let us take care, that in this unrivalled career of our Republic there be no retreat ; but let us be mindful of the lesson of history which this place recalls to our minds, and see to it in season that adequate provision be made to meet the demands of any emergency.

Let us all, in the various relations which we bear to society, stimulate the growth of learning, of virtue and of an enlightened patriotism. And whenever, after the lapse of succeeding periods of seventy years, or on the more frequent occurrence of some interesting celebration, this renowned summit shall be covered, as now, with the thoughtful brows of exulting manhood and. ornamented with the sparkling eyes of lovely woman, may it be the lot of each assembly, after having invigorated themselves, by breathing awhile this liberal air, and by yielding to the holy influences of the place, to return happy to as prosperous, and as virtuous abodes, as it is our highly favored privilege to enjoy.

After the address, which was delivered with good emphasis and effect, and listened to by about 5000 people, the following spirited patriotic Ode, written for the occasion by R. W. Br. Thomas Power, was sung.

Tune.- "Scots wha hae."

Gathered on the hallowed spot
Ne'er by faithful sons forgot,
Who, this festal day, would not
Join our solemn rite?
Ne'er he said, our social ties
Fail with patriot zeal to rise;
Ne'er be said, we coldly prize
Valor's honored height.

While fraternal watch-fires glow,
Ages still untold shall know
Where the dauntless met the foe,
Marked with manly grace.
See where honor led our sires!
See where Freedom lit her fires!
Fame directs, and Truth inspires,
Deeds of arms to trace!

On the hill-top's radiant brow,
Seen in rising glory now
Points the spire where freemen bow,
To each Brother dear.
Who shall mingled feelings tell!
On the field where Warren fell!
Who shall break the cherished spell
Binding hearts sincere!

Who that, on the ocean wave,
Marks the spot where fell the brave,
Would not, o'er the hero's grave,
Give one silent tear!
Who that treads our native shore
Brings to valor's shrine, no more,
Hearts with generous thoughts in store,
Love that lingers near!

Tears be here to manhood's pride,
Blending in affection's tide;
Never be the boon denied,
Dear to deathless fame:
May the lettered tablets form,
Hallowed by devotion warm,
Still surviving each rude storm,
Daring deeds proclaim!

Join we now one holy prayer,
Still His guardian love to share,
Who decreed our fathers' care,
Dangers all around!
Join we now the lofty strain,
Rising over hill and plain,
Freedom's Temple to maintain
On her sacred ground.

The services· on the Hill were concluded with a Benediction by the Rev. Br. Asa Eaton, D. D., of the Episcopal Church, whose patriarchal appearance and great moral worth make him ever an object of interest and love; and whose long and unwavering attachment to our Institution, is the best commentary we need offer on the purity of its principles, or its practical utility.

The procession was then re-formed, and marched to a specious pavilion, erected a short distance from the Monument, (but on the battle-field,) where an elegant and sumptuous dinner bad been provided, by Br. John Wright of this city. The company, numbering about seven hundred, having arranged themselves at the table, a blessing was asked by the Rev. Br. Skinner, and to that voice every heart responded its amen, in thanksgiving for the happy termination of the business of the day, and for the favorable circumstance that had brought so many together, to partake of the bountiee of that Great Being, to whose providential care they owed that happy hour. It was indeed a happy hour - when the congratulations of friends renewed the remembrances of duty - when all sectional and party feelings were forgotten, and friendship shed its brightest halo around that happy assemblage. There, was the elasticity and buoyancy of youth - there, the firmness of manhood - there, the wisdom and experience of age. The grey head and hoary locks of the Fathers in Masonry, were proud memorials to the younger members of the Fraternity, that the bond of their union but not been weakened by time, nor the harmony of social feelings interrupted by force of circumstances. The Grand Master presided at the table, with the Master of King Solomon's Lodge on his right.

The tables were dismissed by singing the following Hymn, from the Masonic Melodies:-

Tune: "Old Hundred."
From hearts sincere, from lips most true,
We bring united thanks anew;
Be nil our hopes reposed on Thee,
While Time shall last, or Truth shall be.

While humbly now our homage owned,
To Him, our Sovereign, high enthroned,
O, be our footsteps guided still
Where Truth shall dearest hopes fulfil.

The company then sat down to reciprocate their sentiments in "thoughts that breathe and words that burn,"-to call up the greatness of their fathers for their example - the memories of the illustrious dead for emulation - the virtues of the illustrious living for their encouragement. And this part. of the ceremonies wu commenced by Br. C. W. Moore, on the part of the Committee of Arrangements, with the following

WELCOME TO THE BRETHREN.

Most Worshipful and Brethren - I am requested by the Committee of Arrangements, in the name of King Solomon's Lodge, to bid you a fraternal welcome to Bunker-Hill. We greet you as Brethren, and offer you our congratulations. We congratulate you, that we are again permitted to assemble in peace and quietness, under our own "vine and fig tree." We congratulate you, that the black and portentous cloud which but recently hung over our Institution, has spent its anger and passed away. And we congratulate ourselves, in being able to welcome to this consecrated spot, so large a number of Brethren, who through good and evil report,- in the hour of danger, and the day of trial, were found true and faithful to their trusts : Brethren, whom persecution could not prostrate,- whom the withering glances of scorn could not terrify,- whose steady bearing and uoblanching eye, have driven the prowling wolf of malice back to his lair.

The crisis bas been passed. The persecution has been borne. The conspirators have fallen, and our Institution is again at peace. The sound of the gavel is again echoing through its ancient halls, and the good and influential men of society are returning to their deserted seats. The Dove has come back, bearing the olive leaf, and proclaiming a curse removed, and a land at rest. In all parts of the civilized world, our Order is seen spreading itself like some ancient oak, with its many roots riveted to the soil, and it broad limbs spread in bold outline against the sky. Long may the sun-light of honor and renown linger amid its venerable branches. And if ever in the course of events, the "brave old oak," lashed by the storm and riven by the lightning, shall totter to its fall, around its trunk will the ivy of popular affection, that has so long clasped it, still cling, and mantle with greenness and verdure, its ruin and decay.

It was a custom of the ancient Jews to assemble for worship on the highest of hills. Such places were accounted holy. On them the spirit of God was thought to repose. And it was probably this belief that mainly induced our ancient Brethren to select the highest of hills, on which to practise those sacred rites and to inculcate those divine principles which form the basis of our Institution. Very properly then, has this place been chosen to celebrate the natal day, and to commemorate the virtues of him, who was "a voice in the wilderness." preparing the way for his Great Master, whose sublimest manifestation of divinity was upon one of the high hills of Judea. Very properly has this spot been chosen, on which to consecrate a few hours in remembrance of the patriotism and the valor of those Masonic Brethren, who here offered themselves a willing sacrifice to the Great God of Battles, that we might be free.

If the Jew were right in building his Temple on a hill, in which to worship the God who had led him from Egyptian bondage, surely we cannot be wrong in assembling on the top of one of our own consecrated hills, to pour out the free offering of grateful hearts to the same beneficent Being, for our own deliverance from oppression. No spot of earth has stronger claims on our affections and sympathies as American citizens,- no spot of earth is more dear to our hearts as American Freemasons, than Bunker-Hill. The soil beneath our feet has drank the best blood of patriotism, and the purest blood of Masonic hearts has contributed to its nourishment. Here was enacted the first scene in that great national drama, whose plot was laid in freedom, and the development of which presented to the world, for the first time, a rational and enduring liberty. Here was first kindled that sacred flame of patriotism, which, throwing its pure light down the vista of time, shall live to the remotest generations, for a beacon to guide all mankindt o freedom. Here, Gridley planned. Here, Putnam fought. And here, the first great Martyr in the cause of American liberty,- the beloved Grand Master of American Masons,- the immortal Warren,- threw aside his Jewel in the Grand Lodge below, to take his seat, as an humble member, in the Grand Lodge above.

"Ne'er to the mansion, where the virtuous rest,
Since their foundation, came a worthier guest;
Nor to the bowers of bliss was e'er conveyed,
A nobler spirit or a gentler shade."

Brethren- To this hallowed spot, alike dear to patriotism and to Masonry, we bid you a hearty welcome. May the mutual interchanges of fraternal friendship this day, be productive of permanent good to the future prosperity and welfare of our venerated Institution. May the bond of fellowship which we have here met to renew, remain unbroken forever. And while the glorious deeds and sacrifices of our Brethren on this blood-drenched battle field, shall blaze forth in characters of living light, to guide us in the path of duty, as citizens of a Republic, pre-eminently the "light and glory of the world,"- let us remember, that as American Masons, we form an important link in the great chain of a Universal Fraternity, embracing within its vast extent, the great and good men of every land where civilization has shed its blessings,- that our Brethren are found on the thrones of Europe, amid the arid sands of Africa, under the burning sun of Asia, and in the ice-bound regions of America. Let us remember this- and let it be our unalterable resolve, to preserve this important link in the chain, bright, strong, and well-riveted to its fellows. Thus will our Institution stand -

"Like some tall clilf that lifts its awful form,
Swell, from the vale, and midway leaves the storm;
Though round its base the rolling clouds are spread,
Eternal sunshine settles o'er its head."

Br. Moore concluded his remarks by giving as a sentiment,

"The Grand Lodge of Masschusetts."

To this sentiment he M. W. Grand Master responded by the following interesting and judicious address. Note: The Gnnd Master had spoken but a few moments, when one or those sudden gusts of wind, or incipient hurricanes, which are common to our climate at this season of the year, sprung up, raising an appalling cloud of dust, and at one time threatening the entire demolition of the pavilion under which the company were assembled. This was followed by a deluge of rain, which continued for ten or fifteen minutes, and had the effect to scatter a large portion of the Brethren.

Brethren:- W e ought more diligently to inquire, and better to understand, whence Grand Lodges were derived, and to be more mindful of the purposes for which they were instituted.

Freemasonry is very ancient,- how old, no man living can accurately tell. But Grand Lodges, so far as we have authentic accounts of them, are comparatively modern. We can trace them no farther back than between nine hundred and one thousand years.

King Solomon is called a Grand Master. He may have been so - but I doubt if he had more than one lodge under his dominion.

We have reason to believe - indeed I think we have proof - that in the first ages of Freemasonry, while the Lodges were few, their Masters ruled them with absolute and imperial power. They prescribed the rules and regulations for the government of the Craftsmen, in their instruction, ceremonies, and Lodge-labors: which they took good care to preserve uniform and without change. These were adapted to the wants of the Craft,- who received them as lessons of wisdom, and rendered implicit obedience to them.

At length they were hailed as time honored usages,- and have ever since been venerated, and transmitted as the ancient usages and landmarks of Masonry. They acquired a power above that of the Masters; and they, as well as all others, have ever since been bound to obey them as sacred and of paramount authority.

Ages rolled on - and the benefits flowing from Freemasonry caused its spread into every civilized nation. Then it became obviously necessary to adopt other measures to preserve its identity and unity of action. General laws were enacted, constitutions framed, anti Grand Lodges were instituted,- to whom was ceded most of the remaining power of the Masters.

The first Grand Lodge, since the misty and half known periods of antiquity, was formed in or near York, in England, in the year of our Lord, 926. And subsequently one or more has been organized in almost every nation where Lodges had found their way. In kingdoms possessing distant or foreign territories, Provincial Grand Lodges were also established.

The first Grand Lodge in North America, was St. John's Grand Lodge, convoked under a warrant from Anthony, Lord Viscount Montague, a Grand Master of Masons in England, in the year 1733. He appointed Henry Price first Provincial Grand Master; under whom the Lodge was organized - and in the same year, they granted a Charter to St. John's Lodge, in Boston, which was the first Lodge ever chartered by an American Grand Lodge.

In 1769, another Provincial Grand Lodge wae constituted in Boston, called the Massachusetts Grand Lodge, under commission from George, Earl of Dalhousie, Grand Master of the Masons in Scotland,- in which commission our lamented Joseph Warren was appointed Provincial Grand Master.

These two Grand Lodges, for many years the only ones in North America, disseminated Freemasonry far and wide, till 1792, when they united and formed the present Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

Before other Grand Lodges were formed in North America, these in Boston had granted many charters out of Massachusetts, in other States, Provinces and Territories. By them Lodges were established in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, R. Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Canada, and in many of the West India Islands. Of these 33 were chartered by St. John's Grand Lodge; 13 by the Massachusetts Grand Lodge, and 17 by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, after the union.

During the brief and stormy period from the appointment of Grand Master Warren, till his glorious death in 1775, the pacific labors of Freemasonry yielded to rough and warlike revolutionary struggles - and but few new Lodges were formed. Three Charters only bear the honored signature of the revered Warren, which are Tyrian Lodge, at Gloucester, Massachusetts Lodge at Boston; and St. Peter's Lodge, at Newburyport.

Since that period, Grand Lodges have been formed in almost every State and Territory - and now there are 34 on the continent, north of Mexico.

The fact that nearly all the Freemasonry of North America has been derived directly, or indirectly, from Massachusetts, throws on us a fearful responsibility, to teach and practice weJI. The Brethren throughout the Union have a right to expect from us precepts and examples which will bear the test of the most rigorous scrutiny. Massachusetts was once emphatically the head-quarters of American Freemasonry. If it is less so now, we trust that it is not because we have fallen, but that others have risen. And we rejoice that there are now around us other Grand Lodges, claiming as high a title to the respect of the Fraternity aa we can boast. Some of them have honored us with their presence this day, to share in our labors and festivities.

Brethren :- We hail you, and bid you welcome. We tender you the right hand of fellowship; and invite you to a closer interchange of kind and social intercourse.

Brethren :- Let us now pledge ourselves to each other, that we will all labor to make our respective Grand Lodges what they were designed to be. They should be fountains from which should flow to all the Craft, perpetual streams of paternal instruction, and benevolent rules for the regulations of their labors and their lives. They should enlarge the dispensation of charity, and increase the facilities of Fraternal intercourse, so that all may be early informed of the welfare of their Brethren.

Increased facilities of intercourse expose all our operations to more extended observation. Already they are such, that we are now informed of the movements of our Brethren in Tennessee, a few days since, on the death of our illustrious Brother, Gen. Andrew Jackson. And we have on our tables, the L'Orient, or general review of Freemasonry, published last month in Paris, which gives notice to the world, that in the United States of America, the Lodges of Massachusetts usually celebrate the 17th of June, the anniversary of the battle of Bunker-Hill But "this year the festival will be holden on the 24th of June, under the auspices of King Solomon's Lodge; great preparations are made for the occasion - and thousands of Masons from the various parts of the Union, are expected to assist at this great solemnity."

Freemasons:- Behold the emblems that cover this consecrated ground,- memorials of the merits of our fathers, and the gratitude of their children. Remember - that at home and abroad, the public eye is fixed on our solemnities this day. Let them be so conducted, that they shall be worthy of universal inspection. I will call to your notice King Solomon's Lodge - To whose Masonic zeal and patriotic labors we are indebted for the festivities of this day.

This sentiment called up W. Br. Charles B. Rogers, Master of King Solomon's Lodge, who spoke aa follows:-

My Brethren :- In behalf of myself and the members of King Solomon's Lodge I offer you my sincere thanks for your attendance here to day, and more especially would I do so as it is but two years since our Lodge called upon the Brethren of this State, to rally under their banner, for the purpose of attending the celebration of the Bunker-Hill Monument Association at the raising of the capstone; and King Solomon's Lodge would not have made another call upon the Fraternity to assemble again under their banner, in so short a time, had they not deemed 1t their duty so to do - a sacred duty, which they owed to the Masonic Fraternity at large, as well as to the memory of the lamented Warren and his associates,- we did not consider the object for which yonder pile of granite was erected, completed. We did not consider that it told its story in history, until it bore upon, or within some part of it, the fact that King Solomon's Lodge, was the first to erect a Monument to those whose names are indelibly connected with the glory of that great day, the seventeenth of June, '75; and on the occasion of placing within that Monument a testimonial of such a description as should forever bear witnes1 to the honorable and patriotic part that Freemasons have acted in this matter, we thought it no more than right that the Freemasons of New England should have the privilege of joining with us, in the festivities of the occasion. Our invitation was accordingly extended to them, and honorably have you responded to the call; and for this, my Brethren, I return you my sincere thanks, and hope that the satisfaction of having joined in this celebration, may be a more gratifying reward to your feelings than I am capable of conferring by words.

My Brethren: - Our numbers and appearance here to day, must show to the traducers of Freemasonry, that it is not dead, neither has it been sleeping; but that it is now, as it ever has been, actively engaged in all its great, benevolent and philanthropic objects - using its best and most efficient means for alleviating human suffering and disseminating the moral precepts of religion. Public parades, it is true, we have not had so many of as in times past, and I think I am right in saying, that it is not in vain parades and outward show that Masons should most exult, but in the principles of the tenets of our Institution and the practice of, and obedience to, the moral laws, which are inculcated by its every precept. The moral precepts of Freemasonry, which are taken almost exclusively from the sacred scriptures, are obligatory not only upon the whole Fraternity themselves, but are such as are equally binding upon the whole family of man. Neither is Masonry confined in her good works entirely to her own votaries, but she is as unlimited as human suffering; and although Masons are in a peculiar manner bound to relieve each other in times of distress, yet the obligations under which they are placed, to the rest of mankind, are in no way changed or impaired, but in a most essential manner strengthened and enforced, by the additional ties of the Order; and hence the dedication of our Institution to universal benevolence. Let ignorance, envy and malice rail at Freemasonry as they please - founded as it is on virtue, benevolence and truth, it is ever destined to withstand their feeble efforts. Yonder granite obelisk may by the hand of time be crumbled into ruins - the marble Monument within it, which has this day been consecrated, may moulder into dust, yet Freemasonry itself is destined still to shine on, increasing in goodness and in brightness, a living monument of its own worth.

It remains for us then, my Brethren, as we regard the welfare of our institution, and of each other, that we exhibit a correct deportment in all the walks of life, that we be faithful to our obligations, and true to our trust, with a deliberate determination that its interests shall not suffer by our neglect. Thus we may continue to go on in our own quiet and unostentatious manner. And while the institution shall continue to be governed by such principles of action, the wise and the good will always be found with and amongst us, and we shall be able to transmit from generation to generation, the wise and valuable principles of our Order, until mankind shall become so wise, virtuous and good that the necessity of associations for moral culture and benevolence, shall be superceded. Nor until then can associations for such purposes be deemed unworthy or unwise. I give you as a sentiment,

Freemasonry - It will continue to flourish until the whole race of man shall be so imbued with the principles of morality, that they shall become aa one society of friends and brothers.

This was followed by a Song from Br. William B. Oliver; sung in the preeminently chaste and beautiful style for which that Brother is distinguished.

Several volunteer toasts were then given and others handed in to the committee, which they had not an opportunity to announce, but which will be found appended to this account. Among those which were announced, was one complimentary to the Bunker-Hill Monument Association. This was responded to in his usually happy and pertinent manner, by W. Br. Joseph T. Buckingham, Esq., the President of the Association, and a Past Grand officer of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

R. W. Br. C. W. Moore en rose, and after alluding to that part of the address of the Grand Master, in which he referred to the fact, that from the Grand Lodge of Massachueetts, has emanated many, or most of the other Grand Lodges in this country, proceeded to state, that

The second Charter granted by the first G. Lodge in Massachusetts was issued on the 24th June, 1734 - 111 years ago this day! It was granted to Benjamin Franklin and others, residents of Philadelphia, and by virtue of its authority, the. first Lodge in Pennsylvania was established. It was the first Charter that had ever gone forth from the then Province of Massachusetts. And thus, sir, was the first spark of Masonic light drawn out of the east, by the same master-hand that drew the lightnings from the heavens. That little spark was placed upon the altar and in the city of "Brotherly Love." It has been nourished by the hands of faithful Brethren, until it has become "a burning and a shining light," shedding its beautiful rays and benign influences over the whole of the "Key-Stone State," of our country. May it continue to burn on, with increased and increasing splendor, until the coming of that Greater Light which shall announce the close of time and the dawning of eternity.

We are honored this day; sir, by the presence of a Brother, who, by his talents, his learning, and his influence, has contributed largely to the presemition of this "sacred fire,"- who has served in the temple and officiated at the altar,- a distinguished son of Pennsylvania. Nay, sir, I am wrong. He is an honored son of our own New England, who has come up to Jerusalem, to unite with his Brethren in honoring the memory of his fathers.

Permit me to give you as a sentiment -

The R. W. Joseph R. Chandler, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania - We welcome him home to the scenes of bis childhood.

Br. Chandler, in reply to this call, spoke for about fifteen or twenty minutes, in a strain of great beauty and eloquence. His remarks breathed the pure spirit of Masonry, and were received by the Brethren present with the highest satisfaction; and we much regret not being able to lay them before our readers. Owing to the confusion occasioned by the storm, we were not able to take notes, and dare not attempt to sketch them from memory. We could neither do justice to the accomplished speaker nor ourself.

Additional speeches, toasts and 'sentiments' follow from the following speakers:

  • R. W. Joseph R. Chandler, PGM, Pennsylvania
  • C. Gayton Pickman, Past Junior Grand Warden
  • R. W. and Rev. Albert Case
  • R. W. Thomas Power
  • Rev. Joseph O. Skinner, Grand Chaplain
  • Br. Joseph C. Warren

At this atap of the proceedings, the Chief Marshal announced that a wreath of flowers had been sent to the pavilion by a fair daughter of one of the Fraternity, with the request that it might be presented to the "most worthy." He then handed it to the Rev. Br. Case, who, turning to R. W. Br. SoLey, addreued him as follows:-

Past Grand Master Soley,- In the interesting exercises of this day, you have taken a very important part. Full of deep interest is the occasion to yourself and your younger Brethren. Fifty-one years since, at the dedication of the first Monument, you addressed the then living members of your Lodge. They have passed away, but you are now permitted to speak to another generation, on the same great principles which then were your theme.

A precious relic of the past - you are endeared to our hearts as an upright man, and true Freemason - we regard you as a link binding the last century to the present - a representative of King Solomon's Lodge as it was, and King Solomon's Lodge as it is,- friend and associate of the friends and associates of the lamented Warren; and as such we delight to honor you.

This wreath, twined by beauty's fingers, should adorn the brow of him whose principles give protection to innocence, and strength and encouragement to virtue.

It is meet that you should wear the crown. True, it is a chaplet of perishable flowers; but our Fraternity recognizes a symbolic language.

Br. Soley,- On your venerable head, already blossomed for the tomb, I place this wreath, emblematic of that immortal wreath of Masonic virtues, which already surrounds it, and which shall bloom in fadeless lustre, in the Grand Lodge Supreme, where Faith shall be lost in sight, and Hope shall end in fruition.

This was a beautiful and touching scene. It melted the heart of the good Brother on whose head the wreath was placed. Nor was he alone affected. The heart of every Brother present beat responsively to his own. Their tears mingled with his, and their prayers silently ascended to heaven that he might be happy in the present and blest in the future.

This was followed by the presentation of a poem by Thomas Power, as well as 'several volunteer sentiments', and a series of letters from Brothers invited who could not attend.

PRINCE OF WALES' VISIT, 1860

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XX, No. 1, November 1860, Page 18:

The Prince of Wales and his suite visited Bunker Hill on the 12th October, at the invitation of the President of the Bunker Hill Monument Association, Bro. G. Washington Warren, by whom they were suitably received.

"The party," says the Aurora, "then walked to the entrance of the monument and examined the interior, looking up the cone to the top, and then the President explained to the Prince the history of the original Masonic Monument, a copy of which in marble, stands in the centre of the Obelisk, and turning to the Duke of Newcastle, who is Provincial Grand Master of Freemasons, Mr. Warren observed, "This may perhaps be specially interesting to your Grace as it relates to Masonry." The Prince not understanding what was said, desired the remark to be repeated, which being done, the Prince said with a smile, "Oh, yes, the Duke is a Freemason." He then passed round the monument, within the enclosure, observed the English and American flags at the top, and inquired the height of the structure. He then made a pleasant remark to President Warren, as to the object of erecting the structure, to which the President made an appropriate reply. The Prince cordially observed, "It is time these old matters were forgotten."

His Honor Mayor Dana proposed to the royal party to make, a further visit to the city, and to visit the Navy Yard, offering to send a message to Com. Hudson, that he might prepare for the reception. But the lateness of the hour, and many other matters remaining to be attended to, prevented their acceptance of the invitation.

Before the party left the premises, President Warren stated to the Duke of Newcastle, that he had caused three copies of the Inauguration of the Statue of Warren to be suitably bound, one copy of which was intended for the Prince, one for Lord Lyons, and one for His Grace, as mementos of the visit of the royal party to Bunker Hill; and the Duke replied that he would be happy to receive and dispose of them as desired

This visit, though suddenly improvised and without the opportunity to make such preparations as would have been gladly desired, and been more generally participated in by our citizens, is a memorable one, and like the visit to the Tomb of Washington, will exemplify to the country the cordial feeling of amity, which happily exists between the government and people of our mother country and our own. Esto perpetua.

GENERAL JOSEPH WARREN AND BUNKER HILL, 1872

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXXI, No. 10, August 1872, Page 307:

Anything connected with the history of General Warren must be of interest to the American Freemason. The following lines which we find in our scrap-book, were written some fifty-four years ago, after a visit to what was called Breed's Hill. In the remains of the old redoubt stood a monument composed of a brick pedestal, from which arose a wooden shaft of pine surmounted by a Masonic urn. Inserted in the four sides of the column were large slate stones, inscribed with dates of Revolutionary events. One of them contained the following words:

Erected by King Solomon's Lodge,
To the Memory of
Major General Joseph Warren,
Their Most Worshipful Grand Master.

It also contained an extract from one of his popular addresses; "The voice of your fathers' blood cries from the ground: My sons, scorn to be slaves," &c. The stones are deposited in the present Bunker Hill Monument. In 1818, many poplar trees stood near the place:

Why rears yon Urn its lonely head,
Where sweeps the summer's gentle breeze,
Above yon hillock's turfy bed,
In plaintive murmurs through the trees?
Or, why with quiet, pensive tread,
Will thoughtful strangers, drawing near,
The mould'ring slate stone pause to read
Of him who rests in silence there.

'Tis the blest spot where Valor sleeps,
Shaded by wreaths of laurel won —
Where Freedom's guardian Genius keeps
True vigils o'er her gallant son.
Here, once, as at Thermopylae,
The battle shouts of Freedom rose;
Firm as their mountains, and as free,
They nobly braved their country's foes.

No tyrant's purchased slaves were they —
The vassals of no feudal lord;
Their country's call they did obey,
And freedom blessed their righteous sword.
Fair rose the morn on that array
Where bright in arms their foemen stood;
A sadder sight — the close of day
Beheld that sun go down in blood.

The roar of arms to despot's power
And pride, the fun'ral knell has peal'd:
The blood that flowed that fated hour,
Has freedom's sacred charter sealed.
Long, long, these deeds of spotless fame
Shall swell their country's noblest rhyme;
The ray that gilds her heroes' name,
Gain lustre in the march of time.

Soft be the turf where fall the brave;
Peaceful their sleep — their battle o'er —
Above their tranquil, grass-grown grave,
Shall war's dread voice be heard no more.
And oft the stranger passing by,
Shall view with honest pride the tomb
Where patriot's sacred relics lie,
And glory's greenest myrtles bloom.

- P. G. Tisdall.

"BUNKER HILL IN THE LAST CENTURY", 1889

From Liberal Freemason, Vol. XIII, No. 9, December 1889, Page 279:

Wor. Bro. A. A. Folsom has handed us an extract from a volume of travels (by William Priest, who Travelled in America, 1793 to 1797. Printed in London, 1802.) of sufficient interest to Masons to be read by them, and we print it as follows.

Boston, October 3d, 1796,

Dear Sir: — The first leisure day after my arrival here, I went to Bunker's Hill, attended by two persons who were spectators of the engagement, and were kind enough to point out and explain a number of particulars I wished to be acquainted with, tor the purpose of enabling me to form a tolerable idea of this famous action. If General Howe meant only to give the Yankies a specimen of British valour, and his contempt of them and their intrenchment, he succeeded in both. His enemies on this side of'the water say, "they gave him a Rowland for his Oliver; that he paid too dear for his victory; that a more prudent general would have found a better place to land the troops, and a safer mode of attack; that the price he paid for this little redoubt ought to have convinced him he could not afford even to bid for Dorchester Heights, if once the Americans got possession of those hills; that he should therefore have fortified them himself; that —" But as nothing is easier than to see all these thats when it is too late, 1 shall plague you with no more of them, but conclude with an inscription from a monument on the scene of action.

Erected, 1794, By King Solomon's Lodge of Free MASONS.
Constituted at Charlestown, 1783.
IN MEMORY OF
MAJOR-GENERAL JOSEPH WARREN
AND HIS BRAVE ASSOCIATES,
Who were Slain on this Memorable Spot,
June 17th, 1775.

"None but they who set a just value on the blessings of Liberty are worthy to enjoy her."

I"n vain we toil'd, in vain we fought,
We bled in vain, if you our offspring
Want valour to repel the assaults of her invaders."

Charles Town settled 1628.
burnt 1775.
rebuilt 1776.

THE MONUMENT TO JOSEPH WARREN, 1919

From New England Craftsman, Vol. XIV, No. 10, July 1919, Page 313:

A Fitting Masonic Tribute

A little way out from the "Athens of America" is seen the great shaft that marks the spot where was fought the first real battle on American soil for what that great Mason, Thomas Paine, called "the rights of man." A ship entering the port of Boston may see this from many miles at sea. Here fell a young physician but forty years of age that posterity might forever have republican government and free schools from the despotic hands of the sectarian bigot or the political tyrant.

Christ church, on old Salem Street, and Faneuil Hall in Boston tell the glories of Major-General Joseph Warren.

The fathers of the American Revolution were Masons, Samuel Adams, James Otis, Patrick Henry, Peter Faneuil, John Hancock, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Robert Treat Paine, Matthew Thornton, Seth Warren, Thomas Paine and John Paul Jones are but a few of the many leaders of the great conflict of human liberty since the Sermon on the Mount who were of the world's most democratic institutions. There were ten Masonic lodges in the Continental Army under General George Washington during the eight years of the war—1775-1783. Without the battle of Breed's Hill (commonly called Bunker Hill), with an insane king on the British throne, George III, Thomas Paine and George Washington, there would have been no war with Great Britain. New England has its Bunker Hill Day June 17, but all America has "Flag Day" June 14.

In the thirteen American colonies at that time, the leading men in all walks of life were Masons. So as it is ordained of Infinite Wisdom that the tiny acorn should precede the mighty oak and the little brook the great river, that Wisdom was no less manifest in humble birth of our American Freemasonry in the good colonial days, a brotherhood where the twentieth century creed-monger and the race despot find no solace or haven of rest. In the dying days of the colonial period, when kingcraft threatened the thirteen (American) colonies, Boston' and vicinity took on "new life." There were three Boston lodges whose membership consisted of "ye best blood of ye colony"—St. John's Lodge, the Lodge of St. Andrew, and the Massachusetts Lodge. These lodges were well represented at the "Boston Tea Party" of December 16, 1773. They cere also represented at the battles of Concord Bridge, Lexington Green, ind at Bunker Hill. It is to be remembered that it was in Puritan and Pil-rim New England, Newport, R. I., where was established the first Masonic lodge on this continent, and in Boston, nearly a century later, in L720, that there was a lodge working under the law of "Ancient Usage." These two lodges died from the "wreck of time," but still Boston kept a firm grasp on Masonry. The fight on Breed's Hill at Charlestown, Mass. (historically known as Bunker Hill) which took place June 17, 1775, not only fully opened the great war of the American Revolution, but placed in the New World Freemasonry in a category unique in the history of man.

General Israel Putnam, senior officer in command in this celebrate^ battle, had been made a Mason in 1758 in "Crown Point Lodge," when a soldier under the crown. General Joseph Warren, a young Boston physician, was a Past Master of the Lodge of St. Andrew, Boston, and "Grand Master of North America," as commissioned by the Grand Lodge of Scotland. He fell in the battle in the afternoon and was buried in that trench. He was succeeded in command by Colonel William Prescott (whom the writer is proud to own as his great-great-great-uncle), of an old New England family.

Colonel Prescott had been made a Mason in the "Crown Point Lodge" in company with his brother-in-law, Colonel John Hale, M. D. (the writer's great-great-great-grandfather). The British held Boston till the following March 17. After they had sailed from the port, Dr. John Warren, of Harvard University, a brother of the lamented general, took Warren's body from the trench. It was badly decomposed, but was known by a gold tooth and his late wife's wedding ring on his left hand. Dr. John Warren was also a member of one of the well-known old Boston lodges. The wedding ring is now owned by Miss Elizabeth Warren Waldron, of Somerville, Mass., a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Boston. There were many Masons engaged in the battle, including Colonel John Stark, Captain Henry Dearborn, Colonel Thomas Crafts, General Alexander Scamsell, Captain Michael McClary, and Captain John Brooks. James Otis was in the engagement as a private soldier. Eight well-known Charlestown residents were Dr. Benjamin Frothingham, Eliphalet Newell, Edward Goodwin, David Goodwin, Joseph Cordis, Caleb Swan, and William Calder, members of the Lodge of St. Andrew. These were held in high esteem by Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Revere (also a member of St. Andrew), who had made the famous ride of April 18. 1775, as was Hon. John Hancock (the first signer of the Declaration of Independence). The old lodge of Bunker Hill fame is King Solomon's. Its early life is in itself a rude history, as follows, to wit:

CHARTER

To All the Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons to Whom These Presents Shall Come:

The Most Worshipful John Warren, Esq., Grand Master of Free and Accepted Masons, duly authorized and appointed, and in ample form installed, together with his Grand Warden,

(Seal) Send Greeting:

Whereas, a petition has been presented to us by Benjamin Froth-ingham, Eliphalet Newell, Edward Goodwin, Joseph Cordis, Caleb Swan and William Calder, and Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons, resident in Charlestown, in the County of Middlesex and commonwealth of Massachusetts, praying that they, with such others as may think proper to join them, may be elected and constituted a regular lodge of Free and Accepted Masons under the name, title and designation of King Solomon's Lodge. with full power to enter apprentices, pass fellow-crafts and raise Master Masons; and that their brother, Josiah Bartlett, be constituted Master; which petition appearing to us as tending to the advancement 0f Ancient Masonry, and the general good of the craft, we have unanimously agreed that the prayer thereof be granted. Know ye, therefore, that we, the Grand Master and Wardens, by virtue of the power and authority aforesaid, reposing special trust and confidence in the prudence, fidelity and skill in Masonry of our beloved brethren above named, have constituted and appointed, and by these presents do constitute and appoint them, the said Josiah Bartlett, Benjamin Frothingham, Eliphalet Newell, Edward Goodwin, David Goodwin, Joseph Cordis, Caleb Swan and William Calder, with others, a regular lodge of Free and Accepted Masons under the name, title and designation of King Solomon's Lodge, hereby giving and granting unto them and their successors full power and authority to meet and convene as Masons within the town of Charles-town aforesaid, to receive and enter apprentices, pass fellow-crafts and raise Master Masons, upon the payment of such modern compositions for the same as may hereafter be determined by said lodge. Also, to take choice of Master, Wardens and other office-bearers annually, or otherwise as they shall see cause; and we do hereby constitute and appoint our worshipful brother Josiah Bartlett, Master; and you are to receive and collect funds for the reliei" of poor and decayed brethren, their widows or children, and in general to transact all matters relating to Masonry which may appear for the good of the craft, according to the ancient usages and custom of Masons.

And we do hereby require the said constituted brethren to attend at the Grand Lodge, or quarterly communication, by themselves or their proxies (which are their Master and Wardens for the time being); and also to keep a fair and regular account of all their proceedings and lay them before the Grand Lodge when required.

And we do hereby enjoin upon our said brethren to behave themselves respectfully and obediently to their superiors in office, and not [to desert said lodge without leave from the Master and Wardens. And ppe do hereby declare the precedence of said lodge in the Grand Lodge and helsewhere to commence from the date of these presents, and require nil Ancient Masons, especially those holding of this Grand Lodge, to acknowledge and receive them and their successors as regular constituted Free and Accepted Masons, and treat them accordingly. Given under our hands and the seal of the Grand Lodge affixed at Boston, New England, this 5th day of September, 1783, and of Masonry 5783.

  • Joseph Webb, G. M.
  • Paul Revere, S. G. W.
  • Thomas Urann, J. G. W.
  • John Symmes, S. G. D.
  • James Avery, J. G. D.
  • William Hoskins, G. S.


  • Received two guineas. John Lowell, G. Treasurer. 5th Sept., 1783.
  • Received half guinea for sealing and recording. Benj. Coolidge, Secretary.
* Received at the same time thirty shillings for the engrossing this charter. James Carter.

The Grand Officers had (in some capacity) served the cause of liberty during the Revolutionary War. Colonel Joseph Webb was the Grand Master during the conflict, but was with the army most of that time. (He commanded for a while at West Point during the Arnold treason) and was in close touch with General Washington throughout the entire war.

Joseph Webb Lodge of Boston is named in his honor and is a most pleasing body to visit. Colonel Paul Revere had been an artillery officer under the crown.

King Solomon's Lodge soon grew to be a mighty body. It met from its conception until a few years ago within five hundred yards from the spot where the "Grand Master of North America" fell in battle.

Dr. Josiah Bartlett, who resided on the "slope of Breed's Hill," was elected its first Master. He was an eminent man of his time. Among its earliest initiates were Dr. Oliver Holden, composer of the world famous hymn "Coronation," and Benjamin Russell (later Grand Master). Commodores John Soley and John Abbott, for whom lodges are named in Massachusetts (note: different John Abbot), were also here made Masons. Dr. Holden was Master 1797-1800. A few years ago his grave was found and is marked by a suitable stone. Dr. Holden wrote Masonic odes on the death of George Washington. Such old New England names as Adams, Snow, Holmes. Goodwin, Coombs, Worcester, Whipple, Hyde, Phipps, Hooper, Stevens, Raymond, Rogers, Bowman, Crowell, Stone, Larkin, Swan, Gregory, Dayton, Hall, Rand, Kendall, Browditch, Merriam, Page, Stearns, Tufts, Payson, Payne, Gates and Eaton are found among its earliest initiates.

In 1794 the lodge erected the "Warren" or original Breed's Hill monument. It cost about $1000 and stood on the spot where the Grand Master had fallen in battle nineteen years before. Benjamin Russell gave the land where now stands the monument. The early records of the lodge read to the effect that the battle was fought in "Brother Benjamin Russell's pasture." This was the first Masonic monument erected in this country.

The author received the Master Mason's degree in this old lodge of Charlestown on September 12, 1893, and is now a life member. The Bunker Hill Monument Association is a child of the same lodge, Brother Russell's "pasture" having been turned over to the association. The writer is also a (life) member of the Bunker Hill Monument Association.

Major-General Joseph Warren, M. D., was "thrice buried." Colonel Joseph Webb was Past Master of the Lodge of St. Andrew. George Richard Gridley (a member of St. John's Lodge of Boston), and Colonel Webb helped to fortify the hill before the battle.

A few years ago King Solomon's Lodge moved to Somerville, once a part of Charlestown, now a beautiful and residential city. Jonathan Harrington, the last survivor of the Battle of Lexington, was raised in this lodge. The membership is over 500 and its bank accounts show several Ejousand dollars in several separate funds at good interest. 1 The seal of this old lodge is of unique construction. Men of all walks nd professions in life make up its thrifty membership. The writer is honorary member of several orders and societies, and has received several degrees from institutions of learning and science, but proudest of all is he of the degrees he received in this one old lodge of the stormy days of the American past. While the mind of man remains rational, stars shine and biography has a charm in civilization, the name of King Solomon's Lodge, a little way out from the once home of the Puritans, will inspire Masonic students and the weary pilgrims to eternity. On June 17 of each year King Solomon's Lodge, through a committee of the oldest Past Masters, places a wreath of flowers on the original "Warren" monument. On each 30th of May (Decoration Day) Abraham Lincoln Camp No. 106, Sons of Veterans, U. S. A. (of which the writer is a member) decorates the "Warren" monument. A toast at fraternal and patriotic gatherings in the Revolutionary Army was to "Warren, Wooster and Montgomery." Warren was the first general to fall in battle, and on that memorable spot was erected the first Masonic monument in America. While the tide ebbs and flows twice in each twenty-four hours and "the flag of the free" floats on the "mighty deep" the rational and liberal world will look with charity, patriotism and respect upon this first Masonic monument.

Charlestown is now a part of Boston. It was settled in 1629 by the three Sprague brothers (one of whom, Ralph Sprague, was one of the senator's emigrant ancestors). These Spragues came with Governor John Winthrop to Salem. Mass., and helped to found Boston, where today Freemasonry is held in highest dignity of any city in these United States.

My gentle reader, be ye aged or in your youth, it will give you a; new lease on life to visit the land of the Puritans and Pilgrims, and while in Boston look over the iron fence on Tremont street into the Granary burial ground, where sleep such friends and Masonic brothers of Joseph Warren as Samuel Adams, John Hancock, James Otis, Paul Revere and Robert Treat Paine. Then go to Breed's Hill and see the statue of Colonel William Prescott, who took up the fight after Warren fell. Then go aloft 273 steps above the "Warren" monument to the top of the great shaft and look out upon the "mighty deep." This great shaft had its cornerstone laid by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts Freemasons with Gus (Brother) Lafayette (32°) in attendance, wearing the apron of the ever-lamented Warren—Pro Patria.

—By Prof. Gilbert Patton Brown, Ph. D., D. C., in the Southern Masonic Journal.

THE OBELISK ON BUNKER HILL, 1924

From New England Craftsman, Vol. XIX, No. 9, June 1924, Page 259:

The ceremony of laying the corner-stone of the Monument which commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill, by the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Masons of Massachusetts. did not take place until June 17th, 1825, fifty years after the battle action. The cause of the delay may be traced to various circumstances. The deranged state of affairs at the end of the Revolutionary War was unfavorable, and the attention of the people was occupied with more pressing demands.— They were busily employed in repairing the damage caused by the war, and it was only by years of industry and economy, that they had arrived at a stage where they felt they could give consideration to such an undertaking. Soon after the second war with Great Britain in 1812, however, public interest was drawn to the subject. A meeting for devising the best mode of accomplishing the object in view, was called by patriotic citizens and met with scant attendance, but as the object became better known, more enthusiasm was manifested and in 1825 a corporation was formed under the name, the Bunker Hill Monument Association, for tlie purpose of erecting an appropriate memorial. An address was made to the public, stating its object, and soliciting subscriptions for funds. There was considerable diversity of opinion as to an appropriate form for the monument and alter a committee was appointed and officers chosen, of which Dr. John C. Warren, a relative of General Warren, was chairman, and Amos Lawrence, treasurer, it was decided to advertise for designs, which resulted in some fifty plans, of various forms and merit, being submitted, of which the obelisk and column seemed to predominate, and were consequently selected as the two motifs from *HU'h to make choice. After much discussion the committee decided on the obelisk, and a design submitted by Solomon Willard, architect of Boston, and based on a model made by Horatio Greenway, a collegian, was approved.

The design of the monument was not determined until July 5th, 1825, five weeks after the ceremony of the laying of the corner stone. The reason for having the ceremony at the time mentioned was because it was desired to have the presence of Lafayette, who was a Mason, and then visiting in the vicinity.

Daniel Webster, a Mason, delivered the oration, and it is conceded that the oration contained the clearest statement to be found anywhere, of the principles underlying the War of American Independence. President Tyler and his cabinet came from Washington for the ceremony.

It is a fact well known to the older architects who practice in New England that at the time it was proposed to build the obelisk in Charlestown to commemorate the Battle of Bunker Hill, it was difficult to find a suitable stone. Boston was surrounded by a primitive formation, and consequently wanting in all the softer kinds of stone commonly used for such purposes. Quincy granite was not then in use, except for rough work, and no successful attempt had then been made in executing moulded and ornamental work in any other kind of granite. The walls of buildings were carried up of granite in ashlar courses and generally crowned with a cornice of wood. Sandstones of different kinds were also used for such purposes, which were brought from distant places. These sand and lime stones were not only expensive, but were defective in substance and color, and when combined with granite gave to the whole a particolored and incongruous appearance. This difficulty has been practically eliminated since then and some of our finest buildings now have many mouldings and ornate carvings executed in granite. A difficulty also existed in obtaining blocks of granite of the size required for large construction, and transportation was a serious problem. The business of quarrying at that time was generally in the hands of those who had neither the means nor the skill which were necessary for carrying on a work of that magnitude in a proper manner. In work intended for monumental use, it is obvious that continuity of substance and color is an important consideration.

The plans and models were examined Inmost of those in the granite business nearby, but no proposal was offered, except by one individual whose price far exceeded the estimate. The committee thereupon decided to purchase a quarry at Quincy and do the work by the day under the superintendence of the architect, Solomon Willard, who was also the architect of the Custom House and other important public and private buildings, and the completed work showed the wisdom of this decision, as it is believed that much money was saved and the work of better quality than if done by contract.

Consideration was given for a monument with a base of 40 feet, but it was agreed that the state of the available funds would not permit of a monument of more than 30 feet and to be 220 feet in height and having a circular stairway to the top. The work was begun at the quarry November 16, 1825, and continued until January, 1829, when it was suspended for want of funds; it was re-commenced on January 17, 1834, when the ladies had raised a fund, and proceeded until November, 1835, when it was again discontinued; in November 1840, work was again started and continued until its completion in 1843, the ladies having again given aid by contributing about $30,000 which they raised through a fair.

The building of the obelisk led to the construction of the first railway in the country and the organization of the Granite Railway Company, Thomas H. Perkins, president. This railway, the motive power of which was oxen, carried the stones from the quarry in Quincy to the shore; they were then put on scows and taken to Deven's Wharf in Charlestown. A special hoisting apparatus of chains and levers for lifting the stones was designed by Almoran Holmes of Boston, a practical seaman and engineer. This apparatus was used for lifting the first 55,000 feet of granite and the remainder was hoisted by steam power. The stones averaged a little more than five tons in weight and were about 12 ft. x 2 1/2 ft. x 2 ft and contained about 55 cubic feet. About 87,000 feet of granite, weighing about 9,000 tons, was used. The total cost of the monument and land was less than one hundred thousand dollars. It could not be built at the present time for less than ten times that amount.

The centennial celebration of the battle of Bunker Hill on June 17th, 1875 was one of the grandest celebrations ever seen in this country. The city, the state and private citizens vied with each other in their efforts to make the event a glorious success. Distinguished guests were present, and man military and civic bodies from nearly all the states participated in the proceedings.

General Charles Devens delivered the oration and Mayor Cobb, Governor Gaston, Col. A. O. Andrews of South Carolina, Gen. Fitz Hugh Lee of Virginia, Gen. W. T. Sherman, Gen. A. E. Burnside and Vice-President Wilson were among the others who spoke.

Gen. Francis A. Osborne was chief marshal of the procession, which was several miles long.

THE BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL AND THE DEATH OF GENERAL WARREN, 1924

From New England Craftsman, Vol. XIX, No. 9, June 1924, Page 261:

No engagement of the American Revolutionary War possesses an interest so deep and peculiar, or produced consequences so important, as the battle of Bunker Hill; and no other engagement is involved in so much obscurity, perplexity and controversy.

It is remarkable on many accounts,— it being the first great battle of the contest,— in the astonishing resistance made by inexperienced militia against veteran troops,— in the affecting character of its prominent incidents,— in the sublimity of its spectacle, — and its influence on the politics of the day. and the fortunes of war. It proved the quality of the American soldier, drew definitely the lines of party, and established the fact of open war between the colonies anil the mother country. It was a victory with all the moral effect of victory, under the name of defeat. And yet at first it was regarded with disappointment, and even with indignation and contemporary accounts of it, whether in private or official, are more in tone of apology, or of censure, rather than of exultation. The enterprise on the whole, was pronounced rash in the conception, and discreditable in the execution, and a severe scrutiny was instituted into the conduct of those who were charged with having contributed by their backwardness, to the result. No one, for years, came forward to claim the honor of having directed it, no notice was taken of its returning anniversary; and no narrative did justice to the regiments that were engaged, or the officers that were in command. Passing events are seldom accurately estimated. The bravery, however, of those who fought, was so resolute, and their self devotion was so lofty, as at once to elicit from all quarters, the most glowing commendation, and to become the theme of the poet and the orator, and as time rolled on, its connection with the great movement of the age appeared in its true light.

Hence the battle of Hunker Hill now stands as the grand opening scene in the drama of the American Revolution. General Joseph Warren exerted great influence in the battle. Having served zealously and honorably in the incipient councils that put in motion the machinery of the Revolution, he had decided to devote his energies to promotin it in its future fields. He was accordingly elected Major General, on the 14th of June but had not received his commission on the day of the battle. Though he is understood to have opposed the measure of occupying so exposed a position as Bunker Hill, yet he avowed the intention, if it should be resolved upon, to share the peril of it. and to the affectionate remonstrance of friends, he responded: dulce et decorum eat pro patria mori.

On the 16th of June he officiated as President of the Provincial Congress, passed the night at Watertown, and though indisposed repaired on the morning of the 17th to Cambridge, where he threw himself on a bed. When he learned that the British troops would attack the redoubts thrown up on Breed's Hill by the American soldiers, he declared his headache to be gone; and after meeting with the committee of safety, armed himself and proceeded to Charlestown. A short time before the action commenced he was seen in conversation with General Putnam at the rail fence, who offered to receive his orders. General Warren declined to give any, but asked where he could be most useful. Putnam directed him to the redoubt saying, "There he would be covered." "Don't think," replied Warren, "I come to seek a place of safety! But tell me where the onset will be most furious." Putnam still pointed to the redoubt. "That is the enemy's object and if that can be held, the day is ours."

General Warren passed to the redoubt, where the men received him with enthusiastic cheers as he entered their ranks. Here he was again tendered the command, this time by General Prescott. But Warren declined it — said that he came to encourage a good cause, and gave the heartening assurance that a reinforcement of two thousand men were on their way to aid them. He mingled in the fight, behaving with great bravery and was among the last to leave the redoubt. Ha was lingering even to rashness in his retreat, and had receded but a few rods when a British bullet struck him in the forehead and he fell to the ground. On the next day visitors to the battlefield, among them Dr. Jeffries and young Winslow, afterward General Winslow, of Boston, recognized the body, and it was buried on the spot where he fell. The British loss in killed and wounded was 1054, while the American loss incurred mainly in the last hand-to-hand struggle was 449. The British had gained the victory, but the moral advantage was wholly with the Americans.

Subsequently it developed that the American generals were aware that their troops had but three rounds of ammunition remaining, and no prospect of the supply being replenished.

After the British evacuated Boston on March 17th, 1776, the sacred remains of General Warren were sought after and again identified, they were first deposited in the Granary Burying Ground, then in a tomb under St. Paul's Church, and finally in the family vault in Forest Hills Cemetery.

General Joseph Warren was born in Roxbury. Massachusetts, June 11th, 1741, graduated at Harvard College 1759, and after teaching school in Roxbury for a few years commenced the practice of medicine.

NEW ENGLAND CRAFTSMAN, 1925

From New England Craftsman, Vol. XX, No. 9, June 1925, Page 293:

BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL

FrederickHamilton1925.jpg
Rt. Wor. Frederick W. Hamilton, Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Massachusetts

(Copyright 1925, by The Masonic Service Association of tlie United States. Reprinted by permission.)

The 17th of June, 1775, was one of those bright, quiet days which show the New England climate at very best. At daybreak the sleeping inhabitants of Boston and the neighboring towns were aroused by the continuous thundering of heavy guns from the upper harbor. Evidently something unusual even in those stirring times was happening. This is what it was.

Ever since the first British regiments had been sent to overawe the town of Boston some eight years before, the garrison had been increased from time to time until the British forces numbered about 10,000 men. General Gage was in command, and with him were Howe, Clinton, and Burgoyne, all familiar names in the story of the next eight years. A few weeks before, on the 19th of April, a British detachment had attempted to destroy the ammunition and supplies which the Americans had gathered at Concord. The story of what happened that day need not he retold here. Its effect, however, was of the utmost importance. The resistance of the Colonists had been solidified and strengthened. The New England militia had gathered in large numbers around Boston, and their forces were constantly increasing. Their organization, however, was crude and imperfect. Washington had been appointed to take command of the Colonial troops, but had not yet reached the neighborhood of Boston. The troops surrounding Boston were under command of General Artemus Ward. General Ward was a man of the highest character and warmest patriotism but advanced in years and of moderate military ability. From his headquarters in Cambridge he was directing the operations which amounted practically to a siege. The Americans were in sufficient force and sufficiently well posted to hold the British closely confined to the city. It was unsafe for small parties of British to venture out, and General Gage did not care to precipitate hostilities by movements in force. Each side was watching the other warily: the Americans anticipating an attempt to break out and the British fearing movements which might make their position untenable.

Under these circumstances General Ward, on June 16, sent out a working party of about 1,200 men under Colonel William Prescott to fortify Breed's Hill, in Charlestown. It does not appear to have been General Ward's intention to bring on an engagement. He appears to have had in mind only the erection of fortifications which would block an attempt of the British to gain the open country by way of the pear-shaped peninsula of Charlestown neck behind it, an exit from the city which was not fortified. Arriving on the ground, however, Prescott went beyond Breed's Hill and fortified Bunker Hill, apparently forgetting the defensive nature of the movement ordered by Ward and considering that guns mounted on Breed's Hill would be able from that point to inflict much more damage on the British in Boston and their ships in the upper harbor. This was quite true, and was the deciding element, as we shall see, in bringing on the judgment. The position, however, was much more exposed and much less easily defensible than Bunker Hill.

The first troops were accompanied by Colonel Richard Gridley, who had commanded an artillery regiment in the French wars, and had considerable training as a military engineer; almost, if not quite, the only engineer officer then in the Colonial Service. Gridley commanded the artillery and laid out the fortifications.

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Battle of Bunker Hill,
From Painting by John Trumbull

At daybreak the Americans and their growing fortifications were seen from the British ships, which immediate1y opened fire, though with very little effect. The sound of the guns, and the news of what it signified, aroused Gage, who consulted witli his generals as to what should be done. Their decision was a very expensive blunder. It was agreed that heavy batteries on Breed's Hill would compel the evacuation of the city, exactly as it was compelled nine months later by Washington's hatteries on Dorchester Heights. There was no question that the Americans must be cleared out of that position. The position itself was a trap. The British had control of the water, and could move their troops upon it at will. Charlestown neck was narrow and could be swept by the fire of the English warships. Protected by this fire, it would have been perfectly possible to land a force which would have cut off the Americans and compelled the surrender of the entire force.

Gage was a British General of the old school, of the highest personal courage, but as arrogant and obstinate as he was brave. Concord and Lexington had taught him nothing. He did not believe that the New England militia, even behind breastworks, would stand for a moment before British regulars. He scorned to employ the obvious tactics which he would have used against an ordinary army. He probably felt that the moral effect of marching over the Americans' breastworks and sending their ill-trained defenders scuttling to the rear would be far greater than could be accomplished by scientific military manoeuver. Accordingly, at ten o'clock in the morning he issued a general order directing certain troops to assemble and march to the waterfront to be ferried across to Charlestown. The order is so drawn that it is impossible to tell at this time just what commands were indicated, or even their approximate strength. It is probable, however, that the total British force engaged, including reinforcements which were later sent over, was about 3,000 men, although some of the people of Boston reckoned it as high as 5,000. No official figures of the force engaged were ever published by the English.

The troops assembled as directed and paraded in a body through the streets of Boston. It was evidently Gage's intention to hold the ground occupied. It is an interesting side light on the military customs of the time to know that, although these men were sent out to fight, and would be separated from their base of supplies by a distance which could be traversed in two hours at the outside, they were sent out in full dress uniforms, and provided with heavy marching equipment and three days' rations. All this in the middle of a warm summer day. Such disregard of ordinary consideration for the comfort and effectiveness of soldiers on duty was characteristic of the English Army at this period, and long after. Knglish soldiers faced Hie climate of India in European uniforms and bearskin hats, while Lord Wolseley tells us that so late as 1853 he had to go into action in the steaming jungles of Burma in a close-fitting scarlet tunic with a high, tight collar.

At twelve o'clock the crossing to Charlestown began, and at three o'clock the British lines were formed for the assault and moved toward the breastworks. The British advance must have been a very beautiful spectacle. Their scarlet-clad lines moved forward with the regularity of the parade-ground, the sun reflecting in myriad points of light from the polished metal of their equipment and the rows of glittering bayonets.

Behind the American breastworks the militiamen were out of sight. Only Colonel Prescott, an experienced veteran of the French wars, walked coolly back and forth on the top of the breastworks, keeping his inexperienced and somewhat nervous men in order. The Americans had been ordered to hold their fire until the British had almost reached the breastworks and, with the exception of a few scattering shots from the nervous and impatient, the order was obeyed. When Prescott considered that the right time had come, he gave the order and a blast of fire destroyed the front ranks of the British. The first volley was followed by a rapid and continuous discharge before which in a few minutes the British broke and fled back to the shore.

In a few moments, however, discipline asserted itself, the officers reformed their men, and a second advance was made. In the meantime the town of Charlcstown had been set on fire by the British and the second assault was partly screened by clouds of smoke from the burning buildings. Again the Americans waited until the British were almost upon them, again the assailants were blasted away by the rifle fire of the defenders. British officers who had served at Fontenoy and other pitched battles on the Continent declared they had never experienced anything like it. A second time the British retreated.

Gage held a hurried consultation with his officers. The gravity of the situation was fully recognized, but British pride was not yet ready to admit defeat, and the possibility of being turned out of Boston by heavy guns which might be mounted in the American works, was again urged. Contrary to all teachings of military prudence, Gage ordered a third assault, which was delivered at five-o'clock. With extraordinary courage and tenacity the British returned to their apparently hopeless task. This time, however, the fire which received them was much less severe. They succeeded in placing some guns in position to rake the American works. The ammunition of the Americans was exhausted. Without bayonets, they had only stones and clubbed rifles with which to resist the British. Even so, they made a desperate resistance, and it was not until their defences were actually in British hands that they broke and streamed away over Charlestown neck, leaving the British in possession of the hill. It was in this last phase of the engagement that the greater part of the American losses were sustained. Among the killed and wounded at this point were Warren and Gridley and many other well-known American officers.

It is more difficult to estimate the number of Americans engaged than it is to estimate their opponents. Americans were coming and going all day, but it doubtful if more than 1,500 were actually engaged at any one time. General Gage admitted a loss of 1,054 killed and wounded. It is highly probable, however, that his loss considerably exceeded that number. General Ward's Orderly Book shows an American loss of 450, which probably substantially accurate.

In all probability the defeat of the Americans and their flight from the trap in which they had incautiously placed themselves saved them from much greater loss in the immediate future. Gage had put forth only a small part of his strength. If defeated, he would undoubtedly have renewed his attempt in a more scientific manner, and must eventually have destroyed or captured the entire American force in Charlestown.

The consequences of the battle were far-reaching. When Washington heard of it his first question was whether the Colonists stood their ground, and when informed that they did he expressed confidence in the outcome of the conflict. The British learned to have wholesome respect for the Americans, and recognized the fact that they had a war on their hands, and not a riot. The Americans throughout the Colonies were enraged at the bloodshed of this dreadful day. They too realized that they had a real war on hand and not an armed protest. After Bunker Hill it became increasingly clear that it was useless to hope any longer for an accommodation with the British Government, and that the issue of independence or complete subjugation was clearly drawn. Up to Bunker Hill most Americans still hoped to secure their rights under the British flag. After Bunker Hill that hope faded to nothingness.

Considering this momentous event, it is in the highest degree important that we of one hundred and fifty years later should remember exactly what it was for which the Americans fought. The animating spirit of the Revolution was not the assertion of nationality or a desire to be independent for independence's sake. Up to the day of Bunker Hill, and beyond it, that great majority of the American Colonists who were of English blood were, in heart and in mind, thoroughly devoted to England. They were nationalists to the core, but their nationalism was English nationalism. Their most cherished spiritual and intellectual possession was that heritage of rights and liberties and political ideals, traditions, and aspirations which had developed through the centuries on English soil and under the English flag. These had been flouted and invaded, not by the English people, but by the English Government.

The English Government had fallen into the hands of a race of petty German sovereigns. On the death of Queen Anne the Crown had passed to George, the Elector of Hanover, known as George I of England, who was succeeded in direct descent bv George II, and George III. who was King at the time of which I write. George I and George II were thoroughly German. George III — "Farmer George," as he liked to be called — prided himself on being an English gentleman. It is true that he was born in England, but all his inheritance, instincts, and traditions were German. The Hanoverian kings were never English in heart. Their political inheritance was German absolutism. They were impatient of English ideas, ignorant of English traditions, and unsympathetic witli English ideals. George III did indeed govern England through the ordinary machinery of the two Houses of Parliament and a Ministry, but at this time he dominated Parliament in both Houses through a group known as "The King's Friends." rhrough this domination of Parliament he was doing his best to substitute Ger-uan absolutism for English freedom. The treatment accorded the Colonies by the King and his Ministers was a part of this general plan. The age-long liberties of :he English people were in danger wher-sver the English flag flew, and it was for :hese liberties that the Americans took up arms.

The Americans had no means of breaking this un-English control of the government except by throwing off their allegiance to the mother country. The ordinary methods of political opposition or if resistance at the polls were not open to them. They were placed in the curious attitude of making war against the English Government in order to preserve or themselves the English political system. The success of the struggle for independence was the death blow of the personal government of the Hanoverian kings. Shortly after the end of the Revolutionary War, another revolution took place in England itself. This revolution is often overlooked because in its course not a shot was fired nor a life lost, but when it was over the principles of English liberty were reassured. "The King's Friends" had ceased to be a political power, and the way was clear for the development of the English Constitution and the government organized under if along its traditional lines. The Battle of Bunker Hill was as significant in the history of the English people as it was in the history of the Americans.

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Statue of Warren on Bunker Hill

The Battle of Bunker Hill, considered as the crucial incident in this great struggle, has a particular interest to Freemasonry. Its most obvious interest lies in the participation in it of prominent members of the Fraternity and the tragic death of the most conspicuous of them. Joseph Warren was Provincial Grand Master for North America under a Warrant from the Grand Master of Scotland. In that capacity he had shown the zeal and powers of leadership which distinguished him in other fields. He had been Provincial Grand Master only since 1769, but in that period had shown intense activity, and had not only greatly increased the number of Lodges under his charge, but had impressed them deeply with the vigor of his wise personality, and the earnestness of his Masonic convictions. As a citizen he had early identified himself with the patriotic party. Wise in counsel and energetic in action, he had taken a high position in that goup of leaders who will never be forgotten so long as American history is read.

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Joseph Warren Volunteering His Services to Gen. Israel Putnam
Before the Battle of Bunker Hill

He had been chosen President of the Massachusetts Congress, as the Legislature was then called, and held a commission as Major General. Unfortunately for the cause which was so dear to him, his ardent temperament and ear-Best desire to be of personal use led him to forget the great responsibilities of the two positions which he held. He did not stop to think that a life charged with such important duties and responsibilities was too valuable to his country to be risked on the battle-field. Waiving his rank, he rode to the battle-field and offered his services to Putnam, who shared the command with Prcscott, and asked to be put where he could be of the greatest use. He fought bravely in the ranks, and did his best to help the retreating troops get away with as little harm as possible, but was killed in the very last moments of the fight. Undoubtedly the death of so distinguished a leader and the example of his personal heroism was of immense influence at the time, and has made a lasting appeal to the patriotism and to the courage of generations. And yet one cannot help wishing that abilities and character so transcendant might have been spared for the service of his country.

Colonel Gridley, the engineer and artillery officer, who was wounded in the fight, was District Grand Master of the other Provincial Grand Lodge which was operating under the Warrant issued by the Grand Master of England in 1733. Putnam, who commanded the Connecticut contingent, and John Stark, who commanded the New Hampshire men, were both active and well-known members of the Fraternity. Others there were who shared their affiliations, but the time possible for the preparation of this article has not permitted the interesting task of tracing out these personal details.

Behind the personalities of the Masons who took a leading part on this historic day lie the principles of Freemasonry which inspired these men and many others to take the position they did when the great issues of the time were defined. We must remember, what we sometimes forget, that modern Freemasonry is distinctly an English institution. While ancient Freemasonry struck its roots far into a remote past and distant lands, the direct connection with these ancient Craftsmen and their thought and work can be traced only in England and Scotland. It was there that the Grand Lodges of our modern type were formed. It was there and in the preceding generations that Operative Masonry became slowly developed into Speculative Masonry. It was from there that Masonry spread to the English Colonies, and also to the Continent of Europe. Masonry, in other words, has grown up on English soil and in the English soul. Its fundamental principles of reverence for the Grand Architect of the Universe, truth, honor, and fair dealing between men, broad tolerance of individual opinion, and equality before the law, were at the same time the fundamentals of the best English political and social thinking. The best in English life expressed itself in Freemasonry, and nowhere outside of England could Freemasonry have found scope and support for its development. When Freemasonry came to America it made its appeal to the best hearts and minds in the community. Here, as elsewhere, the Masons, being a carefully selected and self-perpetuating group, were in advance of the development of the mass of their fellow-citizens.

Freemasonry, as an organization, was true to its immemorial principles of barring from the lodge-room all discussions of religion or politics, and refraining absolutely from any participation as an organization in any political movements. Whig and Tory sat side by side in Masonic Lodges. Boston patriots and soldiers from the English regiments quartered in Boston joined under the Charter of Saint Andrew's Lodge to form Saint Andrew's Royal Arch Chapter. Freemasonry did not desert its purpose of furnishing a common ground upon which honest men of all shades of opinion might meet on terms of mutual respect.

But Freemasons inevitably assumed positions of leadership on the side of the liberty of the citizen and the freedom of the individual. The same considerations which carried leading Freemasons of that day into the forefront of public life send the same call of duty to the Freemasons of today. The same devotion to high principle which made these men leaders and impressed their thought and personality so deeply on the history of that time will produce the same results today. It is not the cry of an alarmist to say that, our institutions are in danger. All good institutions are always in danger. The forces of selfishness, greed, ambition, treachery, ignorance, and superstition are part of human nature; they always have threatened the progress of the human race, and they alwav-s will threaten it in any future of which we need to take account. The same clear-sighted courage and indomitable energy which saved the day one hundred and fifty years ago are called for today. The present writer believes that the call will not fall on deaf ears, and that once again, as so many times in the past, the forces of righteousness will conquer.

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Lord Howe and the American Commissioners
In Conference, 1776

NEW ENGLAND CRAFTSMAN, 1932

From New England Craftsman, Vol. XXVII, No. 6, February 1932, Page 158:

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Erected A.D. 1794 by King Solomon's Lodge of Freemasons, Constituted at Charlestown 1783,
in Memory of Major General Joseph Warren and His Associates
who were slain on the memorable spit on June 17, 1775.

THE FIRST SOLDIER'S MONUMENT IN THE UNITED STATES
By DeBert Wakelee, Past Master, King Solomon's Lodge

In telling the story of this monument let me take you back to the days just after the close of the Revolutionary War to a room in Richard Trumbull's house in Charlestown on the day of August 20, 1783. There were gathered in that room eight men of Charlestown, all Masons. Each man had been active in some capacity in the long struggle for liberty which had just ended. They were Benjamin Frothingham. Eliphalet Newell, Edward Goodwin, David Goodwin, Josiah Bartlett, Joseph Cordis. Caleb Swan and William Calder. and they voted to present a memorial to the grand lodge asking for a charter for a Masonic lodge in Charlestown to be known as King Solomon's Lodge, and the same was duly presented to the grand lodge, and on September 5. 1783. this prayer being granted, a charter was issued and the lodge has been in continual operation since that date, with an unbroken line of records. At the Battle of Bunker Hill, Major General Joseph Warren (who was fighting as a private) was killed June 17. 1775. General Warren was Grand Master of the Massachusetts Grand Lodge, and as such his memory was dear to all members of the Craft, so that on November 11, 1794, at a meeting of King Solomon's Lodge (now of Somerville) it was voted that a committee be appointed to erect a monument in mean ory of our late brother, the Most Worshipful Joseph Warren. This monument was to be erected in the name of King Solomon's Lodge, and to stand in Mr. Russell's pasture (providing the land could be procured). The committee was authorized to draw upm the treasurer to defray the expenses of the same, and when the monument was finished, they report their doings to the lodge.

This committee: Bro. Josiah Bartlett, Bro. John Soley, Bro. Eliphalet Newell, Bro. William Calder, Bro. David Stearns, attended to their work most promptly, and on December 3, 1794, reported to the lodge as follows: That they first waited upon the Hon. James Russell for his permission to proceed and that he generously offered a deed of as much land as might be necessary for the purpose. They then proceeded to erect a "Tuscan Pillar" eighteen (18) feet in height, placed upon a platform eight (8) feet high. eight feet square and fenced around to protect it. On the top of the pillar was placed a gilt urn with the initials and age of General Warren enclosed in the square and compass. On the southwest side of the pedestal the following inscription appeared on a slate tablet:

"None but they who set a just value upon the blessings of Liberty are worthy to enjoy her." "In vain we toiled; in vain we fought; we bled in vain, if you our offspring want for valor to repel the assaults of her invaders." Charlestown settled 1628, hurnt 1775, rebuilt 1770. The enclosed land given by Hon. James Russell."

The committee recommended that the monument be placed under the immediate care of the master and wardens for the time being, whose business it shall be to visit the spot as occasion I may require and to keep it in complete repair at the expense of the lodge forever. Voted that the lodge proceed this day to dedicate this monument. At 2.00 P. M. a procession conducted by Right Worshipful Brother William Calder was formed, consisting of members, the magistrate) selectmen, minister and deacons, town treasurer and clerk, parish officers, officers of the artillery company, militia officers, citizens who had borne military commissions, trustees and scholars of the public schools. The address of the day was delivered by the worshipful master of the lodge. Brother John Soley, Jr. After the address, nine minute guns were fired by a detachment of the artillery company. The ceremonies of the day were closed with the following toast:

"May the fragrance of a good report, like the sprig of Cassia, bloom over the grave of every departed Brother."

The cost of the monument was about $500. This was the First Soldiers' Monument, erected by the first Masonic Lodge chartered in the country after the signing of the Treaty of of Peace between England and the Colonies. Treaty of Peace signed September 3, 1783. King Solomon's Lodge chartered September 5. 1783. At a meeting of the Lodge March 8, 1825, a committee was appointed to make a present of the "Land and Monument" to the Bunker Hill Monument Association.

On May 27, 1825, a communication was received from the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge requesting this Lodge to assist in laying a cornerstone of a magnificent monument to be erected in place of "Warren" Monument. General Lafayette assisted in the ceremonies and was presented a gold headed cane made from one of the posts of the original monument. On June 21, 1845, there was placed in the present monument a marble model of the original "Warren Monument." It was a notable Masonic occasion. Grand Lodges coming to attend from Maine, Connecticut New Hampshire. Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania. King Solomon's Lodge has continued the practice of visiting the monument on the evening of June 16th for the purpose of holding services and placing a wreath on the model of the first monument. These services are held at 5:00 P.M. and all members of the Craft and their families are cordially invited.

TROWEL, 1993

From TROWEL, Winter 1993, Page 10:

THE ORIGINAL BUNKER HILL MONUMENT
A paper presented before the Arlington Historical Society, April 25. 1961
by Bro. Ernest R. Moore

t is not generally known that the first Bunker Hill Monument is not the stately granite shaft that one sees on the hilltop today. The original monument of Bunker Hill was of wood. It was built, owned and, for over thirty years, maintained by King Solomon's Lodge of Freemasons of Charlestown.

The Lodge records of November 11. 1794, contain the following:

"Voted - That Brothers Josiah Bartlett, John Soley, Eliphalet Newell. William Colder and David Stearns be a committee to erect a monument in Mr. Russell's pasture provided the land can be procured) such as in their opinion will do honor to the Lodge, in memory of our late Brother, the Most Worshipful Joseph Warren. That they be authorized to draw upon the treasurer to defray the expenses of the same: and that when the monument is finished they report their doings to the Lodge."

The committee must have been anticipating its work, for only three weeks later, at a special meeting, on December 2. 1794. they made their report: in effect that they had waited upon the Hon. James Russell for his permission to proceed; that he generously offered a deed for as much land as might be necessary for the purpose: that they then proceeded to erect a Tuscan pillar, eighteen feet in height, placed upon a brick pedestal two feet high, and eight feet square, and fenced around to protect it from injury.

On the top of the pillar was placed a gilt urn with the initials and age of Dr. Warren, enclosed in the Square and Compasses. The inscription placed on the southwest side of the pedestal carved on a slate tablet stated that the monument was:

Erected A. D. 1794
by King Solomon's Lodge of Freemasons
constituted at Charlestown 1783
in Memory of
Major General Joseph Warren
and his associates who were slain
on this Memorable Spot June 17. 1775

At that same meeting on December 2. 1794. the Lodge voted to dedicate the monument at two o'clock in the afternoon. An imposing procession of Lodge members and town and parish officials and citizens, conducted by William Calder. was formed. They marched to the hill where an eloquent dedicatory address was delivered by the Master of the Lodge, Worshipful John Soley. Jr. Following the address, nine minute-guns were discharged by Capt. Smith's artillery company. The procession then returned to the hall, where Past Master Josiah Bartlett delivered the eulogy on General Warren.

The cost of the monument was about $500.

It would appear that the fence around the monument did not sufficiently serve its purpose of protection, for succeeding years the Lodge records have frequent mention of the damage caused to the monument by vandals and the offering of rewards for their apprehension.

In the following year 1795. the monument was damaged by persons unknown, and the same commute was directed to make such alterations as they deemed necessary for its preservation. The pedestal was then raised to a height of eight feet and a new tablet of suitable proportions was placed on the pedestal with tl additional inscription.

"None but they who set a just value upon the blessings of liberty are worthy to enjoy her."
"In vain we toiled; in vain we fought; we bled in vain - if you. our offspring, want valor to repel the assaults of her invaders."
Charlestown settled 1628; burnt 1775: rebuilt 1776.
The enclosed land given by Hon. James Russell.

The quotations were from Warren's oration at the Old South Church on March 5. 1772. on the observance of the second anniversary of the Boston Massacre.

The original slate tablet then came into the possession of Hon. James Russell, the donor of the land, on which! the monument stood.

For more than thirty years the Lodge continued toon the monument and the little plot of ground, occasionally making repairs and endeavoring to keep the structure \ presentable. Meanwhile a movement was under way for the construction of a more enduring memorial of the battle and in 1823 the Bunker Hill Monument Association was formed. On March 8, 1825, the Lodge voted to preset the land and the monument to the newly formed association.

Apparently, that was the signal for the vandal and the souvenir hunter to get busy, for the Lodge records of May 10. 1825, state that the monument having been destroyed by some person unknown, a committee was appointed to investigate with full powers to act.

The next month on June 17. 1825. King Solomon's Lodge assisted the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in laying the corner stone of a magnificent monument. The Lodge, on that occasion, presented to Illustrious Brother General Lafayette a gold mounted cane made from piece of one of the cedar posts of the original monument.

That seventeenth day of June in 1825 was one of the post famous days in the history of Charlestown. when the cornerstone of the monument was laid in the presence of General Lafayette and, when Daniel Webster, president of the association, delivered one of his greatest orations. The crowd, estimated at one hundred thousand. las by far the largest that had ever gathered in that llcinity. It seemed as though all New England had assembled on the slopes of the hill.

King Solomon's Lodge, naturally, took a prominent ■art in the celebration, as it did also on June 17. 1843. when the completed monument was dedicated and Daniel Webster was again the orator. On the latter occasion President John Tyler was present.

In 1825 when the Lodge presented the original monument with the land on which it stood to the Bunker |ll Monument Association, assurance was given that me trace of the former structure should be preserved; accordingly an exact model of the original monument erected in 1794 was made by one of the best artists in the country of the finest Italian marble and. with the permission of the association, the model was placed in a niche lie well room of the obelisk directly in front of the pee. Including the base on which it stands, the model is about nine feet in height.

On Saint John's Day, June 24, 1845. King Solomon's fee with the assistance of the Grand Lodge and other lies celebrated the completion and dedication of the model with suitable ceremonies.

For many years, with the exception of the war years when the monument was closed to the public and securely guarded against any possible sabotage by the enemy, the officers and members of King Solomon's Lodge have journeyed to Bunker Hill. memorial services, and decorated the model monument, usually on the evening preceding the anniversary of the battle.

How or when the slate tablet, which was on the original monument, got to Arlington will probably is remain a mystery.

It appears, however, that James Russell of West Cambridge - now Arlington, (who was not the Russell of Charlestown who gave the land e monument in 1794). built a tomb in the old Pleasant Street Cemetery at the rear of the Menotomy Meeting House, and in the brick wall of the tomb was inserted the old slate tablet, on the face of the tablet toward the wall and the back of the tablet toward the front, with this inscription carved on the reverse of the tablet:

No. 4
James Russell's Tomb
Built 1811

There the tablet remained until about 1860, when the wall having crumbled, the tablet fell out. A new stone of marble bearing the names of Mr. Russell and family was placed over the tomb, and this old slate tablet was cast aside by the workmen as unfit for further use.

In the summer of 1885. while repairs were being made on the old horse sheds of the Unitarian Church, that portion of the sheds behind the Russell tomb was torn down, and in the intervening space between the sheds and the wall of the tomb was found the "rejected stone."

A brother Mason residing in Arlington, seeing the stone, turned it over and read the ancient inscription on the other side.

Deeming this information of importance, it was removed to a place of safety, and the heirs of Mr. Russell were notified and were asked if it might be returned to King Solomon's Lodge by them, through the hands of Hiram Lodge.

At a meeting of Hiram Lodge on January 14, 1886. Brother Walter Russell, a grandson of Brother James Russell moved, and it was so voted:

"That the Worshipful Master be a committee to have the tablet suitably framed and present it to King Solomon's Lodge, in behalf of the heirs of Brother James Russell, at such time as might be agreeable to both Lodges."

That very agreeable time arrived on February 23. 1886. in the Lodge room in Thompson Square at the foot of Bunker Hill, when William H. Poole. Master of Hiram Lodge, presented the tablet to William N. Townsend. Master of King Solomon's Lodge, and the precious relic came home to its original owners.

In 1899 King Solomon's Lodge moved to Gilman Square. Somerville. and the tablet was installed on the wall of their apartments where it may be seen today.

TROWEL, 1998

From TROWEL, Winter 1998, Page 8:

Restoration and Rededication of the First Memorial on Bunker Hill
by Bro. Don Haska

On June 17, 1998, the newly restored marble model of the First Bunker Hill Memorial was rededicated by King Solomon's Lodge, A. F. & A. M., with the help and assistance of The National Park Service, Boston National Historical Park. This column was originally raised to honor the memory of Major General Joseph Warren and his associates who perished at the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775.

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Wor. Wayne Forsyth and the restored model of the first monument located in the inner chamber of the Bunker Hill Monument.

The marble model of the first wooden memorial was originally dedicated in 1845. It sits prominently at the base of the Bunker Hill Monument to greet all visitors to this former part of the Battle Site. The First wooden memorial was raised by King Solomon's Lodge. A. F. & A. M., then of Charlestown. now meeting in Somerville, MA. in December. 1794. When the Bunker Hill Monument Association proposed to erect a new, more "imposing and enduring" memorial to the veterans of the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1823, an agreement was reached with King Solomon's Lodge, who owned the property upon which the Monument now stands, which was then known as "Russell's Pasture" now known as "Breeds Hill." It was the desire of King Solomon's that some memory of the first wooden memorial would be placed within the Obelisk to continue to honor the memory of Joseph Warren and his fellow Patriots. Two years after the dedication of the Bunker Hill Monument, on St. John the Baptist Day. June 24. 1845, a lasting memorial was then offered on this hallowed spot. A nine foot model of the First Monument, made of the finest marble, was placed on the floor of the inner chamber, now called the well room, of the new monument. It was a column of pure white set on a base of dark gray granite directly in front of the entrance. A distinguished suite of Masons including R. W. John Soley. Grand Master Augustus Peabody and over seven hundred Masons from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island, participated in song, adulation and veneration.

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Wor. Wayne Forsyth and P.M. Fred Gill, presenting the wreath dedicated to Joseph Warren to the National Parks Service

The first monument was an 18 ft. wooden Tuscan Pillar set on an 18 ft. brick pedestal. Resting on the capital of the pillar, was a gilt urn, inscribed with the letters J. W. and the number of years, 33, set within a square and compasses. Dedicated to the leadership of the Most Worshipful Joseph Warren, who was found buried in a rough grave near this site, the wooden memorial suffered much from the growing anti-Masonic fervor beginning in the 1800's. The marble model of this monument has suffered as well. Due to the difficult conditions of the weather and an accident over forty years ago, the urn was broken and the shaft was cracked. Lost for a number of years, the urn was recovered by the Boston National Historical Park and in cooperation with King Solomon's Lodge, an effort to restore the marble model to pristine condition was instituted. Pictures were obtained from Grand Lodge archives with the help of Librarian Cynthia Alcorn, Technician, Wor. Mike Kaulback of Grand Lodge Museum and Bro. Don Haska of King Solomon's Lodge. The original urn was studied, a plan was proposed and a method devised to recast the urn using the original as a guide in order to restore the broken symbol. With the aid of National Park Service conservators and Bunker Hill Monument Site Supervisor, Ethan Beeler, the urn was then reconstructed. Under the watchful leadership of Wor. Wayne Forsyth. Master of King Solomon's Lodge, the marble model of the first Bunker Hill Monument was repaired and properly restored. The project was successfully completed and the rededication ceremony held on the evening of June 17th.

King Solomon's Lodge gratefully acknowledges the dedication of The National Park Service, Boston National Historical Park, to this restoration of the first memorial. Each year. King Solomon's Lodge, recalls the sacrifice of those early Patriots with a service honoring their memory on or about June 17. Present at this special rededication were Peter Steele, Deputy Superintendent, Boston National Historical Park, who spoke of the pressing need to repair this Memorial, the Lodge at the base of the monument and the Obelisk itself. Bro. John J. Alves, Secretary, Bunker Hill Monument Association and Ethan Beeler, BHM Site Supervisor both acknowledged the work of National Park Service, Northeast Region Chief Conservator Brigid Sullivan, Park Curator Gay Vietzke, Assistant Park Curator Phil Hunt, Conservators Carol Warner, Naomi Kroll and Neil Abelsma, Artisan Robert Sure, urn mold-maker and Charlestown resident Bro. Don Haska from King Solomon's Lodge for their scholarship, research and dedication. Wor. Wayne Forsyth, Master of King Solomon's Lodge, spoke of the great Masonic presence on this Site, of the many Masons who fought and died here for freedom, tolerance and brotherhood, of Bro. Paul Revere and Bro. Lafayette who were present at past memorials, of Bros. Bartlett and Soley and other Grand Masters who have paused on this site in memory of that Patriot who is almost forgotten in our public acclamation: Doctor, Major General, Provincial President and Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, Joseph Warren. A history of the first monument was given by Bro. Don Haska. P. M. Fred Gill gave the benediction recalling the enduring self-sacrifice of those who died there. Wardens James Norton and Maurice Haddad then laid a wreath at the base of the marble model. The service was concluded with a hearty collation at the Preble Room located next to "USS Constitution" in the Charlestown Navy Yard.

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Peter Steele, Deputy Superintendent, Boston National Historical Park; Wor. Wayne Forsyth, Master of King Solomon's Lodge; Ethan Beeler, BHM Site Supervisor; Bro. John J. Alves, secretary. Bunker Hill Monument Association, (in front of) Most Worshipful Joseph Warren. (The plaster cast of this statue, from which this work was carved is on the Grand Staircase at the Grand Lodge.)

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Bro. Don Haska, SD; Bro. Cazmis Kozerski, SS; Bro. Maurice Haddad, JW; Bro. Barrie Wilder, JS, King Solomon's Lodge, Somerville.