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Looking at Progress...
Colonial Freemasonry
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This photo of George Washington in his Masonic Regalia appeared in
the Feb. 23, 1956 issue of The Christian Science Monitor. |
The following article
was authored by the late William H. Knutz and is reprinted from the
"Philalethes". The subject has been thoroughly researched by the author, and
should save the reader many hours which would have been spent perusing many volumes to
gain the same amount of information. Note: This file is approx. 3050k or 9 pages long. It
is recommended that it be printed from your browser for later reading.
"They had no friends to welcome them, nor Inns
to entertaine or refresh their weather-beaten bodies, nor houses or such much less towns
to repair to, to seek succoure....Besides, what could they see but a hideous and desolate
wilderness, full of wild beasts and wild men?" Thus wrote William Bradford, Governor
of Plymouth Colony.
William Bradford was comparing a new and uncultivated, unsettled country with the
older culture of England. Gradually, and
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over the period we know as Colonial
times, changes were wrought. Our eastern coast became more settled and the discomforts and
dangers of earlier days lessened. Yet, a comparison of life in even later Colonial days
with today affords great contrasts.
Housing conditions by our present-day standards were primitive. Cities were small, unkept,
and unsanitary. Perhaps the greatest contrast, and one that had the most retarding
influence, may be found in differences in the methods of travel and communications. Then,
time to cross the Atlantic Ocean were measured in weeks. Now, it is measured in hours.
Travel over land was on foot or horse back, and communications took the same tortuous
time.
Why did men leave comparative security and comfort of established homes in Europe and
England to endure the dangers and hardships of a primitive land? The answer is that man
will dare any hardship to obtain freedom. Most of our pioneers came to America to escape
religious persecution. The desire to worship in their own manner, to establish homes and
businesses, and to achieve security is always strong.
Unfortunately, many early settlements were composed of Colonists interested only in
freedom for themselves. Consequently minority interests enjoyed few privileges and for a
time persecutions continued. No doubt, Freemasonry, the exponent of liberty and justice,
exterted its influence for many Freemasons took leading roles in the stirring events which
resulted in establishing our self-governing nation.
Early Freemasonry came to North America from England. The Craft here was passing through
the formative stage at the time Freemasonry in England was undergoing strife and changes.
A brief review of 18th century Freemasonry in
London will help us understand the contemporary period in the Colonies.
During the first decade of the 18th century Freemasons and four London lodges united in
forming a Grand Lodge and elected a Grand Master. There were other lodges there, as well
as Scotch and Irish Masons working. Many of them did not subscribe to the customs and
policies adopted by the 1717 Grand Lodge and other Grand Lodges were formed. Between 1717
and 1813 there were as many as five rival Grand Lodges in England, not all active at the
same time. One of the latter, formed in 1751, became a strong contender for supremacy and
was known as the Ancient Grand Lodge, while the 1717 Grand Lodge was termed the Modern.
Adherents to the former were called "Ancients" and those of the latter were
known as "Moderns." These terms, however, did not refer to their relative ages
but to the different forms and ceremonies practiced. The "Ancients" resented
certain omission of parts of the ritual; for they stated that an Ancient Mason could with
propriety sit in a lodge of Moderns, but a Modern could not sit in a lodge of Ancients.
There were other differences, of course. The "Modern" Grand Lodge was largely
supported by the nobility and aristocrats. Members of the "Ancient" Grand Lodge
were mostly craftsmen; hence the rivalry between Ancients and Moderns became acute and it
was not cleared until their union in 1813.
One key to the cause of this rivalry can be found in the Articles of Union, Preston's
Illustrations, which states: "It is declared and pronounced, that pure Ancient
Masonry consists of three degrees, and no more; viz. those of the Entered Apprentice, the
Fellow Craft, and the Master Mason (including the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal
Arch)."
This rivalry extended to the Colonies and at times was also bitter. The Revolution
occurred at the height of this rivalry and here, as in London, the Moderns were supported
by men of wealth. The Ancients were mostly working men. Modern lodges contained more
Tories; Ancients more Patriots.
It is claimed that the first Freemason to come to North America was John Skene. He was
made a Mason in 1684 in Aberdeen Lodge, Aberdeen, Scotland, settled at Burlington, the
capital of East Jersey, and was Deputy Governor from 1685 to 1690. Records of Masons and
Masonry began to appear in the early part of the 18th century, and as the Craft grew in
numbers lodges were formed. In the second quarter of the century Masonry became more
formal.
The stone bearing the square and compasses and the date 1606, found in Nova Scotia, and
the story of the lodge formed in Rhode Island in 1658, have no proven Masonic
significance. We know that lodges could have been working at dates earlier than are
recorded. For, "according to old custom," previous to regulations adopted by the
Modern Grand Lodge, in 1723, seven or more Masons could gather and form a lodge. No
dipensation, charter, or formal act of any other body was required. Then, too, the
regulations of 1723 were not generally recognized for a long time, and many lodges were
formed without benefit of dispensation or charter.
Daniel Coxe was appointed Provincial Grand Master of the Provinces of New York,
Pennsylvania, and New Jersey by the Grand Lodge of England in 1730. He was the first to
suggest, in 1732, a union of the Colonies, and this suggestion was repeated by Benjamin
Franklin in 1754.
Henry Price was deputized "Deputy Grand Master of New England and Dominions and
Territories thereonto belonging" in 1733 by the 1717 or Modern Grand Lodge of London.
In the same year Henry Price formed the first Lodge in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1733,
named "St. John's Lodge," located on King Street, near Long Wharf. The second
Lodge in Boston was formed in 1738 and named "Masters Lodge." A third was formed
in 1752 "according to old customs" and named "Second Lodge," located
on Union Street, near Mill Pond. In 1756 this Lodge petitioned the Grand Lodge of Scotland
for a charter. Due to infrequent meetings and delays in communications, the charter was
not received until four years later, when it became known as "St. Andrew's
Lodge." It may be of interest to record that the aforementioned "Masters
Lodge" conferred the Master Mason Degree only.
Fredericksburg Lodge in Virginia, was formed "according to old customs." Here
George Washington was raised in 1753. In the records of this Lodge are found the oldest
known minutes referring to the Royal Arch degree in North America. Under date of December
22, 1753, the minutes state that "three Brethren were raised to the degree of Royal
Arch Mason." Fredericksburg Lodge was regularly chartered in 1758.
Colonial lodges were small, generaly having fewer than fifty members. Minutes of this
period show that lodge procedure was about the same as now. Business was transacted,
candidates elected and degrees conferred. Differences, however, did exist. Many lodges
conferred only the Entered Apprentice and the Fellow Craft Degrees. Business was conducted
in the E.A. Degree, as it is now in lodges under English Constitutions. The Master Mason
Degree was sometimes conferred in lodges formed for that purpose. Many Masons did not
advance beyond the Fellow Craft Degree, and others were satisfied to remain Entered
Apprentices. Lodge officers were not always Master Masons. For example, Major Archibald
Anderson was elected Junior Warden of American Union Lodge in Roxbury, Massachusetts, the
night before he was made a Master Mason. Occasionally a lodge would assume the authority
of warranting the forming of a new lodge; and sometimes these lodges called themselves
Grand Lodges.
During the 18th century events which had a profound effect on the Colonies and Freemasonry
were taking place. Of major importance was the conflict between the English and the French
for supremacy in the Colonies. These conflicts are called the French and Indian Wars and
they continued for years. Naturally there were many British soldiers stationed in the
Colonies, and as traveling or military lodges were common in the British Army, a number of
them were working in the British Colony army.
At the close of the French and Indian Wars, in the last half of the 18th century, there
were about 50 military lodges in the Colonies. They were warranted by both the Ancient and
Modern Grand Lodges of England, and by the Grand Lodges of Scotland, Ireland, and the
Provincial Grand Lodges of Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and New York. At the time
hostilities started in the Revolution, the number of military lodges had increased about
50 per cent. At the close of the French and Indian Wars there were, in addition to the
military lodges, about one hundred lodges warranted by the Grand Lodges previously named.
Military lodges greatly accelerated the growth of Colonial Freemasonry. The outcome of the
French and Indian Wars resulted in removing France as a contender for Colonial supremacy.
George III became King of England in 1760, and soon the British Parliament began adopting
a number of acts affecting the Colonies for the purpose of raising revenue to pay for the
French and Indian Wars. Taxes, disposition of lands, and the quartering of British
soldiers in the homes of Colonists were particularly irksome. In-as-much as these acts
were adopted in the early part of the reign of King George III, and because he was in
sympathy with them, historians date the beginning of the Revolutionary period at 1760.
Now is the time to recall rivalry between the Modern and the Ancient Grand Lodges in
London, and that the Scottish and Irish Grand Lodges were in sympathy with the Ancients.
The first lodge formed in Boston, later named St. John's Lodge owed allegiance to the
Moderns. Its members were mostly aristocrats and some were Tories. James Otis was an
exception, a staunch patriot and the author of the words known to every school child:
"Taxation without representation is tyranny." He was eloquent and for a time
exerted great influence. Later, his character changed and he became known as the "mad
dictator of Boston."
St. Andrew's Lodge, after working for eight years, "according to old customs,"
received a warrant from the Grand Lodge in Scotland and was therefore "Scottish"
rather than "Modern" in form. Its membership was largely composed of men
determined to make the Colonies independent. In 1769, Joseph Warren, a member of St.
Andrew's, was deputized "Grand Master of Masons in Boston and within 100 miles of the
same." This placed St. John's Lodge and St. Andrew's Lodge in the same general area
and warranted by different Grand Lodges. However, exclusive jurisdiction was not then
recognized and is not today in some parts of the world. Joseph Warren was raised in 1761
and he became Master of St. Andrew's in 1768. He was made a Royal Arch Mason in St.
Andrew's Royal Arch Chapter in 1770, and later served as its High Priest. Paul Revere also
was a member of this Chapter. Chapters of this period were generally attached to lodges.
The rivalry between the Ancients and the Moderns in London was reflected in the relations
between St. Andrew's and St. John's Lodges. The latter denied the privilege of visitation
to members of St. Andrew's and termed them irregular and clandestine. St. Andrew's
retaliated toward the members of St. John's, the majority of them being in sympathy with
the British. John Rower, the Grand Master, was most emphatic in his sympathy. In contrast,
his nephew of the same name, and a member of St. Andrew's was a patriot. He made the now
famous inquiry, "Whether tea would mingle with salt water," and later wrote in
the minutes of the Lodge: "Consignees of the tea took up the brethren's time."
St. John's termed St. Andrew's a "nest of sedition." Others called it the
"headquarters of the Revolution."
Acts of violence started with the Boston Massacre in 1770. In 1772, Abraham Whipple, a
member of St. John's Lodge in Providence, led a party which burned the British ship
Gaspee. In the same year a Committee of Correspondence was organized in Boston to alert
and protect the people against the oppressive acts of England. Similar committees were
organized in other Colonies and out of them grew the Continental Congress.
In 1773 England repealed all taxes except those on tea. Attempts to force collection of
the tea tax thoroughly aroused a majority of the citizens of Boston and their resistance
to this won the sympathy of partriots throughout the Colonies. In Boston, ships containing
cargoes of tea were anchored at Griffin Wharf, and authorities refused to accept them. By
law twenty days were allowed to pay the tax and unload the cargo. At the end of this
period the cargo was subject to confiscation. England, being determined to collect the tax
or confiscate the tea, threatened to sink the ships if they left the harbor without being
unloaded. There were a number of town meetings and on the 16th of December, just as the
twenty days grace expired, a band of men disguised as Indians boarded the ships and threw
the tea into Boston harbor. Members of St. Andrew's Lodge took an active part in the
"Tea Party." Joseph Warren, together with Paul Revere, John Hancock and others
are credited with organizing and leading the party. The minutes of St. Andrew's indicate
the activity of the members in this historic event. The cost of the tea destroyed was
about
$75,000, and England passed an act to close Boston harbor until the amount was paid. This
aroused the Colonies and it probably was the spark that led to uniting them in the
upcoming struggle for freedom.
History is made by determined individualists, and the Colonies had a generous share of
such men to lead through the Revolutionary period. They were willing to sacrifice wealth,
security, and even life itself to attain independence. Dr. Joseph Warren, one of the
leaders of his day, was an organizer of exceptional ability. President of the Provincial
Congress, Grand Master of Masons, he was commissioned a Major General. Following the
battle of Lexington and Concord, April 19, 1775, he was killed at the battle of Bunker
Hill, which actually took place on Breed's Hill, June 17, 1775.
Paul Revere was Joseph Warren's most trusted associate. He acted as messenger for the
Committee of Correspondence, traveling on horseback, which in those days required many
hours of hard riding. One of his rides, famous in history and poetry, was his midnight
ride to Lexington to warn the countryside that the British were coming. Among his skills
we may list engraving, working in silver, casting bells (some still in use), dental work,
and the art of rolling copper into sheets. The company he founded to work in copper is
still a leader in this field. In 1795 Revere supplied the fittings for the
"Constitution," and the "Essex," two of the first three ships ordered
by the Navy. Copper for these ships was rolled in England. In 1803, when the
"Constitution" was re-coppered, Revere rolled the metal, the first rolled in
America.
Revere was commissioned a Lieutenant Colonel, but did not see much action. His skill in
metals kept him busy making the tools of war. His accomplishments in Freemasonry were
considerable. About these Esther Forbes says: "He was entering a carefully selected
group based on neither wealth nor prestige, but entirely on character . . . The society
was a silent, but powerful influence on Boston. The brethren met on common footing and did
much to promote the idea of the brotherhood of man - and also of the American
Revolution." In Freemasonry Paul Revere followed closely in the footsteps of Joseph
Warren, serving St. Andrew's Lodge as Master and later becoming Grand Master.
One Freemason, mentioned but little, left a work that has endured throughout the years.
Amos Doolittle, a native of Connecticut, served in the Colonial Army under Benedict
Arnold, and made the engravings of the skirmish at Lexington which have been reproduced
many times. Engraving was his vocation and his subjects were numerous and varied. His
illustrations for lodge degrees have been copied and used in nearly every Masonic
jurisdiction in the United States. He made the plate for the "True Masonic
Chart," designed by Jeremy Cross, an indefatigable worker in lodge, chapter and
council Masonry.
The earliest record of Freemasonry in Philadelphia is that of St. John's Lodge, under date
of December 8, 1730. This lodge was formed "according to old customs," and has
the distinction of numbering one of our best-known patriots among its members. Benjamin
Franklin, made a Mason in St. John's Lodge, in 1731, had capacity for leadership, which is
evidenced by his becoming Provincial Grand Master of Pennsylvania in 1734. He was
publisher of the Pennsylvania Gazette and was the first to reprint the Anderson
Constitutions of 1723. This reprint is now classified among the rare books of the Craft.
Announcing it the "Gazette" printed, in 1734, the following advertisement:
"Just Published . . THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FREEMASONS: containing the History,
Charges, Regulations, etc., of the most Ancient and Right Worshipful Fraternity, London
printed. Re-printed by B. Franklin in the year of Masonry 5734. Price: Stitch'd 2s6. Bound
4s."
Franklin was the most versatile of all the Colonial leaders. As a printer and philosopher
his writings were widely read. As a scientist he proved lightning and electricity to be
the same natural force; invented bifocal lenses, and made many other contributions to
scientific progress. As a statesman and diplomat he performed services of the greatest
value for the Colonies. He was the founder of the University of Pennsylvania and received
honorary degrees from the Universities of St. Andrew and Oxford.
The first Continental Congress met at Philadelphia on September 5, 1774, Peyton Randolph,
Provincial Grand Master of Virginia, presiding. At this time there were working in
Philadelphia four Moderns, five Ancient, and one Scottish Lodges. On May 10, 1775, the
second Continental Congress met, also in Philadelphia and continued in session for a
number of weeks. This Congress commissioned George Washington as Commander-in-Chief of the
Colonial forces on June 15, 1775.
In this second Congress, Brother Richard Henry Lee expressed the desire of all patriotic
Colonists in these stirring words: "Resolved, that these United Colonies, are, and of
right ought to be, free and independent states, and that they are dissolved from all
allegiance to the British Crown . . ." During the sessions of this Congress Thomas
Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, which on July 4, 1776, was unanimously
adopted, Brother John Hancock being the first to affix his signature. This he did with a
bold hand - so that King George III would have no difficulty in reading his name.
Masonic membership of the early days is not always easily determined. Because of fires,
dissolving of lodges, or carelessness, minutes and records are often missing. It is,
however, known that a number of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence were
Freemasons. Thomas Jefferson's membership in a Masonic Lodge is as yet in doubt, as the
Grand Lodge of Virginia does not accept him, although the Charlottesville Brethren like to
claim him on the ground that he once marched in a Masonic procession. The American Lodge
of Research spent years to find Thomas Jefferson's name on a Masonic register, but in
vain.
Grave differences ofter arose between Colonial leaders during the Revolution, and the
interests of one section of the country differed from those of another. Personalities
varied; some were in favor of direct, aggressive action; others favored compromise in
settlement of difficulties. The influence of Benjamin Franklin during these trying times
was of incalculable value. At home he obtained agreements when differences threatened
unity. In France he obtained financial aid without which the successful termination of the
Revolution would have been greatly prolonged, if not made impossible. Franklin's
democratic ways and his affection for people made him very popular in France. During his
stay he was elected a member of Lodge "des Neuf Soeurs" (Lodge of Nine Sisters),
in 1777. In 1778 he assisted in the initiation of Voltaire and, in 1779, was elected
Master. He was also elected to honorary membership in Lodge "de Saint Jean de
Jerusalem," and in Lodge "des Bons Amis."
Philadelphia, centrally located, was the scene of great military activity. It was on a
line through this area and easterly to the lower Hudson river that England hoped to divide
the Colonies, disrupt supplies and communications, and win an early victory. On Christmas
Day, in 1776, Washington crossed the Delaware and surprised the Hessians at Trenton.
Following this victory, reverses were encountered and the British entered Philadelphia in
September of 1777. Washington retired to Valley Forge and established headquarters for the
winters of 1777 and 1778. This marked the darkest hour of the Revolution. The resources of
the Colonies were meager. A glance at the population figures of the principal cities of
this period will provide a measure of the man-power of the Colonies. New York had 33,000
inhabitants; Philadelphia, 28,000; Boston, 18,000; Baltimore, 13,000; and Providence,
6,000. Washington's forces at Valley Forge were reduced by illness and desertion, from
15,000 to 5,000. Money was lacking; food, clothing and other supplies were woefully
inadequate. The winter campaigns proved real hardships. In contrast, the foe had
superiority in numbers and wealth, and all the implements of war money could buy. Valley
Forge witnessed no battles, but it was a place where the souls of men were tried. Here
intensive training prepared the Colonial Army for
the decisive engagements which were yet to come.
The defeat of Burgoyne at Saratoga, October 1777, rekindled the hopes of the Colonists,
helped win the aid of France, and marked the turning point in the struggle for freedom.
With France on the side of the Colonies, England feared a blockade and evacuated
Philadelphia in June 1778. In the same month, Washington took Monmouth and the British
were forced to retreat to New York. The Opportunity to divide the Colonies was passing.
After Saratoga the Colonial forces still had a rough road to travel. The British
campaigned in the southern Colonies with considerable success and, in 1780, took
Charleston and won the battle of Camden. Cornwallis led his troops from North Carolina
into Virginia, in March of 1781, with the hope of capturing Lafayette. In this move he was
unsuccessful and had to retreat to Yorktown. Washington moved from his campaign in New
York and, with the French fleet holding the British fleet at bay, effected the surrender
of Cornwallis on October 19, 1781.
Throughout the long struggle for independence Freemasonry played an important part.
Military operations often interrupted Masonic communications. Nearly the entire membership
of some lodges entered military service. Of course, there were many Freemasons in the
British Army, and it is gratifying to note that the bond of fraternal fellowship was often
used to relieve suffering, and on several occasions was the means of saving lives.
George Washington placed great confidence in his Masonic associates, as many of his
generals belonged to the Craft. Baron von Steuben was a Mason who had served under
Frederick the Great and was probably the best informed military man of his time. At Valley
Forge he gave the green troops the training that contributed much to the victories which
followed. Too, he wrote the regulations for this training and they are basically sound
today.
Marquis de Lafayette, another Mason, was so impressed by the struggle of the Colonies for
independence that he left his native France and joined the Colonial forces as a member of
Washington's staff. Later he became one of his most trusted generals. There are many
records of his attendance at lodges and at Grand Lodge Communications. Some Masonic
authors say he was made a Mason in France before coming to America; others say that he was
raised in a Military Lodge in Morristown, New Jersey, in 1777; some claim that he became a
member of the Craft at Valley Forge.
George Washington was an active Freemason. His letters show his high regard for the Craft,
and his choice of words on subjects outside of Freemasonry indicate the deep influence the
fraternity exerted on his life. Made a Mason in Fredericksburg Lodge, Virginia, on August
4, 1753, he became a charter Master of Alexandria Lodge No.22, on April 28, 1788, and was
re-elected on December 20, following. Inaugurated the first President of the United States
on April 30, 1789, while still Master of his Lodge, he acted as Grand Master at the laying
of the cornerstone of the United States Capitol in Washington, September 18, 1793. On this
occassion he wore the Masonic apron made by Madame Lafayette and presented to him by her
famous husband. This apron prominently displays the intitials used in the Royal Arch
Chapter Keystone.
Washington attended many Masonic events. Never a seeker of titles or honors, he rejected
the suggestion that he become king, and refused to become Grand Master of all Masons in
America. He died December 14,1799, and was buried with Masonic honors on December 18. His
character is ably described by Joseph Fort Newton in these words: "In the whole story
of the race there is no man to surpass him in disinterested nobility, in practical
capacity, solid wisdom, and majesty of moral character."
Many of the Generals of the Revolution, and officers of the army and navy, were
Freemasons. Colonial leaders of this period from all vocations and stations in life were
members of the Craft. To record all the names, their accomplishments and affiliations
would fill a large volume. We list just a few of those best-known; Baron DeKalb; Nathanael
Greene; Robert Howe; John Paul Jones; Henry Lee; Israel Putman; Ethan Allen; Patrick
Henry; Phillip Schuyler; John Sullivan; Haym Solomon; Anthony Wayne, and Andrew Jackson
who entered the Colonial army at the age of thirteen.
No doubt, many think of late Colonial days as the formative period of our Nation where
freedom was solidly arrayed against oppression, where most of the Colonists were heroes,
and the chosen representatives were statemen; where all Freemasons were true to their
trusts. Such impressions are gained from elementary histories and, of course, paint a
picture which is all too idealistic. It is true, many men active at that period possessed
character above rproach. Washington, Franklin, Lafayette, Warren and Revere, to name a
few, had such characters. But some men in any period can be found unable to withstand
temptation or the stress of circumstances. Benedict Arnold, a brilliant military leader,
and a Freemason, failed to measure up to the trust placed in him. His traitorous attempt
to surrender West Point to the British caused Washington to exclaim: "Whom can we
trust now!" Sir John Johnson, Provincial Grand Master of New York, deserted his
office and became an officer in the British army. Franklin's own son William, a captain in
the French and Indian Wars, comptroller of the Postoffice, and Provincial Grand Secretary
of the Grand Lodge, was in sympathy with the Crown and was imprisoned for a time. In 1782
he went to England and lived there until his death in 1813.
The surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown marked the end of hostilities and the beginning of
the long and difficult task of uniting the Colonies into a self-governing nation. First a
system of fundamental laws was needed. For this purpose the Constitution was drafted, but
approval took considerable time. Delaware was the first to ratify this document, December
7, 1787. Rhode Island was last, May 29, 1790. Only three of the thirteen Colonies gave
unanimous approval. the total vote was 1071 for and 577 against. Final ratification formed
the Colonies in a union of states.
It was early recognized that the Constitution would need amendments. No provision was
initially made to define the rights of the people. Washington, James Madison, George Mason
and Thomas Jefferson, worked diligently and the result was the adoption of ten amendments.
Madison wrote nine of them. And, these amendments are now known as the "Bill of
Rights."
To us, the words freedom, liberty, justice and Freemasonry have a like import. Freemasonry
flourishes where people are free, and languishes where they are oppressed. Need we then
wonder that so many men prominent in public service are Freemasons? Yet, Masons as a group
have never been active in politics. On the other hand they have wholeheartedly supported
good government whether it is administered by Masons or by those who do not belong to the
Craft.
Sidney Morse has said: "All Freemasons should know that the idea of union originated
in Colonial Freemasonry; was developed and advocated by Freemasons, and was realized
under their leadership. Indeed, Freemasonry was the only institution in which the leaders
of all the different Colonies could meet upon common ground." |
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