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Freemasonry in History In RemembranceFreemasons and their interaction with the Town of Fredericksburg |
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A war raging on for a few years? With a few years more to go? Widespread civilian casualties? Difficult undermining allies? An unseen but determined enemy? And the American people pocketing the cost of it all?
Is the year 2007? How about 250 years ago? How about 1757?
I mention the French and Indian War because in the year of 1757, Brother George Washington was already making friends with men that will one day shape the future of this nation and it is during this period that he began to direct these men towards his hometown of Fredericksburg where they will become both Community leaders and Freemasons. So for now let us look at how these Brothers have impacted our home and community.
Fredericksburg and Freemasons has shared a richly woven heritage, a heritage which was pivotal in shaping the world as we know it today. Alive and vibrant since the mid 1752, the Lodge at Fredericksburg has been a beacon of civic leadership, and many times over has proven Freemasonry the example for others of Quality to follow.
Before taking ownership of the Masonic Temple of 1816, the members met at four known local establishments. In 1757, the members were relocating their meetings from the small tavern that eventually becomes Hugh Mercer’s Apothecary Shop to the coffee house across the street belonging to Brother Charles Julian.
While some of our brothers were still in harm’s way at the frontier, many of our local brethren held civic offices and were using their offices during this time to suppress a local tyrant within government as well. Let us look at the story of the “Two Merry Masons” by the names of Dr. John Sutherland and Robert Duncanson. These two good-natured brothers came to Fredericksburg in the 1740’s and were self-sufficient but held no responsibilities. Needless to say, they were constantly itching for excitement and thus, found themselves often before the courts. It is my conclusion that these two brothers may have been the missing link between Shriners and Masons. But in 1757, as they were tolerated with much amusement by all the justices of the court, they would gain the animosity of one Judge Benjamin Grymes.
Brother Sutherland especially enraged Judge Grymes, who issued a warrant for him “as a person of infamous character”. The other justices defended Sutherland, but Grymes was a man of vicious disposition and a superiority complex and as such knew many who would undermine his actions and spur his overzealous rage. One such person was Brother Charles Dick who as Sheriff would ignore these warrants, as did the other justices which enraged Justice Grymes even more.
Brother Duncanson was not as fortunate as Sutherland and found himself removed from Judge Grymes’ courtroom and thrown into prison until he could post bond for his good behavior. Despite this setback, Brother Duncanson made the most of his incarceration and turned it into a party. An enraged Grymes reported of the event to the Lord Governor witnessing that “with sundry others to carry table, chairs, and liquor into the gaol, they there revel till late into the night.” There is no known record of any reprisal for this “Jail-fest”, but Judge Grymes will eventually be removed by the governor in order to “restore peace and harmony to that county” and would be replaced by Brother Fielding Lewis at the request of Charles Dick and the other justices.
Other events occurring during this period are as follows:
· Fredericksburg chartered Botentourt Lodge in Gloucester. · On April 4, the Lodge appropriated seven pounds to obtain a Charter from the Grand Lodge of Scotland; and Past Master Daniel Campbell presented the petition in Edinburgh. · On one of his visits, Washington joins his Fredericksburg brethren and contributes 5-pounds to fund the building of a Market House, which will also act as a Town Hall and Marketplace for the local citizens and a ballroom for many significant events.
So what are we as Freemasons doing now? If we truly follow the tenets of our organization, then no community should ever be neglected by the Masonic Temple that calls it home. We have kept our light shuttered within our lodge for too long now. Our Lodge Masters are correct in guiding us to be an active force in a community that has been our home for over 250 years; that we may shine our light and be a beacon for others. We must take the time to give back that others may see the quality of our character and the nature of our spirit.
Albert Pike stated, “The true Mason labors for the benefit of those who are to come after him, and for the advancement and improvement of his race.”
I believe a Freemason is a man who is…….
First in the Relief and Charity of others Righteous in his Brother’s Defense Even-handed in his exchanges with Mankind Ever-thoughtful of his own Actions Moral in Character and sets an example for all Answerable and accountable to his God Steadfast in his love of Family and Country Open-minded to the Diversity of others Never helpless or hopeless in service of Good
Fredericksburg and Freemasons have shared a wonderful heritage and an amazing history. We have known two American Presidents, eight Revolutionary War Generals, eight Masonic Grand Masters, many civic leaders, and an unbroken +250 year lineage of brothers.
We have laid the cornerstone for many churches and local buildings, built schools for children, sent our brethren off to war, raised funds for many social causes and to this day, have lent our treasures with the Area Museum so that others may share in our history.
But we must continue to design our plans and build our temple that we may show a future that is brighter than our past. Let us pay it forward to the citizens of our own town and it may well be that our example will show the best in America and set the standard for other communities within our nation. Brethren, we as a Lodge have already begun this labor; let us work to do more. Thank you.
Brother Shelby Chandler |
