‘Happy to receive Lodges of Sorrow after all’

    

I wasn’t looking forward to reading this latest bonus book from the Scottish Rite Research Society. There’s more than adequate morbidity in the world, so the title Lodges of Sorrow conveyed all I needed to form an irrational aversion, but never judge a book by its title. Lodges of Sorrow. Craft, Rose Croix, Kadosh contains much beautiful language our ancestors composed to provide solace and purpose for the most trying of times, and I was extra pleased to see it reached deeper into the past, before Scottish Rite’s birth, to eighteenth century London and America.

In their Introduction, Arturo de Hoyos and Chris Ruli begin at the beginning: our first clue of the existence of a Third Degree. Samuel Prichard’s Masonry Dissected ritual exposure from 1730 tells of KS ordering HAB be “decently buried.”

“The theme of Hiram’s burial was an important feature of the Scots Master degree, which was the earliest known ‘high degree’ after Master Mason,” they add. “Conferred in London as early as 1733, the Scots Master degree soon spread to continental Europe.”

In actual funerals, they recall the burial of a Bro. Ellis, “a member of the ‘lodge at Antwerp Tavern,’” who was said to have been interred in the presence of his lodge brothers which itself was said to have been a first since 1717. They then note how decades later William Preston published the basis of our funerary rites in his book Illustrations of Masonry in 1772.

Returning to historic events, the Masonic funerals, with processions, of both Joseph Warren in 1776 (like HAB, Warren was disinterred and buried again properly) and George Washington in 1799 are recounted.

Unsurprisingly, Albert Pike authored a Funeral Ceremony and Lodge of Sorrows ritual for Scottish Rite Masons. Intended to be worked by Chapters of Rose Croix, but to honor anyone of the A&ASR, these later were put into practice for murdered President James A. Garfield, 14°.

In 1887, Pike additionally wrote ceremonies specifically for degrees 30 to 33, and, four years later, these would be employed for their author in a private midnight ceremony inside the Scottish Rite Cathedral in the District of Columbia. Days later, his coffin was transferred to a Congregational church, where a second midnight Kadosh service was performed, this time in the presence of Supreme Council, Grand Lodge, and the Masonic Veteran Association (where Pike had been president).

This Introduction merits twenty pages in a Heredom, but here it primes the reader for the following 130+ pages of funeral rituals and their contexts. First come five optional versions of Lodge of Sorrow and Ceremony at Final Resting Place, and here is where we find much of that gorgeous rhetoric that seemed to have been so common in the nineteenth century. One excerpt I especially like:

The lips of the departed speak to us sermons that cannot be translated into words. Most eloquently, they tell us how vain, and empty are all the ambitions, the disputes, the rivalries, and the struggles for rank and reputation in human life. Our Brother, whose soul has now departed, is indifferent to praise or censure, to undeserved eulogy or equally undeserved blame, to all the prizes of human greatness, to all the beatitudes of human love. Often it is said, yet it is always a solemn and impressive thought, that in the grave all men are equal, the prince and beggar, the warlike and the peaceful, the fortunate and the miserable.

And, later, from that Knight Kadosh piece:

It is midnight, and a new day begins for us. Our Brother has finished his earthly probation. Death is the inexorable creditor whose indulgence nothing in the world can purchase. Every moment that sees a newborn child laugh at the light, sees also a man die, and hears the cry of a breaking heart, and the lamentations of those who sit, lonely and in the desolation of affliction, no longer seeing the faces dearly loved.

Round the little island of our being on which we follow our various pursuits of toil and craft, of usefulness or mischief, throbs the illimitable ocean of Eternity upon which, round the isle, a broad circle of impenetrable darkness brooding lies. But beyond that zone the outer ocean sparkles, and its white-crested waves dance in the light; and somewhere in the distance the Islands of the Blessed are dreaming, girdled by the peaceful waters. here, in our present home, we live our little life, waiting to be called to other duties elsewhere; and one by one our loved ones and our cherished friends glide away from us unseen, and are swallowed up in the darkness which is the shadow of the broad wings of Death.

Each of us belongs to some little colony of hearts that hath a life of its own, its private and inner life, apart from that of the mass of Humanity which eddies round it in endless agitations, having with it no sympathies nor any memories of association. When one of its members dies, it is as if a limb were severed from the body. The wound heals, but the limb is missed as long as the body lives. Thus is the body of our Order here mutilated today, and therefore we mourn.

I was pleased also to see an illustration from Thomas Johnson’s A Brief History of Freemasonry from 1782.

I can’t say Lodges of Sorrow is mandatory reading for Freemasons. It is a window—a tall and wide and colorfully stained glass aperture—overlooking part of our past. If you’re going to read it, do so while keeping in mind the Masonic obsequies you have witnessed, and consider the possibility that today’s ceremonies lack a weighty sincerity. The standard lodge service has become just another piece of ritual work to memorize, which too often—at least in my experience—results in a perfunctory and fast recitation.

I wonder if there is a grand lodge in the country that even allows a Scottish Rite service, whether at midnight or high twelve.

     

‘Welcome to these Eleven Gentlemen of Charleston’

     

Available from the SRRS. Click here.

Speaking of Masonic writers named Harris (see Tuesday’s post), the Scottish Rite Research Society’s new bonus book for members is Ray Baker Harris’ Eleven Gentlemen of Charleston, his collection of biographical sketches of the brethren who founded the Mother Supreme Council of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. It has been out about a month, and now is available for sale to everyone. Even autographed copies, signed by Arturo de Hoyos and B. Chris Ruli, can be had.

I am no longer a Scottish Rite Mason (buy me a beer sometime and I’ll tell you, &c., &c.), so this material isn’t as fascinating to me as it would have been earlier in life, but I maintain an appreciation for these founders. I’ve never really known anything about them, except that four were Jewish, which I consider to be a remarkable circumstance given demographics and, frankly, odds.

Originally published in 1959, Eleven Gentlemen was written by Harris while serving as Supreme Council’s Librarian. It must be nice to have the library and archives of the modern Southern Jurisdiction as your workplace. As you know, the original Supreme Council for the United States of America was established May 31, 1801 (this volume is part of the Supreme Council’s dodransbicentennial—look it up—anniversary celebration), but what you might not have known is how its archives were destroyed during the Civil War.

The Supreme Council was seated at Charleston, which suffered repeated devastations. The war began there in April 1861 with the attack on Fort Sumter, located on a man-made island in Charleston Harbor. That December, a fire destroyed much of the city. Through the war, the U.S. Navy heavily shelled Charleston. Near the war’s end in 1865, as Gen. Sherman’s army plowed through South Carolina, Confederate forces fled the city after setting fires to destroy more of it.

This book’s introduction quotes Albert Pike at the May 1878 Supreme Council session:

I am often asked why we do not publish our old Transactions, to which I am compelled to reply that we have none to publish. We have no record of the transactions at Charleston from 1801 to 1860. What minutes we had were destroyed, with many papers, pamphlets, and books of the Secretary-General during the war. I never saw any of them, and do not know how full or how meagre they were.

So, don’t feel inferior if, like me, you know little about Scottish Rite’s founding brothers.

Because I want you to enjoy, and profit from, the book, I won’t overshare its contents, but let me just name the founders and supplement the list with life dates and birth & death places:

    Abraham Alexander: born circa 1743 in London; died February 21, 1816 at Charleston.

    Isaac Auld: born February 25, 1770 in Pennsylvania; died October 1826 in South Carolina.

    Thomas Bartholomew Bowen: born circa 1742 in Ireland; died July 12, 1805 near Charleston.

    Frederick Dalcho: born October 1770 in London; died November 24, 1836 at Charleston.

    Moses Clara Levy: born circa 1749 in Poland; died March 1839 at Charleston.

    John Mitchell: born circa 1741 in Ireland; died January 25, 1816 at Charleston.

    James Moultrie: born September 1766 in Charleston; died there November 20, 1836.

    Le Comte Alexandre Francois Auguste de Grasse: born February 14, 1765 in Versailles; died June 10, 1845 at Paris.

    Jean Baptiste Marie Delahogue: born circa 1744 in France; died April 13, 1822 at Paris.

    Israel De Lieben: born circa 1740 in Prague; died January 28, 1807 at Charleston.

    Emanuel De La Motta: born November 2, 1760 on St. Croix, West Indies; died May 17, 1821 at Charleston.

Interesting to note six were born in the 1740s and the others between 1760 and ’70, showing two age groups in unity. Alexander and Mitchell died within weeks of each other in 1816; Dalcho and Moultrie died within days in ’36. Only two were born in what would become the United States. Eight died in or near Charleston, and Auld about forty miles away. The four Jewish brethren (Alexander, De La Motta, De Lieben, and Levy) are interred in the Coming Street Cemetery, the oldest Jewish burial ground in the American South. Yes, Moultrie was from the prominent Moultrie family. He was a nephew of the Revolutionary War general who designed my favorite flag of the war.

In typography, a ligature is a single character formed by joining two or more characters.

I close this edition of The Magpie Mason with praise for a style element you are sure to notice while reading. In its typography, Eleven Gentlemen features the Adorn font family. You see the ligatures—connected pairs of letters, like ct and st. For example, “Past Master” appears as “Past Master.” Something special for the typophiles. Here on this rude blog, you see their use disrupts line height, but the book is smooth reading.

   

‘Academy to host Ric Berman in Philly’

    

Pennsylvania Academy of Masonic Knowledge will bring Ric Berman to the lectern in April for a discussion of our fraternity and the founding of our nation—appropriately in Philadelphia! From the publicity:

Pennsylvania Academy

of Masonic Knowledge 

Saturday, April 25

Masonic Temple, Philadelphia

Dr. Richard “Ric” Berman

Freemasony’s Impact

on the Founding of America

Dr. Berman is a British historian who writes about the intersection of Freemasonry, politics and society. He has written four books on British and Irish Freemasonry, including The Foundations of Modern Freemasonry; Schism; and Espionage, Diplomacy & the Lodge; and three that explore American Freemasonry: Loyalists & Malcontents; From Roanoke to Raleigh; and The Grand Lodge of England & Colonial America – America’s Grand Masters.

Ric holds a Masters in Economics from the University of Cambridge and a Doctorate in History from the University of Exeter. His post-doctoral research was carried out at the University of Oxford’s Modern European History Research Centre and as a Visiting Research Fellow at Oxford Brookes. Born in London, Ric lives in Oxfordshire.

Following his presentation, a moderated panel discussion will be held with Dr. Berman, noted author B. Chris Ruli, and Tyler Vanice, Director of Collections at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial.

     

‘Chris Ruli returns to New York’

    

Click to enlarge.

There is still time to buy your tickets to this event. Follow the instructions in the graphic above. You don’t want to miss Chris Ruli if you can get there.

     

‘California conference in March’

    

If you can get to UC-Berkeley on March 14, you’ll want to attend the 2026 International Conference on Freemasonry, where five speakers, quarterbacked by Susan Mitchell Sommers, will discuss “Freemasonry in Popular Culture: 1700 to Yesterday.” From the publicity:

Join with Masons and scholars from around the world at the 2026 International Conference on Freemasonry on March 14, as we dive into the fraternity’s relationship to film, politics, and propaganda. From Nazi-era signage to Illuminati scares, this year’s conference is going deep on supposed Masonic plots throughout history—and the cultural ephemera associated with exposing them.

Register today to secure your spot at this can’t-miss Masonic education event, being held at UC-Berkeley’s Krutch Theatre at Clark Kerr Campus. 

Event Organizer

Dr. Susan Mitchell Sommers, Chair

International Conference

on Freemasonry

After earning a Ph.D in British history at Washington University, Susan Mitchell Sommers joined the faculty at Saint Vincent College in Pennsylvania, where she is a professor of history. Sommers has been a fellow of the Royal Historical Society since 2014 and has been involved in editing the Journal for Research into Freemasonry and Fraternalism as well as Zeitschrift für Internationale Freimaurer-Forschung.

Speakers

Amanda Brown-Peroy

Professor of English

University of Bordeaux

“The Judeo-Masonic Conspiracy and the Use of Propaganda in the WWII Period: Film, Radio, Pamphlet, and Exhibition.”

The Judeo-Masonic conspiracy is a well-known theory associating Jews and Freemasons in their supposed alliance to achieve world domination. Although this alleged scheme still circulates today among certain conspiracy circles, the turn of the 20th century and the years leading up to the Second World War constitute its heyday. In this paper, we’ll explore the alleged links between the Jewish community and Freemasonry, and the use of this association by Nazi Germany through a multi-faceted propaganda targeting the civil populations of the invaded and enemy countries of the Reich.

Dr. Brown-Peroy completed her Ph.D in English Studies in 2016. Her doctoral thesis was titled: “Freemasonry and the Notion of Secrecy in 20th Century England: From World War II to the 2000s.” Brown-Peroy has published numerous academic articles dealing with aspects of 20th century English Freemasonry. Her many presentations include one at the 2014 meeting of this conference, titled “Secrecy as a Universal Factor of Both Inclusion and Exclusion.”

Dr. Felipe Côrte Real de Camargo

Ph.D candidate

Iowa State University

“Masonic Secrets on the Silver Screen: Representations of the Craft in the Seventh Art.”

Since its invention, cinema has become one of the most powerful and popular tools for transmitting ideas and shaping ideologies. Although modern Freemasonry was already nearly two centuries old when the Lumière brothers held their first public screening, it was through cinema that many people first encountered an image—often inaccurate—of what Freemasonry was. These portrayals, while rarely faithful, fueled the popular imagination and helped embed Freemasonry into 20th century pop culture. This paper explores how Freemasonry has been represented in film across different countries and genres, examining the purposes these portrayals served in their specific historical and political contexts.

Felipe Côrte Real de Camargo is a historian at the University of Bristol, where he obtained a Ph.D in historical studies. His research focuses on the material culture of Freemasonry, secrecy, moral philosophy, and emblematic traditions in the 18th century. He has taught at both Cardiff and Bristol universities, contributed to international journals, and presented his work at major conferences across Europe and the Americas.

Erich Morgan Huhn

Ph.D candidate

Drew University

“Illuminati, Illuminism, Illuminatus: The Making of Modern Conspiracy.”

As conspiracy theories become increasingly mainstream, what can we learn from two classic conspiracy tales? In 1797 John Robison published Proofs of a Conspiracy and set off Illuminism, a frenzy of conspiracy thinking. In 1975, Robert Shea and Robert Anton Wilson published The Illuminatus! Trilogy, which revived popular culture’s obsession with the Illuminati. Although these two publications were separated by more than 175 years, the impact they had on spurring conspiracy theories were similar.

Erich Morgan Huhn’s research focuses on the way Freemasonry and fraternal organizations helped reinforce middle-class values and were used as tools of social “placing” throughout the long 19th century. In 2019, he published New Jersey’s Masonic Lodges (Arcadia Publishing), which examined the way the fraternity used architecture to connect with the organization’s foundation myth and present an air of authority and legitimacy. He has contributed reviews, chapters, and entries to several Masonic and academic works.

B. Chris Ruli

Lecturer, History Department

California State University, San Marcos

“Brother Lafayette: Freemasonry During the Marquis de Lafayette’s American Tour (1824-1825).”

The year 2024-25 marked the bicentennial anniversary of Gilbert du Motier, the Marquis de Lafayette’s, public and final visit to the United States. This presentation examines the often-overlooked Masonic activities associated with Lafayette’s tour, his relationship with the fraternity, and how the nation’s Freemasons engaged, wrote, and talked about the famous Founding Father and Freemason.

Chris Ruli is a historian and researcher on early American Freemasonry. He is the author of The White House & The Freemasons, Brother Lafayette, and other publications that explore the often-overlooked relationship between Freemasonry, politics, economics, and culture. Ruli’s work has appeared in academic publications, popular print, television, and digital works including The Washington Post, History Channel, and dozens of history-focused podcasts. Ruli currently serves as the assistant grand historian of the Supreme Council, 33°, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, S.J.; and a grand superintendent of the Grand Council of Allied Masonic Degrees of the United States. He is also involved in the Scottish Rite Research Society and the Philalethes Society. Ruli is a contributing fellow of the Philalethes Society and serves as their third vice president. He is also a contributing member of the Historical Society of Washington D.C.

Timothy Sheils

Informatics scientist

and software developer

“Magic Lantern Slides: an Early Masonic Adoption of Technology.”

Magic Lanterns represent one of the first steps away from the traditional tracing board or master’s carpet. Initially powered by candles or kerosene lanterns, a glass slide was inserted into a slot and projected through a lens onto an opposing surface. These slides were manually changed during the various lectures, allowing emphasis on different symbols. Through the late 1800 to mid-1900s, various manufacturers of both lanterns and slides produced materials for Masonic lodges, among other organizations, and eventually contributed to the standardization of the presentation of Masonic symbolism. These slides were used throughout Masonic degrees, at no small cost to the lodges.

Timothy Sheils works with the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, where he serves as an informatics scientist and software developer. He has published a number of papers on the intersection of chemistry and pharmaceuticals with new technologies. He has a special interest in developing therapies for rare diseases. Sheils has degrees in philosophy and sociology and computer science.

     

‘The Plumbline gauges libraries and museums’

    

The Plumbline for Summer 2025.

I hope you enjoyed a fitting St. John’s Day celebration with your lodge (or other Masonic group), and made some memories. Yesterday also saw the publication of the summer issue of The Plumbline, the quarterly newsletter of the Scottish Rite Research Society.

In the skilled hands of Editor Chris Ruli, this periodical now begins measuring the libraries and museums that serve the Masonic fraternity, visiting the Grand Lodge of Iowa’s massive repository of books and artifacts on its first stop. Assistant Grand Librarian and Curator Julia Wells is profiled. She is known to some of us via the Masonic Library and Museum Association, but did you know she comes from a Masonic family going back generations?

The library itself is a renowned institution. I’m assuming that, because it’s not in a congested coastal city, it has the most square footage of any of the major research libraries serving the Masonic world. I hope to visit one day.

Elsewhere in the pages of the now digital newsletter, Ruli defines for us the Archive Maturity Matrix. This is a trestleboard archivists may employ to quantify the sufficiencies and deficiencies of their facilities, and to chart improvements where needed.

I’ll see if I may bootleg this for the MLMA’s newsletter.

Been wondering what will be this year’s bonus book? Look for Chronology of the Supreme Council, 1801-1859 soon.

To join the SRRS, click here.

     

‘Franco-American history at The ALR’

    

Our presenters last night at The American Lodge of Research were Bro. Chris Ruli and Bro. Erich Huhn, who discussed Lafayette and Tocqueville, based on both Frenchmen’s tours of the United States in the 1820s and ’30s.

The American Lodge of Research contributed to New York Freemasonry’s celebration of the Marquis de Lafayette last night by hosting Bro. Chris Ruli, author of Brother Lafayette.

Ruli published the book last summer, in time for the bicentenary of Lafayette’s farewell tour of the United States, having been invited by President (and Freemason) James Monroe and hosted jointly by the Masonic fraternity. Hailed as The Hero of Two Worlds, the young French officer played significant roles in the American Revolution. At age 66, he sailed to the United States and undertook a tour of all 24 states (albeit with only one step into Mississippi!) and the District of Columbia between August 1824 and September 1825, and was feted by civil, military, and Masonic authorities everywhere as “The Nation’s Guest.”

Bro. Lafayette’s portrait hangs
outside our lodge room.

Speaking to the lodge, Ruli retraced Lafayette’s travels and explained the tour’s significance to Freemasonry and how it should be understood in historical contexts, including the anti-Masonic movements of the nineteenth century. Lafayette visited a variety of locations here in New York State and was initiated into Royal Arch Masonry at Jerusalem Chapter and into Templary in Morton Commandery in New York City.

Before Chris took to the lectern, Bro. Erich Huhn, the Junior Deacon of the lodge, discussed another Frenchman’s historic ties to the United States: Alexis de Tocqueville. His tour of the country spanned through 1831 and 1832 and resulted in the landmark book Democracy in America.

Tocqueville, a historian and political philosopher, came to study the nature and habits of Americans, noting, among other things, how the citizens of the growing republic were self-reliant and enjoyed the practice of banding together in voluntary associations, a common reality completely different from life in Europe.

Huhn explained how Freemasonry’s teachings fit into Tocqueville’s observations, particularly the ways lodges of that period served as workshops in democratic practices.

The ALR’s next meeting will be Monday, June 30 at 7 p.m. inside the French Doric Room of Masonic Hall in Manhattan for our annual elections and installation of officers. Before then, though, we’ll get together for a festive board to commemorate a significant event in New York Masonic history. Details to come.

     

‘Masonic Week congratulations’

    

Masonic Week is still underway in Virginia with the Operatives set to host its events momentarily, but watching social media I see congratulations are in order, including:

Jason Sheridan

At the Philalethes Society yesterday, Chuck Dunning, Martin Faulks, Chris Hodapp, and Piers Vaughan have been made Fellows. Huzzah!

In addition, Dr. Heather Calloway was presented Philalethes’ Award of Merit in recognition of her work as Executive Director of the Center for Fraternal Collections and Research at Indiana University. Excellent choice!

As of Friday, the newest Blue Friar is Ric Berman, two-time Prestonian Lecturer, secretary of QC2076, et al. Ric will present his 2024 Prestonian Lecture, “The Second Grand Lodge, The London Irish & Antients Freemasonry,” at Quatuor Coronati May 8, and I hope to get him to New York City soon.

In the Allied Masonic Degrees, the new Grand Tiler is Moises Gomez. Moises, had been the Grand Superintendent for New Jersey (and is an Honorary Past Junior Grand Warden, if I recall correctly), and he is a recipient of the Fowler Award. Moises has been succeeded as Grand Superintendent by Ray Ortiz.

For the District of Columbia, Chris Ruli is the new Grand Superintendent.

In the Grand College of Rites, the new Grand Seneschal is Oscar Alleyne. (It’s nice to see Oscar receive an appointment for once!)

I know there must be other good news, but that’s all I got for you now. Congrats and good luck to everybody!

     

‘Roundtable discussion on research & writing’

    

Last week’s episode of The Masonic Roundtable podcast is of special interest to researchers and writers in the fraternity—We Happy Few—and stars Chris Ruli, who shares several important points on how to research and write. Feel free to skip the first six minutes and get right to the conversation.

(Be sure to get to The American Lodge of Research on Monday, March 31 to hear Chris discuss Lafayette. That’s seven o’clock in the Renaissance Room of Masonic Hall.)

     

‘New editor at The Plumbline’

    

“Behold, I will set The Plumbline in the midst of Masonic periodicals, and Chris Ruli shall be its editor.”

I imagine it went something like that, but all we have to go on is Chris’ modest announcement on social media:

On the thirty-third anniversary of The Plumbline’s release, I’m excited to announce that the Scottish Rite Research Society Board of Directors has elected me to serve as the publication’s editor.

The publication serves more than 3,500 members around the U.S. and abroad. Back in 1991, Rex Hutchens laid out the first issue (then just referred as the Society’s newsletter) and it became a source of news, commentary, perspective, and research. In taking on this position, I plan to shift it back to that original concept while also highlighting good papers whenever possible.

As a former contributor, I’m excited to see where this can go. It’s also nice to be associated with past editors like S. Brent Morris, Pete Normand, Robert Davis, Adam Kendall, and Aaron Shoemaker. Stay tuned.

Send your letters, requests, inquiries and anything else you want shared here.

The Plumbline of course is one of the benefits of membership in the Scottish Rite Research Society, with the annual Heredom collection of research papers and a bonus book.

Art de Hoyos

SRRS bonus book.

The bonus now in the mail to members is Étienne Morin: From the French Rite to the Scottish Rite by Arturo de Hoyos and Josef Wäges. The new Heredom is Vol. 31, edited by Adam Kendall with Associate Editor…Chris Ruli!

When he’s not authoring books, speaking before Masonic audiences, and editing others’ work, he’s out jogging. Congratulations, Chris!

     

‘Naval Lodge 4 at the U.S. Capitol’

     

Naval Lodge 4

Worshipful Master Peter Rogers with the brethren

of Naval Lodge 4, FAAM, at the U.S. Capitol last night.

 
As reluctant as I am to inflame the Tinfoil Hat Crowd, I want to salute Naval Lodge 4 in the District of Columbia for hosting a meeting inside the U.S. Capitol last night.

You probably are wondering how, but it takes a personal connection to arrange such a thing.

(These photos are on social media, so I’m not betraying secrets in this edition of The Magpie Mason.)

Naval Lodge 4

Naval 4 typically meets in a building on Pennsylvania Avenue, about half a mile east of Capitol Hill, so they didn’t even have to leave the neighborhood.

For this special occasion, the lodge hosted Bro. Chris Ruli, author of the new book Brother Lafayette, a chronicle of the French freedom fighter’s tour of the United States in 1824-25.

As an aside, yesterday was the 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s visit to George Washington’s grave. On Mount Vernon’s website, we read:

When Lafayette returned for his grand tour of the United States in 1824 at the invitation of President Monroe, he briefly stopped at Mount Vernon again to pay his respects. It was later recounted that Lafayette visited Washington’s tomb alone and returned to his party with tears in his eyes.

Naval Lodge 4

The brethren in the Rotunda beneath John Trumbull’s General George Washington Resigning His Commission, the 12x18 oil on canvas painted 1822-24.

Well done, brethren! Excellent.

     

‘Lafayette hath come to us now in his fulness of fame’

    

Réunion des musées nationaux

Two hundred years ago today—and at this very minute—New York’s Freemasons were hosting and toasting their historic Brother, the Marquis de Lafayette. The last surviving general of the American Revolution was invited to the United States by the Masonic Order to be a “Guest of the Nation” for a valedictory tour in the autumn of his life.

He had landed at New York the previous month and traveled New York and New England, enthralling cheering crowds all throughout. He returned to Manhattan before continuing travels that would extend well into 1825 and would encompass all twenty-four states.

Bro. Chris Ruli released his second book last month; Brother Lafayette recounts the Masonic details of the historic tour. I haven’t seen it yet, but I aim to buy a copy next Thursday when Chris comes to the Livingston Library for a talk. But, on Monday, September 20, 1824, a grand banquet of more than 500 Freemasons was hosted at a place named Washington Hall, located on Broadway at Reade Street. In lieu of Chris’ book, I turn to Lafayette: Guest of the Nation, which consists of contemporaneous local newspaper reportage, and was compiled and edited by Edgar Ewing Brandon and published in 1957. Quoting the September 21, 1824 edition of The Evening Post, the book says:

Masonic Dinner to La Fayette

Yesterday afternoon in consequence of previous arrangements, General La Fayette partook of a dinner at Washington Hall, to which he had been invited by the Grand Lodge of this State. From 5 to 600 of the Craft, decorated with their sacred symbols, were present.

Language is inadequate to give a correct description of the scene. On entering the room, we found ourselves in the midst of a magnificent temple, at the upper end of which was raised a vaulted pavilion, the canopy supported by marble columns, the front arch decorated with laurel and flowers; at the center of which was a brilliant illuminated star.

In the rear of the pavilion, and immediately behind the General, was a beautiful transparency, emblematic of Masonry. The floor was here raised about two feet from the level of the room, on which was placed a circular table, extending from column to column, and garnished in the most splendid style with temples and candle branches of great magnitude and exquisite beauty. At this table was seated the General, and the Right Worshipful Grand Masters and Wardens.

Immediately opposite, and at the other end of the room, was a splendid alcove, having in the center a fine transparent painting, representing the Genius of America, elevated on a pedestal, and holding in each hand a wreath. On one side of the pedestal was a fine and well executed full length likeness of WASHINGTON, and on the other a similar likeness of LA FAYETTE, both in Masonic costume, and joining their hands in brotherly friendship. On the front was inscribed “Veritas et Lux”—Truth and Light. At the bottom was a plow, sheaf of wheat, &c.

The whole of this group was placed within a circular colonnade of thirteen columns, and around the columns were entwined the names of 76 distinguished patriots of the Revolution. On the top of each column was a letter, the combination of which formed the motto “E Pluribus Unum.”

The front of the alcove presented two columns supporting an arch, at the center of which was a star of variegated lamps. At the piers opposite the door of entrance, was hung full length likenesses of Washington and Hamilton, both looking towards the pavilion, painted in oil, and in elegant carved and gilt frames, ornamented by appropriate trophies. Over these two pictures was a transparent rainbow.

Robert R. Livingston Masonic Library, GLNY

Between the columns of the pavilion and the alcove were four other columns, supporting hemispheres, and uniting at the head of the room, where was fixed a large resplendent sun, its center formed of convex looking-glass, which reflected the different objects below in all directions, and produced a very sublime effect. Eight immense chandeliers of cut glass were suspended from the ceiling, and a vast number of lamps and candles were distributed throughout the temple, which sent forth an inconceivable blaze of light.

Over the door of the entrance was an extensive bower of evergreens, suspended to the branches of which was a transparent atmosphere with the words “Lafayette, the Friend of Freedom, and Benefactor of Mankind.” Within this bower were seated the musicians, entirely hid from the view of the company.

Down the interior of this immense temple, a space of about 80 feet in length, were placed six tables, besides the two at the top and bottom, which were laid out in the most splendid style and loaded with all the delicacies and elegancies that could be procured, and arranged in a manner which reflects great credit on Mr. McIntyre, the keeper of the House, who appears to have exerted himself, particularly on this interesting occasion, to give entire satisfaction to the brotherhood.

The decorations under the general superintendence of the Committee were got up by Mr. Andrews; the transparencies, by Mr. Reinagale and Mr. Herring; the oil paintings by Stewart and Trumbull; and the joiner work by Mr. Newcomb.

During the dinner, several appropriate toasts were given, a list of which we have not yet received. The following song, written for the occasion by a well known native bard at the special request of the Committee of Arrangements, was sung by Mr. Keene, and received with great applause.

FAYETTE’S RETURN

TUNE: “Anacreon in Heaven”

The hero hath come in the eve of his day,

To the land where he planted the tree of his glory,

And warmly that land doth her gratitude pay,

And long shall she cherish his name in her story;

Each heart springs to meet him In triumph he moves Midst the men who adore him,

The men whom he loves

And the stars of our banner in darkness shall set,

Ere oblivion gather the wreath of FAYETTE.

He hath come to us now in his fulness of fame,

And proudly we claim him our friend and our brother,

For he guarded the altar of freedom whose flame

Oppressions fierce minions all vainly would smother;

He bled in our cause

With our fathers of old,

When their flag of defiance

They sternly unrolled—

And ne’er shall the sons of such heroes forget

The friend of their fathers, the gallant FAYETTE.

Following the reprint of this description of the Masonic banquet, the Commercial Advertiser in the issue of September 23, printed also the address of the Worshipful Master of the Grand Lodge. No newspaper consulted published a list of the toasts. The following is the address of the M.W. Grand Master, Martin Hoffman, to Gen. La Fayette, on his entering the Grand Lodge:

This book’s title page.

BROTHER LA FAYETTE—Your return to the United States has rekindled the recollections of the surviving warriors and patriots of our revolution, and the joy which pervades every heart evinces the deep gratitude of all our citizens. Permit us, your Masonic Brethren, to join the general voice of gladness, to offer you the hand of friendship, to welcome you among us, and to express the warmest sentiments of brotherly love. We receive you with pride and exultation; we hail you as a BROTHER and PHILANTHROPIST; we cherish you in our hearts as a patron of our order.

To the names of WASHINGTON, LIVINGSTON, CLINTON, and other distinguished Masons of our country who have shed a luster on our institution, who have presided over our labors, who have patronized our assemblies, we now, with heartfelt gratification, record in our annals, the presence and name of LA FAYETTE.

To which the General made the following reply:

Most Worshipful Grand Master, and beloved Brethren—I am happy in your affectionate welcome; I am proud of the high confidential honors you have conferred, and purpose farther to confer upon me. Our Masonic institution owes a double luster to those who have cherished, and to those who have persecuted it. Let both glories, equal in my opinion, be the pride of every member of our fraternity, until universal freedom insures to us universal justice.

As already noted, Lafayette was eager to reach the Federal Capital—“the seat of government.” He had been apprized that extensive preparations were making in Philadelphia and Baltimore for his reception in those cities which would consume many days. He had been detained in New York by the repeated postponements of the Castle Garden Fête, and this, in turn, necessitated a delay in the trip up the Hudson and undue haste in the receptions in the several towns along the river that had invited him to make them a visit. Even this excursion was so hurried that his short stay in various towns was a disappointment to the inhabitants and an embarrassment to himself.

Visit the Chancellor Robert R. Livingston Masonic Library of the Grand Lodge of New York here to see all thirty toasts.

I assume this banquet took place at this very hour two centuries ago because they would want to make greatest use of the daylight, and because the night did not end when the feast concluded. After the festivities, Lafayette and entourage took in a show.

Royal Shakespeare Company

From this summer’s production
of The School for Scandal.

They adjourned to the Park Theatre to see The School for Scandal, starring a Mr. Barnes as Sir Peter Teazel. This theater was a major venue in its day. Built in 1798, it stood for fifty years at 23 Park Row, right outside City Hall Park, with its 2,000 seats. It burned down December 16, 1848, by which time the theater district had migrated uptown to the Washington Square area.

Amazingly, the Royal Shakespeare Company staged The School for Scandal at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon this summer! It closed two weeks ago. The RSC says:

RSC

After Shakespeare but long before Bridgerton, there was The School for Scandal, Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s brilliantly biting comedy of manners in five acts. This new production—styled to the nines with period flair—promises an exuberant feast of big wigs and even bigger laughs. 1770s London, where the aristocracy’s morals have plunged lower than the necklines on the women’s gowns. The vicious Lady Sneerwell enjoys ruining reputations for pleasure, and her latest target is the young bachelor Charles Surface—why should this pretentious little rake inherit his uncle’s fortune? Together with Charles’ conniving brother Joseph, Sneerwell orchestrates an elaborate scheme of intrigue and infidelity that’s sure to ruffle all the right feathers—hopefully.

My original plan for tonight was to bring The American Lodge of Research to host an anniversary dinner either in that neighborhood or maybe half a mile north at Le Coucou on Lafayette Street. It was too difficult to plan, frankly. It’s a busy time, particularly with fêtes Lafayette. Maybe in 2074, eh?

Click here to keep track of New York Freemasonry’s many celebrations of the Lafayette Bicentenary.

Bon week-end!

     

‘SRJ: Perspectives on Masonic Writing’

    

If your favorite newsstand is sold out, click here to read the new issue of Scottish Rite Journal, the bimonthly periodical of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction.

It’s been a long time since I’ve perused a Journal, and this September-October issue deserves your attention for many reasons. Magpie readers would want to begin on Page 4, I think, where we find “Perspectives on Masonic Writing” by Chris Ruli. At this point, I just assume Chris has been cloned a few times, but here he is imparting advice from experience on how to organize information and craft it into prose.

This isn’t about the toil of research; it’s about the art in writing. His five points of authorship give you the secrets of creating a paper or article based on investigated facts.

If reluctance has kept you from contributing to your research lodge or grand lodge magazine or from squandering sixteen years on a blog, then absorb Ruli’s rules of writing.

     

‘Lafayette at the Livingston Library’

    

If you are active at all in New York Freemasonry, you have at least heard about our celebration of the bicentenary of Bro. Lafayette’s history-making tour of the United States, a lengthy visit to all twenty-four states that was prompted by our fraternity to honor the last surviving general of the Revolutionary War. In fact, celebrations are happening around the country now, plus a book by Chris Ruli, published just this week, chronicles Lafayette’s progress from east to west, and from north to south, and back again.

Chris will be the Livingston Library’s guest lecturer, presenting his findings one night next month. From the publicity:

Chancellor Robert R. Livingston

Masonic Library

Live Lecture Series

Thursday, September 26 at 7:30 p.m.

“Lafayette & The Mystic Tie”

RSVP here

Join Chris Ruli as we examine the Marquis de Lafayette’s legacy with Freemasonry and his fraternal activities during his final American tour. 

The presentation is based on Ruli’s new book Brother Lafayette, copies of which will be available at the presentation.

Chris Ruli is a historian and researcher on early American Freemasonry and its often-overlooked relationship with politics and culture. He is an associate director of the Scottish Rite Research Society, Third Vice-President of the Philalethes Society, and a researcher at the House of the Temple in Washington, DC.

The Library will host this discussion in Masonic Hall’s Ionic Room on the sixth floor. Photo ID is required to enter the building.