~ Masonic Walk in Charleston ~
By McDonald “Don” Burbidge
In an effort to provide the visitor (Mason or non mason)
about the rich history that has taken place in our city this “Masonic Walk” was
created. The intention of the “Masonic Walk” is to show the person or persons
taking it to get a sense of pride due to the events that took place so many
years ago by our forefathers who helped shape our rich history and America as we
know it today.
This tour is not found on any “Tourist Guide’s Map,” that is
presented by any one in Charleston. The tour comes complete with a detail of
events that happened at each stop along the way along with a map. It was put
together through many years of research and information gathered.
When you take this tour keep an open mind and if for some
reason you want to you can always travel it again at a time of your own
choosing.
The tour starts at the Lodge Alley Inn located on East Bay
Street at the Alley made of Belgian blocks. It will end at St. Michael’s church
with you standing in front of Ill. Brother Frederick Dalcho’s grave.
Introduction The first documented mason to arrive in
Charles Town as it was then called was Thomas Whitmarsh. Brother Thomas
Whitmarsh was a printer, and was employed in Brother Benjamin Franklin’s office
in Philadelphia. He left on September 9, 1731, for Charles Town, S.C., with
equipment for a printing office to be established there. It is to Brother
Whitmarsh that we may trace the introduction of Freemasonry in South Carolina.
Although there is no known records that survive today it is strongly believe
that an un charter Masonic lodge existed in Charles Town until 1735 when
Solomon’s Lodge No. 1 was given a charter from England.
Point “A” “Lodge Alley” Paved in Belgian blocks, the
alley was created by adjacent landowners to allow access from their homes on
State Street to their ships and docks one block away on East Bay Street. It
takes its name from the Lodge of Freemasons, First established in the alley in
1773. Lodge Alley is located in an area of the old walled city of Charleston
where the French Huguenots once had warehouses and dwellings. Originally being
very close to Charleston's wharf’s, Lodge Alley developed an 18th century
seaport character expressed in taverns, storage warehouses, carriage houses,
tables, lodges and corner dwellings.
It was at Marine Lodge No. 38 that Charlestonians openly
defied the British government before the Revolutionary War. On November 7, 1774
as a means of protesting the harsh treatment shown to Boston, Charleston’s
Liberty Boys met in the Masonic Lodge-Room and constructed a “rolling stage” or
parade float. Upon it effigies of the Pope, the Devil, Lord North, and Governor
Thomas Hutchinson of Massachusetts were displayed. The appearance of the float
marked the end of a three-day period in which Charleston’s Tea Party was equally
important as a symbol of defiance to British oppression.
When the “Grand Lodge of South Carolina, Ancient York
Masons,” was formed by the five “Ancient: Lodges in Charleston, January 1, 1787,
in which movement Marine Lodge, No. 38, was a prominent factor, it is a
noteworthy fact, that at least three of the principal officers were Pennsylvania
Masons, viz. Hon. William Drayton, Grand Master; Hon. Mordecai Gist, Deputy
Grand Master; Edward Weyman, Esq., Senior Grand Warden.
Another important event that took place here was the
formation of the South Carolina Commandery No. 1 that was established from a
charter provided by St. Andrew’s Lodge No. 1 of Pensacola, Florida on August 1,
1783. The charter was issued to Brother Sir Henry Beaumont. According to Sir
Knight Theodore Gourdin (in 1855) who describes the charter as follows;
It has upon it a star of seven points, with the ineffable
name in the centre, and the motto, “Memento Mori” the arch on two pillars, and
the “All seeing eye” on the Keystone, the sun beneath the arch, and “Holiness to
the Lord” for the motto; the cross and brazen serpent erected on the bridge,
“Jesus Salvator Hominis” for the motto; on the fourth circle is the skull and
cross bones, surmounted with the cross, “in hoe signo vinces.” The reference of
the last three devices is evidently to the Royal Arch, the red cross and the
Templar degrees, while the first is the symbol of the Lodge of Perfection, and
hence they show the connection of the Order of Templary in this State at that
time with the ancient and accepted rite.
The charter that was created for South Carolina Commandery
No. 1 is shown below.
We, the High Priest, Captain Commandant of the Red Cross,
and Captain General of the most Holy Invincible Order of Knights Templars of St.
Andrews Lodge No. 1, Ancient Masons, held in Charleston, South Carolina, under
charter from the Grand Lodge of the Southern District of North America, do
hereby certify that our trusty and well-beloved brother, Sir Henry Beaumont, had
passed the Chair, been raised to the sublime degrees of an Excellent, Super
Excellent, Royal Arch Mason, Knight of the Red Cross, and a Knight of the most
Holy, Invincible, and Magnanimous Order of Knights Templars, Knights
Hospitallers, Knights of Rhodes, and of Malta, which several Orders are above
delineated; and he having conducted himself like a true and faithful brother, we
affectionaly recommend him to all the Fraternity of Ancient Masons around the
globe wherever assembled.
Given under our hands, and seal of our Lodge, this first
day of August, five thousand seven hundred and eighty three, and of Malta 3517.
Geo. Carter, Capt. Gen’l., Thos. Pashley, 1st King., Wm.
Nisbett, 2nd King.
Rd. Mason Recorder.
(As you exit the Alley turn to your right go to the next
block and turn left again.)
Point “B” “Philadelphia Street” Originally named
Kinloch Court but in 1810 by William Johnson (occupation Blacksmith) who owned
much of the property in the vicinity and a member of Orange Lodge No. 14. He was
elected to numerous committees that also included George Flagg and Edward Weyman
who were also known masons of the day. During the revolutionary war William
Johnson had been sent to Philadelphia as a prisoner. After his return to Charles
Town he renamed it to, “Philadelphia Street,” in admiration of Philadelphia.
As you walk down this historic street you will find it is
much the same as it was when it was first made. The Street still looks much
today as it was originally made when it was first created. About 1/3 of the way
down the Street look up to your left and you will see a view of the steeple of
St. Phillip’s church over the brick wall that runs most of the length of the
Street. Also try to imagine the pistol duels of men protecting their honor and
horse carriages traveling down it.
This is the same church that our late Brother Frederick
Dalcho was a rector of at one time.
(As you exist the street turn to your left go to Church
Street and turn left again.)
Point “C” “St. Phillip’s Church” St. Philip’s church
was first erected at the corner of Broad and Meeting Streets between the years
1681 and 1682. The structure was made of black cypress and the foundation was
made of brick. After a prosper start it was usually referred to as the “English
Church,” but it’s actual name was, “St. Philip’s.”
As Charles Town evolved into a prosperous Colonial City the
need for a new church was realized. As early as 1711 the Assembly authorized “a
new church built of brick with a tower or steeple, and a ring of bells therein.”
A decade later the “brick church” was still incomplete. The Assembly passed
another bill in December 1720, which empowered the Commissioners to determine
what the church would look like. To raise the money for this, the bill also
called for “An additional duty of three pence per gallon to be laid on rum, and
five pence per gallon on brandy and other spirits.”
When the new edifice of the “Established Church” rose at the
head of one of the town’s principal through fares, the street became known as
Church Street as does the present building on the same site.
On December 27, 1762 and again in December 1784 Right Rev.
Robert Smith presented to the Masons of Charles-Town a Masonic sermon, which he
called “Charity Sermon for the Masons No. 100.” This sermon is perhaps
one of the earliest if not one of the first documented Masonic sermons of its
kind presented in Charles-Town to the Masons. Right Rev. Smith also established
the College of Charleston and the Society for the Widows and Orphans of the
Clergy, which still exists today. Rev. Frederick Dalcho, M.D. and Colonel John
Mitchell, was also a member of the Society for the Widows and Orphans of the
Clergy.
On Christmas Day, 1805, Rev. Dr. Edward Jenkins married Dr.
Dalcho and Mary Elizabeth Threadcraft in St. Philip’s Church. This was Dr.
Dalcho’s second marriage and his wife was to survive him until December 12,
1852. There were no children, from this marriage.
During the summer months of 1814 our late Ill. Brother
Frederick Dalcho, M.D. officiated at the church as Rector for the summer months
until a new Rector could be found to fill the vacant spot left by the untimely
death of Rev. J. D. Simons.
Buried in the graveyard of St. Philip’s church you will find
the grave of Ill. Brother James Moultrie, Sr. who was a founder of the Supreme
Council and the gravesite of Right Rev. Robert Smith. In 2000 a grave marker was
placed on Dr. Moultrie’s grave which also names him as a member of the founding
fathers of the Supreme Council.
(As you leave St. Phillip’s church head towards the
intersection of Broad and Church Street)
Point “D” “Dock Street Theatre”
On May 11, 1774, for the benefit of a charity fund raiser for
the masons a play was performed at the “Dock Street’ theatre which was named,
“Cato,” that was performed by the American Company. At the end of Act I “A New
Mason’s Song,” with a chorus was sung. The doors of the theatre were opened at
5:00P.M. and the play was started at 6:00 P.M.
At the time of this play Union Kilwinning Lodge No. 4 owned
the building. The pupils of Mr. James Thompson again repeated the play on July
1, 1774. It was later said that Union Kilwinning Lodge No. 4 were very happy to
lend the building to the pupils to perform in.
Point “E” “Brother George Flagg”
In 1774 in Charleston some of the locale artist made money by
painting houses. Listed among these was Brother George Flagg who was a member of
St. John’s Lodge No. 31 (Ancient), which is the same lodge that Dr. Frederick
Dalcho was a member of.
The portraits that Brother Flagg painted were those having to
do with historic moments. His painting can be seen in various museums around the
world with one being located in Paris at the Louvre. It is due to one of his
portraits that we know the image of Brother Edward Weyman who was responsible
for establishing the first Ancient Lodge (Marine Lodge No. 38, Ancient) in
Charleston.
When the meeting were taking place among the Ancients and the
Moderns to merge both Grand Lodges into one Brother Flagg is seen as an active
member as he was with other committees of the day.
He is buried in the graveyard of the French Protestant
Church, which is located directly across the street from the Dock Street
Theatre. His grave is located on the first row in the centre.
Point “F” “Corner of Broad and Church Street” Site of
Brother Charles Shepheard's Tavern, also known at various times as Swallow's
Tavern, The City Tavern and The Corner Tavern. At this location occurred many
historically important events. One was the organization of one of the first
Masonic lodges and of The Supreme Council for the Scottish Rite Masons for the
entire United States.
Solomon's Lodge No. 1, Free and Accepted Masons, was
organized on Oct. 29, 1736, at 'Mr. Charles Shepheard 's in Broad Street. ‘ The
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, was organized at this same
location in 1801. The first record of a theatrical season in Charleston, and one
of the first in the country, was announcement in the South Carolina Gazette,
Jan. 11, 1735, that on the following 24th, a tragedy called The Orphan, or the
Unhappy Marriage, by Thomas Otway, would be "'attempted'' in ''the Courtroom.''
The ''courtroom'' was the long room of Shepheard's Tavern, which was rented for
several years prior to 1738 to the provincial government for meetings of the
court, since the Province had no suitable building and the Governor and Council
could not agree on where one should be built. The use of the same room for court
sessions and entertainment’s was not unusual. A dancing master, Henry Holt, gave
a ball in the Courtroom a month before The Orphan was presented there. (The
Orphan was not the first theatrical production in Charleston. Tony Aston, an
English actor, in 1703, wrote and acted what was probably the first professional
dramatic performance written and acted in the American colonies.) Shepheard's
was also one of the city's post offices. In 1743, Charles Shepheard received and
distributed mail arriving on ships and by land. In 1773, when the establishment
was Swallow's Tavern, the first Chamber of Commerce in America was formed.
Banquets were given for arriving Royal Governors at Shepheard's Tavern. The St.
Andrew's Society, and other fraternal organizations in the city, held their
meetings and dinners at Shepheard's. After the name changed to “The Corner
Tavern” it hosted meetings of the Sons of liberty during the Revolutionary
period. The name changed again to the “City Tavern” was burned in 1796 but was
soon replaced. The tavern building was demolished in 1928 for the construction,
in 1928-29, of the present building. The Classic style building faced with
Indiana limestone, which cost $280,000 and was known as the Citizens and
Southern Bank in 1906. As you stand on this corner try to imagine what it must
have looked like back in 1801 when the streets were made of dirt, no traffic
lights, power lines did not exist, and no cars traveled up and down the streets.
Imagine if you can what it might have looked like on May 31, 1801 when each of
the founders of the Supreme Council arrived to establish the first meeting of
the Supreme Council at this site.
(When leaving Broad and Church Street go towards Meeting
Street to St. Michael’s Church)
Point “G” “St. Michael’s Church” St. Michael’s church
was completed in 1761 and is the oldest church edifice in the city of
Charleston. Built on this same spot was the first church of St. Philip’s or as
the population called it, “Church of England.”
Located in the graveyard under the “Big Oak Tree” near the
wall facing Meeting Street you will find the grave of General Mordecai Gist who
served under General George Washington during the Revolutionary War. After the
war he settled down on a plantation to live near Charleston and was a Past Grand
Master of Masons for the Ancient Grand Lodge along with being one of the
original members that established the Society of the Cincinnati, which was
established at Shepheard’s Tavern.
When the first president of America George Washington (a
known mason) made his southern tour through Charleston in 1791 he attended
church services here at St. Michael’s. Many dinners were held in his honour to
which two of them given to him were by the Society of the Cincinnati and the
Ancient Grand Lodge of Masons.
Rev. Frederick Dalcho who is another prominent masons is
buried in this graveyard.
During the year 1811-1812, Dr. Dalcho and his wife owned pew
number 89. The location of this pew is in the same location today as it was in
1811.
On December 26, 1817, The Grand Lodge of South Carolina
Ancient York Masons and the Grand Lodge of South Carolina met for the last time
in two separate locations as two separate Grand Lodges in Charleston, South
Carolina. On this same night they met together for the first time to elect the
officers for the newly formed Grand Lodge. On December 27, 1817 the newly
elected Grand Officers were elected under the title of, “Grand Lodge of Ancient
Freemasons of South Carolina,” at Galloway’s Tavern. The first order of business
was performed by Brother Jarvis H. Stevens, Past Grand Master of the old Grand
Lodge of South Carolina who installed the first Brother Thomas W. Bacot as the
first Grand Master of the newly formed Grand Lodge. After Worshipful Master
Bacot installation he then proceeded to install his officers for the ensuing
year.
With the installation of the newly established Grand Lodge of
Ancient Freemasons of South Carolina a prayer was given by the newly elected
Grand Chaplin (Brother Frederick Dalcho) and the meeting was closed in due form.
After the appointments were made the brethren then preceded
to St. Michael’s Church, where a Divine Service was performed and a discourse
delivered by Grand Chaplain Dr. Frederick Dalcho to the brethren of Charleston.
His talk was well written for the evening of the events that had just taken
place the day before. He based his talk on the scripture of John xii:36, “while
ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light.”
After the presentation of his talk he provided a copy of his talk to the Grand
Lodge for publication. In part he spoke the following words;
“Free-Masonry, like the Religion of the Redeemer, is
eminently calculated to dispense “peace on earth, and good will towards men.”
And if the moral and religious state of the community in which it flourishes, be
not increased and refined by its influence, it must be charged to the perversity
of the Brotherhood, and not to the principles of the Institution. The general
application of its principles and practice to the spiritual and temporal welfare
of men cannot be doubted. It binds its members by the strongest sanctions, “to
do justly, to love mercy, to walk humbly before God;” and to “love the
Brotherhood.”
On December 27, 1817 the brethren of the newly formed Grand
Lodge of Ancient Free Masons of South Carolina met once again at the lodge room
located at Galloway’s Tavern.
With the installation of the new Grand Master and the newly
formed Grand Lodge it also brought harmony back to the brethren of Charleston
that had for so many years was missing.
Following a number of part-time associations with St.
Michael’s Church in Charleston, South Carolina, Rev. Dalcho was retained as an
assistant minister on February 23, 1819. In 1824 he established with others, “The
Charleston Gospel Messenger and Protestant Episcopal Resgister”, a monthly
journal of the Church’s activities. This paper was published monthly until 1853.
His monumental work at this period was a history of the Protestant Episcopal
Church in South Carolina, the first published history of any diocese in America.
Consisting of more than 600 pages. All of Dr. Fredrick Dalcho’s books were sold
at the, ”The Theological Book Store” in Charleston, South Carolina located at 51
Board Street.
In a 1999 a letter was discovered which Dr. Dalcho who was
the presiding Sunday School Superintendent of the children wrote. He asks the
Church Warden’s for permission to locate a bookshelf in the balcony of the
church next ti the bell tower door for the Sunday school children to place their
Sunday school books on. Until this time it was not known what Dr. Dalcho duties
were in the church.
Ill. Bro. Frederick Dalcho, M. D. and his wife are buried in
the graveyard of this historic churchyard.
As you stand looking at Ill. Brother Frederick Dalcho’s grave
read each word carefully on his marker that was erected in his honour from the
Masons of Charleston.
Rev. Frederick Dalcho
1770-1836
Assistant Minister Of
St. Michael’s Church
Historian of the Diocese
Sovereign Grand Commander
1816-1822
Of The Supreme Council, 33º
A\A\S\R\
Of Freemasonry
Southern Jurisdiction
U.S.A.
Of all of the known gravesites of the founders of the Supreme
Council only on Ill. Brother Frederick Dalcho grave is it mention that he was a
member of the Supreme Council until in 1999 the grave of Dr. James Moultrie was
discovered.
In 2000 a grave marker was placed on Dr. James Moultrie
grave, which announces him as a mason and co-founder of the Supreme Council.
Both Dr. Dalcho and Moultrie were members of Union Kilwinning Lodge No. 4 after
the final merger of 1817 of the two grand lodges. Dr. Dalcho grave marker was
placed on his grave by the masons of Charleston, South Carolina who held him in
such high respect.
This ends the “Masonic Walk” tour. If anyone has a question I
will try and answer it to the best of my knowledge.
Thank you for allowing me to take you on this journey.
|
