~ Shepheards Tavern ~

By McDonald “Don” Burbidge

Shepheard's Tavern in Charleston, South Carolina, was the site of many historic and Masonic events.

Shepheard's Tavern in Charleston, South Carolina, was the birthplace of ScottishRite Freemasonry. Of all the public houses in early Charleston, Shepheard’s Tavern has the richest and most significant history. Charles Shepheard built his tavern around 1720. During the 18th century in Charleston, the term tavern was used to describe any establishment that served a number of purposes for the town. The building site Charles Shepheard chose for his business was a lot at the corner of Broad and Church Streets located near the center of Charles-Town, as it was then called. It was a four-story oblong building (pictured at left), and its purpose, while commercial, was also to serve the community in a variety of ways.

Not only was Shepheard's a place to eat and drink but also a place to do business, hold public meetings, and write or receive mail. As one of the principal public houses of Charleston, it played an important part in the development of the city. It shared this honor with the Exchange Coffee House at Alexander Chisolm's on the Bay and Marshal's on the Bay "where gentlemen will have the Entertainment and Attendance usual in Coffee Houses abroad."

In 1734, a notice appeared in the South Carolina Gazette, a weekly journal printed in "Charles-Town." It announced tickets would go on sale for a play "The Orphan or the Unhappy Marriage" which was to be held at Shepheard’s Tavern at the intersection of Broad and Church Street on October 17th. This was the first season plays of any type were presented in Charleston.

Also, in the October 28, 1736, Gazette, the following paragraph appeared: "Last night a lodge of Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons, was held, for the first time, at Mr. Charles Shepheard's, Broad Street, when John Hammerton, Esq. Secretary and Receiver General for this province, was unanimously chosen Master, who was pleased to appoint Mr. Thomas Denne, Senior Warden, Mr. Tho. Harbin, Junior Warden, and Mr. James Gorden, Secretary."

Shepheard's Tavern burned down during a fire in 1740. After the ashes had cooled, it was rebuilt in the same spot using as many materials as could be saved from the original building. The following is a list of various information on the history of Shepheard's Tavern. Theatrical performances at Shepheard's were held in a large public room called the "Court Room," so called because the province rented the large room for that purpose. Welcoming ceremonies for newly arrived British governors were held at Shepheard's, Dillon's, and Poinsettia's.

*The Grand Lodge of Freemasons, formed in 1754, met at Shepheard's.

*The "Sons of Liberty" held their meetings at Shepheard's.

*According to Charles Fraser's Reminiscences of Charleston, Shepheard's was known popularly as the "Corner Tavern."

*Charleston's First Troop of Horse was organized and the Court of Sessions was held at Shepheard's.

*Charleston's gentlemen came there to read, do business, hold public meeting, write and send letters.

*An advertisement found in the South Carolina Gazette of November 19, 1744, notes: "The Subscriber has opened his House in Broad Street, where may be depended on, as Good Entertainment as this Province affords, and the Customers as obliging usage, Thy most obedient humble Servant, Charles Shepheard."

*An advertisement found in the South Carolina Gazette of May 16, 1743, notes: "The Hon. William Ball, Esq., announces Charles Shepheard as Post Master for the province of South Carolina."

On May 31, 1801, Colonel John Mitchell and the Reverend Fredrick Dalcho opened "The Supreme Council of the 33d Degree for the United States of America." Dalcho had received the 33° from Colonel John Mitchell six days before the opening. John Mitchell was a native of Ireland and an officer of the American Army in the Revolutionary War. Frederick Dalcho, a native of England, was elected Grand Commander of the Council in 1816 and served as Assistant Rector of St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Charleston.

It is a bit strange that the first meeting took place on May 31, 1801, as this was a Sunday and not a day during the week when most Lodges would meet. When we trace the date of May 31 in history, we find it was the date of the ascension to the throne in 1740 of Fredrick the Great of Prussia (1712–1786). The day was celebrated each year by his subjects.

Dr. Dalcho, one of the founders, was the son of an officer in that monarch's army and must have been familiar from childhood with the observance of that anniversary. What was more natural than that he should suggest the date to his colleagues (if they did not already know of it) as a fitting occasion upon which to inaugurate the new Supreme Council? Since Frederick the Great was a Master Mason and a monarch famous throughout the world, what was more natural than that Dalcho's colleagues should agree? Some strong reason must have induced the inauguration of the Supreme Council on Sunday, and that reason, this author speculates, was the desire to render tribute to a famous man and Freemason.

In 1924, the Klinck, Wickenberg, and Company building (formerly Shepheard's Tavern) was torn down and a distinguished bank and office building erected in the same place. Throughout the years for various reasons, Freemasons and especially Scottish Rite Masons have asked for and obtained permission to attach tablets to the outside of the building. The owner of the building has always approved such requests. The following is a list of all the Masonic tablets now attached to the bank.

Tablet 1, located on the corner of building at Broad and Church Street, reads:

On This Site Stood The Building In Which The Supreme Council, 33°, Ancient And Accepted Scottish Rite Of Freemasonry Was Founded May 31, 1801, A.D., Corresponding To Sivan 19, 5561 A.M. Solomon's Lodge No.1, Ancient Freemasons Chartered By The Grand Lodge Of England 1735 Was Organized On This Site, October 28, 1736.

Tablet 2, located at the corner on Church Street, has two plaques, one above the other. The first plaque (pictured at right) reads:

The Grand Lodge Of Ancient Freemasons Of South Carolina Organized before August 18,1737, this Grand Lodge met in Charles Shepheard's Tavern, an early meeting Place of the colony, once Located on the corner. Erected by the Grand Lodge of Ancient Freemasons of S.C. 1987

Plaque two, located under plaque one, reads as follows:

At This Northeast Corner Of This Building William A. Giles Grand Master Ancient Free masons Laid The Corner Stone On This Building November 24th, 1928

Tablet 3, located on the back corner of the building, is a cornerstone. It reads:

W.A. Giles Grand Master Of Masons A.D. 1928–A.L. 5928

Whenever Freemasons, especially Scottish Rite Brothers, are near the corner of Church and Broad Streets in downtown Charleston, they owe it to themselves to visit this historic location. While walking around the neighborhood, visit St. Michael's and St. Philip's Church as the founding "Eleven Gentlemen of Charleston," the founders of the Supreme Council, did when they lived there in 1801.

Frederick Dalcho is buried at St. Michael's Church, and James Moultrie is buried at St. Philip's churchyard. If it weren't for the insight and determination of these two gentlemen and the other nine founders, Scottish Rite Freemasonry might not have flourished in Charleston. In 2001, Scottish Rite Freemasonry, S.J., will celebrate its 200th anniversary in Charleston, South Carolina.

Brother Burbidge wishes to dedicate this article to his long-time friend, fellow Mason, and Scottish Rite Brother, the late Ill. Bro. Joel Wyman Frampton, Jr., 33° (1913–1993) of Charleston.

The above was Reprinted with permission of the Scottish Rite Journal, June 1999
 

Citizens and Southern National Bank of Charleston

On June 29, 1924 the Citizens and Southern National Bank opened its doors for the first time at their new location located at the corner of, Broad and Church Street. This site was the former home of "Shepheard’s Tavern” which was the birthplace of the Supreme Council for the United States which was founded on May 31, 1801 by Col. John Mitchell and Frederick Dalcho.

Upon entering the first floor of the new bank the visitor(s) would be impressed with the spaciousness and openness of the bank room as the main floor is open and runs the length of the building from front to the rear entrance.

The vault of the bank at the time boasted of being full proof against fire, acetylene, flame and high explosives with safety boxes conveniently placed for the customers to use.

When the Citizens and Southern National Bank opened its doors the Officers and Directors were presented a bronze coin. On one side of the coin is the image of the bank with the date it first opened on Broad Street and on the other side is the state seal of South Carolina. This coin will be on display at the Scottish Rite temple during the celebration.

At the time of the opening of the Citizens and Southern National Bank the officers and directors named where;

Officers

Henry Schachte, vice-chairman of the Board,Angus E. Bird, President, H. Wm. Hopke, vice-president and Cashier,Jack D. Lesemann, vice-president,Julius E. Schroeder, vice-president, James Conner, vice-president, Michael L. Runey, Assistant Cashier, Colt T. Hendley, Assistant Cashier.

Directors

Mills B. Lane, Henry Schachte, Angus E. Bird, Jack D. Lesemann, Frank Burbidge (my great, great grandfather), Julius E. Schroeder, C. B. Schachte, Wm. Murphey, H. Wm. Hopke, M. Rutledge Rivers, Matthew A. Condon, James Conner.

History of the Citizens and Southern National Bank

October 1, 1874 The Germania Savings Bank opened for general business and an institution was launched which was destined to be a constructive influence in the general prosperity and happiness of this community. The total assets were $70, 081.04

December 1, 1913  The Germania Saving Bank opened its branch office in the Masonic Building, at 270 King Street.

1918  The names of the Germania Savings and Germania National Banks were changed to the Atlantic Savings and Atlantic National Banks.

June 27, 1923  On September first of this year the Atlantic National moved to larger quarters, at 284 King Street. This move was made in order to meet the increased demands of business. 

January, 1927  Henry Schachte was elevated from the presidency of the Atlantic Banks to Chairman of the Board. Julius H. Jahnz, who up to that time, had been the only vice-president, succeeded him in the presidency.

July 7, 1927  The Atlantic National’s branch office at 515 King Street was opened.

March 1928  Interests affiliated with the Citizens and Southern National Bank of Georgia purchased the stock of the Atlantic Savings and the Atlantic National Banks. In May of that year the name of the Atlantic Savings Bank was changed to the Citizens and Southern Bank of South Carolina.

July 29, 1929  In opening its new building the Citizens and Southern Bank carried on a tradition established more than half a century ago when the Germania Savings Bank, its parent institution, first opened its doors.

A glance through the Banks history will show that their policy has always been to increase capitalization, and expand the facilities as Charleston grew and at the same time adhering to the customers needs and requirements.

The new bank was designed to give the utmost in comfort and convenience that a modern banking home could offer at the time. The policy was that the complete facilities and abilities of every member of the banking family, from president of the bank to office boy, should constantly and cheerfully is at the command of their friends and customers.

Timeline

Shepheard's Tavern in Charleston, South Carolina, was the birthplace of Scottish Rite Freemasonry. Of all the public houses in early Charleston, Shepheard’s Tavern has the richest and most significant history to Scottish Rite Masons around the world.

The building site Charles Shepheard chose for his business was a lot at the corner of Broad and Church Streets located near the center of Charles-Town, as it was then called. It was a four-story oblong building (pictured above), and its purpose, while commercial, was also to serve the community in a variety of ways.

Listed in the “South Carolina Gazette” newspaper advertisements for Charleston the following announcements were found concerning the history of “Shepheard’s Tavern.”

1734 An announcement in the Gazette paper states that Mr. Charles Shepheard is the owner of the tavern located at the corner of Broad and Church Street.

In the “Gazette” paper. An announcement for tickets would go on sale for a play “ The Orphan or the Unhappy Marriage” which was to be held at Shepheard’s Tavern at the intersection of Broad and Church Street on October 17th. This was the first season that plays of any type where presented in Charleston at this time.

1736 In the “South Carolina Gazette”, a weekly journal printed at that time in “Charles-Town” and then the only newspaper, which was published there, will be found under it’s issue of Friday, October 28, the following paragraph;

“Last night a lodge of Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons, was held, for the first time, at Mr. Charles Shepheard’s, in Board Street, when John Hammerton, Esq. Secretary and Receiver General for this province, was unanimously chosen Master, who was pleased to appoint Mr. Thomas Denne, Senior Warden, Mr. Tho. Harbin, Junior Warden, and Mr. James Gorden, Secretary”.

1743 Advertisement found in the "South Carolina Gazette" dated: May 16th, The Hon. William Ball, Esq.; announces Charles Shepheard as Post Master for the province of South Carolina.

1747/1748 Mr. Charles Shepheard dies and the tavern passes ownership to Mr. John Gordon.

1754 The Grand Lodge of Freemasons was formed in this tavern.

1762 Mr. John Gordon dies and Mr. John Dillion is now listed as the new proprietor of the tavern.

1771 Mr. John Dillion retires and the tavern is passed onto Mr. William Holliday. This is the second tavern owned on East Bay Street by Mr. John Holliday.

1773 Mr. John Holliday departs the city. The new proprietor is listed as Mrs. Francis Swallow who is a widow at the time.

1774 Mrs. Swallow marries Mr. Charles Ramadge and the tavern is renamed to Ramadge’s Tavern.

1775 The information concerning the tavern is less published in the local papers until after the Revolutionary war. After the Revolutionary war the establishment is listed as the “City Tavern” and is known by this name for several years. Listed in the memoirs of General William Moultrie and Dr. David Ramsey the “City Tavern” is fondly written of by both gentlemen.

1784 Mr. Thompson leaves town late in this year. The new proprietor is listed as Mr. James Milligan who sells the tavern, which is now used as retail and wholesales store.

1796 The retail store is damaged in the fire of 1796.

1801 On May 31, Colonel John Mitchell and Fredrick Dalcho opened a Supreme Council of the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite; Dalcho had received the necessary qualification from Colonel John Mitchell six days before the opening of the Supreme Council. John Mitchell, a native of Ireland and an officer of the American Army in the Revolutionary War while Dr. Frederick Dalcho was a native of England, who was afterwards Grand Commander of the Council, and Assistant Rector of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Charleston.

1924 The Klinck, Wickenberg and Company building (formerly Shepheard’s Tavern) was torn down and in its place was erected the new Citizens and Southern National Bank.

Through out the years “Shepheard’s Tavern” is listed as the following:

7) Advertisement found in the "South Carolina Gazette" dated: May 16th, 1743

The Hon. William Ball, Esq.; announces Charles Shepheard as Post Master for the province of South Carolina.

If you happen to find yourself in Charleston for the celebration take the time for the “Masonic Walking” tour and get a feel for the city that the “Eleven Gentlemen of Charleston” lived in. As you walk along the streets you will get a feeling of what it might have been like when they lived in this city. The asphalt streets were made of dirt when they lived here.

When you are at the site of Shepheard’s Tavern stand at the corner of Church and Broad Street as they did and look around. Try to imagine what it might have looked like to live as they did.

“Special thanks goes out to Nic Butler for his help on this and other projects we both have worked on together.”