Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

Re: Old Masonic Lodge

Block 11

In accordance with your request, I am attaching, herewith, a copy of a report on the above noted building. This report has been compiled by Miss Catherine Savedge and myself. You may note that we have included two old historical research reports and the available graphic material which was on file in our office.

We have much more information about the physical features of this building than we usually have on other reconstructions. This building, which apparently was built between 1774 and 1776, was a simple 2-story frame building with a "T" wing. The first floor was rented out as a tenement and the 2nd floor was used for the Lodge meeting room. This building was considered for restoration in 1907 but it was unfeasible and the building was demolished in 1910. An architect, S. R. Remington, did the proposed restoration studies. Mr. Remington prepared measured drawings and proposed "restoration" drawings. We are fortunate to have photostatic copies of Mr. Remington's drawings. These drawings with the photographs in the report, provide us with enough information to accurately reconstruct this building.

We propose, however, that some archeology will be required, especially to the north and east of the present building, and some historical research will be needed before reconstruction can begin.

Please return the attached report as this is the only copy and some of the photographs included in it are irreplaceable.

MASONIC LODGE

Block 11, Building 3

(Not Owned)

Colonial Lot #13

— —

The Masonic Lodge: Architectural Research Report

by

Paul Buchanan

and

Catherine Savedge

Architectural Research Department

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

January 1971

THE MASONIC LODGE
(Block 11, Building 3)
Colonial Lot #13
Not Owned - Structure Not Original

Paul Buchanan and Catherine Savedge. The Masonic Lodge: Architectural Research Report. The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Architectural Research Department (typescript), 1971.

MASONIC LODGE
Block 11, Colonial Lot 13

The old Masonic Lodge was located at the south end of colonial lot 13. It was a two-story frame building, T-shaped with rear additions, that faced on Francis Street. The structure was probably built in the last quarter of the eighteenth century, although no record confirming its date has been found. The original building was dismantled in 1910 when the Masons found its intended restoration impractical. In 1931 the present brick Lodge was constructed on its site.

The ownership of lot 13 before the mid-eighteenth century is unknown. Unfortunately, also, the history of the southern part of the property, on which the Lodge stood, has been entirely obscured by the loss of the colonial James City County records. When the boundary between James City and York Counties was adjusted in 1767, this lot was among those in Blocks 7 through 11 which were divided in half by the line. York County records reveal, however, that Philip Lightfoot and his descendants, William Lightfoot of Sandy Point and William Lightfoot of Tedington, owned both lot 13 and the adjoining lot 14 from ca. 1740 to 1839. In that year they were bought by George W. Southall. Joint ownership of the lots had ceased in 1852, by which time William S. Peachy had purchased the north portion of lot 13 and John H. Deneufville had acquired the whole of lot 14. Southall offered the south portion of lot 13, which he said was called the "Lodge Lot", for sale in November, 1852. Both he and Peachy, though, paid taxes on portions of the Lodge lot in 1854. The Williamsburg Land Tax records indicate that Peachy continued to pay 2 taxes on one lot until 1861. In the Minutes of the Williamsburg Lodge for July 4, 1856, however, it is stated that the Masons had recently purchased the "old Lodge Hall". [May have been purchased by individual members, by shares.] In 1906 the Lodge obtained title to the property through the acquisition of 25 shares by separate deeds.

Freemasonry may have been operative in Williamsburg in the early 1700's, since a Lodge had been established in Norfolk by 1741 and several other Lodges were functioning in Virginia during the 1750's. A notice printed in the Virginia Gazette of April 21, 1751 documents the demise of a Masonic Lodge in Williamsburg "some time ago", and Alexander Finnie of the Williamsburg Lodge is known to have visited the Fredericksburg Masons on two occasions in 1752 and 1753. According to a record surviving among the Williamsburg Masonic papers, several meetings were held here in 1762 and 1763 at the Crown Tavern (which was located across the street from the Printing Office). The Williamsburg Lodge was officially chartered by the Grand Lodge of England on November 6, 1773, but treasurer's accounts and minutes of meetings are nonetheless extant from June 29, 1773. Obviously, as in the nineteenth century, the Lodge was intermittently active and defunct during the colonial period.

The earliest legal record associating the Masonic building with the Lightfoot property dates from the late eighteenth century, but it was definitely identified there in 1814. An account in the Masonic Treasurer's Book for July 6, 1782 notes the payment of twenty-five pounds to "Mr. Lightfoot". (None of the Lightfoots were Masons.) Directly beneath that entry, a second disbursement dated May 23, 1783 is designated for the payment of £ 5. 18. 0. due on the balance of the "Lodge Rent for this year".^* The connection is later confirmed by two other documents. A deed to lot 15 and a Mutual Assurance Society policy insuring the buildings on 3 that lot, both of which were written in January, 1814, identically describe the property as bound "on the West by Lightfoots lot and the Masons Hall". The Southall and Peachy references of 1852 and 1854, cited above, further affirm the location of the Lodge.

Actual Masonic records, however, strongly suggest that the Masons occupied the building on Lightfoot's lot in 1775. Their first meetings during the summer of 1773 were held in the "New Lodge Room". This room may have been in a building on the Market Square Tavern property, because they paid rent to Gabriel Maupin, the proprietor, from 1773 through June 24, 1777. On the other hand, Maupin could have been an agent acting for the Lightfoots and these rents paid to Maupin could have been for the new building on lot 13. On August 2, 1774, they resolved to petition the House of Burgesses for permission to conduct a lottery "to Raise a Sum of Money for the purpose of Building a Lodge Room and other conveniences for the same . . . " On November 6, 1775, they decided to continue leasing from Maupin, who was one of their members, but at the same time appointed a committee "to rent out this Lodge", stipulating that Maupin account to them for the rent he might receive. Apparently, they had built their new Lodge, or had moved to another, and were preparing to sublease. In October, 1776, the first floor rooms of the Lodge were rented to Doctor William Rickman, Director-General of the Continental Hospital.

That the Masons were meeting in the building on lot 13 by June 3, 1776 is proved by the following resultion:

. . . On a Motion, Resolved, the Ceiling of the Lodge be removed & an arched Ceiling Turned in its place & blinds be made to the Windows for the admission of fresh & cool air.

A measured drawing of the original structure made by the architect, S. 4 R. Remington, in 1907 clearly shows that the second floor meeting room had an arched ceiling. (Remington's drawings, numbering four in all and including proposed plans for the building's restoration, were given to Mr. George Kidd by Miss Cara Armistead in 1953. Colonial Williamsburg has photostat copies.)

It should also be noted that during 1777 the Masons paid two Williamsburg craftsmen for repairs to the Lodge. Phillip Moody was paid £ 15. 7. 11 on September 24th and Humphrey Harwood, a bricklayer, received £ 3. 0. 6. on October 7, 1777. These repairs were most likely the alterations resolved upon in June. Moody's bill was a large one and could have been for the construction of the blinds and arched ceiling, while Harwood's payment was probably for the plaster work required for the ceiling. Later, in December, 1779, John Lamb was paid over twenty pounds for additional repairs to the Lodge.

Just as they had leased rooms to Doctor Rickman in 1776, the Masons rented the "Lower Rooms" of the Lodge to Walter Battwell during 1779. Whether these first floor rooms were in the building on Lightfoot's property can only be surmised, but it seems reasonable that they were.

A Grand Lodge of Masons, being a meeting of five lodges in the state, was held at the Raleigh Tavern on December 28, 1780, after which the Williamsburg members later gathered at their own Lodge room for a meeting. They were using the Lodge as late as June 24, 1779, when the last local Minute Book before 1800 ends.

In January, 1786 the Treasurer's Book records a payment for moving the Lodge furniture. The reason for this is unknown. Although rent was paid to Lightfoot that same year, the Lodge disbanded soon thereafter, for ten years later, in 1796, a record states that meetings had been "discontinued for some years past." The account book of James Anderson shows that James Galt, the Treasurer, took possession of the Lodge in May, 1798, however, and Galt paid Anderson rent on the Lodge in 5 August, 1798. The minutes of a meeting in November of that year survive, but by 1802 the Lodge was once again dormant.

Several documentary illustrations of the Masonic Lodge are in existence. The Frenchman's Map which shows the structure as it appeared around 1781, delineates the building as an L-shaped structure rather than T-shaped as it appears on Remington's 1907 plan. There are four different photographs of the building taken around 1907.^* These, along with Remington's plan and elevation, provide accurate evidence of the building's exterior appearance and give the interior room arrangement.

The main part of the building measured 32'-2-½" x 16'-8" on the outside. The rear T-addition, probably of eighteenth-century origin and containing the stairway, measured 12'-9" x 15'-4", and had a 4'-0" x 8'-7" projection on the west which served as an anteroom to the second floor Lodge Room. There was a one-story shed room on the east of the two-story T-wing. This shed room was 9'-10" x 15'-4". The height of the building can be scaled from Mr. Remington's drawings.

Thus, from the documents and the graphic material available, a very accurate reconstruction can be accomplished. Further documentary research and archaeological investigations should be done, however, before reconstruction is attempted.

January 1971

Retyped: August 31, 1979

MASONIC LODGE
(Block 11 Col. Lot 13)
Conjectural Rendering
Phil McCormick
Architects' Office
[1 December 1977]

SOUTH ELEVATION ¼"=1'-0"

ELEVATION STUDY FOR RECONSTRUCTION

MASONIC LODGE, BL. 11

SK 77.12.1-2 ¼"=1'-0" [illegible]

1 DEC 77:

MASONIC LODGE
(Block 11 Col. Lot 13)
Plan and Elevation Studies
James F. Waite
Architects' Office
1 December 1977

FIRST FLOOR PLAN ¼"=1'-0"

SECOND FLOOR PLAN ¼"=1'-0"

James Anderson, Account Book, 1778-1779, p. 44. Photostat - Archi. Library.

D^r. M^r. Matthew Anderson

Masonic Lodge
Block 11, Col. Lot 13 (South)

MASONIC LODGE
Block 11 Colonial Lot 13

THE MASONIC LODGE: BLOCK 11, LOT NO. 14

The earliest record found of a masonic order in Williamsburg appeared in the Virginia Gazette (Wm. Hunter) on April 18, 1751. The article read:

Fabricando, Fabri Sumus The ancient and loyal Society of free and accepted Masons, made a Figure in this City some Time ago, like a Meteor, whose exquisite Brightness port[faded] a happy Influence; but, lavish of its Fires, was soon extinguish'd: So the Society was too soon [faded] and no more Lodges held, of Gentlemen of the str[faded] Honour and Probity, who were initiated therein; where Act of Bonevolence, perform'd to a person (tho' not their Brother) shew'd their inimitable Goodness and Compassion to these in Distress. It is to be hoped, That Men of these Principles will not obliterate from their Minds the Praotice of associating, in the most ancient Confraternity in the Universe, which has been traditionally handed down to Posterity these several thousand Yoars; and its Dignity is now supported by the greatest Monarchs on Earth, and was always observed as the most inviolable Secret ever introduced among Man. [An ode in praise of masonry follows]

The state of masonry in Williamsburg in the years from 1751 to 1773 is shadowy. Entries of the treasurer dated 1762 and 1763 in the back of the first volume of minutes of the Lodge 1773 - 1779 show that some kind of masonic meetings were held in Williamsburg prior to 1762. It [faded] that the order met at the Crown Tavern. (Notes of Anne Allison on Peter Pelham.) A secondary source considers the chair in the possession of the lodge proof that the lodge was in existence before 1773. Tradition says this chair was a gift from Lord Botetourt, governor from 1768 to 1770 (William and Mary Quarterly, I (1), p. 9, footnote 2.)

2

The next written source of information for freemasonry in Williamsburg is to be found in the book of accounts of successive treasurers of the lodge from 1773 to 1786. This shows an organized lodge with a charter, a provincial grand master, quarterly dues, fines for absences, and fees for initiation and passing degrees. (Ibid, p. 5) The charter seems to have been paid for in installments.

July 13, 1773 By ditto (cash) sent to England 6.12.6 April 21, 1774 By cash in part of Charter 5

June 7, By ditto for ballance of the Charter 9.13.6 (Ibid. p. 13)

It also appears that the Lodge for a period of time difficult to determine, rented quarters from Gabriel Maupin, who kept the Market Square Tavern (See "Brief resume of notes on families, etc. associated with Market Sqaare Tavern" p. 6) The treasurer of the Lodge shows in his accounts payments of rent to Maupin as follows:

June 24, 1774 - Gabriel Maupin paid 20 pds for the use of his house as a lodge for the last year. (William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. XXV (1), p. 150)

June 25, 1774 - By pd. G. Maupin in part for rent 10.10.0 (Ibid., Vol. I (1), p. 14)

May 29, 1775 - By cash paid G. Maupin for Lodge Rent and Shop A cc't 15.9 (Ibid)

June 17, 1777 - By cash paid Gabriel Maupin for the rent of the Lodge from May 29th 1774 to June 24th, 1777. 55.11.3 (Ibid., p. 16)

On the other hand, at the time that Maupin was receiving rent for quarters, the order was making plans for a lodge room, apparently building it, changing its interior, renting part of it, and installing 3 an organ, as the following minutes show:

Aug. 2, 1774 - . . . the committee of the Lodge were required to prepare a petition to the next House of Burgesses for permission to hold & lottery to raise money for building a lodge room and "other conveniences for the same." (Ibid., Vol. XXV (1), p. 150)

June 3, 1776 - On a motion Resolved the Ceiling of the Lodge be removed & an arched ceiling Turned in its place & blinds be made to the windows for the admission of fresh and cool air.

. . . . . ordered that Brother Bucktrout do hand about a Subscription among the Brotherhood for the purpose of collecting a sum of Money to be laid out in an organ for the use of this Lodge and that he report his success at the next lodge in course. (Ibid., Vol. XXV, (1), p. 153)

Sept. 24,1777-By cash paid Phil Moody for Rep'rs. to the Lodge 15.7.11 (Ibid., Vol. I (1) 16)

Several references to the lot on which the Lodge stood and to the "Mason's Hall" are found in records of the 19th century.

In the deed of lot No. 15 by Wilson Cheek and his wife, Sally, to Robert Anderson, the Mason's Hall is one of the western boundaries of his property as follows:

January 17, 1814 That well known house and lot in Williamsburg, County of York, lately in the occupation of James and Eva Wright, and bounded as follows, to-wit: On the North by the Main Street, on the East by a street which divides the same from Orrill's and Charlton's lots, on the South by Frances Street, and on the West by Lightfoots lot and the Masons Hall, together with all houses and improvements thereon. (York County Records, Deeds, Book VIII, p. 250)

4

This deed seems to locate the Mason's Hall on Francis Street at lot No. 14, according to the unknown draftsman's map which shows Federal Street separating lot No. 15 from lot No. 16, with a Charlton in the l[faded]tter on Duke of Gloucester Street.

In his insurance policy on this property (No. 405, p.6, June 18, 1814), Anderson gives the following description:

On Main Street now occupied by Wilson Cheeks situated between Main Street on the north, a cross street dividing the lot of Charlton's on the east, Francis Street on the south and on the West by Lightfoots lot and the Masons Hall. (See Illustration I)

See Southall Papers 1841-48

In the Williamsburg Land Tax records, W. S. Peachy came into possession in 1854 from George W. Southall's Estate of "a part of the Lodge lot."

William S. Peachy in the same records in 1854 is shown as having a part of the Lodge lot, including buildings, worth $200. This was "Formerly charged to George W. Southall." In 1859, William S. Peachy is still shown by these records to be in possession of the lot.

Mr. Charles in his Recollections of Williamsburg in 1861 remembered that

South of the Peachy (Nightingale) house on Francis Street there stood, up to a few years ago, the old Masonic lodge. This was a two story frame house with small yard in front enclosed by a picket fence. The writer well remembers when the Masons used the upper floor and a school room was on the first floor. (Page 4) This lodge claims to have now in its possession the chair in which G. Washington sat when he once presided over its deliberations.

In Lyon G. Tyler's, Williamsburg, p. 247, there is a picture of the Old Masonic Lodge which Mr. C. C. Armistead of Williamsburg 5 believes, on the evidence of a floor plan in the records of the lodge, was the one built in the 1770's.

The lodge was a charitable, social and religious organization. Ceremony played an important part in its practices, as payments for regalia and descriptions of public events, such as, funerals and laying of cornerstones, recorded in the local gazette indicate.

When a brother mason, William Rind, printer, died, the lodge seemed to assume antire financial responsibility for the eldest sons, William and John Rind, as the following expenditures prove

Nov. 5, 1776 - By cash Pd. Jno. M. Galt, by order of the Master for Cloathing &c. for Mr. Wm. Rind's children. 11.6.3. Nov. 5, 1776 - Cash Pd. Jno. M. Galt for Mr. Dudly Williams for one Quarter, board and schooling Wm. and John Rind, orphans of Mr. Wm. Rind, decd 4.10 Nov. 6, 1776 - By cash Pd. Stuard by order of y^e Master 24.11 June 3. Cash Pd. Jno. M. Galt for Mr. Dudly Williams for half a year's board and schooling for Wm. and John Rind, Orphans of Mr. Wm. Rind, Dec'd 9.0.0 July 15, 1777 - By cash paid for Virginia Cloath, per M. Galt's order for Wm. Rind's children 5.14.9 30th to do 32.6 7/7/3 Sept. 24, 1777 - By Acc't Pd. Dudley Williams por Jno. M. Galt for the board of Wm. and John Rind 3.12.2 Jan. 2, 1777 - By cash pd. Arch. Diddip, for making cloaths for Wm. and John Rind 5/15/9 Jan. 16, 1777 - By cash advanced Mr. Saulton for board and schooling Wm. & John Rind per J. Galt 3/10

Feb. 2, 1777 - By do. pd. Robt. Nicholson for Wm. and John Rind 7.4 (William and Mary Quarterly I (1), p. 15-16)

6

A member of the lodge in need of financial bolatering, apparently, was the occasion for this item in the treasurer's account: "Paid a distressed Brother by order of the Lodge £12." (William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. I (1), p. 15)

The days sacred to the patron saints of their order were occasions for meetings where important business was transacted. Almost the entire day seems to have been given over to celebration, in the form of a sermon based on scriptural passages that dwelt on love and harmony. On Dec. 27th, sacred to St. John the Evangelist, a repast, sometimes declared as "frugal" with ladies present, was indulged in with a ball at the Raleigh or the Capitol to end the day.

Dec. 30, 1773 Last Monday being the Feast of St. John the Evangelist, the ancient and honourable Society of Free and Accepted Masons, all habited alike, and in the proper Insignia of their Order, went in procession from their Lodge in this City to Bruton Church, where an excellent Discourse, delivered by the Reverend Mr. Andrews, a Brother Mason, was preached from Hebrews XIII, 1: Lat Brotherly love continue. After divine Service, they returned to their Lodge and dined together; after which they gave a Ball and elegant Entertainment to a number of Ladies, and spent the Evening with that Harmony, Docorum, and friendly Intercourse, which characterise the Brotherhood, and are so agreeable to the Laws of Masonry." (Virginia Gazette, Dec. 30, 1773, Purdie and Dixon)

Dec. 29, 1774 On Tuesday last, being the feast of St. John the Evangelist, the Worshipful Society of Free and Accepted Masons in this City went in procession from their Lodge to the Church, where a very excellent Sermon was preached to them by the Reverend Mr. Dixon. . . . . and in the Evening they gave a Ball to the Ladies, and partook of a frugal Repast. (Virginia Gazette, Dec. 29, 1774, Purdie and Dixon)

Dec. 3, 1776 On motion that Brother Davis be desired to preach on Saint John's (Day) and Brother Bland read prayers, and we dine and Sup and have a Ball 7 for the entertsinment of the Ladies at the house of Mrs. Campbell as usual heretofore. Ordered that Ticketts be prepared by the Treasurer and delivered and at five dollars to all Regular made Masons." (William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. 25 (1) p. 152)

Dec. 17, 1776 "The Ball called off on account of the critical times and that tickets be issued to all regular made Masons at 12 and 6 pence each for the Dinner on St. John's Day, to be prepared by Brother Maupin." (Ibid.)

Dec. 6, 1777 "On a motion Resolved that this Lodge do meet on the Feast of St. John the Fvangelist, next ensuing and proceed in procession to Church to hear Divine Service and a Sermon, that the worshipful Junior Warden do bespeak a supper on the occasion, that the Ladies in town be invited as usual to spend the evening in Harmony. A committee of the officers & Past officers do meet and agree upon a plan to regulate the proceedings of the Evening. Brother James Galt protested against the proceedings Relative to the Ball in the evening, but assigned no Reasons." (William and Mary Quarterly Vol. 25 (1) p. 154)

Jan 8, 1777 "By cash pd. Brother G. Waupin, the ball'ce due for the entertainment of St. John, Evangelist, 1776 5.7.6 (Ibid., Vol. I (1), p. 16)

June 24, 1779 "The Lodge celebrated the day by the election of officers and proceeding to Brother Southall's at six o'clock for supper." (William and Mary Quarterly, Vol.25, p. 156. James Southall at this date kept the Raleigh Tavern.)

The supplies and ceremonial equipment of members of the Lodge were paid for by the Lodge and entered in the treasurer's account:

July 13, 1773 By cash paid for jewels for the Lodge to J. Rowsey 1/5/0 Aug. 3, (1773) By ditto for 5½ yds. black crape /16/10½ 8 Dec. 10, (1773) By 6 Shammy Skins 9. 24th paid for Gold Lace 22.6 Jan. 15, 1774 By ditto for Stuard's Aprons /11/

May 28th paid for a Master's Medal /52/ (William and Mary Quarterly I (1), p.13)

Dec. 21, 1774 By cash for a Sash, 12.6., Dec. 22 By do. for a Skin 2.3, Dec. 27th By do. 2 Sashes 25-1/19/9

Dec. 29, By cash paid Charlton for Ribband &c. 25.4. By do. for French Horn 20 2/5/4 (Ibid. p. 14)

Aug. 23, 1775 By cash paid W. F. Bickerton for a piece of W'te Ribon, 27. Nov. 31 paid G. Maupin for a Scabbard for the Sword 8.9 1/15/9 (Ibid., p. 15)

Merchants frequently listed masonic emblems such as "Freemason sashes and Brooches" and "Masons modals" along with other articles of fine we ring apparel in their advertisements. (Virginia Gazette, Purdie and Dixon, Sept. 17, 1767 and Oct. 20, 1774 (Supplement))

One of the most famous members of the Williamsburg Lodge was Speaker Peyton Randolph, Provincial Grand Master. His picture, made by William Peale, hung in the Lodge. Sometime after Randolph's death, "an elegant Frame" was ordered for the picture. (William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. 25 (1). p. 153)

It is believed that this picture showing Randolph in his masonic regalia was burned in a fire that consumed the Library of Congress. (William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. I (1), p.7)

On hearing of the death of Randolph who was in Philadelphia in attendance at the Continental Congress, the lodge went into mourning "until his corps shall arrive." This resolution was ordered to be inserted in the Virginia Gazette. (William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. 25 9 (1), p. 151) There the order, signed by the Secretary, George Reid, called for the members of the Lodge to go into mourning for six weeks. (Virginia Gazette, Alex. Purdie, Nov. 10, 1775)

The masons were one of the organized groups that attended Randolph's funeral at Williamsburg when the body was brought from Philadelphia in 1776

Virginia Gazette Alex. Purdie, Ed. November 29, 1776 On Tuesday last the remains of our late amiable and beloved fellow citizen, the Hon. PEYTON RANDOLPH, Esq; were conveyed in a hearse to the College chapel attended by the worshipful brotherhood of Freemasons, both Houses of Assembly, a number of other gentlemen, and the inhabitants of this city. The body was received from the hearse by six gentlemen of the House of Delegates, who conveyed it to the family vault in the chapel, after which an excellent oration was pronounced from the pulpit by the reverend Thomas Davis. . . . . The oration being ended, the body was deposited in the vault, when every spectator payed their last tribute of tears to the Memory of their departed and much honoured friend. . . The remains of this worthy man were brought thither from Philadelphia by Edmund Randolph, esq; at the earnest request of his uncle's afflicted and inconsolable widow. . . . 10

Randolph's wife, Betty, presented the Lodge with the "Provincial Grand Master's juel, Sash and apron." (William and Mary Quarterly Vol. 25, (1) p. 151)

In a sermon to the masons, perhaps on the Feast Day of St. John, Randolph's character was held up before them as "a bright Exempler to imitate and admire.... All North America was under his wing, but we his perculiar Care.... That great man.... revived the drooping Spirit of Masonry. The few remaining of the Elect he concentred in this place, and to him must be ascribed the present numerous appearance of the Brethren." (William and Mary Quarterly Vol. 25, (1) p. 151)

Another famous member of the order in Williamsburg was Peter Pelham. Perhaps the desire to buy an organ for the lodge room was due to his talent. On at least occasion, Peter Pelham played the organ at the funeral of a brother mason as the following announcement shows:

August 26, 1773 (Mr. William Rind's) Remains were interred last Saturday afternoon, in the Church of the Parish of Bruton . . . . and a Solemn Dirge, suitable to the occasion was performed on the organ by Mr. Peter Pelham, a Brother likewise. (Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon)

The last entry of April 11, 1779, in the Williamsburg Lodge records a meeting called to plan for the funeral of Brother Williamson and shows J. Madison, chaplain and Peter Pelham, organist heading the list of those present. (Notes of Anne Allison in Pelham genealogy folder.)

ILLUSTRATIONS

Mrs. Jean Sheldon Audio-Visual Library C.W.F. July 25, 1979

All illustrations in this report, Research Material on the Masonic Lodge (Block 11, Building 3 [not owned], Colonial Lot #13) were checked by Mrs. Jean Sheldon for inventory. Those illustrations in original form, for which Audio-Visual Library had no copy negative, were duplicated so that a negative and file copy will be on reference in the A.-V. photographic collection. Most of these illustrations were checked out of Architectural Research Library in 1971 when the report was written, so new photographs will be ordered from A.V., and the originals returned to Mrs. Rebecca Goff, Architectural Librarian.

Catherine S. Schlesinger

July 26, 1979

PHOTOGRAPHS

MASONIC LODGE

(Block 11, Building 3)

Not Original - Not Owned by C.W.F.

Site: Colonial Lot #13

Original Masonic Temple, No. 6, A.F. & A.M. (c. 1773)

Williamsburg, Virginia

Southwest Corner of Francis and Queen Streets

Illustration #1

Williamsburg Masonic Lodge (c. 1773)

(Colonial Lot #13)

Photo from "Jamestown Exhibition"

(1907), Laird & Lee, publishers

C. W. F. Negative #57-CL-209

Slides made for REG 2/10/78:

1.) Masonic Lodge c. 1907 # 57-Ch-209 (b/w)

2.) Conjectural rendering: Masonic Lodge [photostat] (b/w/) JFW^PDMc 12/1/77

Illustration #2

Masonic Lodge (c. 1905-1907)

Clipping: Norfolk Ledger-Dispatch

May 20, 1912 (Morecock Papers)

Found: Benjamin Waller House (1957)

C. W. F. Negative #79-1699

NORFOLK LEDGER-DISPATCH—MAY 20, 1912. First Masonic Lodge-Room

Illustration: Negative #79-1232

Audio-Visual Library

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Postcard showing Masonic Lodge, Williamsburg, Virginia, c. 1905-1910.

Titled: "Old Masonic Hall, First Grand Lodge in America Organized Here, Williamsburg, Virginia."

Addressed: Mr. H. L. Burrows

Fairfax, Virginia

Message: "I recd. your letter this A.M. was so glad to hear from you. You just ought to see Florence Clifton, she is just as sweet as can be, has a dimple in each cheek. Weighed ten lbs. I am real sor[r]y about Mrs. K. Mama was up here last night looks [very ?] well.

Lovingly R.

[On front of postcard:] "Tell Harry I haven't gotten his card yet. it is down home; they forgot to bring i[t] every time they came up"

Postmarked: Williamsburg [Va]; Oct. 23; 7 A M; 19[illegible].

CSS (August 28, 1979)

Architectural Research Department, C.W.F.

Illustration #3

Masonic Lodge (c. 1905-1910)

Colonial Lot #13

(Block 11, Building #3)

Postcard (Donor Unknown)

C.W.F. Negative #79-1232 OLD MASONIC HALL, FIRST GRAND LODGE IN AMERICA ORGANIZ

Illustration #4

Masonic Lodge

(Colonial Lot #13)

Jones Collection (c. 1905-1910)

C.W.F. Negative #N-506 Masonic Hall

Illustration #5

Masonic Lodge (Colonial Lot #13)

(Block 11, Building #3)

Postcard (c. 1905-1910)

C.W.F. Negative #79-1233 ORIGINAL MASONIC TEMPLE, WILLIAMSBURG, BUILT 1774

Illustration #5A

Masonic Lodge (c. 1910)

Old Photograph Lent by Mrs. V. Lee Kirby to C.W.F. for reproduction

C.W.F. Negative #74-PE-1379

Illustration #6

Masonic Lodge

Measured Drawing

2nd Floor Plan

By - S. R. Remington

Architect, 1907

Illustration #7

Masonic Lodge

Measured Drawing of East Elevation

By- S. R. Remington, Architect

1907

Illustration #8: Negative #78-1157

Audio-Visual Library

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

SHANNAHAN COLLECTION

Architectural Research Library photograph reads:

"Copyright 1907 By B. F. Wolfe."

THE OLD MASONIC CHAIR, now in WILLIAMSBURG LODGE, NO. 6, A. F. & A. M. Presented to the Masons of Williamsburg, Virginia, By NORBORNE BERKELEY, BARON De BOTETOURT, GOVERNOR OF THE COLONY — 1768-1770.

Illustration #8

Masonic Chair in Peninsula Bank

Building (1907)

Shannahan Collection

C.W.F. Negative #78-1157

Masonic Chair (18th century)

Shown in Interior of Peninsula Bank Building (1907)

Shannahan Collection

C.W.F. Negative #78-1157

"Copyright 1907 by B. F. Wolfe."

"The Old Masonic Chair, now in Williamsburg Lodge, No. 6, A.F. &A.M. Presented to the Masons of Williamsburg, Virginia by Norborne Berkeley, Baron de Botetourt, Governor of the Colony [of Virginia] — 1768-1770."

Illustration # 9

Masonic Lodge Site

U.S. Air Force Aerial View (1927)

C.W.F. Negative #79-1409

Illustration #9:

Masonic Lodge Site

(Colonial Lot #13)

Southwest Corner of Francis and Queen Streets

Williamsburg, Virginia

U. S. Air Force Aerial View (1927)

(056-852G-2)

1/18/27 [January 18, 1927]

10 A [10:00 A.M.]

(20-500)

Williamsburg, Virginia

C.W.F. Negative #79-1409

Illustration #10

Masonic Lodge Site (1929)

(Colonial Lot #13)

Old Foundations : Probably North End of T-Wing. View: N.W.

C.W.F. Negative #N-4183 & DND #5

Illustration #11:

Masonic Lodge Site (1929)

(Colonial Lot #13)

Williamsburg, Virginia

C.W.F. Negative #N-3365 & #DND-94

Architectural Research Library photograph has notation:

"Duplicate #DND-94

Block 11: Buildings #3; #2; & #1 (Left to Right)

(L. to R.) #3 - Site of Masonic Lodge

#2 - Holland Bungalow

#1 - Barlow House [George Reid House (Block 11, Building #11) This Barlow House is no relation to Orr's Dwelling [George Reid] above, which was formerly the Emmy Lou Barlow House (#11).]

Perry, Shaw & Hepburn Williamsburg, Virginia Received: December 12, 1932."

Illustration #11

Masonic Lodge Site (1929)

(Colonial Lot #13)

Site: Corner of Francis & Queen

Streets (View Looking East);House at Left- Corner

C.W.F. Negative #N-3365 &#DND -94

Illustration #12 (TOP)

Masonic Lodge Site (c. 1930)

Francis Street : View to N.E.

Site: House at Left - Corner

C.W.F. Negative #H-289

Illustration #12 (BOTTOM)

Masonic Lodge Site (c.1930)

Francis Street: View to N.W.

Site: House @nd from Left Background

C.W.F. Negative #H-290

Illustration #13

Present Masonic Lodge, No.6

(Block 11, Building #3) (1931)

Masonic Lodge Site (c.1773)

Postcard (c.1931-1937)

C.W.F. Negative #79-1235 PRESENT MASONIC TEMPLE, WILLIAMSBURG LODGE #6, A. F. & A. M.

Illustration # 14

Masonic Chair (18th Century)

Attr. to Benjamin Bucktrout

Shown in new Masonic Lodge (1931)

(Block 11, Building #3)

Postcard (c.1931- 1937)

C.W.F. Negative #79-1234

Illustration #15

Masonic Lodge Site (Col. Lot #13)

View Looking N.W.

New Masonic Lodge (1931)

(Block 11, Building #3)

Photograph (1940)

C.W.F. Negative #N-6350

Illustration #16

Masonic Lodge Site (Col. Lot #13)

View Looking East

New Masonic Lodge (1931)

(Block 11, Building #3)

Photograph (1940)

C.W.F. Negative # N-6351

Illustration #17

Masonic Lodge Site (Col. Lot#13)

View Looking West

New Masonic Lodge (1931)

(Block 11, Building #3)

Photograph (1940)

C.W.F. Negative #N-6349

Illustration #18

Masonic Lodge Site (Col. Lot #13)

Archaeology: Block 11, Area D

View Looking South at Outbuilding Foundations on Peter Hay and Masonic Lodge properties

C.W.F. Negative #49-W-1154 (1949)

Illustration #19

FROM FRENCHMAN'S MAP 1782?
SCALE-1"=100'

Illustration #20

Masonic Chair (18th- century)

Attr. to Benjamin Bucktrout

Shown in Governor's Pew at

Bruton Parish Church (c.1926)

C.W.F. Negative #AL-104

Illustration # 20
THE MASONIC CHAIR IN THE GOVERNOR'S PEW AT BRUTON PARISH
CHURCH.

Taken from "Bruton Parish Church", a pamphlet published in 1926 by H. D. Cole, Newsdealer, Williamsburg, Virginia.

C.W.F. Negative #AL-104.

Illustration #21

Masonic Chair (18th-century)

Attr. to Benjamin Bucktrout

Shown in Governor's Pew at

Bruton Parish Church (c.1926)

C.W.F. Negative #60-397

Illustration #22

Masonic Chair (18th-century)

Attr. to Benjamin Bucktrout

Shown in Governor's Pew at

Bruton Parish Church (c.1926)

C.W.F. Negative #79-1228

Illustration #21
THE MASONIC CHAIR IN THE GOVERNOR'S PEW AT BRUTON PARISH CHURCH.

Taken from "Bruton Parish Church", a pamphlet published in 1926 by H. D. Cole. Newsdealer. Williamsburg, Va. INTERIOR OF BRUTON PARISH CHURCH

Illustration #22
THE MASONIC CHAIR IN THE GOVERNOR'S PEW AT BRUTON PARISH CHURCH.

Taken from "Historical Williamsburg and Jamestown, Virginia", a pamphlet published ca. 1926 by H. D. Cole, Newsdealer, Williamsburg, Virginia. INTERIOR OF BRUTON PARISH CHURCH WILLIAMSBURG

Illustration #23

Lightfoot House

(Block 3, Building #10)

Mantel in West Room (#3), First Floor (Pre-Restoration) with Masonic Emblem. Drawing M-8

Feb. 2, 1932

ILLUSTRATIONS

There are two photographs in the Beckwith Collection, Folio #1, taken in April, 1926, which show the Masonic Chair in the Governor's Pew at Bruton Parish Church. These are filed with oversized photographs in the Architectural Research Library. The chair was apparently removed from the church in 1931.

A copy was made to replace it, and that chair can be seen situated in the Governor's Pew in photographs of the Church interior taken before the 1938 restoration. The copied chair is now located in the parlor of the Parish House. It is an adaptation, and has - instead of the ornate carving of the original - an upholstered back. A metal plaque on the chair states that it was the gift of the Missouri Colonial Dames in memory of Lord Botetourt. No date is given.

Check: [illegible] Committee of architects R^ecords for "[illegible] Lodge".

LIGHTFOOT HOUSE

(Block 3, Building 10)

Masonic Mantel

See: page 3 of "Chronology" in Report.

June 10, 1931: WARG stated in PS&H Meeting that "we have the old Masonic mantel". PB says this one in Lightfoot House could have been it. Where is mantel now?

CSS (9/4/79)

Williamsburg Lodge of Masons. Minute Book. 1773-1779.

Williamsburg Lodge of Masons. Treasurer's Book. 1773-1834.

Records of the Williamsburg Lodge of Masons. 1774-1779.

Originals: Williamsburg Masonic Lodge, Williamsburg, Virginia.

Source: Bound photostat copies, Research Dept., C.W.F.

SEE: File Folder — "Masonic Lodge" (MCS) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION