Freemasonry in Canada Before 1750

7/31/2019 Freemasonry in Canada Before 1750

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reemasonry In Canada before 1750

Y Reginald V. Harris

he story of Freemasonry in Canada begins almost with the first conquest in 1710 by the British of

ortion popularly known as the Atlantic Provinces of Canada (comprising Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Pr

dward Island and Newfoundland). Until about seventy-five years ago, their Masonic histories were mor

ss closely interwoven. In what is now Quebec, Freemasonry came upon the scene simultaneously with

onquest in 1759 and spread westward along the shores of the St. Lawrence.

astern Canada, the cradle of Canadian social and political institutions, is likewise the cradle of the Cra

anada.

may now be stated with considerable confidence that;

The first Masonic activity on Canadian soil, perhaps in North America, took place in Annapolis Royal s

me between 1721 and 1723, where it is claimed, on very plausible evidence that a Masonic Lodge existehe year 1721-23. (See Beginnings of Freemasonry by M. M.Johnson p. 51, 81 ).

. The first Provincial Grand Masters for any part of Canada (1737-38) were Captain Robert Com

Provincial Grand Master for Cape Breton and Louisberg," appointed by the Earl of Darnley, Grand Maste

ngland, and Major Erasmus James Philipps, Provincial Grand Master for Nova Scotia, appointed by H

rice, Provincial Grand Master of New England, and later of North America.

The first duly constituted lodge established on Canadian soil was formed at Annapolis Royal in June 1

nder authority from Henry Price of Massachusetts.

. The first military lodge to function in America was Lodge No. 85 (Irish) in Frampton's (30th) Foo

arrison at Louisbourg 1746.

. The first warrant granted for a lodge in Newfoundland was granted by Thomas Oxnard, Provincial Gr

Master, Massachusetts, December 24. 1746 for a lodge probably at Placentia.

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The oldest Craft lodge in the British Commonwealth Overseas is St. Andrew's Lodge No. 1, G.R.N.S., Hal

stablished by Hon. Edward Cornwallis, July 19, 1750, as the First Lodge, Halifax, under authority f

Major E. J. Philipps, Provincial Grand Master, and later No. 4 on the Provincial Register 1757; No. 155 on

nglish Register (Ancients) 1768, and continuing without dormancy to the present day.

The first Masonic Church service held in Canada was held in St. Paul's Church, Halifax, June 24, 1751.

The first Provincial Grand Lodge established by the "Ancients" in any part of the world was warranted

ova Scotia December 27, 1757.

. The first subordinate lodges established by the "Ancients" outside of England were Nos 66 and 6

alifax December 27, 1757; No. 65

0. There was undoubtedly Masonic activity in Wolfe's Army at Louisbourg, where in 1758 there were ele

odges in nine of the fourteen regiments of Foot.

1. The first Masonic activity in Prince Edward Island was probably in the expedition of Lord Rollo, sen

ugust 1758 to take possession of the Island.

2. The first Masonic meeting held in Quebec was held by the lodges with Wolfe's armies on November

759.

3. The first military lodge chartered by the "Ancients" of England was that in the 40th Regiment of Foot

2, while quartered at Louisbourg and Quebec 1758 and 1759.

4. The first sea lodge was held in H. M. S. "Vanguard" at Quebec, under warrant No. 254 granted to Tho

unckerley, by the Premier Grand Lodge of England, January 16, 1760.

5. The first Royal Arch degrees conferred in Canada were conferred at Halifax in 1757 and Quebec in 17

RADITION AND SURMISE (1604-1710)



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anada has an intensely interesting Masonic history dating from 1737, or previously. Some writers profe

ave discovered evidence of earlier Masonic activity and it will be of interest to refer to several of t

ccounts.

HE MASONIC STONE OF 1606

he reader will recall that in 1605 Champlain, the French explorer, established the settlement of Port Rn the west side of Annapolis Basin. This settlement was the predecessor of the more noted Port Royal

nnapolis Royal, built some miles to the northward, the scene of many sieges and history making eve

ncluding the organization of the first Masonic lodge on Canadian soil.

n this first site was discovered in 1827, what some Masonic students and historians have regarded as

arliest trace of the existence of Freemasonry on this continent, namely certain marks on a stone found

he site of this early settlement.

here are two accounts of the finding of this stone. The first, from the pen of the Hon. Thomas Chan

aliburton (the famous author of "Sam Slick the Clockmaker") was written in the year of the finding of

tone or very shortly afterward, and is to be found in his History of Nova Scotia, published in 1829.

he stone is described by Haliburton as "about two feet and a half long and two feet broad, and of the s

ind as that which forms the substratum of Granville Mountain. On the upper part are engraved the sq

nd compass of the Free Mason, and in the centre, in large and deep Arabic figures, the date 1606. It

ot appear to have been dressed by a mason, but the inscription has been cut on its natural surface."

The date is distinctly visible, and although the figure o is worn down to one-half of its original depth

he upper part of the figure 6 nearly as much, yet no part of them is obliterated - they are pl

iscernable to the eye and easily traced by the finger."

he other account of the finding of the stone is from the pen of Dr. Charles T. Jackson of Boston,

elebrated chemist and geologist, and was written in June 1856.

When Francis Alger and myself made a mineralogical survey of Nova Scotia in 1827 we discovered upon

hore of Goat Island, in Annapolis Basin, a gravestone partly covered with sand and lying on the shor

ore the Masonic emblems, square and compass, and the figures 1606 cut in it.

udge Haliburton, then Thomas Haliburton, Esq., prevailed on me to abandon it to him, and he now h

arefully preserved."



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bout 1887 the stone was given by Robert Grant Haliburton (son of Judge T.C. Haliburton) to the Canad

nstitute of Toronto with the understanding that the stone should be inserted in the wall of the build

hen being erected for the Institute.

ir Sanford Fleming wrote that he received the stone from Mr. R. G. Haliburton in order that it migh

roperly cared for. There is an entry respecting it in the minutes of the Institute, acknowledging its ar

nd receipt.

When the building was erected on the northwest corner of Richmond and Bertie Streets, Toro

nstructions were given by Dr. Scadding to build it into the wall with the inscription exposed; but, v

tupidly, it is said the plasterer covered it over with plaster, and even the spot cannot now be tra

lthough the plaster has been removed at several places to look for it." ***

further offered a reward of $1,000 for the stone if it could be found, but it was all to no purpose. ***

ever the present building be taken down, diligent search should be made for the historic store, perh

he oldest inscription stone in America."

he theory that the stone might commemorate the establishment of a lodge of Freemasons has virtu

othing to support it, though there are some who profess to see such a lodge in the famous "Ordre de

emps," established there by Champlain in the winter of 1606-7.

he theory that the stone marked the last resting place of one of the settlers would seem to have mor

upport it than any other. It was apparently found in or near the burying ground shown on Champl

map of the settlement, and we know, too, that at least one of the colonists died in the year 1606

hamplain gives the date of his decease, November 14, 1606.

HE HABITATION

n the spring of that year (1606) Poutrincourt, who had gone home with DeMonts in the autumn of 1

nduced Marc Lescarbot, an advocate of Paris, to join the colony. They reached Port Royal on July 2

here they remained until August 28th, when Poutrincourt started on an exploratory voyage down

merican coast, as far as Cape Code leaving Lescarbot behind in charge of the colony. We learn f

escarbot's "New Fiance" that among the setters were "numerous joiners, carpenters, treasons, stone cut

ocksmiths, workers in iron, tailors, wood sawyers, sailors, etc., who worked at their trades."

n a battle with the Indians at Cape Cod, one of the settlers was wounded. He was brought back to



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oyal and died on November 14, 1606.

t this time the carpenters of France had their own mystery or trade guild, worked on lines somewhat

o operative Masonry and using the square and compasses as their emblem.

would seem that the stone marked the grave of a member of a French trade, or craft guild, who die

606, and to this extent the stone may be regarded as the earliest known trace of Freemasonry in the NWorld.

HE SCOTTISH COLONY (1628-1632)

fter the destruction of Port Royal by Argall of Virginia in 1614, the inhabitants returned, rebuilt t

ouses and continued there until the advent of Sir William Alexander of Menstrie and his Scotch co

bout 1628.

lexander became the proprietor and grantee of the colony under a patent from James I (James V

cotland) in 1621. His powers and privileges were virtually regal over the territory now comprising

Maritime Provinces and parts of Maine and Quebec, and designated in the patent as "Nova Sco

ssociated with Sir William as "undertakers" were Sir Alexander Strachan of Thorntoun, Sir Anth

lexander, his son, and William, Earl Marshal. After exploratory expeditions and financial difficulties w

hreatened to frustrate the venture, Sir William sent out his son, also known as Sir William, with four ve

ontaining 72 settlers, who took possession of the old French fort in the spring of 1628. After two year

truggle, Sir William, the younger, returned to Scotland, leaving Sir George Home, in charge of the col

With the Peace of St. Germain-en-Laye in 1632, the whole of Nova Scotia was restored to France andmajority of the settlers returned to Scotland, though some joined the Puritan colony in Bos

Massachusetts Bay, and others are said to have gone to the French settlement at LaHeve, in Nova Scotia

artial compensation for his losses, the older Sir William was created Viscount Stirling and Viscount Can

he son thereupon assumed the honourary title of Lord Alexander.

MINUTES OF A LODGE OF EDINBURGH

nvitation of Alexander

his bit of history is given by way of introduction to the statement that in the minutes of the Lodg

dinburgh is found the record, that on "the 3rd day off Joulay, 1634" Lord Alexander, the younger

lexander Strachan of Thorntoun, and Sir Anthony Alexander, who was at the time "Master of the Work

harles 1, were "admitted fellows off the Craft." As no other record of Lord Alexander's Masonic career

een found, it has been suggested that he may have been initiated in his Nova Scotia colony. These s

raftsmen later took a most active interest in the affairs of the Lodge.

xhaustive search and inquiry in Scotland has failed to discover a list of the settlers as the basis for fur



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nvestigation. In support of this theory, however, it should be stated that during the reign of James VI

nd a recognized connection between the sovereign and the Craft, appointment to the office of Maste

he Works, being made by the King's authority. The "Schaw Statutes" of 1599 required that E. A.'s sho

erve four years before being admitted F.C.'s,

ther than this the theory of Lord Alexander's initiation in Nova Scotia has nothing to support it, an

ismissed by most writers who refer to it as mythical.

HE QUEBEC LODGE OF 1721

r. Emmanuel Rebold, last Deputy of the Grand Orient of France, in his "General History of Freemaso

ublished in 1860, asserts that, "The activity of the three Grand Lodges of Great Britain, and, above al

hat of London, was not confined to the establishment of lodges in Europe between 1727 and 1740; they

lready transplanted Masonry to Bengal, to Bombay, the Cape of Good Hope, New South Wales, New Zea

nd Java, and as early as 1721, lodges of Masons were established in Canada." Apart from Bengal, w

Masonry had a beginning in 1728, nothing has been found to support the statement.

y "Canada," Rebold undoubtedly meant the present Province of Quebec and Ontario constituting

ormer Province of "Canada." It is a curious fact that in 1851 nine years before the publication of Rebo

ork, Albion Lodge No. 17, Quebec, received a letter from LaLoge Clemente Amitie of Paris, France, w

egins with the statement "You have one of the most ancient Temples of Freemasonry, since its erec

ates from 1721."

Quebec in 1721 was in the hands of the French. It is of course possible that Freemasonry may have b

ansplanted into New France by military officers, or the governing or merchant class of whom there w

arge number at the time in Old Quebec. If there is any substratum of fact in the 1721 tradition, the p

must be found in the archives of the Grand Orient of France where rest the unsorted and unclassi

ecords of scores of lodges, civil and military, existing prior to the formation of the Grand Orient. Unti

xhaustive examination of these records has been made, the Quebec lodge of 1721 must remain a traditio

n the same category must be placed the statement of Jean d'Ebrie who, writing in 1883 on "Freemasonrhe Province of Quebec" stated that a lodge of Masons was in existence in Quebec 1755. Nothing to sup

his statement has since been found.

NNAPOLIS ROYAL AND EARLY MASONRY

etween 1710 when Port Royal (renamed Annapolis Royal) fell to the besieging forces from New Engl

nder Col. Francis Nicholson until the American Revolution, there was the closest sort of intercou

military, civil, commercial and social, between Annapolis Royal and Boston.



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n 1717 Col. Richard Philipps of South Wales was appointed Governor of Nova Scotia and of Placent

ewfoundland, continuing to hold office until 1749, although for most of that period he resided out of

rovince, governing the country by means of lieutenant-governors.

t the time of Philipps' appointments in 1717, Annapolis Royal was garrisoned by four indepen

ompanies of Foot. These companies with four others at Placentia and two additional companies wer

hat year organized as one regiment under the command of Col. Philipps, and later known as the Fortoot, the first of several British regiments organized in Canada. The regiment continued in the servic

ova Scotia until 1758, when it formed part of the expedition against Louisbourg. In the intervening yea

arrisoned Annapolis Royal, Canso and Placentia.

n 1720 Col. Philipps organized the first Council for the Province of Nova Scotia composed almost entirel

oston men and it is a curious fact that these Boston men were all closely identified with King's Chapel,

is the writers theory, after exhaustive investigation, that there was a Masonic Lodge, or at least Mas

ctivity, at Annapolis Royal between 1721 and 1725, owing its origin to men from Boston such as J

dams, Paul Mascarene, Edward How, Arthur Savage, Captain Cyprian Southack and Hibbert Newton, long with Rev. John Harrison and his successor, Rev. Robert Cuthbert were, all to some degree, and sev

ery intimately, associated with King's Chapel, Boston, where tradition says Masonic meetings were hel

he same period.

n the "Concise account of the Rise and Progress of Freemasonry in the Province of Nova Scotia, 1786,"

tated that "it is certain that as soon as the English took possession of the colony they took car

ncourage this charitable institution." There is a sort of corroboration of this in the statement of M. W.

Major-General J. Wimburn Laurie, Grand Master of Nova Scotia, in his address to the Grand Lodge of N

cotia in 1884, who after referring to the receipt by him of a photographic copy of the ledger of St. Joodge, Philadelphia, dated 1731, forwarded as evidence that it was the first Masonic lodge organize

merica during the colonial period, proceeded;

From circumstances that have come to my knowledge, I believe it to be quite within the bound

ossibility that evidence will in due time be forthcoming, that a Masonic Lodge regularly met and transa

Masonic business at a much earlier date than 1731 in our own Province. I have been for some time prom

he documents by a gentleman who is not a member of the craft, and I trust his disinterested effort

btain them will be successful. I may be disappointed either in obtaining the documents or t

uthenticity, so hesitate to say more."

ro. Laurie had previously made a similar statement when addressing the Grand Lodge of Massachuset

883 when he stated that "certain antiquarians** had recently discovered what they were inclined to be

ere the vestiges of a Masonic lodge which had existed in Nova Scotia very early in the eighteenth centur

ny Masonic activity prior to 1731 in Nova Scotia must have been either at Annapolis Royal (then the cap

r possibly at Canso, where during the fishing season some 2,000 New Englanders made their bas

perations.



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RASMUS JAMES PHILIPPS

mong the officers of Philipps' Regiment at Annapolis Royal in 1726, was Ensign Erasmus James Phil

born April 23rd, 1705) a nephew of Col. Richard Philipps, being the son of his brother Erasmus.

n August 1737 he was a Commissioner along with Dr. William Skene and Otho Hamilton of H. M. Counc

ova Scotia, and four others from Rhode Island, to mark out and settle the boundaries between the prov

f Massachusetts Bay and the colony of Rhode Island. Philipps was in Boston from August 1737 to J

738.

he records of "The First Lodge" Boston show that on Nov. 14, 1737, Major Philipps was made a Maso

hat Lodge and that accompanying him was Bro. Wm. Sheriff who affiliated with the Lodge on this occa

s Sheriff had been a continuous resident of Annapolis Royal from 1716 until 1737, it is evident that he m

ave been made a Mason in Annapolis Royal.

n the Boston Gazette of March 13, 1738, we find the following paragraph;

We are inform'd, That Major Philipps is Appointed Provincial Grand Master over the Free and Accep

Masons, in the Province of Nova Scotia, and that a Deputation is getting ready for that purpose."

HE FIRST LODGE FORMED

n returning to Annapolis in June 1738, Philipps took with him a deputation from Henry Price to for

odge at Annapolis Royal with himself designated as the first Master. The record reads that Mr. P

ranted a Deputation at Ye Peition of sundry Brethren at Annapolis in Nova Scotia to hold a Lodge th

his Petition was undoubtedly sighed not only by Philipps and Shirreff, but by Col. Otho Hamilton and

Wm. Skene both Masons and residents of Annapolis Royal for many years. The lodge established in 1738

he first lodge established in what is now the Dominion of Canada, and was the fifth in order of precede

f lodges chartered from Massachusetts.

OME OF ITS MEMBERS

lthough a list of members of the Lodge is not obtainable, yet among the residents of Annapolis in

eriod 1738-55, were a considerable number who, we believe on most convincing evidence, were Masons.

WILLIAM SHIRREFF already mentioned, an officer in the garrison sometime previously to 1715, w



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member of the Council from 1720 until 1742. He removed to Boston, dying there in May, 1768. He is sa

ave been a descendant of James, Marquis of Hamilton.

is son, CAPT. WILLIAM SHIRREFF, of the 47th Regiment, Deputy QuarterMaster-General of the Force

merica and aide-de-camp to General Gage, is mentioned as being present at a meeting of the Grand Lo

oston, in 1763.

THO HAMILTON of Philipps' Regiment from 1727, was Secretary of the Council and a member from 17

e was Lieut.-Col. of the 59th Regiment in which from 1754 to 1797, there was a Masonic Lodge,

is son OTHO HAMILTON, JR. also an officer in the 40th, was wounded at Quebec 1759. He succeed to

ommand of the Regiment in 1770,

OHN, HAMILTON, a brother, was Lieut. in the 40th in 1734, in which year he was also appointed "n

fficer" for the port of Annapolis. In 1752 he was Captain-Lieutenant in the 40th.

R. WILLIAM SKENE, a member of the Aberdeen family prominent in the records of the Aberdeen Lodg

berdeen No. 1 ter, was attached to the garrison at Annapolis as surgeon, as early as 1715. He becam

member of the Council in 1720, and along with John Adams and Shirreff, was a member of the first Cour

ustice in 1727.

EORGE AND SAMUEL COTTNAM were lieutenants in the 40th in 1752. George was later a magistratouisbourg.

IBBERT NEWTON, son of Thomas Newton, Attorney General of Massachusetts and member of the F

odge, Boston, was a member of Council and Collector of Customs at Annapolis in 1720.

HARLES MCRRIS, a native of New England, made a survey of the whole Province in 1745-6. He comman

company at Grand Pre under Col. Arthur Noble in 1746-7, distinguishing himself before the enemy. In 1

e helped to lay out the Town of Halifax. Appointed Councillor in 1755 he was the first surveyor-generhe Province, and a judge of the Supreme Court in the time of Chief Justice Belcher.

OHN ADAMS who came from Boston with Sir Charles Hobby's Regiment to the capture of Annapolis in 1

as for thirty years a conspicuous figure. His daughters married Hibbert Newton, Dr. William Skene,

Major Otto Hamilton. Adams was a trader between Annapolis and Boston between 1710 and 1720, a

esident councillor at Annapolis between 1720 and 1740.



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AUL MASCARENE, born at Castras, France, in 1684, of Huguenot parents, joined Nicholson's forces aga

ort Royal in 1710, commanding the grenadiers of Col. Waldo's New Hampshire Regiment. He comman

he garrison at Placentia in 1720. He was a member of Philipps' Council from 1720. During this perio

made frequent trips to Boston, where he was closely associated with King's Chapel. In 1749 he cam

alifax as senior member of Cornwallis' Council. He retired from active service about 1750; was gaze

Major- Gen'l in 1758, and resided in Boston from that date until his death in January 1760.

OL. JOHN GORHAM of Gorham's Indian Rangers, was Lieut.-Col. of his father's regiment in the expedi

gainst Louisbourg in 1745, and on the death of his father at Louisbourg was promoted Colonel

ommanded the Boston troops at Minas with Col. Noble. He was a member of Cornwallis' first Council

1st, 1749. It is probable that he returned home to New England about 1752.

WILLIAM WINNIETT "the most considerable merchant and one of the first inhabitants of this place

minent in his zeal for His Majesty's service," came with Nicholson in 1710, and remained as a trader.

aughters married Lt. Col. Alex Cosby, Capt. John Handfield and Edward How. He died in 1741.

OHN DYSON, Sergeant in the 40th Reg., later Lieut. in the Royal Artillery and Storekeeper, whose daug

nn married Erasmus James Philipps.

DWARD HOW, a member of the Council at Annapolis in 1736, was severely wounded at the Grand Pre a

n 1747. He was frequently employed in difficult negotiations with the Indians and French authorities,

as treacherously murdered by Indians near Beausejour in 1751. He married the daughter of Wi

Winniett.

DWARD AMHURST, an officer in the 40th, became a member of the Council in 1736. He was in Englan

749 and came out with Cornwallis. He was Governor at Placentia in Newfoundland.

LEX COSBY was a Major in Philipps' Regt. on its organization in 1717, and was for a time Lieut-Gov. un

overnor Richard Philipps, who married his sister. Cosby married An, daughter of William Winniett.

ecame a member of the Council in 1727, and was Lieut-Col. of the 40th from 1739 until his death Dec

742. Cosby was the ancestor of the Cosby Family of Queens County, N.Y., and brother of Brig-Gen'l W

osby, Governor of New York.

OHN HANDFIELD, an officer of Philipps' Regiment from 1720 to 1750, was a member of Gov. Armstro

ouncil in 1736. He assisted in the deportation of the Acadians in 1755 and became Lieut Col. of the 40

March 1758. He married Elizabeth, daughter of William Winniett, merchant of Annapolis, and his daug

married Lieut. John Hamilton of the 40th.

OHN BRADSTREET appointed Lieutenant in the 40th in 1735, served as a Colonel in the Louis

xpedition of 1745. In 1746 he was made Governor of St. John's, Newfoundland. In 1755 he

djutant-Gen'l under General Shirley, and in 1758 took part in the attack on Fort Ticonderoga. A few mo



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ater he led the expedition which captured Fort Frontenac, and still later a relief expedition to Detroit du

he investment of that place by Pontiac. Promoted Major-General, he died in New York in 1774.

hree other members of the Lodge whose names have come down to us are John Easson "made" in 1

aac DeCoster later the first Master of St. Andrew's Lodge, Boston, also "made" in 1738, and Francis Bar

eCain "made" in 1751; all Master Artificers in the employ of the Board of Ordnance.

s the Lodge was practically a regimental lodge it is not surprising to find the brethren of Philipps' Regim

pplying to the Grand Lodge of England ("Ancients") in 1758 for a warrant, which was numbered 42. A

rom this fact, however, no other information is obtainable from the English Grand Lodge records, bu

ould seem clear that the warrant was merely the re-chartering of the old Lodge which has been establi

n 1738 by Philipps, and which was undoubtedly being carried on under his watchful eye.

he Lodge continued to be mentioned in the minutes of St. John's Grand Lodge, Boston, between 1738

767.

n 1751 the Regiment was designated as the 40th Foot, and was familiarly known as the "Fighting Forti

etachments from the Regiment served at the capture of Fort Beausejour in 1755, and in Loudo

bortive expedition against Louisbourg in Cape Breton in 1757. The 40th marched to Halifax in 1758

roceeded under the command of Major-General P.T. Hopson with the expedition to Louisbourg un

oscawen and Amherst. After the capture of that fortress the regiment wintered there; in 1758

renadier company participated in the siege of Quebec along with other similar companies from

arrison.

fter service in the West Indies the Regiment served from 1775-8 in the American War, when it was a

ansferred to the West Indies, returning to Halifax in 1782. The Lodge apparently became dormant be

810 as in that year we find the brethren (engaged at that time in the Peninsular War in Spain) applying

n Irish warrant, No. 204. In 1811, the Regiment, then known as the 2nd Somersetshire Regiment,

malgamated with the 82nd Prince of Wales Volunteers as the line battalions of the South Lancas

egiment.

HILLIPPS' LATER HISTORY

hilipps returned to his duties as boundary commissioner in the spring of 1739, and we find him present

meeting of the First Lodge in Boston on April 11, 1739, when he appears as "Rt. Wpfull. Bror. Erasmus

hilipps, G.M. De Nov. Scot." He was again present on May 9th, Nov. 28, and Dec. 26, 1739.

second boundary commission issued to Philipps and others in 1740, convened at Providence in April 1

nd the records of the First Lodge for August 12th, 1741, show the following entry;



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Bro. E. Philipps pd 20 Quarterage

Bro. Sheriff pd.20 as memrs."

ere it may be noted that in 1734, Benjamin Franklin, printer, statesman and philosopher, publishe

hiladelphia, a reprint of the "Book of Constitutions" first published by Anderson in 1723. Until 1886

resent day lodge at Annapolis Royal had in its archives a copy of Franklin's reprint, on the fly-leaf of w

ere the words, "Presented to the old Lodge by Grand Master, E. J. Philipps." The book was lost in the

hich destroyed the lodge building in 1886.

HILIPPS' LATER HISTORY

n June 12, 1750, the Hon. Edward Cornwallis and others at Halifax petitioned Philipps and receiv

eputation for a lodge at Halifax, and a copy of this petition in Philipps' handwriting is in the Library of

rand Lodge of Massachusetts.

n Dec. 27, 1757, a warrant for a Provincial Grand Lodge, signed by the Earl of Blesinton, G. M. of

Ancients," was issued to Philipps constituting him "Provincial Grand Master of Nova Scotia and

erritories thereunto belonging."

n 1759, Major Philipps was chosen a representative in the House of Assembly, for Annapolis County, Col

onathan Hoar being his colleague, but his legislative career was of short duration, as he died suddenl

poplexy at Halifax, September 26, 1760, while on a visit to that town, and was buried in St. Paul's Cemet

alifax.

y the death of Major Philipps, Nova Scotia Freemasonry lost its founder and first great figure. W

Masonry cannot be said to have flourished under his regime we must remember the period and time

hich he lived, days when the province was struggling into existence as a British colony. When

ifficulties of these early pioneer times are considered we may wonder that Masonry was ever thought

he flame lighted during the twenty or more years of his Provincial Grand Mastership has never since g

ut.

OUISBURG AND CANSO

fter the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, the French at once took possession of Cape Breton Island, rename

le Royale, removed a number of families from Placentia, Newfoundland, (which had been ceded to G

ritain) to Havre a l'Anglais, renaming it Louisbourg, and took steps to fortify it.



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or the next twenty-five years or more they expended huge sums of money on fortifications, renderin

ne of the greatest military strongholds in the world "The Dunkirk of America." During the perio

onstruction a very considerable commerce developed and vast quantities of supplies were imported f

rench Canada, the Island of St. John (now Prince Edward Island) the French West Indies, and from Bo

nd New England.

n this period, Canso became an important settlement and besides New Englanders and Frenchmen

shed with Canso as their base, West of England people also came every spring for purposes of fishing, "

many ships," and we are told that very large numbers of fishing vessels were seen every summer anchore

he Strait of Canso. The fortifying of Canso began under Governor Philipps in 1720, but these fortificat

eem never to have progressed very far.

n June 1728 Governor Philipps arrived at Canso in H.M.S. "Rose" and found 250 vessels and from 150

000 men, employed catching and loading fish, for Spain, Portugal and Gibraltar in British and New Eng

essels. In 1730 Philipps writes "Canso which is the envy and rival of Cape Breton (the French headquart

n the fisheries, will be the first attached in case of war with France." He repeatedly urged its increa

rotection, and even proposed to make it the capital of the Province. In 1734 there were four companie

hilipps' regiment stationed here for its defense.

APT. ROBERT COMYNS

mong the New England traders to Louisbourg and Canso we find Capt. Robert Comyns, and it is signifi

hat in the register of the Grand Lodge of England for 1737 we find his appointment by the Earl of Darn

.M., as "Provincial Grand Master for Cape Breton and Louisbourg." The entry is repeated under the

738, with the words "excepting such places where a Provincial Grand Master is already appointed," posseferring to the recent appointment of Major Philipps. As there were probably no Masonic lodges among

rench in Cape Breton at this time, the appointment must have been for the benefit of the hundreds of

nglanders who frequented both Louisbourg and Canso, at which latter place at least a nucleus f

Masonic meeting,

xisting among the officers of Philipps' Regiment.

MASONIC INCIDENT

n March 15, 1744, war was declared by France against Great Britain, and the news was sent forthwith

ast sailing vessel to the Governor at Louisbourg, who immediately organized an expedition for the cap

f Canso. The little garrison surrendered on May 24, 1744, and were taken as prisoners of war to Louisbo

mong the vessels engaged in this expedition was the "Succes" commanded by Louis Delorobratz

elabraz) 94 men. After the capture, Delorobratz proceeded along the coast of New England in searc

nemy commerce. In course of time, he encountered Captain Edward Tyng in the "Prince of Ora

Massachusetts "man-of-war," and after a spirited running fight from 9 o'clock in the morning until 2 o'c

he following morning, Tyng overhauled the Frenchman, compelling him to lower his colours, and brou

im into Boston as a prize of war.



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elorobratz, while in Boston, was allowed considerable liberty, and although a prisoner of war, was on

0th, 1744, proposed as a candidate for Masonry by Bro. Henry Price in the First Lodge. Bro. Price

acquainted the Lodge that he (Delorobratz) was a gentleman, who being a prisoner of war, was ther

educed but as he might be serviceable (when at Home) to any Brother who Providence might cast in

ay, it was desired he might be excused the expense of his making, provided each Bro. would contribute

loathing, which the Rt. Worsh'l Mas'r was pleas'd to put to vote when it was carried in affirmativeispensation from the Rt. W. Master & Wardens. Upon Acct. of his leaving the Province very soon, he

alloted in, introduced and made a Mason in due form. Bro. P. Pelham moved that the Sec'r grant

elabraz a letter of recommendation."

HE FIRST SIEGE OF LOUISBOURG

he raid on Canso, and an attack on Annapolis the same year, aroused the most intense feeling aga

rance in the New England colonies, where the accounts brought by traders and others had already exc

onsiderable alarm. The New Englanders under Governor Shirley at once adopted the bold course of ma

n effort to reduce the great stronghold.

force of some 4300 men was raised in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Connecticut,

laced under the command of Col. William Pepperrell; the enterprise was to be undertaken in coopera

ith a British squadron under Commodore Peter Warren.

he transports left New England in March, and gathered at Canso where a junction was made with

quadron under Warren. Leaving there on April 29th the force arrived at Louisbourg on the following

here a landing was made some miles from the city. The French made an attempt to prevent the landin

ending a small detachment under the command of one, Antholly de la Boularderie, the son of the grante

oularderie Island, and a former lieutenant in the Regiment of Richelieu. Boularderie had taken part in

anso expedition in May 1744, and on hearing of this attack on Louisbourg, had offered his services to

overnor Duchambon. The French party was hopelessly outnumbered, ten to one, lost six killed, and a

xchanging a few shot turned and fled, leaving behind them six or seven prisoners, including Boularderie

he gallant officer and his comrades, being prisoners of war, were removed in due time to Boston, wh

hey were allowed considerable liberty, and where they made a good impression on the authorities

eople. On August 14th, 1745, Anthony de la Boularderie and Peter Philip Charles St. Paul were made Ma

n St. John's Lodge. The record reads ;

Wednesday, August: 14th: 1845, being Lodge Night, Bro. Price propos'd Mr.P.P.S.Paul and Bro. Audi

ropos'd Mr. Anton: D. Laboulerdree as Candidates & were balloted in, and by reason the Candidates w

ut sojourners they were made Masons in due form."



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ro. Boularderie was subsequently sent to France with a certificate from many Boston citizens that he

ehaved like a gentleman and had been of great service to the other prisoners of war placed in his charg

MASONIC ARMY

n the besieging forces before Louisbourg were scores of Freemasons who rendered noteworthy servic

heir country and the Craft. In the Massachusetts forces were Captains Peter Prescott, Samuel Rhodes, Eatch and Benjamin Ives, all made Masons in the First Lodge, Boston.

apt. John Osborne of the same Lodge held many public offices in Boston and was a partner of T

xnard, the Provincial Grand Master.

apt. Joshua Loring was a founder and the first secretary of Massachusetts Lodge, Boston. He was sen

overnor Shirley with letters to the Admiralty, asking for assistance, arrived in London March 16th, 1

erformed his duty and left the same day for home.

n the Connecticut forces, known as Gen. Roger Wolcott's Regiment and commanded by Col. Andrew B

ere two distinguished officers, Ensign David Wooster and Nathan Whiting. After the capture of the fortr

Wooster was sent to England with war booty and prisoners. On his return to Connecticut, he and Whi

stablished Freemasonry in that colony, and on Aug. 12th, 1750, the Grand Lodge at Boston, "At Ye Petit

f sundry Brothers (including Whiting) at Newhaven in Connecticut" the charter for the present day "Hi

odge No. 1" was granted, naming David Wooster as first W.M.

oth Wooster and Whiting served in the campaigns of 1755-63, against the French, including Quebec.

ormer took a leading part in the Revolution, was a Major Genera] in the American Army, and fell mor

ounded while leading an attack in 1777.

n the New Hampshire forces we find the names of Capt. Henry Sherburne, the Treasurer of the Lodg

ortsmouth, N.H.; Capt. Joseph Sherburne; Ensign Thomas Newmarch; Lieut. Nathaniel Fellows; Ellsign J

oggin; Capt. John Tufton Mason, and Adjt. John Eyre, of the same Lodge.

pecial mention should be made of Lieut. Col. Richard Gridley, of the Train of Artillery, who was mad

Mason in the First Lodge, Boston, in 1746, and was its Master in 1757. He was entrusted by Pepperrell w

he engineering works for the reduction of Louisbourg, erecting all the batteries required and winning

rst military laurels. In 1756 he joined the Crown Point expedition and planned the fortifications aro

ake George. He took part in the second siege of Louisbourg, 1758, and commanded the Provincial Arti

t the siege of Quebec 1759. It was Gridley's corps that dragged up to the Plains of Abraham the only

eld pieces used in the battle on the British side.



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n the outbreak of the Revolution he joined the Patriot army. He laid out the defences on Breed's Hill, w

ere the chief artillery support in the battle of Bunker's Hill, 1775. In the same year he was promote

Major General in the American Army. He died at Canton, Mass. in June 1796, aged 86 years.

rom 1768 to 1787 he was Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge. On numerous occasions we find

onstituting lodges under special commissions.

OUISBOURG GARRISON

ouisbourg fell to the besieging forces on June 17, 1745, and for the next three years nearly 4000 tro

ere kept in garrison. The New Englanders were gradually sent home, their places being taken by Bri

egiments; Fuller's (29); three companies of Frampton's (30th); and Warburton's (45th) arrived in 1746;

y Shirley's (50th) and Pepperrell's (66th), formed from the New England troops which had previously se

n the capture of the fortress. Frampton's (30th) Regiment had at the time an active Lodge, No. 85, on

ish Registry, formed in 1738. During the period of occupation there was much coming and going betw

ouisbourg and Boston and the names of many of those on duty in Nova Scotia appear among those pres visitors or candidates in the First and the Masters' lodges, Boston.

he appointment of Capt. Robert Comyns as Provincial Grand Master for Cape Breton and Louisbourg,

enewed by Lord Cranstoun, Grand Master of England, and on Jan. 14th, 1746, we find him affiliating w

he First, or St. John's Lodge, Boston; all of which tends to show undoubtedly the existence of Mas

ctivity at Louisbourg during the period under review.

y the Peace of Aix-la-Chapelle in October 1748, Louisbourg and Cape Breton were ceded to France; anuly 1749, Shirley's and Pepperrell's regiments were disbanded and Hopson's (29th) and Warburton's (4

ansferred to the new settlement of Halifax.

EWFOUNDLAND

LACENTIA

Mention should be made here of the beginnings of Freemasonry in Newfoundland. As already sta

lacentia in Newfoundland, was garrisoned during this period by part of Philipps' (40th) Regiment.

n the Massachusetts records we find that "At the Petition of sundry Brethren Residing at ------------

ewfoundland" the Grand Master of Massachusetts, Thos. Oxnard "Granted a Constitution for a Lodge t

eld there," Dec. 24th, 1746, The Lodge appears in the St. John's (Boston) Grand Lodge records for the n

1 years, as "not represented" at meetings of Grand Lodge. On July 25, 1766, a second lodge appeared on

sts as "St. John's, Newfoundland, Lodge." It would appear most probable that the first-named lodge wa



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lacentia, where part of the 40th Regiment was in garrison.

ALIFAX, 1749 - 1752

n 1748, the British Government resolved upon the establishment of a fortified settlement in Nova Sc

nder the leadership of Hon. Edward Cornwallis as Captain-General and Governor. Here on the shore

hebucto Bay, the present city of Halifax was laid out and nearly 1200 settlers with their families, settle749. The story of the growth and development of Halifax during the past 200 years is one of great inte

ull of the thrill and romance associated with the development of the Empire but one to which

ncidental reference can be made in these pages.

HE FIRST LODGE, HALIFAX

n the "History of Freemasonry in Nova Scotia" 1786, it is stated that "as early as the year 1750 which wa

oon almost as there were any houses erected at Halifax, we find a number of the Brethren met togeith Governor Cornwallis at their head, "deeming it," as they expressed it, "for the good of the Frater

hat Masonry should be propagated in the Province, and that there was a necessity of encouraging it in

lace."

Erasmus James Philipps, Esq., of Annapolis Royal was Provincial Grand Master at that time, and they ag

o petition him for a warrant to hold a Lodge at Halifax, and that His Excellency might be Master of it."

he first reference to the lodge occurs in the minutes of St. John's Grand Lodge, Boston, compiled some

rior to April 13, 1750. Immediately following the date, Dec. 24th, 1750 the Secretary has inserted

ollowing; "Omitted in place, that Our Rt. Worsh'l Grand Master, Mr. Price, granted a Deputation a

etition of sundry Brethren at Annapolis in Nova Scotia to hold a Lodge there, and appointed Major Eras

ames Philipps, D.G.M., who has since at Ye Request of sundry Brethren at Halifax granted a constitutio

old a Lodge there and appointed the Rt. Worsh'l His Excellency Edward Cornwallis, Esq., their First Maste

nder the date April 13th, 1750-"For the lodges at Annapolis and Halifax nobody appeared." This wo

ndicate an application by Cornwallis and others early in 1750 to St. John's Grand Lodge at Boston f

deputation." Apparently this request was referred to Philipps, Provincial Grand Master for Nova Scotia,

o him the applicants presented their petition. A copy of their petition, in the handwriting of Philipps,

e found in the archives of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, and reads as follows:

OPY OF PETITION

alifax, the 12th June 1750



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ir :

t a meeting of true and Lawfull brothers and Master Masons Assembled at Halifax in order to Consul

roper measures for holding and Establishing a Lodge at this place. It was unanimously resolved on th

etition should be sent to you who we are informed is Grand Master for the Province of Nova Scotia in O

o obtain your Warrant or Deputation to hold and Establish a Lodge at this place according to the Ant

aws & Customs of Masonry & that said petition should be signed by any five of the Brethren ssembled.

We therefore the undernamed Subscribers pursuant to the above resolution do most humbly Crave

esire Your Warrant to hold and Establish a Lodge as aforesaid according to the Antient Laws and Cust

f Masonry as practised among true and Lawfull Brethren and this we Crave with the utmost dispatch

eg leave to subscribe our selves Your true and Loving Brethren.

D. CORNWALLIS,

WM. STEELE,

OBERT CAMPBELL,

WILLM NESBITT,

AVID HALDANE.

opy

ras. Jas. Philipps,

G. M.

HE FOUNDERS

he men who signed this historic document deserve some notice.

o the military and Masonic career of the Hon. Edward Cornwallis, a chapter might very well be devoted.

fth son of Charles, third Baron Cornwallis and Lady Charlotte Butler, daughter of Richard, Earl of Ar

orn Feb. 22nd, 1713. Served as a Major in Bligh's (20th) Reg't in the Flanders campaign of 174

ommanded his regiment after Fontenoy; served under the Duke of Cumberland at Culloden in 1746; ele

Member of Parliament for Eye 1749, and shortly afterward sailed for Nova Scotia in charge of the coloni

xpedition, becoming the founder of Halifax in June of that year. He was appointed Colonel of the 24th

n Feb. 1752, and of the 40th (Philipps') then at Annapolis Royal, a month later. He remained in Halifax

ugust, 1752, when he returned to England and was elected M.P. for the City of Westminster. He married



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ame year a daughter of the late Lord Townshend, but left no family. In 1759 he was made a Major Gen

as Governor of Gibraltar 1762-72, and died at Bird's Place, Herts, in 1776, aged 63 years.

e was three times the founder of a lodge; first, in Dec. 1748, in the 20th Foot, No. 63, Registry of Irel

fterwards known as "Minden" Lodge, in commemoration of the famous battle in which the regiment pl

uch a glorious part. It is generally believed that it was in this lodge that James Wolfe, the future her

ouisbourg and Quebec, was made a Mason. The second occasion was the founding of the First Lodg

alifax. The third lodge founded by Cornwallis was established during his term as Governor of Gibra

amely, Lodge No. 426, Eng. Reg. in the 24th Reg't of Foot.

he other petitioners were William Steele, a brewer by trade, a member of Governor Cornwallis' first Cou

n 1749;

obert Campbell, a Scotchman, who previously to 1749 had been a lieutenant in an Independent Compan

oot. He was a member of the first House of Assembly convened in 1758. His business was on "the Bea

ow Water St.;

avid Haldane was a lieutenant in Col. Murray's Reg't.

William Nesbitt, one of the Governor's clerks, performed the duties of the Secretary's office for several ye

e practised as a solicitor and was for a time Clerk of the General Court. He succeeded Otis Littl

ttorney-General and held that office for more than twenty-five years. He was elected a member of the

ouse of Assembly 1758 for the County of Halifax, and was Speaker from 1759 to 1783. He declined a

n the Council in 1763.

e was Deputy Master of the First Lodge under Governor Lawrence who succeeded Cornwallis as Ma

esbitt was also Dep. G. M. of the Provincial Grand Lodge organized in 1757-8.

HE LODGE BEGINS

he History (1786) above referred to goes on to say that "this warrant was received on the 19th of July;

n the same evening Lord Colville and a number of Navy Gentlemen were entered apprentices of the Lo

had also the honour of making many of the principal inhabitants and most of the Gentlemen hold

onsiderable offices in the Province; and it was in this Lodge that our present Senior Grand Warden,

ight Worshipful and Honourable Richard Bulkeley, Esq., was made a Master Mason.

Governor Cornwallis, indeed, while he resided in the Province, was Master of this Lodge and governed it



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eputy, according to the custom prevailing in Scotland. He was succeeded in the government and in

hair by Governor Lawrence, who enjoyed both till his death."

he "Navy Gentlemen" initiated along with Lord Colville were probably Thomas Allen, Surgeon, and Ja

homson, Purser of H.M.S. "Success." They were later made F.C.'s in St. John's Lodge, Boston.

he Right Hon. Alexander, 4th Lord Colville, was a man of great distinction. He commanded Northumberland," 70 guns, at Louisbourg 1758, and at Quebec 1759. Commodore at the recaptur

ewfoundland in 1763; Rear Admiral of the White and Commander-in-Chief in North America, 1762-68.

e was voted a member of the First Lodge, Boston, in Oct. 1750, and was "raised" in the Master's Lodg

ovember, 1750. Master of the Second Lodge, Boston, 1751-2. On St. John's Day, June 24, 1752, as Dep

rand Master of North America, he "summoned the Brethren to attend him at the Grey Hound Taver

oxbury, where he held a Grand Lodge and the Day was celebrated as usual."

n his departure in September 1752 for England, he presented the Second Lodge, Boston, with a cop

ield's Bible, printed in Cambridge, Eng. in 1683, still carefully preserved in the archives of St. John's Lodg

ATER HISTORY OF FIRST LODGE

he Hon. Charles Lawrence came of a family long distinguished for its naval and military record. At 1

as gazetted Ensign in Montague's (11th) Foot, and in 1729 was transferred to North America and saw mervice in New York, Virginia, and Massachusetts on outpost duty against the Indians. From 1733 to 173

erved with his regiment in the West Indies. In 1745 he took part in the Flanders campaign, being woun

t Fontenoy. During this campaign Lawrence and Cornwallis met and formed a friendship which

rought them together in the new settlement of Halifax.

e was on garrison duty with the 45th Reg't at Louisbourg, 1746, and came with it to Halifax in July 1

ornwallis immediately appointed him as a member of his Council. In 1750 he became Lieut-Col. of the

egt. During 1750 and 1751 he was engaged against the French at Beaubassin (Chignecto), and in 1

ssisted in the settlement of the German colony at Lunenburg.

n 1753 Lawrence became administrator of the Province, Lieut-Governor in 1754 and Governor-in-Chi

756. The expulsion of the Acadians from the Province in 1755 was conducted under his direction,

hrough his exertions the western and middle countries were settled by emigrants from the older

ngland colonies. At the second siege of Louisbourg in 1758, he was Colonel of the 3rd Battalion of the 6

Royal Americans) and commanded a brigade under Gen. Amherst. On Oct. 2nd of the same year

ummoned the first Legislative Assembly (the first in Canada). He died Oct. 19th, 1760, after a short illnes



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e succeeded Cornwallis as Master of the First Lodge in 1752, holding it until his death, and is recorde

resent in Boston, Jan. 31, 1757, on the occasion of a dinner to the Earl of Loudoun under the auspice

he St. John's Grand Lodge.

he Hon. Richard Bulkeley, who came with Cornwallis in 1749, was a man of great prominence until his d

n 1800, at which date he was Provincial Grand Master.

ther Freemasons who came with the first settlers included;

apt. Benjamin Ives of the Massachusetts Regiment who had served at Louisbourg in 1745;

ieut. Thomas Newton of Boston, who served at Louisbourg in Col. Waldo's Regiment and later in the b

f Grand Pre.

Major Leonard Lochman, made a Mason in the First Lodge, Boston, was a German by birth and in early

ractised medicine. He was buried beneath the German (Dutch) Church on Brunswick St., where

monument is still to be seen. Lochman St., now part of Barrington St., was named after him.

ol. Paul Mascarene, Capt. Edward Amhurst, Capt. Charles Morris, Capt. John Gorham, Capt. Joseph Gor

nd Edward How, preriously mentioned, were other members of the Craft in Halifax in 1749-50.

HE SECOND LODGE

The History of Freemasonry in Nova Scotia" (1786) goes on to say; "On March the 18th, 1751, the Sec

odge was formed in Halifax. On this occasion Brother Murray acted as Deputy Grand Master and Bro

esbitt, the late Attorney General, as Senior Grand Warden, in installing the officers."

his Lodge may have been shortlived for there is no record of it in the proceedings of either the Grodge of England or the St. John's Grand Lodge, Boston, and it did not join with the First Lodge in 175

he petition for the appointment of a Grand Master for the American colonies.

apt. Alexander Murray came to Halifax from Louisbourg in July, 1749, with the 45th (Warburton's) R

rom 1754-5 he commanded at Fort Edward, Piziquid, (now Windsor), and was in charge of the expulsio

he Acadians at that point. He took part in the second siege of Louisbourg in 1758 and, as Lt.-

ommanded the Grenadier companies of the 22nd, 40th, and 45th Reg'ts at the siege of Quebec in 1759

ommanded the 48th Reg't at Martinique under Rodney and died there in 1762.



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HE FIRST MASONIC SERVICE

The next St. John's Day," says the History, "they resolved to celebrate the Festival with the usual pomp

alk in procession to the Governor's House (on the site of the present Province House), and from thenc

St. Paul's) Church to hear prayers. But receiving the melancholy news of the death (on March 20, 1751

ur Brother (Frederick) the late Prince of Wales, they resolved to appear in mourning as a mark of respe

is memory."

his is the first Masonic service in Canada of which we have any record; June 24th, 1751, at St. Paul's Chu

alifax.

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Freemasonry in Canada Before 1750