RIGMCarlile
JOHN CARLILE 1762-1832
Grand Master 1817-1824
BIOGRAPHY
From History of Freemasonry in Rhode Island, 1895, Page 293:
Whoever turns the pages of the Masonic annals of Rhode Island, as they present a record of influential Craftsmen and important events belonging to the first quarter of the present century, will frequently note the name of John Carlile, who was an intimate friend and trusted associate of Thomas Smith Webb, and a prominent member of St. John's Lodge in Providence.
The Carlile family came from Wales in the early part of the seventeenth century and settled in Boston. John Carlile, father of the subject of this sketch, married a daughter of Paul Revere. John Carlile, 2d, as he was often designated, this being the form in which his name frequently appears in the Grand Lodge records, was born in Boston in the year 1762. He died in Providence, July 17, 1832. His mortal remains rest in the church yard of St. John's Church, Providence, and the tombstone there placed bears the following inscription: "Col. John Carlile, died July 17, 1832, in the 70th year of his age."
The present writer has been unable to gather desired material for a satisfactory account of this man who, it is evident, was an influential citizen of Providence during the latter part of the eighteenth century and the early part of the present century. Sufficient information has been obtained to justify the statement that he was an enterprising and upright man, possessed in large degree of the qualities which are calculated to command respect and inspire confidence. In Staples' Annals are several references to him as serving on important Committees appointed by the Town Council of Providence, showing that he was interested and influential in public affairs. He helped organize the public schools of Providence and was a promoter of measures looking to a higher range and improved methods of education. He was engaged in the lumber business at 113 South Main St., Providence, and his residence, for a considerable term of years, was at 16 George St.
In the Masonic Fraternity John Carlile held foremost place. His services in the several departments of Freemasonry were of a conspicuous character. He was a wise and able counsellor, well versed in the history and principles of the Institution, and ever ready to promote its interests. He was a stedfast supporter of Webb in matters connected with ritual and ceremonial procedure. He served in the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island as Senior Grand Warden, in 1815, as Deputy Grand Master in 1816, and was elected Grand Master in June, 1817. He held this highest office until 1824, and administered its duties in a manner generally satisfactory to Grand Lodge and the Fraternity of the jurisdiction.
An excellent portrait of this honored Craftsman was presented to St. John's Lodge, Providence, by his son. This portrait was painted by Gilbert Stuart, the celebrated American portrait painter, who resided in Boston from 1805 until the time of his death. 1828, and who is also supposed to have painted the portrait of Webb. Both portraits, it may be observed, are now placed in Freemasons' Hall, Providence.
