GMGridley

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JEREMY GRIDLEY 1701-1767

JeremyGridley.JPG

Grand Master, St. John's Grand Lodge, 1755-1767.

NOTES

FROM NEW ENGLAND CRAFTSMAN, 1905

From New England Craftsman, Vol. I, No. 2, November 1905, Page 60:

Funeral of Grand Master Jeremy Gridley

Extract from an unpublished Diary of John Rowe, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts from 1768-1787.

(The Jeremy Gridley, whose funeral is mentioned in the following extract, was one of the Provincial Grand Masters who served prior to the formation of an Independant Grand Lodge, March 8, 1777).

12th. Sept. Saturday 1767. Cool & Fair Wind, in the Afternoon I attended the Funeral of Our Right Worshipful Jerry Gridly Esqr. Grand Master, as Deputy Grand Master, the Officers of his Regiment Marched in Order First, then the Brtthren of St. Andrew's Lodge, then the Stewards of the Grand Lodge, then the Brethren Promiscuously two & two, then the Wardens of the Second Lodge, then the Wardens of the First Lodge, then the Wardens of the Masters Lodge, then the three Masters of the three Several Lodges — then the past Grand Officers & the Treasurer, then the Grand Wardens then myself as Deputy Grand Master, then the Tyler with the Grand Masters Jewell on a Black Velvet Cushion — the Corpse — the Bearers were the Lieu't. Governour, Judge Trowbridge, Justice Hubbard, John Erving Sen'r Esqr, James Otis Esqr. & Mr. Samuel Fitch. Then followed the Relations—after them the Lawyers in their Robes — then the Gentlemen of the Town & then a great many Coaches Chariots, & chaises.— Such a multitude of Spectators I never Saw at any time before since I have been in New England.— after his Body was Interr'd wee Return'd in Form to the Town house (from whence his corps was taken from at the Beginning of the Procession,) in the Same Order as wee first Walked.— I do not much approve of Such parade & Show — but as it was his & his Relations desire, I could not well Avoid giving my Consent. I think the Number of the Brethren that Attended was 161. — upon the Whole it was as well Conducted & in As Good Order as the Nature of it would admit.

FROM NEW ENGLAND CRAFTSMAN, 1916

From New England Craftsman, Vol. XI, No. 4, January 1916, Page 129:

The Installation of Grand Master Jeremy Gridley.

There is a satisfaction in knowing that Freemasonry in the early days If its History in America was always treated with a dignity by its supporters that is not surpassed in modern time. This was shown especially on occasions where the public had opportunity to observe its movements. A good illustration is found in the account of the ceremony attending the installation of Grand Master Jeremy Gridley, Esq., October 1, 1755, which we quote:

"At a Grand Lodge held at Concert Hall this day, The Right Worshipful Jeremy Gridley, Esq., appointed Grand Master of Masons in North America, by the Right Worshipful the Marquis Carnarvon, Grand Master of Masons, was installed in that office (at Concert Hall). The three Lodges in this Town and the Master and Wardens of the Portsmouth Lodge in New Hampshire with a great Number of Brothers were present Cloathed with white aprons and Gloves, and after the Instalment, accompanied their Grand Master in Procession to Trinity Church in this order, First Walked the Sword Bearer, carrying a drawn Sword, in one hand and the Book of Constitutions in the other, Next came the Several Lodges according to their Juniority, closed with the Wardens and Master, cloathed with their Jewels, Four Stewards with white wands went before the Grand Treasurer and Secretary cloathed with their Jewels, who were followed by the Past Grand Officers, after these walked the Grand Wardens with their Jewels, and the Present and late Grand Master clothed with their Jewels and Badges, closed the Procession. At Church the Revd Mr Hooper read Prayers, and the Rev.d Mr. Brown Preached an excellent Sermon on the occasion to a Numerous and Polite Audience, after Service the Sword Bearer and Stewards walked before the Grand Master and the Procession was made in a reversed order back to Concert Hall, where an Elegant Dinner was prepared, and the afternoon was Spent in Harmony and Mirth. The whole Ceremony and attendance was with the greatest Decency, and made a Genteel Appearance."

BIOGRAPHY

SAMUEL KNAPP, 1821

From Biographical Sketches of Eminent Lawyers, Statesmen, and Men of Letters, by Samuel Lorenzo Knapp, 1821, pp. 199ff:

JEREMIAH GRIDLEY, the subject of this sketch, graduated at Harvard University, 1725. He first engaged as an usher in the Boston gram­mar school, in which capacity he continued for several years, and was succeeded to that office by the well known master LOVEL. While engaged in school-keeping, and for some time afterwards, he pursued the study of theology and general lit­erature, to qualify himself for the pulpit, and he began to preach, but either not finding a parish which suited his views, or thinking bis lofty and fastidious feelings would often be wounded in this profession, or that he should not bear the cross with true Christian meekness, he turned bis atten­tion to the law. In this profession he was born to excel, having all the qualifications, but fluency, which are required for eminence in this course – ­discernment, readiness, hardihood and perseverance.

At the commencement of his practice, like most young men, be had some leisure hours, and being determined to be known more extensively than he then was – his reputation, however, even at this time, was very considerable – he established a newspaper, which was called the Rehearsal; the first number was printed the 29th of September, 1731. By this effort he gave the public a lasting proof that he was one of the most elegant and classical writers of his age. The speculations in this paper are ingenious, and discover originality, shrewdness, and deep sagacity, but this is not as remarkable as the warmth, purity and splendour of style in which the essays on various subjects from his pen are written; they are not disfigured with the quaintness which was prevalent at that day, but are bold, manly, and flowing, abounding with such graces of style, and such profoundness of remark, as would have done honour to the great essayists, his contemporaries, on the other side of the Atlantic. But he found it necessary to relin­quish the labours of a journalist, as his business in his profession was rapidly increasing, and de­manded the greatest portion of bis exertions.

At the bar be was held in high estimation for legal attainments; be was not contented, as many were, with a pitiful accuracy in the practice of the courts, for their crude and unsatisfactory rules did not pass with him for a system of law; but he went up to first principles, aud placed the science upon the immutable foundations of truth and justice.

He had nothing mercenary in his disposi­tion, but was humane and liberal in his feelings, and when his clients were able to pay be claimed his honest dues, and was content with them. Hie manner of addressing a court or jury is represented as lofty and magisterial, and his opinions are said to have been given with an air of authority; not that he was ever disrespectful or contumelious, but his confidence arose from the consciousness of his own strength. He never condescended to in­struct his client in the law, or point out the course he should pursue in a cause. An anecdote of his management or a cause, which I have from a vete­ran or the bar in a neighbouring state, is charac­teristic of GRIDLEY. "About the year 1760, a Mr. LOMBARD, the settled minister or the gospel in Gorham, upon some uneasiness which arose between him and the people of bis charge, they mutually agreed to dissolve the connexion, and the parsonage being valuable, and under culture, he was to have its improvement, until they should settle another minister, aud LOMBARD, who was a gentleman of education, gave bond in a penal sum of two or three thousand pounds to MORETON and PHINNEY, two of the elders or deacons, that upon their settling another minister he would de­liver up the parsonage. Io the space or a year or two an illiterate man, whose name is not recollected, preached among them, and received a call to settle with them and become their minister; none of the neighbouring ministers or churches would assist in his ordination, and thereupon the Church proceeded to ordain him in the congregational way, by the imposition of hands of MORETON and PHINNEY, according to the Cambridge platform; after which a suit was brought upon the bond against LOMBARD at the court of common pleas, at Falmouth; the case was largely argued by counsel, and Mr. LOMBARD was indulged to add something to what his counsel had said, to show that the man they had inducted to office, was not the minister meant and intended by the bond, and read some passages from a Greek Testament respecting the qualifications of a minister, the original of which he explained; but the jury found a verdict for the plaintiff. LOMBARD appealed to the su­preme court, then held at York – the whole district of Maine being then in York County – Mr. GRID­LEY was then employed as counsel, and the jury found a verdict for the plaintiff; after which GRIDLEY moved in arrest of judgment-that there was no issue joined, which being apparent from the papers, judgment was arrested, a repleader directed, aud the cause continued until the next term, when GRIDLEY introduced a plea in bar, reciting the grant of the township from the General Court; the reservation of the parsonage for the use of a pious, learned, orthodox minister; and then averred that the town had not settled another pious, orthodox, learned minister; DANIEL FARNHAM, Esq. for the plaintiff replie.d, that they had settled another pious, orthodox minister, omitting learned, because, as was said, be was unwilling to put that io issue and of this put themselves on the country. To this replication GRIDLEY demurred for a departure in the replication, to which there was a joinder in demurrer. After a short argument, the replication was determined to he insufficient, amd the Court rendered a judgment in favor of LOMBARD – who, being out of the court-house at the time of the decision, on being told he bad obtained his cause, hasted into court, and to his counsel – says GRIDLEY, "man, you have obtained your cause" - LOMBARD, iu astonishment, asked him how? – How, sir?" GRIDLEY replied, "you can never know until you get to heaven."

When TROWBRIDGE was appointed Judge, GRIDLEY was made Attorney-General, and held the office uotil his death. In this capacity he was sometimes called upon to defend opinions and principle which were not very congenial to hia feelings as a patriot; but his arguments for mea­sures in opposition to the popular opinion have nothing of arrogance nor timidity about them, but are fair and gentlemanly, and the reasoning of his opponent was always heard with great candour. Pride and power are restive at opposition, bot GRIDLEY discharged his duty to the crown without exasperating the people.

Oo the question of the legality or writs of assis­tance which at that time produced a great excite­ment, he was opposed by his former pupil and particular friend, JAMES OTIS – a man whose fame will be forever blended with the glory of the revolution. He was an advocate of high standing at the bar, at that period, and was every day becom­ing more distinguished. History, and his contemporaries have established his reputation for erudi­tion, taste and address, and above all, for his unriva11ed eloquence and its wonderful power over both court and jury. The discussion upon those writs is said to have been the commencement of that series of acts and opinions on the part of the colonies which terminated in the revolution and its consequences. From this time, which was shortly before GRIDLEY's decease, there was no pause nor rest in the labours of OTIS, for he was constant, open and bold in the cause of his country. Office, emoluments and royal favour and patronage sunk before his patriotism, and even considerations of personal safety were disregarded. His zeal was a living flame, pure, intense and holy, which warmed and enlightened his countrymen. As he marshalled them for resistance he taught them how to support and defend their conduct and feelings. His fate was singular and his path-way was lumi­nous. For several years before his death his intel­lects were in a state of alternate gloom, obscurity and hallucination, until 1783, when he was re­lieved from pain and wretchedness "and all that mighty minds can suffer," by a flash of lightning, on which was sent to him the angel or death.

I should have placed him among my sketches, aud meted out to him what justice I could, if I had not known that his character was in abler hands. The public are impatieut for the life of OTIS from the classical pen of TUDOR.

It was not in his profession alone that GRIDLEY was conspicuous, for he was active and busy in various walks of life. As a legislator he was in­defatigable in devising plans for the advancement of knowledge, and for the peace, comfort and prosperity of tbe Commonwealth, and his extensive information and well tried integrity gave him aa opportunity of doing moch good. He knew that commerce and an acquaintance with the arts and sciences were indispensable to a people who were eager for liberty, distinction and prosperity. To advance the honour of his country and to give facility to trade, he used exertions to make the merchants of Boston insure their merchandise and vessels at home, rather than in England; in this be had much to do, for the maritime law was then in its infancy in England. To assist the mer­chants more readily, he became a member of the Marine Society in Boston, and was their Presi­dent for many years, and in all matters of commer­cial law his opinions were regarded as a standard authority.

He who feels within himself that power of genius which gives form and comliness to what­ever may happen to come under his guidance and care, is not rudily confined to a narrow course of duties, but stretches his fostering hand with pa­rental affection to fashion the infant institutions of bis country.

Knowing that all possessions are nothing with­out power, valour and skill to defend them, and believing in the efficiency of the militia system for protection, if citizen soldiers were properly organized and instructed, he entered with enthusiasm into military affairs and accepted the command of a regiment. His appearance as a parade officer, or how soccessfulJy be discharged his duties on the field I have not been able to ascertain, for most are gone who could tell us, and those who may remain I do not know.

GRIDLEY preferred offices of honour and distinc­tion to those of proftt. Never was there a man whose mind soared at such a sightless distance above all low and mercenary views. If tradition be true and the memory of the aged can be relied on, be was too chivalrous for his own interest and that of his friends and family; but this error is too rare amoog men for me to stop the progress of this narrative to denounce it; the example is not seductive; men frequently follow a worse. Warm, ardent, proud, and generous, he never for a moment felt the spirit of rivalry and envy, though among his students and those who were under his patronage, there were many who afterwards held the highest rank at the bar, and several of them settled around him. In the freedom of remark whieh was indulged at that time, at the bar, he often declared that he had reared two young eagles who were one day to peck out his eyes. Thia observation was probably made to bring into notice his friends, OTIS and ADAMS, and not from jealousy. The envious and jealous seldom indulge in panegyric.

The papers which announced his death spoke of his elevated views, his profound learning, and above all, the warmth, purity and steadfastness of his friendships. He died poor, and bis executors were about to bury him as a private gentleman, but the merchants, the bar, the judges, and the Masonic fraternity, all conspired to see who could honour his memory the most. The grief felt at bis loss reached all classes in society, for be had done much good in the community, and bad left tbe world in the fulness and maturity of his faculties. He died the 10th of Sept. 1767 – not far from sixty-two years of age.

There is about the mind of a great man conscious of his superiority, a calm, settled, dignified contempt for purse-proud insolence and meanness, which withers and blasts the little creatures who have been made by a successful speculation. – ­Wealth when fairly obtained and properly enjoyed, can never fail to give its possessors standing and influence – it is a passport through the world, and it ought to be, when accompanied with the intelligence and deportment of a gentleman; but there is a race of men, bloated by the sudden acquisition of wealth, wbo swaggeringly demand the homage or all; from such, this haughty and ele­vated man turned with a sneer; but it wu all the bitterness he had in his nature, and was gone as soon as tbe object tbat produced it had passed by.

It was fortunate for the Masonic family that a man compoeed of such fine elements, should be­come engaged at this early period in tbe cause of the Craft; his weight or character, his zeal and his ability to defend aad support whatever cause he chose to espose, was of great importance to them, and did much to diffuse Masonic light and know­ledge.

The order of benevolence had but just been established in the new world when he was appointed its Grand Master, and he wore his honours unsullied to the last hour of his life. His coadjutor in planting and cultivating this exube­rant vine of charity, whose flowers are fragrant to humanity, and whose fruit all nations have blessed, was the sage and patriotic FRANKLIN; under such hands and by the smiles of Providence, its roots atruck deeper and its branches spread higher each day, but the most ardent hopes of these phi­lanthropists have been more than realized in the prosperity of our country – and our Craft. If their spirits could revisit the earth and take note of what is doing here, with what joy would they witness the extension and progress of every branch of knowledge among their countrymen? And with what pleasure would they count the numbers of charitable institutions wbicb now shed their balsams upon the wounds of life?

The history of useful institutions are as valuable to the community as the lives of eminent men. They are intimately blended. These institutions are like rivers which spring from remote fountains and in their course are enlarged by many tributary streams. It is pleasant to go op to their sources. I shall not apologize for subjoining to this sketch of GRIDLEY a succinct account of the rise and progress of Masonry in this country, for be had been Grand Master of all Nortb America for more than twelve years in the early history of Masonry, and by his systematic habits and creative genius, did more to establish those principles and forms which have given importance and stability to the order than any other individual in America; and he deserves to be held in perpetual remembrance by the Craft. I have been assisted in preparing this brief Masonic chronicle by one well acquainted with the ancient records.

Free Masonry was first introduced and established in Ameri­ca by a number of influential members of the Fraternity residing in Boston, under the patronage and direction of the Right Honorable and Most Worshipful Anthony, Lord Viscount Montague, Grand Master of Masons in England, who in the year 1733 granted a commission to HENRY PRICE, Esq. appointing him Provincial Grand Master of New England.

The Provincial Grand Master, on receiving his commission, immediately summoned together several respectable Masons in Boston, and organized a Provincial Grand Lodge for the govern­ment of the craft, under the title of "St. John's Grand Lodge."

A petition was then presented to the Grand Lodge by seve­ral brethren residing in Boston, praying to be constituted into a regular Lodge that they might be enabled to extend the benefits of the institution to those who should wish to be initiated into its mysteries. The prayer of this petition was granted, and Henry Hope, Esq. appointed and installed Master of the First Lodge, or St. John's Lodge. In December of the same year James Gordon was inatalled Master of the same Lodge; and the festival of St. John the Evangelist was cele­brated with Masonic rites for the first time in America.
<nr> In the following year the Grand Master received an addi­tional commission, extending bis jurisdiction over all North America. In June the same year (1734) Benjamin Franklin, Esq. of Philadelphia, being on a visit in Boston, became ac­quainted with the Grand Master, who instructed him in the Royal Art. On his return to Philadelphia, he called together the brethren, and petitioned the Grand Master for a charter to hold a Lodge. A deputation was thereupon sent to Phila­delphia, a Lodge was constituted, and the Right Worshipful Benjamin Franklin, Esq. appointed and installed the first Mas­ter. In a somewhat similar manner, Lodges were subsequently constituted in Portsmouth, New Hampahire, Charleston, South Carolina, Antigua, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Newport and Providence in Rhode Island, Annapolis in Maryland, New Haven, New London and Middletown in Connecticut; all of them the first masonic institutions established in their respective places, and formed of the most conspicuous and respectable charac­ters in civil society. Thus Free Masonry was extended over the country, and founded on a permanent basis, under the authority, and by the labour and influence of St. John's Grand Lodge, in Boston.

The attention of the public was universally excited towards the institution, and though shrouded under a veil of mystery, it commanded general respect; in consequence of the elevated rank, and exemplary character of those who took an active part in its support.

HENRY PRICE, Esq. presided oyer the Grand Lodge of North America, or St. John's Grand Lodge, until the year 1737, when he resigned his office, and was succeeded by ROBERT TOMLINSON, Esq. who continued in office until his death; he was succeeded by THOMAS OXNARD, Esq. who received his commission from England in the year 1744, and was installed Grand Master in ample form in March of the same year. At his installation the Rev. Charles Brockwell preached the first Masonic sermon that was preached in America, at Christ's Church, December 17, 1749. He sustained the office of Grand Master until his death (June 1754) and discharged the duties of it with great honour to himself and satisfaction to the fraternity. The estimation in which he was held was demon­strated by the great respect paid to his memory. "His corpse was attended to the grave by a numerous train of relations and friends, and by the Society of Free and Accepted Masons, dressed in black, and clothed with white aprons and gloves. The whole attendance was conducted through a vast number of spectators, with great order and decency." Thomas Ox­nard, Esq. was a wealthy and eminent merchant, and highly esteemed and respected by his fellow citizens.

On the de­cease of the Grand Master the Grand Lodge elected JEREMY GRIDLEY, Esq., counsellor at law, their Grand Master, and petitioned the Grand Master of England to grant him a commis­sion, and to limit the same to three years continuance, unless the Grand Lodge should see fit to extend it to a longer period. It is believed this is the first attempt to limit the duration of a Grand Master's authority recorded in the history of Masonry.

Agreeably to the petition of the Grand Lodge, JEREMY GRIDLEY, Esq. received a commillllion from the Grand Master of England, in 1755, appointing him Provincial Grand Master of North America; but without limitation in its duration.

At a grand feast prepared for the occasion, October 1st, 1755, the Right Wonbipful JEREMY GRIDLEY, Esq. was installed in ample form. Grand Master GRIDLEY had great difficulties to encounter in the diacharge of hill official duties, which grew out of disputes among the fraternity in Great Britain, com­mencing in the year 1736, when the Earl of Crawford was Grand Master of England. He offended the Grand Lodge held in the city of York, by granting deputations which were thought to encroach on the prerogatives of the York Masons. The friendly intercourse which had heretofore existed among the fraternity throughout the kingdom was stopped, and the York Masons, from that moment, cooaidered their interests as distinct from those of the Masons under the jurisdiction of the Gnnd Lodge of England. The Grand Lodge of Scotland and others sided with the York Masons, and styled the Grand Lodge of England, and those under its jurisdiction, Modern Masons, from whence arose disgraceful dissensions and ani­mosities among the Fraternity. At what period the difference commenced in some unessential ceremonies, we cannot deter­mine; but we are authorized by the history of the Craft to state, that if this difference existed previously to the schism we have adverted to, it was not considered of sufficient impor­tance to prevent the friendly intercourse of visiting and mutu­ally assisting each other.

The spirit arising from this contention rapidly extended itaelf over the old world, and soon after made its appearance in America. The Grand Lodge then established in this coun­try, with jurisdiction over all North America, as it emanated from tbe Grand Lodge of England, was styled a Lodge of Mo­dern Masons, by those who had imbibed the prejudices of the York Masons. A few years after the schism in Great Britain, a Scotch regiment, in which there was a travelling Lodge, held under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, being in Boston, several gentlemen were made Masons by them, and after the departure of the regiment they proceeded to form a Lodge and make Masons, without being authorized and consti­tuted by any Grand Lodge. St. John's Graod Lodge considered this conduct highly irregular and derogatory to the character of the Fraternity. The members of this association were denounced as irregular Masons, and the Lodges were directed not to receive them as visitors, or recognize them in any way as Ma­sons. Finding themselves thus set apart from all the fraternity in America, they petitioned the Grand Master of Scotland for a charter. Through the agency of a brother, James Logan, who had been a Master of a Lodge in Scotland, and a member of the Grand Lodge, they obtained, a charter, under the denomination of St. Andrew's Lodge, in 1752, from Lord Aberdour, then Grand Master of Scotland. After obtaining this charter, and being, as they considered, regularly constituted, they present­ed a petition to the St. John's Grand Lodge, praying that they might be recognized as regular Masons, and reciprocate visits with the Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge, but expressed no disposition to submit to their jurisdiction and authority. The Grand Lodge considered the charter consti­tuting St. Andrew's Lodge, as an encroachment on their pre­rogatives. The Grand Master accordingly issued his man­date forbidding all intercourse with the members of St. An­drew's Lodge, unless they should submit to the jurildictioo of the Grand Lodge.

This measure produced reaction in the members of St. An­drew's Lodge, and led them to make an effort to extend their authority and influence, and after various struggles in opposi­tion to the authority of the Grand Lodge, and after repeat­ed attempts to effect an intercourse on their own terms during the administration of Grand Master GRIDLEY, they petitioned the Grand Master of Scotland to grant a commission to Dr. Joseph Warren, appointing him Provincial Grand Master of Ancient Masons, and with the assistance of three travelling Lodges held in the British army, then stationed in Boston, they effected their purpose.

This object, however, was not attained until after the de­cease of Grand Master GRIDLEY, which event took place on the 19th day e( September, 1767. The high estimation in which be waa held by the Fraternity, and by the public at large, is demonstrated by the following extract from the an­cient records of the Grand Lodge.

Boston, September 14th, 1767.

On Thursday evening last, at 11 o'clock, departed this life the Right Worshipful JEREMY GRIDLEY, Esq. Grand Master of Masons over all North America, Attomey-General for the Province of Massachusetts Bay, a member of the Great and General Court o( said Province, and a Justice throughout the same, Colonel of the first regiment of militia, and President of the Marine Society, &c.

The funeral was attended on Saturday last, with the re­spect due to his memory, by the members of his Majesty's Council, and the Judges of the Supreme Court in town, the gentlemen of the bar, the Brethren of the Ancient and Hon­ourable Society of Free and Accepted Masons, the officers of the Regiment, the members of the Marine Society, and a great number of the gentlemen of the town.

Strength of understanding, clearness of apprehension, and solidity of judgment were cultivated in him by a liberal edu­cation and close thinking. His extensive acquaintance with classical, and almost every other part of literature, gave him the first rank among men of learning. His thorough know­ledge of the Civil and Common Law, which he had studied as a science, founded in the principles of government and the nature of man, justly placed him at the head of his pro­fession. His tender feelings relative to his natural and civilities - his exquisite sensibility, and generous effusion of soul for his friends, were proofs that his heart wns good, as his head was sound, and well qualified him to preside over that ancient Society, whose benevolent constitutions do honour to mankind. He sustained the painful attacks of death with a philosophical calmness and fortitude, that resulted from the steady principles of his religion. He died in the 62nd year of his age.


WRITTEN EXTEMPORE ON THE DEATH OF THE LATE
JEREMY GRIDLEY, ESQ., BARRISTER AT LAW.


Of parts and learning, wit and worth possess'd,
Gridley shone forth conspicuous o'er the rest;
In native powers robust and smit with fame,
The genius brigbten'd, and the spark took flame;
Nature and science wove the laurel crown,
Ambitious each, alike confer'd renown.
High in the dignity and strength of thought,
The maze of knowledge sedulous he sought,
With mind superior studied and retain'd,
And life and property by law sustain'd.
Generous and free his liberal hand he spread,
Th' oppress'd reliev'd, and for the needy plead;
Awake to friendship, with the ties of blood,
His heart expanded and his soul o'erflow'd,
Social in converse, in the senate brave,
Gay e'en with dignity, with wisdom grave;
Long to his country and to courts endear'd,
The judges honour'd, and the bar rever'd.
Rest, peaceful shade! innoxious as thy walk,
May slander babble, and may censure talk,
Ne'er on thy mem'ry envy cast a blot,
But human frailties in thy worth forgot.

After the death of Grand Master GRIDLEY, the past Grand Master, HENRY PRICE, Esq. presided over the Grand Lodge, and a petition was sent to England by the Grand Lodge, pray­ing that JOHN ROWE, Esq. might be appointed Grand Master of Nortb America, and they again requested a limitation of the authority of the Grand Master to the term of three years, unless the Grand Lodge should see fit to extend the duration of it; but so far was this principle from being recognized, that it appears from the commission it was granted, not in consequence of the election of the Grand Lodge, but from the recommenda­tion of Past Grand Muter Price, and for an unlimited time.

These facts are stated to shew the manner in which Masonic institutions were organized at that time, and that the present forms of Masonic government in this country are innovations in the system, and of American origin. JOHN ROWE, Esq. was installed Grand Master, November 23, 1768, after having re­ceived bis commission from his Grace Henry Somerset, Duke of Beaufort, &c. &c. Grand Master of England.

These two Grand Lodges were supported by the most dis­tinguished men in the country, and flourished under the care of highly respectable masters until the war of 1775 suspended most Masonic intercourse for many years. After the peace, when all things had assumed a quiet state, the adherents of the two Grand Lodges thought it wise and proper to unite themselves, and no longer to hear the discordant sounds - I am of Apollos, or, I am of Cephas - but to make the order of benevolence one and indivisible - that harmony and charity might abound. This was effected in the year 1792, and the former diatinctions and parties are remembered no more.

FROM TROWEL, 1995

From TROWEL, Spring 1995, Page 31:

Of three Gridley brothers who came from Essex, England, about 1630, one died shortly after arrival and one settled in CT, while the third, Richard, settled in Boston and became a mason by trade. From this heritage, several generations later. Jeremiah Gridley was born to Richard and Rebecca Gridley on March 10, 1701. Throughout his adult life he used "Jeremy" in all law and court record.s and was appointed Provincial Grand Master of Masons in North America under that name.

Graduated from Harvard in 1725, he studied theology, law and journalism, and started a weekly newspaper. Though a critic called him "one of the most elegant and classical writers of his time, it was in law that he made his mark. Known as the "Father of the Boston Bar." he provided the professional education of such notables as Benjamin Prat (later Chief Justice of NY), James Otis, Samuel Quincy and John Adams. Later, Gridley was reported to have said of Otis and Adams that they were "two young eagles who would one day pick his eyes out."

Also active in politics. Gridley became a Representative to the General Court and Moderator of Brookline. where he acquired a gambrel-roofed house with five acres. Later, he served as Attorney-General.

Henry Price proposed Jeremy Gridley to the Craft. He was made a Mason May 11, 1748, in the First Lodge, now St. John's. In 1750 he was Raised in the Masters' Lodge and served as Master of First Lodge in 1754.

Brother Benjamin Franklin was a visitor at Grand Lodge, October 11. 1754, with Past Grand Master Price presiding, Thomas Oxnard having died. A petition was drawn and signed to the Grand Master of Great Britain to appoint Bro. Gridley Grand Master of Masons for North America. His installation by R.W. James Brydges, Marquis of Carnarvon. Grand Master of the Ancient and Honourable Society of Free and Accepted Masons, on October 1. 1755, in Concert Hall, was witnessed by members of the three Lodges in Boston at that time and the Master and Wardens of the Portsmouth Lodge in NH. During his term in office, the Grand Master issued Warrants and Charters for 22 new Lodges, five in MA. three in CT, three in NY. two in RI. two in NJ and one each in VA. NC. Louisburgh and Quebec, Canada; St. Christopher and Barbadoes. West Indies: and Surinam. Dutch Guiana. He granted his own brother. Richard, a Warrant on May 13, 1756 to congregate all Masons in the expedition against Crown Point, which resulted in Crown Point Lodge at Lake George.

On January 31, 1757, at a Grand Lodge Meeting at the Royal Exchange Tavern. Grand Master Gridley. also, appointed his brother, who was Master of First Lodge, to make Capt. Harry Charters; Capt. Gilbert McAdams; aide-de-camp Dr. Richard Huch; John Appy. secretary to the Earl of Loudoun; and John Melvill. Masons. The length of the list of Brethren attending and the notable names make it evident that this festival was one of the greatest in the early days of the Fraternity in this jurisdiction.

Using his previous Warrant. Richard Gridley granted a Deputation to the Master on November 13, 1758, to hold a Lodge in His Majesty's 28th Regiment of Foot at Louisburgh, Nova Scotia, and in 1759 a Lodge was Constituted at Providence. RI with Bro. Capt. John Burges as first Master. Also, in 1759. the Lodge at Newport, constituted by Oxnard in 1749 (TROWEL', Winter. 1994). in their enthusiasm exceeded their authority and made Master Masons. So proficient was their work that instead of penalizing them. Grand Master Gridley confirmed the degrees and appointed R.W. Bro. John Mawdsley to be "Master of a Right Worshipful Master's Lodge."

By a unanimous vote in Concert Hall on October 28. 1763. the Brethren decided to purchase that facility in which so many Masonic events were held for the agreed price of 1200 pounds. However, the next day the owner sold the building to another buyer.

On April 8, 1761, Gridley ordered that no member of a regularly constituted Lodge in Boston could appear at the Lodge of Scot's Masons in Boston, because it was not regularly constituted in the opinion of Grand Lodge. Yet, when Jeremy Gridley died on September 10. 1767. the Lodge of St. Andrew was permitted by St. John's (Provincial) Grand Lodge to march in the funeral procession as Masons. Sixty-four of the 161 who marched were members of the Lodge of St. Andrew and were recorded as such in St. John's Lodge book for that day.

GridleyMonument1916.jpg

Our fourth Provincial Grand Master was buried September 12. 1767. in tomb #9 in the Granary Burial Ground. It remained unmarked until May 11, 1916. when a monument of Quincy granite was dedicated by Grand Master Melvin Maynard Johnson.

MEMORIAL

From Proceedings, Page I-117:

BOSTON,- September 14th 1767.

On Thursday Evening last at 11 o'Clock, departed this Life, the Right Worshipful Jeremy Gridley Esqr. Grand Master of Masons, over all North America, Attorney General for the Province of Massachusetts Bay, A Member of the Great and General Court of said Province, and a Justice throughout the Same, Colonel of the first Regiment of Militia, and President of the Marine Society, &c.

His Funeral was Attended on Saturday last, with the Respect due to his Memory, by the Members of his Majesty's Council, and the Judges of the Superiour Court in Town, the Gentlemen of the Bar, the Brethren of the Ancient and Honourable Society of Free and Accepted Masons, the Officers of his Regiment, the Members of the Marine Society and a great Number of the Gentlemen of the Town.

Strength of Understanding, Clearness of Apprehension, and Solidity of Judgment, were cultivated in him by a liberal Education, and close thinking: His extensive Acquaintance with Classical and almost every other part of Literature, gave him the first Rank among Men of Learning: His thorough Knowledge of the Civil and Common La'w, which he had studied as a Science, founded in the Principles of Government, and the Nature of Man, justly placed him at the Head of his Profession : His tender Feelings relative to his natural & civil Ties: his exquisite Sensibility, and generous Effusion of Soul for his Friend, were Proofs that his Heart was as good as his Head was sound; and well qualified him to preside over that antient Society whose Benevolent Constitutions do Honor to Mankind. He sustained the painful Attacks of Death with a Philosophical Calmness and Fortitude, that resulted from the steady Principles of his Religion. He Died in the 62d Year of his Age.

Written Extempore, on the Death of the late JEREMY GRIDLEY, Esqr. Barrister a't Law.

Of Parts and Learning, Wit and Worth possess'd,
GRIDLEY shone forth conspicuous o'er the rest:
In native Pow'rs robust, and srait with Fame,
The Genius brighten'd, and the Spark took Flame;
Nature and Science wove the laurel Crown,
Ambitious each, alike confer'd Renown.

High in the Dignity and Strength of Thought,
The Maze of Knowledge sedulous he sought,
With Mind superiour studied and retain'd,
And LIFE and PROPERTY by Law sustain'd.

Generous and free, his lib'ral Hand he spread,
Th' Oppres'd reliev'd, and for the Needy plead;
Awake to Friendship, with the Ties of Blood,
His Heart expanded, and his Soul o'erflow'd.

Social in Converse, in the Senate brave,
Gay e'en with Dignity, with Wisdom grave;
Long to his Country and to Courts endear'd,
The JUDGES honor'd and the BAR rever'd.

Rest, peaceful Shade! innoxious as thy Walk,
May Slander babble, and may Censure talk,
Ne'er on thy Mem'ry ENVY cast a Blot,
But human Frailties in thy Worth forgot.

An account of the funeral ceremonies for Grand Master Gridley begins on Page I-118.


Distinguished Brothers