- Established and organized in 1734, receiving its formal warrant in 1735 and holding its first official meeting on October 28, 1736, at Shepheard’s Tavern (Corner of Church and Broad Streets).
- Significance: It is recognized as the oldest Masonic lodge in the South.
“I don’t want to belong to any club that will have me as a member”; Groucho Marx.
The Freemasons Lodge’s have been around since 1599, formed in Scotland. Rather than have their own cemetery the various Lodge’s have sections in some Charleston cemeteries. There may be a private Freemason cemetery locally since southern cemeteries didn’t really exist like up north. Savannah had the first in 1750, Charleston was this one in 1850.
While most old wrought iron fences are rusting away, the Freemasons are usually well maintained. There is one I know of in Magnolia Cemetery that is damaged.
This is one of the more intricate iron post and fence I’ve seen.
Specs; OM-1 (1), Olympus 40-150 r, Lightroom, DxO Filmpack.
Many in my family on both sides are and have been Masons I was a Rainbow Girl.
Growing up and living in NYC I had never heard of fraternal organizations. I think they faded out pre WW II.
Wow huge up here in the rest of New England.
NYC is a world of its own lol
I used to truck there in the early 80’s to the Island and Bronx and Brooklyn as well as Buffalo areas. Lots of Kocher loads right into the city with 40 and 48 foot trailers.
Ahh, the Masonic Lodge, they were here too. Do they still exist?
That’s a good question. I just read they still have 6 million member world wide, that’s not really many. Also most in the UK and countries that were part of the UK at some point.