From the Portsmouth Observer, June 27, 1807
We were some time since obliged to perform the painful task, of announcing the destruction of the Church dedicated to St. John, in this place, by fire. With real pleasure, we have now to inform our readers that a new building on the old site is in considerable forwardness, and will be completed in the course of the ensuing fall. The corner-stone was, on Wednesday last laid in ample form, by the most Worshipful Thomas Thompson, Esq. Grand-Master of Masons, in New Hampshire, assisted by many Brethren of the Order; who assembled at the Lodge Room and formed a procession, in which they were joined by many other gentlemen of the State.
The procession moved soon after 11 o'clock in the following order -
Washington Lodge, St John's Lodge, Band of Music, Principle Architect with the Plate, Architects with Implements, Subscribers for rebuilding St. John's Church, Committee of the Subscribers, N.H. Military Officers in town, U. S. Military Officers, Selectmen of Portsmouth, N.H. Civil Officers in town, U.S. Civil Officers, Gentlemen of distinction, Clergymen, Grand Lodge, The Governor and his Aids immediately proceeding the Grand Master.
A temporary floor having been laid over the foundation, enclosed with railing, and an arch erected which were ornamented with civic and masonic decorations, the Most Worshipful Grand Master took his seat at high 12. The ceremony then commenced with an ode, after which the Grand Master, assisted by the craft, proceeded to lay the corner stone in ample form, under which were deposited coins of the United States, medals of the illustrious Washington, and a plate with the following inscription:
A. D. 1732
Queens Chapel was built on this spot
A. D. 1791
It received the name of St. John's Church by act of incorporation.
December 24, 1806
It was burned to the ground.
June 24, 1807-A.L. ICC,DCCCVII
This corner stone was laid in ample form by Thomas Thompson, Esq.
Grand Master of Masons in New Hampshire,
duly assisted by the Grand Lodge, and St. Johns Lodge No. I,
And honored by the presence of
JOHN LANGDON, Esq. Governor of the State,
and the principal Citizens of Portsmouth.
XXXIst. Year of the Independence of the U. S. of America,
THOMAS JEFFERSON, President
On the reverse.
THIS PLATE
With medals and coin
Were presented
By St. John's Lodge No. I
Portsmouth, N. H.
The gold, silver, and copper coins and medals, the bank bills and written inscription, were all hermetically sealed in separate glass bottles by the Grand Secretary. Lyman Spalding, M.D. Andrew Gerrish, sculpt.
An elegant, and ingenious discourse was then delivered by Brother Richards Grand Chaplin; an abstract of which we should present to our readers, had we not learnt that it is intended for the press. - At the same time we are convinced they will forgive us when we assure them, that to abridge would be to injure it.
On the occasion, three odes were performed, and reflected high honor both on the composer, and the gentlemen of the Exeter Band, to whom thanks are due for their excellent and gratuitous performance.
The Grand Treasurer placed upon the stone a purse containing a contribution for the operative masons.
The procession returned to the Court House, where the invited gentlemen were refreshed by the Grand Master, and the Brethren repaired to Davenport's Hall, where an elegant dinner was provided and the following toasts drank:
TOASTS.
1. The memory of Holy St. John, may we imitate his virtues and follow his examples.
2. All the fraternity around the globe.
3. Prosperity to all the lodges in the state of New Hampshire.
4. Speedy relief to all distressed masons.
5. Universal benevolence to all mankind.
6. Prosperity, peace and harmony to St. John's Church.
7. The truly affectionate wife and the dutiful daughter of all free and accepted masons.
8. The Orator of the day, Brother George Richards.
9. His Excellency John Langdon, Esq. Governor of the State.
10. All our fellow citizens both civil and military who have honored us with their company this day.
On reviewing the business of the day, it must surely be gratifying to our fellow-citizens, to reflect on the good order and perfect unanimity which prevailed, and that the corner-stone of a building sacred to the promulgation of the benevolent doctrines of Christianity, has been thus laid in the genuine spirit of the first, most sacred principle, "Peace on earth, and good will towards men."
(Posted June 22, 2007 by bmenk)
