The American Union Lodge No. 1 celebrated its 250th anniversary earlier this year, a distinguished example of the Grand Master’s theme of Commitment to the Craft! Below, RWB Dan Hrinko shares some history of the American Union Lodge, as well as the details of this celebratory weekend.
Tell us about American Union Lodge No.1. What is the history behind it? What makes it unique? What is it known for?
American Union Lodge was chartered by Right Worshipful Brother John Rowe, Provincial Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, Premier Grand Lodge of England, in February 1776. A group of Masons from the “Connecticut Line” headed by Samuel Parsons had petitioned the Provincial Grand Lodge to form a traveling military Lodge as they were away from home and stationed in Roxbury, Massachusetts as part of the siege of Boston.
After leaving Boston in April 1776, they were stationed on Long Island, New York, and continued to meet throughout the summer of 1776. During the battle of Brooklyn Heights, several members of the Lodge were killed and/or captured including Joel Clark, the charter Worshipful Master who was captured and later died in a British prison facility now known as the Old Brick Church. This resulted in the Lodge ceasing operations due to members being scattered through different units.
The Lodge resumed its labor in early 1779 while located in Reading, Connecticut, for winter camp. They were soon transferred to West Point, New York. On the Feast of Saint John the Baptist, June 24, 1779, Gen. Washington visited this encampment and attended American Union Lodge at which time there was a grand procession as well as a banquet including many toasts and speeches.
In late 1779, the unit was stationed in Morristown, New Jersey, for winter camp and on the Feast of Saint John the Evangelist, December 27, 1779, Gen. Washington and his staff again visited America Union Lodge, at which time a discussion was held considering the possibility of forming a Grand Lodge of the United States. It should be noted that details from the minutes of American Union Lodge regarding these two events are thoroughly summarized in Mark Tabbert’s book “A Deserving Brother” which chronicles the Masonic career of Brother George Washington.
The Lodge continued to operate until early 1783 when the Army was disbanded. At that time, Jonathan Hart was Worshipful Master, and he retained the records of the Lodge. He was stationed at Fort Harmar on the West Bank of the Muskingum River at the confluence with the Ohio River in 1785 as part of the garrison to prevent illegal settlement in the Ohio country.
In 1787, “An Ordinance for the Governance of the Territories North-West of the River Ohio,” often called the Northwest Ordinance, was enacted setting the stage for the organized sale and settlement of these lands. It is important to note that this document was the first national ordinance enacted by the American government to explicitly ban slavery and to assure funding for education and freedom of religion.
Rufus Putnam, a member of American Union Lodge, along with many investors, formed the Ohio Company to purchase land in the Ohio country and organize a distribution and sale of it. They arrived in Marietta in early 1788 building a stockade called Campus Martius.
In January 1789, General James Varnum, one of two judges appointed to the Northwest Territory died at Marietta. A funeral procession was held which included representations of his membership in the Masonic fraternity. Discussions were held about the validity of the charter in the possession of Worshipful Brother Heart, and it was determined that it was indeed legal. As a result, American Union Lodge resumed its labors in Marietta, Ohio in the spring of 1789.
American Union Lodge has been meeting consistently since that time with members who were founders and important figures in the history of Marietta, the Ohio Company, and the entire Northwest Territory, setting the template for the western expansion of the United States that was generally followed throughout history.
Congratulations on celebrating this impressive milestone. What can you share about some of the celebratory events, and the planning that went into it?
Our 250th anniversary celebration has focused heavily on connecting with our historic Masonic roots reenacting and honoring the traditions of 18th-century Freemasonry.
We recently held a weekend of events beginning on Friday, February 13 when we held our annual inspection in the Entered Apprentice degree. The following day, Saturday the 14th, we encouraged people to visit the Campus Martius Museum where we had specially trained docents providing education information about the Masonic history of the area. The Grand Lodge of Ohio convened at 1 PM to re-consecrate American Union Lodge in celebration of his 250th anniversary.
The following day, February 15, 2026, the actual anniversary date, included an 18th-century Lodge experience held in the ballroom of the Lafayette Hotel. The room was configured in an open ended square consistent with the layout of typical Lodge meetings of the 18th century. In the center was a tool chest with the minimum implements necessary to open a Lodge and transact business much as our military ancestors would have used rather than having elaborately decorated and dedicated Lodge rooms.
The day included a presentation on the history of American Union Lodge as well as an introduction to 18th-century Masonic customs, including toasting. A meal was held, and a Lodge of Entered Apprentices was opened. We were unable to confer any degree work as we do not know the specific nature of the rituals used at the time. We only know that rituals were widely varied and usually unique to each Lodge with the inclusion of certain key elements to assure consistency and regularity to the Ancient Charges.
We were able to provide an educational program in the form of questions posed to Brothers of the Craft covering elements included in our Entered Apprentice degree such as the meaning and applications of symbols, lessons, and other details typically found in our contemporary lectures. We chose this activity as it was the primary form of education used at that time.
What is the relationship between Brothers in the lodge? How do they interact with each other and engage in Lodge events?
The brothers of American Union Lodge thoroughly enjoy their social life as well as involvement and other attendant bodies such as York Rite, Scottish Rite, and Shrine. There is a strong connection and great pride in our historical roots being the oldest Lodge in Ohio. Lodge events are well attended and the dinners before our Lodge meetings are an excellent time to introduce new members to each other as well as to enjoy our social relationships.
What about this Lodge made you want to be part of it? What type of Mason does it attract?
I’ve been a Mason for 49 years starting my Masonic career at Clark Lodge in Springfield, Ohio. It remains my mother Lodge. After moving to southeastern Ohio seven years ago, I began visiting lodges. Having a longtime friend who is a past master of American Union Lodge, I was drawn to that Lodge. One of my hobbies is a passion for history and the historic past of American Union Lodge made it very attractive. I soon affiliated and served as Worshipful Master of American Union Lodge in 2023 adding my name to a long and prestigious list of worshipful Masters of American Union Lodge including Rufus Putnam, Lewis Cass, and other luminaries of early Freemasonry.
Does your Lodge have any upcoming events you’d like to share?
Our weekend celebrating our 250th anniversary has been the capstone of our year. For the remainder of the year, we plan on drawing additional attention to our status as the oldest Lodge in Ohio by participating in several community parades as Masons.
Want to read more about Ohio Masonic Lodges and their transformations? Click here.
Interested in learning more about American Union Lodge? Read more here.