“April 23d, 1828—Sir Knights Stapleton, Keatinge, Vethake, Barker and Tyson, were appointed a Committee to confer with such other Committees as may be appointed by the other Masonic Bodies in relation to a Masonic Celebration on the 4th July next, and to investigate the subject, the nature of, and provision for
such ceremony.”
This is the only mention in the proceedings of this Celebration which was held on the occasion of the commencement of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, and the laying of the first or foundation stone of that great enterprise.
From the newspapers of the day, and other sources, I am enabled to present the following account of this grand affair.
The Grand Lodge of Maryland, Grand Chapter of Maryland and District of Columbia, and the Subordinate Lodges and Chapters, and the Knights Templar, joined with the military and the citizens generally in an imposing parade, which was formed at the head of Bond Street. The Masonic portion of the parade proceeded to the Exchange, on Gay Street, where they were met by the venerable Charles Carroll of Carrollton, who was even at that day the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence, and escorted him to the place of forming. The line of march was then taken up, and the civic, military and Masonic procession moved through Baltimore Street to Carroll’s Field, a short distance beyond the present Mt. Clare Work Shops, where the ceremonies took place.
Mr. Carroll broke the first ground of this enterprise, which has proven to be one of vast importance to this city and State. After the delivery of interesting addresses, Brother Benjamin C. Howard, Grand Master of Masons in Maryland, assisted by the Grand Masters of Pennsylvania and Virginia, laid the foundation stone in due and ancient form.
This was one of the most notable celebrations ever held in the City of Baltimore. There were representatives of every trade and occupation in the procession, carrying appropriate banners, and exercising their usual avocations during the march.
It was estimated that there were 70,000 to 80,000 persons on the streets to witness the procession, and from 8,000 to 10,000 in the field to witness the ceremonies there. A number of the associations who participated, dined together, and at night there was a fine display of fireworks.
In the afternoon, at 5 o’clock, Maryland Encampment No. 1 marched in procession in charge of Sir Elijah Stansbury, as Captain-General, to the Globe Inn, which stood on Baltimore Street, near Howard, where they dined in the court-yard of the Inn, in a handsome pavilion or tent, erected for the purpose. Grand Master Benjamin C. Howard presided at the banquet table.
The writer found, a few years since, among the old rubbish at the Temple, various bills for the erection of this pavilion and the entertainment; also the cards of admission that were used upon the occasion. The latter are about 2″ inches long by 1″ wide, embossed with the emblems of the Lodge, Chapter and Encampment. They are exceedingly modest-looking in comparison with the elaborate cards used by the Templars of the present day on similar occasions. They were endorsed by the Brethren who used them, and among them are many familiar names. But of all the Brethren participating in this notable celebration, Brother Past Grand Master John H. B. Latrobe is the only survivor. Our venerable Brother takes pride in stating that he headed the Masonic parade on the occasion, having acted as Tyler of his, the Junior Lodge, Wirgman No. 72.
It would appear from the following, copied from one of the city papers, that the Royal Arch Masons joined with their companions of the Encampment in this entertainment:
“The Joint Committee of Knight Templars and Royal Arch Masons beg leave to return their thanks to the corporation of the City of Baltiniore for the loan of the portraits of distinguished worthies of Baltimore which graced the pavilion of the Globe Inn at the Masonic dinner on the 4th of July, in honor of the commencement of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. To Brothers Frailey, Hammond and William Howard for their kind services in getting up and arranging the variegated lamps, which added such brilliancy to the Encampment on the night it was illumi-nated. To the officers of the different military companies and
regiments for the use of their Standards. To Captain Henry Wright for a splendid full-length portrait of our distinguished Brother, General Lafayette. To Brother Leonard Frailey for a representation of the bombardment of Fort McHenry.- To T. N. Neilson, Keeper of the Exchange Reading Rooms, for a rich copy of the Declaration of Independence and Washington’s Farewell Address. To Brother William Cook for the use of the Armory. To their fellow-citizens for various paintings, busts, &c. ; and to the ladies, more particularly, who honored them with their presence on the night of the illumination.
By order. Thomas Phenix, Secretary.“
