American Union No. 1 History
The institution of Masonry, kindred to many of the societies and rites of times, owes its continued existence to its ability to render needed service and inspiration to mankind. We shall review, briefly, some of the incidents in the early life of American Union Lodge No.1, out of the experiences of those who were instrumental in effecting this historic Lodge. The siege of Boston in 1775 and 1776 brought together many New England Masons in the Continental forces from whose ranks the several Army Lodges were formed. The record of this historic Lodge reveals a preliminary meeting at Roxbury, MA, attended by Brother Joel Clark and 15 others. A choice of Officers was made and the minutes of the meeting laid before the Grand Master, asking that the Officers nominated might be confirmed and a dispensation be granted for holding a regular Lodge. The Grand Master was pleased to grant a warrant and appointing Joel Clark, first Master of American Union Lodge.
This venerable instrument which called our Lodge into existence was issued on Feb. 15th, 1776 and authorized the Lodge to meet in Roxbury, or wherever it shall remove on the continent of America, provided it is where no Grand Master is appointed. This Masonic body destined to experience every vicissitude of fortune in the Revolutionary Army and finally to light the torch of brotherly love and service anew in the great northwest was launched on its career.
These were times that tried men’s souls. The Army was before Boston, which was held by 10,000 British troops, well equipped and well supplied, while their ships commanded the ocean. At any moment they might be attacked by the enemy and none could tell what the final outcome was to be. Amid these conditions American Union Lodge was born.
The Lodge met in several locations from 1776 to 1778 including New York, Connecticut and New Jersey until it found its permanent home on the banks of the Ohio. Marietta was to be the home of American Union Lodge for generation to come. In reality it remained a Military Lodge until 1795, receiving and initiating recruits as they passed on their way to conflict.
The first regular session of the Lodge was held at Campus Martius on June 28, 1790, Jonathan Heart was the Master. The home of Major Sergeant was used until 1794. Following this date the Lodge met at different locations for several years, but still within the compound of Campus Martius until Aug. 1800, but for the remainder of the year and the early part of 1801 the meetings were held at Bowen’s Inn. After a fire, a new home was necessary and Lincoln’s Inn was secured. From Dec. 5, 1803 until 1810 the office of Brother Rufus Putnam was used. The history is somewhat unclear as to where they met after 1810. The first discussion for a real Masonic Temple for Marietta was in 1867. On July 22, 1872 the Lodge met in the new hall which was located on the northeast corner of Front and Butler streets. A joint movement of Masonic Bodies to erect a Masonic Temple in Marietta was brought to the attention of the Lodge on Feb. 4, 1895.
It was proposed that the building was to be used jointly by all the Masonic Bodies of the city. On Dec. 8, 1902 American Union Lodge joined the Masonic Building Co.
Approximately five years later, on Oct. 7, 1907, the laying of the corner stone was conducted by the Grand Lodge of Ohio. The first meeting of American Union Lodge No. 1 in the Temple was held on March 12, 1917 it has been meeting there ever since. As you may now know, American Union Lodge has had a colorful history from before this Country was into being. Come and join us and be part of this rich history.
