History of the Third Masonic District Grand Lodge of the State of New York

Numeric Listing & page no.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES & page no.

Fortitude, now the oldest Lodge in Brooklyn, was made up, as appears by their Minute Book, of two other Lodges, which had previously surrendered their charters. These were known as Mechanics No. 1 and St. Albans No. 62. The first record of any meeting for the organization of a new Lodge took place in the autumn of 1799, when a few of the former members of St. Albans and Mechanics Lodges met at Hunter's Hotel, where the Eagle office now stands, kept by one Martin Boerum, a former member of St. Albans. Bro. Boerum had already "confiscated" the property of St. Albans for rent (which was considered regular in those days), and had all the materials ready for the erection of a new Lodge. There were present at this first meeting Brothers George A. Clussman, Martin Boerum, Daniel Rhodes, Frederick Cleveland, Henry Eckford, Thomas Thomas, Samuel Thorn, John Martin, John McKinney and Nathaniel Hempstead.

They agreed to apply for a Warrant, and to purchase the effects of the late St. Alban's Lodge. In the selection of a name they showed the spirit which animated them by calling it "Fortitude," the first of the "Perfect Points" and the noblest of the "Cardinal Virtues." In the application which followed George Clussman was named for Master, Daniel Rhodes for Senior Warden and Henry Eckford for Junior Warden. The Warrant was issued under date of December 4th, 1799, signed by M.'.W.'. Bro. (Chancellor) Robert R Livingston, the then Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York. The number of the Lodge was then 84. Owing to the surrender of the warrant of other Lodges, the number of Fortitude was changed, in August, 1819, to 81, and on September 19th, 1837, it was changed to its present number, 19. The small silver jewels used by the Lodge at that time, scarcely perceptible ten feet distant, are now to be seen among the relics of the Grand Lodge at the Masonic Temple.

The first regular meeting of the Lodge under the Warrant was held at Hunter's Hotel, December 23d, 1799. On January 20th, 1800, Andrew Stout was initiated, passed and raised, being the first candidate who received the degrees in Fortitude Lodge.

This being the only Lodge in Brooklyn at the time, the meetings were well attended, and the first year ten candidates were initiated, passed and raised, all of whom remained with the Lodge—except one. The first annual meeting for the election of officers took place December 15th, 1800, when George A. Clussman was elected Master; William Carpenter, Senior Warden; John McKinney, Junior Warden, and Nathaniel Hempstead, Secretary.

The Lodge continued to flourish with great success until about the year 1828, when it fell under the political influence of Anti-Masonry, and for more than two years only a sufficient number could be got together to keep it going. Another serious trouble occurred in 1831. The great cholera epidemic of that year decimated its numbers, and weakened its finances so the Grand Lodge, which had previously held quarterly meetings, met only once that year. The Brethren were greatly discouraged, and were on the point of surrendering their Warrant, but the Grand Lodge officers came over in a body and urged them to persevere in their good work, at the same time agreeing to remit all past dues, which had accumulated for two or three years. Thus fortified and strengthened, the brethren commenced their labors with renewed energy and enthusiasm, and in due course of time established a substantial edifice, that subsequent trials and adversities failed to move; and Fortitude Lodge stands to-day a living monument to the perseverance and fortitude of the noble band who stood by it in the hour of adversity.

During its existence the Lodge has taken part in many notable events. In December, 1799, soon after its organization, it took part in the funeral ceremonies of General Washington; and, in 1824, when General de Lafayette visited this country, Fortitude Lodge helped to swell the ranks of the thousands who turned out in procession to do him honor.

When the Lodge was organized the dues, which were two shillings, were paid at each communication. This continued for several years. The cost of initiating, passing and raising a candidate was $15, or $5 for each degree. Notwithstanding its limited financial resources during its early struggles, it has given liberally to charitable purposes, the aggregate amount paid during the ninety years of its existence exceeding $42,000. Its membership has increased annually, and in one year—1853 —one hundred and twenty-one were initiated, passed and raised.

In 1813 the Lodge removed to the corner of James and Main streets; in 1823 it moved to Du Flon's Military Garden, where the Court House now stands. A room was built and dedicated to Masonic purposes, which remained there for nineteen years. In 1842 the Lodge removed to Stevens' Hotel, on Fulton street, thence to Thornby's Hotel on Liberty street, and finally to its present location, corner of Court and Joralemon streets.

Many Masons highly honored in the Fraternity, not only in Brooklyn, but throughout the State and Nation, were first brought to light in this Lodge. Among these was Rev. John Ireland, who was Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge, New York, and the first Chaplain in the U. S. Navy. He died in 1819, and was buried by the Grand Lodge with Masonic honors. Rev. Evan M. Johnson, a member of this Lodge, was likewise Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. His name was interwoven with the Fraternity during its darkest days in this State, and when anti-masonry, with its hydra-headed followers, was forcing many of the most prominent Masons in this State to "hide their lights under a bushel," he defended the Order boldly, both in and out of the pulpit. In an address he delivered at the demise of the Most Worshipful Master, Elisha W. King, he exposed the political objects of the anti-masonry party in the State, and characterized its followers as not only enemies of the country, but "wolves in sheeps' clothing."The great cause of religion and benevolence owes this worthy brother a debt of gratitude for his noble, fearless and self-sacrificing efforts. In 1851 Wor. Bro. Nathaniel F. Waring, of this Lodge, was exalted to the eminent position of Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York. A sketch of this worthy Brother appears among the biographical sketches of this Lodge.

The Lodge still enjoys a good degree of prosperity, and stands eleventh in point of numbers of the thirty-one Lodges in this District. The Annual Report of the Grand Lodge for 1888 shows the total membership of Fortitude to be 155.

For the foregoing facts the writer is indebted to Bro. A. J. Hicks, Secretary of this Lodge, who spent years of patient labor and earnest effort to bring to light facts that had long been obscured in darkness. Bro. Hicks has furnished a number of historical sketches to the daily journals and periodicals of the country, none of which have ever given him credit or even mentioned his name in this connection.

Partial List Of Elective Officers Of Fortitude Lodge.

Worshipful Master.—