Dr. Joseph Warren was a Freemason, and though this was customary in 18th century Europe and America, there was nothing common about Warren’s involvement in the Craft. In 1761, while training as a medical apprentice he entered the Lodge of St. Andrew (Boston’s ancient lodge). He attended meetings sporadically then stopped attending for four years. In 1765 – Warren had his medical practice established, was married and had a child, and wrote letters documenting his opposition to British oppression and specifically the Stamp Act. That same year he returned to St. Andrew’s Lodge.
In September of 1768, British soldiers were sent to police the streets of Boston in response to protests against Parliamentary abuse. In November of that same year, Warren became master of St. Andrews AND NINE DAYS LATER sought the commission from the Grand Lodge of Scotland as Grand Master of Boston and within 100-mile radius. With this commission he QUICKLY established the Provincial Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, appointing his good friend Paul Revere as one of his grand officers. At this time there were 1,200 soldiers in Boston. Scottish and Irish soldiers who were Freemasons would attend Warren’s lodge.
Warren and Revere attained all degrees then available in Freemasonry—which included the Royal Arch and Knight Templar Degrees (Warren himself introduced the Royal Arch degree into Massachusetts Masonry. At that time in America only three colonists held the Knight Templar—all were from St. Andrew’s).
Warren then requested from the Grand Lodge of Scotland the commission of MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER OF NORTH AMERICA. This title was granted in March of 1772 and guaranteed that Warren’s name was known in Scottish Masonic Lodges throughout the colonies. This title assured respect and protection from any British officer who was a Mason of Scottish/Irish descent. Warren’s work to bring unity between the English lodge in Boston (St. John’s) and St. Andrew’s, along with the attainment of the Royal Arch and Knight Templar Degrees established respect and protection from British born officers who were Masons as well.
Next: Warren’s Freemasons, the Green Dragon Tavern, and the Boston Tea Party!
(Pictures: Royal Arch Degree apron that belonged either to Joseph Warren or his youngest brother Dr. Jack Warren, courtesy of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts and picture of Joseph Warren with Masonic jewels, courtesy of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.)
