Bicentennial Monument

Bicentennial Monument Installed In Charleston, South Carolina      The Supreme Council requested the Scottish Rite Monument and Plaque Committee in Charleston, South Carolina, to install a granite monument to commemorate the original location of Shepheard's Tavern (at the corner of Church and Broad Streets, which is now the site of the Bank of America Building). Formal dedication of the monument is slated for October 3, 2001.      The committee designed the monument, and E. J. McCarthy & Sons Monument Co. manufactured it, placing it on a granite base. Installed on November 30, 2000, the three-ton commemorative stone's top is slanted forward with the image of Shepheard's Tavern sandblasted into the granite, and a 33rd Degree double-headed eagle emblem is on the front of the monument. Just below the emblem is the following wording: "On this site stood Shepheard's Tavern, the birthplace of The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, the Mother Supreme Council of the World, May 31, 1801."      Looking from the front of the monument, the left side has the following wording: "Founders of the Supreme Council: Abraham Alexander, Sovereign Grand Inspector General; Emanuel De La Motta, Sovereign Grand Inspector General; Dr. Isaac Auld, Sovereign Grand Inspector General; Israel De Lieben, Sovereign Grand Inspector General; Moses C. Levy, Grand Treasurer General; Dr. James Moultrie, Grand Secretary General."      On the right side is the following wording: "Founders of the Supreme Council: Colonel John Mitchell, Sovereign Grand Commander; Frederick Dalcho, Lt. Grand Commander; Alexander F. A. DeGrasse, Sovereign Grand Inspector General; Jean Baptiste Delahogue, Sovereign Grand Inspector General; Thomas B. Bowen, Grand Master of Ceremonies."      On the rear it reads: "Dedicated October 3, 2001; C. Fred Kleinknecht, Sovereign Grand Commander." During the installation, the monument was suspended above the base as workmen placed ice between the stone and its foundation. This allowed the heavy stone to be moved slightly until it was exactly in its proper position. Also, the slings holding it could then be removed before the ice melted. Although landscaping still has to be completed around the monument, it has already created a lot of local interest as passersby stop to read the inscriptions. Be sure to see this historical marker when you come to Charleston.

Submitted by Ill. Herbert S. Golding, 33 o Chairman, Charleston Monument and Plaque Committee Photo: Ill. McDonald “Don” L. Burbidge, 33 0

Reprinted with permission of the Scottish Rite Journal, May, 2001

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