[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 145 (Friday, October 7, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 7, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                   TRIBUTE TO GRAND LODGE OF VERMONT

 Mr. JEFFORDS. Mr. President, I rise today to commend my fellow 
Vermonters, the Freemason Grand Lodge of Vermont, for their 
contributions to the rich history of the State of Vermont in 
celebration of the bicentennial of Freemasonry in Vermont on October 
14, 1994.
  Freemasonry made its entry into Vermont during the period of the 
French and Indian wars as English military forces moved through the 
region. The surrender of Quebec to the British took place on September 
18, 1759; 2 months later, on November 28, 1759, a meeting of Masons 
belonging to the several military lodges in the vicinity was held 
there--including lodges which had traversed Vermont and had introduced 
the craft to the Green Mountain State.
  In 1791, in Vergennes, the first civilian Masonic Lodge was chartered 
in Vermont. Thereafter, town after town received their charters and the 
fraternity became firmly entrenched into the fabric of the State.
  On October 14, 1794, the Grand Lodge of Vermont was formed at Rutland 
at the site of the present Lindholm Block at the corners of Main and 
West Streets, to govern the several lodges within the State.
  Freemasons were prominent in the struggle for Vermont independence. 
Among them were Thomas Chittenden, Seth Warner, Remember Baker, Robert 
Cochran, Joseph Wait, Ira Allen and, it is believed, Ethan Allen.
  Freemasons have continued to be prominent in the affairs of the 
State, including Governors Thomas Chittenden, George D. Aiken, Harold 
A. Arthur, Joseph B. Johnson, Robert T. Stafford, F. Ray Keyser, Jr., 
Dean C. Davis, and Richard A. Snelling. Other well-know Vermont Masons 
include Warren R. Austin, who was the first U.S. Ambassador to the 
United Nations, and noted artist, Norman Rockwell.
  For all the foregoing reasons, it is right and proper to join 
together and wish Freemasonry continued success as it celebrates its 
bicentennial in Vermont on October 14, 1994.

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