By John A. Livingstone

The cornerstones of the first two buildings erected at the University of North Carolina were laid by the Grand Lodge of North Carolina, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons. This fact doubtless accounts for the speculation that the location of the first three buildings constructed there corresponds to the outline of the typical Masonic lodge. While this theory has been much discussed, there is nothing to substantiate the speculation, but there is no doubt of the Masons having laid the cornerstones of the first two buildings erected there.

Any Mason acquainted with the campus of the University will readily recognize that the location corresponds to Masonic symbolism. East building (now “Old East”), which is approximately true to the compass, is the oldest dormitory in any state university in America, and properly represents the master of a lodge. West (now “Old West”) dormitory represents the senior warden in the West. South building represents the junior warden in the South. The northern side was left open, and this was again true to the Masonic symbolism, the North being the region of darkness. The well located in the center of the group corresponds to the altar in the center of the group.

In an effort to find some substantiation for the speculation relative to the arrangement of these buildings, I made an investigation of available records but without success. Dr. Kemp P. Battle, in his history of the University, says the first trustees planned to have one long building, “facing the East as Orientalization was the fashion in architecture,” but that this plan gave way to the orthodox idea of a quadrangle, which was the fashion in England and Scotland, the idea being to keep the students in their rooms at night. (a)

Dr. Battle, aided by loyal alumni, made some investigation of available records, particularly deeds recorded in the courthouse at Hillsboro, and also of the records of the University, and thus spoke with authority. My own inclination is to accept his statement as being in accord with the facts. As far as my investigations have gone, I have found his statements to be based upon authentic records, my only criticism of his extended and interesting history being a lack of citation of authorities. However, that was not the fashion in his day as it is today.

While I do not believe that there exists authentic historic grounds for believing that Masonic symbolism was followed in laying out the University grounds, there is glory enough for North Carolina Masons in the fact that so far as available records show, the first public Masonic procession over [sic] held under the auspices of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina was the Masonic procession at Chapel Hill on Saturday, October 12, 1793, when Grand Master Wm. R. Davie laid with Masonic honors the cornerstone of the Old East building, the first structure erected at the University of North Carolina. (1) Grand Master Davie had been elected the previous year to that position, continuing in this office until 1798 (2) and participating again in the laying of the corner-stone of the South building, the second building erected at the University, on April 14, 1798. (3)

While there is no record on the minutes of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina of the laying of the corner-stone of the first building on Oct. 12, we do have a contemporaneous newspaper account of the event in the North Carolina Journal, published October 30, 1793, at Halifax, the home of Grand Master Davie. As former Grand Master Andrews has pointed out (4) the reason for the omission from the minutes was the fact that it was the act of the Grand Master, who exercised the function then usually exercised by the subordinate Lodge and did not call a meeting of the Grand Lodge. It was the same way in the laying of the corner-stone of the Capitol of the United States by George Washington as master of Alexandria-Washington Lodge, No. 22, no record of that event appearing in the minutes of the Grand Lodge of Virginia. (5)

From the North Carolina Journal of October 30, 1793, (photostat copy on file with North Carolina Historical Commission, Raleigh), I quote the following account of the laying of the cornerstone of the first University building:

“On the twelfth instant, the Commissioners, appointed by the board of Trustees of the University of this State, met at Chapel Hill for the purpose of laying the cornerstone of the present building, and disposing of the lots in the village. A number of the brethren of the Masonic order from Hillsborough, Chatham, Granville and Warren attended to assist at the ceremonies of placing the corner-stone; and the procession for the purpose moved from Mr. Patterson’s at 12 o’clock in the following order: The Masonic Brethren in their usual order of procession, the Commissioners, the trustees not Commissioners, the Hon. Judge Macay and other public officers; then followed the gentlemen of the vicinity. On approaching the south end of the building, the Masons opened to the right and left, and the Commissioners, etc., passed through and took their places. The Masonic procession then moved on round the foundation of the building, and halted with their usual ceremonies opposite to the southeast corner, where William Richardson Davie, Grand Master of the fraternity, etc., in this State, assisted by two masters of lodges and four other officers laid the cornerstone, enclosing a plate to commemorate the transaction."

So much for the contemporaneous account of this historic event. Now let us turn back our minds to that day with Dr. Battle, (6) as he describes it in his history of the University:

“The sweetgums and dogwoods and maples were relieving with their russet and golden hues the general green of the forest. A long procession of people for the first time is marching along the narrow road, afterwards to be widened into a noble avenue. Many of them are clad in the striking, typical insignia of the Masonic Fraternity, their Grand Master arrayed in the full decorations of his rank. They march with military tread, because many of them have seen service, many scarred with wounds of horrid war. Their faces are serious, for they feel they are engaged in a great work. They are proceeding to lay the foundations of an institution which for weal or woe is to shape the minds of thousands of unborn children; whose influence will be felt more and more, ever widening and deepening as the years roll on, as one of the great forces of civilization. * * * Since that day we have had processions, year by year, on our Commencement days, and, in their columns men learned and distinguished in all pursuits of life, but has there been a procession more imposing than that which laid the cornerstone of the Old East on the 12th of October, 1793.”

The orator of the day was Dr. Samuel E. McCorkle, one of the noted educators of that day. He was the head of a school at Thyatira, six miles west of Salisbury, which he gave the name of Zion-Parnassus to signify that in this institution he combined the culture of the Bible and the culture of the Muses. (7) From the North Carolina Journal, October, 30, 1793, I quote the remainder of the account of the laying of the cornerstone as follows:

“The Rev. Dr. McCorkle then addressed the Trustees and spectators in an excellent discourse suited to the occasion; of which the following is an extract:

“Observing on the natural and necessary connexion between learning and religion, and the importance of religion to the promotion of national happiness and national undertakings, he said, ‘It is our duty to acknowledge the sacred scriptural truth, “Except the Lord do build the house, they labour in vain who build it; except the Lord watcheth the city, the watchman watcheth but in vain.” For my own part I feel myself penetrated with a sense of these truths, and this I feel not only as a minister of religion, but also as a citizen of the State, as a member of civil as well as religious society. These unaffected feelings of my heart give me leave to express with that plainness and honesty which becomes a preacher of the Gospel, and a minister of Jesus Christ.’

“Stating the advancement of learning and science as one great means of ensuring the happiness of mankind, the Doctor observed: ‘Happiness is the center to which all the duties of men and people tend. It is the center to which states as well as individuals are universally and powerfully attracted. To diffuse the greatest possible degree of happiness in a given territory is the aim of good government and religion. Now the happiness of a nation depends upon the national wealth and national glory and cannot be gained without them. They in like manner demand liberty and good laws. Liberty and laws call for general knowledge in the people, and extensive knowledge in the ministers of State, and these in fine demand public places of education. That happiness is the object of all, I believe will be denied by none. Nations and men are seeking for it. How can any nation be happy without national wealth? How can that nation or man be happy that is not procuring and securing the necessary conveniences and accommodations of life, ease without indolence and plenty without luxury or waste? How can glory or wealth be produced or preserved without liberty and laws? They must check luxury, encourage industry and protect wealth. They must secure me the glory of my actions, and save from a bowstring or a battle-and how are these objects to be gained without general knowledge? Knowledge is wealth-it is glory-whether among philosophers, ministers of State or religion, or among the great mass of the people. Britons glory in the name of Newton and have honored him with a place among the sepulchres of their kings. Americans glory in the name of a Franklin; and every great nation boasts of her great men who has them. Savages cannot have, rather cannot educate them, though many a Newton has been born and buried among them. Knowledge is liberty and law. When the clouds of ignorance have been dispelled by the radiance of knowledge power trembles, but the authority of the laws remain inviolable; and how this knowledge productive of so many advantages to mankind can be acquired without public places of education I know not.’

“In viewing the rise and progress of this important institution, he concluded with these observations-'The seat of the University was next sought for and the public eye selected Chapell Hill-a lovely situation in the center of the State-at a convenient distance from the Capital-in a healthy and fertile neighborhood. May this hill be for religion as the ancient hill of Zion; and for literature and the muses, may it surpass the ancient Parnassus! We this day enjoy the pleasure of seeing the cornerstone of the University, its foundation, its materials, and the architect of the building; and we hope ere long to see its stately walls and spire ascending to their summit. Ere long we hope to see it adorned with an elegant village, accommodated with all the necessaries and conveniences of civilized society.’

“The discourse was followed by a short but animated prayer, closed with the united amen of an immense concourse of people.”

Again permit me to quote from the venerable Dr. Battle, former president of the University, for it seems to me that these are the noblest words that have been written in recent years concerning our State University. After quoting extensively from the oration by Dr. McCorkle, as above outlined, Dr. Battle concludes his account of the exercises with the following apostrophe to the orator of a century before:

“We thank thee for thy golden words, thou venerable father of education in our State. On this foundation the University desires to rest, the enlightenment of the peopie, their instruction not alone in secular learning but in religious truth, leading up to and sustaining liberty by demanding and shaping beneficent laws under which wealth may be accumulated and individual happiness and national glory be secured, all sanctified by the blessings of God; these are the objects, these are the methods, these are the good rewards of the University.” (8)

After the laying of the cornerstone and the oration by Dr. McCorkle, there was a sale of village lots, and it is stated that 29 lots sold for 1,500 pounds, which would be about $7,500 under modern standards or would have been before England went off the gold standard.

During the Reconstruction days after the War Between The States, the cornerstone of the Old East building was despoiled and its contents removed. While A. B. Andrews, of Raleigh, was Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina in 1916, Thomas B. Foust, class of 1903, University of North Carolina, who conducted a brass foundry in Clarksville, Tenn., was told by a workman of the strange lettering on a brass plate. The name, William Richardson Davie, attracted his attention, he had the plate cleaned, disclosing the lettering, and he then showed the same to Rev. A. R. Shaw, D.D., a graduate of the class of 1882, then professor of Biblical History in the Presbyterian University of Clarksville, Tenn. That gentleman published particulars of the find in the Charlotte Observer, and by this means Grand Master Andrews got in touch with the two University alumni, who forwarded the plate with the request that he as the successor of Grand Master Davie return it to the University, which was publicly presented on October 12, 1916, 123 years after its deposit. (9)

Many theories have been advanced as to how this plate was removed from the cornerstone, the most plausible one being that of Dr. M. C. S. Noble, professor of Education at the University of North Carolina, who believes that it was removed by a student and placed in his trunk. Doubtless it was later sold as junk, as it was bought from a junk dealer and came very near to being melted into a brass casting. The small brass plate contains this inscription in English:

The Right Worshipful

William Richardson Davie

Grand Master

The Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity

of Free Masons, in the State of North Carolina

One of the Trustees of University

of the Said State,

And a Commissioner of the Same

Assisted By

The Other Commissioners and the Brethren

of the Eagle and Independence Lodges

On the 12th day of October

In the Year of Masonry 5793

And in the 18th year of American Independence

Laid the corner stone

of this edifice

R. Huntington, Sculp.

On the other side is the same inscription in Latin.

Speaking on behalf of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina, Grand Master Andrews, in presenting the plate, said:

“As a member of the class of 1893, graduated one hundred years after the event University Day commemorates, and as present Grand Master of Masons of North Carolina, filling that position, which was so adorned and dignified as well as ably occupied, by Grand Master Wm. Richardson Davie, Soldier, Member of the Convention that framed the Constitution of the United States, Governor and Patron of this University, who laid its cornerstone one hundred and twenty-three years ago today, it is my high privilege and sincere pleasure, President Graham, to return this plate to your keeping for the great University of North Carolina, whose property it is, and in whose safe-keeping and custody it may hereafter remain.” (10)

In connection with his presentation speech, Grand Master Andrews reviewed the evidence in substantiation of the fact that the Masons laid the cornerstone of the Old East building. As has already been stated, there is no record of the event in the minutes of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina, which is explained by the fact that it was the act of the Great Master, who did not call a communication of the Grand Lodge for that purpose, just as was the case when George Washington laid the cornerstone of the National Capital.

The inscription on the plate, the recitals of Independence Lodge, No. 12, at Pittsboro, and Eagle Lodge, No. 19, at Hillsboro, are corroborated by the account in the North Carolina Journal, which has previously been presented in this paper. (11)

It was indeed appropriate that as Grand Master William R. Davie had signalized the beginning of his administration by laying the cornerstone of the first building erected at the University, he should signalize the conclusion of his administration by laying the cornerstone of the second, the South building. This ceremony was conducted on April 14, and we have not only the newspaper account of that event but also the minutes of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina. From the North Carolina Journal published at Halifax. of May 7, 1798, (12) I quote the following account of the event:

“On the 14th ult., the corner-plate of the principal building of the University was laid by the Most Worshipful General Davie, Grand Master, assisted by a respectable number of the craft. Several members of the Council of State, which was then convened in Raleigh: the judge, the Bar and the Grand Jury of the Superior Court of the district of Hillsborough and a number of gentlemen from the vicinity, attended at the ceremony and joined in the procession.

“At the same time an address was delivered by the Rev. Joseph Caldwell, professor of mathematics, etc., on the effects of science and literature and their rapid progress in this country. The whole was concluded with a concert of music and several songs composed for the occasion.

“There are now 116 students.”

Fortunately we also have a full and complete account recorded in the minutes of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina, which are herewith presented in exactly the form that they were recorded by Secretary.

“By order of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, a special Grand Lodge was called at the University of North Carolina for the express purpose of laying the foundation and cornerstone of the principal College of that Seminary; in one ejaculation to Heaven and the Great Architect of the Universe for the auspices of His eternal goodness and wisdom for the prosperity of learning, wisdom and virtue of that College. When were present

“The most worshipful the honorable William R. Davie, Grand Master; the right worshipful Officers and Members of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina. The Brothers, Officers and Members of the several the right Worshipful Lodges in this State, under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, called here by order and summons of the most worshipful Grand Master for the purpose aforesaid:

“The Lodge was then opened in due form.

“On motion and seconded: Resolved that this Grand Lodge proceed in the ancient and usual form of Masonry under the direction of the most worshipful Grand Master to the place appointed to form a general procefsion with the Trustees, Faculty and Students of University, His Excellency the Governor of the State of North Carolina, and the honorable Council of State the honorable the judges of the Supreme Courts of law and equity; the Gentlemen of the Bar from the Superior Court of Hills-borough; the Reverend Mr. W. Bingham A. M. and President of the Academy in Chatham and Students in that Seminary; and many gentlemen of respectability from the different parts of North Carolina attending here for this express purpose.

“The procefsion was then formed by all the Brothers aforesaid clothed in masonic order, and in solemn form proceeded to the place destined; when a general procefsion was again formed in company with the Craft by all the above mentioned Gentlemen under the direction and superintendence of the most worshipful William R. Davie Grand Master and Major General of the Militia in this State, in the following order:

“Architect,

“Mechanics and peasants,

“Grand Music,

“Teachers and Students of Chatham Academy,

“Students of the University,

“The Faculty of the University,

“Gentlemen of the Bar,

“The honble. the Judges,

“The honble. the Council of State,

“His Excellency the Governor

“The Trustees of the University,

“The Masonic Craft with,

“The Grand Master.

“In which form the grand procefsion was conducted in Masonic manner by the direction of the Craft: and this Procession consisted of several hundred persons. We began at the Old College and was made to the Great Road leading up the Country by Nunn’s tavern, and thence to the place appointed for the erection of the new and main College where the order was reversed, accompanied with music suitable to the occasion-Those Gentlemen who made the Procefsion and were not of the Craft formed themselves and stood around the place on which the building is to stand, when the Fraternity led by the most Worshipful Grand Master continued their Procefsion around the building three times in a solemn manner; when they came to the South East corner of the College the Grand Master alone attended by the Chief Officers, and Craft proceeded in the ancient form of Masonry to lay in a masonic order the cornerstone: which was accordingly done. After this Prayers by the Revd. McCaldwell one of the Faculty of the University and a numerous audience of Gentlemen and Ladies were offered up to Heaven the Throne of Grand and Omniscience imploring the benediction and superintendence of the God of Knowledge and Virtue to that Foundation of future literature. The Procefsion was then again formed by order of the Grand Master to the Chapel, where a handsome and well composed eulogy was delivered by the Rev. E. McCaIdwell; and many pieces of vocal and instrumental music were performed as Hallelujahs by Persons appointed for that purpose.

“The procefsion of the Craft was then conducted by the Grand Master to the Lodge room and after the business of the Lodge was finished it was adjourned in due form.

“Wm. R. Davie

“Test

“Robt. Williams, Jun.

“Grand Secretary.”

In these days we think we are hard hit by the depression, but even now it is hard to visualize the difficulties experienced by the founders of the University in securing funds with which to erect buildings. The South building, which was intended to be the main building of the University, started in 1798, after reaching a height of a story and a half, remained roofless for years. (13) It was not until 1824 that, at the urgent request of President Caldwell, the Trustees resolved to add a story to the Old East and to build the Old West of the same size and also a new Chapel. (14) While faculty members protested against further buildings until adequate books and apparatus were available. But the Trustees were not to be deterred and resolved to purchase the apparatus and also to erect the buildings. The work of construction was left to William Nichols, architect of the Old Capitol at Raleigh.

So far as I know we have no records of the laying of cornerstones of these buildings by Masons, nor as I have said does it appear that the arrangement of the Old East, the South and the Old West in a quadrangle followed Masonic symbolism, yet there is honor enough in the fact that the Masons did have a prominent part in the beginnings of the University. Certainly it is an adequate tribute to the forward-looking Masons of that era that they participated in the beginnings of our State University, the first, and oldest, in America!

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Photostat copies of North Carolina Journal, Oct. 30, 1793, and May 7, 1798, from Massachusetts Historical Society, on file with North Carolina Historical Commission, Raleigh.

Ashe: Bibliographical History of North Carolina, vol. 6, 1907, 

Greensboro, N. C.

Battle: History of University of North Carolina, vol. 1, 1907, Chapel Hill.

Proceedings of Grand Lodge of North Carolina, Raleigh, 1917.

Proceedings of Grand Lodge of North Carolina, 1798.

Footnotes:

(a) Battle: History of the University of North Carolina, Vol. 1, Page 125.

(1) Andrews, A. B.: Grand Master’s Address. Proceedings of Grand Lodge, 1917. Page 37.

(2) Ashe: Biographical History of North Carolina, Vol. 6, Page 194.

(3) Minutes North Carolina Grand Lodge, 1798.

(4) Proceedings of Grand Lodge, 1917, Page 41.

(5) September 18th was the 139th anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone of the Capitol. In this Washington bicentennial year it is appropriate to note that it was George Washington who, on September 18, 1793, laid the cornerstone at the southeast corner of the central (oldest) section. He was garbed in Masonic regalia, wearing an apron patterned for him by the Marchioness de Lafayette.

(6) Battle: History of the University of North Carolina, Vol. 1, Page 35.

(7) Battle: History of the University of North Carolina, Vol. 1, Page 38.

(8) Battle: History of the University of North Carolina, Vol. i, Page 40.

(9) Proceedings of Grand Lodge of North Carolina, 1917, Pages 36-38.

(10) Proceedings Grand Lodge of North Carolina, 1917, Page 41.

(11) Proceedings Grand Lodge of North Carolina, 1917, Page 42.

(12) Photostat copy from Massachusetts Historical Society on file with North Carolina Historical Commission, Raleigh.

(13) Battle: History of University of North Carolina, Vol. 1, Page 125.
(14) Battle: History of University of North Carolina, Vol. 1, Page 280.

NOCALORE

Being the Transactions of the North Carolina Lodge of Research

Volume II-Part 2-1932, pp. 222-236

Copyright Grand Lodge of North Carolina, AF & AM