Our Revolutionary Heritage
The history of Hackenburg-Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 19 is coeval with the birth of the United States of America. Originally working as a Military Lodge under the Provinvial Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, our early records were tragically lost during the confusion of the Revolutionary War.
On May 18, 1779, a "military" or "traveling" warrant was granted to Lodge No. 19 to work within the 1st Pennsylvania Regiment of Artillery. This allowed the spirit of the Craft to remain active in the field during the most memorable period of the war.
The 4th Continental Artillery, under command of Colonel Thomas Proctor
Colonel Thomas Proctor
Our first recorded Worshipful Master was Colonel Thomas Proctor, the organizer and commander of the first Pennsylvania Regiment of Artillery. A man of sturdy patriotism and great energy, Proctor’s Masonic zeal kept pace with his military bravery.
- Military Distinction: Proctor held commissions signed by Benjamin Franklin and served with distinction under General Washington from 1776 until his resignation in 1781.
- Masonic Leadership: In the winter of 1779-80 at Morristown, N. J., Proctor opened the Lodge in the army camp.
- Civic Service: After the war, Proctor served as the High Sheriff of Philadelphia and eventually rose to the rank of Major-General of the Militia.