~ Who was Illustrious Brother Frederick Dalchco, 33º ~
By: McDonald Lawrence Burbidge and Eric Andrew Meace
No one…could have been more honestly devoted to the studies in general, of the
Christian Ministry, than Rev. Frederick Dalcho or have been found more willing
so as to surrender himself to it, as “to spend and be spent” in it’s
work… In this office he served with great faithfulness to his church.
In the character of his preaching, there was a striking adherence to “the old
paths” of truth; and the essential doctrines of the gospel, as held in the
Church of whom he was a Minister, was his fond and constant theme. Affectionate,
earnest, solemn, in exhortation and admonition, which were his duty, he always
observed the sobriety of a sound mind and a sound faith. He was unusually well versed in the
Scriptures, and had read extensively the writings of most of the Divines of the
Parent Church. He was familiar with polemic theology, but not fond of
controversies.
All text shown in “Italic” was written by Ill. Bro. Frederick Dalcho. This was
done to provide the reader a way of getting to know him through his writings.
1770 October, Frederick Dalcho was born to John Frederick and
Euphemia Dalcho in the Borough of Holborn, London, in a parish known as St.
Giles-In-The-Fields.
1779 On August 26th Frederick Dalcho father passed away on at the Age of 58.
1787 May 23rd, Frederick Dalcho arrived at Baltimore, Maryland on a sailing vessel “after a boisterous
passage of 8 weeks on the sea from London.” He was 15 years of age and went to
live with his father’s sister who was married to Dr. Wiesenthal. Under the
guidance of Dr. Wiesenthal young Frederick pursued his education.
1790 Dr. Dalcho received his medical degree from his Uncle Wiesenthal’s Medical
School. His Uncle was also a Mason.
1792 April 9th, Frederick Dalcho was appointed a “Surgeon’s Mate” in the Army. While
stationed in Savannah, Georgia Dr. Dalcho joined a Masonic Lodge believed to be
Hyram Lodge No. 2, Ancient York Mason.
1794 April 17th, Dr. Dalcho married Miss Vanderlocht of Savannah, Georgia. The marriage was of
brief duration as she died on June 4, 1795.
May 2nd, Dr. Dalcho was appointed a Lieutenant of Artillery in the Army.
May 10th, Dr. Dalcho was transferred to Fort Fidius located in Georgia on the Oconee
River.
1796 Dr. Dalcho was transferred from Savannah; Georgia to Fort Johnson located in the
Charleston harbor.
Dr. Dalcho resigned his commission to become a ship’s surgeon to the factoring
firm of McClure and Company and made several trips to Africa while in their
employment.
1797 Dr. Dalcho returned to the Army for an additional 15 months service.
1799 Dr. Dalcho left the sea and settled down to practice medicine with his good
friend Dr. Isaac Auld.
1800 Dr. Dalcho was a contributor to the “Medical Repository and the Recorder.”
1801 May 31th, Dr. Dalcho along with John Mitchell opened the first Supreme Council of the
Scottish Rite in America at Shepheard’s Tavern located at the corner of Broad
and Church Street in Charleston, South Carolina. Dr. Dalcho was elected to the
office of Lt. Grand Commander and John Mitchell was elected Sov. Grand Commander.
It should also be noted that Dr. James Moultrie was elected as Sov Gr
Inspector General who is also a member of St. Philip’s Church and is buried in
the churchyard.
July 1, Dr. Dalcho was elected as the 66th member of the Medical Society and
opened a drug store facing the Bay, which he later moved to the northeast
corners of Church and Tradd Street and operated with his long time friend Dr.
Isaac Auld.
1802 Dr. Dalcho Volunteered to serve as attending physician of the new Charleston
Dispensary for a term of one year.
1803 January 10th, Dr. Dalcho help to established the “Charleston Courier” newspaper with
Aaron S. Willington and Edmund Morford.
Dr. Dalcho wrote and delivered an “Oration” entitled "An Oration Delivered In The Sublime Grand Lodge Of South Carolina, In Charleston" on the 21st of March, A. L. 5807
I have before mentioned to you, that in the sublime degrees of a Mason, we are
bound to be true and faithful to the government of the country in which we live.
Nay, more, we are sworn to discover to the lawful authority any knowledge which
we may posses of the establishment of a conspiracy against it.
1805 September 2nd, Dr.
Dalcho was elected to the standing committee to establish a Botanic Garden
located at the northwest corner of Meeting and Columbus Streets. The Medical
Society placed the following article in the locale newspaper announcing the
opening of the Botanic Garden; in part it reads;
"Innumerable are the advantages which will result from this
establishment. It will induce in young persons, a taste for the studies of
Nature. “The structure of a feather or flower is more likely to impress their
minds with a just notion of infinite power and wisdom, than the most profound
discourses on such abstract subjects, as are beyond the limits of their capacity
to comprehend. Botany is a branch
of natural history that possesses many advantages; it contributes to health of
body, and cheerfulness of disposition, by presenting an inducement to take air
and exercise----it is adapted to the simplest capacity, which renders it
attainable to every rank in life.”
Reference: Charleston Courier, August 8, 1805
1805 December 24th, Dr. Dalcho delivered the “Oration” before the
Medical Society of South Carolina, at the Anniversary Meeting of which he was
the Secretary. In his opening statement he commented that;
“Agreeable to the rules of our society, it is the duty of our president to nominate a
member “to prepare and record, at each Anniversary, a review of the weather
and diseases of the current year, together with such medical observations as may
appear to him to be useful, and connected with the objects of the
institution.” He has done me the Honor to nominate me for the present
Anniversary. I could have wished
his choice to have fallen upon some person more worthy of this distinguished
honor; upon one, whose capacious mind, illumined by the rays of science, could
have rendered his subject more worthy of your attention; who could have recorded
the medical occurrences of the passing year, in language suited to the dignity
of his theme. Little accustomed to write upon medical subjects, I have only been
induced to acquiesce in the nomination, by my sincere desire to contribute every
talent which I posses, to the service of our society, and to the advancement of
our profession. Before an audience so imposing I should stand abashed, did I not
feel conscious of receiving your candid indulgence.”
December 25th, Dr. Edward Jenkins married Dr. Dalcho and Miss Mary Elizabeth Threadcraft at
St. Philip’s Church. They were childless throughout their marriage.
1806 January 10th, Dr. Dalcho became co-editor of the Charleston Courier,
a vigorous Federalist paper, then in its fourth year of publication.
1807 Dr. Dalcho published the “Ahiman Rezon or a book of Constitutions” at the
request of the Grand Lodge of Ancient York Masons for the state of South
Carolina. With the help of Dr. Dalcho the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted
Masons and that of Ancient York Masons of South Carolina united under the name
of “The Grand Lodge of Ancient Freemasons of South Carolina” which continues
to exist to the present time.
John Fowler who was directed by the Original Chapter of Prince Masons of
Ireland to write Dr. Frederick Dalcho and ask his permission to reprint his
orations from 1801, 1803, and 1807. Dr. Dalcho replied on February 25, 1808,
expressing his gratification at the request and readily acceding to it.
1808 December 21st, Dr. Dalcho sent a response letter back to John Fowler who lived in Ireland at the
time. At this time it seems that John Fowler wanted Dr. Dalcho to visit Ireland
with the intent of establishing a Sovereign Grand Council of Inspectors General
of the Thirty-third Degree for Ireland, to which Brother
Dalcho kindly promised to accede, however because President Jefferson had
stopped all trade with Europe as well as with Great Britain at this time Brother
Dalcho was unable to assist in the creation of a Supreme Council for Ireland.
1809 Dr. Dalcho was elected “Corresponding Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of
Ancient York Masons, and from that time directed the influences of his high
position to the reconciliation of the Masonic difficulties in South Carolina.
1812 November 22 nd, Dr. Frederick Dalcho mother dies at the age of 81; both of
Dalcho’s parents are now buried at the German Evangelical Church of St.
Marie-in-the-Savoy, London.
1813 Dr. Dalcho resigned as co-editor of the Charleston Courier and as a member of
the Medical Society of South Carolina, which the Medical Society refused and
made him an honorary member for life.
Dr. Frederick Dalcho accepted the call of the vestry of
St. Paul’s, Stono, to officiate as Lay Reader without any compensation, as he
was not yet ordained.” He began his service, which was to last only for the
winter and spring season. It should also be stated that Dr. Frederick Dalcho was
the first rector of this church since 1784.
1814 Rev. Dalcho kept St. Philip’s Church open after the death of Rev. James Dewar
Simons for the summer. Written in the minutes of St. Philip’s Church record is
the following report;
Special meeting of the Vestry of St. Philip’s, Friday 27th May 1814. The
Rev. James Dewar Simons, Rector of this Church, having departed this life,
between the hours of nine and ten o’clock this morning, the Vestry was called
upon the Solemn and awful occasion. Resolved Unanimously, that in consideration
of the long, able and eminent services of there many beloved and greatly
lamented Rectors and Divine, and in testimony as well as sincere veneration and
affection to his Person while living, as with deep and unfeigned sorrow and
regret which is felt on the mournful event, the following honors be paid to his
Memory.
The pulpit, the reading desk, the communion table and organ gallery to be hung with
“Black Broad Cloth.” The vestry of St. Michael’s is requested to have the
Bells of that church tolled muffled during the funeral procession.
That the Rev. Dalcho be requested to read the funeral service and the Rev. Doctor
Percy to deliver a funeral oration on the melancholy occasion.
1817 Dr. Dalcho resigned from St. Paul’s Stono Church and on February 2, became
assistant minister at St. Paul’s Radcliffeborough located in Charleston, South
Carolina.
Dr. Dalcho publishes a book on the theological works titled;
A Letter
On Public Baptism
As Established By
“The Protestant Episcopal Church
in the
United States of America"
This work was produced after some parish members asked Dr. Dalcho to perform a
private Baptism in their home for their children. Due to the rules and
regulations of the church he could not honor this request that was asked of him.
At the end of his letter Dr. Dalcho made the following statement in hopes
that the individuals would understand why he had to turn down their request;
From this exposition of the Rubrics of the Church, and of the duties of
the Clergy, I flatter myself, my Dear Sir, you will be satisfied that I
have acted from a sense of duty in refusing to comply with your request.
And I trust you will do me the justice to believe, that no other motive could have influenced me in
the discharge of the Sacred Office, or have induced me to oppose the wishes of my friends.
I am, Dear Sir, Yours, &c.
Rev. Dalcho undertook the task of completing and editing the register of the Church
at St. Paul’s Radcliffeborough located at Charleston, South Carolina.
February 23rd, Dr. Dalcho was retained as an assistant minister for St. Michael’s Church.
October 8th, Rev. Dalcho was elected Assistant minister of St. Michael’s Church for one
year at a salary of $1,000.00.
1820 August, Dr. Dalcho published another story,
Evidences
Of the
Divinity of Jesus Christ;
With
The Testimony
Of
Christian and Heathen Writers,
That He was Called
GOD,
And Worshipped as GOD,
In the
First Three Centuries
Dr. Dalcho had his chief work published,” An Historical Account of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in South Carolina. It took Dr. Dalcho two years to write his
book.
The book covered the first settlement in the province, to The War of the Revolution;
with notices of the Present State of the Church in each parish; and some account
of the early civil history of Carolina, never before published. Also included
are the laws relating to religious worship; the Journals and rules of the
Convention of South Carolina, the Constitution and Canons of the Protestant
Episcopal Church, and an index with a list of subscribers.
1822 Dr. Frederick Dalcho published his second edition of the “Ahiman
Rezon.” In the opening page of his second edition Dalcho wrote the
following;
“Freemasonry comprehends within its circle every branch of useful knowledge and learning, and
stamps an indelible mark of pre- eminence on its genuine professors, which
neither chance, power, nor fortune can bestow. When its rules, are strictly
observed, it is a sure foundation of tranquillity, amidst the various
disappointments of life. It is a friend that will not deceive, but will comfort
and assist us in prosperity and adversity. It is a blessing that will remain
with all times, circumstances, and places, and to which recourse may be had,
when other earthly comforts sink into disregard.”
1823 Dr. Dalcho became involved in an unpleasant controversy with some of his Masonic
associates, in consequence of difficulties and dissentions, which at that time,
existed in the Ancient Rite his feelings were so wounded by the unmasonic spirit
which seemed to actuate his antagonists and former friends that Dr. Dalcho
resigned the Office of Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge, and Grand Commander of
the Supreme Council, and retired for the remainder of his life from all
participation in the active duties of Masonry. At the end of the year Dr. Dalcho
withdrew his membership from the Grand Lodge which marked the end of his Masonic
career. In Dr. Dalcho’s resignation letter to the Grand Lodge he states in
part the following;
“Every friend of the Masonic institution, as well as every member, of our Order, must
have felt, not only deeply interested, but greatly grieved, at the unhappy
difference which, for a few weeks, has existed in the Grand Lodge. As an old
Mason, and particularly as a religious man, I confess that it introduced in my
mind the most painful sensations. Believing, as I conscientiously do, that
genuine freemasonry is a powerful auxiliary to the religion I profess, I cannot
but be solicitous to see it practiced in its native purity and truth. That
charity which covert a multitude of sins; and that Brotherly-love, which makes
the friend of his species, are fundamental principles of both. And where these
principles are permitted to govern our feelings and our conduct, whether in the
domestic and social circle, in the Lodges of the Fraternity, or the community in
which we live, there peace and happiness, the types of celestial enjoyment, must
necessarily reign.
1824 Dr. Dalcho established “The Charleston Gospel Messenger and Protestant
Episcopal Register” a monthly journal of the church’s activities. The first volumes of these registers included many highly interesting and
some well-elaborated and learned essays from his pen.
1826 On May 16 Dr. Dalcho published another address,
An
Address
Delivered in St. Michael’s Church
Charleston Protestant Episcopal
Sunday School Society,
At Their
Seventh Anniversary
May 16
Being the Tuesday in Whitsun Week
1826
The evening prayer was read by the Rev. Dr. Gadsen, Rector of St. Philip’s Church,
and an Address, adapted to the occasion, was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Dalcho,
Assistant Minister of St. Michael’s Church.
It should also be noted that a recently discovered letter written by Rev. Dalcho
dated 1828 shows that he was the superintendent of the Sunday Schools Children
which was attended by 800 children.
After Service, the members of the Society met to receive the Report of the Managers,
to elect Officers, &c.
On motion of Mr. Thayer, the thanks of the Society were returned to Dr. Dalcho for
his appropriate Address, and a copy therefore requested for publication.
1827 Dr. Dalcho delivered a sermon before the Grand Lodge of Ancient Freemasons of
South Carolina at St. Michael's church located in Charleston, South Carolina.
Again, as in 1807 a decade earlier, his text was John 12:36.
Dalcho remarked: “May the light of the everlasting Gospel burn in your hearts with a
pure and steady flame, guiding your footsteps unto all righteousness, and
directing your conduct in every scene and condition of life." Free-Masonry,
like the Religion of the Redeemer, is eminently Calculated to dispense “peace
on earth, and good will towards men. ” Let me then, earnestly beseech you, in
the name of your Savior, to endeavor, by a life of piety and devotion to flee
from the wrath to come, that you walk before him as becomes your Christian
calling; that you fulfil the Royal law according to the Scriptures to love your
neighbor as yourself; and finally that you afford to the world a bright example
of piety and faith, by walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the
Lord blameless, for so is the will of God, that with well-doing ye may put to
silence the ignorance of foolish men.
1836 On November 24th, Dr. Frederick Dalcho passed away at his resident which was located at 54 Meeting
Street. His physician was Dr. Campbell and he listed his death as “Paralysis.”
Dr. Dalcho’s wife Mary passed away 16 years later in December 1852 at the age of
66 years. Her resting-place is in an unmarked grave next to Dr. Dalcho’s at
St. Michael’s church.
Printed in the Charleston News and Courier;
The Clergy of the Episcopal Church and of other denominations; the Members of St.
Michael’s congregation, and of the other congregations of the Episcopal Church in
this city, and the Friends and Acquaintances are invited to attend the Funeral
of the late Rev. Dr. DALCHO, from his house in Meeting street, This Afternoon,
at 4 O’clock precisely.
Reference: The Charleston News and Courier, Dated: Friday Morning Nov. 25, 1836
Rev. Dr. Dalcho’s life of great industry was now over. His remains were laid to
rest in St. Michael’s Church Cemetery on the south side. The vestry defrayed
the expenses of his mahogany coffin and interment in the churchyard, and caused
a memorial tablet to be erected to him. This tablet was to have been placed
inside the church, but because of a certain animosity towards the Masons at the time, it was
erected outside against the south wall. In 1847, and again in 1852, the
suggestion was made that it should be brought inside the building. Action was
taken on neither occasion. Not until many years later was Dr. Dalcho’s tablet
brought inside the church, which he loved and served for seventeen years.
The Church, showing their due respect for their late Assistant Minister was draped
in black merino. The Masonic Grand Lodge was ordered to be clothed in mourning,
for the space of six weeks” at its Quarterly Communication on the 16th
of December.
1857 December 10, Dr. Joseph Johnson, M.D. (a member
of St. Philip’s Church) provides us with a first hand description of Dr.
Frederick Dalcho from one that knew him personally and as a Mason.
“Dr. Dalcho was about five and a half feet in height, muscular and well proportioned. Having been
accidentally wounded in his lungs, he became occasionally asthmatic, and his
voice, naturally pleasant, was thus sometimes oppressed. His features were well
marked, denoting a vigorous and well-cultivated intellect, as well as a
thoughtful and earnest spirit. His kind, amiable and genial disposition, his
fine social qualities, his extensive information and liberal principles made him
a great and general favorite in the community.
Dr. Dalcho posed a spiritual quality throughout his life. Ordained to the ministry
after a varied career and displayed throughout his life a gentleness and
goodness of nature which would have put to shame more prominent theologians.
Although Rev. Frederick Dalcho passed away on November 24, 1836, the lives he touched
through his addresses, sermons, and the other writings he left behind will
continue to inspire others for generations to come.
In closing I would like to leave you with this one last passage written by Rev.
Dalcho in December 1805 for the Medical Society Oration he delivered for that
year. To me this is what Rev. Dalcho had intended to accomplish throughout his
life.
“Let us, gentleman, cheerful and resolutely determine to make our society as useful
as it is respectable, to make it the school of instruction, and the deposit of
important information for our posterity. The ardent pursuit of scientific
information, which it adds respectability and honor to a country, is of
incalculable depth; an inexhaustible source of usefulness and profit. The human
mind, vast and capacious in its resources, is bounded by no limits, but the
GREAT FIRST CAUSE, and yields to no impediments, but the disorganization of
matter. The hearts expands with virtue and benevolence, as the mind extends its
information. The riches of the ancients become our property, and the labors of
the learned, become our amusement. Compared to the learned, of the present day,
the ancients were but the pupils of science; and we, in turn, will have to yield
the palm of knowledge to those who will succeed us, and who, probably, will look
back upon us, but as the removers of literary rubbish, or the pliers up of
disjointed facts.”
(Oration before the Medical Society by Dr. Frederick Dalcho on December 24th, 1805).
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