“Commemorating the Tragic Life of an Exceptional Brother”
On Friday, June 18th, 2021, the Brothers of Tompkins Lodge No. 471 of the Richmond District in the NY Masonic Jurisdiction (or Staten Island, NY) visited St. Mark’s Church-in-the-Bowery—in the East Village of New York City—to pay homage to the namesake of their Lodge, Daniel D. Tompkins. The annual Tompkins’ Graveside Dedication has become a cherished tradition among the Masons of this Lodge, who take this opportunity to reflect upon the celebrated, yet tragic, life of a very special Most Worshipful Brother. So, who was Daniel D. Tompkins and why do these Masons commemorate his life each year? Despite the accusations against him, he was elected Vice President to President James Monroe. In 1817, before he departed New York for the U.S. Capitol, he recommended a plan for the abolition of slavery in New York, which the state assembly adopted. Slavery was abolished in New York State within the next 10 years largely due to Tompkins’ plan. In 1820, while serving as Vice President, Tompkins simultaneously served two years as Grand Master of Masons of the State of New York. As Vice President, he was mostly absentee, as he regularly traveled back home to handle his debt issues. The stress from his financial troubles caused him to fall heavily into alcoholism, to the point that rumors were even circulating about him passing out drunk when presiding over the Senate. However, this did not stop him from chairing the New York State Constitutional Convention while Congress was in recess.
Minthorne Vault. Daniel D. Tompkins’ final resting place atSt. Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery, New York City.
Daniel D. Tompkins’ legacy is an important part of New York’s history, with many places and institutions named after him. Public School 69 in Staten Island is officially called the Daniel D. Tompkins School. The town of Tompkinsville, Tompkins Avenue, and Tompkinsville Park also honor his contributions to the area, where he settled in 1814.
In 1911, the Grand Lodge of New York dedicated the Daniel D. Tompkins Memorial Chapel on the Masonic Home Campus in Utica, NY. The Scottish Rite awards the Daniel Tompkins Medal to recognize important contributions to Freemasonry. Additionally, Tompkins Lodge No. 471 in Richmond District held its first meeting on June 21, 1859, which is also Tompkins’ birthday, highlighting his influence in Freemasonry in New York. Tompkins’ political career began in 1807 when he became governor of New York, serving until 1817. He was also the first Sovereign Grand Commander of the Scottish Rite’s Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, a position he held until his death. During the War of 1812, he played a crucial role in funding military supplies. When the state legislature was slow to approve funding, Tompkins used his own money and property as collateral for loans to support the war. Despite his selfless efforts, he faced criticism and accusations of mismanaging public funds. In 1814, his dedication to the war effort earned him a nomination from President James Madison for United States Secretary of State, but he declined the position to command a federal military district instead. His leadership during this time was important for reorganizing the state militia and promoting a standing military force.
After the war, Tompkins faced personal and financial difficulties. He fell ill after returning to Washington, D.C., in 1825, and his absence led the Senate to pass a law targeting officials who were absent or in debt. In a surprising turn, bankers who had loaned him money for the war testified in his defense when the federal court brought a suit against him. The jury cleared him of wrongdoing, declaring he was owed $136,799.97 by the federal government. His salary was restored, and he received an additional $60,000 from Congress before finishing his term as Vice President. Tompkins passed away on June 11, 1825, just three months after leaving office, and was buried in the Minthorne vault at St. Mark’s Church-in-the-Bowery in New York City. Even after receiving further compensation, no amount of money could make up for the toll his service took on his health and reputation. Throughout his life, Tompkins was actively involved in Freemasonry. He was initiated into Hiram Lodge No. 72 in Mt. Pleasant and served as Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of New York from 1801 to 1805. He received his 32nd degree in Scottish Rite Masonry in 1809 and his 33rd degree in 1813. His strong commitment to Freemasonry reflects the values he held throughout his career. Tompkins’ legacy lives on through these honors and historical accounts, showcasing his contributions to New York and the broader American story during a crucial time in the nation’s development.
Tompkins Lodge No. 471 became involved in an annual commemorative ceremony in an unexpected way. Brother Isaac Moore of Mariners Lodge No. 67 in the 1st Manhattan District discovered the neglected tomb of Daniel D. Tompkins. Concerned about its condition, he reached out to Brother Cliff Jacobs of St. John’s Lodge No. 1, also in the 1st Manhattan District. The two learned that the Daughters of 1812 had already planned a restoration of the tomb and were open to collaborating with the Masons. This partnership led to the first Tompkins graveside dedication on November 9, 2009. The Veteran Corps of Artillery, State of New York, served as the color guard for the event, which was attended by R∴W∴ Vincent Libone, who was Deputy Grand Master of New York at the time, and W∴ Kenneth Lorentzen, the Master of Tompkins Lodge No. 471 that year. The Illustrious John William McNaughton, then Sovereign Grand Commander of the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, was also present. Brian G. Andersson, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Records and Information Services, presented a proclamation from Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The Daniel D. Tompkins Historical Society, closely associated with Tompkins Lodge No. 471 and chaired by R∴W∴ William H. Bowe, attended the ceremony. Afterward, the members gathered at McSorley’s Old Ale House, located near St. Mark’s Church, to conduct their annual business. It was during this meeting that they decided to make the graveside dedication an annual tradition, returning to honor Tompkins with prayer and remembrance. Since that first ceremony in 2009, this dedication has become a cherished tradition for the Brothers of Tompkins Lodge. It is typically held close to Daniel D. Tompkins’s birthday, which coincides with the Summer Solstice—or St. John’s Day, significant to Masons.
2024 Grave Site Dedication
Sited from original Publication from W:. John P. Lentine
Secretary, Tompkins Lodge No. 471
Richmond District
