The Green Dragon Tavern was drawn in ink and watercolor by John Johnson in 1773 and is in the American Antiquarian Society.

In 1774 he wrote the Suffolk Resolves. These declared Parliaments acts unconstitutional, recommended sanctions against Britain, and urged the creation of a Massachusetts Government and preparations for war. All this was soon adopted by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. Later that same year he became a leader of the Massachusetts Committee of Safety.

1775 was a very busy year for Dr. Warren. On March 6th he was the featured speaker at the 5th Anniversary commemoration of the Boston Massacre, a volatile gathering that came very close to riot and another armed clash with British troops. He also became president of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress during this period. Still, he managed to maintain his medical vocation and have his friend, Brother Revere, make him a pair of false teeth (ivory and gold wire). In addition to being a political post rider, a leader in his own right, the Colonies premiere silver smith, a Tea Party Mohawk, copper plate engraver and a caster of bells, Paul revere was also a dentist.

By April 8th, as the British occupation of Boston grew more intense, all the rebel leaders had left Boston except for Warren and Revere, who were in danger of being arrested for treason at any time. Plans were being made at this point by General Gage for the British raid on Lexington and Concord. On April 18th Brother Warren sent Brother Revere on his famous ride to warn that ‘the British are coming," or more accurately "the Regulars are out!" Warren also helped to arrange the two lanterns as a signal in the tower of the Old North Church.

Very early on the morning of the 19th he left Boston on the heals of the British army and met with the Committee of Safety in Watertown. By midday he had joined the minutemen and militia in the 20 mile running battle back to Boston. At one point that afternoon he had a lock of hair by his ear blown off by a musket ball. He probably had no sleep on the 18th and could surely have used some after the miles of fighting on the 19th. Instead he was up all night writing dispatches to other colonies and the Continental Congress and letters to local newspapers.

In a matter of just hours over 20,000 volunteers were holding the British besieged in Boston. Warren took over much of the logistical maintenance of this citizen army. Meanwhile, Generals Burgoyne, Clinton and Howe arrived with more troops to beef up the occupying force in Boston.

On the 16th of June the decision was made to occupy that night Bunker Hill in Charleston, a height that overlooked Boston. Two months in camp was causing health problems and it was hoped that the move would force a pitched battle and force the British to evacuate. During the dark an earthen fort complete with cannon, was hastily thrown up on nearby Breed’s Hill, slightly lower than Bunker Hill, but aggressively closer to Boston and the British fleet. Reaction was assured.

On June 14th Dr. Warren had been commissioned a Major General by the Massachusetts Provincial Assembly. On June 17th, one week after his 34th birthday, General Putnam and Colonel Prescott of the American forces both offered to turn over their commands to Brother Warren that day. As he hadn’t formally taken up his commission yet he fought at Bunker Hill as he had at Lexington, as a volunteer private.

On that hot June day 2,200 British looked up the slopes of Breed’s Hill at 1,200 entrenched Americans. They marched in slow, regular rows up the hill towards men who had been admonished "Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes." Twice the British were driven back with devastating losses. When the British launched a third assault the Americans were out of gunpowder and they abandoned their new fort. In the final minutes of hand-to-hand fighting Dr. Warren was shot in the face and died instantly. He was buried in a shallow grave on the battlefield. British General Howe said Warren’s death was worth 500 men to him. American General Putnam said he’d like to sell another hill at the same price. British casualties were about 1,100 or 50%. American losses were only about 400.

In March 1776 Brother George Washington occupied Dorchester Heights to the South of Boston, and succeeded with the same plan that had failed on Breed’s Hill. By training cannon on the city the British were forced to evacuate the port. March 12th is still celebrated as Evacuation Day in Boston. A few days later two of Warren’s biological brothers and his Masonic Brother Revere rowed across the Charles River to the gravesite. Revere identified the remains by the false teeth he had fashioned for his friend only a year earlier, the earliest known case of forensic dentistry of which I am aware. The Bunker Hill monument now stands on this site. The cornerstone was set by Brother Lafayette in 1825.

Warren, in his short life, had a hand in most of the major events leading up to the American Revolution. With his charisma and talents, some have conjectured that he could easily have been our second US President instead of his friend and neighbor John Adams. Certainly our Craft and our country lost a good man in Dr. Joseph Warren.

Outstanding Mason of the Month

Wendell Wuori

Arcana Lodge is proud to acknowledge the outstanding Mason of the month for July, Wendell Wuori. He became a Mason in Khorum Lodge on June 4, 1946, and demitted in the summer of 1986 to become an active and dedicated member of Arcana Lodge. He is on the Visitation Committee, and also can be relied upon to give a ride to or from the Lodge when requested. His presence at a Lodge Meeting, the Coffee Club or other Lodge functions is a great asset to all.

Special Announcements

JE Meyers Memorial Park

(DeMolay Camp on Lake Minnetonka)

Corn-on-the-cob and pop provided

Bring your family, friends, something to put on the grill and something to share with the rest. Don’t forget your swimming suit, softball glove and other yard games.

From Mpls go West on 394/12 to 15 West. Turn left on Interlachen Rd (at the Spur Station) and follow Tuxedo Blvd. left at both of the "Y’s" in the road.

Grand Lodge of Minnesota Ancient Free and Accepted Masons

One Day to Masonry

A One Day Class for the Three Degrees of a Master Mason

October 24, 1998, 8:00 AM

Scottish Rite Temple, 2011 Dupont Ave So., Minneapolis, MN 55405

This publication is issued with the permission of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M of Minnesota.

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This page was updated on May 02, 2003 by Doug Roswold