06/07/2026
On This Day in Masonic History – June 7, 1776
Two hundred and fifty years ago today, on June 7, 1776, Brother Richard Henry Lee of Virginia rose before the Continental Congress in Philadelphia and introduced what would become one of the most consequential resolutions in American history.
At a time when many colonists still hoped for reconciliation with Great Britain, Lee boldly proposed that:
“These United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.”
This measure, remembered as the Lee Resolution, was far more than a statement of protest—it was a formal declaration that the American colonies should become sovereign and independent states. The proposal sparked intense debate among the delegates, who fully understood the gravity of what was being considered. To support independence was to risk one’s property, reputation, and life.
After weeks of deliberation, the Continental Congress adopted Lee’s resolution on July 2, 1776. Having formally voted for independence, Congress then turned its attention to a document explaining that decision to the world. Two days later, on July 4, 1776, Congress approved the text of the United States Declaration of Independence. While history often focuses on July 4th, it was Brother Lee’s resolution that provided the legal and political foundation upon which the Declaration was built.
Brother Lee was a member of Hiram Lodge No. 59, and his story serves as a reminder of the important role that Freemasons played during the founding of the United States.
Freemasonry was not a political organization, nor did it direct the American Revolution. However, many of the leaders who guided the colonies through the struggle for independence and the formation of a new nation were members of the Craft. Among them were Brothers George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Paul Revere, and countless others who left their mark on American history.
The eighteenth-century Masonic lodge was one of the few places where men met as equals regardless of wealth, occupation, social standing, or political influence. Within the lodge, Brothers were encouraged to pursue knowledge, practice virtue, respect the rights of others, and dedicate themselves to the betterment of society. These principles liberty, equality, tolerance, integrity, and civic responsibility were also among the ideals that inspired many of the men who shaped the American experiment in self-government.
Brother Richard Henry Lee embodied those principles. By introducing the resolution for independence, he demonstrated moral courage, conviction, and a willingness to place principle above personal interest. His actions reflected the Masonic virtues of fidelity to duty, devotion to truth, and service to a cause greater than oneself.
As Masons, we do not claim the founding of the United States as a Masonic achievement alone. Rather, we recognize that many of the men who helped establish our nation were Brothers whose lives reflected the values taught within the lodge room. Their commitment to virtue, enlightened citizenship, and the rights of mankind helped shape the course of history and continues to inspire generations today.
On this 250th anniversary of Brother Richard Henry Lee’s historic resolution, we honor not only a patriot and statesman, but also a Brother Mason whose words helped set in motion the birth of a new nation.
“These United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States.”
— Brother Richard Henry Lee, June 7, 1776
Preserving our heritage, honoring our Brothers, and celebrating the enduring contributions of Freemasonry to our communities and our nation since 1849.
