John Coats
mwb John Coats (July 11, 1751 - November 30, 1810) was a Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Maryland. He served for the 1787-1790 and 1793 term.[1]
Dr. Coats figure in early American history and Freemasonry. Born into an affluent family in Philadelphia, he pursued a degree in Medicine. Prior to the American Revolution, he ran a medical practice but later enlisted in the war, contributing to Arnold’s grueling campaign in Canada. He sustained significant injuries during the Attack of Quebec in December 1775, where he witnessed the death of General Montgomery (1738-1775)[1]. Following his recovery, he dedicated his wealth to the American cause, reputedly enlisting and financing a company in Philadelphia. His wartime efforts were acknowledged post-war by his admission into the Society of the Cincinnati, established in 1783[1].
Masonic Career
Coats joined Freemasonry in 1772, becoming a member of Lodge No. 3 in Philadelphia. The following year, he facilitated the formation of Lodge No. 17, operating under a Pennsylvania Charter, in Queenstown, Queen Anne's County, Maryland. In 1779, he ascended to the position of Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. However, he resigned in 1780, planning to permanently reside in Maryland. Coats began organizing meetings to discuss the formation of the Grand Lodge of Maryland in July 1783, a feat accomplished in 1787. The first meeting of the Grand Lodge of Maryland occurred on April 17, 1787, in Easton, Maryland.[1]
Upon the founding of the Grand Lodge of Maryland, Coats was elected as the inaugural Grand Master, serving until April 1791. After a two-year interval, he was reelected in 1793, serving for one additional year. On his retirement, he responded to a resolution of regret from the Grand Lodge with a scriptural invocation, exemplifying his dedication to the order.[2]
Later Life and Legacy
Renowned as a proficient surgeon and physician, Coats spent his latter years in Easton. Despite his professional success, he never accrued substantial wealth and passed away in poverty in 1810. At his request, his remains were interred in a common burial ground he had purchased, due to the absence of Lodges in Easton at that time. However, in July 1823, a Lodge in Easton was revived under the name of Coats Lodge, No. 76. The brethren then reinterred his remains in the cemetery at Christ Church, Easton, and erected an obelisk to commemorate him.[1]
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