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Masons Honor Peter Francisco on the 250th Anniversary of His Birth

On Saturday, July 10, 2010, SDPF members and friends attended a celebration with the Richmond Randolph Masonic Lodge No. 19 of the Grand Lodge of Virginia to honor Peter Francisco with Memorial Life Membership in Perpetuity in said Lodge. This ensures that Peter will be known as a Freemason in good standing for all time to come.

This year marks the 250th anniversary of Peter Francisco's birth, so it is only fitting that we were able to honor our great ancestor so appropriately. Peter was a Freemason and his close friend, the Marquis de Lafayette, was made an honorary member of the Richmond Randolph Lodge No. 19, Richmond, Virginia, in October 1824. Chief Justice John Marshall presided at the occasion and it was reported that Peter Francisco was also in attendance.

The celebration was held at Masons Hall in Richmond, Virginia. It commenced with speakers and presentations, followed by hors d'oeuvres and tours of Masons Hall, which was built in 1785 and has been in continuous use by the Richmond Randolph Lodge No. 19 since 1787.

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The Society met on March 15, 2009 in Richmond, Virginia, to celebrate Peter Francisco Day. The celebration began with a private tour of the newly renovated Virginia State Capitol, where a portrait of Peter Francisco now hangs next to the office of the Speaker of the House.

Portrait of Peter Francisco hanging in the Virginia State Capitol building in Richmond. Portrait tag reads "Peter Francisco, c. 1758-1831 Sergeant-at-Arms, House of Delegates, 1825-1831. Copy by an unknown artist."

After the meeting, Society members went to Shockoe Cemetery for the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Peter Francisco's grave. When they arrived, they were surprised to find a tribute to Peter already there -- a wreath, sword, American flag and two stones upon which "We will always love you, Daisy" was written. Members then conducted the wreath-laying ceremony at Peter's gravesite and adjourned the meeting.

Society of the Descendants of Peter Francisco members after the wreath-laying ceremony at Peter's gravesite in Shockoe Cemetery on March 15, 2009.

A tribute to Peter left at his gravesite on Peter Francisco Day (March 15, 2009)