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Friend to Friend
Union General Winfield SCott Hancock and Confederate General
Lewis Addison Armistead were personal friends and members of the
Masonic fraternity.
Although they had served and fought side by side in the United
States Army prior to the Civil War, Armistead refused to raise his
sword against his fellow Southerners and joined the Confederate Army
in 1861.
Both Hancock and Armistead fought heroically in the previous
twenty-seven months of war. They were destined to meet at
Gettysburg.
During Pickett's Charge, Armistead led his men gallantly,
penetrating Hancock's line. Ironically, when Armistead was
mortally wounded, Hancock was also wounded.
Depicted in this sculpture is Union Captain Henry Bingham, a
Mason and staff assistant to General Hancock, himself wounded,
rendering aid to the fallen Confederate General. Armistead is
shown handing his watch and personal effects to be taken to his
friend, Union General Hancock.
Hancock survived the war and died in 1886. Armistead died
at Gettysburg July 5, 1863. Captain Bingham attained the rank
of General and later served 32 years in the United States House of
Representatives. He was known as the "Father of the House".
Show on the wall surrounding the monument are the names of the
states whose soldiers fought at the Battle of Gettysburg.
Friend to Friend Masonic Memorial
This monument is presented by the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of
Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania and dedicated as a memorial
to the Freemasons of the Union and the Confederacy. Their
unique bonds of friendship enabled them to remain a brotherhood
undivided, even as they fought in a divided nation, faithfully
supporting the respective governments under which they lived.
Dedicated August 21, 1993
by
The Right Worshipful Grand Lodge
of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity
of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania
and Masonic Jurisdiction Thereunto Belonging.
Edward H. Fowler, Jr., Right Worshipful Grand Master
George H. Hohenshildt, R.W. Deputy Grand Master, Chairman
Edward O. Weisser, R.W. Senior Grand Warden
James L. Ernette, R.W. Junior Grand Warden
Marvin G. Spetcher, R.W. Grand Treasurer
Thomas W. Jackson, R.W. Grand Secretary
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