Christopher Champlin

Christopher Champlin (1731–1805) was a merchant, shipowner, and financier of Newport, Rhode Island. He was born in Charlestown, Rhode Island, the oldest son of Colonel Christopher Champlin (1707 –
1766) and Hannah (Hill) Champlin. Earlier generations of the Champlin family had moved from Newport to the Narragansett country. The colonel became a fairly prosperous “
Narragansett Planter ”
; however, all three brothers, Christopher, Robert, and George, moved back to Newport in the 1750s and established themselves in the mercantile community.

From the inscription: Inscriptions: First Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons for the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. Unambitious of public employment and honor, he was respected in society for his good sense, incorruptible integrity and preserving industry in commercial pursuits in which he was usefully engaged for half a century. Rededicated 1992, the 200th anniversary of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island F. & A.M.