U.S. Consul From 1800s To Be Honoured
The U.S. Consulate is inviting locals to attend a wreath-laying ceremony at St. Mark’s Church on Wednesday, December 18 in order to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the death of U.S. Consul Charles Maxwell Allen.
President Abraham Lincoln appointed Charles Maxwell Allen as U.S. Consul to Bermuda in 1861, a position that he held until his death in 1888. His term of office coincided with the American Civil War, when Bermuda served as a center for Confederate blockade-running.
As a representative of the federal government, Consul Allen reported that he was not well received by Bermudians during the Civil War years, although that changed in time. Mr. Allen came to hold dear the island, living in his beloved Flatts.
When he died in 1888, Consul Allen was buried in St. Mark’s graveyard. To commemorate Consul Allen’s service to the United States and to Bermuda on the 125th anniversary of his death, Consul General Bob Settje will lay a wreath on his tomb at the December 18 event.
Also attending the ceremony will be Governor George Fergusson and Deputy Governor Ginny Ferson, MP E.T. “Bob” Richards, Anglican Bishop Rt. Rev. Nicholas Dill, Revd. Musawenkosi Daba of St. Mark’s Church, Dr. Edward Harris, Executive Director of the Bermuda Maritime Museum, Mr. Andrew Bermingham, historian, and other dignitaries.
