As a Mason, Joel R. Poinsett was Worshipful Master of two lodges--Recovery Lodge No. 31 in Greensville, SC; and Solomon's Lodge No. 1 in Charleton, SC. Not only did he achieve the distinguished title as Right Worshipful District Deputy Grand Master in Blue Lodge Masonry, he worked his way up to Deputy Grand Master of SC, and would have gone higher had he not become Secretary of War when appointed to the post by President Van Buren.
President Madison appointed Poinsett to several high federal government positions. As "Agent for Seaman and Commerce" and later as Consul General for Argentina, Poinsett travelled into southern South America (Chile, Argentina, and Peru). South American territories (under the leadership of Brother Simon Bolivar) were struggling to gain their independence from Spain. At one point, Spain had captured several American ships. In 1811, Poinsett took command of several Chilean ships and retook the American vessels.

While later representing the U.S. Congress (1821-1825), Poinsett was sent by President Madison to Mexico on a special mission. In 1825, President John Q. Adams appointed Poinsett as Ambassador to Mexico. While in Mexico, Poinsett was able to advance Masonry by obtaining charters from the Grand Lodge of New York for five Masonic Lodges. He also helped establish some 82 Royal Arch Lodges. Poinsett's varied horticultural interests included a serious interest as an amateur botanist. Upon his return from Mexico, Joel Poinsett brought with him a beautiful flowering shrub native to Mexico. This flower became increasingly popular and is now known universally as the Poinsettia.

On 22 JUN 1833, the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts convened a special meeting to welcome a Past Grand Master of TN, Andrew Jackson--(who also happened to be the President of the U.S.). President Jackson, exhausted from two weeks travel, sent his regrets to the Grand Master of Massachusetts, using his personal representative RW Joel Roberts Poinsett.

With a wealth of experience in high-level government assignments, extensive travelling and Masonic activities during his lifetime, Poinsett was also able to pursue a family life despite the fact that he had travelled to many European countries, including 3 years in Russia where he had met many influential people including Napoleon and the Czar of Russia. The Czar of Russia offered him a commission in the Russian Army which he declined.

Joel R. Poinsett was truly a great man and mason. He was also quite active in York Rite; and became Grand High Priest in SC. By the time Pointsett died at the age of 72, he had been an active Mason for over 40 years.

Sam Tish, E.H.P.