John P. "Jack" Riddell, 32°
The George Washington Masonic National Memorial
101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22301

Visitors at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial invariably express admiration for the architectural elegance and symmetry of this magnificent edifice located in Alexandria, Virginia. The grace and beauty of Memorial Hall provides a grand first impression for visitors entering the building. And they are particularly impressed with the nobility of the Washington statue, the colorful murals, the stained-glass windows throughout the structure, and the massive columns supporting this magnificent Masonic edifice.

There are, of course, many other elegant exhibit rooms, which contribute significantly to the delight and gratification of visitors. But, there is one particular room which does not rival the beauty and splendor of the other rooms; yet, it is the true centerpiece of the Memorial. It is the Replica Lodge Room, pictured right and below.

The Room is a replica of the Alexandria–Washington Lodge room, which was located in "Old Town Alexandria." It contains the original furniture used during the period (1788–1789) when George Washington served as Master of the Lodge. In addition to the Lodge's furniture, there are other relics associated with the memory of this magnificent man. One of these is the William William's portrait, considered by many to be the only authentic portrait of the general, which depicts him as he actually looked. Washington is said to have admonished the artist to "Paint me as I am." The artist fully complied. The portrait clearly delineates the pockmarks resulting from an attack of small pox contracted when he was 19 years old. There is also a small brown mole under Washington's right ear, a scar along his left cheek, and the portrait's skin coloring is somewhat red and harsh. Indeed, there is no flattery.

Also in the Replica Room is George Washington's old leather library chair, which he personally donated to the Lodge. It was used by the presiding Masters for 118 years. Another special relic is Washington's bedchamber clock. The clock was stopped at 10:20 pm December 14, 1799, the exact moment of his death. Two other relics of much historical significance are Washington's Masonic apron and a silver trowel, both used by Washington at the Cornerstone Ceremony of our United States Capitol Building in 1793.

Everyone is cordially invited to visit The George Washington Masonic National Memorial. And, when you visit, make certain you include the Replica Lodge Room in your tour.

John P. "Jack" Riddell is a Past Master of Skidmore Daylight Lodge No. 237, a Past District Deputy Grand Master of Masonic District 1-A, and served as the District Instructor of Work for six years. He is presently a member of Skidmore Daylight, Alexandria–Washington, and Elmer Timberman Lodges as well as the Alexandria Scottish Rite Bodies. Shortly after retiring in 1982 after 42 years of service in the telephone industry, Bro. Riddell accepted the position of Curator of the Alexandria–Washington Replica Lodge Room, and he also serves as Tour Guide Supervisor at the Memorial.