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During his adult life, Freemasonry was Washington's
constant guide and support.
 Photo:
©Alexandria-Washington Lodge
No. 22, Alexandria, Virginia; Photography
by Bro. Arthur W. Pierson, 32°, Falls Church, Virginia
On February 22, 2003, America will celebrate the 271st anniversary
of the birth of its first President and greatest benefactor, George
Washington. In all of American history, he alone deserves the
approbation "First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts
of his countrymen."
Fourteen Presidents of the United States have been Freemasons,
but only George Washington was at the same time both President
of the United States and Master of his Masonic Lodge, then Alexandria,
Virginia, Lodge No. 39, now Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22.
During his adult life, Freemasonry was Washington's constant guide
and support. He became a Mason in the Masonic Lodge at Fredericksburg,
Virginia, on August 4, 1753, when he was 21 years old. When Alexandria
Lodge No. 39 was chartered in 1788, George Washington became its
Charter Master.
When Washington was inaugurated the first time as President of
the United States in New York City, April 30, 1789, Chancellor
Robert R. Livingston, Grand Master of Masons in New York, administered
the oath of office. Acting as Grand Master pro tem of the Grand
Lodge of Maryland, on September 19, 1793, George Washington laid
the cornerstone of the Capitol at Washington, D.C. Alexandria
Lodge buried him with Masonic ceremonies at Mt. Vernon on December
18, 1799.
George Washington was continuously responsive to Freemasonry.
As an example of his deep interest, he wrote to a Masonic Lodge
in Rhode Island in 1790 saying: "Being persuaded that a just
application of the principles on which the Masonic Fraternity
is founded must be promotive of private virtue and public prosperity,
I shall always be happy to advance the interests of the Society
and to be considered by them as a deserving Brother."
From the Scottish Rite Bulletin,
Alexandria, Virginia, February 2000
©Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22, Alexandria, Virginia
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