The George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Washington, DC. highlights the president’s achievements in Masonry.
The George Washington Masonic National Memorial
In 1752, George Washington became a Master Mason at the age of 20 in Fredericksburg, Virginia (for only 2 pounds and 3 shillings!). The following year, Washington was raised to the second and third degrees at the Lodge of Fredericksburg, Virginia and visited regularly over the next few years.
Throughout his life, George Washington had consistent correspondence with his Brothers and often accepted invitations to lodge events, dinners, portrait sessions and to receive Masonic publications. During the War for Independence, General Washington attended Masonic celebrations and religious observances in different states. He also supported Masonic lodges that formed within army regiments. He even became Master of Alexandria Lodge No. 22 in Virginia in the year 1788.
Letter from George Washington
It is clear that Freemasonry played a large role in Washington’s presidency. George Washington was inaugurated as President of the United States with a Bible from St. John’s Lodge, administered by Chancellor and Grand Master of New York, Robert R. Livingston. The dollar bill, boasting Washington’s face, is known to display Masonic symbols, such as the all-seeing eye and scroll.
President George Washington on the one dollar bill
Our friends at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial touch on the ways in which Freemasonry helped to mold Washington into a world leader:
“Such was Washington’s character, that from almost the day he took his Masonic obligations until his death, he became the same man in private that he was in public. He remained a ‘just and upright Mason.’ Brother Washington was a ‘living stone’ who became a cornerstone of American civilization.”
George Washington passed away in 1799 at the age of 67. He was honored with a Masonic funeral ceremony, and buried with his apron. In the midst of Washington’s death, Martha Washington sent a lock of the president’s hair to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. It has been kept in an urn made by Paul Revere from the year 1800 and remains in their collection to this day.
George Washington made a large impact on American history and paved the way for future politicians and Masons alike. For more information about George Washington, the Mason and The George Washington Masonic National Memorial, please visit their website.
All historical information provided by The George Washington Masonic National Memorial.