George Washington Birthday Dinner – Biwabik Lodge #293 – Biwabik
Talk prepared and given by Ed Halpaus, Grand LEO
George Washington was born February 22, 1732 close to the western bank of Popes
Creek, on the estate, which was later to be called “Wakefield,” in Washington Parish,
Westmoreland County, Virginia.1 However, at the time of his birth the calendar being
used was the “Julian Calendar.” According to that calendar his birth date was February
11, 1731. A new calendar was adopted in 1750 by Great Britain and the Colonies. This
new calendar changed his birth date to the one we are Familiar with; February 22, 1732.
The “Gregorian” calendar added 11 days and began the New Year in January instead of
March, so that’s why his Birth Date changed, why his age changed, and why we have the
New Year celebration on January 1st.
In 1735 the Washington family moved to an estate of 2,500 acres called “Epsewassen.”
Sixteen years later it was re-named Mount Vernon. The Washington’s lived there until
1739 when they moved to a small estate of 280 Acres in the Parish of Brunswick until the
death of George’s father in 1743. From then until 1749, with the exceptions of long visits
with his oldest brother at Mount Vernon he lived with his Mother at her residential estate
of 400 acres called “Little Falls.”
Young George Washington’s schooling by today’s standards might appear to be limited,
but by the results of his schooling along with his intent to learn was quite good. He
attended an “Old Field” school taught by a man named William Grove who was
nicknamed “Hobby.” He was the Parish Sexton. There was a story that Grove was a
convict brought from England by Washington’s father to teach George. We don’t know
how true that is, but we do know his teaching abilities were evidently excellent, because
young George appeared to acquire a well-rounded education.2 Later George attended a
private school taught by someone named Mr. Williams.
In the 1740’s between the ages of 11 and 16 George Washington wrote what he called,
“Master George Washington’s Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior In Company
and Conversation.”3 “The Rules are a collection of 110 maxims on respect for,
deference to, and consideration of others.” They form a strict code of behavior,
contentiousness, and self-control, which Washington decided to follow from his youth
throughout the rest of his life.
It was also during this time period that something came about that would be prophetic for
our Brother Washington, and for the United States of America.
Who knows how many things have changed because of a mother’s love, protection,
emotions, intuition and common sense? Many parents will attest that there are times
1
The 200th anniversary of the birth of George Washington – page 7
2
G. Washington Master Mason – Allen E.Roberts
George Washington In His Own Words, Harrison & Gilbert – Editors
3
when an overwhelming feeling will come to them at a time of great decision; when it
comes to their children, and I believe this is especially true with mothers.
When young George Washington was 15 years old he was standing on the waterfront pier
with his mother and his older brother looking at a great ship. It was ready to sail. The
cargo was on board, the crew was in place, and the captain was standing on deck waiting
for the last few passengers to board. George’s bags were already on board, and he was
ready to go! He had signed on to be a sailor. His older brother was a sailor, and often told
his younger brother wonderful stories of the sea and sailing to foreign ports, seeing the
great sights that so few were able see, so George’s dream was to be a sailor like his big
brother and he couldn’t wait. He had visions of great adventures; the sea would be his
life.
He shook his brother’s hand, and then he turned to give his mother a hug. That’s when it
happened. She hugged him firmly and wouldn’t let go, she began to cry, it was more than
she could take. He was only 15, too young to go to sea. Oh yes, she knew other boys his
age did it, but why did he have to do it? Life was getting hard enough as it was for her.
She had lost her husband just five years before. She was forced to raise six children by
herself with no support. And now this! Her baby was leaving her. This was just simply
too much for her to agree to, and through all this came her resolve and she forbid her son
to join the Royal Navy. She did say that when he was older if this was still his desire she
would allow it. The Captain of the ship was not happy, but there was absolutely no
talking to her – her mind was made up. When a mother knows what is right for her child,
not even a sea captain wants to have that fight.
George’s older brother consoled him and said the sea would be ready for him at a later
date, so to enjoy the pleasures of staying home for now. The 15 year old would be sailor
was unhappy to say the least, but he would get over it. All-in-all we here in America can
be grateful to Mary Ball Washington for her resolve to not let her son join the Royal
Navy, if she had not followed her feelings who knows how the future of the colonies
would have turned out. It might be needless to say but, this is one example of what one
woman might have thought was a private decision, but it had a great impact and effect on
the country that her son was to help create, and the world at large.
In the last issue of the Minnesota Mason I had a little article about Mary Ball Washington
in the Grand LEO’s Column, you may remember reading it. I mentioned that Brother Ken
Roberts of the Philalethes Society had his office on Mary Ball Road, and then I told a
little bit about her. Brother Roberts after reading the Minnesota Mason sent me an e-mail
saying; “Your research on Mary Ball was interesting. She was born about a half mile
from my home and Epping Forest is about a mile from my office.”
George Washington became a Mason in Fredericksburg Lodge on November 4, 1752,
(the “new” Gregorian calendar.) This Lodge later became Fredericksburg Lodge #4.
From the minutes of “The Lodge a Fredericksburg” the following is quoted.
“4th November Charles Lewis & George Washington entered an Apprentice. 3rd March George
Washington passed to Fellow Craft
4th August 5753 [1753], which day the Lodge being assembled present, Right Worshipful Daniel Campbell,
[Master], I. Neilson, S.W. Robert Halkerson, J.W., George Washington, James Strakan, Alexander
Wodrow, Secretary Pro Tem, Thomas Robertson, William McWilliams, Treasurer. Transactions of the
evening are – George Washington Raised Master Mason, Thomas James, Entered Apprentice.4
The minutes from the Lodge at Fredericksburg have been reproduced in the latest edition
from the Masonic Book Club of Bloomington, Illinois. I think this is good, because in
almost every Lodge one of the unsung workers over the years is the Lodge Secretary, and
in most, if not all, of the documentation quoted about Brother Washington’s degrees the
secretary has recorded all the events properly, however, researchers many times neglect
to mention the Secretary’s name: Well in the book The Craftsman and Freemason’s
Guide, which is reproduced in the book from the Masonic Book Club, it shows the
Secretary’s name as Robert W. Hart.
Fredericksburg Lodge at the time George Washington took the degrees of Masonry was
not a member of a Grand Lodge, (there was no Grand Lodge of Virginia at that time,) so
his Lodge would be what was called a “Time Immemorial Lodge” meaning that a group
of Masons met together as a Lodge by the immemorial right of Masons to meet, but
without having received a charter from a Grand Lodge. The very first meeting of the
Lodge at Fredericksburg was held September 1, 1752, not long before Washington began
taking his degrees. In 1758 the Lodge did request and receive a charter from the Grand
Lodge of Scotland.
There is no doubt that Masonry in those days was far less formal in immemorial lodges
than it is in our lodges of today. Meetings [communications] were often called by word of
mouth, (mail service then was far different and less reliable then than today of course.)
Also the expense of the lodge was born as much by fines and by contributions from those
present at the meetings as from fixed dues. Meeting places were often in taverns and inns,
(which followed the early custom of English lodges.) During the Revolutionary War
many times Lodge meetings were held in tents, private homes, and even in an occasional
barn.5 A Masonic Lodge is the Masonic Brothers assembled with the Holy Bible, Square
and Compass, and charter or warrant. This is much more important than the location
where they meet.
However, there were usual places to meet in most cases then as there is now. Masonic
Lodges in the 1700’s, where possible, met in taverns. At every meeting there was a
festive board, which is confused at times with being a Table Lodge. Both the Festive
board and the Table Lodge are places and times of an atmosphere of convivial fellowship
and Brotherly Love, and this feeling of love and friendship continued in the Lodge
whether for the business meeting or conducting degrees. The Lodge, however, rebuked
those who indulged too much in the social mirth, These Brothers and those who were
absent without excuse were fined and the money was used to pay for the rum and gin at
the Festive Board.
4
5
Washington’s Home and Fraternal Life – M.S.A.
Washington’s Home and Fraternal Life – Masonic Service Association
Having said that about absent without an approved excuse, fines, rum, and gin – never in
the history of the Craft, have Freemasons been found assembled in questionable places.
The inns and taverns which some may now regard as askance or dubious locations by
today’s standards are not the kind of places where Masons met, the places where they met
were public houses where both men and women with their children would be
comfortable; very much like the Salons our Brother Voltaire frequented in Paris and other
cities in France.
These taverns were the principal meeting places for social enjoyment. It was a place to
find excellent meals and drinks, and good company. In those taverns there were also
journals & papers for those who wished to read, chess and backgammon boards for those
who wished to play. We might call the type of tavern where Masons met then, as country
clubs, supper clubs, or a nice restaurant, the kind of place we might want to have a
Masonic gathering today for a special night. After the Festive Board, or Table Lodge if
you will, the Brethren withdrew to upper chambers by themselves to carry on their labors
safe from the eyes & ears of the curious.6
While the Masons of Fredericksburg Lodge enjoyed each others company at their meals,
during the discussion of business they were sincere and serious and especially when it
came to degree work.
Our Brother Washington repeated his obligation in the degrees on a Bible printed by John
Field, of Cambridge England, in 1668. That Bible is still in the Lodge Room of
Fredericksburg Lodge # 4 of the Grand Lodge of Virginia. Written on the fly -leaf of that
Bible is a Prayer that most likely was given by the Lodge Chaplain in 1752 & 1753 when
Washington became a member of that Lodge. Here is the Prayer:
O God, Divine Architect of the Universe,
We bow with gratitude to thy Omnipotence
We acknowledge Thee as the Creator and
Preserver of all things. We thank Thee
For Thy daily blessings conferred on us
In all our undertakings, more particularly,
O God, we crave Thy presence at this meeting.
Do Thou preside over us in the spirit of
Peace, Love and Charity, and to Thy Holy
Name be power and Dominion, forever, Amen.7
The Freemasonry of Washington’s time was what we might call a small and select group
of men. Travel was difficult, and Lodges met infrequently, often with no more authority
than the mutual desire of Brethren living in the same neighborhood to gather together
about the Three Great Lights of Masonry.
The Masons of the 1770’s most likely did not compose more than one percent of the
population, yet 22 members of the first Continental Congress were Masons. 65 of the 217
6
7
Washington’s Home and Fraternal Life – M.S.A.
Our Masonic Presidents by L. Randall Rogers
individuals who served in the second Continental Congress were Masons. 33 of the 55
delegates who wrote the Constitution were Masons. Most of these were middle class
landholders, which was required for eligibility for election as delegates by their own
states. Masonry was wide spread over the colonies in 1776. There were 110 Lodges at the
time and 50 military Lodges.
William Pierce, [not a Mason] one of the Delegates to the Constitutional Convention
made notes of his opinions about a few of the Freemasons among the participants. Of
Washington he wrote: “He may be said to be the deliverer of his country, he appears as
the politician and statesman, and like Cincinnnatus he returned to his farm perfectly
content with being only a plain citizen, [who] now only seeks the approbation of his
countrymen.”8
On may 9, 1775 Washington and many other delegates to the Continental Congress
arrived in Philadelphia to a rousing reception, but it was out done the next day when John
Hancock [a Mason] and John Adams [not a Mason] arrived, they were already fugitives
from the “redcoats” and were the first hero’s of the revolution. When we read about the
first Continental Congress the record doesn’t say much about the contributions of George
Washington during the sessions, but one Delegate of the congress spoke volumes about
our Brother Washington when he wrote: “If you speak of eloquence, Mr. Rutledge of
South Carolina is by far the greatest orator, but if you speak of solid information and
sound judgment, Colonel Washington is unquestionably the greatest man on that floor.”
Another Delegate said that Washington; “speaks very modestly and in cool but
determined style and accent.”9
On June 15, 1775 the Continental Congress resolved that “a General be appointed to
command all the continental forces raised, or to be raised, for the defense of American
liberty.” Thomas Johnson Jr. of Maryland, [not a Mason] proposed Washington for the
position, the election was unanimous. Washington accepted the appointment of
Commander in Chief the next day June 16th. In the summer of 1775, Washington settled
into his headquarters in Cambridge Massachusetts and began the task of organizing the
Continental Army.
John Adams, who along with John Hancock were, as mentioned before, fugitives from
the British authorities: They along with many others risked all they had and all they were
for the freedom of the United States.
The admiration and respect John Adams had for Washington is illustrated by his
statement saying; “leaving his delicious retirement, his family and friends, sacrificing his
ease, and hazarding all in the cause of his country.” The courage of Washington and
others to pursue the right thing to do rather than the easy thing of just sitting by and being
subjects of the King is also illustrated in a letter George Washington wrote to his Brother
who had formed a company [of soldiers] in the Shenandoah Valley, in the letter he said
that he [George Washington] would “cheerfully accept the honor of commanding it, if
8
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Masonic Trivia and Facts – Allen E. Roberts
G. Washington Master Mason – Allen E. Roberts
occasion requires it to be drawn out, as it is my full intention to devote my life and
fortune in the cause we are engaged in, if needful.”10
All of George Washington’s Generals were not Freemasons - the majority of his Generals
did not belong to the Craft. However, Clausen in his Book “Americans Who Helped
Shape Our Nation” says, that 33 Generals in Washington’s army and six of his aids were
Freemasons. Other qualifications were more important to Brother and General
Washington than fraternity membership when selecting commanders for the Continental
Army. George Washington and John Adams gave long and careful consideration to the
qualities they believed necessary for military leadership. The Qualities of Coolness,
reflectiveness, and ease of giving orders were important considerations,11 not every
Mason had those qualities, and those that had those qualities were not always Masons,
Washington wanted the best man in the job; that was the most important consideration.
Part of Washington’s Management style as Commander in Chief was to praise in public
exemplary service of his officers and men for their performance in the army.
Of all the Commanders Washington became associated with as Commander in Chief, his
association with the Marquis De Lafayette became one of his greatest attachments. The
young French nobleman who offered his services in aid of the Republic was, perhaps,
dearer than any other person outside of Washington’s immediate family. Lafayette had
Washington’s trust and confidence without limit, and was addressed in the most intimate
terms.12
All of this is starting to make Washington and his officers out to be a pretty serious lot,
they were serious in their mission all right, but there were things that happened that
caused smiles, and maybe a little joking too. For instance there is the story of the
Cambridge Flag. Most Masonic Lodges have on their bookshelves the Little Masonic
Library and in that little library is a book called “Masonry and The Flag.” This is where
the story comes from. It has to do with the English East India Tea Company. In the
1700’s that company practically owned India, and was subject only to the English King.
The company had its own large army as well as ships of commerce and of war. The King
of England gave it the right to make war and peace “in all heathen nations” and to
administer all laws – civil and criminal.
In 1704 the cross of St. George was the flag of England and this flag along with the 13
stripes of alternate red and white, was the badge of her loyal East India Tea Company,
who’s Tea was the Tea dumped into the harbor at the “Boston Tea Party.” After 1707 the
Kings Colors took the place of St. Georges Cross in the flag of the East India Tea
Company, making it the exact counterpart of the Royal Savage flag and Washington’s
Cambridge Flag. So on January 1, 1776 when the new Constitutional Army was
organized and a “Union Flag” was raised it was received by the British as a “signal of
submission” This “Union Flag” is what is known as the “Cambridge Flag,” and it greatly
resembled the flag of the East India Tea Company.
10
G. Washington Master Mason - Allen E. Roberts
A True Republican the Life of Paul Revere – Jayne E. Triber
12
Washington’s Home and Fraternal Life – M.S.A.
11
When Washington was made aware of the similarity, and the symbolism the British
attached to the “Rebels” raising it, Washington wrote to his friend Joseph Reed [thought
to be a Mason, but no proof has been found to prove it] at Philadelphia saying, “The
speech I send you. A volume of them was sent out by the Boston gentry, and farcical
enough, we gave great joy to them (the redcoats I mean) without knowing or intending it,
for on that day, the day which gave being to our new army, we had hoisted the Union
Flag in compliment to the United Colonies. But behold, it was received in Boston as a
token of the deep impression the speech had made on us, and as a signal of submission.
So we learn by a person out of Boston last night. By this time I presume they think it
strange that we have not made a formal surrender of our lines.”
The speech Washington referred to in his letter was the King’s Speech that had just been
sent out and its stern tone was expected to overwhelm the rebels, whose many flags –
several to each colony – were known and dubbed by the English, as “Rebel Rags.”
Naturally they were looked upon by the English as the emblems of traitors, but when the
“Union Flag” raised by Washington was seen many of the English troops being fresh
from India, it was at once recognized as the distinctive flag of a loyal English Colony,
and it gave them temporary joy and an indication of submission. If it were possible
Washington might have said to the English, “however natural this assumption may be to
you, yet it is erroneous.” After the amusement died down Washington proceeded to give
a most daring knockout blow to the English and on March 17th the British evacuated
Boston.
There is so much that has been written about our Brother George Washington; about his
youth, his military career, his service as President of the United States, and his personal
life. But the writings of his personal life has been overshadowed by all things written
about the other area of his life. So in closing I would like to tell you about just a couple
more item of interest about Washington’s personal life, and how friendships stayed with
him from his youth to adulthood.
Our Brother George Washington was essentially a home body; he loved being by the
fireside. He was a domestic minded householder; a man careful of his property; but
generous with his servants; a devoted husband; a father; a man who loved the outdoors,
the earth, the growing of grain, the wild game; he was a hospitable man who offered the
best he had in happiness; a man to whom church and divine worship were a part of his
life. His home was a refuge and heaven of peace and joy; he left it with regret when he
had to because of his service to his country, he returned to it as to a heaven on earth. He
loved his friends much and was never happier than with them; in their homes, or,
preferably, at his. He loved his wife and children and later the grandchildren.
Washington wrote of his home life, “My manner of living is plain and I do not mean to
be put out of it; a glass of wine and a bit of mutton are always ready, and such as will be
content to take of them, are always welcome.”13
13
Washington’s Home and Fraternal Life – M.S.A.
Brother Washington was very fond of dancing! He enjoyed to the fullest all varieties of
the social life of his time. Dancing was a social grace in which both women and men
were schooled as an essential part of a well-rounded education. Whether it was the stately
Minuet, or the Virginia Reel our Brother Washington and his wife enjoyed them both.
The Washington’s often hosted parties and balls at their home, and also often traveled to
attend balls, even as far away from Mount Vernon as Annapolis Maryland. On one
occasion they attended a ball at Alexandria, Virginia where the refreshments were not up
to Brother Washington’s liking; they were mostly bread and butter with coffee, of which
he later wrote, “the drinkers could not distinguish from hot water sweetened,” He wrote
in his diary, “I shall therefore distinguish this Ball by the style and title of the Bread and
Butter Ball.”
Lewis Willis, of Fredericksburg, who as a boy was at school with Washington, used to
speak of him as an unusually studious and industrious boy, but recalled one occasion
when he distinguished himself and surprised his schoolmates by ‘romping with one of the
largest girls." 50 years later another gentleman was writing about a Mrs. Hartley, whom
Washington much admired, and commented that the general always liked a fine woman.
By the time young George was fourteen he had fallen deeply in love with Mary Bland of
Westmoreland, whom he referred to as his "Lowland Beauty," and to whom he wrote
various copies of verses. However, in his diary for 1747-48 he mentioned another
"Lowland Beauty," as his love, who’s name was Miss Lucy Grymes, and there are drafts
of letters addressed to "Dear Sally," which suggest that there he might have had interests
in several young ladies.
Of the "Lowland Beauty," Lucy Grymes, she later married Henry Lee, [believed to be a
Mason] and became the mother of 8 children, one of which was Henry Lee Jr. who we
know by his nickname of “Henry ‘Light-Horse Harry’ Lee” and who became a friend and
trusted officer of Washington during the Revolution, and the father of a famous son. Lucy
Grymes Lee is the grandmother of Robert E. Lee; soldier, general and educator.
It was Light-Horse Harry who upon the death of our friend and Brother, President George
Washington, when asked to deliver a tribute to his beloved general, described him for
posterity. The first line of this quote is well remembered, but it also has an important
second line:
First in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen...second to none in
the humble and endearing scenes of private life.
On January 6, 1759, (246 years ago from 2005,) George Washington and Martha
Dadridge Custis Married in her home, which by the way was named “The White House.”
After the wedding George and Martha and their new family consisting of her two
children, “John & Martha,” moved to Mount Vernon.14 At the time of George
Washington’s death the couple had been married for a little over 40 years.
14
G. Washington Master Mason – Allen E. Roberts