Editor’s Note: I hope you have been enjoying the submissions of our Grand Commandry
officers. I can say that they have provided some great inspiration and information in past
few months. This month our Grand Captain General continues the great writings of our
officers. Enjoy.
George Washington
Greetings Fraters,
Have you ever seen a “Groundhog”? During my years living in Delaware (just a few
nd
miles from the site where Punxatawney Phil would emerge each February 2 ) I became
much more intrigued by the little rascal who was usually dragged from his burrow to
participate in an ancient and very American rite. Of course he always saw his shadow and
we braced ourselves for much more winter. Except one year that I remember; he didn’t
see that cursed shadow! To describe the smile of expectation caused entirely by a very
cloudy and dreary winter morning is beyond my poor powers.
As Sir Knights there is a connection between Phil and us. (You expected one, didn’t
you?!). As we have celebrated the skiing, snowboarding, skating and, oh, I almost forgot,
shoveling, scraping windshields, wearing warm woolen mittens, heavy winter coats and
multiple layers of shirts and pants (a very good Frater of ours who was transplanted from
Arkansas, wears his ‘onesie’) it is almost time for Phil to make his annual appearance. It
is also time for us to make our appearance too. Regardless of the day or the
accompanying weather, we don’t have the time nor do we have the luxury of peeking
around for a shadow. We simply cannot hibernate any longer.
Duty calls and no one but you and me can truly answer. Start planning now for some
local activities: a visit from your Grand Commander, your Commandery’s new officers, an
Easter celebration in your Asylum, a spring Festival for new members to gain a piece of
the beauty of Christian Masonry. Try the idea of having drill practice with your Sir Knights
(if you haven’t worked with your swords for a while you might want to ‘play’ at a greater
than “close interval” distance). Or, for those who haven’t held a sword or don’t have
one, get your Commander to find one for you.
Sir Knights, let’s shake off the snow of winter and start stirring in our various Asylums.
Our Fraters need us and Masonry needs us. In January I suggested that “We ride at
dawn”. This month I ask, “Will you be with us?” Will you leave your hibernation and start
a new day? Will you at least try something new or different? Will you come to a special
celebration in your Commandery Asylum? Strange how, it always begins with you. Come
join me in helping you to learn of the new beauty of Templary. Come, join in the fun.
Come see how Templary can change you.
I need you…now!
Courteously,
As Masons why do we celebrate and revere Worshipful Brother George
Washington as one of the greatest American Masons ever?
This is why;
WB George Washington exemplified the best virtues of being a Mason. He
risked all by leading the Continental Army to victory over the British. General
Washington felt the Masonic principles were so important that he encouraged Masonic
Lodges in the Continental Army in order to promote morality and unity. Because of his
leadership skills and the respect he had earned during the trying times of the
Revolutionary War, General George Washington was elected unanimously to be the first
President of the United States, the only President to ever be elected as such.
I have been blessed to have the opportunity to travel to Washington DC and
visit the George Washington National Masonic Memorial. Every Mason should try to visit
this impressive site; it will make you proud to be a Mason. On my trips to Washington
DC, I also took some time and toured Mt Vernon, the home of George Washington and
the site where he is buried. Washington was considered to be quite the farmer, as he
was always experimenting on what and how to grow his crops more efficiently. While at
Mt Vernon, you can attend a show that illustrates the story of the Revolutionary war.
The special effects and presentation are amazing and a must see. The show also
exemplifies the great virtues that Washington exhibited and that all Masons revere.
George Washington served our country as the Commanding General of the
Army during the Revolutionary War and our first President. But, one of his most
important contributions was when he refused to serve more than two terms of office of
the Presidency and worked diligently to assist the newly elected President, John Adams,
in building his presidency. This may have been the first time in the history of the world
that there was a peaceful transfer of power from one leader to another. It was through
Washington’s example of humility, the transfer of power from one president to the next
has always been peaceful.
So take the time this February to celebrate in your Lodge or your Commandry,
the birth and life of George Washington, one of the greatest men, Masons and leaders of
all time.
Masonic History of WB George Washington:
Initiated 11-1752, Passed 03-1753, Raised 08-1753 in Fredericksburg, VA. Served as
Master of Alexandria Lodge #22 in 1788, while he held the office of President of the
United States.
Sir Knight Stan Schwellenbach,
Grand Captain General of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of South Dakota
George
Grand Commander, South Dakota
[email protected] 605-348-4153
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February 2012
south dakota supplement
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