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George Washington.
A talk by Ed Halpaus, Grand Lodge Education Officer
In putting together a talk or a paper on our Brother, and President, George Washington it seems at first to be an
easy task – after all each one of us knows so much about him from our days in school. When I was asked to
come here tonight I thought possibly I should look in a couple of books for some information to get me started
to type up a talk on our first President. Well, I started to take some books off the shelved in my office and I was
surprised how many book I had on hand that had some reference to George Washington in them, all of a sudden
it seemed to me that putting together a talk would not be the snap I at first thought it would be.
I have come to the conclusion that there has been more written about Brother George Washington than any
other founding father, and I would guess than any other American period. He was and is revered by us, and no
doubt will be as long as there is a United Stated Of America.
In the May 1985 issue of the magazine for the Southern Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite, which at that time was
called “The New Age” there is a book review about: “George Washington: a Biography.” The reviewer, Brother
Lawrence Helms quotes Brother Winston Churchill to comment on the book. “Much of what the gentleman
says is new and much of what he says is interesting. Unfortunately, that which is new is not interesting and that
which is interesting is not new.” The reviewer goes on to say, “ any author who undertakes the responsibility of
writing a biography of George Washington must be faced with the same dilemma.”
So with that as a beginning lets start at the beginning. We have all heard the story about young George cutting
down the Cherry Tree, and some of us have heard the story about how he knelt in the snow at Valley Forge to
pray. 1 They were both pointed out as myths by a professor at Texas Christian University. These stories first
appeared in a biography of washing that was published in 1800, just after his death. Even though we know these
store are fiction we like them and they continue because they help to perpetuate the qualities of character that
depict Washington. There is no question that our Masonic Brother and first President was a man of honesty – no
scandal or hint of wrong doing ever was associated with his name. He believed in prayer, and trusted in Divine
Providence. I like to think that he would stop and drop to one knee to pray when he was faced with a tough
problem – in the snow at Valley Forge, and at other times too.
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.2 However, at the
time of his birth the calendar being use was the “Julian Calendar.” According to that calendar his birthdate was
February 11, 1731. A new calendar was adopted in 1750 by Great Britain and the Colonies, which changed his
birth date to the one we are Familiar With. The “Gregorian” calendar added 11 days and began the New Year in
January instead of March, so that’s why his Birth Date 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 renamed Mount Vernon. The Washingtons 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 appears to be quite limited, but by the results of
his schooling and, his intent to learn, his schooling evidently was, while limited, quite good. He attended an
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Our Masonic Presidents, by L Randall Rogers - page 159
The 200th anniversary of the birth of George Washington – page 7
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“Old Field” school taught by a man named William Grove who was nicknamed “Hobby” who was a Parish
Sexton. There was a story that Grove was a convict brought from England by Washington’s father to teach
George. His teaching abilities were evidently excellent, as the youth appeared to acquire a well-rounded
education.3 Later he attended a private school taught by a Mr. Williams.
In the 1740’s between the ages of 11 and 16 George Washington wrote he called, “Master George Washington’s
Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation.”4 “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 for the rest of his life.
The Rules are too numerous to mention here in their entirety. There are 110 of them and, while some may
appear to be the writing of a youth still some are relevant and timely. I will list just some of them that I think
you might like to hear and, which might give you a feel for them.
“When you sit down, keep your feet firm and even, without putting one on the other or crossing them.”
“Let your countenance be pleasant but in serious matters somewhat grave.”
“Superfluous complements and all affectation are to be avoided, yet where due they are not to be neglected.”
“If any one come to speak to you while you are sitting, stand up tho he be your inferior, and when you present seats let it be to
everyone according to his degree.”
“When a man does all he can though it succeeds not well, blame not him who did it.”
“Wherein you reprove another be unblameable yourself ; for example is more prevalent than precepts.”
“Use no reproachfull language against anyone; neither curse nor revile.”
“Be not hasty to believe flying reports to the disparagement of any.”
“Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for `tis better to be alone than in bad
company.”
“Think before you speak; pronounce not imperfectly nor bring out your words too hastily but orderly and distinctly.”
“Undertake not what you cannot perform, but be careful to keep your promise.”
“Speak not evil of the absent for it is unjust.”
“Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.”
Washington was in the 4th generation of Washington’s in America. George was 11 years old when his father
died. From this early age his mother placed upon him the duty of not only saying Grace at the table & prayers at
night and morning, but also she expected him to assume and carry such responsibility as the circumstances of
life brought to him.5
George went to live with his Brother Augustine after his fathers death. When it came to his education young
George worked hard at learning Latin, he practiced writing until he perfected neat and legible characters. He
became addicted toward mathematics and spent untold hours solving problems. He worked at surveying as a
means of improving his skill in computing and measuring. It was not his teachers, but people who had the major
3
G. Washington Master Mason – Allen E.Roberts
George Washington In His Own Words, Harrison & Gilbert – Editors
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Washington’s Home and Fraternal Life – M.S.A.
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influence on Washington as a young man. Two of those who had the strongest influence was his Mother and
his Brother Lawrence.
Lawrence and Augustine believed that the future of George could be secured if he went to sea. With the
endorsement of Lord William Fairfax, they were able to secure an appointment for him as a midshipman in the
British Navy. His Mother objected. She brought him home to her on her farm. George would not become a
sailor. That decision on his Mother’s part that the people of the new world in the colonies would be the
beneficiaries.6
George Washington became a Mason in Fredericksburg Lodge on November 4, 1752, (the “new” Gregorian
Calendar,) which 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.7
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 that 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.) 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 barns.8
As was already mentioned Masonic Lodge in the 1700’s, where possible, met in taverns. Every meeting was a
Table Lodge, with an atmosphere of convivial fellowship in the Lodge as well as doing Masonic Degree Work.
The Lodge, however, rebuked those who indulged too much in the social mirth. Members who were absent
without excuse were fined and the money was used to pay for the rum and gin.
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.
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 meal, Table Lodge if you will, the Brethren withdrew to
upper chambers by themselves to carry on their labors safe from the eye & ears of the curious.9
6
G. Washington Master Mason – Allen E. Roberts.
Washington’s Home and Fraternal Life – M.S.A.
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Washington’s Home and Fraternal Life – Masonic Service Association
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Washington’s Home and Fraternal Life – M.S.A.
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While the Masons of Fredericksburg Lodge enjoyed each others company at a table lodge and during the
discussion of business they were sincere and serious 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.10
Freemasonry of Washington’s time was what we might call a small and select group of men. Travel was
difficult, and lodges met infrequently, and 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 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.
On January 6, 1759 George Washington and Martha Dadridge Custis Married in her home, which was a
spacious home called the “White House.” After the wedding the new family consisting of George, Martha, and
her two children, “John & Martha,” to his home – Mount Vernon.11 At the time of George Washington’s death
the couple had been married for a little over 40 years.
I was reading in a book recently about President Woodrow Wilson and in that book it made reference to some
people being what around the time of his presidency being called a “cold nose.” From some of the information
that is so-called common knowledge about Washington we might get the impression that he might have been a
cold and standoffish person. However, in the reading that I have been doing about Washington over the past few
years and, in particular in research for this paper, I have begun to realize that he was a warm friendly man who
liked a good joke just like the rest of us might.
Our Brother George Washington was essentially a home body, a lover of the fireside; 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; a hospitable who offered the best he had
in happiness that there many who enjoyed spending time with; 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 when he had to because of his
service to his country with regret, 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 Mount Vernon. He loved his wife and children
and later the grandchildren.
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Our Masonic Presidents by L. Randall Rogers
G. Washington Master Mason – Allen E. Roberts
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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.”12
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 the stately Minuet, or the Virginia Reel our brother Washington enjoyed them both. The
Washington’s often hosed 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 where
the refreshments were not to Brother Washington’s liking, being mostly bread and butter with coffee, which
“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.”
Washington was extremely fond of fishing. The spring run of Shad and Herring was an important source of
food, and a source of revenue, to him. He knew the woods and hunted the Virginia hills for Deer, Hare,
Squirrel, Fox, and Possum, plus many kinds of Bird Hunting such as Quail, Ruffed Grouse, and wild Turkey.13
One of the things I’ve been told throughout my life is that Washington never laughed and was a very serious
sort of man, as we have just seen about references of how he enjoyed life, enjoyed life just like we do, it seems
that it’s not true that he never or rarely laughed. In fact, our Brother, and second President of the United States,
James Madison, said it was totally untrue that President Washington never laughed. “No man seemed more to
enjoy gay conversation. He was particularly pleased with jokes, good humor, and hilarity of his companions.” It
would appear that no man without a keen sense of humor could have accomplished what Washington did.14 As
anyone who has had to shoulder responsibility knows no matter what the task if you’re dealing with people
you’re going to have many times when you will smile, laugh, and enjoy each others company.
Earlier I mentioned that Brother Washington was never happier that at home, with his family and friends. The
word Happiness is used quite frequently in his writings. Happiness is a great word, happiness is what we all
want, and it is what Washington wanted to. A point of fact and interest is that the United States is the only
Nation on the planet with the word Happiness in it’s official chartering papers.15 There is a book called “George
Washington in his Own Words” It’s a fine book to read if you would like to know more about George
Washington the man, in that book the word happiness is used in his writings in no less than 65 pages of the
book. It is plain to me that happiness, and the pursuit of it was of primary importance to our First President. It is
said that Success is a journey not a destination, I would suggest that it’s the same with happiness, happiness is a
day to day thing and it’s an inside job. With Washington chosen as President of the Constitutional Convention
maybe we shouldn’t be surprised that we have the word Happiness in our Constitution.
William Pierce, one of the Delegates to the Constitutional Convention mad 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, now only seeks the approbation of his countrymen.”16
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 and John Adams 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
12
Washington’s Home and Fraternal Life – M.S.A.
Washington’s Home and Fraternal Life – M.S.A.
14
G. Washington Master Mason – Allen E. Roberts
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Earl Nightingale – The Strangest Secret
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Masonic Trivia and Facts – Allen E. Roberts
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the sessions, 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.”17
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 defence of American liberty.” Thomas Johnson Jr., of Maryland
proposed Washington for the position, the election was unanimous. Washing 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, were fugitives from the British
authorities 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 ting to do rather than the easy ting 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 that he [George Washington] would “cheerfully
accept the honor of commanding it, if 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.”18
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 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,19 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 Washington’s immediate
family. Lafayette had Washington’s trust and confidence without limit, and was addressed in the most intimate
terms.20
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 it is a book called “Masonry And The Flag,” and 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 subject
only to the English King. The company had its own large army as well as ships of commerce and of war. It had
the right to make war and peace “in all heathen nations” and administer all laws – civil and criminal.
17
G. Washington Master Mason – Allen E. Roberts
G. Washington Master Mason - Allen E. Roberts
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A True Republican the Life of Paul Revere – Jayne E. Triber
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Washington’s Home and Fraternal Life – M.S.A.
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In 1704 the cross of St. George was the flag of England and the 13 stripes of alternate red and white, the badge
of her loyal East India Company, whose 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.”
When Washington was made aware of the similarity and the symbolism the British attached to the “Rebels”
raising it Washington wrote this to Joseph Reed at Philadelphia. “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 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.
We are all familiar with the painting of Washington crossing the Delaware River, this and the battle that
followed was a highlight. 1776 was not the best of times for our Brother the General and his troops. Along with
other problems he did not have the forces necessary to make a concerted stand against the British toward the
end of the year morale was low, the army was forced to retreat into Pennsylvania, and the Continental Congress
fled Philadelphia. Then something extraordinary came to Washington’s attention that made a significant
difference in the morale of his army.
In the Pennsylvania Journal of December 19, 1776 a piece called “The Crisis” by Thomas Paine appeared.
Washington had the piece read to his troops: “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the
sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now deserves the love and
thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us – that the harder
the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.”
On Christmas night Washington and his men crossed the Delaware River. An officer wrote about it in his diary:
“It will be a terrible night for the soldiers who have no shoes. Some of them have tied old rags around their feet, but I have
not heard a man complain.” Due to the bad weather the crossing took 3 hours longer than planned but the crossing
was completed. The launched a two pronged attack on Trenton New Jersey and took the Hessian troops by
surprise. Within a half an hour they surrendered, forty of them were killed, and 918 were taken prisoner.
Casualties for the Continental Army were 4 killed, and 4 wounded. That victory helped the morale of the army,
but to help keep the army from dwindling Washington offered $10. of his own money as a bonus {called then a
bounty] for any of his men who would stay in he army beyond the end of their enlistment.21 It should be pointed
out that during the Revolutionary War Washington served his country without pay, he asked only for payment
of his expenses. While Washington encountered many hardships and difficulties he was able to hold the army
together by the moral strength of his character by which he commanded their esteem and loyalty.22
21
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Masonic Trivia and Facts – Allen E. Roberts
Our Masonic Presidents – L Randall Rogers
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Washington was concerned about properly recognizing the outstanding valor of many of his men. On August
7, 1782 he issued an order that created two distinct military decorations. One was to consist of narrow strips “of
white cloth of an angular form to be fixed to the left arm of the uniform coats.” This was to indicate the length
of service and good conduct. The order continued by describing the greatest honor of all – The Order Of
Military Merit. The order says in part: “The General directs that whenever any singularly meritorious action is
performed, the author of it shall be permitted to wear on his facings, over his left breast, the figure of a heart in purple cloth,
or silk, edged with narrow lace or binding. Not only instances of unusual gallantry, but also of extraordinary fidelity and
essential service in any way shall meet with a due reward. Before this favor can be conferred on any man, the particular fact
or facts on which it is to be grounded must be set forth to the Commander-in-Chief, accompanied with certificates from the
commanding officers of the regiment and brigade to which the candidate for reward belonged, or other incontestable proofs,
and upon granting it, the name and regiment of the person with the action so certified are to be enrolled in the book of merit
which will be kept at the orderly office. This order is to have retrospect to the earliest stages of the war, and to be considered
as a permanent one.”
Although Washington intended this award to be a lasting one, for some reason it was abolished. But on the 200th
anniversary of Washington’s birth, February 22, 1932, the War Department announced: “By order of the
President of the United States, the Purple Heart established by General Washington at Newburgh, New York, Is
hereby revived out of respect to his memory and military achievements.” All military personnel who receive
wounds by enemy action requiring treatment by a medical officer, are entitled to a Purple Heart.23
The Revolutionary War went on for a very long time. In November of 1782 a Provincial Treaty was signed in
Paris, but it was not until the following March that word finally reached Washington. On March 31, 1783
Washington wrote to Nathaniel Green saying in part; “I beg you to accept my warmest congratulations on this glorious and
happy event, an event which crowns all our labors and will sweeten the toils which we have experienced in the course of eight years
distressing war.” Our Brother Washington ordered ordered hostilities to cease on April 19, 1783, eight years to the
day that the first shot was fired. It was however, the following November before the formal ceremonies took
place in New York. On December 4, 1783 the last of the English troops boarded ships and set sail for
England.24
As mentioned before, on December 4, 1783 the last of the British troops boarded ships to head for home. On the
same day the Commander-in-Chief met with his officers at Fraunces’ Tavern to bid farewell to them. His
farewell address has been described as a very warm, personal, and tearful gathering. At the end of Washington’s
speech he stepped forward to General Knox, extended his hand, and clasped him in a brotherly embrace.25 On
December 23 Washington surrendered his commission to congress, he then rode as fast as he could to reach
home for Christmas.
There was no parade, no last review. The Continental Army staggered away on foot in small groups, just as it
had come. Washington had said: “These men – the ill-fed, ill-clothed, weary, foot sore, unpaid, were the real
heroes of the war for American independence.”26
The Constitutional Convention began on May 25, 1787 and Washington was a delegate to the convention, so his
retirement from public life was not to be for a long time, and in the interim Washington was interested and
active with the issues of the country. Washington was chosen as president of the convention. His friend and
Brother Benjamin Franklin had planned on placing Washington’s name in nomination , but he was ill, so it was
Robert Morris who nominated the former Commander-in-Chief, and Washington was unanimously elected.27
23
G. Washington Master Mason – Allen E. Roberts
G. Washington Master Mason – Allen E. Roberts
25
Mason’s Who Helped Shape Our Nation - Clausen
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G. Washington Master Mason – Allen E. Roberts
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Masonic Trivia and Facts - Roberts
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On September 17, 1787 the Constitution of the United States was adopted by 39 of the 42 delegates signing,
13 of the 39 signers were freemasons.28 On June 21 1788 New Hampshire became the 9th State to ratify the
Constitution, which made it a legal and binding document.
Washington went home after the convention and wished to remain there, however many of his friends urged
him to accept the nomination for President if the electors, (which were selected on the first Wednesday of
January 1789,) chose him for the job. They did choose him, Washington was the unanimous choice.
The day of Washington’s inauguration was April 30, 1789, the ceremonies however, were delayed because
someone had forgotten to provide a Bible for the ceremony and, no oath could be considered binding without it
being taken on the Holy Book. Fortunately there was a Bible near by – on the Altar of St. John’s Lodge #1. The
Master of the Lodge, General Jacob Morton, rushed to the Masonic Lodge to get the Bible. With one hand on
the Holy Bible and the other over his heart, Washington took the oath of office as the first President Of The
United States. The oath was administered by the Chancellor of New York, Robert R. Livingston, who was also
the Grand Master of Masons of New York. General Jacob Morton who was the Marshal of the Day and General
Morgan Lewis who was Washington’s personal escort later would both become Grand Masters of New York.
At the time of Washington’s Inauguration our Brothers health was not the best the war had taken its toll on what
some called his “Constitution hardy enough to encounter and undergo the most severe trials.” On September 8,
1789 the President wrote to his friend Dr. James Craik, giving him a report on some surgery he had done, the
surgery was a result of an illness that was serious, but the pain he lived with would not keep him from
performing the things he wished to perform for his job as President, and as a friend. Benjamin Franklin, who
was dying, had written to the President and, on September 23, 1789 President Washington wrote to Brother
Franklin. “The affectionate congratulations on the recovery of my health, and the warm expressions of personal friendship
which were contained in your favor of the 16th instant, claim my gratitude. And the consideration that it was written when you
were afflicted with a painful malady, greatly increased my obligation for it.
Would to God, my dear sir, that I could congratulate you upon the removal of that excruciating pain under which you labor!
And that your existence might close with as much ease to yourself, as its continuance has been beneficial to our country and
useful to mankind! Or, if the United wishes of a free people, joined with the earnest prayers of every friend to science and
humanity could relieve the body from pains and infirmities, you could claim an exemption on this score. But this cannot be,
and you within yourself the only resource to which we can confidently apply for relief: a philosophic mind.
If to be venerated for benevolence: If to be admired for talents: If to be esteemed for patriotism: If to be loved for
philanthropy, can gratify the human mind, you must have the pleasing consolation to know that you have not lived in vain;
grateful occurrences of your life to be assured that so long as I retain my memory, you will be thought on with respect,
veneration, and affection by your sincere friend.
7 months later Benjamin Franklin was called to that house not made with hands by the Supreme Architect of the
Universe.29
On January 8, 1790 Washington gave his first State of the Union Address. I will quote just a small part of it that
I think is worth hearing. “Knowledge is in every country the surest basis of public happiness.” “To the security of a free
constitution it contributes in various ways; by convincing those who are intrusted with the public administration, that every valuable
end of government is best answered buy the enlightened confidence of the people; and by teaching the people themselves to know, and
to value their own rights; to discern and provide against invasions of them; to distinguish between oppression and the necessary
exercise of lawful authority, between burthens proceeding from a disregard to their convenience and those resulting from the
inevitable exigencies of society; to discriminate the spirit of liberty from that of licentiousness, cherishing the first, avoiding the last,
and uniting a speedy but temperate vigilance against encroachments , with an inviolable respect to the laws.”30
There has been quite a bit written about the laying of the cornerstone of the Capitol in Washington D.C. in the
past few years, so I will just quote from Brother Edward T. Schultz, Grand Historian of the Grand Lodge of
Maryland in 1885. In the book G. Washington Master Mason by Allen E. Roberts there is reproduced a
28
Masonic Membership Of The Founding Fathers – Ronald Heaton , M.S.A.
G. Washington Master Mason - Roberts
30
George Washington in his own words – Harrison & Gilbert, Editors
29
10
lengthily newspaper article from the Columbian Mirror and Alexandria Gazette that was published
September 23, 1793. In 1885 Brother Schultz writing about Washington added this: “The Grand Lodge of
Maryland was represented in form by Brother Joseph Clark, Junior Grand Warden as Grand Master, pro tem, but
Washington, of all the Masons present that day, bore the most distinguished part; for as e crossed the Potomac with his suite
from his home in Mount Vernon, he was met on the shore by the Officers and Brethren of Lodges # 9 & 22 in full Masonic
form and costume, together with the Grand Officers pro tem, of the Grand Lodge of Maryland, and was assigned the chief
Masonic post of honor, having the Grand Master pro tem, on his left and the Master of [Lodge] # 22 on his right. It was a
goodly sight that day, for America’s noblest son, and most beloved Mason, was the chief Craftsman in laying the foundation of
our Capitol.”
On October 3, 1789 President Washington Issued a Proclamation establishing Thanksgiving as a national
Holiday. He declared that November 26, 1789, a Thursday would be the date of the first national holiday of
Thanksgiving, that was the 4th Thursday of November that year, and since that time it was made official that the
4th Thursday of November each year will be set aside as the national holiday of Thanksgiving. Here is the
proclamation:
“Wearas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His
benefits, and humbly to improve his protection and favor, and whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint
committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be
observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them
an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness, “Now, therefore, I do
recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the
service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficial author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be that we
may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of
this country previous to their becoming a nation, for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of
His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war, for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we
have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of
government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted for the civil and religious
liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general,
for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer on us . And also that we may then unite in most
humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great lord and ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our
national and other transgressions, to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and
relative duties properly and punctually, to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being
a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all
sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments,
peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among
them and us; and generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best."
Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3rd day of October, AD 1789
G. Washington.