The George Washington Gavel
A National Treasure
Coming to Ocala March 24-25, 2017
A brief history of the gavel
At 10:00 a.m. on September 18, 1793
the President of the United States, George Washington,
and his entourage crossed the Potomac River to arrive in the city of Washington. There they were joined by an escort
consisting of the Alexandria Volunteer Artillery and members of Masonic Lodges from Virginia and Maryland, and
proceeded to the construction grounds approximately 1.5 miles away. At the site of the Capitol, Washington was received by the Grand Master of Masons of Maryland Joseph Clark. A silver plaque fashioned by Georgetown silversmith Caleb Bentley was handed to Washington who stepped into the foundation trench and placed the plaque, whereupon the cornerstone was lowered. The plaque was inscribed with a brief tribute to the "military valor and prudence" of
Washington, and dedicated the building in the "first year, of the second term, of the presidency of George W ashington ... and in the year of Masonry 5793." Washington, accompanied by three Worshipful Masters carrying corn, wine,
and oil, then struck the stone three times with the gavel, as prescribed by Masonic custom. Washington exited the
trench to cheers by the assembled Masons and a 15-gun salute (one gun for each U.S. States) from the Alexandria Volunteer Artillery. Clark then delivered a short invocation, after which a 500 pound ox was slaughtered and roasted.
The George Washington Gavel will be on display March 24th and 25th 2017. It is in the care of Potomac Lodge No. 5
A.F.&A.M. in Washington, DC. The Gavel travels several times a year throughout the Country. The Masonic Lodges
of the 15th Masonic District of Florida are responsible for bringing this artifact to Marion County for public viewing. It
is escorted by three Freemasons from Washington DC and is not out of their custody and control. There is a free event,
and one ticketed event both open to the public.
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Silver Springs 5360 E Silver Springs Blvd Silver Springs FL 33488 PH:352-304-6111
www.ocalasilverspringshotel.com Group Name: Masonic Event Group Rate: $106.00 per night
Date: Friday March 24th, 2017
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Welcome Reception at The Ocala Shrine Club
Address: 4301 SE Maricamp Rd, Ocala, FL 34480
Donation of $30.00 includes heavy hors d’oeuvres
Date: Saturday March 25th, 2017 FREE EVENT
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Marion-Dunn No.19 Masonic Lodge
Address: 1846 SE 36th Ave Ocala
For more information please visit www.fldistrict15.org
Call the 15th Masonic District of Florida George Washington Gavel Committee Chairman
Glen Garner 305-775-1254 Or email: [email protected]
Approved for Distribution by M.W. Stanley L. Hudson, Grand Master, on January 23, 2017