GEORGE WASHINGTON – A FREEMASON

George Washington (1732-1799) was the first president of the United States and one of the most distinguished figures in the history of the country. His main contribution to humanity lies in the role he played as leader of the Continental Army during the War of Independence and as the first president of the United States. Washington was involved in many of the decisive battles and campaigns that led to the end of the war and the independence of the United States. His leadership and determination were crucial to victory. After the war ended, Washington served as President from 1789 to 1797, leading the country during its formation as a new state and the implementation of its Constitution. Washington’s presidency was important for establishing and maintaining democratic traditions in the United States, as well as for shaping its position on the international stage. George Washington is called the father of the American nation, and his contribution to the history of the world is difficult to overestimate.

George Washington joined a Masonic lodge in Fredericksburg, Virginia, at the age of twenty in 1752. During the War of Independence, he participated in Masonic ceremonies, also supporting lodges formed in the army. At his first presidential inauguration in 1791, he took the oath of office on a Bible from ‘St. John’s Lodge’ in New York. During his two terms in office, he received Masonic delegations from several states. He presided over the Masonic cornerstone laying ceremony for the US Capitol in 1793 (he took part wearing an apron he received from another prominent Freemason – War of Independence hero – General Lafayette). In retirement, Washington became the Worshipful Master of the newly formed ‘Alexandria Lodge № 22.’ He was buried with Masonic honors.

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Freemasonry played a role in George Washington’s life from the age of 20 when he first became an Entered Apprentice in the Fredericksburg lodge until the day he died, when a brother in his Alexandria lodge was one of three doctors at his bedside. 

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