An Alexandria historian, Mary Powell, wrote that: "The school was attended by the best classes of Alexandria boys and able instruction was given in the classics, history, and elocution." She also observed: "The Rev. McWhirr and the Rev. Mr. Moffat were both Presbyterian clergymen who taught during the lifetime of General Washington. Mr. Leary succeeded Mr. Moffat ..."[26] In 1801 the _Alexandria Gazette_ reported that the trustees of the Alexandria Academy: express their satisfaction at the progress of every branch taught in the academy ... reading and spelling; the accurate and extensive knowledge of English grammar and of the Latin classics, reflect the highest honor on the capacity and diligence of Mr. Maffitt, the teacher.[27] Maffitt remained at the Academy until 1804 when he notified the board of trustees that he intended to "relinquish his situation as principal" on June 8. No hint of his future plans was given.[28] At least as early as 1799, Maffitt became a member of Masonic Lodge 22[29] and took part in other community activities befitting a schoolmaster and minister. On December 24, 1799, the _Alexandria Gazette_ reported: Friday next being St. John's Day, Brother Maffitt, at the request of Lodges 22 and 47, will deliver a Charity Sermon at the Presbyterian Meeting house at which all the brethren are requested to attend. N.B. it is expected that every brother will appear with his badge of mourning--and those of Lodge 22 in full mourning.[30] [Illustration: _A physiognotrace of "William Maffett, chaplain." Courtesy of Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22, A. F. & A. M., Alexandria, Virginia._] George Washington, a member of Lodge 22, had died on December 14, 1799, and the call was to a memorial service. Maffitt did not, as legend claims, preach the funeral sermon, although he did march with the clergy in the lodge's funeral procession from Alexandria to Mount Vernon to attend the ceremony.[31] Earlier in 1799, the minutes of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church show that Rev. William Maffitt was assigned to Bladensburg.[32] There is no record of his actual presence there and he was not re-assigned.[33] For the rest of his life, his listings in the minutes show him "without charge." Although Maffitt was a licensed minister, there is some doubt that he was ever ordained.[34]