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Washington's Masonic Correspondence: As Found among the Washington Papers in the Library of Congress — John Shaqi

Washington's Masonic Correspondence: As Found among the Washington Papers in the Library of CongressWashington, George

Religion

Washington's Masonic Correspondence: As Found among the Washington Papers in the Library of Congress

Name: Washington's Masonic Correspondence: As Found among the Washington Papers in the Library of Congress
Author: Washington, George

Washington, George

Freemasons; Washington, George, 1732-1799 -- Correspondence; Washington, George, 1732-1799 -- Freemasonry

"A Grand Lodge was opened in ample form, and the Minutes of St.
     John's Day being read as far as relates to the appointment of a
     Committee to prepare an Address to our illustrious Brother George
     Washington, The Revd. Bro. Dr. Wm. Smith, one of the said
     Committee, presented the Draft of one which was read, Whereupon, on
     Motion and Seconded, the same was unanimously approved of, and
     Resolved, That the Rt. Wt. Grand Master, Depy. G. Master, and
     Grand Officers, with the Revd Bro. Smith, be a Committee to
     present the said Address in behalf of this Rt. Wt. Grand Lodge,
     signed by the Right Worshipful Grand Master, and Countersigned by
     the Grand Secretary.

     "Lodge closed at half past 9 o'clock in Harmony."


Following is the address presented to Brother WASHINGTON. Both the
original draft in the handwriting of Brother William Smith, showing
minor alterations, as well as a fair copy, are in the archives of the
Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.[51]

     "TO HIS EXCELLENCY GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

     "_Sir and Brother_:

     "The Ancient _York Masons_ of the Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania, for
     the first time assembled in General _Communication_ to celebrate
     the Feast of St. John the Evangelist, since your Election to the
     _Chair_ of Government in the United States, beg leave to approach
     you with Congratulations from the East, and in the pride of
     Fraternal affection to hail you as the _Great Master Builder_
     (under the Supreme Architect) by whose labours the _Temple of
     Liberty_ hath been reared in the West, exhibiting to the Nations of
     the Earth a _Model_ of _Beauty_, _Order_ and _Harmony_ worthy of
     their Imitation and Praise.

     "Your Knowledge of the Origin and Objects of our Institution; its
     Tendency to promote the Social Affections and harmonize the Heart,
     give us a sure pledge that this tribute of our Veneration, this
     Effusion of our Love will not be ungrateful to you; nor will Heaven
     reject our _Prayer_ that you may be long continued to adorn the
     bright list of Master workmen which our Fraternity in the
     _terrestrial Lodge_; and that you may be late removed to that
     _Celestial Lodge_ where love and Harmony reign transcendent and
     Divine; where the great Architect more immediately presides, and
     where _Cherubim_ and _Seraphim_, wafting our Congratulations from
     _Earth to Heaven_, shall hail you _Brother_.

        (Seal)     "By order and in behalf of the Grand
                   "Lodge of Pennsylvania in general Com-
                   "munication assembled in ample form.


                   "J B Smith

        (Signed)                G.M.

                  [Illegible Signature]

       "Attest:                 Gd. Secry."


=FAC-SIMILE OF THE ORIGINAL ADDRESS READ BEFORE PRESIDENT WASHINGTON
BY REV. BRO. WILLIAM SMITH, D.D., JANUARY 3, 1792.

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Washington's Masonic Correspondence: As Found among the Washington Papers in the Library of Congress

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