George Washington Essay Research Paper The name

George Washington Essay, Research Paper

The name of George Washington claims a place in our American Masonic history. As the “Father of our Country” he is a source of pride to every American Freemason and we are honored to call him a “Brother” in our time-honored Fraternity. He was “raised” to the sublime degree of a Master Mason in Lodge #4 of Fredericksburg, Virginia on August 4th, 1753. On December 20th, 1788 Brother Washington was elected the first Worshipful Master of Alexandria Lodge #22.

It was during the Revolutionary War that the young Marquis de Lafayette came to America from France and joined General George Washington’s army for the Battle of Brandywine in 1777. The affection each man held for each other as Friends and Brothers was legend. The American cause had become Lafayette’s cause. The legacy that developed through this affection led to the presentation of a special Masonic Apron at Mt. Vernon in August of 1784. It was made of white satin and hand-embroidered by Madame Lafayette.

This apron has become a study in symbolism. Symbols are silent emblems having meaning only when interpreted and given the unique character of the interpretation process, it is also understood that no symbol has an absolute meaning. For example, the apron border colors of red, white and blue are the National Colors of both the United States and France, and the colors of our National Flag. In Masonry the color red is a symbol of courage, white for innocence, and blue for fidelity. The “Lambskin” or white leather apron is itself an emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason, more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle, more honorable than the Star and Garter, or any other order that could be conferred upon me, at this or any future period by king, prince, potentate, or any other person, except he be a Mason. It was hoped that I would wear it with pleasure to myself and honor to the Fraternity.

The “All-Seeing Eye” is a symbol of watchfulness and the eye of the Grand Architect. It is the symbol of his Divine watchfulness and care of the Universe. The All-Seeing Eye, whom the Sun, Moon, and Stars obey, and under whose watchful care even comets perform their stupendous revolutions, pervades the inmost recesses of the human heart, and will reward us according to our merits. The “Rays” represent “Light”. Freemasons are emphatically called “The Sons of Light” because they are entitled to be in possession of the true meaning and knowledge of this symbol. It is in fact the first of all symbols presented to the initiate, and continues to be presented to him in various forms throughout his Masonic career. But as Light not only came from God, it also makes mans way clear before him, so it is employed to signify moral truth. The “Dove” in early Masonry is a symbol of Noah’s messenger. In ancient symbolism, the Dove represented purity and innocence and was often seen bearing an olive branch.

The constellation of “Seven Six-pointed Stars” in Masonry represents the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences: They are Grammar, Rhetoric, Logic, Arithmetic, Geometry, Music and Astronomy. The Six-pointed Star symbolizes Divine Providence and is the Star of David or Shield of David. This starry-decked heaven is where all good Masons hope at last to arrive by aid of that “Theological Ladder” which Jacob in his vision saw extending from Earth to Heaven, the principal rounds of which are denominated Faith, Hope and Charity, which admonish us to have Faith in God, Hope in Immortality, and Charity toward all Mankind. The greatest of these is Charity; for our faith may be lost in sight, hope ends in fruition, but Charity extends beyond the grave, through the boundless realms of eternity!

The “Sun” as the source of material light reminds the Mason of that intellectual light of which he is in constant search. The Worshipful Master who rules and governs his Lodge is said to be the symbol of the rising sun in the east. The sun, therefore is the symbol of sovereignty, the hieroglyphic of royalty; and signifies absolute authority. As the sun rules the day, so does the moon govern the night; as the sun regulates our years, so does the moon mark the passing months. These symbols in Masonry are known as the “Lesser Lights”.

The “Three Great Lights” in Masonry are the Holy Bible, Square and Compasses. The Holy Bible is dedicated to the service of God because it is the inestimable gift of God to man, and on it we obligate our Brethren. The “Square” to the Worshipful Master because it is the proper Masonic emblem of his office, and the “Compasses” to the Craft because by a due attention to their use we are taught to circumscribe our desires and keep our passions within due bounds toward all mankind, especially a Brother Mason.

Here are the “Pillars of the Porch” of King Solomon’s Temple… King Solomon did not simply erect them as ornaments to the temple, but memorials of God’s repeated promises of support to His people of Israel. Boaz, the name of the left pillar means “in strength”, the right pillar Jachin means “God will establish”, which signifies when combined, the message “In strength, God will establish His house in Israel”. And thus were the Jews, in passing through the porch to the temple, daily reminded of the abundant promises of God, and inspired with confidence in His protection and gratitude for His many acts of kindness to His chosen people. The globe o