Tim bought me a massive biography of George Washington for Christmas and due to new babies, intervening quick reads, and life in general I am only now finishing it. I know we have all heard that Washington was a Mason and I am sure we have all wondered to what extent he was committed to the order. Unfortunately, it seems very much so. It is a Read This and Weep episode of American history:
“On September 18,1793,at Mount Vernon,Washington greeted a fife and drum corps from Alexandria and presided over a festive procession to install the cornerstone of the Capitol. After he crossed the Potomac, many Masons gathered to receive him, appareled in their order’s ceremonial garb. The grand parade to the ceremonial site proceeded under the auspices of Lodge No. 22 of Alexandria and the Grand Lodge of Maryland and its assorted chapters. Officiating as Grand Master, Washington donned the elaborately embroidered Masonic apron that, in happier times, had been a gift from Lafayette’s wife. To the sharp reports of cannon, Washington stepped into a trench, hoisted a trowel, and spread cement on the cornerstone before pouring oil, corn, and wine over it as spectators offered up Masonic chants. Incorporated into this southeast corner of the Capitol was a silver plate engraved with the words “the year of Masonry 5793.”
Again we see what a checkered affair life, and so history, is. My understanding is that most godly American pastors were in favor of the American Revolution. Were they, as a group, not called the “black brigade” or something along these lines? In his biography of George Whitefield, Dallimore says that the great evangelist was a noted voice favoring independence from Great Britain. So, we know there were many fervent prayers before God’s throne for his blessing on this new republic.
But then, alongside, occultism….On the part of the Father of the Nation….Who was, horizontally speaking, a great man, without a doubt…
Weird, evil, and troubling.
A thought: This makes me wonder about the continuing influence of Masonry. We Evangelicals give it not a thought, but I suspect it is still a considerable force in our society. I know recently during a mayoral contest in our community, one of the candidates approached John with a Masonic handshake…..
Another reason to fast and pray without ceasing for our nation…
Grace Looking Back 
Also from Wallbuilders.com, an article on the “Black Robe Regiment” – which was the name that the British gave to American clergy who spoke out for independence.
http://brr.wallbuilders.com/the-original-brr/what-is-the-black-robed-regiment.aspx
Some excerpts:
“The American clergy were faithful exponents of the fullness of God’s Word, applying its principles to every aspect of life, thus shaping America’s institutes and culture. They were also at the forefront of proclaiming liberty, resisting tyranny, and opposing any encroachments on God-given rights and freedoms.”
“…ministers during the Revolutionary period were not necessarily unique; they were simply continuing what ministers had been doing to shape American government and culture in the century and a half preceding the Revolution.”
“Because Christian ministers established in America freedoms and opportunities not generally available even in the mother country of Great Britain, they were also at the forefront of resisting encroachments on the civil and religious liberties that they had helped secure.”
Many thanks!
Yes, everything to do with the world’s system is such a weird, mixed bag, isn’t it? I have wondered much about the implications of the things you’ve mentioned here. I’m also curious to know more about your thinking in titling the post as you did… did you mean that it would be good to be able to delete from history the weird and evil so mixed in with the (seemingly, at least) good?
Yes, exactly. Sort of seriously and sort of tongue-in-cheek…I do trust God knows what he is doing as he allows good and evil to grow together for a time!
I have heard that he was a mason as were many of the founding fathers.
Peter Lillback (President Westminster Theological Seminary ) in his book “George Washington’s Sacred Fire” deals with George Washington and his involvement in the Mason’s. If this is not the book you are reading it would be worth your while to track it down. The relevant parts are pages 501- 510.
Thanks. I will try to find it.
Interesting. I did not know that Dad had been approached in that manner.