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Masonic Myths of the Founding Fathers
-by- Allen E. Roberts, FPS

A series of columns on this subject were written for The Northern Light. Masonic myths and
outright falsehood are continually spread concerning Freemasonry. One in particular about our
Founding Fathers has been circulating for years containing outright distortions. This is an attempt
to set and keep the history of the Craft straight. 

Throughout the centuries Freemasonry has taught its valuable lessons through allegory
and symbols. The man from Galilee used parables extensively and well. Many historians and better
speakers constantly employ anecdotes to illustrate the points they want to make. These methods
emphasize the search for truth in an interesting and factual manner.
Myths on the other hand, can be innocent or dangerous. They can be outright lies or the
perpetuation of distortions handed down through the generations. Many of these were invented by
Masonic writers and speakers to enhance the image of Freemasonry. Some of these corruptions
have caused the Craft problems with creditable historians because they were outrageous lies.
At least one of these items concerns the "Masonic" membership of the founders of the
United States. It is recirculated constantly in usually reliable Masonic periodicals. It not only
should be, it must be destroyed. 
In recent years other items have been circulated. These claim the Constitution of the
United States comes from the Masonic Constitutions Anderson's compiled in 1723. A "play"
called "the truth" is based on this. Many of the characters are called "Masons" who never received
a Masonic degree. It's the stuff on which the critics of Freemasonry feed.
What follows is the truth insofar as I have been able to find it. The facts herein come from
reliable Masonic researchers, and include two late Fellows of The Philalethes Society, James R.
Case and Ronald E. Heaton. They spent a lifetime researching the Masonic connections in the
beginnings of the United States.
Freemasonry, actually, requires no exaggeration to magnify its greatness. The simple truth
is all that is needed to tell its story. This is the reason for this column; to attempt to destroy the
myths that have been prevalent, often for centuries, by telling the truth.
Here's what occurred, Masonically, during the period the spurious item covers.
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Myth: Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry were Freemasons.
Fact: Neither Thomas Jefferson or Patrick Henry were members of the Craft. An
exhaustive search of Masonic records in Virginia, and elsewhere, offers no iota of evidence to
make them Freemasons. Jefferson participated in the cornerstone laying of his University at
Charlottesville, which was done Masonically. He praised Freemasonry and his own words proved
he had never been a member of the Craft.
Myth: All of George Washington's generals during the War for American Independence
were Masons.
Fact: Thirty-three of the generals serving under Washington were members of the Craft, a
long way from "all." The late James R. Case and Ronald E. Heaton made comprehensive studies
of the Revolutionary period and debunked many of the claims considered here. 
Myth: Washington insisted that the Marquis de Lafayette be made a Mason before he
would promote him to general, and the same claim has been made about the Baron von Steuben.
Fact: Both Lafayette and von Steuben were Freemasons before they arrived to help fight
the British. This was true of Lafayette even though he wasn't 21 years of age when he arrived in
America. It's highly likely that Washington never did know they were Masons. The stories of both
of these men are highly interesting, but space prohibits the telling of them here. 
Myth: The governors of the thirteen original colonies when Washington was inaugurated
President of the United States were Freemasons.
Fact: From Lexington until the inauguration thirty different men served as governors. Of
these ten were Freemasons. That's one-third! Wouldn't it be wonderful for the country if we could
claim the same percentage today?
Myth: The Boston Tea Party was organized in St. Andrew's Lodge in Boston and its
member participated in tossing the tea into Boston Harbor.
Fact: So well has the secrecy surrounding the Boston Tea Party been kept that to this day
not a single participant can be truthfully named! It's true that St. Andrew's Lodge didn't meet on
the night of the "party." This proves nothing. The "T" that has been claimed is part of the minutes
of the Lodge is actually an indistinguishable scroll. By no stretch of the imagination can it be
called a "T" or any other letter. 
Myth: All, or almost all, Signers of the Articles of Confederation, Signers of the
Declaration of Independence, and Signers of the Constitution were Freemasons. 
Fact: Ten of the signers of the Articles, nine signers of the Declaration, and thirteen
signers of the Constitution -- and only this number -- were, or would become, Freemasons. Even
so, this is an excellent percentage of the participants. It should be noted that Edmund Randolph,
governor and Grand Master of Virginia, although an important participant in the Constitutional
Convention, didn't sign the document. He did, however, fight for its ratification. It should also be
noted that four Presidents of the Continental Congresses were Freemasons: Peyton Randolph of
Virginia, John Hancock of Massachusetts, Henry Laurens of South Carolina, and Arthur St. Clair
of Pennsylvania. (For further study see Masonic Membership of the Founding Fathers, The
Masonic Service Association). 
Myth: There are many aprons owned or worn by George Washington floating around.
Fact: The only documented apron owned by Washington was one presented by the firm of
Watson and Cassoul. It had been made by nuns at Nantes. It was the only apron listed in
Washington's inventory that was released after his death. 
Myth: Washington was Grand Master in Virginia.
Fact: Washington never was a Grand Master. At the instigation of American Union Lodge
he was suggested for the office of Grand Master of a National Grand Lodge -- a non-existent
body. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and some others agreed, but too many others disagreed
with the concept of a National Grand Lodge. Washington was appointed Master of Alexandria
Lodge No. 22 in Virginia by Grand Master Edmund Randolph when that Pennsylvania Lodge
requested a charter from the Grand Lodge of Virginia. The following year he was elected Master,
but there is no record of his installation into this office, nor is there any record of him presiding
over this Lodge. To keep the record straight, there is much evidence of his respect, and perhaps
even love for Freemasonry. Proof? He was buried with Masonic rites! 
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George Washington has been the source of many Masonic myths and exaggerations for more
than two centuries. This is unfortunate. Of all the Freemasons we can eulogize he requires no
embellishment. From his childhood to his death his extraordinary wisdom, industry and patriotism
predominated. 
Let's try to set the record straight. 
Myth: George Washington was Grand Master of Masons in Virginia. 
Fact: Washington never was a Grand Master. American Union Lodge, on December 15,
1779, proposed Washington become General Grand Master of the United States! This proposal
speaks volumes for the character of the Commander-in-Chief. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania
agreed five days later! Too many others were frightened by the concept of a National Grand
Lodge. It is highly doubtful that Washington would have accepted such an office. Washington
was appointed Master of Alexandria Lodge No. 22 in Virginia by Grand Master Edmund
Randolph when that Pennsylvania Lodge (No. 39) requested a charter from the Grand Lodge of
Virginia. The new charter was dated April 28, 1788. In December of the same year he was elected
Master, but there is no record of his installation into this office, nor is there any record of him
actually presiding over this or any Lodge. 
Myth. Washington acted as Grand Master when the cornerstone of the Federal Capitol
was laid on September 18,1793. 
Fact. It was the Grand Lodge of Maryland that was called on to lay the cornerstone.
Alexandria Lodge, of which Washington was a Past Master, held a place of honor. It was Joseph
Clark, the Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Maryland, who acted as Grand Master,
pro tem. Clark placed the President between himself and the Master of Alexandria Lodge. The
newspaper article reporting the event mentioned Clark as the Grand Master, pro tem. on several
occasions. So did the Maryland historian in 1885. Washington didn't act as Grand Master, but
without question he was the most honored and influential Freemason participating in the event. 
Myth. George Washington never was interested in Freemasonry. He rarely, if ever, attended
Lodge meetings. 
Fact. To keep the record straight, there is much evidence of his respect and even love for
Freemasonry. True, he seldom attended Masonic meetings. This is understandable when it is
realized that from the day he was made a Master Mason until shortly before his death he worked
for his country. Did he love and respect the Craft. The ultimate proof -- he was buried with
Masonic rites! And this even before the Congress knew of his death. (For further study of George
Washington and a complete account of his Masonic activities see George Washington: Master
Mason, Macoy Publishing and Masonic Supply Co., Richmond, VA.) 
Myth: There are many aprons owned or worn by George Washington floating around. 
Fact: The only documented apron owned by Washington was one presented by the firm of
Watson and Cassoul. It had been made by nuns at Nantes. It was the only apron listed in
Washington's inventory that was released after his death. The "Lafayette" apron, purportedly
made by the wife of the Marquis, may be a fact as many authorities claim (and I was one who did
so claim in G. Washington). 
Myth. George Washington renounced Freemasonry. 
Fact. On the contrary he remained a member of the Craft from the moment he was
Initiated into the Lodge at Fredericksburg, Virginia (No. 4) until the day he died. Even then his
wife, Martha, asked the Freemason of Alexandria, Virginia, to hold and conduct his funeral (see
above). In 1837, at state expense, Joseph Ritner, Governor of Pennsylvania, endeavored to "save"
the reputation of the first President. He had published a tract "proving" Washington had never
participated in Masonic events. Earlier the Blanchards, father and son and heads of a so-called
"Christian" anti-Masonic organization, were among the first "Christians" to "prove" Washington
wasn't a Freemason. Much of the anti-Masonic diatribe they promulgated has been carried to the
present day by crusading "saints" against "secret" societies. 
Myth. Washington was uneducated. 
Fact. Uneducated -- no; unschooled -- yes. As far as we can determine Washington never
attended any school. Through his father's vast library Washington learned the fundamentals of
mathematics, surveying and many other subjects. At the age of 17 he earned a substantial wage as
a surveyor. In 1749 he was appointed surveyor of Culpeper County, Virginia, having produced a
certificate "from the President and Masters of William and Mary College, appointing him to be
surveyor of this county." From the many military visitors to Mount Vernon he learned the
principles of warfare. From the intellectuals he learned how to study and use his common sense.
The history of his life proves he became one of the most knowledgeable men of his, or any, day. 
Myth. Washington did not love Martha; he married her for her fortune and social position. Fact. Although critics are adept at reading the minds and thinking of others, historians must base
their logic on known facts. None living today suffered through a war such as the one for the
independence of the United States. Those of us who participated in those of more recent years must
agree with Sherman who said: "War is Hell!" Would a man or woman who did not love each other deeply
share winter quarters together? That's what Martha and George Washington did throughout the War for
American Independence. (For more on George Washington, see G. Washington: Master Mason.) 
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