A MASONIC PRESENCE AT WASHINGTON'S INAUGURATION
200 YEARS AGO
by
Phillip M. Thienel, PM
Herndon Lodge No. 264
from
VIRGINIA MASONIC HERALD
April 1989

     The mention of George Washington's name immediately
calls to memory the maxim, "first in war, first in peace,
and first in the hearts of his countrymen."

     Those firsts were not sought by Washington for his
glory, but accrued to him as he pursued his country's good
in a life of public service.

     In the war for independence the Continental Congress
sought Washington to be the colonies' General in Chief of
the Army of the United Colonies.  With the achievement of
peace and independence by a treaty with Great Britain,
Washington's fellow citizens sought him to be a member of
the Constitutional Convention and that convention elected
him its president.  The Constitution he signed is still in
force today.  With the ratification of the Constitution
prepared under his leadership, Washington's countrymen
sought him to be their first president.

     To our Grand Lodge of Virginia the highlight of the
200th Anniversary of Washington's inauguration as President
on April 30, 1789 is the number of his firsts pertinent to
the Masonic Fraternity.  Washington was the first of 14
Masons to be inaugurated President.  He was the first, and
to date only Mason serving as Master of a Lodge when
inaugurated.  Also of interest was the Masonic atmosphere at
his inaugural ceremony - the presence of Brother Masons and
the Great Light of Freemasonry, The Holy Bible, provided by
a Masonic Lodge, St. Johns No. 1 of New York.

     Another distinction earned by Washington: he was the
first, and to date the only, President to receive a
unanimous electoral college vote.

     Brother Washington was initiated into the Fraternity in
Fredericksburg Lodge on November 4, 1752 and raised to the
degree of Master Mason on August 4, 1753.  From that date to
his inauguration he had a long history of public service
that earned him reverence and esteem.

     A token of the respect he had earned was Alexandria
Lodge electing him Master of the Lodge on April 28, 1788.
Grand Master Edmund Randolph, who was also serving at the
time as Governor of Virginia, gave approval to the election.
On December 20, 1788 the Lodge reelected Washington for a
two-year period.  A Lodge history speculates Washington's
role as Master was more of an honorary than ruling and
governing function.

     When Congress notified him on April 14, 1789 that he
was the unanimous choice of the electors to be President,
Washington responded, "unanimous suffrage in my favor
scarcely leaves me the alternative for an option."

     As fifty-seven year old President-elect Washington set
out in his carriage April 16 for his inauguration in Federal
Hall in New York City he was overwhelmed at the turnout of
friends and citizens, and children, who cheered him.

     The ovations of people along his route, the escorts by
militia honor guards and testimonial dinners at inns as he
traveled for 8 days through Maryland, Delaware,
Pennsylvania, to the port at Elizabeth Town, N.J. were
beyond his expectations.  As the barge that ferried
Washington over the water to New York City, accompanied by a
flotilla of boats filled with his admirers, tied up at Wall
Street a throng of people stood by to welcome him.  An
observer described them "like ears of corn standing in a
cornfield, and as persons who seemed incapable of being
satisfied with gazing at this man of the people."  The
affection the people displayed for him was truly a testimony
that he was first in the hearts of his countrymen.

     With Washington's arrival in the city, Congress set
April 30 for the eventful day of his inauguration.
Washington waited in solemn gravity for the event.

     Ceremonies on that day began at sunrise with the
discharge of artillery fired at old Fort George near Bowling
Green.  At 9 o'clock church bells rang throughout the city
for half an hour followed by religious services offering
prayers for the "blessing of heaven on the new government,
favor and protection on the President, and success and
acceptance of his administration."

     The inaugural procession formed early at the
President's house.  At noon with city troops leading the way
Washington's carriage departed for Federal Hall where
Congress in session awaited him.  People in the crowded
streets cheered.  Washington alighted from his carriage on
arrival and entered into the Senate Chamber where the Senate
and House were assembled.  Representative Elias Boudinot
introduced Washington to the Assemblage.  Washington bowed.
Vice President John Adams then conducted Washington to his
chair.  Solemn silence prevailed.

     Adams informed Washington that the Senate and House
were ready to attend him to take the oath required by the
Constitution.  Washington assented.  Adams escorted
Washington to the balcony in front of the Senate Chamber in
full view of a multitude of people on the street, leaning
out the open windows and standing on roofs of adjacent
buildings.  It was an inspiring stage scene.  Eyes were
fixed on Washington's appearance.  As he came out into the
open he was greeted by public exultations.  The
demonstration of public affection touched Washington to the
quick.  He placed his hand on his heart and bowed.  The
people understood he was overcome by their demonstration and
hushed into profound silence.  Washington sat down on the
arm chair next to a table covered with crimson cloth.  On
the table on a pillow had been placed a superbly bound Bible
that had been borrowed from St. John's Lodge F. & A. M.,
opened to Psalm 127, "Except the Lord build the house."  (A
later-years picture of the Bible showed it opened to
Genesis: 13-14)

     Robert L. Livingston, Grand Master of Masons of the
Grand Lodge of New York, and Chancellor of the State of New
York, advanced to Washington's right and read slowly the
oath required by the Constitution.  Washington with his eyes
closed, according to an observer, that his whole soul might
be absorbed in the supplication, repeated the oath and
declared, "I swear so help me God," and then bowed.
Secretary of the Senate, Samuel A. Otis, lifted the Bible
off its crimson cushion and held it up to Washington to
kiss.

     Grand Master Livingston then stepped forward, faced the
spectators, and uttered, "Long live George Washington,
President of the United States of America."  A flag was
raised on a pole on the cupola of the Federal Hall as a
signal to the artillery at the battery to fire a salute.
Bells pealed for joy.  Hurrahs of the multitude on the
streets rent the air.  Washington again bowed to the people,
and then returned to the Senate Chamber.

     In a few moments Washington rose to speak.

     The summons of his country to serve awakened in him, he
said, a distrustful scrutiny of his qualifications.  He
believed himself unpracticed in civil administration.  Yet,
he sensed a transcendent proof in the high regard of his
fellow citizens to negate his doubts.

     The first act of office, he declared, should be
supplications t the "Almighty Being" who rules the universe
that the government and functions allotted to him would be
successful. He added that every step in the country's
contest for independence had been distinguished by some
token of providential agency.

     Because he had not sought the office of President he
did not find it necessary to address any commitments.  He
asked to be excused from the Constitutional requirement to
recommend measures to the Congress judged necessary to be
acted upon.  He preferred to offer a tribute due to the
talents, rectitude, and patriotism of the members of
Congress.  On the need for any amendments to the
Constitution needed for any amendments to the Constitution
provided by Article V, and requested by some of the states,
Washington said he would depend on Congress' discernment.
On a matter personally affecting him, he renounced
compensation as President, just as he had done when
appointed General in Chief of the Army.

     In conclusion, he remarked, "the foundation of our
national policy will be laid on the pure and immutable
principles of private morality, eternal rules or order, and
the destiny of the republic model of government was staked
on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American
people."

     Upon completion of his address President Washington,
Vice President Adams, members of Congress, and public
figures who participated in the ceremony in Federal Hall
walked to St. Paul's Episcopal Church where the Senate
Chaplain, Reverend Samuel Provoost, conducted a prayer
service.  After the Te Deum was sung Washington left the
church and entered his carriage to return to the President's
mansion.

     The public then went off to celebrate.

     As the evening stars began to shine bonfires were
lighted and candles placed in the windows of many homes.  A
dense crowd of people filled the streets.

     After dinner at his home the President, accompanied by
his aide Colonel David Humphrey and Secretary Tobias Lear,
journeyed down lower Broadway to the home of Chancellor
Livingston where they watched the resplendent display of
fireworks.  At 10 o'clock Washington walked home, the throng
of people blocked the passage of his carriage.

     Brother Washington's public and private life epitomized
the teachings of our Masonic Fraternity as they pertain to
the Supreme Architect of the Universe, our country, and our
fellow creatures.

     Throughout his life he answered his fellow citizens'
claims on his kind offices.

     His public service tasks symbolized the shaping of a
perfect ashlar into a military victory for our independence,
the preparation of our Constitution, and the inauguration of
our first presidency.