Alexandria-Washington Lodge 22 will visit historic Mt. Vernon in October to dedicate a cornerstone following the extensive rehabilitation of George Washington’s Virginia mansion—and lodges and grand lodges are welcome to join the procession. From the publicity:
Freemasons are summoned from across the United States to celebrate the symbolic Cornerstone Ceremony for George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime historic Masonic event as we dedicate the cornerstone of Brother George Washington’s Mount Vernon on Monday, October 14.
To attend, buy your tickets here. After your purchase, AW22 will contact you about your lodge’s participation.
The mansion has been undergoing an extensive and necessary restoration. Washington’s membership in Craft Masonry underscored his character and demeanor and has lent credibility to the good works of our lodges for more than two centuries.
At the request of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, the stalwart and dedicated stewards of Washington’s home and legacy, the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Virginia and Alexandria-Washington Lodge 22 invite Freemasons throughout the country to witness this historic event. By ensuring a sound foundation for Washington’s Mansion House, we are provided the unique opportunity to serve our Brother and support the preservation of his home and the sharing of his important story for future generations.
The Masonic Cornerstone Ceremony harkens back to the age of stonemason guilds formed to construct the cathedrals of Europe. Laying the cornerstones of buildings in Europe and North America was once an occasion for parades, orations, and general celebrations of the effort. Freemasons continue the tradition of checking the stone to ensure it is sound and symbolically consecrating it with representations of health, peace, and prosperity.
Cornerstone Ceremonies are one of the few public exhibitions provided by Freemasons and offer insight to the tenets of the historic organization.
8 a.m. - Arrive at Mount Vernon
9:00 - Marshaling of Masonic Lodges
9:30 - Grand Lodge of DC Wreath Laying Ceremony
10:30 - Procession of Lodges
11:00 - Procession of the Grand Lodge of Virginia
11:15 - Commencement of Cornerstone Ceremony
12:15 p.m. - Conclusion of Ceremony
12:30 - Lunch on the East Lawn
1:30 - Toast to Washington
2:00 - Event Concludes
Times are subject to change
Order of March
The procession will proceed in the following order:
First Virginia Regiment and Color Guard: Leading the way, they will set the tone for the procession.
Individual Grand Lodges: grand lodges will lead their jurisdiction’s delegation. States will be organized in order according to their date of admissions into the Union.
Subordinate Lodges: Each subordinate lodge will march in its assigned order, following the grand lodge of their states.
This sequence (grand lodges, followed by the subordinate lodges) will continue until all participating lodges have marched and are seated.
Grand Lodge of Virginia: The Grand Lodge will conclude the processional, then begin the ceremony.
Procession Formation: lodges and grand lodges are permitted and strongly encouraged to carry gonfalons (tall, upright banners) at the head of their contingent (flag size only). Horizontal banners are not allowed in the processional.
Prior to the event, each participating group will be assigned a number indicating their marching order. On the day of the event, look for markers with your assigned number to find your designated staging area. A volunteer will guide you to the staging point.
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