“To enlarge the sphere of social happiness is worthy of the benevolent design of a Masonic institution ; and it is most fervently to be wished, that the conduct of every member of the fraternity, as well as those publications, that discover the principles which actuate them, may tend to convince mankind that the grand object of Masonry is to promote the happiness of the human race.”
~ George Washington, 1st U.S. President (1789-1797)
Quote:
Excerpt from a letter that he wrote to the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in January, 1793
Quote source:
Sparks, Jared “The Writings of George Washington” (Boston: American Stationers’ Co. / London: J. M. Campbell, 156 Regent St., 1835) Vol. XII, Part V, p. 201
Image:
“Washington As Master Mason. Presiding over a meeting of the LODGE at ALEXANDRIA, VA. (of which he was a member) convened preparatory to the laying of the Corner Stone of the National Capitol by him on the 18th, of September, 1793. The furniture of the Lodge with which the Gavel and Regalia used by WASHINGTON has been carefully preserved, is here represented as they appeared on that occasion. The Apron was embroidered and presented to Washington by the Marchioness de Lafayette.” Artist: James Fuller Queen. Published in 1870.
Image source:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Washington_Masonic_print.jpg