WASHINGTON D.C. SOUTH MISSION: The Masonic Temple

Monday, February 22, 2010

The Masonic Temple

A statute of George Washington in the main hall.

The ceiling

A replica of the Ark of the Covenant

We were in McLean for church business and when we passed the Masonic Temple we decided to take the opportunity and go on a tour. It is an impressive building with alot of symbolism and stands as a tribute to George Washington and other famous Masons.

George Washington and many influential men of that time period belonged to the Masons. The Masons are still an active group involved in charity work and it's members share a strong brotherhood. The little I know about them is because President Albright's grandfather was a very active member of the Masons and Shriners and loved this group. He was not a member of the Mormon church and this group was a big part of his life and very important to him. Because of grandpa Bud I have always had a great respect for the group.

3 comments:

Bill A.February 23, 2010 at 6:25 AM
Devoid of any spiritual meaning? That's probably because is is a memorial to GW. Also Freemasonry is not a religion so any spiritual aspects to it are subdued to the profane (those not initiated). I know many Freemasons and almost without exception, they are very spiritual people, they just don't advertise it. Many are involved with their church and many are even leaders in their church.
I am glad that you took the time to visit the memorial as it is a very impressive edifice and GW is held in very high esteem among Masons.
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GingermanFebruary 23, 2010 at 5:22 PM
I agree with Bill A., above, and I bet Bros. Joseph and Brigham would too. Though there was a break with the fraternity, both of these Bros. were zealous Freemasons, Bro. Joseph serving as lodge Chaplain. It's in the ritual and Brotherhood that the spiritual nature of the Freemasons come out, not in the real estate, no matter how impressive.
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GingermanFebruary 23, 2010 at 5:55 PM
Br. Charles P. Forshaw M.D.

THE BUILDERS

Baltimore House, Bradford, Eng., August 14th, 1916
(From Masonic Sun, Toronto, Can., October, 1916)

If in the rearing of an edifice
We form one stone that makes the perfect whole;
To us ‘twould be the beau-ideal of bliss
And prove glad unction to the work-wom soul.
A Temple with proportions just and true
Can but erected be by Masons skilled,
Instructed by an Architect who knew
Exactly bow to tell them what to build.
And -he taught us-however small the stone– plumb and level by th’
unerring Square– make it pattern, so that all might own
‘T was strong and beautiful beyond compare,–
Chisel and with Gavel we have wrought
To gain “Well Done,” — The Tongue of Good Report.
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Stephanie Smith Fireside

Last Sunday evening we were privileged to attend a fireside in the mission. It was held at a beautiful old chapel in McLean. One of the pictures shows the inside of the chapel and the wood beams on the very steep-pitched ceiling of the room. The gym is under the chapel in the basement. I have never seen a floorplan like this one. Very unique. This fireside hosted Sister Stephanie Smith. Her story was in the Ensign sometime in the last year. She has a remarkable conversion story. She has held very high government positions and at one time was 5th in command at the CIA. She said something at the first of her talk that I wrote down: she said, "I've been on some remarkable adventures. But no adventure in my lifetime has been as extraordinary and life-changing as my path to conversion and baptism in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. She then told about her introduction to the church. She was at a time in her life with tremendous worldly success achieved after clawing her way to the top without any regard for others, and she felt her life was shattering into a million pieces. At this time she turned to a colleague she admired who was a member of the church. He told her two things. That her Heavenly Father knew her by name and loved her and that Heavenly Father had a plan for her success. The next day he sent her a map to the temple visitor center. She told how when the missionary sisters came to her door, she didn't think she could relate to these young women. The first thing they did was ask if they could sing to her. They sang,"I am a Child of God." That was the beginning of her conversion, a long a beautiful story. You can read it on the web at Meridian Magazine. Her testimony was a real inspiration to me. There were over 350 people there and she does a great missionary work speaking to investigators. What a blessing to have heard her and felt her spirit.

Chelsea Our recent Convert

We have met the sweetest young sister. Chelsea is amazing. She joined the church during the last year and has an incredible testimony also. She never misses any missionary function and we were able to take her with us to the Stephanie Smith Fireside. She also came to the mission home a few weeks ago and we had family night. She gave the lesson and is was unbelievable. She is hoping to go on a mission next year. What a great young woman. This is a picture of her with Elders Ganaway and Gifford.