February, As Americans we think of Ground Hog’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Presidents Day, birthdays and anniversaries. As Masons, though, I am sure a thought goes toward George Washington, a prominent American, our first Present, leader of the Revolutionary Army, a Mason.

George Washington joined the Masonic Lodge in Fredericksburg Virginia and from the day he took his obligation until his death, remained an "upright man and a Mason". A popular story about George Washington is that he chopped down his father’s cherry tree, and when confronted said, "I cannot tell a lie". This story is not factual, but was created after his death by his biographer. In reality, however, truth had an important place in Washington’s life. Truth is at the center of Freemasonry, It is an important ideal to all Masons as it was to Washington.

As the symbols and ceremonies of Masonry have more than one meaning so does truth. Usually we associate truth as meaning not lying. While that is correct, truth also means having fidelity to an ideal or a pledge of loyalty, or sincerity in action or character, So it would go without saying that for us to live up to the ideals of the Fraternity, as Washington did, all Freemason must live a life of integrity and they must be faithful to their Lodge and their fellow Masons.

See you in Lodge,

Fraternally.

Edwin Michaloski

Worshipful Master.