BLUE LODGE
Just like all other lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of New York, our Lodge is a “Blue Lodge”. This means that our primary focus is to confer the three degrees of Masonry: 1° Entered Apprentice, 2° Fellowcraft, and 3° Master Mason. The degrees consist of ages-old ritual and moral lessons that are meant to impress upon a man a deeper meaning of life and a greater understanding of the fraternity and its values. Going through the degrees, as well as participation in them once becoming a member, serves as a means to embed and reinforce positive character and ultimately make good men better.
The rituals performed in these three degrees, although varying somewhat across different jurisdictions, have gone through only the slightest of changes since their conception hundreds of years ago, and it’s a common, exclusive, and secretive experience we all share amongst each other, as well as with many of the great Brethren who came before us. So it should be no surprise that the impact of being made a Mason in Washington Lodge has many of our members humbly reflect on how our own Brother George Washington became a Mason in nearly identical fashion, being initiated on November 4, 1752, and finally being raised a Master Mason on August 4, 1753 with Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4 in Virginia.
PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA
Annually, during the weekend of George Washington’s Birthday in February, it is tradition for the Master of the Lodge, along with any of the Brethren who wish to accompany him, to make the trip down to Mt. Vernon and Alexandria, Virginia. At Mt. Vernon, George Washington’s estate, it is a Masonic custom for Lodges across the country to come together to lay a wreath at the tomb of George and Martha Washington in his honor. Later that day, the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria hosts a symposium and educational lecture about some aspect of George Washington’s life and contributions to American history, which is then followed by a lavish Birthday Gala inside the Memorial building. Washington Lodge was present at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial when it was officially presented as a National Historic Landmark in 2016. Both Mt. Vernon and the Memorial have outstanding indoor museums and outside exhibits, which are great for history buffs and family trips alike.
GEORGE WASHINGTON’S INAUGURAL RE-ENACTMENT
Every year on April 30th, the George Washington Inaugural Re-Enactment Committee organizes a ceremony at Federal Hall in New York City depicting the events of George Washington’s swearing in and first inaugural speech as the first President of the United States of America. Each year, Washington Lodge contributes financially, and with membership participation, to help the Re-Enactment Committee continue this wonderful historic tradition.
MASONIC TOYS FOR TOTS
Each year on the weekend before Thanksgiving, the Masonic Toys for Tots Foundation hosts an extravagant fundraiser gala at Russo’s on the Bay in Howard Beach, New York. Immediately following the gala a couple weeks later is the Children’s Holiday Party at Masonic Hall for Brother Masons, their family, and friends, in which attendees are encouraged to bring gifts as donations to allocate towards the Toys for Tots program. All proceeds from the gala and the children’s party go to the Children’s Cancer & Blood Center at New York-Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell Medical Center, where the money is spent on an annual Christmas party for the children at the hospital, as well as towards their treatment, which includes life-saving blood transfusions. Washington Lodge makes it a strong tradition to attend the gala, having been Gold and Platinum donors the past three years. Our very own Brother, the late R:.W:. Todd Myers, was one of the founding organizers of the event, and whom the Todd A. Myers Award was named after, which is bestowed upon a Brother (or Brothers) in recognition for their outstanding work and contributions to the foundation.