[pctech]

Washington and Franklin were not Masons, free or otherwise. That's just another lie invented by the main stream press of the past to try and tarnish these great men.

[null and void]

Washington and Franklin were not Masons, free or otherwise.

But but but we have a photo! see post #17...

[KillTime]

Pasted from the following link supporting that Washington was a Mason, just not a stongly practicing one:

http://www.bessel.org/gwfmy.htm

Washington admired the principles and goals of Freemasonry, but he was not very familiar with them and did not attempt to learn more about Freemasonry.

Washington wrote letters indicating that he was happy to be a Mason; presided in a major Masonic ceremony laying the cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol in Masonic regalia, and possibly in some other Masonic ceremonies; never sought to resign or repudiate his Masonic membership; and did not say or do anything negative toward Freemasonry, other than that some Masons promoted the radicalism of the French Revolution (as did others).

However, there is little or no evidence that Washington attended many Masonic lodge meetings in his whole life after becoming a Mason 1753.

Washington attended at most 3 meetings, possibly fewer or none (he may have attended dinners but not the preceding meetings), of the lodge that today is called Alexandria-Washington Lodge #22, and of which he was the first Master under its Virginia Charter. While he was Master of that lodge, he did not do anything to assist the work of the lodge, and he attended, at most, one meeting (if he attended that one), when officers were reelected. There is no indication that he actually presided as Master on that occasion and it is unlikely that he did so. Paintings and sculpture showing Washington presiding as a Master of that or any other Masonic lodge are probably based only on wishful thinking.

Some Masons may have gotten carried away with their delight that the most eminent citizen of the United States, George Washington, joined the Freemasons when we was very young and continued to be a member throughout his life and wrote letters supporting Freemasonry, and they may have attempted to portray him as an active and enthusiastic member of the Craft even though the evidence indicates that he was not.

George Washington was apparently a Mason who was not very interested in attending lodge meetings, although there is considerable evidence that he was happy to be a member and publicly supported Freemasonry.

[PresbyRev]

Both were Freemasons - it is historical fact; completely verifiable. The "Mainstream Press" has nothing to do with it.

http://www.masonicinfo.com/