George Washington is arguably the most famous Freemason in American history. His image hangs in lodge rooms around the world, he laid federal cornerstones in full Masonic regalia, and his membership is a proud part of our fraternity’s story. Yet during his lifetime, Washington almost never spoke publicly about being a Mason and actually (provably) attended less than a dozen lodge meetings. Why the deliberate silence?
That’s the central question of this year’s California Masonic Symposium: George Washington's Masonic Discretion, and it’s one worth your time, especially since it's the 250th anniversary of the founding of this nation.
When: Wednesday, August 26, 2026Time: 7:00–9:00 PM (Pacific)Where: Live via Zoom (free)RSVP: Register here
Historian Steven C. Bullock, author of the landmark book Revolutionary Brotherhood: Freemasonry and the Transformation of the American Social Order, 1730–1840, will examine Washington’s careful separation of his public role as president from his private life as a Freemason. Bullock argues that Washington’s restraint wasn’t secrecy for its own sake—it was a deliberate choice about leadership, integrity, and the proper place of the fraternity in a new republic.
After Steven's presentation, a live panel will dig deeper. Past Grand Master John Cooper III, Inspector and educator Scott Morrison, Jr., and moderator Jhairo Echevarria (Chairman of the Grand Lodge Committee on Masonic Education) will place Washington’s example alongside later figures such as DeWitt Clinton, the Morgan Affair, and the rise of the anti-Masonic movement. There will also be a live Q&A, so bring your questions.
Whether you’re a serious student of Masonic history, a Washington fanboy, or simply curious about how our most celebrated Brother navigated the tightrope between fraternity and public life, this promises to be a strong program. The Grand Lodge of California has a solid track record with these symposia, and this year’s topic is especially relevant this year.
Mark your calendar, grab a seat on Zoom, and join the conversation. Registration is free and open to all.
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