George Washington Masonic Memorial: A brotherhood of mystery
If you've read Dan Brown's latest book, you'll be quite familiar with the existence of the Washington Masonic memorial in Alexandria, Va. You'll probably even be able to pinpoint its location (by the Metro) and wonder if there's some cryptic messaging lurking around it (not as mysterious and religious as Brown made it). It is a grand point in Alexandria, and its historic background are a good introduction to Old Town.
The tall, prominently featured, sand-colored building was built for the Freemasonry using private contributions, and this one is a memorial for its member, George Washington, who was the Charter Master of Alexandria Lodge 22 in 1788. The original location of Lodge 22, however, was in the city hall, but moved to the memorial after a fire occurred.
The memorial was completed in 1932 and designed after the Lighthouse of Alexandria in Egypt. The building has a style unlike anything else in Washington or Old Town Alexandria, for that matter, making visitors wonder if it's the town hall or a religious relic.
The tower uses various classic styles, including Doric, Ionic and Corinthian, and has an Egyptian pyramid cap designed to resemble a flame, like a lighthouse. The rectangular building has columns in front and a stacking tower on top, and is located on Shuter's Hill among much greenery near Old Town Alexandria.
Inside, the building holds Washington's belongings as related to the Masonic practice. This includes his master protrait, sash, apron, and trowel used for the cornerstone at the U.S. Capitol. Murals decorate the walls painted by artist Allyn Cox. The entire building is 10 floors tall and only the first and second floors, plus the tower, are open to public viewing.
HelloMetro Tip: The building acts as a research center, library, concert hall, banquet hall and a meeting site for visiting Masonic lodges. In the Assembly Hall, several dioramas are on display, illustrating George Washington's life. In fact, two lodges exist inside the memorial: Washington's Lodge 22 and the Andrew Jackson Lodge 120, and many more come to visit and pay tribute to their important brother, George Washington.
Posted by Rin-rin Yu
