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The  “Proud to be a Mason” Tour

 

The Proud to be a Mason Tour went to Washington D.C. from November 1st thru November 4th. Here are some reports from that trip.

Welcome By Grand Master Cal Keyler at
Grand Lodge Meeting,
George Washington Memorial November 3, 2007

  My Brothers… today we are fortunate to be Vermont Masons. We are here at Freemasonry’s premiere monument to begin the celebration of Vermont Month and to be participants in Vermont’s first Grand Lodge Meeting at this prestigious building.  

The Memorial’s vision for the future is “ To inspire humanity through education to promote the virtues, character and vision of George Washington, the Man, the Mason and father of our country”.  

This edifice was erected by the Freemasons of the United States to honor a Brother worthy of being an ideal example of the principles of Freemasonry. John Adams eulogized Washington with these words, “ His example is complete: and it will teach wisdom and virtue to Magistrates, Citizens, and Men, not only in the present age, but in future generations.” 

Being an example of  a man that lives the tenants of Freemasonry is what we teach today and it is the very basis of our “Proud to be a Mason” Program. If we live those tenants and identify ourselves as being proud to be Masons others will respect us as citizens and men and want to follow in our footsteps to the fraternity.  

The Grand Lodge of Vermont and our state in general has had some interesting ties to Brother Washington and this Memorial. Our first Grand Master, Noah Smith, an eminent lawyer of the 1780s was appointed to the Supreme Court by George Washington. In 1923, as Acting Grand Master of Virginia, Charles H. Callahan,  laid the cornerstone of this Memorial he was assisted by the then President of the United States, Vermont’s favorite son, Calvin Coolidge.  Also on hand that day was George I. Whitney, Grand Master of Vermont. Many other Grand Masters of Vermont have personally visited the Memorial over the years.  

So as time marches on in the history of Vermont’s Grand Lodge, we here today can look back and say we were there… we were participants at the first Grand Lodge of Vermont Meeting at the Memorial. 

  Thank you my Brothers for being here.   

Calvin K. Keyler
Grand Master

Our group, along with Brother Ronald Aungst, Grand Master of Pennsylvania with his lady Norma, who gave us a wonderful tour of the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia.

George Washington Masonic Memorial, Alexandria, Virginia, November 3, 2007

This morning on this memorable occasion I present to you information on one of Vermont’s most historic brothers, a man whose name is synonymous with the building of freemasonry in America.     

Philip C. Tucker
Grand Master from 1847-1861

Philip Tucker guided Vermont Masonry for fifteen years through one of the most critical periods in its existence - the rebuilding of our Grand Lodge.

He was recognized as a Masonic authority of national, and even international, reputation. In 1857 it was said of Tucker:

“ M.W. Tucker, the Grand Master of Vermont, is well known the world over, as being one of the most clear headed, warm hearted Masonic veterans who ever lived. His knowledge of the history, usages and principles of freemasonry is unsurpassed, if not unequalled by any living man.”

A lawyer by trade, Tucker enjoyed the confidence of his clients and the respect of  the courts. His achievements on behalf of our craft were his real enjoyment and satisfaction.

He was instrumental in gaining recognition for the Grand Lodge of Canada by the Grand Lodge of England in 1858 and also played a part some years later in encouraging recognition for the Grand Lodge of Quebec.

At his death in 1861 more than 400 of his brethren formed in procession to take his remains to the final burial spot. Memorial services were held by the Grand Lodge of Vermont at Burlington on January 9, 1862 where the final funeral oration in his honor was given by Brother, and Past Grand Master of Kentucky, Rob Morris, nationally known as the poet laureate of freemasonry.

For these and many other reasons, The Grand Lodge of Vermont perpetuates his name by presenting it’s Philip C. Tucker Medal.

We are proud to announce this day that Brother George D. Seghers, Executive Director of the George Washington Masonic Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia is the recipient of Vermont’s 2007 Philip Tucker Medal.

Calvin K. Keyler
Grand Master of Vermont

 

 

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