"My first desire to become a Mason was due to the fact that many of Virginia's noblest sons were members of the Fraternity. Therefore, it was not without forethought that on Saturday evening, November 4, 1752, in the village of Fredericksburg, I was made an Entered Apprentice Mason."

"The Masonic lessons I learned on my admission to Masonry and my contact and conversation with prominent Masons thereafter were of the greatest encouragement in after years when I encountered and underwent severe trials, especially those of the commencement and during the Revolution."

"It was at a time that friendly counsel reached my ears to the effect that some men regarded me as a slave owner and an aristocrat, and that they abhorred my Episopacy. I decided at once to dispel such thoughts from my comrade's minds and on one occasion sat in a Masonic Lodge at Cambridge of which an Orderly-Sergeant was Master."

"I made it to a point to "meet above the level" and "part upon the square" with all my comrades. Regardless of rank or position, and my reward was the loyalty and friendship of all far beyond my expectations."

"There is no doubt in my mind that Masonry and its lessons were helpful throughout the Revolution both upon the battlefield and in the Legislative assembly."

( These words are believed to have been spoken by George Washington )
(Source: South Dakota Lodge of Research Bulletin, March, 2004)