Mount Vernon Cornerstone - Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22

Freemasons are summoned from across the United States to celebrate the symbolic Cornerstone Ceremony for George Washington’s Mount Vernon

Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime historic Masonic event as we dedicate the cornerstone of Illustrious Brother George Washington’s Mount Vernon on Monday, October 14, 2024. The mansion has been undergoing an extensive and necessary restoration.

Illustrious Brother Washington’s membership in Craft Masonry underscored his character and demeanor and has lent credibility to the good works of our Lodges for more than two centuries. At the request of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, the stalwart and dedicated stewards of Washington’s home and legacy, the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Virginia and Alexandria – Washington Lodge, No. 22, invite Freemasons throughout the country to witness this historic event. By ensuring a sound foundation for Washington’s Mansion House, we are provided the unique opportunity to serve our Illustrious Brother and support the preservation of his home and the sharing of his important story for future generations.

Tickets: $50 per person

Your ticket grants you full access to the Mount Vernon estate, including the ceremony and a catered lunch on the East Lawn with breathtaking views of the Potomac River.

Purchase Ticket Here

Please note that tickets are purchased through Mount Vernon and will send a confirmation email after purchase.

Event Schedule:

8:00 AM: Arrive at Mount Vernon
9:00 AM: Marshaling of Masonic Lodges
9:30 AM: Grand Lodge of DC Wreath Laying Ceremony
10:30 AM: Procession of Lodges
11:00 AM: Procession of the Grand Lodge of Virginia
11:15 AM: Commencement of Cornerstone Ceremony
12:15 PM: Conclusion of Ceremony
12:30 PM: Lunch on the East Lawn
1:30 PM: Toast to Washington
2:00 PM: Event Concludes

* Times are subject to change

Want to Participate in the Ceremony?

Lodges and Grand Lodges are being offered the opportunity to process into the ceremony behind the First Virginia Regiment ahead of the ceremony. We hope you will become a part of this historic event.

Processional Guidelines

After purchasing a ticket, you will be sent an email from AW22 on how to register your contingent for participation.

Witness History

The Masonic Cornerstone Ceremony harkens back to the age of stonemasons guilds formed to construct the cathedrals of Europe. Laying the cornerstone of building central to a community in Europe and North America was once an occasion for parades, orations, and general celebrations of the effort that had been employed to make the new building possible. Freemasons continue the tradition of checking the stone to ensure it is sound and symbolically consecrating it with representations of health, peace, and prosperity. Cornerstone Ceremonies are one of the few public exhibitions provided by Freemasons and offer insight to the tenets of the historic organization.