presidential acceptance ceremony in Masonic lodge D.C
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President George Washington famously participated in a Masonic ceremony to lay the U.S. Capitol cornerstone on September 18, 1793, in D.C., using1793 Masonic rituals, regalia, and a silver trowel. While not a presidential inauguration, this event solidified the connection between early D.C. government and Fɾҽҽmαsσɳɾყ, with Washington often wearing his Masonic apron.
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Key Details on Masonic Inaugural/D.C. Connections:
Capitol Cornerstone (1793): Washington, a Mason, assisted in laying the cornerstone with the Grand Lodge of Maryland.
White House Cornerstone (1792): Laid in a formal Masonic ceremony, though Washington was not present.
Inaugural Bible: The Bible used for Washington’s 1789 inauguration was borrowed from St. John’s Masonic Lodge.
Inaugural Balls: In 1833,1833, Andrew Jackson’s inaugural balls were held at the Grand Lodge’s Masonic Hall in D.C..
The Apotheosis of Washington (1865) by Constantino Brumidi, located in the U.S. Capitol dome, portrays George Washington rising to divinity, surrounded by Roman gods blended with American figures. The fresco features six main scenes with pagan deities representing national strengths: Minerva (Wisdom), Neptune (Marine), Mercury (Commerce), Vulcan (Mechanics), Ceres (Agriculture), and Mars (War).
Wikipedia
Wikipedia
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The six key, Greco-Roman, mythological figures and their symbolic meanings in the fresco include:
Minerva/Athena (Wisdom/Science): Situated with figures like Benjamin Franklin and Robert Fulton, representing science and innovation.
Neptune (Marine): God of the sea, shown with his trident and riding a shell chariot, alongside Venus, who helps lay the transatlantic telegraph cable.
Venus (Marine/Love): Depicted aiding in the laying of the transatlantic telegraph cable.
Mercury (Commerce): The god of commerce is shown handing a bag of gold to Revolutionary War financier Robert Morris.
Vulcan (Mechanics): The god of fire and forge is depicted standing at an anvil with a cannon and steam engine.
Ceres (Agriculture): Seated on a McCormick mechanical reaper, she represents agriculture and bounty.
Mars (War): Represented alongside Armed Freedom, contributing to the theme of defeating tyranny.
Wikipedia
Wikipedia
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Other Symbolic Figures
Washington: Centrally located, flanked by Liberty (with a Phrygian cap) and Victory (sounding a trumpet).
Thirteen Maidens: Representing the original colonies, they surround the central figures.
Colonial Victories: The scene portrays the victory over tyranny and kingly power.
Architect of the Capitol (.gov)
Architect of the Capitol (.gov)
The Apotheosis of Washington (1865) by Constantino Brumidi, located in the U.S. Capitol dome, portrays George Washington rising to divinity, surrounded by Roman gods blended with American figures. The fresco features six main scenes with pagan deities representing national strengths: Minerva (Wisdom), Neptune (Marine), Mercury (Commerce), Vulcan (Mechanics), Ceres (Agriculture), and Mars (War).
Wikipedia +3
The six key, Greco-Roman, mythological figures and their symbolic meanings in the fresco include:- Minerva/Athena (Wisdom/Science): Situated with figures like Benjamin Franklin and Robert Fulton, representing science and innovation.
- Neptune (Marine): God of the sea, shown with his trident and riding a shell chariot, alongside Venus, who helps lay the transatlantic telegraph cable.
- Venus (Marine/Love): Depicted aiding in the laying of the transatlantic telegraph cable.
- Mercury (Commerce): The god of commerce is shown handing a bag of gold to Revolutionary War financier Robert Morris.
- Vulcan (Mechanics): The god of fire and forge is depicted standing at an anvil with a cannon and steam engine.
- Ceres (Agriculture): Seated on a McCormick mechanical reaper, she represents agriculture and bounty.
- Mars (War): Represented alongside Armed Freedom, contributing to the theme of defeating tyranny.
Wikipedia +4
Other Symbolic Figures- Washington: Centrally located, flanked by Liberty (with a Phrygian cap) and Victory (sounding a trumpet).
- Thirteen Maidens: Representing the original colonies, they surround the central figures.
- Colonial Victories: The scene portrays the victory over tyranny and kingly power.
Architect of the Capitol (.gov) +3