Washington Bible and Lafayette Sword at Illinois Grand Lodge

The Washington Bible


General Lafayette's Sword from the Revolutionary War
Both photos courtesy of Ray and Judy Gordon, Pekin, Illinois

Both of these unique items, still in the possession of Masonic lodges, were on display at the 170th Annual Communication of the Illinois Grand Lodge.  The Washington Bible, as you can see, is always closely guarded by dedicated members of the St. John's Lodge No. 1 in New York when it travels, to ensure it is not damaged. 

Our incoming Grand Master, Richard Swaney, was able to touch the Washington Bible during his installation when he took his obligation as Grand Master with a gloved hand.  What a great honor to be sworn in on the same Bible George Washington swore his oath as President on April 30, 1789.


1 comment:

  1. I was there for this. It is one of those moments that is burned into your memory and not in a bad way. Lafayette's Sword is usually at the grand lodge sessions as it does belong to one of the Illinois lodges. The Bible was a total surprise to me. The two items quite possibly were together for the first time since Washington's Inauguration. I could be wrong. But I like to think I was part of history.

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