Freemasonry - Revision history

ABerkes: added refs from Google Books (Encyclopedia and 10,000 Freemasons)

2010-06-14T19:13:58Z

added refs from Google Books (Encyclopedia and 10,000 Freemasons)

←Older revision		Revision as of 19:13, 14 June 2010
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	Another Jeffersonian link to freemasonry predates the laying of the cornerstone. In 1801, the “Jefferson Lodge” was organized in Surry, Virginia. The name probably reflected republican exuberance after the election of 1800 and should not be taken as evidence for Jefferson’s membership. It is curious, however, to find a lodge named for a non-mason; the usual practice is to name the lodge after a fellow mason of local or national stature. The Alexandria Lodge, for example, became Washington Lodge after the death of its famous grand-master. Indeed, to name a lodge after an individual is uncommon; most lodges simply assume the name of the town or county where they are located.		Another Jeffersonian link to freemasonry predates the laying of the cornerstone. In 1801, the “Jefferson Lodge” was organized in Surry, Virginia. The name probably reflected republican exuberance after the election of 1800 and should not be taken as evidence for Jefferson’s membership. It is curious, however, to find a lodge named for a non-mason; the usual practice is to name the lodge after a fellow mason of local or national stature. The Alexandria Lodge, for example, became Washington Lodge after the death of its famous grand-master. Indeed, to name a lodge after an individual is uncommon; most lodges simply assume the name of the town or county where they are located.

-	Finally, Jefferson's longstanding interest in architecture and mathematics, both prominent in masonic lore, could have made a masonic connection likely in the public mind. No references to freemasonry have been found in Jefferson’s papers, and given his clear aversion to secret societies (Cincinnati, for example), his membership remains unlikely. Masonic scholars have also reached the same conclusion; an especially thorough review of the evidence (or lack thereof) of Jefferson's ties to the Freemasons appears in William Denslow's ''10,000 Famous Freemasons''.<ref>William R. Denslow, ''10,000 Famous Freemasons from A to J'' (Kessinger, 2004), Part 1, 1:292. [http://books.google.com/books?id=ZvBjhJr9Ev0C&pg=RA1-PA292 Text available online].</ref> An even more thorough account of failed attempts to confirm Jefferson's rumored Masonic activities in Paris appears in ''The Encyclopedia of Freemasonry.''<ref>Albert G. Mackey and H. L. Haywood, ''The Encyclopedia of Freemasonry'' (Kessinger, 2003), 2:644-5. [http://books.google.com/books?id=GUS5-9IouBIC&pg=PA644 Text available online].</ref>	+	Finally, Jefferson's longstanding interest in architecture and mathematics, both prominent in masonic lore, could have made a masonic connection likely in the public mind.
		+
		+	However, the fact remains that no references to freemasonry have been found in Jefferson’s papers, and given his clear aversion to secret societies (Cincinnati, for example), his membership remains unlikely. Masonic scholars have also reached the same conclusion; an especially thorough review of the evidence (or lack thereof) of Jefferson's ties to the Freemasons appears in William Denslow's ''10,000 Famous Freemasons''.<ref>William R. Denslow, ''10,000 Famous Freemasons from A to J'' (Kessinger, 2004), Part 1, 1:292. [http://books.google.com/books?id=ZvBjhJr9Ev0C&pg=RA1-PA292 Text available online].</ref> An even more thorough account of failed attempts to confirm Jefferson's rumored Masonic activities in Paris appears in ''The Encyclopedia of Freemasonry.''<ref>Albert G. Mackey and H. L. Haywood, ''The Encyclopedia of Freemasonry'' (Kessinger, 2003), 2:644-5. [http://books.google.com/books?id=GUS5-9IouBIC&pg=PA644 Text available online].</ref>

	It is perhaps worth noting, however, that both Thomas Jefferson's son-in-law, [[Thomas Mann Randolph]], and his eldest grandson, [[Thomas Jefferson Randolph]], were Freemasons.<ref>Ibid., 3:11. [http://books.google.com/books?id=D-cCeOEXGyoC&lpg=PP1&dq=%2210%2C000%20Famous%20Freemasons%22&pg=RA1-PA11#v=onepage&q=thomas%20jefferson%20randolph&f=false Text available online].</ref>		It is perhaps worth noting, however, that both Thomas Jefferson's son-in-law, [[Thomas Mann Randolph]], and his eldest grandson, [[Thomas Jefferson Randolph]], were Freemasons.<ref>Ibid., 3:11. [http://books.google.com/books?id=D-cCeOEXGyoC&lpg=PP1&dq=%2210%2C000%20Famous%20Freemasons%22&pg=RA1-PA11#v=onepage&q=thomas%20jefferson%20randolph&f=false Text available online].</ref>

ABerkes at 19:11, 14 June 2010

2010-06-14T19:11:14Z

←Older revision		Revision as of 19:11, 14 June 2010
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	Another Jeffersonian link to freemasonry predates the laying of the cornerstone. In 1801, the “Jefferson Lodge” was organized in Surry, Virginia. The name probably reflected republican exuberance after the election of 1800 and should not be taken as evidence for Jefferson’s membership. It is curious, however, to find a lodge named for a non-mason; the usual practice is to name the lodge after a fellow mason of local or national stature. The Alexandria Lodge, for example, became Washington Lodge after the death of its famous grand-master. Indeed, to name a lodge after an individual is uncommon; most lodges simply assume the name of the town or county where they are located.		Another Jeffersonian link to freemasonry predates the laying of the cornerstone. In 1801, the “Jefferson Lodge” was organized in Surry, Virginia. The name probably reflected republican exuberance after the election of 1800 and should not be taken as evidence for Jefferson’s membership. It is curious, however, to find a lodge named for a non-mason; the usual practice is to name the lodge after a fellow mason of local or national stature. The Alexandria Lodge, for example, became Washington Lodge after the death of its famous grand-master. Indeed, to name a lodge after an individual is uncommon; most lodges simply assume the name of the town or county where they are located.

-	Finally, Jefferson's longstanding interest in architecture and mathematics, both prominent in masonic lore, could have made a masonic connection likely in the public mind. No references to freemasonry have been found in Jefferson’s papers, and given his clear aversion to secret societies (Cincinnati, for example), his membership remains unlikely. Masonic scholars have also reached the same conclusion; an especially thorough review of the evidence (or lack thereof) of Jefferson's ties to the Freemasons appears in William Denslow's ''10,000 Famous Freemasons''.<ref>William R. Denslow, ''10,000 Famous Freemasons from A to J'' (Kessinger, 2004), Part 1, 1:292. [http://books.google.com/books?id=ZvBjhJr9Ev0C&pg=RA1-PA292 Text available online].</ref> It is perhaps worth noting, however, that both Thomas Jefferson's son-in-law, [[Thomas Mann Randolph]], and his eldest grandson, [[Thomas Jefferson Randolph]], were Freemasons.<ref>Ibid., 3:11. [http://books.google.com/books?id=D-cCeOEXGyoC&lpg=PP1&dq=%2210%2C000%20Famous%20Freemasons%22&pg=RA1-PA11#v=onepage&q=thomas%20jefferson%20randolph&f=false Text available online].</ref>	+	Finally, Jefferson's longstanding interest in architecture and mathematics, both prominent in masonic lore, could have made a masonic connection likely in the public mind. No references to freemasonry have been found in Jefferson’s papers, and given his clear aversion to secret societies (Cincinnati, for example), his membership remains unlikely. Masonic scholars have also reached the same conclusion; an especially thorough review of the evidence (or lack thereof) of Jefferson's ties to the Freemasons appears in William Denslow's ''10,000 Famous Freemasons''.<ref>William R. Denslow, ''10,000 Famous Freemasons from A to J'' (Kessinger, 2004), Part 1, 1:292. [http://books.google.com/books?id=ZvBjhJr9Ev0C&pg=RA1-PA292 Text available online].</ref> An even more thorough account of failed attempts to confirm Jefferson's rumored Masonic activities in Paris appears in ''The Encyclopedia of Freemasonry.''<ref>Albert G. Mackey and H. L. Haywood, ''The Encyclopedia of Freemasonry'' (Kessinger, 2003), 2:644-5. [http://books.google.com/books?id=GUS5-9IouBIC&pg=PA644 Text available online].</ref>
		+
		+	It is perhaps worth noting, however, that both Thomas Jefferson's son-in-law, [[Thomas Mann Randolph]], and his eldest grandson, [[Thomas Jefferson Randolph]], were Freemasons.<ref>Ibid., 3:11. [http://books.google.com/books?id=D-cCeOEXGyoC&lpg=PP1&dq=%2210%2C000%20Famous%20Freemasons%22&pg=RA1-PA11#v=onepage&q=thomas%20jefferson%20randolph&f=false Text available online].</ref>

	==Footnotes==		==Footnotes==

ABerkes at 19:06, 14 June 2010

2010-06-14T19:06:29Z

←Older revision		Revision as of 19:06, 14 June 2010
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	Another Jeffersonian link to freemasonry predates the laying of the cornerstone. In 1801, the “Jefferson Lodge” was organized in Surry, Virginia. The name probably reflected republican exuberance after the election of 1800 and should not be taken as evidence for Jefferson’s membership. It is curious, however, to find a lodge named for a non-mason; the usual practice is to name the lodge after a fellow mason of local or national stature. The Alexandria Lodge, for example, became Washington Lodge after the death of its famous grand-master. Indeed, to name a lodge after an individual is uncommon; most lodges simply assume the name of the town or county where they are located.		Another Jeffersonian link to freemasonry predates the laying of the cornerstone. In 1801, the “Jefferson Lodge” was organized in Surry, Virginia. The name probably reflected republican exuberance after the election of 1800 and should not be taken as evidence for Jefferson’s membership. It is curious, however, to find a lodge named for a non-mason; the usual practice is to name the lodge after a fellow mason of local or national stature. The Alexandria Lodge, for example, became Washington Lodge after the death of its famous grand-master. Indeed, to name a lodge after an individual is uncommon; most lodges simply assume the name of the town or county where they are located.

-	Finally, Jefferson's longstanding interest in architecture and mathematics, both prominent in masonic lore, could have made a masonic connection likely in the public mind. No references to freemasonry have been found in Jefferson’s papers, and given his clear aversion to secret societies (Cincinnati, for example), his membership remains unlikely. Masonic scholars have also reached the same conclusion; an especially thorough review of the evidence (or lack thereof) of Jefferson's ties to the Freemasons appears in William Denslow's ''10,000 Famous Freemasons''.<ref>William R. Denslow, '' [http://books.google.com/books?id=ZvBjhJr9Ev0C&pg=RA1-PA292 Text available online].</ref>	+	Finally, Jefferson's longstanding interest in architecture and mathematics, both prominent in masonic lore, could have made a masonic connection likely in the public mind. No references to freemasonry have been found in Jefferson’s papers, and given his clear aversion to secret societies (Cincinnati, for example), his membership remains unlikely. Masonic scholars have also reached the same conclusion; an especially thorough review of the evidence (or lack thereof) of Jefferson's ties to the Freemasons appears in William Denslow's ''10,000 Famous Freemasons''.<ref>William R. Denslow, ''10,000 Famous Freemasons from A to J'' (Kessinger, 2004), Part 1, 1:292. [http://books.google.com/books?id=ZvBjhJr9Ev0C&pg=RA1-PA292 Text available online].</ref> It is perhaps worth noting, however, that both Thomas Jefferson's son-in-law, [[Thomas Mann Randolph]], and his eldest grandson, [[Thomas Jefferson Randolph]], were Freemasons.<ref>Ibid., 3:11. [http://books.google.com/books?id=D-cCeOEXGyoC&lpg=PP1&dq=%2210%2C000%20Famous%20Freemasons%22&pg=RA1-PA11#v=onepage&q=thomas%20jefferson%20randolph&f=false Text available online].</ref>

	==Footnotes==		==Footnotes==

ABerkes at 18:59, 14 June 2010

2010-06-14T18:59:46Z

←Older revision		Revision as of 18:59, 14 June 2010
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	Another Jeffersonian link to freemasonry predates the laying of the cornerstone. In 1801, the “Jefferson Lodge” was organized in Surry, Virginia. The name probably reflected republican exuberance after the election of 1800 and should not be taken as evidence for Jefferson’s membership. It is curious, however, to find a lodge named for a non-mason; the usual practice is to name the lodge after a fellow mason of local or national stature. The Alexandria Lodge, for example, became Washington Lodge after the death of its famous grand-master. Indeed, to name a lodge after an individual is uncommon; most lodges simply assume the name of the town or county where they are located.		Another Jeffersonian link to freemasonry predates the laying of the cornerstone. In 1801, the “Jefferson Lodge” was organized in Surry, Virginia. The name probably reflected republican exuberance after the election of 1800 and should not be taken as evidence for Jefferson’s membership. It is curious, however, to find a lodge named for a non-mason; the usual practice is to name the lodge after a fellow mason of local or national stature. The Alexandria Lodge, for example, became Washington Lodge after the death of its famous grand-master. Indeed, to name a lodge after an individual is uncommon; most lodges simply assume the name of the town or county where they are located.

-	Finally, Jefferson's longstanding interest in architecture and mathematics, both prominent in masonic lore, could have made a masonic connection likely in the public mind. No references to freemasonry have been found in Jefferson’s papers, and given his clear aversion to secret societies (Cincinnati, for example), his membership remains unlikely. Further investigation, especially into the lodge at Surry, might yield some interesting bits of lore.	+	Finally, Jefferson's longstanding interest in architecture and mathematics, both prominent in masonic lore, could have made a masonic connection likely in the public mind. No references to freemasonry have been found in Jefferson’s papers, and given his clear aversion to secret societies (Cincinnati, for example), his membership remains unlikely. Masonic scholars have also reached the same conclusion; an especially thorough review of the evidence (or lack thereof) of Jefferson's ties to the Freemasons appears in William Denslow's ''10,000 Famous Freemasons''.<ref>William R. Denslow, '' [http://books.google.com/books?id=ZvBjhJr9Ev0C&pg=RA1-PA292 Text available online].</ref>

	==Footnotes==		==Footnotes==

ABerkes at 18:11, 10 June 2010

2010-06-10T18:11:38Z

←Older revision		Revision as of 18:11, 10 June 2010
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	==Further Sources==		==Further Sources==
	*Beha, Ernest. ''A Comprehensive Dictionary of Freemasonry.'' New York: Citadel, 1963.		*Beha, Ernest. ''A Comprehensive Dictionary of Freemasonry.'' New York: Citadel, 1963.
		+	*Beless, James W. "Thomas Jefferson, Freeman." ''Scottish Rite Journal'' 3 (1998). [http://srjarchives.tripod.com/1998-03/beless.htm Text available online].
	*Bruce, Philip. [http://tjportal.monticello.org/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1954 ''History of the University of Virginia, 1819-1919'']. New York: Macmillan, 1920, 1:189-190.		*Bruce, Philip. [http://tjportal.monticello.org/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1954 ''History of the University of Virginia, 1819-1919'']. New York: Macmillan, 1920, 1:189-190.
	*Whalen, William J. ''Handbook of Secret Organizations.'' Milwaukee: Bruce, 1966.		*Whalen, William J. ''Handbook of Secret Organizations.'' Milwaukee: Bruce, 1966.

ABerkes: normalized formatting of references - removed Russell's first-person references

2008-05-22T19:46:48Z

normalized formatting of references - removed Russell's first-person references

←Older revision		Revision as of 19:46, 22 May 2008
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	The tradition may have had its genesis at a ceremony marking the laying of the cornerstone at the University of Virginia. On the morning of October 6, 1817, a large crowd gathered at the site of the first pavilion. According to Philip A. Bruce, “the doors of all the stores were locked, private houses shut up, and the entire population of the little town darkened the road to the College.” In addition to the citizenry of Charlottesville, [[James Madison]], [[James Monroe]], and Jefferson were also present. The cornerstone, Bruce says, was laid "with the customary state by Lodges;" Reverend William King was the chaplain, John M. Perry, the architect, and Alexander Garrett, the worthy grand-master. President Monroe applied the square and plumb, the chaplain asked a blessing on the stone, the crowd buzzed, and the band played ‘Hail Columbia.’” Evidently it was customary for masons to direct many public ceremonies, such as laying cornerstones, opening bridges, and dedicating halls.<ref>Henry Leonard Stillson, [http://tjportal.monticello.org/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1098 ''History of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons''] (Boston: Fraternity Publishing Co., 1892), 548.</ref> Thus surrounded by masonic pomp and circumstance, Jefferson must have seemed a part of the organization simply through association. It should be added that Local Lodges 60 and 90 have never claimed Jefferson as a member, either in a regular or honorary capacity.		The tradition may have had its genesis at a ceremony marking the laying of the cornerstone at the University of Virginia. On the morning of October 6, 1817, a large crowd gathered at the site of the first pavilion. According to Philip A. Bruce, “the doors of all the stores were locked, private houses shut up, and the entire population of the little town darkened the road to the College.” In addition to the citizenry of Charlottesville, [[James Madison]], [[James Monroe]], and Jefferson were also present. The cornerstone, Bruce says, was laid "with the customary state by Lodges;" Reverend William King was the chaplain, John M. Perry, the architect, and Alexander Garrett, the worthy grand-master. President Monroe applied the square and plumb, the chaplain asked a blessing on the stone, the crowd buzzed, and the band played ‘Hail Columbia.’” Evidently it was customary for masons to direct many public ceremonies, such as laying cornerstones, opening bridges, and dedicating halls.<ref>Henry Leonard Stillson, [http://tjportal.monticello.org/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1098 ''History of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons''] (Boston: Fraternity Publishing Co., 1892), 548.</ref> Thus surrounded by masonic pomp and circumstance, Jefferson must have seemed a part of the organization simply through association. It should be added that Local Lodges 60 and 90 have never claimed Jefferson as a member, either in a regular or honorary capacity.

-	Another Jeffersonian link to freemasonry predates the laying of the cornerstone. In 1801, the “Jefferson Lodge” was organized in Surry, Virginia. The name probably reflected republican exuberance after the election of 1800 and should not be taken as evidence for Jefferson’s membership. It is curious, however, to find a lodge named for a non-mason; the usual practice (as far as I can tell from gleanings in masonic reference books) is to name the lodge after a fellow mason of local or national stature. The Alexandria Lodge, for example, became Washington Lodge after the death of its famous grand-master. Indeed, to name a lodge after an individual is uncommon; most lodges simply assume the name of the town or county where they are located.	+	Another Jeffersonian link to freemasonry predates the laying of the cornerstone. In 1801, the “Jefferson Lodge” was organized in Surry, Virginia. The name probably reflected republican exuberance after the election of 1800 and should not be taken as evidence for Jefferson’s membership. It is curious, however, to find a lodge named for a non-mason; the usual practice is to name the lodge after a fellow mason of local or national stature. The Alexandria Lodge, for example, became Washington Lodge after the death of its famous grand-master. Indeed, to name a lodge after an individual is uncommon; most lodges simply assume the name of the town or county where they are located.

-	Finally, Jefferson's longstanding interest in architecture and mathematics, both prominent in masonic lore, could have made a masonic connection likely in the public mind. I have found no references to freemasonry in Jefferson’s papers, and given his clear aversion to secret societies (Cincinnati, for example), his membership remains unlikely. Further investigation, especially into the lodge at Surry, might yield some interesting bits of lore.	+	Finally, Jefferson's longstanding interest in architecture and mathematics, both prominent in masonic lore, could have made a masonic connection likely in the public mind. No references to freemasonry have been found in Jefferson’s papers, and given his clear aversion to secret societies (Cincinnati, for example), his membership remains unlikely. Further investigation, especially into the lodge at Surry, might yield some interesting bits of lore.

	==Footnotes==		==Footnotes==

ABerkes at 19:45, 22 May 2008

2008-05-22T19:45:15Z

←Older revision		Revision as of 19:45, 22 May 2008
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-	Unlike [[Benjamin Franklin]]. [[George Washington]], [[James Monroe]], Patrick Henry, Paul Revere, John Paul Jones, and Benedict Arnold, [[Thomas Jefferson\|Jefferson]] was never a part of '''freemasonry'''.<ref>This article is based on Russell L. Martin, Monticello Research Report, January 1989.</ref> Even though standard histories of this fraternal organization fail to include Jefferson in their rosters of early members, a persistent popular tradition claims Jefferson for masonry.	+	Even though standard histories of the Freemasons fail to include Jefferson in their rosters of early members, a persistent popular tradition claims Jefferson for '''freemasonry'''.<ref>This article is based on Russell L. Martin, Monticello Research Report, January 1989.</ref>

-	The tradition may have had its genesis at a ceremony marking the laying of the cornerstone at the University of Virginia. On the morning of October 6, 1817, a large crowd gathered at the site of the first pavilion. According to Philip A. Bruce, “the doors of all the stores were locked, private houses shut up, and the entire population of the little town darkened the road to the College.” In addition to the citizenry of Charlottesville, [[James Madison]], [[James Monroe]], and Jefferson were also present. The cornerstone, Bruce says, was laid “with the customary state by Lodges “ and 90. Rev. William King was the chaplain, John M. Perry, the architect, and Alexander Garrett, the worthy grand-master. President [[James Monroe\|Monroe]] applied the square and plumb, the chaplain asked a blessing on the stone, the crowd buzzed, and the band played ‘Hail Columbia.’” Evidently it was customary for masons to direct many public ceremonies, such as laying cornerstones, opening bridges, and dedicating halls (Stillson 548). Thus surrounded by masonic pomp and circumstance, Jefferson must have seemed a part of the organization simply through association. It should be added that Local Lodges 60 and 90 have never claimed Jefferson as a member, either in a regular or honorary capacity.	+	The tradition may have had its genesis at a ceremony marking the laying of the cornerstone at the University of Virginia. On the morning of October 6, 1817, a large crowd gathered at the site of the first pavilion. According to Philip A. Bruce, “the doors of all the stores were locked, private houses shut up, and the entire population of the little town darkened the road to the College.” In addition to the citizenry of Charlottesville, [[James Madison]], [[James Monroe]], and Jefferson were also present. The cornerstone, Bruce says, was laid "with the customary state by Lodges;" Reverend William King was the chaplain, John M. Perry, the architect, and Alexander Garrett, the worthy grand-master. President Monroe applied the square and plumb, the chaplain asked a blessing on the stone, the crowd buzzed, and the band played ‘Hail Columbia.’” Evidently it was customary for masons to direct many public ceremonies, such as laying cornerstones, opening bridges, and dedicating halls.<ref>Henry Leonard Stillson, [http://tjportal.monticello.org/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1098 ''History of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons''] (Boston: Fraternity Publishing Co., 1892), 548.</ref> Thus surrounded by masonic pomp and circumstance, Jefferson must have seemed a part of the organization simply through association. It should be added that Local Lodges 60 and 90 have never claimed Jefferson as a member, either in a regular or honorary capacity.

	Another Jeffersonian link to freemasonry predates the laying of the cornerstone. In 1801, the “Jefferson Lodge” was organized in Surry, Virginia. The name probably reflected republican exuberance after the election of 1800 and should not be taken as evidence for Jefferson’s membership. It is curious, however, to find a lodge named for a non-mason; the usual practice (as far as I can tell from gleanings in masonic reference books) is to name the lodge after a fellow mason of local or national stature. The Alexandria Lodge, for example, became Washington Lodge after the death of its famous grand-master. Indeed, to name a lodge after an individual is uncommon; most lodges simply assume the name of the town or county where they are located.		Another Jeffersonian link to freemasonry predates the laying of the cornerstone. In 1801, the “Jefferson Lodge” was organized in Surry, Virginia. The name probably reflected republican exuberance after the election of 1800 and should not be taken as evidence for Jefferson’s membership. It is curious, however, to find a lodge named for a non-mason; the usual practice (as far as I can tell from gleanings in masonic reference books) is to name the lodge after a fellow mason of local or national stature. The Alexandria Lodge, for example, became Washington Lodge after the death of its famous grand-master. Indeed, to name a lodge after an individual is uncommon; most lodges simply assume the name of the town or county where they are located.
		+
	Finally, Jefferson's longstanding interest in architecture and mathematics, both prominent in masonic lore, could have made a masonic connection likely in the public mind. I have found no references to freemasonry in Jefferson’s papers, and given his clear aversion to secret societies (Cincinnati, for example), his membership remains unlikely. Further investigation, especially into the lodge at Surry, might yield some interesting bits of lore.		Finally, Jefferson's longstanding interest in architecture and mathematics, both prominent in masonic lore, could have made a masonic connection likely in the public mind. I have found no references to freemasonry in Jefferson’s papers, and given his clear aversion to secret societies (Cincinnati, for example), his membership remains unlikely. Further investigation, especially into the lodge at Surry, might yield some interesting bits of lore.

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	==Further Sources==		==Further Sources==
-	*Beha, Ernest. A Comprehensive Dictionary of Freemasonry. New York: Citadel, 1963.	+	*Beha, Ernest. ''A Comprehensive Dictionary of Freemasonry.'' New York: Citadel, 1963.
-	*Bruce, Philip. [http://tjportal.monticello.org/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1954 History of the University of Virginia, 1819-1919]. New York: Macmillan, 1920, 1:189-190.	+	*Bruce, Philip. [http://tjportal.monticello.org/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1954 ''History of the University of Virginia, 1819-1919'']. New York: Macmillan, 1920, 1:189-190.
-	*Stillson, Henry Leonard. [http://tjportal.monticello.org/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1098 History of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons]. Boston: Fraternity Publishing Co., 1892.	+	*Whalen, William J. ''Handbook of Secret Organizations.'' Milwaukee: Bruce, 1966.
-	*Whalen, William J. Handbook of Secret Organizations. Milwaukee: Bruce, 1966.	+

	[[Category:Legends]]		[[Category:Legends]]
	[[Category:Personal Life]]		[[Category:Personal Life]]

ABerkes: add category

2008-03-03T19:00:09Z

add category

←Older revision		Revision as of 19:00, 3 March 2008
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	*Stillson, Henry Leonard. [http://tjportal.monticello.org/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1098 History of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons]. Boston: Fraternity Publishing Co., 1892.		*Stillson, Henry Leonard. [http://tjportal.monticello.org/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1098 History of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons]. Boston: Fraternity Publishing Co., 1892.
	*Whalen, William J. Handbook of Secret Organizations. Milwaukee: Bruce, 1966.		*Whalen, William J. Handbook of Secret Organizations. Milwaukee: Bruce, 1966.
		+
		+	[[Category:Legends]]
	[[Category:Personal Life]]		[[Category:Personal Life]]

Bcraig: Add GW Link

2008-01-07T16:37:12Z

Add GW Link

←Older revision		Revision as of 16:37, 7 January 2008
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-	Unlike [[Benjamin Franklin]]. George Washington, [[James Monroe]], Patrick Henry, Paul Revere, John Paul Jones, and Benedict Arnold, [[Thomas Jefferson\|Jefferson]] was never a part of '''freemasonry'''.<ref>This article is based on Russell L. Martin, Monticello Research Report, January 1989.</ref> Even though standard histories of this fraternal organization fail to include Jefferson in their rosters of early members, a persistent popular tradition claims Jefferson for masonry.	+	Unlike [[Benjamin Franklin]]. [[George Washington]], [[James Monroe]], Patrick Henry, Paul Revere, John Paul Jones, and Benedict Arnold, [[Thomas Jefferson\|Jefferson]] was never a part of '''freemasonry'''.<ref>This article is based on Russell L. Martin, Monticello Research Report, January 1989.</ref> Even though standard histories of this fraternal organization fail to include Jefferson in their rosters of early members, a persistent popular tradition claims Jefferson for masonry.

	The tradition may have had its genesis at a ceremony marking the laying of the cornerstone at the University of Virginia. On the morning of October 6, 1817, a large crowd gathered at the site of the first pavilion. According to Philip A. Bruce, “the doors of all the stores were locked, private houses shut up, and the entire population of the little town darkened the road to the College.” In addition to the citizenry of Charlottesville, [[James Madison]], [[James Monroe]], and Jefferson were also present. The cornerstone, Bruce says, was laid “with the customary state by Lodges “ and 90. Rev. William King was the chaplain, John M. Perry, the architect, and Alexander Garrett, the worthy grand-master. President [[James Monroe\|Monroe]] applied the square and plumb, the chaplain asked a blessing on the stone, the crowd buzzed, and the band played ‘Hail Columbia.’” Evidently it was customary for masons to direct many public ceremonies, such as laying cornerstones, opening bridges, and dedicating halls (Stillson 548). Thus surrounded by masonic pomp and circumstance, Jefferson must have seemed a part of the organization simply through association. It should be added that Local Lodges 60 and 90 have never claimed Jefferson as a member, either in a regular or honorary capacity.		The tradition may have had its genesis at a ceremony marking the laying of the cornerstone at the University of Virginia. On the morning of October 6, 1817, a large crowd gathered at the site of the first pavilion. According to Philip A. Bruce, “the doors of all the stores were locked, private houses shut up, and the entire population of the little town darkened the road to the College.” In addition to the citizenry of Charlottesville, [[James Madison]], [[James Monroe]], and Jefferson were also present. The cornerstone, Bruce says, was laid “with the customary state by Lodges “ and 90. Rev. William King was the chaplain, John M. Perry, the architect, and Alexander Garrett, the worthy grand-master. President [[James Monroe\|Monroe]] applied the square and plumb, the chaplain asked a blessing on the stone, the crowd buzzed, and the band played ‘Hail Columbia.’” Evidently it was customary for masons to direct many public ceremonies, such as laying cornerstones, opening bridges, and dedicating halls (Stillson 548). Thus surrounded by masonic pomp and circumstance, Jefferson must have seemed a part of the organization simply through association. It should be added that Local Lodges 60 and 90 have never claimed Jefferson as a member, either in a regular or honorary capacity.

Bcraig at 17:33, 16 July 2007

2007-07-16T17:33:24Z

←Older revision		Revision as of 17:33, 16 July 2007
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	Unlike [[Benjamin Franklin]]. George Washington, [[James Monroe]], Patrick Henry, Paul Revere, John Paul Jones, and Benedict Arnold, [[Thomas Jefferson\|Jefferson]] was never a part of '''freemasonry'''.<ref>This article is based on Russell L. Martin, Monticello Research Report, January 1989.</ref> Even though standard histories of this fraternal organization fail to include Jefferson in their rosters of early members, a persistent popular tradition claims Jefferson for masonry.		Unlike [[Benjamin Franklin]]. George Washington, [[James Monroe]], Patrick Henry, Paul Revere, John Paul Jones, and Benedict Arnold, [[Thomas Jefferson\|Jefferson]] was never a part of '''freemasonry'''.<ref>This article is based on Russell L. Martin, Monticello Research Report, January 1989.</ref> Even though standard histories of this fraternal organization fail to include Jefferson in their rosters of early members, a persistent popular tradition claims Jefferson for masonry.

-	The tradition may have had its genesis at a ceremony marking the laying of the cornerstone at the University of Virginia. On the morning of October 6, 1817, a large crowd gathered at the site of the first pavilion. According to Philip A. Bruce, “the doors of all the stores were locked, private houses shut up, and the entire population of the little town darkened the road to the College.” In addition to the citizenry of Charlottesville, [[James Madison]], [[James Monroe]], and Jefferson were also present. The cornerstone, Bruce says, was laid “with the customary state by Lodges “ and 90. Rev. William King was the chaplain, John M. Perry, the architect, and Alexander Garrett, the worthy grand-master. President [[James Monroe\|Monroe]] applied the square and plumb, the chaplain asked a blessing on the stone, the crowd buzzed, and the band played ‘Hail Columbia.’” Evidently it was customary for masons to direct many public ceremonies, such as laying cornerstones, opening bridges, and dedicating halls (Stillson 548). Thus surrounded by masonic pomp and circumstance, TJ must have seemed a part of the organization simply through association. It should be added that Local Lodges 60 and 90 have never claimed TJ as a member, either in a regular or honorary capacity.	+	The tradition may have had its genesis at a ceremony marking the laying of the cornerstone at the University of Virginia. On the morning of October 6, 1817, a large crowd gathered at the site of the first pavilion. According to Philip A. Bruce, “the doors of all the stores were locked, private houses shut up, and the entire population of the little town darkened the road to the College.” In addition to the citizenry of Charlottesville, [[James Madison]], [[James Monroe]], and Jefferson were also present. The cornerstone, Bruce says, was laid “with the customary state by Lodges “ and 90. Rev. William King was the chaplain, John M. Perry, the architect, and Alexander Garrett, the worthy grand-master. President [[James Monroe\|Monroe]] applied the square and plumb, the chaplain asked a blessing on the stone, the crowd buzzed, and the band played ‘Hail Columbia.’” Evidently it was customary for masons to direct many public ceremonies, such as laying cornerstones, opening bridges, and dedicating halls (Stillson 548). Thus surrounded by masonic pomp and circumstance, Jefferson must have seemed a part of the organization simply through association. It should be added that Local Lodges 60 and 90 have never claimed Jefferson as a member, either in a regular or honorary capacity.

	Another Jeffersonian link to freemasonry predates the laying of the cornerstone. In 1801, the “Jefferson Lodge” was organized in Surry, Virginia. The name probably reflected republican exuberance after the election of 1800 and should not be taken as evidence for Jefferson’s membership. It is curious, however, to find a lodge named for a non-mason; the usual practice (as far as I can tell from gleanings in masonic reference books) is to name the lodge after a fellow mason of local or national stature. The Alexandria Lodge, for example, became Washington Lodge after the death of its famous grand-master. Indeed, to name a lodge after an individual is uncommon; most lodges simply assume the name of the town or county where they are located.		Another Jeffersonian link to freemasonry predates the laying of the cornerstone. In 1801, the “Jefferson Lodge” was organized in Surry, Virginia. The name probably reflected republican exuberance after the election of 1800 and should not be taken as evidence for Jefferson’s membership. It is curious, however, to find a lodge named for a non-mason; the usual practice (as far as I can tell from gleanings in masonic reference books) is to name the lodge after a fellow mason of local or national stature. The Alexandria Lodge, for example, became Washington Lodge after the death of its famous grand-master. Indeed, to name a lodge after an individual is uncommon; most lodges simply assume the name of the town or county where they are located.