Grand Tribute
Walking into the George Washington National Masonic Memorial was...awesome, in the true sense of the word. We struck the right time to arrive, as we were the only people visiting at the time (though I imagine not many know about the Memorial). One feels that to speak in a regular voice would be a violation, somehow. Sotto voce seemed more appropriate for most of our visit (but then, you all know what a hero of mine Washington is, so perhaps that made me more sensitive to the place).
The elegant and beautiful Memorial Hall, at 100 feet long, 66 feet wide, and 51 feet high and sculpted with great talent and care, is simultaneously ennervating and humbling. The design is clearly meant to lead the visitor's eye to the enormous, 17-foot bronze of George Washington. The effect is truly awe-inspiring, quieting, and throws one into immediate contemplation and consideration.
The Masonic Memorial is far, far better and more fitting than the Washington Memorial most of us are familiar with. It's quite grand, something of the sort we do not see in this country (thankfully), but for Washington...Well, it seems appropriate on one hand, but on the other, I do wonder what the man himself would think! After all, Washington much preferred his farm and businesses to war and politics.
Still, the veneration, so long as it does not devolve into idolization and deification, is merited. Few, few men since have been so beneficial to America (and the world) or so worthy of emulation. It is something even England's King George III recognized, doubtless with great amazement and awe.
The Masons intended to "express in durability and beauty the undying esteem of the Freemasons of the United States for him in whose memory it shall stand throughout the coming years." The designers and builders have truly accomplished their goal.
By the way, there is a beautiful video about Washington narrated by David McCullough here. It'll cause misty eyes, if you love America, if you long for men who even aspire to be so fine and selfless as Washington to arise again.
Grand Tribute
Walking into the George Washington National Masonic Memorial was...awesome, in the true sense of the word. We struck the right time to arrive, as we were the only people visiting at the time (though I imagine not many know about the Memorial). One feels that to speak in a regular voice would be a violation, somehow. Sotto voce seemed more appropriate for most of our visit (but then, you all know what a hero of mine Washington is, so perhaps that made me more sensitive to the place).
The elegant and beautiful Memorial Hall, at 100 feet long, 66 feet wide, and 51 feet high and sculpted with great talent and care, is simultaneously ennervating and humbling. The design is clearly meant to lead the visitor's eye to the enormous, 17-foot bronze of George Washington. The effect is truly awe-inspiring, quieting, and throws one into immediate contemplation and consideration.
The Masonic Memorial is far, far better and more fitting than the Washington Memorial most of us are familiar with. It's quite grand, something of the sort we do not see in this country (thankfully), but for Washington...Well, it seems appropriate on one hand, but on the other, I do wonder what the man himself would think! After all, Washington much preferred his farm and businesses to war and politics.
Still, the veneration, so long as it does not devolve into idolization and deification, is merited. Few, few men since have been so beneficial to America (and the world) or so worthy of emulation. It is something even England's King George III recognized, doubtless with great amazement and awe.
The Masons intended to "express in durability and beauty the undying esteem of the Freemasons of the United States for him in whose memory it shall stand throughout the coming years." The designers and builders have truly accomplished their goal.
By the way, there is a beautiful video about Washington narrated by David McCullough here. It'll cause misty eyes, if you love America, if you long for men who even aspire to be so fine and selfless as Washington to arise again.