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by Sidney Hayden (Author)
BIOGRAPHIES of WASHINGTON, and the most eminent of his contemporaries, have been often written so far as relates to their public acts, and in many of them we have also a portraiture of their personal and domestic history. The virtues which ennoble human character, are taught and cultivated in the lodge-room; and the mystic labours of the Master and his Craftsmen. When convened, are such as fit men for the domestic relations of life and the highest duties of citizenship. WASHINGTON, with a full knowledge of the subject, wrote: "Being persuaded that a just application of the principles on which the Masonic Fraternity is founded, must be promotive of virtue and public prosperity, I shall always be happy to advance the interest of the Society, and be considered by them a deserving brother." WASHINGTON'S Masonic history might have been given by his contemporaries, in all its proportions, with fullness of detail. Now, it is like a beautiful column in ruins, -its parts broken, scattered, and moss-grown. We have laboured industriously to collect these Parian fragments, and only wish some hand more skilful than our own, might have given each its due place and polish in the most beautiful pillar of the temple of American Masonry. Of the Compeers, we have not written laboured sketches. We have only given such Masonic facts as came under our observation in our researches in the Masonic history of WASHINGTON but in each case, they are from veritable records. While they establish the Masonic brotherhood of the individual, we hope they may throw some light on his character, and make his memory more dear to our American brethren.
Author Biography
Robert Macoy (October 4, 1815 - January 9, 1895 was born in Armagh, Ulster Ireland, but moved to the United States at the age of 4 months. He was a prominent Freemason, and was instrumental in the founding of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Order of the Amaranth. He also founded what may be the largest Masonic publishing, regalia, and supply house currently active. Growing up in America and having attained a considerable degree of education, Macoy entered the printing craft as soon as he was old enough to work. He spent most of his life in that business and in Masonic activities in New York City. In 1849, he started a Masonic supply and publishing business, which, under the name, Macoy Publishing & Masonic Supply Company, is still in active operation. Macoy was initiated in Lebanon Lodge No. 191 in New York City, January 20, 1848, passed, January 27, and Raised February 3 of that year. On August 15, 1855, he withdrew to affiliate with Adel-phic Lodge No. 348. He was elected Deputy Grand Master of New York in June, 1856 and re-elected in 1857. He was exalted in Orient Chapter No. 138, Royal Arch Masons, September 5, 1849 and became a member of Adelphic Chapter No. 150 on December 24, 1855. He was also affiliated with Union Chapter No. 180, Ameri-cas Chapter No. 215, and De Witt Clinton Chapter No. 142. He also received the Cryptic degrees and was a charter member of Adelphic Council No. 7, Royal and Select Masters. He was elected Grand Recorder of the Grand Council on June 4, 1855. He was also knighted in Palestine Encampment No. 18 of New York City, in February, 1851, and in March withdrew to join Morton Encampment No. 4. On April 28, 1874, he affiliated with DeWitt Clinton Commandery No. 27 Knights Templar, where his mem-bership continued for 20 years. He received the Scottish Rite de-grees sometime prior to December 9, 1850, for on that date he received the 33rd Degree, Sovereign Grand Inspector General. In 1866 Macoy published A Dictionary of Freemasonry, which comprised his own work ("General History of Freemasonry" and "Cyclopaedia of Freemasonry") as well as George Oliver's Dictionary of Symbolical Masonry of 1853.
