Historian's Report - July 2025

Brethren,

As we gather in lodge tonight, we continue to mark the momentous occasion—the 250th anniversary of our nation.  This month, we look back to July 1775, a month that forever altered the course of history and the destiny of nations. Tonight, we honor two extraordinary patriots, Freemasons, and champions of liberty: **George Washington** and **Benjamin Franklin**.

In July 1775, the American colonies stood at the threshold of revolution. The fires of Lexington, Concord, and Breed's Hill had been lit, and the call for freedom echoed from town to town. It was in this charged atmosphere that **Brother George Washington** arrived in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and, on July 3rd, took command of the Continental Army. Imagine the weight upon his shoulders—the hopes of a fledgling nation resting on his leadership. Yet, Washington’s resolve was fortified by the principles he learned in the lodge: brotherhood, equality, and the pursuit of truth.

Washington’s Masonic values were not left behind on the battlefield. Throughout the War for Independence, he attended Masonic celebrations and religious observances, supporting the formation of regimental lodges within the army. These gatherings were more than mere ceremonies—they were beacons of unity and morale, nurturing the spirit of fraternity among soldiers in the darkest hours.

Meanwhile, Benjamin Franklin—freshly returned from years in London, where he had sought reconciliation until the very end—was immediately called to serve as a delegate to Congress. Franklin, the Past Grand Master of Pennsylvania, was invaluable for his wisdom, wit, and commitment to unity in those turbulent days. On July 21, 1775, Franklin circulated his visionary "Plan of Confederation," urging the colonies to form a united government—a precursor to the union we now cherish. Though his plan was not adopted at the time, it laid the intellectual groundwork for the nation that would emerge.

That same summer, Congress recognized another urgent need: communication. On July 26, Franklin was appointed as the first Postmaster General of the United Colonies. Under his leadership, the postal system became the lifeblood of the Revolution, ensuring that ideas, orders, and hope flowed swiftly between Congress, the armies, and the people. This network, born of Franklin’s ingenuity, would become the first American communications system—a vital thread weaving together the fabric of a new nation.

Both Washington and Franklin drew strength from their Masonic bonds. Their actions in July 1775—one leading armies, the other forging consensus and communication—were guided by the same values we cherish today: liberty, equality, and fraternity. They remind us that the light we kindle in our lodges can illuminate the world beyond these walls.

As we commemorate these anniversaries, let us rededicate ourselves to the example set by Washington and Franklin. May we, too, strive to be builders—of character, of community, and of a more perfect union.

Thank you.