Research Type
Facebook PostPerson
Chelsea HansenDate
Feb 17, 2025Notes
Posted on the Washington Masonic Library & Museum Facebook Page:
Happy #PresidentsDay!
President Gerald Ford was the most recent Freemason to serve in the Oval Office (1974-1977). He was initiated in Grand Rapids, Michigan at Malta Lodge No. 465 in 1949, completing the degrees two years later in Columbia Lodge No. 3, in Washington D.C. while serving as a U.S. Representative for Michigan. President Ford was open about the influence Masonry had on his leadership, stating, "Masonic principles--internal, not external--and our order's vision of duty to country and acceptance of God as a Supreme Being and guiding light have sustained me during my years of Government service."
On March 11, 1975, Grand Master Clyde B. Mix received this thank you letter on White House stationary from President Ford for a gift of Masonic ritual music. In it the President wrote, "I am pleased to have the opportunity to extend my warmest fraternal wishes to you. Sincerely, Jerry Ford."
The letter is now in the Washington Masonic Library & Museum. Recenlty, we removed it from a frame for conservation purposes, and found this opened envelope tucked behind it.
#GeraldFord #PresidentialHistory #MasonicHeritage #artifactfriday