 |
|||
| For Immediate Release: September 16, 2009 |
Contact: David Blanchette (217) 558-8970 Richard E. Kohn (847) 560-0054 |
George Washington Inaugural Bible to be displayed October 9 at Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library SPRINGFIELD - The Bible upon which George Washington rested his hand on April 30, 1789 when taking the oath of office as first President of the United States will be displayed for one day, Friday, October 9, at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in downtown Springfield, Illinois. The public is invited to view this one-of-a-kind historic artifact free of charge from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. that day. The Inaugural Bible has been brought to Illinois for the first time by the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Illinois and is provided as a courtesy by the St. John's Lodge of New York for use during the installation of the Grand Master and Grand Lodge Officers on Friday evening, October 9 at the Springfield Hilton. The Bible complements an original 1799 George Washington letter featured in the exhibit Illinois Stories: "How Vast and How Varied a Field..." The Agricultural Vision of Abraham Lincoln, which may be seen at the adjacent Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. The letter is on loan from the St. Louis Mercantile Library and will be displayed through November 2009. Paid admission is required to visit the Museum, while there is no charge to visit the Library. "We are grateful to the Grand Lodge for bringing this priceless artifact to Illinois for the first time for public viewing," said Illinois State Historian Thomas Schwartz. "Washington and Lincoln have always been considered our most important presidents, and having artifacts from both men in such close proximity is a truly memorable occasion." After the conclusion of the War of Independence, New York City became the first Capitol of the United States, and it was there on April 30, 1789 that George Washington, a Brother of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, was to be sworn in as the nation's first President. Gathered on the Inaugural platform were members of Congress, Washington, and Chancellor Robert R. Livingston, Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York. Everything was ready for the oath of office when it was discovered that a Bible had not been provided upon which the President-Elect could swear allegiance to the Constitution. Jacob Morton, marshal of the Inaugural Parade and Master of St. John's Lodge, offered to get the altar Bible of St. John's Lodge, which met nearby at the corner of Water and Wall Streets. Chancellor Livingston asked Morton to fetch the Bible, and the ceremony proceeded. Washington took the oath with his right hand resting on the Bible which had been opened to the Book of Genesis, chapters 49 and 50. Washington concluded the oath with "I swear, so help me God!" then bowed over the Bible and reverently kissed it, whereupon Chancellor Livingston exclaimed, "Long live George Wash¬ington, President of the United States!" To preserve the memory of the event, a page was inserted in the Bible: On this sacred volume, on the 30th day of April, A. L. 5789, in the City of New York, was administered to George Washington, the first president of the United States of America, the oath to support the Constitution of the United States. This important ceremony was performed by the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York, the Honorable Robert R. Livingston, Chancellor of the State. The King James Version Bible has since been used at four other inaugurations: President Warren G. Harding in 1921; President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953; President Jimmy Carter in 1977; and President George H.W. Bush in 1989. It was also to have been used for the inauguration of President George W. Bush in 2001, but rain prevented its use. It has also been present at numerous public and Masonic occasions, including Washington's funeral procession in New York, December 31, 1799; the introduction of Croton water into New York City, October 14, 1840; the dedication of the Masonic Temples in Boston, June 24, 1867 and Philadelphia on May 24, 1869; the dedication of the Washington monument in Washington, DC on February 21, 1885 and its rededication in 1998; and the laying of the cornerstone of the Masonic Home at Utica, NY on May 21, 1891. It was also used at the opening of the present Masonic Hall in New York City on September 18, 1909. More recently it was featured at the World's Fair in New York, has been displayed at the CIA Offices outside Washington DC, and at the Famous Fathers & Sons exhibition at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library near Dallas, TX in 2001. The Bible is still in active use by the Lodge. When not being used by St. John's Lodge or on tour, it is on display at Federal Hall on Wall Street in New York City. For more information, visit www.stjohns1.org/portal/gwib. For information about programs and exhibits at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, visit www.presidentlincoln.org. ###
|
|
Copyright Notice | FAQ | Career Opportunities | Volunteer | Related Links | State of Illinois | Illinois Historic Preservation Agency |