In front of the portrait of Bro. George Washington, Samuel Lange, W.M. (left), Robert A. Lamberton Lodge No. 487, presents tools of Freemasonry gifts to Carl D. Homan, P.M., and John Betz, P.M.

In his "Friend-to-Friend/Brother-to-Brother: The Values of Brotherhood" testimonial, Bro. Samuel Lange, P.M. and W.M., said that Freemasonry has been good for him because "I see others working to be better and helping others by using (personifying) the tools of Freemasonry." He feels that way because the working tools of Freemasonry have served not only as a guide to his actions, but also as a hallmark in his 2001 programming as the Worshipful Master of Robert A. Lamberton Lodge No. 487, Philadelphia. Bro. Lange also was W.M. in 1960.

He long has been inspired by the biography of George Washington and the history of his achievements, including those as a Freemason. Considering the two motivating interests, Bro. Lange wondered if Brother, President, and General Washington was a "real Mason." Did he live his every day life with the principles and values of Freemasonry close to him as reflected by the working tools of the Fraternity? Bro. Lange went on a search to satisfy his curiosity and found the answer almost by chance.

When he and his wife visited Washington, DC last year, Bro. Lange looked everywhere and came away empty-handed. But, he said that when they stopped at the D.A.R. (Daughters of the American Revolution) headquarters, "I walked into their museum and there to the right was an exhibit on George Washington, including his Masonic apron and his personal wine decanter. The tools of Freemasonry were engraved on the decanter." He felt that he had his answer right there. "I could envision him (Bro. Washington) looking at the tools and thinking what he had done that day and what he could do the next day. I could feel it ­ George Washington was a real Mason. I read later that Bro. Washington had the decanter made (for his home and personal use)."

Now, his brethren in the lodge share the information about and the enthusiasm for Bro. Washington and for the teachings of the working tools of Freemasonry. As W.M. this year, he gives a personal Masonic token, a tie clip with the working tools of Freemasonry on it, to each brother and tells the story of George Washington. The programs this year in Robert A. Lamberton Lodge have been about the working tools of Freemasonry, about working to make good men better, and about brothers serving to help others. For the November meeting, there will be a discussion on "The Tools of Freemasonry." Also, for a Masonic birthday, he presents the brother with a money clip that has the working tools emblazoned on it.