2026 Masonic Symposium: Exploring Washington’s Fraternal Public Discretion
George Washington may be the most recognizable Freemason in history. His image appears in lodge rooms around the world, his participation in cornerstone ceremonies is well documented, and his Masonic membership remains a defining part of his legacy.
Yet during his lifetime, Washington rarely spoke publicly about being a Mason. Why?
Join the Grand Lodge of California for the 2026 Annual Masonic Symposium as we examine the fascinating relationship between America’s first president, Freemasonry, and the role of public leadership. Drawing from decades of historical scholarship, prominent historian Steven C. Bullock, author of Revolutionary Brotherhood: Freemasonry and the Transformation of the American Social Order, 1730–1840, explores why Washington chose to exercise remarkable restraint when it came to his Masonic identity—and what that decision reveals about both the man and the fraternity.
Rather than seeking political advantage through his Masonic membership, Washington carefully maintained a distinction between his public office and his fraternal life. His example offers timely lessons about leadership, integrity, and the appropriate role of Freemasonry in public society.
Following Bullock’s presentation, attendees will enjoy a live panel discussion featuring distinguished California Masonic leaders John Cooper III, Past Grand Master of California; Scott Morrison, Jr., Inspector of the 404th Masonic District and Masonic educator; and moderator Jhairo Echevarria, Chairman of the Grand Lodge Committee on Masonic Education. Together, they examine Washington’s example in light of later notables such as DeWitt Clinton, the Morgan Affair, the rise of the anti-Masonic movement, and the enduring lessons these events hold for Freemasonry today. Audience members will also have the opportunity to participate through a live question-and-answer session.
Whether you are a student of American history, a lover of Masonic scholarship, or simply curious about the life of our fraternity’s most famous member, this year’s symposium offers an engaging exploration of leadership, history, and the values that continue to shape Freemasonry in California and beyond.
Among this year’s panelists are:
Steven C. Bullock (Speaker)
Steven C. Bullock is professor of history at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where he was a recipient of the Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Research and Creative Scholarship. He has also served as a Fulbright Lecturer in Okinawa, Japan.
He is the author of Tea Sets and Tyranny: The Politics of Politeness in Early America (University of Pennsylvania, 2017), Revolutionary Brotherhood: Freemasonry and the Transformation of the American Social Order, 1730-1840 (University of North Carolina Press, 1996), and The American Revolution: A History in Documents (Oxford University Press, 2003). He has also published in the Wall Street Journal, Newsday, and the William & Mary Quarterly, where his piece on the confidence man Tom Bell received the Percy Adams Prize for the year’s best article in eighteenth-century studies.
John Cooper III (Panelist)
A Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of California, John Cooper is the former master of three California research lodges and a past president of the Philalethes Society – America’s oldest and largest Masonic research organization. He has presented papers at international conferences on the history of Freemasonry, and is a published author. John was a public school teacher and administrator, including a tour of duty as superintendent of a high school district in San Diego County before coming to San Francisco to become Grand Secretary of the Masonic Grand Lodge of California.
He served in the latter position for eighteen years and was president of the Conference of Grand Secretaries. In 2013 he was elected as Grand Master of Masons in California and during his term as Grand Master he served as Chairman of the Conference of Grand Masters of Masons in North America.
Scott Morrison (Panelist)
Scott Morrison, Jr., is a Past Master of Harding San Juan Lodge No. 579, and currently serves the Grand Lodge of California as Inspector of the 404th Masonic District. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Masonic Homes of California and was Grand Pursuivant in 024-25. He has also served on numerous Grand Lodge Committees, including the Leadership Jevelopment Committee, the Public Education Advisory Committee, and nine years on the Legislative Analysis Committee.
Scott is the Chair of the Board of Trustees for the RiteCare Childhood Language Center of Sacramento and is the President of the Northern California Past Masters Association. He is an active member of the Golden Compasses Research Lodge, Gold Country Allied Masonic Degrees, and the Golden State College of Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis.
Jhairo Echevarria (Moderator)
Jhairo Echevaria is a Senior DeMolay who has earned the degrees of Chevalier and Legion of Honor. He is a Past Master of Burbank Lodge No. 406 and currently serves as the Grand Lodge of California as an Inspector of the 624th Masonic District. He served as Grand Sword Bearer (2024-25) and has been active on numerous Grand Lodge committees, including the Leadership Development Committee, Public Relations Advisory Committee, and Youth Orders.
He is currently Chairman of Masonic Education. He is a Past President of the National Sojourners Los Angeles Chapter, member of the Scholarship California Scottish Rite foundation, Scottish Rite Research Society and the Texas Lodge of Research. Additionally, Member of Glencrest Chapter, Order of the Easter Star, Chairman of the Burbank Chapter Order of DeMolay, Southern California Jurisdiction Order of DeMolay Regional Representative, as well as a member of the Youth Fund of Southern California.