James Hoban (The Architect of the White House and Superintendent Architect
of the U.S. Capitol) was our first Worshipful Master. (Learn
more about on Brother Hoban).
Former Federal Bureau of Investigation Director, J. Edgar Hoover receives
his degrees and becomes a member of Federal.
President Theodore Roosevelt was made an honorary member of Federal on November
12, 1901.
North and South Pole explorer, Sir Admiral Richard E. Byrd received his degrees
from Federal Lodge.
Federal Lodge on April 25, 1848, raised William P. Ross, Chief of the Cherokee
Nation in 1848 to the Master Mason degree.
The first public appearance of Federal Lodge was on September 18,1793 at the
laying of the original cornerstone of the United States Capitol. It was conducted
by James Hoban our first WM and Architect of the White House.
Federal Lodge attended George Washington's funeral. Alexander McCormick was
one of the "lesser lights" allowed to enter the tomb. Federal is
still in possession of Alexander's Masonic Apron and Past Master's Jewel worn
at the funeral.
In 1812, Daniel Rapine was elected Mayor of Washington DC, also a member of
Federal Lodge.
In 1817, Benjamin B. Orr was elected Mayor of Washington DC, also a member
of Federal Lodge.
President Andrew Jackson, John H. Eaton, Secretary of War, and William T.
Barry, Postmaster General were honorary members of Federal.
John Eaton married Peggy O'Neale (daughter of William O'Neale, who served
as Master of the Lodge in 1817).
Patrick Magruder was a member of Federal. He was the Clerk of the House of
Representatives and also served as the Librarian of Congress (the second person
to occupy that position).
Independence Day in 1848 witnessed a brilliant parade for the laying of the
corner stone of the Washington Monument. Federal Lodge occupied first place
among the DC lodges, by reason of seniority and prominence
Federal sponsored California Lodge #13 in San Francisco. It's first meeting
was held on April 9, 1850. Federal participated in the formation of the Grand
Lodge of California and is now known as California Lodge #1
Benjamin B. French #15, F.A.A.M., Washington, D.C., was sponsored by Federal
Lodge.
Former Secretary of Commerce, under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Daniel
C. Roper was a member of Federal.
On March 24, 1896, Chung Mun-yew, secretary of Chinese legation received his
Master Mason degree from Federal.
Arthur E. Cook Superintendent of the Capitol in 1904 presented Federal a gavel
made of mahogany. This wood was used in the construction of the Capitol of
the United States. At one end of the gavel head is metal from a battleship,
the U.S.S. Maine. At the other end of the gavel head is metal from the
Statue of Freedom which surmounts the dome of the Capitol.
September 1993, Federal celebrated its Bicentennial with a week long series
of Masonic events and banquets.
September 13, 1998, Federal Lodge No. 1 rededicated the newly restored grave
stone of its founding Master, James Hoban at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Washington,
D.C.