The statue depicts George Washington kneeling in prayer in the early morning hours at Valley Forge. It refers to the story told by Isaac Potts that he once came upon General Washington praying in Valley Forge during the winter encampment.

Sculpted by Donald DeLue, one of America’s greatest monument sculptors, the 9-foot-tall bronze statue overlooks the Congressional Medal of Honor Grove. Over 20,000 Masons and their families attended the dedication ceremony on Sept. 9, 1967. It was one of the largest gatherings of Masons in the history of the Grand Lodge. It was also one of the largest crowds ever to witness the unveiling and dedication of a statue in the United States.

The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania restores, preserves and maintains monuments representing the heritage of Freemasonry throughout Pennsylvania.

Words from Washington

“However, it is hoped that if our cause is just, as I do most religiously believe it to be, the same providence which has in many instances appear’d for us, will still go on to afford its aid.”

(May 31, 1776, from a letter to John Washington)

“… acquiescence to the divine will is not only a duty, but is to be aided with every manly exertion.”

(Aug. 10, 1777, from a letter to Samuel Augustine Washington)

“It having pleased the Almighty Ruler of the Universe propitiously to defend the cause of the United American States and finally by raising us up a powerful friend among the princes of earth to establish our liberty and independence up lasting foundations, it becomes us to set apart a day for gratefully acknowledging the divine goodness and celebrating the important event which we owe to his benign interposition.”

(May 5, 1778, from AFTER ORDERS)

“The Commander in Chief directs that divine service be preformed every Sunday at 11 o’clock in those brigades to which are chaplains; those which have none to attend the places of worship nearest to them. It is expected that our officers of all ranks will by their attendance set an example to their men.

(May 2, 1778, from GENERAL ORDERS)

“… my fervent supplications that the Almighty Being who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that his benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States, a government instituted by themselves for these essential purposes.”

(April 30, 1789, from the First Inaugural Address)