I have always been fascinated by the Masonic-Ancient Egyptian connection. As a tour and travel provider in the Washington, DC area I live close to Alexandria, Virginia. I recall always being under the assumption that Alexandria was named after the city of Alexandria, Egypt.

When I studied the history of this quaint 18th century town on the Potomac, only 8 miles from Mount Vernon I learned that (supposedly) the city was named after John Alexander, a Scottish immigrant.

I never did really buy this for some reason, and the more I study the history of freemasonry in connection with the founding of the United States the more I become convinced that Old Town Alexandria was indeed named after the ancient city in Egypt where fabled Cleopatra dwelt.

Even a quick study of Freemasonry indicates that there is special connection between the Ancient Egyptians and the founding of Freemasonry. Indeed, it is asserted that the Freemasons adopted much of the philosophy of the Ancient Egyptians that was later incorporated into the metaphysical belief systems of the Order.

Yet while the origins of Freemasonry are lost in the mists of time, and the debate continues over whether or not  it is descended from the Knights Templar there are certain commonalities that indicate that the Ancient Egyptians, their religion and beliefs, influenced the Masons to a great degree.

One only has to look at the giant obelisk known as the Washington Monument to realize this. The Masonic Temple is Alexandria, Virginia is another example of this connection since the temple is constructed along the lines of the ancient lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

But to really see the Egyptian connection you only have to click on this link: http://ancientegypt.hypermart.net/freemasonry/index.htm which is an amazing site that details the Masonic temple in Port Adelaide in South Africa. 

Entitled "The Legacy of the Ancient Egyptians" we are given a visual tour of this Port Adelaide Masonic Centre, Number Two Lodge in South Australia that is built in the form of an Egyptian Temple.

The Ancient Egyptian symbology etched into the temple in this day and age is stunning proof that the Egyptian connection is alive and well in the modern age and as important now as it was in George Washington's day.

In my next blog we will look more deeply into why the Ancient Egyptians play such an important part in Freemasonry.