[437] He was distinctly rooted in the ideas, values, and modes of thinking of the Enlightenment,[438] but he harbored no contempt of organized Christianity and its clergy, "being no bigot myself to any mode of worship".[438] In 1793, speaking to members of the New Church in Baltimore, Washington said, "We have abundant reason to rejoice that in this Land the light of truth and reason has triumphed over the power of bigotry and superstition."[439]
Freemasonry was a widely accepted institution in the late 18th century, known for advocating moral teachings.[440] Washington was attracted to the Masons' dedication to the Enlightenment principles of rationality, reason, and brotherhood. American Masonic lodges did not share the anti-clerical perspective of the controversial European lodges.[441] A Masonic lodge was established in Fredericksburg, Virginia in September 1752, and Washington was initiated two months later at the age of 20 as one of its first Entered Apprentices. Within a year, he progressed through its ranks to become a Master Mason.[442] Washington had high regard for the Masonic Order, but his personal lodge attendance was sporadic. 