The Secret Architecture of Our Nation’s Capital

Secret Architecture1 of 7 http://www.masonicinfo.com/books/secretarchitecture.htm The Secret Architecture of Our Nation’s Capital The Masons and the Building of Washington, D.C. David Ovason Review by Ed King “Masons designed Washington, DC!” Websites trumpet this ‘news’ in huge red letters on a black forbidding background. Postings to Internet newsgroups point fingers accusingly and demand ‘an answer’ – or for Masons to prove that they didn’t. What's the problem? Hard to tell - except that in a lot of folks' minds today, Washington DC is the symbol of all evil - and if the damn Freemasons designed it, then they're part of the problem too. It’s no secret and Masons are proud to trumpet, often in a greatly exaggerated way, that members of the Fraternity were active during the War for Independence in the United States. It’s also well known that some of the brightest and most remembered men of that age were involved in the initial establishment of the government. (The oft-repeated claim that all of Washington’s Generals or that most of the signers of the Declaration of Independence are exaggerations that simply won’t die!) During and following the American Revolution, a large percentage of the population were Masons but to writers today, the reasons for this seem somehow unimaginable. (Those with an interest in this 'phenomena' are referred to Stephen Bullock's "Revolutionary Brotherhood".) His impressive credentials In 1999, “The Secret Architecture of Our Nation’s Capital” was first published – oddly, considering the title - in Great Britain. Written by David Ovason, an astrologer (not an architect, by any stretch of the imagination or even an astronomer) whose other works included two books about Nostradamus, one of which trumpets Mr. Ovason's discovery of a secret language which had eluded all other researchers and the other, published AFTER the horrific events of September 11th, 2001 in New York claims to have now found a quatrain which foretold 9/26/2015 1:29 AM isn’t it?) The damn aliens again! Others. ten years later. None of Mr. 33°. it’s important to understand the significance of this claim that Masons designed Washington. Laugh if you will but for some. To them. an astrologer is one who. a fortune teller. Ovason's books reveal his educational background. no spaceship .htm that event! It’s also important. (Our friend and Brother Harry Lyons was there on Shooter's Hill in Virginia at the Memorial at midnight that night: alas.Secret Architecture 2 of 7 http://www. this is desperately real and they’re convinced beyond any explanation. Fred Kleinknecht. it’s a fearsome threat. they immediately began to shout that this was the final proof of all of Masonic conspiracy. Well.C. Ignoring both the book's actual contents as well as the author's credentials (or lack thereof) they immediately began to create all sorts of fanciful theories.or at least that's what he's saying publicly . (Good thing they figured it out in 2000 after a couple of hundred years. those aliens are still hiding. taking their imaginations even further. On its face.masonicinfo. If the ‘heir’ to Albert Pike would write an introduction to this book. this ‘design’ in the street plan is a signal for all that the Masons are establishing a secret religion which will pave the way for the coming of the 9/26/2015 1:29 AM . the Sovereign Grand Commander of the Southern (US) Scottish Rite Jurisdiction. Some – ignoring the three hundred year experience of Freemasonry encouraging freedom of thought – argue that it is now clear Freemasonry is hell-bent on world conquest: that the ‘signs’ implanted in the Washington street layout along with that eye in the pyramid on the back of the dollar bill are the final proof. perhaps in the New York subways!) And for the religious zealots. we feel. Perhaps there's a reason? The book's supporters? When 'our little friends’ on the Internet became aware of this book’s title. this ‘fact’ proves beyond any doubt their fears of a horrid Masonic conspiracy which – depending on the individual – may take a variety of forms. not quite! However before we proceed. They trumpeted the ‘approval’ of Freemasonry as evidenced by the preface written by C. note that the layout is proof that aliens from outer space influenced Masons who designed it. it actually seems quite complimentary to the Fraternity while to many it would be met with a response of “So what?” or "Who cares?" Here's what: for those with over-developed imaginations. Those who’ve read this site for some time will recall our reporting that the huge Square and Compass placed in front of the George Washington National Masonic Memorial was opined by some as being the marker for the landing of the spacecraft at midnight on 1/1/2000 with the increase in postal rates to 33cents just preceding that as a forewarning. this “proved” that Freemasons designed Washington.and now. determines what a person’s life events will be by contemplating the position of the constellations at the time of their birth: in short. to remind readers that an astronomer is one who is trained in science to understand the heavens. usually self-taught and without any formal education in scientific subjects.com/books/secretarchitecture. D. His imagination about what Masons ostensibly know. Again. Ovason makes a fanciful assumption and then later uses this to buttress yet another of his own theories. seems boundless and aids in his fantasy at every turn. He writes in his Acknowledgement. eh? Masonic encouragement? Really? The Masonic connection is further emphasized by the introduction (a foreword.. In glancing through the book prior to reading. Footnote for his source? Not a chance! It's a technique regularly used in 'popular' literature surrounding Freemasonry today. If that's an ‘endorsement’ of this work. it came as quite a shock to see what was actually written. In truth. It was on Page 9 when the first of many.. right? But yet. it's pretty darn weak in our opinion. we'd noted nearly 70 pages of tightly-spaced footnotes. actually) written by C. In that cloud formation I see a doggie.but why let facts get into the way of a good yarn. Fred Klienknecht – and anti-Masons have made much of it. Surely these would at least allow us to follow through on the author's claims. He notes that John (from Dorchester) was ‘a distant forbear’ of the architect John Russell Pope.htm anti-Christ. on this presumption. we’re a bit confused since the design has been there for a couple of hundred years and no one has seen the anti-Christ or any Masonic religion appear yet . After reading their breathless claims for more than two years while awaiting US publication.. but it is well thought out and presented.com/books/secretarchitecture. Similar to the bestselling The Hiram Key. And it was also to our surprise that Mr. Perhaps in the workplace. Ovason seems quite uninterested in any of the theories as to why Masons would have gone to such great lengths to ‘embed’ a message into the design of the capital city.” If that’s what anti-Masons believe is unqualified support. they've never had the cause to get one.” And so. he begins a discussion about the land on which Washington DC now stands and notes wishfully that the ownership by John Pope would be pleasant historically (in some sort of cosmically-ordained way. it may be because they've unfamiliar with what a true endorsement looks like. many unsubstantiated claims came leaping forth.. “My thanks go to all those Masons and Masonic Lodges of present time who have helped me with questions which must surely have amused those privy to the deeper secrets. Here's the Grand Commander's last sentence of his foreword: “His thesis may be controversial. apparently) if that individual was related to John Pope who had settled in Massachusetts in 1630.. however.. anyone 9/26/2015 1:29 AM . Mr. the book moves forward.Secret Architecture 3 of 7 http://www.masonicinfo. The Sovereign Grand Commander writes that he sees a similarity ONLY between a ceiling design recommended by Albert Pike for a lodge (containing the constellations and planets) and the other constellation designs Ovason has found scattered in various statuary throughout Washington DC. " And yet.even if they'd never joined the fraternity of Freemasons. with a bit of imagination.Secret Architecture 4 of 7 http://www. He writes about Pierre 9/26/2015 1:29 AM .) Virgo... however. But wait: that's not what Ovason is writing about: it's VIRGO!!!!! Yes.masonicinfo.. there was another Virgoan influence in this chart which might be missed by someone not familiar with the workings of astrology. the thrust of this book is about the number of things that someone can play 'connect the dots' with and come up with a rough approximation of what the constellation Virgo looks like. In point of actual fact. NO ONE seems able to ever produce any documentation whatsoever that Freemasons in the United States ever used astrological information for anything other than hoping that the weather might be good for a cornerstone laying. Dan Brown in his much later work. notes this quite clearly to the chagrin of the main character's students. he seems remarkably uninformed about who is a Mason and who isn't.. the Moon went into Virgo. DC can.com/books/secretarchitecture. 1848. while Mr. Just as undeniable. As I have indicated. That these are the implements used by Freemasonry to remind members to circumscribe their desires and keep their passions within due bounds with all mankind is undeniable. is that operative architects have used such implements for thousands of years and some of them surely must have been inspired by their grace and practical applications of their tools . (The 'Old Farmer's Almanac' was known to be kept in some lodges in New England. probably one reason why the Masons chose to lay the stone in the afternoon was because they wished to allow the all-important Virgo to become operative in the chart. particularly those which met by the light of the full moon. to Mr. see the design of a square and compass. Ovason wants to tie the Masons to the Virgo designs. "In fact. The Lost Symbol.htm looking at the early layout of Washington. Shortly before lunchtime on that day. Ovason seems to be everywhere. Here's an example: “The cornerstone for the Washington Monument was laid at the northeast corner of the foundation in the early afternoon of July 4. The all-important Dragon’s Head in the 1848 chart is in 25 degrees of Virgo.." Probably? Why? Footnote? Naw.. ” One supposes that it's awfully difficult to make 5 of 7 9/26/2015 1:29 AM . What do we find? A footnote stating: “It is very likely that L’Enfant was a Mason.” Alas. Not-so-keen observations Talking about the George Washington Monument.” <SIGH> In addition. foresting. he glibly identifies Vinnie Ream (a sculptress and close friend of Albert Pike) and Madame Blavatsky as Masons. Furthermore. Mr. So much for his scrupulous research. The author is apparently oblivious to the fact that even today. Ovason writes “In spite of such delays and setbacks. there was an ongoing reliance upon celestial navigation and it thus stands to reason that the level of understanding of astronomy in those days would be far.com/books/secretarchitecture. to an obelisk which was essentially Egyptian in spirit. Historical documents indicate that this change was directed by Masons. long before printing was readily available and maps were even marginally reliable. We found it particularly interesting that Ovason's work makes much of the year 1881 (the supposed Trithemian doctrine of planetary angels) and claims (without substantiation) that occultists were alert to the critical importance of that year of change. isn't it? He makes broad statements unsupported by fact. the astrological conditions pertaining to the ritual of the cornerstone were rarely made public.” Aha! A footnote: surely this will provide enlightenment to support his parenthetical assertion. the original designer of Washington. Here's but one example: “By contrast.. “Later. not only was the form of the monument different from that anticipated by L’Enfant. Ovason dismisses this lack of interest by saying that “. be 'keen astronomers'. surveying. far greater than it is today with GPS in our cars speaking to us with the next turn to be made. where (almost certainly being a Mason) he organized a branch of the Society of Cincinnati. There was no 'radar weather' to give wrong predictions so even those tending animals in the most remote regions would need. he undertook special duties for Washington in France. it was not even sited in the position he had visualized.htm L'Enfant. naval officers learn celestial navigation but that two hundred years ago. This was nothing to do with “Masonic secrecy” – it was merely a continuation of an ancient tradition. for the most part. The 'important people' of those times were. However. for which he designed its emblem. because Pike was not particularly interested in that year.. exploring or a whole host of other occupations (including farming) would certainly be a 'keen astronomer'. Ovason apparently doesn't understand or appreciate the essential part astronomy played in military (and most especially naval) science of the day. a considerable change of vision was required to move from so thoroughly a neoclassical design as a horse-rider.” Convenient. anyone who was responsible for military troops..masonicinfo.his attention must have been on other things... of necessity. military men: whether their service involved moving troops across land or handling ships across water.Secret Architecture http://www. Mr. yet again not a single footnoted anything to explain how Ovason has come to the conclusion it was directed by Masons (of the 'Freemason' variety)! There are constant references to various parties being “keen astronomers” but Mr. ” or that Mason’s Lodges ever had a coordinated. or with the great cosmic and moral truths we find in the Bible.. except coincidentally Three hundred and fifty plus pages later and only three pages from the end of the book. of course. we can only suggest that having found that remarkable prediction of the terrorist attacks on New York after they happened. I have been surprised by the number of people who have taken it upon themselves to criticize some of my earlier writings without having done me the courtesy of reading what I have written. Beyond offering keys to such Mysteries. stop anti-Masons from making their ridiculous claims.. I would like to make it quite clear that I am not for one moment suggesting that it was “the Masons who built Washington. That will not.Secret Architecture 6 of 7 http://www. given certain reactions to my previous works. happened also to be Masons.but that's much too mundane obviously.htm things public when they were likely never thought of . If. Generally speaking.C. this is not an author we'll follow further - 9/26/2015 1:29 AM . which approaches Christian texts and traditions in the light of hermetic thought. I suspect that misunderstandings may arise about what I have and have not claimed in this present book. formulated plan to influence the growth of the city in any way. D. most of which find a meeting point in the seminal Mystery of the Christian religion.. was designed and built on Christian hermetic principles derived from. After having read both this work as well as Mr.. It's certainly clear from reading this work that this book is FAR from the proof of any nefarious deeds or plans by Masons or Masonry.” So what's all the fuss about? Who knows. Among this range of beliefs is one that might be typified as Christian esotericism. planners and artists. I am claiming merely that Washington. The hidden confession . I am reasonably sure that in just about every case these individuals were also committed Christians. or linked with black magic. This is completely untrue. and which should not harbor hatreds – especially hatreds directed at communalities of beliefs. In exploring this truth. D. was built by Christians. <Emphasis added> As a careful reading of this text will have indicated. or linked with.masonicinfo. which should be capable of harboring a wide variety of opinions. I introduce this thought because.C.it's NOT the Masons.. we find this revealing commentary: "It is not possible to work as a historian in the United States today without observing the understandable doubts which some Christian religious groups have concerning esotericism.C. it is that the Bible appears to have been written in such a way as to accommodate the understanding of a vast range of different beliefs. which is the Resurrection. Ovason's The Secrets of Nostradamus. Christianity is a moral force.com/books/secretarchitecture. I observe that some of the people involved in the building of the city. It would be patently absurd (if only because it is so obvious) for me to labor the point that Washington. ancient cosmological ideas. as a Christian myself.. In view of such misunderstandings. in which differences are often peripheral or minor. I may venture an opinion in this context. an informed and well-intended analysis of esoteric Christianity is unlikely to unearth beliefs which conflict in any significant way with the traditions pertaining to the hallowed Mysteries of Christianity. The general tenor of such criticism seems to arise from the misconception that any hermetic idea must be in some way diabolic. D. besides being architects. Prince has a great memory. All comments and opinions are mine personally. the Search Dog" to find things on our site. Full Disclosure: This book was purchased by me from Amazon using my own funds. He's on every page and he'll take you directly to our search form where you can see if we've written about whatever it is you're interested in. Should you choose to. All rights reserved. If you want to contact us.Secret Architecture 7 of 7 http://www. Got some thoughts or reactions? We'd be interested in your comments . I received no inducements to provide this review.htm and not a book we'd recommend. King (Ed King). see here to avoid spam filters! 9/26/2015 1:29 AM . Ed King Just click on "Prince.masonicinfo.com/books/secretarchitecture.within reason of course. here's a link to Amazon. he always remembers where things are! This site and its contents are © (copyright) 1998-2014 by Edward L. You can find another similar commentary on this fanciful work of fiction at the Grand Lodge of British Columbia website here.