Famous Freemason - John W. Rusk

John Weldon Rusk, was, a retired D.C. building inspector who for years played Uncle Sam in ceremonies, pageants, school programs, historical reenactments and events such as the inauguration of President George H.W. Bush in 1989.

Rusk, began playing Uncle Sam at Masonic evens in 1947. In 1958, he added the role of Abraham Lincoln. He played the part of the 16th president at annual reenactments of the Civil War battle of Fort Stevens, which were conducted at Fort Ward in Alexandria Virginia.

His regular appearances as Uncle Sam included the annual Fourth of July observances at the Museum of History and Technology of the Smithsonian Institution; Veterans Day ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknowns; and an annual wreath-laying at George Washington's grave.

As a young man, he founded J.W. Rusk Associates in Washington, a tile, marble and mosaic company that he operated until about 1945. He then joined the D.C. government as a building inspector, retiring from that job in 1974.

A 33rd degree Mason, Mr. Rusk was a Past Master of Washington Centennial Lodge No. 14 and a member of the Almas and Kena temples of the Shrine. Among his Masonic honors was the Fidelity Medal of Centennial Lodge.