George Washington Sworn in as First President

Geo. Washington

Almost 220 years ago, on April 30 1789, George Washington was sworn in as the first President of the United States. The oath of office was administered by Chancellor Robert R. Livingstone, a fellow Mason, at Federal Hall on a balcony off the Senate Chamber, overlooking Wall St. in New York city. (The Bible used in the ceremony belonged to the local Masons Lodge). The oath of office, as specified in Article II, Section I of the U.S. Constitution, reads as follows:

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."