Area Masons commemorated the birthday of their first leader and the nation's first president with a special ceremony and dinner Tuesday.

Some 50 members of St. Marks 93 and Harold O. Graul 672 lodges and their guests gathered at the Masonic Temple, 2307 Broadway, to celebrate George Washington's birthday. The event was held a day after Presidents Day, when the birthdays of presidents Washington and Abraham Lincoln are commemorated nationally, on Washington's actual birthday.

A number of couples dressed as George and Martha Washington competed in a costume contest as part of the observance.

Members said they singled out George Washington's birthday because he was the first grand master of the organization and worthy of additional festivities.

"We're doing it to show the respect that Masons have for George Washington," said Jess Hopple, who organized the birthday celebration. "It gives each one of the younger Masons something to build to, and it gives the older Masons recognition because they're following in his footsteps."

Members said Washington was a good leader and man. Qualities such as honesty, integrity and a good work ethic make him a wonderful role model for people of all ages, they said.

"He was somebody who was willing to devote himself to being a better man and being square with the world," said Everett Scharenborg. "Once his beliefs were set down, he followed them to the letter, and I think that's what makes him a great man."

George Washington also was a great Mason. He set a very high standard for membership and represents the strong moral character that Masons uphold, said James Dickinson.

"This is one organization that's got some morals," he said. "If it hadn't been for him, we probably wouldn't be where we are today."

Several Masons questioned whether younger generations understand the depth of Washington's contributions to the nation's history. They said more details about Washington's life should be included in classroom discussions, and broader emphasis should be placed on his birthday.

"I think there's very few kids who know Washington even had a birthday this month," said Ron Clark. "They know they had a day out of school yesterday, but they don't know why."

Clark said mass exposure to television and less attention to the Pledge of Allegiance, among other things, make children less able to pick up the values Washington represents for Masons and Americans.

"He was strong in his belief to God, his family and fellow man," Clark said. "He was the kind of person we all should look to."