The construction of the Masonic Temple on Shooter Hill began on June 5, 1922, and it took 10 years to complete. There was a cornerstone ceremony that took place on Nov. 5, 1923. President Calvin Coolidge laid the cornerstone using the same trowel that President George Washington had used on September 18, 1793, when he laid the cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol building. Many dignitaries and Masons attended the ceremony. Unfortunately, John S. Bell, who delivered the building materials for the Masonic project, did not live to witness that ceremony or the completion of the Masonic Monument in 1932. His participation in the building of the Masonic Temple became part of his family's oral history.

It was a warm morning when John Stuart Bell left his home on Oct. 4, 1922; the morning temperature was 53 degrees Fahrenheit. He drove his wagon and a team of mules from his home at 409 North Patrick Street before sunrise to pick up his load from the brickyard. That day would be the last time he’d see his wife and four children. Bell headed to the George Washington Masonic National Memorial construction site to deliver his supplies. It was 7:30 a.m. when the team of mules that he was driving ran away and threw him off his wagon. The wagon rolled over him and crushed his chest. Bell was immediately taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. His body was taken to Demaine’s mortuary chapel, where the coroner’s jury investigated his death. It was determined that Bell’s death was caused by the accident.

Bell’s descendants, Freida Bell Brockington and Andrew “Andy” Evans learned that John S. Bell worked on the Masonic Temple, but did not know about the role he played in its construction. He was a well-respected man in his community.

Bell was born in Winchester, Va., in 1868. His father’s name was John and his mother was named Mary. They were free African Americans before the Civil War. After 1870, John Sr. moved his family to Alexandria and he lived on Fairfax Street. Bell’s mother died in 1895, and his father died sometime before 1900. The obituary stated that his mother’s services were at Shiloh Church and that she was a well-known and respected resident of Alexandria. Freida remembers hearing stories about her family history. Her great-grandmother, Mary Forrest Bell, the wife of John S. Bell, lived a long time, from 1874 to 1973. Freida said Mary worked for Mr. Smoot, who owned the lumber yard. Mary was renting when she was working for Mr. Smoot; Freida recalls her family saying that Mr. Smoot said to Mary, “You probably paid for this house over and over in rent, you need to buy a house.” After getting advice from Mr. Smoot, Mary purchased the house at 510 North Alfred Street.

Another descendant, Andy Evans, shares stories about John S. Bell’s son, John Augustus Bell. Andy said, “My grandfather lived at 405 North Henry Street. He worked at the Mutual Ice Company, delivering ice to the African American communities. He drove an icehouse truck and took ice from his truck to his customers. He carried a big block of ice on his shoulder. My grandfather did this until he was around 70 years old.”

This family is very proud of its heritage. Each generation, from John Bell, who was born in 1845 and migrated to Alexandria from Winchester, to the next generation of John S. Bell who is associated with the Alexandria Masonic Temple, to the next generation of John A. Bell, that worked for Mutual Ice Company; and to Frieda’s father, John J. Bell, that worked for the federal government. The latter was a well-known photographer. The Bell family became successful in every endeavor they undertook, and every succeeding generation did better. Freida and Andy did well, just like their forefathers.

Bell would be proud of his two great-grandchildren. Freida retired from the Federal Government after 37 years of service. She was an Associate Director at the U.S. Selective Service System, overseeing the agency’s Human Resources, Financial Management, and Contract Procurement. During her government career, she became involved in real estate and continued this career into her retirement. Freida has been a Realtor for 30 years. She maintains a viable real estate business and is skilled in staging, marketing, and investments. If that was not enough, she is also a talented Interior Designer and Event Planner.

Andrew “Andy” Evans has lived a very productive life. He has been a politician, an activist, an author, a counselor at George Mason University, and now a comedian. Again, just like his ancestors, he is a high achiever.

The accomplishments made by the four generations of John Bells are major achievements for their family. Each generation built a legacy of a solid foundation of hard work, entrepreneurship, and resilience that would continue in the future.

Each time one of the Bell family members sees the George Washington Masonic Temple, they will remember John S. Bell, who contributed to its construction.

The writer, Char McCargo Bah, is a published author, freelance writer, independent historian, investigative/genealogist researcher, and a Living Legend of Alexandria. Her blog is https://www.theotheralexandria.com.