AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GRAND LODGE, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Volume I1
Winter 1985
MOWo BROTHER THEODORE Mo KAHN INSTALLED AS GRAND MASTER M.W. Bro. Theodore M . Kahn d Master of Ma of t h e District of Columbia o n December 27, 1984, before a capacity crowd. The installation was an "open" one to which all Brethren and their ladies were invited. M . W . Bro. Donald L. Mallorey served as the Installing Grand Master, and M.W. Bro. John B. Layton served as the installing Grand Marshall. The newly installed G r a n d M a s t e r discussed several programs he will institute, all aimed a t significantly increasing attendance. spirit and membership in all Lodges within this Jurisdiction. He noted that his late father was a Mason and served as his inspiration as he worked his way through the chairs. Our new Grand Master was born in New York City on October 31, 1926. He served in the U.S. Navy fom 194446 and graduated from the College of the City of New York in 1950. He then came to Washington to work for Cungressrzmz4f-eaarr@rl.Features. He became a Real Estate Broker in 1955 and has owned and operated his own firm since. He was raised in the then Samuel Gompers Lodge No. 45 in 1956, elected Junior Steward in 1969, and served as Worshipful Master in 1976. Prior t o his service in the Lodge "line" h e served o n t h e Board of t h e Masonic and Eastern Star Home, and as Chairman of the Securities and Investment Committee. He was also instrumental in starting the Investment Committee in Gompers Lodge. and was its first Chairman. He now serves the Lodge as Trustee. He was Grand Lodge Sword Bearer in 1977, and elected Junior Grand Steward in December of that year.
Theodore M. Kahn Chase Studios. LTD.
G . M . Kahn's o t h e r Masonic affiliations include: Albert Pike Consistory of the Scottish Rite where he serves as Second Lt. Commander of the Council of Kadosh; Almas Temple. A.A.0.N.M .S.: Mt. Pleasant Chapter No. 13, R.A.M.; Triangle Council No. 3, C.M.; Knights of Mecca of Almas Temple; the Past Masters Association; D.C. HighTwelve Club No. 576, and Pythagoras Lodge of Research, where he served as Master in 1984. He is also a m e m b e r of F u d d a Nabi G r o t t o , M.O.V.P.E.R., and has been awarded the DeMolay Honorary Legion of Honor. In 1981, he was invested with the Rank and Decoration of a Knight Commander of the Court of Honour. He is also a member of B'nai Israel Congregation in Rockville, Maryland, and of the Jewish War Veterans. He was married in 1955 to the former Eunice Shapiro, and they have three children: Meryl, David a n d Lynn. He recently conferred the three degrees of Masonry from the East u p o n his s o n D a v i d , in S a m u e l Gompers-Benjamin Franklin Lodge No. 45.
Number 1
Annual Communication of The Grand Lodge The Annual Communication of the G r a n d Lodge of t h e District of Columbia was held on Wednesday, DecemWr m,J984.-The G r a n d o d g e was opened in due form by R.W.Bro. Theodore M. Kahn, Deputy Grand Master at 9:30 a.m. Following the opening, M.W.Bro. James M. Burns, Grand Master of Masons of the District of Columbia was received and accorded Grand Honors. The Grand Lodge was immediately recessed for the presentation of the Grand Lodge Awards to our Youth Groups. Miss Carey Lansburger of Bethel No. 10, I.O.J.D., received the award for Job's Daughters. Mr. Mike Dixon, Jurisdictional Master Councilor, representing the P o t o m a c Chevy C h a s e C h a p t e r , O r d e r of DeMolay, received the Award for his Chapter. The reports of the Grand Secretary and the Grand Treasurer were given and made a part of the procedings. In his report, R.W.Bro. John C. Schleter, PGM. enumerated the statistical activities of the Grand Lodge. He reported that we had a total membership of 9,353 this Masonic year. Continued on page 3
Masonry is a philosophy of life encouraging us all to be better men, better husbands, better fathers and better Americans. -M.W.Bro. Theodore M. Kahn
VOICE OF FREEMASONRY A STATEMENT OF PURPOSE This publication i* designed to be an orpan of information. instruction. and impiration for all who hold alleeiance to chi\ Grand Jurisdiction. Comments and contributions. should be directed to the attention of the editor\. care of the Grand Secretary.
GRAND LODGE OFFICERS OF THE GRAND LODGE F.A.A.M. OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Editors L. Robert Baker (356-5516) Stewart W. Miner (538-4882)
Mailing Address
Voice of Freemasonry Grand Lodge Office 600 F Street, N.W., Suite 503 Washington, D.C. 20004 Editorial Board Milton Fields Harry Hofberg Naif L. Mahan Chris A. Pouler Theodore Rothman John C. Schleter Charles L. Sherzer, Jr. Roland M. Zeender
Appointed Hyman Sandler George R. Adams Theodore V. Villapando Harry Silverstone
Grand Lodge Officers
William E. Chaney. Jr. Charles S. McDaniel Lewek Ochota Elmer F. Stein. PGM
Theodore M. Kahn William C. Miskovic L. Robert Baker Raymond F. McMullen John C. Schieter, PGM Robert E. Sutphin. PGM Carl R. LeVine W. Kenneth Lyons. Sr. Edward G. Latch Robert A. Statler Charles S. Iversen Darwin A. Brock Jerold J. Samet
Grand Master Deputy Grand Master Senior Grand Warden Junior Grand Warden Grand Secretary Grand Secretary Grand Treasurer Grand Chaplain Grand Chaplain Emeritus Senior Grand Deacon Junior Grand Deacon Senior Grand Steward Junior Grand Steward
Grand Marshal Grand Sword Bearer Grand Pursivant Assistant Grand Chaplain Grand Tiler Grand Tiler Emeritus Grand Lodge Physician Grand Historian
Special Appointments Morris Gevinson Hiram L. Wohlforth III Eugene N. Richardson W. Kenneth Lyons. Jr. M. Russell Stogsdill Arthur B. Crown
Aide to Grand Master Assistant Grand Tiler Aide to Grand Chaplain Aide to Grand Chaplain Grand Lodge Photographer Assistant to Grand Secretary
Past Grand Masters Marvin E. Fowler Samuel W. McIntosh William H. Rohrman Charles B. Gilley William P. Jacobs. J r . H. Kenneth Kingsbury Robert F. Sutphin Thomas R. Dougherty (NJ) Frank A. Kenyon Robert L. omi is Stewart W. Miner (VA) William E. Eccleston John B. Lavton Charles V. Brewer George F. Moyer Perry A. Lester John C. Schleter Elmer F. Stein Donald L. Mallorey James M. Burns
Grand Lodge Trustees H. Kenneth Kingsbury Samuel W. McIntosh Frank A. Kenyon
1974 _.1974* 1975 1976
SPOTLIGHTS
Grand Lodge Communication Continuedfiom page I
Deputy Grand Master
Junior Grand Warden
Our Grand Master's right hand and constant companion is Right Worshipful Brother William Charles Miskovic. He distinguished himself by serving as Master of Anacostia Lodge No. 21 in 1974 and of Convass B. Dean Memorial Lodge in 1980. He is a l s o active in t h e District of Columbia Scottish Rite Bodies where he was Commander of Robert de Bruce Council of Kadosh in 1984. In the preceding year, he was invested with the Rank and Decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honour. His other Masonic memberships include Almas Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S.; Capital Forest No. 104, Tall Cedars of Lebanon; Anacostia-Lafayette C h a p t e r No. 5; Zabud Council No. 4; the Royal Order of Scotland; the Red Cross of C o n s t a n t i n e , a n d the Knights of Mecca. H e is C h a i r m a n of the Anacostia D e M o l a y C h a p t e r Advisory Council a n d a Legion of H o n o r . Right Worshipful Brother Miskovic served in the Navy during World War I1 and is currently a Detective Sergeant of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Right Worshipful Brother Raymond F. McMullen serves the community as Regional Director of Loss Prevention of Gray Drug Fair. He is a retired Lieutenant of the Metropolitan Police Department and served as Master of Anacostia Lodge No. 21 in 1965, he is a member of the District of C o l u m b i a Scottish Rite Bodies; Almas Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S.; the Order of the Knights of Mecca (vice president); Anacostia-Lafayette Chapter No. 5, Electra Chapter No. 2, O.E.S.; a n d t h e R o y a l O r d e r of Scotland. In 1980, he was Supreme Tall Cedar of North America. A senior DeMolay, Right Worshipful Brother McMullen is a Chevalier, a Legion of Honor and an Honorary M e m b e r of the International S u preme Council.
Senior Grand Warden Right ~ o ; s h i ~ f uBrother l L. Robert Baker is retired from the United S t a t e s Information Agency. H e served George C. Whiting Lodge No. 22 as Master in 1960 and has held the responsible office of Secretary since 1964. He belongs t o the District of Columbia Scottish Rite Bodies where he is Junior Warden of the Mithras Lodge of Perfection. His other a p p e n d a n t memberships include Almas Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S.; Mt. Pleasant Chapter No. 13; Adoniram Council No. 2; Washington Comm a n d e r ~No. 1; the Order of the Nights of Mecca, the Royal Order of Scotland, the Pythagoras Lodge of Research; the A. Douglas S m i t h Lodge of Research No. 1949; D.C. High-Twelve Club No. 576 and Hope Chapter No. 30, O.E.S., of which he is a Past Patron. He is a charter member of the Washington & Lee York Rite College No. 93.
Distinguished Service Award At the Annual Communication of The Grand Lodge on December 19, 1984, W. Bro. Albert C. Allen, Past Master of Ft. Dupont Lodge No. 52, was voted to receive the Distinguished Service Award of Grand Lodge for his long and distinguished service to his Church, to Masonry, and his community. Following the reading of his citation, W . Bro. Allen was accorded a standing ovation by his brethren of the Grand Lodge. The Distinguished Service Medal was presented to W.Bro. Allen at the St. Johns' Day Communication on December 27, 1984. Congratulations, W. Bro. Al.
During the year the Grand Lodge lost t w o distinguished Masons; R.W.Bro. William C . Minnick, Grand Secretary Emeritus, and W. Bro. 0. Harold Folk, our Sr. Grand Deacon. Eulogies in their memory were read and will be a part of the proceedings. Inasmuch as the reports of Committees were again printed and copies distributed at the Communication, few Committee reports were read. The Grand Master read a synopsis of his report to the Grand Lodge, a copy of which had been furnished to the brethren in attendance. Following lunch in the refectory, the distinguished guests were introduced from the Grand Jurisdictions of Connecticut, Delaware, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia. R.W.Bro. William A. C a r p e n t e r , Grand Master of Masons of Pennsylvania spoke for our Distinguished Guests. Discussion was held on the motion to return the $10.00 assessment levied on each Lodge in 1982. This question was tabled to come before the Grand Lodge in May. Promptly at 2:00 p.m. the election of Grand Lodge Officers was held. The complete listing of 1985 officers appears on page 2. Grand Lodge was closed in Ample Form by the Grand Master at 4:00 p.m.
Grand Secretary Schleter (r.) introduces (I. to r.) M.W.Bro. Dougherty, R.W.Bro. Pollard and M.W.Bro. Fowler during the Annual Communication.
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rk Your Calendar
Do You K n o w .
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M.W.Bro. Theodore M. Kahn, Grand Master has designated Sunday, March 24, 1985, as the "Masonic Day of Thanksgiving." The service will be held at B'nai Israel Temple, 6301 M o n t r o s e R o a d , Rockville, Maryland at 3:00 p.m. The principal speaker will be M.W.Bro. Roy H. Stetler, Past Grand Master of Masons in Maryland. All are urged to attend and give thanks to the Deity for His manifold blessings. B'nai Israel Temple may be reached by going north on Rte. 355, Rockville Pike, then left (west) on Montrose Road to 6301, about '/z mile. e A night to honor M.W.Bro. Theodore M. Kahn, Grand Master will-be held on Thursday, March 28, 1985 at Indian Spring Country Club on Layhill R o a d in Silver Spring, Maryland, at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for this function are expected to be in great demand and may be obtained from W.B. Saul Weiss, Secretary, 2204 Ross R o a d , Silver Spring, Maryland, phone 589-503 1.
About the Cable Tow? In old rituals this was originally "cable rope." Our cable tow probably comes from the German "Kabel tau." The cable tow is symbolic of that life cord by which the infant receives life from his mother. Symbolically the cable tow is the cord by which the Masonic infant is attached to his Mother Lodge. When a baby is born the physical cord is severed but never the knife was ground which can cut the spiritual cord which ties a man to his mother. In the Entered Apprentice Degree the physical restraint of the cable tow is removed as soon as the spiritual bond of the obligation is assumed but never the means has been made by which to cut the obligation which binds a man t o his Mother Lodge and the gentle Craft. Expulsion does not release from the obligation; unaffiliation does not dissolve the tie; dimitting and joining another lodge cannot make of the new lodge the Mother Lodge.
DeMolay Foundation Offers Lapel Pin
Why d o Masons wear aprons? The use of the apron is extremely old, not, as with the operative Masons, as a protector of clothing and body against tools and stone, but as a badge of honor. It was so used by the priests of Israel, by candidates for the mysteries of Mithras in Persia, by the ancient Japanese in religious worship. Ethiopia knew aprons as did Egypt. In all times and climes, it has been a badge of distinction. It is as such that a Mason wears it. T h e material of the Masonic apron-lambskin-is a symbol of innocence, as the lamb has always been. Color and material are important in its symbolism but Masonry admits the "symbol of the symbolv-as, for instance, a n electric light in place of a candle. Hence a Mason has more than once been "properly clothed" when the lambskin aprons of the lodge were all in use and he came through the tiled door clad in a white handkerchief!
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T h e Nation's Capital DeMolay Foundation, Inc., was founded in 1983 for the purpose of providing an endowment fund which will be used to support the work of the Fraternity in our Jurisdiction. The Board of Directors of this Foundation emphasize that through DeMolay, young men gain outstanding experiences and friendships. In addition, they are a source for membership in the Masonic fraternity. For a tax-deductible donation of $25 or more, the Foundation offers a distinctive lapel pin. All gifts should be sent to:
Nation's Capital DeMolay Foundation, Inc. 3055 V Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20018
Why d o we use "So mote it be" instead of "Amen"? "So Mote It Be" are the final words in the Regius Poem. "Mote" is old English for "may." Masons have used the phrase since the beginning of the written history of 'the Craft. Freemasonry includes many other words, now obsolete, which bring the sancti-
ty of age and the continuity of ritual from ancient days to modern times.
Why are we called "Freemasons"? There are many theories: a man was a Freemason because his ancestors were not slaves nor was he a slave; he was s o called because he was free within his Guild, or free of the Guild's laws and could thus "travel in foreign countries" and work where he would; he was a Freemason because he worked in freestone, which is any stone which can be cut, smoothed, carved in any direction; he was free when he had passed his apprenticeship and became a Fellow of the Craft; he was free when he had left the status of serf or villein and legally became free. Probably at one time or another masons were called Freemasons for any of these reasons or for all of them. The consensus leans to the theory that the Freemason was such because of his skill, knowledge and abilities which set him free of those conditions, laws, rules and customs which circumscribed Masons of lesser abilities in the Cathedral building age.
Take A Walk Around Yourself When you're criticizing others And finding here and there, A fault or two to speak of O r a weakness you can tear; When you're blaming someone's weakness O r accusing some of pelf It's time that you went o u t ' T o take a walk around yourself: There are lots of human failures In the average of us all, And lots of grave shortcomings In the short and in the tall; But when we think of evil . . . Man should lay upon the shelves It's time we all went out t o take A walk around ourselves. We need so often in this life This balancing of scales, This seeing how much in us wins And how much in us fails; But before you judge another Just t o lay him on the shelfIt would be a splendid plan T o take a walk around yourself: Your Masonic Hospital Visitor
1985 GRAND LODGE INSTALLATION M. W.Bro. TheodoreM. Kahn . . .
. . . is introduced by PGM Layton. . . . enjoys the view from his new Chair.
. . . receives a congratulatory kiss from his wife, Eunice.
. . . addresses his Brethren and guests.