AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GRAND LODGE, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Volume I1
From the Grand Master ...
SOLOMON II PROGRAM
Spring 1985
Number 2
these several steps be thoroughly understood and followed. More in our next issue . . . .
s reported briefly in our last issue,
Grand Lodge voted unanimously to enter into negotiations with the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania to adopt "SOLOMON 11" to the needs of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia. That process is now just about completed, and we will shortly have a slide presentation, as well as our own literature. I urge every Mason who owes allegiance to the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, to adopt Solomon I1 as his own personal plan to duplicate himself in our Fraternity with someone who is truly deserving of the title of Master Mason. We all know men with whom we've worked, or perhaps neighbors or relatives, who are the kind of men we would be proud of as Masons. These are the men who should be given our printed material and a petition. THIS IS THE FIRST STEP. We should then be ready to answer their questions about Freemasonry, and if we can't answer, let's go to someone who can. Remember that the man we identify as being a good prospect, MUST ASK FOR A PETITION. We must let him know that he must come to us of "his own free will and accord." The petitioner must of course be investigated and receive a unanimous ballot. IT IS THEN UP T O ALL O F US, T O SEE THATTHE DEGREES HE RECEIVES ARE THE FINEST THAT CAN BE CONFERRED, with as many Masons in attendance as possible. Further, after he has received his degrees, we must develop excellent programs which will keep his interest, and get him active in his Lodge. Brethren, it is essential that
By order of the Grand Master: N o Masonic or Masonic-Affiliated body under the Jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge shall meet on September 30,1985.
THEODORE M. KAHN Grand Master
Theodore M. Kahn Chase Studio
Conference of Grand Masters of North America The 1985 Conference of Grand Masters of North America, was held in Myrtle Beach, S.C., from February 16 through 20. Those attending from the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia were Theodore M. Kahn, .Grand Master; William C. Miskovic, Deputy Grand Master and John C. Schleter, Grand Secretary. The various Committee sessions were well-attended and the Conference itself was most satisfying. M.W. Bro. Kahn and R.W. Bro. Miskovic enjoyed meeting with their colleagues and many new friendships were formed and old ones strengthened. The annual meetings of the Masonic Service Association and the George Washington National Masonic Memorial Association were also held during this period. It was at this meeting of the George Washington National Masonic Memorial Association that M.W. Bro. Marvin E. Fowler announced his retirement as Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Association.
The Masonic and Eastern Star Home A place to call Home, in a true fraternal manner, is our expression of love for our Brothers, Sisters and Widows of our departed Brethren who have reached a stage in life where we have the duty and honor to extend to them loving care and kindness. Hence, the 1985 Association of Worshipful Masters has decided to specify the Home as their fundraising project of the year. 4 standing invitation is extended to all to visit the Home and see the improvements that have been made for the convenience of the guests. The entire third floor has been renovated. Our Masonic teachings tell us that we must care for others. We must extend a helping hand to those less fortunate than ourselves. The need for funds at the Home continues to be great. The costs for the upkeep, maintenance and improvement are increasing every year. Please send your tax deductible contributions to the 1985 Association of Worshipful Masters, F.A.A.M., 3575 Appleton Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008.
FROM THE GRAND SECR-ETARY'S TABLE Mailing Address Grand Lodge Office 600 F Street, N.W., Suite 503 Washington, D.C. 20004 Editor L. Robert Baker (356-5516) Editorial Board Milton Fields Harry Hofberg Naif L. Mahan Chris A. Pouler Theodore Rothman John C. Schleter Charles L. Sherzer, Jr. Roland M. Zeender
A STATEMENT OF PURPOSE This publication is designed to be an organ of information. instruction, and inspiralion for all who hold allegiance to this Grand Jurisdiction. Comments and contribut~ons,should be directed to the altenlion of the editors. care of the Grand Secretary.
Grand Lodge Officers Theodore M. Kahn William C. Miskovic L. Robert Baker Raymond F. McMullen John C . Schleter. 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 Hyman Sandler George R. Adams Theodore V. Villapando Harry Silverstone William E. Chaney, Jr. Charles S. McDaniel Leszek Ochota Elmer F. Stein, PGM Morris Gevinson Hiram L. Wohlfarth 111 Eugene N. Richardson W. Kenneth Lyons, Jr. M. Russell Stogsdill Arthur B.-Crown
Grand Master Deputy Grand Master Senior Grand Warden Junior Grand Warden Grand Secretary Grand Treasurer Grand Lecturer Grand Chaplain Grand Chaplain Emeritus Senior Grand Deacon Junior Grand Deacon Senior Grand Steward Junior Grand Steward Grand Marshal Grand Sword Bearer Grand Pursuivant Assistant Grand Chaplain Grand Tiler Grand Tiler Emerltus Grand Lodge Physician Grand Historian Aide to Grand Master Assistant Grand Tiler Aide to Grand Chaplain Aide to Grand Chaplain Grand Lodge Photographer Assistant to Grand Secretary
I understand that this column is to be a regular feature in future issues. I will therefore try to bring you news of happenings in the Office of the Grand Secretary or, in case we have a "slow-news day," perhaps some gleanings from the past. Hopefully, the contents will interest you. At the Annual Communication in 1983, Grand Lodge authorized the purchase of a computer for the Grand Lodge Office. The system was selected and delivered in May 1984. Without going into great detail, we have a micro-processor, two printers, three terminals and the necessary software. In addition to the system software, special programs have been written to enable the computer to accept data on each member of a constituent Lodge, including his name, address, birthdate, and Masonic history. It is now possible to produce Lodge rosters, "Annual Returns," mailing labels and perform numerous "housekeeping" functions to maintain the files. As this article is written, data on over 7,500 members has been entered, representing 30 or 32 Lodges in this Jurisdiction. We have already prepared three sets of mailing labels for the entire Grand Lodge-two for The Voice of Freemasonry and one for the 1985 Masters Association fund drive. The computer is being used! You can imagine that the job of entering data for this many members is monumental and errors are bound to slip in. As a reader of The Voice of Freemasonry, you can be of great assistance if you notice a n error in the mailing label of this issue, either in your name or address. Drop me a postcard or note with the correction. I will see that your record is corrected immediately and, if I receive erroneous information from your Lodge Secretary, I will see that he gets the correction also. Your cooperation is earnestly requested and needed! John C. Schleter, PGM Grand Secretary
The Grand Lodge Officers
Past Grant Masters Marvin E. Fowler Samuel W. McIntosh William H. Rohrman Charles B. Gilley William P. Jacobs, Jr. H. Kenneth Kingsbury Robert F. Sutphin Thomas R. Dougherty (NJ) Frank A. Kenyon Robert L. Morris Stewart W. Miner (VA)
William E. Eccleston John B. Layton Charles V. Brewer Roy H. Stetler, J r . George F. Moyer Perry A. Lester John C. Schleter Elmer F. Stein Donald L. Mallorey James M. Burns *Honorary
Grand Lodge Trustees H. Kenneth Kingsbury 1985
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Samuel W. McIntosh 1986
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Frank A. Kenyon 1987
SPOTLIGHTS
The Masonic Foundation
Senior Grand Steward
The Masonic Foundation was organized about 25 yearsago to receive and manage funds to be used for charitable and educational purposes, primarily within the Masonic community. It holds a n I R S tax exemption number, which means that all donations to the F o u n d a t i o n a r e t a x exempt. T h e corpus of the fund is treated as a n endowment; therefore, only the dividends a n d interest earned by the corpus each year are used. Inaddition, a t least 5 1% of the donations received i n a n y one year, will be dispensed, with the balance going into the corpus. Although most of the monies a r e raised by the Masters Association each year, The Foundation does receive direct donations and bequests from the Brethren within the jurisdiction. The principle recipient of the funds dispersed by The Foundation is The Masonicand Eastern Star Home. However, funds are also donated for educational purposes t o some of our youth organizations such as DeMolay and Jobs' Daughters. The Foundation meets annually, shortly prior t o the Semi-Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge in May, t o elect officers and discuss disbursement of funds. Every Mason within the Jurisdiction is automatically a member, a n d all are urged to attend a n d participate in the discussion. Although it is too late t o attend this year's meeting, you are urged toattend in the future.
W. Bro. Darwin A. Brock was, raised in Mt. Moriah Lodge NO. 39 in Caldwell. Idaho. He later affiliated with Dawson Lodge No. 16 and Ft. Dupont Lodge No. 52. A Past Master of these District of Columbia Lodges, he is also a member of Albert Pike Consistory; Almas Temple; AnacostiaLafayette Royal Arch Chapter NO. 5; Adoniram Council No. 2; and Washington Commandary No. 1. W. Bro. Brock attended grammar and high schools in Oklahoma and Missouri. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Oklahoma and a law degree from Georgetown University. He was admitted to the District of Columbia Bar. He is also a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College Regular Course. Col. Brock is a Retired Executive Officer and Group Commander of the 505th Signal Group. During World War 11, he served in the European Theater and in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts as well. He is the holder of the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal with Cluster, the Army Commendation Medal and the Purple Heart.
Junior Grand Steward W. Bro. Jerold J. Samet is our youngest officer in the Grand Lodge. He was Worshipful Master of Osiris Lodge No. 26 in 1973. A ~ a r t i alisting l of his extensive honors and Masonic affiliations include: Cross of Honor and Legion of Honor of the Order of DeMolay Deputy International Supreme Council and Executive Officer in the District of Columbia Active Member of International Supreme Council Past High Priest of Mount Pleasant Chapter No. 13, R.A.M. District of Columbia Scottish Rite Fudda Nabi Grotto Almas Temple, A. A.O.N.M.S. Adonirum Council No. 2 Royal and Select Masters Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Capitol Forest No. 104 Past Patron Naomi Chapter Jerry was interviewed by Andy Rooney on "60 Minutes!" Brother Jerry owns M. Stein & Co. Formal Wear.
DeMolay Foundation Notes Goals and Makes First Grant The Nation's Capital DeMolay Foundation, Inc., has announced its long term goal to provide a Coordinator and small office, as well as the support of the Jurisdictional activities of DeMolay in Washington. The four local Chapters raise funds to support their activities, but the Jurisdiction has primarily depended on private donations in the past, to cover the considerable expenses they incur. Their annual budget of nearly $25,000 covers Sports and Ritual Competitions, a Newspaper, Membership Mailings, Quarterly and Annual meetings, Jurisdictional recreational activities, promotion, participation in the International Congress and Regional Conferences, and a host of others. The Foundation this year has made its first grant from proceeds of the invested funds to send the Jurisdictional Master Councilor and the Deputy Jurisdictional Master to Seattle, Washington in early May. There, they will a t t e n d t h e I n t e r national Congress of DeMolay and meet with their counterparts from a round the world, as they shape the future of DeMolay worldwide. The Board of the Foundation earnestly believes that the support of DeMolay is one primary key to attracting young men into Masonry. If you share this belief a n d can lend your support, your donation will be most gratefully received and added to the invested funds. This makes a n excellent memorial for a departed friend o r Mason, as the funds work on and on, year after year. Mail your donation to: Nation's Capital DeMolay Foundation, Inc. 3055 V Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 200 18- 1580 All donations are tax-exempt, and will be acknowledged. A $25 donation will provide the donor with a lapel pin to signify his support.
REMEMBER!
GLIMPSES OF THE PAST Potomac Lodge No. 5, F.A.A.M., has in its possession an old Bible published in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1774, with the following inscription on the fly-leaf: "A present from Mr. Colin Campbell to St. Andrew's Lodge; the 30th January, 1773, Bladensburg". Also Rev. Brother Thomas Balch, was said to have a diploma showing that his great-grandfather, Col. James Balch, was made a Mason in that Lodge in 1737. However, diligent inquiry fails to bring to light this diploma. On this Bible and diploma, the hypothesis is based that a Lodge, existed in the settlement, called "St. Andrews", which in 1751, was laid out as George Town; but no evidence exists that such a lodge was chartered by either the Grand Lodge of Scotland or of England. Freemasonry was dominant in the District from the very first. The Cornerstone of the Federal District was laid Masonically a t Jones Point, on Hunting Creek below Alexandria, Virginia, on April 15, 1791, by the Masonic Lodge in Alexandria, Virginia. This Lodge was chartered eight years before, by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania as No. 39. In 1788, it became Alexandria Lodge No. 22 under the Jurisdiction of Virginia, with George Washington as its first Worshipful Master. This Lodge, today known as Alexandria-Washington No. 22, along with one Chartered in Georgetown as No. 9, under the Grand Lodge of Maryland, in 1789, constituted Masonry in the Federal District. Lodge No. 9 was the second one chartered in the Federal District by the Grand Lodge of Maryland on April 21, 1789. T h e designation "Potomac" did not appear until seventeen years later. In January 1792, this Lodge granted a dispensation for some of its members who had moved to Port Tobacco, Maryland, to open a Lodge. This one, which was known a s St. Columbia No. 11, only survived six years. But the drain on the membership of Lodge No. 9 was too much and resulted in the demise of that Georgetown Lodge in 1794.
Grand Masrer presides or rhe union of Mr. Pleasanr Lodge and Albert Pike Lodge forming a new Lodge Albert Pike Lodge No. 33.
SEMI-ANNUAL COMMUNICATION OF
THE GRAND LODGE The M. W. Grand Master Theodore M. Kahn opened the first session of Grand Lodge for 1985 at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, 1985. MWB Donald L. Mallorey, Chairman of the Jurisprudence Committee, offered for consideration several possible changes to the Masonic Code. Among these was a possible change in the manner of electing Grand Lodge Officers, which was defeated by the members of Grand Lodge; and a proposition to augment the number of Chaplains, which was amended and action postponed until the Grand Lodge meeting in December. The resolution t o return to the Lodges the $10.00 assessment levied in 1982 was discussed and debated for some time. T h e final vote was 116 to 29 in favor of returning the $10.00 assessment to the Lodges. WB Carl E. Zeibe, Chairman of the Budget and Planning Committee, offered the supplemental Budget for the balance of this Masonic Year, i.e. to provide monies for the Voice of Freemasonry, the Solomon 11 Program and for Administrative Expenses of Grand Lodge. The supplemental budget was approved.
Don't Forget
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D O N A T E . . DONATE Biood Bank Information: Blood is like a parachute, if it's not there when you need it, chances are you'll never need it again. See your Lodge Biood Bank Chairman
GIVE TILL IT HELPS! Elmer F. Stein, P.G.M. Grand Historian
Most Worshipful Brother Theodore M. Kahn receives a gi/r o f 40 trees planted in Israel in his name bj) Mrs. Kahn and their children.
REMEMBER?
F R O M T H E GRAND LECTURER:
THE GRAND MASTER'S ITINERARY FIRST IMPRESSIONS May 23:
May 25: May 29: June 1: June 5: June 15: June 17: June 29: July 7-9: July 11: August 9-17: Sept. 7: Sept. 13: Sept. 14: Sept. 21: Sept. 26: Sept. 30:
George Washington National Masonic Memorial Hope Lodge NO. 20 Special Communication George Washington University Night Dinner 6:30 P.M.-Meeting 7:30 P.M. Grand Lodge Officers visit Samuel GompersBenjamin Franklin Order of DeMolay, 7:30 P.M. (Tuxedo) Grand Lodge Workshop, 7:30 P.M. Takoma Lodge Hall 1985 Masters' Association Meeting 5:00 P.M. Soup and Sandwich 6 P.M. Grand Lodge School of Instruction 7:30 P.M. Grand Lodge Officers and PGMs visit Seat Pleasant Lodge, Lodge No. 218, Wardens' Night 7:30 P.M. Grand Lodge School of lnstruction Albert Pike Lodge No. 33, 7:30 P.M. Pythagoras Lodge of Research Northeast Conference of Grand Masters in New Hampshire. George C. Whiting Lodge No. 22 visits Alexandria Washington Lodge No. 22. Grand Lodge Trip to London, England. 1985 Association of Worshipful Masters 5 P.M. Takoma Lodge Hall. Soup and Sandwich, 6 P.M. Grand Lodge School, 7:30 P.M. Mt. Pleasant Chapter No. 13, R.A.M. honors the Grand Master. Grand Lodge Workshop, Scottish Rite 10 A.M. to 1 P.M. Grand Lodge School of Instruction Hiram-Takoma Lodge No. 10 visits George C. Whiting Lodge No. 22. (Dinner 7 P.M.) SOLOMON 11 GALA
Statue of Liberty Fund Drive of the District of Columbia was officially started at our SemiAnnual Communication in May 1984and M.W.B. Frank A. Kenyon served as our Chairman through the end of the year. The Grand Lodge of New York is the sponsor of the fund drive nationwide to raise $3 million to save the Lady of Liberty. This is equal to approximately $1 per Mason in the United States. The goal in the District of Columbia is for every Brother of our Lodges t o make a donation to the Statue of Liberty Fund Drive by October 1986. Naturally, we want all Brethren to donate as much as they can. Don't forget that these donations are also tax-exempt.
We have for you: a Statue of Liberty Ckntennial decal for donations exceeding $5; a Statue of Liberty Logo lapel pin for those over $15; a certificate signed by Lee lacocca and Gerald Ford, Co-Chairmen for the Fund Drive, when your donations reach $25, and a Grand Lodge Certificate signed by Grand Master Theodore M. Kahn when your donations reach $100. You may spread your donations out over the entire period of the drive, to qualify for the Grand Master's certificate o r the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Centennial Commission certificate. Send your donations to the Grand Lodge Office as soon as you can and we'll see that you get your decals, lapel pins, and certificates right away. James M. Burns, P.G.M. Chairman, 1985
First impressions are quite often lasting ones. When two people meet for the first time, the initial evaluation made by each of the other will be the permanent one, unless circumstances provide for further association between the two, in which case that first impression may be changed or reinforced. If one, interested in buying a home, were taken by the salesman to a place where the first thing he saw was a lawn full of weeds, shabby shrubbery and peeling paint, the first impression is immediately a negative one. Even if the interior may be in good shape, it will take some real good salesmanship to make the sale. O n the other hand. if the first view of the property is a good one, then the sale may come easier even though the interior may not beas good as it should be. And so it is in our Fraternity. An initiate's first real impression of Freemasonry is gained when he enters the Lodge room through the West Gate. If, from that point on, what he hears is obvious hesitations and fumbling for words, mispronounced words, and off-to-the-side coaching, he senses disorganization and begins-to wonder in a negative way about the organization. We are a t that point in danger of losing him as a n asset to the Fraternity. If, however, what he perceives, is ritual clearly and confidently delivered, sure and precise movement and a n air of precision and ability on the part of those who have him in charge, the initiate will acquire a positive impression. With the proper follow up in the other degrees and beyond, a hard sell will become a soft sell and we will have gained another building block for our Craft. T h e Entered Apprentice's Degree, therefore, is, in the opinion of many, the most important of all the Degrees. This is the critical moment when the initiate begins t o decide whether Masonry is for him. We, who are performing the ritual ceremony, are the key t o his decision and, therefore, a n all important' ingredient in the formation of his first impression of our Fraternity. W e should, therefore, govern ourselves accordingly. Carl R. LeVine
1985 GRAND VISITATION SCHEDULE Date: Tuesday October 8 Thursday October 10 Saturday October 12** Thursday October 17 Monday October 28 Friday November 1 Monday November 4 Thursday November 7 Monday November 11 Friday November 15 WednesdayNovember 20 Tuesday November 26
Lodges: 43-14-22 7-35-34 31 23-5-25 1-15-49 24-20- 10 2 1-ML-44-1 9 4-1 6-52 3-30-32 11-17-33-PLR 26-12-47 45
**10:30 a.m.
The Masonic Brethern of D.C. on March 28, 1985 attended a testimonial to M.W.B. Theodore M. Kahn, Grand Master, given by his Lodge, Samuel Gompers-Benjamin Franklin No. 45. The Indian Spring Country Club in Silver Spring, Maryland was filled to capacity as close t o 600 members of the Craft honored the Grand Master. A social hour, preceding the dinner, started off the evening in a spirit that denoted: "Damn the calories, full speed ahead." The Grand Master's Lodge usually honors the Most Worshipful while he is serving in the Grand East. This is a way of indicating its pride in him, as
well as t o express its appreciation for the reflected honor in thus producing the top Mason in the Jurisdiction. Most Worshipful Brother Kahn and his wife, Eunice, the first lady in the Masonry in the Jurisdiction, had their family, relatives, and many close personal friends in attendance. The entertainment suited the spirit of the crowd and was well received. Introductions and speeches were kept to a minimum.
MASONS REALLY CARE The M.S.A. Hospital Visitation Program represents the Masonic family in 138 of the 172 Veterans Administration Medical Centers across the nation tending to the social and spiritual needs of our hospitalized veteransthose who have given so much in our defense. It's a program which shows that Masons really d o care! Regardless of race, creed, religion or fraternal affiliation, the M.S.A. volunteers visit all patients, with a special understanding of their needs. Many times, it is the only contact the ~ a t i e n t has ever had withihe Masonic Fraternity. It's a program which puts into practice the Masonic tradition of "the Brotherhood of man under the Fatherhood of God." Since the inception of the program in 1946, many millions of dollars have been expended in its support. Every cent of that has come from the voluntary contributions of Masons, Masonic families and Masonic bodies. Hundreds of Masonic volunteers contribute more than one-half million hours of voluntary service each year, in conducting the program. They represent YOU-your Lodge-and your Grand Lodge. The program has recently been expanded to include visitation service to 18 state veteran homes and continues to serve several major military medical facilities. Your support is urgently needed to assure the continuance of this great Masonic benevolent activity and to permit it to expand.
FOR "HEEZ" A JOLLY GOOD FELLOW
Paul Murphy, shaving a patient.
This year, your Masonic Association produced a new 23 minute color film to better explain the Hospital Visitation Program. If you haven't seen the film, "When the Band Stops Playing," please urge your Lodge to show it. Every Grand Secretary has a copy of the film, or it can be rented from M.S.A. for a nominal rental service fee. (The film is also available on VHS Video cassette.) It's informational! It's educational! It's touching! It's well worth seeing! It's introduced by Brother Danny Thomas. The M.S. A. Field Representative a t the District of Co1umbiaV.A. Medical Center, is Worshipful Brother Paul S. Murphy, a Past Master of Chevy Chase Lodge No. 42, F.A.A.M. now merged with Hiram Takoma No. 10. He has been involved in this benevolent work for over 26 years and has accumulated over 20,000 hours of ser-
vice. Brother Murphy is ably assisted by Brother Jack Hurd, a member of Naval Lodge No. 4. These men are to be commended for their devotion and service to the hospitalized veterans. D o you know that your Lodge is assigned only one Sunday a year to take part in chapel escort service a t D.C. Veterans Hospital? Have you ever volunteered f o r this service? Do you know that many volunteers go t o the hospital during the week to visit patients and assist them in little things that mean so much to those who are confined in the Medical Centers? If you have spare timeavailable, call Brother Murphy a t 363-7488 or M.S.A. a t 588-4010, and we will help you get started. If you cannot volunteer your time, you might want to make a taxexempt contribution. The address is: Masonic Service Association Hospital Visitation Program 8120 Fenton Street Silver Spring, M D 20910 Editor'J Note: This article was written b y M. W. Brother Thomas R. Dougherty, PGM in New Jersey and Director of the Hospital Visitation Program.