AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GRAND LODGE, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Volume 11
From the Grand Master As m , v vear in the Grand East nears its e n d , I look back u p o n fifteen years of continuous service in "line" in m y Lodge a n d G r a n d Lodge. When I was raised in 1956, there were 25,000 Masons w h o owed allegiance t o the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia. A t the end of the 1984 Masonic year there were only 9,400. We, in the District, have suffered a greater percentage loss t h a n a n y other jurisdiction in the United States. T h a t is the main reason for the a d o p t i o n of "Solomon 11." Officially launched o n September 30, S o l o m o n I1 offers great hope for a revitalization of Freemasonry a s a philosophy of life. A philosophy which, if lived t o the fullest, will mean happiness in the home, success in life's endeavors, a n d peace in the sure knowledge that we've d o n e o u r best. It has been a n eventful year. W e have published the The Voice of' Freemasonry three times, a n d the machinery is in place to continue t o d o so. T h e G r a n d Lodge c o m p u t e r is in operation a n d we will continue t o expand its use. A new a n d more responsive Budget a n d Planning Committee will n o w consider multi-year appropriations s o t h a t future G r a n d Masters will be the beneficiaries of more realistic a n d r e s ~ o n s i b l efinancial planning. T h e assessment monies needed t o permit G r a n d Lodge t o dispose of the G r a n d Lodge Temple were returned. Progress has been made with the G r a n d Lodge of Maryland in considering concurrent jurisdiction between the G r a n d Lodge of the District of Columbia a n d the counties of Montgomery a n d Prince Georges. 1 would not close this column without extending sincere a n d heartfelt appreciation to D G M William C . Miskovic for his steadfast s u p p o r t a n d friendship, t o R.W.B. L. Robert Baker, for his outstanding editorship
Fall 1985 of the Voice, t o R.W.B. Raymond F. McMullen, for his tremendous efforts a s C h a i r m a n of S o l o m o n 11, a n d t o M.W.B. J o h n C . Schleter, for his counsel a n d significant help. M y official report t o G r a n d Lodge in December will mention these a n d many other brethren in greater detail. Theodore M. Kahn Grand ~Ma~ter.
1985 Grand Lodge Communications and Banquet T h e Annual G r a n d Lodge C o m munication will begin a t 9 a.m., Wednesday. December 18. Election of G r a n d Lodge officers begins a t 2 p.m. S t . John's D a y Communication will be 7 p.m., Friday, December 27. Business a t this c o m n ~ u n i c a t i o nrestricted t o the Jurisprudence Committee report a n d Installation of Officers. T h e latter is o p e n t o members, ladies, a n d guests. Both communications will be held a t the Scottish Rite Temple, 2800 16th St., N.W. T h e Grand Lodge Banquet, Tuesday, December 17, begins with a 6 p.m. social h o u r followed b y 7 p.m. dinner ( t o p sirloin). Tickets a r e $25 per person, $50 per couple, a n d tables of ten c a n be reserved for $250. Black tie o r business suit f o r men, formal o r street length dress for ladies. Checks to: Grand Lodge Banquet Committee, Room 503,600 F St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20004.
Number 3
Laying of the Cornerstone Impressive. Colorful. Inspiring. Brotherhood a t its best. These a r e but a few of the words heard from the Brethren, descr~bingtheir feelings after witnessing the S o l o m o n I1 Gala-and the Laying of the Cornerstone. , Thib memorable event, which concluded the m o n t h of September a t the D A R Constitution Hall, wasattended by a large n u m b e r of Brethren a n d guests. In addition to uniformed representatives of all the Masonic organlzations from the area, the guest list ~ n c l u d e d Brethren of the Senate a n d House. A gaze a r o u n d the Hall revealed ventable splashes o f color from the uniforms of t h e Tall Cedars, National Sojourners, Knights Templar, Almas Temple Shrine Color G u a r d , and o n and on. The theme for the evening, emphasi7ed by several of the speakers, was that if M a s o n r y is to survlve a n d continue t o grow, we must believe in a n d work hard for the S o l o m o n I1 p r o g r a m by active a n d devoted participation in o u r Lodges, a n d guide a n d encourage new Brethren to d o the same. After delightful entertainment from the Singing Cedars a n d Brother Burl Ives, G r a n d Master T h e o d o r e M. K a h n led the laying of the cornerstone into a beautiful replica of King Solomon's Temple. T h e G r a n d Master was presented with the Trowel t o spread the cement, a n act symbolizing brotherly love a n d affection uniting all mankind; D G M William C . Miskovic then applied the S q u a r e t o determine t h a t t h e stone had been squared; S G W L. R o b e r t Baker a p plied the Level to ensure that the stone w a s level; J G W R a y m o n d F. McMullen then applied the Plumb t o ascertain t h a t it was aligned. T h e Continued on page 2
FROM THE GRAND SECRETARYS TABLE Grand Master then declared the stone to be properly tested and ready to be laid masonically. Prior to this, corn was spread for continued bounty, wine was poured for continued virtue, and oil was poured a s a n emblem of joy, prosperity, and world peace. The cornerstone ceremony was narrated by Grand Sword Bearer George R. Adams. Chairman of the Solomon 11 Committee Raymond F. McMullen and his associates left no stone unturned to ensure a colorful, inspirational program, one which will long be remembered by all who were there that day. Ted Rothman
Mailing Address Grand Lodge Office 600 F Street, N.W., Suite 503 Washington, D.C. 20004
In the last issue I told you about the computer system we are using and of our progress in entering the data. In the several months that have transpired since that issue, much has been accomplished. Because the original computer system was tied into the word processing system, there were major delays when all three terminals were in use. F o r this reason, with the approval of the Trustees, a second computer was purchased to handle the membership records exclusively. The new computer, a n 1BM P C AT, operates at better than twice the speed of the old system a n d this increase in speed enabled us to compIete entering the name and address data o n each member of Grand Lodge by m i d J u n e . The name and address information was immediately put t o use in preparing mailing labels for Project S O L O M O N 11, The Voice ofFreemasonry and the 1985 Association of Worshipful Masters. For the first time, the Grand Lodge Office has been able to prepare the good standing cards, thus relieving the Lodge Secretary of that burden. In addition, we have prepared each Lodge's Annual Return and revamped the procedure to be used by the Lodge Secretary in reporting changes in the status of their members. Each of these changes should reduce the Secretary's work load and enable him to devote more time to the needs of his Lodge. As time goes o n , the computer is being used more a n d more by the office staff to speed the routine matters of the Office. Now that the system is u p and operating, the Office is up and running! J o h n C. Schleter. P G M Grand Secretary
Editor I-. Robert Baker (356-55 16) Co-Editor Lawrence J . Chisholm Editorial Board Milton Fields Harry Hofberg Naif L. Mahan Chris A. Pouler Theodore Rothman J o h n C. Schleter Charles L. S h e r x r , Jr. Roland M. Zeender
A STATEMENT OF PURPOSE r h i h p u b l x a l ~ o n is designcd l o be :kt! mgar o i iniorrn:llfan. tnstrucrinn. a n d inspiralion l o r all n h o hold allcgi;~ncc l o hi* Grand . I u r ~ ~ d i c l i o nC'ommcnlr . i!nd co1ilrib~1101>~. s h o ~ d dbc d~rc.cIcdl o thu a l l c n l ~ n01 111c. cdilorr. cnru ol lhc Grand Sccrc~ary.
Grand Master Mahn Invades England O u r Grand Master and his wife, Eunice, hosted a trip to London, England from August 9th to the 17th. A nice size group went, which included several Grand Lodge Officers and other active members of this Lodge. Even one of our DeMolays joined the Grand Master and his wife o n this trip. The trip was arranged through Rinis Travel and the Grand Masters daughter Meryl made sure that a good time was had by all.
We arrlved in London o n Saturd a y morning and landed a t Stansted Airport, which used to be a n old World W a r I1 Air Force Base. The trip from Stansted gave all a scenic view of the countrysidc. and was more enjoyable than rushing through Heathrow International, and then riding a coach through all that rotten traffic near Heathrow. On arriving a t the Gloucester House, we were all invited to the Grand Masters suite for cocktails. But before we departed from our coach our guide warned us that someone had left their "ruck sack" (shoulder bag) behind. After a n evening of getting our feet and bodies used to British soil, we began our tours o n Sunday. O u r tours for the week included a trip to Stonehenge, Bath, Stratfordupon-Avon (the home of William Shakespeare), Warwick Castle, Oxford University, Free Masons Hall, Kenwood, and, t o close out our ventures, we went to a n Elizabethan Feast. The Elizabethan Feast was enjoyed by all. O u r Grand Master was honored by being made a member of the Royal Order of the Garter by King James 11 himself.
O n a more serious side, while several members were visiting Free Masons Hall, some of them paid a visit to the Royal Masonic Institute for Boys. While they were paying their visit they were made Royal Stewards of the Royal Masonic Institute for Boys. Brothers Jerry Samet, Bob McCann, Dan Frederick and Nick Dobelbower were the four that were made Royal Stewards on sight; Most Worshipful Brother Theodore M. Kahn and Michael L. Dixon, Jurisdictional Master Councilor of DeMolay were made Royal Stewards and presented their jewels a t a later date. Rumor has it that the visitors to London with the Grand Lodge bought out most of that city and it will never be the same, nor will the Grand Master's credit with American Express or Master and Visa cards. In closing, I would recommend to all that should the occasion arise and vou want to make a visit with the Grand Master d o so for 1 can guarantee that a good time will be had by all. You cannot beat the fellowship and the fun, nor can you travel with a more caring group of people D a n L. Frederick
GLIMPSES OF THE PAST The beginning of the nineteenth century found Masonry languishing on this side of the Potomac River. Federal Lodge, the lone representative, experienced a period of depression which, however, soon passed, when on November 8, 1802, the Grand Lodge of Maryland, upon the recommendation of No. 15, granted a Charter to Columbia Lodge No. 35, with twenty-one members, largely drawn from the Treasury Department employees. Federal was meeting in a building known a s "The Little Hotel" a t 1417 F Street, N.W. and Columbia at meeting the Lovell's Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue near Fifteenth Street, N.W. In 1804, these two Lodges rected a building on Eleventh Street known as Union Lodge Room. This enterprise placed the Fraternity on a more substantial footing than it had previously enjoyed. Over in the East End, in response to a petition from several Brethren working a t the Navy Yard in Washington, D.C., the Grand Lodge of Maryland issued a warrant to "Washington Naval Lodge No. 41." The selection of the name is obvious from its location. The war with Tripoli had just ended and crews from the fleet were discharged in this city and tradition holds that from this source the Lodge obtained large numbers of its membership. Over in Georgetown, also, the long dormant Masonic spirit was awakening and a t the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Maryland, November 6, 1806, a charter was granted to a number of Brethren to hold a lodge to be known as Potomac Lodge No. 43. An interesting sidelight of the by-laws of this lodge was a section as follows: "Art. XII, Sec. 3, provided for fining the Master $2, the installed officers $1, and the members 50 cents for nonattendance". (ED. Note: wouldn't that be great if it could be enforced today?) Alexandria-Brooke Lodge No. 47, located a t Alexandria, was chartered by the Grand Lodge of Virginia, November 29, 1796, and eventually became one of the original Lodges that united to form the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia. Thus by the end of the first decade in the 1800's Masonry was beginning to flourish in the District of
Columbia, with four lodges, Federal, Columbia, Potomac and Naval, north of, and two, Alexandria-Washington and Alexandria-Brooke, south of the Potomac River. As the local fraternity prospered and expanded there rapidly developed a spirit of independence. This soon culminated in a successful movement looking to the formation of our own Grand Lodge in the District of Columbia. Delegates were appointed by the several lodges and a meeting of those delegates in convention was held in the Union Lodge Room on Eleventh Street, December 11, 1810, to consider the advisability of "establishing and organizing a Grand Lodge in and for said District." It was unanimously resolved that it was right and expedient to establish and organize a Grand Lodge in and for the District of Columbia and further resolved to notify the several lodges to appoint deputies to meet in convention January 8, 18 11, with full power to form a Grand Lodge and elect and install Grand Officers. In spite of several courteous invitations, Alexandria-Washington Lodge a s courteously declined to join in the organization of the Grand Lodge. Thus in our hasty survey we have passed thru the formative stage of organized Masonry in the District of Columbia. The Lodges, their respective Officers and pertinent data will be reviewed in further issues of The Voice of Freemasonry. Elmer F. Stein, P.G.M. Grand Historian
From the Deputy Grand Master ... My Brethren, a s the end of the year approaches and winter sets in, it is a good time for each of us to look back and see what we have accomplished. Will we be upset by what we see? Did we really try to reach our stated objectives? Were they, possibly, set too high? P E R H A P S not high enough! Each of us has a responsibility to the other. As an Entered Apprentice, we were presented with the 24-inch gauge and common gavel and instructed in their use. Have you really given 8 hours to the service of God and a distressed worthy Brother? Have you used the symbolic gavel to make you a better man'? Was this even one of your objectives? If not, then it should be this coming year. We should try to give 8 hours to our Lodge; we should adopt the service attitude and inform the Worshipful Master that we would be glad to assist him in carrying out his program. The more we adopt the service attitude, the better Mason we will be. Start doing that something yourself-you will grow from doing it. This year, we together adopted the bold and innovative plan from the Pennsylvania Grand Lodge known as "Solomon 11." By any standard, our Kickoff-Gala was a success. Our Grand Master and Solomon I1 Committee are to be highly commended. But remember, the Solomon I1 program can succeed only if you, the Master Mason, make its success your objective for the coming year. Let all of us use Solomon I 1 as our 24-inch gauge, setting our sights high. At the end of next -year when you evaluate your accomplishments, you will be able to say, "1 HAVE DONE IT!" William C. Miskovic
t 1Please Note...
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W. B. Paul Poff, former Chairman of the Grand Lodge Work and Lectures Committee has written from Florida, where he now resides, asking our help. W. B. Poff is now affiliate; with Springs Lodge No. 378, a relatively new Lodge. He writes that the Lodge is struggling financially and needs a canvas of the flight of winding stairs for the Fellowcraft Degree. If any Lodge has an extra canvas and would like to donate it to Spring Lodge No. 378 of Florida, call W.B. Carl R. LeVine, Grand Lecturer, 301593-9379.
Gift of Tribute Corinthian-Philo Lodge No. 368, F.&.A.M. of Philadelphia recently made a generous contribution of $5,000 to the George Washington Masonic Memorial to provide lights on the portico of the main entrance of the Memorial, with a request that the lights be dedicated to the achievements of Most Worshipful Brother Marvin E. Fowler, PGM (D.C.), who Association for twenty-one years.
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From the Grand Lecturer... THE THREE PHASES OF SOLOMON I1 Much has been said about Solomon 11. Much more will be said. A program of this importance to the Masonic Fraternity will become the prevailing topic of conversation for some time to come. The success or failure of Solomon I1 will depend on how much we, the members of the Craft, desire a revitalized Blue Lodge Masonry in the District of Columbia and on how much our conversation is converted to action. Solomon I1 can be divided into three primary phases. Phase I, now being implemented, is the acquisition of men capable of exercising leadership and willing to accept the responsibility for leading the Fraternity back to the high ground it occupied in years past. Such men are available in good quantity. It is our job to get them by establishing in them an interest that will compel them to seek admission of their own free will and accord. The ways to do this are plentiful and available. Phase I1 occurs when the candidate takes his first steps into an Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Mason Lodge. This is where his knowledge of Freemasonry emerges from the superficial to the substantial. If what he hears and what he sees is good, he will desire to go forward. If bad, he may well lose all interest. This is a critical period and it behooves us to make a good and lasting impression. We must, therefore, establish and maintain a high standard of proficiency in the ritual of the three basic degrees. If we fail here, Phase I may well be canceled out. Let us assume that we have performed well and have instilled in our candidate a feeling of expectation and a desire to learn more about this organization into which he has entered. We are now at Phase 111 of Solomon 11. Our candidate may have found the ritual interesting. But what does he know of its philosophy, its symbolism, its lessons, its truths? Without much fear of contradiction we can say-"not much." Does he know what makes Freemasonry one of the most unique institutions on earth? Does he know, for example, that, as Mackey puts it, "On his first admission into
the Lodge, the candidate is reminded of the weak and helpless state of man on his entrance into the worldunprepared for the exigencies of the present, ignorant of the vicissitudes of the future, and dependent for his safety and very existence on that God in whom alone, in all trials and difficulties, is there any sure and abiding trust?" Does he know that the Fellowcraft degree is emblematic of the stage of manhood and that "endowed by his Creator with the possession of reason and intellect, it is his duty, and should be his pleasure, to direct the vigor and energy of his manhood to the cultivation of his reasoning faculties and the improvement of his intellectual powers?" Does he know that the Master Mason degree teaches that man's soul is immortal? That a Master Mason "represents man, when youth, manhood, old age and life itself have passed away as fleeting shadows, yet raised from the grave of iniquity, and quickened into another and better existence?" Does our candidate know the internal disciplines exercised in the Lodge that distinguish it from all other fraternal organizations? Does he know the structure of our Fraternity-that there is a Masonic hierarchy and that the seat in the East occupied by the Master is the second most important position in this hierarchy and is to be respected in peculiar ways and one to be coveted by him in his quest for future leadership in the Craft? There are many more things our candidate must learn if he is to acquire a firm understanding of Blue Lodge Masonry. A great part of learning is teaching. He has been told that he is to converse with well informed Brethren who will be always as ready to give as he will be ready to receive instruction. Are we the well-informed Brethren referred to? The question is a good one. Are we? How maay potential leaders and workers have we let get away because we have failed to implement Phase 111-Masonic Education. But it is not just a matter of implementation. In order to teach, the instructor must be well-versed in the subject to be taught. Here we must ask ourselves, each and every one of us, d o we know enough about our Fraternity to enable us to impart adequate knowledge of it. If
we do not, will we take the time and effort to educate ourselves? It is not too late. If we are well-versed, will we seize the opportunity as it presents itself to impart our knowledge to the candidate in each stage of his progress and after, when he sits among us as a Master Mason. Acquisition of new, high quality members and the teaching of excellent Ritual lay the foundation for the Solomon I1 structure. Masonic Education is the cornerstone of the building. All three Phases must be combined to reconstruct our Fraternity into a strong, vital and exciting institution. The accomplishment of the purpose of Solomon I1 depends on each and every one of us. "Let George d o it" can no longer be the slim reed many of us have been grasping. Upon each of us depends the future of our beloved Fraternity. Carl R. LeVine
Grand Lxcturer
Don't Forget DONATE.. .DONATE Blood 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 Blood Bank Chairman
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GIVE TILL IT HELPS!
REMEMBER! Bring Your Friends
SOLOMON I1
National Capital DeMolay
Cornerstone of Our Next hlasonic Generation Nation's Capital DeMolay (NCD) has launched a n exciting new campaign designed to com'plement "Solomon 11." NCD intends to develop and rouse into action the future leaders of Freemasonry in the District of Columbia. Michael L. Dixon, NCD Jurisdictional Master Councilor, states that achievement of the campaign objectives will "firmly lay the cornerstone of our next Masonic generation." Jerold J. Samet, Executive Officer of DeMolay in D.C. agrees. But both are blunt: They need your help. Each Master Mason and Senior DeMolay reading this can help. Lend support to the mission, purpose, and principles of NCD by letting us know: (1) if you are a Senior DeMolay, when were you initiated and in what chapter and (2) the names of your sons, grandsons, or neighbors sons who are between the ages of 13 and 2 1, and who you think ought to be part of the Order of DeMolay. Send your information to Nation's Capital DeMolay, 115 Carroll St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20012. By doing this, you join your Brothers in assisting N C D to achieve its objectives: (1) Double active DeMolay membership within 18 months;
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Maryland Masonic Auto Tags (EE) Applications and Renewals New liccnsc plates will be issued for 1986. Any Mason whose car is registered in Maryland, is now using EE tags, and has moved since 1980, must be certain that the Free State Square Club is aware of his current address by December 31, 1985. The January letter of instructions for the new issue will not be forwarded unless a current address is provided. Mail information and requests for new tags to: Free State Square Club P.O. Box 903 Silver Spring, M D 20910 Phone questions should be directed to President Charles Sher7er 434-6740 or Secretary Ewing Tavel 587-6426.
(2) Expand programs for boys that are administered from NCD's new Office and Service Center at Takoma Masonic Hall; (3) Establish a fifth NCD chapter within 12 months; (4) Double the number of Advisory Council members within 6 months. NCD plans to also immediately establish and implement a public relations program that includes monthly news releases to each D.C. Masonic body about DeMolay happenings, a s well a s two regular newsletters to all active members, advisors and friends of NCD. D o you want to be included on the mailing list'? Let N C D know. The long-term success of "Solomon 11" and Freemasonry in the District of Columbia depends on our ability to build a strong foundation. DeMolays who reach the age of 21 and join our Fraternity are the cornerstone of that strong foundation. NCD is the basis upon which we will build and expand in the future. In testimony thereof, Jurisdictional Master Councilor Michael L. Dixon became "Brother Mike" when he was raised in Potomac Lodge No. 5 on October 21 by Most Worshipful Theodore M. Kahn, Grand Master of Masons of the District of Columbia.
Masonic Chess Players Join the Masonic Postal Chess Club and meet Brothers from all walks of life, from coast to coast. The international Masonic Postal Chess Club has been active since 1976 and is now welcoming new members. One time initiation fee-$6. Annual dues $10 for regular members, $3 for senior members age 65+. Membership includes limitless tournaments and leisure games, USCF ratings and a monthly Newsletter. Here's an excellent way to develop new and valuable bonds of friendship. Membership is restricted to the Masonic family. For more information, write: Bro. Robert Deitrich, Secretary Masonic Postal Chess Club P.O. Drawer K Santa Rosa, NM 88435
The music has stopped, the lights are dark, and the members and guests have departed Constitution Hall. The Solomon I1 gala is over. The beautiful Temple of Solomon constructed by thc Committee has been given to the Grand Lodge of Maryland for their pending program. The members of the Grand Jurisdiction of the District of Columbia will now begin thcir work. Each member has received a copy of "Friend to Friend" and the story of "Project Solomon 11." You have been informed that the program will last for several years and that Solomon 11 is critical to the survival of Freemasonry in our Nation's Capitol. You may feel that you Iive too far away, are too advanced in age to have anything to offer, or have not attended lodge often enough. If you are a D.C. Mason, you have a role to play in Project Solomon 11, no matter who you are or how active you have been in the past. Everyone must be involvcd-cven those who say the program can't work! The cause is the survival of Freemasonry; the problem might be you, me, and other members of this jurisdiction; the solulion is Solomon 11; the goal is the rebuilding of Freemasonry in the District of Columbia. Every Master Maston must participate if we are to achieve that goal. Our Masonic heritage should be a n inspiration to each of us to find opportunities to remove the widespread uncertainty and lack of understanding of the brilliance that is Freemasonry. We cannot afford to let pass this unique opportunity to rebuild Freemasonry-and better our world in the process. You have only to talk with your own family, your neighbors, fellow church-goers, or co-workers to make Solomon 11 work. You owe it to yourself, to our future. and to the Freemasons of the past to respond with a n open mind and a n open heart when your lodge brother calls in the next few months. Masonry, my Brother, is you. You giving of your time, talent, and passing on the Masonic treasure that awaits all men of good will. Raymond F. McMullen Junior Grand Warden Chairman, Solomon I1 Committee
GRAND MASTER'S ITINERARY
............................. .Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania ............................Grand Master's Class, DeMolay ............................... Capping Dinner, Scottish Rite 17.. ....................................Grand Lodge Banquet 18.. ......... Grand Lodge Annual Communication and Election .....................................Grand Master's Banquet 27.. .............. Grand Lodge St. John's Day Communication.
December 4 . . December 7 . . December December December
................. Installation
of Grand Lodge Officers for 1986 --
The Stretch of the Cable Tow When the series of devastating earthquakes ravaged large sections of Chile earlier this year, the International Red Cross, the Chilean Government and Church relief agencies immediately went into action to provide basic necessities of clothing, food and medicines for the thousands of vic. tims. The lodges throughout Chile offered such support a s they could for their members. The Grand Lodge of Chile also went into action to relieve the distress. When it became evident that the Grand Lodge of Chile needed even more help, the Grand Master asked for the help of the Masonic Service Association of the Unitcd States. Within hours after receiving the word, M.S.A. issued a n appeal for assistance to all Grand Lodges in the United States and Canada. The response was almost instantaneous and is continuing. Grand Lodges made contributions from their charity funds, emergency and contingency funds and some circulated the appeal t o their lodges. In just a few short weeks, more than $33,000 has been raised and forwarded to the Grand Master of Chile by M.S.A. for distribution. The true Masonic spirit of concern
has been shown. The cable tow of Masonic charity is indeed one that stretches from continent to contincnt. A second appeal for assistance was issued by the Masonic Service Association a t the request of the Grand Master of Florida to assist the Masonic victims of the recent Wild Fires which swept through Florida. Again, the response has been fast and generous. It is too early to estimate how much will be contributed. The contributions, whether large or small, from Grand Lodges, lodges or from individuals are all acknowledged by M.S.A. and are truly appreciated. When making contributions, checks should be made payable to "M.S.A. Disaster Relief Fund" and should indicate to which disaster the funds should be applied. Every cent contributed is sent to the Grand Lodge for which the appeal was issued. The administrative costs of such appeals are borne by your Masonic Service Association which carries out its tradition of being "Freemasonry's Servant." Contributions should be sent to the Masonic Service Association, 8 120 Fenton Street, Silver Spring, M D 209104785.
CONGRATULATIONS TO: - Illustrious Brother, C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33O, who was elected to succeed Illustrious Brother Henry C. Clausen, 33O, a s the Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council, 33", of the Southern Jurisdiction; and to - Illustrious Brother, William E. Eccleston, 33O, who was elected to succeed 111. Bro. Kleinknecht a s the Grand Secretary General of the Supreme Council, 33", of the Southern Jurisidction. We are also pleased that M. W. Bro. Eccleston will continue a s the Sovereign Grand Inspector General for the District of Columbia. We are happy that the work of' these two fine brethren has been rewarded. CONGRATULATIONS!
Rising over 300 feet above Shooters Hill in Alexandria, Virginia, you can't miss the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. If you are planning a trip to the Washington, D.C.area, the Memorial is only a few miles away from the nation's capital. Better yet, you can take the new Metro train from Washington to the Memorial's entrance. As a Mason, you will be thrilled when you visit the Memorial. In more ways than one, it will be the high point of your hip. That's why we say, "You can't miss it."
CalI or write 7031683-2007 Box 2098, Alexandria, Virginia 22301