AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GRAND LODGE, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Volume IV
Winter, 1987
From the Grand Master by L. Robert Baker
(For rhose of you who missed ir, he .following comprises rhe Grand Masrer S remarks a2 his ins~alla~ion ceremony.) My Brethren, Ladies and Gentlemen: My sincere thanks to you for your attendance at our installation this evening. The officers of this Grand Lodge join with me in this greeting. I thank Most Worshipful Brother H. Kenneth Kingsbury for being our installing Grand Officer and Most Worshipful Brother Donald L. Mallorey, our installing Grand Marshall, for their outstanding performance this evening. You brought much dignity and meaning to the ceremony. As I was installed and then witnessed the installation of the other Grand Lodge Officers, I was filled with deep humility. The position of Grand Master is one of great power and yet one which should inspire the utmost in leadership. I am sure the past Grand Masters who are here this evening remember their installations, and I'm sure they felt then-as I d o now-the joy, the humility, and the challenge of this singular event. You who have held this position before me have set the standards by which your successors are measured and by which they try to live, and these standards are high-as they should be. I believe that without them we would fall far short of the goals we set for ourselves. Speaking of goals-a little over a year a g o we inaugurated o u r Solomon I1 Program. Much good work has been done-much more needs t o be accomplished before we can say that the program is a huge success. We have sufficient data t o know that where the Solomon I1 Program has been tried it has been
highly successful. Each Mason of this jurisdiction should rededicate himself to this program during the coming year. We must seek o u t highlyqualified new members and present them, during the conferring of the degrees, the best ritual work we can find, and we must light the fire of Freemasonry within the breasts of our newly raised members; each Lodge has a role in this effort. Likewise, each of the appendant organizations must be involved in the Solomon I1 Program, as our successes in the Blue Lodges are then subsequently transferred t o the other Masonic organizations. As an assist t o this rededication, I have asked each of the 1987 Masters t o include in his year's schedule at least one Solomon I1 night. I have already heard from some of them that this will be done. I firmly believe in our Lodge Education Program, for only through a developed program can our officers and members become more proficient in their ritual, floor work, and lodge
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protocol. I have asked our Chairman of the Grand Lodge Education and Service Committee t o devise and conduct at least four educational p r o g r a m s f o r o u r officers a n d members during the coming year. As a result of Grand Lodge action, we will appoint a new committee on planning this year. Their duty will be t o guide and set the future of this Grand Lodge. We are asking the members of this committee to look four, five or ten years down the road and t o attempt t o ascertain in which direction we should be heading. They will review our business methods, our physical facilities, and the location of our office within the city. Much work needs t o be done in this area, and we look forward t o the committee's recommendations a t our Annual Communication next December. My brethren, you have placed the mantle of leadership for this Grand Jurisdiction on my shoulders. But no one person is ever successful by himself, I will need your help and your physical presence at our Lodge and Grand Lodge meetings and functions. I will need your counsel so that we might have the best programs possible, and I earnestly and sincerely ask your assistance with your counsel, so that the decisions I must render will be the best possible. Some of the programs for this year include the Fellowship Night at Nur Temple in Wilmington, Delaware, on March 30. This year we will have 90 tickets, enough f o r o u r brothers to fill two buses. Worshipful Brother Darwin A. Brock, our Senior Grand Deacon, will be in charge of that event. Our Masonic Day of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on April 5, at my church, the Trinity United Methodist Church in McLean, Virginia. Our Honorary Past Grand Master ( C O N T I N U E p q e 2)
(Grand Master page 1 )
Roy H. Stetler, Jr. will bring the Message of the Afternoon. On April 27, we will have our Second Annual Golf Tournament at the Twin Shields Golf Club, followed by dinner at the Rod and Reel Country Club. This event will be sponsored by our Masonic Foundation with all profits going to it, and will be chaired by Worshipful Brother William Gillette. We are also planning a fishing tournament. Our Grand Lodge Tour this year will be an Alpine Tour; on August 14 we leave for Zurich, Switzerland, and from there go eastward through Bavaria, Innsbruck, Salzburg, and Vienna, Austria and then go down the Danube by Hydrofoil to Budapest, Hungary. We will fly home on Pan American Airways on August 26, and are limited to 45 participants on this trip. This year, our Country is celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the Signing of the Constitution. The Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia will hold its celebration of this event on September 19. We have received special permission from the Archivist of the United States to assemble in the Rotunda of the Archives Building to hold our observance, and we hope that you will be a part of this historical event. My brethren, and ladies, these and other events will command our attention for the coming twelve months. We are looking forward-not backward, we challenge each of you to look forward with us and to remember that we should-and must-"Keep Dignity in Freemasonry". I thank you ladies and gentlemen.
Why is it that every man loves himself more than all the rest of men, but yet sets less value on his own opinion of himself than on the opinion of others? Thou wilt not want their approval if thou lookest to the sources of their opinions and appetites. -Marcus Aurelius The present is the only thing of which a man can be deprived. -Marcus Aurelius
L. ROBERT BAKER Most Worshipful Brother L. Robert Baker was born in Northern Minnesota and grew up in Superior, Wisconsin, where he attended high school and was graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. He joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics in 1940, the Agency which was the predecessor of NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Agency). In 1942 he married Doris J. Hays, and they have one son, Bruce, a lawyer. MWB Baker entered the U.S. Army in October 1942 and served until May 1945, then returned to work for NACA (NASA), later taking a leave of absence to attend George Washington University, where he received his Master's Degree in Public Personnel Administration. In the same year he joined the Naval Research Laboratory as its Recruitment and Placement Officer and soon became involved in the National Geophysical year in which the Laboratory was then working. In 1956 he joined the United States Information Agency (USIA) as its Recruitment Officer and later became the Personnel Officer for the USIA's Voice of America, serving later as its Director of Retirement and Insurance until his retirement from government service in 1977. The Grand Master was raised in George C. Whiting Lodge No. 2, F.A.A.M., on April 12, 1951. He served as the President of the Fellowcraft Club and was first appointed as Junior Steward, then elected Junior Deacon and advanced in line to become Worshipful Master in 1960. He has served as Secretary of Whiting Lodge since 1963. Brother Baker belongs to the following Masonic organizations: The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of the Southern Jurisdiction, Valley of Washington, Orient of the District of Columbia, where he is presently the Senior Warden in the Lodge of Perfection, Mt. Pleasant Royal Arch Chapter #13, Adoniram Council of Royal and Select Masters #2, and Washington Commandery # 1, Knights Templar. He is a member of Hope Chapter No. 30, Order of the Eastern Star, District of Columbia, and has served his Chapters in Virginia and the District of Columbia as Worthy Patron in 1967, 1980, and 1982. He was appointed Grand Sen-
tinel of the Grand Chapter of Virginia, Order of the Eastern Star, in 197475. Brother Baker is a Charter Member of the D.C. High Twelve Club #576, the A. Douglas Smith, Jr., Lodge No. 1949, Lodge of Research, Alexandria, Virginia, and Washington & Lee York Rite College No. 93. He is also a member of Old Dominion Chapter #364, National Sojourners, the Philalethes Society, a Life Member of The National Defense Masonic Club, a member of the Pitman Masonic Club of Pitnam, N.J., The Masonic Book Club of Springfield, Illinois, the Southern California Lodge of Research, Phythagoras Lodge of Research of the District of Columbia, Masonic Veterans' Association, Almas Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S., and a member of its Knights of Mecca, a member of Capitol Forest #104, Tall Cedars of Lebanon, and the Royal Order of Scotland. Brother Baker is the Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire near the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia. He was invested with the Knight Commander Court of Honor (KCCH) in October 1985; and in 1986 he was invested with the Honorary Legion of Honor by the International Supreme Council, Order of DeMolay. The Bakers live in McLean, Virginia, and are active members of Trinity United Methodist Church in McLean.
1 let my life run its course where it will, rather than trying to guide it since, in any case, 1 do not know where it will lead me. -Brother Johann Goethe
It is a good thing, perhaps, to write for the amusement of the public, but it is a far higher and nobler thing to write for their instruction, their profit, their actual and tangible benefit. -Brother Mark Twain
GRAND LODGE OFFICERS-1987
Mailing Address: Grand Lodge Office 600 F Street N.W., Suite 503 Washington, D.C. 20004 Editor Lawrence J. Chisholm (Noon to 2 PM weekdays: 588-4010) Editorial Board L. Robert Baker Rupert G. Daniels Milton Fields Harry Hofierg Naif L. Mahan Stewart Miner Theodore Rothman Bert L. Schrivener Charles L. Sherzer, Jr. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Left to right, front row: H. Kenneth Kingsbury, Grand Secretary, Robert A. Statler, Senior Grand Warden, L. Roberl Baker, Grand Master, Raymond F. McMullen, Depuly Grand Master, Charles S. Iversen, Junior Grand Warden, Roberl F. Sulphin, Grand Treasurer; middle row: Carl R. LeVine, Grand Leclurer, George R. Adams, Senior Grand Sleward, Darwin A. Brock, Senior Grand Deacon, Jerold J. Sumel, Junior Grand Deacon, Eugene N. Richardson, Grand Chaplain, Harry B. Smilh, Grand Pursuivanl, Edison M. Amos, Assislanl Grand Chaplain; top row: William T. Jenkins, Junior Grand Sleward, Roberl B. Riley, Jr., Assislanl Grand Chaplain, George E. Whelzel, Grand Marshal, Bernard Geffen, Assistan1 Grand Tiler, William E. Chaney, Grand Tiler, Carl E. Ziebe, Aide lo Grand Masler, Nelson 0. Newcombe, Grand Sword Bearer.
This publication is designed for information, instruction, and inspiration for all who hold allegiance to this Grand Jurisdiction. Please be aware that any mistakes in this publication are there for a purpose; we publish something for everyone and some people a r e always looking f o r erors. Comments and contributions should be directed to the attention of the Editor, care of the Grand Secretary.
GRAND MASTER'S ITINERARY March 22 ..................... . . ........ Wreath laying, w/Tall Cedars, Mt. Vernon Estate March 23 ......................................................................... Visit Joppa #35 March 24-5 .......................................................... Grand Lodge of Tennessee March 27 .............................. Hope Chapter #30, O.E.S., honors the Grand Master March 30 ................................. Brotherhood Night, Nur Temple, Wilmington, D E March 31, April 1-2 .................... ..... . ............................Grand Lodge of Connecticut April 3 ................................ Grand Line visits Robert LeBruce Chapter, DeMolay April5 ...................................... Day of Thanksgiving, Trinity Methodist Church April 6 ................................................................ Visit Anacostia Lodge #21 April I5 ......................................................Grand Master's Night, Osiris #26 April20-21 ....................................................Grand Lodge of North Carolina April 22-24 .................................................... Grand Lodge of South Carolina April 25 .............................................................. Grand Lodge of Maryland April 27 ........................................................... 2d Annual Golf Tournament April 28-30 ......................................................... Grand Lodge of New Jersey May 4-5 ............................................................. Grand Lodge of New York May 6 ................... . . . . ......................................... O.E.S. Annual Banquet May 13 ....................... . . ............... Grand Lodge Semi-Annual Communication May 15-16 .................................................... Grand Lodge of New Hampshire May 17-18 .................... . . . . ........................... Grand Lodge of Rhode Island May 23-25 ............................................................. Marion Lodge #78, Ohio May 28 ......................................O.E.S. Worth Grand Matron/ Patron Reception May 29-30 ..................... ... . .......................... Tall Cedars Annual Convention June 16-18 ............................................................ Grand Lodge of Vermont June 22-26 .......................................... Imperial Council Session, A.A.O.N.M.S. June 30 .................... . . . ..... Grand Master Testimonial, George Whiting Lodge #22 (For delails, call lhe Grand Lodge office, 393-0121)
... Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence. -George Washington
Shall he, who cannot d o much, be, for that reason, excused if he d o nothing? -Abraham Lincoln
Each citizen should be more anxious for a reputation for temperance than for wisdom. -Pythagoras
GLIMPSES OF THE PAST by Elmer Stein (Our Grand Historian continues his summary of the formation and growth of Masonry in D.C.) The first lodge to receive a charter from the newly formed Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia was Union Lodge #6. Union was given its warrant on July 6, 181 1, following a petition being presented to Grand Lodge with a total of thirty-two signatures. This lodge was the offspring of Naval Lodge #4 and for many years was a tenant at the Naval Lodge Room in a small two-story brick dwelling on 7th Street SE near M Street. The connection between these two lodges was at times so close that frequently they met in joint session, with the different stations and places being filled by selections of officers from both lodges. It might be presumed that these conditions would lead naturally to a consolidation. However, although several attempts were made, none succeeded. In 1821, a two-story building was erected on the northwest corner of 5th Street and Virginia Avenue SE. Overtures of partnership in the building enterprise, proposed by Naval Lodge, were not well received, Union Lodge preferring to remain a paying tenant. However, it is worthy of note that, after the completion of this building, when Union was asked for its rent they, through a committee, expressed surprise, stating that as the building was erected by subscription expressly for the purpose of Masonry, in their opinion all Masons had an equal right to the privilege of sitting in it. They did offer to meet one-half of the interest on the deferred payments and half of the other expenses until such time as they had paid as much as Naval-when they should then become half owners of the property. (To date, no one has ever been able to explain by what mathematical wizardry they expected to catch up with Naval on this basis!) Troubled times were experienced by Union for several years and it tottered on the brink of dissolution. In fact, during the Grand Lodge Communication of November 2,1824, Union was declared extinct and ordered to surrender its charter, constitution, jewels, furniture, etc. However, this action was reconsidered
at the next meeting in December. Ten years later, in December 1834, the same delinquencies came before Grand Lodge, which issued an injunction staying all further business transactions of the lodge. In May 1835, Union offered to surrender its charter, but this action was deferred until November 1835 when the lodge was finally declared extinct. No member of Union ever actually served as Grand Master although Marmaduke Dove, who had served as Master of Union and later became a member of Naval, subsequently served as Grand Master in 1839. (Dove, incidentally, is buried in Congressional Cemetery, just to the left as you go in the gate.) The year 18 1 1 also witnessed the birth of another lodge, Lebanon #7. At a regular meeting of Federal #I, October 7, 18 1 1, a communication was received from nine members setting forth their desire to petition Grand Lodge for a charter to form another lodge and requesting the recommendation of Federal. This document, although rather lengthy, was couched in such language that no spirit of opposition was possible after hearing it read. Accordingly, that same evening, Federal granted the request and prepared the necessary recommendation which, in turn, was presented to Grand Lodge the following evening, October 8, I8 1 1. That night, the petition for a charter was favorably considered and Lebanon #7 began. Among the first officers was the name James Hewitt, Grand Secretary at the time, as Senior Warden. Among the nine chartermembers was William Hewitt who later served as Grand Master four terms (1821, 1822, 1828, 1829). In our Grand Lodge's first year, the subject of formation of a General Grand Lodge came up. This scheme had been agitated as early as 1780 when the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania had considered the propriety of appointing a General Grand Master and having subsequently formally elected General George Washington. They had invited the Grand Lodges of Virginia and Massachusetts to join the movement. Both refused to join and the matter was dropped. However, the matter persisted through succeeding years and our Grand Lodge had given it some thought in 18 11 when they passed a resolution to appoint delegates to meet similar representatives from other Grand
Lodges to meet in Washington, D.C. in 1812. Sufficient interest not being evidenced by other jurisdictions, the matter was again dropped and lay dormant for a decade. (The history of the General Grand Lodge idea will be discussed in a future article.) Lebanon Lodge's first initiate, Roger Chew Weightman, was a member for 64 years and was one of only three Masons in this jurisdiction who have been elected to the office of Grand Master without previous service in a subordinate East. He served as Grand Master in 1833. Other Lebanon members who served as Grand Master were John Davidson, I8 15-16; William W. Seaton, 1822-24; Robert Keyworth, 1840-41 and 1843; Eldred Griffith Davis, 1877 and 1888; David Gilmore Dix, 1895; and Henry Kedglie Simpson in 1909.
If you think noboby cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car payments. -Earl Wilson
TO IMPROVE IN MASONRY by Harold Grainger Masonic improvement can be achieved by education. It is the way by which we train ourselves to work. You became a Mason and the discipline taught by your Lodge degrees has pointed you out as someone who has the ability and the opportunity to improve yourself, be the zealous Craftsman rather than the drone. Aware that Freemasonry has a deeper significance than its ritual, each by our own inclinations is able to pursue its teachings to whatever depth and length we wish to go. To one, a lifetime of study; to another, a cursory venture; but to all, rewards are far in excess of the efforts. Our ancient Lodges were the gathering places of men of kindred minds, the builders, stonemasons and the adorners of the work; they who, through a combination of efforts,
erected magnificent edifices which were, and are still, the admiration of the ages. Yet, with all their skills, many could not read a book or write the instructions necessary for their trade. The work, the art, the skills were passed down from Master to Apprentice, from mouth to ear, and lodges of this present age of Masons are still practicing this ancient method of imparting knowledge. But do we need to wait for the knowledge to be imparted by someone else? One of the most common definitions of Freemasonry is, "a beautiful system of Morality, veiled in Allegory and Illustrated by Symbols". We teach by precept and example the use of the symbols to illustrate our principles, tenets and philosophy in two ways: (1) Exoterically, such as is printed for all to read and understand, (including installation ceremonies, dedications of Masonic halls and the laying of cornerstones), and (2) Esoterically, that which is understood by those who have been educated in that area of knowledge, such as the use of the trowel, the common gavel and even the form of a lodge. It is important to understand that your education must not stagnate at this juncture. Masonic Education is within the grasp of everyone of us and is vital to the rounding out, the completion of, your own temple. You have expressed your belief in the morals and meanings of Freemasonry; don't you believe that you should have an understanding of them also? How else will we be able to hand down to our future generations of Masons, in a pure and unsullied form, that which we have been charged to nurture? Will they look back at our efforts with admiration or, through our lack of a Masonic education, will it too be "lost". Animals start each generation with little adopted knowledge. Mankind alone has the ability to, "transmit unimpaired", his books, papers and stored knowledge. Masons are selected from the common mass of mankind to be of service to their fellowmen. Our Art is calculated to stimulate rather than stifle a growth of intellect and understanding. In order to acquire this state, study is required. Masons must study Freemasonry, for who is the poorer: the man who cannot read or the man who can, and does not? It's time for all of us to acquire our Mystical Diploma in Masonic Education.
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Anyone in good health, age 67 or over, can give blood-there is no age limit! Anyone who gives blood can give your lodge credit! You can give at any Red Cross or Bloodmobile location and your lodge gets credit; just use your lodge's computer number (which the Red Cross has) or call the Grand Lodge office after you give. The Red Cross downtown is opened as late as 8 PM on Mondays. You will be recognized with a new beautiful Grand Lodge Certificate for giving. One of our blood donors is a vigorous 82 years young! DeMolays gave over 100 pints of blood last year to D.C. lodges! The American Red Cross can give you the location of the next Bloodmobile near youjust call 857-3514. This is the bottom line-your giving blood can save someone's life.
because he thinks he is not needed. You are needed and it is up to you to find that patient that needs you just for a little while. You will be the better for it. Call Brother Max Beloff, our -Hospital Visitor Representative, at 460-8787, if you have questions. He needs assistance during the week; if you have a few hours to spare, why not join our family of volunteers. You will be glad you did. Ms. Lula Tyler, Assistant Chief of Voluntary Service at the Hospital, will be there on Sunday and will be more than happy to assign patients for our volunteers to help. Masons should be at the Medical Center by 8:30 A.M., that is important. Masons have been showing up as late as 9:00 A.M., which is too late. We should also remember that the patients have to return to their rooms after the service and that we are obligated to stay and take them back to the place where they were picked up. Let us make sure that we have a good showing for our Fraternity. Once a year is not great hardship on anyone. The patients are there and thev,need you. Will you be there when . your lodge is scheduled? Call the Hospital Visitation Program (588-4010) if you have any questions or need assistance. --
HOSPITAL VISITORS IN D.C. by Thomas Dougherty Every lodge in the District of Columbia is assigned one Sunday a year to visit the Washington D.C. V.A. Medical Center and help push wheelchair patients or assist those who have difficulty walking to chapel. It really isn't asking too much of any Mason in the District. But we d o find that there are times when, believe it or not, no one shows up to give a helping hand. Often times there are only one or two Brothers who answer the call. This should not be. We have heard Brethren complain that there aren't any patients that want to go. This is a little hard to believe. We checked with the Hospital and they tell us that in 2 recent weeks there were 45 patients at the Chapel Service and, when some of the Masonic volunteers present were asked to help return patients to their rooms, some did not respond t o the request! There are always patients in the Nursing Care Center who need assistance. If only someone to stop by and chat for a little while. No volunteer should turn around and go home
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VIDEO TAPE PRODUCED The Masonic Service Association has produced a new video for preparing candidates for initiation titled WELCOME TO T H E CRAFT. The video tape introduces the candidate to Freemasonry and prepares him in mind and spirit to receive initiation. He is entering a strange country and this presentation points out the landmarks to guide his course. Through it, he will learn that Freemasonry is a life to be lived, not a set of hollow forms to be mechanically observed, and that he must first become prepared "in his heart." The video is based upon the first four lectures in the M.S.A. digest, "Tried and Proven," which include a brief history of the Craft, the qualification of candidates, lodge organization and the powers and functions of the Worshipful Master. Copies of the video tape are available from M.S.A. at $50.00 each.
The Medical Corner ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE by Myles J. Jaffe Increasing life expectancy within the American population has already increased the preponderance of older age groups. The 'over-65' group has grown from 3 million in 1900 to more than 27 million in 1986 and is projected to grow to 50 million by the year 2030. With a greater abundance of older people, the diseases that affect them are also being seen increasingly. Of these diseases, those that are most feared and devastating are those that result in the deterioration of memory and other mental processes. These include four major categories of disease: 1) pre-senile dementias like Alzheimer's and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, 2) degenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease, 3) deficiency diseases, and 4) metabolic diseases. These diseases can all result in dementia, a major cause for confinement of the elderly in nursing homes. Onset of senile dementia is heralded by impairments in recent memory. Inevitably, higher cognitive functions deteriorate and the patients lose the ability to read, write, calculate and use language appropriately. Sometimes associated with these cognitive disabilities are psychiatric symptoms such as irritability, emotional instability, paranoid delusions, and hallucinations; affected individuals do remain alert until the terminal stages. Presenile dementia of the Alzheimer's type often affects individuals as early as their fifties. These individuals develop a progressive deterioration of cognitive functions attributed t o abnormalities in the cerebral cortex and other brain regions. The cause of Alzheimer's disease is unknown. Despite powerful new diagnostic tools, such as the CAT scan, and computerized techniques for recording brain activity, diagnostic trips through accessible depths of the brain have not yet yielded tell-tale signs of the disease; CAT scans are usually normal. Today, approximately 6% of people over 65 suffer from Alzheimer's disease and half of the residents of nursing homes have been diagnosed as having Alzheimers disease or a related disorder. With the expansion of this scourge and an increased sensitivity to its insidious nature,
research sponsored by the National Institute of Health and other organizations has been expanding. In the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, the clinical history remains one of the most helpful tools. The current frontier is to formulate a clear diagnosis, one that excludes other dementias from Alzheimers. Investigation into the genetic patterns of the disease, and into the actual chemistry of the disease, are currently underway: the role of stress, 'slow-viruses' and of calcium-activated enzymes are elements of these studies. Development of effective treatment will ultimately be based on specific syndrome identification, as is true in hypertension, where different drugs are used for hypertension of various causes. At present, no treatment substantially improves the daily life of most people with Alzheimer's disease. Current treatment goals are oriented toward improvement of daily life, not a cure for the disease, since at present there is not obvious treatment that will arrest the progression of the disease. On the immediate horizon is the development of therapies for the depression and psychotic episodes that occur during the course of the disease, since existing antidepressants and anti-psychotic agents sometimes make the problems worse. One such agent that is now being investigated is estrogen which may improve not only the emotional disorders often associated with Alzheimer's, but also cognitive function. A second possibility now being investigated is the class of drugs known as 'cholinergics' which may significantly reduce the severity of cognitive loss. If someone you know has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or if you would like to know more about the disease, please call the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disease and Stroke (30 1)-496575 1 (Information Office).
ON BROTHERHOOD by Milton Fields Brotherhood, the basic principle upon which Masonry exists, is the strongest psychological plus in our lives. Ask yourself this question. If I do not call him "Brother," how can I call Him "Father?" In the event that
you doubt that brotherhood is the strongest tie between Masons, consider the multitude of Masonic lodges, clubs, and other appendant bodies where you may enter, be called Brother, and be welcomed virtually as a member of the family. The modes of recognition. the customs, the esoteric signs, words, and actions represent as effective a "mystic tie that binds" as any known to man. When a Mason, after a day at the office or at his regular vocation enjoys a satisfying dinner and lazily remarks, "I think I'll skip Lodge tonight and just relax in front of the TV" he might rather reflect for a moment that such a complacent indulgence should be replaced by a feeling of thankfulness and a reminder that he is one of the most fortunate of all men by having at his fingertips the greatest of all pleasures, the enjoyment of Deity's greatest gift, brotherhood. You are not only giving yourself a .great pleasure, but think of the pleasures you have given to your fellow Brother by your very presence in communication with him or them. There are few greater or more pleasant occasions one experiences than entering a Masonic Lodge room and spending an evening of fraternal affection with the Brethren. You undoubtedly fondly recall an exceptionally wonderful evening in the past which you spent at a meeting that you earlier had thought would be a rather routine one. A chance meeting, for example, with a Brother from a far off jurisdiction could result in a most enjoyable and long-lasting friendship. Consider also, that you should lend your support to the greatest extent possible t o all social and fraternal functions, more especially when our ladies are in attendance. The closeness of your lady with ladies of your Brethren makes for a far more harmonious home and family life by having your family comfortable with the thought that when you are attending a Lodge function or meeting you are among "family." By all means try not to fall into "subconscious complacency" which is so easy to do. By occasionally counting your assets, and comparing your life with what non-Masons do not have, you are bound to be thankful that you are on the plus side of the ledger. Remember, it is your world to live in. Every effort should be made by you to make it a better place.
E MASONIC AND EASTERN STAR OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA by Maurice B. Baroff, Comptroller For the Masonic and Eastern Home this has been a year of revolutionary changes: Economic and fiscal problems of the Home on a perGuest basis; problems in securing a Certificate of Need from the District of Columbia Government for much needed renovations; difficulties in securing continuance of the license to operate in view of the lack of a Certificate of Need; appeal of the adverse ruling of the State Health Planning and Development Agency to the Board of Appeals and Review; investigation presently held in abeyance by the Office of Human Rights of the District of Columbia as to lack of access of all persons to the Home, since it does not fall within the exemption of a religious or political organization. All of this culminated in a decision by the full Board at a special meeting held on November 23, 1985, to appoint a Task Force consisting of President Richard Culver, First Vice President Harold Grainger, Second Vice President Deane Caherty, Comptroller Buddy Baroff and Thomas M. Raysor, as General Counsel, to negotiate such sale with a suitable healthcare facility provided that (1) the current residents of the Home would continue to be cared for and, (2) voluntary fraternity be continued.
Negotiations were entered into with over six healthcare institutions, principally, Washington Healthcare Corporation, which operates Washington Hospital Center, Capitol Hill Hospital and other facilities. The Task Force negotiated at length with this group and a contract was worked out which was presented to a special meeting of the full Board on January 1 1, 1987. After considerable discussion, by vote of 40 to 1, the full Board voted to ratify the proposed agreement with Washington Healthcare Corporation, now Medlantic Long Term Care Corporation, and authorized the President and Acting Secretary to execute the same which has been done. The Masonic and Eastern Star Home Corporation will continue in existence and will, under new By-laws, provide for the payment of the costs of Guests in the Home, plus later on at Medlantic Long Term Care Corporation, and will continue as a separate corporation for the same purposes as before. We trust our Guests will continue to receive the good care as before and that the M&ESH Corporation will continue as before except that the ownership and operation of the facility will be handled by the new purchaser.
We humans bear a heavy responsibility: man was created so that God could be conscious of himself. -Carl Jung
D O N A T E . . DONATE
The soul cherishes its body because, without it, the soul cannot feel. -Pythagoras
Blood Bank Information: Blood is like a varachute. if it's not there 'when you need it, chances are you'll never need it again.
Don't Forget
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See your Lodge Blood Bank Chairman Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing. -Albert Schweitzer
GIVE TILL IT HELPS!
MASONIC SERVICE ASSOCIATION The Executive Commissioners of the Masonic Service Association of the United States have accepted the resignation of Right Worshipful Brother Stewart M. L. Pollard as Executive Secretary/Treasurer of the Association with reluctance, effective December 3 1, 1987. From several potential replacements, the Executive Commissioners have selected Most Worshipful Brother Richard E. Fletcher, Past Grand Master of Masons in Vermont to be the next Executive Secretary/ Treasurer of M.S.A. Fletcher, 52, is currently Senior Vice President in Treasury/ Property Management, with the Chittenden Bank, a commercial bank headquartered in Burlington, Vermont, and is Past President of the Northern Vermont Chapter of the American Institute of Banking. Most Worshipful Brother Fletcher, a Past Grand Master of Masons in Vermont, holds membership in York and Scottish Rite bodies, and is a member of Mt. Sinai No. 3 Shrine Temple. A Thirty-Third Degree Scottish Rite Mason, Brother Fletcher has received many honors, awards, medals and distinctions from Masonic bodies and Masonic Youth Groups.
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GRAND MASTER'S M.W. L. Robert Baker, Grand Master has announced his Grand Lodge T o u r for 1987 will be t o Switzerland, Bavaria, Austria and Hungary. The Tour group will leave on August 14 from Dulles International Airport on Pan American Airways via New York to Zurich, Switzerland, proceed eastward through Lindau, Germany, Oberammergau, GarmischPartenkirken to Innsbruck, Austria. After visiting the city of Empress Maria Theresa, they will continue onward t o Salzburg, the locale of the "Sound of Music". Hitler's retreat is next on the list so on to Berchtesgarden and the "Eagles Nest". We will then travel to Vienna, Austria and spend two or three days. Should any participants wish to leave the tour at this point they will fly home on August 23. The rest of the Tour group will travel via hydrofoil down the Danube River t o the twin cities of Buda and Pest, Hungary. Our tour will have three days in Budapest and then will fly home on August 26. The cost of this tour is $2,235 per person. A maximum of 45 persons can be accommodated o n this t o u r . Should you desire a brochure, call the Grand Lodge Office, 393-0 121.