The Voice of Freemasonry | Vol. 5 No. 1

AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GRAND LODGE, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Volume V

Winter, 1988

INSTALLATION REMARKS OF THE GRAND MASTER (Our Worshipful Master's remarks at his installation ceremony, are provided for those who could not attend) My Brethren, Ladies, and Gentlemen: I take this opportunity to thank each of you for your attendance, this evening, at the installation of officers of the Grand Lodge, F.A.A.M., of the District of Columbia. I know that many of you traveled a great distance to share this evening with me, the Grand Lodge Officers, and this Grand Lodge. They join me in extending warm fraternal welcome.

I would like to thank MW Brother William C. Miskovic, our Installing Officer, and WB Ronald G. Wood, our installing Grand Marshal, for the outstanding manner in which they performed the installation ceremony.

These two Brethren mean a lot to me.

Not only are they both Past Masters of my Lodge, Anacostia No. 21, but they and their families have been my friends and friends of my family for more than twenty years. So, it was something very special to have them both take part in the events of this evening.

My Brethren, you have honored me with the highest office and honor that the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia can bestow. I will be ever grateful. As I began to make my plans for 1988, the events t o be held, committee appointments and officer assignments, and the many programs that make up a Grand Master's year, I thought about the changes that had taken place during my 33 years in the Masonic fraternity as well as the

changes that have taken place in our every day society.

Hair was short and hem lines long, and then they flip flopped-coke was five cents and now its fifty cents and up-we gained two states-we shot a rocket into the air and ended up with a man on the moon-a President was assassinated-a President resigned in disgrace-Washington, D.C., in flames-riots in the streets-we coined new words like personal computer, ecology, VCR-and we went from Yippies to Yuppies.

We found that life does not remain constant, neither can our fraternity.

We tend to idealize the past, which is quite natural, but as the song goes, "We can not lose today, looking back at yesterday." So there will be changes in 1988 as I seek to carry forth the best programs from our past to fortify our programs for the future.

The theme for 1988,"Cooperation, Participation, and Positive Thinking," will be included in every aspect of this

Number 1 Grand Lodge. The operation of the Grand Lodge Office, the Grand Lodge School of Instruction, the Planning and Search Committee, Solomon 11, the Masonic Education and Service Committee, the DeMolay, a new Scholarship Program, and a new Public Relations Program are but a few of the areas upon which we will concentrate.

I know there will be some very vocal critics and I welcome disagreement, but let the spirit of the critic be sensitive to the burden of decision that is borne by the one who is criticized.

As I reflect on the names of the distinguished Masons who have preceded me as Grand Master, I am reminded of an old saying: "The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind in others the convictions and the will to carry on." I think that is a good description of the legacy that each of our Past Grand Masters has passed on to his successor-the conviction and the will to assume a leadership role and to take on the many challenges that never fail to await a new Grand Master of this Grand Lodge.

As I look ahead I see many old problems still with us and many new concerns that will make the future no less challenging than the past. Thus, in the next year, when I shall meet the challenges of the past, the present, and the future, I will look to the members, officers, and past officers for encouragement, support and rededication to the principles of our great fraternity. And when the year is completed, it is my hope that I will leave behind to those who follow me, the conviction and will to carry on.

-Raymond F. McMullen GRAND MASTER

Raymond F. McMullen GRAND MASTER-1988 Our Grand Master grew up and received his education in the Washington, D.C. area. He attended American University and the University of Maryland, majoring in Police Administration and in law enforcement. In addition thereto, he attended the United States Treasury Academy, the Department of Justice, Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs School, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police Management School.

Early in his career MW Brother McMullen was an employee of the United States Attorney's Office of the Department of Justice. He later accepted appointment with the Metropolitan Police Department, from which he retired after more than twenty-one years of service. During his career with the Metropolitan Police, he received 23 commendations. After retirement he accepted a post as Regional Director of loss prevention for the Drug Fair and the Sherwin Williams Company in the Washington area.

The Grand Master was raised as a Master Mason in Anacostia Lodge No. 21 in 1954. He was elected and served as Worshipful Master in 1965 and in December 1975, he was appointed Grand Sword Bearer by incoming Grand Master MW Brother John B. Layton. In 1982 MW Brother McMullen was elected Junior Grand Steward, from which office he progressed to the Grand East in 1988. In January 1988 he was elected Recorder of Almas Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S. The Grand Master's Masonic affiliations are: Senior DeMolay and holder of the Chevalier and Legion of Honor; member of the International Council, Order of DeMolay; member of Pythagoras Lodge of Research; 1987 President, Knights of Mecca of Almas Temple; member of the Past Masters Association, F.A.A.M., of D.C.: the Masonic Veterans Association; Anacostia Chapter No. 12, Royal Arch Masons; Zabud Council No. 4, Cryptic Masons; Potomac Commandery, Knights Templar; Albert Pike Consistory, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite; Royal Order of Scotland; Electa Chapter No. 2, Order of the Eastern Star; and Washington Chapter No. 3, National Sojourners. He is

BROTHERHOOD NIGHT On March 29th an estimated 100 D.C. Masons will board chartered busses for a trip to Nur Temple in Wilmington, Delaware. There they will join Masonic groups of equal size from Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware to promote inter-jurisdictional brotherhood. On the agenda is a bountiful meal, some good conservation, and a wealth of fellowship going and coming. Plans for this event are under the general supervision of the Grand Marshal, Wor. William E. Chaney (899-8494), assisted by Edward H. Reed (3703584), Robert H. Younger (262-0619), Vincent M. Mahoney (493-8214), Anthony S. Murray (568-3274), Grant R. Berning (573-6558), and Irving Rachlin (598-6203). Reservations, at $26.50 per person, may be made with any of these Brethren.

WORSHIP SERVICE ANNOUNCED The Grand Master, Most Worshipful Raymond F. McMullen has proclaimed Sunday, April 10, 1988 as a Masonic Day of Thanksgiving. A worship service has been planned at 3:00 P.M. in the National Memorial Methodist Church, located a t Nebraska and New Mexico Avenues, N.W., Washington, D.C. The sermon will be delivered by the Reverend Dr. Roy H. Stetler, Jr., Past Grand Master of Maryland and Honorary Past Grand Master of D.C. Special music will be offered by the 45-voice choir of the Grand Chapter, O.E.S., of Maryland, a group that will sing under the direction of Thomas Pryer, Past Grand Patron. Every Masonic family is invited to participate in this special "once-a-year" worship service.

BLOOD D O N O R S NEEDEDTHE LIFE YOU SAVE MAY BE YOUR OWN a member of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, where he served as Supreme Tall Cedar of North America in 1980.

MW Brother McMullen and his wife Dolores are the parents of two sons, Raymond Junior and Bruce, and two daughters, Donna and Linda.

They are also the proud grandparents of three grandsons.

NEW FACE IN THE GRAND LODGE LINE J. Phillip Smith, the newly elected and installed Junior Grand Steward, is a native of Washington, D.C. and a graduate of St. Albans High School in the District. He is a graduate of Columbia College in New York City and of the Yale University Law School in New Haven, Connecticut.

Since his admission to the bar of the District of Columbia in 1955, Brother Smith's legal career has been almost evenly divided between service in the Federal Government and private practice. He has served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Columbia and as the Assistant Solicitor for the US Department of the Interior. At present he is Senior Trial Attorney for the Mine Safety and Health Administration of the US Department of Labor.

Brother Smith is a Past Master of Temple-Noyes-Cathedral Lodge No. 32 in the District of Columbia, a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, a second-term trustee of Almas Temple, and a Past Director of Capital Court No. 50 of the Royal Order of Jesters.

Brother Smith has also served as General Counsel for Almas Temple for many years.

In addition to being Junior Grand Steward, Brother Smith is serving as chairman of the Planning Committee, Chairman of the Search Committee, and Co-Chairman of the Blood Committee of the Grand Lodge. Presently he represents the Grand Lodge of Brazilia, Brazil near the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia.

Brother Smith and his wife, Georgia Davis Smith, are the proud parents of four children.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS-1988

VOICE OF FREEMASONRY A STATEMENT OF PURPOSE This publication is designed to be an organ of information, instruction, and inspiration for all who hold allegiance to this Grand Jurisdiction. Comments and contributions, should be directed to the attention of the editor, care of the Grand Secretary.

Mailing Address

Voice of Freemasonry Grand Lodge Office 600 F Street, N.W., Suite 503 Washington, D.C. 20004 Editor Theodore Rothman (468-10 19) Editorial Board Nelson L. Fink Milton Fields Harry Hofberg Vincent M. Mahoney Stewart W. Miner Robert T. Ruark Charles L. Sherzer, Jr. Ernest A. Will

Left to right, first row: Charles S. Iversen, Senior Grand Warden; Robert A. Statler, Deputy Grand Master; Raymond F. McMullen, Grand Master; Darwin A. Brock, Junior Grand Warden; Stewart W. Miner, Grand Secretary. Left to right, second row: George R. Adams, Junior Grand Deacon; J. Philip Smith, Junior Grand Steward; Morris Gevinson, Assistant Grand Chaplain; Jerold J. Samet, Senior Grand Deacon; Elmer F. Stein, Grand Historian; William T. Jenkins, Senior Grand Steward; William E. Chaney, Jr., Grand Marshal. Left to right, third row: Stafford Appel, Deputy Grand Lecturer; Edward A. Reed, Aide to the Grand Master; Eugene N. Richardson, Grand Chaplain; Robert H. Younger, Grand Sword Bearec Bernard Geffen. Grand Tilec Gerhard Meinzer, Assistant Grand Tiler: Grant R. Berninn, Grand Pursuivant; Anthony S. Murray, Aide to the Grand Master.

Note: ~ o b e r F. t Suthpin, rand Treasurer, was hospitalized as the time of this sitting.

THE GRAND MASTER'S ITINERARY (Partial)

March March March March

20 26 27 29

Robert Le Bruce Chapter, Order of DeMolay Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons of D.C. Grand Council, Select and Royal Master, of D.C. TCL wreath-laying at Mt. Vernon Potomac-Chevy Chase Chapter, Order of DeMolay Ladies Shrine installation Brotherhood Night at Nur Temple

April April April April April

6 9 10 15-16 25

Shrine Circus Cherry Blossom Parade Grand Lodge Day of Thanksgiving Spring Reunion of the Scottish Rite Grand Lodge golf tournament

May May May May

11 13 14 26-28

Semi-Annual Communication of Grand Lodge Almas Temple ceremonial Grand Commandery of Knights Templar Northeast Conference on Masonic education and libraries

June June

7 23

Electa Chapter, O.E.S., honors the Grand Master Testimonial dinner for the Grand Master

March 4 March 18-19

cers Elected Grand Master Deputy Grand Master Senior Grand Charles S. Iversen Warden Junior Grand Darwin A. Brock Warden Stewart W. Miner, PGM Grand Secretary Robert F. Sutphin, PGM Grand Treasurer Grand Lecturer Floyd E. Werle Senior Grand Jerold J. Samet Deacon Junior Grand George R. Adams Deacon Senior Grand William T. Jenkins Steward Junior Grand J. Phillip Smith Deacon Appointed Raymond F. McMullen Robert A. Statler

William E. Chaney, Jr. Eugene N. Richardson Robert H. Younger Grant R. Berning Bernard Geffen Elmer F. Stein, PGM Stafford Appel Morris Gevinson Gerhard Meinzer Anthony S. Murray Edward A. Reed

Grand Marshal Grand Chaplain Grand Sword Bearer Grand Pursuivar Grand Tiler Grand Historian Deputy Grand Lecturer Assistant Grand Chaplain Assistant Grand Tiler Aide to Grand Master Aide to Grand Master

BICENTENNIAL

L. Robert Baker, P.G.M.; Judge David B. Sentelle; and Thomas R. Dougherty, P.G. M.

MASONIC COURAGE At the Senate's first hearing of his nomination t o the United State's Court of Appeals, Brother David Sentelle, a member of Excelsior Lodge No. 261 in Charlotte, N.C., had his affiliation with Masonry challenged.

After one of his interrogators, a U.S. Senator, characterized the Masonic fraternity as an organization that routinely discriminates against Blacks and women, Sentelle was asked if he would resign from Masonry to save his appointment. Firmly, he replied, "No. " Thus began a harrowing experience that extended over several months, during which a hold was placed on his nomination. During that time, however, support rallied around Sentelle-in the Congress, the media, and in the public at large, including the Knights of Columbus, who perceived a threat which, if unchecked, might at some time imperil members of their organization. When the nomination eventually came up for ballot in the Senate, Sentelle was confirmed on an 87-0 vote.

In reflecting on his experience, subsequent to his confirmation, Judge Sentelle stated: "If I were to give up my membership in Excelsior Lodge No. 260, my membership in the Scottish Rite and in Oasis Temple of the Shrine, it would be like saying that I had been doing something wrong in all the years I had been a judge; I would have been repudiating the principles that led my father, my grandfathers, my uncles, and my brothers into the fraternity." He then concluded his reflections, made in Cherrydale Lodge No. 42 (Virginia), by observing that he would rather stand in Lodge and meet on the level with his Brothers than to meet any Senator "who never shook hands the right way."

Masonic jurisdictions throughout the nation celebrated the signing of the Constitution in Philadelphia on September 17, 1987 with special commemorative programs. But the site of our celebration was unequaled, however, for it took place in the National Archives, on September 19th, at a time when the original copy of the Constitution was on display in that historic building. Thus, the 200 Masons gathered there enjoyed an unparalleled peek at history.

In the group were a number of distinguished guests from those states which participated in the Constitutional Convention. Among those present were the Grand Master of Pennsylvania, Carl R. Stenberg; the Deputy Grand Master of New York, Roswell Swit; the Grand Master of New Hampshire, Paul Ricker; the Deputy Grand Master of Connecticut, John Gonsalves; the Grand Master of Georgia, Dannie L. Reed; the Grand Master of Massachusetts, Albert T. Ames; the Grand Master of South Carolina, Tommy Brant; the Deputy Grand Master of Virginia, G. Hunter Jones; the Deputy Grand Master of North Carolina, L.R. Thomas; the Grand Master of Delaware, Frank Battaglia; the Grand Master of Rhode Island, William Abbey; and the Grand Master of Maryland, Joseph C. Bryan 111.

After an appropriate opening by the Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master of the District of Columbia, the Grand Historian, Elmer F. Stein, P.G.M., addressed those assembled on the significance of our Fundamental Law, reviewed the foundation stones on which it is based, discussed the credentials of the participating delegates, reviewed the ratification process, assessed the significance of the Constitution as a living document, and closed his remarks by leading those assembled in a recitation of the Preamble of that great document.

Following the ceremony all in attendance adjourned to the Officers Club of the Washington Navy Yard for a hearty buffet breakfast.

JOIN OUR GRAND MASTER ON HIS TOUR THROUGH OUR MAGNIFICENT NATIONAL PARKS

ALMAS ELECTS POTENTATE Rodney Wyrick was elected and installed as the Illustrious Potentate of Almas Temple in a meeting convened at the Shoreham Hotel on January 15, 1988. A member of Montgomery Lodge No. 195 in Rockville, Maryland, Brother Wyrick is an active participant in both the York and the Scottish Rite bodies. He is a retiree of the U.S. Army and of the U.S. Civil Service.

In accepting his responsibilities as Potentate, Brother Wyrick stated that Almas Temple is privileged to be a working part of the Masonic family in the District of Columbia and noted t h a t since its inception, 14 Past Potentates of Almas Temple have served as Grand Master of Masons in the District of Columbia.

Brother Wyrick invites continued Masonic support of Almas Temple and of its programs, namely Shrinedom's 19 orthopedic Hospitals and three Burns Institutes, where children between the ages of 1 day and 18 years, unrestricted by sex, color, or religion, are treated. He states that applications for the services offered in these facilities, when referred to his office (202-898-1 688), are given priority attention.

Brother Wyrick reminds Craftsmen who are not yet Shrine-Masons that information on membership, which authorizes full participation in the great philanthropies of Almas Temple, can also be obtained by calling him at 202-898-1688.

EING INVOLVED All over this country-yes, all over the world-security forces are begging citizens to become involved in the fighting of crime. We have meekly submitted to forces of evil because we have not wanted to become involved.

When we see an accident on the roadway, too frequently we look the other way or even leave the scene of the accident-because we do not want to become involved.

Masons in the past were much involved in the communities in which they lived. Today not many of our Masonic Brethren are willing to share their talents or to assist in leading the government of the locality which they call home. We look to our Masonic leaders in the Congress of the United States, and we find that they do not want t o be encumbered with the Masonic label. On many sides we find that Masonry is being assailed, charged with being a religion, or a secret organization, or with this or that.

How can we combat these charges?

I believe that each of us must begin t o take a greater interest in the community in which we live. Only when we live our lives as Masons are taught to live, only when our neighbors know about our good works, and only when we invite them to partake of our social events, will they come to realize that we are not the instruments of the devil. as we are sometimes pictured.

How about involvement in our Lodges? Yes, we have members who shirk their duties in Masonry. We do not make our Lodge work interesting enough to entice them to return to Lodge and thus get to know what Masonry is about. Too many of our Brethren, when they reach the third degree, think they have all the Masonic education they need. Little do they realize, when they receive the degree, that they have just crossed the threshold to position themselves to receive more knowledge of Masonry and of life.

Many of our Lodges are in danger of either losing their charters or merging with other Lodges because they are suffering from attendance problems and the lack of leadership.

In some Lodges, no Lodge Bulletin has been sent to the membership in more than a year. Little wonder that they have not more than one or two

At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge the Brethren present selected Worshipful Robert Francis Drechsler, Past Master of Anacostia Lodge No. 21, as the recipient of the Grand Lodge Distinguished Service Award for 1987. In making its nomination the selection committee noted that throughout his life, civil and fraternal, Brother Drechsler had given of himself for the betterment of mankind and the growth of our fraternity. The presentation of the medal was made at the St. John's Day Communication of the Grand Lodge.

The presiding Grand Master, Most Worshipful L. Robert Baker, was also honored at the Annual Communication by being named the recipient of the Charles H. Johnson Medal of the Grand Lodge of New York. The presentation was made by Most Worshipful Robert C. Singer, the Grand Master of New York. This medal, first instituted in 1951, is restricted to those who have rendered unusual or distinguished service in furthering the good name of the Craft, its principles and purposes. In accepting this honor, Most Worshipful Brother Baker joined a long list of distinguished recipients of this cherished award.

GRAND LODGE GOLF TOURNEY-MONDAY APRIL 25 (see col. 3) on the sidelines when they open Lodge. In some instances, in fact, even the sideliners have to be pressed into service if the Lodge is to be opened.

My brethren, we must wake up to what is happening in Masonry, and particularly, to what is happening in our own jurisdiction. While it is understandable that the concerns to which I refer also prevail elsewhere, let us not take refuge in that fact. It is our duty to get down to work and correct these problems in this jurisdiction. Let us work the Solomon I1 Program. Get out those FRIEND TO FRIEND pamphlets. Start talking about your Masonry. Don't hide it under a bushel. Make your Lodge come alive with activity. Invite your neighbors, your business and church friends to consider the advantages offered by Masonry. You are the future of the Craft in this jurisdiction.

-L.

Robert Baker, P.G.M.

The future of the esoteric ritual of the three degrees has been a prime concern in this jurisdiction for several years. The number of Brethren proficient in the work and capable of teaching the ritual has been in such decline as to be a worrisome distraction. Nevertheless we have available to us two very capable ritualistic teachers-WB Floyd E. Werle, our new Grand Lecturer, and WB Stafford Appel, our new Deputy Grand Lecturer and Chairman of the Committee on Work and Lectures.

WB Werle served as a dedicated member of the Grand Lodge Work and Lectures Committee from 1971 to 1984, when he became the Committee Chairman, in which capacity he served with distinction until his election as Grand Lecturer for 1988. WB Werle is a perfectionist and his command of the ritual is perfection itself.

WB Appel also has served no less diligently on the Committee since 1971, and in recognition of his efforts, he has been appointed to the new position of Deputy Grand Lecturer.

His knowledge being faultless, he is entirely worthy of the position to which he has been assigned.

I have had the pleasure of a long working association with each of these Brothers. They made my job as Grand Lecturer a joy because I knew that when they were involved, the ritual would be taught properly.

Hence I applaud their advance to new levels of responsibility, and I urge everyone, and more particularly those who hold certificates of Proficiency, to rally around them. With their leadership and our support, I am confident that the future or our ritual will be secure.

Carl R. LeVine Grand Lecturer Emeritus

GRAND LODGE GOLF This year the golf tournament will be held on April 25th at the Crofton Country Club, 4 miles north of Route 50 East on Route 3. The fees are as follows: $275.00 Green S onsor c4golkrs; 6 dinners) Tee ponsor $250.00 64 golfers; 4 dinners) In ividual $ 50.00 Lgo!f and dinner) In ividual $ 20.00 illiam IT. Jenkins, P.O. Box Contact P 509, Fulton, Md. 20759 or Ton Murray, 11920 Count Road, #T-{ District He~ghts. . M%. 20747 for reservations.

GRAND MASTER'S TOUR Interest is building in the Grand Master's tour of America's magnificent National Parks this summer from 8 to 23 August. Included in this attractive package, priced at $2,099 per person (double occupancy basis), are visits to Yellowstone, Old Faithful, the Grand Tetons, Arches National Park, the Colorado River, Monument Canyon, Bryce National Park, Zion National Park, as well as Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. For further information about this trip, please phone C. Brian Schwartz in the office of the Grand Secretary (202) 393-0121.

BLOOD The Co-Chairmen of the Grand Lodge Blood Bank Committee, William T. Jenkins and J. Philip Smith, announced that the American Red Cross, 2025 E. Street, N.W., is now open on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. to receive blood donations. The Red Cross also maintains a hotline (7286550) to alert donors as to where and when their mobile bloodmobiles are in operation.

Bloodmobile services may be scheduled by Lodges in the evening at other sites in the city, provided that 35-50 units of blood are guaranteed.

Arrangements for this type of program may be made through our blood service representative, Ellen M. Welby (728-6560). Ms. Welby is also available t o speak t o groups on the development of a blood donor program.

Bloodmobile projects are easily launched and, with a little effort, can be very successful. Samuel GompersBenjamin Franklin Lodge No. 45, for example, sponsored a donor program in January which netter 71 pints of blood. Looking ahead, TempleNoyes-Cathedral Lodge No. 32 will sponsor another on March 15 at Singleton Lodge Hall from 3:00 to 8:00 P.M., Gompers Franklin Lodge also plans to hold a Bloodmobile on March 15 at Shaare Tefile Cong. in Silver Spring (near White Oak). The Grand Lodge Co-Chairmen anticipate a fourth in July, at a place and time yet to be determined.

Donors giving blood at sites other than Red Cross Headquarters should fill out a Donor Participation Veri-

MARYLAND MASONIC LATES Maryland Masonic Tags are available any time during the year.

You do not have to wait untilyour expiration date t o transfer from regular tags. No additional charge, except MVA one time fee of $4.00 for new plates.

Any Master Mason in good standing and a member of a Lodge recognized by the Grand Lodge of Maryland is eligible. Also eligible are his widow, unmarried daughter, or son under 21 years old.

Masonic Tags are available only through the Free State Square Club No. 1182.

Send your request for a MVA Application Cerficiation to: FREE STATE SQUARE CLUB NO. 1182, P.O. Box 903, Silver Spring, Md., 20910. Enclose a check for $6.00 for each vehicle, payable to the Club.

Include your name, address, lodge name and number and location if your lodge is out of state.

Except for operating expenses, proceeds from donations are contributed to Maryland and D.C. Masonicrelated organizations.

fication Form and return it to their Lodge Chairmen after each donation.

Even those who live outside the metropolitan area, anywhere in the country, can participate, and if they will provide information on their donations (form attached) and mail it to the blood chairman of their lodge, their Lodge will be credited with the donation.

American Red Cross Blood Services Washington Region Donor Participation Verification DATE: CHAPTER: DONOR NAME: DONOR GROUP: DONOR SITE: Accepted or Deferred as a blood donor today. (Circle one) Signature: ARC Representative

SOLOMON I1 The Solomon I1 Program in the District of Columbia has just concluded its third year on a successful note, marked by a 16 percent increase in petitions received over petitions received in the previous year. While this increase does not completely offset losses due to deaths, demits, and suspensions for non-payment of dues, it does represent at least a threefold increase over the average number of petitions received in this jurisdiction during any one of the 10 years previous t o the adoption of the Solomon I1 program in January 1985.

This clearly indicates the continued beneficial effects of the Solomon I1 Program and the possibilities it holds when supported by all of the Blue Lodges in this jurisdiction.

While significant progress has already been made in increasing membership in the Craft, much remains to be done in the coming years. Therefore, the Grand Master and the members of the 1988 Solomon I1 Committee are looking forward to achieving a 20 percent increase in petitions received in 1988 over those received in 1987. To this end the Solomon I1 Program Committee has been restructured in an effort to improve its effectiveness. The number of members has been reduced by 50 percent to a total of eight, including the Chairman and two Co-Chairmen.

Additionally, three associate members have been named by the Grand Master to assist the Committee when needed.

Each member of the Solomon I1 Committee is assigned as a Grand Lodge Representative to several Blue Lodges. His specific duties and responsibilities have been documented and approved by the Grand Master.

In addition, a similar list of duties and responsibilities has been distributed to the 1988 Masters for their reference and retention.

The Solomon I1 Program Committee, pleased with the results of last year's efforts, expresses appreciation to all those Masons who helped to make the program a success. Expecting the coming year to be even more productive, however, the committee earnestly solicits all Masons in the jurisdiction to help Save Our Loving Old Masonic Order Now; SOLOMON 11.

-Brooks C. Dodson, Jr.

MASONS HONOR REAGAN OF TOMORROW! Supporters of the Order of DeMolay now have the opportunity to "own" a "Square Foot" of the land that surrounds the fraternity's new Service and Leadership Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Each "owner" receives a personalized "deed" and is considered an investor in the Order of DeMolay and in the young men who are members.

Robert M. Walker, Grand Master of the Order of DeMolay, explained the program: "This is really an opportunity for our Masonic brothers to get involved with DeMolay and to have fun doing so. We are hoping that the Masonic organizations that sponsor our chapters will buy 'deeds' for DeMolay chapter members and present them at their chapter's installation of officers. We also hope that our Masonic brothers will make a personal commitment to DeMolay and buy a 'Square Foot' of land for themselves, another brother, or a Senior DeMolay who is a member of his lodge. It was our goal to keep the program simple and get everyone involved in a real 'grass roots' campaign."

The proceeds from the "Square Foot"of land program will go towards the purchase and endowment of the DeMolay Service and Leadership Center. The best part of this new program is that each "Square Foot" of land is only $10 and it is a tax deductible gift!

Owning a piece of tomorrow . . . . . . . . . that's an investment in the future that just can't lose. If you are interested in acquiring a "Square Foot" of land, make your checks payable to the DeMolay Foundation, P.O. Box 901342, Kansas City, Missouri, 64190-1342 or call 1-800DeMolay, and make your investment today!

For more information contact: Robert W. Murphy DeMolay International P.O. Box 901342 Kansas City, Mo. 64190-1342 Phone: 1-816-891-8333

shipful McMullen and Brothers Paul, Kleinknecht, and King with PRIVATE SECTOR INITIATIVE COMMENDATIONS, noting that he had long admired Masonry's charitable and philanthropic programs.

Rounding out the Masonic party which participated in this ceremony were Stewart W. Miner, Grand Secretary, and William E. Chaney, Grand Marshal, of the Grand Lodge of D.C.; Carroll M. Bowman, Assistant Grand Secretary General, Southern Jurisdiction, A.S.S.R.: Sidney R. Baxter, Assistant to the Sovereign Grand Commander, Northern Jurisdiction, A.S.S.R.: and Jack H. Hones, Imperial Recorder, A.S.O.N.M.S. for North America.

President Ronald Reagan today received a CERTIFICATE O F HONOR from the Grand Lodge, F.A.A.M., of the District of Columbia. The presentation was made in the Oval Office at the White House by the Grand Master, Most Worshipful Raymond F. McMullen.

On this occasion the President also received a Scottish Rite certificate, presented jointly by the Sovereign Grand Commanders of the Northern and Southern Jurisdictions, Francis G. Paul and C. Fred Kleinknecht. A third certificate was presented by Voris King, Imperial Potentate of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of North America.

At the conclusion of the ceremony the President presented Most Wor-

(Text of Certijicate presented by the Grand Lodge, F.A.A.M., of D.C. to the President of the United States on Febmary 11, 1988)

THE GRAND LODGE OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA GREETS THE CRAFT WHERESOEVER DISPERSED and With pride and pleasure announces the presentation of this CERTIFICATE OF HONOR to The President of the United States of America THE HONORABLE RONALD WILSON REAGAN whose life is a testament to his firm belief in BROTHERLY LOVE, RELIEF, AND TRUTH, tenets of our institution since time immemorial, and whose service, civic and public, has broadened the application of our cardinal virtues-TEMPERANCE, FORTITUDE, PRUDENCE, AND JUSTICE-to the benefit of all mankind.

In recognition of his efforts to promote good will and understanding throughout the world, this certificate is issued under my hand and the seal of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia on the eleventh day of February, A.L. 5988, A.D. 1988.

ATTEST:

Stewart Wilson Miner GRAND SECRETARY

Raymond F. McMullen GRAND MASTER

Voice of Freemasonry Grand Lodge, F.A.A.M. of D.C. 600 F. Street, N.W., Room 503 Washington, D.C. 20004

Non-Profit Org. US. Postage P A I D Permit No. 559 Washington, D.C.

Address Correction Requested

I

February 22, 1988

Dear Grand Master McMullen:

I was particularly pleased to greet you and your fellow Masonic leaders when you came to the white House on February 11. In the tradition of our great country, the Masons have made invaluable contributions to the welfare of others. I am proud to commend the outstanding work of your organization throughout America's history.

Thank you very much for the framed "Certificate of Honor" which you presented to me. I am truly grateful for this special tribute.

With my warn best wishes to you and the fine Americans you represent, Sincerely,

Most Worshipful Raymond F. McMullen Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons of the District of Columbia 6 0 0 F Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20004

Reagan receives Cerrrfkate of Honor from Grand Masrer. k f r to Right: Francis G. Paul, Sovereign Grand Commander of rhe Northern Jurisdiction, A.S.S.R.: Voris King Imperial Potentate of rhe Shrine of Norrh America; President Ronald Reagan; and Raymond F. McMullen, Grand Masrer of Masons of rhe Disrricr of Columbia. .