AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE G R A N D LODGE, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Volume Vl
Spring 1989
Grand Master's Message By the time you receive this issue of the Voice, we will haveentered into the sixth month ofMasonicYear 1989. Thus far it has been a very eventful year, one marked by ample portions of challenge and satisfaction. T o say the least, it has been interesting beyond expectation. On 21 April 1989 I approved the mcrger of King SolomonLodgeNo. 31 and Warren G. Harding - Brightwood Lodge No. 43, effective as of 13 May 1989. From that date forward the new Lodge is to be known as Solomon Harding Brightwood Lodge No. 43. It will meet in Naval Lodgc Hailon the third Saturday of each month at 10:OO A.M. At the Semi-Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge on Wednesday, May loth, the Grand Lodge Office Building Committee reported that an architectural contract had been procured; that prclimina~ybids on conceptual plans had bccn received; that the beginning of construction was targeted for September 1, 1989; and that project completion is now slated for December 1, 1989. Our new home is really taking shape! Other reports submitted to the Grand Lodge at the Semi-Annual Communication detailed progress on the Grand Lodge Scholarship effort; the naming of scverai brethren to receive the DeMolay Legion of Honor; the re-recognition of theGrand Orient of Italy; and thescheduling of the 1989 Front Royal Leadership Conference on September 22-24, 1989. I commend to your attention articles o n each of these items appearing elsewhere in this issue of the Voice. Great interest at the Semi-Annual Communication focused on an amendment to the Grand Lodge Code, submittcd a year ago, whereby any Lodge which plans to confer the Entered
Number 2
Front Royal Leadership Conference
Apprentice Dcgrce may open and close on thc First Dcgree of Masonry. It also providcd that any Lodge planning to confer the Fellowcrafr Dcgrec may opcn and closc on the Sccond Degree of Masonry for that communication. The proposal further stipulated that no busincss could be transacted at such a communication except the conferring of the degrcc of thc evening. Discussion of the proposed amendment was spirited, and following comment by numbers ofbrethren, a vote was taken and the measure carried by substantially more than the required twothirds majority. Implementation of the arncndment, however, must now await modificationofboth theritualand those pertinent Sections of the Code on which it has an impact. In closing I would like to rcmind all Worshipful Masters that the Grand Mastcr's Award Program is alive and well. If you have not yet set your sights o n winning one of the two awards available, now is the time to begin. With a little effort, every Worshipful Master can be a winner. Give it a try.
Are you a Worshipful Mastcr, Scnior o r Junior Warden, Scnior o r Junior Deacon, o r Secretary of your Lodge? If you occupy one of these positions, we hope that you have placed the Front Royal Leadership Conlercnce on your calendar for the wcek-end of Scptcmbcr 22,23, and 24. The Grand Lodge Committee on Masonic Education and Scrvicc is making plans for thc Conferenceand they do includcyou. Wc nced you and we :ire of the strong opinion that you nccd thc Conference. Wc have arranged a spccial rrcar for you! M.W. Royal Scofield, rhc Director ofTrainingof the Grand Lodgc of Ohio, will be our "Kcynote Spcakcr." As hc plans 10 stay for the entire wcckcnd, he will bcavailable to consult with you on n one-on-one basis. Don't miss this opportunity to talk with an expcrt in thc field.
Masonic Day of Thanksgiving Our Masonic Day ofThanksgivingwas held on Sunday, April 9, 1989 in the Foundry Unitcd Methodist Church, Washington, D.C., whcrc our Grand Master, M.W. Robert A. Srarlcr ofrcn worships. O u r speaker was Dr. Edward W. Bauman, Senior Minister of thc church. The organist was Dr. Eilccn M. Gucnther and Karcn S. Bcasley was the soloist. All who attendcd wcrc impresscrl with the sermon delivered by Dr. Bauman whose topic was "He's Not Hcavy, He's My Brother."
GRAND MASTER'S ITINERARY June 6 7 10 11 22 23 28
Strawberry Festival. Cornerstone Lodge No. 224 (MD) Potomac Court No. 4, Order of Amaranth Grand Ball, OES DeMolay Awards Day, Scottish Rite Temple Maryland Night at Hiram-Takoma No. 10 Aphasia Clinic -- Ribbon-cutting ceremony (Scottish Rite Temple) Columbia Chapter No. 15, OES
July 2-15 Viking Fling 16-17 N.E. Conference of Grand Masters, Deputy Grand Masters, and Grand Secretaries 18-20 Grand Lodge of Ontario August 19 Rainbows Luncheon (OES) 24-27 Royal Order of Scotland -- Charlotte, N.C. 31 Royal Order of Scotland -- Great Falls, MT. September 1-3 Royal Order of Scotland -- Great Falls, MT. 4 Labor Day; Grand Master's birthday 22-24 Leadership Conference, Front Royal, VA. 27 Washington Sc Columbia Commanderies, Knights Templar October 2-4 Grand Lodge of Delaware 14 Grand Lodge Fishing Tournament Sc Family Picnic 16 Supreme Council, AASR 18 Seat Pleasant Lodge No. 218 (MD) 20-21 AASR Fall Class
aster Visits
arion Lodge No. 70
Grand Master Robert A. Statler, along with a goodly number of brethren in Solomon Harding Brightwood Lodge No. 43, participated in the 68th Annual Sunrise Meeting of Marion Lodge No. 70 in Marion, Ohio, on Monday, May 29,1989. Lodge opened at 4:30 A.M. to confer the Master Mason Degree, hold memorial services, and receive guests, all before breakfast! Following breakfast, the group placed a wreath at the Harding Memorial and heard an appropriate address by the Grand Master of Ohio, M.W. David L. Dresser.
Harmony Lodge No. 17 Recognized as Benefactor Harmony Lodge No. 17 has been recognized for its support of the Carl Claudy Library, housed in the offices of the Masonic Services Association of the United States. In appreciation thereof the Executive Secretary of MSA, M.W. Richard E. Fletcher, presented the Lodge with a coveted MSA plaque at the Semi-Annual Communication on May 11th. On hand to receive the award was the Master of the Lodge, Wor. Peter J. Burns, and the Lodge Secretary, M.W. Perry A. Lester.
VOICE OF FREEMASONRY A STATEMENT OF PURPOSE This publication is designed to bean orgnn of information, instruction, and inspiration forallwho holdallegiance to thisGrand 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 500 Washington, D.C. 20004 Editor Theodore Rothrnan (468-1019) 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
Grand Lodge Officers Elected Robert A. Statler .................... Grand Master Charles S. Ivenen ...... Deputy Grand Master Darwin A. Brock .... Senior Grand Wardcn Jerold J. Samet .......... Junior Grand Warden Stewart W. Miner, P.G.M. Grand Secretary Robert F. Sutphin, P.G.M. Grand Treasurer Floyd E. Werle .................... Grand Lecturcr George R. Adarns ....Senior Grand Deacon Willian~T. Jenkins ....Junior Grand Deacon J. Philip Smith .......... Senior Grand Steward William E. Chaney ....Junior Grand Steward Appoinled Vincent M. Mahoney ............ Grand Marshal Eugene N. Richardson ...... Grand Chaplain Jules S. Tepper ............ Grand Sword Bearer Robert H. Younger ........ Grand Pursuivant Morris Gevinson ................ krsistant Grand Chaplain Robert B. Riley, Jr. ............ Assistant Grand Chaplain Elmer F. Stein .................... Grand Historian Bernard Geffen .......................... Grand Tiler Stafford Appel ...... Deputy Grand Lecturer Harold A. Blood .... Grand Lodge Physician Anthony S. Murray .................... Aide to the Grand Mastcr Edward A. Reed .......................... Aide to the Grand Mastcr Gerhard Meinzer ...... Assistant Grand Tilcr
Scholarship Program Endorsed Substantial progress is being made in a Grand Lodge program that seeks to provide college scholarships to qualifying high school graduates. Seed money for this purpose is being provided by the Masonic Foundation, which unanimously adopted a proposal to this effect -submitted by the Scholarship and the Public Relations Committees of the Grand Lodge -- at its annual meeting on May 5, 1989. In this program it is envisioned that a t least onescholarship will beawarded to a graduating student in each of the 14 public high schools of the District of Columbia. Awardees will be selected by facultyor administrativeofficials in the school system, with selections being based on criteria which will include, as a minimum, evaluation of the students moral and ethical character, academic record, and potential to make a significant contribution to society. It is hoped, given completion of planning and implementation prerequisites, that the first group of Grand Lodge scholarships will be presented to students graduating in June 1990.
Grand Lodge Golf Tournament
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T h e Fourth Annual Golf Tournament of the Grand Lodge was held at the Crofton Country Club in Crofton, Maryland. This tournament was the final one for a foursome of King Solomon Lodge No. 31 Masons, as that Lodge was destined to be merged with Warren G. Harding-Brightwood Lodge No. 43. As it turned out, this group didvery well in the tournament. Wor. GeorgeThomson, P.M., was the tournament winner; Wor. Stan Foley, Master of the Lodge, tied for second place; Wor. Bob Alt, P.M., won the "closest to the pin" competition; and the longest drive and tournament low gross score was recorded by Frank Cawley, a guest of King Solomon Lodge. Congratulations, brethren, and may your good fortunes continue in your new Lodge home.
OPEN MASONIC EVENTS Sunday, June 11th Steak-out picnic. Cost: $8.50 per person; children who eat hot dogs, free. Place: Kena Temple, Fairfax, Va. Sponsored by Capitol Hill Shrine Club. Open to all Master Masons and their guests. Time: 3:00 to 9 0 0 P.M. Thursday, June 22nd Grand Lodge Bloodmobile. Place: at Shaare Tefila Congregation, 11120 Lockwood Drive (White Oak), Silver Spring. This is a grand opportunity to show our nonMasonic friends what we are all about. Saturdav, July 8th Annual steak dinner sponsored by the Flag Unit of Almas Temple. Cost: $12.00 per person; Time: 2:00 - 5:00 P.M.; Place: Home of Doug Hillmuth, 8008 Hilton Road, Gaithersburg, Md. Saturday, July 22nd Amual Crab Feast sponsored by theNorthwest Shrine Club of Alrnas Temple. Cost: $16.00 per person ($15.00 with advance reservations); Plae: At Montgomery Cedar Club, Norbeck, Md.
Grand Lodge Recognizes Grand Orient of Italy At the Semi-annual Communication oftheGrand Lodge on May 10,1989, the committee o n Foreign Correspondence rcported that the Grand Orient of Italy had been declared "regular" by the Commission o n Information for Recognition of the Conference of Grand Masters and should again be recognizcd by this Grand Lodge. This recommendation was acceptcd by the Grand Lodge, which voted to renew ties with the Grand Orient that were broken in 1988. T h e Committee reported that the Grand Lodge National Francaise had formed a new Grand Lodge of the Ivory Coast inFebruary of this year. Word has also been received that a new state of Amapa has been formed in Brazil and that a new Grand Lodge has been created there. Neither of these Grand Lodges has as yet applied to the Grand Lodge of D.C. for recognition.
Samet Elected to DeMolay International Supreme Council R.W. Jerold Samet was electcd and installed Grand Junior Councilor of thc International Supreme Council of thc Order of DeMolay a t that organization's April sessions in Kansas City, Missouri. By acceptance of this position in the progressive line of the Council, Brother Samet will serve as Grand Master of the International Order of DeMolay in four years. T h e International Order of DeMolay has about 1500 Chapters in the United States and 13othcr countries around thc world. The last time the District of Columbia had a Grand Master of DcMolay was in 1937, when Major General Amos Fries served in that office. Brother Samet, a native Washingtonian, was raised t o the Sublime Dcgree of Master Mason in Osiris Lodge No. 26 o n September 21,1966. H e was elected Junior Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge o n December 19, 1984, and a t the present time is serving the Grand Lodge as Junior Grand Warden. Good luck, Jerry, as you make your waythrough the electiveline of both thc Grand Lodge and the Internalional Supreme Council ofDeMolay. We'rcall rooting for you!
G
STER'S AWARD PROG
The Grand MasterYsAwardProgram, initiated in 1988, isbeing continued in 1989. The purposeof the program is toencourage Masons in this jurisdiction to aspire to higher levels of service, in and outside the Lodge. Awards will be presented at the Annual Communication of Grand Lodge to those Lodges that qualify. The Grand Master's Award will be presented to Lodges that satisfactorily complete 12 of the 15 items appearing in Group I of the Program Requirements and three of the items appearing in Group 11. The completion of items 5,8,13, and 15 is mandatory for all entrants in the competition. The other award, the Grand Master's Award of Excellence, will be presented to those Lodges satisfactorily completing all items in Groups I and I1 of the Program Requirements. The Worshipful Master and at least one Warden should be involved in every item on which a report is made. If for some reason, acceptable by the Grand Master, the Worshipful Master is unable to participate, the participation ofboth Wardens and the Scnior Deacon is necessary for qualification. Worshipful Masters wishing to competeare tosubmit a report ofthe activities oftheir Lodges to the Office of the Grand Secretary not later than the close of business on Thursday, November 30, 1989. Reports received after that date, unless specific exception is granted by the Grand Master, will not be considered in the competition for 1989. GROUP I REQUIREMENTS 1. Past Masters Night. Options open. In lieu of other alternatives, Past Masters may occupy the chairs for a business meeting or to confer a dcgree. 2. Lodge Education. Program should focus on some part of the Masonic Code.
3. Wardens Night. Wardens are to preside and plan the program of the evening. 4. NPD Suspensions. The number of suspensions for NPD in 1989 should not exceed the number suspended for this reason in 1988. 5. Grand Lodge Worship Service. Lodge should attend as a body (minimum of four line officers and four members).
6. Summertime activity. The Lodge must sponsor a picnic or some alternative type of activity during the summer.
7. Ladies Night. Options open. In addition to wives, the widows of deceased brethren should be encouraged to attend. 8. Semi-Annual Communication. Attendance of the Worshipful Master, Wardens, and Past Masters at the Semi-Annual Communication on May 10,1989 is required. 9. Grand Lodge Blood Bank. Lodge donations in 1989 are to exceed those credited in 1988. 10. Friend to Friend. Distribute at least 25 copies to prospective candidates. List namesand addresses of those to whom the pamphletswere givcn and record the results. 11. Visitation. Appoint a committee to activate a program that will minister to the aged and the distressed. Regular reports on visitations are to be made in the Lodge. 12. V.A. Hospital Service. Participate in this program whcn assiyncd. Allocate a minimum of eight Lodge members to this duty. 13. Solomon 11. Encourage officer and membership participation in this program. Include a Solomon I1 presentation in the Lodge program for thc ycar. 14. Benevolence. Collect food for the needy. Distribute through the Lodge or a selected church or benevolent agency. 15. Leadership Development Conference. Attendance of the Worshipful Mastcr, Wardens, Deacons, and Secretary is mandatory.
GROUP I1 REQUEMENTS 1. Visit to Another Lodge. Plan a visit to another Lodge for your officers and members. Visit a Lodge in this or a neighboring jurisdiction. Take a program if you can; if you can't, just "visit." 2. Awards Night. Honor members of the Lodge who have contributed to the community (in social, business, civic, or professional activities) orwho have contributed significantly to the well being of the Masonic fmtcrnity. 3. Order of DeMolay. Support at least oneof the DeMolay programsof the District of Colunlbia andvisit a DeMolay Chapter at least onceduring the year (with the Lodge Officers and members of the Lodge). Record names of those who accompany you. 4. Fellowship Night. For Masons only. The Worshipful Master and Wardens must be in attendance. This evcnt does not have to be in a Lodge hall. 5. Work. Confer the three degrees on two or more candidates during the year.
6. M.E.S.H. Visit M.E.S.H. guests at the Medlantic facility and, if possible, sponsor (arrange for) a vesper service somctime during the year.
asonic Foundation The 28th Annual Meeting of the Masonic Foundation of the District of Columbia was convened at Almas Temple on Friday, May 5, 1989 at 7:30 P.M. Present on that occasion were 24 brethren representing Lodges 3,7,11,12,14, 15,16,17,19,21,23,31,32, 33, 35, 45, 47, and 52. Vice President Perry A. Lester presided in the absence of the President, Charles V. Brewer, confined at that time to Suburban Hospital. At this meeting the activities of the Board of Trustees during Fiscal Year 1988 (April 1,1988 - March 31, 1989) were reviewed and a spread sheet summarizing Foundation acqhsitions and disbursements since the inception of the Foundation was distributed. This spread sheet indicated that Foundation receipts from earnings, donations, and fund raising drives through 1987 totaled $1,515,353.76. It also indicated that distributions through 1987 totaled $978,515.58, of which $702,437.20 (71.78%) was paid to MESH and $276,078.38 (21.21%) was retained by the Foundation for investment.
Past Grand ullen Honored On Tuesday, March 28, 1989, at the 201st AnnuaI Communication of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut, A.F. S( A.M., M.W. John Gonsalves presented Connecticut's Pierpont Edwards Medal to M.W. Raymond F. McMullen, P.G.M. The Pierpont Edwards Medal derives its name from that distinguishedcitizen, patriot, and Mason who served as the first Grand Master of Connecticut in 1789. It is presented as a medal of honor for distinguished Masonic service. This medal was first conferred on ten outstanding Masons at the Special Communication of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut in New Haven on October 14, 1939,as a part ofthe observance of 150th anniversary of that Grand Lodge.
The Treasurer's report for the Fiscal Year ending March 31, 1989 detailed receipts of $351,797.75 and disbursements totaling $248,431.01, leaving a balance for future accounting of $1,055,845.25. The largest disbursement, $163,639.69, mainlyrepresents the investment ofproceeds derived from the maturity of Treasury Notes. This report also indicates that the Foundation contribution to MESH for the period encompassed in FY 1988 totaled $32,000.00, better than 51% of Foundation earnings and acquisitions during that period.
money to launch the program. The proposal was discussed in depth, and upon motion made and seconded, adopted unanimously.
Members ofthe Foundation received a report submittedbythe Chairmen of the Grand Lodge Committees on Scholarship and on Public ReIations. This report proposes Foundation participation in a scholarship effort proposed to benefit public high schools in the District of Columbia Specifically, the afore mentioned committees requested the Foundation to provide $10,000.00 in seed
The last item ofbusiness on the agenda was theelection ofa Trustee for a threeyear term, the term of Charles V. Brewer, President, having been concluded. Brother Brewer was nominated to succeed himself, and there being no further nominations, was unanimouslyelected. In a subsequent meeting of the Board of Trustees, Brother Brewer was unanimously re-elected President of that body.
Picturcd with M.W. McMullen are R.W. Gail N. Smith, D.G.M., and M.W. John Gonsalves, presenting the medal.
On Monday, May 15,1989, M.W. Raymond F. McMullen, P.G.M., occupicd the East in Anacostia Lodge No. 21 to obligate and raise his son, Bruce. Past Masters of the Lodge occupicd all the other stations and places, with P.G.M. Miskovic -- despite injuries incurrcd whilc on duty as a police officer -- serving as Senior Warden. The degree was flawlessly executed before an overflow crowd that included most of the officers of the Grand Lodge. Later, while at refreshment after the degree, P.G.M. McMullcn opined that there is no greater satisfaction in Masonry than that which is found in raisingyour own son to the SublimeDcgree. All within hearing agreed as theywarmly congratulated father and son for work that was well done and well received.
Honors Day Nation's Capital DeMolay will sponsor its annual Honors Day on Sunday, June 11,1989 at the Scottish RiteTemple starting at 2:00 P.M.. At that time the Degree of Chevalier, the highest honor thesupreme Council can bestow on an Active or Senior DcMolay for outstanding service to the Order,will beconferredon Paul J. Lopcz and Christopher M. Weiss. On this occasion, the Legion of Honor, the highest honorawarded by the International Supreme Council for service to DeMolay, the Community, God, Country, and Humanity, will be conferred on nine brethren. Tobenamed as ActiveMembers of the Legion of Honor are George R. Adams, James E. Duck, and DanL Frederick. In addition, William H. Grass, Stewart W. Miner, Eugene N. Richardson, Bernard E. Schultz, Robert A. Statler, and Rodney Wyrick will be designated as Honorary members of this select group.
am E. EGcleston York In April 1989eighteen Master Masons of the District of Columbia received the degrees of theYork Rite in a class honoring Most Worshipful William E. Eccleston. This leads us to a consideration of the York Rite and its purposes. The component parts ofthe AmericanYork Rite are: thesymbolic (Blue) Lodges whichare governed by Grand Lodges; the Chapters of Royal Arch Masons which are subordinate to Grand Chapters; the Councils of Cryptic Masons (Royal and Select Masters) under control of Grand Councils; and the Commanderies of Knights Templar of theU.S.A. All these are established on democratic principleswhere the senior officers are elected by and from the membership of that particular organization. While there is no central authority of theYork Rite, the leaders and officers at all echelons of Symbolic, Capitular, Cryptic, and Chivalric Masonry coordinate and cooperate as if they were part of one organization. ROYAL A R C H MASONRY
While the keystone is the principal lockingstone of the Arch, the Copestone is the top, or cap of the entire wall. Therefore, the Royal Arch of Freemasonry, which has been classed as "the Copestone of Ancient Craft Masonry," is known as the Capitular Rite. In the United States, a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons confers the degrees ofMark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master, and the Most Sublime Degree of the Holy Royal Arch. In Virginia and West Virginia the Royal Arch Chaptersalso confer the Royal and Select Masters Degrees of the Cryptic Rite. In Pennsylvania the Grand Lodge retains control of the Past Master's Degree. While solicitation cannot be made for members for the Symbolic Lodge, once a man has attained the rank of Master Mason he can and should be encouraged to continue his Masonic education in the York Rite. C R W C MASONRY The Council of Royal and Select Masters, known as the Cryptic Rite, fills what should be a significant void in the complete story of the York Rite. The degrees, controlled by the Grand Councils in the United States, are the Royal Master, the Select Master, and the Super Excellent Master. While Lodges, Chapters, and Commanderies predate the 19th Century, Councils were not formed until theearly 1800's in the United States. The degrees, however, had been conferred in Lodges and Royal Arch Chapters prior to the organization of Councils. COMMANDERY O F KNIGHTS TEMPLAR A Commandery of Knights Templar in the United States confers three Orders: the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, the Order of Malta, and the Order of the Temple. The Masonic Orders of the Temple and Malta are founded upon traditions of the Chivalric Orders of Knighthood of the Middle Ages, and the Rite has therefore acquired the title of Chivalric Masonry. The Commandeq of Knights Templar is founded upon the Christian Religion and the practice of Christian virtues. The Orders of Malta and the Temple are entirely based upon ethical, moral, and spiritual concepts for a well governed life.
[Excerpted from: "The York Rite of Freemasonry" by Frederick G. Speidel, Past Grand Commander of North Carolina.]
From The OR'S DESK: I am convinced that Masons, no less than any other group, should strive to keep their views in perspective, appreciating, as did Mr. Irving (FNU) in a message he drafted for all those born before 1945. Those of us who date back to that time, hestates, are survivors, and as such we have witnessed manychanges, to wit: We were born before television, before penicillin, before polio shots, frozen foods, Xerox, plastic, contact lenses, Frisbees, and the Pill. We were born before radar, credit cards, split atoms, laser beams and ball-point pens, before panty-hose, dishwashers, clothes dryers, electric blankets, airconditioners, drip-dry clothes -- and before man walked on the moon! We got married first and then lived together. How quaint can you be? In our times, closets were for clothes, not for "coming out of'. Bunnies were small rabbits and rabbits were not Volkswagens. Designer Jeans were scheming girls named Jean or Jeanne, and having a meaningful relationship meant getting along well with our cousins. We thought fast food was what you ate during Lent, and Outer Space was the back of the Riviera Theatre. We were born before house-husbands, gay rights, computer dating, dual areers, and computer marriages. Wc were born before day-care centers, group therapy and nursing homes. Wc never heard of FM radio, tape decks, electric typewriters, artificia1 hearts, word processors, yogurt and guys wearing earrings. For us, timesharing meant togetherness -- not computers or condominiums; a "chip" meant a piece of wood; hardware meant hardware, and software wasn't even a word! In 1940, "made in Japan" meant junk and the term "making out" referred lo how you did on your exam. Pizzas, "MacDonalds" and instant coffee were unheard of. We hit the scene when there were 5 S( 10 cent stores, where you bought things for five and ten cents. Ice cream cones were a nickel or a dime. For one nickel you could ride a street car, make a phone call, buya Pepsi o r enough stamps cnnrinued n w
Dare
Potomac Lodge No. 5
April 21, 1989 was a major milestone for Potomac Lodge No. 5, F.A.A.M., when this historic Lodge celebrated the 200th anniversary of its original chartering. More than 230 members of the Lodge and their guests assembled on that evening to enjoy an evening of fellowship and to recognize those forefathers of the Lodge whose vision and dedication has enabled it to continue through two centuries of service to Masonry. In addition to our own Grand Master, Potomac Lodge was honored to have the Grand Master of Maryland, Most Worshipful Brother B. Hope Harrison, in attendance at the Bicentennial Banquet. Both Grand Masters addressed the assemblage with remarks appropriate to the occasion. A highlight of the banquet was an announcement by the Lodge of the presentation of two sets of bronze plaques in memory of distinguished members. Each set consists of seven plaques: the four pages of the United States Constitution reproduced in full size; the March 4, 1789 Bill of Rights, also full size; a donor's plaque; and a special memorial plaque. One set of the plaques will be placed in memory of Worshipful Brother LaVon P. Linn, Past Master, at The Foundation for Collingwood Library and Museum on Americanism at M t Vernon, Virginia The second set will be placed in memory of Brother Francis Key Hunter at The George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia These plaques provide an appropriate and fitting recognition of the bicentennial of Potomac Lodge and a suitable memorial to two of its beloved members. Potomac Lodge No. 5 was first chartered by the Grand Lodge of Maryland as LodgeNo. 9 in thecity of Georgetown. After a shaky beginning, a brief period of being dark, and a name change, Lodge No. 9 became Columbia Lodge No. 19 in 1795. Again darkness returned for several years until the Lodge was again chartered as Potomac Lodge No. 43 in 1806, since which time it has been in continuous operation. When the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia
Marks ZUUth Anmversary
was formed in 1811, Georgetown having become part of the new Federal City, Potomac LodgeNo. 43 became Potomac Lodge No. 5, F.A.A.M. Worshipful Brother Valentine Reintzel, a Past Master of Lodge No. 9, became the first Grand Master of the new Grand Lodge. The history of Potomac Lodge is closely entwined with the history of the United States as well as our Grand Lodge. The year of its original chartering, 1789, saw the convening of the first Congress of the United States, the passage of the original Bill of Rights to the United States Constitution, and the inauguration of Worshipful Brother George Washington as the first President of the United States. On October 20, 1792, members of the Lodge marched in procession to the President's House (now known as The White House) to assist in Masonic cornerstone laying ceremonies. On September 18, 1793, during Worshipful Brother Reintzel's tenure as Master, the Lodge participated in the Masonic cornerstone laying ceremonies of the United States Capitol Building. This ceremony was performed by Worshipful Brother and President George Washington, who used a silver trowel and a gavel with a head of Maryland marble, both ofwhich had been specially made for this historic event. At theconclusion of the ceremonies, Worshipful Brother Washington presented the silver trowel to the Master of his Lodge, now AlexandriaWashington Lodge No. 22 in Virginia, which still has possession of this artifact The gavel, presented to Worshipful Brother Reintzel, was delivered in 1817 to Potomac Lodge, where it remains as a treasured possession. Throughout its history, Potomac Lodge has always held its meetings in Georgetown. Over the span of 200 years, ten distinguished Masons from its ranks have served as Grand Masters of our Grand Lodge. In 1939, the Grand Lodgeof Maryland returned to Potomac Lodge its original charter as Lodge No. 9. This valued document, which contains the petition for a charter on its reverseside,uas restored and preserved in preparation for this
bicentennial. It has been reproduced on parchment stock for distribution to the Lodge members as a memento. A limited number of these reproductions are available at a cost of $2.00 each. The Lodge also struck a bronze medallion to commemorate the bicentennial of the original chartering. ?his memento has been presented to each member of the Lodge, and a limited number of the medallions are available to collectors at a cost of $4.00 each. Orders for both items may be placed by writing to the Secretary of Potomac Lodge No. 5 at the following address: Dean S. Clatterbuck 4208 Heathfield Road Rockville, MD 20853. Checks should be made payable to Potomac Lodge No. 5. Orders will be accepted until available quantities are exhausted.
to mail one letter and two post cards. You could buy a new Chevy Coupe for $600, but who could afford one; a pity too, because gas was 11 cents a gallon! In our day, cigarettesmoking was fashionable. Grass was mowed, Coke was a drink, and Pot was something you cooked in. Rock music was a Grandma's lullaby and AIDS were helpers in the Principal's office. We were certainly not born before the difference between the sexes was discovered, but we were surely born before the sex change; we made do with what we had, and we were the last generation that was so dumb as to think that you needed a husband to have a baby!! No wonder we are so confused and there is such a generation gap today! BUT WE SURVIVED! WHAT BETIER REASON D O WE HAVE TO CELEBRATE?
Voice of Freemasonry Grand Lodge, F.A.A.M., of D.C. 600 F Street, N.W., Suite 500 Washington, D.C. 20004
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Among the many masonic treasurespreserved within The Geor the apron worn by, Brother Washington on September 18 1793 when Washington and the founding fatherswould not have Freemasonry's only national monument, must rest
n Masonic National Memorial are the trowel and square used by, and t the laying of the cornerstone of the United States Capitol. Brother 'thout astrong foundation. In likemanner, this Memorial, American
The Cornerstone Campaign is a to the level at which the Memorial to complete this effort within five yea gathered to lay the cornerstone of the
permanent endowment fund 'tal improvements. We hope Washington and his brethren
y endow this national Memorial. we ask that you consider, in the
We urgently require the assistance We know that not everyone will be abi spirit of Masonic brotherhood, an a In order to hold down admi best use.
your contribution to its
Thank you for your generous
=---------------------------------(detach and return to: The Cornerstone Campaign, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria, VA 22301)
Dear Brother Glassmire: YES, I want to do my part in strengthening the financial cornerstone of the Memorial. Enclosed is my Cornerstone Campaign contribution: Please send me more information about:
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