Summer 1994 Volume XI, Number 2
Masons Celebrate Our Nation's Birthday! At precisely 11:OO A.M. on July 4th an hour-long parade stepped off smartly from Foxhall Road, proceeding thence along MacArthur Boulevard, and winding ultimately to its planned destination -the Palisades Community Recreation Center on Sherier Place. Participating in a demonstration of good oldfashioned patriotism were flag-waving Americans of all ages and persuasions, including a number of our fellow citizens who aspire to elected office. Some marched; others rode on decorated carts, vintage automobiles, or bicycles; and standing tall, way above the crowd, a young lady ambled casuallyalong on stilts, the master of all she surveyed. The Worshipful Master and Brethren of Alianza Fraternal Americana Lodge No. 92 led the Masonic contingent carrylng their Lodge banner, preceding the Grand Master, who rode in a snappy red Miata convertible driven by the Aide to the Grand Master, Robert H. Starr. Stafford Appel, Grand Lecturer, also drove the route in a beautiful Cadillac. Accompanying the Grand Master, but walking, were the Deputy Grand Master, J. Philip Smith, and
The Grand Master with Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and Mayor Sharon Pratt Kelly of Washington, D.C.
the Junior Grand Warden, Robert F. Drechsler. Among theremainingmarchingMasons were Harold Grainger, George Enders, James Martin, Jr., James D. Martin 111, and Michael Van Housen, all of whom distributed miniature American Flags to children along the parade route. Roundingoutthe Masonicpresence were the Shriners of Almas Temple, headed by Noble Werner Trost. Units participating included the Legion of Honor, led by Noble E. Charles Johnson, and the Mini-Motor Corps, led by Noble John K. Bass. As always the intricate antics of the drivers of the mini-cars delighted everyone along the parade route. A large number of Masons also made their contribution to a memorable Fourth of July celebration by staffing the community hot dog stand at the Recreation Center. By all reports they cooked and served upwards of 3000 hot dogs to those who gathered at the grounds, where they were greeted by members of the City Council, the current Mayor, and a number of others who seek that office. Among those who labored long hours over the grills were Joel and Becky Kahn (1); Jack Baker and Jamil Gabro (3); Austin Esfandiary, James Martin, Jr., and James D. Martin I11 (5); Karl Gruel, Naif Mahan, and Hugo Gomez (11); Harold Grainger (14); Greg Sutton and Dan Loden (16); Pierre E.L. Gozt (19); Michael Van Housen (23); John Wimmel (25); and Robert Haber, Joseph Snyder, Dan Segal, Bob Starr, and Robert Hixon (45). By service rendered each of them sigruficantly contributed to the establishment of our position in the Palisades neighborhood.
1 Important Masonic Dates •’or 1994 ( Grand Master's Class October 28-29, 1994 6:00 P.M. 7:00
P.M.
9 4 0 P.M.
FRlDAY Candidatcs Rcgisrralion Lodgc Opcns on 1st Dcgrcc Rcfrcshrncnts
Scottish Rite Temple 2800 - 16th Street, N.W.
Washingtotl, D.C.
8:30 A.M. 9:30 A.'M. 11130 A.M.
12:30 P.M. 5 4 0 P.M.
SATURDAY Candidatcs Rcgislration Lodgc Opcns on 2nd Dcgrcc Lunch Lodgc Opcns on 3 rd Dcgrcc Tablc Lodgc
Open House Sunday, September 18, 1994 2 - 4 P.M.
Scottish Rite Class November 18-19, 1994
Scottish Rite Temple 2800 - 16th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C.
Almas Temple Shrine Ceremonial Alrnas Temple 13 15 K Street, N.W. Washington, D.C.
November 29, 1994
(L-R) . . Stewart W. Miner and William E. Chaney, Jr. present scholarships t o Shellon Alexander and Anthony Amey of Dunbar High School.
Masonic Foundation Awards Scholarship William E. Chaney, Senior Grand Warden and Chairman of the Grand Lodge Scholarship Committee, announces that the Masonic Foundation of D.C. has agreed to continue funding the scholarship program of the Grand Lodge into 1995. This program, which has now been in operation for four years, annually provides $500 scholarships to 15 outstanding graduates of high schools located in the District of Columbia. Recipients this year will matriculate in first-rate colleges and universities from coast to coast and from border to border. Brother Chaney, accompanied by the Grand Secretary, Stewart W. Miner, par-
ticipated this year in the awards ceremony at Dunbar High School, where two students of that school were presented Grand Lodge Scholarships. While there they were pleased to find that former students ofDunbar, fromthe class of 1925onwards, regularly provide financial assistance to further the development of promising graduates. Winners of 1994 Grand Lodge Scholarships included KeishaDunston, Anacostia High; Krystal O'Bryant, Kevin Edwards, and Jocelyn Ajala, Banneker High; Trudy Hyde, Coolidge High; Anthony A m y and ShellonAlexander, Dunbar High; Monique McDavid, Eastern High; Tiffany Brooks,
Ellington School of the Arts; Phillicia H. Nelson, McKinley High; Ololade Akinrolabu, RooseveltHigh;MelodyBirch, Amber Knowles-Lukasewski and Kea Prather, Wilson High; and Yoland Y. Barnes, Woodson High. Each recipient was selected by the Scholarship Committeeon the basis of academic achievement, need, sense of community responsibility and calculated responsibility, and potential to serve and better society. "Clearly," says Brother Chaney, "it is in our interest, as citizens and as Masons, to support such students for they are, in truth, our best hope for the future."
Star Spangled Banner Lodge No. Consecrated in Paris The Grand Master and several Grand Lodge Officers attended the 50th anniversary celebration of the landing of the Allied Forces at Normandy. In commemorationoftheevent, the Grand Lodge of France consecrated an English-speaking Lodge, the Star Spangled Banner Lodge No. 900, which meets in the new Grand Lodge building in Paris. On behalf of the Grand I Lodge of the District of Columbia, the new Lodge was preArchitect of the US. Capitol, Brother sented the Three Great Lights in Masonry. The George M. White and Grand Master Holy Bible was suitably inscribed and William T. Jenkins display certificate autographed by the officers of the grand Lodge prepared especially for presentation 0fD.C. Also presented to the new Lodge was an to Star Spangled Banner Lodge. AmericanFlagwhich was flown over the United States Capitol Building on April 14, 1994, the anniversary of the birthday of the Marquis de Lafayette. Accompanying the flag was a certificate signed by Brother George M. White, Architect of the Capitol, and the Grand Master
attesting its authenticity. The reception of the Grand Lodge Officers by the Grand Master and the Grand Lodge of France was beyond reproach. The work performed in the Lodge was beautiful and the Grand Lodge of France bestowed its highest honor on our Grand Master and his officers in attendance. With all the lunches, receptions, banquets, sightseeing, tours, gifts and honorsfrom his French brethren, our Grand Master says, "It makes one feel 'very humble." I
Some of the volunteers who grilled 3,000 hotdogs at the community center. (L-R) Austin Esfandiary, Becky Kahn, Pierre E.L. GozC William T i ~ n k i nm~ d Joel R. Kahn.
The Legion o f Honor from Almas Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S. 'I
The Mini Motors of Almas Temple are sure t o liven up any crowd. This 4th o f July was no exception.
In a convertible provided by W.B. Robert H. Starr, the Grand Master takes his place in the line-up.
Alianza Fraternal Americana Lodge No. 92 paraded with their Lodge banner.
Goal Set by
A
the Master's 199J Association
The Masonic Foundation Launches Fund Drive w,
Charlcs V. b i d c n t of thc Masonic Foundation of thc District of C q b Iaunchcd thc 1994 fund drive of that organization. h Wrla#ato all mcmbcrs of Lodges in IhcDisLrict kthope that thc Foundation u a d d bc ablc of ( M m b k ~ lo a1 h&RUIBpadkvcls of charitable activity. At the same timo & -ki agrccd to rcccivc conlribntions for thc p r o j a dtk 199C (kaeiatiouof Worshipfill Mastcrs, the collcction d h d d tb htmdmplrchasea b@.for handicapped paticnts at 1 h I b k k d . Ccntcr. Thc Foundation projccts cspcndilmkaCSSO.WWhrbmwolcnccs during the pcriod April 1. 1994 march 3 1. 1995, givcn thc continued gcncrosity of donators and lhc maintcnancc of rcasonablc invcstrncnt caming Icvcls. This arnount, if available, will bc alIocatcd by thc Foundation to MESH (S25.000). Sr. John's Mirc Association ($10.000). Grand Lodgc Scholarships ($7.500). thc Grand Lodge L i b n n and Muscum (S7.500). thc Northcrn Virginia 4-H Confcrcncc Ccntcr (51.000). St. John's Community Scrviccs ($500). he Hospital for Sick Childrcn ($00). Johns Hopkins Canccr Rcscarch (S I,O00), the Bo_v Scouts of Amcrica (S500). Camp Firc Girls ($200). the Girl Scouts of An~crica(S300). thc Central Union Mission ($500). thc Sdvation Amiy ($500). thc Masonic Scnice Association ($500). arid thc Masonic National Mcmorial(3500). RrdtLdl3d Ibr Board of Trustccs of rhc Masonic y~ t ~ m m W 1 yrcad thc packet of materials you Foundatia&er qually carcful consideration of rcccntly M QlCl your S U ~ S I B to Iconsidcr Q ~ making ~ a ~rasdcductiblc ~ giR tothcMmmkthis ycar. You nlay transmil your gift with thc fonn rnailcd to you in the Foundation appeal or ~ l t thc h Bras that ie rcproduccd for you in this issue of the Pbice of Fmemaswmy. 'I With hll participation." says Brothcr Brmcr. "w canam!surpass our goal. Whcthcr or not wcdo, howvcr, will dqxrrd an p u . " Rcmcnibcr. my Brctl~rcn.that caring and sharing. wirhin and wirhout thc houschold of rhc faithful. spcaks not only lo Masonic duly. but also to Masonic privilcgc and durposc. Rcspond, thcn, as liberally a.syou can. noring always your personal mcans and needs.
-
1 1 1
1 I )
Please allocate my contribution to the 1994 Fund Drive of the Masonic Foundation of the District of Columbia as follows: Geticral Fund ..................................... Grand Lodgc Libray & Museum ....... C] Grand Lodgc Scholarship Program .... Masonic & Eastcm Star Hornc ........... Master's Association Fund Drive ........
Total ..................................... $
f I I I I
Please mait checks to: 5428 MacArthur Blvd., N.W. Washington, DC 20016
I I I I I I I I I
Name
I
Zip Code
I
I
II
\ 1 1 1 1 I I I
I
I I I I
I I I
Re sure fo indicate your se/ecfedcharities on the check /;st above.
I
I
I I I
Address city
**
State Phone
I I I
1
I
Lodge
jy
~ h d ) w for your I gencrous contributiorr to
I 1 1 I
Grand Lodge Fridaj December 9, 1994 COCKTAIL RECEPTION 6:OO P.M. - 7:OO P.M.
Ambassa J or R oom
DINNER Z30P.M.
Entertainment
The ~
bg
o b Mercer b ~ ~ o a show d s'ickers: $47.50 each ($380.00 -per Tc~hlcof Eighl)
Make checks puyable to: "Grand Lodge of D.C." and muif to: 5428 MacArthur Blvd., NW, Washington, D.C. 200 16
Omni Shoreham Hotel (ample parking a vadable)
* * * *
Featuring the music of. . .
* * * *
Benny Goodrrlan Harry James
~ u k Ellington e
Jimmy D o r q
* * * *
Gene K r u p
Count Bavie
Bunny Berigan Les Brown
Tommy Dorsey
L o ~ i sPrima kIenry blnncin
U hlany hlore
Show includes a 16-PieceBand plus a kmale vocalist/
THE AF@IENIANB
....by Brother Armen Janian
On December I I , 1993 Grand Master George R. Adams issued a dispensation to permit a number ofArmenian-speakingFreemasons to form Hayastan Lodge U.D.; to authorize that Lodge to enter Apprentices,pass Fellowcrafts, and raise Master Masons; and to receive,91e, and ballot on applicationsfor afiliation agreeable to the laws, rules, and regulations of the Grand Lodge, F.A.A.M., of the District of Columbia. These remarks, ofleredby BrotherArmenJanian, the Senior Warden of Hayastan Lodge, U.D. at its second communication on May 20, 1994, are intended to provide a thumbnail sketch,Pom his point of view, ofArmenia, its people, and its history.
The word "Hayastan," as in Hayastan Lodge U.D., is the Armenian name for the country of Armenia, situated at the foot of Mount Ararat where, accordingto the Bible, Noah's Ark had come to rest. It is in the south of Transcaucasia and occupies the northern part of the Armenian Highland. To the north, Armenia borders on Georgia, to the east, Azerbaijan, while its neighbors to the west and south are Turkey and Iran. Yerevan, the Capitol of Armenia, has a population of about 1.3 million, and comprises about 35% of the whole nation. Ethnic Armenians make up 98.2% of the republic's 3.5 million people. An absence of national problems within the republic is due to his fact. The total number of Armenianpeople, all overthe world, is estimated at six to seven million. Outside of Armenia, they live primarily in the USA-more than one million, France-over 400,000, and Russiaand other republicsofthe former USSR-more than 1.5 million. Armenia is a parliamentary republic. The highest legislative body is the Supreme Council, which is elected for a term of five years. The head of the executive power is the president and is electedfor the same term. The state language is Armenian, while Russian and English are also spoken. The religion is Christian and, in fact, Armenia was the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as a state religion, in 30 1 A.D. The Armenian Church is subordinate to the Christian Apostolic Church. The Armenians are an ancient race that is about 3000 years old. While most cultures are measured in centuries, the Armenian culture is measured in millennia. Armenians were there when the Greeks and Romans were writing the first pages of
their history. They were there with the Babylonians, Assyrians and Egyptians, at the dawn of civilizations, carving their own niche in the history of mankind. It is no wonder that Armenians seem to take pride, at times, for having been the people whose homeland was once the cradle of civilization and the birthplace of the ancestors of modern nations. While they consider themselves a small nation among the great ones, they achieved more and endured longerwhile othershave disappeared. Because of its geographic position, Armenia was a natural highway betweenEast and West for military expositions and bloody encounters on Armenian soil. Following in the footsteps of Alexander the Great, the Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Tartars, Seljuks and Turks have trampled over Armenia and dominated her territory for hundreds of years. Finally in 1920, after a short period of independence, the country was taken over by the Communists and eventually became a republic of the former Soviet Union. On September 20, 1991, in a national referendum, an overwhelming majority of the population supported independence, which was declaredformallyon September 23, 1991, when the country unequivocally severed its ties to the Soviet Union. Armenia, today, is an industrial-agrarian country. The Armenian economy however, is still greatly integrated into the economic structure of the former USSR. Political independence,rapid development of the private sector, and new economic relations put the republic in the position of needing to develop new ways, not only to survive as a nation, but to flourish and become, again, a contributing factor in the world. Armenians are now free to design
their own destiny in their own homeland without the interference of the "Big Brother" in the north. They no longer need to talk about freedom and virtues of liberty or independence. While they are exuberant about the prospect of a new dawn, they express in simple candor the economic hopelessness that has dominated the region since late 1980's. Through the crowded history of the Armenian people, rarely have the Armenians sustained their sovereignty without the protective umbrella of a great power. Armenia is a small nation. It was before and it is now. As a small nation, it is vulnerable. As a measure of protection, Armenia must find new partners in the Western Hemisphere and stay in partnership with these and other nations. It is only through such partnerships that it can protect its fragile existenceandbe aviable member of the world community. I believe, here today, the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia,by havingthevision to allowthe formation of HayastanLodge, U.D. and let them conduct its Communications in the Armenian language, may have lit the light for chartering new ways and for guidance on a path for achieving such partnerships.
+:+
vv..rrrv.*r*r
ruuuy
.r r
.nrru...a
yuu
To stand for what you know is true, And needing me somewhere today
~galnsrme rnougnrless or me Jana;
-
Men who will scorn to stooo to wrona To win the favor of the throng.
- Edgar A. Guest
9
80th Pilgrimage made to Mount Vernon by No. 14 On Fcbn~ary23. 1994 thc Masons of Washington Daylight Lodgc No. IS madc Lhcir nmiual pilgrimage to Moult Vcrnon St. John's No. 11 Pays Tribute Pleasant Royal Arch Chnprcr No. 13: to lay a wmrh on thc g r a ~ ~ofc Brohcr A d o ~ C o u n c iNo. l 2: and WaIEhiqpon k t r g e Washingon. This was thc 80th Commandery No. I. Hc is Past h & n t y g r h t rt haw 50 rcmcrribcrcd a g a t arad S k m a q Erricritus of h 1J~iQlslI ~ m t i m ThcBrcthrcnand ~ ~ . DtfenseMasomicClub:a m c m t > t r a f ~ t k m i z r v i d ~ t atn thc Housc of the h Tmpk a d Tcmplc aid H o n o r q rncmbm uf t a c c v co~nfomblc Shrinc Tcniplc in Virginia. Ha iC Ilrpa b~ r i k rille MMt. Vcmon. Ttic on?ccrs. bcrofrhc Royal Ordcrof J c s t c r r ; a Wjal DYWPW~ a d p m l f a~scmblcdwith thcir Ordur of Scotland; rhc Masonic Yctcmnr dreerjzmelirrprom. d s and banncrat rhc Association of D.C.: Capitol hnrt h. rrrri md prrrorPdcd to thc gavc sitc. 104. Tall Ccdars of Lebanon of N d i Tbt & b u d Edison Amos bcAmcrica; rhc Past Maslcrs A s m i Y i m DT Ihc c m m m y by Icading us in pmycr. D.C.; a Iifc mcmbcrofFuddaNRi IkUn; Wmhipfd Msswr, Oscar Rodrigucz. Past Prcsidcnt of Bcthcsda C)lmp@r NQ. sp&&npricripl& hU by Brothcr Gcorgc 445,National Sojourners; Hcrocs of '76. Washington and thcn inuoduccd thc Thon~asJcFfcrson Camp; Past Govcrnor of Grand Mastcr of Masons of thc District of Maryland York RircCollcgcNo. 58; and a Coliunbia. Most Worshipful Brothcr Past Sowrcign of thc Rcd Cross of Wil11am T. Jcnkins. Ailcr a fcw words by Past Grand Master Charles V. Brewer Constantine. thc Grand Mastcr. hc and thc Worshipful In 1967 hc was appointcd Grand Mastcr placcd drc \math on thc tomb. A Pursuivant of thc Grand Lodgc and in closing praycr was offcrcd bcforc making On Friday, March 11, 1934, d ~ Oflicc I969 was clcctcd Junior Grand Stcward. crs, Past Mastcrs, and Brcthrcn ofst. John's our trip back up the hill EO thc bus. A Hc was instalIcd as Grand hlnstcr on DcLodgc No. 11, along with fmiilics. fricnds bounriful lunchcon was hcld at thc local c ~ n b 27. u 1976. hloosc Iodgc for all thosc prcscnt includanddistinguishcd y c s t s gathcrcdarNa\al Hc is currcntlg scning as Prcsidcnt of ing a dcccndmt of Brothcr Gcorgc WashLodgc Hall to pay Lributc to M.W.B. he Mmmic Foundation of LIK District of ington. Join us ncxtycar as wc continuc to Charles Vinccnt Brcwcr, P.G.M. Cdmbia and is d ~ cJunior Past Grand honor our founding fathcr and Masonic W.B. Naif L. Mallan prcsidcd as rriastcr Swmign of thc Rcd Cross of'Constanlinc Brorhcr. of ccrcmonics for thc cvcni.ng. Brolhcr and Appendant Ordcrs in d ~ United c Statcs hlahan had Brothcr Brcwcr and his charmof America, Mcsico ,and thc Philippines. ingwifc h l q cscortcd~othcEast. Brothcr Thc cvcning was a moving cspcricncc Mahan rccallcd that 29 ycars ago as hc cntcrcd his journcy in F r c c m a s o ~ for all who allcndcd. Spcakcrs for thc c~.cningincludcd sc\'craI Brothcrs ~vho Brodicr Brcwcr was thc Junior Wardcn of had spccial words for and about M.W.B. St. JolznesLodge No. 1 1, Brcwcr including Past Grand Mastcrs Most WorshipfuI Brothcr Brcwcr was Jcrold J. Samct; Danvin A. Brock: Donald born A u y s t 28, 19 19 in Fon Worth. L. Mallorcy; Pcrn A. Lcstcr; Stcwan W. Tcsas. Hc rctircd from thc Fcdcral C i d Mincr. Grand Sccrcrary: and thc Graid Service on Junc 29. 1973 37 ycars of Mastcr of3lasons ofdic District ofCoIumscwicc. Hc married h l a q Osbornc. a bia. Most Worshipful Brohtcr William T. nativc of rhc southn:c.stcrnpan of Virginia Jcnkins. Thc Grand Mastcr madc mcntion on Octobcr 22,1949. Hc has hvo sons. onc that in 1977. whcn Brothcr Brcwcr was daughter and rhrcc grandsons. Brorhcr Brcntr bcgan h.is klasonic GI- Grand Mastcr. hcwas scrvingas hlastcrof Washington Ccntcrmial Lodgc No. 14. rccr wIicn hc bccarnc a rricn~bcrof AIcsanMost Worshiphl Brothcr Brcwcr was dria Wash.i.ngton Lodgc No. 22. A.F. & prcscnrcd a plaquc for his dcvotcd and A.M. in Ahandria. Virginia in 1953. Hc unselfish scnlicc to the Craft and h.is susafiliatcd with St. JoIm's Lodgc No. 1I of taincd cffon to prorriotc thc principals of Washington, D.C. in 1957 and scntcd as Worshipful Master O x a r Rodriguez (left) Frccrnasonq for many ycars. May God its Worshipful Mastcr in 1967. Hc is a of Washington Daylight todge No. 14 and grant him many. many ?cars. Scottish Ritc Mason and has hcld thc 33rd Stafford Appel, Grand Lecturer, at the Dcgcc sincc 1967. Hc is a mcmbcr of Mt. tomb of Brother George Wdshington.
-Two Grand Masters Made Prophets-at-Sight &*d(ib,%@dV On April 13, 1994. Most Worshipful Brolhcr WiIIiarnT Jcnkins, Grand Mastcr ofMasons ofthc D~srrictof Columbia and Mosl \Vorshipful Brothcr Williarn M. Clark. Jr.. Grand Mastcr of tltc Grand Lodgc of Maryland wcrc made Prophctsa1Sight by Grand Monarch Frcdcrick Hornmcl. uith m a n Prophcts and dignitarics prcscnt Ycdz Grotto of Baltirnorc sharcd thc honor of hosting tltc cvcnt with Fmida h b i Grotto. E. I h m m n o n y thc Grand Monarch was givcn Grand Honors and cse l b l h c E a t by Pas1 Monarchs Randy esrsl;in@n and Mas BcloR. MosI Worshipful Brothcr Clarkc was i n r W and conductcd lo thc East by Past Uonnrch Baird Mchdsonand Prophct Murray K. Lillcj8. Sccrc1.a-y of Ycdz G m o . Most Worsh.~pfulBrothor Jcnkins ws jnlrduccd and conductcd to thc East by Papt Monarch Mclvin Blaustc~nand P r q k Shcldon Rappcpon. Thr Grand Monarch. Fritz Hommcl. *I& thc two Grand Mastcrs. ga1.c a readilior of part of tltc Full Forr~iCcrcnioti31 ad csplaincd what thc Grotrocs of Amcrica sland for.
w.
a
a
a
Tucsdav. Au@lsl23. 1994 is Scottish k t c Night at thc U.S. NBvy Mcmorial. This is a splcndid opportunity for us to gel togcWr h r a plcasanl surnmcr ctcning at Washington's ncwcst mcnmtfal, whcrc wc \\ill bc cnlcrlaincd by thc Navy Concert Band as part of thc N a y Mcrnorial's sumrncr scrics of "Conccns on thc A n ' At thc imitation of thc N a y Memorial Foundation, wc will he h gucst host for ~ I August C 23 conccn. "Concerts on thc Ammen arc opcn to thc pnblic. but this is cspccially our night for gdme good fun with our fricnds and families. The conccn b c g i at ~ S F.M Thc Navy Memorial is locatcd on Pcnnqlvanja A v c r m r b 7th & 9th Strccls, N.W.. across from thc Nalional Archives, T h e is no admission chargc. and thcrc is amplc scaling available. Kyou plan lo drive to thc hlcrnorial. parking is available on the strccts and thc Mall is just onc block away. You can a1 tk Mcmorial via Mctro's Ycllow and Grccn Lines to ArchiwsiNa\y Mcmorial Station. If thc wcathcr looks thrcatcning. consult thc Mcmorial's conmrt hotlinc at (202) 737-2300. cslcnsion 71 1. for an updatc
Naval Lodge No. 4 Celebrates Atuiiversary of Conierstone
Grand Master Wdliam T. Jenkins being made a National Sojourner in the Fort George Meade Chapter by the National Commander, Coy. Frank W. Harris Ill on April 14. 1994.
The 100th anni~.crsan.ofthc layingof thc corncrstonc of Naval Lodgc Hall was Masonically cclcbratcd on Sunday. July 24. 1994. At that timc a s i r d l cornmcmoralivc stone was laid atop thc original corncrstonc. which was sct in placc in 1891. On hand for the ccrcmony. to which thc public was invitcd. wcrc rhc membcrs of thc Lodgc. thc Grand Master. and scvcral of thc Grand Lodgc Oficcrs. Thc ccrcrnony was follon'cd by a public reccption hosted by Naval Lodge in its fourth floor quarters.
11
The Ballot Masonry has been greatly criticized by many who have failed to pass her doors because of the anonymity of the ballot and the fact that it requires but one black cube to keep an applicant from being elected. But it has always been regarded as one of the fundamentals of the fraternity, that all members of the Craft have the right to say, each for himself, who shall and who shall not become members of his lodge. And it is highly necessary, ifthe character of the institution be preserved, that the right be most strictly guarded. In no other way can it be so well preserved as by the secrecy which surrounds the ballot. Not only are ballots so taken that no other Mason can know how you ballot; you are strictly enjoined from letting any one know how you ballot, how you have balloted, how you will ballot. And the contrary, of course, is even more a necessity; you must never inquire of a brother how he has, or will ballot on any application. Where there is no Secrecy of ballot, a thousand influences might sway a Mason; where he votes in silence and secrecy, he can exercise his judgment, his conscience, his character, with no reference to what the other fellow may think or do or say. In this way, and this way only, can Masons pass true and unbiased judgement upon those who apply for membership. To cast a black cube in the ballot box is a serious matter, and no young brother should deposit one without giving ample thought to what he does and why he does it. Your one black cube is as powerful as a thousand; against it the rest of the lodge can do nothing. If you say, " he shall not become a member of this lodge," he cannot
The
become one. Because you have this great power, you have also the moral responsibility to use it with wisdom, discretion and the exactjustness whichMasons are taught are cardinal virtues. The beautiful and terrifying part of it is that there is only one tojudge you and what you do; only one Mason in the world can sit in judgement of your ballot., and that one is yourself. You are perfectly free to exercise your spite, your ill will, your meanness, and no one will know it. You are as free to practice charity, toleration, forgiveness, decency; and no one will know it. It is entirely up to you! Give the lodge, not the man the benefit of the doubt that the applicant is a good man. Ifyou think he will not be a good Mason, a good lodge member, and have not been able to stop himin the committee, you have a moral obligation to stop him with the ballot. But if you know nothing against a man, and have merely a personal dislike for him, then, indeed, it is time for you to argue with yourself before you cast the black cube. "I do not like you, Dr. Fell. "The reason why, I cannot tell "But this I know, and know fill well, "I do not like you, Dr. Fell." As the childish rhyme of baby clays has it, it is not a good Masonic reason for casting a black cube. That a man has dirty shoes and horny hands is no reason. That he has red hair or a wart or a lisp, or smells of garlic is no reason! That you belong to a club with him, and don't like him, may or may not be reason, but it probably isn't! For you to arrogate to yourself the right to say, "You shall not have the blessings of
Masonic Cipher is now avai-1aLle f rorn your Lodge Secretary
Masonry and the benefits of brotherhood, because you once laughed at me when I made a mistake in a public speech," is to be mean-spirited, little, spiteful, babyish. To exercise the right to deny a man all that Masonry may give him, because his sister jilted you, oryour wife doesn't like his wife, is silly. If, indeed, you have such personal enmity for him that his presence among your brethren would distress you to the point of remaining away from lodge, rather than sit with him, then, indeed, you have the right to consider the personal side. The lodge is your Masonic home; you have supportedit, aided it, worked for it, loved it. You have the right to ask of it good cheer, pleasant surroundings, happy associations. If your personal enemy in the lodge would spoil it for you; keep him out. Be sure it is this, and not mere dislike of a clashing personality, a prejudice against a religion, a feeling of revulsion against clothes or habits. And.. .don't forget the toleration! There are Masonic degreesyou cannot take without publicly expressingyour willingness to forgive your enemy, and your intent to do what you can to reconcile your differences. This should be so of any human heart whose owner wishes to think of himself as a real Mason. I do not say you should forgive your enemy and let him into lodge merely because he applies; I do say that if your enemy applies, you have a moral obligation, though none will enforce it, to make an effortto reconcile your differences with him before you keep him out. Perhaps this is asking and expecting too much of humanity. But here, again, is the beauty of the secretballot! None will know what you do. Your enemy will not know. Your brethren will not know. No one will know, save you. Of course, if you shave yourself, it's extremelyinconvenient not to be able to look that mirrored image straight in the face, but that is your affair! My brother, use the black cube sparingly. Use it as wisely as it is given you to do. Use it fearlessly and ruthlessly against the unfit, but unless you know, think well. The lodgefirst- the applicant next- your own preferences last. In its use, never forget that you have not only a mind which thinks, but a heart which feels! Extracted and adaptedfiom VolumeIK Little Masonic Library, pages 38-40, by permission of the Macoy Publishing and Masonic Supply Co., Inc., Richmond, VA.
I
1994 Grand Visitation Schec+ Saturday, September 24
Monday, October 3 Anacosth #21 Wednesday, October 5 Harmony #17; Joppa #35 Tuesday, October 11 Samuel Gompen-Benj. Franklin #4
I
Monday, October 17 Sojourner Kilwinning # 179'8; East Gate #34; Petworth #47
1995 Float Contributions Needed a
s
,
v b
Masons throughout the world are asked to contribute to the cost of sponsoring the Family of Freemasonry float in the Tournament of Roses Parade. You may do so by sending your donations to Robert C. Coe, treasurer of the float committee, at P.O. Box 66 1567, Arcadia, CA 9 1066-1567. Or you may write to himto requestan order form which describesthe various kinds of merchandise commemorating the 1995 float and our entries in previous parades. Pins, postcards, shirts, caps, decals and other items are available. "We will b e g r a a l for your support," said float committeechairman and Past Grand Master S+ey Channon.
Voice of Freemasonry Grand Lodge, F.A. A.M., of D.C. 5428 MacArthur Blvd., N. W. .'Washington, D.C. 20016
Thursday, October 13 George C. Whiting #22; Theodore Roosevelt #44; Alianza Fraternal Americana #92
Wednesday, October 19 Arminius #25; Dawson #?6; National-Stansbury #12 Monday. October 24 Federal #I; Semper Paratus #49; Albert Pike #33 Wednesday, November 2 Benjamin B. French #15; Osiris-Pentalpha #23; Hiram-Takoma #10
Non-Profit Org.
Permit NO.559 Washington, D.C.
1-
I
Monday, November 14 Potomac #5; Pythagoras Lodge of Research; Convass 6. Dean Memorial Lodge;
1
Tuesday, November 15 Justice-Columbia #3; Wm. R. Singleton-Hope-Lebanon #Z Temple-Noyes-Cathedral #32 Thursday, November 17 Naval #4; St. John3 #I I; tafaytte-Dupont #I9 Y
Saturday, November 19 Washington Daylight #I4
ATTEND YOUR GRAND VISITATION
1