Issuu

Volume XI, Number 1

J. Philip Smith Grand Master of Masons in the District of Columbia

Grand Master was born and raised in Washington, D.C. He is a graduate of St. Albans Preparatory School in D.C., Columbia College in New York City, and Yale University Law School in New Haven, Connecticut. He also attended the University of Edinburgh in Edinburgh, Scotland. Since his admission to the Bar of the District of Columbia in 1955, Most Worshipful Brother Smith's legal career has been almost-evenly divided between service in the Federal Government and private practice. Among

other positions in the Federal sector, he has served as Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Columbia and as Assistant Solicitor for the United States Department of the Interior. Most Worshipful Brother Smith is planning to take the year off from work during his term as Grand Master in 1995 so that he can devote his full time and attention to the office of Grand Master. Most WorshipfulBrother Smith is a member and Past Master of Temple-Noyes-Cathedral Lodge No. 32 in the District of Columbia; a -ext page ->

Grand Master -

member of Mount Pleasant Chapter No. 13, Royal Arch Masons; a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason; a member of Almas Temple Shrine; and a member and Past Director of Capital Court No. 50, of the Royal Order of Jesters. Most Worshipful Brother Smith servedhvoterms as Trustee of Almas Temple and also served for many years as Temple attorney for Almas Temple. He is also an Honorary member of the DeMolay Legion of Honor. Most Worshipful Brother Smith was instrumental in locating and then han-

dling (gratis) all of the legal negotiations for the purchase of the property where our new Grand Lodge Office Building is now located at 5428 MacArthur Boulevard, N.W., Washington, D.C. The Grand Master has been married for 35 years to Georgia Davis Smith. They have four children: Katherine Smith Renaud, Robert P. Smith, 11, Leslie Smith Hurlburt, and Bruce Davis Smith. They also have three grandchildren: Alexandra Smith Renaud, Robert P. Smith, 111, and Andrew Connor Smith.

VOICE OF A STAT1 PUR

-,.

of This publication is ,, A , , , , information, instruction, and inspirationfor all who hold allegiancetothis Grand Jurisdiction. Please be aware that anv mistakes in this uublication are there for a purpose; we publish something for everyone and some people are always looking for errors. Cotnments and contributions should be directed to . . . orn me .. ... care or me wrana " , the atrenuon ealror. aecre0 . .

On The Cover - 1995 Grand Lodge Officers Front row (I-r) William C. Miskovic, PGM, Grand Treasurer; Robert F.

Drechsler, Senior Grand Warden; William E. Chaney, Jr., Deputy Grand Master; J. Philip Smith, Grand Master; Eldon J. Brown, Junior Grand Warden; Stewart W. Miner, PGM, Grand Secretary. Center row(I-r) Gerhard Meinzer, Grand Tiler; Lemoine V. Dickinson, Aide t o the Grand Master; George R. Kidwell, Deputy Grand Lecturer; Robert H. Starr, Junior Grand Steward; Dan L Frederick, Senior Grand Deacon; Stafford Appel, Grand Lecturer; Mansour Hatefi, Junior Grand Deacon; Carl R. LeVine, Grand Historian; Grant R. Berning, Senior Grand Steward; William M. Bartlett, Grand Marshal; Donald C. Titus, Grand Sword Bearer. Back row (I-r) C. Macaulay Ward, Grand Lodge School Tiler; Robert V. Hines, Grand Standard Bearer; Ali Homayounfar, Assistant Grand Chaplain; Walter F. Simon, Assistant Grand Chaplain; Thomas E. Weir, Grand Chaplain; W. Kenneth Lyons, Jr., Assistant Grand Chaplain; Jack E. Baker, Grand Pursuivant; Stephen H. Sober, Assistant Grand Chaplain; Jules 5. Tepper, Aide t o the Grand Master.

Grand Lodge Officers Elected J. Philip Smith ................................. Grand Master William E. Chaney ............ Deputy Grand h4aster Robert F. Drechsler............ Senior Grand Warden E l A n n 1 Rmtrm

hlninr CwanA Wmden

D O Y O U PLAY CHESS? Master Masons of recognized lodges are eligible to join the Masonic Postal Chess Club. Members play chess by mail with brother Masons in all states. Membership includes both beginners and experiencedplayers and are matched accordingly. Members play as often and with as many opponents as desired. You send your move to your opponent on a post card. He puts your move on his board, decides what his move will be, then sends you his move. Some

members prefer to play with only one opponent while some play seven or eight games simultaneously. There are several Masons in Washington, DC who enjoy membership in MPCC but we would like a larger representation. Yearly dues are $15.00; there are no other charges. For more information write to the club secretary: David P. Gavin 4607 Feldspar Road Middletown, MD 21769.

Appointed William M. Bartlett ...................... Grand Marshal W. Kenneth Lyons ....... Assistant Grand Chaplain Ali Homayounfar......... Assistant Grand Chaplain Walter F. Simon .......... Assistant Grand Chaplain Stephen H. Sober ......... Assistant Grand Chaplain Donald C. Titus ................... Grand Sword Bearer Jack E. Baker ............................ Grand Pursuivant Carl R LeVine ............................. Grand Historian Gerhard Meinzer .................................Grand Tiler George R. Kidwell ...........Deputy Grand Lecturer Harold A Blood .............Grand Lodge Physician Robert V. Hines ............... Grand Standard Bearer Jules S. Tepper .............. Aide to the Grand Master TL h L ' I Y U L *

....

17 n;rt:..rnn A;AO tn ~..I L r Prrsn hr(.,..tdd rl "L"I\UWY N U I L " " ."'l" III't.,IIL

David E. Baer ..................... Assistant Grand Tiler C. Macaulay Ward ................... G.L. School Tiler

Fill out ihc forni on this pagc and be surc 10 includc ;*our chcck to prc-rcgistcr.

I i W e check p ~ j o b i elo: "GrandLodge of DC"

is our plcasurc to irwirc ),oil to panicipatc it1 lhc 10111 Annual Grand Lodgc Golf Tournarncnr which will bc hcld [his !car at thc Wcstuaod Country Club in Vicnna. Virginia on Monday. April 241h. Thc golf counc has all crccping bctil fairways, a slopc raring of 118. and a coursc rating of 70.5 from lhc m.iddlc tccs. Thc touruanlcnt will bc a stag affair. o i n lo Masons arid rhcir non-Masonic fiends. Thc golf coursc is locatcd on Rourc 123 (Bcllway Esil I IB) approsimatcly 3% ~uilcssoulh ofthc Bcltway. Sign-in will commcncc at 10:OO A.M. witha shorgunstan at 1 1 :00A.M. Forrhosc no1 ivanling lo play golf you will find tcnrlis availablc for a s t ~ u l fcc l or lhc joy of k i n g a spcclator. An all-~01.1-canalawards buffcr is includcd in 111c golf packags oran m a r & bflct-only packagc is availablc for930.00. Individual golf rcgistralions arc available at S80.00 pcr pcrson: rcc sponsorships at 9 100.00 pcr tcc; and corporalc sporisorshipsal SJ00.00 pcr .o-f 7 7 @-ration ~ cnlitlcs thc participant to 18 holcs dwladpgr Br- e n s fcc arid can. rcfrcshmcrits on ~ h c c o u r s ~rW mdrancc into scvcral contests. plus 1hc award,-. ro play golf to sponsor a rcc and wc -mR bw cncouragc you to find tcc sponsors ro offsct lhccosr ofthis cwnt. Conrc and join in on thc fun.

Send Check atzd Registrdiotr Form do: Grand Lodge FlWM of DC 5428 MacArthur Blvd., N.W* M7ashington,D.C. 20016 (202) 686-181 1

,----------------I

CORPORATE SPONSOR .......................... $400.00 Includes: Sign at Tee with Narne of Sponsor & Four (4) Individual Golf Packases

(Please print nilme & addrts5.j

Individual ................................. $ 8()!K!

I I I I I I I I I

(Name & Addressj

Tee Sponsor ...........................$ 100."" (Name & trlddress)

INDIVIDUAL GOLF .................................... $80.00 Includes: 18 Holes of Golf tbr One One Half (l/2) of a Golf Cart Awards Buffet for One & a Door Prize Ticket "TEE" SPONSOR ...................................... $100.00 Includes: Sign at Tee with Name of Sponsor

Registration Form

Sign at tee should read:

Corporate Sponsor ................. $ 400.00 !Name 6i Address)

FOOD AND FUN WITHOUT GOLF .......... $30.00 Includes: Awards Buffet for One & a Door Prize Ticket

Sign at tee should read:

Food & Fun (Narne)

............................

$ 30.""

WHEREAS the Grand Lodgc of Frcc and Acccptcd Masons of thc Diarict of Columbia and thc consritucnt Lodgcs and appcndanr bodics owing lhcrcto havc. with~nthc Divrnc protidcncc of our Hcavcnly Fathcr. cnjoycd thc continued blessings of frccdom of lifc in a society with privilcgcs of thought and action aud thc opportunity to promotc and practicc Brarhcrhood among mcn: and WHEREAS Brcthrcn of chc Masonic fratcmily profcs a bclicf in thc cvcr prescncc of lhc Suprcmc Architccl of thc Univcrscand rcly upon His grcar and holy prcscncl: for pidancc in thcir daily livcs; and WHEREAS all Frccnmons so dispcrscd in thc District of Colun~biashould mitc and publicly display lhcir graliludc and thanksgiving for His manifold blcssings and n~crcics: NOW. lhcrcforc. I. J. Philip Smith, Grand Mastcrof Masons of thc District of Columbia. do hcrcby proclain~Sunday. April 30, 1995 as Lhc day in this Masonic Ycar on which at[ Frccnlasons in lhc District of Columbia shaII galhcr togclhcr in His prcscncc to rcndcr unto Almighty God our thanks and praisc for all that wc havc rcccivcd at His hands. BY THIS PROCLAMATION I hcrcby rcqucst 1hc Worshipful Master, Wardcns. andothcr Offmrs and Brcthrcn of thc scvcral Lodgcs in this jurisdiction, as wcll as thc Oficcrs and nlcmbcrs of thc coordinatc and appcndant bodics. to asscmblc on that date at thc Metropolitan Mcn~orialUnitcd Mclhodist Church. Ncbraska and Ncw Mexico Avcnucs. NW. for a worship scnicc: that will bcgin promptl). at 3:00 P.M. The altcndancc of hn~ilicsand friends is cncauragcd.

D~L'SS on this occasion for ~ h Grand c Lodgc Oficcrs will bc morning clothcs. aprons, and jcwcls; for thc Pas1 Grand Mastcrs busincss suits. aprons. and jcwcls; and for thc ofliccrs of thc Constilucnt Lodgcs busincss suits. aprons and jcwcls of ollicc. The ofkcrs of the appcndanl and coordinatc bodics arc cnco~~ngccl fo wcar ~hcirdisfinclivc fralcrnal regalia so far as it is practical for them to do so. The On?ccrs of thc Grand Lodgc and of thc coordinatc and appcndant bodics arc askcd to report to lhc Grand M.mha1 at 2:30 P.M. to form proccssion into Lhc church. DONE in Ihc City of Washington, thc District of Colun~bia,on this rhc 14th day of March 1995.

ATTEST:

8. P* Stcwarl W. Mincr, P.G.M. Grand Sccrcran

&=&

J. Philip Smirh Grand Mastcr

ScvcraI omccrs of thc Grand Lodgc, including thc Deputy Grand Master. t t ~ c Grand Wardcns and thc Grand Sccrctary. parlicipatcd in activities sponsorcd by thc Confcrcnccs of Grand Mastcrs and Grand Sccrctarics in Fargo. N.D.. during thc pcriod Fcbruary 19-21. 1995. Also in attcndancc w r c Past Grand Mastcrs Kahn and Samcl. Udorlunatcly illncss prcwntcd the attcndancc of thc Grand iMastcr, J. Philip Srnilh. Thc agcnda forthc Confcrcncc of Grand Includcd wcrc Mastcrs was full. discussions on Princc Hall Masonry; Masonlc Rcncwal; Mass Initiations; Fccs and Ducs: Elcctions and Balloting; Masonic Bullctin Boards; Long Rangc Planning; Mass Invcstmcnts of ~Moncy by Lodgcs; Drug and Alcohol Abusc; krbiic Amrcncss; Lcadcrship and Mcmbcrship; Fraternal Relations with Appcndant Organizations: Rural vs. Metropolitan Masonq; the Fricnd to

Fricnd Program; Youlh Groups; Proficicnq Rcquircmcnts Thc 1996 scssions of thcsc confcrcnccs will bc hcld in thc Crysml Cily scclor of Arlington. Virginla, during thc pcriod Fcbruary 18-21. At that tirnc D.C. Masons will play promincnt rolcs. Willianl E. Chancy. who will thcn be Grand Master, will be thc Confcrcncc C h a l n a n of thc Confcrcnccof GrandMastcrs. and Stcwarl W.Mincr. Grand Sccrctm. nil1 scwc. as hc has for thc past thrcc ycars. as Sccrctary-Trcasurcr of the Confcrcncc of Grand Sccrctarics. Following the 1996 scssions both of Lhcsc confcrcnccs ail1 Icaw 11ic Washington. D.C. arca to mcct clscwhcrc through 1999. In 1997 thcy will conwnc in Tulsa. Oklahoma: in 1998 In Philadelphia. Pcnnp.lvania; and in 1999 in Honolulu. Hawaii. At this tirnc a ntrnibcr of sitcs arc bcing considcrcd for thc rnillcnnid ycar 43 2000.

68rcthrcn. spring has iinalIyamvcd and the Rcd Cross is again in dcspcratc nccd. Each of us (and thc mcmbcrs of our cstcndcd farnilics) ha\c a precious gin, which can bc givcn frccI?and which can bc of cnornlous help to many in nccd-both mcmbcrs of our fralcn~ilyand in our comrnunitics. It 1s our BLOOD. Thc supplies of this lifc-g~vingflrrid arc aIrcady scriously low and nccd rcpIcnishmcnt. Thc Rcd Cross has sci.cral "HJk-in" facilities throughout tlic D.C. arm. Please call 1800-272-0310 to schedule an appointment at a site near you. Ifyou or somconc )ou know has bccn ~urncddonn for donation for human usc. you canstill donarca~id rccc~vccrcdit - for RESEARCH. Thc Rcd Cross has rwo arcafAcilitjcs \vhcrcyou can donate for rcscarch, one in RockvilIc. M a ~ l a n dand onc in DC. Call 301-735047 1 to r n l c a n appointment. Your Lodgc Sccrctary and Blood Chairman can lcll you rhc Lodgc's blood donor nurnbcr, which will crcdit your LodgcandourGrand L d g c Blood Bank Account. Givc fltc prccious gin of life. GIVE BLOOD.

Fe&.ml Lodge Charity Ball Raises $5.000 for DC Special Olympics T k M Wr w ir~idFcdcral Lodge's d &1mlEW provcd lo be anot&rmm&hgslyQcsa F&rd a I g c

" AJ%M m r , " cri-joycd thc Big Band MusicofJef E h d arid rhc u,ondcrfitl food

OIj mpics for ovcr S5,OOO, rcpresentingthe net procccds from last fall's charit? ball hcld at thc bcautifill lnlcrriar~onalEaskrri Star TcmpIc. DC Spccial Olympics Ius bccn rhc Bclmont Ball bcncficiap for thc past two gcars. Slancd by Eunicc Kcnncdy Shrit8crin thc 1960s. rnorc than onc million childrcn and adults uith mental rctardalion now panicipatc in Spccial Olympics programs worldwide Thc Dislricl of Col tmbia Spccia1 Olympics was srancd in 1971 and no\\ thc mainlainsa full-tirncscafi~ocoordinarc !car-round program for 2,000 ath1ctcs and 1.500 voluntccrs. Thc Bclmonl Charity Ball takcs irs narnc from thc Bclrnont Mansion, 11owthc homc of thc Xntcrnalional Easwrri Star Tcmplc. and thc sitc of thc Ball for cach of Ihc h c c >cars in which it has b a n hcld. This ?car o\'cr 70 gucsts. many drcsscd in claboratc costrimcsin kccpingwilh this ycar's thcnic,

J d i r t s . Grand hlastcr of Masons of thc

catered by AIrnas TcrnpIe's own Jcff

m. I i 4 p a c ~ M i ~ ~ ~ M L o D c S p e c iSa lk

m . Guests includcd William T.

Districl ofColtlnlbia; Jcrold J. Sarnct. Past Grand Mastcr of thc Dislrict of Coltmbia (and a nlcntbcr of FcdcraI Lodgc); his mothcr, hlargarct; and Dan L Frcdcrick. Junior Grand Dmcon of thc Districl of Columbia. Thc BcImont Ball has bccomca tradition for FcdcraI Lodgc and is lhc Lodgc's major aclivilg forthcgear. Inthcthrccshonycars sincc rhc Ball bcgan. Fcdcral Lodgc has bccn abIc lo makc contributions to local DC-bascd charilics of o\zr 320.000. A planning con~millcc,chaircd by Brothcr Brucc hIcCarth!, workcd for o \ t r 10 months in thc plarining and prcparalion for rhcThird Annual Ball. Bclly Briggs. Right Wonhy Grand Sccrctan of thc Inkmational Ordcr of the Easrcrn Star, and Iicr husband. Bill. scn~cdas hor~or,qCornn~iltcclncmbcrs. Fcdcral Lodgc is already working on iIic

Behont Ball hostesstletty 1. tlriggs, Right Worthy â‚¬imrd Secre1-rrd ml ern Star and B&Erck,M#vthroI. & h t

Ball Chairma p e g m B a H p ful MasterPmrl D d a r w

r d taICakhlw-

Founh Annual Bclrnont Charity Ball. to bc hcld ncst fall. arid invircs neighbor Lodgcs to panicipatc through thc purchasc oftickcls andfor program advcniscmcnrs. Fcdcral Lodgc will protide rnorc details to Grand Lodgc arid all Districr of Columbia Lodgcs in rhc ncar futurc. For morc informarion. plcasc call Brothcr Gcorgc Rcadsr at (703) 920-2528or BrolhcrPclcr Bronson a1 (202) 335-9236.

Masonic Tn'viu and Facts, by Allen E. Roberts Cloth covered; 215 pages; over 600 questions and answers including a comprehensive index; published by Anchor Communications; distributor, MSA; ($18,95 PPD.) This book has been written mainly for The Masonic Service Association to help finance its activities for Freemasonry. It's available from The Masonic Service Asociation, 8120 Fenton Street, Silver Spring, MD 20910-4785. Of this book, Wallace McLeod, FPS, Professor of Classics, says; "There are good books, and then there are bad books. And once you begin to browse, you will keep on bumping into one Masonic writer that you can depend on. And Allen E. Roberts has done it again." j Here's my order for copies OF Masonic Trivia and Facts at j $18.95 per copy (which includes postage.) Enclosed is my check ; for 5 payable to The Masonic Service Association.

Send my boak(s) to:

Addtsss

c i ~

Stale

Send Order to:

Zip

The Center for Masonic Information (CMI), a branch of the Masonic Service Association (MSA), is a central source of accurate information about Freemasonry. It provides this information to the general public, directly and through national and local media; responds to criticism of the Masonic fraternity; and assists Masonic Grand Lodges and their members in disseminating factual information about Freemasonry both within and without the Craft. The Center is the brainchild of the

late Brother John J. Robinson, author of three highly-successful books, 'Born in Blood," "Dungeon, Fire, and Sword," and "A Pilgrim's Path: One Man's Road to the Masonic Temple." Through his foresight and generosity a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book, "A Pilgrim's Path" were given to establish the Center. A Steering Committee directs the affairs of CMI. Members of this group include Richard E. Fletcher, Executive Secretary, MSA, chairman; John Boettjer, Editor of the "Scottish Rite Journal," (SMJ); Stanley Chamon, PGM, Califor-

Freemasonry and Relisi on Basic Principles. Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitutefor religion. It requires of its members belief in God as part of the obligation of every responsible adult, but advocates no sectarian faith or practice. Masonic ceremonies include prayers, both traditional and extempore, to reaffirm each individual's dependence on God and to seek divine guidance. Freemasonry is open to men of any faith, but religion may not be discussed at Masonic meetings. The Supreme Being. Masons believe that there is one God and that people employ many different ways to seek, and to express what they know of, God. Masonry primarily uses the appellation, "Grand Architect of the Universe," and other non-sectarian titles, to address Deity. In this way, persons of Werent faiths may join together in prayer, concentrating on God, rather than differences among themselves. Masonry believes in religious freedom and that the relationship between the individual and God is personal, private and sacred. Volume of the Sacred Law. An open Volume of the Sacred Law, "the rule and guide of life," is an essential part of every Masonic meeting. The Volume of the Sacred Law to a Christian is the Bible; to Freemasons of other faiths it is the book held holy by them. The Oaths of Freemasonry. The obligationstaken by Freemasons are sworn on the Volume of the Sacred Law. They are undertakings to follow the principles of Freemasonry and to keep confidential a Freemason's means of recognition. The much discussed "penalties," judicial remnants from an earlier era, are symbolic, not literal. They refer only to the pain any honest man should feel at the thought of violating his word. Freemasonry Compared with Religion. Freemasonrylacks the basic elements of religion: (a) It has no dogma or theology, no wish or means to enforce religious orthodoxy. (b) It offers no sacraments. (c) It does not claim to lead to salvation by works, by secret knowledge or by any other means. The secrets of Freemasonry are concerned with modes of recognition, not with the means of salvation. Freemasonry Supports Religion. Freemasonry is far from indifferent toward religion. Without interfering in religious practice, it expects each member to follow his own faith and to place his Duty to God above all other duties. Its moral teachings are acceptable to all religions.

nia; Richard H. Curtis, Editor, "The Robert Davis, Northern Light," 0; Secretary, Scottish Rite, Guthrie, Oklahoma; Leonard Harvey, PGM, Texas; Thomas W. Jackson, Grand Secretary, Pennsylvania; Fred McPeake, Secretary, Scottish Rite, Knoxville, Tennessee; Stewart W. Miner, PGM (Va), Grand Secretary, District of Columbia.; S. Brent Moms, Masonic author; Pete Normand, Editor, "American Masonic Review;" Alfred E. Rice, Grand Lieutenant Commander, AASR (NMJ); and James T. Tresner, Editor, "The Oklahoma Mason." Last year the Masonic Information Center introduced a book entitled "Is It True What They Say About Freemasonry?' Written by S. Brent Morris and Art deHoyos, this book presents a reasoned response to attacks that continue to be levied on the Fraternity. More than 14,000 copies of this book have already been distributed. During the year the Center also produced a brochure entitled "A Response to Critics of Freemasonry." It focuses attention on the "eight points of incompatibility " which were enunciated in the report that was presented by a study group to the Southern Baptist Convention. Some 65,000 copies of this brochure have been distributed to Lodges, the Rites, and the Shrine. Demand for this brochure may, in time, equal that for an even earlier Center brochure, "Facts About Freemasonry," ofwhich 135,000copies have been distributed. With respect to the future the Center is now supporting the preparation of a book on the history of the Craft and its purposes and goals. It is being written by Jim Tresnor and Bob Davis. The Center is also working on a bulletin pertaining to Masonic symbols, which have recently attracted the attention of groups critical of the Masonic cause. In addition the Center is now exploring the possibility of producing a video on Freemasonry suitable for showing on TV, the project having been recently (February 1995) viewed with favor by the Grand Masters of North America, assembled in Annual Conference at Fargo, North Dakota. Finally, the Center is now engaged in producing an information kit to be used by Grand Lodges in developing harmonious working relationships with the media and the capacity to respond, when necessary, accurately, expeditiously, and more effectively than heretofore, to antiMasonic charges as they arise.

Washington Daylight Lodge No. 14 Makes Annual Visit to Mt. Vernon

For 8 1 ymrs a groupof nicn such as the onc you scc hcrc this morning. has bccn makrng il's \\,a! to this spot. on this precise na~ionalholiday, with tlic purposc ofstaging ashorl ccrcmong in honor ofonc of the nation's most distinguishcd sons: Prcsidcnr Gcorgc Washington. Thc tticn staging that ccrcmony most. as you can scc. nearing aprons. some wearing ccrcmonial jmvcls of somc hpcrcprcscnt an ancicnt instiruuon whosc origins arc lost in tinic, bur \vhosc teachings and charitable works haw bcncfilcd many through tlicccnturics; abrorhcrhood umhosc prcscncc is as insistent to&! as it was during thc lifctirnc of thc man sw comc hcrc todap to honor: that organi~ationis ~ h cbrothcrhood of Frcc and Acccptcd Masons. lhc Frccrnasons. Gcorgc Washington. most honorcd Amcrian, Fathcr ofourcounln.. firslPrcsidcnt of rhc United Statcs. was also onc of our country's trios1 distinguishcd Masons. Many of ihosc who workcd toward Ihc crcalion of this grcar rcpublic wcrc also mcn bclongng to our gcntlc instirurion; all thcsc mcn arc considcrcd by us to bc brothcrs and n,c addrcss thcm as such. Asa cirixn. a soldier, a polifician. and a family man. Brothcr Gcorgc Washington csctnplificd qualities that haw been cncouragcd by our brothcrhood s i n e litw imrncrnoria1. Hc first cntcrcd our m k in Novembcrof 1752. and c\.cntually to s c n c as ~Mastcrof a Lodgc i n Alcsandria. Virginia. He m o d d y dtclincd rhc honor ofbcing Grand Mastcr of rhc Statc of Virginia. and was cvcn proposed as Mastcr of a Lodgc nniting all masonic organi;?ationsin thcUnilcd Stalcs; that Grand Lodgc. howcvcr. was ncvcr formcd. Scvcral ycars bcforc his dotth. in onc of his many rcfcrcnccs to thc ordcr, Prcsidcnt Washington wotc Lhc follo~ing words: "13eingpevstracledthat a just applica-

lion of ~ h eprkrcrph orr

&I$

Mo-

sonicfraternily d s j h t k d m r ~ hrpr01~1(3q five of private virtue and public prosperi[v,Isl~allalways he happy to advance /he interests offhe .Soriely, and to he considered hy lhern a deserving Brolher. " Hc \\'as proud of his allllialion with our instilulion, and wc arc proud to rcfcr to him as Brothcr. Gcorgc Washington lovcd rhcsc grounds and considcrcd \hat no cstatc in thc countq was morc pleasantly situatcd lhan Mount Vcrnon. Hc ncvcr tircd of ~.alking and riding through thc vcy fields in which wc now find oursclvcs. and i n his last nil1 and tcsmicnr hc IcR clcar cuidcncc that it was his csprcss dcsirc to bc buried, in a privatc rnanncr. and withont paradc or funcral orarion, at his bclovcd honic overlooking the Potomac. Whcn hc finall! passed away on tlic 14th day of Dcccmbcr. in 17'33. his directions w r c folloivcd and his wishcs fulfilled. In lalcr y a r s cIlbrls wcrc madc on more than onc occasion to lransfcr his remains to thc Capilol building. whcrc a marblc monurncnt was to bc crcclcd for thc purposc of honoring the Father of the Countc. John A. Washington. grcat-ncphcw ofthcprcsidcnr. and proprictor of Mount Vcrnon in 1832, ho~vcvcr.did not conscnt, clccting instcad to abidc by thc intcnt so implicit in thc will of his distinguishcd rclati\.c. Thc went which you arc now witncssing has long bccn one of our lodgc's most

chcrishcd traditions. In 1853. whcn thc nation's Frccrnasons wcrc obscrvlng thc ccntcnnial of thc raising of Gcorgc Washington (and by raising wc rncan thc rnaking of a Mastcr Mason), as p m of that gmr's obscrvancc a ncw lodgc was formcd. consccratcd. and namcd Washington Ccntcnnjal Lodgc No. 14, and somc of Lhosc who arc prcscnt hcrc. arc countcd among its ~ncmbcrs. With us. I should add. arc mcmbcrs of othcr lodgcs as welt as officcrs of thc Grand Lodgc of thc Districl of Columbia. To&) wc mark thc 8 1st y ~ a rof this rnost solcrnn and sinccrc Masonic tradition. Thc Brcthrcn of Washington Daylight Lodgc No. 14 oncc again pay thcir rcspccts to thc Nation's first Prcsidcnt - our Brolhcr Gcorgc Washinglon.

- ~ w ( w 0d

- by Frank W. Baxter*

"I would rather wear ragged clothes, and live on hog and hominy, than starve my brain. " A quotation like this appears to a prosy, plodding, money catching brother as the height of nonsensical sentimentality. View literature of any kind in the light of dollars and cents, and it may be nonsensical,but view it in the light of intelligence, and it is the exact reverse. When first readingthe quotation given I was reminded of a remark a professional man and brother Mason made to me, not long since, when I was examining a package of books which a kind brother had sent me. After glancing at one of them for a moment he said: "What can you find interesting in that pile of books? There is nothing but Masonry in them." I must acknowledgeI was surprised at his remark, for he was a man of good intellectual ability, who for years had prefixed Sir to his name and been honored with positions of trust and honor in the Craft, but in all that time had failed to find the cream of Masonry-its literature. Unfortunatelytherearemanybrethrenwho view the literature of Masonry in the same light asthe brother referredto; which is not only their loss but that of the whole Fraternity. In one sense, the question, What is Masonic literature? is not easily answered even by those who have made Masonry a life-long study. Mankind, fortunately, are not all endowed with the same reasoning faculties. God, in His infinite wisdom, decreed that the human race should be composed of different intellectual as well as physical abilities, and, for that reason, each person has an intellectuality which, when developed, will be the means of the enlightenment of his fellow men. Each student has his hobby, or rather, there is some particular branch of study that is best suited to his tastes. One class makes the planets and their revolutions their study, and to them we are indebted for the positiontheAstronomershave attained. With others it is mathematics; others architecture, and still others the arts and sciences, and, in fact, each branch of cub ture has its students. On the other hand, there is a large class of people who, by their outward de-

meanor and personal surroundings, seem to have been forgotten in an intellectual sense, or, in other words, their physical abilities have been developed at the expense of their mental faculties. The question arises: Has Masonry a literature, and if so, what is it? Our answer must be that it has. To our sorrow and shame it must be said, theliteraryfeature of Masonry is too often neglected even by those high in the world of art and science, and in political and religious literature, and on whom the Craft have bestowed all the honors within their power. Fortunatelyfor Masonry, its literature features are being brought to a higher standard than they had at one time, as well as being more fully developed each day of their existence. Our brethren are opening their eyes to the fact that their institution has literary features of vast importance, and that there is something in Masonry besides esoteric and exoteric work. When we read the works of Mackey, Hughan, Morris, Fort and others, we extend to them our hearty thanks for their efforts to remove the darknessof ignorance from the eyes of their brethren; but no one of them proves when, where or how Masonry derived its origin. As we view it, too much is claimed by many, for the antiquity of Masonry. When we read the arguments ofthosewho claimthat it is antediluvianin its origin; or that it began at the building of the Tower of Babel of Biblical fame, we can but say, you claim too much and do not prove it. In fact the same may be said of nearly every one of the theories advanced, as claiming a certain point is onething, but proving it is entirely another. Now you who claim that Masonry has not a history, please inform me, when, where and how did Masonry originate? Who were its founders, and what was the real motive in view for the formation of

such an organization? Before you have answered these questions by proofs which cannot be denied, I am confident you will find that Masonry has a history which baffles efforts to fathom, and will unite with me in sayingthat its origin is a sealed book. But enough of its historicalfeatures. Love for the Institution, and desire to bring the Craft to a higher intellectual grade, have prompted a few to embark upon the precarious sea of the Masonic press. I say precarious, for any one who has attempted it will tell you that the issuing of a Masonic publication is a good ways from being a money making affair. At this day, there are many first class publications issued, that not only bring light to their readers, but add to the general stockofMasonic information. Many of the

secular and political periodicals of the day "pay," and their owners "eat, drink and grow fat," while, I fear, some of those devoted to Masonry do not pay, and their owners eat what they can get, say, "hogand hominy," live on hopes that are never fulfilled, and grow decidedly poor in flesh and pocket. Now, that is all wrong. It as burning shame that such an Institution as that of Masonry, of this century, does not give its periodicals adequate support. The fact that so many of them have succumbed to the pressure of want of patronage shows that

* Extracted selectively from an arti FmnkW .

Masonrv and Familv Mazazine, Vo January 1883, pages 22-27. (from Library of D.C.)

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their efforts are not properly appreciatedby the Craft at large. I trust the reader will not think, for a moment, that I am interested, pecuniarily, in any Masonic publication. I am interestedjust this much; I want them all to succeed, as I think they do a vast amount of good for our far famed and noble Institution. We do deeply deplore the lack of Masonic information amongst the Craft, and that there are so few who think Masonry has a literature worthy of publication, and so many whose sole idea of the Institution seems to be concentrated in lodge-room work; as ifthat, and having many degrees, were the acme of Masonry. While we are not prepared to discuss the multiplicity of degrees and rites that is making such a stir in the Masonic world, yet we cannot help thinking that if nine tenths of them were sweptout of existencewe shouldhave more Masonry, and a lesser number of pretended Masons. Why, my brethren, rites, degrees and lodge-room work are but a drop in the bucket in comparison to the grand principles which Masonry teaches. With many the idea seems to be paramount, that a bright Mason must be a thorough ritualistic one, and that when he is that he is ALL Masonry can make him. What an erroneous idea! A parrot can be taught to repeat setphrases, and anybrother with a good memory can learnthe Masonic ritual; but to tell us of Freemasonry's past and present history and render a correct version of its laws requires years of the closest study, besides a retentive memory. There never was a greater mistake made than to suppose that the Masonic periodicals of this day are not worthy of perusal. The poorest amongst them is worth more than the amount asked for it. If any one doubts the truth of this assertion just let him try any one of them for a year, and, if he has any of the real spirit of Masonry in him his first year will not be his last; but, if he is a surface Mason, he will not be suited,because Masonic editors and writers have the faculty of speaking plainly, as well as others. Inasmuch as Freemasonryhas a literature we may well be proud of, let us one and all do our best to advance that literature. We cannot all be Masonic lawyers or historians, but we can, if we will, add our mite to the cause by subscribingfor one or more of the Masonic publications, and thereby cause their editors to give us a better class of Masonic literature for our money.

Now, my brethren, let us include in our labor a little intellectual work -brain work would be a better term - and give the study of Masonic history, law and literature a portion of our spare time, and by so doing not only benefit ourselves but those around us. Let us have a little more "Masonry on the brain." It will not hurt us any. It will do us good, and we will be the better for its both mentally and spiritually; while the dismal features of life will not look half so gloomy. As far as I am concerned, I am free to admit there was a time when I was egotistical enough to think I knew much about Masonry, but as I began to read, Ivery soon found I knew little about it, and I am confident I am not the only one who has had the conceit taken out of him in the same manner. I can truthfully say, the more I study Masonry the more I am convinced that I have not as yet learned its alphabet, and the more I read of its historical features and "law points," the more I see the necessity of a more thorough education, Masonically speaking, than is the lot of the majority of Masons. Let us, one and all, from the Grand Master down to him who stands in the northeast, do our best to enhance the value of Masonic literature, everbearing in mind that our Institution stands without a peer in the land, and to keep it in that position we must ever remember that without its historical, legal and miscellaneous literature we will take the downward course, and instead of being without a peer, the poorest organization in the land will be our peer.

PGM Morris Honored Albert Pike Lodge No. 1169, located in San Antonio, Texas, has presented the Golden Trowel Award to our Past Grand Master, Robert L. Morris. This award, is sanctioned by the Grand Lodge of Texas, and in that jurisdction, it is the highest honor that a Lodge can bestow on a member for distinguished service to Masonic principles. We in the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia are well aware of the countless contributions of MWB Morris to the cause of DeMolay and Freemasonry in this area, and we rejoice in learning that upon retiring and taking up residence in Texas some years ago, his ardor for work in Freemasonry has not diminished. In fact, MWB Morris remains very active in Masonry. His Texas affiliations include, in addition to hls Lodge, CornmanderyNo. 7, Knight Templars; the Scottish Rite Bodies of the Valley of San Antonio; Texian York Rite College No 60; Texas Council No. 45, Order of Knight Masons (Past Excellent Chief); the San Antonio Council, Allied Masonic Degrees; St. Anthony Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine; and Fort Sam Houston Chapter No. 17, National Sojourners. MWB Morris, a 60-year DeMolay, is also continuing his work for that Order. In Texas he has affiliated with and actively supports Albert Pike Court of Chevaliers and the Albert Pike Legion of Honor Preceptory, both located in San Antonio. Congratulations, Bob. Your preferment is richly deserved!

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Semi-Annual Communication SCHEDULED FOR MAY 10

Masonic Plates Maryland Masonic Tags are available any time during the year. You do not have to wait until your expiration date to transfer from regular tags. No additional charge, except MVA one time fee of 12.00 for New Plates. Any Master Mason in good standingand a member of a Lodge recognized by the GrandLodgeofMaryland;his wife; widow; unmarried daughter; or son, under 2 1years old; are eligible to obtain Masonic Tags. These Masonic Tags are available only through the Free State Square Club No. 1182. Send your request for a MVA Application Certification to: FREE STATE

Voice of Preemasonry Grand Lodge, F.A.A.M., of D. C. 5428 MacArthur Blvd., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20016

SQUARE CLUB No. 1182; P.O. Box 90: Silver Spring, MD 20910. Enclose a chec for $6.00 for each vehicle, payable to th Club. Include your Name; Address; Lodg Name; Number; Location, if out of state. Except for operating expenses, proceed from donations are contributed to Marylan and D.C. Masonic-related organizations.

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~ t - t h iyear's s Semi-Annual Communication, scheduled for 7:30 P.M. on Wednesday, May 10, at the Scottish Rite Temple, 2800 - 16th Street, N.W., a number ofvery interesting proposals may come up for discussion. While the Grand Masterhas not yet establishedhis agenda, several propositions, submitted at the Annual Communication, are now being studied by appropriateGrand Lodge Committees. The Grand Lecturer and the Committee on Work and Lectures has under consideration a proposal, submitted by Worshipful Sheldon Rappeport (45), which seeks to make use of the Grand Lodge Cipher somewhat less restrictive. Specifically, if adopted, this proposal would allow a projector operator to use portions of the cipher in Lodge at those times when slides are being used to illustrate the lectures of the degrees. The Committee on Jurisprudence is now studying several proposed Code amendments. Included are propositions to make the Grand Deacons and the Grand Stewards appointiveofficers of the Grand Lodge; to prevent the immediate re-election of Grand Lodge Trustees upon the completionof current terms of service; to permit Lodges to elect honorary members on discretionary terms; to base the rejection of candidates on three rather than a one blackball rule and; lastly, to reduce the minimum age of candidates from 2 1to 18 years of age. These proposals, which touch upon decades-longregulations and practices in this Grand Lodge, deserve not only careful consideration, but more importantly, the presence of all members of the Grand Lodge when they are discussed in Grand Lodge. The Grand Master and the officers of the Grand Lodge therefore urge you to carefully study the forthcoming "call" to the Semi-Annual Communication.