Summer 1996
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Volume XI& The Grand Master demonstrates his form, and the Grand Marshal, G. Lee Ferguson, looks for the ball!
Golf Tournament 1 Draws Record Participation by Grant R. Berning T h e 1lth Annual Grand Lodge Golf Tournamentwas held onMonday,April 29,1996 atthe Westwood Country Club in Vienna, Virginia. It was thoroughly enjoyed by the more than 80 golfers who participated. This was the largest turn-out for the tournament sinceits start in 1986. The course played was tough with lots of sand traps, trees and wind. But the joy of getting out and playing on
creeping bent fairways at a picture perfect time of year made it a joyous event. In addition, the refreshments supplied by the committee before and during the game bolstered everyone's attitude. The committee is indebted to the record number of tee sponsors (24) who supported this tournament as follows: AAPayroll Service,fnc.; Almas Temple; Baird Automotive; Benjamin B. French Lodge No. 15; Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft; Charitable Gaming Association; Chicago Title Insurance Company; Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Co.;Crescent Cities Jaycees;FederalLodge No. 1; First American Title Insurance Company; Hillmuth Automotive; Hines Interests; Lawyers Title Insurance Corporation; NationalStansbury Lodge No. 12; Potomac Lodge No. 5 (2 fees); Royal Alliance; ScottishRite; St. John's Lodge No. 11; Stewart Title Guaranty Company; Temple-Noyes-Cathedral Lodge No. 32; Tri-State Commercial Closings, Inc.;and Washington Daylight Lodge No. 14. After the golf outing the players assembled for refreshments and relaxation. They shared some ofthe greatest and saddest golf stories ever contmued on next ~ a a -> e told.
'Par for (f197" (L-R) Eldon J. Brown (seated), Senior Grand Warden; Grant R. Berning, Junior Grand Deacon and Golf Committee Chairman; G. Lee Ferguson, Grand Marshal; and William E. Chaney, Jr.,Grand Master, relax after the golf tournament.
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Following a sumptuous banquet, anumber of awards were given. There were so many prizes donated that everyone got something by virtue of the generosity of the companies and individualswho donated them. Prizes were received from: Almas Temple, Grant R. Berning, Chcago TitleInsurance Co., CommonwealthLandTitle Insurance Co.,LemoineV. Dickinson, LawyersTitleInsurance Corp.,Burt Levy, AlbertMoritt, Leonard Proden, M. Stein & Co., Stewart Title Guaranty Co., and Ticor Title Insurance Co. In summaryit was a grand event and the golf committeeis lookmgfoswardto doing it again next year and hopes even more will join us for a FANTASTIC time.
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V.A. HOSPITAL conbnued
transport the handicapped, will comfortably accommodate five wheel-chair and two ambulatory patients, plus the driver. According to Mr. GarfUnkle, it fultills a long-standing need at the hospital center, which now pays commercial carriers to provide this essential service. In his presentation, Orand Master Chaney stated that in a period extending over the terms of Grand Masters Jenkins and Smith, as well as his own, more than 700 contributions were received, totaling almost $48,000.00. He also noted that the balance of the amount due for the bus, some $2,500.00, was provided by the Masonic Foundation of D.C. Those making contributions, personal or institutional, are by h s direction listed elsewhere in tlus issue of the Voice. "I salute each of them," the Grand Master states, "for collectively they have given the term Masonic Charity a new and impressive dimension."
This publication is designed to be an organ of &ormatioq instruction, and inspirationfor ail who old allegiancetothisGrand Jurisdiction. Please be awarethat any mistakes inthispublication arethere for a purpose; we publish somethingfor everyone and some people are always looking for errors, P~mrnentsand contributions should be d i d to ie attention of the editor, care of the Grand Secre tary,
Voice of Freemasonry Grand Lodge Office 5428 MacArthur Blvd., N.W. Washington, D.C. 200 16 Tel: (202) 686-1811 Fax: (202) 686-2759 Editor - C. Brian Schwartz Editorial Board Stewart W. Miner Publisher Hugh Y. Bernard, Jr. Robert F. Dreckler Hany E. Echols Harold Grainer John S. Harris, Jr.
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Grand Lodge Officers Elected
~ff.MSA Hosp Master; Sandy ~arf;nkle, Director o i t h e VA Hospital; William T. Jenkins, Past Grand Master - 1994; and J. Philip Smith, Past Grand Master - 1995 at the presentation of a check for $50,585.00t o the VA Hospital.
Internet Masonic Leadership Course Offered by MLC The Masonic Leadership Center (MLC) is anew organization operatingfiom offices located in the George Washmgton Masonic National Memorial in Alexandna, Virginia. TheMLC's goals are (1) to collect all printed information about Masonic leadershiptraining and education, and (2) to compile a computer database of articles and books addressing Masonic research topics. The MLC is also providing specificmaterial to assist today's Masonic leaders, starting with an Internet Masonic Leadership course. If you have a computer and access to the Internet, you can take a proven course to improve your leadership skills. All you have to do is go to: http:llfieemasonry.org/ mlcl and you will see a screen telling you about the MLC and the Internet Masonic
Leadership course. Click on the word "register" in red, and you'll see aregistration form. Print the form, fill it in, and mail it to the MLC address shown on the form, with registration of $25, and you will then receive, via e-mail, a password to use to start the course. You'll get each chapter on your computer, and even take short quizzes on the computer. When you complete each chapter, you'll receive a new password to continue to the next one. After successful completion of the whole course often chapters,the MLC will send you a diploma and a Masonic Leadershp book. Freemasonry needs more well-trained leaders and the MLC is committed to help. Please feel free to contact the MLC at any time. Phone (703)739-3295;Fax(703) 7393296; E-Mail - mlc@crosslink.net.
William E. Chaney, Jr. ................... Grand Master qobert F. Drechsler ............ Deputy Grand Master Xdon J. Brown .................. Senior Grand Warden )an L Frederick .................. Junior Grand Warden &wart W. Miner, P.G.M. .......... Grand Secretary erold J. Samet, P.G.M. ..............Grand Treasurer Stafford Appel ....................,..........Grand Lecturer Mansour Hatefi ................... Senior Grand Deacon Grant R. Berning ................ Junior Grand Deacon Robert H. Stan ..................Senior Grand Steward Jules S. Tepper ................... Junior Grand Steward
Appointed G. Lee Ferguson ...........................Grand Marshal William M. Huie .........................Grand Chaplain Hamid Adib-Samiy ...... Assistant Grand Chaplain Rofand Timity ............. Assistant Grand Chaplain Walter F. Simon .......... Assistant Grand Chaplain Lemoine V. Dickinson .........Grand Sword Bearer Todd C. Duehring .....................Grand Pursuivant Carl R LeVine ............................. Grand Historian Gerhard Meinzer ................................. Grand Tiler George R. Kidwell ........... Deputy Grand Leoturer Harold A Blood ............. Grand Lodge Physician Christopher K. Mahaney . Grand Standard Bearer Patrick H. Lazere ..........Aide to the Grand Master James D. Martin, 111 ..... Aide to the Grand Mastet Anthony S. Mwray .......Aide to the Grand Master Hiram Wohifarth ..........Aide tothe Grand Master William H. Doblog Special Assis?antto the GM George E. Enders ................Assistant Grand Tiler C. Macaulay Ward ................... G.L. School Tiler
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About the Grand Master.. WilliamE. Chaney, Jr. was born atthe old Columbia Hospital in Washington, D.C, on July 12, 1929. He is the second oldest of seven children and was educated in the public school system of the District of Columbia. He attended AnacostiaHigh School. Bill served with the U.S. Army in Korea, following which he worked for 33 years with the Corp of Engineers at Fort Lesley J. McNair, the second oldest continuallyoperating Army post in the United States. He retired in June 1986 as Deputy Engineer. Bill married Miss Joyce Stenberg, a native ofHorace, NorthDakota, on September 3, 1949. Bill and Joyce have four children and nine grandchildren. His oldest son and both son-in-laws are members of HiramTakoma Lodge No. 10. ill is a charter member o f ~ e t h a nvan~ g e l i d Lutheran Church in Suitland, Maryland, where he has served on the Church Council and he was President ofthe congregation in 1983184. Bill was initiated into Freemasonry on January 24,1952 and raised to the sublime degree ofMaster Mason in George C. Whit-
ing Lodge No. 22 on April 10, 1952. He served this Lodge as Worshipful Master in 1961. He demitted from George C. Whiting Lodge and joined Hiram Lodge No. 10 in 1970, where he served as Worshipful Master in 1973. After Hiram Lodge merged with Takoma Lodge and became HiramTakoma Lodge No. 10, he again served as Worshipful Master of the Lodge in 1990. Bill is a member of Mount Pleasant Chapter No. 13, R.A.M., The Masonic Veterans Association,AlmasTemple,A.A.O.N.M. S., Knights of Mecca, and of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Washington, D.C. He served as the Venerable Master of Kadosh, Albert Pike Consistory, received his K.C.C.H. in 1987 and was coroneted a 33rd degree Inspector General Honorary in 1993. He also holds the DeMolay Legion of Honor. He is a member of Capitol Forest No. 104, Tall Cedars of Lebanon, where he served as the Grand Tall Cedar in 1988. He is a Past Associate Guardian of Bethel No. 41 International Order of Jobs Daughters, Camp Springs,Maryland; a member of St. Simeon Stylites ConclaveRed Cross of Constantine;
Brotherhood Night in Delaware On Mar& 28,&.996, Grand Martw WiIIiam E Chaney,Jr. accompaniedby the Grand Ledge O@cers, w-@&P& Grand Mastersand memberr of the ConstituentLodges traveled by bus to BrotSlerRmd Ni$ht at Nor Shrke Temple in New Castle, Delaware. At this event, spmrwed by the Grand Loo'ge of Delaware, our group enjoyed an evening of fraternal &T&iad~ip and an exceNmt dlnner, as always, with several hundred brethren from other &rWIkfions. 7% Grand Master made the following remarks to the assembled brethren:
I feel like Minnie Pearl tonight - I AM SO PROUD TO BE HERE. You know, I have been coming to this event since 1982 and I was thinking about what brings us back year after year to celebrate what we call Brotherhood Night. I became intrigued with this question and the word "Brotherhood" and decided to do a little research on the subject with the following results. Coils encyclopedia states: A Brotherhood is a fraternity or close association or fellowship usually with mutual ties or obligations of aid or encouragement. Mackeys encyclopedia states: It is to assume the same title to designate an association of men engaged in the same common object, governed by the same rules and united by an identical interest, the association or fraternity of Freemasons in the sense called a Brotherhood. Mr. Webster states: The state of being a Brother
of Brothers, an association of menunited in a common interest, work, creed, as a fraternity, religious order or labor union, a belief or feeling of unity and cooperation among men or among all people. Am I boring you yet? Dr. Joseph Fort Newton once wrote: The secret of masonry, like the secret of life can be known only by those who seek it, serve it, live it. It cannotbeuttered; It can onlybefelt and acted. It is, in fact an open secret and each man knows according to his quest and capacity. Like all things most worth knowing, no one can know it for another and no one can know it alone. It is known only in fellowship, by the touch of life, spirit upon spirit, knee to knee, breast to breast, handto hand. Such is the thinking, feeling which is stirred in every receptive mason when he hears the words "My Brother." As a sacred
WILLIAM E. CHANEY, JR. GRAND MASTER - 1996
National Sojourners, Washington Chapter No. 3; Unity Chapter No. 112 Order of the Eastern Star, in Camp Springs, Maryland; the college Societas Rosicruciana in CivitatibusFoederatis;and the Shrine Screwballs. appellation such are the elements of reverence which should characterize his understanding of the mystic tie. He is not merely an associateor ally, he is not merely a well wisher or sympathizer,he is not merely a comrade or support, he is not merely a confidant or friend. AMasonis aBrother, in the oldest, finest, truest sense of the word. He is a Brother "human being", for the sake of humanity. No dogma binds the brotherhood together; no narrow political or social goal, no intolerance of class or nationalityprovides brotherhood with a common platform. Masonsarebrothers in theuniversalmeaning of the word, men who are united by complete freedom of conscience under the banner of pure tolerance, of an affectionate regard and respect for every other human being. "A MASON IS A MAN WITHOUT PREJUDICE." An now I believe I know why we are here year after year. I think it is very important that each of us understand the needs of our fraternity, that each of us should find that person looking to share in our brotherhood, the one to replace us -ifyou will -and we all know at least one -so let us work to see that he becomes a part of our Brotherhood. So mote it be and thank you.
Lodge o f the Nine Muses New Lodge Makes Commitment to Masonic Histo y and Philosophy On March 11,1996, Grand Mas ter William E.Chaney issuerl a dis of the Nine Muses. held its first fbnnal m~onTues&y,PAay21,1996, at which time the Master, Right Warshipful D m M e r , installedWorship liam Kirk MacNulty, P.M., as WOP sEpMMaster;Brother LowellKeitlr Dyson, as Senior Warden; and War. shipkl George S.Seghers, P.M., as
Junior Warden. Brother &Nulty declares thati is the intmt of the members of^ Lodge to study and discuss Masonic pRilmophy, history, and symbolism, ofi a cmtiauhg basis, striving always to discover the uniqueness and si@ficmee of the Masonic expri-
ens. Gdhand h u i ~ m canceJniagThe W g e of the Nine Muses, U.D. shmld be directed to Brother Paul M.Bessel, He m y be reached by phone at (703) 418-1 172; by FAX at (703) 4 18-6625; and by e-mail
The Lodge of the Nine Muses, U.D., is a regular Lodge in DC, with every intention of giving the degrees to new Masons and admitting members by affiliation. However, everymember ofthe Lodge is expected to attend Stated Communication and to be willing and able to activelyparticipate in, and to lead discussions about the philosophy and history of Freemasonry. Only those who can and want to make these commitments should consider petitioning. The officers of the Lodge plan to bring new candidatesthrough the degrees more slowly than most Lodges, allowing a good deal of time for discussions and examinationof the meaning and symbolism of Masonic ritual. The Lodge intends to make its meetings part of a continuing seminar, where all those attending participate in discussions about the philosophy, history, and ideals of Freemasonry, The leadership participated in Masonic Study Group meetings every week last year, thereby reinforcing their views that Freemasonry is a very enjoyable and educational experience. Topics included the meaning of the Hiram Abif legend, the relationshipbetween Freemasonry and Rosicrucianism, the many organizations that exist in and outside of Freemasonry that are somewhat similar, the different groups involved in Freemasonry in France and what they each stand for, Ma-
sonicphilosophy depictedinmovies such as Star Wars, and many other interesting subjects. The consciousness of Masonic history is why the group chose its name. On March 11, 1776, the original Lodge of the Nine Muses was started in Paris by a group of serious-minded Masons who wanted to discuss andpromote the important messagesof Freemasonry to society. With the kind support of the Grand Master of DC, the Dispensationfor our Lodge, named after the original Lodge of the Nine Muses as a sign of what we want to emulate, is dated exactly 220 years later, and May 21 was selected as the date for our first meeting, in part because that is the date on whichBenjamin Franklin was elected the second Master of the original Lodge of the Nine Muses. All Masons are encouraged to attend the meetings of this Lodge as visitors. Starting in June, monthly Stated Communications will occur on every 3rd Wednesday at 6:30 pm at the Odd Fellows Hall. It is also plannedto holdinformal Study Group meetings every 2nd Wednesday at 6:30pm at the DC Grand Lodge Library. Please feel free to attend as many times as you like, and to tell other Masons what this Lodge is all about. The members of the Lodge of the Nine Muses, U.D. look forward to working with you and enjoying good times together.
Coin Sets Presented to Grand Lodge Museum
R o ~ e rF. t Drechsler (lem, n.vv. vepury wand Master and Chairman of t ~ ~ Grand Lodge Library and Museum Committee, and William E. Chaney, Jr. (center), M.W. Grand Master, receiveacollectionof coinsfrom Paul H. Ripley, Sr., Worshipful Master of Harmony Lodge No. 17forthe Grand Lodge Library and Museum
The GrandLodgeMuseum recently received a complete set of coins of all nations issued by the Franklin Mint. The collection of mint-fresh sets of circulating coinage is from every nation that regularly mints and issues coins (98 nations as of 1985), except where government regulations or restrictions on availability prohibit. It was issued in a stamped and date-cancelled cachet bearing the official postmarking of the nation of issue. The collection was a grft from Brother Paul H. Ripley, Sr., Worshipful Master of Harmony Lodge No. 17, who presented the coins to William E. Chaney, Jr., M.W. Grand Master, and Robert F. Drechsler, RW. Deputy Grand Master and Chairman of the Grand Lodge Library and Museum Committee at a communication ofHarmony Lodge held on March 6,1996. M.W. Brother Chaney expresses his appreciationofBrother r Ripley's generous donation and urges others to consider use ofthe Grand Lodge Museum as an ultimate repository of their valuable mementos of the Craft.
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A 1991 report of the Grand Lecturer of the Grand Lodge A.R andA.M. of Prince Edward Island, Brother Sinclair MacTavish. Reprinted with permission@om the author.
Today we live in a world that seems to be caughtup by money evils, and we find many things effectingfamilies and workers make ends meet, such as unemployment, strikes, inflation, taxes, and the list could go on, with the things that cause these concerns. It is rewarding to know that we as Freemasons can answer the question as to what induced us to become Master Masons, and one answer was, of course, to receive Master's Wages. Our Operative Brethren received their Master's Wages incoin ofthe realm. Speculative content themselves with intangible wages, and occasionally some are hard pressed to explainto the wondering initiate just what, in this practical age, a "Master's Wages" really are. The Wages of a Master may be classified under two heads: first, those inalienable rights which every Freemason enjoys as a result of payment fees, initiation, and the payment of annual dues to his Lodge; second, those more precious which are his ifhe will but stretch out his hand to take. The first right of which any initiate is conscious is that of passing the Tyler and attending his Lodge, instead of being conducted through the West Gate as a preliminary step to initiation. For a time this right of mingling with his new brethren is so engrossing that he looks no further for his Master's Wages. Later he learns that he has also the right of visitationin other Lodges, eventhough it is a "right" hedged about with restrictions. He must be in good standing to exercise it. Generally this right of visiting other Lodges is a very real part of what may be termed his concrete Master's Wages, and many are the Freemasons who find in it a cure for loneliness in strange places; who think of the opportunity to find a welcome and friends, where otherwisethey would be alone, as wages of substantial character. The opportunities to see and hear the beautiful ceremonies of Freemasonry, to take from them again and again a new
thought, are wages not to be lightly received. For him with the open ears and the inquiring mind, the degrees lead to a new world, sincefamiliaritywith ritual provides the key by which he may read an endless stream of books about Freemasonry. "Master's Wages" are paid in acquaintance. Unless a newly made Master Mason is so shy and retiring that he seeks the farthest corner of his Lodge-room, there to sit shrinkingintohimself, inevitablyhe will become acquaintedwith many men of many minds, always an interestingaddition to the joy of life. What he does with his acquaintances is another story, but at least wages
Freemasonry offers peculiar opportunities to unusual talents which are not always found in the profane world. are there, waiting for him. No honest man becomes a Freemason thinking to ask the Craft for relief. Yet the consciousness that poor is the Lodge and sadder the hearts of the brethren thereof from which relief will not be forthcoming if the need is bitter, is wages from which much comfort may be taken. Freemasonry is not, per se, a relief organization. It does not exist merely for the purpose of dispensing charity. Nor has it great funds with which to work its gentle ministrations to the poor. Fees are modest; dues often are too small, rather than too large. Yet, for the Brother down and out, who had no fuel for the fire, no food for his hungry children whom sudden disaster threatens, the strong arm of the fraternity stretches forth to push back the
danger. The cold are warmed, the hungry fed, the naked clothed, the jobless given work, the discouragedheartened, "Master's Wages" surelyfar greater than the effort put forth to earn them. Freemasonry is strong in defense of the helpless. The widow and the orphan need ask but once to receive her bounty. All Brethren hope to support their own, provide for their loved ones, but misfortunecomes to the just and the unjust alike. To be one of a world-wide Brotherhood on which widow and child may call is of untold comfort, "Master's Wages" more precious than coin of gold. Finally it is the right of Mason's burial. At home or abroad a Freemason, known to desire it, is followed to his last home by sorrowing Brethren who lay him away under the apron of the Craft and the sprig of Acacia of immortal hope. This, too, is "Wages of a Master." "Pay the Craft their Wages, if anybe due." To some the practical wages mentioned are the important payments for a Freemason's work. To others, the more tangible but none the less beloved opportunities to give, rather than to get, are the "Master's Wages" which count the most. Great among these is the Craft's opportunity for service. The world is full of chances to do for others, and no man need apply to a Masonic Lodge only because he wants a chance to "do unto others as he would that others do unto him." But Freemasonry offers peculiar opportunities to unusual talents which are not always found in the profane world. There is always something to do in a Lodge. There are always committees to be served and committeework is usually thankless work. He who cannot find his payment in his satisfaction of a task well done will receive "Master's Wages" for his labours on Lodge committees. There are Brethren to be taught. Learning all the "work" is a man's task, not to be accomplishedin a hurry. Yet it is worth the doing, and in instructing officers and candidates many a Mason has found a quiet joy which is "Master's Wages" pressed down and running over. Service leads to the possibility of appointment or election to the line of officers. There is little use to speak of the "Master's Wages" this opportunitypays, because only those who have occupied the Oriental Chair know what they are. The outer evidence of the experience may be told, but the inner spiritual experience is untellable because
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the words have not been invented. But Past Masters know! To them is issued a special coinage of "Master's Wages" which only a Worshipful Master may earn. Ask any of them if they were not well paid for the labour. If practical, "Master's Wages" are acquaintance in Lodge, the enjoyment of fellowship, mergedintofiiendship, isthe same payment in a larger form. Difficult to describe, the sense of being one of a group, the solidarity of the circle which is the Lodge, provides a satisfactionand pleasure impossible to describe as it is clearly to be felt. It is interesting to many men of many walks of life; it is heartwarming continually to meet the same group, always with the samefeeling of equality. High and low, rich and poor, merchant and farmer, banker and fisherman, doctor and ditch-digger, meet on the level, and find it happy -"Master's Wages," value untranslatable into money. Finally - and best - is the making of many friends. Thousands ofBrethrencount their nearest and dearestfriends on the rolls of the Lodge they love and serve. The Mystic Tie makes for fiiendship. It attracts man to man and often drawstogether "those who might otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance." The teachingsofbrotherly love, relief and truth; of temperance, fortitude,prudence and justice; the inculcation of patriotism and love of countty, that we everydayexperiencein aMasonicLodge. When men speak freely those thoughts which, in the world without, they keep silent, friendships are formed. Count gain for work well done in what coin seems most valuable; the dearest of the intangibles which come to any Master Mason are those Masonic friendships of which there are no greater "Master's Wages."
Organizersof the Masonic Concert pausefora photo. Pictured are WM Michael E. Simon; W M Mark W. Underwood; James B. Wilkinson, GM of VA; William E. Chaney, GM of DC; Saul Weiss, PM; Donald M. Robey, PGM of VA; and W M Morad Eghbal.
The premier Masonic cultural event of the year was held at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial on Sunday April 28, 1996. The role that Masonic music played in earlier days was presented by the noted baritone Jerome Barry, a member of Samuel Gompers-BenjaminFranklin Lodge No. 45. Brother Barry also sang excerpts from Mozart's famous opera The Marriage of Figaro. Part of the program was based on light-heartedMasoniclodge songs from the classics to the more popular music. The audienceparticipatedin a sing along in the Masonic tradition of the past. Brother Barry was accompanied by Laura Mann, a noted soprano who has appeared in many international festivals as a soloist. After the concert, a lavish spread of sumptuous refreshments was served in the dining hall. This memorable program was planned and executedby the brethren of three lodges in two jurisdictions. These brethren were Morad Eghbal, Worshipful Master of Potomac Lodge NOS; Saul Weiss, Past Master of Samuel Gompers-Benjamin Franklin Lodge No. 45; and Mark Underwood, Worshipful Master of Alexandria-Washington Lodge No.22 in Alexandria, Virginia. More than 300 brethren, their ladies and guestsattendedthisconcert. Included among them were the Ambassador of Austria, representatives of the German and Brazilian embassies, Bro. William E. Chaney Jr., M.W. Grand Master of Masons of the District of Columbia,Bro. James B. Wilkinson,
M.W. Grand Master of Masons of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and several Past Masters and Past Grand Masters. The proceeds of this concert are being donated to the George Washington Masonic National Memorial and to several Masonic Charities.
Brother Jerome Barryand Laura Mann perform a t the Masonic Concert at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria, VA.
you know.. ? ng information is pom the History of tht Lodge F.A.A.M, District of Colmbia, 18111961: Sesqui-Centennial History, by Ray Baker Harris, It waspublished by the Grand Lodge in 1962 and ilable in the Masonic LibrarvofD.C. G e o r g e Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the U.S. in April 1789 in New York City. New York, Philadelphia, and other existing cities thought they would become the permanent capital city of the U. S., and no one thenwould have guessed that the area that later became WashingtonDCwould be the capital. Still, in that very same month of April 1789, the Grand Lodge of Maryland chartered a new "Lodge No. 9" within the area that was to become the Federal District. That Lodge is now Potomac No. 5 in the Grand Lodge of DC. Its charter Master was the editor of the newspaper in Georgetown. Thus, by coincidence, important events took place in the history of our country and of Freemasonry in this area at the same time. The ceremony of placing the first marker of the boundaries of what was to become Washington DC took place on April 15, 1791. This ceremony was conducted in Masonic form, by Dr. Elisha Cullen Dick, who was both the Worshipful Master of AlexandriaLodge(whichwas then included in the new Federal District) and also later one of George Washington's physicians during his final illness. Thus, Freemasonry was actively associated with Washington DC from the day its boundaries were first formally proclaimed. Very few buildings existed in what was to become Washington DC in 1791, when its boundaries were laid out. Washington was the first planned, new capital city in history, designed to reflect the ideals of the first republican government over alarge country in history. Thefirst publicbuildingthat was started was the President'sHouse, laterto be called the White House. A competitionwas held to decide whose design would be accepted, and the winner was James Hoban, a young Irishman, who became the first Master of Lodge No. 15 of Maryland, now Federal Lodge No. 1 in DC. Once again, a Freemason was intimately connected with the early history of our nation's capital. The cornerstone of the President's House
in Washington DC, today's White House, was laid in a Masonic ceremony on October 13, 1792, by Maryland Lodge No. 9 in Georgetown, today's Potomac Lodge #5 of DC, Unfortunately, that lodge does not have minutes for that time, and there were few local newspapers to report it. Fortunately, a Philadelphia man witnessed the event and wrote a letter about it to a friend in Charleston, South Carolina, which was printed in a newspaper there, so we know what took place. The cornerstoneof the U. S. Capitolbuilding was laid in a Masonic ceremony on September 18, 1793. President George Washington participated in his Masonic regalia. Ironically, no minutes of any lodge in existance at that time mention this event. George Washington's diary for that period is missing, and there is controversy to this day about exactly where this cornerstone is located. Our only description of this event comes from a newspaper story printed a week later. Also interesting is the fact that a week before this ceremony, Lodge No. 15 of Maryland was chartered, with White House architect James Hoban as its first Master. This lodge is now Federal No. 1. Alexandria, Virginia, was a part of the District of Columbia from 1790 through 1846. During that time there were two lodges in Alexandria, Alexandria Lodge, today's Alexandria-WashingtonLodge No. 22 under the Grand Lodge of Virginia, and BrookeLodgeNo. 47, namedfor the Grand Master of Virginia in 1796, when it was chartered. ~ h &two e lodges enjoyed the most friendly relations, frequentlyjoining in processions, celebrations, and banquets. When the Grand Lodge of DC was organized in 1811, Alexandria-Washington Lodge decided it had closer ties with the Grand Lodge of Virginia and stayedthere, but Brooke Lodge
was one of the founders of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia Thus, two lodges in the same city enjoyed good relations while belonging to different Grand Lodges. Employees of the U,S, Treamuy Department formed ColumbiaLodgeNo. 35 under the Grand Lodge of Maryland in 1802. At the time, this was the only lodge in the District of Columbia north of the Potomac River other than Federal Lodge. The existence of these two lodges accelerated Masonic interest in the capital. Federal and Columbia lodgesjoined in erectingthe first Masonic building in the city, the old Union Lodge Room on 11th Street Northwest. One of the main reasons for the capital of the United States being located where it is, where the Anacostia River meets the Potomac,was the importanceof naval power and the desire to build a Navy Yard in the new capital city. In 1805 several Masons working in the Navy Yard asked the Grand Lodge ofMaryland (therewas still no Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia then) for dispensation for a new lodge, which was called Washington Naval Lodge No. 4 1. By the next year this lodge, now Naval No. 4 in DC, had 49 members, an unusually large membership for a lodge in those days. Its first meetingplace was on 7th Street Southeast, then in 1820 it moved to a building erected on the northwest corner of 5th Street and Virginia Avenue Southeast, one of the first buildings in Washington, DC, dedicated exclusivelyfor Masonic use. By 1811 there were six Lodges working in the District of Columbia, four under the Grand Lodge of Maryland and two under the Grand Lodge of Virgmia. (Remember that then the District of Columbia included both its present territory plus land in Virginia as far south as Alexandria, forming a perfect diamond shape 10 miles on each j side.) On December 11, 1810, Brookehdge in Alexandria and the four Maryland Lodges sent delegatesto a meeting to discuss establishing a Grand Lodge in and for the
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Grand Lodge of DC held each of its Stated District of Columbia. They met again Janu- Communications throughout the period of ary 8, 1811, both meetings at the Union the War of 1812. In fact, the minutes ofthe Lodge Room (where the Old Post Office Grand Lodge meetings do not even mention now stands at 11th Street and Pennsylvania the fact that a war of great consequence to Avenue), decided on officers, and elected the United States was then in progress. The Grand Lodge of DC created the Valentine Reintzelthe first GrandMaster of the District of Columbia. Proceedings of office of "Grand Visitor and Lecturer of the these meetingswere senttothe GrandLodges District of Columbia" in 1821. His dutywas of Maryland and Virginia, which had char- to attend the meetingsof the lodges in DC as tered the lodges in DC. On February 19, often as convenient for him, and to provide l8ll, fkGmKiLodge of the District of the Masters and members of the lodges with Columbia was opened and the GrandLodge "suitable lectures relative to Masonic duties, illustrative of Masonic rites and symofficers were installed for the first time. The first Constitution of the Grand Lodge bols, and instruction in the proper mode of of the District of Columbia was adopted July working." Jeremiah Elkins of Lebanon 9, 1811, several months after the Grand Lodge No. 7, the first Grand Visitor and Lodge was organized. The Grand Lodge Lecturer was elected in 1823. copies of the Constitution ordered printed. lnter&tingly, not a single copy of this Constitution can be found today, and there is some question ifit was everprinted. However,a Constitutionfor the Grand Lodge of DC was printed in 1820, and with several changes since then we have a good idea of the rules that have governed this Grand Lodge throughoutits history. The same day it adopted the first Constitution, the Grand Lodge of DC chartered its first new lodge, Union Lodge No. 6. Later that year, Lebanon Lodge No. 7 was chartered. Travel was very diffkult in early America, especiallyin the area of Washington, DC. To "counteract any natural inclination to neglect meetings under these circumstances," in the early years after its founding in 1811, the Grand Lodge imposed a fine of $5 upon any officer failingto VALENTINE REINTZEL attend ameeting ofwhichhe had been given First Grand Master of the Grand Lodge advance notice, and a fine of $5 on any of the District of Columbia in 18 1 1 Lodge which failed to be represented at any A Masonic meeting took place in the Grand Lodge meeting. This is the equivachambers of the United States Senate on lent of about $46 today. In the Grand Lodge of DC, after its March 9, 1822. An advertisement in the founding in 1811, it was the custom for National Intelligencer newspaper in WashMasters-elect of lodges to be installed in ington called for all Congressmenwho were GrandLodge. Also, they were addressed as Masons, as well as visitors in the city who .'Right Worshipful" in those days. Starting are or have been members of any Grand in 1818 the Grand Lodge of DC started the Lodge, to attend a meeting in the Senate custom of visiting every constituent lodge Chamber at 7 p.m. that evening, "to take each year, a custom that is unique in this into consideration matters of general interGrandLodge. Each lodge was to receive 10 est to the Masonic institution." This was not a meeting sponsored by the Grand Lodge of days' prior notice of these visits. Invading troops conquered Washing- DC, but Grand Master Seaton was present ton DC in 1814, when the British swept and participated actively. A large and disaside American defenses and burned the tinguished group of Congressmenand other White House and the U. S. Capitol, using the Masons also attended, the most prominent books in the Library of Congress to start the being Henry Clay, then one of the mostwellfire. Interestingly, there is no report of any known and influential men in the nation. damage to any Masonic property, and the He was both the Speaker of the House and HISTORY -continued
later one of the leaders of the Senate, and a candidate for President three times. Also present was John Marshall, then the Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court. The subject of this meeting was the advisability of organizinga General Grand Lodge to cover all of the United States, a subject that has come up periodicallyin the history of Freemasonry in our country. In 1822the Grand Lodge of DC supported the proposal for a General Grand Lodge in the United States. Refreshments at, after, or before lodge meetings have always been a subject of interest to Masons. Considering the time involved in traveling to and from Grand Lodge communications in the early days of the 180OYs,serving refreshments was a necessity then. Several efforts were made to cut down on the expenses, but all were rejected. One of the most serious problems was the arrival of unexpected visitors at Grand Lodge communications and the need to serve and pay for their refreshments. At the semi-annual communication in 1824 a resolution was adopted to tax each brother 50 cents for refreshments, but this was rescinded by Grand Lodge the next year. The Grand Lodge of DC chartered a new lodge in 1848, to be located in San Francisco. The petitioners were Masons in DC who were about tojoin the GoldRushto California, where there was then no Grand Lodge. California Lodge No. 13 under the DC Grand Lodge was one of the lodges that helped form the Grand Lodge of California, now our largest state, in 1850. It was then renamed CaliforniaLodge No. 1and ceased to be a lodge of the District of Columbia. In 1950, DC Grand Master Marvin E. Fowler was an honored guest in San Francisco when the Grand Lodge of California celebrated its centennial, recognizing the tie between Grand Lodges on the two coasts of America. Freemasomy was always intended to be an intellectual pursuit, so Masonic libraries are essential. In 1855 the first steps were taken to establish a DC Grand Lodge library. By 1910there were 10,000volumes, but a lack of adequate space prevented this library from reaching its full potential. Today, theDC GrandLodgelibrary is under the supervision of the Deputy GrandMaster and is housed in an excellent and very inviting facility. More Masons should visit and read the excellent Masonic books and magazines that can truly provide insights into the meaning and importance of Freemasonry. Other excellent Masonic +
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Two Significant Milestones Reached
W. Fred Gore, PM. Treasurer; Eldon J. Brown, Secretary and Senior Grand Warden; Harry E. Slye, Sr.; and Gordon Moe, Master of Wm. R. SingletonHopeLebanon Lodge No. 7 during the presentation of -"rother Slyefs 75-year Certificate on March 7, 1996.
Brother Harry E. Slye, Sr., member of WilliamR. Singleton-Hope-LebanonNo. 7, has reached two si@cant milestones this year - his 75th year in Masonry and the 100thanniversary of his birth. Members of his Lodge visited Brother Slye in his home on his birthday, February 8,1996, and subsequently, in lodge, presented him a certificate attesting to three-quarters of a century ofMasonic service. His life has been eventfully rich and varied. In addition to his more than 60 years of piloting ships on the Potomac River and the ChesapeakeBay and his 39-year career with the ContinentalBaking Company, Brother Slye, known to his many friends as "Skipper," has been activein both his community and his church. But central in his interests, throughout life, has been his love for the challenge ofthe river. As a smallboy, when HISTORY - continued
librariesin the Washingtonarea are those in the Scottish Rite House of the Temple on 16th Street, and the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria. The Grand Lodge of DC belongs to the Masonic Library and Museum Association, which ties about 20 Masonic libraries in a group for mutual promotion. Many DC Lodges have been named for famous Masons, often Grand Masters and famouspolitical figures. BenjaminB.French wasDC GrandMaster 1847-1853 and again in 1868, George C. Whiting was Grand Master 1865-1867, Charles F. Stansbury was Grand Master 1871-1874. But not all lodges were named for DC Grand Masters. William R. Singleton was the Grand Secretary of DC fiom 1876 to 1901. William C. Dawson was Grand Master of Georgia, not DC, and of course, Benjamin Franklin was Grand Master of Pennsylvania. 0
he was still too young to sail, Skipper spent his spare time on the shore, close to the river where he fished and crabbed. In an excerpt from a 1969 magazine article written by freelance writer, Jane Berdes, Skipperdescribes one of his earliest memories as follows: "I was about ten years old...the crisis began at about three in the morning...The Potomac was having one of its rare treacherous nights with strong breezes stirrin' up the river into crests. Fog, one of the worst problems for Potomac pilots, held the boat and all it carried like a ghostly cobweb. My father hadno starsor landmarks, no radar or other technical crutches to help him reach Bushwood's 300-foot pier.. .All Pop could do that night was to rely on the one sense operable to pilots in fog-his ears. He blasted the ship's horn in short, hoarse gasps repeatedly trying to calibrate the diminishing distance between the big boat and the landing by the kinds of echoes coming back from buildings on land. Listenin' too, was my mother. She always kept vigil for my father's brief stopover at Bushwood. That night her alarm increased with the whistles frequency... she whispered trying to wake me, 'Your father needs some noise so he can bring the boat in. The fog's real bad, son. Are you scared?' I was scared all right, but I knew my fatherneeded help.. .without stopping for a latern or even a coat or boots, I ran outside into the dark to the wharf's edge. I never operate a boat on a night like that one that I don't remember how scared I was.. .but my wits stayed with me. I saw a loose board on a chicken crate at my feet...and started banging it against the warehouse which straddledthe pier. All the while I kept hollering hellos to Pop. Finally, I heard his voice thinly over the water caIling through his megaphone. 'Is
that you, Harry? Are you on the pier or ashore son?' 'I'm atthe end ofthe pier, sir,' I called back shrilly, thrilled to have made contact and to be part of such an adventure. I heard the paddle wheels turn again...the bow light showed first, then the bow, magnified ten fold by the fog and coming on as if to run aground after all... Unable to run, I enduredthe mirage until it dissolvedunder the glare of the ship's other lights into the ship's familiar outline. I heard Pop issuing orders...and the boat swung alongside in as fine a landing as I've ever seen." During the summers of his high school years, Skipperworked as quartermaster under his father and learned the ways of the river. He earned his mate's license at the age of 19, and then his captain's license at 21 -the youngest man to accomplish this feat. After working for his father, Skipper's next employer on the river was the Maryland, Delaware and Virginia "Marine Division" which, at its peak, operated thirty-six steamboats up and down the Chesapeake Bay. Many of these steamboats were quite upscale for the time and were similar to floating hotels. Starting in World War I, Skipper Slye served as an officer in the U.S. Merchant Marine for eight years, advancing to Captain and Pilot while being assigned to various types of vessels (destroyers, submarines, cruisers and cargo-passenger ships.) In 1922 Skipper accepted a job in Washington with the Continental Baking Company. While always remaining active piloting ships part-time and on weekends, Skipper spent 39 years at Continental startingas
Fred Gore, PM, Treasurer; (back); Al Tomasian, Marshal; RalphWineman, Tiler; and Eldon1. Brown, Secretary visit Brother Slye (center) in his home on his 100th birthday.
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10 MILESTONES - continued
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a salesman, and progressing to Supervisor, Sales Manager and Personnel Director. Skipperretired from Continental in 1961 at the age of 65. His decision at the age of 26 to leave fulltime duty on the river was a difficult one for Skipper, although it was made easier by several factors. First, the emerging trucking industry, the huge increase in the number of individuals owning automobiles, and the improved roads around the area comb i n d to drastically cut the amount of commercial and passenger tr&c along the river and secondly, the long periods on the river kept Skipper away from home and his new wife and daughter. Nevertheless the attraction of the water was lifelong and Skipper performed many special assignments over the years, and especially for the Navy during World War 11. One such assignment was the piloting of the 3 11-foot submarine "Diablo" and another was the piloting of the largest ship ever to sail up the Potomac River. That vessel, the SS American Mariner, had a 22%-foot draft, weighed 10,000 tons and was more than 400 feet long. Sailing this huge ship up river, was, to say the least, a challenge, since in some places along the river, there was only six inches of clearance between the keel of the boat and the bottom of the river. After his retirement from the Continental Baking Company in 1961, Skipper worked as the captain of the WilsonLine's "George Washington," a 285-foot cruise ship which traveledthe Potomacfrom Washington,DC toMount Vernon, theMarshal1Hall Amusement Park andbackto Washington. In 1963 he piloted the oceanographic ship "Albatross" to study the Potomac river bottom, and in the early 197OYs,when Shpper captainedthe USS Borie, a 376-foot, World War I1 destroyer on several training cruises up and down the Potomac. The Borie, like the SS American Mariner, had clearance of less than a foot at some points along the river. In 1976, when he was 80 years old, Skipper and his brother "Chap," who was 76, captained two British warships, each 520 feet in length and each with a 21-foot draft, as part of the Bicentennial celebration. The Masons of the District of Columbia proudly hail Brother Slye, a man whose life is uniquely distinguished by length and breadth.
by J. Kenneth Gibala
The Correspondence Circle was founded soon after Quatuor Coronati Lodge was consecrated in 1886. Membership in the Correspondence Circle is open to all Master Masons in good standing in Lodges under the United Grand Lodge of England or in Lodges in other Grand Lodges in amitywith it. The Correspondence Circle is administered by Q.C. Correspondence Circle Limited, a company consisting of all the full members of the lodge. The members of the Correspondence Circle are associate members of this company. The Privileges ofMembership inthe Correspondence Circle include: 1) all those privileges enjoyed by members of the Quatuor Coronati Lodge except the right to vote or to hold office; 2) the receipt of the annual volume of the lodge transactions, which contains the lectures of the year and the discussions which follow. In addition the volumes contain papers adaptable for
use in lodges or other masonic meetings and an interesting, wide-ranging collection of Notes and Queries on a great variety of masonic topics. 3) receipt of the lodge summonses; 4) purchase of any of the other publicationsofthe companywhich, as inthe case of the annual volume, are available only to members; 5) submitting any questions on masonic history, custom, ritual, etc., to the Secretary, who will arrange for authoritative replies; and 6) the receipt of notices of all meetings of the lodge and the privilege of attending its meetings. The joining fee is $12 for the standard volume or $15 for the library editionbound. The annual dues are $25 for the standard volume and $30 for the bound edition. Any member of a District of Columbia Constituent Lodge in the grade of Master Mason may join by submittingthe dues and joining fee to the local secretary, Brother Kenneth Gibala; P.O. Box 7803, Gaithersburg, MD 20898.
General Walter E. Boomer Receives Valentine Reintzel Medal General Walter E. Boomer was awarded the Valentine Reintzel Medal by then Grand Master J. Phlip Smith at the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge held on December 9, 1995. General Boomer joined the United States Marine Corps in 1960, following his graduation from Duke University. He served two tours of duty in Viet Nam, and served as an instructor, and later as chairman, inthe Department ofManagement, at the U.S. Naval Academy from 1974 to 1976. In 1986 he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. In 1990, shortly after his promotion to Lieutenant General, he was deployed to Saudi Arabia as Commanding General, U.S. Marine Central Command and the First Marine Expeditionary Force during Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield. He was promoted to the rank of general in 1992, and named Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps. He held that position until his retirement in 1994. Upon h s return to civilian life, General Boomer was named senior vice president and chief project officer of McDermottInternational,Inc. GeneralBoomer is a native of Rich Square, North Carolina. He holds a B.A. degree from Duke University, a M.S. in technology of Management from
American University, and graduated with distinction from the Naval War College. Masonically, Brother Boomer was raised to the sublimedegreeofMasterMasoninTempleNoyes-Cathedral Lodge No. 32, in Washington, D.C. in 1970. He is a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Washington, D.C., a Knight Commander ofthe Court ofHonor, and a recipient of the 33". Brother Boomer is a member of Almas Temple A.A.O.N.M.S., Capitol Court oftheRoyal Order of Jesters, and theNationa1Sojourners. BrotherBoomercomes from a long line of Masons, as both h s father and his grandfather are part of the fraternity.
11
Semi-Annual Communication
(I-r)Professor Volker Schmeissner of the Heritage Society; Gudrun Liicke-Hogaust Cultural Attache for the German Embassy; Gerhard Meinzer, President of Arminius Social Club and medal recipient; Alfred Albert, PM of Arminius Lodge No. 25 and Past President of Arminius Social Club; and Jerold 1. Samet, PGM at the reception following the presentation of the Medal of Merit.
Arminius Club President Gerhard Meinzer Recipient of the Medal of Merit (Extractedandtranslatedj?omthe Washington Journal, Friday, January 5, 1996.) The latest recipient of the Medal of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in the Washmgton area is the President of the Arminius Social Club, Mr. Gerhard Meinzer. During a ceremony at the German Embassy on December 20, 1995 he was presented the Bundesverdientskreuz am Bande, a medal of merit bestowed by the President of the Federal Republic of Germany. During the presentation by the Chief of the Cultural Department, Mrs. Gudrun Luecke-Hogaust, she highlighted these accomplishments: "For six years now you have been an outstanding president of the Arminius Social Club. It is especially noteworthy that during all your activities you place specific value on the continued relationship with the old homeland. As member of the Washington Ski Club you have organized many ski trips to Germany and helped bring the Southof Germany closer to your Americanfriends. You have throughouttheyears assisted countlessvisitors fiom Germany to enjoy close contact with members of your club. As Past Master of the German-spealungArminius Lodge of Washington and member of the Board you even traveled to Paris to represent the American Lodges at an international conferencewhere in addition to your German American association, you also acted as representative of European-American relationships." Gerhard Meinzer, born in 1936 i n Karlsruhe/Germany, left Germany in 1959
and moved first to Canada and then in 1961, via Detroit, to Washington, where in his profession as stonemason, he participated in the construction of various architecturally noteworthy buildings, such as the Arthur Sackler Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution and the National Presbyterian Church. In his profession he served as treasurer and trustee of the Union and was invited to participate in the festivities of the 100th anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone of the White House and the Capitol in Washington. As Past Master of the German-speaking Arminius Lodge of Washington, Gerhard Meinzer has received many honors and in 1994, while representing the American Lodges at the International Conference in Paris, he was recognizedwiththe Goldmedal. Early on he became a member of the Rheinlaender Social Club, the Washington Ski Club, the Concord Club, the Washington Saengerbund,the German Heritage Society, and for the last six years he has been President of the Arminius Social Club. He was Chairman of the 60th Anniversary celebration of the Arminius Social Club this past year. Gerhard Meinzer is a very active participant in the many cultural activities of the German-American community in the Washington area. Following the ceremony a receptionwith luncheon was held at the Embassy House and a number of invited friends and guests congratulated GerhardMeinzer on this great honor of receivingthe Bundesverdienstkreuz am Bande.
Report o n Resolutions Adopted At the Semi-Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge held on May 8, 1996, resolutions were adopted as follows: Resolution No. 1- RESOLVED, that the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia hereby authorizes the Grand Master to order the translation of the ritual authorized to be used by a Constituent Lodge into such languages as he may deem essentialfor the well being of this jurisdiction. In this endeavor he is authorized to appoint language-proficient task forces to work to these ends under the supervision of the Grand Lecturer and the Committee on Work and Lectures. Upon the completion of any and all authorized translations, the Grand Master may also order the preparationofcorrespondingforeign-language ciphers. All translation or cipher-producing projects undertaken in consequence of this resolution are to be accomplished in full accord with those procedures and regulations that are stipulated in StandingResolutions 17 and 25 of the Grand Lodge. Resolution No. 2 - RESOLVED, that the Constituent Lodges conform literally to the adopted ritualistic work taught in the Grand Lodge Schoolof Instructionunlessthe charter of a Lodge authorizes an alternative ritual. In all cases the obligation ofthe Master Mason's Degree conferred in alllodges shall include a statement that the candidate shall conform to the "laws, resolutions and edicts ofthe Grand Lodge under whch the samemay be holden." Resolution No. 3 - RESOLVED, that the Master may order hs Lodge when at labor in the ThdDegree to be at recess for an interim period for the purpose of permitting nonMasonsto be present, suchasduring anUOpen Installation." While "at recess" the Square and Compasses shall be displaced and no due guards or signsarepermitted (includingGrand Honors), except the sign of fidelity. Nothmg shall be revealedthatis not proper to be made known to non-Masons, and the normal movement around the Lodge at labor or at refieshment will not be required. During this period the officers are not required to be in their stations and places. Note: Resolutions No. 1 and 2 reflect amendments to the original proposals as printed in the call to the Semi-Annual Communication. When inserted into the list of StandingResolutions in the Code, Resolution No. 1 will be identified as Standing Resolution No. 28; Resolution No. 2 will be identified as StandingResolution No. 11;andResolution No. 3 will be identfied as Standing Resolution No. 29.
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Alianza Fraternal Americana No. 92 Holds Mother's Day Celebration Masonic Foundation Announces Scholarships
Onceagain our amen1 and augw Order pays ils d c e p l homage to mu Mothers. both p m t and absent, of the Amcnw and& World. Themoslpsentimnlsd
Iwe. understanding warmth, and r e -
~ e s are s fwnd in hcr, who gavcr US Me. Tn this TBodernerawer e c o g n i 7 ~ t h c s c q ~ i ~ a sub-IimvirtueswMlhyand enduring fir germations 16m c . In ancient cjvikt-
liw whichhcw Iwlighr h n we+m c n wre rhough! LO be mre &s, under diwm obligation u, pmcreale, with no gma~erpromise or recompense permitted. Toda! the woman!molhcr propurly occup ~ canclcvalcd s sralus, not only in thu home. rf sht should so choose, but aim in pi o n s and politics. Womcn hBve gmnred d . 1 ~W I u i e s of great nations such as England. Tur)rey. Mia, Prrkisran, Nicaragua. and Bolivia. a d all of heads ofsiatc haw, bmn molhcrs ax! pmfmionals in heir wwn fight. As all d us did at somdme before ut e n r d the pomk of ihis fine Lodge, I cclmplucd a wcritren application fn my own handwriting whch reguebd, Inter din, the names and professions of my Mtxhw and F ~ I M1m . e : "Father- Accwntant. M& - Hocnemker." How cunaus.
Thc Sccrclary of lhc Masonic Founda~ion of lhc Dislrict of Columbia. Stcwart W. Mnur, rcpons ~ h a livinnws of I996 hlas a i i FudaLiOP ,Sdd&upc havc bccn T h p r p g ~rbeh ~ ~ has nov. bmm in hr rilc m,annually pmdda m p c w 15 outnanding-dN& a $ k a t c d in ~ h c Dimia of Cotumbia. Scvcral olrllc prcscntations have been reccntly tnadc a1 awards memnies a1 h e high schools. Thc gradua m sclmed for 1996 scholarships arc: CHWWEZE N.AHAGHOTU CixWge H ~ g hSchool
MELISSA BRYANT High School
ERINE. CONLAN Ellington School for the Arts
LAURA K. WENHAM School W~thoulWalls
JAMILA D. BURGESS Barrnekrr H ~ q hSchool
DAMIYAE. WHITAKER Cardora Htgh School
CHAD LIU School Without Wdlr
GHEBAILA. ARAIA Wilson High School
D O N N E S S L. D U N C A N Roosevc4t High School
TAWNYA M. WOODLAND An acortis High School
NAKIYA
E. WHITAKER
Cardora Hjgh School
NY K&ESHA D. DAVIS C
DANM D
m thgh School
T. BEVERLY W High School
TKIA t.HICKS 5
H ~ g hSchool
FATIMA
p.SEABROOK H ~ g hSchool
Grand Lodge Ladies at the Installation sf Grand Lodge Officers Front R o w - I14 Farah Hatdl. Margwet 5 am Joyce Cbney, Yem Appel G m d e M k 3 r d R m - 0 4 Jmnifm Murray, AdekSimm Jeannie D i c k i i n . Wdie Starr. B w d y Berning,Pa Tww, Laura %bod.Mwilee Ward. Rebma Weir
Each rccipicnt u-assclcctcd by tllc Scholarship Cornrriirtcc on rhc basis of acadcmic achicvc~ncnt,nccd. scnsc ofco~nmunilyrcsponsibililj, and calcularcd responsibility. and po~cn~ial to scn.c and bcmr socicty.
Inaugural Grand Lodge
CPR Training Class Teaches Lifesnving Skills to Brethren Onc ofthc most slanling idcas of ~nodcrn mcdicinc is that "suddcn clinical d c a t h can be rwcrscd. Perhaps morc aslonislling is ~ h crcali~ationthat Ibis miracle of scicncc may bc bronght about by any of us. anywhcrc, using only our hands. our lungs, and our brains. Cardiopulnionanr rcsuscitalion (CPR) pcrforrncd properly and promptlj, can hclp \.iclinis to rcccivc lifcmving marmcnt \vitli advance nicdical rcchniqucs. Possibly, 111c grcalcst giR \vc can givc to anothcrhurnan is ~hcgifioflifc.Wc n1an;cl a1 thc rniraclc ofchildbirth. Bringinga ncw lifc into thc world nclrr ccascs to ~hrill parcnls. grandparcnls, friends and nicdical professionals. A1 thc othcr cnd thc spccm n i . lhc act saving a human lifc is the u l t i ~ ~ ~gift a t c one human k i n g can bcstow upon anolhcr. That gift of lifc is givcn c v c n day by conificd cardiopulrnona~rcsuscilalion (CPR) lipLsm'crs. I n 199Ocardiovascular discascaccounrixl for niorc than 90,000 dcaths, including ncarly 500.000 dcaths duc to hcan attack. About two thirds of tlic dcaths from hem allack occur bcforc the victirn rcaclics the liospilal. Many of thtsc dcail~scan k prcvcntcd if tlic victinis get liclp - if so~iiconc trdincd in CPR providcs propcr lifcsaving nmsurcs until lraincd proicssionals k k c ovcr. Aftcr cardiac arrcst. prompll initialed CPR n-la).return 1k3ims to produc~iitlifc. Without CPR, aflcr about sis niinulcs brain cells bcgin todicand pcr~nancnlbrain d c a ~ h duc to a lack ofosygcn will occur. Thc kc! to saving livcs is nviitncss in goiring spccializcd rncdical carc for victimsand in~nicd i a l c l srarting CPR. of Wc arc ivcll allarc o f ~ h demographics c our Grand Lodgc. Statistics shoiv tllat rlle avcngc age of our mcmborship has incrcascd and continucs 10 incrcasc. We %IT looking at an avcragc agc in our. Grand Jurisdic~ionranging from 60 10 70 years of agc. The probabilil~of incidents of hean attack and w o k e incrcasc nith agcas we11
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
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M~nday.September 9 ..........................Singleton Justic@-Columbiait3
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as othcr factors. What would happcn if a brothcr or a gucst sud&nly beco~~lesuncon- T u e d q , September 17 ..................... .. Singkton TmpleNopsCathedraI ti32 scious and stopped breathing? Would thcre bc soniconc a~~ailablc to completdy assis thc siluation and in~rncdjatelyimplement CPR tcchniqucs 10 liclp that pcrson. possibly saving his liic? What \vould 1,ou do? Call 91 1 and wait for emergmq seivicrz pcrsonncl to arrivewhilethevictim porsibly suficrs from lack of oqgcn. blood circula- Thursday, October 10 ..................... . . ... Naval LaFayem-Dupont 1119 lion or both? Considering an avcragc rcD a w n 116 sponsc tjrnc of G to 7 rninulcs. without imnicdiarc carc. ~ h cvictim would, in all fiurrday. O c t a k 17 .............................. Naval likclil~ood.h a l t suficrcd irrcvcrsiblc brain Naval W4 fyrhqoras Lodge of k a r c h dcath bcforc thc arriipal o i clncrgcncy scrvicc pcrson~icl.Would~ouknow ~vhatto do Thursday, Navembw 7 .......................... Singlaon to hclp a vicliln in such a casc'? Could you Wm. R. Stngbn-Hope-Lebanon lf7 do il? Harmony 1117 On June S. 1996. 1l1c first Grand Lodgc CPRTraining Classwascunvcnedal Naval Monday. November 25 .......................... Takoma Hiram-Takoma 410 Lodgc Hall. Ttus c k was h e initial u d d n g b ~i h- e G r a n d M y CPRCan* All visi~auotskginwith lhc cri~ranccoftl~c mitt=. Studcnts were mined in rwo of h e Grand Master and his Suitc at S:O0 P.M. most importam lifesaving leehniques. CarThc hosl Lodgc in cwry instancc tvill opcn diqm~monanRcsusciration(CPR) and fi rst aidiurchdting lHcimlich rnancuicr). Upon onc-half hour prior to thc cnrrancc of the complelkm of this four hour block of in- Grand htaslcr arid his Suitc. In all cascs lhc Grand Lodgc niust bc ad~ililtcdprornptl>.. slri~ction.thc studcnts w r c accrcdilcd for their t2n1crican Hcart Association Aduh CPR certification. Thc brcllircn awnding this first class w r c Dr. Harold B l d . P.M. Grand Lodge of Vermont (35); Patrick H. Lazcrc. P.M ( 10): Amclwd Presents Medal to Mowlack Shck. W.M. (23); J c r n ColsonOur Grand Secretary W y , S . W . (1): Ralph Tollc!.. W . h l .I1I): and F. William Hcrshiscr, P.M.(47). A1 thc rcccntl?' complclcd annual comT ~ S individuals C arc now prcparcd to niuriication of1Iw Grand LodgcoiVcr~non~. serve no1 onl!. ihc brcllircn of this Grand thc Grand Sccrcran of ~ h District c of CoLodgc. but rnorc importantl!,. tlic Washing- lumbia. Sluwart W. Xlincr, P.G.M.. n a s ton n~clropolitancon1munib, at-largc. Thest p e n r c d thc Philip C. Tuckc~.Mcdaloirliar CPR certification is not orily a valuable Gnrrd Lodgc. The m d a l is aivardcd to a rmusce Cor our firucmi~y.bul also an in- Master Mason in tllc United Slaics or valnablc tcmum that will bendit our fam- Canada. for oulsia~ldingachimment and ily. fri~ndsand cornmunitits. In his classic setvia: In any branch of Fmnusonry. I n p n , On His Rhdiwa, John Millon. B e nxciiving this mcdal lle joins a wlwi gmup grea~English p l wrote. "They also e w e . which includes,among many other Masons ~lrosewho swnd and wah." These CPR of note, thccurreni Grand sccmariesof ihc mined prsonnd ncnv stand and wail LO Grand Lodges of Delaware. Kenrucky. and s e m heir brethren and communily rcady knnsylwinia. to assist arrd save lives. We pray that i h q In addi~ionno tocPhiiipC.TuckcrMcdat. wrll nwer have to be died upon lo employ our Grand Sccmae i s h e holder d the their skills, but we arc confident lhar thcy Charles H i m y Johnson ModaI (New York): as@ ready and willingto m e if called upon the Jmemy Ladd Cross Medal W m Hampto SAVE A LIFE. Congratdadons and hats shire); and the Valentine Rcinwxl Medal 08to these bmhrea. [Disiricl of Columbia). .-
Masonic Charity Reaches New and Impressive Dimension
Harris. Jr., 5arn Harrison, Alexander Harry, John 6. Harry, Jr., Edward 6. Harsch, Gordon
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Jehl. Cot, fioland R. Jenkins, William T. Jmkhs, Harold Jernigan, Rufus 5. Johnson, Aubrey 5. Johnson, A. Edmund J a h n mW L . J&rn les& G. Johnrar. A hktkd Jmer, C W
Jq C&h S. JcxpWeQ Frak Kktwq M a 1 K a h j I R Kafkl n l & x h e M. K i *E L K m y w , F i a k A. K r n , Harkoh I Kerns, Sr., John 6. Kerr. Jr., John M. Kidwele' G r w p R. K i d 41 P MG. K l d d Gmf@ R. K!mrs& K m t h C. King. A h ? f! Kirk, Makolm M.
Front Row - (l-r) Jerold 1. Samet, PGM, Grand Treasurer; Dan L Frederick, Junior Grand Warden; Eldon 1. Brown, Senior Grand Warden; William E. Chaney, Jr., Grand Master; Robert F. Drechsler, Deputy Grand Master; Stafford Appel, Grand Lecturer; Stewart W. Miner, PGM, Grand Secretary Middle Row - (l-r) George R. Kidwell, Deputy Grand Lecturer; Walter F. Simon, Assistant Grand Chaplain; G. Lee Ferguson, Grand Marshal; Robert H. Starr, Senior Grand Steward; Mansour Hatefi, Senior Grand Deacon; Grant R. Berning, Junior Grand Deacon; JulesS. Tepper, Junior Grand Steward; Thomas E. Weir, Grand Chaplain; Todd C. Duehring, Grand Pursuivanr William H. Doblog, Special Assistant t o the Grand Master Back Row - (I-r) Anthony S. Murray, Aide t o the Grand Master; James D. Martin, Ill, Aide t o the Grand Master; Patrick H. Lazere, Aide t o the Grand Master; Harold A. Blood, Grand Lodge Physician; George E. Enders, Assistant Grand Tiler; LemoineV. Dickinson, Grand Sword Bearer; Carl R. LeVine, Grand Historian; Gerhard Meinzer, Grand Tiler; C. Macaulay Ward, Grand Lodge School Tiler; Hiram L. Wohlfarth, Aide to the Grand Master, Christopher K. Mahaney, Grand Standard Bearer
Voice of Freemasonry Grand Lodge, F.A.A.M., of D.C. 5428 MacArthur Blvd., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20016
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itsbeginning in Koreain entury and t h a e i s now