Abrogation of Visitation Guideline

Grand Master Leonard Proden recently announced that he and Grand Master Robert E. Wheeler agreed to abrogate the guideline adopted in the year 2000 to govern visitations by brethren holden to the Grand Lodge, F.A.A.M., of D.C. and the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, Inc.

In announcing this development, MWB Proden observed that while the guideline had effectively accomplished its intended purpose, adherence to it proved to be cumbersome and time-consuming. Moreover, he stated, in view of the good relations which have been established and now prevail between the two jurisdictions, its continued use is unnecessary.

MWB Proden concluded this announcement by observing that with the relegation of the guideline to a position of historical interest, we may now move forward “in becoming better acquainted with our Prince Hall brethren, and they with us.” The resolution of agreement reached by the two Grand Masters reads as follows:

Action was taken to enhance inter-visitation by brethren holden to the Grand Lodge, F.A.A.M., of D.C. and the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of D.C., Inc. on August 20, 2005 by the Grand Masters of the two jurisdictions, MWB Robert E. Wheeler (L) and MWB Leonard Proden (R). Staff Report

ABROGATION OF SUGGESTED GUIDELINE FOR VISITS BETWEEN BRETHREN OF THE GRAND LODGE, F.A.A.M. AND THE PRINCE HALL GRAND LODGE OF D.C.

RESOLUTION

Whereas, the Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of the District of Columbia and the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Prince Hall Affiliation of the District of Columbia, Incorporated, did on September 11, 2000, mutually agree to a Suggested Guideline for Visits between Brethren of these two Grand Lodges; and

Whereas, during the transitional period that followed the mutual recognition of these two Grand Lodges, said Guideline did serve a necessary and useful purpose and did fulfill the wishes of the two Grand Masters that visits between Constituent Lodges of their respective Grand Lodges should be conducted in the most friendly and appropriate manner; and

Whereas, it is the belief of both Grand Masters that fraternal visitations can now be further increased and the bonds of fraternal friendship and brotherhood made even stronger by eliminating the Guideline, now therefore

Be It Resolved, that it is now mutually agreed by the Grand Masters of both Grand Lodges that the Guideline is hereby abrogated, it being understood that long established traditions regarding the customs of usual notification to a Grand Lodge in the event of an official visitation by a Grand Master or other high Grand Lodge Officer to another jurisdiction should continue and the abrogation of the Guideline is in no manner intended to diminish such standards of proper Masonic courtesy.

Given under our hands on this 20th day of August, 2005.

Signed:

Most Worshipful Leonard Proden Grand Master, Grand Lodge, Free And Masons, District of Columbia

Most Worshipful Robert E. Wheeler Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Lodge PHA, District of Columbia, Inc

What Manner of Men

“I pray you with all earnestness to prove and to know within your hearts that all things lovely and righteous are possible for those who believe in their possibility, and who determine that for their part they will make each day’s work contribute to them. Let every dawn of morning be to you as the beginning of life, and every setting sun be to you as its close. Then let every one of these short lives leave its sure record of some kindly thing done for others, some goodly strength or knowledge gained for yourselves. So from day to day and strength to strength, you shall build up an edifice of which it shall not be said: ‘See what manner of stones are here,’ but ‘see what manner of men.’ “

—John Ruskin, English Critic and Social Theorist (1819-1900)

Looking Ahead

continued from page 12 worldwide. Grand Lodges across the country have

One Good Mason Saved —Another Good Mason Dead

continued from page 11

to attend the burial of Officer Leslie Coffelt. A religious service was held in the Fort Myer Chapel and the service was conducted by Dean John W. Suter of the Washington his upcoming “The Solomon Key” will further fuel that

National Cathedral. Brother Coffelt was accorded last military honors. The last observance was a Masonic funeral by the Lodge.

The seven active pall bearers were fellow Officers of The White House Police, and all were Masons. Two each were from Anacostia Lodge No. 21 and Potomac Lodge No. 5; one from Petworth Lodge No. 47; and two from other jurisdictions. There were six honorary pall bearers, all of whom were retired fellow Officers and friends of Brother be able to handle the truth, my brethren. Let us neither

Coffelt: three from Potomac Lodge No. 5, two from Hiram Lodge No. 10; and one from Anacostia Lodge No. 21.

Authors Steven Hunter and John Bainbridge, Jr. have written an excellent and riveting account of this historical event and the background leading to the assassination attempt. The book, American Gunfight, The Plot to Kill lished by Simon & Schuster. This was among the source documents used to prepare this article.

Editorial Note: This article is a condensation of a research effort which also includes an analysis of the Puerto Rican nationalist movement that developed subsequent to the conclusion of the Spanish-American War. The full and unabridged version of this article is available, upon request, at the office of the Grand Secretary. .

expressed interest in displaying the paintings in their jurisdictions.

The Disney Production of the “National Treasure” has aroused renewed curiosity about Freemasonry. Author Dan Brown’s best selling novel “The DaVinci Code” and interest. The September 5, 2005 U.S. News and World Report article “Secrets of The Masons,” closes with these words: “And who knows? Those aging boomers might even figure out how to bring younger Americans into the craft.”

Freemasonry is no longer a secret. Will we be ready to answer the questions that will inevitably arise? We must Harry Truman – and the Shoot-Out That Stopped It, is pub

fear nor be angered by our critics, for they too have something of value to offer our institution. Let us stay focused on our mission and simply continue to build on our foundation. Be positive, be engaged, be a part of the future.

Personally I am proud to be a Mason. I am proud to be a D.C. Mason. I am honored and privileged to be able to serve this great fraternity and the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia. God bless you. God bless your families. God bless America.

Scottish Rite Developments

continued from page 13

are levied on our kind offices; but also to do good unto all and, without fail, to always look with kindness and compassion on the myriad of wants emanating from the household of the faithful. Let us therefore resolve to sort discontent out the rubble of today’s world and set about the work of building new and lasting temples in the hearts and minds of men everywhere.

In conclusion, my brethren and guests, let us resolve, at this Biennial Session of our Supreme Council, to labor more diligently than ever before to establish peace, understanding, and love among the peoples of all

The Grand Lodge—What is it?

continued from page 15

I do this because I find that there is a somewhat prevalent error which consists in regarding the Grand Lodge as in some sort a separate Lodge, having distinct interests from the constituent Lodges, and considering it a duty of the constituent bodies, if not to oppose the Grand Lodge in its measures, at least to regard it with jealousy, and to curtail its power and influence.

“The Grand Lodge has no separate existence from the constituent Lodges; it has no separate property; it has no function that is not exercised for the direct benefit of the constituent bodies; it can receive no benefit or honor that is not immediately conferred or reflected upon the bodies which constitute it. Through its printed proceedings it becomes the organ through which they communicate with and become known to the entire Masonic world.

“I urge upon you, therefore, members and officers of this Grand Lodge, a spirit of loyalty to her, and through her, nations, all religions, all tongues, and all races, without exception. Let the realization of these goals be the temples of Masonry on which we labor, day by day, for the common good.

Leonard Proden, Grand Master Grand Lodge of D.C.

Editor’s Note: At this session of the Supreme Council a number of Scottish Rite Masons holden to the Valley of Washington, D.C. were elevated to the rank of Knight Commander Cross of Honor (a total of 33) or 33rd Degree Inspectors General Honorary (a total of 15). The staff of the “Voice” extends congratulations and best wishes to all who were so honored.

I would have you direct your efforts for the improvement and elevation of the fraternity in this entire jurisdiction.

“I have an ambition for this jurisdiction, which, I think, through your united efforts, may meet full gratification. It is that, not only in Masonic harmony and prosperity, but in refinement, social standing, general culture, Masonic learning and catholic Masonic charity, we should be unsurpassed, if not unrivaled, in any other jurisdiction whatever. This eminence cannot be achieved except by earnest effort and study, and if we would have our brethren learned and accomplished Masons, we must afford them the means of study and offer them the rewards which superior attainments deserve.”

Editorial Observation: Making due allowance for developments that have taken place over time, such as the gradual material enrichment of the Grand Lodge, the words of Most Worshipful Brother Stansbury are no less apropos today than they were on St. John’s Day in 1871, when he renewed his vows as Grand Master for the third time.