Cover Credit

Voice of Freemasonry Volume 23, Number 1, 2006

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Albert McNair Smith, Grand Master

MANAGING EDITOR Mansour Hatefi, Grand Secretary

The Voice of Freemasonry is an official publication of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons (F.A.A.M.) of the District of Columbia. Unless otherwise noted, articles appearing in this publication express only the private opinion or assertions of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Grand Lodge. The jurisdiction speaks only through the Grand Master and the Executive Board, when attested to as official, in writing, by the Grand Secretary. The editorial staff invites contributions in the form of

informative articles, reports, news and other timely information (of about 500 to 1000 words in length) that broadly relate to Masonic law, lore, customs, history, symbolism, philosophy, responsibility of membership, etiquette, current events, and/or general public interest. When possible, photographs that illustrate these informative articles should accompany the submission. Pieces submitted should be typed, double-spaced and preferably accompanied by a computer disk in a neutral PC format or via e-mail to:

grandlodge@dcgrandlodge.org

Articles are subject to editing and, when published, become the property of the Grand Lodge, F.A.A.M., of the District of Columbia. No compensation is allowed for any articles, photographs, or other materials submitted for publication. Permission to reprint articles will be granted upon written request to the Editor from recognized Masonic publications and others. When reprinted, articles should note: “Reprinted with permission of the Voice of Freemasonry in the Nation’s Capital, (month), (year).”

Please direct all correspondence to: Managing Editor: The Voice of Freemasonry 5428 MacArthur Blvd., N.W. Washington, DC 20016-2524

THE GEORGE WASHINGTON MASONIC NATIONAL MEMORIAL

Located on Shooters Hill in Alexandria, the George Washington Masonic National Memorial commemorates Brother George Washington, a Master Mason, and his contributions to the establishment of this nation.

Tours of the Memorial are conducted daily for Freemasons, for those would like to become Freemasons, and for the public as a whole. This monument, dedicated in 1932, is visited by more than 50,000 tourists annually.

The Masons of the District of Columbia contribute liberally and voluntarily to the financial support of the Memorial — by assessment and by voluntary participation in the Memorial Association’s programs, including its window dedication and tree planting efforts.

Strategically positioned, the George Washington National Masonic Memorial is a signature landmark in the metropolitan area. Overlooking the city of Washington, D.C., it rises majestically to silently suggest the promise proclaimed by the precepts of American democracy.

Currently on display in the Memorial are the paintings that were prepared for the Initiated Eye Exhibit, sponsored by the Grand Lodge of D.C. and displayed previously in the historic Octagon Museum.

Table of Contents

Page Cover Credit ..........................................................................................................2 Grand Master’s Message........................................................................................3 Grand Secretary’s Message ....................................................................................4 The Purpose of Freemasonry..................................................................................5 Universal Freemasonry in Our Nation’s Capital.........................................................6 Unum As Well As Pluribus ......................................................................................8 Grand Visitations — Legacy or Liability? .................................................................9 Crafting the Mason...............................................................................................12 Amadeus, the Golden Immortal.............................................................................13 Centerfold............................................................................................................14 Distinguished Masons Honored.............................................................................16 Looking Back Over Time ......................................................................................19 Lodge Anniversaries — 2006................................................................................20 Reverse Engineering the Question: What Does it Mean to be a Mason? .................22 The Cornerstone at “Jackson City” .......................................................................24 Installation Ceremony Filmed ................................................................................25 Grand Lodge Officers ..............................................................................back cover

Photo Credits: All photographs printed in this issue of the “Voice”, unless indicated otherwise, were provided by or arranged for by William D. Means (7).