The Voice of Freemasonry | Vol. 23 No. 2

Volume 23, Number 2

AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Photo Credit: Todd C. Duehring

GRAND LODGE OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF D.C.

Voice of Freemasonry Volume 23, Number 2, 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, eti-

THE GRAND LODGE BUILDING: 1908-1983 The photograph on the cover of this issue of the Voice of Freemasonry depicts the home of the Grand Lodge, F.A.A.M., of D.C. from 1908 until 1983, at which time it was sold and renovated to become the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

At the dedication ceremony in 1908, the then Grand Master, MW Augustus B. Coolidge, stated that the building was not simply a home for the Craft, but also a monument to Masonry, standing as evidence of its teachings.

This was a temple, he said, “of which we may well be proud, artistic in design, commodious in construction, commensurate with the dignity and standing of our time-honored institution.”

He also stated that “the same loyalty and love of the Order, the same pride in its reputation and welfare, which has rendered the erection of this building possible, will insure its preservation and prove an impregnable guard against injury in the future.”

MW Coolidge, declaring his optimism for the future of the fraternity, concluded his dedicatory remarks with these words: “May the Masonic ideals here taught and here cherished, and may the virtue and benevolence, the uprightness of character of its members, be as conspicuous in the community as is this beautiful temple... .”

quette, 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:

Unfortunately the future was not as kind to the Craft as MW Coolidge hoped, but the Masons of D.C. still look with pride on their former home, and although it is now occupied by exceptionally worthy successors, it still stands, in our nation’s capital, as a fitting monument to the genius and dedication of our Masonic predecessors.

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Table of Contents

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

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Page Cover Credit ..........................................................................................................2 Grand Master’s Message ........................................................................................3 Celebrating the Special Olympics............................................................................4 Appreciating Our Legacy ........................................................................................5 Architect’s Comments at the Cornerstone Ceremony...............................................6 Grand Master’s Testimonial.....................................................................................8 Building a Better Beehive .......................................................................................9 The Nature of Masonry .........................................................................................10 The Highway of Masonry ......................................................................................12 Centerfold ............................................................................................................14 Grand Master Addresses Olympians .....................................................................16 Medal of Freedom Awarded ..................................................................................17 Local Scholars Recognized...................................................................................19 Grand Master’s Homecoming ...............................................................................20 MIC Calls Lodges to Action ..................................................................................22 Situational Opportunities and Public Awareness ....................................................23 Jackson City — Continued ...................................................................................25 The VA Chapel Project..........................................................................................26 Special Olympics .....................................................................................back cover Photo Credits: All photographs in this issue, unless otherwise indicated, were contributed by the Grand Lodge photographers, Brothers William D. Means and Sviatoslav V. Voloshin.

GRAND MASTER’S MESSAGE

Grand Master’s Message Brethren: How quickly flow the sands of time! When you receive this issue of the Voice, more than half of Masonic Year 2006 will have already elapsed. During that short span of six months, much has happened to Masonry, here in the District of Columbia, elsewhere in our nation, and throughout the world. And most of it is good. Slowly but surely, the merits of the Craft are becoming known.

But in making Masons and non-Masons alike aware of our Masonic values, we can do still more, by being ever alert to opportunity and by putting our best foot forward in environments where our virtues are either unknown or misunderstood. Hence I urge the Masters and Wardens of this jurisdiction to give serious thought to participation in the Twain Program of the Masonic Information Center.

As a Grand Lodge we are making significant progress in our efforts to make the public aware of what we do and what we stand for here in the Capital of our nation. I am particularly proud of our sponsorship of the “Octagon Project,” of the Special Olympics in D.C., of our scholarship program, of our activity in the Palisades celebration of the 4th of July, and of our effort, along with the Prince Hall Grand Lodge, to promote the Washington Nationals among the youth of this city.

During the course of the past six months I have made a special effort to visit our local lodges, some more than once, our appendant bodies, a few sister Grand Lodges, and, of course, the Grand Master’s Conference, held this year in Nashville, Tennessee. On the strength of what I have observed, Masonry is as strong in D.C. as it is anywhere else, and in many respects, it leads the pack. We are doing well.

It is incumbent on me to express gratitude for the many kindnesses that have been showered on me since my installation. In that regard I must single our my mother lodge, East Gate No. 34, for making my homecoming memorable. On that occasion we enjoyed good food, good music, and good fellowship in great abundance.

And it provided Mary and me a platform from which we were able to announce a really big event in our family — the forthcoming birth of our first grandchild!

not already done so, are approaching the 50- and 60-year milestones of their careers in Masonry. I wish that I could personally present each newly qualifying Mason with his pin when it is due. Obviously M.W. Brother that is impossible. But I Albert McNair Smith treasure the opportunities I have had to make several such presentations, including those to Brothers Ojukotu-Macauley (1777), William M. Edwards (14), and Oran W. Conrad (34).

I want to express my gratitude to all of those who made our International Brotherhood celebrations the success that it proved to be. The program was innovative and it was structured to reveal the great strength of our Grand Lodge and of the principles on which the government of the United States stands, in theory and practice. I am certain that our visitors, particularly those from abroad, returned home with new insights on the significance of this city and nation in the world community that we share.

I cannot close without again thanking my lodge, East Gate No. 34, for sponsoring a testimonial in my honor as the final event of International Weekend. It was wonderful to be able to return to a building in which the Grand Lodge of D.C. was housed for most of the past century. It is a magnificent structure and its Masonic origins are still clearly evident.

In order to make it possible for our younger Masons, who did not have the opportunity to attend lodge in what was at one time our Masonic Temple, I have asked the editor of the Voice to present some views of what it was like when it was originally constructed. This explains the inclusion of the comments of the architect, offered at the laying of the cornerstone in 1907. I commend his remarks to your careful reading.

Sincerely and fraternally, Albert McNair Smith Grand Master

During the first half of my term as your Grand Master I have been afforded the privilege of presenting a number of veteran’s awards. Many of our members, if they have The Voice of Freemasonry

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C E L E B R AT I N G T H E S P E C I A L O LY M P I C S I N T H E D I S T R I C T O F C O L U M B I A

Celebrating The Special Olympics In the District of Columbia he opening day of the 2006 Special Olympics Summer Games in the nation’s capital was indeed a special day for all of those who participated in this annual event, in one way or another. On a fine, sunny and pleasant day, boys and girls, men and women of all ages, and from every walk of life, gathered at the Catholic University of America to once again celebrate what has become one of the major attractions in this wonderful city of ours.

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The Grand Master, MW Albert McNair Smith, having chosen this event as one of his charitable projects for the year, and believing that serving humanity is the highest form of worship, opted to combine our annual Day of Thanksgiving with opening day ceremonies of the Special Olympics Games in Washington, D.C. As such the Grand Lodge made a commitment to not only provide the opening day feast, but also bring out the Masons to serve the many hundreds of athletes, coaches, officials and dignitaries attending the festivities.

And so it was that on Wednesday, May 24th, 2006, while the sun was yet at meridian, dozens of our brethren, from every unit of our Masonic family, some accompanied by their spouses or significant others, were called to labor.

They gathered under the huge tent, set up for this day and jointly paid for by Masons, put on their volunteers’ Tshirts and Masonic caps, and began setting up tens of tables and hundreds of chairs to seat nearly a thousand guests expected to attend the ceremonies and the games.

They set up multiple serving stations close to the caterer’s huge trucks and began laying out the food prepared for the occasion: loads of the corn of the cob, hot dogs, hamburgers, rolls and buns, beef barbeque, coleslaw, potato salad, relishes of all sorts, potato chips, cookies, sliced water melons, all sorts of soft drinks, cold bottles of water, and above all service with courtesy and broad smiles! And this by no means was the highlight of the day. This was not an event to be described or remembered only by the great food offered.

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Mansour Hatefi, PGM Grand Secretary There was a festive mood to be sure. Loud rhythmic music bursting out of huge loudspeakers, beckoned the enthusiasts from near and far to dance to their hearts content.

The athletes, old and young, away from the athletic fields for the time being, danced to the upbeat tunes, showing their stamina, skill and competitive spirit on the soft grass, as well. It was catchy. It seemed that no one was immune.

Our brethren and their spouses, manning the serving stations, were also moving to the beat, while getting ready to serve. Then the loudspeakers went silent, and Brother Daniel D. Darko, Assistant Grand Chaplain, with a moving and inspiring prayer, gave the much awaited signal calling everyone to dinner. They kept coming in bus loads: athletes with their coaches from various schools, health and educational institutions, in their colorful sporting attires and smiling faces, joining the crowd already under the tent on the way to the serving stations.

Food was still in abundance, well past the 5:30 p.m. deadline set by the program organizers, but it was time to close shop and start the task of cleaning up and getting ready for the opening ceremonies in the gymnasium. The smiles had not faded and they worked as hard and efficiently as they had started. They did us proud!

Our Grand Master was entrusted with the pleasant task of closing the first part of the program, getting the crowd ready for the ceremonies. In his brief remarks, appropriate for the occasion, he expressed his deep gratitude for the opportunity afforded to Freemasons to serve the community and thanked all for their participation. He got everyone exited by his calls of, “who is number one?”, and “who is the winner? “To be sure, the response was thunderous and heart warming; arms raised high and waving in the air, index fingers, big and small, pointing to the heavens. continued on page 24

APPRECIATING OUR LEGACY

Appreciating OUR LEGACY hen I think about our recent history and the continuing evolution and adaptation of our Masonic institution to the changing times, I recognize tremendous renewal and progress, and see a bright future for the Craft. We should all consider ourselves fortunate to be participants in, and witnesses of, the dynamic, exciting and productive times our jurisdiction has enjoyed in the recent past and which will, no doubt, continue. I rejoice in the renaissance that characterizes our jurisdiction at present.

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It is happening in all of our Lodges. I see tangible examples of this revival as I visit. I am proud of the diversity and of the unique character of each of our lodges, and most importantly, of the great work that is being done by our Worshipful Masters and the officers of our constituent lodges. Their devotion, their practice of true and enduring Masonry, their impressive ritual work, their meaningful Masonic educational efforts, and their promotion of social responsibility, in an enabling environment of brotherly love, relief and truth, assures the continuing advancement of our interests.

I cannot adequately describe the sense of inner joy and pride that I have when I see increasingly younger faces in our lodges; young men seeking more light from their older brothers, while actively participating in the affairs of their Lodge, more especially in the ritual work. They deport themselves with the respect, honor and dignity that is due our fraternity, realizing that our ritual makes us unique.

Keeping in mind that we have a venerable heritage to preserve, we are successfully encouraging our newly made Masons to better themselves and to contribute to the building of a kinder, more just, and loving world.

Each day I rejoice not only in the tremendous work that is being done in our lodges, but also in our united commitment to the concept of Masonic universality. We embrace all men as children of one God. I am proud that our jurisdiction gives meaning to and daily demonstrates that Masonry is founded on the principle of the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God. Good men of every creed and background, meeting on the level, acting by the plumb, and parting upon the square.

Robert B. Heyat, Deputy Grand Master In a complex world that is torn apart by endless religious disputes, cultural animosities, suspicions, threats, civil wars, abuse and intolerance, we represent an oasis of tolerance and of fraternity, love, freedom, justice, peace and harmony. In this respect our jurisdiction stands tall in the world community of Masonry.

What an incredible feeling of satisfaction it is to see Jews, Christians and Moslems breaking bread together in our lodges. Or to see Armenians and Turks, Arabs and Israelis, Persians, Europeans, Latin Americans and Africans all gather together, with a firm conviction that they are descended from the same stock, partake of the same nature and share the same hope.

It is my hope and fervent prayer that we will continue to deepen and strengthen our appreciation of Masonic universality. Nothing less will be required of us if we are to succeed in living up to our responsibility as Masons of the District of Columbia. By living here in the Nation’s Capital, we have a special responsibility to perfect and protect, through Masonry, a society within a city, that is the focus of world wide interest and attention.

Let us, in short, resolve to propagate the values that we cherish, ceaselessly striving to realize what Joseph Fort Newton defined as the “Mission of Masonry” when he wrote: “When the spirit of this order has its way upon earth, as at last it certainly will, society will be a vast league of sympathy and justice, business a system of human service, law a rule of beneficence, the home will be more holy, the laughter of childhood more joyous, and the temple of prayer mortised and tenoned in simple faith. Evil, injustice, bigotry, and greed, and every vile and slimy thing that defiles humanity will skulk into the dark, unable to endure the light of a juster, wiser, more merciful order.

Industry will be upright, education prophetic, and religion not a shadow, but a real presence, when man has become acquainted with man and has learned to worship God by serving his fellows. When Masonry is victorious every tyranny will fall, every bastille crumble, and man will be not only unfettered in mind and hand, but free of heart to walk erect in the light and dignity of the truth.”

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ARCHITECT’S COMMENTS AT THE CORNERSTONE CEREMONY

Architect’s Comments at the Cornerstone Ceremony Staff Report t the laying of the cornerstone of the Masonic Temple at 13th Street and New York Avenue on June 8, 1907, the Grand Master requested the architect of the building to present a description of the building to be constructed at that site.

The architect’s response, as recorded in the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge, was as follows:

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The classic style of architecture which has been employed in this building is the most enduring of all styles and surely the one style in which the Temple of the Ancients reached its greatest beauty and highest development.

The peculiar shape of the site made it possible to impress on the shortest but most important facade, facing fifty feet and eight inches on Thirteenth street, the character of the Temple so that the most ignorant might, without inquiry, know its purpose. The sides extending down New York avenue one hundred and thirty-two feet and six inches and H street one hundred and forty-four feet and three inches, respectively, are a continuation of this Thirteenth street motif, but here the windows are made much more archaic in character, and by their shape, size, and disposition lend mystic character to the structure.

The building will be six stories high, with the first story about thirty feet in the main auditorium, the total height being one hundred and ten feet above the sidewalk, the greatest height allowed by law on this site. It will be heated by steam, and have a special system of ventilation for the auditoriums, banquet hall, lodge and locker rooms. The structure is to be fireproof throughout, with steel frame construction. The exterior walls, however, will be self-sustaining.

The auditoriums and lodge rooms are to be practically free from columns with fifty-foot plate girders spanning from wall to wall.

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The massive Indiana limestone base of the building is heavily rusticated. The principal entrance is marked by a large semi-circular opening or doorway to distinguish it from the rectangular openings on the sides, which merely are entrances and exits to the auditorium.

The entrance lobby will be of white marble, with bronze and iron outside vestibule and elevator doors.

The colonnade of the superstructure is flanked at either end by heavily rusticated piers, which complete that part of the composition.

An attic story crowns the whole with an elaborate metal cheneau, which gives an interesting silhouette against the sky.

The whole composition is designed for light-colored material. Indiana limestone will be used throughout with the exception of the entablature, which will be of architectural terra cotta, an exact match of the stone.

COMPLETION OF A VISION

Masonic Temple. July 1907. Excavation of the site. Note the use of “horsepower.”

ARCHITECT’S COMMENTS AT THE CORNERSTONE CEREMONY

Masonic Temple. November 1907. Cranes lift uprights into place.

Masonic Temple. February 1908.

Masonic Temple. March 1908. Steel girders in place. Stone work in progress.

Masonic Temple. June 1908. The vision is realized!

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GRAND MASTER’S TESTIMONIAL

Grand Master’s Testimonial The testimonial to Grand Master Albert McNair Smith, sponsored by East Gate Lodge No. 34, was held on Saturday, June 10, 2006, at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, a building that was the home of our Grand Lodge for most of the past century. Erected by D.C. Masons, its cornerstone was laid on June 8, 1907 by Grand Master Francis J. Woodman; it was dedicated on September 19, 1908 by Grand Master Augustus B. Coolidge; and closed, as a Masonic Temple, on January 20, 1983 by Grand Master Donald L. Mallorey.

The testimonial, offered in conjunction with the annual celebration of universal brotherhood by the lodges of D.C., brought to a conclusion several days of Masonic activity in which local lodges hosted a number of interesting programs and associated activities. A large number of Masons, local and worldwide, shared a program rich in Masonic and non-Masonic offerings, including city tours and visits to city landmarks and the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria.

For many participants in the various activities planned, including a significant number of local Masons, the testimonial dinner afforded an opportunity to see, first hand, where Masonry was nurtured, in the District of Columbia, for some 85 years. For a few others, more senior in the Craft, the testimonial undoubtedly generated a bit of nostalgia, as they thought about their pleasant Masonic experiences in an edifice which still displays unmistakable symbols of Masonic truth.

This building was begun after the incorporation of the Masonic Temple Association, an action authorized by Congress and approved by the President of the United States on April 15, 1899. By this act the corporation was given authorization to purchase a site and erect thereon a Masonic temple “whereby the mutual improvement of its members and the tenets and the educational, benevolent, and charitable work and purposes of the Order of Free and Accepted Masons and of bodies related thereto may be promoted and advanced.”

The site was secured and the cornerstone of the new temple was laid by Grand Master Francis J. Woodman on

Stewart W. Miner Grand Secretary Emeritus June 8, 1907, in the presence of a host of presiding Grand Masters of other Grand Lodges, representatives of historic lodges in other jurisdictions, the members of lodges subordinate to the Grand Lodge of D.C., a large number of Senators, Congressmen, and Departmental heads, and most significantly, the President of the United States, Brother Theodore Roosevelt who, on completion of the cornerstone ceremony, addressed the assembled crowd as follows: Most Worshipful Grand Master, Brethren, and Friends: It is a privilege and a pleasure to take part today in the dedication of the new temple. I am sure all of us must appreciate the courtesy of those brethren of other lodges which has rendered it possible to use on this occasion the Bible upon which the great first citizen of this republic, Washington, took the oath when he was made a Mason, and the implements which he used as a Mason in laying the cornerstone of the Capitol in this Capital City of the Nation. Surely there is no place, no other city in the Union, where there should be a fine Masonic Temple as here in Washington, for it is in a sense a national Temple, where Masons from every jurisdiction gather.

I have but one word to say to you, and that word must always be appropriate in any Masonic meeting where the name of Washington is mentioned. I ask each Mason, of each member, of each brother, that he shall remember ever that there is upon him a peculiar obligation to show himself in every respect a good citizen; for after all, the way in which he can best do his duty by the ancient order to which he belongs is by reflecting credit upon the order by the way in which he performs his duty as a citizen of the United States.

Let me also point out that it is well not to wait for times of unusual crisis before you become a good citizen. We are all of us aware of the temptation to think what a splendid and heroic part we would play if the times demanded it; while at the same time it is not always easy to do the workaday, humdrum duties of the moment. continued on page 21

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BUILDING BETTER BEEHIVES

Building Better Beehives n Saturday, March 11, 2006, the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia held its annual MidWinter Leadership Conference at the Mary Graydon Center of the Kogod School of Business at American University. The theme for the conference was “Building Better Beehives”.

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Grand Master addresses the Leadership Conference.

The program was designed to provide some very practical, hands-on advice as well as to discuss some broader topics.

WB Harold Grainger discussed “Officer Responsibility and Preparing for the East.” In his presentation he admonished the brethren to begin working to plan their time in the East as soon as they could. He reminded them of the requirements making it necessary that they obtain certificates that will allow them to be installed as the Masters of their respective lodges.

WB Dean Clatterbuck presented his views on “Working with Your Secretary and Lodge Communications.” He emphasized the necessity of good communications between the Master and Secretary. He also focused on the resources that are available in the Grand Lodge for the establishment of lodge websites.

WB Roger Branch presented a discussion on “Team Building,” in which he put the brethren through a series of challenging exercises that focused on communication and cooperation. A definite highlight of his presentation was a skit in

Edward A. Berry, PM, Chairman Masonic Education and Service Committee

Presentation Staff at the Mid-Winter Conference

which Dean Clatterbuck illustrated the snafus that can occur when communications break down.

WB Ted Berry presented a session on “Change Management” in which he focused on the importance of including all levels of Masonic leadership and membership in order to ensure continuity in the lodge from year to year. He also covered material from Mark Eppler’s book The Wright Way, which describes the processes used by the Wright Brothers to do the impossible — inventing powered flight.

The conference concluded with each constituent lodge officer meeting with his respective Grand Lodge counterpart for a period of fellowship and planning.

Mid-winter Conference. Group Photo

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THE NATURE OF MASONRY

The Nature of Masonry Jerry W. Carter, III hat is Masonry, really? Is it simply a men’s eating and drinking club? Or is it something more significant? How could 18th century Masonry be understood

by Masons, then or now, as not much more than an innocuous men’s club? This perspective is the source of a nagging question for some contemporary Masons. Can it really be taken seriously?

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It seems inconceivable that Masons could step back from a past of high standards, divine inspiration and intellectual pre-eminence to become an inconsequential and self-serving social organization. Masonry, without doubt, was once the most productive and formative human force in the destiny of mankind.

When the Rev. Dr. James Anderson published “The Constitutions of the Free-Masons” in 1723, the idea began to emerge that Masonic bodies were only “men’s eating and drinking clubs.” Rather than accept that as fact, we might wonder whether it was not an exaggerated criticism intended to hide the serious work of Masonry.

Whether it was a criticism or not, that appears to apply to present day Masonry. How often have we heard great food trumpeted as the only description of a missed lodge meeting?

There appears, indeed, to be a glaring incongruity between Masonry of the past and what Masonry is today.

It appears to some to be little more than a social club for men where easy charity is exercised, investment into the future of humanity is limited, and urgent matters of national and world health are either not discussed or glibly brushed over. Current practices, in most cases do stand at odds with the spiritual values, mind set, designs, and actions of the past.

Standing in stark contrast to the concept of a men’s social club, Anderson’s “Constitutions” was the most important statement Masonry had made about itself up to that time.

Years of collection and analysis of ancient secret Masonic documents were synthesized into one volume. The Constitutions was a guide to Masonic wisdom and history, a consolidation of the wisdom of eminent scientists, scholars and theologians.

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Considering the quality and the source of the information contained in The Constitutions, it is indeed curious that such a bland, men’s club picture remains for many the image of Masonry. It is also curious that Anderson’s “Constitutions” is still unknown to most long-time Masons; and for those who have heard about it, at least in the Americas and Europe, it is regarded merely as a historic curiosity, which few have read or understand.

Now, about three centuries after the publication and distribution of Anderson’s “Constitutions,” the main concern of contemporary Masonry is focused on the sharp decline of membership and lodge closings. It is mystifying and alarming to many Masons that only a few men enter Masonry, and of those who do, still fewer remain to fill an ever-declining number of lodges.

The fact is there are a growing number of men in our society who are obviously unsatisfied seekers. With their interest piqued by recent scholarly and theatrical presentations about Masonry, they enter into our lodges with high expectations as they work to reach their objective to become a part of a Masonry that is rich with meaning and significance. These new members, however, soon learn that Masonry has become more and more bland, and less relevant in increasingly stressful contemporary conditions.

Moreover, contemporary Masons are encouraged not to compare the Masonry of history with Masonry now. Some apparently fear that in this comparison we would suffer greatly, for the Masonry of late has not been able to attract or support the modern equivalents of Desaguliers, Da Vinci, Newton or Mozart. Instead of embracing our past, we turn away from our greatest asset and in the process discourage the very unusual minds that could tremendously benefit both our society and Masonry.

Time rushes by. Now is the moment for American Masonry to look more closely at the totality of Masonry’s achievements, and then to honestly evaluate our relevance today. We should look at ourselves and Masonry,

THE NATURE OF MASONRY

not in terms of just our current state, but also in light of the foundation our predecessors laid out for us, half shrouded in secrets and code for us to discover again so we may rebuild the Temple.

To assess of our own relevance, we must first realize that our spectacular present -day technological and materialistic progress has mesmerized us and has obscured the glorious and profound achievements of Man’s Mind over past millennia. Our “now” which consumes our attention, is actually but a small segment of a time continuum comparable to the fulcrum of a limitless time line balanced upon the apex of a pyramid.

In this continuum, are past Masonic accomplishments of the mind, which were translated into a concrete reality that has indelibly shaped the world in which we exist today. Consider, for instance, the important constructions of Masons in the centuries past, such as the perfectly aligned and symmetrical pyramids, the magnificent cathedrals soaring to heaven with stone spires, the numerous and widespread magnificent castles, and great mansions. Consider the system of constitutional democracy, which Masons had such a strong hand in creating and maintaining.

Within the ageless Masonic presence, there exists the supreme commitment for genius to convey a divine expansion of consciousness to mankind. The “light” referred to in Masonry is the inexplicable inspiration and transmission of the Divine into artists who received the “light” and translated it into concrete experiences, which could be shared of with attuned audiences in the conventional world.

This perception, that there is a divine force acting in all of us, though more strongly in some, is unbelievable to many. However, there is historical testimony to divine inspiration in the Renaissance and several hundred years that followed it. During that period, science, art, and the divine were not distinguishable as separate entities as they are today. They existed in the Renaissance Mind as one and inseparable.

It is important for Masons today to recognize the significance of both Masonry and our Brethren in the quantum jumps that were made in the past. It was the unique and imaginative minds of Masons, who were allowed to nurture and practice their special craft, who lead civilization forward in great leaps and bounds. It was Masonry that provided the opportunity for the blossoming of this tremendous potential.

It is easy to forget the Masons of bygone time who invented the foundational information, vision and tools required for the development of the modern society that we enjoy. Without the contributions of Masons of the past, many of the conveniences of modern life would not be available. Without the work of Masons in the past, we might not have the educational system we have benefitted from, feudal states might still battle one another, and democracy might only be a footnote in history.

The success of Masonry and its contributions to humanity are so great that it is nearly impossible for the human mind to step back far enough to see the entirety of its significance. Masonry has had long periods when significant material wealth fed the greatest intellectual and esthetic achievements.

With the backing and partnering of Masonry, small groups of individual Brothers working in obscure areas of research, created unimaginably successful physical manifestations of Masonic presence and provided the basis of much that we know and rely on in our modern lives.

Now is the right time to reestablish Masonic relevance. It is time to open up those books, discussions, and ideas that so much concerned our Masonic predecessors. Today Masonry can move from easy charity to the more meaningful concept of investing in the most valuable resource humanity has ever had, the genius of the human mind.

The choice is ours. We can make Masonry relevant if we are determined to five priority to the intellectual and spiritual resources of our best minds and will share that which we will surely find.

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THE HIGHWAY OF MASONRY

The Highway of Masonry he highway of Masonry is strewn with guide-books and placarded with sailing directions for the traveler in his voyage of life, and they have for a common foundation the sacred maxim, “Do unto thy neighbor as thou wouldst that he should do unto thee.” Upon this golden hinge Freemasonry rests and revolves.

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Along this highway we find no finger-post marked selfishness. Now, I believe a large proportion of Masons are honest and fairly unselfish in all they say or do, but many are not, for they only seek to promote their own individual interests. One may have a pet scheme that is not indorsed, another gratifies the longings of a selfish ambition, and both oppose measures that would be of undoubted benefit to the Craft. They are selfish.

Others arc often disputatious, self-opinionated, and obstructive in their course of action; if these were less selfish, and were actuated by an earnestness to further the interests of the order, this unhappy condition would not occur, for they would be found acting more in harmony with each other.

Petty quarrels arising from trivial causes are the shame of Masonry. What is the probable result? Aesop answers: “In quarreling about the shadow we often loose the substance.”

Many guide-boards are found along the Masonic highway.

One reads temperance, and suggests reflections.

Temperance is synonymous with moderation, and when restricted to the appetite means moderate use as opposed to abuse, and is in contradistinction to total abstinence.

From the earliest times Masonry has had an intimate association with conviviality, hence the appointment of Stewards to provide the repast, and the selection of the Junior Warden to prevent excessive indulgence. Until recently all the English Lodges were held at some public house, and this custom now attains to a considerable extent.

In several countries I have found the lodge equivalent to a club, where labor and refreshments were conducted with a propriety that made the plan commendable. At Edinboro (Edinburgh) I visited Canongate Kilwinning Lodge, of which at one time Burns was the Poet Laureate,

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J. Mills Browne, PGM Grand Lodge of California and Johnson Boswell the Master. The lodge room, furniture, and minor equipment have an age of more than two hundred years. Permanent tables for refreshment are upon the floor of the Lodge, while the Stewards department in the West gives evidence that their vocation is not that of tolerable repose, but of decided activity. In looking over the minutes of this Lodge, I found that one bill was regularly presented and ordered to be paid; it itemized sugar, lemons, and whiskey.

In the By-Laws of ye With courage, strength, Royal Cumberland and confidence in his Lodge, held at ye Bear, in 1746, we life, a brother, broad and read: “If a Brother is liberal in mind and genfound distempered erous in heart, will with drink, he shall be admonished to go rectify an error, peacefully home; acknowledge a wrong, which, if he refuses, and forgive an injury. he shall be turned out and taken care of with as little disturbance as possible, and fined two shillings, except, the Lodge vote him excus’d from this fine.” So much for Masonry in ye olden time. In our day are social gatherings, when conducted with moderation or temperance, productive of harm? I think not. From labor to refreshment is natural.

These occasions enable the interchange of friendly opinions, old friendships are renewed, and new ones are formed. Besides, social enjoyment and temperate conviviality are harmonious with charity. At these assemblies if an application for alms be made, it is likely to be cheerfully responded to by those who vividly remember the wants of those who are not so fortunately circumstanced as themselves. Epicures hath said, “The origin and root of all good is the pleasure of eating.”

Metrodoms, the philosopher, used bluntly to say that ‘’conversation which takes a natural turn finds all its interest in belly.” It is certain that to the average man the

THE HIGHWAY OF MASONRY

world seems very round after a good repast. A full stomach makes a ready giver.

is that men are quick to see the faults of others, and yet are often blind to their own failings.”

The temperance inculcated by Masonry is not confined to the pleasures of eating and drinking. In all things it enjoins moderation. “It is not different from what Paul meant in insisting that young men should be sober minded. It signifies to think sanely, soundly, and temperately. It implies the subordination of the passions to reason, of hot impulses to cool judgment in our thinking.”

Other guide-boards are placed along the highway, among which is one bearing the name Justice. This, masonically interpreted, means an inexhaustible sense of justice to others, or rather a sympathizing equity, which rises above the dry rigidity of barren justice. Judicial calmness, impartiality, and balance of mind are essential qualifications for the Master of a Lodge. What may be called “the judicial temper and habit of mind” is a cardinal virtue that every Mason ought to possess. It considers both sides, listens to its opponent, and it rarely happens that something cannot be said on either side that would modify the feelings, if it should not change the convictions, of the opposite side. “The judicial temper is a moral rather than a mental quality. Conscience is its vital principle. It may be cultivated into a habit, and so infuse its peculiar temper into all the activities of the mind.”

Further along the highway is a guide-board on which is inscribed Prudence. Plato in his list of cardinal virtues substitutes the word Wisdom for Prudence. Prudence is the common policy of all Lodges, since it should regulate the expenditure of their funds. With it there must be the right application of money, wise, economical, watchful, honest.

Employ it in the every-day life of a Mason, and the disastrous effect of reckless speculation will not take the place of legitimate industry. Its exercise will prevent the coming of a conclusion while conscious of any strong bias of the emotions. It will equally prevent hasty speech and reckless acts in passion. Its use in and out of the Lodge will save a world of mistakes and regrets.

Yet further along the highway is a guide-board marked Fortitude. The corresponding cardinal virtue of Plato is called Courage. Fortitude, or courage, is an essential requirement of the Masonic organization. It means determination, zeal, enthusiasm, devotion, personal effort, and, in all that pertains to the Lodge, a directness of purpose. In the daily life of Masonry it fortifies the brother to dare to think, to speak, and to do the right, and when new duties and responsibilities which demand independence of thought and self-reliance of character are encountered, he triumphs because he is strong-hearted and practical.

With courage, strength, and confidence in his life, a brother, broad and liberal in mind and generous in heart, will rectify an error, acknowledge a wrong, and forgive an injury. There is nothing like courage even in ordinary things. “To see ourselves as others see us is proverbially difficult. To see ourselves as we are is a greater difficulty.”

We do not think it difficult to ascertain the actual worth of others. “Every man,” according to an ancient legend, “is born into the world with two bags suspended from his neck — a small bag in front full of his neighbors’ faults, and a large bag behind filled with his own faults. Hence it

Experience in Lodge difficulties shows that before pronouncing judgment it is but simple justice to all concerned that an endeavor should be made to arrive at the truth, and it must be remembered that truth may be kaleidoscopic, varying with the media through which it is received.

A severe illustration is had in the inscription over the portal of a Council House in Germany: One man’s word is no man’s word; Justice needs that both be heard.

Note: These remarks were extracted from an address to the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia by MWB J. Mills Brown on November 7, 1882. His appearance was arranged by Grand Master Noble L. Larner, who explained that in an attempt to compensate for the lack of lectures at the Grand Visitations of lodges meeting in the “Temple,” he had invited Past Grand Masters Browne (California) and Simons (New York) to address a general gathering of the brethren in the Music Hall of the Temple.

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S P E C I A L O LY M P I C S

Freemasons of the District of Columbia

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S P E C I A L O LY M P I C S

a Support 2006 Special Olympic Games

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G R A N D M A S T E R A D D R E S S E S O LY M P I A N S

Grand Master Addresses Olympians ood afternoon. I am Albert McNair Smith, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, F.A.A.M., of the District of Columbia.

Accompanying me to this Olympiad is Robert E. Wheeler, Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, Incorporated. Together we represent Freemasonry, the world’s oldest and largest fraternity, in this city. We join, on this wonderful day, to bring you greetings and good wishes.

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This week your long hours of training over recent months will pay off. The butterflies that you will encounters as you enter your events will be quickly replaced, I am certain, by the competitive fire that burns inside each of you.

Remember, my friends, that you can do anything. Good luck. By being here, you are all winners.

We all have our idols. It is only natural. Yours may be a parent, a teacher, or a sister or brother, your coach, or, perhaps, another athlete. A hero is someone who merits our respect and admiration. And you, my young friends, are all my heroes, and I have no doubt that your performances this week, win or lose, will be heroic.

We Masons thank you for permitting us to share this day; we thank your parents, your coaches, and your advisors for their effort in preparing you for the exciting activities in which you are about to be engaged. I am sure that they are as proud of your efforts as am I, and I must say that your demonstrated enthusiasm is contagious.

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I want to express my appreciation to those who helped to make this not only a day of celebration for us all, but more especially to those who also made this a day of Masonic Thanksgiving. Particular thanks in this regard are due Brothers Walter Simon, Bill F. Greschel, Kurt J. Hamrock, William F. Harvey, president of the Masonic Foundation of D.C., and a host of others. They worked all day, diligently and in harmony.

In our fraternity we give particular attention to the proclamation in the 133rd Psalm, wherein we are told to behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. That verse is no less appropriate for our consideration today. We come together as friends and neighbors, hopeful that these games will further promote understanding and good will. Let brotherly love prevail.

God bless you. God bless your families. God bless the District of Columbia. God bless America.

MEDAL OF FREEDOM AWARDED TO CONGRESSWOMAN ROS-LEHTINEN

Medal of Freedom Awarded to Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen Staff Report ongresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, United States Congresswoman for the 18th District of Florida, has been awarded the Grand Lodge Medal of Freedom for the year 2006. The presentation was made by the Grand Master, in the presence of several Grand Lodge officers, in her office on Tuesday, June 6, 2006.

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Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen, a six-term member of the House of Representatives, is the first Hispanic woman ever elected to that body. She currently serves as a member of the House Committee on International Relations, the subcommittee on National Security Emerging Threats and International Relations, the subcommittee on the Middle East and Central Asia, the subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, and the House Committee on International Relations.

During her congressional tenure, Congresswoman RosLehtinen has to her credit a number of legislative achievements in which she has sponsored bills which include provisions to promote the cause of freedom throughout the world. In fulfilling her committee duties

she has ceaselessly labored to insure that other governments, in return for U.S. support, work toward the granting of greater degrees of freedom for their people.

Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen is a naturalized American citizen, having been born in Havana, Cuba. Her roots provide her with an appreciation of the true meaning and importance of freedom. Upon receipt of the Grand Lodge Medal of Freedom, she made the following remarks: “I would like to thank the members of the Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of the District of Columbia for selecting me as the recipient of their annual Medal of Freedom. I am delighted to be given this exceptional honor. “Advancing freedom at home and abroad is an issue of central importance for the Freemasons, and is a cause that resonates strongly with me as well. It is truly a privilege

Congresswoman Ileana Ros Lehtinen accepts freedom certificate and the Medal of Freedom of the Grand Lodge of D.C.

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MEDAL OF FREEDOM AWARDED TO CONGRESSWOMAN ROS-LEHTINEN

“As a Cuban exile, I am well aware of the horrors of living under a tyrannical dictator. Inherent in the ideology of such a nation is the arrogant belief that a dictator should be the ultimate decision maker as to the needs of the people, rather than the people themselves.”

for an organization with such a proven track record in this field to single out my efforts for recognition.

“I regret that I am unable to attend your Universal Brotherhood Celebration gala in person, but would, again, like to extend my sincerest gratitude to the distinguished Freemasons of Washington, D.C. for giving me this award.

“Freemasons today have the weighty task of carrying on the legacy of our founding fathers — many of whom were Masons themselves including: George Washington, James Madison, and Benjamin Franklin.

Through their key tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, the Freemasons remain committed to furthering American ideals and working toward the betterment of society. Integral to such efforts is a passionate belief in freedom.

“As a Cuban exile, I am well aware of the horrors of living under a tyrannical dictator. Inherent in the ideology of such a nation is the arrogant belief that a dictator should be the ultimate decision maker as to the needs of the people, rather than the people themselves.

“Oppressive totalitarian regimes operating under the guises of false ideologies such as Communism and Islamic fundamentalism have led to unfortunate amounts of suffering and hardship. This has not been confined to just citizens of such repressive societies.

Rather, these phenomena have bred war and terror that has affected the lives of all the world’s citizens, including those in free societies.

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“Those of us who live in free societies face a moral duty to promote freedom wherever tyranny presently exists. Such action is within our national security interests, as spreading freedom has the power to create a climate of enhanced global security.

“The overriding belief in the power of freedom to improve the lives of our nation’s citizens played a large part in my desire to seek Congressional office and dedicate my life to public service. In this role, I continue to work tirelessly to advance the cause of freedom, both at home and abroad.”

The biggest challenge facing us today is spreading freedom to regions of the world where the concepts of individual rights, religious tolerance, and democracy have never been given a chance to flourish.

I remain dedicated to enabling liberal institutions to develop in such places. As chair of the International Relations Subcommittee on the Middle East and Central Asia, I have taken leadership roles in sponsoring legislation such as the Syrian Accountability Act, the Palestinian Anti-Terror Act, and the Iran Freedom Support Act that all serve to promote peaceful and democratic principles in the Middle East.

I am stand to appear before the Freemasons tonight, a fraternal order that shares this same deep-seeded commitment to freedom.

The Freemasons have been at the forefront of resistance to tyranny, and have worked both within and outside states to promote civic participatory virtues. The Freemasons have played an invaluable role in emphasizing the importance of friendship and brotherly love among the countless members who have formed their ranks. Brotherhood in the Masonry places men in unbreakable bonds with one another, and places them in a unique position to act as engines of change and improvement for society.

I proudly accept the Medal of Freedom that the Freemasons have graciously bestowed upon me, and look forward to fighting the challenging, but ultimately worthwhile, struggle we are all engaged in to spread freedom and democracy to all corners of the globe.

LOCAL SCHOLARS RECOGNIZED

Local Scholars Recognized t the testimonial banquet honoring the Grand Master on June 10, 2006, the Chairman of the Grand Lodge Scholarship Committee, WB Timothy R. Bennett, assisted by the Grand Master and by WB William F. Harvey, presented a number of local scholars with scholarships as follows:

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The scholarship program of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia evolved out of a recommendation made to the Grand Lodge by the then Grand Master in 1987, L. Robert Baker. Since then the program has assisted hundreds of D.C. high school

June graduates of local high schools who were so honored included: Heidy G. Romero-Alvarez, Bell Multicultural High School Roxanne F. Cromwell, Cardozo High School Pamela A. Massaquoi, Theodore Roosevelt High School Guorui Deng, School Without Walls Jian Zheng, Bell Multicultural High School Jasmine O. Stith, Cardozo High School

graduates to matriculate at colleges and universities throughout the country.

2006 Stewart W. Miner Scholarship Recipient Hope Rollins, Duke Ellington High School

2005 Stewart W. Miner Scholarship Recipient Ye Wang, American University, Kogod School of Business Administration

Flag raised at the Headquarters Building for the first time. Participating were (L to R): Mansour Hatefi, Grand Secretary; Stewart W. Miner, Grand Secretary Emeritus; Todd C. Duehring, Assistant to the Grand Secretary; Dean S. Clatterbuck, Assistant to the Grand Secretary; and Maximilian G. Ullman, Chairman of the Universal Brotherhood Committee.

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GRAND MASTER’S HOMECOMING

Grand Master’s Homecoming very homecoming is “special,” as was that sponsored

by East Gate Lodge No. 34 on March 20, 2006, for its illustrious son, Most Worshipful Brother Albert McNair Smith, Grand Master of Masons of the District of Columbia. It was an evening filled with Masonic labor, good old-fashioned fellowship, and outstanding entertainment. The food was delicious, the program inspiring, and the music was fitting.

Patrick N. Nnaji, P.M. Grand Swordbearer

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the Chamber Orchestra of the United States Marine Corps. This group also entertained later in the evening, when they played music appropriate for the celebration of Mozart’s 250th birthday. The quartet included violinist Master Gunnery Sergeant Kim H. Miller, violinist Vicki Panics, violinist Gunnery Sergeant Christopher Shiah, and cellist Staff Sergeant Charlie Powers.

Present at this event were the many dignitaries and their ladies, including, Mary Smith, wife of the Grand Master, Past Grand Masters, Grand Lodge Officers, and the heads of the Appendant Masonic Bodies in D.C. In brief remarks after his introduction, the Grand Master thanked the assembled guests for their presence and expressed pride in East Gate Lodge and the Grand Lodge.

In a moving ceremony the Grand Master, assisted by the Grand Secretary, RW Mansour Hatefi, PGM, presented WB Oran Conrad his 50-year Masonic Veteran’s Emblem. Brother Conrad, who was Master of East Gate Lodge in 1962, expressed his appreciation in the presence

Grand Master Presents 50-year Veteran’s Emblem to WB Oran Conrad

Most Worshipful Brother Smith was raised in East Gate Lodge, where he served as Worshipful Master in 1996.

Appointed Grand Standard Bearer in 1998, he was elected Junior Grand Steward in 1999. Serving through the stations and places in Grand Lodge, he was installed Grand Master in December 2005.

The homecoming festivities began with dinner for the brethren and their guests. While dining they were serenaded with classical music provided by the Casablanca Strings Quartet, a group made up of select members of The Voice of Freemasonry

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WB Oran Conrad speaks, in the presence of his family, of his love of the Craft.

GRAND MASTER’S HOMECOMING

of his wife, family, and friends present, for the presentation of his emblem on this auspicious occasion.

Another highlight of the evening was the presentation by WM Morrell and the Grand Master of a proclamation designating MW George Adams, PGM, an honorary member of East Gate Lodge No. 34, in perpetuity, for his exemplary leadership and service to Freemasonry.

Brother Adams, a Past Master of Benjamin B. French Lodge No. 15, was Grand Master of Masons in the District of Columbia in 1993.

The program for the evening was brought to a fitting climax when WM Morrell presented MWB Smith with the East Gate Distinguished Service Award for “inspiration and exemplary leadership and service to East Gate Lodge and the Grand Lodge of D.C.” MWB Smith responded by exhorting the brethren to join him in an effort to make the Grand Lodge of D.C. worthy of the emulation it now enjoys.

Past Grand Masters Adams, Kahn, and Chaney enjoy the Grand Master’s homecoming. During the evening Past Master Adams became an honorary member, in perpetuity, of East Grate Lodge.

Grand Master’s Testimonial continued from page 8

I remember down in the village where I live there was a very decent but rather dreamy young fellow, a little bit apt to spend his time thinking of how exceedingly well he could have led his life under other conditions. His mother was a very hard-working woman, and one day he was reading in the paper an account of a fire in New York and the heroic deed of a fireman in rescuing certain people from that burning building. His mother was very busy about the room. Pretty soon he put down the paper and said, with a sigh: “Oh, how I would like to rescue somebody from a burning building!” His mother answered: “Well, I’ll tell you. This building ain’t on fire, but if you will get in the kindling wood, I’ll be obliged to you.”

I think there is a very good moral lesson for all of us in that. The way to be a good citizen is to be a good neighbor, and first of all, a good neighbor to the people in your own household, a good neighbor to your wife and chil-

dren; then to act toward your fellows so that you become the kind of a man whom they are glad to have work for them or for whom they are glad to work, or whom they are glad to have live next to them or do business with, and then to do each his duty faithfully and decently to the state and to the nation... .”

Concluding his remarks Brother Roosevelt then retired, amid the cheers of the assembly of Masons, friends, and government officials. When we, the current Masons of D.C., returned to the site of that ceremony, not as owners but as visitors, we found that Roosevelt’s message was still pertinent. It reminds us that the purpose of the fraternity, no less now than then, is to encourage Masons to live a good life and to minister to need, in all of its forms, wherever and whenever it is perceived. It is to those purposes that the 2006 testimonial to the Grand Master was dedicated.

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MIC CALLS LODGES TO ACTION

MIC Calls Lodges to Action Brother by Brother; Lodge by Lodge oes your Lodge have an interest in Masonic Awareness? You bet it does! So does the Masonic Information Center (MIC) , the informational arm of the Masonic Service Association of North America (MSA). This organization feels strongly that those lodges that make serious efforts to promote Masonic Awareness and are willing to share their views and accomplishments with other lodges across North America are deserving of recognition.

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In response to this conviction, and acting in response to a request of the Conference of Grand Masters in 2004, MIC has developed a new program in which outstanding participating lodges will be selected for recognition of outstanding programs that focus on the stimulation of interest in Masonry, within the Craft and the public as a whole. .

In this new program, lodges throughout North America, subordinate to Grand Lodges holding membership in the Conference of Grand Masters in North America, are invited to participate in a competition designed to recognize unusual and original initiatives and activities that create a positive Masonic identity in its sphere of influence.

At this time it is anticipated that there will be up to 50 winning lodges in this competition annually. Each lodge earning the award will receive a beautifully designed and crafted obelisk, engraved with Mark Twain’s image, the lodge name, and the year of its presentation. Winners of

the Mark Twain Award will be announced each year during the annual meeting of the Conference of Grand Masters.

For further information about this innovative effort, see the Short Talk Bulletin of MSA for April 2006 (Vol. 84, No. 4). You may also contact MSA by mail at 8120 Fenton St., Silver Spring, MD, 20910-4785 or by E-mail at msana@ix.network.com. In this issue of the Short Talk, focusing on the theme “It’s About Time to Produce Changes,” MIC states that It’s About Time to Reflect; It’s About Time to Examine; and It’s About Time to Recognize Success.

To compete in the competition this year, lodges are advised to submit a participation confirmation no later than June 1, 2006. This participation confirmation allows lodges to become a part of the Mark Twain network. To formally enter the competition for the Mark Twain Award, please also see full details available at (http://www.msana.com/twainaward).

The “Voice” notes that Grand Master Albert Smith and the elected officers of the Grand Lodge heartily endorse the Twain Award program and encourage the masters and wardens of the constituent lodges in the District of Columbia to give the effort their priority attention.

Good luck!

Freedom — no word was ever spoken that has held out greater hope, demanded greater sacrifice,

needed more to be nurtured, blessed more the giver, damned more its destroyer, or came closer to being God’s will on earth. May Americans ever be its protector.

—General Omar Bradley

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SITUATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND PUBLIC AWARENESS

Situational Opportunities and Public Awareness Dean Clatterbuck n reflection upon the goals of the Masonic Information Center’s recently launched awareness effort, detailed elsewhere in this issue of the “Voice,” it seems incontrovertible that the image of the Craft, from the standpoint of members and non-members alike, reflects what Masons do, and conversely, on occasion, by what they fail to do. Hence it is important that the Craft, as it seeks to curry public favor, consciously strive to “accentuate the positive” while putting its plans and programs into action.

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To accentuate the positive it may be necessary for the Masons of today to examine long held notions and conceptions, particularly those which have become, through time and fancy, irrevocable, hide-bound, and untouchable “traditions,” all too often immune to modification or adaptation. Nevertheless change is inevitable — in what we do and how we do it. Our institution, although private, has public obligations, which if properly and reasonably confronted, can be beneficial to our interests.

For too long the good of Masonry has been concealed by policies prevailing in the Craft because of subjective interpretations of what Masonry demands of Masons.

Such was the case in 1893, when the Grand Lodge of D.C. was invited and declined the opportunity to participate in a celebration marking the centennial celebration of the laying of the cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol. An explanation of this action may be instructive.

It seems that on July 26, 1893, Grand Master L.C. Williamson convened the Grand Lodge to present the invitation he had received from the chairman of the committee appointed to plan the centennial affair. In the invitation the Grand Lodge and the subordinate lodges of the Grand Lodge were invited to participate in the celebration.

The invitation stated that “It is the desire of the committee to extend to the Masonic fraternity such prominence as was accorded them at the laying of the cornerstone; to be given the right of line in the parade, and space at the Capitol for the Grand Lodge to perform such ceremonies as may be appropriate.”

In the discussion that evolved a number of resolutions were offered to facilitate participation in the event and all of them were referred to a committee to be appointed by the Grand Master, with instructions to report its findings, on the call of the Grand Master, as to the advisability of accepting the invitation.

The committee was appointed and it unanimously supported acceptance of the invitation at a special communication called by the Grand Master on August 11, with only one reservation — that the celebration receive the sanction of Congress. Signing the report were four Past Grand Masters and two other members of the Grand Lodge.

Past Grand Master Isaac L. Johnson, however, on hearing the report of the committee, immediately offered a substitute resolution in which he stated that it was an established custom that this Grand Lodge should not be assembled except for the purpose of doing Masonic work; nor take part in any public ceremonies except those of a purely Masonic character; and that before accepting an invitation to participate in any public ceremony, full control and direction of the Masonic work must be tendered to it by “competent and legal authority.”

Brother Johnson then offered a resolution to decline the invitation unless the Grand Lodge was invited to participate “by Congressional authority” and under the conditions he had mentioned in his objection.

Discussion on his substitute resolution was heated, we may assume, but it won the approval of the members of Grand Lodge on a vote of 59 yeas and 38 nays.

The ceremony took place as scheduled, nevertheless, on September 18, 1893, in the presence of President Grover Cleveland, Vice President Adlai Stevenson, Charles Frederick Crisp, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and a host of Congressmen, Senators, Justices, Departmental Heads, and “a vast concourse of grateful people of the District of Columbia.”

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SITUATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND PUBLIC AWARENESS

Grand Master Williamson commented on the celebration at the annual communication of 1893, where he made reference to it in his report to the Grand Lodge. At that time he observed that the centennial celebration of the laying of the cornerstone of the United States Capitol had been completed as scheduled and that our distinguished brother, Adlai Stevenson, had on that occasion recalled the historical facts concerning the Masonic part taken by George Washington in the original ceremony.

organizers of the event, who in extending the invitation, left the specific role that the Freemasonry was to play up to the Masons themselves. As a previous issue of the “Voice” sagely noted, Freemasons should be ever ready to open the door when opportunity knocks, It knocked in 1893, and the brethren blinked!

Is Masonic Awareness necessary? Here in the District of Columbia? Of course it is!

It is to be regretted that the brethren of that time did not propose a cornerstone re-inactment for the centennial celebration. Surely it would have been accepted by the

Celebrating the Special Olympics continued from page 4

Mission accomplished, all Masons, their families and friends, gathered together for a solemn, but abbreviated, ceremony celebrating the Masonic Day of Thanksgiving.

WB Walter Simon, Deputy Grand Chaplain, led with the opening prayer, followed by MW Albert McNair Smith, Grand Master of Masons of the District of Columbia , and Robert E. Wheeler, Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, reading verses of scripture in praise of the Almighty. The ceremony ended with an impressive Thanksgiving ode presented by WB Robert K. Blaine.

The opening ceremonies for the 2006 Games were indeed impressive, well designed and choreographed to encourage and inspire all the participants, attendants and supporters and sponsors. There were 16 official sponsors, with their names and insignias printed at the back of the volunteers T- shirt, but none were more visible than the Masons. All those gathered at the gymnasium witnessed a magnificent display of the Colors by the United States Navy Color Guard, and were treated to a masterful rendition of our national anthem.

This was followed by the parade of the participating athletes from D.C. schools, foster homes, educational institutions and heath centers. Athletes ranging from 8 to 63 in age, competing in 6 sports, tennis, track and fields, swimming, soccer, volleyball and Bocce, marched into the gymnasium, with much pride and joy as they were introduced, waving and cheering in response to the The Voice of Freemasonry

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The Olympians Oath “Let me win, but if I can not win, let me be brave in the attempt!” thunderous applause and the standing ovations of their supporters.

Then the dancing team of the Washington Wizards took to the floor to provide more excitement in the jampacked arena. Organizers and sponsors were introduced and recognized for their contributions. Representatives of the parent organization of the Special Olympics, the Catholic University of America, the Mayor, and Miss District of Columbia, Shannon Schambeau, and our Grand Master (his remarks follow the centerfold) all spoke briefly.

Mark Bovino, Managing Director of the Special Olympics Summer Games for the sixth year, in a telephone conversation with this writer, expressed his organization’s deep appreciation for the role Masons played in this year’s Olympics. He pointed out that the barbeque, sponsored and served by Masons, was a critical and essential part of the games, for it brought together the athletes, their families, and supporters, under the tent, thereby providing a most effective start for this tremendous event.

JACKSON CITY — CONTINUED

Jackson City — Continued Todd Duehring n the last issue of the “Voice” I indicated my interest in locating the site of Jackson City, whose cornerstone was laid by the Grand Lodge, in the presence of President Andrew Jackson, in 1836. At that time I wrote that a single clue available to me had indicated that the ceremony had taken place “across the river,” and I challenged readers of the “Voice” to identify the long lost site.

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In response I heard from two very knowledgeable Masons.

The first response was from Brother Carl Gagliardi, Past Master of Henry Knox Field Lodge No. 349 in Alexandria, Virginia, the present District Deputy Grand Master for District 1A in Virginia. The second was from Brother Maurice Herbert, member of Anacostia Lodge No. 21 in the District of Columbia.

Both stated that Jackson City was situated across the Potomac from Washington, more or less at the foot of the current I-395 Bridge, and specifically in the vicinity of Boundary Channel Drive at the Old Jefferson Davis Highway near Clark Street.

Brothers Gagliardi and Herbert wisely advised reference to local historical societies for details.

All of this raises yet another question: How did the members of the Grand Lodge and President Jackson reach the site for the ceremony?

Adhering to their advice I learned that the Arlington Historical Society had information on its website pertaining to neighborhoods, boundary stones, and roadways in that municipality. Therein appeared a short paragraph on and a map of the former Jackson City, in which it asserts that Jackson City was a promotion of a group of “New York speculators.”

This group, according to the Arlington Society, planned to dredge a seaport from Roaches Run Lagoon. The venture collapsed and the tract was sold as farm land in 1841.

Later, after the conclusion of the Civil War, the site was developed as a resort, becoming known as “The Monte Carlo of America.” Associated with this development was the establishment of gambling houses, vice dens, and a nearby race track. Beginning in 1904, however, concerned Arlingtonians banded together and cleared out the undesirable elements.

All of this raises yet another question: How did the members of the Grand Lodge and President Jackson reach the site for the ceremony? William H. Rehnquist, deceased Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, addressed that issue in a presentation he made at the Arlington Historical Society Bicentennial Banquet on April 27, 2001.

In his remarks Chief Justice Rehnquist stated: “ The first wooden, mile-long toll bridge [across the Potomac], called Long Bridge, was built in 1809.” In his speech Rehnquist noted that: “During the 1814 British invasion of Washington and burning of the Capitol, the President, James Madison, and other government dignitaries used Long Bridge to escape to Virginia, after the disastrous defeat of U.S. forces at the Battle of Bladensburg.”

During this war, Rehnquist observed, “The Americans destroyed the Virginia end of the bridge to keep the British away, and the British burned the Washington end to prevent the Americans returning to the Capital.” Four years later it was again operational, Rehnquist noted, and although in need of constant repair because of its wooden construction and low profile, it remained in continuous use until it was replaced in 1906.

Hence the lost has now been found and the “Voice” commends Brothers Gagliardi and Herbert for their prompt response to my call for information.

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THE VA CHAPEL PROJECT

The VA Chapel Project or many years the Masons of the District of Columbia have assisted in transporting patients in the nursing home at the Washington, D.C. Veterans Hospital to their worship services on Sunday mornings. Each week one of our Lodges visits the hospital and assists wheelchair bound veterans make their way to religious services offered in the “All Faiths Chapel.” In the past the Masons of this jurisdiction have contributed a piano and an organ to this Chapel, as well as a bus to the nursing home.

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Now there is another need, one to which we can respond, and one which has commanded the attention of our Grand Master. The Chapel is undergoing renovation to provide more space for wheel-chair bound worshippers.

Associated with this renovation effort will be a necessary reconfiguration of the pews used by ambulatory patients.

The Grand Master has received an appeal to provide funds for the purchase and installation of new pews in the Chapel. Seeing an opportunity for Masons of the jurisdiction to express their concern for ill veteran’s, he has launched a campaign to raise $28,000 for this cause. This drive is, in fact, his benevolent objective for the year.

All donations will certainly be appreciated and donors are urged to send their tax-deducible contributions to the

Jesse Villarreal Junior Grand Deacon Masonic Foundation of D.C., 5428 MacArthur Blvd., N.W., Washington, D.C., 20016-2524. Checks thus submitted should indicate that they are earmarked for “the VA Project.” Further, all donations will be recognized.

It is the Grand Master’s hope that every D.C. Mason will elect to play a role in achieving the goal he seeks. It is also his hope that lodges having a flexible charitable budget, will want to consider purchasing a dedicated pew.

They may do so at a cost of $1,500 per pew. On pews thus purchased, by lodges or individuals, memorial plates will be affixed.

It is the hope of the Grand Master that this project will be successfully concluded in ample time to permit interested Masons to join him in making a presentation of our collected funds on Veteran’s Day on November 11th of this year. Won’t you accept the challenge and do your part to make his planned presentation a reality?

Remember, my brethren, that every human being has a claim on your kind offices; do good unto all, more especially to the household of the faithful. We are, after all, our brother’s keeper.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS July – December 2006

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July 4

Palisades Parade and Picnic

August 20

Grand Lodge Officers visit Veterans Hospital

September 15–16

Fall Leadership Conference at the 4-H Center in Front Royal, Virginia

October 20–21

Grand Master’s Class at Scottish Rite Temple

November 4

Lodge and Family Visitation of the Grand Lodge

December 9

Grand Lodge Annual Communication

December 16

Third Communication of the Grand Lodge; Installation of Officers

THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY

Washington Centennial Lodge No. 14. Grand Master Smith presents 50year Veteran’s Award to William M. Edwards in the presence of his lady.

Annual Grand Lodge - Almas Temple Golf Tournament.

A colorful threesome added spice to the event.

Samuel Gompers — Benjamin Franklin Lodge No. 45. Sixty-year Veteran’s Awards are presented to Irving and Ralph Rothstein.

Pictured are (L to R) WB Joel Shulman, Master of Benjamin Franklin Lodge No. 50 in 1981; Irving “Bud” Rothstein; Ralph Rothstein; and MW Jules Tepper, PGM.

Grand Secretary Emeritus, Stewart W. Miner, and his lady enjoy dinner with the members of Samuel Gompers – Benjamin Franklin Lodge No. 45

MW L. Robert Baker, Grand Master of D.C. in 1987, receives a Grand Lodge of Virginia 50-year Veteran’s emblem.

Grand Master Smith aids MW Donald Robey, PGM of Virginia in 1987, make the presentation.

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Special Olympics Athletes and their sponsors assemble for the opening ceremony in the gymnasium of The Catholic University.

Voice of Freemasonry Grand Lodge, F.A.A.M. of D.C. 5428 MacArthur Blvd, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20016-2524

Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage Permit No. 559 Washington, D.C.