Initiation: The Journey Begins

Editor’s note: Brother Omar Raschid, now a Master Mason, was initiated in October 2006 in Albert Pike Lodge No. 33.

Bro. Omar Raschid

Albert Pike Lodge No. 33

In order to explain my interpretation and experience of the initiation, I must first explain my mindset at the time. I was initiated in October of last year. It was an interesting time for me. Limbo as they say, both spiritually and mentally. Mentally, I had graduated college and started my career. I was in-between two worlds, not yet ready to give up the indiscretions that youth forgives, yet old enough to be granted the responsibility and requirements of adulthood. This duality was nowhere near the mix of emotions I had spiritually. I was too old to not have questions about God’s methods, but still too young to cynically deny his existence.

I believed in God. I knew he existed and he was there. But having been raised with heavy influences of Roman Catholicism, Islam, and even Judaism, I had many questions as to the path to salvation. Is there only one way, or are they like spokes on a wheel that led to a central point. Is there a separate Heaven or is everyone in the same place? If they are in the same place, then why are some considered superior to others? I pondered these questions and began searching philosophies that could reconcile the differences. Having written an essay about Masonry while a freshman in college, I knew of the basic principles of our Fraternal Brotherhood. It’s acceptance of all religions appealed to me. I was intrigued that men of all different faiths came together in a mutual desire to better themselves, and by extension the word around them. They set aside Dogmatic differences and instead came together through pure faith. These principles were attractive to me and I yearned to learn more. I was in this moment, as our illustrious Order says, “First prepared in my heart.”

The ritual itself served as a physical manifestation of my inner feelings. In my preparation as a Candidate, I was rendered totally dependent on one with whom I was at that time unacquainted. The duality of my life again came into play. I did not yet feel like an adult, but felt too old to be a child. One foot firmly in each world, just as my then-current attire suggested. Yet I felt that I was being led in the direction of my inner-quest to find light. My spiritual journey had led me down many different paths, yet to choose a single one. I was astray unable to find the light that could satisfy my spiritual craving. At that moment, I was blind, both spiritually and literally. Little did I know that my meandering through the darkness would soon stumble upon light. That total dependence began to symbolize my feeling of trust: Trust and faith in the guidance of my soon-to-be Brothers. Faith actually is the emotion that I would best use to describe my experience I no longer had the fear of unknown and soon came to realize that every other Mason had been initiated in exactly the same way. This realization calmed me. I felt that all that was taking place were part of an elaborate ritual that has taken place for centuries. Great men had blazed the path before me and I took trust in knowing that they would not lead me astray. Every man sitting in the room had taken the same journey that I had just begun. I had faith that the path they walked was one of virtue and enlightenment. The theme of faith further presented itself in a not-sosubtle way as soon as I found out that a book of faith from every major denomination was at the table, in addition to the square and compasses. I later reflected on this and truly felt that I had found what I was looking for: An Order that respected all faiths and directed that devotion into an unbiased and positive force for good. I believe that God wears many masks, and it seems his true face was that of The Supreme Architect of the Universe: A pure form of faith that relies not on rules and regulation, but devotion and belief.

Presentations of Valentine Reintzel Medals and Special Recognition continued from page 9

ies. In addition to service on several Grand Lodge committees, including as chairman of the Library and Museum Committee, he serves as the Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Bahia in Brazil near this Grand Lodge. In 2006, he was first appointed a Grand Lodge officer, serving MWB Albert McNair Smith, PGM and this Grand Lodge as Grand Advisor. That friendly voice you hear answering the telephone at the Grand Lodge is likely to be Walter, who just over a year ago, joined the staff at the Grand Lodge headquarters, serving as Assistant to the Grand Secretary. His experience as a hotelier has served him (and now us) very well with his consistent focus on providing attentive, courteous and efficient service to everyone with whom he interacts, whether it be Grand Lodge officers, officers and members of our constituent lodges, brethren from other jurisdictions, or non-Masons requesting Masonic information. Born in Manchester, England, Worshipful Brother Harold Grainger came to Washington, DC in 1958 and was employed by the Washington Post until his retirement in 1984. He was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on September 2, 1959. Over the years he has served our Fraternity in countless ways. In his several lodges he has served in almost every capacity, including many times over as a Worshipful Master or Secretary. He is an honorary member of more than just a few of our lodges. He has chaired or served as a member on many Grand Lodge committees and has represented his lodge or the Grand Lodge with Masonic associations such as the Masonic and Eastern Star Home Charities and St. John’s Mite. Additionally, Harold serves as a trustee of the Masonic Foundation of the District of Columbia. Recognizing his significant talents and dedication, many a Grand Master has appointed him as a Grand Lodge officer and twice as Grand Marshal. Did I mention that Worshipful Brother Harold is a recipient of both the Valentine Reintzel Medal (1988) and the Grand Lodge Distinguished Service Award (1989). His accomplishments in the appendant bodies are equally impressive having served in many capacities Recognizing his special talents and his dedication to the Craft, it was an easy choice for me to appoint Walter as a 2007 officer of the Grand Lodge in the capacity of my Administrative Assistant. Wearing two hats at the Grand Lodge headquarters comes with many challenges, but Walter rises to the occasion every day, meeting all challenges and exceeding our expectations. Despite numerous claims on his time by other groups, including the Episcopal Church, Sigma Phi Epsilon, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, he is always there for us when we need him. Quietly and cheerfully working behind the scenes to make us all look good and achieve great things, Walter has demonstrated himself to be a tremendous asset for DC Freemasonry.

And so it is my sincere pleasure and distinct honor to recognize Worshipful Brother Walter Hoenes for his hard work, steadfast loyalty, and faithful service and present him with the Valentine Reintzel Medal for

SPECIAL RECOGNITION: Grand Lodge unanimously elects Harold Grainger to the office of Honorary Past Senior Grand Warden

The Grand Master’s Citation for HAROLD GRAINGER

meritorious service. in the York Rite, including Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons of the District of Columbia in 1987. Harold has served leadership roles in Scottish Rite bodies and in August of this year was coroneted as a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, Honorary (33°). He holds membership in the National Sojourners, Royal Order of Scotland and the Red Cross of Constantine.

Worshipful Brother Grainger is very well know within and without this Grand Jurisdiction as a very fine ritualist, and is called upon by Masters of many lodges to take part in a degree or to give a lecture. He always responds with enthusiasm. As an excellent, polished speaker, Harold is recognized as an invaluable resource for lodge programs. Frequently he is called upon in times of sorrow to act a Master at Masonic funerals. As the driving force in Convass B. Dean Memorial Lodge, he follows through on our commitment to the families of our sojourning brothers. His daily practice of the tenets of brotherly love and his many visits to other lodges and Masonic functions has created very close and enduring friendships.