The Voice of Freemasonry | Vol. 25 No. 1

IN THE NATION’S CAPITAL

An Official Publication of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington, D.C.

Volume 25, Number 1, 2008

GRAND LODGE OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

The Voice of Freemasonry

Engage! Energize! Enlighten!

Volume 25, Number 1, 2008

As illustrated by the Most Worshipful Brother Akram Elias’ special emblem, the operating theme for this jurisdiction in 2008 is Engage, Energize, Enlighten. The year promises to be an exciting one filled with activities and programs that will continue moving our fraternity forward to a more glorious future. For details about this year’s theme and programming, be sure to read the Grand Master’s Message on the next page.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Akram R. Elias, Grand Master MANAGING EDITOR Mansour Hatefi, PGM, M 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, and 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, doublespaced 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, (volume), (number), (year).”

Please direct all correspondence to: MANAGING EDITOR: THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY 5428 MacArthur Blvd., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20016-2524

Visit us on the web at: www.dcgrandlodge.org

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IN THE NATION’S CAPITAL

The cover photo of this issue of The Voice of Freemasonry, taken by Grand Lodge Photographer, Quentin O. Miles, features the 2008 Grand Lodge Officers standing in the spectacular Rotunda of the US Capitol beneath John Trumbull’s famous painting, Declaration of Independence.

Nine of the 54 signers of the Declaration of Independence are confirmed to have been Freemasons.

An Official Public ation of the Grand Lodge of Masons of WashFree and Accepted ington, D.C.

Volume 25, Number 1, 2008

Table of Contents PAGE Cover Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Message from the Grand Master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 From the Grand Secretary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 From the Deputy Grand Master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 The World Conference of Masonic Grand Lodges . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 The Masonic Foundation: In the Beginning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 The Masonic Foundation: Past and Present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Excerpts from the Grand Master’s Installation Address. . . . . . 14 Presentations at Installation Ceremony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 2008 Grand Lodge Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 First Lady’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Presentation of 2007 Distinguished Service Award . . . . . . . . . 19 Ring Out, Ye Crystal Spheres! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Freemasonry and Public Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Freemasonry on Capitol Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Freemasonry and Public Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 History of Formation of La France Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Initiated Eye Exhibit in Nebraska. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Washington D.C. Masonic Leaders: Working Together . . . . . . . 28 DEA Presentation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Grand Master’s Address at The G.W. Masonic Memorial . . . . . 31

Photo Credits: All photographs in this issue, unless otherwise indicated, were provided by Brother Quentin O. Miles, Grand Lodge Photographer or Brother Sviatoslav V. Voloshin, the author of the corresponding article, or derived from open sources on the internet.

GRAND MASTER’S MESSAGE

Message from

The Grand Master My Fellow Masons of Washington, D.C.: I trust that 2008 has started well for you and your families. We have a lot to accomplish over the coming months and I look forward to your full participation in and support of the several initiatives that we have set together for our beloved Grand Lodge.

Under the operating theme for our Grand Lodge this year, “Energize – Enlighten – Engage”, we will endeavor together to continue moving our Fraternity forward towards a more glorious future.

Energize Our aim is to “energize” our Fraternity in Washington, D.C. by harnessing the exciting energies of our newer and younger Brothers, revitalizing any dormant energies of our more experienced Brothers, and harvesting the maturity and institutional memory of our older Brothers. To this effect, efforts in the first 120 days of this administration have focused on the following:

“legislative body” of our Fraternity by becoming more actively involved and constructively engaged in the affairs of our Grand Lodge through serious discussions and debates.

• Institutional Awakening: Focused discussions will be held with the leadership and members of organizations such as the Past Masters Association and St. John’s Mite for the purpose of renewing their respective sense of mission and charting meaningful courses of action.

Enlighten Our aim is to encourage members of our Fraternity to seek as much enlightenment as possible through the discovery and appreciation of the “Sacred Art.” This journey is what defines Freemasonry as a “Society” and distinguishes it from all other organizations.

• Masonic Education: To this end, the Grand Lodge will organize five Grand Lodges of Instruction (GLI) in the course of the year; two of which will have been held • Officers Workshops: Two workduring the first 120 days of this shops were organized on administration on January 29th December 18, 2007, and January and March 31st respectively.

19, 2008, for Lodge officers to These GLI sessions will provide assist them in developing the necMost Worshipful Brother Lodge Ritual Instructors and essary skills and knowledge Akram R. Elias Masonic Education Facilitators needed for the performance of with the knowledge, tools, and references they need their respective duties and better governance of to convey Masonic Education in their Lodges more their respective Lodge affairs. effectively and efficiently.

• Masters and Wardens: A special meeting with the • Grand Lodge Communications: Each Grand Lodge Masters and Wardens Association to discuss ways to communication will have an interesting and thought enhance communication and cooperation between provoking “piece of architecture” which will be prethe Grand Lodge and our constituent Lodges. sented by the Grand Lodge Orator. We hope that this • Legislative Duties: A Special Communication of the will encourage Lodges to offer programs that Grand Lodge has been called for Saturday, March 29, enlighten their members, generate stimulating dis2008, at 10:00 am for the purpose of making legislacussions and explore ways for making our ritual a tion. The objective of this effort is twofold: living experience in today’s world.

▪ We will vote on several proposals for legislation and discuss a number of subjects that are of great importance to the future of our Fraternity.

▪ We hope that this effort will encourage the members of the Grand Lodge to see themselves as the

• Our Communities: It is incumbent upon us to educate the various communities within which we interact about who we are and what our Fraternity represents. We should not leave it to others to define us in their own terms and through their own prejudices. To the contrary, we should take a proactive

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GRAND MASTER’S MESSAGE

approach and “enlighten” non-Masons about our So ociety. To this end, we are developing a communicatio on strategy to assist us in achieving two goals: a) ideentify local and national institutions with which we could establish positive synergies; b) engage more efffectively our local and national media.

En ngage Ou ur aim is to expand the world of possibilities and deevelop new horizons that can enable our Lodges to forge new connections and deepen existing ones for with our various communities, locally, nationally, and internationally. To this end, we have been focusing on the following: • Our City: We will accelerate the process of engaging the Mayor’s office and city officials in developing opportunities for our members to support the city’s educational reforms.

We have also developed a partnership with the Bill of Rights Institute in order to offer a couple of training seminars for D.C. public school educators on the Constitution and Citizenship.

• US Congress: We are continuing our outreach to members of Congress who are Masons in an effort to strengthen our fraternal relations and we held another breakfast get-together in March of this year.

▪ Veterans: We have identified an organization called “Soldiers Angels”, which will bring to our attention the cases of individual veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan who are in dire need of assistance. We will then be able to directly assist those soldiers who have put their lives in harms way to preserve our liberty and freedoms.

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▪ Young Artists: Supporting Washington D.C.based young artists and organizations that are in need of support to enable them to further their artistic development through education and performance experience.

Our aim is to encourage members of our Fraternity to seek as much enlightenment as possible through the discovery and appreciation of the “Sacred Art.” This journey is what defines Freemasonry as a “Society” and distinguishes it from all other organizations.

• Charity: Freemasonry is not a charitable institution but an Initiatory Fraternal Society that encourages charity in all its forms.

Our focus this year is on three areas:

The Voice of Freemasonry

▪ Education: Our Adopt-A-School committee has already identified two cluster school systems on Capitol Hill and Tenleytown and is developing an assistance strategy to supplement and magnify the current assistance provided by some of our Lodges in those neighborhoods.

John F. Kennedy once said, “There is a connection, hard to explain logically but easy to feel, between achievement in public life and progress in the arts. The age of Pericles was also the age of Phidias.

The age of Lorenzo de Medici was also the age of Leonardo da Vinci, the age of Elizabeth was also the age of Shakespeare, and the new frontier for which I campaign in public life, can also be a new frontier for American art.”

There is one final thing that I would like to address in this message i.e., the World Conference of Masonic Grand Lodges and the Universal Brotherhood Celebration (May 7-10, 2008). For the first time ever, Washington D.C. will be host to leaders of Freemasonry from around the world. We have designed an extraordinary program and are now preparing the final plans. I encourage you to visit the conference’s website at www.glworldconference.org and see what we have organized for our visiting Masonic dignitaries.

My Fellow Brethren, we have an exciting road ahead filled with wonderful opportunities.

Always aim to the heavens for the gods smile only to those who dare them! Together we can dream it, and together we can do it.

“Lux e Tenebris” I

FROM THE GRAND SECRETARY

From the Grand Secretary

Jurisdictional Integrity Mansour Hatefi, PGM Grand Secretary

Jurisdictional or territorial integrity is a concern of many Grand Lodges and the issue of Waivers of Jurisdiction comes up from time to time. The level of interest in this subject varies depending on the jurisdiction, and some Grand Lodges are affected more than others by the current assortment of policies and procedures. There are, however, a number of reasons why the time is right for a new assessment of how our existing protocols impact our ability to effectively respond to those who petition for the rights and benefits of brotherhood among us.

In an increasingly shrinking world, it seems the days are long gone when men spend their whole lives in the same community in which they were raised. The young men of today are very mobile and they may actually live in one place and work or study in another. The reality of modern lifestyle, whether it be as global business traveler or telecommuter, makes geographic borders less meaningful to the man of today.

We find ourselves in a time of surging interest in the Craft, with many of our lodges experiencing a steady rise in requests for Masonic information and the receipt of petitions. These lodges look to the Grand Lodges to facilitate the process of handling some of these petitions. Yet, in an era of “all the way in one day”, some petitioners must wait many weeks or months before their lodge of choice may receive their petition. It behooves us to reexamine our current methods and remove, where possible, unnecessary delays and barriers which get in the way of our lodges making Masons.

A major concern is how we go about speeding up the process between two Grand Lodges when we request a waiver of jurisdiction over a man who wants to become a Mason in a jurisdiction in which he does not reside; a man who, lives close to the border of a neighboring jurisdiction and who, for various reasons, chooses to petition a lodge outside of his own territory.

It is most unfortunate that we cannot exercise more control over the response time of the subordinate lodge masters and secretaries to request for waivers of territorial jurisdiction on petitioners.

Response times range from a few weeks to several months and this is not conducive to a good image for the Fraternity.

In order to promote a healthy discussion and in the process come up with a consensus on how to lift or lower the jurisdictional barriers for non-masons and to better serve our constituent lodges in handling the petitions submitted by prospective members, a survey was conducted by my office inviting all U.S. and Canadian Grand Lodges to participate and offer the benefit of their wisdom and experience, sharing such information pertaining to their policies and procedures governing the Waivers of Jurisdiction.

It was envisaged that the results of our survey will enable us to gain a greater understanding of the current situation and hopefully lay the ground work for a positive change in how we approach jurisdiction and granting of waivers. Of the approximately 60 Grand Lodges invited to participate in the survey, 39 responded, for which we are deeply grateful.

Summary of Results: Here is the summary of the data gathered from respondents to our survey: 1. Most jurisdictions require a minimum of six months residency prior to petitioning. Nine Jurisdictions exempt military personnel from this requirement.

2. Nine jurisdictions exempt military personnel from the residency requirement altogether.

3. All jurisdictions but one assert jurisdiction over non-masons.

4. Three jurisdictions do not grant waivers for nonmasons.

5. 41% of Grand Lodges refer requests for granting of waivers of jurisdiction to constituent lodges for initial approval.

6. For 54%, the Grand Lodge is the only approval level for granting of waivers.

7. Of those granting waivers, the most compelling reasons seem to be for military service, full-time students, blood relative, convenience to work and The Voice of Freemasonry

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FROM THE GRAND SECRETARY

close personal friend; and age, special interests, and language are the least compelling reasons to grant.

One respondent to our survey wrote that his Grand Lodge grants waivers freely and added this comment: “We want men to become Masons! We avoid the petty reasons to prevent this.”

Based on these and other related factors manifested in the survey, it is clear that the status quo has not been serving the Fraternity well. We operate by a complicated, burdensome process which does nothing to enhance the quality of petitioners. In truth, more often than not, we stand to lose highly qualified men when they are made aware of the lengthy process or when they lose interest altogether while waiting for the process to run its course.

adopting the provision, instead of requesting Waivers of Jurisdiction, the receiving Grand Lodge serves a “Notice of Petition” to the Grand Lodge of residence.

Why serve a notice of Petition?

• This Notice of Petition would replace the current request for Waiver of Jurisdiction. The receiving Grand Lodge simply informs the Grand Lodge of residence of the petition.

We want men to become Masons! We avoid the petty reasons to prevent this.

Streamlining the Process – Agreement for Reciprocity In order to better serve Freemasonry in general and our constituent lodges in particular, Grand Lodges could adopt a provision for Reciprocity, a concept based on the mutual reciprocity in the licensing for out-of-state attorneys, with language such as this: “This Grand Lodge waives jurisdiction over nonmasons who submit a petition to join a lodge in another jurisdiction, where the Grand Lodge of the receiving extends the reciprocal courtesy to this Grand Lodge.”

Each Grand Lodge to adopt such provision is assumed to be entitled to reciprocal courtesy among other adopters. Then going on forward, for those

• With the Notice of Petition, we will be sharing information – providing full disclosure that the reciprocal jurisdiction agreement is being exercised.

The provision for Reciprocity is only meant to expedite the petition process – not obscure who’s joining where.

• With the Notice of Petition, the Grand Lodge of residence is permitted an opportunity to object. This would prevent, for example, cheating by member of profane – petitioning another jurisdiction while ineligible, for example: not in good standing, dropped, pending Masonic charges, or recently black-balled.

If the Grand Lodge of residence does not object to the Notice of Petition within, say three weeks (21 days), the receiving Grand Lodge will be considered at liberty to act on the petition.

Our current policies, with respect to jurisdiction over non-masons and our handling of waivers, keep in place an unnecessary burden on our constituents. We owe it to our lodges to remove old, unnecessary barriers wherever possible and I hope that all Grand Lodges will soon commit to work together to affect this timely and positive change for our Fraternity. I

Attention Federal Employees: Please consider including the Masonic Foundation of the District of Columbia as part of your charitable giving to the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). The CFC number for the Masonic Foundation is

48808 and is listed in the “Local Agencies” section of the Fall 2007 campaign catalog.

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FROM THE DEPUTY GRAND MASTER

From the Deputy Grand Master:

Talking the Talk, Walking the Walk.

“When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” – VSL, I Corinthians 13:11 As individuals, have we become true Masons? As a noble institution are we what we are supposed to be?

I believe we all asked to become Masons because we were (and hopefully remain) interested in selfimprovement. By the same reasoning, given that no one approaches the portals of Freemasonry without serious self-analysis, I have no doubt that before we asked to become Masons, we all engaged in a thorough inner examination and discovered shortcomings and inadequacies that we hoped Masonry could help rectify. We longed for a way of life that will bring us to a state of perfection or mastery of life.

Unbeknownst to many of us, we were expressing a willingness to seek the light of knowledge about human nature and purpose of human existence.

Kwame Acquaah Deputy Grand Master

this life. Yet we persist in the inquiry and education, because the glory of this quest, the related challenges, and response to the challenges constitute the Masonic experience we seek.

For many of us it is not difficult to accept that Masonry is about the pursuit of Higher Consciousness or the realization of spiritual upliftment founded on the true knowledge and closeness to God. It is this appreciation of higher spiritual values that persuade us to regard the whole human race as one family, high and low, rich and poor, white or black, all created by the one God and all being inhabitants of the same planet and committed to mutual aid, support and protection. With this knowledge, intolerance of another human being because of color, creed or any other distinction, is alien and anathematic to us.

We know that change in Masonry is a life-long journey from West to East in search of light or Divine Truth.

I must note that most of us before we petitioned our mother lodges had become acquainted with the Masonic mission statement: “To make good men better.” While we had limited knowledge of the fraternity and thus the deeper import of the expression, we nonetheless understood the statement to involve “change”. But what form of change?

How was the change to be realized? What will be the time-frame for the process of change?

I do not take the last question lightly. We live in an era of impatience and short attention span. We “hurry up and wait”, “eat instant food”, “demand instant cure”, insist on slim fast, yearn for fifteen seconds of fame, etc. In such an atmosphere, we may be tempted to think that change as envisaged

by Freemasonry could occur in short order. That, of course, is not the case. We know that change in Masonry is a life-long journey from West to East in search of light or Divine Truth. This search, we acknowledge, may never be consummated because the knowledge of the nature of God and of man’s relations to Him, which knowledge constitutes divine truth, can never be completely acquired in

Freemasonry, when it lives up to its sincere purpose encourages its adherents to subordinate the material to the spiritual. In other words, Lodges primarily and principally teach and encourage their members, within the context of a supportive brotherhood, to learn and practice time-tested moral precepts as the stepping stones toward the search for divine truth.

As part of this effort, Lodges foster among their members a willingness to live according to the noble and glorious purposes of such symbols as the Twenty-four Inch Gauge, Common Gavel, Square and Trowel. The brethren are admonished to be guided in their daily lives by the Cardinal Virtues of Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence, and Justice. The brethren strive to imbue their lives with the principal tenets of the craft: Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. In mastering these teachings of Masonry, the brethren are thus prepared to become well-disciplined and ethically upright individuals fit to form part of the spiritual edifice, that house not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens. Masonry, therefore, is a spiritual quest and the function of Masonry is to be the Builder of each person’s unseen temple of life.

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FROM THE DEPUTY GRAND MASTER

I meet Masons who are hungry for the true essence of the craft, spiritual teaching.

But they have grown skeptical that the Fraternity actually can live up to what it preaches. They are resigned to the notion that it is easier to fight over principles (talk about them) than to live up to them. Whatever ancillary interests we believe our institution must pursue we should not fail to devote the majority of our time and resources to the teaching and inculcation of our fundamentals in our brethren. We must keep our eyes on the prize.

…the future of Freemasonry depends on the success of Lodges and the dedication of brethren in adhering to the unchanging principles that constitute the heart of the Craft and be seen to be doing so.

The major challenge facing the Fraternity is, to articulate and give meaning to its true purposes in a manner that will actually influence and convince its members, prospective members and impress the public.

In effect, the future of Freemasonry depends on the success of Lodges and the dedication of brethren in adhering to the unchanging principles that constitute the heart of the Craft and be seen to be doing

so. We must separate what we do and how we do it from who we are as masons.

Finally, given that we are human, from time to time, we may fail in our masonic quest as individuals and as an organization. On such occasions, we must learn from these failings, measure our actions by the unfailing high standards of the Craft represented by the symbolic meaning of the tools, adjust and move with unstinting resolve toward realizing the genuine objectives of Freemasonry. For individual masons, I also pray that in such situations, we will seek comfort, sustenance, strength, and support from each other and our Lodge. We must remember we are committed to helping each other on our respective spiritual journeys and not only to remain willing to go on foot and out of our way to be of assistance and service to each other, but also to remember each other’s welfare during our daily devotions. I

COMING EVENTS Special Communication of the Grand Lodge March 29, 2008

Universal Brotherhood Celebration May 10, 2008

Hands-on D.C.

Semi-Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge

April 26, 2008

May 14, 2008

Grand Lodge Golf Tournament

Masonic Day of Thanksgiving and Remembrance

April 28, 2008

Annual Meeting of the Masonic Foundation of D.C.

June 1, 2008

National Masonic Trail

April 30, 2008

June 14, 2008

IX World Conference of Masonic Grand Lodges

Independence Day Parade and Picnic July 4, 2008

May 7-9, 2008

Visit us on the web: www.dcgrandlodge.org

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THE WORLD CONFERENCE OF MASONIC GRAND LODGES

The World Conference

of Masonic Grand Lodges Thomas W. Jackson, RWPGS Executive Seccretary

The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington D.C. has received the honor of hosting the IX World Conference of Masonic Grand Lodges in May of this year as determined by vote of the conference during its VIII meeting held in Paris, France, in November 2006.

The World Conference of Masonic Grand Lodges grew out of a first congress or meeting held in Mexico City, Mexico in 1995. It was organized at that time as a “World Meeting of Grand Masters of Freemasonry” by the Gran Logia Valle de México. It was attended by 37 Grand Lodges and when the summary was released there was apprehension expressed throughout some Grand Lodges of the world. Indeed, I had considerable concern on some of the decisions that were reached and I wrote my opinion regarding them.

The second assembly of the “World Meeting of Masonic Grand Masters” was held in Lisbon, Portugal.

When asked by the then Grand Master of Portugal if I would participate, I declined stating that my attendance could be construed as supporting issues I disagreed with. He responded to me, that opinions like mine should be heard and discussed, not abstained. With this admonition I attended, participated in the conference and felt that it had potential to contribute to understanding in world Freemasonry.

Since that second meeting I have become more convinced that this conference can play a vital role by bringing together leaders of world Freemasonry with thinking minds to deal with issues that confront us.

During the third meeting held in New York City, New York a constitution was drafted when the name of the conference was changed to the World Conference of Masonic Grand Lodges, opening it to Grand Secretaries for the continuity that brought and limiting it to Grand Lodges only. The purpose of the conference as stated in the Constitution, “is to share information and to discuss issues, which promote the stability, progress, and universality of Craft masonry.” It also

stated that, “No actions taken by this conferencce will have a binding effect on any sovereign and indeependent member Grand Lodge.

Further the Constitution states, “The World Co onference will be open to Masonic Grand Lodges only nly”, and that “Every attempt will be made to rotate thee World Conference to each continent”, and that it will “be scheduled every 18 months”. Finally, it was determined that, “The Grand Master or his representative and the Grand Secretary will be the only ones to be seated at the conference table or permitted to speak and that only those Grand lodges who have been acknowledged as “legitimate and regular” will be members.

Since that time, the World Conference has met in São Paulo, Brazil, in 1999, Madrid, Spain, in 2001, New Delhi, India, in 2002, Santiago, Chile, in 2004 and Paris, France, in 2006. Topics for discussion have ranged from practical applications of Masonic philosophy in the operation of Grand Lodges in our present-day environments such as; Principles and standards in recognition among Grand Lodges, Have we been victims of our own success?, Quality and quantity, How could we better promote fundamental values and principles of Freemasonry: The possibility of reaching a world with a universal Masonic organization, Regular Freemasonry and digital communications: the internet, Should we open the doors of the Grand Lodges to the world, in order to incorporate ourselves in present-day society?, A historical analysis from a sociopolitical angle and The Need for Freemasonry in the 21st century, to more esoteric topics dealing with the purpose and meaning of Freemasonry such as; Freedom and Freemasonry in society’s evolution, Masonry, Laicism and globalization: values universality, Freemasons role in the paradigm change of new Euro Atlantic integrated countries, If freedom failed, and human rights in a multi-cultural society.

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THE WORLD CONFERENCE OF MASONIC GRAND LODGES

Th he committee for the conference to be held May 7-10 has been working diligently in preparation of it ffor over a year. The conference held in Paris last yeear had representation from just under 100 Grand Ju urisdictions and from all indications, I would ex xpect this World Conference to be the largest that wee have experienced.

Myy brothers, we are living in a period of history when thee global expansion of Freemasonry is perhaps as greeat or greater than at any time since our early existence. With the fall of communism, Freemasonry is finding resurgence in Eastern Europe and with the new Grand Lodges being created in African countries, Freemasonry is growing throughout much of the world. At the same time it is facing some of its greatest challenges. The need for a true understanding of

what our Craft is, it’s purpose and its potential future is paramount if we are to continue to affect the evolution of civil society. In addition we must understand the challenges facing us on a world level. In this technological age, Grand Lodge isolationism is no longer a viable option. In consideration of these challenges and the need to fully understand our purpose, the conference will be geared more to the practical application of Craft Freemasonry than the theoretical aspect of it.

Make no doubt about it, my brothers; this organization has played a vital roll in interjecting civility into civilization for several hundred years. You may be justly proud of your Grand Lodge’s significant participation in the World Conference in the past and its election to host the IX World Conference in 2008. I

9th World Conference of Masonic Grand Lodges

Program Agenda CONFERENCE PROGRAM Th d Thursday, May M 8 Morning . . . Session I - Standing Up to D k Darkness Lunch. . . . . . Keynote Speaker: a member of Lunch the US Congress Afternoon . . Session II - Masonic Integrity Evening E i ....C Capitol it l Hill R Reception ti

S t d Saturday, May M 10 Universal Brotherhood Celebration* Morning . . . . Wreath La Laying ing ceremon ceremony Lunch. . . . . . Hotel Lunch Evening E i ....U Universal i lB Brotherhood h h dB Banquet Dinner featuring performance by Washington National Opera artists

F id Friday, May M 9 Morning . . . . Session III - Global Fraternal Networking Lunch. . . . . . Keynote Speaker: a Senior US Administration official Afternoon . . Session IV - Special p Masonic Program (Tiled Lodge with Aprons and Collars) Evening . . . . Closing Ceremonies Black Tie Banquet: A Celebration off Dance D entertainment t t i t program

Dress Code: Conference f Sessions,, Lunches,, and Receptions: p Business Suit;; Wreath Laying y g Ceremony: Business Suit; Banquets: Tuxedo * Th The S Saturday d P Program iis part off the h Washington D.C. – Universal Brotherhood Celebration and is not included in the basic conference registration. registration Participation in and attendance of the Universal Brotherhood Celebration activities is optional and requires an additional dditi l registration i t ti fee f off $125 per person.

LADIES PROGRAM (Days) Thursday May 8 Thursday, Morning . . . . Tour of Washington D.C. Lunch.

L h . . . . . Cit City T Tavern Cl Club b ((private i t club) l b) Afternoon . . Shopping and sightseeing in historic hi t i G Georgetown g t

Friday May 9 Friday, Morning . . . . Promoting Literacy: a philanthropic project Lunch. . . . . . Cosmos Club (private (p club)) Afternoon . . Special Acti Activity it

Dress Code: D C d All activities, ti iti exceptt th the di dinner b banquets: t Business B i Dress; D Banquets: B t Formal F l Evening E i Dress D

To register T gi t please l visit i it www.glworldconference.org gl ld f g

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THE MASONIC FOUNDATION OF D.C: IN THE BEGINNING

The Masonic Foundation of D.C:

In the Beginning Stewart W. Miner, PGM Grand Secretary Emeritus

The Masonic Foundation of the District of Columbia was created by the Grand Lodge at a Special Communication, called by the Grand Master, J. August Johnson, Jr., on March 31, 1960. At that communication, following thorough discussion, the Grand Lodge adopted proposals authorizing the creation of a “Certificate of Incorporation” and the establishment of “By-Laws for the operation of the Masonic Foundation.”

By these actions the Grand Lodge responded positively to growing concerns about the future of fundraising for charitable purposes in the jurisdiction. It was clear at that time that developments over which the Grand Lodge had no control could impact adversely on established charitable programs. Moreover, there was a general feeling in the Craft that something should be done to regulate and protect the brethren, their lodges, and the Grand Lodge as they pursued their charitable endeavors.

These concerns had been voiced as early as 1959.

The Masters’ Association in that year proposed a resolution in Grand Lodge “for the protection and safeguarding of the offices, the persons and the estates of the Grand Master of Masons of the District of Columbia and the Worshipful Masters of its constituent lodges, as well as the assets and funds of the Grand Lodge and its constituent lodges.” By this resolution, which was adopted, the association also obtained permission to apply for tax exemptions, federal and local.

During 1959 the Grand Master, MWB Reuben Bagley, Jr., appointed a Special Committee to study the possibility of establishing a foundation to handle such matters. He was concerned about the ability of Masons in the District of Columbia to continue to make significant contributions in support of the operation of the Masonic and Eastern Star Home. “In the near future,” he said, “we will lose the free facilities of the Ball Park (Griffith Stadium), adding

another great expense in rental of a suitable place for an affair of this nature (the Night of Thrills).”

The Night of Thrills, to which the Grand Master referred, had been a consistently fruitful fundraiser ever since it was launched in 1938. Typically it involved the presentation of a professional baseball game, which was then followed by a program of very entertaining circus acts. Over the years it netted proceeds ranging from $20,000 to more than $30,000 per year. The success of these programs was made possible, in no small way, by the benevolence of Clark and Calvin Griffith, who made Griffith Stadium available to the fraternity at no cost whatsoever.

The premonition of MWB Bagley proved to be well founded. The local team, the Washington Senators, moved to Minneapolis in 1960, to become the Minnesota Twins, and a replacement expansion club, also known as the Washington Senators, moved to what is now known as RFK Stadium at the end of the 1961 season. The Griffith Stadium was closed in 1962 and demolished in 1965. According to the proceedings of the Grand Lodge, the last “Night of Thrills,” in its originally conceived form, took place in Griffith Stadium in 1961.

During its first year of existence, that is, in 1960, the Masonic Foundation acquired donations derived from a social affair entitled the Golden Compass Ball, from individuals, and from established associated Masonic bodies, including the Scottish Rite Bodies of D.C., the Scottish Rite Foundation, S.J., and Almas Temple. The financial statement for the year, submitted on May 10, 1961, indicated receipts of $5,002.68 and disbursal of $2,427.68, all for the Masonic and Eastern Star Home. The balance, $2,575, was invested. From that humble beginning the assets of the Foundation, restricted and unrestricted, have grown to a total $6,626,555 as of December 31, 2007.

The pattern of fundraising established by the Foundation in 1960 was carried forward, basically without change, until 1987, when the property of the Masonic and Eastern Star Home and the care of its guests was continued on page 27 The Voice of Freemasonry

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THE MASONIC FOUNDATION OF D.C: PAST AND PRESENT

The Masonic Foundation of D.C:

Past and Present William F. Harvey, PM President

The Masonic Foundation of D.C. is a fully tax-exempt publicly-supported charity under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Service, and its activities must be exclusively for charitable, religious, scientific, literary and educational purposes under the terms of the IRS Code and Regulations.

The current Trustees of the Foundation are the Grand Master, Akram R. Elias, ex officio; the Grand Secretary, Mansour Hatefi, ex officio; the Grand Treasurer, Robert F. Drechsler, ex officio; Harold Grainger, Paul D. Gleason, Alan L. Gordon and William E. Harvey.

Each Lodge chooses a Representative to the Masonic Foundation and the members of Grand Lodge are the members of the Masonic Foundation.

The Foundation does not perform private Masonic charity to the brethren, their widows, and orphans or for activities which do not qualify under IRS guidelines.

Those types of private Masonic charity are left to individual members, Lodges and to such organizations as St. John’s Mite.

The Masonic Foundation consists of four endowment funds at the present time. The Restricted Fund is for the benefit of the Masonic and Eastern Star Home of the District of Columbia, Charities, Inc. (M.E.S.H.) which receives the annual income. There are two Unrestricted Funds – the General Unrestricted Fund and the Special Unrestricted Fund. The fourth fund is the Youth Fund which is to support the needs of Nation’s Capital DeMolay activities in Washington, D.C., scholarships for Washington, D.C., and other youth related purposes.

During the 70s and 80s, most of the monies were raised by the Masters Association (now called Masters and Wardens Association) each year, which sponsored fund raising campaigns to raise money for the Foundation. The Foundations fund drives in the past reflected the wide-spread interest in the philanthropic objectives of the Foundation and the generosity of the brethren in this jurisdiction. The Foundation’s honor rolls listed hundreds of individual and lodge donors. The Foundation now receives

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direct donations and bequests from the brethren within the jurisdiction and from lodge contributions.

Efforts to broaden the charitable concerns of the Foundation were increased from the late 80s, while continuing support for organizations already receiving financial assistance from the Foundation.

In the last five years, the Trustees have concentrated on basic administrative activities such as making sure that its endowment funds are properly invested in well-diversified investments allocated among the various economic sectors of the economy and that the investment managers are well-qualified and that their fees are reasonable, that the tax reports of the Foundation and the annual audits are professionally prepared and performed, and that the Foundation continues to meet the IRS requirement that it is public supported and that all of its activities are for qualified charitable purposes. Beyond that, the Trustees have discussed ways in which the charitable activities of the Masonic Foundation of D.C. can be carried out in a manner that will reflect well on the Masonic fraternity in the District of Columbia so that the general public will recognize the important work that our fraternity performs in the community, to society in general, as well as to our brotherhood. This is a slow and thoughtful process.

Thus far, we have made progress in our scholarship and educational support activities. The main scholarship activity is to award college scholarships to graduates of public schools in the District of Columbia. 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 graduates to matriculate at colleges and universities throughout the country.

The Masonic Foundation’s scholarship recipients are selected from a large group of applicants, whose credentials are carefully evaluated by the Grand Lodge

THE MASONIC FOUNDATION OF D.C: PAST AND PRESENT

Scholarship Committee, chaired by Worshipful Brother Timothy R. Bennett. The Committee sends materials to the public high schools in D.C. to solicit applications and recommends to the Trustees those students deemed worthy of receiving these scholarships. We have expanded this program from a one-time award to allow the recipients to continue to apply during their four years of college as long as they are making satisfactory progress. In 1991 the Scholarships were in the amount of $500.00 each. In 2007, we awarded ten scholarships at $2,500.00 each.

itan Area to read and write and overco ome related learning disabilities; raising of $18,000.00 for the completion and dedication of a permanent Ob belisk in the plot assigned to D.C. at the Medal of Hon nor Grove, a focal point of the Freedoms Foundatio on in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, in that year; Initiation n of a three year project in 2000 to invest $15,000.00 per annum to establish The Masonic Model Student Assistance Training Program, to identify children n and young adults at risk, in the District of Columbia;; Production of 7,500 copies of a 30-minute educational video on the beginnings of American HisThe Trustees of the Foundatory, entitled “Mr. Dreyfus Mayy 221, Ma May 21, 220 200 2007 007 tion anticipate similar Goes to Washington”, at a scholarship awards during Timoth Tim Timot mothy othy thy hyy R. R B Ben Benn Benne Be ennet nnett nett, ett, tt, Sc Sch Scho Schola Scholar holars larsh arship rship ship hip ip Chair Cha CChhairm airma rman man an cost of $59,750.00, for discurrent fiscal year and Masonic Ma Mas Maso Mason sonic nic icc Founda Foun Found Fouundat F ndati dation ation tion onn off D D.C D.C. .C. C tribution throughout the would like to expand its D.C. 5428 54 542 5428 288 M MaacAr MacA cArt Arth rthu thur hur urr B Blvvd., Blvd Blvd., d.,, N NW W nation, in 2001; In 2004, the Washing Wa Wash Washin shingt hington ngton gton tonn D D.C. D.C .C. C. 200 2001 20016− 20016−2 2 016−25 16−252 −2524 2524 524 24 Public High School ScholarMasonic Foundation, comship Program.

Dear De Dea Dear ar M Mrr. Be Mr. Ben Benn Benne B ennet nnett nett, ett,t missioned Peter Waddell, The Foundation has estabthe New Zealand born Throuugh Throug Through ghh tth the hee Mason Mas Maso Ma Masonic sonic onic nicc Fou Foun Found Founda F undat ndatio dation ation tion onn Sch Scho Schola SSc cholar holars olarsh larship arship rship, hip, ip, p, I ha have have v lished two $15,000 scholarartist, to explore and display been een enn able to ffur furth urthe rther ther her err my my ppos post post−s ost−se st−sec −secon second econda ondar ndary dary ary ryy eed educ educa edu ducat ucatio cation ation tion onn with withh w the hee financial inancial nancial aass assistance assistanc assistan assista assi assistance ncee I nne need need. nee eed. ed. d. I am am soo th tha than hankf ankf ankfu kful ful ull th that ttha hat at ships at American University 21 original paintings, depictyouu have avee worked hhar hard to ggiv give ive ve me me the tthhee oppo oppor opp op pport portu rtun rtunit unity nity ityy I for graduates of D.C. public ing the role of Freemasons need eed edd to succeed. ucceed. cceed. eed. ed. It take takes tak ta t a tr truly dde trul tru ded dedic edica dicat icate ated ated, ed, d, com comm ccoomm mmit mmit− mit− it− schools – the Masonic Founin the architectural history ted, ed, d, and ndd generous enerous nerous erous rous ous us group grou tto give ggi th their the t time titim time, me, e, een ener energ nergy ergy, rgy, gy, y dation of D.C. Stewart W. of the early Republic, espeand ndd financial financial nancial ancial ncial cial all support pport port ort rt to help hhe youth yyou yo su succeed. ssucce succeed T succee succ suc Tha Th Than Thank hank ank nkk Miner Scholarship and the cially in Washington, D.C. you, u,, Mr. r. Bennett, ennett, nnett, nett, ett, tt, for forr leading leadin tha that th t effort. eeff effort effor ef ff Y You aan Yo and Masonic Foundation of D.C. and the surrounding area. the th hee Foundation Foun F undation Fou ndation dation ation tion onn have ave vee given iven ven enn me aacc access acce ac acces to t the tth mos most m Perry A. Lester Scholarship.

This project, at a cost of valua valu val aluab luable uable able lee op opp oppo oppor pport portu ortun rtunit unity ity ty off a lifetime: ifetime: fetime: time: ime: Education.

Education Educati Edu Educa Ed EEduc nearly $120,000.00, culmiI am am hon hhonor ho onore nored red edd to wr w write wri rite tee this hiss letter tter err of appreciation appreciatio to appreciat apprecia apprec appre appr t In addition to the scholarnated in the exhibition you. Tha you. you Thank Than Thank Th ank nkk you y u for yo forr aall fo alll th ttha that hat at you ouu do for or youth yout in i this thi th t ships, the Foundation has entitled “The Initiated comm com ommu mmun munity muni unity. nity. ty. y.

Y You u h ha have ave e g gi give given ven en n me m th the he e m moti motivation mot tivation vation ation to t supported several projects Eye: Secrets, Symbols, achiev achie ach ac hieve ieve eve ve all a l my al my drea ddre dr dream ream eams ams. ms.s. I th tha thank than hank ank nkk you yyoouu from fr from om m the he bottom botto bot to improve education in D.C. off m my he heart hear art rt an aand ndd ppro pr prom romis omise mise ise se tha th that hat att I w wil will illll do do my my ve vvery ery ry best Freemasonry and the public schools and our curto ma m make mak ake kee you youu pro proud prou pr proud oud udd off m me me.. You Youu hha have hav ave vee ddisp dissplaye display displa played layed yed edd to t me m Architecture of Washingrent Grand Master is that tha th hat at ad adults adults adul adu ults ts an aand ndd org orrgani organ orga gganiz aniza nizat zation zatio ations ions nss do d car ccare are ree ab a out about abou ut th the hee pligh plight pl plig plight ght ht ton, D.C.”, which was working very closely with off Am A Amer merica meric erica rica’s ca’s a’s ’ss yout yyouth yo you outh. uth. thh opened at the Octagon the D.C. Administration on I am am ind iinde in indebt ndebte debted ebted ted edd to t the thee M th Masoni Maso Mas Maasonic sonic onic nicc Fou F Founda Found Foun undat ndatio dation ation tion onn ffore for foreve forev rever. rever ver. er. r Museum, on May 18, 2005. various educational projects.

Thhank Thank Than Tha ank nkk you yyoouu so so m mu much! much uch!! ch!!!! h!!!! !!!!!!

The exhibition has been on We hope to be an important tour since then at the R Respe Resp espec e spectf pectfu ectfu ctfully fully f ully, lly, ly part of the work that is George Washington Masonic Chhris Chri Chr ristin risti stina ina naa J, J Whi White White hite ongoing in improving the Memorial, the Grand Lodge D.C. public schools. of Pennsylvania, the Grand Apart from providing finanLodge of Nebraska, and the cial support for a number of organizations and also a Grand Lodge of California with many more to follow. number of scholarships to high school graduates, on In 2005, a fundraising campaign culminated in the an annual basis, Masonic Foundation has played a sigraising of nearly $ 20,000.00 which was allocated, in nificant role in assisting the Grand Lodge in its part, to a number of the projects supported by the charitable and community base efforts. A partial list Foundation, such as the Initiated Eye Exhibition, of such activities includes: Scholarships and the Masonic Model Student AssisContribution of $50,000.00 toward the purchase of a tance Training Program; In 2006, donations by the Wheelchair Bus for the V.A. Hospital in Washington, constituent lodges enabled the Foundation to raise D.C. in 1996; collection of $60,000.00 in 1979 to help $26,000.00 under the VA Chapel Project for the fund the activities of the Chelsea School, an institution purchase of new pews for the Chapel of the Washinghelping dyslexic children of the Washington Metropolton, D.C. Veterans’ Medical Center; In 2006 and 2007, continued on page 30 The Voice of Freemasonry

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EXCERPTS FROM THE GRAND MASTER’S INSTALLATION ADDRESS

Excerpts from the Grand Master’s Installation Address “I am deeplyy humbled by th he honor that the Freeemaso ons of th his Graand Jurissdicttion n have besto owed upon n me by eleectin ng me as theirr Graand Masteer.””

not of birth h. Americca to o me iss much more th han a countrry; itt is an id dea, a powerfu full id dea th hat hass been n shapin ng human civvilizzatio on fo or more th han tw wo an nd a halff cen ntu uries.. My “I am so indebte ed an nd faather passed d away gratefu ul to o my wiffe feew years ago, but my and partn ner Lou u who mother travveled all has sttood nex xt to o me, th he way frrom Pariis, not beh hind me, nor in n Fran ncee to o witn ness thiss front of me, but cereemony. My moth her always next to and by M.W W.B Bro. Eliias at prayer im mmediateely y prio or to his In nstalllatiion n iss an n extraaordin nary me. On behalff of the as Grand Mastter of Masons in n the Disttricct off Colu umbia a woman n who was once Graand Lodge, I would a le eader in n the wolik ke to o than nk you Lou u for alll that you havve done and men n’ss movem ment in Lebanon, founded several are con ntinuin ng to o do in n supportt of me and Freeemanon-govvernmental organ nizattion ns,, and was an adviso or sonry. I would also o liike to reecognizze th he preseence of to at leaast threee Preesiden nts of Lebanon. She taugh ht me your Sissterss who have come in fo orce to sh how w th heir and my bro otherss and sissterss to o alw wayys dreeam big and support to o you, and by extensio on to me, on this do th he riight th hing. I lo ove you Mom.”” unique occcasio on. Our ladiees arre veryy im mporttant and .............................................. precio ous to o us. In n order to betterr ack know wleedge th heir LIN LIN INA: “I am proud of you u, and contrib butio on, I would lik ke my wifee w o u ld d l ik k e to o b e a lw w a y s proud to saay a few w word ds to th hem.”” ............................. of you. But as a mom m, I can’tt but make some recom mmen ndatiions: LOU: U: “II know w what it means to o be su upportiive of your husb up bands • Keep you ur goodnesss and as th hey go about doing th he good generosiity workss as Freem masons. On behalff • Keep you ur dreams and work of my husba and, th he Grand Masto o implement th hem ter, I would d liike to o expresss my most sin ncere thanks to you and • Don’t let honors go to o your present you with h a smalll gift as h e a d The Grand Masteer with his wife, fe Firstt a to oken of our apprecia atiion.

Lady y Lourdess Eliias • Don’t forg gett your natiive Thiss gift ift iss quitee specia al and country y, Lebanon. Leba anon very symboliic to me. Itt is a steerneeds pea ace; alll the reg gions lin ng silv ver bra acelett made up off needs peace,, but esp peciallly whitee and pink pearlss and is Lebanon needs peace. being so old by y itss makeer for for th he purp posse off raisin ng fu unds for th he I did dn’tt know what gifft to offe ffer Susa an G. Komen n for th he Cure. you, af aft fteer giving you u my As some of you u know w, I am a hea art. I was lo ooking in my breast cancerr surviv vor.”” familly herittage, and I fo fou und ............................. a ring, my father’ss rin ng; he was a Freemaso on. Itt is a very “I ow we so o much to o my parents o l d s t o n e , f r o m th he Roman The Gran nd Masteer and hiss moth her, Lin na who gave me th he opporttunityy to o E m p i r e ; i t is s a lm m o s t tw wo th houEliass come to o the Unitted Staates and sand years old d; a Phoenician become an Ameriican by choicee The e Voice e of Fre eem maso onry

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PRESENTATIONS AT THE INSTALLATION CEREMONY

boat is engraved on it, fu fulll of cedar wood, probably y, and maybe it was sent for th he constru uctiion of th he Templee at Jerusaleem; maybe…” ..............................................

“I am so o graatefu ul to all my Masonicc brotherss who travveleed veryy lon ng disttances to be with wi h us th hiss evvening, more especiaallyy my Brotherrs from m Leb banon.”

“I would alsso liike to ackn now wleedge the presence of Shlom mi and Sh harron of Issrael who havve come to o show theirr support.. Hap ppy Hanukkah to you both h and alll of our Jewish h Breth hreen!

“Freeemason nryy hass help ped me deepen my understaandin ng of th he Greatt Experiimen nt that is America.

Freem mason nryy teaaches a person to becom me “h his own masterr” becau use soverreign n indivvidualss aree the best defeense againstt alll fo orms of tyrranny in n th his world.””

“D Duriing th he breaak, someon ne asked me, ’W What is the reelevan nce of Freemassonry in n to oday’ss worlld?’ My reesponse was,, ‘L Look at th he world d arou und you and wittnesss th he riise of in ntoleerance, iggnorance and fanatticiism.

Where ellse but in a Masonic Lodge do peoplee of dif-feerent natiionaliitiies, cultu ures, reliigio ons and raaces com me toggether ass broth hers with h sacreed obliggatiions bin nding them to o on ne anoth herr?’ A lot of brid dge build ding iss needed in n today’ss worlld; Freem mason ns can n help p builld th hose briidges of understtandin ng world dwid de.” I

Presentations at Installation Ceremony Presenta atio on by the Gra and d Mastter: An 18-carrat solid d gold d squaree and compasses lap pell pin presen nted to o memberss off th he In nstallattion n Suitee: • MWB Mansour Hatefi, In nstalllin ng Grand Mastter • MWB Leo onard Proden n, In nstallin ng Gran nd Marrshal • MWB Rayymond F. McMulleen, Installliing Graand Marsh hal • MWB Charrles S. Ivversen, In nstalliing Graand Marshal • MWB Alb bert McN Nairr Smitth, Instaalliing Grand Marsh hal • MWB Georgge R. Adams, In nstalliing Gran nd Marrshal

Presenta atio on by the Firrstt Lady: The Firstt Lady pre-sen nteed th his steerliing sillverr bra aceleet witth pink an nd whitee pearlls as a to oken off apprecciatiion to o th he la adies of the Grand Lodge offi ficeers. The braceelet’s ’s maker sells th he piecee to raisse funds for th he Susan G. Kom men Breasst Cancer Foundatio on.

Pre esentatio ons made to o the e Grand Master:: • WB Garyy Bond, Worsh hip pful Master of Cincin nnatus Lodge No. 76: Sillk Collaapsib ble Top Hat • Brother Fern nan ndo Potriik from m Braazil: Box of Ciggars • MWB Edmund Cohen, Gran nd Mastter of Virgginiaa: deskto op medalliion • MWB Ronald d A. Aungstt, Grand Masteer of Pennsyl-vaniaa: desktop medallliion and tiie • RWB Dan Tanasiee off Romania:: crystaal candlee hold der

M.W W. Bro o. Edmund Cohen, Grand Masteer (V Virgin Vir nia) makes a preesen nta atio on to th he Gra and Masteer

R.W W. Bro.. Ron Aungst, Grand Masterr (Pennsyl-vania a) makees a pressenta atiion n to o the Gran nd

• MWB Abdelhak Bensaad of Moroccco: ceramic candle holder with h four staatuettees fo orming a chain n of union represen nting “Circlle of Broth herlyy Love an nd Enligghtenmen nt” • Delegatiion off Broth hers from Lebanon: cedar tree (emblem of Lebanon) witth square and compasses mad de of cedar wood

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2008 GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

2008 Grand Lodge OfďŹ cers

Kwame Acquaah Deputy Grand Master

Paul D. Gleason Senior Grand Warden

Jesse Villarreal Junior Grand Warden

Mansour HateďŹ , PGM Grand Secretary

Akram R. Elias, Grand Master

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Robert F. Drechsler, PGM Grand Treasurer

Christopher K. Mahaney Grand Lecturer

Joseph S. Crociata Senior Grand Deacon

Teko Foly Junior Grand Deacon

Kenneth D. Fuller Senior Grand Steward

James T. Feezell Junior Grand Steward

Jeffrey D. Russell Grand Marshal

David A. Balcom Grand Chaplain

Burton S. Levy Assistant Grand Chaplain

Jahangir Sajjadi Assistant Grand Chaplain

Roman Volsky Grand Sword Bearer

J. Kenneth Gibala Grand Pursuivant

William G.L. Turner Grand Standard Bearer

Stewart W. Miner, PGM Grand Historian

Michael A.W. Hattwick Grand Lodge Physician

Pierre E.L. Goze Grand Tiler

Charbel T. Fahed Deputy Grand Lecturer

Elkanah E. Faux Assistant Grand Lecturer

2008 GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

Jeffrey H. Lewis Assistant Grand Lecturer

Dean Clatterbuck Grand Lodge Counsel

Thomas W. Cynkin Grand Chancellor

Maximilian G. Ullmann Grand Lodge Ambassador

Curtin Winsor Grand Lodge Ambassador

Carlos C. Rodriguez Grand Organist

Dalton A. West Deputy Grand Historian

Quentin O. Miles Grand Lodge Photographer

Garrison K. Courtney Asst. to Grand Master Public Affairs

Connor W. Flaherty Asst. to Grand Master Congressional Affairs

Marcus Mason Asst. to Grand Master Government Relations

Robb Watters Asst. to Grand Master Public Liaison

Yavuz A. Anahtar Asst. to Grand Master Executive Affairs

Luis A. Galarza Asst. to Grand Master Executive Affairs

Walter R. Hoenes Asst. to Grand Master Executive Affairs

George J. Stoklas, Jr. Asst. to Grand Master Executive Affairs

Sviatoslav V. Voloshin Asst. to Grand Master Executive Affairs

Dustin Rawlins Asst. to Grand Master Educational Affairs

André Kesteloot Grand Lodge Orator

Perry J. Blatstein Protocol Officer

Richard C. Chandler, Jr. Protocol Officer

Michael E. Halager Protocol Officer

Michael Pikus Reid Protocol Officer

Ryan C. Work Protocol Officer

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FIRST LADY’S MESSAGE

First Lady’s

Message

Dear Masonicc Family, Akraam and I arre verry hon norred an nd excitted to embark k on th hiss new journ ney duriing his term m as Graand Master for 2008. I wou uld d like to thank you all very much h for your kin nd su upp portt an nd warm wellcome in nto this new role in our liivess. The insttalllatiion ceeremon ny willl forever remaiin a mem morablee evvent in n my liifee th hanks to o the love and ligght that raadiated d frrom alll who atten nded. Alsso, our fa fam milliees weree th hrilled d to meeet you and to sharee in n th he fesstivvitiies.

I hop pe you alll en njoyed a restfful and peaaceful holid day seaso on witth faamilyy and fr friien nds.. Now, the celeb bratio ons are over and it is tim me to get back k to o work. Itt is tim me to o make new w hi hissto ory an nd meanin ngful ful changes to our liives and our world d. In my rolee as Firrst Lady and wiffe of th he Graand Masteer, I pro omisse to make itt my duty to support the effo orts of th his Gran nd Lodge. I also o hope to rep present the vo oice of the wivves – who atttend th he open events and who work k behin nd th he sccenes to allo ow th he bro others to meet in n harm mony to do theirr go ood work.

Lourd rde es P. Elia as Firrst Lady

of Goddess art, the theoryy of Mary Magd dalene and the quest fo or the Holyy Graail.. Mostt modern n religiions, in n the Westtern traaditiion, expresss the great arch hittectt as God the Fath her who iss asso ociateed with h rigorr and dissci-plin ne. How wever, the Mother Godd desss expressses the importaance of love and compasssion n above alll. The Goddess iss everyythin ng and th he worlld iss merelyy an expresssion of her good dnesss. In Easteern traaditiions, philo osophiees su uch as Taoissm and Buddhissm make no disstin nctio on between creatu ure and creeator an nd there iss no feemalee figuree. They belieeve th hatt evverythin ng iss on ne. I gu uesss Cuelh ho’’s book made me th hin nk th hatt iff we women could d more efffectiivelyy expresss the fem mi-nin ne sid de of the great arch hitectt (who plaaces moree im mportaance on lo ove), then perrhaps th here would be leess warr and aggres-sio on on th his earth h. Perrhaps we can rem min nd man nkiind that we arre alll one.

It is time to make new history and meaningful changes to our lives and our world.

As I witn ness the work of the Lodges I also o notee th hat we women spen nd our liivees cariing for our fa fam milliees, husbands, our chilldreen. What do we do for our feello ow women? For ourselvves? To raisse our levell? We see how men network and help p eacch oth her, as in n the fraatern nityy of Freeemaso onry. What arre we women doin ng fo or eacch other? We We can not ex xpect to be repreesenteed by men.

We need to speak in our own voicce and act with wi h leeadership and courage to raisse the levvel of alll wom men.

I bellieeve women – and sociietyy as a wholee – need th he focused d energgy and love of the feminin ne spirritt. Itt iss a diffferen nt tyype off en nergy than man’ss. I alsso belieeve that witth thiss new Milllenniu um, there has been an increaasin ng interrest in n sp pirittual alitty, reeliggiou us trradittio ons, and partiicularlly the study of the feminin ne in pagan trradittio ons and women Goddessses. In n a recen nt noveel by Paulo o Coellho, The Wittch of Porttobelllo, th he auth hor wriitess abou ut th he maniffesttatiion of the Great Mother,, the Goddess of Creatio on. In n Dan Brown’ss populaar book k, The Da Vinci Cod de, he writtes abou ut th he Lou uvre’ss elaborrate colllecttio on

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Our newspapers are filleed with h storiies about ques-tio onable ethicss. In n the bu usiiness//commerccial aren na, we have the casses of Enron, Arth hur Anderson n, MCI WorlldCom, Martha Stewart an nd insid der-ttradin ng. In the religgiou us contex xt we read d about ch hild d moleesta-tio on casess goin ng unreportted fo or yeaars an nd teach herrs who abuse theirr stu udents, who are minors. On a glob bal scalee we deal witth Weapons of Mass Destru uc-tio on, suiciide bombers and terro orism m. This barrrage off news seeems overw whelm min ng an nd we oftten feel hellplesss in our pursuitt of what iss right.. The questiion is,, do we have th he toolls neceessaryy to face th hese isssues head on? These toolss, the toolss of th he Freemason passsed down through th he ages, are need ded d now perh haps moree th han ever..

Even though we may not have reeceived d the to ools, the knowleedge or th he secrrets of the Freemaso on ver-bally y, th hat does not mean n itt is not seen n, nor experieenced, nor passed on. I grew up witth Freema-sons on n both siides off my fam mily y, and I am certaiin that my liffe has been in nfluenced by th heir examplee and by theirr teachin ngs.

PRESENTATION OF 2007 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

We, W e, the familyy of Freem mason ns aree bleessed and we are privvilleged because we are able e to livve in n com mforrtablle homes, not slu ums or ghetttos. We are not outcastts fro om sociietyy but liive with hin socieety and arre an n in ntim matee partt of itt. As su uch, we must assume sp peciall responsiibillittiees and obliggatiions. It is our moral dutyy.

Our modern tim mes urgentlly need a posittivve contrrib butio on to o th he builldin ng off a morre faairr and perfeect socieety.

We have new probleems that need new answers fro We om men and women who arre spiriitu uallyy awak kened and preepared d to fa facce th hem – witth wis wisdom an nd couraage.

I ofteen reflect on Marggaret Mead’ss faamilliaar quotee: “N Nev ver doubt th hat a small grou up of thoughtfful, co ommittted citiizens can change th he world d. Indeed, d, it’ss the on nly y th hin ng th hat everr does.”” If we are to survivve as a sp pecies,, we must find crreatiive solu ution ns to the probleems faacin ng our mod dern tiimes – esp pecialllyy iff we are to em merge bettter than n we havve been n.

Each of you, my dear faamily y, brin ngs ligght, warmth, and a greatt deaal of lovee to the world d. Let us work togeether in n harrmon ny, lett us celeebratte liffe and ceelebraate Freemaso onry, with hout wh whicch we would have remained sttrangeers to each other.. I

Presentation of the

Distinguished Service Award 2007 Th G The Grand dL Lodge dg off the h Di District i off C Columbia l bi F Free and dA Accepted pt d M Masons DISTINGUISHED S NGU S SERVICE S V C AWARD W 2007 00 P Presented t d To T

W hhipf Worshipful pf l Brother pf B thh W. W Frederick F d i k Gore G f his for hi outstanding di g andd dedicated d di d service i to the h Masonic M i F Fraternity i Robert R b B B. H Heyat, Heyat y ,G Grand dM Master

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RING OUT, YE CRYSTAL SPHERES!

“Ring Out, Ye Crystal Spheres!”

Editor’s note: WB Gregory Martin is a composer and has also lectured on Masonic Music and the Music of Mozart in the D.C. area. He has composed music for a variety of chamber ensembles, films, several plays, electronica. His opera; “Life in Death” was just performed at the Catholic University of America this past January. WB Martin is the Master of Albert Pike Lodge No. 33.

Crystal Spheres was written sometime in the early part of 2007. I had been looking at the text from On the morning of Christ’s Nativity by John Milton, specifically the XIII verse, and I was struck by the first line “Ring out, ye crystal spheres!” Remembering some of my studies of Pythagoras, I recalled that he believed in the existence of transparent crystal spheres in the heavenly bodies above. He thought that the crystal spheres created a harmony in the heavens that was too fine for man on earth to recognize. It was here in the words of Milton that I found a deeper Masonic meaning. When a brother enters a lodge he leaves the profane world behind to attempt to raise himself up. He begins to imagine sounds from the heavens above, and is uplifted, even if just for a fleeting moment.

We as Masons are taught that harmony, of a non-musical kind, is what we should bring to our own everyday lives. In the poem’s text Milton speaks of trying to “have the power to charm our senses so”, so we can attempt to hear the music from the heavens. This again reminded me of always trying to improve myself in the Craft and perhaps get one step closer to harmony in my own life and those who are affected by my actions.

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WB Gregory Martin Albert Pike Lodge No. 33

The work is simply scored for piano and male voice.

Throughout the beginning of the piece I purposefully leave the third beat of each measure of music without a note being struck in the accompaniment.

I reserve the third note for the high point of the piece on the line “and let your silver chime.” Here too, I was reminded of the chime that is often used in the ritual of the raising of a brother. It is here that the piano begins to have a flowing nature that includes a strong presence on beat three, implying the movement from the profane world to the inner chamber of the temple.

After I completed the work, I knew that I wanted to present it as a gift to the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia. Having sat in lodge with so many fine brothers and having had the privilege of knowing our Grand Master MWB Akram R. Elias, I was honored to have it presented at the installation of the 2008 Grand Lodge Officers performed by Peter Burroughs and the Grand Organist, Bro. Carlos C. Rodriguez. The score can be found in the archives of the Grand Lodge. I

FREEMASONRY AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Freemasonry and Public Affairs: Stoking the Flames of Excellence Bro. Garrison K. Co ourtney Asst. to the Grand Master for Publicc Affairs

Since affiliating with the Grand Lodge of Washington D.C., I have seen a flame from within the membership; a flame that has been slowly building within the hearts and minds of the members, regardless of age, background or length of service to the Craft. You can see it in the eyes of the Grand Lodge Officers and in the voices of the new candidates as they are initiated…there is something within them that is yearning to be unleashed. As I have watched this flame build, I realize that it is being stoked by a belief that Freemasonry is more relevant in today’s world than it has been in the last forty years. Freemasonry was always known as a society where good men work to become better and its members were considered the Who’s Who in politics, science, math, civics and business. However, due to major social/political issues and shifting priorities of our times, our fraternity has struggled to achieve the status it once enjoyed during the 1940’s and 1950’s in America.

that those that we seek will come to us by virrtue of who we are.

By way of introduction, my name is Garrisson K. Courtney and I am currently the Chief of Public Affairs for the Drug Enforcement Administratiion. In this position, I interact with media outletss both domestically and internationally. Formerly, I was a television news anchor in the Pacific Northwest and have been a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security and for a member of Congress. As the Assistant to the Grand Master for Public Affairs, my role over the course of this year will be to help us create an unstoppable wildfire of Masonic action and a voice that originates from the Washington D.C. Free and Accepted Masons that spreads worldwide. Working together, we can do it.

We must know and understand our community, and our D.C. community must know and understand us and feel confident with our work.

Over the last several months, I have pondered deeply about how to stoke the flame, this passion within the Grand Lodge membership, in order to assist in the elevation of our fraternity back into its rightful spot as the voice of moderation, tolerance and civic debate in America. I have read the many member websites, Grand Lodge publications and other forms of communications that exist within our great fraternity and have seen the same flame throughout blue lodges worldwide. As such, I am determined to provide my services in order to create a prominent public face for the fraternity in Washington D.C.. We must create visibility. We must know and understand our community, and our D.C. community must know and understand us and feel confident with our work. We can no longer afford to simply hold our stated communications, and hope

As Assistant to the Grand Master for Public Affairs, I will play an active role in reviewing, designing and implementing the fraternity’s efforts in strategic communications including, media relations, electronic and print communications.

Our communications activities will operate with two main objectives: institutional communications, in which our Grand Lodge communicates to external audiences; and program communications, in which communication activities are undertaken by the fraternity in the context of its program initiatives. The communications function is therefore both a central and cross-cutting function of the future of this great fraternity in our Grand Jurisdiction.

I am truly looking forward to serving you within this capacity and hope to work with every lodge this year to provide the working tools needed to educate potential members, create public opportunities and generate news interest in the service we as Freemasons provide to our community. I

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FREEMASONRY ON CAPITOL HILL

Freemasonry on Capitol Hill: The Founding of a Nation; The Furtherance of a Rich History

Bro. Connor W. Flaherty Asst. to the Grand Master for Congressional Affairs

I feel as though I need not delve into great detail with yo ou all regarding the history of our ancient and honorable fraternity in Washington D.C. and specifically, on Capitol Hill. I am supremely confident that we all are aware of various contributions our fraternity has made to this great city. However, with your indulgence, I would like to share with you a few facts that warrant another mention.

Freemasons have been Members of the United States Congress since President George Washington laid the cornerstone of the Capitol in a Masonic ceremony on September 18, 1793. This august event was one of many where the footprint of our ancient Craft has been laid in our nation’s capital. In 1851, President Millard Fillmore wore George Washington’s Masonic apron while The Grand Master of the District of Columbia presided over a ceremony marking an extension of the Capitol. As recently as 1959, President Dwight Eisenhower participated in the laying of the cornerstone for the extension of the east front of the Capitol. As momentous as these events are, what is equally important to note is that they by no means represent an exhaustive list of Masonic activity on Capitol Hill. In honor of our rich history of contributing to the building of our nation, and in the spirit of maintaining this presence whereby we can promote the values and ideals upon which our fraternity stands, it is my honor and privilege to serve the Grand Lodge, as well as each and every one of my brethren, as the Assistant to the Grand Master for Congressional Affairs.

to utilizing the exposure and access this great city affords to advance and promote a culture of brotherhood, respect, and support on Capitol Hill, worthy of our traditions and principles.

Living and working in our nation’s capital provides us opportunities the likes of which no other city in our great nation can. Living in Washington D.C. gives us the ability to not only engage in the bonds of fellowship with brethren from all over, but also promote the values and ideals to which all Freemasons subscribe, to nonMasons from equally diverse backgrounds and geographic locations. The advantages of this position are enormous.

Chief among these advantages is the fact that our brethren living in the Washington D.C. area call claim to a multitude of professional endeavors which can have a positive impact on the entire nation. Perhaps foremost among these professions is public service in the form of an elected representative of the American people. As a Member of William R. Singleton-Hope-Lebanon Lodge #7, and Assistant to the Grand Master for Congressional Affairs, it is my duty to inform our brethren on Capitol Hill of our presence and help promote and advance the values of our fraternity.

I am excited to convey to you that this engagement is already underway.

Everyone in attendance was a first-hand witness to Masonry in Action in the Halls of Congress.

My name is Connor W. Flaherty and I am a member of William R. Singleton-Hope-Lebanon Lodge #7. Originally from southwestern Pennsylvania, I have lived and worked in the Washington D.C. metro area (Arlington) for the previous five years. Having worked in both the private and public sector throughout my tenure in this city, I currently serve as a Congressional Liaison for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; a position I have held for the last three years. As Assistant to the Grand Master for Congressional Affairs, I look forward

On October 3, 2007, and on behalf of Most Worshipful Brother Robert B. Heyat, and Deputy Grand Master Akram R. Elias; Congressmen Denny Rehberg (Montana-Ashlar Lodge, #29) and C.A. “Dutch” Ruppersberger (Maryland-Mount Mariah Lodge #116) hosted a congressional breakfast attended by eight Members of Congress to include the senior Senator from Iowa, the Honorable Chuck Grassley (Black Hawk Lodge #69). The Grand Lodge was also represented by Brethren from Naval Lodge #4, Anacostia #21, Benjamin B. French #15, and Singleton #7. Notwithstanding the outstanding turnout by the members themselves, one could not help but notice the warmth and camaraderie that permeated the room. Everyone in attendance was a first-hand continued on page 27

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FREEMASONRY AND PUBLIC EDUCATION

Freemasonry

and Public Education Bro. Dustin R. Rawlins Asst. to the Grand Master for Educational Affairs

My name is Dustin Rawlins and I am a member of William R. Singleton-Hope-Lebanon Lodge #7. At present, I am employed as the Sr. Human Resources Technician, Staffing in the Human Resources Management function of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. I am currently pursuing a degree in Psychology from American University and know first hand the importance of education. Originally from Delaware, I have lived and worked in the Washington D.C. area for the past six years.

Recently, my wife, son, and I relocated to Silver Springs, MD from the District’s Adams Morgan neighborhood.

also at the local level by becoming more involved with a number of the schools in the diverse communities that house our lodge halls. Awards will now also be distributed to the District’s teaching staff, acknowledging and rewarding excellence in teaching in a principal-nominated program. Teachers will also be provided the opportunity to take part in two training sessions, which will provide detailed instruction on the “Foundation Documents” including: the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Each lodge will seek out volunteer opportunities to assist in improving the physical conditions of several schools, which will provide us the opportunity to support the schools literally; not just financially. With the continual upkeep needed on area public school facilities, this work is not only much needed, it will promise to be rewarding for those involved. The entire school community can benefit from these physical efforts.

As Masons in the Nation’s Capital, we are in a unique position to exemplify leadership and philanthropy for the next generation of civic leaders.

As Assistant to the Grand Master, I will play an instrumental role in linking the Grand Lodge’s Adopt-A-School initiative with the District’s Public School system and guiding the project as it moves forward. My responsibility is primarily to assess the true needs of D.C. Public Schools and the ways our involvement can impact their futures. Upcoming projects include: scholarships for college-bound high school seniors; a rewards program honoring educators’ excellence; and volunteer opportunities for improvements of the academic environment.

If education is the foundation to building today’s students into tomorrow’s responsible citizenry, then access to education is the cornerstone. The scholarship program is a city-wide opportunity for college-bound public school students to receive financial aid awards to advance their academic pursuits. Merit- and need-based scholarships will be awarded to over a dozen students in the current year from this program alone. Furthering their education by providing relief is in accordance with our values as Masons.

The Grand Lodge’s Adopt-A-School Program will assist the District’s public school students, not only on a city-wide scale in the form of scholarships, but

I will be working closely with the Deputy Mayor for Education’s office as Mayor Adrian M. Fenty announces the District’s school improvement plan, which echoes the imperatives of the Grand Lodge.

Mayor Fenty is seeking willing public and private organizations to take the lead in mentoring, sponsoring, and assisting the District’s public school students. The Grand Lodge of D.C. has preemptively answered his call.

As Masons in the nation’s capital, we are in a unique position to exemplify leadership and philanthropy for the next generation of civic leaders. The importance of supporting public education can not be over-valued; each student requires the type of care and guidance that parallels our Masonic tenants.

The Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia is committed to engaging educators, Masons, and the entire Washington D.C. public school community in reform efforts to improve the academic experience continued on page 27 The Voice of Freemasonry

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LA FRANCE LODGE NO. 93: THE HISTORY OF ITS FORMATION

La France Lodge No. 93 The History of Its Formation Pierre G. Gaujard, PM La France Lodge No. 93

In May 1991, at a meeting between MWB Robert B. Heyat and MWB Jean-François Humbert, the Provincial Grand Master of Neuilly Bineau of National Grand Lodge of France (GLNF), on the sidelines of the Grand Communication of the Grand Lodge of New York, the subject of French lodges outside France and in particular in the United States of America was discussed. At the time there already existed two French speaking lodges in California: Lodge “La Parfaite Union” in San Francisco and Lodge “Vallée de France” in Los Angeles, and GLNF working for the creation of Lodge France in New York, through their Grand Representative RWB Jean Francois Gendrot, was confronted with some difficulties.

MWB Robert Heyat, Chairman of our International Committee and the Grand Representative near GLNF, proposed to create a new French speaking lodge in the name of “La France” in Washington D.C. as a special bridge between the two Grand Lodges. This proposal was met with great enthusiasm on both sides and following meetings of MWB Robert Heyat in Paris with the then Acting Grand Master MWB Claude Charboniaud and Grand Secretary, RWB Yves Trestournel, it was agreed that formal steps to organize La France Lodge with participation of members of GLNF and the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia (GLDC), would be taken.

Formal letters were exchanged between the two Grand Lodges and the list of participants drawn up, following which the request for dispensation to create the new lodge was submitted by MWB Robert Heyat to MWB Jerold J. Samet, Grand Master, on August 13, 1992. The founding members were as follows: From Grand Lodge of Washington D.C.: MWB Jerold J. Samet, MWB George R. Adams, MWB Stewart W. Miner and MWB Robert B. Heyat.

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From Grande Loge Nationale Francaise: MWB Claude Charboniaud, MWB Jean Francois Humbert, RWB Yves Trestournel and MWB Nat Granstein.

The dispensation was issued in October 1992 and the first organizational meeting and installation of the officers of the lodge was set for Saturday, October 31 in the Oasis Room of Almas Temple on K Street, followed by a banquet. This meeting was attended by the Grand Masters and many dignitaries and Brethren from Grand Lodge of Washington D.C. and Grande Loge Nationale Française. RWB Yves Trestournel led the installation of the officers in Emulation ritual.

At the invitation of GLNF, MWB Jerold J. Samet, MWB George R. Adams and MWB Robert B. Heyat and officers of La France Lodge UD traveled to Paris to participate in the Annual Communication of GLNF and to hold the second meeting of La France UD in the Grand Temple of GLNF in Paris on Sunday December 6, 1992, providing the lodge with the opportunity to confer the Fellowcraft degree on an Entered Apprentice. Back in Washington, the Lodge held its third communication, working in the Master Mason degree.

On December 16, 1992, Grand Lodge in its Annual Communication unanimously approved to grant La France Lodge No. 93 its charter. Consecration of the lodge and installation of its officers took place on February 26, 1993, in Washington D.C. The French delegation having participated at the Conference of Grand Masters in Hot Springs, Arkansas, arrived in Washington in time to visit the House of the Temple and George Washington Masonic National Memorial and attend a banquet in Belmont Mansion, the home of Eastern Star. The main event of Consecration and Installation was held in Almas Temple and was followed by a great table lodge. The following day, French brethren were treated to lunch at the

LA FRANCE LODGE NO. 93: THE HISTORY OF ITS FORMATION

French Embassy, participated in the Annual Birthday Celebration of George Washington in the afternoon and attended a dinner party at MWB Robert Heyat’s residence.

Another significant development during this visit was the initiation of discussions between Washington D.C. and GLNF to lay the foundation for cooperation to promote and establish Freemasonry in the new Europe. The subject matter was taken up at a meeting organized by MWB Heyat in which MWB Claude Charboniaud, MWB George R. Adams, MWB William T. Jenkins, RWB Yves Trestournel, MWB Nat Granstein, MWB Jean-Francois Humbert, MWB Richard E. Fletcher, Illustrious Admiral Gene Sizemore were in attendance.

La France and the Grand Lodge of Washington D.C. played a leading role in two events during the stewardship of Grand Master, William T. Jenkins, in 1994.

On the occasion of the 50th Anniversary celebration of Allied victory in Europe, and in response to the sacrifices by Americans in achieving this great victory, it was proposed that Grand Lodge of Washington D.C, together with GLNF establish a lodge by the name of Star Spangled Banner, to honor their memory. A large delegation, including the Grand Master MWB William Jenkins, several PGMs and many La France brethren, with assistance of the Grand Master MWB Jean Charles Foelner, Grand Lodge officers and brethren of GLNF, consecrated Star Spangled Banner Lodge No. 900 on June 10, 1994 in the Grand Temple of GLNF, in Paris.

The other event was the twinning between La France lodge No.93 and Bartoldi Lodge No. 500 of South of France. This was proposed by MWB Jean Charles Foelner, who was the Charter Master of Bartoldi Lodge and Assistant Grand Master at the time. The event was organized for September 23-25, 1994 in Washington D.C.. A delegation of 26 Brethren from GLNF, including many dignitaries, made the trip to Washington and the meeting took place on September 24 in Georgetown Masonic Hall. The twinning ceremony was conducted by MWB Robert B. Heyat and MWB Claude Charboniaud and RWB Yves Trestournel led the installation ceremony. La France Lodge 93 is currently twinned with 4 Lodges: • La Bannière Etoilée # 900 and La France 1917 #7, both Lodges in Paris, • Bartholdi Lodge of Research # 500, GLP of Provence, France,

The following brethren have wielded the gaavel of authority in La France Lodge No. 93 since its inception in 1993: Yves Ghiai Charter Master, Emil Joseph, Bijan Lak, Jean-Paul Dupinay, Akraam R. Elias, Eric Jourdanet, Séraphin Omanda, André Salmon, Eloi Kpamegan, Pierre G. Gaujard, Sassan Soheili, Pierre Verroye, and Maximilian G. Ulllmann, the current Master.

Presently the Lodge has about 86 members wh ho hail from twelve different countries around the worrld, the majority of them French-speaking.

The Spirit of La France Lodge No. 93 La France Lodge 93 in Washington, D.C. is partt of the Free and Accepted Masons of Washington, D.C., believing that Freemasonry is first and foremost most a Fraternity and also a way of life; a life designed and dedicated to promotion of friendship, morality and brotherly love, and the oldest and largest fraternity in America; one that continues to be an important part of many men’s personal lives and growth; an organization of men bound together with a philosophy of moral standards, mutual understanding and brotherhood in which all men are on the level and equal.

La France Lodge 93 focuses on “freeing and broadening the mind”, in helping Masons in their search for Truth, leading to enlightenment through higher levels of knowledge and consciousness. This search is about the essential reality and meaning of our lives, when we “travel along the path” of human existence in the Universe, and when we work for the building of a Society where justice, freedom and love prevail.

The First Objective and theme of La France Lodge 93, is “Building the Inner Temple”, conducive to self-realization. This requires: (a) Calming of the mind by making the Lodge a sacred space through an inspirational environment of harmony and beauty, freeing the mind from the stress and agitation of the profane life, and elevating consciousness in its search for the Truth; and (b) Providing Masonic education through Knowledge of the various Masonic traditions throughout the world, their symbols and rituals, and the perennial human quest for the Truth across cultures and throughout ages, with a view to finding the common core of Mankind’s wisdom and compassion.

The Second Objective and theme is a universal human communion by asking ourselves: “How can we be useful to Society?” This involves, in particular, establishing close bonds with sister lodges, Masonic organizations and societies, locally and internationally, with a view to shaping a better world.

• Lodge Tolérance # 2 in Libreville, Gabon.

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THE INITIATED EYE EXHIBIT IN NEBRASKA

The Initiated Eye Exhibit in Nebraska Editor’s note: The following address was given at the Joslyn Museum, Omaha, Nebraska on April 29, 2007.

The Grand Lodge (of Nebraska) first requested The Initiated Eye Exhibit as a part of our 150th anniversary celebration three years ago at the Conference of Grand Masters of Masons in North America, held in Calgary, Canada. It seemed to be a natural part of our celebration for at least a couple of reasons:

Dean Skokan, Grand Master Grand Lodge A.F.&A.M. of Nebraska

value to our families, our communities and ourselves.

This exhibit celebrates the value of Masonry in the founding of our country and implies that those values never go out of fashion, never become dated and can never, never die.

I’ll again make a point I’ve stressed before. There is an First, we wanted to raise the awareness of Freemasonry indissoluble tie between our military and Freemasonry. among a part of the population that really doesn’t know Many of the men depicted in this exhibit are in uniform, if those who served other branches of service will forgive much about us. Nebraska Masonry is not now the elite organization it once was. me the generic term, they That’s not a bad thing; we were soldiers. Many of us all know that Masons meet have been. Men in combat on the level and that our are forced to rely upon ritual is constructed to each other, to trust each determine the qualificaother, and at times to tions of the inner man, as place their lives in the opposed to his political or hands of another. Most economic status. While we Masons today are not retain a presence in the called to such life and political arena, our ties to death realities, but that the business community same bond exists among have waned. When my us should we ever need to father was raised in 1948, rely upon it. My first order most of Main Street in our as Grand Master was small town belonged to the designed to reinforce that lodge. These men, though tie between patriotism business competitors, and Freemasonry. This worked together in Lodge, exhibit does that as well. they got to know each It is fitting that we gather other there and learned to today to receive this trust each other there. exhibit. 218 years ago the That sort of business netevents depicted here working in lodge used to were the news of the day. be commonplace. I think The anniversary of Washthat those outside our fraington’s first inauguration An Auspicious Day: Washington dressing in Masonic ternity are jealous of that regal-ia for the Capitol cornerstone laying, September 18, is tomorrow. It took place trust and have actively 1793. Painting by Peter Waddell. on April 30, 1789. The worked to undermine it. oath of office was administered by Robert Livingston, This exhibit commemorates that Masonic relationship. It Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New York. The marwill demonstrate to those who visit and reflect upon it, shal of the day was another Freemason, General Jacob that there is a value to brotherhood, and that the bonds Morton. Yet another Freemason, General Morgan Lewis, of brotherhood, in the most honorable way, are a part of was Washington's escort. When he was inaugurated the foundation of our country.

Brother Washington, at the time, was Master of AlexanSecond, we need to rebuild our own pride in the Fraterdria Lodge No. 22, Virginia. nity. Our Masonic history provides proof of Masonic

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THE INITIATED EYE EXHIBIT IN NEBRASKA

It is no accident that the design of his city reflects Masonic working tools, his and ours. Washington’s Masonry was very real to him. He surrounded himself with Masons throughout his career. In fact, thirty-three of Washington’s most prominent generals in the Continental Army are known to have been Freemasons. The reason for that is obvious to us as Masons…Trust.

These men knew that their fortunes, their lives, and their sacred honor, and the future of our country depended on their ability to trust each other, implicitly, to rely on each other absolutely, and place their lives in each others hands completely. There was no stronger bond than the Master Mason’s oath, and there is none today. There was no greater testament to a man’s character than membership in our great brotherhood, and there is none today. That is why Masonry was important enough to Washington to design his city “on the square”, as a living memorial to the character, integrity, and trust inherent in Freemasonry.

Some say that time has passed us by, that there is no need for a secret society in today’s world; that there is no requirement of character to be a politician, and no prerequisite of integrity to be a leader. Brethren, the most casual review of the history of civilization should teach us that the freedoms we enjoy as Americans to assemble, to speak, to publish, and to pray, are not the baseline of

human history, they are the zenith. This exhibit celebrates the role of Freemasonry in reaching that point.

We are indebted to the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia for commissioning this exhibit, and for allowing us to bring it here as a part of our 150th anniversary celebration. We are indebted to Joslyn Museum for displaying it in such magnificent surroundings. We are also most indebted to Brooks Joyner, the Director of Joslyn Museum. He knew what we did not know, he knew the director of the Octagon Museum where this exhibit was originally displayed, and knew how to get it here. It would not be here without his efforts, and on behalf of the Grand Lodge I express our gratitude to him.

I’ll close by quoting the words carved on the outside of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia. They are taken from an address by President Washington when he visited King David Lodge in Newport, Rhode Island.

“Being persuaded that a just application of the principles on which the Masonic Fraternity is founded must be promotive of private virtue and public prosperity, I shall always be happy to advance the interest of the Society and to be considered by them as a Brother.”

So should we all my Brothers. I

Freemasonry on Capitol Hill

In the Beginning

continued from page 22

continued from page 10

witness to Masonry in action in the Halls of Congress.

Perhaps the most satisfying aspect of it all was realizing that this one event will help construct the foundation on which many future engagements with our brethren on Capitol Hill will occur.

transferred to a commercial organization, Medlantic Healthcare. These developments induced the Grand Lodge and the Masonic Foundation to then reassess their established programs and policies and to significantly broaden the charitable objectives of both institutions.

It is my hope that this event has served as the beginning of a dynamic partnership with Capitol Hill; one of which the Grand Lodge, and each and every one of you can be proud; and one which will enable us to promote our values to our national leaders and to further enhance the already positive impact we are making on our community, the nation, and the world. I

Freemasonry and Public Education continued from page 23

for every student. The expansion of our program through direct financial assistance, teaching awards, and facilities upkeep will impact th he experiience of so many more of the District’s students ts. I look forward to working towards this noblee causee in this year, and beyond. I

During 1987, for example, the Grand Lodge and the Masonic Foundation collaborated to initiate a scholarship program and to finance the first leadership conference of the Craft at the 4-H Conference Center in Front Royal, Virginia. Since then the Grand Lodge and the Masonic Foundation have increasingly employed their resources to jointly support a broad spectrum of charitable activities in the metropolitan area,, with p particular emphasis p being gp placed on p projj ects cts that favor the local Veterans Hospital. I

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WASHINGTON D.C. MASONIC LEADERS: WORKING TOGETHER

Washington D.C. Masonic Leaders:

Working Together “S See, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to live together in harmony.”

– VSL Psalm 133 O Saturday, February 9, 2008, at the University On Club, located at 1135-16th Street, NW, our Grand C Master, MW Bro. Akram R. Elias, sat down for a working lunch with The Honorable J. Raymond Murray, Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons, Prince Hall Affiliation, District of Columbia, Incorporated.

Kwame Acquaah Deputy Grand Master

Special Olympics in 2006 and 2007. MW Bro. Elias also recalled two visits to Prince Hall Grand Lodge in December 2007: his visit to attend the Annual Communication, at which he had the privilege of addressing the assembled brethren; and the visit of Deputy Grand Master, RWB Kwame Acquaah and 11 other Grand Lodge officers to participate in the ceremonies relating to the Inaugural Address of MWBro. Murray.

This was a most happy and harmonious occasion replete with good humor and laughter reflecting a The Grand Masters also examined lessons of expecelebration by men who, but for Masonry, would have rience from inter-lodge visitation between the two remained at a perpetual distance but could now jurisdictions; and exchanged ideas on initiatives address each other common to their as a friend. The jurisdictions such lunch was made as scholarship for more pleasant by needy students, the animated consupport for D.C. versation covering public schools; American history, and community US Constitution, service. geography of the Given the history District of Columof cooperation and bia, geometry, common interests, philosophy, lawthe Grand Masters yers, and the agreed on a numhistory of the ber of activities to respective Grand be undertaken durLodges. On display Left to Right: GM Elias, PHA DGM McWilliams Sr, DGM Acquaah, ing this masonic was the practice of PHA PGM Adams Jr, PHA SGW Myers, JGS Foly, Rep Gibala, PHA year including: JGW Doles Sr, JGW Villarreal, SGW Gleason, PHA GM Murray. the charge: At your leisure hours that (a) MWBro. Elias you may improve in Masonic knowledge, you are to to visit Prince Hall Grand Lodge on Sunday, February converse with well-informed Brethren, who will be 10, 2008 to attend an art show and celebration of always ready to give, as you will be ready to receive Black History Month; instruction. (b) MWBro. Murray to join MWBro. Elias at the Hill Following lunch, the Grand Masters reviewed the Breakfast for Masons on Wednesday, March 12, 2008; history of the warm relationship and cooperation (c) The two Grand Lodges will cooperate in the that have existed between the two Grand Lodges in development and implementation of a program to the past many years punctuated by highly visible support D.C. public schools; events including, the September 1993 reenactment of cornerstone laying of the US Capitol; the Septem(d) MWBro Elias and MWBro. Murray will jointly lay ber 2000 Proclamation of complete and full fraternal a wreath on behalf of Masons of Nation's Capital at recognition between the two Grand Lodges; the joint the World War II Memorial during the World Conferescort of school children to baseball games in 2005 ence of Masonic Grand Lodges, May 7-10, 2008; and 2006, and joint support and assistance for D.C.

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DEA PRESENTATION

(e) The two Grand Lodges will work together on escorting D.C. school children to a baseball game during the summer; and (f) MWBro. Murray will join MWBro. Elias in the laying of cornerstone for the US Capitol Visitors Center during the fall.

Much has been said and written about the need for the two Grand Lodges in the Nation’s Capital to work together with all their might, intellect and hearts for the restoration, success and prosperity of the Craft in this beautiful city. This meeting confirmed that great, important and meaningful strides continue to be made towards this goal.

MW Bro. Elias was accompanied by RW Bro. Kw wame Acquaah, DGM, RW Bro. Paul Gleason, SGW, RW Bro. Jesse Villareal, JGW, RW Bro. Teko Foly, JGD, an nd W. Bro. Kenneth Gibala, Grand Representative.

MW Bro. Murray was accompanied by RW Bro. David A. Williams, Sr., DGM, (who offered the invocation n for the meeting), RW Bro. Mackinnon W. Myers, SGW, RW Bro. John T. Doles, Sr., JGW, and MW Bro. Nathaniel M. Adams, Grand Representative.

The brethren were demonstrably happy to have met, sorry to part, and genuinely and enthusiastically cally looked forward to their next merry meeting. I

DEA Presentation On January 9, 2008, the Grand Master of Masons in the District of Colombia paid a visit to the Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA’s) Washington Division Office (WDO) in the company of Brother Radi Barkett of Justice-Columbia Lodge No. 3.

The purpose of the visit was to present a check in the amount of $2,000 to Shawn Johnson, the Special Agent in Charge of the WDO, on behalf of the Brethren of Justice-Columbia Lodge No. 3 to the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) – DEA SURVIVAL BENEFIT FUND, which supports the families of DEA fallen heroes through the CFC. The Grand Master remarked that “Freemasonry’s essence is to enable a person to become master of oneself and sovereign in one’s own right. Drugs and narco-terrorism, on the other hand, takes away a person’s independence and imprisons his or her spirit. “In support of the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and on behalf of the Freemasons of Justice-Columbia Lodge No. 3, please accept this donation as a token of our appreciation and support.”

Grand Master Akram R. Elias with Mr. Shawn Johnson, the Special Agent in Charge, (SAC) of the DEA Washington Division Office.

From the left: Brother Radi Barkett of Justice – Columbia Lodge No. 3, Sallie Casto (DEA), Shawn Johnson, (SAC-WDO-DEA), Rula Barkett (DEA), and Grand Master Akram R. Elias. Sallie Casto and Rula Barkett are the CFC coordinators for the Division.

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CONTINUING ARTICLES

The Masonic Foundation of D.C: Past and Present conntinued from page 12

forr two years in a row, Masons of the District of Co olumbia, with the financial assistance of the Maasonic Foundation, supported the Special Ollympics of D.C., by providing a barbeque for the ath hletes, their families and coaches, before the Summeer Games Opening Ceremonies, at a cost of nearly $1 15,000.000, at each event.

As the Masonic Foundation of D.C. moves into the future, we are looking forward to expanding our charitable projects. We also are looking for ways to increase our public support. In the past year, we have qualified to participate in the Combined Federal Campaign (48808), so that our members, their families and friends, who work for the federal government, may designate their contributions for the Masonic Foundation of D.C. The constituent lodges of the Grand Lodge of D.C. and our brethren have been extremely generous in supporting the Masonic Foundation of D.C. We ask you to keep this, your own Masonic charity, in mind when considering your charitable gifts. Contributions can be sent to the Grand Lodge in care of the Grand Secretary and made payable to the Masonic Foundation of D.C.

It is true that owing to successful investments on behalf of the Foundation the organization is on sound grounds, but the growth and implementation of the benevolence programs of the Grand Lodge depends, in the last analysis, on the generosity of individual Masons. Remember, brethren, that caring and sharing, within and without the household of the faithful, speaks not only to Masonic duty, but also to Masonic privilege and purpose.

The Foundation meets annually, shortly before the Semi-Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge in May, to elect officers and discuss disbursement of funds.The Trustees of the Masonic Foundation invite you to attend the annual meeting of the Foundation (April 30th this year), and participate in the proceedings and by doing so help achieve the goals of the Foundation. We especially encourage the Lodge Representatives to participate in the Annual Meeting. It is important that each Lodge be represented by at least one brother at these meetings. The Report of the Masonic Foundation will be presented at the Semi-Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge.I

La France Lodge continued from page 25

The first goal of La France Lodge in this respect is bridging American and French-speaking Masonry.

This is accomplished by facilitating mutual knowledge of the specific features and merits of American and French Masonic traditions, and establishing a meeting point in the nation’s capital to introduce visiting French-speaking Brothers to local Masonic resources.

Another target is to sensitize Masonic society to the direct human distress. In this respect, La France Lodge supports a Non-Government-Organization (“Amour sans Frontières”) assisting abandoned children and mothers in the Republic of Benin in Western Africa. It is the first charitable activity for Africa within the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia.

To accomplish all of this, La France Lodge works in French and in English through three major avenues: 1) Study of rituals, symbolism and meditation 2) Organization of “forums” and major presentations in English, some of them open to non-masons, with question & answer sessions The Voice of Freemasonry

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3) Twinning with specific foreign lodges to share mutual Masonic experiences.

La France Lodge 93 does most of its Ritual in the French language (or in English, when candidates are English speaking), but all the business and presentations are done in English. The Lodge meets on the 2nd Monday of each month (except July & August) at 7:00pm at Georgetown Masonic Hall.

Usually, the Lodge gives 6 major presentations per year along the lines mentioned above, and 2 to 4 per year are “open” to non-masons.

The Lodge has introduced several new subjects over the years, like the “meditation” at the beginning of each communication, to allow everyone to leave the “profane” world, and enter the “sacred” world of the Temple. This allows the Brethren to focus on their work: “Freeing and broadening the mind” through a peaceful, inspiring and pleasurable lodge atmosphere with significant Masonic substance. I

GRAND MASTER’S ADDRESS AT THE GEORGE WASHINGTON MASONIC MEMORIAL

Grand Master’s Address at The George Washington Masonic Memorial Mr. Mayor, Grand Masters, Distin nguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, and Bre ethren All, good afternoon!

How symbolic it is for us to gather in this magnificent edifice designed after the lighthou use of Alexandria, Egypt, whose celebrated library was destroyed causing the loss of the most important reposiitory of knowledge of ancient time. This edifice, symbolizing a beacon of light, reminds us Freemasons in our co ountry and around the world of the oath that we have all taken to spread the light of knowledge and enlightenment and fight ignorance, intolerance and extremiism. To you nonMasons, this edifice represents our plledge to the world that what happened in ancient Alexandria will never, never be allowed to happen again.

We also remember him as the “American Cincinnatus”, for he not only refused the honor to be king, but more importantly, resigned his military commission, returned to his farm as a civilian and asked his fellow officers to do the same. Washington understood that while the defense and protection of our republic must lie in the hands of an able military, the governance of the affairs of the republic must remain in the hands of a debating civil society.

We also remember him as the “American Locke” (as in John Locke), for he was the father of limited government in our country. Washington said “government is not reason; it is not eloquence; it is force, like that of fire.” What an incredible analogy! Think about it for a moment. Reasonable people light a fire to do some cooking, to get warm, but know that fire cannot be the answer to all of their needs. SimHow fitting it is to have this edifice ilarly, government is needed to erected to the memory of President provide us with a minimum degree George Washington. It is unfortunate of safety and security, but cannot be that our country nowadays celethe answer to all of the problems and brates “Presidents’ Day” and in so challenges faced by our society. Furdoing has contributed to the dilution thermore, we need to keep a of the extraordinary contribution of watchful eye on the fire for two reathe two great giants of the American sons. First, we need to feed the fire presidency; George Washington, the to keep it going, and similarly, citifounder of the Great Experiment that zens in our republic must remain we call America; and, Abraham Linengaged in the affairs of their govcoln, the savior of that experiment. ernment, otherwise government Today, we are gathered here to celemay collapse. Secondly, fire has an brate George Washington’s birthday. inherent tendency to grow and can While Americans remember and celeeasily expand out of control, so can Most Worshipful Brother brate Washington in different ways, government according to WashingAkram R. Elias we as Freemasons, celebrate his life ton, thus requiring citizens to keep it as the foremost Freemason in our under control and not allow it to overtake their lives. country. Focus with me on the word “Freemason”.

“Free” stands for Liberty, the liberty to worship, speak, Finally, as Grand Master of the District of Columbia, I move around, assemble, associate with h others, work and, must also say that Masons in Washington D.C. also yes, dream. “Mason” stands for the builder of a better remember George Washington as the American Washself, better community, better country y, and indeed, a betingtonian. Washington did not live to see the relocation ter world. George Washington was a trrue Freemason. of the federal government from the city of Philadelphia to the District of Columbia. He, however, was very intiWe remember him as the “American Liberator”, for he mately involved in the decision to establish the District, helped free our people from the tyraanny of a king and to locate it by the Potomac River, to secure the property unleash a dormant potential to esttablish this Great transfer of lands from their original owners, and to overExperiment that we call America. He was assisted by see L’Enfant’s plan, etc… many other Freemasons from around d the country, men like Paul Revere, Benjamin Franklin n, John Hancock, Our presence this afternoon is a testament to the honor James Madison, and John Paul Jones to name a few. In that we reserve to George Washington; so let us here and addition, many Freemasons came from m overseas to assist now renew our commitment to the preservation of his George Washington in the Revolutionaary War such as von legacy and its transmission from one generation of Steuben of Prussia, Kosciuszko of Polland, Rochambeau Americans to another until time shall be no more. Thank and Lafayette of France. you, and God bless you! I © Photos copyright the George Washington Masonic Memorial. All rights reserved.

Photography by Arthur W. Pierson, Falls Church, Virginia The Voice of Freemasonry

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