IN THE NATION’S CAPITAL An Official Publication of the Grand Lodge of Free And Accepted Masons of Washington, D.C.
Volume 25 Number 3 2008
Even a Brick Wants to Be Something Ahiram Lodge No. 1000, F.A.A.M., in Beirut, Lebanon
Freemasonry: The Promise of Tomorrow
An Official Publication of the Grand Lodge of Free And Accepted Masons of Washington, D.C.
Volume 25 Number 3 2008
GRAND LODGE OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
The Voice of Freemasonry Volume 25, Number 3, 2008 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Akram R. Elias, Grand Master MANAGING EDITOR Mansour Hatefi, PGM, 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, double-spaced and preferably accompanied by a computer disk in a neutral PC format or via e-mail to: grandlodge@dcgrandlodge.org
Articles are subject to editing and, when published, become the property of the Grand Lodge, F.A.A.M., of the District of Columbia. No compensation is allowed for any articles, photographs, or other materials submitted for publication. Permission to reprint articles will be granted upon written request to the Editor from recognized Masonic publications and others. When reprinted, articles should note: “Reprinted with permission of The Voice of Freemasonry in the Nation’s Capital, (volume), (number), (year).”
On the Cover The late great architect, Louis I. Kahn is attributed with once saying: “Even a brick wants to be something.” Our Brethren in Ahiram Lodge No. 1000 have built something of real beauty in Beirut, Lebanon. This issue’s cover features an eastward view of the lodge room of Ahiram Lodge’s newly built temple which was consecrated on August 14, 2008. The consecration team consisted of MW Grand Master Akram Elias, RW Senior Grand Warden Paul Gleason, RW Junior Grand Warden Jesse Villarreal and RW Senior Grand Steward Kenneth Fuller. For more about Ahiram Lodge No. 1000, please turn to page eight for Worshipful Master Maurice Feghali’s October 25th address to the Grand Lodge.
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Please direct all correspondence to: MANAGING EDITOR: THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY 5428 MacArthur Blvd., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20016-2524 Graphic design: JP DESIGN :: print | web jpdesign1@verizon.net
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Cover Notes
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Message from the Grand Master
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From the Grand Secretary
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A Message from Grand Master to All D.C. Brethren Regarding the Situation with the Grand Lodge of New York
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Ahiram Lodge No. 1000
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St. John’s Mite Association
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Some Thoughts on Charity
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First Lady’s Message
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Freemasonry in the Digital Age
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Fraternity in Action: A Photo Collage
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Q&A with Stephen Joel Trachtenberg
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2008 Awards for Meritorious and Distinguished Service
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An Evening To Remember: Samuel Gompers-Benjamin Franklin Lodge No. 45
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Sojourner Kilwinning Lodge at 50th Anniversary Celebration of the District Grand Lodge of Sierra Leone and the Gambia
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Sojourner Kilwinning Lodge Receives Visiting Brethren from Rosslyn Lodge in Trinidad and Tobago
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Naval Lodge Hosts Back To School Fun Fair
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Benjamin B. French Lodge Supports Project Life
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Promoting Civic Education: Grand Lodge’s Constitutional Seminar a Great Success!
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D.C. Masons Come to the Call of Our Veterans
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Photo Credits: Photographs appearing in this issue, unless otherwise indicated, were provided by Bros. Quentin O. Miles, Sviatoslav V. Voloshin, the author of the corresponding article, or open sources on the internet.
GRAND MASTER’S MESSAGE
Grand Master’s Message
Freemasonry: The Promise of Tomorrow Our Destiny reemasonry has always been associated with the Age of Enlightenment in Europe and the spread of ideals and principles upon which has rested the foundation of constitutional government, republican values and individual liberty. Every generation since has witnessed the contribution of Freemasons to the positive development and evolution of the human condition. What about today?
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A consistent soul believes in destiny, a capricious one in chance.”
– Benjamin Disraeli (British Prime Minister and Novelist, 1804-1881)
Fortuna is on our side and can guide us to our destiny. As Freemasons, we are e called upon to take a stand and help spread the light ght of Reason, Tolerance and Freedom wherever and nd whenever we can. This will not be easy but weren’t we really told that the road of true initiation is rough and rugged? Our biggest challenge though will not come from without but rather from within ourselves. We must fi rst conquer our own complacency, shy away from pettiness and reject smallness of mind. That can only be achieved by always reminding ourselves of who we are and what our mission is all about. We are Free and Masons – free to think, dream and conceive, and builders of better selves, communities and world.
Domestic Agents of Change We live today in a world Imagine us my Brethren probesieged by the dark forces moting a more enlightened of ignorance, extremism and educational system in our tyranny. These forces manifest local schools! How about supthemselves in different ways porting the expansion of the and take different shapes. Fear arts among our youths? After mongers exploit our ignorance all, the arts help people break of “the other” to promote divitheir own chains of ignosiveness and hatred. Fanatics rance and intolerance. What preach intolerance of and about teaching kids the true violence (physical and psychomeaning of citizenship with logical) towards whomever is rights and responsibilities? Most Worshipful Brother different. Tyrants impose their What happened to civility in Akram R. Elias will on others through matethe political discourse in our rial, spiritual or intellectual coercion. What should country? Can’t we build systems to bring back we do as Freemasons? Do we go about living our such civility? Should we reach out to elected normal lives and hope things will get better, or do we members of our national government, including emulate the courage and vision of our Masonic forethe Congress, who are Freemasons in an effort to fathers who when faced with these terrible enemies commit ourselves as true Freemasons to such a rose to the occasion and lived their Masonic destiny noble endeavor? We can do all of that and much to its fullest? The choice is ours, my Brethren. more if we come together and harness our energies to help build a better future in our nation’s capital. The willing, Destiny guides them; Let us identify institutions that have the expertise the unwilling, Destiny drags them.” and willingness to work on such noble objectives and partner with them to make those objectives – Seneca (Roman philosopher, a reality. mid-1st century AD)
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GRAND MASTER’S MESSAGE
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Let us resolve to be masters, not the victims, of our history, controlling our own destiny without giving way to blind suspicions and emotions.”
– John Fitzgerald Kennedy (35th US President [1961-63], 1917-1963) While we as Masons are called to provide relief to the needy, traditional forms of charity are perhaps best left primarily to places of worship and other secular charitable organizations. The aim of our Noble Society is to assist men and women to become masters of their own destiny. We should, therefore, focus our efforts on those types of activities that empower and enlighten human beings.
Why can’t we then think of ways for Freemasons to come together across borders and oceans to build bridges of greater understanding among cultures, religions and nationalities of this world? How about strengthening the building of civil society knowing that countries with vibrant civil societies provide better and greater opportunities for growth and development to their own citizens? Some of our Brothers have launched such initiatives in countries such as the Philippines and Cuba. Imagine how much larger the impact can be if we dream a little bigger and act more in concert. What about promoting forces for moderation in places suffering from extremism and violence such as the Middle East? Our Lebanon initiative is but a small step in the right direction. Imagine my Brethren, imagine!!
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Tomorrow Is Here The stars have already aligned in our favor as the world is going through a major change in consciousness and the opportunity for Freemasonry to make yet another major impact on the human condition is now at hand. What remains is for us to take charge of our destiny, forge ahead with resolve, and conquer when faced with adversity. Most importantly, my Brethren, let us never, never give up on the dream of building a better Temple of Humanity!
The aim of our Noble Society is to assist men and women to become masters of their own destiny.
Universal Transformational Leadership In an environment where globalization of information, technology, fi nance and politics reigns and in an increasingly interdependent world, what should be our role as Freemasons? We know that Freemasonry initiates into her ranks individuals of various religions, ethnicities, races and nationalities. She is truly universal in her geographical presence as well as in her essence.
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We can do all that and much more by living our Masonic universal transformational leadership.
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You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We will preserve for our children this, the last best hope of man on earth, or we will sentence them to take the first step into a thousand years of darkness. If we fail, at least let our children and our children’s children say of us we justified our brief moment here. We did all that could be done.” – Ronald Reagan (40th US President [1981- 89], 1911-2004) ■
FROM THE GRAND SECRETARY
From the Grand Secretary
A Synopsis of the Proceedings of the 2008 Annual Communication Mansour Hatefi, PGM Grand Secretary
he 198th Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge was held at the Scottish Rite Center in Washington, D.C., on October 25, 2008.
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Attendance: 38 constituted lodges and 2 lodges under dispensation (U.D.) were represented. 16 Grand Lodge Officers, 17 Past Grand Masters, 61 Past Masters, 31 Worshipful Masters, 26 Senior Wardens, 25 Junior Wardens and /or their proxies were in attendance and a total of 201 Masters Masons registered. Membership Statistics: During 2008 Masonic year there were 100 Master Masons raised, 54 affi liated and 15 reinstated, for a total gain of 169. Losses were 24 withdrawn, 102 dropped for non-payment of dues and 164 deceased for a total loss of 290, leaving a net total membership of 4434 as of October 1, 2008. Officers Elected: The following Grand Lodge Officers were elected to serve for the year 2009, and are to be installed at the Third Communication of the Grand Lodge on Saturday, December 13th, 2008: Kwame M. Acquaah . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grand Master Paul D. Gleason . . . . . . . . .Deputy Grand Master Jesse Villarreal . . . . . . . . Senior Grand Warden Joseph S. Crociata . . . . . Junior Grand Warden Mansour Hatefi, PGM . . . . . . . . Grand Secretary Robert F. Drechsler, PGM . . . . Grand Treasurer Christopher K. Mahaney . . . . . . Grand Lecturer Teko A. Foly . . . . . . . . . . . .Senior Grand Deacon Kenneth D. Fuller . . . . . . Junior Grand Deacon James T. Feezell . . . . . . . Senior Grand Steward Jeffrey D. Russell . . . . . .Junior Grand Steward Charles S. Iversen, PGM, was elected to serve as Grand Lodge Trustee for a three year term (20092011); and Lewis Randy Edwards, PSGS, was elected to receive the Distinguished Service Medal of the Grand Lodge.
Awards and Presentations: The Grand Master presented the Valentine Reintzel Award for Meritorious Service to Worshipful Brothers Edward A. Berry, PM, Benjamin B. French Lodge No. 15, William F. Harvey, PM, William R. Singleton-Hope-Lebanon Lodge No. 7 and Merriman F.C. Parkinson, PM, Sojourner Kilwinning Lodge No. 1798 and Samuel Gompers – Benjamin Franklin Lodge No. 45. Fraternal Recognitions: Acting upon the recommendations of the Committee on Fraternal Relations and Recognition, the Grand Lodge voted to grant recognition to: Grand Lodge of Moldavia and Prince Hall Grand Lodge of North Carolina. Held over for possible recognition next year was the request for recognition of the Grand Lodge of the State of Guana Juato, Mexico. Legislation Adopted: • SEC. 15 was amended to allow the vote of Grand Lodge officers, as a voting officer of their lodge, to be counted. • Miscellaneous Decisions 17 and 28 were amended to authorize the Grand Lodge to pay to the Saint John’s Mite Association, instead of the Masonic and Eastern Star Home of D.C., the $3.00 per member, annually collected from the constituent Lodges. Other actions taken by the Grand Lodge: • Granted Charter to Ahiram Lodge, No. 1000, in Beirut, Lebanon • Approved amendments to the By-Laws of Washington Daylight No. 14, Cincinnatus Lodge No. 76 and Fiat Lux Lodge No. 1717 • Approved amendment to the Charter of Alianza Fraternal Americana Lodge No. 92, and La France Lodge No. 93, authorizing them to work in the ancient York Rite and French Scottish Rite Ritual respectively • Approved the recommendation of the Grand Lecturer to adopt a Past Master’s Degree continued on page 9 The Voice of Freemasonry
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A LETTER FROM FROM GRAND MASTER
A message from the Grand Master to All D.C. Brethren
Regarding the Situation with the Grand Lodge of New York November 10, 2008 Washington D.C. Dear Most Worshipful, Right Worshipful, Worshipful Sirs and Brethren All: he warm and cooperative fraternal relations we enjoy and maintain with all regular Grand Lodges remain among our highest priorities. For this reason, I am saddened that the Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York, Most Worshipful Brother Edward Gilbert, has issued a Resolution withdrawing the Grand Lodge of New York’s recognition of our Grand Lodge, effective November 5, 2008.
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The decision by the Grand Master of Masons in New York will be recorded as a regretful moment in the history of Freemasonry. It is our view that the action by the Grand Lodge of New York to withdraw recognition and go immediately to all Grand Lodges rather than fi rst making an earnest attempt to deal directly with us threatens amity and may lead to anarchy in the world of Freemasonry. Responding to our creation of Ahiram Lodge No. 1000 under our jurisdiction in the Republic of Lebanon, the Grand Lodge of New York has tried to claim for itself exclusive jurisdiction within the territory of Lebanon and has attempted to “suspend” the sitting Worshipful Master and Secretary of the lodge. First, the Grand Lodge of New York’s claim of exclusive jurisdiction in this free and sovereign nation outside of North America is invalid. There exists no Grand Lodge of Lebanon and the current operation there of regular lodges not beholden to the Grand Lodge of New York nullifies any claim of exclusive jurisdiction in that country. Second, the Grand Lodge of New York, having seen the futility of its assertions, regarding exclusive jurisdiction, has attempted to undermine Ahiram Lodge by leveling meritless charges against a number of our D.C. brethren as a basis to “suspend” them after the fact. Worshipful Master and Secretary of Ahiram Lodge No. 1000, our Worshipful Brothers Maurice Feghali and Elias Feghali respectively, are
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under the sole jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of D.C. having legally dimitted from the Grand Lodge of New York well before the dubious actions of the District Grand Lodge of Syria-Lebanon (Elias Feghali demitted on April 21 and Maurice Feghali demitted on June 23 of 2008), attesting to the fact that no charges were pending against them. Furthermore, Worshipful Brother Maurice Feghali’s Mother Lodge has always been Justice-Columbia Lodge No. 3 under our Grand Lodge and Worshipful Brother Elias Feghali, by placing his dimit from the Grand Lodge of New York with Justice-Columbia Lodge No. 3, of which he was already a member, made it his Mother Lodge. The Grand Lodge of New York, in its efforts to stop the establishment of Ahiram Lodge, has overreached when it attempted to suspend brothers solely beholden to the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia. They are our brothers. We can not stand by while another jurisdiction attempts to cast aspersions on them. My Brethren, we have repeatedly requested clarification from the Grand Lodge of New York to back up its claims and assertions and even requested personal meetings. Regrettably, all of these earnest entreaties have gone unanswered. From the very start of this noble endeavor, while this Grand Lodge has consistently extended our fraternal hand, the Grand Lodge of New York has sought only to shut us out and threaten us. This is a serious matter. The very sovereignty of our Grand Jurisdiction is under assault. By attempting to create fear and exert psychological pressure, the Grand Lodge of New York is seeking to force us to surrender our sovereignty – something we will never abide. On October 25, 2008, at its Annual Communication, our Grand Lodge overwhelmingly approved the chartering of Ahiram Lodge No. 1000 as a new constituent lodge of this jurisdiction with following understandings: • our action is legal, legitimate, and well within our rights;
A LETTER FROM THE GRAND MASTER
• we do not abandon our brothers or surrender our sovereignty in the face of scare tactics put forth by other jurisdictions;
…I recommend to all our brethren in the strongest possible way that… we welcome each and every brother from that jurisdiction [New York] with open arms and extend to them every fraternal courtesy in accordance with our well established traditions.
• the mission of Ahiram Lodge is noble and fully compatible with the principles and vision of universal Freemasonry by bringing more Masonic Light to a region in desperate need of it.
Prior to the Grand Lodge’s vote to charter, I have fielded many questions about this matter and we have been open and transparent in our discussions with all concerned. I have addressed the Masters and Wardens Association on this topic; I have talked about it at each of our recent Grand Lodge Visitations and discussed it at a special session with our Past Grand Masters. Through it all, my motivation has always been to promote the Craft in general and Washington, DC Freemasonry in particular. At the Annual Communication, I stated that the road ahead may be rough and rugged, but we are ready to meet the challenges before us. We will continue in the good faith fashion we have always maintained and will avail ourselves of every opportunity for
dialogue through proper Masonic channels and protocol in order to foster understanding and harmony within our noble society without relinquishing the rights and privileges of our Most Worshipful Grand Lodge.
In the same vain, I recommend to all our brethren, in the strongest possible way, that notwithstanding the action taken by the Grand Lodge of New York, to welcome each and every brother from that jurisdiction, with open arms and extend to them every fraternal courtesy in accordance with our well established traditions. Brethren, My loyalty and dedication to our beloved Grand Lodge are constant and unshakeable. At this seminal moment for our jurisdiction and its sovereignty, I call on your sense of loyalty and commitment. As Freemasons we have dedicated ourselves to building better communities and bridges of understanding. Our energies should be focused on these worthy goals and expanding the Light of Freemasonry to areas of the world that are in desperate need for it. With your steadfast support we can meet the challenges ahead. ■
“We are not enemies, but friends… Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.” – Abraham Lincoln, First Inaugural Address
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AHIRAM LODGE NO. 1000
Ahiram Lodge No. 1000 The following address was given by W.Bro. Maurice E. Feghali, Worshipful Master of Ahiram Lodge No. 1000, at the October 25, 2008 Annual Communication. Soon after, the Grand Lodge overwhelmingly approved a charter for Ahiram Lodge. MW Grand Master; MW, RW and W Sirs; Brethren All;
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stand before you here today to address a few words on behalf of the officers and members of Ahiram Lodge.
Over the past few years, many Lebanese brethren living in the District of Columbia, and who were raised in and are active members of several lodges of this Grand Lodge, were offered business opportunities which required from them to return to their home country of Lebanon to pursue their business careers. Being far ar away from our Mother Grand Lodge, we gathered through various social al events and private meetings in order to sustain the friendships and fraternal bonds and keep alive in each and every one of us the virtuous principals which we have learned through our Masonic career in DC. Eager and desirous to take those gatherings to the next level and live our DC Masonry to the fullest, and nd after unanimously agreeing on the importance of working under der our Mother Grand Lodge, which we hold so dear, we sought authority to establish a new lodge in Beirut Lebanon beholden to the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, in order to pursue our Masonic interest and endeavor to promote and diffuse the genuine principles of DC Masonry in the Republic of Lebanon and the region. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia for granting us this dispensation, which allowed us to organize ourselves and work our Masonry. Words cannot express the feeling we all shared to have several of our Grand Lodge officers and members travel all the way from the United States to Lebanon to help us organize our Masonic lives. The Voice of Freemasonry
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Maurice E. Feghali, WM Ahiram Lodge No. 1000
My dear Fellows of the Craft, Lebanon is the Land of the Two Hirams, whom every Warden of every Lodge represents. It is the Land of the Cedars, which was supplied for the building of the greatest monuments of antiquity, more especially King Solomon’s Temple. It is the Land of Byblos, the oldest city in the world, which gave its name to the Holy Bible. It is the land of the Phoenicians, who gave the most important contribution to human culture and knowledge by inventing the base alphabet, the mother of all modern writings. It is the land of diversity of cultures and religions, a gateway between the East W and West. As Lebanon has played an iimportant role in history and in Freemasonry, so should we p play our part in the modern world. As Freemasons in general, we will live by our tenets. We will unite in brotherly love, extend our hands in charity providing relief to all mankind, and spread t truth, knowledge and light to our community. However, as Leb Lebanese Masons in particular, we will wi use our tools as well for a more nob noble and glorious purpose. During our years in DC, we have learned the ways of the free world from its capital city. We have learned the importance of freedom of speech, of conscience and of thought; we have learned the meaning of true democracy, and the value of communication; we have seen the outcome of education and knowledge and their benefits to societies; we have observed the selfless charitable activities of individuals and institutions and their end results on the welfare of communities; and most importantly, we have understood the necessity of living by these values and principles. We have now traveled East, and commit to spreading this knowledge to our fragile region of
AHIRAM LODGE NO. 1000
the world. Ahiram Lodge is the key, which with each turn gets us closer to our vision. With every Entered Apprentice we initiate, we spread brotherly love; with every Fellowcraft we pass, we spread education and knowledge; with every blow of a twenty-four inch gauge across the throat, of a square upon the breast, and of a setting maul upon the forehead, we are reminded of our right for freedom of speech, conscience and thought respectively; and with every Master Mason we raise, we are reminded to have faith in the Grand Architect of the Universe, and hope in the immortality of our soul.
My dear Fellows of the Craft, we are DC Masons, and as such, we have a great responsibility. We are your extension, your right hand in that part of the world. We are serious Masons my brothers, and pledge loyalty to the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia. We are committed to support the activities and programs of the Grand Lodge which include attending the Communications of the Grand Lodge, the Annual Leadership Conference, and others; and will always remain mindful of the dignity and prestige of our Grand Lodge in all our endeavors.
Ahiram Lodge is the key, which with each turn gets us closer to our vision.
My dear Fellows of the Craft, Ahiram Lodge members will live by what they preach. We will engage actively in our society and labor to build leaders who will lead us into a better world of peace and understanding. Our universality in Freemasonry will allow us to unite, through brotherly love and philosophy, what others have failed to do through politics, religion and wars over the past decades. We will bring the light of knowledge to the less educated, to fi ght the darkness of ignorance, the biggest enemy of the free mind. We will extend our hands in charity to the less fortunate. In brief, we will strive to build a better society for our children.
My dear Fellows of the Craft of the District of Columbia, you have raised us; you have taught each of us to know thyself, to be the Master of thyself, to be a Master Mason in its truest sense, so that we can spread the light we have all received to the four corners of the earth. And here we are today my brothers doing what you have taught us to do, and more importantly doing it in a part of this world that desperately needs us.
Ahiram Lodge, my brothers, has a noble purpose; and that purpose can only be achieved with your support and guidance. On behalf of the officers and brethren of Ahiram Lodge, I thank you; and may the Grand Architect of the Universe give our Grand Lodge the strength to continue spreading the Light of Freemasonry to the dark corners of the world. ■
From the Grand Secretary continued from page 5
• Approved use of the corresponding “foot movement” when doing signs • Approved reconciliation of 2008 Budget • Approved the 2009 Budget as submitted • Approved a proposal to invest WB William G.L. Turner with the title and privileges of an Actual Past Master of Freedom Military Lodge, No. 1775 • Approved funding of the activities of the Grand Lodge Bicentennial Committee
• Appointed two new representatives to MESH A full report of the actions taken at the 198th Annual Communication, along with all of the reports presented, will be published in the 2008 Annual Proceedings. The 199th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia will be held at the Scottish Rite Center in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, October 24, 2009. ■
• Approved funding for Masters and Wardens Association sessions
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ST. JOHN’S MITE ASSOCIATION
St. John’s Mite Association At the October 25, 2008 Annual Communication, the Grand Lodge voted to support with regular monetary contributions the good works of the St. John’s Mite Association
he St. John’s Mite Association was established to provide relief to Masons and their wives and children by an unknown number of constituent lodges in 1871. Unfortunately the proceedings for that year do not present any information on the formation of this charitable institution. In the proceedings for 1872, however, it is noted that another excellent society had during the past year sprung up from the spirit of charity that animates our Order.
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According to the 1872 account there were 355 members in the association at that time, all of whom had paid an initiation fee on joining and thereafter were required to pay monthly dues. During that year a total of $270 was expended in relief, mainly to persons connected with Masonry in the District, taking special cognizance of the sick and of the poor widows and orphans. The 1872 report also stated that 30 physicians had agreed to provide professional services, free of cost, to beneficiaries of the association. Moreover, five druggists had apparently agreed to furnish medicines without any charge and another six had also promised participation by supplying medicines at cost price. Those assisted also received substantial supplies of coal, flour, groceries and other necessities. The reliance on the constituent lodges on such matters was a necessary norm for that time. The Grand Lodge then had few monetary resources, if any, and in consequence it depended almost exclusively on the constituent lodges to carry out Masonry’s charitable mission. The extent of this dependency is suggested, in part, by the action taken by the Grand Lodge, at the semi-annual communication in 1872, to borrow $700.00, in order to enable it to operate through the balance of the year! Nevertheless the lack of a substantial resource base in Grand Lodge at that time did not deter its officers, or those that they served, from responding to need as it evolved, within and without the
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Stewart W. Miner, PGM Grand Secretary Emeritus and Grand Lodge Historian
jurisdiction. On October 11, 1872, for example, at a time when all D.C. Masons were struggling to pay off the debt of the Grand Lodge, the Craft, in response to the Grand Master’s appeal, collected more than $2800.00 to provide relief to those who suffered losses in the October 8-9th fi re that destroyed large sections of the city of Chicago.
ST. JOHN’S MITE ASSOCIATION
During the following year, in 1873, the association is reported to have assisted as many as 27 families in various ways, including the provision of sewing machines to poor women who were then enabled to earn a living. Among those who benefitted that year was the widow of a Master Mason of a foreign jurisdiction, a lady who was cared for while sick and, on her subsequent death, buried at the expense of the association. From these humble beginnings, the St. John’s Mite Association has continued to this day to be a valuable arm of Masonic charity in Washington, D.C. Time after time presiding Grand Masters have reported their admiration of the services they have rendered, operating year after year, primarily on the basis of the voluntary financial support proffered by the constituent lodges, by the donations of individual Masons, and by the bequests of deceased members and friends of the fraternity.
bequests, despite their constant use as a source of essential charity. Another bequest of note is that of Brother E.C. Elmore, a member of what was at one time Washington Centennial Lodge No. 14. In addition to personal and lodge-derived gifts, the corpus of the association has benefitted from gifts that were made to it sporadically through the decade of the 90’s by the Masonic Foundation, starting in 1990, when the fi rst of such gifts was made at the direction of MWB Charles Brewer, then president of the Foundation. Later in that decade two defunct Masonic Clubs, prodded by WB Paul Ripley of Harmony Lodge No. 17, contributed sizable gifts to the association.
From these humble beginnings, the St. John’s Mite Association has continued to this day to be a valuable arm of Masonic charity in Washington D.C.
Over the course of its long history the association has been governed by a constitution and a set of by-laws established independently of the Grand Lodge. These documents establish the breadth of the membership, one member for each lodge, the service objectives of the association, and the modes of association operation, including annual audits and tax reports due annually to the federal government.
According to the latest 990-PF report, the association had total assets of $173,987.00 as of October 31, 2007. These assets represent investments which earned, for the period September 2007-2008, a reported $8,319. Association expenses for the year totaled $17,803, however, with the difference being satisfied by transfers of cash and donations by five constituent lodges (Federal No. 1, Potomac No. 5, Hope-Singleton-Lebanon No. 7, Washington Daylight No. 14, and Harmony No. 17. The growth of association assets date primarily from 1898, at which time a bequest in the amount of $15,500.00 was received from the estate of Anthony Buchly, former Grand Treasurer, with the proviso that its use would comply with conditions stipulated in Brother Buchly’s will. From that beginning the assets of the association have grown to their current magnitude via other gifts and
Nevertheless the earnings on investment and contributions received annually from a handful of constituent lodges have not been sufficient to meet demands for assistance that have been presented to the association in recent years. Moreover, had it not been for a cash transfer from assets and a small windfall tax refund, the demands levied on the association in the year just concluded could not have been fully satisfied.
Following the report of the president of the association, WB Jeffrey D. Russell, at the Annual Communication on October 25th, the Grand Lodge took action to enhance association income by involving all of the constituent lodges of the jurisdiction, for the fi rst time ever, in the support of the St. John’s Mite Association. It did so by transferring a per-member assessment, formerly collected in favor of the Masonic and Eastern Star Home, to St. John’s Mite. By this action it thus assured the Mite an additional source of income and, concurrently, it mandated the involvement of every D.C. Mason in the great work that is being done by this time-tested arm of Masonic charity. ■
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SOME THOUGHTS ON CHARITY
Some Thoughts On Charity The following address was delivered by the Grand Orator at the October 25th, 2008 Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge. André Kesteloot Grand Orator
Most Worshipful Grand Master and Brethren all,
• because we want to help someone, irrespective of any religious concern, or
n my way home back from work, a few weeks ago, I decided to get a Diet Coke and, as I pulled into the McDonald’s parking lot, HE was sitting on the sidewalk, near the door. He: the Other. About 45 years old, shabbily dressed, red face, disheveled, he got up and staggered towards me, gesticulating and muttering. He stopped to tell me something that I could not comprehend, shook his head in apparent disbelief, and proceeded to set off towards another incoming car. I caught up with him and offered to purchase his dinner. Inside the McDonald’s, and in spite of my insistence, he would only order a modest fish sandwich. Then, I simply paid for his sandwich and my Diet Coke, got back into my car and drove home.
• to please God, or
O
Now, why am I telling you this very commonplace story? Because, on the spur of the moment, I reacted as anyone would have: “Man is hungry, buy him some food”. Then, on the Beltway, vainglory raised its head: “I am entitled to feel good, I am such a good guy: I have just helped another needy human being”. But that did not last very long, as guilt quickly replaced vainglory: “What else could I have done for that poor human being, created, like me, in God’s image?” What I should have done, of course, was to sit down with the poor man while he was eating his fish sandwich. I should have spent quality time with him, I should have asked him to share with me some of his troubles, but also whether he could remember some other episodes of his life and, finally, as I left, I should have shaken his hand. But I didn’t do any of these. And thus, that attempt at charity was, as best, a partial success. We Masons often talk about charity, but what is charity? Indeed, do we do so: • to feel good about ourselves, or
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• for what other purpose, such as tax deductions? In today’s language, charity and philanthropy are almost synonymous but, in the past, charity would have meant taking care of a particular person, whereas philanthropy would indicate being involved in the general good. In ancient Greece, charity meant self-less love and concern for the other. Aristotle’s definition was “the conferring of a benefit when a return is not sought”. In ancient and medieval literature and art, charity was one of the seven cardinal virtues. Clearly, we are born egotists, and the need to survive drives us to keep for ourselves everything we possibly can. Maslow’s theory of needs places at the bottom of the pyramid the following needs: eat, sleep, find and keep a shelter, find and keep a mate, etc. As you noticed, charity is not on that list. Hence it is upbringing, social and/or religious, that teaches us to share with the other. But religious teachings and social customs vary depending on place and time. So, again, what is charity? In Judaism, the word “charity” does not actually appear anywhere in the Old Testament. In the Hebrew text, the word generally used to mean charity is Tsedakah. But in fact Tsedakah means “righteousness”, in the sense of being perceived righteous by God. The Talmud tells us that Tsedakah is equal to all the other Mitzvoth taken together. The concept of righteousness in Judaism includes primarily charity, but also extends to justice, kindness, humility, and honesty. The Jew performs Tsedakah because is a mitzvah, a commandment from God, because it is the appropriate action to take. Because, as the Psalmist says: “The world belongs to God”
SOME THOUGHTS ON CHARITY
(Psalm 24:1); and not, as we nowadays seem to think, to Man. Thus, in doing Tsedakah, Man only redistributes what is God’s property, a concept somewhat similar to that of Islam. In the Qur’an, the word used to mean “charity” is Zakàt, which literally means “sweetening”. When used in the context of wealth, it means to legitimate, to justify. Zakàt, the third pillar of Islam, is not really charity as usually understood in the Western World, but more a financial obligation, paid at the end of the year to help the poor, to support those who propagate the Muslim faith, and to take care of war prisoners. The Zakàt represents Man’s participation in the affairs of his own local community, and reinforces the Muslim’s feeling that he is a part of the Umma, the aggregate, the fraternity of all Muslims in the world. Now what about the Christian viewpoint? We often hear of “Christian love”. The problem is that, in English the single word “love” is used as a translation for four different Greek words: • “storgué”, the affection of parents for their children • “philia”, which implies a friendship-type of attachment, • “erôs”, the love of beauty which usually implies the idea of desire or covetousness, and • Agape, which indicated the love of Man for his God, or the Brotherly love of Man for the Other. Hence, philanthropy comes from phile, a friendship type of attachment, and anthropos meaning mankind. The concept of philanthropy is thus the inclination to increase the well-being of the whole of humankind because of one’s love for Man. The Christian concept of charity is refined at length both in the Fourth Gospel and in Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians. We can possibly try to summarize it by remembering the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29) that takes place in the days when Samaritans were rejected by the Jews. In this parable, a beaten-up Jew, attacked by bandits and left half-dead on the side of the road, is carefully
avoided by both a Priest and a Levite. Eventually, a Samaritan comes by who takes care of the Jew. The point of the parable is that it is the Samaritan who, by behaving charitably, becomes the wounded Jew’s neighbor. The real question is thus no longer: “Who is my neighbor?” but rather “What can I do to become someone else’s neighbor?” This may have led to the concept, encouraged by the Roman Catholic Church until the 16th Century, that Man had to perform “Good Works” as a propitiation gesture toward God. In so doing, Man would amass indulgences to counterbalance his sins, and thus work toward reducing the time he would have to spend in Purgatory, prior to entering Paradise. Among the “good works”, Charity was prominent and was thus perceived as one of the acts leading to some reward in the afterlife. Under Martin Luther and John Calvin’s leadership, the Reformation rediscovered the principles of God’s Election, already present in the Old Testament, and amplified by Saint Paul and Saint Augustine. Here, a subset of Humanity has been chosen by God to receive His Grace, and those chosen people had no alternative but to perform Good Deeds. For the Reformed Churches, charity thus became the result, the visible proof of God’s election. Now, in our modern and essentially materialistic society, Charity has unfortunately taken a somewhat disappointing turn. Indeed, modern Charity, by and large, is no longer a person-to-person affair, but has become the province of charitable organizations. When we give money to such an organization, we essentially trade money for time, i.e., we decide that we do not have the time, that we have better things to do than to visit and help the needy, and we prefer instead to support an organization which then becomes our surrogate, our go-between. The sad truth is that most Western people no longer care for continued on page 15 The Voice of Freemasonry
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FIRST LADY’S MESSAGE
First Lady’s Message Lourdes P. Elias First Lady
t seems like yesterday, seven years ago, when we began this beautiful journey culminating with Akram’s advancing to the Office of Grand Master. Thank you all so much, our Masonic family, for the kindness and generosity throughout the years and especially this year when I was ill and so many of you sent flowers and well wishes. Truly, it is the love, light and energy that you shared with me that made me recover so quickly.
I
I want to further thank you for your support and assistance with all the charitable projects we pursued this year. As you know Freemasonry is about empowering the individual to achieve his or her greatest potential. That includes mastering oneself, spreading light in his or her environment and making a positive difference in one’s community — as expressed through charity. The organizations Akram chose to support this year represent that spirit of building and providing further assistance.
Washington D.C.” during the Race for the Cure in June 2008. Washington D.C. has the highest breast cancer mortality rate in the United States. The funds raised through our participation in the 2008 Race remain in the Washington D.C. community to fund outreach programs and initiatives that address the specific unmet breast health needs of the area. We have also supported “young artists” in our community. In Washington we are especially fortunate to have such a rich and diverse cultural community. We were very proud to share with you and our international visitors, some of the art and culture that lives and thrives in our nation’s capital. We presented scholarships to two very young (elementary school) artists at the World Conference, a violin student and a piano student at the Levine School of Music as well an opera student at a local public high school. During our Universal Brotherhood Banquet we presented 17 scholarships to public high school students to support their college education and two awards to college students at the American University. The Gala also featured “An Evening at the Opera” with young artists from the Washington National Opera. And we also supported local area dancers representing dances from around the world in our “Celebration of Dance” event. It is this love toward thy neighbor, that divine love, which defines Freemasons and their commitment to charity.
Freemasonry is about empowering the individual to achieve his or her greatest potential.
In art, charity is often expressed as feminine and she is the greatest of all virtues. During the 9th World Conference hosted this year by our Grand Lodge of Washington D.C., the focus of the women’s program was “Masonic Charity in Action”. We invited our international Masonic family to join us in our local charity programs. We honored the “Rite Care Language Disorders Clinic” here at our local Scottish Rite with a check for $10,000. Since 1989, this clinic has been enriching the lives of those in our community every day, providing expert therapy to children who have been diagnosed with speech disorders. We also honored the local “Susan G. Komen for the Cure” organization with a $25,000 check and over $10,000 was raised by our team “Lou’s Crew and the Grand Lodge of
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Finally, I would like to especially thank all the wives of the Past Grand Masters who have provided encouraging words throughout the years, and who have attended our events, always lending a helping hand and a warm smile. I deeply appreciate your gracious support. It has been a magical journey throughout the
FIRST LADY’S MESSAGE
years; traveling around the world with many of you, sharing amazing experiences. I will always cherish my trips to Armenia, Brazil, Cuba, France, Greece, Russia, Turkey, Austria, and throughout the United States. We have visited many Grand Lodges and enjoyed fraternal greetings wherever we go in all our travels.
The light shines on — inspiring feelings of joy and happiness throughout the world and our charity extends beyond the grave — like a stone thrown in a pool of water with the ripples moving to distant shores. Thank you all for sharing your wisdom, strength and beauty with my husband and me. Thank you for a wonderful year! ■
Some Thoughts On Charity continued from page 13
the individual approach, and that their contributions would be considerably diminished if it were not for the incentive of tax deductibility.
To bring this paper to a close, allow me to quote, from Mary Davis Reed, a few verses that summarize quite well my own concept of Charity:
And what about Masonic Charity? Contrary to a belief held by many, Freemasonry in NOT a charitable organization, but because we are Free Masons, we are Builders driven to improve the world around us, and we naturally practice individual acts of Charity. Thus Masonic Charity is a result, a by-product of our appurtenance to Freemasonry, as when we visit a hospital, or feed the hungry. But Masonic Charity can also be helping willing men to educate themselves, thereby mastering their future and becoming productive members of our Society. Recall that, in one of my previous papers, I mentioned that 50% of all adults in Detroit are illiterate. Education is our most important weapon against poverty.
If I had but one year to live; One year to help; one year to give; One year to love; one year to bless; One year of better things to stress; One year to sing; one year to smile; To brighten earth a little while; I think that I would spend each day, In just the very same-self way That I do now. For from afar The call may come to cross the bar At any time, and I must be Prepared to meet Eternity. So if I have a year to live, Or just a day in which to give A pleasant smile, a helping hand, A mind that tries to understand A fellow-creature when in need, It’s one with me, -I take no heed; But try to live each day He sends To serve my gracious Master’s ends. ■
So, when we tutor some quasi-illiterate person, when we take an immigrant who can’t speak two words of English to the hospital and translate for the nurse, we are also practicing Masonic Charity. In the process of practicing Charity, all of us Masons intuitively comprehend that we are parts of a larger whole, as we recognize and honor the supremacy of the Great Architect of the Universe.
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 this year’s campaign catalog. If you are not a Federal Employee but know someone who is, please ask them to consider our Masonic Foundation.
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FREEMASONRY IN THE DIGITAL AGE
Freemasonry in the Digital Age: Harnessing the power of the Internet to stay current and relevant. Sviatoslav V. Voloshin Assistant to the Grand Master Executive Affairs
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s Freemasons in the 21st century, we constantly ask ourselves a question: “How do we stay relevant?” We must balance the age-old traditions of the past, practice our ritual and carry on the heritage of those who came before us, while appealing to the modern society at large, seeking to attract a large age group of men between the ages of 25 and 50 (on average), all without expressly asking a question: “Hey, do you want to join?” or engaging in any overt form of recruitment. It is, in fact, a daunting task. In fact, it can be more difficult than running a presidential election, but it doesn’t have to be. How many times have we heard the following: “If only we could harness the power of the digital media! Doesn’t it require a lot of work, a team of experts and a lot of money? We are just a small lodge with a limited budget.” While such thinking could be easily justified and supported by niche consultants in the past, it is now the furthest thing from the truth. Here is a news flash: Yes, you can singlehandedly reach out to the public, provide interesting and relevant information and be attractive to potential new members, while keeping the current members engaged at the same time. The easiest and the most effective way for this to happen is for a lodge to simply build a website AND keep it updated. We are living in a digital age, which makes the information readily accessible to all. This is a huge advantage for those who have something interesting and important to share with the rest of the world, but at the same time it poses a significant challenge of how to capture one’s attention. One must compete with the sensationalist news media, with the entertainment industry, with the business world and many newly-baked independent bloggers. What a herculean effort must one mount just to get their message out!
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In fact, it is easier than one might lead you to believe. Here is list of some frequently asked and burning questions, as well as answers: Q: “How do we do we communicate our passion effectively in the electronic media?” A: “…by taking control over the content we publish on the web.” This, in fact, is the key to staying relevant, accurate and current. No matter how good and beautiful any website is, if it is not regularly updated, it will not get new visitor traffic. Q: What are the current challenges to keeping the website content current and updated? A: Discipline. One can maintain a website very inexpensively AND be able to constantly update their website without any knowledge of HTML or any other programming language. Q: How does one do it? A: By using a publishing platform such as Wordpress.
FREEMASONRY IN THE DIGITAL AGE
It is free, constantly updated by a talented international collective of programmers, infinitely extensible with a plethora of plugins and, most importantly, once it is set up correctly (preferably by a professional web developer/designer), it is easy to use. Q: Does that mean that one still would have to spend a lot of money to have a Masonic themed website that only a professional can set up? A: No. With a little bit of research one will find that it is quite possible to set up a rudimentary good-looking website with little or no cost. It is recommended, however, to operate with more than just the very basic level of computer literacy. This will save you much time and headache. Q: What are the advantages of going with a professional web developer/designer? A: One clear advantage of employing the services of a professional web developer/designer would be the end result. If you choose your designer wisely, you will end up with a visually-engaging and pleasing website that is also functional. A well-designed website will have a very professional look to it with proper graphics and it will load much faster, as well as look the way it should on all browsers, not just on Internet Explorer. This way you will be able to reach a larger audience.
Q: What are the disadvantages of going with a professional web developer/designer? A: If you end up with a developer/designer who follows old adage of a consultant, i.e. make the system so complicated that only you will be able to manage it, you will effectively be locked out of managing the content (text, pictures, etc.) on your website. You will have to constantly pay to have your content updated AND there will be delays, which will result in loss of relevance. You don’t want that. Q: So what would be the final recommendation, to build a website yourself and risk looking unprofessional or to hire a professional and have to constantly pay them to update your website? A: Why not have both? If you can, by all means hire a professional to design/develop a website for your lodge or Masonic body and have them turn it over to you. Make sure that your professional will enable you to easily update the content of your website without any outside help or any additional software. Ask them to train you how to do it. If they do their job well and the right way, it shouldn’t take long. There is, of course, much more to building a solid Masonic web presence. It is also impossible to cover absolutely everything in this short article, but it is a good start. For the complete version of this article and for more recommendations please refer to our website: www.esquare-online.com. In the next installment of Freemasonry in the Digital Age we will cover the Anatomy of a Masonic Website and Beyond: building blocks and strategic positioning. Brother Voloshin can be contacted at voloshin@esquare-online.com and will be happy to answer any and all questions about Freemasonry in the Digital Age in general and Masonic web presence in particular. About the author: Brother Voloshin is a Washington, D.C. Mason, raised in Federal Lodge No. 1 and a dual member in Benjamin B. French Lodge No. 15, as well as honorary member of the Citadel Lodge of Moscow under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Russia. Brother Voloshin has worked on numerous Masonic Web Presence projects and currently serves as the webmaster for several lodges and grand lodges in the U.S., as well as overseas. ■
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F R ATE RNIT Y
FRATERNITY IN ACTION
D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty meets with Brothers Garrison Courtney, Dustin Rawlins, Michael Reid, Akram Elias, Ryan Work, Jeremy Barnes, Alan Patterson and their ladies.
The Grand Master joins the clean up at Congressional Cemetery with the Worshipful Masters of Wm. R. Singleton – Hope – Lebanon No. 7 and Cincinnatus No. 76, their ladies and other Brethren.
The Grand Master with Lord Northampton, the Pro Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England
Meeting on the Hill with U.S. Rep. and Brother James Clyburn of South Carolina and PHA Grand Master of D.C., the Honorable J. Raymond Murray
Grand Master Elias in Marion Ohio with Grand Master Winnet of Ohio on the occasion of the annual visit by Washington Daylight Lodge No. 14 to the Warren G. Harding Memorial
(Above) Grand Master Elias makes a presentation at the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Russia to Grand Master Andrey Bagdonov
The Honorable Anibel Huerto Diaz, President of Congress of Peru with Grand Master Elias, Grand Master of Peru, Manual Manrique Ugarte, W. Bro. Cordoba of Alianza Fraternal Americana Lodge No. 92 and R.W. Bro. Alberto Arropide of Peru
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(Below) Brothers Charbel Fahed, Jesse Villarreal, Akram Elias and George Jabbour at the Roman Temples in Baalbek, Lebanon
IN ACTION
FRATERNITY IN ACTION
Past Grand Masters at the Grand Master’s Testimonial Banquet, L to R: M.W.Bros. Robert H. Starr, Charles S. Iversen, William E. Chaney, Jr., Raymond F. McMullen, Robert F. Drechsler, Grand Master Akram R. Elias, George R. Adams, Mansour Hatefi, Theodore M. Kahn, Robert B. Heyat, Grand R. Berning, Leonard Proden
Corn, wine and oil are used to consecrate the newly-renovated chapel at the VA Medical Center. In an effort initiated by MW Albert McNair Smith, PGM, D.C. Freemasons raised over $26,000 to purchase the new pews.
Bro. Jeremy Barnes, SW of Potomac Lodge No. 5, as MC for the Grand Master’s testimonial banquet.
A bird’s eye view of the tables and guests at the October 24, 2008 testimonial banquet for the Grand Master. Sponsored by the Grand Master’s Mother Lodge, Potomac No. 5, with additional support from La France Lodge No. 93, the event took place at Almas Shrine Center.
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Q & A WITH STEPHEN JOEL TRACHTENBERG
Q & A with
Stephen Joel Trachtenberg
S
tephen Joel Trachtenberg is University Professor of Public Service and president emeritus of The George Washington University, after serving nineteen years as the fifteenth president of the university. Earlier this year Simon and Schuster released his new book: Big Man on Campus: A University President Speaks Out On Higher Education. A member of Benjamin B. French Lodge No. 15 and the Scottish Rite Bodies of Washington, D.C., he has been instrumental in expanding the Scottish Rite Scholarship Program at GWU. For his outstanding service, he was invested a K.C.C.H. in 1991, crowned a 33° in 1993, and elected a Grand Cross in 1997. Illustrious Brother Trachtenberg graciously took time from his busy schedule to be interviewed by Worshipful Brother Walter R. Hoenes for The Voice of Freemasonry. The complete interview is available for download at www.dcgrandlodge.org. 1. Why did you welcome being made a Mason at Sight? When I was approached about joining the Mason’s I did so because of the long association between Freemasonry and The George Washington University. Linked not only by name, but also by the history of the involvement between my predecessors and the Order; I did not want to break the chain. At the same time, as I learned more about Freemasonry, I developed enormous respect for the deeds and the individuals involved. 2. What impact, if any, did your membership in Freemasonry have on your Presidency of GW? Did your being a Mason affect the University in general or your approach as President? In 1988, I was a new boy here in Washington when I was named the president of The George Washington University. I came here from the presidency of the University of Hartford in Connecticut, and what the Masonic affiliation did was give me an instant colleagueship with a group of friends and people I could turn to, for big things and little things. Bigger things of course have to do with the relationship of the fraternity to The George Washington University, like the Walcott Foundation that has been supporting GW’s Elliott School of International Affairs for a long time. I meet with these fellows from the south once a year in Washington and their only affiliation with the University is through their philanthropy and they will spend the entire year doing fund-raising events, collecting a pot of money, and deliver it to GW, together with their spouses. Their acts are very impressive, and they of course are thrilled that I’m a Mason; it reinforces my relationship with them.
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I’ll give you a little thing because it’s amusing, but it illustrates a bigger point. One day I was invited to a fancy affair at the White House where the dress code called for “white tie and tails,” which is different and more elaborate than a traditional black tuxedo. I needed to rent attire for the evening, but when I called around town, I learned I was late in the game and there weren’t any left in the shops. Then I remembered that at a Masons meeting I had run into a gentleman who was in the formal attire rental business. I called him up, described my needs and within 24 hours I was set. So getting a suit may appear to be a small thing, but if you’re a new guy in a city, that’s better than any welcome basket, knowing there are people who have your back. We stand together. 3. What historical connection exists between Freemasonry and GW as institutions? Of course, the obvious connection is that the University is named for the nation’s first
Illustrious Brother Stephen Joel Trachtenberg
Q & A WITH STEPHEN JOEL TRACHTENBERG
president, George Washington, and he was, himself, a Mason. Once I became active, I asked Brothers to assist at the public ceremonies opening new buildings on campus, continuing the tradition of craftsmen from which the Mason’s took their early name. 4. Can Freemasonry hold true to its true purpose as a learning organization, given the growth of diverse entities claiming to pursue similar objectives and interests since the Enlightenment? Yes, it is difficult but not impossible. It is people, as well as principles, that keep groups going and since one of the strengths of the Masons is the character of its membership, it will prevail. That said, it is very important to actively recruit young members and help them to see the relevance of the organization. 5. Based on your experiences at GW, what do you think a learning organization has to do to thrive in Washington DC during the 21st century? My experience is that although the Masons have tended to be more private than public about their good works, it might be appropriate in this era to spread the word a bit more, to let people know about the learning projects and make the group sound “exciting” rather than “mysterious.” 6. As a teacher at heart, which effective tools must be employed in the 21st century to teach the lessons of Freemasonry? Well I think of visual things. The current generation of students is far less patient and has a shorter attention span than did my generation. I was a reader, and I spent afternoons after school at the public library
Worshipful Brother Walter Hoenes
where I read for an hour or two before beginning my homework. I once tried to read all the books in the neighborhood branch of the Brooklyn public library. I started out in A section and was working my way across the shelves, when I got to books beginning with C I realized there were books in A area coming and going, in and out of the library, that I hadn’t yet read, so I had to go back to A and I never could get past that. I could never do it! It was like a treadmill. But I was a reader, and nothing thrilled me more than when I graduated from grade school and was told the limit on the number of books I could take out of the school library had been raised from three to five. When I was preparing for the course I’m presently teaching, and the chairman of my department and I talked about my course, and he asked, “What do you have in mind?” And I replied that since the course meets 14 weeks, I bought 10 books — that’s a book a week to talk about and 4 weeks to integrate the course. “No, no, impossible,” he said and when I asked what he meant and he said today students do not read that much material in one course — perhaps in ALL their classes. I acquiesced and pared my list down to 5 books. In the current electronic age, young people prefer images, words on a screen, short snippets, DVDs, graphics to the paper book. Like so many other segments of the educational world, Freemasonry must be “with it” and become part of the electronic era. 7. What can you tell us about young people today? Are they joiners? How can membership in the fraternity add value to their lives? Everything anyone says about young people is true. They’re joiners, they’re not joiners, they care about things like the fraternity, they don’t care about things like the fraternity. We don’t need all young people. What we need is a universe of young people, a core, a subset, a limited number. It seems to me that the challenge is to find a way to articulate our values and share them with a population, and identify which segment of that population wants to step forward and associate itself with us. I think a missed opportunity, and I often reflect on this, are the kids who receive scholarship aid from the Walcott Foundation and the Scottish Rite money. We could essentially do a little proselytizing in that group. For example, we might say in order to get the scholarship you have to look us over. I’m not sure it’s in our tradition, but to sugcontinued on next page The Voice of Freemasonry
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Q & A WITH STEPHEN JOEL TRACHTENBERG
gest it, highly recommend it, would be I think quite authentic and sound, because if you’re doing good for people you want to believe that in time they will remember that and do good for others. I’m a great believer in “paying it forward.” Now what do I mean by that? You can’t pay your parents back for whatever it is they did for you. You can’t pay the fraternity back for giving you a scholarship. But what you can do is pay forward, do good for the next generation, the one that follows you. So if you’re a young person, one of the ways you can do that of course is to join the Masons, and ultimately participate in its good works. 8. Given that you are an innovator, how would you go about creating an ideal Masonic lodge that would appeal to young people today?
I catch up. But looking for the middle path is a challenge but it may be worth considering. 9. Part of your legacy at GW is that you changed the university from a regional to an internationally recognized institution. You recognize the importance of international affairs in the global environment. Given that Masons are active in almost every country, what do think Freemasonry can do internationally to have a positive impact on the world while strengthening itself as a fraternity? First of all I think we need to encourage Masons to take advantage of the opportunity to meet with their Brethren when they travel. Finding a way to make it higher on people’s priority when they’re in some country to make that connection would be a very good thing. In this case I point a guilty finger at myself. I spent 2 weeks in London, which is a hotbed of Masonry and did not look anyone up! I have a wonderful Mason story that takes place in London.
The virtues of the Lodge are the vices of the Lodge. So I confessed some embarrassment when we started talking about not being as up to date as I should be about I once went directly the rituals. The from a Masonic rituals both are the event in Washingmagic and the fun ton, to the airport, of attending a meetto London, and I get ing, they are also an in a taxi cab and inhibiter because if Worshipful Brother Hoenes and Illustrious Brother Trachtenberg go to the hotel and you don’t know what at The George Washington University. it’s a long way from you’re suppose to do, Heathrow to the it stops your parhotel so it’s a big taxi bill, and as I’m getting out ticipation. And when you’re there, you don’t feel of the taxi and I’m going to pay the fare, the driver completely like an insider, because the ritual puts sees in my lapel a Masonic badge and he says are you a little bit at arms length from the proceedings. you a Mason? And I say I am. Oh well then I can’t And so this may be a radical motion, which is to take your money. I said what do you mean? Why have more elegant, less complex, rituals, now that’s can’t you take my money? We don’t take a fare from a very difficult challenge because if you go too far, Brothers. I said look this is not a trivial fare; I did you take away the magic and the fun and specialnot go around the corner — it’s a hundred dollars or ness and suddenly you’re in some ordinary place. something. You’ll ruin my evening. I’ll feel terrible There was a charm about that, the tiler opens the had I known I would have hidden the badge. We door, and closes the door, and I liked the old way. negotiated back and forth, he fi nally took what was If you come infrequently as I’m obliged to do, when on the clock but wouldn’t accept a tip. And then of you’re there, you’re a little tense because you don’t course it was very funny, we talked about it, and I want to put a foot wrong. Every now and again mentioned in a moment of pride that I was a 33rd I forget and I say, “Amen,” at the end of a prayer. Degree Mason, and he said, “no that’s impossible.” And everyone else is saying some thing else, then The Voice of Freemasonry
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Q & A WITH STEPHEN JOEL TRACHTENBERG
Looking at me skeptically and wondering if I was making up the whole story, he said there’s only 32 Degrees. I said in the United States we have 33, it’s a limited rank there aren’t a whole lot of people who are 33rd. I could see in his face that this man thought I was cooking something. So I reached into my wallet and I had my lifetime membership card and there it was, he was astonished. I think there should be more outreach. We have expanded the GW scholarships, and I think we should be looking for international students as well. It should be children of Brothers who then get to come to the United States and while they’re in the United States they attend an American university, I would propose George Washington, and we take them under our wing and have them attend meetings and we look after them while they’re students so when they go home to Argentina or wherever it is, they take it with them. 10. How were the recent cornerstone ceremonies at GW received by the student body? Should new opportunities for cornerstone ceremonies on campus evolve, would you recommend a Masonic cornerstone ceremony? Why? Or “why not?” Everything that educates you a little is an opportunity. I think the students were unaware that George Washington was a Mason, so they came away with that. It’s an engaging ceremony, it’s fun, it’s colorful, it adds to the occasion. There’s every reason to use it as a form of outreach to young people, and to other people in the community. I think it’s something that’d be fun to do not only at GW but at American University, and if you could fi gure out how to get into Catholic that would be impressive. (laughter) But any of the secular universities would be good. It’s got music, it’s got ritual and it’s got history. And the symbolism is nice, the oil, wine, grains, all of it. 11. What do you foresee as the evolving interests of college students over the course of the next 25 years? To what extent will their interests be spiritual/philosophical as opposed to the material aspects of life. It’s interesting because there is, of course, a very robust material interest in young people, to some extent aspired by the fact that higher education is so expensive and they frequently have debts to overcome after they graduate. But I see a commitment to values as well and if my own children are evidence, and I’m not absolutely certain they are, it’s too limited a database, my daughter-in-law for example, just left a job for a new one that came with
more than a 50% pay cut, because she thought it would be more interesting, she’d grow more, she’d make more of a contribution, and it would be professionally helpful in the long run. She didn’t do that until she had paid off her college and law school obligations. So we have to fi nd a way to make it possible for people to follow their best values. But I see people returning to faith, joining churches, synagogues, mosques, and I fi nd that all very interesting in the 21st century when you might have thought the United States would be more like Europe, where there’s been a falling away from faith. It’s not only religion, it’s other kinds of values, value for the community, responsibility, friendship and a commitment to things beyond ones self, and I see that as well. I have former students of mine at GW who are now running for congress or involved in pro bono work. Basically we raised a pretty good bunch of kids, and they’re going to be pretty good adults. What I’m saying I suppose is that whether they know it or not, and most of the time they don’t, is that they are committed to the values of the enlightenment, they are committed to the values that the fraternity advocates, but they don’t know it. And they don’t know that the fraternity is available to help them amplify their interests and their activities. So again it’s always a question of reaching out and making people understand that Masonry is not old guys in funny hats. It’s a lonely world, that’s what Facebook tells you. People want to surround themselves with friends and have access to communities and everything is moving so fast and they don’t have traditional small town environments. People are born in one city, educated in another city, get their fi rst job in a third city. Maybe their parents are still together, maybe they are divorced, maybe they have siblings, and maybe they don’t. It’s just very isolating and so everybody is running away from the aloneness of the urban environment, of the notion somehow that you live in an apartment in Washington or New York for 10 years and you don’t know the name of the people who live in the adjacent apartment. To some extent the answer to that is an organization like the Masons. 12. What has your membership in Freemasonry meant to you? Respect, trust and honor are words that are often missing from today’s popular vocabulary. But the importance of those words is beyond easy description. Learning that my fellow Freemasons believe in me, as I believe in them, has become terribly important to me. ■
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2008 AWARDS FOR MERITORIOUS AND DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
The 2008 Awards for Meritorious and Distinguished Service
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he Voice takes pleasure in recognizing the most recent recipients of the Valentine Reintzel Medal for Meritorious Service: Worshipful Brothers William F. Harvey, Merriman F.C. Parkinson and Edward A. Berry. The presentations were made by Grand Master Akram R. Elias at the Grand Lodge’s Annual Communication on October 25, 2008. At that same communication, Worshipful Brother Lewis Randy Edwards was overwhelmingly elected to receive the Grand Lodge’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award. The exceptional worthiness of these recipients is only partly indicated by these citations:
William Frederick Harvey Worshipful Brother William Frederick Harvey was born in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina and grew up on his grandmother’s farm near Skippers, Greensville County, Virginia. There he attended public schools before attending the University of Virginia, where he received a B.A. in Economics and subsequently attended the University of Virginia Law School where he received the J.D. degree. Upon graduation, he was offered a commission as a Captain in the Army J.A.G. Corps, but due to the abrupt winding down of the Vietnam War, he entered private business instead. Worshipful Brother Harvey has had a distinguished career in the banking industry with a concentration on the administration of trusts and estates. After the Tax Reform Act of 1969 and the promulgation of the Regulations there under in the mid-1970s, he became nationally known in the legal aspects of “planned giving” for charitable organizations and foundations and worked with many of those organizations in establishing modern fundraising programs. For a time he taught fundraisers in planned giving at the George Washington University. He has worked with a broad range of non-profit organizations in setting up pooled income funds, establishing charitable remainder trusts and charitable lead trusts and explaining to donors how to plan their charitable gifts and how to establish and operate charitable foundations. He is a member of the Virginia State Bar, the District of Columbia Bar, and the D.C. Estate Planning Council. He is a communicant of Christ Church, Georgetown, a member of the Virginia Historical Society, the Association for the Preservation of Vir-
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ginia Antiquities, and the 29th Division Association (second generation of D-Day participant). On October 28, 1995, he was raised a Master Mason by William R. Singleton-Hope-Lebanon Lodge No. 7 and was soon after elected a Trustee of the Lodge’s Endowment. He served as Master of that Lodge in 2004 and is active in several Masonic bodies including the Scottish Rite where he currently serves as a Trustee for that body’s Foundation. Worshipful Brother Harvey is a Masonic champion of Community Outreach. With his Lodge he has done tremendous work over the years in promoting the concept of community outreach and charity. And as the current President and Chairman of the Board of the Masonic Foundation of the District of Columbia, he is raising the profile of our jurisdiction, working closely with each Grand Master to strengthen the position of our Grand Lodge in the community. His new and aggressive vision has provided a more comprehensive and strategic approach to the work of our Masonic Foundation, maximizing our impact on the local community in general and deserving individuals in particular. The Grand Master is very pleased to award the Valentine Reintzel Medal for Meritorious Service to Worshipful Brother William F. Harvey.
Merriman F.C. Parkinson Worshipful Brother Merriman F.C. Parkinson was born on October 30, 1951 in Freetown Sierra Leone, the third child and first son to his parents Merriman and Faith Parkinson. His father was an ardent Mason who was proud to have Merriman be his first initiate after becoming Master of his Lodge in 1973.
2008 AWARDS FOR MERITORIOUS AND DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
Worshipful Brother Parkinson was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on June 2, 1973 by Lodge Harmony, No. 1488, under the Scottish Constitution, in Freetown, Sierra Leone. He was a very ardent Masonic student at the Lodge’s School of Instruction, and in 1977 was appointed Senior Deacon of the Lodge. After a stay in England, where he was active in Masonry, he returned to Sierra Leone and affi liated with several additional lodges including some under the English Constitution. Arriving in the United States in 1987, he eventually continued his Masonic activity when he affi liated with Albert Pike Lodge No. 33. It was there that his insatiable desire for Masonic knowledge and practice was re-awakened. He was installed as Junior Warden at the consecration of Sojourner Kilwinning Lodge No 1798 in 1992 and served as the Lodge’s RW Master in 1994. At Sojourner Kilwinning Lodge, he was at the vanguard of establishing and maintaining Scottish Freemasonry customs, traditions and practice, and assumed the helm of Ritual Director since its inception until he retired as the Director of Ceremonies in 2004. In 2003, he affi liated with Samuel Gompers — Benjamin Franklin Lodge No. 45 so as to help integrate his British Masonry with that of America. In appreciation of his enthusiasm, he was elected and installed as Worshipful Master Samuel Gompers — Benjamin Franklin No. 45 in 2007. His activities have not been limited to Blue Lodge Masonry. He a member of several Masonic research lodges or societies and is very active in both York and Scottish Rite bodies. He and his wife Agatha have been married for 28 years and are blessed with two sons and a daughter. Worshipful Brother Parkinson takes the Cable Tow very seriously. He is known for his reliability and follows through on his commitments. He has lent vital support over the years to at least three lodges, namely Albert Pike, Sojourner Kilwinning, and Samuel Gompers — Benjamin Franklin. He has a remarkable commitment to excellence in both ritual and Masonic development which has improved the lodges in which he is associated. He has also been a champion in his support of Universal Freemasonry offering valuable knowledge, skill and foresight. For these reasons and many more, the Grand Master is pleased to honor Worshipful Brother Merriman F.C. Parkinson with the Valentine Reintzel Medal for Meritorious Service.
Edward A. Berry Worshipful Brother Ted Berry is a 1988 graduate of Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida where he earned a BS in Marine Science. In 1995, he received his MBA with an International Finance concentration from the University of Hartford, Bloomfield, Connecticut. In his early career, Worshipful Brother Berry led a national environmental and hazardous waste management firm and also held various technical, managerial and sales positions including general management of two treatment divisions and management of a sales budget of over two million dollars. Currently, he is Vice President for Wealth Management, at Smith Barney Washington DC. and works with nearly 70 associations and non-profit organizations, providing investment consulting services on nearly $250 million in total assets. Masonically, Worshipful Brother Berry was raised in 1991 in Eastern Star Lodge, Rehoboth, Massachusetts. Here in Washington, he served as Worshipful Master of Benjamin Brown French Lodge No. 15 and currently serves as its Treasurer. He is an active participant in the Lodge’s education program and ritual work. This year, he has also been serving as Worshipful Master of the Pythagoras Lodge of Research. He was a founding member of Fiat Lux Lodge No. 1717. Worshipful Brother Berry is very active in both the York and Scottish Rite bodies and is a member of various Masonic research societies. An active online Mason, he participates in the Masonic Light YahooGroup, and currently serves as the contributor for “Rhyme and Reason”, an occasional segment focusing on Masonic poetry and other poetry with themes that fit Masonic ideals and philosophy. He is a contributor to the Masonic Poets Society and is a partner and co-creator of the ZenMasonry website. Worshipful Brother Berry has frequently served on various committees in the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, including Masonic Education and Service, Bi-Centennial, and the Building committee. He has chaired or co-chaired the Masonic Education and Service committee on multiple occasions. Worshipful Brother Berry’s light burns brightest in his commitment to Masonic Education. For over continued on next page The Voice of Freemasonry
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2008 AWARDS FOR MERITORIOUS AND DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
five years he has led the development of a truly outstanding Masonic Education program for Benjamin Brown French Lodge No. 15 and is promoting excellence in Masonic Education as the sitting Worshipful Master of Pythagoras Lodge of Research. Broadening his focus to benefit the entire jurisdiction, he led five outstanding sessions of the Grand Lodge of Instruction this year. With great zeal and unyielding commitment, Ted has brought a fresh and thoughtful approach to Masonic Education. The Grand Master is honored to recognize Worshipful Brother Ted Berry by awarding him the Valentine Reintzel Medal for Meritorious Service.
Lewis Randy Edwards The nominee recommended by the Grand Lodge Awards Committee has demonstrated ample evidence of his unrestrained love for our noble fraternity, his deep knowledge of the Craft, and his zeal and fidelity in the services of lodges in our Grand Jurisdiction. The history of Grand Lodges and lodges is replete with accounts of individuals who have single handedly worked assiduously to prevent the institution’s decline or demise to ensure its renaissance, this Brother is among such illustrious Masons. This Brother has for many years spent 24 hours in each day laboring for Masonry. His work for his lodge as well as other lodges and the Grand Lodge has been considerable, in dealing with difficult problems as well as routine matters. He was raised in 1966 in a lodge that was his family lodge, having been home to eight members of his family including his farther, his brothers. He has served his lodge as the Worshipful Master over six separate years. He currently serves his Lodge as a trustee, ritual instructor, head of the kitchen crew, building manger, repairman and cleaner. No work in the lodge is too big or too small for him. He is in the lodge building daily, often for the entire day. It is rumored that he has even spent the night there. He has worked hard to preserve the enviable traditions of the lodge including its unique degree workings and requirements. The brethren and officers attend ritual instruction on Tuesday evenings. Indeed it could be said without exaggeration that the lodge continues to exist today as a growing lodge and was able to celebrate its 200th anniversary of
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its founding in 2005, largely because he was determined, particularly during the past seven years, to do everything possible to keep the doors open and its lights on. He fought to bring in members by affi liation and through the degrees to keep the lodge operational, and he strove for years to make the building self-fi nancing and succeeded in attracting suitable tenants to make it possible. He has also ensured that the lodge remains an admired member of the Capitol Hill community and among other initiatives makes the lodge room available for the use of local groups, including the local historical society. His work is not limited to his lodge alone. He is ready to extend a helping hand to other lodges that require assistance with degree work, ritual instruction, to occupy a station for its meeting or serve in the kitchen. This virtue is one of the attributes that recommended him for election as Junior Grand Steward in 1979. His progression in the Grand Line, however, was short lived, having to retire as Senior Grand Steward because he had temporarily relocated from the area. This Brother has served in various other capacities in the Grand Lodge including as Deputy Grand Lecturer and as a member of several committees among them, that of Work and Lectures. This Brother is a native of Washington DC, born on August 22, 1931, the 4th of six children. The family lived on Potomac Avenue, S.E. and graduated from Eastern High School in the class of 1950. He was employed by Pepco, and the local gas companies, but soon felt called upon to join the US Navy. In the Navy he applied and was accepted at the Naval School of Music, at the Navy Yard in Washington DC where he trained as a trumpet player. After completing his training he was assigned to a unit band aboard the USS Midway aircraft carrier. After he left the Navy he joined Charles & Smith Companies and served ten years as a building manager. In 1981 he relocated to Florida to manage an investment in an Amoco Gas station. He returned to the Washington area after ten years following a heart attack. He and his wife Grace were married at the US Naval chapel on July 27, 1951, having met early in 1950. They recently celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary. It gives the Grand Lodge Awards Committee great pleasure to nominate for your consideration for the 2008 Grand Lodge Distinguished Service Award the name of Right Worshipful Brother Lewis Randy Edwards, a Past Master of Navel Lodge No 4 and a Right Worshipful Past Senior Grand Stewart of The Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia. â–
AN EVENING TO REMEMBER: SAMUEL GOMPERS-BENJAMIN FRANKLIN LODGE NO. 45
Grand Master Elias and Worshipful Master O’Brien present 50- and 60-year pins to members of Samuel Gompers – Benjamin Franklin Lodge No. 45
An Evening to Remember Samuel Gompers–Benjamin Franklin Lodge No. 45 by Burton Penn, PM and Walter F. Simon, PM
n September 9, 2008, Samuel Gompers – Benjamin Franklin Lodge No. 45 had an evening to honor the 25-, 50-, and 60-year members and to celebrate the 25th year of the merger of the two lodges. To make the evening more memorable, the Grand Master, Akram R. Elias, accompanied by the Grand Marshal, Jeffrey D. Russell, were in attendance. The Grand Master opened the lodge in ample form so that the ladies and guests would not have to wait. The lodge was opened in a record fi fteen minutes and the lodge went immediately to recess and others brought into the room.
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Mervin Conn, on his accordian and Robert Redding, on his trumpet, played music as the people entered the lodge room and throughout the evening. The co-chairmen for the evening were Past Masters Burton Penn and Walter F. Simon. Past Master Julien P. Hofberg lead all in the salute to the flag and the national anthem was sung. While all were standing, the Chaplain, Past Master Joel Shulman, delivered a meaningful invocation. The program started with an introduction of the Worshipful Master and the Grand Master. The Grand Marshal introduced the Past Grand Masters:
Donald L. Mallory, Theodore M. Kahn, and Robert H. Starr. The Co-chairmen alternated readings of the recipients of the 25-, 50-, and 60-year member to be honored. There were three honorees present and the Grand Master and the Worshipful Master presented them with their pins, cards, and certificates. It was a great honor to the recipients to have the Grand Master and Worshipful Master make the presentations. The Grand Master spoke on the significant activities of the years 1948 and 1958. The awards were given to Brothers Sidney A. Albert, a 60-year mason, Morton (Morty) A. Davis, a 50-year mason, and Isaac Gendelman, also a 50-year mason. After the Grand Master congratulated the honorees, the honorees were given the opportunity to give their remarks. They were then seated and several songs were played by Merv Conn and Bob Redding. The program then turned to the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the merger. Past Masters Julien P. Hofberg and Abe Sperling were invited to the east. PM Julien Hofberg was the last Master of Samuel Gompers Lodge No. 45 and the fi rst Master of Samuel Gompers – Benjamin Franklin Lodge No. 45. PM. Abe Sperling represented the Worshipful Master of Benjamin Franklin Lodge No. 50 as continued on page 34 The Voice of Freemasonry
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SOJOURNER KILWINNING LODGE NO. 1798
Sojourner Kilwinning Lodge At 50th Anniversary Celebration of the District Grand Lodge of Sierra Leone and the Gambia Introduction ojourner Kilwinning Lodge No. 1798 (SKL) was one of the Lodges invited to participate at the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of the District Grand Lodge of Sierra Leone and the Gambia (DGLSG) In support of the celebration, a check for $1,000 was presented to the District Grand Master from the RWM, Officer Bearers and Members of SKL. In addition, Anniversary Souvenirs financed by individual contributions from brethren of SKL were also presented to the. These included Jubilee Clocks and Jubilee Ties, Jubilee Lapel Pins and Jubilee Sport Shirts.
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This is a celebration at which SKL had to be a part of because of the very strong and cordial fraternal ties that exist between SKL and the DGLSG. In addition, a number of the brethren of SKL saw the Masonic Light in Freetown Lodges. It should be noted these brethren have been and continue to be in good standing with their mother lodges in Sierra Leone. Furthermore, in recent years, several brethren have completed their Masonic Degrees at SKL through courtesy workings requested by the DGLSG. Some of these brethren have since become affiliated members of the Lodge. To facilitate communication between the DGLSG and brethren overseas, and to ensure that brethren were kept informed of the Jubilee Celebrations as well as in fund raising activities for the celebrations, The District Grand Master appointed Bro, Robert Macauley PM the Liaison, who also led the delegation from SKL. Jubilee Day Activities The main Jubilee activity was the solemn and impressive ceremony of the Rededication of the District Grand Lodge w h i c h t o o k place at the Georgacland
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Robert Macauley, PM
Masonic Temple. It was presided over by the Right Worshipful Bro. Dr. Chief Adonye Anye Ibiana, the District Grand Master of the District Grand Lodge of Nigeria, and the Right Worshipful Bro. Charles W. Stanley-Pierre, the District Grand Master of the District Grand Lodge of Ghana. At this ceremony a Statute of Freedom was presented to Rt. Worshipful Bro. Dr. Robertson Willoughby, the District Grand Master of DGLSG by Bro. Robert G. Macauley, P.M on behalf of the Grand Master of Masons of the District of Columbia, Most Worshipful Bro. Akram R. Elias. The Rededication ceremony was preceded by the Unveiling and dedication of the 50th Anniversary Plaque at the lower Hall of the Georgacland Masonic Temple. A grand Masonic Banquet in typical Scottish Tradition concluded the day’s activities. The banquet was attended by masons and their spouces, distinguished guests from the Grand Lodge of Scotland, District Grand Lodge of Nigeria, the District Grand Lodge of Ghana, Sojourner Kilwinning Lodge, and St. Mary’s Lodge in Banjul, The Gambia. Among the civic personalities were Government Ministers and the Mayor of Freetown. Among the three recognitions made at the Banquet by Rt. Worshipful Bro. Dr. Robertson Willoughby, the District Grand Master was that of Bro. Robert G. Macauley, PM. On Sunday May 25 the Golden Jubilee Thanksgiving Service was held at the St. Georges Cathedral in Freetown. The Masons processed from the Georgeacland Masonic Temple to the Church. The church was full to capacity with attendance estimated at approximately 950.The Preacher was the Bishop of Freetown, the Rt. Rev. J. O. P. Lynch, and the District G r a n d Chaplain.
SOJOURNER KILWINNING LODGE NO. 1798
Sojourner Kilwinning Lodge Receives Visiting Brethren from Rosslyn Lodge in Trinidad and Tobago Christopher E. Taylor, PM
that evening the Brethren visited Hiram Takoma Lodge No.10, where they witnessed an excellent working of the EA degree. The highlight of their visit was the attendance at the Stated Communication of SKL on Saturday, July 26. Here, they were treated to a superb performance of the MM degree conducted by the RWM, Bro. Nathaniel Streeter and the team of SKL BrethThe week-long visiren who raised four tation (July 21-28, candidates using the 2008) was filled with Scottish Ritual. There a variety of activities. were approximately 80 The Brethren, some Brethren in attendance. accompanied by their Prior to the degree spouses, arrived on working, the Grand Monday, July 21 and Master of Masons of on Tuesday evening the District of Columthey were treated to bia, Most Worshipful a sumptuous dinner at Bro. Akram R. Elias the residence of the welcomed the visitors Immediate Past Master and also presented a of SKL, Christopher E. 50 year Masonic pin to Taylor. On Wednesday Right Worshipful Bro. July 23, they visited Nathaniel Boston, a the historic Temple of Members of Sojourner Kilwinning in full Masonic attire, member of SKL. On the Grand Lodge of ready to receive visiting brethren from Trinidad and Tobago Sunday the Brethren Pennsylvania, and on Thursday the George Washingof Rosslyn Lodge hosted a Trinidadian-style dinton Masonic Memorial; at the end of the tour of the ner for the brethren of SKL and their spouses in Masonic Temple in Philadelphia the Brethren were Rockville MD. The event ended in typical Scottish greeted by Right Worshipful Stephen Gardner, the tradition with the singing of Auld Lang Syne. â– Grand Master in Pennsylvania, and his wife. Later rethren of Rosslyn Lodge, No. 596, District Grand Lodge of Trinidad and Tobago, under the Grand Lodge of Scotland, made a return visit to Sojourner Kilwinning Lodge (SKL), following a visit from SKL in June, 2007. The Right Worshipful Master (RWM) Bro. Kenneth Walker was accompanied by many of his officers and Past Masters.
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Sojourner Kilwinning Lodge
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The social activities included courtesy calls on the Mayor of Freetown, the High Commissioners of Ghana, Nigeria and the Gambia, and The District Grand Lodge. Members of the SKL delegation also visited five Lodges in Freetown, participated in a number of sight seeing tours, and hosted a luncheon for the District Grand Master and his Office Bearers. The District Grand Lodge of Sierra Leone was inaugurated on May 24 1958 by the Right Worshipful Substitute Grand Master, Lord Bruce. Bro. J. Levi John was installed as the First Right Worshipful District Grand Master, a position he held until 1962.
Since then there has been Nine Past District Grand Masters. With the consecration of Masonic Lodge in Gambia in 1976, the name of the DGL was changed to District Grand Lodge of Sierra Leone and the Gambia. Bro. Dr. Victor Robertson Willoughby is the current Right Worshipful District Grand Master. Rt. Worshipful Bro. Robertson Willoughby charged the delegation to express his fraternal greetings and profound gratitude to the RWM, Bro. Nathaniel Streeter and Brethren of SKL for their support and promised a return visit before the end of his term of office. â–
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NAVAL LODGE HOSTS BACK TO SCHOOL FUN FAIR
Naval Lodge Hosts Back To School Fun Fair Michael Webb, JW Naval Lodge No. 4
n Friday, September 19th, 2008, Naval Lodge No. 4 hosted the third annual “Back to School Fun-Fair”, a community event offering fun, food and amusements for more than 2000 school children and parents of the Capitol Hill Cluster School (CHCS). The Cluster Schools consist of Watkins Elementary, Peabody Elementary and Stuart Hobson Junior High School, all located in our Capitol Hill neighborhood.
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The CHCS Parent Teacher Association (PTA) cosponsored the event and helped organize parent volunteers, once again demonstrating the partnership between Freemasons and school leaders is effective and contributes to the success of the Fun Fair. CHCS Principal Brandon Eatman said this year’s Fun Fair “carries on an important tradition which brings the community together, allows the children, parents and teachers to have some fun and raise awareness about efforts to improve public education”.
The event raised more than 2500 dollars which will be used to help promote the arts and humanities as basic and integral to a high-quality education for all students in the Cluster. The Arts Education Initiative (AEI), for example, will be using the arts to develop, pilot, refine, and adopt a model process for collaboration in DC public schools to effect school change and enhance student learning. For example, the AEI theme at Stuart Hobson this year is “Utilizing Our Resources To Enrich The Arts In Our School Community” and creating more than ten new arts integrated unit plans in each grade level. Naval Lodge No. 4’s Worshipful Master, Alan Patterson says, “Naval Lodge is leading by example by engaging other blue lodges in community through its contribution to community needs – specifically education and children’s safety”. The Fun Fair also provided an opportunity for more than 200 parents and children to participate in the Masonic CHIP (Childhood Identification Program) a program procontinued on page 32
The Masonic CHIP (Childhood Identification Program) Tent is an annual feature of Naval Lodge’s hosting of the Back to School Fun Fair. The Voice of Freemasonry
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BENJAMIN B. FRENCH LODGE SUPPORTS PROJECT LIFE
Benjamin B. French Lodge Supports Project Life
by David P. Stang
or the past ten years, the World Orphans Rehabilitation Program “PROJECT LIFE” has been bringing children from war-torn countries to the United States to allow them to experience a summer free of fear. These children have lost one or both of their parents as a result of the war in their country. In 2006, the program was expanded to include children impacted by natural disasters. By bringing them to America for the summer, the program gives them respite, relaxation, and a chance to be carefree children for three months. The program also teaches them English, provides medical and dental care as needed, and offers a loving group of host families and volunteers to provide them with a memorable experience. Their sad faces are soon smiling and they are laughing. The best part about this program is that the children are given hope for the future. The program personnel keep in contact with many children from previous years. Return visits show that the kids do better in school and have a brighter outlook on life than do the children who were not able to be a part of this program.
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The Program is developed under the auspices of World Life Institute in Waterport, NY, which was founded by Asaf Durakovic, a Past Master of Ben-
jamin B. French Lodge No. 15. Benjamin B. French Lodge No. 15 brings the children to the Washington, DC area for a week of leisure and entertainment and to enjoy a period in their life that is carefree and fun, as every child’s life should be. During that week they visit the National Aquarium in Baltimore, the National Zoo and monuments in Washington, DC, spend a day at Six Flags Amusement Park and participate in the BBF Lodge Picnic. Between these activities the kids enjoy swimming in the pool at the hotel, going to the local parks, paddle boating, bowling, etc. On August 6, Karel Eekels, other members of Benjamin B. French Lodge and I had the privilege of escorting four Chechen and two Sri Lankan children around the National Zoo as part of Project Life. The kids, three boys and three girls, were between 10 and 12 years of age. They seemed quite lively and animated to me. But their adult escorts pointed out these kids were quite sullen and dispirited when they were first assembled for their travel to the US. Now why would that be? Believe it or not — and it is hard to conceive —they were not chosen for their achievements whether academic, athletic or aesthetic. They were chosen based on how much continued on next page The Voice of Freemasonry
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BENJAMIN B. FRENCH LODGE SUPPORTS PROJECT LIFE
suffering they had been subjected to as a result of being caught, so to speak, in the crossfire of civil wars going on in their own country or region. So far I have only received biographical data on three of the children. When I saw the smiles on their faces as they walked through the zoo looking at the animals I was in awe considering what I have learned initially about three of them. One of the boys from Chechnya suffered the loss of his father and older brother when the two of them stepped on a Russian booby-trap and were blown to bits. Similarly the Sri Lankan boy lost his father and brother as they were entering a mosque to pray and were machine gunned to death by Sri Lankan Tamil Tiger rebels. The girl from Sri Lanka lost her mother who died of cancer a year before the tsunami hit Sri Lanka. The latter took out everyone else in her family: father, brothers and sisters as it simultaneously destroyed their home as well. What an honor it was for us to give them a talking tour of the zoo as we strolled around together, pick up the tab for lunch and present each kid with a National Zoo T-shirt featuring a bright orange tiger walking through a green bamboo jungle. Observing their capacity for a positive transformation of outlook as they emerged, albeit temporarily, from an environment filled with despair and hopelessness was a thrilling experience for me and a humbling one indeed. Being with them made me appreciate what a fortunate life I have lived, notwithstanding the odd bump here and there.
Being with the children helped me realize how extremely fortunate I have been in my life and how the downward blips that have occurred to me from time to time — which at the moment I interpreted as disastrous — did not amount to a tinker’s damn by comparison. Our Lodge invited them to its annual picnic. I hope to be able to make it there to visit with these kids before they head back to upper New York State where they are going to attend classes for the next two months. As a result of their training they will go back to their home country with a rudimentary knowledge of the English language and hopefully a modicum of respect for this country, which otherwise has not looked too good in recent years in the eyes of quite a few foreign observers. With the memory of these six visiting young heroes and heroines from Sri Lanka and Chechnya still deeply on my mind I drove over to McLean, Virginia today to purchase helium-filled balloons to present to them at our lodge picnic. As I anticipate seeing their smiling faces I am reminded of how grateful I am for the gift of incarnation and the many blessings I have received. And I am coming to realize that compared to those six brave visiting children I have not been forced to pay during my entire life span even a fraction of the soul-piercing price that has been exacted from them at their tender age. ■
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viding parents and guardians the means to quickly get vital information to emergency responders and link to the national Amber Alert system. According to Patterson, “Masons in DC recognize that children’s safety and the need to improve the public schools in our city as two of the fundamental challenges of our times and the place in which we live.” According to Naval Lodge’s Senior Warden, David Johnson, “Freemasons have a long and successful philanthropic record working with hospitals and children’s programs to help improve our communities”. The Fun Fair, Johnson continues, “creates an opportunity to raise our voices as advocates in the public system while we build on the Masonic philanthropic tradition continues to be an important part of many men’s personal lives and growth”. Financial support
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for the project was provided by Naval, Anacostia and Washington Daylight Lodges and the Scottish Rite. Special thanks to Las Placitas and Tiber Creek Associates for providing of quesadillas, chips and salsa, which were enjoyed by all. Masons were on hand to serve more than 1600 hot dogs, soft drinks and water which were all prepared and consumed at the event. Marvelous Market gave a donation of 1200 brownies. Two cotton candy and popcorn carts helped round out the wholesome food offered at the event. The brothers of Naval Lodge look forward to working with the CHCS leadership team to build new programs that promote the liberal arts and humanities as basic and integral to a high-quality education for all students. ■
PROMOTING CIVIC EDUCATION
Promoting Civic Education Grand Lodge’s Constitutional Seminar a Great Success! Dustin R. Rawlins Assistant to the Grand Master Educational Affairs
n October 7, 2008 our Grand Lodge sponsored a Bill of Rights Institute (BORI) Constitutional Seminar for 50 D.C. Public School teachers entitled, Being an American: Exploring the Ideals that Unite Us.
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Established in September 1999, our partner, the Bill of Rights Institute develops instructional material and educational programs on America’s Founding documents and principles for high school American History and Civics teachers and students. The free seminar for DCPS Social Studies teachers was hosted at the D.C. Scottish Rite Center and provided instruction to better educate their students about the principles and values of American society found in the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence.
Through exercises and discussions led by American University Professor, Dr. Daniel Dreisbach and seminar instructor, Brett Helm, teachers explored the principles of the United States Constitution, the freedoms protected by the Bill of Rights, and the challenges faced by the founding fathers who embraced individual liberties in the Declaration of Independence. The content knowledge and Constitutional instruction strategies gained by the 50 participating teachers will have a positive effect on the civic education among the nearly 5,000 students they will collectively instruct this year. While the curriculum is written to be presented at an 8th grade level, the content can easily be adjusted for any grade. The educational materials provide six core lesson plans and a variety of hands-on
D.C. Public School Teachers attend a Bill of Rights Institute Seminar sponsored by the Grand Lodge. continued on next page The Voice of Freemasonry
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CONTINUING ARTICLES
activities that demonstrate to students their rights and responsibilities as educated and engaged American citizens. In addition to classroom copies of the seminar’s educational materials, available in both English and Spanish, the participants earned six continuing education credits that may be used to satisfy teacher accreditation requirements required by the District. Finally, participating teachers were given strategies for meeting and surpassing District of Columbia Civic and History Academic Standards. To measure the seminar’s effectiveness, the Bill of Rights Institute conducted a pre- and postseminar survey of its participants. According to the evaluation completed by participating teachers, 95 percent responded that they gained new content knowledge of the founding documents. Of the teachers who gained content knowledge, 100 percent believed what they learned would have a positive effect on their students’ education. Effectually demonstrating the seminar’s success, 100 percent of the participating teachers reported that they would recommend this seminar to their colleagues. Comments received from teachers were overwhelmingly positive. Examples include: “I will be able to give more detailed insights
to the times – more relevancy” (Shaw Junior High), “Information presented, gave me a better a better understanding of U.S. Documents… I feel more prepared to teach” (Lincoln-Columbia Heights Elementary Campus), and “I learned new teaching strategies and a variety of instruction techniques” (Cardozo Senior High). Most importantly, the teachers’ test scores related to the Declaration’s protection of property and the Founding documents’ specific right of the People to a republican government each improved by over 30 percent. This incredibly successful curriculum was a direct result of the careful planning by the Bill of Rights Institute, which worked closely with Jesse Nicholson, Social Studies Specialist for D.C. Public Schools and was made possible by a grant from the Grand Lodge of DC’s Masonic Foundation. Finally, we would like to thank: Dr. Daniel Dreisbach, American University professor; Brett Helm, BORI Master Instructor; Most Worshipful Bro. Leonard Proden, Sovereign Grand Inspector General, for the donation of the facilities; and Most Worshipful Grand Master Akram R. Elias, for his continued dedication to the support of public education. ■
An Evening To Remember continued from page 27
Harold Levy, regretfully, is no longer with us and PM Abe served on the merger committee for Benjamin Franklin Lodge. A rememberance of Harold Levy was read and his widow, Jutta, and family were introduced. An introduction was also read for PM Julien Hofberg. A history was read of the merger, which occurred on June 14, 1983. PM Hofberg spoke on the merger activities of Samuel Gompers Lodge while PM Abe Sperling spoke on the merger activities of Benjamin Franklin Lodge. PGM Donald L. Mallory, who was the Grand Master at the time of the merger, spoke on the activities of the Grand Lodge at that time. Past Grand Master Theodore M. Kahn spoke on the merger from the point of view of a Grand Lodge Officer, a Past Grand Master, and as a member of the lodge. Floral bouquets were presented to the widow of Past Master Harold Levy and the wife of Past Master Julien Hofberg in appreciation of their understand-
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ing of the importance of the merger activities and sharing their husband with their respective lodges. The Grand Master spoke on the significance of the names of the merged lodges, Samuel Gompers and Benjamin Franklin. He said that there are statues of each in the city and that the National Cathedral has a window im memory of Samuel Gompers. No other lodge could claim such public recognition of its name and that the members should be proud. At the conclusion of the program, the ladies and guests retired to the dining room where happy birthday was sung to the lodge and the cake was served. The Grand Master and officers of the lodge remained in the lodge room to conduct it’s business and the Grand Master closed the lodge so they could attend the celebration in the dining room. ■
D.C. MASONS COME TO THE CALL OF OUR VETERANS
D.C. Masons Come to the Call of Our Veterans
DC Freemasons assembled on October 26, 2008 to consecrate the newly-renovated chapel at the VA Medical Center.
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Wishing You a Joyous Holiday Season and a Happy New Year
Emancipation Hall of the new U.S. Capital Visitors Center nter with skylight view of U.S. Capitol. In celebration of its opening, the Center will ll display the famous George Washington Gavel on temporary loan from Potomac Lodge No. 5, F.A.A.M.
Grand Lodge of Free And Accepted Masons of the District of Columbia Akram R. Elias, Grand Master Mansour Hatefi, Grand Secretary The Voice of Freemasonry Grand Lodge, F.A.A.M. of D.C. 5428 MacArthur Blvd, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20016-2524
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