The Voice of Freemasonry | Vol. 26 No. 1

IN THE NATION’S CAPITAL

Freemasonry: The Promise of Tomorrow Volume 26 Number 1 2009

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

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

The Voice of Freemasonry Volume 26, Number 1, 2009 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kwame Acquaah, 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 Three Great Lights in Masonry This issue of The Voice of Freemasonry focuses on “The First Hundred Days” of our 2009 Grand Master, MWBro. Kwame Acquaah. The first hundred days began with the Installation of the Grand Master and the 2009 officers of the Grand Lodge and continued with a memorable St. John’s Day Feast as well a special Founders’ Day program to celebrate the founding of The Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia in 1811. The first hundred days also included officer training workshops, town hall meetings with each of the Lodges and the creation of The Colonial Lodge, U.D., a new affinity lodge gathering and making Masons who are part of The George Washington University community.

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

The First Hundred Days

6

19

21

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

The Voice of Freemasonry

2

28

Cover Notes

2

Message from the Grand Master

3

From the Grand Secretary

4

From the Deputy Grand Master

5

Excerpted Remarks by the Grand Master at His Installation

6

Masonic Education: Officer Training Workshops

10

Saint John’s Day Feast: Address to the Craft by Kwame Acquaah, Grand Master

11

Saint John’s Day Feast: Toast to the Grand Master

17

Saint John’s Day Feast: Toasts to Our Sister Jurisdictions and to the Absent Brethren

18

Founders’ Day Celebration: Invocation

19

David A. Balcom: In Memoriam

19

Founders’ Day Celebration: Grand Master’s Remarks

20

Founders’ Day Celebration: Who Are We?

21

Founders’ Day Celebration: What is a Mason?

22

Founders’ Day Celebration: What Does Masonry Mean to Me?

23

Founders’ Day Celebration: History of the Grand Lodge

24

Founders’ Day Celebration: Benediction

25

Town Hall Meetings: A Listening Tour

26

The Colonial Lodge, Under Dispensation

28

2009 Elected Grand Lodge Officers

31

Photo Credits: Photographs appearing in this issue, unless otherwise indicated, were provided by WBro. Pablo J. Cordoba and Bro. Quentin O. Miles, the author of the corresponding article, or open sources on the internet.

GRAND MASTER’S MESSAGE

Grand Master’s Message

Our Work Is Not Done ”When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.” [Proverbs 29:2] here is so much for us to do. Our country is facing difficult and worrying issues. Our city is confronted with uncommon challenges. Our fellow citizens are anxious or frightened, not only about today, but also about tomorrow, as financial and economic problems have brought many to their knees.

We are all acutely concerned about the future of our country and our city.

T

These are times that demand men of vision and compassion, men such as we have in this fraternity – the Freemasons of America. I am convinced that just as we have done in the past, we will again do what is right and good. We will demonstrate, by word and deed, by actions small and big, that we are ready and willing to do all we can to address the plight of the poor, hungry, homeless, sick, and the suffering victims of violence and despair in our own city. We know it is our duty to extend the hand of charity to all children of God.

How do you find such men? The number of acceptable approaches is infinite. I encourage you to use your imagination. As a start, however, you may want to consider the following approaches: (i) Ask your spouses/lady friends if you may talk to the husbands/male friends of their acquaintances about Masonry. Many of our ladies may be willing to do the preparatory work that is necessary to cultivate interest in our work. (ii) Speak to your in-laws (and about their friends, in-laws, colleagues at work, etc.) about the mission of Masonry; (iii) Seek out your friends, school/ college mates and inquire about the social activities of their friends, in-laws, colleagues at work, etc; (iv) Look for prospects in your workplaces, places of worship, neighborhoods, apartment buildings, schools, colleges and at meetings of your clubs, associations, etc.;

These are times that also demand men of honor and integrity; (v) Search for candidates men who are unquestionably among business associates, cusqualified, by their incorruptible tomers, clients, vendors, etc.; character and conduct, to be and the instruments of change. We need such men in our banks and (vi) Identify prospects among other financial institutions, corbusiness owners, bankers, other porations, government agencies, professionals, etc.; and the various other instituHaving found a potential cantions and organizations that didate, talk to him about the influence and affect life in our impact of Masonry in our sociMost Worshipful Brother nation and world. Alas, it seems ety. If necessary, provide him Kwame Acquaah that there is a shortage of such with appropriate informational men at present; men who can pamphlets. Your conversations, along with the matereally make a difference; men like those we find in our rial you provide, may cultivate his interest in the Masonic lodges. fraternity and lead him to ask for a petition.

In truth, Masonry can make a difference in every man’s I am fully persuaded that we owe it to our Lodges, our life, regardless of stature or position, and to cause fraternity, and our society as a whole, to actively seek these men to be agents of change in our community. potential candidates for Masonry. We cannot wait to To that end, I pray that all active Freemasons will be asked. We may never be asked. strive to bring an acquaintance into the Craft. We seek only good, honest, upright men; men who are under This is the year for “Restoration.” I, therefore, ask that the tongue of good report, not just any men. together we labor to restore our true purpose: to train men to live as Masons in our society. “A good man out We look for men who, after having benefited by our of the good treasure bringeth forth good things; and teachings, lessons and practices, and strengthened an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil by our virtues, are able and willing to go into the things” (Matt. 12:33-35). ■ world and to make a difference. We seek men who will always live, work and behave in accordance with our principles.

The Voice of Freemasonry

3

GRAND SECRETARY’S MESSAGE

From the Grand Secretary

Membership and Community ”Let your Light shine before men, that they may see your good works, …” reemasonry is attractive to those in the younger generations, provided they are approached in the right way and given the best information.

They also need to be invited to join a lodge with a modern outlook. Quality is often more important to them than cost, which is opposite to the way some of our lodges run. One way or another, we must strive to build a new public perception of the value and relevance of Freemasonry.

F

with will see the quality of men associated in this great fraternity. If we want to attract new members we must acquaint the general public with what our organization has to offer men and our communities.

If we maintain a high level of quality and excellence in all that we offer, good men – thinking men will recognize the value of Freemasonry and want to belong, and enjoy belonging, and be proud to belong, as we all do.

Some of these younger men approach us through the Grand Lode website, asking for information on how to join a Lodge. To do that they must have a desire to learn more about Freemasonry, as a high quality organization, an organization worth belonging to, that is giving them that desire.

We should maintain the values of Freemasonry as inculcated in the charges as well as in general Masonic principles of the Craft. Our Freemasonry should reflect the image that we as Freemasons are accessible and will provide to our brethren and to the society in general, clear values that are worthy of that confidence; values such as culture, ethics and humanism.

The Grand Lodge strives to get the lodges to be more active in the community so that the community will know us a better. How we treat other people, how we behave toward each other are the most powerful factors in encouraging others to look at our fraternity favorably.

The Voice of Freemasonry

4

Mansour Hatefi, PGM Grand Secretary

Freemasonry should not be limited to meditation in the temple, although this is needed for selfgeneration, so that with the accumulated energy, the principles of freemasonry could be applied in everyday life, within the family, at work place, and elsewhere.

There are a lot of potential members out there and they are noticing what we are doing. It is very important to the success of our organization for us to be forward-looking and establish ourselves as a vital and integral part of our local communities.

Big or small, they are always looking for help in so many ways. Let us show them that Freemasons are involved in a meaningful way in their communities. DC Freemasonry should have a very strong social side to it: beginning with the family and the neighbors, and extending to the community through social programs. If a program or project is too big for a single lodge, a number of lodges may band together and pool their resources to accomplish the job at hand. This will not only serve the community but bring the participating lodges and brethren closer together.

It appears that Lodges which have been successful in this regard have been rewarded by some renewal.

Hopefully they are keeping in mind the qualifications and characteristics of a potential member: “being a free man, free of prejudice, of high moral standards, having noble goals.” And herein, I believe, lies our strength: To be the best we can be and ask no less from whoever knocks at our doors. Since the final success depends heavily on the individual Mason, namely you and me. For we are the ones who will be asked to meet that prospect. Are we a working Mason? How do we look, dress, or present ourselves? Do we convey confidence and self respect?

Do we look our personal best? Do we convey a positive image of our fraternity?

We must not overlook the fact that we will not reverse the membership decline trend unless we prove our worth to the community. We must show our Masonic heart outside the lodge and project it into the communities, so those you come in contact

A positive image will provide an easy opening to a conversation on Freemasonry. To get new members for your Lodge, someone has to talk positively to non-Masons about Freemasonry – It might as well be you! ■

DEPUTY GRAND MASTER’S MESSAGE

From the Deputy Grand Master

To Serve at the Will of My Brethren Paul D. Gleason Deputy Grand Master

ebster’s Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language describes “cold feet” as “a loss or lack of courage or confidence; an onset of uncertainty or fear”. My brethren, somewhere within the content of that defi nition lies some of the angst I have experienced since my initiation, passing and raising in 1996. Each passing year witnessed a variation of intensity of those “cold feet” from truly troubling to one of homeostasis.

W

As Master of Petworth Lodge No. 47 in 2000, I received considerable support and encouragement (mentoring) from MWB George Moyer, PGM in 1979 and ritual learning skills from WB Franklin Cook, PM of Petworth Lodge 1967 & 1993. On ascending to the Oriental Chair, their assistance and support vanquished any trepidation that I had and significantly aided me in successfully wielding the gavel of authority. My years as Grand Lodge Physician 1998 to 2002 were years of growth and maturity as a Mason and taught me that participation and involvement were a sine qua non of our noble fraternity.

The years spent as a Grand Line Officer exposed me to many and varied leadership styles, to qualities of courage and integrity, worthy of emulation, to strength of purpose in the face of adversity, to doing what is Masonic rather than what is popular, and finally, the importance of subduing one’s passions.

Today, as I have been reminded, I stand a heartbeat away from occupying the Grand East (MWB Kwame Acquaah, may you have millions of heart beats left) there are no doubt many of my brethren who wonder what and where my emphasis will be. The message, my brethren, lies in the italicized words. To make Masons, to contribute to their growth and development as Masons, to assist them in becoming Masonic leaders within and without the Lodge, to foster family involvement wherever feasible, to make more visible our noble society, to train our successors as we ourselves were trained, to be humble in all our actions, and, to understand length of the cable tow. And, with an open mind, to constantly practice tolerance with integrity. By honoring the traditions of our past, the future is truly bright indeed. I humbly ask all of my brethren to serve as my “foot warmers”.

By honoring the traditions of our past, the future is truly bright indeed. I humbly ask all of my brethren to serve as my “foot warmers”.

When asked to serve as his Grand Marshal in 2002, MWPGM Robert H. Starr afforded me a unique opportunity to be a small part of our public visibility, I was beyond honored. With his guidance and tutelage, I underwent, unknown or unappreciated by me at the time, a metamorphosis which prepared me for accepting the ultimate responsibility of a Master Mason – to serve at the will of my brethren.

In closing, I would like to be among the legions that have or will at their first opportunity congratulate our Most Worshipful Kwame Acquaah for his leadership and acumen in beginning to resolve our relationship with the Grand Lodge of New York. May his thoughts and actions be guided by the Great Architect of the Universe. ■

The Voice of Freemasonry

5

THE FIRST HUNDRED DAYS: INSTALLATION

The First Hundred Days The Voice of Freemasonry

6

THE FIRST HUNDRED DAYS: INSTALLATION

Excerpted Remarks by the Grand Master at His Installation December 13, 2008, Washington D.C. Grand Masters from other jurisdictions, Past Grand Masters, Grand Lodge Officers, Worshipful Masters, Brethren, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, my dear friends: he Psalmist has written, “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

T

This day has fi nally arrived. Many, long before my time, had sought it; many had desired it; many had specifically asked for it, many had prayed for it, and many had fought for it. Some feared they will not live long enough to see it, but here we are. Once more, the nobility of the human race has been demonstrated for all to see. Today, all of us do by our presence here, confi rm the uniqueness and resilience of the human spirit. We reaffi rm humanity’s enduring need for oneness and love of one another because we are all children of the same one God. I stand here the product of, and the beneficiary of, the hard labor and sacrifices of many, some dead, but many living with us.

promotes true friendship among those who might otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance.

You have not kept me at a distance. You have welcomed, embraced, assisted, aided, supported, encouraged, protected and offered me numerous opportunities for growth, development and advancement, both as a person and as a Mason. You have not allowed me to feel different, unwanted or unappreciated. I have been loved, instead of being simply tolerated. I consider myself uniquely blessed.

Time will not permit me to count all my blessings.

They are too numerous. The very fact that I can stand here, as a black man, as the Grand Master, is but only one of these blessings. For all these blessings, I will forever remain grateful to you, individually, as Lodges, and as a Grand Jurisdiction, and eternally to the GAOTU for favors so generously bestowed on me. I love you all so dearly, because you fi rst loved me.

Dedication of the Day I dedicate this day to all those, my heroes, who advocated and sacrificed to allow for diversity in our jurisdiction.

As a District of Columbia The Grand Master prepares for his • WBro. Adegbite: As the herMason, I have been, and Installation with WBro. Victor Adegbite ald, the forerunner, he made continue to be, the humble an outstanding contribution towards the opening of beneficiary of an outpouring of unrestrained, genuthe gates of District of Columbia Masonry to make ine, deep and abiding Brotherly Love from you and it possible for so many of us to practice Masonry the other brethren of this Grand Jurisdiction. in this Jurisdiction and to drink from the fresh You remind me, day in and day out, by your stateand sustaining oasis of Brotherly Love, Relief and ments, behavior and conduct that, as a fraternity, Truth that distinguishes Washington, D.C. from all we stand for the proposition that all human beings other jurisdictions. Beginning in 1976, he worked belong to one family, irrespective of their station assiduously to foster an all-embracing Jurisdiction in life, and that we are all created by one Almighty and this culminated in the founding of Sojourner Being, and sent into the world for the aid, support Kilwinning Lodge, No. 1798 in 1992. and protection of each other. On this principle, our • I salute the Masters Association of 1979 of MWBro Jurisdiction has not only eagerly striven, but has George Adams and RWBro Joel Kahn for their succeeded in uniting men of every country, race, efforts. sect and opinion and created the environment that

The Voice of Freemasonry

7

THE FIRST HUNDRED DAYS: INSTALLATION

• Many Past Grand Masters worked hard to bring about diversity. To name but a few: MWBros. Jerry Samet, George Adams, William T. Jenkins, Darwin Brock, Dan Frederick, and many more.

• Many brethren worked on the efforts for diversity.

They are too numerous to be mentioned at this meeting.

The dream of these brethren became a reality and today we celebrate a most vibrant jurisdiction made up of all God’s children. We have been strengthened by our Unity in Diversity and shown the world that “in every clime a Mason may fi nd a home and in every land a Brother.”

Future Our present and future depend on a band of hard working Masters of our Lodges. I look forward to working with the Worshipful Masters of our Lodges as a close knit team in 2009.

Program for 2009 The details for work to be done will be laid out in the Grand Master’s “Address to the Craft” at the St. John’s Day Feast, for Brethren only, on Saturday, December 27th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at this Scottish Rite Center. Briefly, (a) We will promote membership growth and development.

It is a cliché that, ‘if you are not growing, you are dying’. We will grow. Increasing membership should not necessarily imply that the West Gate would not be closely guarded. There is no reason to

believe that our Lodges and brethren will be less vigilant because they are working hard to introduce more men to DC Masonry. Masonry serves as a beacon of optimism and confidence and eschews a culture of low expectations and I have no doubt the brethren will do what is best for our Fraternity.

We will work on initiatives for increasing membership by 10%, counting Entered Apprentices and Affi liations by Masons from other jurisdictions.

Arrangements have advanced to form Lodges at American University and The George Washington University. Here, I must thank RWBro. Jeffrey Gardner, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, who is here with us, who spent considerable time with me in December 2007, enlightening me on the accomplishments of Harvard Lodge. (b) We will Empower Lodges (c) Encourage effective/efficient use of Masonic resources We are Freemasons. The management of all our resources must meet and exceed the best practices among nonprofit organizations. (d) Foster Masonry as instrument for Spiritual Transformation Freemasonry is a multi-faceted institution. It is more th a social organization for the fraternal benefit to than it members. its (e Cultivate the practice of moral and social (e) vi virtues T Preamble to our Code provides that: “(FreemaThe so sonry) …impresses on its members the principles of pe personal righteousness and personal responsibility, en enlightens them as to those things which make for hu human welfare…”

T combat of poverty should be at the top of our The M Moral Values Agenda C Concluding remarks I am not big on Themes. But many continue to ask.

T Therefore, I offer: Restoration. I am eager to restore, by our industry, what has been lost, and may Heaven ai our united endeavors. We know that one man, by aid hi himself, cannot accomplish much in one year. I pray f your support and assistance. for Thank you and God bless our Fraternity. ■

The Grand Master of Masons of the District of Columbia The Voice of Freemasonry

8

THE FIRST HUNDRED DAYS: INSTALLATION

Installation of Our Grand Master for 2009

The Prayer of MWBro. Kwame Acquaah

G

od of our fathers and our God I come to you in, gratitude, anxiety and in supplication.

Gratitude for your bountiful mercies and countless blessings.

Among these blessings is that on this your appointed day, I have been installed as the Grand Master of Masons of Washington DC to lead a group of fi ne men in our common search for Light or Divine Truth.

O Divine Master grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love Lord, I ask for you blessings on our families and friends, our Lodges, our Worshipful Masters, our Grand Lodge Officers, our Past Grand Masters and all Masons present in this auditorium and those wherever dispersed.

Anxious, because I come to the office carrying with me the justifi able hopes and great expectations of many wellwishers who continue to pray that the fi rst black Grand Master in a majority Grand Lodge, not only in the US, but throughout the northern hemisphere, will succeed. O, Lord, I cannot fail those who have labored so very hard to see this day.

I am also anxious because I come to this office, with personal fl aws, weaknesses, and passions, which if not subdued, will prevent me from doing the kind of work that will bring greater glory to your holy name.

O Lord, my God, I need you every hour and I pray that your hands will always be with me in my going out and in my coming in; in my speech and in my silence and in all my dealings with the brethren.

O Lord, I come to the office with great ambitions, and pray that you will grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.

As I go through the next 12 months, O, Lord make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy;

Finally, O Lord, let me be what you want me to be; Let me do what you want me to do This is my prayer, O Lord, my God. Amen â–

The Voice of Freemasonry

9

THE FIRST HUNDRED DAYS: OFFICER TRAINING WORKSHOPS

Masonic Education

Officer Training Workshops nder the direction of Most Worshipful Kwame Acquaah, Grand Master of Masons of the District of Columbia, a comprehensive course of officer training was provided for the constituent lodges during January and February. In total, more than 780 PowerPoint slides were presented to the newly installed elected and appointed line officers for the 2009 Masonic year. While many favorable comments were received in acknowledgement of the detailed illustrations; the success of the training most certainly is attributed to the dedicated efforts, in-depth knowledge, and wisdom of leadership to several individuals, beginning with the Grand Master.

U

Every training session was initiated by Grand Master Acquaah’s gracious appreciation for all the officers in attendance who took so much of their valuable time away from family and other obligations to commit themselves to improving their awareness in support and guidance of their brethren. Moreover, the special attention afforded by the Grand Master provided a unique opportunity for additional insights and interactions that may not generally be available in other venues.

The Voice of Freemasonry

10

Marcus A. Trelaine, PM Grand Preceptor

protocols. Attendees well learned the various routines through several practice sessions which became nearly second nature upon conclusion of the training.

Special recognitions are further extended to Most Worshipful Mansour Hatefi, Grand Secretary; Most Worshipful Robert F. Drechsler, Grand Treasurer; Right Worshipful Jeffrey D. Russell, Junior Grand Steward; Right Worshipful Bilal M. Raschid, Deputy Grand Chaplain, Worshipful Brother Edward “Ted” Berry, and Worshipful Brother Gregory T. Martin whose contributions in helping ensure the Grand Lodge Officer Training Sessions presented the most comprehensive instruction possible are far more numerous and important than space might allow, and without which none of these trainings could have taken place with much hope for success.

In complement to the Grand Master, several Grand Lodge Officers attended the training sessions in an effort to initiate a personal outreach to those brethren who would likely serve as a Master of their Lodge during the same year the Right Worshipful Officer may be elected to the Grand East. Of particular note, the Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master Paul D. Gleason actively involved himself in demonstrating the proper etiquette, interpreting Grand Lodge Code, and offering important perspectives necessary to successful leadership.

In summary, the Grand Lodge Officer Training Sessions addressed five key areas: 1) Masonic Obligations & Awareness; 2) Ceremony and Ritual Floorwork; 3) Lodge Governance and Administration; 4) General History, Tradition and Symbolism; and 5) Exercising Leadership Opportunities. Each of these key areas were subordinated into several fundamental duties and responsibilities. For example, area one more fully examined the obligations taken during officer installations; the 25 Landmarks of Freemasonry; Powers, Prerogatives and Limitations of the Worshipful Master; and review of the Grand Lodge Code. Whereas topics in area two addressed instructional qualifications in the conferral of degrees; performing basic introductions; receiving the Grand Master and Grand Lodge Officers; conducting memorial services; purging and opening a Lodge; and other essential forms of Masonic etiquette, protocol and decorum.

Another key member of the Grand Lodge who must be acknowledged for the success of each training session is Right Worshipful Grand Lecturer Christopher “Chip” Mahaney. His extensive knowledge of the Craft proved immensely helpful in illustrating the important footwork and ceremonial processes of receiving the Grand Master, purging the Lodge, bringing candidates into the Lodge during each degree, managing the ballot box, and general Masonic

To receive the full agenda for each officer training session, or to obtain a copy of the PowerPoint presentation, please visit the Assistant to the Grand Secretary Walter R. Hoenes, PM at the Office of the Grand Secretary, 5428 MacArthur Boulevard NW, Washington, DC 20016; or email whoenes@ dcgrandlodge.org or call (202) 686-1811. Be sure to bring appropriate electronic device (flash drive, etc.) which can hold at least 50M of data. ■

THE FIRST HUNDRED DAYS: ST. JOHN’S DAY FEAST

Saint John’s Day Feast

Grand Master’s Address to the Craft

M

ost Worshipful Brother George Ralph Adams, I thank you for the warm and elegant manner by which you proposed the toast and for the recitation of all the extraordinary qualities that I am supposed to possess. My mother would have loved you. I also thank my dear Brethren for receiving the toast with enthusiasm and affection. You are always actuated by a generous disposition, which prevents you from envying any Brother’s preferment.

Again, I welcome you to this St. John’s Feast. I am delighted so many of you turned out for the first major event of the 2009 Grand Lodge Administration.

Thank you.

I am honored and privileged to serve as the Grand Master of Masons of the District of Columbia. I assume a position that has been occupied by distinguished Masons who have set very high standards in the performance of the duties of this high office and it is my ardent desire to emulate those of their attributes that we all admire. Many of these outstanding Masons are now engaged in service in the Grand

Lodge above. Many are also with us. And I ask you, my dear Brethren, to join me in paying tribute to those who are no longer with us and those, who happily remain with us, for their continuing devotion to the welfare and prosperity of the Craft.

Learning from and being inspired by the work of our Past Grand Masters, I shall strive to maintain and uphold the dignity of the Grand Lodge. I will do my best to serve you with sympathy, understanding, patience, respect, decency and love. And I would expect you to extend the same courtesies to me.

In my work throughout the year, I would be guided by our rituals and ceremonies, ancient charges, ancient landmarks, Masonic law and jurisprudence and the customs and usages of the Craft. My actions and decisions would be defined and informed by what I believe to be the true purposes of Masonry.

I will emphasize, at all times and on every occasion, the true principles of Masonry. And if, at the end of my year in office, I should have been able to inculcate in you a loftier idea and higher standard of Freema-

The Grand Master addressing the Craft

The Voice of Freemasonry

11

THE FIRST HUNDRED DAYS: ST. JOHN’S DAY FEAST

sonry, then I would not have spent my strength for naught, and my labors as Grand Master would not have been in vain.

A) THE CONTEXT True Purposes of Masonry Who are we? What are our true purposes? What remarkable qualities distinguish us? In business parlance: what is our core competence? What do I consider the true purposes of Masonry?

As we are taught in the Address to the Worshipful Master at Installation, Masonry is about spreading Light. We are spiritual beings living human lives and our Ancient Brethren founded Masonry to help us live up to our true purposes. Masonry, as I see it, is a spiritual quest and its function is to help its members become the Builder of each person’s unseen temple of life. I will, therefore, encourage each Mason to have as his goal, the growth in understanding of spiritual values and our relationship with our Creator and creatures. It is for a good reason that our Lodges are dedicated to the Holy Saints John, one of whom we honor this afternoon.

to make a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge.

It is not enough to merely listen to it occasionally on degree nights. To help with this effort, I have asked Masters of Lodges, as part of their desire to give good and wholesome instruction or cause the same to be done at their meetings, to cause an aspect of the ritual to be taught at each and every meeting, even if it is only for three minutes.

In essence, we are not simply a Fraternity, formed to pursue any and every adventure. We are a Fraternity for the purpose of uniting men who are committed to supporting each other in learning and engaging in causes to enhance our personal righteousness and personal responsibility to our fellow creatures. And it is in learning the lessons taught in our lodges and leading lives distinguished by amiable, discreet, and virtuous conduct, that we are enabled to convince mankind of the goodness of our institution.

We are a Fraternity for the purpose of uniting men who are committed to supporting each other in learning and engaging in causes to enhance our personal righteousness and personal responsibility to our fellow creatures.

We are a unique learning organization for a unique band of men of upstanding character who have come together to do God’s work. Our commitment to spiritual growth is amply demonstrated in the prayer for the Entered Apprentice, upon his admission into the Lodge:

Vouchsafe Thine aid, Almighty Father of the Universe, to this our present convention, and grant that this candidate for Masonry may dedicate and devote his life to Thy service and become a true and faithful Brother among us. Endue him with a competency of Thy Divine Wisdom, that, by the secrets of our art, he may be better enabled to display the Beauties of Holiness, to the honor of Thy Holy Name.

To become a true and faithful Brother requires that we have a full understanding of our ritual. We must remain true to the teachings of our rituals and ceremonies, ancient charges, ancient landmarks, Masonic law and jurisprudence and the customs and usages of the Craft. We must read it frequently to allow us The Voice of Freemasonry

12

Brethren, to a large extent, our lodges succeed only if our character, conduct, and behavior in private and public are different from what they were when we joined this honorable institution. The world will respect us, admire us, beat a path to our doors because of the conduct of our brethren in society at large and not for any other reason. We must be about our true purposes. (Our local sporting teams, the Redskins and Wizards, can engage in all the public relations and outreach activities they can contrive, but if they are not playing solid football or quality basketball, they are failing in their purpose, and they will not be admired or respected by the public and the bleachers will not be filled.)

We must know who we are and suppress the urge to become what we are not and are not meant to be. We do not have to flail about seeking things to do as if we are a one-month-old organization in search of a purpose. In this respect, let me say that I do not believe we are meant to be a social club. There are better ones out there for the amusement of those seeking such outlets. We are not meant to be a philanthropic institution, we are bettered by many whose monetary charities are extensive. We are also not designed to satisfy the mercenary intentions of potential members or existing members, there are organizations

THE FIRST HUNDRED DAYS: ST. JOHN’S DAY FEAST

better suited for such endeavors. We are not a secret society. We are not even a society with secrets, given that most Masonic rituals, including ours, in their complete form, with modes of recognition, are available readily on the Internet and in bookshops. (The irony is that our brethren cannot read our ritual but the public can. Our brethren cannot be informed about our ritual but the public can.) But I digress.

The real question is: Who are we? What are our core principles, fundamental values and reason for our existence?

True Principles of Masonry I referred to the True principles of Masonry. I need not spend time on them, since you are all very familiar with our great principles: Brotherly Love. This is instructive: “To regard the whole human species as one family; the high and low, the rich and poor who as created by one Almighty Parent, and inhabitants of the same planet, are to aid, support and protect each other.

On this principle Masonry unites men of every country, sect and opinion and conciliates true friendships among those who might otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance.”

Do we aid, support and protect each other? Do we respect and apply the Golden Rule?

Do we trust one another? Do we respect each other? Are we united as brethren? Do we take pride in the Craft?

be laid up among the archives of the Lodge as a memorial that you here made a Mason. But upon the strictest search you were found to be destitute. You were informed that this was not done to trifle with your feelings but to make a deep and lasting impression on your mind that should you thereafter meet with any person in a like destitute condition, more especially a Brother Mason, you would contribute to his relief so far as you were able without injury to yourself or family.”

“That I might travel in foreign countries and receive Master’s wages, the better to enable me to support myself and family, and contribute to the relief of worthy distressed Brother Master Masons, their widows and orphans.”

Truth is a Divine Attribute and the foundation of every virtue. To be good and true is the first lesson we are taught in Masonry. By striving for Truth, Freemasons aspire to achieve high moral standards in their lives and in society generally.

Relief. These passages are instructive: “To relieve the distressed is a duty incumbent on all, but particularly on Masons, who are linked together by an indissoluble chain of sincere affection. To soothe the unhappy, to sympathize with their misfortune, to compassionate their misery, and restore peace to their troubled minds, is the great aim we have in view. On this basis we form our friendships and establish our connections.”

“You were asked for something of a mineral or metallic nature, not for its intrinsic value, but that it might

Freemasons are taught to practice charity, and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole, both by charitable giving, and by voluntary efforts and works as individuals. From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of widows, orphans, the sick the hungry, homeless, poor, and the aged. Freemasons perform these acts directly or through contributions to national and local charitable, philanthropic and non-profit organizations.

[Our voluntary efforts and works should, as much as possible, be performed as individuals. I am very happy to help restore and paint the house of a distressed Brother or a widow, but may be hesitant to clean and paint schools after paying hefty taxes. My duty as an individual Mason would be to speak up against the abuse, corruption and mismanagement that prevents the School Board from painting the schools.]

Truth. The passages below are informative:

“Truth is a Divine Attribute and the foundation of every virtue. To be good and true is the first lesson we are taught in Masonry. On this theme we contemplate; and by its dictates endeavor to regulate our conduct; hence, while influenced by this principle, hypocrisy and deceit are unknown among us; sincerity and plain dealing distinguish us; and the heart and continued on next page The Voice of Freemasonry

13

THE FIRST HUNDRED DAYS: ST. JOHN’S DAY FEAST

tongue join in promoting each other’s welfare and rejoicing in each other’s prosperity.”

By striving for Truth, Freemasons aspire to achieve high moral standards in their lives and in society generally. Another aspect of truth relates to the knowledge and fear of God. Indeed, the search for Divine Truth constitutes Masonic learning. In another sense, the “worship of God” entails the understanding of the nature of God, and man’s relations to God; and, by extension, respect for, and love of, our neighbor (tolerance for another’s viewpoint, religious beliefs and his political opinions).

B) WHAT WILL BE DONE I. Lodges Town Hall Meetings a. GM and GLOs will visit all Lodges, individually, between January and April to hold Town Hall Style meetings to discuss concerns of the Lodge and brethren and endeavor to address them during the year.

The Brethren listen as the Grand Master speaks

The Voice of Freemasonry

14

Lodge Meetings b. The Administration will encourage WMs to conduct first class qualitative meetings, emphasizing quality ritual and Masonic education. c. The Administration will encourage Lodges to promote Masonic etiquette and protocol at their private and public meetings. d. The Administration has asked WMs to appoint Lodge Instructors to work closely with the Grand Lodge Work and Lecture Committee. e. The Administration has asked WMs to appoint Lodge Education Officers to help with Masonic Education for new members and all members. f. The Administration is to provide educational materials to help Lodges with Masonic Education. All Elected Grand Lodge officers are preparing various educational pamphlets to be made available to the brethren. In addition, the Grand Orator has been compiling a number of educational materials that will also be made available. I have also asked a few

THE FIRST HUNDRED DAYS: ST. JOHN’S DAY FEAST

other brethren to prepare materials and they have all agreed to do so. We are still open to any other brother who wishes to volunteer to participate in this venture. We cannot have enough educational materials.

Materials will address subjects including: meaning of various sections or elements of our ritual; Brotherly Love, Masonic virtues, Masonic ethics, social virtues, relief, temperance and self-control, justice, mercy, personal integrity, morality, processing prospective members and their investigation, mentorship, trusteeship, Lodge fundraising and management of resources, meditation and contemplation; selfimprovement; etc.

Officer Training g. While officer training is primarily the responsibility of the Lodge, the Administration will conduct leadership training with individual officer classes in January and February; in May; and in September.

These efforts are to supplement what the Lodges

do themselves. The Administration has pointed out to the WMs that they should consider coaching and officer shadowing for their officers. h. The Administration is to encourage WMs to ensure that their successors qualify for the office by latest September 30, 2009. i. The Administration will encourage WMs to employ all members within their Lodges in Committees, etc.

Membership j. The Administration will assist Lodges to develop programs to retain their members. k. The Administration will assist the Lodges in developing mentor programs. WMs have been asked to appoint Mentor officers in their Lodges to work with the Grand Lodge Mentor Committee. l. The Administration will assist Lodges in attracting good men. Brethren are not supposed to “go out into the highways and byways and compel them to come in”. The West Gate must be guarded and only mature, continued on next page

The Voice of Freemasonry

15

THE FIRST HUNDRED DAYS: ST. JOHN’S DAY FEAST

reputable, open-minded, non-contentious men willing to learn and cooperate with others must be admitted. m. The Administration is to encourage Lodges to work hard to attract potential candidates from Washington DC, after all we are the Grand Lodge of Washington DC. I am not interested in celebrity Masons. n. The Administration is to encourage Lodges and brethren to learn from the practice of many Jurisdictions in the US and abroad, in talking with potential candidates. It is perfectly acceptable to engage in a discussion about Masonry with a good man in your family, workplace, place of worship, in your neighborhood or in other organizations of which you are a member. You do not force the person to become a member but you help him come to an appreciation of the Craft and leave the final request for membership to him. We do not want to behave like the father in New Jersey whose son was interested in becoming a Mason and for many years wondered why his father would not invite him into membership, while the father, on his part, could not understand why his son will not ask to become a member of such a fine Institution.

Relief s. The Administration will provide a widows pin and encourage all Lodges to make them available to their widows. t. The Administration will assist the charitable activities of the Lodges. However, the Lodge or Lodges will have to take the lead.

Community Activities u. The Administration will encourage Lodges to take the lead in the July 4th Parades on Capitol Hill, Takoma, Constitution Ave and Palisades.

It is perfectly acceptable to engage in a discussion about Masonry with a good man in your family, workplace, place of worship, in your neighborhood or in other organizations of which you are a member.

o. The Administration has asked WMs to appoint Membership Coordinators, who will work with all the brethren to encourage them to participate in the membership growth effort.

p. The Administration’s goal for all Lodges in 2009 is to bring in an aggregate of 430 EAs and Affiliates or 10% increase over current total membership. q. The Administration will make available to the Lodges literature for potential candidates. r. The Administration will strongly urge all Lodges to follow the rules, regulations and procedures in our Code for receiving and processing petitions.

Increasing and Managing Resources v. The Administration will encourage Lodges to engage in fundraising. w. The Administration has asked Lodges to prepare comprehensive budgets. x. The Administration is to provide materials to Lodges on how to maintain proper Financial Controls and record keeping, taking into consideration the Sarbanes-Oxley regulations and requirements of the IRS. y. The Administration will provide detailed assistance to Trustees of Lodges.

z. The Administration will encourage all Lodges to acquire insurance for their assets.

Lodge Websites aa. The Administration will provide technical assistance to Lodges to develop/enhance their websites as the gateway to the public.

Restoring Weak Lodges bb. The Administration, with the permission of weak Lodges, will work with the Masters and Wardens Association and other Lodges and brethren to help revive those weak Lodges.

continued on page 30 The Voice of Freemasonry

16

THE FIRST HUNDRED DAYS: ST. JOHN’S DAY FEAST

Saint John’s Day Feast

Toast to the Grand Master y Brethren, I rise to propose a toast to our new Grand Master. Let me begin by telling you a story. Years ago my lodge held a Mozart Night and asked our Tiler Brother Lucien Kuntz, a baker by trade, to bake a cake for the evening. He baked this wonderful German chocolate cake that would make your mouth water just looking at it.

That night, I watched the change of countenance of each brother as he would put the first bite of the cake into his mouth. A smile would come to his face as if everything was right with the world. It was like the Midas touch that turned everything King Midas touched to gold. After the banquet, I asked Brother Lucien his secret. He shared with me that his father had instructed him never to brag about his skills as a baker, but “to let his work speak for itself”. The cake spoke for itself.

M

In the case of our new Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Kwame is too humble to speak about his own qualifications, but let his work as a Master Mason speak for itself. And like King Midas what he touches turns to gold. MW Brother Kwame represents the highest and noblest of what it means to be a Master Mason and is eminently qualified to assume the Grand East.

What can we expect as members of the Grand Lodge in the year 2009 from our new Grand Master? Let me project what I see for our Masonic future.

First, you will find a Grand Master who will give you his all. Like Vince Lombardi’s injunction to the Green Bay Packers, Kwame will not leave anything undone on the field of play. We have already begun to experience the work ethic of this great Mason in the form of emails, telephone calls, town hall meetings and a myriad of planned Masonic activities. There will be no loose ends, no corner of the Temple that has not been swept clean by Kwame’s presence.

George R. Adams Past Grand Master

He will ask much from his officers, but will lead his officers by his own example and tireless work ethic.

Thirdly, Kwame will serve the Grand East as a Mason of deep spirituality and morality. He will infuse his year as Grand Master with the search for enlightenment with a view to providing an environment for the individual Mason to grow as a Mason intellectually, morally and spiritually.

Fourth, Kwame is intelligent and like King Solomon has been given “an understanding heart”. He holds a PHD in law which is unusual in the legal community.

Most lawyers have what is known as a juris doctor degree. Kwame will be well equipped to dispense justice and wisdom as our new Grand Master.

Finally, like Barack Obama, our first black president, Most Worshipful Brother Kwame as our first American Grand Master of African descent has been placed in a unique position in the history of our Grand Lodge and in the history of our nation. His ascension to the Grand East is added proof of the universality of our Craft and the oneness of the Masonic Brotherhood.

Just as we welcome to our doors and admit to our privileges worthy men of all races and of every creed, we can now with impunity say that we welcome to our Grand East and admit as Grand Master worthy men of all creeds and of every race.

My brethren, I give you our Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Kwame Acquaah, Grand Master of Masons of the District of Columbia. ■

Second, Kwame is a man of great integrity and a serious Mason. He will be fair, but will administer his position as Grand Master conscientiously in accordance with the Grand Lodge code. Kwame takes seriously the duties of his office and will not treat anything that happens in the Grand Lodge lightly.

The Voice of Freemasonry

17

THE FIRST HUNDRED DAYS: ST. JOHN’S DAY FEAST

Saint John’s Day Feast

Toast to Our Sister Jurisdictions

Robert H. Starr Past Grand Master

ost Worshipful Grand Master, Past Grand Masters, Grand Lodge Officers, Worshipful Brethren and Brethren all,

our Grand Lodges, so that together we can continue to improve our Masonry and this community we call Earth.

I have been invited to propose a toast to our sister constitutions. Those Grand Lodges, in which we are in amity, both in this city, this country and overseas.

We have many, many great friends and brothers throughout the world and it is important that we foster communications, respect, and harmony between

With me my Brethren, to our Sister Constitutions, may we continue to grow together in harmony and respect.

M

The Good Fire, my Brethren, taking your time from me. ■

Saint John’s Day Feast

Toast to Our Absent Brethren ost Worshipful Grand Master, Grand Lodge Officers and Brethren, I consider this toast to our absent brethren as perhaps the most important toast at any Masonic banquet, because as Grand Master Kwame Acquaah eloquently stated in his end of year greetings to D.C. Masons, “The fraternal chain or mystic tie that unites us is forged of links which pass into eternity and thus cannot be broken”.

M

Therefore in line with established tradition in ancient main line Masonry, I consider it both as an obligation and an honor to propose this toast to our absent Brethren wherever dispersed.

First we pray for the repose of the souls of our brethren who have been summoned to the Grand Lodge

The Voice of Freemasonry

18

Daniel D. Darko Grand Pursuivant

above. May they rest peacefully in the land of the blessed and rise in glory.

We also remember our Brethren who because of illness or bereavement are going through difficult times at the moment. We wish them a speedy recovery and relief from whatever has caused their absence today.

Finally, to our Brethren who are not here today because of indifference, may the Great Architect of the Universe reach out and touch them and bring them back into our fold because in our hearts, we hold them dear.

Brethren, please be upstanding and let us drink lustily the toast to our absent Brethren. ■

IN MEMORIAM: REV. AND WBRO. DAVID A. BALCOM

Founders’ Day Celebration

Invocation

A

lmighty God who art the Supreme Architect of this orderly universe in which we live and move and have our being; the source of all wisdom and knowledge, the author of life, the giver of everlasting life; and the author of all truth and love.

We gather here in the bonds of brotherhood to celebrate the Founders’ Day of this Grand Lodge. We gather to pay tribute to all who have served as Grand Masters who have brought us to our time and place, and pay homage to all who have labored in this vineyard of the Craft to make our Grand Lodge the place that it is today. We humbly beseech you to grant your continued protection and guidance to our Grand Master, and all who follow him in service to our fraternity.

We stand in an endless line of splendor, and pray most sincerely that as we build on the foundation of those who have gone before us, that in good faith we may continue all their good works, begun, and continued in You, who art our rock and our defender.

Look mercifully upon us, and let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts ever be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, our strength and our redeemer. AMEN ■

Reverend and Worshipful Brother

David Alexander Balcom

1934 – 2009

Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia t is with profound sorrow that we officially announce to you the passing of our beloved Grand Chaplain. We mourn the passing of a senior member of our Craft and give thanks for his life and the contributions which he made to the fraternity. A 53-year Life Member of Wm. R. Singleton-Hope-Lebanon Lodge No.7, Reverend and Worshipful Brother David A. Balcom, Grand Chaplain, ceded his working tools upon the Trestle Board of Life. On the morning of Sunday April 19, 2009, Brother Balcom died at the age of 74, at Washington Hospital Center, with Jean, his beloved wife, at his side. In addition to his loving wife, Brother Balcom is survived by three daughters,

I

three sons-in law and many grandchildren. A Masonic Memorial Service was conducted on Friday evening, April 24th.

His enthusiasm for the Craft and continual dedication and commitment to the Fraternity saw him bestowed with many high honors. He was the recipient of the Valentine Reintzel Medal for meritorious service as well as the Distinguished Service Award of our Grand Lodge. He was an inspiration to all and his passing will be greatly mourned by all who had the privilege to know him. He will be remembered for a long time to come, here and elsewhere. ■

The Voice of Freemasonry

19

THE FIRST HUNDRED DAYS: FOUNDERS’ DAY

Founders’ Day Celebration

Grand Master’s Remarks Most Worshipful Sirs, Right Worshipful Sirs, Distinguished Guests, and my dear Brethren: his evening we have come together for a celebration. It is a celebration of the past and present. It is a celebration of the contributions made by good, selfless and hardworking men who founded and built the institution of Freemasonry in Washington, DC. It is a celebration of the lives of our Founders. Yet, as a celebration, it would have been incomplete if we did not share it with our families and friends. I am, therefore, delighted that in our company are many of our loved ones. I welcome all of you with open arms and with affection and invite you, our guests, to chat with as many of us as possible during the period of refreshment that will follow this meeting.

T

Distinguished guests, in this auditorium are some of the finest men in Washington DC. And it is not an overstatement to observe that Freemasons, by character, are honest, upright, good and true, incorruptible men, who strictly obey the moral law. Our institution takes men, under the tongue of good report, and assists them to improve themselves and thereby better serve their families, fellow Masons, the local community and the world. They are the men we need to make the world a better place.

The men sitting with you in this room, and others who are not here, are available for service today, because our ancestors sacrificed to erect the beautiful and glorious institution we lovingly refer to as the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia almost 200 years ago. They labored diligently to leave us our treasured inheritance. Their achievements in developing our Grand Lodge will be alluded to by other distinguished speakers this evening.

Surely, if our ancestors were to see us today, they would observe an institution that looks different from the one that they created. But only in looks. Because we have continued to honor the Masonic principles that our ancestors established. As Masons, as lodges and as a Grand Lodge, we have adapted very well to contemporary society as our fraternity has become multi-racial, multi-cultural and international in scope, without compromising its principles, tenets and true purpose.

In our era, we are doing a number of things differently from the way they were formerly done. In our activities, for example, we have become more open to the public. We are now involving our families in many of our activities. We are adapting technological advances to our ancient practices. We have made the Grand Lodge more transparent, evidenced by this year’s “Town Hall Meetings.” These modifications, however, have been introduced without making any innovations in the body of Masonry.

We value Masonry. We recognize that we have inherited a spectacular gift from our Founders and deem it our responsibility to protect, preserve and ensure its prosperity for our children and the children yet unborn. If we succeed in this effort, we will truly have honored the memory of our Founders. Finally, my dear brethren, let us remain ever mindful of the lessons and sacrifices of our Founders, resolved that we may by their examples, thereby, not only improve ourselves as Masons, but also better the lives of all God’s creatures.

God bless you all.

Thanks. ■

Let There Be Light!

Don’t hide your Lodge’s Masonic light behind closed doors. Share those papers, those talks, the resource materials you have found, so that the whole fraternity may benefit from your efforts.

The Voice of Freemasonry can help you spread that word. We are always happy to receive submissions, and will endeavor to publish them in future issues either in full or in summary, as long as there is room.

The Voice of Freemasonry

20

THE FIRST HUNDRED DAYS: FOUNDERS’ DAY

Founders’ Day Celebration

Who Are We?

by Paul D. Gleason, Deputy Grand Master

M

ost Worshipful Grand Master, My Brother Master Masons, Families and Friends, Good Evening,

You will note that I have omitted the multiplicity of honorifics that characterize our Masonic Family. I do so because I wish to speak to you tonight just as a fellow Master Mason – a title that in and of itself is a most noble appellation.

My Brother Master Masons one hundred ninety-eight years ago, Brother Master Mason Valentine Reintzel was elected our first Grand Master. Would he, now seated in that celestial Lodge above, that place not made with human hands, eternal in the heavens look down on us, his legatees, what would he see? And would he be content?

Would he be pleased with our thirty-eight Lodges speaking in diverse languages and conducting their Masonic activities in four different rituals?

One hundred ninetyeight years ago a group of intrepid Master Masons belonging to six lodges beholden to the Grand Lodges of the CommonHow does he view our wealth of Virginia and the sometimes imperfect State of Maryland had a rendition of the opendream (some might be so ing and closing of our bold to say they hatched a lodges? plot) of forming their own Would he be thrilled that Grand Lodge in that ten we pay obeisance to the square mile area known Grand Architect of the as the District of ColumUniverse and respectfully bia. Over the course of a acknowledge that he is year, their collaborative known by many Names? efforts, frequent meetings and consultations Would he perceive in us, and, above all, brotherly my fellow Master Masons, concern and respect for the total commitment to Valentine Reintzel all uttered opinions, they those three tenets which First Grand Master, 1811 received the permission distinguish us as a unique and blessing of the two involved Grand Lodges to and noble society, namely, Brotherly Love, Relief and establish the Grand Lodge FAAM of the District of Truth?

Columbia.

Would he be humbled by our acknowledgement that My Brother Master Masons, we are the legatees of we are but a small ray of His eternal light? that bold and visionary dream. Of the five Lodges Would he understand the importance of our vision of that formed our Grand Lodge, four are still in existhe universality of Freemasonry and would he, if he tence – numbers one, three, four and five. And, more could, willingly join us in that quest? importantly, not only have we grown in numbers and diversity but have been instrumental in fostering the Would he be satisfied with all of our philanthropic development of other Grand Lodges in the early days activities? of the development of this Grand Land. More recently And, now one with the Universe, would our Brother we have been successful in assisting with other Master Mason Valentine Reintzel comprehend that Grand Lodges in the establishment of Grand Lodges we have fought and learned to subdue our passions, in Armenia and Azerbaijan. that biases and prejudices of the past no longer direct continued on page 29 The Voice of Freemasonry

21

THE FIRST HUNDRED DAYS: FOUNDERS’ DAY

Founders’ Day Celebration

What is a Mason?

Grant R. Berning Past Grand Master

ne book has a banner headline that reads, “Bloody history, sacred mystery, and a story that twines through the years like a giant snake, enmeshing Saracens, Infidels, Kings, Prophets, Knights Templar – and most of all, the reader – in its coils.” Might the meaning of being a Mason be found to begin in an era like this or would it start even further back in time? For instance if we take a step back and try to imagine a time long, long ago when the human race was divided into hunters and gatherers. If you drift with me to that time long ago when the strong ruled and the weak served, when intellect was used to maintain power and hold what was won or taken. Somewhere, sometime in that distant past a man stronger and smarter than most (and probably guided by a woman) decided there had to be more to life than this!

O

This man surrounded himself with other men of a like mind and used the collective intellect of the group to start to improve themselves and in so doing society in general. I think history clearly shows that this logic was followed to create many religious and other organizations. The part about improving society in general, frequently was changed to improving the organization’s well being over that of society, but history has a way of slowly showing the error of man’s ways. Remember, it took hundreds of years to double human knowledge the fi rst time.

Today we are preparing to see human knowledge double every seven years! But, which one of these many organizations has continually followed a path of helping its members to improve themselves and continues to help others? The Masonic fraternity I am very proud to say is clearly one.

But again, what is a Mason? WB Kirk MacNulty has just published a book entitled: Freemasonry Symbols, Secrets, Significance. In this wonderful book, as an example of the vast number of books written about the fraternity, we fi nd a paragraph that states, “However, it is true that Masonic Lodges do conduct their meetings in private and that Masons are obligated not to divulge the secrets of the order. These secrets have been defi ned by the United Grand Lodge of England as the

means by which Freemasons identify themselves to each other; but, in fact, not even that is secret.

Freemasonry has been abundantly supplied with apostates, and there are publications available at public libraries and on the internet that reveal all the material which a Mason promises to hold close. Since this is the case, one might reasonably ask why Freemasonry continues to open itself to criticism by requiring its obligations of secrecy.

The answer to this question is to be found in the teachings of the Order. Masonic secrecy is a symbol, and like all of the other Masonic symbols, it provides instruction.” I will stop quoting that book for now because I think we are getting very close to our answer.

What is a Mason? Can it be defi ned as Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, the principal tenets of Masonry? Can it be defi ned as the actions of a Grand Master receiving a dignitary who had lost his luggage and had to enter in traveling clothes into Grand Lodge and the Grand Master remembered a part of a lecture that teaches that we as Masons revere the internal and not the external and made the visitor feel welcome? Is the meaning of a Mason shown in the historical and excellent book authored and edited by Arturo de Hoyos, the Scottish Rite Ritual, Monitor & Guide in 949 pages? The book is a historical treasure, as well as philosophical, to encourage earnest thought and introspection.

Eureka, I think this is it! Everywhere you look in the Scottish Rite Ritual, Monitor & Guide book it defi nes teachings and lessons. In the book, A Bridge to Light by Ill. Bro. Dr. Rex R. Hutchens, he states that the degrees of the Scottish Rite “are not a random collection of moral precepts but are rather an organized and coherent system of doctrine relating to the perfectibility of human conduct.” In a Scottish Rite article by Ill. Bro. S. Brent Morris, he discusses the book, The Trial of the Templers in part as to how the legend of Templar origins of Freemasonry does teach symbolic truths. There is that word “teach” over and over again.

continued on next page The Voice of Freemasonry

22

THE FIRST HUNDRED DAYS: FOUNDERS’ DAY

So, what is a Mason? I believe that in great part a Mason is a man who is willing to learn and after learning is willing to teach. This act of learning and teaching over the years demonstrates the practice of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.

Further, paraphrasing from the Scottish Rite Ritual, Monitor & Guide, I believe that learning and teaching demonstrates FAITH in ourselves and in our power to do good. Faith in others, and in God, who is infi nitely good, wise and loving. HOPE, in the triumph of Masonry. Hope, that shall help make all men one family. CHARITY, for the faults and injustices of our Brethren. It teaches us to do

to other men only that which we should feel is right and merciful for them to do to us. Hence, teaching and learning also is woven into and shows by the Mason’s actions, an understanding of the Cardinal Virtues – Faith, Hope and Charity.

I will leave you with this final thought. Did you ever get the feeling that the whole world was a tuxedo and you were a pair of brown loafers? Well, becoming a Mason and learning even some of the lessons will erase that feeling and give you one of belonging. God Bless the Fraternity and our Grand Master. ■

Founders’ Day Celebration

What Does Masonry Mean to Me? asonry means a lot of things to me, and the longer I stay in it and the higher I ascend in rank, the more it expands in usefulness and meaning.

M

Masonry means fellowship. A means of enjoying genuine friendship with fellow human beings who have sworn never to hurt each other by words or actions but to defend each other in their absence as well as in their presence while obeying all ordinances of faith and state.

Masonry offers me a fulfillment of spiritual development, a reminder of my religious obligations and my belief in the Supreme Being. Before we do anything in Masonry, we do give praise and thanks to the most high and call on him for guidance and support. This is in keeping with my faith as a Christian and I am sure it is with my other brethren of different faiths who share a belief in the one Supreme Being.

Philip J. Palmer, Sr., PM Grand Director of Ceremonies

At the same time, we are to be humble and reserved to prove to the world that we are men of character so that when anyone is said to be a Mason the world may know that he is one to whom the burdened heart will pour forth its sorrows, to whom the distressed may prefer their complaints, whose hand is guided by justice and whose heart is expanded by benevolence. We are also admonished to study such of the liberal arts and sciences as may best contribute to the development of our corporeal and mental faculties. These are guidelines in Masonry intended to make us Masons become better and useful persons in the world.

Finally, Masonry teaches me to be disciplined, to be responsible and dependable. To remember that oaths are not to be taken lightly, that promises must be fulfilled and that I must be a man of my word so that I will live respected and die regretted. ■

Masonry teaches me about self development. We are charged to make a daily advancement in our studies to understand ourselves and the world. We are taught to have a benevolent mind, to do good to all especially those of the Masonic household. We are charged to be faithful to our God, our country and our laws; to drop a tear of sympathy over the failings of a brother and to give consolation to the afflicted.

The Voice of Freemasonry

23

THE FIRST HUNDRED DAYS: FOUNDERS’ DAY

Founders’ Day Celebration

History of the Grand Lodge ost Worshipful Sir: Thank you very much for this opportunity to pay tribute to those who founded our Grand Lodge following at least two decades of Masonic activity in what had become the District of Columbia. During this preparatory period a number of attention-focusing Masonic events, highlighted by the laying of the cornerstone of the District at Jones Point in Alexandria, the presumed laying of the cornerstone at the White House in 1792, and the laying of the cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol, by George Washington, in 1793, occurred.

These events certainly motivated Masonic activity in the area and led, inevitably, to the eventual formation of our Grand Lodge.

M

The creative process was begun on December 11, 1810, when 19 Masons, hailing from five of the six lodges then operating in the District of Columbia, met “to consider the advisability of organizing a Grand Lodge in and for (the) said District.” The issue was decided in the affirmative and it was then resolved ‘’to notify the several lodges to appoint deputies to meet in convention on January 8, 1811, with full power to form a Grand Lodge and elect and install Grand Officers.”

The authorized deputies met as scheduled in Union Lodge Hall, and after designating offices to be filled and establishing rules for their selection, elected Valentine Reintzel (Potomac No. 43) as R.W. Grand Master; John Kinkaid (Brooke No. 47) as R.W.D.G. Master; Alexander McCormick (Federal No. 15) as R.W.S.G. Warden; Joseph Cassin (Washington Naval No. 41) as R.W. Junior G.Warden; and Charles Jones (Columbia No. 35) as R. W. Grand Secretary. The election of a Grand Treasurer was postponed until the next meeting.

The next meeting of note occurred on February 19, 1811, the date that is considered to be the birthday of our Grand Lodge. At that time, because of the death of Brother John Kinkaid, Brother John Richards of Brooke Lodge No. 47 was elected R.W. D. Grand Master and Brother John Davis (Washington Naval No. 14) was elected Grand Treasurer. Thereafter the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia was opened

Stewart W. Miner, PGM Grand Secretary Emeritus and Grand Lodge Historian

in ample form and the elected officers, except for Brother Jones (Columbia No. 35) “were severally installed and proclaimed as such according to ancient form.” Thereafter the role of officers was increased by the selection, apparently on a temporary basis, of Grand Deacons and a Grand Tiler.

Thus, in the short span of approximately two months, the Masons of the District of Columbia made Masonic history. Moreover, so far as I am able to determine, they thereby made fraternal history by creating a new Grand Lodge out of parts of existing Grand Lodges in two states. By this act they launched a Grand Lodge for the District of Columbia which was equal, in every way, to other Grand Lodges, wheresoever dispersed. Unfortunately the fraternal equality enjoyed by the Masons of this city, from that date to this, is still to be politically realized, 198 years later, by the citizens of D.C. As 1 reviewed the information which is available on the formation of our Grand Lodge 1 tried to place myself in the meetings that took place in order to appreciate the significance and the magnitude of the tasks that were then undertaken. In this reflection on events 1 found myself wishing that 1 could go back in time to interview Valentine Reintzel and get an appreciation of his thoughts about what had transpired. 1 believe that if 1 were afforded this opportunity, 1 would be inclined to ask, “Most Worshipful Sir, what do you see?”

1 don’t really know whether Valentine Reintzel was of an optimistic or a pessimistic persuasion, but in either case 1 would expect that he would be inclined toward realism. 1 suspect that he might reply to my question with these words: “I see a Grand Lodge without a temple, a Grand Lodge without monetary resources, a Grand Lodge without established relations with its constituent lodges, a Grand Lodge without a constitution, a Grand Lodge without a blue print, and a Grand Lodge whose principles and practices are only now in the process of being forged.”

Reintzel and his cohorts, in short, must have realized that they were working a franchise, in a new territory, continued on next page

The Voice of Freemasonry

24

THE FIRST HUNDRED DAYS: FOUNDERS’ DAY

without established rules and regulations, and they were doing so in a created sub-division of the nation whose very existence was being viewed with pessimism and distrust in certain parts of the country.

Moreover, they were beginning their work in a period of international uncertainty, culminated within the year by the outbreak of a war in which national treasures, including the White House and the Congress were to suffer attack and severe damage by enemy forces. The future, in short, was one that would be replete with challenge.

Thus the circumstances of that day dictated the issues with which they were to be initially concerned.

Hence, in the first decade, the attention of the Grand Lodge was focused on the writing of a Grand Lodge Code; on the establishment of good Grand LodgeCoordinate Lodge relations; on the establishment of monetary resources; on the creation of a uniform ritual; and on solidification of the position of this Grand Lodge in the family of Grand Lodges in the United States.

Each of these priorities was addressed, often uniquely, and for the most part successfully, and in the process the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, with the assistance of a number of Masons serving in the Congress, made known their interest in the formation, presumably in D.C. , of what was termed in one official document, as “one general system for the several Grand Lodges of the United States.”

While that idea was doomed to failure early on, most of the other items on the Reintzel agenda were successfully addressed, and by decade’s end, Masonry in the District had become strong - physically, politically, and spiritually. In sum, our forefathers set examples of performance in which they indirectly suggested that the advancement of Masonry’ s cause, in every instance, is dependent on Masons in every generation being able to learn from the past, to cope with the present, and to build for the future that is never certain. May we be duly attentive to the example that they set for all of their successors, decade by decade, even to us today. ■

Founders’ Day Celebration

Benediction Bilal M. Raschid, PM Deputy Grand Chaplain

Great Architect of the Universe: e pause for a moment before the closing of this beautiful evening of fellowship, love and inspiration, to thank You for your presence here with us.

W

We pray that the deliberations of this evening have drawn us closer to you, and each other, in Brotherly Love.

We thank You, Heavenly Father, for this Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave, and for the freedoms we enjoy. We pray that you will keep ep safe all who strive to keep us free.

source of great strength and support for all we do for our fraternity.

And now, as we go from this place to renew the routine of our lives, may the spirit of friendship, fellowship, and service follow us in our daily walk; and may we act with an eye single to Thy Glory in everything that we think, say, and do.

All this we pray in your Holy and Precious Name.

Amen. ■

Heavenly father, we thank you also for the many blessings on our wives and families, who not only bring beauty to our surroundings and our lives, but are a

The Voice of Freemasonry

25

THE FIRST HUNDRED DAYS: TOWN HALL MEETINGS

Town Hall Meetings:

A Listening Tour

by Kwame Acquaah, Grand Master uring the early months of this Masonic year, I undertook a “listening tour” throughout our jurisdiction, visiting each of our lodges at a stated or special communication. In these lodges and during these communications, I conducted town hall-style meetings and was rewarded with due courtesies, warm receptions, and a vibrant exchange of ideas with the brethren about the health and wealth of our lodges and the Grand Lodge. Given that the town hall meeting in lodges was a program never before tried in this jurisdiction, I remain exceedingly grateful to the brethren for their enthusiastic support of the initiative. And I sincerely thank the Past Grand Masters, elected and appointed Grand Lodge Officers, and other brethren who accompanied me on these visitations during the 17-week period.

D

It was understood that the Grand Master and Grand Lodge Officers will do their best during the 2009 Masonic year, with the assistance of other lodges and brethren, to assist individual lodges to address the concerns highlighted during the town hall meetings.

With respect to issues requiring multi-year action, best efforts would be made in 2009, and the relevant lodges encouraged to follow-up with succeeding Grand Lodge administrations.

The town hall meeting in each lodge turned out to be a useful forum for questions to be asked, ideas to be advanced, and for me to listen to various thoughts on lodge operations, Grand Lodge activities, the relationship between our fraternity and a changing society, creating awareness of the Craft, sharing information about the fraternity with families and friends, and interaction with the public. It became apparent at these meetings that we have to find sophisticated methods to adapt to our communities and to educate our fellow citizens about Freemasonry, bearing in mind that the only secrets we have are the modes of recognition.

There were informative exchanges of ideas about attracting new members, in particular, from among residents of Washington DC.

The creative process was begun on December 11, 1810, when 19 Masons, hailing from five of the six lodges then operating in the District of Columbia, met “to consider the advisability of organizing a Grand Lodge in and for (the) said District.” The issue was decided in the affirmative and it was then resolved “to notify the several lodges to appoint deputies to meet in convention on January 8, 1811, with full power to form a Grand Lodge and elect and install Grand Officers.”

The town hall meetings were conceived to provide opportunities for the brethren of our lodges (a) to meet the members of the 2009 Grand Lodge administration; (b) to be thanked by the Grand Lodge Officers for electing them to their various stations and places; (c) to have the opportunity to ask the Grand Lodge administration for specific assistance for their lodges; (d) to share any ideas that may be of value to other lodges; (e) to offer ideas on how the Grand Lodge administration could continue to best serve the brethren and the jurisdiction as a whole; and (f) to offer any suggestions that may be of benefit to Freemasonry generally in the District of Columbia.

The Voice of Freemasonry

26

There were informative exchanges of ideas about attracting new members, in particular, from among residents of Washington DC. We discussed the importance of ritual proficiency, lodge programs and retention of lodge members. We covered the importance of mentorship programs in our lodges, highlighting the need for all candidates and new members to be given mentors to help them understand the ritual, appreciate the essence of being a Mason, and to comprehend their responsibilities to the lodge. I was also very pleased to find many brethren willing to offer suggestions and volunteer to assist with my favorite cause: assisting lodges facing temporary challenges to pick themselves up.

While I cannot review all issues discussed at these town hall meetings in this brief overview, a few others deserve mention. Much discussion occurred about

THE FIRST HUNDRED DAYS: TOWN HALL MEETINGS

The Grand Master visited LaFayette – Dupont Lodge No. 19 in one of the first town hall meetings

my desire to empower lodges by decentralizing certain activities that have traditionally been carried out by the Grand Lodge administration. I stressed that it is in the lodges that the work of Masonry should be done, and, as such, I do not favor the Grand Lodge administration doing work I believe should properly be done by lodges. Given that change is always difficult, some brethren expressed dissatisfaction about this concept. It is my prayer that soon they will find the advantages of this approach. A few examples may be in order. I believe (a) officer training is the responsibility of the lodges, with only supplementary assistance from the Grand Lodge administration; (b) charitable activities are best done by lodges, thus allowing the brethren to fully participate, learn and spiritually gain from the process; and (c) Masonic education, covering at a minimum, the symbols in our ritual.

In four lodges, we discussed the Universal Brotherhood Celebration that originated from an initiative introduced in 1997. I pointed out that, as with most programs, it has gone through various iterations and different organizers, to the extent that in the past many years it has been difficult to get our lodges to fully participate and that only a small minority of lodges, which invite friends from overseas jurisdictions, have shown consistent interest. Accordingly, I made known when I met with the incoming Masters of 2009 during the Front Royal Leadership Conference on September 13, 2008, at the installation of Grand Lodge Officers on December 13, 2008, at the

meeting with 2009 Masters on December 16, and at the St. John’s Feast on December 27, 2008, that I would encourage the lodges to unite in putting on the Universal Brotherhood Celebration and not to depend on the Grand Lodge administration to do it.

I promised that the Grand Lodge administration will offer any assistance it could, but the lodges must take the lead.

At a number of the town hall meetings, I also pointed out that at my meetings with the Masters of 2009 and on various other occasions, I indicated that the Grand Lodge administration should not be organizing the 4th of July festivities. Instead, lodges within particular Masonic halls must unite to participate in the festivities in the Palisades, Takoma Park, Capitol Hill, etc. It is the same philosophy that has guided my request to lodges in particular Masonic halls to unite and participate in other festivals and “community days” in their neighborhoods.

I am pleased to observe that even before all the town hall meetings had been completed, we were fully engaged in responding to specific requests from lodges or implementing ideas made at some of the meetings. We have, since the conclusion of the town hall meetings, continued to address other matters of concern to the lodges, and anticipate this effort will engage our attention for a few more months.

I thank all the Worshipful Masters and the brethren of our lodges for their active participation in the town hall meetings. ■ The Voice of Freemasonry

27

THE FIRST HUNDRED DAYS: THE COLONIAL LODGE

The Colonial Lodge, Under Dispensation

A New Affinity Lodge

by Kwame Acquaah, Grand Master n Monday, April 13, 2009, at 6:30 p.m. a Special Communication of the Grand Lodge F.A.A.M of the District of Columbia was held at the Georgetown Masonic Hall, 1212 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, for the purpose of instituting The Colonial Lodge, Under Dispensation.

O

In conformity with ancient custom and our traditions, with the assistance of Grand Lodge Officers, I instituted The Colonial Lodge, UD, and installed the principal officers who will manage the affairs of the Lodge while under dispensation.

The formation of a new lodge is of such great importance that it must never be undertaken unadvisedly, lightly or wantonly to satisfy unjustifiable appetites; but reverently, advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of God; duly considering the genuine reasons and purposes for establishing a lodge from time immemorial. Among these, the primary one is to allow men to assemble and work together as Masons, and thus be enabled to dedicate and devote their lives to the service of God, serving each other, the Craft as a whole, their communities, and the world.

These brethren have decided, as alumni of The George Washington University, to create a Masonic home for their fellow alumni, current students, present and past faculty, and present and past administrators.

The good brethren who requested, and were granted dispensation to form the new lodge, have taken up a great challenge, never done before in this jurisdiction. They have decided to form the kind of affinity lodge that has never been tried in this jurisdiction, but one that has been popular in the United Grand Lodge of England and the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts for hundreds of years, and has recently gained currency in many jurisdictions: universityaffiliated lodges. These brethren have decided, as alumni of The George Washington University, to create a Masonic home for their fellow alumni, current students, present and past faculty, and present and past administrators. It is their belief that among the The Voice of Freemasonry

28

many fellow alumni, past faculty and administrators, dispersed all over the world, are Masons who would love to become members of The Colonial Lodge, a lodge, which will provide them the environment for forging or sustaining links with men with whom they share certain common experiences. They have also suggested that they expect to attract candidates for the degrees from a large pool of men, given that the current population of The George Washington University is in the tens of thousands (undergraduates alone, number in excess of 12,000, albeit, both men and women). In addition to the men currently on the university campus, there are tens of thousands of alumni who may be desirous of becoming Masons, and may find the nature and character of The Colonial Lodge to be attractive. The organizers of the Lodge are excited about the opportunity to attract many residents of Washington DC into our jurisdiction. They are also delighted about making the Craft accessible to many more young men. And they hold the view that even if these young men were to leave the Washington DC area after graduation, they would not consider their labors to have been in vain, but rather take satisfaction in the knowledge that the young men of The Colonial Lodge would carry Masonry into the four corners of the world.

The organizers deserve our brotherly love, understanding, assistance, best wishes and prayers for their great and important undertaking, which will allow them, not only to enrich our jurisdiction, but also to carry the light of Freemasonry to an ever expanding population. They have committed to devote their time, talent, gifts, resources and services to build another magnificent block in our Masonic superstructure. We can only be hopeful that in the months ahead, their labors in the cause of the Great

THE FIRST HUNDRED DAYS: THE COLONIAL LODGE

© The George Washington University

Architect of the Universe would be sufficient to justify the issuance of a Charter to the Lodge at the next Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge.

It is not lost on me that some brethren have reservations about the formation of this university-affiliated lodge. This is their right. Throughout Masonic history, in this and other jurisdictions, there has always been resistance to new lodges. Indeed, most of us are members of lodges in this jurisdiction, whose formation was questioned by some brethren. However, in time the lodges proved their viability and usefulness.

It is my hope that The Colonial Lodge, UD, through its industry, accomplishments and successes will soon win the approval of all brethren.

Given the population of Washington DC, and the very limited number of Washington DC residents in our lodges, I do not believe we have too many lodges, thus foreclosing the necessity for a new lodge. I believe there is room for many more unique lodges to attract men who otherwise would remain at perpetual distance from us. I also do not believe that the formation of a new lodge is a death knell for any existing lodge. It is not a zero sum proposition.

In this respect, I do not believe that The Colonial Lodge, UD, would be able to take all potential Masons

associated with The George Washington University, and thus deprive other lodges from receiving petitions from many of the men within that population.

What is necessary, though, is for all lodges, interested in attracting candidates from the population of The George Washington University, to develop and implement creative and sophisticated approaches to create awareness of our fraternity and their lodges within that university community. There are sufficient work areas in the quarries of Freemasonry for all committed and dedicated workers.

For many years, I have worked for the revival and rejuvenation of lodges and continue to do so this year. I do not believe in closing the doors of a lodge that is facing challenges. I hold the view that each of our lodges has its own exceptional characteristics and, together, they contribute to the rich Masonic tapestry we celebrate in our jurisdiction, and any lodge going through tough times must be helped to enable us to preserve our uniqueness. I truly believe we can help existing lodges, while creating new lodges for new people in new places. It is necessary to do both, because it is our duty and obligation to ensure the growth and prosperity of the Craft. ■

Founders’ Day Celebration: Who Are We? continued from page 21

our activities, that a Brother Master Mason is, regardless of ethnicity, color or faith, a Brother, worthy of our esteem and affection?

My Brother Master Masons we are now in the position that was occupied by our Brother and first Grand Master, Valentine Reintzel. What will we bequeath to our successors? Will our legatees look back to our era

and note with reverential awe that we have handed down our inheritance, pure and unsullied, vibrant and flourishing, universal in scope, a pulsating fellowship of Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty united by Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.

I sincerely hope that will be our gift to them. ■

The Voice of Freemasonry

29

THE FIRST HUNDRED DAYS: ST. JOHN’S DAY FEAST (CONTINUED)

St. John’s Day: Address to the Craft continued from page 16

II. Grand Lodge 1. Grand Lodge will do less of the work that Lodges are established to do.

2. Grand Lodge will provide technical assistance and resources, when necessary and justifiable, to support the work of Lodges.

Increasing and Managing Resources at the Grand Lodge a. The Administration will encourage fundraising (Annual Banquet). b. The Administration will provide a revised comprehensive budget at the next Grand Lodge Communication. c. It might be necessary to introduce legislation on financial matters at the next Grand Lodge Communication. d. The Administration is to institute Financial Controls and record keeping taking into consideration the Sarbanes-Oxley regulations and requirements of the IRS. e. The Administration will discuss with Trustees on how to enhance their role in the management of our resources. This might require two pieces of legislation. f. The Administration will review the relationship between the Masonic Foundation and the Grand Lodge.

Grand Lodge Website g. The Administration will revamp the Grand Lodge website.

Youth h. The Administration will actively support DeMolay and assist the formation of Rainbow for Girls in Washington DC. Bicentennial -- 2011 i. We are two years away from the Bicentennial celebration. The Grand Lodge Bicentennial Committee for 2009 will be charged with the responsibility of accelerating the preparations for the event.

Awards j. The Administration will introduce various awards. k. Legislation may be introduced to cover certain Awards.

Special Events l. Founders’ Day Celebration (2/20) m. Nation’s Capital Masonic Day of Prayer with sister Jurisdictions My dear Brethren, this is a long list. And it might seem ambitious to try to do them in one year. But working together, I am confident we would be able to accomplish a lot. I rely on your usual support and assistance.

God bless you all. God bless our fraternity. Thank you. ■

A Special Opportunity for 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.

The Voice of Freemasonry

30

2009 Officers of the Grand Lodge First Row (L to R): Jeffery D. Russell (5) Junior Grand Steward; Kenneth D. Fuller (7) Junior Grand Deacon; Mansour Hatefi, PGM (5) Grand Secretary; Joseph S. Crociata (15) Junior Grand Warden; Paul D. Gleason (47) Deputy Grand Master; Kwame Acquaah (1717) Grand Master; Jesse Villarreal (19) Senior Grand Warden; Robert F. Drechsler, PGM (21) Grand Treasurer; Teko A. Foly (15) Senior Grand Deacon; James T. Feezell (54) Senior Grand Steward; Christopher K. Mahaney (23) Grand Lecturer.

Second Row (L to R): W. Kirk MacNulty (1776) Grand Orator; Joel Shulman (45) Assistant Grand Chaplain; Augustine M. Boyce (1717) Assistant to the Grand Master; L. Blaine Charak (32) Grand Almoner; Sissay Awoke (47) Grand Lodge Physician; Marcus A. Trelaine (7) Grand Preceptor; Bilal M. Raschid (33) Deputy Grand Chaplain; Joseph A. Boggio (92) Assistant to the Grand Master; Philip J. Palmer, Sr. (1717) Grand Director of Ceremonies; Herbert Morsha-Taylor (1798) Assistant Grand Lecturer; Roman Volsky (15) Grand Marshal; Alan H. Patterson (15) Grand Provost.

Third Row (L to R): Charbel T. Fahed (3) Deputy Grand Lecturer; Kenneth L. Foran (14) Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies; Pablo J. Cordoba (92) Grand Photographer; Gary Ozbenian (7) Assistant to the Grand Master; Santiago Gonzales (92) Assistant to the Grand Master; Vartan V. Vartanian (94) Assistant Grand Tiler; Isaac L. Frazer (1798) Grand Standard Bearer.

Not Pictured Here: Daniel D. Darko (1717) Grand Pursuivant; Bruce F. Gilbert (15) Grand Tiler; David Han (10) Grand Sword Bearer; Stewart W. Miner, PGM (3) Grand Historian; William T. Rule (1) Assistant Grand Lecturer; Nathanial R. Streeter (1798) Grand Organist.

Grand Lodge of Free And Accepted Masons of the District of Columbia Kwame Acquaah, Grand Master The Voice of Freemasonry Grand Lodge, F.A.A.M. of D.C. 5428 MacArthur Blvd., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20016-2524

Mansour Hatefi, Grand Secretary NonProfit Org. US Postage

PAID Permit No. 207 Dulles, VA