35 minute read
The Past as Prologue
In my family I am at least a fourth generation Mason. Although I came late to the Craft, I eventually knocked at the door because of the men my father and grandfather were and because of the men they associated with. I am also a product of small-town Masonry even though I did not become a Mason before coming to Washington: the men I knew who were Masons were the backbone of the small communities I grew up in. I thought it might be because of this small-town background that I came to question the current state of the Craft, but I now think not.
While Master of Federal Lodge, I used the Lodge’s Trestleboard from time to time to try to encourage refl ection on the basic principles of Masonry. I also argued there and elsewhere that we may have, perhaps, wandered a bit too far from the path our Masonic ancestors walked. I have even gone so far as to suggest that our members, and especially our younger members, may be looking for a good deal more than they are currently getting, and that if we are to keep them and attract more men of the kind Masonry needs, we must change our ways.
William T. Rule
Assistant Grand Lecturer
Two pieces from the Indiana Freemason Magazine convinced me that I am not alone: Whither Are We Traveling? and Why This Confusion in the Temple? They laid out a series of questions and pitfalls that focus on some critical issues for the Craft. Authored by Dwight Smith, PGM of the Grand Lodge of Indiana and originally published nearly 40 years ago, they have remarkable relevance today; so much so that a series of discussions between 2003 and 2005 among Masons from various backgrounds led to the publication of Laudable Pursuit: A 21st Century Response to Dwight Smith. All of these articles can be found easily through an internet search and I encourage you to get them and read them. I repeat the questions and pitfalls below:
Questions 1.
How can we expect Freemasonry to retain its past glory and prestige unless the level of leadership is raised above its present position? 2. How well are we guarding the West Gate? 3.
Has Freemasonry become too easy to obtain?
4. Are we not worshipping at the altar of bigness?
5. What can we expect when we have permitted Freemasonry to become subdivided into a score of organizations?
6. Has the American passion for bigness and effi ciency dulled the spirit of Masonic charity?
7. Do we pay enough attention to the Festive Board?
8. What has become of that “course of moral instruction, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols,” that Freemasonry is supposed to be?
9. Hasn’t the so-called Century of the Common Man contributed to making our Fraternity a little too common?
10. Are there not too many well-meaning Brethren who are working overtime to make Freemasonry something other than Freemasonry?
Pitfalls
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6. Abandon the “free will and accord” rule which has placed our Craft far above the mine run of societies and permit outright solicitation. Ape the service clubs. Get busy on “projects” galore in the best Babbitt fashion. Go into the organized do-good business in a big way. Find an area of the human body that has not been exploited. Exploit it. Set a quota, have a kickoff dinner, ring the doorbells. Subsidize other organizations right and left, and, in so doing, ignore, neglect and starve the parent body. Feminize the Fraternity. Carry togetherness to even more ridiculous extremes than we have already.
Hire press agents to tell the world, like Jack Horner, what great boys we are. Never mind actions; concentrate on words.
Grand Lodge Education continued from page 11 tion (Manner and Appearance), Communication (Listening and Speaking), Inspiration (Motivating and Guiding), Succession (Mentoring and Appointing), and other methods, we found that Masonic leadership is an effective combination of personal traits and the ability to think and act decisively, that directs the activities of others for the benefi t of all. And as Freemasonry teaches, with dedicated effort, anyone can be a leader. While being elected Master bestows the authority to accomplish certain tasks and objectives in the lodge, this power does not automatically transform a Mason into a leader, it simply makes him the boss.
All this brought the discussion back to the question of what is a good leader, and more especially how could a Mason be measured? To assist in better understanding this question a sample selfassessment instrument was introduced to assist in personal evaluation of fi ve leadership areas: 1) Power & Control; 2) Inspiration & Motivation; 3) Strategy & Planning; 4) Communication & ProblemSolving; and 5) Team-Building & Consensus. A complete Leadership Self-Assessment will be delivered to all Wardens and Deacons from the Grand Lodge in preparation of the Leadership Conference. 7.
Imitate Hollywood. Stage an extravaganza. Bring in all the groups that ever fancied themselves remotely related to Freemasonry. Form the parade, blow the bugle, beat the drums, and cheapen the Fraternity.
8. Let Freemasonry “take a position” on public issues of the day. Stand up and be counted (assuming, of course, that the position our Craft takes is in line with our own pet prejudices.)
9. Go all out for materialism. Raise money; spend it. Build temples, institutions. Subsidize; endow.
Whatever can be had by writing a check, get it. 10. Centralize, centralize, and centralize. Pattern
Freemasonry after Washington bureaucracy. Let nothing be done modestly by an individual or a
Lodge; do everything on a state or national level the super-duper way. Make a great to-do about local self government, but accept no local selfresponsibility.
I encourage every Mason to read these three articles and consider carefully the questions and pitfalls enumerated above. I believe that our future quite literally depends on it. ■
Designed to help sort out the distinctions between a Masonic leadership role and lodge management responsibilities, the self-assessment will also query skills or interests which derive the greatest satisfaction; and what individual strengths are best developed. Most importantly, it offers tomorrow’s Masters some important considerations in thinking about the kind of legacy they might choose to leave Freemasonry. Offi cers preparing to assume the East in 2010 will be keenly interested in learning more about this tool. However, participation in the next phase of this Grand Lodge Leadership program will require attendance at the Leadership Conference on September 12-13, 2009, at the Bolger Center in Potomac, Maryland. Whether the educational offering is in Masonic symbolism, leadership, offi cer duties, or other course of instruction, Most Worshipful Grand Master Kwame Acquaah, the offi cers and administrative staff of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia are ready and eager to assist all Brethren in this outstanding jurisdiction interested in improving his knowledge and value to the Craft. ■
What’s It All About? continued from page 6
For our Masters-to-be, I ask you this: Is being a good Mason suffi cient to being a good Master? Is being a fair to good ritualist suffi cient to ensure success as a Master? Will you have a successful year as Master without some facility in planning, programming, and budgeting? Are you comfortable with delegating authority? Are you familiar with the many and varied principles of leadership set forth in numerous publications? Have you read a book or pamphlet on leadership other than the “parachute book” in the last year? Do you know your personality style and how best to interact with others of a different genre? Your
Improving Ourselves continued from page 7
better, although they did have a civil war with religious orientation. Nonetheless, the Renaissance continued in England, but principally in the aspect of “original thought” and the pursuit of scientifi c understanding.
How does all this connect with Freemasonry? As we see the Renaissance ending with an increased interest in scientifi c investigation, it seems likely that those with a philosophical inclination might wish to gather together and study the mystical aspect of Renaissance thought so that it might be preserved. That is what I think that the early Freemasons were doing in their casual lodges, working to preserve the philosophical essence of the Renaissance. If that be the case, then there is a great deal of information hidden in the workings of Freemasonry; information that deals with our own nature. Then the questions are: “Why should it have been hidden?” and “How do we discover it?” It was hidden because Freemasonry was developing during a answers to the above questions and your reaction to them might well facilitate a more enjoyable and fruitful year as Master of your lodge. Without a basic understanding of the principles of leadership, your year in the East will not be as grand and rewarding an experience as it might have been. So in answer to the question which opened this essay: IT’S ALL ABOUT LEADERSHIP, leadership, superimposed on excellent ritual, in an atmosphere of collective responsibility towards a common goal, with teamwork and brotherly love as the binding force. ■
period of serious religious confl ict, and people who were seen to be thinking “differently” often suffered serious consequences. As to discovering it, the hidden material relates to each of us – to each human individual. If we look at the workings and literature of Freemasonry from that perspective, the hidden material will reveal itself.
The way that seems best to start is to look at the symbolic structure. The whole structure of the Craft Degrees is built around Solomon’s Temple; indeed many of us frequently refer to our lodge as “The Temple”. If we look at that symbol from the perspective of the Biblical reference, “Know ye not that ye are the Temple?”, then a whole new perspective for Freemasonry emerges. The events in the ritual that relate to the Temple are events that relate to each of us as we make that journey in consciousness that was envisioned by the philosophers of the Renaissance. There is a great deal more here which we can investigate subsequently. ■
Emerging from the Winter Solstice
News from the Masters and Wardens Association
J. David Moses Rozsa
President, Masters and Wardens Association
At our Grand Lodge’s St. John’s Day celebration on Friday, 26 June 2009, we showed our appreciation for the good work being done by the Masters of our constituent lodges, and they shared news of the activities, challenges, and successes of the lodges. As noted then, each lodge has a unique character and is in a unique situation—and we have much more in common than we have differences.
Through the Masters and Wardens Association, our lodges’ pillar officers combine efforts to magnify the positive impact of our lodge activities, review Grand Lodge proposals, share best practices and concerns, and offer creative solutions to the issues facing our lodges and Grand Lodge. Most of the challenges identifi ed this year fall into one of three categories:
1) Providing effective leadership training and resources to emerging lodge leaders; 2) The impact of the national economic recession on lodges’ ability to accomplish objectives; and 3) Developing the capacity to provide consistently high-quality Masonic education and mentorship to new Brethren.
Brethren and friends, this is excellent news. As illustrated by the graph above, Freemasonry in the United States of America is at its lowest membership point since 1925. Financially, we need to fi gure out how the capital generated by the sale of our Grand Lodge building several years ago can be invested or used to advance our strategic mission and goals. The vast majority of our members do not reside within our grand jurisdiction, limiting our connection to our local community and increasing the travel time commitment required for our members to participate in lodge activities. Yet, despite these signifi cant concerns, at my mother lodge and the other twelve lodges I have visited thus far this year there is no silence at the West Gate and no shortage of substantive educational content at our meetings. In fact, as mentioned above the biggest challenge seems to be our ability to build and maintain the infrastructure necessary to support the recent influx of new, enthusiastic members in search of enlightenment.
Have we reached our winter solstice, the darkest point in the cycle? Have we taken off our hoodwink of apathy, resumed our determined journey towards truth and harmony, and started to inspire a new generation to share our Masonic vision?
The answer, of course, is up to you. By your actions, you can build on the positive momentum or hamstring it. Personally, this year I have had my faith—in Freemasonry, in our system of symbolic ethics and fraternal love, and in my fellow Brethren and lodge leaders—vindicated and amplifi ed. Each of our lodges is facing its challenges in good faith and with a fi xed and steady purpose of mind, and each lodge has been successful in giving its members the tools and continued on page 25
Masonic Years of Service
by Burton Penn, PM
Samuel Gompers – Benjamin Franklin Lodge No. 45
Respect and honor are the two virtues Masons Chairmen, Worshipful Bros. Walter Simon, Burton display for those who have gone before them. Penn and Jerome Bauman conducted the program And brethren, these virtues were amply manistarting with reciting a brief history of the lodge fested as Samuel Gompers-Benjamin Franklin Lodge during the years 1984, 1959 and 1949 respectively, No. 45 celebrated its annual Award Night on July representing the 25, 50, and 60 year anniversary of 14, 2009, presenting Twenty Five, Fifty and Sixty the raising of the honorees. Year service emblems to members who had achieved these milestones. The Co-Chairmen alternated in reading the names and abbreviated histories of all the honorees in That evening no less than 26 Brethren were honored, alphabetical order consisting of their families, hobseven to receive their 25 bies, educational and year pin, eight their 50 professional backgrounds year pin and 11 their 60 and other pursuits, year pin! The group conachievements and goals sisted of one Past Grand the honorees wanted to Master, four Past Masters share about themselves one of whom was also in written inquiries made a Past President of the to them and their respeclodge’s Fellowcraft Club, tive responses thereto. and twenty one side liners, Worshipful Bro. Simon many of whom over the requested the Master of years have been ardent Ceremonies, Worshipful workers in the vineyards Bro. Merriman F.C. Parof Freemasonry and leadkinson, to conduct the 25 ers in their communities. year service award recipiThe Worshipful Master Jonathan Binstock greeted Most Worshipful Brother Kwame Acquaah, Grand Master, at the altar and had him escorted to the East. It is always a pleasure to have Most Worshipful Grand Masents to the altar, where the Master and the Grand Master presented them with their 25 year pins and certifi cates. The honorees were afforded the opportunity to make brief remarks about their time in Masonry. ter Kwame Acquaah at At this point a magnifi cent our Lodge. He is highly The Grand Master makes a presentation to MWB ceremony was conducted regarded and most Theodore M. Kahn by RW Mansour Hatefi , respected by the Brethren Grand Secretary of the of Samuel Gompers-Benjamin Franklin Lodge No. Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, that few of 45. The Grand Master was accompanied by several us had witnessed before. Most Worshipful Mansour Grand Lodge Offi cers who were also introduced. Hatefi , who served as Grand Master of Masons of The Grand Master led the Pledge of Allegiance to the fl ag of our country followed by a musical selection by Bros. Merv Conn on the piano accordion, an honoree, and Robert Redding, on the trumpet. These brethren played throughout the night. Thereafter the Cothe District of Columbia in 2000, is one of the most erudite, knowledgeable and respected Masons in the fraternity. This ceremony, which this writer alludes to as,” WEST OF THE ALTAR…” is conducted to honor and celebrate the recipients of the 50 and 60
Honorees at the annual awards night of S. Gompers – B. Franklin Lodge No. 45
year service awards and to demonstrate our love, affection and respect for them. It began by Worshipful Bro. Burton Penn, CoChairman directing the individual 50 and 60 year recipients to rise and be presented at the altar by WBro. Merriman F.C. Parkinson, PM. At this point Most Worshipful Bro. Hatefi assumed the East and presented a magnifi cent narrative in his inimitable style for the benefi t of the 50 and 60 year members. Everyone in the Lodge was mesmerized! There was a long silent moment for all to refl ect. It was a wonderful tribute to these marvelous Masons. They in turn Emerging from the Winter Solstice guidance they need to improve themselves and their communities. Most importantly, the Entered Apprentices, Fellow Crafts, and Master Masons whom I meet are fi nding value in their Masonic experience and are eagerly contributing to the renaissance of our Craft. Here are fi ve steps we can take to ensure that this is truly a renaissance and not just a hiccup in a downward trend: educate them regarding the scope of Freemasonry, and ensure that lodge activities provide value to the Brethren; in the Grand Lodge, to provide effective leadership and manage the resources necessary to support a new wave of active Masons; had an opportunity to refl ect on their time in the Lodge. A pictorial account of the proceedings of this memorable event has been documented by WBro. Burton Levy, PM, now accessible on the internet. Prior to closing, our Grand Master, MW Kwame Acquaah, did something so grand that it will be long remembered by our lodge. The Grand Master had the brethren all rise and recite after him a delightful poem of affection to our ladies. He brought down the
continued from page 23
Periodically assess the needs of the Brethren, Develop a strong infrastructure in each lodge and house. He then bid all a safe journey home. ■
Communicate our Masonic vision consistently and effectively to new, established, and potential members;
Get more involved with the communities surrounding our lodge buildings and provide opportunities for local residents to learn about our Craft; and
Focus on developing constructive solutions to issues that arise—giving each other the benefi t of the doubt, treating each other fraternally, and maintaining a positive attitude without losing sight of reality. In the midst of darkness, remember that the sun also rises. Judging by the renewed interest in Freemasonry, dawn is upon us. Are you and your lodge ready to greet the new day? ■
RWB Mickey Ander A Remembrance
In every Masonic generation, we fi nd a few Masons, ning Lodge No. 1798 in 1992 and of Fiat Lux Lodge No. who stand-out for their fi delity to the Craft, unselfi sh 1717 in 2001, Fiat Lux Chapter No. 19 in 2007 and Fiat service to the fraternity, unquestioned loyalty to the Lux Council in 2009. He served as Treasurer for all three precepts and values of our noble institution, respect Fiat Lux bodies until his untimely death. He was also a and love for their brothers and fellows and, who at all member of Joppa Lodge No. 35, where he served as times, serve as exemplars befi tting the high importance Treasurer in 1995-1996. At the Grand Lodge, for many and majesty of Freemasonry. years, he was a Grand Lodge In our time, one such fi ne Mason was Right Worshipful Brother Mickey Ander, who, on Saturday, June 13, 2009, laid down the precious working tools of the Craft he treasured for 50 years. He was a Mason’s Mason and, by his behavior and conduct, demonstrated patience, kindness, fairness, goodness, gentleness, humility, selfl essness, self-control, honor, uprightness, integrity, friendliness, courtesy and love for all God’s children. To him, being a Mason was a privilege. offi cer, Chairman of Masonic Education and Service Committee, Editor of the Voice of Freemasonry, and served on many other Grand Lodge Committees. This year, he was the Chairman of the Code Rewrite Committee. He has left us a wealth of Masonic educational materials and a comprehensive Lodge Officers Manual, which he single-handedly prepared. For freely giving his time, talent, resources and for his unstinting service to our Grand Lodge, he was awarded the Valentine Reintzel Medal in 2000. RWB Ander was raised to the sublime degree on October 30, 1959 at Crossroads Lodge No. 696, in San Diego, California. His travels with the US Navy, after becoming a Mason, enabled him to visit lodges throughout the world. During an extended stay in Scotland, he affi liated with Lodge Innellan and Toward. When he subsequently settled in northern Yet, for RWB Ander, it was obvious he was not keen on recognition. For him, excellent work is its own reward and he did not spare any effort to accomplish any and all assignments. He could be trusted and counted upon day and night; after all, his personal Masonic symbol was the anchor. RWB Mickey Ander, 1932-2009 settled in northern personal Masonic s Virginia, he affi liated with Concord Lodge No. 307, in rd Lodge No. 307, in Our beloved RWB Ander has been removed from the Our beloved RWB Vienna, where he served as Master in 1987. He subseer in 1987. He subsecares and troubles of this transitory existence to a state cares and troubles quently served as Master of A. Douglas Smith Lodge uglas Smith Lodge of endless duration. May we who survive him be more of endless duratio of Research No. 1949 in Alexandria, and later dria, and later strongly cemented in the ties of union and friendstrongly cem as its long serving Secretary. He served the served the ship, so that, during the short space allotted ship, so t Grand Lodge of Virginia in many capacities apacities us here, we may wisely and usefully employ us here throughout his life, including as District District our time, and in the exchange of kind and our ti Deputy Grand Master in 1993-1994. 4. friendly acts mutually promote the welfrien Notwithstanding his very active Masonic sonic fare and happiness of each other. fare life in Virginia, RWB Ander succeeded in edin Mickey, good and faithful brother, we Mick being fully engaged in our jurisdiction, tion, will miss you, but your memories will will at both Grand Lodge and lodge levels evels always be with us. May God bless you. alwa ■ for more than 20 years. RWB Ander was r was a founding member of Sojourner Kilwinlwin
Do We Truly Get It?
The following appeared in the July 2009 Bulletin of Federal Lodge No. 1:
Lance Freedman
Master, Federal Lodge No. 1
Alodge footprint spanning 216 years of history the great and subtle facets of his job. From day one, gathers exceptional accomplishments. The his performance is judged against the successes of peaks of Federal Lodge’s achievements mark longtime professionals. our nation’s history with unique honor. But you know what else? Among and between them all, Ol Federal has done something more enormous than any single triumph. Federal Lodge No. 1 has done it not in one moment, but in the accumulation of years. This Worshipful Lodge has crowned America’s good with… yes, wait for it… brotherhood. For over 216 years, Federal Lodge has spread the enlightenment The Masonic system of learning, and in particular Federal Lodge’s system, is better. At the core of the Craft, Masons are taught that life lessons are learned by experiencing them individually and personally. Freemasonry also teaches us that any Brother newly invested with a jewel of offi ce, shall embark upon that journey together with experienced human guidance. of Masonry to thousands. For over two hundred Don’t stop reading now. “Yes, yes, yes. The lodge has communicated the three degrees to a parading army of good men.” True. But that’s not all. Receiving the degrees is the shower before the pool. The degrees are the entrance pass into the closed stacks of a protected library of sublime knowledge. Central life lessons are learned by experiencing them personally. years, offi cers and leaders of Federal Lodge have stepped forward to learn the unique lessons of each offi cer chair. When invested with the jewel of their offi ce, most of Federal’s offi cers seat themselves in an unfamiliar role. Most offi cers of Ol Federal have no experience performing the time-honored Masonic duties of their new place This worshipful lodge has in the Lodge. Some have graduated 215 years of offi cers and leaders. What learned the role as well as can be learned via watchprecious few Brethren know is that each chair in ing, listening, and reading. But as we all know, and the offi cer line teaches lessons unique to that chair. as stated earlier, only by living a lesson does a man During the third degree, we observe that Masonry truly “get it.” recognizes the best way to teach a man something vital. Central life lessons are learned by experiencing them personally. Watching, listening, and reading are helpful. But by themselves they are insuffi cient teachers. Only by living a lesson does a man truly “get it.” In direct opposition to the profane world, our Masonic brotherhood is a kind and forgiving environment. For over 216 years, Brothers of this Worshipful Lodge have learned the powerful leadership lessons taught by performing the role in each offi cer’s chair. Offi cers have learned these ancient lessons in leadership not A “school of hard knocks” mentality pervades the by the “school of hard knocks” and without harsh profane world. We try to learn fi rst by watching, judgment. Federal Lodge in particular is known for listening, and reading. Then the non-Masonic world our warm Brotherly Love. Errors and mistakes are tosses us out of the learning nest, into a new role, and quickly forgiven and rarely recorded. begins to mercilessly judge our performance. Every peer, every subordinate, and almost every superior in the profane world expects a man to snap into his position. A man is expected to fl awlessly deliver all Federal’s safe environment promotes the growth of every Brother. Each and every Brother who participates in Freemasonry steps up a certain level. In this way, each Brother advances himself. The particucontinued on page 29
Brothers Twice Over
Affi nity lodges provide brotherhood for common interests
by Richard Berman
This article is reprinted courtesy of the California Freemason magazine
The requirements to become a Mason are fairly college fraternity that promotes the virtues of courtly straightforward: Only men of at least 18 years of Southern culture. Confederate General Robert E. Lee, age who believe in a Supreme Being are eligible. known for his gentlemanly behavior, is viewed by the A number of specialized lodges around the world, Order as its spiritual founder. Fraternity Lodge was however, also require that their members be dedicated chartered in 2001, and is comprised of Masons who to a specifi c cause or belong to an affi liated organizashare the common experience of membership in any tion. These so-called “affi nity lodges” were formed to Greek letter society. provide brotherhood for men with common interests and help them develop deeper connections with each other and with the Craft. For these members, having a space to share their distinct set of interests is a vital expectation of the Masonic experience. “We consider ourselves ‘brothers twice over,’” says Jordan Yelinek, past master of Magnolia Lodge. “We have Masons who share the common bond not only of Masonry, but also of Kappa Alpha Order.” Yelinek, 28, moved to San Francisco last year after completing As is the case with all lodges, affinity lodges must receive a charter from a st a The Arms of Magnolia Lodge No. 53 and Fraternity Lodge No. 54, F.A.A.M. his doctorate in cell biology at Yale, but says that the geographical distance is at ge grand lodge. The United not a problem. “Magnon Grand Lodge of Englia Lodge has more than l land has recognized 60 members, who live several of these orgaall over the country, nizations, including and our offi cers live in Pioneer Lodge No. places such as Flor9065 (affi liated with ida, Mississippi, and the scouting moveWashington. We all ment), Kindred fl y to D.C. four times Lodges Association a year for our meet(for Masons involved ings.” with youth work), Isthmian Lodge No. 4566 (for Masons who are passionate about sports), Old Cliftonian Lodge No. 3340 (for former pupils and teachers at Clifton College), and the Lodge of Brothers In Arms (for military veterans only). There’s even Internet Lodge, which is open to Freemasons who have Internet access: The lodge boasts members in more than two dozen countries, including Andorra, Lebanon, Turkey, and Slovenia. an Yelinek says that his involvement with Masonry actually goes back to his days as an undergraduate at Yale. “I was part of the Council of Honor of Kappa Alpha Order, which is focused on learning about our laws and customs, and in the course of my research I found out that many of our founders were Masons,” he recalls. “After attending some Kappa Alpha Order meetings in D.C., I met several men who were brothers in Magnolia Lodge, and I petitioned to join.” M bac under Here in the United States, affi nity lodges are far less common. However, two prime examples are based in Washington D.C.: Magnolia Lodge No. 53 and Fraternity Lodge No. 54. Although the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia allows its lodges to use a number of rituals, Magnolia Lodge opts for the standard DC ritual. Nevertheless, the central role that Kappa Alpha Order plays in the Magnolia Lodge was founded in 1996, and reserves lodge is evident at every turn, from the portrait of membership to brothers of the Kappa Alpha Order, a Robert E. Lee to the Confederate battle fl ags to the
Magnolia Lodge fl ag, which is currently serves as secretary based on the Order’s colors. In of Fraternity Lodge and also addition, members wear Kappa Alpha Order badges and ties as For these memas an alumnus volunteer for the Sigma Phi Epsilon part of their standard attire. “Masonry and Kappa Alpha bers, having a college fraternity. “All of us had great experiences in Order are equally important to all of us, and we are lifelong space to share fraternities when we were in school, and Fraternity Lodge brothers in both,” Yelinek says. enables us to carry that love Because of the added eligibility requirement of the their distinct set forward within the structure of Freemasonry.” lodge, the brothers found that they couldn’t share of interests is a Like its parent lodge, Fraternity meets four times a their experiences with some friends, even if they were vital expectation year to dispense business and celebrate Festive Board (a traalready Masons. As a result, ditional feast), which allows Magnolia Lodge petitioned the formation of Fraternity of the Masonic it to draw members from all over the country. “This is Lodge, for Masons who are members of any Greek letter experience. a great way for Masons to connect with each other and society. A number of Magnolia have a common experience,” Lodge brothers now have says Hoenes. “Our brothers membership in both lodges. already had a strong com“We have members of many Greek organizations as mitment to fraternal organizations even before they brothers, and we fi nd that they are very involved,” became Masons, and our lodge gives them a way to says Walter Hoenes, Assistant to the Grand Secretary maintain that involvement throughout their lives.” ■ of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, who
Do We Truly Get It? continued from page 27 lars of what “advances” is uniquely personal within each man. Yet many of us grow in the same moral, political, and leadership-worthy ways. “The Square teaches morality; the Level, equality; and the Plumb, rectitude of life and conduct.”
The 216 plus continuous years and thousands of good men “crowned with Brotherhood” is the highest
accomplishment of this Worshipful Lodge. It is my sincere wish that each and every Brother continue living the vision set forth in 1793, at the chartering of Federal Lodge No. 1. You, dear Brethren, do this by stepping forward into degree roles, committee roles, and offi cer roles. Your time for watching, listening, and reading must progress into doing if you want to truly “get it.” ■
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.
Leadership skills are an essential attribute of a Worshipful Master, if he is to succeed in governing his lodge. Too often, a Master’s year in the East ends before he becomes an eff ective leader. Th erefore the Grand Lodge is pleased to off er this special leadership program for all Wardens and Deacons. While attendance at this Conference cannot guarantee your time in the East will be successful, it will aff ord you many opportunities to learn and appreciate the importance of leadership skills, interact with your counterparts from the many lodges within this grand jurisdiction, and expose you to ideas and solutions to challenges common to many of our lodges. Experienced Brothers will be available to off er suggestions and assist you in planning, programming and budgeting for your lodge’s activities.
Additionally, time will be set aside for the Section 83 evaluation for those wishing to fulfi ll our Grand Master’s desire that all 2010 Masters will have completed this requirement by the end of the Conference.
Th e presence and active participation of all Wardens and Deacons is strongly encouraged. Please contact the Grand Lodge at (202) 686-1811 or grandlodge@dcgrandlodge.org for additional information.
We look forward to working with you for the good of the Craft in general and DC Freemasonry in particular.
2009 Grand Visitation Schedule
LODGE LOCATION DATE
1 (Federal) R Mon., Sept. 14
3 (Justice-Columbia) 4 (Naval) 5 (Potomac) 7 (Singleton-Hope-Lebanon) 10 (Hiram-Takoma) 11 (St. John’s) 12 (Nat’l-Stansbury-Dawson) 14 (Washington- Daylight) 15 (Benjamin B. French) 17 (Harmony) 19 (LaFayette-Dupont) 21 (Anacostia) 23 (Osiris-Pentalpha) 25 (Arminius) 32 (Temple-Noyes-Cathedral) 33 (Albert Pike) 34 (East Gate) 35 (Joppa) S Thurs., Oct. 1 N Thurs., Sept. 17 G Mon., Sept. 21 S Thurs., Oct. 1 T Thurs., Sept. 24 T Thurs., Sept. 24 T Thurs., Sept. 24 N Mon., Oct. 5 G Wed., Sept. 16 S Thurs., Oct. 1 N Thurs., Sept. 17 N Mon., Oct. 5 T Thurs., Oct. 15 T Wed., Oct. 14 S Tues., Sept. 15 R Thurs., Oct. 8 T Tues., Oct. 13 S Tues., Sept. 15
Location Key
(G) Georgetown . . . . . . 1212 Wisconsin Avenue, NW (N) Naval . . . . . . . . . . . 330 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE (R) Scottish Rite. . . . . . 2800 - 16th Street, NW
(S) Singleton. . . . . . . . . 4441 Wisconsin Avenue, NW (T) Takoma . . . . . . . . . . 115 Carroll Street, NW
LODGE LOCATION DATE
45 (S. Gompers-B. Franklin) T Tues., Oct. 13
47 (Petworth) 53 (Magnolia) 54 (Fraternity) 76 (Cincinnatus) 90 (Mehr) 92 (Alianza Fratermal Americana) 93 (La France) 94 (Hayastan) 1717 (Fiat Lux) 1775 (Freedom Military) 1776 (Nine Muses) 1798 (Sojourner Kilwinning) 2000 (Nur) 2001 (Italia) 3000 (Jerusalem) Convass B. Dean Memorial Pythagoras Lodge of Research T Thurs., Oct. 15 S Tues., Sept. 15 N Mon., Oct. 5 G Mon., Sept. 21 G Wed., Sept. 16 N Thurs., Sept. 17 G Mon., Sept. 21 G Wed., Sept. 16 T Sat., Oct. 17 R Mon., Sept. 14 R Thurs., Oct. 8 T Sat., Sept. 26 T Wed., Oct. 14 R Mon., Sept. 14 R Thurs., Oct. 8 T Thurs., Oct. 15 T Tues., Oct. 13
Dress
Grand Lodge Offi cers will wear white tie and tails, white apron and gloves for all visitations. Lodge Offi cers and Past Grand Masters are requested to wear tuxedos. All others should wear coat, tie and regalia.
The Voice of Freemasonry Grand Lodge, F.A.A.M. of D.C. 5428 MacArthur Blvd., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20016-2524
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A N D L O D G E O F W A S H I N G T O N G R D C
Grand Lodge of Free And Accepted Masons of the District of Columbia Kwame Acquaah, Grand Master Mansour Hatefi, Grand Secretary
