DC Freemasons Serving the Community

ally, and assess attendance and ritual skills, the new format proved to be both salutary and revealing. It was salutary in the sense that the elected Grand Line officers designated to provide good and wholesome instruction to the visited lodges did so in so many different ways and on so many worthwhile topics that the end result was exactly what had been envisioned by your Grand Master. It is my ardent desire that all the mini talks given by your elected Grand Line will be collated into a single document for our Masonic edification and pleasure.

However, this new format also revealed room for improvement by a number of our lodges in the areas of attendance and ritual proficiency. These lodges will be in a better position to prosper and succeed when they are enabled to occupy all the several stations and places necessary for the proper functioning of a lodge. Your incumbent Grand Master and his successors must give due time and attention to those lodges which may not be operating in full compliance with the requirements of the Grand Lodge Code. Resolving this issue will require more than simple temporary solutions.

Elsewhere in this publication is an example of Masonic courage. Having suggested (actually challenged) that the lodges consider using social issues as a theme for lodge presentations and discussions, one Master had the temerity to follow through and lead the lodge in such a discussion. The result was a combination of apprehension and uncertainty. Even so, some of the comments made that evening laid the groundwork for executing such a program successfully and it is my hope that others will study the outcome and step forward. Why my interest in this concept? As a Mason, I believe I am entitled to free and open discussion on social issues within the lodge where education is the goal and tolerance is the guiding principle. All it takes is the proper topic and a Master who understands the righteous power of the gavel. Lastly, I wish to thank all the brethren who contributed in any way to our successful Universal Brotherhood Celebration. This event has become an integral part of our Grand Jurisdiction’s annual programming and I fully support its continuance. As we share our Masonic wealth of tolerance with others, are we not doing and abetting what a true sojourner should do? As I continue my year as your Grand Master, I carry with me the lesson of Saint John the Baptist and look forward to the remaining months with as much zeal and enthusiasm as I had on the night of my installation, so many months ago. In visiting the Annual Communications of other Grand Jurisdictions, I can also assure my D.C. Brethren that our Grand Lodge, though small, is viewed with consummate respect and brotherly affection by all. And, yes my Brethren, I am still having fun! n

Masonic Foundation president, WB William F. Harvey (left) pictured with DC mayor Adrian Fenty (center) and Brother Dustin Rawlins (right), chairman of the Grand Lodge’s Community Outreach Committee. The Foundation was recognized by the DC Government for its generous support of Hands On DC, an all-volunteer project that creates better schools and brighter futures for the students of the District of Columbia. n