combined federal campaign
Lodge’s creation marked the beginning of the construction of a multi-cultural bridge of tolerance and understanding not only in this jurisdiction but throughout the world. Its existence was confirmation that our Grand Lodge could and would accept as brethren Masons who practiced a different ritual and spoke a different language, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or religion. Mehr’s creation was followed by the emergence of a new generation of lodges in Washington, DC, to the tune of an average of one lodge per year, numbering now almost as many as the remaining lodges chartered since the creation of our Grand Lodge, 200 years ago. The establishment of these Lodges, in addition to recognizing the common bonds among the brethren in each of theses Masonic entities, has also served to enlighten an increasing numbers of the brethren in this jurisdiction of the universality of Masonry and has allowed us to extend the hand of brotherhood and fraternal friendship to visiting Masons as never before. In the final decade of the last century and overflowing into the new millennium, what initially began as an earnest effort to promote diversity within our fraternity, eventually turned into a quest to spread the axiom of Masonic universality. The word “Mehr” means both Light and Love. Using the prototype of Mehr Lodge as a model, the growth and outreach of Universal Brotherhood has extended over the years from our nation’s capital throughout the world, spreading the message of
Masonic Light and Brotherly Love. It’s a message which teaches that we can live in peace and harmony with our fellow man when we adhere to a common idealism. Now, the Universality of Freemasonry not only stands for the inclusion and coming together of all for the advancement of Masonic ideas and ideals, but also, and just as importantly, it emphasizes the effect that Masonry has or should have on a global scale. Imagine the good will that can be generated by Freemasons working together across oceans on building bridges of mutual understanding and establishing exchanges that contribute to better relations among the peoples of the world. It is altogether fitting and appropriate that we find ourselves at the forefront of such an initiative, given that our Grand Lodge is located in what has been called the capital of the free world. After all, along with our unique location comes a unique obligation. Just as the world’s democracies look to America for leadership against the international forces of darkness, so too is our Grand Lodge looked upon, in Masonic circles, for leadership in the support and expansion of Universal Brotherhood as an instrument to elevate the character of mankind. As a consequence, our Grand Lodge in Washington, DC has become a microcosm of universal Masonry in the world. This phenomenon has been eminently successful and immensely beneficial to Freemasonry both here and abroad. n
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
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