The Voice of Freemasonry | Vol. 40 No. 1

VOICE OF FREEMASONRY

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GRAND MASTER’S MESSAGE

Most Worshipful Brother

Annas Fadludeen Kamara Grand Master

My Brothers, I greet you well.

At my installation, I promised our jurisdiction that I would endeavor to restore our Craft to a state of harmony, one in which we labored for the betterment of our glorious institution, and where we would be guided by the Protocols, Etiquette, and Tradition, which has been handed down to us since time immemorial. As custodians of our beloved Craft, we each have a role to play in this joint restoration. This is not something which can be done by the Grand Master alone, for it requires that each of us hold our Craft at a level of utmost importance.

Freemasonry existed long before any of us here today, and God Willing, it will live on long after we are gone. But for us to ensure its continued health and longevity, we must be willing to make tough decisions, decisions which are for the benefit of future generations.

I am pleased to report that much progress has been made so far this year in delivering upon the promises of the 5-year plan which began under my predecessor last year. Moreover, I am also happy that, beyond our pillars, the more junior of our elected Grand Line too have assured me of their support of this endeavor.

As we have said time, and time again, for harmony to prevail, we must be willing to make tough choices that go beyond any of us as individuals. As Most Worshipful Brother Daniel A. Huertas, PGM, was fond of saying – “What is good for friendship, is not necessarily what is good for Freemasonry.” Loyalty should always be valued and championed, but blind loyalty, unquestioning servitude, is not the mark of a free man, and flies in the face of our values as Freemasons.

As we continue this process of elevating our Grand Lodge, and righting the ship, let us remember our obligations which we took before God to our Sacred Order. Our obligations, my brothers, are to the institution of our Craft, and so we must devote ourselves to living our obligations,

towards actualizing them, not only within our Lodges, but within our daily lives.

I am heartened by how many brothers of our Grand Lodge support these endeavors, and I am confident that we will soon be in a place where harmony and Freemasonry prevails. Yet, even with the massive amount of support, we unfortunately still have detractors from the origin plan of Freemasonry who seek to confuse and misguide honest and true brothers. A loud, but small, minority continues to perjure themselves before the Great Architect in violating their obligations. But let us pay them no heed, my dear brothers, for I will deliver upon my promises, and our good work shall continue. Our Craft will be restored, and we will restore it together.

I thank the Grand Jurisdiction for your continued support and dedication to the seriousness of purpose which is emblematic of what it means to be a Brother of the Craft, and I implore each of us to stand up and do what is right for our the future of Freemasonry in our Nation’s Capital.

Sincerely & Fraternally,

Annas Fadludeen Kamara Grand Master 

My Dear Brethren, I begin with a reading from Psalms: A psalm of David.

1 Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?

2 The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart;

3 whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others;

4 who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind;

5 who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.

Whoever does these things will never be shaken. Psalm 15.

My brothers, I wish to impart a message on the topics of leadership and the state of our beloved Craft. Nearly 2,500 years ago, Confucius wrote that “He who exercises government by means of his virtue may be compared to the

DEPUTY GRAND MASTER’S MESSAGE1

Jacob M. Bressman Deputy Grand Master

north polar star which keeps its place and all the stars turn towards it.” He also stated that “To see what is right, and not to do it, is want of courage or of principle.”

Though it need not be said, I commend our Grand Master on his leadership and wisdom throughout the year thus far. For many years, our Grand Lodge has turned a blind eye towards bad behavior, behavior which has run rampant through the halls of our Sacred Craft. As Confucius said, if we are faced with what is right, and we do not do it, we show a lack of courage. Our Grand Master's courage has enabled him to make those hard, yet necessary, decisions, for the Good of our Craft.

In my opinion, a leader must be willing to do what is right for the greater good. When serving an institution, a leader must think of the future, what precedents are being set, and how the institution can best be preserved for later generations. A leader must do what is right, even when it is hard. A leader, must be willing to stand up in the face of what is wrong, and name it as such. My Brothers, the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.

I ran for election as a Grand Lodge Officer because I saw things which were wrong, and I could not sit back and do nothing in good conscience. Likewise, I pray that each of us will stand up and say something when we see something which is wrong. What has been happening in our Grand Jurisdiction is wrong, and just as our Grand Master has battled this year against such vice, we too cannot tolerate it any longer.

For the first time in many, many years, we have Grand Lodge Pillar Officers who are truly united, ones who fully support our Grand Master in this most noble mission to ensure that the basic principles of decency prevail. The

1 Adapted from the Deputy Grand Master’s Address at the 2023 Semi-Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge.

progressive line too has pledged their unequivocal support of these efforts, and thus our joint mission to bring common decency to our Craft shall continue for the next decade, at the very least.

Our efforts to restore the Craft, and to demand compliance with our code, with our protocols, etiquette, and traditions, are here to stay, my brothers, of this you can be certain. But why do we do this, my brothers? Why are the Grand Master and the Grand Line championing a strict adherence to our Code and Rituals?

Simply put, because this is what Masonry is, Masonry demands it, and for us as Masons, it is what we must do, lest we cease to practice Freemasonry.

The idea that Brother Masons could treat their fellows the way that we have seen in recent years is absolutely vile, it is disgusting, and it is shameful. These acts are beneath us, and fly in the face of our obligations as Freemasons, obligations, which each of us took before God. While it may seem that some have willfully perjured themselves before God, we, as just and upright Masons must not stand for such acts.

Irrespective of who is right or who is wrong, this is not the way. We should be above this, we must be above this, and I had hoped that we could have been above this.

In light of what we have seen, I think back to why I became a Mason to begin with, and what I had hoped being a Mason would mean. We come to Masonry to learn to subdue our passions, and improve ourselves in Masonry. But I ask, how many of us are actually learning to do this, and practicing it? My brothers, we must live our obligations, we must actualize Freemasonry within our lives. The Craft is bigger than any one of us, we cannot allow it to be destroyed over petty quarrels.

As I have said before in several of our Grand Visitations, Masonry is not suitable for everyone, and likewise, not everyone is suitable for Masonry. If you wish to practice Masonry, we welcome you with open arms. But if you seek the profane, then there is no place for you here. Whether we disagree, or agree, we must come together as brothers. To sit respectfully in fraternal discourse, that we may overcome any obstacles which may be in our way. We have a rough and rugged path to journey, but we must do this together.

All difficulties can be overcome, if only we work together as brothers to do so. Not one of us wakes up in the morning

planning to do evil, we are all human, and forgiveness is always possible, if only it is sought. A pure and contrite heart can do wonders. I therefore pray that we can put our differences behind us, and move forward for the good of our beloved Craft.

The Buddha said that “there is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt. Doubt separates people. It is a poison that disintegrates friendships and breaks up pleasant relations. It is a thorn that irritates and hurts; it is a sword that kills.” My brothers, let us not doubt each other and our intentions. We are all here due to our love of Freemasonry, and our love of each other. For peace and harmony to prevail, we must work together. We must fight for our Craft, for indeed it is worth fighting for, if anything is; let us therefore support our Grand Master, for our Craft must be restored. My brothers, we must fight for the ultimate triumph of peace, enough is enough, let us practice Freemasonry, and restore our most noble Order.

I end, with a prayer for the restoration of our Craft:

He who makes peace in his high places

He shall make peace upon us

And upon all of Israel

Oseh shalom bimromav

Hu ya’aseh shalom aleynu

Ve’al kol yisrael

Ve’imru, And let us say, Amen.

Thank you, my dear brothers.

Sincerely & Fraternally,

Brother Jacob M. Bressman Deputy Grand Master 

WHAT CAME YE HERE TO DO?

by Eric Kuchner | Senior Grand Warden

All around me were cleanly pressed shirts and tightly wound neckerchiefs glowing in the warming early spring sun… you could feel the anticipation as everyone began to stand and the familiar ritual filled the air. Dozens of newly initiated Boy Scouts proudly beaming as they recite the Scout Law from memory.

As my own memories of this ritual filled my mind - the words effortlessly began to touch my lips—unforgettably internalized many decades ago and now passed on to our son. “A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent”…

The first step has been taken down the path of internalizing these life-long values— memorizing the ritual, the norms, the mores, and the taboos…in the hopes that eventually every one of these new Scouts will turn memorization into internalization into the practice of these values throughout their lives, and eventually to reflective wisdom to be passed onto others and to help make a better civil society.

What came ye here to do? As the echoes of our own opening ritual fill our ears, time and time again we are reminded that we chose to take our Masonic journey, to place our trust in our Craft. We chose to subdue our passions and improve ourselves. We are men, often of disparate backgrounds and experiecnces who may have otherwise never crossed paths, who volunteer to take obligations and agree to shared values and codes of conduct in order to weave ourselves together into a sacred band of Brethren who together form a quiver of arrows to help improve ourselves and the world around us.

Masonry is internalized and practiced continuously. This chosen path becomes part of our DNA – who we are,

how we look at the world, solve problems, and interact with the ecosystem of our lives. Our Lodges are where we gain renourishment and where we come together to build our sacred living temple standing on the foundation of these shared values, obligations, and outlooks. I reflect on my own initiation into the light every single time I arrive in Lodge. The physical, emotional and intellectual safe space Freemasonry creates offers the opportunity to strive to be our finest.

Our bonds require the nectar of masonic education, the proper use of the level, plumb, square, and compasses, and the continuous purposeful choice of each and every one of us to endeavor to keep learning and striving to improve ourselves and the application of our Masonic values and tools.

We have all chosen to create our living safe space, built upon the internalization of masonic values embodied in our ritual, code, and landmarks combined with the energy from our ethos of giving of ourselves.

Without it, we are no longer a sacred Brotherhood with the collective ability to help transform ourselves, families, communities, and the world—we are but merely a casual gathering of men enjoying each other’s banter for a brief time.

I challenge you to memorize a new piece of ritual or perhaps an excerpt from our Landmarks —something that piques your uniquely human quality of reflective curiosity—to begin the journey of internalizing its values, applying it, and then sharing it with others. I challenge all of us to choose to learn and become better Masons each and every day. 

COMMEMORATING CORNERSTONES

by Chetin Durak | Junior Grand Warden

For well over 200 years, Freemasons have laid the cornerstones of notable publics buildings and places of worship. As each individual mason is a cornerstone of their lodge, so are cornerstones of public institutions meant to set their institution’s course to benefit society and the common good. Most commonly placed in the northeast corner, the cornerstone sits between darkness and light. Just as the Entered Apprentice is placed in the northeast corner of the lodge, the cornerstone is representative of birth or a point of beginning and a progression from ignorance to knowledge. Furthermore, the cornerstone also serves to represent the soul’s immortality, as it is often the one remaining element of an edifice

following its eventual decay. The square nature of the cornerstone is essential in providing a sound foundation for an institution’s mission, while its symbolic meanings of morality and truth are critical to the continuation of its mission even when the physical structure may no longer be intact. A cornerstone ceremony therefore also includes the examination of the stone using the ancient tools of the square, level, and plumb, as an edifice constructed on a poor foundation cannot be sound. This symbolically tests the virtues of an institution. Finally, we come to the consecration, or anointment ceremony, of the stone where the wages of our operative ancestors, notably corn, wine, and oil

are placed on the stone as symbols of nourishment, refreshment, and joy.

The Grand Master of Masons of Washington, DC, Most Worshipful Brother Annas Fadludeen Kamara, accompanied by Officers of the Grand Lodge, Visiting Dignitaries, and Brethren of the jurisdiction recently had the opportunity to commemorate two notable cornerstone anniversaries. The first was the centennial of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, where the cornerstone was laid on November 1, 1923, while the second was the 120th commemoration of the National War College’s cornerstone, laid at Roosevelt Hall on February 21, 1903.

GEORGE WASHINGTON MASONIC NATIONAL MEMORIAL

On Presidents Day, 4,000 masons from around the world gathered to participate in Alexandria’s annual George Washington Birthday Parade. Grand Lodges from across the country processed through Old Town Alexandria along with local community organizations in celebration of our Illustrious Brother. The community’s reaction was heartwarming, as many took the time to thank the Brethren for their service or to share stories of their family member masons who had left an enlightened impact on their lives. The Grand Lodge of Washington, DC was well represented by our Most Worshipful Grand Master, several of his officers, the Illustrious Potentate of Almas Shrine, Grand Masters or their representatives from France, Serbia, Uruguay, Mali, and Chile, and officers and brethren of several constituent lodges. Carrying our Grand Lodge’s banner were Worshipful Masters or their representatives from the founding lodges of our dear Grand Lodge. As the general parade ended at the dignitary viewing stand, all masons continued up Shuter’s Hill to witness the Grand Lodge of Virginia reenacting the cornerstone laying ceremony of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial from 100 years ago.

NATIONAL WAR COLLEGEROOSEVELT HALL

Only a few days later, the Most Worshipful Grand Master, accompanied by the Junior Grand Warden, took part in the commemoration of the National War College’s cornerstone, laid 120 years ago, at Roosevelt Hall. The intimate gathering was hosted by the 32nd Commandant, Brigadier General Jeff Hurlbert, and was organized by the Dean of Faculty and Academic Affairs, Jaimie Orr. Also in attendance were the Deputy Commandant, Ambassador Dennis Hearne, President of the Theodore Roosevelt Association, Vice Admiral (Retired) Dave Architzel, President of the National War College Alumni Association, Ambassador James Zumwalt, Vice President of the Theodore Roosevelt Association and descendant of Theodore Roosevelt, Andrew Roosevelt, former commanding officers of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, and several War College students. The Most Worshipful Grand Master offered the distinguished guests an understanding of Freemasonry and shared the significance of the masonic cornerstone laying. He proceeded to recognize the success and importance of the National War College as an institution essential to our nation that had continued to thrive on a sound foundation established over a century ago.

32nd Commandant Brigadier General Jeff Hurlbert giving his challenge coin to the Most Worshipful Grand Master

32nd Commandant Brigadier General Jeff Hurlbert explaining his challenge coin to the Most Worshipful Grand Master

Following the formal program, the Commandant offered the Grand Master his challenge coin and invited all guests to a reception in Roosevelt Hall’s rotunda. The reception offered the opportunity for more in depth conversations

on the relationship between our nation, its institutions, and Freemasonry, and culminated with excitement and enthusiasm for our Grand Lodge to one day reenact the cornerstone ceremony from 120 years ago. 

left to right - Junior Grand Warden, 32nd Commandant Brigadier General Jeff Hurlbert, Deputy Commandant Ambassador Dennis Hearne, Most Worshipful Grand Master

Most Worshipful Grand Master providing his remarks

VP of Theodore Roosevelt Association and descendant of Theodore Roosevelt, Andrew Roosevelt providing his remarks

32nd Commandant, Brigadier General Jeff Hurlbert providing his remarks

REMEMBERING THE PAST TO ENSURE A BRIGHTER FUTURE

by Michael K. Greenwald | Junior Grand Deacon

This year, the Grand Master chose to emphasize the protocols, etiquette, and traditions of the Grand Lodge as his theme. One way this has manifested is his direction to Constituent Lodge Officers to wear black suits during Lodge meetings. This is not anything new. He is not reinventing the wheel or changing the code. He is simply reminding everyone how we are expected to act as Masons, both in and out of lodge. His decisions again only reinforce what was in place when each and every one of us joined the craft, yet many of us have forgotten.

Another good example of something we have forgotten is the formal and personal mentorship of one brother to another. In the past, there was no written copy of our ritual, it had to be passed from one Brother to another in an oral tradition we call “mouth-to-ear.”

Catechism practice was once or twice a week and included instructional conversations about how the Lodge works and what was to be expected of new members, the protocol, etiquette, and traditions that surrounded the ritual. When a man was first initiated, it was not uncommon to have dinner and catechism practice at a Brother’s house. Here, the new initiate would learn how to dress, what and where to buy his suit(s), and the proper times to wear them. And back inside the Lodge, lessons on how to properly address Brothers, Officers, and Grand Masters were discussed. It was a long and involved process, but it forged bonds between old and new Mason as they worked to learn the ritual and traditions of Freemasonry, together.

These personal conversations continued between mentor and mentee, until you became the Worshipful Master of

your Lodge. In other words, a man’s Masonic foundation was continually being built and molded by these dedicated instructors, who became your Masonic mentors for life.

Then, the printed cipher was introduced as a helpful learning tool for the new Mason. It was meant to speed up the process of memorizing and internalizing the ritual while freeing up the time of both the mentors and the mentees. In that way, the time that was saved could better be spent pursuing other Masonic goals such as charity or a deeper reflection on the symbolism of ritual. At any rate, men were becoming increasingly busy, and the time commitment to memorize ritual and meet with a mentor was becoming a barrier for men seeking to become Masons or, so it seemed.

When the printed cipher appeared and new Brethren learned how to read it properly, the “in person” instructions became fewer and fewer. As a result, new Masons did not get the benefit of any of the knowledge outside the cipher book. So not only were they losing out in a unique bonding experience, but they were also missing the opportunity to learn the “unwritten rules of Masonry,” like the protocols, etiquette, and traditions of our Lodges. And those busy men, just busied themselves with something

else other than Masonry and the disconnected Brothers slowly forgot about unwritten traditions.

Perhaps, the convenience of catechism self-study from a pamphlet was the first salvo of the internet age, where a man had to go only to his computer to find community, rather than venture outside his home. It turns out that two great benefits of the mentor/ mentee relationship have been lost in this process.

Men, through time and exposure became important to each other as they slowly learn to see each other as equal human beings, honestly and without pretext. True bonding can only occur slowly, over time, when two people work together towards a shared goal. You can find this type of bonding in several places, such as on a sports team, or in the military. The bonding offered by Masonry, however, is different. It is designed not only to benefit the man, but the community around him, as well. And this bonding cannot happen if Men are not together on a consistent basis, sharing and learning from each other.

Men are busy. They always have been. The difference is that we in the internet age don’t have to leave the house for socialization. While we might be more “social” than ever before, we are also

more introverted. We stay at home and use the internet for our socialization rather than visiting the Lodge room, or even the pub for that matter. It is in this way that the internet opens the world but closes it, too. It offers vast knowledge and a place to connect, but it doesn’t foster the deep and meaningful bonds that form when people are physically near each other.

The good news is that there is a solution, it just takes time. Those men in our Lodges who have the knowledge must be willing to sit and share that knowledge with the new generation of Masons that are entering. A task can be created that encourages them to work together towards a common goal of understanding and knowledge. Luckily, the Grand Master has just such a task in mind.

This year, the Grand Master has set in motion plans to make a comprehensive manual for protocol and etiquette, which will take the guesswork out of how we, as Masons, should act. This should, in turn, bring respect to ourselves and honor to the fraternity. My hope is the protocol and etiquette manual will be used as a unifier, undertaken by old and new Masons, together, to help restore the tradition of mentorship that we have let slip away from us. 

300TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1723 CONSTITUTIONS A Universal Celebration

by Akram R. Elias | Past Grand Master

This year marks the Tricentennial (Tercentenary) of the 1723 Constitutions of the Free-Masons (referred to as “The 1723 Constitutions”), first published in London in 1723. This is an occasion not only for celebration, but also for reflection and strategic repositioning.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

(https://www.1723constitutions.com/)

The 1723 Constitutions divides into three principal sections: a traditional (if affected) history of freemasonry which places the Craft within a literary historical context; Charges to which all freemasons are expected to adhere, unarguably the most significant component; and the General Regulations governing the administration of Grand Lodge and Masonic Lodges. Masonic songs celebrate the Master of the Lodge, his Wardens,

Fellowcraft, and Entered Apprentices; and an Approbation lists the Grand Officers and Masters and Wardens of twenty lodges. The book begins with a dedication to the 2nd Duke of Montagu, the first noble Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of England, by Jean Theophilus Desaguliers, a former Grand Master).

As RWB Ric Berman, Past Master of Quatuor Coronati Lodge, # 2076 (the premier lodge of Masonic research), put it: “The Constitutions is similar in structure to the Old Charges that governed medieval (and later) stonemasons’ lodges. This was intentional. It positioned the 1723 Constitutions and the Grand Lodge of England as a continuation of that which preceded it, a technique that affords legitimacy in tradition-based societies. But the ideas promoted by the Grand Lodge of England were not mediaeval. They were new and materially different.”

It is important to note that the 1723 Constitutions is among Freemasonry’s most important documents, but not only in England. In 1730, it was taken by the Grand Lodge of Ireland as the model for the Irish Constitutions. It was re-printed verbatim by Benjamin Franklin in 1734 for use in America. It was translated and circulated widely throughout Europe in the 1730s and 1740s. And in the 1750s, via the Irish Constitutions, it provided the basis for Ahiman Rezon, the Constitutions of the Antients Grand Lodge, and, after Independence, of America’s State Grand Lodges.

MARKING THE ANNIVERSARY IN 2023

Freemasons’ Hall located at 60 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5AZ, United Kingdom. Completed in 1933 as a memorial to the thousands of Freemasons who died in the First World War, Freemasons’ Hall is recognized as one of the finest Art Deco buildings in England.

The 1723 Constitutions were a precious English gift to modern human civilization. They provided the blueprint for a well-organized structure of Freemasonry, thus enabling the latter to spread worldwide and influence in different, and at times unique ways, the development of many societies and nations around the globe.

To mark this important anniversary, the United Grand Lodge of England, the Grand Lodge of Washington, D.C., and the Grande Loge Nationale Française (GLNF) have partnered to organize in 2023 a series of events in England, Washington, D.C. and Paris.

MWB Akram R. Elias, Past Grand Master, presenting his Prestonian Lecture at the Especial Meeting of the United Grand Lodge of England.

London

The celebration was kicked off at an Especial Meeting of the United Grand Lodge of England held at Freemasons’ Hall in London on January 31, 2023.

More than 1,600 attended the Especial Meeting, including Grand Masters and Representatives from American and European Grand Lodges, and the Grand Masters of the Order of Women Freemasons and HFAF – Freemasonry for Women.

The program, titled The 1723 Constitutions: Inventing the Future, featured:

• The premiering of a short video on the composition of the 1723 Constitutions, produced by Matthew Mitchell and narrated by Derek Jacobi. It can be viewed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OndJsIvBaxE

• A presentation on the legacy of the 1723 Constitutions by Ric Berman, Past Master of Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076

The Palais Brongniard, Place de la Bourse 75002 Paris, site of the Conference. The Palais Brongniart was built by the architect Brongniart at the instigation of Napoleon Bonaparte. By laying the foundation stone in 1808, the emperor wanted to bring all stock exchange activities together in one place, a real innovation at the time in order to optimize the existing system.

The Grand Master of Washington DC, MWB Annas F. Kamara, addressing the conference. To his right: MWB Akram R. Elias, PGM, MWB Jean-Pierre Rollet, Grand Master of the GLNF, and RWB Gérad Icart, Grand Chancellor of the GLNF.

• The 2023 Prestonian Lecture presented by Akram R. Elias, Past Grand Master of Washington, D.C., titled The 1723 Constitutions: The Indispensable Trowel –Cementing America’s Foundations.

Paris

On March 25, 2023, the GLNF hosted a one-day international conference at the Palais Brongniart in Paris, France.

The program included the following presentations:

• A Way of Light, an illuminated documentary by JeanLuc Leguay & Jean-Bomémond Leguay

• Introduction to the book Masonic Constitutions of the 18th Century by its author Gérard Icart, Grand Chancellor of the GLNF

• The influences of the Anderson’s Constitutions on Freemasonry in France in the 18th Century by Olivier Badot

• Cross-Portraits: James Anderson and Jean Théophile Desaguliers by Thierry Zarcone

• Freemasonry in Europe in the 18th Century: From Anderson’s Constitutions to the climax of the decades 1770/80 by Yves HivertMesseca

• Freemasonry in the XVIIIth Century, witness of the dialogue of religions and Lights by Jacques Noël Pérès

• Black and white philosophizing: the speculative contents of the Anderson’s Constitutions by Bruno Pinchard

Washington, D.C.

On June 23-24, 2023, the Grand Lodge of Washington, D.C. held a universal brotherhood celebration marking the 300th Anniversary of the 1723 Constitutions with the participation of 19 U.S. Grand Lodges and the United Grand Lodge of England, led by its Pro Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Jonathan Spence.

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED:

• Congressional Breakfast on the Hill

• Universal Lodge Meeting followed by a Festive Board at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial

• Presentations on and roundtable discussion of the Legacy of the 1723 Constitutions at Mount Vernon

• Wreaths Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of George Washington at Mount Vernon

• Universal Brotherhood Banquet with presentation of the Medal of Freedom

The Capitol building

The George Washington Masonic National Memorial

Mount Vernon

Cambridge (England)

The anniversary celebrations come back to England with a 3-day conference organized by Quatuor Coronati Lodge at Queens’ College, the University of Cambridge. This will be a unique event to celebrate the Tercentenary of the 1723 Constitutions with a world-class line-up of Masonic and academic speakers to discuss and debate over three days (September 22-24, 2023). The agenda of the conference and information on how to register can be found at:

A MOMENT FOR REFLECTION

A Tercentenary is an occasion not only for celebration, but also for reflection and strategic repositioning. The 1723 Constitutions are not a relic of the past. They are a living document that defines and safeguards the structure of the lodge as a sacred space wherein Masonic ritual can be then performed for the purpose of graduating Free-Masons, i.e., Free Builders of better selves, stronger communities, and a wiser humanity.

Happy 300th Anniversary! 

https://www.1723constitutions.com/events/conferences-seminars/

Queens’ College supports world-leading teaching and research in a beautiful and welcoming environment, and has been in the heart of Cambridge for more than five centuries.

DC YORK RITE HOLDS GRAND BODY MEETINGS

by Peter Brusoe | PM, The Eagle Lodge No. 1893

The Grand York Rite Bodies of the District of Columbia, the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, The Grand Council of Cryptic Masons, and the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar, recently concluded their annual grand body meetings. During these meetings, legislation and policy were considered and adopted, annual reports were given, but most importantly brotherhood was shared!

The Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons saw Most Excellent Grand High Priest Nicholas G. Sampogna preside and install his successor the Most Excellent Grand High Priest John Paul Dongmo. The Grand Council of Cryptic Masons saw Most Illustrious Uzo Eric Chukwu preside as the Cryptic Grand Master and install his successor the Most Illustrious Phillip Palmer, Jr. The Grand Commandery of the District of Columbia saw the Right Eminent Grand Commander Sir Knight Douglas C. Cohen preside and install his successor the Right Eminent Annas Fadludeen Kamara as the new Grand Commander. History was made by having the sitting Grand Master of the Grand Lodge be

installed as the Grand Commander of the Knights Templar!

Various York Rite Companions were elevated to receive the rank and dignity of Knight York Cross of Honor, others the order of Anointed High Priest, others the Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests, and Ish Sodi.

The weekend concluded with a gourmet Italian banquet dinner where each outgoing Grand Body head shared his vision and passion for the future of York Rite Masonry and heads of the international bodies lauded the great work being done in DC. It concluded with a moving, inspirational, and aspirational address by Most Worshipful Annas Fadludeen Kamara speaking about the important role that Freemasonry plays in the lives of its members, communities, and the world.

For more information about the York Rite or to seek further light, please reach out to the heads of the Grand Bodies! 

THE DAWNING OF A NEW DAY

by Jacob M. Bressman | Deputy Grand Master

On December 10, 2022, the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington, D.C. installed Most Worshipful Brother Annas Fadludeen Kamara as its 212th Grand Master. Building upon recent successes of restoring order, common decency, and maintaining the traditions of our beloved Craft, Most Worshipful Brother Kamara pledged to dedicate himself to continuing the efforts of championing Protocol, Etiquette, and Tradition within our Grand Lodge. Our Grand Master’s commitment to these core Masonic precepts shall be the light to guide us as we labor onwards in our unity of practicing Freemasonry with a true and unyielding seriousness of purpose.

ABOUT THE GRAND MASTER

Most Worshipful Brother Annas Fadludeen Kamara is a naturalized American citizen, born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, West Africa. He was born to a long lineage of Muslim family and remains a dedicated Muslim. He obtained his elementary and tertiary education from Catholic/Christian institutions in Freetown, Sierra Leone, but was privately tutored to read the Holy Quran at an early age.

In June 1995, he migrated to the United States of America to pursue higher education. He graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, College of Behavioral and Social Science (magna cum laude) and Howard University Graduate School respectively. His passion for social justice led him to enroll and graduated with a second Masters in Social Work from Howard University, Washington, D.C.

On March 15, 2002, Most Worshipful Brother Annas Fadludeen gained admission at the University of Maryland, College Park, Doctor of Philosophy program in Political Science and Law. The pain of marital divorce disrupted the completion of the Doctor of Philosophy program then.

It took eighteen (18) years to consciously dissuade himself from pursuing his lifelong dream of earning a doctorate degree but was unsuccessful. At present, he has been admitted to a Doctoral program at Howard University and had requested deferred admission until September 2024. Most Worshipful Brother Annas Kamara is a husband and the father of three children: Two young adult males and a minor daughter. He has been employed with the District of Columbia Government for over 16 years. He is also the Principal of Fadludeen & Associates, Inc.

The Grand Master delivers his address and is greeted with hearty applause.

Most Worshipful Brother Annas Fadludeen Kamara’s Masonic journey began after he was initiated into Masonry at his mother lodge, Potomac Lodge No. 5, F.A.A.M. Georgetown, Washington, D.C.

He became an affiliated member of Petworth Lodge No. 47 and Jerusalem Lodge No. 3000 in Washington, D.C., where he served as Worshipful Masters of both Lodges in 2011, and 2012 and 2020 respectively.

He is also active in other Appendant Bodies of Masonry in Washington, D.C. He is a member of Mount Vernon-Singleton Royal Arch Chapter No. 3, where he served as High Priest in 2013, Washington Cryptic Council No. 1, serving as Illustrious Master (2012 & 2013) and a Knight Templar at the Washington Commandery No. 1, where he served as Commander (2014). He is a member of the Ancient Arabic

mas Temple Shrine of Washington, D.C. He is also active in the Scottish Rite Valley of Washington, Orient of the District of Columbia, where he received his 32° Degree and was elected as KCCH in May 2015. He received his 33° degree this year.

Most Worshipful Brother Annas Kamara was elected and served as Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Mason of the District of Columbia in March 2020. He also serves as Grand Commander-of the Grand Commandery of Knight Templars of Washington, D.C. after being installed on March 19, 2023.

Most Worshipful Brother Kamara is a Masonic educator. He has lectured in many blue lodges and Appendant bodies to include but not limited to Joppa Lodge No. 34, Petworth Lodge No. 47, Naval Lodge No. 4, Sojourner Kilwinning Article continued on page 24. More photos next page.

Clockwise L to R: The Grand Master thanks the brethren and visitors. | The Grand Master is invested with the Jewel of his Office. | The Grand Master and Immediate Past Grand Master. | The Grand Master is placed in the Oriental Chair. | Presentation of the outgoing Grand Master.

Reception of the Grand Master Elect. | Presentation of the visiting delegation from the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia. | Presentation of the outgoing Grand Master. | The Grand Lodge Officers prepare to receive the Grand Master-elect and the Grand Master. | Visiting Foreign Delegations prepare to enter the Grand Lodge. | The Brethren of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia. | Visiting Brethren, Family, and Friends.

Presentation of the Past Grand Masters of Washington, D.C. |

Presentation of the Sovereign Grand Commander of the AASR, S.J. | Visiting Brethren from Canada. | The Grand Master-elect embraces the Grand Master of Haiti. | The Presiding Officers of D.C. Appendant Bodies. | Most Worshipful Brother Daniel A. Huertas presents his officers with gifts to thank them for their service. | Most Worshipful Brother Akram R. Elias, PGM is presented with the Distinguished Service Award of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, F.A.A.M. | The Sovereign Grand Commander addresses the Grand Lodge and visitors. | The 2022 Grand Lodge Officers.

The Presentation of Colors by the Color Guard. | The Grand Master-elect is presented for Installation. | The Grand Master receives his top hat from his family. | The Grand Master presents flowers to his First Lady. | The Grand Master and his Deputy. | The installation of the Deputy Grand Master. | The installation of the Senior Grand Warden. | The installation of the Junior Grand Warden.

The Senior and Junior Grand Deacons are installed. | The installation of the Grand Treasurer. | The Senior and Junior Grand Stewards are installed. | The Immediate Past Grand Master receives his Past Grand Master’s Jewel. | The Proclamation is made. | Installation of Appointed Grand Lodge Officers. | Visiting Dignitaries from Grand Lodges within the United States. | The Visiting Foreign Delegations.

Lodge No. 1798, National Stansbury-Dawson Lodge No. 12, Mount Vernon RAC No. 3 and Washington Commandery No. I. On January 23, 2010, He was honored to deliver the annual Robert Burns lecture scheduled in January of every year at Sojourner Kilwinning Lodge No. 1798.

GRAND LODGE APPOINTMENTS:

Grand Director of Ceremonies: 2013

Grand Pursuivant: 2014

Grand Marshal: 2015

Grand Master: December 2022

HONORARY MEMBERSHIPS

Maynilad Lodge Lodge No. 1521

Harmony Lodge No 17

Alba Lodge No. 222

L'Haitienne Lodge No. 17

Lodge Constantine the Great, No.43 in Nis, Republic of Serbia

Poseidon Lodge No. 232, East of Constanta, Republic of Romania

Grand Lodge of San Marino, Republic of San Marino

AWARDS & HONORS:

Meritorious Service Award 2013: Jerusalem Lodge No. 3000

Ish Sodi Award 2013: Cryptic Masons of the District of Columbia

Meritorious Companion Award 2019: Grand Chapter RAC Washington, DC

Cryptic Mason of the Year 2020: Cryptic Masons of the District of Columbia

Secret Vault Award 2020: Cryptic Masons of the District of Columbia

Meritorious Service Award 2015:

Washington Commandery, No. 1, Knights Templar

Knight Commander of the Court of Honor (KCCH)

Elected May 2015, D.C. Scottish Rite.

33° Inspector General Honorary Coroneted August 2023: D.C. Scottish Rite

Valentine Reintzel Award 2015: Grand Lodge of Washington, D.C., F.A.A.M

2023 GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

Elected Officers

Grand Master: MWB Annas Fadludeen Kamara

Deputy Grand Master: RWB Jacob M. Bressman

Senior Grand Warden: RWB Eric B. Kuchner

Junior Grand Warden: RWB Chetin Durak

Grand Secretary: MWB Jeffrey D. Russell, PGM

Grand Treasurer: RWB Stephen R. Watkins

The Grand Master is presented with his apron. | The Grand Master receiving gifts from visiting delegations. | A presentation by the outgoing Grand Master to his First Lady. | The Grand Master presents a gift to the Immediate Past Grand Master. | The Altar and George Washington Gavel.

Grand Lecturer: RWB Christopher K. Mahaney

Senior Grand Deacon: RWB Jean-Paul Dongmo

Junior Grand Deacon: RWB Michael K. Greenwald

Senior Grand Steward: RWB George S. Nicol

Junior Grand Steward: RWB Michael O. Spencer

Appointed Officers

Daniel D. Darko: Grand Chaplain

Andre Vainqueur: Assistant Grand Chaplain

Carpenter Y. Arpa IV: Assistant Grand Chaplain

Daniel P. Dolan: Assistant Grand Chaplain

Burton S. Levy: Assistant Grand Chaplain

David G. Maylum: Assistant Grand Chaplain

Sylvanus J. A. Newstead: Grand Marshal

Hector M. Ramirez: Grand Tiler

Mario H. Angulo: Assistant Grand Tiler

Ricardo G. Estrada: Assistant Grand Tiler

Dennis A. Apeti: Assistant Grand Tiler

Fitzgerald O. Williams: Assistant Grand Tiler

George E. Perez: Grand Sword Bearer

Uzo Eric Chukwu: Assistant Grand Sword Bearer

Amid Kasamani: Grand Pursuivant

Teddy T. Karefa-Smart: Assistant Grand Pursuivant

Solomon S. Jackson: Assistant Grand Marshal

Phillip J. Palmer, Sr.: Grand Director of Ceremonies

Marco Fiorante: Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies

Wayne T. Brough: Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies

Andrew U. Hammer: Grand Historian & Deputy Grand Lecturer

Bogac Cetiner: Assistant Grand Historian

Jean A. Marcelin, Jr.: Grand Lodge Physician

John J. Pardalis: Assistant Grand Lodge Physician

Samuel Kanu: Assistant Grand Lodge Physician

Quardricos B. Driskell: Grand Orator

Emmanuel A. Findlay: Assistant Grand Orator

Elkanah E. Faux: Grand Preceptor

John D. Freemon: Assistant Grand Preceptor

Nicholas J. Sampogna: Grand Provost

Michael J. Trott: Assistant Grand Provost

Jacob Foko: Grand Photographer

Gouahon Roger Mensah: Assistant Grand Photographer

Fessou E. Lawson: Grand Almoner

Kevin L. Coy: Assistant Grand Almoner

Daniel A. Huertas: Grand Ambassador - South America

Wilfred Bankole-Gibson: Grand Ambassador - Africa

Teko A. Foly: Grand Ambassador - Appendant Bodies

Universal

Samuel Sampson: Grand Ambassador - Eurasia

Generoso D. Calonge: Grand Ambassador - Asia

Richard J. Bautista: Grand Representative - CMI

Antoine N. Assi: Deputy Grand Lecturer

Pierre Malko: Deputy Grand Lecturer

Anand A. Trivedi: Assistant Grand Lecturer

Dominador S. Carreon: Grand Standard Bearer

Sam W. Chin: Assistant Grand Standard Bearer

Donald R. Ferguson, Sr.: Assistant Grand Standard Bearer

Carlos A. Landazuri: Aide to the Grand Master

Bassem Kaissi: Aide to the Grand Master

Chad D. D’Amore: Aide to the Grand Master

Robb C. Mitchell: Aide to the Grand Master

Marwan Hinnawi: Aide to the Grand Master

Youssouf M. Diallo: Aide to the Grand Master

Wuilder E. Aguero: Aide to the Grand Master

Michael C. Graver: Aide to the Grand Master

James L. Frederique: Aide to the Grand Master

Yazan M. Jarrar: Aide to the Grand Master

Douglas N. Cohen: Aide to the Grand Master

Michael Yaich: Aide to the Grand Master

Robert G. Macauley: Aide to the Grand Master

Victor G. Taylor: Aide to the Grand Master

Juan J. Tassano: Aide to the Grand Master

Patrick N. Nnaji: Special Assistant to the Grand Master

Rowland O. Beckley: Special Assistant to the Grand Master

Gilbert Augustin: Special Assistant to the Grand Master

Pierrindo R. M. Palmer: Grand Musician

Nathaniel R. Streeter: Grand Musician

Egerton M Peters-John: Assistant Grand Musician

Larry A. Villegas-Perez: Grand Psychologist

Bilal M. Raschid: Spiritual Counselor to the Grand Master 

MASON AT SIGHT

by Elijah Mills | PM, Arminius Lodge No. 25

On March 30th, 2023 I traveled to Virginia to meet with Most Worshipful Brother Annas F. Kamara, MWB Jeffrey D. Russell, RWB Christopher Mahaney, WB Alex Crowther, and WB Pedro Guerrero for a very rare ceremony: to make a Mason “at sight.”

For those unfamiliar, making a man a Mason “at sight” is exactly what it sounds like but goes back to the very beginning of our fraternity. In Mackey’s listing of the Landmarks (he gives 25 in “The Manual of the Lodge”), he lists it at Landmark VIII which reads simply: “The prerogative of the Grand Master to make Masons at sight.” Henry Wilson Coil also addresses the practice in his Masonic Encyclopedia with a lengthy entry. He notes, however, that although there are traditions, it ultimately varies by the jurisdiction and the will of the Grand Master at the time. One of the earliest known examples of this practice was the raising of Francis Stephen, Duke of Lorraine in 1731 who went on to become the Holy Roman Emperor 14 years later. William Howard Taft was raised as a Mason at sight (in Ohio) on February 18th, 1909 a few weeks prior to his inauguration as the 27th President of the United States and ultra-locally, General Douglas MacArthus was raised by this Grand Lodge on January 17,

1936. Here in D.C., I learned, this involved petitioning a lodge, having a favorable ballot, and then traveling to the petitioner’s home to confer the three degrees, which essentially covered the obligations and modes of recognition. This is an exceptionally rare ceremony and circumstances must be truly extra-ordinary coupled with a very deserving candidate to be granted. Frankly, when I made this request of the Grand Master on February 9th, I never expected it to be granted because they are so rare.

The occasion for this degree was, however, not a happy one. Going back to pre-pandemic, I had visited Benjamin Brown French Lodge No. 15 a number of times with a friend of mine, then Mr. and now Br. James Moxness. Although I am not a member of that lodge, I thought it would be a natural fit for him since he is an active duty Navy JAG officer and would enjoy the culture at their meetings - and he did. We went to several events and he even petitioned to join that lodge. And then he was deployed to Africa and was unable to begin his degrees. And then the pandemic struck and he was stranded there away from his husband for several years. Finally when he was able to return to their home in Virginia, he was almost

immediately diagnosed with glioblastoma - a rare, aggressive, and always fatal type of brain tumor. Although he is blessed to be receiving essentially the best care through the military, even still, he was given 9-12 months as an estimate last year. A brief biographical sketch follows of Brother Moxness.

Lt. Commander James Moxness, II, is a triple degree graduate of the University of Arizona, masters graduate of the University of Oxford, and juris doctor via Harvard Law School. His mixed educational background, which spans the fields of art history, chemical engineering, and law has uniquely placed him as an intelligent and talented leader throughout the communities he serves. As a deputy staff judge advocate in the United States Navy, he not only serves as an essential component in maintaining the high quality of ethics and morals in the United States Navy, he works closely with US and foreign flag officers to train members of the service and allied navies in a wide range of legal and ethical areas. Most recently, he trained Djiboutian Navy personnel while at a posting in the Horn of Africa.

James is a devoted husband, married to Max Hazell since November 2016. He is also an active Anglo-Catholic Episcopalian, confirmed by the IX Bishop of Washington on the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul in 2017. He is an acolyte for his parish, and local leader of the international Society of Mary. He is also a confrere in the Order of Saint John, and is an active member of his community and DC professional life. His integrity, kindness, and honesty is rooted in devotion to Christ and love for others.

The journey to confer this honor on a deserving man was not always straightforward: he lives in Virginia, was briefly hospitalized at Walter Reed, then moved to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, and then finally was at home again in Virginia - this obviously posed some jurisdictional issues but both the Grand Lodges of Maryland and Virginia were happy to grant our request to perform the ceremony in their jurisdictions. With the rapidly changing state of his health, having this flexibility was crucial. So, on March 30th this year, the team mentioned at the top of this article were able to visit Br Moxness at his home and confer the three degrees of Masonry in an abbreviated format around his bed.

Personally, I can say this is one of the most moving things I’ve experienced in Masonry. Quite simply, here was a man only a couple of years older than myself who is dying and what did he want: to be made a Mason before it was too late. We, your Grand Lodge, BBF, and everyone who pulled together on this project were able to make it happen and we should all be proud of that. Man is not too oft reminded that he was born to die - and I can tell you those degrees have a greater impact when conferred in those circumstances; greater than I would have imagined. I knew it would be hard seeing a friend of mine in his diminished state but seeing how much this affected him and knowing how important it was to get this done in time reminded me of how important what we do can be for people. 

GRATEFUL TO BE HERE

by Eric Kuchner | Senior Grand Warden

Each time we passed them, Brethren beamed at us, speaking without saying a word—“grateful to be here.” Once, twice, three times the signs and symbols were exchanged, and finally the echoing footsteps came to a halt. The familiar formality of introductions and ritual filled the Lodge. The Master proudly found his voice, calling out to the room with his words. Then onto the Secretary – Past Masters receiving their well - earned admiration.

Grand Visitations are a magical moment, when eruptions of deafening silence, unspoken glances, frayed nerves, teaching moments, reflections, joy, laughter, roars of emotion cut the air - all buoyed by gratitude, fellowship, and brotherly love converging in that moment of time within the sacred safe space of our living Masonic temple.

THE IDEAL MASON

by Jean-Paul Dongmo, Sr. | Senior Grand Deacon

Brethren, as it is often said, “Masonry takes a good man and makes him a better man.” Are you there yet?

In recent years, I have (probably like many of you) struggled to understand the problems of our jurisdiction and to comprehend the underlying issues that led to them. Some nights while driving home, facing the Master within, I’ve questioned myself on the worthiness of sacrificing time, effort, energy, and resources for the craft; this very craft

that is supposed to have made us better men, and that some think, “has failed many of us”. With time, I came to the realization that this same craft that has been around since time immemorial, can never fail us; the men in the craft failed us, WE failed the craft!

As a service organization, we are not obligated to be part, but if we so choose, we must do our utmost to diffuse light and use our Common Gavel to polish our rough edges so as to become

“So, you think Brother Parkes is an ideal Mason, do you?” asked the Old Past Master of the Young Brother.

“I like Brother Parkes, but before I give assent to your adjective of ‘ideal’ I’d like to have you define it.”

“What I meant” answered the Younger Brother.” “ …that he is so well-rounded a Mason. He is Brotherly, charitable, loves a good speech and a good time, and does his Masonic duty as he sees it.”

“Oh! Well, if that’s being an ideal Mason, Parkes is surely one. But I can’t follow your definition of ideal. For there are so many ideals in Freemasonry, and it has been given to few…I doubt really if it has-been given to any man to realize them all. Certainly, I never knew one.”

“There are so many kinds of Masons! I do not refer now to the various bodies a brother may join: Chapter, Council, Command-

better Men and Masons with the aim of “fitting our minds as living stones for that spiritual building, that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” On that note, I invite you to dwell with me in the following excerpt of our Past Grand Master, Carl H. Claudy, from his book ‘The Old Past Master’ written in 1924 about the Ideal Mason:

ery, Scottish Rite Lodge, Chapter, Council, Consistory, the Shrine, Grotto, Tall Cedars, Eastern Star; a man may belong to them all and still be just one kind of Mason.” When I speak of ‘kinds’ of Masons I mean ‘kinds of ideals.’

“There is the man whose ideal of Masonry is ritual. He believes in the ritual as the backbone of the fraternity. Not to be letter perfect in a degree is an actual pain to him; he cares more for the absolute accuracy of the lessons than the meaning in them. His ideal is a necessary one, and to him we are indebted for our Schools of Instruction, for our accuracy in handing down to those who come after us, the secret work, and to a large extent, for what small difficulties we put in the way of a candidate, by which he conceives a regard for the Order. What is too easily obtained is of small value. Making a new Mason

Apron of the Master Mason Excerpt continued on next page. 

learn by rote some difficult ritual not only teaches him the essential lessons; but makes him respect that which he gets by making it difficult.”

“There is a brother with the social ideal of Masonry. To him the Order is first a benevolent institution, one which dispenses charity, supports homes, looks after the sick, buries the dead, and, occasionally, stages a ‘ladies’ night’ or a ‘free feed’ or an ‘entertainment’. He is a man who thinks more of the lessons of brotherly love than the language in which they are taught; as a ritualist, he uses synonyms all the time, to the great distress of the ritually- minded Mason. To the social ideal of Masonry and those to whom it makes its greatest appeal we are indebted for much of the public approbation of our Order, since in its social contacts it is seen of the world.”

“There are brethren to whom the historical, perhaps I should say the archeological ideal, is the one of greatest appeal. They are the learned men; the men who dig in libraries, read the books, who write the papers on history and antiquity. To them we are indebted for the real, though not yet fully told story of the Craft. They have taken from us the old apocryphal tales of the origin of the Order and set Truth in their places; they have uncovered a far more wonderful story than those ancient ones which romanticists told. They have given us the right to venerate our age and vitality; before they came, we had only fables to live by. To them we owe Lodges of Research, histories, commentaries, the great books of Masonry and

My dear brothers, as we continue the labor in the quarries to shape our stones, let us always be mindful of our laws and regulations, our ancient landmarks and tradition; and above all, the obligations we took and their ensuing penalties.

I sincerely hope that you found some food for thoughts in the “Ideal Mason” that will guide you in playing your modest

much of the interpretation of our mysteries.”

“Then there is the symbolist. His ideal is found in the esoteric teachings of Freemasonry. He is not content with the bare outline of the meaning of our symbols found in our lectures-he has dug and delved and learned, until he has uncovered so great a wealth of philosophical, religious and fraternal lessons in our symbols as would amaze the Masons who lived before the symbolist began his work.” To him we are indebted for such a wealth of beauty as has made the Craft lovely in the eyes of men who otherwise would find in it only ‘another organization.’

To him we are indebted for the greatest reasons for its life, its vitality. For the symbolist has pointed the way to the inner, spiritual truths of Freemasonry and made it blossoms like the rose in the hearts of men who seek, they know not what, and find, that which is too great for them to comprehend.”

These are but other ideals of Freemasonry, my son, but these are enough to illustrate my point. Brother Parkes follows the social ideal of Freemasonry; and follows it well. He is a good man, a good Mason, in every sense of the word. But he is not an ‘ideal’ Mason. An ‘ideal’ …. thank to be historian or antiquarian, nor with enough vision to be an interpreter of symbols for any man but myself. My ideal is the simple one we try to teach to all, and which, if we live up to it, encompasses all the rest; the Fatherhood of God, and the brotherhood of man.”

part to take our jurisdiction into newest heights; so together, we can one day hand-it over to younger generations as MWB. Claudy handed it to us.

Let us all ask ourselves what it takes to become “Ideal Mason”, and let’s strive to become one. 

THE PRESTONIAN LECTURE

by Akram R. Elias | Past Grand Master

The Prestonian Lecture is the only lecture given under the authority of the United Grand Lodge of England. William Preston (1742-1818), regarded as the foremost Masonic educator of his time, left a legacy to provide for an Annual Lectureship.

The preamble to the list of Prestonian Lectures which appears in each Grand Lodge of England Masonic Year Book is set out below:

‘‘During his lifetime William Preston developed an elaborate system of masonic instruction which was practised in association with the Lodge of Antiquity of which he was at one time Master. At his death in 1818, Preston bequeathed to Grand Lodge the sum of £300 for the perpetuation of his system of instruction… Lectures in accordance with this system were delivered from 1820 until 1862, when the Lectureship was permitted to lapse. In 1924 the Prestonian Lectureship was revived with a modification to the original Scheme, the lecturer now submitting a Masonic subject of his own selection, and with the exception of the war years, 1940-1946, regular appointments have been made annually since 1924 to the present day.’’

The selection procedure for lecturers was altered in 2018 and the Provincial Grand Masters, Metropolitan Grand Master and the Secretary of Quatuor Coronati Lodge now submit names of possible lecturers. Those put forward provide a synopsis of their proposed lecture by September, the synopses are reviewed in November, and the lecturer selected the following May, announced in June, and invested in December at that Quarterly

Communication of Grand Lodge. The lectureship lasts for one calendar year.

On the occasion of The Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the United Grand Lodge of England approved at its Quarterly Communication on June 8, 2022, my appointment as the Prestonian Lecturer for the year 2023. I delivered the lecture titled The 1723 Constitutions: The Indispensable Trowel; Cementing America’s Foundations at Freemasons’ Hall in London at an Especial Meeting of the United Grand Lodge of England on January 31, 2023.

I have already presented the Lecture at The William Preston Lodge No. 766 in London on March 23, 2023, and at the Annual Banquet of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut on March 31, 2023.

Being a Prestonian Lecturer comes with the requirement and/or expectation to present the lecture at four Lodges that are selected officially by the United Grand Lodge of England. In my case, I will be presenting the Lecture at the following English Lodges:

• Durham Lodge of Installed Master No. 444, Durham, England

• Cornucopia Lodge of Provincial Grand Stewards of Derbyshire No 9925, Derby, England

• Methuen Lodge No 8692 in Swindon, England

• British Lodge No. viii in London, England

Furthermore, I have been asked to give my Prestonian

Lecture this year at the following institutions:

• The Grand Lodge of Ontario, Canada

• The Scottish Rite Research Society at the Biennial Session of the Supreme Council

• Queens’ College at the University of Cambridge, England

• Villard de Honnecourt, the premier research Lodge under the Grande Loge Nationale Française (GLNF)

My Prestonian Lecture: The 1723 Constitutions: The Indispensable Trowel; Cementing America’s Foundations

As an American who is squarely focused on the preservation of freedom and expansion of democratic governance, I address in my Lecture the unique contribution made by Freemasonry and its 1723 Constitutions to the establishment in the United States of a new and extraordinary experiment in human governance.

My Lecture was not designed to list the Freemasons who fought in the War of Independence or those who were signers of the founding documents of the United States. There are numerous books and publications on that subject. Instead, I focus my writing on Freemasonry’s unique contribution to a new construct of society that was necessary for the operational success of the new system of governance established in 1789 in the United States of America.

Then, as a speculative Free-Mason, I explain why and how a renewed focus on the core values and precepts of our Noble Craft framed by the 1723 Constitutions, might reinvigorate and reposition Freemasonry to fulfill its most scared mission of “graduating” free and enlightened citizen builders in the United States.

For a list of previous Prestonian Lectures (1925 – 2019), visit:

https://www.quatuorcoronati.com/prestonian-lecturers/ 

With the leadership of the William Preston Lodge No. 766

THE MASONIC 24-INCH GAUGE IN POETRY AND HISTORY

by C. Lincoln | Fraternity Lodge 541

There are many tools in operative Masonry. There are many tools in speculative Masonry. The 24-inch gauge is one of the Entered Apprentice's working tools and is used in operative masonry to measure and layout work. However, in speculative masonry, the 24-inch gauge is used to divide our time for a more noble purpose – that of managing our time. The 24-inch gauge, which is divided into twenty-four equal parts, is emblematical of the twenty-four hours of the day.

We speculative masons are urged to divide our day into three parts. We instruct the newly initiated mason to give eight hours to labor, eight hours to the service of God and a worthy, distressed brother, and eight to refreshment and sleep. This time gauge teaches the mason to prioritize and use their time constructively. One can perhaps flippantly wish for a 25-inch gauge for the 25th hour of the day.

While it may seem like a challenge to divide the day into exactly equivalent three parts, the intention is to remind us that we only have 24 hours in a day. We have 24 hours given to us by the architect of the world to complete what we need to

do, and that is all we have to build our moral metaphorical edifice. The gauge is a lesson in scheduling and priority, and it reminds us that we should use our time constructively.

Granted, the 24-inch gauge can be divided even further. Doctors, lawyers, and accountants frequently divide their days into one-tenth of an hour increments counting every 6 minutes.2

The last third of the day, which we are instructed to give to refreshment and sleep, could also mean doing whatever makes us rejuvenated. However, we also need to work at least eight hours a day to generate income, and we need eight hours of sleep. Thus, the question remains of how to spend the remaining eight hours of service as outlined in the EA degree.

In Brother Albert Mackey’s Encyclopedia of Freemasonry published 1875, Brother Mackey provides a definition of the 24-inch gauge in the following way as a sort of inspiration of what we can achieve if we use our time wisely, for a worthy purpose, and organize it accordingly:

1 Firstly, I would like to express my sincere gratitude towards Worshipful Master Andrew Uhlman for extending an invitation to me to speak at Singleton Lodge on April 6, 2023. It was an absolute honor and pleasure to be a part of the event and share my thoughts on the topic. His valuable feedback and encouragement have been instrumental in making this event a success, and I am grateful for his support.

Furthermore, I would also like to extend my appreciation to the following Brothers for their feedback and insightful comments. Their contributions have added depth and meaning to my presentation, and I am grateful for their support: Zach Rubenfeld, Andrei Antonescu, Nicky Sampogna, Chris Tessone, and Mark Wright. Their constructive feedback and helpful comments have not only strengthened my presentation but also provided me with a valuable learning experience. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to engage with such knowledgeable and supportive individuals.

Once again, I express my heartfelt gratitude to Worshipful Master Andrew Uhlman and the Brothers of Singleton Lodge for their warm hospitality and support. It was a memorable experience that I will cherish.

2 Kopel J. The 24-inch gauge and the common gavel: an entered apprentice mason's perspective on the medical profession. Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). 2020 Jan.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Memorial Source: Wikipedia

“In the twenty-four-inch gage is a symbol of time well employed following as best we can the example of the lines told to us by Longfellow in the Psalm of Life,

Lives of great men all remind us We can make our lives sublime, And departing leave behind us Footprints on the sands of time.”

worthy, distressed brother, and eight to refreshment and sleep. William of Malmsbury tells us, that this method of dividing the day is the same that was adopted by King Alfred.3

One could be skeptical of this reference to King Alfred. Upon further investigation, it turns out Brother Mackey was right on point. Granted William of Malmsbury wrote several hundred years after King Alfred in the 1200s. William of Malmsbury in his description of King Alfred's life wrote:

But, in short, I may thus briefly elucidate his whole life: he so divided the twenty-four hours of the day and night as to employ eight of them in writing, in reading, and in prayer, eight in the refreshment of his body, and eight in dispatching the business of the realm. There was in his chapel a candle consisting of twentyfour divisions, and an attendant, whose peculiar province it was to admonish the king of his several duties by its consumption.4

This shows that King Alfred had a type of “talisman” - the candle and the attendant - to help remind him, and we as Masons could use the 24-inch gauge in the same way.

Source and description from: Wikipedia: “Alfred depicted in a stained-glass window of c. 1905 in Bristol Cathedral.”

Wikipedia: “Bristol Cathedral, the Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity, is the Church of England cathedral in the city of Bristol, England. Founded in 1140 and consecrated in 1148, it was originally St Augustine's Abbey but after the Dissolution of the Monasteries it became in 1542 the seat of the newly created Bishop of Bristol and the cathedral of the new Diocese of Bristol. It is a Grade I listed building.”

In Brother Albert Mackey’s 1869 publication, A Lexicon on Freemasonry, the entry for the 24-inch-gauge provides:

An instrument made use of in operative masonry, for the purpose of measuring and laying out work, and which, in speculative masonry, constitutes one of the working tools of the Entered Apprentice. The twenty-four inches which are marked upon its surface, are emblematical of the twenty-four hours of the day, which, being divided into three parts, instruct the mason to give eight hours to labour, eight hours to the service of God and a

When thinking about a talisman, consider the definition in the Oxford English Dictionary (“OED”) that provides:

“A stone, ring, or other object engraven (sic) with figures or characters, to which are attributed the occult powers of the planetary influences and celestial configurations under which it was made; usually worn as an amulet to avert evil from or bring fortune to the wearer; also medicinally used to impart healing virtue; hence, any object held to be endowed with magic virtue; a charm.”5

5 "talisman, n.2." The Oxford English Dictionary. 2nd ed., vol. 19, Oxford University Press, 1989.

4 Giles, John Allen, ed. William of Malmesbury's Chronicle of the Kings of England: from the Earliest Period to the Reign of King Stephen. Vol. 3. Bohn, 1847.

Malmsbury stain glass. Source Wikipedia.

The OED continues on the entry for the term “talisman” that, “[i]n quot. 1638 applied to the telesms or consecrated statues set up in Egypt, and later in Greece, to protect the city or community: see telesm n.” Moreover, the OED continues, “[a]mong Muslim nations, the potent principle is held to be contained in verses from the Qur'an engraved on the charm.” The etymology perhaps is enlightening: “17th cent. French talisman, Spanish talisman, Portuguese talismã, Italian talismano, ultimately representing Arabic ṭilsam, in same sense, < Greek τέλεσμα telesm n. The final -an is not accounted for.” This suggests that the origin is Greek but is a combination of thought from Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and French prior to entering English.” Regarding the history of the term, the OED states, “An Arabic plural ṭilsamān, alleged by Diez s.v., and thence in various recent dictionaries, is an error: no such form exists in Arabic, Persian, or Turkish. The only Arabic form at all similar would be a relative adjective *ṭilsimānī (one) dealing with talismans, if this were in use. The identity of talisman with τέλεσμα was first pointed out by Salmasius, Hist. Augusta 1620.” The etymology and history of a word can often bring about its ideas of how it’s done.

Brother Mackey wrote in his 1875 Encyclopedia:“The Masonic essence of the lesson is ability, preparedness and readiness, recalling the suggestion of William Shakespeare to the workman in Julius Caesar (act I, scene I, line 5), Where is thy leather apron and thy rule? What dost thou with thy best apparel on?”

Shakespeare in this line has an astonishing prescience to Masonry.6 It is worthwhile noting that James VI (of Scotland) and I of the United Kingdom of England and Scotland was a patron of Shakespeare – and a Fellow Craft. It seems likely that Shakespeare would have known about Freemasonry existing whether by interacting with the King or others in the King’s court who were involved in Freemasonry. Indeed, King James himself was a Fellowcraft Freemason (Lodge Scoon and Perth No. 3 in Perth) (1601-1625) - Initiated: April 15, 1601. It should be noted that the Master Mason degree was invented in 1725.7 Thus, King James did reach the ultimate degree available at the time in 1601.w

The 24-inch gauge reminds us to manage our time wisely and to use it to achieve our goals. It is not only a lesson of schedule but a lesson of priority. We must remember that time is a precious commodity and use it constructively to build our moral metaphorical edifice.

In “Advice to a Young Tradesman", an essay by Benjamin Franklin that appeared in George Fisher’s 1748 book, The American Instructor: or Young Man’s Best Companion, in which Franklin wrote, "Remember that time is money.”8 In the full quote, Franklin wrote:

"Remember that time is money. He that can earn ten shillings a day by his labour, and goes abroad, or sits idle one half of that day, though he spends but sixpence during his diversion or idleness, it ought not to be reckoned the only expence; he hath really spent or thrown away five shillings besides.”9

Image and description from Wikipedia: “Title page of the First Folio, 1623. Copper engraving of Shakespeare by Martin Droeshout.” Julius Caesar was first performed in 1599.

6 Indeed, it is as literary critic and Sterling Professor of Literature at Yale University, Harold Bloom wrote “something very like Shakespeare's genius for rediscovering the human.” Bloom, Harold. How to read and why. Simon and Schuster, 2001.

7 “Around 1725 the trigradal system of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason … on those for the degrees of Entered Apprentice and Master Mason.” Snoek, Jan AM. "Masonic rituals of initiation." In Handbook of Freemasonry, pp. 319-327. Brill, 2014.

8 Franklin, Benjamin. "Advice to a young Tradesman (1748)." Veranstaltung vom 1748 (2020).

9 Franklin, Benjamin. "Advice to a young Tradesman (1748)." Veranstaltung vom 1748 (2020).

Exactly 100 years prior to Ben Franklin’s 1748 publication, a poem was written in English in 1648 by an English poet named Robert Herrick:

“Gather ye Rose-buds while ye may, Old Time is still a-flying: And this same flower that smiles to day, To morrow will be dying.”10

In short, what Franklin and the poet are suggesting is: carpe diem, seize the day.

Leaving this article, consider meditating on the eight hours a day where you have the most leeway.

Perhaps it is the power of saying no and giving an affirmative “no” answer to obligations that don’t fit into your schedule. Based on my experience: to answer a flippant question at

the beginning of how to get a 25-inch gauge – the answer is saying, no.

So far this article has explored how the concept of time and time management is discussed in historic, poetic, and Masonic contexts. But what is the unifying element to them all? Why is it so important to be reminded of these things? w

Perhaps the main reason is that we are mortal and food for worms, and each one of us at some point – hopefully many years from now – will be reunited with the Great Creator. Because we are mortal, we owe a duty to each other and we have a commitment to the world.

For the EAs and the FCs, make sure to consider and think about this and the other Masonic tools as you progress through our subsequent degrees. 

Benjamin Franklin - Image source: Wikipedia

10 Crofts, Thomas, ed. The Cavalier Poets: An Anthology. Courier Corporation, 1995.

VISIT TO ARMENIA

by Armen Simonian | PM, Mehr Lodge No. 90, Hayastan Lodge No. 94 & PGM, Grand Lodge of Armenia

As the Grand Ambassador for Caucasus, I recently attended the Annual Communications of the Grand Lodge of Armenia in the Summer of 2022. During this time, I was able to represent the Grand Lodge of the District of Colombia, F.A.A.M. While doing so, I attended the Armenian Genocide Memorial with many other visiting dignitaries and placed a wreath on behalf of our Grand Lodge. While in Armenia, I

also visited Washington Lodge No. 4 (the English speaking Lodge) and instructed them on using the D.C. Ritual. It was an honor and a privilege to represent our Grand Lodge while visiting Armenia.

UPCOMING GRAND LODGE COMMUNICATIONS

Annual Communication

In accordance with the Code of the Grand Lodge the Grand Master will convene the Annual Stated Communication of the Grand Lodge on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the Almas Shrine Center, 1315 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005. At this time the Grand Lodge will consider items of business that have been regularly submitted and detailed in accordance with Sec. 1001.12 of the Grand Lodge Code, elect Grand Lodge officers, and transact any such business as may legally come before it. Lunch will be provided. The Grand Lodge is scheduled to close at 4:00 p.m.

Dress code: Grand Lodge Officers — Formal Morning attire, collars, jewels, white apron and gray gloves; Past Grand Masters and Brethren — black suit, white shirt, black four-in-hand tie, black socks, apron and jewel of office.

Third Communication & Installation of Grand Lodge Officers

Also, in accordance with the Code of the Grand Lodge, the Grand Master will convene the Third Stated Communication of the Grand Lodge, at 5:00 P.M. on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at the D.C. Scottish Rite Temple, 2800 16th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009. At this communication the Grand Lodge will consider the reports of the Grand Master on matters arising subsequent to the Annual Communication; receive the reports of the Committees to which the annual address of the Grand Master was referred; present the Grand Lodge Distinguished Service Medal (if one is to be awarded); and install the Grand Lodge Officers in a ceremony open to the public. No other business will be transacted.

Dress code: Grand Lodge Officers – White tie and black tailcoat, white apron, white gloves; Past Grand Masters – tuxedo, ornate or white apron, jewel; other Brethren – black suit, white shirt, black four-in-hand tie, black socks, apron, collar and jewel of office. 

THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY

Grand Lodge, F.A.A.M. of D.C.

5428 MacArthur Blvd., NW

Washington, D.C. 20016-2524

Now in its 61st year, the Masonic Foundation of the District of Columbia is a 501(c)3 registered nonprofit organization which operates as the charitable arm of the Grand Lodge, F.A.A.M. of the District of Columbia. The Foundation’s continuing mission is to expand Masonic Philanthropy in the fields of charitable, educational, and scientific programs.

In order to fulfill that mission and provide much-needed services and support in our community, the Foundation relies entirely on the voluntary gifts and endowments from District of Columbia Masons, their families, and friends. Additionally, at this time, no portion of the annual dues of any Masonic body go towards the Foundation.

Donations to the Foundation by Lodges and individual Brothers directly benefit the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area by being completely distributed to charitable organizations. This empowers us as D.C. Freemasons to change lives through charity, securing the Masonic legacy of giving for generations to come.

As you contemplate making a charitable gift this year, please consider making a tax-deductible gift to support the Masonic Foundation of the District of Columbia by visiting DCMasonicFoundation.org and clicking the donate button at the bottom of the page, or by sending your check payable to The Masonic Foundation of DC to 5428 MacArthur Blvd., NW, Washington, DC 20016.

Your partnership and generous contribution will provide direct benefits to the community we serve. 

GRAND LODGE OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Annas Fadludeen Kamara, Grand Master Jeffrey D. Russell, PGM, Grand Secretary