A New Dawn for Freemasonry in the Nation’s Capital: 2022 Grand Lodge Installation of Officers

A NEW DAWN FOR FREEMASONRY IN THE NATION’S CAPITAL

By Akram R. Elias Past Grand Master, Installing Master

MWB Akram R. Elias

On December 11, 2021, the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington, D.C. installed Most Worshipful Brother Daniel A. Huertas as its new Grand Master marking the start of its 211th year of continuous existence.

After a tumultuous period of two years filled with uncertainty and confusion in the midst of a pandemic, this installation marked a time of renewal; the renewal of our commitment to the teachings of Freemasonry and its admonition to practice outside the Lodge what we are taught in it. It is through the applications of Freemasonry, that we not only improve ourselves, but also the world around us.

The installation ceremony of the Grand Master and Grand Lodge Officers for the Masonic Year of 2022 was conducted by the following team:

ƒ Most Worshipful Brother Akram R.

Elias, Past Grand Master (2008), as

Installing Master ƒ Most Worshipful Brother Teko A. Foly,

Past Grand Master (2013), as Installing

Marshal ƒ Most Worshipful Brother Richard J.

Bautista, Past Grand Master (2018), as

Installing Marshal ƒ Most Worshipful Brother Charbel T.

Fahed, Past Grand Master (2019), as

Installing Marshal

WHENCE CAME THE GRAND MASTER? Prior to commencing the ceremony of installation, the Installing Master delivered the following remarks introducing to the audience present the Man and the Mason about to be installed as Grand Master.

Brethren, visiting dignitaries, ladies and friends,

It is my distinct honor and with great pleasure that I present to you Brother Daniel A. Huertas who is about to be installed as the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Free and Accepted Masons of Washington, D.C. for the ensuing Masonic Year.

Most Worshipful Brother Daniel A. Huertas was born and raised in Quito, Ecuador.

Ecuador, located in northwestern South America, is one of the most environmentally diverse countries in the world, and it has contributed notably to the environmental sciences.

The first scientific expedition to measure the circumference of the Earth, led by Charles-Marie de La Condamine of France, was based in Ecuador. Moreover, research in Ecuador by the renowned naturalists Alexander von Humboldt of Prussia and Charles Darwin of England helped establish basic theories of modern geography, ecology, and evolutionary biology.

Much of what is now Ecuador was part of the Inca empire thus having a rich cultural heritage.

The people of Quito, the Ecuadoran capital, claim that it was the scene of the first Ecuadoran patriot uprising against Spanish rule (1809). Invading from Colombia in 1822, the armies of Freemason leaders and liberators Simón Bolívar and Antonio José de Sucre came to the aid of Ecuadoran rebels, and on May 24, 1822, Sucre won the decisive Battle of Pichincha on a mountain slope near Quito, thus assuring Ecuadoran independence.

Apart from the historical connection between Freemasonry and the nation of Ecuador, Daniel’s Masonic DNA was uniquely shaped by having two Master Masons as his parents.

His mother, Silvia, who received the degrees of Master Mason over 35 years ago, played a major role in laying the ground for Women Freemasonry in his home country.

Patricio, his father and Master Mason would take his toddler Daniel to his days of Masonic education or fellowship and teach him in his youth about the significance of Masonic tools and symbols using gamification techniques.

Daniel was initiated into the Society of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington, D.C. at Alianza Fraternal Americana Lodge No. 92 and was elevated to the degree of Master Mason in July 2000 at the age of 20 and received the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite in 2001.

He affiliated with Albert Pike Lodge No. 33 and William R. Singleton-Hope-Lebanon Lodge No. 7. He also became a founding member of Compass Lodge No. 1811 along with his father and Masonic Brother Patricio.

In 2013, he served as President of the Masters and Wardens Association and was appointed as Grand Sword Bearer by the Grand Master at the time, Most Worshipful Brother Teko A. Foly.

In 2014, Most Worshipful Brother Huertas served as Grand Marshal and was installed in December of the same year to the Office of Junior Grand Steward.

Over the several years, as he journeyed towards the Grand East, he served this Grand Lodge on various committees and in different capacities. On November 20, 2021, Daniel A. Huertas, was elected as the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Free and Accepted Masons of Washington, D.C.

As a naturalized citizen of the United States, Daniel embodies the true immigrant spirit that has over the past 245 years injected vitality, optimism, and forward thinking into the Great Experiment that is America.

While going to college, he invested himself in the world of real estate, starting as a mortgage originator at Wells Fargo Bank and developing over the years a robust network of local real estate professionals. With the dawn of the 2008 real estate crisis, Daniel left the mortgage industry and began fixing and flipping homes, carving out a new and exciting pathway within the real estate investor sphere.

Within a few years, Daniel’s company was responsible for the successful rehabilitation of over 100 real estate projects using mostly private capital.

True to his entrepreneurial spirit, having accumulated much knowledge about and experience in private lending, Daniel took another giant step. He co-founded Washington Capital Partners (WCP) with the aim of rewriting the rules of private lending and removing the stigma of hard money lending.

Since 2012, Daniel grew WCP into a business with thousands of transactions worth over $1 billion and currently leads a team of over 50 real estate investment employees with the purpose of transforming communities through sustainable lending practices.

Today, he is WCP’s sole owner and CEO. Under his leadership WCP has become the largest private real estate lending company in the Mid-Atlantic region, earning industry recognition from prestigious sources such as The Financial Times, Inc. 5000, the Washington Business Journal, and the Women Presidents’ Organization in collaboration with JP Morgan Chase Commercial Banking.

In recognition of his extraordinary and transformative efforts, he was selected as the award-winning CEO by the Washington Business Journal’s 40 under 40 for the class of 2019. What a great honor!

As a true spirited American and Freemason, Daniel strongly believes in giving back to the community and he does so through a variety of philanthropic initiatives including his cofounding work at The WCP Foundation.

Daniel’s better half, Gisele, has been very supportive of his journey including that of Freemasonry. Giselle and Daniel are proud parents of two boys, Alejandro and Paolo.

The Grand Master-Elect, MWB Daniel A. Huertas is presented for Installation by MWB Richard J. Bautista, Installing Marshal.

The Grand Master kneeling at the altar in communion with members of his family. On his left, stands Gisele, his wife, partner and mother of his children. On his right, stands Worshipful Brother David Huertas, Past Master of Albert Pike Lodge No. 33, and the Grand Master’s biological brother. Behind him, stands his father and fraternal brother, Brother Patricio Huertas.

Following those remarks, the Installation of Officers of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington, D.C. proceeded.

The solemn occasion was captured by Brother Jacob Foko, Grand Lodge Photographer, with images that reflect the fundamentals of Freemasonry.

Brother Patricio Huertas invests his son, our new Grand Master, with the collar and jewel of his office.

The Grand Master seated in the Chair of King Solomon by the Installing Master.

A most fraternal embrace symbolizing the Mystic Tie of continuity between the Grand Master and the Deputy Grand Master. The father, bound by the fraternal ties of Brotherhood to his son, reminds the Grand Master to always do what is right, not what is convenient, no matter the obstacles.

MWB Richard J. Bautista, Installing Marshal, proclaims MWB Daniel A. Huertas as the new Grand Master in the Nation’s Capital.

The Deputy Grand Master pledges to support the Grand Master in upholding the principles and values of Freemasonry, preserving the seriousness of the Craft, and in safeguarding the integrity of our Noble Society. The Grand Master escorted to the Grand East by the Installing Master.

Right Worshipful Brother Annas F. Kamara presented for installation by Installing Marshal MWB Teko A. Foly.

Installing Marshal, MWB Teko A. Foly, invests our Deputy Grand Master with the collar and jewel of his office.

Right Worshipful Brother Jacob M. Bressman is presented for installation as the Senior Grand Warden by Installing Marshal MWB Charbel T. Fahed.

RWB Jacob M. Bressman is congratulated by Installing Marshal, MWB Charbel T. Fahed, following his investiture with the collar and jewel of his office.

Right Worshipful Brothers Chetin Durak (right) and JeanPaul Dongmo, Sr. (left) installed as Senior and Junior Grand Deacons respectively.

Reverend and Worshipful Brother Daniel D. Darko installed as Grand Chaplain. Installing Marshal, MWB Richard J. Bautista, presenting Right Worshipful Morgan P. Corr for installation as Junior Grand Warden.

RWB Jacob M. Bressman pledges his full support to the Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master by upholding the Office of Senior Grand Warden, the Pillar of Strength, which emanates from the fundamental teachings of Freemasonry. Right Worshipful Brothers Michael K. Greenwald and George S. Nicol presented for installation as Senior and Junior Grand Stewards respectively.

Worshipful Brothers Carpenter Y. Arpa, IV (right) and Daniel P. Dolan being installed as Assistant Grand Chaplains.

Worshipful Brother Michael O. Spencer receiving the Baton of his office as Grand Marshal from MWB Teko A. Foly as witnessed by MWB Richard J. Bautista. Worshipful Brother Sylvanus J.A. Newstead presented for installation as Grand Pursuivant by MWB Richard J. Bautista.

MWB Teko A. Foly presenting the Sword of the Grand Lodge to Worshipful Brother Hector M. Ramirez, the latest recipient of the Valentine Reintzel Medal for Meritorious Service, at his installation as Grand Tiler.

MWB Teko A. Foly proclaims the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington, D.C. duly formed and constituted for the ensuing Masonic year. Worshipful Brothers installed as Grand Lodge Officers for the ensuing Masonic year.

The Grand Master of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Most Worshipful Brother Richard Maggio accompanied by Right Worshipful Brother John Kelley, Grand Marshal. Visiting dignitaries from the Grand Lodges of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Costa Rica, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia (Prince Hall), Gabon, Haiti, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Quebec (Canada), Rhode Island, South Carolina, Ukraine, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. Most Worshipful Brother David Akopian, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Armenia.

Right Worshipful Brother Guy Masquefa, representative of the Grand Lodge of Gabon.

Right Worshipful Brother Fatih Sahin, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Ukraine.

Grand Master of the Grand Orient of Haiti 1824.

Installing Master, MWB Akram R. Elias, presents the Grand Master his gold Square and Compasses, the universal symbol of Freemasonry, on behalf of the Installing Team. Illustrious Brother Norberto Rossini, Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Argentina.

Worshipful Brothers Jeremy S. Barnes (center) and Joseph G. Baroudi, Past Masters of Potomac Lodge No. 5. Right Worshipful Brother Ali Apaydin, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Azerbaijan.

Right Worshipful Brother George S. Nicol, Junior Grand Steward, presents a bouquet of flowers to Gisele Huertas, the First Lady of the Grand Lodge of Washington, D.C.

The Installing Team with the Deputy Grand Master, RWB Annas F. Kamara, presenting the Apron of Grand Master to Most Worshipful Brother Daniel A. Huertas.

From the left: Most Worshipful Brothers Timothy Wheeland (Grand Master of Ohio), Gunnar Nunὶfez (Grand Master of Costa Rica), and Efren Molina (Past Grand Master of Costa Rica)

Brethren of Samuel Gompers-Benjamin Franklin Lodge No. 45, including (from the right), Right Worshipful Brother Michael K. Greenwald (Senior Grand Steward), Worshipful Brothers and Past Masters Robert J. Greenwald (biological father of Michael Greenwald), Burton S. Levy, and Jerry P. Keilsohn.

The George Washington Gavel, used by Brother and First President George Washington in laying the cornerstone of the United States Capitol, the Temple of Liberty and Sovereignty of the People, on September 18, 1793 – courtesy of Potomac Lodge No. 5. 2022 GRAND LODGE OFFICERS Grand Master.................................................................................... Daniel A. Huertas Deputy Grand Master .........................................................................Annas F. Kamara Senior Grand Warden.......................................................................Jacob M. Bressman Junior Grand Warden............................................................................ Morgan P. Corr Grand Secretary...................................................................................Jeffrey D. Russell Grand Treasurer............................................................................. George J. Stoklas, Jr. Grand Lecturer........................................................................Christopher K. Mahaney Senior Grand Deacon...............................................................................Chetin Durak Junior Grand Deacon.................................................................Jean-Paul Dongmo, Sr. Senior Grand Steward ................................................................ Michael K. Greenwald Junior Grand Steward............................................................................George S. Nicol Grand Chaplain ..................................................................................Daniel D. Darko Grand Marshal.................................................................................Michael 0. Spencer Grand Sword Bearer..............................................................................Amid Kasamani Grand Pursuivant.....................................................................Sylvanus J. A. Newstead Grand Tiler .....................................................................................Hector M. Ramirez Grand Director of Ceremonies........................................................ Philip J. Palmer, Sr. Grand Historian & Deputy Grand Lecturer.................................. Andrew U. Hammer Grand Lodge Physician ..................................................................]ean A. Marcelin, Jr. Assistant Grand Chaplain............................................................. Carpenter Y. Arpa IV Assistant Grand Chaplain......................................................................Daniel P. Dolan Assistant Grand Chaplain....................................................................Andre Vainqueur Assistant Grand Marshal..................................................................Solomon S. Jackson Deputy Grand Lecturer..........................................................................Antoine N.Assi Assistant Grand Lecturer.................................................................Stephen R. Watkins Grand Photographer ....................................................................................Jacob Foko Grand Almoner..................................................................................Fessou E. Lawson Grand Musician ........................................................................Pierrindo R. M. Palmer Grand Ambassador - South America................................................. Richard J. Bautista Grand Ambassador - Africa ........................................................................Teko A. Foly Grand Ambassador Europe...................................................................... Oscar..Bartoli Grand Ambassador - Eurasia ................................................................. Samual Samsan Grand Ambassador -Asia............................................................... Delfin N. Lorenzana Grand Ambassador - Caucasus ............................................................Armen Simonian Grand Provost...............................................................................William A. Hanff, Jr. Grand Preceptor...................................................................................Elkanah E. Faux Grand Standard Bearer...............................................................Dominador S. Carreon Assistant Grand Tiler.......................................................................... Mario H. Angulo Assistant Grand Tiler....................................................................Santiago H. Gonzales Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies ...............................................George E. Perez Aide to the Grand Master................................................................ Marco R.A. Alonso Aide to the Grand Master................................................................. Chad D. D’Amore Aide to the Grand Master........................................................................David Huertas Aide to the Grand Master..................................................................... Patricio Huertas Aide to the Grand Master.........................................................................Bassem Kaissi Aide to the Grand Master........................................................................ Ramey J. Kyle Aide to the Grand Master............................................................... Carlos A. Landazuri Aide to the Grand Master...................................................................Robb C. Mitchell Aide to the Grand Master.................................................................Kenneth I. Ranney Aide to the Grand Master.......................................................... Demetrious A. Tillman