2021 Grand Lodge Awards

MASONIC MEDAL OF FREEDOM Allyn E. Kilsheimer is, at his core a problem solver, but on an epic scale.

He is the CEO of KCE Structural Engineers PC and was the head structural engineer responsible for massive engineering projects such as the rebuilding of the Pentagon after the attacks on 9-11, 20-years ago.

In fact, Mr. Kisheimer was in a meeting nearby on K Street the morning of September 11, 2001, when he received a call from his office, informing him of the attacks. He arrived at the Pentagon around 5:00 PM that afternoon, while the building was still smoldering, and immediately began to assess the damage.

He was quickly chosen as the best person to lead the project to rebuild the Pentagon, and he remained working on-sight for the next year. The rebuilding effort, known as the Phoenix Project, was initially estimated to take three years to complete. Mr. Kilsheimer stated that he would have it finished in one year. Then, along with about 3,000 other craftsmen, engineers, and architects, he worked day and night to keep that promise. The son of a concentration camp survivor, his family moved to Washington, D.C. when he was a boy and settled in Tenleytown. He studied structural engineering at The George Washington University while working part time for an engineering firm. He earned his degree in civil engineering from G.W. in 1963. and shortly after, he started KCE Structural Engineers PC in 1968.

His firm’s structural engineering services range from pre-design consultation, through design, to constructionphase services. But, the technology of building failure investigations and historic restoration, forensic engineering, emergency repair work, and special demolition work has been the signature service of KCE for over forty years. His unique expertise has been drawn upon by government agencies, owners, contractors, attorneys, and major corporations alike, all over the world.

Mr. Kilsheimer has been on the frontlines of such tragedies as the first terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in 1993, the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, and most recently, the Champlain Towers South condominium collapse in Surfside, Florida, on June 24, 2021, where he has been instrumental in helping authorities and the public to understand the complex reasons why and how these engineering tragedies occurred, so they can attempt to prevent future tragedies.

For his dedication to the building arts and making the world a safer place, the Grand Lodge of DC is pleased to award Mr. Allyn Kilsheimer its Masonic Medal of Freedom.

THE GRAND LODGE DISTINGUSHED SERVICE MEDAL Bilal Raschid has been a Freemason for 32 years; having received his Master Mason’s Degree in September of 1988 in Albert Pike Lodge No. 33, where he served as Master in 1994 and then as Secretary for 16 years, before being elected Secretary Emeritus in 2012.

He also served as Secretary of JusticeColumbia Lodge No. 3 for seven years, and he continues to serve as Treasurer. He is a Past Master of Pythagoras Lodge of Research (2005); and a founding member of Fiat Lux Lodge No. 1717, where he served as Almoner during its first four years.

In the Grand Lodge, Worshipful Brother Raschid served variously as Grand Chaplain Deputy Grand Chaplain, or assistant Grand Chaplain for 12 years. During these times he oversaw the Masonic Day of thanksgiving several times. He also served as Grand Pursuivant, Grand Standard Bearer, and has served as the

Allyn Kilsheimer

President of the Past Master’s Association in 2003. He was bestowed the title of Grand Chaplain Emeritus in 2020.

Bilal is just as active in the appendant bodies, as well. He has been a member of Almas Shrine Temple for almost 30 years; and served as a Chaplain there for five years. He also served as President of the Greeters’ Club in 2004. In the Scottish Rite bodies, he has served as Chaplain for over 16 years and as Wise Master of the Chapter of Rose Croix in 1996. He received the K.C.C.H in 1993; and was coroneted a 33° Inspector General Honorary in 1999.

He is a member of Scottish Rite Research Society, the Southern California Research Lodge, the Philalethes Society, and the Correspondence Circle of Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076, London, England.

His long record of service and dedication to the Craft and his Brethren in Washington, D.C. are why the Grand Lodge voted during its Annual Communication in November to award Worshipful Brother Rachid its highest honor – The Distinguished Service Medal. Congratulations Worshipful.