VOLUME 38 | NUMBER 2 | 2021
FAITH, HOPE, AND THE GREATEST OF THESE,
CHARITY pg. 17
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF WASHINGTON D.C.
THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY Volume 38, Number 2 2021 Issue EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Alan L. Gordon (Grand Master) Jeffrey D. Russell, PGM (Grand Secretary) MANAGING EDITOR Jason Van Dyke, PM (Director of Communications) EDITORIAL BOARD Scott Brown, PM Andrew Hammer, PM Walter Hoenes, PM Peter Lynch Elijah C. Mills, PM B. Chris Ruli Drew Sneider
FAITH, HOPE, AND THE GREATEST OF THESE, CHARITY
pg. 17
DESIGN Patricia Hord Graphik Design DCGRANDLODGE.ORG
The Voice of Freemasonry is an official publication of the Grand Lodge of Free And Accepted Masons (F.A.A.M.) of the District of Columbia. Unless otherwise noted, articles appearing in this publication express only the private opinion or assertions of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Grand Lodge. The jurisdiction speaks only through the Grand Master, and when attested to as official, in writing, by the Grand Secretary. The editorial staff invites contributions in the form of informative articles, reports, news and other timely information (of about 500 to 1000 words in length) that broadly relate to Masonic law, lore, customs, history, symbolism, philosophy, responsibility of membership, etiquette, current events, and/or general public interest. When possible, photographs that illustrate these informative articles should accompany the submission. Pieces submitted should be typed, doublespaced and preferably accompanied by a computer disk in a neutral PC format or via e-mail to: grandlodge@dcgrandlodge.org
A JEWEL IN THE CROWN: CELEBRATING THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF FIAT LUX LODGE pg. 6
MASON WHO HELPED LAY BRITISH CHANCERY CORNERSTONE PASSES TO THE CELESTIAL LODGE pg. 8
DIGITIZING OUR GRAND LODGE MEMBERSHIP CARD CATALOG pg. 24
CONTENTS 1
Grand Master’s Message
3
Grand Lodge Gold Fidelity Medal Holder WB Glenn O. Rickard Jr.
6
A Jewel In The Crown: Celebrating The 20th Anniversary of Fiat Lux Lodge
Articles are subject to editing and, when published, become the property of the Grand Lodge, F.A.A.M., of the District of Columbia. No compensation is allowed for any articles, photographs, or other materials submitted for publication.
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Mason who helped lay British chancery cornerstone passes to the celestial lodge
Permission to reprint articles will be granted upon written request to the Editor from recognized Masonic publications and others. When reprinted, articles should note: “Reprinted with permission of The Voice of Freemasonry in the Nation’s Capital, (volume), (number), (year).”
12 Consecration of Spring Valley Masonic Meeting Space
Please direct all correspondence to:
26 Yes, and...
Managing Editor: The Voice of Freemasonry 5428 MacArthur Blvd., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20016-2524 grandlodge@dcgrandlodge.org ii | THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY ISSUE 2, 2021
10 The Traveling Haberdasher: White Tie & Tails 17 Faith, Hope, and the greatest of these, Charity 24 Digitizing our Grand Lodge Membership Card Catalog
GRAND MASTER’S MESSAGE Alan L. Gordon, Grand Master
The greatest of these is Charity.
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harity extends beyond the grave through the boundless realms of eternity. Or as Albert Pike said, “What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.” We have often heard the adage that Masonry takes good men and makes them better. A good friend of mine once said that we are all born Masons—we just haven’t realized it yet. It is the process of initiation, passing, and raising that gives us the realization of what it means to be a Mason. It sets us on a path to become better men both internally and externally. So how do we become better men externally? The answer lies in many places, one of which is Charity. The past year and a quarter have placed many challenges before all of us. Not only were we faced with the threat of a mortal disease, but our families and friends, our Masonic brothers and our communities were threatened. Our very way of life was threatened. We are only now seeing a return to some sense of normality which is in reality a new normal. I don’t think we will ever return to the level of normal which we had prior to March 2020. As Masons, we had to identify what we could do to help, aid, and assist everyone who was affected—and we stepped up to the plate. We reached into our pockets and gave money and goods to those less fortunate. But money and goods are not the only way we give of ourselves charitably. A deeper, and arguably far greater, form of charity can be found in the mentorship we give others. And this is something we don’t have to wait for a global pandemic to give.
There is the story of the young man who became a DeMolay. Years later, he joined the Masonic Lodge of one of his chapter advisors. At some point, the two were talking and the younger brother told the older brother that the elder had once shared some information which had totally changed the younger brother’s life—transformed it so that he became a better person. The older brother had no
recollection even of the conversation in which it had happened. It is the small things to which we give so little significance that can make the biggest difference. The only thing we need to do is make the effort. I can think of no greater mentorship than to help a young man or young women as they progress to adulthood. We only need to give of our time.
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Outside of Freemasonry, there are other examples of similar charities: Big Brothers and Big Sisters; Helping a food kitchens; Volunteering the local fire department or EMS station Driving a patient to a Shriner’s Hospital What we do as men and as Masons makes a difference. It is the charity of giving of oneself. There is no intrinsic value that can be place upon such service to men.
The Grand Master sits behind “Dad” Frank S. Land’s desk.
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We are only allotted a set amount of time on this planet, so our time can be thought of as a scarce resource that is incredibly valuable. And the knowledge (or light) that we accumulate over that lifetime has great value, as well. So, when we give our time to someone else with the express purpose of passing on our knowledge, we are giving double! There is a saying that goes with helping children, attributed to Forest E. Witcraft, a teacher and scholar: “A hundred years
from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove…but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.” So, while we celebrate (rightly so) our generosity in terms of money and goods, I hope we remember that giving our time and energy to the betterment of a young person’s life pays the greatest dividends of all.
GRAND LODGE GOLD FIELITY MEDAL HOLDER WB GLENN O. RICKARD, JR. PASSES Michael D. Nicholas Sr. PGM 2020
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n August 1, 2009, a group of motorcycle riders from LaFayette DuPont Lodge #19 decided to make a visit to some Past Masters in the beautiful hills of MWB Nicholas Maryland, just north of Frederick. These Past Masters were older Masons who had not been able to attend Lodge in years. They were all incredibly happy to see us. When we stopped at the home of WB Glenn Rickard in Thurmond MD, his wife said he was not home. At age 84, WB Rickard was the oldest PM on our list, and we were sure we would find him sitting in a rocker knitting a sweater or something. No way! His wife directed us back out to US Highway 15, and we found Glenn working alongside that busy road at a submarine
sandwich fundraising-booth for his local Lions Club! We had to wait for a while to talk because he was so engaged and hustling to serve customers.
which he is holding in the picture. WB Rickard was an inspiration to us as a Brother who continued to stay involved and worked hard for causes to help others.
WB Glenn was not only happy to see us, but he treated us to some delicious subs, and then refused to take any payment. He was cheerful, smiling, and full of life. He joked that every month when he got the Lodge bulletin, he would check to see just how many slots he had moved closer to the top of the “Living Past WB Glenn O. Rickard Jr. Masters” list. At that time, he was just one PM short – a goal he had no desire to achieve.
I did not see WB Glenn again until December of 2020. Frankly, I regret not having made the time to visit with him sooner, or to have arranged a ride for him to the occasional Lodge meeting.
We presented WB Glenn with one of our newly minted Lodge Challenge Coins,
When the previous holder of our Grand Lodge Fidelity Medal passed to the celestial Lodge in mid-2020, the Grand Lodge Committee formed for the purpose of finding another worthy Brother recommended WB Glenn O. Rickard Jr. as the most qualified candidate.
MWB Villarreal leads the Brethren in the Masonic Funeral Rites.
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2009 in Thurmond MD. Jim Hassen, Glenn Rickard, Mike Nicholas.
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Fort Dupont Lodge in 1949. WB Rickard is in the right front, sitting as Junior Warden.
On December 8, our Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge Photographer, and I visited WB Glenn and his wife at their home in Thurmont to present him that distinguished award. Glenn was now 95 years old and looked as spry and cheerful as I remembered him from 2009. Because of COVID restrictions, we kept the presentation party very small. Glenn and Mary warmly welcomed us and invited to stay for lunch! We declined their gracious invitation. At that point in COVID protocols, people did not even shake hands, let alone share a meal in someone’s home. But it was such a joy to see how happy WB Rickard was to have us visit, and he proudly showed us his office and the barn out back of his home that he had built.
Glenn’s father had been a member of Naval Lodge #4, and Glenn initially joined Naval Lodge after his service in WWII. But the opportunity came to form a new Lodge, and Glenn was proud to have been a founding member of Fort DuPont Lodge #52 when it was formed in 1947. He had several pictures on the walls of his office with his officers from when he served as Worshipful Master of Fort DuPont Lodge in 1955. Fort DuPont Lodge merged with LaFayette Lodge in 1989, and WB Glenn was one of the last remaining men from Fort DuPont. Glenn and Mary explained that Glenn was still very active in his church, in the local Lions Club, and with the local Masons in Thurmont. He was sharp as a tack and we really enjoyed our all too brief visit. In early April 2021, shortly after his 96th birthday, we received the sad news that WB Glenn Rickard had passed to the Celestial Lodge. His Masonic funeral service was held on Friday, 9 April in Thurmont, MD.
Glenn relaxes in his office surrounded by Masonic memorabilia.
MWB Jesse Villarreal, PGM and PM of LaFayette DuPont Lodge #19, offered a very moving and dignified recital of
our Masonic Funeral rite. We were ably assisted by many members of Acacia Lodge #155 AF & AM, Thurmont MD, whose Lodge building is located a block from the funeral home. They graciously offered to have us assemble and open an emergent lodge, process from their building, and then provided refreshments following the service. My final thought on this experience centers on brotherly love. It is a chief tenet of Freemasonry and without it we are only a social club. It is brotherly love that ignites in us the desire to reach out and maintain contact with our older Masons. They are a treasure. We are all busy, but our elderly Masons are too often forgotten. It only takes a few short years, and soon no active Masons in a Lodge know most the majority of those men listed as “Living Past Masters”. We do have some Brethren in our Grand Lodge who have already dedicated themselves to this purpose, locating and personally visiting older Masons, both here and in other states. On behalf of so many of us, I thank them for this selfless, often invisible, service. And for me, WB Glenn O. Rickard Jr., former holder of our Grand Lodge Gold Fidelity Medal, will forever remain an example of brotherly love, cheerfulness, and dedicated service.
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A JEWEL IN THE CROWN: CELEBRATING THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF FIAT LUX LODGE Andrew Hammer, PM Alba Lodge No. 222
by the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, and following the same Masonic code that all D.C. lodges do.
A
In its founding documents, the Lodge called for it’s membership to be “diverse, balanced, integrated, and universally represented,” further stating that, “The Lodge shall emphatically avoid becoming lopsided by national origin or any other factor.” That seems to have worked out well over the years, as Fiat Lux is surely one of the few lodges in the world where its Masters have come from every inhabitable continent. Our location in such an international city helps in that regard, but as one knows, it is the state of mind, the active pursuit of inclusivity, that truly brings the achievement of such a goal.
s we all prepare to return to our lodges, and the joy of face to face (even if masked) Masonic labor, one lodge is especially grateful for the return date decided upon by our Grand Master. Fiat Lux Lodge No. 1717 was consecrated on June 30, 2001. The prospect of holding a Zoom meeting to celebrate its twentieth anniversary was less than inspiring, but now the lodge will be returning to labor just in time to make its June 19th stated communication a celebration of both that milestone and the return to normalcy. The story of Fiat Lux is a pleasant reminder of so much of what one appreciates about Freemasonry in the District of Columbia. It is the only lodge in the United States that confers the degrees using the Emulation Ritual in English— we have five others in DC that also work Emulation, but in different languages— with the additional benefit of striving to provide the cultural environment of a lodge working under the English Constitution. For those who may be unfamiliar with that terminology, Fiat Lux is, for all practical purposes, an English lodge in the nation’s capital, using the ritual and operating principles of the United Grand Lodge of England, while being proudly chartered
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The Lodge cannot claim to be first among those who built our system of universal Masonry here in the District. What it can claim, however, is to be the second brainchild of Right Worshipful Brother Victor A. Adegbite, who was one of the key architects of that system. RWB Adegbite always believed that we should have other lodges working different rituals, as is done in many grand jurisdictions throughout the world. A decade earlier, he had worked tirelessly with other distinguished brethren to help our second international lodge, Sojourner
RWB Victor A. Adegbite, the guiding light of Fiat Lux Lodge No. 1717
Kilwinning Lodge No. 1798, come into being using the Modern Scottish ritual. Adegbite thought it only right and proper that an English Emulation lodge be created, both for those brothers in our area for whom that ritual was their “mother tongue,” so to speak, and to further enrich our grand jurisdiction by giving D.C. Masons the opportunity to experience an English lodge without needing to purchase a plane ticket. In 1998, RWB Adegbite reached out to three other brothers and friends to help draw the plans for what would become Fiat Lux Lodge. Throughout the next two years, then Worshipful Brothers Kwame Acquaah, John Orleans-Lindsay, and Worshipful and Reverend Brother Daniel Darko met to discuss every aspect of the Lodge and how it would be built. By January of 2000, they were ready to take the next step, and requested a meeting with then Grand Master Mansour Hatefi and Grand Secretary Stuart Miner to
propose the formation of the new Lodge. The proposal met with great interest as well as approval, and the next steps began immediately. Most Worshipful Brother Hatefi granted dispensation to form Fiat Lux Lodge U.D. on March 24, 2000, and on April 29, the new Lodge began its work in earnest. Long before most Masons had ever heard of “observant” lodges, the founding brethren of Fiat Lux U.D. had quietly drafted a vision and mission statement for themselves that would make any advocates of that method proud. Calling for such things as “furthering Masonic literacy… life-long spiritual growth and development,” and “studies on various religions, cultures, morality and ethics; and discussions on psychology and philosophy,” the Lodge also created a set of standing resolutions and guidelines that put forth an exceptionally formal approach to the Craft by American standards. All members of the Lodge were to be attired in tuxedo (incidentally, some brethren may be surprised to learn that this is actually recommended for all brethren in our grand jurisdiction), with the exception of the Installation meeting, where the brethren “shall dress in white tie and tailcoats.” Every meeting was to be followed by a formal, plated Festive Board, also in-line with English custom. But more than addressing matters from within the lodge, the founding brethren called for an approach to prospects that involved their reviewing the Vision and Mission Statement and Lodge guidelines, and only after said prospects declared that they understood these guidelines and found them acceptable, would they be given a petition to apply for membership in the Lodge. After working diligently for a year, and raising three men as Master Masons during that time, the Grand Lodge voted at its Semi-Annual Communication on May 9, 2001 to grant a charter to Fiat Lux Lodge No. 1717. While the name of the Lodge came from Right Worshipful Brother Adegbite, the number was the idea of Worshipful Brother Orleans-Lindsay, to further associate the Lodge with the establishment of the Premier Grand Lodge of England in that year. As is a common custom in English Masonry, the Lodge
would meet quarterly, with an additional Stated Communication in November for the installation of officers. On June 30, 2001, Grand Master Grant R. Berning, accompanied by a suite of Grand Lodge officers, consecrated the Lodge in accordance with ancient custom and usages, during which, Worshipful Brother Harold Grainger was presented with the Lodge’s Fidelity Medal. The consecration ceremony was followed by a special Festive Board, and from that evening until now, our Festive Board always closes with the same amusing remark that was first given by RWB Adegbite.
in 2009. Two of our esteemed brethren, Worshipful and Reverend Brothers Daniel Darko and Elkanah E. Faux, have been honored to serve as Grand Chaplains. Although every brother meets on the level, we have also been delighted to count amongst our ranks two brethren who are well-known to Masons round the world. The late Worshipful Brother Kirk MacNulty (author of The Way of the Craftsman) served the Lodge as its Assistant Preceptor for many years; and the prolific Masonic author and Worshipful Brother Ric Berman (Past Master of Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076) is not only a member from afar, but has made visits to present to the Lodge on two occasions in the past few years. Since the inception of the Lodge, two of its members have been recognized by the Grand Lodge for outstanding service. At its Annual Communication in December 2005, the Grand Lodge voted to award then Worshipful Brother Adegbite with the Grand Lodge Distinguished Service Medal. Then, in December 2007, the Grand Lodge vested Right Worshipful Brother Harold Grainger with the rank of Honorary Past Senior Grand Warden and conferred the same rank on Right Worshipful Brother Adegbite in December 2009.
WB Ric Berman on his second visit to Fiat Lux in 2019.
Twenty years on, the Lodge can look back with pride at its accomplishments. One of its earliest came in 2004, when a delegation of brethren went on a journey to England, under the leadership of its Master, Worshipful Brother Elkanah E. Faux, and visited The Lodge of Living Stones No. 4957, and Columbia Lodge No. 2397. A number of our brethren have served the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, in every capacity from Grand Lodge Committee members, to appointed Grand Lodge officers, to Grand Master, when our founding brother Kwame Acquaah was made Most Worshipful Grand Master
If I may be permitted to offer a personal observation, one thing I have said about this Lodge since I joined in 2010, is that whatever I may have been dealing with during the day, whatever concern I may have had about something in the Lodge, I have never left a meeting of Fiat Lux without feeling happy in the most brotherly way at the end of the evening. I have also heard this sentiment from visiting brethren and Grand Lodge officers throughout the years. If we can be said to have done nothing else, that achievement is surely one of the most remarkable that a lodge can ask from its brethren. By the Grace of the Most High, it is our earnest hope and prayer that the Lodge will continue to go from strength to strength. The author is Secretary of Fiat Lux Lodge No. 1717.
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MASON WHO HELPED LAY BRITISH CHANCERY CORNERSTONE PASSES TO THE CELESTIAL LODGE Elijah Mills, PM Arminius Lodge No. 25
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t is with great lament that we write of the death of Brother Phillip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh, and brother of Navy Lodge No. 2612, under the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE). Initiated on the 5th of December, 1952; passed to the Fellowcraft on the 6th of March, 1953; and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on the 4th of May that same year. It is said he originally joined Masonry to fulfill a promise to his father-in-law, the late King of England, George VI, who wanted royal patronage of Freemasonry to continue after his death. Though instead of simply leading his name to the fraternity, UGLE reported that he maintained his membership through his life and would arrive at meetings of his Mother Lodge without warning. He is known to us in Washington, DC, however, as a brother who travelled to this city many times on diplomatic efforts between our two great countries. While he does not appear to have Masonically visited with us, he did take part in one notable event with one of our local relics from, what appears to me at least, to be our local patron saint of Freemasonry: George Washington. In 1957, Brother Philip and his wife were on a tour of the Washington, DC area as guests of President Eisenhower. On the morning of October the 19th of that year,
20th October 1957, Queen Elizabeth II, US president Dwight D Eisenhower with his wife Mamie and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at a White House State banquet
the couple attended with the President and First Lady at the Cathedral Church of Ss. Peter & Paul, more commonly called the National Cathedral (interestingly, another building with a Masonic cornerstone laying ceremony)1 and then went to the partly completed Chancery (it was built between 1955-1961) to lay the cornerstone. As the head of state, the cornerstone was actually laid by his wife, Queen Elizabeth II with Prince Philip assisting. Curiously, this writer was only able to find one image of that day, except a note in a Library of Congress filing which suggests that any additional images taken were not published. The written accounts, however, attest that Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip laid the “foundation stone”2 of grey blue marble quarried in Dorset using the George Washington trowel. We do have
readily available a photograph of that same trowel on the same grounds, but on the 3rd of June, 1928 being held by Ambassador Esmé Howard to dedicate the embassy building itself. It was written at the time of the Chancery’s dedication the choice to use the gavel and trowel was a symbolic one, not just because this same trowel had been used in many Masonic ceremonies around this country’s great institutions, but because it put in the hands of Brother Philip a relic of Masonic and American history which went back to our time as one country united. In some fashion, this handling was a symbolic tie of our two nations together once again. The Washington Post and Times Herald reported that once the Queen handled the gavel and trowel, the Rt. Rev. Angus Dun, Bishop
1 The Cathedral had a Masonic cornerstone laying ceremony conducted by Br. Franklin D. Roosevelt on September 29, 1907 using a stone from Bethlehem inscribed with the verse, “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” Contrary to popular belief, the Cathedral was paid for entirely with popular funds and remains entirely within the structure of the Episcopal Church of America. At least two bishops at this cathedral have been Freemasons. 2 Blakely, Julia. 2014. A TROWEL FOR THE BRITISH EMBASSY BUT NOT IN THE GARDENS. March 26. https://washingtonembassygardens.wordpress. com/2014/03/26/a-trowel-for-the-british-embassy-but-not-in-the-gardens/comment-page-1/. 8 | THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY ISSUE 2, 2021
Foundation stone ceremony at the new British Embassy, 3 June 1928 (Kiplinger Library, The Historical Society of Washington, D.C.).
Elizabeth Places Stone at New British Chancery, Washington Post, October 20, 1957
the Cathedral, to the British Embassy, and then to the partly completed Chancery and have only been at buildings that had cornerstone dedication ceremonies using our Masonic implements first used by Brother Washington. Party at the Embassy, 1957, Washington Post, October 20
of Washington, “wearing the scarlet and black vestments of his office, dedicated the stone.”3 It shows how centrally Masonry is woven throughout our city, not in some absurd conspiracy theory, but in the actual history of our great edifices that Brother Philip should be able to go from
It is a great loss to the Craft in general and this city in particular to lose so fine a man and Mason. Long after the distinct memory of him has faded from those lucky enough to have been present during one of his many trips to this city, the impression left on the building of the British Embassy will remain.
Standalone Photo of Cornerstone Laying, Washington Post, October 20, 1957
Your faithful correspondent, ECM
3 By Elsie Carper, Staff Reporter. 1957. "Elizabeth Places Stone at New British Chancery." The Washington Post and Times Herald (1954-1959), Oct 20, 1. https://wwwproquest-com.dclibrary.idm.oclc.org/historical-newspapers/elizabeth-places-stone-at-new-british-chancery/docview/148876848/se-2?accountid=46320. ISSUE 2, 2021 THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY | 9
THE TRAVELING HABERDASHER: WHITE TIE & TAILS Elijah Mills, PM Arminius Lodge No. 25
The author (right) displays the difference between white tie and the less formal tuxedo (left)
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hile it seems that interminable Zoom meetings might still plague our future Masonic endeavors, thus stripped of their mystery and majesty, and fated to be reduced to the most mundane of bureaucratic administrative functions for the rest of our natural lives, I, nevertheless, write to you now with a message of hope. For it is in hope that we live our lives as brethren of faith in the One God, so we now turn our hopeful gaze to that most sublime of things-to-come. That is, our ceremonies and solemnities but most chiefly, we return, dear reader, to the subject hinted at in an earlier article: how to wear a tailcoat.
days to purchase from the same lot of fabric, but this has become impracticable while standardization has come so far as to render this meaningless in ordinary wear.
In short, the tailcoat is considerably fussier than the tuxedo and in no way suggests luxurious relaxation like it, either. It is, however when worn properly, so designed to elevate any silhouette to the envy of the entire room.
Additionally, and most important to the Mason reading this is: no full-size medals nor lapel pins are permissible. You are invited to custom-order miniatures of the medals as suited to white tie, but otherwise these decorations are to be left at home. When in doubt: take it off.
In essence, the elements of formal evening wear are: 1) trousers similar to, but different than a tuxedo; 2) a matching shirt, vest (also known as a waistcoat), and bow tie; and 3) a long coat which does not button, but hangs to the knees. The most difficult element of this ensemble, and where a trusty tailor comes in handy, is ensuring that the vest does not show below the cut of the jacket. This means the trousers will be higher waisted than you are perhaps used to, but nothing is worse than having a waistcoat marching down to your ankles. Now, a few general notes so we have a firm foundation would be wise. Principally, you should attempt to purchase the shirt, collar, vest, and bow tie from the same manufacturer. This way, the fabric should entirely match; it was the custom in the old
The following1 should be a checklist for your formal or white tie outfit. Again, like our previous conversation concerning the tuxedo, be wary of leaving this list for any reason and consider with great peril the dangers of being photographed and lampooned on social media for outré choices. Tailcoat – black or midnight blue worsted or smooth blend. Peaked lapels only, faced in satin or grosgrain. Waistcoat – white piqué, single or double-breasted, with bottom edge in V or in straight line. Fastened with self-covered buttons (as in America) or separate studs, the latter usually crystal, white pearl, or white enamel, made to match the shirt studs as a set. Trousers – to match coat, with a double ribbon or braid of black satin, with no cuffs. To be strictly correct, this double stripe is the same as the tuxedo decoration on the out seam, but there are two instead of one. However, only a fastidiously nosey person would notice this and perhaps they have better things to look at than your trousers.
1 “Social Etiquette: The way you look.” In The New Esquire Etiquette; a Guide to Business, Sports and Social Conduct, 215–16. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, 1959. 10 | THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY ISSUE 2, 2021
Fred Astaire, in Top Hat 1935
Unlike the tuxedo which we covered before, the tailcoat (otherwise called “formal wear/dress” or “white tie and tails”) has a murkier origin. It is a curious and delightful relic of the past where people arbitrarily chose one point in a developing trend to freeze all changes as the garment had seemingly reached its zenith. However, the entire history of formalwear is both beyond the scope of these scant words but also so monstrously boring to most that it likely isn’t worth the recounting. Owing
to that, the modern and salient facts will be adhered to here, with only minimal reference to older traditions, those too only when salient.
Shirt – white piqué in the neckband style, with stiff single cuffs (not French, double cuffs as in a Tuxedo shirt), and a detachable stiff white, wing collar. Starched white front of self-same white piqué. Tie – white piqué bow only. Self-tie is the only respectable option at this point of gentlemanly dress. What is further recommended is to buy a sized bow tie cut to your neck size, since the standing collar doesn’t hide the adjustable buckle. Socks – must be black or blue to match the coat; silk is a classic touch. Shoes – black patent leather only, either oxfords sans toe cap or the more traditional pump with or without the flat grosgrain bows. Hat and gloves – it was noted around this 1959 guide to etiquette and certainly by the guidebooks of the ‘60s that hats and gloves had just about died out. If you must, wear a top hat only outdoors and white doeskin or lambskin gloves indoors only but these are better carried in your hand as a prop. Consider this an advanced level and avoided like a cane as probably being too theatrical. Overcoat – black or midnight navy wool to match the coat, with or without velvet collar, or a cape. The length of the coat should eclipse that of the tails, so no windbreakers over your tailcoats please. Accessories – a white silk scarf is a classic detail as is a white linen handkerchief in the breast pocket. Watches are not to be worn as they indicate a distraction from the present social delights and only people who are eyeing the door to leave eye their watches. It is best to leave these at home or leave yourself at home if you cannot commit to the evening’s agenda. Studs for the shirt and waistcoat should all match and be pearl or diamond to not mar the white tie effect and disastrously bring a stain of color into the ensemble. All of this should be treated as your baseline and, when properly adhered to, will earn
Close-up of a proper pique tie and shirt combination.
An extreme close-up of white pique fabric appropriate for shirt, waistcoat, and tie.
you the keen estimation of your brethren. White tie is more difficult to put on and dances in a smaller margin of error than the more relaxed tuxedo. This isn’t aided by the general societal shift away from the garment. We are dangerously approaching a world where those who need to wear them have bespoke tailors and valets and the rest of us run around in dreadful “athleisure.” Tellingly, in the 19th edition of Emily Post (whom we relied on so well for the tuxedo), the tailcoat is relegated to
White Tie trousers
an appendix (charmingly titled in this print book “emilypost.com/resources”),2 which reveals to us how much it has declined in relevance to the everyman who might need to dress. However, if we again take seriously our own vows of selfenlightenment and improvement, attiring our own mortal coil in the style befitting true gentlemen, we will so share our light with the world that we might better glorify our Father in Heaven.
2 Daniel Post Senning and Lizzie Post, “Resources, Dressing for the Occasion,” in Emily Post’s Etiquette - Manners for Today (New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers Inc, 2017), pp. 683. ISSUE 2, 2021 THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY | 11
CONSECRATION OF SPRING VALLEY MASONIC MEETING SPACE Jeffrey D. Russell, PGM, Grand Secretary
MWB Jeffrey D. Russell, PGM
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n Tuesday, May 25th at 7:30 PM our Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Alan L. Gordon, accompanied by Officers of the Grand Lodge, met at 4301 50th Street to consecrate a new Masonic meeting space in the District of Columbia. The Grand Master was ably assisted by Right Worshipful Brother Annas F. Kamara (Deputy Grand Master pro tem), Right Worshipful Brother Jacob M. Bressman (Senior Grand Warden pro tem), and Right Worshipful Brother Morgan P. Corr (Junior Grand Warden pro tem). During the ceremony, the Grand Master and his Officers employed the usual and customary practices of pouring corn, wine, and oil (emblematic of nourishment, refreshment, and joy) into the model Lodge room to consecrate the new space. WB Jeffrey G. Bodie, Assistant Grand Chaplain, gave an appropriate prayer and the Deputy Grand Marshal, WB Solomon S. Jackson, made the proclamation that The inner “roof” of the mini Lodge showing each time it has been used.
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Mini Lodge
the Masonic meeting space was solemnly dedicated to the purposes of Freemasonry. One item of particular note is the model Lodge room that used in the ceremony. This
wood model was handmade by Past Grand Master Robert F. Drechsler in 1991 for such occasions and has a long history of use in our Grand Lodge, which he has documented on the inside “roof ” over the years.
The new Lodge space is available for Lodge meetings and events. If you or your Lodge are interested, please contact me at the Office of the Grand Lodge.
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Grand Lodge Officers in procession
Past Grand Masters in attendance
MWB Michael D. Nicholas, Sr. addressing the Brethren
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RW Annas F. Kamara presents the Grand Master the goblet of corn
RW Jacob M. Bressman presents the Grand Master the goblet of wine
The Altar properly arranged for the ceremony
RW Morgan P. Corr presents the Grand Master the goblet of oil
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FAITH, HOPE, AND THE GREATEST OF THESE,
CHARITY
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THE GIFT OF TIME: LIVING UP TO MASONIC IDEALS Drew Schneider Senior Warden, Federal Lodge No. 1
largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign, with more than 200 campaigns supporting more than 20,000 non-profits worldwide, raising millions of dollars each year. “What I found is that it was a very cool thing, it was contagious. People’s goodwill towards others really is a contagious thing.” He now serves as the campaign chair for his agency, and is able to make the campaign fun and raise more money in the process. “I’m extremely proud of the more than $1.2 million my teams have raised over the past eight-years for all kinds of worthy organizations across the country,” he said. Bro. St. Arnold learned his appreciation for helping others through his parents, who actively gave their time to local charity and goodwill events in Florida, where he grew up. “Now, I help with food drives, delivering donations, and giving to those that minister to the less fortunate. Those all matter. To me, it’s a personal responsibility.”
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rother Christian Umbria-Smith is well aware of the advantages he has being born in the United States—or maybe it’s better to say—as a natural-born citizen, he’s aware of the disadvantages immigrants and the undocumented face as they try to live and work here. From early on, Brother Umbria-Smith has taken on the good work of speaking for immigrants and helping undocumented residents find pathways to success. He went from advocacy to policy, and now to leadership positions and public speaking while working on the issue. Several years ago, after he got his start working on behalf of others, he came to Freemasonry and was raised at Federal Lodge No. 1.
Brother Bradley St. Arnold
Early on in his career at the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, Bro. St. Arnold was “voluntold” that he’d be working on his agency’s contribution for the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). For those outside the jurisdiction or new to Federal service, the CFC is the world’s 18 | THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY ISSUE 2, 2021
Which poses an interesting question: Does Masonry bring the man to community service, or does the man bring community service to Masonry? It’s the egalitarian nature of the fraternity that attracts certain men to the Craft, and in turn, the work those men do contribute to the continued good work that Masonry and the brethren do inside and outside of the lodge.
In Masonry, Brother Umbria-Smith found a fraternity that shared his ideals for equality. “We are our brother’s keeper,” says another Federal brother, Bro. Brad St. Arnold. “We have a vast network to lean on, but you have to be part of that network, you have to be someone that can be leaned on.”
As Masons, we are taught that our first duty is to our families, then to our brethren and to the Craft, and then to society, to make lives easier and to give support when it’s needed. The axiom of “the only time you should be looking down on someone is when you’re helping them up” aligns perfectly with this Masonic concept of helping your brothers. We choose to do good work not for the recognition, but for the fruits of the labor.
“We’re all attracted to Masonry for one reason or another,” Christian said. “But it just so happens that there are so many of us that want civic engagement and empowerment. We feel compelled to do that work, so it feels like it’s Masonry that is encouraging service by the brethren. But it’s the members who determine the priorities of the lodge, so it’s really a self-perpetuating thing. Shared values,
Brother Christain Umbria-Smith second from left
whether it’s on a larger national or global scale, or a community scale. We attract similar-minded people who want to walk the same path,” he said. “We share a common struggle for advancing human and civil rights.” That desire to help others is, at its core, a very Masonic ideal. “More recently, I think Masonry brought me to charity,” Brad said. “You learn it should be part of your daily activity – community is part of your day. What I noticed when I came to Masonry is everyone at the lodge was doing something for their community. Some bigger things, some smaller. You learn it from the brothers.” Every man has the ability to give something to their brothers and their community. Whether that be financial support or the gift of time — one of the most extremely valuable resources any of us have — there is an opportunity. “You’ve got two arms, two legs and you’ve got time,” Brad said. “You have time. You have time to get drinks, to play soccer, to go fishing, whatever you have time for, you have time to give if someone asks.” Brad also brings that energy to his lodge. “I’m a Shriner, I’m a Scottish Rite Mason…but I’m also passionate about my Blue Lodge – I want to see it continue to last another 100 years.”
That passion led Brad to create a campaign to get active brothers to call a brother in good standing who hasn’t been to lodge in some time. “My first thought was, ‘Why do you always see the same 12 guys in lodge?’ Everyone walks their own path, their own mile, but we kept seeing the same people over and over. I wanted us to reach out.” Brad got the list of brothers, broke it out into smaller, more manageable lists, and gave them out to other lodge brothers to start calling. “As soon as you pick up the phone, and he answers and you say, ‘Hey, I’m calling from your lodge,’ and boom, the conversation opens up. I spoke to brothers in Arizona and South Carolina, and they were so happy to have someone from the lodge reach out and tell them their lodge still thinks of them and that Masonry is here for them. To be our brother’s keeper — in lodge of course that means something stronger — but it’s also for the general good. Why not be good to one another?” We meet on-the-level so that we always remember that all men desire and are worthy of equality, respect, and the gift of our time. Christian summed up the perspective simply and directly: “I feel like a better man when I do those things that help [another] brother live a better life.”
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GRAND LODGE OF DC PARTNERS WITH BREAD FOR THE CITY Peter Brusoe, PM The Eagle Lodge No. 1893 & Peter Lynch, Potomac Lodge No. 5
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his year, our Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Alan L. Gordon, chose Bread for the City, a powerhouse local aid organization that provides vital services and food for needy district residents, as his official charity for 2021. He also gave the Grand Jurisdiction an ambitious challenge: raise $25,000 for the charity to name their new refrigerated store for DC Freemasons. On May 13th, just 6 months after issuing his challenge, the Grand Master accompanied by Senior Grand Warden Annas F. Kamara, MWB Jeffrey D. Russell, Grand Secretary, MWB Jesse Villarreal, Executive Director of MESH Charities, and WB Peter Brusoe, Chairman of the MESH Board of Directors, formally presented the sponsorship check to George Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Bread for the City. The money could not have gone to a better place. Each month, Bread for the City feeds 8,400 of our neighbors who are food insecure. Today, most of this is through pre-packaged food, but soon, thanks to DC Freemasons, many will also be served through the new state-of-the-art Refrigerated Shopping Center, located in Bread for the City’s new Southeast Center, recently named in honor of former First Lady Michelle Obama.. Here, clients are able to come in and shop for the items they want including milk, fresh meats and vegetables, and eggs. The new facility also closely resembles a standard bodega market, conveying extra dignity on those being served. All of this is accomplished through one of the most efficient charities in town, meaning that for every dollar spent by the organization, only a small percentage is for administration—so money that is donated is overwhelmingly spent on those who need it most.
enjoy and keep us healthy,” said WB Peter Brusoe, Chairman of MESH Charities. Our next challenge will be to go out and raise money to help fill the food shelfs. A special thanks to the Masonic Foundation of the District of Columbia, the Masonic & Eastern Star Home Charities, Benjamin B. French Lodge, Eagle Lodge, Temple Noyes Cathedral Lodge, William R. Singleton-Hope-Lebanon Lodge, Friendship Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, and the Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star for their leadership gifts to make this happen.
A new refridgerated case waiting to be filled with fresh produce.
“As we were thinking through the charitable project for the year, I was so impressed with the work that was being done here at Bread for the City and their incredible outreach, I knew this was a perfect project for the Grand Lodge,” said MWB Gordon. “I want to thank every brother, lodge, and chapter who helped to make today happen!” “MESH charities is so happy to partner with the Grand Lodge to support this wonderful local charity,” added MWB Jesse Villarreal, Executive Director of MESH Charities. “This space is amazing! It affords clients the opportunity to have what each and every one of us has when we go to the grocery store, the dignity of picking and choosing our own food to Pre-packaged groceries waiting for distibution
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MWB Gordon talks with Bread for the City CEO George Jones
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GRAND LODGE COMMUNITY E-CYCLE EVENT A SUCCESS! Peter Brusoe, PM The Eagle Lodge No. 1893
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ach year the world produces 50 million tons of electronic waste. At best, 20% of this is recycled, leaving the vast majority to choke rivers, fill up landfills, and at times seep into the water table. One of the most cited reasons for people not recycling is how inaccessible it is—you can’t just include your old electronics in your standard recycling bin. Responding to this need, the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia hosted an e-cycle event at the Grand Lodge Building on
From left - MWB Jeff Russsell, WB Peter Brusoe, WB Scott Jacobs, and RWB Chip Mahaney
From left - MWB Jeff Russsell, WB Peter Brusoe, WB Scott Jacobs, and RWB Chip Mahaney
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May 1st from 9AM to 3PM for our friends and neighbors. Over 900-pounds of old electronics were collected, including dozens of laptops and computer towers, over 30 flip phones, 3 dozen smart phones, printers, and even an old Keurig coffee machine. These items were all diverted from the waste stream and now will find a new life as they are recycled into usable components. The Grand Secretary, MWB Jeffrey D. Russell, set up the event. He had a big assist from WB Scott Jacobs, RWB Chip Mahaney, WB Peter Brusoe, and Peter Lynch who staffed the event. And, RWB Michael Greenwald came through the biggest by donating of one of his company trucks to run the collection to the recycling center.
PHILADELPHIA SHRINE HOSPITAL DRIVERS’ LOUNGE NAMED IN HONOR OF ALMAS POTENTATE Peter Brusoe, PM The Eagle Lodge No. 1893
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hriners International operates 22 non-profit medical facilities that provide orthopedic care for children without any cost to their families. There is no Shiners Hospital in Washington, DC, so families in our area are cared for at a state-of-the-art facility in Philadelphia, where they perform 130 surgeries a month and see around 13,000 patients a year. As part of the Shrine commitment to care for the children, Shrine Temples provide for transportation for patients to and from the hospital. This means that in DC, an Almas Shrine Volunteer gets up early, picks up the van, and drives the patient and their family to the hospital in Philadelphia. While waiting for the patient to receive care, the driver often relaxes in a comfortable lounge area at the hospital to rest up for the return journey while providing space and privacy for the family. In honor of Ill. Brother George Stoklas, the 2021 Potentate of Almas Shriners and Past Master of William R. Singleton-HopeLebanon Lodge No. 7 (and current Grand Treasurer), Singleton Lodge made a donation with a match from MESH Charities to name that Driver’s Lounge in honor of Ill. Bro. Stoklas. On May 14, 2021 the check was formally presented to Hospital Administrator Krista Miller by WB Graham Keithley, Master of Singleton Lodge #7, RWB George Stoklas, Potentate of Almas Shriners, MWB Jesse Villarreal Executive Director of MESH
Charities and WB Peter Brusoe, Chairman of the Board of MESH Charities. They were also able to check out the reclining chairs in the lounge. “We do it for the children,” explained Ill. Bro. Stoklas. “But while this is all for the children and their families, its also nice to provide a little comfort to our volunteer drivers, too.” “RWB George is a stalwart Past Master, and we were proud to be able to help the children at Shriners and honor him at the same time. We look forward to coming back, showing the lounge and the hospital to all of our brothers in Singleton when the COVID restrictions lift, and we’ll continue supporting the children at Shriners going forward,” said WB Keithley.
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DIGITIZING OUR GRAND LODGE MEMBERSHIP CARD CATALOG B. Chris Ruli, Grand Historian
the need for a standardized and centralized system to track membership. For much of the jurisdiction’s early history, Masons verified membership through letters and physical methods; signs, grips, and words. Lodges issued certificates upon request, mostly for those who relocated out of the District. The Grand Lodge rolled out a standardized certificate system in 1895, but those certificates provided limited information—mostly when a candidate received his degrees, and was never updated. Thus, secretaries had to develop their own methods to track important milestone dates including demits, suspensions, withdrawals, and deaths.
For more than a century, the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia has maintained a large historical register of the District’s Freemasons, housed in a large card catalogue. Up until last year, this massive catalog has remained relegated to the Grand Lodge office untethered to the digital world. While COVID-19 has curtailed Masonic activities across the jurisdiction, the pandemic did provide an opportunity to begin digitizing one of our most important Masonic resources in the District. The card catalog project began in earnest in 1901, when Grand Master Harry Stanford introduced the topic during the Grand Lodge’s Annual Communication. MWB Stanford believed that a catalog, which had been implemented in other jurisdictions, would greatly improve internal processes and reduce time to investigate membership inquiries. Up until this point, membership inquiries bypassed the Grand Secretary’s office and were often transmitted directly to a lodge’s secretary. Secretaries maintained their own internal records with varying complexity. But as interest in Freemasonry grew during the turn of the century, so did
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The Grand Lodge agreed to proceed with the card catalog project in 1901 and MWB Stanford appointed Bros. George Corson, W. A. Craig, and Orville Drown to develop a proposal. Bro. Corson and company were already familiar with catalogs, having helped maintain the War Department’s system, which at that time was one of the largest card catalogs in the country. The committee returned the following May with a proposal for $185 ($5,700 in 2021 adjusted for inflation) to purchase two large index card cabinets and an initial batch of thirty thousand blank cards. The proposal was accepted, and Grand Secretary Arvine Johnson was allotted an additional ($300, or $9,000 in 2021) to hire clerical support. In order to process the first batch of cards, composed of 1863 through 1902, Johnson contracted Bro. Paul Neuhaus, a professional cataloger, for assistance. Bro. Neuhaus, a member of Hope Lodge No. 20, completed the task within a year. He also uncovered more than
a thousand errors in Lodge returns, which required “voluminous correspondence” between the Grand Secretary’s office and constituent Lodge secretaries to run down and correct. In 1904, he expanded the catalog to include historical membership prior to 1863, rejected candidates, and updated the existing cards to include any officer positions served. Bros. Johnson and Neuhaus completed their project by 1905 with approximately 21,800 cards on file. Membership cards contain personal and Masonic information. The data includes name, Mother Lodge, dates for degree conferral, affiliation, or other changes to membership including suspension for nonpayment of dues, death, and withdrawal. Each card also includes a space for notes, which has often been used to document the person’s service as a Lodge or Grand Lodge officer, their Mother Lodge (if they affiliated), or special notes and historical information. As blank cards ran out, newer cards with additional fields entered circulation. Bro. Neuhaus and his successors filled out each card by hand, and later by typewriter as the office updated with the times. The system remained in use under the Grand Secretary’s guidance throughout the twentieth century. The first steps towards a cardless system occurred in 1988 when Grand Secretary Stewart Miner transferred the card catalog onto Microfiche. But the new format ultimately became just as cumbersome, due to the large equipment needed to view the files, and the flammable nature of the media. The Grand Lodge moved to the first digital database in the nineties. The
digital system focused primarily on the current, active membership, though, and the card catalogue has remained in use for historical inquiries. Plans to digitize the card catalog and integrate it with the new electronic database are probably as old as the original database, itself. However, the cost in both dollars and man hours to take on such a large project has always been an issue, until now. Scanning technology has improved over the last decade, which now enables us to take
on more digitization projects “in house” at the Grand Lodge office. That said, it is still a time-consuming and human directed endeavor. Due to their format, cards must be individually scanned and processed. Cards originally filled using a typewriter can be further processed through Optical Character Recognition software (OCR) to become keyword searchable, but the majority of the card catalog was filled out by hand, and OCR programs cannot accurately transcribe handwriting. So, the information on these cards must be hand typed into the file for it to become searchable.
Albert Pike
Carl Claudy
Andrew Jackson
Elliott Woods
Benjamin B. French
Harding GL
As of this article, we’ve digitized membership cards A through L, with plans to complete the project’s first phase by the end of this year. When complete, the digital card catalog will be a new resource for D.C. Masons and researchers to quickly identify former members and uncover our Masonic history. Plans are currently in the works to determine the best way to share this interesting and valuable resource. Stay tuned for more updates and milestones! Until then, here are a few gems from the old card catalogue:
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YES, AND… Scott Brown, PM Federal Lodge No. 1
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fter a full year of change and isolation from this great fraternity, there is finally Masonic light at the end of the tunnel. And as we look to the future, questions remain as to how things will look moving forward and how quickly life will return to normal. While pondering these questions, I took some time to reflect on my own Masonic journey in order to appreciate how far I’ve come, and to also determine what the future might look like for my Masonic career as we get back into the swing of things. During my self-reflection, I was amazed at all the things I have done and the experiences I have been a part of in my 13-years in Freemasonry. But how did I get here? I can probably bet that every Mason reading this has heard the phrase, you get out of Freemasonry what you put into it—a common saying to anyone in their journey through the Craft. And while I had heard that phrase a million times, it wasn’t until I really took the time to reflect and analyze how I got where I am now, that I realized that this phrase could not be truer. Freemasonry can be an internal journey, as we study the philosophies and moral teachings that are inculcated to us in our ritual and teachings. But it is also an external journey of relationships and experiences that reinforce and work hand-in-hand with that ritual and those teachings to make us each a better man. In other words, how we interact with others in the Craft can have an outsized effect on our own internal work. Let me give you an example: I am a firm believer in the power of “yes,” as I have witnessed the results firsthand, because saying “yes” to even the smallest request has taken me on amazing adventures and has changed my life in ways 26 | THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY ISSUE 2, 2021
I never thought possible. It’s a concept I took from my work in the theatre, specifically improvisational theatre, where in order to move a story or situation along, the players never say “no” to each other while improvising a scene. Rather, the rule is always to say “yes, and…”. This action positively moves the scene on while also adding to it. In my reflection, I discovered that by saying “Yes, and…” to several seemingly mundane opportunities in my Masonic career, that I “moved the scene forward” in a positive way that often created greater opportunities for me and in turn rewarded me greatly, as well. It is my hope that as you read this article, you take some time to reflect on your own Masonic journey and what the future looks
like for you when we get back to normal. Hopefully, you’ll think about saying “yes” to the adventure of taking a more active role in the fraternity. A quick disclaimer: it’s no secret that Freemasonry is a volunteer organization. Anytime we commit to doing something, we are giving our time and energy for free, without asking for something in return. We give our efforts to Freemasonry because we believe in the institution and we want to see it succeed. While not all of us give the same amount of time (and that’s okay, we all have lives outside of Freemasonry), I want to give you two examples of times that I said “yes, and…” to the smallest thing that turned into a great adventure.
Example #1 – Speaking at a Lodge in Honolulu, Hawaii In 2016, I was fortunate enough to be invited by Honolulu Lodge’s Master, Worshipful Brother Owen Shieh, to speak at their guest lecture series. Hawaii was a state that I never thought I would visit, but when the offer came, obviously, I couldn’t refuse. They picked up the tab on my flight and once I got there, I had such a
great time speaking and visiting with their members. After my presentation was over, I turned the rest of my visit into one of the most memorable vacations of my life. But how did that happen? When I first joined Freemasonry, Federal Lodge No. 1 had a text-based website. When searching for Lodges to join in DC, I knew I wanted to visit Federal Lodge, but the website left me feeling scared to reach
out. Luckily, I did it anyway—another time I said, “yes,” but perhaps a story for a different time. After joining, I volunteered to update and revamp their website to make it look less intimidating by including pictures and a “contact us” page, to hopefully make people feel more comfortable in reaching out. I took things a step further and volunteered to manage the emails
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coming in from that “contact us” page and I took pride in responding to people in a timely manner. One day, a Warden from Honolulu Lodge by the name of Owen Shieh, sent a message through the website saying he would be visiting DC and wanted to visit some Lodges and the DC Scottish Rite. I responded quickly with suggestions on Lodges he should visit based on his schedule and invited him to the DC Scottish Rite during one of our Tuesday meetings. When he arrived, I was there to meet him, and I introduced him to the brethren and showed him around to make him feel welcome. During future visits, I even took the time to take him and other brethren from Hawaii to the House of the Temple for a tour. As time went on, we maintained contact and became friends. Years later, Owen became Worshipful Master of
House of the Temple Tour
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Honolulu Lodge and he invited me to speak to his Lodge. I never would have received that invitation had I not taken the time and effort to make him feel welcome in DC. I never would have welcomed him to DC had I not responded to his email. I never would have received his email had I not volunteered to manage our “contact us” page. Federal Lodge never would have had a “contact us” page had I not volunteered to redo their website. I can trace an amazing, life-changing experience in Hawaii back to the simple decision to say “yes, and…” to a website update. Example #2 – Representing the Class of 33° Inductees In 2019, I was honored to be elected to receive the 33° for the Valley of Washington, Orient of the District of Columbia of the
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. It was one of the most profound experiences of my Masonic career, and to top things off, I was selected to be the exemplar candidate, representing the roughly 400 brethren who were receiving their white caps that biennial in the entire Southern Jurisdiction. This was one of the most nerve-racking experiences of my life, as well, as all eyes were on me during the ritual and I didn’t want to make a mistake. Following the ceremony, I was asked to give a short speech in response and to speak on behalf of all the new white caps. As I grabbed the microphone and turned to the audience, I saw one of the most amazing sights I have ever seen: a sea of white and purple caps inside a completely full auditorium. This sight came with a rush of nerves and anxiety as I wanted to do a good job, not only for all the new white caps, but for the DC Scottish Rite, as well.
challenged myself in ways I never thought possible, received honorary titles I never thought I’d reach, met incredible people with friendships that will last a lifetime, and was even featured on the History Channel. And I’ve done all these things because I started with “Yes, and…”.
Washington Business Journal
But I had rehearsed my speech over a hundred times, and I was prepared. I took a deep breath and gave my speech, and it was met with a standing ovation. I received a lot of compliments following the ceremony and, in that moment, I felt extremely proud. But how did all of that happen? Why me?
Many years and many reunions later, I became the Director of Work for our Valley and more and more responsibilities are coming my way every day. While I won’t know the reasons for being elected to receive the 33°, I have no doubt the time and efforts I gave to this appendant body had contributed to my receiving this honor.
Looking back in my time at the DC Scottish Rite, I knew I wanted to get involved in the degree work. As someone with a theatre background, the ritual was a perfect fit and I started by volunteering to play a small role in one of the degrees. This led to bigger parts in future reunions, which led to being an assistant director for the 30°. Eventually, I became the director of that degree, which led to bigger responsibilities like running the K.C.C.H. investiture and as Assistant Director of Work.
So, I can clearly trace standing in front of an auditorium full of white and purple caps, representing hundreds of men who were receiving this new honor, to my decision to say “yes” to taking just a small role in one of the degrees. Amazing. The list of examples of these great adventures continue. Because of Freemasonry, I have travelled the country, visited places I never thought I’d visit, started new career paths,
To be clear, I am not advocating that as we come back to normal, that you say yes to everything. Hindsight is always 20/20 and there have been times where I’ve accepted too much and it has left me stressed, missing things at home, or led me to sleepless nights. Two years ago, my daughter decided to arrive a week early, which overlapped with a huge Scottish Rite reunion where I directed a degree, featuring a cast made up of all Past Grand Masters—something that hadn’t been done in almost 100-years. Needless to say, it was a stressful time that I’m not sure I would like to repeat. Finding my work / life / Freemasonry balance is still something I’m working on, and I hope you’ll exercise that balance, as well—always discovering and respecting the length of your cable-tow. So as Freemasonry starts to return, reflect on your own personal journey, and spend some time thinking about the future. It’s time to get active and get more involved. Think about ways in which you can participate more as we get back to work, and how you will balance that with your work and family. This fraternity cannot succeed without the efforts and input of brothers like you. All it takes is a simple, “Yes, and…”. You’ll be surprised at where it will take you.
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THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY Grand Lodge, F.A.A.M. of DC 5428 MacArthur Blvd., N.W. Washington, DC 20016-2524
Now in its 60th 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 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,
NonProfit Org. US Postage PAID Permit No. 207 Dulles, VA
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.
SUPPORT THE COVID RELIEF FUND In response to the current crisis, and the impact it will have on many members’ health, livelihoods, and families, many DC Masonic organizations came together to create the Joint Masonic COVID Crisis Fund. The Fund centrally collects donations from individuals and Masonic bodies/ organizations and has in place an expedited process to provide funds, goods, and services for relief to brothers, sisters, and their immediate family. If you or someone you know is in need, complete the form here: https://bit.ly/2vmIJL4 Please note this is for members of DC Masonic bodies only. Individual donations of any size will be of great help. You can donate money by visiting this link: https://bit.ly/3dawdiZ This will allow donations through credit card, PayPal, ACH, and more. You may also mail checks made out to “MESH Charities” to 2800 16th St. NW Washington DC 20009. You can also donate goods that will be helpful to those in need, or your time to help with tasks such as grocery shopping or helping with a doctor visit. Please sign up here to do so: https://forms.gle/UjCuVogSnEV3zURe8 Many hands make light work, and we can all pitch in some way. Many of your brothers, sisters, and close Masonic family will need your help, and deeply appreciate it.
GRAND LODGE OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ALAN L. GORDON, GRAND MASTER | JEFFREY D. RUSSELL, PGM, GRAND SECRETARY DCGRANDLODGE.ORG
