VOLUME 37 | NUMBER 2 | 2020
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF WASHINGTON D.C.
THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY Volume 37, Number 2 2020 Issue EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Michael D. Nicholas, Sr. (Grand Master) Jeffrey D. Russell, PGM (Grand Secretary)
FIRST GRAND VISITATIONS
pg. 16
MANGAING EDITOR Jason Van Dyke, PM (Director of Communications) EDITORIAL BOARD Scott Brown, PM Morgan P. Corr, PM Mark Dreisonstok, PM Shakib Firzli Andrew Hammer, PM Walter Hoenes, PM Chris Ruli Bernhard Zinkgraf 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.
A TITANIC LIFE: THE STORY OF BRO. ARCHIBALD BUTT pg. 4
MY FIGHT WITH COVID 19 pg.12
QUARANTINE STORIES pg. 33
CONTENTS 1
Grand Master’s Message
2
First Lady’s Message
3
2020 Leadership Conference Schedule
4
A Titanic Life: The Story of Bro. Archibald Butt
6
Masonic Education: A comprehensive history
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
10 The Grand Master Who Took Us to the Stars!
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.
22 Years of Grand Lodge Service Awards Presentations in the Age of COVID
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).” Please direct all correspondence to: 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, 2020
12 My Fight with COVID-19 16 First Grand Visitations 18 Whithersoever Dispersed 20 Mesh Charities 21 The 2021 Grand Lodge Family Cruise 24 Brotherly Love 28 A Tribute to Dean S. Clatterbuck, A Titan of the Craft, from Potomac Lodge No. 5 31 Quarantine Stories 41 Joint Statement from DC Grand Masters
GRAND MASTER’S MESSAGE our Masonic education and lectures has improved! We have reached out and found long-lost brethren who had been separated from our Lodges. And now that our Lodges are meeting virtually, there is something almost every night. In fact, I sometimes try to attend more than one presentation at a time (see picture). I have not yet perfected that technique, but it beats trying to physically be in two places at once!
Michael D. Nicholas, Sr., Grand Master Brethren all,
T
his issue of The Voice of Freemasonry is about celebration. We celebrate the resiliency and vibrancy of Freemasonry in Washington DC, and we celebrate the life of one of our Masonic luminaries, RWB Dean Clatterbuck. I am excited to say that in this issue you will find great content, contributed by talented members from all over our Grand Lodge. I am also proud of the education efforts that continue, despite all of the pandemic challenges.
I am not sure why it took a pandemic to realize this potential. I choose to believe that it was caused by our passionate desire to maintain our Fraternal ties. All of you refused to let the pandemic restrictions stop you. You turned a negative event into a positive outcome. It is for this reason that I truly believe we can overcome any future challenges, any future outbreaks, and that we will simply find a way to persist. We still have much work to do. We must figure out when and how to meet again and how to conduct Degree work. Most importantly, we need to continue to lead interested men who have knocked on our door to the light of Freemasonry despite the restrictions. I applaud your enthusiasm and imagination in this area. With regards to our dear departed brother RWB Dean Clatterbuck, there is much
here that describes his amazing life, and his impact on our Craft in Washington, DC. He was loved by so many of you, and he returned that love with a gentle spirit backed by a steel spine. I trust that many of you will continue to keep his memory and legacy not only alive, but as a force to be emulated in your Lodges. Finally, my brethren, I cannot ignore the current social and political climate. Most of my messages have urged calm, compassion, and love. These are all needed now more than ever. I believe that we are all physical manifestations of the same spirit. We are all born of the same light, but we are gifted with different physical forms. We must be the Light in this confusion. But Freemasons are not characterized by their timidity or lack of resolve. On the contrary, we are rightfully respected for our ability to craft bold solutions and our willingness to confront difficult challenges. Much of the world’s history that was written by Freemasons is a legacy of personal courage. Action will be required. Our time will come. May our Grand Architect continue to bless you and your families and loved ones.
You will see examples throughout this issue of how our Brethren have labored to continue the work of our gentle Craft during the past few months. Not long ago, the word “zoom” was a verb. Today it is more well-known as a noun. It is not the only communications tool out there, but the availability of video conferencing has transformed and expanded our approach to Freemasonry. We have learned to include others outside of our geographic area, and the quality of
ISSUE 2, 2020 THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY | 1
FIRST LADY’S MESSAGE
H
A few weeks later we also conducted a ladies’ “Virtual Happy Hour” and, frankly, that was even more fun! We had 12 ladies on the call, and a bit of wine made the event a great time! We are blessed to have such wonderful women who support our Grand Lodge and our Masons, and I love having the opportunity to spend some time with you all.
It seems that everyone has discovered “Zoom” and the power of video conferencing. Me, too!
We are hopeful that there may yet be an opportunity for family events in the fall, particularly our Annual Grand Lodge Picnic. We have it scheduled in late September, but we will need to carefully watch the current pandemic situation.
By Maryann Nicholas First Lady of the Grand Lodge of DC ello again to our Masonic families in the Grand Lodge F.A.A.M. of Washington, DC! The current pandemic restrictions have definitely put a dent into our plans for family events, teas, and gettogethers this year, but we’ve managed a few virtual activities thus far.
During our “Virtual Tea” in May, some of our ladies wore beautiful dresses. I was not one of them. For me, the term “COVID-19” has more to do with weight gain than any medical term, and I’m still dealing with the challenge of fitting into any of my “tea-appropriate” dresses! I hope that all of you are doing better.
2 | THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY ISSUE 2, 2020
But during our virtual tea, the wife of one of our Past Grand Masters, Vickie Starr, laid out her mother’s tea service, which had not been used in 53 years, and it was very beautiful and enjoyed by our other ladies on the call.
Mike and I are praying for you all, and we appreciate your love and support. I hope that you all will continue to stay safe. Look for more virtual events soon! Sincerely, Maryann
2020 LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE SCHEDULE TUESDAY, AUGUST 18 7:30 PM
Welcome
7:45 PM
Post-COVID
8:30 PM
Difficult Masonic Issues
8:30 PM
Budget during crisis
8:30 PM
5-Year Strategic Plan
9:30 PM
Closed
TUESDAY, AUGUST 25 7:30 PM
Welcome
7:45 PM
Grand Lodge Code and Bylaws
8:30 PM Guarding the West Gate - How do we select candidate?
L
ed by our Deputy Grand Master, RWB Alan L. Gordon, we are pleased to announce that the 2020 Grand Lodge Leadership Conference dates are set! This year, due to the global pandemic, we will spread the conference out over three days and meet virtually. We will meet on Tuesday, August 18 from 7:30pm to 9:30 pm, the next Tuesday, August 25 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm, and then Saturday, August 29 from 9am to Noon.
8:30 PM
Effective Communication
8:30 PM
Education and Mentoring
9:30 PM
Closed
SATURDAY, AUGUST 29 9:00 AM
Welcome & Announcements
9:15 AM
Deputy Grand Master with Senior Wardens
Each session will include breakout groups and plenary sessions with topics ranging from “What We Look Like Post-COVID” to “Understanding and Navigating the Age Gap in Lodge.”
9:15 AM
Senior Grand Warden with Junior Wardens
9:15 AM
Junior Grand Warden & Senior Grand Deacon with Deacons
The Grand Lodge Leadership Conference is open to members who will be a Pillar Officer (Master or Warden) or a Deacon of their Lodge in 2021.
9:15 AM
Grand Secretary with Secretaries
9:15 AM
Grand Treasurer with Treasurers
Mark your calendars, registration will open soon!!!
11:00 AM Minding the (Age) Gap
10:15 AM Masonic Charities 11:00 AM Education and Mentoring 11:00 AM Building Consensus 12:00 PM Closed
ISSUE 2, 2020 THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY | 3
A TITANIC LIFE: THE STORY OF BRO. ARCHIBALD BUTT By Alan L. Gordon Deputy Grand Master
RWB Alan L. Gordon
B
rother Archibald Butt was a Major in the United States Army and an influential aide to Presidents and Brothers Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft. An while his association with the Craft and US Presidents during his time in Washington, DC might be slightly remarkable, the manner of his death is even more so. Because he was one of the over 1,500 people who died during the sinking of the HMS Titanic. Brother Butt was born in Augusta, Georgia to a military family. Both his grandfather and great-grandfather served in the American Revolutionary War. In addition, he had an uncle who served with the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. Brother Butt was a journalist in his early adult life, which garnered him the attention of several political figures. This attention earned him an appointment as First
4 | THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY ISSUE 2, 2020
Secretary to the American Ambassador to Mexico where he wrote articles for several magazines. During the Spanish American War, Brother Butt served in a variety of places and later earned a commission as a Captain in the United States Army. After service as Depot Quartermaster in Havana, he was ordered to return to Washington to serve as an aide to President Theodore Roosevelt. While there, Brother Butt became close friend with the President. His organizational skills helped to convert chaotic White House receptions into orderly efficient events. In early, 1912, Brother Butt was caught up between the broken friendships between Roosevelt and Taft at a time when Roosevelt was forming his Bull Moose Party and planning a run for a third term as present, a move that ultimately resulted in the election of Woodrow Wilson to the presidency. During this time, Brother Butt requested a leave of absence from his White House duties. On March 1, 1912, Brother Butt and his housemate, Francis Millet, left for a 6-week vacation in Europe. Butt booked passage on the RMS Titanic to return to the United States. He boarded the ship at Southampton, in England on April 10, 1912; Millet boarded the ship at Cherbourg, France, later that same day. Butt was playing cards on the night of April 14 in the first-class smoking room when the Titanic struck an iceberg and sank two and one half hours later. There are several accounts of Brother Butt’s actions during those two-and-a-half-hours, though none can be verified. One account had the ship’s captain, Edward J. Smith, telling Butt that the ship was doomed, after which Butt began to act like a ship’s officer supervising the loading and lowering of lifeboats. The New York Times also claimed that Butt herded women and children into lifeboats.
Archibald Butt (Right) speaks to President Taft at a Wright Bros. demonstration.
Another account said that Butt, gun in his hand, prevented panicked male passengers from storming the lifeboats. Yet another version said Butt yanked a man out of one of the lifeboats so that a woman could board. In this story, Butt declared, “Sorry, women will be attended to first or I’ll break every damned bone in your body! One account tells of Butt preventing desperate steerage passengers from breaking into the first class areas in an attempt to escape the sinking ship. Walter Lord’s book A Night to Remember disagrees with claims that Butt acted like an officer. Lord says Butt most likely observed the ship›s evacuation quietly. For instance, many newspapers repeated a story allegedly told by Marie Young. This tale says that Butt helped her into Lifeboat No. 8, tucked a blanket about her, and said, “Goodbye, Miss Young. Luck is with you. Will you kindly remember me to all the folks back home?”, but Young later wrote to President Taft denying she ever told such a story. Even Butt’s final moments remain in dispute. Dr. Washington Dodge says he saw John Jacob Astor and Butt standing near the bridge as the ship went down. Dodge›s account is highly unlikely, as his lifeboat was more than a half-mile away from the ship at the time it sank. Other eyewitnesses say they saw him standing calmly on deck, or sideby-side with Astor waving goodbye. Several
An artist’s recreation of the sinking of the Titanic
letter sent by Brother Butt from the Rock of Gibraltar telling the lodge how he was looking forward to seeing everyone again upon his return. Sadly, that reunion was never to occur. The letter arrived at the lodge after the sinking of the Titanic.
Butt’s grave marker at Arlington National Cemetary
accounts had Butt returning to the smoking room, where he stood quietly, or resumed his card game. But these accounts have been disputed by renowned Titanic author John Maxtone-Graham. The only things we know for sure: Butt died in Titanic’s sinking, and his body was never recovered. Major Butt has figured in several fictional novels surround the Titanic. Once such account, represented that Major Butt was on a secret mission and was returning with documents which could have prevented World War One, but rather than complete his mission, he sacrificed himself so that women and children might be saved. Major Archibald Butt was initiated, passed, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on ______________. At the time of his death, he was a member of Temple Lodge #32 (now Temple-NoyesCathedral Lodge #32). While the records of Brother Butt within the lodge are not clear, it does explain the frequent visits to the lodge of Brother and President Taft, whose signature is plainly found in the guest register in the early days of the lodge. In addition, the lodge history records a
On May 2, 1912, a memorial service was held in the Butt family home with 1,500 mourners, including President Taft, attending. Taft spoke at the service, saying, “If Archie could have selected a time to die he would have chosen the one God gave him. His life was spent in self–sacrifice, serving others. His forgetfulness of self had become a part of his nature. Everybody who knew him called him Archie. I couldn’t prepare anything in advance to say here. I tried, but couldn’t. He was too near me. He was loyal to my predecessor, Mr. Roosevelt, who selected him to be military aide, and to me he had become as a son or a brother.” At a second ceremony, held in Washington, D.C., on May 5, Taft broke down and wept, bringing his eulogy to an abrupt end.
A cenotaph was erected to him in the summer of 1913 in Section 3 of Arlington National Cemetery. Butt himself had selected the spot earlier. In October 1913, the Butt-Millet Memorial Fountain, named for Archibald Butt and Francis Millet, was dedicated near the White House on the Ellipse. In Augusta, Georgia, the Butt Memorial Bridge was dedicated in 1914 by Taft, accompanied by brethren of the Temple Lodge #32 who had chartered a boat to go to Augusta to attend the ceremony. (The lodge allegedly had a plaque placed on the bridge in his memory.) The Washington National Cathedral contains a large plaque dedicated to Major Archibald Butt, found on the wall in the museum store. In recent years, the Butt Memorial Bridge has become the center of controversy as the City of Augusta has tried to remove it. There was at the time a protest with slogans used “Save Our Butt”. The city ultimately relented and the bridge remains today as a memorial to our brother who served our country and was one of many who perished on the HMS Titanic.
Today, we can find several memorials to Butt which were created over the years.
Titanic before her fateful first voyage
ISSUE 2, 2020 THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY | 5
MASONIC EDUCATION: FOUNDATIONAL ELEMENTS By Akram R. Elias, Past Grand Master Chairman Committee on Masonic Education and Service THE ESSENCE OF FREEMASONRY
W
ords can be much more than words; they convey profound messages and reflect our way of thinking. The words we choose when we speak about Freemasonry reveal how we really view our initiatic society.
“A word and a stone let go cannot be recalled” – SPANISH PROVERB
“A bad word whispered will echo a hundred miles” – CHINESE PROVERB
“Be impeccable with your word” – ANCIENT TOLTEC WISDOM
Reflecting upon our tenants and Landmarks, it quickly becomes apparent that Freemasonry is NOT a: Social club, though socialization is an important aspect of what we do. Religion, although spirituality underlies all our beliefs and belief in deity is essential for initiation. Philosophical circle, although the intellectual quest for knowledge is earnestly encouraged. Civic group, although Masons are urged to be upright and engaged citizens. Charitable organization, although Masons are called upon to do relief and often are charitable. Fraternal association, although fellowship is an essential element of who we are. 6 | THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY ISSUE 2, 2020
Freemasonry is an initiatic society dedicated to the transformative work of improving oneself to be of greater service to Deity and humanity. The process of initiation, when undertaken with proper intention and knowledge, leads to both a broadening and a deepening of awareness of reality, liberation from the chains of ignorance, and an artistic desire to strengthen and beautify one’s community with wisdom. When properly understood and applied, the lessons contained within Freemasonry are nothing short of revolutionary. THE PROMISE OF FREEMASONRY The common phrase often heard about the promise of Freemasonry is that it takes good men and makes them better. To be more accurate, the common saying ought to be Freemasonry takes good men and provides them the teachings and tools by which they can better themselves, because Masonic initiation is primarily concerned with one’s personal growth as a free builder. It takes place in the setting of a Lodge yet has its effect in the greater community. HOW DOES FREEMASONRY COMMUNICATE ITS TEACHINGS? There exists in Regular Freemasonry a rich diversity of rituals, including York Rite-based ones, Scottish Rite ones, and Emulation, just to name a few. No matter the type of ritual, Freemasonry is universally defined as “a peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.” What do these words really mean? Let us start by addressing the meaning of key words in that definition: Peculiar: strange, odd, unusual, distinctive. Veiled: obscured, concealed. Allegory: expression by means of symbolic fictional figures and actions of truths or generalizations about human existence.
MWB Akram Elis, PGM
Symbol: an authoritative summary of faith or doctrine; a visible sign of something invisible. To put it simply, the teachings of Freemasonry that help its members better themselves form a distinctive doctrine that conveys truths hidden from the naked eye. It is through the practice of Masonic Education that initiates learn how to unveil the allegories and decipher the symbolism in Freemasonry. THE FRAMEWORK OF LEARNING Every aspect of one’s Masonic experience has both exoteric and esoteric dimensions.
“Charge them to practice out of the Lodge those duties which are taught in it, and by amiable, discreet and virtuous conduct to convince mankind of the goodness of the institution…” – FROM THE CHARGE TO THE MASTER (INSTALLATION CEREMONY)
“All the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom; justice; honor; duty; mercy; hope” — BROTHER WINSTON CHURCHILL
The word exoteric comes from the Greek exoterikos, meaning external. Every aspect of the Ritual and its rich ceremonies has an external meaning—obviously stated as one hears it or sees it during the Ritual. The word esoteric, on the other hand, comes from the Greek esoterikos, meaning internal, signifying that it is understood by the initiated. Every aspect of the Ritual and its rich ceremonies has layers of internal meaning that may only be discovered by efforts at deeper learing and knowledge that enable more complex interpretation. These exoteric and esoteric teachings rely on setting as well as syntax to deliver their message. As mentioned earlier, there exist in Freemasonry numerous layers of esoteric knowledge associated with each exoteric aspect of the Ritual. It is up to the individual Mason to explore and experience as many layers he desires guided by his own quest for more light. There is a first and foundational layer, however, that each Freemason ought to explore and experience should he really want to improve himself in Masonry.
3. The “Universal Lodge” - the greater community, the world, and ultimately the universe
“Accept not knowing. Be curious. Embrace mystery.”
Through our Ritual in the External Lodge, an amazing transformation takes place across the three Lodges through the “Mystic Tie” that binds them. The Ritual of the Lodge is a system of ceremonies that facilitate a collective contemplative experience designed to activate deeper and broader consciousness. This Ritual takes place within the External Lodge, and in due time, is mirrored within each Brother’s Internal Lodge. Through subsequent application of the teachings contained within the Ritual in one’s day-to-day life, one affects the world (the Universal Lodge) in new and meaningful ways.
How did it apply, or what meaning did it have when I first became a Freemason?
THE FOUR ELEMENTS OF OUR BEING
How does it apply, or what meaning does it have as I look to my next stage of life? What inner guidance am I receiving now, or what is being asked of me in my continued learning as a Freemason? How can I bring key elements of my Masonic education into the greater community? One may find that answering a question leads to yet more questions. Also, one may find that one’s answers change as one evolves. Moreover, one may discover that some answers may not be easily expressed with words. These questions are a starting point for contemplative inquiry and may be expanded into further questions. Developing and considering such questions is a vital skill in this work.
THE LODGE
When contemplating an aspect of the Ritual and how it might help you improve yourself from a rough ashlar to a smoother one, think about it in terms of the four elements or aspects of our being— spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, and physically. For example, how might I use the plumb—a tool that stands for rectitude and is associated with beauty to improve my spiritual growth, my intellectual discourse, my subduing of my passions, and my physical environment?
The work of Masonic initiation takes place in three dimensions or specific spaces:
ASK YOURSELF “KEY” QUESTIONS
What effect do they have?
Develop the practice of meditating on aspects of the Ritual by applying the following questions within the context of each of the three Lodges and the four elements of our being:
Where were they pronounced during the various stages of your initiation?
This foundational layer consists of three key components:
1. The “Internal Lodge” - the inner temple that one is called upon to build within one’s self 2. The “External Lodge” - a consecrated space where Brethren gather to engage in internal and external work in pursuit of Light
As an illustration, consider the following questions regarding the phrase “…of my own Free Will and Accord…” within the contexts of the Internal, External, and Universal Lodges: Why are these words pronounced? Who is affected by them?
What meaningful applications does this (Ritual, sign, symbol, etc.) have?
How do I use them to subdue my passions and improve myself in Masonry? When do I find myself acting “of my own free will and accord?”
ISSUE 2, 2020 THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY | 7
THE PROCESS OF FULFILLMENT The actual transformation from rough to smooth ashlar triggered by the teachings of Freemasonry takes place in three stages: STAGE 1: THE ACQUISITION OF MASONIC KNOWLEDGE
Masonic knowledge is not about intellectual discourses or philosophical debates; however, its teachings and the Masonic lens that it creates result in a framework that does enable intellectual discourses and debates among Brethren. It is acquired through a 3-step process: a. Exposure: read materials that provide insights into the essence, promise and framework of Freemasonry and gaining exposure to individual interpretations of the allegories and symbols in Freemasonry. Here is a short list of extraordinary books: Encyclopedia of Freemasonry by Albert G. Mackey The Symbolism of Freemasonry: Illustrating and Explaining Its Science and Philosophy, its Legends, Myths and Symbols by Albert G. Mackey Masonic Initiation by Walter Leslie Wilmshurst Signs and Symbols by Allen Roberts
Freemasonry through Lodge facilitated presentations and facilitated discussions rather than lectures.
MASONIC GOVERNANCE STAGE 2: THE INTERNALIZATION OF MASONIC KNOWLEDGE
The second stage of internalization, consists acquired knowledge consciousness. Lodges of example, would enable through a 3-step process:
transformation, of integrating within one’s Instruction, for internalization
a. Contemplation: each Brother would learn how to circumscribe himself to keep the distractions of the profane world at bay, invoke the blessings of his Deity, and meditate on a specific aspect of Masonic ritual asking himself the types of questions mentioned in the Framework of Learning. b. Facilitated Dialogue: following contemplation, Brothers share their insights with one another, not to advance a perspective or argue a point, but to expand everyone’s horizons. c. Emulation: the process of emulating the behavior of Brothers whose conduct following careful examination is seen to exemplify the teachings and practical applications of the Craft.
Contemplative Masonry by Chuck Dunning
STAGE 3: THE ASSIMILATION OF MASONIC KNOWLEDGE
The Builders by Joseph Fort Newton
The third stage of transformation, called assimilation, consists of applying internalized Masonic knowledge into one’s daily life. Each Mason needs to draw his own designs on his Trestle (Tracing) Board using all the tools and implements of Freemasonry to build his inner temple and improve the world around him. If he does not, the transformation is incomplete, and the work may be lost. Recall now the allegory of “HA missing” in the Third Degree and ask yourself: who is HA pointing to allegorically? What happens when HA has no plans on the Trestle Board?
The Initiatic Experience by Robert Herd The Newly Made Mason by H.L. Haywood The Way of the Craftsman: Deluxe Edition: A Search for the Spiritual Essence of Craft Freemasonry by Kirk W. MacNulty b. Inquiry: seek the perspectives of more learned Brothers about the various aspects of ritual and how might those apply to one’s own life context. c. Conversation: converse (not debate) with one another on the various meanings associated with the ritual of 8 | THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY ISSUE 2, 2020
that simultaneously nurtures and safeguards that process of internal transformation.
THE NURTURING ENVIRONMENT The noble mission of taking good men and helping them transform themselves into free builders necessitates an institutional structure
Freemasonry promises that by a strict adherence to its precepts and teachings its members can transform themselves into free builders. This process of internal (not external) transformation is nurtured within the confines of the External Lodge, that sacred space where Brethren gather to engage in their Masonic labor. Therefore, governance in our institution was designed to safeguard the integrity of that sacred space within which a Freemason may work with rigor and discipline at his internal transformation; thus, the Charge to the Brethren following the Installation of Officers of each Lodge: “Brethren, such is the nature of our constitution, that as some must of necessity rule and teach, so others must of course learn to submit and obey. Humility in both is an essential duty.” The safeguarding of the sacred space also explains the insistence in our institution on: Masonic protocol, according to which a Brother is to govern his conduct within the Lodge and his behavior towards a patron or ruler in the Craft [from the Installation of the Master, “You agree to hold in veneration the original rulers and patrons of the Order of Masonry and their regular successors supreme and subordinate, according to their stations”]. Masonic etiquette, according to which a Brother is to govern his conduct and behavior towards another Brother with Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. In short, one of truest mysteries in Freemasonry is that the strict nature of governance of our institution that enables its desirous and willing members to transform themselves internally so that they in turn can conduct themselves externally as enlightened, and engaged citizens capable of governing themselves more wisely. We therefore need to avoid emulating forms of governance that exist in the profane, because those do not focus on the esoteric internal transformational process that Freemasonry promises, as the governance embedded in our Landmarks and ritual have taught us from time -in-memoriam.
CHANGE VERSUS INNOVATION
What about change and “progress”? Freemasonry is open to change that is consistent with the fundamental teachings of Freemasonry. We can trace many changes in Freemasonry over many centuries of her existence. Here is a short sample list of changes that have occurred within the Grand Lodge of Washington, D.C. over the past three decades: Admission criterion changed from 21 to 18 as the age of adulthood was redefined in our society. Diversity in terms of race, religion and ethnicity became an integral part of our identity in Washington D.C. since 1990. The Cipher was introduced to complement our “mouth to ear” traditional approach to learning ritual.
Freemasonry, however, warns us clearly and unequivocally against making innovations in her body. The word innovate comes from the Latin words “in—novare” meaning “Make New” or re-create, and the word body in our context means “principal part”—the essence of the Craft. While changes that are consistent with the fundamental teachings of Freemasonry are always welcome for the purpose of growth and development, innovations are always to be rejected because they may subvert the essence of Freemasonry. As a peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols, Freemasonry instructs the Entered Apprentice as follows [excerpt from the Charge of the First Degree]
Adoption over the years of additional ways to communicate as technology evolves.
It is for that very reason that each Masterelect upon his installation promises to abide by certain charges, including:
Changes were made within the foundational principles of our Noble Craft.
“You promise to pay homage to the Grand Master for the time being, and to his
officers when duly installed; and strictly to conform to every edict of the Grand Lodge, or general assembly of Masons, that is not subversive of the principles and groundwork of Masonry. “You admit that it is not in the power of any man, or body of men to make innovations in the body of Masonry. Not even the assembled Grand Lodge nor a Grand Master are entitled to make innovations in the essence of Freemasonry. MYSTIC TIE As we fully internalize these foundational elements of Masonic Education, and go about our work of internal personal transformation while safeguarding our sacred space, a Mystic Tie develops connecting us to one another, forming a scared band of Brothers among whom no contention should ever exist.
“In short, one of truest mysteries in Freemasonry is that the strict nature of governance of our institution that enables its desirous and willing members to transform themselves internally so that they in turn can conduct themselves externally as enlightened, and engaged citizens capable of governing themselves more wisely.”
ISSUE 2, 2020 THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY | 9
THE GRAND MASTER WHO TOOK US TO THE STARS! arrive. One of Professor Lutyen’s students notes the devices contain leg-like struts, pistons flashing back, and strange domelike structures in the center of each. The other describes them as “spider-legged lighthouses walking around!”
By Drs. Mark Dreisonstok, Ph.D. and John Bozeman, Ph.D.
C
arl H. Claudy (1879 - 1957) had a varied career of which most of us can only dream. Born in Washington, D.C., by the age of 19, he was prospecting for gold in Alaska. Soon, though, he turned his attention to writing and photography. He became a magazine editor and also put forth books about photography and aeronautics, photographing early aeronautical experiments of Alexander Graham Bell and the Wright Brothers. In 1908, he turned his boundless energy to the mysteries of the Craft; that same year, at the age of 28, he was raised to the sublime Degree of Master Mason. Eventually, in 1943, Claudy served as the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia. He also published a vast number of Masonic books and articles, detailed in an excellent article in The Voice of Freemasonry in 2018 by W. Bro. Chris Stokes, PM. In addition, Bro. Claudy donated his father’s collection of works by Goethe and other classic German authors to the House of the Temple of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, S.J. While Bro. Stokes has examined Bro. Claudy the man and Mason, we will now explore a very different aspect of Claudy’s career—the Mason who traveled to Mars as a science fiction writer! Claudy was something of a pioneer in the area of what we now call young adult, or YA, literature. His interest in photography and aeronautics has already been noted; in 1912, he published a book aimed at explaining science to children: Tell Me Why: Stories about Mother Nature, which featured the first illustrations by Norman Rockwell (himself a Mason and later a famed Saturday Evening Post illustrator). Claudy followed this venture up with other “Tell Me Why” books on light and color,
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They are then imprisoned by the beings, coming to learn that Mars is peopled by an advanced civilization where the brains of most of the Martians have been transplanted into robotic bodies. Upon learning of the Martians’ plan to do this with their own brains as well, the two younger earthlings manage to escape back to earth, left to wonder about the fate of their mentor.
Return to Mars,” Claudy’s sequel to Mystery Men of Mars, published in American Boy, September 1939.
famous discoveries, and animals. He also began writing serialized adventure stories for The American Boy magazine. Among these stories was “Master Minds of Mars,” appearing in 1931-1932, which Claudy coauthored with John C. Page. Now writing alone, Claudy revised and expanded the story into a full novel, The Mystery Men of Mars, the first of what would become the four-volume “Adventures into the Unknown” series. Illustrated with beautiful two-tone plates, the story details the adventures of an elderly college professor/inventor, Dr. Isaac Lutyens, Professor of Physics and Higher Mathematics, and his two youthful protégés, Alan and Ted. The professor takes the group “sixty-one and a half million miles” to the planet Mars, with “animals, plants, and minerals.” When the three astronauts arrive, they survey the Martian landscape: “Great ferns grew seventy feet high. A gentle cool breeze stirred the fronds from which, apparently, came the odor of seaweed.” They have little time to take in the Martian flora, for large mechanical beings reminiscent of insects suddenly
The Mystery Men of Mars is a fabulous read; while parts of the story-telling are a little uneven, and portions of the overall plot are rather similar to the H.G. Wells’ The First Men in the Moon (1909), the book has an engaging retro-future aspect. At one point, for example, reference is made to the Volstead Act, the law that enacted America’s experiment with Prohibition. Similarly, the portrayal of Mars and its environment followed the literary tropes of that era, where Mars is seen as earth’s devolving evolutionary future with at least some swampy areas. (See H. G. Wells’ 1908 article, “The Things that Live on Mars.”) Yet the notion of robotbiological hybrids was fresh for the time. Only later would these beings become staples of science fiction. Claudy’s detailed imaginings of the weightlessness of space and astronauts returning to earth via an ocean landing are indeed prophetic. The question as to whether we can call the story “Masonic” inevitably will arise to readers of this publication. While clearly Claudy’s main goal is to spin a good adventure yarn for boys, some Masonic elements appear to be present. Most central is the nature of virtue: how does one balance one’s individual duty for self-development against, as the Martians in the story put it, the collective and all-
LEFT: Illustration of the spheroid “The Wanderer,” The Mystery Men of Mars. Caption to the photo: “The Professor pointed to a great red ‘star’ far to one side.” TOP: “It ran as an ostrich runs, but on legs forty feet high.” Illustration, The Mystery Men of Mars. BOTTOM: “The robot with the spear was coming straight at him!” Illustration, The Mystery Men of Mars.
encompassing “good of all”? Written as it was during the era when fascism was on the rise in Europe, Germany was claiming to be a harbinger of a technocratic utopia, and America as a whole had not yet made up its mind on either issue, Mystery Men of Mars suggests that individuals (at least the youthful ones) need to be allowed the freedom and liberty of conscious to decide whether to join a totalistic movement or not, rather than being compelled to join. (The boys also harbor regret over leaving the professor behind… so much so that in a later story, “Return to Mars,” published in 1939, Claudy has Alan, himself now having earned a doctorate, return to try to rescue him… with Jack Armstrong, the All American Boy, of the famous radio and movie serials as the youthful sidekick!) The Mystery Men of Mars also contains a number of interesting, and potentially
Masonic, turns of phrase. For example, as the professor takes the boys to show them the spaceship, the young heroes “followed their guide up a small winding stair [to] a spheroid of shining steel and aluminum.” At that this point, “Knowledge burst on Alan with a blinding light” (p. 12). Compare this to Claudy’s comment on pages 1023 of Introduction to Freemasonry, written in 1931: “The winding stairs of life lead us to we know not what.” Yet the Mason in the Second Degree will be guided up a flight of winding stairs to the Middle Chamber of King Solomon’s Temple for further knowledge. We also note that in Mystery Men, Martian wisdom teaches that “time is the life of thought.” Could this be Claudy’s reformulation of the notion in the Fellowcraft degree that “hours and minutes are inventions of the mind?” (Introduction to Freemasonry, p. 107)
While the novel is perhaps more typical than exceptional of the science fiction of its time, Claudy must surely be congratulated for realizing that science fiction was or would become a more serious art form. While he did not coin the term—that was done by Czech author (and Freemason) Karel Čapek in the play R.U.R. in 1920— he was an early popularizer of the term. It is also likely that Claudy’s The Mystery Men of Mars influenced later young adult science fiction, particularly Robert Heinlin’s first youth-oriented work, Rocket Ship Galileo. (Heinlein, though not a Mason himself but a Senior DeMolay, would include sympathetic Masonic characters in his fiction, especially in his story “If This Goes On,” a science fiction tale in which Freemasons and others struggle against religious tyranny in support of tolerance.) Claudy would continue to write other youth-oriented science fiction stories. Later he would also write storylines for comic books, most notably some early adventures of the Green Lantern. Claudy’s novels, while no longer as well-remembered as the works of Wells, Heinlein, and Asimov, nonetheless form an important chapter in the history of youth-oriented science fiction, Masonry in popular culture, and our technology-oriented culture in general. To paraphrase Claudy, may knowledge burst in on us with such a blinding light!
SOURCES: Thomas D. Clareson and Joe Sanders, The Heritage of Heinlein: A Critical Reading of the Fiction. Jefferson, NC: McFarland, 2014. “Carl H. Cloudy.” http://fancyclopedia.org/Carl_H._Claudy Carl H. Claudy, Introduction to Freemasonry: Fellowcraft. Washington, D.C.: The Temple Publishers, 1931. Carl H. Claudy. The Mystery Men of Mars. New York: Grosset and Dunlap, 1933. Robert Crossley, Imagining Mars: A Literary History. Middletown, CT: Wesleyan University Press, 2011.
Sheryl Fiegel and Theodore Hamady. Champions of Flight: Clayton Knight and William Heaslip: Artists Who Chronicled Aviation from the Great War to Victory in WWII. Haverton, PA: Casemate, 2019.
William E. McGraw. “Illustrious Brother Claudy: A Brief Biography.” 2018. https://www.facebook.com/ notes/wm-e-mccraw/illustrious-brother-claudy-a-briefbiography/708607399498116/
Jonathan M. Jacobs. “The Science Fiction Mystery.” The Northern Light 12.4, November 1990, p. 6-7. https://scottishrite.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/ downloads/The-Northern-Light/1990/1990NOV. pdf?mtime=20191205111223&focal=none
Chris Stokes. “The Remarkable Life of Carl H. Claudy.” Voice of Freemasonry Blog. July 12, 2018. https://www. dcgrandlodge.org/thevoice/the-remarkable-life-of-carl-hclaudy
Michael Levy. “’The Golden Age of Science Fiction is Twelve’: Children’s and Young Adult Science Fiction into the 1980s.” In The Cambridge History of Science Fiction, edited by G. Canavan and E. Link. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1980.
H. G. Wells. “The Things that Live on Mars.” Cosmopolitan Magazine 64.4. March 1908. Pp. 334—342. https://www. loc.gov/resource/cosmos.wells
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MY FIGHT WITH COVID-19 By WB Dave Cornwell, Past Master and Secretary Potomac Lodge No. 5 as told to WB Jason Van Dyke
I
remember hearing the first reports about the Coronavirus on the radio. It wasn’t a pandemic yet, but it was in the national news and was undoubtably serious. I also remember taking note of it—I am at more risk than others in the general public—and then moving on with my life. While the coronavirus was dangerous, I was at higher risk because of something worse— kidney disease. Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN), to be precise. MPGN is a disease that effects the filters of the kidneys, causing them to clog. My disease was what is known as “idiopathic,” or of unknown origin, rather than being caused by something like a hepatitis infection or something similar. I was diagnosed with MPGN when I was about 10-years-old after having chronic migraines and puffy ankles that had pitting edema (swelling caused by a fluid buildup that retains impressions when the skin is pressed). The nephrologist at the time gave my family and I the bad news—my kidneys were failing, and I had until I was about 20 or 21 before I would need a kidney transplant. I remember feeling fine about it, because that couldn’t have seemed more far away. But he was right on the money. I had my first kidney transplant in 1983, when I was 21 years old. The procedure was performed at The George Washington University Hospital with a kidney from my father—a Master Mason in St. Columba Lodge No. 150 in La Plata, Maryland. A couple of quick side notes here: 1) My family is very tight. In fact, we’ve been referred to as very “Beaver Cleaver-y.” So, when genetic closeness is the most desirable trait when seeking a donor organ, it wasn’t a surprise that my new kidney
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Look, I’m a statistic!
would come from the family. The surprise was that it couldn’t come from my sister (more about that later). And, 2) before the transplant, they make you take a psychiatric examination with your donor. This is to make sure that there are no feelings of guilt on either side, and that the psychological effects of the transplant are known and prepared for. This part was a breeze for my dad and I, because of the aforementioned closeness, but we saw some people in the program fail this step and have their transplant canceled or postponed. The surgery was long and invasive, especially by today’s standards. Afterwards, I was in the hospital for five weeks while I recovered, while my dad went home in about a week. I was up and around after
about two weeks, so most of the time in the hospital I spent getting my body onto and used to anti-rejection drugs. Even though my dad and I share a lot of genetic similarities, my body can still tell that his kidney is not mine, and when it figures out that there is a foreign invader in the body, it tries to kill it immediately—this is a process called “rejection.” The anti-rejection meds effectively fool your immune system into not noticing your transplanted organ. The downside is that now even the common cold could become very serious, very quickly because I was suppressing my immune system in this way. But life has a way of retuning to normal very quickly. And it was about this time that I started working with computers.
In the late 1970s, a friend of mine was an early programmer and he had a game called “Adventure.” It was one of the first text-based computer games and was wildly popular with computer people all over the world. Using the hook of the game, he taught me Basic, the first computer programing language, and I began to teach myself how to develop software. That lead to a career in the government, developing software for various agencies as a civilian consultant. Sometime in the late 80’s I caught what I assumed to be a bad case of the flu. I would find out a few years later that it was, in fact, CM Virus (cytomegalovirus a common virus that rarely causes problems in healthy people, but for immunocompromised people like me, it could potentially trigger a rejection), and it led to the return of my MPGN and the rejection of my dad’s donated kidney. Additionally, the main anti-rejection drug I was on–cyclosporin– is toxic to the kidneys over the long term anyway. I needed another transplant, and it couldn’t have come at a worse time. As I mentioned before, my family is very close. And this time, my dad couldn’t donate, and my sister wasn’t a good match. It was a fact that deeply saddened her because siblings are supposed to be the best possible matches in cases like this. She was living and teaching in Brazil at the time, where she had just been hospitalized during a difficult pregnancy making matters even worse. My mother had also been tested during the workup for my first transplant but for a variety of reason, my dad was just a better option. My Mom is as strong of a person as you will ever know, and her dedication to our family was the stuff of legend for her work during my first transplant and now it was her turn. So, while mom stepped to the plate for me, my dad was left to deal with the fact that both kids were in intensive care thousands of miles apart from each other and his wife was about to go through an incredibly invasive procedure that would put her in the hospital, as well.
restored balance to my life and music was relegated to part time in bars and clubs— doing it for fun was much more rewarding. I settled into my life. I got married, started a new job at the company I’m still at, and made the friends I have to this day. It was 2003 when I got sick again.
My mom and I at the hospital before my first transplant
But my dad is simply amazing. I didn’t really understand that he was Mason until later in life–he just didn’t talk about it, and he wasn’t very active in the lodge, as he was busy starting and running an auto repair business. But I would later find out that while he didn’t necessarily go to lodge all that often, he was busy living the life of Mason, instead. Through the craziness of having the entire family in the hospital at one time on two continents, he was our rock. The transplant went great. Improvements in medical technology made the process faster and safer. And the drugs were getting better, too. My sister had a healthy, beautiful baby girl and life returned to normal-ish, again. I say “ish” because I got seriously involved with a band around this time, “The Short Bus.” We were a hard rock band that became pretty popular in the area, and we eventually signed with a major label, Geffen Records. But the schedule was crazy. I was still working with my government contract, and because of the nature of software development I could make my own hours—which were up at 4am and out the office. Back home at noon for a short nap, then out to rehearsal or a show, then back home for a quick nap and starting the cycle all over. It was exhausting and something had to give. Eventually the realities of trying to make it as a band was what
This time, things were much more complicated. I was out of family to donate, and I wasn’t sure where to start. I sent an email to everyone I knew. It just said, “Here’s the situation…” and asked for help if anyone could give it. The response overwhelmed me. But there was one close friend who didn’t respond. I met Glen at work. He was sailor in the Navy and working in the same area as I was, but on the military side. We became fast friends and were there together when each of us met our now wives. When Glen talked to me about why he couldn’t donate, I completely understood—he and his wife were trying to have their first child, and this just was bad timing. As the compatibility tests came back from my other friends, though, the news was not good. Out of all the candidates., there were no matches. I was starting to get a little nervous when Glen stepped up. While things weren’t progressing for he and his wife, he thought he’d give the compatibility test a whirl. In the petri dish, our cells got along as well as we did in real life. It was such a good match; the doctors and nurses were shocked that we weren’t closely related, and a date was quickly set for my third transplant. Miraculously, the very day Glen and his wife Annie told me that they were going to move ahead with giving me a kidney, they received news that they were expecting. Several months later she would give birth to their first of 2 amazing, healthy boys. Indeed, the handiwork of the Supreme Architect. For this transplant, things went much quicker. The technology had advanced so ISSUE 2, 2020 THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY | 13
much that we were both out of the hospital in three days, and for me, because of the closeness of the match, my dose of antirejection medicine was much lower. We both returned to work in only a couple of weeks, and when I see Glen at the urinal, I say, “Thanks, I couldn’t do this without you.”
Then, I started to feel worse, and I decided to take the next Friday off. When I called my boss to let him know, he asks about my symptoms, and then drops the bomb— someone at the meeting has already tested positive for COVID-19.
I thought the story was over, and indeed things were great—until midMarch of this year. I was on my way to a rare appearance at the office—a great perk of working in I.T. is that it can be easily done from anywhere that has a computer and internet so, I work mostly from home these days. But I was making the drive in for the first big meeting after our company was bought out at the beginning of the year. Its funny because I Glen and I before the transplant remember listening to the radio story on NPR that day on the “F*$#&,” I thought as my heart dropped way to the office and thinking, “Maybe through the floor. I shouldn’t go in.” But I dismissed that idea as crazy paranoia and went on about I called my transplant doctor right away my day. with the news. He said to go get tested immediately. I drove to Bowie to get an The meeting was a cautious affair, too. We afterhours test after I explained that I didn’t shake hands, and no one appeared was a transplant patient with a known sick. The meeting was a normal, everyday exposure. Then the brakes are pulled as pain that I had to drive in for. And then, a they advised me the test results would be couple of days later, it started with a cough back in 8-10 days. and a persistent headache. So, I went back home and tried to work “Maybe it’s a sinus infection,” I told but the fatigue was unrelenting. During myself. But I knew better. I was already in the week, things were getting worse. My contact with my “transplant” Doctor, and fever is barely manageable, I could not stay we were being extra vigilant because of my awake, and I have no appetite. Sweet things suppressed immune system. We decide to tasted metallic or like burnt plastic, and keep an eye on it and arrange to call him savory things tasted like gasoline. At my if it gets worse. sickest, only orange Jell-O was palatable. For the next couple of weeks, it just wouldn’t go away. My wife, Barbara, gets sick, too, but gets better in a week.
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A full seven days later, I was awakened by a call from the Maryland Board of Health informing me that I had tested positive for
COVID-19 and that they were beginning contact tracing and would now be in daily contact with me. My transplant doctor calmly advised I get to a hospital immediately. We talked quickly about my options and decided on Sibley Hospital in Washington, DC. Sibley Memorial Hospital is a part of the John Hopkins network and works closely with the Center for Disease Control and other authorities. It was also one of the most prepared hospitals in the area for the pandemic. We called ahead to let them know I was coming, and my wife dropped me off at a special, separate entrance for COVID patients. I was checked in and receiving IV fluids within 30 minutes of arrival. As I laid in the bed, the enormity of the situation hit me. I was getting sicker and sicker and the medication that kept my kidney functioning and a part of my body was also allowing the virus to thrive in the absence of a full immune response. The medical team—all in spacesuits to protect them from the highly contagious virus—Facetimed my transplant doctor and huddled with me in my room to assess the situation. They informed me that I had pneumonia and that it was likely going to get worse as the virus continued to replicate and destroy my lungs. Now I was even more concerned because I couldn’t feel how in danger my lungs really were. I thought, “So this is how it happens.” After the doctors left to run more tests, I texted some friends a picture of me in the hospital bed with the half-joking caption: “Look, I’m statistic!” But I didn’t feel very funny. I knew what was in front of me—they would have to stop my anti-rejection medication with the hope that
my immune system would kick back in and kill the virus before my kidney was rejected. The doctors thought this risk was acceptable and if the kidney did start to reject, they would deal with that as it came. They slowly cut back my anti-rejection meds and right away, I started to feel better as my body’s natural defenses kicked in. They sent me home to recover, and six days later, I was back at work. I remained asymptomatic for 3 weeks, but I was very weak. I have only started to feel “normal” again recently (this is written in midJune). But the moral of the story is that I survived, and so far, so has my kidney. There’s so much to be thankful for, but one of the most important things I’m thankful for is the close bond of brotherhood that Freemasonry gives me.
All the donors together!
During my time battling this virus, I was flooded by messages of support and love from my brethren. You sent me care packages and food, but most importantly, you sent your love at a time I needed it most. I’d say it was surprising, but it is just what I expected of the Craft. Today, I’m doing much better. I’m back to being the Secretary of Potomac Lodge No. 5 and working a regular schedule. I might have been the first transplant patient with COVID-19 in the region, and while I can’t donate plasma because of the antirejection drugs in my system, I have given permission to the doctors to share all my data for whatever study its needed for. I sincerely hope it helps someone else out there—it’s part of the obligation I took as a Master Mason, after all.
My dad and I at Potomac Lodge No. 5
ISSUE 2, 2020 THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY | 15
FIRST GRAND VISITATIONS G
2020
The Past Grand Masters are recieved and honored
The Grand Visitation Begins
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By Perry J. Blatstein, PM – Grand Master of Ceremonies
S
The Grand Marshal escorts the Grand Master to the East to begin the Grand Visitations
hortly after being installed as Grand Master in December 2019, Most Worshipful Brother Michael D. Nicholas shared with his officers that he hoped to try something new by accomplishing the mission of conducting Grand Visitations to his constituent lodges without the usual necessity of requiring them to attend over 40 individual lodge meetings. On March 7, 2020, this vision was realized when nearly 200 Grand Lodge Officers, Past Grand Masters, lodge pillar officers, and DC Freemasons came together at the DC Scottish Rite for the first of three planned Joint Grand Visitations. The Grand Master worked closely with the Grand Lecturer, Grand Marshal, and Grand Director of Ceremonies to plan a program that blended an address from the Grand Master with reports from each attending lodge’s Worshipful Master, as well as a report on each lodge from the Grand Secretary and Grand Lecturer. Lodge officers, Past Masters, Fidelity Medal Holders, and major Year of Service Award recipients were also appropriately recognized.
The Officers of the Grand Lodge, 2020
The Grand Master mingles with the brethren at the festive board
Following the formal program, the Brethren enjoyed a catered dinner while listening to a presentation by Worshipful Brother Shawn Eyer. After dinner, a Festive Board featuring the usual toasts was held, made all the more enjoyable by the large number of Masons present. Of note, the Grand Master allocated additional seats for the dinner and Festive Board so that each lodge could invite men who had expressed an interest in Masonry but were not yet initiated, providing an opportunity for them to preview one of Masonry’s most fun events which is typically open only to members. All attendees left with a souvenir toasting glass engraved with the Grand Master’s personal logo. It should be stated that this event took place before the COVID-19 outbreak had reached global pandemic levels, and when the virus was first being discussed. Still, with the Grand Master’s leadership and forethought, attendees were encouraged not to shake hands or hug, to wash hands and use hand sanitizer often, and the caterer was asked to increase their sanitization protocols. Sadly, COVID-19 continues to spread, and the second and third Joint Grand Visitations planned for the late spring and early summer have been necessarily postponed. We hope to reschedule them later in the year, both so that the Grand Master and his officers can pay their visit to their lodges, and so that the remaining lodges will be able to enjoy the program and fellowship that comes with this special event. Stay tuned!
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WHITHERSOEVER DISPERSED By Jacob M. Bressman, PM La France Lodge No. 93 Throughout history, pious men have given sanctuary to weary travelers. Hearing their epic tales of generosity give hope that, if we ever find ourselves in like-condition, there may still be enough empathy left in the world to provide for our own relief and security. As Free and Accepted Masons, we’ve even gone so far as to describe this precise scenario in the ritual of our degrees and, when confronted, how we should rise to the occasion as members of the Craft— and it’s not hard to imagine why, given the historical context. Our ancient operative brothers traveled extensively to erect the great cathedrals of Europe and, while away, they needed a network to ensure that they could hit the ground running while traveling in foreign lands. For those brothers that visit foreign lodges today, we know that those same ties do, indeed, bind us to the international Masonic community—and that’s why we’re given the trowel as one of our principle working tools. The trowel is an instrument which we are taught to make use of in order that we may spread the cement of brotherly love and affection. It’s that cement which binds us. It’s that cement that reminds us that we are all one sacred band of brothers and, while away, we should, metaphorically, bring our trowels with us and put them to good use. Whithersoever dispersed, we, as Masons of the Grand Lodge of Washington, DC, have the awesome responsibility of representing American Freemasonry, too. The question we all need to ask ourselves is, are we doing a good job as travelling men, and even more so, for what purpose is it that we are travelling? As Masons, we may view ourselves symbolically as pilgrims on a journey in search of truth, and as we travel, we are incessantly moving towards the East,
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towards the symbolic Home of Light. This never-ending pilgrimage is the essence of our Craft, for it is what we learn along the way that counts, and how we put it into action that defines us. It has always been “on the way” that we have found ourselves and our purpose. The Mason’s journey home in search of wisdom can thus be defined not in its destination, but in its process. Our journey therefore is not necessarily to a physical location, but rather to the home and seat of our souls—that is to say, to a state of knowing ourselves and our relationship with the Divine.
Worwhipful Brothers Adam Goldman and Jacob Bressman pose in front of the Grand Lodge of France
Since becoming a Mason many years ago, I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel extensively on my own journeys in search of Light. I have broken bread with brothers as far away as Europe and Asia and, while there, have been fortunate enough to be treated like a member of their families. In my journeys to the East, both figurative and literal, I have come to understand that it is this common purpose, our joint search for truth and self-realization, which ties us together as brothers. While our paths in life may vary, we are all pilgrims on the same journey, and through sharing our
collective knowledge, we too may find the way. This is perhaps a key component of the cement which we spread with our trowels. We support our brothers in their journeys and we love them for who they are in their hearts. We know that we are not alone, and through brotherly love and affection, we may forever walk together. It is therefore through knowing our brothers, and through embracing them in spite of our differences, that we too may better know ourselves. Most recently, I was able to use my own trowel to the fullest while serving last year as the Master of La France No. 93. La France is an ethnically and culturally diverse lodge made up of Muslims, Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Daoists, Yogic Practitioners and Zoroastrians, among others. We count among our members Europeans, Haitians, Arabs, Persians, Africans and Asians. And while the majority of our ritual is in French, many of us are not Francophones. Regardless, our common journey and our use of the trowel unites us all; and to me, this is what Masonry really is all about, so it was my honor to wield it alongside the gavel. Last November, I was able to lead the brethren of La France as part of a delegation to “twin” with a sister lodge under the Grande Loge Nationale Française (GLNF). Our twinning with Aymeric de Carlat (AdC) No. 911 took a lot of time, planning and effort but, for those who went, there could be no doubt as to the value of Masonic travel. The love, kindness and generosity we were shown was truly beyond comprehension. There were more than a dozen brethren from the Grand Lodge of Washington DC, and our French brethren housed all of us! One of the AdC brothers “donated” a villa in the countryside with numerous homes on it. They were all within a stone’s throw from one another and nestled in the most picturesque setting imaginable. Late night fireside chats complete with cigars
and meet the family that you did not know existed, is one of the most beautiful experiences one can ever hope to have. We were truly one great big Masonic family and I cannot put into words the beauty that they exhibited as representatives of their Grand Lodge, the GLNF.
Brehren pose with a monk in France.
were a common occurrence, and while sitting together in fellowship, discussing the meaning of life late into the night, we realized that it was this shared search, this sacred journey into Masonry, that defined our lives. Every day, our AdC brothers came with fresh baguettes, cheese, wine, and fruit, and joined us in contemplation. Our brothers drove us all around the French countryside and revealed to us the stupendous edifices erected by our ancient operative brethren in those lands. This trip was surely evidence that being able to travel across the world,
The Deputy Grand Master signs a twinning document in France
Due in large part to the success of our trip to France, our Grand Master, MWB Michael D. Nicholas, Sr., was excited to establish a reinvigorated Hospitality Committee to serve the brethren of the Grand Lodge of Washington DC—and it is my distinct honor to serve as its Chairman. My goal in leading this committee is very simple: to provide each visiting brother with the same types of hospitality and generosity which I have been given during my own travels--that is to say, to truly exemplify the precepts of our Freemasonry Universal and to put brotherly love into practice. Further, I believe that this is exceedingly important. We as Masons must always travel, and we must always strive to learn from the world around us. By travelling, we may experience new systems of belief
and other ways of living, and it is through these external journeys that we may further cultivate ourselves and nourish our souls. As Masons, our external travels are instead an inner journey towards self-realization, towards returning home where we may bask in the light of true understanding and acceptance. It is, in essence, through traveling that we may truly appreciate, and truly understand, the meaning of brotherly love. We must therefore always ensure that no visiting brother ever feels alone while in our jurisdiction, and we must always live by the golden rule and the obligations of our degrees. So, it is therefore my own personal goal to greet each brother with love and affection in my right hand, and the trowel in my left. If any of you feel the same and would like to serve with me on this important committee, or if you know of any brothers traveling to our Grand Jurisdiction, please let me know and, together, we can ensure that every Masonic traveler has a home and family while in the District of Columbia.
The Deputy Grand Master speaks in France
ISSUE 2, 2020 THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY | 19
MESH CHARITIES
ITS PURPOSE AND THE SPECIAL COVID-19 FUND
By Jesse Villarreal, PGM Executive Director of MESH Charities As a young boy I read and fantasized about the type of man I wanted to become and the friends I would associate with. I got my inspiration from the books I read and some of the men who were involved in my life. Books like Robin Hood, The Three Musketeers, Beau Geste—stories of men doing good, standing together for each other, and for their fellow men guided me. In life, as an individual, I have been fortunate in that I have been a member of several great fraternities. The United States Marine Corps, The Metropolitan Police Department, and of course, our Masonic Fraternity, which cumulates all the virtues of fellowship to which I aspired. In each of these fraternities we take an oath, and consequently, take on an obligation to our country, to the community, and to each other. In our Masonic Fraternity we are told that among our many tenets three stand out—brotherly love, relief, and truth. We take an obligation to “help, aid, and assist” our fellow mankind, to go to the relief of those who are destitute, more especially a brother in need. These are our obligations; these words identify us as the men we wish to be. But in truth, on our own, not many brothers can provide the help one may need. Even with the combined strength of a Lodge 20 | THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY ISSUE 2, 2020
or Chapter, assistance can exceed our reach. But with the combined strength of all the Masonic Lodges and Eastern Star Chapters we can put into action our words and be the person we see ourselves as being. MESH exists to combine our strengths and put into action this oath and commitment. The Masonic and Eastern Star Home of the District of Columbia Charities, Inc is known to us more usually by its acronym, MESH. MESH Charities is part of the wider family of DC organizations whose members are Freemasons and Eastern Stars in the District of Columbia. MESH was founded in 1904, originally to provide a home and care for our senior citizen members, and an orphanage to care for those left behind. Since then, MESH has grown to support other members in need, as well as related charitable endeavors in our DC community. Since its founding over a century ago, MESH has been a taxexempt charitable organization, relying on the support of Lodges, Chapters, and its members to conduct our programs. In the beginning and through the decades, many lodges and Chapters and their members made generous monthly donations to help support the work of MESH. Over time, that evolved to more rare yearly donations. Those donations empowered MESH to have a great impact on many lives, and bring us to where we are today, but that traditional support from Lodges and Chapters has dwindled. Only with a renewal of that support from you can we continue to survive. Our mission is to provide for the welfare and care of needy Sisters and Brothers of
the Grand Lodge of DC; and the Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star of DC; their spouses and dependent children; and contribute, as far as possible, to the charitable needs of others through grants to other worthy tax-exempt charitable causes. To fulfill our mission, MESH runs several programs in three main areas. Our primary mission is providing high-quality care to senior members in need. This includes in-home care as well as placement in the best residential facilities on an ongoing basis at no cost for qualified applicants. MESH also provides direct financial relief in a variety of ways for members who are experiencing short-term hardship. Our third area of focus is to be an engaged member of our DC community, and to provide grants to worthy charitable organizations doing work aligned with the mission of MESH. ELDER CARE MESH’s primary mission has been the care of our senior members. We started by building a retirement home with an infirmary, then added an orphanage. As the years progressed, the need for the orphanage ceased and that went by the wayside. In 1985, we found that we had a low number of residents, high maintenance costs and were being hit hard by regulatory agencies. We sold the property and invested the funds. We now fund or subsidize care at home or in qualified senior care facilities for members in need, to ensure the highest quality of life for our brothers and sisters. We seek to place them in senior residential facilities that are rated high in both quality and service. Funding may include all
nursing care and medical expenses and, in some cases, a monthly stipend. Those who seek our assistance must turn over all their assists to MESH. The assets are then invested to offset expenses. Qualified members in need apply through their Lodge’s or Chapter’s MESH representative. DIRECT FINANCIAL RELIEF We also provide assistance for members who are sponsored by their Lodge or Chapter who are experiencing an unexpected need for funds. A committee reviews applications for this assistance on a case-by-case basis. Examples of assistance we have provided include: Assistance in payment for medical expenses, rent, and utilities. Assistance in payment of funeral and burial costs for a family member. Assistance in identifying and referral to federal and state government funding for healthcare and living expenses.
CHARITABLE WORKS Lastly, we endeavor to build a stronger, more nurturing community by making strategic contributions to mission-driven organizations that make DC and its surrounding communities a great place to call home. We do this through direct grants and by matching contributions made by our members to community-based nonprofits. SPECIAL COVID-19 RELIEF FUND This year, MESH and partner Masonic organizations are closely monitoring the progress of the coronavirus and its related economic and social impact, especially on our members. To that end, MESH and partner Masonic organizations—the Grand Lodge, The Scottish Rite, York Rite Bodies, the Eastern Star, The Masonic Foundation, and St John’s Mite—have joined forces to create a special Joint Masonic COVID Relief Fund within MESH.
to the hardships related to the virus and its economic impact. This could be for COVID-related medical expenses, wage loss due to COVID precautions or social distancing, and related issues. This special Relief Fund is a call to action for all our Lodges and Chapters, and for each of us. It is a call to put into action our words and promises to each other, to be the brother we said we would be. On a different page, you will see an article more directly reporting on this Fund and a list of the District of Columbia Masonic bodies that have already contributed and continue to give. Is your lodge listed? There is a list of your brethren who have made individual contributions. It is a list of honor, with space for your name— shall we add it? As written earlier, words describe us as the men we want to be, actions identify us as the men we are. Who are we? Who are you?
The Fund has an expedited approval process and is limited to relief needs directly tied
THE 2021 GRAND LODGE FAMILY CRUISE While underway, aside from the dizzying array of activities and shows already offered onboard, we will open a Lodge and perform degree work, there on the open sea! The following rates are per person, based on doubleoccupancy: • Interior $1069 • Outside $1279 • Balcony $1389 • Deluxe/Suites $3709
C
ruises are starting back up August 1, and the Deputy Grand Master has secured incredible rates for a Masonic Family Cruise for 2021! The nine-night Cruise aboard the Oasis of the Seas will set sail from Liberty, New Jersey on July 30th, 2021 and cruise to the Caribbean with stops in Labadee, Haiti; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten, before returning to Cape Liberty.
Pay your $500 by December 30, 2020 and get an additional $50 on board credit! All deposits are due by February 28, 2021, and final payments are due March 31, 2021. For more information and booking, please contact: BROTHER EDWARD USITA Edward’s Travel, Inc. edwardusita@icloud.com (757) 431-8624 http://www.edwardstraveltour.com
ISSUE 2, 2020 THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY | 21
YEARS OF GRAND LODGE SERVICE AWARDS PRESENTATIONS IN THE AGE OF COVID
By Christopher “Chip” Mahaney Grand Lecturer The program for delivery and presentation of the Years of Grand Lodge Service Awards was completely reorganized beginning in 2016 by the Office of the Grand Secretary. The new program focused on personally presenting these Awards rather than mailing them. This included the involvement of the lodges and the Grand Master, as well as Brethren from our Grand Jurisdiction and other Grand Jurisdictions, to assist with the personal presentations whenever possible. Additionally, a new Certificate was designed and included as part of the Award. This year, the Grand Master officially created the Masonic Service Presentation Committee. The duties and focus of this Committee are to compile a list of the recipients, research their current location, establish contact, print the certificates, assemble the awards, and arrange for presentation. 22 | THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY ISSUE 2, 2020
However, this year, our Grand Jurisdiction faced a new and unforeseen challenge. The rise of the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult, if not impossible, to arrange and carry out in-person presentations. While some of the local recipients are having their awards presented to them at their homes, most of the awards had to be delivered through the mail. To maintain a personal connection however, each of the Masters of the recipients’ mother lodges were afforded the opportunity to write a personal letter to their awardees to be included with the awards. Additionally, one of the committee members, WB Michael K. Greenwald, Grand Marshal, suggested that each certificate be framed. This idea was enthusiastically supported and approved by the Grand Master. The effort to accomplish the presentation of Service Awards to our Brethren who have achieved 50, 60, and 70 years in the Craft,
is a labor of love and a work in progress. Each year, the program improves with the implementation of new ideas of how best to honor these esteemed members of our Fraternity. WB Bernard J. “Bud” Michels, WB Michael K. Greenwald, and Brother Derek R. Gould are to be commended for all their hard work and effort in making this year’s presentations truly meaningful to the recipients.
Brother Lawrence Pratt
Brother Roger Deender
David Gregory Holding up his award
J.D. Spencer
WB Keith Phillips
John Metcaf
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BROTHERLY LOVE Nur Lodge No. 2000 was founded under the leadership of MW Brother Robert B. Heyat in 2000. The bilingual lodge adheres to emulation rituals in the Turkish language. As it celebrates its 20th anniversary, Nur Lodge has 160 brethren spread across the globe, in 4 continents, 7 countries and 12 states within the USA. Their vision is to be exemplary in its rituals through research and education; and to unite Turkish speaking brethren from across the globe under its umbrella through its cultural diversity. The Lodge convenes on the second Monday of every month at Singleton Masonic Temple in Washington, DC and welcomes all brethren who would like to experience Masonic rituals in the Turkish language. The following article is a transcription of an oral presentation given in Nur Lodge earlier this year by their Junior Warden, Tolga Kelebek. While it was presented in Turkish in Lodge, it is presented here also translated in English. Brotherhood is not only an emotional longing, a feeling that belongs only to sensitive people, or a goal to which idealist individuals aspire. We can perceive brotherhood as a strong and sturdy rock of foundation that Nature contributes into a person’s being; we can also think of it as a strong shelter in which we can hide our most sensitive feelings. Brotherhood, in a way not dissimilar to the way granite can be found under mountains, exists in the foundation of a person’s being.
By Tolga Kelebek PM
W
orshipful Master and Dear Brothers: Today, I would like to talk about the concept of Brotherhood and brotherly love. Brotherly love is one of the founding concepts of our profession, with a focus on loving and accepting each other. It’s worthwhile discussing why we call each other brothers, and whereas how the concept of brotherhood and brotherly love originates. The primary kind of brotherhood is the relationship with our blood brothers; we do not have a say in this as it depends on our parents—we do not get to choose. The second concept of brotherhood is the one that gets formed when we are initiated into Freemasonry through our own desire and volition.
parents and siblings with strong ties. At school age, s/he meets up kids with his own age, gets close to them, and forms additional ties. When s/he matures, marries and starts a family, additional ties are formed around these bonds. S/he also forms professional connections to, and collaborates with peers who are working on similar subjects.
Within the second concept, we accept all Freemasons as our brothers, regardless of religion, language, race, or nationality. The most important factor in establishing and nurturing this brotherhood is love and sincerity.
In the modern society, a person has many ties to different groups. A person is a social being and cutting out the social element from a person’s life is similar to crippling the person physically by cutting off an extremity. Social behavior is an organic fact of life; it cannot be stripped away from a person. Understanding this is important in comprehending what we mean by “brotherhood.”
Dear Brothers—humans are born into a family. At first, a human connects to his
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We practice Brotherhood in our temples to actually bring these sub-conscious feelings to the surface; we attend this by exercising this love and altruism on a regular basis. A Freemason absorbs Brotherhood into his own being by observing all relationships among people as a representation of the spirit of Brotherhood and accepting this wisdom; as a result, a Freemason does not get upset when faced with negativity. A Freemason looks at a human being, created by God, with love, and acts according to the honor of being a human—that’s the essence of a Freemason’s oath. Dear Brothers—I now want to discuss the concept of “love”. Books of philosopy tell us that the philosophical concept of “love” was first used by the Greek philosopher Empedocles, then built upon by Plato.
Kardeslik Sevgisi UM ve Sevgili Kardeslerim. Bugun kardeslik kavrami ve kardeslik sevgisi uzerine konusmak istiyorum. Hepimizin birbirini sevgiyle kabul ettigi meslegimizin temel taslarindan biri kardeslik sevgisidir. Peki neden birbirimize kardesim diyoruz? Kardeslik tanimi ve sevgisi nereden geliyor?
TOLGA KELEBEK PM Kardesligin tanimini yapacak olursak, ilk tanim ayni anne babadan olan kan kardesligi olur ki bunda bizim irade veya istegimiz soz konusu degildir. Yani kan bagi olan kardesimizi secme hakkimiz yoktur. Ikincisi ise kendi istek ve irademiz sonucunda Masonluga tekris sonucu olusan kardesliktir. Bu ikincide din, dil, irk ve milliyet ayrimi olmadan butun Masonlar ile kardes olunur. Meslegimizde kardesligi meydana getiren en onemli unsur sevgi ve samimiyettir. Degerli Kardeslerim, insan bir aile icine dogar. Once annesine, babasina, kardeslerine saglam baglarla baglanir. Okul caginda kendisi gibi cocuklarla tanisir, onlara yaklasir, baglanir. Olgunlasinca evlenir, kendine ait bir yuva kurar, yuvasina baglanir. Meslek olarak hangi alana el atsa, orada ayni amac ugruna calisan bir cok insanla is birligi yapar, onlara baglanir. Toplumsal yapi icinde bir cok cesitli munasebetler neticesi insanlarin birbirlerine degisik baglarla baglandigini goruruz. Insan sosyal bir varliktir ve sosyal ozelliginden soyutlandigi an bir uzvunu kaybetmiscesine sakat kalir. Yani sosyallik insanin organik bir gercegidir. Insan nasil derisinden siyrilamazsa, benligine kazinmis sosyallik vasfindan da oylesine ayrilamaz. Bu noktayi kavramak “kardeslik” slogani ile neyin kastedildigini anlamamiza onemli olcude yardimci olacaktir. Kardeslik sadece hassas insanlarin tadabilecegi bir duygu, ya da duygusal bir ozlem, veya idealist kimselerin ugrunda mucadele verecekleri bir hedef degildir. O zaman kardesligi doganin insan yapisina kattigi, kaya gibi saglam ve sert bir temel tasi olarak gorebilir, ruhumuzun derinliklerinde en hassas ve en ince duygularimizi barindirdigimiz saglam bir siginak olarak algilayabiliriz. Tipki daglarin altindaki granit kayalar gibi kardeslik de insan yapisinin temelinde mevcut, sadece insana has ortak bir duygudur. Mabetlerimizde kardesligi talim etmemizin sebebi, sevgiyi ve digerkamligi yani ozgeciligi fiilen uygulayarak, bilinc altinda yatan bu gercegi bilinc ustune cikarmak icindir. Kardesligi; insanlar arasi turlu cesitli iliskiler dunyasinda bu iliskilerin ruhu olarak gorebilen ve onu anlayip ogrenerek bir tur bilgelik olarak benligine katmis Mason karsilasabilecegi olumsuzluklara uzulmez. Bir Mason tanrinin yarattigi insana sevgiyle bakmak ve insan olmanin onuruna uygun olarak davranmak zorundadir. Cunku bu Masonun yeminidir. Degerli Kardeslerim, simdi “sevgi” sozcugu uzerinde konusmak istiyorum. Felsefe kitaplarinda sevgi kavraminin felsefi anlamda ilk defa Yunan filozof Empedokles tarafindan kullanildigini, daha sonra da Plato tarafindan bu kavramin gelistirildigini gormekteyiz. Plato’ya
gore sevgi, fikirlerin bilgisine goturur. Bunun bir sonucu olarak da tum dinler sevgi temeline dayanir ve insanlarin birbirini sevmesini ogutler. Sevgi: Insani bir seye ya da bir kimseye karsi yakin ilgi ve baglilik gostermeye yonelten duygu seklinde tanimlanabilir. Sevgi adini verdigimiz sozcuk gunluk yasantimizda her zaman bildigimizi zannettigimiz insanin ozune ait bolunemez bir deneyim olsa da; tarih icinde mitler, dinler, sanat, felsefe ve psikoloji gibi baglamlarda en cok islenen ve tuketilemeyecek bir konu olmayi surdurmektedir.
sekilde olmustur: 1681 yilinda Ingiliz Krali 2. Charles milyonlarca hektar Amerikan arazisinin sahibiydi. Pensilvanya eyaletinin kurucusu William Penn’e de buyuk miktar borcu vardi. Borcu nakit olarak odeyemeyip Delaware nehrinin batisindaki araziyi teklif etti. Bu teklifi kabul eden William Penn bu toprakta kurdugu yeni sehrin adini Yunan tarihinden alinmis bu isimle kurdu. Amaci sehrin dostane, sevgi ve kulturel temeller uzerine kuruldugunu iletmekti. Gunumuzdeki Urdun’un baskenti Amman ve simdi Manisa’nin bir ilcesi olan Alasehir de tarihte Philadelphia olarak bilinmistir.
Psikolojide Freud, egonun temeline cinsellik kuramini koyarken, insanin tum ruhunu “eros” uzerinden icgudusel ve bedensel sevgi veya sehvet ile iliskilendirir. Eros baglaminda sevgi, cinselligin de icinde oldugu bir yasam gucu olarak, Plato’ya gore ise insani fikirlerin bilgisine goturen bir guc olarak gorulur.
Kardeslerim, kardes sevgisi birbirine sadik, anlayisli ve affedici olmayi gerektirir. Mabet icinde ve disinda birbirimize bu sevgiyi gosterip hissettirmek kanimca en onemli sorumluluklarimizdan biridir. Sozlerime Yunan mitolojisinden Kardeslik ve Affediciligin Erdemi uzerine kucuk bir hikaye ile son vermek istiyorum.
Storhi, insanlar arasinda aile, akraba sevgisi olarak tanimlanan duygusal boyuttur. Insan sosyo-kulturel bir varlik olarak once ailesi ve akrabalari ile duygusal sevgi baglari kurar. Ancak insan ne aile ne akrabalarini secemez. Ayni sekilde millet, din, irk, kultur, hep disaridan bizim adimiza aidiyetlerimiz olarak karsimiza cikar. Eger kisi, dusuncelerine giydirdigi duygusal kiliflardan kurtulamazsa, o aidiyetleri onun varliginin ozune bagli ilkelerle hareket etmesini engeller.
Ruzgar tanrisi olan Hermes, Bas Tanri Zeus ve bir yagmur perisi olan Maia’nin oglu olarak dunyaya gelmis. Hermes’in ayagina giydigi sandaletlerdeki kanatlar nedeniyle hizli hareket etmesi yuzunden, ayni zamanda tanrilarin habercisi olarak gorevlendirilmis. Daglarin doruklarindan vadilere ve derin kanyonlara dogru ucup havayi hizli hareket ettirmesi ile islik sesleri, kendi etrafinda hizli donmesiyle hortum, kizdiginda kasirga ve tayfunlar olusturup, yuksek sesler cikarabilmesi nedeniyle, muzisyenlerin de tanrisi kabul edilmis.
Philia, diger bir sevgi turu olarak gelenekte akil baglaminda boyutlandirilir. Yani akilin sevgi duzeyidir. Eros ve Storhi gibi icgudusel ve duygusal sevgi boyutlarinin ustunde, Philia secimlidir. Sadece ayni anlayisi, ayni ilkeleri paylasan kisiler arasinda yasanabilir. Bu da dostluk veya Masonik baglamda Kardeslik Sevgisini tanimlar. Bu baglamdaki sevgi fedakarlikla ozdestir. Ayni degerlerin paylasildigi insanlar arasinda gelisen bu sevgi, samimiyet ve guven ile saygiya, sadakate ve zamanla fedakarliga ve vefaya ulasir. Kardeslerim, Sevgi ancak saygiyla korunabilir. Bir bilgenin ifadesiyle sevgi alevi ancak saygi kandili ile korunabilir; yoksa en ufak ruzgarda soner. Saygi hurmet demektir. Hurmet aklin ve kalbin onayidir. Hurmet, akilda tolerans, kalpte vicdandir. Hurmetin kelime koku “Rahm” dir. Rahmet, rahman, rahim, merhamet, muhterem kelimeleri ayni kokun turetilmeleri ile olmustur. Ancak hepsi ozunde sevgi boyutlaridir. Sevginin en yuksek boyutu ise gelenekte Agape olarak tanimlanan ilahi sevgi yada tanri sevgisidir. Es deyisle menfaatsiz, temizlenmis, imbikten gecirilmis asktir. Bu sevgiye ulasmanin ahlaki ise feragattir. Butunsel anlamda bu sevgide artik ikilik yoktur. Seven ve sevilen kalmamistir. Kardeslerim tanri sevgisini dilerim baska bir konferansta tartisma firsati buluruz. Kardes Sevgisinden bahsedip Philadelphia’dan bahsetmemek olmaz tabii. Bildiginizi dusunuyorum ama yine de tekrar edeyim kardeslerim. Philadelphia yunanca Phileo ve Adelphos kelimelerinin birlesiminden gelmistir. Philadelphia’nin bu ismi almasi da su
Bir magarada dunyaya gelen Hermes, besiginde daha bebeklikten kurtulmadan dogayla dost olarak yasiyormus. Bir gun cok acikmis ve yine Zeus’un oglu olan Apollon’un (Truva savasinda Anadolu halklarinin koruyucusu olan gunes, isik, siir ve guzel sanatlar tanrisi) surulerinden, cobani tehdit ederek, bir miktar besili hayvan calmis. Ancak gunesin ilk isiklari bu durumu Apollon’a bildirmis ve Apollon bu duruma dogal olarak ofkelenmis. Hermes hemen besigine geri donerek, boyle bir sey yapamayacak kadar kucuk oldugunu soyleyerek durumu inkar etmis. Bunun uzerine Apollon Hermes’i kaptigi gibi babalari Zeus’un yanina getirmis. Zeus besiginde kundaklanmis olarak yatan, kurnaz Hermes’in savunmasini ve inkarini duyunca kahkahalarla gulmus. Her seyden haberi oldugu icin minik hirsiza agabeyinden ozur dilemesini, bundan sonra herkesin hakkina saygi duymasini ve ahlak kurallarina uymasini soyleyerek iki kardesi baristirmis. Hermes sakladigi suruyu Apollon’a geri vermis, ve kendini affettirmek icin liri ile neseli parcalar calarak ozur dilemis. Apollon bu guzel calgidan cok hoslanmis. Hermes de liri kardesine hediye etmis. Apollon da bu guzel jeste karsilik olarak kamci ve coban sopasini Hermes’e hediye etmis ve ona surulerin ve cobanlarin koruyuculugu ve tanriligini vermis. O gunden sonra Apollon daha once yanindan eksik etmedigi ok ve yayina liri de eklemis ve muzikle ic ice olup insanlara nese sacmis. Hermes de koruyuculugundaki besili ve saglikli hayvanlarin bollasmasini, cobanlarin da neseli ve dinc olmasini saglamis. Iki kardes sevgi ve saygiyla hep birbirlerinin yaninda olmuslar.
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The brethren of Nur Lodge
According to Plato, love brings people to a communion of ideas; possibly as a result of this, all religions are build upon the foundation of love and counsel people to love each other. Love can be defined as “the emotion that drives a person to show close interest in and connect with a material object or another person.” The word “love” is used in our daily lives in a somewhat casual way and every person is familiar with it as an inseparable part of their being; nonetheless, it still is the most inexhaustible subject that has been mentioned and studied throughout history in mythology, religion, art, philosopy, and psychology.
a person cannot choose their family or relatives. Other communities that a person belongs to, such as nation, religion, race, culture, are all external to our being. When a person cannot step away from the emotional covers that they place on their own opinions and ideas, those belongings may prevent the person from acting based on their own principles.
In psychology, Freud places sexuality at the foundation of ego, and relates the entire psyche of humans to instinctive, physical love and lust via an “Eros” connection. Plato, along a similar line of thinking, also argues that love, inclusive of sexuality, is a life force that brings people together in community.
Philia is another kind of love and is traditionally described as love at an intellectual level. Philia, as opposed to being instinctive and emotional such as Eros and Storhi dimensions of love, is based on choice. It can only be experienced among people who share the same views and principles. This, more than anything, defines the friendship and Masonic Brotherly Love. Love, in this case, is the same as self-sacrifice. This love is based on and develops via sincerity, trust, and respect among people who share the same values; over time it results in loyalty, selfsacrifice and faithfulness.
Storhi is the emotional dimension of love among family members and close relatives. Each person, as a socio-cultural being, has emotional ties and loving relationships with their family and relatives. However,
My Brothers, love can only be nurtured and protected by respect. As a wise man once said, the flame of love can only be protected by the lantern of respect—otherwise it goes out at the
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slightest wind. Respect means reverence. Reverence is the approval of intellect and heart; it is tolerance in intellect, and forgiveness in heart. Reverence in Turkish is “hurmet” which originates in the word “rahm”. Other words such as “rahman” (compassionate), “merhamet” (mercy), “muhterem” (honorable, venerable) all have the same root; these all represent different dimensions of love. The most elevated dimension of love is the Love of God, traditionally defined as Agape. This is the purest, cleanest, and most distilled version of love. The way to achieve this love is through surrender and renunciation. This is a wholistic love and there is no duality in this love—there is no difference between the being who loves and the being who is loved. Brothers, I hope to discuss the Love of God in a different conference, at a later time. When we are discussing Brotherly Love, we have to mention Philadelphia. I believe you all know about this, but it is worth repeating. The word Philadelphia is made up of the Greek words of Phileo and Adelphos. The City of Philadelphia (in the United States) received its name through a set
of interesting circumstances. İn 1681, the English King Charles II claimed the ownership of millions of hectares of land in northern America. He also owed quite a bit of money to William Penn, who is the founder of the State of Pennsylvania. The King could not make a cash payment on his debt; instead, he offered land west of the Delaware River to William Penn. Penn accepted the offer, and founded a new city on this land, with its name borrowed from Greek history. His goal was to illustrate to everyone that this city has been founded on friendship, love, and cultural foundations. In history, the name “Philadelphia” belonged to two different cities—one is today’s Amman in Jordan, and the other is in Alaşehir in Manisa province, Turkey. Brothers—brotherly love requires being loyal, understanding and forgiving to each other. I believe one of our most important responsibilities is to show this love to each other, and make each other feel it. I would like to finish my presentation with a short story from the Greek mythology on the virtues of brotherhood and forgiveness.
Hermes, the God of Windows, was born as the son of Zeus and the nymph Maia. He is also known as the Messenger of Gods, due to the wings he wore on his sandals, and his speed. He would fly fast from the tops of mountains to the depths of valleys, spin around himself and cause tornados, or form hurricanes and typhoons when he would get angry. He would get loud and cause air to whistle through the mountains, thereby also being known as the God of Musicians. Hermes was born in a cave, and even when he was a baby in his cradle, he was living as one with nature. One day, he got hungry, threatened a shepherd who was tending to one of Apollo’s (another son of Zeus, who protected the Anatolian people during the Trojan war, and the God of Sun, Light, Poetry and Art) herds, and stole some of his cattle. The first rays of light told Apollo about this, making him upset. Hermes immediately went back to his cradle, and denied everything by saying that he’s too little to be able to do something like this. Apollo then took Hermes to their father, Zeus. When
Zeus heard the defence and denials of the seemingly innocent, swaddled but clever Hermes in his cradle, he burst out in laughter. Since he knew everything, he told the little thief to apologize to his older brother, to respect everyone else’s rights, and to obey moral rules and principles. Hermes then gave the cattle that he stole back to Apollo, and began to play his lyre. Apollo was so impressed that Hermes gifted the lyre to his brother. Apollo responded to this gesture by gifting Hermes the shepherd’s whip and staff, and making him the Protector and God of herds and shepherds. After that day, Apollo added the lyre to his bow and arrow, and spread joy to people via music. Hermes protected the animals under his care and made sure that they are well fed and healthy, and protected the shepherds and ensured that they are joyful and happy. Two brothers always had each other and lived with love and respect for each other.
The brethren of Nur Lodge pose with dignitaries during UBC 2019
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A TRIBUTE TO DEAN S. CLATTERBUCK, A TITAN OF THE CRAFT, FROM POTOMAC LODGE NO. 5 By Past Masters of Potomac Lodge - WB Eric Kuchner (2010), RWB Chetin Durak (2013), WB David Cornwell (2017) under the auspices of Worshipful Master Thomas Graham (2020) As our Grand Master, MWB Michael D. Nicholas, Sr., so eloquently stated in his remembrance of our dearly departed Brother, “Dean Clatterbuck was a Lion of Freemasonry.” Perhaps one of his greatest legacies is the countless Brethren whom he taught mouth to ear, molding them into the future leaders and custodians of our Craft. He glowed with delight when a Brother took on a new and difficult piece of ritual, and delivered it perfectly during a degree, and when he watched an officer use the tools of the Craft to come to a truly Masonic solution to a contentious issue. He inspired excellence and spurred the Light that many received and shared in our noble Craft. As WB Daniel Wynne recounted, Dean counseled him that, “practice is always good, but the best way to learn is to teach, teach, teach new Masons.” WB Jerry McEntire continued by remarking that, “he was also our Masonic University leaving us always immeasurably enriched.” With humility, humor, encouragement, and the highest expectations, he spent countless hours passing on his near perfect knowledge of ritual in every degree, history of the Craft, incredible compass of integrity, and nuances of Masonry in Washington, DC. As Brother Unal Durak noted, “He embodied and exemplified the teachings of our Craft through his exceptional contributions to Freemasonry and the Brethren, expecting nothing in return.” In addition to his dry wit and endless capacity to share a humorous moment, Dean was a serious man and a very serious 28 | THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY ISSUE 2, 2020
Dean Clatterbuck, Master of Potomac Lodge No. 5 (1974)
Dean Clatterbuck, 33rd Degree, IGH
Mason. He walked through life with noble intent and genuine kindness spending countless hours working through the details about an issue before Potomac Lodge, the Grand Lodge, and the several Masonic committees and bodies that he helped to shape. “Come sit down next to me,” he would say beckoning us to join him in lodge, “come sit on the bench - let’s talk.” His whispers of good counsel resonate all around us. Indeed, according to MWB Grant R. Berning, Dean, as a member of the Grand Secretary’s staff, mentored the lodge Secretaries of our jurisdiction at a most critical juncture. In reflecting on Dean’s time at the Grand Lodge office, WB Walter Hoenes remarked that, “he opened up my eyes to the wide expanse and potential of our fraternity yet impressed upon me the importance of staying grounded.”
ramifications of all that he did. MWB Robert H. Starr noted that Dean “set an example to those of us serving on the Jurisprudence Committee to look beyond the simple words in the Code and envision its practical benefits to the Craft.” Freemasonry was a way of life for Dean—always living up to the highest ideals and expecting them of all who were
As a master of Masonic Traditions, Landmarks, Ritual, and the Code he had a keen ability to analyze a situation and square it within the Ethos of the Craft. He had a unique awareness of the greater context and
“There’s real value in adhering to the teachings of the Craft, and you can never fully appreciate the impact of Masonic membership until you undergo things like I’ve undergone in 2018. To be in a hospital room and rehab facilities for eight months and have so many of your brethren travel 250 miles round trip just to come down and say hi to you, to see that room full of men come in, 17 of them in my hospital room to be there to present me my 60-year award, you do not go to your local 7-Eleven and find that kind of friendship. It does not happen. It does not happen. And it is worth its weight in gold.” —DEAN CLATTERBUCK
around him. In his eulogy of Dean at his Masonic funeral service, MWB Akram R. Elias recalled Dean’s most valuable counsel to always “walk the walk” of Freemasonry. Dean’s leadership gift was his generosity of spirit and knowledge. He lived a life in which he sought to empower all around him to their greatest potential never seeking recognition for his efforts but rather basking in the glory of those whom he helped along the way. While all would turn to Dean for his sound counsel and sage advice, he, in the most gentlemanly and fraternal manner would always inspire and guide the Brother to their own conclusions through the most enriching stories, reflections on the ritual, or an ever endearing “Deanism”. Dean further exemplified the Craft’s teachings through being a bridge of universality among Brethren. WB Jeffrey Ballou, Past Master of Social Lodge No. 1 under the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia and honorary member of Potomac Lodge No. 5, remarked that Dean was a “sincere friend to the cause of universal brotherhood
who worked diligently right up to the very end spreading the cement of brotherly love.” RWB Harold Grainger observed, as he assisted Dean in delivering the masonic funeral rites to a departed Brother, “that one way to judge a man’s worth is how he considers the worth of others.” Dean’s love of Potomac Lodge No. 5 and its unique and historical role as the Guardian of the George Washington Gavel, the Theodore Roosevelt Lesser Lights, the marble from the U.S. Capitol, and countless other Masonic artifacts, was unparalleled. MWB Raymond F. McMullen, who became friends with Dean in the early 1950’s as members of Demolay, shared that, “his lodge contributions were legendary. When repeatedly asked to consider running for the Grand Lodge Line, he always responded that his lodge duties came first.” Every sitting Master of Potomac Lodge No. 5 heard Dean’s admonition to never dishonor the legacy of the lodge as one of our Grand Lodge’s founders and never forget its significant role in furthering Freemasonry in our nation’s capital. Through Dean’s eyes
Dean is presented his 60-year Certificate at recess of a special Lodge opened in his hospital room (2018)
and heart, he passed from one generation to the next the mystical importance of Potomac Lodge. It was through the quarries of Masonry that Dean gave a piece of his soul to all of
Dean and Sandy talk to WB Jeff Bodie
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us. MWB Richard E. Fletcher reminds us of a poem by Sam Walter Foss: “Let me live in a house by the side of the road and be a friend to man.” This world has never had a better friend than Dean Clatterbuck. RWB Dean Clatterbuck was a statesman, leader, teacher, brother, mentor and friend to so many—we miss him terribly. *Sincere thanks and gratitude to the countless Brethren of Potomac Lodge No. 5 and the Grand Jurisdiction for their heartfelt contributions to honoring Dean’s memory.
Brethren of the Grand Lodge, Potomac Lodge No. 5, Sandy and Dean at the presentation of his 60-year Certificate
MEMORIAL TO RIGHT WORSHIPFUL BROTHER DEAN S. CLATTERBUCK
March 28,1937– May 29,2020
clearances. He retired from government service in 2000 after almost 34-years of service to the country. Brother Clatterbuck began his 61-year Masonic career as a young DeMolay in Washington D.C. as a member of Robert De Bruce Chapter. His involvement in DeMolay granted him the unique opportunity to meet DeMolay’s founder Frank S. Land and United States President Harry S. Truman on several occasions, which included a “Legion of Honor” conferral in 1957 at the DC Scottish Rite Temple.
Right Worshipful Brother Dean Suter Clatterbuck passed to the Celestial Lodge Above last night. A native Washingtonian, Clatterbuck was born on March 28, 1937 in the old Sibley Memorial Hospital on North Capitol Street. Following his graduation from McKinley Technical High School, he received his undergraduate and law degrees at The George Washington University in 1963 and was accepted to practice before the US District Court for the District of Columbia, the US Court of Appeals, and the US Court of Military Office. After graduation, Clatterbuck joined the staff of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. He first served as a contract negotiator in their procurement division and finished his eight-and-a-half-year tenure as their Congressional and Labor Relations Officer. His Goddard years encompassed the end of the Mercury Program through the Apollo 15 mission. After a four-year-term as the Executive Director of his law fraternity, Delta Theta Phi, he returned to government service as a civilian attorney with the United States Naval Security Group Command, where he served for twenty-five years first as a specialist in the Privacy Act and later in handling appeals related to the denial or revocation of sensitive security
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Worshipful Brother Clatterbuck received the Masonic degrees in Myron M. Parker Lodge No. 27 - initiated May 6, 1958; passed June 3, 1958; and raised July 1, 1958. He served as their Master in 1970 and 1974 when he negotiated the consolidation of Myron M. Parker Lodge into Potomac Lodge No. 5. As part of the consolidation, Clatterbuck agreed to serve as Potomac’s Treasurer, which he did between 1974 to 1984. Following the sudden death of Past Grand Master and Potomac Lodge Secretary, Morris F. Hewitt, in 1984, Clatterbuck took over as Potomac’s secretary, a role in which he served for 26 years. Companion Clatterbuck was also a member of WashingtonPotomac Chapter No. 8 and Mount-Vernon-Singleton Chapter No. 4, Royal Arch Masons; Potomac Commandery No. 3, Knights Templar; an honorary member of Old Dominion Chapter No. 364, National Sojourners; the Royal Order of Scotland; Past Sovereign and Recorder of St. Simeon Stylites Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine; Friendship Chapter No. 17, Order of the Eastern Star (OES) and Worthy Patron and a Past Grand Trustee of the Grand Chapter, O.E.S. in the District of Columbia. Illustrious Brother Clatterbuck has been a member of the DC Scottish Rite for over 60 years, receiving his 32° alongside his father during the DCSR’s 1960 Spring Class. The Supreme Council invested him with the Knight Commander of the Court of Honor (K.C.C.H.) on October 10, 2009 and later coroneted a 33°, Inspector General Honorary on August 22, 2017. Right Worshipful Brother Clatterbuck was also an active member of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia. He served across several committees during his tenure including Grievances and Jurisprudence (which included several stints
as Chairman) for an impressive forty years. Clatterbuck joined the Grand Lodge office full-time between 2001 and 2006. In 2002, he spearheaded a major revision and expansion of the Secretary’s Handbook, originally written and issued by Most Worshipful Stewart W. Miner, P.G.M. He also led a yearslong effort on reorganizing the Code of the Grand Lodge of Washington, D.C. producing the first major work in 2008, and the second one in 2017. In 2009 he developed communications materials for prospective members, which were later published by the Grand Lodge of D.C. He was a frequent contributor to the Grand Lodge’s magazine, The Voice of Freemasonry, with articles on Potomac history, the George Washington Gavel, and Masonic jurisprudence. For his tireless commitment to the Craft, Clatterbuck received the Valentine Reintzel Medal for Meritorious Service in 2004, the Grand Lodge’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Medal, in 2010, and the honorary rank of Senior Grand Warden in 2012. Right Worshipful Brother Claterbuck’s contributions to Freemasonry in our Nation’s Capital are too numerous to list. He will be most remembered however for his uprightness in advancing the values and virtues of our Noble Craft, and for his wise and insightful efforts to preserve the foundations of our Institution and the rules of our Order. In recognition of his singular role in the preservation of our Masonic law and procedures, and as an acknowledgement of his central role in the reorganization of our Masonic Code into its current form, the Grand Lodge of Washington, D.C. unanimously voted to honor him by dedicating its Code to Right Worshipful Brother Clatterbuck with the following words: “In every era of our Grand Lodge, brothers have emerged to serve the Craft, and to fulfill every aspect of Masonic life. Among all the brothers acknowledged as leaders in our Grand Lodge’s pantheon of service, there are none who have served the Craft more nobly and selflessly than Right Worshipful Past Senior Grand Warden (Honorary) Brother Dean S. Clatterbuck, DSA. His service for the past quarter century to Potomac Lodge No. 5 and to this Grand Lodge has been second to none in preserving the procedures and laws of our Grand Lodge.” Dean is survived by his wife Sandra and daughter Kimberly.
QUARANTINE STORIES FREEMASONRY IN QUARANTINE By Jeffrey D. Russell, PGM Grand Secretary
addresses to the brethren, the Grand Master has stayed in constant contact with his Jurisdiction, even through times of personal struggle. On May 8th, the Grand Master and the Grand Lecturer introduced a plan for lodges to officially meet and start to clear the backlog of business they had on their Secretaries’ tables. Soon, our lodges were meeting again regularly, starting with Samuel GompersBenjamin Franklin Lodge No. 45’s first ever virtual Stated Communication. One— Potomac Lodge No. 5—even held a Festive Board on Zoom.
I
n late February of 2020, news had begun to circulate that an outbreak of a completely new virus was happening in China. What made the outbreak unique and dangerous was that it was a completely new strain of coronavirus—a disease that no one was immune to. Soon, the unthinkable happened, and the virus spread to the United States, and the DC metro area. In response, federal and local officials instituted a series of emergency measures aimed at slowing the spread of the virus while a vaccine could be developed and produced. Washington, DC went into quarantine in mid-March, and the Grand Master suspended all in-person Masonic activity during that time. Businesses shuttered and those who could, began to work from home as people hunkered down and began a long period of physical isolation.
Luckily, we live in a technologically robust era with access to the internet available on nearly every device. Almost immediately, brethren began to experiment with meeting together virtually, using Microsoft Teams and Zoom to assemble online and to share the fellowship they missed when connecting at lodge. In his weekly video
The following compilation of articles represents just some of the work that went on during “The Quarantine of 2020,” starting with a history lesson from the last great pandemic, the Spanish Flu of the early 1900’s and stretching to Potomac Lodge’s historic Festive Board. As will become quickly evident, Freemasonry—even in forced hibernation—remains as robust and alive in the District of Columbia as ever before. If anything, through our adversity, we collectively, have shown our true character of wisdom, strength, and beauty.
ISSUE 2, 2020 THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY | 31
QUARANTINE STORIES FIRST VIRTUAL STATED COMMUNICATION HELD WB Ray Horn, PM Secretary Samuel Gompers-Benjamin Franklin Lodge No. 45 On May 12th, which was Samuel Gompers– Benjamin Franklin Lodge No. 45’s scheduled stated Communication, WM Jerry Keilsohn decided to implement the Grand Master’s Decision on holding a provisional meeting. The membership was very supportive and interested to participate. By following the guidance of the Grand Lodge and using the registration, waiting room, and then locking the Zoom meeting, we were able to secure the virtual door and proceed with the new Provisional Ritual for opening and closing. WM Keilsohn then conducted our business and lead a short program. We appreciated a visit by our Deputy Grand Master, the Grand Lecturer, and the Junior Grand Steward, as well as recognizing MWB’s Robert H. Starr, Jules S. Tepper, and Roman Volsky. We were delighted that many brethren who are not able to travel to lodge were able to join us remotely, and at the end of the meeting many brethren stayed on to talk and catch up. We immediately scheduled our June date to be another virtual Stated Communication.
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Samuel Gompers–Benjamin Franklin
GRAND LODGE SUPPORTS HEALTHCARE WORKERS
GRAND MASTER HOSTS A VIRTUAL TOWN HALL
The Grand Lodge supported healthcare workers by sending masks and gloves to Katie Friot, infection control coordinator at the Health Pavilion Masonic Care Community in Utica New York, the Grand Lodge of New York’s retirement home.
The Grand Master held two virtual town hall meetings on YouTube. Brethren from all over the Jurisdiction joined the broadcast and submitted questions to the Grand Master and the Grand Lodge Physician. The Grand Master also met with Lodge Masters to give them the latest updates on the Grand Lodge’s approach to the pandemic and to listen to their comments and suggestions.
On May 4th, the Grand Secretary and his significant other, Jeanne Dushel, hung a sign in the Grand lodge’s windows—just down the street from Sibley Memorial Hospital—showing our support and thanks to healthcare workers.
QUARANTINE STORIES THE MASONIC INFORMATION PLATFORM (MIP)
as witnessing the great positive impact that has had on our members and their families.
In May, the Grand Master rolled out a new resource for member to member communication— The Masonic Information Platform (MIP). The goal of the MIP is to help the Brethren and families of our Grand Lodge, F.A.A.M., of District of Columbia Jurisdiction, particularly during the COVID pandemic.
By now, I hope every member is wellaware of the swift action taken by Masonic organizations and appendant bodies in the early days of this pandemic to set up the Joint Masonic COVID Relief Fund (or just “The Fund”). First led by the Grand Lodge, Grand Chapter OES, St John’s Mite, Masonic Foundation, DC Scottish Rite and MESH, this alliance now boasts contributions from 20 different local Masonic organizations. More than 75 brothers have contributed donations individually, and more come in each day. As of this writing we have raised over $100,000 for direct relief. On top of this financial generosity, dozens have volunteered to dedicate their time to help those in need, pick up groceries, donate hard-to-find goods, and more.
MIP was created on Slack to assist Brethren with their requests for aid or assistance and job opportunities. Slack, is instant messaging platform developed by Slack Technologies, has been chosen to serve this purpose. On it, you can find Brothers from your Lodge as well as other Lodges, send messages and files, edit, format, delete messages, reach out to a Brother directly, make a call, search any topic and more. If you’d like to join this new group, send an email to the administrator, Bro. Tolga Kelebek at: mipmoderator@gmail.com. In the email, please include your full name, Lodge and Lodge Number (ex: Tolga Kelebek, Nur Lodge No. 2000). He will send you an invitation, and once you receive it, log in to the Member’s Resources portion of the Grand Lodge website and follow the instructions on the file marked “MIP Login Info.”
You can access Slack from browsers or download a suitable App to your device: Desktop: https://mip-dc.slack.com Download Phone Apps (iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac): https://slack.com/apps
HAPPY HOURS & EDUCATION MEETINGS Most of our lodges held virtual meetings of some sort during the pandemic—whether happy hour, virtual Stated Communication, degree rehearsal, educational meeting, or just a simple get together.
LOOK FOR THE HELPERS… By Morgan P. Corr Senior Grand Deacon Fred Rogers, of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood fame, frequently reminded us that to find hope and inspiration during times of crisis to, “Always look for the helpers.” The people on the front lines and in the background, showing us the best of humanity during a tragedy. Now in the midst of the global pandemic of COVID-19, we are all seeing the brave first responders, emergency managers, and especially the medical professionals working tirelessly to combat this illness, and the effect it is having on every element of society.
These donations, of time and treasure, are having an incredible effect on your brothers, OES sisters, and their families. To date, more than $52,000 has been awarded to those most in need, with many more requests anticipated. It’s easy to say, “please give money,” and promise, “this is a good cause.” But allow me to share a few of the real situations that have been improved by these acts of kindness and Brotherly Love & Relief, showing how small acts of kindness can come together for wider impact. In one case, a brother of one of our Lodges has been overseas for a professional
At the same time, it is inspiring to witness the example of the everyday heroes reaching out in small ways. Calling a neighbor, checking on senior citizens and those at risk, donating time and goods to help the community. These smaller acts also ripple out to create a larger tide of hope and build our community. These last 6-weeks I have had the privilege to be near the center of the response within the wider DC Masonic community; a close-up look at the quiet helpers, as well ISSUE 2, 2020 THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY | 33
QUARANTINE STORIES assignment, while his college-aged child was studying in a state away from home. As the crisis hit, this brother found himself stranded at his deployment in another country, with access to the outside world shut down. Meanwhile, his son’s school closed the dormitory and canceled classes. Suddenly, he was without a place to stay or a way to get back to his DC-area home. Because of the situation in his assignmentcountry, his father couldn’t send him funds.
With a few conversations our Masonic COVID Fund was able to help a brother’s family and ensure he safely got home. In another circumstance, a brother’s father suddenly passed away due to the Corona Virus, with his mother also exposed, though not infected. His parents’ home was contaminated, and several rooms would have to be entirely off limits for several weeks. Adding to the already
stressful situation, the brother’s spouse had recently undergone her own medical procedures, which meant it would be impossible to bring anyone exposed to the virus into their home. With the help of several Masonic volunteers and the COVID Fund we were able to ensure this brother was able to care for his entire family, unexpected expenses, and that all appropriate safeguards were taken.
LIST OF DONORS TO THE SPECIAL COVID-19 JOINT CHARITABLE FUND LODGES Grand Lodge, FAAM Federal Lodge No. 1 Justice-Columbia Lodge No. 3 William R. Singleton-Hope-Lebanon Lodge No. 7 Hiram-Takoma Lodge No. 10 Washington-Daylight Lodge No. 14 Benjamin B. French Lodge No. 15 Lafayette-Dupont Lodge No. 19 Anacostia-Pentalpha Lodge No. 23 Joppa Lodge No. 35 Samuel Gompers-Benjamin Franklin Lodge No. 45 Petworth Lodge No. 47 Cincinnatus Lodge No. 76 Mehr Lodge No. 90 Eireann Lodge No. 98 Italia Lodge No. 2001 Sojourner Kilwinning Lodge No. 1798 The Colonial Lodge No. 1821 The Eagle Lodge No. 1893 APPENDANT BODIES Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, DC Columbia Chapter No. 1 Mount Vernon-William R. Singleton Chapter No. 3 Mount Pleasant Chapter No. 13 Marvin E. Fowler Chapter No. 18 Grand Commandery of Knights Templar, DC Washington Commandery No. 1 Columbia Commandery No. 2 Grand Chapter of the Order of the
Eastern Star, DC Friendship Chapter No. 17 MASONIC ORGANIZATIONS MESH Charities, Inc. St. Johns Mite Association The Masonic Foundation of DC The DC Scottish Rite Foundation INDIVIDUALS Dennis Apeti Sheldon Arpad Walter Benesch James Bernau Perry Blatstein Joseph Bondi George Botic Peter Brusoe Christopher Burkett Melvin Call Oscar K. Caroglanian Marc Castillo Bogac Cetiner Cary Cooper Morgan P. Corr Kevin Coy Joseph Crociata Christopher Di Pasquale Jean-Paul Dongmo Robert Drechsler Quardricos Driskell Chetin Durak Matthew Dybwad Michael Erickson Chohfi Filho
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Daniel Fink II Andrew Fischer Richard Fletcher Bruce F. Gilbert Joe Gonzalez Charles Goodman Alan Gordon Harold Grainger Will Green Michael Greenwald Larry Guerin Marilyn Haroutunian Brandi Harris Robert Heyat Harold Henig Luke Hertzel Walter Hoenes Nicholas Holy Raymond Horn Daniel Huertas Kai Hughes Koray Illeez Neal Jarvis Annas Kamara Jerry Keilsohn Shin Kim Lynda Kinder Benjamin Koppenheffer John Leonard Anthony Loubon Christopher Mahaney Elgun Mammadov Nicholas Mastron Kevin Matthews Robert Maxim
Bernard Michels Elijah Mills Michael Nicholas Armen Oganesyan Bladimir Ortiz George Perez Richard Petherbridge Francisco Pinillos Mark Polansky Len Proden Priscilla Rawlins Chris Ruli Jeffrey Russell Nicky Sampogna Nicholas Sanchiz John P. and Sarah A. Saxe Jeff Schaefer Shannon Scott Ned Solenberger Sergio Stephano Kevin Stemp Adam Tager Chris Tessone Anand Trivedi Will Taylor Joseph Van Name Jason Van Dyke Larry Vigil Jesse Villarreal Roman Volsky Nathan Williams Tim Williams David Windmiller E. J. Whitcomb and Sons, Inc. Joshua Withrow
QUARANTINE STORIES But the most common problem being faced is the unexpected loss of income due to furloughs or layoffs, and the general economic uncertainty. Most of the cases that come up result in a 2-month reprieve through the Fund: routine expenses like mortgage or rent, utilities, and health insurance are paid directly by the Fund directly to the vendor. A small stipend for groceries is also provided in most cases. Critical to this is the assistance of the individual Lodges or Chapters—in each case we are sure to contact them so they know about a brother of theirs in need so we are becoming those helpers reaching out in ways both big and small. While this ongoing crisis has taken its toll on everyone through forced social distancing and isolation and has already seen the deaths of more citizens than many wars, just from my position as COVID Czar, I also have seen the very best of Masonry come forth during this time. Being our brother’s keeper and reaching out in all of these ways isn’t merely clicking some buttons on a website, writing a check, or making a phone call, but please know that each of these things greatly contribute to the unique bonds of brotherhood that make Masonry special. And more so than anything else, it helps us realize how many “helpers” there are that also call us Brother.
NOT EVERYTHING CLOSED DURING THE QUARANTINE! High Twelve International (HTI) returned to D.C. in May, as Cornerstone Club No. 786, with a virtual installation by HTI President Jonathan Dilley. HTI is a Masonic club that provides busy professionals an opportunity to meet and enjoy Masonic fellowship outside of the formal Lodge environment. Cornerstone Club will also be strongly supporting HTI’s international charitythe Wolcott Foundation, which provides scholarships for George Washington University students. The efforts to reorganize a High Twelve Club in DC were spearheaded by W.B. Nicky Sampogna, Cornerstone Club’s charter
The principles of Brotherly Love and Truth, with the underlying aim to exemplify the masonic ideal of universality, propelled our Grand Lodge from disaster to dynamism. Luminaries of our jurisdiction looked to the ritual as their philosophy of life to drive the necessary change and reinvigorate our institution.
president. No events are scheduled yet, for public health reasons, but look out for more information soon.
LESSONS FROM HISTORY: HOW PAST CHALLENGES PREPARED US FOR TODAY By Chetin Durak Senior Grand Steward Since our founding in 1811, the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia has continued to define itself not by the crises encountered, but rather the manner in which Brethren have unified to overcome, persevere, and flourish. It behooves us to reflect on how the jurisdiction has historically responded to challenging times, that we might avoid errors of the past while continuing to build the edifice for which we have been so thoroughly equipped. Many of us are aware that our Grand Lodge experienced a devastating downturn during the 1960s-1980s. Membership suffered, and Lodges found themselves in endless cycles of debating minutes until midnight. Our noble institution found itself resembling a pie and ice cream fraternity, run solely by Past Masters, with an emphasis on ritualistic floorwork and word perfection without consideration for substance. To top it all off, our Grand Lodge continued to be segregated. While the situation was unquestionably dire, our esteemed Brethren confronted the challenge head on and laid the groundwork for our Grand Lodge as we know it today.
Priority number one was unquestionably integration, for Brotherly Love transcends race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, and sexual orientation. With the affiliation of WB George Nicol to Albert Pike Lodge No. 33 and the concerted efforts of esteemed Brethren such as MWB Stewart Miner, MWB Jerold Samet, MWB George Adams, and WB Victor Adegbite, among others, the color barrier in our Grand Lodge was finally broken. Accompanying these efforts was a recognition of our unique position, the District of Columbia, as a universal masonic bridge across the United States and the world. This recognition was due in large part to the efforts of MWB Charles Iversen, MWB Robert Heyat, MWB Dan Frederick, and MWB Mansour Hatefi and was sparked by the consecration of Mehr Lodge No. 90. It was the first bilingual lodge in the jurisdiction since Arminius Lodge No. 25 was founded in 1876 and provided a venue where Iranian American Brethren could practice the Craft in their mother tongue and ritual. Several lodges followed suit and provided the foundation for the Masonic tapestry that we see represented today. This was and continues to be a testament to the principle of Truth. As MWB George Adams says, “If you want to know how spiritual you are, ask yourself, ‘How universal is my consciousness?’” The pillars of Brotherly Love and Truth further strengthened our universal temple with the establishment of mutual recognition and amity with the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia. While many Brethren contributed to this historic achievement, our MWB Dan Frederick was instrumental in laying the footing in 1999 and MWB Mansour ISSUE 2, 2020 THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY | 35
QUARANTINE STORIES Hatefi presided over the concord in 2000 to bring harmony to the two Regular Grand Lodges in our nation’s capital. Continuing to expand on consciousness was the third pillar that needed to be erected to ensure that our temples grew on a true foundation. At the core, our leaders strived to ensure that every Brother left with knowledge that they did not have before coming to Lodge. Diving a level deeper, our esteemed Brethren looked to prepare Lodges for when a Brother was awakened, that the Lodge may be prepared to foster the esoteric or spiritual dynamic that Freemasonry offers. As recent events have reminded us, times of hardship bring many to act on their base instincts. We Freemasons, however, must remember that we are equipped with the working tools and sound teachings to guide us in our resolve. As evidenced by those who paved the way, a due diligence to our Craft will enlighten us to emerge with a greater sense of universal love, truth, and strength from any crisis that we may encounter. *Special thanks to MWB George Adams for taking the time to share our Grand Lodge’s history with me in support of this article
GRAND LODGE OF THE DC’S RESPONSE TO THE 1918 INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC By B. Chris Ruli Grand Historian In Grand Master Lem Towers, Jr.’s annual address, recorded in the Grand Lodge’s annual communication proceedings, Towers decided take action against a possible spread within the Masonic community: “A ban upon public meetings having been placed by the commissioners of the District of Columbia on account of the alarming spread of the Spanish influenza, in accordance with the direction of the Health Officer, on October 36 | THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY ISSUE 2, 2020
Evening Star, Oct 16, 1918
7, 1918, I ordered the communications of the constituent lodges to be discontinued until further notice. The ban was removed on November 4, and I notified the lodges accordingly. The flu impacted degree conferrals scheduled in October, but the proceedings note that many lodges arranged courtesy degrees in November to make up for the temporary hiatus. A review of DC newspapers provides a bit more context into Grand Lodge communications and activities (if any) during the month hiatus. The Grand Lodge issued their first notice published in
the Washington Post on October 8, 1918: Similar notices (next page) were published almost every day. (Evening Star, Oct 13) The Washington Post/Evening Star Newspapers also shared the following PSAs, which were spread across the Fraternity and Social pages, to help get the word out about prevention and treatment (Above).
QUARANTINE STORIES GRAND LECTURER’S MESSAGE Christopher “Chip” Mahaney Grand Lecturer Worshipful Masters, Lodge Officers and Brethren all, There has been some concern regarding the continuation of Degree work once this crisis has passed.
The DC Commissioners announced that the public hiatus would be lifted on November 4, and the Grand Lodge took steps to organize degree conferrals immediately after.
(Washington Post, November 3, 1918) While lodge-based masonic activities were suspended during this period, newspapers continued to report on the masonic bowling league and the Liberty War Bond fundraiser. With the exception of the GW Law School, which operated on the top floor of the Masonic Temple on 13th street, the GL offices were closed.
(Washington Post, Oct 11, 1918)
Some Masters are worried that they may not have enough meetings remaining, in order to complete the planned Degree cycle during their term in office. This problem is compounded by the fact that nobody knows when this crisis will subside, and Lodges are able to resume labor. I would like to offer a possible solution. Once we can safely return to labor, I will assemble degree teams and schedule an Entered Apprentice and a Fellowcraft Degree. Hopefully this will provide Masters with options regarding their remaining agendas and will give them some flexibility with their Candidates. Our Grand Master has expressed his support and has offered the assistance of his office if necessary. In addition to this, I would like to offer a few recommendations and ideas. To the Worshipful Masters: Challenge the Brethren of your Lodge to learn a new part of the Ritual. Task three of your new brothers to each learn one of the Charges. Have your Officers learn the ritual and Degree work for the next chair they plan to occupy. Set up virtual rehearsals with the brethren of your Lodge, (assuming all are qualified on the Degree being rehearsed). Assemble a team of your Past Masters and have them learn the Past Masters’ Degree.
contact me if you have any questions or need clarification. To the Senior Wardens: Complete the Code and Leadership tests. These tests will require you to devote a fair amount of time and energy to them; often more than you think. They are available on the Grand Lodge website under the member resources section. The reference material is also available in the same section. Additionally, start practicing for the Ritual Proficiency oral exam, (Section 83). Contact me if you need help or have any questions. I am looking into setting up a virtual interactive training course for these. Only Senior Wardens or Junior Wardens who intend to be Masters of their Lodges next year, will be invited to attend. Please let me know if this interests you. To the Lodge Officers: Take the time to perfect the opening and closing ritual and the Degree work of the chair you currently occupy. If you need assistance, contact me. I hope these suggestions help. I look forward to the day when we are able to resume our labors. Thank you for all that you do for the Craft, for your Lodges for your Brethren and for your communities.
POTOMAC FESTIVE BOARD Members of Potomac Lodge No. 5 held their annual festive board on June 15th. Since they couldn’t meet in person, Potomac moved their event online with virtual toasts and a brief presentation on “the Holy Saints John.” The best part: no one had to drive home!
Many Masters and Secretaries are asking what is allowed regarding virtual ritual practices. Let me clarify this for you. Brethren are allowed to rehearse ritual and degree work and hold catechism rehearsals for their qualified brethren. I would like to be afforded an invitation to these. Please ISSUE 2, 2020 THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY | 37
QUARANTINE STORIES PROCESS AND PROTOCOL: ADVICE ON PASSING THE TIME IN QUARANTINE FROM THE JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN By Annas Kamara Junior Grand Warden What are we doing to make sure our Lodges return to business as usual and use this opportunity to “get our houses in order?” The current situation with Coronavirus is touching lives across the country and around the world. No one is immune to the challenges we face; even those of us who are physically healthy. Our Masonic intercourse is no exception to the current medical pandemic. Indeed, all is not lost as we can still engage in productive Masonic activities both individually and virtually! As a start, I would like to propose the following: Using this time to update mailing lists, emails and telephone listing. With the mandatory lockdown in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia where the majority of our members reside, it is reasonable to suggest most of us are now working from home, thus providing the opportunity of flexibility to complete tasks effortlessly outside of our paid employment. Undoubtedly, communication is perhaps the lifeline of any organization, especially ours. A quick check and statistical analysis from Grand View shows the significant lack of and/or incorrect email information of our Lodge brethren. NOW is the time to update emails, addresses, and telephone numbers, while providing an opportunity for these Brethren to be contacted during this difficult time. Updating financial records is crucial during the current lockdown. Lodges should endeavor to collect outstanding membership dues from those who are able and willing to pay (while finding those in
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need of aid), clean up the rolls (deceased, non-payment), review current investment to determine next steps and setting up audits to determine Lodge’s current financial health. Refreshing Lodge officers on their traditional responsibilities, offices and stations. It has been long established that if we fail to use a specific skill over a significant period of time, we will easily lose that skill. Now is the time for Lodge officers to privately review their traditional roles and responsibilities in readiness for when Lodge activities resume. Personal study and individual review are essential to achieve this, while virtual group study is highly encouraged (see the Grand Lecturer’s advice on this previously given). Take the initiative to lead weekly or bi-weekly calls with the officers of your Lodge to dole out responsibilities and plan any non in-person committee work. Preparing monthly bulletins is an essential tool to communicate with the wider membership in your Lodge. Suggested topics included birthdays, anniversaries, COVID-19 updates, readjusting the Lodge schedule in conjunction with current state government restrictions. Please stay tuned to our website and email communications of the Grand Master and the Grand Lodge and share with your Brethren! Preparing for succession. While I’m sure this is not exactly what many presiding officers would presume to think about, it is important that we prepare our future leaders, both senior officers and sideline brethren, so they are prepared to take the reins of leadership when necessary! Now is the time for Worshipful Masters to begin preparing their successors for leadership prior the end of their term. Such efforts must include, but are not limited to, preparing senior Lodge officers to complete their mandatory code, leadership exams, and ritual proficiency.
STEP INTO THE ARENA By Adam N. Tager Junior Grand Deaconn Freemasons are social beings. While we join the Craft for any number of reasons, we share a common desire to be a part of something larger then ourselves. This is reinforced when we have to gain the recommendation of multiple Brethren to join, when we seek mouth-toear guidance from well-informed Brethren, and from our ritual which teaches us lessons based on stories of interaction. So then, how are we to react when that is taken away? The COVID-19 epidemic, and the resulting “stay at home” orders, social distancing, and suspension of most in-person activities fundamentally changed how we interact with the world. It’s likely that we’re all experiencing some anxiety induced by a lack of routine, a dearth of inperson interaction, and a paucity of masonic activities. We may be worried about us or a loved one getting sick losing our job. Some of us have experienced those things. This anxiety can seem debilitating. However, in an April New York Times article entitled “How to Stay Optimistic When Everything Seems Wrong”, author Kristin Wong makes the case to choose optimism. Optimism, she says, “requires you to acknowledge your positive and negative emotions at once and to allow them to exist simultaneously”, which can be hard when it inclination is to focus on the negative. But, especially in a crisis, we have to “be even more attentive to our emotional state. When we do that, we’re able to more quickly move beyond our stress, discomfort or pain.” Embracing optimism can involve practicing self-compassion, finding pleasure in small things, and my favorites, looking for meaning and giving back/ building community. When considering the last two, I think of one of my favorite quotes of all time from President and Brother Theodore Roosevelt.
QUARANTINE STORIES During a 1910 speech in France entitled “Citizenship in a Republic,” he said: “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” While these words always seem to push me to do better, they are especially poignant in a crisis. There are Brothers and nonBrothers alike who are providing vital services for our nation and the world, but not everyone can serve so actively. For me personally, the actions that I usually utilize to manage my anxiety (volunteering, planning, interacting) are fundamentally changed. So, for everyone out there who wants to get involved but doesn’t know how, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight other ways you can utilize this time to “step into the arena” and help as our nation continues to fight this COID-19 epidemic.
provide time or materials. There are also other great Masonic and non-Masonic charities out there who could benefit from your donation. 3. If you provide vital services, continue to do so. Our medical staff, first responders, and emergency managers are not the only ones providing essential services. Your local grocery store clerk, delivery person, or business owner are now essential. Shop local, buy gift cards, and tip delivery drivers extra to help them get through this time. 4. Volunteer your time. There are any number of organizations that have adapted to social distancing and personal protection and are continuing to help those in need. One of my favorites is Team Rubicon, a volunteer disaster response organization that focuses on veterans and first responders, but also is welcoming to any “kick ass civilian” who wants to roll up their sleeves and help. COVID-specific opportunities with TR can be found here: https:// teamrubiconusa.org/neighbors/
5. Call someone from your Lodge you haven’t talked to recently. As our Grand Master said, while in-person activity has stopped, Masonry and Brotherly Love haven’t. You never know who is feeling isolated or alone, and a call could make all the difference. This is especially important for those in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, those 1. Stay home. It seems counterintuitive, with pre-existing but sometimes doing nothing is doing conditions, or those everything. Even as some states begin living with someone to “reopen”, the best way to contain this in a vulnerable sickness is to continue to minimize and population. prevent non-essential travel and contact. 2. Donate to your favorite charities. I won’t delve into the specifics of the Joint Masonic COVID Relief Fund, as RWB Morgan has done that eloquently in a previous article, nor talk about my role as “Deputy COVID Czar”, other than to point out that you can help by donating or volunteering to
6. Cut down on food waste. We’ve all now heard about the impacts that COVID has had to our food supply chain. While meat production is down
a little, the effects can be mitigated if we avoid hoarding, and we use what we buy. According to Feeding America, each year, 72 billion pounds of food goes to waste while 37 million Americans struggle with hunger. Idealist.org and Healthline recommend a few simple ways to cut down on food waste, including storing food in the proper place (and at the proper temperature), waiting to wash produce until you’re ready to use it (to avoid mold), freezing anything that you don’t expect to use in the near future (if freezing is possible), making a stock, composting, and eating your leftovers! 7. Give blood. Despite some frustrating restrictions on who can and cannot donate blood due to lifestyle factors, blood donation is still vital, and many blood banks have seen a decreased stock during COVID. Find out where to donate here As Masons, we look to serve. We serve each other, our communities, and the world. Every year, Masons give millions to charities and donation countless hours of their time volunteering. It is at the core of our being “good and true”. That is needed now, more than ever, and everyone, from the newest Entered Apprentice to the most senior Past Master, can participate. Moreover, by serving, we chose optimism and make a positive impact on the world to come.
RWB Tager and brethren of Singleton Lodge donate blood
ISSUE 2, 2020 THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY | 39
QUARANTINE STORIES
Josh Leland, Josh Breen SW, and Winston Sale of the Vevet Jacket Society
THE FRONTLINE OF CHARITY WITH TNC LODGE NO. 32 By Neil Hare, PM Temple-Noyes-Cathedral Lodge No. 32
Neil Hare helps feed frontline healthcare workers
What do you get when you combine equal parts Freemasonry, charity and high fashion? None other than the Velvet Jacket Society! Temple-Noyes-Cathedral Lodge No. 32’s (TNC) 2018 holiday party featured several brothers wearing velvet dinner jackets as part of a novelty group costume theme. These jackets have since become popular attire at TNC social events, representing their wearers’ commitment to our brotherhood and emphasis on fellowship and humor. 40 | THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY ISSUE 2, 2020
ER Nurses at Suburban Hospital give their thanks to TNC Velvet Jacke
With the onset of the COVID-19 crisis came a sudden spike in need for food pantry donations across the Washington, D.C. region. For example, the Capital Area Food Bank has donated as much food in March and April of 2020 as it normally does in a calendar year. Several of our velvet-clad brethren, seeking a way to inspire TNC members to donate regularly to area charities including the Capital Area Food Bank, agreed to form a charitable club within the Lodge titled the “Velvet Jacket Society.” To join, an applicant must only pledge to a charter member of the Society that he will make a regular monthly or annual personal donation to a charity of his choice. To evidence and encourage membership, the Society has procured shield-shaped “VJS No. 32” patches to be worn inside the members’ velvet jackets as emblems of their charitable commitment. Society membership has grown exponentially since this effort began, resulting in thousands of dollars in new charitable donations by TNC members. Velvet Jacket Society patches and the jackets they adorn will be worn to TNC events with stylish pride by Society
members, but also serve another important purpose. In addition to encouraging regular charitable giving, when a guest asks, “What is with all the velvet jackets?” a brief explanation will cover many of the highlights of membership in Freemasonry: charity, fellowship and a commitment to our community and each other. The charter members of Velvet Jacket Society No. 32 hope that other lodges are be inspired by our club and will launch similar versions of their own. If you’d like more information, please contact Winston Sale at rwinstonsale@gmail.com.
Joint Statement of Washington, D.C. Grand Masters June 2, 2020 Our city of Washington DC is suffering. Based upon the dedication of all Masons throughout the world to the ideals of Masonic brotherly love and fellowship, we believe that our Craft offers a bold example of how men of different races can love and respect each other. Freemasons do not all think alike. We are formed from different races, different political and social backgrounds, and many different countries. We all act and vote as individuals, and as our respective consciences dictate. But on one principle we are united. Freemasons accept and respect one another regardless of our differences, and the Brotherhood we share is based solely upon the content of a man’s character. Our Ancient Landmarks, handed down to us through the ages, include two important truths: •
All Masons believe in the existence of God as the Grand Architect of the Universe and in the existence of an immortal spirit that is His gift to every person.
•
All Masons meet as equals. As the children of one great Father, we are all traveling to that predestined place where only genuine virtue merits respect, rather than wealth or status.
The leaders signing this statement affirm these beliefs. The ugly history of slavery and segregation in our country had estranged our two Grand Lodges in Washington, D.C. for too many years. But we have since outgrown those divisions and forged between us the ties of Brotherhood that unite us as Freemasons. Freemasonry is strong and vibrant in Washington DC, and we have a role to play in the healing that our city requires. Each Brother will make his own decision about how to mourn the death of George Floyd, and how to call out for justice. But Freemasons will not succumb to the blind hatred of racial tension, nor contribute to inflaming those destructive passions. We are united as a sacred Brotherhood. We humbly request the aid and blessing of Almighty God on our City and Nation and ask for His protection of our loved ones. Finally, we ask that all Freemasons redouble their efforts to heal the divisions tearing at our society, and we look forward to the time when we can meet together again.
Michael D. Nicholas, Sr. Grand Master The Grand Lodge, FAAM Washington, D.C.
ISSUE 2, 2020 THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY | 41
THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY Grand Lodge, F.A.A.M. of DC 5428 MacArthur Blvd., N.W. Washington, DC 20016-2524
Now in its 59th 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. This year, our Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Michael D. Nicholas, Sr., has selected the Foundation as his preferred beneficiary of philanthropic donations by all DC Lodges and their individual members. 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.
NonProfit Org. US Postage PAID Permit No. 207 Dulles, VA
Donations to the Foundation by Lodges and individual Brothers directly benefit the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area by being completely distributed to charitable organizations. This empowers us as D.C. Freemasons to change lives through charity, securing the Masonic legacy of giving for generations to come. As you contemplate making a charitable gift this year, please consider making a tax-deductible gift to support the Masonic Foundation of the District of Columbia by visiting DCMasonicFoundation.org and clicking the donate button at the bottom of the page, or by sending your check payable to The Masonic Foundation of DC to:
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. READ MORE on Page 22. 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
5428 MacArthur Blvd. NW Washington, DC 20016
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.
Your partnership and generous contribution will provide direct benefits to the community we serve.
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
MICHAEL D. NICHOLAS, SR., GRAND MASTER | JEFFREY D. RUSSELL, PGM, GRAND SECRETARY DCGRANDLODGE.ORG