VOLUME 38 | NUMBER 3 | 2021
THE EARLY CRAFTSMEN OF THE FEDERAL CITY pg. 14
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF WASHINGTON D.C.
THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY Volume 38, Number 3 2021 Issue EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Alan L. Gordon (Grand Master) Jeffrey D. Russell, PGM (Grand Secretary) MANAGING EDITOR Jason Van Dyke, PM (Director of Communications) EDITORIAL BOARD Scott Brown, PM Andrew Hammer, PM Walter Hoenes, PM Peter Lynch Elijah C. Mills, PM B. Chris Ruli Drew Sneider
EARLY CRAFTSMAN OF THE FEDERAL CITY
pg. 14
DESIGN Patricia Hord Graphik Design DCGRANDLODGE.ORG
The Voice of Freemasonry is an official publication of the Grand Lodge of Free And Accepted Masons (F.A.A.M.) of the District of Columbia. Unless otherwise noted, articles appearing in this publication express only the private opinion or assertions of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Grand Lodge. The jurisdiction speaks only through the Grand Master, and when attested to as official, in writing, by the Grand Secretary. The editorial staff invites contributions in the form of informative articles, reports, news and other timely information (of about 500 to 1000 words in length) that broadly relate to Masonic law, lore, customs, history, symbolism, philosophy, responsibility of membership, etiquette, current events, and/or general public interest. When possible, photographs that illustrate these informative articles should accompany the submission. Pieces submitted should be typed, doublespaced and preferably accompanied by a computer disk in a neutral PC format or via e-mail to: grandlodge@dcgrandlodge.org
LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD: CELEBRATING MAYNILAD LODGE NO. 1521’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY pg. 3
THE AMERICAN LEGON LEGACY RUN pg. 6
GRAND LODGE GOLD FIDELITY MEDAL AWARDED pg.22
CONTENTS 1
Grand Master’s Message
3
Looking Back, Moving Forward: Celebrating Maynilad Lodge No. 1521’s 10th Anniversary
6
The American Legion Legacy Run
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.
10 The Traveling Haberdasher: The Business Suit – You’re Doing it Wrong
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).”
21 Leadership Conference
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 3, 2021
13 Grand Lodge Consecrates New Lodge Space 14 Early Craftsman of the Federal City 22 Grand Lodge Gold Fidelity Medal Awarded 24 The Grand Master of Political Cartoons 26 The Lyle Gun 28 2021 Grand Lodge BBQ
THE GRAND MASTER’S MESSAGE: JOURNEYING THE LENGTH OF THE LIGHT, ONE STEP AT A TIME Alan L. Gordon, Grand Master
of my clients, not to mention legal liability for me acting as their agent. It is a lot of responsibility, and it comes with a healthy dose of stress and anxiety. But it doesn’t really bother me. Here’s why: In the previous issue of this magazine, WB Scott Brown wrote about starting every journey with one step; and all this year, I have been talking about “Journeying the Length of the Light.” To me, these are the keys to taking on any challenge that life throws at you: take it slowly and methodically, and always let the light of morality, which we are given in Masonry, guide you.
A
s the leaves change and the temperatures begin to dip back into the comfortable range here in Washington, I am conditioned by my profession to wind myself up and prepare for another year of long hours and stress as tax season swings into full gear. Some years, this can cause me great anxiety. Looking at the long road ahead
and its confusing, twisting path up a dark mountain of seemingly endless work can be intimidating. And that’s not to mention the run-of-the-mill fear of the unknown that lurks on that road, as well. Being an accountant is a detail-oriented business. The misplacement or omission of the stray comma or decimal point can have an outsized effect on the bottom line
Whether your challenge is personal, like losing some weight and getting in shape, or finding more time to spend with the people you love most in your life; or it is professional, like getting that certification or degree you have been putting off, or looking ahead at a particularly difficult work task that lies ahead of you, just by taking that first step into the light, your journey will have started. In fact, for a true Craftsman, a long journey holds no fear, because we have already embarked the longest and most arduous journey of them all—the journey of improving ourselves as we work to chip the edges of our rough ashlar away to form ISSUE 3, 2021 THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY | 1
our perfect or smooth Ashlar. But the first step in this lifelong undertaking is stepping into the light, where we can best perceive our work. That Light, of course is the Light of knowledge and wisdom, which informs all of our moral works.
tired to keep moving forward, a trusty brother is there to help us back on the path and into the warm Light. While the work is personal and individual, it is undertaken in the company of trusty friends—it’s a comforting thought.
The best part about all of this, is that we don’t do it alone. What could be a cold and lonely path, we instead walk with our fellow brothers as guides and protectors. When we are not strong enough, or too
So, while the days are shorter and colder, let’s continue to take comfort in both the first steps we are taking and in our unending work of self-improvement as together, we journey the Length of the Light.
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LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD CELEBRATING MAYNILAD LODGE NO. 1521’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY Bayani E. Pioquinto, PM Secretary, Maynilad Lodge No. 1521
S
ome things are just meant to happen for a reason in a season. Most are not even planned nor thought of. Whether by just sheer coincidence, or perhaps, a chance meeting, such occurrences can usher in new beginnings. Such was the case when two Master Masons – MWB Kwame Acquaah, then the Grand Master of Masons of the District of Columbia in 2009, and WB Generoso Calonge, then the Consul General of the Embassy of the Philippines in – Allan Mullaly Washington, DC - met at Lodge for the very first time in D.C. sometime in July of 2009. It was here the foundation of Maynilad Lodge was formed.
With a top-down mandate, WB Theodore ‘Ted’ Villapando (who was known and familiar to many Filipino Masons) and WB Kenneth Gibala were commissioned by MWB Acquaah to assist WB Calonge in clearing the hurdles to establish a Filipino Lodge. Several Q & A meetings with as many Filipino Masons in the area took place. But as can be expected in any organizational undertakings, the process met some roadblocks in the form of negativism and hesitancy by some Master Masons who had their own personal agendas and ideas. Despite these minor setbacks, however, the desire of many to see a Filipino Lodge established in the heart of the nation’s capital proved stronger, and the unwavering support of many members proved their critics wrong.
“Leadership is having a compelling vision, a comprehensive plan, relentless implementation, and talented people working together.”
The revelation from their conversation was that there were a significant number of Filipino-American Masons residing the Metro Washington, D.C. area. This kindled MWB Acquaah’s vision of further promoting the diversity of Freemasonry in the nation’s capital and led him to ask WB Calonge if there might be interest in establishing a Filipino-American Lodge within the District of Columbia, embracing their Filipino culture but in conformity to the rules and rituals of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia. The prospect of having such a Lodge in Washington, DC, the ‘melting pot’ of social and cultural diversity, could not have come at a better time. Understandably, the mere thought of it filled WB Calonge with a lot of enthusiasm. Fired with motivation and energized by the prospect of being part of something historic, WB Gene Calonge wasted no time in organizing a list of Freemasons who expressed a desire to build a Filipino Lodge.
After some deliberation on what to name the new Lodge, the newly-formed group unanimously decided to name it Maynilad Lodge, after the plant called “Nilad” (scientific name: Scyphiphora- a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the Rubiaceae family) that then grew in abundance along Manila Bay and the banks of the Pasig River in Manila. As to the Lodge number, No. 1521 was chosen
mainly for its historical significance— referencing the year of discovery of the Philippine Islands by Magellan. Being a DC Mason and knowledgeable with the Codes and Rituals of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, WB Villapando was tasked with preparing the dispensation that would allow the Lodge to be formed. Granted a dispensation under the sponsorship of Allianza Fraternal Americana Lodge No. 92, in November 2009, Maynilad U.D. (or Under Dispensation) held its first installation of officers on a cold and snowy day, Saturday, December 5, 2009. The three Pillar Officers installed were: WB Theodore Villapando of Washington-Daylight Lodge No. 14 as Worshipful Master, WB Generoso Calonge, also of Washington-Daylight Lodge No. 14 as Senior Warden, and WB Edward Usita of Naomi Lodge No. 87 under the Grand Lodge of Virginia as Junior Warden. The other appointed officers were also installed by the late RWB Merriman Parker and RWB Christopher ‘Chip’ Mahaney. The newly installed Officers and assembled Brethren of Maynilad UD wasted no time in learning the GLDC works and rituals under the tutelage and guidance of the Grand Lecturer, RWB Mahaney. Soon thereafter, the first candidates were initiated as Entered Apprentices. And in short order,
Maynilad Lodge Brethren at the installation of officers of Fil-Can Cabletow Lodge No. 189 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, May 2019.
ISSUE 3, 2021 THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY | 3
2019 Grand Visitation to Maynilad Lodge No. 1521.
they were passed and raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. At the same time, they visited the other Lodges around the Jurisdiction to learn more about how those Lodges were governed, as well as to know and familiarize themselves with the other members of the Fraternity in the Grand Lodge. Having fully satisfied the requirements of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, the Lodge received its Charter, signed by then MWB Jessie Villareal, Grand Master of Masons, on May 11, 2011. Maynilad Lodge U.D. was now officially Maynilad Lodge No. 1521 and ready to proceed to work. Currently, Grand Lodge records show Maynilad’s membership at 163 Master Masons. Just like any other Lodges, Maynilad, too, has its share of deaths, dimits, and suspensions due to nonpayment of dues, but there is no doubt that membership is continuing to rise in the Lodge. Although most of its members are in the metro D.C. area, the Lodge also has active members in such places as Australia, Canada (Manitoba), California, Delaware, Nevada, New York, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia (especially the Tidewater Area), and of course, the Philippines. Additionally, it also has sister Lodges in Chicago, Illinois; Toronto,
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Ontario; Winnipeg, Manitoba, and the Philippines. Over the years, Maynilad has come to be known as a ‘go to’ Lodge when it comes to helping out in various Grand Lodge activities and functions, as well as in supporting other Lodges in their degree work. For example, except during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, Maynilad has supported the National Independence Day Parade along Constitution Avenue each year. This year, it helped out in the July 4th Parade at the Palisades. Always showing up in large numbers, Maynilad has also supported annual visitations to the Veterans Administration Hospital (again, except last year and this year). Similarly, members of Maynilad Lodge No. 1521 strongly support charity—whether individually, or collectively. Year after year, the Lodge donates to the Grand Master’s chosen charity, Rainbow for Girls, The International Order of Job’s Daughters, and The International Order of Demolays, just to name a few. Outside of the U.S., the Lodge and most of its members also support The Doer and Naturally Caring Foundation, Inc., run by WB Dominador Carreon. This excellent foundation conducts an annual community outreach program in the Philippines to provide livelihood opportunities to disadvantaged
Maynilad Community Outreach Program: giving gifts to underprivileged children of Padre Garcia, Batangas, Philippines in 2018.
families, and scholarships for deserving indigent students to help fulfill their dreams for a better tomorrow. And when needed, the Lodge also extends financial support in times of calamities to other local organizations in the Philippines. But it is not just all work and no play for the Brethren of Maynilad and their families. Aside from their traditional Christmas parties and anniversary celebrations, they also have their regular and annual fellowship outings, like in Virginia Beach each August where they meet, greet, and share fellowship with the ever-growing number of Maynilad members in that area. The members love to travel, and most often in groups with their banner always in front, either domestically or internationally (such as attending the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines
and meeting with members based there; Winnipeg, Manitoba; San Francisco and the Bay Area in California; Dover, Delaware; Las Vegas, Nevada; and New York City). The next travel destinations to hit before this year is over have already been penciled in and plans for the next 3 years are already on the Lodge’s travel calendar. Although there is still much work to do and Lodge meetings to attend regularly (including visiting other Lodges in this jurisdiction or outside), the fun and brotherly camaraderie among the Maynilad members is a testament of “what best work
and best agree.” In fact, before anyone realized, the Lodge already passed the 5-year and 10-year milestones. Thus, on May 15, 2021, Maynilad Lodge No. 1521 celebrated its 10th Anniversary in a simple celebration. Had it not been for the pandemic, it would have been a grand celebration. With 10-years of experience now under its belt, the next 5 years or so is a challenge Maynilad Lodge looks forward to meeting with enthusiasm and a strong sense of commitment. Lodge education, mentoring programs, efficient governance and leadership, and communication will
Maynilad Brethren attending the 2019 Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Philippines - April 2019
The three “Bayani” Past Masters of Maynilad Lodge No. 1521 - WB Bayani ‘B3’ Pioquinto, WB Bayani ‘B2’ Nelvis, and WB Bayani ‘B1’ Casonava.
continue to remain high priorities on the Lodge’s to-do list. In this spirit of great expectations, we, therefore, turn to President Woodrow Wilson for inspiration: “You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand,” Deo volente. Mabuhay and Maynilad Lodge No. 1521!!!
Courtesy call and fellowship with the Philippines’ Secretary of National Defense, Bro Delfin Lorenzana, a Maynilad member, at Camp Aguinaldo, Manila, Philippines - 2018
With West Coast Brethren of Maynilad at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield/Suisun City, CA - August 2017
2018 Maynilad Christmas Party at the VFW Pavilion in Oxon Hill, MD - (left to right) WB Eric Baisas, WB Ador Carreon, WB Bayani ‘B3’ Pioquinto, RWB Romeo Arquines, and Bro. Antonio Estrella at the back of the group.
Maynilad Ladies pose during the Lodge anniversary and family picnic at the residence of WB Ador Carreon in Ft. Washington, MD - May 2018.
ISSUE 3, 2021 THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY | 5
THE AMERICAN LEGION LEGACY RUN Michael D. Nicholas, Sr., PGM LaFayette-Dupont Lodge No. 19 NOTE: While I acknowledge that this is a Masonic magazine and, technically, this is an American Legion story, there are a couple of Masonic connections later in the story. But overall, the following is meant to be an inspiration for what a group of like-minded people can accomplish—even while practicing their “weekend hobby.”
T
here we were…riding through heavy rain in rush-hour traffic in Cleveland. I was the “trail” bike, or “Tail Gunner” for a group of about 25 motorcycles in Group E, which consisted of American Legion Riders and veterans from Virginia. Through some twist of fate, the Legacy Run had missed the timing on the plan to move 300+ motorcycles through the city on I-90 to I-71 South, and we were now fighting both the weather and the traffic. Suddenly, an 18-wheeler moved from left to right, cutting through our group, in an attempt to get to the right lane. As he passed through, I looked to the right and saw the front part of our group, led by our Road Captain and Assistant Road Captain, exiting on another ramp in a different direction. One of our riders had lost contact because of the truck, and in the traffic and rain we missed the exit. In the midst of the confusion, I moved forward and took over leadership of the group. I was painfully aware that not only was I leading the remainder of Group E, but also groups F, G, H, J, K, L, M and all of the trail and support folks behind us – about another 150 bikes and vehicles total. One thing that had been drummed into me as a young Army Ranger was to always know where you are and where you intend to go. That training paid off, and I eventually got us all to our planned destination at an American Legion Post for dinner. That little adventure was part of my fourth American Legion Legacy Run, and I’ve now done 13 of them, the last 9 as Road
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2017 Legacy Run to Reno, NV
Captain for Group E, the Virginians. The Runs are usually a two-week trip in August, and the purpose is to raise money for something called The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund. This year, we raised over $1.1 million, and a total of over $12 million in the 16 years since the inception of the Legacy Run in 2006. (There was no ride last year during COVID in 2020, but we still raised money.) Shortly after 9/11, the American Legion decided to establish this scholarship fund to provide college scholarships to children of any soldier who died while on duty, post9/11. In 2015 that eligibility was expanded to include the children of any solder who was 50% or more disabled on Active Duty. Where does the money come from? It comes from hundreds of American Legion Posts and thousands of American Legion members, who donate and save money all year for this effort. It takes the form of bake sales, dinners, gun raffles, poker runs, and other imaginative ideas. This year, for example, two of us from Post 177 in Fairfax Virginia presented a check in Show Low, Arizona for $7,000 to James W. “Bill” Oxford, the 2020-2021 National Commander of the American Legion. That $7k represented donations from Post 177, the Post’s Auxiliary, the Sons of American Legion, and the American Legion Riders – all of whom held different fundraisers during the year. By the way, Commander Oxford made the entire Run with us this year, riding on the back of someone’s trike!
2018 Legacy Run to Minneapolis: Legacy Scholarship recipients pose for picture in Galesville, WI. They came out to thank the American Legion Riders.
The Run is usually structured so that the riders meet somewhere in the middle of the country, then they ride as a group to wherever the American Legion holds its national convention. Previous rides have included routes to convention sites at Milwaukee, Charlotte, Houston, Baltimore, Reno, and Phoenix. The number of motorcycles has varied from 250 to over 500. With everyone being a veteran, you might imagine that the whole operation is conducted with military organization and precision, and you’d be correct (Except for Cleveland. That still bothers me!) Year-long planning is necessary. Hotels, fuel stops, meal stops, and routes are all carefully coordinated months in advance. Most law-enforcement organizations are happy to help us get through their towns, and we stick mostly to non-interstate routes that take us through the heart of America. After coordination is done, an advance planning team rides the route
at least twice on motorcycles prior to the event. Road construction, obstacles, and any unexpected changes are documented and dealt with. The actual entourage includes an Advance Team of about 15 motorcycles and some trucks. Their job is to manage parking and traffic at all stops. For example, a fuel stop of 300-400 motorcycles is something to watch. The advance team provides markings and direction, and they man the pumps. Usually, local Posts also provide gas pump handlers. All gas is paid for in advance by each rider, and we just roll through, fill up, and move back to join our groups. We’ll get 400 bikes refueled in 30 minutes. Following the hundreds of motorcycles is a “trail” or “trains” group that includes medics, ice, water, and maintenance vehicles with trailers for any problems. It often also includes Press vehicles. The prior coordination also includes local American Legion Posts. In addition to meals, they also often have people and flags on overpasses as we approach a town. Many times, there have been more than 100 people with fire trucks and large flags to welcome us to a town. There are also schools that have all of the children outside as we ride by, waving flags, and we love to wave and honk at them. (Plus, they all want to hear the roar of the motorcycle engines.) In 2013, on our way to Houston, one small Texas town had the entire downtown lined with flag-bearers from the local VFW and
2021 Legacy Run: Group E rolls from Payson AZ down through the Tonto National Forest towards Phoenix, AZ.
American Legion, and the streets were lined with people and flags. The mayor and the town council were all proudly standing on the steps of City Hall, with their hands over their hearts. One of our guys had to pull over to adjust something on his bike. The townspeople thought that he was a representative there to speak to them, and they escorted him to a microphone on the City Hall steps. He watched the rest of the motorcycles and vehicles pass by, and then he gave an impromptu speech to the town. He later told us that he didn’t want to disappoint them, and they seemed very pleased. We laughed about that for hours. This year, we met in Rogers, Arkansas, and our eventual destination was Phoenix, Arizona. We had about 250 bikes this year. The lower number was because people were concerned about the heat in Phoenix, and COVID was still a factor. We spent the nights of the Run in Durant, Oklahoma; Lubbock, Texas; Ruisodo, New
2021 Legacy Run: Some of the bikes waiting for fuel in Knox City, Texas. This is in the middle of nowhere in the Texas panhandle area.
Mexico; Show Low, Arizona; and in the cauldron of Phoenix. As part of the exercise, we also provide numerous ceremonies and wreath-layings. We have our own bugler who plays “Taps”. On Sunday, August 21, the first day of this year’s ride, we participated in a very interesting ceremony at the Veterans Cemetery at the Choctaw Nation Capitol Grounds in Tuskahoma, OK. It was way hot! And we also did another wreath-laying in the tiny and very warm town of Benjamin, TX on the flat plains of the Texas panhandle. If you blink, you miss it. They have a beautiful Veteran’s Memorial that our Leadership Team wanted to recognize. Overall, we conducted 10 ceremonies during the course of this year’s Legacy Run. When we drove through Quemado, New Mexico, the entire school came out to cheer us. We parked in their high school parking lot to refuel because the only gas station in town could not handle more than 20 bikes at a time. I spoke to the school superintendent there, and he told me that Quemado high school had 151 children total, from pre-kindergarten to high school seniors. He said that they had been waiting for over an hour and that they were so excited to see us! He also told me that theirs was the largest school district in New Mexico, but that because the children were so spread out on ranches and small farms, they only had the 151 children. Some of them travel for hours on the school bus. While talking with him, I remarked about the high sturdy fence that surrounded the parking lot. He said that it was to keep out the elk, whom he described as “worldclass jumpers”. If they get over the fence, ISSUE 3, 2021 THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY | 7
A Gold Star wife, with her children. She spoke to us at a wreath-laying ceremony Onalaska, Wisconsin, and then thanked the American Legion Riders for providing scholarships for her children. 2018 Legacy Run to Minneapolis
2021 Legacy Run: Group E waiting at a fuel stop in Socorro, New Mexico. This was me and my assistant Road Captain.
they eat their athletic fields. That evening, I heard an elk “bugle”, which is quite an eerie sound.
in this annual charity ride does so at his/ her own expense. Two weeks of vacation time, gas, food, and hotel expenses are not insignificant. But it is a sacrifice that we all gladly make for a meaningful cause, and we look forward to seeing and riding with each other every August. I also must thank my understanding wife who, for 13 years, has accepted the donation of our family vacation time for this. I get to spend the two weeks with 300 of my close friends, and she is alone. (That’s a lot of jewelry and flowers, brethren.)
From the Quemado parking lot, we were bused on their school buses (which have no AC, by the way) about 10 miles into serious wilderness to a place called The Warriors’ Oasis. This is a facility that is being built by a retired Navy Master Chief and his wife for soldiers who suffer from brain injuries and PTSD – and for their families. They plan for it to be a working ranch. In a moving ceremony, the American Legion provided a donation of $22,000 to help them build it. When we finally got to Phoenix, we participated in a ceremony at the USS Arizona Memorial. In another example of questionable planning, we arrived at 3 pm during the heat of the day. The temperature in the parking lot was 117 degrees. One of my buddies had the sole of his boot melt off, and it was flapping as he walked around. There were several heat casualties, but at least there was water and medics available, and I know of no one who suffered serious problems. During the 5-day ride there were approximately 30 people who had to take off at least one day due to the heat. The ride to and from Rogers, AR was interesting. We had rain on the 3 days out, and rain on 3 of the four days back from
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Phoenix. We tried to avoid Hurricane Ida, but we spent most of the time in some of the heavy rain bands. On the way to Rogers we lost one of our riders on a slick turn in the mountains of West Virginia. He was right behind me as I was leading, and I heard him curse on the intercom and then disappear from my mirrors as he slid into a ditch. He was not seriously injured, but his bike was totaled. Another one of our friends hit a deer on I-70 in Illinois. Again, he was lucky but spent a few days in the hospital. Overall, I think we had four of five riders hurt just getting there. There is, after all, a Masonic connection in all of this. I have a Masonic emblem on my bike, and a Masonic patch on my vest. Over the years, I’ve had numerous American Legion Riders come up to me and identify themselves as Brothers. A few years ago, I began saving their names. For the ride to Cincinnati in 2018, we assembled in Hutchinson, Kansas. I coordinated with Reno Lodge #124, and they were wonderful. They hosted about 10 of us Legion Riders/Masons at their Lodge for a Friday night cookout. It was great to spend time with these Masons and their families. It certainly cemented the fact that our Brotherhood is universal. I would also like to mention that each American Legion Rider who participates
And every year, this experience helps to reaffirm my faith in the goodness and patriotism of Americans. The “heartland” of our nation has obviously suffered from the COVID challenges – we saw so many closed business – but the people I met compel me to report that our national spirit remains strong! May God continue to bless America. For more information about the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund, please visit:
To learn more about the American Legion Riders Legacy Run, please visit:
2021 Legacy Run: Group E photo in Show Low, Arizona, on the last morning of the 2021 Legacy Run. We rode from Show Low which is up in the cooler high desert country, down into the heat of Phoenix.
2017 Legacy Run: Fuel stop near Pueblo, Colorado on the way to Reno, Nevada.
2019 Legacy Run: A moment of prayer in Lady Lake, Florida, at the start of the run to Cincinnati, OH. This was the leadership briefing to all riders.
Red Bay, Alabama: School children and their teachers wait to greet the American Legion Riders. We stopped here for a wreath-laying at their town square. 2016 Legacy Run to Cincinnati, OH
The high school band greets the Riders at American Legion Post #336 in Onalaska, Wisconsin. 2018 Legacy Run to Minneapolis
2021 Legacy Run: Choctaw National Veterans Cemetery near Tuskahoma, Oklahoma.
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THE TRAVELING HABERDASHER: THE BUSINESS SUIT – YOU’RE DOING IT WRONG Elijah Mills, PM Arminius Lodge No. 25
I
t was a lovely summer repast, filled with blissfully many rooftop drink affairs. But, as the days shorten and the seersucker goes back into hibernation to make way for yet another productive fall season and a resumption of our Masonic labors, I wanted to turn my attention to the next, if entirely boring, element of menswear and the most commonly spotted around D.C.: the business suit. So-called in England as a “lounge suit,” the American business suit largely traces its inspiration from two distinct sources and styles: English and Italian.1 You can find brands that are exceptions to any of the following, but these are the essential and historic markers of these strains of suiting: English suits are essentially the forerunner of dress, particularly in this country. They are based on the military uniforms around the period of the Napoleonic wars. Prior to this, as is testified to in many a period drama, men wore quite a number of colors in their suiting and relied much more on woven silk outfits. This largely changed after two key influences: Beau Brummell and Queen Victoria. George Bryan “Beau” Brummell (17781840) was a key figure in Regency England’s fashion and something of an arbiter of men’s dress. He essentially standardized the court look of a navy or blue top coat and a khaki colored trouser. Although the form is different than what we’re used to now, that uniform-of-sorts prevailed for men desiring a simple and smart look as a counter to the more elaborate lace and silk garments which proceeded them.
A Canali Italian-cut suit
Brooks Brothers pioneered the American-cut suit
Queen Victoria (1819-1901), aside from being Queen of England and Empress of India, was one of the last major influencers of men’s fashion. During her early reign, as mentioned before, men still relied on a great number of colors and patterns for their suiting and dress. However, at the death of her beloved consort, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (d. 1861), she went into a protracted period of mourning.
we would now call) white collar employees, shifted to first all-black and white, and then later to grey and navy, as well. Victoria would remain in mourning for the rest of her life and although women recovered their colors and patterns eventually, the men seemed to by-and-large enjoy this austere (and much simpler!) way of dress. To this day, the majority of men’s suiting can trace its dark palette to this historic event and one monarch’s grief.2
In turn, the men of the court, their servants, and down the chain to encompass all (what
What does survive in British suiting,
1 This is overly reductive and simplistic, but it’s a short article space. Of course, a great many cultures have their own equivalent, but most are not addressed here (perhaps another author more “suited” to that task will step up). 2 A similar but more amusing anecdote survives for why the bottom button isn’t fastened on vests and suits for men. While too long and off topic for this article, the important take-away is: don’t. 10 | THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY ISSUE 3, 2021
however, is the general form, characterized by a structured (but not padded) shoulder, low gorge lines, a stiff canvas lining, a hacking pocket (the little thing above the normal jacket pockets), single- or doublebreasted jackets, and pleated or flat front trousers. A smart detail is also a surgeon’s, or operable, cuff. The pants will have a higher waist and the whole look will be more of a rectangle, but with no extraneous fabric. This form owes most of its influence to the military, but is obviously done in a more exuberant quality than would be found in the field. The back of the jacket can be single, side, or non-vented. The distinction lies in the purpose: single for horseback riding, double for the city if you feel the need to access your pockets, and no vent for the best fit. The Italian suit is much the same, but in a slimmer and more “stylish” nature to reflect the spirit of those people. There is usually a higher button profile, high gorge lines, no break trousers, very fitted jacket, light canvas construction or none, overall light structure, but voluminous shoulders, and a tight or fitted waist. The Italian shape, if worn correctly and on the right body type, is essentially that of a “V.” The American, or “sack” suit, is derivative of them both, reflecting our shared heritage. The American suit was essentially pioneered by Brooks Brothers3 and is essentially the result of a large-scale production for an offthe-rack style suit for the quickly growing business class in an earlier century. Having elements of both the English and Italian variants, the American suit has low shoulder padding (leave aside the ‘80’s for a moment),4 three button sleeve, low armholes, looser fit, flap pockets, and single vent. This was the suit that could roll off the assembly line in such a fashion that it was adaptable by any local tailor to complement the wearer. Subsequently, it is the least expressive of the two, but still possesses its own unique charm. Unlike the Italian, this veers to a more relaxed British suit in that there are usually no darts in
Gieves & Hawkes Three-Piece Suit
the canvas, resulting in a fit that is the most open and loose of the three. This is sometimes referred to as the most athletic, which in this case should be understood as more football player than diver build.
so you can understand the deeper layer behind the symbols used by men’s suiting suppliers), there are a few universal truths about suits and how to wear them, which I will list.
No matter which you lean towards, or which you might already have (and it’s not like they go around stamping suits with these labels – this categorization is simply
First, the absolute most important thing to begin with is the fit of the suit on your body, particularly the shoulders.5 Everyone has a style of suit they fit into based on the
3 They sell their original sack suit today, although the materials and style has changed to match the times. 4 Actually, forever. 5 They cannot be easily (cheaply) altered. So, if the shoulders don’t look good, pass. ISSUE 3, 2021 THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY | 11
into their heads that the larger the chest size, the longer your arms are. I realize this is a common problem, but it is worth everything to correct. The shirt sleeve should hit just at the end of your wrist bone, and the jacket sleeve suitably higher. The trousers should have anything between a no and full break. A full break does not mean “a pool of fabric fraying at your heels” that is often seen. Trouser alterations are among the cheapest and always worth doing. You can let your tailor know how much of a break you want and they will accommodate you. Current style is no more than an inch. Finally, the jacket should button, and remained buttoned, while standing. This is not always practical, and pretty soon we can blame the sweater we’re wearing below the jacket as to why it won’t button. But while you’re at the shop looking at new suit jackets, try to begin as you mean to go on, namely, with something you can wear. These are just a few highlights of suiting to get you started on building a better wardrobe. I have not touched on fabrics, patterns, ties, or style details as those are largely individual. But those are things which adorn the beautiful edifice you build by first laying the firm foundation of wearing clothes that fit. The author poses with his significant other in an American three-piece.
shape of their body. Your humble author, for example, has tiny shoulders and a widerthan-ideal waist, so I look ridiculous in Italian suits. Additionally, do not be lured by the vain promises of posh brands—just because they look good on models, doesn’t mean they’ll look good on you. Quite the opposite is likely: they’ll remind you of how much you don’t look like that attractive model in the display.6 The take-away here is to be honest about your size and shape, or patronize a reputable suiter, who will guide you to the most flattering shape for you. Once you have an idea of the general shape of your body and where you can use a tight
fit and where you’d benefit from a little more fabric, the most important thing is to get the right size and then have it tailored. A good tailor7 can sometimes double the price of what you paid, but it will transform your look from a shabby, off-the-rack peasant into a well-dressed gentleman—and that’s what we’re all about here. A few notes on tailoring:
Remember, Brethren, that in the world we live in, we are examples and advertisements to the Fraternity. Never think you can “slum it” with a lazy approach to your appearance, since you never know who you’ll meet, what conversations will happen, and how that will change a potential member’s life or view of the Craft. We should so strive to be shining examples of the inner perfection that Masonry brings that we are a visual exemplar of the perfect ashlar, even in our profane dress.
The sleeve should show 1/4” – 1” of sleeve fabric when your arms are at your side. Please, for the love of God, do not have jacket sleeves that end mid-palm. For some reason, manufacturers have got it
6 Not to mention fabrics and construction that are all wildly overpriced by these brands. 7 I heartily recommend the DC classic “JC Lofton’s” on U Street – that’s the only place I’ve ever gone, and they’re a wonderful, independent, and local institution to support. 12 | THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY ISSUE 3, 2021
GRAND LODGE CONSECRATES NEW LODGE SPACE Jason Van Dyke, PM Managing Editor The Grand Lodge is constantly looking for ways to expand its support for its constituent Lodges, and on the evening
RWB Jean-Paul Dongmo sits in the South.
of July 30th, the basement of the Grand Lodge building on MacArthur Avenue, NW was consecrated as a Lodge space. This was done in response to several smaller Lodges needing to find new homes for one reason or another. Soon, several Lodges will call it home.
The highly configurable space is also great for degree rehearsals and informal Lodge meetings. Any Lodge or Masonic group is free to request the space. Simply call the office of the Grand Secretary during business hours, and we will be happy to walk you through the process.
RWBs Christopher “Chip” Mahaney (left) and Morgan Corr (right) sit in the West.
The altar is set for the consecration, including the mini Lodge.
The Grand Master (center) sits in the Grand East with RWB Annas Kamara at his right. WB Edward Kell filled-in as the Senior Grand Deacon (far left), WB Elkanah Faux (second from right) sat-in as the Grand Chaplain, and WB Solomon Jackson sat as the Grand Marshal.
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EARLY CRAFTSMAN OF THE FEDERAL CITY Thomas Saharsky Federal Lodge No. 1
East elevation of the Capitol, drawn by WIlliam Thornton ca. 1796
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W
orshipful Brother James Hoban is popularly known as the Architect of the White House and Federal Lodge No. 1’s charter Master. While Hoban has earned the distinction of building one of our nation’s most important landmarks, he did not perform this duty alone. In fact, he was joined by a motely crew of carpenters, engineers, house joiners, stonemasons, blacksmiths, and doctors, some of them Freemasons, who all helped bring his vision to reality. It might be a further surprise to know that these craftsmen’s lifestyle and operative traditions also had a significant impact on early Freemasonry in the District of Columbia. The task of erecting the nation’s early public buildings fell onto the District of Columbia’s first three Commissioners: Thomas Johnson (a judge and first governor of Maryland), Bro. Daniel Carroll (plantation owner and member of the first Continental Congress), and Bro. David Stuart (a physician, relative of George Washington by marriage, and likely member of Alexandria Lodge No. 22). While Washington appointed the commissioners, his appointees had no formal background in urban planning or civil engineering. Moreover, they lacked even the general scope and broad understanding of how to prepare the land in order to shape it into a workable plan. While their outlines and ideas may have been enough for seasoned architects or master stonemasons to conjure into completion, they were definitely neither.
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So, the Commissioners were desperate to bring in professional and administrative personnel that could direct the day-to-day operation, anticipate seasonal needs, and subcontract the transportation of stone and wood to the new Federal City. Additionally, they needed teams of unskilled and semiskilled of laborers who could construct the President’s Mansion, office buildings, and the Capitol.
Bro. Daniel Carroll
What most don’t realize is that they just didn’t start by building these buildings as if they found and bought a lot today, drew up the plans, and hired a contractor. They had to do literally everything from scratch, including sourcing, gathering, and transporting construction materials to the site. For example, the commissioners bought a quarry, found labor, quarried the stone, moved the stone to a wharf (which had to be built), shipped the stone via schooners to another wharf (which also had to be built), and then carted the stone or floated it in scows to the jobsite. In the city, they walked-off the area, marked the roads, got stone and leveled dirt for streets and roundabouts, set up a processing site including rubbish piles, set up additional markers for timber transportation lines, walked off lots for future sales, built temporary housing, and then had to account for all the secondary supplies they needed like bread, meat, and tools. This was all done with paper and pencil, without the assistance of even the Postal Service (which wouldn’t come until the early 1800’s).
The U.S.Capitol as it appeared in 1800
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Dr. David Stuart
Thomas Johnson
In fact, all of life in the 1790’s was brutal. The earliest brick buildings were reserved for leadership like architects, the Commissioner’s department, or the surveying department. Most of the actual workforce lived on, or near, the jobsite in temporary housing which consisted of shacks, shanties, or makeshift buildings, until 1795 when it was outlawed by the Commissioners. Obviously, none of these structures had air conditioning in the oppressive summer and the winter necessitated a pause in almost all work except survival. At the jobsite, the work was so physically straining that craftsmen likely rested, slept, and ate in shifts in the workshops and lodges. The typical diet provided by the government consisted of Indian meal, bread (contracted by Brother Andrew Estave), and a protein—usually beef or pork (in some cases contracted by Brother Middleton Belt). Whiskey was the medicine of choice after a hard day’s labor, or
The White House ca. 1800
to subdue the weary toil of hard labor in the quarries prescribed by Brother Collen Williamson, the quarry owner. If you got sick, you were sent to the hospital where you met Brothers Dr. John Crocker or Dr. Fredrick May who bandaged people and sent them back to work. With no antibiotics, even a small cut could become infected and lead to amputation, or death. Vinegar was provided, and bloodletting was usually the cure for whatever ailed you. Conditions at the hospital were so poor and the humidity so bad, that Hoban requested that it be moved to a less swampy area. It was a far cry from what we expect form a healthcare facility today, but for all intents and purposes, it was free to those who worked at the federal city project and better care than the average American would have had in those days. Between the low wages and the poor conditions, it was no wonder that the local woodworkers and stonemasons generally steered clear of the project, forcing the Commissioner to recruit immigrant and/or coerced labor. Interestingly though, there is evidence that suggests that at some point, certain slaves had more valuable experience, skill, or both, than the new hires at the President’s Mansion. The slaves who worked at the President’s House, and by extension the Capitol, were not unskilled by the second season of work and likely had the respect of their free coworkers, yet neither were they free. Specifically, we find that in one carpentry roll, a slave was compensated more than a non-slave for a brief moment. This compensation would have been based on something other than slave and non-slave status—a trait that looks more like the tacit tradition of the formal apprentice system than the contracted labor of today. So, the job site may have been the best opportunity during this slave-infested time to see a mutual respect of job
skill, experience, respect for load, and performance, regardless of whether a man was free or a slave, until the Commissioners made a law or rule ensuring that slaves received less wages than the lowest non-slaves. An example of this is Redmond Purcells, who headed a small group of slave sawyers at the President’s House. In keeping with the best operative tradition, these sawyers would have been considered as semi-skilled workers. Accordingly, they would have begun as a carpenter’s servants and set upon the pathway to becoming a Master Carpenters. Those in the worst position were the coerced laborers like those of prisoners or slaves who were assigned the most dangerous and physically difficult tasks of material processing and physical labor. But we know that with the work force as small as it was in the Federal city that individuals needed to be taught greater skills in order to work less supervised and to limit the rework of wood, stone, and other materials—all functions to keep costs and waste to a minimum. The immigrant master craftsmen of Scottish and Irish descent, however, carried with them their building traditions, experience, and social provisions to the new world. They possessed a formula best described as “mastership” that allowed them to meet, act, and participate in a way they conveyed their knowledge from one employee to the next. Today, we see this as a tacit exchange of information; back then, it was called an apprenticeships system. The Scottish operative masons also retained the ability, by extension of their charter, to meet at the jobsite and hold a social lodge, where experience-based learning systems and a socialized community laid the foundation for the other free-craftsmen to flourish. ISSUE 3, 2021 THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY | 17
Ellicott’s plan for the Capital
The Irish immigrants carried a similar system of craftsmen that focused on the long-standing traditions of woodworking, which is generalized under the category of carpentry, but also included furniture makers, house joiners, and framers or engineers in the late 18th century. In fact, municipal records of the corporation of carpenters in 1564 is one of “four guilds in one”: carpenters, masons, joiners, and heliers (or tilers), who were granted a lease to meet at Taylor’s Hall on Wintavern Street, in Dublin. Both of these traditions necessitated the inclusion of nontraditional, or speculative, persons found on the lodge rolls or in manuscripts (or contract agreements of labor), such as physicians, blacksmiths, supply liaisons, and transporters. The progressive evolution of these operative lodges facilitates the transition from traditional lodges and their auxiliary social components, into a more socially conscious community. In England, these communities became the Nobles Sciences and Royal Arts, which then morphed into a gentleman’s organization called Freemasonry. This connection between the operative and speculative was mostly made of the gentry, but in Ireland and Scotland, the transition was more gradual and resembles the 18 | THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY ISSUE 3, 2021
ancient process and evolution of the industry’s cross-pollination with the influx of speculative persons in the jobsite and auxiliary community lodges which worked with the town councils and other community assemblies to redress short comings in the work. Remarkably, these two overlapping philosophies of craftsmanship in Scotland and Ireland blended together to form the cornerstone of the first city Lodge of Washington, thus enshrining a thousandyear-old system of operative building within the permanent seat of government of the United States. One may ask what evidence shows that these systems were carried into Washington City? Well, we find consistencies in the way and the manner in which stonemasons and carpenters were contracted and how they employed apprentices. Their contracts generally included food, drink, wages, and housing. In the cases of Collen Williamson, Master of Stonemasons, and his colleague, James Hoban, Architect-Superintendent, both received title, status, and compensation of the old-world systems which employed the titles Master Stonemason, Master of the Works, or Architect. The apprentice is formally recognized in the minutes of the Commissioners. Collen Williamson, shortly after his employment,
was provided stone mason apprentices which endowed the stone workforce and industry with Scottish traditions. Later meeting minutes of the Commissioners indicated that James Hoban, Redmond Purcells, and Peter Lenox, adopted and retained carpentry apprenticeships. Redmond Purcells and Peter Lenox both became the “foremen” of carpenters respectively at the Capitol and President’s House at different times in their career. This allows us to equate a certain level of mastership with the ability to have an apprentice. While the similarities between the old and new world contracts and the apprenticeship system cannot be denied, we must still adjust our context a bit. The Washington City project was an adhoc system, most likely assembled through some working tradition in order to lower cost and raise the efficiency of building the city quickly. Our best estimates indicate these craft traditions were carried over by the Scottish and Irish experts, who had trained workforces and built or designed buildings. Another interesting point when comparing the old formal system with the informal building system in the United States was the lack of terminology and wages, indicating that the Commissioners were not familiar with the time-honored traditions of the building industry, but opted for a more American (new) way of doing things. Instead of the titles free-mason, hewer, house joiner, mason servant, fellow, master carpenter, and apprentice, we find
a general definition of an overarching role, such as general labor, cutters, carvers, carpenters, and sawyers. Today, these general titles and wages define what we think their specialized skill sets and positions are and were with few exceptions. The earliest speculative Lodge in the area that included the names of both Irish and Scottish masters on its rolls, was the now defunct Potomac No. 9. Their names are also attributed to the construction of the President’s Mansion during the cornerstone ceremony in 1792. But lackluster fundraising led them to generate sentiment by approving the use of cornerstone events to coincide with lot auctions, proving once again how difficult it was to get people interested in investing in the Federal City while it was effectively a transiting jobsite. Informally, these operative craftsmen met to go over their planning of the next steps of the building process in an ad hoc theoretical lodge. They were formally indoctrinated into the speculative Freemason system on September 12, 1793, when Clotworthy Stephenson acquired a charter for Federal Lodge No. 15 just days before the Capitol Cornerstone event. The new Lodge emanated from operative traditions, tacit learning systems, and social lodges and their work was in applying and transmitting methods, practical norms, workplace efficiencies, industry innovations, habits, cultural designs, histories, mastership, and other social constructs. They were a living testament to the thousand-year-old tradition of
A tradesman works in Colonial Williamsburg, recreating what it would have looked like in the late 1700’s.
ISSUE 3, 2021 THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY | 19
operative and non-operative members who congregated in lodges, workshops, and by effect constructed cities, castles, monasteries, tombs, and universities throughout the world. Towards the end of the Residency Act (marked by the death of George Washington), the operative craftsmen began to disburse. They settled in the surrounding area or sought employment elsewhere. Accordingly, during this transition Federal Lodge began to morph into a purely speculative Lodge that resembled those in other surrounding communities. The members that remained in the city went on to become prominent figures in local leadership. Some were councilmen, local militia, members
Slave and prisioner labor were used in the building of both the Whitehouse and the Capitol.
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of the fire department, and advocates for Irish immigrants. Others were shopkeepers, and merchants, landlords, and religious leaders. Even up to the mid- to late- 19th century, Federal’s operative lodge members gravitated to the civic assemblies and judicial authority of the District of Columbia, while intersecting with the historical leadership of the other Potomac communities like Georgetown and Alexandria. Today, much is owed to these relatively unknown men. Through their hard work, a capital city was erected in the swampy wilderness and speculative Freemasonry in Washington, D.C. was born along its side.
2021 GRAND LODGE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE On the morning of Saturday, September 9th, the leaders of the constituent lodges gathered in the Franklin Ballroom at the Bolger Center in Potomac, MD for the 2021 Grand Lodge Leadership Conference.
On the agenda: Lodge Governance, Programming, Protocol, Fellowship, and Community Engagement, as well as a presentation on the esoteric art of alchemy from guest speaker WB Tim Hogan from
Colorado. The day ended with a great outdoor meal and refreshment with all the Brethren that provided much fellowship and good cheer amongst the Craft.
2021 Grand Lodge Leadership Conference
RWBs Michael Greenwald and Jean-Paul Dongmo man the merch table.
The Deputy Grand Master speaks to Senior Wardens.
WB Rick Chandler leads discussion on community Engagement.
WB Timothy Hogan
Speaker’s view of the conference
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GRAND LODGE GOLD FIDELITY MEDAL AWARDED Jason Van Dyke, PM Managing Editor On Tuesday, September 14th, the Grand Master, along with the assembled Officers of the Grand Lodge presented Worshipful Brother Allen J. Wright, Past Master of Samuel Gompers-Benjamin Franklin Lodge No. 45 with the Grand Lodge Gold Fidelity Medal, which the Brethren of the Jurisdiction voted to award him with at the Special Communication held in August. From his citation: Allen J. Wright was born in Philadelphia on October 25, 1929. After the family moved to Washington, DC in 1935, he attended the District of Columbia public schools and graduated from Roosevelt High School. In 1951, he graduated from the Catholic University of America. Allen had a successful and satisfying professional career. As a civilian employee for the Department of the Navy, he helped create the structural design of submarines. As a consulting engineer, he designed bridges and structures of multiple buildings in the area and surrounding jurisdictions. Allen retired in 1999 after 40 years in his own successful professional business. Brother Wright was raised in Samuel Gompers Lodge No. 45 by his father, David Wright, in 1953. He served as Worshipful Master of the Lodge in 1963. In 1999, he was elected Treasurer. After serving in that office for ten years, WB Wright stepped down at the end of his term in 2018. However, he remains an integral part of the Lodge’s Investment Committee. Having received a Certificate of Proficiency in the early 1960s, WB Wright has instructed brothers in the degrees and catechism for many years. He is the go-to person for learning the long parts of the Ritual. If there is something 22 | THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY ISSUE 3, 2021
WB Allen Wright (center) poses with WB Burt Levy of Samuel Gompers-Benjamin Franklin Lodge No. 45 and the Grand Master.
to be done, Allen will either do it, assist the brothers assigned to the task, or advise them on performing the job best. For his lifetime contribution to Freemasonry in general and this Grand Lodge in
particular, the Grand Lodge, FAAM of the District of Columbia is pleased to award the Gold Fidelity Medal to Worshipful Brother Allen J. Wright.
Grand Lodge Gold Fidelity Medal
A. Wright Gold Fidelity Medal Certificate
The Grand Master pins the Gold Fidelity Medal on WB Allen J. Wright.
WB Wright poses as the Grand Master prepares to award him the Grand Lodge Gold Fidelity Medal.
ISSUE 3, 2021 THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY | 23
THE GRAND MASTER OF POLITICAL CARTOONS committee, during the period where the Grand Lodge set up its membership card catalog. (See Vol 38, Issue No. 2 of this illustrious publication for more on the card catalog.) Among his original works, carefully preserved in the Library of Congress, we find several Masonic-theme illustrations that capture the spirit of Freemasonry while weaving in topical political commentary.
B. Chris Ruli Grand Lodge Historian On November 16, 1902, Washington Post illustrator and D.C. Freemason Clifford K. Berryman published the political cartoon “Drawing the Line in Mississippi.” The cartoon depicts President and Brother Theodore Roosevelt declining to shoot a chained bear while on a hunting expedition. The scene was based on an incident days before when Roosevelt arrived in Mississippi to arbitrate a territorial dispute between the state and neighboring Louisiana. The President agreed to join a hunting competition during his stay but declined to shoot a chained black bear for sport. Berryman’s illustration “went viral” (to borrow a contemporary phrase) and caught the attention of New York toy manufacturer Morris Mitchtom. Mitchtom quickly developed a prototype of “Teddy’s Bear” and received the President’s permission to use his name. This topical toy evolved into the Teddy Bear we know today. As for the toy’s “creator,” Worshipful Brother Berryman became so enamored with his beloved illustration, which he affectionately named Bruin, that he added him in future illustrations. Berryman and Bruin would remain a fixture not only in Washington politics and society, but also in D.C. Freemasonry for another four decades. Berryman was born on April 2, 1867 in Woodford County, Kentucky. He inherited his father’s talent for caricature and later worked as a draftsman in the U.S. Patent Office where he developed highly technical patent illustrations. Avid in politics, Berryman often submitted cartoons to the Washington Post for consideration. This became a lucrative hobby for him as each published submission would garner him about $25, or more than a week’s salary at the patent office. Impressed with his skill, Washington Post Illustrator George Y. Coffin, a member of La Fayette Lodge No. 19, invited Berryman to serve as his understudy. When Coffin died in 1896, 24 | THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY ISSUE 3, 2021
Clifford Berryman
Berryman succeeded as the Post’s full time Illustrator until 1906 when he transferred to the Evening Star. Like his predecessor, Berryman won critical acclaim and praise for his illustrations, which expertly summarized complex and timely editorial commentary - often down to a single panel. His cartoons targeted politicians indiscriminately and covered broad topics including local and national politics, campaigns and elections, international affairs, war, and early pop-culture. He was the Gridiron Club’s first cartoonist and served as their president in 1926. In 1944, he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for his cartoon ‘But Where Is the Boat Going?’ — a commentary on the U.S. mobilization efforts during the Second World War. Berryman began his Masonic career in Washington Centennial Lodge No. 14. He was initiated on January 6, 1892, passed February 3, and raised March 3. He served as the Lodge’s Master in 1897, and later joined other zealous Masons on December 18, 1907 to charter Temple Lodge No. 32. His interest in Masonry progressed and he rose up the ranks of the York Rite and Shrine, becoming a member of Washington Commandery No. 1, Knights Templar, and Almas Shrine, respectively. Berryman served on several Grand Lodge committees, most notably the Library and Museum
In fact, his Masonic illustrations were often infused with political commentary. Certain cartoons called upon the District’s Freemasons to help address local political issues, most notably, on the question of D.C. voting rights and statehood. When sojourning Shriners arrived in Washington for the Imperial Shrine’s Sessions, Berryman published several cartoons reminding some of the convention’s most prominent Shriners (some of whom were members of congress) to help D.C. obtain a vote. More lighthearted illustrations captured the excitement and grandeur of Masonic events including the National Masonic Fair and Exhibition. (See Vol 37, Issue 3 of this publication for more on these incredible fairs.) Berryman serves as a classic example of a prominent Washingtonian who left a lasting impression on the District and the Fraternity. His professional work stands the test of time and serves as a guide for future generations to understand complex political commentary through caricature. As a Freemason, he appreciated the Fraternity’s values and principles and served his lodge as Master and later through Grand Lodge committees. His lasting contributions are perhaps best summarized by another prominent Freemason, Harry S. Truman, when on Berryman’s 80th birthday, Past Grand Master Truman wrote to him and said: “You are a Washington institution comparable to the Monument. To me you are ageless and timeless. Presidents and Senators and even Supreme Court Justices come and go, but the Monument and Berryman stand.”
Berryman’s depiction of the 1902 National Masonic Fair and Exhibition held in D.C. The jurisdictional event was organized across the Grand Lodge, York and Scottish Rites, Shriners, and Order of Eastern Star to raise money for a new Masonic temple.
George Washington (representing D.C.) and Bruin, both dressed as Shriners, march in the Shriner parade with the US Capitol in the background. Bruin holds a banner reminding the reader that DC Shriners proudly march in the parade, even though they’re the only jurisdiction that doesn’t have voting representation in Congress.
Berryman acknowledges the Shrine’s efforts to support children through hospital programs.
A soviet farmer envisions an American Shrine parade through Washington. He acknowledges that his efforts to lobby Shriners on communist ideology would garner little success.
Theodore Roosevelt Teddy Bear
Uncle Sam congratulates George Washington (representing D.C.) on organizing a great Imperial Session in the city, but Washington reminds him that the District still doesn’t have a vote in Congress.
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THE LYLE GUN Mike Nugent, PM Potomac Lodge No. 5
the ships flailing near them in heavy seas, left as mere observers while nature took property and lives right in front of them.
Potomac Lodge No. 5 has a tradition of hosting a camping weekend for our Brethren in the summer. One of the best loved activities of this weekend getaway is our day at the shooting range. On this year’s trip, I brought a special treat and a bit of a history lesson—a Lyle gun.
Not long after the Civil War ended, a new lieutenant was minted at West Point in 1869. His name was David A. Lyle, and his specialty was ordinance. Lyle was given an early assignment to invent a practical device to send a small rope from shore to a nearby ship in peril, and after many failures and iterations, Lyle developed a system that included an accurate, light weight, bronze gun that shot a rope—quite literally a lifeline—to nearby ships in peril.
Since men put to sea, ships have been at danger and lost. In a storm, time is measured in hours before a vessel is broken apart, and many were impaled by the rocks near shore. In fact, sometimes ships were very, very close to shore when they were lost. We think of shore as the safe area, however, often it did not matter as men on the shore watched from close by, helpless to
Preping the Lyle gun for fire at camp.
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Beginning in 1878, this kit of many ropes, pulleys, and other supporting devices, was put into service at each U.S. Life Saving Station across the nation’s coastline, and a law was passed mandating that no steam
ship was to leave port without one. After 28 years, records indicate that by 1906, the gun saved approximately 4,500 lives, or about one life every other day. About ten years ago, my wife and I were on vacation in Canada. At a small antique shop in the historic and beautiful port town of Quebec City, I spotted a Lyle gun for sale. Long story short, I bought the gun (my wife was angry with me for it, but she forgave me) and brought it to our Potomac camping trip this year. The Brothers and other spectators were surprised at the distance just one ounce of black powder (the maximum load for the gun is four ounces) sent the twentypound projectile.
When aiming cannon, always hold your tongue right.
The Lyle gun is demonstrated by a different group, showing it firing the projectile from shore.
The Lyle gun prepped for fire!
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2021 GRAND LODGE BBQ Members of the Grand Lodge and their families and friends gathered at Glenn Echo Park on Sunday, September 19th for our yearly BBQ. Amid the face painting, carousel riding, and dancing, much fellowship was enjoyed by all.
The Grand Master gets a dog.
Relaxing with friends and family was the order of the day.
The ice cream line was a popular station!
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Enjoying the great weather and food.
Right Worshipful Annas Kamara (right) and WB Fessou Lawson (left)
Jeanne Dushel (Grand Secretay’s S.O.) is happily in a pickle.
RWB Chetin Durak poses with his family.
RWB Chip Mahaney listens to WB David Maylum explain the future of Harmony Lodge No. 17.
The Grand Master explains his vision for the next ballon animal.
RWB Annas Kamara (left), stands next to WB Perry Blatstein (center), and RWB Jean-Paul Dongmo (right).
RWB Morgan Corr (left) and WB Perry Blatstein (right).
WB Wuilder Aguero (center) sits with WB Camilo Esquivel and family.
WB’s (and actual brothers!) Zade and Yazan Jarrar go through the burger line.
The facepainting station was a popular stop.
ISSUE 3, 2021 THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY | 29
THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY Grand Lodge, F.A.A.M. of DC 5428 MacArthur Blvd., N.W. Washington, DC 20016-2524
Now in its 60th year, the Masonic Foundation of the District of Columbia is a 501(c) 3 registered nonprofit organization which operates as the charitable arm of the Grand Lodge, F.A.A.M. of the District of Columbia. The Foundation’s continuing mission is to expand Masonic Philanthropy in the fields of charitable, educational, and scientific programs. In order to fulfill that mission and provide much-needed services and support in our community, the Foundation relies entirely on the voluntary gifts and endowments from District of Columbia Masons, their families, and friends. Additionally, at this time, no portion of the dues of any Masonic body go towards the Foundation. Donations to the Foundation by Lodges and individual Brothers directly benefit the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area by being completely distributed to charitable organizations. This empowers us as D.C. Freemasons to change lives through charity,
NonProfit Org. US Postage PAID Permit No. 207 Dulles, VA
securing the Masonic legacy of giving for generations to come. As you contemplate making a charitable gift this year, please consider making a tax-deductible gift to support the Masonic Foundation of the District of Columbia by visiting DCMasonicFoundation.org and clicking the donate button at the bottom of the page, or by sending your check payable to The Masonic Foundation of DC to 5428 MacArthur Blvd., NW, Washington, DC 20016. Your partnership and generous contribution will provide direct benefits to the community we serve.
SUPPORT THE COVID RELIEF FUND In response to the current crisis, and the impact it will have on many members’ health, livelihoods, and families, many DC Masonic organizations came together to create the Joint Masonic COVID Crisis Fund. The Fund centrally collects donations from individuals and Masonic bodies/ organizations and has in place an expedited process to provide funds, goods, and services for relief to brothers, sisters, and their immediate family. If you or someone you know is in need, complete the form here: https://bit.ly/2vmIJL4 Please note this is for members of DC Masonic bodies only. Individual donations of any size will be of great help. You can donate money by visiting this link: https://bit.ly/3dawdiZ This will allow donations through credit card, PayPal, ACH, and more. You may also mail checks made out to “MESH Charities” to 2800 16th St. NW Washington DC 20009. You can also donate goods that will be helpful to those in need, or your time to help with tasks such as grocery shopping or helping with a doctor visit. Please sign up here to do so: https://forms.gle/UjCuVogSnEV3zURe8 Many hands make light work, and we can all pitch in some way. Many of your brothers, sisters, and close Masonic family will need your help, and deeply appreciate it.
GRAND LODGE OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ALAN L. GORDON, GRAND MASTER | JEFFREY D. RUSSELL, PGM, GRAND SECRETARY DCGRANDLODGE.ORG
