Celebrating 200 Years of Masonry in the Nation's Capital

Almost two hundred years ago brethren of the several lodges meeting in the District of Columbia moved to cut the umbilical cord tying them the Grand Lodge of Maryland and Virginia and start their own Grand Lodge. In the course of the past two hundred years our Grand Lodge has been an integral part of the life and growth of the District of Columbia. The year 2011 marks the bicentennial of our fraternity's efforts in bringing the light of our Masonic values to our jurisdiction. A milestone in our fraternity's over all years of existence.

To celebrate this milestone, our Grand Lodge has planned several events to commemorate the years that have gone by, our present, and our future endeavors. Below is a listing of several of the events, which are provided for your future planning. It is our hope that all lodges and members participate in as many as possible.

Watch the Trailer for the Upcoming Commemorative Video

Congress Recognizes the 200th Anniversary of the Grand Lodge of DC

This notice appeared in the Congressional Record for March 1, 2011: 

A Statement by Representative Gerald E. Connolly, Recognizing the 200th Anniversary of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the District of Columbia

MR. CONNOLLY: Mister Speaker, I rise to recognize the 200th Anniversary of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the District of Columbia.

Freemasonry has been active in the United States for over two hundred and fifty years. Since its’ [sic] founding in 1811, the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the District of Columbia has encouraged interaction and discourse among individuals of differing beliefs by promoting community service, civic responsibility, and civil debate.

The Grand Lodge of D.C. has participated in the development and strengthening of our national institutions of government, including the United States Congress and Judiciary, Presidency, and Executive Branch Agencies, as well as the Capital’s historic landmarks such as the White House, Smithsonian Institution, Washington Monument, and Washington National Cathedral. The Grand Lodge of D.C. has been greatly involved with the enrichment of Washington, D.C., with members establishing prominent institutions such as the Corcoran Gallery and George Washington University, and has been actively engaged in charitable projects. The Masonic Foundation of D.C. has provided tens of thousands of dollars each year in financial scholarships to college students who attended D.C. public schools. Participation in numerous community service projects include Hands on D.C., Adams Morgan Day, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Department of Veterans Affairs Hospital, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Doctors Without Borders, So Others May Eat, St. Baldrick’s Foundation for childhood cancer research, D.C. Community of Hope, D.C. Central Kitchen, and D.C. Special Olympics.

The Grand Lodge of D.C. has been involved domestically and abroad in countries such as Armenia, Cuba, and the Philippines. It also hosted the 2008 World Conference of Masonic Grand Lodges, the largest gathering of Masonic leaders in history, to discuss ways to build a global civil society.

Mister Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the District of Columbia. For 200 years, the Grand Lodge of D.C. has supported the Freemasonry founding principles of “Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth,” and continues to do so today, supporting the American ideal that individuals can coexist peacefully and come together to form a community, regardless of background and differences.

Congressional Record
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Gifts & Regalia

The Grand Lodge will offer several items to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia. More items will be added as they are available.

Please see the brochure for additional information and to place your order.


Bicentennial Medallion

A limited quantity of commemorative coins and medallions have been struck in a pewter-like finish and are now available for a modest donation. Available in 1 1/2" and 3" sizes. 

Contact Todd at the Grand Lodge - 202-686-1811, to place your order today.

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Bicentennial Breast Jewel

Also in limited quantity, these handsome jewels depict the seal of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, suspended on a ribbon of blue grosgrain adorned with a representation of the Washington Monument. A beautiful addition to any collection of fine Masonic keepsakes.

The first 200 Bicentennial jewels will be available from the Grand Lodge office for a donation of $30 per medal. They can also be mailed to you for an additional $7.50 each.

Contact Todd at the Grand Lodge - 202-686-1811, to place your order today.

Bicentennial Firing Glass

Firing glasses used at the January 2011 Bicentennial Festive Board are available for a $30 donation.

Contact Todd at the Grand Lodge,
202-686-1811, to place your order today.