One of the common complaints I often hear is about the drop of membership in our Fraternity. I hear this comment year in and year out, and it appears to me that we complain but ignore the main reason why we have such a decline in some jurisdictions.
 
At a certain high school, a professor asked students in a social science class to identify the reason why there is so much divorce in our society. One student replied that the reason for divorce was marriage.  We could apply this same joke to our Masonic Fraternity: The reason why many brothers were dropped for NPD or dropped themselves out by submitting a demit was because they were Masons.
 
A decent portion of many prospective Brothers knocking at our door have no idea as to what to expect upon joining our great Fraternity. We indeed ask those candidates lingering in the darkness such questions as, “What came you here to do?” More often than not, we prompt them to give the right answer that they use in the same way a parrot back without conceiving or penetrating any depth of the actual meaning. And once these newly-minted Masons are within our portals, many beat about in the darkness seeking little instruction or guidance, and they begin to wonder why they are here in the first place. Eventually, without direction and suffering from the heavy weight of boredom, these men consequently give up on Masonry.
 
No less than Albert Pike, writing in Morals and Dogma, reminds us that “the Degree of Apprentice raises a corner of the veil” (p. 219, classic edition), and we should find it highly troubling that candidates are unaffected or have a blasé attitude as they begin to see revealed behind the veil the beauty and mysteries of Freemasonry, though only partially.  All this should whet the appetites of our candidates for more Light in Masonry.
 
In order to rectify the situation whereby members join only to lose interest, it is imperative that we leave off worrying about numbers, and instead be seriously concerned about the quality of people we select whom we would be proud to call “Brother.”  As many worry about the decrease in membership among the Craft, I worry rather about the increase. I would prefer to mingle with a few Brothers and students of our Royal Art than a multitude of those who do not comprehend, internalize, and reflect what we claim to be. If gold existed in as much abundance as copper or iron, then it would not be costly or unique in value.  In fact, it would cease to be a precious metal.
 
My strong recommendation is to undertake a diligent search about those who are knocking at the West Gate, and if we find them worthy and of kindred spirit, then we should pay our utmost attention to them. We must explore their motives for becoming Masons. Let us assign them the task of telling us, in their own words, what Masonry is about, rather than our telling them who we are. Let us get a serious and concrete commitment from them about how they can contribute to the Fraternity. Let us ensure that they are truly open to receiving rather than having forced upon them the precious gift of Masonic knowledge, that they may ingest it and become part of our living Temple.
 
Brethren, it is incumbent upon us to maintain the high standards of our institution. Please safeguard the high qualities of our magnificent Brotherhood, sponsor discerning candidates, and impress upon our petitioners the importance of Education, Ethics, and Empathy in order that we may define who we are and where we stand.

​One of the more interesting artifacts found in the archives of the Grand Lodge of D.C. is the Book of the Lodge, by Robert Macoy. The tome was donated the Grand Lodge in 1856 by Past Grand Master Benjamin B. French, whose life has been covered in earlier articles of the voice blog. While many items are donated regularly to the Grand Lodge library and museum, this donation was even noted in the proceedings:

The Book of the Lodge was an early publication of what is now the Macoy Publishing and Masonic Supply Company, one of the largest Masonic supply companies in the world. The company was founded by Irish immigrant Robert Macoy, who was introduced into the Craft at Lebanon Lodge No. 191 in New York City on January 20, 1848. Eight years later, he was elected the Deputy Grand Master of New York and served in several other notable positions including Grand Secretary of New York. Macoy was an early promotor of the Order of the Eastern Star and published the organization’s first rituals and regulations. He also founded the New York Order of the Amaranth, a sister appendant body similar to O.E.S.
​
Macoy published the Book of the Lodge in 1855 as a helpful guide to those organizing or conferring the Degrees of Freemasonry. The book contains a set of full-page lithographs, which are intricately adorned with the masonic symbols found in any Masonic hall or during the conferral of a Masonic degree. Macoy includes a brief description of each lithograph and helps guide the reader, whether they are a Freemason or not, into a better understanding of the ritual. Additionally, supporting lithographs are included with depictions of officer’s jewels, a template membership certificate, and sheet music for events such as opening and closing a lodge, laying a cornerstone, or dedicating a masonic hall.  

The book’s fly-leaf includes an inscription from MW Bro. French:
​
“Presented to the M. Worshipful Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia by M.W.P.G. Master B. B. French, December 27, 1856.”

While flipping through this impressive tome, it’s easy to understand why the book was a coveted item in the mid-19th century: it provided many of the practical tools necessary to conduct a degree or lodge meeting. It also ensures, through the medium of pictures, that any Mason could pick up the book and be able to understand what is presented. The Book of the Lodge was likely used as a practice guide for lecturers, or to advise newly made Masons. And for the non-initiated, it gives a tantalizing glimpse into the Craft, without divulging too many of its closely-held secrets.
​
Macoy even adds his own style and commentary into several of the lithographs, with subtle nods to ancient civilizations and historical figures.  In his first lithograph, titled “Universality, Fraternity, and Equality,” George Washington presides in the East of the Great Hall of Masonry. His Senior and Junior Wardens, the Marquee de Lafayette and Dr. Benjamin Franklin respectively, engage in discourse among notable leaders from Greece, Rome, China, the Ottoman Empire, Russia, sub-Saharan Africa, and North and South America. 

​In the book’s title page, the Genius of Masonry, personified as an Egyptian Priestess, guides a novitiate toward the Temple of Science. Above the arch, sit the female personifications of Operative and Royal Arch Masons, on the left and right respectively. (As well as their coat of arms resting above the two pillars.)

​Here are some more excerpts from the Book of the Lodge:

​In February, members of our Grand Lodge attended the annual Conference of Grand Masters of Masons in North America (COGMMNA). This year, the conference was held in chilly Rapid City, South Dakota.  And although not exactly a garden spot this time of the year, the South Dakota Masons were well organized and did a wonderful job as conference hosts.

The COGMMNA is targeted to all Grand Masters, Grand Secretaries, Deputy Grand Masters, and Senior and Junior Wardens throughout North America.  There were seats around the table for US, Canadian, and Mexican Grand Masters - all of whom are the only voting members of the Conference.  The primary purpose of the three-day event is to share best practices, exchange ideas, discuss the many challenges facing Freemasonry, and to develop contacts throughout the world that enable our Grand Jurisdiction in Washington, DC to be better positioned to serve our Lodges.

There is also much business conducted, and the Grand Secretaries conduct their own separate, simultaneous conference.  The business of the conference includes a Commission on Recognition that receives information from international Grand Lodges who seek recognition.  This committee reviews the required information and then offers guidance on whether the requesting Grand Lodge meets the standards for Recognition.  Whether or not individual Grand Jurisdictions decide to act on offering recognition is up to the respective Grand Lodges, and the Commission acts in an advisory capacity only. 

There are also national meetings for the Masonic Renewal Committee, the National Sojourners, Scottish Rite (Northern and Southern Jurisdictions) Masonic Chip International, the George Washington National Masonic Memorial, and the National Masonic Foundation for Children (NMFC). There are also separate programs for the Ladies and Significant Others that deal with the challenges of providing leadership and support during their time as part of the Grand Lodge.  Additionally, they had their own Keynote Speaker at a luncheon.

There are numerous separate break-out sessions that group the officers by position.  The Deputy Grand Masters, for example, had multiple sessions on leadership topics.  The Wardens did the same thing, but with different topics.  Each year, the Conference planners respond to surveys from the previous year's conference, and set up the sessions accordingly.  Recent topics include:

- Leadership challenges for Deputy Grand Masters
- Prepare for the East NOW (for Wardens)
- Retention challenges for Masonic Lodges
- Physical security of Lodge buildings
- "Guarding the West Gate" best practices
- The development and practices of Traditional Observance Lodges
- Best practices for dealing with transgender issues
- Training and mentoring ideas for new Freemasons
- How do deal with real estate and building issues
- Charitable foundations and best practices

There is also a Keynote Speaker.  This year it was Sergeant First Class (retired) and Brother Sammy L. Davis, 33d Degree, who received two Purple Hearts, the Silver Star, and the Medal of Honor for his service in Vietnam. His testimony and video were very moving, and his comparison about the love which binds both military service and Freemasonry was particularly riveting.

As part of the experience, the Masons of South Dakota arranged a bus tour on the day before the start of the conference.  For those who arrived early, they took us to Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Monument.  They did an excellent job.  On the Birthday of George Washington, they also hosted a dinner at the base of Mount Rushmore.  Even though it was -3 (!!!) degrees outside, the company and speaker (General Washington himself) was very warm.  

Our delegation to the 2019 COGMMNA included PGMs Leonard Proden, Akram Elias, and Richard Bautista, who were there for some of the business and committee meetings.  

The 2020 COGMMNA will be held in Louisville, KY next February.

​Beyond the Five Senses of Human Nature, there is what some call that Sixth Sense, which is beyond explanation or concrete evidence in real life experience.   A vast horizon of spiritual activities may be laid open to the inquisitive mind and to those who are seeking self-improvement in order to satisfy their thirst for knowledge in the Liberal Arts and Sciences.  Here these seekers may quench their thirst from a well of infinite and voluptuous ecstasy.  Here, perhaps, is the dwelling place, indeed the Ursprung, or origin, of music.   

In Freemasonry, we are familiar with music as one of the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences.  Pythagoras, our ancient Friend and Brother, is known for the “Music of the Spheres.”  The Masonic philosopher Albert Pike, writing in Morals and Dogma, notes in his mystical way that in “the Kabala [sic], the last Seven Sephiroth constituted ATIK YOMIN, the Ancient of Days; and these . . .  correspond with . . . the Seven notes of the musical octave.”  (Lecture on the “Knight of the Sun” Degree, p. 727, classic edition)

There is a nexus between music and mathematics, and -- as a mathematician -- I know that the human ear responds logarithmically to sound in general. Yet music can resonate better in sublayers of sound and integrate more smoothly with the components that relate these signals to the body. Music motivates the dormant strings of the brain to bring forth energy to the entire system of the universe, as well as to the individual soul.

Perhaps for this reason, music is used in diverse applications in life as a balsamic treatment.  It improves the health the patient and speeds his recovery in the hospital. It brings sleeps to those with insomnia and quiets the nerves from tension. It helps infants into a pleasant sleep and nice dreams. It spreads joy to the listener and relieves the burdened heart. It disseminates happiness and eliminates tension.

Music is one of the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences that Masons are encouraged to use in order to develop their faculties and enhance their knowledge in practical life. Accordingly, music is highly encouraged to be played in Lodges and major ceremonial events in order to make them more successful and render their performances more solemn. Would one notice the difference between a march or procession with and then without music? Would one feel that its treble is pounding on one’s heart and hugging one’s spirit? It is perhaps no accident that some of the world’s greatest composers – Haydn, Mozart, Liszt, Sibelius, and Sousa – were attracted to join the fraternity and -- in many cases -- write music for ceremonial Masonic purposes.

Yet even the greatest music in the world – like our Gentle Craft itself – is but a gateway into the Eternal, a sublime intimation of that “house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” (2 Corinthians 5:1)

​In 1957, Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, made their inaugural state visit to the United States. The four-day visit included an address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, meetings with President Eisenhower and Vice-President Nixon in Washington, a visit to the British settlement in Jamestown, Virginia, and a college football game in Maryland (vs. North Carolina). And as the whirlwind tour drew to a close, the Queen accepted an invitation to assist in the laying of a cornerstone for the British embassy’s new extension. That singular event was a remarkable moment in the history of the District, and especially for DC Freemasons, as for a brief moment in time, the Queen of England laid a cornerstone using the same masonic implements first employed by President George Washington.

It all started on October 18, 1957, when Ray Baker Harris, the Grand Master of Masons of D.C., received a phone call from the British Embassy requesting the use of the George Washington Gavel for a cornerstone event scheduled the following afternoon. The Gavel was first used by its namesake in 1793 to lay the cornerstone of the United States Capitol. Washington gifted the implements used during the cornerstone ceremony to the Masters of participating lodges. The gavel, in particular, was given to Valentine Reintzel, who served as Master of Potomac (then working under their Maryland charter as Lodge No. 9). When Reintzel died in 1817, the gavel returned to Potomac and was subsequently passed down to each Master. Over the following years, it has participated in several notable cornerstone ceremonies for important DC buildings, including the Smithsonian Institution, Washington Monument, and the National Cathedral.

​Harris, being a Past Master of Potomac, knew that the Gavel could only be removed from its place of deposit by vote and consent of the Lodge. He contacted their then Master, R. Lawrence Tilley, and requested to convene a special communication for the purpose of voting on the Queen’s request. The Lodge convened one hour later and appointed Tilley, the Senior Warden Evart Warren, and Past Grand Master Renah F. Camalier to the escort committee.
 
The following day, the members of the committee escorted the historic relic to the British embassy. It was placed on display with other ceremonial implements including a silver trowel shipped from England for the purpose of laying the stone. After a brief prayer and remarks from Reverend Angus Dun, the Bishop of Washington, the British Ambassador to the United States, Harold Caccia, inspected the stone and set it into position. The Queen then took possession of the Gavel and proceeded to tap the four corners of the foundation stone to formally set the stone in place. (The Queen took great interest in the Gavel, inspecting it briefly and taking a moment to read the inscription placed on the gold cap, before returning it to its case.) 

​While the ceremony lasted a mere twenty minutes, it was a remarkable moment in the history of Freemasonry and the District of Columbia. In 1793, George Washington served as the fledgling nation’s first President after a long struggle against monarchical rule. One hundred and sixty-four years later, a descendant of King George III’s wielded Washington’s masonic implement to perform a cornerstone ceremony of her own and help build an edifice dedicated to the mutual cooperation of both countries, once bitter enemies and now the closest of allies. 

We spend many nights out at Masonic meetings, but how might we live Freemasonry and more involve its beautiful principles and lessons in our daily life?  How can we increase the positive impact that our Craft has on the lives of others?
Meet the “Washington DC Masonic Hospitality Committee”, a new Grand Lodge initiative that has the potential to become an interesting and exciting way to combine the vast amount of tourist traffic to Washington DC with our Masonic principles. And we are seeking volunteers!

In a nutshell, the purpose of this Committee is to offer a welcoming service that seeks to match up a DC Mason with an individual or family coming to Washington DC who may be interested in learning more about the Masonic sights in our Nation’s Capital.

The ultimate goal of this endeavor is to develop personal relationships – the bedrock of our Craft – that will enrich both the visitor and our DC Mason guides.


Concept:

• Our primary focus and expertise will be on Masonic and Masonic-related venues.

Our Grand Lodge will provide an unofficial no-fee “hospitality service” whereby our Grand Lodge offers to help visiting Freemasons see not only the obvious tourist sights, but also sights of Masonic interest, some of which they might not even be aware of. Our Masonic Ambassadors (or Hosts) would know the hours and access protocols for these Masonic sights.
 

• A local Masonic Host would provide a sense of comfort and extend warm hospitality to Masonic visitors to the Washington Metropolitan Area.

This service is designed to develop fraternal bonds with Freemasons from other Grand and International Jurisdictions through the development of a personal relationship while offering to guide them to some sights in Washington DC.
 

• An additional benefit would be that our Masonic Host will be able to provide our visitors with information and directions on how to visit our Lodges while in DC.

 

The initial thought is that this type of service would be most appropriate for retired Masons in our jurisdiction who have the time to dedicate to the required education and execution of this concept, but the Committee will welcome assistance and ideas from all interested Masons.  Let me give you a brief example of what this might look like, using an experience I’ve had in the area:

There is a small house located near Culpeper, VA called “The Graffiti House”.  It is a very interesting Civil War-era home that contains rooms full of graffiti left by soldiers of both the Union and Confederate armies from 1861 to 1865.
 
I’ve visited this private historic site three times.  On each occasion, I had a different volunteer tour guide who had their own script and stories. Initially, I thought this was the result of poor organization, but later came to realize that each time I learned something unique about the rooms from an enthusiastic and passionate guide. The Graffiti House tour guides do their own research and they develop their own areas of expertise and interest.
 
This is the model that I hope our Washington DC Masonic Hospitality Committee can follow.  Each Masonic Host will have a general set of guidelines as set forth by the Committee, but he will be free to develop his own program based upon his interests.
 
Our Washington DC Masonic Hospitality Committee is chaired by WB George Perez, and it includes approximately six additional brethren.  If you are interested in joining the Committee as a Hospitality Guide, please contact WB Perez, the Office of the Grand Secretary, or look for the link here on our website. (coming soon!).
 
Our goal is to have this Fraternal service in place by the Washington DC Cherry Blossom Festival, to address the flood of visitors who come to DC.  So, if you have the time and interest, this is a great way to improve your knowledge of our city, meet wonderful people, and help spread the cement of brotherly love!

Silence is a very broad subject. It has been praised in many cultures and religions. It has also been subjected to criticism and even disdain. I shall look at both aspects. I will not dwell on the definition, history and etymology of silence, or cite the numerous quotes on the subject, for I believe that this is the best way to keep the thoughts presented to this Lodge strictly personal rather than resembling an academic exercise. I shall only quote one representative proverb from our culture. Among our Lebanese proverbs, we can find one that translates as follows: “If words are made of silver, silence is made of gold.”
 
Silence has often been considered a sign of respect. Worshipers often pray in silence, a class stands in silence before the teacher, so do soldiers before their commander. In addition, many of us are inspired by silence to promote inner peace and introspection. So clearly, silence is, knowingly or unconsciously, imposed or chosen, an essential component of everyone's life.
 
Yet, we must look at the other side of the coin before unconditionally praising the virtue of silence. In some cases, it has been taken to its uttermost: some monks take the vow of [absolute] silence and believe that it is the way to be in perfect communion with their Creator. Nonetheless, one may legitimately wonder whether this is the optimal way of self-enrichment. Shouldn't silence be a learning transition after which you share and exchange what you would have learned, thereby letting others benefit from your acquired knowledge and allow you, in return to hear what others may have learned through their own silence? In other words, should silence be elevated to a point where it hinders all that interactivity can bestow both individually and socially?
 
Silence has also been condemned throughout history as a sign of weakness, complacency, and even complicity in the face of injustice, oppression, and persecution. Condemnations of silence throughout history and modern times abound, whether they involve genocides or smaller mischief, such as bullying. “Stand up, speak up,” is a summons by our peers or our own conscience to abandon the neutrality of silence and take charge of our destiny or some cause towards which we have a moral/ethical obligation. I would say it is hard not to agree with those who decry silence from this perspective.
 
Clearly then, silence is not to be judged as Good or Evil--as it is neither. So, how much should we speak (up) and how much should we adhere to silence? I do not believe there is an easy answer to this dilemma.
 
Many vantage points may be valid positions on the issue. Should we attempt to adopt an agreeable perspective, we shall say that silence should be elevated to the rank of a humanistic discipline and a way of life. One should adhere to it as a free and educated choice, in light of its implications for oneself and for others. That said, silence (at least temporary silence), is undoubtedly associated with wisdom across a great deal of popular beliefs and teachings. A wise man listens and learns, then speaks when he is ready for his words. I think there can be a solid consensus in most cultures of this world around this basic principle.
 
Thus, it would be safe to speculate that Freemasons have been inspired by the above and have thus endorsed silence as an invaluable tool to gain wisdom before spreading the word among their Brethren and, whenever deemed appropriate, beyond the Brotherhood. 
 
After all, the quest for Truth, a cornerstone of Masonry, is an everlasting, infinite voyage that can only be traveled through learning and learning and learning again. What better way to learn than to listen, absorb, analyze, meditate, self-reflect, or to put oneself on the path of self-fulfillment in every aspect of our lives, not the least of which is that of the Entered Apprentice Mason? Moreover, how can this be achieved without silence? The journey to the Truth without silence would be a road of distraction, vanity and ultimately perdition.
 
The process of learning that I chose of my own free will and accord is also the learning of silence itself. Standing in silence requires the development of self-control capacities, the ability to dismiss the temptation to speak. From this perspective, for Freemasons, the exercise of silence is not only a way to listen and learn but also an extraordinary training method to uphold two fundamental masonic duties: to a) keep the secrets of the Art, and; b) keep from engaging profanes in their hostile and defamatory utterances, i.e. the preservation of esoteric wisdom from the abuses of the profane.  Hence, for Masons, silence becomes a vital tool of self-preservation and endurance.
 
To say that silence is a foundation of our Craft is no exaggeration. It is a passport to continue our reconstructive march and a means to contain our vanity so that we remember how much we need to learn no matter how much we think we know. It is of essence to any Freemason, profoundly impregnated with the genuine spirit of the Craft, and aides in the practice of humility at all times before the complexities of the Universe and its Great Architect.
 
I know my knowledge of the Art is extremely shallow. Hence, now that I have spoken before you about silence, I stand ready to take along your side a few steps on our mutual long journey towards Light, with the eyes and spirit of a newborn, with humbleness and, … in silence.

​​As we’re heading into the holiday season, it’s the time of year to think about family, friends, and giving back to our community and our country. As Masons, it is also a good time to think about the tenants of our fraternity and what makes this institution of ours enduring and so special. I was reminded of a story that occurred a few years back that reveals the magic of Freemasonry.

One Sunday evening in September, I ran into Brother Peter Brusoe on the platform of the Gallery Place Metro. My wife and I had just taken our three kids to the Marvel Live show at (the then) Verizon Center and we were waiting for the Red Line train. At the time, Sophie 10, Elizabeth 8, and Jack 6 were still reliving the excitement of Spider Man, Captain America, the Hulk and the rest of the good guys defeating Loki, Red Skull, the Green Goblin and the bad guys in a battle to save the Earth. The sugar from the cotton candy and lemonade had them bouncing all over the platform and made the retelling of the story even better!

It was good to see Peter. We chatted about several things on the platform and on the short metro ride. He had attended the Grand Lodge picnic that day and he filled me in on that. We talked about trying to spend as much time with Masonry as we could, the Governor McDonnell conviction, e-books, and politics. When we got to Dupont Circle my family and I got out to grab dinner before heading home and Peter kept going to his stop.

In reality, it was my wife and I who were most upset and would need some time to recover. Bunny is emblematic of the young childhood years that go by in a blink of any eye. We didn’t say it, but we liked that Jack still carried around Bunny as we wanted to cherish those moments as long as we could – and still do. And further, we wanted to keep Bunny forever so many years from now we could look at him and have the fond memories of this time in our lives. Sitting in my living room that night, I was trying to come to grips with what felt like and end of an era and a loss for the future. I’m sure my wife felt the same way.

It was then out of force of habit, I grabbed my phone to check emails, and there was an email from Peter: “Neil – Did one of your children leave a stuffed rabbit on the metro? – Peter” My heart leapt and I replied quickly that Jack had done so. We arranged to meet and I drove by Peter’s apartment to get him. We live nearby so it didn’t take long. When I got home, there was Jack waiting by the back door with an excited grin on his face. I gave him Bunny and then he gave me a giant hug. It was a great moment I will always cherish and all thanks to my Brother Mason, Peter Brusoe.

Now, there are many ways to look at what happened. Running into Peter that night could’ve been a coincidence, or maybe I would’ve met another friend who isn’t a Mason who might have done the same thing, or maybe a good Samaritan would have made sure Bunny made it to Metro’s Lost and Found and we would have recovered him. But, I’d like to think not. I like to think it was one of those moments that makes Masonry such a wonderful thing. Peter did what Masons do – look out for a Brother and his family, simply do the right thing, and try to make a difference. It was the latest chapter on my Masonic journey that has included events just like this.

The first one involved my introduction to Masonry, a story most of my Brethren at TNC know well. My uncle Louis Hare, a past Grand Master of the state of Israel and Mason in South Africa first talked to me about it over a decade ago. He had a sense it would capture my imagination and I’d enjoy the fraternity. After learning about it from him, the first person I thought to mention it to was my oldest friend in the world Matt “Doc” Clarkson. As it turned out Doc was a Mason following in the footsteps of his father Harry Clarkson, both members of TNC. I went to a TNC social, the Masters Roast of all events. I really didn’t understand what was happening but I knew I wanted in and the rest was history! It could’ve been another simple coincidence that my best friend was a Mason, but I’d like to think it was something more than that.

The second such event occurred five years ago. My wife was undergoing a procedure for breast cancer at Sibley Hospital. I was in the waiting room anxiously awaiting the outcome, where among other things we would learn if the cancer had spread. The surgery was running a bit long and I was getting nervous. Now, Sibley has always been a place of great memories for me as all three of my children were born there. One of the nicest moments of those experiences was when Bob Sloan, the President of Sibley at the time, and a Brother at TNC, would poke his head in my wife’s room to make sure everything was ok. Bob has since retired from Sibley. It was a nice touch to have the head of the hospital check up on us and reassure us he would help make the experience a positive one. Knowing Bob, he probably checked on as many patients as possible whether they were part of the Masons or not – but it always felt special to us.

So, as I was wearing a path in the carpet pacing back and forth and getting more nervous as time went on, I looked up and who should be walking towards me but Bob Sloan! Bob still advises the Board at Sibley and is actually writing a book about its history so he was there for a meeting. He didn’t know my wife and I were going to be there that day. I told him the situation and he put his hand on my back and whispered a little good counsel in my ear. He shared a similar personal story and told me he was sure everything would work out ok. We shook hands and said goodbye. Shortly thereafter the doctor came out and said the surgery went fine, the cancer was contained, and the outlook was extremely positive. After five years, my wife is cancer free. Again, that could’ve been a simple coincidence but, again, I’d like to think it was something much more than that.

When I left the East in 2010, I said in my parting remarks that Freemasonry answers this fundamental question, “Am I going through this life alone?” The answer is a resounding no and these stories show that vividly. I hope every Brother has similar experiences to mine or will one day. Maybe similar “coincidences” or maybe just times when a fellow Brother stepped up to help, give good counsel, or maybe just give a friendly handshake and slap on the back with a smile on his face. I also hope these stories help remind us why we are Masons in the first place, or when we’re wondering whether to take on more roles at our Lodges or the Grand Lodge they reminded us that the effort will pay dividends we can’t imagine or explain. And, maybe they will help us explain Masonry to non-members who may want to join our Fraternity. So if you ever need help explaining the magic of Masonry, I hope you remember the story of Peter and the Rabbit!
​
Happy holidays to you and your families! 

The first ceremony was conducted under the auspices of Past Grand Master, Myron M. Parker, who served as the President of the Club’s building association in 1912. He was elected President of the Club the following year and served in the position for a record eight years; 1913 to 1921. Also in attendance was President and Freemason Howard Taft, who founded the University Club and served as their first President.

The original cornerstone laying event began at 4:00 pm on April 10, 1912. Over 300 Masons assembled at the Masonic Temple on 12th Street and, with the United States Marine Band and mounted police at the head, began their procession to the site. A platform was erected above the foundation and held several distinguished guests including Franklin MacVeagh, Secretary of Treasury; Charles Walcott, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institute; Herbert Putnam, Librarian of Congress; Cuno Rudolph, John Johnston, and Lt. Col. William Judson, Commissioners of Washington; and the aforementioned Freemasons. In his speech to the crowd of Masons and several hundred members of the club, President Taft extolled the virtues of both organizations. Both groups, Taft said, “combine not the wealthiest of the community, [but] men of high ideals, of good education, of patriotic purpose, and of sane views.”

​The cornerstone event on November 14th began at high twelve to honor and observe the moment when the President of the United States is traditionally sworn into office. MWB Richard Bautista and the Grand Lodge officers conducted the simple cornerstone reenactment amongst a packed crowd of club members, Freemasons, and guests. Several interesting implements were used during the ceremony including the chalices first wielded by Past Grand Master Benjamin B. French when he laid the cornerstone of the Washington Memorial, as well as a replica George Washington Gavel made from the wood beams taken during the Truman White House renovations and George Washington’s home on Mt Vernon. The silver trowel President Taft used to lay the mortar of the first Club cornerstone was also on display. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Grand Master and the President of the University, Thomas Caruso, unveiled a new commemorative plaque, honoring President Taft and the contributions of both organizations. The participants retired to the Club’s library for lunch and refreshment.
 
While the University Club of Washington and the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia may not share a common ancestry, both organizations strive to cultivate an enlightened and engaged membership. Many notable and distinguished individuals, from all walks of life, have sought membership in both organizations as a way of leaving an indelible mark on our nation’s capital.