​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. 

​When you look out into the future of our Jurisdiction, what do you see? There’s no doubt that our Brethren thought into the future when they first met in London in 1717, and there’s no doubt that our Craft today is a result of both their foresight, and the work of many brothers since them. There’s also no doubt that our actions today will have impacts five, ten, and even one hundred years down the road.
 
The Junior Officers of this Grand Lodge have been thinking about the future a lot lately. While no elected Grand Lodge officer is guaranteed to progress through the line and become Grand Master, the typical eight-year progression system of the Grand Lodge offers us ample time to get to know one another and plan for the future. 

By using this methodology, we can participate in a greater amount of civic and community engagement, developing organizational relationships over years as opposed to months, and managing them more consistently when our leadership changes. We can make greater charitable contributions without further impact to our dues or current finances by spreading them out over multiple years. We can maintain traditional events while trying new twists to build and improve them. And we can set lofty goals, using incremental steps to benchmark our progress over a longer period of time.
 
There is a lot of work to do, but we can do it. This Jurisdiction already “punches above its weight” on the world stage, and the leaders in our jurisdiction are also often leaders in Freemasonry at large. That said, we cannot and should not rest on our laurels.

​What do you think the Grand Lodge of 2030 looks like? These things cannot only be top-down; every brother should buy into our collective goals and take ownership. After all, the Grand Lodge is here to serve as a resource and reflection for constituent Lodges, so it is important for all Brothers to see themselves in the future. If you have an idea of something you want to see the Grand Lodge, please reach out to us and share your ideas.
 
We are looking forward to continuing to work together as a team in the coming years to advance our Grand Lodge to even greater heights. 

​Click here for more information about the
2018 Masonic Day of Thanksgiving and Remembrance

The officers and members of Alianza Fraternal Americana Lodge No. 92 celebrated the Lodge’s 25th Anniversary in the best way possible - with the participation of Brethren from Lodges around the Jurisdiction and the Hispanic community, at a Gala hosted in Almas Shriners Ballroom on May 19.

​The Lodges and members that constitute the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, are well known for their diversity, and AFA is proud to be a part of that reputation. When we were founded in 1992, we became the first Lodge in DC constituted and authorized to work in Spanish, allowing many Spanish speaking masons that temporarily or permanently reside in the District Metro Area to continue their Masonic instruction and work on shaping and smoothing their Rough Ashlars in the comfort of their native tongue.

The Anniversary Gala was a memorable night, with the presence of our Grand Master Richard Bautista, five Past Grand Masters, current Grand Officers, and many others. The excellent speeches from recognized members of the Grand Lodge about Masonry brought everyone’s attention to explaining what a mason is. After which, as Master of Alianza, I presented the Hispanic community with the “The Magna Bowl.”