LIGHT. As the holidays. Board of Directors Assemble at the Memorial for Semi-Annual Meeting

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1 LIGHT of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial alexandria, virginia volume 23 number Board of Directors Assemble at the Memorial for Semi-Annual Meeting The Board of Directors of The George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association met at the Memorial for a Semi-Annual Meeting on August 16 17, The Board received updates from the Memorial s staff concerning numerous projects, programs, and exhibitions at the Memorial. The Board received a report from the Memorial s investment managers, along with a report on the operating budget of the Memorial. The Board affirmed its commitment to the restoration, upgrading, and continuing maintenance of the Memorial. The Tower Exterior Restoration project has made outstanding progress, with the Pyramid, Observation Level, and the Chapel Level finalized, while the Library level was nearing completion. (Please see pages 5 to 7 for a complete update on the restoration projects.) The Memorial staff also updated the Board of Directors on the progress of the Landmark Century Campaign. The Board set up committees to discuss various activities, such as the Memorial s revitalized Ambassador program. The George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association s Board of Directors in Grand Masonic Hall. President s message A Time to Reflect by Robert P. Conley As the holidays are upon us, it is such a pleasure to take comfort in family and friends... to slow down a bit and savor those things that matter most. Home and hearth call to us. The holiday traditions beckon us also to contemplate the year, and to reflect upon all for which we are grateful. It is our freedoms that allow us to celebrate the holidays we honor, each in our own way. Every American should be grateful for those essential freedoms, and that is why I believe that we should always be thankful for the opportunities we have received, and aware of the debt we owe to one man in particular for securing those freedoms for us. George Washington was the right man at the right time. His personal integrity, tremendous fortitude, and profound faith guided him through one of history s most crucial moments. He did not bring about the United States on his own... but our great nation would not be here without him. This is why the George Washington Masonic National Memorial is such an important aspect of our work in this Fraternity. The CONTUED ON GE 2 Volume 23 Number

2 PRESIDENT S MESSAGE, CONTUED Memorial was created to remind the world of the lasting impact of Washington s great character, and to demonstrate how proud we as Freemasons are that we can count him as a Brother. Washington was a shining light for his contemporaries as he still is for us, and we must keep him as our example of what a citizen and a Freemason can and should be. The character, virtues and vision of Washington must be preserved and transmitted to this and future generations. The Memorial s mission is: To inspire humanity through education to emulate and promote the virtues, character, and vision of George Washington, the Man, the Mason, and Father of our Country. As President of the Memorial Association, I have seen firsthand how effective the Memorial is at accomplishing those goals. And now, we are readying the Memorial to do so even more effectively, by engaging in the first complete restoration of the building since its original construction. It is a truly inspiring experience to witness the Memorial s ongoing restoration. The Board of Directors and the Memorial s staff are fully committed to our mission, both in the restoration and preservation of the physical Memorial and in the education and inspiration of humanity through our programs and our presence in the Masonic and public realms. As this year quickly draws to a close, we are moving steadily toward our goal: to see the restoration completed by 2023, the 100th anniversary of the laying of the Memorial Cornerstone. It is and will be a beautiful way to give thanks to our First Citizen, our First President, and surely our Foremost Freemason, Brother George Washington. The Association Welcomes New Board Members At the Memorial Association s Annual Meeting held in Omaha, Nebraska, on February 19, six new Board Members were elected, and one Officer Kenneth G. Nagel of California was re-elected. These Brethren will serve until February 22, Robert L. Darling Past Grand Master Minnesota Stephen J. Ponzillo III Past Grand Master Maryland Donald F. Stapleton Past Grand Master Oregon Gale H. Kenney Past Grand Master Washington Barry A. Rickman Past Grand Master South Carolina Kenneth G. Nagel Past Grand Master California Robert C. Rill, Jr. Past Grand Master Ohio Thank You to the Royal Order of Scotland The Memorial gratefully acknowledges the generous support of Sir James E. Winzenreid, Provincial Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of the Royal Order of Scotland, USA, for sponsoring this issue of Light and for his continuing support of the Memorial. The Royal Order THE ROYAL ORDER GLORIA EXCELSIS DEO OF SC OTLAND of Scotland is an invitational Masonic Order that preserves and confers two beautiful degrees. To learn more, visit their website at Volume 23 Number

3 Message from Alexandria From Many, One: Washington s Call for American Unity by George D. Seghers As the restoration of the Memorial continues, I can t help but think of the original construction, and how exciting it must have been to see the Memorial rise here on top of Shuter s hill. We are experiencing something very similar now. As the dirt, the stains, and the accretions are removed, the bright, beautiful, shining Memorial is being revealed. The Memorial rose in splendor from the ground up. Now its beauty and majesty are being revealed from the top down. The George Washington Masonic National Memorial is an inspiring contribution to the betterment of mankind. It must be restored and preserved, for we need the example set by Washington today more than ever. Our nation is divided and unsettled. We seem to have lost the ability to treat each other with civility and respect. The strength of our country has been inclusiveness, but we now seem to be focused on divisions rather than unity. E Pluribus Unum is Latin for out of many, one and it refers to the fact that the United States was formed as a cohesive single nation as the result of the thirteen colonies joining together. This motto was first proposed by the Continental Congress in 1782 for use on the Great Seal of the United States. The person most directly responsible for establishing our national unity was George Washington. His courage, his integrity, his perseverance and his belief in Divine Providence were the deciding factors in the success of the American Revolution and the founding of our nation. George Washington was the great unifier without him we would not be blessed to live in this remarkable country. We must not allow his name, his legacy and his memory to fade away. On February 22, 1842, Abraham Lincoln wrote, Washington is the mightiest name of earth long since mightiest in the cause of civil liberty, still mightiest in moral reformation. On that name no eulogy is expected. It cannot be. To add brightness to the sun or glory to the name of Washington is alike impossible. Let none attempt it. In solemn awe pronounce the name, and in its naked deathless splendor leave it shining on. The generosity of our contributors is truly inspiring, and the work we are doing could not done without them. The greatest gift George Washington gave us was our freedom, and the Memorial was built by our Masonic Forefathers to acknowledge not only that gift, but all that he gave and all that he did for us. Now it is our turn to do our part for the eternal perpetuation of the memory and legacy of George Washington. Atop Shuter s Hill in Alexandria, Virginia, the George Washington Masonic National Memorial gleams in the morning sun, November 13, Volume 23 Number

4 Our annual Washington s Birthday Gala is always a memorable event. In this photo from the 2017 Gala, Claire V. Tusch ( far right), Second Vice President of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association, offers a toast to Freemasonry as the Officers and their ladies join in the honor. Washington s Birthday Celebration Each year, Freemasons, their friends, and families gather at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial to honor the life of Brother Washington on the anniversary of his birth. Our next celebration will be held Saturday, February 24, George Washington Symposium North Lodge Room, 1:00 p.m. Reception Memorial Hall, 5:30 p.m. Concert Memorial Theater, 6:45 p.m. Banquet Grand Masonic Hall, 7:30 p.m. Presentation of the George Washington Memorial Award Grand Masonic Hall, 9:00 p.m. This year, the Washington Family Bible will be on display in Memorial Hall as a special exhibit during the reception. Published in New York in 1792, it was inscribed on the title page by George Washington himself. The entertainment will be provided by the Symphony Orchestra of Northern Virginia. Limited seating is available. Tickets for the Saturday evening white-tie optional events are $150, and may be purchased on our website, Information about our group rate at the Hilton Alexandria Old Town is also available on the website Symposium Announced T he theme of next year s George Washington Symposium is President Washington s Journeys Through the United States of America. Three speakers will present papers exploring George Washington s life and legacy. One of the speakers for 2018 will be Professor Timothy Breen, Ph.D., the William Smith Mason Professor of American History Emeritus at Northwestern University and a James Marsh Professor at Large at the University of Vermont. Dr. Breen is a specialist on the American Revolution, with a special interest in political thought, material culture, and cultural anthropology. He is the author of several books on the subject of American history, including The Marketplace of Revolution: How Consumer Politics Shaped American Independence (Oxford University Press, 2005), American Insurgents, American Patriots: The Revolution of the People (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2010) and George Washington s Journey: The President Forges a New Nation (Simon & Schuster, 2015). The Symposium will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2018, from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is free, and members of the general public are encouraged to attend. Please pre-register at Volume 23 Number

5 The Landmark Century Campaign for the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Extensive Interior and Exterior Restoration Underway by Shawn E. Eyer transformation is taking place at the George Washington A Masonic National Memorial. Thanks to the generous support we receive from individuals and organizations, several large-scale projects are underway. During 2017, these have included work on both on the exterior and the interior of the Memorial. A Tower Restored The restoration of the exterior masonry of the Memorial has been an ongoing project. Starting with the Pyramid level in 2014, and progressing to the Observation Level in 2015, the eighth floor Chapel Level in 2016, and the sixth floor Library Level in 2017, this project s goal is to completely repoint the building s mortar joins, repair any underlying issues, and restore the stonework to its original condition. Now that this work is completed from the fifth floor up to the top of the building, it is possible to see a dramatic improvement in the condition of the building. A photograph of the Memorial s Tower (right) demonstrates this clearly. Above the line of completion, the Memorial s façade has been restored to a pristine condition not seen since the 1930s. This renewed condition means that, as we begin our first century as a National Historic Landmark, the Memorial will be prepared to honor the life and memory of George Washington in a way that will continue to impress and inspire all who visit. The only remaining work to be done on the fifth floor and above is to install the new, LED-based exterior lighting. Like the new lighting for the Pyramid and Portico levels, these will allow the Memorial to be lit in different colors at night. This work is being done as you read this, and will result in a much improved experience of the Memorial in the evening hours. on the south wall depicts George Washington laying the cornerstone of the United States Capitol. Completed in 1955, it is an irreplaceable masterpiece of the great American painter Allyn Cox. Moreover, it serves as a focal point on our tours, allowing us to visually communicate the connections between Masonry and American values. Unfortunately, during 2016 it was discovered that completed next phase Pyramid Observation Level Chapel Level Seventh Floor Library Level Fifth Floor George Washington Museum Level The Cornerstone Mural: An Update Our building s primary feature is surely Memorial Hall, where stands the colossal statue of George Washington in Masonic regalia pensively facing the East. Along the north and south walls of this contemplative space are equally impressive murals depicting scenes from Washington s Masonic life. The painting featured A view of the Memorial s façade clearly displays the effects of the restoration work. Volume 23 Number

6 significant problems were developing for this mural. The surface behind the painting began to bulge gradually outward, as the terra cotta and plaster beneath the canvas cracked and shifted. This, in turn, caused the canvas itself to stretch and tear in some places. Paint began to flake off of the surface of the painting along a more than thirty foot wide line of stress (shown in the upper left photo on this page). We realized that it was necessary to begin conservation work on the Cornerstone Mural immediately in order to save the painting from developing major damage. The Memorial Association contracted with Olin Conservation, Inc., of Great Falls, Virginia, to completely restore this important work of art. The mural was carefully removed from the Memorial in March and April of 2017, and transported to Olin s facility for repairs, which are ongoing (see upper right photo). Since the mural arrived at our studio, said Chief Conservator David L. Olin, we have systematically completed each treatment phase overcoming with great success the tendency of the paint to want to sheer off. We also observed that the canvas was very fragile: more so than we had anticipated. As such, we had to add an inner leaf (new fabric onto the reverse of the canvas). The results are exemplary. Currently, we are completing the final stages of the in-studio treatment: cleaning, varnishing and inpainting. Meanwhile, the interior of Memorial Hall has undergone preparation. The terra cotta substrate was rebuilt and re-anchored to the south wall, eliminating the bulge that had damaged the mural. Then, new plaster was spread to create the large, smooth surface upon which the mural which measures 47 feet wide by 16 feet high will be reinstalled (see photos, lower left and right). Incidentally, despite being off display, this mural has continued its educational impact: digital images of it were dramatically used during the United Grand Lodge of England s 300th anniversary celebration in London. (See the story on page 9 for details.) Houdon Statue of Washington Restored Earlier this year, a beautiful statue of George Washington was transported back to the Memorial. It is a twentieth-century bronze casting of the original marble statue of Washington on display at the Virginia State House in Richmond. The Gorham Before: A close-up image shows loss of pigment and strain to the underlying canvas across the chest of George Washington. This damaged area was over thirty feet wide. In Progress: The experts at Olin Conservation are taking care to clean, repair, and reinforce the Cornerstone Mural in order to ensure it will last for generations to come. Before: After the Cornerstone Mural was removed, the cracked and degraded plaster beneath was exposed. This layer was removed and the terra cotta beneath it rebuilt. After: The new plaster surface on the south wall during the curing phase. Once the conservation of the mural is completed, it will be reinstalled here. Volume 23 Number

7 Foundry produced twenty-two of them directly from molds of the original. Other copies went to the Virginia Military Institute, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, Trafalgar Square in London, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Huntington Library in California. The original statue upon which it is based was completed by the famous artist Jean-Antoine Houdon around Houdon was a Freemason who belonged, like Benjamin Franklin, to the famous Lodge of the Nine Sisters in Paris. Houdon visited George Washington at Mount Vernon in order to produce his work of art. On April 17, 2017, this statue was returned permanently to the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. It had been purchased in 1968 by Rock Creek Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. It was placed on long-term permanent loan to the Memorial in 1969, and after being briefly displayed here, it was relocated to the Masonic section of Mount Comfort Cemetery. Unfortunately, after being exposed to the elements for forty-six years, the statue was in serious need of cleaning and repair. The Memorial contracted with Conservation Solutions, Inc., to perform this work, and the results are magnificent. We removed the bronze from its base and cleaned the corrosion, said Mark Rabinowitz, CSI s Senior Conservator. Then we developed an historically accurate patina using a sequence of more than six different chemical formulas and surface treatments. The bronze was then waxed in preparation for installation in its new place of honor. Soon, this impressive statue which Washington declared a verisimilitude of himself will be installed in its original position in Grand Masonic Hall on a new granite plinth that has been selected to match the pillars in Memorial Hall. from the Friends of the Memorial and Patrons now directly support the restoration. And today, it is easier than ever to participate in these valuable programs. Using our new website, donors may make monthly pledges in amounts to fit any budget (see the story on page 8). All donations to the Landmark Century Campaign are cumulative. That means that a monthly pledge of $25 or more will accumulate over time, passing through the levels of recognition that are noted in our publications and on our website (see pages for a list of recent contributors by level). Because the Memorial is a 501(c)(3) educational foundation, these donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Please visit our website today. Whether via a monthly pledge of $25 or more, a single donation, or a bequest, you can be a part of this inspiring and important work. To make a donation to the Landmark Century Campaign by mail, there is a form on page 13. Simply select your chosen amount and whether it is a one-time gift or monthly pledge. For more information about how you or your organization can be a part of this worthy endeavor, please contact me at seyer@ gwmemorial.org, or call , ext I am happy to discuss the restoration work and how you can become part of it. How You Can Help All of this work is made possible only by the generous support of individuals, Masonic groups, and other supporters. Won t you be a part of this important moment in American Masonic history? The restoration of our beautiful Memorial to Brother Washington is a sacred duty, and you can be a part of reaching our $6.5 million goal. All funds given as part of the Landmark Century Campaign are dedicated to the ongoing restoration and improvement work. Many of our existing donor programs are now part of the Campaign. Donations Before: The casting of the Houdon statue had been exposed to the elements for forty-six years in the Mount Comfort Cemetery. After: Mark Rabinowitz of Conservation Solutions carefully removed the accumulations and created a historically-accurate patina. Volume 23 Number

8 Monthly Giving Option Makes Supporting the Campaign Convenient T he Memorial s recently-updated website makes it easier than ever to participate in the Landmark Century Campaign. One of the most important new features of the site is the ability to make an automatic monthly contribution. Simply visit the site and select Support the Memorial in order to see various options. To make a monthly gift, choose either Take the Patron Pledge (for gifts of $25 and up) or Take a Friend of the Memorial Pledge (for gifts of $100 or more per month). Convenient monthly payments allow you to support the Memorial s restoration at your own pace. It is easy to make onetime donations on the site as well. For more information or assistance, please contact Shawn Eyer, Director of Communications and Development, at seyer@gwmemorial. org, or call , ext William and Patricia Simms: A Profile of Support It was on the Memorial s steps that William Simms, an enthusiastic young member of the Order of DeMolay, met his eventual bride. Patricia was a Job s Daughter, and they were both at the Memorial for an installation meeting. Married now for sixty-six years, the Simms family have stayed in Alexandria. Through all that time, the George Washington Masonic National Memorial has been part of their lives. Bro. Simms has been a dedicated member of Andrew Jackson Lodge N o - 120, and he and Patricia have attended countless events in and around the Memorial. In fact, Bro. Simms was present at a very memorable event: the February 22, 1950, dedication of the statue of George Washington in Memorial Hall by President Harry S. Truman. He attended as one of the boys representing the Order of DeMolay, who had paid for the statue. The day of the dedication, the hall was packed, he recalls. One of things I remember is that one of the photographers was having problems. Truman picked up on it, but it was time to start the ceremony. Truman went to the microphone and said, Pardon me, we are going to wait just a minute or so. One of my buddies is having a problem. So when the guy got all set with his equipment, Truman started. But I thought that was pretty classy. Our website explains all of the options for participating in the Landmark Century Campaign. Visit org today to discover more. Together, William and Patricia Simms made the decision to support the Landmark Century Campaign at its highest level. It is their way of giving back to an institution that has been such a major part of their lives. We stress the youth programs, Bro. Simms explained. If you go into DeMolay, if that doesn t turn you on to Masonry then perhaps nothing s going to. What my point is, I believe, and I think Pat believes, is that DeMolay hits you at the right age. I can remember being at one of her installations, and I was set back, I couldn t help but think I love this. I mean, we were really immersed with Job s Daughters and DeMolay. One of the most important aspects of Freemasonry, according to Bro. Simms, is its long connection with the highest ideals of humanity. Reading from the Scottish Rite Creed, Bro. Simms emphasized: The cause of human progress is our cause, the enfranchisement of human thought our supreme wish, the freedom of human conscience our mission, and the guarantee of equal rights to all peoples everywhere, the end of our contention. We haven t gotten there yet, but that s the goal. By becoming a Landmark Century Architect, Bro. William Simms is leaving an enduring legacy of support to insure that the Memorial continues to be a beacon of inspiration for generations to come. We thank Mr. and Mrs. Simms for all of their generous and heartfelt support of the Memorial s work. Volume 23 Number

9 Celebrating 300 Years of Masonic Heritage: From 1717 to 2017 by Shawn E. Eyer We are informed by the records of the Craft that over three hundred years ago, London Freemasons from four lodges predominantly or wholly of the non-operative type gathered at the Apple Tree Tavern at Covent-Garden. At this meeting, they resolved to form a Grand Lodge pro tempore and restore what they called the Annual Assembly. Later, on June 24, 1717, which is the Feast Day of Saint John the Baptist, they gathered at the Goose and Gridiron Tavern near St. Paul s Cathedral and established what is known as the premier Grand Lodge. The first formal Grand Lodge of Freemasonry was born. Because of this event, in 2017 Freemasons around the world celebrated the tricentennial of the Grand Lodge era. Numerous events, great and small, marked this great milestone, but the most magnificent one was, of course, held in London. On the evening of Tuesday, October 31, 2017, the United Grand Lodge of England hosted a spectacular celebration in London s Royal Albert Hall. Thousands were present for the two-hour extravaganza which included an extremely impressive dimensional set piece: a golden Masonic compass over fifty feet tall, with a radiant Eye of Providence at its apex. The history of Freemasonry was told through lighthearted skits and musical interludes performed between the points of the compass, with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra providing the accompaniment. An important part of the evening was a sketch devoted to Brothers Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, where the two characters engaged in witty banter while describing the seminal role that Freemasonry played in the emergence of the American republic. You know, said the character of Franklin, I think it would be a good idea if we wore our Masonic regalia while we re putting in place the foundation stone for the Capitol building. It would be wonderfully symbolic, don t you think? Soon, on screens suspended above their heads, images of the Memorial s beloved Cornerstone Mural were displayed. Painted in 1955 by Allyn Cox, this 47-foot-wide masterpiece depicts George Washington laying the cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol building on September 18, (This painting is currently being conserved. See the story on pages 5 7 an update.) At the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association, we are delighted that Washington s legacy and the American Masonic heritage were recognized as part of the United Grand Lodge of England s tercentenary celebration. Digital images of the Memorial s beautiful Cornerstone Mural by Allyn Cox were prominently displayed during a sketch featuring Benjamin Franklin and George Washington during the United Grand Lodge of England s spectacular tercentenary celebration in London s Royal Albert Hall, October 31, Volume 23 Number

10 Contributors Patrons Landmark Century Architect Alexandria-Washington Lodge N o - 22 W. David Hanisch William S. Simms Alvin I. Singer Master Builder Anthony & Marilyn Wordlow W. Lee Long NC Builder Tuoc Kim Pham Andrew Jackson Lodge N o J. F. Jeff Webb LA Master Architect Stanley A. Raley Loren E. Schrock OR Loyd E. Davis UT James Rakes George & Louise Seghers Washington Daylight Lodge N o - 14 David B. Ben & Miriam F. Browning Ridgely H. Gilmour UT Larry Christenson Clifford Ray & Mary Cribb Mott GA S. Warren Alvis NC Trimble Lodge N o Warwick Lodge N o Architect H. Malvern Marks Doris E. Hoffman Masonic Ancients of Pennsylvania James A. & Shirley M. Pletz DE Mark & Kathy Genung Joseph C. Connolly Columbia-Keystone Royal Arch Chapter N o - 3 Jack Callahan AL Richard W. Sweet Warner B. Connolly Chester Clark George J. Koca Pioneer Lodge N o - 70 Wm. R. Singleton-Hope-Lebanon Lodge N o - 7 Thomas W. Jackson Grand Lodge of Bulgaria Bulgaria AASR Valley of Eugene, Oregon OR Donald E. Daume The Square Club, New Jersey Columbian Lodge Humane Lodge N o - 21 NH Riviera Lodge N o Altas Pythagoras Lodge N o - 10 Barbara A. McNab George S. Martin Federal Lodge N o - 1 William & Alice Konze Thomas W. Jackson** by Larry Christenson Valley of Richmond, AASR Valley of Alexandria, AASR Washington Association of Masons of New Jersey Philadelphia-Potter Lodge N o - 72 Hay Market Lodge N o Monumental Commandery N o - 3 Temple Melita N o - 183, RAC Valley of Sacramento, AASR Theodore H. Jacobsen Fellowship Lodge N o Jason Taliaferro David & Patricia Arnold Robert W. Gregory Gerald H. Grosskopf* by Ingrid M. Grosskopf Kerry D. Kirk James M. Scearce, Jr. Frank J. Wagner Laurel Lodge N o Thomas R. Hood Frederick J. & Evelyn M. Berenbroick NY CO The George Washington Memorial Society L. Todd Eastham KY Ridgely H. Gilmour UT Anne Carroll Gilmour UT Jack D. Anderson MT Gale H. Kenney Philip G. Buchholz WY J.F. Jeff Webb LA Donald G. Hicks, Jr. James T. Feezell Akram R. Elias Frederick E. Kaiser, Jr. Louis Castle NV Randal Slinkard James M. Scearce, Jr. John R. Bo Cline AK Kerry D. Kirk David B. Ben Browning Miriam F. Browning Graham A. Long Clark B. Loth Hans S. Pawlisch Steve Wittberger United Kingdom Christopher Wade Robert P. Conley Barry A. Rickman SC Roger A. Simmons AL Loyd Davis Volodya A. Lozanov Bulgaria Emil M. Harsev Bulgaria Michael L. Caprio, Jr. Donald Smith Todd Smith Chester H. Clark Oscar LopezMiranda Dean R. Baker Lawrence E. Bethune Shawn E. Eyer George D. Seghers Louise Gates Seghers Seth A. Hunter George O. Braatz Larry Christenson Thomas W. Jackson Andrew Huttner O. McNeil Marple Michael R. Aulicino Charles W. McElwee Dean S. Clatterbuck Sandra Clatterbuck Joseph G. Funcasta Thomas A. Spencer David Narkunas NH Robert N. Stutz Leo F. Lee Snidersich Edgar N. Peppler Lon W. Kvasager ND Daniel Toole William R. Currier Prince D. Selvaraj Ontario Paul Ricciardi Austin Ryan Richard J. Stewart Jeffery Derocher Karl Buschhaus WI Alexander Jordan B. Palmer Mills GA Richard B. Anderson WI Marc J. Milburn F. Richard Carlson Donald H. LaLiberte Richard P. Schulze Dennis Grant Thomas E. Gilliam, Jr. Frederick G. Kleyn William E. Haase Robert K. McDilda Gerald Blomquist Corey F. Curtiss Bryce B. Hildreth IA Stephen J. Ponzillo III Kenneth G. Nagel Frank R. Dunaway, Jr. Kenneth S. Wyvill, Jr. G. R. Mike Harman SC Frank V. Sturgeon James G. Kelley NV Emil J. Klingenfus John Vining Joseph M. Van Name R. Robert McElwee Jeffrey N. Nelson ND Leonard Proden Robert D. Pollock James Arnold Robert W. Gregory CO Damon Riddell D. Brook Cunningham Robert Russell Fred E. Allen Geraldine Windham Werdig Daniel R. Ruiz-Isasi Tim Russell Blaine H. Simons UT James H. Laughlin Tod William Voss NE Dennis Herrold Jerry L. Durmire NC Wayne Sirmon AL Robert C. Chamberlain Marty Alexander HI Ryan Koniak Marshall E. Waters Kenji Oomura Japan William B. Ten Eyck SC Douglas W. McDonald, Sr. GA Charles H. Chuck Gilson SD S. Vance Wilkins, Jr. Jeffrey Schulmeister Paul Bailey CO Robert F. Drechsler Jeffrey D. Maynor LA Mark A. Tabbert Richard Davidson NH Claire V. Tusch ME Arthur Temple SD George L. Herbolsheimer IV John Ryder Ed Bousquet OR Wade Sheeler IA Joe Baroudi Michael Aycock NC Richard J. Herrmann Karl V. Hopkins Charles Knapp, Jr. NY John W. LeRoy, Sr. Joseph A. Barbier Paul Weglage OH King Geiser Michael P. Bible Jimmie L. Windham MS Douglas L. Caudle NC Rex C. Hasty MS Simon R. LaPlace Deborah LaPlace Mason W. Russell Thomas K. Sturgeon John C. Posey LA Gerald E. Klein MS Shelby P. LaSalle, Jr. LA W. Don Baugher James L. Savaloja ND Merle Wade, Jr. AL Walter R. Kaulfers John S. Ryan George Kourgelis Clifford F. Stamm II Thomas Ammazzalorso Dale V. Sandstrom ND Howard M. Sobel Edgar Gonzales GA William A. Del Alvord ND Yongjun Su David Morgan NV Neil R. Crain LA Bequests The Estate of Ernest Earman The Hanisch Family Trust Carroll H. Harris Revocable Trust Estate of Robert Anthony McCrocklin Jesse G. & Irma T. Owen Charitable Fund *In Memory of **In Honor of Volume 23 Number

11 The Society of Washington Lodges Charter Members Washington Lodge N o - 20 Washington-LaFayette Lodge N o George Washington Lodge N o (now University Lodge N o - 141) Potomac Lodge N o - 5 Washington Lodge N o - 70 Washington Daylight Lodge N o - 14 Alexandria-Washington Lodge N o - 22 Federal Lodge N o - 1 Washington Lodge N o - 46 OR George Washington Lodge N o CO Regular Members Fellowship Lodge N o Marine Lodge Wamesit Lodge Columbian Lodge Jackson Lodge N o - 82 MO Golden Rule Lodge Mount Moriah Lodge N o - 2 UT Mount Lebanon Lodge Abraham C. Treichler Lodge N o Friends of the Memorial Diamond Shawn E. Eyer Ronald A. Fraser G. R. Mike Harman SC Robert W. Homann Richard U. Niedt Thomas R. Potts New Century Donald C. Allen Edward K. Arndt Arthur De Will Baker, Jr. Robert D. Barclay ID Samuel A. Bishop NY W. Eugene Bondurant SC George R. Botic B. Elaine Clark Charles E. Cosgro George Dieffenderfer Sanford Edward Daniel Enyart AE Donald W. Finton Nayshar Flores Harold E. Gay Peter Gilson Marco Tulio Reyes Gonzales Mexico Herman W. Hale Frank W. Harris III George C. Hess Richard E. Hickam Larry E. Houston IA Raymond E. Hunter Frederick E. Kaiser, Jr. Harold D. Kennedy Allen Martin Kenneth G. Nagel Pleiades Lodge N o Stephen J. Ponzillo III Stephen D. Rader Fred A. Reichert Bruce H. Rogove M. Edward Taylor Unity Lodge N o - 95 TN Richard O. Wright Platinum Thomas J. Anders Leon E. App Joseph A. Barbier Michael P. Bryans Mark A. Campbell MN Chattanooga Lodge N o TN Andrew Churukian Paul W. Corbett, Jr. NH Andrew Corsun Siro A. Del Favero D. J. Duffy Forget-Me-Not-Council N o - 431, WY Allied Masonic Degrees Olle E. Haggstrom John H. Hammitt Paul M. Harris Rex C. Hasty MS Ivanhoe Lodge N o James F. Jackson James B. Kershaw Joseph Maffe, Jr. Mark A. Manning Dwight V. Meader NH Frederick A. Meister McArthur Myers Steve Owen Donald F. Phillips Melvin J. Pruchniewski Jack H. Puerner R. Robert Rasmussen Dana Scofield VT Dale T. Sirkle, Sr. Solomon s Staircase Lodge N o Gary L. Summers William L. Trubeck MN Claire V. Tusch ME George I. Unhoch Valley of Baltimore, AASR Ray Vigil Byron A. Ward OR Jason N. Yen Gold Donald Abt Andrew J. Agnew TN James F. Alby WI Harry L. Anderson, Jr. Alexandrians Gather at the Memorial to Witness Solar Eclipse This summer, millions of Americans were able to witness a total eclipse of the sun. Although in Alexandria the eclipse was only at 81 percent, it still produced an extremely dramatic effect on Monday, August 21. In the afternoon, the moon passed between the earth and the sun, darkening the sky. Using special glasses with safety filters, viewers were able to clearly see the passage of the moon over the sun. Many photographers also came to the Memorial for a great view of the astronomical wonder. The photos shown here at by Jason Paraiso (below) and the Shawn Eyer (right). Volume 23 Number

12 David J. Andrews William F. Barquist John J. Beaton Richard E. Bergquist Robert L. Bjune Brian H. Blades Tracy L. Bloom Allen Bulmer Joel T. Bundy Elmo B. Burton Edward E. Chase Leonard F. D Amico Walter Demoorjian John L. Deryck Leonard Allen Ellis John L. Farmer Fort Henry York Rite College Robert Gaydosh Maxine B. Greenberg David K. Harding Rex C. Hasty Thomas E. Hayden Arthur A. Hermosura Arthur O. Houston, Sr. James Paul Ison Lebanon Lodge N o - 98 Ian H. Linton David J. Miller NH KS LA WY ME WY WV MS SC KY TN James R. Morrison, Jr.** TN by the Supreme Forest Tall Cedars of Lebanon George W. Motley III Vincent R. Murphy NE Paul E. Neidlinger Milo P. Nichols CO Alexander R. Nosevich Harry Oberg WY Joseph M. Orlesh, Jr. LA Madison M. Overmoen, Sr. MN Richard Parker Pathfinder Lodge N o - 42 WY Franklin D. Peterson MN S. Colin G. Petry Lawrence A. Phillips Thomas H. Pifer Plainfield Lodge N o Daniel M. Polvere Rocky Mountain Lodge N o - 11 UT Graham Stullenbarger Haofeng Edward Tang John G. & Alice M. Verret William G. Weiss, Jr. NH Robert A. Wertsch James D. Westfall Wallace R. Wigginton KY Silver John Airola Michael F. Allen C. H. Appleford ID Durward Ayre Baltimore Highlands Square Club John Bannes Bernard Bayuk John J. Beaton NH Earnest C. Bell OK J. Craig Bell Belvidere Lodge N o - 60 John Boll* by Tony & Marilyn Wordlow James A. Bremer Robert A. Brinson Donald W. Broad Robert Brown Jerry Brzyscz Kenneth M. Cage Steven A. Campbell NC Joseph W. Carcasio Earl L. Carter, Jr. Art & Sherry Case OR Joseph Cicchetti Russell T. Clements E. J. Cocke John O. Coffin John L. Cooper III Gerald R. Cowan DE Merwin L. Cray Corey F. Curtiss Paul W. Daugherty Kelly A. Dixon Gerald C. Doss KY Russell E. Drosendahl Wendell D. Foster Joseph Fournier T. Mark Foxon Peter H. Frank Thomas Frisbee NV Donald Gehrke MN Ryan J. Gesund Terrell V. Goertz Green River Scottish Rite Club KY Jerome Greenberg Robert Greening, Jr. William F. Hackett J. Bruce Hagadorn Robert Hargrave* by Tony & Marilyn Wordlow Robert E. Hart TN William B. Harting Clifford Hayes LA *In Memory of **In Honor of Our Gift to You Washington s Rules of Civility George Washington s many virtues have, for centuries, led Masons to regard him as a true exemplar of the dignity and morality that our Craft espouses. He was twenty years old when he was initiated into Freemasonry and became exposed to the beautiful values taught in our degrees. But we know that Washington was already thinking about values and decorum about four years prior to that. Francis Hawkins 1661 book, Youth s Behavior, Or, Decencie in Conversation Among Men, was a popular volume used in the education of young people in Washington s day. At some point during Washington s adolescence, he had occasion to make a copy of a section of this book. While nobody knows the exact context or reason why, one theory is that he was practicing his penmanship. Or, perhaps he may have simply found the section valuable and desired a full copy. The section is titled, The Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation, and Washington s manuscript of it still survives in the Library of Congress. The Rules of Civility is a manual of behavior comprising 110 guidelines for maintaining friendly and respectful relations among people. They show young Washington s concern for civil behavior in public, in private, in business, and in all other realms of life. While some of the rules seem antiquated to us now, most are as useful today as they ever were. They provide important reminders for civil discourse and offer a fascinating window into the values that shaped George Washington from his youth. The George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association has republished George Washington s Rules of Civility as a 36-page booklet, and we are proud to make it available to you free of charge (North America only). Those who register will also be added to the mailing list for LIGHT. To request your free George Washington s Rules of Civility booklet, visit and follow the directions. Volume 23 Number

13 Hubert C. Hsuan Ellis Ray James William E. Jayne, Jr. NC John Sevier Chapter N o SC Jack L. Johns Phillip Johnson Michael D. Jordan KS Thomas F. Joy Bill Kehoe Marshall A. Klein Pat Klingensmith Karl O. Knutson MN John G. Koedel Ross A. Kuttler KS Hugh K. Lancaster Robert L. Larsen Walter F. Larsen, Jr. William H. Leno Edwin R. Lofgren, Jr. Robert E. Lusk, Jr. Harold C. Mason Donald D. Miller NC Chris Moore George W. Motley III Robert K. Muhs, Sr. ND Bruce A. Nelson Morgan Nelson NM Robert S. Noland Donald E. Oakley Guy R. Oates Melvin E. Ogden Oriental Lodge N o - 34 MN Overton Lodge N o - 5 TN Richard Parker Francis R. Pearsall KY Bobby G. Perry Irwin B. Pescov A. Edward Pierce Paul E. Pineda Piscataquis Lodge N o - 44 ME Stephen D. Pomper George F. Prater AL B. G. Proctor Jr. Jane E. Rausch Sigmar Regius Frederick Richburg Rick Williams KY Alf H. Rix Timothy Robards E. L. Ruff Frank L. Rutter, Jr. William G. Schlobohm Earl L. Seagrave Wiley R. Shope, Jr. Samuel Sicchio Charles E. Sicknick Douglas R. Slocombe Garrett Smith Russell E. Smith Jerome L. Stark Martin Surabian John C. Taylor Robert L. Thomas Craig Thomson Elmer H. Tippett, Jr. Ivan A. Toland Thomas P. Trimble Valley of Schenectady, AASR NY Robert W. Veelman Gregory Vernicek DE Elmer Zenon Voisine Charles W. Ward AK C. Marvin Welch KY Richard Westergaard Richard P. Williams James E. Williams Robert T. Wilson Brian K. Winfiele John E. Wolfarth Robert Zambenini Other Contributors Russell Stewart Ault NC Nathan Berning Frederick R. Bieber Charles W. Bradford Richard T. Bundick Jason Canellos Robert A. Capriotti NY Chickahominy Lodge No. 286 Carter D. Claude George H. Cope Eddie O. Creasy Peter Farougi Manfred Foge A. L. Fong The Fredericks Family Fund *** Guilford W. Full ME David A. Goodelman Mark L. Goodnight William L. Harshbarger J. Timothy Hegness Thomas Y. Hiter KY R. Timothy Jones Robert D. Lowe James E. Pace James W. Pipes Herschell L. Plowman Nelson Rose Robert Rosenberg Earl Sale, Sr. Edward Schuckert ID Karl O. Schwartz James L. Scott, Jr. Philip D. Stalions KY Daniel E. Sturgeon Charles W. Ward AK Lewis B. White Thomas J. Williamson Robert A. Zoltek Tree Dedications Eugene Abbaticchio** Billy & Betty Barrett* by William Barrett Robert Edward Burger** by His Children Walter James Kulesza* by Monumental Commandery No. 3, Knight Templar Jennifer M. Moreno* by Duskin & Stephens Foundation Ashley White-Stumpf* OH by Duskin & Stephens Foundation *In Memory of **In Honor of Support the Memorial GWMN Today Today! Monthly Pledge I wish to support the Memorial with a Monthly Pledge: Friend of the Memorial Pledge ($25 or more) $25 $35 $50 $75 $100 $ The Patron Pledge ($100 or more monthly) $100 $150 $200 $250 $500 $ One-Time Contribution I wish to make a one-time contribution: Friend Levels Patron Levels Silver $100 Architect $5,000 Gold $250 Master Architect $10,000 Platinum $500 Builder $25,000 New Century $1,000 Master Builder $50,000 Diamond $2,500 Landmark Century Architect $100,000 NAME ADDRESS CITY, STATE, ZIP E TELEPHONE My employer will match my gift. Please contact me to file the appropriate forms. Please send me information about making a bequest to the Memorial. I am enclosing a check payable to GWMN. I prefer to charge my contribution on Mastercard Visa Amex Discover (charge card required for monthly pledges). RD NUMBER EXPIRATION DATE SIGNATURE The George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association, Inc. is a non-profit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent permitted by law. Mail to GWMN, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria, or fax to Light SE Volume 23 Number

14 Memorial Gift Shop Featured Items Centennial Cufflink Set This stunning set features George Washington s commanding profile encircled by a laurel wreath and the name of the Memorial. They are the perfect complement to any formal occasion. Manufactured to a high standard in England by Toye, Kenning and Spencer. Post Fasteners; ¾ diameter. $45. (No- 431) Memorial Crest Cufflink Set These beautiful cufflinks featuring the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association s Crest are the perfect way to show your support. Manufactured to a high standard in England by Toye, Kenning and Spencer. Post Fasteners; ½ tall. $45. (No- 604) Exploring Early Grand Lodge Freemasonry, edited by Christopher B. Murphy and Shawn Eyer. This 500-page volume of intriguing essays by eminent and emerging Masonic scholars explores the history and culture of Freemasonry during the early 1700s. What did Masons of the early Grand Lodge era actually do in their lodges? What were their motivations and ideals? New research yields intriguing answers. $ (No- 1002) The Way of the Craftsman: Deluxe Edition by W. Kirk MacNulty. This enduring Masonic classic takes the reader on a quest deep into the heart of Craft Freemasonry in search of its spiritual core. With new full-color illustrations, amended annotations, and a special Foreword by Masonic scholar Shawn Eyer, this Deluxe Edition is designed to bring fresh insight to a new generation of Freemasons. $ (No- 1001) Vol ume 23 N umbe r

15 Memorial Gift Shop Featured Items Eastern Star Holiday Ornament The star points emblem of the Order of the Eastern Star is beautifully captured in this fine brass ornament. Made in the o USA. $25. (N- 228) George Washington In Profile Ornament A commanding presence, instantly recognizable, and beautifully rendered on this collectible brass ornament. Made o in the USA. $25. (N- 662) 100% Silk Centennial Ties with Memorial Crest Choose from 1) Navy blue with red and gold stripes, with black profile of Washington in silk-screen, and Washington s signature in gold (left, No. 698), 2) Navy blue with red and gold stripes, and Memorial emblem. (center, No. 416). 3) Navy blue with white stripes and black silk-screened George Washington profile (right, No. 415). $38 each. SHIP TO St. John s Day Holiday Ornament Beautifully depicts George Washington observing St. John the Evangelist s Day at Christ Church in Philadelphia in o Made in the USA. $25. (N- 187) Memorial Crest Lapel Pin This impressive lapel pin displays the crest and motto of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association. $8.50. (No- 428) George Washington Lapel Pin This lapel pin prominently features George Washington s profile encircled by a laurel wreath. ¾ diameter. $8.50. (No- 429) Item No- Item Quantity Price Each Total Name Street / Apt City / State / ZIP Telephone Payment Type Check Visa MasterCard Discover Amex Laying of the Cornerstone Ornament This striking ornament features a cameo of the Allyn Cox Cornerstone Mural depicting the Masonic ceremony for the o U.S. Capitol in $25. (N- 7) Card Number Expiration Signature Billing Address (if different from Ship To) Subtotal $7.20 USPS Priority Mail for most small orders Shipping for larger orders will be from residents add 6% sales tax $13.60 to $ We are unable to accept $7.20 International Orders at this time. Add S&H Total Mail this form to: AW22 Gift Shop 101 Callahan Drive Alexandria, Order by phone: x 2017, 9 a.m. 5 p.m. EST Order by fax: Order online: giftshop@gwmemorial.org Volume 23 Numb er

16 LIGHT of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial 101 Callahan Drive Alexandria, Virginia The 2017 Commemorative Holiday Ornament e are pleased to announce the commemorative holiday ornament for 2017: W The George Washington Masonic National Memorial. The vision of Memorial Association is: To inspire humanity through education to emulate and promote the virtues, character and vision of George Washington, the Man, the Mason and Father of our Country. The George Washington Masonic National Memorial, honoring and perpetuating the memory and legacy of George Washington is an inspiring contribution to the betterment of mankind. Designed in the classical fashion, symbolizing the classical reference and model for the new nation created by Washington and our Founding Fathers. Built of granite, symbolizing the strength, courage, and perseverance of George Washington. Erected on the highest hill in the area, pointing to the heavens, symbolizing the Divine Guidance and Providence that Washington believed was guiding his efforts in the creation of our nation. The Memorial symbolizes the reverence, respect and admiration that the Masonic Fraternity has for our Foremost Freemason, our First Citizen, our First and Greatest President, Brother George Washington. Association Officers Elected February 22, 2017 Robert P. Conley, President J. F. Jeff Webb, First Vice President Claire V. Tusch, Second Vice President Kenneth G. Nagel, Third Vice President George D. Seghers,* Executive Director Board of Directors Term Expires February 22, 2018 Orville R. Armstrong, Tennessee Philip G. Buchholz, Wyoming John M. Chambliss, Jr., Virginia Richard J. Elman, Indiana Mansour Hatefi, District of Columbia Douglas W. McDonald, Sr., Georgia Thomas K. Sturgeon, Pennsylvania J. F. Jeff Webb,* Louisiana Term Expires February 22, 2019 Marty P. Alexander, Hawaii Michael P. Bible,* A-W Lodge No. 22 Douglas L. Caudle, North Carolina Robert P. Conley,* Michigan Claire V. Tusch,* Maine Jimmie L. Windham, Mississippi Term Expires February 22, 2020 Robert L. Darling, Minnesota Gale H. Kenney, Washington Kenneth G. Nagel,* California Stephen J. Ponzillo III, Maryland Barry A. Rickman, South Carolina Robert C. Rill, Jr., Ohio Donald F. Stapleton, Oregon * Member of Executive Committee Donald M. Robey, Exec. Sec.-Treas. Emeritus LIGHT is a publication of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Copyright All Rights Reserved. Volume 23 Number To order your 2017 ornament, please call , ext. 2017, visit our website at or use the order form on page 15 (Item N o , $25). Editor: Photography: Illustration: Shawn E. Eyer S. Eyer, A. Pierson, N. Wongsaroj Mark Rabinowitz, Jason Paraiso Christopher Erney