Brethren, On behalf of The Colonial Lodge, No. 1821 I hereby issue a challenge to you, your lodge, and your "Muggle" (non-Mason) friends to participate in the first-annual Colonial Challenge on June 15. The Challenge is a team-based competition that includes a scavenger hunt, trivia competition, and a reception at the House of the Temple.  Teams compete in the fraternal (on behalf of a lodge) or open divisions. Prizes will include trophies/medallions, bragging rights, gift certificates, and the labor of Colonial Lodge brothers at your next meeting or event....

Greetings Brethren,This year’s Hands on DC work-a-thon will take place on two dates: May 4 and May 18. During the work-a-thon, more than 2,000 volunteers will spend the day working to create a better learning environment at one of about 40 DC public schools.  Projects are available for every skill level and typically include painting, cleaning, and landscaping. The Freemasons of the Nation’s Capital team is recruiting volunteers for to help on either or both workdays. Work-A-Thon Day 1 – May 4 Stuart-Hobson Middle School, 410 E St N.E., Washington, DC 20002 Street Parking...

Dear Brethren, Many have expressed themselves on our simple and most basic tenets - I particularly enjoyed the reflections hereafter, and am most pleased to share them with you to refresh some of our earliest impressions upon joining our Brotherhood - Max Ullmann, PMTHE LEVEL AND THE SQUAREThe Masonic poet, Robert Morris, has given us, as from a perennial fountain, more than three hundred effusions in form of odes and poems; but none wear so well with old admirers, none secure so speedily the favor of the newly-initiate, as his conception of August, 1854, which has "gone out through all the earth"...

Is It Time Yet for Stewardship?by James T. Feezell, PM Deputy Grand Master I've often thought we Freemasons have given short shrift to our Stewards.  Historically, a Steward was an officer of authority and great responsibility, think the British Lord High Steward, or Tolkien's Stewards of Gondor.  Somewhere along the way, Stewards took a low path from right hand of the monarch to sommeliers and inflight wait staff.  The lodge Steward, nowadays, often appears relegated to the role of mere Masonic gopher, shuttling candidates within the lodge, and food and refreshment without. ...

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Brethren, our Grand Lodge Charity effort culminates in one week!As a reminder here are the steps:1. Think - Sit down and give some thought to a mentor in your life when you were a child.  Reflect on someone who made that difference in your life, and whose help eventually led you to the point where you knelt at the Masonic altar.  With that person in mind, purchase a new toy and a coat for a child as a donation.2. Act - Write a brief note to that person, expressing your thanks.  Use the Grand Lodge stationery that has been provided to each Worshipful Master.  The note...

A SYNOPSIS OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2012 ANNUAL COMMUNICATION OF THE GRAND LODGE, F.A.A.M., OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIANovember 17, 2012 Most Worshipful Brother Joseph S. Crociata, Grand Master opened the 202nd Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge F.A.A.M., of the District of Columbia at the Scottish Rite Center in Washington, D.C., at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 17, 2012. Attendance: All of the constituent Lodges, with the exception of one, were represented. 31 Grand Lodge officers, 15 Past Grand Masters, 66 Past Masters, 29 Worshipful Masters or their Proxies, 30 Senior...

The Grand Lodge Communications are of great importance to our fraternity. It affords us the opportunity to gather together, to renew old relationship and foster new ones and most importantly gives us the forum to discuss, debate and shape the future of our Grand Lodge and Freemasonry in this jurisdiction and perhaps influence the Masonic policies and proceeding elsewhere within the fraternity. The 2012 Annual Communication will convene on Saturday, November 17th, in the Auditorium of the DC Scottish Rite Center, at 10:00 a.m. Admission will be strictly by valid dues cards and registration...

Grand Lodge Annual Membership Banquet The Grand Lodge Membership Banquet will be held on Friday evening, December 7th at the Renaissance Washington, D.C. hotel: Tickets are $75.00 per person [$750.00 for tables of 10 and may be purchased through PayPal (for an additional service charge) or directly from the Office of the Grand Secretary]. Masons, their families and guests are all welcome. Reservation forms mailed to each Lodge Secretary on October 31st must be completed and returned to the Office of the Grand Secretary by November 30th. The Banquet tickets for paid reservations received...

Brethren, The Grand Lodge Fall Charity has been announced.  The two chosen charities are the Marine Corps “Toys for Tots”, and the DC Children’s Advocacy Center “Safe Shores” (www.safeshores.org) programs.  More information about the goals and intention behind selecting these charities will be forthcoming from your Worshipful Master. In the meantime, the collection of new, unwrapped toys and new coats can begin.  The Worshipful Master of each constituent lodge will supervise collection and delivery of the coats and toys to the Grand Lodge Office...