Paul M. Bessel, 32°, K.C.C.H. Elect
2301 Jefferson Highway, Apt. 1521, Arlington, Virginia 22202–3855

• Rare relics of George Washington were brought together for the first time in history.
• The U.S. Army Chorus provided several patriotic songs in the House of the Temple's magnificent Temple Room.
• Fascinating talks were presented by noted historians who accented the role of Freemasonry in America, the life of George Washington, and the building of the U.S. Capitol and White House.
• A Proclamation confirming mutual recognition with Prince Hall Masonry in Washington, D.C., was signed and honored with a standing ovation.

Federal Lodge No. 1, F.A. A.M., Washington, D.C., organized the event, which is believed to be the first time a Craft Lodge held an official communication in the Temple Room of the House of the Temple. The Worshipful Master of Federal Lodge No. 1, Bro. Alfred C. Boswell, Jr., 32°, supported by Officers and Brethren from his and other Lodges, was central to organizing the event. He was assisted by Joan Sansbury, Librarian of the House of the Temple, who arranged the exhibit area in the Atrium of the House of the Temple and displayed two handwritten letters by Washington which are in the collections of the Supreme Council.

The Architect of the Capital's office brought a piece of the what is believed to be the actual cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol building dedicated, in a formal Masonic ceremony, by George Washington in September 18, 1793. This office also brought a pastel portrait of George Washington made in 1783 as well as other important artifacts commemorating significant events and people in American history.

In addition, Federal Lodge No. 1 brought several relics of George Washington, including the Masonic jewel and mantle worn by Alexander McCormack, P.G.M. of D.C. and P.M. of Federal Lodge No. 1, at the funeral of Washington.

Potomac Lodge No. 5 of Washington, D.C., brought the gavel held by George Washington at the 1793 U.S. Capitol cornerstone ceremony, a gavel which has been used since then at the dedication of many major monuments and buildings.

Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4, A.F.&A.M., of Virginia, brought the actual Bible, printed in 1666 and 1668, on which George Washington took his Masonic obligations in 1752 and 1753, plus their record book describing Washington's initiation, passing, and raising. They also literally brought a piece of George Washington—a lock of his hair taken after he was elected President of the United States in 1789.

The U.S. Commission on Fine Arts brought a 1902 photograph of the original McMillan Commission plan for the Mall area in Washington, D.C., and another rarity, the original engraving of the plan of Washington, D.C., as drawn by Andrew Ellicott in 1792.

And Architectural Landmarks, Inc., brought an 1805 portrait of George Washington.

Among the approximately 250 persons attending the festive evening were several reporters and cameramen from local television channels, which broadcast the event in their evening news programs, and newspapers, such as the Washington Post which ran a positive article on the occasion the next day. Following a reception period, Federal Lodge No. 1 organized a very brief Lodge meeting and then invited the public to enter the Temple Room to enjoy songs by the U.S. Army Chorus and three presentations by Bro. Gary Scott, 32°, K.C.C.H., National Park Service Historian, National Capital Region; Alan Hantman, Architect of the Capitol; and William Seale, nationally recognized historian and author. Subjects were the life and character of George Washington, the building of the U.S. Capitol, and the construction of the White House. Many interesting new facts were presented about the involvement of Freemasonry and Freemasons in these events.

On September 11, 2000, distinguished Brethren and guests seated in the East in the Temple Room during the "Tribute to Washington" were (l. to r.): the Rev. John David vanDooren, Rector, All Souls Episcopal Church; M.W. Mansour Hatefi, 33°, Grand Master of Masons of the District of Columbia; W.M. Alfred C. Boswell, Jr., 32°, Master of Federal Lodge No. 1, Washington, D.C.; R.W. Grant R. Berning, 33°, Deputy Grand Master of Masons of the District of Columbia; William Seale, Architectural Historian and author; Alan Hantman, American Institute of Architects, Architect of the Capitol; and W.Bro. Gary Scott, 32°, K.C.C.H., Historian, National Park Service, National Capital Region.

Then M.W. Willie Griffin, Grand Master of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, and 14 of his Grand Lodge Officers were given seats of honor, and, at the appropriate time, M.W. Mansour Hatefi, Grand Master, Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, invited his Prince Hall counterpart to join him at the Temple Room altar. There Ill. George R. Adams, 33°, P.G.M., District of Columbia, eloquently led the Grand Masters in joint prayer. The Grand Masters then jointly signed a Proclamation declaring there exists "complete and full fraternal recognition and amity" between their Grand Lodges and establishing guidelines for visitations between their members. Immediately upon the Proclamation being signed, members of both Grand Lodges and visitors gave a standing ovation.

After all these events, Federal Lodge No. 1 was closed, members of the honored Lodges that own the priceless Washington relics carefully stored their treasures for the return trip home, and Masons from many different places and jurisdictions left the House of the Temple with a renewed faith in the universal character and outreach of Freemasonry to all good men.

Paul M. Bessel was recently elected to the progressive Grand Line of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia where he is Chairman of the Internet Committee and the Library & Museum Committee as well as active on the Education and Masonic Recognition Committees. He is a 32°, K.C.C.H. Elect member of the Scottish Rite Valley of the District of Columbia, the Librarian at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, President of the Masonic Library & Museum Association, and a Fellow of the Philalethes Society. His e-mail address is bessel@erols.com and his website is http://bessel.org