The Grand Lodge of Virginia recently initiated a program of fraternal cooperation with the Grand Lodge of Russia to strengthen and support a growing need for Masonic literature, education, and leadership training in Russia. The two-part program includes: (1) a Masonic library expansion program for the Grand Lodge of Russia and (2) a Masonic education and leadership support program for several selected Russian Worshipful Masters and Wardens to attend the Reid James Simmons School of Masonic Leadership.

The school, to be held August 4-9, 2002, at the Fork Union Military Academy, Fork Union, Virginia, consists of a three-day statewide program run by the Grand Lodge of Virginia's Committee on Work (Ritual) and Virginia's Committee on Masonic Education. The first three Degrees will be exemplified with ritual and floor work, and individuals will be helped and examined in their proficiencies. Also, the Committee on Education will hold lectures on "How To Prepare for Your Year in the East," "Lodge Finances," "The Methodical Digest" (Masonic law in Virginia), and other items intended to prepare Brethren to become Masters in their Lodges. By providing Russian Blue Lodge officers a structured opportunity for direct contact with Virginia Freemasonry, the program is intended to provide for the continuation and further development of Masonic fraternal relations that began in 1996 when the Grand Lodge of Virginia extended recognition to the Grand Lodge of Russia.

The library project, involving book donations for the library of the Grand Lodge of Russia, is expected to provide a significant increase in the number and quality of Masonic books available for serious scholarly research and personal study to the Russian Brethren. There is a particular need for donations of books that can serve as reference and research sources into topics concerning the historic, symbolic, and philosophical roots of Freemasonry. Also, the creation of the Supreme Council of Russia in 1996 has generated an interest in books on Scottish Rite Freemasonry. According to Grand Librarian and Archivist Brother Evgenniy Kuzmishin, who is currently working on translating Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma into Russian, the Moscow library presently contains 254 books, including about 30 in the English language. The book donation and library improvement project will be operated from the George Washington Masonic National Memorial (GWMNM) in Alexandria, Virginia, with the assistance of Wor. Bro. George D. Seghers, 32°, Executive Secretary of the Memorial. Space will be made available at the Memorial for collecting and preparing book donations for shipment. The Library of the Supreme Council, 33°, for instance, is donating a significant number of books specifically focused on the Scottish Rite, S.J. Contributors are welcome to include notes and comments along with books that have a particular Masonic, personal, or historic significance.

Brethren or friends wishing to contribute books to this project should mail (or hand deliver) the items to: The George Washington Masonic National Memorial, ATTN George D. Seghers, Russian Library Support Project, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria, VA 22301. The GWMNM will soon establish a link on its Internet page that will provide background information on the project, a list of books donated and donors, and shipments delivered to the Grand Lodge of Russia.

This article is reprinted, edited for length, with permission from The Virginia Masonic Herald.

Robert G. Watkins, Jr. is a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies of Alexandria, Virginia, and a Master Mason in Alexandria-Washington No. 22. During 1993-1998, after retirement from the USNR, he lived in Russia and traveled extensively while employed on several U.S.-Russian bilateral strategic weapons dismantlement programs during which time he became acquainted with developments in Russian Freemasonry. As Official Liaison Representative of the Supreme Council, 33°, S.J., USA, to the Supreme Council of Russia, he endeavors to support projects of mutual Masonic interest. He holds a BA degree in Russian Language from The Monterey Institute of International Studies in Monterey, California, and an MBA from American University, Washington , D.C.