George R. Adams, 33° and Akram R. Elias, 33°

A new exhibit at the Octagon House in Washington, D.C., will highlight the little-recognized contribution of Freemasons to the design and architecture of our nation’s capital.

Octagon Museum, Washington, D.C. Photo courtesy of The Octagon, The Museum of The American Architectural Foundation, photo by Robert C. Lautman

Mark the date of May 18, 2005, in your calendar! It is the opening day of a six-month painting exhibit at the Octagon Museum in Washington, D.C.

The Scottish Rite Valley of Washington, D.C., is supporting the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia in an unprecedented collaboration with the Octagon Museum to organize an original exhibition highlighting the little-recognized contribution of Freemasons to the design and architecture of our nation’s capital.

Featuring 20 original paintings by Peter Waddell, the exhibition will illustrate the role Masons have consistently played in American architectural history. Original artifacts from the rich collections of the metropolitan area’s several Lodges, many never seen before by the public, will be displayed with the paintings.

This project is central to the planning for the 2011 bicentennial of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia and a major step on the road towards a “Masonic Renaissance” in the Federal City. The intention of this project is to bring Masonry to the community by demystifying the role Freemasons have played in this nation’s architectural history and to provide a new perspective on various historic events. The current six-month project consists of:

• A painting exhibit designed to take the visitor on a journey of Masonic discovery through art, architecture, symbolism, and esotericism;
• A series of lectures by prominent speakers who will address the Masonic Fraternity’s contribution over time to the “American Exper-iment”;
• A number of musical performances that will showcase great Masonic composers, both classical and contemporary.

Ownership by the District of Columbia Grand Lodge of the paintings and all copyrights associated with the collection will enable great use of them beyond the exhibit.

Peter Waddell is well known for his work as a history painter and has created several series of paintings that have served as the foundation of popular exhibitions at the Octagon, including, most recently, Inside the Temple of Liberty: 19th-Century Interiors of the U.S. Capitol Building (2002). A group of Masons is working closely with Mr. Waddell to help select topics for the paintings and participate in the research necessary to ensure the accuracy of the work.

The Octagon, the museum of the American Architectural Foundation (AAF), is a nationally recognized museum of architecture and design located two blocks from the White House at 1799 New York Ave., NW. One of Washington’s earliest residences, the building is a National Registered Landmark (1960) and is accredited by the American Association of Museums (1973). The Octagon’s mission is to educate the public about architecture, design, historic preservation, and stewardship of our architectural heritage. These goals are accomplished through on-site exhibitions, traveling exhibitions, collections, and a wide variety of creative public programs.

If you’re planning a trip to Washington, D.C., between May and November 2005, make sure you drop by and visit the exhibit. Also, stay tuned for more information on this exciting project and the opportunities that it brings to your Lodges and Valleys.

George R. Adams, Deputy of the Supreme Council in Washington, D.C. and a lawyer by profession, served as Grand Master, Grand Lodge of D.C., in 1993 and is widely recognized for his many contributions to Freemasonry as an expert ritualist, accomplished author, and experienced financial advisor. Contacts: 2800 16th St., NW, Washington, DC, 20009-4205; Deputy@dcsr.org.

Akram R. Elias is Past Wise Master of the D.C. Evangelist Chapter of Knights Rose Croix, the Senior Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, and a recipient of the Valentine Reintzel Medal for outstanding service to Freemasonry. He is the founder of Capital Communications Group, Inc., an international consulting firm that works closely with the U.S. Department of State in the area of public diplomacy. Contacts: P.O. Box 28115, Washington, DC, 20038; fmbuilder@msn.com