Check out a video slide show of Federal Lodge’s trip to Pittsburgh, PA and their stop over to the Flight 93 Memorial on the 10th anniversary of September 11th. This video includes audio commentary by a few of the brothers who were on the trip who share their reactions and thoughts on the fun journey they took and the adventures they had along the way. Video by Bro. Scott Brown

Last Sunday, December 4, Ol’ Federal installed a new officer line.  The chain of men leading the lodge remains unbroken after 219 years. All the Brothers who have gone before us, in a variety of ways beyond simply serving in a place or station, deserve our recognition for their labors.  Those who labor in Masonry today, no matter where or how, and especially in a lodge like Ol’ Federal where history is a defining part of our collective identity, are able to do so only because of the work of countless men who are sometimes a handshake a way, and at other times separated by great distance.

There is a joke in Freemasonry that goes something like  “You know the installation to the station of Worshipful Master is the second happiest day of a Mason’s life, but the first is the day he installs his successor.”  Worshipful Brother Michael Black deserves enthusiastic congratulations for an active and productive 2011.  In our November 28th Communication Worshipful Brother Black recounted the successes in charity, social, and ritual events achieved by the members, committees, and officers of Federal Lodge.  His focus on scholarship and making positive changes in the lives of Brothers is no small inspiration for me and what I hope to be a focus this year on working with our neighbors or partners, including many organizations who work to better the condition of men and of life within our communities.  WB Michael Black joins the ranks of the lodge’s Past Masters, but his influence and his participation will not cease with the passing of the gavel.

The mystical link that binds the past, present, and future is a difficult point on which to meditate.  I have heard a lecture or two on the Kabbalah’s answers to the questions raised by life’s mysteries, as I bet many of you have as well.  Among the Federal Brethren who have passed away this year, I was privileged to know Brother Hank Thomas and, to a lesser extent, Worshipful Brother Jim Gardner.  To these Brethren, perhaps this mystery of past, present and future is no longer a mystery.  For us, on the other hand, we are left with the best tools we can find, like our faith and Freemasonry, to understand the nature of things.  I want to encourage you, my Brethren, to keep an open mind and to look for unexpected and desirable opportunities to use our tools, both within and without Freemasonry, when things seem unmanageable or it feels as though there is no way forward.   That there is no scientific answer to life’s unknowns, even to the day-to-day struggles life throws us and including the challenges that arise within the workings of a Freemason’s lodge, should not be a source of apprehension.   Our Masonic teachings offer fixed paths and beautiful tools with which we may work to comfort each other and ourselves as we continue our respective journeys from the darkness of the unknown to the light of understanding and Brotherhood.

We all are about to begin a holiday season in which our respective faiths can inspire and guide us. It is a season where coincidentally Light is a prevailing theme.  Let our prayers and meditations  focus on the the noble task of honoring the work of those who have laid down their labors, as well as giving us the insight and inspiration to enable us to continue those labors today and on into the future.

By W. Bro. Kevin Fries

Photo Credit: Larry Von Weigel

Copied from previous version of FederalLoge.org

Born in 1888 to one of the oldest and most distinguished families in the history of Virginia, Richard Byrd seemed destined for fame. First, Byrd sought a career in the U.S. Navy and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy. However, a series of injuries made it difficult for Byrd to serve as a naval officer at sea, where long watches were required. In 1916, Byrd retired from the Navy, but the advent of World War I returned him into active service.

Byrd was particularly interested in the new technology of airplanes and earned his wings as a pilot at Pensacola. When World War I ended, Byrd maintained his interest in aviation and helped to navigate and plan the Navy team who achieved a transatlantic crossing by means of sea planes in 1919.

After commanding the U.S. Navy pilots assisting Donald MacMillan’s expedition to Greenland in 1925, Byrd raised funds for his own expedition to fly across the North Pole in 1926, an accomplishment he announced on May 9, 1926. In recognition, the U.S. Congress awarded him the Medal of Honor and promoted him to commander. New York City threw a ticker tape parade. Byrd himself referred to his new status with both pride –and sometimes exasperation– as “the hero business.” Soon after, in 1927, Byrd added to his fame by leading a team that flew an airplane across the Atlantic Ocean, the third since Charles Lindbergh in that year.

Credit: Ohio State University Archives

Antarctica, however, would become the major theater of Byrd’s career. Byrd led or participated in five expeditions to Antarctica, commencing in 1928. After the first expedition returned in 1930, Byrd received another ticker-tape parade in New York City, the others following the North Pole and the transatlantic flights. By the time of his death in 1957, Byrd was so closely affiliated with exploration and scientific investigation of Antarctica that some referred to him as the “Mayor of Antarctica.”

Admiral Richard E. Byrd: Tools of the Expedition

Historians claim that Byrd transformed polar exploration from the “Heroic Age” to the “Mechanical Age.” Certainly, Byrd made use of the older techniques of polar exploration that had been used by others. Dog sleds, snowshoes, and skis continued to be important modes of transportation for Byrd.

However, Byrd’s most important accomplishment was in testing Twentieth Century technologies, which would expand the range of exploration and scientific investigation in Antarctica. His expeditions made extensive use of airplanes, both to map the continent and to deliver supplies to parties in the field. Trucks on skis and tracks made it possible to transport more equipment and supplies further into Antarctica. Radio enabled communication from Byrd’s base at Little America with field parties on the ice and with pilots in the air. As each expedition improved upon the technologies of the previous ones, the entire continent of Antarctica became available for science.

Admiral Richard E. Byrd: In His Own Words

Traditionally, polar explorers–then and now–maintain a diary in order to record one’s experiences in this extraordinary environment. Many expected to publish their accounts, either as articles in newspapers or popular books or tomes of science.

Admiral Richard Byrd was no different. In fact, publication and the publicity associated with selling a new book were fundamental to Byrd’s career for two reasons. Revenue from the sale of books and stories paid the costs of the previous expeditions and also provided money to buy supplies and equipment for the next. Byrd himself raised money for his expedition to the North Pole in 1926 and his first two expeditions to Antarctica.

Of course, the length of Byrd’s career as a public hero and as a polar explorer (1926 to 1957) occasioned an immense number of books and articles by him and about him. The first two expeditions to Antarctica resulted in three books credited to Byrd, with assistance from Byrd’s publicist, Charles Murphy.

By Bro. Phillip Miller

Richard E. Byrd, US Admiral. Initiated in Federal Lodge No. 1 and founded First Antarctic Lodge No. 777 in 1935

1. Freemasonry is social. This I expected, having been part of a college fraternity as well. But Freemasonry goes far beyond the desires of a young man in college or an older man wishing to relive his college days. The experiences of Brotherhood in Freemasonry are appropriate for all stages of adult life. We have social gatherings and parties, yes. But even these events have a certain quality of reverence to each Mason, and his family, in their own way and time.

2. Freemasonry is spiritual. While Freemasonry is not a religion, nor an adequate substitute for one’s own religion, there is a certain amount of spiritual satisfaction that is gained from participating in the rituals and work of a Masonic Lodge. As Masons, we say that one should be true to their God and their own religion and we do not judge each other on the basis of what one does or does not believe regarding the nature of their belief in the Divine. But, we share a common spiritual experience nonetheless that we each understand in our own individual terms and gain from it a sense of experience and peace amongst Brothers.

3. Freemasonry is intellectual. Between gaining further understanding of our ancient ritual, and the discussion of new and cutting edge thought given through our bi-monthly presentations, one begins to realize the intellectual quality of the men surrounding him. Education is valued and intellectual inquiry is encouraged and embraced. In many Lodges degrees of post-graduate education are the norm, rather than the exception. But level of educational attainment alone is not what makes a good, or even an intellectual, Mason. It is the way in which Freemasonry forces us to take an analytical look at ourselves and the world around us that makes it pertinent to intellectual pursuits.

4. Freemasonry is family. I call them my Brothers, and they are about as close to me as any relation of biology or marriage as I’ve ever had. My wife and I are not members of any appendant bodies, but the Lodge accepts us both as a part of the Masonic Family. The Lodge has helped support us in difficult times and celebrate during the happy times. There is rarely a time when a Brother does not ask, “How are things? How is your wife?” My Brothers have become a part of my family and my family has also been accepted into the Brotherhood in their own way. It is amazing how quickly, for me, this came to be.

5. Freemasonry is charitable. The opportunities that Freemasonry offers its members to better the community and world around us are limitless. There is not enough time in a person’s life to do it all, but if there is time to be found, Freemasonry has a way to fill it with charitable opportunities that are not only fulfilling, but make a real difference.

6. Freemasonry is balance. There are lessons contained within the allegory about how to balance one’s life to be a more productive, effective, and happy person. If one truly follows the teachings of Freemasonry, it helps one to become a better worker, spouse, father, friend, and member of the community. It teaches a structure to frame one’s life around that aids the individual man in his individual pursuits. It requires a certain amount of refreshment and sleep, something all too often neglected in this day and age.

7.  Freemasonry is networking. The various men from all different vocations I have met have been invaluable resources. If I have a question about any topic, any topic at all, undoubtedly there is a Brother of good counsel who can, at the very least, point me in the right direction. To have a network as large as Freemasonry is to have the entire world at your fingertips.

8. Freemasonry is diversity. In a similar vein, men from all different cultures, faiths, backgrounds, races and ethnicity are Masons. It strives to bring men together who might otherwise never have had a conversation with each other due to perceived differences. It matters not whether one is rich or poor, when we sit in Lodge together, we speak on the level as Master Masons, none any better than any other. Through this structure I have been able to better acquaint myself with amazing men with amazing stories to tell. Together we experience something much greater than ourselves.

9. Freemasonry is an art. The rituals, both private and public, have a certain artistic quality to them. It can be said that one person’s version of a particular aspect of ritual may be different from another person’s thereby changing the meaning for that person slightly, while keeping the basis of that meaning intact. As a musician and performer myself, I have found many opportunities not only to reflect, but to participate in ceremonies and rituals, allowing myself to absorb the meaning even deeper.

10. Freemasonry is comfort. I am known to be something of a fidgety person, as those who know me well would attest, finding few places and times in my life to simply sit and relax. When I’m amongst Brethren, I feel relaxed and at ease. I feel accepted and appreciated. When a meeting goes long, I rarely feel as though it was time wasted, but time well spent in the presence of my Brothers and in contemplation about our work together. It is something of a meditative experience for me, which is something I’ve often had difficulty experiencing before.

11. Freemasonry is learning. Whenever I participate in a degree, I learn something new I didn’t know before. Every time a Brother Mason gives a presentation, I learn something new about him, his regular profession, his family, or the craft that I may never have seen otherwise. Rarely do I walk away from Lodge thinking I haven’t had some experience to take with me and somehow share with the world through working smarter to make it a better world.

12. Freemasonry is history. Being a member of a lodge that is over 200 years old connects me with a larger understanding of the world that spans centuries. From viewing the petitions of some of our more prominent Brethren of history, to observing an installation in which the oaths of office take place on the Bible used at George Washington’s funeral, to holding a gavel of wood taken from The White House during the the renovation under Brother Harry Truman, a building that was built by our Lodge’s first Master, Worshipful Brother James Hoban, the connection we have to our past and, ultimately, will have to our future is of a value unmatched. .

These are just a few of my observations about how Freemasonry has changed my life, and certainly I could list hundreds more. Freemasonry has taught me to subdue my passions and to improve myself as a man, but it has also given me a safe and respectful space and context in which to do so.   I recently found myself desiring further light and have recently applied for the degrees of the Scottish Rite. I have travelled to other Lodges and even other Grand Lodges to see how things are done there. I have participated in the initiation of amazing men, some of whom have given much in the betterment of humankind and for the defense of our nation.As I stated before, I have only been a Master Mason a brief time, and as a fairly young man, I look forward to the many years of Masonic contemplation that I have ahead of me.

I submit that my thoughts may or may not be unique and that each Mason has his own personal experiences with which to draw upon some kind of conclusion about what Freemasonry is for him. I hope only to share these thoughts for further contemplation in the hope that other worthy men will find their ways to our doors, so that I might share with them the bonds of Brotherhood that I am so fortunate to have attained.

The musical selections elegized the past sacrifices and the continuing national efforts to remember and grow from the loss of September 11.  To capture the enduring American spirit, IBIS played Amazing Grace, Samuel Barber, Tchaikovsky, as well as several English folk songs.  Alessandra Marc sang Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and the Shaker spiritual “Simple Gifts,” an exciting mix of music and performers—a perfect message of perseverance and fortitude.

After the performance, donors and audience members met the musicians.  Several audience members are avid students of music.  One such fan, Ted Kerrick, is studying for a Master’s at the Catholic University of America.  “The honorable experience was nothing short of spectacular.  The Great Architect has blessed these artists with so much,” says Mr. Kerrick of the evening with Ms. Marc and the IBIS Chamber Music Society.

Alessandra Marc’s participation in the events of the evening added an up-lifting energy to the program, which was both inspiring, but also befitting the memory of those honored.  She and IBIS moved the listener’s to their feet in a standing ovation.

All proceeds from the evening support the Flight 93 National Memorial located in Shanksville, PA.  The National Park Foundation, the National Park Service’s partner in fundraising, is hoping to raise $10 million by the end of the year, according to USA Today’s Martha T. Moore reporting before the dedication ceremony.  The memorial’s cost could be $72 million, with monies coming from the Federal government, the state of Pennsylvania, and private donations.

The evening was made possible by the generous gifts of its sponsors, including the musicians and several Masonic organizations, some of which were the GW Masonic Memorial, the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia and its constituent lodges, and the Buchly Fund.  The Flight 93 National Memorial will continue to need the help and support of friends and patriots alike.  Donations may continue to be given by visiting www.honorflight93.org.

The Flight 93 Concert is one of many partnerships between IBIS and local DC-based charities and other private organizations.  Last October, for example, with the Admiral Richard E. Byrd Foundation, IBIS performed at the Belmont Mansion, with proceeds benefiting the MusicLink Foundation.

The IBIS Chamber Music Society was founded by Jospeh Scheer of the Boston POPS Esplanade Orchestra and Susan Robinson, who is the principal harpist of the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra. The group’s upcoming events are described online.

 By Bro. Kevin Fries

The blog looks to provide readers short, relevant, and information-rich postings about issues, activities, events in our fraternal community for an audience of Masons and non-Masons.  Contributions are widely sought by the web site committee, in fact, and a team of regular writers will hopefully provide readers a view of the best our labors have to offer.

“Freemasonry is not a secret society, but a society with secrets” is a phrase that can be heard among us now and again.  In an age of voracious electronic social media, the efforts to communicate to members and non-members the group’s emphasis on self and community development, not on self alone, can often become difficult to make plain. The organization’s culture of secrecy has costs and benefits, sometimes simultaneously.  At times the drive to be understated supporters and contributors to positive and constructive community efforts leads some to think there’s a worry about what is not getting emphasized.  Our witness, as the creators of the blog hope will be clear, offers readers a chance to explore as equals the topics the blog presents.

Digital age rhetoric and communication among Freemasons presents heady challenges for those who are most comfortable with the fixity and established control of a (relatively) stable media like paper.  Federal Lodge No. 1, on the other hand, has been a leader in some ways in the use of web pages, exploring the idea in the mid- to early 1990s ahead of many other lodges.  Federal Lodge’s own Brother Steven Orr has led not only Federal’s online presence back in the early days, but has recently spurred other Masonic organizations to consider and invest in their own.  Br. Orr’s contribution to the online version of Almas’ Alibi  ( PDF pg. 8 ) is testimony to his work.

In the years since the 1990s, we have had several editions of the group’s web page, and our latest will likely be only one in long line of attempts to live and practice the best of the teachings of Freemasonry.  We have much to do and learn.  The opportunities offered by low-cost content management systems or frameworks like WordPress and Drupal differ drastically from the early days of HTML, the mark-up language used to present information in a web browser.

One notable part of those different and more modern, if you will, opportunities is the increased complexity of the relationship between the text and graphics of a given message.  Recently the DC Scottish Rite has begun to release video messages from SGIG Len Proden, for example.  We are working to follow the example of our brother lodges and partner organizations to paint an ever increasingly clear picture of who we are and what we do.

The Federal Lodge No. 1 blog will hopefully have a long and productive life.  Your readership and contributions will help craft a meaningful message worthy of consideration.

By Bro. Kevin Fries