Paul M. Bessel’s website about
Scheduled events for “Masonic Weekend”
Allied Masonic Bodies Meetings
Feb. 14-17, 2001, in Washington, D.C.
“Masonic Weekend” or “Masonic Week” is a term given to a series of meetings of various Masonic groups — sometimes called “Allied Masonic Bodies” or “AMD” or other names — that takes place each year in Washington, D.C., in February, around the time of George Washington’s birthday. Some of these meetings are open to all Masons, some to everyone Mason or not, and some only to those Masons who meet certain qualifications.
Information about the schedule for Masonic Weekend in the year 2001 was obtained from Dan Pushee and other sources, including various Masonic websites. I have attempted to provide information that is as accurate as possible, but if anyone has suggestions for additions or changes, please let me know.
For many of the events listed, if you want to attend you either have to be a member of the organization indicated, or in some cases you can join at the time of, or just before the meeting. In some cases Masons who are members in good standing of Royal Arch Chapters are eligible to join, but some groups have more restrictive membership policies. For some events, such as the banquets, you have to purchase a ticket to attend, and in some cases you have to purchase these tickets before Masonic weekend begins.
For more details, or if you have any questions, check with the specific organizations or contact other Masons who might have more information to give you.
Almost all of the following meetings are held in the Hotel Washington, located in Washington, D.C., at the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and 15th Street, NW. Most of the meetings are held in the ballroom on the top floor of the hotel, but some events, such as banquets, are held in the ballroom on the basement level of the hotel. Hotel reservations can be made by calling 1-800-424-9540 or 202-638-5900.
If anyone wants to send me email, especially if any of the information on this chart is not correct and you want me to correct it, you can send me (Paul M. Bessel) email by clicking on the following: paul@bessel.org
Date & Time
Event
Comments
Wednesday, February 14, 2001
6:30pm
Benjamin B. French Lodge #15
Annual Masonic Week Debate, usually including dinner. There is usually a requirement for advance reservations, and a cost for the dinner. For further information, and to make a reservation, go to http://www.benjaminbfrench.org/AMWResform00.htm
Thursday, February 15, 2001
2:00pm Supreme Magus College, MSRICF – Masonic Societas
Rosicruciana in
Civitatibus Foederatis Masonic Rosicrucians organization, membership by invitation, limited number. Its Constitution says it is for Christian Masons, but some say there are some non-Christian members. This particular group is for those recommended from states or countries where no College exists
2:30pm The High Council, MSRICF Masonic Rosicrucians organization, membership by invitation, limited number. Its Constitution says it is for Christian Masons, but some say there are some non-Christian members.
7:00pm Annual Banquet, Supreme Magus, MSRICF Masonic Rosicrucians organization, membership by invitation, limited number. Its Constitution says it is for Christian Masons, but some say there are some non-Christian members.
All are welcome to this Banquet – tickets will be available in the hotel lobby.
Friday, February 16, 2001
8:30am Registration for all groups in the Sky Room
9:30am Grand Preceptors Tabernacle, HRAKTP Knight Templar Priests organization – membership by invitation – for Past Commanders of Knights Templar only, numbers limited – this specific group is for Past Commanders recommended from states or countries where no Tabernacle exists
10:00am Grand College of America, HRAKTP Knight Templar Priests organization, membership by invitation, for Past Commanders of Knights Templar only, numbers limited
11:30am Great Chief’s Council, Knight Masons Knight Masons organization – this particular group is for those recommended from states or countries where no Council exists
12:00pm Grand Council, Knight Masons of the U.S.A. Knight Masons is an invitation-only Masonic organization – for more information you can go to http://bessel.org/univcoun.htm and view the links there
12:45pm
Lunch – on your own
2:00pm Society of Blue Friars Blue Friars is an invitation-only organization for Masonic authors – all Masons are welcome at this meeting where you usually can hear an excellent paper by the latest Brother invited to become a Blue Friar
3:00pm Grand Masters Council, AMD Those who want to join AMD can do so at this meeting
This particular group is for Royal Arch Masons not in a local Council
4:00pm Grand College of Rites of the USA This organization attempts to preserve and demonstrate Masonic degrees that have fallen into disuse
I believe any Master Mason can join this organization at or just before this meeting
5:15pm Great Priory of America CBCS – Knights Bienfaisants de la Cite Sainte Membership by invitation only, limited to 2 per state
7:00pm (not 6:30pm) Philalethes Society Feast and Assembly Tickets are needed for this dinner, which will be followed by a talk by Norman E. Byrne, Sovereign Grand Commander, Scottish Rite of Canada, MPS
Saturday, February 17, 2001
7:30am Convent General KYCH Breakfast KYCH is for those who have presided in the East over a Masonic Lodge, a Royal Arch Chapter, a Cryptic Council, and a Knights Templar Commandery, and is by invitation even for those who meet these requirements.
All are invited to this breakfast – tickets are available at the door
9:00am Grand Council AMD AMD – Allied Masonic Degrees organization. AMD is an organization for Royal Arch Masons, usually by invitation only (except for the Grand Masters Council).
12:30pm
Lunch on your own
2:00pm Nine Muses Council No 13, AMD AMD – Allied Masonic Degrees organization, AMD members may attend, paper presented
2:30pm
Installed Sovereign Masters Council, AMD
3:00pm Installed Ruler, Order of the Secret Monitor
4:00pm Installed Commander Noah, Royal Ark Mariners
7:00pm Annual Banquet, Grand Council AMD AMD – Allied Masonic Degrees organization. AMD is an organization for Royal Arch Masons, usually by invitation only (except for the Grand Masters Council).
Anyone can attend this banquet, including ladies, there is usually a keynote speaker – tickets available in the lobby or the top floor of the hotel
9:00pm Ye Antiente Order of Corks This is a fun degree and organization, which is open to members of any AMD Council