Paul M. Bessel’s website about
Scheduled events for “Masonic Week”
Allied Masonic Bodies & Other Masonic Meetings
February 14-16, 2002, 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.
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 (515 – 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
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Date & Time |
Event |
Comments |
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Wednesday, February 13, 2002 |
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6:30pm |
Benjamin B. French Lodge #15 |
Annual Masonic Week Debate, including dinner. There is a requirement for advance reservations, and a cost for the dinner. For further information see http://bessel.org/bbf0202.htm or contact Carl Williams or Joe Crociata – cwilliams@ICRC-HQ.com – or iramsn2@erols.com |
| Thursday, February 14, 2002 | ||
| 2pm | The High Council, MSRICF – Masonic Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus FoederatisExemplify VI° Grade by Maryland CollegeExemplify VIII° Grade & IX° Grade by North Carolina CollegeSupreme Magus Council, MSRICF will meet concurrently with the High Council |
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 |
| 7pm | Annual Banquet of 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. All are welcome to this Banquet – tickets will be available in the hotel lobby. |
| 7:30pm | Gen. George C. Marshall Lodge #55, Washington D.C. | Likely EA Degree conferred on a man who is well known to many Masons throughout the country and world, and whose Degrees will be of great interest to many Freemasons who will want to be present – location is likely to be the D.C. Scottish Rite Center at 2800 – 16th Street NW, in the 3rd floor lodge room – all Masons in jurisdictions recognized by the Grand Lodge of D.C. are welcome to attend |
| Friday, February 15, 2002 | ||
| 8:30am | Registration for all groups in the Sky Room | |
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9am |
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 |
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11am |
Grand College of America, HRAKTP Grand Preceptors Tabernacle “A”, HRAKTP will meet concurrently with the Grand College |
Knight Templar Priests organization, membership by invitation, for Past Commanders of Knights Templar only, numbers limited |
| 12:45pm |
Lunch – on your own The SOF (soc.org.freemasonry) and “Masonic Light” email groups will be having a lunch get-together. Everyone, Masons or not, are welcome. It has been reported that this lunch will begin at 12 noon, not 12:45pm as shown on the left of this column. This might be at the Old Ebbets Grill, which is near the Hotel Washington, or in the Hotel Washington itself. |
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| 2pm | 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 |
| 4pm | 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 |
| 5pm | CBCS – Knights Bienfaisants de la Cite Sainte | Membership by invitation only, limited to 2 per state |
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6pm |
Royal Society of Knights Occidental |
This is an informal group of those who have Friday as a “free night.” It started about 7 years ago, and this year it will meet in the Hotel Washington in the Sky Room. Last year there were about 65 for dinner, with a cash bar. Dinner is usually Filet Mignon, plus Hors’de oeuvres, and entertainment (a tasteful belly dancer) for usually around $65. Reservations need to be made in advance (usually the deadline is noon Friday). It is open to anyone who wishes to attend, but there are a few strict rules that must be adhered to: NO dues, NO fees, NO lengthy introductions, NO lengthy dissertations and NO arguing. The highest award is the GCO (Grand Cross Occidental) which is awarded to anyone who attends 5 annual Convivials (meetings), or anyone else that we think should have it. For information and reservations, contact Bill Koon at lords@wcoil.com |
| 7pm (sharp) | Philalethes Society Feast and Assembly | Tickets are needed for this dinner, which will be followed by a talk. Ladies are invited Lecturer: R. W. Bro. Clayton Talbert Sr. Grand Secretary, The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ontario and Jurisdiction – Executive Board Reports – Open Questions Concerning Freemasonry $35, includes a collectable “Firing Glass” Tickets are available in advance (preferable) or in the hotel lobby until noon on Feb. 15 Order online at https://secure.freemasonry.org/psoc/feast.htm or send checks to: The Philalethes Society, 5266 Mary Ball Rd, Lancaster VA 22503 |
| 9pm | The Order of the Rock | Open to all Masons, registration required |
| Saturday, February 16, 2002 | ||
| 7:30am | “Computer Masons” breakfast | Those who are interested can meet for breakfast at the Two Continents Restaurant or can visit the Philalethes Hospitality Suite. Contact Richard E. Evans at Richard@HousingAssociates.com |
| 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 |
| 9am | Grand Council AMDGrand Masters Council “A”, AMD will meet concurrently with the Grand Council | 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 The Second Annual “unofficial” Philalethes List Lunch will be held 12:30 to 2pm at the Two Continents Restaurant in the Hotel Washington, in a private area. Ordering from the |
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| 2pm | Nine Muses Council No 13, AMD | AMD – Allied Masonic Degrees organization, all Masons may attend, paper presented |
| 2:45pm |
Installed Sovereign Masters Council, AMD |
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| 3pm | additional degree – to be announced | |
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7pm (I think) |
Fiat Lux Lodge #1717, Washington D.C. |
EA Degree using English Emulation ritual – all Masons in jurisdictions recognized by the Grand Lodge of D.C. are welcome to attend – location probably Takoma Masonic Center in Washington D.C. |
| 7pm | Grand Council AMD Annual Banquet | 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 |
| 9pm | Ye Antiente Order of Corks | This is a fun degree and organization, which is open to members of any AMD Council |