Paul M. Bessel’s website about
Scheduled events for “Masonic Week”
Allied Masonic Bodies & Other Masonic Meetings
February 12-14, 2004, in Washington, D.C.
Note: The information on this webpage is based on past events, and it might be changed from year to year. Everyone is encouraged to contact the organizations that are having meetings to obtain the best schedule information about each one.
“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:
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Date & Time |
Event |
Comments |
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Wednesday, February 11, 2004 |
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6:30pm |
Benjamin B. French Lodge #15 |
This lodge usually has an annual masonic week debate, including dinner. There is usually a requirement for advance reservations, and a cost for the dinner. For further information contact Joe Crociata iramsn2@erols.com However, I have heard that this event might not be presented in 2004. |
| Thursday, February 12, 2004 | ||
| 2pm | The High Council, MSRICF – Masonic Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus FoederatisSupreme Magus College will meet concurrently with the High Council |
I have been told the following: 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. The Supreme Magus College is said to be for those recommended from states or countries where no College exists |
| 7pm | Annual Banquet of the High Council, MSRICF | I have been told the following: 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 Sky Room of the Hotel Washington. |
| Friday, February 13, 2004 | ||
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8:30am |
Grand Council, Knight Masons, U.S.A. & Great Chief’s Council #0 |
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 |
I have been told the following: 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 usually has a lunch get-together. Everyone, Masons or not, are welcome. It sometimes begins at 12 noon, sometimes at 12:45pm. 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 |
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5pm |
CBCS – Knights |
I have been told the following: Membership in this organization is by invitation only, limited to 2 per state |
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6pm |
Royal Society of Knights Occidental |
I have been told the following: This is an informal group of those who have Friday as a “free night.” It started about 9 years ago, and has met in the Hotel Washington in the Sky Room, with about 65 for dinner, with a cash bar. Dinner is usually Filet Mignon, plus hors d’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 the organizers think should have it. For information and reservations, contact Bill Koon at lords@wcoil.com or purchase tickets at the Sky Room of the Hotel Washington. |
| 7pm | Philalethes Society Feast and Assembly | Tickets are needed for this dinner, which will be followed by a talk. Ladies are invited. There is a Lecturer, plus Executive Board Reports – Open Questions Concerning Freemasonry The cost last year was $50, which included a collectable “Firing Glass” Tickets are available in advance (preferable) or in the hotel lobby until noon on Feb. 14 Order online at http://freemasonry.org/psoc or send checks to: The Philalethes Society, 5266 Mary Ball Rd, Lancaster, VA 22503 |
| 9pm | AMD degree conferral – the Order of Freedona | Open to all Masons, registration required |
| Saturday, February 14, 2004 | ||
| 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 | I have been told the following: 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 |
| 8:30am | Grand Master’s Council “A” of the AMD and Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees of the USA |
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 This Annual Internet Masons Luncheon is usually held 12:30 to 2pm at the Two Continents Restaurant in the Hotel Washington, in a private area. There is usually a very nice buffet, with the cost between $10 and $15. A short program is usually presented, with a “famous mason” giving the blessing and benediction. Contact Richard E. Evans for information and reservations at Richard@HousingAssociates.com |
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| 2pm | Nine Muses Council #13, AMD | AMD – Allied Masonic Degrees organization, all Masons may attend, paper presented |
| 2:45pm |
Installed Sovereign Masters degree, AMD |
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| 3pm | Secret Monitor degree | |
| 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 Sky Room of the Hotel Washington |
| 9pm | Ye Antiente Order of Corks | This is a fun degree and organization, which is open to members of any AMD Council |