|
Famous Tall Cedar
Paul M. Bessel
|
Brother Bessel has for some time been known to many Masons on
the internet as the Ultimate Collector of Information. His site at http://www.bessel.org has been the ultimate resource for Masonic research. His accomplishments are
many, and below is a sampling of his credentials.
Grand Lodge of Washington, District of Columbia
Senior Grand Steward (progressive line, scheduled to become Grand Master Dec. 16, 2006)
Recipient of the Valentine Reintzel medal of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia in 1999
Grand Sword Bearer in 1999 (appointed Grand Lodge office)
Aide to the Grand Master in 1998 (appointed Grand Lodge office)
Life Member of Potomac Lodge #5, F.A.A.M.
Founding Master of General George C. Marshall Lodge #55, F.A.A.M.
Junior Warden of Pythagoras Lodge of Research, F.A.A.M. (likely WM in 2003)
Honorary Member of Federal Lodge #1, F.A.A.M.
Chairman of the Grand Lodge Library & Museum Committee, 1997 through 2001
Chairman of the Grand Lodge Internet Committee, 2000 to 2001
Co-Chairman of the Grand Lodge Masonic Education & Service Committee, 1999
Member of the Masonic Recognition, Research, Voice of Freemasonry (newsletter) and other Committees
Chairman of Committees to Investigate Conducting Business on Any Degree, and Grand Masters Classes (2 day degree conferrals)
Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Denmark near the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia
Assistant Grand Secretary of the Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons from 1997 to 1998
Chairman of the Jurisprudence Committee, Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, from 2000 to 2001
Member of the Correspondence Committee, Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, from 1998 to 2001
Grand Representative of the Grand Chapter of New York near the Grand Chapter of the District of Columbia
Secretary of Mount Pleasant Royal Arch Chapter #13, Royal Arch Masons from 1996 to 1998
Charter Member of Sojourner Kilwinning Chapter #17, Royal Arch Masons, 2000
Member of Adoniram-Zabud Council #2, Cryptic Masons of Washington DC
Member of the Correspondence Committee, Grand Council, Cryptic Masons of Washington DC, 2000
Officer in Albert Pike Consistory, Washington DC Scottish Rite Bodies (life member)
K.C.C.H. (Knight Commander of the Court of Honor) Elect in Scottish Rite - to be awarded October 2001
Junior Warden of National Capital Area Council #296, AMD (Allied Masonic Degrees)
Founding Member of Universal Council #70 Knight Masons
Member of Almas Shrine, AAONMS (Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine)
Member of Knights of Mecca, Almas Shrine, AAONMS
Member of Fudda Nabi Grotto, MOVPER (Mystic Order Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm)
Life Member, Past Officer, of Washington Chapter #3, National Sojourners
Member, George Washington Camp, Heroes of '76
Member, Past Masters Association of the District of Columbia |
Other Places |
Virginia |
Past District Deputy Grand Master for Research Lodges (DDGM in 1999)
Grand Purveyor in 1999 (appointed Grand Lodge office)
Past Master of Skidmore Daylight Lodge #237 (WM in 1997)
Past Master (1997-1998), Founding & Life Member of the Civil War Lodge of Research #1865
Life Member of Alexandria-Washington Lodge #22 (received degrees there in 1987)
Member of A. Douglas Smith, Jr., Lodge of Research #1949
Past High Priest, Mt. Vernon Royal Arch Chapter #14 (HP in 1989)
Member of Jessica Callahan Chapter #91, Order of the Eastern Star
Member of Temple Forest #136, Tall Cedars of Lebanon |
|
New York |
Member of Zeredatha Lodge #483 in Brooklyn (my late father's lodge)
Member of Zerubbabel Chapter #147, Royal Arch Masons |
Montana |
Member of Bannock Historical Lodge #3-7-77 |
|
Other Masonic Organizations |
President of the Masonic Library & Museum Association
from 1999 to 2001
Librarian of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, from 1995 to 2000 |
Executive Secretary of the Masonic Leadership Center, from 1995 to 2000 |
Fellow (since 1999) and Life Member of the Philalethes Society (only 40 are Fellows at
any time) |
Quatuor Coronati Lodge #2076 Correspondence Circle (the first research lodge in
the world)
Corresponding Member of the American Lodge of Research and other research lodges
Life Member of the Scottish Rite Research Society |
Member of the Masonic Brotherhood of the Blue Forget-Me-Not, and Member of its
selection committee |
Moderator of MasEd, a computer message system for Masonic education
Staff Member of Shriners-2000, a computer message system for Shriners |
Member, Grand College of Rites, U.S.A. |
|
Other Masonic Activities |
Speaker at many Masonic Lodges and other Masonic
organizations on topics such as the meaning of the Hiram Abif legend, difference
between Royal Arch and Craft Masonry, Masonry during the Civil War, etc. |
Author of many Masonic articles in publications such as the Philalethes,
the Scottish Rite Journal, Heredom (Scottish Rite Research
Society), The Plumbline, D.C. Voice of Freemasonry, the Virginia
Masonic Herald on topics such as U.S. recognition policies toward French
Grand Lodges, how to do Masonic research, Abraham Lincoln and Freemasonry,
Judaism and Freemasonry |
"Webmaster" of hundreds of Masonic webpages with
information on such topics as history of recognition of Prince Hall Masonry, all
Masonic Grand Lodges in the world, all Research Lodges, and others |
|
Personal
Lawyer
Born January 24, 1949, in Brooklyn, New York
Divorced, resides in Arlington, Virginia
|
Published
Masonic Articles by Paul M. Bessel |
Title |
Publication |
Details |
Freemasonry and Judaism |
The Philalethes |
February 1990 (Volume XLIII, Number 1), pages 17-20 |
Freemasonry and Judaism |
The Scottish Rite Journal (publication of the Scottish
Rite, Southern Jurisdiction) |
March 1990 (Volume XCVIII, Number 3), pages 45-49 |
Freemasonry and Judaism |
Transactions of A. Douglas
Smith, Jr., Lodge of Research No. 1949, AF&AM, Virginia |
Volume 2, 1988-1992, pages 43-53 |
Abraham Lincoln and Freemasonry |
The Philalethes |
December 1994 (Volume XLVII, Number 6), pages 134-137 |
What Are the Origins of the Cryptic Degrees? |
The Cryptic Freemason (publication of the General
Grand Council Cryptic Masons International) |
Spring 1996 (Volume XVII, Number 2) pages 12-13 |
What is Freemasonry? Why is it important to our country
and the world? |
The Virginia Masonic Herald (publication of the Grand
Lodge of Virginia) |
July-Sept. 1996 (Volume 89, Number 2), pages 19-21 |
U.S. Recognition of French Grand Lodges in the 1900s |
Heredom (journal of the Scottish Rite Research
Society) |
Volume 5, 1996, pages 221-244 |
Recognition Issues: Who and What is a Mason? |
The Voice of Freemasonry (publication of the Grand
Lodge , F.A.A.M., of the District of Columbia |
Summer 1997 (Volume IX, Number 2), page 8 |
Allen E. Roberts Legacy to Freemasonry |
Bulletin of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Valley of
Washington, Orient of the District of Columbia |
Fall 1997, pages 26-27 |
Basic Books about Freemasonry |
The Voice of Freemasonry (publication of the Grand
Lodge , F.A.A.M., of the District of Columbia |
Fall 1998, Volume 15, Number 3, page ? |
book review - Why Do Some People Hate Freemasonry? A Clear
Description of Who Hates Us and Why - Conspiracy: How the Paranoid Style
Flourishes and Where It Comes From, by Daniel Pipes |
The Voice of Freemasonry (publication of the Grand
Lodge , F.A.A.M., of the District of Columbia |
Spring 1999, Volume 12, Number 1, page ? |
The Doctrine of Exclusive Territorial Jurisdiction |
Transactions of the American Lodge of Research |
volume 28 - 1999 - published November 2000, pages 52-62 |
|
Unpublished or
Miscellaneous (or items needing further research)
Masonic Articles by Paul M. Bessel
(unpublished)
Series of Masonic fact sheets used by a Study Group |
Alexandria-Washington Lodge #22, AF&AM, Virginia |
1995 |
(unpublished)
George Washington and Freemasonry |
|
|
(unpublished)
George Washington and Religion |
|
|
(unpublished)
Freemasonry and Nazis |
|
|
series of articles on How to Do Masonic Research |
The Voice of Freemasonry (publication of the Grand
Lodge , F.A.A.M., of the District of Columbia |
|
How to Do Masonic Research |
Plumbline (newsletter of the Scottish Rite Research
Society) |
|
Gavels |
Plumbline (newsletter of the Scottish Rite Research
Society) |
|
Conducting Business on the First Degree |
|
2000 |
Evaluation of Grand Masters Classes |
|
2000 |
A Freemason Who Changed Our Country: Thurgood Marshall |
to be published in The Phylaxis magazine? |
2000 |
|
Masonic Talks
by Paul M. Bessel
Title |
Place |
Details |
Freemasonry and Judaism |
Mt. Vernon Royal Arch Chapter #14, Virginia |
May 5, 1989 |
Freemasonry and Judaism |
Annandale ? Royal Arch Chapter #77?, Virginia |
Nov. 15(?),1989 |
Freemasonry and Judaism |
A.D. Smith Lodge of Research #1949, AF&AM, Virginia |
March 31, 1990 |
Anti-Masonry and How to Respond to it |
Alexandria-Washington Lodge #22, AF&AM, Virginia |
June 8, 1995 |
Abraham Lincoln and Freemasonry |
A. Douglas Smith, Jr., Lodge of Research #1949, AF&AM,
Virginia |
July 29, 1995 |
Freemasonry and Judaism |
Skidmore Daylight Lodge #237, AF&AM, Virginia |
Sept. 5, 1995 |
Freemasonry and the Civil War |
Andrew Jackson Lodge #120, AF&AM, Virginia |
Sept. 7, 1995 |
What is Freemasonry and Why is it important? |
Seminar in the George Washington Masonic National Memorial by A.D. Smith
Lodge of Research #1949, AF&AM,
Virginia |
Sept. 9, 1995 |
Staged debate on Masonic issues |
A. Douglas Smith, Jr., Lodge of Research #1949, AF&AM,
Virginia |
Sept. 30, 1995 |
Freemasonry and Judaism |
Elmer Timberman Lodge #54, AF&AM, Virginia |
Oct. 2, 1995 |
Basics of Cryptic Masonry
Meaning of the Cryptic Deposit (9/25/95)
Meaning of Royal Master Degree
Meaning of Select Master Degree (10/23/95) |
3 DC Cryptic Councils |
1995 |
Freemasonry and Judaism |
Masters & Wardens Association of Masonic District 54 in Virginia |
Jan. 23, 1996 |
Abraham Lincoln and Freemasonry |
DC Scottish Rite bodies |
Feb. 6, 1996 |
What is Freemasonry and Why is it important? |
12 leadership conferences in different cities throughout Virginia |
Feb. 23-24, Mar. 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 1996 |
Masonic Leadership Center |
Virginia Scottish Rite Leadership Conference in Richmond, VA |
Mar. 30, 1996 |
What is Freemasonry and Why is it important? |
Macon Ware Lodge #?, AF&AM, Virginia (Jim Smith asked me) |
May 28, 1996 |
What Wardens Should Be Doing NOW! |
Sojourner Kilwinning Lodge #1798, FAAM, D.C. |
June 22, 1996 |
Masonic Leadership Center |
Maryland August Scene |
Aug. 10, 1996, in Hagerstown |
Researching U.S. Grand Lodges Recognition of French
Grand Bodies |
Pythagoras Lodge of Research, FAAM, D.C. |
Sept. 30, 1996 |
Benjamin B. Frenchs diary |
DC Scottish Rite bodies |
Oct. 1, 1996 |
How to Start Your Year Right as Master |
MLC (Masonic Leadership Center) seminar at the George Washington
Masonic National Memorial Library |
Nov. 17, 1996 |
Masonic Tour of the U.S. Capitol building |
various groups |
1997 and other times |
Freemasonry and Women |
High Twelve Club of DC, meeting in Silver Spring, MD |
Jan. 8, 1997 |
Combining Cryptic Councils into Royal Arch Chapters |
DC Cryptic Councils |
Apr. 28, 1997 |
Allen Roberts and Freemasonry During the Civil War |
Civil War Lodge of Research #1865, AF&AM, Virginia |
May 1997 |
Freemasonry and the Civil War |
Harmony Lodge #17, FAAM, D.C. |
May 7, 1997 |
Controversy Surrounding the Creation of the Grand Royal
Arch Chapter of DC |
William R. Singleton Chapter #4, Royal Arch Masons, D.C. |
May 15, 1997 |
Doctrine of Exclusive Territorial Jurisdiction |
Lord Fairfax Council #90, AMD (Allied Masonic Degrees) |
May 30, 1997 |
The Meaning of the Hiram Abif legend |
Albert Pike Lodge #33, FAAM, D.C. |
June 4, 1997 |
The Meaning of the Hiram Abif legend |
Joppa Lodge #35, FAAM, D.C. |
July 1, 1997 |
How to Improve Public Speaking Ability, & Masonic Research &
Libraries |
DC Leadership Conference in Front Royal, VA |
Sept. 20, 1997 |
The Meaning of the Hiram Abif legend |
Alexandria-Washington Lodge #22, AF&AM, D.C. |
Oct. 9, 1997 |
George Washington - Freemasonry - the Real Story and its
significance |
Wheaton Lodge #?, Maryland |
Oct. 16, 1997 |
U.S. Presidents and Freemasonry |
Federal Lodge #1, FAAM, D.C. |
Feb. 9, 1998 |
Freemasonry and the Civil War |
East Gate Lodge #34, FAAM, D.C. |
Feb. 16, 1998 |
Using Computers in Grand
Lodges and Other Masonic Groups |
Conference of Grand Masters
of Masons in International |
Feb. 23-24, 1998 |
Freemasonry and the Civil War & Brotherhood |
Federal Lodge #1, FAAM, D.C. |
May 11, 1998 |
Stop Boring Brethren: Suggestions for Interesting Lodge
Programs |
Northeast Conference on Masonic Education & Libraries |
May 30, 1998, Utica NY |
Meaning of the Royal Arch Degrees - from the book,
Revolutionary Brotherhood |
Triangle Royal Arch Chapter #73, Virginia |
June 9, 1998 |
Civil War Issues from a Masonic Perspective - John Brown |
Herndon AMD Council |
June 30, 1998 |
Issues of the Civil War from a Masonic Perspective |
Civil War Lodge of Research #1865, AF&AM, Virginia, with Officers and Members of
Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076 from London |
July 11, 1998, at the George Washington Masonic National
Memorial |
Meaning of Masonic Craft Degrees |
Kemper-Macon Ware Lodge #64, AF&AM, Virginia |
July 28, 1998 |
The Civil War Lodge of Research |
John Blair Lodge #187, AF&AM, Virginia |
Aug. 19, 1998 |
Freemasonry and the Civil War |
Joppa Lodge #35, FAAM, D.C. |
Sept. 1, 1998 |
New Education Program for Candidates in Virginia |
District Deputy Grand Masters Conference |
Sept. 11, 1998, Blackstone, VA |
History of Federal Lodge #1, Hoban, Founders of U.S. |
Federal Lodge #1, FAAM, D.C. |
Sept. 14, 1998 |
How to Become a Better Public Speaker |
D.C. Grand Lodge Leadership Conference in Front Royal, VA |
Sept. 1998 |
Easy Steps to a Successful Masonic Future - Leadership & Education |
3 DC Cryptic Councils |
Oct. 26, 1998 |
Freemasonry and the Civil War |
Osiris-Pentalpha Lodge #23, FAAM, D.C. |
Nov. 18, 1998 |
New Education Program for Candidates in Virginia |
Andrew Jackson Lodge #120, AF&AM, Virginia |
Nov. 19, 1998 |
Statistical Study of Freemasonry in the District of
Columbia |
Harmony Lodge #17, FAAM, D.C. |
Dec. 2, 1998 |
Controversy Surrounding the Creation of the Grand Royal
Arch Chapter of DC |
Washington-Potomac Chapter #8, Royal Arch Masons, D.C. |
Jan. 6, 1999 |
Freemasonry and the Civil War, and Racial Justice |
Potomac Lodge #5, FAAM, D.C. |
Jan. 18, 1999 |
Freemasonry and the Civil War, & St. Johns and
other lodges, & Stansbury |
St. Johns Lodge #11, FAAM, D.C. |
Feb. 5, 1999 |
The Meaning of the Hiram Abif legend |
Benjamin B. French Lodge #15, FAAM, D.C. |
debate - Feb. 17, 1999 |
Masons and the Battle of Gettysburg |
Harmony Lodge #17, FAAM, D.C. |
Mar. 3, 1999 |
Masonic Tour of the Battle of Gettysburg |
Benjamin B. French Lodge #15, FAAM, D.C. |
April 17, 1999 |
Masons and the Battle of Gettysburg |
D.C. Scottish Rite bodies |
June 1, 1999 |
George C. Marshall & Freemasonry |
National-Stansbury-Dawson Lodge #12, FAAM, D.C. |
June 23, 1999 |
Masonry Around the World & Recognition Issues |
Sojourner Kilwinning Lodge #1798, FAAM, D.C. |
June 26, 1999 |
A. Douglas Smith & the Northeast Conference on Masonic
Education & Libraries |
A.D. Smith Lodge of Research #1949, AF&AM, Virginia |
July 31, 1999 |
Difference Between the Craft & Royal Arch Degrees -
from the book, Revolutionary Brotherhood |
Herndon Royal Arch Chapter #?, Virginia |
Aug. 23, 1999 |
Freemasonry and the Civil War |
Albert Pike Lodge #33, FAAM, D.C. |
Sept. 1, 1999 |
Masonic Tour of the Battle of Gettysburg |
Grand Lodge of Arizona |
Oct. 21, 1999 |
What Chanukah is About |
Washington Chapter #3, National Sojourners |
Dec. 4, 1999 |
What Chanukah is About |
High Twelve Club of DC, meeting in Wheaton, MD |
Dec. 8, 1999 |
How to Do Masonic Research |
A. Douglas Smith, Jr., Lodge of Research #1949, AF&AM,
Virginia |
Jan. 29, 2000 |
Freemasonry & the Military |
William R. Singleton-Hope-Lebanon Lodge #7, FAAM, D.C. |
Wardens Night - Feb. 3, 2000 |
Conducting Business on the First Degree |
Pythagoras Lodge of Research, FAAM, D.C. |
Feb. 29, 2000 |
Using Computers in Freemasonry |
Scottish Rite Leadership Conferences, organized and operated by the
Supreme Council, Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction, House of the Temple |
2000 - Mar. 3-4 in Williamsburg VA, Mar. 17-18 in Omaha
NE, Mar. 31-Apr. 1 in Tulsa, Apr. 14-15 in San Diego CA |
Role of Masons in U.S. History |
General George C. Marshall Lodge, U.D. FAAM, D.C. |
Mar. 13, 2000 |
The Antimasonic Party |
Patmos Lodge #?, Maryland, with Prince Hall Masons visiting, invited
by S. Brent Morris |
Apr. 18, 2000 |
Are You Ready for Your Year as Master |
DC Wardens & Deacons Training Seminar |
June 24, 2000, at DC Scottish Rite building |
Masonic Traditions & What Our Specific Goals Should Be for
Freemasonry Today and in the Future |
La France Lodge #93, FAAM, Washington D.C. |
Sept. 8, 2000 |
How to Plan Programs for Your Year as Master |
D.C. Grand Lodge Leadership Conference in Front Royal, Virginia |
Sept. 16, 2000 |
The Masonic Trial of Jack the
Ripper - Was he a Mason? - Were the Murders committed for Masonic
purposes? |
Washington Daylight Lodge
#14, FAAM, Washington D.C. |
Jan. 27, 2001 |
|
|
|
|