Bro. Enrico Fermi

Referred to as the “architect of the nuclear age,” Enrico Fermi was a nuclear physicist, a Nobel Prizewinner, and a Freemason. Throughout his prolific career, he made substantial contributions to the fields of Quantum Theory, Statistical Mechanics, and Nuclear and Particle Physics. Fermi excelled at both experimental and theoretical work, a distinction accomplished by few physicists. Born in Rome in 1901, Enrico Fermi’s fascination with Physics began at age 14, following the tragic death of his older brother Giulio. From that point on, Enrico’s passion for physics became the focal point of his life. His understanding was so advanced in the subject that his entrance essay for the University of Pisa was deemed equivalent to the work of a doctoral student. There he received his undergraduateanddoctoraldegrees,andhe published his first important scientific work in 1922, his year of graduation. Enrico Fermi became a Freemason joining the Adriano Lemmi Lodge in Rome, under the Gran Loggia d’italia di Piazza del Geso. His intellectual curiosity made him a natural fit for the studies of Freemasonry, andhe rose to the degree of Master Mason in 1923. His climb towards greatness continued aswashe was appointed Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of Rome at the age of 24. In the 1930s, he conducted a series of experiments to study the impacts of bombarding various elements with neutrons. This work led to the successful splitting of Uranium atom, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1938. Fearing for the safety of his Jewish wife, they began searching for an escape from the impending genocide. Soon after, Enrico and Laura emigrated to the United States, fleeing the Fascist Regime's takeover of Italy. Upon the discovery of nuclear fission, he went to the University of Chicago, and later to Los Alamos to serve as a general consultant. Brother Fermi contributed significantly to the Manhattan Project, the creation of the first U.S. atomic bomb. As a leading member of the Manhattan Project, Bro. Fermi worked on the development of nuclear energy and the atomic bomb, although he was a vocal critic of the use of the technology as a military weapon. Brother Fermi was elected Fellow of the Royal Society on

April 27, 1950.In his later years, he did important work in particle physics and was an inspiring teacher at the University of Chicago. In 1954, he died of stomach cancer at the age of 53. He laboured for the betterment of humanity, yet, his research ultimately led to the creation and utilization of the atomic bombs which killed over 200,000 of the citizens of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. Brother Enrico was adamantly opposed to the utilization of the hydrogen bomb, yet, he ultimately argued for the development of knowledge regardless of the consequences of the use of that knowledge.

The Ancient Order of Druids is the first most senior druidic order in the world, and the oldest in continuous existence. It has been revived in London, England, in 1781. It is represented inEngland,Wales,Scotlandand theCommonwealth of Nations. Its motto is Justice, Philanthropy and Brotherly Love. Druidic degrees can be conferred through a masonic organisation. The jewel is a past presiding officer jewel of a Royal Arch chapter of the Ancient Order of Druids. The device inside the interlaced triangles is termed a trilithon which is a structure consisting of two large vertical stones (posts) supporting a third stone set horizontally across the top (ie. a lintel) commonly seen at Stonehenge. It is only this additional sign that really makes is different from our Royal Arch jewels.

Bro. Allen Roberts, Virginia

Bro. Roberts was born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island on October 11, 1917 and made his home in Highland Springs, Virginia since 1946 following his discharge from the Navy. He became a mason in 1948 in Babcock Lodge No. 322, served as Master in 1959 and elected an honorary member in 1986. He was named District Deputy Grand Master in 1974 and served with distinction as Deputy Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Virginia from 1964—70. He served as High Priest of Temple Royal Arch Chapter No. 32 in 1965, and District Deputy Grand High Priest 1966-1967. He was elected Charter Master of Civil War Lodge of Research No. 1865 in 1995. Brother Roberts served as Master of Virginia Research Lodge No. 1777 in 1966-1967 and Lodge Secretary from 1968 to 1969, and again from 1973 to 1996. He was named a Fellow of the Lodge in 1990.

In 1988 M. W. Donald M. Robey presented Bro. Roberts with the coveted George Washington Distinguished Service Medal. He was National President of the Philalethes Society in 1984, and was serving as Executive Secretary at the time of his death. In 1990—91 he served as Sovereign Grand Master of the Grand Council of Allied Masonic Degrees of the America and Grand Chancellor of the Grand College of Rites of the United States in 1978. He was a Past Sovereign Master of George Potts Council No. 73, Allied Degrees and Founder and President of the Virginia Craftsman. In 1987, The Virginia Craftsmen visited 242 to exemplify their MM degree in full confederate uniform.

In 1994 the library and museum of the Grand Lodge of Virginia was renamed and dedicated as the Allen E. Roberts Masonic Library and Museum. On October 3, 1995 he was coronated a 33° Mason by the Northern Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite.

The master was Jim Jackson with Alex Hutton PGM and Bro. Roberts 2nd right front.