Founded 1956
Founding
Members formally organized the George Washington Masonic Stamp Club in the fall of 1956. It began as The George Washington Chapter No. 1 of the Masonic Stamp Club of New York. In 1960, the membership approved a new constitution and by-laws recognizing their independence. As a result, GWMSC became a separate entity. Today, GWMSC and the Masonic Stamp Club of New York (MSCNY) still exist separately, and the two clubs share many dual members.
In its third year, a 1959 club history stated: “The spiritual inspiration which man derives from knowledge of Masonry and the material pleasure which he finds in philately open limitless vistas to him. It was with this thought in mind that the founders proceeded to organize a purely social group where Masons can come together to enjoy their favorite hobby and study Masonry through philately.”
Membership and Meeting Locations
In its early years, GWMSC membership consisted mainly of Master Masons from the Greater Washington, DC area — DC, Virginia, and Maryland. Gradually, its influence spread into Pennsylvania and adjoining states. By 2008, total club membership had grown to over 400 Master Masons. Indeed, members came from most Grand Lodge jurisdictions in the United States, plus several jurisdictions in Canada and various other countries.
Throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s, the GWMSC met nine times per year. Meetings took place in various lodges, Masonic buildings, and historical structures — from Fredericksburg, Virginia, to York and Lancaster, PA, Frederick, MD, and Union Bridge, MD. Annual February meetings were always held at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial for the conferral of the Master of Philately.
Herman J. Lichty Memorial Fund
The Herman J. Lichty Memorial Fund honors GWMSC co-founder Herman J. Lichty. Notably, he served as Past President and Secretary Emeritus, and was a long-time cachet maker and distinguished Freemason. In fact, the fund supports worthy Masonic endeavors through annual donations. For decades, Herman printed many of the club’s covers on a small printing press in his basement. He did this after retiring from the Washington Star. In addition, he was one of three GWMSC members who were high-ranking Royal Arch officers. Together, they conferred the Royal Arch degree upon President Gerald Ford in the Oval Office of the White House.