Described herein is a program from the Fort Washington Royal Arch Chapter No. 23, dated A.D. 1957 (A.L. 5957). The program consists of a bi-fold paper, printed with red ink on a cream or off-white stock. The paper exhibits discoloration and creasing, indicative of age and handling.
The cover design incorporates ornate frames, ribbons, stylized foliage, and geometric patterns typical of mid-century design aesthetics. A central six-pointed star, featuring the letter G, serves as a focal point. The cover identifies the chapter as Fort Washington Royal Arch Chapter No. 23 and notes the regular meeting time as the third Friday evening of each month.
The interior left panel presents a list of Appointed Officers for A.D. 1957. The listed officers are C. Patrick Kerns, Samuel C. Lentner, Charles E. Seibert, Eduard F. Thiel, Maurice H. Van Horn, Warren A. Chubb, Walter J. A. Elliott, Chester I. Shindle, Walter Scott, William Knerr, Joseph A. Kerns, Paul R. Merriman, Albert C. Groetz, Bernard A. Gibbons, Earl A. L. Clegg, Matthew K. Vogel, Robert E. Ross, Earl C. Smith, Russell C. Thaete, Robert L. Felte, George W. Deiss, Walter C. German, Wells W. Maltz, William C. Lander, and Charles J. Smiley. Also noted are the Past High Priests Herbert B. Murray and Henry W. Kriebel, in addition to a partial committee roster for the Masonic year spanning September 1957 to A.D. 1958.
The right panel provides details regarding the Stated Meeting held on August 23rd, 1957, and previews the meeting scheduled for September 3rd. Information pertaining to planned dinners and degree work for the Mark Master Mason Degree is included. Memorial notices are present for Companion Belmar B. Halp and Companion Raymond W. Fiedler, the latter having died on March 8, 1957. Announcements concerning meetings of the Grand Councils and a gathering at the Masonic Temple are listed, including the location, date, and time of the next regular meeting.
The back cover presents a directory of Elective Officers for the year, including Herbert S. Murphy, Allan S. M. Lorimer, Norman R. Hoffman, Kenneth M. Sherin, John M. Mitchell, William L. Thomas, Walter Scott Reif, Jr., and John E. Raiser, with their corresponding addresses and telephone numbers. Sections titled "Communications" and "Vacations" delineate administrative procedures, alongside key dates from the district calendar and a schedule of visits to affiliated lodges. C. J. Paul Hoffman is identified as the Meeting Secretary. The program consistently utilizes both A.D. 1957 and A.L. 5957 to denote dates.