When we are instructed in the meaning of our apron, we are told that no greater honor can be conferred upon us by king, prince, potentate, or any other person except he be a Mason. Being installed a Master is the greatest honor and privilege a Lodge can confer upon one of its members and is one which I accept with deepest humility and appreciation.
During the years which I have been line, I have ob- served what I considered to be the outstanding and positive points of each year, as has each Master before me. Let us go forth in the ensuing year accentuating these positive points. Our Freemasonry is a family. Not only a family of brethren but a family of families. Many of the finest moments in our Lodge are when the brethren and their families gather together on such occasions as our Lodge picnic, ladies night and dinners. Let us strive to become an even closer family during the coming year. Let the coming year be one of even closer fraternal relations.
I urge all of our brethren to be present for our first stated meeting in January when we will have a program of rededication. This will be a time when we will examine ourselves and rededicate ourselves to the principles of our Order.
Special attention should also be given to second stated meeting when we will have a short educational program. Prior to this meeting, starting at 6:00 PM, our Stewards will serve a spaghetti dinner in our dining room. For all brethren who work late this will give them a chance to have a fine dinner and attend Lodge. The Stewards will "pass-the-hat" after the dinner to help defray expenses. All contributions will be most gratefully accepted.
Enclosed with your trestleboard you will find a card which I would like you to give to your wife or a close relative. In many cases of need, the Lodge is notified too late to be of assistance. This card will give instructions for contacting the Lodge in such situations.
May the Officers of your Lodge and I extend our sincere wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year.
Sincerely and fraternally,
James B. Stone
Worshipful Master
| Day | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Thu 01/01/1976 | DARK | HAPPY NEW YEAR |
| Mon 01/05/1976 | 7:00 pm | Lodge School. All brethren invited to attend and learn parts for the EA Degree. |
| Thu 01/08/1976 | 7:30 pm | Stated, Rededication Night |
| Thu 01/15/1976 | 7:00 pm | Called, EA Degrees |
| Thu 01/22/1976 | 6:00 pm 7:30 pm |
Dinner Stated, Educational Program and Birthdays |
| Mon 01/26/1976 | 7:00 pm | Called, EA Degree and Exam |
| Thu 01/29/1976 | 7:00 pm | Called, EA Degrees |
| Day | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Sun 01/04/1976 | 8:00 pm | Church Service, First Christian Church, King Street, Alexandria |
| Sat 01/10/1976 | 7:30 pm | Springfield Lodge, Masters and Wardens Meeting |
| Fri 01/30/1976 | 7:30 pm | Kemper Lodge, District School |
January 28, 1926 - "Communication was read from Kemper
Lodge No.64 regarding the petition to the Grand Lodge for reinstitution of that Lodge into the original district of No. 1."
"The Master requested all Past Masters to retire and upon
their return they introduced Right Worshipful Percy Esom Clift.
District Deputy Grand Master of District No. 1 who was escorted
to the East and saluted with the honors due his station and then
addressed the brethren generally on the activities in this district."
"The petition of Samuel Nelson Gray for initiation was read
and ordered to be laid over the statutory period."
January 19, 1876 - "The Lodge voted to appoint a competent brother of this Lodge to visit the Lodges of the City of Baltimore for the purpose of selling the book known as I'The Lodge of Washington". and that the Treasurer of this Lodge pay to the brother so appointed, the sum of $30.00 to defray his expenses."
January 12, 1826 - "It was moved and adopted that the Secre- tary acknowledge the receipt of a letter from the Secretary of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia and that as many of the members of this Lodge will attend on the 22nd of February next as may be convenient."
Thomas Littleton Martin, son of John and Parmer, was brrn, May 12, 1791, in Northampton County, Va. ; moved to Alexandria in 1812, where for upwards of twenty years he was a hat manufacturer and an extensive dealer in furs. During the war of 1812-14 he performed military service in the Independent Blues, a volunteer company of Alexandria, commanded by Capt. Charles McKnight, and participated in the battle of the White House. The Martins from whom he descended were among the first settlers in that part of Maryland now known as Worcester County, whence they extended to the adjoining counties of Accomac and Northampton, in Virginia.
Mark Butts, was born in the city of London, England, Nov. 24, 1768. He was a ship-master, sailing from the port of Alexandria, and subsequently, for many years a merchant of that city. At the time of his death, August 31, 1843, aged 75 years, he was a vestryman of St. Pauls Church, and Harbor Master of Alexandria Port.
D.M.R.