Your Lodge Officers attended the 198th session of The Grand Lodge of Virginia in Richmond, February 9-11, 1976, at which time Alexandria-Washington Lodge received several honors. Our Brother, Worshipful Odie R. Howell Jr. was awarded the John Blair Medal for Masonic Service. He is the second recipient in history that had not served as Grand Master. Our Treasurer, Right Worshipful Godfrey P. Runaldue also received a medal. His was from the Grand Lodge of India in recognition of his years of service as the Grand Master's representative to the Grand Lodge of India. Right Worshipful Glen S. Faxon was appointed Associate Grand Chaplain and Worshipful Brother Donald M. Robey accepted the James Hillman Award on behalf of our Lodge.
Due to the tremendous response of the January Spaghetti Dinner; the Stewards are planning another dinner for the month of March. This dinner will be immediately prior to our stated meeting on March 25th and will commence at 6:00 PM. The Stewards plan to serve ham and there should be plenty for all. Our Entered Apprentices and Fellowcrafts have most graciously accepted my invitation to assist with the preparation and serving of the meal. In addition to their help allowing us to open Lodge promptly at 7:30 PM, it will also allow you to meet these fine Brethren so you can make them feel they are really part of the Lodge and that they truly belong. In the past we have left too many Brethren to, "rot on the brow of the hill".
The Trestleboard for March shows a busy month for our Lodge. One of the enjoyable facets of Masonry is to take part in the degree work, giving unto each new candidate...as was given unto you. Lodge school that will be held on March lst is not only for the Officers. It is for attendance of all the Brethren. I am sure the coaching team would welcome your participation. It only takes a little work to brush up your memory.
Remember the Masonic Home of Virginia in your wills, bequests and gifts. The new care center at the Home will be completed this summer and will be needing funds for furnishings. As Samuel Johnson once said, "He who waits to do a great deal of good at once, will never do anything".
Sincerely and fraternally,
James B. Stone
Worshipful Master
| Day | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Mon 03/01/1976 | 7:00 pm | Lodge School. All brethren urged to attend. |
| Thu 03/11/1976 | 7:30 pm | Stated, Borther Harold Littlejohn, from Deleware, will speak on Masonic Stamps |
| Thu 03/18/1976 | 7:00 pm | Called, EA Degree and Exam. All are invited to take part in the degree |
| Mon 03/22/1976 | 7:00 pm | Called, FC Degree. All Brethren invited to take part in the degree |
| Thu 03/25/1976 | 6:00 pm 7:30 pm |
Dinner served in the dining room. Hat will be passed to help defray expenses Stated, Official visit by Right Worshipful Clarence Arthur Danes, DDGM |
| Mon 03/29/1976 | 7:00 pm | Called, EA Degree and Exam. All are invited to take part in the degree |
| Day | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Sat 03/06/1976 | 8:30 am | Westminster Lodge No. 727 and New Castle Lodge No. 642, New Castle, Pennsylvania |
| Sat 03/13/1976 | 2:00 pm | Brownstone Lodge No. 666, Hershey, Pennsylvania |
| Sat 03/20/1976 | 2:00 pm | Cyrus Lodge No. 148, Pennington, New Jersey |
March 10, 1926 - "Messrs. S.N. Gray and S.N. Lemon were introduced and initiated apprentices in Masonry". (Dr. S.N. Gray was Worshipful Master in 1932, later trustee of the Lodge and today is still a valued member.)
March 11, 1926 - "A communication was read from Bro. R.S. Barrett who was in Japan" (Most Worshipful Robert South Barrett was Master of Alexandria-Washington Lodge in 1933 and Grand Master of Masons in Virginia in 1942).
March 9, 1876 - "The Lodge marched in procession to the home of their late Bro. Robert L. Wood who had been killed in an accident on the B&O Railroad near Woodstock Virginia. The remains were carried to the tomb and buried in due and ancient form".
March 9, 1876 - Worshipful Brother Brockett presented the following communication from Worshipful W.D. Stewart...
"To the Wardens and Brethren of Alexandria-Washington Lodge #22, A.F.&A.M.,
As the period is approaching when you will be called to fill the
chair with which you have three times honored me by selection. I respectfully ask to be relieved from further service in the East in the
advance of the annual election and in taking this step and asking the
acceptance of my resignation at this time express the hope that the
old lodge may continue as in the past and that success may attend each
and every individual member there of.
March 9, 1826 - "Mark Butte a former member of the Lodge was readmitted without being charged the prescribed fees".
W. Dunlap Stewart, P.M., son of John Ainsworth, born November 5th, 1825, was killed during the cyclone on the night of September 29th, 1896, by the gable wall of the house on the east, No. 501 Cameron Street, being blown out and falling on the roof of his home, crushing the entire structure, which was of wood. The subject of this sketch with his sister, Miss Mary Jane, was sitting in the dining room reading the Bible when they were suddenly borne to the floor by the falling timbers, he was killed almost instantly, but she, although severely injured, managed to crawl out from under the debris and inform their neighbors, willing hands were soon at work, although the storm still raged, and the body was extricated and after being prepared for burial, was taken to the Lodge room, from whence, after a most solemn service, it was conveyed to the Presbyterian Cemetery, and committed to the grave with Masonic ceremonies
J.B.S.