As July 4th approaches, we are constantly admonished to remember the patriots of 200 years ago. For a moment, consider that not all of the colonists were patriots: it has been estimated that only 30% of the colonists were dedicated to the ideals of liberty; and that 20% were loyalists. Therefore, a full 50% were indifferent. Today, the vast majority of our population pays lip service to patriotism. while being members of that same 50% which has been with us for the past 200 years.

Our illustrious past master Worshipful Brother George Washington. Benjamin Franklin. Paul Revere. and those other great Masonic and political leaders of the revolution believed that they were fighting for a nation that would live and prosper in the spirit of a universal brotherhood of man under the fatherhood of God. Yet, today, we still find that same small percentage which adheres to those principles. We hear political parties preachtng party unity; we hear ethnic groups preaching for ethnic unity. But who will preach for national unity? As it was the Freemasons of 200 years ago who fought to unify our country, let us, as the Freemasons of today. stand up and speak out for a return to national pride and concern. We are obligated as Freemasons. by tradition. to take an active part in the government of our country. While not all of us will hold a political office. we can all take part in choosing our officials.

As the trowel spreads the cement that unites a building into one common mass or whole. let us use Freemasonry to bring our country to that dream of 200 years ago.

Sincerely and fraternally,
James B. Stone
Worshipful Master

July 14, 1926 - "The Master announced that the Lodge had been called to attend the ceremonies incident to laying the Cornerstone of the George W. Wright tubercular pavillion at Blue Ridge Sanitorium at Charlottsville, Va....." "The Lodge repaired to the train where we were joined by the other members and their families, together with the officers and members of Andrew Jackson Lodge No. 120, John A. Lejuene Lodge No.350 and Henry Knox Field Lodge No.349 with their families and at several stations along the route we took on other Masons and their families. In all their were about 600 in our party by the time it reached Charlottsville."

July 22, 1926 - "The Master announced that on account of the very excessive heat, there would be no degree work tonight."

July 13, 1876 - On the Master announcing the ballot to decide the guilt of a member who had had charges of unmasonic conduct preferred against him, one member present requested to be excused from the ballot because he was undecided as to the guilt or innocence of the accused, but a brother having made objection, he was not excused. The brother then declared that he would not vote and that without meaning any disrespect to Masonry or the Lodge he stated that he would abide by the consequences. After the ballot, another member preferred charges against the brother who had refused to ballot for "refusing to obey the order of the W.M. to ballot". The accused brother pleaded guilty to the fact as contained in the charges and specifications with the proviso that no disrespect was intended. The ballot was circulated and the brother was found guilty and declared subject to a reprimand from the W.M., which was administered in open Lodge by simply calling attention to the action of the Lodge in making the order.

July 13, 1826 - ....."Lodge opened on the First Degree, ............, nothing further happening in this Lodge the Worshipful Master closed it without the usual ceremonies and opened a Fellowcrafts Lodge in due form."

C. Callender, was buried on the 3rd of October, 1797, in the burial ground of Christ Church, Washington Street, Rev. Thomas Davis, Rector, and one of the Chaplains of the Lodge, officiating. Brooke Lodge, No. 47, was in the line of procession.

D.M.R.