This year holds special opportunities for renewing ties of Friendship and Brotherly Love. In April we will travel to Lancaster, Pa. on our annual visit to William L. Elkins Lodge No. 646. In May we will visit Liberty Lodge, A.F. & A.M. Beverly, Mass. and in October we will be most pleased to welcome the Brethren and their Ladies from Constitutional Lodge No. 294, Beverly, England, our Sister Lodge. From your many expressions of enthusiasm and support I know that you will wish to assist in making these visitations even more memorable than those occasions in the past when we have enjoyed fellowship with these. our friends and brethren. Please examine the schedules for the visits to Elkins and Liberty Lodge included with the April Trestleboard. An early notification of your intent to attend will greatly assist in planning for these events. Details of the October visit of Constitutional Lodge will be furnished at a later date.

Please note that the first stated in April has been designated Youth Night. The Chairman of the Advisory Council, Wor. Bro. Alton Miller and his team of Chapter Dads have plannned an evening I know you will enjoy, and your presence will demonstrate your support to these young people who represent the future of Free Masonry. On the second stated Lodge will open in the Replica Room as we observe Charter Night. Your lodge continues to be fortunate in the number of candidates seeking light in masonry and we have scheduled the 7th and the 21st for degree work. Attendance at these called meetings continues to be a problem. It has been difficult to find enough members to confer the degrees and on several occasions the ladge room has been empty of all except those members participating in the degree work. You are needed for this important work. If you can possibly assist contact the Senior Deacon. Fred Andersen. 941-6148 or myself.

The election for Junior Deacon was held at the first stated in March, and I am pleased to congratulate Bro. David Keckler on the unanimous decision of the members. I also congratulate those selected for the following offices, Victor Raimond Peren, Senior Steward; Victor Raymond Peren, Junior Steward; and Harrold M Musson, Asst. Marshal.

Brethren, I have reason to be both pleased and proud of the concern and attention the members of Alexandria-Washington Lodge extend to the sick and distressed. Truly, "every human being has a claim upon your kind offices". There remain however, many lonely hours for those of our members who are confined because of illness or age. For information on how you may assist please contact me. During a recent visit to R.W. Bro. Odie Howell in the hospital, he reminded me of his faith in the power of prayer and asked that he be included as we remember the sick and distressed. I know that you will all wish to include Odie in your prayers.

Fraternally,

Wayne L. Gilbert
Worshipful Master