The month of February was memorable, highlighted by the Grand Lodge meeting in Richmond where four members of our lodge were installed as officers with our own Donald Maynard Robey as Most Worshipful Grand Master. The other members of Alexandria-Washington Lodge installed were Rt. Wor. Bro. Odie Robert Howell, Jr., Associate Grand Chaplain, Rt. Wor. Bro. William Adrian Brown, Grand Historian, and Bro. Dean Bradley Thomas, Grand Organist. Indeed, the hearts of those attending were ruled with pride and inspiration after the experience of Grand Lodge.

To the many who have planned and worked to make our Grand Master's Homecoming on February 12 and the Masonic activities of February 21 successful, sincerest appreciation is extended.

On Saturday, March 7, the Lodge will hold its first blood drive of 1987. The Red Cross will set up in the dining room at the GWMNM and receive blood from volunteers during the hours 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Breakfast will be served at no charge to those donating blood. Others may have breakfast for a small fee. Please support this drive. Your donation may save a life.

At our first stated meeting in March, we will receive Rt. Wor. Bro. Marshall D. Williams, District Deputy Grand Master for Masonic District 1A. Let us have a large turn out to welcome and hear from this outstanding Mason.

I have made two additional appointments for this year: Rt. Wor. Bro. R. Howell, Jr., Mentor Committee Chairman and Wor. Bro. James B. Stone, Lodge lnstructor of Work. These brethren and the ones previously listed have important functions in the Lodge. Please give them your support.

Fraternally,

Robert N. Pitner
Worshipful Master

In September 1786 the Independent Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania was formed with only eleven lodges present out of 28 lodges which held warrents from the Provincial Grand Lodge.

As an example; Alexandria Lodge 39 received their letter, February 23, 1787, requesting the return of their warrent for a new charter. The Grand Lodge of Virginia now being in session following the war, Lodge 39 requested membership in the Grand Lodge of Virginia, nameing George Washington as Charter Master. (Letter dated Oct 25, 1787.)

At the next communication of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, (/April, 1788.) The Grand Lodge presided over by Edmund Randolf Grand Master, granted the petition of Alexandria Lodge 39, with only a change of number to 22.

What may have happened to the other 16 lodges should be of great interest to follow through on.