As I sat down to compose this message, I heard an announcement on the radio thaat today is the first dav of spring. I know that many of you, like I, look forward to warmer days so that we may get outdoors to enjoy our favorite pastimes. Activities such as golf, fishing, gardening and the like spring to mind, but I hope that with warmer weather and the enticement of other activities, you will be enabled to set aside the time to attend your Blue Lodge. We miss you when you are not with us. As always, the fellowship and food abounds at AW#22. Come join us.

With that thought in mind, I am reminded that some of our Brothers are unable to drive at night and it has been difficult for them to get transportation to the Lodge. If you can help please let me know.

This months activity begins earlier than usual with an April 3rd, 7:00am Knights Templar Easter Sunrise Service at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Please join with us for this inspiring event.

On the 14th we will open our doors to the youth groups. The DeMolay Chapter is going to present a short program which will be followed by an "Old Fashioned Basket Social" conducted by the Jobs Daughters. Join with us and bid on the "Basket" (refreshment) of your choice. This should prove to be an interesting evening.

On Charter Night, the 28th, we will celebrate the Lodge's 200th year under the Grand Lodge of Virginia Charter. We will open Lodge in the Replica Room, for a short program, after which we will adjourn to the Lodge Room to conduct the normal business of the Lodge. We hope you can be with us for this most important occasion.

This is the month when we begin to receive visiting Lodges. There are two scheduled in April, and thus far we have received requests from eight other Lodges to visit AW#22, some of which will put on degree work. Most of these visits will be on Saturday, keep your eye on the Trestleboard for those scheduled. Join with me to see how other Lodges conduct their work.

* NOTE: Beginning in April, the AW#22 Lodge Ritual School will be held on the second and fourth Monday at 7:30pm. The school is conducted by the Lodge Instructor of Work, MW Bro. Donald M. Robey and attendance has increased with each successive session, with as many as thirty-six of the Brethren joining with us. Come on out and brush up on your Masonic work.

Fraternally,
William A. Jones
Worshipful Master

Page 66 from the 1888 Grand Lodge proceedings, - "Resolved - That the Most Worshipful Grand Master be requested to appoint a committee of five, to whom shall be referred the question as to the practicability of establishing a Masonic Orphan Asylum for the care and maintenance of Orphans of deceased Master Masons in good standing in the State of Virginia; said committee to report at as early a date as possible."

April 26th - Maryland the 7th State to ratify the Constitution.

WILLIAM A. BROWN
Lodge Historian