It seems like such a short time ago that you bestowed upon me the great honor of serving as Worshipful Master of this grand historical Lodge. But now, as the sands of time flow so quickly, the hour is rapidly approaching when I must turn the gavel over to my successor.
It has been a year that I will long remember as one of the richest and most rewarding experiences of my life, and I sincerely hope that you have enjoyed this Lodge Year as much as I.
As is the case with any such great undertaking, it could not have been accomplished without the aid of others, and words can not adequately express how grateful I am for the help I have received. I would like to thank those who helped to make it possible; the brothers, officers, friends, family and particularly my wife Jenny and the ladies of the Lodge, for all the support and assistance so freely given through these years as I have sojourned toward the east.
I look forward with great anticipation to whatever lay ahead in the hope that I may continue to serve, and improve myself in Masonry. Again, It has been a pleasure to have served Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22 as its Worshipful Master, and I wish my successor and the Lodge good fortune in the coming year.
On Saturday, December 3rd, there will be a Masonic District 1A & 1B Blood Drive at the Memorial. Please come out and donate a pint of this precious life saving commodity. If you are unable to give, please come out and help us feed and care for those who can.
On the 5th, the DeMolay will begin their annual Christmas Tree sale at the Scottish Rite parking lot on Braddock Road. Call Alton Miller if you can devote some time to assist in this very worthy youth program. Also, please make your Christmas Tree purchases from our DeMolay Chapter.
On Sunday, the 11th, we will celebrate the holiday season by having a "Masonic Families Christmas Party" in the GWMNM dinning room. NOTE: Ladies bring a ladies gift, ($5.00 approximate value) men bring a mans gift, same value. Santa will have gifts for the youngsters.
Please note that an Open Installation of Officers for 1989 will take place on the 27th with family and friends cordially invited. I sincerely hope that we will have a large turnout to support the incoming AW#22 Lodge team.
Fraternally,
William A. Jones
Worshipful Master
200 YEARS AGO - 1788
Saint John's Day, December 27th, 1788 was celebrated with a charity sermon by the Rev. Dr. Griffith, and a dinner and ball at Wise's Tavern. Washington had been invited to participate in the festivities of this occasion, but was unable to attend. Washington was in New York at that time.
December 20th, 1788 - George Washington was re-elected Master of Alexandria Lodge 22.
WILLIAM A. BROWN
Lodge Historian
Dallas Gray Wiley, PM, 12/31/50
Robert Lee Goods, Jr., PM, 12/19/69
Ryon Emmitt Pugh, PM, 12/01/86
| Day | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Sat 12/03/1988 | 8:30 am | MASONIC DISTRICTS 1A & 1B BLOOD DRIVE: George Washington Masonic National Memorial |
| Mon 12/05/1988 | 7:00 pm | CALLED COMMUNICATION - Work in the MM Degree |
| Thu 12/08/1988 | 7:30 pm | STATED COMMUNICATION - Business Meeting, Annual Lodge Reports |
| Sun 12/11/1988 | 2:00 pm 7:00 pm |
LODGE FAMILIES CHRISTMAS PARTY Memorial Dining Room bring a gift - see note on opposite page TRUSTEES MEETING |
| Mon 12/12/1988 | 7:00 pm 7:30 pm |
AW#22 OFFICERS MEETING AW#22 LODGE RITUAL SCHOOL |
| Wed 12/14/1988 | 9:00 am 10:00 am |
WREATH LAYING AT MOUNT VERNON Refreshments at Collingwood |
| Mon 12/19/1988 | 7:00 pm | CALLED COMMUNICATION - Work in the MM Degree |
| Thu 12/22/1988 | 7:30 pm | STATED COMMUNICATION - Election of Officers, Close Lodge of Sorrow |
| Mon 12/26/1988 | 7:00 pm | AW#22 INSTALLATION REHEARSAL, *NOTE*: No Lodge Ritual School |
| Tue 12/27/1988 | 7:30 pm | OPEN INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS FOR 1989: Ceremony to be held in the auditorium of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Family and guests are cordially invited. |