Brethren:

I now see that the Lodge's biggest challenge in 1991 is to keep up with the large influx of Masonic Candidates by completing the degree work in a proper and timely manner. Therefore, I make an appeal to all brethren of the Lodge to come to called communications to help with the degree work. Even if you do not have any confidence in your ability to perform the floor work, I could use you occasionally as Tiler. Your best opportunity to brush up on the ritual is to attend the William Hiram Wood School on May 17-18 at the Arlington Masonic Temple or the Southwest Masonic School to be held this year at Ferrum College in Rocky Mount, Virginia from June 29 to July 3. As I alluded to above, I still need a permanent Tiler. I continue to hope that a brother will come forward and offer his services as a Tiler for the remainder of my year.

First, several reminders:
-> THE SCOTTISH RITE SPRING REUNION - I am pleased to report that we will have nine (9) members of the Lodge in the Charles E. Webber, Sr. Scottish Rite Spring Reunion Class on Saturday, May 4, 1991, to be held in Richmond, Virginia. I extend congratulation to you for your decision to join this class and bid you a warm welcome to the ranks of the Scottish Rite Masons.

-> GRAND LODGE, 1992 - Now that the Grand Lodge Session for 1991 is behind us. it is time to confirm arrangements for 1992. I have reserved ten (10) double rooms (2 beds each) and a Hospitality Suite in the Hyatt Richmond Hotel for 1992. The rooms are located all together in area 3-8 adjoining the Hospitality Suite. I have a confirmation from the hotel on these rooms, but, the hotel management has requested that I provide them with the names of the actual members who will be staying in the rooms. Four (4) of the rooms will be available on Friday February 7 for the members who want to attend the Grand Lodge Ritual Session - With the remaining six (6) rooms plus the suite being picked up on Sunday the 9th. The rate for the rooms is $59.00 per night. I will ask the Lodge to cover the cost of the rooms for the elected and appointed officers of the Lodge and the most recent Past Master for the three nights of Grand Lodge only (9, 10, & 11 Feb). This should require only five of the rooms. The other five rooms will be available on a "first request first confirmed bases" with the understanding that the members using the rooms will pay the cost of the rooms (this includes all rooms used on the 7th & 8th). In order for me to provide the hotel with the names of the personnel who will be in the rooms, I need your commitment now if you plan to attend Grand Lodge and want to use one of the rooms which I have reserved for that purpose. You can let me know by calling (703) 931-4945. drop me a note in the mail to 5191 Seminary Road, Alex. Va, 22311, or see me in Lodge. Remember, "first request first available bases."

-> LADIES NIGHT, OCTOBER 10, 1992 - Brethren, I am also working on finalizing arrangements for my Ladies Night which will take place on October 10, 1992. I have made tentative arrangements with the West End Dinner Theater for this night. While the exact show will not be confirmed until late June 1991, the Dinner Theater is right now trying to book "The King and I." We will also be able to select from four different types of dinners; a meat plate, fish plate, vegetable plate or a low calorie plate. If I sign a firm contract within the next several weeks, for a group of about 150 personnel, the cost of the evening will be $35.00 per person, which covers both the dinner and show. The dinner theater also has a cash bar available for those who want to purchase drinks separately. Before I commit the Lodge to a contract, I would like to get a count of how many members would attend the Ladies Night at $35.00 per person. If you will attend, please call me at 703-931-4945 and leave a message on my voice mail system.

If we would be guided by the light of reason, we must let our minds be bold.
--Louis Brandeis

People who do not understand themselves have a craving for understanding.
--Dr. Wilheim Stekel

THE JONES' POINT EVENT WAS A GREAT SUCCESS! Even with extreme weather conditions, the Lodge performed the historic reenactment ceremony with over 350 guests in attendance. It was the first time in recent history that the Grand Lodge officers of the District, Maryland and Virginia were all present to witness a single occurrence.

The Lodge was first opened at Gadsby's Tavern in Old Town Alexandria and marched into the Ball Room were George Washington attended many events of his time. There, several photographers captured the Lodge on film including a beautiful panoramic color photograph of the entire group. Afterwards, the Lodge assembled at Jones' Point under four large public tents provided by the City of Alexandria to perform the ceremony. There, a documentary crew had set up four professional cameras to film what was to take place.

Wor. Samuel T. Atkinson, Master of Ceremonies, introduced the Lodge and the event started with the firing of a cannon provided by the First Virginia Regiment.

The Lodge then made its ceremonial entrance escorted by the First Virginia Regiment and townspeople dressed in period costumes of the 1790's. After the Lodge was seated, Most Wor. Donald M. Robey recited the exordium followed by a most dignified display of the Virginia cornerstone ceremony presided over by Wor. Earl C. Million. The Mayor of Alexandria, Patricia S. Ticer personally assisted in the event, with Mr. Michael Shackelford from the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping acting as the "builder." At the conclusion of the ceremony another shot was fired from the cannon.

Numerous city and governmental officials were represented and among those invited to speak were Vola Lawson, City Manager of Alexandria, Robert Stanton, Regional Directo , National Park Service, Jeannine Clark Smith, Co-chairman, District of Columbia Bicentennial Commission, etc. Most Wor. W. Franklin Perdue spoke on behalf of the Masonic groups.

At the conclusion of the event at Jones' Point, the Lodge returned to Gadsby's Tavern, closed the Master Masons' Lodge, and attended a reception hosted by the City of Alexandria.

Our Lodge is indeed proud to have represented the Craft on this historic occasion, and from the many telephone calls, letters, and compliments from the various groups involved, everyone was most pleased with the outcome.

+ Thursday, May 2 - Andrew Jackson Lodge #120 Stated meeting in the North Lodge Room at 7:30pm.

+ Friday, May 3 - Mount Vernon Royal Arch Chapter # 14, stated meeting in North Lodge Room at 7:30pm.

+ Saturday, May 4 - Scottish Rite Spring Reunion at the Scottish Rite Temple in Richmond. The class is full and their is not sufficient space for observers to attend this session.

+ Monday, May 6 - Alex-Wash Chapter, Order of DeMolay meeting in the North Lodge Room at 7:30pm. All Master Masons invited. First meeting with Chris Ratcliff sitting as Master Councilor. Come out and support him.

+ Friday, May 10 - Scottish Rite stated meeting, in the Alexandria Scottish Rite Temple at 7:30pm.

+ Sunday, May 12 - Mother's Day. Give your MOM a gift.

+ Monday, May 13 - Monthly meeting of the KENA Temple Shrine, 7:30pm.

+ Wednesday, May 15 - National Sojourners Chapter #364 dinner and meeting at Gadsby's Tavern. Dinner at 6:30pm, meeting at 7:30pm.

+ Thursday, May 16 - Andrew Jackson Lodge #120 Stated meeting in the North Lodge Room at 7:30pm.

+ Friday, May 17 - Old Dominion Commandery #11, Knights T emplar meeting, North Lodge Room at 7:30pm.

+ Saturday, May 18 - Armed Forces Day.

+ Monday, May 20 - Alex-Wash Chapter, Order of DeMolay meeting in the North Lodge Room at 7:30pm. All Master Masons invited. Come out and support the DeMolay.

+ Monday, May 27 - Memorial Day Observed. Falls Church Memorial Day Parade. Units from KENA Temple will participate.

+ Tuesday, May 28 - Royal Arch District School, Arlington Masonic Temple at 7:00pm.

Life is full of untapped sources of pleasure. Education should train us to discover and exploit them.
--Norman Douglas/

In the old days a man who saved money was a miser, nowadays he's a wonder.
--Anonymous