Most of us have been often reminded that, "Time and tide wait for no man." Looking at the calendar for this month, I see that February didn't wait for us -- but it has furnished us with a FULL Trestleboard.

February is, of course the month to celebrate the birth of Illustrious Brother George Washington, which we will do in our traditional Masonic Ceremonies and Banquet on February 19, the Saturday closest to his actual birthday. Our Celebration will include wreath laying by our Lodge and others at Mount Vernon; a reception at Collingwood; reception of Most Wor. Werner Herman Morlock, our Grand Master in our Lodge for his 1994 official visit; a banquet in the dining room of traditional foods from Mount Vernon cookbooks; and entertainment in the auditorium. Of course, your Ladies and guests are invited to attend the banquet and the entertainment. Seating at the banquet will be for ticket holders only, so please get your tickets from any of the Lodge officers. Banquet tickets will be $15.00 per person. Seating at dinner will be limited, so get your tickets early from any Officer of the Lodge.

Then, on February 27, we will take part in the City of Alexandria's wreath laying at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. The Grand Masters of Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia will participate in this commemoration. On this same date, our Lodge and Andrew Jackson Lodge will be hosting a Masonic Family Open House at the GWMNM in keeping with the Grand Master's program to bring our "light out from under the bushel."

But these events are just the tip of the iceberg ... In addition to the events listed above, the Grand Master will make two other official appearances in District 1-A/1-B this month. He will dedicate Mt. Vernon Masonic Temple on Saturday, February 12 and he will make an official visit to John Blair Lodge on Wednesday, February 16. I expect Alexandria-Washington Lodge to be with -- and support -- our Grand Master and our District Deputy Grand Master as they make their official visits in our District and nearby areas.

While on the subject of visitation, you will be pleased to know that we started the year by accompanying our District Deputy on his visit to Henry Knox Field Lodge. We had 11 brethren in attendance. The District Deputy will be making his official visits to Andrew Jackson Lodge on February 17 and to Kemper Lodge on February 25. A-W 22 has scheduled official visits coincide with these dates.

We have one other visit scheduled -- on February 3 -- to William L. Elkins Lodge in Philadelphia. Lodge opens at 7:00 PM, with dinner set for 7:30 PM. We will depart from the GWMNM at 3:30 PM and take as many cars/vans as necessary for the Brethren who are at the Memorial by 3:30 PM. We will return to Alexandria immediately after the Lodge meeting.

Even with all our other activities, we still have candidates in process and petitions in hand. We will have one Called Communication this month, on February I, to confer the FC degree.

At the time of our first stated communication this month, I will be travelling to a meeting of Madisonville-Madeira Lodge in Cincinnati, where I will examine my son on his Master Mason's catechism. Our Senior Warden, Bro. George Seghers will preside in the East. Unless this trip leaves me too contaminated by Ohio ritual, I will be on hand for all the other activities listed in this trestleboard.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Frank R. Dunaway, Jr.
Worshipful Master

+ STATED COMMUNICATIONS - second and fourth Thursday except Thanksgiving; Observance of George Washington's Birthday and Installation on Saint John Day, December 27th.