My Brethren:
Thank you for the great honor and privilege you reposed by allowing me to serve as Worshipful Master for the Masonic year, 5996. I am very proud of the many accomplishments that the Lodge has made this year, and I appreciate the help of the officers and members who contributed long hours of hard work and dedication toward the many events that have made this year such a success. The betterment of the Lodge will always remain a constant interest to me.
At our Stated Communication on December 12, I will be speaking on the scheduled topic of The Fourth Pillar Revealed and thus explain the true meaning behind this year's Master Plan of Building the Fourth Pillar. We will also present Illustrious Brother David Kruger with his Fifty Year Masonic Veteran's Emblem at this meeting.
On December 14, we will be at Mount Vernon as we observe the 197th anniversary of the death of Worshipful Brother George Washington. The Lodge will assemble at the gate of the Mount Vernon Estate at 8:15 a.m. Most Worshipful Alan Wayne Adkins, Grand Master of Masons in Virginia, will be in attendance and assisting us in this time honored event. After the wreath laying ceremony, we have a special invitation to view Washington's bedroom at Mount Vernon. (For one day, December 14th, George and Martha Washington's bedroom is transformed into a sickroom through the use of period objects.)
Our last Stated Communication for this year is December 19. At this meeting, we will receive the Lodge Annual Reports, hold Election of Officers, Close the Lodge of Sorrow, and conduct the Memorial Service for our Brethren who this year have passed on to the Celestial Lodge above.
Finally, our Installation of Officers for the ensuing Masonic year will be held on December 27, Saint John the Evangelist Day. It will be an open installation ceremony, and I encourage you to show your support for next year's officers by attending. Fiat Lux!
Sincerely and fraternally,
Mark W. Underwood
Worshipful Master
| Day | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Mon 12/02/1996 | 7:00 pm | CALLED COMMUNICATION: EA |
| Mon 12/09/1996 | 7:00 pm | CALLED COMMUNICATION: FC |
| Thu 12/12/1996 | 7:30 pm | STATED COMMUNICATION: The Fourth Pillar Revealed |
| Sat 12/14/1996 | 8:15 am 8:30 am 9:15 am 9:45 am |
COMMEMORATE DEATH OF WOR. BRO. GEORGE WASHINGTON: Assemble at Entrance to Mount Vernon Estate Wreath Laying at Tomb of Wor. Bro. Washington Visit of Wor. Bro. Washington's Sickroom at Mt. Vernon Reception at Collingwood |
| Mon 12/16/1996 | 7:00 pm | CALLED COMMUNICATION: MM |
| Thu 12/19/1996 | 7:30 pm | STATED COMMUNICATION: Annual Reports. Election of Officers. |
| Sun 12/22/1996 | 12:30 pm | HOLIDAY POTLUCK LUNCHEON: GWMNM Dining Hall |
| Sun 12/22/1996 | LODGE RITUAL SCHOOL: Cancelled | |
| Thu 12/26/1996 | 7:30 pm | INSTALLATION REHEARSAL: GWMNM Auditorium |
| Fri 12/27/1996 | 7:30 pm | PUBLIC INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS FOR THE YEAR 1997: GWMNM Auditorium |
TRANSPORTATION - Contact our Chairman, Brother Terry L. Gigure (703-360-6177) whenever you need a ride to Lodge events. Brother Gigure will be happy to try and assist you in your transportation needs.
BLOOD - Contact our Chairman, Brother Robert C. Tidwell (703-250-3216) whenever you or someone you encourage gives blood or platelets. What better charity than to give the gift that can save lives.
SICK - Contact our Chairman, Rt. Wor. Bro. Godfrey P. Runaldue (703-960-1614) regarding any sick and distressed brethren. We wish the following brethren a speedy recovery: Wor. John R. Ranck, Sr.
STATED COMMUNICATIONS - Held on the second and fourth Thursday of each month except Thanksgiving; the observance of George Washington's birthday; and the Installation of Officers on Saint John's Day, December 27.
CALLED COMMUNICATIONS - first Monday of each month (Work and Instruction on the first degree of Masonry); second Monday of each month (Work and Instruction on the Second Degree of Masonry); third Monday of each month (Work and Instruction on the Third Degree of Masonry). Unless otherwise noted in the Trestleboard.
LODGE RITUAL SCHOOL - Conducted every Sunday at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted in the Trestleboard. All members of Alexandria-Washington Lodge and the Masonic Community are encouraged to attend.
YOUTH MEETINGS AT GWMNM - Alexandria-Washington Chapter, Order of DeMolay meets the first and third Monday at 7 p.m. in the North Lodge Room; Bethel No. 22, I.O.J.D. meets the first and third Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the North Lodge Room.
CATECHISM INSTRUCTION - Tuesday's and Wednesday's at 7 p.m. in the Lodge Room.