One Entered Apprentice was initiated and one Master Mason was raised in our lodge last month. As in previous MM degrees, the candidate's father was present. It was a very special evening. Members of our lodge participated in the 1-A / 1-B Child ID program at the Alexandria Waterfront Festival on June 14. I would like to thank everyone who supported this program and the degree conferrals. At our first stated communication, the Acting District Deputy Grand Master for Masonic District 1A Rt. Wor. Samuel Thomas Atkinson will speak on the History of Rituals. At our second stated communication Wor. George Douglas Seghers will speak on the Concept of Symbols.

The lodge picnic will be held on July 20 at Fort Hunt Park - Area A from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the picnic at a cost of $5 per person. It is a wonderful area with a pavilion, softball field, and volleyball court. I look forward to seeing you all there for a family fun afternoon.

As a part of lodge business at the first stated communication in June the enclosed speech was presented by the Master. It was of such importance to all members of the lodge, that it is being presented in its entirety. I elicit your involvement and support in this crucial issue for the lodge. The regular District 1-A Ritual school is on July 28.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Walter L. Margeson
Worshipful Master

Master's address to the lodge June 12, 1997:

Brethren, I come before you this evening to bring the results of the work of the Finance committee, their analysis and their discussions on the lodge's financial posture and position. The committee held open meetings to all lodge brethren. The Master, Wardens, Treasurer, Secretary, a few Past Masters have been the primary attendees. The Treasurer has provided the committee with a detailed breakout of incomes/expenses and status of investments of the lodge for the last few years. A lot of data has been looked at...I am sure not all data but enough to draw some conclusions. There are some conclusions, which the committee thought needed to be addressed immediately, which I will present to you this evening. Most of the data I present will be averages. Attempts have been made to show trends. This has been done to avoid any connect with any Master or any year. Additionally, my goal is to keep it simple and short.

Brethren, as the Apollo 13 astronauts relayed mid way between their flight to the moon "Houston we have a problem" brethren, we too, have a problem in that we are spending more than we are making. Our average total expenses for the last three years has been over $58,000/year. Our income from dues during that period averaged $20,000, from the gift shop averaged $3,500, and income charged at events is estimated at $5,500 totaling $29,000. The shortfall of $29,000 has come from principle and interest at an alarming rate. At the end of 1990 our endowment was $237.8k while in Mar. 1997 it was $223.9k. If the endowment was untouched since 1990 the value might have been in the $400k range.

My thoughts on business finances: 1. Annually, income and expenses should be more in line. 2. Endowment/principle and interest should not be touched except with extreme caution. Financially our posture has deteriorated dramatically.

I would like to propose the following actions:

1. Financial Committee continue to meet and inform members, to increase awareness and make recommendations to solve this problem both long and short term.
2. Events be priced to pay for themselves.
3. Treasurer give a monthly report summarizing the operating budget income/expense.
4. As Master, I have been and will continue to work diligently to curb expenses. The Wardens and future Masters have indicated similar interest and intent.
5. The lodge consider raising the dues to more accurately reflect expenses.

IN MEMORIAM: Bro. Dean Bradley Thomas June 11, 1997 - May he rest in peace

UPCOMING EVENTS: Ladies Night - Alex-Wash #22 - Oct 18

TRANSPORTATION: Contact Chainnan, Bro. Terry L. Gigure (703) 360-6177 whenever you need a ride to Lodge events. He is happy to try to assist you.

BLOOD: Contact Chairman, Bro. Robert C. Tidwell (703) 250-3216 whenever you or someone you encourage gives blood or platelets. Please give so that you can help save lives.

SICK: Contact Chairman, Rt. Wor. Bro. Godfrey P. Runaldue (703) 960-1614 regarding any sick and distressed brethren.

STATED COMMUNICATIONS: Held on the second and fourth Thunday 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: the first Monday of each month will be an EA Called Communication; second Monday will be a FC Called Communication; third Monday will be a MM Called Communication. Unless otherwise noted in the Trestleboard.

LODGE RITUAL SCHOOL: Conducted every Sunday at 7:30 p.m. unless noted in the Trestleboard. All members of Alexandria-Washington Lodge and the Masonic Community are encouraged to attend. (Wor. Bro. High S. Smith, Lodge Instructor of Work)

YOUTH MEETINGS AT GWMNM: Alexandria-Washington Chapter, Order of DeMolay meets the first and third Monday at 7:00 p.m. in the North Lodge Room; Bethel No. 22, I.O.J.D. meets the first and third Sundays at 6:00 p.m. in the North Lodge Room.

CATECHISM INSTRUCTION: Sunday's and Monday's at 7:00 p.m. in the Lodge Room.