My Brethren:

Last month we began to see a marked increase in the number of our brethren returning to Lodge through the "test use" of a Telephone Tree. We hope to continue this trend this month, and on an ongoing basis, with the institution of a Lodge-wide Telephone Tree. It will be used to notify all of our local brethren of Called and Stated Communications, in addition to any special events or Lodge emergencies that may occur.

Each of us will receive a specific list of five brethren that we will have the responsibility of calling each time the tree is activated. This will not overly tax our time, and will allow us the opportunity to speak with brothers on our respective lists more than only when emergencies arise.

Here are some thoughts regarding your initial conversations with brethren who have not been at Lodge in some time:

1. Let them know that we miss them at Lodge and ask how we might assist them as brethren. Our goal is to involve and re-engage brothers who may have drifted away from the Blue Lodge.
2. If they need transportation to Lodge, or general assistance, or if telephone numbers or addresses have changed, please make a note of it and let me or one of the other officers know.
3. Some of our brethren will be surprised to hear from us. Be encouraging and let them know you look forward to seeing them in Lodge.
4. Remind them that your call to them means they need to call the brethren on their lists to continue the Telephone Tree.
5. If they ask that the Master call them directly, please let me know, and I will do so immediately.

As we initiate this new program for our Lodge, I encourage you to come out and enjoy the excellent and informative programs we have scheduled for the month.

In addition, we continue to plan for the Lodge's trip to England this summer. We have been in constant contact with our brethren at Constitutional Lodge in Beverley, England, and are all looking forward to an enjoyable visit.

If you have any questions regarding Lodge operation, or any of our programs, please feel free to contact me. As always, your officers wish you a safe and healthy month, and we look forward to seeing you in Lodge.

Sincerely and fraternally,
Brent Nial Campbell
Worshipful Master

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• April 26 - Alexandria-Washington Lodge Charter night
• June 30 through July 15 - Fraternal visit to Constitutional Lodge, Beverley, England

TRANSPORTATION: Contact Wor. Terry Gigure at (703) 360-6177 or (703) 607-4893, whenever you need a ride to Lodge events. We will try to assist you in your transportation needs.

BLOOD: Contact our Chairman, Brother Keith Throckmorton (703) 670-3147 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, Wor. Bro. Frank R. Dunaway (703) 548-0318 regarding any sick and distressed brethren.

STATED COMMUNICATIONS - held on the second and fourth Thursday of each month except: Thanksgiving; the observance of George Washington's Birthday; and the fourth, Thursday of December, which will be held on Saint John's Day, December 27 for the Installation of Officers.

CALLED COMMUNICATIONS - each Monday of each month unless otherwise noted in the trestleboard.

CATECHISM INSTRUCTION - Conducted each Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. in the Lodge Room when confirmed by the Catechism Coaches. Contact the Junior Deacon for details.

LODGE RITUAL SCHOOL - Conducted each Sunday evening at 7:00 pm Unless otherwise noted in the Trestleboard.

YOUTH MEETINGS AT GWMNM - Alexandria-Washington Chapter, Order of DeMolay meets the first and third Sunday at 2:00 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.

After the expiration of General Washington's second presidential term, the Master of his own Lodge No. 22 invited him to dine with them. This invitation was accompanied by an address congratulating him upon his return to private life, with prayers for his future happiness.

Alexandria, March 28, 1797

MOST RESPECTED BROTHER: Brothers Ramsay and Marsteller wait upon you with a copy of an address which has been prepared by the unanimous desire of the Ancient York Masons of Lodge No. 22. It is their earnest request that you will partake of a dinner with them, and that you will please appoint the time most convenient for you to attend.
   I am, most beloved Brother,
   Your Most Obd't and humble serv't,
   James Gillis, M.

The address presented to General Washington by Brothers Ramsay and Marsteller follows:

MOST RESPECTED BROTHER: The Ancient York Masons of Lodge No. 22 offer you their warmest congratulations on your retirement from your useful labors. Under the Supreme Architect of the Universe, you have been the Master Workman in erecting the Temple of Liberty in the West, on the broad basis of equal rights. In your wise administration of the Government of the United States for the space of eight years, you have kept within the compass of our happy constitution, and acted upon the square with foreign nations, and thereby preserved your country in peace, and promoted the prosperity and happiness of your fellow-citizens. And now that you have returned from the labors of public life, the refresh-ment of domestic tranquility, they ardently pray that you may long enjoy all the happiness which the Terrestrial Lodge can afford, and finally be received to a Celestial Lodge, where love, peace, and harmony forever reign, and cherubim and seraphim shall hail you Brother!
   By the unanimous desire of Lodge No. 22.
   JAMES GILLIS, Master.

To this address, General Washington made the following reply:

BROTHERS OF THE ANCIENT YORK MASONS No. 22: While my heart acknowledges with brotherly love your affectionate congratulations on my retirement from the arduous toils of past years, my gratitude is no less excited by your kind wishes for my future happiness. If it has pleased the Supreme Architect of the Universe to make me a humble instrument to promote the welfare and happiness of my fellow-men, my exertions have been abundantly recompensed by the kind partiality with which they have been received. And the assurances you give me of your belief that I have acted upon the square in my public capacity, will be among my principal enjoyments in this Terrestrial Lodge.
   GO. WASHINGTON.

General Washington attended the meeting and, while the minutes give only a meager account of the ceremonies, both the address of the Lodge, his reply, and the toasts offered at the meeting are of record.

From Washington, the Man and the Mason, by MW Charles H. Callahan, 1913, pp. 294-295.