My Brethren:
We are now in the depths of summer here at Alexandria-Washington Lodge. Last month, we initiated new brethren as well as passed those Entered Apprentices who were ready, and who continue their work in the degrees.
This month, a good number of your brethren and several Past Masters are visiting with our brethren at Constitutional Lodge in Beverley, England. They will return mid-month, and I know we look forward to hearing the stories of their travels. With this trip in mind, our Senior Warden, Dan Clark, will sit in the East at our first Stated Communication of the month. Our speaker will be Don Saboe of Kena Temple who will help us celebrate Shrine Night.
At our second Stated Communication, we will enjoy Right Worshipful John Price Riddell's talk on The Unusual Aspects of the Life of George Washington. This is the talk we were unable to enjoy last winter with the unfortunate snowstorm that forced us to reschedule our Stated Communication.
Another notable contribution is that one of our Entered Apprentices (now a Fellowcraft), Lewis Gorley, was able to clean the tall brass Lodge candleholders and restore them to their original state. Simultaneously, Brother Gordon Thompson was extremely kind in purchasing oil candles for the Lodge which are now being used in the candleholders, as well as a side candle and extended brass lighter, and will help us in presenting a well-kept lodge to our own, and visiting, Brethren.
Have a wonderful July, and we look forward to seeing you in Lodge.
Sincerely and fraternally,
Brent Nial Campbell
Worshipful Master
UPCOMING EVENTS:
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.
| Day | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Sun 7/1/01 | LODGE RITUAL SCHOOL: Cancelled | |
| Mon 7/2/01 | CALLED COMMUNICATION: Cancelled | |
| Sat 7/4/01 | INDEPENDENCE DAY (Federal Holiday) | |
| Sun 7/8/01 | 7:00 pm | LODGE RITUAL SCHOOL: Degree and ritual practice |
| Mon 7/9/01 | CALLED COMMUNICATION: Cancelled | |
| Thu 7/12/01 | 7:30 pm | STATED COMMUNICATION: Shrine Night Brother Don Saboe, Membership Director, Kena Temple |
| Sun 7/15/01 | 7:00 pm | LODGE RITUAL SCHOOL: Degree and ritual practice |
| Mon 7/16/01 | 7:00 pm | CALLED COMMUNICATION: Entered Apprentice Degree |
| Sun 7/22/01 | 7:00 pm | LODGE RITUAL SCHOOL: Degree and ritual practice |
| Mon 7/23/01 | 7:00 pm | CALLED COMMUNICATION: Fellowcraft Degree |
| Tue 7/24/01 | 7:00 pm | DISTRICT 1A RITUAL SCHOOL: Henry Knox Field Lodge Host |
| Thu 7/26/01 | 7:30 pm | STATED COMMUNICATION: Right Worshipful John P. Riddell Unusual Aspects of the Life of George Washington |
| Sun 7/29/01 | 7:00 pm | LODGE RITUAL SCHOOL: Degree and ritual practice |
| Mon 7/30/01 | CALLED COMMUNICATION: Cancelled |
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.
Brother William H. Lambert, elected Master in 1860, served to June 24, 1866, and to this worthy man and zealous Mason, probably more than to any other member, are due the credit and the gratitude of Washington Lodge for preserving intact, through that trying time, not only the inestimable treasures of the Lodge but the Charter itself, that priceless parchment which contains the name of Washington as Master.
The occupation of Alexandria by the Union solders in 1861 at first appeared to be a serious menace to the safety of these valuable possessions. Demands were made on Brother Lambert for admittance to the Temple and, when this privilege was denied, violence was threatened to both his person and the institution. Brother Lambert appealed to the commandant or provost-marshal who, though not a Mason, was what every Mason should be, a gentleman, and he promptly placed a guard at the door and saved the cherished mementoes now to be seen in the sanctum of the present Temple. Indeed some of the more vindictive spirits had already gained admittance to the Lodge and were committing acts of vandalism when the guard arrived. They were quickly subdued, however, and driven from the premises, and afterwards, during the whole four years of fratricidal struggle, not a picture was moved from the walls or a hand raised, except indefence, by the Union troops who occupied the city.
From May, 1861, to May, 1865, the Lodge assembled but upon two occasions, and then only to perform the last tribute of respect over the remains of two of its oldest members.
From Washington The Man And The Mason by Charles H. Callahan, Past Master Lodge No. 22, 1913, pp. 309.