February was an exciting and dynamic month for our lodge! We held three stated communications, including the reception of the Grand Master during Washington's birthday celebration. Indeed, Brother Washington himself came to the dinner in his honor to share some of his experiences! We also raised two more Master Masons - congratulations to Brother Timothy James Ryan and Brother Peter George Lincoln Cutler.

The Masonic year Marches on with more great events this month. Don't miss an opportunity to see Georgia ritual when Chipley Lodge visits on the 5th. The Grand Master of Masons in Michigan, MW Paul N. Cross, will dedicate a display at the Memorial this month, so we have called a special communication to receive him on Friday, March 8th. No reservations are required, and refreshments will follow. The Area Leadership Conference will be held at the Scottish Rite Temple in Alexandria during Saturday afternoon, March 9th. All officers should attend unless arrangements are made to be at an alternate conference.

Robert Mertz, WM of John Blair Lodge, will speak as District Blood Coordinator at our first stated communication. Every eligible Mason should donate blood regularly. By doing so, you can demonstrate in a practical manner that "every human being has a claim upon your kind offices." While blood donations surge following a crisis, it is the regular donor whose consistent sacrifice saves lives every day. I have scheduled a breakfast and blood drive for Saturday, June 15th, but we must have 50 firm commitments to donate that day in order to justify the effort required to bring equipment and personnel to the Memorial. Make your commitment to Brother Keith Throckmorton, Blood Chairman, by April 15th, and encourage your family and friends to participate.

Matthew Szramoski, PM, will speak as District Instructor of Work at our second stated communication. His topic will be the development of certain words, signs, and modes of recognition so familiar to us today. Come learn about the history of our ancient ritual.

In consultation with the Senior and Junior Wardens, I have asked RW Jack Canard, PDDGM, to chair a committee to plan the visit by Constitutional Lodge from Beverly, England, to our Lodge in 2004. Brother Canard has established e-mail list serve "UK_USA_Visit(at)AW22.com" as a forum for this event.

You will notice elsewhere in this Trestleboard that I have filled two vacant positions this month. Pete Cutler, who has faithfully assisted the Stewards since his initiation, assumes the collar of Junior Steward. Brother Bob Tidwell, who has served as an officer before, has accepted appointment as Transportation Committee Chairman. Every member with a car and a license is a member of Bob's Committee! All members should endeavor to answer the Master's call to the communications of his lodge, if within the length of his cable tow, and no one should miss a function for want of transportation. An example is Chris Nelson, past Tiler, who participates regularly again by sharing a ride with another brother. Don't overlook the bond of brotherhood that you could build by offering or accepting a ride.

I take this opportunity to thank two more brothers who do not hold lodge office, but whose contribution to the degree work is vital. Brother Bob Feldman has done a superb job in the East on several occasions, and Brother Bob Harrison does an exemplary job as King Solomon and as Senior Deacon, often on short notice as for the Grand Master's visit.

Finally, our Archivist, Brother Mark Underwood, PM, needs three copies of our Trestleboard from Nov 2000 and from Oct, Jun, and Apr 1999 to complete bound booklets for those years for the Archives. Contact Mark directly if you are willing to part with your copy of one or more of these bulletins.

Sincerely and fraternally,

Worshipful Master

STATED COMMUNICATIONS - The stated communications of this Lodge shall be held at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial (GWMNM), Alexandria, Virginia on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, except on the fourth Thursday of November and December, on December 27th (the anniversary of Saint John the Evangelist) for installation of officers, at 7:30 pm, and at 4:00 pm on the day observed by governmental regulations or the GWMNM in celebration of George Washington's birthday. When such dates fall on a Sunday, the stated communication shall be held on the Saturday before or the Monday following.

CALLED COMMUNICATIONS - Usually on Mondays as announced herein.

YOUTH MEETINGS AT GWMNM - Alexandria-Washington Chapter, International Order of DeMolay, meets the first and third Sundays at 2 pm in the North Lodge Room. Bethel No. 22, International Order Jobs Daughters, meets the first and third Sundays at 6 pm in the North Lodge Room.

Next to the cornerstone laying and dedication ceremonies, the next most important day in the history of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial was the unveiling of the George Washington statue in Memorial Hall. The statue was officially unveiled before a distinguished audience, February 22, 1950. Our President, Most Worshipful Harry S. Truman, was the most honored of those present, and gave the presentation address. Worshipful Godfrey P. Runaldue, Master of Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22, also attended and spoke. It was an historic occasion.

The celebrated sculptor of the statue was Brother Bryant Baker of Constitutional Lodge No. 294 of Beverly, England. The 17 foot 3 inch tall bronze statue took three years to complete. It weighs 7 and ½ tons. Washington is shown wearing his black velvet dress coat reserved for portrait sittings and state occasions. His face is an exact enlargement of Houdin's bust done in 1783 when the General was 55 years old. The chair, podium, jewel and apron are exact in all details to the originals now on display in the Replica Lodge Room.

As in past years, in honor of George Washington's birthday, a Masonic wreath laying ceremony took place Sunday, February 24, 2002, in front of this magnificent statue. Many honored brothers and guests participated, including MW Robert Starr, District of Columbia; MW Bennie Owens, Maryland; MW Clifford Parker, Virginia; MW Paul Ellis, Past President of the GWMNM Association; Earl Myers, Supreme Tall Cedar; Robert Bateman, Illustrious Potentate, Kena Shrine Temple; Mayor Kerry Donley, City of Alexandria; and Joe Shumard, Chairman, George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee of Alexandria. A representative of AW 22 serves as the chairman of this ceremony.

Complied from The George Washington Masonic National Memorial, by William Adrian Brown, 1980, pp. 74-77, and the article, "Bryant Baker," by RW Jack P. Riddell, GWMNM Newsletter, Fall 2001.

Lucian Guthrie, Lodge Education Officer