We enjoyed another busy month in March, including a unique opportunity to receive the Grand Master of Masons in Michigan, Most Worshipful Paul N. Cross, who visited the Memorial to dedicate a display from his state. His visit came just two weeks after we received our own Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master of Masons in Virginia.
Our newest Master Mason, brother James Paul Nobles,was raised barely two months after being initiated! An active DeMolay accustomed to excellent ritual, he mastered the catechisms in short order. Jamie is the son of our new Tiler, brother George Paul Nobles, whom he has already begun to assist with those duties. We have now raised five Master Masons this year, with more to come! It has been our tradition to initiate, pass, and raise brothers at called communications, allowing us to schedule guest speakers for stated communications, accompanied by dinner or refreshments, without extending the evening with a degree as well. At the same time, however, it means that you must make an extra effort to witness a degree. I ask you to make that effort. The presence of many men will impress our new brothers as much as the proficiency of our ritual. In addition, we often steal away afterward for libations at a nearby watering hole, offering an opportunity to forge friendships, so join us when your schedule permits!
With three months of this year complete, I commend my officers for an outstanding job. Despite lives with demanding schedules, they have tirelessly labored in the quarry of Freemasonry to offer you an interesting schedule. All line officers attended one of several Area Leadership Conferences held last month to maximize their performance and prepare them for the next office. Our Senior Deacon, brother Tom McMahan, even drove to Richmond because he missed the one held locally! Tom has done a superb job organizing ritual teams for the many degrees we have performed thus far. I also thank our Senior Warden, brother Jorge Fernandez, who presided on short notice at our second stated communication in March. He knows that he may be called upon again as I respond to my military duties as necessary. Jorge is an indispensable right-hand man.
On Sunday, April 7th, at 1:00 PM I will host a Dutch-treat brunch for officers and their families at the Arlington branch of Army Navy Country Club. Past Masters, committeemen, and brothers desirous of becoming an officer are also welcome. You will not be disappointed with the broad selection of treats, and the time permits you to attend church. Please call or e-mail a message if you plan to attend.
At our first stated communication in April we will hear a presentation from our Lodge Education Officer, brother Lucian Guthrie, who is responsible for the "anecdotes" presented in the Trestle Board each month. While the timeless ritual embodies our Masonic ideals, we can also benefit from intellectual stimulation sparked by fresh interpretations of those precepts as they apply to our daily lives. Worshipful George Seghers will report on his visit as our representative to Liberty Lodge in Massachusetts in February. Also, we will vote on the nomination of Worshipful Matthew Szramoski to be DDGM for 2003.
Our second stated communication in April will be very special. It is our annual gathering in the Replica Room, where RW John Price "Jack" Riddell, PDDGM, will regale us with the history of that storied hall. The original 1788 charter of Alexandria Lodge will make a rare appearance at this meeting! A catered dinner for which we are asking $10 per person will be held before the meeting, so call or e-mail the Senior Steward with your reservation. Dessert and refreshments will be served afterward.
Sincerely and fraternally,
Worshipful Master
SPECIAL EVENTS IN THE FUTURE:
| Day | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Tue 4/2/2002 | 7:00 pm | TRUSTEES MEETING |
| Sun 4/7/2002 | 12:00 pm | OFFICERS' BRUNCH: Army Navy Country Club |
| Tue 4/9/2002 | 7:30 pm | FRATERNAL VISIT TO HENRY KNOX FIELD LODGE |
| Thu 4/11/2002 | 7:30 pm | STATED COMMUNICATION: Dinner to follow Lucian Guthrie, Lodge Education Officer Action on the nomination for District Deputy Grand Master |
| Sun 4/14/2002 | 7:00 pm | LODGE RITUAL SCHOOL: Entered Apprentice Degree |
| Mon 4/15/2002 | 7:00 pm | CALLED COMMUNICATION: Entered Apprentice Degree |
| Tue 4/16/2002 | 7:00 pm | ARCHIVES COMMITTEE MEETING |
| Tue 4/23/2002 | 7:00 pm | WILLIAM HIRAM WOOD AREA RITUAL SCHOOL: GWMNM, North Entered Apprentice Degree - District 1A |
| Wed 4/24/2002 | 7:00 pm | WILLIAM HIRAM WOOD AREA RITUAL SCHOOL: GWMNM, North Fellowcraft Degree |
| Thu 4/25/2002 | 7:30 pm | STATED COMMUNICATION: Dinner precedes the meeting Charter Night in the Replica Room RW John Price Riddell, PDDGM, Guest Speaker |
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.
The Replica Room is a replica of the Alexandria-Washington Lodge Room, which was located in "Old Town Alexandria." It contains the original furniture used during the period (1788-1789) when George Washington served as Master of the Lodge. In addition, it contains other relics associated with the memory of George Washington. One of these is the William's portrait, considered by many to be the only portrait of the General which depicts him as he actually looked. Washington is said to have admonished the artist to "Paint me as I am." The artist fully complied. There is no flattery in this painting. Also in the Replica Room is George Washington's old leather library chair, which he personally donated to the Lodge. The presiding Masters of the Lodge used it for 118 years (see additional detail concerning the chair in an accompanying article in the centerfold of this bulletin). Another special relic is Washington's bedchamber clock. The clock was stopped at 10:20 PM December 14, 1799, the exact moment of his death. Two other relics of much historical significance are Washington's Masonic apron and a silver trowel, both used by Washington at the cornerstone ceremony of our United States Capitol building in 1793.
Complied from the article "Replica Lodge Room, A Centerpiece of the Memorial," by Brother John P. Riddell, contained on the George Washington Masonic National Memorial web page (www.gwmemorial.org).
Lucian Guthrie, Lodge Education Officer
The George Washington Chair on display in the Replica Lodge Room was presented to the Alexandria Masonic Lodge by George Washington in 1788, the first year that he served as Master of the Lodge. The presiding Masters subsequently used it for 118 years. In the course of its long service, many distinguished visitors have occupied it, among them General Lafayette and President Taft. Around 1900, the Lodge discontinued use of this cherished relic. In order to protect and preserve it, the old chair was placed under a glass cover, which is now Plexiglass, where it is prominently and safely displayed.
Shortly after prohibiting use of the original chair, the Lodge arranged for construction of three identical reproductions. The Masters and Wardens used these chairs regularly until the Lodge relocated to its present site in the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. A visitor once asked the Custodian if these chairs actually are identical to the original chair. The Curator confidently assured her that they are: "Like the original, the frames are of mahogany inlaid with white holly; they are covered with black leather secured with brass tacks." Our visitor reached over to feel the arms of the Junior Warden's chair and said "sir, this is not leather!" This was a little embarrassing, but she was right. Consequently, we modified our description of the three reproductions, substituting the word "leather" in favor of "man-made fabric!"
For many years, the old chair saw service during the annual installation of Lodge officers. This required the chair to be carried from the Replica Room through Memorial Hall into the Auditorium, and placed on the stage. Since this subjected the chair to considerable risk of damage, the Lodge determined that it no longer be used during installation ceremonies. Like all other institutions, however, the Lodge is influenced by politics, so the Grand Master of Masons in Virginia is invited each year to have his picture taken while sitting in George Washington's chair!