We have a special set of Stated Communications this month, starting with a topic near and dear to my heart. Many of you may be aware of an animated series known as "The Simpsons". One of these episodes focuses on a satirical "Secret Society" known as the "Stonecutters", an obvious reference to Freemasonry. Bro. Dean R. Alban, Senior Warden of Stephenson Lodge No. 135 of the Grand Jurisdiction of Maryland and 32° KCCH, Director of Administrative Systems at the Supreme Council 33°, SJ, in Washington D.C., has put together a multimedia presentation on this very topic. He has built this presentation on the initial efforts of Scottish Right Journal Editor Bro. John W. Boettjer, 33°, GC, and taken it to a new level using digital video editing techniques, streamlining the presentation into an interactive discussion asking the question, how are we perceived by the outside "profane" world and why? What can we do to make our public image better? Every brother is asked to bring his sense of humor with him for this evening.

Our second Stated Communication is on another topic very close to me, World War II Living History. Re-enactors from American and Austrian units will present a program on the general uniforms and equipment used by both sides in the European theatre of operations during WWII and, most importantly, discuss the various Masonic encounters that occurred between the two armies. Bro. Robert Harrison will be the primary speaker, along with other members of the two units to answer any questions that the brethren may have on this very important period in our Nation's history. As this is a commemoration of Memorial Day, I invite all military brethren from all branches of the United States Armed Forces to come out that evening in their old uniforms, be they from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the "Cold War", the Gulf War (parts I and II) or peacetime. This is your night.

Rolling back a bit to the beginning of the month, all line officers (from Junior Deacon up to the Master) are required by Grand Lodge Edict (No. 4) to attend an Officers' Training Program at Springfield Lodge No. 217 on Saturday, May 3, at 8:30 am. This program is being planned by the District Education Officer, W.B. Sean O'Neill, to assist the officers in the future planning of their Lodges within our district.

On Friday, May 16, Most Worshipful Frederick Garrison Martin III, Grand Master of Masons in Virginia, will be making his official visit (non-Tiled) to Masonic Districts 1A, 1B and 54 at the Alexandria Valley Scottish Rite Temple on Braddock Road. I have tickets available for this event at a cost of $15 each. Ladies are welcome.

On Saturday, May 17, we will be welcoming brethren from several Lodges located in Toronto, Canada. They will be exemplifying a degree in Scottish Rite Canadian ritual for the brethren of our Lodge and will be touring the Memorial and various locations around Alexandria. Their hope is that our brethren will join them and show them around the area. They wish to build an ongoing relationship with our Lodge starting with this weekend and would like to share fellowship with our brethren and ladies. All are invited to participate and give these brethren from Canada some good Virginia hospitality.

Last but certainly not least, the second of our trilogy of programs by W.B. Kirk MacNulty on the "Meaning of the Fellowcraft Degree" will be presented the following Monday, May 19, in a Called Communication on the Second Degree (no practice the Sunday night before). Many of our Entered Apprentices present for the first program at the beginning of the year have moved up to be Fellowcrafts and some of them have charged on to become Master Masons. Please join us in this special presentation and bring us the same, if not better, turnout than last time. You will not be disappointed!

ANNOUNCEMENT #1: At our first May Stated Communication on May 8, We will be accepting nominations and voting on our Lodge's selection for the Community Builder's Award to be conferred at our second July Stated Communication on July 24.

ANNOUNCEMENT #2: Officers will be switching to White Jackets starting at our second Stated Communication on May 22.

Sincerely and fraternally,



James M. Stevenson
Worshipful Master

• June 28-29 (Sat-Sun) - HAM Field Day

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 the fourth Thursdays of November and December and for the additional Stated Communications for the observance of George Washington's birthday and December 27th for the installation of officers on Saint John the Evangelist Day.

CALLED COMMUNICATIONS - Usually on Mondays as announced herein.

LODGE RITUAL SCHOOL - Will always occur the Sunday before a Monday Called Communication Degree at 7:00 PM, unless otherwise stated. Additional ritual schools will be announced herein when necessary.

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.