It's hard to believe that the year is almost over. I want to personally thank each and every one of you who contributed time and effort to make this year a success. It was a difficult path; replete with satisfaction and frustration, as I am sure any Master can attest to. That being said, I don't think I would have done it any other way.
I would like to thank my Officers, on whom I relied throughout this year. I wish them luck as they move up the line toward the Oriental Chair. I ask all the members of the Lodge to support them, in the same way that I have been shown your support. They are the future of the Lodge, and I have no doubt that our future is secure.
In addition, a special gratitude goes out to this year's newly Raised Master Masons. Many of you have shown great fervency and zeal this year in playing an active role in the operation of the Lodge. Several of you have also expressed an interest in participating in the officer line and other roles. This is nothing less than a testament to your pursuit of enlightenment within the Craft, and you should be commended for your efforts. May your journey in Freemasonry be a fulfilling one in the years to come!
Finally, I would like to thank several individuals in particular: Bro. Robert M. Harrison, Bro. Richard K. Shrout, Bro. Robert A. Smith, Bro. Keith R. Butler and last but certainly not least, Bro. Joshua H. Wise, who has served diligently and fervently as my Aide d'Camp. Without all your tireless efforts during the course of this year, I don't think I could have gone the distance. To you, my brethren, I owe special thanks.
The final Stated Communication of the year will be held on Thursday, December 11. We will address the usual year-end business, including my departing message, officer and committee reports, 2004 officer elections, Masonic birthdays, memorial service for our departed brethren and the closing of the Lodge of Sorrow.
In commemoration of Saint John the Evangelist's Day, we will be having our traditional open Installation of Officers on Saturday, December 27, at 7:30 pm, in the Auditorium of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Please make plans to attend and greet the new officer line.
Again, thank you all, and I look forward to seeing you again next year On The Level!
NOTICE: At our Stated Communication on November 13, the Senior Warden's proposed change to the By-Laws was unanimously approved by vote of the Lodge with the amendment that the dues increase should not occur until January 1, 2005. I sincerely thank those who participated in this important decision by securing the financial future of this great Lodge! The proposal reads as follows:
Every member of this Lodge except the Treasurer, Secretary, Tiler, one Chaplain, Honorary Members and Life Members in Perpetuity shall be charged by the Secretary with the sum of one hundred thirty-six dollars and no cents ($136.00), plus the Grand Lodge dues and assessment as annual dues.
Sincerely and fraternally,
James M. Stevenson
Worshipful Master
| Day | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Wed 12/03/2003 | 7:00 pm | TRUSTEES MEETING: Lodge Anteroom, GWMNM |
| Thu 12/11/2003 | 7:30 pm | STATED COMMUNICATION: Dinner to follow Master's Departing Message Officer & Committee Reports Elections Masonic Birthdays Memoriam for Departed Brethren Close Lodge of Sorrow |
| Sun 12/14/2003 | 8:30 am 9:30 am |
COMMEMORATE DEATH OF WOR. BRO. GEORGE WASHINGTON: Wreath Laying at Tomb of Wor. Bro. Washington Reception at Collingwood Cancelled due to snow |
| Mon 12/22/2003 | 7:00 pm | INSTALLATION REHEARSAL: Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22 Meeting Hall |
| Fri 12/26/2003 | 7:00 pm | INSTALLATION REHEARSAL: GWMNM Auditorium |
| Sat 12/27/2003 | 7:30 pm | PUBLIC INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS FOR THE YEAR 2004: GWMNM Auditorium |
| THANK YOU! -JMS |
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.
 "Symbols of the Craft" FRANK STANLEY SKWIRUT Senior Warden and the officers and members of ALEXANDRIA-WASHINGTON LODGE No. 22 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons request the honor of your presence at their Installation of Officers for the Masonic year 6004. The public ceremony will be conducted on Saturday, December 27, 2003 At 7:30 p.m. in the Auditorium of The George Washington Masonic National Memorial Alexandria, Virginia. Black-Tie Optional Reception to follow in the Memorial Assembly Hall. |