I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the trust and confidence you invested in me when electing me Worshipful Master for 2004. I also thank those who helped make our Installation of Officers a huge success. It is an honor and privilege to serve the brethren of this distinguished and historical Lodge.

I ask each of you to support your Lodge by attending as many Stated and Called Communications as possible throughout the year. I encourage participation and attendance to our Lodge Ritual School. The school is open on designated Sundays, or you may contact our Senior Deacon to make special arrangements.

Enclosed with this month's bulletin is a copy of my Master's Plan. We have many exciting programs and events slated throughout the year. Most Stated Communications have programs related to this year's theme of "Symbols of the Craft". A wide variety of speakers, who are sure to deliver exciting and thought provoking programs about the many mysteries of our craft, are scheduled. A list of Committees and additional appointed positions for 2004 are also enclosed. Please assist these brethren and your Lodge Officers, when called upon, to help strengthen and support the work of this Lodge.

I firmly believe that to have active members in our lodges, we have to take the first step and educate them on the history and meaning of our craft. With this in mind, I will dedicate one Called Communication each month for the purpose of instructing our new candidates and new Master Masons on the several aspects of our fraternity. I hope you will make plans to attend these functions and thereby be the better enabled to support Masonry in general and your Lodge in particular.

We will be conferring our first degree of the year on January 5, contingent on a favorable EA return. Rt. Wor. David Silver, the District Deputy Grand Master for district 1A, will make his official visit to our Lodge on January 22. He will speak on the Grand Master's theme, "God and Freemasonry, the foundation of America" and share the Grand Master's vision for the craft in 2004.

On January 26, we will have the first of many instructional lodges. Rt. Wor. Jack P. Riddell will be presenting a program on the history of our Lodge and some of its eminent members. All Master Masons, Fellowcrafts, and Entered Apprentices are welcome, and I encourage you to attend.

We will end our January activities by hosting the District Ritual School on January 27. This is where we will refine our proficiency in the Entered Apprentice degree.

Once again, I thank you for the trust you have invested in the 2004 elected officers and ask for your support on what will be an exciting and busy year for our Lodge.

Sincerely and fraternally,



Frank S. Skwirut
Worshipful Master

• February 14 (Sat) - George Washington Birthday Celebration - Tickets available from Officers at first Stated Communication in January for $30.

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.