Last December I had my first encounter with the notable task of mailing the Lodge Bulletins for January. As I was preparing the envelopes for mailing, I realized how broad our membership is. We have members in several states across the US, Canada, Europe, Central and South America. However, I was struck by the significant amount of members who live in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Falls Church and surrounding areas who have not attended their Lodge for several years. With the exception of those who cannot attend Lodge because of health reasons or because they live too far away, I highly encourage everyone who has not attended Lodge in the past few years, to make an effort to come to lodge and meet the new officers, see old acquaintances and make new friends.
The month of February is traditionally a very busy month for our Lodge and this year is no exception. Preparations are almost complete for the 202nd George Washington Birthday Celebration on February 14. We will receive the Grand Master of Masons in Virginia, Most Worshipful James Milton Scearce, Jr., as well as other Grand Masters and Masonic dignitaries participating in the Grand Masters' Conference to be held in the District of Columbia from February 15 through February 18. Do not miss out on this special event; call any of the line officers or myself to reserve your tickets.
Other activities such as Entered Apprentice and Master Mason degrees, fraternal visits to Skidmore Daylight Lodge No. 237, Henry Knox Filed Lodge No. 349 and John Blair Lodge No. 187 are also scheduled for this month and your participation in these activities is strongly requested.
We will be considering the nominations for recommendation for appointment to the Office of District Deputy Grand Master and an alternate at our Stated Communication on February 12, 2004. We will also hear from our District Blood Coordinator and District Instructor of Work this month.
It is my sad duty to inform you that Brother Genaro Joseph Somavilla passed away to the Celestial Lodge on January 3, 2004. Please keep his wife Janice and family in your prayers.
Right Worshipful John P. "Jack" Riddell, DDGM, is looking for someone to assist him with the Replica Lodge Room. This is a paid position by the George Washington Masonic National Memorial and the candidate should be available at least 2 days a week, including some weekends. If you can assist Right Worshipful Brother Riddell, please contact him at 703-256-2622.
Our secretary has informed me that all 2004 dues notice have been mailed as of January 21,2004. If you have not received your dues notice, please e-mail our secretary at fquick486@cs.com and copy me on your message. My e-mail is fskwirut@hotmail.com
Finally brethren, I again ask you to support your Lodge by attending as many of the events of the lodge as possible. I specially encourage your attendance at the George Washington Birthday Celebration, I have tried to keep the cost of the dinner to $30.00 per person, but we must sale at least 150 tickets in order to cover the expense of this event. This is particularly important considering our current financial situation.
Sincerely and fraternally,
Frank S. Skwirut
Worshipful Master
| Day | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Tue 02/03/2004 | 11:00 am | FRATERNAL VISIT TO: Skidmore Daylight Lodge No. 237 Alexandria Scottish Rite Temple |
| Thu 02/05/2004 | 7:00 pm | SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING: Lodge Anteroom, GWMNM |
| Tue 02/10/2004 | 7:30 pm | FRATERNAL VISIT TO: Henry Knox Filed Lodge No. 349 Alexandria Scottish Rite Temple |
| Thu 02/12/2004 | 7:30 pm | STATED COMMUNICATION: District Blood Coordinator Nomination of DDGM for 2005 |
| Sat 02/14/2004 | 8:45 am 9:30 am 4:00 pm 5:45 pm |
WREATH LAYING CEREMONY: Mount Vernon RECEPTION: Collingwood STATED COMMUNICATION: Official Visit of the Grand Master DINNER: GWMNM Assembly Hall |
| Sun 02/15/2004 through Wed 02/18/2004 |
GRAND MASTERS' CONFERENCE | |
| Mon 02/16/2004 | 7:00 pm | CALLED COMMUNICATION: Entered Apprentice Degree |
| Wed 02/18/2004 | 7:30 pm | FRATERNAL VISIT TO: John Blair Lodge No. 187 Alexandria Scottish Rite Temple |
| Tue 02/24/2004 | 7:00 pm | CALLED COMMUNICATION: Master Mason Degree |
| Thu 02/26/2004 | 7:30 pm | STATED COMMUNICATION: District Instructor of Work |
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.