September is truly an exciting month for the Lodge. This month we will receive several visiting brethren from the US and England, have our lodge picnic and hear two excellent presentations; one from our Lodge Education Officer and the other from our Wardens.
I'm pleased to report that the Lodge Leadership Conference held on August 8, 2004 was well attended and very productive. We had a healthy exchange of ideas and suggestions from a diverse group of brethren that ranged from veteran members of the lodge to newly raised Master Masons. A follow-up officers meeting was scheduled on August 28 to review the ideas and shape them into action items for the next few years. Although several ideas were expressed, most of the ideas had a common theme of fellowship and education and how we can improve in the two fundamental aspects of our Lodge and Fraternity.
At the first stated communication, to be held on Thursday, September 9, 2004, the Lodge will receive an Official Visit from members of Constitutional Lodge No. 294, Beverley, England, of the United Kingdom. The contact between our two Lodges began in 1876 when a fraternal relationship was set up between our Lodge, Liberty Lodge in Beverly Massachusetts and Constitutional Lodge from England. The first major visitation took place when the three Lodges participated in the 100th commemoration of the death of George Washington held at Mount Vernon on December 14, 1899. The current formal visitation program began in 1972 when Alexandria-Washington Lodge sent a delegation to England; Constitutional Lodge made a visit to us in 1974, 1980, 1986, 1992, 1998 and will visit again on September 9th. In addition to 1972, we have made a visit to England in 1977, 1983, 1989, 1995 and 2001. Our next visit will be in 2007. Additional activities have been schedule to commemorate this special occasion. Please contact Right Worshipful Jack Canard, PDDGM, at canard(at)verizon.net to make your reservations for the activities listed on the Trestleboard.
Our lodge picnic will be held on September 19 at Collingwood and will start at 1:00 PM. As usual, the lodge will cover the cost for members and their families who wish to attend. Reservations should be made no later then September 15, 2004, with our Junior Warden, Bro. Tom Little.
The second Stated Communication in September has been designated "Wardens Night". At this Stated Communication, our Wardens will talk about their plans for the future of our Lodge. This is a topic of utmost importance for our lodge and your support and attendance is highly requested. Brother Tom McMahan and Bro. Tom Little will talk about the results of the Lodge Leadership Conference and how it has influenced their "master plans".
Our lodge will be participating in a district ritual competition on October 2, 2004 and to prepare for this event I have scheduled 2 ritual practices this month. All those participating in the completion are expected to attend these sessions.
We will conclude our monthly activities participating in the District Ritual School, hosted by Andrew Jackson Lodge No. 120, where we will be responsible for various roles in the Fellowcraft degree.
Sincerely and fraternally,
Frank S. Skwirut
Worshipful Master
| Day | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Wed 09/01/2004 | 7:20 pm | VISITING LODGE Harmony Lodge #14 - Washington, D.C. |
| Sat 09/04/2004 | 1:00 pm | VISITING LODGE Williamson Lodge #307 - Womelsdorf, PA |
| Tue 09/07/2004 | 2:00 pm 4:00 pm |
Constitutional Lodge Official Visit Guests Arrive at Dulles International Airport Meet and greet reception at GWMNM |
| Wed 09/08/2004 | 9:00 am 6:00 pm |
Constitutional Lodge Official Visit Departure from GWMNM to Air and Space Museum at Dulles International Airport Diner at The Front Page restaurant in Arlington, VA |
| Thu 09/09/2004 | 5:30 pm | Constitutional Lodge Official Visit Ladies will leave from the GWMNM to the Lazy Susan Dinner Theater |
| Thu 09/09/2004 | 7:30 pm | STATED COMMUNICATION: Official Visit from Constitutional Lodge At this communication we will officially receive our visiting brethren and enjoy a presentation from our Lodge Education Officer on the symbolism of the Lodge officers |
| Fri 09/10/2004 | 6:00 pm | Constitutional Lodge Official Visit Picnic style reception at the Wor. Master's residence, see contact information on the back of this bulletin. This will be the last official event before our guests depart to Massachusetts |
| Sat 09/18/2004 | 10:00 am | LODGE RITUAL SCHOOL Rehearsal for ritual competition |
| Sun 09/19/2004 | 1:00 pm | Lodge Picnic Collingwood Library and Museum 8301 East Boulevard Drive - Alexandria, VA 22308 |
| Mon 09/20/2004 | 7:00 pm | CALLED COMMUNICATION: EA Degree |
| Thu 09/23/2004 | 7:30 pm | STATED COMMUNICATION: Wardens Night Our Wardens will talk about their plans for the future of our Lodge |
| Sun 09/26/2004 | 6:00 pm | LODGE RITUAL SCHOOL Rehearsal for ritual competition |
| Tue 09/28/2004 | 7:00 pm | DISTRICT RITUAL SCHOOL Hosted by Andrew Jackson Lodge No. 120 |
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.