I am pleased to announce that on Friday, October 17, Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22 will conduct the Masonic Cornerstone Laying Ceremony for the new American Legacy Center at Collingwood. The officers of the Lodge will be conducting the ceremony. Officers - please be in attendance at the practices for this occasion and study your parts carefully. The laying of public cornerstones is one of the more impressive and enjoyable ceremonies of the Craft, and you will be proud of your work when you participate with us that day.

Many of you may recall a discussion earlier in the year of the possibility of adopting an official Lodge Apron design for the members and officers of our Lodge. Over the last few months, it has become clear to me that there are as many suggested apron designs as there are members of the Lodge, and that is entirely appropriate. In fact, in the early days of our Lodge, members were proud to design their own hand-painted Master Mason's aprons, with symbols of the degrees of particular significance to them. Generally, Master Masons have always taken pride in providing and caring for their own regalia, and I encourage all members to purchase their own aprons and white gloves for use in Lodge.

All of the major Masonic regalia companies including New London and Macoy's have Master Mason's aprons and gloves available in various styles and materials at affordable prices. I particularly commend to your attention the English firm of Toye, Kenning, Spencer (founded 1685), which serves as regalia providers in the U.K. by appointment to their Queen, and still provides the regalia for the Order of the Garter. http://www.toyekenningandspencer.com/

For my Past Master's apron, I have commissioned a hand-painted apron by Bro. Patrick Craddock of Franklin, Tennessee in the traditional style. If you are interested in having Bro. Craddock construct a hand-painted apron for you, visit his website at http://craftsmansapron.blogspot.com/ and e-mail him at: craddock64@aol.com

I enjoy working with you all in Lodge, and frequent attendance makes for greater fellowship. Remember the Beehive and that we meet upon the Level, Brethren. Every Brother can and should assist. The Obligation which you took in the presence of Almighty God and the Lodge extends equally to the Called and Stated Communications of the Lodge, so do join us on every occasion that is within the length of your cabletow.

Sincerely and Fraternally,
Douglas H. Wood
Worshipful Master

Webmaster's Note: The updated version of the bylaws following the balloting process at the Stated Communication of September 11, 2008 are downaloadable as an Adobe Acrobat PDF here.

-James M. Stevenson, PM (2003), Webmaster

STATED COMMUNICATIONS - The Stated Communications of this Lodge shall be held at the George Washington Masonic Memorial (GWMM), 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, June 24th for Saint John the Baptist Day and December 27th for the Installation of Officers.

CALLED COMMUNICATIONS - Usually on Mondays or Tuesdays as announced herein.

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

YOUTH MEETINGS AT GWMNM - Alexandria-Washington Chapter, International Order of DeMolay, meets the first and third Sundays at 2:00 pm in the North Lodge Room. Bethel No. 22, International Order Jobs Daughters, meets the first and third Sundays at 6:00 pm in the North Lodge Room.