The two themes of the July Trestleboard are Degree Work and Ritual.
We have several Brethren who are working hard with their coaches to become proficient in the Catechisms for the Degrees, and our Lodge Officers are busy learning lectures and becoming more proficient in Virginia Masonic ritual. Accordingly, I have scheduled Degree Work for both our first Stated Communication and a Called Communication on Tuesday, July 15. Please note the time of the critically-important Lodge Ritual Schools on your calendar; neither school is on our usual Sunday evening this month.
I urge all Brethren, especially Officers and those interested in assisting with Degree Work, to
join me in attending the Reid James Simmons Ritual School at Fork Union Academy in Fork
Union, Virginia. Registration begins at 11:00am on Sunday, July 27; the training programs
continue through Wednesday, July 30 and include Gold Card Examinations for those officers
who are working towards that distinction. More information including the Registration Form
is available at the Grand Lodge of Virginia website:
http://www.grandlodgeofvirginia.org/education/reid_j_simmons_academy/
Our second Stated Communication on July 24 will feature a program by Wor. Mark A. Tabbert, a local Masonic author of national renown, entitled "Freemasonry and Building American Communities." Wor. Tabbert is Director of Collections at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. I look forward to seeing you in Lodge that night.
Remember that after each Stated Communication this year, the Festive Board is open to non- Masons. If you know of a man who has formed a favorable impression of our ancient institution, please invite him to attend with you so that the Brethren can determine if he would be a good fit for our Lodge. In order to partake, you must reserve space for you and your guests at the Festive Board by e-mailing reservations@aw22.com or by telephoning the Senior Steward Bro. Joshua David Adler at the number contained in this Trestleboard.
The Grand Master is organizing a special Charity Ball on Friday, July 18 in Washington, DC to benefit the Masonic Home of Virginia. Additionally, the Grand Lodge has organized an officer training and general education session on Saturday, July 19 with Wor. W. Kirk MacNulty of our Lodge; Wor. S. Brent Morris, Master of Quatuor Coronati Lodge of Research No. 2076 in London; and Wor. Chris Hodapp; at the Scottish Rite Temple in Alexandria. Please watch your electronic mail for more details on both of these enjoyable events.
On July 4 we celebrate the Independence of the Republic. Let us remember the sacrifice of those who make possible the inestimable gift of liberty. Enjoy the Summer time, Brethren!
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Douglas H. Wood
Worshipful Master
| Day | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Tue 07/08/2008 | 7:00 pm | LODGE RITUAL SCHOOL Practice for Fellowcraft Degree |
| Thu 07/10/2008 | 7:30 pm | STATED COMMUNICATION: Work in the Degrees |
| Mon 07/14/2008 | 7:00 pm | LODGE RITUAL SCHOOL Practice for Master Mason Degree |
| Tue 07/15/2008 | 7:00 pm | CALLED COMMUNICATION: Work in the Degrees |
| Thu 07/24/2008 | 7:30 pm | STATED COMMUNICATION: Program: Wor. Mark A. Tabbert: "Freemasonry and Building American Communities" |
| Sun 07/27/2008 | 4:00 pm | REID JAMES SIMMONS RITUAL SCHOOL: Fork Union Academy; Fork Union, Virginia Registration begins Sunday; instruction continues through Wednesday |
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.