Henry Lodge #57 A.F. & A.M.

eTrestleboard and Calendar

December, 2002

From The East

And A Special Feature:

From the West---Looking East

Here At Henry:  By letter dated 17 October from Most Worshipful  Clifford A. Parker, Grand Master of Masons in Virginia, Henry Lodge has been notified of its qualification for the 2002 James Noah Hillman Award.  The Award will be presented by the District Deputy Grand Master on the occasion of his official visit.  The officers, members and visitors who dispensed  “more light” are to be roundly applauded.  Such an accomplishment can only be attained through the sincere interest and cooperation of all concerned.  Well done Brethren of Henry Lodge.

Henry Lodge Mason of the Year:  At the dinner preceding our  November Stated,  Wor. Bro. Bob Williams announced his selection of Brother Johnny Mayers as Mason of the Year for 2001.  We are deeply indebted to Bro. John for all that he accomplishes in and about our Lodge, much of which is too frequently taken for granted.  Well done thou good and faithful servant.

John Blair Award: Based on his  Service, Leadership and Commitment, Rt. Wor. Edmund Cohen was  selected to receive and was  presented  this prestigious Grand Lodge award  by Most Worshipful Clifford Alan Parker at the annual communication in November.  Congratulations Bro. Ed, recognition well deserved.

Additional Responsibility:   Hardly had the ink dried on the previous paragraph when it was discovered that Rt. Wor. Ed Cohen had been selected as District Deputy Grand High Priest for the 17th Capitular District which includes Loudoun Royal Arch Chapter No. 55 in Herndon, Warren Royal Arch Chapter No. 5 in Warrington, Fauquier Royal Arch Chapter No. 25 in The Plains, and Manassas Royal Arch Chapter No, 81 in Manassas.  I wonder who “they” were talking about when it was suggested that to get a job done, give it to a busy man.

Ladies Night:  What a great time!  Forty two Ladies, their escorts and friends of Henry Lodge braved a drenching rain to enjoy dinner catered by P W’s of Haymarket and an evening of music from the 40’s and 50’s provided by Brother Bob Shurts.  Five of our widows were able to join us while we renewed old friendships and established new ones.

Thanks to Hope Chapter No. 73 – OES:  As Master I can not begin to express my appreciation for the assistance that our Sisters have provided during the year.  Not only have they brightened our fellowship hall while serving a delicious dinner each month but they have been the catalyst in the cement that “unites us into one common band or society of Brothers.”  At the dinner prior to the November Stated meeting, the fellowship hall was transformed to bring to us the nostalgia of the era of the train.  Suzie, adorned in the splendor of the bib overalls and engineer’s hat, sounded the engine’s whistle, called us “all aboard” and directed us to the dinning car.

Farewell:  On November 13th, fourteen members of Henry Lodge joined the family of Worshipful Don DuBois, PM at Arlington Cemetery to witness his interment with full military honors and to conduct  a Masonic Service.  This was followed by a reception with the family and friends at the Ft. Myer Officer’s Club.

Twenty-Five Year Veteran: Congratulations to Wor. Bro. Tom Wickman, PM  on attaining twenty-five years of Masonic Service.  Wor. Bro. Tom, your unflagging interest and participation in Masonry  has set a standard for all to emulate.   We anticipate that Rt. Wor. Bill Sheads, having raised Wor. Bro. Tom will present the award at our Stated Meeting.

The Hourglass:  Many of the Brethren have received anniversary cards noting how many times the hourglass has been turned during their years in Masonry.  Eight thousand seven hundred sixty (8,760) will be the count for me as your Master for a year.  The directions for application of those hours were laid down with the working tools of an Entered Apprentice. I pray that I have not stinted in the dispensation of that owed to the Supreme Architect and my Brothers.  To borrow a quote attributed to Etienne De Grellet:  “I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” All that has been accomplished this year for Henry Lodge and Masonry was because of you.  All that fell short was my doing.

Please accept my sincere thanks and appreciation for the help, guidance and assistance that you have afforded me.  We now enter a season that for thousands of years has been recognized and celebrated by man as a renewal of life, the sun having completed its retreat again gives a hint of Spring and with it hope for the year to follow.  The Grand Architect has provided us the plans that, if we will but pursue them, will yield rewards beyond our greatest expectations. Hidden within are the “Wages of a Master Mason.”

Fraternally,

Ralph W. Smith, Jr.

W:.M:.

FROM THE WEST --- LOOKING EAST

As your incumbent Senior Warden and a candidate for election as Master of your lodge for 2003, Worshipful Ralph has afforded me the opportunity to briefly preview my thoughts for the coming year.

It is with much anticipation and great excitement that I look forward to 2003 and the opportunity to continue the great traditions of Henry Lodge No. 57 during its 134th year. Goals and programs will be designed to bring to life the meaning of the Grand Master’s theme: “Freemasonry --- Pass It On.” Goals will focus on: making Masons; Masonic education --- making good men better men; improving our ritual; increasing the participation of our members; strengthening our officer line; service to our community; supporting our lodge’s Masonic Family; interaction with the lodges both in and outside our district; outreach to our widows, the sick, and distressed; and long range planning for the evolutionary improvement of our lodge. A full program of traditional and special events is planned. Traditional program events will include: Bring A Friend, fishing trips, recognition of Eagle Scouts, summer picnic, Peach Night, Child ID, etc. Some of the special events planned include a Rusty Nail Degree, an official visit by the Grand Master, and a special patriotic program during July.

Learn more about the details regarding the goals and plans for 2003 by attending the January 14th Stated Communication during which we will also officially welcome the DDGM for the 4th Masonic District, RW Wayne W. Grindle, Sr. If you haven’t been to lodge in a while, resolve to get involved and re-discover the fun and fellowship of our great fraternity --- those who attend the January Stated Communication will receive Master’s Wages!

Note that your 2003 officers will be installed during an open ceremony at the lodge on Saturday, December 14th, at 2 p.m.

I join Worshipful Ralph Smith and all of our officers in extending to you and yours our warm wishes for a joyful holiday season and peace in the New Year!

Fraternally,

Harry

Senior Warden