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

eTrestleboard and Calendar

March 2002

From The East

Brethren:

Here at Henry:  Within the past three weeks we have been blessed with as much true Masonry as many Lodges experience in a year.  First, a father (Don Ronald Hunter) traveled from California to Fairfax on 1/29 to witness and assist in the raising of his son, Don Loren Hunter.  We finally found out what those Masonic secrets are that people keep talking about:  Don senior had made arrangements with our Secretary, Nick Carter months ago for pick up at the airport, and accommodations with the Master thus keeping out of sight until that very special moment.

Two days later we were pleased to raise Hirad Mehdinejad to the sublime degree of Master Mason and his top line signer, Bro. Eugene J. Kieczkajlo, drove from Pennsylvania to be with him.  Hirad has returned to the Lodge twice and participated in one practice since his raising.  How’s that for hitting the ground running?

On the 6th of February we passed three Fellowcrafts: one by your Master, one by Rt. Wor. Ed Ray, DIW and one by Wor. Bob Williams, PM.  The Senior Deacon’s floor lecture was delivered by your Master to all three and the candidates were received in the east by Wor. Bro. Bob Williams, PM.

Harmony – A great covered dish dinner was enjoyed on the evening of our Feb. Stated while the Barbershop Quartet, INFERNO, brought four-part harmony reminding us of the “strength and support of all institutions.”  Thanks to all who turned out to help enjoy each other’s company.

Honors – Wor. Bro. Nick Carter was honored by Cochran Lodge No. 271, The Plains, in the Third Masonic District on 14 Feb. by being elected as an honorary member.  We are proud of our Secretary/Trustee and extend our heartiest congratulations.  We had enough traveling that night to record a fraternal visit.

Planetarium Visit – Sunday, 17 March. The program “The Cowboy Astronomer” at the Arlington Planetarium starts at 3:00 PM.  Our Masonic youth are invited, as are family and friends.  Will car pool from Lodge at 2:00PM.  Please use the sign up sheet or call the Master NLT 7 March.

Degrees:  In March an E/A degree is scheduled for Tuesday the 5th, a Fellowcraft practice on the 19th for the Sinclair School, and a Master Mason’s practice on the 20th for a M/M degree on the 26th.

In Another Quarry – Our own Brother Terry Bartholomew is High Priest of Annandale Chapter No. 77 Royal Arch Masons.  Note that Bro. Terry will be our guest speaker for this months Stated.

Planning Calendar Note:  The Henry Lodge Picnic has been moved to August 3rd and will be held in conjunction with an open house for the Cobbdale Subdivision of which we are a part.  Further information will be forthcoming about two months in advance.

Light and the Grand Architect: - Last month we spoke of how the Grand Architect plans for propagation of certain seeds.  This month I ask you to review two phenomena: Phototropism, the process of directed growth with respect to light and Heliotropism, the dynamic tracking of light such as by the sunflower, Helianthus Annuus, and the less known Cherokee-bean, Erythrina herbacea which is native to Florida.  The latter is a trifoliate legume or a three-leaf seedpod producer.  It should not be a great leap to see the allegory in the three leaves and our fraternity.  However, we only face the Light and draw immense strength from it because of “our own free will and accord.”  Another difference between nature and man.

Fraternally,

Ralph W. Smith, Jr.

W:.M:.