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

eTrestleboard and Calendar

April, 2003

WM Writes Letter to His Successor in 2076!

Responding to an opportunity provided by the Cryptic Masons of the District of Columbia to place a letter in their time capsule for the Tri-centennial (2076) Master of Henry Lodge, Wor. Harry penned a letter addressing current events that are shaping our Nation’s destiny, reflecting on current issues facing our Fraternity, and summarizing the state of our Lodge in 2003. In concluding the letter he wrote: “ It is my sincere hope that in some small way you will find this letter helpful in giving you a perspective of our Lodge and the world around it 73 years ago. More importantly, it is my fervent hope and prayer that the year 2076 will find a world at peace; our Nation strong and free; man’s reach for the planets and stars through space travel successful; more diseases that have been conquered; stronger families units built on faith in God; the return of prayer to our schools; a strong, growing and vibrant Masonic Fraternity; and an active group of Masons in Fairfax, VA, still laboring in the quarries to “Make Good Men …Better Men” in a bright new Temple known as Henry Lodge No. 57. I wish you every success in your year and am pleased to report that your Brothers back here in 2003 have done and will continue until our last breath to do our very best to “Pass Our Freemasonry On” for a better world.” Wor. Harry has also placed 2003 HL57 lapel pins for the our 2076 Master and his officers in our lodge safety deposit box.

Brother john C. Mayers, Jr. Recognized for Valor

On an early morning in August 2002, a 911 call for assistance was placed for an adult male who was having a possible seizure. Fair Oaks Engine 421 and Medic 421 were subsequently dispatched. Engine and Medic 421 arrived on the scene to find a distraught female who confirmed that the patient had ingested a significant quantity of medicine accompanied by alcohol. She stated that the patient had locked her out of the home and had made threats toward her. While waiting for police assistance, they were then startled by loud noises originating from the third floor window where the man appeared, mumbling incoherently and removing the window screen. A request was made for the patient to come down and open the front door, but instead, the man proceeded to dive-head first from the third floor window to the ground, a distance of more than 20 feet. Master Technician John Mayers Jr. placed his body in position to shield the woman standing below this window, preventing the man from landing directly on her. Technician Mayers suffered a glancing blow as he deflected the falling man. For this act of valor in the line of duty, Brother John was awarded the Bronze Medal of Valor in ceremonies conducted by the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Supervisors on February 18, 2003. Congratulations Brother John!

2002 Past Master - Wor. Ralph Wilbur Smith, Jr. Recognized

Following a delicious pork and chicken bar-b-cue dinner in his honor , our 2002 Past Master, Wor. Ralph, was recognized for his outstanding work and valuable contributions to the Lodge during his year. Seven Past Masters stood with Wor. Ralph as his Past Master's Jewel was pinned on him by his Lady Dottie. Wor. Ralph took this opportunity to announce the dedication of the new kitchen exhaust hood to the memory of Bro. Bob Kluefer and his “HL57 2002 MASON OF THE YEAR,” Bro. Steven Sylvester. Congratulations Bro. Steve!

Henry Lodge Long Range Plan

On 26 March under the leadership of RW Ed Cohen, over 26 Brethren set in place the organizational framework to develop a comprehensive long range plan for Henry Lodge. Eight subcommittees were formed including: Capitol Improvements, Temple Maintenance, Masonic Education, Membership, Officer Development, Charitable Service, Community Outreach, Masonic Family and Lodge Operations. Each subcommittee will meet at least 3 times and submit their recommendations / proposed road map by 15 August. All meetings will be open and any member of Henry Lodge may attend any meeting —– a schedule of subcommittee meetings will be posted on the Henry Lodge bulletin board and web site. A final report will be presented to the WM and thereafter, at his pleasure to the Lodge.

Around The Quarry

„Catechism Work Saves Lodge!

On Saturday, February 22^nd, Wor. Bob Williams was meeting with one of our EAs, Bro. Rob Hollingsworth, for catechism work when they noticed water rising in the kitchen. Their work very quickly moved from brain to brawn as they began bailing to stem the rise of the water. Upon signaling an SOS, Brothers Carter, Sheads, Smith and Sanders quickly arrived to assist with the bailing for several hours. It appears that heavy rains on top of melting snow caused a swell in groundwater around foundation leading to seepage in the kitchen. Thanks to these Brothers for preventing water damage to our social hall!

„Henry Brethren Review Lodge Customs, Courtesies & Laws At First “Lite Nite” Program

Over 15 brethren participated in the first of four “Lite Nite” programs to be conducted this year. Lite Night programs are designed to further Masonic education in an informal “come as you are” setting. The March program exemplified many do’s and don’ts related to lodge customs, courtesies and laws. Future programs will feature various Masonic videos —– watch the Trestle Board for future Lite Night programs and join us for fun and fellowship. Come as you are —– we’ll supply the popcorn!

„Brother Don Lee Wins George Washington Replica Penknife Congratulations to Bro. Don Lee for being the first to correctly decipher the inscription on our altar, explain the cipher used, and encode the words “Henry Lodge”. Wor. Harry presented Bro. Don the George Washington Replica Penknife at our March stated meeting. Bro. Don has agreed to present a program regarding the inscription on our altar at a future meeting.

„Grand Master Traveling Trowel Mark your calendars and join your Henry Officers as we visit: (1) Acacia Lodge No. 16 on Thursday, 7 August, when the Grand Master’s Traveling Trowel will be received in District 4 and (2) Barboursville No. 112 on Saturday, 9 August, when District 4 will present the Traveling Trowel to District 7.

	Over 38 Brothers, their Ladies and friends enjoyed a delicious catered meal at the Valentine Dinner with entertainment by 66 WEST.

Wor. Harry presents Illustrious Brother Bill Hendricks, the 2003 Kena Shrine Potentate, a Henry Lodge coffee mug and lapel pin following his official reception at Henry Lodge.

Over 14 Henry Lodge Officers and Brethren participated in the Area Leadership Conference on March 15th.		Henry Lodge qualified for the Grand Master’s 225th Grand Lodge Anniversary Medallion and all who participated received the Medallion at left.