April 2015 Trestleboard

       I would like to thank all the Brothers who participated in the Fraternal Visits we have made this year so far!!  We were able to support all of RW Allen Wade’s Official Visits throughout the 4^th Masonic District. The next big event will be the Division Education and Leadership Conference at the Highland School, in Warrenton, Virginia, on Saturday, April 11^th. This is a mandatory event for the line officers; however, all Brothers are welcome to attend and learn more of what is happening in our Masonic Fraternity.

     Manasseh Lodge No. 182, of Manassas, Virginia, was indeed fortunate in having the Potomac Lodge No. 5 team bring the George Washington Gavel to our Lodge at our Stated on March 6^th. The team was led by the Junior Warden,B Dave Cornwell and WB Jerry McEntyre and WB Robin Bodie were in accompaniment. RW “Buddy” Wagoner, is members of both Lodges was also in attendance. WB Robin gave the presentation and it was SUPER!!!  The presentation was in open lodge and the Rainbow Girls, DeMolay and other appendant bodies were in attendance too. It is the gavel George Washington used to lay the Corner Stone of the U.S. Capitol, on September 18, 1793.  RWB Barry Constant will also gave a terrific presentation on U.S. Presidents who were Master Masons. We all learned a lot we didn’t know!!!

     To all those with college age children or relatives, the Masonic Scholarships Applications are now available online. Besides Manasseh Lodge’s, Manassas Royal Arch Chapter has one and so does the Scottish Rite. Make sure those applications are fully filled out and turned in on time.

    The Rainbow Girls served a fabulous dinner at our March Stated. In addition they hosted a great St. Patrick’s Day Party and performed a service project for the community. All had a good time!!

    On Saturday, March 14^th, Wimodausis Chapter No. 106, Order of Eastern Star, installed Joanne Stanto as Worthy Matron. Congrats!! The next day on March 15^th, the DeMolay held their Legion of Honor Dinner at the Lodge. W John Stallings III, is the Northern Virginia Region Deputy and delivered a great presentation!!  We look forward to having an active Chapter here at Manasseh very soon.

     Brethren: The British are coming!!!! They will arrive on Thursday evening April 30^th and depart on Saturday, May 9^th. They are making Manassas their home base and will be visiting the Manassas, Gettysburg and Yorktown Battlefield; putting on degrees at the Spurmont, Williamsburg and Manasseh Lodges. They will also visit the House of the Temple, the George Washington Masonic Memorial and Luray Caverns. A busy trip… A full itinerary will be sent out. All are welcome and encouraged to see the British Ritual. They will demonstrate the opening and closing of all thee lodges at our May Stated and perform a Master Masons Degree on May 8^th. Grand Master Reese Edward Carroll, Jr., will be attending events where he is able.

     Brother Francis Moxom Elliott passed to the Celestial Lodge Above on February 24^th, and a Masonic Service was led by WB John Stallings III on Friday, March 13^th. Brother Francis was born March 5, 1951 and raised on May 25, 2000. He and his music will be sorely missed.

     Brother Kevin Nidell had a warm sendoff with chicken tenders, meatballs and a special cake as he prepared to leave for the United States Marine Corps on Sunday, March 22^nd. We know you will do us proud!!

     If anyone knows of a Brother that is "Ill or in Distress", please let me know or contact RW Linwood Lee Holbrook, Jr.

    Those who wish to have flags flown, please see the Lodge Secretary or myself. The cost is $200.00 for three months.