January 2016 Trestleboard

    We begin a new Masonic year with installation of officers in each of the Lodges. I congratulate the officers of Manasseh Lodge #182 in the election and appointment to their respective stations and places. I have full confidence in their abilities to continue the proud traditions and customs of Manasseh Lodge #182 as we continue to spread Masonic light. It is our intention to keep alive the vision and mission entrusted to us by our predecessors and mentors.

    Installation of officers was a special occasion for me and the officers of Manasseh Lodge #182. We were blessed to come together and celebrate this time honored tradition of starting a new Masonic year with family and friends. Special thanks go to the Rainbow Girls Assembly #13 for presenting our symbol of freedom, our National Flag, at the Altar and posting of the Colors. Gigi Costis, Vanessa Hamrich, Sydney Braden, and Zoey Wertman represented their Assembly with great honors. Master Counselor Trevor Brady did an outstanding performance of opening the installation with a prayer and supported the installation with Brother Alex Hite, both of Prince William/Occoquan DeMolay Chapter as well. I would like to thank the ladies of Wimodausis Chapter #106 and Destiny Court #14 for helping my lovely wife, Tammy, with decorating and in preparation of the refreshments for installation. Each of our appendant bodies were represented to show their support for our Lodge. In a continuance of Most Worshipful Carroll Reese, Jr., "Together, We Can Make A Difference" through our current Grand Master, Most Worshipful James Edward Litten, by "Setting a Good Example."

    The annual Manasseh Lodge Christmas Party was another success this year. Brother Philip Sommers and his beautiful wife, Karilinn, did an outstanding job of organizing the decoration of the lodge with the support of the brothers and members of the lodge, Rainbow Assembly #13, and Wimodausis Chapter #106. Right Worshipful Costis read "The Night Before Christmas" with his unique ability to captivate the attention and admiration of the children of all ages. We could not finish the party without District 4's very own Santa Claus, aka Right Worshipful Bob Williams. Both of these Masons continue to show their love for our craft with entertaining our families and friends.

    My theme this year is "Masonry: Foundations & Family." We must strive to solidify our foundations by living by the obligations we have taken not just in our lodge but in the appendant bodies as well. By walking the talk, we achieve the Grand Master's theme of "Setting a Good Example" and uphold what Masonry stands for. We are taught to practice those duties outside of the lodge which are inculcated in it, in our lives, and with our families. Without having a strong family support and commitment to them, we cannot do the good work we are intended to do. I intend to have several activities to bring our families together to strengthen our bonds and to have fun with them.

    January, as with every new Masonic year, starts out with a multitude of activities. We have moved our Stated from the 1st of January to January 8th. Ensure you have it marked on your calendar. I wanted to have our Master Masons start the year off right with their families.

    Right Worshipful Paul F. Barry, Sr. will have four of his DDGM official visits with Acacia Lodge #16, Henry Lodge #57, Patriot Lodge #1957 and My. Carmel Lodge #133. See the lodge calendar for each of Right Worshipful Barry's official visits. The Grand Lodge will conduct the Division Leadership Conference for all lodge officers on January 9th. We will also confer an Entered Apprentice Degree on January 22.

    Congratulations to Worshipful John W. Mitchell, Jr. Worshipful John was elected as Sovereign Master of the Charles A. Sinclair, Jr. Allied Masonic Degree Council #412. I look forward to working with the Council as Worshipful Master and member.

    Excellent Robert McDaniel and Manassas Royal Arch Chapter #81 will recieve Right Excellent Paul Lockhart on his official visit January 14th. I request that our Royal Arch Masons come out to support our Royal Arch Chapter and High Priest in this annual reception.

    Participation in each of these events shows our commitment to our Masonic families and strengthens our bonds between the lodges, assembilies, chapters, and courts. If within the length of your cable tow, come out and join in with celebrating the beginning of their terms.

    I look forward to participating in and supporting our lodge, the 4th Masonic District, Lodges, Manassas Royal Arch Chapter #81, Wimodausis Chapter #106 Order of the Eastern Star, Destiny Court #14 Order of Amaranth, C. A. Sinclair, Jr. Council #214 Allied Masonic Degrees, Manassas Rainbow Assembly #13, and Prince WIlliam Chapter of DeMolay as a Master Mason, Worshipful Master, member and supporter of each of these outstanding organizations. With all of us working together as family, we can achieve anything, make a difference, and set a good example.