March 2016 Trestleboard

    February has come and gone and hopefully the heavy snow fall. This month brings us more light and will be full of activities for all the brethren, family, and friends. All the official visits of Right Worshipful Paul F. Barry, Sr. will be completed. Let us continue to support him and the district as well as Most Worshipful James E. Litten as the year goes on.

    Our brethren showed their support of Right Worshipful Barry with fraternal visits at each of his official visits. Our average attendance for each fraternal visit has been eight brethren. Our attendance shows the great support and companionship of Masonry in District 4. Each visit continues to strengthen the bonds between the lodges and brethren.

    Keeping with our motto this year, we opened up the lodge for our Mardi Gras Night. Family is an important part of Masonry and this party was for them to have fun with the family. I had asked each of the appendant bodies to participate and was well represented by each. WE had a festive time of fun, food, and prizes with our families. Brother Tom Costis did an outstanding job in setting up, coodinating, and making this event a success for all who attended.

    Ritual is key to our foundations. This month is our official visit of Worshipful Scott Springer. Worshipful Springer is dedicated to the craft and has the key role in conducting the District 4 ritual classes. Come out for the Stated to meet and support Worshipful Springer.

    We all confer the Fellow Craft degree this month for two brothers on March 11. We will also perform the Entered Apprentice degree at the Charles A. Sinclair, Jr. Area Ritual School on March 18. The Fellow Craft and Master Mason degrees will also be performed. All brethren are welcome to attend to show their support for these new brothers on the journey, but also to see the Fellow Craft and Master Mason degrees as refreshers.

    Manasseh Lodge started a tradition of having an Easter celebration and egg hunt three years ago. In keeping with involving our families, we will have our Easter Party starting at 1:00 p.m. on March 26. After some family companionship and food, the kids will have games and the annual egg hunt. Brother Tom Costis is planning and coordinating the event, so check out the flyers and announcements. We ask all the brethren and appendant bodies to support this event and bring their family and friends out.

    Wimodausis Chapter No. 106 Order of the Eastern Star will meet on March 1 in order to conduct election of its new officers. Installation of officers will be at 1:00 p.m. on March 12. All are welcome to attend the installation. Priscilla Costis and Clancy Nidell are to be installed as Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron. Wimodausis Chapter is a strong supporter of the lodge and we need to show our support for them in their upcoming year.

    As a means to help our Rainbow Girls to cover their costs to attend the Virginia Rainbow Girls Grand Assembly, the Assembly will be preparing and serving dinner before our Stated Communication. Manassas Rainbow Girls Assembly No. 13 also has a spaghetti dinner fund raiser at 3:00 p.m. March 5th. Come out and support our Masonic youth so they can be successful this year.

    Destiny Court No. 14, Order of the Amaranth turns twenty-five this year. Destiny Court will have a 25th Anniversary get together at 2:00 p.m. on March 6. Several of the charter members are still active in our court and some are very active at the Grand and Supreme levels. The Honored Ladies and Sir Knights are another key group of our Masonic family. Please come out and meet the founders of Destiny Court and find out more about Amaranth.

    The DeMolay Northern Region Preceptory Obligatory Dinner is scheduled Saturday, March 19 at 5:00 p.m. The cost is $15 per person. Prince William DeMolay Chapter is over fifty years old, has produced many outstanding men and has laid the foundation for them to become Master Masons. Contact Right Worshipful Bill Costis. Please confirm your reservations prior to March 15; E-mail - Bill.Costis@verizon.net; Phone - 703-361-4778 or Mail - 8904 Anita Court, Manassas, VA 20110.

    Manassas Chapter No. 81, Royal Arch Masons is hosting the 17th Capitular District, Royal Arch Mason's Most Excellent Donald L. McAndrews Area Ritual School on March 5 starting at 8:00 a.m. Manassas Chapter No 81 is serving breakfast prior to the school. All Master Masons are encouraged to attend the opening to learn more about York Rite Masonry. As a prerequisite for being installed as a lodge Warden, a brother must have received the Past Master degree. This school will provide more light on how to achieve this degree. After the opening session, the district chapters will perform each of the degrees. Royal Arch Masons should attend to improve their knowledge and ritual of the six Royal Arch and Cryptic Council degrees.

    Those who wish to have a flag flown, please see the Lodge Secretary or myself. The cost is $200 for three months.