April 2016 Trestleboard

    March came in as a lion with all of the activities at the lodge. With the flurry of activity, we passed two brothers to the degree of Fellow Craft. We welcomed the new Worthy Matron and Patron to start their terms. The brothers performed the Entered Apprentice degree at the Charles A. Sinclair, Jr. Area Ritual School. We also honored those desiring at the DeMolay Legion of Honor Dinner and charter members of Destiny Court No. 14 for their 25th Anniversary. To cap the month off we had fun during our Easter Party and Egg Hunt. So if you blinked, you missed out on quite a bit at the lodge.

    All the brethren should be proud of the line officers in the performance of their respective duties. They performed superbly in the conferral of the Fellow Craft degree for Brothers Simeon Slayton, II and Eric John Sommers. Both candidates were impressed with the degree and I am sure it will be a lasting memory for them. We look forward to them returning their catechism so that they can be raised as Master Masons. The line also did an outstanding job to exemplify the Entered Apprentice degree during the Charles A. Sinclair, Jr. Area Ritual School. These are only two examples of the strong ritual instilled in them by our Lodge Instructor of Work, Right Worshipful William W. Costis.

    Our Stated Communication starts out on April 1 and we promise not to fool anyone. The programs for the month are from the District Education Officer, Worshipful John Mitchell and District Blood Coordinator, Worshipful David McAndrews. Education of our members is important so that we may perpetuate our fraternity. Having worthy causes are a must as pillars of the community. Worshipful McAndrews will spread the light on the importance of donating blood.

    April will promise to be another great month. It is filled with activities to spread Masonic light for all those either wanting to improve their knowledge or to see new brothers raised into the fraternity. Most of our practices this month during lodge classes are to focus on the Master Mason degree. I have planned for a Called Communication on April 30 due to having candidates that have progressed and are deserving of being raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. This Called Communication will be on Saturday, so plan accordingly. In addition to lodge class, we will exemplify the Fellow Craft degree of April 20 with the brethren of District 4. Our Worshipful John Mitchell will be at Hay Market Lodge No. 313 on April 9 conducting Subordinate Line Officer Training so that our future Worshipful Masters have an understanding of all the positions they will occupy on their journey to the East.

    One of our time honored traditions at Manasseh Lodge No. 182 is the Ladies's Night. This is a special night for ladies of our life. We have paired up the Manassas Rainbow Assembly No. 13 during the Frank Sinatra Night on April 30 starting at 6:00 p.m. The night promises to be a great time with dining under the stars listening to music with the ones we love. Worshipful Clancy Nidell and our Rainbow girls are selling tickets to see them before they all sell out.

    Prince William Chapter of the DeMolay has been an appendant body within our lodge for just slightly over 50 years. The Chapter has struggled as of late and I am hoping that we can reinvigorate its members by hosting an open house for young men that are eligible. Worshipful John D. Stallings, III, who has been the Dad Advisor for years, and myself, would like to get the Chapter back up. If you know of any young men who are interested in finding out more about DeMolay, bring them to our open house on April 13. Again, our Prince William Chapter just turned 50 and would love to see them on the right path again developing our future leaders and Masons.

    The 17th Capitular District, Royal Arch Masons Most Excellent Donald L. McAndrews Area Ritual School was a morning that definitely continued my knowledge in Masonry. This school focused on the choreography and meaning of each of the Royal Arch Degrees. The companions who attended, left with more knowledge that we were expecting. Right Excellent They Solomon shared so much knowledge that we actually ran out of time to share. This month, District 17 will be conferring the Most Excellent Master and Royal rch degrees at Henry Lodge No. 57 at 8:00 a.m., April 2.

    As the months passed, I am saddened that my time will come to pass. Although each month provides me great joy and tests my endurance to keep up with all the activities, I know I will eventually have to pass the torch of Masonic light. Until the, I look forward to all the fellowship with each of you and hope we can grow closer as a family. 

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