May 2016 Trestleboard

    May is gearing up for another busy, but an enjoyable month. Most Worshipful James E. Litten will be in District 4 three times this month. Not only will Most Worshipful Litten be at Manasseh Lodge No. 182 for Strawberry Night, but Most Worshipful will also be at Hay Market Lodge No. 313 on May 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Henry Lodge No. 57 on May 10 at 7:30 p.m. I welcome all Master Masons to come out and see our Grand Master at these events.

    This month is dedicated to memorials of our service members. We will perform the service for the Fallen Comrade Table. Our country remains strong today with the sacrifices of our service members. In May we pay tribute to those who have fallen, are missing or imprisoned. We will honor these members through this simble yet small remembrance for them. I previously failed to mention the passing of George R. Costis and his wife this year. George Costis was a veteran and served his country both as a Marine and a NAVFAC employee. Right Worshipful Costis we send out our thoughts and prayers for the loss of your brother and sister-in-law this year.

    Strawberry Night is nearing again at Manasseh Lodge No. 182. This year we will celebrate our annual tradition by welcoming Grand Master James E. Litten. The event will exemplify Grand Master Litten's theme of "Setting a Good Example" while tying into this year's motto of Foundations and Family. We will set the tone for the evening dining as if we are at Mount Vernon with George Washington. Our Eastern Star Chapter, Wimodausis No. 106 is preparing dinner as Brother Washington would have. All of our appendant bodies are contributing to the event with dinner starting at 6:30 p.m. on May 21st. We welcome all our family and friends to come out and join us with Most Worshipful Litten.

    We will have Called Communications on May 13 and 16 for Master Mason Degrees. These brothers have worked hard to reach this point in their journey, so it will be a pleasure to confer this degree for them. Last month we raised Brother Joseph Precise and Simeon Slaten as Master Masons. Putting these degrees on is an honor and privilege to confirm the Master Mason Degree for brethren. I encourage all our Master Masons to participate in degree work to make each one as memorable for the candidate as it was for them. Worshipful John Mitchell, Jr. will be scheduling mentorship classes for our candidates to reinforce their journey through Masonry.

    Last Stated, a motion was made to recommend Right Worshipful Ronny Dean for honorary membership in Manasseh Lodge. Honorary membership is a privilege for members who contributed to the lodge. We will vote on this nomination during the May Stated Communication. 

    I would like to thank Worshipful John Mitchell, Jr. and Worshipful David McAndrews for their programs last Stated. If you missed them, both the programs on Masonic symbolism and importance of blood donations were very informative as meaningful. Knowing our ritual is important just as much as knowing te symbolism of our working tools. We must also work on our charity by giving the gift of life through our blood donation program. If interested, contact Brother George Harrington, Jr. to find out how you can contribute by either giving blood or assisting in blood drives.

    The deadline for the Manasseh Lodge No. 182 scholarship program is approaching fast. If you know of one of our Masonic youth looking for their collegiate support, have them pick up an application at the lodge or go online to our website to download it. Applications must be received or postmarked by June 1 to be considered.

    Our Rainbow Girl Assembly No. 13 did another outstanding performance putting the Frank Sinatra Night together. This year we teamed up with them to incorporate the Manasseh Lodge Ladies' Night. Combining both events was a great success. Miss Gigi Costis and Worshipful Clancy made a great team in putting this night together and their efforts are greatly appreciated.

    We held an open house for our Prince William Chapter of the DeMolay. We had five young men show up for this open house. My goal is to again establish Prince William Chapter in our lodge before the end of the year. In order to instill our tenets within our youth, we need to encourage our young men to see what DeMolay is about and consider joining. If you know of one of our boys at least 12 years old, seek them out to begin to see what DeMolay can offer them. Contact Worshipful John Stallings or myself so we can get Prince William active again.

    Right Worshipful Underwood has graciously mad a donation for the flags to be flown in honor of his son. If interested in having flags flown in memory of someone, please see the Lodge Secretary or myself. The cost is $200 for three months.

    We are a third of the way through this Masonic year. We have has a lot of fun and success as a family. I will continue to add the passion every month so that we can ensure our foundations in our fraternity grow as we become closer as a family. I look forward to seeing each and every one of my brothers at our communications as well as being part of each of our appendant bodies. God Bless and have a beautiful month.