August 2016 Trestleboard

    August is here and our activities have slowed some, but the fun has not. This month we should continue to thank those who have supported and mentored us to make us the individuals we are. We should also take the time to share our thoughts and experiences with our family and friends to improve the world around us.

    Our Senior Warden, Brother Craig Brady, has stepped down from his office. In conformity with the Methodical Digest, we will take nominations and elect a new Senior Warden at our September Stated Communication. We are saddened by Brother Brady's request, but wish him the best as he takes time off from the lodge.

    Our Grand Master, Most Worshipful James Edward Litten, visited the 4th Masonic District on July 23rd. We had a great time spending the afternoon with him through a garden party theme that included our families. The District showed up to support Most Worshipful on his Official Visit. Most Worshipful Litten will make on more visit to the 4th Masonic District on August 1st at Herndon Lodge No. 264. Dinner will start at 6:30 p.m.

    We conferred the Fellow Craft degree on July 8 for Brother Michael Thornton. He is working hard on his catechism to prepare for the next step in his journey of light. Manasseh Lodge is scheduled to raise Brother Thorton to the sublime degree of Master Mason on August 20th at the Alexandria Scottish Rite Temple. All brothers should come out that night as we confer the degree in full regalia.

    For furthering your Masonic education, the District 4 Team will have District Class at Acacia Lodge No. 16. The class will cover the Mast Mason degree. 1st Section. Along with seeing the degrees exemplified, it is also a great time to meet the other brothers in the district.

    August is scholarship month at Manasseh Lodge No. 182. The Lodge will present scholarships to our youth for their academic achievement. This year we had nine applicants. Although all should be commended for their hard work, we had to limit the number of recipients. This year we added to the awards, scholarships in honor of Worshipful Thomas Wickman, who was always a strong supporter of youth and education. Please join us for dinner as we recognize these outstanding individuals.

    We are accepting names for the Veterans' Honor Plaque that is in honor of Brother William Rieck, Sr. This section is for names for family members who have served in the military. To add a name, it only takes $40. The proceeds will go to the charity chosen by Brother Bill. Please keep Brother Bill and his family in your prayers.

    Manassas Rainbow Girl Assembly No. 13 had their Installation of Officers on Saturday, July 9. Miss Selena Sellers was installed as worthy Advisor. This is Selena's second term as Worthy Advisor and during her term she has planned many events to support the Assembly and our lodge. The Manassas Rainbow Girls also sent over eight girls to the Virginia Rainbow Grand Assembly. Our Rainbow Assembly is a part of our family and does a lot for the lodge so I encourage everyone to come to their events and attend a Rainbow meeting to see their excellent ritual work.

    Ensure you take time for donating blood. 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 17th Capitular District of Royal Arch Masons is having a poker run to raise money for Alzheimer's research. The riders will stop at Manasseh Lodge at 8:00 a.m. on August 20 for coffee and donuts. The run will finish at Hay Market Lodge No. 313. If interested, contact Right Excellent Paul Lockhart at lockhart@comcast.net. Researchers are working hard to find a cure for this destructive disease, but still need our support.

    The Grand Council Cryptic Masons of D.C. will exemplify their council degrees for the Companions of Virginia Royal Arch Masons at 1:00 p.m. on August 27th. A Cuban barbeque will be served for lunch and tickets are $25. The guest speaker is Most Illustrious Donald L. McAndrews. This is a great opportunity to see the Select and Royal Master degrees exemplified. If interested, contact Worshipful Mike Huff at mhuff.gtt@gmail.com.

    Prince William Chapter, Order of DeMolay will open the Chapter on July 27. It is great to have the Chapter again meeting in our lodge. The Chapter is growing, but still looking for young men between the ages of 11 to 21 to join. It is a great opportunity for these young men to grow and will need our mentorship and guidance. We still need an adult advisor to work with the group. If interested in becoming an advisor, you can fill out the application and take the training online at https://escribe.demolay.org/signup. Also, feel free to contact Worshipful John Stallings or myself if interested in being an advisor so that we can provide guidance and support for Prince William Chapter.

    Our year so far has been one of many joys and also testing of our character. I have promised to keep the values of our profession, but also to make our families part of our craft. We are doing good and based on my reviews of this year's and past year's budgets, we are having one of the best years financially. Our expenditures are well within budget so this is great news when we do all our activities, but is no expense to the Lodge. Even though December grows closer, I will not fail because I have my family of brothers and sisters out there. God Bless and have a beautiful month.