January 2021 Trestleboard

Friday, January 1, 7:30 pm

Monday, January 4th          - RITUAL CLASS - 7:30pm
Monday, January 11th        - RITUAL CLASS - 7:30pm
Monday, January 18th        - RITUAL CLASS - 7:30pm
Monday, January 25th        - RITUAL CLASS - 7:30pm

10 Person Maximum - Please RSVP to WM for place in class

GREETINGS FROM THE EAST

Sadly Brethren, it was necessary to cancel the final stated meeting of 2020. With COVID numbers rapidly rising I decided that it would be in our best interests to cancel our December stated communication. Since then, the numbers have continued to rise and with public gatherings being limited to 10 or less, I am cancelling our January 1st stated
communication. Of course, this is not the way I wanted to begin our new year, but I feel this action is in the best interest of preserving the health and safety of the members of our Lodge. While we are a Fraternity that prides itself on its fellowship, we must think of the well-being of one another. My primary concern is for the health and safety of
our Brethren.

I think we can safely say that for the most part, 2020 has not been a fun year. Although it would be understandable to allow disappointment to overshadow feelings of gratitude, this is the perfect time to reflect and cultivate all that we have in our lives. No matter who we are or what has happened to us, if we consistently reflect on the positive aspects of our lives, we will benefit from it. To quote the Dalai Lama: “there are two ways to reach contentment. One is to acquire everything we want and desire but the second and more reliable approach to contentment is to want and feel grateful for what we already possess.”

This year has brought into stark clarity the many blessings we possess and continue to receive daily from the Great Architect of the Universe. In the midst of a global pandemic and daily uncertainty, we persevere. We continue
on despite the hardships and the losses we have all sustained. Our brethren continue the work of Masonry by bringing light to our community and assisting those in need. We can be truly grateful for our Lodge, our Masonic family and the many blessings we have received, despite the trials we have faced. As we close out this year, let us make peace
with 2020 and do what you need to make the most of 2021. Please continue to be safe during this holiday season and be grateful for each precious moment we have with one another.

ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE GRAND LODGE OF VIRGINIA

In light of Governor Northam’s Modified Stay at Home Order, things will be limited at the Lodge. Most Worshipful Douglas V. Jones is allowing Lodges to continue to operate as long as we follow his previously established safety
guidelines and strictly adhere to the 10 or less rule. Therefore, our Lodge activities will be restricted. These restrictions apply to all activities at the Lodge and will remain in effect until January 31, 2021. If you have any
questions or concerns about the new restrictions, event cancellations or postponements, please feel free to contact me.

OUR MASONIC OBLIGATIONS

For some of our Masonic Family, this holiday season will look quite different from previous years. The risks
associated with the COVID pandemic will force many to make tough decisions about spending time with those they love this holiday season. With so many socially secluded this year, it is more important than ever to be supportive of and attentive to our loved ones.

Even under more “normal” circumstances there is a lot of pressure on people to enjoy themselves during the holidays. The season is supposed to be merry and bright, but many people feel increasingly isolated and unhappy this time of year. It is especially important this year to reach to help them feel included this season. This could be a phone call,
FaceTime, Zoom or simply spend time with them in a safe way. Regardless of what you decide to do together, any time you can spare is a precious gift.

NEWEST MEMBERS OF MANASSEH LODGE

An additional one-day conferral class was held on November 14th. Manasseh Lodge had four candidates complete this round of the class and the post-conferral education requirements. I am excited to welcome into the Fraternity:

Gess Gowman
Braden Lambert
Salomon Morales
Gerald Weeks

Their eagerness and enthusiasm in Masonry is impressive. I am especially proud of their commitment to completing this process despite the many unforeseen COVID set-backs. Their future in Masonry is bright and they are all outstanding additions to our Manasseh Lodge Brotherhood!

Sincerely & Fraternally,
Tom Costis
Worshipful Master

SECRETARY’S CORNER

We hope you all are well and safe at home. Thanks to the members who have paid their 2021 dues and we hope the other brothers who owe dues will get them in, they are due by January 1st, 2021. Please don't forget you can pay via PayPal by "sending money" to payments@manassehlodge182.org.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

Carl H Dunn Jr. PDDGM
Secretary
 

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Manassas Royal Arch Chapter No. 81        
    Philip Sommers, High Priest, 914-584-3206

C.A. Sinclair, Jr. Council No. 412 A.M.D.       
    Christopher Swihart, Sovereign Master

WIMODAUSIS Chapter No. 106, O.E.S.
    Karilinn Sommers, Worthy Matron
    Philip Sommers, Worthy Patron

Destiny Court No. 14, Order of Amaranth
   Darcy Nidell, Royal Matron
   Clancy Nidell, Royal Patron

Manassas Assembly No. 13, I.O.R.G.
    Priscilla Costis, Mother Adviser, 703-909-4533

Prince William Chapter Order of DeMolay        
    Wyatt Hamrick, Chapter Dad, 703-335-2774