TRESTLEBOARD
May, 2007

     April seemed to fly by with John Schroeder’s informative talk on Masonic education and research, and our military appreciation night at the second meeting. On May 1st we are to participate in the Wm. Hiram Wood School at Springfield Lodge on Backlick Road, with the exemplification of the Entered Apprentice Degree. 

     One of the most important principles of Freemasonry is charity.  Our organization is based on taking good men and making them better fathers, husbands, and to support community service by helping others in need.  We have several programs that support children's hospitals, eye, speech and hearing foundations, but also support education programs for our young citizens planning to go to college.

     The Masonic Home of Virginia is a vital, dynamic home environment for over two hundred and forty Masons, their wives and widows.  Our residents live in a beautiful, healthy setting, surrounded by friends and cared for by professional staff in a supportive manner.  The Home is designed to provide for all levels of resident independence, from independent living units in our Masonic Village to higher levels of medical assistance in our Care Center

     The Grand Lodge Scholarship Program Virginia Freemasons are committed to high standards of excellence and part of this commitment is carried out by The Scholarship Fund, Grand Lodge, A.F.& A.M., of Virginia. It operates exclusively for charitable and educational purposes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is a Virginia Corporation licensed by the State Corporation Commission.   Its purpose is to provide scholarships, fellowships and other forms of financial assistance to deserving young men and young women from the Commonwealth of Virginia.

    The Grand Lodge Community Blood Program is designed to get every Lodge in the State to support the American Red Cross and to save lives.  Our Lodges have been organizing and hosting blood drives throughout the State of Virginia. 

     The Masonic Relief Fund was initiated in 1988, by assessing each Lodge 50 cents per member on a one-time basis, and was so named in 1989. Under Section 170 (c) of the Internal Revenue Code and Section 106 (5) of the United States Master Tax Guide, contributions made from individuals, as opposed to corporations, are deductible when the donation is deposited into a fund which is used exclusively for charitable purposes.  Donations made be made payable to "The Masonic Relief Fund," c/o the Grand Lodge of Virginia, 4115 Nine Mile Road, Richmond, Virginia 23223-4926. Its purpose is to make funds available to Virginia Master Masons, their widows, and orphans, wherever a bona fide need exists.
Today, we raise more than 2.6 million dollars a day to help people in need. 

     Thank you to all who continue to support these programs, and support our local youth, both the Job’s Daughters of Bethel #1 and Mroz DeMolay Chapter.

     Each month the 54th District has an Instruction of Work School at Sharon Lodge. All Master Masons are encouraged to attend, but very importantly it is the duty of the wardens and deacons to attend to practice the ritual.

     Worshipful Lauris Eek is working to establish a District Education School on the second Wednesday of the month, where Master Masons of any age can come participate in building depth to their Masonic Light.  The basic of the school will be working on the Correspondence courses, books of Masonic Interest, and general sharing of knowledge.  This is especially perfect for new Master Masons but is really for anyone looking to learn about what is available. 

     Upcoming events include the trip to the Grand Lodge of New York, the Grand Master’s Quarterly at Luray, a joint communication with the Naval Lodge of DC with Kevin Davidson speaking about the Holy St. John, and a play about Brother Rob Morris.