Message from the East ...
Brethren,
The month of March promises to be a very productive and busy one for the Lodge and I hope you will schedule some, if not all, into your schedules.
First, let me congratulate Brothers Chapman and Weidman for their superb dissertation on the Master Mason's catechism during our February stated. Although it was not mandatory, it was highly encouraged and both gentlemen took the challenge very seriously and it showed throughout the entire event. Again congratulations for a job well done.
Secondly, I want to thank RW James Dickerson for being by my side and taking over after my spell. As many Brethren know, I do have a heart problem which is somewhat controlled by an implantable defibrillator. Well, unfortunately, the defibrillator performed on cue and RW Dickerson assumed the East without the Lodge "missing a beat" and I am very thankful for that. RW Dickerson, without hesitation, clearly demonstrated assisting a Brother in need and as is the norm with him, truly exemplified Masonic virtues and leadership.
Third, for those that were not at our February stated, we had the sad news of accepting RW Robert Simpson's resignation as Secretary of our Lodge. RW Simpson has been a Mason for 42 years and 33 of those has been in the Secretary's chair. As with RW Dickerson, RW Simpson has truly demonstrated the unselfish virtue of commitment to the Masonic craft in general and to Widow's Sons' specifically. He will truly be missed in this position, having mentored and counseled as many Masters as he has and the void will not be easily filled. I will accept nominations for Secretary, the election will be held, and installation completed at our March stated. RW Simpson has agreed to continue to mentor, coach and lecture when needed as well as hold his chair on the Grand Lodge Committee on Work. A very sincere and heartfelt THANK YOU BOB and to your family for your many years of service!
During the month of March, we will conduct an EA Degree and the called meeting will be announced as soon as everything is set in place. On those lines, we will also be practicing with our sister Lodge, Alberene Lodge # 277 on presenting the Fellowcraft degree at the RW Harlan E. Phelps Masonic School which will be held on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd of April at King Solomon's Lodge # 194 in Crozet, Widow's Sons' will also participate in the Master Mason's Degree at this school.
March 14th, we will be going to the Rockbridge County High School in Lexington for our annual Education and Leadership school. Please join your officers for a well spent evening of fellowship and learning. As with all Masonic schools, the rewards of learning something new or just reinforcing those things you knew already helps not only yourself as a person but the Lodge and Craft as a whole.
RW Robert Lawrence Vess, District Deputy Grand Master for District 18 will be making his official visit to our Lodge on the 17th of March (Stated Meeting). I would really appreciate your support with this event by attending and demonstrating to our DDGM our unity and support of his efforts during this year.
Finally Brethren, I thank you all for your encouragement and support in all my Masonic endeavors. One thing I have learned since becoming a Mason (of which I am constantly learning new things), is that no matter the situation, no matter the problem, I am not alone. I have Brothers I can turn to who will support me. I may not like the response I get sometimes, being a Pennsylvania Dutchman I may be a little hard headed, but when all is said and done, I know my Brothers are there for me. I hope you feel the same.
See you in Lodge!
Brother Dave
Worshipful Master