MASTER’S MESSAGE

The resolution to merge with Springfield Lodge #217 has now been voted upon, and we have approved the merger. Springfield will vote on December 3, 2002. After that, it will go to the Grand Master for his approval. If all is given, then we will merge with Springfield #217 effective January 1, 2003.

At our November meeting, we also had Past Masters Night. We honored our Past Masters, as well as the outgoing District Deputy Grand Master, Right Worshipful William Arthur Shortt, our Past Master, and Secretary. It was a great pleasure to present to him his Past DDGM Jewel, and to watch him preside over this lodge for the last time. Thank you Brother Bill for all your help, and support, this year.

We did, however, have several votes, besides the vote to merge. One vote was to transfer the lodge’s Bible, as well as the Gavel given to MW Archer Bailey Gay at his installation as Grand Master, to the Allen E. Roberts Library and Museum in Richmond. It is the hope of the brethren, that these items will be put on prominent display.

Another vote had to do with our furnishings. There are other lodges, within the District, that do not have much of their own equipment. Since Springfield Lodge has their own equipment, it was decided that we would donate such equipment, as is necessary, to the other lodges in the District. We are going to try and help the other lodges, so that they can stay alive, and help Masonry grow in the Northern Virginia area.

This is my last message to you. I want to thank you for opportunity to serve as your Worshipful Master. While the year does not end on a happy note, it has been a good year. No body likes to see their lodge merge with another, but sometimes it is necessary for the good of Masonry as a whole. District 1-B goes from seven lodges to six. Our lodge will merge into a much stronger one, and will be the better for it. The name of Archer Bailey Gay will not die with this merger. Instead, a scholarship fund will be set up, with the money from our Lodge, and will be named “The Archer Bailey Gay Scholarship Fund.” This fund will help children realize their dreams of going to college, and growing within their lives. Isn’t this what Masonry really is about?

When I first joined the fraternity, some 13 years ago, I was taught that there should never be any contention within a lodge, except that contention with whom will lead. There has been some contention this year, with the merger, and other items. If I caused any of this contention, I am truly sorry. One of the duties of a presiding officer is to ensure that peace and harmony reigns. If I have failed in this, it is my fault alone. I tried my best, and hoped that it would be enough.

To the officers who supported me, and this lodge throughout the year, I say THANK YOU VERY MUCH. The lodge is not a one-person show. Instead it is a group of friends and brothers, getting together for the betterment of themselves, the lodge, and the world. The officers have truly lived up to their responsibilities, and they are to be commended by all the brethren.

My final act, as Worshipful Master, is to close the Lodge of Sorrow. Fortunately, I have not had to call the lodge to a funeral for a departed brother, even though we lost some this past year. However, I felt that, if called upon, this lodge would perform their obligation and pay their respects to our departed brethren in a manner that would reflect credit upon the fraternity.

I guess this is where I say farewell. Please note that I do not say goodbye, because I feel that we will all continue to work in the quarries of Freemasonry. Some of us will be working to get the scholarship fund up and running, others will be joining other lodges and going into line to become Worshipful Master, in the future. Still others will work at the Grand Lodge level. All of us will continue to "spread the cement of brotherly love and affection," to all we meet and greet.

Farewell my brethren. I am truly honored to call each of you my brother, and my friend.

S&F
Mark