* Update May 23, 2010 —

WM Webb and others had a great time helping. The day couldn’t have been any better and the school looks much better.

Most Masons don’t realize that they have already taken the first step in the York Rite ladder when they joined the Blue or Symbolic Lodge.  This program will present an overview of the other York Rite bodies and what they have to offer.  Remember, when the Ancients and Moderns joined together in England, the resulting constitution stated Masonry consists of the three degrees (EA, FC, and MM) PLUS the Royal Arch.  You may find out why and how the other York Rite bodies can help you achieve an greater understanding of you Lodge and your place in the Craft.  In addition, the presenter will give a little information on the invitational bodies which are sometimes associated with the York Rite and the lessons and opportunities each has to offer.

Bio on Bro. Benesch :

WB has been in Masonry all of his adult life.  He is a Past Master of Archer Bailey Gay Lodge #275, Alexandria, VA which later merged with Springfield #217.  He is a Past High Priest of Mt. Vernon Royal Arch Chapter #14 which meets in the GWMNM, and Annandale Royal Arch Chapter #77 in Virginia.  He is a Past Commander of Old Dominion Commandery #11 in Alexandria, VA, and of Columbia Commandery #1 in D.C.  Walter is currently an officer in Adoniam Zabud Council #2 in DC.  He is the current High Priest of Columbia #1 that meeting in Naval Lodge Building on the 2nd Mondays of the month.  In addition, he has been the chairman of the “Set-up and Take-down” for the Easter Sunrise Service for the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, USA, since 2000 but has been working on the set-up since 1987.  In addition he is a Past Governor of Washington Lee York Rite College #93, Past Sovereign Preceptor of Nova Vitam #73, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests, and a holder of the Purple Cross (what some call the 33 degree of the York Rite).  He has been the author of numerous articles in The Royal Arch Magazine, and The Philathes.  He joined our Lodge in 2009.

From the East

Brethren,

Congratulations to Brothers Macktarr Kallay and Joseph Holston on being raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. I am pleased with your regular attendance and desire to seek out the fellowship and friendships which freemasonry brings to its members. We look forward to your continued participation and active involvement in the Craft!

I am in awe of Brother Chris Boesen! He opened our eyes with a fantastic presentation on Marcus Tullius Cicero and the Eleusinian Mysteries earlier this month and our Masonic brethren serving on the Hill missed an opportunity to hear a modern day Cicero wax rhetoric. Great job, Brother Chris!

Also, I want to thank Brother Tyler Stapleton who joined me in shaving his head at the recent St. Baldrick’s fundraiser. Our team raised 8 thousand dollars for childhood cancer research – going bald in solidarity with kids battling this terrible disease. Compared to a child’s struggle, shaving our heads wass a small sacrifice. Besides, we had great fun.

Finally, I look forward to our upcoming degree work – I see continued improvement in our ritual and am looking forward to April 1st when the Trustees will provide their annual report.

We look forward to seeing you at Lodge.

Sincerely,

Michael Webb, Worshipful Master

Naval Lodge No. 4, F.A.A.M.

From the West

Brethren,

I bring you fraternal greetings from the West. What a privilege for me to serve this great lodge in the West! Brethren, I will forever be humbled and grateful for the trust you bestowed in me as your Senior Warden. Naval lodge #4 is blessed with many fine and dedicated masons who have earned the respect of other masons within and outside our jurisdictions. I hope and pray that we continue to build and improve on our ritual proficiency which we are now known for within this Grand jurisdiction.

I also want to thank the Worshipful Master for preserving and maintaining the customs, traditions and expectations of Naval Lodge’s century’s tradition of excellence. To the Past Masters, this is the time we need your wealth of expertise in the craft and your selfless dedication towards lifting our great lodge to the highest height of fame. As Past Princes of the craft at Naval lodge, you now form the backbone of our many successes. We salute you for keeping the flame of success burning.

To the officers of the lodge, your unflinching commitment towards the success of Naval lodge has not gone unnoticed, for your recompense is with your God.

To rest of the brethren, I salute your dedication and regular attendances and zeal for the lodge in particular and the craft in general. Your active participation in Naval Lodge is a reliable determinant to our very existence for another two hundred years (200 yrs). Until then, Stay Blessed.

Bro. Andrew Patnelli

Senior Warden