John A. Lejeune Lodge No. 350 A.F. & A.M MODES OF RECOGNITION Jim Solomon Worshipful Master MASTER S TRESTLEBOARD November 2018 Chartered February 11, 1925
MODES OF RECOGNITION My Brethren, Worshipful Brother Scott Johnson put on a well received presentation about George Washington. He actually filled in the gaps of pre-war and after war George that many of us did not know about. He also covered the Masonic George Washington times, covering Fredericksburg #4 and Alexandria Washington #22. George believed in Divine Inspiration and it s amazing how many things that came to pass in his life and how many times he survived where others may not have. The history of the United States may have been completely different if even one of those events came to pass. My four years of French in high school may not have been a waste after all. Just a reminder: Save the date on your calendar for the Masonic District 1B Blood Drive at Springfield Lodge on November 25th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Springfield Lodge is located at 7001 Backlick Road, Springfield, Virginia. I do believe that even if you cannot donate blood, they are looking for volunteers to help out at the event. If you are interested in helping, please contact WB Sam Flores at 202-641-0195 or samf@berrybset.com. To schedule your appointment to donate blood visit http://bit.ly/ SpringfieldMasonicLodge1125/ or call 1-866-256-6372 and use sponsor code 8196. Every little bit helps to save lives. Modes of Recognition: We have a exciting opportunity in November. I have been collecting phrases and queries from the brethren on things that they have heard inquiring on their stature as a Mason. I see you are a travelling man... is just the tip of the iceberg. This will be an interactive session and will cover every interesting identifying remark that I have received and how one should respond to it. For our younger Master Masons this will be a great teaching opportunity as they begin their travels or start wearing Masonic paraphernalia about town. There are things you don t know you don t know, and we are hoping to clear many of these up. I sent out an earlier email asking the brethren to send in their best remarks and I think it will amount to a fun-filled and informative meeting. 2 Trestleboard jal350afam.org
Rusty Masons: I will make myself available before the November stated for anyone with a dues card from John A. Lejeune Lodge #350 to refresh your memory on things you may need to know to sit in a Master Mason lodge. Did you forget the password or the signs, it s OK, we all get a little bit rusty at one time or another. I remember when I first became a Master Mason I completely blanked on the password and felt nervous about asking a brother for help. You shouldn t feel ashamed or embarrassed and if this is what keeps you from lodge, please attend this meeting and get reacquainted with Freemasonry. We have recently received several petitions and numerous phone calls about Freemasonry, so we are very excited that the word is getting out about our little slice of Heaven in Quantico. We had an Entered Apprentice degree the last week of October, so we have at least 2 EAs working hard on their catechisms to pass to Fellowcrafts. If anyone knows of an EA or FC who began their work and have not returned their catechism due to life s little challenges, please direct them to speak with me so we can try to get them back on track to productive members of our craft. They started their journey for a reason, and hopefully any life issues have ironed themselves out so we can finish what they started. On a side note, Brother Murphy s estate has finally been settled and our Trustees and Building & Grounds committees are working hard on what repairs we need done and where we should be investing the remainder of the funds. Discussions have been started about adding a chair lift to make the Lodge more accessible to our elderly brethren as a possible investiture. Stay tuned for further updates on building repairs. Speaking of which, we will be having a few cleaning days for the lodge to make it presentable prior to the Shriners dinner that we are hosting on Nov. 4th. This is a fund raising endeavor, but we need all hands on deck to make it go smoothly. We will be serving dinner for 100 Shriners that are coming to our area to lay a special wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The actual dinner that we are providing these traveling brethren is scheduled for 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 4th. Even if you are unable to stay the whole time, only able to come earlier that day or can t come until afterwards we need your help! Early attending brothers can help cook and set up, late attendees can assist in the clean up. Let s make this a very successful endeavor. Who knows, it could be a yearly event that will lead to more financial stability of the Lodge or aid in the purchasing of certain upgrades needed. And lastly, our secretary has alerted me that dues notices are being mailed out this week. So keep an eye out on your mailbox and try and return them as soon as you can. Respectfully and fraternally yours, Jim Solomon, Worshipful Master John A. Lejeune Lodge No. 350 AF&AM A Travelling Man Brothers love to meet someone new and welcome them as a guest. So, get out there, travel some and have some fun. You ll be surprised at the adventures you will have and the friends that you will make! Issue Eleven 2018 3
THE CRAFT I SEE YOU VE TRAVELED SOME Wherever you may chance to be Wherever you may roam, Far away in foreign lands; Or just at Home Sweet Home; It always gives you pleasure, it makes your heart strings hum Just to hear the words of cheer, I see you ve traveled some. When you get a brother s greeting, And he takes you by the hand, It thrills you with a feeling that you cannot understand, You feel that bond of brotherhood that tie that s sure to come When you hear him say in a friendly way I see you ve traveled some. And if you are a stranger, In strange lands all alone If fate has left you stranded Dead broke and far from home, It thrills you--makes you numb, When he says with a grip of fellowship, I see you ve traveled some. And when your final summons comes, To take a last long trip, Dues Alert Just a few words from the secretary. Please look at your Dues card. Do you see 2018 on it, if not you probably owe your 2018 dues. I have sent out the second notice to 24 members who owe from 4 years ($440.00) to the current one year ($110.00) this is an incredible amount of dues owed and the Lodge needs these funds to operate. Please take a minute and check to see if you have a current Dues card. Thanking you in advance. Sincerely and fraternally, Rex Rockhill Secretary, John A. Lejeiune 350 Adorned with Lambskins Apron White and gems of fellowship The tiler at the Golden Gate, With square and rule and plumb Will size up your pin and say Walk In, I see you ve traveled some. ~ Author Unknown 4 Trestleboard jal350afam.org
Living Past Masters 1965 Donald Mason 1969 Garnett Bailey, PDDGM 1975 William Metheny, Jr. 1976 Donald Ritenour 1977 Earl Covey 1980 Eddie Sykes 1982/2010 Rex Rockhill 1983 Richard Fravel 1985 Frank Harris III 86/07/16/17 Harold Powell, Jr. 1987 James Day* 1990 James Van Fleet 1992 Thomas Blizzard* 1994 David Ekren 1995/2008 Jim Newcomer, Jr. 1996 Ronald Bigger 1997 Rodney Ayers 1999 Jack Williams 2000 Emory Kelley 2002 Jim Solomon 2003/2004 Kenneth Wrisley 2006 Wayne Moreland 2009 Donald Radeke 2012 Jason Newcomer 2013/2015 Robert Lane 2014 Carl DeSantis * = Demitted 50+ Year Members 80-Year Member Donald E. Martin 70-Year Member Richard T. Spooner 60-Year Members Garnett R. Bailey Frank W. Harris III Donald R. Briner Victor D. Freudenberger Gerald W. Garrison George W. Geyer Jr. George S. Krum Douglas W Madison Donald L Meek Billy E. Simpson Gerald L. Hase 50-Year Members Rodney F Ayers Joseph Brooks John R Covington Jr. James D. Delp John A. Jones Harold R. Knowles John C. Kriska Lloyd L. Loy Donald G. Mason Thomas A. Mc Night Henry A. Peterson Harold L. Powell Jr. Donald F. Ritenhour Donald E. Schneider Committees Brethren, we value your opinions, so please let the Worshipful Master know if you would like to head up a committee or start a new one. Do you see something missing in what we as a lodge are accomplishing? Do you want to see us more visible in the community and know of a great way to accomplish this? We are open for suggestions. Several of our committees are transient and change from year to year. Many of these would benefit from a stable person heading up the committee year after year. If you have some time and would like to make a difference, let us know. Do you have e-mail? If so please let the secretary, Rex Rockhill know. You can add your email on the Lodge contact page, that way it goes to both Rex and Jim for receiving the Trestleboard. Also, If you have noticed that you do not receive the Trestleboard any more, please check the email you sent us. If we get an address kicked back to us more than three times, we will delete it. E-mail will give us the ability to send to you short notices, effective and timely communications, including reminders of meetings and activities. Please remember that failure to let the secretary know of address changes costs the lodge money and it delays any correspondence we would like to send out. Volunteers needed Lawn: If you have the time and don t mind sweating a little bit, there are times that the lawn needs to be mowed. We do not pay anyone to mow it. It is just usually a member or two who takes the time to keep our grounds looking groomed. The mower, rake and gas are at the lodge, we just need the manpower to get it done as needed. Mentors: Many of you remember spending lots of quality time working on the catechism with a coach or mentor whether at the lodge or in a more personal setting. Well it s time to pay it forward. We are always in need of some dedicated Brothers to teach our up and coming Brothers the finer arts of the catechism. If you need a refresher, WB Jim Solomon or WB Jason Newcomer would be more than willing to go over it with you. No matter where you live or work, there is always a possibility that a new Mason may be in your area and open to meet with you more frequently than once a week. Issue Eleven 2018 5
Appendant Bodies: Calvin A. Lloyd Chapter 81 Order of the Eastern Star Marie Newcomer 703-590-9882 Sojourners Chapter 44 RW Jim Newcomer, DDGM 703-590-9882 Order of the Amaranth Rex Rockhill 540/659-2966 Officers 2018 Worshipful Master: Jim Solomon solomon1970@hotmail.com Senior Warden: Randall Arnold e8grunt@gmail.com Junior Warden: Ace Eckert aceckert@gmail.com Treasurer: James Newcomer Jr., Jim5590@verizon.net Secretary: Rex Rockhill Rexrock01@comcast.net Senior Deacon: Kahlil DeBerry kahlil.deberry@comcast.net Junior Deacon: Jose Mundo Josemundo@yahoo.com Chaplain: Leo Powell powell44154@verizon.net Marshal: Rick Calvo richard_calvo@comcast.net Senior Steward: Tim Parrish, Jr. tparrishjr@yahoo.com Tiler: Jason Newcomer jasonan@verizon.net Order of DeMolay Norman King 703-590-2696 Email: nwking@verizon.net International Order of Jobs Daughters RW Don Ritenour, DDGM 703-492-6930 Education (LEO) RW Donald Ford Ritenour, DDGM 703-492-6930 dritenour01@comcast.com Instruction (LIW) Rex Rockhill 540-429-0437 Rexrock01@comcast.net Blood Program Bobby Lane 540-659-2966 bobbylanern@hotmail.com Funeral Coordinator Rex Rockhil 540-429-0437 Rexrock01@comcast.net Child ID/Fundraising Kahlil DeBerry 540-842-3193 kahlil.deberry@comcast.net Masonic Home Ambassador RW Garnett Bailey, DDGM 703-591-6311 gbailey1927@gmail.com Committees Sick & Distressed Leo Powell 703-209-8904 powell44154@verizon.net Temple & Grounds RW Jim Newcomer Jr., DDGM 703-590-9882 Jim5990@verizon.net Willy Pascua 510-825-5688 willy.pascua@gmail.com Widows Liaison Rodney Ayers 540-829-9183 RAyes691@aol.com Web Master/Trestleboard Jim Solomon 540-845-5910 Solomon1970@hotmail.com 6 Trestleboard jal350afam.org
Staying Connected In the past, you wanted to become a Mason. You asked a Mason to join their lodge as a Mason. They accepted you with open arms as a brother. Brethren, do you remember that point in your life when three distinguished men came to visit your home or place of work and discussed with you your interest in Freemasonry? Many of you were excited to become Masons and informed the investigation committee just how much you wanted to be involved in the lodge as well as in Freemasonry. I have sat on many committees and have heard those words spoken by many of our members. Stated Communications We meet on the third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m., except December, when we meet on the second Monday. We start with Fellowship and food at 6:30 p.m. for those coming there without stopping at home first. We welcome all visiting recognized Masons. Physical Address: 235 Potomac Avenue Quantico, Virginia Mailing Address: P. O. Box 214 Quantico, Virginia 22134 703-640-7350 (call or text) District Schools District schools are a great way to learn our ritual work. Learn from the masters of ritual. No more will you question whether the line is duty or duties they ll let you know. If you are able, please attend as many of these schools as you can. Listed below are the lodges and dates of the district schools for the year 2019. I will send out the subjects and assignments for the lodges each month as I have done in the past. Springfield...Jan. 23... Wed. Dale City...Feb. 27... Wed. Fort Hunt...Mar. 27... Wed. Mt Vernon...April 24... Wed. Occoquan...May. 23... Thurs. Lejune...June 26... Wed. Springfield...July 24... Wed. Dale City...Aug. 28... Wed. Fort Hunt...Sept. 25... Wed. Mt Vernon...Oct. 23... Wed. ~ Roland Bailey Well, that time has come. You took the time to learn the catechism or book method with your coaches and mentors, but it shouldn t stop there. There is so much more you can do to make YOUR Lodge successful. Being a Mason is not about having a card with your name on it. It s about attending your lodge before you no longer have a lodge to attend. It s about socializing with your brethren inside as well as outside the lodge. It s about taking a role in your lodge. I am not talking about feeling forced to take an officers position. I am talking about showing your Worshipful Master support by attending lodge, volunteering to help with Lodge events, or being on a committee (or forming a committee) to further the communities we live in. We should be pillars of our communities as many Masons in the past. Becoming a Master Mason is a great milestone in all of our lives. And now it s time to live that enlightened life. The Worshipful Master this year has taken several initiatives to try and keep the members active. There are numerous community activities that we could participate in, even at our very own home, no matter where we live. We just need more good men to head up the groups. One small group of men can t do it all. A great first step is making sure your information is up-todate with the Trestleboard email and the secretary of your lodge. You can also check out a variety of online sources to see what activities we are up to. http://www.jal350afam.org/calendar/ https://www.facebook.com/johnalejeune350/ GroupMe App: John A Lejeune 350 AF.AM. Ask an officer and we ll add you. Issue Eleven 2018 7
LMIP-LODGE MEMBERSHIP IN PERPETUITY John A. Lejeune Lodge LMIP Grand Lodge has announced tentative LMIP dues increases for January 1, 2018, January 1, 2019 and January 1, 2020. Life Membership in Perpetuity (LMIP) means you no longer pay dues each year and increases in the future do not effect you. In addition the lodge receives an assessment credit every year FOREVER - even after you pass to the Celestial Lodge. You will receive a permanent membership card, certificate and pin. In 2017 Grand Lodge passed an incremental increase in the assessment for LMIP. This year (2018) it is 21 times our yearly Lodge dues of $110 or $2310 if your 2018 dues are paid. This amount is good till December 2018. The Grand Lodge assessment increases by $10 next year so our dues will be $120 and the multiple for the LMIP changes to 23 times the Lodge dues or $2760 after you have paid your 2019 dues. This Amount is good from 1/1/19 to 12/31/19. On January 1, 2020 the multiplier will increase to 25 times the lodge dues. At this time our dues are projected to be $120 or $3000 for LMIP. If you are interested please contact the Secretary for more information. There are Credit card and Payment plans available. ~ Rex Rockhill, Secretary 8 Trestleboard jal350afam.org