john a. lejeune lodge - jal350afam.org · john a. lejeune lodge no. 350 a.f. & a.m not just a...

John A. Lejeune LodgeNo. 350 A.F. & A.M

NOT JUST A PIECE OF PAPERJim SolomonWorshipful Master

MASTER’S TRESTLEBOARD September 2018

Chartered February 11, 1925

2 Trestleboard • jal350afam.org

NOT JUST A PIECE OF PAPER

My Brethren,

What a great presentation by our District Instructor of Work, WB Terrill, on the tie between Walt Disney and the Demolay. After lodge I had numerous brothers approach me to say how much they enjoyed the presentation. We may need to repeat this presentation next year (up to the WM) and open it up to everyone. We will invite the Demolay specifically this time, since I believe they will get the most out of it I never knew Walt was a Demolay and how involved he was, even with so much on his plate. Just shows you, no matter how busy you are, there is always time to do what you enjoy. And even though Walt was

never a Mason, WB Terrill did show us one Masonic secret that resides in the park. If you are interested in it, you’ll have to find time to attend next year.

We had some very sad news this last month as our good friend and Brother, Mitch Raftelis laid down his working tools to join the Great Architect of the Universe. He was such a dedicated Mason. He loved Masonry, the Marines and Quantico. And it showed in the number of individuals

that took time out of their days to attend his Masonic funeral. We will miss you Mitch.

On a lighter note, the Saturday before the funeral we had a pretty good turn out for the OES ice cream social/picnic. Our SW held his title as grill master, getting hot dogs and burgers ready for everyone before they arrived. The Worthy Matron and Patron brought a ton of ice cream and toppings and I for one had some wired kids that evening. It was great to see our youth (too young for any of the organizations) bonding at this event. Masonry is about family. Yes

3Issue Nine • 2018

we want to improve ourselves and our community, but also our families. It’s the bonds of friendship that unite us.

Great job by Brother Randall at the District School. He exemplified the Worshipful Master’s position for the EA degree, placing him that much closer to his certificate to be Worshipful Master next year. We had a real good showing at the District School and filled in a couple positions above and beyond our own.

Speaking of ritual work, our line officers continue to practice for their current and future positions and are really getting the hang of it. Well, except for me who has been so focused on teaching the EA that I tried to throw some of that ritual into the stated. We all make mistakes from time to time.

Our presentation for next month will be about the involvement of Masonry and the Constitution. Our meeting conveniently falls on National Constitution Day. Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution by thirty-nine brave men on September 17, 1787, recognizing all who are born in the U.S. or by naturalization, have become citizens.

And as the Constitution is not just a piece of paper so too the Masonic dues card is not just a piece of paper. I am attaching the Handbook on Lodge Community Service Projects to the website and attaching to the email the Trestleboard is being sent

out in. I am hoping to get our newer members more involved by asking them to take upon themselves one of the projects or working collaboratively with other newly raised Master Masons on a project that they pick from the handbook. It does not surprise me that some individuals join Masonry, become Master Masons and then we never see them again. I think part of this is that they do not feel involved if they are not taking an officer seat. Not everyone is built for the line, but any good man can start a project to better themselves and the people around them.

Many of these projects can be done no matter where you are and build a better relationship between Masons and their community. Saying that, if any member is interested in spearheading one of these initiatives please let me know. I, as Worshipful Master, will do my best to assist you in getting the word out on any projects that you wish to begin. Some only require a small investment of time. As a Worshipful Master who works two jobs, does freelance and has two small (wonderful) children, I understand how valuable your spare time can be. If you prefer to be a worker bee on a project instead of the chair, I will try and post the service projects that we will undertaking as they arise and you can sign on to help with those.

Respectfully and fraternally yours,Jim Solomon, Worshipful Master

John A. Lejeune Lodge No. 350 AF&AM

RW Don RitenourOur presenter this month will be our very own Lodge Education Officer. RW Don has done a great job having additional words of wisdom to impart on us and this time he will have the floor to himself.


Ten Master MasonsTen Master Masons, happy, doing fine;

One listened to a rumor, then there were nine.Nine Master Masons, faithful, never late;

One didn’t like the “Master,” then there were eight.Eight Master Masons, on their way to heaven;

One joined too many clubs, then there were seven.Seven Master Masons, life dealt some hard licks;

One grew discouraged, then there were six.Six Master Masons, all very much alive;

One lost his interest, then there were five.Five Master Masons, wishing there were more; Got into a great dispute, then there were four.

Four Master Masons, busy as could be; One didn’t like the programs, then there were three.

Three Master Masons, was one of them you? One grew tired of all the work, then there were two.

Two Master Masons with so much to be done; One said “What’s the use,” then there was one.

One Master Mason, found a brother -- true! Brought him to the Lodge, then there were two.

Two Master Masons didn’t find work a bore; Each brought another, then there were four.

Four Master Masons saved their Lodges fate; By showing others kindness, then there were eight.

Eight Master Masons, loving their Lodges’ bright sheen;

Talked so much about it, they soon counted sixteen.Sixteen Master Masons, to their obligations true;

Were pleased when their number went to thirty-two.So we can’t put our troubles at the Lodges door;

It’s our fault for harming the Lodge we adore.Don’t fuss about the programs or the

“Master” in the East; Keep your obligation by serving even the very least.

~ Author Unknown

THE CRAFT

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


CommitteesBrethren, 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 neededLawn: 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.

Living Past Masters1965 Donald Mason1969 Garnett Bailey, PDDGM1975 William Metheny, Jr.1976 Donald Ritenour1977 Earl Covey1980 Eddie Sykes1982/2010 Rex Rockhill1983 Richard Fravel1985 Frank Harris III86/07/16/17 Harold Powell, Jr.1987 James Day*1990 James Van Fleet1992 Thomas Blizzard*1994 David Ekren

1995/2008 Jim Newcomer, Jr.1996 Ronald Bigger1997 Rodney Ayers1999 Jack Williams2000 Emory Kelley2002 Jim Solomon2003/2004 Kenneth Wrisley2006 Wayne Moreland2009 Donald Radeke2012 Jason Newcomer2013/2015 Robert Lane2014 Carl DeSantis* = Demitted

50+ Year Members80-Year MemberDonald E. Martin

70-Year MemberRichard T. Spooner

60-Year MembersGarnett R. BaileyFrank W. Harris IIIDonald R. BrinerVictor D. FreudenbergerGerald W. GarrisonGeorge W. Geyer Jr.George S. KrumDouglas W MadisonDonald L MeekBilly E. SimpsonGerald L. Hase

50-Year MembersRodney F AyersJoseph BrooksJohn R Covington Jr.James D. DelpJohn A. JonesHarold R. KnowlesJohn C. KriskaLloyd L. LoyDonald G. MasonThomas A. Mc NightHenry A. PetersonHarold L. Powell Jr.Donald F. RitenhourDonald E. Schneider


Appendant Bodies:Calvin A. Lloyd Chapter 81Order of the Eastern StarMarie Newcomer • 703-590-9882

Sojourners Chapter 44RW Jim Newcomer, DDGM • 703-590-9882

Order of the AmaranthRex Rockhill • 540/659-2966

Order of DeMolayNorman King • 703-590-2696 Email: [email protected]

International Order of Jobs DaughtersRW Don Ritenour, DDGM • 703-492-6930

Education (LEO)RW Donald Ford Ritenour, [email protected]

Instruction (LIW)Rex [email protected]

Blood ProgramBobby [email protected]

Funeral CoordinatorRex [email protected]

Child ID/FundraisingKahlil [email protected]

Masonic Home AmbassadorRW Garnett Bailey, DDGM703-591-6311 [email protected]

Sick & DistressedLeo [email protected]

Temple & GroundsRW Jim Newcomer Jr., [email protected] [email protected]

Widows LiaisonRodney [email protected]

Web Master/TrestleboardJim [email protected]

Officers 2018 Worshipful Master:

Jim Solomon • [email protected]

Senior Warden:Randall Arnold • [email protected]

Junior Warden:Ace Eckert • [email protected]

Treasurer:James Newcomer Jr., • [email protected]

Secretary:Rex Rockhill • [email protected]

Senior Deacon:Kahlil DeBerry • [email protected]

Junior Deacon:Jose Mundo • [email protected]

Chaplain:Leo Powell • [email protected]

Marshal:Rick Calvo • [email protected]

Senior Steward:Tim Parrish, Jr. • [email protected]

Tiler:Jason Newcomer • [email protected]

Committees


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)

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.

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-to-date 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.

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 2018. I will send out the subjects and assignments for the lodges each month as I have done in the past.

~ Roland Bailey

Occoquan, September 27, Thur

Springfield, October 24, Wed


LMIP-LODGE MEMBERSHIP IN PERPETUITY

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

John A. Lejeune Lodge LMIP

john a. lejeune lodge - jal350afam.org · john a. lejeune lodge no. 350 a.f. & a.m not just a...

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