From The Secretary
Secretary's Thought
I always wonder why somebody doesn't do something
about that.
Then I realize, I am somebody.
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December 2009
Brethren,
We are in the midst of
exciting times! We are about to conclude what has without the slightest
doubt using any benchmark, been a most successful year for Freemasonry
in Henrico Union Lodge. Obviously, a result of excellent leadership,
talented line officers, Masonic education and the participation and full
support of the membership of the Lodge. Well done my brethren. Please
keep up your efforts as we continue to work together in strengthening
our Lodge and our craft. We raised two brothers earlier in the year, and
both of them are already participating in degree work and all Lodge
activities, and performing masterfully. We added one brother by
affiliation in October, and another to our LMIP roster in November.
Currently, we have two brethren working in the degrees, two applications
for affiliation, three petitions we will be voting on in December, and
another petition to be read at that December meeting. I have heard it
said that the gentle spirit, peace and harmony found in Henrico Union
Lodge is among the best to be found in Masonry. I pray that will always
be true of ole 130. As a bonus we enjoy delicious meals, excellent
friendship, fun fellowship, exciting fundraising projects, and
interesting educational monthly programs. Masonry is alive and well and
you can be proud of continually doing your part to support your Lodge.
Teamwork is paying dividends. There are a lot more good men who should
be Masons. It is up to us to demonstrate why!
Merry Christmas to each of you reading this and may God bless you and
your families.
Fraternally,
Mike Stewart, PM
Secretary
October 2009
“Sufficient
Information”
Know the Way, Go the Way, Show the Way
Do you have sufficient information to represent Freemasonry, accurately?
Society and culture are changing rapidly, and not always for the better.
In our daily dealings with others, it is more important than ever that
we guard prudently our actions and our tongues, constantly endeavoring
to allow our light shine and reflect the beauty of our craft. In trying
to communicate our message to each other, to new and younger Masons, and
to the world, especially those curious about our craft, we should
maintain optimism and that positive spirit of friendship and brotherly
love that makes Freemasonry so great.
We must guard ourselves against allowing titles or job assignments
etc... to make us feel or act in any way superior.
We need to remember that all elected and appointed positions are
servants of the Lodges and the brethren. We must guard against
arrogance, and attempt to escape avoidable and unnecessary conflict,
exaggerated or inflated opinions that may differ, as well as such things
as, petty issues that could possibly interfere with our oath to always
meet upon the level and to part upon the square.
In doing so, we can earnestly hope and expect that others will see
something refreshingly special and different in us a individuals and
Masons, realizing that Masons are men of principle who always stand for
what is good and right.
To live the life of a good Mason, you need sufficient information. To
gain that information, you must necessarily attend and support you
Lodge; attend Masonic classes and schools, endeavoring to continually
learn more; and hold converse with well informed brethren. Masonic
education is not just a phrase, but it is a most valuable tool.
A good example is someone who knows the way, goes the
way, and shows the way. Freemasonry needs all of its’ members to be
good examples. Arm yourself with sufficient information so that you
represent Freemasonry in the most honorable and distinguished manner
that it so richly deserves.
Mike
Stewart, PM Secretary
August 2009
The
Internal & Not the External
All Masons are familiar with that phrase. Or at least
they should be. It is the leveler in our institution. The very fact
that we regard no man for his appearance, his wealth, his personal goods
or his earthly possessions; but instead for his internal qualities, that
is, his belief in a supreme being, his morality, his integrity, his
desire for justice for all,
his dignity and his character. These qualities can and do exist in men
from all walks of life, regardless of their appearance, their
possessions, their choice of attire or their choice of religion. One of
our favorite slogans is
“We take good men and make them better”. We must guard ourselves
against attempting to mould Masons into what our opinion of best or
better is, and remember only to teach the true Masonic traits of our
craft, including friendship, morality and brotherly love, while leaving
brethren the freedom to decide personal matters for themselves. Our
Masonic ritual and the lessons it teach combined are a valuable and
honorable instrument of our institution. The lessons we learn from it
and from Freemasonry in general are rich and plentiful enough in their
own right and need not be added to or infringed upon by the interjection
of personal opinion. Masons are at their best when they exhibit
charity, friendship and brotherly love. Perhaps this can best be done
when we open our hearts and minds to the fact that we assemble together
from all walks of life, from differing backgrounds and various
circumstances. Those differences alone will dictate opinions and
beliefs. The challenge is to learn not to be judgmental of those with
differing opinions, and to understand that although we may have
differing visions of how to get there, we all have the same ultimate
goals. In this manner, we can continue to reach out to young men who
are interested in becoming a Mason, or current Masons who are
considering going through line. And in this manner, working together we
can increase in that charity which is the bond of peace and the
perfection of every virtue. Masons in particular and Freemasonry in
general deserves no less.
Mike Stewart
June 2009
What do you get when two Masonic Lodges with two hundred and thirty three years of Masonic service combine to enjoy the fruits of their labors? In this particular case, the result was a very successful evening enjoyed by over one hundred and fifty Masons.
Masonic fellowship at its very best was the singular goal, and without a doubt was achieved if the comments and smiling faces of the Grand Master and the brethren in attendance were any indication. The event took place on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at the Homewood Suites by Hilton in Sandston, Virginia. Right Worshipful Guy Maury Blankinship, III, Worshipful Master of Henrico Union Lodge No. 130 and Worshipful James Franklin Smith, Jr., Worshipful Master of Sandston Lodge No. 216 took great pleasure in receiving our Grand Master, Most Worshipful and Doctor Jeffrey Eugene Hodges as the special guest and keynote speaker for the evening.
The attire was relaxed, and as planned and hoped for, all present wore Hawaiian style shirts and slacks. Grand Master Hodges commented on the high energy level felt in the room and among the Lodge brethren; he also commented on the multitude of beautiful colors observed in all of the various shirts and decorations. He congratulated the Worshipful Masters and the brethren for their enthusiasm, their love for the craft and for what would obviously be a very meaningful and enjoyable Masonic meeting. A meeting that Masons could be excited about as in keeping with the Grand Master’s theme for the year, we continue to discover our potential.
Masons from all over Richmond and some from around the
state arrived at the banquet room suites which had been converted to a
huge Lodge Room with all of the appropriate paraphernalia.
The room had been ornately decorated with white table cloths,
pineapples, beautiful plants flowers and greenery. Upon arrival, the
brethren were greeted and presented Hawaiian lei by the wives of the two
Worshipful Masters, Mrs. Susan Blankinship, and Mrs. Dee Smith. After
the ceremony of the lei and renewal of old friendships, the brethren
found their assigned seats adorned with personalized tent cards,
programs and souvenirs of the evening.
Dinner was served and included a delicious bbq, bread, coleslaw, potato salad, beverages and dessert prepared by Mason and locally renowned chef, Right Worshipful Wimpy Isgett, Sr. who is one of several dual members of both Henrico Union and Sandston Masonic Lodges.
Voices rang out as Masons joined together in toast and song, celebrating the traditions and ideology that we as Masons encompass. Right Worshipful Donald Ray Traser accompanied the Table Lodge tunes with music from a keyboard and each toast and it’s response was delivered in an enthusiastic and motivating manor. The true spirit of brotherhood and Freemasonry was alive and well and was obviously felt by those in attendance.
Grand Master Hodges addressed the brethren on our patron
saints and reminded all to be conscious of the blessings which had been
showered upon us while not allowing anything to keep us from being the
true men we are supposed to be, and thus truly discovering our
potential.
He closed with a very moving recitation of the poem, “Last Night I Knelt
Where Hiram Knelt”.
It is the sincere hope of both Worshipful Masters and the members of both Henrico Union and Sandston Lodges that each Mason present was enriched by his presence at the Table Lodge and by the spirit and teachings of the Table Lodge.
For the past few years, Henrico Union and Sandston Lodges have worked successfully in conjunction with one another under the same roof, completing numerous projects and community services both individually and working together. With the grace of God, these two Lodges will continue to serve mankind, Freemasonry, the Richmond area and the Sandston community long and well into the future.
Grand Master Doctor Jeffrey Eugene Hodges
at the Joint Table Lodge of
Henrico Union Lodge No. 130 & Sandston Lodge No. 216
Contributed by: Michael A. Stewart, PM
Secretary Henrico Union Lodge No. 130 A.F.&A.M.
September 2008 Past Masters' Night
Brethren,
I am very pleased to
announce that we will be celebrating Past Masters’ Night at our Stated
Communication on September 2, 2008.
I consider it a great honor and a privilege to have been asked by our
Worshipful Master, Right Worshipful Wimpy Isgett, Sr. to occupy the East
for the evening, representing the Past Masters and affiliated Past
Masters of our Lodge.
My heart swells with pride as I think of Henrico Union Lodge and of the individuals past and present who have devoted their efforts and energies towards seeing our Lodge and Freemasonry flourish. I sincerely appreciate each and every member of our Lodge, whether they have ever served as an officer or not, and it is my fondest wish that each of you can be present for our meeting in September.
I know most of us are country boys, and from what I have seen, all of us love to eat good food, so I have a special menu planned for the evening. We will be serving “breakfast for dinner” and will enjoy fresh country sausage that we will be travelling south to get especially for this meeting. We will also have eggs, grits, bread, jellies and hopefully some of Wimpy’s delicious apple butter.
Several Past Masters have agreed to assist me by occupying most of our Lodge chairs that evening, so I can assure you that we will have good fun and great fellowship. I am confident that I have what will prove to be an enjoyable program planned, as I have asked Brother Ernie Irby to share some personal and historical information with the brethren. I can assure you that you will be educated and entertained by his presentation and will be glad that you were present for this meeting.
I wish I could see each of your faces right now. I’d like to ask you if you are as excited about Henrico Union Lodge as I am. And if not, I’d ask you why not? Our Lodge is very active, and we are growing in friendship, fellowship, in ritual proficiency, and even in numbers. Hopefully we are beginning to gain a better presence in our community so that we can become more active and supportive of our neighbors and the entire community. As I know that you recall, we have an obligation towards all mankind. It has always been great to be a Mason, and now is especially a great time to be a member of Henrico Union Lodge. I invite you all, members and visitors alike, to join us on September 2nd. I hope to personally greet each of you that evening as I move a few feet over to the East, and take a break for the evening from serving as your secretary. It will seem strange to me, but with your presence and assistance, I look forward to the evening.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Mike Stewart, PM
Secretary
December 2007
History In The Making
Brethren & Friends,
Many of us have a passion for history. Often times we don't take the
time to realize that we are actually living history and are a part of
history in the making. Such may have been the case on December 7, 2007,
as Henrico Union Lodge No. 130 A.F. & A.M. and Sandston Lodge No. 216
A.F. & A.M. joined together for a historic event that we believe was a
first of it's kind in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
These two Lodges who now share a home at the Sandston Masonic Temple in Sandston, Virginia conducted a joint open installation of officers ceremony on Friday, December 7, 2007. Right Worshipful Winfred Otto Isgett, Sr. was installed as the Worshipful Master of Henrico Union Lodge 130, and Worshipful James Willis Burton was installed as the Worshipful Master of Sandston Lodge No. 216.
The Lodge room was filled with Masonic brethren, family members, friends, and guests. Worshipful Dubby Isgett conducted the public installation ceremony in a most personable, exemplary and impressive manor. Right Worshipful Wimpy Isgett, Sr. performed dual duties and served as Installing Marshal for all of the officers, with the exception of himself. Right Worshipful Tom Fifer served as the Installing Marshal for the two new Worshipful Masters.
A congratulatory reception was held in the dining hall at the conclusion of the open installation. Hors d'oeuvres, punch and two beautiful cakes inscribed with each of the Lodges names were enjoyed by all. It should also be noted that a nice serving of ice cream was made available and served to our esteemed District Deputy Grand Master, Right Worshipful Tom Fifer. (There is a rumor circulating that he is a fan of ice cream)
The public installation of officers ceremony allowed our families, friends and the public to have an insight into Masonry and to the duties of our various offices.
Your secretary has already received positive comments and sincere thanks from many of those in attendance.
The Masonic Year 2008 promises to be an exciting, busy and a productive one for both Lodges and we sincerely invite each and every member of both Henrico Union and Sandston Lodge, as well as visitors from sister Lodges to take part. We expect to be active and successful and through our efforts thus improve our Lodges and ourselves in Freemasonry.
One of our mottos is "We Take Good Men And Make Them Better". We hope that you will plan to attend and be a part of two Lodges who expect "Masonry To Be Great In 2008".
Fraternally,
Mike Stewart
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
March - April 2007
If you are interested in receiving your monthly bulletin by way of e-mail,
please contact the secretary and make sure he has your correct e-mail address.
This will ultimately save the Lodge a great deal of money in time, printing
and in mailing expenses. We sincerely appreciate it.
January 2007
One More Good Brother
There is an old adage that says time flies when you are having fun! I
would amend that to simply say that time flies
no matter what! I look at the calendar and am amazed to see it read
January 2007! I have to pause and reflect on
just how swiftly time has passed.
As
we begin a new year, I have been considering what I consider to be the
foremost challenge faced in Masonry today.
Notice that I said challenge, not problem! Maybe I should have said
"opportunity".
As
a college student in the 70's, I had the usual variety of college
professors. I had the good fortune of being taught by
one professor who not only possessed "book smarts" but also had good
common sense. His favorite saying was that
there are no "problems" only "opportunities". His optimistic approach
was contagious and it has served me well for many years.
I would like to see Masonry take
this approach to the challenges or "opportunities" if you will that we
face today.
You know, the glass is half full approach! Why not? Masonry is
built on such marvelous principles and has such
a wonderful foundation and brotherhood that we are set up for success.
But nothing good comes easily and we must work at it!
Attend some Lodges and you will hear them say that they need more money.
At another you might hear that it is difficult
to find good ritualists. Still others find that their building is
old or their location is not suitable etc...
Some say that the craft must change to keep up with the times. A myriad
of issues are heard, but each of those issues
are just that, simply issues. Part of existing if you will! Sure
they need to be taken seriously and addressed, but we should
be thankful we have those issues. It means we have opportunities!
Opportunities to succeed!
So
the more thought I give it and the more time I spend considering the
question of our foremost challenge, I can come up
with only one thing that I believe that we need to succeed. One more
good brother. And then one more, and one more,
and one more and so on. We are the cement that unites, and we must
continually replenish the cement!
I am
not trying to trivialize any of the other issues that we face in our
Lodges today. But I see them as opportunities.
I believe they can be overcome by current Masons and "one more good
brother". Adding members, "good members" who will
love Masonry like we do, and are willing to labor in the trenches to see
that our craft flourishes.
How do we
accomplish this? You already know the answer to that question!
Maybe the answer is as simple as "one more good brother".
Have you signed a petition lately?
Mike Stewart
November - 2006
Brethren,
The holiday season is
swiftly approaching and will soon once again be upon us. Thanksgiving is
a wonderful holiday,
and has always been one of my favorites because it is void of many of
the "retail trappings" of other holidays.
Thanksgiving can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be. I am
always thankful for the company of my wonderful family
and for the delicious food we share. I try to take time to be thankful
for all of the blessings I have received each and every day of
the year. But Thanksgiving should be a time where we not only show
thanks for our many blessings received, but a time that we
should consider and reflect on our lives to determine if we are living
daily as we should, or more importantly as our Creator would
have us live. Perhaps we should ask ourselves if we are "enjoying
the journey" or just trying to reach a destination. I know that
I am guilty of getting in such a rush sometimes that I forget to enjoy
the journey. And the journey is the important part of life.
Perhaps as we are
reflecting it would be a good time to ask ourselves are we living up to
our Masonic obligations, or are we satisfied
just to have our names on the roles. Do we actively attend, support and
participate in our Lodge meetings, or do we just let others
do all the work. Do we rely on old excuses, or do we offer to do
whatever we can for the Lodge. Masonry is built upon brotherhood
and the highest principles known to man. If we all examine our hearts,
and work daily to live up to our obligations, our craft will grow and
our journey will be much more pleasant for all. We have the ideals; we
have the brotherhood. Participate and enjoy the journey!
August - September 2006
Henrico Union Lodge currently has
before its membership a proposal to change Article I of our By Laws to
read as follows:
Currently reads as follows:
Article I
The Stated Communications of this
Lodge shall be held at the Masonic Temple, 2213 National Street,
Richmond, Virginia
on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:30 P.M. o'clock.
Proposed Change
Article I
The Stated Communications of this
Lodge shall be held at the Scottish Rite Temple, 4204 Hermitage Road,
Richmond, Virginia
on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:30 P.M. o'clock.
Note: The motion has been laid
over since the June 11, 2006 Stated Communication
and will be acted upon at
the September 5, 2006 Stated Communication of the Lodge.
July 2006
Henrico Union Lodge
Celebrates 150th Anniversary
in Grand Style
by Michael A. Stewart, PM, Secretary
Have you attended many 150th anniversary celebrations? Do you know many groups or organizations that have been around that long? Probably not. Or at the very least, that list is extremely short. Approximately two- hundred members and friends of Henrico Union Lodge can now say that they have taken part in such a momentous occasion. May 25th 2006 will be recorded in the history of Henrico Union Lodge as having been a wonderfully successful affair that was celebrated in grand style and with the dignity that the occasion deserved.
Right Worshipful Charles William Tompson, Sr. conducted an evening of
events that began with opening prayer
by the Reverend Michael D. Gregory and remarks from the Worshipful
Master; all present then joined in the
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of our Nation, followed by the singing
of our National Anthem.
A delicious dinner
of roast beef, fried chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes, cabbage,
rolls, apple cobbler, tea and coffee was served by Nanny's Family
Restaurant. The Rainbow Girls of Richmond Assembly No. 10 assisted in
serving.
There was plenty to eat and the dinner was enjoyed by all.
Soloist Sara
Harrison-Borum treated the crowd to a beautiful rendition of "Danny Boy"
and later "Let There Be Peace On Earth". Pianist Lucille H. Kitchin
provided
the accompaniment. Most Worshipful Frederick G. Martin, III was the
speaker for the evening and delivered a presentation on the rich history
of the Lodge being mindful of our past, present and future. All present
were
presented with a commemorative 150th Anniversary lapel pin. Closing
dedication prayers were delivered by Reverend Michael Gregory. The
entire presentation and evening's events were thoroughly enjoyed by all
in attendance.
Perhaps one of the most interesting and amazing facts of the
evening went unnoticed by many in attendance. Imagine if you will,
serving as Worshipful Master during the 100th Anniversary of the Lodge
and then serving
again as its Worshipful Master during the 150th anniversary of the
Lodge! Almost unbelievable isn't it? But it happened when our very own
Right Worshipful Brother Charles W. Tompson, Sr. did just that! What an incredible
demonstration of Masonic service and devotion to the craft! Thank you
Right Worshipful Tompson! In fact, our Lodge is indebted
to the entire Tompson family for the success of the evening. Right
Worshipful Tompson
worked countless hours as did his daughter, Wanda in preparation, during
and after the event. Also thanks go to Brother C.W. Tompson, Jr. and his
wife,
Nora for their assistance. Special thanks are extended to the 150th
Anniversary Committee for their contributions and to our District Deputy
Grand Master, Right Worshipful Guy Blankinship and all of the 2006
District Deputy
Grand Masters for their support. As we look to the future, may God
continue to bless Henrico Union Lodge
No. 130, as we strive to serve him and work together in Masonry!
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