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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please feel free to contact a Lodge officer or the webmaster.

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

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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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