Brethren,
October was an active month, but it ended with a tone of grief and sorrow as we were struck by the news of the departure of our dear mentor and Brother, Worshipful C. Richard Walk, to the Celestial Lodge above. I cannot find words to begin describing how hard this affected not only us Officers of the Lodge and Past Masters, but all our Masonic family at Herndon and throughout the Masonic community in Virginia. Brother Dick was one of the finest and most dedicated Masons I have known, who selflessly devoted so much of his life to Freemasonry as a whole and to Herndon Lodge in particular. His dedication for impeccable ritual, the depth and quality of his programs, his patience and brotherly love when teaching every Brother who sought his assistance, his perseverance in inculcating knowledge; all these aspects left a deep and lasting impression in the hearts of hundreds of Masons who like us, had the privilege and blessing of finding inner growth through his mentoring and friendship. We received numerous emails from Brothers all over the US and beyond, expressing their pain and solidarity about these news. May the Great Architect give him the peace and rest he so rightfully deserves. We will miss you dearly, Brother Dick!
Resuming our labors, we will strive to keep our Masonic workings and ritual as sharp and flawless as Brother Dick taught us. We have a called meeting on November 2nd, for the purpose of raising two FCs who have been working hard on their degrees. Come and support them.
Monday November 4th, during the day and prior to our stated meeting, we are going to pay our last respects to WB Dick Walk with a Masonic Funeral Service to be held at Jefferson Funeral Chapel located at 5755 Castlewellan Drive, Alexandria VA 22315 starting at 11am. Visitation will begin at 10am. Internment will be thereafter at Quantico National Cemetery. Afterwards, all Brothers are invited to a reception in his honor, to be held at Herndon Lodge starting at 3pm. Details on this arrangements are posted in our website.
Our first stated meeting in November will be “Wardens’ Night” – an evening for Officers to move up in their chairs and share with us their plans, giving us a glimpse of what to expect next year. Come on and support Brother Tom and Brother Bennett, as they continue building up our Craft.
November is also the month of Thanksgiving. And we at Herndon Lodge have plenty to be thankful about. Although our second stated meetings are usually without dinner, November has this good reason to make an exception. Prior to our second stated on November 18th we will hold a Thanksgiving Dinner. All brothers are encouraged to invite their families to join us, so that together we can say thanks for the many blessings, teachings and experiences we have shared in the fraternity and with our loved ones throughout the year. One of our favorite American traditions to be celebrated with our entire Masonic family. And we will thank for the special place Brother Dick has left in our hearts.
I look forward to see you there.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Mauricio Carrasco, WM
