Greetings from the East. First and foremost I would like to wish everyone a lot of happiness, success and good fortune in 2012. Also, please allow me to thank one more time to all of those who helped in our installation both in formal installation part as well as in organization, setup and refreshments. I would like to start my first written communication to you by thanking you for the confidence you have placed in myself as well as our current cast of officers to lead our lodge through the next Masonic year. The feeling of being in the East is a truly humbling and overwhelming experience for me. I feel both honored and privileged to serve in this very active and dynamic lodge. I believe that we just finished a great masonic year for our lodge and it is great to see that in our lodge we have both; new brethren who are very active as well as a very active core of our Past Masters.

Now, a fair warning to all Past Masters, I will be asking you a lot of questions and for your advice, so you will have to get used to my, hopefully not too frequent, calls or visits. My hope for this year is that we get as close as family through “Living Freemasonry” and sharing of those masonic experiences and understandings that we cherish as an inseparable part of our own identification as a man and a mason.

Worshipful Barry Bartley informed me that there will be a meeting for those that are interested in Knights Templar or are Sir Knights and are
interested in joining a potential new Commandery in Northern Virginia. The meeting will take place on 1/17 at 7:00 PM in Bailey Room. If you are interested please come join us.

As I was thinking about what to write this month, I decided to share with all of you something I read recently hoping that you will get the same excitement from these lines: “The secret of Masonry, like the secret of life, can be known only by those who seek it, serve it and live it. It cannot be uttered; it can only be felt and acted. It is, in fact, an open secret, and each man knows it according to his quest and capacity. Like all things worth knowing, no one can know it for another and no man can know it alone.” Dr. Joseph Fort Newton

My interpretation of these lines is that in order for one to know Masonry, one cannot rely only on knowledge provided to him while going
through the three degrees. Technically after receiving the third degree a man is a master mason but is that enough for one to say that he
understands masonry? Dr. Newton stipulates that one should “seek”, “serve” and “live” Freemasonry.
Seeking Freemasonry – We are all travelling on our individual masonic paths, and each one of us has different experiences and activities that come along. However to maximize masonic experience one should be actively involved and participating in masonic events. The true rewards come to those who seek them out.

Serving Freemasonry – As all things that we care about are not free, this applies to masonry as well. In order to understand it and know it, one has to be able to give back to it. The more time and effort we commit to masonry the greater the reward we receive and more of it we are familiar
with.

Living Freemasonry – Freemasonry is not just an activity we are involved in on first and third Monday of the month and for called meetings. Masonry is about living a life of a mason and incorporating masonic principles and values into our daily doings. The real question is – are we living Freemasonry?

Although we might be travelling on different paths, the great thing about our fraternity is that it accepts all good men that have belief in God.
There are enough places for all, and according to Dr. Newton “like all things worth knowing, no one can know it for another and no man can know it alone”. Therefore, this being my first communication to you, I invite you to live Freemasonry and join up to make good men better and Herndon Lodge the best.

Brethren –

Herndon Lodge was well represented at the annual Grand Communication with 14 Brothers present.   During the proceedings, Herndon was recognized multiples times.  First, Herndon received the Grand Master’s Sponsoring Body of the Year Award in conjunction with the DeMolay.   Herndon was next recognized as one of the recipients of the Get Fired Up Award.   Herndon then also received notice that we were a Hillman Award selectee.   Congratulations to all the Herndon Brethren that were part of these accomplishments.

Our own RW Michael Pobat closed his year as District 4 DDGM with a selection as one of the Grand Master’s Award of Excellence for his support of the Grand Master, District 4, and masonry in general.   Congratulations Brother on this well deserved recognition.

The first stated in November was conducted by our Wardens.  Each provided a glimpse into their thoughts for the upcoming years at Herndon Lodge.   At the second stated Wor Jay Patterson provided a lively look into his work as a correspondent for ABC covering the White House.   His program was both entertaining as well as informative.   Many thanks to each of the Brothers for supplying programs for the month.    We finished the month with a called meeting for the conferral of the Fellowcraft degree.

As 2011 comes to a close, there are plenty of achievements to reflect upon.  There were many Lodge improvements – new furniture, new lights, outside maintenance and painting.   The DeMolay won Chapter of the Year for second straight year and provided the Lodge with a new tree.   The recognitions received at Grand Lodge acknowledged that Herndon is indeed active in our community – 3 blood drives, CHIP events that processed over 600 children, presentation of savings bonds to Herndon Elementary students, and the presentation of a Community Builders Award are but examples.  Herndon also spread fraternal bonds as a traveling Lodge during the year with family trips to the Gettysburg Battlefield, Grand Lodge Temple in Philadelphia, a winery tour, and a visit to the GW Memorial in Alexandria.  Additionally, Herndon Lodge Brethren made 15 fraternal visits during the year where often the “getting there” was the best part of the journey.   In Lodge, there were a bounty of wonderful programs presented by Brethren from inside the Lodge as well as visitors to Herndon, each successful in the goal of spreading light to the Brethren.  Herndon Lodge continued to grow during the year.   We initiated 9 new Brothers, raised 6 new Master Masons, and had 9 affiliations.

There are far too many people to thank for their volunteered assistance and their unflagging patience not only during this year but also in the years leading up to my tenure in the East.   Mentioning just a few, Herndon Lodge is so very lucky to have Brothers like Wor Dick Walk to educate us on the ritual, RW WO Harrison to provide us with a firm grounding in our own history, Wor Rhey Solomon and Wor Jim Morgan to keep our records straight and always help with degree work, RW Pobat for all his advice and support and Brother Carsie Bozeman for getting this Trestleboard out to you each month.  But, with all those thoughts in place, the one person that I could have not made it through this year without is my wife Jennifer.   I can’t thank her enough for putting up with  all the late nights, traveling along with me to open events, all her support of the Bethel, and always bringing over to the Lodge that one last item that I forgot to bring with me.

It has been a great honor and privilege to serve the Brethren of Herndon Lodge this past year from the East.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Philip Brooks, WM

“Who we are might be predetermined.  The path we follow is always of our own choosing.  We should never, never allow our fears or the expectations of others, to set the frontiers of our destiny.  Your destiny can’t be changed but it can be challenged.  Every man is born as many men and dies as a single one.”

Download the Trestle Board

Brethren –

At our first stated of the month, eighteen of Herndon Lodge’s Past Masters were present to celebrate the evening.  MW Alan Adkins presented RW WO Harrison with his 60 year Masonic service pin as well as providing the Brethren with a program regarding Past Masters.    Brother Walter Bullock received his 25 year Masonic service pin at dinner preceding the meeting.  RW Pobat was also honored by visiting Brethren from Finland for his service as GL Representative.   I thank all of Herndon’s Past Master for their service to the craft in general and to Herndon Lodge in particular.

At the 2^nd stated of the month, RW Harrison provided a program regarding Founder’s Day.  Wor Rhey Solomon followed with a program discussing the symbolism of the three ruffians.   I thank these Brothers for bringing more light to the Brethren of Herndon Lodge.

October was full of activities with fraternal bonding and service to others.  Brother Rob Martin organized the Lodge’s third successful blood drive of the year.  Many thanks to everyone that donated and to Brother Rob for his dedication to the cause this year.  The Jobies provided a terrific pancake breakfast the morning of the blood drive supported by the efforts of Kathleen Garcia and Kate Colella.   Congratulations go out to Richard Fehrle as he has been installed as the Master Councilor of the DeMolay Chapter.    There were also three outside of Lodge activities that the Brethren participated in October.  The first was a bus tour of local wineries with friends and families – a wonderful day of fun and fellowship.   The next saw Brothers Bill Baird, David Harrison and Wor Jim Morgan with the Kena Hillbillies in the Herndon Homecoming Parade – a terrific opportunity to put Masonry in the public eye.   The third, a tour of the magnificent George Washington Memorial in Alexandria with friends and families – a reflection on the many branches of Masonry and its history.

Please welcome our two newest Master Masons – Brother Howard Snowden and Brother Kenneth Capps.   Both were raised at a called communication on the 24^th of October.

The first stated in November will be our Warden’s Night.  Grand Lodge is the second weekend of November.  Please note that the proceedings have been moved this year to the Hilton down the street.

Administrative notes… Lodge dues for 2012 are $110.  The $10 increase is to offset the increase in the Grand Lodge assessment starting this year.

To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.
-Unknown

Brethren –

September brought us a lot of rain.  So much so that the Lodge picnic was moved indoors.  That did not deter our spirits as a great time was had by all.   Special thanks to Bro Wayne Murphy for manning the grill and Bros Tom Morrison, Joe Tamres, Bennett Corrado, and Mauricio Carrasco for all the help with setup and clean up in support of the picnic.

For the first stated of the month, the Brethren were the program.   RW Michael Pobat set the stage with a round of Masonic Wheel of Fortune followed by a session of game playing and fellowship after the meeting.   At the second stated RW Ed Ray discussed the origins of the ballot box – why it is a secret ballot and the significance of the ballots being black and white.   The Lodge finished the month by supplying used bicycles to the Friends Meeting House annual Used Bike Drive (thank you to Bros Marc Schultze and Adi Karisik for your assistance) and by conferring a Fellowcraft degree during a called communication.

The Herndon Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star has donated funds to the Lodge to obtain new tables for the Fellowship Hall.  We hope to have these in place soon and I thank the OES for their support this year.

October looks to be another active month for the Lodge.  At the first stated we will be honoring our Past Masters.   MW Alan Adkins will present RW WO Harrison with his 60 year service pin.  It will also be chili night.  Make your best chili and bring it in to share with the Brethren.  The next night we’ll look to have a fraternal visit to Fervency Lodge in Point of Rocks Maryland.   There is just a seat or two remaining for the winery tour, but there are lots of slots available for the Blood Drive (see dates for each below).   Please make your reservations today for both!   Towards the end of the month there are two more opportunities for you to be active in demonstrating the Lodge’s commitment to community involvement.  The Hillbilly and Klown units from Kena will be joining the DeMolay in the Herndon Homecoming Parade.  The Brethren of Herndon Lodge are encouraged to join these groups and participate in the parade.   Halloween falls on the 5^th Monday of the month this year.  We’ll look to decorate the Fellowship Hall and treat the local neighborhood children.  We are in need of help to decorate and pass out candy.

Administrative notes… Should you move or change your contact information, please do update the Secretary with your new data.  This will help us to keep postage costs down as USPS charges us for each returned piece of mail.  Also, please do expect your 2012 dues notices soon.  There are still a few that have not yet paid their 2011 dues.  Please bring yourself current today.   The best method would be to bring your dues to a Lodge meeting.   Failing that, PayPal is available from our website or mail a check to the Secretary.   Now is a good time to consider a LMIP – before the 2012 dues hike goes into effect.  Grand Lodge will be conducted November 10-12 this year.  Make your reservations now to assure yourself a room.

Let us endeavor so to live that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry.
- Mark Twain

Brethren –

At the first stated in August the Brethren of Metropolitan 161 visited Herndon Lodge.  Wor Ben Jones provided light first by demonstrating how a Prince Hall Brother enters Lodge should he be tardy to Lodge.  Wor Jones further educated us with a very well received presentation regarding Prince Hall Masonry in general.   I hope that we can visit Metropolitan once they get their Lodge building back up and running.  At the second stated further light was brought to the Brethren as Bro Shan O’Meara made two short presentations.  His first covered Bro Buzz Aldrin and his accomplishments in space exploration.  The second, Bro Branch Ricky and his achievements in professional baseball.   Wor Varun Panchapakesan presented a paper on Masonry in India.   He highlighted several differences and similarities between Indian Lodges and Virginia Lodges.   My thanks to these Brothers for bringing further light to the Brethren of Herndon Lodge.

Bro SW Adi Karisik presented a short talk on Lodge officer roles and responsibilities.   He and Bro JW Mauricio Carrasco will host a short meeting prior to September’s first stated for anyone interested in pursuing opportunities within the Lodge.   Please make plans to attend to learn how you can assist your Lodge.

Bro TC Conway has put in a considerable amount of time and effort to refresh the Lodge web site.  The launch of the new site took place in August and it looks wonderful.   The Lodge web site is a good place to check in on upcoming events and news from the Lodge.  It also provides for chat and feedback on items of interest along with loads more space for photos.  Check it out: www.herndonlodge264.org.

The Herndon DeMolay Chapter returned from a successful Conclave with back to back Chapter of the year honors.  In a strong display of leadership from the Chapter, Herndon’s own Robert Marsters was elected to the office of State Master Councilor (SMC), Will Hamm was elected to be Deputy SMC, and Frank DeBendictics was elected to be Regional Master Councilor.  The guys also brought back a bevy of sports trophies.   The largest trophy they brought back from Conclave was for the Lodge itself.  Herndon Lodge was presented with the sponsoring body of the year award for our support of the Chapter.  Congratulations to the Chapter for their many accomplishments.

As September rolls in, the Brethren of Herndon Lodge will pickup activities and travels once again.  The first of the month is the Lodge on High Hill hosted by Treadwell Lodge at the Long Branch Estate.   If the weather is fair, it would be terrific to have a fraternal visit for this meeting.   On Labor Day, the first stated will be brief.   Prepare to be comfortable in your finest Hawaiian shirt.  The Brethren themselves will be the night’s program as the bulk of the evening will be spent in the Fellowship Hall playing board and card games.  This is an excellent opportunity to socialize with your Brethren.  On the 10^th, RW Leroy Jackson will have the Brethren and families out to his home in Chantilly for the annual Lodge picnic.   If you can help with the picnic, please reach out to Bro SW Adi to let him know how you can assist.   In case of inclement weather, the picnic will move to the Lodge.  I am hoping to hear from the Friends Meeting House soon regarding their annual Bike Drive.   They postponed this item from July.  More information will be on the web site when it becomes available.   I look forward to seeing each of you at these upcoming events.

Brother, I, too own a television set, but that does not keep me home on Lodge night.  I have never yet had one of the characters on television come off the screen and shake my hand.  They have never offered me the warm friendship that my Lodge Brothers do.
They have never handed me a cup of coffee or a doughnut.  NO!  NEVER!  - Author Unknown

Brethren –

As the summer has heated up and family vacations have started to kick in, Herndon Lodge has eased back a little on the planned activities. We started the month at the Lodge stated on July 4th with a fantastic presentation by Wor Ralph Smith and the Heroes of ’76 regarding the use and purpose of flags in general and the Stars and Stripes in particular. This was in conjunction with a family cookout at the Lodge and was followed by a short walk over to the Town golf course for a terrific fireworks show. At our second stated, Bro Shan O’Meara provided a presentation on Bro Ty Cobb’s life and accomplishments. My thanks to these Brothers for bringing further enlightenment to Herndon Lodge.