June 16, 2010

Brethren,

    As always, Most Worshipful Brother Fred Martin and the National Sojourners, consisting of Right Worshipful Charles Sarbaugh and Worshipful Gordon Morrow, did an out standing job of “Building Our Flag”. As we had finished our meal early, we were able to go into the Lodge Room ahead of schedule and our non-masonic visitors were able to witness this program also. Several who had not seen it in the past commented on how meaningful it was and how glad they were to have had this opportunity to see it.

    My heartfelt thanks go out to Right Worshipful Stuart Cook and his bride, Barbara, my bride Robin and Ms. Dawn Harper for all of their help in preparing our meal for the evening. It may have only been a “cold plate” but Barbara Cook really spiced it up with some official, direct from the man, “Hanover” tomatoes.

    Worshipful Jason Taliaferro from Joppa Lodge #40 requested to approach the East where he presented a very heart warming and compassionate explanation of a Certificate of Appreciation he presented to Metropolitan Lodge #11 from Joppa Lodge #40. Metropolitan and Joppa Lodges have had a long history of friendship and brotherly love and Worshipful Brother Jason and his line of officers wanted to show their appreciation in a more formal (and excellent) manner. The framed certificate will be hung in a place of honor in Lodge Room #2.

    August was to be our Senior Warden’s Night, but due to some unforseen problems, we will postpone this until our October Stated when Brother Mac Adams’ schedule will permit him to assume the East. I am sure he will have an excellent program and meal for us.

    This leads me into a subject with which I had hoped would not be one Metropolitan #11 would have to deal. Brother Mac Adams has been assigned to the Homicide Division of the Richmond Police Department and in this new role he does not feel he will be able to assume the East next year. While I am sorry that Brother Mac, who has come this far, will not be able to continue on, I do understand that some opportunities must be seized when presented.

    Not since 1899 (over 100 years ago) has Metropolitan Lodge #11 had to repeat a Master. This coming year, if it is the Lodge’s pleasure to re-elect me, I will continue in the East. This will enable Brother Chris Loftus to remain with his class and move into the position of Senior Warden and those behind him to move up also.

    Since we are moving our Senior Warden Night to October, I have asked the speaker I had lined up for October to present his program in August. Right Worshipful Stuart Cook will present his program on “Commitment”. Right Worshipful Brother Stuart is an excellent speaker and I encourage each of you to come out and hear his timely message in August.

    I am laying the ground work for our Ladies’ Day and am looking at another River Cruise on the Rappahannock.. However, instead of doing the same thing we did last year, we will this time drive to Fredericksburg and depart there for a historic cruise and lunch. Price per person, including the lunch, is expected to be in the neighborhood of $25 - $30 per person. This is less than last year and again will be the sole responsibility of the participants. Details to follow.

    Worshipful Tom Sykes is working on a trip to Hiram Lodge #21 in Winchester. The plans are for this to be a bus trip, leaving on a Second Tuesday afternoon, stopping for dinner along the way and arriving in time for their lodge meeting at 7:30 PM. Others from area lodges have already expressed an interest in going with us and are most welcome. The cost of the bus will be divided by all those participating.

    Finally Brethren, an important message from Most Worshipful Fred Martin will be sent out in a separate e-mail and posted on our website at www.metropolitanlodge.com/demolay.pdf. The costs of additional pages in the printed bulletin preclude me from adding it here. The gist of the message is “If you support the ideals of Love of Parents, Reverence, Courtesy, Comradeship, Fidelity, Cleanness and Patriotism and were never a DeMolay then become an Honorary DeMolay” on Saturday, October 2, 2010.

    Come out and support YOUR lodge. I’ll be there on August 12th, Will You?

                "150 Years Young and Growing"

     Sincerely and Fraternally,
     Brother Tom Wadkins, W.M.