It's December, a time for celebration and change, and I wish a Happy Holiday season to all. The change at this time of the year that is of greatest interest, particularly to those in line, is the election of Manasseh Lodge Officers for 2003. Brethren, elections will be held at the December 6 Stated Communication. Please come out and participate. This is both an end and a beginning for me. I appreciate the honor bestowed on me at my election last December. I have enjoyed greatly the privileges and responsibilities of Worshipful Master. Soon, I shall begin a new role as a Past Master of Manasseh Lodge. Lastly, I congratulate the Brothers moving up in line!!!

     November Stated Communication - Manasseh Lodge honored its Past Masters with different and interesting program. This year when the Past Masters entered the Lodge Room, each had his name and year(s) served as Worshipful Master announced as he proceeded to the altar. After they assembled at the altar, they were welcomed and proceeded to the East where they were saluted. Then each spoke to the Lodge and passed the gavel on to the next. The words each Past Master shared with us was a treasure not to be missed. The passing of the gavel was symbolic of the passing of the gavel from Worshipful Master to Worshipful Master through the years. I hope all enjoyed it as much as I did.

• Brother Chuck Wirsing
• Brother Dale Cross
• Brother Uel Jones' Wife, Mitzi
• Brother John Cole's Wife, Betty

     Our current set of flags will be flown July through December, 2002. They were donated by Mrs. Betty Creighton.

     It is hard to believe that December is already upon us. Hopefully everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and I wish you a very merry holiday season and a happy and prosperous New Year! I am very excited about this particular new year as I have many ideas and activities planned for our Lodge... We are lucky to have a strong line of officers and, with the support of the Past Masters and members of Manasseh Lodge, we should have a very healthy and productive year.

     Having the opportunity to sit in the East for the past couple months has been an invaluable experience for me. I especially enjoyed the honor and priviledge of being able to receive our good freinds and brothers from Palestine Lodge on the event of their annual visit. This temporary journey to the East has included the daylight communications which I have rarely attended previously, but in this short time I have already been making new friends and I have been humbled and genuinely impressed with the support and strength of our daylight masons. I believe this has already helped to ease the transition previous to assuming this station and responsibilities it entails.

     Again I am looking forward to 2003 eagerly and with anticipation. In this new year I am convinced we will keep this lodge "On Course for the 21st Century" as our immediate Past Grand Master's theme promoted and throughout this year I am positive we will have many chances to take "Freemasonry" and "Pass It On" as our new Grand Master has inspired.

     Also, do not forget about the Lodge (and District) websites as I mentioned at the last meeting. Here are the addresses again:
     www.manasseh182.org
     www.district4.org
Hopefully they will be able to provide an extra level of visibility and help to communicate information to the bretheren in our lodge and around the district. With an emphasis on efficient communication we can strengthen our lodge and district in 2003. Take a look at them... especially the calendar of events and trestleboard. If you have any questions, comments, suggestions or corrections, please feel free to call me (703-599-3472) or email me at davidmc@manasseh182.org.

     Thanks for all the support, wisdom and encouragement I have received from so many masons during the past few years... hopefully together we will have a productive and fun year in 2003.