‘Masonic philatelists to meet’

     
It seems like I’m writing only about Virginia these days, but here’s one more event. The George Washington Masonic Stamp Club will meet Sunday the 25th for its annual meeting. From the publicity:

George Washington

Masonic Stamp Club

Sunday, February 25

1:30 p.m.

George Washington Masonic

National Memorial

Alexandria, Virginia

1:30 – Review covers, socialize.

There will be a number of very valuable collections available for sale, including one that was turned over to your president last summer. Though not well organized, there are many Masonic covers and cachets with a significant collection of Isle of Man stamps. Two additional Isle of Man celebration sheets, obtained at the United Grand Lodge of England, will be available for $30 each. There will be a number of albums up for sale, many belonging to your president, that have been collected over the years. There will be many items of interest for club members to purchase. Of course, we will have the usual door prizes.

2 p.m. – Meeting, including Master of Philately Degree and election of officers for the ensuing two-year term.

If you have not received the Master of Philately from the GWMSC, you may receive it at this meeting. Please reserve in advance with Bro. John Allen so we’ll have your certificate for you. Applicants for membership may attend and receive the Master of Philately, subject to favorable vote into membership. Candidates should bring their current lodge dues card. With the demise of the Masonic Stamp Club of New York last year, the GWMSC is the only group conferring Master of Philately now. Qualifications: You must be a GWMSC member, be present at the Annual Meeting, and not have received it from the GWMSC already. There are no added fees for this degree.

4:45 – Gather at Joe Theismann’s Restaurant. Dinner at 5:30. Ladies and guests welcome.

Speaker: Walter Benesch, club president, on his experiences attending the tercentenary celebrations at the United Grand Lodge of England last fall.

In case you are not aware, on October 31, 2017, the United Grand Lodge of England celebrated its 300th anniversary. The Royal Albert Hall, which seats more than 5,000, was the focal point of the celebration, with the overflow crowd, of which your president was part, seated in the Grand Lodge, watching a live telecast. The program was outstanding. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that hopefully will be of interest to all at dinner. Remember, wives and non-club members are welcome to attend. (A separate tercentennial slideshow has been developed, should any of your Masonic bodies wish a more formal presentation.)

It is hoped many of you within a 75-mile radius will be able to attend the Annual Meeting. It should be fun. There will be at least one candidate for the degree and the fellowship is always enjoyable.

Fraternally,
Walter Benesch, President