Presented to Naval Lodge No. 4 on May 2, 1918

A service flag is usually displayed by family members of service members deployed during war time.  A gold star represents a family member that died during service.

The service flag was designed in 1917 by United States Army Captain Robert L. Queisser of the Fifth Ohio Infantry, in honor of his two sons who were serving in World War I.   It was quickly adopted by the public and by government officials.

On September 24, 1917, an Ohio congressman read into the Congressional Record:  “The mayor of Cleveland, the Chamber of Commerce and the Governor of Ohio have adopted this service flag. The world should know of those who give so much for liberty. The dearest thing in all the world to a father and mother — their children.”

On April 4, 1918 the members of Naval Lodge voted to purchase a Service Flag for the building to honor those members who were serving in what we now call World War I.  A flag was purchased for $14.16 and presented to the Lodge on May 2, 1918.

The minutes from that day read:  “At the request of the Committee having in charge the purchase of a service flag, Bro. Past Master Roepke presented it to the Lodge in a very appropriate and commendable manner, speaking particularly of the sixty-eight “brethren represented by the stars, representing one out of every seven of the entire membership of the Lodge.”

On November 21, 1918, ten days after the cease fire later known as Armistice Day, Naval Lodge met and it was noted that twenty-four more stars needed to be added to the flag, for a total of ninety-two.  It appears that rather than try to squeeze the stars onto the already crowded flag, the brothers decided to stitch the numerals 92 onto the flag.  Of the 92 members of Naval Lodge that served in WWI, two died in service to their country.

A Grand Old Flag
By John Kelly
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 10, 2010; 11:14 PM

Like a lot of old buildings, the headquarters of Naval Lodge No. 4 at 330 Pennsylvania Ave. SE is full of mysteries. It dates from 1894, although the lodge itself is much older. The order of Freemasons was founded in 1805 by carpenters, pipefitters and boatwrights from the Navy Yard, thus its name.

“This building has so many bizarre nooks and crannies, hidden passages, trapdoors and things that I’m forever finding new things,” said Isaiah Akin, a Senate staffer who’s a member of the lodge. Members found an original stone from the White House. The block – inscribed with Masonic symbols – was among those handed out by Harry S. Truman when the executive mansion was renovated. “There’s always strange stuff turning up,” Isaiah said. Last year, he was poking around when he found a box. Inside was a flag, red with a white rectangle covered in 68 stars. Also stitched to it: the number 92.

Isaiah did a little research and determined that it’s a World War I service flag, made to honor the 68 Naval Lodge members who served in the Great War. And the 92? After it was made, 24 more members enlisted. There wasn’t room for their stars, so the digits were added instead. “It makes you think about the people who served in World War I and the awfulness of that war,” Isaiah said of the flag. The public is invited to see the flag unveiled by the lodge’s worshipful master at 2 p.m. Thursday. Many members are veterans. Here’s a chance to thank them.

* Update May 23, 2010 —

WM Webb and others had a great time helping. The day couldn’t have been any better and the school looks much better.

Most Masons don’t realize that they have already taken the first step in the York Rite ladder when they joined the Blue or Symbolic Lodge.  This program will present an overview of the other York Rite bodies and what they have to offer.  Remember, when the Ancients and Moderns joined together in England, the resulting constitution stated Masonry consists of the three degrees (EA, FC, and MM) PLUS the Royal Arch.  You may find out why and how the other York Rite bodies can help you achieve an greater understanding of you Lodge and your place in the Craft.  In addition, the presenter will give a little information on the invitational bodies which are sometimes associated with the York Rite and the lessons and opportunities each has to offer.

Bio on Bro. Benesch :

WB has been in Masonry all of his adult life.  He is a Past Master of Archer Bailey Gay Lodge #275, Alexandria, VA which later merged with Springfield #217.  He is a Past High Priest of Mt. Vernon Royal Arch Chapter #14 which meets in the GWMNM, and Annandale Royal Arch Chapter #77 in Virginia.  He is a Past Commander of Old Dominion Commandery #11 in Alexandria, VA, and of Columbia Commandery #1 in D.C.  Walter is currently an officer in Adoniam Zabud Council #2 in DC.  He is the current High Priest of Columbia #1 that meeting in Naval Lodge Building on the 2nd Mondays of the month.  In addition, he has been the chairman of the “Set-up and Take-down” for the Easter Sunrise Service for the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, USA, since 2000 but has been working on the set-up since 1987.  In addition he is a Past Governor of Washington Lee York Rite College #93, Past Sovereign Preceptor of Nova Vitam #73, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests, and a holder of the Purple Cross (what some call the 33 degree of the York Rite).  He has been the author of numerous articles in The Royal Arch Magazine, and The Philathes.  He joined our Lodge in 2009.

From the East

Brethren,

Congratulations to Brothers Macktarr Kallay and Joseph Holston on being raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. I am pleased with your regular attendance and desire to seek out the fellowship and friendships which freemasonry brings to its members. We look forward to your continued participation and active involvement in the Craft!

I am in awe of Brother Chris Boesen! He opened our eyes with a fantastic presentation on Marcus Tullius Cicero and the Eleusinian Mysteries earlier this month and our Masonic brethren serving on the Hill missed an opportunity to hear a modern day Cicero wax rhetoric. Great job, Brother Chris!

Also, I want to thank Brother Tyler Stapleton who joined me in shaving his head at the recent St. Baldrick’s fundraiser. Our team raised 8 thousand dollars for childhood cancer research – going bald in solidarity with kids battling this terrible disease. Compared to a child’s struggle, shaving our heads wass a small sacrifice. Besides, we had great fun.

Finally, I look forward to our upcoming degree work – I see continued improvement in our ritual and am looking forward to April 1st when the Trustees will provide their annual report.

We look forward to seeing you at Lodge.

Sincerely,

Michael Webb, Worshipful Master

Naval Lodge No. 4, F.A.A.M.

From the West

Brethren,

I bring you fraternal greetings from the West. What a privilege for me to serve this great lodge in the West! Brethren, I will forever be humbled and grateful for the trust you bestowed in me as your Senior Warden. Naval lodge #4 is blessed with many fine and dedicated masons who have earned the respect of other masons within and outside our jurisdictions. I hope and pray that we continue to build and improve on our ritual proficiency which we are now known for within this Grand jurisdiction.

I also want to thank the Worshipful Master for preserving and maintaining the customs, traditions and expectations of Naval Lodge’s century’s tradition of excellence. To the Past Masters, this is the time we need your wealth of expertise in the craft and your selfless dedication towards lifting our great lodge to the highest height of fame. As Past Princes of the craft at Naval lodge, you now form the backbone of our many successes. We salute you for keeping the flame of success burning.

To the officers of the lodge, your unflinching commitment towards the success of Naval lodge has not gone unnoticed, for your recompense is with your God.

To rest of the brethren, I salute your dedication and regular attendances and zeal for the lodge in particular and the craft in general. Your active participation in Naval Lodge is a reliable determinant to our very existence for another two hundred years (200 yrs). Until then, Stay Blessed.

Bro. Andrew Patnelli

Senior Warden

WM Webb & Bro. Mike Dudek visit with Brothers @ Hiram Takoma Lodge #10 (Click to enlarge).

Brethren,
I hope this finds you well – having endured the recent snowfall in our Nation’s Capitol.  In difficult times like these, we can appreciate how Freemasonry’s bonds of friendship, compassion and brotherly love have survived even the most divisive political, military and religious conflicts through the centuries.  In this edition of the Trestleboard, I would like to share some important information and let you know about upcoming events at Naval Lodge No. 4, F.A.A.M.

1) Naval Lodge No. 4 has more than 900 members on its Facebook site:  http://www.facebook.com/naval4.  This site also contains current information on the proposed calendar of programs for Masonic Year 2010.

2) On March 4, 2010, Naval brother Chris Boesen will present what is sure to be a very enlightening discussion on Marcus Tullius Cicero and the Eleusinian Mysteries.  This will be an open meeting – meaning that the Lodge will be opened to non-masons.  On this evening, we are also planning to host a reception for Masonic Members of Congress.

3) On March 13, 2010, I will be shaving my hair off in solidarity with children who have cancer (and typically lose their hair during treatment), while raising critical funds for childhood cancer research.   Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution online at http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/participantid/365877.

We look forward to seeing you at Lodge.

Sincerely,
Michael Webb, Worshipful Master

Naval Lodge No. 4, F.A.A.M.

FROM THE SECRETARY’S DESK….

Brethren,
I would like to challenge you all to reach out to the brothers whom have fallen from the craft.Life does happen, but I would like to encourage you all to light a beacon and encourage their return. As I’ve seen these past years, many come through the line but often become “too busy” to visit lodge. A friendly reminder can be rewarding. WM has worked hard to plan exciting and informative meetings that we all can benefit from.
Fraternally,
Jacob Wood, Secretary

Upcoming Events

Communication
Why did John, Paul, George, and Ben join Freemasonry?
March 4, 2010

Degree Work
Fellow Craft Degree
March 18, 2010

Degree Work
Entered Apprentice
April 1, 2010

Communication
Arithmetic: Math and the Mona Lisa
April 15, 2010

PETITIONS FOR DEGREE WORK

Atilla Suzer
1013 East Caspitol St.
Washington, DC 20003

Thomas-Eric Williams
1415 9th Street
Lanham, MD 20706-1631

Robert Wright
8511 Accotink Rd.
Lorton, VA 22079

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