Brethren:

As I write this article, we have had our very memorable, January 10th, Officer Installation and our January 18th movie, Cold Mountain and enjoyed each other's company afterward while dining at Abe's Delicatessen. The fellowship that we have at our events and meetings must continue to be an attribute of our Lodge. That is how we come together across lines of age and opinion in "brotherly love" to cement ourselves into "one sacred band or Society of Friends and Brothers, among whom no contention should ever exist - but that noble contention, or emulation of who best can work and best agree."

We must also continue as Freemasons to make a difference outside the walls of our Lodge. On Saturday night, February 28th, we can help support those in the Masonic Homes during the Hollywood-West Valley Lodge #355 Western Night which will feature a book sale and silent auction with all proceeds given to the Masonic Homes.

Also, in February, we observe President's Day, a Federal holiday in honor of all United States of America's Past Presidents. We honor, in particular, two of our greatest national leaders, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

As citizens and Freemasons, we recognize George Washington as the "father of our country" and a loyal Masonic brother who exemplified the great Masonic virtures of "temperence, fortitude, prudence and justice". He led and encouraged his inexperienced armies as commander of the colonial military forces against the British for 8 years until the colonies won their independence and served as the first President of the United States from 1789 to 1797.

He was a reluctant leader who inspired others through years of war and saw himself serving his country, not leading it. When he accepted 2 terms as president, he viewed himself as serving God and his country in peacetime. He turned down a third term as president, wishing only to retire to his beautiful family home, Mount Vernon, where he died of pnemonia associated with exposure to cold weather on December 14, 1799.

Abraham Lincoln was not a Mason but did, however, make application for membership in Tyrian Lodge in Springfield, Illinois. Shortly after his nomination for the Presidency in 1860, he withdrew the application because he felt that his applying for membership at that time might be construed as a political ruse to obtain votes. He advised the Lodge that he would resubmit his application again when he returned from his Presidency. Lincoln never returned. Upon his death, Tyrian Lodge adopted on April 17, 1868, a resolution saying "the decision of President Lincoln to postpone his application for the honours of Freemasonry, lest his motives be misconstrued, is the highest degree honourable to his memory".

We, the brethren of Hollywood-West Valley Lodge #355 sincerly hope that our Masonic Information Night which is scheduled on Wednesday, February 11th, to explain Masonry to interested people in our community and our wives will inspire the application of new members for the "honours of Freemasonry" just as Abraham Lincoln was inspired to apply for membership in Tyrian Lodge in 1860.

Fraternally yours,

Marco Romey, PM

Junior Warden

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