                   General Greeting -- Before Dinner

Time: 1845



The Masters of the combined lodges have afforded me the special
privilege of welcoming our guests.  They, and the other elected and
appointed officers of each lodge and I greet you well.

We especially appreciate your very enthusiastic turnout to be with us,
our Grand Master, and his charming lady Voula on this his official
visit to the 54th District.  We are elated that you are here.

We're living in an age when we have more leisure time than our
grandfathers, or even our fathers, deemed possible.  The inventive
genius of our civilization has made great strides in shortening our
work hours.  But, the same inventiveness has produced a vast array of
entertainment to beguile (to divert) this time away.

Thank you for making and taking this opportunity to share your
fellowship with us.  It is gratifying.


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It is a wonderful experience to feel the bonds of brotherhood and
spiritual fellowship uniting each of us to the other in Masonry.  I
would ask that each of our visitors carry the fraternal greetings of
the 54th District home with you.

By way of an overview:  This evening is divided into four phases:

     (a)  General how goes it session with the Grand Master 
 
     (b)  Received the Grand Master with full Masonic Honors

     (c)  Meal together 

          (1)  Intend to introduce the head table later
          (2)  Special recognitions

     (d)  Retire to the Amphitheater

          (1)  Introductions
          (2)  Presentations
          (3)  Remarks by the Grand Master
          (4)  Entertainment



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Please be upstanding -- We will now request the Worshipful Master of
Cherrydale Lodge #42; the Reverend F. Reed Brown, to lead us in an
inspirational invocation to Diety.


                              -- ( 0 ) --

Blessed art Thou, Oh Lord our God, King of the Universe, who bringest
forth bread from the earth.
                                                       So Mote It Be--

                              -- ( 0 ) --


Please enjoy your meal.  










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                             After Dinner

Time: 1925 -- 1930


We pray that you've enjoyed yourself thus far, and that the evening
will continue to be as profitable and pleasing to you as it is to us.

Let's take a moment, at this time convey our collective appreciation
to the WM and Wardens of the A.D. Smith Lodge of Research #1949, who
acted as our liaison with this magnificent temple that belongs to
Freemasons throughout the country.  

I especially want to thank our Pillar of Beauty, the man who oversees
the Lodge during hours of refreshment; Worshipful James G. (Pete)
Melvin.  Brother Pete is a PM of Andrew Jackson Lodge #120 and has a
soft spot for the Masonic Home of Virginia -- Pete is the Masonic Home
Ambassador for Masonic District 1A.

The meal this evening was made even more pleasant by the beautiful
musical interlude provided by Miss ____________________.  Please join
me in a warm show of our appreciation.  


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Introduce the Head Table:

The M of the host Lodge; my WM -- Lauris Martin Eek III and his
friend Miss ____________________.  Thank you for chairing the
committee to look after the myriad details and ensuring that nothing
slipped through the cracks.  Bravo Zulu -- Well done

It now pleases me to present an important part of the District Team --
Our Appointed District Officers.  As I call their names I would ask
them to remain standing:

     W Norman Alfred Mayo, The District Community Service and
     Communications Chairman and his wife _______________.

     RW Melvin Leon Crane, The District Blood Coordinator and his
     wife ______________. 

     W Joseph Whildon Crane, our Masonic Home Ambassador

     W Dale Leonard Thurman, our District Educational Officer and his
     wife _________________.

     W Ollie H. Chaplin, our District Instructor of Work and his wife
     ______________.

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When I was young in the Craft; all Masters, Past Masters, and
Appointed District officers seemed very old, very important, and very
austere.  Now that I'm a Past Master myself and look around, you seem
very young, very ordinary, and very-very approachable.

Please join me in giving these hard working Freemasons and their
ladies a very warm round of applause in partial repayment for all
they're doing for us and our Fraternity.

                              -- ( 0 ) --

There's a story that our IPM tells, about when he was conducting a
routine zone inspection as the skipper of a warship.  I seems that
there was a young man, who after presenting his space (in true
military fashion) engaged him in conversation.  It went something like
this....    Captain you know how you keep saying things happen on this
ship as if by magic....  Well, I'de like you to know I'M THAT MAGIC.

It now falls my pleasure to present my magic, the person who keeps me
on time, who contends with my long hours, who nurtures and supports
me, the Light of my life -- the wind under my wings -- my dear wife
Sue.



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A great philosopher once noted that the most prized gift that we can
provide to another is the gift of good example.

For the past five years or so, I have been the frequent recipient of
just such a priceless gift.  I have watched this exemplary Mason's
good works with ever increasing admiration.  I have observed his
boundless energy, drive, and dedicated service.  I have seen the
results of programs that he's initiated at first hand and have been
singularly impressed.

I'm pleased and honored to present our friend and brother, the Grand
Master of Masons in the Commonwealth of Virgina, MW Werner Herman
Morlock and his charming wife Voula.

                              -- ( 0 ) --

TO YOU MOST WORSHIPFUL WE OFFER OUR FRIENDSHIP AND COLLECTIVE GOOD
WISHES FOR YOUR HEALTH AND STRENGTH TO BE MAINTAINED.  SO THAT YOUR
HELP AND LEADERSHIP MAY CONTINUE DURING THE REMAINDER OF YOUR YEAR IN
OFFICE - AND THEN FOR MANY YEARS TO COME. 

YOU HONOR US.  WELCOME ABOARD.




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Time: 1940 - 1945


I will, at this time ask the Master of Arlington Centennial Lodge #81,
W Jim Morgan to make a small presentation to our Grand Master. 


                              -- ( 0 ) --


Brethren, Ladies; Let us retire from this place.  Please join me in
the Amphitheater for the remainder of our program.













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                               OBITUARY


IT IS ON A SAD NOTE AND WITH PROFOUND SORROW THAT I ANNOUNCE THAT THE
SUPREME ARCHITECT OF THE UNIVERSE HAS CALLED OUR FRIEND AND BROTHER TO
LABOR IN HIS HEAVENLY WORKSHOP.  

BROTHER CURTIS SLOPER WAS WELL KNOWN IN THE 54th DISTRICT FOR HIS
LONG, FAITHFUL, AND DEDICATED SERVICE.  ON WEDNESDAY, THE 28th WE PAID
THE LAST TRIBUTE OF RESPECT TO HIS EARTHLY REMAINS AT MONEY AND KING
MORTUARY IN VIENNA. 

HE WAS CALLED BY HIS MAKER - AS A RESULT OF HEART FAILURE WHILE IN THE
HOSPITAL - A LETTER OF CONDOLENCE HAS BEEN SENT TO THE FAMILY.

PLEASE BE UPSTANDING AND JOIN ME IN A MOMENT OF SILENT PRAYER.  

WITH HIS PASSING WE HAVE LOST THE SERVICES OF A VALUED MEMBER. FRIEND
AND BROTHER.  


PLEASE BE SEATED.




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