The George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria has been designated one of four new national historic landmarks, Interior Secretary Sally Jewell and National Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis announced Tuesday.

The neoclassical tower, built on a hill overlooking Old Town Alexandria, is “among the most architecturally significant projects to honor George Washington and one of the boldest private efforts to memorialize him,” the Park Service said in an announcement.

The memorial, a well-known Alexandria landmark, was built to honor Washington, a charter member of the Alexandria Freemasons lodge. The structure was built between 1922 and 1970 on a site once nominated by Thomas Jefferson as a possible location for the nation’s capital, according to the memorial’s Web site. The exterior was completed in 1932, and the interior was finished in 1970.

Washington Post – Alexandria’s Washington Masonic Memorial named a national landmark

DATE: October 17, 2015

PLACE: Mays Landing Golf Club

TIME: 11 AM

Ocean City Masonic Lodge No. 171 is hosting  a Golf Tournament  with proceeds to going to the “Benefit our Building” fund.

The event will feature a putting contest (for all, including non- golfers), longest drive, closest to pin, and best foursome score.

Outing Price for Golfers, Includes, Cart, and BBQ, buffet, Chicken, Hot dogs, Burgers and more.

Ocean City Lodge 171 Golf Outing

DATE: August 29th, 2015

PLACE: Ocean City Lodge 171, 940 Wesley Avenue Ocean City, NJ 08226

TIME: 8:00 AM to 11 AM

Ocean City Masonic Lodge No. 171 will be serving an all you can eat pancake breakfast on August 29th from 8 AM to 11 AM.   Cost is Adults $8, Children under 12 $4.

All proceeds will benefit the Ocean City Lodge Building Renovation Fund.

Pancake Breakfast 2015

DATE: August 20, 2015

PLACE: 550 Wesley Ave, Ocean City, NJ 08226

TIME: 1 PM to 6 PM

Ocean City Masonic Lodge No. 171 will host an American Red Cross Blood Drive 1 p.m.- 6 p.m. August 20th at the Ocean City Tabernacle, 500 Wesley Ave.

Ocean City Lodge #171 and the American Red Cross invite all residents, groups and businesses to donate. To be eligible to donate blood through the American Red Cross, individuals must be at least 17 years of age and in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and have not donated in the last 56 days.

Appointments are preferred, but not required. To make an appointment, contact the Red Cross at 800-RED CROSS or sign up online at www.redcrossblood.org – Sponsor Code: ocmasonic

On this day in 1753, George Washington became a Master Mason, the highest rank in Freemasonry. His promotion occurred at the masonic lodge in his hometown of Fredericksburg, Virginia. He was 21 at the time, awaiting his first military commission.

Derived from practices and rituals in the medieval guild system, freemasonry gained popularity in the 18th century, especially in Britain. British Masons organized their first North American chapter in 1731 in Pennsylvania. Members are required to express their belief in a supreme being and in the immortality of the soul. Masons are also expected to obey civil laws, hold to high moral standards and contribute to charities.

SOURCE: U.S. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS