Achilles Masonic Lodge #281

10/16/2026

EVENT: Grand Master's Wreath Laying Ceremony - Thomas Nelson, Jr.

Date: Monday, October 19, 2026
Time: 9:15 AM
Location: Grace Episcopal Church, 111 Church St, Yorktown, VA 23690
Attire: Suit & tie (GL Officers/DDGMs: Uniform Suit)

Thomas Jr was born on December 26,1738 in Yorktown, Virginia. He was the son of William and Elizabeth Carter Burwell.

Thomas was born to one of the wealthiest merchant families in Yorktown, Virginia.

His father, William Nelson, had been Virginia’s Governor twice.

In 1852; at the age 14, Thomas was sent to England to attend school, (a common practice among colonists & many Virginians of the Planter Class).

Thomas first attended the Newcome School; then in 1758; Thomas attended Christ’s College at Cambridge University.

In 1760, Thomas graduated from Cambridge.

In 1761, Thomas returned to Virginia (age 22). While aboard ship on the return journey, he was elected to the Virginia...

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10/06/2026

It’s fresh sausage time!! Place your orders!

10/01/2026

September 30th, 2026: Achilles Masonic Lodge #281 is pleased to congratulate Brother Addison Brown on being raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. Throughout his journey on becoming a Master Mason, Brother Brown has dedicated many hours to study and learning the Craft.

It was an honor to have the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Virginia Matthew Todd Szramoski visit the lodge and take part in raising Brother Brown, along with many Brothers from lodges throughout our district and surrounding districts.

Thanks to all who came out to support Brother Brown and Achilles Lodge!

09/28/2026

09/24/2026

09/12/2026

09/03/2026

Brethren,

The Grand Master warmly encourages all of you to join us on Saturday, October 3rd for Masonic Family Day. A full day of fellowship, activities, and celebration has been prepared for our families and friends.

As the day concludes, we will hold a special wreath‑laying ceremony in honor of three of our orphans who passed away at the beginning of World War II.

We sincerely hope you will stand with us on October 3rd as we celebrate, reflect, and strengthen the bonds of our Masonic family.

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08/30/2026

Another wonderful family night out was had at IDK Raw Bar Grill and Gaming with Masons and families from Achilles Masonic Lodge #281 and Botetourt Masonic Lodge #7. Thank you to all that came out!

08/27/2026

The Battle of Gettysburg was the bloodiest conflict to take place during the American Civil War; in the matter of just three days an estimated 50,000 casualties were tallied. Men were thrown into battle against familiar faces: Brothers, Fathers, Sons – Family.

The incredible chasm that split America into two was an overwhelming force that did not afford the opportunity for ordinary men to sit on the sidelines. However, Masonic Brotherhood would still find its way onto the battlefield.

July 3rd, 1863 – the final day of at the Battle of Gettysburg:
General Lee had not anticipated the tenacity of Union forces as they held their ground against the brutal and bloody waves of Confederate charges. Although Lee had numerical superiority, the battle of attrition had taken its toll on his army. With his army tired, sick, and demoralized Lee decided to make a gamble that would ultimately turn the tide of war against the Confederate States of America.

General Lee ordered Major General Pickett to charge the center of the Union Line at Cemetery Ridge, a last-ditch attempt to overwhelm Union forces and decisively win the battle. However, Pickett’s Charge was unsuccessful and ultimately led to the retreat of Confederate troops.

It was during this final attack that Confederate Brigadier General Lewis Armistead was mortally wounded. Armistead gave the Masonic sign for assistance while under the guard of Union Captain Henry H. Bingham, who recognized his Brother’s plea for help and put aside his military obligations to help a Brother in need. Bingham then rendered aid to Armistead, even though Bingham himself had been wounded in the battle.

Today, the Friend to Friend monument stands as a memorial in the Gettysburg National Cemetery to commemorate the brotherly love shown that day. More than that it stands as a reminder that Freemasonry is more than just a fraternity – it builds men higher, it gives us a path to see beyond our feuds, it creates unbreakable bonds of Brotherhood.