04/11/2020
Better late than never.
 https://grandlodgeofvirginia.org/coronavirus-covid-19-and-actions-taken-and-recommended-by-the-grand-lodge-of-virginia/
Brethren All...
For those who have not been receiving regular updates, here is a synopsis of the latest actions and recommendations taken by the Grand Lodge of Virginia as compiled from sources at the above website:
1) All Stated and Called Communications are suspended until April 30, 2020. By this action, the Grand Master, Most Worshipful Douglas V. Jones, set aside Section 2.09 of the Methodical Digest, with no further paperwork or dispensation being required. This suspension applies to all building rentals, Youth organizations, and any other appendant bodies, which meet in any Masonic Lodge building beholden under the Grand Lodge of Virginia. Grand Lodge is closely monitoring developments and will terminate the suspension, if appropriate, sooner than the 30th, or if necessary, extend it into May. (Virtual Lodge meetings are not allowed.)
2) All District Ritual Schools are suspended until April 30, 2020. Grand Lodge is closely monitoring developments and will terminate the suspension, if appropriate, sooner than the 30th, or if necessary, extend it into May.
3) A Brother working with a Candidate on catechisms outside the Lodge building may continue to get together at their own determination. Just practice “social distancing” and common sense measures like hand washing and avoiding all grips and handshakes.
4) All District Official Visits by the Grand Master are suspended until April 30, 2020. District Deputy Grand Masters are urged to collaborate to see if impacted visits can be combined, if geographically possible, with another district.
5) All remaining Division Leadership Conferences are cancelled. Should they be rescheduled, an announcement will be made.
6) Worshipful Masters may still honor a family request for a Masonic Funeral Service. It is the Grand Master's expectation, after consulting with the Grand Lecturer, Right Worshipful Doyle L. Miller, that a small team of no more than eight Brothers do the service.
7) Previously scheduled blood drives may move forward. This is an urgent effort to assist in replenishing the blood supply. It is incumbent upon the Worshipful Master to working closely with the American Red Cross or other collecting agency, and to limit the number of Brethren involved to essential personnel only. These events must not become social gatherings; no pancake breakfast or other like offerings sometimes associated with blood drives.
😎 Visitors to the Masonic Home and its grounds and the Grand Lodge of Virginia and the Library and Museum are also prohibited at this time. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the office of the Grand Lodge of Virginia.
From Most Worshipful Jones, “Remember your obligation to our members, widows, and the elderly especially, during this uncertain time. Be safe and stay well.”
The Grand Master, Most Worshipful Douglas V. Jones, after consulting with the Grand Provost, Right Worshipful Jonathan A. Giles, has cancelled the remaining Division Leadership Conferences. Should they be rescheduled, an announcement will be made. After consulting with the Grand Lecturer, Right Wors...
