Unity Lodge No. 146

Grand Master’s Letter

The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge OF ANCIENT, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF THE COMMONWEAL TH OF VIRGINIA DOUGLAS VERNON JONES, GRAND MASTER 4115 NINE MILE ROAD RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23223-4926 OFFICE: 804-222-3110 May 24, 2021 Dear Brethren: Virginia's Governor has announced an end to the mask mandate and other COVID-19 mitigation measures to include capacity restrictions and social distancing. We can now significantly relax the protocols we have been following for stated communications and other Masonic events. We have waited a long time for this good news, so let us work together to keep the momentum in the forward direction by exercising reasonable caution and allowing common sense to rule the day. After consulting with the Grand Lodge Physician and the elected Grand Line Officers, all COVID-19 protocols and restrictions implemented by me as Grand Master of Masons in Virginia, will be suspended as of May 28, 2021, with the three following exceptions: 1. The modified procedure for taking up the "word" will remain in effect until September 1, 2021. (Communications from the Grand Lecturer dated March 13, 2020 and June 9, 2020) 2. The modified procedure for balloting will remain in effect until September 1, 2021. (Communication from the Grand Lecturer dated June 9, 2020) 3. Given the personal contact involved, the health and safety protocols for degree conferrals will remain in effect until September 1, 2021. (Attachment to communication dated March 25, 2021, entitled Guidelines for Resuming Degree Conferrals.) While normal meal service can now resume, I would strongly suggest an added degree of caution for a time. Things like gloves for servers; individually wrapped condiments; cans and bottles for beverages versus a pitcher of tea or water; one person with gloves serving coffee or dispensing ice from a cooler; disposable plates; individually wrapped flatware and disposable serving utensils; individually wrapped desserts versus a cake for example; and plenty of hand sanitizer. If the meal is being served buffet style, have gloved servers plate the food versus everyone in the line touching the serving utensils. The idea here is to be careful and avoid any setbacks.
Worshipful Masters should continue to encourage Brethren, who are not feeling well, to not attend Lodge. The situation in every Lodge is going to be a little different; therefore, the Worshipful Master can mandate reasonable health and safety precautions he believes to be necessary. As I know the question is likely to come up, I do not believe we should be asking the Brethren to produce a vaccination card. Absent a health or religious concern, I believe everyone should be vaccinated, but this is just my personal view. This being said, my challenge to every Brother is to do the right thing, take reasonable and prudent steps to protect yourself and those around you. This has been a long and winding road, but it seems like the detour is finally coming to an end. Your drive and determination kept us going, and it will get us back to where we need to be. Thanks for your patience and understanding, as we dealt with restrictions and setbacks while doing what we had to do to comply with state authorities, and most importantly, protect the Brethren and their families. Again, let us ease back into normal and be especially careful in the coming days, doing our best to avoid careless mistakes. Sincerely and fraternally, Douglas V. Jones Grand Master DVJ:ksm

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Lewis “Lewie” Moten

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