Phil Weaver

At the 234^th Grand Annual Communication of Virginia Masons, Philip “Phil” Louis Weaver of Melrose Lodge No. 139 in Roanoke was installed as District Deputy Grand Master of the 22B Masonic District. That position, which is a high honor, entails serving as the personal representative of the 168^th Grand Master of Masons in Virginia, Louis K. Campbell.

Freemasonry is the oldest, largest and best known fraternal organization in the world. Members are men age 18 or older, of good character who profess a belief in God. The fraternity’s teachings promote peace, tolerance and respect toward all mankind.  Freemasons in the U.S. are known for their many charitable endeavors contributing more than $2 million per day to charitable causes.

Virginia Freemasons help protect children by offering free child identification services. The Virginia Child Identification Program is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The identification pack, which includes photo, video, digital fingerprints and DNA swab, can prove invaluable to law enforcement in reacting to the emergency of a missing child. Furnished to the parents on a CD, that information is suitable for immediate inclusion in an Amber Alert. To date Virginia Masons have provided more than 35,026 ID packs at no charge to the families served. This important program is available to communities throughout Virginia. For more information contact your local Masonic Lodge.

There are 312 Masonic Lodges and more than 37,000 Masons in Virginia. Worldwide there are about 6 million Masons. For more information, visit www.grandlodgeofvirginia.org or call 804-222-3110.

– Submitted by Kim Martin, Grand Lodge of Virginia