Bethel 22 at 50 Years

Fifty years ago, on December 10, 1950, the Institution of Bethel UD, Groveton took place at 1:30 p.m. at Henry Knox Field Lodge located on Mt. Vernon Avenue, just a short drive from where the Bethel now meets. In attendance and assisting with the ceremony that afternoon were members of Bethels 1, Arlington; 4, Alexandria; 9, McLean; 10, Falls Church; 19, Fairfax; 20, Arlington and Bethel UD of Manassas. In attendance was Mother Florence Moore, Grand Guardian of Virginia. Thirty-five members were included, 25 members transferring their membership from Bethel #4, and ten members initiated at that time.

1950 - 1959 history:

The charter of Bethel 22, Groveton was presented to Jeverna Tucker, Honored Queen, on Palm Sunday, March 18, 1951 at the Community Hall on Telegraph Road. Total membership: 52 daughters. There were over 200 people in attendance that afternoon.

The Bethel continued to grow. It was an exciting time in our history. They were working to build the Bethel, holding Installations and Grand Visitations, and having fund raisers. By 1952, the Bethel found a permanent place to hold meetings and installations at the St. Luke's Episcopal Church Parish Hall.

1960 - 1969 History:

"Mr. Foster, Associate Bethel Guardian, reported that Bethel #22 is now the proud owner of a 1954 school bus. A bid of $250 was put in, $100 under what the Bethel had allowed. The bus has real good tires and engine and will seat 66 people. There are a few rust spots where the metal overlaps at the seams which will need repairing and naturally a general clean-up, but otherwise the bus is in good condition. Mr. Foster did say the title was in the mail and we should receive it soon. He also found out that a chauffeur's license was not necessary. Insurance for the bus was being looked into - Nationwide has quoted $70 and State Farm $77. Mr. Foster said they are checking with a few more before they decide. We also have to buy state and county tags which will cost $25.

The Bethel purchased fabric to cover the seats and make curtains, carpeting and removed the last two rows of seats to install a rod to hold the dress bags. There was much discussion concerning the painting of the bus. According to Council minutes, a committee of girls was established to decide the color and decoration of the bus.

In January 1967, rules for the use of the bus were determined. The bus would be parked at Virginia Hills Baptist Church. Pick up and delivery would be at Belle View Shopping Center. Each passenger will make a donation of $0.25 to ride the bus, but no one would ever be denied a ride. The first trip on the bus was to Bethel #5, Washington DC on October 28, 1966.

Kena Temple in Fairfax was known as Kena Temple Farm. Hay rides were held there. Installations and other activities of the Bethel were held at Mt. Vernon UMC. The bethel presented Bethel #58, Mt. Vernon, with an altar.

1970 - 1979 History:

By the mid to late 70's, the Bethel's membership was decreasing. This trend would continue for many years to come. The Bethel also held kidnap breakfasts and bungo parties.

The Bethel was honored when Melody Sullivan was selected as Miss Congeniality of Virginia 1977-78. We were also delighted to watch Dad Lewis Jessie installed as Associate Grand Guardian of Virginia.

In 1978, the bethel moved from Mt. Vernon Masonic Temple to its permanent home, the George Washington Masonic National Memorial.

1980 - 1989 History:

During the 80's the Bethel's membership continuing to decline compared to earlier years. The Bethel experienced some dark years when the possibility of closure seemed imminent. During this time, the Bethel saw former Past Honored Queens re-installed as Honored Queen a second and sometimes a third time. In spite of their small size, the Bethel continued working to increase membership.

During this decade, the International Order of Job's Daughters recognized as their philanthropic project, the Hearing Impaired Kids Endowment Fund, or HIKE. This fund provides hearing devices to children, both Masonic and non-Masonic. Each year, Virginia Job's Daughters walk 5 miles on the Boardwalk in Virginia Beach to raise funds. The amount raised in Virginia comes back to Virginia in awards where local Bethels make the check presentations. This has become a very successful program in Virginia, raising between $12,000-$20,000 each and every year.

During this time, Mother Joyce Hickey, PGG #58 and strong supporter of this Bethel, put an idea of hers into place. For years she had wanted to develop a leadership training Program for Job's Daughters. And thus, and with the help of other Past Grands, the annual "Job's Daughters Leadership Weekend" came into being. With the financial support of Virginia Masonic Lodges and Eastern Star Chapters, her dream was fulfilled beyond expectations. Each Bethel is allowed to send 2 representatives who participate in a weekend full of learning activities, leadership building workshops and pep rallies. This leadership training program still continues and thrives today.

Seeing a need to assist the Masonic Youth groups in raising funds for their treasury, Dad John Nicholson, PABG #22, and other Masons of Alexandria-Washington Lodge #22, and the Alexandria-Washington DeMolay established an annual Christmas Tree and Wreath Sale held at the Scottish Rite Temple. For over 12 years, the DeMolay have invited the Bethel to participate in this event.

1990 - 2000 History:

With the increase in members, the Bethel began to enter competitions at Grand Session, which is still held at Ferrum College. For three years, they placed lst in the music competition. The Bethel began traveling across the state to attend Grand Visitations, Installations, dances and other activities.

In 1995, Alicia Lemeshewsky Szramoski, PHQ, was awarded the Degree of Royal Purple. This award is presented for continuous service to Job's Daughters and her Bethel. The Bethel members nominated her for this award and were pleased to see her receive this honor at Grand Session 1995.

In 1997, the Bethel was once again honored to have another adult worker installed as Grand Guardian of Virginia - Mom Judy Lemeshewsky.

Last year, the Bethel membership voted to set aside $800 into a Mutual Fund. It was stipulated these funds be used in the event of emergency. The Bethel's money continues to grow each quarter.

On November 11, 2000, several members and adult workers traveled to Norfolk to attend a special dinner in honor of Mother Florence Moore, PGG. Mother Moore was honored for 50+ years of service and dedication to Job's Daughters. She spoke that evening so some many fond memories of Job's Daughters in Virginia. She was very proud of the three Bethels that were instituted during her year as Grand Guardian. This was truly a very memorable event.

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