A. Douglas Smith, Jr. Lodge of Research No. 1949, A.F. & A.M.

                                                             Alexandria, Virginia

This Lodge of Research, the second in Virginia, was established in 1982. While there were several distinguished Masons in Northern Virginia who were instrumental in establishing the Lodge, the primary organizer was Most Worshipful Stewart W. Miner, Past Grand Master. He was most ably assisted in this effort by the District Deputy Grand Master of Masonic District No. 1A, Right Worshipful Werner H. Morlock, and Right Worshipful John H. King, Chairman of the Grand Lodge Committee on Lodge Development. Right Worshipful Christopher Dains and Worshipful William A. Myers, Past Master of Springfield Lodge No. 217 also provided assistance. Brother Morlock eventually served as Grand Master of Masons in Virginia in 1993-1994, but died in office before his term was completed. Worshipful Brother Myers became the first Worshipful Master of this Lodge.

The organizational meeting was held at Mount Vernon Lodge No. 219 on December 4, 1982. More than fifty members of the craft signed the Petition for a Dispensation, Lodge officers were chosen, and a committee was selected to draft bylaws. The work of the founders was extremely well done, and two weeks later on December 18, 1982, Most Worshipful Lloyd U. Jefferson, Grand Mater of Masons in Virginia convened a Special Communication of the Grand Lodge of Virginia in the quarters of Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22, to institute this Lodge of Research. Most Worshipful Brother Jefferson was later to accept an office in this Lodge and ultimately served as Worshipful Master.

On February 15, 1983, a charter was granted to A. Douglas Smith, Jr. Lodge of Research No. 1949. The Lodge was formally constituted on April 30, 1983. As a courtesy to the instituting Grand Master, Most Worshipful William M. Johnson, Grand Mater of Masons in Virginia, permitted Most Worshipful Lloyd U. Jefferson, Past Grand Master to convene a Special Communication of the Grand Lodge for the purpose of constituting this Lodge.

Regretfully, Worshipful William A. Myer, the first Worshipful Master, suffered a heart attack on January 15, 1983, had a malignancy develop in his chest from which he did not recover, and died later that year. Accordingly, Right Worshipful Werner H. Morlock, the elected Senior Warden, served as acting Worshipful Master for the majority of the first year as well as serving ably the next year as Worshipful Master.

The Lodge is named for a distinguished Past Grand Master of Masons in Virginia who served in 1949, and hence the number assigned to the Lodge. Most Worshipful Doug Smith; who was constantly present at the communications of the Lodge; was extremely and unabashedly proud and humbled that he was so honored by having the Lodge named after him, and was an inspiring speaker at each communication. He also conducted each of the installations of the Lodge in his own unique style (unchallenged by the Committee on Work!) until his passing in 1986.

This Lodge meets on each fifth Saturday of the year, excepting its Annual Communication, which is held on the Second Saturday in December.

For several reasons, not the least of which was the character and standing of the founders, together with the adroitness of their work, this Lodge continues to be well attended. The Lodge has made it a virtual rule that the only function of the Lodge at its communications is to hear well thought out, interesting and meaningful programs. The ability, character and zeal of the officers seem to have been a major contributing factor to the success this Lodge has enjoyed.

Membership is open to all Master Masons that hold current membership in a Virginia Lodge, or one recognized by the Grand Lodge of Virginia.