Bearing the Ancient Claymore as Representatives of Burlingame Lodge Royal Order of Scotland: Provincial Grand Lodge, U.S.A. Ontario, CA May 6, 2023
Grand Master’s Proclamation: June 2023 is Masonic Homes Month
Tues:6/06
Fellowship Dinner: 6:30pm Burlingame Lodge has 4 stated meetings: January, February, August, November.
The remaining months of 2023 will have dinner meetings for fellowship. Attendance requires confirmation by RSVP.
RSVP by phone or text message to the Junior Warden at (650) 270-4925, or respond to the Lodge Emailer
Tues:6/27
Dinner: 6:30pm
2° Conferral: RSVP to the Junior Warden. Business attire for guests and sideliners.
June 2023 june Officers’Schedule Tues:6/06 6:30pm Fellowship Dinner Tues:6/20 6:30pm 2° Practice Tues:6/27 6:30pm 2° Conferral [Tuxedo] Weds:6/28 6:30pm DSI: 3° Open/Close (No Lecture, Charge Or Second Section) @Sons of the Desert 872 EveryTues 6:30pm Practices with the Officer’s Coach Will be arranged ahead of time
It is hard to believe that half of the year has already passed us. As the summer solstice draws near, let us reflect on the patron Saints John and how the balance of the natural seasons should humble us to strive to do good and be better, ever remembering the symbolic point within the circle which teaches us to circumscribe our desireskeeping our passions within due bounds. These lessons of restraint are meant to be in parallel to the freedoms that we enjoy. Without this due restraint, all manner of havoc would be rampant in our society. It is this introspection that brings about true goodness in each one of us. Hence, my brothers, how important it is to reflect on the our patron Saints John, as we strive to live as worthy and upstanding citizens of our country.
The winter solstice also reminds us to look forward to the rest of the year, where ample opportunities abound for us to practice faith, hope, and charity with our brothers and without the lodge. I for one am looking forward to the completion of our new lodge interior. I am excited at the opportunity to confer degrees in our “new” space. Another event that I am looking forward is the District Picnic. Due to the pandemic, our district of lodges has been, for the past few years, without the pleasure of getting together for this worthwhile activity. I am excited to see all our families together and enjoy more fellowship with all of you.
Finally, let me close by offering this masonic toast:
“ May the two great parallels be our guide to the grand lodge above.
Fraternal Love, Vince D. Chan, P.M. Master
June 2023 TheMaster’sMessage
A Warm Greeting My Brothers, A
ccording to the MerriamWebster Dictionary, the verb “confer” is defined as “to bestow from a position of authority” or “to give something to someone such as property or a characteristic” especially “on the basis of merit or need”. In ancient times, “awards” ranged from simplicity like a laurel wreath to elaborate and stunning busts, statues, and columns. As Freemasons, we know well and appreciate the importance of columns.
By way of example, during the first Olympic Games in Athens, winners were crowned with twisted olive branches as a symbol of their victories. In ancient Rome, erecting columns was a popular way that Romans recognized a citizen, General or senator worthy of distinction.
Degree Conferrals
being “conferred” or “bestowed” with three ceremonial stages known as “degrees.” The degrees conferred in the Masonic Lodge derive from the journeymen system used to educate and train medieval stonemasons and craftsmen in the trade. As they advanced, they were awarded or bestowed the progressive titles of Apprentice, Journeymen, and Master Mason.
So, in a real sense the journeymen system was a way of not only ensuring that those who advanced in the trade had the requisite skill and knowledge of the craft, but also had the added benefit of recognizing their achievement by conferring titles on them. In a similar way, Masonry bestows its teachings and principles through degree conferrals on its candidates, while also giving them the necessary tools to build better versions of themselves.
Our ceremonies imbue knowledge, inspiration, and pride in the candidate and in the brethren of a lodge, and provides a shared experience that unites men in the bonds of brotherhood. Our laurel wreaths, ribbons, or two-handed cups are the “Light” that only a degree conferral can bestow.
Robert O. Whyte Senior Warden
The most recognizable trophy is the chalice embodied by a two-handed cup, which was reportedly first awarded in the 17th century to victors of sporting contests. Over time, the way awards were created and given took many different forms - such as medallions, ribbons, plaques, and the like.
The experience of becoming a member of a Masonic lodge consists of a candidate
June 2023 FromtheWest
Fraternally,
Hello Brethren,
I trust you made Mother's Day special for the ladies in your family, and also took some time to remember those who have paid the ultimate price in service to our nation, both here and abroad. Memorial Day has a special significance in our home, and in our lodge. Please plan to attend one of the upcoming degrees after summer break, and help usher-in the next generation of bright minds in this noble fraternity.
I want to congratulate our brothers who have recently joined and gained proficiency, and our devoted brothers who are expanding our craft with new visitors and applicants. Please take a moment to call dad for Father's Day, and let him know you remember him.
Looking forward to meeting soon!
Candidate Coaches
Gary Stephens, P.M. (650) 255-9140
22146 Prospect St., Hayward
Marty Cusing, P.M. (650) 218-6088
669 Hayne Rd., Hillsborough
David Jolliffe, P.M. (650) 344-9522
715 Acacia Dr., Burlingame
Whit Stephens (415) 828-1995
209 Lomitas Ave., South San Francisco
Roberto Diaz, Jr., P.M.2 (650) 245-7338
1316 Vancouver Ave., Burlingame
Gary Shweid (650) 302-4639
6 Corte Camellia, Millbrae
Vincent Chan, P.M. (510) 332-2015
1781 Vista del Sol, San Mateo
Joshua Cusing, P.M.2 (650) 826-9065
810 S. Humboldt St. San Mateo
2023
June
FromtheSouth
Fraternally, Charlie Drechsler, P.M.2 Junior Warden
125th Anniversary Gala @Masonic Home at Union City Jun 10, 2023
Since 1898, California Masons have fulfilled their obligation to care for fellow members and their families through their support of the Masonic Homes. Now, 125 years later, the fraternity remains committed to delivering on that promise by offering crucial services to those in need through retirement homes in Union City and Covina; the brandnew Pavilion at the Masonic Homes in Union City, which provides important memory care and assisted-living services to both Masons and members of the community; through Masonic Outreach Services statewide; and through MCYAF campuses in San Francisco and Covina. This month, I call on Masons to support these important programs and to make sure that all members are aware of the services they have access to as Masons or widows. Share the Masonic Assistance Line (888-466-3642) with members in need. Visit the Masonic Homes and Pavilion websites to learn about the services being offered, and of course consider making a gift to the Masonic Homes to ensure that this proud legacy endures into the future.
Sincerely
masonichome.org
and Fraternally, Grand Master
July 1: New Head of Masonic Homes
Just ahead of its 125th anniversary, the Masonic Homes of California announces that it has named Terry Quigley, MSW, as its new president and chief executive officer. She succeeds long-time president and CEO Gary Charland, who is slated to retire. As the number of seniors in California grows to nearly 30 percent of the overall population, the traditional way of accessing senior care is expected to shift from site-based models to a more diffused, communitybased model, in which services can be provided close to home.
“In a mission-driven, human services organization that serves clients throughout the state, we need top-notch talent with expertise in community-based programs,” says Larry Adamson, chairman of the board of trustees for the Masonic Homes of California. “Terry is well-positioned to take the Masonic Homes into the future, given her strong commitment to and passion for seniors, and her strategic know-how and proven relationships with community collaborators. She’s the right leader to expand our services throughout the state.”
With more than 20 years of leadership experience in the senior living sector, Quigley brings operational sophistication to the Masonic Homes of California. Prior to this appointment, Quigley was the chief operating officer for Episcopal Communities and Services in Southern California, where she oversaw three CCRCs, one assisted living community, and one affordable housing community, serving roughly 700 residents. A graduate of UC San Diego and San Diego State University, Quigley has spent most of her career in the California senior care industry.
Continued on page 8
June 2023
2023 Officers
Master
Vincent D. Chan, P.M. hydroz1@gmail.com (510) 332-2015
Senior Warden
Robert O. Whyte rwcm@msn.com
(650) 417-5274
Junior Warden
CharlieDrechsler,P.M.2 drechslercd@hotmail.com (650) 270-4925
Treasurer
David D. Jones, P.M. Jonesaccountancy@sbcglobal.net (650) 548-4040
Secretary
David R. Jolliffe, P.M. drj715@hotmail.com (650) 773-5034
Chaplain
Roberto Diaz, Jr., P.M.2 drrobdiaz58@yahoo.com (650) 245-7338
Assistant Secretary
Marty M. Cusing, P.M. martycusing@gmail.com (650) 218-6088
Senior Deacon
Joseph J. Becker, P.M.2 jbdesignsinc@gmail.com (650) 291-6220
Junior Deacon
Martin Chavez nobadpit@gmail.com (510) 621-3135
Marshal
Gary L. Stephens, P.M. glstephens5@gmail.com (650) 255-9140
Senior Steward
Shawn M. Snowden
shawns103@gmail.com (262) 271-5957
Junior Steward
Renato G. Alferez
renay0814@att.net (650) 740-1884
Organist
Jack J. Burrous, P.M. jb38banjo@yahoo.com (650) 583-5182
Tiler
Joshua L. Cusing, P.M.2 jlcusing@gmail.com (650) 826-9065
Officers’ Coach
Joseph J. Becker, P.M.2 jbdesignsinc@gmail.com (650) 291-6220
Burlingame Masonic Hall Association, Inc. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
Timothy D. Martin, P.M.
Ex-Officio
Vincent D. Chan, P.M. Master
Roberto Diaz, Jr., P.M.2
Vice President
James L. Cutsinger
Ex-Officio
Robert O. Whyte Senior Warden
Charlie Drechsler, P.M.2
Treasurer Gary B. Shweid
Secretary
David R. Jolliffe, P.M.
Aidan Cotter
The Hall Association meetings are usually held on the fourth Thursday of the month, are generally open to all members of the Lodge and commence at 6:30 PM
Asst. Grand Lecturer: Masonic Division 1
Gary R. Quintrell, P.M. (707) 845-2756 grhlnorcal@gmail.com
Junior Grand Deacon
Marty M. Cusing, P.M. (650) 218-6088
mcusing@freemason.org
Inspector: 153 rd Masonic District
Christopher D. Smith, P.M.3 (650) 430-4301 okiepiper@gmail.com
June 2023
Master Mason Milestones Years
June
John G. O'Hara
Hans Geiger
Jack J. Burrous, P.M.
John F. Palmer
Warren D. Crawford, P.M.
Gregory J. Mariel, P.M.
John E. Follett, P.M.
Mark A. Harvin
Paul E. Hess
William R. Allan
Joseph J. Becker, P.M.
John F. Barrows
Sergio Martinez, Sr.
Thomas L. Sailers
William E. Mendola
Rommel Hindocha
Evan W. Brewer, P.M.
Freddie L. Go, Jr.
Ethan E. Cheever
Marty M. Cusing, P.M.
Raffy H. De Jesus
Emilio D. Alinea
Robert O. Whyte
Birthdays
“There are so many things about the organization that I love,” Quigley said of the Masonic Homes of California, which is based in Union City. “I love their commitment to community, their commitment to underserved areas, and the fact that they have really built a culture on being a resource to youth and families. It’s a pretty unique constellation of services within their mission. And, being part of an organization that is servant-leadership–based, with a culture of visibility and connection with the team, is very important to me.”
Charland, the current president and CEO, helmed the organization for a decade, ushering in a period of construction and improvements for two seniorliving communities. He also oversaw an expansion of services in memory care and mental health services for children and families. “Modernizing our campuses and expanding our services has been the honor of my career,” Charland said. “And after building a strong foundation on our historic campuses over the past decade, I retire knowing Masonic Homes will be in good hands.”
The Masonic Homes of California serves seniors on two campuses, in Union City and Covina, that collectively house more than 400 residents. More information about the Masonic Homes can be found at www.masonichome.org.
Marty M. Cusing, P.M. Derek A. Caturay Dillon C. Spurgeon Michael J. Mazany Glenn A. Carlson Robert Hepps Samuel D. Lee Paul E. Hess Joseph J. Becker, P.M. 2 6 13 18 19 23 23 24 30 Trestleboard Editor – Marty M. Cusing, P.M. Trestleboard Co-Editors – David R. Jolliffe, P.M. & Aidan Cotter Additional Content Contributor – Roberto Diaz, Jr., P.M.2 6/19/1962 6/28/1965 6/21/1966 6/18/1968 6/17/1969 6/24/1975 6/18/1977 6/27/1978 6/10/1981 6/25/1996 6/17/1997 6/27/2000 6/29/2004 6/22/2004 6/20/2006 6/26/2007 6/23/2009 6/19/2009 6/17/2008 6/28/2012 6/30/2015 6/19/2018 6/21/2019 [61] [58] [57] [55] [54] [48] [46] [45] [42] [27] [26] [23] [19] [19] [17] [16] [14] [14] [12] [11] [ 8 ] [ 5 ] [ 4 ]
June
