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THE MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF ORIENTAL #20 LODGE F. & A. M.

The Trestle Board OCT / NOV 2023

In this issue: A Q & A with Oriental PM and current

Grand Master of Masons in Arizona - George R. Rusk Page 12

www.oriental20.com

726 N. Center St. Mesa, AZ 85201 (480)962-0232

The Trestle Board October / November 2023

“Masonry can

In this issue: Oriental Information

Editor’s Note

Together, We Achieve More Than The Sum Of Us Alone 23

Master’s Message

What’s Happening Masonic Events

From The West

Appendant Bodies

From The South

List Blue Lodge

Anniversaries

A Q&A With Most Worshipful Grand Master George R. Rusk

Lodge Calendar

Lodge Partners

Lodge Photos

September Birth-

Grand Corner

Oriental 20 At Work

Gods Speed Frank

grow by adapting to the New World we live in. I don’t mean to do away with established customs or opening the West Gate wider. Communication is a major part of that adaptation.” Page 12

Oct / Nov joke of the month: What do you call a small pepper in late autumn? A Little Chili.

Annual Mesa Veteran’s Day Parade—November 11th

Editor’s We are quickly coming to the close of the year. I believe the year has been one of incredible growth for Oriental 20 and I am honored and blessed to have been able to document this to our membership through the Trestle Board. I know this publication can keep our brethren , who for various reasons are unable to attend lodge on a regular basis, informed of lodge activities. We have three important events in the month of November. First, we will have officer, trustee and trial commissioner elections at our Stated Meeting in November. Secondly, the Mesa Masonic family will be part of the annual Mesa Veteran’s Day parade on November 11th. And, Oriental will be hosting the annual Mesa Public Schools Teacher Appreciation night on November 14th. Mark you calendars—See you at the lodge!

Marc Geyer Editor

The Oriental #20 Trestle Board

Annual Teacher Appreciation Night November 14th at the Lodge 5

OCT / NOV 2023

Fraternally, Br. Marc

Ramblings from the East!! In the hallowed halls of Freemasonry, where enlightenment meets brotherhood, we often find ourselves immersed in discussions about principles that shape our craft. Among these principles, few are as profound and cherished as the concept of freedom. As Freemasons, we are bound by the solemn duty to protect and uphold this fundamental tenet in both our lodge and our lives beyond. Freedom is a concept that has been woven into the very fabric of Freemasonry since its inception. It stands as one of the pillars upon which our organization was built, symbolizing the ideals of liberty, equality, and justice. But what is the significance of freedom in our fraternity, and why is it so essential? Freedom of Thought: At the heart of Freemasonry is the freedom of thought and expression. Within our lodges, we create a safe and open space where individuals can explore ideas, beliefs, and philosophies without fear of judgment or persecution. This freedom fosters intellectual growth and encourages us to seek truth and enlightenment.

Freedom of Conscience: In the Masonic journey, every Brother is encouraged to follow their own path in search of moral and spiritual improvement. This path is deeply personal, and the freedom to follow one's conscience is a cherished aspect of our fraternity. It is a reminder that we are each responsible for our own actions and decisions. Freedom from Tyranny: Freemasonry has a rich history of opposing tyranny and oppression. Our forefathers were often at the forefront of revolutionary movements, fighting for the freedom of nations and individuals alike. This legacy reminds us of our duty to stand against any form of tyranny that threatens the liberty of our fellow citizens. In a world marked by division and uncertainty, let us remember that the principle of freedom unites us as Brothers. It transcends differences, beliefs, and backgrounds, serving as a beacon of light guiding us toward a more prosperous, free, and just future for all. In conclusion, let us reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the values of freedom, both within the Masonic fraternity we hold dear and in the world beyond. As we do so, we honor the legacy of those who came before us and pave the way for future generations of Freemasons. Regards, Justin Stevens

Worshipful Master

Greetings from the West! One of the duties of the Senior Warden in a Masonic Lodge is to "pay the Craft their wages ...." This is a symbolic act that represents the importance of rewarding brothers for their hard work and dedication to the Order. The term "wages" in this context does not refer to literal money. Instead, it refers to the symbolic rewards that come with being a Mason, such as: -The satisfaction of knowing that you are part of a brotherhood of men who are committed to selfimprovement and making the world a better place. -The opportunity to learn and grow as a person, both morally and intellectually. -The chance to develop new friendships and relationships with brothers from all walks of life. -The feeling of pride and accomplishment that comes with serving your Lodge and your community. The Senior Warden pays the Craft their wages in a variety of ways. Most often this is done in lodge by publicly recognizing and praising brothers for their contributions to the Lodge or by simply taking the time to thank brothers for their hard work and dedication. The Masonic paying of wages is an important reminder that Freemasonry is more than just a social club. It is a brotherhood of men who are committed to helping each other succeed in all aspects of their lives. The paying of wages is an important way to show appreciation for brothers' hard work and dedication. It is also a way to encourage brothers to continue to strive for excellence in all that they do. Fraternally, SW Michael Harris

Greetings from the South. For this issue we will honor two of our Past Masters. As we rolled both a century on our calendars and a millennium, our Past Masters from 2003 and 2013 experienced the centennial anniversary of our lodge between their terms.

2003 Our current lodge building was just a little over 6 months old when the 2003 Oriental 20 Worshipful Master took his seat in the East. Like sitting in a brand new car, or in the case of our Past Master from 2003, it might have been like getting into the cockpit of a new fighter jet. Part of his background was that he graduated from the Military Academy at West Point, then trained and served as an Air Force jet fighter pilot eventually rising to the rank of Major. In civilian life, he worked as an Engineer at GE and Motorola. Past Master, Robert John Porter born 8/19/1930 was initiated at Oriental on 11/21/1995, Passed on 1/16/1196, and Raised 3/12/1996. PM Robert Porter was called to the Celestial Lodge on 12/31/2012.

2013 Oriental 20 put another Engineer in the East in 2013. With a passion for flying, geology, and astronomy our 2013 Past Master had an officer line that would take our lodge to the next level. Even today, Oriental’s 2013 Past Master continues to be active and an integral part of lodge activities. As a great mentor and supporter of the craft, WB Ben Chambers is one person you can regularly expect to see at lodge. WB Ben was initiated at Oriental on July 10, 2001, Passed on September 18, 2001, and Raised 10/30/2001. At our recent October Stated Meeting it was very fitting that WB Ben had his Senior Warden, WB Cosmo Magliozzi, and his Junior Warden, MWB George Rusk in attendance. WB Benjaman Chambers, PM, “engineered” an officer line that cemented more perfect ashlers into the already strong foundation that Oriental 20 Lodge is built on today. A great and enduring legacy that members can enjoy today and into the future. Thank you, WB Ben!

Fraternally, Marc Geyer Junior Warden

Most Worshipful Grand Master George R. Rusk process to be a seeker of logic. I enjoy my personal time with family and consider my blood brothers to be my best friends.

Who is George Rusk...in your own words?

So, it is always hard for me to talk about myself unless there is a question about a specific time or event. You can find a short bio on the Grand Lodge Website. My roots are in the foothills of the Smokey Mountains, but I grew up in the suburbs of large cities. I love the outdoors and use to spend a lot of time hiking and camping. I like playing sports; softball, tennis, racquetball, golf. I am not that smart, but I have always been interested in new technology, gadgets, electronics. I like solving problems. I am not a computer programmer, but I have been a user and abuser of computers since the mid 1970’s. I think that has formed my thinking

Why did you want to become Grand Master? I can honestly say I never sought to be Grand 12

Master. But when I was appointed to a position that would, with the consent of the Craft, lead me to the position of Grand Master one day, I fully engaged with the intent to do all I could, with what God gave me, to be the best Grand Master I could be.

Masonry can grow by adapting to the New World we live in. I don’t mean to do away with established customs or opening the West Gate wider. Communication is a major part of that adaptation. I personally do not communicate on Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok, but my son and granddaughter do, constantly. These are communication avenues we need to be up to date with. Commit to Communicate is a goal we should all aspire to.

How can our lodge best serve our brethren in the coming years?

As an individual, the best way to serve our brethren is to maintain integrity and honesty when in public realizing we are representing all Masons. As a lodge, guarding

What do you want to see happen in your term for Arizona Masonry? What are your priorities?

My priorities are supporting the Craft

the West Gate is more than just a quote. Not all men are up to the task of being a Mason. They must understand that it is not a reflection on them, but our fraternity should be accepting good men, not necessarily men who want to be good. Another way to best serve our brethren is to continue the decades -long history of harmony we have within our lodge. Harmony, brotherly love, it shows when a visitor or new member attends. Disharmony is easily visible and can send men and brothers away very quickly.

in any and every manner they request of me, emphasizing education, fiscal responsibility, and membership improvement. I was once asked if I became Grand Master was I just going to be a “caretaker” of the Craft. At the time I did not have an answer, not knowing the impact of that question. I have decided I want to be an “innovator” for the Craft, bringing new ideas and challenging the status quo without interrupting our established landmarks.

How can Masonry grow in Arizona? 13

Where do you see Masonry in Arizona a year from now?

I think the biggest contribution to my Masonic journey was the successful year I had as Master of Oriental Lodge No. 20 along with the good council of my mentor and past masters of the lodge. Knowing how to lead by serving, organize by delegating, having a good team to work with and focusing on the issue and not the person. Have a plan in place, execute the plan, evaluate, replan, repeat.

Do you have any final words of wisdom? A famous Rainbow Girl said it better than I can; “Just show up. Being there means a lot.” I try to remember that what I do is more important than what I say, and what I say cannot be unsaid; words do hurt. Treat others with respect and try to understand their point of view. People will remember you by how you made them feel. Always be humble and kind.

I see masonry in Arizona growing in some places and declining in others. It is inevitable in the history of man that some areas of the landscape prosper, and some do not. The key is to adapt, recover, and move forward.

What has contributed to your Masonic journey to being Grand Master?

Page 13

September 5th —Stated Meeting

September 9th - Service for Brother Hurd

September 12th—Dual Second Degree Br. Micheal and Br. Matthew Masonic Knowledge Bite at dinner by Br. Philip

September 19th—Dual Second Degree Br. Micheal and Br. Philip September —Dinner - Masonic Knowledge Bite and Open House

September 26th—Dual Second Degree Br. John and Br. Jake August 19th School of Instruction At AZ Sunrise Lodge No. 89

October 3rd —Stated Meeting

October 10, 17, 24 —Practice Practice Practice

October 21st —Mesa Masonic Family Picnic

Together, We Achieve More Than The Sum Of Us Alone Br. Marc Geyer We should continue to build a shared vision and purpose by working together to identify our common goals for our membership. We look forward to possibly holding joint meetings and workshops to develop a shared action plan.

Masonry is a fraternal organization that teaches its members the principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth. Masonic lodges are often seen as bastions of tradition and community, but they can also be powerful forces for change. When individual Masonic lodges work together with a common goal, they can achieve more than they could ever hope to accomplish on their own.

2. Empower lodges to take ownership. Our lodges can empower each other by sharing best practices and providing financial support for new initiatives. We can also continue to create opportunities for collaboration on projects and learn from each other.

Our current Grand Master of Masons in Arizona, George R. Rusk, has coined the foundation of his term, “Leadership Through Serving.” Servant leadership is a leadership philosophy that emphasizes the importance of serving others. Servant leaders believe that by serving their followers, they can create a more engaged and productive team that can better achieve its goals.

3. We can develop the skills and talents within each of our lodges. Together, we can invest in the training and development of our members so that they can reach their full potential.

The Mesa Masonic Partners have spent this year

developing a great relationship. Apache Lodge 69, Camelback Lodge 75, and Oriental Lodge 20 have teamed up on Masonic events and activities to benefit Masonry. We can achieve exponentially together, and here are a few ideas to carry us forward:

1. Build a shared vision and purpose. The first step to creating exponential change is to build a shared vision and purpose for the group. We can do this by having a clear understanding of what the group wants to achieve and why it is important. The shared vision and purpose should be something everyone in the group can get behind and be passionate about.

+ ∞

3 23

Together We Achieve More Than The Sum Of Us Alone By offering joint education and training programs and workshops, we can create a space for each lodge to share their expertise and knowledge.

Expanding our shared collaboration to include all groups utilizing the Mesa Masonic Facility.

Our joint education efforts will also create more opportunities for members of all three lodges to get to know each other and build relationships.

The partnership of our lodges directly supports and enhances the relationships with all the groups who use our beautiful facility here in Mesa.

4. Create a culture of service.

The vision of having collaborative events and outreach with the participation of our entire Mesa Masonic Family is the ultimate goal. The impact of us all coming together is unlimited.

Our lodges can create a culture of service by working together on community service projects.

When our lodges build a shared vision and purpose, empower each other to take ownership, promote collaboration and teamwork, develop the skills and talents within each of our lodges, and create a culture of service, we can achieve more together and make exponential change.

We recognize, appreciate, and support our appendant bodies :

BAA HANII COURT NO. 9

BETHEL NO. 18

MESA STARLIGHT NO. 16 VALLEY OF THE STARS NO. 62

MESA ASSEMBLY NO. 9

EAST MESA YORK RITE DAMASCUS CHAPTER #21 MESA COUNCIL #15 APACHE COMMANDERY #16

WHAT’S HAPPENING—AZ MASONIC EVENTS

Reminder

Get Your Tickets Today!

Reminder

****DRAWING DATE IS DECEMBER 4TH**** 26

WHAT’S HAPPENING—AZ MASONIC EVENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING—AZ MASONIC EVENTS DON’T MISS THIS—MARK YOUR CALENDAR

WHAT’S HAPPENING—AZ MASONIC EVENTS *** Mark your calendars*** Upcoming Events To Be Aware OF March 22-24, 2024

Leadership Conference AZ Grand Lodge

June 6th-8th, 2024

Grand Communication

Page 25

Oriental Blue Lodge November Come to our Stated Meeting November 7th @ 7pm to celebrate!!

Name

Raised

Years

Name

Raised

Years

Martin

Lebowitz

11-24

Melvin

Yoder

11-22

Alfred

Fuller

11-28

Walter

Taylor

11-11

Martin

Rozell

11-25

David

Donahue

11-10

Roberto

Escobar

11-10

Bryan

Ruff

11-18

Gregory

Willits

11-19

Paul

Halpin

11-20

Mark

Rodocker

11-28

Robert

Adams

11-18

John

Herman

11-22

Richard

Rada

11-18

Melvin

Patterson

11-20

Lance

McGraw

11-15

Dennis

DuVan

11-27

John

Durham

11-21

Michael

Bott

11-24

Paul

Durham

11-21

Eduardo

Velasco

11-11

Barry

Winters

11-08

Daniel

Stevenson

11-14

November Birthdays Come to our Stated Meeting November 7th @ 7pm to celebrate your birthday!!

Name

Birth Date

Jeffrey

Baker

11-01

David

Mayne

11-03

Michael

Mosley

11-03

Mark

Walker

11-06

Michael

Doane

11-10

Roy

Patterson

11-11

Eric

Singleton

11-14

James

Nesbitt

11-16

Cameron

Reed

11-18

Gordon

Cronstrom

11-19

Richard

Rada

11-24

Michael

Elliott

11-25

Frank

Weinberg

11-25

Marc

Geyer

11-27

Check Out The Copper Post

The newest edition of The Copper Post

AZGL Website: https://www.azmasons.org/copper-post

The Grand Corner

ORIENTAL 20 AT WORK

A very special Thank you to Br. Philip G. for his continued efforts in keeping our lodge looking good. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

AFTER THOUGHTS