The Trestle Board - September 2023

The Trestle Board

“AsIlooked forthelodge, Isawthe compassand squarewith acapitalG, "Thisisthe place."I thought, turningleft andthen findinga parking spot.”

September joke of the month:

Why do birds fly south in September?

Because it’s quicker than walking. .

Editor’s

I am very excited that we are receiving some article submissions. One of our newest EA’s sent in an article you won’t want to miss. Send in your thoughts, even if it’s just a paragraph or a great quote, we would love to publish material from every member.

I am still looking for anecdotes about the lodge, members and it’s history. The Trestle Board is a great place to record some of our lodge history.

My appreciation goes out to those that have taken the time to contribute to this publication.

Fraternally, Br. Marc

The Oriental #20

Trestle Board

Marc Geyer Editor

Ramblings from the East!!

In the hallowed halls of Freemasonry, we are bound not only by the principles and traditions of our ancient fraternity but also by the profound responsibility of leadership. As Free and Accepted Masons, we are not just members of a fraternity; we are entrusted with the duty of being leaders within our communities. It is a role we should embrace that aligns perfectly with a specific style of leadership I subscribe to.

In today's world, leadership is often misconstrued as a position of power and authority where one commands others. However, in Freemasonry, we understand that leadership transcends mere authority; it requires a genuine commitment to serving others. I am referring to servant leadership, a philosophy that our Most Worshipful Brother George Rusk, Grandmaster of Masons in Arizona, and many Masonic leaders hold dear.

As exemplified in Freemasonry, servant leadership emphasizes that authentic leadership is about serving others and putting their needs before our own. It's about leading by example, demonstrating compassion, humility, and a profound sense of duty. This leadership style is rooted in the belief that a leader's primary purpose is to support, uplift, and empower those they lead.

Regards,

Justin Stevens

Worshipful Master

Greetings from the West!

As Senior Warden, it is my responsibility to assist the Worshipful Master in opening and closing his Lodge. In this capacity, the Senior Warden must have a depth of proficiency amongst the brethren to ensure that each new candidate and brother receiving the degrees has an exceptional experience as each of us did.

For those who are capable, I believe that you should get the most out of your Masonic experience and be capable of facilitating the same for those brothers who come after you by being ready to provide a quality experience for those men in their degrees by being as proficient as possible. In my opinion, the best way to accomplish this is to complete the long-form proficiency. The following is borrowed from the Masonic Mentor:

“The goal is to master the lessons of each degree. Start by focusing on the obligation and charge. Discuss them with your Mentor and be sure you understand how they can enhance your life…

The symbols, jewels, points of your entrance, virtues, the pillars, what it means to “subdue your passions”… are all examples of lessons that are too often passed over. If you don’t master them now, you may find you will never master them. The loss to the value of your Masonic journey of overlooking them is incalculable. Take time now to truly master the lessons of each degree, don’t rush to the next one. There is a natural desire to become a Master Mason as quickly as possible. Don’t succumb to that temptation, even if the Lodge wants to rush you through. It is your journey and the value of that journey depends on your being properly prepared for it. Remember the last time you took a vacation without being sure your bags were properly packed. Proficiency is you packing your bags for your Masonic journey.

Proficiency is not a barrier, it is a gateway to the truly meaningful, rich and rewarding Masonic experience you deserve. Take full advantage of it. Go beyond the bare minimum requirements and get your experience off to a start that ensures its success. You deserve nothing less.”

https://masonicmentor.com/suitable-proficiency-freemasonry-necessary-each-degree Freemasonry is a lifelong journey for each of us. Something within you motivated you to seek out membership in this ancient fraternity. You invested time and energy into being found worthy of being taken into the Lodge as a trusted brother. As Masons, we only get to experience the three degrees of the Blue Lodge once. Imagine not learning to crawl, walk, or speak in infancy. How much more important it is to master these passages of Freemasonry early in our journey to ensure the richest, most fulfilling journey that will last until we are “buried beneath the silent clods of the valley.”

If you are physically capable of performing your long-form proficiency, I encourage you to do so. If you need assistance in doing this, ask for help. Brothers are capable and willing to help you make this investment into your Masonic journey and, in turn, assist you in being able to do the same for future brothers. Remember, “the eyes of the Fraternity are upon you.” What do you want it to see? Fraternally,

SW Michael Harris

Greetings from the South.

1993 was marked by several significant world events that left a lasting impact on global affairs. In February, the World Trade Center in New York City was targeted in a terrorist attack when a truck bomb exploded in the underground parking garage, foreshadowing future threats to U.S. security. In April, the siege of the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas, ended tragically in a deadly fire. In July, Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa's first black president, symbolizing the end of apartheid and a hopeful new era for the nation. Meanwhile, the Bosnian War raged in the Balkans, resulting in widespread violence and ethnic cleansing. The Oslo Accords were signed in September, offering a glimmer of hope for peace in the Middle East.

That year, James H. May assumed the distinguished role of Worshipful Master at Oriental Lodge in Mesa, Arizona. He demonstrated exceptional leadership skills during his tenure, guiding the lodge with wisdom and compassion. Under his leadership, Oriental Lodge thrived, and its members benefited from his mentorship and dedication.

Past Grand Master, James H. May's most notable achievement within the Masonic fraternity came when he was elected as the Grand Master of Masons in Arizona for the term 2001-2002. His tenure as Grand Master was marked by a steadfast commitment to the principles of Freemasonry. During this pivotal time, he worked tirelessly to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, promote charitable endeavors, and ensure the perpetuation of Masonic teachings in the state.

His role defines most Worshipful Brother Jim May's legacy in Freemasonry as a mentor and educator. He nurtured countless Masons on their journey, providing them with the knowledge, guidance, and inspiration needed to live the Masonic values in their daily lives. His dedication to the Craft and exemplary leadership inspire Masons in Arizona and beyond.

His life story is a testament to the transformative power of Freemasonry. From his humble beginnings as a Master Mason in 1986 to his esteemed position as Grand Master of Masons in Arizona, his commitment to the Craft and the principles it upholds is evident. His contributions to Masonry and his dedication to teaching and mentoring have left an indelible mark on the Masonic community, ensuring that his legacy will endure for generations.

Oriental Lodge is very proud and honored to have MWB, Jim May, as a lodge brother, mentor and active member.

Fraternally,

Marc Geyer Junior Warden

From a Entered Apprentice Perspective:

I came seeking God and found him through fellowship

By Philip J. Girardin, III - EA, Oriental Lodge #20

It was a chilly, dark evening. I finally received a response from the Grand Lodge about my interest in Masonry. It was an email with an address and something called, Friend2Friend.

As I looked for the lodge, I saw the compass and square with a capital G, "This is the place." I thought, turning left and then finding a parking spot. After parking and shutting the car off, I looked at the front door and took a deep breath. I got out and took the longest walk to the doors that would unknowingly change my life forever.

I rang the doorbell and waited, staring at the stained glass compass and square. While I have decent surface knowledge of

esotericism, I had yet to learn of the working tools, their application, and the changes they would later implement in my life. When I thought no one would answer, someone came to the door.

"I received an email to come tonight," I said, and I was greeted and shown to the dining hall.

I had been isolated for years since medically retiring from the army, so my social skills were lacking, but I knew what I was looking for was here, so I sat down alone at the end of a table.

"Nobody should sit alone." said a man (who later became my first-line signer) as

he guided me around the dining hall, showing me the customs of coming to a Masonic Lodge, such as making a donation for your meal and greeting people.

Then, the Freind2Friend group started. I sat with an eager pen and notepad in hand, ready to do what was necessary to be a Mason.

I looked around the table, and there were guys prepared like me to do whatever it took to become a mason. We attended different lodges and learned how every similar lodge had its own personality that we should each experience to understand.

Within months, I had the honor of assisting in an officer installation. During the next few months, in friend2friend, there became a bond between the guys that had been attending regularly, and while people did come and go, a group of us remained steady.

We helped in clean-ups, got in the kitchen whenever we were needed, and assisted in setting up a library.

When we put our applications in, the lodge felt like a place we belonged and wanted to be. Through our conversations about our speculations on Masonry and service work, these men became my friends, and a short time later, we all came to call each other brother.

When I went to the lodge, I was looking for God everywhere in names, signs, and sacred texts, but when I came to the lodge, I realized his presence is most vital when brothers are in fellowship, and for that knowledge, I am forever grateful.

- Philip Girardin Initiated as EA June 13th, 2023

August

1st—Stated Meeting - Dinner and Masonic Knowledge Bite

August 8th - Planning Meeting - Dinner and Masonic Knowledge Bite

August 15th—Dinner - Masonic Knowledge Bite and Open House

August 19th School of Instruction

At AZ Sunrise Lodge No. 89

A well attended School of Instruction on Masonic Trials was hosted by Arizona Sunrise Lodge in Phoenix.

August 22th Practice - Dinner and Masonic Knowledge Bite

August 29th FC Degree - Dinner and Masonic Knowledge Bite

Points of Fellowship

Dear Brothers,

It has come up repeatedly how masonic values we see in lodge translate almost perfectly into our everyday lives. Specifically, I wanted to talk about a point of fellowship that has been recently applicable in my life: mouth to ear. This point is often thought to guide us to whisper good counsel in a brother’s ear when necessary. Interestingly, masonry teaches this and simultaneously “admonishes” us to act better. It implies that admonishment should be comfortable and brotherly, and it should help us act truthfully.

Beyond whispering good counsel, however, it stresses the importance of face-to-face communication with brothers and friends alike. Unlike writing, much of what can be communicated in a face-to-face conversation is subtextual and shared by body language, tone, and other hints. I have found this evident in classes I have taken, at work, and nearly everywhere else I have been. It also seems applicable now more than ever as the technological age advances, and it becomes more practical to participate virtually. While the accessibility of virtual communication is truly remarkable, I think it is simultaneously critical that we don’t lose sight of what we get from seeing one another in person. Being face-to-face is heavily stressed in masonry, for it stands to reason that the secrets taught by masonry are properly conveyed physically in a lodge of brothers.

Beyond seeing and giving good counsel, the other part is to whisper it. Giving counsel quietly and privately tends to be more carefully and willingly received. Like nearly everything in masonry, this is applicable everywhere. It is far easier for others to be receptive to admonishment when they do not simultaneously experience embarrassment for it. As we are all brothers of the same great parent, learning on this Earth, it is essential to provide relief when others may be stressed (perhaps from admonishment?) and be compassionate even when it is difficult. By living this way, we build trust and unity among us. And we further the spirit of our craft, those great tenants of brotherly love, relief, and truth.

Fraternally, Ryan Sparks, JS

WHAT’S HAPPENING—AZ MASONIC EVENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING—AZ MASONIC EVENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING—AZ MASONIC EVENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING—AZ MASONIC EVENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING—AZ MASONIC EVENTS

*** Mark your calendars***

Upcoming Events To Be Aware OF

OCT. 14th, 2023

Yuma Territorial Lodge 17

Yuma Outdoor Degree

Secretary: yumalodge17@gmail.com

OCT. 19th, 2023

Scottsdale Masonic Lodge and Prometheus Lodge No. 87

Please Join Scottsdale Lodge, and Prometheus Lodge on October 19th, as we Pass a Brother to the Degree of Fellowcraft. This Annual Degree between the three lodges will take place at Perfect Ashlar Lodge #19 in Bisbee, AZ. A special collectors pin will be unveiled, and given to those who attend the Degree.

Dinner: 6PM

Gavel 7PM

Secretary: prometheus87sec@gmail.com

The Grand Corner

Br. Jay DeArrastia and WB Cosmo Magliozzi attended a 3rd Degree at Acacia Lodge 42 on August 29th.

Br. Ryan Winkle had the opportunity to see the Masonic Building on Sixteenth Street during his visit to Denver at the end of August

AFTER THOUGHTS