April 2021 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 Trestleboard

Printed Every Month 131st Anniversary

April 2021

The 3rd Annual Lost Dutchman “The Dutch” Degree was held again at the Don’s Camp at the base of the picturesque Superstition Mountains. The weather was perfect as White Mountain Lodge No. 3, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9, and Apache Lodge No. 69 joined together to Raise a worthy Man from White Mountain Lodge to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason.

(Contact the Lodge Secretary at 3,9, or 69 for more information)

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Bro Spencer Sego was Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on Thursday, March 4th by a nice group of Gila Valley Lodge members along with a great representation of Brothers from the Memento Mori Widow Sons group. Thank you to all that participated in the Degree

The

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Brethren this year has started off with a bang. We are getting things done around the lodge and looking at ways to generate funds. We have also been busy with degrees, practices, and other activities to help our brothers and soon to be brothers. Thank you for all your hard work so far this year.

We are all faced with challenges every day, whether that be from work, family, or elsewhere. All these challenges can make life seem extremely difficult at times. Add to that all the changes going on in our world these days and we sometimes forget about dates, and commitments. If we take the time to relax and reflect on life, we may be If you have any ideas on ways to raise funds for the lodge able to see where everything falls into place, and better prioritize them. This may even make things seem easier and more organized, not to mention make us look happier. We need more happiness in today’s world, and we can be the ones helping spread that happiness. We are looked at by some as a model of citizenship, and others as a cult, etc. Now is the perfect time for us to show who we are. We have the capability to change the minds of many at least here in the East Valley.

With that said the weather is getting nice again and we should have a few weeks before the heat really comes on.

I hope everyone enjoys the upcoming Easter weekend with family and friends if possible. Enjoy the weather and and help in the community, please bring those up at our be careful out there as there are many more people on next meeting. I would love to hear them. With the world the roads now that things are opening more. today and things opening again we should be out there leading the way for the community. Let the people see Fraternally, that we are not the cult that we are sometimes looked upon as. If we can help, we should. We did it once this 2021 Master year, let us keep that going. If we are more visible in the Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 community it may just bring to our doorstep more good men looking to be better.

Eric Smith

Traditionally, when Freemasons complete a prayer, they say "So Mote it Be." The Regius Manuscripts, one of the earliest documents linked to Freemasonry, ends with the words "Amen! Amen! So mote it be! So say we all for charity." The phrase "So Mote it Be" is usually translated as "So May it Be" or "So might it happen," therefore both affirming the prayer and continuing a centuries old custom dating back to the earliest days of the Fraternity. (Source: An Idiot's Guide to Freemasonry by S. Brent Morris)

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By M.W. Bro. Raymond Daniels, PGM

(Barry's comment: if you are right-handed, 8% of the “So here’s a hand my trusty friend” – Quote by Bro. world is left-handed) Robert Burns Shaking hands is a symbol of agreement, often used During the latter part of January, many lodges hold to show goodwill and sincerity by statesmen, diplomats, events celebrating the birthday of Bro. Robbie Burns and politicians. In simpler times, many deals were (25 January 1759). The kilt will be worn, the haggis will closed with a simple handshake. The so-called ‘secret be addressed, the pipes will play, and the Immortal Masonic handshake’ is part of our inheritance from the Memory of Scotland’s favourite son will be toasted with stonemasons’ guilds of the middle ages from which a dram of Scotch. Invariably the festivities will end with modern Masonic lodges emerged in the early eightthe singing of his great song to brotherhood – Auld eenth century, and from which we derive much of our Lang Syne. It, like so much of his poetry, encapsulates terminology and symbolism. the spirit of Freemasonry that he embraced.

In the age of the building of the castles, cathedrals, Of all the mythology surrounding our Fraternity, the and abbeys of Europe, when the skilled craftsmen – ‘secret handshake’ must rank in the first place. Nothing Freemasons – travelled from building site to building site, it was necessary to have some form of identification. In the medieval period, there were no trade school certificates, no college diplomas, or union cards to validate the bearer’s training, skill, and ability. A system of handshakes, with subtle variations, together with passwords was devised to indicate the skill, experience or proficiency level of the craftsmen. These were kept as ‘trade secrets’ at each level of proven skill and ability. fuels the fertile fantasies of the conspiracy-obsessed We have retained them as part of our traditional public more than the simple handshake exchanged history to honor our ancient operative brethren. They when two Brethren meet. It is usually the first question are known as 'modes of recognition and are considered asked in an interview given to the media by a Mason. confidential and private matters to be kept within the Clasping right hands is an almost universal form of greeting when two people are introduced, or when they meet. It may have originated in ancient times to show that both parties had open and affable intentions and that there was no weapon in the hand. The right hand was favoured to carry a sword, axe or lance in battle.

Fraternity. How anyone can derive a sinister meaning from such a gesture of mutual trust and fraternal affection is beyond reason.

The real significance of the ‘Masonic handshake’ is the sincere bond of friendship.

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Jim Reid Curtis Johnson WB Matthew Childress WB John O’Hara PM WB Delbert Lewis PM WB Ray Osbourn PM Wilbur (Bill) Dean Lawrence Baby Rylee Ringer Baby Miguel Martinez

Baby Angeliya Celeste Holt MW Grand Master of Arizona First Responders The Armed Forces Our Veterans Our dearly departed Brethren Brethren Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 Town of Florence Government United States Government

March Birthdays Brian Gay Brad Johnson James Kasburg Bryon Singer Michael Britt Dave Jones Bert Pampanin

March Anniversaries 4-2 4-6 4-19 4-23 4-23 4-28

Ray Osborn Nick Hayduke Frank Musil Jim Baker James Kirk

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4-22-1965 4-29-1976 4-14-1991 4-24-1999 4-16-2005

My Brothers we have now made it to the month of April and that means that spring is in full swing. Now that the winter has passed how are we going to help plant and cultivate the earth to let our Light grow?

new ideas to see them ready for the summer so that when fall comes you are prepared for the harvest? If Not then what are you doing?

But don’t take this as a message of being forceful with Spring time has always been seen as a time of Birth and your new plan or idea. This is the time of the year when allowing those plans to start and trying to maintain and build the basic building blocks for the ideas to take shape need to occur. Once the basic ideas are set then they can further grow and become what you planned them to be. But in order to do so we have to stick with it and follow through even if others may see it as a fool's errand.

For us we see it as anytime when a plan or idea fails it is not a failure but a lesson on what not to do for the next time. We can still take the the Beginning of the cycle to the four seasons. You can roots from the old idea and put them with the new hear this in different musical composers who have at seeds and try again in another soil. That is what is great one time or another referenced spring or the rising of about the four seasons is that they come in a cycle and the sun in their pieces or in their titles. For one referare ever repeating and will always be there no matter ence listen to vivaldi's four seasons and you will hear the what. tune to masterpiece theatre. In this we see new beginSo check with yourself and your spring garden and see nings and life taking off and bound for things not fore- what it is you want to plant. seen in young age.

Till next time Brothers, The same can be said for the year it has just started and Fraternally, it is now time to start planting, preparing, and being ready for whatever may come. So what are you planning for yourself?, your family? Or for the future of your 2021 Senior Warden Lodge? Are you taking the time to think and cultivate Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

John Woode

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Why Freemasons "Square" The Lodge Room A Masonic trestle board is a design board for the Master Workman (Architect) to draw his plans and designs upon to give the workmen an outline of the work to be performed. In today's terms, we might call it a blueprint. It is one of the 3 Movable jewels. A trestle board is a framework consisting of (usually 3) vertical, slanted supports (or legs) with one or more horizontal crosspieces on which to hang or display an item. Today, it is better known as an "easel". Some jurisdictions around the world call it a tracing board. It would be somewhat of a "circular logic" task to argue the difference, as, while neither can be fully proven (in historical writings), the "Tracing board" may very well have predeceded (come before) the use of the word "Trestleboard" because lodges in Europe (which predate American lodges), use the word "Tracing Board".

Hiram's Tracing Board Hiram Abif's tracing board is believed to have been made of wood, covered with a coating of wax. Each day he would draw his Master architect's measurements and symbols into the wax in order to instruct his Master Masons of the work that was to be accomplished. At the end of the day, he would simply scrape off the wax and pour a new layer of hot wax onto the board to ready it for the next day's work. Masonic Tracing Board Much later, in the days where lodge was held in secret areas and on hills and vales, (valleys) once lodge was in session, the Tiler (or Tyler) would draw an oblong (rectangular) or oblong square depiction (image) into the dirt that represented the form of the lodge. Again, onto that tracing board was drawn the architect's plan...the working tools in the degree that was to be worked.

Masonic Trestle Board Through the years, the Masonic Tracing Board progressed to charcoal or chalk on the floor of taverns where lodges were held back in the 1700s. After the lecture, the Stewards or the Entered Apprentice, as a lesson in secrecy, would get a mop and bucket and remove all trace of these drawings. This, obviously, was a somewhat tedious and

messy procedure, so cloths or rugs were created which could be laid onto the floor and simply folded up when the lecture was complete. Later, these cloths (or rugs) were placed onto a table. As time passed, they were finally hung onto an easel...(a trestle board) much like a drawing board at a construction site where each workman could receive clear instruction as to what his specific participation entailed. When the team's work was completed, it was obvious that each Master Mason not only understood their specific part in the undertaking, but how their part (no matter how small), contributed to the construction of the entire edifice (building). The meaning of the words "Nothing further remains to be done, according to ancient custom, except to disarrange our emblems" is a reference to the now antiquated use of these trestleboards (or tracing boards) during which the dirt on the ground was erased or the chalk marks on the floor of these lodges was mopped or scrubbed, to leave no trace of the form of the Lodge or the contents drawn thereon. The reason why our lines of travel are at right angles within the lodge and thus the reason that we "square" the lodge is a "throwback" to the antiquity of the ritual. If the brethren were to walk atop the markings made in the dirt on hill and vale; atop the chalk on the floor of the taverns; or tread upon and thus soil the cloths or rugs used to provide the workings of that degree, the message of that lecture which was being worked could be partially or fully destroyed. Therefore, "Squaring the Lodge" in a semi-military-like precision, goes back many centuries as the means of preserving the ritual and the degrees being worked so as not to destroy the symbolism of their markings before their usefulness on that day has been completed. How old is the use of Tracing Boards? There is a tracing board which was found during an excavation of the Mount Vesuvius volcano eruption in 79 AD, 1800 years before its discovery in 1874. Masonic scholars note its similarities to today's Freemasonry trestle boards.

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Bro Don is a frequent visitor to Gila Valley Lodge but holds membership in Xenia Lodge No. 49 in Xenia Ohio. Here is a bit about that Lodge as taken from their website….

The history of Masonry in Greene county dates back nearly one hundred years, although there can be no doubt that some of the settlers who were living in the county on the day it was organized in 1803 were members of the craft. While the formal organization of the first lodge at Xenia occurred on March 6, 1819, the initial steps in its organization has taken place sometime in December of the preceding year.

In that month a number of the Masons, residents of Xenia and the surrounding community, decided to apply for a charter and the records of the grand lodge show that on December 31, 1818, a petition was presented to the grand lodge at Columbus signed by a

group of seven Greene county Masons. The grand lodge on the last day of 1818 granted a dispensation to these petitioners, the dispensation bearing the signature of Chester Griswold, grand master of the state of Ohio. Pursuant to the authority granted by the dispensation the local lodge met and organized on March 6, 1819. This charter bears the signature of A. McDowell, senior grand warden; Joseph Vance, jun-

ior grand warden; Benjamin Gardiner, grand secretary; John Snow, grand master.

A complete history of the lodge can never be written, owing to the fact that on January 23, 1882, the building then occupied by the lodge was completely destroyed by fire, the lodge losing all of its property, paraphernalia and records. From various sources, including a brief history of the lodge compiled in 1897 by a committee appointed for the purpose, the facts contained in the present article have been compiled. The first work of the lodge bears the date of April n, 1819, at which time Clark Williams was initiated as an entered apprentice. The lodge grew in membership and influence from year to year until the famous Morgan episode happened. The history of the Anti-Masonic movement in the United States is a part of the history of our country, a movement which developed a political significance resulting in several states having a so-called Anti-Masonic party, with candidates for state and county offices. The climax of the movement came when it actually proposed a candidate for President of the United States in 1831.

The Xenia lodge was one of the thousands of local lodges throughout the United States that was compelled to suspend its activities for a time. It appears from the best authority that the local lodge suspended its regular sessions with the meeting of March 26, 1831, and that it did not again meet in regular session for more than fifteen years. At least the next record of a meeting in Xenia is dated August 13, 1846. It will probably never be known what the local lodge did during this fifteen years. There are well-authenticated records that meetings were held, however, from time to time, irregular though they must have been, at the home of Abner Read in Oldtown. Read was a merchant in that village, and, it is known, was also engaged in the manufacture of large wall clocks. He was a twin brother of Amasa Read, both brothers being charter members of the lodge. The first worshipful master to appear in 1846 after the (cont) 10

resumption of labor was John Hivling, and it is presumed that he was one of the number received into the lodge during this hiatus in its history.

With the resumption of the work of the lodge in 1846 there was a great revival of interest. It is interesting to note that the first work done after the lodge again resumed labor, September 9, 1846. was to confer the master Mason's degree upon Henry Kealhoffer, who had received the first two degrees in March, 1831, and now, fifteen years later, received the third and last degree of the blue lodge. About this time, a special convocation was held in Xenia, which lasted from high twelve, Monday, to high twelve, Saturday, of the same week. The Hon. Thomas Corwin, of Lebanon, presided during the week as worshipful master. During the week no fewer than seventeen candidates were entered, passed and raised, several being from Waynesville, Lebanon and Wilmington. Such a week Masonry has not since known in Greene county.

Nearly three-quarters of a century have now elapsed since the Xenia lodge resumed its work, and these years have seen other lodges organized in the county, the local lodge having contributed of its membership to their respective lists of charter members. The charter members of the lodges at Jamestown, Yellow Springs, New Burlington and Cedarville were in many cases members of the Xenia lodge. Other branches of Masonry have been established in Xenia, all of which owe their existence to this parent lodge. Scores of members of Xenia Lodge No. 49 have been found in places of public trust and honor. Its sons have been seen in the Assembly of the state.

in the halls of Congress, on the judicial bench, and within the sacred walls of the church. They have been prominent in all the various phases of the life of the community, and wherever found they have tried to live up to the high teachings of the oldest fraternal organization in the world.

The lodge has had its quarters in the Steele building at the northwest corner of Detroit and Main streets since the latter part of 1896. It occupies the fourth and fifth floors of this building and has its quarters fitted up in a sumptuous manner. When it became known that the local lodge would be ready in the winter of 1896 to occupy its new home, it extended an invitation to the grand lodge of the state to be present at its dedicatory services. Accordingly, the grand lodge of the state of Ohio convened in emergent session for the purpose of dedicating the new rooms of the local lodge on Monday, December 28, 1896 (A. L. 5896), in a room adjacent to that of Xenia Lodge No.

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My letter this month may seem to not apply to Masonry, however I disagree & think that because we are Masons our Ladies & the Ladies around us should feel safe in our presence.

ging, Avoid forest or wooded areas, even in the day time, Don’t take a first floor apartment, go out in groups, Own a firearm, Meet men on first dates in public places, Make sure to have a car or cab fare, Men ask why women are so pissed off and scared , Don’t make eye contact with men on the street, or even guys with wives & daughters. Jackson Katz, a make assertive eye contact. prominent social researcher, illustrates why. He’s As you can see the women side is full and the men done this with hundreds of audiences.

He draws is empty. I challenge you to read this to your lady a line down the middle of a chalkboard, sketching a and get her response. We are Masons and we better male symbol on one side and a female symbol on act like one. the other. Then ask just the men: What steps do Fraternally, you guys take on a daily basis to prevent yourselves from being sexually assaulted? At first there is a kind of awkward silence as the men try to figure out 2021 Junior Warden if they’ve been asked a trick question. The silence Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 gives way to a smattering of nervous laughter. Occasionally, a young man will raise his hand and say, I What is the Character of a stay out of prison. This is typically followed by anFreemason ? other moment of laughter, before someone finally "The real Freemason is distinguished from the rest of raises his hand and soberly states, Nothing, I don’t mankind by the uniform unrestrained rectitude of his conthink about it. Then he asks the women the same duct. Other men are honest in the fear of the punishment question. Women throughout the audience immewhich the law might inflict; they are religious in expectadiately start raising their hands. As the men set tion of being rewarded, or in dread of the devil, in the stunned in silence, the women recount safety prenext world. cautions they take on a daily routine.

Dewey Jefferson

A Freemason would be just if there were no laws, human or divine, except those which are written in his heart by the finger of his Creator. In every climate, under every system of religion, he is the same. He kneels before the universal throne of God, in gratitude for the blessings he has received, and in humble solicitation for his future protection. He venerates the good men of all religions. He disturbs not the religion of others.

Hold my keys as a potential weapon, Look in the back seat of the car before getting in, Carry a cell phone, Don’t go jogging at night, Lock all the windows when I sleep, even on hot summer nights, Be carful not to drink to much, Don’t put my drink down and come back to it later; make sure I see it being poured, Own a big dog, Carry Mace or pepper spray, Have an unlisted phone number, Have a mans voice on my answering machine, Park in well lit areas, Don’t use parking garages, Don’t get on elevators with only one man, or a group of men, Very my route home from work, Watch what I wear, Don’t use highway rest areas, Use a home alarm system, Don’t wear headphones when jog-

He restrains his passions, because they cannot be indulged without injuring his neighbor or himself. He gives no offense, because he does not choose to be offended. He contracts no debts which he is not certain that he can discharge, because he is honest upon principle."

- Source: Farmer's almanac 1823

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When he can look out over the rivers, the hills, and the far horizon with a profound sense of his own littleness in the vast scheme of things, and yet have faith, hope, and courage which is the root of every virtue.

When he knows that down in his heart every man is as noble, as vile, as divine, as diabolic, and as lonely as himself, and seeks to know, to forgive, and to love his fellow man. When he knows how to sympathize with

men in their sorrows, yea, even in their sins knowing that each man fights a hard fight against many odds.

When he has learned how to make friends and to keep them, and above all how to keep friends with himself. When he loves flowers, can hunt birds without a gun, and feels the thrill of an old forgotten joy when he hears the laugh of a little child. When he can be happy and high-minded amid the meaner drudgeries of life. When star-crowned trees and the glint of sunlight on flowing waters, subdue him like the thought of one much loved and long dead. When no voice of distress reaches his ears in vain, and no hand seeks his aid without response. When he finds good in every faith that helps any man to lay hold of divine things and sees majestic meanings in life, whatever the name of that faith may be. When he can look into a wayside puddle and see something beyond mud, and into the face of the most forlorn fellow mortal and see something beyond sin. When he knows how to pray, how to love, how to hope. When he has kept faith with himself, with his fellow man, and with his God; in his hand a sword for evil, in his heart a bit of a song -- glad to live, but not afraid to die! Such a man has found the only real secret of Masonry, and the one which it is trying to give to all the world.

By Joseph Fort Newton

It is believed to originate with the Old English phrase "cable-taw", denoting a rope that was made out of "taw" or "tau", a type of spun yarn or fiber. On the job, operative Masons would have used such a cable to scale walls, or to lift items to the high points where they were working. Some theorize that the length of a Masons cable-taw indicated how high he was allowed to work - the longer the cable, the more skilled (or daring) the workman. Not exactly an OSHA approved safety plan for the modern day!

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In the age of technology is advancing faster than ever before. Moore’s law says that every 18 or so months, computer processing speed doubles. The observation is named after Gordon Moore, the former CEO and cofounder of Intel, who in 1965 postulated a doubling every year in the number of components per integrated circuit. Last time I looked the number of transistors that fit into a microprocessor reached over 10 billion in 2017.

the internet these days?

We are taught that Freemasonry is progressive moral science taught by Degrees to better oneself. Initially Masonry sought to bring together like minded Men to discuss and interpret the orders of architecture, the senses of human nature, and even the liberal arts and sciences, and really brought enlightenment to the masses. Later surges in Masonry added a Fraternal and Charitable aspect to our Fraternity that remain to this day.

When he has learned how to make friends and to keep them, and above all how to keep friends with himself.

Individual exploration and interpretation of these ideas are imperative to one’s growth but the Fraternal aspect of discussion and interaction with like-minded men is the key to Masonry’s worth. Spirited discussion, true mentorship, and a variety of views is what helps us as Masons grow and improve. For these reasons, those that we surround ourselves with is of utmost importance. This is not meant as an elitism comment, as The world is currently moving forward faster than it ev- Masonry does not regard men on their worldly wealth er has and access to knowledge has never been easier or honors, but as of goodness of heart and intentions for someone looking for it. With the internet people quality. can find the answer A 1917 advertisement titled “When is a Man Qualified to most questions to be a Shriner?” offered some of these qualifications: within a matter of clicks. Does this When he can look out over the rivers, the hills and the mean that Freema- far horizon with a profound sense of his own littleness sonry is any less in the vast scheme of things, and yet have faith, hope relevant? Is Free- and courage. masonry a relic When he knows how to sympathize with men in their from past genera- sorrows, yea, even in their sins-knowing that each man tions? fights a hard fight against many odds.

When he can be happy and high-minded amid the meaner drudgeries of life.

When star-crowned trees, and the glint of sunlight on flowing water, subdue him like the thought of one much loved and long dead.

When he finds in every faith that which (cont.)

Can anyone not find information on all those topics on

The Pinal County Animal Care and Control is once again full of dogs and needs our help again. Please bring in your old blankets and dog toys for us to donate for our next Stated Meeting!! There will be a box for collection of the donated items!

Other items that are needed: Cleaning supplies - Blankets and towels – Peanut butter (xylitol -free) – Pet Food—Medicine - Office supplies - Grooming tools 14

helps any man to lay hold of higher things, and to see would offer that they give us a pretty good picture of the majestic meaning in life, whatever the name of that faith men we want entering our West gate. Masonry is only may be. as good as the men that enter our Lodges, rememberWhen he knows how to pray, how to love and how to ing that quality is always more important of quantity.

When we keep our standards, no new measure of techhope. nology can replace the interpersonal relationships, When he has kept bonds, and mentorships that Masonry offers. faith with himself, with his fellow man, It is our duty as Masons to keep our honored Fraterniwith his God; in his ty as remarkable as its purpose, to keep it relevant by hand a sword for refusing to recommend anyone to a participation in our evil, in his heart a bit privileges unless you have strong reasons to believe that, of song; glad to live, by a similar fidelity, he will ultimately reflect honor on but not afraid to die. our ancient institution.

We are all part of a time honored Fraternity and are In such a man, responsible for keeping it relevant for present and fuwhether he be rich ture generations. or poor, Fraternally, scholarly or unlearned, famous or obscure, Masonry has 2021 Senior Grand Steward wrought her sweet ministry.

Grand Lodge of Arizona F & A.M Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 While times change some things, those descriptions are timeless and can still be used to judge a man today. I

Roger C Biede III

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The term 'Grand Poobah has it's origins closer to Free- Instead the origin of the term Grand Poobah comes to masonry than many may think. us from March 1885. It also comes to us from two masonic brothers, Gilbert and Sullivan in their comedic Most people recognize the term 'Grand Poobah' from opera The Mikado. In the opera one of the character's the popular cartoon series from Hanna-Barbara The name is Pooh-Bah and he holds a variety of titles which Flintstones. In the cartoon, the two main characters Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble regularly appear at include First Lord of the Treasury, Lord Chief Justice, their lodge meeting. In the cartoon it is the Loyal Order Commander-in-Chief, Lord High Admiral, Archbishof Water Buffalo, not a masonic lodge. The Loyal Or- op, Lord Mayor and Lord High Everything Else. The opera begins with the town executioner, in a Japanese der of Water Buffalo is a send up though of Freematown, being sentenced to death himself. It is decided sonry and other fraternal organizations. the executioner can not perform any more executions In the 70's people also recognized it from the show until he executes himself, since he is next in line. The Happy Days. In the show the patriarch of the family is a towns people are too proud to serve under the execumember of a leopard lodge. Often he is seen heading tioner and perform the execution. Eventually all of the off to his meeting wearing a fez with leopard spots. town leaders resign their positions and Pooh-Bah ends Again the head of the leopard lodge is the 'Grand up with all of their titles. The Mikado uses Japan as a Poobah.' back drop to satirize British politics of the time.

It is easy to assume the origin of the 'title 'Grand In modern times the term Grand Poobah is meant to Poobah' came from a pop culture reference such as the be a mocking term generally. Either to describe someones mentioned above or in some of the other ways it one who has an inflated self-regard or someone who has been used in pop culture. Especially over the last has a grandiose title with little true power behind it. few decades.

Source: MasonryToday

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As American Freemasons, most of us are familiar with the story of George Washington laying the cornerstone of the United States Capital on September 18, 1793 – often referred to as “The Nations First Cornerstone”.

The gavel from that historic event is also famous - kept

by Potomac Lodge No. 5 in Washington, D.C.. In fact, in April 2016 – Prometheus Lodge No. 87 brought that famous gavel to Gilbert, Arizona in April of 2016 for the cornerstone laying of a New Vietnam Veterans memorial Wall replica.

But nearly a year before that famous ceremony, George Washington participated in another important cornerstone laying for the Presidential White House.

On October 13, 1792, George Washington laid the cornerstone of The White House – even though he would never live there.

Congress selected James Hoban, an Irish Immigrant architect living in Charleston, South Carolina, for the structure (LOC). Although the White House construction work began in 1792, Construction of the US Capital in 1793 would cause a shortage among stoneworkers: “Although foundation work began in earnest, the government soon discovered that the young nation had

an abundance of craftsmen but few master stonemasons.

What’s more, those that did have it were working on the United States Capital. After a thorough search in America and Europe, agent George Walker traveled to Edinburgh Scotland. By spring of 1794, he had recruited at least 8 stonemasons from the Lodge of Journeymen Masons No. 8”. (Mark Tabbert, Director of Collections; George Washington Masonic National Memorial).

Among the workmen selected to build The White House were Scottish Stonemasons John & James Williamson. John & James Williamson were members of Edinburgh Lodge No. 8 and after working on 66 Queen street, they would travel to the United States among a group of other lodge members, to work on the White House in Washington, D.C. (The Lodge of Journeyman Masons NO. 8 is still active today. ) By 1945, when Harry S. Truman became America’s 33rd President, the 153 year old structure was in serious disrepair. During his early years, President Truman often complained of drafts and unusual noises “The floors pop and the drapes move back and forth. I can just imagine old (cont.)

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Andy [Jackson] and Teddy [Roosevelt] having an argument over Franklin [Roosevelt],” he wrote to his wife Bess in June 1945. Finally, in 1948, after years of complaining – engineers conformed that the White House was structurally weak and in danger of collapse. In December 1949, a major rehab project began.

of the Nation, I place in your hands a stone taken from the walls of the White House during its just-completed rebuilding. A sufficient number of these stones, each with a Masonic symbol upon it, was discovered to give one to each Grand Lodge in the United States.

These evidences of the number of members of the Craft who built the President’s official residence so intimately aligns Freemasonry with the formation and the founding of our Government that I believe your Grand Lodge will cherish this link between the Fraternity and the Government of the Nation, of which the White House is a symbol.

It is said that One day in 1952, while walking through the construction site, President Truman came upon a pile of disc a r d e d bricks. Having been a Freemason ..Sincerely and Fraternally yours, Harry S. Truman”. since 1909, Truman recognized the “Masons Marks” upon these bricks as having an important meaning to Freemasons. Truman contacted the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia and arranged to have more than a hundred of these stones delivered to them. In recognition of the important contributions made by Masons like John & James Williamson, he asked the Grand Lodge of D.C. to send one of these marked stones to every Grand Lodge in the United If you’d like to see this exciting piece of history, check States. out the display case in the lobby next time you’re visitThis exciting gift is documented in the Grand Lodge of ing the Grand Lodge of Arizona offices in Phoenix.

Arizona Proceedings from 1954 on page 51.

Past Grand Master Nelson C. Bledsoe read the following speech from President Truman: “Through the good offices of an ambassador from the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, which is Masonically supreme in the Capital

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Erected in the 1920s and 30s, it soars 333 feet as a beacon of Light and knowledge, educating and inspiring all who visit it. Recognized in 2015 as a National Historic Landmark, the Memorial is one of the most impressive and iconic buildings in the area around our nation’s capital. Our new fundraising endeavor, The Landmark Century Campaign, aims to support a thorough restoration of the Memorial.

And we can help!

Today, the Memorial is a museum like no other in the world. Everything we do revolves around our vision: “to inspire humanity through education to emulate and promote the virtues, character and vision of George Washington, the Man, the Mason, and Father of our Country.”

Open seven days a week, the Memorial offers

Masonic temple, housing two Craft lodges and regularly hosting visiting lodges from around the country. The Memorial is a central hub connecting Masons to one another, and connecting the Craft to the public, our nation, and our world For the past decade, the Memorial Association has devoted tremendous energy and resources to the renovation of the Memorial.

detailed exhibits and guided tours that teach the general public about George Washington, his life and virtues, and the role that Freemasonry played throughout his life. Further, the Memorial is an important space for the performing arts, social gatherings, public events, and educational seminars. And, of course, it is an active

Beginning at the Memorial’s pyramid level, we have begun a multi-year project to perform all needed structural repairs. Stone by stone, are repointing the mortar and protecting the building from water penetration. When completed, the building will be in better than new

Major exhibits have been added. Interiors have been repaired and repainted. Lighting has been updated. But the most considerable work is the top-to-bottom restoration of the building itself—the first such renovation since the Memorial was completed nearly a century ago.

condition.

The Society of Washington Lodges is for regular Lodges (recognized by the Grand Lodges of the United States) who are committed to supporting the Memorial.

There is a one-time donation of $2,500.00, which can be applied toward Patronage.

Having a tree planted on the grounds of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial is an excellent way to honor an important individual in your life. And also a great way to express thanks to an organization, such as a Lodge or Chapter. For a donation of $750, the tree will be cared for in perpetuity, and a handsome stone marker placed near the tree will communicate your dedication.

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A special Educational Opportunity in Arizona was a success!

Brethren, I am proud to report that the Masonicon Arizona 2021 was very much a success in Prescott, Arizona. We had over 130 people attend the 3 day event at the beautiful Prescott Resort. I thank you all that attended and all that helped put this event together.

Please see some of the pictures from the event!

Fraternally,

RW Jim Baker 2021 Senior Grand Warden Grand Lodge of Arizona Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

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The “Capitular” or Chapter Degrees of Freemasonry refers the four degrees of the York Rite system that follow the “blue lodge” or “Craft” degrees. The Holy Royal Arch is the final degree and the culmination of the Chapter experience for a candidate. The Chapter is the second body of the York Rite of Freemasonry (following the Symbolic or 'Blue' Lodge), though in some Jurisdictions it is considered the completion of the initial three degrees and is part of the regular Craft experience. All Master Masons are eligible for membership. Contact RW Jim Baker, or WB Paul Dore at pauldoresr@cox.net for more information

Do you have a son 12-21 years Old? Saguaro Order of the DeMolay is the premier youth leadership organization building young men of character and dedicated to making young men better people and leaders and sponsored by Gila Valley Lodge 9, Pinal Lodge No. 30, and Eloy Lodge No. 46 Meetings are held twice monthly on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month starting at 6:00 pm. All parents are welcome and are encouraged to attend and get involved in this great organization. They meet at Pinal Lodge #30 located at 1140 E. Florence Blvd., Casa Grande, Arizona 85122.

Great Men wear a Fez! We're counting on you… Who do you know that would make a good Mason and Shriner? A friend? A family member? A coworker? Commit to making a difference!

The future of our fraternity relies on your commitment.

CLICK HERE TO REFER A GOOD MAN The individual you refer will receive a series of communications, the first of which will identity you as the referral source.

The Scottish Rite is a Masonic organization that continues a Master Mason's education of the first three degrees. The Scottish Rite is one of several appendant groups of the worldwide fraternity known as Freemasonry. Each Valley has up to four Scottish Rite bodies, and each body confers a set of degrees. In the Southern Jurisdiction these are the Lodge of Perfection (4°-14°). Chapter Rose Croix (15°-18°), Council of Knights Kadosh (19°-30°), and the Consistory (31°-32°). The 33rd Degree is an honorary degree awarded for exceptional service. Have a question? Ask a Personal Rep!

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The Widows Sons, Masonic Riders Association is a group of Master Masons who have gathered together to promote Freemasonry within the motorcycling community and help introduce motorcycling to our non-riding Masonic brethren. As Freemasons we are committed to "Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth" tenets of our lives, as Widows Sons we are devoted to supporting Widows and Orphans of our Masonic brethren. We hold events and rides as fundraisers for this noble cause, and other charitable causes. The chapters in Arizona are very diverse with members from various areas, lodges, and a variety of motorcycles.

The goal of the Ladies’ Oriental Shrine, as set forth at the organizational meeting in 1903, is to promote sociability, good fellowship and the betterment of all Ladies connected with the organization. Our Ladies participate in parades, mini-clinics, Shrine Circuses, and much more. Ladies may choose to be active in a variety of special interest Units within each local Court such as Oriental Bands, Patrols, Clown or Dance Units. Our Ladies are always ready to display their pageantry and glamour in order to show the public how much they enjoy their activities.

Today, LOSNA has nearly 8,000 members in 64 Courts across North America and even members in Japan and Taiwan.

High Twelve is an association of Master Masons who desire an hour of Masonic fellowship independent of the formal ritual of Lodge but dedicated to the service to the fraternity. High Twelve was founded by E. C. Wolcott in Sioux City, Iowa on May 17, 1921.

We practice the great lessons of Freemasonry and encourage members to attend and participate in their Blue Lodge activities. High Twelve unifies Master Masons from many Lodges in an association where fellowship grows into lasting friendships. As High Twelve Masons, we support the Public School System and encourage participation in constructive community activities. There are over 300 active High Twelve Clubs with 25,000 members in the United States, Canada and Foreign Countries.

www.azmasoniclibrary.org

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April 1, Pinal Lodge No. 30

April 1, 2021 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

7:00 pm Stated Meeting

Lodge of Instruction 7:00 pm Begins

April 8, Apache Lodge No. 69 7:300 pm Stated Meeting

April 2, 2021 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

April 10, White Mountain No. 3

Cigar and Potluck at WM Smith’s House 276 S Starr Rd Apache Junction, AZ 85119-2210 6:00 pm Begins

10:00 am Stated Meeting

April 10, Globe Chapter No. 7 R.A.M

April 15, 2021 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

2:00 pm Stated Meeting

Fellowcraft Degree 7:00 pm Degree Begins

April 13, Ocotillo Chapter No. 21 OES 7:00 pm Stated Meeting

April 15, 2021 Town of Florence

April 15, Eloy Lodge No. 46

Main Street Third Friday Social 5:00 pm Social Event begings

7:00 pm Stated Meeting

April 17, Memento Mori Widow Sons Location TBD: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WSMMChapter

June 4-6, 2021 Grand Lodge of Arizona

11:30 am Stated Meeting

Prescott Resort Prescott, Arizona

April 26, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 5:00 pm Dinner at Mount Athos 7:00 pm Stated Meeting 9:00 pm Post meeting discussion at Mount Athos

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Brethren, Friends, and Family, This year the Masonic Charities of Arizona approved 18 grants totaling $30,000 to organizations throughout Arizona. These 501c3 charitable organizations provide much needed services to their communities. Those services include assistance to our Veterans at the three VA Hospitals in Arizona, Domestic abuse shelters, child learning disabilities, training and assistance for people with special needs, support for soldiers abroad, Adult literacy programs and Personal hygiene kits for the working poor and homeless.

We are able to award these Grants from the income of our investment fund, Lodge and Personal donations and support from Grand Lodge. In order to keep up with the desire to expand our Grant distribution to more organizations and communities around the State we ask for your help.

We have registered with the Amazon Smile Foundation. Amazon Smile will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization selected by their customers. For Amazon customers to select the Masonic Charities of Arizona to receive these donations go to http://smile.amazon.com/ch/942746389 to automatically select us. Or you can go to www.smile.amazon.com and you will be prompted to select a charity. Now you are ready to shop and support the Masonic Charities of Arizona.

The Board of Directors of the Masonic Charities of Arizona extends our appreciation to all of you for your support.

Fraternally, Roger Biede III Secretary, Masonic Charities of Arizona rcbthree@hotmail.com www.masoniccharitiesaz.com 25

Email: jiminys@yahoo.com

Bro. Email: jwoode591@gmail.com

Dewey Jefferson Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com

MWGM Boyd Robertson 2020-21 Grand Master F. & A.M of Arizona

Bro. John Bryon Singer Email: jbyronsinger@aol.com

Chairman: WB Eric Smith Email: jiminys@yahoo.com

Bro. Lee Apger

Chairman: John Woode

Email: lkapger@gmail.com

Email: jwoode591@gmail.com

Chairman: Dewey Jefferson Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com

WB Robert Malloy

Chairman: WB Roger Biede III PM

Email: robert_molloy@cox.net

Email: roger.biede@gmail.com

Chairman: Dewey Jefferson Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com

Bro. David Jones Email: dejones2063@gmail.com

Chairman: WB Roger Biede III PM Email: roger.biede@gmail.com

Chairman: Gale MacDougall HPM Email: bearinbox@con.net

Bro. Brian Gay Email: bg1973@hotmail.com

Roger Biede III PM Chairman Robert Molloy PM John Woode

Bro. Gale MacDougal Email: bearinbox@con.net

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The first mention of Moon Lodges can be found in the Cooke Manuscript of 1410, one of the oldest documents belonging to the Masonic Craft. In the U.S., Moon Lodges were first noted in colonial times around 1717 to be operating in Philadelphia, Boston and Tennessee.

There appears to have been approximately 3000 moon lodges in the U.S. at the turn of the last century but by the 1950’s that number had decreased to 500. Today, by last count, there are roughly 129 moon lodges in the U.S. A moon lodge was born out of necessity due to the lack of natural or artificial illumination by which one could travel to and from meetings. During the 18th century, transportation was limited to horseback, horse & buggy, walking and even in some circumstances by boat. There were no paved roads and very few gravel but merely two dirt ruts that would meander through bush and fields rarely in a straight line.

With only a candle or coal oil lamp to light the way, a full moon provided welcome companionship for a long and lonely trek. Individuals would travel 8-10 miles or more and were unable to make the long trip home at night and would be supplied lodging by a fellow brother, leaving after breakfast to return home the next morning.

Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 continues to follow this tradition and is honored to be still one of the remaining “Moon Lodges” in the United States. Our Stated Meetings are the Monday On or Before the Full Moon of the Month, The Lodge also goes “Dark” during the summer months of July and August, where no Stated Meetings are held.

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