MWWe have a new Master Mason at Gila Valley and he is a great addition to the Lodge. Please welcome Brother Craig to the Fraternity. We have high expectations for him as he begins his journey as a Mason.
Brothers, we are now in the month of April and Easter is right around the corner. So, I was thinking to myself, is Easter a big deal with freemasonry? I thought initially no because we are not a religious group and that would focus too much on the Christian faith. But after doing some digging, I did come across an article on Freemasonry today and found that there is a relation and a rite of sorts that is done every Easter by the Scottish rite in some jurisdictions. So, I would like you all to experience what I have and look at how freemasonry has been able to remember the dead through what some would see as a Christian rite of remembering the dead but in a new light. The article was written and posted by Masonrytoday.com author unknown.
Today in Masonic History is Easter.
Today Christians around the world celebrate the resurrection of Christ and the promise of eternal life ever after. It is also a reminder that the last supper was in fact a Passover Seder. It is the combination of these two events that remind us of the bonds between Christianity and Judaism.
If you are a member of a lodge like mine, you have members of multiple faiths in your lodge. At any given time we have had three holy books on our altar, the Holy Bible, the Torah and the Koran. For me this is a reminder that we as Masons are all traveling a parallel path,
that regardless of what our individual beliefs are, we are in search of the same thing, the immortality of the soul and life eternal.
Just recently we had our annual Maundy Memorial Service in our Scottish Rite Valley. For those who have not been able to attend one of the services, it is an annual service done around Easter. It commemorates the passing of our masonic brothers over the previous year. In the service a candle is extinguished as the brothers name is called, symbolizing the end of his mortal cycle. At the end of the service the brothers name is called again and his candle is lit as a symbol of our hope that the brother has traveled along the path of Revelation and that his soul has found immortality.
During the service there is no mention of the brothers religious belief. The ceremony itself speaks of the Passover Seder and of the Story of the Cross is recited, not for the sake of dogma, for the
reminder that we all hope to one day, after a good and upright life, receive our eternal reward. That the path to immortality is achieved by following the new commandment that Christ put forth, "that we love one another".
Regardless of your religion, it is my sincere hope and prayer that you and yours will one day travel along the path of Revelation as well. It is my hope that as you travel through life, regardless of the religion you may practice, in your heart that you remember that when we "love on another" we are taking that one step closer to the divine and to life eternal and immortal. End article.
To me this was a very eye-opening concept I never knew or thought that we would have a ceremony that could be done other than draping the altar or performing the last Masonic rites for a brother. With all that being said. I would like to wish all the brothers a happy Easter and Seder for all who are followers of those faiths. Until next time brothers. Fraternally,
John Woode 2022 Master Gila Valley Lodge No. 9What is ADMONITION ?
According to the ethics of Freemasonry, it is made a duty obligatory upon every member of the Order to conceal the faults of a Brother; that is, not to blazon forth his errors and infirmities, to let them be learned by the world from some other tongue than his, and to admonish him of them in private. So there is another but a like duty or obligation, which instincts him to whisper good counsel in his Brother's ear and to warn him of approaching danger. This refers not more to the danger that is without and around him than to that which is within him ; not more to the peril that springs from the concealed foe who would waylay him and covertly injure him, than to that deeper peril of those faults and infirmities which lie within his own heart, and which, if not timely crushed by good and earnest resolution of amendment, will, like the ungrateful serpent in the fable, become warm with life only to sting the bosom that has nourished them.
Admonition of a Brother's fault is, then, the duty of every Freemason, and no true one will, for either fear or favor, neglect its performance. But as the duty is Masonic, so is there a Masonic way in which that duty should be discharged. We must admonish not with self-sufficient pride in our own reputed goodness-not in imperious tones, as though we looked down in scorn upon the degree offender not in language that, by its hardness, will wound rather than win, wil1 irritate more than it will reform; but with that persuasive gentleness that gains the heart- with the all-subduing influences of "mercy unrestrained"with the magic' might of love---with the language and the accents of affection, which mingle grave displeasure for the offense with grief and pity for the offender.
This, and this alone is Masonic admonition. I am not to rebuke my Brother in anger, for I, too, have my faults, and I dare not draw around me the folds of my garment lest they should be polluted by my neighbor's touch; but I am to admonish in private, not before the world, for that would degrade him; and I am to warn him, perhaps from my own example, how vice ever should be followed by sorrow, for that goodly sorrow leads to repentance, and repentance to amendment, and amendment to joy.
Bro. Mackey
Brethren as we move into April and the weather starts to warm up its time for us to take some time to make some needed repairs/ improvements to the building. As most of y’all know the trustees have requested and have received proposals to repaint the building and replace our out dated fire escape. While I was performing some research on the building for theses projects I came across some fun facts about the area and the building that I thought you would found interesting in the book Kathy Kirkpatrick published called “American Prisoner of War Camps in Arizona and Nevada”. Now I know that some of you who grew up in this area probably already know this, but for the rest of us you might find this interesting. We all have been told that our lodge building was once part of the Florence POW camp that was located in what is now Florence Gardens retirement community and the Florence Public Health Service Clinic within the fenced area of the ICE facility. What you might not know is that the camp opened up in August 1943. The maximum population was 7,255 Italian POWs in December 1943, 12,772 German POWs in June 1945, and two Japanese POWs in June 1944. Their work was agricultural and military. This location was also a separation center, the location where POWs were processed to leave for home at the end of the war. How we don’t know exactly what our build was used for in that camp, some say it was a health clinic and some say it was a barracks or din-
Fraternally, Robert Malloy
.Baal's Bridge square is an artifact found in the foundation of Baal's bridge which spans the Shannon River in Limerick, Ireland. Like the Regius Poem, the Baal's Bridge Square is something of an anomaly when it comes to the history of Freemasonry. The Square was found in 1830 when Baal Bridge which spanned the Shannon River was bring removed to make way for the new Baal Bridge. It was dug out of the eastern corner of the foundation of the northern land pier. It is presumed the square was placed in the foundation by an operative mason.
The interesting question it raises is whether the operative masons of the time were using esoteric teachings in their ritual. Taking the square literally at face value, it's inscription reads "I will strive to live with love & care upon the level and by the square", it does imply operative masons may have been using esoteric lessons in their work. It could also imply the square was the beginning of speculative masonry with it's more esoteric and symbolic view of masonic tools.
.Along with the above mentioned inscription, there is also a year of 1507.
Because of the corroded state of the square the year has been changed as new eyes view it. It is further confused by the fact no one knows when the original Baal's Bridge was built. At one point, the date was believed to be 1317, interestingly this puts the square in the same century of when the Regius Poem is believed to have been written (the Regius Poem is believed to have been written down in 1390). Later the date on the square became 1517 and eventually 1507, which a rubbing of the square seems to definitively indicate. To further backup the idea the square is more than 500 years old, there are written accounts in town records of Baal's Bridge being in place in 1558.
The Baal's Bridge Square is currently being preserved by Antient Union Lodge No. 13 in Limerick, Ireland. They are a "time immemorial" lodge meaning it was in existence prior to the existence of a Grand Lodge.
This month Saguaro Chapter Demolay observed the Obligatory Devotional Day. Our Chapter believes Devotional Day is being devoted to not just faith or belief in a higher being but also to self, family, even our legged family members and DeMolay duties within the state, is all important and PRICELESS. Thank you to our Members, Advisors and family members pictured and those not pictured for your support and devotion to DeMolay.
Brethren, Friends, and Family,
This year the Masonic Charities of Arizona approved 33 grants totaling $70,000 to worthy organizations throughout Arizona. These 501c3 charitable organizations provide much needed services to their communities all over Arizona Those services include Veteran assistance, 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
Good day Brethren and welcome to April and spring. Easter is here and my thoughts lean toward the Holy writings and not so much on Easter eggs. The question of what to do with old bibles came up. If you are like me and most people I have spoken to, you don’t throw them away, you want to do something but what? As it turns out it can be buried with the owner or a family member or even a friend. This practice is popular in the Jewish faith. It can be donated to a church, a lodge, a library, some hospitals and retirement homes. Also, you can contact an American Legion about disposal with old flags. I’m not a fan of this but it is disposal with dignity.
therhood of God.
Fraternally, Dewey
Jefferson PM 2022 Senior Warden Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
Let’s talk about value other than personal keepsake. I read about a bible printed in 1696 that sold at auction for $20.00. The most valuable bible I found was the Gutenberg and is from about 1455. It is said that just one page is worth $100,000 or more. Let it be known that it will never cross my desk!
So if you have an old bible that is special to you, store it in a cool, dry location. Remove all loose material between the pages, such as flowers and newspaper clippings as they can discolor the pages. If you have an old bible, enjoy it, touch it and remember what it is, where it came from and who left it.
MASONRY: A brotherhood of man, under the fa-
Grand Care (GCARE) is designed to support Arizonans by funding one-time medical care payments or by reimbursing co-payments for Arizona citizens who receive medical care because they suffer from a "chronic disease" constituting a chronic health condition. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control defines "chronic diseases" as those conditions that exist for at least, but no less than, one calendar year and require ongoing medical attention or limited activities of daily living or both, including, but not limited to, Alzheimer's Disease, Arthritis, Asthma, Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, Chronic Kidney Disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Diabetes, and Stroke.
We are committed to helping those with chronic illness deal with the high cost of medical care, prescriptions and co-pays. We understand hardships are caused for basic living needs when one is living with a chronic illness. Our organization is committed to operating with excellence while providing ser-
vice.
Grand Care is an Arizona non-profit corporation and gratefully accepts IRS 501(C)
(3) tax-deductible contributions from individuals, business and groups
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission. You can mail donations to P.O. Box 64251, Tucson, Arizona 85728 4251 or send them securely through our certified PayPal account.
https://azgcare.org/
The George Washington Memorial Society comprises a select group of members who are dedicated to supporting the Memorial and its Mission. The purpose of the Society is to raise support for the George Washington Masonic National Memorial’s operations and to increase awareness of the Memorial’s mission among Freemasons and the wider community.
The emblem of the Society is a special version of the official crest of The George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association. An image of the Memorial building in the center of the emblem serves as an important reminder of the commitment that each member of the George Washington Memorial Society has made.
Please note that GWMS membership is for individuals only. Lodges are encouraged to consider the Society of Washington Lodges, and other opportunities for support are available for lodges and other organizations as well.
Charter Membership is conferred for contributions of $1,000 or more to the Memorial with the membership application, and $250 or more per year thereafter.
Your Memorial Society dues benefit our annual fund, and are put to use to support the daily operations of the Memorial. To support the restoration work, consider an additional contribution to the Landmark Century Campaign.
Do you have MW Jim Baker’s Polo ?
April 3, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
5:00pm DinneratLodge
7:00pmStatedMeeting
9:00pmPostmeetingdiscussionatMountAthos
April 6, Pinal Lodge No. 30
7:00pmStatedMeeting
April 8, White Mountain No. 3
10:00amStatedMeeting
April 8, Globe Chapter No. 7 R.A.M
2:00pmStatedMeeting
April 11, Ocotillo Chapter No. 21 OES
Callfortime
April 13, Apache Lodge No. 69
7:30pmStatedMeeting
April 15, Memento Mori Widow Sons
Location TBD: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WSMMChapter
11:00amStatedMeeting
April 20, Eloy Lodge No. 46
7:00pmStatedMeeting
April 3 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
5:30pmTrusteeMeeting
April 10, Sabbar Shrine
7:00pmStatedMeeting
April 20, Military Degree
Scottsdale Lodge No. 43
6:00pmDinner
7:00 pmDegree
April 21, 3rd Fridays
Main Street Florence
5:00pmPublicEvent
April 25, Rex Hutchens Table Lodge
Oriental Lodge No. 20 https://Oriental20tl.eventbrite.com
7:00pmEventStarts
June 6-9, Grand Lodge of Arizona GrandCommunication
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.
Theindividualyoureferwillreceiveaseriesofcommunications,thefirstofwhichwill identityyouasthereferralsource.
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!
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
Jim Reid
Josh Seagrave PM
MWGM Jeff Carlton
MWGM Rex Hutchens
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
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WB.
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Robert Molloy
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Bro. Brian Gay
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WB Anthony Raimondi
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Chairman: WB John Woode Email: jwoode591@gmail.com
Chairman: John Woode Email: jwoode591@gmail.com
Chairman: WB Dewey Jefferson Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com
Chairman: WB Roger Biede III PM Email: roger.biede@gmail.com
Chairman: Brian Gay Email: bg1973@hotmail.com
Chairman: WB Roger Biede III Email: roger.biede@gmail.com
Chairman: John Woode
Email: jwoode591@gmail.com
Roger Biede III PM Chairman
Robert Molloy PM, John Woode
2022-23 Grand Master F. & A.M of ArizonaThe 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.
