The weather was beautiful, the food was great, and another Brother was raised at the base of the Superstition Mountains. A little rattlesnake crashed the party but he did not have a dues card, so he was asked to leave…..
Last month Brother Newendyke and myself attended a briefing at Pinal Lodge No. 30 presented by the Arizona Masonic Foundation for Children on the Children At Risk program. This builds on Freemasonry’s centuries-old tradition of helping the most vulnerable in our society, the very young. Today, more than ever, children need help in becoming responsible adults as they face countless challenges – broken homes, patterns of substance abuse in families, a complex world with many traditional nurturing institutions shaken. Freemasons are sensitive to the fundamental belief that our children are our future. We cannot neglect the needs of today’s children if we expect them to grow up to be happy, healthy, productive stewards of our future. We, the Masons of Arizona have not neglected the needs of those children since that fateful day in 1995. Primarily we have done this through the Masonic Model Student Assistance Program (MSAP) or Children at Risk Program as some of you may already know.
The program is a “partnership” serving at risk children of Arizona. First, it is sponsored by us the Arizona Masonic Foundation for Children who facilitate the process however, we lack the required knowledge, skills, and opportunities for intervention with at risk children; Therefore, it is presented by professionals from Newman/Stecher International who are the original developers of MSAP and atrisk experts, under the auspices of the National Masonic Foundation for Children. Lastly, it is attended by “educators” who interface with the children of Arizona every day and can most effectively use the knowledge and tools to intervene in the lives of our children who are at risk. Through this partnership,
this intervention model is offered at no cost to the schools/participants, who are asked in return for their attendance & commitment for the entire 3 days – we provide a comfortable learning environment with professional and knowledgeable instructors.
This program comes at no cost to the schools/ participants and is paid through the Arizona Masonic Foundation for Children. They receive these donations several ways:
• Fundraisers;
• The Masonic License Plate Program; and, • A Simple Straight Forward Donation.
Donations are allocated to the following:
• 6% – Administration Costs;
• 6% – Advertising; and
• 88% – Program Costs that Directly Affect Arizona Schoolchildren!
Brethren have copied this information from the foundations web site to highlight the seriousness for the at risk children and the need for this program. Brother Newendyke is our point of contact for our lodge and if their are any members that are Teachers, Administrators, or any one who works at our schools that feel that their school can benefit from this training please contact Brother Newendyke For more information please go to the Foundation web site at foundation4childern.org Fraternally,
Robert Molloy2024 Master
Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
Brethren,
Have you taken the time to just look around, what do you see? Do you see the ground, the sky, the green grass? What if I told you the grass was red, the sky was black with smoke, the air you breath in is filled with the smell of Gunsmoke? And the sound you hear was that of the last breath of a soldier who has given his life so that you may never have to have a day in your life where this is happening. WE live in a time of peril a time where without the brotherhood of our fraternity, some of us would be loss, we are Masons we are here to make better men of ourselves and to help others in their quest for the same. Let us take the time that is needed to reach out to others and show them the way, the path is filled with ruffians, but let us walk this path with each other. Many good men have fallen along the path, many have given their life for us, so let us not forget what they have done for us. So that we might lead a few good men and see them become better men. That they might look at the night shy and see the stars.
Fraternally,
Stanley Beard2024 Junior Warden
Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
FOUNDATION AWARD
Sir Knight William Greenen, Right Eminent Grand Commander, The Phoenix Chapter of the Social Order of the Beauceant, and I are pleased to present the 2024-2025 AZ Knights Templar Educational Foundation Scholastic Award. This program is designed to assist worthy students in furthering their education with a $1,000.00 scholarship paid in two $500.00 installments.
Scholarship recipients are selected by the AZ Knights Templar Educational Foundation Committee based on educational accomplishments, educational program value to society, and extracurricular activities.
The 2024 scholarship recipient will be honored at the Arizona Grand Sessions banquet on Friday, August 9, 2024, and will receive the first $500.00 check. An additional $500.00 check will be awarded at the completion of the Fall, 2024 Semester when the recipient submits transcripts with a qualifying Grade Point Average (GPA) and Spring Semester Schedule.
We ask that each Commander or Recorder announce this program at their next stated meeting and encourage participation. This year, applications will only be accepted online, which are due no later than July 15, 2024 at midnight, Arizona time. A link to the application can be found on the Grand York Rite website under the News tab or by going to: https://forms.gle/3dkNVjcVjp1vQYLg8
Sincerely and fraternally,
Eric Hannah, Chairman (3)
Hello everyone, the Pinal County Animal Control Center is in need of hard plastic kiddie pools for their doggos They use these pools as enrichment for the dogs when they’re in playgroup/ yards. All donations can be dropped off at the shelter. Their pups thank you!
1150 S. Eleven Mile Corner Rd Casa Grande AZ, 85194
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 (xylitolfree) – Pet Food Medicine - Office supplies - Grooming tools
In this article I would like to talk about our Bible. Upon the Alter of every Masonic Lodge, supporting the Square and Compasses, lies the Holy Bible. The old, familiar Book, so beloved by so many generations, is our Volume of Sacred Law and a Great Light in Masonry. The Bible opens when Lodge opens; it closes when the Lodge closes. No Lodge can transact its own business, much less initiate candidates into its mysteries, unless the Book of Holy Law lies open upon its Alter. Thus, the book of the Will of God rules the Lodge in its labor's, as the Sun rules the day, making its work a worship. The history of the Bible in the life and symbolism of Masonry is a story too long to recite here. Nor can anyone tell it as we would like to know it. Just when, where, and by whom the teaching and imagery of the Bible were brought into Freemasonry, no one can tell. Anyone can have his theory, but no one can be dogmatic. As the Craft labored in the service of the church during the cathedral building period, it is not difficult to account for Biblical coloring of its thought, even in days when the Bible was not widely distributed, and before the discovery of printing. Anyway, we can take such facts as we are able to find, leaving further research to learn further truth.
The Bible is mentioned in some of the old Manuscripts of the Craft long before the revival of Masonry in 1717, as the book upon which the covenant, or oath, of a Mason was taken; but it is not referred to as a Great Light. For example, in the Harleian Manuscript, dated about 1600, the obligation of an initiate closes with the words: “So help me God, and the holy contents of this Book.” In the old Ritual, of which a copy from the Royal Library in Berlin is given by Krause, there is no mention of the Bible as one of the Lights. It was in England, due largely to the influence of Preston and his fellow workman, that the bible came to its place of honor in the Lodge. At any rate, in the rituals of about 1760 it is described as one of the three Great Lights. Alas, there has been more dispute about the Bible than any other book. But Masonry knows a certain secret, almost too simple to be found out, whereby it avoids both intolerance and sectarianism. It is essentially religious, but it is not dogmatic.
The fact that the Bible lies open upon its Alter means that man must have some Divine revelationmust seek for a light higher than human to guide and govern him. But Masonry lays down no hard and fast dogma on the subject of revelation. It attempts no detailed interpretation of the Bible. The great Book lies open on its Alter, and is open for all to read, open for each to interpret for himself. The tie by which our Craft is united is strong, but it allows the utmost liberty of faith and thought. It unites men, not upon creed bristling with debated issues, but upon the broad, simple truth which underlies all creeds and over-arches all sects – faith in God, the wise Master Builder, for whom and with whom man must work. We all know the Bible, see the Bible and some actually touch the Bible, but how many of you know what Verse the book is open to for degree work? To be honest, I had to go and look, and possibly you should also.
Another month and another trestle board to share thoughts and/or experiences. This month I
would like to share a couple events that my wife and I participated in. The first was a Poker Run held by American Legion Post #9 in Florence. The run consisted of stops in Kearney, Oracle and the steak house on Hwy 79. You don’t have to ride a motorcycle to participate, cars are okay. We had 74 sign ups and 26 co-riders making a total of 100 participants. All the money generated from registration, raffles and donations goes to Veteran organizations, such as Fischer House, Dogs for Vets, Packages from Home, and Grounded No More.
The second event was another poke run. This one was sponsored by the Memento Mori which is a chapter of the Widows Sons, a Masonic riding association. This event was held at Desert Wind Harley in Mesa. The stops were spaced around town with a BBQ that was free, paid for by Memento Mori Widows Sons. We had around 45 participants with door prizes raffle, 50/50 and a gun raffle. A great time was had by about 100 Brothers and Sisters
from all the state and some from Mexico. Widows Sons is huge , just as Masonry is worldwide, so are Widows Sons Riders. And charity is the goal. Almost all the money we raise goes out as charitable donations to places like, and not limited to, Hope Women Center in Apache Junction.
The feeling you get from the look on people’s faces when they receive a donation is priceless. And one of the benefits is, we get to ride motorcycles with some great devoted and generous people. Enough for now. Have a great day and stay safe.
Dewey Jefferson
2024 Senior Warden
Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
https://www.yumraising.com/.../iorgmesaa_iorg.../AnnDel1576/
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.
April 4, Pinal Lodge No. 30 7:00pmStatedMeeting
April 11, Apache Lodge No. 69 7:30pmStatedMeeting
April 13, White Mountain No. 3 10:00amStatedMeeting
April 13, Globe Chapter No. 7 R.A.M 2:00pmStatedMeeting
April 18, Eloy Lodge No. 46 7:00pmStatedMeeting
April 20, Memento Mori Widow Sons
Location TBD: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WSMMChapter 11:00amStatedMeeting
April 22, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 7:00pmStatedMeeting
June 6-8, Annual Communication Grand Lodge of Arizona Mesa
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
Stanley Beard
MWGM Bob Bradfield
John Anderson
Colleen Apger
Bro. Lee Apger
Wilbur (Bill) Dean Lawrence
Bro. Steve Murphy
VW Bill Robertson
Roger C. Biede II
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
Email: robert_molloy@cox.net
WB.
Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com
Stanley Beard
Email: robert_molloy@cox.net
Bro. John Bryon Singer
Email: jbyronsinger@aol.com
Bro. Ronald Wayne
Email: pogobeast@icloud.com
Bro. Mark White
Email: mark.anne2005@gmail.com
Bro. Steve Murphy
Email: santanman7921@gmail.com
Bro. Brian Gay
Email: Email: mark.anne2005@gmail.com
WB Anthony Raimondi
Email: raimondi_57@msn.com
Chairman: WB Robert Molloy
Chairman: John Woode
Email: jwoode591@gmail.com
Chairman: WB Dewey Jefferson
Chairman: WB Roger Biede III PM
Chairman: Mark White
Chairman: WB Roger Biede III
Chairman: John Woode
Robert Molloy PM Chairman
Mark White, John Woode PM
2023-24 Grand Master F. & A.M of Arizona
My brothers, I am deeply humbled and honored to be elected to serve as your Grand Master. I take seriously the trust you have instilled in me. I promise to dedicate my year to education, fiscal responsibility, and membership improvement. There are many existing programs that we will continue and new programs we will institute. I can’t wait to meet with each of you and talk about improving Freemasonry in Arizona.
Leadership Through Serving.
This year one of our focuses will be Leadership Through Serving, also known as servant leadership, a leadership philosophy that focuses on the needs of the people being led rather than the leader's own selfinterest. In this approach, the leader takes on the role of a servant to the people they lead, putting their needs first and working to empower and support them in achieving their goals. Servant leaders prioritize building relationships with their followers, showing empathy and understanding, and fostering a sense of community and collaboration. They listen actively to feedback and ideas, encourage the development of their team members, and strive to create a positive and inclusive work environment.
By serving their team members and supporting their growth and development, servant leaders can inspire greater engagement, motivation, and loyalty. This approach can also help build trust and respect among team members, leading to greater productivity and higher levels of overall performance and success for Masonry in Arizona.
Motto: Always be Humble and Kind.
Being humble and kind can have many benefits, both for oneself and for those around us. Here are some reasons why it's valuable to cultivate humility and kindness:
Improving relationships: When we approach others with humility and kindness, we are more likely to build positive and healthy relationships. People tend to be drawn to those who are kind and approachable, and being humble can help us avoid conflicts and misunderstandings.
Promoting empathy: Humility and kindness can help us become more attuned to the needs and feelings of others. When we are less focused on our own egos and more open to others' perspectives, we are more likely to show empathy and compassion.
Fostering personal growth: Humility can help us recognize our own limitations and areas for improvement, which can promote personal growth and development. When we are open to feedback and willing to learn from our mistakes, we can become more resilient and adaptable.
Contributing to a better world: Kindness can have a ripple effect, inspiring others to act with compassion and generosity. When we show kindness to others, we can help create a more positive and connected world.
Grand Master
Grand Lodge of F&AM of Arizona
George R. Rusk
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.
