April 2022 Gila Valley Lodge Trestleboard

APRIL 2022

Bro. White from Gila Valley Lodge was successfully raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason at the 4th Annual Lost Dutchman Degree. While the ritual was not up to the usual standards of the Degree, a good time was had by all. The Grand Master of Masons of Arizona was there to help in his favorite role, while most of his Officers were there to support the effort.

WB Eric Smith sat in the East for the Degree and did a marvelous job managing the event.

There are a limited number of Degree coins available for purchase. Reach out to Paul Dore Sr. for purchasing.

Good day Brethren. I hope all is well at your end.

A lot of things are happening this month and in the near future. For me this month will go down in history as I am marrying the love of my life, and could not be happier.

the roads around the state there may be a motorcycle or two coming up between you and the car next to you. Please give them room if you can before you come to a complete stop. The reason I am putting this out there is so that everyone knows that this We as a lodge are continuing to make great strides. is legal and the motorcycles are not breaking the law. Also, for those riders that do not already know.

Our dinners are bringing more brothers to lodge and also providing an atmosphere of fellowship prior for the men that are thinking about joining Masonry. This month’s dinner donations will go to Saguaro Chapter Demolay to help them with their monetary needs. This is in addition to our annual donation, so please get the word out and let’s generate a large amount for these fine young men.

One other thing I really want to put out to all is a new law that will take effect this summer in AZ. This law will affect everyone on the roads, not just motorcycles.

On 3/23/22 AZ Governor Ducey signed into law SB 1273, sponsored by Sen. Tyler Pace of Mesa, which allows the operators of two-wheeled motorcycles to safely pass another vehicle in the same lane that is stopped and going in the same direction.

The movement is allowed when the motorcycle operator is going less than 15 miles per hour on a street where the speed limit is less than 45 miles an hour. PLEASE NOTE: This law goes into effect 91 days after the Arizona Legislature adjourns sometime in April.

If everyone is aware and follows the law, and gives just a little room, then this law will not result in the needless deaths of motorcyclists.

Thank you, brethren, again for all that you do to make our lodge and craft awesome. Until next month, be safe and enjoy life to the fullest.

Fraternally,

Eric Smith 2022 Master Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

This new law affects everyone on the road, so please be aware that when you come to a stop on

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These three virtues are the foundations upon which Freemasonry is built.

Brotherly Love is directed towards all mankind and especially to other Masons.

Relief, in that every Mason is obligated to relieve the suffering of any Master Mason they encounter who is in dire need, and if in their power to do so, to the best of their ability, Also to act charitably towards society, giving of themselves to better the common good.

Truth, which is represented by the Divine in its multiplicity and diversity, as understood by all men.

These three ideas represent the core upon which Freemasonry focuses in its ultimate distillation, in that Freemasonry does not As Masons we should be known as men to whom hold one faith above another, but rather, it sees faith hypocrisy and deceit are unknown, who deal honestitself as the common denominator between all faiths. ly and fairly with all men, who promote each other’s welfare, and who are happy rather than jealous of ~ MasonicFind. each other’s prosperity.

CALIENTE COFFEE CLUB SINCE 1985 First and third Tuesday at 9:00 aM Caliente Club House, Florence Arizona

MASONIC CONVERSATION, FELLOWSHIP, and EDUCATION For Information call Dewey Jefferson at 520-576-2329

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In view of the current situation, it is worth recalling Temple the Grand National Lodge of France the history and present of freemasonry in Ukraine.

(GNLF) together with the Grand Lodge of Austria On a record the first lodge of Three Brothers was consecrated the Grand Lodge of Ukraine (GLU). created in the village of Vyshnivka in Volhynia in 1742 by Polish noblemen. In Lviv the first lodge of Three Goddesses appeared in 1758 (part of AustroHungary).

The first lodge in Malorossiya (Russian Empire) was established in Kiev in 1784 by Russian officers. One of the members of that lodge which was named Bessmertie was Hryhoriy Skovoroda. The lodge was created eventually after the first Partition of Poland.

The next year 1784 three lodges have appeared in Kremenchuk: Mars, Dobry Pastyr, and Minerva.

The last one Minerva was transferred to the Dnieper banks from the city of Podolie Nemyriv. It is known that freemasonry existed in Kharkiv, Vinnytsia, Yekaterinoslav, Berdichev, others. Later (1780-90s) couple lodges existed in each of the following cities Dubno, Kremenchuk, Zhytomyr, and Kiev (Bessmertie and Tri kolonny). (Tri kolonny was recreated in 1993.) In the 19th century the popularity of them only increased throughout Ukraine.

At present, 14 Lodges are operating under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Ukraine.

In Ukraine, Lodges work in the following cities: Kiev, Lviv, Odessa, Ivano-Frankivsk, Drohobych, Zaporizhia, Kharkiv a n d Chernivtsi.

T h e Grand Lodge o f Ukraine is recognized as a regular Grand Lodge by 133 regular Masonic Grand jurisdictions of the In the Sloboda Ukraine existed a lodge “Palitsynska world.

Akademia”. The “Malorusian Secret Brotherhood” The recent General Assembly of GLU 2021 took that was created by V.Lukashevych and sought the place on September 11 in Kyiv. There where an inindependence of Ukraine also was connected with stallation of the Grand Master of Ukraine elect Anafreemasonry movement that continued to spread toliy Dymchuk. Official delegations from the Grand rapidly. In Kharkiv the most famous was the lodge Lodges of Scotland, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, Georgia, “Umirayushchiy Sfinks” (Dying Sphinx) that was cre- Poland, Belarus, Romania, Moldova and Tennessee ated sometime after 1764 when Kharkiv was visited (USA) attended the Assembly. During a ceremony, a by a Moscow University professor Viganda.

Worshipful Lodge # 22 “Porta Pyretos” was conseIn 1822 Aleksandr I issued an order prohibiting crated in the east of Chernivtsi.

Freemasonry and it seemed that it will stop, however, the source/more: the official webpage of the Grand the movement since then simply went underground. Lodge of Ukraine On September, 24th, 2005 in Paris, in the Grand

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Happy April to you all brothers.

plished or it may even be taking time to learn a new We are now to that time in the year where we are in skill or trade whatever it is it is time to put the new full spring mode!! This means we are out and about adjusted plan into action. making things new. This could mean we are moving But what about where I am with my life and how I back to our summer homes; we could be starting to feel about myself and my own internal successes pack up the outdoors materials because the dust and struggles? This question requires a lot more storms are back and the weather is getting hotter focus on more questions and less time actually findand hotter, and it could mean we are getting closer ing the correct answers. This area of questioning to the midpoint of the year. Yes, we are now starting will actually lead us to try and do different things the fourth month of 2022!! that what we normally would do because we may So, what are you doing with your year? We could not actually now the answer until after doing said be focused on many things but the one thing I want things. For example, you may some ideas that you you to think about this month is where are you may want to try in terms of a different life style now? Are you where you want to be with your whether it is food, health, or even just over all mediplans, are you where you want to be with your life, tation. All of these require us to take time to try out different things to see if they help improve us or if it and are you where you want to be with yourself? is right for us.

These are all very difficult questions and sometimes are ones we would rather not answer. For if we are So, as we go through this month of April, I want looking at our plans for the year, we may feel like you to take a moment and find out what it is that we are not where we thought we would be and oth- you can take the time to focus on for the next ers maybe going well did I not set goals that were month and allow yourself to be able to make differchallenging enough for me? But if we really look at ent choices to find out if maybe you have changed a it, we need to be thinking about, how can I make little over the past years! the changes to my original plans? These plans are Till next time brothers. not set in stone they are able to malleable. So why not take time and see how you need to adjust your plans for the year, maybe it is time to add more to 2022 Senior Warden the list of projects you have wanted to get accomGila Valley Lodge No. 9

John Woode

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Soon after they had completed their researches into Ma- meaning “Truth” but can also mean “Divine Wisdom”. sonic Light, Adam and Sandeep had turned their attention Just as the plumb rule is always “True” so is also the Dito the three movable jewels – the Square, the Level and vine Wisdom – actually they are the same thing. the Plumb Rule.

And the ability to perceive the truth and to distinguish beAdam had suggested that of the three, he had been most tween truth and untruth, light and darkness, like the opintrigued by the Plumb Rule. ‘Why is that?’ asked posing black and white squares of the mosaic pavement.

Sandeep. ‘Well, it all started at school, when I learned We say that a yogi’s mind must be sharp as the sharpest about Isaac Newton and the famous story of the apple sword, in order to split the Truth and the Untruth. Jnana falling from the tree in a dead straight line until it hit the yoga is the study of the Truth.’ ground.

‘And in St. John’s Gospel,’ said Adam, ‘we read “And ye In my mind, I projected the journey of the apple backshall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you wards, up into the sky, far above the apple tree, and imag- free”.’ ‘Well, then that resonates with one of the Upaniined that, were something to fall from the canopy of heav- shads: “If That is known here, then Truth is established; if en, it would have hit the same spot.’ ‘If you think about it,’ not known here, it is the greatest loss. Having reflected said Sandeep, ‘the plumb rule, being located between through every element, the wise risen from this world beheaven and earth, joins the seven-starred canopy of heav- come immortal”.’ en with the mosaic pavement.’ There was a pause.

‘Do you mean that the wise, the truly wise, become one ‘Actually, it’s a struggle between opposing forces – we have with the Creative Principle?’ asked Adam. ‘Then that is to descend in order to ascend.’ why the plumb rule, like Jacob’s Ladder, like the HexalSuddenly Adam was struck by something he had read pha, all connect heaven and earth, macrocosm and microelsewhere. ‘Do you remember the hermetic Latin acrostic cosm as Hermes Trismegistus said “to achieve the wonV.I.T.R.I.O.L.? Visita interiora terrae, rectificandoque, ders of the One Thing”. The plumb rule takes me out of invenies occultum lapidem.’ ‘Sorry,’ said Sandeep, ‘my my inner microcosm and opens to me a vast space, enLatin isn’t up to it.’ .So if this plumb rule points towards larged to the space of the macrocosm.’ the centre of the earth, it is indicating that we need to look Yes, thought Sandeep, here I am in an upright position, into the interior.’ ‘Or if the plumb rule points towards my feet planted on the ground because of the law of graviour own centre,’ said Sandeep, ‘then that is where we have ty, but I aspire to rise, to make my way to celestial realms. to go to seek the Truth. Then the “hidden stone” is our ARTICLE BY: Julian Rees own Truth!’ ‘Yes,’ said Adam, ‘it really is one of the “hidden mysteries of Nature and Science”.’

‘And the plumb rule, being “true”, provides us with another allegory. In Hindi, we have a word That

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Dad Brown and Dad Johnston from State worked with our Chapter on their ritual and footwork. The boys did a good job.

The

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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.

The Masonic lodge, or 'blue lodge' gets its name because of the color blue's historic and religious associations with perfection, immortality and hope. It also represents universal friendship and benevolence - two virtues that should be "as extensive as the blue arch of heaven itself" in a Mason's mind, according to "The Exemplar: a Guide to a Mason's Actions," 11

Masonic Etiquette, for the most part, is merely good manners and respect for your lodge, its members, its Worshipful Master and the convention of Freemasonry, in general.

Brethren do not pass between the Alter and the East when the lodge is open. Why? As a courtesy to the Master, it is necessary that the three Great Lights which shine their eternal light and wisdom upon the Unfortunately, Masonic Etiquette … or Blue Lodge Master to help govern the lodge should never be in Etiquette, (as it is called in the United State) is largely shadow, not even for a millisecond, during the prounpublished as well as unspoken, therefore, up until cesses of an initiation or degree work. now, it has been more difficult to learn its rules and 2. SITTING IN THE EAST: nuances.

Brethren do not take a seat in the East without an in-

Few Masonic mentors include a list of proper Lodge behavior, as they have learned it, themselves, incident -by-incident, and usually learned by them after their having made an error and being kindly informed by another member as the correct Masonic etiquette of the situation.

vitation … even if all other seats are full. Why? While all Brethren within a tiled room are equal to one another, and the officers are servants of the brethren, all lodge officers have worked and studied long and hard for their lodge. It is, therefore the Master’s prerogative to recognize this devotion and their loyalty by inviting distinguished visitors or a special member the CONFORMING TO MASONIC ETIQUETTE Master wishes to honor to sit with him in the East. In Over time, and by watching others, members con- other words, if you were in church, synagogue or form themselves to exhibit proper Masonic etiquette mosque and the pews were full, would you go up and behavior to learn ledge customs. As a newly Entered sit beside the Pastor, Rabbi or Imam (Muslim Priest)?

Apprentice, Fellowcraft or Mater Mason, it is expected that you will exhibit the proper decorum and 3. ALWAYS FULLY DRESSED: propriety in observance of the formal requirements Brethren do not enter the Lodge room either without which govern behavior in polite societies … BEFORE your apron nor while putting on that apron…not even someone takes you aside to explain your errors … or the tying of its strings. Why? In respect to the formaliyou wouldn’t be reading this. ties of their Lodge, officers expect that the Brethren will have the courtesy to enter it fully dressed and So, let’s begin: ready for the labor. They should not have to wait for 1. WALKING BETWEEN THE ALTER AND a member to be fully “dressed”, even just tying their THE WORSHIPFUL MASTER: apron, to salute that member. It is expected

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

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that you will be properly and entirely dressed when 6. OBEY THE GAVEL: you pass by the Tyler and enter your Lodge room.

You must immediately obey the gavel. WHY? Failure 4. STAND WHEN YOU SPEAK: to immediately obey the gavel is a GRAVE DISNo man sits while speaking in the Lodge room, no COURTESY and VERY poor Masonic Etiquette. matter if he addresses an officer or another brother. The Grand Lodge can be appealed to on any matter.

Why? All Lodge activity is based on each man in However, in the lodge, the Master’s gavel, which is his lodge as being a servant of the Brethren. This in- emblem of authority, is supreme. When a brother is cludes the Worshipful Master and his officers. While rapped down, he should obey at once, without any the man, himself, who has been elected Worshipful further discussion. It is VERY bad manners to do Master does not gain any special honor, personally, as otherwise. In fact, it is perilously close to the line bethe Worshipful Master, it is to the Worshipful Master tween bad manners and a Masonic offense. Masonic etiquette decries anyone who does not obey the gavel. as the Master of the Lodge that a member stands to address. It is simply a form of respect…and no differ- 7. TURNING YOUR BACK: ent than attending a shareholder’s meeting or a City Never turn one’s back on the Master to address the Council meeting. It is expected that if you wish to ad- lodge without first receiving permission from the Masdress the brethren, you will stand so all may see who ter to speak. WHY? Any debates that is speaking.

5. TALKING: “Side” talk while a degree is being conferred is considered bad manners. Why? The lodge room is a Temple of the Great Architect of the Universe. The brethren within are working to make the best ashlars (stones) for His spiritual temple. Just as it is impolite to talk in church, synagogue or mosque service, so it is improper to distract the officers, the workers in the degree or the candidate. Talking without asking to do so shows irreverence for the proceedings. God’s house is not for social conversation within the lodge room. It is for worship and learning the lesson of the day which is being taught. Unless you have requested of the Master to speak, silence is the rule. This also means no whispering. HOW? If you have something of interest to say, raise your hand. When the Master recognizes you, you must stand up, and be recognized by the Master to speak. To address the Brethren, you should say: “Worshipful Master, may I address the brethren.

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are in motion must be conducted using the proper Masonic etiquette. One always stands to order when addressing the chair. Customs differ in various jurisdictions as to the method of salute, however some salute should always be given when addressing the Master. Two brethren, both on their feet, simultaneously arguing a motion, who are facing each other ignoring the Master is unacceptable.

vote. Why? A brother who does not vote is discourteous because he skews the ballot. He becomes the weak link in a strong chain. No matter what reason you may privately hold about voting, it is poor Masonic Etiquette to fail to vote when requested to do so by the Master.

11. ENTERING LODGE AFTER THE OPENING HAS BEGUN:

If a brother should enter the Lodge after the opening ceremony is under way, he should go to the Alter to salute the Master.

The salute should be given properly and not in a careless or perfunctory manner.

8. SALUTE: Some Lodges (not all) offer salutes to the Master when they enter and when they leave their Masonic Lodge room or any other Masonic Lodge room. Some Lodges offer salutes to the Senior Warden.

Why? The Masonic etiquette of saluting the Master is your renewed pledge of fidelity and service. It is your public display of decorum and all other brothers of your obligation. It shows your courteous respect for all that the Master stands for and shows that you acknowledge his authority. A lazy, sloppy or improper salute is to be Masonically impolite and, thus, to exhibit poor Masonic etiquette.

9. BALLOTING:

12.TURN OFF:

CELL

PHONES

All cell phones should be turned off before entering the Lodge room so as not to disrupt the proceedings.

13. MASONIC ETIQUETTE SUMMARY: Masonic etiquette is simply the rules of good manners which make lodge meetings pleasant for everyone.

The sprit of Brotherly love and affection, by which we are bound together, will be exemplified in our conduct, our presentation, and our behavior at all times.

It is my hope that you will use your trowel to cement the stones of brotherly love for the “More Noble and Glorious Purpose” of exhibiting these rules of Masonic Etiquette toward one and all within the brethren.

Do not enter or leave the Lodge room during balloting. Why? It is discourteous to leave the lodge room during a speech, or a degree, etc. There are several natural periods, such as at the end of one section and before the next begins, or when the Master puts the lodge at ease until the sound of the gavel. Then, and Fraternally, only then, you may leave the lodge room without being considered rude.

Dewey Jefferson

10. VOTING IS MANDATORY:

2022 Junior Warden Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

When an issue is put to a vote, all brethren should 14

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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 17

April 7, Pinal Lodge No. 30

April 7, Scottsdale Lodge No. 43

7:00 pm Stated Meeting

7:00 pm OFFICIAL VISIT

April 9, White Mountain No. 3

Mar 11, Sabbar Shrine

10:00 am Stated Meeting

6:00 pm Stated Meeting

April 9, Globe Chapter No. 7 R.A.M

Mar 11, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

2:00 pm Stated Meeting

5:30 pm Trustee Meeting

Mar 11, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

April 15, 2021 Town of Florence

5:00 pm Dinner at Lodge 7:00 pm Stated Meeting 9:00 pm Post meeting discussion at Mount Athos

Main Street Third Fridays 5:00 pm Event Begins

April 12, Ocotillo Chapter No. 21 OES Call for time

April 18, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

April 14, Apache Lodge No. 69

Observing the Craft Book Club 5:30 pm Meeting

7:30 pm Stated Meeting

April 16, Memento Mori Widow Sons Location TBD: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WSMMChapter

11:00 am Stated Meeting

June 3-5, Grand Lodge of Arizona Wild Horse Pass and Casino

April 21, Eloy Lodge No. 46

140th Grand Communication

7:00 pm Stated Meeting

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Jim Reid Gale MacDougall MWGM Mark Manning WB John O’Hara PM WB Delbert Lewis PM WB Ray Osbourn PM Wilbur (Bill) Dean Lawrence Baby Rylee Ringer Baby Miguel Martinez

Brian Gay Brad Johnson James Kasburg Michael Britt Byron Singer David Jones Bertram Pampanin

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

4-2 4-6 4-19 4-23 4-23 4-28 4-29

Jim Baker Nicholas Hayduke Franklin Musil John Lane

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4-30-1999 4-29-1976 4-14-1992 4-18-1998

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 20

Email: jiminys@yahoo.com

Bro. Email: jwoode591@gmail.com

Dewey Jefferson Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com

MWGM Randy Jager 2021-22 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: WB Dewey Jefferson Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com

WB Robert Malloy Email: robert_molloy@cox.net

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

Chairman: Brian Gay

Bro. Steve Murphy

Email: bg1973@hotmail.com

Email: santanman7921@gmail.com

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

Bro. Spencer Sego Email: spencersego@gmail.com

Chairman: John Woode Email: jwoode591@gmail.com

WB Anthony Raimondi

Roger Biede III PM Chairman

Email: raimondi_57@msn.com 21

Robert Molloy PM, John Woode

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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 br eakfast 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 24held.