August 2021 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 Trestleboard

Printed Every Month 131st Anniversary

August 2021

The 2021 Gila Valley’s Animal Control Fund Raiser was another overwhelming success. In addition to countless bags of Pup Peroni dog treats, the Lodge was also able to collect over $126 in monetary donations. The Pinal County Animal Control center is in extreme need for supplies and Gila Valley Lodge was proud to step up and help! You can continue to help by brining in gently used blankets and dog toys to the Lodge. We drop off once a Month the center.

(Contact the Lodge Secretary at WM3, GV9, or A69 for more information)

Anti-Masonry Explained) by Masonic Find

the Church.

Various groups throughout the world oppose FreemaI have come across many Catholics online who still advosonry. These are mostly composed of some governments cate this to be the case. and some religions. Why do they oppose Freemasonry For this reason, it was against the Church’s canonical I believe that the answers for most of these groups boil laws for its members to become Freemasons until 1983. down to the Morgan Affair and the Taxil Hoax.

After that point, the Church revised its position on the William Morgan was someone who lied his way into a Royal Arch chapter by pretending to be a Mason. He later wrote an “exposé” of Freemasonry, which angered local Masons when they found out. He later disappeared and it was commonly assumed that he was murdered by Masons, although his body was never found.

It is speculated that he actually fled to Canada and was possibly paid off to do so.

matter, stating that only groups that “plot against the Church” are off-limits.

Since Freemasonry does not plot against the Church (nor

What is an Apprentice ?

Apprentice - In Latin apprehendre meant to lay hold of a thing in the sense of learning to understand it, the origin of our "apprehend." This became contracted into apprendre and was applied to a young man beginning to learn a trade.

Marie-Joseph Gabriel Antoine Jogand-Pagès (whose nom de plum was Léo Taxil) was an anti-Catholic who was initiated as an Entered Apprentice in the lodge Le The latter term came into circulation among European lanTemple de L’Honneur Français in Paris in 1881 (two guages and, through the Operative Masons, gave us our "apprentice," that is, one who is beginning to learn Masonry. years after being expelled from Switzerland for fraud).

An "Entered Apprentice" is one whose name has been enBefore he ever had the chance to advance any further tered in the books of the Lodge in his degrees, he ended up getting expelled from his lodge. Now having become bitter against Masonry, he - Mackey's Encyclopedia ended up writing lies about Masonry and selling those lies to the Roman Catholic Church for publication. He eventually revealed it all to be fake, essentially having against any entity), members were then allowed to behurt the Fraternity while making the Church look foolish. come Masons (despite the opinion letter published by the Church’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith Roman Catholic Church still condemning it so far, as I have been informed, this As mentioned in the above-linked article, the Roman entity does not carry the authoritative weight of the Papal Catholic Church was distrustful of Freemasonry long be- Bull like the Church’s canonical laws do.) fore Taxil was even born.

Is Freemasonry Anti-Catholic?

Freemasonry was open to men of all faiths during a time There may have been individual anti-Catholics who have when Protestants and Catholics literally attacked each become Masons at one time or another. One such examother, both in physical fights and via the written word. ple was Léo Taxil. However, Freemasonry as an instituCouple this with the fact that meetings were exclusive to tion is not anti-Catholic. We welcome Catholics with members only; the Church started to worry that these open arms and regard them just the same (cont.) secret meetings with apostates/pagans were plots against

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as we regard men of any other faith; and, just as we respect the anti-Masonic position that Christians should not sit in a Catholic’s freedom of belief/religion, so too do we expect meetings with people of other faiths. That stated, my views, Catholics to show that same respect to all others. opinions, and interpretations (just like theirs) are subjective.

Man of Faith with Men of Other Faiths Some religions claim that it is a sin for the man of one faith to congregate with men of other faiths. I myself have only heard this argument from members of some Christian denominations, who typically cite 2 Corinthians 6:14, which reads:

Conspiracy Theorists Thanks to Taxil, Morgan, and various others throughout history, Freemasonry is the scapegoat to which most conspiracy theorists turn to cast blame. Topics range all over the place, from creating/infiltrating religion, politics, aliens, the JFK assassination, European royalty, the moon landing, terrorist hoaxes, and so on; if it sounds moderately to out-of -this-world evil, then the Masons must have done it. Any tragic event that occurs (even if Masons are among victims) only pours gasoline on the fire that is the Masonic conspiracy theorist phenomenon.

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?”

As a Christian myself, I personally interpret this to refer to interfaith marriage; after all, if our core values are different (or unequal), then the marriage might be difficult (not that I am knocking those who have joined in interfaith marriages; Unfortunately, there are some governments and religions in if you make it work, then good for you). the world that fall within this category. I will not name any specifically; let us just say that they are the same entities that To play devil’s advocate, however, let us assume that the treat The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, a fraudulent context is far broader: work that contributed to the Holocaust, as a credible work.

A key term of this verse is “unequal.” If everyone’s freeContext Disregarded doms and views are equally respected, then how can the “yoke” be unequal? If everyone is under the same expecta- A common theme developing in many of my writings is the tions and obligations, then how can that “yoke” be unephrase “Symbols are finite and ambiguous; there is no one qual? symbol that is limited to a sole group or interpretation.”

If we cannot sit in Lodge together equally “yoked” by our respective obligations, does that mean that we cannot serve in the military together equally “yoked” by the oaths which we take in order to serve?

This does not stop conspiracy theorists from finding or making up symbols and attributing them to Masonry with evil interpretations. .his does not stop religious fanatics who impose their interpretations of devil worship on the symbols that we do have or on the symbols that they attribute to us.

Can we also not labor in the same workplace equally “yoked” by contracts of employment?

If you are a citizen of a country whose government does not Conclusion have an official religion, then can you not do your civic duYes, there are some who oppose us because they view us as ties (i.e., pay your taxes, participate in a jury, and so on) evil. Those who falsely conflate Freemasonry with evil, being “yoked” to that unbelieving government? however, have a very poor understanding of Freemasonry If you agree to terms of service to use a social media acand/or of evil. I invite everyone to make sure that they get count, then are you not “[yoking]” yourself under the same their information straight from the source (a legitimate terms and in the same virtual space as unbelievers? grand lodge) rather than by the libelous gossip, rumor, and so on that plague the internet today. by Masonic Find I personally feel that this particular verse does not support

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Good day and Happy August Brethren.

County Animal Rescue. We are getting our name and faces out there in the community where we should be.

Thank You for all that you are doing to get us noticed in the right light.

It has been a hot month this July and much has been happening again. I hope all of you are having a wonderful summer so far, enjoying the heat and humidity as well. Remember to be careful out there especially on the humid days as those are the ones where you will become dehydrated quicker than normal. With that being said and our summer dark months coming to a close, I want to remind everyone to keep vigilant in helping good men find us.

Our last EA degree we had 3 visitors come by and one of them (already a MM) has decided that because of the location and the work we do (he was extremely impressed) he is going to affiliate with us as soon as we come out of being dark. On that note Great job to all of you for continuing to improve! Your hard work shows We are once again dark this month and yet we were able and all that see our degrees (including myself) are very impressed with your work. Keep it up!! to get 2 EA degrees done in July. We also brought approximately 12 bags of Pup-Peroni dog treats to the Pinal The ladies of Ocotillo Chapter 21 Order of the Eastern Star have also asked if we will work with them and participate with each other in the future. They are planning a yard sale of sorts in the near future and would like us to participate as well.

Please start thinking of things that you would be willing to part with to help the lodge to continue to exist. We need to try and have a great showing from us with things to sell. This will help our lodge as well as the ladies from OES, so I encourage you to please participate.

Keep up the awesome work that all of you have done and continue to do. Together we will remain an awesome lodge of brothers making a difference in the community. I hope all of you enjoy the month of August and are safe in whatever you do this month and in the future.

Fraternally,

Eric Smith 2021 Master Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

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Congratulations to Gila Valley Lodge No. 9’s new Entered Apprentice Mason, Mark White. Mark is a new resident and works for the Town of Florence in the

Building and Planning Division. Please welcome Bro. Mark to the Lodge when you see him!

The

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Fulton County Amateur Radio Club (FCARC) in association with Fulton Lodge No. 248 Free & Accepted Masons, Grand Lodge of Ohio.

occur on the day of the Equinox - 1400 UTC to 2200 UTC (10 am - 6 pm ET). Eight hours.

~ CQ More Light ~

1st MLOTA - September 25, 2021 2nd MLOTA – September 24, 2022 3rd MLOTA – September 23, 2023

Masonic Lodges on the Air Official Contest Rules http://cqmorelight.com/rules Purpose

To promote public awareness of ham radio and Freemasonry; to promote fraternal bonds within the ranks of Free & Accepted Masonic Lodges and its many Amateur Radio operators who are also brothers in the fraternity; and to encourage contact with other Amateur Radio Operators around the state, country, and world. You do not need to be a Mason to participate, but do get permission from your local lodge to contest from their property.

Contest Dates

Always the Saturday of, or immediately following the Autumnal Equinox.

Modes and Bands Modes of Operation: SSB only.

Amateur Radio Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 meters.

Please honor all band plans. All contacts must be in the Phone portion of the bands.

Stations may be worked once on each band.

Suggested Frequencies

Objective

These are only suggested frequencies. Operators To have competing stations operating from as many should use good amateur radio practices and be conof Masonic Lodges as possible. Making contacts from siderate of others - do not cause interference. a Masonic Lodge to other Masonic Lodges is the goal all stations should strive for. Note: stations not located in a Masonic Lodge may only contact stations operating from inside a Masonic Lodge.

Contest Period First Saturday following the Autumnal Equinox, unless the Equinox is on a Saturday, in which case it will 6

The Honorable John Anderson relocated to Anthem at Merrill Ranch in 2009. John and his wife, Deborah, moved from Austin, Texas where they had lived for eleven years. Prior to his stay in Texas, he had lived in Arizona for twenty eight years, raising his family in Chandler and working for Motorola. He retired from Motorola in 2001 as Quality Systems Manager.

Florence, AZ. During his time with the Hays Trinity Water Conservation District, he received several certifications from the State of Texas relative to his job as co-manager of the district. John served on the Town of Florence Planning and Zoning Council prior to becoming a CouncilmemJohn Anderson ber.

Councilmember Anderson became Vice-Mayor as of December 3, 2018 and gave up that office in 2020. He has served as Town Liaison for the Planning and Zoning Committee, Budget Committee, Arts and Culture Committee, Pinal County Water Augmentation Authority, Industrial Development Authority and Public Safety Advisor.

John is a graduate from Bowling Green Business College, which is now part of Western Kentucky University. He has a B.S. degree in Commerce with majors in Business Administration and Accounting. During his career at Motorola, John volunteered to be in a pilot program to move into the computer department. As the department grew he became an Information Systems Manager and spent most of his career training and installing information systems within the Motorola Semiconductor Division. Most notable was that John John was raised August 28, 1961 Although his memberand his team installed the first worldwide internet based ship was not consecutive, he has been a Mason a long system in Motorola. time. He was Raised in Thomas C. Ceicil Lodge # John has always been involved in community affairs. 375, Pikeville, KY on 8/26/1961, then Dimitted and He served on several committees in the Chandler Unit- joined Dillahunty Lodge #112, Lewisburg, TN, someed Methodist Church, Indian Guides, PTA, coached time between 1965-1968. His last dues card was issued Little League, served on committees for the Chandler from Dillahunty # 112 was 12/31/1995. He was reinUnified School District, involved with the Chandler stated by Dillahunty #112 on 7/6/2016, Demtted, and Regional Hospital, HOA Board member in Texas, was elected to GV 9 on 11/14/2016. He was active for Board member for a community water board in Texas, 34 years with Thomas C. Ceicil #375 and Dillahunty worked for the Hays Trinity Water Conservation Dis- #112. He has been active with us for 5 years for a total trict in Austin, Texas and served on the Architectural of 39 years as an active Mason.

Protection Committee at Parkside, Merrill Ranch in

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 at 520.576.2329

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August is here. Now that we are in the Dog days of summer let us look back at the summer and ponder on what we have accomplished and what we have yet to work on. We find ourselves in a time of the year when we see many parts of our plan going well and other parts that we look at and go well…. That wasn’t supposed to end up that way. Now what?

Well let’s ask ourselves how we got to that Now what question. Was it from our lack of dedication? Was it from our lack of discipline? Or did life just get in the way?

start off the year not going as often as we should for one reason or another to making a change and coming back in for a meeting or two between now and the end of the year. That is progress and shows that you are working towards being involved again.

No matter which one we look at we should not be discouraged. These are new learning opportunities. We get opportunities like this in our lodge meetings all the time whether it is with our lectures, our ritual, or even our Q and A proficiencies for advancement.

So, I want you to think about something that you have been working on and ask your self did I do it the best I could? Or did I even finish what I set out to accomplish? And if not why and how are you going to get back into it? If we have a plan and are actively working at it then we should never feel like we are failing ourselves our brothers or our Fraternity.

When we look at these learning experiences, we should always look at it through a different lens later so that we know what is going on outside of the original situation.

So if you take your time working through a question for your proficiencies, if you can remember that long ago, there were moments where things seemed like they were just not going to work out the way we wanted them too at the time. But when we look back after accomplishing our goal and think about why I was upset or why did I stress about that as much as I did, we then find ourselves discovering how to study differently.

Fraternally,

John Woode 2021 Senior Warden Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

The same can be said for our habits in lodge. When we

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Brethren,

cle which we are taught to keep our passions and prejuThis article is from a few years ago and I believe now is dices within due bounds. The lines of measurement a good time to revisit the working tools in a Freemason's should be clear and easily defined on your 24-inch gauge otherwise you are probably not dividing your time Tool Chest. properly. Are you spending too much time at work and We all have our personal Masonic Tool Chest and it is not enough time with family and your devotions to the our responsibility to maintain the tools and implements Great Architect of the Universe? Can you find the time within it. When was the last time you took inventory of or make the time to aid a distressed worthy Brother, his its contents and cleaned, repaired and organized them? Widow or Orphans?

My professional career was in the Automotive Repair Now is the time to reflect on our use and care of our Business starting as a sweeper and general laborer to Masonic Tools and Implements and prepare our mechanic and owner. One of the first lessons you are Hearts and Consciousness to be ready to use them taught is the proper use, care and maintenance of the when called on at moment's notice. tools of the trade and how to organize them for quick access and efficient use of space.

Remember Brother George Washington's Rule number Our Masonic Tool Chests should be treated with the same love and care we treat our professional tool chests. 110: Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark Do you remember the last time you used your Trowel of celestial fire called conscience. and did you put it back in its proper place clean and .Fraternally, ready to use when needed? If you left some cement of Brotherly Love and Affection on it to dry and get crusty 2021 Deputy Grand Master it won’t spread that cement as smoothly and evenly the Grand Lodge of Arizona next time it is needed. A broken or bent point of the Compasses will most likely not draw that complete cir-

Jim Baker

On July 15-17, 2021 the Rocky Mountain Conference of Grand Masters was hosted by the Grand Lodge of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona.

Seven Grand Maters and Representatives from all the jurisdictions spends the week discussing the status of the Craft in each of their Jurisdictions and shared ways that they are improving it.

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Due to the extreme heat, I have limited my exposure outdoor to a mere 8 to 10 hours per day. Allowing me much more time for reading articles online. I agree some are pretty hokey but some are real good, this one in particular, because in my state of advanced decomposition, it is reassuring to know that my wife will have support & recognition from the craft in her later years. Please enjoy this writing from Prince Hall Lodge # 10, F&AM Tucson Az.

# Personally invite widows to all public Lodge functions/events.

Widows and Orphans Program

# Arrange transportation, if needed to public Lodge activities (i.e. installations, appreciation dinners).

Purpose: As Free & Accepted Masons, we are obligated to care for our Masonic Brothers, their widows & orphans. A well thought out & targeted widows & orphans program enables us to better serve & come to the aid of our widows & orphans, thus letting them know that they are not forgotten & remain valued members of our Masonic family.

Scope: To implement & maintain a program that will enable each individual Master Mason of his Lodge to demonstrate his fidelity to the obligations he took upon himself to help, aid & assist widows & orphans. Adopting an active widows & orphans program would ensure that the lodge does stay in regular communication with them & offer assistance should the need arise.

# Maintain a list of all widows & appropriate contact information. # Send regular correspondence to all widows informing them of activities at the Lodge & surrounding aeras. # Provide the widows with Widows Pins.

# Inform them of this program. # Provide holiday baskets to each widow. # Ensure birthday cards are sent on behalf of the Lodge. # Schedule an annual Widows lunch/dinner. # Honor the wishes of any widow who does not want to be a part of this program.

My Brothers, Freemasonry is continuously faced with many challenges in the hectic world in which we live.

We must never forget that our first priority is to our families. We should never forget the widows & orphans of our departed Brothers. We welcomed them & enjoyed their friendship along with our departed Goals: To Help, Aid & Assist our widbrothers. This relationship should never ows when called upon. This is one of the end with the passing of our brothers. This most sacred obligations resting on every Masonic Widows & Orphans Program is Lodge & upon every Master Mason worthy of the title to help your Lodge keep in touch with our fallen which has been conferred upon him. This duty dibrother`s immediate family. It will show them that rectly relates to the widows of our Lodge for which they are not alone & are still a vital part of our Lodge. you have sworn your assistance. It provides both the Fraternally, foundation & structure of the program.

Dewey Jefferson

# Bring any issues, concerns or needs of the widow to the Lodge for consideration (i.e. start up a swamp cooler, minor car or yard work). All within the Lodge`s capabilities & not assuming liability.

2021 Junior Warden Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

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50 ways You Can Become A Better Man (& Better Freemason)

this list much easier.

Don’t Be Too Frugal

Stay Healthy

There are some instances in life where you have to be I’m starting with the most obvious one because without frugal, but… if you’ve been blessed with good fortune you being alive, healthy, and in shape, there’s not much and can afford to splurge on things and experiences that else on this list you can do. improve your life, by no means should you be frugal.

Life (and money) are meant to be enjoyed. Nobody Eat Right dies wishing they had collected more money.

Ditch the junk food. There’s better food out there for you, and you know it. Eat your beef, your veggies, and Be A Doer, Not A Shower drink your water. Strong men need strong food.

There are way too many out there who prefer to look a certain way than be a certain way. In life, it’s best to be a Always Be On Time doer and not a show-er (unless you can do both, in One of the most disrespectful things you can do as a which case – go for it). man is showing up late.

To be continued...

“If you’re early, you’re on time. If you’re on time, you’re late. If you’re late, don’t even bother showing Source: MasonicFind up.” – Lombardi.

Get in the habit of showing up 15 minutes before your intended meeting time and anticipate factors (such as traffic) that might slow you down. If need be, get a new watch.

Groom & Dress With Purpose Most people will say “real men don’t care how they look,” and as usual, most people are wrong. Important, high-value men care how they look and you should do.

Don’t dress like a slob unless you are one. Invest in good clothes that fit you well, keep up impeccable hygiene, and keep yourself well-groomed. Doing this will boost your confidence making many of these things 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

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Freemasonry is not a religion.

Once Speculative Freemasonry began being practiced, it came to the attention of organized religions who viewed it as negative. There are a variety of reasons cited for the negative reaction and why they are opposed to the Masonic Fraternity. Often the reasons are based on information already debunked. Regardless of the information put forward to explain or persuade others the negative reasoning is untrue, the false information is held in an almost in a dogmatic way by some.

Architect of the Universe (GATU), is a very common phrase used in Masonic lodges and ritual. It is a phrase which allows the individual to look into their faith and soul to determine their own beliefs. It also allows for the most important aspect of Freemasonry to take place, meeting on the level. When we are able to see past religious differences in our lodge rooms we are able to accomplish more with those around us and treat each other as equals, which is what "meeting on the level" means to a Freemason.

The phrase "Grand Architect of the Universe" also helps to get Freemasonry in trouble again with religious groups. There is confusion both outside and inside of the fraternity as to why this phrase is used. As was previously stated it is something meant to bring members Most commonly together, recognizing every individuals right to their own claimed, particu- faith and their own way of expressing their faith. Faith is larly by Christian important word when it comes to Freemasonry. Within religions opposed the body of Freemasonry all who enter our doors are to Freemasonry, is Masons are not Christian. In a sense individuals of faith. This is not meant by the definition which classifies faith as a religion. It defines the more this is true, there are people of many different faiths who are part of Freemasonry around the world. Within "generic" idea of faith, a belief in something unseen and intangible, yet we are confident it is there and we can the United States the vast majority of Freemasons are trust in it. The ceremonies, ritual and methods of how Christian, this is because Christianity is the predominant religion in the United States. In Turkey it is most faith is expressed is left to the individual Freemason to likely Islam, in Israel most likely Judaism, the list goes decide for themselves. Knowing the individual entering on and on. Because of the multi-religious nature of its Freemasonry has faith is enough for the fraternity. membership Freemasonry has chosen words to refer to The idea faith is up to the individual may be where Deity which are not based in any one religion. Grand Freemasonry, particularly in the early days of

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speculative Freemasonry, came into conflict with religions of the time and perhaps still does.

Speculative Freemasonry came into being largely in the years leading up to and through the Enlightenment. Freemasonry allows the individual to explore faith on their own, there is no push in one direction or another. In fact discussion of religion, just like politics, is forbidden in a Masonic lodge. It is not to be a forum to try and convince a captive audience why they should or should not believe in one cause or another, or one religion or another. During the Enlightenment

individuals started looking for answers to questions outside of religion, Freemasonry was the embodiment of this principle with many of it's members being Enlightenment thinkers.

Regardless of the reason or reasons behind it, some religions and Freemasonry have clashed through out history. Regardless of those clashes Freemasonry has at it's core the belief of equality to all and respect of the beliefs of the individual.

Source: Freemasonry Today

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August 12, Apache Lodge No. 69

August 1, 2021 PGM Funeral

7:300 pm Stated Meeting

MWB Michael Manning Funeral El Zaribah Shrine Auditorium 2:00 PM Funeral Begins Phoenix, Arizona

August 14, White Mountain No. 3 10:00 am Stated Meeting

August 14, Globe Chapter No. 7 R.A.M August 3, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 McFarland State Park 7:30 pm Friend to Friend Meeting

2:00 pm Stated Meeting

August 10, Ocotillo Chapter No. 21 OES 7:00 pm Stated Meeting

August 5-9, 2021 Grand Chapter OES Wigwam Hotel Litchfield Arizona

August 19, Eloy Lodge No. 46 7:00 pm Stated Meeting

September 20, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

September 2, Pinal Lodge No. 30

5:30 pm Trustee Meeting

7:00 pm Stated Meeting

September 27, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

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

7:00 pm Friend to Friend Program

11:30 am Stated Meeting

Oct 15, 2021 Town of Florence

September 20, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

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

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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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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Jim Reid Brian Gay 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

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

August Birthdays Art Halpin Ron Miller Ethan Watkins Rudolph Anderson Daniel Genchi Bill Gaines

August Anniversaries 8-4-1928 8-6 8-6 8-8 8-14 8-29

John Anderson Mark Nielsen Derek Dorman Tom Williams

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8-28-1961 8-06-1996 8-02-2012 8-22-2015

Brethren, Friends, and Family, This year the Masonic Charities of Arizona approved 23 grants totaling almost $50,000 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 19

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: 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: Dewey Jefferson

Bro. David Jones

Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com

Email: dejones2063@gmail.com

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

Bro. Brian Gay Email: bg1973@hotmail.com

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

Roger Biede III PM Chairman

Bro. Gale MacDougal Email: bearinbox@con.net

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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 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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