December 2020 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 Trestleboard

Printed Every Month 130th Anniversary

DECEMBER 2020

Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 were joined by El Zaribah Shrine, Ladies of the Oriental Shrine Sphinx Court No. 65 and the Memento Mori Widow Sons Motorcycle Club and participated in the 88th Annual Junior Parada Parade. Started by Gila Valley member Charles Whitlow to raise milk money for local elementary students, the Junior Parada Rodeo is the oldest Junior Rodeo in the Nation and the pride of Historic Florence, Arizona. The parade is one of the Saturday highlights of the Rodeo, and Gila Valley Lodge has been a proud participant for many years.

The rodeo was altered this year to abide by COVID safety protocols with extra length and spacing provided by hail bales. Mayor Tara Walter announced all entries this year and awarded Gila Valley Lodge the Best Civic Entry. The Lodge was presented a very nice hair on hide folio made by local leather artists at Rail Three Ranch.

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

My Brothers!

were able to find a buyer for the burdensome Coolidge building that we’ve been trying to sell for years.

The calamity that has been 2020 is drawing to a close and although this year has had more than its fair share of hardships, there is still plenty to be thankful for. First and for most I am thankful that Gila Valley overall, has weathered the storm admirably. To my knowledge our members have managed to avoid covid19 and any of the financial hardships that many have suffered throughout

I am thankful that we have still been able to meet regularly through this time mostly in person but even through electronic means that would have been impossible to masons of the not too distant past

Lastly and more personally , I am thankful that I have had the honor to be called Master of this lodge for almost 2 whole years and also that that time is almost up.

I cannot begin to express my gratitude to those that have been behind me and supported me through this tenure.

To those that kept me on task and out of trouble. To all those that stepped up when I needed them. Thank you for all the kind words and wise counsel. I didn’t get to do all I hoped to but what I did get done, only happened because of the high quality of the brothers at my side. To all of you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thanks to all of my officers, ( a little extra thanks to my secretary), to our wise past masters, and to all the brothers who continue to attend and support our lodge. the country. I cant say enough how grateful I am for that Thank you, thank you, thank you! and pray that our brothers and their families continue to be spared any of the negative fallout from our current 2020 Master pandemic.

Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 I am thankful that somehow throughout this turmoil, we

Anthony Raimondi

The

2

3

Curtis E. “Curt” Johnson, 91, of Aitkin, passed away Thursday, November 19th, 2020 after a brief battle with COVID-19 at Aicota Health Care Center, Aitkin. Curt was born July 10, 1929 at Ironwood, MI to V.H. "Herb" & Emma "Peg" (Miller) Johnson. When Curt and his brother Wayne were young, the family moved to St. Paul, where he attended public schools and graduated from Monroe High School in 1947.

continuous service in 1988. It was then that he and Audrey achieved a long term dream of building their retirement lake home on the family property (the former Echo Curt took some time to enjoy life after he graduated. He Inn Resort purworked on the crew of a sprint car owned by some friends, took a cross-country car trip that went through chased by his parNiagara Falls, New York City and stopped at the Indian- ents in 1949) on Big apolis 500 on the way back to Minnesota. He sold used Pine Lake. cars as "The Smiling Swede" and hauled new Fords from Curt was a giver and a public servant. After he and the Ford Plant in St. Paul to the western states for K.W. Audrey bought their first home in North St. Paul, he McKee. He also attended the University of Minnesota. soon joined the local Jaycees, where he achieved the position of president. He was also a city councilman and Curt met his wife Audrey Van Kleek during the early mayor there for 28 years. Curt started his lengthy memfall of 1954. They were engaged just before Christmas berships in the Lions Club and Masons in North St. that same year and were married in St. Paul on May 7, 1955. Curt will be dearly missed by all who knew him, Paul and carried both with him when he moved to the but especially by his sweetheart Audrey. Shortly before lake, where he was an active member of the Bay Lake Lions, Mystic Lodge 213, A.F.&A.M. and the Aadzuhmeeting Audrey, Curt began working for Northern man Shrine Club. He was a 32° Scottish Rite Freemason States Power Co. as temporary street crew worker for and served the Lord as a lay leader and delegate to the the gas utility. He later became a laborer and proud IBEW member for the substation construction division MN United Methodist Conference at the Pine Lake of the electric utility. That job grew into a truck driving Methodist Chapel. position hauling materials to construction sites around the 5-state area and ultimately to the office manager for that diviAudrey Johnson, his wife, had COVID, too but she has recovered. She was in the sion at same room as Curtis and held his hand 'til NSP the end. If any of you would like to write Headquarto her, her address is: ters in MinneapAudrey Johnson C/O Aicota Health Care olis, where 850 2nd ST NW he retired Aitkin, MN 56431 after 33 years of

Curt was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Wayne Johnson and Harold Ness. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Audrey; son Gary (Teresa) Johnson; grandchildren, Jessica Gibson-Brown, Jeremy (Abby) Gibson, Justin (Beth Paris) Gibson; 6 great grandchildren and one great-great grandson; as well as countless extended family members, friends, and lodge brothers.

4

As we come to this time of year let us all remember what we have accomplished and what we wish to set our eyes on for the future. Even though the year is coming to a close our lives and what we decide to do does not.

So, let’s ask ourselves what do we plan to do over the next few weeks? What do we plan to do over the next few months? And what do we plan to do over the next few days?

look, they are too far away and or are too daunting to accomplish.

If you find yourself in a situation where you feel like the goal is to big remember that you have others around you who can be there at a moment’s notice to help you.

Now just because they are there to help does not mean that the help will be in a way that you expect. Sometimes receiving help needs to be a kick in the pants, or Even though we tend to put our focus on bigger projects at times it may be getting you to focus on something else and more for a period of time and you may feel like the grand ideas “help” you are receiving may not seem benefiwe somecial or very helpful at the moment. In time times need though if you stick through it and accept the that gentle help and guidance from others you may evenreminder tually see what that help does for you in other that it is aspects of your life, your work, and your nenot the big cessities to fulfill your dreams. accomSo, remember as we are aspiring to accomplishments plish great things in the next year and wishing that we see to have the best holidays with family and the most friends allow some time for reflection and relaxation. If progress. But our small goals and small tasks that help things are not going the way that we have originally us to feel more accomplished in other ways. For exam- planned or have wanted them to work out remember to ple, instead of wondering how you are going to get the take a deep breathe and ask for help it is okay! new addition to the house completed by the deadline Till next Year Brothers Have a Happy Holiday and a ask your self did you get your goals accomplished for Happy New Year! the day? Are you doing your best at every given moment, and are you Happy with what you are doing? If Fraternally, you can answer yes to these questions, then you are on your way to accomplishing your goals. But we need to 2020 Junior Warden remember that if we don’t giver ourselves credit for the Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 small accomplishments then the bigger goals will always

John Woode

5

Brethren, As a brand new pedestal officer it is now my responsibility to write about something each month for the Trestle Board.

This time of year it is very easy. For my feelings & thoughts are of family & friends. My wife Dana & I try to spend as much time as we can with our children & grandchildren. Holidays afford them time to spend with us. Even as Covid 19 is effecting our lives, we played a round of golf & enjoyed a great Thanksgiving dinner. We also shared a great cigar & potluck dinner night with a Masonic family. It’s good times like these that make great memories of family & friends. I can only hope that your feelings & thoughts run as deeply as mine.

Please enjoy the Holidays, stay well, & may the blessings of Heaven be on all of us.

Fraternally,

Dewey Jefferson 2020 Junior Warden Elect Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

6

Freemasons have long wielded the qualities most irresistible to thriller writers and conspiracy theorists — secrecy, politics, power and celebrity. Among their members are Founding Fathers, presidents, musicians, artists and businessmen. But today, as membership plummets within one of the oldest international fraternal organizations ever to exist, a new question persists: What is the point?

cult to induct new members — something some say is too steeped in tradition to be attempted over Zoom.

Enlarge this image AP

cal movement tasked with taking the fraternity down. But Freemasons survived the scandal — and others that followed.

Within the organization's ranks, some members hoped the coronavirus pandemic might offer an opportunity to shed its reputation for mystery and secrecy and instead showcase the charitable work that Masons perform in communities nationwide. But that hasn't been the case.

Instead, the virus continues to sweep the nation, keeping men away from their lodges and making it even more diffi-

"Certainly in the 18th century and moving through the middle part of the 19th century, you could be powerful and influential without being a Freemason, but it was more likely that you would have been a Freemason," said Jessica Harland-Jacobs, an associate professor of history at the University of Florida who studies Freemasonry.

"I don't know, really, how we combat [the loss of members]. If I had the answer to that, we would have solved the problem years ago," said Christopher Hodapp, a historian and author of multiple books on Freemasonry. "But I'll tell you, something that's scaring the hell out of me is The challenges facing the organization have been decades this COVID shutdown thing. God help us all when we in the making. While part of the stand back and survey the crumproblem is that Americans bling wreckage that that has simply don't join clubs or fratercaused." nities as often as they used to, some critics argue that Masons Like many organizations facing an have also struggled to keep up uncertain future — one that could with the changing face of the be more online and less interconnation. Many lodges still don't nected — Freemasons are apallow women to join, and others proaching an inflection point. have struggled to attract memIt wouldn't be the first time. Lodgbers of color. In recent es saw a big dip in membership in years, membership has 1826 following the mysterious disdropped roughly 75% from a appearance of William Morgan, high of more than 4.1 million in who allegedly broke his vow of se1959 — when about 4.5% of all American men were mem- crecy as a Freemason by working on a book revealing the bers. organization's secrets. The scandal fueled a national politi-

7

Many Freemasons see the decline in membership as symptomatic of the overall decline in all voluntary associations, rather than a problem specific to their fraternity.

Membership has been steadily falling in everything from church groups and school associations to labor unions and Greek organizations, according to a 2019 congressional report. The Joint Economic Committee report found that membership rates in some organizations fell from 75% in 1974 to 62% in 2004. At 52%, the drop was steepest among fraternal organizations such as the Freemasons or the Knights of Columbus.

en and people of color. "[Freemasons] should tackle head-on those issues: secrecy, race, gender, sexuality, all of those things," Dickie said of how the fraternity could attract new members. But if that were to happen, Dickie added, it could backfire and lead to immediate "ruptures in Freemasonry" because some men are in the fraternity precisely because of those "limitations."

Part of the function of many fraternal organizations was to serve as a social safety net of sorts for its members, a driving force behind some membership, according to Harland -Jacobs. Until about the 1930s, she said, part of the appeal of groups such as the Freemasons is that they offered a way for members to acquire insurance.

"Some might've been more interested in the social aspect, and some might've been more interested in the insurance aspect: These are the days before actual insurance, so it would be nice to have your brethren to rely on if you needed them," she said.

"A man, regardless of his religion, regardless of his social position, and regardless of his race is eligible to be a member of the brotherhood. That promise is obviously really attractive to groups who are traditionally excluded," Harland-Jacobs said. But the history of Freemasonry, she said, John Dickie, a historian at University College London and "has been the history of this tension between this inclusive promise and oftentimes its exclusive practices." author of The Craft: How the Freemasons Made the Modern World, also points to the idea that the secrecy of Men of any race are able to join Freemasonry, but that the fraternity that could have once intrigued men is less wasn't always the case. At the time of its inception, you alluring. had to be a free man to join — meaning people who were enslaved could not. When Prince Hall, an abolitionist "I think possibly actually the issue is that secrecy has lost Black man, attempted to join a lodge in the late 1700s, he something of its magic," Dickie said. "Maybe, we've become a little bit fatigued by the whole exposÊ draw, and in was denied despite being a free man. He, along with more than a dozen other Black men, eventually started their an age when it can take two minutes or less on Google to own branch of Freemasonry called Prince Hall Freemafind out what the Freemasons' secrets really are, I'm not sonry, which is still active today. sure that they can really hold that much mystique for members anymore. It's a trick that they've played with great success since 1717 or even before. One wonders what success it will have in the coming decades."

Some outside the organization say that the Freemasons would be able to offset the decline in membership more easily if the group was seen as more inclusive toward wom8

Membership is more complicated for women. Not all lodges in the U.S. will initiate women, and even if they did, that is unlikely to reverse drops in membership, according to Brent Morris, director of strategic communications at the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in Washington, D.C.

"I don't think there would be a rush of people to the doors," said Morris, adding that membership was "a social experience that the men seek out and enjoy." Morris noted, however, that women are able to join affiliated fraternities such as the Order of the Eastern Star or the Order of the Amaranth.

On the issue of race, Morris said it was a challenge on

said he was happy to discover it helped him "establish friendships at a local level and friendships that you might not have otherwise."

"One of the things that I found so very appealing about Freemasonry is men from different backgrounds," Morris said. "It's nice to go somewhere ... and socialize on a basis other than your occupation."

Freemasons argue that the reason to uphold the fraternity goes beyond maintaining historic traditions or belonging to something that once bore immense influence. It might not be a secret society full of presidents and powerful men pulling the strings of society from the shadows, but that's never been the point for these members. Instead, they joined to establish friendships outside of work, and vibe with a community that isn't divisive. At a time in which polarization and division in the U.S. are growing more intense, Freemasons said it's refreshing to spend time with people who aren't arguing.

"People are isolated," said Hodapp, the historian and author. "People are locked in their apartments, or locked in their parents' In 1959, about 4.5% of all American men were Freemasons, but in recent years membership has fallen off roughly 75%. Above, the Scottish Rite temple in Washing- basement at the age of 35, and don't associton, D.C. ate with each other, and social media has them screaming at the computer screen at which Freemasons have made major progress.

3 in the morning because somebody told them to get "I've been a Mason almost 50 years — 49 and a half years stuffed over something. Every Mason you talk to will stand — and I have seen breathtaking changes that have octhere and say, 'Yeah, we're needed now more than we've curred during that period with acceptance of people of ever been needed.' " color, with acceptance for Prince Hall [Freemasonry], with Black men joining mainstream lodges, white men joining The challenge, he said, is finding a way to communicate Prince Hall lodges ... and it's certainly a breathtaking step that. in the right direction," he said.

"How do you get the message of, yes, there is a place where you can go where people aren't at each other's Friendships and escape throats, there's a place that deliberately stops the kind of Morris joined Freemasonry because he wanted a commu- arguments that are making your life miserable." nity of supportive men akin to his college fraternity and 9

In my last article I talked about the Trivium of the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences we learn of the in the Fellowcraft degree. This article touches on the application of the trivium in learning the ritual and communicating the ritual to our candidates.

of how our ritual is put together and the meanings of words unfamiliar to us the words become easier to memorize and communicate. Once that task is mastered, we can use logic to determine if this is factual knowledge and can be trusted. Understanding our ritual is the true meaning of As prospective members, candidates, Entered Apprentic- learning the ritual not just memorizing the words. Having es, Fellowcrafts and Master Masons, we are introduced to used grammar and logic in learning and understanding the a language (our Masonic ritual) which is both foreign and ritual ourselves, it has prepared us for perfecting the use of familiar to us. To learn, understand and communicate this rhetoric to instruct and persuade our students of the truths it contains. Applying the skillful use of rhetoric in comnew language we naturally rely on the trivium to accommunicating to the candidate as well as all in attendance at our degrees the lessons of Freemasonry and of moral and ethical behavior completes a circle of knowledge that should stay in perpetual motion through generations.

We all have be asked at some time what our first impressions of Freemasonry were. To me in simple and basic terms, it was a reinforcement of the lessons taught to me in my youth. Through our ritual we communicate those same lessons on an adult level, one that as Men and Masons we should never lose sight of and constantly practice.

Grammar, logic and rhetoric are the basis for learning, thinking and communicating for any student, especially a Freemason. It is vitally important we should endeavor to master these first three liberal arts in learning the ritual and communicating its principals to our candidates.

Fraternally,

plish that goal. Our ritual is a mix of verbiage from the 1700's to modern times with Biblical passages and references from the King James version of the Holy Bible.

Grammar has different meanings and I'll use this one for our study of the ritual. Grammar is the set of structural rules governing the composition of clauses, phrases and words in a natural language. When we gain the knowledge

10

Jim Baker 2020 Senior Grand Warden Grand Lodge of Arizona Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

11

One aspect of our ancient Craft that fits right into this socalled Age of Diversity is the fact that our various rituals are nothing if not diverse. All I have to do to find a ritual that looks strange to me is to drive just a few miles west into Kansas (no offense, Kansas).

string from its spindle and uses it to lay out the design of the structure being built. It acts on a center pin from which a line is drawn out to mark the ground in the fashion of a chalk line:

Rather than gripe about the potential for this to add to any "confusion among the Craft" I think it's better to look at it from the point of view that, like most diversity, it makes things more interesting.

That said, there is a certain ritualistic continuity here in the US through which we all "recognize" the degree work in spite of the fact that a Steward may hold his rod differently in one jurisdiction than he does in another.

Years back, however, I saw a group of Brothers from the United Kingdom perform a Third Degree. I'm still trying to wrap my brain around some of that.

I found something fascinating in the Emulation Rite practiced in the UK and elsewhere: a "new" working tool.

In the words of Otha Wingo, a Past Master and Fellow of the Missouri Lodge of Research, "The Emulation Rite surprises us with three Working Tools for this degree: the Skirret, the Pencil, and the Compasses."

"The Skirret is an implement which acts on a centre pin, whence a line is drawn to mark out ground for the foundation of the intended structure."

The Pencil and Compasses: I get that. The Skirret: never heard of it.

The Skeritt's symbolism is fairly straightforward: it represents the straight, true and undeviating conduct we must use to lay out the course of our lives in our pursuit of more light:

I just had to know what that was. Go ahead… Google it and depending on which one of the accepted spellings you use, you'll wind up with a biography of actor Tom Skerritt… or a vegetable of the same name. Believe me, it's hard to find. The Internet may not be your best source for obscure and archaic working tools.

Still, a little perseverance paid off.

A Skirret is a wooden tool shaped like the letter "T" — about halfway down the vertical stake is another piece of wood parallel to the one at the top. The two wooden cross -pieces are connected by a dowel at each end. A long piece of string is wound around the dowels.

When in use, the craftsman unwinds the long piece of

12

In certain instances, with the spindle as the center, it is also handy for drawing a large circle.

"...the Skirret points out that straight and undeviating line of conduct laid down for our pursuit in the Volume of Sacred Law."

So there you have it: the Skirret — a working tool so ancient It's not only not in use today, but it's also almost forgotten; yet brand new to many of us in the United States.

And, I might add, now among my favorites. by W. Bro. Steven L. Harrison, Past Master of Liberty Lodge #31, Liberty, Missouri.

All, First and foremost I hope all of you are doing well.

I know it is early and with all the craziness going on I am sure not many are thinking about Christmas‌but I am!!!

Debbie and I will be hosting a Christmas Open House at our place again this year. The date is Saturday 5, Dec2020 at 1800 (6PM) until it ends. Attached is a flyer as like last year.

Again this year we will be providing a couple main dishes and ask that everyone bring a side dish/dessert. We will also have wine, some alcoholic drinks, and some non-alcoholic drinks as well. If there is a special drink you want, please bring it.

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you for another fantastic Christmas celebration.

Fraternally,

Eric Smith 2020 Senior Warden Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

13

This time of year most people come together with family and friends and celebrate what they are thankful for. This past year has been challenging to The concept of the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences dates back say the least, and yet there is still much to be thank- to Ancient Greece. The Pythagoreans linked the four arts of astronomy, mathematics, geometry and music into one area of ful for.

With the events of this year, illness, shutdowns, restrictions, and the list goes on, we finally made it to the end of the year. Most of us just want this year to be over and forget it all. But everything that has happened this year is/are memories, good or bad, that will live with us forever.

Many have been put out of work, or lost their jobs completely, while others have found new career opportunities. Many have lost loved ones, and yet some have brought new life into the world.

study to form the "the quadrivium". Later, the Athenians, who greatly respected the art of public speaking and writing, introduced three additions to the classic educational program grammar, rhetoric, and logic. This grouping became known as "the trivium." The combination of the Quadrivium and the Trivium created the modern concept of the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences, which are still discussed in Freemasonry today.

Shown here is a plate from the illuminated encyclopedia Hortus deliciarum, published in 1185, entitled "Philosophia et septem artes liberales."

With this in mind, keep in mind also that there are some that no matter how decent you are to them, they will not Where we go from here is up to each and every one of be that way toward you. But if we all try a little, maybe us. We can sit back and hope for the best, or we can make next year better than this year was. We can choose there will be less of the negativity in the world. to get more involved with the things we love to do, or If you get the chance this holiday season help out at a even just help someone in need. We are Masons and are food bank or church. There are plenty of people who here to help our fellow brothers better men. We are also desperately need help and are very appreciative for those here to do our part to be good/better citizens of our that help. Not to mention it gives me a warm feeling incountry and support the laws of our country. side knowing I was able to help someone who is desperWe as Masons are expected by many to set the tone if you will for how one should act as a decent human being.

So with all the negativity in the world we should be putting even more positivity in the world. Just a little gesture such as saying “Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening� to someone as you pass them in the store or restaurant or even the gas station can make a world of difference. And right now what the world needs more than anything, is for all of us to act as human beings toward each other and not look for a reason to throw hatred towards all.

ately in need. Not for the recognition, but just for knowing I was able to help. That is what I believe all of us share and why we became Masons.

I am most thankful this year that most of those I know have made it through mostly unscathed due to the events that we are facing, not only as a country, but as a society as a whole. I hope that all of you can say the same in your lives. Whatever holidays you are celebrating these next couple months I hope they are safe, memorable, and most of all Merry/Happy.

This upcoming couple of months are usually when the Fraternally, best and worst of human behaviors come out. Let us be the pillar of the best behaviors for the world to see, not 2020 Senior Warden only toward our families, but also to those who we do not Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 know.

Eric Smith

14

15

When it comes to social media, everyone wants in on the action. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest are all highly active social media networks. Everyone wants to gain positive social media recognition for their business or group. Twitter specializes in sharing links and short written messages, Instagram specializes in sharing pictures, and Facebook shares pictures and stories. There are many new platforms being introduced almost weekly that can be taken advantage of.

If prospect were looking at social media with an interest in our Fraternity, would this encourage them to research being a Mason further? Does this seem like an institution having for it’s foundation, the practice of social and moral virtues? Would men preeminent in the moral and intellectual attainments look towards such a group to better themselves?

Many Fraternal Organizations around the world use Social Media to advertise, socialize, and advance their agenda. It is an easy and economical way to get a message out and give potential members tangible reasons to join our hallowed halls. Having a good, or great, social media presence can help an organization like ours grow like wildflowers. But this will only happen after we develop a large following and learn how to give them what they are looking for.

There are many online classes aimed at teaching organizational Membership Chairmen how to use Social Media to their advantage when trying to build followers. Understanding what your audience needs and interests are will help to interact with them on a more intimate level. Once we understand this, we can give your audience everything they want - which means bringing them to your website to see what our organization is all about.

We learn in our ritual Masons to keep ourselves circumscribed in our passions and desires, but what about our words and actions? Are we not bound to represent our Fraternity in a positive and honorable way in all our actions, both public and private?

In this day and age the public knows that you are a Mason and are therefore an ambassador for the entire Fraternity Social media is any digital tool that allows users to quickly in all your words and actions. I hope we are all striving share content with the public. daily to represent our Fraternity in the most positive way possible.

Social Media is quite fickle also, as it can have the exact opposite effect just as easily. I came across a very public interaction on social media between two Masons the oth- Fraternally er day regarding the current state of politics. Challenges were put forth, references to the Fraternity and Appendant bodies were made and many derogatory comments 2020 Senior Grand Steward about each individual were made. While it was on a perGrand Lodge of Arizona sonal page, each clearly identified themselves and MaGila Valley Lodge No. 9 sons.

Roger Biede III

16

The Masonic Sheaf of Corn, in King Solomon's day represented part of the wages reaped from the Master Masons labor.

(Ceder, Fir,and Algum) which came from Lebanon, for which to build the Temple.(chronicles 2:10)

The Masonic sheaf of corn represents Charity to the less Today, it is used as a symbol of that time, long ago, most- fortunate, as in these excerpts from the Holy scriptures. " ly during the dedication, constitution and concentration of When though down thine harvest in thy field, though a new Lodge and in the laying of corner stones. shall not again to fetch it: It shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless for the Widow" ( Deuteronomy 24-20) In those times, the Masonic Sheaf of Corn the fruit of our labors, our sacrifices and all we have done to deserve When though gather the grapes of thy vine yard, though shall not glean the it afterward: It shall be for the them. The Plenty of the Harvest Corn, Wine, and Oil stranger,for the fatherless, and fir the Widow"(Deuteronomy 20:24) The Sheaf of Corn represented the "the county of the realm" to our Ancient Brethren the people if Israel. While we are paid in dollars and cents today, Corn, wine, and oil were the wages if the fruits of their labors.

Most Masonic Scholars believed that the Masonic ritual actually represents the more generic term, meaning "grain", in general. This is why you sometimes hear mention of the Masonic Sheaf of Wheat, the Masonic sheaf of barley or the Masonic Sheaf of grain used some what interchangeably. Here in the United States and Canada, we usually think of corn as large hybridized cobs which are some shade of yellow or white.

At Halloween we see Indian Maze used in decorative fall harvest display, but not usually in the grocery sores for human consumption. have been associated with " the harvest and the plenty" Indian maze can be a solid color, but most of it is variesince King Solomon's time... And Before Masonic wages: gated colors of red, deep purple, dark yellow and almost When King Solomon requested of King Tyre the wood white.

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

17

Saturday, December 12, 2020 at 8 am White Mountain Lodge #3 F & AM will hold the annual Clothe a Child at Bealls Outlet west of Wal Mart. The Lodge will buy clothes for approximately twenty four children 5 to 10 years old. We will seek the assistance of Destiny and Globe school teachers to select 12 children from Globe and 12 children from Destiny. Because of the COVID-19 everybody must wear a MASK including Masons, children, parents, and volunteers. This program has been held every year for over fifty years. Dave Johnson was a long time supporter and upon his passing asked that donations be made to Clothe a Child. The program operates on donations and any are appreciated. Make donations to White Mountain Lodge #3.

hour before normal and giving discounts on purchases.

Volunteers help the children pick clothes and more are always needed. The program is charitable tax exempt 501c10. For more information contact James Rasmussen 928-701-3646 or any Mason.

Bealls Outlet assists the program by opening the store one

www.azmasoniclibrary.org

18

19

Hardly any of the symbols of Freemasonry are more important in their signification or more extensive in their application than the sun. As the source of material light, it reminds the Freemason of that intellectual light of which he is in constant search. But it is especially as the ruler of the day, giving to it a beginning and end, and a regular course of hours, that the Sun is presented as a Masonic Symbol. Hence, of the three lesser lights, we are told that one represents or symbolizes the sun, one the moon, and one the Master of the Lodge, because, as the sun rules the day and the moon governs the night, so should the Worshipful Master rule and govern his Lodge with equal regularity and precision.

And this is in strict analogy with other Masonic symbolisms. For if the Lodge is a symbol of the world, which is thus governed in its changes of times and seasons by the sun, it is evident that the Master who governs the Lodge, controlling its time of opening and closing, and the work which it should do, must be symbolized by the sun. The heraldic definition of the sun as a bearing fits most appositely to the symbolism of the sovereignty of the Master. Thus Gwillim Says: "The sun is the symbol of sovereignty, the hieroglyphic of royalty; it doth signify absolute authority!'

This representation of the sun as a symbol of authority while it explains the reference to the Master, enables us to amplify its meaning, and apply it to the three Sources of authority in the Lodge, and accounts for the respective positions of the officers wielding this authority. the Master, therefore, in the East is a symbol of the rising sun; the Junior Warden in the South, of the Meridian Sun; and the Senior Warden in the West, of the Setting Sun. So in the Mysteries of India, the chief officers were placed in the East, the West, and the South, respectively, and thus represent Brahma, or the rising; Vishnu, or the setting; and Siva, or the meridian sun. And in the Druidical Rites,

the Archdruid, seated in the East, was assisted by two other officers-the one in the West representing the moon, and the other in the South representing the meridian sun.

This triple division of the government of a Lodge by three officers, representatives of the sun in his three manifestations in the East, South and West, will remind us of similar ideas in the symbolism of antiquity. In the Orphic Mysteries, it was taught that the sun generated from an egg, burst forth with power to triplicate himself by his own unassisted energy. Supreme power seems always to have been associated in the ancient mind with a three-fold division. Thus the sign of authority was indicated by the three -forked lightning of Jove, the trident of Neptune, and the three-headed Cerherus of Pluto. The government of the Universe was divided between these three sons of Saturn.

The chaste goddess ruled the earth as Diana, the heavens as Luna, and the infernal regions as Hecate, whence her rites were only performed in a place where three roads met. The sun is then presented to us in Freemasonry first as a symbol of light, but then more emphatically as a symbol of sovereign authority.

But, says Wemyss (Symbolic Language), speaking of Seriptural symbolism, "the sun may be considered to be an emblem of Divine Truth," because the sun or light, of which it is the source, "is not only manifest in itself, but makes other things; so one truth detects, reveals, and manifests another, as all truths are dependent on, and connected with, each other more or less." And this again is applicable to the Masonic doctrine which makes the Master the symbol of the sun; for as the sun discloses and makes manifest, by the opening of day, what had been hidden in the darkness of night, so the Master of the Lodge, as analogue of the ancient hierophant or explainer of the mysteries, makes Divine Truth manifest to the neophyte, who had been hitherto in intellectual darkness, and reveals the hidden or esoteric lessons of initiation. ~Mackey 20

21

Workers in stone, who construct material edifices, in contradistinction to Speculative Masons, who build spiritual edifices.

OPERATIVE ART

OPERATIVE MASONRY

Freemasonry is divided by Masonic writers into two branches, an Operative Art and a Speculative Science. The Operative Art is that which was practiced by the StoneMasons of the Middle Ages. The Speculative Science is that which is practiced by the Freemasons of the present day. The technicalities and usages of the former have been incorporated into and modified by the latter. Hence, Freemasonry is sometimes defined as a Speculative Science founded on an Operative Art.

Freemasonry, in its character as an Operative Art, is familiar to everyone. As such, it is engaged in the application of the rules and principles of architecture to the construction of edifices for private and public use, houses for the dwelling-place of man, and temples for the worship of the Deity. It abounds, like every other art, in the use of technical terms, and employs, in practice, an abundance of implements and materials which are peculiar to itself. This Operative Art has been the foundation on which has been built the Speculative Science of Freemasonry ~Mackey

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

22

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

And we can help!

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

Open seven days a week, the Memorial offers

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

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

Beginning at the Memorial’s pyramid level, we have bedetailed exhibits and guided tours that teach the general gun a multi-year project to perform all needed structural repairs. Stone by stone, are repointing the mortar and public about George Washington, his life and virtues, protecting the building from water penetration. When and the role that Freemasonry played throughout his life. Further, the Memorial is an important space for the completed, the building will be in better than new performing arts, social gatherings, public events, and condition. educational seminars. And, of course, it is an active

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

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

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

23

Curtis Johnson WB John O’Hara PM WB Delbert Lewis PM WB Ray Osbourn PM MWB Bill Garrard 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

November Birthdays

November Anniversaries

David Lane Daniel Gentry William Powell Mark Neilsen Lee Apger

Delbert Lewis Fred Aipperspach Ron Miller

12-8 12-16 12-22 12-28 12-29

24

12-13--1948 12-14-1959 12-4-1989

Dec 1, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

January 23, 2021 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

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

2021 Officer Installations 10:00 am Open Installation begins

Dec 3, Pinal Lodge No. 30

March 6, 2021 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

7:00 pm Stated Meeting

Lost Dutchman Outdoor Degree 10:00 am Degree Begins

Dec 8, Ocotillo Chapter No. 21 OES

March 26-28, 2021 Arizona Masonicon

7:00 pm Stated Meeting

Holiday Inn Casa Grande, Arizona

Dec 10, Apache Lodge No. 69

June 4-6, 2021 Grand Lodge of Arizona

7:300 pm Stated Meeting

Prescott Resort Prescott, Arizona

Dec 12, White Mountain No. 3 10:00 am Stated Meeting

Dec 12, Globe Chapter No. 7 R.A.M 2:00 pm Stated Meeting

Dec 17, Eloy Lodge No. 46 7:00 pm Stated Meeting

25

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! 26

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.

27

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

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

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

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

Fraternally, Roger Biede III Secretary, Masonic Charities of Arizona rcbthree@hotmail.com www.masoniccharitiesaz.com 28

29

30

Anthony Raimondi Email: Raimondi_57@msn.com

Eric Smith Email: jiminys@yahoo.com

Email: jwoode591@gmail.com

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

Dewey Jefferson Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com

Chairman: WB Anthony Raimondi Email: Raimondi_57@msn.com

Lee Apger

Chairman: WB Daniel Genchi PM

Email: lkapger@gmail.com

Email: dmgenchi@gmail.com

Chairman: Eric Smith Email: jiminys@yahoo.com

Robert Holt

Chairman: WB Roger Biede III PM

Email: r.holt0129@gmail.com

Email: roger.biede@gmail.com

Chairman: Dewey Jefferson Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com

David Jones Email: dejones2063@gmail.com

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

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

Daniel Genchi PM Email: dmgenchi@gmail.com

Daniel Genchi PM Chairman Roger Biede III PM Ryan Kann PM

Gale MacDougal Email: bearinbox@con.net

31

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.

32