December 2023 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 Trestleboard

December 2023

The 2023 Master will be held Friday, at the newest hotspot Historic Florence, boy. Please show up pm as we celebrate plishments of those Master Masons raised in 2023! It will be a great night of getting new know new friends and catching up with some of the old! Surely a time not to be forgotten and one of the most fun locations in Florence.

Masons dinner December 8th in Downtown the Irish Cowpromptly at 7 the accom-

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We are now in the Month of December. I am very appreciative of all of your support and guidance through this year as your Worshipful Master. Without all of you that are either active in Gila Valley Lodge #9 or have been an influence on me since I was young I thank all of you now.

and I want to wish our new Master elect all the best and to see This year has been one with many ups and downs him and the Lodge as well as many twists and turns. It started off as a continue nerve racking beginning and now is ending with a strong confidence in the future of Masonry and eve- to grow rything else that life has to show me going forward. and improve! For At the beginning of my time in the east I was won- the lodge dering how do I act or lead as a Master of the is not a Lodge? How do I fit up to the standards or ideals of building. the men who went before me? How do I even leave The lodge a mark? These kinds of questions hit me early and is not just one man or a Small group of men. The were my driving force for the first half of the year. lodge is the Members, it is the families that support Once I got to the summer and started to see what the members, and the friends and children that are my life was going to have in store for it with its new not aware of what it is to be a mason but know that adventures and new challenges my mind set we are there to be counted on to help one another changed. It was now how can our lodge help each and are able to lend a helping hand if needed! other how can we help each other throughout our journey and less about the individual Me Me Me. I Till next time brothers I hope you all have a Happy Holiday’s and a Happy New Year! should have picked up on this when I was going through the chairs but it took me till now to be able Fraternally, to see it all clearly. And because of the Lodge I feel like I can now see even further than I had originally thought from when I started.

2023 Master I would like to thank the brothers who all were willGila Valley Lodge No. 9 ing to serve along side me on this journey of 2023

John Woode

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G is always displayed above the Masters chair in the gion teaches that God created humankind; whereas East. We are told that it stands for the Grand Arscience proposes the idea that evolution and natural chitect of the Universe, God and it also stands for selection are the reasons why we are here. The old the science of Geometry. The new candidate needs quote from Albert Einstein is “Science without relito profess his faith in God. Geometry is the science gion is lame… Religion without science is blind.” that our ancient brothers used to build the great Science gives us facts; religion gives us values. The edifices of western Europe. It is apparent that these wise person will contemplate both sides of the argutwo concepts might have been chosen not only for ment and perhaps even believe both. It is apparent their importance to the craft but also for their oppo- that the Master in the East does not represent beausite perceived meanings. The dichotomy of these ty or strength, but wisdom. Using wisdom from the two concepts is as evident today as it was when the East, we are encouraged to consider both sides of idea was established, namely Religion versus Sciany argument to decide which is correct or perhaps ence. The letter G was first used in America bethat both sides can be believed at the same time.

On a much lighter note, if the writers of the letter G lecture were alive today, they might consider adding another G to the list. Given the easy access that we all have to the vast knowledge of the world in tween 1730 and 1768. Since then, it has been our cell phones they might add another G that adopted by many Grand Lodges throughout the would stand for Google. Other dichotomies in world. No one seems to know exactly who came up modern day life might include the following: The with the concept or where in America it was first dangers and benefits of artificial intelligence. The used. The idea promotes independent thought con- use of our natural resources to save countless lives cerning science versus religion. It should be noted versus global warming. The wonderful vast use of that during this time period American lodges start- the internet and the possible ill effect it might have ed using the volume of sacred law instead of the on our youth. Perhaps we should consider, even Book of Constitutions to take obligations. Religion more, the wisdom coming from the East when makteaches that God created the heavens and the earth; ing up our minds about the dichotomy of modern whereas Science supports the idea that geometry issues. The wisdom of Freemasonry should remind can measure all of the aspects of the universe. Reli- us to consider both sides of any issue.

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Its hard to believe we have come up again on anthey’ll know we did it?” other holiday season. We tend to call this time, “I hope not, because Matthew 6 says, ‘When you “the most wonderful time of the year”, but it’s often give to the needy, do not let your left hand know easy for us to forget that for a lot of people and what your right is doing, so that your giving may be families in our communities, it’s not. in secret.’ “ So many of us rushing around to try to get your child the bike they’ve begged for all year, or trying to decide on a gift for your spouse, others may not be so fortunate. Some working very hard to just try to provide for their family that trying to get them gifts seems near impossible. Many families go without gifts during this season, and even some without a hot meal or a warm place to sleep. It is very easy for us to fall into the commercialism of the year, especially if you have young children or grandchildren who are so excited about the gifts under the tree. But the true spirit of the holiday season comes from giving back, giving thanks and lending a helping hand to those in need.

I found this story (author unknown) and felt it expressed a great message about helping those in need during the holidays:

It is important that we take a step back and see where others around us during this time may need a little help getting into the “holiday spirit”. It may be something like leaving secret gifts for their family, meals to those in need, visiting those who may not have family around anymore. Help to provide some of that Christmas magic. But it is also important that we keep in mind that we are not doing it to get credit from others. We don’t need to post all over social media how charitable we were to someone. Not only could this possible embarrass those who may feel upset that they cannot provide these things for their families, but it also away the real meaning behind the help you have provided them.

Brethren may we all take a step back and look at those around us, friends, neighbors, the person at church who always sits alone. See if we can find We tiptoed up the steps, onto the porch, and gently one thing that we can do to help improve the holilaid down the goodies: canned vegetables, a frozen day season for them. turkey and various foods all packaged in a laundry May y’all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy and basket. Another “secret basket” contained presents. safe New Year.

My 6-year-old son, Ryan, whispered, “Mommy, do you think they’ll like the presents?”

Fraternally,

“Of course they will,” I whispered back.

Robert Malloy

The wooden steps creaked when we descended and ran back to the car.

2023 Junior Warden Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

Breathless and giddy, my son asked, “Do you think 4

Hello everyone, the Pinal County Animal Control Center is in need of hard plastic kiddie pools for their doggos They use these pools as enrichment for the dogs when they’re in playgroup/ yards. All donations can be dropped off at the shelter. Their pups thank you!

1150 S. Eleven Mile Corner Rd Casa Grande AZ, 85194

The Pinal County Animal Care and Control is once again full of dogs and needs our help again. Please bring in your old blankets and dog toys for us to donate for our next Stated Meeting!! There will be a box for collection of the donated items!

Other items that are needed: Cleaning supplies - Blankets and towels – Peanut butter (xylitolfree) – Pet Food—Medicine - Office supplies - Grooming tools 5

November 4th 2023 was a great day of riding, fundraising, and fellowship for the Memento Mori Chapter Widows Son of Arizona and their Ladies.

The ride started at Gila Valley Lodge #9 in Florence, Arizona.

After stopping at Porter’s in Superior and Jake’s Corner Bar & Grill, the raffle of $118. ride ended at Uncle Bears Brewery in Gilbert. The Memento Mori Chapter Widows Son’s along with nearly 200 mile ride was performed by 30 motorcy- Hope Women’s Center Apache Junction would cles consisting of members and Ladies from Melike to thank the following for their generous donamento Mori, The Green Dragons, The Men of Gil- tions which helped make this event a success: ead, The Lost Tribe, and a few others. At Uncle American Legion Posts 9, 27, 35, 39, 54, 58, and Bear’s the Ladies that did not ride (and a few 91. VFW Posts 7968, 3713, 9399, 7401, and 7505. Elk’s Lodges 2350, 2429, 2349, 2656, 2846, and 2350. American Legion Family Post 9 Florence, Main Street Motorcycles, Skyline Mechanical, Florence Copper, Ace Hardware Florence, Moreno’s Mexican Grill, Point 22 Tavern, O’Kelley’s Bar and Grill, The Hungry Monk, LB’s Cantina, Mt. Athos, The Irish Cowboy, The Watch Doctor, Brother Dr. Akiv, Brother Jim Reid, Brother Bob Walsmann, Brother Michael Molloy, Ric Winslow Brothers) setup for our arrival, with the auctions and raffles taking up 3 picnic tables. The ride, raffles, and auctions brought in $3000 for Hope Women’s Center Apache Junction. Even the patrons of Uncle Bear’s partook in the event and won a few of the raffles, and one patron won the 50/50

A special thanks also to the following establishments for helping make this event the success that it was: Porter’s Saloon & Grill in Superior, Jake’s Corner Bar in Payson, Uncle Bear’s Brewery in Gilbert 6

Good day Brethren, Well December is here, and 2. Don’t try to bluff it or “wing” it. Good presentathe end of the year is in sight. Remember Jesus is tions, even the impromptu sort, are grounded in the reason for the season. Keep your thoughts and preparation. prayers alive, and don’t forget charity is very important. In this month's letter I'd like to talk about 3. Stay focused. If you begin listening to yourself public speaking. If you’ve had to speak in public, and evaluating your performance while you speak, you know that special feeling. Your mouth is dry, you’ll lose concentration. Concentrate sharply on butterflies are doing bomb runs through the center what you’re saying as you say it. Don’t read from a of your stomach. Your knees and legs have just prepared text. It sounds wooden. gone into business for themselves. You sud- 4. Watch the time. Always plan your presentation denly remember that on the short side. If you have 10 minutes, a five-toyou can’t even reeight-minute presentation is fine. Twenty minutes is member your name, not fine. much less the ritual work you were so cer- 5. Humor: When in doubt, don’t. Humor is one of tain of last night. the great loaded guns in public speaking. Nothing Death by root canal will destroy your presentation faster than a bad would be more fun. joke.

What sets the polished speaker apart 6. Pause before you speak. Take a few seconds to from the amateur is anchor yourself, put your notes in order, get the the ability to overfeel of the audience before you speak. come nervousness, to train the butterflies to 7. Act confident. A funny thing happens when you fly in formation. Be- act with confidence. Your audience will believe you. cause the awful truth is that, sooner or lat- 8. Rehearse. Rehearse. Rehearse. er, just about everyone has to speak before a group. It may be some9. Use a conversational style. The tone of your thing as small as a study group. It could be your Ro- speech should be exactly as if you were speaking to tary club luncheon. It will be your Lodge, count on a friend. it. No matter how dramatic and exciting your ideas are, you diminish their impact if you stumble dur- 10. Don’t apologize. Don’t sell off your credibility ing your presentation. Poor speakers destroy good with an apology. ideas every day. That premise applies to ritual work as well. A weak, stammering presentation ruins an Many of these pointers apply to lodge ritual. No elegant degree. That doesn't mean you have to have matter where you are, the better you are prepared, the enthusiastic fervor of the Rev. Billy Graham or the more powerful the impact you create. the studied ease of Jay Leno. But there are some things you can do to make the butterflies straighten Hope you enjoyed this, Merry Christmas and see up and fly right. Here are a few suggestions on im- you in Lodge. proving your general presentation skills.

Dewey Jefferson

1. Know your introduction and conclusion. If you can recite the beginning and ending of your talk, the middle will fall into place.

2023 Senior Warden Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 7

Join us for a very special St. John's dinner on December 27th where you will join 30 of your fellow Brother's in a Socratic Dialogue with MW Bro. Brad Billings of the Grand Lodge of Texas. We will be dining in a historic, very private and secluded space in the Downtown area of Tucson, Arizona to make the event even more intimate. A week before the event participants will receive a letter with an address and time we ask that you arrive. From that location, you will then be escorted to the private entrance, outer door of our dining location. Upon providing the correct identification, you will be allowed entrance to the inner door of our event. Currently we are planning on the dinner to begin at 6 pm, beginning with an informal meet and greet before dinner. The evening will consist of a gourmet dinner, an exclusive dinner gift, and an evening that you will not soon forget.

For information or registration please contact stjohndaytucson@gmail.com 8

Join us at Pinal Lodge #30 7th Annual Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 9, 2023. Our Chapter will have a DeMolay information table and representative available along with helping out Santa, Lodge members and community attendees.

The

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The Assembly participated in the Jr. Parada Parade in Historic Florence, Arizona

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This is a code of laws for the government of the Operative Seasons of Scotland, drawn up by William Schaw, the Master of the Work to James VI. It bears the following title: "The Statutis and Ordinanceis to be obseruit be all the Maister-Maissounis within this realme sett down be William Schaw, Maister of Wark to his Maieste and general Wardene of the said Craft, with the consent of the Maisteris efter specifeit."

As will be perceived by this title, it is in the Scottish dialect. It is written on paper, and dated XXVIII December, 1598, Although containing substantially the general regulations which are to be found in the English manuscripts, it differs materially from them in many particulars. Masters, Fellow Crafts, and Apprentices are spoken of, but simply as gradations of rank, not as Degrees, and the word Lodge or Lodge is constantly used to define the place of meeting.

The government of the Lodge was vested in the Warden, Deacons, and Masters, and these the Fellow-Crafts and Apprentices were to obey. The highest officer of the Craft is called the General Warden. The Manuscript is in possession of the Lodge of Edinburgh, but has several times been published—first in the Laws and Constitutions of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, in 1848 then in the American edition of that work, published by Doctor Robert Morris, in the ninth volume of the Universal Masonic Library; afterward by W. A. Laurie, in 1859, in his History of Freemasonry and the Grand Lodge of Scotland; D. Murray Lyon in History of the Lodge of Edinburgh gives a transcript and the last part in facsimile, and, by W. J. Hughan, in his Unpublished Records of the Craft, and in Doctor Mackey's revised History of Freemasons the Scotch Manuscript has extended treatment in comparison with the various codes of English origin. ~Mackey

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Grand Care (GCARE) is designed to support Arizonans by funding one-time medical care payments or by reimbursing co-payments for Arizona citizens who receive medical care because they suffer from a "chronic disease" constituting a chronic health condition. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control defines "chronic diseases" as those conditions that exist for at least, but no less than, one calendar year and require ongoing medical attention or limited activities of daily living or both, including, but not limited to, Alzheimer's Disease, Arthritis, Asthma, Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, Chronic Kidney Disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Diabetes, and Stroke.

We are committed to helping those with chronic illness deal with the high cost of medical care, prescriptions and co-pays. We understand hardships are caused for basic living needs when one is living with a chronic illness. Our organization is committed to operating with excellence while providing ser-

vice.

Grand Care is an Arizona non-profit corporation and gratefully accepts IRS 501(C) (3) tax-deductible contributions from individuals, business and groups

Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission. You can mail donations to P.O. Box 64251, Tucson, Arizona 85728 4251 or send them securely through our certified PayPal account.

https://azgcare.org/

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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.

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Dec 8, Master Masons Dinner

Dec 7, Pinal Lodge No. 30

7:00 pm Irish Cowboy Bar and Grill

7:00 pm Stated Meeting

Dec 9, White Mountain No. 3

Dec 16, Installation of Officers

10:00 am Stated Meeting

12:00 pm Gila Valley Lodge

Dec 9, Globe Chapter No. 7 R.A.M Dec 27, Feast of St. John

2:00 pm Stated Meeting

Events Statewide

Dec 14, Apache Lodge No. 69 7:30 pm Stated Meeting

March 2, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 Lost Dutchman Outdoor Degree

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

March 22-24, Leadership/Masonicon

11:00 am Stated Meeting

Grand Lodge of Arizona Prescott Conference Center

Dec 21, Eloy Lodge No. 46 7:00 pm Stated Meeting

June 6-8, Annual Communication

Dec 28, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

Grand Lodge of Arizona Mesa

7:00 pm Stated Meeting

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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 18

Jim Reid Josh Seagrave PM MWGM Jeff Carlton John Anderson Colleen Apger Bro. Lee Apger Wilbur (Bill) Dean Lawrence Bro. Steve Murphy Baby Miguel Martinez

John Lane William Powell Mark Nielsen Lee Apger

Roger C. Biede II MW Grand Master of Arizona First Responders The Armed Forces Our Veterans Our dearly departed Brethren Brethren Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 Town of Florence Government United States Government

12/08 12/22 12/28 12/29

Rollyn Miller Fredie Aipperspach Brian Gay

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12/4/1994 12/14/2009 12/18./2021

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Email: jwoode591@gmail.com

WB. Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com

Robert Molloy Email: robert_molloy@cox.net

MWGM George Rusk 2023-24 Grand Master F. & A.M of Arizona

Bro. John Bryon Singer Email: jbyronsinger@aol.com

Chairman: WB John Woode Email: jwoode591@gmail.com

Bro. Ronald Wayne Email: pogobeast@icloud.com

Chairman: John Woode Email: jwoode591@gmail.com

Chairman: WB Dewey Jefferson Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com

Bro. Steve Murphy Email: santanman7921@gmail.com

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

Chairman: Brian Gay

Bro. Mark White

Email: bg1973@hotmail.com

Email: mark.anne2005@gmail.com

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

Bro. Brian Gay

Chairman: John Woode

Email: Email: mark.anne2005@gmail.com

Email: jwoode591@gmail.com

Robert Molloy PM Chairman

WB Anthony Raimondi

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Mark White, John Woode PM

My brothers, I am deeply humbled and honored to be elected to serve as your Grand Master. I take seriously the trust you have instilled in me.

I promise to dedicate my year to education, fiscal responsibility, and membership improvement. There are many existing programs that we will continue and new programs we will institute. I can’t wait to meet with each of you and talk about improving Freemasonry in Arizona.

Leadership Through Serving.

This year one of our focuses will be Leadership Through Serving, also known as servant leadership, a leadership philosophy that focuses on the needs of the people being led rather than the leader's own selfinterest. In this approach, the leader takes on the role of a servant to the people they lead, putting their needs first and working to empower and support them in achieving their goals.

Servant leaders prioritize building relationships with their followers, showing empathy and understanding, and fostering a sense of community and collaboration. They listen actively to feedback and ideas, encourage the development of their team members, and strive to create a positive and inclusive work environment.

By serving their team members and supporting their growth and development, servant leaders can inspire greater engagement, motivation, and loyalty. This approach can also help build trust and respect among team members, leading to greater productivity and higher levels of overall performance and success for Masonry in Arizona.

Motto: Always be Humble and Kind.

Being humble and kind can have many benefits, both for oneself and for those around us. Here are some reasons why it's valuable to cultivate humility and kindness: Improving relationships: When we approach others with humility and kindness, we are more likely to build positive and healthy relationships. People tend to be drawn to those who are kind and approachable, and being humble can help us avoid conflicts and misunderstandings.

Promoting empathy: Humility and kindness can help us become more attuned to the needs and feelings of others. When we are less focused on our own egos and more open to others' perspectives, we are more likely to show empathy and compassion.

Fostering personal growth: Humility can help us recognize our own limitations and areas for improvement, which can promote personal growth and development. When we are open to feedback and willing to learn from our mistakes, we can become more resilient and adaptable.

Contributing to a better world: Kindness can have a ripple effect, inspiring others to act with compassion and generosity. When we show kindness to others, we can help create a more positive and connected world.

Grand Master Grand Lodge of F&AM of Arizona George R. Rusk 23

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.