February 2021 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 Trestleboard

Printed Every Month 131st Anniversary

February 2021

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

Jim Reid Curtis Johnson Duane Pinter 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

February Birthdays Brian Ringer Josh Seagrave Gale MacDougall Derek Dorman Don Richard Robert Molloy Dalton Cole

February Anniversaries 2-01 2-06 2-07 2-10 2-18 2-25 2-26

Jame Jameson Robert Molloy James P. Kasburg John Woode

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2-06-1970 2-18-1992 2-07-1995 2-17-2018

The

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As we begin a new year under a new Worshipful Master (Me), let me once again state how happy and truly honored I am to be your Worshipful Master for the 2021 year. A special Thank You to MWB Bob Conrad, RWB Jim Baker, and RWB Victor Olsen for the parts they played in the Installation 23January. We had Illustrious Sir Keith Seplak 2021 Potentate of El Zaribah Shrine and his lady Teresa Seplak, High Priestess Lady Debbie Jones (my honey) along with some of her court from Lady’s Oriental Shrine of North America, and the Widows Sons Masonic Riders present and I thank all of you for attending. I also want to congratulate all of our Officers that have been installed and/or appointed to serve. Most of all Thank You to our outgoing Master, now PM Anthony Raimondi for the past 2 years under his tenure. And Thank You to everyone else that attended this great and important day, it was an awesome and memorable day enjoyed by all who were there.

The Feast of St Valentine was established in AD496 by Pope Gelasius to honor St Valentine of Rome who dies on February 14th AD 269. Through the years it became associated with romance and love due to the “love birds” of early spring flourishing notions of courtly love in the 14th and 15th centuries. In the 18th century it became what we know it as now where couples express their love for one another with flowers, candy, and cards. Do not forget your loved ones this month. With love in mind the lodge is raffling off a Waterford Crystal rose that will be drawn at the April stated meeting (just in time for Mother’s day).

As I have mentioned in the past I hope that all of our

I am so excited to start this year and see what we can do as a lodge. What I mean is we did great last year under extremely weird and unprecedented circumstances, and I presume that we will continue to prevail in the following year. This year will be another good one for Gila Valley Lodge #9. I say this because we will make it that way based on what I have seen and heard so far for this coming year. brethren will be able to give something to the lodge this year, whether it is being at meetings, or helping another Brother in need, we all need to do our part to keep Gila Valley Lodge #9 a great lodge. I know this may not be possible for all, so I would ask that those that can, help those that can’t.

On a different note…This month (February) is typically a month that we celebrate Valentine’s Day on the 14th.

This day has been traditionally a day that we celebrate the love we have for that special someone in our lives.

This may be our significant other, and some even include their children when sending cards, money, candy, etc. The originally was a Western Christian day of feast that honored an early Christian martyr named Saint Valentine. It has become throughout the world a celebration of love and romance.

Fraternally,

Eric Smith 2021 Master Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

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We are now in a new year and have been at it for one month How are we doing? Are we still in survival mode or are we back in control? Well no matter how we are there is one thing that we all need to remember and that is keeping ourselves in check between the extended points of the compasses. While we are helping others to see the light as masons, we should also be reminded of how we too need to be brought back in and recharged.

So how do we help both situations out? We want to remain full and bright within the lodge and we want to help maintain our bright light outside of the lodge. So, what would be a viable solution?

Another analogy I would like you all to indulge in with me for a minute is the idea of well the fire is burning bright in us while we are present in Lodge but life has been getting in the way so I can’t make it as often as I used to. Again, using the fire analogy if we take a coal from the fire and move it into the open air by itself it will eventually fade away and will need to be re-ignited by others that are still shining bright.

I hope everyone can enjoy their February and I hope to hear and see from you all soon!

One possible solution that I have in my head is making sure that while you are out in your everyday lives that you have at least 1-3 brothers that you can always check in on or say how are you doing today? Because when Take this analogy for example. you have these small groups that When a fire is burning bright it you can stay connected with it will looks wonderful and beautiful. help to remind you of what you However, over time it fades, enjoy from lodge as well as help and we need to add more fuel you keep interested in coming back or wood to it to keep it burning. to help keep your light shining That is how our lodge functions bright. Now is this the only option the more people that are inof course not. You may be better volved and participate in which suited to going to multiple meetings ever capacity you choose it helps it to flourish. Howev- across the state multiple days a week. You may be keeper, if we don’t add more to it….it will eventually fade ing up through the trestle board and writing articles or away. This is a hard thing to talk about especially when presenting new ideas to think about. It doesn’t matter we all are going through our own trials and tribulations how you stay in touch with your light it is a matter keepover the past year. But we still need to keep in mind that ing the light in check and making sure that it is still there sometimes when in lodge it helps us to keep our spirits or else what are we doing as masons? up in our everyday doings.

Fraternally,

John Woode 2021 Senior Warden Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

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Brethren Well we are off to a good start in 2021, the numbers on Covid seem to be dropping. I haven't had much time to read, so I don't have words of wisdom to share.

What I do have are 2 experiences with Masonry. First, on a resent excursion down the Hwy, I was surprised when a semi passing me was honking. Thinking I had a flat or something was wrong, I was looking for a place to stop. Then it dawned on me there were 3 honks. As the rig went by I saw the square & compass. I remembered I have it on the back of my Jeep. It was a good feeling knowing I wasn't there alone. You don't always see a Brother but you know they are there.

Second, I have a friend who is a MM & moved to Sweden for 6 years. He became separated from Masonry in that time. He's back now, & after some long talks he is excited to get back into a lodge, probably in Calif.

I'm just happy to see him back in the craft.

Covid has had an effect on all of us, but Masonry is still alive. Stay Safe & Be Well.

Fraternally,

Dewey Jefferson 2021 Junior Warden Elect Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

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Seven is a sacred number in Masonic symbolism. In the Rituals of the last century, it was said that a Lodge required seven to make it perfect, but the only explanation to be found of the sacredness is the seven liberal arts and sciences, which according to the old “Legend of the Craft” were the foundation of Masonry. In modern ritual, the symbolism of the number seven has been transferred from the first to the second Degree, where it refers to the seven steps of the winding staircase, but the symbolic seven is to be found diffused in hundreds of ways over the whole Masonic system.

In our Ritual, the ascent of the seven steps is symbolical of the seven liberal arts and sciences. But the seven steps have deeper meaning. They allude to the vibrations producing colour and sound. There are seven colors in the spectrum, of which three are called “Primary”. There are seven notes in the musical scale. Thus, it is said to be a harmonic number, three of which compose the principal chord of the key.

The musical scale completely bears out the creative process of evolution. When the scale is played, we ascend to a higher scale, at a higher rate of vibration, and repeat (continue to do what has been done). Herein may be hidden the significance for the lecture urging “a study of Music”.

The sun was the great central planet of the ancient seven, and is represented as the central light in the branched candlestick. The moon is second only to the sun in beauty and splendour, and on every seventh day the moon assumes a new phase. In the Hebrew, Syrian, Phoenician, Chaldaen and Saxon “seven” signifies “full or complete” and every seventh day after the first quarter the moon is complete in its change. ~Bro Author Unknown

Living is an art, an art in any form, be it realistic, fantasy, comic, tragic, memorable. Consider the big picture, and know what to leave out. One who sees all as genuine, is either is fooling himself, or needs corrective eye ware.. Everything we call real are things made up of that we don't realize are not true reality. After all, when everything is said and done, we find that more is said than done.

Helen Keller describes optimism as the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence in your efforts, and with those who lead and guide.

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The most important article of furniture in a Lodgeroom is undoubtedly the altar. It is worth while, then, to investigate its character and its relation to the altars of other religious institutions.

The definition of an altar is very simple. It is a structure elevated above the ground, and appropriated to some service connected with worship, such as the offering of oblations, sacrifices, or prayers.

Altars, among the ancients, were generally made of turf or stone. when permanently erected and not on any sudden emergency, they were generally built in regular courses of Freemasonry, and usually in a cubical form. Altars were erected long before temples. Thus, Noah is said to have erected one as soon as he came forth from the ark. Herodotus gives the Egyptians the credit of being the first among the Architect of the Universe. heathen nations who invented altars.

The altar is, therefore, the most holy place in a Lodge.

Among the ancients, both Jews and Gentiles, altars were Among the ancients, the altar was always invested with of two kinds-for incense and for sacrifice. The latter were peculiar sanctity. Altars were places of refuge, and the always erected in the open air, outside and in front of the supplicants who fled to them were considered as having Temple. Altars of incense only were permitted within the placed themselves under the protection of the Deity to Temple walls. Animals were slain, and offered on the whom the altar was consecrated, and to do violence even altars of burnt-offerings. On the altars of incense, blood- to slaves and criminals at the altar, or to drag them from less sacrifices were presented and incense was burnt to it, was regarded as an act of violence to the Deity himself, the Deity. and was hence a sacrilegious crime.

The Masonic altar, which, like everything else in Freema- The marriage covenant among the ancients was always sonry, is symbolic, appears to combine the character and solemnized at the altar, and men were accustomed to uses of both of these altars. It is an altar of sacrifice, for make all their solemn contracts and treaties by taking on it the candidate is directed to lay his passions and vic- oaths at altars. An oath taken or a vow made at the altar es as an oblation to the Deity, while he offers up the was considered as more solemn and binding than one thoughts of a pure heart as a fitting incense to the Grand assumed under other circumstances. (cont.)

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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Hence, Hannibal's father brought him to the Carthaginian The situation of the altar in the French and frequently in altar when he was about to make him swear eternal enmi- the Scottish Rites is in front of the Worshipfu1 Master, ty to the Roman power. and, therefore, in the East. In the York Rite, the altar is placed in the center of the room, or more property a little In all the religions of antiquity, it was the usage of the to the East of the center. priests and the people to pass around the altar in the course of the sun, that is to say, from the east, by the way of the south, to the west, singing paeans or hymns of praise as a part of their worship.

From all this we see that the altar in Freemasonry is not merely a convenient article of furniture, intended, like a table, to hold a Bible. It is a sacred utensil of religion, intended, like the altars of the ancient temples, for religious uses, and thus identifying Freemasonry, by its necessary existence in our Lodges, as a religious institution. Its presence should also lead the contemplative Freemason to view the ceremonies in which it is employed with solemn reverence, as being part of a really religious worship.

The form of a Masonic altar should be a cube, about three feet high, and of corresponding proportions as to length and width, having, in imitation of the Jewish altar, four horns, one at each corner.

The Holy Bible with the Square and Compasses should be spread open upon it, while around it are to be placed three lights.

These lights are to be in the East, West, and South, and should be arranged as in the annexed diagram. The stars show the position of the lights in the East, West, and South. The black dot represents the position North of the altar where there is no light, because in Freemasonry the North is the place of darkness. ~MACKEY

www.azmasoniclibrary.org

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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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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.

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Feb 4, Pinal Lodge No. 30

February 6, 2021 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

7:00 pm Stated Meeting

Florence Make a Difference Day 8:00 am Begin at Lodge

Feb 9, Ocotillo Chapter No. 21 OES 7:00 pm Stated Meeting

March 6, 2021 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

Feb 11, Apache Lodge No. 69

Lost Dutchman Outdoor Degree 10:00 am Degree Begins

7:300 pm Stated Meeting

Feb 13, White Mountain No. 3 10:00 am Stated Meeting

Feb 13, Globe Chapter No. 7 R.A.M

March 26-28, 2021 Arizona Masonicon Holiday Inn Casa Grande, Arizona

June 4-6, 2021 Grand Lodge of Arizona Prescott Resort Prescott, Arizona

2:00 pm Stated Meeting

Feb 18, Eloy Lodge No. 46 7:00 pm Stated Meeting

Feb 22, 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

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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! 15

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.

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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 17

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Email: jiminys@yahoo.com

Bro. Email: jwoode591@gmail.com

Dewey Jefferson Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com

MWGM Boyd Robertson 2020-21 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

Chairman: WB Roger Biede III PM

Email: robert_molloy@cox.net

Email: roger.biede@gmail.com

Chairman: Dewey Jefferson Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com

Bro. 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

Bro. Brian Gay Email: bg1973@hotmail.com

Roger Biede III PM Chairman Robert Molloy PM John Woode

Bro. Gale MacDougal Email: bearinbox@con.net

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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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