February 2022 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 Trestleboard

FEBRUARY 2022

Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 members joined others from all over Florence to clean and beautify our historic Town. Town volunteers and civic groups alike joined forces to clean up trash and fix some of those items needing fixing as we get closer to some big events coming to Town the next couple months.

Gila Valley members took to the route of the upcoming Historic Home Tour and picked up trash and debris and made it beautiful.

Once you are a Master Mason you are eligible to move up the chairs in the line of the lodge. This means more memorization, expectations, and responsibility. This can be a scary venture for some, or an exciting journey for others. It is all about what you want to get out of Masonry and if you are willing and able to put forth the effort and time to make it happen.

not like it. I started to doubt myself and this was not a good thing as I was not liking me anymore and did not want to let the lodge down. I took a few months to just sit back, do my SW parts and contemplate my future as well as the lodges future. This was when I realized that I cannot (and will not) let my brothers down by not doing as I said I would even though I did not think I was ready.

Going up the chairs to me started as a great journey My brothers felt I was ready, and had full confidence in much like my grandfather did years ago. The thought of me, so why didn’t I? being involved at the “officer” level and not just sitting Since that day I have a newfound excitement for stepping back was exciting at first. I then realized I had to memo- up and getting involved. You truly do get out of Masonry rize things and speak in front of Lodge. That scared me. what (if not more) you put into it. I have learned so After some time I started becoming a bit more comforta- much about the craft, my brothers, and myself over this ble speaking in Lodge, and was even able to be heard at incredible journey thus far. This journey I decided to times. My lines started to stay in my mind and did not take in 2014 has had it’s ups and downs, but through it seem so difficult to remember. I was really starting to en- all I have found it is more than worth every bit of the ups joy being a Mason and being involved and even making a and downs. difference at times.

I hope that everyone who decides to take this journey finds joy in it and continues every day to improve themselves and discover that they can do more. I have learned that I am capable of achieving what I once thought as impossible. The more involved with the lodge whether it be going up the line, or just participating in any way you can, the more you will get out of it. I encourage all brothers, especially those new to the craft, to get involved and at least attempt the chairs. You might be surprised and what you find you can do.

Then something happened and I was not so excited. I was asked how long I needed to make it to the East. I was scared and was honest and said that I needed 5 years from where I was then (SD) to get to the East. Well, that plan did not last but 6 months, for the very next election I was elected to sit as SW and thought “Wait a minute… what happened to JW for 2 years, then SW for 2?” This happened due to needs of the lodge ever changing and the lodge believing I could do it.

That 1st year as SW was busier than I expected, and my shift changed at work. Everyone in Lodge seemed to change schedules and were able to do things on the Fraternally, nights that I was able to the year prior, and I was no longer able to due to my work schedule. This made it harder (almost impossible it seemed) for me to be as involved as 2022 Master I would have liked to be.

Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 I was at a point that I never thought I would be and did

Eric Smith

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Gila Valley continues to be active in supporting our sister Lodges in Pinal County. In January we were able to assist a number of Lodes with Degrees including a very special Third Degree at Pinal Lodge No. 30. We are proud to help any and all of our other Lodges as we bring more people into Masonry.

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During World War II, fighter planes would come back from battle with bullet holes. The Allies found the areas that were most commonly hit by enemy fire. They sought to strengthen the most commonly damaged parts of the planes to reduce the number that were shot down.

A mathematician, Abraham Wald, pointed out that perhaps there was another way to look at the data.

Perhaps the reason certain areas of the planes weren't covered in bullet holes was that planes that were shot in those areas did not return. This insight led to the armour being re-enforced on the parts of the plane where there were no bullet holes.

The story behind the data is arguably more important than the data itself. Or more precisely, the reason behind why we are missing certain pieces of data may be more meaningful than the data we have

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The Baal's Bridge Square is one of the oldest known "Masonic" artifacts.

In 1830, in County Limerick, Ireland, a bridge was replaced over the River Shannon. As the workers were excavating, they found a metal stone mason's square. The item was only about 6 inches wide and was engraved with the phrase “I WILL STRIVE TO LIVE WITH LOVE & CARE. UPON THE LEVEL. BY THE SQUARE.” Astonishingly, the square was dated 1507!

Today, the square is in the possession of Union Lodge No. 13, of Limerick. Union Lodge is one of Ireland's oldest, having been warranted in 1732. It is fitting residence for such a unique artifact

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It is an ancient custom

summons

When a Brother Mason passes way, On that very day, That he no longer wears his Apron

And as in my obligations

And his tools they quietly lay.

You know I must obey.

But I beg of you my Brothers Closest family and Loved ones to,

That Grand Lodge will be called and opened

That I must wear my Apron

For my final Degree,

For I have yet so much to do.

So I must be properly clothed

Though I may not have it on

For the Grand Tyler to admit me.

The day I meet my fate,

Don't bury me without my Apron

I'll be pennyless and destitute

My tools must not lay rest,

As I pass that pearly gate.

For it's in that Grand Lodge above

For the Grand Master has sent me a Where I must work my best.

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This is the earliest known Lodge Minute in the world.

Two other Lodges have over the years professed to be the world’s first.

However, there is no written evidence in the form of Minute books to back up the claims of The Lodge of Edinburgh (Mary’s Chapel) No.1, and Lodge Mother Kilwinning, No. 0.

Aitchison’s Haven cannot be found on today’s maps. It lay to the east of Musselburgh between Levenhall and the little harbour of Morrison's Haven, which is on the outskirts of Prestonpans. There is much to be learned from the 80 or so words of this earliest minute.

There must have been a previous meeting, at The candidate, Robert Widderspone, was already which Robert Widderspone had been Initiated. an Entered Pentis [Apprentice] on the day of the In fact, there must have been more than just one meeting, before being made a Fellow of Craft. meeting, because it is highly unlikely that all eight Therefore, this cannot have been the first meetFellows of Craft, who are named, would have ing of the Lodge but, rather, the first record of a been Initiated and Passed to the Fellow of Craft Lodge meeting. in a single, even earlier, meeting of the Lodge.

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

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

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In short, it is clear the Lodge had meetings prior to ticrief to be his instructoris also ye said Alexander January the 9th 1598, but we cannot know when, Cubie hes payit xx sh and his gluifis. nor how many, due to a lack of records.

Upon the XXVIII day of May Johne Petticrief hes payit his x sh to ye buiking [booking] of himself his prentischip being expyrit [expired] upone ye viii The IX day of Januerie the Zeir [year] of God up- day of Mairch ye zeir of God 1599 and hes payit on ye quhilk [which] day Robert Widderspone was bot [but] x sh becaus he was ane [a] free manys maid [a] fellow of Craft in ye presens [presence] of sone [free man son – son of a free man] and hes payit his gluifis to ye cumpanie [company] yat was Wilzam Aytone Elder, Johne being Warden, conwinit [convened] Johne Fender Wairden for Johne Pedden Thomas Pettencrief John Crafurd George Aytone Wilzame Aytone younger Hendrie the present Wilzame Aytone elder deacone Johne Petticrief all fellowis of Craft upon ye quhilk day he Crafurd Thomas Petticrief George Aytone Henchois [chose] George Aytone Johne Pedden to be drie Petticrief enterit prentiss Ordainit [illegible] James Petticrief Wilzame Petticrief [illegible] the his intenders [attenders] and instructouris said James Petticrief. [instructors] and also ye said Robert hes [he has] payit [paid] his xx sh. [twenty shillings] and his *Notice that there are two years given – 1598 and gluffis [gloves] to everie Maister as efferis 1599. This is because James VI (1566 - 1625) pro[afterwards]. claimed that Scotland should start the year on 1

The XI day of Januarie 1598 Upon quhilk day Alexander Cubie was enterit [entered] prenteis [apprentice] to Georg Aytone the quhilk day George Aytone ablishit [obliged] himself to haif [have] no mo [more] prentissis withput [without] the license of the brither [brethren] of ye Ludg in presens of Johne Fender Warden for ye present Wilzame Aytone elder deacone Johne Pedden Johne Crafurd Thomas Petticrief Wilzam Aytone zounger Hendrie Petticrief Georg Aytone clark for ye present Robert Widderspone enterit prentises Richard Petticrief Archibald Glene Ninian gumerie James Petticrief of ye quhilk enterit prentiseis Alexander Cubie chois Archibald Glene and James Pet-

January from 1600.

Following the Union of the Crowns in 1603 he became James I of England, but no such legal change took place south of the border where the new year began on 25 March until 1752.

As a result, the same day in January, February or March (up to 24th) can be in different years. In the case of the Aitchison’s Haven Minutes the date 9 January 1598 is, in today’s dating system, 1599.

These Minutes were written in what is known as Middle Scots. We have inserted clarification in parentheses i.e. ‘[ ]’ but where ‘[illegible]’ is given this indicates that there is a word that cannot be read.

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1. Have a written Goal or Goals for your year. It must be realistic and achievable but have one and share it with your officers and your Lodge members so everyone knows what you and them are trying to accomplish for the ensuing year. Some ideas include: 1. Increase attendance, 2. Better ritualistic work, 3. An improved program of Masonic Education, 4. More social activity and better fellowship, 5. More concern for the Sick and Distresses and Widows, 6. Improved fiscal conditions, 7. Closer attention to visiting Brethren, 8. Emphasis on Public Relations, 9. More Lodge Visitations and 10.

Better candidate instruction. And do not choose more than 2 as that is unrealistic to accomplish in just one year, focus on one or two and do it or them well.

truly look forward to their monthly communication and don’t give members an excuse not to know what is going on, or not to participate.

5. Talk to every brother in the Lodge before you become Master (or at least try to). I know this is a difficult task, but the only way to get the maximum participation from most of your members is to talk to them individually. There are no shortcuts to building good relationships and as Master you should seek to build good relationships with all of your members. Before you assign any member to any committee or project, ask them what they are interested in, by matching members to what they like, you will get a better product and a happier member.

2. Keep one notebook for your entire year and put eve- 6. Always have a written agenda for every Lodge meetrything in it. ing. And share it at least a day in advance with your From your visitations, to events you attend, to causes Wardens and Secretary and Treasurer, that way none of you support. Also keep track of special visitors that at- your officers are surprised by what is going to happen in tend any of your Stated Communications. When you the meeting and they can remind you of anything that write your Stewardship at the end of the year you will you may have forgotten. It will also help you make sure thank me. that your meetings do not wander and that they move 3. Put every brother’s contact information in your cell smoothly and nothing that needs to be discussed is forgotten. phone and Create email groups in your email account and text groups in your phone. I promise you, it will come in handy at some point in the year. Do it immediately before or after becoming Master. And separate the groups into the following subgroups: Your Officers, Past Masters and brothers. Do this because it will surely happen that you may and will need to send different messages to different sets of brothers.

7. Hold a regular Trestleboard or Club meeting the week before your Stated Communication. It will help you plan out all the issues that may come before the full Lodge meeting with your officers and it gives you a chance to handle much of the business discussions there, rather than wasting time in the meeting.

8. Always open on time. Respect the time of the broth4. Immediately create a template for your monthly ers, and get them home early and they will be apt to communication so it will be easy to re-create it and send come back out for the next meeting. Keep meetings to it out on time. Make sure it has the following sections no longer than 2 hours and degree work nights to no and it will be mostly complete already: WM’s message, longer than 3. Have visitors salute the West when they Sickness and Distress, Next Meeting Notice, Officer’s come in, unless they are the WM of a Lodge or Grand Contact Information, Upcoming Events, Glad Tidings, Lodge officers this will save some valuable time. By and some Masonic Education material. Many members keeping your meetings to this time frame, members will

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be much more apt to come out next month, because they know you won’t be wasting their time.

9. Some Masonic Education at every meeting. One of the things that separates us from every social and charitable organization in the world is Masonic Education and Light. It is our duty to dispense some light at every meeting of the Lodge and at every study class no matter how small. Have a lecturer come in and speak, invite your District Deputy Grand Lecturer, have an informed brother come address the Lodge, or just read a Masonic Education piece and have members share their thoughts about it. If you are not doing degree work, share some light with the brothers, every meeting.

10. Fellowship after every meeting. Have a collation after every meeting, even if it is just some pizza and so-

da, do it. The first Lodges met in Taverns and fellowship is just as important as lodge business or Masonic light. It allows Masons to meet socially and to be a refuge from the outside world; often the business done there is just as important as in the Lodge.

My brothers, people come to Masonry for different reasons make sure that every reason that a brother comes for is met in your Lodge at every possible occasion and meeting, and I promise you will have better meetings and better attended ones as well.

Your brother, R:.W:. Kevin P. Wardally 33° Grand Treasurer – MWPHGL of NY Past Master - Adelphic Union Lodge #14

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Dear Brothers we are now in the Month of February. The month of Love!! But what is love??? No not the song by Haddaway. We tend to always associate it with the idea of being intimate and close to one another but it means much more than that. According to Kendra Cherry a social psychologist writes stating What is Love?

“Love is a set of emotions and behaviors characterized by intimacy, passion, and commitment. It involves care, closeness, protectiveness, attraction, affection, and trust. Love can vary in intensity and can change over time. It is associated with a range of positive emotions, including happiness, excitement, life satisfaction, and euphoria, but it can also result in negative emotions such as jealousy and stress.”

A lot of this we sometimes see through our love for one another in Brotherly Love which is based on some of the same emotions that of commitment to the craft intimacy with how we are received into the craft and our common passion for the craft. This along with the different things that we think we can bring to the craft is what leads to the concept of Brotherly love for one another.

So, when we come across Valentine's Day this month remember those whom you love both in a familiar sense as well as a brotherly sense. Then ask yourself what can I do for them this year and how can I help build that bond more throughout the rest of this year.

Until next time brothers remember to be safe be loving

Fraternally,

John Woode 2022 Senior Warden Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

, at The Masonic Temple in Philadelphia, doesn't always attract as much attention as the other rooms. Yet, it is just as sumptuously furnished. The decoration of the room was completed in 1891, at a cost of $4,300. In today's money, that would be over $130,000!

The style of the room is properly called "Rhenish Romanesque," with some of the art probably taking inspiration from the Book of the Kells. Amazingly, the only wood used in decorating the room is the furniture. Those "oak" beams along the ceiling aren't wood at all. They are actually plaster, masterfully sculpted and stained to resemble real wood!

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Hanukkah (which begins Sunday, November 28,2021 at sunset ends Monday, December 6) is a joyous Jewish festival also known as the Festival of Lights. It commemorates the 164 BCE dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire.

Central to the celebration of Hanukkah is the lighting of the Hanukkah Menorah (Hanukiah). According to Jewish tradition, when the Maccabees reclaimed the Temple in Jerusalem they found only enough intact oil to light the holy seven-branched Menorah for one day. However, the oil miraculously lasted for eight days (the amount of time need to produce more). For many these candles have come to represent the triumph of good over evil, light overcoming darkness.

Masonic Connections First, “light” is very important in Freemasonry. Three times during our ceremonies a Freemason is asked

what he most desires and he answers “light”, “more

light” and again “more light”. Secondly, the temple that is retaken by the Maccabees is the Second Temple. It occurred about 597 BCE after the Babylonians were overthrown by the Persians. Finally, the Hellenistic Period during which this revolt took place was a time that gave us Euclid and the great Greek philosophers. It lasted from about 323 BCE to 31 BCE at which point the Roman Empire dominated.

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Saguaro Demolay had an OV with Chandler DeMolay tonight.

Thank you for allowing us to stop in visit, share some upcoming events and eating of some Dunkin Donuts. Hope to see your Chapter members again, soon and secure that shield.

The

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I have learned in past few years that Time is a very precious commodity and that it goes faster each year we are here on this planet Earth. GOD provides us with just so much Time before he calls us to his House in the Heavens. Our culture has become so busy with all the technology we humans have created to make our lives better and easier. It is constantly changing, mostly for the best, sometimes for the worst. We can now communicate to anyone in the world at any time of the day or night, in real time.

Freemasonry teaches us to use our Time for the betterment of the human race and to do God’s will here on earth. To love one another, support our families and to help our fellow man. Freemasonry’s teachings and tenets never change, as they are Gods teachings we follow that guide us through this life on earth.

taking. Like when you wanted to become a Freemason, you have to have it in your heart and ask or volunteer your Time for it.

When you do seek out the light it will have many and magnificent consequences to award your life with. If you would like to get involved, please come out to the meetings.

Where did you go? You were here not that long ago.

You were excited about being a Freemason and you were looking for all the light it had to offer. When you were given the chance to speak in lodge, you thanked all the brethren for their Time and their commitment they had for your Degrees. You welcomed the opportunity to get involved with the Fraternity and to help in some way.

delinquent notices are out. Check your cards and if they don’t say 2022, please pay it promptly. Time is very elusive. Make your Time be the best it can be.

My Brother’s Time is running out for some of you that haven’t paid your 2022 Dues. Freemasonry gives a very generous grace period on its Membership With our time being limited I have to ask the ques- Dues, but my Brother’s time is running out quickly. tion?

The

Freemasonry: A Brotherhood of Man Under the Father of GodFraternally,

Dewey Jefferson

Freemasonry has many opportunities and goals to conquer. If you are still looking for the Light in your life, that Light which can and will bring you a personal gratitude and accomplishment, it is still here for the

2022 Junior Warden Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

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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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.

Being over 200 years old, George Washington Lodge 143, Chambersburg, has its Civil War stories - including one more unique than most. In 1864, Confederate General Jubal Early demanded $100,00 in gold or $50,000 in currency from the town or it would burn. He did not receive his ransom, and burned the town in retaliation - except for the half-block where the Masonic Temple stood. An anonymous high-ranking Confederate officer saw the Temple and, after confirming it was a Masonic lodge with the locals, had guards posted to protect the building from the flames.

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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 21

Feb 3, Pinal Lodge No. 30

Feb 5, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

7:00 pm Stated Meeting

First Degree

Feb 12, White Mountain No. 3

9:00 am Degree Begins

10:00 am Stated Meeting

Feb 12, Sabbar Shrine Dr. Biede Potentates Ball

Feb 12, Globe Chapter No. 7 R.A.M

Sabbar Shrine Temple

2:00 pm Stated Meeting

6:00 pm Dinner and Dance

Feb 8, Ocotillo Chapter No. 21 OES

Feb 14, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

Call for time

Feb 10, Apache Lodge No. 69

5:30 pm Trustee Meeting

7:30 pm Stated Meeting

Feb 18, 2021 Town of Florence

Feb 19, Memento Mori Widow Sons 11:00 am Stated Meeting

Main Street Third Fridays 5:00 pm Event Begins

Feb 14, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

Feb 21, 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

Observing the Craft Book Club 5:30 pm Trustee Meeting

Location TBD: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WSMMChapter

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

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

Brian Ringer Josh Seagrave Don Richard Robert Molloy Dalton Cole

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

2-1 2-6 2-18 2-25 2-26

James Jameson Robert Molloy James Kasburg John Woode

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2-6-1970 2-18-1992 2-7-1995 2-17-2018

Brethren, Friends, and Family, This year the Masonic Charities of Arizona approved 33 grants totaling $70,000 to worthy organizations throughout Arizona. These 501c3 charitable organizations provide much needed services to their communities all over Arizona Those services include Veteran assistance, Domestic abuse shelters, child learning disabilities, training and assistance for people with special needs, support for soldiers abroad, Adult literacy programs and Personal hygiene kits for the working poor and homeless.

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

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

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

Fraternally, Roger Biede III Secretary, Masonic Charities of Arizona rcbthree@hotmail.com www.masoniccharitiesaz.com 24

Email: jiminys@yahoo.com

Bro. Email: jwoode591@gmail.com

Dewey Jefferson Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com

MWGM Randy Jager 2021-22 Grand Master F. & A.M of Arizona

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

Chairman: WB Eric Smith Email: jiminys@yahoo.com

Bro. Lee Apger Chairman: John Woode

Email: lkapger@gmail.com

Email: jwoode591@gmail.com

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

WB Robert Malloy Email: robert_molloy@cox.net

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

Chairman: Brian Gay

Bro. Steve Murphy

Email: bg1973@hotmail.com

Email: santanman7921@gmail.com

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

Bro. Spencer Sego Email: spencersego@gmail.com

Chairman: John Woode Email: jwoode591@gmail.com

WB Anthony Raimondi

Roger Biede III PM Chairman

Email: raimondi_57@msn.com 25

Robert Molloy PM, John Woode

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The first mention of Moon Lodges can be found in the Cooke Manuscript of 1410, one of the oldest documents belonging to the Masonic Craft. In the U.S., Moon Lodges were first noted in colonial times around 1717 to be operating in Philadelphia, Boston and Tennessee There appears to have been approximately 3000 moon lodges in the U.S. at the turn of the last century but by the 1950’s that number had decreased to 500. Today, by last count, there are roughly 129 moon lodges in the U .

S .

A moon lodge was born out of necessity due to the lack of natural or artificial illumination by which one could travel to and from meetings. During the 18th century, transportation was limited to horseback, horse & buggy, walking and even in some circumstances by boat. There were no paved roads and very few gravel but merely two dirt ruts that would meander through bush and fields rarely in a straight line. With only a candle or coal oil lamp to light the way, a full moon provided welcome companionship for a long and lonely trek. Individuals would travel 8-10 miles or more and were unable to make the long trip home at night and would be supplied lodging by a fellow brother, leaving after breakfast to return home the next morning.

Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 continues to follow this tradition and is honored to be still one of the remaining “Moon Lodges” in the United States. Our Stated Meetings are the Monday On or Before the Full Moon of the Month, The Lodge also goes “Dark” during the summer months of July and August, where no Stated Meetings are 28held.