February 2023
MW The Apron my say 50 years but the man, the legend is a 60 year Mason as testified by that certificate in the left hand of MW Jim Baker!
Dear Brothers,
We are now in the month of February and that is the month of the coldest times of the year but can also be the warmest time of the year for your soul and spirit. When we look to the month of February, we see two things Valentine’s Day and the dead of winter. One represents warmth and the other cold. We find this same correlation in our degree
black tiles. And these tiles represent the good as well as the bad in life, in our hearts, in our best laid plans, and in our everyday doings. So why do we not try to endeavor to change to all good or all bad? This can be seen in most things that exist in our world today. If you were to choose on type of season to live in all year round, would it be the absolute coldest with the winter snows that can lead to frost bite and death, or would you choose the hottest of hot summers where you would be found dehydrated and dying of thirst?
Or would it be part of Spring and Fall where everything seems to be at its median? The answer here is that if we spent all of our lives in just one season, we would not be able to enjoy any season. How do you come to this conclusion you may ask. Well, it comes down to this simple truth. If all you experience is good or bad hot or cold, how can you say that it is hot or cold or good or evil? You can’t!!
So, it is the conclusion that in order to enjoy or at least be able to tell the difference you must be able to experience both. For without a balance of both sides we can never expect to reach a balance point in our spirit or in our mind. So, when you are thinking about the winter and how you wish for the spring weather to come in remember that if you didn’t experience this part of the year, you would not be able to enjoy the spring or fall without the extreme polars of the Summer and Winter Fraternally,
work. If you haven’t thought of what it is, then I will tell you it is the Mosaic Pavement.
When we look at the Mosaic Pavement, we are reminded that it is evenly checkered with white and
John Woode 2022 Master Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
In, at times, a strongly worded article Dr. S. Brent Morris, a member and Past Master of Patmos Lodge #70, Ellicott City, Maryland, has "set the record straight" on the myth that the Great Seal of the United States represents a Masonic symbol. The facts are clearly presented, together with several examples of the use of the "All Seeing Eye" prior to any known Masonic use. This straightforward article is being presented as a STB so that Freemasons may have an answer when the question is asked "Is the Seal of the United States a Masonic symbol? "
Historians must be cautious about many wellknown "facts." George Washington chopped down a cherry tree when a boy and confessed the deed to his father. Abner Doubleday invented the game of baseball. Freemasons inserted some of their emblems (chief among them the eye in the pyramid) into the reverse of the Great Seal of the United States. These historical "facts" are widely popular, commonly accepted, and equally false.
The eye in the pyramid (emblazoned on the dollar bill, no less) is often cited as "evidence" that sinister conspiracies abound which will impose a "New World Order" on an unsuspecting populace. Depending on whom you hear it from, the Masons are planning the takeover themselves, or are working in concert with European bankers, or are leading (or perhaps being led by) the Illuminati (whoever they are). The notion of a world-wide Masonic conspiracy would be laughable, if it weren't being repeated with such earnest gullibility by conspiracists like Pat Robertson.
Sadly, Masons are sometimes counted among the gullible who repeat the tall tale of the eye in the pyramid, often with a touch of pride. They may be guilty of nothing worse than innocently puffing the importance of their fraternity (as well as themselves), but they're guilty nonetheless. The time has come to state the truth plainly and simply!
The Great Seal of the United States is not a Masonic emblem, nor does it contain hidden Masonic symbols.
The details are there for anyone to check, who's willing to rely on historical fact,
rather than hysterical fiction.
ù Benjamin Franklin was the only Mason on the first design committee, and his suggestions had no Masonic content.
ù None of the final designers of the seal were Masons.
ù The interpretation of the eye on the seal is subtly different from the interpretation used by Masons.
ù The eye in the pyramid is not nor has it ever been a Masonic symbol.
THE FIRST COMMITTEE
On Independence Day, 1776 a committee was created to design a seal for the new American nation. The committee's members were Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jetferson, and John Adams, with Pierre Du Simitiere as artist and consultant.' Of the four men involved, only Benjamin Franklin was a Mason, and he contributed nothing of a Masonic nature to the committee's proposed design for a seal.
Du Simitiere, the committee's consultant and a non-Mason, contributed several major design features that made their way into the ultimate design of the seal: 'the shield, E Pluribus Unum, MDCCLXXVI, and the eye of providence in a triangle."' The eye of providence on the seal thus can be traced, not to the Masons, but to a non-Mason consultant to the committee.
"The single eye was a well-established artistic convention for an 'omniscient Ubiquitous Deity' in the medallic art of the Renaissance. Du Simitiere, who suggested using the symbol, collected art books and was lamiliar with the artistic and ornamental devices used in Renaissance art." This was the same cultural iconography that eventually led Masons to add the all-seeing eye to their symbols.
THE SECOND AND THIRD COMMITTEES
Congress declined the first committees suggestions as well as those of its 1780 committee. Francis Hopkinson, consultant to the second committee, had several ideas that eventually made it into the seal: "white and red stripes within a blue background for the shield, a radiant constellation of thirteen stars, and an olive branch."4 Hopkinson's greatest contribution to the current seal came from his layout of a 1778 50-dollar colonial note in which he used an unfinished pyramid in the design. The third and last seal committee of 1782 produced a design that finally satisfied Congress. Charles Thomson, Secretary of Congress, and William Barton, artist and consultant, borrowed from earlier designs and sketched what at length
became the United States Seal.
The misinterpretation of the seal as a Masonic emblem may have been first introduced a century later in 1884. Harvard Professor Eliot Norton wrote that the reverse was 'practically incapable of effective treatment; it can hardly, (however artistically treated by the designer), look otherwise than as a dull emblem of a Masonic fraternity.''5
INTERPRETING THE SYMBOL
The "'Remarks and Explanations" of Thomson and Barton are the only explanation of the symbols' meaning. Despite what anti-Masons may believe, there's no reason to doubt the interpretation accepted by the Congress.
The Pyramid signified Strength and Duration: The Eye over it & the Moto, allude to the many signal interpositions of providence in favor of the American cause. 6
The committees and consultants who designed the great Seal of the United States contained only one Mason, Benjamin Franklin. The only possibly Masonic design element among the very many on the seal is the eye of providence, and the interpretation of it by the designers is difterent from that used by Masons. The eye on the seal represents an active intervention of God in the affairs of men, while the Masonic symbol stands for a passive awareness by God of the activities of men.
The first "official" use and definition of the allseeing eye as a Masonic symbol seems to have come in 1797 with The Freemasons Monitor of Thomas Smith Webb-14 years after Congress adopted the design tor the seal. Here's how Webb explains the symbol.
"[A]nd although our thoughts, words and actions, may be hidden from the eyes of man, yet that All-Seeing Eye, whom the Sun, Moon and Stars obey, and under whose watchful care even comets perform their stupendous revolutions, pervades the inmost recesses of the human heart, and will reward us according to our merits." 7
THE EYE IN THE PYRAMID
Besides the subtly different interpretations of the symbol, it is notable that Webb did not describe the eye as being in a triangle. Jeremy Ladd Cross published The True Masonic Chart or Hieroglyphic Monitor in 1819, essentially an illustrated version of Webb's Monitor. In this first "official" depiction of Webb's symbol, Cross had illustrator Amos Doolittle
depict the eye surrounded by a semicircular glory. 8
The all-seeing eye thus appears to be a rather recent addition to Masonic symbolism. It is not found in any of the Gothic Constitutions, written from about 1390 to 1730. The eye sometimes in a triangle, sometimes in clouds, but nearly always surrounded by a glory was a popular Masonic decorative device in the latter half of the 18th century. Its use as a design element seems to have been an artistic representation of the omniscience of God, rather than some generally accepted Masonic symbol.
Its meaning in all cases, however, was that commonly given it by society at large a reminder of the constant presence of God. For example, in 1614 the frontispiece of The History of the World by Walter Raleigh showed an eye in a cloud labeled "Providentia" overlooking a globe. It has not been suggested that Raleigh' s History is a Masonic document despite the use of the all-seeing eye .
The eye of Providence was part of the common cultural iconography of the 17th and 18th centuries. When placed in a triangle, the eye went beyond a general representation of God to a strongly Trinitarian statement. It was during this period that Masonic ritual and symbolism evolved; and it is not surprising that many symbols common to and understood by the general society made their way into Masonic ceremonies. Masons may have preferred the triangle because of the frequent use of the number 3 in their ceremonies: three degrees, three original grand masters, three principal officers, and so on. Eventually the all-seeing eye came to be used officially by Masons as a symbol for God, but this happened towards the end of the eighteenth century, after congress had adopted the seal. A pyramid, whether incomplete or finished, however, has never been a Masonic symbol. It has no generally accepted symbolic meaning, except perhaps permanence or mystery. The combining of the eye of providence overlooking an unfinished pyramid is a uniquely American, not Masonic, icon, and must be interpreted as its designers intended. It has no Masonic context.
CONCLUSION
It's hard to know what leads some to see Masonic conspiracies behind world events, but once that hypothesis is accepted, any jot and tittle can be misinterpreted as "evidence." The l.
Great Seal of the United States is a classic example of such a misinterpretation, and some Masons are as guilty of the exaggeration as many anti-Masons. The Great Seal and Masonic symbolism grew out of the same cultural milieu. While the allseeing eye had been popularized in Masonic designs of the late eighteenth century, it did not achieve any sort of official recognition until Webb's 1797 Monitor. Whatever status the symbol may have had during the design of the Great Seal, it was not adopted or approved or endorsed by any Grand Lodge.
The seal's Eye of Providence and the Mason's All Seeing Eye each express Divine Omnipotence, but they are parallel uses of a shared icon, not a single symbol.
The Mosaic Floor is an important part of masonic lore. Often in artwork with Masonic symbols in it, there appears a white and black checkered floor. This is often referred to as a the Mosaic floor or the Mosaic pavement.
In some descriptions it is based on the main floor of King Solomon's Temple. Although some dismiss this, there are descriptions making it clear the floor of the temple is made of wood and it's elevated. The argument is stone was not used for an elevated floor. While this is most likely a true argument, it does not take into account a Mosaic floor does not have to be built of stone, merely one of multiple colors. It makes it difficult to prove or disprove what the floor was made of since no archaeological evidence of the Temple of Solomon exists and any written accounts of the temple were most likely done by scribes in the court of Solomon, who had no knowledge of the engineering which went into the building of the temple.
The explanation Freemasons use is the black and white floor of King Solomon's Temple is representative of the good and evil in every man's life. This explanation attempts to explain the reasoning for the floor. It tends to make the concept of the Mosaic floor a more modern creation, at least in it's philosophy. Scribes most likely understood the basic concept of good and evil. Since this fact is not related in the descriptions of the temple it is less likely it was the reasoning for the floor. Again there is no archaeological evidence for the Temple of Solomon so it is hard to say whether it is lost knowledge or a modern interpretation.
Regardless of whether it is meant as a direct representation of the floor in Solomon's Temple or not, the philosophical explanation is what is most important to the Freemason. The reminder good and evil is present in all of our lives is taken as a reminder and as a warning. A reminder there are always those who, by design or by accident, bring unhappiness or "evil" into our daily lives and to be vigilant to those threats and concerns. It reminds us not to just avoid them, but also temper our reaction to those events and actions. It warns us we are just as capable of inflicting unhappiness or "evil" on others.
Freemasons remember it is our own deeds coloring the Mosaic floor. We all have good days and bad days, the goal is to always have the one extra white square balancing our life to the good and not the bad. We keep this balance by how we respond when "evil" enters our life and whether we choose by our actions to insert "evil" into the lives of others. ~MasonryToday
Happy New Year to you and your families for 2023, A.L. 6023.
We are entering into the third quarter of this Grand Lodge year and the “Year of Light” 6023 and as such I challenge all my brothers to keep our light shining bright. In my travels this Grand Lodge year I have seen our Masonic Fraternity in Arizona come together to support each other and share in the rich diversity of our membership. Through our actions may we continue to spread Light and Brotherly Love to the entire Masonic Family in Arizona.
This issue of Arizona Masonry is dedicated to the work and memory of Most Worshipful Brother Rex R. Hutchens. MWB Rex served as Grand Master during the 125th Anniversary of the Grand Lodge of F&AM of Arizona. His theme was
“Masonic Labor is to Learn and Teach Others” which he applied not only to Arizona Masons but to the Masonic
Fraternity in the United States and around the Globe. The light he spread and continues to spread through his many articles and publications has impacted and influenced the studies of countless Masons throughout the Masonic World.
The largest impact I received from MWB Rex was the desire to take on challenges that I would have normally considered too difficult or time consuming. His influence encouraged me to continue to expand my scope of interests and commit to being a lifelong learner and to share the knowledge, I have acquired with not only my brothers, but with family and friends.
As we begin this year of light may we continue to keep the Lamp of Learning burning bright.
“Masonic Labor is to Learn and Teach Others”
“Celebrating the Diversity of Freemasons in Arizona – Together We Build”
Fraternally,
Jim Baker
2022-23 Grand Master
Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
On Saturday November 5, 2022 was the Annual Chevalier Investiture. The Chevalier is the highest award an active DeMolay can receive. This event was attended by DeMolay International Master Councilor, Cooper Crabtree. Two of our own members Mason & Taylor were recipients of this award along with 5 other young men in the state. Saguaro Chapter was also awarded their Chapter Charter, five years in the making and 18 members later it was a very special day. Also the Zerubbabel Key was awarded to the Founding Chapter Chairman Dad Howell and posthumously to Founding Chapter Dad, Dad Zak.
Good day Brethren,
Already February and I hope everyone survived the holidays without too much stress. Now just pay off those credit cards and life goes on. Just a reminder that Valentine’s Day is here. A happy Wife is a happy life. Also, the Lost Dutchman Outdoor Degree is coming up fast. March 4, if you haven’t registered yet please do so soon.
I had a chance to read a cool article that I’d like to share, from the (Ohio) York Rite bulletin from
ter, no one would bother with this small amount. Anyway, the company gets enough fare, and they will never miss it. Accept it as a ‘gift from God’ and stay quiet. When his stop came, he paused at the door and then handed the quarter to the driver and said, “Here you gave me too much change.” The driver smiled and said, “I noticed your Masonic ring and lapel pin. I have been thinking lately about asking a Mason how to join. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. You passed the test. Can you tell me how to become a Mason?”
When the Mason stepped off the bus, he said a silent prayer, “O Grand Architect of the Universe, I almost sold you and my beloved Masons for a mere quarter.”
Our actions are the only Masonic creed some will ever see. This story is an example of how people watch us as Masons and may put us to the test without us realizing it. Remember, whenever you carry the name or a symbol of Masonry in public, you can never tell who might be watching.
2016. It’s titled, Could You Pass This Masonic Test.
A Mason, who always wore his Masonic ring and a lapel pin in public, on some occasions rode the bus from his home to the downtown area. On one such trip, when he sat down, he discovered that the driver had mistakenly given him a quarter too much change. As he considered what to do, he thought, “You’d better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it.” Then he thought, “It’s just a quar-
Meet on the Level, and part on the Square.
Please be safe and enjoy the cool weather, Spring is not far away
Fraternally,
Dewey Jefferson PM
2022 Senior Warden
Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
Some odd 30 plus years ago I began my journey into the Brotherhood of Freemasonry. At that time I asked my father, who was a Mason, about and he encouraged me to join. I did and was initiated, passed and raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in Lancaster Lodge No. 54 in Lincoln, Nebraska. I will be the first to admit, being young and a new parent, I put Lodge night on the back burner as I felt that I was too busy to attend. Well here it is, many years later and I am discover the world of Freemasonry once again. After attending Lodge here in Arizona, I petitioned Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 for dual membership.
I was nervous at the first few meetings, I had forgotten the due guard and sign of the degree we had opened in, but brother stepped forward, put my mind at ease and guided me on. The Brotherhood accepted me and my journey began once more. This time with a passion to learn more about the craft and to participate not only in my education, but to help others in
their journey.
I was asked to sit in the Junior Deacon chair, although somewhat ignorant of the duties, I studied my ritual book, determined to make the duty proud. I now have been asked to sit in the Senior Deacon chair and hope to approach it’s duties with likewise zeal.
I enjoy the lectures, learning more each time I hear them, and the knowledge I gain will always guide me through life and my principles. To any Brother reading this that has drifted awy from the Craft, I wholeheartedly encourage you to once again, attend your blue Lodge, we will welcome you back with open arms and Brotherly Love.
Fraternally,
Steve Murphy
2022 Senior Deacon
Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
Brethren,
Brethren while preparing for this letter I was pondering the discussion that we had in our last stated meeting. The Senior Warden talked to the brethren on the handing out of Poinsettias during Christmas to
recognize the widows of our brothers who have gone home to that celestial lodge above. As masons we are charged to take care of the widows and orphans. We may render service to these beautiful ladies in many ways, it might be as simple as sending her a birthday card or as difficult as helping her clean the house out so she can sell it because she can no longer bear the loneliness anymore.
The tradition of the delivery of flowers (Poinsettias) to
the Lodges widows during the holidays is always one of the favorite projects of many brothers. Some of the ladies are experiencing their first Christmas without their husbands and express their gratitude for the small but meaningful gesture from the lodge letting them know that we are thinking of them and that were here for them should any need arise. As we start this new year let us not forget the widows of our departed brethren, seek out the widows who may need assistance. May we keep in mind of the story of “The Blue Slipper” as stated in the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament. During the time of Boaz, the next of kin were to look after the widow and offspring. In Ruth’s case, the next of kin refused to honor this requirement for Ruth, so Boaz agreed to take up the task. When Boaz met with the next of kin to seal the deal, the next of kin drew off his shoe and handed it to Boaz as a token for the bargain to take care of Ruth. Boaz held the shoe up for all to see as witness of the deal. To this day, the blue slipper symbolized our duty to care for our widows of the fraternity.
Fraternally,
Robert Molloy
From Northern Ireland to Iran, from the Middle east to the United States, religious extremism is a growing force throughout the world. Jarred by the rapid pace of social and cultural change, especially the apparent disintegration of moral values and the break-up of the family, some people within this movement have sought refuge from the complexity of modern life by embracing absolute views and rejecting tolerance of other beliefs.
Simple, easy, seemingly stable answers bring comfort in a rapidly changing world. For example, some churches have responded to the personal anguish of their members by circling the wagons, that is, by strictly defining theological concepts and insisting their members "purify" their fellowship by renouncing any other beliefs.
The next step, already taken by various churches, is to yield degrees of control within their ranks to vocal factions espousing extremist views. These splinter groups focus the congregation's generalized anxieties on specific targets, The proffered cure-all is to destroy the supposed enemy. Freemasonry has become one of these targets precisely because it encourages members to form their own opinion on many important topics, including religion.
Thus some churches have expressed concerns, even condemnations, of Freemasonry. Generally, these actions are based on misunderstandings. A case in point is the June 1993 report to the Southern Baptist Convention by the Convention's Home Mission Board. This report defined eight alleged conflicts between the tenets and teachings of the Masonic Fraternity and Southern Baptist theology.
Let' s briefly look at those areas, as representative of the thinking of some well-meaning but misinformed church members today, and see if the concerns are real or simply a matter of misinformation or misunderstanding.
Most of the issues really deal with language in one way or another. Almost every organization has a special vocabulary of words which are understood by the group. It's hardly appropriate for someone outside a group, and without the special knowledge of the group, to object to the terms unless he or she fully understands them and why they are used.
If someone wants to read the Journal of American Medical Association for example, that is his right-but he doesn't have a right to complain the articles use medical terms. A person reading a cookbook had better know terms like fold, cream the butter, or soft ball have special meanings-or he'll make a mess instead of a cake. The same is true of a non-Mason reading Masonic materials. As to the critique of Freemasonry by the Southern Baptist Convention (which, incidentally, had several positive things to say about Freemasonry), here is a brief explanatory discussion of each point.
1. Because they do not see specific words in their historic context, some critics complain of the prevalent use in Masonry of offensive titles and terms such as Worshipful Master for the leader of a Lodge. The leader of a Masonic Lodge is called the Master of the Lodge for the same reason the head of a Boy Scout troop is called a Scoutmaster, an orchestra's leader is termed the Concert Master, or a highly-skilled electrician is called a Master Electrician. The term arose in the guilds of the Middle Ages when the most skillful workman was called the Master. Much Masonic vocabulary dates from that period. Worshipful in Worshipful Master has nothing to do with worship in any religious sense. Masonically, Worshipful is a term of honor and, in this sense, it is a term still used in England and Canada today to refer to such officials as mayors of cities. Worshipful John Doe means exactly the same thing as the Honorable John Doe. In the same vein, the Mayor of" London is addressed as the Worshipful Lord Mayor. Certainly
there is nothing irreligious here in the use of Worshipful or Lord. Such terms are a matter of history and tradition, not religion.
2. Some critics of Freemasonry object to what they term archaic and offensive rituals or so-called bloody oaths in Masonry. There is nothing offensive in them. They are ancient, not archaic, since many of them are so old their origins are lost in history. But there is nothing bad in that. The Declaration of Independence is about the same age as the Master Mason Degree, but few complain it is "archaic."
The alleged bloody oaths refer to the penalties associated with the Masonic obligations. They originated in the medieval legal system of England and were actual punishments inflicted by the state on persons convicted of opposing political or religious tyranny. Masonry's obligations do not contain any promise ever to inflict any of the penalties or to participate in the execution of them. In Masonry, they are entirely symbolic and refer exclusively to the shame a good man should feel at the thought he had broken a promise,
2023 is the 150th anniversary of the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia. .
https:// pamasonictemple.org/
3. Certain critics claim the recommended readings for the Degrees of Masonry are "pagan" in origin- "Pagan", as they are using the term, simply means "pre-Christian." The major purpose of Masonry is the study of man's intellectual and moral history for the purpose of developing ourselves morally and intellectually. Such a study has to start with the concepts of man and God as held by early cultures and evidenced in their mythologies. The Greeks and Romans, as well as earlier peoples, had much of importance to say on many topics, including religion. The idea that a physician must act in the best interests of his patient comes from the pagan Hippocrates, and the concept that the government cannot break into your house and take what it wants on a whim comes from the pagan Aristotle. None of us would want to live in a world without these ideas.
In almost every field- law, government, music, philosophy, mathematics, etc. -it is necessary to review the work of early writers and thinkers. Masonry is no exception. But to study the work of ancient cultures is not the same thing as to do what they did or believe what they believed. And no Mason is ever told what he should believe in matters of faith. That is not the task of a fraternity, nor a public library, nor the government. That is the duty of a person 's revealed religion and is appropriately expressed through his or her church.
4. Ironically, some people complain about the Bible used in Lodge being referred to as the "furniture" of the Lodge. No disrespect is intended. Indeed, just the opposite is true. Masons use the word "furniture" in its original meaning of essential equipment. Since no Lodge can meet without an open Volume of the Sacred Law, (which in North America is almost always the Bible) the Bible is essential and given a special place of honor as the "furniture" for every regular Lodge.
5. The Masonic use of the term "light" is often misunderstood by non-Masons. This confusion may lead some to think Masons are speaking of salvation rather than knowledge or truth. Nowhere in Masonic
ritual is "light" implied to mean anything other than knowledge. Light was a symbol of knowledge long before it was a symbol of salvation. The lamp of learning appears on almost every graduation card and college diploma. Masonry uses Light as a symbol of the search for truth and knowledge. it is very unlikely that any Mason would think that Light represents salvation.
6. Masonry does not imply salvation may be attained by one's good works. Masonry does not teach any path to salvation. That is the duty of a Church, not a Fraternity. The closest Masonry comes to this issue is to point to the open Bible, and tell the Mason to search there for the path to eternal life. Masonry does believe in the importance of good works, but as a matter of gratitude to God for His many great gifts and as a matter of individual moral and social responsibility. The path to salvation is found in each Mason's house of worship, not in his Lodge.
7. Various critics accuse Masonic writers of teaching the "heresy of universalism." Universalism is the doctrine that all men and women are ultimately saved. Masonry does not teach universalism or any other doctrine of salvation. Again, that' s the province of the church, not a fraternity. You have to look rather hard to find Masonic writers who "teach universalism." Even if you could find one, it's important to remember that any Masonic author writes for himself alone, not as an official of the fraternity. Masonry simply does not have a position, official or otherwise on salvation. Since men of all faiths are welcome in the fraternity, Masons are careful not to offend the faith of any. Possibly this in itself may seem to be universalism to some critics. Masons call it common courtesy.
8. Some critics, less eager to put their own houses in order than to find fault with others, contend most Lodges refuse to admit African Americans as members. Masonry today is not a whites only organization as the hundreds of thousands of Black, Native American, Hispanic and Oriental Masons can testify . Petitions for membership do not ask the race of the petitioner, and it would be considered completely wrong to do so. At the same time it must be said that Freemasonry, like American society and churches in general, has not lived up entirely to its high ideal of brotherhood in dealing with African Americans and other minorities. This is a situation which most Freemasons, like most Americans, are trying to overcome.
There is a schism in Freemasonry dating back over 200 years to when "Prince Hall" Masons, who are African-Americans, declared them selves independent. This schism is similar to the division of the United Methodist Church from the A.M.E., C.M.E., and United Methodist Church from the A.M.E., S.M.E., and A.M.E. Zion churches or the National Baptists from the American and Southern Baptists. In each of these three examples, the organizations are working to repair the damages of centuries of segregation. for each, complete reunification remains an elusive goal hindered by social resistance on both sides,
but not by organizational ideals. In the case of Freemasonry, mutual recognition between "black" and "white" Grand Lodges has proceeded at a steady pace for nearly ten years, while African-American members are increasingly common in formerly "white" Lodges.
For instance, at the international celebration of the 275th anniversary of the Grand Lodge of England in i992 (the most recent Masonic gathering of about the same size as the Southern Baptist Convention), there were far more Blacks present than there were at the Southern Baptist Convention in Houston in 1993. Freemasonry's movement regarding racial matters affirms Masonry's genuine revolution with the rest of American society and churches toward genuine brotherhood among all races.
In summary, looking over the concerns raised in the report, none are the tenants and teachings as the report claims. Four of the concerns are merely misunderstandings of Masonic vocabulary by non-Masons. The complaint that some of the writers whose work Masonry studies are pre Christian could be raised against any study of man, government, or philosophy. Almost all areas of study start with the ancient (pagan) Greeks. All members of the Fraternity know that Masonry does not invade the area of the Church to teach any doctrine of salvation, neither universalism, salvation by works, nor any other. And the objection that Masonry is some sort of whites only club is refuted by the myriad of non whites wearing the Square and Compasses. Freemasonry is simply a Fraternity an organization of men, banded together to further develop themselves ethically and morally, and to benefit the community at large!
With special thanks to Jim Tresner, Masonic Author and John Boettjer, Editor, The Scottish Rite Journal for their work preparing this Short Talk Bulletin.
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.
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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.
Do you have MW Jim Baker’s Polo ?
Jan 2, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
5:00pm DinneratLodge
7:00pmStatedMeeting
9:00pmPostmeetingdiscussionatMountAthos
Jan 5, Pinal Lodge No. 30
7:00pmStatedMeeting
Jan 10, Ocotillo Chapter No. 21 OES Callfortime
Jan 12, Apache Lodge No. 69
7:30pmStatedMeeting
Jan 14, White Mountain No. 3
10:00amStatedMeeting
Jan 14, Globe Chapter No. 7 R.A.M 2:00pmStatedMeeting
Jan 19, Eloy Lodge No. 46
7:00pmStatedMeeting
Jan 21, Memento Mori Widow Sons
Location TBD: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WSMMChapter
11:00amStatedMeeting
Jan 2 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
5:30pmTrusteeMeeting
Jan 9, Sabbar Shrine
7:00pmStatedMeeting
Jan 14 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 FIRST DEGREE
9:00amDegreeBegins
Jan 20, 3rd Fridays Main Street Florence
5:00pmPublicEvent
Jan 22, Grand Lodge of Arizona
RexHutchinsFuneral TucsonScottishRiteBuilding
11:00am
Feb 11, Grand Lodge of Arizona 100yearanniversary
EpesRandolph
June 6-9, Grand Lodge of Arizona GrandCommunication
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.
Theindividualyoureferwillreceiveaseriesofcommunications,thefirstofwhichwill identityyouasthereferralsource.
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!
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
Jim Reid
Josh Seagrave PM
MWGM Rex Hutchens
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
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
Email: jwoode591@gmail.com
WB.
Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com
Robert Molloy
Email: robert_molloy@cox.net
Bro. John Bryon Singer
Email: jbyronsinger@aol.com
Bro. Lee Apger
Email: lkapger@gmail.com
Bro. Steve Murphy
Email: santanman7921@gmail.com
Bro. Mark White
Email: mark.anne2005@gmail.com
Bro. Brian Gay
Email: Email: mark.anne2005@gmail.com
WB Anthony Raimondi
Email: raimondi_57@msn.com
Chairman: WB John Woode Email: jwoode591@gmail.com
Chairman: John Woode Email: jwoode591@gmail.com
Chairman: WB Dewey Jefferson Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com
Chairman: WB Roger Biede III PM Email: roger.biede@gmail.com
Chairman: Brian Gay Email: bg1973@hotmail.com
Chairman: WB Roger Biede III Email: roger.biede@gmail.com
Chairman: John Woode
Email: jwoode591@gmail.com
Roger Biede III PM Chairman
Robert Molloy PM, John Woode
2022-23 Grand Master F. & A.M of Arizona
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.
