February 2024 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 Trestleboard

February 2024

Past Master of Gila Valley Lodge, John Woode, renowned for his leadership and dedication, finally tied the knot with Vicki Ann in a heartfelt ceremony held in Illinois. Surrounded by family, friends, and fellow Masons, the union marked a joyous occasion celebrated by the closeknit community. As a symbol of commitment both in his personal life and Masonic journey, the event resonated with profound significance. The newlyweds embark on this new chapter with the blessings and support of their Masonic brethren.

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Brethren this new year is starting off with a bang which is a good thing. With degrees being planned for the next 5 months were going to need everyones help. From mentoring a new member by helping them learn the work, answer questions and being there guide to helping out in the degree work. Im asking everyone to find your Arizona Ritual, refresh your memory and I guarantee you that as you study the real lessons of Freemasonry will become part of your life. I encourage y”all to learn a new part, a new lecture from the one you already know. Try to find some time each day like this brother did in a story I found on line:

When I saw him later that week, I turned the talk around to the Lodge, and asked him how he was getting on.

"Oh, fine." was his reply.

I asked him about his behaviour, and if there was anything wrong?

"No." was his reply.

"Then why are you reading the Ritual in the toilet?"

"Well." He said. "It's the only TYLED room in the house...."

Don’t forget that Brother Steve Murphy is our point While I was visiting a newly initiated Brother at his of contact with the Pinal County animal shelter, don’t forget to bring food, blankets, toys etc. to our home one day, the new Brother's wife took me to one side and said her husband had started behaving stated meeting and Bro. Steve will take them to the shelter. W. Bro Johnny Wallace will continue to in a very strange manner since joining. provide our masonic education at each stated meet"In what way? I asked her. ing so if their is a subject you would like him to ad"Well," She replied,"He locks himself in the toilet dress please let him know. for hours on end with his little black book mumBrethren remember “Live a good, honorable bling to himself ." life...Then when you get older and think back, you’ll enjoy it a second time”. (Author unknown) Fraternally,

Robert Molloy 2024 Master Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

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We are thrilled to announce some exciting news! In the property ready! For the next couple of months, order to accommodate the tremendous growth we we will have projects that require a wide range of have experienced, after eight wonderful years on skills, talent, and time.

Skyline Drive, Compassion Care Center and ReWe will not stop serving our guests during this time! deemed Threads Ministries are moving to a new All appointments will be conducted virtually or at location!! an alternate location during the permitting process.

During our time on Skyline, we have witnessed the incredible impact the collective body of Christ has had on community. On any given day, 3-5 area churches are represented by volunteers serving side by side as one beautiful body. We firmly believe that God had a purpose for us being here, and we have truly fallen in love with the people and families we serve.

Therefore, when searching for a new location, it was essential for us to remain close to the community we hold so dear. We are delighted to inform you that our new location is less than 3 miles away, on Schnepf Road (We can't wait to share the address soon!)

We kindly ask for your understanding and patience during this transition period. We also will not quit

accepting donations of clothing and housewares. To schedule an appointment with the care center please use our ONLINE application.

We are excited about the endless possibilities that our new location holds. However, to ensure a successful move and the development of the property, we will need the support of our dedicated volunteers and financial contributions. If you would like Our new landlords, who have been major donors to more information about how you can help, please our organization for several years, have generously visit the links below. offered us a 10-year lease at an astonishingly disStay tuned for further updates and announcements. counted rent. We will have double the inside space We truly appreciate your ongoing support, and we of our current location, at less than a 25% monthly are confident that this move will enable us to exincrease. Perhaps the greatest thrill though is the pand compassionate, unified care to those in need. potential to build our own beautiful campus with Thank you once again for your unwavering commitlots of outdoor space as well. Over the past few months, we have been diligently working with them ment to our organization. Together, we can make a and the county on securing the necessary permits. difference in the lives of many.

We are not done yet, but the time has come to ask With gratitude, for your help! While we await the final approval for Jennelle Esquivel, Regional Director AZ the change of use, we need volunteers to help get Compassion Connect 4

Brethren, There are a lot of things that are a part of our Masonic life. Our Brothers, our degrees, memorization, our teachings, and our desire to take a good man and make him better a better man. A lot of what we are has been handed down over the millenniums are traditions. In our traditions there is one that we often take for granted. Let me put it this way, why do we have a Masonic dues card, some say its to show that you are a member of our lodge. And that you are up to date with your financial obligations to our lodge and to the extension the Grand Lodge. So, what does this mean first that you are a Master Mason allowing you to travel to other Lodges here and overseas. What you do not see is the fellowship it gives you, the knowing that at any time there is someone there to help, talk with or share with. A place where you are always welcome and where you are can make a difference in someone’s life. I would call that one amazing little card don’t you.

Fraternally,

Stanley Beard 2024 Junior Warden Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

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

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

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

Other items that are needed: Cleaning supplies - Blankets and towels – Peanut butter (xylitolfree) – Pet Food—Medicine - Office supplies - Grooming tools 7

Good day Brethren, February is here already, and George Washington’s Birthday is this month. So I would like to talk about him a little bit.

the colony. Fairfax gave him his first job, surveying the lands of the Shenandoah Valley. Through his surveying work, George was able to earn enough money to begin buying plots of land. By the age of On February 22, 1732, in the British Common21 (now employed as the official surveyor of the wealth of Virginia, Mary Ball Washington gave county of Culpeper), he owned more than 1500 birth to her first son. Although she could not have acres, all purchased out of his own accounts. In possibly understood the importance of his birth at 1752, George’s older brother Lawrence died, enthe time, his name, George Washington, would dowing him with the care of Mount Vernon estate someday become synonymous with the founding of and asking him to replace his office as an adjutant the general of the colony. His responsibilities included Unit- overseeing the militia of the districts. ed In 1753, George successfully carried a British ultimatum to the French in the Ohio River Valley. A year later, he served as a Colonel in the French and Indian war. By the late 1700s, the public knew well of Washington’s military skill. It just so happened the American Revolution was taking shape. In 1755, George was appointed military advisor for New York, defending it from British attack. Weeks later, the Second Continental Congress appointed him Commander-in-Chief of the entire military, a position he did not seek and asked not to be paid for.

In the beginning, Washington’s military maneuvers consisted mainly of sharp correspondence with the British. He lost his first battle but was overwhelmingly successful in New Jersey. By 1781, with a bedraggled but determined regiment behind him, States of America. Washington’s childhood offered Washington forced the surrender of Cornwallis at few omens of greatness. He was one of ten children Yorktown. The war was won. Washington's success (six by Mary Ball and four by his father's first wife) next brought him to the duty of presiding over the in an aristocratic Virginian family, bent almost exConstitutional Convention in 1789. By the time the clusively on growing tobacco and preparing timber. Constitution was enacted, He was elected President, Washington received his primary education at a a position he took with reluctance. He served two nearby churchyard school and then was sent to a terms, managing the affairs of a nation in the debt boarding school 30 miles away. He enjoyed learn- of war, and refused a third term in 1796. ing about the practical world (how to count one’s goods and be a good gentleman farmer) but was not Three years later, he died at Mount Vernon of what versed in the literary classics of the day, nor did he physicians say may have been strep throat. The excel in reading or languages. country mourned as it never had before.

Dewey Jefferson

In Washington’s early teens his formal education came to an end. When George was 16, he met Lord Thomas Fairfax, an Englishman who owned an enormous tract of land in the northern neck of

2024 Senior Warden Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 8

On Friday, February 9, 2024 we had a Chapter Lock-In Membership event for some fun and to prep for our Rummage Sale the next morning. The members, prospect and advisors were fed well, helpful, energetic and at times super silly.

The young men had fun going through the donations and getting to pick out something(s) for themselves that ranged from dress shirts (for DeMolay), jackets and/or a gift for a family member/friend or just something fun. Unfortunately we had to cancel the Rummage Sale the next morning due to rain and waking up to a very flooded and muddy parking lot. Although not a lot of sleep for any of us, it was a lot fun.

The

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https://www.yumraising.com/.../iorgmesaa_iorg.../AnnDel1576/ Hello, Mighty Mesa See’s candy storefront is open now, please share with friends and family. orders will ship directly to you!!! Let me know if you have any questions

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

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

vice.

Grand Care is an Arizona non-profit corporation and gratefully accepts IRS 501(C) (3) tax-deductible contributions from individuals, business and groups Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission. You can mail donations to P.O. Box 64251, Tucson, Arizona 85728 4251 or send them securely through our certified PayPal account.

https://azgcare.org/

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The George Washington Memorial Society comprises a select group of members who are dedicated to supporting the Memorial and its Mission. The purpose of the Society is to raise support for the George Washington Masonic National Memorial’s operations and to increase awareness of the Memorial’s mission among Freemasons and the wider community.

The emblem of the Society is a special version of the official crest of The George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association. An image of the Memorial building in the center of the emblem serves as an important reminder of the commitment that each member of the George Washington Memorial Society has made.

Please note that GWMS membership is for individuals only. Lodges are encouraged to consider the Society of Washington Lodges, and other opportunities for support are available for lodges and other organizations as well.

Charter Membership is conferred for contributions of $1,000 or more to the Memorial with the membership application, and $250 or more per year thereafter.

Your Memorial Society dues benefit our annual fund, and are put to use to support the daily operations of the Memorial. To support the restoration work, consider an additional contribution to the Landmark Century Campaign.

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Feb 1, Pinal Lodge No. 30

Feb 20, Second Degree

7:00 pm Stated Meeting

7:00 pm Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

Feb 8, Apache Lodge No. 69

March 2, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

7:30 pm Stated Meeting

Lost Dutchman Outdoor Degree

Feb 10, White Mountain No. 3

March 11, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

10:00 am Stated Meeting

Friend to Friend Program

Feb 10, Globe Chapter No. 7 R.A.M 2:00 pm Stated Meeting

March 22-24, Leadership/Masonicon Feb 15, Eloy Lodge No. 46

Grand Lodge of Arizona Prescott Conference Center

7:00 pm Stated Meeting

Feb 17, Memento Mori Widow Sons

June 6-8, Annual Communication

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

Grand Lodge of Arizona Mesa

11:00 am Stated Meeting

Feb 19, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 7:00 pm Stated Meeting

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The “Capitular” or Chapter Degrees of Freemasonry refers the four degrees of the York Rite system that follow the “blue lodge” or “Craft” degrees. The Holy Royal Arch is the final degree and the culmination of the Chapter experience for a candidate. The Chapter is the second body of the York Rite of Freemasonry (following the Symbolic or 'Blue' Lodge), though in some Jurisdictions it is considered the completion of the initial three degrees and is part of the regular Craft experience. All Master Masons are eligible for membership. Contact RW Jim Baker, or WB Paul Dore at pauldoresr@cox.net for more information

Do you have a son 12-21 years Old? Saguaro Order of the DeMolay is the premier youth leadership organization building young men of character and dedicated to making young men better people and leaders and sponsored by Gila Valley Lodge 9, Pinal Lodge No. 30, and Eloy Lodge No. 46 Meetings are held twice monthly on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month starting at 6:00 pm. All parents are welcome and are encouraged to attend and get involved in this great organization. They meet at Pinal Lodge #30 located at 1140 E. Florence Blvd., Casa Grande, Arizona 85122.

Great Men wear a Fez! We're counting on you… Who do you know that would make a good Mason and Shriner? A friend? A family member? A coworker? Commit to making a difference!

The future of our fraternity relies on your commitment.

CLICK HERE TO REFER A GOOD MAN The individual you refer will receive a series of communications, the first of which will identity you as the referral source.

The Scottish Rite is a Masonic organization that continues a Master Mason's education of the first three degrees. The Scottish Rite is one of several appendant groups of the worldwide fraternity known as Freemasonry. Each Valley has up to four Scottish Rite bodies, and each body confers a set of degrees. In the Southern Jurisdiction these are the Lodge of Perfection (4°-14°). Chapter Rose Croix (15°-18°), Council of Knights Kadosh (19°-30°), and the Consistory (31°-32°). The 33rd Degree is an honorary degree awarded for exceptional service. Have a question? Ask a Personal Rep!

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The Widows Sons, Masonic Riders Association is a group of Master Masons who have gathered together to promote Freemasonry within the motorcycling community and help introduce motorcycling to our non-riding Masonic brethren. As Freemasons we are committed to "Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth" tenets of our lives, as Widows Sons we are devoted to supporting Widows and Orphans of our Masonic brethren. We hold events and rides as fundraisers for this noble cause, and other charitable causes. The chapters in Arizona are very diverse with members from various areas, lodges, and a variety of motorcycles.

The goal of the Ladies’ Oriental Shrine, as set forth at the organizational meeting in 1903, is to promote sociability, good fellowship and the betterment of all Ladies connected with the organization. Our Ladies participate in parades, mini-clinics, Shrine Circuses, and much more. Ladies may choose to be active in a variety of special interest Units within each local Court such as Oriental Bands, Patrols, Clown or Dance Units. Our Ladies are always ready to display their pageantry and glamour in order to show the public how much they enjoy their activities.

Today, LOSNA has nearly 8,000 members in 64 Courts across North America and even members in Japan and Taiwan.

High Twelve is an association of Master Masons who desire an hour of Masonic fellowship independent of the formal ritual of Lodge but dedicated to the service to the fraternity. High Twelve was founded by E. C. Wolcott in Sioux City, Iowa on May 17, 1921.

We practice the great lessons of Freemasonry and encourage members to attend and participate in their Blue Lodge activities. High Twelve unifies Master Masons from many Lodges in an association where fellowship grows into lasting friendships. As High Twelve Masons, we support the Public School System and encourage participation in constructive community activities. There are over 300 active High Twelve Clubs with 25,000 members in the United States, Canada and Foreign Countries.

www.azmasoniclibrary.org 17

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

Anthony Raimondi Larry Hayes

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

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Chip Frizzell Jose Martinez Michael Britt Ron LeDuc

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1/23/1986 1/18/2010 1/5/2013 1/5/2013

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Email: robert_molloy@cox.net

WB. Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com

Stanley Beard Email: robert_molloy@cox.net

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

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

Chairman: WB Robert Molloy

Bro. Ronald Wayne Email: pogobeast@icloud.com

Chairman: John Woode Email: jwoode591@gmail.com

Chairman: WB Dewey Jefferson

Bro. Mark White Email: mark.anne2005@gmail.com

Chairman: WB Roger Biede III PM

Chairman: Mark White

Bro. Steve Murphy Email: santanman7921@gmail.com

Chairman: WB Roger Biede III

Bro. Brian Gay Email: Email: mark.anne2005@gmail.com

Chairman: John Woode

WB Anthony Raimondi

Robert Molloy PM Chairman

Email: raimondi_57@msn.com

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Mark White, John Woode PM

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

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

Leadership Through Serving.

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

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

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

Motto: Always be Humble and Kind.

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

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

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

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

Grand Master Grand Lodge of F&AM of Arizona George R. Rusk 22

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

S .

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

Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 continues to follow this tradition and is honored to be still one of the remaining “Moon Lodges” in the United States. Our Stated Meetings are the Monday On or Before the Full Moon of the Month, The Lodge also goes “Dark” during the summer months of July and August, where no Stated Meetings are 23held.