Printed Every Month 129th Anniversary
JULY 2019
The 137th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Arizona was very memorable for a number of Masons from Gila Valley Lodge No. 9. More than 300 Masons and guests descended on the Doubletree by Hilton in Tucson Arizona on June 7– 2019 for some great Masonic Fellowship and to celebrate MWB Craig L. Gross, Grand Master of Masons of Arizona. WB Jim Baker PM was elected Junior Grand Warden for the 2019-2020 Masonic Year. It was a well deserved honor and we look forward to 2023 when he ascends the Grand East. Gila Valley Lodge was further honored by being recognized as having the best website in the Jurisdiction, the best rated Trestleboard in the small Lodge category, and earned the prestigious Master Architect Award for the seventh time our history and the fifth year in a row. We have a number of Brothers from Gila Valley serving the Grand Lodge on Committees and WB Roger Biede PM was appointed as Junior Grand Steward for the 2019-2020 Masonic Year.
Introducing the 2019-2020 Grand Master of the Grand Lodge F & AM of Arizona MWB Greg A. Vasquez Greg Vasquez is an Arizona native, born and raised in Northern Arizona. Hes is a graduate of Northern Arizona University, Bachelor of Science and Arizona State University, Master of Technology Management. He was Initiated, Passed and Raised in Chandler Lodge No. 34, now Chandler Thunderbird No. 15, in 2005. He served as WM of Chandler 34 in 2010 and as WM of Chandler Thunderbird 15 in 2011. As he likes to say; "I am the last PM of Chandler 34, and the first PM of Chandler Thunderbird 15
Are we really dark for the Summer? Brethren It's hard to believe half the year is already over and done with, but half the year being done, means we still have a whopping six months to go. This year going dark does not mean we're all going away. There are plenty of opportunities to meet up and spend time with our brothers both in and out of the lodge! Starting July 1st, the lodge will be open to all our members every Monday, bringing the lodge to a new level of consistent activity that I think will strengthen the brotherly love of the lodge and better groom our newest members to become the next generation of officers for Gila Valley. We have a number of social events coming up starting with a night out at top golf. Later in the summer we have our annual family picnic planned by Bro. Lee and his wonderful wife! I always love going over to their club house and spending time at the pool. Especially when it is over 100 degrees outside! We also have a ton of degrees to do in the coming six months and that all starts with practice, which we are going to do this summer. Coming up is the practice 1st degree where our JD John Woode is making his first attempt in the east, the first of many I would bet if I were a betting man! Keep an eye out on the Facebook page or these monthly Trestleboards as the Lodge is more active than ever and we do have events popping up all the time! Speaking of this, how connected are you to Gila Valley? If you are reading this then you do receive our Trestleboard. If you are on Facebook, I hope that you ‘like’ our page. Do you follow us on Twitter? We have also added an app that you can get in android or iphone app stores that the Lodge uses to communicate, have you been added to our group? Have you seen our new website? Excuse me, the award winning new website. WB Daniel has launched a members only section of the website which we will use to communicate and share papers and info. I hope that you have signed up for that too! As I mentioned, the Lodge is incredibly active right now and that does no good if you are not hearing about it. I urge you to join one, if not all of these mediums to keep up to date. We love having you attend these events and you cannot if you don’t hear about them! We are also doing a lot with the city through Bro. Gales Community Outreach Committee. All of these activities are listed in the communication mediums above! I hear that the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce Casino night is a BLAST! See WB Roger for tickets! I hope everyone has a fantastic summer a safe and happy 4th of July! Hope to see you real soon!
Anthony Raimondi 2019 Master Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
After becoming a Master Mason I was asked to join a motorcycle riding group called the Widow's Son's. They are a group of Master Mason's who love to ride motorcycles. The purpose of the Widow's Son's is to ride and raise money for those less fortunate. The Widows Sons MRA is comprised of good men from around the world. Each Chapter falls under their jurisdictions recognized by their own Grand chapter, and is separate from other grand chapters and their sub chapters. We are NOT a Motorcycle Club (MC) or a 1% outlaw group. We are good men who love to ride Motorcycles. We are considered a Motorcycle or Masonic Riders Association (MRA) depending on your jurisdiction which promotes great causes like supporting our Brothers in need or children with medical needs at the Shriner’s Hospitals.
The Chapter I belong to is devoted to helping battered women and children. We are a new chapter and are working on fundraising rides to accomplish this. Since the founding the Widows Sons has grown world wide spanning from the United States, Canada, Ireland, UK, Japan, Scotland, and Mexico just to name a few. The Widows Sons MRA prides itself on its charitable duties and strong belief in Faith, Hope and Charity. We support our Masonic lodges by providing a positive outlet for riding with our like minded brethren of Masonry while enjoying the fellowship of our Fraternal Brotherhood. The Widows Sons is open to Master Masons in good standing with their respective Grand Lodges who own and ride a motorcycle of 500cc or more. Membership is subject to the Grand Chapter of one’s area. We will have two (2) annual rides to help accomplish our goal as well as monthly rides to different eating establishments in Pinal County Arizona for our meetings and to make ourselves visible to the public. We also ride in parades in Pinal County as well. Riding with the Widow's Son's is so exhilarating in the way we raise funds to help those in need by doing something we love to do. If you are interested in more information or what to come out for a ride let me know! We are always looking for good men to join our ranks! Also, before I forget, another cause dear to my heart are First Responders. I think that we all know that the Lodge puts on a breakfast every couple months to thank them. Come out and join us and help to Thank them, they really really appreciate it! Next one is on September 7th! More info coming soon! Fraternally,
Eric Smith 2019 Senior Warden Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
Brothers, This last Grand Lodge Session saw Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 walk away with many awards and honors for 2 of our Past Masters. In case you have been toiling away in the quarries the last month and aren’t aware of what we have achieved I will sum up for you: our Lodge achieved the Master Architect award for the fifth year in a row. The purpose of this Award is used as a gauge for multiple official visits, putting on 1 of each of the degrees and having regular Masonic Education to name a few. We also won an award for our Masonic Trestle Board “The Old Post” which you are currently reading and tirelessly put together by our own Junior Past Master Roger Biede II judged against all other “small Lodges”. We also won the award for the best website which our Past Master Daniel Genchi and Bro. John Anderson completely revamped. The important thing to note here is not only did we win it in the category of “small” Lodge but the head of that award committee said we would have won against any Lodge in the State big or small and he since asked Brother Daniel to serve on that same committee. If you haven’t already seen it, check it out here www.gilavalleylodge9.com. It is custom at the Grand Communication for the incoming Grand Master to name his appointees to the Grand Line and one of those honored Brothers were Roger Biede III who’s hard work and dedication to the craft has been recognized and rewarded. What this means is Roger might be our Grand Master in 7 years! The other Gila Valley Brother that walked away with a high honor was that of our long time Secretary and Past Master Jim Baker who was ELECTED to the position of Junior Grand Warden. Jim’s journey to the exalted position of Grand Master of Masons in Arizona is only 4 short years away. If you haven’t caught on to how special that is, it means that in the next 7 years our highest position for Mason will be filled by 2 of our Lodge Brothers! I wonder if that has ever happened in our Lodge before? It is important that we do not sit back on our laurels not but keep progressing and moving in the right direction. We need to make our ritual a priority and be letter perfect. We need to make our meetings and committees to be run tighter and we need to impress upon our candidate and prospects that this is the only Lodge to join! This takes work from all of us, volunteer for an Officer position or join a committee. Learn the ritual, hold others accountable on their ritual work. Be a little more “professional” during meetings in act and dress. We can achieve so much with a few tweaks here and there because we need to show other Masons the reason why Gila Valley will be in the Grand East twice within a decade, let’s not let Jim and Roger down. Fraternally,
WB Ryan Kann PM Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
Come out with your friends and family to Top Golf for a fun night of drinks and fun. Skill at Golf is not needed, a fun time is guaranteed! Come out some good times with the Lodge and families! Please RSVP to Bro. Joe so that we have enough bays! Guinnjoe@gmail.com. Top Golf Gilbert 1689 S Santan Village Pkwy, Gilbert, AZ 85295
Come out and enjoy some pool time with the Brethren as we celebrate summer but hitting the pool! Burgers, Dogs, Buns, Condiments, Plates, Cups, Utensils, provided by Lodge. Bring a dish to share: Salads, Desserts, Chips, etc. Bring your own Beverages Bring the Family, this is a children included event! If you would like to help with cooking or purchasing the food call Lee at 520-705-7367
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 in February! 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
What do you want from Masonry? Men join the ranks of Masonry for many reasons. Some of them know exactly what they are looking for while others are searching for that certain something. While each person is different with different priorities, we all ended up here at the same place at the same Lodge. How does this affect the function of the Lodge? Sure in some jurisdictions there are lodges that cater to a certain vocations, or hobbies. I once visited a Lodge in Atlanta that was started by members of the local phone company and for years that is who made up their membership. There are also football (Soccer) Lodges in England, and a number of individual college alumni Lodges around the world. In those cases, the Lodge can cater their works somewhat specifically, in a normal Lodges it is not so easy. Can our Lodge or any Blue Lodge be everything to all people? Quick answer, probably not, but what we can do is focus on what we do and do it well. Blue Lodges are special places and the beginning to our Masonic journey and should be so treated. We do need to regard our ritual and ceremonies with the seriousness and solemnity that they deserve. This is not a supper club or the Elks, we are Masons. The rituals and ceremonies are the basis of Freemasonry and something that should be the foundation of all that we do. The Grand Master’s theme this year is Back to Basics and I would challenge us all to do just that. We must also live our lives as prescribed in our ritual and by our own Volume of Sacred Law. Next to that, the Blue Lodge should be a place to grow, to learn, to work on our rough ashlars, however that might be. How is Gila Valley Lodge working towards that? I am glad you asked…. In July we are beginning “Monday’s at the Lodge” to work on our rough ashlars. We are putting aside these unstructured nights and replacing them for education, to work on ritual, and to get to know your Brothers. We hope that the new Masons will use it to discuss their proficiencies, Officers to practice their ritual, and more experienced Masons to share their knowledge. These will be organic get togethers aimed and adapting to each other needs and wants. Come down and work in the quarry, we would love to have you! Fraternally, Roger Biede III JGS 2019 Junior Warden
Brothers, Another Masonic year has come to its midpoint. As we enter the dark months for our Masonic calendar year it is sometimes helpful to reflect on what we have accomplished so far and to look forward to what is yet to come. As the chairperson for the Candidate Education Committee, I cannot help but to focus on the great strides our little Lodge has made in the way of improving Masonic Education amongst our candidates and petitioners. A little over a year ago, we set out to revive our candidate progression process with the intent of better preparing our brother in the understanding of the degrees. We set out with one purpose, to put together a program that best equipped our members to answer one basic question: “How does Masonry make YOU a better man?” We have heard that slogan time and again “Making Good Men Better”, but how often do we stop to ask ourselves
“How?”. In the pursuit of finding an answer to this, the mentor team and I have come across some profoundly insightful realizations. Not the least of which is that our candidates are more than capable of confidently answering that question if we only provide them with the proper format and vehicle to do so. Our mentoring and candidate education program leverage the basic foundations of Freemasonry the three principle tenets of Freemasonry; Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. By focusing on these tenets, we have been able to build stronger connections with our petitioners and candidates, we have been able to dive more deeply into Masonic ritual meaning and understanding, we have been able to create an
environment where Masonry becomes a personalized experience for each Brother as he progresses through the degrees. In the past year, we have tweaked and tinkered with this program. We have sought out and implemented feedback. By listening to what works and what does not we have been able, as a committee, to home in on the best parts of our program. The connections that we are building within our Lodge are nothing short of astounding. True friendships are being developed between our brothers. We are seeing higher participation in fraternal activities within the Lodge. We are witnessing a high percentage of Brothers who are not only able to complete full open lodge proficiencies, but they are able to speak to the degree lectures and ceremonies confidently. This alone is a truly gratifying and enrichening experience for not only the candidate, but for the Lode as a whole.
While we are miles away from where we want to be, we are undoubtedly moving in the right direction. If you have not seen our Lodge program, then I invite you to do so. If you would like to have a hand in helping to shape its path, then I welcome your interest. We are making Masonry better by making good men better, and when you ask us how, you will undoubtedly receive the most confident of answers. Fraternally,
WB Daniel Genchi 2019 Chaplain 2011-2012 Past Master Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
at the June First Responders Appreciation breakfast, Bro. Joe Guinn showed up with a fun new toy! A General Lee Orange Jeep! He promises to take any and all for a ride when the weather cools off a bit!
and they do not have beards!! Pictures are coming out of Ohio and early indications are that John Woode’s brother and sister do NOT have beards
Rylee Jade Ringer is happy and healthy and growing up quickly! She does not quite like having her picture taken just yet but that will come! Look out for the modeling picture soon!
A lot of people have many experiences or Journeys that they will go on throughout their lives. The same can be said about the journey in Freemasonry. So allow me to take you on the Journey that helped me get to where I am today in Freemasonry. Freemasonry for me began before I was born. I had a Father who had gone through the degrees and participated in the Scottish Rite when he was younger as well as a grandfather who has been involved in his Blue lodge as well as the Chapter, Council, and The Order of the Amaranth. Then also a Grandmother who was involved in Eastern Star, White Shrine, and The Order of the Amaranth. With this as a back drop when I was a kid I was well aware of the Lodge and was an active individual in helping out with Lodge events that were sponsored by the groups my Grandparents were active in. It was when I started my freshman year in college that I truly started to see and understand what the craft was all about. I started to spend a lot more of my free time over with my grandparents and wanted to find out more about what they were up to and why they were always out and about 2 or 3 nights a week. My Grandparents started to invite me out to more of their events that were going on such as the dinners for Amaranth, Masonic monthly breakfasts, and assisting in helping out around the lodge with any and all work that needed to be done such as setting up the room for the next group that was meeting that day. While I was spending my time here during my free time I was getting to meet a lot of the men and women that were involved and they left a lasting impression on me and this is what helped lead me to want to ask. Now my Grandfather was a really big influence on me in making the decision to join the Lodge when I did. Now it also helped when he kept asking me so when are you going to submit a petition, or when we would see other brothers he would say things like well he is thinking about petitioning the lodge soon. All of those comments helped me to come to the conclusion that I should get involved. Although he never said to me he you need to join he always made me feel welcome and never pushed me into anything without me making the decision to want to do it.
Which leads us to where I am today. As soon as I moved out here to Arizona I didn’t know very many people and I happened to see the lodge building in downtown historic Florence. I wasn’t sure on where to go to find out information about the lodge or how to go about starting the process. But I received an email and a phone call from Brother Jim Baker, who was the Secretary at the time, and he informed me when they would meet and where the brothers would eat before the meetings. So I made my way out and met some of the greatest men that I would later call brother. Now that I have been a member at Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 in Historic Florence AZ I have continued to make my way through the Journey. I have now taken on the position of Jr. Deacon and I cannot wait to see what comes up next on my masonic journey. Until next time Keep on the Level and stay true as the Plumb Brothers. Fraternally,
Brother John Woode Junior Deacon Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
Saguaro Chapter order of DeMolay Chapter Dad and Senior DeMolay member Ray Zak passed on July 22nd. No other details are available at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Chapter Secretary, Kathy Zak and their family. Our Demolay Chapter and Pinal Lodge No. 30 has been blessed to have been supported by such a great man
And WB Jim Baker is the current High Priest! 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 WB Jim Baker, High Priest, or 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 most universal, recognizable, and distinguishable part of Masonic regalia is the apron. An apron is proudly worn by every Brother, from the youngest Entered Apprentice to the Most Worshipful Grand Master. This apron speaks to the ancient linage of the Craft, as it evolved from the aprons worn by the operative stone masons as the worked in the quarries and building sites. The shape and form has changed much from those days, but in Speculative Masonry the apron has always been a badge, an emblem, and a symbol.
possible, and if it is decorated, it is done so with the greatest artistic merit and beauty possible, so as not to sully its emblematic purity.
Symbolically, the apron reminds its wearer of the ties of brotherhood, and his duties to his brothers. It is also symbolic of the age of the Craft, uniting the wearer into the long chain of speculative and operative Masons that stretches back through the centuries. The apron can also symbolize As a badge, the apron marks a the authority one man as a Brother. It is presentman may have to ed to him upon his first initiainstruct another who tion, and worn by him to the has not progressed as grave. It signifies that he has far in the degrees decided to unite himself with and the knowledge the Masonic Fraternity, and of the mysteries of subscribe to its tenants and Freemasonry. The edicts. As such, it must always shape of the apron be worn when in lodge. The the square of its manner of wearing the apron identifies his status in the de- body, the triangle of its flap, and the circle of its cords - hold grees to other Brothers, and certain aprons are decorated in symbolic truths, as does the blue edging, for those willing to such a way as to mark the role played by its wearer in the seek them out. governance and operation of the Lodge. The apron is our most common, and the most beautiful The apron, as a white lambskin, is an emblem of purity: reminder of our obligations and oaths, and if always kept White being the color of innocence, and the lamb being the before our eyes will inspire us to ever live worthy of the emblem of a pure sacrifice. It is made of the whitest leather honor of wearing it .
Yes, that is the scuttlebutt, there are enough Jeep owners at Gila Valley that initial talks are in the works to form a club and start exploring the trails. No word from the powers that be on whether those with 4X4’s not of the Jeep persuasion will be allowed to tag along. First planned trips will be occurring soon so reach out now. For information, Contact club President Bro. Joe Guinn at guinnjoe@gmail.com. I hear that there might be club t-shirts and drink cozies for the charter members of the group!
Historic Florence’s own American Legion is celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the founding of American Legion all year and their own 100th Anniversary on August 3 with a large block party! Come down to Downtown Florence and partake in the fun, food, drinks and games to entertain everyone of any age! There will be watermelon eating contests, gunny sac races, egg tosses, and too much more to list! There will even be a cornhole tournament for those that feel like throwing some bags! Come on down and support the local Legion and have some fun with your Brothers and Friends! See the flyer for contact names for more information and to register for the cornhole.
CALIENTE COFFEE CLUB SINCE 1985
First and third Tuesday at 9:00 am Caliente Club House, Florence ARizona
MASONIC CONVERSATION, FELLOWSHIP, and EDUCATION For Information call Dewey at 520.576.2329
Curtis Johnson WB John O’Hara PM WB Delbert Lewis PM WB Ray Osbourn PM WB Rick Laird PM WB Billy Bayless Family of Bro. Ray Zak WB Forest Hammer WB James Rolle
Baby Rylee Ringer Baby Miguel Martinez MW Grand Master of Arizona First Responders The Armed Forces Our Veterans Our dearly departed Brethren Brethren Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
All Masons withersoever dispersed
July Birthday Spencer Sego Nic Genchi Ken Stewart James Heard Eric Nelson
July Anniversary 7-4 7-7 7-14 7-22 7-24
Aug Birthday Art Halpin Ron Miller Ethan Watkins Gene Anderson Daniel Genchi
8-4 8-6 8-6 8-8 8-14
Boyd Johnson Richard Platt
7-15-1983 7-22-1985
August Anniversary Derek Dorman Mark Nielsen Tom Williams John Anderson
8-2-2012 8-6-1996 8-22-2015 8-26-1961
September Anniversary Don Richard Charles Logan Art Halpin Eric Smith Gene Anderson
9-13-1962 9-21-1991 9-22-1992 9-26-2015 9-29-1966
By Brother Joe Guinn - Gila Valley Lodge 9 F&AM The morning of my Entered Apprentice Degree was full of awe and wonder as I made my way blindfolded by Brother Dewey I had this incredible sense of peace that everything was right in what I was doing. I made my way around the lodge room listening to words that were said to me, the pause for prayer, the sound of the gavel as I passed the stations in the south, west, and east, kneeling at the altar repeating words that I understood to be a lifelong commitment. I came into the light, and I started receiving instructions, I was being taught Masonry through this highly symbolic, an ancient ritual that I was taking part in. I knew that millions of men had walked where I was walking, and I felt connected to them. I thought about my great grandfather and the connection that I wish I was able to talk to him about that morning. I sat listening to Daniel, a man that had become a friend and was now a brother as he gave an explanation and the correlation of so many of the symbols throughout the lodge. It was during this time that he said something that was so familiar to me, but at the same time was foreign. Daniel was explaining the symbolism of Jacob's Ladder when he said Faith, Hope and… I was about to say it with him, he was quoting the last verse in 1 Corinthians 13, the LOVE chapter of the bible. He was going to say LOVE and I knew it. I’ve been to weddings even having been the performing minister who used this same verse, I grew up going to church memorizing scripture, I even have a seminary degree. These words are something that I know that I Know, that I KNOW. I was sure of it. But he didn’t say, love. The next word was charity? Then he said the greatest of these is charity as if to finish the verse substituting charity for love in an otherwise perfect quote of 1 Corinthians 13:13. There was so much else being said that I didn’t at the moment have even a second to stop and think about it because I was too busy trying to take everything in. But later that evening at home I began thinking about the concept of Faith, Hope, and Love, and the difference of substituting the word Charity instead of Love. Having taken hermeneutics in college I did what any trained theologian does and went back to the Greek. The reason for this is that just like the word whisky, love has many different meanings. You see when I tell someone that I enjoy whisky the educated listener might ask what type of whisky do I enjoy? They know that there are scotches, bourbons, rye’s, Irish, Canadian, Japanese, blends, and more. Yes, all are whisky and yet, they are all uniquely dif
ferent. But love in our English language is used to convey many different feelings with but a single word. I use the same word when I say that I love pizza and to tell my children that I love them. How can this be? Do I have the same feeling about the pizza that I do about my children? I don’t. That's just silly but I daily use that same word to describe so many different feelings. So back to the Greek. Ancient Greek had at least 4 distinct words for love. They can have vary- The Vision of Jacobs Ladder ing meanings based on context further showing that even 4 words were not enough and as the Greek language developed there were as many as 4 more words added for love. I’m just going to focus on the 4 words in Ancient Greek as this is what the bible was written in. These are the 4 words that were used at the turn of the first century. Eros or the type of love involving mostly the physical passion between a man and a woman. Philia describing what is best described as brotherly love towards friends, family, and even community. This is also used to express the enjoyment of an activity such as I love cooking. Storge is most commonly used to express the natural empathy and affection between parents and children. Within context, this word can also be used to describe the affection for one's country or even a favorite sports team. Agape the greatest of love, and the word that is found in 1 Corinthians 13:13 that was replaced by the word “Charity” in masonry and used in the explanation of Jacob's ladder. Agape is called the greatest love because it is an unconditional love for another that can not be earned through attraction, commonality, or family connection. It is described as the Love that God loves us with, and what we show to our fellow man when we give of ourselves with no (cont.)
that I Philia you. But on the third time Jesus asks, Peter do you Philia me, to which Peter responds You know that I What I found was that Agape was the word for love in First Philia you. Corinthians. I immediately thought, wow that makes total sense. You see I knew this word, as well as being very famil- You see this conversation Jesus asks Peter the first two iar with the other 3 words because I had spent an entire se- times if he has an unconditional love for Him, but Peter mester in college studying the book of John. Also known as wasn’t able to return that love yet so he told him that I love the “love gospel,” and spend a fair amount of time focused you like a brother. The third time was different. You see Jesus in a demonstration of this agape unconditional love on the word love throughout the book. lowers the question. Jesus realized that Peter wasn’t there There is one place where this word is used that I immediyet, so Jesus ately thought of upon my finding. It was a very powerful use asked Peter if of the Greek language that unfortunately is lost in translahe loves him tion in our modern bibles. It’s found in the 21st chapter of like a brother, John when Jesus and Paul sit down and have what my and Peter is figrandma might call a come to Jesus meeting. nally able to reIf you are familiar with Peter at all you might recall that Je- spond to Jesus sus after having dinner with the disciples proclaimed that in the same way one of those closest to him would deny him, not once, but that he was three times. Among those wondering who it might be. Peter asked the question. vehemently declares that he would never do such a thing. We all know that charity can be used to describe giving to But when the opportunity came Peter proved that his acthose less fortunate but if that is where you stop you miss tions were not as strong as his words, and ultimately he pubout on something so much greater. I asked Google “what is licly denied Jesus 3 times. charity,” and the 3rd definition I was given was “kindness Fast forward a couple of weeks and we find Jesus asking and tolerance in judging others” and the synonyms under Peter if he loves Him. Peter says yes, I love you. This is ex- this definition included words such as compassion, concern, change happens 3 times and each time the same answer is kindness, sympathy, understanding, thoughtfulness, tolerreturned as the first. I have heard many a preacher attempt ance, and decency. This is the charity that Jesus showed to to unpack this and their explanation based on their own Peter, and what we as men and masons should be demonsurface understanding always bring them to the conclusion strating to the world. that the 3 times was significant because Peter had denied Jesus 3 times. However when you break it down and look at the language that John used in writing this story we see something so much deeper than just simply 3 questions for 3 denials. Jesus asks Peter the first time if Peter Agapes Him, and Peter responds with I Philia you. Jesus asks a second time Peter do you Agape Me, and Peter returns again you know expectation of return.
American Legion Post 9 In Historic Florence Arizona 100yr Anniversary Celebration. There will be live band and DJ. Watermelon Eating contest, Gunny Sack races, Stick horses races, Water Balloon toss and Lots of family games. They will also have a corn-hole tournament.
Erected in the 1920s and 30s, it soars 333 feet as a beacon of Light and knowledge, educating and inspiring all who visit it. Recognized in 2015 as a National Historic Landmark, the Memorial is one of the most impressive and iconic buildings in the area around our nation’s capital. Our new fundraising endeavor, The Landmark Century Campaign, aims to support a thorough restoration of the Memorial. And we can help! Today, the Memorial is a museum like no other in the world. Everything we do revolves around our vision: “to inspire humanity through education to emulate and promote the virtues, character and vision of George Washington, the Man, the Mason, and Father of our Country.” Open seven days a week, the Memorial offers detailed exhibits and guided tours that teach the general public about George Washington, his life and virtues, and the role that Freemasonry played throughout his life. Further, the Memorial is an important space for the performing arts, social gatherings, public events, and educational seminars. And, of course, it is an active
Having a tree planted on the grounds of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial is an excellent way to honor an important individual in your life. And also a great way to express thanks to an organization, such as a Lodge or Chapter. For a donation of $750, the tree will be cared for in perpetuity, and a handsome stone marker placed near the tree will communicate your dedication.
Masonic temple, housing two Craft lodges and regularly hosting visiting lodges from around the country. The Memorial is a central hub connecting Masons to one another, and connecting the Craft to the public, our nation, and our world For the past decade, the Memorial Association has devoted tremendous energy and resources to the renovation of the Memorial. Major exhibits have been added. Interiors have been repaired and repainted. Lighting has been updated. But the most considerable work is the top-to-bottom restoration of the building itself—the first such renovation since the Memorial was completed nearly a century ago. Beginning at the Memorial’s pyramid level, we have begun a multi-year project to perform all needed structural repairs. Stone by stone, are repointing the mortar and protecting the building from water penetration. When completed, the building will be in bet-
ter than new condition.
The Society of Washington Lodges is for regular Lodges (recognized by the Grand Lodges of the United States) who are committed to supporting the Memorial. There is a one-time donation of $2,500.00, which can be applied toward Patronage.
In 1913, C.B Hart of Franklin Masonic Lodge109, Beaufort North Carolina was arrested for the crimes of forgery and perjury while living in Globe Historic Downtown. he secured an attorney to defend him, agreeing to pay the sum of $300 for his services. Having no funds, he reached out to White Mountain Lodge No. 3 F & AM for assistance. The Master of the Arizona Lodge reached out to the North Carolina Lodge and confirmed that he was in good standing. The Masons of Globe, believing he was innocent, secured the services of one of it's Brethren to assist with his Defense for only $225, the cost being guaranteed by the Master of Franklin Lodge. Hart was acquitted of the charges and some time later departed Globe. Numerous messages to Franklin for repayment of the debt went unanswered prompting Grand Master Charles M. Smith to reach out to the Grand Master of North Carolina MWB John T. Alderman for assistance without effect. (MWB Smith first, MWB Alderman second) For decades, the history of what was once an iconic building on the Plaza in Prescott Arizona. lay veiled. It was known as Howey Hall and it stood in service to for over 80 years. The reason for this lack of history was a lack of ink in surviving newspapers. This was because of a bit of a grudge held by Miner editor, Charles Beach, who “was most unhappy… because of the fact that (Howey Hall) productions were advertised by placard rather than the newspaper.” However, Beach did feel compelled to print a dozen words or so about community events held there. These lay buried in the dusty columns for over a century until the power of 21st century newspaper search engines brought these nuggets to light. Together, they bring into focus the important community role Howey Hall held in Prescott.
The Weekly Arizona Miner seemed overwhelmed: “The building itself would be a credit to any city; it is certainly the finest in Arizona and of which Prescott is justly proud.” An Lshaped, 10-foot porched faced the streets of the corner lot. When one first “entered through an arched doorway,” the paper described, he was “simply amazed at the appearance which (met) his view. The store (was) 60 by 30 feet in size, and the ceiling...16 feet high.” The light walls and white ceiling gave “such a light and airy appearance that the 4 fine chandeliers…seem to have been placed there merely for ornament.” The built-in shelving along the walls was “elegantly finished in white and surmounted by a broad cornice which (was) ornamented by a narrow strip of gilt molding along its center.” (Goldwater was a regular advertiser in the paper and James Howey, blacksmith, therefore received a long, owned a prime lot on the glowing review.) southeast corner of Prescott’s As far as square footage and downtown Plaza and decided the vast variety of merchanto build a spectacular, two-story brick building to rent. Work dise, Goldwater’s would compare to a modern day “big-box” started in 1875 and was complete by the beginning of the following year. Originally, Howey envisioned a hotel and Pres- store. Although the Goldwater’s store has long been associatcott had the need. But instead, the first regular tenant was the ed with Howey Hall, the store was there for only 3 years. Goldwater’s Mercantile store and for the people of Prescott, Goldwaters was owned by MWB Morris Goldwater PGM of Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons in Arizona in it was a remarkable site. 1888 and Master of Aztlan Lodge #1 in 1881 and 1882.
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Ignacio Bonillas Frajio was a Mexican diplomat and was a Mexican ambassador to the United States. He held a degree in mine engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In 1913, Bonillas was part of the war cabinet of the Constitutionalist movement. Carranza's Constitutionalist faction defeated its rivals in 1915 and Carranza became president. On 12 February 1917, Carranza appointed Bonillas Mexican Ambassador to the U.S., the top position for a Mexican diplomat. Bonillas was part of the three member diplomatic delegation responsible of securing the unconditional withdrawal of the U.S. forces of the Punitive Expedition from Mexico that had unsuccessfully sought to capture Pancho Villa following his incursion into Columbus, New Mexico. Carranza supported the candidacy of Bonillas in the election of 1920, believing that Bonillas's connections in Washington were of supreme importance, even though he was not very well known in Mexico. On 1 November 1919, Carranza announced his support for Bonillas's candidacy. For Sonoran revolutionary generals Adolfo de la Huerta, Alvaro ObregĂłn, and Plutarco ElĂas Calles, the unknown civilian Bonillas was an unacceptable successor to the presidency, and they staged a revolt under the Plan of Agua Prieta. Carranza, his cabinet, the Supreme Court, and Bonillas fled by train from Mexico City in May 1920. The train was intercepted by rebels. Carranza was murdered, and Bonillas was captured. WB Ignacio Bonillas was a Past Master of Nogales Lodge No. 11. Andrew Ellicott Douglass was an American astronomer. He discovered a correlation between tree rings and the sunspot cycle, and founded the discipline of dendrochronology, which is a method of dating wood by analyzing the growth ring pattern. He started his discoveries in this field in 1894 when he was working at the Lowell Observatory. During this time he was an assistant to Percival Lowell, but fell out with him when his experiments made him doubt the existence of artificial "canals" on Mars and visible cusps on Venus. Craters on the Moon and Mars are named in his honor. He is a Past Master of Flagstaff Masonic Lodge #7 and later a member of Tucson Lodge No 4
Marcus Aurelius "Mark" Smith was an American attorney and politician who served eight terms as Arizona Territorial Delegate to Congress and as one of the first two Senators from Arizona. As a Delegate he was a leader in the effort to gain statehood for Arizona. Smith arrived to Arizona when he moved California to the boomtown of Tombstone, where he became one of the first attorneys in Cochise County when Judge William Henry Stilwell admitted him to the territorial bar in 1881. He established a law practice with Ben Goodrich and quickly gained a reputation with his lively courtroom style. An example of this came when a donkey located outside a courtroom window began braying while opposing counsel was making a long speech. Smith used the resulting laughter as reason to object to "two attorneys arguing a case in the court simultaneously. He later moved to Tucson and was a long time member ofTucson Lodge No 4
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www.azmasoniclibrary.org
July 1, 2019 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
July 4, 2019 Freedom Fest
7:00 pm Monday’s at the Lodge
Town of Florence Heritage Park
July 2, 2019 Saguaro DeMolay
4:00 pm Event Begins
6:00 pm Meeting @ Pinal Lodge No. 30
July 20, 2019 Lodge at Top Golf
July 3, 2018 Ray-Winkleman No. 24
Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 Top Golf Gilbert
Poker Night
4:00 pm Breakfast
7:30 pm Poker Kearny Style 209 Essex Road Kearny AZ 480-433-9023
July 27, 2019 Casino Night
July 8, 2019 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
7:00 pm Event Begins
Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce Florence Community Center
7:00 pm Monday’s at the Lodge
August 3, 2019 Legion 100th Anv Party
July 9, 2019 Ray-Winkleman No. 24
American Legion No. 9
7:30 pm Stated Meeting
July 9, 2019 Ocotillo Chapter No. 21 7:00 pm Stated Meeting
July 11, 2019 Pinal Lodge No. 30
4:00 pm Breakfast
August 17, 2019 Lodge Pool Party Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 Wildhorse Community Center
3:00 pm Breakfast
7:00 pm Stated Meeting
September 7, 2019 First Responders Appreciation Breakfast
July 13, Globe Chapter No. 7 R.A.M
Gila Valley Lodge No.
2:00 pm Stated Meeting
8:00 am Breakfast
July 13, 2019 White Mountain No. 3 10:00 am Stated Meeting
October 16, 2019 The Letter G: Gimel, Gamma or just plain G?
July 15, 2019 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
7:00 pm Stated Meeting
7:00 pm Monday’s at the Lodge
July 16, 2019 Saguaro DeMolay
Arizona Research Lodge No. 1 Phoenix Masonic Temple
November 23, 2019 Degree in the Desert
6:00 pm Meeting @ Pinal Lodge No. 30
Prometheus Lodge No. 87 Tombstone, Arizona
July 18, 2019 Eloy Lodge No. 46
January 27, 2020 Make a Different Day
7:00 pm Stated Meeting
Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 Florence, Arizona
July 22, 2019 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
7:00 am Begins
7:00 pm Monday’s at the Lodge
March 7, 2020 Lost Dutchman Degree
July 29, 2019 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 Superstition Mountains, Arizona
7:00 pm Monday’s at the Lodge
10:00 am Degree Begins
7:00 pm Monday’s at the Lodge
Brethren, Friends, and Family, This year the Masonic Charities of Arizona approved 18 grants totaling $30,000 to organizations throughout Arizona. These 501c3 charitable organizations provide much needed services to their communities. Those services include assistance to our Veterans at the three VA Hospitals in Arizona, Domestic abuse shelters, child learning disabilities, training and assistance for people with special needs, support for soldiers abroad, Adult literacy programs and Personal hygiene kits for the working poor and homeless. We are able to award these Grants from the income of our investment fund, Lodge and Personal donations and support from Grand Lodge. In order to keep up with the desire to expand our Grant distribution to more organizations and communities around the State we ask for your help. We have registered with the Amazon Smile Foundation. Amazon Smile will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization selected by their customers. For Amazon customers to select the Masonic Charities of Arizona to receive these donations go to http://smile.amazon.com/ch/94-2746389 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, Craig Hutchison Secretary, Masonic Charities of Arizona www.masoniccharitiesaz.com crghutch@gmail.com
Anthony Raimondi Email: Raimondi_57@msn.com
Eric Smith Email: jiminys@yahoo.com
Email: roger.biede@gmail.com
MWGM Gregory A. Vasquez 2019-20 Grand Master F. & A.M of Arizona
Dewey Jefferson Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com
Chairman: WB Anthony Raimondi Email: Raimondi_57@msn.com
John Woode Email: jwoode591@gmail.com
Chairman: WB Daniel Genchi PM Email: dmgenchi@gmail.com
Chairman: Eric Smith Email: jiminys@yahoo.com
Brian Ringer Email:
Chairman: WB Roger Biede III PM Email: roger.biede@gmail.com
Chairman: Dewey Jefferson Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com
Daniel Genchi PM Email: dmgenchi@gmail.com
Chairman: WB Roger Biede III PM Email: roger.biede@gmail.com
Chairman: Gale MacDougall HPM
Dave “DJ� Jones
Email: bearinbox@con.net
Email: dejones2063@gmail.com
Dewey Jefferson Chairman
Gale MacDougal Email: bearinbox@con.net
Daniel Genchi PM Roger Biede III PM
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.