January 2020 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 Trestleboard

Printed Every Month 130th Anniversary

JANUARY 2020

Master Anthony Raimondi Senior Warden Eric Smith Junior Warden John Woode Senior Deacon Robert Holt Junior Deacon David Jones Senior Steward Randy Newton

Junior Steward Joseph Guinn Secretary Lee Apger Treasurer Dewey Jefferson Ritualist Daniel Genchi PM Chaplain Ryan Kann PM Tyler Gale McDougal

1 Ticket $10 - https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr‌ 3 Ticket $20 - https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr‌ Gila Valley is raffling a one of a kind American Flag Feldman Custom knife to benefit their building fund! Brother John Delavan was many things to many people. To one individual, he was a teacher that gave him the skills to provide for his family and to create beautiful works of art. Many years ago Loren Feldman went to our Brother John and asked him to teach him to make knives as he had seen John working on many knives over the years. John jumped at the chance and worked with him for many hours teaching him the finer points of knife making. Delevan went so far as to give Loren his knife making equipment so that he could continue to hone his craft. Loren took the equipment home and started a new career which would take him places he would have never dreamt.

Fast forward to know and Loren Feldman produces some of the finest knives in the world. Not only are they beautiful works of art, but they are made from some of the rarest items on earth. Museum quality dinosaur bones, rare gems, and even meteorites have been used in the making of some of his creations.

Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 reached out to Feldman Custom knives and obtained one of his finest works, an American Flag themed knife that will surely be the jewel of your collection. He started with a Carbon Damascus Steel blade, known for its strength and beauty and used for the finest of knives. The blade has an American Flag done with mosaic Damascus by famous artist Doug Ponizo from Wisconsin.

Doug Ponzio has been Making Damascus Steel in his signature style for well over 20 years. He does not just make Damascus steel, he makes amazing Mosaic Damascus steel also known as Pattern Damascus Steel. Doug is an early riser and in his shop every day, creating one of a kind works of amazing art. Doug Ponzio Mosaic pattern welded Steel is mostly sought after for knife making. Knife makers from all over the globe use his steel to make their knives. Quite simply because he can produce it with exceptional quality and unique patterns.

The Hilt is made from Stainless Steel and Chromium for strength and beauty. Making up the Red is giraffe leg bone, dye red. The Blue is Lapis sourced from the mountains of Afghanistan and the White is Marble from Marble, Colorado. From the same mine that the marble used in the Abraham Lincoln Monument in Washington DC was sourced. This is a one of a kind knife that will never be replicated. The retail price of the knife is $3595.

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Brethren!

Another year is coming to a close. It's hard to believe how fast it all seems. It feels like our installation of officers has only just passed. That that day I was made master of Gila Valley, all full of hope and potential could not possibly nearly a full year away! Yet when I actually look back at it all, it's also hard to believe it has ONLY been a year. This year has been full of twists and turns and lessons that I will take with me for the rest of my days. It has been both encouraging and humbling. It's incredible to me how difficult accomplishing even the simplest tasks can be. I've never had a lack of respect for the many masters that came before me but that respect has been multiplied innumerable degrees! However, my respect did not increase for the masters alone, but also for the small cast of willing helpers. As much as I struggled to keep my head above water at times, I wouldn't have stood a chance without all my brothers that did all they could to make things run smoother.

It's been said that no member in a lodge works harder than the secretary and boy did I get to see that in action. Our secretary, brother Lee Apger, had possibly the toughest job imaginable this last year. Not only was he taking on possibly the hardest chair an officer can hold, but he was attempting to fill the shoes of one of our most beloved and decorated brothers, Jim Baker. A man that has earned every distinction a secretary can earn during his long long term there. A Florence native and now an honored member of Grand Lodge. The bar could not have been set higher for Lee, and he hurdled it with absolute grace. Without that man as my counsel this year could have been a disaster! So thank you brother secretary, it's been a pleasure working with you and of course I look forward to doing it again this next year.

Clearly secretary was not the only officer I had to lean on, I owe thanks to all of them. Thanks for being there as a sounding board, for filling in when and where necessary, and for so many other acts of brotherly love and support that got me through the year with enough energy left that I'd be willing g to give the big chair another run. Thanks to my pillars Eric and Roger. To say that my pillars support is a giant understatement. Thanks to Jim Reid for retaking the role of treasurer and despite

much adversity this last year, fulfilling his duties to the best of his abilities. Thanks to Dewey, who questioned his ability to be SD but nailed that role and so very much more. Thanks to Woode, who has shown so much this year and has always stepped up to the plate when asked. He will be a great master of our lodge. Thanks to Mac, arguably the heart and soul of #9, bearing with the heat, so he can hang out with men interested in joining us, always endeavoring to be the bridge between lodge and the city of Florence and always being the first to volunteer, usually before I can even ask. Thanks to some of our newest members DJ and Randy, who wasted no time in making themselves indispensable. Thanks to Dan and his education committee for trying to build us the very best future leaders of our lodge. Thanks to my unofficial chaplain Vic, for always being willing to join me in the east and more importantly, quick with calming and encouraging words when I most need them, and to all our exemplary honorary members of Gila Valley that are so a part of us that it's hard to believe they're not officially on our roster....... yet *wink wink*. Thanks to our Joe Guinn for taking it upon himself to kickstart poker night, our fantasy football league, and for introducing us to Compassion Connect, whom I hope our lodge can work with and help for years to come, and all of our newest brothers whose Masonic growth I very much look forward to watching and being a part of. Lastly thanks all the integral brothers that we may not get to see regularly but we lean on heavily without disappointment Steve Johnson, Tom Williams and plenty of others.

Since I dont want the whole trestle board to be one big love letter from me to all of my brothers, let me wrap this up by saying, named above or not, I do love and appreciate every one of you. Thanks for making this a very memorable year. I hope you all have the happiest of holidays and fantastic New year!!

Fraternally,

Anthony Raimondi 2019 Master Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

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'Twas the Night before Christmas, and down at the Lodge Not a gavel was stirring, and in the hodge-podge Of aprons and jewels and chairs East and West you could savor the silence, most gladly divest All metal and mineral, it mattered not, since Christmas was nigh and the coals were still hot In the hearth of your homestead, all Masons abed, as visions of trestle boards danced in their head; When up on the roof there arose such a clatter, Our Tiler jumped up to see what was the matter!

He picked up his sword and ran fast to the door, three knocks shook the panels - he wondered 'What for?'

He answered the knocking with, raps of his own, and once the door opened he saw, with a moan Of delight it was Santa, all jolly and red Except for one notable feature Instead!

Upon his large finger lie wore what we knew was compass and square on a background of blue!

'Why Santa!' he shouted and lowered his blade 'I see you're a Mason!' the Tiler relayed.

He looked toward the Master's most dignified chair and said, voice near trembling, 'Most Worshipful there Is a Gentleman properly clothed at the gate!'

The Master replied, 'Let's allow him - but wait!

You tell me a Gentleman, but I don't see His Apron beneath that red suit, can it be Our visitor hasn't been properly raised?

Must we offer a test that is suitably phrased?

'I do beg your pardon,' old' Santa said quick As he pulled up his coat and displayed not a stick But a cane with, engraving, two balls did appear

and oh, what an apron, he wore and held dear!

Adorned like the Master' complete with a sign Of "Lodge Number One, the North Pole" on one line!

"Now let man enter," the Master declared, and once in the Lodge room the Brethren all stared, For Santa was wearing a jewel not seen for many a century - there in between The fur of his coat and the splendid red collar gleamed two golden reindeer that shone like a dollar!

"It's Donner and Blitzen, who, I must confess Are actually images brought from the West By my Warden, a craftsman like none in the world!"

And with a great laugh from his bag he unfurled An ear of fine corn and some oil from the east, �My friend I have plenty, tonight we will feast On all that is good! We are Masons, kind sir!"

A murmur went throughout the Lodge, quite a stir, As presents and promises flew from his sack This Santa, a Mason, showed he had a knack For making this Christmas the best you could glean, And soon even Deacons were laughing, they'd seen On this very night only happiness reigned!

This jolly Saint Nicholas quickly explained That only a Mason could be so inclined to make all kids happy, make all people find A Christmas so special, yes, Santa was right!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Fraternally,

Anthony Raimondi 2019 Master Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

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The George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association is proud to offer for the 2019 holiday season a beautiful gold and enamel plated ornament: The Working Tool—United in Brotherly Love.

This ornament unites several essential Masonic symbols that illustrate the crucial and divine lesson of brotherly love. The triangular frame, topped by the Masonic emblem over a sky blue circle, represents the Fraternity. The raised Trowel is every Master Mason’s primary tool: as the Trowel spreads the cement that unites the many different stones or bricks of a building into a single, strong whole, so Master Masons spread brotherly love to unites men throughout the world. Behind the Trowel shines the Blazing Star, an ancient Masonic symbol of Divine Providence, representing the divine nature of brotherhood. As President, Brother George Washington used an ivoryhandled trowel to lay the cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol. Just as the trowel inspires Masons to use brotherly love to overcome their differences, the new American Republic united all the states under the motto E Pluribus Unum, “from many, one.” To order yours, please call 703-683-2007, ext. 2017, or visit our website at http:// gifts.gwmemorial.org/cgi-bin/webdata_gws.cgi?fid=1567624740&query=Category%2B1%3DHoliday% 2BOrnaments%26pagenum%3D1%26cgifunction%3DSearch&cgifunction=form

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CRAFT (n.) Old English cræft (West Saxon, Northum- German Kraft "strength, skill;" Old Norse kraptr brian), -creft (Kentish), originally "power, physical "strength, virtue"). strength, might," from Proto-Germanic *krab-/*kraf(cognates: Old Frisian kreft, Old High German chraft, Sense expanded in Old English to include "skill, dexterity; art, science, talent" (via a notion of "mental power"), which led by late Old English to the meaning "trade, handicraft, calling," also "something built or made." The word still was used for "might, power" in Middle English.

CRAFT (v.) Old English cræftan "to exercise a craft, build," from the same source as craft (n.). Meaning "to make skilfully" is from early 15c., obsolete from 16c., but revived c. 1950s, largely in U.S. advertising and commercial senses.

"Freemasonry is the embodiment of mankind's universal morals and values, which have one common feature, they are life protecting or life enhancing for all mankind, not just one portion of humanity.

We calibrate our moral compasses by judging whether our actions are logical and psychologically healthy not just for us, but for all mankind.

Our actions are our ethics. If we filter our thoughts and subsequent actions through the lens of right and wrong and then, if our actions are in accord with these universal ethical and moral values, we will be doing what is right."

The Pinal County Animal Care and Control is once again full of dogs and needs our help again.

Please bring in your old blankets and dog toys for us to donate for our next Stated Meeting!!

There will be a box for collection of the donated items!

Other items that are needed: Cleaning supplies - Blankets and towels – Peanut butter (xylitol-free) – Pet Food Medicine - Office supplies - Grooming tools 6

Cowans and Eavesdroppers. As Freemasons we are reminded on a regular basis to be on guard for both. But what are they really? The etymology of both words are lost to time, so let's look at them one at a time.

First let's talk about Eavesdroppers. The origin of the word is believed to refer to the water that drips from a roof, or eaves drippings. If you have ever seen a house or building that that doesn't have gutters on it, there is a line around the structure where the water running off the roof has eroded the ground. The idea of an eavesdropper came from someone who would stand so close to the structure that they would be on or inside that line and able to hear what was going on inside the house or structure. Another definition of eavesdropper, possibly due to Henry VIII, were people who would hide up in the beams of the house by the eaves.

Henry VIII had wooden figures carved and placed in the beams of his palace.

The idea was to make all in his court feel like that they were being listened to and the information was being reported back to the King.

This may have something to do with the fact that in old lodges, the Deacons were charged with checking the rafters of the meeting room with their staff to make sure that no one was listening to the meeting and unlawfully obtaining the secrets of masonry.

Ironically a Cowan could very well be a successful Eavesdropper. The origin of the word Cowan is believed to be old Scottish. A Cowan was a person, often someone who worked as an operative mason, who was not part of a lodge and not formally trained. Extending from the fact that operative lodges were trade guilds (unions), a Cowan in modern terms would be a "scab", someone who either refused to join a union or in some way went against a union. A Cowan would be any indi-

vidual who would present themselves as a Freemason, having never joined the Fraternity. In a real sense a Cowan is a clandestine Mason, an imposter. A Cowan may have all of the right answers to be able to get in to the door of a lodge room, although never became a Freemason.

Albert Mackey stated in Mackey's Encyclopedia of Freemasonry that Cowan was a word that was uniquely Masonic in it's origin.

Regardless of the origins of the words, Cowans and Eavesdroppers for Freemasons might as well be one word. It reminds us of our obligations to the fraternity and to remind us that we should be careful of who we let into our lodge room, and by extension those we let into our life.

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Companions,

Our MEHP William Greenan has stressed the importance of further our knowledge of the lessons taught in the Royal Arch degrees. I have been one through my adult years to only focus on my profession and personal interests with my studies. Since becoming a Freemason, I have slowly come to accept and embrace broadening my interest in subjects not normally in my day to day activities. Being around Brothers and Companion of varied interests, professions and social and economic backgrounds piques my curiosity to learn more about them. The interesting conversations I had with my customers in the Automotive repair business started my desire to socialize with people outside of my profession and hobbies. The Masonic Fraternity has expanded that exposure to new ideas, thoughts and interests.

That is enough of my rambling about personal matters. To get back to education on the Chapter level, you should have received a copy of the Royal Arch Mason in the mail this week. It has a quiz or test on the Mark Master degree and definitely challenged my knowledge and recollection of the degree. Companions, take the time to review this test without the aid of your ritual and see how you score. Then go back and find the correct answers. You will find that several of those questions are answered in our Entered Apprentice degree. Have fun and learn something Companions.

I hope all of us are studying the parts assigned for the Mark Master degree as we have a practice scheduled for January 11, 2020 if time permits. Ritual proficiency is my goal for the year and it is most important when conferring the Mark Master on po-

tential Companions. I would also stress the desire to be able to open Globe Chapter No. 7 Royal Arch Masons without the aid of ritual books. This will not happen overnight but remember that Time, Patience and Perseverance will accomplish all things.

Happy Holidays to all my Companions withersoever dispersed around the globe, especially Globe Chapter No. 7.

Jim Baker, 2019 High Priest Globe Chapter No. 7 RAM

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Gila Valley is playing poker for Charity! Bring an item to help a baby and cash for chips and descend upon Bro. Joe Guinn’s house on January 4th at 7pm for another great night of Poker with your Brothers! We are asking that you bring something to donate to Compassion Connect that will help fill their Care Closet. Bring Diapers and or baby wipes! Anything that a baby might need, we want to fill it up!

The poker is Texas Hold ‘em and the Cigars are Cuban… or from other tobacco growing counties! There is a pool and hot tub for those so inclined. We will be enjoying pulled pork sandwiches for dinner. $20 initial buy in, rebuys unlimited, cash game.

For information, Contact the Poker Commission Bro. Joe Guinn at guinnjoe@gmail.com.

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.

CALIENTE COFFEE CLUB SINCE 1985

First and third Tuesday at 9:00 am Caliente Club House, Florence Arizona

MASONIC CONVERSATION, FELLOWSHIP, and EDUCATION For Information call Dewey at 520.576.2329

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The new year is here, so let’s do something a little different from the norm. Gila Valley #9 is getting healthy. Well, maybe not something different, but something needed. I’ve never been a new year resolution type of person. I’m a do something or don’t. The whole idea of I needs to make a change, so on this day, I am going to start never made sense to me, and this year is no different. Allow me to tell you what started this. A couple of weeks ago, I had a tooth infection. You see, I walked into a clinic to get some antibiotics to treat it, and walked out with high blood pressure. Yes, it was that visit that did it to me, obviously. You go to the doc and walk out with some mystery illness that you didn’t have when you walked in. It happens all the time ;-). But seriously, the lady at the clinic made it very clear to me that I had to get some help IMMEDIATELY. So I decided right then and there that the last seven years had not been kind to my health, and it was time to get my priorities in order, and right now, that needs to be me.

I say seven years because that’s how long it’s been for me. You see, I was once over 450lbs. That’s not a typo. I was over 450 pounds at the end of my 20’s. Something I’m not proud of, but it happened. A childhood growing up with no real supervision, and a career choice to become an over the road truck driver had not been kind to my body. Being in my 20’s, I had no real health issues, but a 450 lb man is not exactly a fitness model. It’s a long story that brought me to a change, but the short version is that about the time the economy took us into the most significant depression in most of our lives, I lost my job, was under immense stress, and was at the end of my rope. I turned to God and realized that my life needed a change and not just my health. I walked into a gym that had just opened in my little town, and it was the first time in my life. This particular gym offered a one-week membership, and I had nothing to do, so there I was sitting on an exercise

bike for an hour just peddling. I realized a couple of things at the end of that. First that I didn’t die, and second it wasn’t bad. So after a couple of days, I joined a gym, lost over 200 pounds, and became a runner completing two half marathons, one full 26.2-mile marathon, and a couple of triathlons over a 4 or 5 year period. It was November 11th, 2012 that I ran my last half marathon, and things started going downhill again for my health, as I put too many things ahead of my health.

The time is here to do it again. While I don’t have aspirations to run a marathon again, I am back into my discipline and would like to invite you each to join me. There are already 4 of us that are committed to getting our health back, and we even have a leader. Brother David Soto, who has a fantastic health story of his own, has agreed to lead our little competition. David, a personal trainer and dedicated fitness guru, has a wealth of information to share with us and is excited to do it.

So here’s the deal. Gila Valley #9 biggest loser competition. Why competition? Because it’s motivating. We will be holding each other accountable as we progress through 2020 into better health. This competition will use a percentage of weight loss for each person as our base, but I won’t be surprised at all if David will use other health measurements too.

So what do you say? Are you ready to make a personal change while strengthening relationships? We would love to have you. If you’re ready, let me know, and more information will be soon available.

Also, don’t worry, I am under medical supervision for my blood pressure while I am on this journey, and of course, the doctors are 100% on board.

Bro. Joe Guinn Master Mason Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

www.azmasoniclibrary.org 10

At the end of another year and the beginning of the new year we should take the time to both reflect on the past and plan for the future.

Looking back at the year we can take the time to see where we have been, the accomplishments we have achieved and the struggles we have faced. With these three things we should be able to look through the scope of our tools that we have been taught to use and look at are we level, are we upright and are we square?

If we are then as we move into the new year we should use that knowledge and move forward while reminding ourselves of what we need to knock off of our selves to help make a better tomorrow. This can be our attitude towards life, our attitude towards work, or our over all attitude towards ourselves and our abilities.

So go into the new year and live by being level with everyone you meet, upright in your actions and be square with yourself so that you can live the best life you have.

Fraternally,

Do you follow us on Facebook?

John Woode 2019 Junior Deacon Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

Freemasonry has for centuries created various concepts and descriptions of "good work" or the right way of living" as lessons to its members. Often, these concepts consist of what can be called "three point lessons."

They are thoughts that help Masons build character and pursue tenants of our institution during a diligent, creditable and honourable life. In fact, those last three concepts are mentioned to a Worshipful Master when he is being installed: "You are to be a good man and true, and strictly obey the moral law, to work diligently. live creditably and act honorably by all men.

According to Albert G. Mackey, "In Freemasonry, the ternary (composed or arranged in threes) is the most sacred of all mystical numbers." In fact, Mackey says in his Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, :Everywhere am0ng the ancients, the number three was deemed as the most sacred of numbers."

He adds: "There are in all the degrees three principal officers, three supports, three greater and three lesser lights, three movable and three immovable jewels, three principal tenants, three working tools in the Fellowcraft, three principal orders of architecture, three chief human senses, three Ancient Grand Masters."

In a 2006 issue of MSA's Short Talk Bulletin, the point is made: The preponderance of triads, or sets of three items, strikes the newly made Mason. In Freemasonry, there seems to be three of everything."

The columns described in our work may represent Wisdom, Strength and Beauty. Entered Apprentices are taught to serve with "Freedom, Fervency, and Zeal." Fellowcrafts are admonished to utilize the "Attentive Ear, Instructive Tongue and Faithful Breast." Freemasonry teaches us to "judge with candor, admonish with friendship and reprehend with justice."

This writers personal favorite is the "three" that comes from the Entered Apprentice lecture, when the candidate is told that the lambskin he has just received is "a never-ending argument for nobler deeds, for higher thoughts, for greater achievements."

When he was Grand Master of Indiana in 2014, Richard J. Elman wrote that our goals should include "Making Freemasonry recognizable, desirable and honorable." Perhaps this is a new set of "three-point lessons" for the future. Think about it. What is your favorite Masonic "three-point lesson"?

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The holiday season is nearing its end and the year quickly approaches its close. As we look back on this past year, it is important for us to reflect on the things which have kept us moving forward. No path is set clear of obstacles, and often we find ourselves moving forward in faith that the path behind us has been paved for the things which lay ahead.

In Masonry, we believe that the path forward is meant to be one of self-improvement, contribution to a greater good, the betterment of our families and fellow man. Undoubtedly, these ideals help us to keep strong when times seem tough. We are benefited greatly by the strength which Masonry teaches us to find within ourgreater than the last if you allow it to be so. selves.

Take a minute in the chaos to look around, breathe in the Likewise, we are taught to stop and pay attention to the moment. To make time for the things that are important moment, and feel gratitude for the many things which to us and to keep our lives in balance. To be present and have blessed your life. Then focus to the tomorrow and know that you are gilded with the necessary tools for aware of life as we live it. To stay hungry for knowledge, bringing greater things to the new year. to appreciate what we have, and to strive to achieve and be greater than we are. These are the lessons of the 24�

Gauge and the Common Gavel, and they are some of the most important lessons we can keep in mind as we shift into the coming year.

It is my wish for you that you take some time to reflect on the year past, to take inventory of all of the blessings which have surrounded you, and that in those moments you find peace in the knowledge that the next year will be

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I wish health, wealth, and countless moments of joy and bliss in this new year. Peace be with you, and cheers to the coming prosperity.

Fraternally

Daniel Genchi 2019 Chaplain Mentorship Chairman Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

It is an ancient custom When a Brother Mason passes way, That he no longer wears his Apron And his tools they quietly lay.

But I beg of you my Brothers

Closest family and Loved ones to, That I must wear my Apron For I have yet so much to do.

Though I may not have it on The day I meet my fate, I'll be pennyless and destitute As I pass that pearly gate.

For the Grand Master has sent me a summons

Being active with Appendant Bodies can be rewarding and broaden your list of friends, Brothers and service to mankind. But, we have to remember that without also being an active member and publicly promoting your hometown Masonic Lodge first, all will suffer in the end. Back in the early '90's the Imperial Potentate stated in his address at the Imperial Session, he was a orphan, living in destitution across the street from the local Masonic Temple. At Christmas these Brothers brought toys and clothing across the street to all the homeless boys.

On that very day, And as in my obligations You know I must obey.

That Grand Lodge will be called and opened For my final Degree, So I must be properly clothed For the Grand Tyler to admit me.

Don't bury me without my Apron My tools must not lay rest, For it's in that Grand Lodge above Where I must work my best.

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He also received a new sled! At that point he vowed to become "one of those men." Even as Imperial Potentate, he said his first duty, and greatest personal joy, was becoming a Mason. And, he told all the Shriners at the Imperial Session to never forget that!. We all walked a bit taller, with quite a bit more humility, as we passed out the convention doors that day in Orlando.

Freemasons celebrate St John the Baptist Day on June 24 and St John the Evangelist Day on December 27.

According to Thomas Paine, a Freemason those festival days have no reference to the person called St John but is a disguise of the true cause of holding the festivals on these dates. Many of Freemasonry’s scholars believe that the real explanation of the connection with the Holy Saints John Festival Days is not to be found in the history of the craft but, rather in the history of ancient religions.

The Sun to our ancient ancestors was the greatest manifestation of nature. The Sun was the light of day which enabled crops to grow, rivers to rise, warmed the earth and kept the wild beasts away. Early man must have observed the Sun as it moved from north to south and back again as the seasons waxed and waned.

Therefore, Midsummer’s Day, the longest in terms of Sunlight, became a festival as the harbinger of life and the Winter Solstice as the shortest day of Sunlight marking the end of the slow decline of the Sun and the beginning of longer days. These two extremes are referred to as Solstice and is from two Latin words: “Sol” meaning “Sun” and “sistere” meaning “to cause to stand still”.

The Winter Solstice is December 21 which we’ll focus on at this time. In ancient Egypt the God of Osiris died and was entombed on December 21 and reborn on December 25. In ancient Greece, a man was selected to represent the god of Dionysus during the Feast of Lenaea (Festival of the Wild Women). Dionysus died on the day of the Winter Solstice and was resurrected on December 25. During the festival the man being honored was literally torn to pieces and the pieces eaten by the Women. By classical times in ancient Greece the human sacrifice was replaced by killing a Goat.

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Ancient Rome had many Gods for every purpose imaginable. Around 300 BCE, the Roman Empire combined the festivals for those gods under the name of “Dies Natalis Solis Inviciti” (Birthday of the Unconquered Sun). This was a weeklong festival starting on December 21 and ending on December 27 with the main feast on December 25. It was a feast honoring the renewal of the Sun at the Winter Solstice. There was feasting, dancing, bonfires, decorating homes with greens and giving of gifts. Virtually all of the ancient pagan religions included nativity, death and rebirth of a “man-god/savior” and the ascension to heaven. These stories were thousands of years old before the birth of the Christian religion and this legend can be traced back to 6500 BCE. The first entry of December 25 as a Christian Holiday in scholarly texts was recorded in 325 AD. The first actual practice of this holiday was decreed by Emperor Aurelian in 274 AD. The early Church wanted these Pagan festivals stopped but because of their popularity with the people the Church substituted Christian meanings and Saints for pagan gods and continued to celebrate these holidays on the same dates but under different names. Therefore, the celebration of the Summer Solstice became the Festival of Saint John the Baptist and the celebration of the Winter Solstice became the Festival of Saint John the Evangelist.

The tradition of St John’s Days and Christmas took centuries to catch on. It was adopted in Ireland in the 5th century AD; Eastern Mediterranean countries in the 7th century; Austria, England and Switzerland in the 8th century; and the Slavic countries in the 9th and 10th centuries.

The feast days of St John the Baptist and St John the Evangelist are said to be the day of their birth. I believe we celebrate these days in honor of the lessons we learn from the examples set forth by our Patron Saints of Freemasonry. I also believe we take ancient history and make better use of it for the builders use, that of building better Men and Masons for that spiritual building, that house not made with hands eternal in the Heavens.

Happy Holiday’s to all my Brothers withersoever dispersed around the globe.

Jim Baker 2019 Junior Grand Warden Grand Lodge of Arizona

As 2019 comes to a close and 2020 is just around the cor- ley. There are many opportunities for all to be involved. ner let’s all reflect on all the good, bad, indifferent of this Find a committee/group that interests you and run with it.

If you do not see anything that interests you then create one that does.

We are all here for the same reason, to make good men better, so let’s concentrate on that this coming year as well as getting out and being more involved with the community. The more we are visible the better for the fraternity, and for finding/helping future brothers.

Together we can grow as a fraternity and what better time than now. The future is unwritten, so let’s write a great one..

Fraternally,

Eric Smith past year, and make 2020 even better.

With January at the door we will be installing new officers to positions and beginning another great year at Gila Val-

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2019 Senior Warden Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

WB Mike Smolenack Curtis Johnson WB John O’Hara PM WB Delbert Lewis PM WB Ray Osbourn PM WB Billy Bayless Family of Robert E. Turley WB Forest Hammer Family of Ken Holland

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

December Birthdays

December Anniversaries

John Lane Daniel Gentry Mark Nielsen

Ron Miller Delbert Lewis Fred Aipperspach

12-8 12-16 12-28

January Birthdays Anthony Raimondi John O’Hara Larry Hayes Robert Holt

12-4-1989 12-13-1948 12-14-2009

January Anniversaries

1-5 1-7 1-14 1-29

Michael Britt John Lane Ron LeDuc Jose Martinez Lloyd Frizzell Fred Aipperspach

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1-5-2013 1-5-2013 1-5-2013 1-18-2010 1-23-1986 12-14-2009

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 Memor i a l o f f e r s 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 F o r t h e p a s t d e c a d e , t h e 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.

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The term “labor of love” is more than applicable when it comes to film director Andrea Scott’s documentary about Town of Florence (Government).

“I found great inspiration in John Swearengin’s book, ‘Good Men, Bad Men, Law Men and a Few Rowdy Ladies,’ which chronicles the wild west history of the town,” Scott said by telephone from her Brooklyn, N.Y., base. “The slightly-shortened title of the film is a loving homage to this book.” The movie was released in 2014.

John Swearengin was a long time Mason and from a Masonic family. He served as Master of Gila Valley No. 9 F & AM Masonic Lodge Masonic Lodge in 1957, just a couple years after his father R.L. Swearengin did in 1949 and brother Eugene did in 1953.

Of the top winners at the 33rd annual Florence Junior Parada in 1965, only one was a local product.

Lloyd (Chip) Frizzell, 5, won the title of youngest contestant. He was also chosen best-dressed cowboy in the parade. Chip is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Frizzell and a second generation Mason.

Father, Rollin Lloyd “Lefty” Frizzell was raised a Master Mason in Michigan. Chip was raised a Master Mason in Buckeye Valley Lodge No. 42 (Buckeye, AZ) in 1986 while working constructing the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Plant. He joined Gila Valley No. 9 F & AM Masonic Lodge and served as Master in 2001

Bro. David Bell Birney, a member of Franklin Lodge No. 134, Philadelphia, was the commanding officer of Union troops at one of the bloodiest points on the Gettysburg battlefield.

As part of the III Corps, Birney and his men were tasked with holding a line stretching from the infamous Devil's Den, to the Wheat Field, then to the Peach Orchard. Following an assault by Confederate Divisions under the command of Gen. John Bell Hood, Birney's unit was decimated. It is said that as Birney watched his men gather on Cemetery Ridge following the fight, he whispered "I wish I were already dead." His service ended following a diagnosis of malaria while at the Siege of Petersburg.

He returned to Philadelphia to recover, only to die a short time later. The Gen. David B. Birney School, in Philadelphia, is named in his honor.

Do you have some Arizona Lodge Masonic Trivia? Please send to us so that we can include it in a future edition!

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The Teddy Bear was invented in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt? It all began when Theodore Roosevelt was on a bear hunting trip near Onward, Mississippi on November 14, 1902. Mississippi's Governor Andrew H. Longino had invited him, but unlike other hunters in the group, Theodore had not located a single bear.

Roosevelt's assistants, led by Holt Collier, a born slave and former Confederate cavalryman, cornered and tied a black bear to a willow tree. They summoned Roosevelt and suggested that he shoot it. Viewing this as extremely unsportsmanlike, Roosevelt refused to shoot the bear. The news of this event spread quickly through newspaper articles across the country. The articles recounted the story of the president who refused to shoot a bear. However, it was not just any president, it was Theodore Roosevelt the big game hunter!

Clifford Berryman, a political cartoonist, read the article and decided to lightheartedly satirize the president's refusal to shoot the bear. Berryman's cartoon appeared in the Washington Post on November 16, 1902. Morris Michtom, a Brooklyn candy shop owner, saw the cartoon and had an idea. He and his wife Rose also made stuffed animals, and Michtom decided to create a stuffed toy bear and dedicate it to the president who refused to shoot a bear. He called it 'Teddy's Bear'.

After receiving Roosevelt's permission to use his name, Michtom mass produced the toy bears which were so popular that he soon founded the Ideal Toy Company. To this day the Teddy Bear has worldwide popularity and its origin can be traced back to Theodore's fateful hunting trip in 1902.

Theodore Roosevelt was also a Mason. He joined the Fraternity as an already-established man at the age of forty-two in 1901, the year he began his service as President of the United States. As President he was known to visit Masonic Lodges during his travels across the country and the world. He broke ground for a Masonic Temple in Spokane, Washington in 1903 and attended the Masonic cornerstone laying of the House of Representatives building in 1906.

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January 2, Pinal Lodge No. 30

January 3, 2019 Kearny Poker Night

7:00 pm Stated Meeting

Ray Winkelman Lodge No. 24 7:30 pm Poker Kearny Style 209 Essex Road Kearny AZ 480-433-9023

January 6, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 5:00 pm Dinner at Mount Athos 7:00 pm Stated Meeting 9:00 pm Post meeting discussion at Mount Athos

January 9, Apache Lodge No. 69

January 4, 2019 Gila Valley Poker Night Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

7:300 pm Stated Meeting

7:00 pm Poker Gila Valley Lodge Style At Guinn’s House BRING BABY ITEMS TO DONATE

January 11, White Mountain No. 3

January 4, 2019 Officer Installation

10:00 am Stated Meeting

January 11, Globe Chapter No. 7 R.A.M

Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

7400 pm Poker Gila Valley Lodge Family welcome

2:00 pm Stated Meeting

January 14, Ray-Winkleman No. 24

January 27, 2020 Make a Different Day

7:30 pm Stated Meeting

Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 Florence, Arizona

January 14, Ocotillo Chapter No. 21 OES

7:00 am Begins

7:00 pm Stated Meeting

March 7, 2020 Lost Dutchman Degree

January 16, Eloy Lodge No. 46

Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 Superstition Mountains, Arizona

7:00 pm Stated Meeting

January 20, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

10:00 am Degree Begins

7:00 pm Monday’s at the Lodge

June 4-6, 2020 Grand Communication

January 27, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

Grand Lodge of Arizona Wild Horse Pass Resort and Casino

7:00 pm Monday’s at the Lodge

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On August 26th, members of Gila Valley Lodge drafted the first ever Gila Valley Fantasy Football league. Champion will donate half their winning to the Lodge! Fantasy football is a game in which the participants serve as General Managers of virtual professional gridiron football teams. The competitors choose team rosters by participating in a draft in which all players of a real football league are available Keep your eyes out for monthly standings!

A. Raimondi

7

6

0

D. Genchi

7

6

0

J. Guinn

6

7

1

J. Baker

4

9

3

J. Woode

4

9

3

N. Genchi

10

3

0

R. Biede

9

4

1

R. Biede

8

5

2

S. Sego

7

6

3

R. Kann

3

10

7

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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 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! 23

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

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Anthony Raimondi Email: Raimondi_57@msn.com

Eric Smith Email: jiminys@yahoo.com

Email: jwoode591@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

Lee Apger

Chairman: WB Daniel Genchi PM

Email: lkapger@gmail.com

Email: dmgenchi@gmail.com

Chairman: Eric Smith Email: jiminys@yahoo.com

Robert Holt

Chairman: WB Roger Biede III PM

Email: r.holt0129@gmail.com

Email: roger.biede@gmail.com

Chairman: Dewey Jefferson Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com

David Jones Email: dejones2063@gmail.com

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

Chairman: Gale MacDougall HPM Email: bearinbox@con.net

Daniel Genchi PM Email: dmgenchi@gmail.com

Dewey Jefferson Chairman Daniel Genchi PM Roger Biede III PM

Gale MacDougal Email: bearinbox@con.net

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The first mention of Moon Lodges can be found in the Cooke Manuscript of 1410, one of the oldest documents belonging to the Masonic Craft. In the U.S., Moon Lodges were first noted in colonial times around 1717 to be operating in Philadelphia, Boston and Tennessee.

There appears to have been approximately 3000 moon lodges in the U.S. at the turn of the last century but by the 1950’s that number had decreased to 500. Today, by last count, there are roughly 129 moon lodges in the U.S. A moon lodge was born out of necessity due to the lack of natural or artificial illumination by which one could travel to and from meetings. During the 18th century, transportation was limited to horseback, horse & buggy, walking and even in some circumstances by boat. There were no paved roads and very few gravel but merely two dirt ruts that would meander through bush and fields rarely in a straight line. With only a candle or coal oil lamp to light the way, a full moon provided welcome companionship for a long and lonely trek. Individuals would travel 810 miles or more and were unable to make the long trip home at night and would be supplied lodging by a fellow brother, leaving after breakfast to return home the next morning.

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

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