January 2021 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 Trestleboard

Printed Every Month 131st Anniversary

January 2021

As the new year is upon us there is great hope for a new beginning. We are happy to put 2020 behind us for so many reasons. We lost some good men to the Celestial Lodge, we lost some good men to Demit and we surely lost an entire year due to worldwide pandemic but the Lodge as a whole looks well as we move into 2021. The new officer line is ready for a great 2021!

(Contact the Lodge Secretary at 3,9, or 69 for more information)

Jim Reid Curtis Johnson Duane Pinter WB John O’Hara PM WB Delbert Lewis PM WB Ray Osbourn PM Wilbur (Bill) Dean Lawrence Baby Rylee Ringer Baby Miguel Martinez

Baby Angeliya Celeste Holt MW Grand Master of Arizona First Responders The Armed Forces Our Veterans Our dearly departed Brethren Brethren Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 Town of Florence Government United States Government

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

November Anniversaries 1-5 1-7 1-14 1-29

Lloyd Frizzell Jose Martinez Michael Britt John D. Lane Ronald LeDuc

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1-23-1986 1-18-2010 1-5-2013 1-5-2013 1-5-2013

Brethren the end of 2020 is finally here and as it ends so does my term as master of Gila Valley! I wish I could say it went exactly as I envisioned it would, but we all know that’s not the case…… at all!

I’d challenge you to pick a masonic resolution to go with usual diet and exercise promises we always make to ourselves each year.

Rediscover your passion with masonry by getting involved with the parts of it that most drew you to join in the first place! That is what I’m planning on doing. In my first year back as a sideliner, I’m planning on focusing on a few social events I’ve wanted to bring to the lodge for awhile. Plans that were derailed by covid and I hope I can find a way to still make them happen in what will likely still be a challenging time

Some wise past .Masters did their best to prepare me for the challenges that I might face and I did my best to follow their advice, but no one could be prepared for the world to basically stop spinning for a few months. Nonetheless I feel we handled it as best as anyone can and I’m encouraged by the Incoming batch of officers set to lead us I to the next, hopefully more normal, year.

next year.

I hope all of you have a safe and happy new year. No matter what we face ahead, we'll face it together and that could make me happier.

Your Worshipful Master one last time,

Anthony Raimondi

I want to wish all of them the best of luck and implore all our members to help them guide our lodge forward, in whatever way you can. As we enter the new year and start to think of what our new year resolutions may be,

2020 Master Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

The

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We are now in a New Year Brothers.

can then evaluate at the end of the day for 10 minutes Yes, I know we all feel a little uneasy or unsure of what and ask myself did I set out and accomplish what I was that really means considering the past year just went by planning to do? If not, then I will write it down and addand felt like nothing got accomplished. However, if you ed it to my reflections for the next morning in order to look really close at the past year you can see how much help keep my mind sharp and to help myself realize what is important for me to feel productive through the you may have grown and just didn’t notice. Either way the year of 2020 has left us and now it is onto 2021. So, day. what are you planning for? What are you setting your A second thing that I plan to do is make sure that even expectations to be, and How are you going to become if things go back to be the same old same old for the better than last year? year 2021, i.e. the whole state shuts down, then I will still work on finding a way to still be as involved in lodge activities even if it is giving a brother a call and asking how they are doing or if there is anything that I can do to help them when things are lifted to where we can travel and assist.

Then thirdly I plan to keep my connection between me and my loved ones just as strong as I have in years past.

If that means doing simple intentional acts of kindness for your significant other, or if that means giving a phone call to your kids grandkids or parents. Even if that means making a visit to the graveside of the ones that you have seen go before you having that connection and continuing to remember everyone that has impacted your life and keep remembering them for that is how we learn and grow into better people.

One thing that I plan to do, and you can steal it as well Brothers as we jump into the new year be safe and see is finding a way to better myself through more mental you all soon in lodge! stability. What does this mean how do I do this and why Fraternally, should I do this? Well brothers for myself I plan on spending at least 5-10 minutes a day either reflecting on what is coming in the day where I envision myself to be 2020 Junior Warden and how I expect my week to go. With this practice I Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

John Woode

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Brethren, I hope the Holidays were good for you & your family. It was perfect for my family. Making memories with them & had a couple good Lodge meetings.

We started the season on a good note by having a pot luck dinner at a Brothers house & December just got better.

So far COVID free. Christmas was great, we played 18 holes of golf with Daughter & Son-n-Law. We are trying to start 2021 with a good & positive attitude. Actually did 4x4ing in Box Canyon over the holidays.

On a Masonic note, my Son-n-Law's application was read in Oriental #20, sent to Grand Lodge & returned. Moving forward. Looking forward to some good Lodge meetings in the coming year.

My Brethren, stay safe & be well. See you in Lodge soon.

Fraternally,

Dewey Jefferson 2020 Junior Warden Elect Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

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Here is an explanation.

When, in our turn, we see the end of the road, and would make a last will and testament, leaving our earn“So Mote It Be”. How familiar the phrase is. No Lodge is ever opened or closed, in due form, without ings and savings to those whom we love, the old legal phrase asks us to repeat after it: “In The Name Of using it. Yet how few know how old it is, much less what a deep meaning it has in it. Like so many old and God, AMEN.” And with us, as with Gerontius in his lovely things, it is so near to us that we do not see it.

The Meaning of “So Mote It Be” As far back as we can go in the annals of the Craft we find this old phrase. Its form betrays its age. The word MOTE is an Anglo-Saxon word, derived from an anomalous verb, MOTAN. Chaucer uses the exact phrase in the same sense in which we use it, meaning “So May It Be.” It is found in the Regius Poem, the oldest document of the Craft, just as we use it today.

As everyone knows, it is the Masonic form of the ancient AMEN which echoes through the ages, gathering meaning and music as it goes until it is one of the richest and most haunting of words. At first only a sign of assent, on the part either of an individual or of an assembly, to words of prayer or praise, it has become to stand as a sentinel at the gateway of silence.

When we have uttered all that we can utter, and our poor words seem like ripples on the bosom of the unspoken, somehow this familiar phrase gathers up all that is left – our dumb yearnings, our deepest longings – and bears them aloft to One who understands. In some strange way it seems to speak for us into the very ear of God the things for which words were never made.

Dream, the last word we hear when the voices of earth grow faint and the silence of God covers us, is the old AMEN, So Mote It Be.

How impressively it echoes through the Book of Holy Law. We hear it in the Psalms, as chorus answers to chorus, where it is sometimes reduplicated for emphasis. In the talks of Jesus with his friends it has a striking use, hidden in the English version. The oft-repeated So, naturally, it has a place of honor among us. At the phrase, “Verily, Verily I Say Unto You,” if rightly translated means, AMEN, AMEN, I say unto you.” Later, marriage Altar, it speaks its blessing as young love in the Epistles of Paul, the word AMEN becomes the walks toward the bliss or sorrow of hidden years. It name of Christ, who is the AMEN of God to the faith stands beside the cradle when we dedicate our little ones to the Holy life, mingling its benediction with our of man. vows. At the graveside it utters its sad response to the So, too, in the Lodge, at opening, at closing, and in the shadowy AMEN which death pronounces over our hour of initiation. No Mason ever enters upon (cont) friends.

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Any great or important undertaking without invoking the aid of Deity. And he ends his prayer with the old phrase, “So Mote It Be.” Which is another way of saying: “The Will Of God Be Done.” Or, whatever be the answer of God to his prayer: “So Be It – because it is wise and right.

What, then, is the meaning of this old phrase, so interwoven with all our Masonic lore, simple, tender, haunting? It has two meanings for us everywhere, in the Church, or in the Lodge. First, it is assent of man to the way and Will Of God; assent to His Commands; assent to His Providence, even when a tender, terrible stroke of death takes from us one much loved and leaves us forlorn.

Still, somehow, we must say:” So it is; so be it. He is a wise man, a brave man; who, baffled by the woes of life, when disaster follows fast and follows faster, can nevertheless accept his lot as a part of the Will of God and say, though it may almost choke him to say it:

“So Mote It Be.” It is not blind submission, nor dumb resignation, but a wise reconciliation to the Will of the Eternal.

The other meaning of the phrase is even more wonderful; it is the assent of God to the aspiration of man.

Man can bear so much – anything, perhaps – if he feels that God knows, cares and feels for him and with him. If God says Amen, So it is, to our faith and hope and love; it links our perplexed meanings, and helps us to see, however dimly, or in a glass darkly, that there is a wise and good purpose in life, despite its sorrow and suffering, and that we are not at the mercy of Fate or the whim of Chance.

own hearts, if we have ears to hear. But He speaks most clearly in the Book of Holy Law which lies open upon our Alter.

Nor is that all. Some of us hold that the Word Of God “Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us, Full Of Grace and Truth,” in a life the loveliest ever lived among men, showing us what life is, what it means, and to what fine issues it ascends when we do the Will of God on earth as it is done in Heaven, No one of us but grows wistful when he thinks of the life of Jesus, however far we fall below it.

Does God speak to man, confirming his faith and hope? If so, how? Indeed yes! God is not the great I Today men are asking the question: Was, but the great I Am, and He is neither deaf nor dumb. In Him we live and move and have our being – Does it do any good to pray? The man who actually He Speaks to us in nature, in the moral law, and in our prays does not ask such a question. As well (cont)

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ask if it does a bird any good to sing, or a flower to bloom? Prayer is natural and instinctive in man. We are made so. Man is made for prayer, as sparks ascending seek the sun. He would not need religious faith if the objects of it did not exist.

want done. Its purpose is to bring us to do the Will of God, which is greater and wiser than our will. It is not to use God, but to be used by Him in the service of His plan.

Are prayers ever answered? Yes, always, as Emerson taught us long ago. Who rises from prayer a better man, his prayer is answered – and that is as far as we need to go. The deepest desire, the ruling motive of a man, is his actual prayer, and it shapes his life after its form and color. In this sense all prayer is answered, and that is why we ought to be careful what we pray for – because in the end we always get it.

No, and Yes. True prayer does not wish or seek to change the larger Will of God, which involves in its sweep and scope the duty and destiny of humanity.

But it can and does change the Will of God concerning us, because it changes our will and attitude towards Him, which is the vital thing in prayer for us.

What, then is the good of prayer?

It makes us repose on the unknown with hope; it makes us ready for life. It is a recognition of laws and the thread of our conjunction with them. It is not the purpose of prayer to beg or make God do what we

Can man by prayer change the Will of God?

For example, if a man living a wicked life, we know what the Will of God will be for him. All evil ways have been often tried, and we know what the end is, just as we know the answer to a problem in geometry.

But if a man who is living wickedly changes his way of living and his inner attitude, he changes the Will of God – if not His Will, at least His Intention. That is, he attains what even the Divine Will could not give him and do for him unless it had been effected by His Will and Prayer.

The place of Prayer in Masonry is not perfunctory. It is not a mere matter of form and rote. It is vital and profound. As a man enters the Lodge as an initiate, prayer is offered for him, to God, in whom he puts his trust. Later, in a crisis of his initiation, he must pray for himself, orally or mentally as his heart may elect. It is not just a ceremony; it is basic in the faith and spirit of Masonry.

Still later, in a scene which no Mason ever forgets, when the shadow is darkest, and the most precious thing a Mason can desire or seek seems lost, in the perplexity and despair of the Lodge, a prayer is offered. As recorded in our Monitors, it is a mosaic of Bible words, in which the grim facts of life and death are set forth in stark reality, and appeal is made to the pity and light of God. (cont)

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It is truly a great prayer, to join in which is to place ourselves in the very hands of God, as all must do in the end, trust His Will and way, following where no path is into the soft and fascinating darkness which men call death. And the response of the Lodge to that prayer, as to all others offered at its Altar, is the old, challenging phrase, “So Mote It Be!” Brother, do not be ashamed to pray, as you are taught in the Lodge and the Church. It is a part of the sweetness and sanity of life, refreshing the soul and making clear the mind. There is more wisdom in a whispered prayer than in all the libraries of the world. It is not our business to instruct God. He knows what things we have need for before we ask him. He does not need our prayer, but we do – if only to make us acquainted with the best Friend we have.

The greatest of all teachers of the soul left us a little liturgy called the Lord’s Prayer. He told us to use it each for himself, in the closet when the the door is shut and the din and hum and litter of the world is outside. Try it Brother; it will sweeten life, make its load lighter, its joy brighter, and the way of duty plainer.

Two tiny prayers have floated down to us from ages agone, which are worth remembering; one by a great Saint, the other by two brothers. “Grant Me, Lord, ardently to desire, wisely to study, rightly to understand and perfectly to fulfill that which pleaseth Thee.” And the second is after the manner: “May two brothers enjoy and serve Thee together, and so live today that we may be worthy to live tomorrow.”

“SO MOTE IT BE”

By Bro. Author Unknown

The first two points -- where you marked the crossing of the bisecting diameter through the circle's circumference -- can also be used to construct two further perpendicular lines. These are the two "boundary" lines of conduct sometimes symbolized on Masonic tracing boards by the Two Saints John and sometimes referred to as indicators of the Summer and Winter Solstices, whereon the feast days of those two saints occur.

We also have a fragment of great interest in the ceremony of opening the Lodge in the Third Degree. It is from the East and towards the West that one's steps are directed to find that which was lost, and it is with (by means of) the center, that point round which a Master Mason cannot err. The opening catechism of the Third Degree fits so accurately the process of forming a perfect square as used by the rope stretchers of ancient Egypt that the belief forms in the mind that we have here a fragment of the old operative instruction preserved in the mosaic of speculative Masonry.

No wonder that Pythagoras sacrificed an hecatomb! No wonder that Anderson speaks of this proposition as the foundation of all Masonry! The only wonder is that modern Freemasonry has lost sight of the importance of this symbol.

Our consideration of the subject has brought us back again to the central point of modern Speculative Freemasonry--the knowledge of God--to which all our symbolism points. We seek it in the First Degree under the symbolism of Light; we strive to attain it in the Second Degree as the summit of all knowledge; we learn in the Third Degree that perfect knowledge is not to be attained on this side of the grave; but everywhere it is taught as the unifying bond of the Craft, cementing us as a common brotherhood with a common Father, even God--that God who ever lives and loves, one God, one Law, one element and one far-off divine event to which the whole creation moves.

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A new year has dawned with the Sun rising in the East to open and adorn the first day of 2021 (Anno Lucis 6021).

Just as the WM rises so too, we rise to open our hearts, mind and consciouses to govern our words and actions for the benefit of our families, communities and nation this coming day and year.

I stated hauling water in small jugs as I have done in the past and when we learned it would be at least a month or more without the well working I went to plan "B". Our well man offered the use his 210-gallon water tank and small pressure pump until the well was fixed. Through a little trial and experience I now haul water in four 15-gallon barrels and transfer the water to the large tank that is connected to the house using the small pressure pump which allows us to function as normal.

Our average use is about 60-75 gallons a day depending on laundry, dishes and showers.

This past year has brought us many challenges that have tested us in ways unfamiliar to us. Most of my brothers, family and friends have adjusted well to the challenges and some suffered loss of loved ones, employment and homes. We as brothers and decent human beings are to comfort and support our fellow man, women and children. Food banks and other charitable causes have been stretched beyond their capacity but continue to do all they can. I have witnessed acts of kindness and generosity from some who I would not expect to do so. Also, I have witnessed anger, hate and discontent from people that have never showed that side of their personalities. For the most part I am pleased with my brothers conduct and am optimistic we as a fraternity will overcome the adversities that face us unite stronger but probably slightly lower in mem- The point of all this rambling is I am thankful that we bership, at least for the short term. have a vacant property that is 1/4 mile from the house that has a functioning well. I had most everything I needed to I want to share a story of a little inconvenience that my rig up this temporary set up and don't have to go into town wife and I are experiencing and hope it relays a message and pay for water which is not close to the quality of our that time, patience and perseverance will accomplish all things. On December 5, Shirley was taking a shower when well water. We don't have to go to a laundromat or take I heard her holler for me to come help. She had just put sponge baths or flush toilets using gallon water jugs. We shampoo her hair when the water stopped running. Lucki- don't realize how much we depend on water and electricity ly, we have a few gallons of water available for such emer- being available when we want it. gencies, of course rinsing her hair with cold water was an event all unto itself.

I went to the well and soon discovered the diagnosis was beyond my knowledge and capabilities. Our well man came out the next day and gave us the bad news the pump needed replacing. Fortunately, the pump is still under warranty so the cost of replacement won't be as much. The bad part is due to COVID-19 restrictions the pump manufacturer has reduced their work force and best-case scenario is a pump should be available sometime in January.

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Look on the bright side, better days are ahead. Time, Patience and Perseverance will accomplish all things.

Fraternally,

Jim Baker 2020 Senior Grand Warden Grand Lodge of Arizona Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

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Happy New Year everyone!!! I hope all of your holidays were awesome and memorable, and that you all are doing well. I want to thank all of you for your vote of confidence in me being Worshipful Master for the upcoming year 2021. I am humbled by your decision and faith in me and hope I do not disappoint you.

for more practices, as well as more new Masons. I am not looking for quantity per say, but quality and if that means we bring many new men into our fraternity, then great. I am hoping that we can continue growing our fraternity and lodge this year and every year after. This will require effort on all our parts, so I am also asking all the The new year brings with it many questions and challeng- brethren to try and put forth as much effort as you can to es. Questions like where do we go from here, what is this the continued growth of our lodge this year. year going to bring us, and many others I am sure will One of the challenges our lodge faces is the same as all other lodges: Will we be back to “normal” soon? I am hoping so, but until then, we will continue as we are for now. Another challenge our lodge faces is membership, as with all lodges. I believe we need to also concentrate on how to keep members after they join our lodge. I will be asking throughout the year for folks to get involved. I believe that you only get out of Masonry (or anything for that matter) what you put into it, so the more involved we all are, the more we all will get out of it.

arise as the year progresses.

Let me start by answering the 1st question: “Where do we go from here?”. I believe we can only go forward and get better every day. We still need to push forward toward our goals as men, Masons, and as a lodge. This means that we will continue having our meetings, practices, visits, and charitable events as well. These will all continue of course within the guidelines set by MWGM Boyd Robertson.

It sounds like I am preaching, and I am sorry. I am merely hoping this letter will foster some ideas amongst all of you about how to continue moving forward as a lodge and not let this year slow us down any more than COVID already has this past year. We will get through this as with all other hurdles we have faced.

Hang in there.

I have many ideas for this year and will bring those to the meetings. This new year will be a great one.

Happy New Year! And thank you again for this awesome opportunity!

Fraternally,

Eric Smith

What will the year bring us? Hopefully it will bring good things and leave all the negative in the past. I am hoping

2021 Master Elect Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

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R. F. Gould's Military Lodges, published in 1899, was the first full size book on the subject of Lodges warranted expressly for the uses of soldiers and for men in the navy. It was not an interesting book to read, for on many pages it was little more than a directory of names and dates, but it opened up afield for Masonic students. (See p. 667). Unfortunately not many have passed through that opening, except to write a few articles and essays, and the "great history" of Freemasonry among soldiers is yet to be written; and until it is written a long chapter will remain missing out of the general history of the Craft, because Military Lodges have had a larger place in the development and diffusion of the Fraternity than could have been believed in Gould's day; in America they were one of the principal means by which Lodges were introduced into the Colonies, and they left a long and deeplyfelt influence on Lodge practice.

against the officer caste to which he himself belonged, and age one or two Grand Lodges.

It is when it is read in this context of facts that Freemasonry in the Royal Scots by T. R. Henderson (Gale & Polden; London; 1934) becomes so valuable and so illuminating, and in spite of its author's having narrowed himself to one regiment, and in a book of only 100 pages. It is one of the finest Masonic books ever written; manly, sane, straightforward, friendly, has a living and moving style, and written with courage — courage, because he had to say hard things here and there

From 1713 to 1748 "the civil government feared and disliked the Army.... The soldier generally was enlisted for life, and was often impressed against his will.

More often than not he had to serve along with thieves, pirates and other criminals brought in by press gangs. . ."

Colonial service usually "ended in the majority of cases in a miserable death from disease." In contrast Freemasonry "offered the soldier a sphere of action where he could regain his self-respect .... It is not surprising that ..(cont)

Bro. Henderson gives a number of interesting "firsts" in his opening chapter. The Lodge of Edinburgh was admitting both Operatives and Speculatives as early as 1599, and it is impossible to guess how much earlier (there are some reasons to believe that in Scotland Lodges had always admitted a small number of non Operatives); doubtless among the Sixteenth Century members at Edinburgh there were military men, because at least one branch of the army always had been in contact with Masonry, the military engineers, and to a iesser extent men specializing in artillery.

But the first recorded instance is that of David Ramsey, made a Mason in August, 1637; the second was Alexander Hamilton, who was admitted "Fellow and Master of the Craft," May 20, 1640. It may be that either or both of these Brothers belonged to the Royal Scots, then called The Royal Regiment.

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

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

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the Craft spread rapidly among the military forces of the Crown."

The first military (or ambulatory) Warrant ever issued was No. 11, granted in 1732 by the Grand Lodge of Ireland, to the regiment which is now the Royal Scots.

By 1734 four others were at work. There were eight before Scotland issued its first military Warrant 29 or more before any were issued by either of the two Grand Lodges in England. By 1813, and not counting "remote pentacles under Provincial Grand Lodges in foreign parts" (as in the West Indies) there are known to have been 190 under Grand Lodge of Ireland; 116 under Ancient Grand Lodge of England; 25 under Modern Grand Lodge of England; 21 under Grand Lodge of Scotland; a total of 352. This was the total number of Warrants from 1732 to 1813; mortality is high among military Lodges, but 219 were still working after 1813. Since 1813, the year of the Union of the Ancient and Modern Grand Lodges, England has issued 25 Warrants; Ireland, 40; Scotland, 2; a grand total of 419 British military Lodges. Of this total 224 were in Infantry; 68 in Militia; 49 in Cavalry; 28 in Artillery; 7 in Royal Marines; 3 in the Royal Engineers;

and one in the Foot-Guards.

The majority of Military Lodges on both sides in the Revolutionary War were chartered by Ireland, England, and Scotland. How many may have been chartered by American Provincial Grand Lodges is not known. Masonry in the Formation of Our Government: 1761-1799, by Bro. Philip A. Roth; Milwaukee, Wis.; 1927, lists ten: St. John's Regimental Lodge, July 24, 1775; American Union, February 15, 1776, Washington No. 10, October 6, 1779; these were constituted by Massachusetts. Pennsylvania (Philadelphia was then the National Capital) chartered: Lodge No. 19, May 18, 1779; Lodge No. 20, in 1779; Lodge No. 27, April 4, 1780; No. 28, in 1780; No. 29, on July 27, 1780; No. 31, March 26, 1781; No. 36, September 2, 1782. No. 20 was for the North Carolina line; No. 27 for Maryland; Nos. 31 and 36 for New Jersey.

TRAVELING WARRANTS Warrants under which military Lodges are organized, and so called because the Lodges which act under them are permitted to travel from place to place with the regiments to which they are attached.

www.azmasoniclibrary.org

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Workers in stone, who construct material edifices, in contradistinction to Speculative Masons, who build spiritual edifices.

Living is an art, an art in any form, be it realistic, fantasy, comic, tragic, memorable. Consider the big picture, and know what to leave out. One who sees all as genuine, is either is fooling himself, or needs corrective eye ware..

Everything we call real are things made up of that we don't realize are not true reality. After all, when everything is said and done, we find that more is said than done.

Helen Keller describes optimism as the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence in your efforts, and with those who lead and guide.

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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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

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 bedetailed exhibits and guided tours that teach the general gun a multi-year project to perform all needed structural repairs. Stone by stone, are repointing the mortar and public about George Washington, his life and virtues, protecting the building from water penetration. When and the role that Freemasonry played throughout his life. Further, the Memorial is an important space for the completed, the building will be in better than new performing arts, social gatherings, public events, and condition. 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.

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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Jan 7, Pinal Lodge No. 30

January 23, 2021 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

7:00 pm Stated Meeting

2021 Officer Installations 10:00 am Open Installation begins

Jan 9, White Mountain No. 3 10:00 am Stated Meeting

March 6, 2021 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

Jan 9, Globe Chapter No. 7 R.A.M

Lost Dutchman Outdoor Degree 10:00 am Degree Begins

2:00 pm Stated Meeting

March 26-28, 2021 Arizona Masonicon Jan 12, Ocotillo Chapter No. 21 OES 7:00 pm Stated Meeting

Jan 14, Apache Lodge No. 69

Holiday Inn Casa Grande, Arizona

June 4-6, 2021 Grand Lodge of Arizona Prescott Resort Prescott, Arizona

7:300 pm Stated Meeting

Jan 21, Eloy Lodge No. 46 7:00 pm Stated Meeting

Jan 25, 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

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

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

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

The future of our fraternity relies on your commitment.

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

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

The Widows Sons, Masonic Riders Association is a group of Master Masons who have gathered together to promote Freemasonry within the motorcycling community and help introduce motorcycling to our non-riding Masonic brethren. As Freemasons we are committed to "Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth" tenets of our lives, as Widows Sons we are devoted to supporting Widows and Orphans of our Masonic brethren.

We hold events and rides as fundraisers for this noble cause, and other charitable causes. The chapters in Arizona are very diverse with members from various areas, lodges, and a variety of motorcycles.

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

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

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

We practice the great lessons of Freemasonry and encourage members to attend and participate in their Blue Lodge activities. High Twelve unifies Master Masons from many Lodges in an association where fellowship grows into lasting friendships. As High Twelve Masons, we support the Public School System and encourage participation in constructive community activities.

There are over 300 active High Twelve Clubs with 25,000 members in the United States, Canada and Foreign Countries.

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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/942746389 to automatically select us. Or you can go to www.smile.amazon.com and you will be prompted to select a charity. Now you are ready to shop and support the Masonic Charities of Arizona.

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

Fraternally, Roger Biede III Secretary, Masonic Charities of Arizona rcbthree@hotmail.com www.masoniccharitiesaz.com 21

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Anthony Raimondi Email: Raimondi_57@msn.com

Eric Smith Email: jiminys@yahoo.com

Email: jwoode591@gmail.com

MWGM Boyd Robertson 2020-21 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

Roger Biede III PM Chairman Robert Malloy PM John Woode

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 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.

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