January 2023 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 Trestleboard

MWJohn went to College at Bowling Green State University and Graduated with a Major in Music and a minor in Psychology in December of 2013. He continued his education at Ashland University to become a Teacher in May of 2015.

John now works in the Florence Unified School District at Poston Butte High School as the Band, Choir, and Guitar Teacher since 2016. He also teaches private lessons through Arizona Music Academy in Gilbert.

John has been involved in Masonry since before he knew he was going to join the craft. His father Kenneth Leroy Woode Jr. and Grandfather Kenneth Leroy Woode Sr. were both Masons making him a 3rd Generation Mason. His Grandfather was a primary influence on him as a young man and John was regularly involved with serving Amaranth dinners and attending Council Breakfasts with his grandfather growing up.

He is engaged to his beautiful fiancée Victoria Choin and plans to be married in January of 2024 and looks forward to many years of happy adventures with her.

Join Us for a Once in a Lifetime Event: The Rededication of the Cornerstone When the cornerstone of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial was dedicated in 1923, over ten thousand Masons and guests came to witness the historic event. They celebrated with a grand parade from the Alexandria waterfront up to the Memorial, and there watched and listened as the assembled dignitaries solemnified the work with all the dignity the importance of the act required. President Calvin Coolidge watched as the very trowel that George Washington once used to lay the cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol was pressed into labor again. The nation’s Masonic leaders all directed their attention to the ceremony and the meaning behind it. Their vision for a towering Memorial that would forever honor George Washington and serve as a beacon of Masonic Light for all the world was beginning to come true. They worked relentlessly to realize their purpose: “To erect and maintain in the City of Alexandria, Virginia, a suitable memorial temple to George Washington, the Mason; one which will express in durability and beauty the undying esteem of the Freemasons of the United States for him, in whose memory it shall stand throughout the coming years.” Several generations of visitors have benefited greatly from their efforts, and now the time has come for us to renew our own dedication to their great mission, and to gather again at the Memorial to witness the centennial rededication ceremony. Rededicating the Cornerstone In 1923, attendees came from every part of our great nation to support the idea of the Memorial. In 2023, Masons will gather again at the Memorial to witness the re-dedication of this cornerstone. The time is now to celebrate the Memorial’s timeless legacy.

Please join us in February 2023. Come as an individual, as a family, or as a lodge, and become part of our second century of making history. See below for a complete schedule of events, beginning Friday, February 17 and running through Wednesday, February 22.

For complete details, schedule and to register, visit: https://gwmemorial.org/2023

From: LIGHT of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Volume 28, Number 2, 2022

Dear Brothers,

I would like to thank you all for your support at the Installation this year! Thank you to the outgoing officers and Worshipful Master Eric Smith for a wonderful two years in the east, and a thank you to this year’s current line of officers, Dewey Jefferson Senior Warden, Robert Malloy Junior Warden, Stephen Murphy Senior Deacon, Mark White Jun-

and appointed.

To the Lodge I want to thank you in putting your trust in me to help lead the lodge in this up coming year and to guide us in a direction that will help us to shine our masonic light into our local community and in our everyday lives. I want to thank all the masters before me for laying down foundations to build upon and improve upon. I want to thank all the members of the line that are willing to be there with me as we go on this journey together for the next year. And finally, I want to thank my fiancée Vickie Choin for having jumped into this life without knowing what freemasonry was about and being willing to let me pursue my goals.

Now for the next year let us set our goals high and do our best to accomplish them with great zeal. For this year my goal for lodge is “Get back to the family.” All the events that we will be planning and writing up for the upcoming year will all be focused on the family members of the lodge not just the brothers. So, when these events are announced, we want it to be known that everyone is invited to come out and join in the fun not only to get to know more about freemasonry but also to help remind families that we are there for them. So again, Thank you all for your support and let us have a great 2023!

ior Deacon, Lee Apger Secretary, Byron Singer Treasurer, Brian Gay Marshal, Stanley Beard Steward, and Anthony Raimondi. May these brothers do their best in the seats that they have been elected

Fraternally, John Woode

2022 Master

Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

After four long years WB Adam Pitman handed the reins of Pinal Lodge No. 30 over. He has finally found someone worthy to take the reigns in the form of WB Jeremy Clark. WB Clark was installed at a wonderful installation that was observed by the Grand Master of Masons of Arizona, MW Jim Baker.

The Morgan affair begins with William Morgan. Morgan was a captain during the War of 1812. After the war, Morgan, who was in his 40's, married 19 year old Lucinda Pendelton in Richmond, Virginia. The couple had two children. After the birth of his children, Morgan moved his family to York, Upper Canada where he started a brewery. When the brewery burned down, Morgan, and his family, were left in poverty.

After the fire, Morgan moved his family first to Rochester, New York. There Morgan allegedly became a member of the local Masonic Lodge, Wells Lodge No. 282. It is important to note there is no written evidence of Morgan being raised in the lodge, in fact it is questioned whether Morgan ever really went through the three degrees of Freemasonry. There is written documentation he received the Royal Arch Degrees (York Rite), and joined Western Star Chapter R.A.M. No. 33 of LeRoy, New York. To receive the Royal Arch degrees a person must have received the first three degrees of Freemasonry. It is believed Morgan convinced a friend and employer to vouch for him rather than to go through the proper process of verifying Morgan's membership in a masonic lodge.

After receiving the Royal Arch Degrees in 1825, Morgan became well known in New York Freemasonry. He gave speeches about the craft, volunteered to help in degree work and helped start several Royal Arch Chapters. One of them was in Batavia, New York. By the time he arrived there, questions were growing about whether he was truly a Freemason. Because of this, his name was left off the documents for chartering showing him as a founding member. On top of this the members of the local Batavia lodge, where Morgan lived with his family, denied him admission into the lodge.

CALIENTE COFFEE CLUB

SINCE

Morgan became angry at the fraternity for the disrespect he experienced. He threatened to write a book called Illustrations of Masonry revealing all of the secrets of the Masonic Degrees. There were three backers of the book, one being David C. Miller a local newspaper publisher who had a grudge against the fraternity. Miller had progressed through the 1st degree of masonry and was prevented from continuing for 20 years, his progression was stopped "due to cause." Records indicate one or more members of the Batavia lodge objected to his continuing in the fraternity.

Miller and the two other backers of Morgan's book entered into a bond with Morgan for $500,000.00. Morgan was offered one quarter of the profits of the book once published.

It's important to remember Morgan was about 100 years too late on revealing the ritual of Freemasonry in his book, the first rituals of the Grand Lodge of England were published in the London Times by a reporter shortly after the forming of the Grand Lodge England. At the time there were accusations unknown individuals tried to burn Miller's newspaper down. Several Masons regularly went to Morgans house and protested stating Morgan owed them money and finally he was accused of stealing a shirt and tie, leading to his arrest. He was acquitted of stealing the tie, instead he was locked up in debtors prison until a debt of just over $2.00 was repaid.

It is here the details of the story become vague and shrouded. Some accounts have a group of unknown men showing up at the prison, paying his debt and spiriting him into the darkness never to be seen again. Others have Miller arriving to pay his debt and the two men disappearing into the night. One commonality among the stories was Morgan ended up at Fort Niagara on the Niagara River bordering Canada. Again the details of what happened here are unclear and many statements, some conflicting, have been made. Here are just a few of the theories which have been put forth:

Morgan was taken to an unused building at Fort Niagara and after a few days drowned in the river. Some credence was given to this story when a body washed up on the shore of Lake Ontario. The body was initially identified as Morgan, although there were large discrepancies about the appearance of the body which called it into question. It was later identified by Mrs. Sarah Monroe as her husband. The widow Monroe was able to identify various birthmarks and scars on the body before seeing the body. There was also an accusation Thurlow Reed, a newspaper publisher, had the body altered to better resemble Morgan. As examples, the body which washed up on shore was bearded, with a full head of hair. Morgan had no facial hair and

was bald.

A similar account claims Morgan's captors took him across the Niagara River to Canada to ask Canadian Masons to deal with him. The Canadian Masons refused and on the trip back across the river, Morgan was dumped over the side of the boat. Again the above account of the body washing up in Lake Ontario gave fuel to this concept, although the body was clearly not Morgan based on testimonies from the Widow Monroe. The Masons themselves claimed $500.00 was given to Morgan and he was told to leave the country. There were contemporary reports Morgan had been spotted in other countries. One report said he was seen in the southern part of the United States after his alleged murder. Regardless of which story is true, the media at the time ran with the story of murder and secret plots. At the time in the United States Masonry was very popular among politicians and even then there was talk of conspiracies of the Freemasons secretly running the country. For those who were opposed to Masonry this was the opportunity they needed.

Three of the men were tried in Batavia for the alleged murder of Morgan. In the initial trial they were all acquitted. This sent a wave of outrage through the country, again claiming a Masonic Conspiracy had set the men free. It was not helped by the fact the first judge in the case was himself a Freemason. Due to public outrage across the country, the three men and the sheriff (also a mason) in Batavia were retried. This time the men plead guilty to conspiracy to kidnap Morgan and stuck to their story Morgan was alive and had merely been encouraged to leave town. The men were convicted of murdering Morgan.

Those who opposed Freemasonry, generally now called Anti-Masons, saw this as another opportunity. They formed the first national third party, the Anti-Masonic Party. They nominated a candidate in the 1828 and 1832 Presidential elections. After the second Presidential election, interest in the party began to wane as

other more important national issues were raised, like slavery. The Anti-Masonic party was quietly absorbed into the Whig party.

For Freemasonry in the United States the decades after the Morgan Affair are referred to as a Dark Time for Freemasonry. Public sentiment regarding the fraternity caused many lodges to close or to go "underground" meeting in members homes or not meeting at all to avoid the backlash which started because of the alleged murder of Morgan.

Morgan's widow moved west with a new husband, also significantly older than she was. The couple became Mormons and some accounts have Morgan's widow becoming one of the plural wives of Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism. In fact Morgan himself was given a vicarious baptism into the Mormon church in 1841, adding some fuel to a conflict between Mormon's of the time and the masonic fraternity.

Dewitt Clinton, the Governor of New York, and a Freemason, during the Morgan affair offered a $1,000 reward for information regarding Morgan's whereabouts. No one ever claimed the reward.

Note: writer's opinion is represented below

Like Freemasonry itself, the idea of the Morgan affair continues to give new fuel to conspiracy theories since there are so few facts available after Morgan's disappearance. No body has ever been positively identified as Morgan's. On some level, the Morgan Affair was the first pop culture trial in the United States, with people eagerly awaiting news out of Batavia. Salivating over every salacious detail of the trial. Often a person's view point on the Morgan affair, including my own, is colored by what the person thinks of the Masonic Fraternity and not the facts of the case. ~MasonryToday

A little less than 18 months ago, I was initiated as an entered apprentice. During that ceremony I was first introduced to the Rough and Perfect Ashlars.

It was explained to me at that time that rough stone was selected at the quarry for its suitability for a particular place in the planned construction. It was deemed

us works diligently to smooth off our own rough edges and shape ourselves into a part of a strong Family, Community and Lodge.

We find out that inside of each of us is that “Perfect Ashlar”, but that we have a lot of roughness to chip away to reveal it. Our roughness dissolves bit by bit as we realize what we actually CAN do.

A great sculptor one described the creation process as simply removing everything that isn’t the statue. The masterpiece was ALWAYS in the stone.

We must realize that, despite our lack of faith in ourselves, we CAN memorize ritual, coach and mentor candidates and the newly initiated, and grow ourselves into the men we have always been on the inside.

a good stone which the skilled Mason could work it into a proper piece that would fit perfectly into its place. And, that stone with other expertly crafted stones, could be put together in order to create the strong walls of a Lodge, Castle or Cathedral.

In a similar way, when a candidate expresses interest in becoming a Mason, it is our duty to examine this “Rough Ashlar” to determine his suitability for further work, and his ability to add to the strength of our Lodge.

With the help of more experienced brothers, each of

I , for one, have a long way to go before my Ashlar will be anything more than a slightly smoother Rough Ashlar, but I relish the journey of discovery ahead of me as I work hard to make this ‘good man' into a better man, and better husband, a better father, a better neighbor and a better Mason.

Fraternally, Mark White

2022

Junior

Warden Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

On Saturday November

5, 2022 was the Annual Chevalier Investiture. The Chevalier is the highest award an active DeMolay can receive. This event was attended by DeMolay International Master Councilor, Cooper Crabtree. Two of our own members Mason & Taylor were recipients of this award along with 5 other young men in the state. Saguaro Chapter was also awarded their Chapter Charter, five years in the making and 18 members later it was a very special day. Also the Zerubbabel Key was awarded to the Founding Chapter Chairman Dad Howell and posthumously to Founding Chapter Dad, Dad Zak

The

From the Past Master of one Lodge, and the S.W. elect of another Lodge.

Good day Brethren, and Happy New year. I sincerely hope the Holidays were good to you. I don’t know about you, but my pants fit a little tighter now. Not sure if the dryer or the refrigerator did it.

Well, I must admit this last year was a tough one, with being master of one lodge and J.W. of another. It kept me awake a lot at night. Don’t misunderstand me, it was a productive year as there was a lot of degree work done in both Lodges. I’m very proud of the work that I was a part of, but now moving into 2023, things will slow down some, Hopefully.

Two Thousand and Twenty-Three, man that’s hard to understand, let alone write. I was born before the middle of last century, and here it is almost a quarter into this century. When you say it like that, no wonder most of us are tired. Okay enough of that!

Looking forward we are going to have a busy year at Gila Valley #9. We have at last count, three E.A. applications for degrees. White Mountain #3 has hopefully, a couple proficiencies and an F.C. degree soon. Things are looking bright, and don’t forget the outdoor degree on March 4. It’s great to see Masonry moving along so well, and with a little work it will continue and get better.

Well, I hope you have enjoyed this small look

into my world, and I hope I have shared some positivity into yours. Keep looking forward Brothers and keep a good rein and a tight cinch.

Freemasonry: A Brotherhood of Man

Under the Fatherhood of God Fraternally, Dewey Jefferson

2022 Senior Warden Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

The common gavel is one of the working tools of an Entered Apprentice. It is made use of by the Operative Mason to break off the corners of the rough ashlar, and thus fit it the better for the builder's use, and is therefore adopted as a symbol in Speculative Freemasonry, to admonish us of the duty of divesting our minds and consciences of all the vices and impurities of life, thereby fitting our bodies as living stones for that spiritual building not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. It borrows its name from its shape, being that of the gable or gavel end of a house; and this word again comes from the German gipfel, a summit,

top, or peak the idea of a pointed extremity being common to all.

he true form of the gavel is that of the stonemasons hammer. It is to be made with a cutting edge, as in the engraving, that it may be used to break off the corners of rough stones, an operation which could never be effected by the common hammer or mallet. The gavel

thus shaped will give, when looked at in front, the exact representation of the gavel or gable end of a house, whence, as has been already said, the name is derived.

The gavel of the Master is also called a Hiram, because, like that architect, it governs the Craft and keeps order in the Lodge, as he did in the Temple.

~Mackey

Brethren,

I would like to take some time to introduce myself. My name is Robert Molloy, your newly installed Junior Warden. It has been a little over 30 years since I have been raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason.

When I petitioned S.P. Walltrip 1328 AF & AM in Houston. I’ll have to admit that I did not know very much about Masonry. However, since that day I have learned and experienced so much.

I am a two-time Past Master of Iditarod Lodge No. 20 F & AM in Wasilla, AK, a four (4) time Past Patron of Matanuska Valley Chapter NO. 14 O.E.S. in Palmer, AK and was involved with Demolay and Rainbow girls.

After retiring, my wife and I moved to Arizona where we have been for the last 5 1/2 years. I look forward to the many events coming this year. I hope you had a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Season. As the New Year begins it is a reminder of a New Beginning, a New Hope for the Future. May your year be filled with Happiness, Health, and Love.

Many of you have not been to Alaska, so let me share some interesting things about Alaska ….Alaska was home to three native groups: Eskimos, Aleuts, and

Indians.

The Tongass national forest is the largest national forest and it is a massive 16.8 million acres.

The United States purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867 in the Alaska purchase.

The Alaska Highway was constructed during World War II for connecting the United States to Alaska across Canada.

Alaska’s official state flag was designed by 13-year-old Benson in 1926. Alaska adopted the flag as its state flag upon joining the Union in 1959.

Alaska was an unexplored area when Secretary of State William Seward acquired it from the Russians for $7,200,000 (about two cents per acre) in 1867. The purchase was widely said to be Seward’s folly.

Alaska occupies one-fifth of the USA and is twice as large as Texas.

Fraternally, Robert Molloy

2022 Junior Warden

Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

One Sunday evening, a young salesman was driving through the country for a meeting with a prospective client the following morning when his car suddenly broke down. Being Sunday evening, each call he made met with a recorded message informing him that business hours were Monday through Friday. Just at that moment, he saw a farmer headed toward him on his tractor.

After a brief discussion, the farmer told him that he would pull his vehicle to his home, put him up for the evening, and loaned him his truck the following morning to make his appointment. Beside himself with gratitude, the young salesman marveled at the generosity of the farmer. As they shared an evening meal, the young man saw several pictures of the old farmer with groups of men wearing Masonic aprons. Glancing down at his own Masonic ring that he recently received for being Raised, the young man gave a wry smile and went to bed happy to know that his Brother had recognized his ring and taken care of him.

The following day upon returning from his appointment, the young man found that the farmer had repaired his The young man thanked him profusely and told the farmer how grateful he was and how glad he was that he had joined the FraterniThe farmer gave him a puzzled look and the young man said, “I saw the pictures of you with Masonic Brethren and I know you must have seen my Masonic ring. I understand that’s why you helped me.”

The old farmer just shook his head and said, “My Brother, I didn’t help you because you’re a Mason…I helped you because I AM A MASON.” So, being a good Mason means being a good neighbor; not for the sake of reward and not only to other Masons but because it’s the right thing to do. Remember the first important lesson taught you in Masonry?

Of course, it reminds us that we should offer help to a Brother in need, but it begins by admonishing us to offer relief to “anyone” in need. All are your neighbors, and all are deserving of your aid and assistance.

…….Brother Bradley Kohanke, PM , Davy Crockett Lodge #1225 Texas, Volume 7-- Issue 9 (March 2015 …

Shared to us by Honorary WB Jim Reid

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

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

vice.

Grand Care is an Arizona non-profit corporation and gratefully accepts IRS 501(C) (3) tax-deductible contributions from individuals, business and groups

Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission. You can mail donations to P.O. Box 64251, Tucson, Arizona 85728 4251 or send them securely through our certified PayPal account.

https://azgcare.org/

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

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

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

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

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

What are the SQUARE AND COMPASSES ?

These two symbols have been so long and so universally combined— to teach us, as says an early instruction, "to square our actions and to keep them within due bounds," they are so seldom seen apart, but are so kept together, either as two Great Lights, or as a jewel worn once by the Master of the Lodge, now by the Past Master that they have come at last to be recognized as the proper badge of a Master Mason, just as the Triple Tau is of a Royal Arch Mason or the Passion Cross of a Knight Templar.

So universally has this symbol been recognized, even by the profane world, as the peculiar characteristic of Freemasonry, that it has recently been made in the United States the subject of a legal decision. A manufacturer of flour having made, in 1873, an application to the Patent Office for permission to adopt the Square and Compasses as a trade-mark, the Commissioner of Patents, .J. M. Thatcher, refused the permission as the mark was a Masonic symbol.

If this emblem were something other than precisely what it is either less known", less significant, or fully and universally understood—all this might readily be

admitted. But, Considering its peculiar character and relation to the public, an anomalous question is presented. There can be no doubt that this device, so commonly worn and employed by Masons, has an established mystic significance, universally recognized as existing; whether comprehended by all or not, is not material to this issue. In view of the magnitude and extent of the Masonic organization, it is impossible to divest its symbols, or at least this particular symbol— perhaps the best known of all of its ordinary signification, wherever displaced, either as an arbitrary character or otherwise.

It will be universally understood, or misunderstood, as having a Masonic significance; and, therefore, as a trademark, must constantly work deception. Nothing could be more mischievous than to create as a monopoly, and uphold by the poser of lacy anything so calculated. as applied to purposes of trade. to be misinterpreted, to mislead all classes, and to constantly foster suggestions of mystery in affairs of business (see Infringing upon Freemasonry, also Imitative Societies, and Clandestine).

In a religious work by John Davies, entitled Summa Totalis, or All in All and the Same Forever, printed in

1607, we find an allusion to the Square and Compasses by a profane in a really Masonic sense. The author, who proposes to describe mystically the form of the Deity, says in his dedication:

Yet I this forme of formelesse Deity, Drewe by the Squire and Compasse of our Creed. In Masonic symbolism the Square and Compasses refer to the Freemason's duty to the Craft and to himself; hence it is properly a symbol of brotherhood, and there significantly adopted as the badge or token of the Fraternity. Berage, in his work on the higher Degrees, Les plus secrets Mystéres des Hauts Grades, or The Most Secret Mysteries of the High Grades, gives a new interpretation to the symbol. He says: "The Square and the Compasses represent the union of the Old and New Testa-

ments. None of the high Degrees recognize this interpretation, although their symbolism of the two implements differs somewhat from that of Symbolic Freemasonry.

The Square is with them peculiarly appropriated to the lower Degrees, as founded on the Operative Art; while the Compasses, as an implement of higher character and uses, is attributed to the Decrees, which claim to have a more elevated and philosophical foundation. Thus they speak of the initiate, when he passes from the Blue Lodge to the Lodge of Perfection, as 'passing from the Square to the Compasses,' to indicate a progressive elevation in his studies. Yet even in the high Degrees, the square and compasses combined retain their primitive signification as a symbol of brotherhood and as a badge of the Order." ~Mackey

What is the Acacia Tree ?

.

The Acacia tree is an important part of masonic lore. It is important to understand in any conversation about the "sprig of acacia", is that the term "acacia tree" is actually a generic term. Acacia tree actually refers to a genus of trees. There are a wide variety of acacia trees in the world. Most grow in tropical and sub-tropical regions. There are more than 800 species and sub-species of acacia tree around the world.

. When talking about the acacia tree's relationship with Freemasonry we are most likely talking about the Acacia Rad- which is a sub-species of Acacia tortilis. Acacia Raddiana grows in Israel and is believed to be the wood that was used to build a variety of sacred items for the tabernacle. At least one of the items is believed to be the Ark of the Cove-

.

The Acacia Raddiana,

because of the arid environment it grows in, grows very slowly and tends to be a very dense wood. The tree also produces small white flowers that are very aromatic. The "tree" can also grow as a small shrub particularly in rocky terrains.

It is believed that the acacia tree first became associated with immortality due to an Egyptian myth about Osiris. In the legend Osiris is tricked into a box that is thrown into the Nile. It eventually washed ashore near an acacia tree which rapidly grew around the box. The tree was turned into a column by a local king, which Isis was eventually given.

Jan 2, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

5:00pm DinneratLodge 7:00pmStatedMeeting 9:00pmPostmeetingdiscussionatMountAthos

Jan 5, Pinal Lodge No. 30

7:00pmStatedMeeting

Jan 10, Ocotillo Chapter No. 21 OES Callfortime

Jan 12, Apache Lodge No. 69 7:30pmStatedMeeting

Jan 14, White Mountain No. 3 10:00amStatedMeeting

Jan 14, Globe Chapter No. 7 R.A.M 2:00pmStatedMeeting

Jan 19, Eloy Lodge No. 46 7:00pmStatedMeeting

Jan 21, Memento Mori Widow Sons Location TBD: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WSMMChapter 11:00amStatedMeeting

Jan 2 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 5:30pmTrusteeMeeting

Jan 9, Sabbar Shrine 7:00pmStatedMeeting

Jan 14 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

FIRST DEGREE 9:00amDegreeBegins

Jan 20, 3rd Fridays Main Street Florence 5:00pmPublicEvent

Jan 22, Grand Lodge of Arizona RexHutchinsFuneral TucsonScottishRiteBuilding 11:00am

Feb 11, Grand Lodge of Arizona 100yearanniversary EpesRandolph

June 6-9, Grand Lodge of Arizona GrandCommunication

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

Do you have a son 12-21 years Old? Saguaro Order of the DeMolay is the premier youth leadership organization building young men of character and dedicated to making young men better people and leaders and sponsored by Gila Valley Lodge 9, Pinal Lodge No. 30, and Eloy Lodge No. 46

Meetings are held twice monthly on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month starting at 6:00 pm. All parents are welcome and are encouraged to attend and get involved in this great organization. They meet at Pinal Lodge #30 located at 1140 E. Florence Blvd., Casa Grande, Arizona 85122.

Great Men wear a Fez! We're counting on you… Who do you know that would make a good Mason and Shriner? A friend? A family member? A coworker? Commit to making a difference! The future of our fraternity relies on your commitment.

CLICK HERE TO REFER A GOOD MAN

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brethren, Friends, and Family,

This year the Masonic Charities of Arizona approved 33 grants totaling $70,000 to worthy organizations throughout Arizona. These 501c3 charitable organizations provide much needed services to their communities all over Arizona Those services include Veteran assistance, Domestic abuse shelters, child learning disabilities, training and assistance for people with special needs, support for soldiers abroad, Adult literacy programs and Personal hygiene kits for the working poor and homeless.

We are able to award these Grants from the income of our investment fund, Lodge and Personal donations and support from Grand Lodge. In order to keep up with the desire to expand our Grant distribution to more organizations and communities around the State we ask for your help.

We have registered with the Amazon Smile Foundation. Amazon Smile will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization selected by their customers. For Amazon customers to select the Masonic Charities of Arizona to receive these donations go to http://smile.amazon.com/ch/942746389 to automatically select us. Or you can go to www.smile.amazon.com and you will be prompted to select a charity. Now you are ready to shop and support the Masonic Charities of Arizona.

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

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

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.