July 2020 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 Trestleboard

Printed Every Month 130th Anniversary

JULY 2020

MWGM Boyd Robertson was installed as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Arizona.

MW Robertson was raised by Aztlan Lodge No. 1 at the Fain Ranch Outdoor Degree and served as Master in 2010. He became a member of the Scottish Rite in 2008 at the joint sessions in Tucson and is a member of the Valley of Phoenix.

Membership in York Rite began in 2011 as a member of the Prescott Chapter and Council. He served as Master of Scientia Coronati Research Lodge No. 4 in 2011 and 2012. He served as Grand Marshal in 2011 and as a DDGM for District 2 from 2012-2013.

RW Jim Baker was installed as Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Arizona

WB Roger Biede was installed as Senior Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge of Arizona

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

Brethren!

pened. Personally, one of my favorite parts of visiting another lodge is the long displays of photos of former Well here we are again, another month, another news cycle filled with doom And gloom. Recently I received Masters of the lodge. To me, it feels like the closest thing to time travel that we can get.. I see those brothers a text message from my mother which got me thinking. You see my mom can be….. let’s just say less than faces and I can picture them conducting business, reciting ritual in the same manner as we do to this day. Each emotionally stable, and despite how strongly it effects her, and against my constant recommendations to watch and everyone of those men however were exactly that, literally anything else, she continues to to indulge in the men. Normal human beings filled with flaws. Im sure constant barrage of bad news the media seems to thrive if we dive in to their pasts we’d fi d that many if not most or even all, have stolen, cheated lied, used racial on. After another screening stocked with sadness she decided to send me a text just saying how sickened she slurs etc, should we start pulling g down all their picis, of seeing people destroying history by toppling stat- tures? One day someone visiting our lodge may see my picture hanging and ill say without a doubt, I don’t deues or defacing monuments because their mere existserve to be revered. What I and I hope many of my ence offends people. Despite my initial response of predecessor’s can say though, is that despite all our all downplaying it all to calm her down, it did actually get me thinking . Is removing tributes to questionable his- too human shortcomings, we tried. We made the best efforts to rise above our base instincts to be better, to torical personalities acceptable? If not, then are all depictions of some of even history’s most notorious mem- make those around us better. bers ok? I’ve never been to Germany but I would find That’s what I’m going to choose to see whenever I look it very weird if there was a massive statue of Hitler erect- at shrines to questionable pasts, people that followed ed in the town square. I mean, he did actually do some their gut and tried to do good. Men who fought and good things for his country before he went off the rails died to leave the world a little better than they found and became a straight up genocidal monster. I keep it. The fact that someone at any point of time found hearing the argument of “if we forget our history, then them worthy of their efforts to immortalize them, we are doomed to repeat it". If we apply that to Germa- demonstrates that they are worthy of being remembered ny, shouldn’t they want a massive monument to der fur- and respected. her so they would be assured to not forget or repeat?

Fraternally,

Anthony Raimondi

On the other side, should we decide to remove anything portraying anyone with a questionable past, what would be left standing? Even our illustrious fraternal brother and founder of our nation George Washington, owned 123 slaves himself. Should we ban his image now?

2020 Master Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

I don’t know if there is any perfect answer here. History is history. It happened. Removing pictures and statues or books, doesn’t change what hap-

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Around this time every year I am getting ready for the upcoming Season of marching band getting things planned out for the next academic school year and wondering how well will everyone be when we start in the 100+ degree band camp? This year is no different in terms of how many kids have practiced over the summer to who left and who is new that is coming in on day one of school. So, all I do is plan and think how do I want this season to go.

I think about many things when I plan this out for each season and I ask myself these questions,

the players that made it enjoyable for me. It was those who had different outlooks on what band is and was.

Some saw band as a fun activity to make friends, a place to escape and be able to feel safe, a place where when playing or marching you felt like you mattered because if you were not there you felt like you were needed and wanted. It was a place where you could go and be creative and add things to your drill that you knew the director would shoot down on the first attempt but you did it anyway because it was fun and you still succeeded in your goal with the band at half time.

A lot of these same ideas and feelings follow me into the Lodge where I think to myself what is it that still brings me to the lodge every day. I look at it and say well it is getting ready for the next chair, memorization, degrees, committees, and education. But I also need to remind myself that it is also the nights of being there with a brother while chilling in their back yard having a talk or drink. It is being out at a movie and enjoying the time laughing. It is being there even when they are down and out or sick and don’t want to be left alone. It is about more than just physically being at lodge. It is keeping in communication and being involved in each other's lives.

I hope that each of you can think about this and remember that there is always more to lodge than just being there physically and I hope that we can be better for it in our everyday lives.

How talented is the group?

Wherever they are in their abilities how and where are we starting?

What do I need to reteach at the beginning vs what can I hurry through because they already know?

Finally, how can I make sure that they are going to learn something by the end of the process/ end of the season?

Every year I ask myself these questions and every year I get lost in what the end goals are vs. Trying to see and enjoy what it is that the students are learning from me. It has taken me this long since I started on the path of be- Till next time brothers, ing a music teacher to realize that it is not the end goal Fraternally, that values or makes a band or their leader. The moment that I realized this I had a moment of reflection and asked myself what it was that 2020 Junior Warden made me enjoy being in the group? Yes having others Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 that were great players helps but it wasn’t the quality of

John Woode

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LIGHT The meaning of the word, and the diverse references over a long time, and in many places and usages, are sustaining in many civilizations, show no signs of slackening. Given often during difficult times; Gives us light, and we find the way".

Light in real time comes to us from all directions, and is defined simply as the absence of darkness. Keep the thought that we need darkness to see the light from the stars. We need the light to reveal what is good, and not felt or seen in darkness. One can believe that the light of dawns will shine without announcement, and sunsets need no fanfare.

In another sense, light is a term to describe weight, the burdens we carry through our lifetimes. We find the ways to lighten our loads, physically, and by inspiration.

Among sources of light, there are of course the sun and moon, ambience, speakers of life's hopes and dreams, from those who disperse dismay, and dispense help, and from the inner self. Sudden inspiration, relates to sudden light, illumination of the mind.

Thomas Jefferson tells us: A candle loses nothing when lights another candle".

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The

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Everyone has a different view on how to achieve what you want in life. Some would say hard work, while others feel all you really need is the bare essentials to live.

And yet there are a select few that believe that all you must do is wait and someone will give it to you.

have a career in the field of your choice. How badly do you want a successful career in that field? How much work are you willing to put into it?

Later in life maybe you decide to become a Mason and by a part of an awesome fraternity and lodge. How badThe hard work theory is really what I believe is how you ly do you want to make a difference? How much work get to where you want to be in life. How badly do you are you willing to put into it? The amount of work you want it? How much are you willing to do/sacrifice for put into Masonry will reward you more than you possiwhat you want? These questions apply to every situation bly imagine. How badly do you want your lodge to sucin life and life in general. ceed and to continue making good men better men?

Are you willing to sacrifice some time and effort to These questions arise in everyone’s life at an early age, make this happen? even before grade school. Learning to walk…how badly do you want it? If you want it bad enough you will be I ask the last few questions because we are all guilty of walking at an early age. Learning to read and write…how wanting our lodge to be the best. But how much are we badly do you want to read and write? Hard work and willing to do to make that a reality? It seems as though repetition will make you a better reader and writer. we all want the same thing, but not all are willing to participate to make it so. And I am by no means perfect The next phase where this is applicable is in High nor am I not guilty of this myself. I want these things School with many things. Sports, music, grades, learning and need to make more of an effort to make them hapto drive, getting a job. The same question can be pen. I hope more brethren will make time for our craft asked…How badly do you want …? For example, how and each other to make our lodge thrive more than it badly do you want to drive your parent’s car or even has been in the recent past. own a car of your own? If you want it bad enough you will keep good grades and get a job. Both of these reWith all of us working together to make our lodge and quire work to achieve and ultimately goes back to how Masonry in general more visible in our communities we badly you want it. can bring more good men who would make good Masons that want to be great Masons into our fraternity.

After high school some will go to college, some to the And this may also help with the negative outlook that military, and others will find a job and make a career some have of us. So again…How badly do you want it? out of that trade they know. All of these choices are made by asking oneself how badly do I want to end up Fraternally, at X. I want to push myself and be the best I have ever been while serving my country, so maybe I will go Special Forces. That is a lot of work, but how badly do you 2020 Senior Warden want it? Suppose you want to go to college and then Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

Eric Smith

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The PAVEMENT: There is almost nothing anywhere in the early records of Speculative Lodges to suggest either a history or an interpretation of the Pavement, which is represented by a series of black and white squares inside a rectangular frame; nor does there anywhere appear an explanation of why a Blazing Star was set in the middle of it, or why a rope with a tie and tassels in the corners was combined with it.

By general consent Masonic symbologists have treated these as separate svmbolisms, yet there must belong together or they would not have been shown together on old Tracing Boards.

Despite this paucity of data the Pavement is one of the most interesting of Masonic symbols, and that interest is heightened with each discovery of news facts.

As a design the Pavement itself, whether set from the sides in a system of squares or from a corner in a system of diamonds, is one of the oldest and most universally liked of decorative designs-old as Egypt, or as China, and found at the ends of the earth; and especially beloved

by Indians in both N orth and South America w ho have found numberless adaptations of it; checkerwork w as one of the favorite motifs of Byzantine artists; and from early Roman times has been so much used in Italy that walls as w ell as floors are decorated with it, outside as w ell as inside. It is one of the few symbols in which non-Masonic meanings and uses correspond with or are identical with Masonic meanings; and it also is one of the few symbols which is Operative and Speculative at one stroke, because Operative builders used a board of floor or tracing paper (or cloth) divided into squares in laying out plans-as architects and engineers still do. In it many types of symbolism converge.

"The Pavement," writes Pike in his Morals and Dogma, " alternately black and white, symbolizes, whether so intended or not, the Good and Evil Principles of the Egyptian and Persian creed. It is the warfare of Michael and Satan . . . " (Perhaps Pike should have written " a creed " because both Egyptians and Persians had many creeds; nevertheless, and apropos of the latter, the dualism was a cardinal doctrine in Zoroastrianism. htithraism, Manicheeism, etc.?

The Pavement also suggests the correct position of the feet; and the fact that in Circumambulation the turns are at right angles, which in itself impresses upon a Candidate the fact that in a Lodge no member can run to and from at will, and that goings and comings are ordered.

The checkered design may be thought of as inlay work or as mosaic work, but in Masonry it is described by the latter word.

"Mosaic" is believed by some etymologists to derive from the Latin, by others from the Greek mousa, muse; in either event it passed from Latin into Italian, thence into French, and finally into English (it had no reference to Moses). The Greek artisans of the Byzantine Period used mosaic 60 extensively and so skillfully that it also came to be called in memory of them opus alexandrium, and opus graecanicum; and occasionally it was called opus sedile. But as a Greek art it died out in the Seventh Century, a short time before Charlemagne, and when the Western Empire was about to sever its last ties with the Eastern. In the Eleventh Century it was revived in Italy, and in the great Twelfth Century (which has a better right than the Thirteenth to the title of "greatest of centuries"granted that there ever was a "greater"!) the extraordinarily talented Cosmati family made their mosaic work so famous that it (cont.)

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came to be called Cosmati work.

If, as the majority of Masonic symbologists believe, the black and white squares symbolize day and night, the Pavement is a member of a recurrent theme-the Twenty-four Inch Gage represents the twenty-four hours, the Sun and Moon are day and night, the East is the place of light and the North is the place of darkness, the Master's station is at the beginning of the day and the Junior Warden's is at the end, the postulant is brought from darkness to light, there are High Twelve and Low Twelve. Masons are to know each other in the dark as well as in the light; in the dark a man needs a guide, in the daylight he can guide himself; a man hexes, or buries, his secrets in the dark where no other can find them. These meanings cluster around the symbolism of the Pavement; perhaps the sun is meant by the Blazing Star (as it was once called) and is in the center because it makes the day by its shining and the night by the shadow it casts; and perhaps the rope around the perimeter reminds men that while for the world day and night go on endlessly they do not for him, and only a few days are going to be tied together in his span of them, so that it is good for him, as is the Masons' creed, to work while it is called of day for soon the night cometh when no man can work. ~ Mackey

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The term Cowan was brought into English Masonry by Bro. James Anderson, a Scottish Mason. A Cowan is a Scottish 'dry dyker', who builds walls or enclosures of stone but is not allowed to use cement. A Cowan could be temporarily employed by the Mason's Guild if a regular Mason was not available for work within a certain radius. I believe the radius was set at 15 miles. It would seem that with the rise of Speculative Masonry, the word Cowan was changed to a derogatory term, meaning an 'eavesdropper or intruder'.

The Word

point brought along stone masons. It is my belief, although I have no proof that during the next 300 years the apprentice system was developed.

In 1702, Haughfoot lodge in Scotland, is recorded as the first all speculative lodge, in Britain. They used the Operative Masons Ritual. Obviously, that ritual didn't spring up overnight. I have a copy of the Operative Mason's Ritual. The Password of an E.A. is Jabal. He was the son of Lamech. This is from the Biblical time frame of Noah. The Password in the F.C. degree is Bonai - which means builder.

The first question that we must ask is when did the 'word' come to be used? The Bible explains, in detail, about the building of King Solomon's Temple. There is no mention of Lodges, E.A.'s, or F.C.'s. As the Jewish nation were not builders, they called upon Hiram King of Tyre for help. Many slaves were employed. It appears to me, that it was a 'learn as you go' system with the knowledgeable overseers guiding the inexperienced.

As mentioned above, the Operative ceremony/ ritual slowly evolved over time. It would be 300 years before the first GL of England was formed in 1717, but the basis started from the time of the Regis Manuscript and continued to evolve. in the Operative system, there are 7 degrees. In the 7th degree we see the lodge room laid out with the following additions. There are three Pillars, representing mountains. In the southeast, it is a pillar representing Mt Sinai. The person sitting there is Fast forward one thousand years to the Roman the Chaplin and his name is Jachin. In the northeast, the empire. They invaded and conquered England and pillar represents Mt. Tabor and is named Boaz. The Wales. I believe at some point, they brought along stone pillar in the West represents Mt. Moriah and is presided masons. They probably would use local labor as well, over by King Solomon. (We must remember that the but again, I believe, it was a 'learn as you go' system. The Master sat in the West so that he could see the rising sun first mention of E.A's and F.C.'s is in the Regis Manuin the East.) In this degree a blue cord is passed around script circa 1390, however, there are no still no words, each pillar starting and ending with Mt. Moriah. This grips, tokens, or degrees. Yes, it was a two grade system produces an equilateral triangle. In all degrees God is E.A. & F.C., each involving a ceremony. Did that hapreferred to as El Shaddai. pen overnight? Of course not. Now we need to back up to the Battle of Hastings in 1099. The conquerors were Source: VW Bro. Barry D. Thom the Normans of France and they also, I believe, at some

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 8

One of the modes of recognizing a stranger as a true Brother, is from the lawful information of a third party. No Freemason can lawfully give information of another's qualifications unless he has actually tested him by the strictest trial and examination, or knows that it has been done by another. But it is not every Freemason who is competent to give lawful information. Ignorant and unskillful Brethren cannot do so, because they are incapable of discovering truth or of detecting error. A rusty Freemason should never attempt to examine a stranger, and certainly, if he does, his opinion as to the result is worth nothing. If the information given is on the ground that the party who is vouched for has been seen sitting in a Lodge, care must be taken to inquire if it was a "just and legally constituted Lodge of Master Masons."

identity. The information must be positive, not founded on belief or opinion, but derived from a legitimate source. And, lastly, it must not have been received casually, but for the very purpose of being used for Masonic purposes.

For one to say to another, in the course of a desultory conversation, "A. B. is a Freemason," is not sufficient. He may not be speaking with due caution, under the expectation that his words will be considered of weight. He must say something to this effect: "I know this man to be a Master Mason, for such or such reasons, and you may safely recognize him as such." This alone will insure the necessary care and proper observance of prudence. ~ Mackey

A person may forget from the lapse of time, and vouch for a stranger as a Master Mason, when the Lodge in which he saw him was only opened in the First or Second Degree. Information given by letter, or through a third party, is irregular. The person giving the information, the one receiving it, and the one of whom it is given, should all be present at the same time, for otherwise there would be no certainty of

EDUCATION Ignorance is universal, but on different ideas and subjects. It is knowing that ignorance is not a fateful word, it is simply a lack of knowledge or information, not a synonym for stupidity. As was asked by Einstein; How does curiosity survive formal education?" Hard facts that are already here, blankly is what we call education. Most all else is curiosity in the course of clearing things up. It is at that point where we seek affirmation.

The process of any form of education is to make mirrors become windows. Look into the distance, and question what to do to reach the horizon. Check the mile markers, retaining that which you have seen and learned along the way, a process called education. Pause at the stop sign, see what's coming, and keep the onward pace of curiosity.

Reading is food for the mind. Learn and reinforce knowledge by reading, the source of reflections from what you have seen before. It can be the reinforcement of, and impetus to' further improvement. As food for the mind, it requires digestion.

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At long last the annual communication of the Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of Arizona was held the 27th day of June 2020. The sun has set in the West on the 2019-2020 Grand Lodge year and the sun has risen on the 2020-2021 year. Although it was very condensed and abbreviated, we enjoyed Masonic Communication with those able to attend.

MWGM Greg Vasquez had hoped to honor and recognize the Brothers and Lodges that earned awards at the communication but restrictions on social gatherings dictated otherwise. MWB Greg and with the support of the Grand Lodge Officers who are available will make the presentations to those worthy Brothers and Lodges at their respective lodges.

but the light at the end of the tunnel is shining brighter every day. We are working on alternatives to our approach to Masonic Education on the state level and the ability to gather in large groups or hold regional or district events with the education committee and the DDGL’ lodges or schools of instruction.

MWGM Boyd’s theme for this year is “Brothers being Brothers”. It is very fitting for the times we are experiencing and vitally important that we conduct ourselves in accordance with our Masonic values and virtues. I like to refer to our ritual for reference when applying the Grand Masters theme. If we turn to the 1st degree charge as a Mason, we are to regard the Volume of Sacred Law as the great light of our proCongratulations to MWB Boyd Robertson on his fession. The charge tells us that in it we will find the election and installation as Grand Master of Masons important duties we owe to God, our neighbor and in Arizona. I would also like to recognize our WB ourselves. I’ll focus on our neighbor or more broadly Roger Biede III who has been appointed Senior to the whole human race. To your fellow human beGrand Steward and WB Eric Dupree Sr as Junior ing, by acting with them upon the square, by renderGrand Steward. Your Grand Lodge line officers are ing them every kind office which justice and mercy committed to adapting and overcoming the obstacles may require, by relieving their distresses and soothing that have been forefront these last several months. By their afflictions and doing to them as in similar cases advancing the use of technology in the daily operayou would that they should do unto you. tions of the Grand Lodge office and communications Finally, I am honored and humbled to serve as your between the Grand Lodge Officers, I believe we can elected Senior Grand Warden. better serve the craft. The implementation of the Fraternally, Grand View database software system and new laptop computers is well underway and will greatly improve our ability to do business and communicate remotely 2020 Senior Grand Warden as the need arises. This system is not fully functional Grand Lodge of Arizoan

Jim Baker

www.azmasoniclibrary.org 10

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 July 11th 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.

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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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

June Birthdays Wilbur Lawerence J.R. Henderson Delbert Lewis Roger Biede II Joe Puchacz

June Anniversaries Ryan Kann Sonny Bollig

6-3 6-9 6-9 6-19 6-27

July Anniversaries Boyd Johnson Richard Platt Richard Amma

July Birthdays Spencer Sego Nic Genchi James Heard M.E. Nelson

6-13-2009 6-20-1985

7-4 7-7 7-22 7-24

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7-15-1983 7-23-1985 7-28-1992

June 29, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

July 11, 2020 Gila Valley Poker Night

5:00 pm Dinner at Mount Athos 7:00 pm Stated Meeting 9:00 pm Post meeting discussion at Mount Athos

Bro Joe Guinn’s house 7:00 pm Charity Poker Night

7:00 pm Monday’s at the Lodge

July 29, Castle Island Virtual Lodge No. 190

July 14, Ocotillo Chapter No. 21 OES

4:45 pm Stated Meeting

July 6, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

Email NLaine@civLodge190.ca for visitation permission

7:00 pm Stated Meeting

July 9, Apache Lodge No. 69 7:300 pm Stated Meeting

July 11, White Mountain No. 3 10:00 am Stated Meeting

July 11, Globe Chapter No. 7 R.A.M 2:00 pm Stated Meeting

July 16, Eloy Lodge No. 46 7:00 pm Stated Meeting

Pinal Lodge No. 30

DARK

7:00 pm Stated Meeting

Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

DARK

7:00 pm Monday’s at the Lodge

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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! 15

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 16

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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

Daniel Genchi PM Chairman Roger Biede III PM Ryan Kann 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 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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