July 2021 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 Trestleboard

Printed Every Month 131st Anniversary

July 2021

It is with great excitement that we announce MWB Randall Jager has been installed as the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Arizona. He humbly shared an acronym for the year– L.I.G.H.T. Living in Grace, Honor, Truth.

If we measure our actions each day by these principles, we focus on making ourselves the best Mason we can be.

For his theme for the year, he am calling for all of Arizona Masonry to Let Your L.I.G.H.T. Shine!

(Contact the Lodge Secretary at WM3, GV9, or A69 for more information)

The Masonic ring is one of the most highly valued pieces of regalia of Freemasonry. It’s rumored that some Masons value the Masonic ring above their wedding ring, which understandably doesn’t go down well with their wives!

There’s nothing out of the ordinary about the way in which Freemasons wear their rings. Most Masonic rings have a uniform shape, and except for any imagery or inscription, they are usually indistinguishable from other rings.

Whatever individual significance is placed on the Masonic ring, it’s an essential part of Masonic symbolism.

We’re going to look at the importance of the Masonic ring within Freemasonry and understand its symbolic weight.

That being said, most Masonic rings have various shapes or words engraved on them, which reminds the wearer of their commitment to the Masonic fraternity. It’s common for rings to be adorned with the all-seeing eye or the square and compasses.

It’s widely thought that upon becoming a Freemason, you are automatically given a ring. This isn’t actually the case. In fact, Masonic lodges are known to provide their own rings to members on two specific occasions: after the 14th and 33rd degrees of the Scottish rite.

Masons who achieve these degrees are few, and it’s incredibly prestigious. Those that adorn these official rings of Freemasonry do so with pride, as it’s an indication of their dedication and knowledge of the importance of Freemasonry in their society.

As with all Freemasonry regalia, the ring has a significant symbolic meaning. The ring represents eternity and the cyclical nature of life. As is the case with rings more generally, it symbolizes eternal attachment and obligation.

Masons wear their rings as proof of their allegiance to Freemasonry and showcase it as a vital part of their lives.

Masonic rings come in many forms and designs, and it’s up to the wearer what design they go for. Different designs aren’t used to represent hierarchy within the fraternity, so it’s up to each Mason which design they go for.

As wedding rings remind people of their duty of care toward their partners, the Masonic ring fulfills a similar purpose. When a Mason wears his ring, it is a reminder of his duty of care and commitment to his fraternal brothers.

Some Masons enjoy wearing their rings in public as it is a way that their fellow brothers can recognize their allegiance to Freemasonry. While a Masonic ring may not be noticeable to the general public, a fellow Mason would likely recognize it straight away.

It is also a reminder to live his life aligned to the values and principles promoted within Freemasonry. For those within Freemasonry, being a Mason is not just a title; it’s a way of life, and the ring is a pertinent daily reminder of Now that we’ve taken a look at the existence of this.

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the Masonic ring, we’re going to move on and try and With all things considered, the weight of the Masonic understand the metaphorical weight of the ring, especial- ring must be understood as symbolic. To the wearer, the ly what it means to Masons the world over. ring is much more than a nice piece of jewelry. It repreThe Masonic ring can be considered in relation to what sents their life-long commitment to Freemasonry and a economists call opportunity cost. This involves looking at daily reminder of the importance of living the values expected of a Mason. something you purchase and not merely considering it related to the money you spend on it, but more importantly, on what opportunities you give up to attain it.

Moreover, if you look at the ring’s opportunity cost, you can begin to understand its symbolic weight. The ring is a constant reminder of what they have given up to become a Freemason and serves as a reminder to be proud of their commitment to their brothers.

For Masons, the ring represents the price they pay to attain life-giving goodness and membership in the fraternity. A quick Google search will reveal that you can buy a ring for a couple of hundred dollars or a couple of thou- Practically, Masons wear their rings in public to proudly sand dollars. The ring’s importance is not in the cost, but display their membership of Freemasonry, and it is a diswhat opportunities you gave up to attain it. tinguishable feature that their brothers sometimes notice at social events.

Masons consider how much they have paid in dues to

their lodges, as well as the evenings spent away from their Symbolically, the ring is heavy to the wearer and is a confamilies when attending ceremonies and functions. They stant reminder of their pledge of allegiance to Freemaalso consider all the time and effort they have put into sonry. related Masonic events such as fundraising, which are all encompassed in the ring’s opportunity cost.

Moreover, many Masons consider the ring to represent the values that they live every day. Therefore, the opportunity cost can be extended to represent all of the times in life they remember the core Masonic values when traversing everyday life.

Our very own Senior Warden, Bro. John Woode shared his knowledge and love of Music theory with our sister Lodge, Pinal Lodge No. 30.

His education lecture was very well received by all and he was invited back for a follow up presentation.

When you factor in the opportunity cost of the ring, as well as the daily symbolic reminder to the wearer of their place within Freemasonry, you realize just how heavy the ring is for the Mason that wears it. Symbolically, it is much heavier than the eight or ten grams signified by the jeweler’s scales.

Furthermore, the ring represents all of the many millions of brothers the world over and symbolizes to the wearer that Freemasonry is about much more than the self; it is about commitment to fellow man and the faith in a supreme being.

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Good day Brethren!

heard that here in Arizona from a waitress or waiter. As I The last month has been filled with many happenings for mentioned it threw me, but was refreshing to here at the same time. me outside of lodge. I was blessed to be able to take a road trip with my fiancé to see her family throughout the Maybe it is the fact that everything revolves around famisouthern United States. The weather was warm and ex- ly there, where here in the Phoenix area it seems that tremely humid compared to here, but I met some infamily takes a back seat to business and making money. credible people along the way and had an awesome time But there is a definite difference between the areas. I with all. hope that more people will see that family and friends are During the trip I was able to sit what makes the world go back and reflect on things. For round, not money. If this actuinstance, how blessed I am to ally does happen I believe the have all of the people that are world will be a much better in my life, and that life is actuplace for all. ally fairly simple when you think about it. I also realized something I had almost forgotten that life in other parts of the world is very much different than life here in Phoenix.

Spending time with family and friends as often as you can and making the most of your time here on the earth should be everyone’s 1st priority. I know that we have to make money Life here in Phoenix has a difto live, but we should not forferent light to it now that I get about our family and have been away for a bit. Life friends in the process. Maybe seems to move a lot slower in if more of the world started living life with family 1st, the the South Eastern United States than it does here in Phoenix. I saw that people were in no real hurry in other world would actually become a better place. states and they also seemed to be happier than most I So as the 4th of July approaches and we celebrate our have come across here in the Phoenix area. I saw many country’s independence, please remember those that places and people that did not have the amount of mon- gave and those that still give to keep us free. Enjoy your ey as some here do, and yet they were much happier holiday with family and friends and I hope it is a safe and than those that have money. I remembered that having great 4th for you and your families. all the money in the world does not necessarily make you Have a Blessed Day Brethren! happy. In fact it usually makes people quite the opposite.

It reminded me that the only thing that really matters in Fraternally, life is family and friends.

Eric Smith

I also had a few experiences that actually set me back a step. There were 2 different instances in Alabama when we were in a restaurant and the waitress, after we paid our bill, said to us “Have a blessed day”. I have never

2021 Master Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

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You may or may not be familiar with Mark Masonry, an appendant order of Freemasonry that confers both the degrees of Mark Mason and Mark Master. It retains many of the core values and principles evinced within other Masonic orders, but differs slightly in structure and provides brothers with slightly different rituals and teachings.

The core teachings of Mark Masonry are reliant on allegory based upon the construction of King Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem, much like Freemasonry more generally. Perhaps the fundamental difference between Mark Masonry and conventional Masonry can be seen in the Fellowcraft.

In Mark Masonry, the candidate is required to undertake the role of Fellowcraft, and it is seen as an extension of the second degree of Craft Masonry. Mark Masons are concerned with how a Fellowcraft should earn his wages and prove himself, as opposed to merely learning about the issuance of wages, as is the case

More than fifty years after the founding of the Grand Lodge in England, there is record of the first Mark Masonry meeting in England. In 1769, T h o m a s Dunckerley conferred the degrees of Mark Mason and Mark Master at a Royal Arch Chapter in Portsmouth.

As we know, when the Ancient and Modern Grand Lodges unified in 1813, they announced there would only be three core Craft degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master. As such, there was no place for appendant degrees such as the Mark and Master Mark.

In Scotland, Mark brothers attempted to attach Mark Masonry to the Craft degrees in 1856, but to no avail.

within Craft Masonry.

Within other rituals, the Anglo-American version of the Hiramic legend is taught, and brothers are introduced to the Anderson constitutions. While there are many links between Craft and Mark Masonry, there It was then that the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Ma- are also many differences, many of which a brother can sons was created, and it gained popularity alongside the only uncover by completing the rituals and ceremonies growth of Freemasonry throughout the late eighteenth within the order. and nineteenth centuries.

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Every true Mason has come into the realization that there is but one Lodge – that is, the Universe – and but one Brotherhood, composed of everything that moves or exists in any of the planes of Nature. He realizes that the Temple of Solomon is really the Temple of the Solar Man -Sol-Om-On – the King of the Universe manifesting through his three primordial builders. He realizes that his vow of brotherhood and fraternity is universal, and that mineral, plant, animal, and man are all included in the true Masonic Craft. His duty as an elder brother to all the kingdoms of Nature beneath him is well understood by the true Craftsman, who would rather die than fail in this, his great obligation.

He has dedicated his life upon the altar of his God and is willing and glad to serve the lesser through the powers he has gained from the greater. The mystic Mason, in building the eyes that see behind the apparent ritual, recognizes the oneness of life manifesting through the diversity of form.

pearances or worldly expressions to deter them from their self-appointed tasks are failures in Masonry, for Masonry is an abstract science of spiritual unfoldment.

Material prosperity is not the measure of soul growth.

The true Mason realizes that behind these diverse forms there is one connected Life Principle, the spark of God in all living things. It is this Life which he considers when measuring the worth of a brother. It is to this Life that he appeals for a recognition of spiritual Unity. He realizes that it is the discovery of this spark of Unity which makes him a conscious member of the Cosmic Lodge. Most of all, he must learn to understand that this divine spark shines out as brightly from the body of a foe as it does from t he dearest friend.

The true Mason has learned to be divinely impersonal in thought, action, and desire.

The true Mason is not creed-bound. He realizes with the divine illumination of his lodge that as Mason his religion must be universal: Christ, Buddha or MohamThe true disciple of ancient Masonry has given up for- med, the name means little, for he recognizes only the ever the worship of personalities. With his greater inlight and not the bearer. He worships at every shrine, sight, he realizes that all forms and their position in ma- bows before every altar, whether in temple, mosque or terial affairs are of no importance to him compared to cathedral, realizing with his truer understanding the the life which is evolving within. Those who allow aponeness of all spiritual truth. All true Masons know t

The

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that they only are heathen who, having great ideals, do not live up to them. They know that all religions are but one story told in divers ways for peoples whose ideals differ but whose great purpose is in harmony with Masonic ideals. North, east, south and west stretch the diversities of human thought, and while the ideals of man apparently differ, when all is said and the crystallization of form with its false concepts is swept away, one basic truth remains: all existing things are Temple Builders, laboring for a single end.

No true Mason can be narrow, for his Lodge is the divine expression of all broadness.

There is no place for little minds in a great work.

The true Mason must develop the powers of observation. He must seek eternally in all the manifestations of Nature for the things which he has lost because he failed to work for them. He must become a student of human nature and see in those around him the unfolding and varying expressions of one connected spiritual Intelligence. The great spiritual ritual of his lodge is enacted before him in every action of his fellow man. The entire Masonic initiation is an open secret, for anyone can see it played ou t on the city street corners as well as in the untracked wilderness. The Mason has sworn that every day he will extract from life its message for him and build it into the temple of his God. He seeks to learn the things which will make him of greater service in the Divine Plan, a better instrument in the hands of the Great Architect, who is laboring eternally to unfold life through the medium of living things. The Mason realizes, moreover, that his vows, taken of his own free will and accord, give him the divine opportunity of being a living tool in the hands of a Master Workman.

can I do to be worthy to comprehend the mysteries which are unfolded here? How can I build the eyes to see the things which are concealed from those who lack spiritual understanding?” The true Mason is supremely unselfish in every expression and application of the powers that have been entrusted to him. No true Brother seeks anything for himself, but unselfishly labors for the good of all. No person who assumes a spir-

itual obligation for what he can get out of it is worthy of applying for the position even of water-carrier. The true Light can come only to those who, asking nothing, gladly give all to it.

The true brother of the Craft, while constantly striving to improve himself, mentally, physically, and spiritually through the days of his life, never makes his own desires the goal for his works. He has a duty and that duty is to fit into the plans of another. He must be ready at The true Master Mason enters his lodge with one thought uppermost in his mind: “How can I, as an indi- any hour of the day or night to drop his own ideals at the call of the Builder. The work must be done vidual, be of greater use in the Universal Plan? What 7

and he has dedicated his life to the service of those who know the bonds of neither time nor space. He must be ready at any moment’s notice and his life should be turned into preparing himself for that call which may come when he least expects it. The Master Mason knows that those most useful to the Plan are those who have gained the most from the practical experiences of life. It is not what goes on within the tiled lodge which is the basis of his greatness, but rather the way in which he meets the problems of daily life. The true Masonic student is known by his brotherly actions and common sense.

Every Mason knows that a broken vow brings with it a terrible penalty. Let him also realize that failure to live mentally, spiritually, and morally up to one’s highest ideals constitutes the greatest of all broken oaths.

When a Mason swears that he will devote his life to the building of his Father’s house and then defiles his living temple through the perversion of mental power, emotional force, and active energy, he is breaking a vow which imposes not hours but ages of misery. If he is worthy to be a Mason, he must be great enough to restrain the lower side of his own nature which is daily murdering his Grand Master. He must realize that a misdirected life is a broken vow and that daily service, purification, and the constructive application of energy is a living invocation which builds within and draws to him the power of the Creator. His life is the only prayer acceptable in the eyes of the Most High. An impure life is a broken trust; a destructive action is a living curse; a narrow mind is a strangle-cord around the throat of God. All true Masons know that their work is not secret, but they realize that it must remain unknown to all who do not live the true Masonic life. Yet if the socalled secrets of Freemasonry were shouted from the housetops, the Fraternity would be absolutely safe; for certain spiritual qualities are necessary before the real Masonic secrets can be understood by the brethren themselves.

Hence it is that the alleged “exposures” of Freemasonry, printed by the thousands and tens of thousands since 1730 down to the present hour, cannot injure the Fraternity. They reveal merely the outward forms and ceremonies of Freemasonry. Only those who have been weighed in the balance and found to be true, upright, and square have prepared themselves by their own growth to appreciate the inner meanings of their Craft. To the rest of their brethren within or without the lodge their sacred rituals must remain, as Shakespeare 8

might have said, “Words, words, words.” Within the Mason’s own being is concealed the Power, which, blazing forth from his purified being, constitutes the Builder’s Word. His life is the sole password which admits him to the true Masonic Lodge. His spiritual urge is the sprig of acacia which, through the darkness of ignorance, still proves that the spiritual fire is alight.

Within himself he must build those qualities which will make possible his true understanding of the Craft. He can show the world only forms which mean nothing; the life within is forever concealed until the eye of Spirit reveals it.

he realizes that he is standing on slippery places and if he allows himself for one moment to lose his simplicity and humility, a fall is inevitable. A true Mason never feels himself worthy of his Craft. A student may stand on the top of Fool’s Mountain self-satisfied in his position , but the true Brother is always noted for his simplicity.

A Mason cannot be ordained or elected by ballot. He is evolved through ages of self-purification and spiritual transmutation. There are thousands of Masons who are brethren in name only, for their failure to exemplify the ideals of their Craft makes them unresponsive to The Master Mason realizes charity to be one of the the teachings and purpose of Freemasonry. The Magreatest traits which the Elder Brothers have unfolded, sonic life forms the first key of the Temple and without which means not only properly regulated charity of the this key, none of the doors can be opened. When this purse but charity in thought and action. He realizes fact is better realized and lived, Freemasonry will that all the workmen are not on the same step, but awake, and speak the Word so long withheld. The wherever each may be, he is doing the best he can ac- speculative Craft will then become operative, and the cording to his light. Each is laboring with the tools that Ancient Wisdom so long concealed will rise from the he has, and he, as a Master Mason, does not spend his ruins of its temple as the greatest spiritual truth yet retime in criticizing but in helping them to improve their vealed to man. tools. Instead of blaming poor tools, let us always . blame ourselves for having them. The Master Mason The true Master Mason recognizes the value of seeking does not find fault; he does not criticize nor does he for truth wherever he can find it. It makes no differcomplain, but with malice towards none and charity towards all he seeks to be worthy of his Father’s trust. ence if it be in the enemy’s camp; if it be truth, he will In silence he labors, with compassion he suffers, and if go there gladly to secure it. The Masonic Lodge is unithe builders strike him as he seeks to work with them, versal; therefore all true Masons will seek through the his last word will be a prayer for them. The greater the extremities of creation for their Light. The true brother of the Craft knows and applies one great paradox. He Mason, the more advanced in his Craft, the more fatherly he grows, the walls of his Lodge broadening out must search for the high things in lowly places and find until all living things are sheltered and guarded within the lowly things in high places. The Mason who feels the blue folds of his cape. From laboring with the few holier than his fellow man has raised a barrier around he seeks to assist all, realizing with his broader under- himself through which no light can pass, for the one who in truth is the greatest is the servant of all. Many standing the weaknesses of others but the strength of brethren make a great mistake in building a wall right. around their secrets, for they succeed only in shutting A Mason is not proud of his position. He is not puffed out their own light. Their divine opportunity is at hand. up by his honor, but with a sinking heart is eternally The time has come when the world needs the Ancient ashamed of his own place, realizing that it is far below Wisdom as never before. Let the Mason stand the standard of his Craft. The farther he goes, the more 9

Winston Churchill loved paraprosdokians, figures of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected.

you.

12. Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street...with a bald head and a beer gut, and still think they are sexy.

1. Where there's a will, I want to be in it.

2. The last thing I want to do is hurt you, but it's still on 13. Behind every successful man is his woman. Behind the fall of a successful man is usually another woman. my list.

14. A clear conscience is the sign of a fuzzy memory.

3. Since light travels faster than sound, some people 15. You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only appear bright until you hear them speak. need a parachute to skydive twice.

4. If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong.

16. Money can't buy happiness, but it sure makes mis5. War does not determine who is right - only who is ery easier to live with. left.

17. There's a fine line between cuddling and...holding 6. Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is someone down so they can't get away. not putting it in a fruit salad.

18. I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not so sure.

7. They begin the evening news with 'Good Evening,' 19. You're never too old to learn something stupid. then proceed to tell you why it isn't.

20. To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target.

8. To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To 21. Nostalgia isn't what it used to be. steal from many is research.

9. I thought I wanted a career. Turns out, I just wanted 22. Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine. pay checks.

23. Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any 10. In filling out an application, where it says, 'In case more than standing in a garage makes you a car. of emergency, notify:' I put "DOCTOR." 24. I'm supposed to respect my elders, but now it’s getting 11. I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming harder and harder for me to find one.

forth and by living the doctrines which he preaches show to his brother man the glory of his work. He holds the keys to truth; let him unlock the door, and with his life and not his words preach the doctrine which he has so long professed.

and the ordination of your spirit. Yours is the glorious opportunity; yours is the divine responsibility. Accept your task and follow in the footsteps of the Master Masons of the past, who with the flaming spirit of the Craft have illumined the world. You have a great privilege – The Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man the privilege of illumined labor. You may know the were united in the completion of the Eternal Temple, ends to which you work, while others must struggle in darkness. Your labors are not to be confined to the the Great Work, for which all things came into being tiled Lodge alone, for a Mason must radiate the qualiand through which all shall glorify their Creator. ties of his Craft. Its light must shine in his home and in MASONS, AWAKE! his business, glorifying his association with his fellow men. In the Lodge and out of the Lodge, the Mason Your creed and your Craft demand the best that is in you. They demand the sanctifying of your life, the re- must represent the highest fruitage of sincere endeavor. generation of your body, the purification of your soul, ~ Bro. Author Unknown 10

1. It has its origins in ancient Egyptian carvings The point within a circle isn’t the only Masonic symbol to have its origins in the ancient civilizations. In ancient Egyptian carvings, the point within a circle formed an integral part of the Alpha and Omega symbols and was used as a representation of a deity. Within these carvings, the two lines that sit aside the circle were represented as snakes, indicating the presence of the underworld alongside God. 2. Both John the Evangelist and John the Baptist are represented in the symbol The Point Within A Circle As many brothers will know, John the Evangelist and John the Baptist are both patron saints of Freemasonry.

This stems from the fact that the original mother lodge in Jerusalem [the Lodge of St. John] is dedicated to them both. In the point within a circle, John the Baptist is represented by the line on the left, and John the Evangelist is represented by the line on the right. This is a reminder to Masons that either side of God [the point], are two righteous men that encourage others to live in a way that is moral and just.

3. The symbol is also said to represent the harvest

a representation of the harvest. As we know, the time of the harvest is when seeds are bountiful and men can enjoy the fruits of their labor. It is the fact that the harvest is a cause for celebration after a long period of sacrifice that is significant to Masons, as it is seen to represent the journey that brothers undertake in order to become better men through Masonry.

Conclusion.

The point within a circle is one of the most widely used and understood symbols within Freemasonry. However, as with every Masonic symbol, when you scratch the surface a little, you’re likely to discover some further explanations that reveal why the symbol forms an integral part of the Masonic teachings that we explore today

Another way of looking at the point within a circle is as

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

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Hello again brothers!!

We are now in the month of July. This is the month when we all ask ourselves why are we here in Arizona as the heat rises and our tempers may start to become short? But that is not important right now. I have a poem that I would like to share with you about the Fourth of July.

aught.

As we look and we wonder, As we look and we ponder, May we ever be looking back and ever yonder.

By John Woode

I know I know this seems like an unusual thing, But we as brothers are supposed to understand and think.

So, as we stand and enjoy our Independence Day, Let’s ask ourselves did I help a brother today?

As we look and we wonder, As we look and we ponder, May we ever be looking back and ever yonder.

We find ourselves in a time when things are very confusing.

For as we enjoy and have our fun Let us not forget the people who died and won.

For we may never have had as much freedom of choice, than that which we now have with our own voice.

Wonder, Ponder, Yonder

We find ourselves trying to manage while it seems like our lives are amusing.

We may even have what we think we need, But then forget about the people we see in the street.

Let us remember.

Let us be true.

Let us remember the Red the White and the Blue.

For without it we cannot be united and Free.

For without there is no Liberty.

But this month is supposed to be one of Joy and Cheer Even though for many of us loved ones are near.

So, as we gather to watch the fireworks go off, Please don’t be the one who stands to the side and scoffs.

As we look and we wonder, As we look and we ponder, May we ever be looking back and ever yonder.

Till next time Brothers.

For everyone is here celebrating their freedom No matter what even if you don’t believe in them.

This maybe a hard thing to swallow even though we were taught,

Fraternally,

John Woode 2021 Senior Warden Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

Stand for the Flag, Anthem, and Pledge just like you

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“Anonymous" Share in Lodge by Bro. Gale MacDougall in honour of his Dad, Alan O. MacDougall who was a past of Collabergh lodge in New York (now Collabergh-Radium 859 Nelsonville, NY) and a member of Gila Valley #9.

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Brethren,

about the age of 27, spreading a message of repentance to the people of Jerusalem. His ministry was so popular A new Grand Lodge of Arizona year has begun and that many thought he could be the Messiah prophesized with it the observance of St John the Baptist Day on June 24th and the Summer Solstice when nature attains in the ancient Hebrew teachings. We are also told that after John baptized Jesus he stepped away and told his the zenith of light and life and joy. disciples to follow Jesus. John then turned his ministry One of our Patron Saints of Freemasonry, John the and attention to the spiritual reformation of the people Baptist was a stern and just man, intolerant of sham, of of the Hebrew nation and the affairs of state. pretense, of weakness. He was a man of strength and fire, uncompromising with evil or expediency, and yet, This focus eventually cost him his life after admonishing Herod and his wife of their sinful behavior. John was imprisoned and later beheaded. After he was murdered, John's disciples came and buried his body and went and told Jesus what had happened. Jesus responded to the news of John's death by saying, "John was a lamp that burned and gave Light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his Light."

I believe St John the Baptist is a fitting example of a man well worthy of emulation and I find his practice of spreading Light among his followers ties in with MWGM Randy Jager's theme for this Grand Lodge year "Let Your L.I.G.H.T Shine." Living In Grace, Honor, Truth.

The imminent Masonic scholar, Joseph Fort Newton, wrote, "Righteousness and Love -- those two words do not fall short of telling the whole duty of a man and a Freemason." And Freemasons around the world could do no better in their choice of a Patron Saint and a model for living than in John the Baptist - a man whose life continues to shine as an example to us all - Mason and non - Mason alike!

courageous, humble, sincere, and magnanimous. A character at once heroic and of rugged nobility, and the Greatest of Teachers said of the Baptist: "Among them that are born of woman, there hath not arisen a greater than John the Baptist."

www.masonsmart.com was used for content and reference.

Fraternally,

Jim Baker 2021 Senior Grand Warden Grand Lodge of Arizona

John's ministry is thought to have started when he was

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On this Fourth of July I always think about our Country and how much it means to me. The Flag is one of the ultimate symbols of our Country but did you know it’s history? I found this on theculturetrip.com and thought that I would share.

“You probably know what the American flag looks like today. But did you know that the design of the American flag has evolved over the years? Indeed, it has mirrored political tumult and changes closely throughout the history of the United States.

new states would be reflected in the number of stars in the box in the top left corner of the flag.

During the Civil War, the states of the Confederacy stopped flying the American flag and instead designed and flew their own flag, the Confederate Battle Flag.

And did you know that there is a significance to the American colors used in the flag? Red represents hardiness and valor, while white stands for purity and blue for perseverance and justice.

The flag has inspired not only much controversy but The first American flag design was approved by Conalso artists, from Jasper Johns to Francis Scott Key, gress on June 14, 1777. It had 13 stripes, which reprewho composed the famous “Star Spangled Banner” sented the original 13 colonies of the United States.

In honor of this day, President Harry Truman made June 14th Flag Day in 1949.

But as the USA rapidly expanded after the colonial period, and as new states were added, the flag had to evolve along with the changing composition of the country. Between 1777 and 1960, Congress passed multiple acts that changed the design of the flag to reflect new realities as new states were admitted.

after watching the huge 1814 garrison flag survive the shelling of Fort McHenry by the British, which went on for over 24 hours. The flag that inspired Key’s song is under intensive conservation efforts by the National Museum of American History to preserve it.

Hope you enjoyed this read as much as I did.

Fraternally,

Dewey Jefferson

It was too cluttered to add new stripes for every state, so it was decided that the number of stripes would stay the same—13 for the 13 original colonies. The

2021 Junior Warden Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

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In Symbolic Masonry, the Tiler or Tyler is a Master Mason whose duty it is to challenge all those who approach the Lodge Room door and verify that all who enter are Masons who are duly qualified.

donated by a Knight Templar.

The Tiler has not been armed with a sword through all of Masonic history. In early Freemasonry, the Tiler was “armed with the proper implement of his office”, which To be duly qualified, a Mason must have been ad- was appropriately, a trowel used for setting tiles. vanced through the proper degree of work for the meet- FLAMING SWORD OF THE TILER ing, be current with his dues, be clad in the proper A sword whose blade is of a spiral or twisted form is apron, and have permission of the Master to enter. called by the heralds a flaming swords from its resemIn ancient stonemason guilds, Tilers guarded the door blance to the ascending curvature of a flame of fire. Unagainst eavesdroppers and cowans. They still serve this til very recently, this was the form of the Tiler's sword. function today.

Carelessness or ignorance has now in many Lodges subThe short definition for cowans is that they could be stituted for it a common sword of any form. The flamhired to build walls of loose stones without mortar or ing sword of the Tiler refers to the flaming sword which cement, were not yet apprenticed to a Master Mason, guarded the entrance to Paradise, as described in Geneand had n o sis (iii, 4): "So he drove out the man; and he placed at right to a t - the east of the garden of Eden cherubim's and a flaming tend or sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the vote at s e - tree of life;" or, as Raphall has translated it, "the flaming c r e t sword which revolveth, to guard the way to the tree of g u i l d life." In former times, when symbols and ceremonies meetwere more respected than they are now; when collars ings. were worn, and not ribbons in the buttonhole; and In a typical Lodge, the Tiler sits outside the Lodge when the standing column of the Senior Warden, and Room door in a Tiler’s room, armed with a symbolic the recumbent one of the Junior during labor, to be resword resting at his side or mounted on the wall. By versed during refreshment, were deemed necessary for tradition, the ceremonial sword had a wavy blade repre- the complete furniture of the Lodge, the cavalry sword was unknown as a Masonic implement, and the Tiler senting a ray from a blazing star. always bore a flaming sword. It were better if we could Modern Tilers may bear a ceremonial straight military get back to the old customs. sword or curved cavalry saber donated by a brother.

Others make do with a cross-shaped Christian sword - Source: Mackey's Encyclopedia of Freemasonry

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 solemn promise made by a Freemason on his admission into any Degree is technically called his obligation. In a legal sense, obligation is synonymous with duty. Its derivation shows its true meaning, for the Latin word obligatio literally signifies a tying or binding. The obligation is that which binds a man to do some act, the doing of which thus becomes his duty. By his obligation, a Freemason is bound or tied to his Order. Hence the Romans called the military oath which was taken by the soldier his obligation, and, too, it is said that it is the obligation that makes the Freemason.

The Masonic obligation is that moral one which, although it cannot be enforced by the courts of lav, is binding on the party who makes it, in conscience and according to moral justice. It varies in each Degree, but in each is perfect. Its various clauses, in which different Before that ceremony, there is no tie that binds the can- duties are prescribed, are called its points, which are didate to the Order so as to make him a part of it; after either affirmative or negative, a division like that of the the ceremony, the tie has been completed, and the can- precepts of the Jewish law. The affirmative points are didate becomes at once a Freemason, entitled to all the those which require certain acts to be performed; the negative points are those which forbid certain other acts rights and privileges and subject to all the duties and responsibilities that enure in that character. The jurists to be done. The whole of them is preceded by a general have divided obligations into imperfect and perfect, or point of secrecy, common to all the Degrees, and this natural and civil. In Freemasonry there is no such dis- point is called the tie. ~Mackey tinction.

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One of the three principal tenets of a Freemason's profession, and thus defined in the lecture of the First Degree: To relieve the distressed is a duty incumbent on all men, but particularly on Freemasons, who are linked together by an indissoluble chain of sincere affection. To soothe the unhappy, to sympathize with their misfortunes, to compassionate their miseries, and to restore peace to their troubled minds, is the great aim we have in view. On this basis we form our friendships and establish our connections.

Brotherly Love, the Column of Strength, which binds us as one family in the indissoluble bond of fraternal affection; and Relief, the Column of Beauty, whose ornaments, more precious than the lilies and pomegranates that adorned the pillars of the porch, are the widOf the three tenets of a Freemason's profession, which ow's tear of joy and the orphan's prayer of gratitude. are Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, it may be said that Truth is the Column of Wisdom, whose rays pene- (Mackey's Encyclopedia of Freemasonry) trate and enlighten the inmost recesses of our Lodge;

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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.

detailed exhibits and guided tours that teach the general public about George Washington, his life and virtues, and the role that Freemasonry played throughout his life. Further, the Memorial is an important space for the performing arts, social gatherings, public events, and educational seminars. And, of course, it is an active

Beginning at the Memorial’s pyramid level, we have begun a multi-year project to perform all needed structural repairs. Stone by stone, are repointing the mortar and protecting the building from water penetration. When completed, the building will be in better than new

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.

condition.

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

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.

your dedication.

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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!

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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.

www.azmasoniclibrary.org

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Jim Reid Sam Graziano MW Mark Manning 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

July Birthdays Spencer Sego Ken Stewart James Heard Eric Nelson

July Anniversaries 7-4 7-14 7-22 7-24

Boyd Johnson Richard Platt Robert Amma

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

Join your family, friends, and Brothers at Top Golf Gilbert for some drinks, food, and golf Top Golf style!. We have a couple lanes reserved and should have plenty of room for you all!

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July 8, Apache Lodge No. 69

July 2, 2021 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

7:300 pm Stated Meeting

First Fridays Smoke and Graze Night WB Smiths House RSVP Via Grandview 6:00 pm Smoking begin

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

July 10, 2021 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

July 10, Globe Chapter No. 7 R.A.M

Top Golf 1689 S Santan Village Pkwy, Gilbert, AZ 85295 10:00 am Family Social Event begin

2:00 pm Stated Meeting

July 13, Ocotillo Chapter No. 21 OES 7:00 pm Stated Meeting

July 15, 2021 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

July 15, Eloy Lodge No. 46

First Degree 7:00 pm Degree Begins

7:00 pm Stated Meeting

September 20, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

September 2, Pinal Lodge No. 30

5:30 pm Trustee Meeting

7:00 pm Stated Meeting

September 27, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

September 16, Memento Mori Widow Sons

7:00 pm Friend to Friend Program

Location TBD: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WSMMChapter

Oct 15, 2021 Town of Florence

11:30 am Stated Meeting

September 20, 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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Main Street Third Friday Social 5:00 pm Social Event begin

Brethren, Friends, and Family, This year the Masonic Charities of Arizona approved 23 grants totaling almost $50,000 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 25

Email: jiminys@yahoo.com

Bro. Email: jwoode591@gmail.com

Dewey Jefferson Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com

MWGM Randy Jager 2021-22 Grand Master F. & A.M of Arizona

Bro. John Bryon Singer Email: jbyronsinger@aol.com

Chairman: WB Eric Smith Email: jiminys@yahoo.com

Bro. Lee Apger Chairman: John Woode

Email: lkapger@gmail.com

Email: jwoode591@gmail.com

Chairman: Dewey Jefferson Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com

WB Robert Malloy Email: robert_molloy@cox.net

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

Chairman: Dewey Jefferson

Bro. David Jones

Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com

Email: dejones2063@gmail.com

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

Bro. Brian Gay Email: bg1973@hotmail.com

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

Roger Biede III PM Chairman

Bro. Gale MacDougal Email: bearinbox@con.net

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Robert Molloy PM John Woode

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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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