July 2022 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 Trestleboard

JULY 2022

At the 2022 Grand Communication of the MW

Grand Lodge of Arizona the Masters of White Mountain Lodge No. 3, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9, and Apache Lodge No. 69 presented the representative of the Masonic Charities of Arizona a check for $3000 from the Lost Dutchman Degree Team. Each year some of the proceeds from our World Famous Degree will be donated to a worthy cause.

The Masonic Charities of Arizona is a nonprofit charitable organization, organized under the laws of the State of Arizona on April 25, 1981.

The purpose of the charity is to primarily assist those organizations throughout the State, engaged in relieving human suffering of any kind, which are dependent upon contributions from the public to accomplish their mission.

Thank you to all those participants that allowed this to happen!

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The most common way #Masons are introduced to the fraternity is through a parent or grandparent, but also through friends and colleagues. As Masons, we must continue to build pride in our craft, bring more brothers into the fold, and drive this tradition into the future.

Between July 1–14, we’re asking all Masons to post a short message on Facebook or Instagram— including the HASHTAG #ImAMason—briefly explaining why #Freemasonry is important to you.

In addition, we're also asking Masons to temporarily change their profile picture to the "I'm a Mason" button seen on our profile to let non-Masons know they have someone in their network open to discussing Masonry.

The Grand Lodge of Arizona is joining Grand Lodges from across this Country in letting people know that we are open to discussing Masonry.

Download the button and share your story today!

Grand Master’s Polo Order your Grand Master’s Polo now! https://bit.ly/22-23MWGMPolo

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As we go dark in July it give me time to reminisce about some of my first years in the craft and the lessons I have learned.

Often I like to go back and reread some of those early lessons to remind me how far things have come. Last week I focused on the Gavel and found this written by Mackey…

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

The true form of the gavel is that of the stonemasons hammer. It is to be made with a cutting edge, as in the engraving, that it may be used to break off the corners of rough stones, an operation which could never be effected by the common hammer or mallet. The gavel thus shaped will give, when looked at in front, the exact representation of the gavel or gable end of a house, whence, as has been already said, the name is derived.

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

I hope you all have a wonderful and safe summer.

Fraternally,

Eric Smith 2022 Master Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

Order your GM Coins with this QC Code:

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Masons have been part of American society since George Washington was a Mason. Their membership is said to be about 6 million, and they are known for their secrecy. The Masonic letter “G” has a meaning that goes beyond what most people know about it. In this blog post, we will talk about the history behind the Freemasonry letter “G” and what it means in today’s time!

geometry, and these principles help to bring order and organization to the world.

We use symbols like * The letter “G” (which stands for God) is used in many Masonic rituals including initiation ceremonies; it represents a point of darkness

Geometry

The symbols of geometry, particularly those associated with Euclid’s Elements which are found throughout Freemasonry. Geometry is symbolic of absolute truth and rationality that can be used to reflect upon our own lives.

Geometry is the basis of our tradition and has been linked with architecture since ancient times. It was used to design temples, churches, and mosques in many cultures including Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Asia Minor. Geometry is a science that uses mathematical principles and formulas for analyzing shapes and measuring angles in an object or space that can be drawn on paper or constructed by hand. The Freemasons use geometry as a means of understanding how the universe works; through mathematics, they learn about nature’s laws which govern everything from atoms to planets (the G stands for “God”). Since it is believed all things come from God, this knowledge helps them understand how different concepts like good vs evil are related. They believe there are absolute truths that can be discovered using

surrounded by light. * Sunstones are worn around necks during Freemasonry meetings because they represent the truth that has been purified when exposed to sunlight. It also shows how light passes through transparent objects such as diamonds or glass * There are uprights standing stones at every meeting place where Masons meet; this stone symbolizes

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 Jefferson at 520-576-2329 4

an altar set on top of three pillars representing Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty These examples show us how we see ourselves reflected in nature and how the stone symbolizes order, balance, and beauty.

we can all work towards today no matter our chosen profession or interests.

Another theory about what the letter “G” means among Freemasonry is that it stands for geometry.

The Grand Architect of the Universe of Freemasonry This is because Freemasons have long been fascinated by mathematics and the use of symbols to convey hidThe G stands for God or the Grand Architect of the den meanings, so much so that they consider them a Universe. It is a placeholder for all that which transtype of language or code. cends human comprehension and therefore cannot be described by words alone. A single letter does not When was the G added to the square and compass? do it justice, but as an abbreviation- taken from one of The G was added to the square and compass around our greatest works- we use this symbol to remind us 1760. Masons can identify others using a series of how little we truly know and how much more there is symbols such as handshakes, passwords, and other to learn. signs which are part of Masonic rituals that date back The letter G is called the “Grand Geometrician” of hundreds of years. The Freemasonry symbol is inFreemasonry, as it symbolizes God (the Grand Archi- stantly recognizable all over the world because it reptect) and geometry (which we use to understand His resents their values, aims, and opinions which have patterns). The upright line represents an individual been shared by many people since its creation in 950 Mason; if he follows his convictions through life with AD when King Athelstan formed guilds for stonemaorderliness and rectitude, then he forms a column sons so they could design buildings like cathedrals representing strength not only for himself but those throughout Europe. around him as well.

Ancient Origins Masonic Letter G What is the G on the Masonic symbol?

The G in the Masonic logo can be traced back to anThe G on the Masonic symbol cient Egypt when they used it as a stands for God or geometry. symbol for geometry. This is why The first record of a Masonic Freemasons use this letter today belogo is from 14th century Engcause it represents truth that has land and it was a drawing of been purified through exposure to two men holding hands inside sunlight, which shows order and balan inscribed circle, with one ance within nature. man pointing to another’s Geometry was also one of the Seven hand which holds a stone in Liberal Arts taught by Pythagoras the air. One interpretation sugafter he formed his school in 570 gests that this sets out how MaBC; students learned about shapes, sons should interact with each measurements, numbers, magniother as well as those around tudes, space, and their properties them by displaying integrity with reference to philosophical conand trustworthiness through cepts like God’s creation. their actions, thoughts, and deeds. In addition, they are The seven liberal arts are Grammar/ also sharing knowledge – givRhetoric (the art of communication), ing others the opportunity to Logic/Dialectic (understanding verraise themselves up using what bal reasoning), Arithmetic/Number 5 they have learned – something Theory (sets theory), (cont.)

Geometry/Trigonometry (shapes, angles), Music Conclusion Masonic Letter G (tones and rhythms) Astronomy/Astrology (the moveIt’s time to learn about the G in masonic symbols. ments of the stars with reference to divine order), and You may have seen this symbol before and not even finally Philosophy. realized it! The letter “G” is a common abbreviation All these symbols are used during Masonic initiation for geometry, which means that the Masonic square ceremonies which is why they are shown on jewelry and compass are symbolic of geometric shapes. In that Masons wear today. The letter “G” represents a fact, many Masons use these tools as metaphors for point of darkness surrounded by light, while suntheir own lives – both being careful with who they stones worn around necks represent truth after it has trust and balancing work life with personal life. If been purified when exposed to sunlight; this shows you’re interested in learning more or becoming part how light passes through transparent objects like dia- of this brotherhood, just contact your local lodge! We monds or glass. hope that by now you know what the G stands for when reading a Masonic emblem from now on- GeThere are also standing stones at every meeting place ometry! where masons meet which symbolizes an altar set on top of three pillars representing Wisdom, Strength, FreemasonsCommunity and Beauty – all things we can aspire towards as well no matter our chosen profession or interests.

This amazing knife was gifted by RW Victor Olson to WB Roger Biede at the May Stated Meeting in recognition of his appointment as the Grand Senior Deacon of the Grand Lodge of Arizona.

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Dear Brothers, We are now in the month of July and it is time to start preparing for the hottest days of summer. Now this could be getting out of the heat and going elsewhere or staying in the heat and enjoying the pool!!

Either way we have to start planning for what is coming ahead.

The same can be said when we look at our lodge and how we are being involved with it. If you are working on learning more of the ritual for a part you don't know that is great!! If you are working on a proficiency for the next chair up the line that is even better and even if you are on a committee and planning the next event that is fine!! But what we sometimes get stuck in is where we feel like we have done all we can do and think there is nothing else for us to do. This is where we get into the most

trouble as brothers.

If you are in the category of the last group I promise I am not calling you lazy! It is the exact opposite.

You are the lodge's backbone, you are the resource that we need present at our meetings at our degrees and everywhere in between. For without you all we have no sense of where we have been and are doomed to repeat the same mistakes that have already befallen our lodge in the past. For without you we wouldn't have some of the inspirational stories to help us become better men, and without you we wouldn't know how to relax while leading our lodge.

So during this week on the fourth of July as we celebrate America's independence remember and celebrate that you brothers have helped our lodge thrive as much as it has over the years. So have a good fourth brothers and until next time stay safe.

John Woode 2022 Senior Warden Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

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This month was the Multi-Chapter Membership Achievement event for Arizona, Chandler and Saguaro Chapters. There were new members, potentials and some for Rainbow girls as well.

So what do you do when it's 113 outside??? You have a Nerf War inside!!

All types of Nerfs, darts of all sizes and colors and colored balls all over the place. Hamburgers, hot dogs, four types of salads, a bazillion types of chips and beverages, watermelon, brownies and almond joy cookies was a feast fit for all. There was also several rounds of Cards Against Humanity (Family Edition) and visiting with all our Brothers! Great time was had by all!

The

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Just a touch of humor this month.

“Can anyone else hear me?

IN WHOM DO YOU PLACE YOUR TRUST

COMPUTER AGE

There was a Californian speeding along mountain roads in his sports car. He was driving too fast for one corner and shot right over the edge. The car top was down and the driver managed to grab hold of a

Many Grand Lodges are finding it necessary to turn to computers to increase the efficiency of their administrative needs. Sometimes when we see the address labels these computers produce, we wonder if it does indeed increase efficiency. One Grand Secretary tells the story of a super-computer which was being tested for accuracy by a young businessman.

“Where is my father?” was the query the young man typed into the computer. Motors whirred, wheels turned and lights blinked as the computer printed out the reply, Your father is fishing in Vermont.”

The prospective customer laughed. “This machine is no good,” he said, “My father’s been dead for twenty years.” Urged to rephrase the question, the businessman typed out, “Where is my mother’s husband?”

The prompt reply from the computer said, Your mother’s husband died 20 years ago. Your father just landed a three-pound trout.”

stunted tree as the car dropped hundreds of feet into the canyon. “HELP”, he called, as he hung on, dangling above the canyon. “CAN ANYONE HEAR ME?” All he got back was an echo: “… hear me?

“God, can you hear me?” he called.

The clouds rolled back and a deep voice said: “Yes I can hear you” “Will you help me?”

“Yes answered God, “I will help you. Do you believe in me?”

This humor was found in The Lighter Side Of Masonry, Compiled by Stewart M L Pollard.

Hope you enjoyed it.

Fraternally,

“Yes, Yes, I believe in you.” “Do you trust me?”

“Yes, Yes, I trust you … but hurry up.”

Dewey Jefferson

“If you trust me, let go of the tree.” A long silence ----

2022 Junior Warden Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

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The north is Masonically called a Place of Darkness. The sun in his progress through the ecliptic never reaches farther than 23 28' north of the equator. A wall being erected on any part of the earth farther north than that, will therefore, at meridian, receive the rays of the sun only on its south side, while the north will be entirely in shadow at the hour of meridian. The use of the north as a symbol of darkness is found, with the present interpretation, in the early instructions of the eighteenth century. It is a portion of the old sun worship of which we find so many relics in Gnosticism, in Hermetic philosophy, and in Freemasonry. The east was the place of the sun's daily birth, a nd henc e highly revered; the north the place of his annual death, to which he approached only to lose his terrific heat, and to clothe the earth in darkness of long nights and dreariness of winter.

However, this point of the compass, or place of Masonic darkness, must not be construed as implying that in the Temple of Solomon no light or ventilation was had from this direction. The Talmud, and as well Josephus, allude to an extensive opening to-

ward the North, framed with costly magnificence, and known as the great Golden Window. There were as many openings in the outer wall on the north as on the south side. There were three entrances through the "Chel" on the north and six on the south (see Temple). While once within the walls and Chel of the Temple all advances were made from east to west, yet the north side was mainly used for stabling, slaughtering, cleansing, etc., and contained the chambers of broken knives, defiled stones of the House of Burning, and of sheep.

The Masonic symbolism of the entrance of an initiate from the north, or more practically from the northwest, and advancing toward the position occupied by the Corner-stone in the north-east, forcibly calls to mind the triplet of Homer: Two marble doors unfold on either side Sacred the South by which the gods descend; But mortals enter on the Northern end.

So in the Mysteries of Dionysos, the gate of entrance for the aspirant was from the north; but when purged from his corruptions, he was termed indifferently new-born or immortal, and the sacred

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 (xylitolfree) –10 Pet Food—Medicine - Office supplies - Grooming tools

south door was thence accessible to his steps.

In the Middle Ages, below and to the right of the judges stood the accuser, facing north; to the left was the defendant, in the north facing south. Brother George F. Fort, in his Antiquities of Freemasonry (page 292), says: In the center of the court, directly before the judge stood an altar piece or shrine, upon which an open Bible was displayed. The south to the right of the justiciaries was deemed honorable and worthy for a plaintiff- but the north was typical of a frightful and diabolical somberness.

Thus, when a solemn oath of purgation was taken in grievous criminal accusations, the accused turned toward the north.

The judicial headsman, in executing the extreme penalty of outraged justice, turned the convict's face northward, or towards the place whence emanated the earliest dismal shades of night. When Earl Hakon bowed a tremulous knee before the deadly powers of Paganism and sacrificed his seven-yearold child, he gazed out upon the far-off, gloomy north.

In Nastrond, or shores of death, stood a revolting hall, whose portals opened toward the north葉he regions of night. North, by the Jutes was denominated black or somber; the Frisians called it fear corner. The gallows faced the north, and from these hyperborean shores everything base and terrible proceeded. In consequence of this belief, it was ordered that, in the adjudication of a crime, the accused should be on the north side of the court enclosure. And in harmony with the Scandinavian superstition, no Lodge of Masons illumines the darkened north with a symbolic light, whose brightness would be unable to dissipate the gloom of that cardinal point with which was a Foeiated all that was sinstrous and direful.

So many of our Masonic customs hinge Upon the connection with old church practices that we are inclined to add to the above summary a few additional particulars. The book entitled Curious Church Customs, edited by William Andrews, 1898, has on page 136 the following item: Tradition authorizes the expectation that our Lord still appear in the east; therefore all the faithful dead are buried with their feet towards the east to meet Him. Hence in Wales the east wind is called " The wind of the dead men's feet." The eastern portion of a churchyard is always looked on as the most honoured next the south then the west, and last of all the north from the belief that in this order the dead will rise curious instance of this belief is furnished by an epitaph on a tombstone, dated 1807, on the north side of Epworth Churchyard, Lineolnshire, the last two lines of which run as follows: And that I might longer undisturbed abide I choose to be laid on this northern side.

Felons, and notorious bad characters, were frequently buried on the north side of the church. In Suffolk most of the churches have both a north and south door, and where old customs are observed, the bodes is brought in at the south door, put down at the west end of the aisle and carried out by the north door. In Lineolashire the north is generally reserved entirelv for funerals, the south and west doors being reserved for christenings and weddings.

William Andrews, in a companion volume dealing with Ecclesiastical Curzosities, 1899, has some references to churchyard superstitions, and gives considerable space to inquiries made regarding the old prejudices against being buried on the north side of the church. This prejudice is proven in several parts of England by the scarcity of graves on the north side of churches. The Reverend Theodore Johnson, writing upon this subject, tells of taking charge of a parish in Norfoll; and on being called upon (cont) 11

to select a suitable place for a funeral suggested that as there svere no graves on the north side of the church a place could be assigned there.

This aroused vigorous objection but no particular explanation beyond that of a decided dislike. Further inquiry obtained the information that in some cases the north part of the churchyard was left unconsecrated for burial of those for whom no religious service was considered necessary. At last the clergyman found light in visiting an old member of his flock during his last hours on earth. He was a widower, and in speaking of his place of burial he particularly emphasized the words "On the south side, sir, near by the wife." The clergyman in quired why there was such a strong objection to burial on the north side of the church, and the prompt and reproachful answer was at once made: "The left side of Christ, sir: we don't like to be counted among the goats." The author continues: Here was the best answer to the mystery, pointing with no uncertain words to the glorious Resurrection Day, this aged, earthly shepherd at the end of his years of toil recognized his Great Master, Jesus. as the True Shepherd of mankind, meeting His flock as they arose from their long sleep of death, with their faces turned eastward, awaiting His appearing.

Then when all had been called and recognized He turned to lead them onward, still their True Shepherd and Guide, with the sheep on His right hand, and the goats on His left hand, so wonderfully foretold in the Gospel story: "When the Son of Man shall come in His glory, and all the hole angels with

Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory; land before Him shall be gathered all nations and He shall separate them one from another as a Shepherd divideth ads sheep from the goats: and he shall set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left." Matthew xxv, 31 -3.

Surely, the above simple illustration explains much that is difficult and mysterious to us in the wax of religious superstition.

Undoubtedly, we have here a good example of how superstitions have arisen, probable from a good source, it may be the words of some teacher long since passed away. The circumstance has long been for gotten, yet the lesson remains, and being handed down by oral tradition only, every vestige of its religions nature disappears and but the feeling remains, which, b in the minds of the ignorant populace, increases in mysteries and enfolds itself in superstitious awe, without any desire from them to discover the origin, or Source, of such a strange custom, or event.

So much of our ceremonies and instruction in the Craft is bound up intimately with the practices of the Church that the foregoing details and the comments made upon them are well worth notice and reflection. We need not in any enthusiasm for the prehistoric and the religious customs of the older nations in the childhood of their faith when the Mysteries of Greece and Rome were flourishing, overlook the equally good claims for attention presented by the more recent traditions that survive and thrive even unto our own times.

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

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

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

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

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

What are the JEWELS OF A LODGE ?

Every Lodge is furnished with six jewels, three of which are movable and three immovable. They are termed jewels, says Brother Oliver, because they have a moral tendency which renders them jewels of inestimable value. The movable jewels, so called because they are not confined to any particular part of the Lodge, are the Rough .Ashlar, the Perfect Ashlar, and the Trestle-Board.

The Immovable Jewels are the Square, the Level, and the Plumb. They are termed Immovable, because they are appropriated to particular parts of the Lodge, where alone they should be found, namely, the Square to the East, the Level to the West, and the Plumb to the South. In the English system the division is the reverse of this. There, the Square, Level, and Plumb are called Movable Jewels, because they pass from the three officers who wear them to their successors. ~ Mackey 13

POINTS; In the old Constitutions Known as the Haiwell or Regius Manuscript, there are fifteen regulations called points.

The fifteen articles which precede are said to have been in existence before the meeting at York, and then only collected after search, while the fifteen points were then enacted.

(Thus we are told fifteen Artyculus they were Sougton, And fifteen points there they wrogton.) The word sougton, mean Sought, or found out. The word wrogton, means wrought or enacted.

The points referred to in the ritualistic phrase "Arts, parts, and points of the hidden Mysteries of Masonry" are the rules and regulations of the Institution" Phillips New World of words (1706 edition) define points as " a head or chief matter" It is in this scene that we speak of the points of Free Masonry. A rather significant use of the word means to correct and complete the openings left between the stones in a wall.

A meaning applied by operative craftsman that is old and very apt.

Found in Mackey's revised Encyclopedia of free Masonry (Page 78 and787) copied and written for your reading knowledge.

By Brother Brian C. Nichols.

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July 9, White Mountain No. 3

July 11, Phoenix York Rite

10:00 am Stated Meeting

CRYPTIC MASONRY EDUCATION NIGHT Part 1 345 W Monroe, PHX

July 9, Globe Chapter No. 7 R.A.M 2:00 pm Stated Meeting

July 12, Ocotillo Chapter No. 21 OES Call for time

July 14, Apache Lodge No. 69 7:30 pm Stated Meeting

July 16, Memento Mori Widow Sons Location TBD: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WSMMChapter

11:00 am Stated Meeting

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

Sept 1, Pinal Lodge No. 30 7:00 pm Stated Meeting

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

7:00 pm Presentation

Aug 1, MW Jim Baker Recognition Florence Town Coucle 775 N Main St

6:00 pm Presentaton

Aug 27, El Zaribah Shrine Cornfest Arts and Crafts Show El Zarihah Shrine 10:00 am Show

Sept 5 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 5:30 pm Trustee Meeting

Sept 10, Jr. Parada Fundraiser Coolidge Florence Elks Club 2241 S Attaway Coolidge

5:00 pm Event

Sept 12, Sabbar Shrine 7:00 pm Stated Meeting

Sept 12, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 Book Club 5:30 pm Meeting

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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 17

Jim Reid Frank Musil MWGM Rex Hutchens WB John O’Hara PM WB Delbert Lewis PM WB Ray Osbourn PM Wilbur (Bill) Dean Lawrence Baby Rylee Ringer Baby Miguel Martinez

Ken Stewart James Heard II Eric Nelson

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

7/4 7/22 7/24

Boyd Johnson Richard Platt Robert Amma

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7/15/1983 7/23/1985 7/28/1992

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

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

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

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

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

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Email: jiminys@yahoo.com

Bro. Email: jwoode591@gmail.com

Dewey Jefferson Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com

MWGM Jim Baker 2022-23 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: WB 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: Brian Gay

Bro. Steve Murphy

Email: bg1973@hotmail.com

Email: santanman7921@gmail.com

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

Bro. Spencer Sego Email: spencersego@gmail.com

Chairman: John Woode Email: jwoode591@gmail.com

WB Anthony Raimondi

Roger Biede III PM Chairman

Email: raimondi_57@msn.com 20

Robert Molloy PM, John Woode

21

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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 br eakfast 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 23held.