MW MWB Jim Baker has refused to fade into the background after his year in the Grand East. After an amazing year as Grand Master Most Worshipful Baker was not going to retire to the Historic Town of Florence. After weighing many many options and a number of opportunities to use his talents with an number of volunteer organizations, he decided that his work with the Grand Lodge was not done. Not only was he elected as a Grand Trustee, he was appointed as Deputy Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge. He will be an amazing asset to the office and we look forward to his future efforts.
I have had the pleasure of getting to do some traveling this past month and would like to share with you what I got to experience. For a week while I was in Ohio, I was given the opportunity to visit a lodge down in Springfield Ohio where I grew up.
and got a personal tour of the Springfield Masonic temple. While I was being given the tour, I was informed that the Springfield temple was one that housed the York rite bodies as well as a White Shrine. And they had a bout four different rooms for those said meetings to take place. In the basement I was informed used to be a fully functioning diner that was used for a separate club that members would go to and use as a diner back before the 2000s. Down here they also had their very own 4 lane Bowling alley for events at the lodge along with multiple billiards tables and a snooker table. All of this showed what the craft was about and the history of what used to occur here back in its booming days in the late 50s up to the 90s.
Here in Springfield, we opened on the FC degree and a lot of things were the same but slightly different. Most of the open and close were the same but we had some words that were different and some of the responsibilities of the deacons had changed. While sitting in lodge I was given the opportunity to see how a lodge functioned when the WM was not able to be present at a meeting. In Ohio all the lodges meet 2 times a month for their required meetings. So, with this it is a little more demanding of you as a member to be present for your lodge.
While I was visiting this lodge, I met up with a fellow Past Master that I had gone to high school with
After this visit I was given a tour of two different rooms. These two rooms were the Lodge library and the Masonic temples Museum. In both rooms I got to see items that would have been used by the different bodies within masonry that dated back to the early days of the lodge. The oldest artifact that I saw was back from the late 1880s. I have enjoyed my summer and look forward to starting up again in September Until next time brothers.
July 4th, 1776, a day we all have come to recognize as Independence Day. But how much of this celebrated date is interconnected to the freemasons? Would it surprise you to learn that it is believed that five of the men on the committee drafting the declaration of independence were believed to be Freemasons? And a majority of those who signed the declaration were freemasons? Some of the most influential voices that shaped our nation were masonic voices. Freemasonry is at the very base of the United States. Links between Anderson’s Constitutions ideas and codes of conduct, appear in the United States Constitution. Examples such as excluding religion as a topic of conversation in a lodge room where business is being discussed. Similarly, religion in government can cause division in ruling bodies. For the declaration of independence, it’s obvious to see where the men who helped form the early United States believed in the principals the lessons our ritual teach. Just one example, Freemasons believe we all meet up on the level; in the Declaration of Independence, it states “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that
all men are created equal”. It is the influence of freemasonry that has been an element in enabling the United States to become so strong. The nation is based on the individuals social responsibility and his freedom under country law.
As we celebrate the birth of the United States, we should remember it was those Freemasons involved in the Revolution who had the courage to risk their lives for an ideal. It was in a Freemason lodge where they heard those ideals put forth and where they were reminded of them to the point they became part of their lives. A gift which is now ours to cherish and pass on in both our Lodges and our communities.
To my American brethren, Happy Fourth of July! May it be safe and filled with family and friends! Fraternally,
Robert Malloy2023 Junior Warden Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
As the city of York claims to be the birthplace of Freemasonry in England, the obscure little village of Kilwinning is entitled to the same honor with respect to the origin of the Order in the sister kingdom of Scotland. The claim to the honor, however, in each case, depends on the bare authority of a legend, the authenticity of which is now doubted by many Masonic historians. A place, which, in itself small and wholly indistinguishable in the political, the literary, or the commercial annals of its country, has become of great importance in the estimation of the Masonic antiquary from its intimate connection with the history of the Institution.
The Abbey of Kilwinning is situated in the bailiwick of Cunningham, about three miles north of the royal burgh of Irving, near the Irish Sea. The abbey was founded in the year 1140, by Hugh Morville, Constable of Scotland, and dedicated to Saint Winning, being intended for a company of monks of the Tyronesian Order, who had been brought from Kelso. The edifice must have been constructed at great expense, and with much magnificence, since it is said to have occupied several acres of ground in its whole extent.
Lawrie (History of Freemasonry, page 46, 1859 edition) says that, by authentic documents as well as by other collateral arguments which amount almost to a demonstration, the existence of the Kilwinning Lodge has been traced back as far as the end of the fifteenth century. But we know that the body of architects who perambulated the Continent of Europe and have frequently been mentioned under the name of Traveling Freemasons, flourished at a much earlier period; and we learn, also, from Lawrie himself, that several of these Freemasons traveled into Scotland, about the beginning of the twelfth century. Hence, we have every reason to
suppose that these men were the architects who constructed the Abbey at Kilwinning, and who first established the Institution of Freemasonry in Scotland. If such be the fact, we must place the origin of the first Lodge in that kingdom at an earlier date, by three centuries, than that claimed for it by Lawrie, which would bring it much nearer, in point of time, to the great Masonic Assembly, which is traditionally said to have been convened in the year 926, by Prince Edwin, at York, in England.
There is some collateral evidence to sustain the
probability of this early commencement of Freemasonry in Scotland. It is very generally admitted that the Royal Order of Herodem was founded by King Robert Bruce, at Kilwinning. Thory, in the Acta Latomorum, gives the following chronicle: "Robert Bruce, King of Scotland, under the title of Robert I, created the Order of 8t. Andrew of Chardon, after the battle of Bannockburn, which was fought on the 24th of June, 1314. To this Order was afterwards united that of Herodem, for the sake of the Scotch Freemasons, who formed a part of the thirty thousand troops with whom he had fought an army of one hundred thousand Englishmen. King Robert reserved the title of Grand Master to himself and his successors forever, and founded the Royal
Grand Lodge of Herodem at Kilwinning." Doctor Oliver says that "the Royal Order of Herodem had formerly its chief seat at Kilwinning; and there is every reason to think that it and Saint John's Masonry were then governed by the same Grand Lodge. " In 1820, there was published at Paris a record which states that in 1286, James, Lord Stewart, received the Earls of Gloucester and Ulster into his Lodge at Kilwinning; which goes to prove that a Lodge was then existing and in active operation at that place.
The modern iconoclasts, however, who are leveling these old legends with unsparing hands, have here been at work. Brother D. Murray Lyon has attacked the Bruce legend, and in the London Freemasons Magazine (of 1868, page 14) says: Seeing that the Fraternity of Kilwinning never at any period practiced or acknowledged other than Craft degrees, and have not preserved even a shadow of a tradition that can in the remotest degree be held to identify Robert Bruce with the holding of Masonic Courts, or the Institution of a Secret Order at Kilminning, the Fraternity of the "Hero(lim" must be attributed to another than the hero of Bannoekburn and a birthplace must be sought for it in a soil Still more favorable to the growth of the high grades than Scotland has hitherto proved. He intimates that the legend was the invention of the Chevalier Ramsay, whose birthplace was in the vicinity of Kilwinning. Brother Mackey says, "I confess that I look upon the legend and the documents that contain it with some favor, as at least furnishing the evidence that there has been among the Fraternity a general belief of the antiquity of the Kilwinning Lodge." Those, however, whose faith is of a more hesitating character, will find the most satisfactory testimonies of the existence of that Lodge in the beginning of the fifteenth century. At that peri-
od, when Jarnes II was on the throne, the Barons of Roslin, as hereditary Patrons of Scotch Freemasonry, held their annual meetings at Kilwinning, and the Lodge at that place granted Warrants of Constitution for the formation of subordinate Lodges in other parts of the kingdom.
The Lodges thus formed. in token of their respect for, and submission to, the mother Lodge whence they derived their existence, affixed the word Kilwinning to their own distinctive name; many instances of which are still to be found on the register of the Grand Lodge of Scotland such as Canongate Kilwinning, Greenock Kilwinning, Cumberland Kilwinning, etc. But, in process of time, this Grand Lodge at Kilwinning ceased to retain its
supremacy, and finally its very existence. As in the case of the sister kingdom, where the Grand Lodge was removed from York, the birthplace of English Freemasonry, to London, so in Scotland, the supreme seat of the Order was at length transferred from Kilwinning to the metropolis; and hence, in the doubtful document entitled the Charter of Cologne, which purports to have been written in 1642, we find, in a list of nineteen Grand Lodges in Europe, that of Scotland is mentioned as sitting at Edinburgh, under the Grand Mastership of John Bruce.
In 1736, when the Grand Lodge of Scotland was organized, the Kilwinning Lodge was one of its constituent Bodies, and continued in its obedience until 1743. In that year it petitioned to be recognized as the oldest Lodge in Scotland; but as the records of the original Lodge had been lost, the present Lodge could not prove, says Lawrie, that it was the identical Lodge which had first practiced Freemasonry in Scotland. The petition was therefore rejected, and, in consequence, the Kilwinning Lodge seceded from the Grand Lodge and established itself as an independent Body. It organized Lodges in Scotland; and several instances are on record of its issuing Charters as Mother Kilwinning Lodge to Lodges in foreign countries. Thus, it granted one to a Lodge in Virginia in 1758, and another in 1779 to some Brethren in Ireland calling themselves the Lodge of High Knights Templar. But in 1807 the Mother Lodge of Kilwinning renounced all right of granting Charters, and came once more into the bosom of the
Grand Lodge, bringing with her all her daughter Lodges.
Here terminates the connection of Kilwinning as a place of any special importance with the Freemasonry of Scotland. As for the Abbey, the stupendous fabric which was executed by the Freemasons who first migrated into Scotland, its history, like that of the Lodge which they founded, is one of decline and decay. In 1560, it was in a great measure demolished by Alexander, Earl of Glencairne, in obedience to an Order from the States of Scotland, in the exercise of their usurped authority during the imprisonment of Marv Stuart. A few years afterward, a part of the Abbey Chapel was repaired and converted into the parish church, and was used as such until about the year 1775, when, in consequence of its ruinous and dangerous state, it was pulled down and an elegant church erected in the modern style. In 1789, so much of the ancient Abbey remained as to enable Grose, the antiquary, to take a sketch of the ruins. Bro. Mackey
Surely those who are called profane (at the gates of the temple: Pro Phanós) will have seen that the freemasons sign with three curious dots, behind their name and surname. There are three points placed in a triangle, with the point facing up on the signed document.
It is not easy to explain in a few lines the reason for this curious "identification", but we will try to summarize it as much as possible, at the same time shed some light on these three curious points.
The three points have great meaning in the Masonic world. They constitute the simplest and at the same time the most perfect ternary symbol: Every being, system or force symbolized by the number 3. Three is the division of Divinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. There are three theological virtues: Faith, Hope and Charity. There are three elements that make up the Human Being: Spirit, Body and Soul.
The upper point, which points upwards, represents the Superior States of the Being, in the definition of the publication made by René Guenon (The Multiple States of the Being), The two lower ones, respectively represent the ground plane, as well as the the human beings who inhabit it.
There are also three elements that make up the best-known symbol of Freemasonry: The compass, which marks the distances, but also the limits in which the action of a just and good man must move, the square that is a symbol of rectitude and at the same time the verticality of the origin of the Being, and the initial G of God in English (God).
Let us remember the Scottish and English origin attributed as more probable, of the current Freemasonry. Also on occasions, the letter G is replaced by an eye neither masculine nor feminine, representing the "all-seeing eye" of universal knowledge held by the Great Architect of the universe.
The ternary is also the object of deep meditations by the initiates, since it represents the sum or factotum of human existence which we call by another name: "life". The three points then, can be seen as childhood, youth and old age, symbolizing the transition from "profane" life to initiation, through a process of acquiring experience and knowledge, in which the attitude is perfected, thought and word of the initiate.
Let us also remember that according to the Bible, Emmanuel the Envoy, died at 3 o'clock one day of his 33 years. Or that the free elements found in nature are commonly divided into: animals, minerals and vegetables.
These three points also remind us of human weakness, since during the torment of the Envoy Cephas denied it up to three times, warning us that we must always try to strengthen our character and walk the straight path of truth and virtue.
Hence, these three points contain an entire ethical and moral code for the man who, descending into himself as stated in V:.I:.T:.R:.I:.O:.L:. and rectifying, he finds the Stone that he will have to sculpt and finally one day polish to deserve one day to be placed on the Eastern Wall of the Symbolic Temple of King Solomon made to the greatest Glory of the G:.A:.D:.U:.
In the First Book of Kings (vi, 8) it is said: "The door for the Middle Chamber was in the right side of the house; and they went up with winding stairs into the Middle Chamber, and out of the middle into the third." From this passage the Freemasons of the eighteenth century adopted the symbol of the Winding Stairs, and introduced it into the Fellow Craft's Degree, where it has ever since remained, in the American Rite. In one of the higher Degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite the Winding Stairs are called cochleus, which is a corruption of cochlis, a spiral staircase.
The Hebrew word is lulim, from the obsolete root lug, to roll or wind. The whole story of the Winding Stairs in the Second Degree of Freemasonry is a mere myth, without ansr other foundation than the slight allusion in the Book of Kings which has been just cited, and it derives its only value from the symbolism taught in its legend.
It is only when the portals of the grave open to us, and give us an entrance into a. more perfect life, that this knowledge is to be attained. "Happy is the man," says the father of Iyric poetry, "who descends beneath the hollow earth, having be held these Mysteries: he knows the end, he knows the origin of life." The Middle Chamber is therefore symbolic of this life, where the symbol only of the Word can be given, where the truth is to be reached by approximation only, and yet where we are to learn that that Truth will consist in a perfect knowledge of the G. A. O. T. U.
This is the reward of the inquiring Freemason; in this consist the wages of a Fellow Craft; he is directed to the
Truth, but must travel farther and ascend still higher to attain it. It is, then, as a symbol and a symbol only, that we must study this beautiful legend of the Winding Stairs. If we attempt to adopt it as an historical fact, the absurdity of its details stares us in the face, and wise men will wonder at our credulity. Its inventors had no desire thus to impose upon our folly; but offering it to us as a great philosophical myth, they did not for a moment suppose that we would pass over its sublime moral teachings to accept the allegory as an historical narrative without meaning, and wholly irreconcilable with the records of Scripture, and opposed by all the principles of probability. To suppose that eighty thousand Craftsmen were weekly paid in the narrow precincts of the Temple chambers, is simply to suppose an absurdity.
But to believe that all this pictorial representation of an ascent by a Winding Staircase to the place where the wages of labor were to be received, was an allegory to teach us the ascent of the mind from ignorance, through all the toils of study and the difficulties of obtaining knowledge, receiving here a little and there a little, adding something to the stock of our ideas at each step, until, in the Middle Chamber of life in the full fruition of manhood the reward is attained, and the purified and elevated intellect is invested with the reward in the direction how to seek God and God's Truth. To believe this, is to believe and to know the true design of Speculative Freemasonry, the only design which makes it worthy of a good or a wise man's study. Of the legend we may admit its historical details are barren, but its symbols and allegories are fertile with instruction.
Bro. MackeyNo history of Gila Valley Lodge would be complete without a little insight into the local area. After the Civil War, settlement began in both Florence and nearby Adamsville. Florence was settled because of its location on the Gila River, where the stream was wide, slow, shallow and easy to ford. Anglo settlers attracted to this natural crossing viewed it as a possible townsite. Nearby were the irrigated fields of the Indians and the farms of Sonorans who had drifted north a few years earlier. The resident Pima, Papago and Maricopa Indians proved friendly and occasionally fought alongside whites against Apache raiders. In 1866, Levi Ruggles, an Indian Affairs Agent, began buying property at the edge of what became Florence. Soon he began laying out town lots on his property and adjacent land. Years later, he recalled that settlement within the townsite subdivision started out on March 20, 1869
In January of 1875, the Legislature created Pinal County, making Florence the county seat. This new status helped the community grow, but the discovery on March 1, 1875 of a major silver ore body and the opening of the Silver King Mine a few months later proved to be the economic incentive the town was waiting for.
Moving quickly to capitalize on an influx of new residents, the Silver King Company diversified its holdings by opening a dry goods store, the Silver King Hotel and a nearby smelter. The mine would eventually produce $16 million worth of silver.
Between 1875 and 1879, several express and stage companies ran their lines into town to get a share of
the growing local commerce. Locals often saw 20and even 30-mule team wagons passing through with ore or supplies for miners.
In 1877 John Clum became owner and editor of the Arizona Citizen newspaper and quickly moved it from Tucson to Florence, making it the first newspaper published in town. People were moving to the Gila Valley in droves. It grew quickly however, in those early times Florence was still a rough and tumble Old West town.
One of the founding members of Gila Valley Lodge wrote in his journal at the time. “When I came here, I saw more drinking and gambling and Sabbath-breaking and learned of more meanness than I had ever known before. There had been efforts of the Baptists, Methodists, an Episcopalian, and three Presbyterians to organize a church. Each gave up
in Despair”
As the town continued to grow, law and order prevailed. In the late 1880, Florence was a growing city and the largest in the area. Included in this large influx of people were many Freemasons from other parts of the country. Initially meeting informally
at the A.O.U.W. building, a group of Freemasons started to form plans of a Masonic Lodge in Florence.
The first communication of Gila Valley Lodge, was held in Florence, Ariz., on February 14, 1890, and was composed of the following people: Geo. W. Brown, Wm. E. Guild, Francis W. Stillman, O. H. Carpenter, I. T. Whittemore, Jere Fryer and William Ruggles Kentworth. On November 15, 1890, the Lodge received its charter and was made the ninth Lodge in Arizona. On the same day a special communication of the Grand Lodge was held in Florence, and Gila Valley Lodge's new hall was appropriately dedicated, Grand Master G. W. Cheney, Past Grand Master Geo. J. Roskruge, Junior Grand Warden Jacob Abraham, Past Master Chas. A. Fisk and other prominent Masons assisting.
At the time of is inception, Gila Valley Lodge had one of the largest and best arranged halls in this jurisdiction, having been built expressly for the purposes of the Lodge. The Lodge building was at the W.C. Smith Building, now known as the Gentry’s Florence Market or the Conquest Arms Building.
The early Gila Valley Lodge territory covered as far east as the mining cities of Ray and Winkleman, and as far west as Casa Grande. While most of the founding fathers may have been city folk, quite a few of the members were farmers, ranchers, and miners that had to travel considerable distance to attend Lodge. Notes from the Winkleman Lodge mention that it was 85 miles to Florence via Superior, which included fording the river in Florence Junction. All the roads were nearly impassable, and when it rained, it
raised the rivers and small streams washing out what little trails there were. This would have been a challenge today, let alone in the 1890’s. To help the Brother’s with their travels, it was decided that Gila Valley would be a Lunar Lodge,that the meetings would coincide with the full moon. This would be easy for those Brothers that may not have access to a calendar all the time, but more importantly, it would allow the moon to act as a nightlight to help navigate the way to Lodge. Gila Valley Lodge has continue this tradition to this day and is the only Lunar Lodge in the state, and one of the very few left in the country!
Eventually the demonetizing of silver caught up to the mining companies and demand fell, shutting down the mines and causing many in the area to leave the area. Florence stopped growing but Gila Valley Lodge weathered the storm and stayed strong. It may have been a small Lodge, sometimes
as few as 15 members, but the quality of Masons here in Florence was exceptional. Futures Grand Masters Most Worshipful Fletcher M. Doan and Most Worshipful Otis J. Baughn sat in the East of Gila Valley in the years right after the turn of century. MWB Baughn also served as the Grand Lodge Treasurer for over 30 years. Worshipful
Brother Sherman Dougherty served on the Grand Line as Junior Grand Steward, until a throw from a horse ended his life prematurely and William Guild was Grand Junior Deacon until he passed prematurely. The old west was a tough place to say the least!
Many members of Gila Valley were inspired and spread Masonry further in Arizona by serving as Charter Members of other Lodges including Winkleman, Ray, Casa Grande, Coolidge, Eloy, and Oriental to name a few. By the 1930’s the Lodge was flourishing and had over 130 members!
The Lodge building caught fire on January 19, 1948 and the entire second floor was destroyed. Only the Charter and jewels were saved. An interesting note, the first person onsite to the fire, was volunteer Fire Chief, John Baker, father of 2015 Arizona Mason of the Year and Past Master of Gila Valley, Jim Baker! The fire destroyed the entire second floor of the building to the extent that it was decided not to rebuild so the Lodge was then moved to its pre-
sent location. Just before it was dedicated another fire broke out delaying the opening for a couple months and keeping the Florence Fire Department in business. In fact, when they were rewiring the electrical this summer, the electricians found a number of charred beams remaining in the attic. The present Lodge building is actually a repurposed building moved from the WWII camp that was just north of Florence.
The 1980’s and 1990’s brought a renewed push for service to the community with charity efforts like Fishing for Ducks, a cleaning widow’s yards efforts, and volunteering at local malls driving people to their car during the Holidays.
In the 2000’s started slow with membership dwindling. The Lodge grew by subtraction in 2006 when Pima Lodge #30 in Coolidge merged with Gila Valley.
Today Gila Valley is as strong as ever with a solid Officer Line, many active members, a strong mentoring system and a growing community.
"Nacho Regular Game Night." Had Nachos with a variety of toppings to make them the best Custom Nachos ever. Then speed gaming of Scrabble, Yahtzee, War, Jenga and Domino's. Also had various trivia card games available. Even with summer travels we had a good showing of members, advisors, and had 4 prospects in attendance. We also had siblings, parents and other family in attendance showing their support.
My brothers, I am deeply humbled and honored to be elected to serve as your Grand Master. I take seriously the trust you have instilled in me. I promise to dedicate my year to education, fiscal responsibility, and membership improvement. There are many existing programs that we will continue and new programs we will institute. I can’t wait to meet with each of you and talk about improving Freemasonry in Arizona.
Leadership Through Serving.
This year one of our focuses will be Leadership Through Serving, also known as servant leadership, a leadership philosophy that focuses on the needs of the people being led rather than the leader's own selfinterest. In this approach, the leader takes on the role of a servant to the people they lead, putting their needs first and working to empower and support them in achieving their goals.
Servant leaders prioritize building relationships with their followers, showing empathy and understanding, and fostering a sense of community and collaboration. They listen actively to feedback and ideas, encourage the development of their team members, and strive to create a positive and inclusive work environment.
By serving their team members and supporting their growth and development, servant leaders can inspire greater engagement, motivation, and loyalty. This approach can also help build trust and respect among team members, leading to greater productivity and higher levels of overall performance and success for Masonry in Arizona.
Motto: Always be Humble and Kind.
Being humble and kind can have many benefits, both for oneself and for those around us. Here are some reasons why it's valuable to cultivate humility and kindness:
Improving relationships: When we approach others with humility and kindness, we are more likely to build positive and healthy relationships. People tend to be drawn to those who are kind and approachable, and being humble can help us avoid conflicts and misunderstandings.
Promoting empathy: Humility and kindness can help us become more attuned to the needs and feelings of others. When we are less focused on our own egos and more open to others' perspectives, we are more likely to show empathy and compassion.
Fostering personal growth: Humility can help us recognize our own limitations and areas for improvement, which can promote personal growth and development. When we are open to feedback and willing to learn from our mistakes, we can become more resilient and adaptable.
Contributing to a better world: Kindness can have a ripple effect, inspiring others to act with compassion and generosity. When we show kindness to others, we can help create a more positive and connected world.
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 obligation 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. Before that ceremony, there is no tie that binds the candidate to the Order so as to make him a part of it; after the ceremony, the tie has been completed, and the candidate becomes at once a Freemason, entitled to all the rights and privileges and subject to all the duties and responsibilities that ensure in that character. The jurists have divided obligations into imperfect and perfect, or natural and civil. In Freemasonry there is no such distinction.
The Masonic obligation is that moral one which, although it cannot be enforced by the courts of lay, 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 duties are prescribed, are called its points, which are either affirmative or negative, a division like that of the precepts of the Jewish law. The affirmative points are those which require certain acts to be performed; the negative points are those which forbid certain other acts to be done. The whole of them is preceded by a general point of secrecy, common to all the Degrees, and this point is called the tie.
Bro. Mackey
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/94-2746389 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 JGW@azmasons.org www.masoniccharitiesaz.com
Good Day Brethren,
Welcome to the month of July and the heat of summer. In July we celebrate Independence Day. We fly our flags proudly, have parades and BBQs. It’s a great time to enjoy family and friends. I would like to talk a little about our flag, maybe some things we have forgotten.
The American Flag is one of the most beloved and honored traditions in the U.S.A. The stars and stripes have been an icon of our country for decades, though the design has seen many changes since its inception in 1777.
Over the years, the flag has inspired songs, survived battles, and served as a way to bring our citizens together. Whether it’s Flag Day or 4th of July, here are some interesting facts everyone should know about the American Flag. And don’t forget to brush up on its etiquette rules! 1. There are seven red and six white stripes on the flag for a total of 13. These represent the original 13 colonies. The 50 stars, of course, stand for the 50 states of the Union.
2. According to Reader’s Digest, Bob Heft, a high school student came up with the 50-star design. After making
calls and writing letters to the White House, and after Alaska and Hawaii eventually gained statehood, President Eisenhower finally decided on Bob’s design, and Bob got an “A” for his school project.
3. Francis Scott Key was reportedly so touched after seeing the American flag still flying high after the British invaded that he wrote “The Star Spangled Banner.” And James B. Upham and Francis Bellamy also used the stars and stripes as a muse for the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. The Colors are symbolic. Red represents valor, white represents purity, and blue represents perseverance and justice.
5. The oldest and largest flag maker in the country is based in New Jersey. Founded in 1847, Annin & Co. Now produces more than half of the flags made in the US, with factories in Virginia and Ohio; their flags have flown in war, at Olympic ceremonies, presidential inaugurations, on the moon, and even covered Abraham Lincoln’s coffin. (Cont)
6. Some rules for flying the flag are, it can’t be displayed at night unless it’s illuminated; it must be raised quickly and lowered slowly; always display the flag with the blue corner up; and don’t fly the flag during adverse weather conditions. More etiquette can be found if you google it.
7. Apparently there is no hard evidence that Betsy Ross sewed the first flag. This all started in 1870 when her grandson William Canby told the Historical Society of Pennsylvania the family history. However recorded government payments to Ross seem to verify the story.
8. There are 6 American flags on the moon. In 1969, during the Apollo 11 mission, Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong planted the first flag on the moon. NASA had to rig a device and stiffen the fabric to make the flag appear to be flying in the thin atmosphere.
8. There are 6 American flags on the moon. In 1969, during the Apollo 11 mission, Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong planted the first flag on the moon. NASA had to rig a device and stiffen the fabric to make the flag appear to be flying in the thin atmosphere.
9. There have been 27 Official versions of the flag. Each had a different number of stars and while the original flag contained 13 stripes and 13 stars, symbolizing the first colonies, the flag didn’t always have 13 stripes. In 1794, Kentucky and Vermont were added to the union, resulting in a 15-stripe flag.
10. The largest American Flag in the world is called Super Flag and measures 255 by 505 feet and weighs 3,000
pounds. Requiring 600 people to unfurl it. It appeared at the Super Bowl and World Series.
11. Flag Day is in June and was established by President Woodrow Wilson on June 14, 1917. America was in-
official adoption of the US flag by Congress, which happened on June 14, 1777.
Just a few notes about our flag I thought you would enjoy at this time of year. Please fly our flag proudly and remember the history and sacrifices that have been made for it. Happy July 4th, love your family and enjoy your friends.
Fraternally,
Dewey Jefferson
2023 Senior Warden Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
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) – Pet Food Medicine - Office supplies - Grooming tools
Grand Care (GCARE) is designed to support Arizonans by funding one-time medical care payments or by reimbursing co-payments for Arizona citizens who receive medical care because they suffer from a "chronic disease" constituting a chronic health condition. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control defines "chronic diseases" as those conditions that exist for at least, but no less than, one calendar year and require ongoing medical attention or limited activities of daily living or both, including, but not limited to, Alzheimer's Disease, Arthritis, Asthma, Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, Chronic Kidney Disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Diabetes, and Stroke.
We are committed to helping those with chronic illness deal with the high cost of medical care, prescriptions and co-pays. We understand hardships are caused for basic living needs when one is living with a chronic illness. Our organization is committed to operating with excellence while providing ser-
vice.
Grand Care is an Arizona non-profit corporation and gratefully accepts IRS 501(C)
(3) tax-deductible contributions from individuals, business and groups
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission. You can mail donations to P.O. Box 64251, Tucson, Arizona 85728 4251 or send them securely through our certified PayPal account.
https://azgcare.org/
The George Washington Memorial Society comprises a select group of members who are dedicated to supporting the Memorial and its Mission. The purpose of the Society is to raise support for the George Washington Masonic National Memorial’s operations and to increase awareness of the Memorial’s mission among Freemasons and the wider community.
The emblem of the Society is a special version of the official crest of The George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association. An image of the Memorial building in the center of the emblem serves as an important reminder of the commitment that each member of the George Washington Memorial Society has made.
Please note that GWMS membership is for individuals only. Lodges are encouraged to consider the Society of Washington Lodges, and other opportunities for support are available for lodges and other organizations as well.
Charter Membership is conferred for contributions of $1,000 or more to the Memorial with the membership application, and $250 or more per year thereafter.
Your Memorial Society dues benefit our annual fund, and are put to use to support the daily operations of the Memorial. To support the restoration work, consider an additional contribution to the Landmark Century Campaign.
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 obligation 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.
Before that ceremony, there is no tie that binds the candidate to the Order so as to make him a part of it; after the ceremony, the tie has been completed, and the candidate becomes at once a Freemason, entitled to all the rights and privileges and subject to all the duties and responsibilities that ensure in that character. The jurists have divided obligations into imperfect and perfect, or natural and civil. In Freemasonry there is no such distinction.
The Masonic obligation is that moral one which, although it cannot be enforced by the courts of lay, 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 duties are prescribed, are called its points, which are either affirmative or negative, a division like that of the precepts of the Jewish law. The affirmative points are those which require certain acts to be performed; the negative points are those which forbid certain other acts to be done. The whole of them is preceded by a general point of secrecy, common to all the Degrees, and this point is called the tie.
Bro. MackeyNo Meeting, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
7:00pmStatedMeeting
No Meeting Pinal Lodge No. 30
7:00pmStatedMeeting
July 8, White Mountain No. 3 10:00amStatedMeeting
July 8, Globe Chapter No. 7 R.A.M 2:00pmStatedMeeting
July 11, Ocotillo Chapter No. 21 OES
Callfortime
July 13, Apache Lodge No. 69
7:30pmStatedMeeting
July 15, Memento Mori Widow Sons
Location TBD: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WSMMChapter 11:00amStatedMeeting
July 20, Eloy Lodge No. 46
7:00pmStatedMeeting
July 4, Independence Day
EventatMark’sHouse
RSVP
Sept 10, Grand Lodge Golf Tournament
Legacy Golf Resort
7:30 am
Dec 21, Feast of St. John
Events Statewide
March 22-24, Leadership/Masonicon
Prescott Conference center
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.
Theindividualyoureferwillreceiveaseriesofcommunications,thefirstofwhichwill identityyouasthereferralsource.
The Scottish Rite is a Masonic organization that continues a Master Mason's education of the first three degrees. The Scottish Rite is one of several appendant groups of the worldwide fraternity known as Freemasonry. Each Valley has up to four Scottish Rite bodies, and each body confers a set of degrees. In the Southern Jurisdiction these are the Lodge of Perfection (4°-14°). Chapter Rose Croix (15°-18°), Council of Knights Kadosh (19°-30°), and the Consistory (31°-32°). The 33rd Degree is an honorary degree awarded for exceptional service. Have a question? Ask a Personal Rep!
The Widows Sons, Masonic Riders Association is a group of Master Masons who have gathered together to promote Freemasonry within the motorcycling community and help introduce motorcycling to our non-riding Masonic brethren. As Freemasons we are committed to "Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth" tenets of our lives, as Widows Sons we are devoted to supporting Widows and Orphans of our Masonic brethren. We hold events and rides as fundraisers for this noble cause, and other charitable causes. The chapters in Arizona are very diverse with members from various areas, lodges, and a variety of motorcycles.
The goal of the Ladies’ Oriental Shrine, as set forth at the organizational meeting in 1903, is to promote sociability, good fellowship and the betterment of all Ladies connected with the organization. Our Ladies participate in parades, mini-clinics, Shrine Circuses, and much more. Ladies may choose to be active in a variety of special interest Units within each local Court such as Oriental Bands, Patrols, Clown or Dance Units. Our Ladies are always ready to display their pageantry and glamour in order to show the public how much they enjoy their activities.
Today, LOSNA has nearly 8,000 members in 64 Courts across North America and even members in Japan and Taiwan.
High Twelve is an association of Master Masons who desire an hour of Masonic fellowship independent of the formal ritual of Lodge but dedicated to the service to the fraternity. High Twelve was founded by E. C. Wolcott in Sioux City, Iowa on May 17, 1921.
We practice the great lessons of Freemasonry and encourage members to attend and participate in their Blue Lodge activities. High Twelve unifies Master Masons from many Lodges in an association where fellowship grows into lasting friendships. As High Twelve Masons, we support the Public School System and encourage participation in constructive community activities. There are over 300 active High Twelve Clubs with 25,000 members in the United States, Canada and Foreign Countries.
www.azmasoniclibrary.org
Jim Reid
Josh Seagrave PM
MWGM Jeff Carlton
MWGM Rex Hutchens
WB Delbert Lewis PM
Bro. Lee Apger
Wilbur (Bill) Dean Lawrence
Bro. Steve Murphy
Baby Miguel Martinez
Roger C. Biede II
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
Email: jwoode591@gmail.com
WB.
Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com
Robert Molloy
Email: robert_molloy@cox.net
Bro. John Bryon Singer
Email: jbyronsinger@aol.com
Bro. Lee Apger
Email: lkapger@gmail.com
Bro. Steve Murphy
Email: santanman7921@gmail.com
Bro. Mark White
Email: mark.anne2005@gmail.com
Bro. Brian Gay
Email: Email: mark.anne2005@gmail.com
WB Anthony Raimondi
Email: raimondi_57@msn.com
Chairman: WB John Woode Email: jwoode591@gmail.com
Chairman: John Woode Email: jwoode591@gmail.com
Chairman: WB Dewey Jefferson Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com
Chairman: WB Roger Biede III PM Email: roger.biede@gmail.com
Chairman: Brian Gay Email: bg1973@hotmail.com
Chairman: WB Roger Biede III Email: roger.biede@gmail.com
Chairman: John Woode Email: jwoode591@gmail.com
Roger Biede III PM Chairman
Robert Molloy PM, John Woode
2023-24 Grand Master F. & A.M of Arizona
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.
