June 2022 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 Trestleboard

JUNE 2022

MW Jim Baker is a 3rd generation Arizonan and a Florence native.

His Grandfather came to Florence in 1912 during statehood and was WM of Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 in 1925. He began his Masonic career in 1999 when he was accepted to membership in Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 and served as WM in 2002 and secretary from 2003-2018.

Grand Lodge service began in 2003 as Grand Pursuivant, DDGM from 20042011, GL Charters and Bylaws from 2009-2015.

He was installed as Grand Master of F & AM Masons of Arizona at the 140th Annual Communication of Grand Lodge!

Happy June Brethren! I hope your summer is off to a great start and Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers out there! We are getting ready to go dark for the summer and I wanted to write you about a word that has been in my thoughts quite a bit lately. That word is principle.

Some of these principles may even be called moral principles (“Moral principles are guidelines that people live by to make sure they are doing the right thing. These include things like honesty, fairness, and equality. Moral principles can be different for everyone because they depend on how a person I have been struggling with this lately, not me direct- was raised and what is important to them in life.”) ly, but with the idea that some may not really beWhile all of us may, or may not, have principles lieve in this word, or rather do not think that it is that we live by, it is important in my opinion to have important to have them and to stand for them. them and to live by them. Principles should serve some part of everyone’s life. If you feel or believe a By definition Principle is “a fundamental truth or certain way, stand for that and do not back down. proposition that serves as the foundation for a sysNo matter how petty it might seem to others, stand tem of belief or behavior or for a chain of reasonby your principles and you will never have to feel ing.” bad for any decision you make. If that means that Another definition is “an accepted or professed you must leave a particular situation/place/ rule of action or conduct: a person of good moral organization in order to uphold your principles, principles. a fundamental, primary, or general law then do it. No one can fault you for standing for or truth from which others are derived: the princi- your principles. ples of modern physics. a fundamental doctrine or tenet; a distinctive ruling opinion: the principles of Like the country song goes “You’ve got to stand for something, or you’ll fall for anything”. the Stoics.”

Principles of a person can be defined as “A princi- I hope you all have a wonderful and safe summer.

Eric Smith

ple is a kind of rule, belief, or idea that guides you.

You can also say a good, ethical person has a lot of principles. In general, a principle is some kind of basic truth that helps you with your life. "Be fair" is a principle that guides (or should guide) most people and businesses.”

2022 Master Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

2

Gila Valley Master Eric Smith represented the Lodge at the Communication and had plenty to do. Gila Valley won the 1st Place small Lodge Trestleboard award for the 3rd time in 4 years. The Lodge also earned the Master Architect Award for the 6th year in a row!

Lodge member Roger Biede II was recognized as the Potentate of Sabbar Shrine in the open public session.

(He was escorted by his son, Roger Biede III)

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

3

Dear Brothers,

Why are you a mason?

When I was looking into what is coming up for this month, I thought to myself, what are some of the things that brought us to the craft? Was it family?

The history? The intrigue? Or was it something more.

How can you still improve yourself in Masonry?

I know for myself it was my grandfather and grandmother. Seeing them being involved in these fancy events that as a child I thought why are they always going out to meetings during the week they must be boring? This thought process now as I am older is still partly true. Yes, sometimes the meetings can be boring but there is something else every time when I show up, I am reminded of what drew me in the first place. In my case it was seeing my grandpa being all dressed up and being a strong just man who believed everyone should have a say even if he didn’t agree. He was and is a very quiet man and will only speak out when he is truly challenged in his thoughts and beliefs. Which shows that he truly takes his obligations to heart. So, brothers I want you to take a look at this poem that I have had the time to read and I want you to reflect on it with the same attitude as I have and ask yourselves these questions.

And How are you giving your all in your everyday life to reflect those lessons we learn in Freemasonry?

Grandpa's Wooden Chest Jack Sutton I hated to hear the lawyer say The things my grandpa gave away.

Like his old truck to Dad and Mom And world war medals to Uncle John My name was called And something was said About an old wooden box Underneath his bed.

Just a worn out chest With a rusty hinge But I knew Grandpa kept Something special within.

When I opened the lid All I could see

4

Were some unused tools And a letter to me.

A large fancy cloth With two long strings A small wooden hammer Among other things He wrote a man's job Is to be a good husband father and a friend.

I built my life as best I could By the tools laid here within.

He said the compasses remind me that life has boundaries So live your life within The square proves true and so should you When dealing with all your friends.

Instead of only some.

And now it's your turn To start your journey for knowledge, love and faith So live your life by the Square and Compasses And tools of your trade Many years have passed by since I first opened Grandpa's wooden chest The tools he gave me, the words he wrote The challenge to be my best.

Today I'll visit Grandpa At the place where he was laid To let him know he can be proud I'm a Master of my trade.

John Woode 2022 Senior Warden Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

Be an honorable man and walk uprightly According to the plumb.

The level teaches us treat all men equal

5

Gila Valley Lodge made another donation to the Saguaro Chaper of Demolay. We have had a wonderful connection with the Chapter and have enjoyed supporting them with our other Pinal County Lodges.

The second picture is them having good food and brotherhood with Arizona Chapter.

They also welcomed their two newest members.

The

6

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!

good vs evil are related.

They believe there are absolute truths that can be discovered using geGeometry ometry, The symbols of geometry, particularly those associated and these with Euclid’s Elements which are found throughout principles Freemasonry. Geometry is symbolic of absolute truth help to and rationality that can be used to reflect upon our bring order own lives. and organization to Geometry is the basis of our tradition and has been the world. linked with architecture since ancient times. It was used to design temples, churches, and mosques in We use many cultures including Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, symbols and Asia Minor. Geometry is a science that uses math- like * The letter “G” (which stands for God) is used in ematical principles and formulas for analyzing shapes many Masonic rituals including initiation ceremonies; and measuring angles in an object or space that can be it represents a point of darkness surrounded by light. drawn on paper or constructed by hand. The Freema* Sunstones are worn around necks during Freemasons use geometry as a means of understanding how sonry meetings because they represent the truth that the universe works; through mathematics, they learn has been purified when exposed to sunlight. It also about nature’s laws which govern everything from atshows how light passes through transparent objects oms to planets (the G stands for “God”). Since it is such as diamonds or glass believed all things come from God, this knowledge helps them understand how different concepts like * There are uprights standing (cont)

7

stones at every meeting place where Masons meet; this stone symbolizes 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.

The Grand Architect of the Universe of Freemasonry The G stands for God or the Grand Architect of the Universe. It is a placeholder for all that which transcends human comprehension and therefore cannot be described by words alone. A single letter does not do it justice, but as an abbreviation- taken from one of our greatest works- we use this symbol to remind us how little we truly know and how much more there is to learn.

The letter G is called the “Grand Geometrician” of Freemasonry, as it symbolizes God (the Grand Architect) and geometry (which we use to understand His patterns). The upright line represents an individual Mason; if he follows his convictions through life with orderliness and rectitude, then he forms a column representing strength not only for himself but those around him as well.

What is the G on the Masonic symbol?

The G on the Masonic symbol stands for God or geometry. The first record of a Masonic logo is from 14th century England and it was a drawing of two men holding hands inside an inscribed circle, with one man pointing to another’s hand which holds a stone in the air. One interpretation suggests that this sets out how Masons should interact with each other as well as those around them by displaying integrity and trustworthiness through their actions, thoughts, and deeds. In addition, they are also sharing knowledge – giving others the opportunity to raise themselves up using what they have learned – something 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.

This is because Freemasons have long been fascinated by mathematics and the use of symbols to convey hidden meanings, so much so that they consider them a type of language or code.

When was the G added to the square and compass?

The G was added to the square and compass around 1760. Masons can identify others using a series of symbols such as handshakes, passwords, and other signs which are part of Masonic rituals that date back hundreds of years. The Freemasonry symbol is instantly recognizable all over the world because it represents their values, aims, and opinions which have been shared by many people since its creation in 950 AD when King Athelstan (cont)

8

formed guilds for stonemasons so they could design point of darkness surrounded by light, while sunbuildings like cathedrals throughout Europe. stones worn around necks represent truth after it has been purified when exposed to sunlight; this shows Ancient Origins Masonic Letter G how light passes through transparent objects like diaThe G in the Masonic logo can be traced back to monds or glass. ancient Egypt when they used it as a symbol for geometry. This is why Freemasons use this letter today There are also standing stones at every meeting place where masons meet which symbolizes an altar because it represents truth that has been purified set on top of three pillars representing Wisdom, through exposure to sunlight, which shows order Strength, and Beauty – all things we can aspire toand balance within nature. wards as well no matter our chosen profession or Geometry was also one of the Seven Liberal Arts interests. taught by Pythagoras after he formed his school in Conclusion Masonic Letter G 570 BC; students learned about shapes, measurements, numbers, magnitudes, space, and their prop- It’s time to learn about the G in masonic symbols. erties with reference to philosophical concepts like You may have seen this symbol before and not even God’s creation. realized it! The letter “G” is a common abbreviation The seven liberal arts are Grammar/Rhetoric (the art for geometry, which means that the Masonic square of communication), Logic/Dialectic (understanding and compass are symbolic of geometric shapes. In verbal reasoning), Arithmetic/Number Theory (sets fact, many Masons use these tools as metaphors for their own lives – both being careful with who they theory), Geometry/Trigonometry (shapes, angles), trust and balancing work life with personal life. If Music (tones and rhythms) Astronomy/Astrology (the movements of the stars with reference to divine you’re interested in learning more or becoming part of this brotherhood, just contact your local lodge! order), and finally Philosophy.

We hope that by now you know what the G stands All these symbols are used during Masonic initiation for when reading a Masonic emblem from now onceremonies which is why they are shown on jewelry Geometry! that Masons wear today. The letter “G” represents a

White Mountain Lodge No. 3 makes it official!

Master Dewey Jefferson is officially the Master and is burdened with the key to the Lodge! It was a momentous occasion for all that witnessed the event. Secretary Paul Dore Sr. is seen here presenting the elusive key.

9

What to say to those who question your motives or ties, even though it wasn’t really true. It was a social wisdom in joining the Fraternity. thing. If you didn’t belong to at least one “secret society” you simply were not part of the “in” group. Real My minister said he heard Freemasonry is a cult. secret societies ARE secret. They try not to let people You hear that from time to time, but it isn’t true. know they exist. But we invite people to our buildWebster defines a “cult” as “the rites and ceremonies ings, the buildings are marked with signs; you know of a religion; or the practice of worshiping a deity or people who are Freemasons—it’s hardly a secret. Magroup of deities.” Since Freemasonry is not a religion, sonry has a few secrets—they relate to the ways we recit cannot be a cult. Many fundamentalists believe that ognize each other—but there are no secrets as to what any religion different from their own belief is a cult. we teach or believe. If your interested, you can go to But, again, it is a term which relates only to religion, almost any library and check out books which explain certainly not to a fraternal association. the rituals of Freemasonry. There’s really nothing seIf Masonry is not a religion, why do you perform cret about the fraternity.

Masonic funerals and burials?

Why don’t you let women join?

Masonic funerals and grave-side services were developed in the 1800’s in response to requests from our members. Many times, a Brother had moved away from his home church or simply wanted a service from his Brothers. Ideally, the Masonic services are performed in conjunction with the religious services performed by the church. But, in essence, they are memorial services rather than religious funeral services. It is in the same spirit as the military, the police and the highway patrols have memorial services to say farewell to their members.

Masonry is a fraternity, so I suppose the easiest answer is that women can’t join Freemasonry for the same reason men can’t join a sorority. But it isn’t quite right to say that there are no women in Masonry. There are Masonic organizations for both men and women—the Order of the Eastern Star, the Order of the Amaranth, and the White Shrine of Jerusalem are the three best known. And there are Masonic Orders for women only, such as the Daughters of the Nile. In addition, Masonry offers programming for the entire family. There are family events scheduled Why all the secrets? Isn’t Freemasonry a secret soci- throughout the year. And there are two organizations for young women, Rainbow and Job’s Daughters, and ety? an organization for young men, the Order of DeMoIt was popular in the 1800’s for Freemasons and othlay. Masonry really isn’t a “men only” organization. ers who belonged to such groups as the Moose, the Elks, the Oddfellows, to call themselves secret socie-

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

10

What makes Masonry different from the Lions or ly recommend that a Catholic who wishes to join the Rotary or other groups like that? fraternity discuss the matter with his priest, just to make sure that there is no local conflict.

The purpose is different. Those organizations and other civic clubs do excellent work in the community, There seem to be misunderstandings about Freemaand Masons belong to many of them—in fact Masons sonry. Why aren’t you more open and vocal about started most of them. But Masonry isn’t a civic club. Letting the public know about it?

Joining Masonry is a learning experience, and the beginning of what is supposed to be a lifetime of learn- The long Masonic tradition has been that we did not ing. Our real purpose is not civic improvement— answer critics—but rather that Masons were supposed although we are deeply involved in that. And it isn’t to show others the truths of Masonry in the way we charity—although we do more of that than any other lived our lives. That worked well, when communicaorganization in the world. Our real purpose is self- tion was a matter of word of mouth and was always local. As communication has moved into the mass development. It media, we have been a little slow to find ways to remust work— spond. But we are changing that. The Masonic Informany wives tell mation Center was established for the purpose of us that their providing factual, accurate information about Freemaspouses have sonry to our members and the general public. become better Friend’s Nights, video tapes and brochures are also husbands and ways we have of letting others know about us. fathers as a result of MasonInformation is the best defense against ignorance. ry. We usually Your journey in Freemasonry will be a life experience say that the purof learning, growth, and development. There will be pose of Masonry is to find good men and make them help along the way, but it is a path you must walk for better. yourself.

I’ve heard that Masonry is connected to the Klu May you find it, as so many of have, a rich and reKlux Klan. warding journey!

No, there is no connection between Masonry and the This article was found in, Further Light, written by Klan. Masonry has nothing to do with hatred, no mat- Jim Tresner in 2008 ter how it is packaged. Membership in the KKK is sufficient to bar a man from admission into Masonry.

Fraternally, Can a Catholic be a Mason?

Dewey Jefferson

Many are. Masonry is monotheistic and welcomes men of all religious faiths, so there is no prohibition from our end. But as a matter of courtesy, we general-

2022 Junior Warden Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

11

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.

12

The word, "Cowan" originally meant "Hollow". Masons who built with unsquared Stones and without bonding agents (Mortar and Cement) naturally created Cowans building this way. They were called, "Cowaners" or simply "Cowans". Since they built in this manner, their constructions were referred to as "Dry Walls or Dykes" and them "Dry Wallers or Dykers".

They served Apprenticeships and those who Mastered the trade were called “Master Rough Masons” or “Master Cowans”. They were Accepted and active members of the Freemason Organization (Operative Guilds) and there exists many entries in the Lodge minutes denoting this.

It was only after the Grand Lodge Era that Speculative Brothers wrongfully labeled them as "pretenders to the craft" and proscribed Cowans as “unaffiliated, unskilled and unapprenticed” workers. In their Speculation, they wrongly assumed much, not being Operative in their knowledge.

The fallout of their accepted Speculations is that generations of Brothers have been wrongly taught to focus upon keeping individuals called “Cowans” out of the Lodge rather than making sure that they themselves did not bring Cowans in the form of “hollows created by unsquared and un-mortared work” into the lodge when they enter it to communicate with their Brothers. This major shift in focus and definition has plagued the Craft ever since.

Source: "The Hole Story", Chapter XII of Building Ruffish – Uncommon Field Guide for Uncommon Masonic Education – Volume 6

13

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!

14

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 15

June 2, Pinal Lodge No. 30

June 13, Sabbar Shrine

7:00 pm Stated Meeting

6:00 pm Stated Meeting

June 9, Apache Lodge No. 69

June 13, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

7:30 pm Stated Meeting

5:30 pm Trustee Meeting

June 11, White Mountain No. 3

June 20, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

10:00 am Stated Meeting

Observing the Craft Book Club 5:30 pm Meeting

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

June 13, 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

June 14, Ocotillo Chapter No. 21 OES Call for time

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

June 18, Memento Mori Widow Sons Location TBD: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WSMMChapter

11:00 am Stated Meeting

16

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

Delbert Lewis Roger Biede II Cody Linderoth

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

6-9-1926 6-19 6-23

Clarence Bollig Ethan Watkins

17

6-20-1985 6-11-2011

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 18

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 19

Robert Molloy PM, John Woode

20

21

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 22held.