June 2023 Gila Valley Lodge Trestleboard

June 2023

MW WM John Woode opened the 141st Annual Communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of F & AM of Arizona for MWB Jim Baker. Most Worship Baker then closed out his amazingly successful year with a wonderful event…. And Jim Reid earned a Distinguished Service Award!

We are now halfway through the year. Many things have been going on this year at Gila Valley lodge 9 F. & A. M. and I wanted to thank you all for helping us out. We have made two official visits, one to Pinal 30 and one to white mountain 3. Each of these visits we had over 10 brothers attend with the visit to white mountain with a record of, at least that I am aware of, 16 brothers!! This speaks loudly of

you know and help out the lodge.

our commitment to traveling and helping other lodges wherever we may go. I want to keep this going into the remainder of the year of 2023.

At our last stated meeting we discussed that there would be the possibility of some more degrees to put on so look out for communications over the summer for more fellow craft and possibly a master mason degree coming up when we get back from being dark. So, if you are a brother who has been dying to try and get into ritual and wanted to learn a new part or review an old part when we announce the degrees as they come up over the summer this would be a great opportunity for you to show what

This last week of May I had the opportunity to attend the International Tuba and Euphonium Conference which was held at ASU. This conference had a lot of things that were new and exciting if you are a Tuba and Euphonium Enthusiast. It was nice to catch up with old friends from school as well as old teachers who helped me to become the teacher I am today through their mentorship. As we go through the summer, I challenge each of you to find something that you have been passionate about and try to revisit. During this time that we are away bring back some of those things to lodge and talk about what you accomplished over the months that we are dark.

Until next time brothers

Fraternally,

John Woode

2022 Master Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

While reading articles on Charity and Masonry, I came across some interesting facts which I have attached some excerpts for your reading enjoyment. We all know Charity is a universal characteristic of Masonry. It has been said that “the Masonic Way is to give without remembering and to receive without forgetting. “In Dorothy Ann Lipson’s book, “Freemasonry in Federalist Connecticut, 17891835,” she describes how: “Masonic charity differed in its underlying assumptions and in its style from civic charity. Masonic charity, more broadly defined than its civic counterpart, was available to its members in times of personal crisis wherever they were.” She also notes: “Masonic charity was secret, unlike civic charity whose administration made the entire town privy to the needs of each recipient. ” A touching example of this private, compassionate relief during personal crisis is cited: “Federal Lodge in Watertown, Conn., purchased a cow for the use of a widow and her children, and the cow was carried on its books for several years as a Lodge asset, presumably to spare the family the embarrassment of accepting charity.”

The formation of the Masonic Service Association in 1919, Masonic relief has been provided to numerous countries and within the United States following natural disasters including earthquakes, tornados, floods, hurricanes/typhoons, tsunamis and wildfires, as well as terrorist attacks.

Following the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, medical professionals from Shriners Hospitals, including Dr. Robert Sheridan, Assistant Chief of Staff at the Boston Shriners Hospital, helped to provide emergency care for victims in New York City. They were part

of the Burn Response Team of the Disaster Medical Assistance Team which is activated by the Office of Emergency Preparedness under the oversight of FEMA. Shriners Hospitals are also a part of the National Disaster Medical System, a firstresponse network of hospitals across the United States pre-identified to help in crisis situations. Although Shriners Hospitals are pediatric hospitals, dedicated to treating children, Shrine leaders stated that in light of the scope of this tragedy, they would assist adult victims, if needed.

Charity is at the core of Freemasonry. It has been since the founding of this great fraternity, and continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of society Charity is the pure love of Christ, and the Savior is our ultimate example of how to love others. The crowning expression of charity was His infinite Atonement. In relationships with family members and others, we can strive to love as He loves, with unfailing compassion, patience, and mercy.

2022 Junior Warden

Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

Fraternally, Robert Malloy

A discourse or narrative in which there is a literal and a figurative sense, a patent and a concealed meaning ; the literal or patent sense being intended, by analogy or comparison, to indicate the figurative or concealed one. Its derivation from the Greek, ... and , to say something different, that is, to say something where the language is one thing and the true meaning another, exactly expresses the character of an allegory. It has been said that there is no essential difference between an allegory and a symbol. There is not in design, but there is in their character.

An allegory may be interpreted without any previous conventional agreement, but a symbol cannot. Thus, the legend of the Third Degree is an allegory, evidently to be interpreted as teaching a restoration to life ; and this we learn from the legend itself, without any previous understanding. The sprig of acacia is a symbol of the immortality of the soul. But this we know only because such meaning had been conventionally determined when the symbol was first established. It is evident, then, that an allegory whose meaning is obscure is imperfect. The enigmatical meaning should be easy of interpretation ; and hence Lemiére, a French poet, has said: "L`allégorie habits un palais diaphane;" meaning Allegory lives in a transparent palace.

All the legends of Freemasonry are more or less allegorical, and whatever truth there may be in some of them in an historical point of view, it is only as allegories or legendary symbols that they are of importance. The English lectures have therefore very properly defined Freemasonry to be "a system of morality veiled in allego-

ry and illustrated by symbols.''

The allegory was a favorite figure among the ancients, and to the allegorizing spirit are we to trace the construction of the entire Greek and Roman mythology. Not less did it prevail among the older Aryan nations, and its abundant use is exhibited in the religions of Brahma and Zoroaster. The Jewish Rabbis were greatly addicted to it, and carried its employment, as Maimonides intimates, in his More Nevochim (III, xliii), sometimes to an excess. Their Midrash, or system of commentaries on the sacred book, is almost altogether allegorical.

Aben Ezra, a learned Rabbi of the twelfth century:, says, "The Scriptures are like bodies, and allegories are like the garments with which they are clothed. Some are thin like fine silk, and others are coarse and thick like sackcloth."

Jesus, to whom this spirit of the Jewish teachers in his day was familiar, taught many truths in parables, all of which were allegories. The primitive Fathers of the Christian Church were thus infected; and Origen, the most famous and influential Christian writer of his time, 186 to 254 A.D., who was especially addicted to the habit, tells us that all the Pagan philosophers should be read in this spirit : "hoe facere solemus quando philosophos legimus."

Of modern allegorizing writers, the most interesting to Freemasons are Samuel Lee, the author of Orbis Miraculum or the Temple of Solomon portrayed by Scripture Light, and John Bunyan, who wrote Solomon's Temle Spirituatized.

Bro. Mackey

On Monday, May 1, 2023 we started our Chapter Ambassador program visits with our supporting appendant Masonic lodges. Members got to enjoy tacos and provide presentations. They also did a 50/50 raffle with those in attendance. Presentations were provided about DeMolay International, Chapter updates and upcoming events. Gila Valley #9 was also presented with the Hats Off Award for their support, dedm Chapter and its members. The winner of the 50/50 raffle was SW Andy Sanders from Pinal

#30.

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.

Grand Master

Grand Lodge of F&AM of Arizona

George R. Rusk

MASONRY IN A NUTSHELL

You may have heard of “the world’s oldest profession.” But the world’s oldest organizedprofession was stone masonry. Ancient civilizations realized you had better know what you are doing if you are going to build with stone. This gave rise to ancient stone masons’ guilds, which required mandatory education, training, and rankings. Stone masons became known for their high levels of morality and ethics in building.

A novice was entered into the craft as an apprentice. Although only an apprentice, he was still entered into, or associated with, the craft. After years of training, he could be passed to the level of a fellow of the craft, or Fellowcraft. With more years, he could become a Master Mason.

Over the centuries, men joined the craft, not necessarily to be operative stone masons, but for the education in ethics, morality, and the arts and sciences. In time, more men joined for this academic and moral education and social interaction than to be actual operative stone masons. By the late 1600’s, most were not operative masons, but what were call Speculative or Accepted Masons.

In the year 1717, Masons joined together to form the Grand Lodge of England in London. This is considered the birth of Modern Freemasonry as we know it today, although our history and traditions go back much farther.

Fast forward to 1776, and the questions on American’s lips were, “Who is going to be our new king? What will be our system of royalty and nobility? What will be our class structure? What will be our official religion? After all, every country has these things (and many still do, even today).

Masons like Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Paul Revere, and George Washington said to the other Founding Fathers, “Many members of royalty and nobility around the world are Masons. But in our lodges, we all meet on the level, as equals. What if we have a country without royalty or nobility, where all are equal under the law? And what if we elect our leaders, as we do in our lodges, for specific times, then they return to the ranks? We Masons require a belief in God, but each man’s religious opinions are his own. What if this new country had no official religion? Masons have long advocated education for everyone. What if we have free public education?”

These things were radical ideas at the time. There had never been a country like that in the history of the world. At a time when everyone recognized and accepted class, caste, and social divisions, Masonry taught Equality (represented by the level). While many taught that one should be satisfied with his lot in life, Masonry encouraged self-improvement.

While some institutions promote differences between men, Masonry promoted Brotherly Love, Relief (charity) and Truth (honest and moral behavior towards all, represented by the square). We advocate harmony in society. We stand for the brotherhood of man under the fatherhood of God.

Masonic tools and ideals permeate our society: A “square” deal. Are you on the “level?” The police gave him the “third degree.” Our modern educational system is based upon the Masonic education system of ancient times. The Three Degrees of Masonry are Entered Apprentice (Associate of the craft), Fellow (Bachelor) of the Craft, and Master Mason. Masons use the geometric term, raised by “degrees.” What are the three college degrees? Associate, Bachelor, and Master’s Degree. Did you ever wonder why they call it a college “degree”? From Masonry! And what do they call that flat square hat you wear when you graduate? A mortar board, yet another mason’s tool. Speaking of mason’s tools, almost all presiding officers and judges use a mason’s gavel.

Now-a-days we have diplomas to prove our educational achievements. In ancient times, a mason’s apron, made of lamb or sheepskin, was his diploma. Did you ever hear of a diploma called a “sheepskin”? A mason was free to travel, hence a Freemason, or “journeyman.” He could prove membership by certain secret signs, words, and modes of recognition, universally recognized by masons around the world, and still used today. These are the “secrets” you hear about. We are not a “secret society.” We are a society withsecrets. Fifteen U.S. presidents have been Masons.

Masonry takes good men and makes them better. We practice self-control, act ethically, practice charity, speak the truth, and help each other and ourselves to improve. We practice age-old ceremonies-the same ceremonies experienced by George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Clark Gable, John Wayne, and many, many, famous and historic men through the ages.

As a Mason, your reputation and conduct will reflect upon the entire fraternity.

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

My Brethren,

There are times that life justs get in the way and I don’t have time to prepare a letter to the Craft and Roger has to take over. So this letter will be from Roger for this month… only.

This month I had the pleasure of attending the Communication of our very own MWB Jim Baker. It was a very informative and entertaining event filled with lots of Fraternal bonding.

I am always impressed with the wide range of Masons there are, appropriately alluded to by MW Jim’s theme of celebrating the diversity in Masonry. Brothers of all ages attended the event and I was sure to meet as many as I could from across the State. One observation that really stood out was the youth of lots of leadership of the Lodges. When the Masters of all the Lodges were introduced on Friday, I think that half of them were younger than 50. That is something that has not been seen in many year, or ever.

This youth leadership gives me hope for our Fraternity in the coming years and that hopefully our lodges will start growing rather than declining in Membership.

Fraternally,

Little Humor

"Dear Son, this year I won't be able to plant Potatoes because I can't dig the field by myself, I know if you are here, you would have helped me". The Son writes back, "Dad don't even think of digging the field because that's where I buried all the money I stole." The Police read the letter and the next Day the whole field was dugged up looking for the money but nothing was found. The following Day the Son wrote again, Now plant your Potatoes dad, it's the best I can do from here.

2022 Senior Warden

Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

A symbol is some object, design, device, etc., which signifies or suggests some truth, idea, cause, ideal, etc.; what it is in itself is unimportant, because it is not used to call attention to itself but to call attention to that for which it stands; its sole function is thus to call the attention of a man to its meaning because it itself has nothing to say or to teach; and it is used where it is needed or desired that men shall keep certain truths, doctrines, etc., before them at a certain time. Although the two belong to the same general category "of things that point, or signify, or denote," a symbol differs in essence from an emblem.

The latter is itself the thing it stands for, but is only one form or instance of it. A sword is war, because it is a weapon; as an emblem it stands for each and every other weapon, and hence denotes war; a bee-hive is an emblem because it is itself an instance of the power of industriousness. An allegory is a truth, doctrine, idea, ideal, ete., which is told in the form of a story; the story may be oral or may be written down, or it may be enacted like a play the allegories of the Building of the Temple and of the Search for That Which Was Lost are enacted. A rite is an end in itself, does not point to something outside itself, but is enacted for its own sake, and delivers its meaning in the process of enactment. Symbols, emblems, allegories, and rites are as universal as language no people or period of history has yet been discovered without them; Freemasonry is not peculiar because it uses them, but it is one of the few societies in the modern world which has a teaching for its members and which delivers that teaching solely in the symbolic form.

Without any exception each symbol, emblem, allegory, and rite employed in the Degrees (of each of the Five Rites) is in use, or has been in use, outside of Freemasonry; a few of them (the Square, Cirele, Pillars, etc.) have been in use almost without exception by every people in the world, and in every known century. It is meaningless to argue that if some Masonic symbol or rite now employed by Freemasonry is found to have been employed by some people or society elsewhere therefore Freemasonry originated in it; if carried to its logical conclusion this argument results in saying that Freemasonry was originated by everybody, everywhere. Freemasonry did not invent its own symbols; they were here beforehand; it adopted such of them as it required, and employed them for its own purposes, just as it has taken from the English language the words it has needed for its own nomenclature. The only admissible canon or principle of interpretation of symbols is therefore plain: a symbol is a Masonic symbol in the sense that Freemasonry makes use of it; the meaning of the symbol is a Masonic meaning, and it is to be interpreted in the terms of its purpose for Freemasonry. What the same symbol means, or may have meant elsewhere, is irrelevant. The Rite of Circumambulation was practiced by the Brahmins in India 1600 B.C.; it is not used in each of the Three Degrees to teach Brahminism. The religion of Mithraism had a ceremony which was strikingly like the rite of Raising in the Master Mason Degree; that Degree does not teach Mithraism. Freemasonry itself is the interpretation of its own symbols.

Bro. Mackey

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. Mackey

No Meeting, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

June 8, Pinal Lodge No. 30

7:00pmStatedMeeting

June 8, Apache Lodge No. 69

7:30pmStatedMeeting

June 10, White Mountain No. 3 10:00amStatedMeeting

June 10, Globe Chapter No. 7 R.A.M 2:00pmStatedMeeting

June 13, Ocotillo Chapter No. 21 OES Callfortime

June 15, Eloy Lodge No. 46

7:00pmStatedMeeting

June 17, Memento Mori Widow Sons

Location TBD: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WSMMChapter 11:00amStatedMeeting

June 6-9, Grand Lodge of Arizona GrandCommunication

June 24th, Feast of St. John

TableLodge

TucsonScottishRite

7:00pmEventBegins

June 24th, Feast of St. John

TableLodge

PhoenixScottishRite

7:00pmEventBegins

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

MWGM George Rusk

2023-24 Grand Master F. & A.M of Arizona

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

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.