March 2020 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 Trestleboard

Printed Every Month 130th Anniversary

March 2020

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1 Ticket $10 - https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr‌ 3 Ticket $20 - https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr‌ Gila Valley is raffling a one of a kind American Flag Feldman Custom knife to benefit their building fund! Brother John Delavan was many things to many people. To one individual, he was a teacher that gave him the skills to provide for his family and to create beautiful works of art. Many years ago Loren Feldman went to our Brother John and asked him to teach him to make knives as he had seen John working on many knives over the years. John jumped at the chance and worked with him for many hours teaching him the finer points of knife making. Delevan went so far as to give Loren his knife making equipment so that he could continue to hone his craft. Loren took the equipment home and started a new career which would take him places he would have never dreamt.

Fast forward to know and Loren Feldman produces some of the finest knives in the world. Not only are they beautiful works of art, but they are made from some of the rarest items on earth. Museum quality dinosaur bones, rare gems, and even meteorites have been used in the making of some of his creations.

Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 reached out to Feldman Custom knives and obtained one of his finest works, an American Flag themed knife that will surely be the jewel of your collection. He started with a Carbon Damascus Steel blade, known for its strength and beauty and used for the finest of knives. The blade has an American Flag done with mosaic Damascus by famous artist Doug Ponizo from Wisconsin.

Doug Ponzio has been Making Damascus Steel in his signature style for well over 20 years. He does not just make Damascus steel, he makes amazing Mosaic Damascus steel also known as Pattern Damascus Steel. Doug is an early riser and in his shop every day, creating one of a kind works of amazing art. Doug Ponzio Mosaic pattern welded Steel is mostly sought after for knife making. Knife makers from all over the globe use his steel to make their knives. Quite simply because he can produce it with exceptional quality and unique patterns.

The Hilt is made from Stainless Steel and Chromium for strength and beauty. Making up the Red is giraffe leg bone, dye red. The Blue is Lapis sourced from the mountains of Afghanistan and the White is Marble from Marble, Colorado. From the same mine that the marble used in the Abraham Lincoln Monument in Washington DC was sourced. This is a one of a kind knife that will never be replicated. The retail price of the knife is $3595.

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Bretheren, Top O' the month to ye

sions. In a manner of speaking, the "serpents" he figuratively chased from Ireland were the pagan Druids, not actual reptiles.

March is here and things are already starting to look a lot more green. Sure some of that is from getting ever closer to spring but we live in a virtual paradise where the scenery doesn’t ever really change that much. No, the green springing up all over is in preparation to celebrate our fine Irish friends. My wife loves decorating for all holidays house has been very verdant since February 15th. She is half irish so I guess feels half the house needs to filled clovers and leprechauns. It wont be long before the aroma of corn beef and cabbage is so common I’ll think we have a weird candle burning somewhere, and flogging molly is playing on repeat over our house speakers.

So since I’ve long been immersed in the st Patty’s day spirits I figured I’d share a really interesting tale I found about the origins of the surprisingly never officially canonized St. Patrick himself and the masonic connection on how we came to celebrate march 17th as an actual holiday.

St. Patrick's Day and Freemasonry

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

After a successful ministry, Patrick retired to County Down, where he died on March 17, 461 A.D. Although never officially canonized by the Catholic Church he is, in fact, recognized as a saint; and today we celebrate the Feast of St. Patrick, or St. Patrick's Day, on the anniversary of his death.

Steven L. Harrison, 33°, PM, FMLR Every school kid learns March 17 is the day we celebrate the life and deeds of Maewyn Succat, the second Bishop of Ireland, who is better known as Ireland's Patron Saint, St. Patrick. Those same school kids also learn Patrick's great triumph was chasing the snakes out of Ireland. It's true, there are no snakes in Ireland; however, that's more likely because there have never been any snakes on the isolated island.

However, even in Ireland prior to the late 18th century, St. Patrick's Day was not that big of a deal. The same was true in North America, where the churches in Boston, with its large Irish population, didn't recognize the day until 1737.

Captured and taken into slavery as a youth, Maewyn, a.k.a. Patrick, escaped to the European mainland. While a slave he had converted from paganism to Christianity, and once on the continent, he sought refuge at Marmoutier Abbey, a French monastery. There, he accepted his calling, which was to convert other pagans to Christianity. With that, he returned to Ireland and became very successful at making those conver-

"So, what," you may ask, "does this have to do with the Freemasons?"

About twenty years later, during the French-Indian War, a young Masonic Colonel recognized the morale among his troops was low and decided they needed what today we would call some "down time." It was March, at the end of a long, brutal winter and (cont)

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many of the troops were Irish. It didn't take the Colonel long to figure out the best day to declare a general holiday would be St. Patrick's day.

hoghead) of rum and chase it down with a beer of a lovely shade of green and may the luck of the Irish be upon you

Several years later, that same Freemason, now a general in the American Revolution, faced a very similar problem. Billeted at Morristown, New Jersey, his troops were discouraged after a long winter of devastating fighting and losses. On top of that, the preceding winter of 1779-80 was brutally cold. That General, George Washington, again had many Irish troops under his command and once again he saw the opportunity of celebrating St. Patrick's Day to boost morale. With that, Washington issued the order giving his troops their first day off in over two years, “The General directs that all fatigue and working parties cease for to-morrow the SEVENTEENTH instant, a day held in particular regard by the people of [Ireland].�

Fraternally,

Anthony Raimondi 2019 Master Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

The respite from the ravages of war and winter went over well with the troops, some of whom were said to celebrate with a "hogshead of rum." Washington is credited with establishing the first instances of a secular celebration of St. Patrick's day, a tradition which caught on and has grown to become a major event today, with the hogshead of rum long replaced by freely flowing green beer.

So in the spirit of the holiday have yourself a shot (or a

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We are taught to live in peace with all mankind, and most people attempt it even though we are tested at every turn. This is something that can be difficult at times, and yet other times entertaining.

Driving is a huge test for most people most of the time.

“The truth can be perceived only through thinking�

In Operative Masonry, the Apprentice prepares the raw materials, which require only the gauge and the gavel to give them their proper shape. Then, Fellows of the Craft place the stones in their proper position by means of the plumb, level, and square; but the Master Mason alone, having examined their correctness and proved them true and trusty, secures them permanently in their place by spreading, with the trowel, the cement that irrevocably binds them together. Just as these tools were used by Operative Masons, let use discover the best ways to use them in our lives as Speculative Masons.

― Thomas Aquinas

We need to remember that getting angry and then driving as those who tested us is not a good choice. This Maybe if more people did this the world would be a choice usually ends bad and for what to prove that we can be as irritating and thoughtless as the next person? better place. Remember we are to live in unity with our brethren and at peace with all mankind.

I was tested today and it was rather entertaining to me actually. I boarded a flight and read the seat map when I Life is too short to not find the lighter side of most situapurchased my ticket so I knew where to sit. After getting tions that are not a threat to you. comfortable another passenger said I was in her seat Fraternally, and when I said I thought I was correct this person inEric Smith stantly went to the flight attendant to fix it with a slight 2019 Senior Warden huff in their voice. I was proven wrong (must have read Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 seat map wrong) and moved over a seat. It didn't really bother me either way, actually found it funny. We got along on rest of flight, so no harm done.

!

W

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The George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association is proud to offer for the 2019 holiday season a beautiful gold and enamel plated ornament: The Working Tool—United in Brotherly Love.

This ornament unites several essential Masonic symbols that illustrate the crucial and divine lesson of brotherly love. The triangular frame, topped by the Masonic emblem over a sky blue circle, represents the Fraternity. The raised Trowel is every Master Mason’s primary tool: as the Trowel spreads the cement that unites the many different stones or bricks of a building into a single, strong whole, so Master Masons spread brotherly love to unites men throughout the world. Behind the Trowel shines the Blazing Star, an ancient Masonic symbol of Divine Providence, representing the divine nature of brotherhood. As President, Brother George Washington used an ivoryhandled trowel to lay the cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol. Just as the trowel inspires Masons to use brotherly love to overcome their differences, the new American Republic united all the states under the motto E Pluribus Unum, “from many, one.” To order yours, please call 703-683-2007, ext. 2017, or visit our website at http:// gifts.gwmemorial.org/cgi-bin/webdata_gws.cgi?fid=1567624740&query=Category%2B1%3DHoliday% 2BOrnaments%26pagenum%3D1%26cgifunction%3DSearch&cgifunction=form

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The Mosaic Floor is an important part of masonic lore. Often in artwork with Masonic symbols in it, there is a white and black checkered floor. This is often referred to as a the Mosaic floor or the Mosaic pavement.

In some descriptions of the floor of King Solomon's Temple the ground floor is a Mosaic pavement. Although some dismiss this, there are descriptions that make it clear that the floor of the temple is made of wood because and it is elevated. The argument is that stone would not be used for an elevated floor. While this is most likely a true argument, it does not take into account that a Mosaic floor does not have to be one of stone, merely one of multiple colors. It makes it difficult to prove or disprove what the floor was made of since no archeological evidence of the Temple of Solomon exists and any written accounts of the temple were most likely done by scribes in the court of Solomon, who had no knowledge of the engineering that went into the building of the temple.

The explanation Freemasons use is that the black and white floor of King Solomon's Temple is reprehensive of the good and evil in every man's life. This explanation attempts to explain the reasoning for the floor. It would tend to make the concept of the Mosaic floor a more modern creation, at least in it's philosophy.

The philosophical explanation would have been easier for scribes

in the court of Solomon to relate in their writings. Since this fact is not related in the descriptions of the temple it is less likely that it was the reasoning for the floor. Again there is no archeological evidence for the Temple of Solomon so it is hard to say whether it is lost knowledge or a modern interpretation.

Regardless of whether it is meant as a direct representation of the floor in Solomon's Temple or not, the philosophical explanation is what should be most important to the Freemason. The reminder that good and evil is present in all of our lives should be taken as a reminder and as a warning. It is should be a reminder that there are always those who would, by design or by accident, bring unhappiness or "evil" into our daily lives and to be vigilant to those threats and concerns. It should not just be to avoid them, is should also be to temper our reaction to those events and actions. It should be a warning to ourselves that we are just as capable of inflicting that unhappiness or "evil" on others.

Freemasons should remember that it is our own deeds that color the Mosaic floor. That we all have good days and bad days, that the goal is to always have the one extra white square balancing our life to the good and not the bad. We keep this balance by how we respond when "evil" enters our life and whether we choose by our actions to insert "evil" into the lives of others.

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 8

Let us not make the mistake of believing that the ceremony of initiation makes a man a Mason. True, this ceremony is vital and necessary, but unless the lessons of the ceremony and the spirit of the ritual is understood, it is nothing.

There is no question that the Masonic ritual is the foundation of the Craft. In it we find the message that Freemasonry has for the candidate, its philosophy, and its moral teachings. If one knows these lessons fully and completely, he is indeed a wise man. Too many of us are concerned more with perfection of the words rather than securing a full understanding of the spirit and the meaning of the ritual.

That there be perfection in the ritual, that members receive instruction in the ceremonies of the Craft, and that our degree work be retained is of vital importance. No fault can be found with the ritualistic work for it is the foundation of our Order. Fault should be found with the view that we stop our efforts with the conferring of the degrees. We

are amiss in our duty to the Craft when we do not properly prepare our candidates and then abandon the newly made Mason to his own devices. Lodges that devote their entire time to conferring degrees will soon find that quantity is not a substitute for quality. The quality of the membership is determined not only by the careful screening of applicants for the degrees but also in making the new member a Mason in fact.

The ancient ceremonies of the Craft should not be set aside. The basic laws of the Craft should not be changed. The times, however, call for a re-evaluation of the procedures of the Craft in fulfilling its part of the life of the community.

What we need is more well informed Masons.

This can be done by proper instruction and by putting every member to work at a task that pleases him.

Source: Bro. Alphonse Cerza, Fellow of the Philalethes Society, 1984

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Presidents’ Day And Our First Masonic President Presidents’ Day derived from the celebration of George Washington’s birthday on February 22 that was adopted as a holiday in 1880 by the District of Columbia. In 1885 it was designated a Federal holiday until 1971 when the date changed to the 3rd Monday in February. Although it is called Presidents’ Day the legal designation is “Washington’s Birthday”.

Slavery was a common practice and although Washington wrote in his will drafted in 1790 that upon Martha’s death his slaves were to be freed although he supported pro slavery measures and opposed two anti-slavery measures being proposed in the early 1790’s.

Economic issues arose with the establishment of public credit and 14 of our Presidents were Master challenged the new federal governMasons and their contributions to ment. From the Compromise of the country have been great, contro1790 resulted in Washington signversial and sometimes terrible deing into law the Funding Act of pending on your opinions and the 1790 and the Residence Act. This results emanating from those deciresulted in Congress authorizing the sions. assumption and payment of the nation’s debts with funding provided George Washington, the first Presiby customs duties and excise taxes. dent of the United States (POTUS) The Secretary of the Treasury, Alwas eulogized as “first in war, first in exander Hamilton proposed the peace and first in the hearts of his establishment of the First Bank of countrymen”. His contributions to the United States which escalated our Nation are many and varied and the feud between Hamilton and not without controversy. He is conJefferson. It passed congress and sidered to be a great political leader, Washington signed the legislation military man, statesman and Freemaon February 25, 1791. This resultson. Washington created a cabinet ed in the first financial crisis in consisting of the President, Vice March of 1792 due to the exploitation of large loans by President, Secretary of State, Secretary of Treasury, SecreHamilton’s federalists in an attempt to drive up prices of US tary of War and Attorney General. The cabinet members immediately formed rival parties with opposing views most debt securities and bank stocks, but when they defaulted on loans, prices fell causing a bank run. Hamilton was able to notably Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton. This manage the crisis and the market stabilized by May 1792. In led to the First Party System which Washington opposed March of 1791 congress imposed an excise tax on distilled believing the conflict would undermine republicanism. spirits to help decrease the national debt which grain farmers Washington proclaimed November 26 as a day of Thanks- in Pennsylvania opposed stating they were unrepresented giving to encourage national unity stating “It is the duty of all and shouldering too much of the debt comparing it to excesnations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to sive British taxation. The situation escalated to threats and obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to violence against tax collectors and gave rise to the Whiskey implore His protection and favor”. It is said that he spent Rebellion. Washington called on the states to form militias the day fasting and visiting debtors in prison to provide them since the federal army was not prepared for the task and inwith food and beer. voked the Militia Acts of 1792. Governors sent troops,

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Presidents’ Day And Our First Masonic President (cont.) initially commanded by Washington, who gave the command to Light Horse Harry Lee to lead them into the

Administration of Indian Affairs shall be directed entirely by the great principles of Justice and humanity. The administration regarded powerful tribes as foreign nations and Washrebellious districts. 150 prisoners were taken into custody and two were condemned to death. Washington stepped in ington even smoked a peace pipe and drank wine with them at the Philadelphia presidential house. He made several atand exercised his Constitutional authority for the first time and pardoned them. This was the first use of federal military tempts to conciliate them by equating killing indigenous people with killing Whites. He sought to integrate them into Euforce against the states and citizens. ropean American culture and Secretary of War Henry Knox The Treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation or other- attempted to encourage agriculture among the tribes. This wise known as the Jay Treaty was brought on by issues rewas foreign to the nomadic tribes who relied heavily on maining from the Treaty of Paris and the outbreak of war hunting for survival and proved to be a major conflict between France and Great Britain. The United States was through time between Native peoples and the newcomers. neutral and enabled them to enjoy increased trade and fiThese are some of the major actions and decisions of our nance with a large shipping trade. This waring prompted the British Royal Navy to capture nearly 300 neutral American newly formed country during Washington’s Presidency and merchant ships carrying goods from French colonies in the has greatly shaped the future of the United States. WB George Washington appeared to have displayed many virWest Indies. The Jay Treaty achieved many objectives for both sides and issues sent to arbitration after years of discus- tues of Freemasonry throughout his life and while sitting as sion were resolved mostly in favor of the U.S. Article III of President of the United States. We as Masons should try to apply our Masonic teachings in our everyday lives always the treaty declared the right of Indians, American citizens and Canadian subjects to trade and travel between the U.S. striving to better ourselves, families, communities and country. and Canada, which was then a territory of Great Britain.

Jim Baker,

Washington tried to be fair with the Indians and decided that the Government of the U.S. are determined that their

2019 High Priest Globe Chapter No. 7 RAM

Freemasonry is a fraternal organization dedicated to Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.

Brotherly Love: How a man chooses to practice his personal religious beliefs is left entirely up to him, but Freemasonry recognizes the strong bond which unites all people under One Creator. Our members include men from a wide range of religious backgrounds, but each of them shares a commitment to this important principle.

Relief: Because of our strong bond of Brotherly Love, Masons provide Relief to help those who are in need. This includes the notion of charity, and Masons provide much assistance to worthy charities, but it also means offering a helping hand, in other ways, to people that need assistance.

Truth: As Masons, we are committed to being honest and truthful with other people. The Masonic Fraternity teaches a man to be faithful to his responsibilities to God, his Country, his fellow man, his family and himself. The Masonic principle of Truth also teaches a man to search for wisdom and understanding. For only in this way can he grow and become a better person. The pursuit of knowledge is at the very heart of our purpose.

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How many of you have ever stopped to think about the men sitting around you in lodge and wonder about their deep down thoughts about what is unfolding before them as a meeting runs through the opening, introductions, the minutes and the reports of committees , the speeches offered by guests and dignitaries and then on to the closing.

Do they see things the same way you do? Are there things that they would like to see, but aren’t?

Why is there a difference in the way things are run in this lodge compared to some of the others that I have visited? What makes one lodge feel like a “get together”, and another make you feel like you are witnessing something really special even if the same tasks are performed? My thoughts are that the answer to these questions may be Masonic decorum. Decorum is something that we have let slide through the years, and when we attend a meeting where it is in place on a regular basis, we know it. We feel the traditions oozing through the lodge and coursing through our minds and it reminds us that we are a part of something old and traditional. Something our fathers, grandfathers and forefathers would have recognized as they sat in lodge. It’s something that binds our past to our futures and leaves no question as to whether you are involved in a social club, or a Masonic Lodge.

So what have we lost, and how did we lose it? The answer to this is simple and complicated at the same time.

When I think of Masonic decorum in a meeting situation, I think of it like this. My father said to me when I was very young that if something is important to you, you should dress like it is important to you. You may be the only one dressed in this manner, but everyone there will know that you believe it is important enough to you that you owe it this much respect. Does anyone want to be the guy dressed in blue jeans and a tee shirt at a friend or family member’s funeral? I would think “No” and the reason would be that it would be disrespectful to the family of the deceased and to the deceased themselves. Yes you made the effort to show up, and No, no one except your spouse or family members that you are embarrassing will probably say anything to you about it, but is it the right thing to do and why don’t others say anything to you about it if they don’t think it’s proper? I believe that beyond the fact that no one wants to raise a ruckus at a funeral, the answer would be that when you are wearing gentlemen’s cloths, you are a little more gentlemanly.

Somewhere in your mind, you know just by being vested in this manner that you should act a little more refined than when you are in work cloths and drawing attention to someone else’s deficiencies is not proper in any way so they don’t say anything to you about it even though in their minds, they don’t like the fact that you are showing this disrespect.

So let’s place this in a lodge setting. For years my experience when traveling lodge to lodge has been that in some lodges, every officer shows up in suit and tie. Sometimes the officers coats even match as well as their ties, pants etc. to give it more of a “Uniform” feel, while others I have visited have from the Master down though all of the line officers wearing whatever it was that they put on that morning when they got out of bed and some are in an area somewhere in between, some in jackets and ties, and some in street clothes, but in the grand scheme of things does this really matter? We are assembled to perform Masonic works and it is the internal not the external that we should be concerned with. This is what will be addressed next.

As was mentioned earlier, when a person see’s a lodge opened and business attended to in a just and perfect manner, every little step and word practiced to perfection, you feel that you are a part of something 12

special. You may have seen it performed a thousand times, but when it is done in a manner that everyone there is striving for perfection you feel as though you are not just in a social club but in something much, much bigger than what we have seen in the past and this is the “internal” part of a man. When you feel that what you are doing is important, because of the opening you have just witnessed or been a part of triggers something inside of you that tells you that you should be reverent and work harder to achieve this level of perfection so that you can be a bigger asset to your lodge you are seeing the internal rather than the external and when you see the tee shirts and jeans that used to show up in your lodge dissolve in to a sea of jackets and ties, you know that others are seeing it also and this is also the internal and this is also how every meeting used to be many years ago.

Yes but it’s hard enough to get guy’s to show up for a lodge meeting at all, much less to insist that they show up in a jacket and tie, and there is nothing in our by-laws that say’s that you should be dressed in a coat and tie.

This is a statement that I have heard for many years, “we should just be glad the guy’s show up”.

Truth is we should be glad the guy’s showed up, but there is nothing saying that we can’t inspire them to show up and strive for a greater sense of unity with their brethren and to achieve a greater level of proficiency in everything that they do in the lodge, again, who wants to be the guy that is underdressed at a funeral. If the officers are dressed in a manner that shows that they feel that this lodge is important to them, in the long run others will want to make this same statement and yes, the Master of the lodge can insist that his officers show up in proper attire. My thoughts are that this is where the question of Masonic Decorum rests in its entirety. No man is “Appointed” to be Master of his lodge, he is elected. Generally he has been elected to offices previous to his election as Master of the lodge and at the time of his election as Master, he has gained the confidence of his brethren that he has an adequate understanding of Masonic principles to uphold this office in the manner that would generally make its membership proud to say that this man is the Master of their lodge.

This man represents his lodge at all functions away from his lodge and only he can decide what the decorum will be in his lodge during his term in office. If his choice is to have a come as you are term, chances are that his year will reflect this on some level. I have personally seen this several times during my years as a Mason to the point that as the Master one man wore a trampled down cowboy hat that looked like it had been found under a feeder and soon after placed on his head while he presided over the lodge. The membership was appalled, but this was tolerated because he was the Master and even if you can’t respect the man, you must respect the office. Can’t this be done without the use of a coat and tie? Absolutely! But what message does it send to the newly made Mason when the Master who is presiding over the lodge is dressed in the same clothes that he might have been seen in hours before shoveling snow out of his driveway. If it were me, my thoughts would be that in his mind, this meeting is just a continuation of his day and just like the shoveling of his driveway, it is something that he doesn’t necessarily want to do, but must do because, just like shoveling snow, it needs to be done. Taking this same situation though, if the newly made Mason sees the Master of the lodge shoveling snow earlier in the day, and then that night shows up to his regular communication of the Lodge and the Master walks in to the room dressed in coat and tie, his impression would be completely different, he would know that there is a separation between shoveling snow, and his activities in the lodge. Without thinking about it, his mind will take note that he took the time to “clean up” for this meeting which would insinuate to him that he performed this act because it was important to him to dress a certain way because this is important and expected and if his officers show up the same way the message that is sent is that this is standard if you are an officer of the lodge, and if the sideliners are dressed in this manner also, the message that is sent to all that enter this lodge is that going to a meeting here is something that is special. You are not witnessing a “social Gathering” you are viewing something that these men take pride in and consider very important in their lives.

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O.K I admit, it looks better to new Masons and visitors when the membership and officers are dressed up, but isn’t it also just as important that, as a lodge, we make our members feel comfortable so they will show up. After all, we’re a “Blue Collar lodge”, most of our membership work in blue collar jobs, suits and ties make them feel uncomfortable.

Men in “Blue Collar” jobs are the heart and soul of this fraternity. After all, the group has its roots in operative masonry, which is a blue collar vocation, and yes, many of these men will feel uncomfortable initially when they are asked to “Dress” for a meeting. Many won’t even own a jacket or know how to tie a tie, this doesn’t disqualify them or mean that they won’t make fantastic brothers, what this means is that as a lodge, you have work to do and with your help, they will soon learn because it will be important to them also. They will want to show the same reverence that YOU are showing and this should absolutely be encouraged. This newly made Mason will start to feel right away, that he has become a part of something that will change his life, and this is the first job of Masonry, making good men better. Will some men fell uncomfortable dressing up for a meeting? Absolutely, but just like the guy who showed up in a tee shirt and jeans to a funeral, he will want to change his appearance to “fit in” if he learns that this is what is expected.

Legitimately though, dressing up doesn’t make you perform degree work or openings and closing better. You just look good doing poor work.

This statement is correct, dressing like a meeting is important to you doesn’t necessarily make it important nor will it cause you to remember lines that you haven’t put in the effort to learn. All dressing for a meeting will do is tell those around you that they are a part of something important, if you don’t believe it in your heart and mind, it will not be true for you personally, but it will still create the right perception for others in the lodge .

Inspiration to achieve items such as perfection in degree work and opening and closings has to come from the membership and this is achieved from the top down and through an active interest of each officer of the lodge vowing to continue to try to achieve perfection when it is his turn to lead his brethren as Master of the lodge. Creating the tradition of doing perfect work has to start somewhere and be asked for and insisted on by the membership at all times after it has begun. If you have accepted an appointment or agreed to stand for election to an office within your lodge, what you are telling the person who appointed you and the brethren that elected you is that you will spend the time to learn everything that is related to that office and perform the duties of this office in a manner that would be considered perfect in their eyes. You are agreeing to put in the work and study hard to learn the items that you will need to perform your duties. You have the right to turn down an appointment, you have the right not stand for election to an office, but if you accept the honor, what you are accepting is an assignment to work very hard in this capacity to achieve all of the duties of that office which includes your parts in the several degrees. If you don’t feel as though you will be able to fulfill these duties then it is your duty to turn it down and let someone step forward that is willing to put in this effort.

I like my lodge the way it is though, we have fun and the guys that show up enjoy attending lodge here because we don’t take ourselves too seriously but we get our work done.

This is not an unusual thought when it comes to discussions like these. Most people don’t like change and are very reluctant to give things that they are not used to a try. The common answer is that “This is the way we have always done it since I got in”, which may be true, but my guess is that, before this person joined the lodge, dress would have been very important in his lodge also in previous years.

Lodges that operate in a less formal setting usually come to this point a little at a time over the period of several years, almost unnoticed that things like this are becoming less important to their membership.

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Formalities give way to “well it was O.K last meeting”, or “this guy never wears a coat and tie and no one seems to care”. Just as no one will say anything at a funeral when you are underdressed, no one will generally point out your faults at a lodge meeting either. This is due to the fact that the brethren either don’t want to upset a brother of the lodge as “Maybe they can’t afford it”, or, “It’s not my place to say anything about it” and as time goes on and these items are not corrected, others will follow suit because it’s easier and this is the underlying cause overall and “Being easy” gets people to meetings, but is this actually true?

It has been my experience in my travels that the lodges that are dressed in coat and tie and keep the formal settings are often if not always better attended than less formal lodges. I believe the reasons behind this to be that the membership feels that they are a part of something special and important and not just a member of a social club consequently they strive to be at lodge in proper dress, they strive to learn their work in a better fashion, they strive for perfection always as they do floor work or degree work and I believe this is where you are showing respect for your brethren and the lodge as a whole where in a social club the thought becomes “no one’s going to care if I mess up a little” and the one heard most often, “The candidate will never know that you said it wrong”. When I hear this statement, I often think about the way that I learned most of what I have learned about Masonry in my life, through watching degrees performed over and over on many different candidates. As I watched my brethren or those from other lodges perform the degrees on other men. Did I know if someone messed something up when I was going through the degrees, absolutely not, but as a newly made Mason at a point where I was studying all of the time to learn anything I could about Masonry, I knew very well whether someone had messed up a line here and there and this is when you are the most impressionable and this is truly when men are made in to Masons, not when you go through the degrees. The performance of the degrees is done almost as much for the membership as it is for the Mason that is going through the degrees, and the efforts that are put forward to achieve this perfection are what the newly made Mason will see. Yes, we can all have fun putting on degrees and enjoy ourselves completely while making mistakes here and there that everyone just kind of giggles about it, but at what cost to the newly made Mason who is so impressionable and wants to perform his duties to the lodge’s expectations? By performing the work poorly, even if it was enjoyed by all in attendance, what message did we just send to this impressionable newly made Mason and what can we expect from him in the future? If the newly made Mason recognizes that minimal effort was put in to learning something and consequently it was very evident during a degree or opening when it was performed badly, yet everyone seems O.K with this lack of effort and were just glad that someone was there to do the part, how hard does he believe he has to work when he is asked to perform the same task? The message has already been sent, and in this case you definitely reap what you sew. We have already told this newly made, ambitious young Mason that it really doesn’t matter how hard you work to get this right, the main thing is that you show up and give it a shot. Six months down the road, he will be sending this same message to another newly made Mason and before long, things like proficiency and dress become less important than the social aspect and you have turned your lodge in to a social club.

A lot of the times, our guys don’t have the time to learn these long parts, they have jobs and families that take most of their time, we can’t ask any more than what they have time to learn in their spare time.

I hear this statement a lot also and when I do, I remember with a grin what my father told me as I was growing up, “If you’re sitting at a stop light in your car, and you look over in to the car stopped next to you and the guy is talking and talking and there is no one else in the car with him, you can be sure that he is either a Mason, Crazy or both”. This has been true throughout my time as a Mason also. Do I have a lot of spare time to learn parts, not really, just like most members of the lodge I have a job and a family that I enjoy spending time with and who I don’t want to take my time away from, just like most Masons, but a person can find “Spare Time” in areas where you never thought you would if it is important

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that you learn something. Personally I have found “spare time” time while feeding horses and loading hay, driving to and from work, in the shower, late at night after everyone has gone to bed, shoveling snow, and a multitude of other places that everyone who has a job and a family can also find in their personal lives.

Everyone has this kind of spare time, it’s just getting the desire to put forth the effort to find it and the only thing that can create this desire is an internal feeling that it is important and that my lodge is depending on me to do this well. If I believe my lodge will just pat me on the back and say “Nice try, don’t worry about it though, the candidate will never know”, I may not look for that “Spare time” that is needed to learn this part and when asked I can say, “I’ve been really busy and didn’t have the time to learn it” and I will soon inspire a whole new group of newly made Masons to feel the same way.

The main issue that I have seen in this particular area is that a lodge gets a newly made Mason in to their fold who really likes performing degree work and spends hours upon hours learning parts that are usually reserved for the “Old Guys” who have been in the lodge for decades and learned these parts when they just started. No one has attempted to learn them in many years because when a degree is done, they just call on one of the “Old Guy’s” and he gladly comes down and does it again for the lodge. While this is great to have these “Old Guys” we need to remember that these newly made Masons will someday also become one of the “Old guys” if we keep him interested, but if we restrict him because “we already have a guy who does that part” he will soon find that all that is left to him are the table scraps that no one else wants and soon his efforts dwindle down to nothing.

These issues can be solved very easily if one takes the time to think about it. Degree teams should be formed at the beginning of every year or soon after installation so that the members have the time over the summer to learn their new parts and have them ready when the year starts. This enables these ambitious young Masons to learn a few new parts every year that will become “his” to perform every time that degree is done during the Masonic year. The only time the “Old Guy” would be used is if for some reason he would not be able to make it to the meeting that night, beyond this, he owns that part for the year.

In some lodges this goes the other direction. When they find someone that is willing to take the time to learn a part or two here and there, everything becomes something that can become part of his scope of work. He is asked to do so many parts that eventually he can’t possibly learn what needs to be learned in the amount of time allotted although he will no doubt make a herculean effort making the attempt, and then it happens, he has a rough time delivering a part because he has been asked to do far more than he should have been asked to do. He feels terrible because he feels that he not only let the lodge down, but he let himself down because he failed to deliver with perfection. It shakes his confidence and soon, he starts to back out of things realizing that he has taken on too much. In a short amount of time, he will relegate himself to the parts he has already learned but nothing more and before long he has stopped coming to meeting being somewhat burnt out, and becomes one of the “Old Guys” who only shows up to perform certain parts in certain degrees.

Degree teams can also solve this issue as there would only be a certain amount asked of this newly made

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ambitious young Mason and he could have his parts learned and be proficient in a time frame that would allow him to perform his duties the way that he wants to but not be overloaded.

The key to success is timing in this area. As a Mason, I have been to meetings dozens of times where we learn that we will have a degree at the next scheduled communication. Appointments to perform parts are handed out like candy at a shriners parade and those that can’t be covered, a phone call will be made to one of the “old guys” to see if he will be available to perform the work. There is never a practice, people show up to the regular communication, open and go to recess when it is time to perform the degree, the degree is then performed as well as it can be under these circumstances, but what if you knew in June, that you would be doing this part with all of these other brothers, and you got together several times to walk through the degree just to make sure that everything was handled with complete precision down to where the Senior Deacon will be making his turns during his perambulation of the lodge? When the time came to perform the work and everyone who is not involved in the degree is watching as you perform your parts perfectly while wearing coats and ties with every word and motion has been thought through in advance, what message have you just sent to the brethren and newly made Masons of your lodge? Would it be a social club atmosphere, or would it feel more like Masonic work? What could this induce your membership to do in the future?

Some of the best degree work I have ever seen witnessed were Entered Apprentice degree’s performed by a lodge who thought through everything as the candidate would. Every member wore a tuxedo on this night, lighting was lowered to add drama to the performance, and all of the accoutrements were in new condition.

When these candidates went through the degree, I knew that they believed that they had become a part of something very special. Something that very few are ever going to see anywhere and so something to treasure for a lifetime and strive to become a part of, and isn’t this the message we are trying to send to the Entered Apprentice? Shouldn’t we be the example of our desire to become better men? If we only hold ourselves to becoming a better version of ourselves to our self alone, who will ever know what we are striving to become?

Fraternally, Mark Young PGM 2017-18 Grand Master Grand Lodge of Wyoming

www.azmasoniclibrary.org

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Gila Valley is playing poker for Charity! Bring an item to help a baby and cash for chips and descend upon Bro. Joe Guinn’s house on March 7th at 7pm for another great night of Poker with your Brothers! We are asking that you bring something to donate to Compassion Connect that will help fill their Care Closet. Bring Diapers and or baby wipes! Anything that a baby might need, we want to fill it up!

The poker is Texas Hold ‘em and the Cigars are Cuban… or from other tobacco growing counties! There is a pool and hot tub for those so inclined. We will be enjoying pulled pork sandwiches for dinner. $20 initial buy in, rebuys unlimited, cash game.

For information, Contact the Poker Commission Bro. Joe Guinn at guinnjoe@gmail.com.

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 at 520.576.2329

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Brethren, There can be no mistake, Masonry makes good men better. Becoming better versions of ourselves is the foundation of everything that is a Mason. How we choose to define that is the individual journey which every brother must find for himself individually. Because, while Masonry provides us with amazing resources and opportunities, it is ultimately up to us as men and Masons to determine how to best implement those working tools.

So then, what can a lodge do for its members? This is a question which we at Gila Valley 9 have been diligently working to answer. The vision we have for this year is to bring us back to the basics, focusing on the core tenets of Freemasonry, the principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. By working with purpose to provide opportunities to be involved, to learn, and to give back to our brothers and community with intention is the aim we have in view.

There are many events which have been planned for the year to encourage involvement and to open opportunities for our members to connect. We encourage all and any who are interested to reach out and to become that voice that connection for others, and in the process, you just might make a new friend.

The Education Committee has no small role in all of this. We have taken on some lofty goals for this year, and we are already seeing some great results. We have set out with purpose to be more involved in the visita- I look forward to meeting with you in the very near tion to other lodges, to host more one-on-one discus- future. sion groups, to improve upon our candidate onboard- Fraternally, ing and candidate development and progression procedures, to offer meaningful and inspiring content for Daniel Genchi education nights, and to encourage current and new 2020 Ritualist brothers to explore Masonry; to learn for themselves Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 what Masonry means to them.

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Dear Brothers, I would like to share with you a Poem that has been an inspiration to me these past few weeks and something that I hope will leave an impact on you. There are moments in this poem that remind me of similarities to what my family experienced whether it was from the view point of the child or the view point of the men. I hope that each of you gains something from the Poem and can find a way to be like these men.

Masonic Rings Michael R. Strampe

Long years have passed since when My dad was in that plaster cast. And since I swore that Solemn Oath, Which unites us to the last. But more than that I'm proud to say, I wear his Mason ring. The one dad wore for many years, Until his death this spring. And one last time his comrades came, To aid my weeping mother. They praised and bid a fond farewell, To our fallen Brother. And after which MY son did ask, About their Aprons white. And of the rings upon their hands. Of gold so shiny bright. With tearful eyes I said with pride, They're men of spirit pure. Those men who wear those Mason rings, Of that you can be sure. And before he went to bed that night, The family he foretold. Someday I'll wear a ring like dad's, A Square and Compass gold.

Those men who help my dad each day, They wear those mason rings. A Square and Com- Thank you, Brothers. This poem was found on pass set in gold, The praise of which I sing. https://masonicshop.com/masonic-poetry/ if My dad, he hurt his back you know, One cold you enjoyed this then I recommend you visit and wintery day. He slipped and fell upon the and read on. ice, The insurance would not pay. And since Fraternally, that time those rings I see, On hands that help us much. With mowing lawns and hauling John Woode trash, Each day my heart they touch. They 2019 Junior Warden even built a house for me, Amid our backyard Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 tree. Where all the neighbor kids, Would play with laughter full of glee. My Mom she cried from happiness, The time the Masons came. To aid our family in distress, Without a thought of gain. And when Do you follow us on Facebook?

I'm big, just like my dad, Of this it must be told. I want to wear a ring like his, A Square and Compass gold.

The

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WB Mike Smolenack Curtis Johnson WB John O’Hara PM WB Delbert Lewis PM WB Ray Osbourn PM WB Billy Bayless Family of Robert E. Turley WB Forest Hammer Family of Ken Holland

Baby Rylee Ringer Baby Miguel Martinez Baby Angeliya Celeste Holt MW Grand Master of Arizona First Responders The Armed Forces Our Veterans Our dearly departed Brethren Brethren Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

February Birthdays

February Anniversaries

Brian Ringer Joshua Seagrave Gale MacDougall Derek Dorman Don Richard Robert Molloy Dalton Cole

James Jameson James P. Kasburg John Woode Robert Molloy

2-1 2-6 2-7 2-10 2-18 2-25 2-26

March Anniversaries

March Birthdays Bertram J. Pampanin John Anderson Steve Johnson

2-6-1970 2-7-1995 2-17-2018 2-18-1992

3-22 3-24 3-26

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Daryl Neil Daniel Genchi Bertram J. Pampanin Cody Linderoth Kenneth Smith Robert Holt Bertram J. Pampanin Joseph A. Puchacz Anthony Raimondi Robert Shoppell Lee Apger

3-2-2013 3-8-2008 3-8-2008 3-14-2016 3-22-2010 3-23-2019 3-24-1975 3-25-1981 3-25-2011 3-28-1998 3-29-2008

Erected in the 1920s and 30s, it soars 333 feet as a beacon of Light and knowledge, educating and inspiring all who visit it.

Recognized in 2015 as a National Historic Landmark, the Memorial is one of the most impressive and iconic buildings in the area around our nation’s capital. Our new fundraising endeavor, The Landmark Century Campaign, aims to support a thorough restoration of the Memorial.

And we can help!

Today, the Memorial is a museum like no other in the world. Everything we do revolves around our vision: “to inspire humanity through education to emulate and promote the virtues, character and vision of George Washington, the Man, the Mason, and Father of our Country.” Open seven days a week, the Memor i a l o f f e r s detailed exhibits and guided tours that teach the general public about George Washington, his life and virtues, and the role that Freemasonry played throughout his life. Further, the Memorial is an important space for the performing arts, social gatherings, public events, and educational seminars. And, of course, it is an active

Having a tree planted on the grounds of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial is an excellent way to honor an important individual in your life. And also a great way to express thanks to an organization, such as a Lodge or Chapter. For a donation of $750, the tree will be cared for in perpetuity, and a handsome stone marker placed near the tree will communicate your dedication.

Masonic temple, housing two Craft lodges and regularly hosting visiting lodges from around the country. The Memorial is a central hub connecting Masons to one another, and connecting the Craft to the public, our nation, and our world F o r t h e p a s t d e c a d e , t h e Memorial Association has devoted tremendous energy and resources to the renovation of the Memorial.

Major exhibits have been added. Interiors have been repaired and repainted. Lighting has been updated. But the most considerable work is the top-to-bottom restoration of the building itself—the first such renovation since the Memorial was completed nearly a century ago.

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

ter than new condition.

The Society of Washington Lodges is for regular Lodges (recognized by the Grand Lodges of the United States) who are committed to supporting the Memorial.

There is a one-time donation of $2,500.00, which can be applied toward Patronage.

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Edward Nye Fish of Barnstable, Mass joined the rush to California in 1849, started a store in San Francisco, and went to Tubac in 1864 as a post trader. In partnership with Simon Silverberg of San Francisco, he organized E.N. Fish & Co. on Main Street in Tucson; freighted supplied to forts, mines, and ranches; built the first steam-operated flour mill in Arizona; and invested in the Silverbell mines northwest of Tucson. He served his community as a county official and school trustee. His orderly New England soul was offended by Tucson's disorderly ways, and he urged the property owners "to cause the public streets in the town of Tucson to be repaired" in front of their businesses. Fish would expand his business to Historic Florence, AZ, the county seat of #Pinalcounty. Fish was member of Tucson Lodge #4 F&AM

a

In 1890 Judge Joseph Kibbey rendered an important decision in the case of Pinal and Maricopa counties vs. the Phoenix and Maricopa railroad company. Masten refuse to pay taxes on the line that was laid across the Pima Indians reservation, claiming that the counties had no authority to assess a road across such a reservation. Judge Kibbey's decision was that the railroad must pay, reasoning that the road could be sued for damages resulting from injury on such reserve, and the company could sue and collect for hauling friend across the reservation, hence it must be governed by the same rules as the balance of the easement or right of way. This decision would put some $4500 into the Treasury of Maricopa and Pinal. Judge Kibbey was a very strong supporter of Masonry and a Past Master of Gila Valley No. 9 F & AM Masonic Lodge

Tombstone, Arizona is situated in the southeast region of Arizona which was acquired by the Gadsden Purchase on December 30, 1853. In July 1877, Ed Schieffelin, founder of Tombstone, made claim to Toughnut, Lucky Cuss and Contention mines where he found silver and ore. In January 1879, the Tombstone Mill and Mining Company was established and in April of 1879, the first house was built on the corner of Fourth Street and Allen Street by J. B. Allen where he managed and owned a store. In December 1879 Tombstone was incorporated as a village by the vote of the people, and under the order of the County Supervisors, became incorporated. William A. Harwood, Esq. became the first mayor of Tombstone. Harwood was a member of King Solomon #5 Territorial Lodge and Master in 1882.

Do you have some Arizona Lodge Masonic Trivia? Please send to us so that we can include it in a future edition!

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The following story comprises several excerpts from Chapter IV, of a book written and published in February 1994 by John A. Swearengin Past Master of Gila Valley No. 9 F & AM Masonic Lodge in Florence, Arizona titled: Good Times, Hard Times, Old Times: Stories of cowboys and convicts, preachers and politicians, a lady bootlegger and a few rowdy kids.”

had owned a stable of work mules and had done contact work with them for several years. Still, his habit of discussing the bureaucrats in Washington, etc. while throwing in a few mule skinner terms didn’t diminish the respect accorded him by his neighbors. Too many families had received the benefit of his generosity, and the town could always depend on his help during the hard years of the Depression. Families unable to pay their bills were never cut off from the milk needed for their children, John Swearengin’s father in the story is referred to as “Pop.” This is a story about Roland Howard Moorhouse and the schools received milk for school lunches whether who also was a Past Master of Gila Valley No. 9 F & AM payment was possible or not. I too was personally a recipient of his guidance and help, and developed the greatest Masonic Lodge respect for him over the years. Pop and Mr. Moorhouse Raleigh [should be spelled Rollie (short for Roland)] H. saved me from [a] life of indolence by putting me to Moorhouse owned the dairy that Pop ran in Florence.

Never was there a finer man than “Pappy” Moorhouse, as he was some times called.

He was a solid, square man, midway between five and six feet tall.

When he walked, he rolled along somewhat like a contented, happy elf, always puffing on a pipe with the curved stem clenched between his teeth. He seemed to have more skin than he needed, work in the milk barn and the dairy. At this time I was giving him the appearance of an amiable English bulldog. dating Roberta (Bobbie) Moorhouse, and probably owed On special occasions he might be seen dressed in a suit my job more to the love of a father for his daughter than to my competency. Still, my continued employment was with white shirt and tie. His usual dress however, was much more casual, consisting of work trousers, grey work contingent upon my performance. We milked around a shirt, and shoes that were obviously chosen for hard duty hundred thirty head, twice a day, seven days a week. and comfort. All this was crowned with a well worn hat, Since milkers received two dollars a day, working every day meant we were paid fourteen dollars per week rather serviceable and intended only to protect him from the than ten as we would have received if we had taken the elements. A strong belief in God and a commitment to family and neighbors constituted the foundation and pur- week-ends off. Mr. Moorhouse told me first off that he knew I would be wanting to go to college when I graduatpose of his life. Pappy sometimes expressed himself in rather colorful language, a talent he had no doubt devel- ed from high school. Therefore, he would put ten dollars of my weekly pay in a savings account in the (Cont.) oped working with mules during his younger years. He Do you have some Arizona Lodge Masonic Trivia? Please send to us so that we can include it in a future edition!

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(cont.) bank and give me the other four dollars in cash.

That sounded like a good deal to me. On most mornings Mr. Moorhouse would make a regular visit to the barn.

He would come in about sun up, smoking his pipe, [and] greet us with, “How are you boys this morning?” We would tell him, “Fine,” even if we weren’t and he would amble down to the other end of the barn and look over the corral where the herd was waiting to be milked.

There he would stand for a few minutes, puff away on his pipe, and turn back for the return walk through the barn.

On one of these mornings the herd had been on fresh, tender green grass and the place was a mess. Pappy greeted us as usual and started his walk through the barn, looking over the cows as he went. We had just fed the dry bran mix and the cows were licking it up and snuffling around looking for the last few crumbs. We sometimes had a wild young heifer in the herd who was still spooky and likely to kick if startled. We had one this day.

As Pappy walked behind her, the heifer kicked out and knocked his feet out from under him. Pappy landed on all fours on the slimy floor and we expected to hear one of his classic outbursts. None of us would have dared

laugh or even look amused. He fooled us though, said something like, “you old cuss,” picked himself up, rearranged the pipe in his mouth and continued his walk. As usual he checked out everything at the far end of the barn, then turned and started strolling back through.

When he walked behind the same spooky critter, she kicked at him again but this time only put him down on one knee. Again, we choked back our snickers and waited for the string of profanity. Again, he disappointed us, just stood up, addressed a very benign remark about the spookiness of that animal and headed on out the barn.

As he strolled along, a cow choked on a mouthful of dry feed. Just as Mr. Moorhouse passed behind her she erupted with a violent cough which produced a stream of fresh green manure that painted Pappy like a jolly green elf. The explosion we had been expecting now came out in full fury. Enough was enough! The hardest part for the rest of us in the barn was to restrain any show of amusement. Pappy was not amused! He cleaned himself as best he could and headed home, no doubt for a bath and clean clothes.

The Owls club is an historic building in the El Presido neighborhood of Tucson, Arizona, originally built in 1902. The building of the Owls had been built in 1894 by "a group of prosperous bachelors who built and lived in an impressive house",and was occupied by those men until it was sold in 1900. The group called themselves the Owls "because the parties would last late into the night". At the time of its opening, three men occupied the house and co-owned it as shareholders, Leo Goldschmidt, Herbert Tenney, and M.P. Freeman.

The organization dissolved in 1912 as bachelor members Tenney and Freeman moved on to have families or pursue other interests. Goldschmidt bought out their shares in 1912, and lived there himself for a time, eventually passing the house along to nieces and nephews. (Wiikipedia) M.P. Freeman is no other than Merrill Pingree Freeman, Past Master of Tucson Lodge #4 F&AM and Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons in Arizona in 1884.

Do you have some Arizona Lodge Masonic Trivia? Please send to us so that we can include it in a future edition!

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March 5, Pinal Lodge No. 30

February 7, 2019 Gila Valley Poker Night

7:00 pm Stated Meeting

Bro Joe Guinn’s house 7:00 pm Charity Poker Night

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

March 7, 2020 Lost Dutchman Degree

March 14, White Mountain No. 3

10:00 am Degree Begins

Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 Superstition Mountains, Arizona

10:00 am Stated Meeting

March 14, Globe Chapter No. 7 R.A.M 2:00 pm Stated Meeting

March 16, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

March 27-29, 2019 Leadership Conference Holiday Inn Casa Grande

Casa Grande, Arizona

7:00 pm Monday’s at the Lodge

June 4-6, 2020 Grand Communication

March 10, Ocotillo Chapter No. 21 OES

Grand Lodge of Arizona Wild Horse Pass Resort and Casino Chandler, Arizona

7:00 pm Stated Meeting

March 12, Apache Lodge No. 69 7:300 pm Stated Meeting

March 19, Eloy Lodge No. 46 7:00 pm Stated Meeting

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WB Jim Baker is the current High Priest 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 WB Jim Baker, High Priest, or 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! 27

Brethren, Friends, and Family, This year the Masonic Charities of Arizona approved 18 grants totaling $30,000 to organizations throughout Arizona. These 501c3 charitable organizations provide much needed services to their communities. Those services include assistance to our Veterans at the three VA Hospitals in Arizona, Domestic abuse shelters, child learning disabilities, training and assistance for people with special needs, support for soldiers abroad, Adult literacy programs and Personal hygiene kits for the working poor and homeless.

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

We have registered with the Amazon Smile Foundation. Amazon Smile will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization selected by their customers. For Amazon customers to select the Masonic Charities of Arizona to receive these donations go to http://smile.amazon.com/ch/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, Craig Hutchison Secretary, Masonic Charities of Arizona www.masoniccharitiesaz.com crghutch@gmail.com

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Anthony Raimondi Email: Raimondi_57@msn.com

Eric Smith Email: jiminys@yahoo.com

Email: jwoode591@gmail.com

MWGM Gregory A. Vasquez 2019-20 Grand Master F. & A.M of Arizona

Dewey Jefferson Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com

Chairman: WB Anthony Raimondi Email: Raimondi_57@msn.com

Lee Apger

Chairman: WB Daniel Genchi PM

Email: lkapger@gmail.com

Email: dmgenchi@gmail.com

Chairman: Eric Smith Email: jiminys@yahoo.com

Robert Holt

Chairman: WB Roger Biede III PM

Email: r.holt0129@gmail.com

Email: roger.biede@gmail.com

Chairman: Dewey Jefferson Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com

David Jones Email: dejones2063@gmail.com

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

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

Daniel Genchi PM Email: dmgenchi@gmail.com

Daniel Genchi PM Chairman Roger Biede III PM Ryan Kann PM

Gale MacDougal Email: bearinbox@con.net

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The first mention of Moon Lodges can be found in the Cooke Manuscript of 1410, one of the oldest documents belonging to the Masonic Craft. In the U.S., Moon Lodges were first noted in colonial times around 1717 to be operating in Philadelphia, Boston and Tennessee.

There appears to have been approximately 3000 moon lodges in the U.S. at the turn of the last century but by the 1950’s that number had decreased to 500. Today, by last count, there are roughly 129 moon lodges in the U.S. A moon lodge was born out of necessity due to the lack of natural or artificial illumination by which one could travel to and from meetings. During the 18th century, transportation was limited to horseback, horse & buggy, walking and even in some circumstances by boat. There were no paved roads and very few gravel but merely two dirt ruts that would meander through bush and fields rarely in a straight line. With only a candle or coal oil lamp to light the way, a full moon provided welcome companionship for a long and lonely trek. Individuals would travel 810 miles or more and were unable to make the long trip home at night and would be supplied lodging by a fellow brother, leaving after breakfast to return home the next morning.

Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 continues to follow this tradition and is honored to be still one of the remaining “Moon Lodges” in the United States. Our Stated Meetings are the Monday On or Before the Full Moon of the Month, The Lodge also goes “Dark” during the summer months of July and August, where no Stated Meetings are held.

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