March 2021 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 Trestleboard

Printed Every Month 131st Anniversary

March 2021

On February 27, Bro Jim Reid was awarded the Honorary Past Master designation for his years of service to the Craft and Gila Valley Lodge No. 9. Bro Jim was instrumental in bringing many fine men to our West gate including but not limited to Past Master Daniel Genchi and Past Master Ryan Kann.

He is also one of the founding members of the Memento Mori Widow Sons Group out of Mesa, from which we get our current Master, Eric Smith.

Bro Jim served many years watching over the finances as Treasurer of Gila Valley until his health pushed him to step down and take the roll of active side liner.

He is always there for a Brother in need and has mentored many men along the way.

We are proud to award Bro. Jim this honor as it is well deserved and long overdue.

He was surprised with this honor at a recent Widow Sons meeting in Apache Junction with over 20 people present to celebrate with him.

(Contact the Lodge Secretary at 3,9, or 69 for more information)

On February 25th, Morgan Mahan was initiated into the Fraternity at Gila Valley Lodge No. 9.

We look forward to many great things from him in the future.

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With the month of March upon us we often think of St. Patrick’s Day. Many think of it as merely a reason to have a party and often drink too much. Well, this year I would like to see if maybe some folks will think about why this day is celebrated.

land was blue during the time of St. Patrick. Another legend was that not only was he able to raise the dead, but that he was able to provide food for hungry sailors traveling by land through a desolate area. He did this by praying and a herd of swine appeared for the sailors.

St. Patrick’s Day is a celebration, both cultural and religious, that is held on the date of St Patrick’s death, March 17th. This day is also referred to as the Feast of St. Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland. St. Patrick was born to a Romanized Family in Britain. When he was 16 years old he was taken as a slave to Ireland by Irish raiders. After 6 years in slavery he found a way to flee back to Britain. It is mentioned that it was his faith that kept him going and this is why when he returned to Ireland in 432 he started to transform Ireland to Christianity. During this time he established schools, monasteries, and churches before his death on March 17, 461. It is said that St. Patrick was a most humble minded man that gave great thanks to his maker regularly.

I always thought it was a made-up US holiday, and to my surprise it is not. The immigrants to the US did change the holiday a bit and made it a celebration of all things Irish. Corned beef and cabbage are a signature dish for this day in the US, and many cities have green beer for this holiday. Chicago has been dying the Chicago River green since 1962 to commemorate this day. Some of these practices have even been adopted in Ireland mainly for the alure of the tourists.

As March 17th approaches many of us will be getting geared up to celebrate and have a wonderful time. I hope that some of us will remember that this day is a celebration of a man that was instrumental in bringing Christianity to Ireland, not just a made up holiday and excuse to Many legends about St Patrick arose, starting around the drink ourselves silly. Enjoy the month of March Brothers 7th century, including one that says he drove the snakes and have a happy and safe St. Patrick’s Day! from Ireland, and yet another says the he explained the Fraternally, Trinity by use of the shamrock. His day is celebrated in Ireland with feasts and religious services. In the US and other countries around the world the color green has be2021 Master come the color of the day, even though the color of IreGila Valley Lodge No. 9

Eric Smith

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Jim Reid Curtis Johnson WB Matthew Childress WB John O’Hara PM WB Delbert Lewis PM WB Ray Osbourn PM Wilbur (Bill) Dean Lawrence 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 Town of Florence Government United States Government

March Birthdays Bert Pampanin John Anderson Franklin Musil Steve Johnson

March Anniversaries 3-22 3-24 3-25 3-26

Bert Pampanin Robert Shoppell Bert Pampanin Jr. Lee Apger Ken Stewart Anthony Raimondi Daryl Neil Cody Lindroth

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3-24-1981 3-28-1988 3-08-2008 3-29-2008 3-22-2010 3-26-2011 3-2-2013 3-14-2016

So now that we are arriving to the month of March, we now hit a new point in our lives for multiple reasons, 1 we have made it a year with the covid 19 pandemic and 2 Saint Patrick's Day is around the corner. With Saint Patrick's Day we usually associate libations and green beer parades and other fun things. But today I want you all to think about what happened to the man who was Saint Patrick. Of course, the lesser-known fact is that he is not named Patrick that was later changed but his name was originally Maewyn Succat. He was originally a Pagan before converting to Christianity. The story goes that he was taken from his home land and sold into slavery then later escapes to find Christianity in the 300s. While he does this, he then heads back to his home land of Ireland where it is still prominently pagan in terms of its religious state. Now we know the story to be that St. Patrick went out into the lands of Ireland and run’s out all of the snakes that were infesting the lands.

The lesser-known fact is that there was not a major snake problem in Ireland. Even lesser known is that there have never been snakes in Ireland at least not of the reptile variety. The type of snakes they were referencing here were those of the heart and mind. We could say he was helping to heal the toxic traits of their pagan ways? Or trying to be masonic in terms of making good men better? Maybe even by helping them see a new light after having been in the darkness? Now that we have this new way of looking at the story in a clearer Lense, we could say that when St. Patrick was driving out the snakes, he was getting to know his fellow coun-

trymen better and trying to help them out through basic needs as well as spiritual needs. And we as Masons should take this into account when we are out driving away the snakes from the land. Although they may not be as poisons as trying to convert an entire island or region it is still the idea of helping one another and being there to help spread the light of freemasonry to one another as well as to those who do not have or know of it.

As we make our way through the first quarter of the Year let us try to find ways to help others rather than bringing them down. Go out and be the light for your community and lead by example like St. Patrick did.

Till next time Brothers Fraternally,

John Woode 2021 Senior Warden Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

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

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 Brotherly Love: How a man chooses to practice his personal religious beliefs is left entirely up to him, but he grow and become a better person. The pursuit of Freemasonry recognizes the strong bond which unites knowledge is at the very heart of our purpose. ~ all people under One Creator. Our members include Bro Author Unknown 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

What is a "Regular" Masonic Lodge?

Regularity is the process by which individual Grand lodges recognize one another for the purposes of allowing formal interaction at the Grand Lodge level and visitation by members of other jurisdictions.

The largest collection of mutually recognized Grand Lodges derives its regularity from the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) based on a set of specific criteria. Dating back to 1717, [the] UGLE is considered to be not only the oldest, but the largest grouping of lodges. UGLE provides a list of recognized Grand Lodges on its website [as do many others].

What is a "Clandestine" Lodge?

A "clandestine lodge" is one that does not hold a proper charter from any Grand lodge.

What is an "Irregular" Lodge? .An "irregular lodge" is a lodge that does have a charter from a Grand lodge, but its Grand lodge is not recognized by other Grand lodges.

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The origin of the gavel is obscure, and the historical derivation of the word unknown. In Middle English, gavel was tribute or rent paid by a tenant to a landowner. Gavels in their present form and purpose may have their origins in the Masonic lodges in 18thcentury England. The word gavel first appeared in print with its present meaning as either a stone mason's setting maul or a president's mallet or hammer in the United States, in the 1860s. Since the 19th Century, gavels have been used widely outside Masonic lodges, by judges, elected officials and presiding officers as a signal to come to order at meetings, as well as by auctioneers, to indicate a sale.

the corner of rough stones," and the hammer end functioned nicely to get the attention of a crowd and maintain order in a meeting. The "setting maul," an instrument having a bulbous end with flat bottom and central handle, was used by masons to set stones in mortar. In some Masonic lodges, fancy wooden setting mauls, sometimes called ceremonial stone-laying mallets, were given as presentations. They were not gavels, though sometimes were incorrectly used by the Masonic master as such. They can, however, be considered transitional gavels -- a handle with a big head that eventually yielded to the more popular streamlined heads that we currently associate with gavels.

Gavel Manufacture, Materials and Craftsmanship Most gavels are of anonymous manufacture. Some were mass-produced in a factory, while others are unique handmade objects. Some American manufactured gavels bear the union decal label of the Amalgamated Woodworkers. The most frequently used material in making gavels is hardwood, typically mahogany, walnut, ebony, rosewood, or maple. Exotic woods such as patterned zebra wood are sometimes used to give the gavel a decorative flair. Ivory or bone was used to make expensive gavels, sometimes in combination with wood. The head and handle of wooden and ivory gavels are generally turned on a lathe, then fitted together.

The handle is threaded into the head One type of stone mason's tool, having a sharp edge or fitted in a socket and glued. These gavels sometimes are handcarved, handpainted, or inlaid with on one side of the head and a hammer end on the other became an emblem of the authority of the mas- other woods or decorative materials. Often the head of the gavel is fitted with a sterling silver (cont.) ter and wardens of the lodge. This instrument resonated symbolically, since its purpose is "to break off 9

or gold band inscribed with a dedication.

Other materials that have been commonly used for gavels include brass, nickel-plated brass, and glass.

In the mid 20th century, bakelite, an early plastic widely used for colorful decorative objects and jewelry, was frequently formed into gavels, sometimes as faux ivory - also referred to as "butterscotch."

Gavels sometimes come as a set with a round or rectangular sound block on which to pound the gavel. More elaborate presentation gavels are frequently stored in a custom made box.

Relic Gavels Relic woods were made into a variety of souvenirs in the 19th and 20th centuries, from picture frames and cups to gavels. Gavels were made from White House wood salvaged during renovations in 1927 and 194852 when the early 19th-century pine timbers were replaced. Gavels were also produced from the timbers of famous ships such as the U.S.S. Constitution and Old Ironside. Homely wooden articles belonging to famous people went under the lathe to be made into gavels -- even President Ulysses S. Grant's work bench. Fallen trees on historical sites, such as Round Hill or Devil's Grove at Gettysburg Civil War battle fields, have also been turned into gavel-formed relics.

Ceremonial Gavels Ceremonial gavels are presented to recognize a person or commemorate an event. These typically have an inscription attached to the gavel on a metal band, or lettered in paint directly in the wood. As collectibles, they are worth more if the recipient was a famous person or if they commemorate a significant historical event.

Lodges and fraternal organizations such as the Masons frequently recognized their members with ceremonial gavels. Gavels are often given to president or officer of a fraternal, business, or political organization, when elected or retiring. A gavel might also be

given as a presentation to commemorate the maiden voyage launching of a ship.

Long-Life Gavels was a 20th-century U.S. manufacturer whose mottos were "The Jewel of Gavels and Sound Blocks" and "Give Honor Where Honor is Due". The original instructions of this company promote the use of gavels as presentations: "Long-Life Gavels are treasured by their recipients and usually are well displayed at home on the mantelpiece, bookcase, or in a prominent place at the office where all can see that an 'honor' has been bestowed on the individual." The instructions also explain "The Ceremony of 'Passing the Gavel'...It is also a practice in many organizations to present the outgoing President with the Gavel he has wielded during his term of office, mounted with a Silver Band engraved with his or her name, -- the name of the organization, -- the period of service; and to present the incoming President with a similar Gavel. This Gavel in turn will be presented to him at the expiration of his term of office."

Fraternally,

Dewey Jefferson 2021 Junior Warden Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

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Seven is a sacred number in Masonic symbolism. In the Rituals of the last century, it was said that a Lodge required seven to make it perfect, but the only explanation to be found of the sacredness is the seven liberal arts and sciences, which according to the old “Legend of the Craft” were the foundation of Masonry. In modern ritual, the symbolism of the number seven has been transferred from the first to the second Degree, where it refers to the seven steps of the winding staircase, but the symbolic seven is to be found diffused in hundreds of ways over the whole Masonic system.

In our Ritual, the ascent of the seven steps is symbolical of the seven liberal arts and sciences. But the seven steps have deeper meaning. They allude to the vibrations producing colour and sound. There are seven colors in the spectrum, of which three are called “Primary”. There are seven notes in the musical scale. Thus, it is said to be a harmonic number, three of which compose the principal chord of the key.

The musical scale completely bears out the creative process of evolution. When the scale is played, we ascend to a higher scale, at a higher rate of vibration, and repeat (continue to do what has been done). Herein may be hidden the significance for the lecture urging “a study of Music”.

The sun was the great central planet of the ancient seven, and is represented as the central light in the branched candlestick. The moon is second only to the sun in beauty and splendour, and on every seventh day the moon assumes a new phase. In the Hebrew, Syrian, Phoenician, Chaldaen and Saxon “seven” signifies “full or complete” and every seventh day after the first quarter the moon is complete in its change. ~Bro Author Unknown

Living is an art, an art in any form, be it realistic, fantasy, comic, tragic, memorable. Consider the big picture, and know what to leave out. One who sees all as genuine, is either is fooling himself, or needs corrective eye ware.. Everything we call real are things made up of that we don't realize are not true reality. After all, when everything is said and done, we find that more is said than done.

Helen Keller describes optimism as the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence in your efforts, and with those who lead and guide.

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3-5-7: "To understand the degree and what it attempts to do, one must have some knowledge of its history, and of William Preston, who brought the vigor of a trained mind to bear upon the often hasty and ill considered lectures with which its progenitors were given.

He turned these lectures into the elaborate exposition of the five senses, the seven liberal arts and sciences which we now have. In Preston's day such an exposition of knowledge was all inclusive; it is not Preston's fault that he knew nothing of science as we know it; that he knew nothing of medicine or biology or archeology or criticism, or electricity or astronomy in the modern

is a lovely thing to do as all those good brothers and fellows who have gone this way before us. But there is nothing to prevent us from reading the degrees symbolically. We do not have to accept it as literal, any more than we have to accept the first verse of the seventh chapter of Revelations: "And after these things I saw four Angels standing on the four corners of the earth . . .Jubela, Jubelo and Jubelom."

Reply from Esteemed Bro. Zuckerberg: The 3-4-5 is a simplification of the 47th problem of Euclid. If you tied 12 equal distance knots in a rope. Then made a triangle out of it 3 on one side 4 on another than 5 on another you have a right triangle. A squared plus b squared equals c squared (Pythagorean theorem) The 47th problem of Euclid is part of the Pennsylvania past masters emblem. Now if you write down the square of the first 4 numbers 1 4 9 16 then you subtract 1 from 4 (3) 4 from 9 (5) then 9 from 16 (7) and you get 357??? Funny how that works.

Instructional purposes from III. Hayes: the 12 knots symbolizes the twelve pillars of the Zodiac signs found in King Solomon Temple.

Reply from III. Hayes to Esteemed Bro. Dick Zuckerberg - thanks for building my Esteemed Bro. For instructional purposes: This is your Felsense. There are those who would substitute for the low Craft Degree. Further investigation of symbolic Prestonian Lectures and the Prestonian-Webb form of Freemasonry research the secret numbers in Masonic the degree, a wholly modern exposition of the obtaining Catechisms and numerology. of knowledge. With such as these we have nothing to do; our Fellow Craft Degree is hallowed with age, and it SMIB. (cont.)

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 13

In addition, 5 plus 7 = 12 symbolizes 12 pillars found in King Solomon Temple representing the 12 zodiac signs.

God's three attributes: omniscience, omnipotence and omnipresence. In numerology 'emanation.'

The numbers 3-5-7 in Masonic symbolism are contained Number 5: symbolizes the Masonic Trowel in the Felin the Arithmetical numbers. low Craft Degree and incorporates the Pythagorean Theorem in our esoteric teachings. In numerology it represents 'man.'

Number 7: the sum of 3 plus 4 = 7. symbolizes creation, elevation and formation. This number symbolizes the number of days in a week, number of days for the creation of the universe and the number of days to complete the Sacred Altar (Aaron), etc ... Scottish Rite Master Masons elevation to the Lodge of Perfection requires that candidate 'pass the compass and the square elevated by seven degrees.' In the Bible it mentioned the seven deadly sins. In Masonic allegory there are seven cardinal virtues: four are considered cardinal virtues: Prudence, Temperance, Fortitude and Justice; and the theological virtues are 'Faith, Hope and Charity.'

Depending on one's religious apothecary or apocalypse perspective, 'morality' replaces 'fortitude.'

Finally, 3-5-7 reflects what happened to identify GM Hiram Abiff found in a shadow grave marked by a sprig of acacia at the gravesite.

Brief meanings of secret numbers contained in Masonic catechism and numerology of Freemasonry.

Number 3- symbolizes the three great pillars- strength, wisdom and beauty. In the Sacred Volume it represents

To determine the meaning of the arithmetical numbers 3 -5-7, multiply the three numbers, take the total to ascertain the meaning as it relates to Hiram Abiff in Masonic allegory. ~ Bro. Author Unknown

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Mar 4, Pinal Lodge No. 30

March 4, 2021 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

7:00 pm Stated Meeting

Master Mason Degree 7:00 pm Degree Begins

Mar 9, Ocotillo Chapter No. 21 OES 7:00 pm Stated Meeting

March 13, 2021 All Arizona Shrine Ceremonial

Mar 11, Apache Lodge No. 69

Hybrid Format, El Zaribah Shrine Auditorium 10:00 am Ceremonial Begins

7:300 pm Stated Meeting

March 6, 2021 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

Mar 13, White Mountain No. 3 10:00 am Stated Meeting

Lost Dutchman Outdoor Degree 10:00 am Degree Begins

Mar 13, Globe Chapter No. 7 R.A.M

March 26-28, 2021 Arizona Masonicon

2:00 pm Stated Meeting

Holiday Inn Casa Grande, Arizona

Mar 18, Eloy Lodge No. 46

June 4-6, 2021 Grand Lodge of Arizona

7:00 pm Stated Meeting

Prescott Resort Prescott, Arizona

Mar 20, Memento Mori Widow Sons Location TBD: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WSMMChapter

11:30 am Stated Meeting

Mar 22, 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

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Freemasonry is a voluntary association of men,

Freemasonry is a system of moral conduct, Freemasonry is a way of life, Freemasonry is a fraternal society, Freemasonry teaches monotheism, Freemasonry is religious in its character, Freemasonry teaches the Golden Rule, Freemasonry seeks to make good men better, Freemasonry teaches morality through symbolism, Freemasonry uses Ritual and ceremonies to instruct its members, Freemasonry is based on a firm belief in the Fatherhood of God, the Brotherhood of Man and the immortality of the Soul, The tenants of Freemasonry are ethical principles such as are acceptable to all good men, Freemasonry teaches tolerance towards the beliefs of others and charity toward all mankind, Freemasonry proudly proclaims that it consists of men bound together by Brotherly Love and Affection,

Freemasonry is universally applicable throughout the world, Freemasonry is not an insurance or beneficial-type society, Freemasonry is neither a religion nor a creed, Freemasonry is not organized for profit, Freemasonry dictates to no man as to his beliefs, either religious or secular, Freemasonry does not conceal its existence, It is not a secret society, Freemasonry teaches. Honesty and fairness in business and occupation, Help for the weak and unfortunate, Resistance to wickedness, Trust and confidence in good men, Forgiveness toward the penitent, Love toward one another, and above all Reverence for the Supreme being. .

The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Florida Jacksonville, Florida Pamphlet – GL920

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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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 Memorial offers

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 For the past decade, the 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 bedetailed exhibits and guided tours that teach the general gun a multi-year project to perform all needed structural repairs. Stone by stone, are repointing the mortar and public about George Washington, his life and virtues, protecting the building from water penetration. When and the role that Freemasonry played throughout his life. Further, the Memorial is an important space for the completed, the building will be in better than new performing arts, social gatherings, public events, and condition. educational seminars. And, of course, it is an active

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.

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.

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The Hourglass is an icon of Freemasonry with several different things represented.

times the Hourglass is represented with a scythe further enforcing The first actual sand hourglass is believed to have been invented sometime around 150 B.C. The actual inven- the concept of death.

The scythe has a long tion of the sand hourglass is murky to say the least. It tradition, particularly in did not begin to be used in iconography, generally on Europe and the Americoffins, until sometime in the 4th century A.D. cas of representing the For Freemasons it's two biggest representations is time Grim Reaper or the Angel of Death. It also is associatand death. Which leads us to another symbol and, ed with the mythical figure of father time. In this allusome may say, a principal of the Masonic Fraternity, sion, death the great leveler is referenced. Again regardthe Level. less of station in life or wealth that we have gained, The Hourglass representing time can have many mean- death comes for us in the end. ings in itself. One is that we are all moving forward in time, unable to move the sands backwards up the glass. For Freemasonry, this is probably some of our more No matter our station or position that we may hold in darker references. It can though be turned around, with the belief in the eternity of the soul. That time passes life, no matter how many riches we may acquire the sand continues to move from the top of the glass to the for us all and that death comes for us all is true. It is bottom. In this matter we are all equal, or on the level through the belief that leading a good, honest and true life that we will be able to one day turn the hourglass on with each other.. it's side, stopping the flow of time as our good works Another allusion that the Hourglass has is death. Somehere on Earth are recognized.

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Brothers, all of the responses from the discussion panels will be compiled and shared with the attendees by Brethren, email after the event so that each may gain from the Spring time in southern Arizona is right around the cor- findings of the other discussion panels. In addition, the Grand Lodge Education Committee will sort and catener and I am looking toward a renewal of Masonic gorize the responses for distribution among our lodges communication with my brethren that has been curas educational topics for further discussion during the tailed the last 12 to 14 months. The majority of our year. lodges are meeting in person for Stated and Special communications and following safety and health guideSee you at Masonicon Arizona 2021, March 26, 27, 28, lines. There are a few lodges meeting virtually and some lodges have limited attendance due to health con- 2021 in Prescott, Arizona

An Educational Opportunity

cerns. We as brothers understand and support each Fraternally, individual brothers' decision to attend or not. The health and well-being of our families, lodges and fraternity is a top priority now and always.

2021 Senior Grand Warden Grand Lodge of Arizona The month of March is the time of year in my part of Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 the world that brings new growth and hopes of an abundance of beautiful wildflowers, shrubs, trees, grasses and feed for the wildlife and livestock that depend on a productive spring. Of course, a little more moisture from above would help with our extended drought.

RW Jim Baker

Like the physical habitat we live in, our spiritual and mental environment benefits from a revival of sunshine, warmth, water and clean air. The nourishment we feed our minds and bodies helps determine our growth as Men and Masons in the life long journey as a Master Mason.

It is hoped, nay, it is presumed that Masonicon Arizona 2021 will provide a social and educational environment to nurture that growth through the interaction with Brothers from around the state of Arizona. From the youngest or newest Master Mason to the seasoned and well-traveled Master Mason we can all share and learn from each other through the small group discussion panels designed to insure participation and selfdiscovery necessary for sustainable growth.

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The “Capitular” or Chapter Degrees of Freemasonry refers the four degrees of the York Rite system that follow the “blue lodge” or “Craft” degrees. The Holy Royal Arch is the final degree and the culmination of the Chapter experience for a candidate. The Chapter is the second body of the York Rite of Freemasonry (following the Symbolic or 'Blue' Lodge), though in some Jurisdictions it is considered the completion of the initial three degrees and is part of the regular Craft experience. All Master Masons are eligible for membership. Contact RW Jim Baker, or WB Paul Dore at pauldoresr@cox.net for more information

Do you have a son 12-21 years Old? Saguaro Order of the DeMolay is the premier youth leadership organization building young men of character and dedicated to making young men better people and leaders and sponsored by Gila Valley Lodge 9, Pinal Lodge No. 30, and Eloy Lodge No. 46 Meetings are held twice monthly on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month starting at 6:00 pm. All parents are welcome and are encouraged to attend and get involved in this great organization. They meet at Pinal Lodge #30 located at 1140 E. Florence Blvd., Casa Grande, Arizona 85122.

Great Men wear a Fez! We're counting on you… Who do you know that would make a good Mason and Shriner? A friend? A family member? A coworker? Commit to making a difference!

The future of our fraternity relies on your commitment.

CLICK HERE TO REFER A GOOD MAN The individual you refer will receive a series of communications, the first of which will identity you as the referral source.

The Scottish Rite is a Masonic organization that continues a Master Mason's education of the first three degrees. The Scottish Rite is one of several appendant groups of the worldwide fraternity known as Freemasonry. Each Valley has up to four Scottish Rite bodies, and each body confers a set of degrees. In the Southern Jurisdiction these are the Lodge of Perfection (4°-14°). Chapter Rose Croix (15°-18°), Council of Knights Kadosh (19°-30°), and the Consistory (31°-32°). The 33rd Degree is an honorary degree awarded for exceptional service. Have a question? Ask a Personal Rep!

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The Widows Sons, Masonic Riders Association is a group of Master Masons who have gathered together to promote Freemasonry within the motorcycling community and help introduce motorcycling to our non-riding Masonic brethren. As Freemasons we are committed to "Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth" tenets of our lives, as Widows Sons we are devoted to supporting Widows and Orphans of our Masonic brethren. We hold events and rides as fundraisers for this noble cause, and other charitable causes. The chapters in Arizona are very diverse with members from various areas, lodges, and a variety of motorcycles.

The goal of the Ladies’ Oriental Shrine, as set forth at the organizational meeting in 1903, is to promote sociability, good fellowship and the betterment of all Ladies connected with the organization. Our Ladies participate in parades, mini-clinics, Shrine Circuses, and much more. Ladies may choose to be active in a variety of special interest Units within each local Court such as Oriental Bands, Patrols, Clown or Dance Units. Our Ladies are always ready to display their pageantry and glamour in order to show the public how much they enjoy their activities.

Today, LOSNA has nearly 8,000 members in 64 Courts across North America and even members in Japan and Taiwan.

High Twelve is an association of Master Masons who desire an hour of Masonic fellowship independent of the formal ritual of Lodge but dedicated to the service to the fraternity. High Twelve was founded by E. C. Wolcott in Sioux City, Iowa on May 17, 1921.

We practice the great lessons of Freemasonry and encourage members to attend and participate in their Blue Lodge activities. High Twelve unifies Master Masons from many Lodges in an association where fellowship grows into lasting friendships. As High Twelve Masons, we support the Public School System and encourage participation in constructive community activities. There are over 300 active High Twelve Clubs with 25,000 members in the United States, Canada and Foreign Countries.

www.azmasoniclibrary.org

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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/942746389 to automatically select us. Or you can go to www.smile.amazon.com and you will be prompted to select a charity. Now you are ready to shop and support the Masonic Charities of Arizona.

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

Fraternally, Roger Biede III Secretary, Masonic Charities of Arizona rcbthree@hotmail.com www.masoniccharitiesaz.com 22

Email: jiminys@yahoo.com

Bro. Email: jwoode591@gmail.com

Dewey Jefferson Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com

MWGM Boyd Robertson 2020-21 Grand Master F. & A.M of Arizona

Bro. John Bryon Singer Email: jbyronsinger@aol.com

Chairman: WB Eric Smith Email: jiminys@yahoo.com

Bro. Lee Apger

Chairman: John Woode

Email: lkapger@gmail.com

Email: jwoode591@gmail.com

Chairman: Dewey Jefferson Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com

WB Robert Malloy

Chairman: WB Roger Biede III PM

Email: robert_molloy@cox.net

Email: roger.biede@gmail.com

Chairman: Dewey Jefferson Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com

Bro. 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

Bro. Brian Gay Email: bg1973@hotmail.com

Roger Biede III PM Chairman Robert Molloy PM John Woode

Bro. 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 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.

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