MARCH 2023
MWThe first weekend of March, Master of Gila Valley, John Woode convened a special communication of Gila Valley Lodge to raise Brother Soto to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason.
Many Gila Valley Lodge members participated in the 5th edition of the Lost Dutchman Degree and all did a fabulous job!
The month of March is upon us. And with the month of March, we get lots of changes. We are trying to leave the winter months behind and bring back the warmer months of spring and summer. However, for this year, this has not been the case. Winter has decided to stay around a little while longer. But no matter, the equinox still comes around at the same time every year. Just the same as the fall equinox lands in September every year, even if it is 100 degrees. These two times of the year are deemed as the blending sections between winter and summer. They both equally have to deal with the changes in the seasons, as well as the changes in our attitudes.
Our attitudes tend to become brighter as the spring and summertime rolls through. Whereas with the fall equinox, our attitudes start to head towards a more dim demeanor due to the lack of sunlight and longer nights. And as we are reminded through our degree work, we come into the craft from darkness into light for each degree. Being given new knowledge and new hope to be able to apply to our everyday lives. We find in the first degree that we are completely oblivious to how the lodge works. We then are enlightened by being given spe-
cific knowledge. We see the same in the second degree. But in this case, we have some light but then are given more to be able to see further. The knowledge that we receive during the second degree applies to the practical knowledge and general living. Whereas finally in the third degree we are given the remainder of the light which teaches us about the immortality of the soul.
We can see the same general ideas play out in the birth, life, death, and resurrection of another man who some may say could have been a mason. But we know he was a craftsman. For he was born in great darkness and under a great light. As his life continued, he taught many to be good towards mankind especially the least and the poor of the world. He later was put to death by those who had followed and wanted to learn from him and in the end was raised according to the Christian belief.
In each of these cases we find, like in the spring equinox, it is a time for renewal and new beginnings. These beginnings can be in the workforce, the family home, or even in masonry. If we are truly growing through our experiences, we will be having parts of us that will die away with the winter and spring anew in the next adventure and or season of our life.
Until next time brothers.
Fraternally, John
Woode
2022 Master
Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
MW Jim Baker participated with 51 other Grand Masters to recreate the iconic Life Magazine picture on the steps of the George Washington Memorial. The effort was in conjunction with the annual conference of Grand Masters and the 100th anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone of the George Washington Memorial.
Looks like there are a couple more that participated this year than in 1956.
In Freemasonry we discuss two kinds of masonry Operative and Speculative.
By definition the term Operative means "functioning; having effect". Operative masons were those who actually worked with stone. In the operative lodges or guild lodges, they were not only labor unions, they were educational platforms. There a young man who had little or no opportunity outside the lodge for education in the various arts and sciences found it within its walls. Geometry, techniques for refining stones to fit them for the building were skills given to the young operative apprentice. He'd also be taught how to read and write, two skills critical for making a plan for a
building and following it.
Speculative by definition means "engaged in, expressing, or based on conjecture rather than knowledge." Speculative masonry, individuals who do not work with stone and who instead work in the more philosophical realms, use the tools and skills of operative masons as metaphors for living a good life. One of the more common uses appears in popular language, "on the level". Someone who is on the level in a speculative sense is being straight forward and honest. In masonic ideas it also means we are all equal.
Operative masonry, with little question, is the origin of the speculative masonry we now enjoy. Many will claim Speculative masonry began in 1717 with the forming of the Grand Lodge of England, also known as the Premier Grand Lodge. This is actually not the case. Little is known about how or why speculative masonry came out of operative masonry. Some of the earliest documentation shows a speculative mason being part of an operative lodge in the late 1500's. It is unknown whether this is the first speculative mason or if they existed long before.
As far as the precise moment when speculative masonry began, which by the way was not the end of operative masonic lodges another misconception some people hold, is unknown. There are probably more theories put forward then there are living speculative masons in the world today.
What I offer here, is my opinion on how speculative masonry came to be, it is just an opinion which happens to fit various facts and should only be taken as
in danger of loosing their livelihood. People were learning about mathematics and other skills outside of the lodges. Not to make our ancient operative brothers sound like they were only in it for the money, they actually probably were, they probably began to become concerned with the fact soon anyone could figure out the knowledge needed to build a cathedral. They needed a way to keep themselves tied to their benefactors, the people who paid to have the cathedrals and other edifices built, the aristocrats. By now the aristocrats were hungry for knowledge as well, the age of enlightenment was on it's way in. There were benefits all around. Operative masons brought wealthy influential men into their organization, the speculative initiates got the opportunity to learn some of the skills taught in the lodges.
what it is, an opinion. In the late 1500's the world was in the midst of the renaissance. Knowledge was beginning to flow more freely in the world. The first printed books were in existence, the Gutenberg Bible was first printed in the 1450's. The operative lodges were
. Eventually the individuals who called themselves speculative masons wanted to apply the knowledge they were receiving, what better way than through tools for their everyday life. As I stated, this is purely opinion on my part and happens to fit the events of the time. .
Bro. Author UnknownSaguaro Chapter Installation of Officers. Thank you to all those that came out and showed your support. Congrats to our newly installed officers
Good day Brethren, I hope this finds everyone well. For this article I want to talk about some very important men in history that found time to attend lodge. They were very busy in their business and lives but yet found time to attend Lodge, can you? First is George Washington and Gerald Ford, two busy men who found time to attend Lodge, can you? If Grand Masters Benjamin Franklin, Paul Revere, Andrew Jackson, and Harry Truman found time to attend Lodge, can you? If the two Mayo Brothers and the seven Ringling Brothers found time to attend Lodge, can you? If astronaut Buzz Aldrin and Green Bay Packers legend Bart Star found time to attend Lodge, can you? By the way, six of the seven Ringling Brothers sat in the chairs to raise their father in Baraboo Lodge in Baraboo, Wisconsin, in 1891.
Okay let’s talk about some of our Presidents. We know which of the Presidents have been Masons, but how active were some of these Brethren in their Lodges? Their Grand Lodges? Other Masonic bodies?
I got this information from an article Gary Littlefield, Grand Historian of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut wrote.
Two Presidents have held the office of Grand Master of their Grand Lodges – Andrew Jackson of Tennessee and Harry S. Truman of Missouri.
Four were Worshipful Masters of their Lodges –George Washington of Virginia, Jackson, Buchanan,
and Truman. Besides those who presided over their Lodges, two others served in Lodge officer lines – James Garfield of Ohio and James K. Polk of Tennessee and North Carolina. Eight U.S. Presidents were Royal Arch Masons – Jackson, Polk, Buchanan, Andrew Johnson of Tennessee, Garfield, William McKinley and Warren Harding, both of Ohio, and Truman. Knights Templar among the Masonic Presidents included Johnson, Garfield, McKinley, Harding, and Truman. Scottish Rite Masons were Gerald Ford of Michigan, Franklin D. Roosevelt of New York, McKinley, Truman, Johnson, Garfield, and Harding. 33rd degree was conferred on Truman and Ford. Harding died before receiving the 33rd degree.
IF ALL THESE BUSY MEN COULD FIND TIME TO ATTEND LODGE, CAN YOU?
Fraternally,
Dewey Jefferson PM
2022 Senior Warden
Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
Grand Care (GCARE) is designed to support Arizonans by funding one-time medical care payments or by reimbursing co-payments for Arizona citizens who receive medical care because they suffer from a "chronic disease" constituting a chronic health condition. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control defines "chronic diseases" as those conditions that exist for at least, but no less than, one calendar year and require ongoing medical attention or limited activities of daily living or both, including, but not limited to, Alzheimer's Disease, Arthritis, Asthma, Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, Chronic Kidney Disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Diabetes, and Stroke.
We are committed to helping those with chronic illness deal with the high cost of medical care, prescriptions and co-pays. We understand hardships are caused for basic living needs when one is living with a chronic illness. Our organization is committed to operating with excellence while providing ser-
vice.
Grand Care is an Arizona non-profit corporation and gratefully accepts IRS 501(C)
(3) tax-deductible contributions from individuals, business and groups
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission. You can mail donations to P.O. Box 64251, Tucson, Arizona 85728 4251 or send them securely through our certified PayPal account.
https://azgcare.org/
The George Washington Memorial Society comprises a select group of members who are dedicated to supporting the Memorial and its Mission. The purpose of the Society is to raise support for the George Washington Masonic National Memorial’s operations and to increase awareness of the Memorial’s mission among Freemasons and the wider community.
The emblem of the Society is a special version of the official crest of The George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association. An image of the Memorial building in the center of the emblem serves as an important reminder of the commitment that each member of the George Washington Memorial Society has made.
Please note that GWMS membership is for individuals only. Lodges are encouraged to consider the Society of Washington Lodges, and other opportunities for support are available for lodges and other organizations as well.
Charter Membership is conferred for contributions of $1,000 or more to the Memorial with the membership application, and $250 or more per year thereafter.
Your Memorial Society dues benefit our annual fund, and are put to use to support the daily operations of the Memorial. To support the restoration work, consider an additional contribution to the Landmark Century Campaign.
Do you have MW Jim Baker’s Polo ?
March 2, Pinal Lodge No. 30
7:00pmStatedMeeting
March 6, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
5:00pm DinneratLodge
7:00pmStatedMeeting
9:00pmPostmeetingdiscussionatMountAthos
March 9, Apache Lodge No. 69
7:30pmStatedMeeting
March 11, White Mountain No. 3
10:00amStatedMeeting
March 11, Globe Chapter No. 7 R.A.M
2:00pmStatedMeeting
March 13, Ocotillo Chapter No. 21 OES
Callfortime
March 16, Eloy Lodge No. 46
7:00pmStatedMeeting
March 18, Memento Mori Widow Sons
Location TBD: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WSMMChapter
11:00amStatedMeeting
March 4 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
Lost Dutchman Degree
9:00amBegins
March 6 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
5:30pmTrusteeMeeting
March 11 Grand Lodge of Arizona
Friendship Day with Gran Logia Del Pacifico Sonora
10:00amBeginsNogales11
March 13, Sabbar Shrine
7:00pmStatedMeeting
March 17, 3rd Fridays
Main Street Florence
5:00pmPublicEvent
March 24-26 Grand Lodge of Arizona
Leadership Event Prescott Arizona
June 6-9, Grand Lodge of Arizona
GrandCommunication
Jim Reid
Josh Seagrave PM
MWGM Rex Hutchens
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
The “Capitular” or Chapter Degrees of Freemasonry refers the four degrees of the York Rite system that follow the “blue lodge” or “Craft” degrees. The Holy Royal Arch is the final degree and the culmination of the Chapter experience for a candidate. The Chapter is the second body of the York Rite of Freemasonry (following the Symbolic or 'Blue' Lodge), though in some Jurisdictions it is considered the completion of the initial three degrees and is part of the regular Craft experience. All Master Masons are eligible for membership. Contact RW Jim Baker, or WB Paul Dore at pauldoresr@cox.net for more information
Do you have a son 12-21 years Old?
Saguaro Order of the DeMolay is the premier youth leadership organization building young men of character and dedicated to making young men better people and leaders and sponsored by Gila Valley Lodge 9, Pinal Lodge No. 30, and Eloy Lodge No. 46
Meetings are held twice monthly on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month starting at 6:00 pm. All parents are welcome and are encouraged to attend and get involved in this great organization. They meet at Pinal Lodge #30 located at 1140 E. Florence Blvd., Casa Grande, Arizona 85122.
Great Men wear a Fez!
We're counting on you… Who do you know that would make a good Mason and Shriner? A friend? A family member? A coworker? Commit to making a difference! The future of our fraternity relies on your commitment.
Theindividualyoureferwillreceiveaseriesofcommunications,thefirstofwhichwill identityyouasthereferralsource.
The Scottish Rite is a Masonic organization that continues a Master Mason's education of the first three degrees. The Scottish Rite is one of several appendant groups of the worldwide fraternity known as Freemasonry. Each Valley has up to four Scottish Rite bodies, and each body confers a set of degrees. In the Southern Jurisdiction these are the Lodge of Perfection (4°-14°). Chapter Rose Croix (15°-18°), Council of Knights Kadosh (19°-30°), and the Consistory (31°-32°). The 33rd Degree is an honorary degree awarded for exceptional service. Have a question? Ask a Personal Rep!
The Widows Sons, Masonic Riders Association is a group of Master Masons who have gathered together to promote Freemasonry within the motorcycling community and help introduce motorcycling to our non-riding Masonic brethren. As Freemasons we are committed to "Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth" tenets of our lives, as Widows Sons we are devoted to supporting Widows and Orphans of our Masonic brethren. We hold events and rides as fundraisers for this noble cause, and other charitable causes. The chapters in Arizona are very diverse with members from various areas, lodges, and a variety of motorcycles.
The goal of the Ladies’ Oriental Shrine, as set forth at the organizational meeting in 1903, is to promote sociability, good fellowship and the betterment of all Ladies connected with the organization. Our Ladies participate in parades, mini-clinics, Shrine Circuses, and much more. Ladies may choose to be active in a variety of special interest Units within each local Court such as Oriental Bands, Patrols, Clown or Dance Units. Our Ladies are always ready to display their pageantry and glamour in order to show the public how much they enjoy their activities.
Today, LOSNA has nearly 8,000 members in 64 Courts across North America and even members in Japan and Taiwan.
High Twelve is an association of Master Masons who desire an hour of Masonic fellowship independent of the formal ritual of Lodge but dedicated to the service to the fraternity. High Twelve was founded by E. C. Wolcott in Sioux City, Iowa on May 17, 1921.
We practice the great lessons of Freemasonry and encourage members to attend and participate in their Blue Lodge activities. High Twelve unifies Master Masons from many Lodges in an association where fellowship grows into lasting friendships. As High Twelve Masons, we support the Public School System and encourage participation in constructive community activities. There are over 300 active High Twelve Clubs with 25,000 members in the United States, Canada and Foreign Countries.
www.azmasoniclibrary.org
Brethren, Friends, and Family,
This year the Masonic Charities of Arizona approved 33 grants totaling $70,000 to worthy organizations throughout Arizona. These 501c3 charitable organizations provide much needed services to their communities all over Arizona Those services include Veteran assistance, Domestic abuse shelters, child learning disabilities, training and assistance for people with special needs, support for soldiers abroad, Adult literacy programs and Personal hygiene kits for the working poor and homeless.
We are able to award these Grants from the income of our investment fund, Lodge and Personal donations and support from Grand Lodge. In order to keep up with the desire to expand our Grant distribution to more organizations and communities around the State we ask for your help.
We have registered with the Amazon Smile Foundation. Amazon Smile will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization selected by their customers. For Amazon customers to select the Masonic Charities of Arizona to receive these donations go to http://smile.amazon.com/ch/942746389 to automatically select us. Or you can go to www.smile.amazon.com and you will be prompted to select a charity. Now you are ready to shop and support the Masonic Charities of Arizona.
The Board of Directors of the Masonic Charities of Arizona extends our appreciation to all of you for your support.
Fraternally, Roger Biede III Secretary, Masonic Charities of Arizona rcbthree@hotmail.com www.masoniccharitiesaz.com
Email: jwoode591@gmail.com
WB.
Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com
Robert Molloy
Email: robert_molloy@cox.net
Bro. John Bryon Singer
Email: jbyronsinger@aol.com
Bro. Lee Apger
Email: lkapger@gmail.com
Bro. Steve Murphy
Email: santanman7921@gmail.com
Bro. Mark White
Email: mark.anne2005@gmail.com
Bro. Brian Gay
Email: Email: mark.anne2005@gmail.com
WB Anthony Raimondi
Email: raimondi_57@msn.com
Chairman: WB John Woode Email: jwoode591@gmail.com
Chairman: John Woode Email: jwoode591@gmail.com
Chairman: WB Dewey Jefferson Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com
Chairman: WB Roger Biede III PM Email: roger.biede@gmail.com
Chairman: Brian Gay Email: bg1973@hotmail.com
Chairman: WB Roger Biede III Email: roger.biede@gmail.com
Chairman: John Woode
Email: jwoode591@gmail.com
Roger Biede III PM Chairman
Robert Molloy PM, John Woode
2022-23 Grand Master F. & A.M of Arizona
The first mention of Moon Lodges can be found in the Cooke Manuscript of 1410, one of the oldest documents belonging to the Masonic Craft. In the U.S., Moon Lodges were first noted in colonial times around 1717 to be operating in Philadelphia, Boston and Tennessee
There appears to have been approximately 3000 moon lodges in the U.S. at the turn of the last century but by the 1950’s that number had decreased to 500. Today, by last count, there are roughly 129 moon lodges in the U.S.
A moon lodge was born out of necessity due to the lack of natural or artificial illumination by which one could travel to and from meetings. During the 18th century, transportation was limited to horseback, horse & buggy, walking and even in some circumstances by boat. There were no paved roads and very few gravel but merely two dirt ruts that would meander through bush and fields rarely in a straight line. With only a candle or coal oil lamp to light the way, a full moon provided welcome companionship for a long and lonely trek. Individuals would travel 8-10 miles or more and were unable to make the long trip home at night and would be supplied lodging by a fellow brother, leaving after breakfast to return home the next morning.
Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 continues to follow this tradition and is honored to be still one of the remaining “Moon Lodges” in the United States. Our Stated Meetings are the Monday On or Before the Full Moon of the Month, The Lodge also goes “Dark” during the summer months of July and August, where no Stated Meetings are held.
