MW We have a new Mason of the Year at Gila Valley. Please congratulation Bro. Mark White, the 2023 Mason of the Year. We thank Mark for a year of unlimited service to the craft and to the lodge as a whole. His tireless work has moved the Lodge and the craft forward in Florence and we are thankful to have him as a Lodge Member.
Dear Brothers,
May is the Month of all things spring and soon to be summer. The hot days are upon us which means boating, water slides and fishing galore. While we are in this time of mid spring we can focus on the Midday of our lives as it is the midday of our year. In our prime this is when we get the most accomplished and this is when we feel like we have the most to look forward to and the most to see finished. But what can we reflect on during this prosperous time?
We can start to plan for the future, we can reflect on the past, and we can enjoy the moment. So, my big question for this time is which is most important? For in the past, we can learn to better plan for the future. If we plan for the future, it will make things easier for us when we come up to that moment in our lives. And if we focus on the present, we end up living and making new memories and maybe will learn new lessons without knowing it. All three of these things are important and must be paid attention to but the area that I feel like I most neglect is what is happening right here and right now in front of me. As my day goes on, I notice there are things happening all the time that I should be happy for, to be grateful for, and should be recognized from what occurs around me. But I don’t, or at least not as much as I would like to. In my music programs students put their all into the music that they play every day, and I need to remind my-
self how was I when I was in their shoes? Was I accomplishing everything at the same time as my director wanted us to or was, I taking a day or two to figure it out?
What is the point to this you may ask? The point is
If you are not taking the time to know what is going on around you at this moment and you are not taking the time to process everything you have done how are your growing or learning as a person, as a man, as a benefit to your lodge or society as a whole? We need to work on being more aware of our now selves and less concerned with what our future selves are doing. For the future is not guaranteed. If you are only investing in your future of what you want to be and don’t take the time to whittle away the parts that need worked on now with your present self, then the future you will still not be fit to be a solid building block for your future endeavors.
So, try your best to be aware of what you are currently while making the endeavor to plan for the future and remember to stop and smell the roses on your journey through life.
Till next time Brothers Fraternally,
John Woode 2022 Master Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
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The White Carnation is the flower representing Mother’s day. The white carnation is said to symbolize motherhood and is used to both honor a mother who has passed away and celebrate a mother who is still living. White carnations usually carry the thought of purity and sweetness. When given on Mother's Day, they also are said to bring a mother good luck.
We have this op-
portunity each year to celebrate the wonders of all the mothers we have the privilege of knowing and loving. The present-day celebration of Mother's Day began in the year 1908 when Anna Jarvis organized a memorial for her mother, Ann Jarvis, a peace activist who used to care for the wounded soldiers of the American Civil War. To acknowledge the presence of all mothers around the globe, Mother's Day is celebrated across more than 46 countries of the world. This is truly a special day for the mothers who are mostly underrated in this male-dominated society. The second Sunday of May was officially designated as Mother's Day in the USA and was declared as a national holiday after Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of United States of America, signed the proclamation in the year 1914. As we celebrate Mother’s Day, may we take this time to honor the sacrifices that all mothers have made for their children. Fraternally,
Robert Malloy2022 Junior Warden
Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
We are told in Scripture that the Temple was "built of stone made ready before it was brought thither, so that there was neither hammer, nor axe, nor any tool of iron heard in the house while it was in the buildings (First Kings vi, 7). Freemasonry has adopted this as a symbol of the peace and harmony which should reign in a Lodge, itself a type of the world. But Clarke, in his commentary on the place, suggests that it was intended to teach us that the Temple was a type of the kingdom of God, and that the souls of men are to be prepared here for that place of blessedness. There is no repentance, tears, nor prayers: the stones must be all squared, and fitted here for their place in the New
Jerusalem; and, being liteing stoners must be built up a holy temple for the habitation of God.
Bro. Mackey
Congratulations to our very own Chapter Master Councilor, Gus Huber who is the 2023-2024 State Deputy Master Councilor Elect for the Arizona DeMolay State Association. Also Congratulations to the rest of the youth elected for the upcoming term. Best Wishes to all for a successful term.
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
Greetings Brethren from the Senior Warden of Gila Valley #9 and welcome to May and great weather conducive to getting out the camping gear and pack some food and hit the road to do some. The Kids are almost out of school, so let’s go camping. Speaking of camping, Country Thunder is now over for another year. Wow that’s not my cup of tea for camping. We live across Hwy. 79 from that event and the traffic is unbelievable, not to mention the dust and crowds. So now they are gone, and many Birds are now flying north and east for the summer, the traffic is getting easier, and I can actually move around the grocery store without having a wreck. One of the problems with our winter visitor’s depar-
ture is the attendance in lodge meetings … there will be some empty seats.
That being said, Gila Valley No. 9 is trying to increase our attendance as we now have four (4) Entered Apprentice and looking forward to a Fellow Craft degree soon. Our Candidates and Mentors are working hard to move forward. I commend all the Brothers who are helping these men extend their Masonic education.
Personally, I’m looking forward to Cinco De Mayo. Lots of fun, good food and parties.
Also our Air Force granddaughter is coming back for a three week leave. It will be so good to visit with her and observe how she has matured into a strong person.
Okay with that also being said, I hope you enjoy the month of May and all the festivities in it. The boys of summer and baseball are in full swing so get out and enjoy. Stay safe and be well.
Remember Masonry, is a Brotherhood of Man, Under the Fatherhood of God.
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 ?
May 1st, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
5:00pm DinneratLodge
7:00pmStatedMeeting
9:00pmPostmeetingdiscussionatMountAthos
May 4, Pinal Lodge No. 30
7:00pmStatedMeeting
May 13, White Mountain No. 3
10:00amStatedMeeting
May 13, Globe Chapter No. 7 R.A.M
2:00pmStatedMeeting
May 9, Ocotillo Chapter No. 21 OES
Callfortime
May 11, Apache Lodge No. 69
7:30pmStatedMeeting
May 20, Memento Mori Widow Sons
Location TBD: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WSMMChapter
11:00amStatedMeeting
May 18, Eloy Lodge No. 46
7:00pmStatedMeeting
May 30th, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
5:00pm DinneratLodge
7:00pmSecondStatedMeeting
9:00pmPostmeetingdiscussionatMountAthos
May 1st, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
5:30pmTrusteeMeeting
May 8, Sabbar Shrine
7:00pmStatedMeeting
April 25, Rex Hutchens Table Lodge
Oriental Lodge No. 20 https://Oriental20tl.eventbrite.com
7:00pmEventStarts
June 6-9, Grand Lodge of Arizona GrandCommunication
The “Capitular” or Chapter Degrees of Freemasonry refers the four degrees of the York Rite system that follow the “blue lodge” or “Craft” degrees. The Holy Royal Arch is the final degree and the culmination of the Chapter experience for a candidate. The Chapter is the second body of the York Rite of Freemasonry (following the Symbolic or 'Blue' Lodge), though in some Jurisdictions it is considered the completion of the initial three degrees and is part of the regular Craft experience. All Master Masons are eligible for membership. Contact RW Jim Baker, or WB Paul Dore at pauldoresr@cox.net for more information
Do you have a son 12-21 years Old?
Saguaro Order of the DeMolay is the premier youth leadership organization building young men of character and dedicated to making young men better people and leaders and sponsored by Gila Valley Lodge 9, Pinal Lodge No. 30, and Eloy Lodge No. 46
Meetings are held twice monthly on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month starting at 6:00 pm. All parents are welcome and are encouraged to attend and get involved in this great organization. They meet at Pinal Lodge #30 located at 1140 E. Florence Blvd., Casa Grande, Arizona 85122.
Great Men wear a Fez!
We're counting on you… Who do you know that would make a good Mason and Shriner? A friend? A family member? A coworker? Commit to making a difference! The future of our fraternity relies on your commitment.
Theindividualyoureferwillreceiveaseriesofcommunications,thefirstofwhichwill identityyouasthereferralsource.
The Scottish Rite is a Masonic organization that continues a Master Mason's education of the first three degrees. The Scottish Rite is one of several appendant groups of the worldwide fraternity known as Freemasonry. Each Valley has up to four Scottish Rite bodies, and each body confers a set of degrees. In the Southern Jurisdiction these are the Lodge of Perfection (4°-14°). Chapter Rose Croix (15°-18°), Council of Knights Kadosh (19°-30°), and the Consistory (31°-32°). The 33rd Degree is an honorary degree awarded for exceptional service. Have a question? Ask a Personal Rep!
The Widows Sons, Masonic Riders Association is a group of Master Masons who have gathered together to promote Freemasonry within the motorcycling community and help introduce motorcycling to our non-riding Masonic brethren. As Freemasons we are committed to "Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth" tenets of our lives, as Widows Sons we are devoted to supporting Widows and Orphans of our Masonic brethren. We hold events and rides as fundraisers for this noble cause, and other charitable causes. The chapters in Arizona are very diverse with members from various areas, lodges, and a variety of motorcycles.
The goal of the Ladies’ Oriental Shrine, as set forth at the organizational meeting in 1903, is to promote sociability, good fellowship and the betterment of all Ladies connected with the organization. Our Ladies participate in parades, mini-clinics, Shrine Circuses, and much more. Ladies may choose to be active in a variety of special interest Units within each local Court such as Oriental Bands, Patrols, Clown or Dance Units. Our Ladies are always ready to display their pageantry and glamour in order to show the public how much they enjoy their activities.
Today, LOSNA has nearly 8,000 members in 64 Courts across North America and even members in Japan and Taiwan.
High Twelve is an association of Master Masons who desire an hour of Masonic fellowship independent of the formal ritual of Lodge but dedicated to the service to the fraternity. High Twelve was founded by E. C. Wolcott in Sioux City, Iowa on May 17, 1921.
We practice the great lessons of Freemasonry and encourage members to attend and participate in their Blue Lodge activities. High Twelve unifies Master Masons from many Lodges in an association where fellowship grows into lasting friendships. As High Twelve Masons, we support the Public School System and encourage participation in constructive community activities. There are over 300 active High Twelve Clubs with 25,000 members in the United States, Canada and Foreign Countries.
www.azmasoniclibrary.org
Jim Reid
Josh Seagrave PM
MWGM Jeff Carlton
MWGM Rex Hutchens
WB Delbert Lewis PM
Bro. Lee Apger
Wilbur (Bill) Dean Lawrence
Bro. Steve Murphy
Baby Miguel Martinez
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
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 ArizonaThe 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.
