November 2021 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 Trestleboard

November 2021

his month we lost a true and trusted friend.

Honorary Past Master Gale MacDougal laid down his working tools and joined the celestial Lodge in the sky.

Gale was a friend to all and a faithful servant to the Lodge. His service to the Craft is immeasurable and he will be greatly missed by all.

He was a doting husband, a dedicated Red Cross volunteer, and a charter member of the El Zaribah Tap Room Shiners.

If the signal of farewell rings in the night sky. I will think of you. Who will go far away someday.

I watched you from your left. I looked at the side of your face. Were you laughing or were you crying.? Your long hair was in the way. If the signal of farewell rings in the night sky. It will shine an eternal light. On the path of our weak selves someday. So that we may meet again.

May you have fair winds and following seas….

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Upon coming out of darkness and back into normal Lodge activity the season starts changing from summer to fall. This means the temperatures start falling, the winter visitors start showing up and the holidays where families get together and celebrate are quickly approaching.

open. It is almost like we get another try at the year to see if we can make the next one better than the present one. And the holidays ensure that we are aware of those things we did well and those we need to work on (at least that is how it feels to me).

Going from summer to fall is a great time of year in the Phoenix area. The temps start to fall and we are able to enjoy being outside especially at night. The sun starts setting earlier in the evening and rising later in the morning.

With this change in time also comes a wonderful sight on the Superstition Mountains just out my back door. There is a shadow of a mountain lion, or cougar as soon call it.

This shadow appears only 2 times throughout the year, in the spring and in the fall, for a week or so each time.

Summer has faded and we have entered into fall. Time to get out and enjoy the weather with family, friends, and neighbors. Enjoy this time and reflect upon how wonderful it is to have those that are close to you in your life for as one season ends and another begins, so too does the circle of life operate.

Halloween is over, now time for Thanksgiving. I hope all of you enjoy this coming month with the beautiful weather, family and friends

As fall approaches and the temps fall the winter visitors Fraternally, to the valley start showing up for the winter. This also let me know that my 2 favorite holidays are just around the corner, Thanksgiving and Christmas. These holidays are my favorite because I get to spend them with family and 2021 Master friends and am reminded each year just how great they Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 all are, and how thankful I am for them all.

Eric Smith

I look forward to this time of year also because of the great food that is always enjoyed during the holidays, from the turkey and ham to the green bean casserole and of course the desserts. But besides the food I look forward to enjoying more rides on my motorcycle with friends as most of them do not ride in the summer due to the heat.

As the season changes it lets us know that another year is almost at a close and a new one is about to 3

Freemasonry, once speculative Freemasonry began being practiced, came to the attention of organized religions.

There are a variety of reasons that are cited why there is a negative reaction of some in the religious community to Freemasonry and why they are opposed to the Masonic Fraternity. Often the reasons are based on information that has long since been debunked. Regardless of the information that is put forward to explain or persuade others that the negative reasoning is not true, the belief is held almost in a dogmatic way by some.

viduals of faith. This is not meant by the definition which classifies faith as a religion. It defines the more "generic" idea of faith, a belief in something that is unseen and intangible, yet we are confident it is there and we can trust in it. The ceremonies, ritual and methods of how that faith is expressed is left to the individual Freemason to decide for themselves. Knowing that the individual entering Freemasonry has that faith is all that is necessary.

The idea that faith is up to the individual may be where Freemasonry, particularly in the early days of speculative Freemasonry, came into conflict with religions of the time and perhaps still does. Speculative Freemasonry came into being largely in the years leading up to and through the Enlightenment.

Freemasonry allows the individual to explore faith on their own, there is no push in one direction or another. In fact discussion of religion, just like politics, is forbidden in a Masonic lodge. It is not to be a forum to try and convince a captive audience why they should or should not believe in one cause or another, or one religion or another. During the Enlightenment individuals started looking for answers to questions outside of religion, Freemasonry was the embodiment of this principle with many of it's members being Enlightenment thinkers.

Most commonly claimed, particularly by Christian religions that are opposed to Freemasonry, is that Masons are not Christian. In a sense that is true, there are people of many different faiths who are part of Freemasonry around the world. Within the United States the vast majority of Freemasons are Christian, this is because Christianity is the predominant religion in the United States. In Turkey it is most likely Islam, in Israel most likely Judaism, the list can go on and on. Because of the multireligious nature of its members Freemasonry has chosen words to refer to Deity that are not based in any one religion. Grand Architect of the Universe (GATU), is a very common phrase that is used in Masonic lodges and ritual. It is a phrase that allows the individual to look into their faith and soul to determine what their beliefs are. It also allows for the most important aspect of Freemasonry to take place, meeting on the level. When we are able to see past religious differences in our lodge rooms we are able to accomplish more with those around us and treat each other as equals, which is what "meeting on the level" means to a Freemason.

The phrase "Grand Architect of the Universe" also helps to get Freemasonry in trouble again with religious groups.

There is confusion both outside and inside of the fraternity as to why this phrase is used. As was previously stated it is something that is meant to bring members together to recognize that every individual has their own faith and their own way of expressing that faith. Faith is important word when it comes to Freemasonry. Within the body of Freemasonry all who enter our doors are indi-

Regardless of the reason or reasons behind it, some religions and Freemasonry have clashed through out history.

Regardless of those clashes Freemasonry has at it's core the belief of equality to all and respect of the beliefs of the individual.

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This past month Gila Valley Lodge was honored to award four different Masonic Charities of Arizona grants to some local nonprofits from are area. We hope that we can support these worth charities all the year round!

Masonic Charities purpose is to primarily assist those organizations throughout the State, engaged in relieving human suffering of any kind, which are dependent upon contributions from the public to accomplish their mission.

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"The true key to philosophic mathematics is the famous Forty - seventh Proposition of Pythagoras, erronously attributed to Euclid. The Forty - seventh Theorem is stated thus: In a right angled triangle the square described on the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares described on the other two sides. Concerning this problem Plutarch writes: "Now universal Nature, in its utmost and most perfect extent, may be considered

as made up of these three things: of Intelligence, of Matter and of that which is the result of both of these, in the Greek language called Kosmos, a word which equally signifies either beauty and order or the world itself. The first of these is the same with what Plato is want to call the Idea, the Examplar, and the Father; to the second of them he has given the name the Mother, the Nurse, and the Place and Receptacle of Generation, and to the latter of them that of the Offspring, and the Production.

So again with regards to the Egyptians, there is good reason to conclude that they were want to liken this universal Nature to what they called the most beautiful and perfect triangle; the same as does Plato himself in that nuptial diagram, as, 'tis termed, which he has introduced into his Commonwealth. Now in this triangle which is rectangular, the perpendicular side is imagined equal to

three, the base four, and the hypotenuse, which is equal to the other two containing sides, to five. * * * The perpendicular is designed by them to represent the masculine nature, the base feminine, and * * * the hypotenuse is to be looked upon as the offspring of both: and accordingly the first of them will aptly enough represent Osiris or the prime cause, the second Isis or the receptive power, the last Orus (Horus) or the common effect of the other two. For three is the first number composed of both even and odd; and four is a square whose side is equal to the even number two, but five, being generated as it were, out of both of the preceding numbers two and three, may be said to have an equal relation to both of them, as to its common parents." (See Isis and Osiris.)

On the same subject Kircher writes: "Out of the simplest lines and figures the whole secret of corporeal nature emerges. Just as the trinity of the circle (center, radius and circumference) shows the Divine Trinity, so the Divine Trinity's creative works appear in the trinity of the equilateral triangle, as aforesaid. The circle begets nothing of itself, as it is already complete, consisting as it does of an infinitude of sides. It is the greatest of all polygons, hence it is a a solitary trinity. But the triangle is the beginning of all generation, being the progenitor of all other polygons or bodies, as has been shown. Next comes the isosceles, symbol of the earth and the firmament.

Next the right - angled scalene, which indicates the whole mystery of genetic nature. This triangle, as aforesaid, is a right angled triangle, of unequal sides, with one right angle and two acute angles. The right angle signifies the constant and the immutable operation of natural law; of the other two, the greater means increased motion, and the third the rate of decrease. * * * The sides are respectively 3, 4, and 5. Now 3 + 4 + 5 = 12 which

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Reprinted from A Response to Critics of Freemasonry, Masonic Information Center, Silver Springs, MD. A division of the Masonic Service Association of North America, founded by John J. Robinson in 1993.

From Northern Ireland to Iran, from the Middle East to the United States, religious extremism is a growing force throughout the world. Jarred by the rapid pace of social and cultural change, especially the apparent disintegration of moral values and the break-up of the family, some people within this movement have sought refuge from the complexity of modern life by embracing absolute views and rejecting tolerance of other beliefs.

Simple, easy, seemingly stable answers bring comfort in a rapidly changing world. For example, some churches have responded to the personal anguish of their members by circling the wagons, that is, by strictly defining theological concepts and insisting their members "purify" their fellowship by renouncing any other beliefs. The next step, already taken by various churches, is to yield degrees of control within their ranks to vocal factions espousing extremist views. These splinter groups focus the congregation’s generalized anxieties on specific targets. The proffered cure-all is to destroy the supposed enemy. Freemasonry has become one of these targets precisely because it encourages members

to form their own opinion on many important topics, including religion. Thus some churches have expressed concerns, even condemnations, of Freemasonry. Generally, these actions are based on misunderstandings. A case in point is the June 1993 report to the Southern Baptist Convention by the Convention’s Home Mission Board. This report defined eight alleged conflicts between the tenets and teachings of the masonic Fraternity and Southern Baptist theology. Let’s briefly look at those areas, as representative of the thinking of some well-meaning but misinformed church members today, and see if the concerns are real or simply a matter of misinformation or misunderstanding.

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Most of the issues really deal with language in one way or another. Almost every organization has a special vocabulary of words which are understood by the group.

It’s hardly appropriate for someone outside a group, and without the special knowledge of the group, to object to the terms unless he or she fully understands them and why they are used. If someone wants to read the Journal of the American Medical Association. for example, that is his right---but he doesn't have a right to complain if the articles use medical terms. A person reading a cookbook had better know that terms like fold, cream the butter, or soft ball have special meanings--or he'll make a mess instead of a cake. The same is true of a non-Mason reading masonic materials. As to the critique of Freemasonry by the Southern Baptist Convention (which, incidentally, had several positive things to say about Freemasonry), here is a brief explanatory discussion of each point.

Worshipful is a term of honor and, in this sense, it is a term still used in England and Canada today-- to refer to Offensive Titles: such officials as mayors of cities. Worshipful John Doe Because they do not see specific words in their historic means exactly the same thing as the Honorable John context, some critics complain of the prevalent use in Doe. In the same vein, the Mayor of London is adFreemasonry of offensive titles and terms such as Wor- dressed as the Worshipful Lord Mayor. Certainly there shipful Master for the leader of a Lodge. The leader of is nothing irreligious here in the use of Worshipful or a masonic Lodge is called the Master of the Lodge for Lord. Such terms are a matter of history and tradition, the same reason the head of a Boy Scout troop is called not religion. a Scoutmaster, an orchestra’s leader is termed the Concert Master, or a highly-skilled electrician is called a Bloody Oaths: Master Electrician. The term arose in the guilds of the Some critics of Freemasonry object to what they term Middle Ages when the most skillful workman was called archaic and offensive rituals or so-called bloody oaths in the Master. Much masonic vocabulary dates from that Freemasonry. There is nothing offensive in the rituals to period. Worshipful in Worshipful Master has nothing anyone who understands them. They are ancient, not to do with worship in any religious sense. Masonically, archaic, since many of them are so old their (cont)

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origins are lost in history. But there is nothing bad in that. The Declaration of Independence is about the same age as the Master Mason Degree, but few complain it is "archaic."

The alleged bloody oaths refer to the penalties associated with the masonic obligations. They originated in the medieval legal system of England and were actual punishments inflicted by the state on persons convicted of opposing political or religious tyranny. Freemasonry’s obligations do not contain any promise ever to inflict any of the penalties or to participate in the execution of them. In Freemasonry, they are entirely symbolic and refer exclusively to the shame a good man should feel at the thought he had broken a promise.

duty of a person’s revealed religion and is appropriately expressed through his or her church.

The Bible as “Furniture”: Ironically. some people complain about the Bible used in lodge being referred to as the "furniture" of the lodge.

No disrespect is intended. Indeed, just the opposite is true. Freemasons use the word "furniture" in its original meaning of essential equipment. Since no lodge can meet without an open Volume of Sacred Law, (Which in North America is almost always the Bible) the Bible is essential and given a special place of honour as the "furniture" for every regular lodge.

The Meaning of "Light": Paganism: The masonic use of the term "light' is often misunderCertain critics claim the recommended readings for the stood by non-Masons. This confusion may lead some to Degrees of Freemasonry are "pagan" in origin. "Pagan", think Masons are speaking of salvation rather than as they are using the term, simply means "pre-Christian." knowledge or truth. Nowhere in masonic ritual is "light" The major purpose of Freemasonry is the study of implied to mean anything other than knowledge. Light man’s intellectual and moral history for the purpose of was a symbol of knowledge long before it was a symbol developing ourselves morally and intellectually. Such a of salvation. The lamp of learning appears on almost study has to start with the concepts of man and God as every graduation card and college diploma. Fremasonry held by early cultures and evidenced in their mytholouses light as a symbol of the search for truth and gies. The Greeks and Romans, as well as earlier peoknowledge. It’s very unlikely that any Freemason would ples, had much of importance to say, on many topics. think that light represents salvation. including religion. The idea that a physician must act in the best interests of his patient comes from the pagan Salvation by Works: Hippocrates, and the concept that the government can- Freemasonry does not imply salvation may be attained not break into your house and take what it wants on a by one’s good works. Freemasonry does not teach any whim comes from the pagan Aristotle. None of us path to salvation. That is the duty of a Church, not a would want to live in a world without these ideas. In al- Fraternity. The closest Freemasonry comes to this issue most every field—law, government, music, philosophy, is to point to the open Bible, and tell the freemason to mathematics, etc.—it is necessary to review the work of search there for the path to eternal life. Freemasonry early writers and thinkers. Freemasonry is no exception. does believe in the importance of good works. but as a But to study the work of ancient cultures is not the same matter of gratitude to God for His many great gifts and thing as to do what they did or believe what they beas a matter of individual moral and social responsibility. lieved. And no Mason is ever told what he should beThe path to salvation is found in each Mason’s house of lieve in matters of faith. That is not the task of a fraterni- worship, not in his Lodge. ty. nor a public library. nor the government. That is the

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Universalism: Various critics accuse masonic writers of teaching the "heresy of universalism." Universalism is the doctrine that all men and women are ultimately saved. Freemasonry does not teach universalism or any other doctrine of salvation. Again, that’s the province of the church, not a fraternity. You have to look rather hard to find masonic writers who "teach universalism." Even if you could find one, it’s important to remember that any masonic author writes for himself alone, not as an official of the fraternity. Freemasonry simply does not have a position, official or otherwise on salvation. Since men of all faiths are welcome in the Fraternity, Freemasons are careful not to offend the faith of any. Possibly this in itself may seem to be universalism to some critics. Freemasons call it common courtesy.

repair the damages of centuries of segregation. For each, complete reunification remains an elusive goal hindered by social resistance on both sides, but not by organizational ideals. In the case of Freemasonry mutual recognition between "black" and "white" Grand Lodges has proceeded at a steady pace for nearly ten years, while African-American members are increasingly common in formerly "white" Lodges. For instance, at the international celebration of the 275th anniversary of the United Grand Lodge of England in 1992 (the most recent masonic gathering of about the same size as the Southern Baptist Convention), there were far more Blacks present than there were at the Southern Baptist Convention in Houston in 1993. Freemasonry’s movement regarding racial matters affirms Freemasonry’s genuine evolution with the rest of American society and churches toward genuine brotherhood among all races.

Racial Exclusion: Some critics, less eager to put their own houses in order than to find fault with others, contend most lodges refuse to admit African Americans as members. Freemasonry today is not a whites only organization as the hundreds of thousands of Black, Native American. Hispanic and Oriental Freemasons can testify. Petitions for membership do not ask the race of the petitioner, and it would be considered completely wrong to do so. At the same time it must be said that Freemasonry, like American society and churches in general, has not lived up entirely to its high ideal of brotherhood in dealing with African-American and other minorities. This is a situation which most Freemasons. like most Americans. are trying to overcome. There is a schism in Freemasonry dating back over 200 years to when "Prince Hall" Masons, who are African-Americans, declared themselves independent. This schism is similar to the division of the United Methodist Church from the A.M.E. C.M.E. and United Methodist Church from the A.M.E., S.M.E. and A.M.E. Zion churches or the National Baptists from the American and Southern Baptists. In each of these three examples. the organizations are working to

In summary, looking over the concerns raised in the report, none are tenets and teachings as the report claims. Four of the concerns are merely misunderstandings of masonic vocabulary by non-masons. The complaint that some of the writers whose work Freemasonry studies are pre-Christian could be raised against any study of man, government or philosophy. Almost all areas of study start with the ancient (pagan) Greeks. All members of the Fraternity know that Freemasonry does not invade the area of the church to teach any doctrine of salvation, neither universalism, salvation by works, nor any other. And the objection that Freemasonry is some sort of whites-only club is refuted by the myriad of men of colour wearing the square and compasses.

Freemasonry is simply a Fraternity An organization of men, banded together to further develop themselves ethically and morally, and to benefit the community at large!

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American Education Week The week of November 15 through 19, 2021 will be upon us soon and we as Masons should be aware of the significance of this week in American history. In 1919 immediately following WWI the National Education Association and the newly formed American Legion combined efforts to address a pressing need that was revealed during the buildup of troops for combat in WWI. Twenty five percent of the draftees were illiterate and seven percent unfit for service. This presented a serious problem training the draftees for service in a very short amount of time.

during the Enlightenment period of the late seventeenth century through the eighteenth century.

The Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason, was an intellectual and cultural movement that emphasized reason over superstition and science over blind faith. During this period in time there were a range of ideas centered on the pursuit of happiness, sovereignty of reason, and the evidence of the senses as the primary sources of knowledge and advanced ideas such as liberty, progress, toleration, fraternity, constitutional government, and the separation of church and state. I believe this is strong evidence of Modern Freemasonry's tie to the "Age of Reason" and our fraternity's long-standing support of the Public School system where all children have the opportunity to improve themselves and expand their knowledge.

Both the American Legion and the National Education Association during their National Conventions in 1919 passed resolutions to address the need for educational awareness and opportunities for all. The first American Education Week observance was held in December of 1920 and has evolved and grown through the years to be I hope all our Lodges will observe the spirit of MWGM observed the week prior to Thanksgiving each year.

Randy Jager's Edict No. 2021-01 by supporting and recThe Masonic significance of this week is in the access of ognizing our Local Public Schools and the invaluable information and availability and opportunity for all peo- service they provide to the students in our communities ple to further their education and explore new ideas and Fraternally, share those ideas with others without fear of retribution from the authorities in power. I believe the desire to explore and share ideas were one of the leading factors 2021-22 Deputy Grand Master of the formation of Modern Freemasonry 300 years ago Grand Lodge of Arizona F. & A.M.

Jim Baker

Did you know that during the Revolutionary War the Provincial Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania granted a warrant to a British Military Lodge?

Unity Lodge No. 18, Ancient York Masons, was composed of soldiers from "His Brittanic Majesty's 17th Regiment of Foot."

On July 17, 1779, the regiment was captured during the attack on Stony Point, New York. Among their baggage was found the warrant and regalia of the Lodge. The soldiers delivered the warrant to their commanding officer, General and Brother Samuel H. Parsons. The officer immediately returned the Masonic items to the regiment, with a letter as shown here. When this Regiment returned home, they exchanged their Pennsylvania Provincial Warrant for one from the Grand Lodge of Scotland, where they became Unity Lodge No. 169 on the roles of that organization.

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November Greetings I hope that everyone is doing well we are now in the month of November. It is now the time of year where we remember our veterans and recognizing them for their service. It is now that time of year to start thinking about what we have learned and what we have lost especially with this unprecedented year. As we get closer to thanksgiving let’s ask ourselves what we are thankful for.

As we ask ourselves this every year around this time what does it mean to be thankful? Also why do we tend to only worry about being thankful at this time of year and not as much throughout the rest of the year?

I believe that we tend to be extremely busy to the point where we don’t always see what we are doing, and it all moves in a blur. This blur is usually seen because we always feel like we must be doing something in order to be productive or in order to be seen as helpful or useful. When in fact we should all slow down. If we don’t take the time throughout the year to think through everything then what are we doing? It is like trying to accomplish tasks with out reviewing what went right or wrong. What could go better for the next time. So, the same applies here for us today.

We need to take the time throughout the year and reflect rather than waiting till the end of the year. So what are you thankful for?

For one I am thankful for my family and friends. For without them I would not be the person that I am today. And with them I have been able to grow and become the person I am today. I am also thankful for my

Lodge and the brothers who have been there to help me on my journey through Masonry. For without them I would not be where I am today in the craft. And then finally I am thankful for my students because without them I would not be the teacher I am today.

So now I challenge you my brothers and ask yourself what are some people that you are thankful for in your life? What are some things you have done this past year that you are thankful for? And What are you thankful for from Freemasonry?

Fraternally,

John Woode 2021 Senior Warden Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

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by William R. Fischer It is thought that King Solomon erected these pillars as a reference to the Pillar of Clouds and the Pillar of Fire.

He did not simply erect them as ornaments, but as memorials of Gods repeated promise of support to his people.

The name of the pillar on the left came from two words, IN and STRENGTH meaning of which is "in strength it be established" the name of the pillar on the right came from one word, JEHOVAH meaning "God".

When you place them together you have "God will establish his house of Israel". These pillars stood as a daily reminder to those who entered In the French and Scottish Rites, a small room adjoining the the Temple.

Lodge, in which, preparatory to initiation, the candidate is enI mentioned Pillars of Cloud and Fire, at the closed for the purpose of indulging in those serious meditations which its somber apbeginning. pearance and the The Pillar of Cloud, emblematic of water, gloomy emblems with went before the Israelites by day and the Pillar which it is furnished of Fire emblematic of light, lead them by night are calculated to produce. It is also used in in their journey through the wilderness. some of the advanced The one on the right represents the Pillar of degrees for a similar Cloud, and the one on the left the Pillar of purpose. Its employFire. ment is very appropriate, for, as Gädicke The names of the pillars are symbolic of the well observes, "It is strength and stability of the Institution. only in solitude that we can deeply reflect upon our present or They have many meanings but what they rep- future undertakings, and blackness, darkness, or solitarine, is ever a symbol of death. A man who has undertaken a thing after resent is the superintending and protecting mature reflection seldom turns back." power of the Deity.

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What a great night, we had challenged Valley of the Son and Glendale DeMolay chapters in September for a friendly night of Dodgeball. These young men did not disappoint. Lots of fun and friendship. A yummy nacho bar and treats were provided.We also had other games available. In addition, to having "5" prospects in attendance and another family stopping by to pick up an application. Next dodgeball event-Saturday, November 20 at 11:00 a.m. with recently challenged Arizona Chapter of the Order of DeMolay .

The

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My Brothers, November is the month which the holiday of Thanksgiving is celebrated. We all look forward to spending time with our families and eating a traditional meal.

We give Thanks for all the Grace and many wonderful blessings the Deity has bestowed upon us and on our loved ones. How Awesome is our God! The Prayers answered, and the most beautiful and magnificent wonders that are provided for us every day. We should be thankful every minute for the Love that the Supreme Grand Master embraces us with. Sure there is evil in this world, but as Masons are taught to live virtuous and upright lives, ever walking in the paths of truth and justice, even though our lives be endangered thereby. In the Sacred Scriptures he has laid down our working tools for us to follow and guide us in our trials, troubles and difficulties, our spirits endeavor while here in the body, and promises us that When we are called to his presences we will be judged by the deeds done while here on earth. Our lives should be lived as pure and spotless as the surface of that fair emblem we were presented after we had been raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. We are further reminded that our time here on earth, is very limited. Love your family with all your heart, for time is passing my Brother. The Hour Glass is an Emblem of human life, Behold how swiftly the sands run, and how rapidly our lives are drawing to a close! We cannot without astonishment behold the little particles which are contained in this machine; how they pass away almost imperceptibly;

and yet, to our surprise, in the short space of an hour they all are exhausted! Thus waste man!

Today, he puts forth the tender leaves of hope; tomorrow, blossoms, and bears his blushing honors thick upon him; the next day comes a frost which nips the shoot; and when he thinks his greatness is still aspiring, he falls like autumn leaves, to enrich our mother earth. My Brothers let us be thankful and devoted to the Supreme Architect of the Universe, may we Love one another and treat each other with the proper fidelity we entrust in our Deity.

Please have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving. Be charitable and pray for those who are less fortunate. See you in Lodge.

Freemasonry: A brotherhood of man under The Fatherhood of God Fraternally,

Dewey Jefferson 2021 Junior Warden Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

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

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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.

Of the five senses hearing, seeing, and feeling only are deemed essential to Freemasons. Tasting and smelling are therefore not referred to in the instructions, except as making up the sacred number five. Preston says: "Smelling and Tasting are inseparably connected; and it is by the unnatural kind of life which men commonly lead in society that these senses are rendered less fit to perform their natural duties."

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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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Nov 4, Pinal Lodge No. 30

Nov 15, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

7:00 pm Stated Meeting

5:30 pm Trustee Meeting

Nov 9, Ocotillo Chapter No. 21 OES

Nov 18, 2021 Town of Florence

7:00 pm Stated Meeting

Main Street Third Fridays 5:00 pm Event Begins

Nov 11, Apache Lodge No. 69 7:30 pm Stated Meeting

Dec 4, 2021 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

Nov 13, White Mountain No. 3

Gila Valley Lodge Christmas Party 276 S. Starr Rd, Apache Junction 5:00 pm Social Event begins

10:00 am Stated Meeting

Nov 13, Globe Chapter No. 7 R.A.M 2:00 pm Stated Meeting

Nov 15, 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

Nov 18, Eloy Lodge No. 46 7:00 pm Stated Meeting

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

11:00 am Stated Meeting

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Jim Reid Gale MacDougall MWGM Mark Manning 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

November Birthdays Robert Amma Jacob Roberts Boyd Johnson Lloyd Chip Frizzell Roger Biede Jim Baker Dewey Jefferson Tom Williams

November Anniversaries 11-4 11-4 11-11 11-12 11-12 11-17 11-20 11-22

John Byron Singer John O’Hara Gale MacDougall Bill Powell Michael Henry Jacob Roberts Jim Reid Dewey Jefferson

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11-21-1961 11-12-1969 11-9-1985 11-23-1994 11-22-1997 11-22-1997 11-16-1999 11-28-2018

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 24

Email: jiminys@yahoo.com

Bro. Email: jwoode591@gmail.com

Dewey Jefferson Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com

MWGM Randy Jager 2021-22 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 Email: robert_molloy@cox.net

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

Chairman: Dewey Jefferson

Bro. David Jones

Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com

Email: dejones2063@gmail.com

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

Bro. Brian Gay Email: bg1973@hotmail.com

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

Roger Biede III PM Chairman

Bro. Gale MacDougal Email: bearinbox@con.net

Robert Molloy PM, John Woode 25

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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 br eakfast 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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