November 2023 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 Trestleboard

October 2023

MW

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It is November and with November comes all the ganizing the Annual Outdoor degree to just being a fun and excitement of the holiday season. This holi- great support group of brothers to help me through day season I want you to think of 3 things that you the tough and good times in lodge and in my life. are thankful for one thing that has happened one Without you all I would not be where I am today. thing that is happening soon and one that is coming And for that I am thankful. in the future.

I am thankful for my fiancée and looking forward to So, this year I am thankful for all the brothers in helping me throughout the year. This goes from everything from being a master of the lodge to Or-

our wedding that is coming up in the very near future. She has been there for my transition from one job to the next and has stayed by my side even in this fun start to a new band program and or being understanding with my new Marching Band Schedule. For without her I may not have made it through the first 2 months.

Finally, I am thankful for all of my future students that I will get to teach and make lasting impacts on.

For when I see each group of students come in through the door I see new potential for music excitement and the passion for learning. For without them in my life I would have no purpose to help feed my soul. So, I look forward to teaching each new class as the years go on.

Brothers I again Ask what are you thankful for??

Fraternally,

John Woode 2023 Master Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

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The Trowel is an important symbol and working took in Craft Masonry in many parts of the world, although it has become obsolete in England and in those rituals based on English workings.

However, the Trowel was still being used in England in the 18th Century, when Masonry was being spread abroad, and, perhaps, as a result, American Lodges still use it as the only “Working Tool” in their Master Mason’s Degree.

An early English book, Preston’s Illustrations of Masonry dated 1792, says: “The Trowel is mentioned as one of the things presented to the W.M. on his installation.”

fection and social union, must unite separate minds and interests that, like the radii of a circle which extend from the centre to every part of the circumference, the principle of universal benevolence may be diffused to every member of the community.”

“As it is used by the operative Brother to spread cement which unites the building into one common mass, so the Freemason uses the Trowel emblematically for the noble and glorious purpose of spreading the cement of brotherly love and affection, that cement which unites the members of the fraternity into one sacred band or society of Brothers.

However, in the Scandinavian countries, all Masons But when the ritual was revived in 1813 the trowel in Craft Lodges wear the Trowel as a jewel. Entered Apprentices and Fellowcrafts wear a silver Trowel appears to have been dropped from the English craft Masonry altogether and is now completely ob- and Master Masons wear a gold Trowel.

These countries use two sets of Working Tools, both sets being explained in the First Degree.

The first set consists of the square, level, and plumb rule. The second set consists of the Trowel, hammer and compasses. The solete in the system.

Trowel is also well known in European Masonry.

However, in Scotland today (1966) the Trowel is In one French working, (if not more) the candidate used as the collar jewel of the Junior Deacon, and in the Fellowcraft Degree is made to take five the Grand Junior Deacon also wears this jewel as ‘voyages’ around the Lodge and on each ‘voyage’ part of his regalia. They explain the use of the carries a different Working Tool, namely the mallet Trowel this way: “The Trowel teaches that nothing and chisel, the square and compasses, the rule and can be united without proper cement, and the per- crowbar, the level, and on the fifth and last ‘voyage’, fection of the building depends on the suitable dis- the Trowel. position of the cement. So Charity, the bond of per3

In U.S. Lodges, and, in those Canadian Lodges use of by operative Masons to spread the cement which have taken their ritual and form from the var- which unites the building into one common mass; ious American states, the Trowel is the only Work- but we, as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to ing Tool used in the Third Degree. make use of it for the more noble and glorious purTo quote Mackey’s Encyclopedia: “This implement pose of spreading the cement of brotherly love and affection; that cement which unites us into one sais considered the appropriate Working Tool of a cred band, or society of friends and brothers, Master Mason, because, in operative Masonry, among whom no contention should ever exist, but while the Apprentice is engaged in preparing the that noble contention, or rather emulation, of who rude materials, which require only the gauge and best can work, and best agree.” gavel to give them their proper shape, the Fellow Craft places them in their proper position by means This charge, as Macoy gives it, has remained relaof the plumb, level, and square; but the Master Ma- tively unchanged to this day, and is still used by son alone, having examined their correctness and most American and some Canadian Lodges. proved them true and trusty, secures them perma- The Trowel has been, and still is, a respected nently in their place by spreading, with the Trowel, Working Tool in the Craft throughout much of the the cement that irrevocably binds them together.” world and, even though we may not use it ourselves, Robert Macoy, in his book, The Masonic Ritual, informs us that “the Trowel is an implement made

it may still provide us with much symbolism on which to moralize.

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No matter what is going on in the world around us Veterans Day, may we pause to embrace those who these days, and maybe especially because of what is served our country. We can be worthy of the valgoing on around us in the world these days, we ues and ideals for which they sacrificed, worth of need to always pause and reflect on the sacrifices their courage int eh face of fear that few of us will many have made to protect the country we ever experience, by honoring their commitment love. Some have visible scars that remind them dai- and devotion to duty and country. ly of their sacrifices for our country, but many of As we work to continue the tradition of Freemathem carry with them invisible scars that we would sonry in our communities, we should draw inspiranever know they suffer with. They have horrors of tion from those who work to continue our shared war but bravely faced them, certain that their own American traditions each and every day. Do you cause and their country's was a noble one. They have veteran in your family, lodge, or community were fighting or human dignity, for free men every- you can thank for their service? Take time to talk where. to them, listen to some of their stories. This will As President Woodrow Wilson wrote, on the first Armistice Day (as it was known in the Commonwealth, and Veterans Day as its know in the United States), we continue to be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who are in the country's service. Duty, integrity, ethics, honor, courage and loyalty are the core values of our Department of Defense. These values never take a day off, no matter the circumstances.

undoubtedly put a smile on their face and make them feel appreciated. God bless our troops – and may God bless each and every one of you.

Fraternally,

Robert Malloy 2023 Junior Warden Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

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Join us for a very special St. John's dinner on December 27th where you will join 30 of your fellow Brother's in a Socratic Dialogue with MW Bro. Brad Billings of the Grand Lodge of Texas. We will be dining in a historic, very private and secluded space in the Downtown area of Tucson, Arizona to make the event even more intimate. A week before the event participants will receive a letter with an address and time we ask that you arrive. From that location, you will then be escorted to the private entrance, outer door of our dining location. Upon providing the correct identification, you will be allowed entrance to the inner door of our event. Currently we are planning on the dinner to begin at 6 pm, beginning with an informal meet and greet before dinner. The evening will consist of a gourmet dinner, an exclusive dinner gift, and an evening that you will not soon forget.

For information or registration please contact stjohndaytucson@gmail.com 6

Our Chapter will be having a Food Drive Wednesday, November 29, 2023Wednesday, December 13, 2023 for DeMolay's Obligatory-Day of Comfort. Donation boxes will be in the lobby of Pinal Lodge #30. We can also pick up donations if unable to deliver in person.

Details listed.

The

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The Assembly participated in the Veterans Day Parade in Mesa, Arizona

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The Order of the Golden Fleece is an order of chivalry. In Masonic ritual we speak of the Golden Fleece. It gets compared to the badge of a Mason, our white leather aprons and we are told they are more ancient than the Golden Fleece. This can cause confusion since there is more than one Golden Fleece.

The first Golden Fleece comes to us from Greek Mythology. In the story of Jason and the Argonauts, the crew of the Argos, travel to find the Golden Fleece to help put Jason on the throne. Some historians date this story to the time of Homer around the eight century B.C. The idea this is the Golden Fleece actually tracks historically since Solomon's Temple was completed in 957 B.C. Making the white leather apron, assuming our ancient brothers were wearing white leather aprons, older by potentially a few hundred years.

The other Golden Fleece is the Order of the Golden Fleece and is more likely the Golden Fleece spoken of in our ritual. The Order of the Golden Fleece was created in 1430 by Philip III, Duke of Burgundy, who is also known as Philip the Good. The order is a Roman Catholic order of chivalry. It still exists today, although it's history compared to Masonic history is what we are concerned with.

Since the order had its beginnings in 1430, it means it was created some 40 years after the Regius Poem. In the poem, which is believed to have been written by a monk in 1390, details the events in the court of Athelstan the first King of England. In the manuscript the rules and regulations are laid out for the behaviour of a mason and the manner in which a master runs his lodge and his job site. Remember at the time Freemasons were all, as far as we know, operative masons. Even if part of the Regius Poem is a 'legend' concerning King Athelstan and Masonry, circa 900 A.D., Freemasonry was more than likely already around in 1390. Making the white leather apron older than the Order of the Golden Fleece.

Regardless of which Golden Fleece we are talking about the idea of our ritual is to remind ourselves and teach our new brothers the importance of the item placed in their care. It should remind us every time we enter a lodge to ask ourselves have we treated, by our actions, the ancient emblem with the respect and care it deserves.

Source: Today in Masonic History

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Good day Brethren, this month I would like to talk about Masonic recognized groups. Namely motorcycle or riding groups. I don’t know all of them, but I do know Riders of the Third Degree and Widows Sons. These are Masonic riding associations and not

Motorcycle Clubs. Believe me there is a difference.

My wife Dana and I ride with the Widows Sons and our chapter is Memento Mori and our Captain is PM Eric Smith, I think you know him. Some other chapters in Arizona are, Knights of Cochise, The Lost Tribe, Green Dragons, Iron Pillars, Square and Compass, Traveling Knights, to name a few. These groups do charitable work through rides, raffles, and other events to raise money for donations to needy community services. Each chapter has its own particular interest group to donate to. In fact we have a

ride to raise money for Hope Womens Center in Apache Junction. Also, we will be making a ride to Nogales to help The Knights of Cochise with donations to homeless individuals in Mexico. Remember, charity extends beyond all boundaries. Most recently the Widows Sons had a statewide gathering in St. David, Az. We had over 100 people and I meet 6 Brothers from Chihuahua Mexico that came to the party. We did a ride on Saturday and had over 30 motorcycles. We rode to Tombstone and visited King Solomon Lodge, then Bisbee, Palominos, and back to St. David. Had a great time, and special thx to the Brothers and Wifes that put the weekend together. Did I forget to mention that Widows Sons are worldwide because of Blue Lodge and Shrine? Another event that happened recently was an international gathering in Oklahoma that had over 2000 Widows sons from 29 countries. Pretty impressive I would say. If you are out and about and see a motorcycle vest, read the back it might just be a Brother. Also, when you are driving on the streets please look twice and be Motocycle aware. Thx Brothers and hope you enjoyed the letter. Fraternally,

Dewey Jefferson 2023 Senior Warden Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

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Hello everyone, the Pinal County Animal Control Center is in need of hard plastic kiddie pools for their doggos They use these pools as enrichment for the dogs when they’re in playgroup/yards. All donations can be dropped off at the shelter. Their pups thank you!

1150 S. Eleven Mile Corner Rd Casa Grande AZ, 85194

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 (xylitolfree) – Pet Food—Medicine - Office supplies - Grooming tools 11

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/

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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.

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Nov 4, Silver Wings Dinner

Nov 2, Pinal Lodge No. 30

Sabbar Shrine Dinner Shriners Ambassador present

7:00 pm Stated Meeting

Nov 9, Apache Lodge No. 69 7:30 pm Stated Meeting

Nov 25, Jr. Parada Parade 9:30 Line-up Grand Lodge will be present

Nov 11, White Mountain No. 3 10:00 am Stated Meeting

Nov 11, Globe Chapter No. 7 R.A.M

Dec 27, Feast of St. John

2:00 pm Stated Meeting

Events Statewide

Nov 16, Eloy Lodge No. 46

March 2, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

7:00 pm Stated Meeting

Lost Dutchman Outdoor Degree

Nov 18, Memento Mori Widow Sons

March 22-24, Leadership/Masonicon

Location TBD: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WSMMChapter

11:00 am Stated Meeting

Grand Lodge of Arizona Prescott Conference Center

Nov 27, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 7:00 pm Stated Meeting

June 6-8, Annual Communication Grand Lodge of Arizona Mesa

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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 17

Jim Reid Josh Seagrave PM MWGM Jeff Carlton John Anderson Colleen Apger Bro. Lee Apger Wilbur (Bill) Dean Lawrence Bro. Steve Murphy Baby Miguel Martinez

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

Roger C. Biede II 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

11/04 11/04 11/11 11/12 11/12 11/17 11/20 11/22

Bryon Singer William Powell Michael Henry Jacob Roberts Jim Reid Dewey Jefferson

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11/21/1961 11/23/1994 11/22/1997 11/22/1997 11/16/1999 11/28/2016

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Email: jwoode591@gmail.com

WB. Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com

Robert Molloy Email: robert_molloy@cox.net

MWGM George Rusk 2023-24 Grand Master F. & A.M of Arizona

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

Chairman: WB John Woode Email: jwoode591@gmail.com

Bro. Ronald Wayne Email: pogobeast@icloud.com

Chairman: John Woode Email: jwoode591@gmail.com

Chairman: WB Dewey Jefferson Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com

Bro. Steve Murphy Email: santanman7921@gmail.com

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

Chairman: Brian Gay

Bro. Mark White

Email: bg1973@hotmail.com

Email: mark.anne2005@gmail.com

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

Bro. Brian Gay

Chairman: John Woode

Email: Email: mark.anne2005@gmail.com

Email: jwoode591@gmail.com

Roger Biede III PM Chairman

WB Anthony Raimondi

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Robert Molloy PM, John Woode

My brothers, I am deeply humbled and honored to be elected to serve as your Grand Master. I take seriously the trust you have instilled in me.

I promise to dedicate my year to education, fiscal responsibility, and membership improvement. There are many existing programs that we will continue and new programs we will institute. I can’t wait to meet with each of you and talk about improving Freemasonry in Arizona.

Leadership Through Serving.

This year one of our focuses will be Leadership Through Serving, also known as servant leadership, a leadership philosophy that focuses on the needs of the people being led rather than the leader's own selfinterest. In this approach, the leader takes on the role of a servant to the people they lead, putting their needs first and working to empower and support them in achieving their goals.

Servant leaders prioritize building relationships with their followers, showing empathy and understanding, and fostering a sense of community and collaboration. They listen actively to feedback and ideas, encourage the development of their team members, and strive to create a positive and inclusive work environment.

By serving their team members and supporting their growth and development, servant leaders can inspire greater engagement, motivation, and loyalty. This approach can also help build trust and respect among team members, leading to greater productivity and higher levels of overall performance and success for Masonry in Arizona.

Motto: Always be Humble and Kind.

Being humble and kind can have many benefits, both for oneself and for those around us. Here are some reasons why it's valuable to cultivate humility and kindness: Improving relationships: When we approach others with humility and kindness, we are more likely to build positive and healthy relationships. People tend to be drawn to those who are kind and approachable, and being humble can help us avoid conflicts and misunderstandings.

Promoting empathy: Humility and kindness can help us become more attuned to the needs and feelings of others. When we are less focused on our own egos and more open to others' perspectives, we are more likely to show empathy and compassion.

Fostering personal growth: Humility can help us recognize our own limitations and areas for improvement, which can promote personal growth and development. When we are open to feedback and willing to learn from our mistakes, we can become more resilient and adaptable.

Contributing to a better world: Kindness can have a ripple effect, inspiring others to act with compassion and generosity. When we show kindness to others, we can help create a more positive and connected world.

Grand Master Grand Lodge of F&AM of Arizona George R. Rusk 22

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 23held.