October 2020 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 Trestleboard

Printed Every Month 130th Anniversary

OCTOBER 2020

Ray-Winkelman Lodge No. 24 has a long and proud history dating back to the early days of Masonry in Arizona.

At the 2020 Communication it was voted by Grand Lodge for Lodge No. 24 to enter into a new direction and merge with White Mountain Lodge No. 3 in Globe. While cleaning out the Lodge Hall, a plaque was removed and behind it was found a time capsule containing a number of interesting items! Contained within the handmade box, was a history of Winkelman Lodge and a number of items that will be revealed at a future White Mountain Lodge meeting!.

A time capsule is a historic cache of goods or information, usually intended as a deliberate method of communication with future people, and to help future archaeologists, anthropologists, or historians.

The preservation of holy relics dates back for millennia, but the practice of preparing and preserving a collection of everyday artifacts and messages to the future appears to be a more recent practice. Time capsules are sometimes created and buried during celebrations such as a world's fair, a cornerstone laying for a building, or at other ceremonies.

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

Brethren,

book pages and it won’t take long to see some bickering.

Of all the challenges of being master of a lodge, writing Frankly its taken a toll on me. Im sure Im not the only one. Try and stay as upbeat as you might but its imposthese monthly letters has been one of the most difficult. At first I thought it was because I was running out sible to swim through the darkness without absorbing of topics to write about, but upon further thought, I real- some of it. ized that I was really just running out of topics that I As dreary as all this WANT to write about. I try to keep them either releseems , I am still at vant to the currents events or whats currently on my least endeavoring to mind and more and more I prefer not to dwell too be an optimist. The much on either. While preparing to write this months cloud is large but the edition, I kept finding myself staring at a blank page, I’d silver lining still start typing and then almost immediately delete whatev- shines. I urge everyer meager output I jotted down out of frustration. So I one to find it where began to ruminate over my previous postings and nothey can. The electiced an undeniable trend further and further to negativ- tions are almost ity. My first letters were almost all hopeful and full of here and better yet personal whimsy but as we creep further and further swiftly over, we will into the trash pile that is 2020, it becomes much less get past covid some“wonder years” and much more “Grumpy old men" how either by time or vaccine or herd immunity but we will get past it, and our beloved fraternity and more personally our lodge, is still standing, which means there’s I’ve always said that “the key to happiness is perspective”, and that has served me very well since every cloud still hope for it. Hope that, with no small effort and really does have a silver lining if you make the effort to care, we can once again thrive. look for it. That outlook has allowed me to stay the generally positive, optimistic person that I want be. At least up until recently. This year has proven to be a particular challenge to stay informed yet try and ignore the muck. There’s so much divide between us all. Whether racial, political, financial, or opinions on covid. No matter where you turn there’s something to argue about and though I really prefer burying my head in the sand and hoping it’ll all go away, that approach is not only completely unproductive, its also very lonely. What’s worse is that all this drama isn’t just taking place out in the world, its seeped Into our fraternity. Maybe it’s just one of the joys of the responsibility of the chair, that you’re privy to all the behind the scenes disagreements among us, that makes it seem more prevalent. Its not just in our lodge though, Follow any of the many masonic face-

With all that said, I’d like to remind you all that we have some elections of our own coming up soon and our issues, much like the worlds, won’t be fixed by sitting on the sidelines. We need quality, goal oriented people sitting in our officer chairs to help guide this ship and we are currently looking like we will be a few good men short. If you’ve never served as an officer or haven’t served in awhile, we need you. Please contact any of our pillar officers if you feel like you have ANYTHING to offer for the benefit or our lodge.

Let’s clean the smudges off our rose colored glasses and look forward to a brighter future.Fraternally,

Anthony Raimondi 2020 Master Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

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Well brothers we are now to the point of the year where we ask ourselves where did the year go and what can I still do? Nine months have gone by and we are now three fourths of the way through the year. I usually end up asking myself well what did I want to get accomplished and have I done it yet? A lot of times we all look back to the New year as being a time to make Resolutions well I personally think that you should have four.

The reasoning for this is there are four seasons in the year and we should set at least four goals so that we have something to work towards all year.

opportunity to see and understand the three degrees in other perspectives than what you may have remembered from watching on the sidelines or participating as the candidate.

Thirdly you could choose to be a mentor to someone who is going through the degrees. By doing this you will be able to reacquaint yourself with the material and it may help you to rediscover something that you may have forgotten from when you were working on your proficiencies. With this approach you also get to know a new brother in the craft and help to guide him on his way through his own personal journey through freemasonry.

If you take this approach in your life, then you will always have something to look forward to. Even something to keep you busy when you have caught up on all the work and or chores you have in your day to day lives. If we were to plan our years out like this, we may feel more accomplished with ourselves and feel like we matter. In masonry there is something like this put into place for us as we progress through our degrees. Step one go through the degree. Step two reflect on the degree and then step three work on the memorization and go out and experience the degree again through watching and or participating in another role. These are the starting points as to what we as masons can focus to help us become one more involved or two more aware of what we have already gone through.

Then lastly always remember that even if you are not super involved you can be just as much a mason in your day to day lives. Ask yourself am I setting myself up for success? How would I react to what I am doing if I were to have said or done this in lodge? How am I helping my community or Work place? Am I contributing or just going through the motions? How can I catch this and make the right choices for the future? So, I hope that if you get anything out of this after reading, I want you to think and contemplate am I using the time I have to the best of my abilities or can I do better? And if it is the later, I want you to take a moment and write down what it is that you wish to improve.

Secondly after you have taken the time to go through all Until next time brothers, three of the degrees in this manner the next goal you Fraternally, could set for yourself is ask well do I want to go through the chairs? If this option is chosen you have pretty much given yourself a chance for 7 years of lines and or 2020 Junior Warden ritual parts and movement to learn. It also gives you the Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

John Woode

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Ancient Landmarks of Freemasonry are considered unchangeable and are often used to define Freemasonry.

As previously stated a Grand Lodge can recognize any landmarks it desires. The Landmarks it recognizes will The idea of an Ancient Landmark is said, by some, to re- have an effect on whether they are recognized by other fer to the Bible. In the Book of Proverbs it states "Remove Grand Lodges. Six of the most common landmarks are: not the ancient landmark which thy fathers have set." belief in a Supreme Being or monotheism There are also precedents in Jewish law that states "Thou belief in the immortality of the soul shalt not remove thy neighbors' landmark, which they of a book or volume of sacred law as an indispensable part of old time have set in thine inheritance." In either case it refers to an area of land that may have stone markers used the "furniture" (or furnishings) of the Lodge to define the property. Relating it to Freemasonry, the the legend of the Third Degree landmarks define the due bounds of a lodge, Grand the secrets of Freemasonry: The modes of recognition Lodge or Grand Orient. It should be noted that I will use and the symbolic ritual of the Lodge the term Grand Lodge generically from this point forward that a Mason be a man, freeborn, and of lawful age in this article, it is meant to refer to a Grand Lodge or a Grand Orient.

In the 1950's the Commission on Information for Recognition of the Conference of Grand Masters of Masons in North America upheld 1 and 3 as landmarks. They also added that "Discussion of Religion and Politics is prohibited in the Lodge." The Conference of Grand Masters of Masons in North America is an association of Grand Lodges that have some level of amity with each other.

In 1723, in Anderson's Constitutions it was stated that They get together annually to discuss issues that may effect "Every Annual Grand Lodge has an inherent power and all of the Grand Lodges in the region. There are other Authority to make new Regulations or to alter these, for such conferences around the world with a similar purpose. the real benefits of this Ancient Fraternity; provided alAlthough the Conference did uphold those three landways that the old Land-Marks be carefully preserved." In marks, there is no obligation for any Grand Lodge associthe original book it did not list the Landmarks. ated with the conference to uphold those specific landIn 1856, Albert Mackey defined what he thought were the marks. The Conference should be thought of as a "United 25 ancients landmarks. He also specified traits that any Nations" where individual Grand Lodges are represented, and all landmarks should posses. These traits are: but the Conference has no authority in the individual Jurisdictions. notional immemorial antiquity universality It is important to note that since Freemasonry has no controlling authority, individual Grand Lodges may vary in which Ancient Landmarks are recognized. Some Grand Lodges may recognize as few as three and others may recognize as many as 40, sometimes more.

Source: MasonryToday

absolute "irrevocability"

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The Cornucopia as a symbol of abundance and of nourishment stretches back to Classical Antiquity (a period of time in the Mediterranean that generally encompasses the Greco-Roman period). It is most commonly associated with Zeus, King of the Greek gods. When Zeus was born he was hidden away by his mother to prevent Kronos, his father, from eating him, as he did Zeus' siblings.

Kronos in doing this was trying to prevent the fulfillment of a prophecy that one of his children would destroy him. While Zeus was in hiding from his father, he was fed and cared for by various divine attendants including Amalthea (the Nourishing Goddess) who appeared in the form of a goat. The legend states that Zeus accidentally broke off one her horns. Later he gave to the horn to the world of man as it would provide whatever was desired. In other myths of the period, Heracles (the Roman equivalent of Hercules) broke off the horn of a river god, with similar results as Amalthea's horn. The Cornucopia is associated with a variety of gods and goddesses around the Mediterranean.

only for the initiates. At least one source about the Mystery Religions states that "The main characterization of this religion is the secrecy associated with the particulars of the initiation and the ritual practice, which may not be revealed to outsiders." Pluto, probably to show the difference between him and Hades, is often depicted holding a Cornucopia in contrast to Hades who is depicted holding a drinking horn. Pluto was the giver of agriculture, mineral and spiritual wealth.

In modern times the Cornucopia has been adopted the world over as a symbol of prosperity and abundance.

This is especially true in North America. In Canada an annual festival called Cornucopia is held. In several Central and South American countries the Cornucopia is depicted on their coat of arms. In the United States several states have the Cornucopia on their state flags and on state seals. It is most closely tied in the United States with the Thanksgiving Holiday.

For Freemasons the Cornucopia is most commonly known as the symbol for the stewards who are stationed The one Greek God that the Cornucopia is associated in the Masonic South. The Masonic South is tied with that is probably most fascinating to Freemasons, is it's nourishment of the brothers. Often one of the duties of association with Pluto, god of the underworld. This ver- the stewards is to help with meal preparation and other sion of the God of the Underworld, formerly Hades, was times when nourishment is provided to the members of taught in the Mystery Religions, sometimes called the the lodge. sacred mysteries or mysteries. The Mystery Religions of the Greco-Roman world were religious schools that were

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In the system of Freemasonry, the Temple of Solomon is represented as having a gate on the east, west, and south sides, but none on the north. In reference to the historical Temple of Jerusalem, such a representation is wholly incorrect. In the walls of the building itself there were no places of entrance except the door of the porch, which gave admission to the house. But in the surrounding courts there were gates at every point of the compass. The Masonic idea of the Temple is, however, entirely symbolic. The Temple is to the Speculative Freemason only a symbol, not a historical building, and the gates are imaginary and symbolic also. They are, in the first place, symbols of the progress of the sun in his daily course, rising in the East, culminating to the meridian in the South, and setting in the West. They are also, in the allegory of life, which it is the object of the Third Degree to illustrate, symbols of the three stages of youth, manhood, and old age, or, more properly, of birth, life, and death. ~Mackey

“Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can.”

Tennis champion Arthur Ashe said that. At some point he certainly started from where he was, used only what he had, and did the best he could, but he reached out for more and grabbed at stars. A simple strategy to be sure, but it dramatically demonstrates what can be reached when we use our inner strengths when motivated to achieve our goals.

Arthur Ashe succeeded in tennis at a time when African Americans gravitated to other sports. But he started where he was, used what he had, and did what he could to dominate in the sport he loved.

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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Many in the world have a negative outlook on motorcyclists. Why? I guess that depends on the person you ask. Some view motorcyclists as mean, dirty, drunk, outlaws. Others see them (me included) as good people who ride.

The motorcyclists I know are good people who love to ride. Some are part of a group, organization, or association where all riders have something in common beside the love for riding. Most of these riders groups are setup to help others from children to veterans.

Knowing thyself is how much applied introspection to our personalities has been taken and if we can witness our strengths and weaknesses. The world is constantly changing around us and in a phrase that can still apply in a completely different world, this is proof that introspection will remain as important now as it was then.

Over the old temples of the Mysteries was written the injunction "Man, know thyself, and thou shalt know the universe and God." Happy then is the Mason who has so far purified and developed his own nature as to realize in its fullness the meaning of the "sacred symbol" of the second degree, and found God present not outside but within himself. But in order to find the "perfect points of entrance" to this secret (and we are told elsewhere that "straight is the way and narrow the gate, and few there be that find it") emphasis again is laid in our teaching upon the necessity of complete moral rectitude, of utter exactness of thought, word and action, as exemplified by rigid observance of the symbolic principles of the square, level and plumb-rule.

A couple of the groups that are out therre doing good thins are BACA and the Shriners Motorcycle Club.

Both of these groups were setup to help children. The BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse) Another group is the Shriners Motorcycle Club. They are a group of like minded men who enjoy riding and mission is this: also raise money for the Shriner's Hospitals for Chil"Bikers Against Child Abuse, Inc. (B.A.C.A.) exists with dren. the intent to create a safer environment for abused children. We exist as a body of Bikers to empower children to not feel afraid of the world in which they live. We Some other groups that I know of and am a member of stand ready to lend support to our wounded friends by are the Widows Son's Masonic Riders Association and involving them with an established, united organization. the American Legion Riders. The Widows Son's are We work in conjunction with local and state officials mason You might be surprised and what you find you who are already in place to protect children. We desire can do to send a clear message to all involved with the abused Fraternally, child that this child is part of our organization, and that we are prepared to lend our physical and emotional support to them by affiliation, and our physical pres2020 Senior Warden ence. We stand at the ready to shield these children Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 from further abuse. We do not condone the use of violence or physical force in any manner, however, if circumstances arise such that we are the only obstacle preventing a child from further abuse, we stand ready to be that obstacle."

Eric Smith

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www.azmasoniclibrary.org

KINDNESS “Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” This capsule of inspiration quoted from Mark Twain may well contain infinitely more description of humanity then some of his diminished volumes. It makes words and deeds a palpable commodity, felt and lived through, believable, emotional, well beyond weight and measure.

RELIGIOUS MYSTICISM-MAIMONIDES’ LEVELS OF CHARITY: 1) Give to the poor, not knowing to whom and recipient not by whom, 2) Knowing recipient, recipient does not know by whom.

3) Recipient unknown, recipient knows by whom.

4) Giving directly, before being asked.

5) Giving after being asked.

6) Giving less than needed, but gladly.

7) Giving unwillingly.

You have witnessed a truth that exists even beyond goodness and charity; that even giving of self and material goodness may arrive by degrees, although speaking boldly to the deaf and blind.

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The Great Seal of the United States, depicted on the back of the $1 bill, has often been attributed to some vast Masonic conspiracy. Historians have debunked these claims many times.

Conspiracy theorists point to the latin inscription "Novus Ordo Seclorum" as being a nod to a vast "New World Order." Except when translated that isn't what the phrase means.

"Seclorum" is Latin contraction that more accurately translates as meaning "time" or "age." A more precise meaning of the Latin phrase is "New Order of the Ages."

(Source: An Idiot's Guide to Freemasonry by S. Brent Morris.)

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Gila Valley is playing poker for Charity! Bring an item to help a baby and cash for chips and descend upon Bro. Joe Guinn’s house on October 3rdh at 7pm for another great night of Poker with your Brothers! We are asking that you bring something to donate to Compassion Connect that will help fill their Care Closet. Bring Diapers and or baby wipes! Anything that a baby might need, we want to fill it up!

The poker is Texas Hold ‘em and the Cigars are Cuban… or from other tobacco growing counties! There is a pool and hot tub for those so inclined. We will be enjoying pulled pork sandwiches for dinner. $20 initial buy in, rebuys unlimited, cash game.

For information, Contact the Poker Commission Bro. Joe Guinn at guinnjoe@gmail.com.

CALIENTE COFFEE CLUB SINCE 1985

First and third Tuesday at 9:00 am Caliente Club House, Florence Arizona

MASONIC CONVERSATION, FELLOWSHIP, and EDUCATION For Information call Dewey at 520.576.2329

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Erected in the 1920s and 30s, it soars 333 feet as a beacon of Light and knowledge, educating and inspiring all who visit it. Recognized in 2015 as a National Historic Landmark, the Memorial is one of the most impressive and iconic buildings in the area around our nation’s capital. Our new fundraising endeavor, The Landmark Century Campaign, aims to support a thorough restoration of the Memorial.

And we can help!

Today, the Memorial is a museum like no other in the world. Everything we do revolves around our vision: “to inspire humanity through education to emulate and promote the virtues, character and vision of George Washington, the Man, the Mason, and Father of our Country.”

Open seven days a week, the Memorial offers

Masonic temple, housing two Craft lodges and regularly hosting visiting lodges from around the country. The Memorial is a central hub connecting Masons to one another, and connecting the Craft to the public, our nation, and our world For the past decade, the Memorial Association has devoted tremendous energy and resources to the renovation of the Memorial.

Major exhibits have been added. Interiors have been repaired and repainted. Lighting has been updated. But the most considerable work is the top-to-bottom restoration of the building itself—the first such renovation since the Memorial was completed nearly a century ago.

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

Having a tree planted on the grounds of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial is an excellent way to honor an important individual in your life. And also a great way to express thanks to an organization, such as a Lodge or Chapter. For a donation of $750, the tree will be cared for in perpetuity, and a handsome stone marker placed near the tree will communicate your dedication.

The Society of Washington Lodges is for regular Lodges (recognized by the Grand Lodges of the United States) who are committed to supporting the Memorial.

There is a one-time donation of $2,500.00, which can be applied toward Patronage.

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Curtis Johnson WB Perfecto Rodriquez WB John O’Hara PM WB Delbert Lewis PM WB Ray Osbourn PM WB Billy Bayless Family of Robert E. Turley WB Forest Hammer Family of Ken Holland

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

October Birthdays

October Anniversaries

Jim Reid Robert Shippell Fred Aipperpach James Hurtt David Micheal Roer

Dalton Cole David M. Roer Roger Biede II James Heard Joshua Seagrave Ken Holland David E. Jones Brian Ringer

10-1 10-1 10-7 10-14 10-25

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10—17-1957 10-6-1983 10-28-1992 10-9-2010 10-16-2010 10-5-2013 10-14-2015 10-29-2016

Oct 1 Pinal Lodge No. 30

October 3, 2020 Gila Valley Poker Night

7:00 pm Stated Meeting

Bro Joe Guinn’s house 7:00 pm Charity Poker Night

Oct 8, Apache Lodge No. 69 7:300 pm Stated Meeting

November 7, 2020 Gila Valley Poker Night

Oct 10, White Mountain No. 3

Bro Joe Guinn’s house 7:00 pm Charity Poker Night

10:00 am Stated Meeting

Oct 10 Globe Chapter No. 7 R.A.M 2:00 pm Stated Meeting

Oct 13, Ocotillo Chapter No. 21 OES

November 28, 2020 Jr. Parada Parade Heritage Park Florence, Arizona 9:00 am Parade line up 1000 am Parade Begins

7:00 pm Stated Meeting

December 5, 2020 Gila Valley Poker Night

Oct 15, Eloy Lodge No. 46

Bro Joe Guinn’s house 7:00 pm Charity Poker Night

7:00 pm Stated Meeting

March 26-28, 2021 Arizona Masonicon

Oct 26, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

Holiday Inn Casa Grande, Arizona

5:00 pm Dinner at Mount Athos 7:00 pm Stated Meeting 9:00 pm Post meeting discussion at Mount Athos

June 4-6, 2021 Grand Lodge of Arizona Prescott Resort Prescott, Arizona

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WB Jim Baker is the current High Priest 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 WB Jim Baker, High Priest, or 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! 16

Brethren, Friends, and Family, This year the Masonic Charities of Arizona approved 18 grants totaling $30,000 to organizations throughout Arizona. These 501c3 charitable organizations provide much needed services to their communities. Those services include assistance to our Veterans at the three VA Hospitals in Arizona, Domestic abuse shelters, child learning disabilities, training and assistance for people with special needs, support for soldiers abroad, Adult literacy programs and Personal hygiene kits for the working poor and homeless.

We are able to award these Grants from the income of our investment fund, Lodge and Personal donations and support from Grand Lodge. In order to keep up with the desire to expand our Grant distribution to more organizations and communities around the State we ask for your help.

We have registered with the Amazon Smile Foundation. Amazon Smile will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization selected by their customers. For Amazon customers to select the Masonic Charities of Arizona to receive these donations go to http://smile.amazon.com/ch/942746389 to automatically select us. Or you can go to www.smile.amazon.com and you will be prompted to select a charity. Now you are ready to shop and support the Masonic Charities of Arizona.

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

Fraternally, Roger Biede III Secretary, Masonic Charities of Arizona rcbthree@hotmail.com www.masoniccharitiesaz.com 17

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Anthony Raimondi Email: Raimondi_57@msn.com

Eric Smith Email: jiminys@yahoo.com

Email: jwoode591@gmail.com

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

Dewey Jefferson Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com

Chairman: WB Anthony Raimondi Email: Raimondi_57@msn.com

Lee Apger

Chairman: WB Daniel Genchi PM

Email: lkapger@gmail.com

Email: dmgenchi@gmail.com

Chairman: Eric Smith Email: jiminys@yahoo.com

Robert Holt

Chairman: WB Roger Biede III PM

Email: r.holt0129@gmail.com

Email: roger.biede@gmail.com

Chairman: Dewey Jefferson Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com

David Jones Email: dejones2063@gmail.com

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

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

Daniel Genchi PM Email: dmgenchi@gmail.com

Daniel Genchi PM Chairman Roger Biede III PM Ryan Kann PM

Gale MacDougal Email: bearinbox@con.net

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The first mention of Moon Lodges can be found in the Cooke Manuscript of 1410, one of the oldest documents belonging to the Masonic Craft. In the U.S., Moon Lodges were first noted in colonial times around 1717 to be operating in Philadelphia, Boston and Tennessee.

There appears to have been approximately 3000 moon lodges in the U.S. at the turn of the last century but by the 1950’s that number had decreased to 500. Today, by last count, there are roughly 129 moon lodges in the U.S. A moon lodge was born out of necessity due to the lack of natural or artificial illumination by which one could travel to and from meetings. During the 18th century, transportation was limited to horseback, horse & buggy, walking and even in some circumstances by boat. There were no paved roads and very few gravel but merely two dirt ruts that would meander through bush and fields rarely in a straight line.

With only a candle or coal oil lamp to light the way, a full moon provided welcome companionship for a long and lonely trek. Individuals would travel 8-10 miles or more and were unable to make the long trip home at night and would be supplied lodging by a fellow brother, leaving after breakfast to return home the next morning.

Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 continues to follow this tradition and is honored to be still one of the remaining “Moon Lodges” in the United States. Our Stated Meetings are the Monday On or Before the Full Moon of the Month, The Lodge also goes “Dark” during the summer months of July and August, where no Stated Meetings are held.

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