MW Are you watching the Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 Facebook page? If not you are truly missing out! The Social Media committee has transformed their approach and is seeing great results. In the last month, posts from our posts have reached over 66,000 people, had over 4,500 post engagements and had more than 50 people like or follow the account. We currently have 2400 likes and 2700 followers, making it the most followed and liked page in the jurisdiction. The Committee strives to continue to grow the page and spread Masonry and the workings of Gila Valley Lodge to the masses.
Dear Brothers, now that it is Fall it is time to reap our harvest from the work that we have put in over the year. We are in a time where life changes and colors start to make their presence known through the trees, the décor of our houses and the temperatures are finally bearable. But I will say this is the time when Pumpkin flavored things come back out of hiding as well as the flavor of Apple Cider. So, what makes fall so enjoyable every year we come to it? Why do some people find it to be their favorite time of the year?
Well for one in Arizona we get a break from the relentless 110+ degree heat so that is a plus. But in the northern states they start to go back into the low 50s to high 40s for temps which leads to the sweaters and sweatshirts to come out. It reminds us of the cool nights watching football on a Friday or Saturday and having the feeling of being content and relaxing while still being required to go to work and continue to grind for our day-to-day lives.
For me I feel this is the one season that helps me to divide my time most evenly amongst all things in my life. Due to the amount of time the sun is now up I am more aware of what little time I have during the day to get things done so I manage time a little bit better. I also feel less stressed due to the tempera-
ture, so I feel like I have more time to be out and about without being stressed about what my body feels when trying to work. Also, with it being more regulated with the hours of sunlight and moonlight I can help regulate my sleep so that I am not staying up too late and am able to get ample rest. All of this has helped me to keep myself in a more productive mood and it helps when I am around those I love.
Fall helps me to keep my 24 hours of the day kept broken up into the three parts as we are taught. When we get closer to Halloween and Thanksgiving the more, I think of how can I help at home by making it a home and not just a place where I sleep? How can I help my loved ones feel more loved? How can I be a better partner or dog care giver? What is it that I can do to help contribute or to help relieve the stress of another. I hope that you can find the same peace that many do during this time. Even if it is just your own inner thoughts that you are getting more of a grasp on.
Fraternally,
John Woode
2023 Master Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
I walked through a county courthouse square. On a park bench, an old man was sitting there. I said, "Your courthouse looks kind of run down."
He said, "Nah, it'll do for our little town." I said, "Your old flagpole's leaned a little bit, and that's a ragged old flag you've got hanging on it." He said, "Have a seat," and I sat down. "Is this the first time you've been to our little town?" I said, "I believe it is." He said, "I don't like to brag, But we're kind of proud of that ragged old flag.
You see, we've got a little hole in that flag there from when Washington took it across the Dela ware. And it got powder burns the night Francis Scott Key sat watching it, writing, "Oh Say Can You See." And it got a bad rip down in New Orleans with Packingham and Jackson tugging at its seams.
She almost fell at the Alamo, Next to the Texas flag, but she waved on, though. She got cut with a sword at Chancellorsville, and she got cut again at Shiloh Hill. There were Robert E. Lee, Beauregard, and Bragg, and the south winds blew hard on
that ragged old flag. On Flanders Field, in World War I, She got a big hole from a Bertha gun. She turned blood-red in World War II. She's hung limp and low a time or two. She was in Korea and Viet Nam, and she went where she was sent by her Uncle Sam. She waved from our ships on the briny foam, but they've about quit waving her back here at home.
In her own good land, she's been abused, she's been burned, dishonored, denied, and re fused, and the government for which she stands is scandalized throughout the lands. She's looking threadbare and wearing thin, but she's in good shape for the shape she's in. Cause she's been through the fire before, and I believe she can take a whole lot more. So we raise her up every morning and bring her down every night. We don't let her touch the ground, and we fold her up right..... On second thought, I do like to brag ... Cause I'm mighty proud of that Ragged Old Flag."
by Richard Bernard "Red" SkeltonI walked through a county courthouse square. On a park bench, an old man was sitting there. I said, "Your courthouse looks kind of run down."
He said, "Nah, it'll do for our little town." I said, "Your old flagpole's leaned a little bit, and that's a ragged old flag you've got hanging on it." He said, "Have a seat," and I sat down. "Is this the first time you've been to our little town?" I said, "I believe it is." He said, "I don't like to brag, But we're kind of proud of that ragged old flag.
You see, we've got a little hole in that flag there from when Washington took it across the Dela ware. And it got powder burns the night Francis Scott Key sat watching it, writing, "Oh Say Can You See." And it got a bad rip down in New Orleans with Packingham and Jackson tugging at its seams.
She almost fell at the Alamo, Next to the Texas flag, but she waved on, though. She got cut with a sword at Chancellorsville, and she got cut again at Shiloh Hill. There were Robert E. Lee, Beaure-
gard, and Bragg, and the south winds blew hard on that ragged old flag. On Flanders Field, in World War I, She got a big hole from a Bertha gun. She turned blood-red in World War II. She's hung limp and low a time or two. She was in Korea and Viet Nam, and she went where she was sent by her Uncle Sam. She waved from our ships on the briny foam, but they've about quit waving her back here at home.
In her own good land, she's been abused, she's been burned, dishonored, denied, and re fused, and the government for which she stands is scandalized throughout the lands. She's looking threadbare and wearing thin, but she's in good shape for the shape she's in. Cause she's been through the fire before, and I believe she can take a whole lot more. So we raise her up every morning and bring her down every night. We don't let her touch the ground, and we fold her up right..... On second thought, I do like to brag ... Cause I'm mighty proud of that Ragged Old Flag."
In conjunction with raising fire safety awareness the Grand Lodge of Arizona is recognizing October as Fire Prevention Month. The goal of Fire Prevention Month (and week October 8th - 14th) is to raise fire safety awareness and help protect homes and families.
Today we join the Grand Lodge in celebrating Fire Prevention Week and Month by sharing fire safety awareness and educating our families, and friends. I have attached some important information which may seem simple but is essential in preventing one of the major causes of house fires.
The National Fire Protection Association, NFPA, 2023 campaign for Fire Prevention Month is "Cooking Safety Starts with You."
Did You Know?
Installing reliable protection and being proactive is important to help keep your loved ones safe from a fire or carbon monoxide emergency.
• Almost 3 of every 5 home fire deaths resulted from fires with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms (replace your alarm batteries on a set one year schedule) (NFPA)
• Carbon monoxide is the #1 cause of accidental poisoning have your Central Heating system serviced regularly) in the US (CDC)
• Unattended cooking is the #1 cause of home fires (NFPA)
• A fire department responds to a fire every 23 seconds in America (NFPA)
Cooking is the leading cause of all home fires in 2023 (49%) and continues to climb due to inattentive cooking practices, faulty appliances, and general negligence. Here are the five key steps to look out for to protect yourself and your family from a cooking fire.
1. Pay Attention to What You’re Cooking
It might sound obvious to some, but not paying attention while you’re cooking leads to hundreds of cooking-related house fires every year. People sometimes leave a bot on the stove or something in the oven, forget about it (or take a nap), and next thing you know, a fire has broken loose.
Pay attention when using the stove, microwave, or
other cooking appliance. Something as simple as burnt food leads to costly and dangerous fires.
2. Watch Your Surroundings
While paying attention to your food, don’t forget to look at your surroundings. If you’re not careful, there’s a large amount of potentially explosive items in your kitchen.
Clothes, towels, and household cleaning products are all risky if near an open flame. To avoid accidental fires, keep objects away from your stove, microwave, and other open flames.
3. Pot Handles
It’s not always a fire starter. Whatever food you have heating up in your pans is scalding hot, and if someone accidentally knocks it over or onto
someone, they’ll experience severe burns.
To avoid such accidents, ensure the pan handles are always pointed to the side or towards the back of the stove. Anything left hanging over on the edge in someone’s walking path is dangerous.
4. Keep Your Kitchen Clean
A clean kitchen is a safe kitchen.
Clutter can turn into kindling for a fire in the kitchen, and a greasy stove top can make putting out fires more difficult. By keeping your kitchen clean, you are reducing the possibility of a fire from starting but also increasing your ability to put out a fire quickly.
5. Kid and Pet-Free Zones
If you have children or pets, you know they sometimes have a mind of their own. In the case of the kitchen, keeping them out protects everyone. All you need is one pan knocked over one switch turned on, and there can be a fire.
Instead, put up baby gates around the kitchen and
train your pets that the kitchen is not an area for them. Trust us; it will save you a lot of trouble and stress.
6. Buy a Fire Extinguisher
If you haven’t already, now is the time to invest in a small kitchen fire extinguisher. You never know when an accident will occur, so it’s best to have the tools necessary to prevent something even worse from happening.
You don’t need to buy an industrial fire extinguisher, just something small that will be effective for kitchen fires. If you have any questions please feel free to contact your local Fire Dept they will be more than happy to work with you and to answer any questions you may have.
Fraternally,
Robert Malloy
2023 Junior Warden
Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
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.
On Saturday, September 9, 2023 was our Installation of Officers for the new term. A special Thanks to the Installation team for a job well done. Congrats to Mason as the new MC and his great group of officers to lead the Chapter into the future of growth, adventure and brotherhood.
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
Good day Brethren, well we are now into October and thank God for cooler temps. This article is directed at some of our newer brothers and possibly their friends who may have questions. It concerns Freemasonry and religion.
BASIC PRINCIPLES. Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion. It requires of its members a belief in God as part of the obligation of every responsible adult, but advocates no sectarian faith or practice. Masonic ceremonies include prayers, both traditional and extempore, to reaffirm each individual’s dependence on God and to seek divine guidance. Freemasonry is open to men of any faith, but religion may not be discussed at Masonic meetings.
THE SUPREME BEING. Masons believe that there is one God and that people employ many different ways to seek, and to express what they know of God. Masonry primarily uses the appellation, “Grand Architect of the Universe”, and other nonsectarian titles, to address the Deity. In this way, persons of different faiths may join together in prayer, concentrating on God, rather than differences among themselves. Masonry believes in religious freedom and that the relationship between the individual and God is personal, private, and sacred.
VOLUME of the SACRED LAW. An open volume of the Sacred Law, “the rule and guide of life,” is an essential part of every Masonic meeting. The Volume of the Sacred Law in the Judeo/Christian tradition is the Bible; to Freemasons of other faiths, it is the book held holy by them.
THE OATH of FREEMASONRY. The obligations taken by Freemasons are sworn on the Volume of
Sacred Law. They are undertakings to follow the principles of Freemasonry and to keep confidential a Freemason’s means of recognition. The much discussed “penalties,” judicial remnants from an earlier era, are symbolic, not literal. They refer only to the pain any honest man should feel at the thought of violating his word.
FREEMASONRY COMPAIRED with RELIGION. Freemasonry lacks the basic elements of religion: (A) It has no dogma or theology, no wish or means to enforce religious orthodoxy. (B) It offers no sacraments. (C) It does not claim to lead to salvation by works, by secret knowledge, or by any other means. The secrets of Freemasonry are concerned with modes of recognition, not with the means of salvation.
FREEMASONRY SUPPORTS RELIGION. Freemasonry is far from indifferent toward religion. Without interfering in religious practice, it expects each member to follow his own faith and to place his Duty to God above all other duties. Its moral teachings are acceptable to all religions.
This Statement on Freemasonry and Religion is thank you to Masonic Service Association of North America. I sincerely hope that will help someone with answers to questions that are otherwise difficult to answer.
Fraternally, Dewey Jefferson
2023 Senior 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 (xylitolfree) – Pet Food Medicine - Office supplies - Grooming tools
Grand Care (GCARE) is designed to support Arizonans by funding one-time medical care payments or by reimbursing co-payments for Arizona citizens who receive medical care because they suffer from a "chronic disease" constituting a chronic health condition. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control defines "chronic diseases" as those conditions that exist for at least, but no less than, one calendar year and require ongoing medical attention or limited activities of daily living or both, including, but not limited to, Alzheimer's Disease, Arthritis, Asthma, Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, Chronic Kidney Disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Diabetes, and Stroke.
We are committed to helping those with chronic illness deal with the high cost of medical care, prescriptions and co-pays. We understand hardships are caused for basic living needs when one is living with a chronic illness. Our organization is committed to operating with excellence while providing ser-
vice.
Grand Care is an Arizona non-profit corporation and gratefully accepts IRS 501(C)
(3) tax-deductible contributions from individuals, business and groups
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission. You can mail donations to P.O. Box 64251, Tucson, Arizona 85728 4251 or send them securely through our certified PayPal account.
https://azgcare.org/
The George Washington Memorial Society comprises a select group of members who are dedicated to supporting the Memorial and its Mission. The purpose of the Society is to raise support for the George Washington Masonic National Memorial’s operations and to increase awareness of the Memorial’s mission among Freemasons and the wider community.
The emblem of the Society is a special version of the official crest of The George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association. An image of the Memorial building in the center of the emblem serves as an important reminder of the commitment that each member of the George Washington Memorial Society has made.
Please note that GWMS membership is for individuals only. Lodges are encouraged to consider the Society of Washington Lodges, and other opportunities for support are available for lodges and other organizations as well.
Charter Membership is conferred for contributions of $1,000 or more to the Memorial with the membership application, and $250 or more per year thereafter.
Your Memorial Society dues benefit our annual fund, and are put to use to support the daily operations of the Memorial. To support the restoration work, consider an additional contribution to the Landmark Century Campaign.
Oct 5, Pinal Lodge No. 30
7:00pmStatedMeeting
Oct 10, Ocotillo Chapter No. 21 OES
Callfortime
Oct 14, White Mountain No. 3
10:00amStatedMeeting
Oct 14, Globe Chapter No. 7 R.A.M 2:00pmStatedMeeting
Oct 12, Apache Lodge No. 69
7:30pmStatedMeeting
Oct 19, Eloy Lodge No. 46
7:00pmStatedMeeting
Oct 21, Memento Mori Widow Sons
Location TBD: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WSMMChapter
11:00amStatedMeeting
Oct 23, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
7:00pmStatedMeeting
Oct 14, Yuma Lodge No. 17
Outdoor Degree
10:00 am
Nov 4, Silver Wings Dinner
Sabbar Shrine Dinner
Shriners Ambassador present
Dec 27, Feast of St. John
Events Statewide
March 2, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9
Lost Dutchman Outdoor Degree
March 22-24, Leadership/Masonicon
Grand Lodge of Arizona
Prescott Conference Center
June 6-8, Annual Communication
Grand Lodge of Arizona
Mesa
The “Capitular” or Chapter Degrees of Freemasonry refers the four degrees of the York Rite system that follow the “blue lodge” or “Craft” degrees. The Holy Royal Arch is the final degree and the culmination of the Chapter experience for a candidate. The Chapter is the second body of the York Rite of Freemasonry (following the Symbolic or 'Blue' Lodge), though in some Jurisdictions it is considered the completion of the initial three degrees and is part of the regular Craft experience. All Master Masons are eligible for membership. Contact RW Jim Baker, or WB Paul Dore at pauldoresr@cox.net for more information
Do you have a son 12-21 years Old?
Saguaro Order of the DeMolay is the premier youth leadership organization building young men of character and dedicated to making young men better people and leaders and sponsored by Gila Valley Lodge 9, Pinal Lodge No. 30, and Eloy Lodge No. 46
Meetings are held twice monthly on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month starting at 6:00 pm. All parents are welcome and are encouraged to attend and get involved in this great organization. They meet at Pinal Lodge #30 located at 1140 E. Florence Blvd., Casa Grande, Arizona 85122.
Great Men wear a Fez!
We're counting on you… Who do you know that would make a good Mason and Shriner? A friend? A family member? A coworker? Commit to making a difference! The future of our fraternity relies on your commitment.
Theindividualyoureferwillreceiveaseriesofcommunications,thefirstofwhichwill identityyouasthereferralsource.
The Scottish Rite is a Masonic organization that continues a Master Mason's education of the first three degrees. The Scottish Rite is one of several appendant groups of the worldwide fraternity known as Freemasonry. Each Valley has up to four Scottish Rite bodies, and each body confers a set of degrees. In the Southern Jurisdiction these are the Lodge of Perfection (4°-14°). Chapter Rose Croix (15°-18°), Council of Knights Kadosh (19°-30°), and the Consistory (31°-32°). The 33rd Degree is an honorary degree awarded for exceptional service. Have a question? Ask a Personal Rep!
The Widows Sons, Masonic Riders Association is a group of Master Masons who have gathered together to promote Freemasonry within the motorcycling community and help introduce motorcycling to our non-riding Masonic brethren. As Freemasons we are committed to "Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth" tenets of our lives, as Widows Sons we are devoted to supporting Widows and Orphans of our Masonic brethren. We hold events and rides as fundraisers for this noble cause, and other charitable causes. The chapters in Arizona are very diverse with members from various areas, lodges, and a variety of motorcycles.
The goal of the Ladies’ Oriental Shrine, as set forth at the organizational meeting in 1903, is to promote sociability, good fellowship and the betterment of all Ladies connected with the organization. Our Ladies participate in parades, mini-clinics, Shrine Circuses, and much more. Ladies may choose to be active in a variety of special interest Units within each local Court such as Oriental Bands, Patrols, Clown or Dance Units. Our Ladies are always ready to display their pageantry and glamour in order to show the public how much they enjoy their activities.
Today, LOSNA has nearly 8,000 members in 64 Courts across North America and even members in Japan and Taiwan.
High Twelve is an association of Master Masons who desire an hour of Masonic fellowship independent of the formal ritual of Lodge but dedicated to the service to the fraternity. High Twelve was founded by E. C. Wolcott in Sioux City, Iowa on May 17, 1921.
We practice the great lessons of Freemasonry and encourage members to attend and participate in their Blue Lodge activities. High Twelve unifies Master Masons from many Lodges in an association where fellowship grows into lasting friendships. As High Twelve Masons, we support the Public School System and encourage participation in constructive community activities. There are over 300 active High Twelve Clubs with 25,000 members in the United States, Canada and Foreign Countries.
www.azmasoniclibrary.org
Jim Reid
Josh Seagrave PM
MWGM Jeff Carlton
MWGM Rex Hutchens
WB Delbert Lewis PM
Bro. Lee Apger
Wilbur (Bill) Dean Lawrence
Bro. Steve Murphy
Baby Miguel Martinez
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
Email: jwoode591@gmail.com
WB.
Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com
Robert Molloy
Email: robert_molloy@cox.net
Bro. John Bryon Singer
Email: jbyronsinger@aol.com
Bro. Ronald Wayne
Email: pogobeast@icloud.com
Bro. Steve Murphy
Email: santanman7921@gmail.com
Bro. Mark White
Email: mark.anne2005@gmail.com
Bro. Brian Gay
Email: Email: mark.anne2005@gmail.com
WB Anthony Raimondi
Chairman: WB John Woode Email: jwoode591@gmail.com
Chairman: John Woode Email: jwoode591@gmail.com
Chairman: WB Dewey Jefferson Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com
Chairman: WB Roger Biede III PM Email: roger.biede@gmail.com
Chairman: Brian Gay Email: bg1973@hotmail.com
Chairman: WB Roger Biede III Email: roger.biede@gmail.com
Chairman: John Woode
Email: jwoode591@gmail.com
Roger Biede III PM Chairman
Robert Molloy PM, John Woode
2023-24 Grand Master F. & A.M of Arizona
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.
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.
