September 2019 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 Trestleboard

Printed Every Month 129th Anniversary

SEPTEMBER 2019

George Wiley Brown was born 1844 and one of the Oldest of the Arizona Pioneers, first living in Tucson for many years. He moved to Florence from Los Angeles in 1887 and partnered with R.C. Brown (no relations) as Editor of the Florence Enterprise 1887-1894. He was a huge proponent of Arizona, and devoted most of his early time to Territorial work.

He was one of the oldest and most prominent member of AOUW Rite having been one of the first members in the territory, and organized many of the present lodges in Arizona. He was honored by the members of that order and when the jurisdiction of Arizona and New Mexico was formed he was elected as a past grand master workman and delegate to the grand lodge in South Dakota to which he attended in 1900. He was presented a testimonial gift, a gold watch in October 1894. The watch was a gem of workmanship and of the finest movement. On one side was AOUW Signet, on the other Mr. Browns monogram. On the inner case it reads “Presented to Grand Master George W Brown by the Grand Lodge AOUW of Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. A fine gold chain accompanied the gift. The value of the watch was $150. Watches were presented by the grand lodge to past grand masters.

He created some controversy when he published an article on July 21, 1892 accusing Brewster Cameron, Chief Clerk of the Territorial Department of Justice of “getting juries that bend the supple hinges of the knee at his will” for which he was sentenced to one day in prison at the Yuma Penitentiary. The newly organized Arizona Editorial Association brought such pressure to bear that Gov. L.C. Hughes pardoned him the day before he was to serve.

He left Arizona in for a short visit to California in 1902 only

to return as foreman for the Arizona Republican job printing shop. He moved to Los Angeles in 1911 to take charge of the Huntington Park Signal, a newspaper owned by his son Paul.

He was delegate to Republican Party Convention in Phoenix (1890). He was a charter member of Gila Valley and the first Master. In 1900 he demitted to Arizona No. 2, he was a member of Knight Templar Chippewa Commandery No. 8 Eau Claire, WI., Representative to the Grand Legion (1890). He was the 1891 Grand Pursuivant of the Grand Lodge of Arizona.

At the dispensation of Arizona Commandery 1 KT he was named Captain General in Tucson. In 1920 he moved back to California and moved into the National Military Home hospice care in Malibu Ca. He passed away following an operation several days before June 27,1927

Perpetual Life Memberships Perpetual Life Memberships are based on our current dues. Your Perpetual Life Membership benefits you and the Lodge.

To apply, you need to be current on your dues, complete a simple application and include the appropriate fee.

18 through 35 years old - 25 times annual Lodge dues ($3,700) 36 through 50 years old - 20 times annual Lodge dues ($2,960) 51 through 65 years old - 15 times annual Lodge dues ($2,220) 66 years old and above - 10 times annual Lodge dues ($1,480) 2

Brother John Delavan was many things to many people. To one individual, he was a teacher that gave him the skills to provide for his family and to create beautiful works of Art. Many years ago Loren Feldman went to our Brother John and asked him to teach him to make knives as he had seen John working on many knives over the years. John jumped at the chance and worked with him for many hours teaching him the finer points of knife making. Delevan went so far as to give Loren his knife making equipment so that he could continue to hone his craft. Loren took the equipment home and started a new career which would take him places he would have never dreamt.

Fast forward to know and Loren Feldman produces some of the finest knives in the world. Not only are they beautiful works of art, but they are made from some of the rarest items on earth. Museum quality dinosaur bones, rare gems, and even meteorites have been used in the making of some of his creations.

Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 reached out to Feldman Custom knives and obtained one of his finest works, a American Flag themed knife that will surely be the jewel of your collection. He started with a Carbon Damascus Steel blade, known for it strength and beauty and used for the finest of knives. The blade has an American Flag done with mosaic Damascus by famous artist Doug Ponizo from Wisconsin.

Doug Ponzio has been Making Damascus Steel in his signature style for well over 20 years. He does not just make Damascus steel, he makes amazing Mosaic Damascus steel also known as Pattern Damascus Steel. Doug is an early riser and in his shop every day, creating one of a kind works of amazing art. Doug Ponzio Mosaic pattern welded Steel is mostly sought after for knife making. Knife makers from all over the globe use his steel to make their knives. Quite simply because he can produce it with exceptional quality and unique patterns.

The Hilt is made from Stainless Steel and Chromium for strength and beauty. Making up the Red is giraffe leg bone, dye red. The Blue is Lapis sourced from the mountains of Afghanistan and the White is Marble from Marble, Colorado. From the same mine that the marble used in the Abraham Lincoln Monument in Washington DC was sourced.

This is a one of a kind knife that will never be replicated. The retail price of the knife is $3595. You have a chance to win this knife for the low raffle price of $10 for one ticket, 3 for $20. Come to the State meeting for your raffle tickets or reach out to Roger Biede rcbthree@hotmail.com or 510-418-3949 for tickets

A less well known Masonic concept is that of "untempered mortar." The Apprentices at Solomon's Temple were said to wear their aprons in a way that might preserve their garments from being defiled by untempered mortar; mortar which has not been properly mixed for use. Thus, it became a symbol of passions and appetites not duly restrained. Hence the Speculative Entered Apprentice was made to wear his Apron said to wear his apron in the same manner to teach him that he should not allow his soul to be defiled by the "untempered mortar of unruly passions." (Source: An Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, Mackey.)

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My favorite time of year is upon us!

needed a willing team with the same vision willing to work together to advance the goals of the lodge.

The dog days of summer are winding down. Cooler temperatures are just around the corner and lodge goes back to As the quarterback of Gila Valley I for one can attest that regular monthly meetings. Best of all, football is back I'd be nowhere without my game plan, my coaches which means my beloved Bears are once again about to (mentors), and team within the Lodge that help along the take the gridiron and hopeway. I find myself lookfully all the way to the Super ing around and admirBowl! ing my Brothers within the Lodge. Gila Valley Since I was a child, Football Lodge has a pretty has been my favorite begood team in place and cause to me it is the ultimate I think that has shown team sport. So much needs internally and externalto fall into the right place for ly within the Masonic a team to be successful. OfCommunity. We have fense, defense, special many active Masons teams, a little luck and a working for the good great coach all play a huge and improvement of part to win. Every aspect of the Lodge. But with the team has to compliment like any Lodge, we althe others, and requires all ways need to be practic11 members on the field to ing and working to imbe in tune with each othprove, to better perfect er. Communication is key our rough Ashwith each movement delar. (Keeping the analpendent on the movement ogy together, always of others on the team. Disciworking on our game pline and accuracy is so cruplan). cial that even a tiny flinch can ruin the perfect play call and move a team backwards. I challenge you all to come out to the Lodge, come out to our ‘Mondays at the Lodge’ to work on our game plan, to Thinking about this, I guess you could say that this cohepractice our plays and to get to better know your teammates sion of working together and acting as a well-balanced team and Brothers. can translate perfectly into how we should operate as a lodge. For a lodge, or any group of people to grow and thrive, the members have to come together and operate as Fraternally, one, as a team if you will. Ritual, Degrees, Stated Meeting all require carefully orchestrated movements and actions of Anthony Raimondi the officers and members that are practiced until profi2019 Master cient. Even the best Master, cannot accomplish anyGila Valley Lodge No. 9 thing by himself, nor does he want to. A successful Lodge

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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 September 7th 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.

Yes, that is the scuttlebutt, there are enough Jeep owners at Gila Valley that initial talks are in the works to form a club and start exploring the trails. No word from the powers that be on whether those with 4X4’s not of the Jeep persuasion will be allowed to tag along. First planned trips will be occurring soon so reach out now. For information, Contact club President 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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Minute Books of fifty of the oldest American Lodges as of the period between 1800 and 1825 are compared with the Minute Books of the same Lodges as of the period 1900 to 1925 it will be discovered that the subject of the Lodge inventory was somewhere lost, abandoned, forgotten in the years between. Every so often in the early days a Secretary, with loving care, and often with an openly expressed pride, wrote out his inventory; and such inventories are for us now one of the best sources for a knowledge of what Lodge life was a century and a half ago. Those inventories coincidentally make vivid and clear one thing wrong with Lodge life now— something lost out of Masonry, like the Lost Word, an old Landmark unintentionally violated; a thing lost though not necessarily beyond recall.

The inventory was not of the carpets, walls, windows, or other structural equipment, nor was it for real estate or taxation or fire insurance purposes; it was an inventory of the treasures of the Lodge. In almost every instance each item was described as a gift from some Brother, or as a memento of some occasion long remembered; there were oil portraits, framed prints, photographs; jewels kept in cases, of silver, and engraved, once the property of officers who later had presented them to the Lodge; aprons, collars, ballot boxes, gavels, Bibles and books, music books, an organ, sets of plate, glass and dishes, altar coverings, certificates, cherished letters in frames, punch bowls There were gifts which the Lodge had made to itself, such as hand-made carved chairs

for the officers or a visitors' book bound in morocco. The Lodge Room had a feeling of being richly furnished; it was filled with the emblems and symbols of Freemasonry, of the Lodge's own past, of the community's esteem for it, and that the members who had gone were not completely gone.

Men loved their Lodge, and because they did there was no need to devise schemes for persuading them to attend.

In every Lodge, even the crassest, there are these untapped feelings of affection. Each one should have an inventory.

When a Lodge room is empty, its walls bare, it has no atmosphere of its own. It does not feel like home. The Ritual loses its soul because it has not the environment it requires.

The worst effect of the bare Lodge room is that its Masonry in turn becomes barren because the Lodge has only the sense of being in a room and does not have a sense of being in the midst of a living and moving Fraternity; nor can it have a sense of its own past, or the Fraternity's past, but sinks into a feeling of isolation and flatness—it cannot even have a banquet because it has nothing to have it with. The inventory was one of riches; the riches came not out of the members' dues but out of their affection.

Rick Clifton, PM Bay Springs #167 Bay Springs MS

www.azmasoniclibrary.org 6

Gentlemen, allow me to introduce myself. My name is David Soto Sr. I'm 41 years of age I am married with 5 children between my wife Tammy and myself. I was born in the Sunshine state of Florida, but I spent most of my childhood raised just outside of Cleveland,Oh in a small town named Lorain. My children range in age between 25 and 22 all of whom are out of high school and have started lives of their own with the exception of two.

I've worked in different jobs throughout my life to allow me to support my family to the best of my abilities. Jobs ranging for service industry to construction work.

I now work as a fitness instructor. I decided to change what I did for work because I had struggled with health issues and was able to get those under control through diet and exercise so I thought it would be a great way to make money but even better I'm affecting positive change in others. My journey to the doorsteps of the lodge has only been recent, but I have been intrigued with Masonry for many many years. My Great Grandfather was a Mason. As a child I had remembered he was active in his community and seemed to be a helpful caring individual. I saw in him a leader. About 10 years ago I started reading a little more the subject of Masonry as well as other Orders that remained in secret. I will admit I was quite

skeptical at first. However the further I studied what ever I could find available to me I realized this is something I wanted to be a part of. To me the world would not be the same had it not been for intelligent and courageous men who where not afraid to rebel in the name of freedom. Freedom of thought, freedom of choice, freedom of religion and for that I'm grateful for every Mason who has upheld these virtues and keeps Masonrys spirit alive. My Hope's are to become a part of this fraternal order to be able to learn, to be charitable, to give back, to become a better person for my brothers, my family and fellow human beings. My Hope's are to build with each one of my brothers. Be there for those who are in need. I want to help ensure this beautiful time honored tradition continues on to see future generations. I can only hope that you will accept me. I'd like to close with saying I'm grateful for the good brother's who have been kind eto me and allowed me to share in their experiences. I'm forever grateful.

Sincerely,

David Soto Applied for the Degrees to Gila Valley Lodge

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 in February!

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 7

Sometimes life hands you lemons is a statement most everyone has heard before. This is a truth for most of us at some point in life. It is usually stated that “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade�.

Throughout my life I have experienced enough lemons to end world hunger solely with lemons and lemonade. These experiences have taught me many things with regards to life and the people in my life.

Since becoming a Mason I have learned many things with regards to lemons, lemonade and how it relates to life. As a Mason we are taught to subdue the passions, which has helped with dealing with the lemons that come my way by attempting to make lemonade from them. Specifically when things go bad or seem to go bad, try to see the positive in the situation instead of concentrating on the negative. This doesn’t always work, but most times it does.

I have learned many other things from the many lemons thrown my way throughout life as well. One of the most important lesson I have learned is that with time all things will work out and your dreams will come true with hard work, no matter how many lemons get in your way.

Through all these lemons I have realized just what I want in life, who I want in life, and where I want to be when I retire from work. What I want is finally coming to fruition as all I want is a calm no drama life with the ones I love around me. I also want to be able to enjoy my time here on this rock and not worry about what might be around the next corner.

looking for to share your life with, or it might just be the life you want and how you want to live it. I believe this is true with regards to lemons in life. If you wait long enough, and put forth the effort, the lemons will turn into sweet lemonade.

Fraternally,

Eric Smith

The biggest lesson learned from all of these lemons is patience, for with patience comes the truth. A friend of mine once said if you wait long enough the truth will come out.

This truth might be information, it might be who you are

2019 Senior Warden Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

The Memorial for Ray Zak will beheld on Sunday, September 19th at Pinal Lodge No. 30 in Casa Grande, Az. Services will begin at 3:00 pm. They will be having a Masonic Memorial, Eastern Star Memorial and a Senior Life DeMolay Service. After the Services there will be a dinner for all.

Bro. Ray was a dear friend and Brother to all that knew him and will be dearly missed. .

We encourage you to attend to help us say goodbye to this amazing Mason 8

B r e t h r e n , This week I will introduce you to one of our Musical Brethren from Germany. Born on February 3rd 1809, and died November 4th 1847. And he wrote a many Musical symphonies as well as musical arias.

Still don’t know well let me introduce you to Brother Felix Mendelssohn.

shine in their heav’nly Father’s realm.

He has written many things in his musical career, as well as shine forth as the Sun in their heav’nly Father’s realm: in his Masonic journey. Here we will introduce 2 examples then shall the righteous shine in their heav’nly Father’s that were written by brother Mendelssohn for the purpose realm. of the Reception after a Fellow Craft Degree.

Both of these pieces are arias which means that in the muOh Rest in the Lord sic that accompanies the words that are shown are more ornamental than what is being said. Mendelssohn was faOh Rest in the Lord, mous for writing his music in this manner which tells us that Wait patiently for Him, what the most important part of the music is located around a select few words. and He shall give thee thy heart’s desires, and He shall give thee thy heart’s desires, and He shall give thee thy heart’s desires.

O rest in the Lord, O rest in the Lord, And wait wait patiently for Him.

And then here is another by brother Mendelssohn.

When this occurs this usually tells us that this is the important of the lyrics as well usually dedicated to God or the Holy trinity in some form or manner. As you see in Then shall the righteous shine, the lyric that is repeated is shine forth while in Oh rest in the Lord is She shall give thee thy heart’s desires.

Till

the

next

time

Fraternally,

Then Shall The Righteous Shine

John Woode

Then, Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in their heavenly Father’s realm.

2019 Junior Deacon Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

shine forth.

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with

Brotherly

Love

Gila Valley No. 9 F & AM Masonic Lodge was proud to present a grant to Compassion Connect Arizonain Queen Creek, Arizona in August. They are an amazing local charity helping Maricopa and Pinal Country and the Lodge is proud to do what we can to help through Masonic Charities of Arizona! Check out their website on how you can help too https://compassionconnectaz.org/cqc. For more information on Masonic Charities of Arizona check out their website http://www.masoniccharitiesaz.com/

Did you know that 1 in 4 kinds in Pinal County come from a food insecure household? Gila Valley No. 9 F & AM Masonic Lodge along with the Town of Florence, the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce, the United Way of Pinal County and many businesses collected jars of peanut butter and jelly for the FUSD Weekend backpack Program.

Even though the Lodge was officially dark, we still collected a number of boxes full of jars of PB and J for the effort. A number of our Brothers brought jars to our numerous social events. (Including the Poker Night and the Pool Party) Our efforts helped the Town surpass it’s goal of 2500 and collect a total of 6304 jars besting the other towns in Pinal County.

A big shout out to Lee Apger and Dewey Jefferson for planning and executing an amazing end of Summer pool party this weekend!

Food and Fellowship was wonderful, and a good time was had by all! Thank you to all that attended, we are already looking forward to next year and finding a bigger pool!! A large collection of peanut butter and jelly jars were collected for FUSD! 10

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A quick study of history can tell us that our Fraternity has counted amongst its membership some of the greatest leaders and thinkers of their generations. While they were out making history, establishing countries, and changing the world they found the time to come to Lodge. They made time for Masonry because they felt that the association was beneficial to them as individuals.

the Basics” this year as his theme with a push to improve our ritual and to instill the basic teachings of our ritual. How proficient are the Officers and Degree teams in your Lodge? Is it taken seriously and treated with the reverence it deserves?

Are we providing the Education, or rather the Masonry to encourage growth? Freemasonry in its purest form was built around learning and self-discovery that came from analyzing of its rituals and teachings. Do your Lodge Mentors actively discuss ritual with new Masons or are we just memorizing the work? Do your educations within Lodge talk through the rituals and encourage discussion? Grand Master MWB Gregory A. Vasquez has put forward the need for “Back to

citizens looking to improve themselves. While towns have grown to cities, the Men of Arizona are still looking to improve themselves. Freemasonry has the tools, let’s put them to good use.

Freemasonry in Arizona is not dying; we have the numbers.

We have men coming to our doors at almost every Lodge.

We need to live up to their expectaWhen a Man joins Freemasonry, it tions and keep our new and old is hoped that he is joining for the members interested and active. We right reasons. If our ‘Friend to have to ask ourselves, if a lodge is Friend’ and Investigation Commitlosing more members to Demits and tees are doing their jobs correctly, NPD than the Celestial Lodge, what when a man enters that West Gate, are we doing wrong? We have the he is a good man looking to become members, the knowledge, and the a better man. He is looking to the educational tools are available, they Lodge and to his new Brothers as a just need to be used. Use the medium for personal growth and fulfillment. Our yearly DDGMs, the DDGL’s, the Education Committee, they are membership numbers show that we have people coming to all appointed for a reason and here to help. our doors in very good numbers, people are seeking us out. Since time immemorial, Lodges have been the cornerstones There are many Fraternal organizations out there to choose of communities, a place for men of all standings to congrefrom and they came to our door. While Masonry is never gate and improve themselves. In Territorial Arizona when a about the numbers, it is about the quality and I would chal- Town formed a Masonic Lodge, it meant something, that lenge you, does Masonry in the 21st century and your Lodge they had arrived as a Town. No longer were they some dusty live up to the expectations? western camp, they were a growing respectable town with

Fraternally,

Roger Biede III JGS 2019 Junior Warden Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

The

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In the Entered Apprentice Degree, the new brother is introduced to the Four Cardinal Virtues during the close of the explanatory lecture. These virtues are Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence, and Justice and are very briefly explained to the new Entered Apprentice. Unfortunately, these virtues have no connection to the rite of initiation experienced by the new Mason and the lecture does little to clarify their introduction at this time. From an esoteric standpoint, one must go to great lengths to manipulate these virtues to make a connection to the ritual.

Up to at least 1750, none of the early Masonic manuscripts or ritual exposures contains any reference to the Four Cardinal Virtues. Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia states, "It is probable that this peculiar part of the lectures goes back beyond the dawn of symbolic Masonry and that what we have is a distorted remnant of a much more meaningful symbolism or has been built up in modern times out of a brief and unimportant part of the old pre-Grand Lodge working." In addition, one must realize that the Masonic ritual is a combination of many ideas that have come from the distant past and woven into a ritual. Over time, ideas have been added, removed or merged with other concepts to form the current Masonic ritual. Based on the evidence, the Cardinal Virtues were not added to the Masonic ritual until after the middle of the eighteenth century. Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia suggests that the Cardinal Virtues were "taken from the Christian Church, which derived them from Plato and to which the Church had added the three Theological Virtues: Faith, Hope, and Charity, which Freemasonry also borrowed.

In any event, the Cardinal Virtues have intrinsic value to the Mason and are certainly essential to Freemasonry. They can stand on their own within the ritual without any direct con-

nection to the initiatic experience or to Masonic symbolism.

The Texas Monitor of the Lodge provides an explanation of each of the four virtues.

"Temperance is that due restraint upon our affections and passions which renders the body tame and governable, and frees the mind from the allurements of vice. This virtue should be the constant practice of every Mason, as he is thereby taught to avoid excess, or the contracting of any licentious or vicious habit, the indulgence of which might lead him to disclose some of those valuable secrets which he has promised to conceal and never reveal, and which would consequently subject him to the contempt and detestation of all good Masons."

Temperance represents restraint. The Mason must control his passions and desires. He must practice restraint in all things and avoid excess. He must exercise caution in his action, speech, thought, feeling, judgment, and life.

"Fortitude is that noble and steady purpose of mind, whereby we are enabled to undergo any pain, peril, or danger, when prudentially deemed expedient. This virtue is equally distant from rashness and cowardice; and, like the former, should be deeply impressed upon the mind of every Mason, as a safeguard against any illegal attack that may be made, by force or otherwise, to extort from him any of those valuable secrets with which he has been so solemnly entrusted, and which were emblematically represented upon his first admission into the Lodge." Courage is another name for fortitude. For the Mason, fortitude symbolizes more than physical courage.

It also represents moral courage. The Mason must have the strength and ability to make a decision based upon his own moral convictions and stick to it regardless of the consequences. (cont.)

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The Mason must exhibit the highest moral and ethical principles in his life and standby those principles when society looks unfavorably upon those principles.

"Prudence teaches us to regulate our lives and actions agreeably to the dictate of reason, and is that habit by which we wisely judge, and prudentially determine, on all things relative to our present, as well as our future happiness. This virtue should be the peculiar characteristic of every Mason, not only for the government of his conduct while in the Lodge, but also when abroad in the world. It should be particularly attended to in all strange and mixed companies, never to let fall the least sign, token, or word, whereby the secrets of Masonry might be unlawfully obtained." In its most comprehensive sense, prudence implies not only caution but also the ability to judge in advance the probable consequences of one's actions. It also symbolizes wisdom in the conduct of one's activities. Wisdom of mind and soul comes from thought, study and circumspection. It brings the Mason closer to God. Prudence reminds the Mason to reflect upon the moral and social consequences of his activities and his relationship to his Creator.

"Justice is that standard, or boundary of right, which enables us to render to every man his just due, without distinction. This virtue is not only consistent with Divine and hu-

man laws, but is the very cement and support of civil society; and as justice in a great measure, constitutes the real good man, so should it be the invariable practice of every Mason never to deviate from the minutest principles thereof." Justice symbolizes equality for the Mason.

The Mason should govern his own actions, have them judged openly, and his conduct towards others should be without deception. He should undertake actions because he desires to and not because he is forced to. His actions should be unselfish a n d s e l f - s a c r i f i c i n g .

The Four Cardinal Virtues of Freemasonry provide a framework for daily living and serve as a guide for our relationship with God and our fellow man. Thus these virtues are essential to Freemasonry. Perhaps this is why they are introduced in the Entered Apprentice Lecture, to provide a foundation upon which to build the lessons of Freemasonry. As new Masons we must begin to develop and strengthen these virtues, which will help us grow and develop into better men. As experienced Masons, we should constantly remind ourselves of these virtues and their importance in our lives. If we strive to perfect the Four Cardinal Virtues in our lives, we will grow closer to God, be content with our station in life, and influence society for the better.

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ACACIA – ah-kay-sha ACCESSORY-- ak-sess-ary ADULT -- ah-dult AFFILIATE – a-fill-iate ALLEGIANCE – uh-lee-junts ALLEVIATE -- uh-lee-vi-ate AMEN – aa-men AMMONITISH – Am-on-eye-tish ANCIENT – ain-shent ANNIHILATE – ah-nigh-hil-ate ARCHANGEL – Ark-ain-jil ARCHITECH – ark-i-tekt ARCHIVES – ar-kives ARTIFICER – arf-tif-icer ASSIDUITY – ass-i-diu-ity BARBAROUS – bar-bar-us BEGONE – be-gon BLESSED – bless-ed BOAZ -- Bo-az BRETHERN – breth-wren CABLE-TOW – kay-bel-toe CEMENT – se-ment CHAPITER – chap-i-ter CLANDESTINE – clan-des-tin COLUMN – col-um COMPOSITE – kom-pos-it CONSPIRACY – kon-speer-a-cy DAUBING – daub-ing DELINEATE – de-lin-e-ate DEMIT – de-mit DIMENSIONS – deh-men-shuns DIVESTED – dih-vest-ed ERR – er (as in her) ERE – pronounced like air ERECT – ih-rekt ESOTERIC – ess-o-tear-ic EVASION – ih-va-shun EXEMPLARY – eegg-zem-plary FERVENCY – fer-ven-sy FIGURE – fig-ure

FOREHEAD – for-ed GOD -- Godd GORGEOUS – gor-jus HECATOMB – hek-a-toom HELE -- hale HUMBLE – hum-ble INSTITUTE – in-sti-tiut INVEST – in-vest JACHIN – Jay-kin LAMENTABLE – lam-en-ta-ble LEGEND – lej-end MAUSOLEUM – maw-so-lee-um MOSAIC – mo-zay-ic NAKED – nay-ked NAPHTALI – Naf-ti-lie OFTEN – of-en OPERATIVE – op-er-ate-tiv PARIAN – Par-i-an PECTORAL – pek-tor-al PEDAL – pee-dal PILASTER – pih-las-ter POMEGRANATE – pom-gran-it PRECEPT – pre-cept PYTHAGORUS – pih-thag-uh-rus RECOGNIZE – reck-og-nize REPTILE – rep-til REVERENT – rev-er-ent SANCTORUM – sank-to-rum SCYTHE -- sithe SERAPH – ser-af SHIBBOLETH – Shib-bo-leth SINAI – Si-ni SPECULATIVE – speck-u-la-tive SUCCOTH – suck-oth TENETS – ten-ets TESSELATED – tes-sel-ate-ed TYRIAN – Tih-ri-an UNERRING – un-er-ing ZARTHAN – Zar-than

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I am writing to invite your support of an exciting new George support of the Craft, throughout his life. Following the beauWashington book project. tifully illustrated artifacts, the book will conclude with a chroIt will be authored by the Memorial Association’s Director nology of Washington’s Masonic activities, lists of Washingof Collections Mark A. Tabbert and Dr. Edward Lengel, ton myths and misconceptions, his Masonic friends and Ph.D., former Editor of the George Washington Pa- comrades, and resources for further reading and education. pers. The forward will be authored by our President and Scheduled for release in 2020, this book will settle all quesyour Past Grand Master, M. W. Brother Jeff Webb. tions over Washington’s membership and lifelong dedicaThe University of Virginia Press will design and publish this tion to the Craft. It will provide all the hard evidence, and full-color, richly illustrated “coffee-table” size book. Ti- also reveal his affection and admiration of the great princitled: “A Deserving Brother: George Washington and Free- ples and virtues of Freemasonry. The book will not be masonry”, the book will include full-color images document- simply a good history, but will make a handsome gift and a ing every known letter, book, artifact, and item related to worthy addition to every Masons’ and every Americans’ liWashington’s membership in, and relationship with, Free- brary.

masonry.

This book is a joint project of The George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association and the University of Virginia Press. The concept of the book, research, photography, scanning and document verification are the work of Mark A. Tabbert, Director of Library and Museum Collections here at the Memorial. Mark is the author of “American Freemasons - Three Centuries of Building Communities” which is the definitive book on American Fraternalism and Freemasonry in American culture.

These items include Fredericksburg Lodge’s early minute books recording Washington’s initiation in 1752, passing and raising in 1753. Minute books from American Union Lodge, King Solomon’s Lodge and Alexandria Lodge will document Washington’s attendance. Also included will be Grand Lodge Constitutions sent him from Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Maryland. Images of Masonic correspondence from local lodges from Rhode Island to Georgia will be comparable to annotated transcription.

The George Washington Masonic Memorial Association Artifacts, such as Washington’s Masonic aprons, the items will handle distribution to the Masonic and profane commuhe used at the Cornerstone of the US Capitol, and those pre- nities. The Memorial Association’s cost for the design, prosent at his funeral will also be featured, including the Gold duction and printing of the book and for the first 3,5000 Urn made by Paul Revere and containing a lock of his hair copies is $60,000.00. sent by Martha Washington to the Grand Lodge of Massa- We are seeking your support in securing this funding. Indichusetts in 1800. viduals, Foundations and or Grand Lodges that contribute to The book’s Preface will trace the history of Freemasons’ ad- the publication of the book will be prominently recognized miration of Washington from the 1770s, through dedication in the book of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Speak to your local George Washington Masonic National 1932, and into the 21st century. The book’s Introduction, Memorial Ambassador or https://gwmemorial.org/ for more written by Dr. Edward Lengel Ph.D., will provide an aca- information! demic understanding of Washington’s membership in, and

Regularity is the process by which individual Grand Lodges recognize one another for the purposes of allowing formal interaction at the Grand Lodge level and visitation by members of other jurisdictions.

The largest collection of mutually recognized Grand Lodges derives its regularity from the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) based on a set of specific criteria. Dating back to 1717, [the] UGLE is considered to be not only the oldest, but the largest grouping of lodges UGLE provides a list of recognized Grand Lodges on its website [as do many others].

What is a "Clandestine" Lodge?

A "clandestine lodge" is one that does not hold a proper charter from any Grand Lodge.

What is an "Irregular" Lodge?

An "irregular lodge" is a lodge that does have a charter from a Grand Lodge, but its Grand Lodge is not recognized by other Grand Lodges.

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In the late 19th Century, a fine Crystal Cave of immense proportions had been discovered in the Holbrook mine. Then in 1897, the Grand Lodge of Arizona was invited to hold its 16th Annual Communication in Bisbee. Today, the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Arizona extends it most sincere greetings to Perfect Ashlar Lodge No. 12, as we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of “HOLDING GRAND LODGE IN A C A V E ! ”

the Grand Lodge passed through, and were, of course, the first to enter the mine.

The were scientifically stood on the cage a half dozen at a time, when down they went about two hundred feet in a second to the level by which the cave was reached.

Then began the long march in single file through the winding, angling tunnel, which was illuminated the entire distance by candles set about ten feet apart, and each turn and crosscut carefully guarded by Masons, who are employed in the mine, til at length the individual passed through a temporary door into a scene of inexpressible splendor and beautythe illuminated

Let your mind go back in time to the Masonic Hall in the town of Bisbee. It was the 9th day of November at 9 o’clock in the morning.

At the roll call of Grand Officers, seven were missing including the Deputy Grand Master and Junior Grand Ward e n .

Perfect Ashlar Lodge was represented by the Master, W Brother Charles Warner, Senior Warden Brother Frederick Sweet, cave and Junior Warden Brother Josiah Muirhead The figure, the strength, the symmetry, the polished alabasAt 10:00 AM, The Grand Marshal assembled the Grand ter, the flittering wealth of god and jewel of King Solomon’s Lodge, as a body, to march to the mine and enter the cave. temple were here dazed and dimmed into insignificance by The cave had already been specially fitted with all the para- the brilliancy, the abounding wealth of exquisite forms of phernalia suitable for the lodge work to be done at the ses- beauty, the majestic splendor of huge abutments literally covsion to be held there when they arrived. This eloquent de- ered by the most delicate tracery, the flash of a million jewels, the bold outline forms of grandeur and strength, clothed scription of the march to the Copper Queen Cave came in glittering delicate chiseling, such as no human hand has from the able pens of Brothers Monford of Arizona Lodge ever wrought, the stupendous dome of the mountains above No. 2 and Brown of Tucson Lodge No. 4. borne upon those noble and beautiful pillars, and all fresh “Clothed in white gloves and aprons, the two hundred men in line made an imposing appearance as they marched from the Lodge to the hoisting works from which they were to decent into the mine and cave.

from the hand of the Supreme Grand Architect of the Universe, filled one with the overwhelming emotions of surprise, of delight, of adoration.

Stalactites from the size of a drop of water to that of the giant tusks of some antediluvian monster hung suspended from In the line of march, the Grand Lodge were in the rear but, the roof, and beneath the white glare of electric light they on reaching the works, the column halted, opened ranks and 18

(cont)

In the vast space overhead the lights formed a Great Square and compass, the distance between the points of the extendSingly and in cluster, some in blue and some in white, of all ed compass being one hundred feet and the length of each lengths and shapes, these stalactites cover the roof, while leg being one hundred and thirty feet. amount them in labyrinthian irregularity glitters the crystal ooze.

A sufficient portion of the cave for the use of the Masons had been floored and seated and there beneath that great On the north side, almost opposite to where the cave was dome, seventy feet overhead and surrounded by such glitter, first broken into the line, God has created the fairest creasuch beauty, such strength, such overwhelming sense of lotures of his handiwork, and what King Solomon wrought in cation, such nearness and such a dependence upon the imyear was here fashioned in a single night, but a night that mediate handiwork of the Grand Master Mason of all, the knew no day, nor the sound of ax, hammer or tool of iron til Grand Lodge of Arizona was called to order by the Most the operative workman, agreeable to the designs drawn upWorshipful Grand Master, Brother William Nichols. on the trestleboard, reIt wasn’t until Octovealed its hidden treasurber 13, 1910, that the e r s .

Grand Lodge perHere are the stops, the pot formed the dedicaof incense, the bee-hive, tion of a new lodge in the hour-glass, and waterBisbee, a significate fall. The steps, whiter than milestone. Perfect Parian marble, lead upAshlar can also boast ward and into an unexthree Past Masters plored beyond: the beewho went on to serve hive apparently made the Grand Lodge as from great coils of alabasGrand Master: MW ter rope, are from two to Brothers G.A. ten feet in diameter and Bridge, in 1915, Nelsix feet high. son C Bledsoe In 1926, and William Easter of these is the waM. Cox in 1947. terfall, stayed midway in its descent by some hypnotic hand, white and awe-inspiring in its silent grandeur, is this seeming- What a magnificent history, what a magnificent event we ly stilled torrent of foaming waters that ere it slept had celebrate here today. Brothers, it is our history and our herdashed it spray on hummocks of ice in a thousand fantastic itage we celebrating. Something truly historical happened shapes sparked in the light. there on hundred years ago. The cave… well, who could guess how many millenniums it had been a part of God’s There are curtains and veils behind which no man may en- Universe. ter, woven white and transparent in the Cimmerian darkness. The whole aspect of the cave is one of entrancing and Our fraternity, Masonry here in Arizona, enjoys a legacy bewildering loveliness, and he who can gaze without awe rich in wonderful and magnificent events like the one we are upon the grand scene has no beauty in his soul. not celebrating together. Let this day remind each one of us here present that we want to leave the legacy in place for our The cave, which is probably one hundred and fifty by two children, grandchildren and their children, so that we can be hundred and fifty feet in dimensions, and an extreme height certain that one hundred years from today, the Grand to about one hundred feet from the lowest to the highest Lodge of Arizona will meet in this place to celebrate the bipoint, was lighted by electricity. Eighteen thousand feet of centennial, the 200th Anniversary of “Holding Grand Lodge wire have been used for the purpose and hundred and third- in a Cave” give lamps were used, some of them one hundred candle Fraternally power.

Harold A. York

In the East, hung a brilliant letter G, three feet in height and studded by thirty-five electric lights of sixteen-candle power, a thing of beauty and joy in itself.

1997 Grand Orator Grand Lodge of Arizona 19

One of the things I love about Freemasonry is its everevolving nature in its individualized meaning to its members. When I first became a Mason, the way that I saw the world and the degree was vastly different than the way I see things today. I have a profound appreciation for all that Masonry teaches, and often find myself reflecting in my own life the moral principles which Masonry espouses and encourage its members to embrace.

One of the greatest lessons we teach in the Entered Apprentice Degree is the concept of shedding the old and to embrace our becoming something newer and better.

When we enter the Lodge for the first time, we are eager, unenlightened, and passionate to find that which we feel was lost. Whether that be a kindred connection, a feeling of connectedness to something greater than our own selves, the fraternal bonds of like-minded fellows, or something more.

The EA degree is about doing. It is the celebration that we as individuals realized and understood that there was more to us than what we were allowing ourselves to be and we sought it out passionately. Our quest and desire to satisfy this longing is in large part what makes Masonry great. It is the idea of first being prepared in out hearts, and that in order to become better we must seek out those who are interested in helping us to become better.

on the lessons of our degrees, and take advantage of the benefit of the fraternal bonds, then we must be quickly redirected to the place we need to be.

We often discuss this dichotomy, this back and forth we must have within ourselves. Who am I compared to who my past has allowed me to become thus far? The EA Degree is a beautiful exemplification of this process, providing tools and insight as to how one might go about this transformation. It is the basis of our fraternity and it speaks to the nature of all good Masons. The desire to become more; to become better; to improve not only our own lives, but to impact the lives of all whom we meet so that the world might be a little bit better because we have been in it.

Likewise, as Men bound by Fraternal Bonds, it becomes our duty to be that support for others. We all wain, we faulter and we struggle. That is the nature of life and the process of self-exploration and self-improvement. From This we become. It is sometimes hard to recognize the affect we have on those around us – but our “Critic” or “Doer of Deeds” attitude can have a lasting impression on others.

It is for this reason above all others that we must ask ourselves: “Am I a critic, or a doer of deeds?”

I leave you with this quote by Bro. Teddy Roosevelt “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly so that this place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” ~ Teddy Roosevelt

It is an interesting experience, and one that we often coach newer Masons through; to realize that you are moving when others may not be. We are often stifled by the small dreams of others; we allow ourselves to rationalize and dismiss our own feelings and our own passions and drives because of the influence our inner circle may have upon us.

It can be a very difficult thing, to break free of old ways of thinking and accepting that our commitment to selfimprovement is something to be proud of and not ridiculed.

As we make our way through this transition and every future transition thereafter, we become either the “Critic” or the “Doer of Deeds”. Sometimes, we move from one role to the other so seamlessly that it becomes difficult to see this happening leaving us unaware that we have taken on one role or the other. But, if we are true to ourselves, true to the principles of the craft, if we remember to reflect back

Daniel Genchi Past Master 2011-12 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

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When I was 25, after 4 years of driving a truck over the road, Amy and I bought a house and settled into a small farming and ranching community just south of San Antonio, TX. I felt so blessed, I had 12 acres, a 1950’s ranch house, and a new baby on the way. We had finally settled down from our travels and youth, and for the first time, I felt like I was settling into life and was becoming an adult. It was a great feeling for me. This area was near where I had grown up and had lots of family and friends all over the area that I hadn’t really spent any time with over the previous 4 years. So occasionally I would take one of the 2 lane farm roads around us and would randomly end up at someone’s home where we would sit and visit and catch up. It was on one of these trips that I started noticing fire ravished fields for miles. I began thinking about these fires and the effect that they had on my neighbors and friends in the area. I started thinking about the volunteer fire departments that were the only line of defense for these farms and ranches. As I thought about this I knew that I couldn’t sit back and enjoy my little farm and family while others suffered. I was a young healthy active man, and if I was going to live in this community I had to give back to it. Not just be a taker.

er man, but it was not my place in the organization. I had my strengths and little guys that climbed power poles for the electric company had theirs.

I recently addressed the topic of charity as being the giving of yourself with nothing expected in return. The thing about that is it shouldn’t feel like a chore.

Fast forward nearly 15 years when I moved to the Queen Creek area. My desire to meet the community leaders and get to know the area that I am living in led me to Compassion Connect AZ. I was immediately attracted to the work that they were doing as I had recently been leading out on the same things that they were trying to accomplish with the newly opened compassion care center. I spent time with the director and leaders in the organization sharing my experiences and using things that I was good at to give back to the organization. I built a website, became the webmaster, and gave financially. I served one year as the coexecutive chair of the largest single-day health clinic for the underserved in the entire area where my primary duties were simply handling administration duties. I became one of the directors close advisors helping with things like interviewing prospective organization leaders, organized the first fundraiser, help with Facebook pages, and even putting together video promotional pieces. None of this feels like I didn’t know the first thing about being in the fire depart- work to me. It’s all things that come naturally to me, and ment, what they needed or if they would even want my that I enjoy doing. help. I thought about what I could give and decided if nothing else I had the ability to drive large vehicles, and I This past weekend some of us from the lodge went to delivwas willing to help. What I learned and has been echoed er to the group a Masonic Charities of Arizona grant. We through my life is that giving of your self requires very little joined the director and her husband for lunch where she other than a willing heart, a desire to help, and a teachable began telling us about how the organization had come tospirit. I found a group of men that were grateful to have gether and some of the things they had been doing. It was another set of hands. They also highly valued my experi- during that time that Roger turned to me and asked what I ence as a driver, and soon after joining them they put me had recently done for the organization. All I could think of behind the wheel of a truck where I was most happy to be at the time was the assistant director was having email issues and I have been working on resolving that, but what I really actively serving. should have said is that I used my circle of influence to get I have learned over the years that healthy organizations val- the check that he had in his pocket. But again, this didn’t ue the experiences of volunteers. When I joined the fire actually require any work on my part, but the impact on the department as a big man I wasn’t asked to climb ladders charity is huge. and work on roofs. I wouldn’t have been comfortable there, and my presence there would have put me and oth- Over the spring and into the summer there has been a proers at risk. So rather than using me in a place where I don’t ject going on where we have been building a house for a belong, I was used in a place where I excelled. That’s not local family. I have been actively apart of putting up drywall to say that I didn’t train on ropes and ladders like every oth- in this home, and although it is manual labor, it’s still something that I immensely enjoy doing. . 9 21

But even at that, the joy in my heart of seeing these young designated the lodge as a volunteer organization. I began children working on what is going to be their future home looking at the other Masonic lodges in the area and I nocan not be purchased for any price. ticed almost all of them were labeled as fraternal organizations. I then looked at some other This is what volunteerlodges like the Elks and the Moose ism is. It is giving back that were also for the majority simply to the community labeled as a fraternal organizaaround you without the tion. While yes this is true we are a expectation of anything fraternal organization, as are the other in return, but to be honlodges, is that all that we as Masons est, through all of these are? I don’t believe that to be the experiences and more, I case. We as Masons are the pillars of know that I am the one the community. Our organization that truly received the stands above these othblessing. Giving of yourers. Volunteerism should be as much self doesn’t have to feel a part of our Masonic journey as our like a sacrifice, or like degree work. work. We all have talents and gifts that we should actively be using to make the If it’s not are we really becoming better men? world that we live in a better place.

Fraternally This morning I found out that our lodge was planning an Joe Guinn official visit to another lodge that I hadn’t been to, and I wanted to know where it was. Upon finding it on Google 2019 Fellowcraft Maps I noticed something very appropriate. Someone had Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

was installed as HP, I stated one of my goals was to become more ritually proficient.

I look forward to our meeting on September 14 and hope we are all ready or at least making progress in opening the Chapter without the aid of ritual books. I will try to be ready and please hold me accountable for my ritual proficiency. We will also practice the Mark Master degree in preparation of conferring that degree for our Brothers in Florence and Payson areas.

Companions, Congratulations to our one and only William Greenan who has been elected and installed as Most Excellent High Priest of Royal Arch Masons of Arizona. MEHP Bill appointed Frosty Hammer as Grand Sentinel, Ed Fox as Grand Master of the 3rd Veil and Mark Nielsen as Grand Master of the 2nd Veil. And, MEC Paul Dore’ once again is Grand Treasurer of the York Rite bodies of Arizona. Congratulations to all of Globe Chapter No. 7 RAM of AZ serving the Grand Chapter and we wish you a successful and productive year.

Fraternally, At the Grand Chapter session on Friday, I was impressed by the ritual opening of the Royal Arch degree by the Chapter in Sierra Vista. The beginning of this year when I

Jim Baker, 2019-20 High Priest Globe Chapter No. 7 RAM 22

Latest awesome picture by hometown photographer Michael Baca

WB Roger having a good time with his wife and Bo from AZ2

Roger Biede II drives cross country with his daughter and hits up a car museum

Joe got Dave out of the house for some BBQ, food for thought

2019-2020 Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star

Hurts Donuts made another appearance in Florence

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Congratulations to our Demolay Saguaro Chapter for taking their wanted poster from Arizona Chapter.

Gale took his better half to Scotland

Baby Holt finally makes an appearance

In Mason's Lodge with darkened eyes And cable tow about you You swore to Hele all mysteries That Masons keep and Masons prize The Brothers secrets whispered low, The words they speak, the things they do, In mystic manner taught you.

His Mother, Sister, Undefiled Those, pure of heart, whose love Makes Masons' homes like heaven above You are their sworn defender On yonder book, three oaths you took and you should break them never But stand by this(10), and this(11), and this(12), forever and forever.

On yonder book, that oath you took, and you should break it never.

These are our vows, be these our care, But stand by this(1), and this(2), and this(3), forever and forever.

And may such light be given You swore to answer and Obey In answer to our earnest prayer The Summons sent you duly That we may ever do or dare.

My Brothers hand or Lodge array, All that Gods gracious laws enjoin You swore that you would never stray That, so,when shades of night decline.

From laws and rules that bound We may be found in heaven.

Freemasons in the days renowned On this fair book these vows we all took and we should break them But would observe them truly. never But stand by this(13), and this(14), and this(15), forever and On yonder book that oath you took, and you should break it never, forever.

But stand by this(4), and this(5), and this(6), forever and forever, You swore in charity to care For all with sorrow smitten, The Brother on the darkened square, The Widow, full of grief and care, The sorrowing orphan doomed to stray On life's cold path and cheerless way While tears gush forth unbidden.

On yonder book that oath you took, and you should break it never, But stand by this(7), and this(8), and this(9), forever and forever You swore to deal in honesty With each true heart around you That honour bright should ever be The unbroken bond, twixt him and thee' Nor wrong, nor guile, nor cruel fraud Should ever break or loose that holy chord With which these vows have bound you You swore the chastity to shield Of women true and tender A brother's wife, A brothers child

At 1 The presenter takes Step At 2 The presenter shows E.A. sign At 3 The presenter cuts E.A. sign AT 4 The presenter takes step At 5 The presenter shows F.C. sign At 6 The presenter discharges F.C. sign At 7 The presenter takes step At 8 The presenter shows M.M. sign At 9 The presenter discharges M.M. sign and recovers

At 10 The presenter takes step, shows E.A. sign, and cuts it At 11 The presenter takes step, shows F.C. sign and discharges it At 12 The presenter takes step, shows M.M. sign, discharges it and recovers At 13 The presenter puts right hand on the V.O.S.L. At 14 The presenter indicates the Sq. & C,s.

At 15 The presenter kneels & seals once on the V.O.S.L.

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Clynton Tubas II Curtis Johnson WB John O’Hara PM WB Delbert Lewis PM WB Ray Osbourn PM WB Billy Bayless Family of Bro. Ray Zak 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

All Masons withersoever dispersed

September Birthday

September Anniversary

Daryl Neil Carroll Michael James Jameson Ryan Kann James Kirk Lee Weber Wade Bell Nicholas Hayduke Richard Platt Michael Henry

Don Richard Charles Logan Lee Weber Art Halpin Eric Smith Rudolph Alexander Gene Anderson

9-4 9-8 9-9 9-9 9-9 9-13 9-13 9-15 9-19 9-27

October Birthday Jim Reid Robert Shoppell Scott Hinton James Hurtt Bob Kitchell David Roer

10-1 10-1 10-3 10-14 10-15 10-25

9-13-1962 9-21-1991 9-18-1999 9-22-1992 9-26-2015 9-28-1966 9-29-1966

October Anniversary Ken Holland David Roer James Heard Dave Jones Joshua Seagrave Dalton Cole Roger Biede II Brian Ringer Scott Hinton 25

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

Brethren, I recently had the Honor and pleasure of representing MWGM Greg Vasquez and the Grand Lodge of Arizona at the annual Job’s Daughters Retreat in Casa Grande. What a wonderful display of good manners, courteous behavior and poise exhibited by the young Ladies of Job’s Daughters.

There were several Rainbow girls and DeMolay boys in attendance and their conduct was exceptional. These young people are our future leaders in the Masonic Fraternity and our Communities, State and Nation. The more we can do to support and become involved in our Masonic youth the brighter the future of Freemasonry.

Our Fraternity has a well-established history of passing on to those who have come after us the traditions of moral and ethical behavior and self-improvement through education and the desire for knowledge in the arts and sciences. All this is accomplished by the spiritual guidance of our Great Creator of your choosing, ever-remembering there is a power greater than ourselves.

I have a tough question to ask all of you, are you a paper Mason? I can imagine the looks of befuttlement I am getting so I will explained…

I know that all of us that are reading this should have a dues card and belong to a lodge, but is that where your Masonicness ends? Are you a Mason on paper but nowhere else in your life?

I ask this because the longer I am in the Craft the more Paper Masons I see in the craft. It is a great organization and being a part of something larger than oneself is admirable, but if you are not actively contributing to that organization or at least practicing the virtues that it teaches, then are you wasting your time? What are you actively doing to improve or grow the organization?

It is no secret that Masonry is losing numbers and it would not be a surprise if ten or more Lodges close their doors in the next couple of years. What is going on? Why are we having such a hard time staying relevant?

I would suggest that a large part of the problem would be too many members being Paper Masons.

How are you actively stretching your cable tow? Do you spend your Lodge nights as a sideliner and assume somebody else will take care of the running of the Lodge? Are

My ramblings have a point that our goals for the future should be guided by embracing technology and the interests and activities of the young men coming to our door. Society has changed and hobbies and interests are not the same today as my generation, my Father’s generation and his Father’s. We certainly have the obligation to see the Ancient Landmarks preserved and continue the practice of the Cardinal Virtues of Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence and Justice while exhibiting Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. Our look to the future should be the focus of leaving a sound foundation of monetary stability and the reputation in our communities of exemplary conduct and behavior and a favorable opinion of the Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons.

Fraternally, Jim Baker PM ‘02 2019-20 Junior Grand Warden Grand Lodge F. & AM of Arizona

you willing to take an active role in your Lodge ie. Leadership, committees, degree help? Do your actions promote building and retaining membership?

Not having enough active Masons is a problem a lot of Lodges have and reason some are closing. This is not only the small town Lodges that are having issues, in fact, some of the Lodges having active membership problems would surprise you. I wouldn't be surprised if you see a name on that list that would break your heart.

At the very least we should be practice Masonry in our lives outside the Lodge in such a way that it makes other Men want to be like us and seek our Craft out. Make no mistake I'm not simply talking about wearing a ring or having the Masonic license plate, I mean practicing those moral and social virtues we teach everyday so that people around us want to be a part of it.

As I write this I worried that my submissions to this newsletter may come off as preachy and even discussed this with our Editor. I contemplated not writing this message, but I COULDN'T do it!

This is a call to action and we need all of you! Please take a look at your Masonic career and ask yourself "am I a Paper Mason?" You may be surprised at your answer.

Fraternally,

Ryan Kann PM ‘13 ‘14, ‘15 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 26

The true story of Elisha Reavis and the history of Reavis Ranch in the Superstition Mountains.

Known as the “Hermit of the Superstitions” to Anglos, known as the “White Devil” to the Apaches. Bordering on mythical, Elisha Reavis the mountain-man is the definition of true western grit.

Choosing to make your home in the Arizona wilderness in the mid-1800’s was no small decision and those who did often found themselves the fatal victims of fierce Apache raiding parties. This being the reality at the time, Reavis took the opportunity early on to buffer himself from his war-faring neighbors.

He was the first Anglo-American to settle in what is now known as the Superstition Mountains. Reavis planted himself a garden in what is still known today as Reavis Ranch.

Reavis’s mountain abode sits smack dab in the middle of todays Superstition Mountain Wilderness. The clear flowing spring, located in this high mountain valley is the only reliable perennial water source in the entire mountain range.

I t was just a fter

Elisha Reavis attended college before going to California during the Gold Rush. He taught school briefly at El Monti, California and searched for gold along the San Gabriel River. He married Mary Y. Sexton at San Gabriel in 1867 and had one child the following year. Her name was Louisa Maria Reavis.

Reavis went with other gold seekers to the Bradshaw Mountains in Arizona in 1863 but had little success. He returned to California but his wife refused to move to the rugged country in Arizona and preferred to live in the big city and near her parents. After her death, Reavis daughter went to St. Louis to live with relatives.

It was at his remote ranch high in the Superstition Mountains that Reavis planted a large garden and lived for years supplying area miners and the townsfolk of Florence, Mesa, and Phoenix with fresh vegetables and produce. It is said that in the twenty years he farmed this little slice of heaven he sold over $30,000 worth of much sought after produce.

The two decades Reavis spent living alone in the Supersti- dark one summer day and three Apache braves lay dead having fallen to his .38-40 Winchester. Reavis was holed up tion Mountains made him a legend in his own time. in his adobe home firing through a small opening in his door Like all frontiersmen, Reavis life was rugged and full of strugwhich he had cut just for this purpose. Perhaps he thought gle. Born in Beardstown, Illinois, he traveled to California he wasn’t going to make it out of this predicament alive, or circa 1850, married, and worked a placer claim along the maybe he just didn’t want to kill any more Apaches when he banks of the San Gabriel. He traveled to the Arizona Terristripped off all his clothes, and with a butcher knife in his tory in 1863 and acquired a position transporting supplies hand charged the Apache camp yelling and screaming like a for the U.S. Army over military trails. Soon thereafter for lunatic all the while. The stunned Apaches took to the hills reasons known only to him, he became a loner, a hermit and and never again returned to the ranch or bothered old holed himself up in his remote mountain abode.

Reavis. (cont.)

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Elisha Reavis had learned that the Apache had a taboo against killing or molesting in any manner the mentally insane. This tactic most surely saved his life and proved quite effective as the Apache forever after avoided his part of the mountains. (cont.)

Even in the mid-1800’s Reavis was quite the sight. With long, unkempt and unwashed matted hair and beard Reavis was the proverbial mountain-man poster child. With beaming small piercing eyes he maintained a savage and even feral appearance for even the old west. But nothing could be further from the truth. Reavis was quite educated and kept a personal library at his ranch as he was an avid reader. There is even an 1850 census report that proclaims him in the occupation of a medical student.

still tied to the nearby tree and his faithful dog was guarding his masters body.

Following Reavis death in 1896, Jack Fraser took over the Reavis ranch property by paying a six hundred -dollar claim against the estate but never homesteaded it because he was a Canadian and not a US citizen. William Knight was the foreman for Fraser and he and his wife Eunice resided at the Reavis ranch site.

One can imagine that for a man having lived alone for as Fraser later sold the long as he did, he had quite a lot of time to ponder the deep- ranch in 1909 to WilWilliam ‘Billy’ Knight er trenches of ideas, and philosophy, and literature. liam Clemens, a cattleGila Valley Lodge When it came to manners, here too Reavis was quite the man, but Clemens was paradox. He was known to be courteous to all he met and also not a citizen. Billy Martin Sr. was the foreman for Clemespecially respectful towards women. On top of everything ens for the next 37 years. The Reavis ranch was finally paelse, he was never known to turn a stranger from his door- tented by Clemens' wife in 1919. She was from West Virginstep, instead always offering up his last bit of food for anyone ia and a US citizen. traveling through. Quite the dichotomy for a man who so In 1946 Walter Upton and Whoolie Bacon bought the old valued his solitude.

Reavis ranch from Clemens. They ran the ranch together One fall day in 1896 Elisha until 1955 when Bacon’s son in law Floyd Stone bought the Reavis became ill and decided to ranch with his partner Ken Lockwood. try to get to Globe, Arizona to see a doctor. He packed his mule with some food and necessary items, loaded his rifle and called his trusty dog to accompany him.

He made it only a few miles from his home when he became too sick to continue. He made a small camp in some trees near a water hole and tied his mule to Jack Fraser a nearby tree. A week or so Gila Valley Lodge later a prospector was coming up the trail to visit with Reavis at his ranch. He found the old hermit dead in the makeshift camp. Reavis had died and fallen into the fire and was partially burned, His mule was dead,

In 1966 Stone and Lockwood sold the ranch to the US Forest Service Department of Agriculture for 75,000 dollars and 20 acres of land bordering the Apache Trail.

It was the end of a historic chapter in Arizona history and the end of an era.

There were efforts at one time to build a resort on the Reavis ranch but it was too remote to be successful. Today the old historic homestead is mostly visited by outdoorsman and hikers. The old Reavis ranch house mysteriously burned one night in November 1991 and all that remains now are scattered stone foundations, fencing, pieces of old farm machinery and a few apple trees that have survived in the ranch orchard.

There is a Masonic connection. Jack Fraser was a Charter Member of Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 and later also of Oriental Lodge No. 20. William Knight, his foreman was Master of Gila Valley in 1932.

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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 Memor i a l o f f e r s detailed exhibits and guided tours that teach the general public about George Washington, his life and virtues, and the role that Freemasonry played throughout his life. Further, the Memorial is an important space for the performing arts, social gatherings, public events, and 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.

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 F o r t h e p a s t d e c a d e , t h e 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 begun a multi-year project to perform all needed structural repairs. Stone by stone, are repointing the mortar and protecting the building from water penetration. When completed, the building will be in bet-

ter than new condition.

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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The Casa Grande Ruins National Monument was protected with the help Gila Valley No. 9 F & AM Masonic Lodge charter member Isaac T. Whittemore , who used to sleep at the Big House in the late 1890's to protect it from vandals, biking into Town of Florence daily, and charter member of Pima Lodge No. 39 in Coolidge Arizona, Frank Pinkley "the Boss" who was appointed as resident custodian when Casa Grande was designated a national monument in 1918.

Andrew Jackson "Andy" Ritter was born in Pennsylvania about 1849.

He moved to Tombstone and established an undertaking business with partner W.H. Ream. Mr. Ritter was on duty at Ritter and Ream City Undertakers on October 26, 1881, to prepare the bodies of Billy Clanton, Tom and Frank McLaury after the famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral.

A.J. Ritter sold his business in 1889 and moved to Mammoth, Arizona, to pursue mining ventures. He also invented a fruit canning machine in 1895. WB Ritter died in Mammoth, Pinal County, April 29, 1899, and is buried in Tucson in the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) section of Evergreen Cemetery. G.A.R. was a fraternal organization formed in 1866 with membership limited to honorably discharged Union veterans of the American Civil War. An obituary in the Tombstone Prospector April 29, 1899, states, “Mr. Ritter was a whole souled citizen and his good heartedness was a failing that cost him dearly during life’s experience. ”He was a Past Master of King Solomon #5 Territorial Lodge

Arizona is a floristically rich state with perhaps as many as 3900 species of vascular plants. Over the last 60 years an average of 12 new species records have been reported annually. The first manuals for identifying the plants of the state were Flora of Arizona and New Mexico by Tidestrom & Kittle (1941) and Flowering Plants and Ferns of Arizona by Kearney and Peebles (1942). In 1987, the botaHenry Alfred Morgan was the first postmasnists at the herbarium of Arizona ter of the Fort Grant post office Mar 28, State University and The University of Arizona formed an 1881 when the name of the P.O. was editorial committee with the intent of producing a new changed from Camp Grant to Fort Grant.

The Camp Grant P.O. had been opened in book - Vascular Plants of Arizona. Charles T. Mason, Jr. was a co-editor of the compendious Vascular Plants of Mar 5, 1875 with Warner Buck being the first P.M of that facility. Henry Morgan was a Arizona project, and authored descriptions of ten plant banker and a merchant. He was president of families. He taught at the University of Arizona from 1953 to 1992, and continued to work adjoining the Herbarium the Norton Morgan Commercial Company of Willcox; Difour-five days a week until he was injured in a rector of the New State Telephone Company, Willcox; His car-pedestrian accident in 2007 at the age of 89. He was stores had branches in Bonita and Cochise as well as the Master of Epes Randolph Lodge No. 32 and Grand headquarters in Willcox He was Past Grand Master Master of Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons in of Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons in Arizona in Arizona in 1983 1911 and Past Master of Wilcox Lodge No. 10.

On Sunday, November 2, 1997 Grand Master William Jeffers Jr. opened a Special Communication of the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons in Arizona in recognition of the 25th Anniversary of Green Valley Lodge No. 71. What made this special was that Grand Lodge of Arizona was opened for the first time ever in the Entered Apprentice Degree.

Do you have some Arizona Lodge Masonic Trivia? Please send to us so that we can include it in a future edition!

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The Notorious Case of Winnie Ruth Judd - The Trunk Murderess.

Judd was convicted of murdering two of her friends after their bodies were found in a trunk. Although she was initially convicted of the crime, Ernest McFarland was able to successfully argue that she was insane and Judd was transferred from prison to a mental asylum. She frequently escaped the asylum so Mac wrote her, while serving as Arizona Governor, and asked her to please stop escaping -so she did. Brother Ernest McFarland was a member of Pinal Lodge #30 and a frequent visitor to Gila Valley No. 9 in his hometown of historic Town of Florence.

Hezekiah Brooks was a pioneer settler of Prescott who came to the area in 1862, building the first log cabin on the banks of Granite Creek at the present site of Prescott. In the wild days of the ruggest west during tensions between the prospectors and Indians over the mountain lands of Arizona, Brooks engaged in battle with the Native Indians on Battle Flat, twenty-five miles from Prescott. After the fight, in which the Indians were routed, Mr. Brooks chanced upon a pretty "red cheeked papoose lying on the battlefield, crying lustily for its mother who had deserted her in retreat. Tenderly the rugged pioneer gathered the wee human into his brawny arms and brought her back to his home in Prescott where he raised her as his own. (He gave the Prescott Journal Miner another version of the skirmish: "I saw an Indian, as I supposed, in the brush a short distance from me. It was then getting dusk, but I took good aim and fired, and the Indian dropped. It was Bessie‘s mother, and then Bessie, a little tot got up on a rock so I could see her above the brush, and I went and got her. It was not until then that I knew the Indian I had killed was a woman." Mrs. Brooks, who was childless, asked Peck to give her the child. Two days later, he delivered her to Mr. and Mrs. Brooks who named her Bessie and committed to raise her as their own daughter.) She grew into a lovely lady under the name Bessie Brooks, later marrying one of Yavapai county's stalwart sons, James Edgar. WB Brooks was the 7th Master of Aztlan Lodge #1 in 1872. For a slightly different tell of the tale check out the story on the Aztlan Lodge No. 1 website at https:// www.aztlanlodge.org/brooks.shtml Harry Stith's name may be familiar. He was a longtime florist in the Old Pueblo of Tucson Arizona — he founded Westerner Flowers and eventually had six locations. He also started Tucson Wholesale Florist and Discount Flowers, which he sold to his employees. While working, he always did his part to improve the community he became a part of when he moved to Tucson from Montana in 1948.

He started the Tucson Merchants Association, was on various professional boards, and was a regular volunteer with charity golf tournaments. And it was Stith who was the force behind establishing Tucson's Sabbar Shrine Temple in 1965.

Harry was a member of the Tucson Lodge No. 4, Tucson Scottish Rite 32°, Tucson Sabbar Shrine Temple, B.P.O.E. 385, a past director of the Royal Order of Jesters, and the Executives' Association of Tucson 31

Twelve miles west of Flagstaff, Arizona is located the finest prairie land in Arizona. In the area was located a place called Volunteer Springs Ranch owned by Walter J. Hill who was one of the largest sheep raisers in Arizona. Mr. Hill settled there in 1876 and built his first log house near a spring. Mr. Hill's flocks were all high grade Merino and his wool consistently brought the highest market prices. As visitors entered Volunteer Springs Ranch, it seemed as if they were entering a village, there were so many buildings. The most conspicuous building was the villa residence of the owner, a two-story building containing twelve rooms. Also the ranch had a commissary, stables, ice-house and blacksmith. Mr. Hill possessed a library which contained many costly and rare books. He purchased the best edition of everything and his library shelves held many books of rare typographical beauty and rich bindings. The panic of 1893 brought bankruptcy to Hill and horse thieves stole his remaining stock.

Tracking them with the Sheriff, he was shot in the head while sneaking up on the bad men. He survived the wound but it changed his personality and his mental decline was as precipitous as he story was bizarre. He could no longer hold a job and ended up in jail and out of jail in California. Walter James Hill was one of the charter members of Flagstaff Masonic Lodge No. 7, serving as it's Under Dispensation Master in 1888.

On December 22, 1889 the 22nd Zion Church was organized with 12 members and many well wishers in the mining town of Clifton, Arizona. The two buildings were donated by Arizona Copper Company, one for the Minister and one for Church. Five hundred dollars was budgeted to be raised for the building and would be found in Clifton and vicinity. The Arizona Weekly Citizen quoted the new Minister Rev. Furneaux as saying that during the month of January, he would call on "His large circle of friends in Clifton and Morenci, to solicit donations for church building fund, Jew and gentile, saint and sinner, deacon and saloon keeper each and all are going to contribute liberally towards the erection of a church that will be a credit to this region."

James Cromb, one of the most highly esteemed members of the community was elected elder, and Mr. Jacob Abraham was appointed trustee.

Cromb and Abraham were also active in the local Masonic Lodge, Coronado Lodge No. 8 in Clifton.

James Sommerville Cromb served as Master of the Lodge and Grand Master of Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons in Arizona in 1903

Michael Giorsetti migrated to the states from Italy, landing in Winkelman in 1909. He built up Giorsetti's Superior Bakery, a glorified wooden shack that quickly became a general store, selling everything from canned goods to guns and ammo. This town of 500 souls, this rising mining outpost began turning copper ore to gold, gained a slight cosmopolitan sheen. The bakery delivered fresh baked goods to Winkelman area residents by horse and buggy, even up to the town of Christmas. Giorsetti's was soon a full-on grocery and mercantile.

Michael built the two-story structure that houses the store now sometime around 1911, with living quarters inside on the second floor. Its heavy concrete walls and original interior ceiling and thick wooden front counter. Could it be Arizona’s longest operating family owned grocery store? The third generation of Giorsettis currently run the business. Currently Jeff Giorsetti is the butcher and owns the business with his family. WB Jeff and his father Provino were Past Masters of Ray-Winkelman Lodge No. 24.

Stop by and say hello next time you are in Winkelman, Arizona 32

September 2, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 7:00 pm Monday’s at the Lodge

September 5, Pinal Lodge No. 30 7:00 pm Stated Meeting

September 9, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

September 6, 2019 Poker Night Ray Winkelman Lodge No. 24 7:30 pm Poker Kearny Style 209 Essex Road Kearny AZ 480-433-9023

September 7, 2019 First Responders Appreciation Breakfast Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

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

8:00 am Breakfast

September 10, Ray-Winkleman No. 24

Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

7:30 pm Stated Meeting

September 7, 2019 Gila Valley Poker 7:00 pm Poker Gila Valley Lodge Style

September 10, Ocotillo Chapter No. 21 OES September 28, 2019 Master Mason Degree 7:00 pm Stated Meeting

Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 Raising Bro. Joe Guinn to the Sublime Degree of MM

September 12, Apache Lodge No. 69

9:00 am Degree Begins

7:300 pm Stated Meeting

September 29, 2019 Ray Zak Memorial

September 14, White Mountain No. 3

Pinal Lodge No. 30

10:00 am Stated Meeting

September 14, Globe Chapter No. 7 R.A.M 2:00 pm Stated Meeting

September 16, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 7:00 pm Monday’s at the Lodge

3:00 pm Memorial

October 16, 2019 The Letter G: Gimel, Gamma or just plain G? Arizona Research Lodge No. 1 Phoenix Masonic Temple

7:00 pm Stated Meeting

November 23, 2019 Degree in the Desert September 19, Eloy Lodge No. 46 7:00 pm Stated Meeting

King Solomon Lodge No. 5 / Prometheus Lodge No. 87 Tombstone, Arizona

September 23, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

January 27, 2020 Make a Different Day

7:00 pm Monday’s at the Lodge

September 30, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 7:00 pm Monday’s at the Lodge

7:00 pm Monday’s at the Lodge Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 Florence, Arizona

7:00 am Begins

March 7, 2020 Lost Dutchman Degree Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 Superstition Mountains, Arizona

10:00 am Degree Begins

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On August 26th members of Gila Valley Lodge drafted the first ever Fantasy Football league. Champion will donate half their winning to the Lodge! Fantasy football is a game in which the participants serve as General Managers of virtual professional gridiron football teams. The competitors choose team rosters by participating in a draft in which all players of a real football league are available Keep your eyes out for monthly standings!

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

J. Guinn

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A. Raimondi

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D. Genchi

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J. Baker

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J. Woode

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S. Sego

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R. Kann

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B. Gay

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R. Biede

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N. Genchi

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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! 35

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/94-2746389 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, Craig Hutchison Secretary, Masonic Charities of Arizona www.masoniccharitiesaz.com crghutch@gmail.com

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Anthony Raimondi Email: Raimondi_57@msn.com

Eric Smith Email: jiminys@yahoo.com

Email: roger.biede@gmail.com

MWGM Gregory A. Vasquez 2019-20 Grand Master F. & A.M of Arizona

Dewey Jefferson Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com

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

John Woode

Chairman: WB Daniel Genchi PM

Email: jwoode591@gmail.com

Email: dmgenchi@gmail.com

Chairman: Eric Smith Email: jiminys@yahoo.com

Brian Ringer

Chairman: WB Roger Biede III PM

Email:

Email: roger.biede@gmail.com

Chairman: Dewey Jefferson Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com

Daniel Genchi PM Email: dmgenchi@gmail.com

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

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

Dave “DJ� Jones Email: dejones2063@gmail.com

Dewey Jefferson Chairman Daniel Genchi PM Roger Biede III 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 810 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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