September 2020 Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 Trestleboard

Printed Every Month 130th Anniversary

SEPTEMBER 2020

Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 partnered with Masonic Charities of Arizona to present a 2020 Grant to Compassion Connect of San Tan Valley this month. Compassion Connects looks to unite local churches and community partners to address the urgent needs of our community as an expression of God’s love. Providing information, resources and services on Community Service Agencies, Profit/ Non-Profit Agencies, and government agencies.

This is the second year that Gila Valley has been able to help this worthy charity in our Community.

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

Brethren,

or all of our lectures? Maybe it's the history and lore or Our break is just about over. Only a few weeks before in the building up of one's character that masonry prides is are fully underway again and I've been thinking a lot itself on. It could be in the community outreach, a charabout what that might look like and how to accomplish ity or program that you are already working with or what is like to do and more importantly what we need to would lime to begin. Is it in meeting like minded indido. I've heard that in any volunteer organization that if viduals and sharing that fraternal bond with your broth10% of your members are active and engaged then your ers? No matter what it is, I guarantee you, you are not doing as good as most others. While that may work out alone. fine for some places, even lodges like Scottsdale that If you have ever said you wish our lodge did more of can boast hundreds of members, we at Gila Valley do anything, then you are exactly you I'm talking to. It's not have that luxury. Having a mere 10 percent puts us time to stop wishing and make it happen. We need in single digits which will (and has) make it difficult to you. We need you to step up and make our lodge be run a normal stated meeting. In fact year after year our that thing that you want it to be. We need you to plan lodge finds itself at that fundraiser. To organize that outing, to learn that a loss for somelecture. To fill that officer chair. To mentor that candithing that even date. To be the mason that you want to see in our lodge. resembles a strong I have never been one that believes in the "voluntold" progressive line missed. We all joined masonry of our own free will and which can lead to accord. We were the ones that took the initiative to ask members being to become one and we were the ones that knocked on forced to advance that door, so why have so many of us stopped taking the far further and initiative? Why are we now waiting to be told what is faster than what needed or what to do? might be best for As this year winds down and hopefully this pandemic themselves and becomes just a bad memory, we will all be doing our for the best to figure out what things will look like moving forlodge. Thankfully we've been blessed with some truly ward. If there's a way you think you can help steer this outstanding individuals willing to bear that discomfort and step up to fill in where they were needed. I hope we humble crew and help us grow to be the bustling lodge can continue to be so lucky but I implore all of you not we'd all like it be, please reach out to me or any of our officers. to depend on it.

I'd like to challenge each and everyone of you to really For the future of our lodge, I can say earnestly that we need YOU take some time and think about why you joined this lodge. To remember what it was that drew you to ma- Fraternally, sonry and most importantly what fired you up and made you continue deeper into the rabbit hole of our mystic 2020 Master circle. Then I'd like you to ask yourself what can you Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 do to bring that passion back into the lodge. Do you have a passion for the drama of degrees? A love of any

Anthony Raimondi

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There is a saying that my band director said to me that his band director said to him. This saying was “Practice does not make perfect. Perfect practice makes Perfect.”

And another phrase that was said to me when I was studying Tuba at BGSU was the following “Practice makes permanent.” These phrases and statements were said to me since I was in High School. Yes, I know for some of our brothers that was a long time ago and for others it wasn’t that far gone.

So, I want you to think back to the people who influenced you to become who you are today.

compared to my friends in the studio. I felt defeated and felt that I may not be able to get any better at what I was there to do. First, I found out that I had been using my air in the wrong way, my fundamentals were not strong enough and I needed to restart from the beginning because of these deficiencies. With this defeated attitude my instructor told me this bit of information “you need to first quit with all the self-doubt and start to focus on what you can do well and what you can control. Once you accomplish that you will then start to improve and remember that practice makes permanent so take your music in small amounts and quit trying to play the whole piece every time you practice.”

All these lessons I now take with me when I am working on my memorization for Lodge and could be beneficial to those who are thinking about taking on a chair, My Band director was a man who always demanded the charge, or lecture. Remember everything in life can be absolute best and even when you were new to the group. taken in smaller amounts in a way my music teachers We would practice in sections trying to get the multiwere helping me to learn to keep my passions within tude of songs memorized for our playing tests and due bounds. The way that we should all approach everymemorizing our drill so we would be ready for our first thing we do in our daily lives talk less, listen, reflect, performance. Either way it would require a lot of time question, and think about how we are doing and how we and effort. There were many times when I was at this could improve ourselves. age that I was like well this is got to be good enough to Until next time brothers, pass and then found myself being told no you may want to go back, and practice some more then be ready to try Fraternally, again tomorrow. And that was the start for me to want to always improve my craft at playing the tuba.

2020 Junior Warden Later when I was in college this is when I truly found Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 out how far away from being good at the tuba I was

John Woode

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"The first thing most of us do when encountering a new word, is reach for the nearest dictionary.

during religious ceremonies, presumably as a symbol to indicate the mercy of the candidate to whatever was awaiting him after an initiation.

Although other variations, such as Cable-length and Cable-laid were found, the word Cable-tow, could not been However, the main symbolism of having a rope around found outside of Masonic publications, despite trying one's neck, is submission. Many cultures put halters, or different spellings and different (older) dictionaries. collars, around prisoners and slaves.

Breaking cable-tow down, we find the word cable and tow.

Usages in Masonry: It seems that the first time the word Cable-tow came in use was 1730, when it was described as a cable rope, and also as a tow-line. It is refereed to in the FC obligation.

Webster's lists three words in this context, namely towline, hawser, and cable. It defines a tow-line as "A small hawser, used to tow a ship", a hawser as "A small cable; or a large rope, in size between a cable and a tow-line", and a cable as "A large strong rope or chain, used to retain a vessel at anchor; composed of three strands; each strand of three ropes; and each rope of three twists. A ships cable is usually 120 fathom, or 720 feet, in length. " Furthermore, the encyclopedia of knots describes a cable as three hawsers, twisted so that they spiral to the left.

This usage probably stemmed from the fact that Medieval Masons were required to attend their annual or triennial "assemblies" except in case of sickness or "in peril of death". Others have said that certain assemblies specified what that distance was, ranging from 3 to 50 miles.

What is interesting is the term is used as "my cable-tow", implying that it is an individual thing, and hence unique.

If so, many have said that the length of ones cable-tow, and hence the ability to attend Lodge, depends on the individuals circumstances, like work obligations, family, distance and the like.

In any case, it is clear that the one of the main purposes of a tow-line, hawser and cable is to pull and secure heavy objects, and is an essential piece in construction.

Ancient builders used cables extensively, and although it is unclear exactly when the term cabletow came to be used in Masonry, it is no stretch of the imagination to suggest it came from terms and equipment operative masons were using which speculative masons then adopted.

It is also interesting to note that in some Masonic ceremonies, the number of times the cable-tow is bound around a candidate increases as the candidate progresses higher in the degrees, symbolizing the increasing importance of the lessons therein taught. The opposite also exists, where the number of times a candidate is bound is decreases, signifying the increased "trust" the candidate receives as he progresses (cont.)

Symbolism of ropes around a neck: Other religions and societies have used a device similar to a cable-tow in their religious ceremonies, commonly referred to as a halter, or a rope put around a candidate

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The Cable-Tow is purely Masonic in its meaning and use, or so we are told.

As far back as we can go in the history of any initiation, we ďŹ nd the cable-tow, or something similar , used very In an early pamphlet by Pritard, issued in 1730 the cable- much as it is used in a Masonic Lodge today. Whether it is called "Khabel" from the Hebrew or "Cabel" from the tow is a called a "Cable-Rope" and in another edition: a Dutch (both meaning a rope) the fact is the same. In In"Tow-Line." However in neither pamphlet is the word ever used in exactly the same form and sense in which it dia, in Egypt and in most of the ancient world , a cord or cable was being used in the same way and for the same is used today. purpose.

So far as we can make out, the cable-tow seems to represent some kind of pledge, a vow in which a man pledges his life. We even find the cable-tow being employed outside the initiatory rites. For example, in a striking scene recorded in the Bible (I Kings 20:31,32), the description of which is almost Masonic, "Ben-Hadad" - the King of Syria - had been defeated in battle by the King of Israel and his servants are making a plea for his life. They approach the King of Israel "with ropes upon their heads," and speak of his "Brother, BenHadad."

The whole Masonic Lodge is a symbol and every object and every act performed within it, is symbolical. The whole fits together into a system of symbolism by which Masonry veils the truth that it seeks to teach.

Why did they wear ropes, or nooses, on their heads?

Possibly to symbolize a pledge of some sort, given in a Lodge or otherwise, between the two Kings, of which they wished to remind the King of Israel. (cont.)

The

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The King of Israel asked: "Is he yet alive? He is my brother."

Control, obedience, guidance - these are the three meanings of the cable-tow. Of course, by Control we do not mean that Masonry commands us in the same sense that it uses force.

Then we read that the servants of the Syrian King watched to see if the King of Israel made any sign, and, catching his sign, they brought the captive King of Syria before him. Not only was the life of the King of Syria spared, but a new pledge was made between the two men.

Not at all!

Masonry rules men as beauty rules an artist, as love rules a lover. It controls us, shapes us through its moral teaching and so it wins obedience and gives guidance and direction to our lives.

The cable-tow, then, is also the visible symbol of a vow by which a man has pledged his life, or has pledged himself to save another man's life at the risk of his own. Its length and strength are measured by the ability of that man to fulfill his obligation ; a test of both his capacity and his character.

What is the length of a cable-tow ?

Some say it is seven hundred and twenty feet, or twice the measure of a circle. Others say that the length of the cable-tow is three miles. But such figures are merely symbolical, since to one man it may mean three miles and to another three thousand miles - or to the end of the earth.

If a lodge is a symbol of the world and the initiation is our birth into the world (of Masonry) , the cable-tow is not dissimilar from the cord which unites a child to masonic temple his/her mother at birth.

For each Mason the cable-tow reaches as far as his moral principles go and his material conditions will allow. Of that distance each person must be his own judge!

Just as the physical cord, when cut, is replaced by a tie of

By Bro. Anonymous love between mother and child, so, in one of the most extract from the "short Talk Bulletin" - vol IV March, impressive moments of initiation, the cable-tow is re1926 N.3 moved, because the Brother, by his oath at the Altar of Obligation, is bound by a tie stronger than any physical cable.

The cable-tow is the sign of the pledge of the life of a man. As in his oath he agrees to forfeit his life if his vow is violated, so he pledges his life to the service of the Craft. He agrees to go to the aid of a Brother, using all his power in his behalf, "if within the length of his cabletow," which means, if within the reach of his power, oath.

But, let us remember that a cable-tow has two ends. If it binds a Mason to the Fraternity, by the same token it binds the Fraternity to each man in it. Happily, in our days we are beginning to see the other side of the obligation - that the Fraternity is under vows to its members to guide, instruct and train them for the effective service of the Craft and of Humanity.

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As in Operative Freemasonry, the compasses are used for the measurements of the architect's plans, and to enable him to give those just proportions which will ensure beauty as well as stability to his work; so, in Speculative Freemasonry, is this important implement symbolic of that even tenor of deportment, that true standard of rectitude which alone can bestow happiness here and felicity hereafter. Hence are the compasses the most prominent emblem of virtue, the true and only measure of a Freemason's life and conduct. As the Bible gives us Light on our duties to God, and the square illustrates our duties to our neighborhood and Brother, so the compasses give that additional light which is to instruct us in the duty we owe to ourselves--the great, imperative duty of circumscribing our passions, and keeping our desires within due bounds.

"It is ordained," says the philosophic Burke, "in the eternal constitution of things, that men of intemperate passions cannot be free; their passions forge their fetters." Those Brethren who delight to trace our emblems to an astronomical origin, find in the compasses a symbol of the sun, the circular pivot representing the body of the luminary, and the diverging legs his rays. In the earliest rituals of the eighteenth century, the compasses are described as a part of the furniture of the Lodge, and are said to belong to the Master. Some change will be found in this respect in the ritual of the present day. The word is sometimes spelled and pronounced compass, which is more usually applied to the magnetic needle and circular dial or card of the mariner from which he directs his course over the seas, or the similar guide of the airman when seeking his destination across unknown territory.

symbols in Freemasonry. As such, it is proper that its true form should be preserved. French Freemasons have almost universally given it with one leg longer than the other (like the one pictured above) thus making it a carpenter's square. American Freemasons, following the incorrect

delineations of Brother Jeremy L. Cross, have, while generally preserving the equality of length in the legs, unnecessarily marked its surface with inches; thus making it an instrument for measuring length and breadth, which it is not. It is simply the trying square of a stone-mason, and has a plain surface; the sides or legs embracing an angle of ninety degrees, and is intended only to test the accuracy of the sides of a stone, and to see that its edges subtend the same angle. In Freemasonry, the square is a symbol of morality. This is its general signification, and applied in various ways: 1. It presents itself to the neophyte as one of the Three Great Lights. 2. To the Fellow Craft as one of his Working-tools. 3. To the Master Mason as the official emblem of the Master of the Lodge. (cont.)

The Square is one of the most important and significant

The Pinal County Animal Care and Control is once again full of dogs and needs our help again. Please bring in your old blankets and dog toys for us to donate for our next Stated Meeting!! There will be a box for collection of the donated items!

Other items that are needed: Cleaning supplies - Blankets and towels – Peanut butter (xylitol -free) – Pet Food—Medicine - Office supplies - Grooming tools

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Everywhere, however, it inculcates the same lesson of morality, of truthfulness, of honesty. So universally accepted is this symbolism, that it has gone outside of the Order, and has been found in colloquial language communicating the same idea. The Square, says Halliwell, Dictionary of Archaic and Provincial Words, means honest, equitable, as in "square dealing." To play upon the square is proverbial for to play honestly. In this sense the word is found in the old writers. As a Masonic symbol, it is of very ancient date, and was familiar to the Operative Masons. In the year 1830, the architect, in rebuilding a very ancient bridge called Baal Bridge, near Limerick, in Ireland, found under the foundation-stone an old brass square, much eaten away, containing on its two side surfaces the following inscription, the U being read as V: I. WILL STRIUE. TO. LIUE.--WITH. LOUE. & CARE.-UPON. THE LEUL.--BY. THE. SQUARE., and the

date 1517. The modern Speculative Freemason will recognize the idea of living on the level and by the square. This discovery proves, if proof were necessary, that the familiar idea was borrowed from our Operative Brethren of former days. The square, as a symbol in Speculative Freemasonry, has therefore presented itself from the very beginning of the revival period. In the very earliest catechism of the eighteenth century, of the date of 1725, we find the answer to the question, "How many make a Lodge?" is "God and the Square, with five or seven right or perfect Masons." God and the Square, religion and morality, must be present in every Lodge as governing principles. Signs at the early period were to be made by squares, and the Furniture of the Lodge was declared to be the Bible, Compasses, and Square. In all rites and in all languages where Freemasonry has penetrated, the square has preserved its primitive signification as a symbol of morality.

Congratulations to Bro. Cody Linderoth on having been recently promoted to the rank of Sergeant today! He is pictured with his partner Mary, and will soon be taking lead on one of our night shifts.

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A good friend of mine operates a company out of Uganda named “Ubuntu” which is usually translated as, “I am because of who we are.” To explain, retired Archbishop and social rights activist Desmond Tutu believes that Ubuntu is the very essence of what it is to be human. “You can’t be human all by yourself, and when you have this quality—Ubuntu—you are known for your generosity. We think of ourselves far too frequently as just individuals, separated from one another, whereas you are connected and what you do affects the whole World. When you do well, it spreads out; it is for the whole of humanity.”

a surgeon who refused to treat him because he was a Yankee and who said that he had enough others to take care of from his own army. Finally another more compassionate surgeon was found and his wounds were taken care of. He was made as comfortable as possible. His guard, J.H. Lemon of Radford's Cavalry truly acted the part of the good Samaritan. Lemon somewhere found some ice and put it on the pounding head of Raynor and inquired if Raynor needed any money.

In response to Raynor's expressions of gratitude, pointing to the Masonic pin on Raynor's shirt, Lemon replied, "I can only hope to get the same treatment from your men if I ever fall into their Could a collective of goodness be one of many accurate descriphands. If you will relieve the distresses of a suffering Brother Mations of Masonry? One of the universal characteristics of Masonson when in your power, I shall be well paid." Lemon then ry is Charity. It has been said that “The Masonic Way is to give mounted his horse and rode away. The next morning Raynor was without remembering and to receive without forgetting.” removed to a barn that contained 20 other Union officers, and he One of the first acts of Masonic Charity to occur in the American learned the full extent of the Confederate victory.

Civil War occurred at the First Battle of Manassas or Bull Run A Mason’s Charity does not only extend toward those in the Craft.

on July 21st, 1861. This act was reported in the Boston Masonic Monthly which started publishing in November 1863, and was edited by E. L. Mitchell.

Colonel W.H. Raynor of the 1st Ohio left his command and in the company of two sergeants went to fetch water at a nearby creek. Suddenly, as they neared the stream, they heard the yell that eventually became known as the Rebel Yell and the thundering hoofs of hundreds of horses. A horseman fired his pistol at Raynor and missed and then as he passed by struck Raynor with his sabre. Lights flashed through Raynor's brain and he fell to the ground senseless looking almost dead.

The earliest surviving Masonic documents, “Old Charges” or “Gothic Constitutions,” dating from 1390 to the 18th century, outline a masons’ duties to his God, his master, his family and society in general. Dr. James Anderson condensed these ideals into the preface of the 1723 “Book of Constitutions.”

In operative terms, the “Old Charges” called on the stone masons to assist a strange mason with up to two weeks’ work and lodging. In speculative terms, they directed masons to aid the needy and act with charity toward all mankind.

How is charity toward all mankind a part of your life? Do you strive to make a difference in the lives of your fellow man? The eyes of the World are upon us, and we are ambassadors for our Fraternity. Our words and actions should show that upon becoming a Master Mason we have indeed become better men.

Be the stellar example, the World needs it, especially now!

Fraternally,

Roger Biede III 2020 Senior Grand Steward Grand Lodge of Arizona

Early that evening the Southern wounded from the front were being treated at the junction in a stable. Raynor was taken first to

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Going up the chairs…looking back at my journey so far

sit back, do my SW parts and contemplate my future as well as the lodges future. This was when I realized that I Once you are a Master Mason you are eligible to move cannot (and will not) let my brothers down by not doing up the chairs in the line of the lodge. This means more as I said I would even though I did not think I was memorization, expectations, and responsibility. This can ready. My brothers felt I was ready, and had full confibe a scary venture for some, or an exciting journey for dence in me, so why didn’t I? others. It is all about what you want to get out of Masonry and if you are willing and able to put forth the effort Since that day I have a newfound excitement for stepand time to make it happen. ping up and getting involved. You truly do get out of Masonry what (if not more) you put into it. I have Going up the chairs to me started as a great journey learned so much about the craft, my brothers, and mymuch like my grandfather did years ago. The thought of self over this incredible journey thus far. This journey I being involved at the “officer” level and not just sitting decided to take in 2014 has had it’s ups and downs, but back was exciting at first. I then realized I had to memothrough it all I have found it is more than worth every rize things and speak in front of Lodge. That scared me.

After some time I started becoming a bit more comfortable speaking in Lodge, and was even able to be heard at times. My lines started to stay in my mind and did not seem so difficult to remember. I was really starting to enjoy being a Mason and being involved and even making a difference at times.

Then something happened and I was not so excited. I was asked how long I needed to make it to the East. I was scared, and was honest and said “I need 5 years from where I am now (SD) to get to the East”. It was agreed that I could move up the next 2 chairs and then year 5 be in the East. Well, that did not last but 6 months, for the very next election I was elected to sit as SW and thought “Wait a minute…what happened to JW for 2 years, then SW for 2?” This happened due to needs of the lodge ever changing and the lodge believing I could do it.

bit of the ups and downs.

I hope that everyone who decides to take this journey finds joy in it and continues every day to improve themselves and discover that they can do more. I have learned that I am capable of achieving what I once thought as impossible. The more involved with the That 1st year as SW was busier than I expected, and my lodge whether it be going up the line, or just participatshift changed at work. Everyone in Lodge seemed to ing in any way you can, the more you will get out of it. I change schedules and were able to do things on the encourage all brothers, especially those new to the craft, nights that I was able to the year prior, and I was no to get involved and at least attempt the chairs. You longer able to due to my work schedule. This made it might be surprised and what you find you can do harder (almost impossible it seemed) for me to be as Fraternally, involved as I would have liked to be.

Eric Smith

I was at a point that I never thought I would be and did not like it. I started to doubt myself and this was not a good thing as I was not liking me anymore and did not want to let the lodge down. I took a few months to just

2020 Senior Warden Gila Valley Lodge No. 9 10

The most important article of furniture in a Lodge-room is undoubtedly the altar. It is worth while, then, to investigate its character and its relation to the altars of other religious institutions.

The definition of an altar is very simple. It is a structure elevated above the ground, and appropriated to some service connected with worship, such as the offering of oblations, sacrifices, or prayers.

and uses of both of these altars. It is an altar of sacrifice, for on it the candidate is directed to lay his passions and vices as an oblation to the Deity, while he offers up the thoughts of a pure heart as a fitting incense to the Grand Architect of the Universe.

The altar is, therefore, the most holy place in a Lodge.

Among the ancients, the altar was always invested with peculiar sanctity. Altars were places of refuge, and the Altars, among the ancients, were generally made of turf supplicants who fled to them were considered as having placed themselves under the protection of the Deity to or stone. when permanently erected and not on any sudwhom the altar was consecrated, and to do violence even den emergency, they were generally built in regular to slaves and criminals at the altar, or to drag them from courses of Freemasonry, and usually in a cubical form.

Altars were erected long before temples. Thus, Noah is it, was regarded as an act of violence to the Deity himsaid to have erected one as soon as he came forth from self, and was hence a sacrilegious crime. the ark. Herodotus gives the Egyptians the credit of be- The marriage covenant among the ancients was always ing the first among the heathen nations who invented solemnized at the altar, and men were accustomed to altars. make all their solemn contracts and treaties by taking Among the ancients, both Jews and Gentiles, altars were oaths at altars. An oath taken or a vow made at the altar was considered as more solemn and binding than one of two kinds-for incense and for sacrifice. The latter were always erected in the open air, outside and in front assumed under other circumstances. of the Temple. Altars of incense only were permitted within the Temple walls. Animals were slain, and offered on the altars of burnt-offerings. On the altars of incense, bloodless sacrifices were presented and incense was burnt to the Deity.

The Masonic altar, which, like everything else in Freemasonry, is symbolic, appears to combine the character

Hence, Hannibal's father brought him to the Carthaginian altar when he was about to make him swear eternal enmity to the Roman power.

In all the religions of antiquity, it was the usage of the priests and the people to pass around the altar in the course of the sun, that is to say, from the east, by the way of the south, to the west, (cont.)

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singing paeans or hymns of praise as a part of their worship.

solemn reverence, as being part of a really religious worship.

From all this we see that the altar in Freemasonry is not merely a convenient article of furniture, intended, like a table, to hold a Bible. It is a sacred utensil of religion, intended, like the altars of the ancient temples, for religious uses, and thus identifying Freemasonry, by its necessary existence in our Lodges, as a religious institution.

Its presence should also lead the contemplative Freemason to view the ceremonies in which it is employed with

The situation of the altar in the French and frequently in the Scottish Rites is in front of the Worshipful Master, and, therefore, in the East. In the York Rite, the altar is placed in the center of the room, or more property a little to the East of the center.

The form of a Masonic altar should be a cube, about three feet high, and of corresponding proportions as to length and width, having, in imitation of the Jewish altar, four horns, one at each corner.

The Holy Bible with the Square and Compasses should be spread open upon it, while around it are to be placed three lights.

These lights are to be in the East, West, and South, and should be arranged as in the annexed diagram. The stars show the position of the lights in the East, West, and South. The black dot represents the position North of the altar where there is no light, because in Freemasonry the North is the place of darkness. ~Mackey

www.azmasoniclibrary.org

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Brethren,

Moving on to Freemasonry in Arizona, this is the The Old Farmer's Almanac lists the traditional timing time of year when the lodges that have been dark and of the Dog Days as the 40 days beginning July 3 and those that have not been dark to need shift gears and accelerate. With the Covid 19 restrictions and the ending August 11, coinciding with the rising of the Dog Days of Summer our activities and labors seem Dog Star, Sirius at sunrise. Sirius is part of the conto be almost at stellation Canis standstill in some Major, the Greatlodges and others er Dog and the have adapted and brightest star visitried to stay as active ble from any as possible. We place on Earth. need to move forOn July 23rd, Sirward and come toius rises and sets gether as best as our in conjunction individual lodge with the Sun, and membership will because it was so allow. bright at that time the ancient Romans believed it actually gave off heat and added to the Sun's warmth.

Thus, the Dog Days of Summer came to mean the 20 days before and the 20 days after the alignment of Sirius with the Sun.

I believe the four cardinal virtues of Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence and Justice are lacking in our society and as Masons any examples of these virtues we can display in lodge and in public will be beneficial to our communities and ourselves. I also believe the practice of the four cardinal virtues should instill in our hearts and minds the theological virtues of Although the official ending is July 11, in Arizona I believe the dog days of summer go well into Septem- faith, hope and charity. Brethren, take due notice and ber if you relate it to the heat and humidity. Hellenis- let us govern ourselves accordingly. tic astrology connected this time of year with heat, . drought, sudden thunderstorms, lethargy, fever, mad Fraternally, dogs and bad luck. Does that seem to relate to the actions and disharmony we see around us every day?

I'll leave that topic there for you to contemplate.

2020 Senior Grand Warden Grand Lodge of Arizona

Jim Baker

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

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

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

CALIENTE COFFEE CLUB SINCE 1985

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

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

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

And we can help!

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

Open seven days a week, the Memorial offers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Baby Rylee Ringer Baby Miguel Martinez Baby Angeliya Celeste Holt MW Grand Master of Arizona First Responders The Armed Forces Our Veterans Our dearly departed Brethren Brethren Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

September Birthdays

Sept Anniversaries

Daryl Neil Carroll Michael David Soto James Jameson James Kirk Ryan Kann Lee Weber Nick Hayduke Richard Platt Michael Henry

Rudolph Anderson Arthur Halpin Lee Weber Eric Smith

10-4 10-8 10-8 10-9 10-9 10-9 10-14 10-15 10-19 10-27

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1—28-1966 10-22-1992 10-18-1999 10-26-2015

Sept 3 Pinal Lodge No. 30

Sept 19, Gila Valley Lodge No. 9

7:00 pm Stated Meeting

Fellowcraft Degree 8:00 am Officers 9:00 pm Degree begins for Bro. Gay

Sept 8, Ocotillo Chapter No. 21 OES 7:00 pm Stated Meeting

Sept 10, Apache Lodge No. 69

October 3, 2020 Gila Valley Poker Night

7:300 pm Stated Meeting

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

Sept 12, White Mountain No. 3

November 7, 2020 Gila Valley Poker Night

10:00 am Stated Meeting

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

Sept 12, Globe Chapter No. 7 R.A.M 2:00 pm Stated Meeting

December 5, 2020 Gila Valley Poker Night

Sept 27, Eloy Lodge No. 46

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

7:00 pm Stated Meeting

Sept 28, 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

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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! 20

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

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

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

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

Fraternally, Roger Biede III Secretary, Masonic Charities of Arizona rcbthree@hotmail.com www.masoniccharitiesaz.com 21

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Anthony Raimondi Email: Raimondi_57@msn.com

Eric Smith Email: jiminys@yahoo.com

Email: jwoode591@gmail.com

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

Dewey Jefferson Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com

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

Lee Apger

Chairman: WB Daniel Genchi PM

Email: lkapger@gmail.com

Email: dmgenchi@gmail.com

Chairman: Eric Smith Email: jiminys@yahoo.com

Robert Holt

Chairman: WB Roger Biede III PM

Email: r.holt0129@gmail.com

Email: roger.biede@gmail.com

Chairman: Dewey Jefferson Email: djndjedderson48@yahoo.com

David Jones Email: dejones2063@gmail.com

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

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

Daniel Genchi PM Email: dmgenchi@gmail.com

Daniel Genchi PM Chairman Roger Biede III PM Ryan Kann PM

Gale MacDougal Email: bearinbox@con.net

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

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

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

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

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