Taft-Diaz Trestleboard for June/July 2023

T H E T A F T - D I A Z S T A T E S M A N

June/July 2023

Taft-Diaz Lodge #1297

Bimonthly Trestleboard

June - July 2023

Lux mentis Lux orbis*

This bimonthly communication is meant to keep you as a Taft-Diaz brother apprised of what is happening in your lodge. This will be released after the Stated Meeting for the ensuing two months. *Light

Worshipful Master

Oscar Vazquez, PM

"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a wellarmed lamb contesting the vote!"

Br. Benjamin Franklin.

Let's keep the craft free-thinking.

The Column of Strength

Senior Warden

E. David Whitley, PM

I hope you all are doing well as we enter the summer season. The first half of this year has just flown by. The lodge has been active in its fellowship and work. It has been fun to hang out with everyone in a casual setting. There’s nothing like relaxing, talking, eating, and sharing a libation or two together. It’s this time together that helps us build stronger bonds with one another. That’s what Freemasonry is all about...building bonds of friendship.

For those who could not attend this month’s meeting, know we missed you. You must know that you’re all valued members of this lodge, and we appreciate your attendance and input. It is what helps the lodge stay strong and grow. Elections were held, and a very good line was elected to serve this year. I want to say thank you to the lodge for allowing me to serve as Worshipful Master for the ensuing Masonic year. I will do my best to carry on the success and traditions that those before me have started. It is important to carry those things that are making us better forward. I ask that everyone come to the lodge and be a part of the mission we are on. No one man makes a team.....it takes many to ensure success

We will continue to have our weekly get-togethers at various places around town. Mixed in, there will be education/ritual practice nights. I want to continue the work started by W.M. Oscar Vasquez and others. The foundation of any good lodge is its ritual work.

The installation of officers will be on 8 July at 2 pm. The location is the lodge at 1340 Murchison, El Paso, TX. Please mark your calendars accordingly. Bro. James Beale will be the installing officer and Bro. Ernie Rodriguez will be the installing Marshal. I want to thank them for supporting the lodge on this important occasion.

In closing, I look forward to the coming fun and fellowship. I hope everyone will endeavor to participate in the lodge to the fullest extent. For those in El Paso masonry who want to visit, come see us. We enjoy having our brothers come out to see us. Everyone is welcome.

As the Sun in the South...

Junior Warden Reggie Douglass

When speaking with a non-mason, you cannot, of course, discuss the ritual, the password, and the modes of recognition.

But you can tell him the three degrees of Masonry consist of a ceremony of a serious nature, which teaches fundamental moral truths in an awe-inspiring and solemn manner.

You can also tell him the rituals contain a philosophy for life, providing new members with something on which to build eternal hope.

A non-mason may also want to know about the ceremony of initiation

You can tell him no man has ever become a Freemason, without also becoming a better man

Freemasonry teaches us lessons based on the principles of brotherhood, charity, and truth and encourages its members to lead virtuous lives and contribute positively to their communities.

All with the hopes of becoming the best version you can be.

The non-Mason may also wonder about the "close bond" Freemasons are famous for.

Explain how Masons are bound together by the knowledge that each of them - during the ceremonies of the degrees - has accepted specific high-ethical standards of conduct.

These standards ensure a bond of faith and confidence amongst each other

You need not be afraid to discuss Freemasonry with the non-Mason

You should be proud to talk about Freemasonry - an organization that shows each member how to live a better life

Taft-Diaz Lodge #1297

Secretary

Mark D. Crockett, PM

Please congratulate our officers for the 2023-2024 Masonic year:

Worshipful Master: Dave Whitley, PM

Senior Warden: Reggie Douglas

Junior Warden: Justin Saldecke

Treasurer: Russell Booth, PM

Secretary Mark Crockett, PM

Junior Deacon: Jason Stanzione

Tyler: Oscar Vazquez, PM

Also, Grand Lodge will be sending us our bill for annual returns. If you haven’t donated to your lodge this year, please consider donating at least $30.00 to cover your per capita.

Fraternally yours,

Russell R. Booth, PM

Dear Brethren,

I hope this letter finds you all well. I am excited to share an opportunity that enables us to give back to our community and, at the same time, strengthen our lodge's financial base.

I am thrilled to announce that our lodge has decided to participate in the Kiwanis Flag Fundraising Program. This program offers us a chance to engage with our community, display our patriotism, and bolster our funds.

Under this program, we will set up flags at sunrise and take them down at sunset on the significant patriotic days of our nation: Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Veterans' Day.* Our lodge will receive 70% of all funds raised through donations to this flag program, an impressive amount that will go directly towards supporting our operations and our valuable service initiatives.

But this program is not just about fundraising. It's a golden chance to foster fellowship among members, get to know the public, and demonstrate our love for this great nation. Moreover, it offers an excellent opportunity to present our lodge in a positive light to potential new members.

I strongly encourage all members, their families, and even prospects to be a part of this program. It is a simple, yet profound way of showing our commitment to service and community involvement.

If you have any questions about this program or if you would like to get involved, please do not hesitate to reach out to Russell Booth. He is more than willing to provide the necessary information and support.

Let's seize this opportunity to contribute to our beloved nation, foster friendships, and fortify our lodge. I am looking forward to seeing many of you participating in this flag program and making it a grand success.

Thank you for your continued commitment to our lodge and our community.

*Dates are included in calendar at the end of the Trestleboard

THE FELLOW CRAFT DEGREE THE FELLOW CRAFT DEGREE THE FELLOW CRAFT DEGREE

by Br. Aaron Sweeney

The Fellow Craft degree is a pivotal stage in the progressive system of Freemasonry, occupying the middle position between the Entered Apprentice degree and the Master Mason degree. It represents a significant step in a Freemason's journey of self-discovery, growth, and enlightenment. In this degree, candidates delve deeper into the principles and symbolism of Freemasonry, gaining a greater understanding of its teachings.

The Fellow Craft degree focuses on the development of knowledge, particularly in the realms of the liberal arts and sciences. It encourages Freemasons to pursue intellectual growth and enlightenment, both within the Masonic fraternity and in the world at large. Through lectures, symbolic rituals, and allegorical teachings, candidates are guided towards expanding their intellectual horizons and acquiring wisdom.

The Fellow Craft degree ceremony is conducted with solemnity and symbolism. Candidates undergo a series of rituals that are rich in symbolic meaning. These rituals often include symbolic actions, gestures, and the use of tools, such as the plumb, square, and level. Each of these tools represents a moral lesson, teaching the candidate the importance of integrity, fairness, and balance in their personal and Masonic journey.

Symbolically, the Fellow Craft degree is associated with the building of King Solomon's Temple. Candidates learn about the skilled workers who contributed to the construction of the Temple and their craftsmanship. This symbolism emphasizes the importance of personal growth and selfimprovement, as Freemasons are encouraged to build their own "spiritual temple" within themselves.

The Fellow Craft degree also imparts important moral lessons. Candidates are taught about the virtues of fortitude, patience, and perseverance. They learn to overcome obstacles and challenges, understanding that these trials are integral to personal growth. The degree emphasizes the importance of character development and the cultivation of virtuous qualities.

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Taft-Diaz Lodge #1297 Bimonthly Trestleboard

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Add Furthermore, the Fellow Craft degree deepens the candidate's understanding of the symbolic nature of Freemasonry. They explore the symbolism of the working tools, the rough and perfect ashlars, the winding staircase, and the pillars of the porch. Through these symbols, candidates gain insight into the philosophical and spiritual aspects of Freemasonry, discovering profound truths about the nature of humanity and the universe.

The Fellow Craft degree also fosters a sense of fellowship and brotherhood among Freemasons. Candidates are encouraged to establish strong bonds with their fellow members, supporting and assisting each other in their individual journeys. Freemasonry promotes the concept of universal brotherhood, transcending differences and uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds under the shared principles of morality and virtue.

In conclusion, the Fellow Craft degree is a significant stage in the Masonic journey, marking the transition from apprentice to a more knowledgeable and enlightened individual. It emphasizes the pursuit of knowledge, intellectual growth, and the development of virtuous qualities. Through symbolism, allegory, and moral teachings, candidates are guided towards selfimprovement, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. The Fellow Craft degree reinforces the fundamental principles of Freemasonry and encourages Freemasons to contribute positively to society while continuously seeking enlightenment.

WAGES OF THE FELLOW CRAFT WAGES OF THE FELLOW WAGES OF THE CRAFT

BY BR. A. SWEENEY BY BR. A. SWEENEY BY BR. A.

In Fellow Craft Freemasonry, the symbols of corn, wine, and oil hold significant meaning and are commonly referred to as the "Masonic triad." These symbols are used to convey important lessons and moral teachings to Freemasons. Each symbol represents a distinct aspect of the Masonic journey and carries symbolic significance.

Corn: Corn symbolizes plenty, sustenance, and the rewards of labor. It represents the importance of industry, diligence, and the fruits of one's labor. Freemasons are reminded that just as corn grows and flourishes through cultivation, so too should they strive for personal growth, intellectual enlightenment, and the development of moral character. Corn signifies the rewards that come from dedicated effort and serves as a reminder to Freemasons to cultivate their minds and nurture their Masonic journey.

Wine: Wine is symbolic of refreshment and joy. It represents the celebration of achievements and the enjoyment of life's blessings. In Freemasonry, wine symbolizes the importance of finding balance between work and leisure, between the serious and the joyful aspects of life. It reminds Freemasons to savor the rewards of their labor, to appreciate the friendships and fellowship they find within the Masonic fraternity, and to seek happiness and fulfillment in their pursuits.

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Taft-Diaz Lodge #1297 Bimonthly Trestleboard

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Oil: Oil symbolizes peace, harmony, and enlightenment. It represents the soothing and healing qualities that bring calmness to the troubled mind and body. In the context of Freemasonry, oil is a symbol of the Masonic initiation rituals, where candidates are anointed with oil as a sign of purification and preparation. It serves as a reminder to Freemasons to seek inner peace, to cultivate harmony within themselves and their relationships, and to strive for enlightenment and spiritual growth.

Together, the symbols of corn, wine, and oil form a triad that represents the balanced and harmonious life that Freemasons aspire to achieve. They remind Freemasons to nurture their minds, celebrate their achievements, and seek inner peace and enlightenment. These symbols serve as constant reminders of the virtues and values that Freemasons strive to uphold in their Masonic journey and in their interactions with others.

It is important to note that the symbolic interpretations of corn, wine, and oil can vary across different Masonic jurisdictions and individual lodges. The specific meanings and teachings associated with these symbols may have nuanced differences depending on the Masonic tradition and the context in which they are presented.

Information: 449-4577

All times are 6:30 pm, unless otherwise noted

June

All events open to everyone, unless otherwise noted

Fellowship: Craftbox (4726

Transmountain, Ste. E

Flag Day Service Day. Call Br. Crockett for information.

Fellowship: 1/8 Pizza Pub (822 N. Piedras)

All fellowship dates and other events for Taft-Diaz are set in advance.

Lodge leadership reserves the right to cancel or amend any dates and times. All efforts will be made to update all interested parties

July

Family Day: Br. Whitley's house (1224 Belvidere) -12-7 pm ***

Flag Day Service Day. Call Br. Booth for information.

Installation of Officers: 1st Presbyterian Church - 2:00 pm

EA Practice: 1st Presbyterian Church *MASONS ONLY

EA Practice: 1st Presbyterian Church *MASONS ONLY 25

Fellowship: Famous Dave's (Airway)

*** For the Family Day at Whitley's house, burgers & dogs will be provided.

PLEASE BRING YOUR SPECIALITY MEATS AND DRINKS

6/4 - Br. Kenneth B. Snyder

6/6 - Br. Royce W. Wells

6/10 - Br. Lionel J. Hartzog

If you know If you know If you any of these any of these any these iindividuals, individuals, ndividuals, please wish please wish please wish them a them a them a hardy hardy hardy huzzah on huzzah on huzzah on their special their special special day!! day!! day!!

ce D. Rose M. Sweeney

unham ilbert, J. Gilbert

L O D G E I N F O R M A T I O N

Taft-Diaz Lodge #1297

1340 Murchison Ave. El Paso, Texas 79902

Date of Charter: December 5, 1946

Worshipful Master: Oscar Vazquez, PM

Senior Warden: E. David Whitley, PM

Junior Warden: Reggie Douglass

Treasurer: Russell R. Booth, PM

Secretary: Mark D. Crockett, PM

Senior Deacon: Alfonzo Barron

Junior Deacon: Jason Stanzione

Grand Lodge Information:

Grand Master: MW G Clay Smith

DDGM: RW Cliff Walsh

District: 60

Meeting information: Stated Meetings:

1st Tuesday of June, August, October, December, February, April

Dinner: 6:00 PM Meeting: 7:00 PM

Attire: Suits/Jackets & tie Taft-Diaz

Taft-Diaz Lodge #1297 Bimonthly

Taft-Diaz Leadership