THE TRESTLEBOARD NOV 2017 IN MEMORY OF BRO. DANIEL NEUMARKEL. A Publication of Escalon Masonic Lodge # Viking Street, Escalon, CA 95320

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1 NOV ESCALON MASONIC LODGE #591 Officers Michael Faircloth, II, PM Worshipful Master Ray Dunne Senior Warden Macky Stuart Junior Warden Stanton Woody Treasurer Doug Alcorn, PM Secretary Matt Due Senior Deacon Dave Brown Junior Deacon Sean James Senior Steward VACANT Junior Steward Eugene Boesch, PM Marshal Marty Coburn Chaplain Ples Due Tyler Bob Shannon, PM Officers Coach Jerry Reese, PM Inspector Dave Brown Hall Assc. President Trestleboard Editor Macky Stuart A Publication of Escalon Masonic Lodge # Viking Street, Escalon, CA IN MEMORY OF BRO. DANIEL NEUMARKEL BALLOTING PROCEDURE By Tommy Farr, PM Balloting is one of the most important functions that to occur during a Stated Meeting. Only Master Masons in good standing are permitted to vote either for Masons who wish to join the Lodge by affiliation or for a man of good moral character who has petitioned to join the Lodge. Considerable detail on this is to be found in the Officers Manual and Monitor, available from the Secretary or on the Grand Lodge web site. The voting order is: Master first, Senior Warden and then Junior Warden, Senior Deacon and then the balance of the Lodge Officers starting with the Secretary, Chaplain, Marshal, the Senior and Junior Stewards, all on the South side of the Lodge room, followed by any qualified Brother on the South sideline. Then moving, to the North side of the Lodge, the Treasurer votes followed by any qualified member of the Lodge on the North sideline. It is his personal option of the Tiler if he wishes to cast his vote. The Junior Deacon is always the last one to vote before the Master declares the ballot closed. Since this is very serious business, no talking is permitted by Brothers waiting to cast their votes. Any talking could be deemed electioneering which is strictly forbidden in this vital process. Remember, the Lodge is at labor.

2 ENLIGHTENMENT FROM THE EAST WM Michael Faircloth II WORSHIPFUL MASTER MICHAEL FAIRCLOTH II, PM ANNIVERSARIES Walter B. 7th Martin C. 10th Raymond D. 11th Charles B. 14th The October Stated meeting was as good as always. An amazing dinner, fantastic brothers, and plans for the future. October has always been an interesting month for me. It s the first month of the last quarter of the year. I m sure I over analyze everything-that s my nature, but there is something that is important in this time. The first and the last. All times are both the first and last time we will be in that time. If we consider this and know that all time is limited it provides us with greater contemplation in what we will do with that time. Personally, I never feel like I do enough with my time. Some people that know me would call me crazy just for saying that but I even just now paused while thinking about what I am typing-is that a waste of time? NO Taking time to reflect, to ponder, to understand the importance of the moments we have been given is as important as the moments themselves. Think about this the next time you are going through your ritual and take the time to look deep in to the meaning of what you are saying. What is it asking of you? What is it asking of Masons in general? Are you going to get a new glimmer out of the ritual you have never seen before? I don t know but I hope so. In the next month think about this. We will be contemplating many things in Lodge in November- New officers, possible changes in dues, and more. Let s also take the time to share and contemplate the richness of the ritual we are taught is so very important. Share with your brothers what it means to you..what it means to all of us. -WM Aldo A. 15th David P. 17th Robert B. 19th 2

3 WISDOM FROM THE WEST SW Ray Dunne From Masonic Services Association of North America: No one knows with certainty how or when the Masonic Fraternity was formed. A widely accepted theory among Masonic scholars is that it arose from the stonemasons' guilds during the Middle Ages. The language and symbols used in the fraternity's rituals come from this era. The oldest document that makes reference to Masons is the Regius Poem, printed about 1390, which was a copy of an earlier work. In 1717, four lodges in London formed the first Grand Lodge of England, and records from that point on are more complete. SENIOR WARDEN RAYMOND DUNNE Within thirty years, the fraternity had spread throughout Europe and the American Colonies. Freemasonry became very popular in colonial America. George Washington was a Mason, Benjamin Franklin served as the head of the fraternity in Pennsylvania, as did Paul Revere and Joseph Warren in Massachusetts. Other well-known Masons involved with the founding of America included John Hancock, John Sullivan, Lafayette, Baron Fredrick von Stuben, Nathanael Greene, and John Paul Jones. Another Mason, Chief Justice John Marshall, shaped the Supreme Court into its present form. Over the centuries, Freemasonry has developed into a worldwide fraternity emphasizing personal study, self-improvement, and social betterment via individual involvement and philanthropy. During the late 1700s it was one of the organizations most responsible for spreading the ideals of the Enlightenment: the dignity of man and the liberty of the individual, the right of all persons to worship as they choose, the formation of democratic governments, and the importance of public education. Masons supported the first public schools in both Europe and America. BIRTHDAYS US Marine Corps 11th Ronald C. 27th During the 1800s and early 1900s, Freemasonry grew dramatically. At that time, the government had provided no social "safety net". The Masonic tradition of founding orphanages, homes for widows, and homes for the aged provided the only security many people knew. Today in North America, the Masonic Fraternity continues this tradition by giving almost $1.5 million each day to causes that range from operating children's hospitals, providing treatment for childhood language disorders, treating eye diseases, funding medical research, contributing to local community service, and providing care to Masons and their families at Masonic Homes. The four million Masons worldwide continue to help men and women face the problems of the 21st century by building bridges of brotherhood and instilling in the hearts of men ideals for a better tomorrow. -SW 3

4 THE TRESTLEBOARD SENSE FROM THE SOUTH JW Macky Stuart JUNIOR WARDEN LAWSON MACKY STUART Our journeys are never set in stone. We may have a plan and itinerary set, only to have to remain flexible to the changes life will throw at us. Often, it is the needs of those around us who will present the different challenges to the plans we have had. Flexibility is a steadfast character trait of the Freemason. When one is capable of stepping up and taking on challenges and/or burdens on behalf of our craft, it is their inherent duty to do so. Over the course of our Masonic journeys, it is guaranteed that our lodges will ask of us all that we can possibly give. And while it is easy to pile on the duties and responsibilities, one must never take more than they can handle. My father used to always say, Better to do one job to the best of your ability than several jobs to only a fraction of what you can truly do. So when we are presented with the opportunities before us, it is inherent upon us to weigh them against the scales we use when trying to balance our lives. When we see the EVENTS slack on our Masonic side of things indicating we can take on more, we ought to. HowevDaylight Savings Time 5th er, when we see that scale has lost balance in the direction of our craft, we must also learn to say no to things and keep ourselves balanced in all parts of our lives. OES Meeting 8th AREME Dinner 10th Veterans Day 11th OES Installation 11th Third Degree 13th Stated Meeting 15th Escalon Shrine Club 20th Comfort Station 25th The unselfish Mason will give when they can give and speak up when they cannot give anymore. I have recently heard a Mason do exactly that, and he impressed me greatly in his efforts to place the needs of his lodge ahead of his own desires and commit to only what he knows he can do well. And it challenged me, as a Mason with the time to give, to ensure that I did not let my own desires and plans keep me from serving our lodge to the very best of what I can give. And in such spirit, I remain at its service. I will tell you no when I cannot give any more and I will not shy away when I am capable of taking on more. St. Andrew s Day 30th I challenge all of our brethren to look at their lives. Are you in balance? Do you keep an For details on these events, appropriate prioritization of your beliefs, your patriotic duties, your neighbors and complease go to our website at munity, your family selves, and Masonry? If you find the scale is off, then please feel free to do what it takes to balance accordingly. And as always, your brethren are here to recalendar lieve you so far as we can do so. -JW 4

5 OFFICERS COACH COMMENTS Bob Shannon, PM We have an upcoming third degree on the 13th of November and Macky Stuart and Tommy Farr, PM, are coordinating with me regarding its execution. Also, do not forget that we have elections next month, which means proficiencies need to be done and cleared by our Installation of Officers, which we have set for January 5, I will be stepping down as the Officers Coach next year, moving into an assisting role. I appreciate all of the time and effort everyone has made and the manner in which I have been honored to perform duties for this lodge. However, my time to return primarily to the sideline has come and I look forward to seeing all who will be performing these duties and more in the coming years. OFFICERS COACH ROBERT SHANNON, PM Thanks Very Much, Bob Shannon, PM OFFICER WORK Practice 6th 3rd Degree 13th S.O.I. 20th Practice 27th Wor. Master Michael Faircloth, PM michael.faircloth@raymondjames.com Sr. Warden Ray Dunne rbdmpt@gmail.com Jr. Warden Macky Stuart macmastermason@gmail.com Sr. Deacon Matt Due mattdue@hotmail.com Jr. Deacon Dave Brown westsail32@hotmail.com Treasurer Stanton Woody woodylofts@hotmail.com OFFICER ROSTER Secretary Doug Alcorn, PM tubaman57@gmail.com Chaplain Marty Coburn martyzbiz@yahoo.com Marshal Gene Boesch, PM efboesch@sbcglobal.net Senior Steward Sean James scj1950@gmail.com Junior Steward VACANT Tiler Ples Due plesdue@gmail.com Officers Coach Robert Shannon, PM wledman1956@att.net District Inspector David Okamoto, PM david@expressions.net 5

6 THE TRESTLEBOARD FROM THE SECRETARY S TABLE Secretary Doug Alcorn, PM IDEALS SECRETARY DOUG ALCORN, PM The quest after ideals is the central reason of life. This pursuit abandoned, life need not run on the longer the pitcher in broken at the fountain. The idealist are creating a human world after the pattern shown them on the Mount. Each art stands as a monument to a host of idealists who, in their own day perhaps, toiled hopelessly and amid the sneers of those who were only the children of dust. Music, now so infinite in extent and sweetness, is such a monument. The first rude hapsstrings are broken and lost; dead the hands that smote them; but the art is here with no enchantment lost. We do not know the names of those singers like us they were pilgrims. They had to pass into the Beyond, but they left an art which the world loves. It was so of liberty, temperance, just, and all the higher forms of human life. Some speak of ideals as being only girls dreams. On the opposite, high ideals are lifelike portraits seen in advance. Only the greatest minds living in an age of tyranny could see in prophecy the portrait of a free people. Instead of being a romantic dream an ideal is (CONTINUED ON PAGE 9) CHAPLAIN S CHUCKLES Chaplain Marty Coburn CHAPLAIN MARTY COBURN Prospective candidate to proposer: "Oh do tell what happens at the initiation ceremony". Proposer: "Sorry I can't - its a secret" Prospective candidate: "Come on - I'll be joining in a few weeks. Surely you can tell me something" Proposer: "Well there are are WALKERS, TALKERS AND HOLY MEN" Prospective candidate: "What do you mean "WALKERS" Proposer: "Well they are the men who walk you around in the Lodge". Prospective Candidate: "What about the TALKERS". Proposer: "Well they are the people who talk. To you and to other people in the Lodge". Prospective Candidate: "I see - well who are these HOLY MEN"? Proposer: "Oh those - Well they are the ones who when they see the Walkers and the Talkers say... Ohhh My Goddd!!!!! ~~~~~ A Mason's wife once asked him why he learned all his workings in the toilet. His reply: "That's the only properly tiled room in the house." 6

7 Grand Master Galloway has a number of important messages to communicate with your lodge during the month of November. Please read this message aloud at your stated meeting and encourage brothers to participate in upcoming events and initiatives. Relief is available for members affected by the California wildfires. If you know a brother or widow who is in need of relief due to the fires or other hardships, please advise them to call Masonic Assistance at (888) Registration has opened for the 2018 Ritual Awards. If you would like to participate in the individual or team awards, please submit a registration form by April 1, For further details, please reference the 2018 Ritual Competition announcement and rules. GRAND LODGE OF CALIFORNIA Most Worshipful Grand Master Bruce R. Galloway Lodge bylaws are now available online. A new feature on the freemason.org Member Center homepage now allows you to access unofficial copies of your lodge bylaws online. A limited number of copies are still available of the 300th anniversary commemorative edition of California Freemason magazine. Don t miss this exclusive book packaged in a hand-numbered, hand-crafted, gold-foil embellished box. Each book comes with a special commemorative coin unavailable anywhere else! Get one for yourself or your Masonic mentor at freemason.org. Thank you for mentioning all of these efforts at your stated meetings. Special notes for lodge officers: Registration will soon be open for Secretary and Treasurer Retreats, as well as Master and Wardens Retreats. Review dates and look for updates at freemason.org/ retreats. Secretaries: Please be on the lookout in the coming weeks for a survey about your lodge's charitable initiatives. If you have questions regarding any of the above, please contact: memberservices@freemason.org 7

8 HALL ASSOCIATION NEWS Dave Brown, President We have begun the research and received bids regarding installing a stair lift chair to help disabled or older members of our lodge family in getting up the stairs to the lodge room. This will be an expensive undertaking, but is necessary to aid and improve our meeting attendances. HALL ASSOCIATION Dave Brown President I am working with many from the blue lodge to find fundraising and grants for these kinds of things to offset the cost of it. Once we have secured the money we will get it in place ASAP to start being used as soon as possible. Dave COMMITTEE NEWS LODGE COMMITTEES NONE The Committee to investigate the raising of dues completed its work and returned a recommendation to the lodge at the Stated Meeting in October. It found that raising the dues to should first apply only to the dues the lodge collects, as the portion for Grand Lodge per capita changes annually. Separating that out, a motion was made and passed to raise our portion to an even $50 to accommodate our budget and make us capable of balancing it while having money for events and activities. The Committee was then dismissed by the Worshipful Master, having completed its assignments. An unofficial committee of members working with the Hall Association will be researching and taking on the multiple things required for fundraising and installing a stair lift to assist those who need help getting up to our lodge room. 8

9 THE TRESTLEBOARD MASONIC TRIVIA 3 TIMES 3 In ancient times the Entered Apprentice Degree was alone prevalent amongst the generality of our Lodges; for no Brothers could be passed and raised except in the Grand Lodge, and few availed themselves of the privilege. Hence they had only one sign, one token, and one word, and these three constituted the honors. But the members of the Grand Lodge had three signs, three tokens, and three words, and therefore, three times three were appropriately termed the Grand Honors. from the September 1974 Bulletin of the Masonic Relief Association of the U.S. and Canada. The Lodge Officer s Handbook ~~~ By James F. Hatcher III, PM Brother Buzz Aldrin, a member of Clear Lake Lodge #1417 in Texas, when he stepped onto the surface of the moon, carried a special deputation from his Grand Master to claim the moon as being in the territorial jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Texas. And so it is. ISBN MASONIC BOOK OF THE MONTH TRAVELING FOR TRAVELERS Brother Anthony Shannon traveled to the Grand Lodge of California for Annual Communications and shared many photos! Thanks for the share brother! We posted them to our website and social media! LODGE ETIQUETTE Any other brothers who travel to other lodges are encouraged to send pictures for posting on our different sites to MacMasterMason@Gmail.com and I will put them up for everyone to see! FROM THE SECRETARY S TABLE (CONTINUED) often a long mathematical calculation by an intellect as logical as that of Euclid. Idealism is not the ravings of a maniac, but it the calm geometry of Life. Ideals try our faith, as though to show us that nothing is too good to be true. In noble ideal there is something aggressive: not aggressive like an army with gun and spear, but aggressive like the sun which coaxes a June out of a winter. All great truths are persistent; and all high ideals will be realized. There is nothing in history, dark as much of it is, to check the belief that man will, at last, be overcome by his highest ideals David Swing, American, The Ballot is secret, sacred, and inviolate. When a Ballot is taken the act is momentous for the Candidate and significant for the Lodge. It is an official act by each member in turn and by the Lodge as a legal body. The Ballot has legal sanction and must be conducted according to solemn rules. It is etiquette for the Lodge Room to be in complete silence, without whispering, or discussion of the Candidate while waiting to cast your Ballot or any information about how a member has voted.

10 ESCALON MASONIC LODGE 1500 Viking Street Escalon, CA AFFIX STAMP HERE 10