North Port Lodge No. 406 F.& A.M. From the East. Lodge Calendar. Inside this issue: Charity:

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1 Greetings Brethren! NORTH PORT, FLORIDA From the East Please accept my apology for missing the deadline for last month's article, I've been personally and professionally overloaded for the last few months, with no end in sight, I will concentrate on time management with the Trestleboard being higher on the priority list from here on out. May Trestleboard Inside this issue: From the East 1&2 From the South 3 Masonic Education 3 Past Masonic Events 4 Inspirational Stories 4 Sickness / Distress 5 Officer List 5 Masonic Birthdays 6 Masonic Plates 6 Officer Contact 7 Petitions for Membership 7 Sponsors 7/10 Charity: - Please bring food donations to support the NPHS food pantry at our Stated Meetings. - Our Quarterly Charity is the North Port Middle School Food Pantry. Illness & Distress Brethren, please report any sickness or distress among the craft to our Chaplain: Bro. Jack Watson jackwatsonjr42@aol.com W:. Louis Ortt (941) lhortt@verizon.net Where did Spring go Brothers? It seems as if we just held our installation, are starting our Masonic year, and it's already May, time to prepare for Grand Lodge and our beautiful summer weather. Our snowbirds will be beginning their migration North if they haven't already, the brown we have been surrounded by is rapidly turning green, and our fraternal obligations are now able to be addressed with fewer distractions. This may seem like short notice to some brothers, but as usual we and other Lodges are trying to get as much of our pending degree work taken care of before Grand Lodge so as to allow more flexibility for summer scheduling. As it stands now, we will be initiating 2 gentlemen as Entered Apprentices of our Lodge on Monday evening, 12 May, at Punta Gorda Lodge at the corner of Taylor Road and Airport Road just South of Punta Gorda, We will open promptly at 7:00 pm. Those Brothers taking part in the degree are requested to be there at 6:30 pm, Although we have made the change to "summer attire" for stated communications, For degree conferral, officers will be wearing tuxedo, with black jacket. For observers business casual is appropriate. as always, shorts, sandals and jeans are not acceptable. Remember Brothers, this is the first impression that a man receives of Freemasonry, lets make it a good one. Along with our two candidates, Punta Gorda has two, and Englewood has one. We have reached the maximum number we can initiate at one time, we will need to pay particular attention to the floor work, conductors, and clear paths for everyone's movement. Brothers, I also need to bring up a subject that perhaps some of us are getting tired of. Our degree work, catechisms, and routine ritual is not improving. Perhaps I'm beginning to sound like a broken record, or a typical old time curmudgeon, but it is true. Our candidates are not progressing through the degrees in a timely fashion, our officers, (myself included) are slipping, even with routine opening and closing, award presentations, and balloting. Things that after several months in our current offices, and multiple years in the officers "line" we should have letter perfect, or nearly so. I realize that not having our own Temple, available at any time for classes, practice, and even fellowship makes things difficult, but how long are we going to hang our collective hat on that? well... here I go: (Continued Next Page) Lodge Calendar May 2014 Mon 12th 7:00pm Called Punta Gorda #115 Entered Apprentice Degree (Bring current dues card) Wed 14th 7:00pm Stated Communication (Bring current dues card) Thurs 22nd 6:45pm Master Mason Association Sarasota #147 Sun 26th-28th Grand Lodge: 185th Annual Grand Communications Rosen Plaza Hotel, Orlando, Florida Wed 28th Dark All Stated Meetings: Farley Funeral Home: 5900 S. Biscayne Blvd., North Port, Florida 34287

2 From the East (Cont.) When I received my degrees, and when most of our brothers received our degrees, there was no delay after delay, degrees were held from 6 to 8 weeks apart. EAs and FCs did not expect to learn the catechisms at their leisure over several months. One practice a week, with no additional individual study will not get the job done. There has to be some additional motivation. I remember that I could not wait to complete my degrees so as to be able to take part in all that the Lodge had to offer. Yes in today's busy world a man can't always be available for every function, but what is it that is killing our candidates motivation and drive to learn? We have several brothers teaching catechisms, they are willing to take time from their busy lives to work with these brothers, but it is not happening. We have district schools monthly, with open books, and yet there are no attendees from our Lodge. We have been offered the opportunity to join Punta Gorda in their weekly ritual practice, that fizzled out after a few weeks. Punta Gorda offered their Temple for us to use on our off Wednesday evenings, free of charge, but now that is too inconvenient. Brothers, our ritual is what separates us from other organizations. If we can not get together and learn the ritual, learn the procedures, Masonic Etiquette, and live it, why are we paying our dues? Are you a member looking for business contacts and networking? some of that happens in any group of established men of good community standing. That's not what Lodge is about, try the Rotary or Kiwanis. Are you looking to raise funds for charity? although we do that, I'd think that The Lions International or the Salvation Army would be a better choice. Are you looking for a Patriotic Organization? We are that too, but the American Legion, VFW, and AMVETS are federally chartered organizations that have Patriotism and veterans service as their primary focus. We as Masons are all of those, and none of those. Brothers, we are a fraternity, likely the oldest in the world. We attempt through ancient symbolism and allegory to make good men better. As brothers we work together to improve ourselves, our families and the communities in which we live. In the process of this, we are able to show patriotism and pride in our great nation, we are able to work together to help those in need. We even tend to transact normal business with brothers when the opportunity arises. The bottom line is we have to work together as brothers and the whole concept works. If we continue to coast along, expecting everyone else to pick up the slack, things fall apart. Brothers, each and every one of us is that "everyone else" Jump in! learn a part of ritual, if you are not comfortable with ritual, volunteer to assist with investigations or special events. Dig out some historical books and papers, offer a 2-3 minute synopsis of what you research. There is virtually no limit to what can be brought to the table, once we are able to function as a lodge. That means learn your individual part, and the part of the next chair if you are working your way to the East. If you are just filling a chair, fine, be the best at your individual office of anyone who ever sat there before you. If you are having trouble with the memory parts, see me! we can arrange to have someone more familiar with the job assist you. "Tag team" the problem! We, as a small lodge do not have the luxury of a large membership base from whom we can draw additional officers, in fact, many of our members belong to other lodges and concordant bodies, all of which compete for our time. Lets get together and make this happen, Mentors will be needed for the two candidates we will be initiating on the 12th, at our stated communication on the 14th, we will be asking for mentors for our two newest brothers. Think about it, we have years and years of Masonic wisdom available to pass down to these brothers. Step Up! I'm considering inviting the new EAs to our stated communication, stepping down to EA, receiving them into the Lodge and introducing them to the Lodge, and any of the brothers who were unable to attend their initiation. We need to start showing some interest in them so that they may develop better motivation to work their way to the middle chamber, and finally the Sanctum Sanctorum. Watch your for any updates. See you in Lodge, Mike Cullen Worshipful Master

3 View From the South From the South Brothers, Thank you all for attending our family picnic! We had a great turnout, ate well, made a few dollars for our charities, a good time was had by all. Fellowship and Brotherly Love prevailed. Brother George ended up locked out of his car, but luckily he managed to get it unlocked without any damage. Worshipful Master, how is it that you were able to get it open? It looked like perhaps you had some previous experience there.. Our Treasurer brother Tom Millaway will have the totals included in his next report. The change of location, at the last minute caused a little confusion, but Brother Sam tactfully got it straightened out. McKibben Park, other than size and a lack of electrical power worked out for our needs well. For everyone's future information, the City of North Port will hold a reservation for the use of a park 90 days prior to the event. We need to be sure to confirm the date exactly 90 days early to ensure we get our date locked in. Two reminders before I close: I will be conferring the Entered Apprentice Degree on 5 candidates Monday, May 12th, 7:00PM at Punta Gorda Lodge. If possible please attend, we only get one shot at providing a candidates first impression of our fraternity, lets make it a good one. 2 candidates are from our Lodge, 2 from Punta Gorda, and one from Englewood. Brother David Finkelstein from Sarasota #147 will be delivering the lecture. The last item I need to bring up is Grand Lodge, make sure that our Secretary is aware of your plans to attend in order to get you registered. Our Worshipful Master will be reviewing the proposed legislation for this year. Nothing as contentious as last year will be introduced, but your officers want to hear your opinions concerning the business of Grand Lodge, your input is desired. See you in Lodge, Bro. Richard McMullen, JW. Past Masonic Events North Port Masonic Lodge No. 406 Spring Barbecue at McGibbons Park

4 Masonic Education Fellow Craft is one of a large number of terms which have a technical meaning peculiar to Freemasonry and are seldom or never found elsewhere. In the dictionary sense it is not difficult to define. A Craft was an organization of the skilled workmen in some trade or calling as for example, masons, carpenters, painters, sculptors, barbers, etc. A Fellow meant one who held full membership in such a Craft, or who was an associate in the work, thus obligated to the same duties and allowed the same privileges. Since the skilled Crafts are no longer organized as they once were, the term is no longer in use with its original sense. It is more difficult to give it the larger meaning as it is found in Freemasonry, but we may be assisted to that end by noting that with us it possesses two quite separate and distinct meanings, one of which we may call the Operative meaning, the other the Speculative. We can consider first the Operative meaning: In the Operative period Freemasons were skilled workmen engaged in some branch of the building trade, or art of architecture; as such, like all other skilled workmen, they had an organized Craft of their own. The general form in which this Craft was organized was called a Guild. A Lodge was a local, and usually temporary, organization within the Guild. This Guild had officers, laws, rules, regulations, and customs of its own, rigorously binding on all members equally. It divided its membership into two grades, the lower of which was composed of Apprentices. As you have already learned, the Operative Freemasons recruited their membership from qualified lads of twelve to fifteen years of age. When such a boy proved acceptable to the members, he was required to swear to be teachable and obedient, upon which he was bound over to some Master Mason; after a time, if he proved worthy, his name was formally entered in the books of the Lodge, thereby giving him his title of Entered Apprentice. For about seven years this boy lived with his master, gave his master implicit obedience in all things, and Fellow Craft pt1 toiled much but received no pay except his board, lodging, and clothing. In the Lodge life he held a place equally subordinate because he could not attend a Lodge of Master Masons, had no voice or vote, and could not hold office. All this means that during his long apprenticeship he was really a bond servant with many duties, few rights, and very little freedom. At the end of his apprenticeship he was once more examined in Lodge; if his record was good, if he could prove his proficiency under test, and the members voted in his favor, he was released from his bonds and made a full member of the Craft, with the same duties, rights, and privileges as all others. In the sense that he had thus become a full member he was called a Fellow of the Craft; in the sense that he had mastered the art, and no longer needed a teacher, he was called a Master Mason. So far as his grade was concerned these two terms meant the same thing. Such was the Operative meaning of Fellow Craft; now that the Craft is no longer operative the term usually possesses a very different meaning, yet at the same time it is still used in its original sense in certain parts of the Ritual, and of course it is frequently met with in the histories of the Fraternity. was released from his bonds and made a full member of the Craft, with the same duties, rights, and privileges as all others. In the sense that he had thus become a full member he was called a Fellow of the Craft; in the sense that he had mastered the art, and no longer needed a teacher, he was called a Master Mason. So far as his grade was concerned these two terms meant the same thing. Such was the Operative meaning of Fellow Craft; now that the Craft is no longer operative the term usually possesses a very different meaning, yet at the same time it is still used in its original sense in certain parts of the Ritual, and of course it is frequently met with in the histories of the Fraternity. The Masonic Oak of Texas In 1835 a group of Masons met under a large oak tree in Brazoria, Texas, and took the first step to form Holland Lodge No. 1. The tree, known as the Masonic Oak, has continued to grow and is still in existence. On May 15, 1966, the Masons of Texas made a pilgrimage to the Oak. There was singing, dinner, preaching and much fun. The Grand Master, H. W. Fullingim, dedicated the place by placing a Texas State Historical Marker near the Oak to commemorate the start of the lodge there.

5 Sickness and Distress Brethren we have a number of those who could use your appeal to the Great Architect of the Universe. Brethren please keep all those who truly need your prayers, in your thoughts. May God bless and watch over us all until we meet again. Follow Us Online North Port Masonic Lodge No North Port Lodge s own webpage. www. NorthportMasons.com If you hear of Brethren or family who are under the weather, please contact our Chaplains. Chaplain Jack Watson jackwatsonjr42@aol.com Assistant Chaplain W:. Louis Ortt (941) lhortt@verizon.net Current Lodge Officers Worshipful Master.. Senior Warden. Junior Warden. Treasurer. Secretary. Senior Deacon. Junior Deacon. Senior Steward Junior Steward Marshall.. Chaplin Assistant Chaplain Tyler Assistant Tyler. R:.H:. Michael E Cullen Michael Tirpak Richard McMullen Tom Millaway Samuel P Cohen Michael Short David Wheatcroft Mark Yates Albert Sawdai W:. Andrew Wormington John Watson Jr W:. Louis Ortt J.D. Copher George Baker

6 Masonic License Plates STATE OF FLORIDA - Florida Motor Vehicles Past Masters of North Port Lodge James Godshall Andrew P. Wormington Perpetual Members W:. B. John Ross W:. James Godshall W:. Les Ruggiero Brother Mark Yates Brother John Watson III Brother John Watson Jr. Brother Samuel Cohen Brother John Copher W:. Charles Levan P.D.D.G.M. The license plate annual use fees shall be distributed to the Masonic Home Endowment Fund, Inc., which may use a maximum of 10 percent of the proceeds to promote and market the plate. The remainder of the proceeds shall be used by the Masonic Home Endowment Fund, Inc., to invest and reinvest and use the interest for the operation of the Masonic Home of Florida, a five-star facility dedicated to the care of Masons and their families. WHAT THIS MEANS: Now that we have reached the required goal of 1000 vouchers sold, Grand Lodge and DHSMV is putting into production the agreed upon a tag design. What a great way to share your pride for Freemasonry! Have you purchased yours? Masonic Birthdays William Zurlo 05/23/82 Donald E Gratrell 05/14/91 Larry Bernard 05/18/02 W:. John Degnan 05/15/04 Inspirational Quote: So far as I am acquainted with the principles and doctrines of Freemasonry, I conceive it to be founded in benevolence and to be exercised for the good of mankind. Please Turn Off Cell Phones in Lodge!! Please respect our lodge and your brothers by turning off your cell phone while in lodge. There will be request for a donation of $5 to the charity box if your phone rings during open lodge. -Brother George Washington

7 Trestleboard Sponsors Thanks to our current Trestleboard sponsors Square Donald White & John Brophy North Port Masonic Lodge invites you to support our lodge through sponsorship of the North Port Lodge Trestleboard. The following sponsorships are available. Plumb: $5 to $20 Level : $21 to $35 Square : $36 to $50 Available to our Brethren: Fellowship Banners are Available Contact our Secretary to order your banner celebrating our new Lodge. Cost $10.00 Lodge Name Tags Contact our Chaplin: Jack Watson to order your North Port Member name tag. Cost $8.00 Lodge Pins: North Port Masonic Lodge Pin Available during your visit to Lodge Quantities are limited for this current order batch Cost $5.00 Simply contact any officer about becoming a sponsor. If you d like to send a check, please make a note of Trestleboard Sponsor on the check. Size 6 x 8 Did you know: On November 10, 1928, the grand lodge of California held a special communication at Culver City, to lay the corner stone of the Masonic temple. The lodge room was so crowded that the grand lodge officers were unable to enter. They retired to the Ladies powder room to open the grand lodge for the ceremony. Degree Work Petition for Membership Mr. Bret Borgersen Bro. Michael C. Glotz Bro. Jose Hernandez Entered Apprentices Fellowcraft Bro. Todd Boynton Mr. Henley Lee Burton Jr Bro. Viktor Klimantovic Bro. Patrick Korvach Master Mason (awaiting catechism giveback ) Bro. Christopher McNeil Preferred Dress Code for Lodge Meetings Master Masons: Business Casual is preferred for Called and Stated Meetings. Lodge Officers: White shirt, bowtie, black Jacket and black socks. Officer Contact Info Worshipful Master Michael E Cullen 3768 Billingham Lane Nort Port, FL zephyrmec@gmail.com Senior Warden Junior Warden Michael Tirpak Richard McMullen 3176 Olney Street 6931 Willow Creek Dr #182 Port Charlotte, Fl North Port mdtirpak@embarqmail.com rlmcmullen47@gmail.com Treasurer Secretary Tom Millaway Samuel Cohen 2702 Dalhart St Bailey Palm Ct. North Port, FL North Port, Fl tommillaway@verizon.net secretary@northportmasons.com

8 Sponsored Masonic Youth Organizations Troop 157 is offering SURVIVAL Bracelets $6.00 each * OR * 2 for S10.00 Cub Scout Pack 157 Wooden Roses for Sale Come on out Friday, May 9 from 4pm-8pm and Saturday, May 10 from 8am - 8pm at Walgreens on Sumter and Price. Thank you for your support! ** Let them know the Lodge supports them ** PICK COLOR! ONE, TWO OR THREE! Contact: shannon.grace76@gmail.com Order yours today!!! Coming Soon More opportunities to support our Lodge youth programs

9 DeMolay Advisor Training Help begin the North Port DeMolay Chapter!!! As an Adult Advisor you can make a difference in the lives of local area youth. Commitments are flexible according to the time you have to offer. Training will be offered to those interested. Be a part of these new beginnings!!! Contact: W:. Drew Wormington wormington147@gmail.com

10 Business Sponsors There Is Still Room Left For Your Business Card Ad. or Business Listing $75 Annually $50 for 3/4 size SEND CHECK AND BUSINESS CARD TO: 3332 Bailey Palm Court, North Port, FL or bring them to the lodge and see one of our Lodge Officers