DeSoto Lodge 105 First Worshipful Master B.N.Mathes 5888-A.L.

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1 DeSoto Lodge 105 First Worshipful Master B.N.Mathes 5888-A.L. Stated Communications 1st and 3rd Tuesdays At 7:30 PM Between Two Golden Pillars and Thru this Portal Wise men will pass B DeSoto LODGE NO. 105 F.&A.M DeSoto Rd. RIVERVIEW, FLORIDA JUNE 2017 VOL. MMXVIII NO. VI 1 J

2 DeSoto Lodge 105 Officers for 2017 Worshipful Master Bill Miller (Monica) (757) Senior Warden Steve Williams (Ronni Kay) Junior Warden David St John (Vickie) C Treasurer Robby Stewart (Elizabeth) Sr Deacon Rick Vogt( Denise) Chaplain Bill Kane (Debby) Secretary R W Greg Wynn (Theresa) Jr. Deacon Steve Robb( Jean) scrobb@aol.com Sr Steward Peter Loach ( Dee) Lodge Instructor W Don Campbell (Barbara) Jr. Steward Donald Fisch (Evelyn) Tyler Richard Dick Sylvis (Mary) Marshall W Steve Wilson (Michelle)

3 DESOTO HONOR ROLL of PAST MASTERS * =Deceased + = Past District Deputy Grand Master B.N.Mathes * A.H.Meeks*...Lodge first met in the Meeks Store B.N.Mathes * O.P.Buzbee * L.W.Buckholtz * J.R.Brooker * G.H.Symmes * B.H.Emerson * L.G.Scofield * J.W.WIlliams * E.P.Blanton * F.Ray Hearn * W.T.Williams * J.E.McLean Sr. * A.Kirkpatrick * J.W. McLean * D.H.Williams * E.J.Bryant * C.Friedling * C.Pelt * L.D.Patterson * T.H.Brown * C P Remling * A.O.Moody * M.Linder * G.L.Pritchard * J.S.Meadows * H.W.Meadows * E.E.Doub * J.E.McLean Jr. * J.W.Thompson * D.C.Graves * W.J.Gallana */ Wm.E. Hegeman * J.P.Massicotte* J.A.Bailey Jr. * W.Willis * R.M.Ekker* A.Vasquez * A.Ekker * R\W\G. Cooley 33+* H. Smallwood +* H. Rice* J.R. Hamrick, Jr* V. Linder H.B. Wilder A.L. Frisbie * W.A. Thompson * W.L. Shurtleff W.W. Jay * J.D. Fletcher * R.F. Tatum * A.W. Fenzau W.L. Stanford R.W. Smith * H.L. Clausen C. Repp +* O.H. Elmore * J. A. Brown * M. Beardsley +* D.R. Packard * W.B. Ellis 33º* E.E. Oglethorpe * J.D. Fowler G.J. Davis W.J.Wiggins* G.W.Fears A.E.Baker * J.M.Williams R.S.Varney R. Gene Horne* J.H.McDaniel R.M.Hardy L.Swilley, Jr.* T.A.Berry F.R.Hudson* D.M.Little RW:.F.E.Lowe R.E.Kennedy David G. Watson Sr.* Dennis Owenby * Bob Boose David G. Watson Jr Skip Franklin James Hiller David Doc Rivera Ronald J. Brimner Robert Dishon Mark Titzel Howie Angeloni Don Campbell Greg Wynn Hoyt Al Lawson Adam Barsoum Troy Di Vito Bill Tracy Steve Wilson 3 MASONIC EDUCATION DEGREE PRACTICE Every Wednesday DeSoto Lodge 7:00 pm : "Brothers, please support the degree team, your help is greatly needed. District School of Instruction Every 3rd Monday 7:00PM Tampa # E. Chelsea St; Tampa, FL 7:00 pm W Don Campbell DeSoto Lodge Gold Card Instructor DESOTO LODGE # 105 F.&A.M. Has a Facebook Group IF YOU USE FACEBOOK Join Our Group! Articles or pictures for the Trestleboard Send to Steve Robb via at scrobb@aol.com DeSoto Lodge 105 Mason of the Year 2016 Stephen Williams

4 W M Bill Miller The Master s Word To the Brothers, Sisters, Friends, and Masonic Family; Summer is here, schools are out and the snowbirds have gone north for the most part. The summer travel season has started, more out-of-state plates are on the highways, and the news talks about the crazy happenings at the airports. I would like to remind everyone to be safe in your travels, so you can return home and join us at the Lodge. The Come Back to the Lodge event on May 13th had to be rescheduled because too many key Brothers had conflicts with the schedule. A new date has not been set but likely after the snowbirds return. May also brought a time to assist the widow of a Desoto Past Master, Mrs. Elizabeth Repp, who was accepted by the Masonic home. RW Greg Wynn organized a group to assist her in moving out of her house and into the home. Grand Lodge was a great event to attend. We get to see friends we have not seen in a while and meet new ones to foster and grow friendships. There is nothing more inspiring than a room full ( ) of men saying, So Mote It Be after the prayers. There will be a report to the Lodge on the legislation at the first meeting in June. Allegory and Symbols, Are they just for use in the Lodge? I do not think so, for instance, new masons are taught that Free Masonry is veiled in allegory and symbols because these are the easiest ways by which moral and ethical truths may be taught *. Moral and ethics they are not just for the Lodge but for how we live our life. Morality is the distinction between right or wrong. For instance, shoplifting at a store is considered wrong. While helping an old lady across the street is right. Other moral issues are not as clear in our society. The age of drinking, in the U.S. depends on the state and could be 18 or 21. While in many places in Europe it is customary for children to have wine with the family at meal time. So, society can have an impact on what is moral or not. Ethics deals with the good and evil, right and wrong, and virtuous and non-virtuous actions. It is the rules of morality sometimes as related to the rules of a profession or social group. These rules can be situational and set by the organization(s) that you may be involved with daily. So how does this fit in for us? Not only are there rules we follow in the Masonic or Eastern Star meetings, but the application of them should continue in our actions towards other people. We need to set the standard for others to follow and ensure we meet those standards. *Quote transcribed from Introduction to Freemasonry by Carl I Claudy, Copyright Fraternally, Bill 4

5 From the West S.W. Stephen Williams Fraternal greetings from the West, In recognition of Father s Day this month I would like to thank all the Dads, Uncles and Grandfathers out there that have paved the way and passed down the tradition of joining lodges and the Freemason Fraternal Family. My father was not a Mason, but my Grandfather was and still is to this day. He has set the example for me as a man of strict integrity, successful in business, and beloved by all. For over 30 years of my life I never connected these qualities with Freemasonry. In the many years since I have joined the Lodge, I have questioned myself more than once. Has becoming a Mason made me a better man and father? Is the amount of time away from my family pay enough positive dividends to make it worthwhile to my loved ones at home? Each man must weigh and balance each choice based on his own 24-inch gauge. I would like to think that I am a better person today than I was February 26th 2013 (my initiation night). It is a constant struggle to maintain the balance to not allow my Masonic family overwhelm my schedule and neglect my other obligations as well. I think Worshipful Jason E. Marshall captured it best when he stated, Above all for my children, I want to leave the legacy of a man who tried to be the best man that he could be, a man that loved his wife and his children, a man who was good and true to his friends and those in need, and a man that worked hard to help others. Essentially, I want to be remembered as a good father, and a good Freemason, and I m glad that those two pivotal pieces of my life help refine and sharpen each other. In closing Brothers, square your actions and divide your time as you must but always strive to be an example come to meetings and events to promote the art and continue to be the positive male role model we all had that brought us to the Lodge door and started each of us on our Masonic Journeys. Fraternally, Stephen Happy Father s Day A Father means so many things... A understanding heart, A source of strength and of support Right from the very start. A constant readiness to help In a kind and thoughtful way. With encouragement and forgiveness No matter what comes your way. A special generosity and always affection, too A Father means so many things When he's a man like you Author Unknown 5

6 From the South J.W. David St. John Greetings from the South, This last month was busy with lots of activities and some traveling. The end of April we served only about 75 people at pancake breakfast and Brothers Sills and Brown with Audrey and their daughter held a great spaghetti dinner with the proceeds going to the Demolay. On May 9th seven Brother s went to Turkey Creek lodge for an Entered Apprentice Degree for three new Masons with the lecture being delivered by our own Worshipful Don Campbell. His lectures are always so interesting and I get something out of them every time. Finally, for Family Night we had a huge crowd with more people than we have had in a long time. It was wonderful having so many families and friends in attendance. Reminder for our pancake breakfast in June is below.clip it out and save it on your refrigerator...donate blood and eat for free! Fraternally, Dave Pancake Breakfast!!! -- June 25th Blood Drive Scrambled Eggs - Bacon - Sausage Orange Juice Hot Coffee From 8:30 till 12:NOON 6

7 CHAPLAIN'S CORNER By Bill Kane Tragedy and Triumph My Brothers, I come to you this month with a story of tragedy and triumph. If you were at the stated communication April 18th you got to hear it live but it is so important I wanted to review it in this months Trestleboard. I know what you re thinking, how can tragedy and triumph be combined? Well, if you will indulge me for a few minutes I will tell you how and I will also tie it into a campaign called Be The Example. On Friday April 7th my nephew went out for a ride on his motorcycle. He was stressing over money, taking care of his girlfriend and her little five year old daughter. He felt that a little wind therapy would clear his head. He wasn t wearing a helmet and at around 6 pm an irresponsible, drug induced and drunk driver made an illegal U turn right in front of him. He didn t even have time to react and hit the passenger door of her car with full impact. He was air lifted to St. Joseph s where they said he had a broken neck, arm, leg and was in a coma. On Saturday, April 8th, the doctors informed my brother that he was brain dead from the accident. He died exactly three years to the day my sister -in-law passed. Our family was devastated. The doctors informed us that Zach was an organ donor and scheduled a meeting with the organ donation people. I had a similar incident with my son Kyle April 30th As a result of Zach s gifts of life he was able to save five other people s lives. His heart went to someone in Orlando and one of his lungs, both kidneys, and liver saved four others right here in Tampa. Zach was 44, Kyle was 34 years old and our sons taught us a valuable lesson. They taught us how important being an organ donation is. They may be gone from this earth but their gifts of life live on in others. I believe that each of us have that Ah Ha Moment in our life. If we are lucky we may have several. Your Ah Ha Moment may have been when you graduated from school, joined the military, when you got married, your first child was born or something else. I had such a moment with these losses. I saw a post on Facebook concerning Be The Example. It s a program started by a blue lodge in Kentucky. They are encouraging brother Master Masons to be or become organ donors by passing out Be The Example pins. They have passed out over 4000 pins. This was my Ah Ha Moment and I contacted Brother Keith Taylor to extend the program to Florida. This is a personal mission and I have purchased the pins with my own funds. Organ donation is that important to me and this is something we can all do. The Worshipful Master told me that he had a friend in his eighties that was a donor. As Masons we are sons, fathers and grandfathers and we are charged to be charitable. June 18th is Father s Day. My brothers, let s Be The Example and sign up to be an organ donor. I will have pins at stated communications and during my travels. Let me know that you are an organ donor and I will be happy to give you one. As always, please let me know if you, a family member or friend is in need of prayer and remember prayer works. Fraternally, 7

8 FREE MASONRY IS A FRATERNITY Author unknown from Freemasonry is the oldest, and by far, the largest fraternal order in the world. Its lodges stretch around the globe, and like the British Empire, it might well be said that the sun never sets upon the Masonic lodge. Fraternity means an association of brothers, and that is exactly what Freemasonry is - a society of friends and brothers. The origins of Freemasonry date back to the dawn of civilization. The Egyptians practiced many of the philosophies known to modern Free masonry, and men practiced many of the operative skills as guilds formed in Europe during the Tenth Century. Written records of modern Freemasonry have been kept since 1717 with the formation of a general governing body called a Grand Lodge in England. It is not a secret society in that its Temples are openly marked and almost everyone in the community knows where they are located. The Grand Lodge publishes a roster of the members of every lodge in the jurisdiction. Many of the Lodges have individual bulletins or newsletters which carry the names of the officers and members, as well. Thus it is, in the strictest sense of the word, a society with secrets, and these are limited to its obligation, its modes of recognition, such as pass words and grips, etc. and certain parts of its ritual. It is religious in character, but is not a religion. It is founded upon the basic principle of the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God, and everyone who comes to its lodges must express a particular belief about God, for this is the privilege of each individual and is not infringed upon by our Fraternity. Freemasonry practices selective charities, founded on the principle of brotherly need which is not applicable in all cases that appear similar. No member has a specific claim upon the society for its charity, for this is not a right acquired by becoming a member of the society, rather it is a privilege. SEEK AND YE SHALL FIND Author unknown from The making of a Freemason consists of a continuing course of education, of training, and of character forming. While it may be accepted that it is an innermost desire, followed by obligations that makes one a member of the Craft, yet in a truer form and better sense, a man is naver a Freemason until he truthfully and loyally lives up to his obligations. And he cannot do that until he understands them, and eventually knows their scope and real meaning. Freemasonry can very well be divided into many phases. Its landmarks, its customs, its consitution and its laws, just to mention a few, if studied and mastered, can provide a more interesting course for the Master Mason seeking Masonic knowledge. Its historical background can provide in interesting program of investigation to the Member attracted to a desire for research. One peculiarity about Freemasonry is that it will stand investigation. The deeper the research, the more extensive the knowledge of its hidden art and mysteries, the more highly it is appreciated. A member of the Craft who merely takes his degrees in a listless, careless sort of manner, and then remains as just a spectator at Lodge meetings, may hold to the opinion that Freemasonry differs little from other societies. The the contrary, the Master Mason who delves deeply into Masonic literature takes a lively interest in every part of the Ritualistic and Lodge Work, and learns the origin, meaning and moral bearing of its symbols, cannot possibly fall into such an error. To him Freemasonry has a refining and elevating influence not to be found in the ordinary run of organizations. The philosophies of Freemasonry, when discovered and then accepted and practiced, provide that simple but profound solution to the problems of human relationships. May it be accepted that Freemasonry is a way of living to the Master Mason who is interested enough to appraise and value the wealth that is his, and his alone, by virtue of his Masonic Membership. The best informed Master Mason is the Master Mason who reads and studies. Consequently, if we want Freemasonry to be of practical usefulness and cultural attainment, we, as Freemasons, must not neglect our Masonic reading, our Masonic studying and our research for more Masonic Light. 8

9 Masonic History June June 1 June 5 June 6 June 9 June 11 June 13 June 16 June 20 June 23 On this date in 1820, the Grand Lodge of Maine was founded. On this date in 1820, James K. Polk (U.S. President ) received his 1st degree in Columbia Lodge #31, Columbia, Tennessee. On this date in 1923, groundbreaking took place for the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, in Alexandria, Virginia On this date in 1787, the Grand Lodge of New York became independent On this date in 1806, the Grand Lodge of Delaware was established On this date in 1849, the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Delaware was established On this date in 1986, the United Grand Lodge of England required the removal of references to the physical penalties from all obligations. On this date (or June 12) in 1889, the Grand Lodge of North Dakota was organized On this date in 1821, the Grand Lodge of Alabama was formed On this date in 1812, the Grand Lodge of Louisiana was formed On this date in 1881, Albert G. Mackey, Masonic author and Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction of the U.S., died. On this date in 1780, Wolfgang Goethe was initiated in Amalia Lodge in Weimar June 24 On this date in 1717, what is referred to as the premiere Grand Lodge was formed in London, at the Goose and Gridiron Ale-house This date is the first entry, for 1731, of a Lodge meeting in the colonies that became the United States, in an account book of St. John's Lodge in Philadelphia On this date in 1734, Benjamin Franklin became Grand Master of what would be known as the "Moderns" Grand Lodge in Pennsylvania. On this date in 1791, the African Grand Lodge of North America was organized in Boston. It later became the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. On this date in 1797, the second Grand Lodge for African Americans was founded in Philadelphia On this date in 1820, the Grand Lodge of Maine was formed June 27 June 28 On this date (or June 25) in 1791, the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island was organized On this date in 1901, Warren G. Harding (U.S. President ) received his 1st degree in Marion Lodge #70, Ohio 9

10 DATES TO REMEMBER June 2 Lodge Night June 13 Officers Meeting June 20 Family Night June 30 Masters & Wardens June 2017 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 G.S. Troop 1296/3125 6:30-8:30pm Demolay 7:30pm 2 Lodge Dinner 6:30 Meeting 7:30 7 Degree Practice Order of the Eastern Star 7:30pm 13 Officer Meeting 6pm 14 Degree Practice 15 G.S. Troop 1296/3125 6:30-8:30pm Father s Day 19 Demolay 7:30 pm District School Tampa Family Night 6:30 Meeting 7:30 21 Degree Practice Pancake Breakfast Blood Drive Order of the Eastern Star 7:30pm Degree Practice Masters & Wardens 6:30 Memorial Lodge 10