MOSES PAUL LODGE #96 DOVER, NEW HAMPSHIRE

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1 MOSES PAUL LODGE #96 DOVER, NEW HAMPSHIRE The Column on the left represents Strafford Lodge #29 The Column on the right represents Moses Paul Lodge #96 The Handshake represents the agreement of the two Lodges to merge and become Federal Lodge #5 Free and Accepted Masons Dover, N. H. December 2018 Organized Under Dispensation December 20, 1889 Chartered May 21, 1890

2 December Calendar Event: Square and Compass Fellowship Dinner Date and Time: Wednesday December 5 th 6:30 at Lodge Hall Dress Code: Casual Cost: Usually $8.00 Description: Fellowship Dinner with our Brothers at Strafford Lodge and the Grange, Moses Paul Lodge is Host this month! Who can attend: All Masons and guests. Event: Federal Lodge Committee Meeting Date and Time: Thursday December 13 th 6:30 pm at Lodge Hall Dress Code: Casual Cost: N/A Description: Federal Lodge Committee meeting, Planning session for 2019 Who can attend: Committee members and interested Lodge members. Event: Stated Communication/Annual Business Meeting Date and Time: Thursday December 20 th 7:30 pm at Lodge Hall Dress Code: Officers Jacket and Tie, all others Business Casual (collared shirt and slacks) Cost: Donation for Collation Description: Annual business meeting. Lodge of Sorrows, Last stated meeting of Moses Paul Lodge. Who can attend: All EA s and above Event: Christmas Day Date and Time: Tuesday December 25 th All Day! Dress Code: Holiday finest! Description: Enjoy a day with family and friends! Who can attend: All family members and Friends

3 District 5 Calendar Event: Strafford Lodge #29 Stated Communication Date and Time: Wednesday December 12 th, 7:00 pm at Lodge Hall Dress Code: Officers Jacket and Tie, all others Business Casual (collared shirt and slacks) Cost: Donation for Collation Description: Annual Meeting Who can attend: All EA s and above Event: Winnipesaukee Lodge Breakfast Buffet Date and Time: Sunday December 16 th 7:30 am-11:00 am at Winnipesaukee Lodge in Alton NH Dress Code: Casual Cost: $10.00 Description: Famous Breakfast Buffet Who can attend: Public event All are welcome! Event: District 5 Master s Class Date and Time: Wednesday December 26 th 7:00-9:00 pm at Humane Lodge in Rochester NH. Dress Code: Casual Cost: Donation for Collation Description: Master s Class: Topic TBD Who can attend: All MM s are encouraged to attend.

4 Secretary s Desk Thank you to all who have paid their dues on time! Please make every effort to pay these quickly as the Lodge depends on this money to be able maintain our building and pay the bills. If you can t afford your dues or have other issues preventing you from paying them please contact me or any officer, we may be able to work out a solution. When was the last time you came to a meeting? We as your officers know that your time is valuable and should not be wasted! The meetings are fun and informative. Can t remember the signs or you don t feel you know anyone, don t worry, we are all brothers and will greet you with open arms. Something as Masons that we all need to think about! Have you made your wishes known to your family about a Masonic Service when you are called from labor to rest? Does your family know who to contact? Does your family know where you keep your white apron? These are important things to take care of! Please visit our website for upcoming events. This Month s Education Article is entitled A Foundation Stone The District 5 Calendar at: %40gmail.com NH Grand Lodge Web site at: Webmaster: dovermasons@nhfreemasons.org Facebook: NOT RECEIVING THE TRESTLE BOARD BY ??? If you would like to get it as soon as it comes out and save the Lodge a stamp send your address to bears123@comcast.net

5 Moses Paul Lodge #96, Dover, NH Officers & Appointments for 2018 Worshipful Master: Wor. John T. Pond, Jr Senior Warden: Wor. William D. Akridge Junior Warden: Richard Lapointe Treasurer: Secretary: Daniel Hanson Representative to Grand Lodge: Christopher J. Pond Chaplain Wor. Kristopher G. Furtney Asst. Chaplain Senior Deacon: James E. Lewis Junior Deacon: John T Pond, III Senior Steward: Junior Steward: Marshal: David Martinelli Tyler: Wor. James S. Miller Organist: Lodge Ambassador: Historian: Wor. William D. Akridge Finance Committee: Trustees of Charity Fund Wor. James S. Miller 2018 Wor. Kristopher G. Furtney 2018, & 2019 Richard LaPointe 2018, 2019, 2020 Widow s Program Chairman: Vincent R. Puleo Gates: #1-, Richard Lapointe #2-, #3-John T. Pond, III Representative to Evergreen Place: Building Committee: Chairman: Wor. David Akridge Recorder: Wor. John T. Pond, Jr Wor. Kristopher G. Furtney Robert Steele Webmaster John T. Pond, III Public Affairs Officer Wor. Kristopher G. Furtney

6 MASTER S MESSAGE Merry Christmas Brethren: As you may or may not know at the 161 st Semi-Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, by an unanimous vote of the members present the Unification (merger) of Strafford Lodge #29 and Moses Paul Lodge #96 to become Federal Lodge #5 was approved. What a great day for Masonry in Dover and in the State, as we rededicate the first Lodge in Dover originally Chartered in But, it is also bitter sweet as we close out the affairs of our two Lodges. During our Lodge of Sorrows for 2018 we will pay our respects to 8 departed brothers. We are grateful for their time with us and they will be greatly missed. At our November Stated meeting we read 3 petitions, 2 of which were new, and 1 was a reinstatement, we are waiting on one more for reinstatement. We will ballot on them at our Stated in December. As we ramp up to bring Federal Lodge #5 back, there are several things that will have to happen. With this Trestle Board will be the new Bylaws that have been approved by Grand Lodge and are waiting the Grand Masters signature. Please review them and if you have any comments get them back to me ASAP. Also there is a proposed Officer line for the new Lodge. It is a combination of both Strafford Lodge and Moses Paul Lodge as voted on by the Unification committee. Again let us know if your name is not on this list and you would like to take an office for the new Lodge. This would be a great opportunity to get back involved and make a difference in Masonry in Dover. Both the by-laws, and the election of officers will be held on January 9, 2019 which will be the first meeting of Federal Lodge #5. There will be more information coming on this. Moses Paul Lodge lost a great mason and friend on November 18 th with the passing of Brother Sandy Salava our Treasurer. Brother Sandy came back to Lodge after a long absent and immediately step up to help by assisting in the sale of our Pearl Street Building, Taking on the job of Treasurer when we most needed it. And was a core member in the Unification of our two Lodges. Rest in Pease Brother Sandy, we will miss you! Brethren, enjoy the holidays with your family and come back to Lodge refreshed and ready to take on the huge job of bringing our new Lodge in being. Fraternally and Respectfully, John T. Pond, Jr. Master

7 MOSES PAUL LODGE #96 In Memory Of Brother Sanford Theodore Salava Born July 1, 1944 Madison Wisconsin Entered Apprentice January 17, 1974 Passed to Fellowcraft February 21, 1974 Raised to Master Mason March 21, 1974 Member Moses Paul Lodge #96 44 years Called from Labor to Rest November 18, 2018

8 SENIOR WARDEN From the West November 2018 As we approach the end of this calendar year, it is not just the end of a year. As many may have heard, The Grand Lodge of New Hampshire has voted for the unification of Masonry in Dover and as such we will become Federal Lodge #5 at the stroke of midnight 1/1/19. It was an honor and a privilege to be in attendance at the 161 st Semi-Annual Communication and not only to be present for the vote but participate in the vote. It was in just such a setting in 1792 that the original Charter of Federal #5 was granted to formally begin Masonry in Dover. I also think it is important to thank Worshipful John Pond Jr. for his leadership in guiding this effort as well as the Committee Members who participated. It has provided an opportunity for each of us to get to know each other better. All who participated did so in true Masonic fashion. If I think back to December of 2016, we were in the old Temple facing deficits in maintain our building. While I have only been a Mason some eight years, to sell a building, unify the Dover Lodges and move away from Lodge meetings that were quite frankly boring and have the opportunity to do the Work of Traditional Masonry, it occurs to me that in Masonic terms we have moved at light speed. Just think, in just two short years, we have sold our building, provided a firm financial foundation and with the unification of Moses Paul and Strafford Lodge into Federal, we are firm financial ground, will have a balanced budget and more importantly are poised to come together as one unified Lodge in which we will always celebrate our respective histories but have an opportunity to move forward in creating a new history as a dynamic, unified Lodge focusing on the core Principles of Masonry. Finally, as we become Federal Lodge # 5, my time as a Senior Officer of the Lodge has concluded. Assuming the elected Worshipful Master asks me to serve as Historian and Musician, I look forward to being charged with maintaining the history of

9 Moses Paul Lodge #96 and Strafford Lodge # 29 but equally importantly preserving the history that we will resume as Federal Lodge # 5. For those that know me, I don t have a musical bone in my body. I don t play any instruments. I do however enjoy the music that can enhance our meetings, degrees and special events. To that end, I will be able to focus on bringing some Masonic tradition back to our Lodge in having music be a part of our events. Through modern technology and wireless speakers, we can bring this enhancement element back to our Lodge. Of course, I remain a fill in for any chair when needed and I look forward to being asked to provide Masonic discussion and topics as a part of our meetings. While I am feeling nostalgic about our respective time as Moses Paul #96, I am excited about our future as Federal #5. We have Brethren from our earlier years who are choosing to return and we have some new Candidates who have petitioned. We will truly start our new future as Federal #5 with the energy and excitement we all envisioned. For those that have been active over the last two years, thank you for your dedication and effort. For those who may have been waiting for the right time to return, what better time than now? May each of you enjoy this holiday season and Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to you all.. Fraternally Worshipful Brother Dave Akridge PM

10 A FOUNDATION STONE This Short Talk Bulletin has been adapted from a pamphlet published by the Grand Lodge A.F.& A.M. of Illinois, entitled, What Can a Mason tell a Non- Mason About Freemasonry. The ancient traditions of Freemasonry permit you to influence your qualified sons, friends and co-workers to petition for the degrees. There is absolutely no objection to a neutrally worded approach being made to a man who is considered a suitable candidate for Freemasonry. After the procedure for obtain-ing membership in a Masonic Lodge is explain-ed, there can be no objection to his being reminded once that the approach was made. The potential candidate should then be left to make his own decision and come of his own free will. One of the most misunderstood of the laws of Freemasonry is the rule that prohibits the solicitation of a candidate by any Mason. Every man who enters the portals of a Masonic Lodge must come of his own free will and accord but he can only come if he knows of the opportunity. So far ingrained in our Masonic law is the rule against solicitation that it has unquestionably caused most Masons to refrain completely from discussing Freemasonry with friends and acquaintances who are not Masons. Don t let that happen to you. The failure of the Masonic institution to make known to the public, that is to non-masons, its principles and its purposes has, in the past, resulted in both suspicion and antagonism toward Masonry. People are naturally inclined to be suspicious or fearful of those things of which they are ignorant. Freemasonry is not a secret society, but is rather a society which possesses certain secrets. A really secret society is one in which the membership is not known. Freemasonry is quite well known to the

11 uninitiated. We do not attempt to hide our membership. A large percentage of our membership wears pins or rings bearing wellknown emblems of the Craft. We do not meet in secret places. We meet in Temples which are well marked as Masonic - often times with neon signs bearing the square and compasses - and we meet at meetings which are quite well advertised. What is actually supposed to be secret about the institution of Freemasonry is its ritual. Dr. Mackeys 23rd Landmark, The secrecy of the Institution, embraces nothing more than it.s ritual, which we must conceal and never reveal. The fundamental principles of Masonry which are taught by that ritual, however, are, or could be, well known, and most of them are not even principles peculiar to the Masonic institution. The candidate for the mysteries of Masonry must always come to us of his own free will and accord, unbiased by friends and uninfluenced by mercenary motives, and he must so formally declare before he enters a Lodge room. It must be his own personal desire which as brought him to the point of petitioning for the degrees of Masonry. An explanation of the charitable and character building attributes of Freemasonry to a worthy and wellqualified person is not solicitation. Probably the first question that would come to the mind of the uninitiated would be What is Freemasonry? We define it as a progressive moral science divided into different degrees. This definition probably would not satisfy and would mean practically nothing to the Non-Mason. Freemasonry might be defined to such a person as a fraternal society which is based on certain moral and religious doctrines; the moral doctrines including Brotherly Love, Relief, Truth; Temperance, fortitude, Prudence, and Justice; and the religious doctrines comprising a belief in god and a future existence; sometimes shortened to the statement of a belief in the fatherhood of god and the brotherhood of man. There is no reason at all Why this subject should not be discussed quite freely with a non-mason. The fact of the matter is that the philosophy of Masonry is freely discussed in thousands of printed

12 volumes available to Masons and non-masons alike. One question which often comes from non-masons is this: How does one become a member? Why have I not been asked to join? In any such discussion, of course, the non-mason should be told that, unlike the members of other fraternal organizations, Masons are forbidden to solicit any one to become a member, and that any prospective member must apply of his own free will and ac-cord; and further, that he must pass a unanimous ballot for admission. It must be free will and accord on both sides. One question which any non-mason might ask, and which can be freely discussed with him, is the relationship of Masonry to religion and to the churches of any denomination Masonry has two fundamental religious tenets - a belief in God and a belief in a future existence, or, as it is phrased in Mackeys Land-marks, a belief in the resurrection to a future life. The inquirer should be told that Masonry is not a religion in any sense of the word; but it is religious, and that no atheist can ever be made a Mason. As the Old Charges approved in 1723 put it, If he rightly understands the art, he will never be a stupid atheist nor an irreligious libertine. In those charges, under the heading of Concerning God and Religion it was said: But though in ancient times Masons were charged in every country to be of the religion of that country or nation, what-ever it was, yet it is now thought more expedient only to oblige them to that religion in which all men agree, leaving their particular opinions to themselves; that is, to be good men and true. or men of honor and honesty, by whatever denominations or persuasions they may be distinguished; whereby Masonry becomes the centre of union, and the means of conciliating true friendship among persons that must else have remained at a perpetual distance. Masonry does not require membership in any church as a condition of membership in a Lodge. On the other hand, membership in any church is no bar to admission to Masonry. There is nothing in the requirements of Masonry to prevent a Roman Catholic, a

13 Mohammedan, a Buddhist, a Mormon, a Protestant, or a member of any religious sect from becoming a Mason. Any bar is one prescribed by the church to which he may belong. For in-stance, while Masonry is not anti-catholic, nevertheless until recently the Roman church had itself set up the ban of excommunication of any of its members becoming Masons, which edict had been repeated by the Popes since the year There is nothing wrong in telling a non-mason that, or telling him that the discussion of sectarian religion is prohibited in every Masonic Lodge. One might also ask whether Masonry is a political organization. He should be told that no political discussion would be permitted in any Masonic Lodge. Here again we might refer to the Old Charges, where we are told: A Mason is to be a peaceful subject to the civil powers, wherever he resides or works, and is never to be concerned in plots and conspiracies against the peace and welfare of the nation, nor to behave himself undutiful to inferior magistrates; for as Masonry hath been always injured by war, bloodshed and confusion, so ancient kings and princes have been much disposed to encourage the Craftsmen because of their peaceable ness and loyalty, whereby they practically answered the cavils of their adversaries and promoted the honor of the fraternity, which ever flourished in times of peace. In our jurisdiction, the rule that the discussion of politics and religion in Lodges is to be avoided has the force of an Ancient Land-mark. Another question a non-mason might ask is whether Masonry is a benefit society, like the many fraternal societies offering insurance and death benefits. This is something which can and certainly ought to be discussed, to avoid any misunderstanding by a prospective candidate. The inquirer should be told that we have no insurance benefits, and that while Masons are second to none in their charitable endeavors, as is evidenced by our Homes for the Aged and for Children, nevertheless it would be financially

14 impossible for the Fraternity to care for all of its members. The minimum dues of $20 per year provide little surplus for any Lodge to render aid except to those in dire distress. Another subject which could certainly be discussed with a non- Mason is the history of the Masonic society and its evolution from the Operatives, the builders of the Middle Ages, who created the great Gothic cathedrals, churches and other structures in the British Isles and on the continent of Europe. There are many interesting topics of Masonic history which are perfectly proper to be discussed and might possibly excite the interest of serious-minded listeners who are not Masons. The history of our Craft in America and the part which Masons played in the early history of our country is something of which we should all be justly proud. It is no secret and no Mason is prohibited from discussing it. You should not discuss the ritual. Part of the fun of Freemasonry is the excitement and adventure of the ritual. You can explain that it is based in part upon the Holy Bible and that the ceremonies of Masonry are of a serious and dignified nature, without levity or horseplay. Certainly every candidate should be told this, and should be asked not to listen to the remarks of unthinking brethren about riding the goat and similar intimations that the candidate is entering into something like a high school fraternity. Such intimations are unworthy and untrue. Explain that Freemasonry is divided in-to three degrees and what is required to progress. Explain about the catechism, questions and answers, and what is expected: 6,000,000 Masons learned and be sure they know they can. All they need do is ask to start their travel from friend to brother. We are proud of our fraternity and want you proudly to explain Freemasonry to the worthy and well qualified people in your sphere of influence.

15 Old Past Master Speaks A MASON'S CHRISTMAS "I don't believe in a Christmas celebration by the lodge. I don't think we ought to have one, or be asked to contribute to one or in any way engage in Christmas festivities." "The Junior Mason spoke emphatically and with marked disapproval of the little ante-room group nearby, making happy plans for Yule-tide. "That's very interesting," commented the Old Past Master. I like to hear points of view unfamiliar to me. Would you mind telling me why?" "Of course not. It's very simple. Masonry is not Christian. King Solomon, of course, wasn't a Christian, nor were either of the Hiram's. Masonry admits to her ranks any good man of faith; Christian, Jewish, Mohammedan, Buddhist... it makes no difference, so he has a Faith. Then, as a lodge, we celebrate a holiday belonging to one faith. Now I personally am a Christian, and of course I celebrate Christmas. But my brother across the way is a Jew, who does not recognize Christianity. To ask him to spend his proportion of lodge funds in celebrating the birth of a Leader in Whom he does not believe would be exactly like asking me to

16 celebrate, with my proportion of lodge money, the birth of Confucius. Of course, I have only one vote and the majority rules, but when it comes to personal contributions to a Masonic Christmas celebration, my hands will never come out of my pockets." He shoved them deeper in as he spoke to emphasize his intention not to spend. "Hum!" answered the Old Past Master. "So you think your Jewish brother across the way doesn't recognize Christianity? Don't you mean he doesn't recognize Christ as the Son of God? Wait a minute... Oh, Brother Samuels." The Old Past Master called across the ante-room. "Here a minute, will you?" The Jewish brother rose and came forward. "I just wanted to ask you if you are in favor or against the lodge Christmas celebration?" asked the Old Past Master. "Me? I am in favor of it, of course, both for the lodge appropriation and the individual contribution." "Thank you," nodded the Old Past Master. Then as the Jewish brother went back to his seat, he turned to the Junior Mason. "You see, my son, our Jewish friend is not narrow. He does not believe in Christ as the Redeemer, but he recognizes that he lives in a country largely Christian, and belongs to a lodge largely Christian. To him the Christmas celebration is not one of His birthday, but of the spirit of joyousness and love which we mean when we sing, at Christmas time 'Peace on earth, good will towards men!' If you argue that 'peace' is only a Christian word, he might even quote to you the words of One who said 'I bring you not Peace, but a Sword.' "Now let me explain something to you. The Jew has just as much right to refuse to recognize Christ as the Son of God, as you have to refuse to consider Mohammed the Prophet the followers of Allah say he is. But as an educated man, you must know that Mohammed was a good man, a devout leader, a wise teacher. As an educated man, you admit that the religion founded by Buddha has much in it that is good, and you admit that Confucius was a wise and just leader. Were you in the land where the birthdays of any of these were celebrated, would you refuse your part in the people's joy in their Leader, simply because you followed another? I trust not. Well, neither do our Jewish brethren or our

17 Mohammedan brethren, desire to be left out of our celebration. They may not believe in the Divinity of Him we, as Christians, follow, but if they are good men and good Masons... they are perfectly willing to admit that the religion we follow is as good for us as theirs is for them, and to join with us in celebrating the day which is to us the glad day of all the year. "Believe me, boy, Christmas doesn't mean Christ's birthday to many a man who calls himself Christian. It is not because of joy the He was born that many a good man celebrates Christmas. It is because his neighbor celebrates it, because it is a time of joy for little ones, because it is a day when he can express his thanks to his God that he is allowed to have a wife and family and children and friends and a lodge, because of that very 'peace on earth' spirit which is no more the property of the Gentile than the Jew, the Chinese or the Mohammedan. "It is such a spirit that Masons join, all, in celebrating Christmas. It is on the Masonic side of the tree we dance, not the Christian side. When this lodge erects its Christmas tree in the basement and throws it open to the little ones of the poor of this town, you will find children of all kinds there; black, white, yellow, and brown, Jew and Gentile, Christian and Mohammedan. And you will find a Jew at the door, and among the biggest subscriptions will be those from some Jewish brethren, and there is a Jew who rents cars for a living who will supply us a dozen free to take baskets to those who cannot come. And when the Jewish Orphan Asylum has its fair, in the Spring, you will find many a Christian Mason attending to spend his money and help along the cause dear to his Jewish brethren, never remembering that they are of a different faith. That, my son, is Masonry." "For Charity is neither Christian nor Jewish, nor Chinese nor Buddhistic. And celebrations which create joy in little hearts and feed the hungry and make the poor think that Masons do not forget the lessons in lodge, are not Christian alone, though they be held at Christmas, and are not for Christians alone, though the celebration be in His honor. Recall the ritual: 'By the exercise of brotherly love we are taught to regard the whole human species as one family, the high and low, the rich and poor, who, as created by one Almighty Parent, and inhabitants of the same planet, are to aid, support and protect each other'.

18 "It is with this thought that we, as Masons, celebrate Christmas, to bring joy to our brethren and their little ones, and truly observe the brotherhood of man and the Fatherhood of God, whether we be Jew or Gentile, Mohammedan or Buddhist." The Old Past Master ceased and stood musing, his old eyes looking back along a long line of lodge Christmas trees about which eager little faces danced. Then he turned to the Junior Mason. "Well," he said smiling, "Do you understand?" "I thank you for my Christmas present," came the answer. "Please tell me to which brother I should make my Christmas contribution?"

19 A LODGE IS BORN "What did you think of it?" inquired the Old Tyler of the New Brother as they came out of the lodge room in which a lodge had just been consecrated, dedicated and constituted. "It isn't often that we have a chance to see that ceremony." "I don't care if I never see it again." returned the New Brother. It's hot in there, and it struck me as a lot of blah, just words which mean nothing. Why do they have to go to all that bother? Why the corn and wine and oil? Why not just say, 'you are a lodge- go ahead and work,' and have it over with?" "Would you have the Master say, 'this lodge is open' and 'this lodge is closed' for an opening and closing ceremony?" asked the Old Tyler. "I wouldn't go as far as that," answered the New Brother. "But this ceremony leaves me cold. I can't see any sense in having this new lodge anyhow!" "Oh! So that's it!" The Old Tyler smiled wisely. "You are objecting to the beautiful ceremony we have just witnessed because you are not in sympathy with the creation of a new lodge at this time and place! "I wouldn't say that." The New Mason flushed. "Did you, by any chance, happen to want election to an office in the new lodge, and they chose someone else?" The New Brother made no answer. "There will be other new lodges!" comforted the Old Tyler. "And you are a little too young in Masonry to aspire to

20 office in a new lodge. But I can't let you keep this wrong attitude about one of the really beautiful ceremonies of our beloved order. Have you ever attended the graduation exercises of any grammar school, high school, or college?" "My little girl graduated from the eighth grade into high school last week," answered the New Brother. "Why?" "It's at least an even bet that you saw half of that ceremony through wet eyes," answered the Old Tyler. "As you watched all those fresh faces, boys and girls leaving childhood for youth, taking the big step that is between the grade schools and high school, facing the unknown future so blithely, was not your heart touched with a knowledge of all the disappointments and heartaches these happy and carefree children must undergo? "Of course." "You wouldn't be a human father otherwise! To me a consecration, dedication and constitution of a lodge is something like that. The new little lodge starts out so bravely. It is composed of Masons who have had no Masonic responsibilities. Sometimes one can find an old Past Master who will go into the line, but generally they are new and untried officers. They satisfy the authorities that they are competent to confer the degrees, but who knows their abilities to form a new lodge into a coherent whole, their tact in keeping harmony, their knowledge of the necessity for practicing brotherhood in the lodge? They come here, these brave bright brethren, and the Grand Lodge performs this beautiful ceremony. The corn, the wine, the oil, are poured for them. They are consecrated to God, dedicated to the Holy Saints John, and constituted a member of the family of lodges under this Grand Lodge. Masters of other lodges are present to wish them well. Some come bearing gifts - the jewels the officers wear, the working tools, perhaps a modest check from the lodge which sponsored them to help the new thin treasury get a start. They have no traditions to steady them. They have no matters of common knowledge to bind them together. They have no past of which to talk. All they possess is their mutual Masonry and their mutual responsibility - their hopes, their fears, their plans and their determination. An unwritten page is theirs on which to record their Masonic future. The Mystic Tie is all they know of lodge life. The Grand Master pronounces them a lodge, the charter or warrant is

21 presented and they are born. To me it is a simple, beautiful, pathetic, and interesting site, and one I never tire of seeing." "I am a fool." The New Mason spoke with conviction. "Old Tyler, why did the Senior Deacon gather up the corn that was used and put it carefully away?" "He couldn't gather the wine and oil, since they were spilled for good," answered the Old Tyler. "But that little horn of corn will be kept until this new lodge itself sponsors another new lodge, then to be offered to them, that they may be consecrated with the same corn poured for the Mother Lodge." "Oh, I am a fool, indeed," cried the New Mason. "Please take me with you to the next such ceremony, will you?" The Old Tyler grunted. But it sounded like a promise.

22 DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROTHERS Robert D. Berry William H. Carswell, II William N. Garvin Timothy M. Granfield William N. Koutrelakos Robert E. Lecain George M. McGee, III John F. Torr Henry J. McDermott

23 Moses Paul Lodge #96 Living Past Masters Gerald E. Brown Ronald C. Bartlett Donald S. Meserve William H. Carswell, II 1976, 77, 78 David R. Spiller..1984, 85 Edwin F. Mitchell, Jr Anthony Zizos. 1989, 90 James S. Miller , 98, 01, 02, 03, 04 John F. Torr.1993, 94, 99, 00 Stephen E Wawrzkiewicz Robert H. Stewart Jay A. Edgerly 1997 Michael J. Mawson George M. McGee III Christopher Piehler 2007, 2008 Robert D. Berry Kristopher G. Furtney 2010, 2011 Vincent R. Puleo , 2013 Robert J. Corsetti , 2015 William D. Akridge..2016, 2017 John T. Pond, Jr. 2018

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