STATED MEETING. Silver Gate Three Stars Lodge No. 296 Free and Accepted Masons 3795 Utah Street San Diego, CA

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1 Silver Gate Three Stars Lodge No. 296 Free and Accepted Masons 3795 Utah Street San Diego, CA Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage Paid Permit # 383 San Diego, CA CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED December ~ January 2015 ~ February Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 New Year's Day 2 3 STATED MEETING Officers practice 1st Degree 8 9 1st Degree Conferral Officers practice 3rd Degree rd Degree Conferral Martin Luther King DOSI 25 SECRETARY AND TREASURER ANNUAL RETREAT WEEKEND Breakfast fund-raising for Valentines Day SECRETARY AND TREASURER ANNUAL RETREAT WEEKEND Lodge Inventory(Officers) DISTRICT 913 MOS BRIEF AT SILVERGATE THREE STARS LODGE 24 SECRETARY AND TREASURER ANNUAL RETREAT WEEKEND 31 Lodge Audit

2 FROM THE EAST: From the East We join Masonry for many reasons. Because of a relative, because of a friend, because of fellowship, because of curiosity, or maybe because we think we will get ahead and be known. The reason we joined is irrelevant. After joining we found men who treated us with brotherly love and respect. This, in turn relieved the stress of the day. And in some point gives new meaning to our lives. It also gave us a feeling of self- worth, and helped us see the true meaning of Freemasonry. The fast movement of everyday life causes a lot of changes in our life style. We move from one situation to another at such a speed, that most of the time, we seldom see the conclusion of one problem before another comes. Except when it doesn t turn out right, then we hear every detail of what went wrong. And the grim sadness of it came from those who were not even involved or had the minutest idea how it evolved. THIS IS WHERE MASONRY COMES IN. We come to the lodge to meet old and new friends that demand nothing from us. Thus we demand nothing from our Brethren. We teach and are taught a more even way to live and cope with problems. We learn that, all that matters is within ourselves. We learn, through watching others, that a better way to do anything is through love, understanding and trust. As we speed on and on through this ever changing world, we come to the lodge for a little bit of peace and understanding, we come to slow down, we come because this is where it all started... of becoming a better man. Problems are never big or small. They are exactly how you perceive it. Make the New Year a reason to thank God for helping you sort out your problems in the best possible way and giving you necessary strength. Happy New Year to all! By the square, Celso Marañon Master 2015 Masonic Etiquette: Masonic Etiquette, for the most part, is merely good manners and respect for the lodge, its members, its Worshipful Master and the convention of Freemasonry in general. You may study ritual work, degree work, floor work and know all Masonry s glorious history, Masonic symbols, jewels, etc. but there is very little written about how to comfort yourself so you do not look FOOLISH or be regarded as DISRESPECTFUL. Some are small things, and some are not, but you re LODGE CONDUCT IS CONTINUALLY ON DISPLAY. As a newly Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft or Master Mason, it is expected that you will exhibit the proper decorum and propriety in observance of the formal requirements which govern behavior in polite societies... BEFORE someone takes you aside to explain your errors... or you wouldn t be reading this. So... let s begin:

3 WALKING BETWEEN THE ALTAR AND WORSHIPFUL MASTER: Brethren do not pass between the Altar and the East when the lodge is open. Why? As a courtesy to the Master, it is necessary that the three Great Lights which shine their eternal light and wisdom upon the Master to help him govern the lodge should never be in a shadow, not even for a millisecond, during the processes of an initiation or degree work, stated meetings and special meetings. 1. ALWAYS FULLY DRESSED: Brethren do not enter Lodge room either without apron nor while putting on that apron... not even the tying of its strings. Why? In respect to the formalities of the Lodge, officers expect that the Brethren will have the courtesy to enter it fully dressed and ready for the labor. They should not have to wait for a member to be fully dressed, even just tying or adjusting the apron, to salute that member. It is expected that you be properly and entirely dressed when you pass by the Tiler and enter the lodge room. 2. SPEAKING: If you wish to offer a pre-determined motion or matter to discussion, advise the Master beforehand. Why? Advising the Master before the meeting that you intend to bring up a specific motion or a matter for discussion is an important courtesy. You may, indeed, do it without advising him in advance, but the Master may have plans of his own for that meeting, for which your proposed motion or discussion may not easily fit into the allotted time frame. As a courtesy to him, his work, and his dedication to the members, it is best to ask him privately, beforehand, if he will be able to recognize you to speak your purpose. This saves face for both. You will not publicly be refused and he will not have to seem disagreeable or arrogant in his refusal of your motion. 3. SHOULDERING THE WORK: It is good Masonic Etiquette to accept a request made in the name of the lodge if it is within your abilities. Why? A lodge is a working beehive of industry. A request made of you from your lodge acknowledges that the lodge trusts you to competently fulfill such a request based upon your knowledge. 4. CORRECTION OF VERBAL ERRORS: Lodge customs state that no one except for the Worshipful Master or his prearranged designee, may correct any mistake that may occur during the course of a Ceremony, and even he does so only when the error is a serious one. Why? It is discourteous to point out others mistakes in front of the lodge brethren. If you are in possession of a mind which allows you to be able to perform each and every degree and ceremony, perfectly, please advise the Worshipful Master of such that he may take advantage of your services to mentor others.

4 5. NO PRACTICAL JOKES NOR OFF-COLOR STORIES: Why? The great lessons of Masonry, which are taught by our ritual, should never be demeaned by levity or pranks. The lodge room is not a proper location for the telling of practical jokes, pranks, neither horseplay nor off-color stories. 6. TURN CELL PHONES OFF: All cell phones should be turned off before entering the lodge room so as not to disrupt the proceedings. Masonic etiquette is simply the rules of good manners which make lodge meetings pleasant for everyone. The position of Worshipful Master in the East occupies the most exalted position within the lodge. A lodge which does not honor its Master, no matter how they personally feel about the man, himself, lacks Masonic courtesy. The honor conveyed by the brethren in electing him... in other words, the historical traditions and the men who have gone before you must be given the utmost respect, if the traditions of the Fraternity are to be observed and proper Masonic etiquette is to be maintained. Good manners imply observance of the formal requirements governing man s behavior in polite society and a sense of what is appropriate for a person of good breeding with high morals and good taste. The spirit of brotherly love and affection, by which we are bound together, will be exemplified in our conduct, our carriage and our behavior at all times. (Source: Masonic Etiquette Correct Lodge Behavior) A Westerly Wind: FROM THE WEST: Happy New Year, Let us hope that this New Year will bring us renewed dedication in our lodge and in our brothers in masonry. We have a busy year ahead of us and we request all our breathern to participate in all degree work and other activities. To the appointed officers, Committee Chairmen and Members; your selfless dedication to the craft is greatly appreciated. To Bro. Andy Padilla who labored in the kitchen assisting our Chefs during the Officers Installation, we appreciate all your hard work. To Bro. Jun and Sis. Gie Munar together with WBro. Joe and Sis. Norma Dano with the aid and assistance of our Fellow craft Brother Brillantes Perlas who worked tirelessly to prepare our Christmas Party Dinner. We thank you all for laboring with us. To all the brothers and sisters who brought their homemade dessert and shared it with us during our Christmas party dinner, we always appreciate your kindness and generosity. To our Bro. Senior Deacon Tom Martinez and Sis. Arleen for Conducting the Children games and giving them a fun filled evening, and to our Marshal, Brother Philip Lastrella for helping out in our door prize raffle together with our Junior Steward Bro. Jeff Velasquez who was our Master of Ceremonies and Game coordinator during our Christmas party, two thumbs up to all of you and thank you for making it a fun filled evening. To our immediate Past Master Jerry Fabula with the help of Sis. Myrna in providing the Christmas Table decoration and other

5 Christmas ornaments. Thank you for your never-ending support to our lodge. To all brothers and sisters who attended our annual Christmas party who shared with us good laughs and cheers we always welcome you to our social events and look forward to having you in the next social function. Now for our Monthly Masonic Education: FREE FROM RESTRAIN When the Master desires to give a break in the ordinary routine of the lodge, (such as the preparation of candidates or an interruption for a short conference or while setting up paraphernalia), he sets the lodge FREE FROM RESTRAINT. At this time the lodge is still at LABOR (The Master presiding, necessary alarms and salutations are given). The wardens change their columns to reflect this break in the ordinary lodge routine. However, the altar jewels remain to indicate labor. This signal all present in the lodge room, that the Lodge is FREE FROM RESTRAINT. The breathern may communicate quietly with the person sitting next to him. However, the breathern Do Not wonder about the lodge room without the permission of the Worshipful Master. The brothers are required to NOT leave the lodge room, but if a brother needs to exit the lodge for some un-avoidable reason, he needs to follow exit and entry protocol, just when the Lodge is at Labor. I hope this masonic education has been beneficial to you all and until our next month masonic education, always meet on the level. Fraternally Yours, Bro. Mark Gene Dela Cruz Senior Warden JANUARY BIRTHDAY LIST Heracleo Alcaraz Jaime Balatan Jake Bedon Joseph Camara Manuel Castillo Jesse Cate Benjamin Corpuz Ferdinand Dar Mark Diaz Duane Ely PM Benhur Evangelista PM Emmanuel Francisco Elmer Guerrero Francis Jones Kenneth Kirkonnell Phillip Lastrella Jerald Love James Mc Donald Gordon McKervey Joshua Moore Maynard Ogot PM Nino Oliveros Estelito Oxina Charlie Palomo Bee Papa Daniel Robertson Roberto Rodriguez Edward Serna Elmer Vigilia James Zopfi STATED MEETING DINNER MENU Fresh Green Salad, Meatloaf and Mash Potato with Cake.."REMINDER FROM THE SECRETARY, If you haven't received your dues notice for 2015 due to change of address, mail in your dues renewal fee of $99.00 plus any donations to Masonic Homes, Public Schools and Youth Groups to the Lodge address, addressed to the Secretary.

6 Silver Gate Three Stars Lodge List of Officers for Masonic Year 2014 Master: Jerry : Celso Maranon (Sylvia) awaiting consent Senior Warden: Mark Dela Cruz (Nanette) Treasurer: Heredito Edra (Evangeline) Secretary: Mario Rante, PM Asst. Sec.: Kevin Horn (Marie) Chaplain: Hermie Zuniga (Yvonne) Senior Deacon: Thom Martinez (Lyn) Junior Deacon: Rio Baltazar (Jesusa) Marshal: Phillip Lastrella (Alma) Senior Steward: Arthur Coloma(Annabelle) Junior Steward: Jeffrey Velasquez (Grace) Tiler: Rudy Tintiangco (Trining) Organist: Gil DeLeon (Armie) Officers Coach: Joe Dano (Norma) 913 Masonic District Inspector: Gil Magdaluyo, PM (Darlene) Silver Gate Three Stars Masonic Hall Association President: Danny Salcedo, PM awaiting consent Vice Pres: BenHur Evangelista, PM Fin. Off.: Al Farinas, PM Secretary: Dave Winesett Ex-Officio: Mark Dela Cruz, SW Member: Larry Puckett Member: Romy Quinto, PM Member: Jack Villanueva Member: Patrick Carreon Member: Manny Gleyo Facility Coord: Tony Bersamera Eduardo Pasalagua (Custodian) Secretary s Info secretary@296.sdcoxmail.com Office: (619) Cell: (619) Assistant Secretary s Info hornmk@cox.net Cell: (858) New Application Fees: Application fee for degrees: $ includes other fees to grand Lodge. Application fee for Affiliation: Out of State: $94.00 Same jurisdiction, FREE as per By-Laws. Brothers, if you would like to receive the Trestleboard Electronically and opt out of the paper version, please let the Asst. Secretary, Bro Kevin Horn, know at hornmk@cox.net. You will be put in a mail group to receive the Trestleboard via . Join us on Facebook at the group Silver Gate Three Stars #296, Free and Accepted Masons!!! MASONIC OUTREACH SERVICES Masonic Outreach Services (MOS) There are a number of Masonic Outreach Services (MOS) available. It is important that each of us is aware of the benefits and services available should we ever fall on hard times or need assistance. For example: What services are offered? Am I eligible? Who should I contact? So as not to overwhelm or confuse anyone, we are going to focus on one MOS program per month. This month s program of interest is: Masonic Center for Youth and Families. Eligibility: - Serves youth ages Does not require Masonic affiliation - Must reside in California Services Offered: - Evaluation/treatment of behavioral, academic, emotional, and social difficulties - Provided on a sliding scale ($5 to full payment). Includes travel & Lodging for Masons and potentially for non-masons demonstrating financial need. - No one is ever denied service - Intake is conducted by phone - Help connect under age applicants with a local provider - Face-to-face assessment, takes 2 days to 2 weeks Services Description: - Ongoing therapy includes family, couples, siblings, as necessary. Case management/care manager support (family/individual) - Treatment plan - If the center cannot assist, they will provide a referral to insurance/services