Museum and Library Renovation Update

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1 V o l u m e J a n u a r y UPCOMING EVENTS January 1 st Stated Meeting January 8 th EA Degree January 15 th MM Proficiency January 22 nd Adopt-a-highway cleanup January 29 th Festive Board Speaker Joe Wäges Certificate Exam Practices will be determined after the first of the year See pg. 17 for further details Online Calendar JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Visit (and be sure to LIKE) our PUBLIC PAGE Request to join our GROUP PAGE Museum and Library Renovation Update In December, the flooring for the Museum was installed and a new display case was assembled. With one more display case to be assembled, similar to the one pictured, the museum and library is slowly being transformed into a modern facility for the preservation of North Texas and Masonic history. In October of last year, grant money was used by the library and museum to purchase new items to fill these cases which, as can be seen in the picture, is already underway. Although still in the works, the library also has the possibility of being the recipient of the only scanned and collected material in the U.S. of Illuminati documents as seen in the forthcoming book The Secret School of Wisdom. This would make our library a premier research center for the study of this secret society outside of Germany. In the immediate future the library hopes to receive more grants from the City of Plano to help make the North Texas Masonic Museum and Library a proud addition to Plano Lodge and a location for Masonic research and enlightenment. A big thanks goes to the Museum and Library Board for appropriating the funds for the floors and the expansion of out Masonic artifact collection. Special Thanks goes to brothers Brian Cook, Shaun Henry, and Jim Drennan for taking the time to purchase those artifacts and the assembly and organizing of display cases and artifacts. Future volumes will keep the membership informed about any updates the museum and library will receive. Stay tuned. Arranged and Edited by Brother Junior Deacon: Shaun Henry

2 P a g e 2 Seasons: Death and Rebirth Brother Brian Chaput, Master of the Lodge Masonry defines three degrees for the Blue Lodge: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. Three is an indispensable number and references the spiritual and heavenly side of our nature and surroundings. Contrast this with the number four, which references the material and mortal aspects of our nature. Our aprons are a perfect symbol of the combination of these two worlds, through the square and the triangle, and demonstrate that both are present to us at all times. We all know there are four seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. I would have you consider the equivalency to Masonry in the EA, FC, MM, and of our lives respectively. When the New Year approaches, days grow short, and darkness is at its peak, it is a natural time for us to stop and reflect upon the past and establish a vision for the future. It reflects a time of figurative death and rebirth for us, for our calendar, and for nature. In our lives and our Masonic work we strive to grow and learn, live and cultivate, and finally lead and teach while always knowing that death is ever-present. Yet, it is but a gateway to what lies beyond and not an end in itself. In the winter of our year, we look forward to the rebirth of Spring and a rededication to growth, learning, and instruction in our lives. May your Winter be a time of reflection and planning for the seasons ahead. Take comfort in knowing that the experience of this season is what makes us men and separates us from the divine. Only in this phase of time do we have the knowledge of death and of an awareness of life that lies beyond which we take comfort in. But for now, we continue our efforts at bettering ourselves and our surroundings by being that beacon of light to those around us. I wish you all a Happy New Year and look forward to our work together in By the square, Brian Chaput

3 P a g e 3 Editors Corner Brother Shaun Henry, Junior Deacon I want to wish all of the members and your families a joyful and prosperous New Year!!! It has been a fun and exciting process updating and improving the Trestleboard over the last six months. I have tried to add more Plano content specific material with less fill, although some fill has been interesting about masonry nonetheless. With the New Year upon us I look forward to continuing the improvement of the Trestleboard as a resource for brethren who cannot attend lodge on a regular basis. That being said I wanted to extend to the brethren the opportunity for you to add to our illustrious newsletter! If anyone wishes to contribute an article please feel free to contact me at the address below with ideas or articles you would like me to publish. I will be more than willing to add anything that will make this newsletter that much more enlightening for the membership. Also, if there is anything you would like to see featured, like or dislike, if there is something that works or doesn t work, or anything you would like to see more of, please feel free to contact me. This is your newsletter and it should be the best it can be at informing the brethren of changes, educational and community service opportunities, or any events the lodge holds. Thank you for allowing me to continue the charge of bringing you a newsletter that benefits the membership. I look forward to seeing you at Lodge and I hope that the New Year brings the joys, opportunities, and all the benefits that this life and great country of ours has to offer. Fraternally, Shaun Henry Junior Deacon Plano Lodge #768 Rescue161@aol.com

4 P a g e 4 The Ruffians: Part I By: Brother Barry Parrish, Senior Warden In October I wrote an article entitled Where were you first prepared to be made a Mason. In it I concluded, (You are) limited to what it means to be physically trapped as a human. After we experience what we believe to be all that is physical, we thirst for more. We arise again when we finally conclude that the expansion of our mind is only limited to that in which we train ourselves to comprehend. We discover Freemasonry as a learning tool to advance beyond the physical and that comprehension of free will and the belief in the future mind, coupled with the hope of eternity, gives all of us the necessary skills and tools to achieve everything beyond our mere physical limits. After all, being of three, Hiram was not just murdered for the secrets of a Master Mason Since most of us now know all the secrets of a Master Mason, I would conclude that the murder of Hiram by the ruffians was pointless and foolish. Out of 70 to 90 thousand fellow crafts, how lucky were we to get Jubela, Jubelo and Jubelum as the mythical assassins? What does G.O.D. mean in Freemasonry? Well let s break it down: G is in the East in the place of Delta. The Worshipful Master s pillar represents Beauty and in Hebrew beauty is pronounced Gomar. O is in the West and forms the 90 degree portion of the angle. The Senior Warden s pillar is Strength and in Hebrew is pronounced Oz. The D forms the last angle of the right angle and is in the South. The Junior Warden s pillar is Wisdom and in Hebrew is pronounced Dabar. These three great pillars support the superstructure of Freemasonry and in the form of the right angle or triangle when duly formed represents Morality, a very important component of the craft. In Latin Jube means order, command, decree appoint; juba means mane, crest. In German Jubel translates to jubilation. In pronouncing the word God as you just did in English is nowhere near Gomar, Oz, Dabar. Actually the Ineffable Hindu translation is Om, in Scottish Rite work, AUM (In Sanskirt, the AU combine to become O). It is a sound best kept to you and spoken at low breath. Some interpreted it into 3 words: earth atmosphere and heaven. There is a distinction in Hindus between the interpretation of what is heard and what is remembered, sounds like a bit familiar learning in the catechism?

5 P a g e 5 The last explanation is that A stands for the Creator; U stands for the Preserver and M stands for the Destroyer. All these explanations are tied somehow into the realization that the Supreme Architect of the Universe created a sound and that the physical universe arose from it. Since no one, save one, has heard the sound, AUM has become the historic root of the universe and the nature of all things that exist and the invisible G ravity or true invisible nature that continues to hold everything together. As in one of the Scottish Rite Degrees: the true nature of GOD is revealed to us through the created order of the natural universe. With jubilation, we find the true pronunciation the ineffable name of GOD. Any Mason that has wondered anything about Masonry at one time or another has wondered in to Mackey s Revised Encyclopedia of Masonry to clarify an issue or just enlighten themselves on a subject. By fingertip gazing and lightly reviewing pages in this book, you will see many references to quotations by Catholic Saints. One most favored is Saint Augustine. I like him also because believe it or not, he was a bit of a partier before he buckled down to Sainthood. He is the official patron Saint of brewers. That aside, his views on creation and afterlife differed from those stone hard written in Genesis 1 that literally and sequentially it took 7 days for the Supreme Architect to create everything known to our present consciousness. In Sirach 18 Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition (DRA) He that liveth for ever created all things together. In his research, Saint Augustine took that statement as proof to mean the universe and everything in it was created simultaneously by God and not like the literal account(s) in the Bible. He did note that if further information was found to prove him wrong, he would re-think his approach. As I proceed further here, I am not in any way trying to tie religion into to my discussion, but I will attempt to tie basic philosophy in to it, and Saint Augustine was an excellent philosopher. Whether or not you believe the nicely written story and wellpracticed presentation(s) of Hiram s death as sequential in nature, I presume to take the Saint Augustine approach. Hiram was in fact murdered by three ruffians at the same time at the East gate location of the temple. They perfectly stationed themselves without the gate of the temple to fell Hiram at the East gate. Two of the ruffians threatened him with sticks, some conclude instruments, and only one had a weapon, a setting mull. Hiram s excuse for not divulging the secrets and subsequently meeting his death were twofold: The ruffians were not yet worthy of the secrets and 2 other Kings needed to be present to divulge these secrets. They threatened then beat him with their tools or instruments in the hopes of gaining secret information. In losing their pride for not getting what they immediately and greedily wanted in following their plan, men who had great respect and admiration for their master Hiram: Words and emotions out of control, all three among them rose and collectively killed him falling him dead upon the spot. The hot steam of anger evaporated, deep remorse set into their minds, not for failing to gain a secret, but for the reality of their actions, the secret might be forever lost. To be concluded next Month

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7 P a g e 7 Masonic New Years Resolutions Brother Shaun Henry, Junior Deacon New Years Resolutions are easily made and equally as easy to break! I am sure by now your resolutions for your personal life have been made, if you do that sort of thing. What about your masonic resolutions? Take into consideration what you can do differently for yourself when it comes to your relationship with the fraternity. For example, being an officer of the lodge I attend meetings and events regularly but I find that there is much more for me to do. I therefore have made a few masonic resolutions which will not only aid me in my journey through Freemasonry but will also assist the lodge as well. My resolutions are as follows: 1. To learn something new concerning ritual work be it a new part in the degrees or a lecture. 2. To further my own personal masonic education by attending workshops or reading more about the philosophy and history of our organization. 3. Time permitting, to attend more masonic functions outside the regular meetings like funerals, community service opportunities, other masonic functions, or just visiting with a brother outside of the lodge. These are resolutions that I feel are easy enough to commit to. Even if one or two are achieved I still would have advanced myself in Masonry and benefitted my lodge overall. What kind of Masonic resolutions have you made? Have you even thought of making Masonic resolutions? Its never too late to make some. This New Year attempt to do something you have not done yet either for yourself, the fraternity, or your lodge. Make resolutions that increase your activity within the lodge. Perhaps your goal is to become an officer in your lodge and your resolution could be to look into what it takes to make that move. Perhaps simply making the move from bystander to upstander is a resolution worth making? Whatever kind of New Year Resolutions you have made for yourself, think about making masonic ones. Achieving those goals only improves yourself and the fraternity. What will you resolve to do for Freemasonry? Fraternally, Shaun Henry

8 P a g e 8 History of the Knights of St Andrew at Guthrie, Oklahoma & Across the Country By Brother Frederick M. Dittmar, 33º Secretary Emeritus Taken from The Working Tools Magazine April 2014 pg

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10 P a g e 10 A Glimpse at the Past: Plano Lodge Trestleboard January 1988 Old Trestleboards provided by Brother Cliff Martin PM Scanned and Archived by Brother Junior Steward Jonathan Buck

11 P a g e 11 Plano Lodge is pleased to host a Festive Board with special guest and editor of the forthcoming book The Secret School of Wisdom: The Authentic Rituals and Doctrines of the Illuminati, Brother Josef Wäges. He will be discussing the Illuminati and new found secrets which will be added to the book for its January 2015 release. This event is for Master Masons only due to content specific material. Doors will open at 5:30pm. The evening will begin at 6pm and cost $25. You can pay at the door or write a check to the North Texas Masonic Museum and Library. All proceeds go to the dinner and help support the library. The event is BYOB, and dress will be business casual or a sport coat. Dinner will consist of smoked brisket provided by Brother Parrish and the Stewards of the Lodge and take place after the presentation. The Festive Board will take place in the North Texas Masonic Museum and Library under the lodge. If you would like to attend, an RSVP is required. Brother Barry Parrish at Ellisparrish1@hotmail.com This is one of the highlight events the lodge conducts during the year so please join us for a night of fun and fellowship.

12 P a g e 12 Notice in the third paragraph how the WM alludes to a videotape of a play conducted, presumably, at the lodge. It would be interesting to see if the lodge was still in possession of this videotape. Also note that outstanding scholastic achievement by students was awarded with a medal. At Plano Lodge we offer two scholarships a year of $1000, half of which is matched by Grand Lodge. Do these outstanding scholastic achievement medals still exist? If so, perhaps our scholarship recipients could be awarded one of these as well? Just a thought.

13 P a g e 13 Secretary s Corner Brother H. David Moore Brethren, We still have quite a number of members that have not submitted dues payments. Please check your dues card to see if it says Dues paid through 12/31/2015. If it doesn't, your dues are past due!! I hope 2015 brings you good health and hope to see you in lodge this year. H. David Moore Secretary

14 P a g e 14 He once questioned himself in the catechism!... His 3rd degree is 209 degrees worse Thirst for knowledge and fellowship my brothers!

15 P a g e 15 Blood Drive Brethren, please take time out of your busy lives and donate blood to help save lives. Thank you to those who have taken time out of their lives to donate this year. It is much appreciated. If you wish to donate again you can do this in three simple steps: 1. Click here > Plano Donor Center and schedule your appointment or go to Click on one of the links in the calendar to make an appointment 2. When you arrive for your appointment, provide the following information to the receptionist upon registration: TSRHC 1620 SPNID Contact the Blood Chairman, Brother Brian Cook. After you have made your donation and he will add your numbers to the final tally of pints. We need your support for blood donations. Thank You!!!!! Giving Blood has its rewards! You receive a mini-physical each time you donate You receive a CareCard that makes donating easier and more convenient Get your cholesterol test results by calling DONATE-4 or logging on to carterbloodcare.org You automatically become part of the Carter BloodCare Life Plan and Family Life Plan which can help offset the cost of blood transfusions T-Shirts! T-Shirts! T-Shirts! You know you are part of saving up to three lives in your community

16 P a g e 16 Congratulations to the following brethren who celebrate their anniversary of being raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason 8 Kendell G. Branch (1985) 8 James R. Burns (1987) 14 Ron Anderson (1995) 15 Mitch Peck(1987) 16 Dwayne H. Hale (2010) 17 John S. Cox (1978) 17 Michael R. Murphy (2002) 20 Corby J. Vickers (2011) 20 Stan Steeley (1979) 24 William E. Johnson III (1998) 25 Terry G. Box (1973) 25 David A. Dees (1996) 26 John D. Radcliff (2006) 26 Loy D. Vickers (2012) 26 Warner A. Richeson (1978) 28 Timothy A. Schrandt (2010) 29 Charles McKay (1964) 30 Benjamin T. Major (2014) 22 Larry S. Lane (1976) 22 Ronald A. Wall (1975)

17 P a g e 17 January Birthdays The officers and members of Plano Lodge all join in extending Greetings and Best wishes for a Happy Birthday to the following brethren. May your day be Richly Blessed with Peace and Joy and Everything that makes for Happiness. Robert D. Walton - Jan. 1 Harvey Purdom - Jan. 4 Ronald I. Collins - Jan. 9 Joseph McBain - Jan. 10 Gerald S. Callaway II - Jan. 11 Russell C. Walker - Jan. 12 Gene Reynolds - Jan. 13 Bobbie L. Pevehouse - Jan. 14 Thomas W. Plunkett - Jan. 15 Steve Clark - Jan. 15 Steven E. Sullivan - Jan. 17 Billy McElyea - Jan. 17 Ron Anderson - Jan. 17 Steve W. Baker - Jan. 20 David A. Dees - Jan. 22 Kenneth B. Freeman - Jan. 26 Gene Terry - Jan. 29 Dwayne H. Hale - Jan. 29 Robert B. Cook - Jan. 30

18 P a g e 18 Sickness or Distress Please remember our brethren who are dealing with various illnesses and are unable to attend our meetings, or who have returned to that spiritual building in the heavens; currently: Jerrell Jones recovering from triple bypass and aortic valve replacement Jim Merritt Home recovering from Pancreatitis Larry Kester Left leg issues David Moore Mother broke femur and is currently in hospice care Please, if you know a brother or families thereof who should be on this list, either from our lodge or otherwise, contact the Master of the Lodge or the Secretary. We need your input to help us stay informed. Please call the Secretary for further details and address or contact information if you wish to visit or communicate with our worthy brethren and their families. CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION PRACTICES Practice sessions for certificate candidates will be determined if continued after the first of the year. As a reminder, here are the requirements for each class: C Certificate Questions and answers from all three Degrees, the Tiler s Oath, and how to open, close, and call to and from labor all three Lodges and the Master Mason s Lodge of Sorrow B Certificate All requirements for C certificate and the floor work for all three Degrees A Certificate All requirements for B certificate and the short-form lectures for all three Degrees Contact Junior Warden Jim Harbor at jim.harbor@gmail.com or (469) for more information!

19 P a g e 19 Calendar of Events January 2015 Sun MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT Stated Meeting 5:30pm EA Degree 6:00pm McKinney Commandery Stated 6:30pm Rainbow Plano Assembly 6:30pm MM Proficiency 6:00pm Hella Shrine 6:00pm Dallas Scottish Rite Stated 6:15pm Plano Eastern Star 7:30p MWSA Quarterly Meeting with Joe Wäges 6:30pm 22 Adopt a Highway cleanup 6:00pm Dallas Scottish Rite Robert Burns Dinner 5:00pm Haggai Chapter Stated 7:30p Rainbow Plano Assembly 6:30pm Festive Board 6:00pm w/special guest Brother Josef Wäges 30 31

20 P a g e 20 Plano Masonic Lodge #768 Ancient Free & Accepted Masons 1414½ J Avenue Plano, TX Phone: SENIOR OFFICERS Worshipful Master Brian Chaput master@planomasoniclodge.org Senior Warden Barry Parrish ellisparrish1@hotmail.com Junior Warden Jim Harbor jim.harbor@gmail.com Treasurer Kevin Campbell kevinmcampbell2003@yahoo.com Secretary H. David Moore dmoore@ghizmo.com JUNIOR OFFICERS Chaplain Siynp Silagan siynp@hotmail.com Senior Deacon Brian Cook go2e@sbcglobal.net Junior Deacon Shaun Henry rescue161@aol.com Senior Steward Dwayne Hale dhale33048@gmail.com Junior Steward Jonathan Buck sbuck@cox.smu.edu Marshal Bob Walton bwalton3@verizon.net Master of Ceremonies Jonathan Gibson yubba2004@yahoo.com Tiler Dennis Surrells dennis.surrells@verizon.net