The TrestleBoard of Jackson Lodge #146, F. & A. M.

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1 The TrestleBoard of Jackson Lodge #146, F. & A. M. Jackson Lodge #146. F. & A. M. Chartered N. Ewing St., Seymour, IN Mail: PO Box 146, Seymour, IN (812) ; Meetings 1 & 3 Mon. 7:30 PM; 1 only in Dec. Meal 6:30 PM. Stated Meeting nights Breakfast 1 st Saturday 7:30 9:30 AM JULY, 2014 Issue Vol. 7 Jon D. Lanier, PM, WM (812) jdlanier@yahoo.com W. Jeff Reagin, PM Sec * Michael M. Dutton, PM Asst Sec. michaeldutton1204@comcast.net Terry E. Byrns, PM Treasurer (812) Stephen P. Kroman, PM,O.S.M. Editor, TrestleBoard (812) stephenp1510@gmail.com Lodge Officers 2014 WM Jon D. Lanier, PM SW Jon P. Sage JW Albert Eldridge Treas. Terry Byrns, PM Sec. W. Jeff Reagin, PM Asst. Sec Michael M. Dutton, PM Chap. J. Randy Ent, PM SD R. Gale Baird JD Robert J. Dembek SS David W. Cooper JS Andrew L. Walls Tyler Michael G. Read (all 812 unless noted) Trustees Chr. Frank Cummings, Michael M. Dutton, PM Randy Ent, PM Rueben Cummings, PM Larry McCord Rob Bays Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth From the East WM Jon D. Lanier, PM As I'm sitting at my kitchen table typing out the July TrestleBoard, my mind is thinking about my friend and brother, Jeff Reagin. The reality has finally set in that Jeff is leaving us. This is the actual day ( ) that Jeff is moving to Jacksonville, Florida. Jeff will be living close to his family there. All I can say is, "Jeff you will be truly missed. The office you held as Secretary of Jackson Lodge was a full time job and I looked to you often for help and guidance. You will truly be missed, my friend! God grant you safe passage to Florida and may you have many years of happiness and prosperity." I attended the two day session of Grand Lodge's Annual Communication in Indianapolis, IN. We elected a new Grand Master. I want to personally congratulate our out going Grand Master, Mark A. Genung, and wish our new Grand Master, Daniel J. Barenie, a very successful year. I also want to thank our Senior Deacon, Brother Gale Baird, for giving of his time and talent those two days as an EMT at Grand Lodge. Brother Gale, I want to 1

2 personally say, "thank you for your willingness to help others who are in need." What a wonderful time our brothers and ladies of the lodge had on our trip to New Orleans. We departed on June 7th and returned on June 14th. We took photos during our seven days and sent some to Jon Sage to be posted on our lodge's web page. I hope you enjoyed them. If you didn't get to make this year's Master's Trip, you might want to think about going on one in the future. I also want to thank Germania Lodge No. 46 located in New Orleans. What a wonderful night of fellowship we had with our Louisiana Brothers. We got to see an Entered Apprentice Degree conferred their lodge. The ladies of our lodge met with some of the ladies of their lodge and enjoyed a dinner out and a fun evening. Thanks again to the officers and members of Germania Lodge for a great night of food and fellowship! What is Freemasonry? Freemasonry is the world's oldest fraternal organization. The lessons Freemasonry teaches in its ceremonies are to do with moral values. A Freemason is basically encouraged to do his duty to his God, his family, and those who depend on him. He is to help his neighbors through charity and service. None of these ideas are exclusive to Freemasonry, but all should be universally acceptable and Freemasons are expected to follow them. Fraternally, WM Jon D. Lanier, PM From the Secretary Michael M. Dutton, PM, Asst. Sec Dear Brethren, It is my pleasure to serve you as the Assistant Secretary. It is very difficult and a lot to learn. I have been working with Jeff for over a year preparing for this time. 2 Although Jeff was a small person his shoes are hard to fill. I will be giving it my all in all, so please bear with me. As we say so long to Jeff I am sure that he will be in all of hearts for a long time, and may God Bless him in all his endeavors. It looks as though we are having a very good year with more to come. Fraternally and Sincerely, Michael M. Dutton, PM, Asst. Sec From the West Jon P. Sage, SW The Operative Mason in the Modern Era I was talking this last week with a Brother, friend and author, John S. Nagy, and he mentioned something that, on the surface, sounded very strange, and even seemed to go against the normal and accepted teachings of any speculative Lodge. As we remember from the several lectures; we, in the modern era, operate as speculative Masons only. Br. Nagy, (Coach Nagy), as he is known at his website, said that it bothered him that we should only be referred to as speculative Masons. Although it is true that we no longer, as a Fraternity, work in stone and the building arts, it is very true that we actively engage in the art of character building, which according to John, is not a speculative task. Instead, this is REAL WORK. In order to complete the task that we say to so many new comers, to take good men, and make them better, a great deal of personal work must be done the individual. This is in depth soul searching, self examination, evaluation, and ultimately, an adjustment or re alignment, with the aide of our working tools, of one s ultimate pathway in life, with the goal of becoming a better man.

3 This is work that can always be aided or assisted a mentor, friend, or elder member of the Lodge and/or Fraternity. However, it is ultimately the sole responsibility of the individual Mason to determine his pathway towards Light, and to set his course according to that Light, as he interprets it. In this regard, we are actively building our Masonic edifices, according to the plans laid down on our individual Trestle Boards, the G.A.O.T.U. We actively shape and square our Ashlars, our bodies as living stones. Doing so, we actively and daily anticipating and preparing ourselves for the final inspection of our Creator, and thus, find ourselves constantly busy doing His good Work! As active Masons, we are actively engaged in any number of community and Lodge events. These may include one or more Appendant bodies, or it may include mentoring and/or recruiting new members. Perhaps our Work to beautify and adorn our Lodge lies in helping out in the kitchen, or in greeting Brethren at the door. We could find ourselves smiling, and saying Hi to the Brother who has been away from Lodge for far too long. If that is our role, it is never in judgment, but in a manner that truly exhibits the Brotherly Love which will welcome that Brother back into our midst. As we Labor in our daily chores that is Masonry, it does become apparent that these activities are no less operative, inasmuch as we ARE constructing something, as were the efforts of our Cathedral building ancestors! As I thought more and more about what Coach Nagy had said, it suddenly did not seem like it was a foreign idea (I AM an operative Mason!) I DO actively build my own, and assist others in constructing real Masonic edifices! We ARE building something, and that something has real and evident value! In that vein, Brethren, carry on with your good Work! Shape the stones that will help 3 to build that House not made with hands, and when the time comes, lift high YOUR stone, and assist others in helping to place theirs. These actions, Brethren, CAN and DO make us Operative indeed! As such, when erecting your Masonic edifice, know that it is a real building, one that the whole World can see. Those in the World will either claim it a thing of beauty, as in the Cathedrals of old; or will reject it as a thinly walled ramshackle hut! Endeavor then, to BUILD your Masonic edifice as a real and lasting structure of beauty; one to be appreciated, imitated, and revered. Fraternally, Jon P. Sage, SW From the South Albert Eldridge, JW Summer is upon us, Brethren. By now, I'm sure several of you (including myself) have been complaining about the heat. But not to worry... Fall will be here in a few months. We have had several degrees lately. Again, thanks to all who have come and supported the work. We also hope to have several more candidates as the month goes on. Last month, our long time Secretary, Br Jeff, retired his duties to move to Florida to be with family. He has been an important part of this Lodge, and he will be sorely missed. But I'd like to share a few thoughts on Jeff and his zeal for our Fraternity. I, like many of you, had Jeff in school as a teacher. He was one of the few that stood out as being somewhat "different", as someone who took extra time if needed to help a student, as someone who, if a student had an issue would have felt comfortable talking to, and as someone

4 who seemed to have as much respect and fondness for his students as they had for him. Brother Jeff (as I have the privilege of addressing him some 20 yrs later) exemplifies just what it is to be a Freemason: having utmost respect and love for fellow man (regardless of age), and to always be willing to help. And so, Jeff has continued to teach all of us the importance of living the Square, and is a great example for us all to look to. We wish Bro Jeff all the very best in his future endeavors, and I hope he finds a good Lodge to be a part of and can continue to teach good men to be better. Fraternally, Albert Eldridge, JW Anniversaries Masonic Edwin A. Blish, 57 yrs Charles F. Roemmel 56 yrs Charles H. Woolls 56 yrs Paul M. Gregory 51 yrs Richard O. Gregory 51 yrs Russell D. Gregory 51 yrs Everett L. Ruddick 51 yrs Dale Whitey Burgan, PM 42 yrs George Weaver 40 yrs R. Larry Lewis, PM 37 yrs Randall Boas 37 yrs Johnny E. Engleking, PM 35 yrs George T. Wooten, PM 31 yrs Ron Goss 31 yrs Billy Malone 31 yrs Mark A. Bledsoe 29 yrs Mark S. Bosch 29 yrs Gerald Kenny 27 yrs Travis S. Trueblood, 18yrs Chester C. Carroll, Jr. 14 yrs Ron Whitis 13 yrs Bryan Haag 7 yr Paul Schaeffer 7 yr 4 Reuben Cummings, PM 76 yr Jacob Ball 7 yr Ian McPherson 7 yr Steve Cox 6 yr Allen Barnes 3 yr Gary Wagner 3 yr Bob Dembek 2 yr Jeff Tarpley 2 yr Widows Birthdays Mrs. Jessie Lewis Mrs. Sue Siefker Mrs. Fern Stark Mrs. Faye Kovener OES Anniversaries Marilyn Blish 52yrs Edwin Blish, Jr. 45yrs Karen Walker 40yrs Kathe Caplinger 24yrs Larry Caplinger 24yrs Stephen Kroman 12yrs Activities, Announcements and Reports. NOTICE TO ALL MEMBERS OF JACKSON LODGE #146 In the consolidation process with Bayless Lodge #216, Jackson Lodge #146 became the owner of all assets of the Bayless Lodge. The main asset is the Lodge Building located in Jonesville. Jackson Lodge #146 has no need for this building. We are currently paying the utilities and lawn maintenance. This property has been legally deeded to Jackson Lodge. The Jackson Lodge Trustees have approved the sale of the building. The Grand Lodge of Indiana has approved the sale of the building.

5 At the first stated meeting in July, the Jackson Lodge Members will be presented a proposal to sell the building. Jackson Lodge laws require approval the Brothers prior to any sale or purchase of real estate. Frank Cummings Chairman of Trustees Anchor House, Family Assistance Center, Fostering Lifetime Independence while feeding our community. This wonderful resource in our community has had its funding cut dramatically this year! Our Worshipful Master requests that you include Anchor House in your charitable giving this year. You can send your tax deductible donation to: Anchor House, P.O. Box 765, Seymour, IN You can also bring canned goods to the Lodge for delivery to Anchor House, monthly through November. Committee of the Family Denver Gray Worshipful Master Jon Lanier has announced a Ladies Day Out to Stream Cliff Farms on 8/27/14 with the bus leaving the Lodge at 9:30 a.m. sharp. This trip includes lunch, a craft workshop to make a simple vine wreath, a lecture and a garden tour. The day out will last approximately 4 to 4 1/2 hours. All Masonic wives, widows and Eastern Star ladies are eligible to attend. There are three garden/craft stores open for visitors' shopping pleasure. We hope many of the ladies can attend this fun day. Please call Denver Gray to reserve your spot. Remember if you make a reservation and cannot attend, please call to cancel. As this was announced in the 2nd Stated meeting in May, many have already called 5 so seats are limited at this time. Please call as soon as possible. If the bus is filled, we will put you on the waiting list. The last date to make reservations or to get on the waiting list is August 2, OES News Jan Brock, Worthy Matron Terry Byrns, Worthy Patron This article begins with my deepest gratitude to the officers and members of OES Chapter #134 for their faith in me electing me as Worthy Matron. Each month I will feature some of our officers, as well as highlights of our Chapter. Serving with me this year as Worthy Patron is Terry Byrns. A special thank you to Terry who has agreed to go through this with me for the second time. The 140 th annual Grand Assembly was just completed in Indianapolis. Our sincere congratulations are extended to our sister Wanda Gray, who has been selected as District Deputy #4 for the ensuing year. Wanda serves as a honey bee and Denver serves as a guiding light for the S & S Bouquet of Love grand family. They will represent the district and our chapter well and we the members are prepared to do all we can to assist them. In addition, our sister Kay Schwade did an excellent job of serving as Grand Page for the Showers of Blessing grand session. We congratulate her on that honor. Our congratulations are also extended to sister Margaret Kroman; she looked lovely in the Cavalcade of Flags

6 serving as Grand Representative to Scotland in Indiana. Our Chapter is proud of her; Grand Representative is a great honor. Our biggest announcement is that Brownstown OES has asked and been approved to consolidate with our chapter. As with any consolidation or change, there will be problems but with the help of our officers and members and most especially with the guiding hand of God, we will work through the problems to find solutions. We welcome those members into our chapter! We can certainly use new faces and new hands to help with our work. My article ends on a personal note. I cannot tell you how grateful I am for the many friends I have made in Star and in the Masonic Order. My mother in law wanted me to be involved, my sister inlaw got me involved, and my husband Jim nods and sometimes tags along. I most especially thank him for his love and support. In Star Love, Jan Brock, Worthy Matron Terry Byrns, Worthy Patron they see friends from all over the state and have lots of fun. The girls worked really hard on their parts for Inspection and it showed. Have a happy 4th of July, Rainbow Love, Angel Hagan, W.A. Loretta Riehl, M.A. Ladies of the Lodge Nancy Byrns, Sec There was no meeting in June due to the Masters Trip. The next meeting will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 9, All ladies associated with the Lodge are invited to attend. Nancy Byrns, Secretary Articles of Masonic Interest from Stephen P. Kroman, P.M., O.S.M. Editor Rainbow News Angel Hagan, Worthy Advisor Loretta Riehl, Mother Advisor We hope You are enjoying this beautiful summer. The girls have been working hard on their flag and scrapbook for Grand Assembly and now the time is here for the competition. Grand Assembly is a great time for the girls, Found on a cup in a Lodge in Ireland: OLD MASONS NEVER DIE, BUT YOU LL HAVE TO JOIN TO FIND OUT WHY 6

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8 NOTICE TO ALL MEMBERS OF JACKSON LODGE #146 In the consolidation process with Bayless Lodge #216, Jackson Lodge #146 became the owner of all assets of the Bayless Lodge. The main asset is the Lodge Building located in Jonesville. Jackson Lodge #146 has no need for this building. We are currently paying the utilities and lawn maintenance. This property has been legally deeded to Jackson Lodge. The Jackson Lodge Trustees have approved the sale of the building. The Grand Lodge of Indiana has approved the sale of the building. At the first stated meeting in July, the Jackson Lodge Members will be presented a proposal to sell the building. Jackson Lodge laws require approval the Brothers prior to any sale or purchase of real estate. Frank Cummings Chairman of Trustees If you would like an copy of the TrestleBoard, send your address to stephenp1510@gmail.com **************************************************** JACKSON LODGE NO. 146, F. & A.M N. Ewing Street P.O. Box 146 Seymour, IN NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID SEYMOUR, IN PERMIT #128 Address Service Requested GLC