Natoma Lodge No. 64 Trestleboard

Transcription

1 VOLUME 164 ISSUE 04 April 2018 Natoma Lodge No. 64 Trestleboard INTO LIGHT NATOMA LODGE CALENDAR OF EVENTS APRIL MAY Rainbow Meeting Stated Meeting Dinner Lodge Stated Meeting Lodge Work Day Temple Board Meeting Proficiency Coaching Practice or Degree Proficiency Coaching Practice or Degree 2nd at 7:00pm 5th at 5:30pm 5th at 8:00pm 7th at 9:00am 11th at 7:00pm 12th 6pm to 9pm 12th at 7:00pm 19th 6pm to 9pm 19th at 7:00pm New Hope Eastern Star 21st at 10:00am Rainbow Meeting 23rd at 7:00pm Proficiency Coaching 26th 6pm to 9pm Practice or Degree 26th at 7:00pm Stated Meeting Dinner 3rd at 5:30pm Lodge Stated Meeting 3rd at 8:00pm Rainbow Meeting 7th at 7:00pm Temple Board Meeting 9th at 7:00pm Proficiency Coaching 10th 6pm to 9pm Practice or Degree 10th at 7:00pm Youth Action 12th at 5:30pm Proficiency Coaching 17th 6pm to 9pm Practice or Degree 17th at 7:00pm New Hope Eastern Star 19th at 10:00am Rainbow Meeting 21st at 7:00pm Proficiency Coaching 24th 6pm to 9pm Practice or Degree 24th at 7:00pm

2 FROM THE EAST Hello Masonic Family & Friends: Our Auction Fundraiser for our local youth groups is coming up fast! May 12th at our Lodge, An Evening for the Senses. Tickets are just $45 each (a steal!), and can be purchased online! Check your inboxes for a link, or me at KometsSpace- Man@gmail.com. This event is open to the public, and we are looking forward to a huge turnout. This month I thought I would take a moment to just share some thoughts I ve had recently about Applications to our Lodge and our Craft; specifically the components that come together from our Lodge to address an application. There really are four parts as I see it: Two Brothers recommend a man to become a Mason by signing his application; the Master appoints a committee of investigators to interview the candidate; three investigators perform the interview; and then the members of a Lodge vote on the application. Recommenders, Master, Investigators, and the Lodge. It is a process that members who have been around even for a short while have seen played out a few times (or more), and many of us in form or another have participated in. It seems so simple, and is so deceptively standard. But how many of us have taken the opportunity to really value and appreciate the practice of admitting a new candidate? This process is in place to ensure that we accept candidates that benefit our Craft, but also where the lessons of our Craft will benefit the man. So the question is raised: How well do we know the men on the application? As a recommender and a signer of an application, how well did you get to know the man before excusing yourself from dinner at the Lodge to look for an application to give him? As an investigator meeting with the man at his home or elsewhere, how much time did you take to learn about his reasons to wanting to join our Craft in addition to the standard questions on the form? As Master I have to ask myself, as I ask you the Members of our Lodge: as I call for the vote on an application, can we all picture the applicant s face in Continued on Page 5 FROM THE WEST Brethren and Ladies: Brethren, First, Happy April; spring is on its way! Masonic symbols are part of our teaching and we have some that are easily identified by everyone. The all-seeing eye, the square and compass, the lambskin apron. With Easter upon us, I would like to note, we masons are not the only organization that use symbols to convey deeper meanings. The Christian, Jewish and Islamic religion all used symbols to communicate. I am most familiar with Christianity so that is what I ll share. I welcome discussions with brethren, outside of lodge, about the symbols of their religion. It will be interesting to compare, and possibly find commonality amongst us. After all, the trowel, one of our masonic symbols characterizes the spreading of brotherly love that cement of brotherly love and affection, that cement which unites us into one sacred band or society of brothers, among whom no contention should ever exist, but that noble emulation of who can best work or best agree. I am struck by one common thread relating to Freemasonry, Judaism, and Christianity, the lamb as a symbol of purity. That too may be a future discussion topic. Christian symbols are also easily identified. The cross could be the most identified symbol in the world. The cross has been a symbol of Christianity for almost 2000 years, but why? Wasn t this a barbaric torture devise? Initially it was. The cross was used by the romans as their death penalty, not only to put the criminal to death but to make him suffer before dying. When the Emperor Constantine converted the Roman Empire Continued on Page 5 2

3 INTO LIGHT ENLIGHTENMENT LIBERTY Our labor to become better men through Masonic Light Compliments of: MASONIC EDUCATION FIVE MASONIC THOUGHTS by Brother William A. Carpenter, R. W. G. M. From a "Masonic Culture" handbook issued by the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania we have extracted several items which came from the inspired pen of Brother William A. Carpenter, the current Right Worshipful Grand Master, written many years ago. They stand the test of time. OUR BASIC FUNCTION. The basic function of a Masonic Lodge is to make Master Masons. This does not mean the formality of raising candidates. It extends far beyond that period in the life of a Mason. The task of making Master Masons must be directed toward all of us, those who are Master Masons and those who are in the process of becoming Master Masons. The fruits of our efforts to teach and to learn about Freemasonry, the interest that we show the candidates as we welcome them into the new world of Freemasonry, will be evident in the years to come. If we sow well, we are bound to reap well. BEING WELL AND DULY PREPARED. Being "Well and Duly Prepared" is a Masonic expression. Masons understand its significance in the Lodge Rooms. However, they may also interpret it outside the Lodge. No Mason enters even the ground floor of the Lodge unless he is Well and Duly Prepared." So simple is his dress that it provokes no envy. He is dressed properly for the occasion, and everyone so dressed feels perfectly at ease among his Brethren. No place here for the rich to boast of fine raiment and resplendent jewels, nor for the poor to envy his more fortunate Brother or covet his wealth. Their clothing in each case symbolizes labor and innocence. With hand and brain, each is ready to serve his fellowman; with forbearance and toleration, each is willing to forgive the crude and ignorant everywhere. To carry the symbolism of Masonic investiture still further, every Mason should be clothed in the habiliments of truth. His wardrobe should contain the robe of justice, with which to protect those who, for any reason, have been deprived of their just rights; the mantle of charity, with which to comfort those made destitute, many times by no cause of their own; the tunic of toleration, with which to hide the weakness of the wayward, and help them to the road of recovery; the cloak of mercy, with which to cover the wounded and suffering in mind or body with unstinted sympathy and kindness. These garments are all of genius quality, measured and cut by a Master Tailor. They are serviceable and in good taste on every occasion. They, too, may be had without money and without price, and, the man who wears them is truly "properly clothed," and "Well and Duly Prepared" as a Master Mason. FREEMASONRY IS MANY THINGS. Freemasonry is a Story of Life; with all its joys, its heartaches, its failures and its final triumph over all earthly things. Anyone can read it, in countless books. Its teachings, its symbols, and its ambitions, are open for general observation. They are practiced in the light, and held up for all the world to see. Freemasonry is not practiced in the dark, neither are its teachings the dogma of some forbidden cult. We, as Freemasons, are required to reflect the light; to practice its teachings and love by their direction. No greater thing can be said of Freemasonry than that it is an ideal way of life. No other fraternity offers such profound lessons in its Ritual or Work as does Freemasonry. Each word and each act in the ceremonies of the Lodge carries a true lesson teach of us, if we will but open our eyes to see, our ears to hear and hearts to accept. We can study Freemasonry for years, as we attend its meetings, and each time we stop to think on the things said and done, we get a new meaning and inspiration from them. There is a never-ending source of pleasure in the various shades of meaning that can be read into each line of our work. Each new meaning and interpretation that we put into some word or act will make that passage live for us, and we will begin to see Freemasonry for what it is intended. Great men have devoted many years of study and meditation to the cause of Freemasonry and when their work is finished they realize that they have only begun to see the light and that they have only started to uncover the true meanings of the work. Continued on Page 7 3

4 NATOMA ASSEMBLY of SAVE THE DATE! PLEASE JOIN US! March 23-27, Grand Assembly, Fresno March 28th Egg Stuffing/ Folsom Community Center March 31st Folsom Eggstravaganza April 14th Creek Clean-up Natoma Assembly # 90 says hi! Ritual competition follow-up; Natoma Assembly was honored by hosted our Area s Ritual competition this year. As a result we want to congratulate some of our own, Ms. Cristina Morales (red ribbon), and Ms. Nicolette Wooldridge (green ribbon) each for winning first in their individual age group categories. These girls will now be competing against other area winners at Grand Assembly. Also our bow team will be competing at GA as well, including: (listed in order of the bow) Cristina Morales, Anna Liese Tschoepe, Ainsley Kay, Nicolette Wooldridge, Emma Warney, Sydney Warney and Caitlin Clarke. We had so much fun at the Clowns and Cops Crab feed both serving and doing some cooking this year in the first part March at the Ben Ali Shrine Center. Congratulations Ms. Brianna Wegesser, daughter of Brother Brian Wegesser PM, our recent initiate. We are delighted you are a part of Natoma Assembly. Welcome! (See group picture) As part of Alex Harde s Charity project the girls delivered the baby blankets that they made to the Roseville, Kaiser NICU. Great to see that service continues to be such a big wonderful part of this organization. May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light, may good LUCK pursue you each morning and night! Happy Belated St. Patrick s Day! We had lots of good fun, as the girls made soda bread with Mr. Dennis Davis, Worthy Patron of New Hope #117 in Eastern Star, this month and then served at the Potentate s Dinner. Community service at the Palladio during their Spring Fling event, was a part of the Hope project for Ms. Sydney Warney, who painted inspiration rocks and took pictures in their formals with the her fellow sisters and the little princes and princesses that attended. Grand Assembly is right around the corner and we cannot wait to tell you in the next edition all the happenings that go on. The Grease medley talent group with the T-Birds and Pink Ladies, will be performing at Grand Assembly. Also Ms. Shelby Mason will be doing and individual dance. Many of the girls Continued Next Page 4

5 Continued Rainbow submitted entries into crafts, arts, sewing, poetry and the other state competitions. Ms. Gwen Genelsa Grand Chaplain and Representative to Bolivia, our beautiful butterfly, will be on the Grand Floor representing our Assembly this year. Ms. Amanda Ruble will be Personal Page to the Supreme Deputy. Ms. Annaliese Tschoepe will be a Grand Marshall and Ms. Cristina Morales will be an Observer Helper. We also have Ainsley Kay and Bea Genelsa singing in the Grand Choir. And Miss Aubree Dunn will be initiated on the Grand floor this year. So much excitement! Please use these contacts to help grow such a special organization based on service, leadership and community. Rainbow Mother Advisor, Tanya Morales Natoma90ma@gmail.com Our regular meetings are 7pm on the 1 st and 3 rd Monday of the Month, please join us! Not old enough to be a Rainbow Girl? Please join our Pledge program. Pledge Meetings are the 3 rd Monday of the Month at 6:00pm, please join us! (check out our new website!) (Like our page!) HEY MASONS WE NEED YOUR HELP!. Do you know anyone in the publicity/ news field that you can connect me with to get the word out about how AWESOME masonic youth organizations are including IORG? Please contact me by , Chantel Wooldridge, ottotek1@comcast.net, Publicity Continued from the East our minds and speak to his character to one who asks, or is he another name on the books and another man to boost membership numbers? I challenge us all this month, and all during our Masonic journey to remember our Charge, and lessons in patience. The brethren are encouraged to notice and greet prospective members, strike up a conversation so you may possibly see their face when the vote is called. Take pause and have a moment of reflection before signing an application as a recommender, are you confident he will ultimately reflect honor on our ancient Institution. As an investigator, take the proper time to sit with an applicant, and their significant other, to get to know them, be knowledgeable with the power you have to approve an application. While, we all should seek to know the men who visit and petition the lodge, the voting brethren heavily depend on the five brothers who recommended and investigated the applicant. To be strong and endure our Craft need good men to become Masons, not numbers and names on a page. Until Next Month; Parting Upon the Square, Brian Tatro Master Continued from the West to Christianity in the 4th century, crucifixion was abolished as a punishment and the cross was promoted as a symbol of whom Christians believe to be the son of god. To Christians the cross is a symbol of Jesus suffering and human death, but also His triumph over sin and death, thus salvation for His followers. Even our Masonic Brothers, the Knights Templar, a Christian contingent body has the cross on their uniform. The original Knights Templar cross is a little different but is also easily recognized. Doesn t this look like the same Cross on the three ships that Columbus sailed to America? The other symbol we see this time of year is the Easter Lily. In Christian tradition, the Easter Lily signifies rebirth and a new beginning. It is said that beautiful white lilies sprang up in the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus wept in the last hours before he was betrayed. In freemasonry we have the acacia branch,...ummmm another set of symbols with similar meanings. On the Level, Cecil Jaquess Senior Warden 5

6 FROM THE SOUTH Brethren and Ladies of Natoma Lodge: Greetings from the South! March s Stated Meeting Dinner was well attended! Our annual Irish themed dinner in honor of Saint Patrick s Day was a hit. A big shout out to the kitchen crew for their hard work. April s Stated Meeting Dinner will be held on Thursday April 5th and will be an Easter themed dinner. Our dinner will begin with a spring salad with rolls and butter. This will be followed by tender roast beef, hassel-back potatoes and roasted carrots. Carrot cheesecake will be offered for dessert. Don t forget to get your RSVP in early! For those who RSVP a week in advance, dinner is only $10! How can you beat that!! If you RSVP later it s $13; still a great deal!! Speaking of great deals, March saw Natoma Lodge serving up or first Saturday breakfast of the year. Almost 50 people showed up for the best breakfast west of Reno!! At $5 a head for all you can eat, it s an amazing deal and a great way to socialize with your brothers, family and friends. In April we will again be serving up breakfast on Saturday April 14th from 7:30 to 10:00. No RSVP necessary, just show up hungry!! Your Lodge has a number of special events in the coming months, so mark your calendars. During our Stated Meeting Dinner on Thursday May 3rd, we will continue our annual tradition of honoring several well deserving High School Seniors by awarding them scholarships from our Lodge. That evening our dinner will be catered and have a Cinco de Mayo theme; so you can guess what might be on the menu!! This is one of the biggest nights of the year for our Lodge so come out and show your support for those graduating High School Seniors who will be awarded scholarships that night. Saturday May 19th is the date for our annual Lodge picnic. We will again have tickets for the kids to ride the train and visit the zoo; and they re for the MEETING AND MEAL Stated Dinner: April 5, 6:30pm After Dinner Program: Stated Meeting: 8:00 P.M. RSVP: rsvp@natomalodge64.com adults also!! This event is always well attended so come on out and enjoy the fun! If you have not enjoyed fellowship with the Natoma Brethren in a while the picnic offers a great opportunity to reconnect! On June 30th the Lodge will present the Hiram Award to Mike Titus, in gratitude for all the years of service he s given the Lodge. Mike and his wife Kim will travel back to Folsom from their home in Texas for that special evening. Mark your calendar. By the Plumb! Fraternally, Mark Lamb junior Warden Do you share the Trestleboard? There re no secrets here! If you receive the Trestleboard by , forward it to your significant other. If you receive the Trestleboard by mail make sure you pass it on to that special someone. Do you have a friend that sometimes asks about lodge? The Natoma Trestleboard is a great method to share Freemasonry!! 6

7 SPREAD SOME SUNSHINE CALL A BROTHER!! We pray for the safety of all our Brothers & Sisters serving our nation here and around the world. And as well that Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth bring together mankind in the celebration of peace, provide for all in need, and that every nation and society embrace the light of all truth. Please pray for returned health to Br. Paul Tibbens, Br John Holko, and Br. George Wyatt Health and Prosperity for ALL!! Please feel free to contact the editor with any Sunshine news. Continued: Into Light Enlightenment Liberty Freemasonry has been talked of and written about by countless men in every country of the world. Its members have been persecuted in all lands at one time or the other, but is still grows and flourishes as no other fraternity on earth today. There must be something good and great in Freemasonry, for it to stand through the years as a beacon of light to its members and as a symbol of the true way of life for all to see and follow. Its greatness is not due to its secret teachings, its mysteries or fanfare of its deeds, but rather to the profound lessons taught to its members and to the comfort, inspiration and enlightenment brought to all who will but study Freemasonry frowns on advertising its good deeds, preferring to let those who benefit from them reflect its goodness, that others might have hope and desire the better things of life. Freemasonry offers comfort to those who sorrow, hope for those who despair, wise counsel for those who err, and the joys and contentment of life to all. SEEK AND YE SHALL FIND. The making of a Freemason consists in a continued course of education, 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 never 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 constitution and its laws, just to mention a few, if studied and mastered, can provide a most interesting course for the Master Mason seeking Masonic knowledge. Its historical background can provide an 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 their search, 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. To 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 7 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. NEEDED: A KNOWLEDGE OF FREE- MASONRY. At no time in Masonic history has there been a greater need for understanding of what Freemasonry is and what it stands for than there is today. Much has been left undone in the education of Members of our Lodges. The first essential in Masonic education is that desire to become interested and enthused in Freemasonry followed by a Continued Page 7

8 Old Tiler Talks by: Carl H. Claudy The Temple Publishers, Washington, D.C reprinted from In Men's Hearts "Where is the most beautiful Masonic temple in the world?" asked the New Brother of the Old Tiler. "Wouldn't the answer depend on one's conception of beauty, retorted the Old Tiler. I might think of one, and you another, while an architect or an artist might choose still another." "Well, which one do you choose?" persisted the New Brother. "I don't!" answered the Old Tiler. "The House of the Temple in Washington is impressive; Detroit has a wonderful temple; Philadelphia's temple is massive and beautiful, the Albert Pike memorial in Little Rock is considered fine. I cannot choose." "You think it is one of these?" "No, I am simply trying to oblige," laughed the Old Tiler. "I know three temples which impressed me more than any of these." "I asked because I am taking a winter vacation. I'd like to see the wonderful temples Masonry has erected. Tell me where your three are located!" "One temple that to me is great in beauty is in a town of about 2,000 people in the Middle West. The lodge room is over a country store. The floor is bare of carpet. The chairs are plain wood. The heating plant is one large stove; it is the Junior Deacons' business to feed it during the meetings. The walls are stained, the lamps are kerosene, there is no organ or piano and the ribbons in the lodge jewels are frayed. Not very up-to-date, the members of this lodge. "But this lodge made a boy of twenty-two a Master Mason just before he went to France in the first world war. After Soissons he lay all night on the field with a shattered leg and an arm so badly mangled that later they cut it off. While he lay there he heard familiar words from the familiar burial service of a Mason; 'this evergreen, which once marked the temporary resting place of the illustrious dead is an emblem of our faith in the immortality of the soul.' "The wounded boy called for help. Came crawling to him was a man slightly wounded, who had said the service over the remains of a comrade. At the risk of his life he hauled the wounded boy to safety. That wounded boy came back to this little country lodge to tell his brethren of what Masonry means in men's hearts when they carry it into the battlefield. As I listened the plain board walls fell away, the deal floor became tessellated marble, the low stained ceiling became a vaulted archway and the Great Architect Himself entered the East Gate. "Another beautiful temple I only heard of. Civil engineers were building a railroad in the Andes. One of their laborers, a Mason, had fever and had to be sent home. This party of five sat out under the trees and the stars and talked on the square. Each of them gave a month's salary to the sick laborer. He had a wife and two babies in Denver, the wife trying to live in spite of the dread disease Denver's high altitude cures. Our ancient brethren met under the stars, where their 'covering was no less than the clouded canopy or starry-decked heaven.' But none of these ever held a more beautiful lodge than those five young men, filled with Masonic charity, giving each more than he could afford for a day laborer in hard luck, because he was a Mason. "My third most beautiful temple was made of many little tents. There were children in them; children large and small, and there was no distinction between them of race, creed, color. All a child had to be was poor to have two weeks in the open. Nor was this a lodge charity; it was the work of a Masonic club, and run by individual contributions. As I looked I heard the organ peal as I have never heard it in many Continued on next page 8

9 temples of stone. "As a teacher said, 'for where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.' Where three, five, seven or more Master Masons gather in the name of Masonry, there is the temple. It is right and wise that we build great temples of stone and carving; which give testimony to all the world that here men gather in brotherhood. Masonic structures play a great part and we could spare them ill. But the greatest Masonic temples are built in men's hearts. "If you would visit beautiful temples in your travels. seek less for mighty building and more for a house not made with hands. 'Masonry builds her temples in the hearts of men' and in men's hearts shall you seek for, and find, those most beautiful." The Old Tiler ceased and looked off into space as if he saw a vision. The New Brother looked at the Old Tiler. "I do not need to travel far to see one of the most beautiful temples," he said NATOMA LODGE THE TEMPLE BOARD NEEDS MANY HANDS TO PREPARE THE FLOWER BEDS FOR BARK I NSTALLATION AT A LATER DATE. HI-HO HI-HO IT S OFF TO WORK WE GO OTHER GENERAL CLEAN-UP MY BE DONE IF WE HAVE ENOUGH ADDITIONAL SUPPORT WHEN: SATURDAY APRIL 7TH AT 9:00 AM TO 12:00 SEE YOU THERE!! 9

10 Have you visited our all new website recently? If not; CHECK IT OUT!! natomalodge64.com/ 2018 NATOMA LODGE NO. 64 OFFICERS Worshipful Master Brian M. Tatro (Jaci) Senior Warden Cecil L. Jaquess (Lori) Junior Warden Mark C. Lamb (Susan) Treasurer Joseph La Pilusa (Rona) Secretary Wes Mindermann, PM (Rosita) Chaplain Gabe Garofano (Karen) Assistant Secretary Brian Weggeser, PM (Noemi) Senior Deacon Kevin G. Williams (Nicole) Junior Deacon Joseph R. Nielsen Marshal Britton F. Snipes (Joanna) Senior Steward James Malinovsky Junior Steward Jonathan Koch (Jamie) Tiler Dennis Davis (Mary) Fraternal Services Ambassador Brian Wegesser, PM (Noemi) Officer s Coaches David Lagala PM (Deedie) Head Candidate s Coach Alex Chompff (Jessyka) MASONIC TEMPLE ASSOCIATION of FOLSOM DIRECTORS President Joseph Freidson PM hallpresident@natomalodge64.com Vice President Dennis Davis Treasurer Jim Grey Secretary Collin Clark Other Directors David Barnekoff Gregory Dwyer Stuart Stackhouse Michael Titus PM William Zurcher NATOMA 64 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Eric L. Wells, PM Daniel O. Leonard, PM Paul Tibbens OTHER MASONIC CONTACTS Grand Master of California Most Worshipful Bruce Robert Galloway Inspector 404th Masonic District Joseph L. Juelch, PM Natoma Rainbow Tanya Morales; Mother Advisor York Rite Bodies Brian Weggeser, PM Sacramento Scottish Rite Brian Tatro 32 Blue Lodge Rep Gold Country Shrine Club Joe La Pilusa President Robert Jackson Ben Ali Shrine Representatives Joe La Pilusa Gabe Garofano Golden Compasses Research Lodge David Lagala PM Secretary From The Editor: The Natoma Lodge No. 64 Trestleboard publishes monthly no later than the first of each month. Contributions are welcomed from all and will be published if beneficial to the lodge and agreeable to the Master. Submit all articles and notices by the 15th of each month. The Trestleboard content is derived from the collective effort of many people. From time to time articles are taken, with acknowledgement, directly from California Grand Lodge and other publications. The editor is thankful for the efforts and tremendous talent exhibited by all contributors. We seek perfection, but make no claim to having achieved this Divine goal. Constructive criticism is always welcomed, whining and crying will roll like water from the back of a duck. 10

11 CONGRATULATIONS BRETHREN!!! Brother Birth Date Brother Birth Date Robert Warren 2-Apr Dwight Gilmore 28-Apr Kevin Williams 2-Apr Brother 3rd James Loughridge 4-Apr Charles Rurka PM 7-Apr-1982 Jay MacIntyre 7-Apr Stanley Solid 9-Apr-1992 James Chronis 9-Apr Leslie Clark PM 13-Apr-1992 Wes Mindermann PM 9-Apr Walton Skinner 14-Apr-1976 Alan Englehart 11-Apr Herman Graham 16-Apr-1959 James Clarke 13-Apr Kenneth R.E. Masegian 17-Apr-2013 Charles Rurka PM 13-Apr Charles Phillips 17-Apr-1985 Morgan Roberts 14-Apr Omar Harriott 18-Apr-2013 James Grey 16-Apr Darren Marin 19-Apr-1995 David Lagala 22-Apr Edward Swanson 22-Apr-1999 Christopher Lynch 23-Apr Derek Jones 22-Apr-1969 David Coolidge PM 24-Apr Emil Hensley 23-Apr-1960 Richard Pouncey 24-Apr Terry Center 25-Apr-1990 Michael J. Genelsa 26-Apr Larry Lesieur 26-Apr-2000 Robert Copeland 26-Apr David Kubel 29-Apr-1999 Eric Wulff 27-Apr Fredrick Strickland 30-Apr-1985 Continued: Into Light Enlightenment Liberty thirst for knowledge as to what Freemasonry is all about. Here is where the instructors can serve well and can influence the candidate in a continuous search for more Masonic Light. The qualifications for instructing are less exciting than may be imagined. What is essential is a basic knowledge of Freemasonry by the instructor. In this day and age, with so many counter attractions, it becomes more evident that greater efforts must be put forth to instructor new Members in the ideals and fundamentals of Freemasonry. Every Lodge should have a definite program along authentic Masonic educational lines. We must understand what Freemasonry really is before we can practice Freemasonry in our lives. We must remember that Freemasonry is judged by the actions of its individual members. We must set an example to those outside the Craft at all times. The need for Masonic knowledge is often evidenced in our Lodges, This can be alleviated where dedicated members qualify as instructors and then serve in teaching the principles and fundamentals of Freemasonry to all who will listen. What is Masonry? BY Bro. Walter H. Bonn, Victor, Iowa It's not a sign or handshake, a hall where tilers sit, It's not a guarded building, where passwords will admit, It's not a place of symbols, which Wardens oft display, It's not a lodge of members, who meet in white array. It is the home of justice, of liberty and truth, Of loyalty to country, of sympathy for youth, Of succor for a brother, of gentleness and cheer, Of tolerance for neighbors, whose life is often drear. 11

12 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Please maintain your contact information. Accurate membership records are critical. Please notify the lodge secretary of any change at: IN THIS ISSUE Master s Message 2 Senior Warden's Massage 2 Into Light Enlightenment Liberty 3 Rainbow News 4 Junior Warden s Message 6 F I N D U S O N T H E W E B!! H T T P : / / N A T O M A L O D G E 64.C O M / We especially ask that family and friends of the addressee contact us if their personal situation may be improved by our help through masonic assistance. Sunshine 6 Natoma Masonic Calendar 7 Old Tyler Talk 8 Officers and other Contacts 10 Birthdays and Thirds 11