Trestle Board February 2012 Huachuca Lodge No. 53 F & A M Sierra Vista, AZ
From the East Brethren, The central bonds that hold Freemasonry together are found in the obligations we have taken and the commitment to which we honor them. The word fraternity has its origins in the Latin word "Frater," which means "Brother." Thus, our Fraternity is a Brotherhood, or sacred band of Brothers, committed to mutual support, understanding, and affection. Masonic fellowship differs from all other societies in that candidates for membership are blindfolded and can not receive much information about it. following a friend whom you must completely trust is the first element of fellowship. To walk where all Brothers have walked and to experience the unseen as all Brothers have creates that common bond upon which all Masons can relate. Masonry is a fellowship of tried and true men, aware of human failures in the past, recognize human limitations in the present and excited by the greatest hopes for the future. The Mason who best understands the real, the esoteric meaning of our philosophy will be best ready to further the highest ideals of Brotherly love, Relief and Truth upon which Masonry stands. By attending Masonic Lodge meetings of our own and different Masonic Lodges and learning from our fellow Masons, we will strengthen the bonds of Fellowship, as we join together with like minded men who share ideals of both a moral and metaphysical nature we will enjoy the friendship of other masons and we will be welcomed as Brothers by Masons everywhere. It's good to spend time with people you can trust completely, and most Masons find that in their lodge. While much of lodge activity is spent in works of charity or in lessons in selfdevelopment, much is also spent in fellowship. Lodges have picnics, camping trips and many events for the whole family. Simply put, a lodge is a place to spend time with friends. But every lodge serves more than its own members. Frequently, there are meetings open to the public. Examples are Ladies' Nights, "Brother Bring a Friend Nights," public installations of officers, cornerstone laying ceremonies and other special meetings supporting community events and dealing with topics of local interest. And when my daughter goes off to college many, many years from now she will know that should she ever need help just look for a man with a ring like daddy's and tell him that she is the daughter of a Mason. There is no greater feeling than that my Brothers that feeling of fellowship. Fraternally, W.M. Jeffrey K. York Taking Good Men, and Making Them Better 2
From the West My thoughts from the West Brethren, Winter is almost over and Spring is just around the corner so my thoughts are leaning toward Spring. A wonderful time of the year when life is renewing itself with buds appearing on the trees. It is a time to bring forward a beginning of fresh life and the wonders of creation of nature. We as masons should look forward to renewing our pledges and efforts within ourselves and supporting the lodge. As we look to February we see several possible Fellowcrafts to be created, bringing our brothers closer to the wonders and blessings of fulfillment of the Master Mason degree. It will be an exciting time of renewal and growth for the lodge. We should also be looking forward to fulfilling our pledges we made at the beginning of the Masonic year and make every effort to improve our lodge and expand our membership. Think about new ways to support charities and propose new activities for the new year it is a great time to plant those new ideas so they can grow, bear fruit for the good of the Masonic bodies. I strongly encourage all of my brothers to speak out, get active and help the Lodge grow and prosper. May the blessings of creation be on all of you and on the Lodge. Fraternally, W.B. Bruce Wood Senior Warden Taking Good Men, and Making Them Better 3
From the SOUTH Brothers, It is amazing how quickly the Holidays Left, The Weather Changed, and the Month Flew By. It looks like this year is ramping up to be a good one and we all have great things to be Proud of. We have had a couple excellent Educations so far and our EAs seem very excited about learning and advancing as well as getting involved in the active operations of our Lodge. Mentors be Proud. In the coming couple of months there are even more opprotunities to learn and become involved. The Leadership academy in around the corner and the 3rd Wednesday Educations are now being split. There will be a section which, as always, is open to the public and families, and a section which will focus on different aspects of our degrees and as such will be closed to only Masons of that degree. There are a great many things going on and our calendars do get full quickly but please make certain that you come out and support your Blue Lodge and take part in what we have going on for you. I know this was a short article, but what else is there for me to say? Great things are going on at Huachuca #53. Come out and Support. Fraternally, W.B Mathew Covel Taking Good Men, and Making Them Better 4
From the DDGM From the Arizona Grand Lodge District #11 Deputy Grand Master, I covered this subject in last months newsletter and I again inform all that we need Brothers to step up and learn a lecture. We are especially short in the EA & MM degree lectures. If you have aspirations to become Master of your Lodge start to learn a lecture now or even if you know that you do not want to be the Master of your lodge but want to be part of the ritual work learn a lecture now. Let the Master of the Lodge know that you will learn a lecture and he will lead you through the process, do it today. In the coming months we will be honored to have several Grand Lodge Officers to attend Lodges in the District in an official capacity. I encourage you to attend these visits and talk with the visiting Grand Lodge and make it a learning experience. On February 8 starting at 6 PM and held at Huachuca Lodge #53 a discussion session will be held to discuss the changes in the Grand Lodge Elected Officers. This discussion session is open to all Masons and I encourage you to attend and get information that will establish what is actually going on at that level. On February 25 starting at 10 AM, with coffee & vitamins at 9, we will conduct the Entered Apprentice degree with instructions with Camp Stone Lodge #77 Officers hosting the degree. During this work shop we will open, confer and close, no lecture, the EA degree with a Q & A session to be held as we proceed through the degree. The AZ Grand Lecture Kelly Rowden will also be present to assist. "To Preserve The Reputation" In your MM Charge we are told "to preserve the reputation of the Fraternity unsullied". The conduct of each Master Mason is strictly his own responsibility. He should choose the course which will bring credit to him and honor to the Fraternity. Only s in good standing of the Lodge have a right to ballot, either in Grand Lodge or your home Lodge. No present can be excused from balloting on any petitioner before the Lodge. No member will be permitted to retire from the Lodge to avoid casting his ballot. The white balls are the affirmative or favorable ballot; and the black cube is the negative, or unfavorable ballot. If you do not know of anything unfavorable against the petitioner, then, you should accept the word of the investigating committee and cast a favorable ballot. However, if you know of some reason to indicate the petitioner is unworthy, for strictly Masonic - not personal reasons, a black cube should be cast to protect the Lodge from undesirable members. If you have an objection to an applicant, the time to raise that objection is before the ballot is taken. As you approach the ballot box, examine your own motives and be sure that the ballot you are about to cast will do justice to the candidate or Brother and Freemasonry. The black cube is a thorough test of our understanding of the Masonic teaching of the cardinal virtue Justice, which "enables us to render to every man his just due without distinction. Fraternally, W.B. Andrew Anderson Taking Good Men, and Making Them Better 5
Office Hours: The Secretary s office will be open at 1700 on lodge meeting. Other times will be announced beforehand. From the Secretary Those of you who have attended Lodge this month, may have noticed something a little different in the South-East corner of the Lodge. Yes, a computer! The office of the Secretary is modernizing a bit. We have always had a computer in the back office but I thought it might be a good idea to come out of the freezer (only those who have been in the back office in the winter will understand that comment). Having the computer there allows me to update minutes and other roster information in real time. This should reduce any potential loss of information. This also cuts down on the time it takes to finalize Lodge documents after our stated meeting. As a still full time worker, the time savings is really important. Speaking of time savings, I mailed out 65 reminders to pay 2012 Lodge dues. The results of this effort are already paying off but I wanted to let the Craft know that it took nearly two hours to prepare and mail the reminders. This is time wasted in my view as the dues should have been sent to the lodge in the first notice. I know we are all very busy, but for those who still have not submitted your 2012 dues PLEASE DO SO. It will save me an hour and a half. If there are reasons why you cannot, contact the Worshipful Master. There are options available. Also, I am sharing as much of the communication as I can in meetings, but also on face book. If you have email but have not informed the Lodge, please do. If you have facebook, friend me (Phillip Shulsky) and I will add you to the Lodge group page. Lastly, if you are interested in sharing your Masonic time with your Lady, bring her to the Stated meeting. A group of Ladies still meets there while we re in Lodge and occasionally joins us for our after meeting fellowship. Finally, thank you to all who have helped get me through the past few weeks. Your friendship and support are very much appreciated! Philip Shulsky P.M. Secretary All correspondence should be directed to: W. B. Philip Shulsky, Secretary 520-678-8904 Huachuca Lodge No. 53 PO Box 423 Sierra Vista, AZ 85636-0423 Email Huachuca53@gmail.com Taking Good Men, and Making Them Better 6
Masonic Family COCHISE MASONIC HIGH TWELVE CLUB #703 With the 20 th Annual Cowboy Poets and Music Gathering about to be presented in Sierra Vista next month, our January gathering hosted entertainment by Steve Conroy from the CP&MG. His music, stories, and poetry brought to life the cowboy life style in a very touching way. His soft, mellow guitar, along with the comforting words of his poetry and songs, drew the audience, if only for a short time, back to a less hectic time and part of the cowboy way of life. Awards and recognition also made up part of the evening. Continued great support for the Wolcott Foundation was evident by the achievements of the following members: WB Al Camacho (pictured) received his plaque and pin from PSP Harry Brown for his $1000 donation. WB Chuck Fortner received his certificate and pin for his first Century Club award. Bro. Jim Kuriger also received his certificate and pin for his first Century Club award. Bro. Jim Lewis received the Past President s Certificate for his service during 2011. The Club is looking forward to next month s very special Honored Ladies Luncheon. Again, for those who are not familiar with High 12, a short introduction to this event is in order. As Freemasons of Cochise Masonic High Twelve, it is our distinct privilege to recognize the widows of our departed brethren by presenting them with a pin which has worldwide Masonic significance and affords the wearer recognition and consideration where so ever dispersed over the face of the earth. The Honored Ladies Luncheon is our reminder to them of their ties to us, a relationship where she will find friends in time of need, to join her in times of gladness, and to welcome her as we continue our labors of Friendship, Brotherly Love and Truth. In the Cochise Club, the ladies are escorted to the luncheon by Masons from throughout the community. Each escorting brother will also learn about the departed brother from their lady and give a short presentation about him. Due to the Honored Ladies Luncheon on Saturday, February 18, no regular High 12 meeting will held in February. The luncheon will be take place at the Huachuca 53 Lodge in the Jacoby Room at 11:30 a.m. Art Montgomery President Cochise Scottish Rite Club The Tucson Valley of Scottish Rite will be honoring WB Chuck Fortner with a 50 year cap and pin by the time this is printed. The Cochise Scottish Rite Club is also preparing for degree work for the Spring Reunion on May 4-5th. Help is always needed, actors, make-up, stage props, lighting and sound. The candidates and actors always appreciate sideliners. If you are interested in becoming a Scottish Rite Mason, please contact WB Bruce Wood, WB Andy Anderson or myself. We also have a Face Book site thanks to WB Phillip Shulsky, KSA.Our next scheduled regular meeting will be April 7, 2012. Breakfast will be served by the High Twelve Club. There is always a need to expand our club with new Scottish Rite Brothers, Dues are $10 and are payable at the April meeting, if you haven t paid yet. Taking Good Men, and Making Them Better 7
The Huachuca Shrine Club Has held its first meeting of the year, plans, and ideas were laid out for the Vidalia Onion sales. More details to follow. The next Shrine Club meeting will be February 18 th at 5:30. The location will be at the world famous Landmark Cafe. Many of you know Pam Anderson, owner of the Landmark Café. I ask that you add her mother and sister to your prayers and thoughts. She always has been there for us, so we should be there for her in this time of needed support. Hope to see you all in Lodge in 2012 Until the next newsletter, travel safe. Fraternally, Tom Jones Please join with me in welcoming Bro. Ladislav Kuchar to the Craft! Bro. Kuchar entered the west gate on Jan 11th. Bro. Kuchar and those in attendance. WM. Jeffrey York presiding. Lodge Officers in Attendance. Taking Good Men, and Making Them Better 8
Did The Light Go Out For You? You joined this Fraternity for a reason, and whatever that reason was, something caused you to come back and become a Master Mason. Yet, we look around today and the Brothers we should see at our stated meetings, Ritual work and community service are not there. So, this brings me to the question, Why not? Did you find that this was not what you thought it might be? Did you find the Lodge not exciting, or are you too busy to attend? You prefer the appendant bodies? Whatever the reason, let s turn that light back on! Not attending the Blue Lodge is like walking off the job (we are the builders)! You asked to be a member and the Blue Lodge accepted you. You were given a dues card, and with that dues card, you are entitled to travel to any regular lodge and enjoy their benefits, (this is one of the oldest Masonic customs) however, somebody has to open the Lodge. If everybody had the idea of not attending the lodge, where would you go? Lodges would not exist and you would no longer have a dues card! You might think that this won t happen to your Lodge, look around, it s happening. Friday, 20 January 1961, in his inaugural speech to the United States of America, John F. Kennedy said, "Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country. Back then, too many people felt the country owed them, and people felt they owed their country nothing, only because they were citizens of this country. The country was moved by those words, volunteerism and patriotism amplified and a new generation was born. That message sparked the country s attitude and we changed forever! No temple was built by the hands of one Stone Mason; it was built by the hands thousands of Masons in the Craft. Today, we should look within our hearts and take our trowels back to the Lodge. Start by attending stated meetings or support (by attending) our Brothers being initiated, passed and raised. We should at the very least obligate ourselves to attend our Blue Lodge a few times a year. Remember, you do make a difference! We, as Free and Accepted Masons cannot rest on our laurels. We must continue to forge forward into the future; preserve this Ancient Fraternity and leave it in better shape them we knew it. We can do this with the help of our Past Masters, Masters and our dedicated officers and members. We must also ensure that we mentor our new Brothers and provide the needed time for explanations so that they better understand what masonry is about. I hope to see you at the next meeting, because you are my Brothers and you are the reason I am there. Fraternally, Bro. Eugene M. Guzzi Ideals of the Enlightenment Ideals of the Enlightenment Taking Good Men, and Making Them Better 9
Lodge Officers Worshipful Master Senior Warden Junior Warden Treasurer Secretary Senior Deacon Junior Deacon Chaplain Marshal Senior Steward Junior Steward Tyler Master of Ceremonies Jeffrey K. York Bruce F. Wood, PM Matthew M. Covel, PM Charles H. Fortner, PM Phillip R. Shulsky, PM Rayna D. Stanley Kristopher R. Cappas Steve W. Ziegler, PM Dustin L. Fish Louis M. Davidson II Sean A. Pomoeroy Harry C. Brown, PM Finance Committee Other Committees Harry C. Brown, PM Al Camacho, PM Matthew M Covel, PM Family, Youth, and School Programs Bikes for Books Robert E. Whitney, PM Thanksgiving Project Robert E. Whitney, PM Christmas Project Robert E. Whitney, PM Masonic Youth Al Camacho, PM Masonic Widow Program Andrew M. Anderson,PM Cochise Count Chip Program James D Elliston Board of Trustees WM Jeffery K. York 1 Year Robert C. Frankenfield 2 Year Al Camacho, PM 3 Year Matthew M. Covel, PM 4 Year Robert L. Frampton 5 Year Philip R. Shulsky, PM Temple Management Board Robert C. Frankenfield 1 Year Robert L. Frampton 2 Year Jeffery K. York 3 Year Robert C. Frankenfield 4 Year Al Camacho, PM 5 Year Kristopher R. Capas Worshipful Master-Ex-Officio Jeffery K. York Treasurer-Ex-Officio Charles H. Fortner, PM Mandatory Committees Audit Committee Charity Committee Rayna D. Stanley Harry C. Brown, PM Danie S. Vannoy, PM Bruce F Wood, PM Matthew M. Covel, PM Ritual & Masonic Education Arizona Masonic Code Ritual Work DDGM Andrew M. Anderson, PM Masonic Education Matthew M. Covel, PM Rayna D. Stanley Jurisprudence-Constitution and By-Laws Harry C. Brown, PM Jeffery K. York Awards Committee Fund Raising Maurice A. Mitchell D Vannoy, PM Jeffery K York Rayna D Stanley Kristopher R Cappas V Jay Land Masonic Communications Electa # 51 OES James D. Elliston York Rite Matthew M. Covel, PM Scottish Rite Tom E. Jones Shrine Jeffery K. York High 12 Harry C. Brown, PM Widow s Sons Phillip R. Shulsky Trestle Board V Jay Land Photographer Al Camacho, PM Web Site Phillip R. Shulsky No-Brother-Left-Behind Jason H. Zibart Historian Al Camacho, PM Taking Good Men, and Making Them Better 10
Events and Activities MASONIC ACTIVITIES FOR FEBRUARY 2012 1 Huachuca Lodge #53 stated meeting @ 7 w/ dinner @ 6 PM. 2 Perfect Ashlar Lodge #12 stated meeting 2 Electa Chap #51 OES stated meeting @ 7 PM. @ 7 w/ dinner @ 6 PM. 4 Camp Stone Lodge #77 stated meeting @ 9:30 w/ breakfast @ 830 AM. 6 King Solomon Lodge #5 stated meeting @ 7 w/ dinner @ 5:30 @ Big Nose Kate's. 7 Pearl of Venus Chap #6 OES stated meeting in Bisbee @ 2 PM. 8 Huachuca Lodge #53 Education session @ 6 PM. Discussion subject AZ Grand Lodge. 9 Willcox Lodge #10 stated meeting @ 7 w/ dinner @ 6 PM. Official Visit by Senior Grand Deacon Mike Manning. 11 AZ Grand Lodge Leadership Conference in Tucson. See Lodge Secretary for details. 14 Mt Moriah Lodge #19 stated meeting @ 7 w/ dinner @ 6 PM. 15 Huachuca Lodge #53 Education for everyone starts @ 6 PM. No dinner. 16 Electa Chap #51 OES stated meeting @ 7 PM. 17 George W. Prioleau Lodge #13 PHA stated meeting @ 7 PM. 18 Masonic Widows Luncheon @ 11:30 AM. Contact Andy @ (520) 234-3225. 18 Huachuca Shrine Club monthly meeting @ 5:30 PM @ Landmark Cafe. 20 King Solomon Lodge #5 TBA 21 Pear of Venus Chap #6 OES stated meeting in Tombstone @ 2 PM. 21 Adoniram Council #14 Cryptic Masons stated meeting @ 7 PM. 21 Coronado Chap #20 Royal Arch Masons stated meeting @ 7 PM. 22 Huachuca Lodge #53 TBA 23 Tucson Lodge of Perfection stated meeting @ 7:30 w/ dinner @ 6:30. Must RSVP. 25 DDGM District #11 Entered Apprentice degree w/ instructions workshop hosted by Camp Stone Lodge #77 Officers. This workshop will start @ 10 AM w/ coffee @ 9 AM. 25 Child Identification Program (CHIP) scheduled for The Mall @ Sierra Vista hosted by the Chamber of Commerce 9 to 3 PM. POC Jim Elliston @ (623) 680-8380. 27 San Pedro Lodge #55 stated meeting @ 7 w/ dinner @ 6 PM. 28 Burning Taper Commandery #15 Knights Templar stated meeting @ 7 PM. 29 Huachuca Lodge #53 TBA Planning for March 2012 3 All York Rite degrees at Tucson Scottish Rite Cathedral. 5 King Solomon Lodge #5 Official Visit by SGD M. Manning. 10 Camp Stone Lodge #77 Official Visit by SGD M. Manning. 18 High Tea hosted by Electa Chap #51 OES 24 York Rite Council degrees. Taking Good Men, and Making Them Better 11
Birthdays February Andrew Anderson Brian Kundert Carl Peterson Christopher Withers Curtis Tipton Elmo Hite Ernesto Torres Jr. Harry Brown James Elliston James Louzy James Reed IV John McMahon Robert Whitney Anniversaries Congratulations to the following brothers in this, their anniversary month of being raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. February Daniel Arnold Nolean Branstetter Terry Burks Guery Flores Lindy Hester Wilmer Polston John Stephens Cover art includes Presidents George Washington, William Howard Taft, and Harry S. Truman. Both Taft and Truman entered the Craft in Feb and received the degree of E.A. It s President Washington s birth month. Question Of the Month Feb s Question "How many Lodges are currently in Arizona?" Answer next month. Jan's Answer Januarys question "What do we mean when we say "Spreading the Cement". The answer - Have you ever been in a Lodge which seemed cold? Did you wonder why it seemed that way? It's really simple, they have allowed cobwebs to build up on the trowel. They are not spreading the cement of brotherly love and affection. This is the short answer and a subject that would be good for lodge education. Taking Good Men, and Making Them Better 12
Past Masters The Backbone of Free Masonry Verne D Hegge * 1957 Randolph W Steffen * 1958 John K Oliver * 1959 Jake D McGee * 1960 Samuel N Giacobbi * 1961 Arthur K Risser * 1962 John J Thompson * 1963 Edward H Rodgers * 1964 Gordon W Leffingwell * 1965 Bobby G Burks * 1966 Edwin W Crowther 1967 Earl E Windle * 1968 W George Nine * 1969 Joe V Olivera, Jr * 1970 Ray W McRoberts 1971 Alvie Leon Davis * 1972 David K Follete * 1973 Richard L Taylor * 1974 Paul O Blankenship * 1975 Fred P Talmadge * 1976 Billy O Howard 1977 Joseph N Langlois * 1978 Harold J Adkins * 1979 Walter L Chambers * 1980 Myron O McKim * 1981 Oscar D Sims * 1982 Johnnie M Wagener* 1983 Billy D Reese 1984 George H Martn * 1985 Charles J O'Gara, Jr * 1986 Donald B Handy 1987 Danie S Vannoy 1988 Melvin M Ugalde 1989 Lloyd F Snapp * 1990 Charles H Hammond 1991 Wayne A Kaiser 1992 Victor H Stout * 1993 Johnnie M Wagener* 1994 Terry W Henley 1995 Ralph W Hooten 1996 Charles H Fortner 1997 James K Louzy 1998 Herbert L Hensley 1999 Lawrence Grant Hays 2000 William V Williamson 2001 Billy J Martin 2002 John R Stephens 2003 John A Fernandez 2004 Peter K Gillespie 2005 William C Woolnough * 2006 Robert E Whitney 2007 Al Camacho 2008 Mathew M Covel 2009 Harry S Brown 2010 Philip Shulsky 2011 * Celestial Lodge Taking Good Men, and Making Them Better 13
BLANK Taking Good Men, and Making Them Better 14
Masonic Shirt Order by Bro. Eric Navarro Huachuca Lodge #53 DATE: Brother s Name: Telephone #: Polo Shirt Size: Sierra Vista, AZ Name on shirt (extra$) Yes or No Color Shirt: (red, white, light blue, green or black) Cost- $27.23 w/taxes, there is a $1.50 for every X in size (example 1X($1.50), 2X($3.00), etc). Keep in mind Brothers the cost might vary on the type and size of shirt you pick. There is NO minimum order you can place your orders through Eric Navarro (255-3331) or you can go directly to: Wicked Limitz Graphics 346 E Fry Blvd (520) 459-8184 P.S. if you want to make a shirt for another Lodge you can and the cost should be the same. Notes or Special Instructions: Taking Good Men, and Making Them Better 15