Veritas Lux Mea Camp Stone Lodge 77 F&AM Sierra Vista, Arizona September 2013 Page1
About Us Camp Stone Lodge No. 77 is a daylight Lodge in Sierra Vista. Stated communications are held on the second Saturday of each month. Located at 219 S. Garden Avenue in Sierra Vista, AZ 85635-1701 Contact our secretary for information at the below address. Mailing Address: Camp Stone Lodge No. 77 Free and Accepted Masons PO Box 464 Sierra Vista, AZ 85636 Camp Stone No. 77 Education Our guest speakers were WB Andrew Anderson and Tim Jentes. WB Andy explained the history and meaning of those important words we hear in the Apron lecture, Star and Garter, more ancient then the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle. Bro. Tim talked on Observing the Craft, and enlightened us on just how important it is to continue with focusing on Freemasonry with its rich past. MWB Michael T. Bishop and Bro. Dale Waldron discussed and demonstrated Ritual Work of the Stewards, which is extremely important during degrees to execute flawlessly. In addition, WB Andy again pointed out the importance that our family members know where that White Apron is and that the family members know if the deceased Brother wants a Masonic funeral service. All too important and we need to continue emphasize this. September 28 th is our next education session. Sickness and distressed: WB Tom Dingwall is still recovering from treatment. Let s keep Tom in our prayers. Page2
ELECTED OFFICERS: Worshipful Master....WB Duane L. Brown Senior Warden...Bro. Eugene M. Guzzi Junior Warden...WB Al Camacho Secretary Bro. Gary McFie Treasurer Bro. Robert C. Frankenfield APPOINTED OFFICERS: Senior Deacon...Bro. Matthew J. Reidmiller Junior Deacon....WB Bennett T. Dingwall III Senior Steward...Bro. Al Hammond Junior Steward...Bro. Mario Jones Tyler...WB Donald R. Rodgers Chaplain....WB Harry Brown Marshal...Bro. Dale Waldron BOARD OF TRUSTEES: 3 Year Trustee (2012-2014) MWB Michael T. Bishop 2 Year Trustee (2012-2013) WB Donald R. Rodgers 1 Year Trustee (2012) WB Al Camacho Finance Chairman WB Donald R. Rodgers WB Emerick J. Zatvasky WB Al Camacho Audit WB Ed Reed Jr. WB Donald R. Rodgers Charity WB Duane L. Brown WB Al Camacho Bro. Eugene M. Guzzi AMC, Degree Ritual Work & Masonic Education Chairman MWB Michael T. Bishop Bro. Eugene M. Guzzi Bro. Matthew J. Reidmiller Masonic Widows Program Chairman WB Edwin Reed WB Donald R. Rodgers Bro. Eugene M. Guzzi Bikes for Books & Essay contest (Huachuca City School Chairman WB Duane L. Brown Bro. Cecil G. McFie WB Harry C. Brown Jurisprudence Constitution and Lodge By-Laws Chairman WB Harry C. Brown WB Al Camacho MWB Michael T. Bishop Page3
Past Masters 1983 Richard Lee Taylor ǂ 1984 Ralph Preston Faulkner ǂ 1985 Kenneth Keith Kendall 1986 Melvin Maluo Ugalde 1987 Edwin Reed, Jr. 1988 George Brown Timmons, Jr. ǂ 1989 Ernest Godfrey Bruder 1990 Joseph Bentham ǂ 1991 Cherry Jeffers Miller ǂ 1992 Donald Ray Rodgers 1993 Michael Taylor Bishop 1994 Guyce Edward Tennison ǂ 1995 Donald Ray Rodgers 1996 Terry Winn Henley 1997 Douglas William Hockin 1998 William Craig Harris 1999 William Craig Harris 2000 Paul Edwin Kelly II 2001 Richard Lee Averaino Jr. ǂ 2002 Richard Lee Taylor ǂ 2003 Richard Lee Taylor ǂ 2004 Paul Edwin Kelly II 2005 John Anthony Fernandez 2006 Robert Edmonds Whitney 2007 Richard Lee Taylor ǂ 2008 George Brown Timmons Jr. ǂ 2009 Ralph Woodbry Hooten 2010 Ralph Woodbry Hooten 2011 Emerick J. Zavatsky 2012 Michael T. Bishop ǂ Celestial Lodge Birthdays: Raised: Michael T. Bishop Leonard Christian 9/7/1991 John Fernandez 9/29/1999 James Kuriger 9/16/2000 Charles Sams 9/22/1977 Derek Searcy 9/21/1974 Ralph Ferree, Jr. 9/28/1978 SOUTHEAST ARIZONA MASONIC LODGES King Solomon Lodge No.5 Willcox Lodge No. 10 Nogales Lodge No. 11 Perfect Ashlar Lodge No. 12 Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 19 Huachuca Lodge No. 53 San Pedro Lodge No. 55 Camp Stone Lodge No. 77 Day Light Lodge Safford Lodge No. 16 George W. Prioleau Lodge No. 13 PHA First Monday Second Thursday Second Wednesday First Thursday Second Tuesday First Wednesday Fourth Monday Second Saturday First Tuesday Third Friday Page4
From Michael T. Bishop, PGM The Grand Lodge of Arizona and the Prince Hall (PH) Grand Lodge of Arizona enjoy mutual recognition and visitation to each other s lodges. We continue to have a most friendly relationship. The Grand Lodge of Arizona, however, does not have mutual recognition with all PH Grand Jurisdictions. The PH Grand Jurisdictions with whom the Grand Lodge of Arizona has mutual recognition are listed in the 2013 List of Lodges just below the list of Arizona lodges and are as follows: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Oregon-Idaho-Montana, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Washington, and Ontario. Arizona lodges are not to admit a PH Mason from a jurisdiction other than those just listed. To do so would be a disservice to that PH Mason and his Grand Jurisdiction as well as ours. In the Fort Huachuca area, a Mason is sometimes stationed at the Fort who was made a Mason overseas in a lodge operating under a PH jurisdiction. When that brother then approaches one of our lodges, his membership should be verified as being one of the mutually recognized jurisdictions before he is admitted. He must possess a current dues card and still be examined by committee. Often brothers raised in overseas lodges don t even know they are Prince Hall Masons and don t know there are two jurisdictions operating within the USA. To deny admission may seem to an Arizona Mason as being unfair and even rude, but it is proper Masonic protocol that must be observed. Camp Stone Masonic Education The July and August Masonic Education Sessions at Camp Stone Lodge were each attended by eighteen (18) masons and prospective masons. The July session was presented by WB Larry Behers about astronomy and Masonry. The August session featured a presentation by WB Andy Anderson on the Star and Garter and Apron Lecture as well as a presentation by Brother Tim Jentes on Observance Lodges (I hope we are one). A good discussion ensued about what Observance means in a Masonic context. WB Anderson has graciously accepted the suggestion, with other High Twelve members, to prepare a breakfast before the education sessions as well as the stated meetings. Thank you Andy. We will start breakfast and social time at 0815 and then retire to the lodge room to improve our knowledge. The September education will consider the Ancient Charges. The education sessions are on the fourth Saturday and the stated meetings on the second. The fourth Saturday in September happens to fall on the day of the outdoor degree in Benson/St. David. If you are going to the degree, please stop by for breakfast before traveling north. I wish for your health and happiness. M. Bishop Senior Warden It becomes our duty as a member of the Lodge to see that we are educating all new Brothers whether they come to education sessions or they are mentored by those that sign their petition. Also, that we teach those that are affiliating with us from other jurisdictions, as we know there are differences. So, let s ensure that we follow through with this important work and see that every Brother learns well. This is the most important work we have in the Fraternity. Page5
Greetings from your DDGM September 2013 Time is flying my Brothers we are looking at only a few months before elections and installations. Summer seems to have flown by at warp 7. If you are planning on joining or progressing through the line in your lodge you must consider focusing on the certification process. If you have not considered it you should look at your lodge and analyze the status of the chairs. Some have had to step out because of family or professional reasons. We need to support our lodges and step up to fill in empty slots. A lodge cannot retain its charter if it cannot fill the offices of the lodge. We need everyone to consider a position from Tyler to Master. The requirements for the South is to open confer and close a degree. To sit in the West again you must to do another degree. To sit in the East the third degree must be completed and a lecture given. It is not that difficult. Come talk to me and I will answer any questions you have and I stand ready to support you in your efforts. Every Tuesday at Huachuca # 53 there are practice sessions sometimes with all three rooms being used. These sessions are for all four lodges in District # 11 and conducted by WB Andy Anderson with many brothers in support. I encourage all to come and practice to improve yourselves in Masonry. Camp Stone #77 and Huachuca # 53 continue to have regularly scheduled education meetings with a variety of approaches. Huachuca # 53 had an excellent guest speaker, WB Larry Behers, an astronomer, who explained the significance of astronomy to masonry. King Solomon # 5 and Perfect Ashlar # 12 have discussions over a meal prior to Stated meetings. Each lodge has a different approach to education and by attending each one you will learn more about masonry. Is it not one of the reasons we became masons to gain further light through masonry? Travel often, work with your Brothers and live the masonic life. Fraternally, Bruce Wood DDGM District #11 FROM THE PDDGM's CORNER My congratulations to Huachuca Lodge #53 and Camp Stone Lodge #77 on their outstanding education program for the month of August, really was informative and fun. Congratulations also to the Tuesday Ritual practice crew who start their seventh year of providing this very important program. We started this program after the Grand Lodge Annual meeting in June of 2008 to help all Masons with ritual work, certification, and changes made to the ritual during the Grand Lodge sessions and general discussion about how things work in lodge and other bodies as well. They have been busy and don't plan on stopping now so come join the Tuesday Ritual crew and practice the ritual. I'm sure if Masters and Wardens invited this crew to one of their education training days they would accept? Has your Lodge schedule an open house yet? There are many activities scheduled for the remainder of the year and beyond and hopefully you will be able to support what you can. The SV York Rite Bodies will be holding a Christmas Observance on December 8 starting at 4 PM. This observance is open to all and it is hoped that you will attend. Travel safely and oh yeah see you in Lodge! Andrew Anderson 33, PM Page6
MASONIC ACTIVITIES FOR SEPTEMBER 2013 2 King Solomon Lodge #5 stated meeting at 7 w/ dinner at 5:30 at the Crystal Palace. 3 Pearl of Venus #6 OES stated meeting at 7 PM. 4 Huachuca Lodge #53 stated meeting at 7 w/ dinner at 6 PM. 5 Perfect Ashlar Lodge #12 stated meeting at 7 w/ dinner at 6 PM. The SGW Ill Bro J. Michael Atchley will make his Official Visit. 5 Electa Chap #51 OES stated meeting at 7 PM. 9 SABBAR Shrine stated meeting, dinner at 5:30 PM. 10 Mt Moriah Lodge #19 stated meeting at 7 PM. 11 Huachuca Lodge #53 TBA 11 King Solomon Lodge #5 planning Comm. meeting at 5 PM. 12 Willcox Lodge #10 stated meeting at 7 w/ dinner at 6 PM. 13 Cochise Masonic High Twelve Club #703 a 5:30 meeting at the VFW in Huachuca City. 14 Camp Stone Lodge #77 stated meeting at 9:30 w/ breakfast at 8:30. All are welcomed. 14 CHIP event. POC Jim Elliston 623-680-8380 16 King Solomon Lodge #5 MM degree at 7 PM. Dinner at Big Nose Kate's 5:30 PM. 17 Downtown Lodge UD stated meeting. POC Andy @ 520-234-3225 17 Pearl of Venus #6 OES stated meeting at 7 PM. 17 Adoniram Council #14, Cryptic Masons stated meeting at 7 PM. 17 Coronado Chap #20 Royal Arch Masons stated meeting at 7 PM. 18 Huachuca Lodge #53 Education night. Starts at 6 PM. 19 Electa Chap #51 OES stated meeting at 7 PM. 20 George W. Prioleau Lodge #13 PHA stated meeting at 7 PM. 21 Huachuca Shrine Club meeting at 5:30 at Mande La restaurant. 21 AZ High Twelve Assco. Annual meeting in Green Valley starts at 11 AM. POC Andy 520-234-3225. 21 Huachuca Lodge #53 Saturday clean up. 23 San Pedro Lodge #55 stated meeting at 7 PM. 24 Burning Taper Commandery #15 Knights Templar stated meeting at 7 PM. 24 Cochise Scottish Rite Master Craftsman Study session, starts at 6 PM. 25 Huachuca Lodge #53 TBA 26 Tucson Scottish Rite Lodge of Perfection dinner at 6:30, stated meeting at 7:30 PM. All are welcomed to dinner and RSVP a must. POC Tom Jones 619-922-5324. 28 Camp Stone Lodge #77 Education at 9 AM w/ breakfast at 8 AM. 28 Willcox Lodge #10, Perfect Ashlar Lodge #12 and San Pedro Lodge #55 will conduct an outdoor MM Degree at the Escapule Ranch. Start time is early POC your lodge secretary. RSVP if eating steak lunch. SPECIAL EVENTS FOR OCTOBER 2013 5 Tucson Scottish Rite Honors Day 10 AM Knights Commander Court of Honour Investiture and 1PM Thirty-Third Degree. Lunch open to all at 11:30 RSVP a must to POC Tom Jones 619-925324. 13 Tucson Scottish Rite Special Honors Luncheon at Tanque Verde Guest Ranch, cost $22.00 open to all. NOVEMBER SPECIAL DATES Annual meeting for all Lodges elections to be held. 1 $ 2 Tucson Scottish Rite Fall Reunion. Lodges who have set a date for Installation of the 2013 / 2014 Lodge Officers 7 December King Solomon Lodge #5, 2 PM. Page7
only to the pain any honest man should feel at the thought of violating his word. Article VIII Freemasonry and Its Precepts 8-1 Basic Principles. Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion. It requires of its members belief in God as part of the obligation of every responsible adult, but advocates no sectarian faith or practice. Masonic ceremonies include prayers, both traditional and extempore, to reaffirm each individual s dependence on God and to seek divine guidance. Freemasonry is open to men of any faith, but religion may not be discussed at Masonic meetings. 8-5 Freemasonry Compared with Religion. Freemasonry lacks the basic elements of religion: (a) It has no dogma or theology, no wish or means to enforce religious orthodoxy. (b) It offers no sacraments. (c) It does not claim to lead to salvation by works, by secret knowledge, or by any other means. (d) The secrets of Freemasonry are concerned with modes of recognition, not with the means of salvation. 8-2 The Supreme Being. Masons believe that there is one God and that people employ many different ways to seek, and to express what they know of God. Masonry primarily uses the appellation, Grand Architect of the Universe, and other non-sectarian titles, to address Deity. In this way, persons of different faiths may join together in prayer, concentrating on God, rather than difference among themselves. Masonry believes in religious freedom and that the relationship between the individual and God is personal, private, and sacred. 8-3 Volume of the Sacred Law. An open volume of the Sacred Law, the rule and guide of life, is an essential part of every Masonic meeting. The Volume of the Sacred Law in the Judo/Christian tradition is the Bible; to Freemasons of other faiths, it is the book held holy by them. 8-4 The Oath of Freemasonry. The obligations taken by Freemasons are sworn on the Volume of the Sacred Law. They are undertakings to follow the principles of Freemasonry and to keep confidential a Freemason s means of recognition. The much discussed penalties, judicial remnants from an earlier era, are symbolic, not literal. They refer Page8
SCOTTISH RITE 23rd degree - Chief of the Tabernacle: We learn in this degree that the man who forgets his duty to God, family, country, and himself will be in danger of moral and spiritual destruction by thoughts and unworthy ambition. The apron worn is white, bordered with red, blue, and purple ribbons. These colors, from the curtains of the Tabernacle, represent earth, fire, air, and sea, respectively, as well as the Lord's beneficence, glory, wisdom, and power. On the apron is the golden seven-branched candlestick, representing the seven planets and virtues: Sun, faith ("aspiration toward the infinite"); Moon, hope; Venus, charity; Mars, fortitude ("victory over rage and anger"); Mercury, prudence; Saturn, temperance; Jupiter (conqueror of the Titans), justice. The jewel worn is a small silver censer, or ornamented cup, held by a handle in the shape of an open hand. York Rite of Freemasonry Knight Crusader of the Cross - The Knight Crusaders of the Cross is a "chair degree" conferred upon present or past Eminent Commanders of a Commandery. It is not used everywhere, but is gaining in popularity across the country. The degree originated in Florida in 1969 and spread North. Typically it is conferred at the same time as the state Grand Commandery meeting. The body is styled an Asylum, and has eight officers, the highest being the Knight Crusader of the East. The Induction Ceremony opens with three brief lectures on Masonic Templarism and the duties of a Commander, followed by the arrangement of the candidates in a cross formation in the center of the Asylum, where they receive refreshment and are dubbed Knight Crusaders of the Cross. It concludes with a brief lecture on the ancient Knight Templars and an explanation of the Jerusalem Cross, as well as the modes of recognition among Knight Crusaders. Page9
Cochise Scottish Rite Club Congratulations are in order for three of the CSRC members for earning 2013 Biennial Valley of Tucson Honours. WB. Donald R. Rodgers will be conferred his 33º, Inspector General Honorary. Bro. Gene E. Bull and WB. Bruce F. Wood will be invested with Knight Commander Court of Honour. The Knight Commander Court of Honour Investiture will be held Saturday, October 5, 2013, at the Scottish Rite Cathedral beginning at 10:00am, followed by a luncheon. The Investiture and the luncheon are open to the public. The 33, Inspector General Honorary Coronation will be held following the luncheon at 1:00pm and is for 33 Masons only. Other upcoming Tucson Scottish Rite events include a Pot Luck Dinner & Game Night scheduled for 6:30 PM on August 22 nd at the Tucson Scottish Rite Cathedral. If you would like to attend and are interested in joining the carpool, please contact Bro. Tom Jones at 520-378-6399 or tejones446@yahoo.com. Fraternally, Matthew Reidmiller, 32º President, Cochise Scottish Rite Club The Huachuca Shrine Club Well Monsoons are slowing down and football is in the air again. September is upon us and the yearend sprint starts for us all. The Club will be having a new trial meeting place at the Manda Le on Sept 21 st at 5pm. If it works out we ll have the POV there in October also. Sabbar Temple will require all members and guests to show their Blue Lodge Dues Cards from now on. This is a result of actions taken in Indianapolis at the International meeting, in regards to Arkansas Temples accepting non masons for membership. Sabbar will also be having discussions about the Onion Sales future. Sell again, take a break or drop the fund raiser. Over $2000 was lost having to give away unsold onions. Until next month travel safely Page10
COCHISE MASONIC HIGH TWELVE CLUB #703 Our monthly meeting for September 13 will be held at the VFW in Huachuca City starting at 5:30 PM. The usual steak dinner with all the trimmings is on the menu. We will have reports from all the activities over the summer break and the upcoming AZ High Twelve Annual Meeting in Green Valley on September 21st. Our 2nd VP Tom Jones has lined up an interesting program so come early enjoy dinner than a good program. We started the new High Twelve year so dues are due, $22.00, unless you want to donate to the Wolcott Scholarship Foundation Fund which will cover your club dues. November is elections for Club Officers and if you are interested in serving please let the Club President Dave O. Kremer know, thank you. We will also have special awards presented at the meeting and they are always welcomed. Installation is scheduled for December 13, our regular meeting night. Hope you will attend. Any questions give me a call at (520) 234-3225. Andy (520)234-3225 MASONIC LINKS ARIZONA GRAND LODGE http://www.azmasons.org/ MASONIC LODGE OF EDUCATION http://www.azmasoniccollege.org/ TUCSON SCOTTISH RITE http://www.tucsonscottishrite.org/ YORK RITE http://www.yorkrite.org/ GRAND CHAPTER ROYAL ARCH MASONS ARIZONA http://www.yorkrite.com/az/gcram/officers.html GRAND COUNSIL CRYPTIC MASONS ARIZONA http://www.yorkrite.com/az/gccm/ HIGH TWELVE INTERNATIONAL http://high12.org/ SHRINERS INTERNATIONAL http://www.shrinershq.org/ FREEMASON NETWORK http://www.freemasonnetwork.org/ Ask a Freemason http://www.askafreemason.org Page11
FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER by: Joseph Fort Newton (The substance of an address by Bro. Newton, Educational Director; at the Annual Meeting of The Masonic Service association, Washington, D.C. Oct. 29th, 1923; following the report of the Executive Commission.) After listening so intently to this remarkable Report, no one wishes to hear a long speech from anybody. But, in as much as the Report referred so kindly to me, perhaps I may be allowed a personal word, if only to tell in what mood I take up the work, and the spirit in which I hope to do it. First, let me tell a story. During the American Civil War a young Captain in the army of the South was taken prisoner and brought up the Mississippi to Rock Island. The northern climate was severe on the southern men, proof of which can be found in the files of the War Department. The young Captain fell ill, desperately ill. He made himself known as a Mason to an officer of the prison. The officer took him out of the prison to his home, and nursed him back to life. When the War ended he put money in his pocket and gave him a little pistol to protect himself on his way back to his southern home. That young Captain was my father! So, as far back as I can remember, I have had a great admiration for a Fraternity whose spirit could soften the horrors of battle and mitigate the lot of a prisoner of war. By the same token, I hope I have done a little for Freemasonry in return, trying feebly to repay a measureless obligation. For the same reason I should like to do more in its behalf before the day ends. Since those far off years all of us have lived through a Great War, and no man can pass through such an ordeal and be the same man he was before. Something died in me and was buried with the boys I buried in Flanders - five hundred and twenty-seven of them in one day. All bitterness, bigotry and all ill-will if I ever had any toward any race or creed, lie dead and buried with the War. Never have I had a deeper pity for my race, a greater love for my country, or a firmer faith that Freemasonry can do something for the rebuilding of the broken brotherhood of the world that nothing else can do. It was in the old gray city of London, at that time an arsenal and a hospital, that I first heard of the organization of the Masonic Service Association of the United States. It was one of the best bits of news that came in the days when good news was rare. When I learned of the basis on which the Association was organized, and the program it meant to carry through, it was like a dream come true. Now, at last, I felt that American Masonry had begin to realize both its opportunity and its obligations; and I had a great longing to have a part, however small, in such a work. The purpose of the association. as I understood it, sought to fulfill three basic principles of Freemasonry. Brotherly Love, Relief and truth - the doing of good and the spreading of light in the spirit of good will. Living under the shadow of a vast tragedy - trying to think and pray in the rhythm of its guns - it seemed to me that what the world needed was more Light, more Love, More Understanding; and that is what it needs today. Our program is two-fold, first to bring American Freemasonry together in cooperative fellowship and service in a time of need and calamity; and second, to educate Masons in Masonry that the gentle, kindly Page12
light which shines on our Altar may find its way through our lives and through our lodges into the world of partisan strife and sectarian feud where it is needed. What we want is a service that educates and an education that serves. The whole principle of Freemasonry is that "Brotherhood of Man begins with the Manhood of the Brother." It seeks to build men, and then to make them Brothers and Builders. Any other kind of brotherhood is weak, if not futile, either a flabby sentimentalism or a calculating selfishness. Masonry is made up of strong men, picked men - they cannot be picked too carefully - sworn and trained to make righteousness and good will prevail. By that very fact a great responsibility rests upon us, which we cannot escape even if we desired to do so. Whatever needs to be done in any community the Masons ought to be the leaders in doing it, because they are Builders. Every Masonic lodge ought to be a social and civic center, where designs are drawn upon the Trestleboard for the common good, regardless of sect or party. At first glance, our program may seem to be rather academic and high-brow, but it can be modified and adapted to our real needs and problems. No man, no set of men, can make such a program outright; it is by doing things that we learn what needs to be done and how best to do it. If we work together wisely, keeping the human touch and the spiritual vision, our experiments will ripen into a fruitful experience of how the spirit and principles of freemasonry can be practically applied to the life and service of our generation; as Washington and Franklin wrought its genius into the organic law of our new Republic. Frankly, my first thought is not of the men who are already Masonic students. We need them, of course, and I believe they will rally to out help, as they did when we founded the Research Society. No, we are thinking of the throngs of young men - shock-headed boys, God Bless them! - who are crowding into our Temples all over the land. We welcome their youth, their energy, their enthusiasm; but we want them to be Masons, not merely members. We want them to know something about Masonry, not only its ritual, but what the ritual means, and what Masonry can do and ought to do in the World. Otherwise, as is so often the case, they will drift away and become "Bread and Butter Masons;" attending "The Big Meets and the Big Eats," using the Masonic Apron for a napkin. Such men ought to have a special Apron of their own, adorned with a knife and fork as emblems! Perhaps it is not altogether their fault - the lodge that simply makes Masons, and does not teach Masonry, does only half its work, or does its work only half way. If we do not know Masonry ourselves, if we do not know how to teach it to our young initiates, if our lodges become simply mills grinding out degrees; our freemasonry will sink to the level of a club - useful as such but in no way unique - losing its original purpose and power, and its great opportunity in our own day. Always the first principle of education is to excite curiosity, to awaken interest; hence the plan of this Association, a few items of which I wish to mention without going far into detail. The moving-picture program seeks to make use of one of the greatest arts of our time to enlist interest in Freemasonry, by showing what it means when actually worked out in modern life. In the same way, the M.S.A. National Masonic Library will bring the best thought of the Craft within the reach of lodges and members; and our proposed journal, "The Master Mason," will be a medium for the exchange of ideas, plans, methods and good-fellowship; and a means of learning the present state of Freemasonry in all lands, its aspirations and its difficulties. Besides, we hope to enter the strangely neglected field of fiction, using another great art in the service of the Craft. Hitherto, except for the stories of Brother Kipling, we have had few Masonic stories. The men of the Craft, like all other Americans, read stories, and it will be good news to know that one of the greatest of American novelists has promised to write, as only he can write, the story of Freemasonry in Page13
the American Revolution. When our young men read that story their blood will tingle and their hearts will beat faster as they see and realize what a part Masonry had in the creation of our Republic. Also, there wail be short stories dramatizing the meaning of Masonry and its creative influence in the practical life as we know and live it. Masonic research. as I understand it, means to search again for something we may have forgotten or overlooked. There are treasures of truth in our Freemasonry, and sources of power we have not yet dreamed of much less used. We need to know the past of Masonry in order to keep us true to its spirit, its purpose and its methods; and I think I have shown a not unworthy interest in the history and archaeology of the Craft. But we must also make research into the present meaning, power, and application of Freemasonry, the better to know what our great order of Builders ought to do and can do for the making of a greater and better America. The philanthropies of the Craft are munificent and its opportunities are magnificent! Brethren, I believe in America as I believe in God, and I know that as Freemasonry did a great work in the past of America, so can it do a still greater work in the future of our country. With the utmost respect and regard for other lands and peoples, our care is for America - our America, God's America - to keep it true to its high, heroic tradition. Three Ruffians threaten the safety and sanctity of America- racial rancor, religious bigotry and a disintegrating spirit of lawlessness! Here is our challenge and our opportunity, lest our Temple of Liberty and Fraternity be injured or destroyed before it is completed and dedicated - for it is not yet complete. Racial rancor is a thing slithered with blood and the mother of feuds and wars. Religious bigotry is one of the most horrible things in history. Its story is a tragedy too terrible to tell. As for lawlessness, it strikes at the Altar of liberty, undermines all our institutions, and opens the floodgates of anarchy. These Ruffians, if they have they way, will wreck Freemasonry, as they came near doing long ago, and they will ruin America. Freemasonry, by virtue of its spirit and its teachings, can do for America what no other Fraternity can do. Without entering into political debates or sectarian disputes, as in the past so in the future, let us build upon the foundations laid by our fathers, and make America what its poets and prophets have dreamed it should be; and to have even a little part in such a work is honor enough - IT IS HONOR ENOUGH! Page14
Are We Too Easy? By Brother Eugene M. Guzzi Each petition for membership or affiliation to a Masonic Blue Lodge must be seriously taken into consideration before allowing a candidate into our Fraternity or affiliated with our Lodge. This is not an open club, it is not a right and not a place to peddle a business. This is a Fraternity where a candidate is elected to the privilege of our Fraternity and to affiliate within our Masonic World. It is where those petitioning want to join, but we may not necessarily want them. Therefore, we must be more selective that this candidate or Brother will have something to offer the Fraternity and Lodge. Let s start with Brothers who sign a petition. The candidate applying for membership or Brother affiliating whether he knows the Brothers should still be present at a couple of the refreshment hours to talk with the Brothers of that Lodge and the Brothers should make it a point to learn as much as they can about that man. When we say we know that man, how well do we really know him? After all we need to satisfy ourselves that we will preserve the harmony within the Lodge if the person is elected. It should not be about building numbers for membership, but about trusted moral men who we will call our Brother and who one day may be Master, Treasurer or Secretary and that will require integrity, honesty, loyalty and a strong devotion to the Craft and Brothers of the Lodge. Do we accept too many petitions? Do Brothers know these candidates we bring in? Do we elect too many into the Fraternity? Are candidates prepared for what is expected of them? Are we ready to educate, mentor and coach these future Brothers? Well, to preserve the Fraternity for future generations then we must look at ourselves now and ask ourselves are we doing this right, because if we are not then we better teach ourselves first before we prepare someone on their journey. There are no shortcuts and that is no secret! Masonic words this month: MERIDIAN: The position of the sun at noon. BLUE LODGE. A term which has grown into use over the years meaning the three degrees of the lodge, or Symbolic Masonry. In the early years, Master Masons wore blue lined aprons. Blue is symbolic of perfection, benevolence, truth, universal friendship, fidelity. TRAVELING FROM WEST TO EAST: In Operative Masonry workmen traveled from one job to another and the word "traveling" came to signify a form of work. Hence, a Mason works his way toward the East (place of light) by improving himself as he progresses through life. Page15