P H O E N I X D I S T R I C T G R A N D L O D G E O F A L B E R T A The Phoenix Chronicles G R A N D L O D G E O F F I C E R S M.W. Bro. James Ratchford, Grand Master Rt. Wor. Bro. Gordon Berard, Deputy Grand Master Rt. Wor. Bro. Kenn Culbertson, Senior Grand Warden Rt. Wor. Bro. Ken Cheel Junior Grand Warden I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E : Lodge 2 Education Visiting 2 District 3 Lodges About this 3 Newsletter MHEBF 5 V O L U M E 1, I S S U E 1 Your District Deputy Grand Master Right Worshipful Brother Roger Matas was installed as Phoenix DDGM in June 2016. He is a Past Master of King George Lodge in Calgary and of Mt. Sinai Lodge in Winnipeg. He is Grand Secretary of Scottish Rite in Calgary and a Past Most Wise Sovereign. He previously served as Junior Grand Deacon in Alberta and aspires to be a member of the Widow s Sons. Roger spent many years as a broadcast journalist in Winnipeg. He served as Press Secretary in the Gary Filmon provincial government before starting his own public relations business working with clients in western Canada and the U.S. Roger and Irene moved to Calgary in 2006 and he accepted a Your new DDGM with the Grand Master of Alberta position as a communications manager at The City of Calgary. Phoenix Bursaries Awarded J U N E 2 0 1 6 Roger and Irene are the founders of the Alberta Wish Ride (albertawishride.ca) which, in its 7 years, has donated close to $300,000 to the Children s Wish Foundation of Canada. They were nominated this year as Volunteer of the Year by the foundation. Roger also volunteers with the Calgary Stampede promotions committee stage crew, is transportation committee chair for the ATB Classic golf tournament and a transportation volunteer for the Shaw Charity Classic. He also volunteers at D Arcy Ranch Golf Course and at Ronald McDonald House in Calgary. Roger and Irene enjoy spending time in Arizona where Roger regularly visits several lodges in the east valley. District Meeting Your District Team 6 6 There were 13 applications for bursaries in Phoenix District under the Masonic Higher Education Bursary Fund this year. The incoming DDGM interviewed all the applicants in March assisted by brothers Sean Yost, Max Humayan, Luis Mora- Castillon and Mark Middleton of King George Lodge. All of the applicants presented a compelling case for needing the bursary to continue their post secondary education. It was an eye opening experience for all the interviewers to see how some people are overcoming challenges to seek a better life through education. It was also humbling to be a part of hopefully making their lives a little better. (continued page 5)
P A G E 2 Lodge Education Brother Dave Murray, District Education Officer I have the honour of supporting W. Bro. Roger Matas during his upcoming year as DDGM for Phoenix District, as District Education Officer. What does that mean? I guess I get to talk about a subject that has been important to me ever since I began my own Masonic journey five years ago. When I consider my short tenure as a Freemason, the question that comes up frequently is, How do we address the issue of Masons being initiated, passed and/or raised, never to be seen or heard from again? In trying to answer that question, I usually have to ask myself, What is it about Freemasonry that makes it so compelling for me to attend lodge, and Lodge events? I believe the answer comes from looking at two perspectives. First, we can address some of the challenge by arming potential candidates, to the degree that we can, so that they may make an informed decision about whether Freemasonry is for them or not. The second approach is to enlighten newly initiated brethren immediately in order to maintain the enthusiasm with which they entered the Lodge. Many brethren, indeed Lodges, feel that they are providing their members with Masonic educations ; an everemerging catch-phrase that now seems to include the most rudimentary task of mentoring a candidate through his degree-work. While important, true education goes much beyond this fundamental task that is owed to a candidate the day he enters the Lodge. We must not kid ourselves into thinking that Masonic education is playing the prominent part in Freemasonry that by right it should. Conrad Hahn, a most distinguished Mason, once observed, "The lack of educational work in the average lodge is the principal reason for the lack of interest and the consequent poor attendance in Masonry over which spokesman have been wringing their hands for at least a century". Over the ensuing months, this newsletter space will contain short educational pieces designed to stimulate curiosity. Should this curiosity cause a brother to take an active part in learning for himself, and ultimately sharing the knowledge gained with his brethren in lodge, my goal will have been met. Here s to an exciting year for Phoenix District. I look forward to meeting many new friends in our travels. Roger with Grand Master of Arizona Masonic Visiting Visiting is undoubtedly a central pillar of Freemasonry. At the simplest level, it is the opportunity to share comradeship, to enjoy each other's company, and as we move from "labour to refreshment" to enjoy the society of the Festive Board. But DDGM Visits of course, visiting another Lodge offers much more than this, it provides opportunities to exchange ideas, to achieve a better understanding of the ceremony, and to make a fuller, more complete sense of the ritual. Visiting reinforces those shared experiences that transcend the individual and his lodge. Visiting helps serve as a guide, in our search for meaning and understanding within our Masonic journey. We are often led by a sense of aesthetics, to explore the linguistic and visual beauty of the ritual, (continued page 4) Roger and Irene on their 2005 Honda Goldwing The Phoenix District DDGM visits for 2016-17 have been penciled in to the calendar. As well, a web site calendar has been developed to make it convenient for all members of Phoenix District to know where the DDGM plans to be. All Masons are encouraged to join the DDGM on his travels. The DDGM makes both official and fraternal visits. Official visits are when he and his team work with the lodge officers to ascertain the status of the lodge. This then forms the basis of his annual report to the Grand Master. Fraternal visits are to enjoy the fraternity of the lodge. DDGM Roger Matas visiting Oriental Lodge in Mesa AZ The DDGM will also make visits in other districts, to support the Grand Master and other Grand Lodge officers, but the priority is his own district. T H E P H O E N I X C H R O N I C L ES
Phoenix Chronicles P A G E 3 Why are you getting this newsletter? First of all, if you re getting this newsletter, you re likely in Phoenix District of the Grand Lodge of Alberta. There are several districts throughout the province, comprising about 10 lodges each. A District Deputy Grand Master is assigned to each district to be the Grand Master s representative in the district. The Phoenix district team is producing this newsletter, and subsequent editions through the year, to let you know what s going on in your district. We will provide information on district events, lodge events, DDGM visits and other items we feel will benefit the members of our district. Thanks to Rt. Wor. Bro. Lorne Weaver for inspiring the creation of this newsletter. Many thanks to Grand Historian V. Wor Bro. Scott Blasken for the photos from Grand Lodge and Bro. Sean Yost for some of the others. Upcoming events: June 14th: Crescent Lodge awards night Grand Master and DDGM visit June 18th: Ride for Dad prostate fundraiser. DDGM riding June 25th: Mosaic Lodge Installation DDGM fraternal visit July 14th: Carstairs Lodge western night DDGM fraternal visit July 21st: King George Lodge Stampede meeting initiation DDGM fraternal visit August 6th: Alberta Wish Ride in Taber. DDGM attending August 11th: Carstairs Lodge Hawaiian shirt night DDGM fraternal visit August 20 & 21 King George Hall casino Elbow River Casino From the Grand Lodge Constitution: DDGM Duties...Should he discover any Masonic error or evil in his District, he shall endeavour to immediately arrest the same by Masonic means and should he judge it expedient, he shall immediately report the same to the Grand Phoenix District Lodges Master CROSSFIELD MASONIC HALL AIRDRIE WILD ROSE LODGE #2001 1st Tuesday * CARSTAIRS LODGE #20 2nd Thursday CROSSFIELD LODGE #48 2nd Tuesday * CALGARY FREEMASON S HALL CONCORD LODGE #124 1st Saturday DIDSBURY MASONIC - STAR HALL KING HIRAM LODGE #21 2nd Tuesday BOWMOUNT HALL MOSAIC LODGE #176 2nd & 4th Wednesday * LOYALTY LODGE #197 3rd Tuesday * KING GEORGE MASONIC HALL KING GEORGE LODGE #59 CANADA LODGE #165 CRESCENT LODGE #87 2nd & 4th Friday 2nd & 4th Wednesday 2nd & 4th Tuesday (* YORK RITE LODGES) T H E P H O E N I X C H R O N I C L ES
P A G E 4 V O L U M E 1, I S S U E 1 Visiting (continued) as we seek out a different perspective to our own Lodge practices. Through our attendance in another brother's lodge we are often able to reinterpret our understanding of Freemasonry, but more than that, visiting helps us see that the most elegant and simple social and physical structures, are probably the ones, which hold the greatest truth. In operative times, well before the emergence of the Speculative Craft as we now know it, Masons were itinerant workers who were forced to travel to renew their employment as each building project was completed. This fluid nature of the Operative Craft led to the formation of trade societies, known as lodges, to protect the professional integrity of their occupation, and to enhance the moral and social practices of their members. It is surmised, not without some evidence, the modes of recognition were originated in the operative period as a means of identifying the genuinely skilled Mason who came to visit a lodge in search of work. A Mason has no absolute, prescriptive right to visit a lodge wherein he is not a member. However, with that fact clearly stated, it must be observed visiting as a privilege is most definitely encouraged and welcomed in every regular jurisdiction. A regular freemason in good standing will always encounter Masonic hospitality and brotherhood in his travels. G R A N D L O D G E O F F I C E R S 2016-17 DDGM presenting bursary certificates to W. Bro. Shawn Levine at Crescent Lodge From the Secretary s Desk Brother Sean Yost, District Secretary What does good ritual work mean? Part 1: Perambulation As a new-ish Mason I was fortunate enough to be among a group of Brethren, in the Canadian Rite, who not only wanted to respect the ritual, but to also pay tribute to the craft and the traditions of our Lodge. So, since then, I have been asking myself a few questions; Why does this matter? How does this make any difference to the words? How does it enhance the journey? For me, the answers have depth, are complex and provide clarity. Adhering to not only the tenets of Freemasonry in words but in action is only a small part of respecting and paying tribute to the craft. Let me start by focusing on perambulation; by respecting the environment, sharply squaring corners, being upright in posture, not cutting the T H E P H O E N I X lodge, giving clear perambulation direction and reasoning to those coming through the degrees. These are the basics of being in lodge. Not unlike understanding a piece that one would deliver. If one pays heed and endeavors to understand the finer points, more light will be found. It is in these details that beauty shines forth. When we all bear witness to a Brother who makes a conscious effort to; stand and walk upright, be crisp in step, and square the lodge, this Brother is showing respect for himself and to the craft. In turn his appearance is of conscientiousness, confidence and of deeper understanding. He is most likely doing all of this to reinforce his own journey. To turn a habit into a part of oneself. The meaning, relevance and importance that is quietly shared with his fellow Brethren? I am striving to be a better man and a better Mason. The work has taught me to be upright, to put forth effort, every day, to advance my Masonic journey. This is a simple way for me to put these tenets into action. To be a Masonic beacon not looking for accolades. I simply, am. In all things there is meaning, relevance and the ability to hold ourselves to a higher standard. What standard do you strive for? Do you simply hold yourself to the status quo or is there sincere effort to advance yourself? Excuses and ready acceptance are easy. Next time you enter a lodge are you; upright? Sharp of step? Squaring the lodge? Did it have an impact on your experience? What was different? What changed? Simply you. You cared enough to find more light. Next newsletter: How does this enhance the work?
V O L U M E 1, I S S U E 1 P A G E 5 Masonic Higher Education Bursary Fund Brother Reid Mercer, District Bursary Officer The Masonic Higher Education Bursary Fund was instituted by the Grand Lodge of Alberta, in June of 1957. The intent was to provide assistance to those students wishing to receive a higher education but lacking the funds to do so. The fund obtains its funding through donations from individual Freemasons, Masonic Clubs and Concordant Bodies, Memorial Donations and Bequests. Receipts for income tax purposes are issued. The day to day operating expenses of the fund are paid by the Grand Lodge of Alberta. Today, the MHEBF Bursaries are awarded to students at the post secondary level of education in Alberta and the Northwest Territories. Bursaries are awarded on a basis of need and proven scholastic ability. The application deadline is February 1st. annually. Bursary application forms and further information are available at www.mhebf.com The fund delivers up to 40 bursaries each year. This is one of the largest privately funded bursary programs in Alberta and the Northwest Territories and should be a source of great pride to all Freemasons within this jurisdiction. It should certainly help to answer the question: What do Freemasons do? Since 1958 the fund has presented 3200 bursaries to Alberta students for a Bursary (continued) total of $4.2 million. Only 40 bursaries are awarded out of about 300 applications and the bursary committee has a tough task each year. In Phoenix District, 5 bursaries were handed out by the DDGM. The bursary recipients were all invited to the annual family BBQ of King George Lodge. Only two were able to attend and they were introduced and officially presented with their letter of acceptance. The 2016 recipients are: Ala Buzreba, Courtney Derksen, Amy Matychuk, Crystal and Roxanne Richards. Courtney, who is just graduating high school, has been accepted into Psychology at Lethbridge University and will be the first member of her extended family to attend postsecondary education. Above, DDGM Roger Matas and Brother Sean Yost with bursary recipients Crystal and Roxanne Richards at King George Lodge family BBQ and below, presenting certificate to WM Tony MacDonald DDGM Roger Matas presenting bursary certificate to Courtney Derksen
Phoenix District Grand Lodge of Alberta Right Worshipful Brother Roger Matas DDGM 2016-17 403.903.5753 ddgmphoenix2016@gmail.com Calendar: kinggeorgelodge.com/phoenix Brother Sean Yost District Secretary 403.470.5858 seanyost@me.com Brother Dave Murray District Education Officer davem825@gmail.com Brother Reid Mercer District Bursary Officer reid.mercer@calgary.ca Phoenix District Meeting Thank you Rt. Wor. Bro. Ross for a great year in Phoenix District Mark your calendar for the annual Phoenix District meeting September 29th 2016 at King George Hall. It seems the meeting gets earlier ever year. With all the busy lodge schedules it s difficult to find a good date which allows everyone to attend, and this seemed to work the best. King George Lodge has been asked to host the meeting and will look after arranging a great meal and maybe even some entertainment. The annual meeting is where the business of the district is discussed and the next District Deputy Grand Master is elected. If you are interested in running for DDGM you should have your nomination paper filed with the district secretary 60 days before the meeting. The form can be downloaded from the Grand Lodge website or contact the secretary. If only one nomination is received 60 days before the meeting date no nominations are accepted from the floor. The meeting will include the presentation of reports from each of our district lodges. A proper summons will be issued before the meeting. DDGM with brothers from King George Lodge T H E P H O E N I X C H R O N I C L ES