Arizona Masonry Contents Most Worshipful Grand Master ............................. 3 Masonic Basics .............................................................. 3
Deputy Grand Master Right Worshipful ................. 5 Be A Brother .................................................................. 5
Senior Grand Warden Right Worshipful ................. 6 Greetings from the Grand West.................................... 6
Junior Grand Warden Right Worshipful ................. 7 Time, Patience, Perseverance ....................................... 7
Senior Grand Deacon Worshipful Brother .............. 8 Get to Work .................................................................. 8
Junior Grand Deacon Worshipful Brother .............. 9
Editor in Chief Gregory A. Vasquez, Most Worshipful Grand Master
Managing Editor Bryon P. Howe, Grand Editor Arizona Masonry is an official publication of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons or Arizona. Unless otherwise noted, articles in this publication express only the private opinion or assertions of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Grand Lodge. The jurisdiction speaks only through the Grand Master and the Grand Lodge Trustees when attested to as official in writing by the Grand Secretary.
What Are The Duties of a Mason .................................. 9
Senior Grand Steward Worshipful Brother ........... 11 The Pleyel Hymn ......................................................... 11
Junior Grand Steward Worshipful Brother ........... 13 Mentors of Man .......................................................... 13
Acting Grand Secretary Very Worshipful .............. 14 From the Office of the Grand Secretary ...................... 14
Front Cover Image By: WB Bo Buchanan Williams Lodge #38 sign
The Editorial staff invites the contributions in the form of informative articles, reports, news and other timely information (Of about 350 to 800 words in length) that is broadly related to general Masonry. When possible, photographs or graphics that support the submission are appreciated. Pieces submitted become the property of the Grand Lodge, F. & A.M. of Arizona. No compensation is permitted for any article, photograph, or other submitted for publication. Permission to reprint articles is automatically granted to recognized Masonic publication with proper credit given. Please direct all articles and correspondence to: Bryon P. Howe 14247 North 25th Avenue Phoenix Arizona 85023 bryon.howe@gmail.com For submissions for the next issue of Arizona Masonry or The Copper Post please contact bryon.howe@gmail.com
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Arizona Masonry Most Worshipful Grand Master Gregory A. Vasquez Masonic Basics I recently heard a poem that reminded me of the basics of Freemasonry. The poem is entitled The Dash, poet unknown. The Dash speaks of a life lived, how our time is spent, and how we would like to be remembered by our friends, our brothers, and our family. The poem speaks of things accomplished and things acquired, but how those things do not matter if we never bother to live a good life and love our family, our brothers, and our friends. However, the poet does give us hope. He suggests we reflect upon our lives and look for things to change and actions to improve. He encourages us to be timely for we do not know the length of our Dash. We are admonished to be less quick to anger, to show appreciation of others and for what they do for us. We are further admonished to treat others with respect and to smile, enjoying the moment because our Dash may only last a little while. As I reflected on the words of The Dash I thought of the Masonic Degrees and how we are admonished to circumscribe our passions and keep them within due bounds, of how by the exercise of brotherly love we are to regard all who have been created by one Almighty Parent and how we are expected to aid, support and protect one another. I thought about how our apron, pure and spotless, should be and ever-present reminder of an unblemished life and how we should strive for nobler deeds, higher thoughts and greater accomplishments. I thought that although The Dash is concerned with how we are remembered by those we leave behind, we as Masons should be equally concerned about the time when we stand before the Great White Throne, looking forward to hearing those welcome words, “Well done, good, and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Finally, I would like to remind us all to look at our lives, to reflect on our obligations and ritual and to do everything possible to adhere to and live by our Masonic Basics. Greg Vasquez Grand Master 2019-2020 The DASH I read of a man who stood to speak At the funeral of a friend He referred to the dates on his tombstone From the Beginning – To the End He noted that first, came the date of his birth And he spoke of the following date with tears But he said, what matters most of all Was the DASH between those years 3 Arizona Masonry—A Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of Arizona Publication www.AzMasons.org
Arizona Masonry For that DASH represents all the time That he spent alive on earth And now only those who loved him Know what that little line was worth For it matters not, how much we own The cars – the house – the cash What matters is how we Live and Love And how we spend our DASH So, think about this, long and hard Are there things you’d like to change? For you never know, how much time is left That can still be rearranged If we could just slow down enough To consider what’s true and real And always try to understand The way other people feel And be less quick to anger And show appreciation more And love the people in our lives Like we’ve never loved before If we treat each other with respect And more often wear a smile Remembering that, this special DASH may only last a little while So, when your eulogy is being read And your life’s actions to rehash Would you be proud of the things they say? About how you spent your DASH. -UnknownI would like to express a special thanks to Worshipful Brother Hank Vlcek, a 27-year Master Mason from California for reading The Dash at Brother Jim Watson’s funeral and for providing me with a copy.
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Arizona Masonry Deputy Grand Master Right Worshipful Boyd Robertson Be A Brother Brothers What does this word really mean to you? Do you immediately think of your blood relations? Or do you think of Masonic Brothers? Or do you first think of some other group of men that you call brothers? How are they a part of your day to day life? How have they formed the man that you are today and how are they involved in your everyday life? My thoughts generally turn to the guys that I grew up with. General friendship and sports were the way that we all met over the years of grade school, middle school and high school. We are extremely fortunate in the fact that we have always been close, and we still are to this day. There are fewer than a hand full of people that I have met in my life that have this strong connection with the people that they grew up with that are not family. This is a group that I still communicate with at the very least once a month. It’s pretty amazing that with some of them it has been almost 50 years! And if any one of us starts to stray there is a very large group that is not afraid to straighten each other out. These are absolutely my brothers and helped to shape me into the man that I am today! As for blood relations I had one brother that I lost about 18 years ago. I think of him with fondness, but as time goes by it is not as often. As for any other groups I did not ever join any other fraternity and did not serve in the military, so I do not have brothers in those regards. Those of you that do should think of how they helped to make you the man that you currently are. Are there some of them that you need to take the time to call and catch up with? And now on to our Masonic Brothers. Do you still communicate with your mentors or coaches if they are still with us? What about the brothers that you have mentored? Any of you that were officers how about your brother officers? Do you check in and see how they are doing or if they need any help? At times I am very lacking in keeping up with by brothers in this regard. Work, family and just life in general sometimes gets in the way of this communication. But we must always strive to keep ourselves active with our brother Masons. Meet with them on a social level. Don’t just show up for a stated meeting or a degree. Generally speaking, we cannot really catch up or talk at these events in any type of a deep or meaningful level. Go to lunch or dinner with them. Visit them at their home. Do some other type of activity with them. These are the things that will make you actual Brothers, not just brothers in the Lodge. Call a brother that you haven’t seen in a while. Find out what is going on with them and see if there is anything that you can help them with. All of this takes time and effort, but it is absolutely worth it to spend time with your Brothers and hopefully improve ourselves at the same time. Share ideas with your Lodge Brothers or around the State that you think can help improve our Fraternity and make us all better men. In closing all that I am going to say is we can probably all do better and be better so: Be a Brother! 5 Arizona Masonry—A Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of Arizona Publication www.AzMasons.org
Arizona Masonry Senior Grand Warden Right Worshipful Randy Jager Greetings from the Grand West Brethren, A standard dictionary only offers one or two definitions of the word inspiration but ask a few people what inspires them, and a very different result occurs. I asked many folks this question, and after the inevitable pause and look into the distance from them, I compiled an even longer list. Some are inspired by the beautiful works of nature that only the Great Architect of the Universe can create…sunrises, sunsets, and breath-taking scenes. Others are inspired by works of music…classical, rock, heart-thumping pop, loud and soft. Even others find inspiration in the different works of humankind…technology, art, and literature. And some are inspired by the actions of Humankind …perseverance in the face of adversity, courage, kindness, charity, and mercy. The list went on and on. The only common theme seemed to be that everyone had sources of inspiration in their lives. Then I posed the question of whether there was any one source of constant inspiration in their lives that they did not need to refresh occasionally. For example, if reading the Holy Bible is a source of inspiration for them, could they read it once and be inspired for life? Or if quietly watching the sunset is a source of inspiration for them, could they watch one and be done? Of course, the over-whelming answer was no…they had to continue to read the Holy Bible or watch the sunset as often as possible in order to maintain the inspiration they obtained from it. Additionally, most agreed that their source of inspiration has changed over the course of their lives All of us need to rekindle the flames of our inspiration from time-to-time. Considering that we are all part of the same great Fraternity, why wouldn’t we do this together? This is the reason for the approach to the 2020 Lodge Leadership Conference (LLC). The Grand Lodge recognizes that the LLC is the second largest gathering of Arizona Masons annually and has decided to make this year’s event a source of renewed inspiration and motivation for the attendees. Hopefully, by now you have all seen the flyers for the 2020 LLC and read about the exciting workshops to be presented by the Very Reverend, Dr. John M. Hinck. If you have not, go to the Grand Lodge of Arizona website www.azmasons.org and read about this inspirational Brother and the workshops that he will be offering to us. Then register for the event and join your Brethren in Casa Grande on March 27-29, 2020 for this opportunity to rekindle your flame of inspiration! Brother Theodore Roosevelt once said: “It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and come up short again and again; who knows great enthusiasm, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails Daring Greatly so that his place shall never be with those timid souls who know neither victory or default.” Act now! Register and join us for this event! I look forward to seeing you all in Casa Grande very soon! 6 Arizona Masonry—A Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of Arizona Publication www.AzMasons.org
Arizona Masonry Junior Grand Warden Right Worshipful Jim H. Baker Time, Patience, Perseverance Those three words resonate with me more than any other when it comes to accomplishing what I seek. For me Truth is at the forefront of that search. At the conclusion of the 3 degree the most important presentation is the Bible or Holy Writing’s presentation. Within that Book is where we learn the use of time, patience and perseverance to accomplish that of which we seek. rd
In that search for Truth, one of the most vital for our fraternity is to find the common ground that unites us across this earth. For the Freemason it begins with the Ballot Box. In the Ballot Box lecture, you are told that you and you alone are to be the judge of the qualifications of the petitioner. Your judgement along with that of your brothers determines who is accepted into Freemasonry, a Fraternity of Like-Minded Men. We obligate ourselves in each degree to aid and assist each other and our families. We are charged to be loyal and law-abiding citizens and practice the four Cardinal Virtues. We are also tasked with making ourselves better men and the world we live in a better place. Now that we understand these Obligations and Charges, the question is how do we come together as LikeMinded Men in a time when there is much turmoil and divisiveness in our communities, country and the world we all live in? We all have our own opinions, convictions, moral and ethical standards and we should stay true to them. We have entered a new decade and many challenges remain to deal with in the coming years such as the instability and violence in our world, attacks against the teachings and ideals of Freemasonry, the political arena, the changing demographic of our society and the advancement of technology. Most of these issues have been dealt with by our predecessors in one form or another since the transition from Operative to Speculative masonry. Our forefathers prevailed and Freemasonry survived and continues to be the strongest and oldest fraternity in the world. By making the time to sit at the table with our Brethren, having the patience to listen to our Brethren and the fortitude to persevere will accomplish that which we seek, making ourselves better men and the world a better place. Although we do not discuss politics and religion in our lodge meetings, these issues confront us on a daily basis. How we handle these challenges and the actions we take may well determine our future. May our vision for the future be as clear as the year we have begun (2020).
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Arizona Masonry Senior Grand Deacon Worshipful Brother George R Rusk Get to Work Part Three of a four-part series designed to help individuals and lodges manage themselves to be prosperous and healthy. In the past two articles of this series we talked about seeking balance with all our worldly activities so we can devote time to Masonry and then finding a job at the lodge to help keep it active and functioning. Next, we will discuss those things that may help ensure the success of your lodge. A simple answer to the question “how can we become a successful lodge” might be to increase your membership. Traditionally Freemasonry does not recruit members. Our membership is based on those who seek knowledge and want to better themselves. This has become a challenge for Freemasonry because of the many other social activities that attract men. Combine a slowdown in new membership, the members leaving because Freemasonry was not attractive to them and an attrition rate that is attributed to deaths, we find we have a slow decline over the years in total membership (Read Masonic Membership Myths Debunked by John L. Belton). As we learn to adjust to this slow decline we must continue to stay at the wheel, steady the course and focus on what works. We may not recruit and we cannot avoid death but we can find a way to keep members from leaving. A paper from Richardson Masonic Lodge #1214, Richardson, Texas, identifies and explores the 5 major models lodges use to attract and keep members: 1. Facilities and accommodations 2. Events 3. Ritual 4. Charity and 5. Knowledge and education. You can easily identify with each model and the activities associated with it. Your lodge may be practicing one or more of these models and may find some success. There is not a silver bullet solution for all lodges, but these models may provide some interest. The conclusion of the author though was surprising yet logical. After researching each model, he found that the success a lodge experiences was directly proportional to the masonic knowledge of its members! While the mechanics of maintaining a lodge are complicated (ask any secretary) and should be addressed (finances and ritual proficiency for example) the model a lodge should try to focus on is Knowledge Oriented. “Making good men better men”. “This model claims that the instruction, study, education and research into the symbolic meanings of Masonry is what stirs the soul of men to commit themselves to active participation, that Masonry is a way of life and that the effect that it can have on a man’s life is so profound that he is forevermore bound to the Craft.” The initial reason I entered a Masonic lodge was seeking knowledge and learn more about the philosophy of Freemasonry. Although that innocent young man was quickly disillusioned, he stuck with it. He sought harder to find knowledge and with the help of others he found it. My hope is that we make it easier for new members who are seeking knowledge to find it.
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Arizona Masonry Junior Grand Deacon Worshipful Brother Michael A Dale What Are The Duties of a Mason President Andrew Jackson said, "Freemasonry is an institution calculated to benefit mankind." These benefits are achieved through the diligent fulfillment of the duties of its members – faithful Masons who strive to live by a moral code exemplified allegorically through the degrees of Freemasonry and explained in its three Charges. By their conduct, they serve as an example to all humanity, and by their courtesy, kindness, and benevolence, they provide assistance that is more tangible. In general terms, a Mason is obliged to abide by the constitution, laws, and edicts of the Grand Lodge of his jurisdiction or where he is present, and the by-laws of his particular Lodge. He is to maintain and support the Landmarks and ancient usages and customs of the Fraternity. He is to be loyal to his Lodge and to the Fraternity, to pay his dues promptly; and to keep the obligations that he undertook during the degrees. More specifically, the duties that are incumbent upon all Masons, from the newest Entered Apprentice to the oldest Master Mason are as follows: 1. To God: Although Freemasonry is not a religion, no atheist can be a Mason, and the Fraternity seeks to strengthen each Brother’s reverence for God, the Creator and Architect of the Universe. In its rituals and symbols, Freemasonry encourages us to seek greater understanding of the Creator and seek to improve our character to be more worthy of our Great Creator. 2. To Your Neighbor: The three main tenets of Freemasonry are Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. Brotherly Love teaches the Mason to regard the whole of humanity as one great family, and to approach all men with an open heart, judging each man as an individual, and without prejudice or for the honors that he may bestow. Relief is an application of Brotherly Love. By contributing to the relief of a person in distress, the Mason demonstrates Brotherly Love in a very concrete – and often a very private way. For when contributing to someone's relief, the Mason does not seek attention or plaudits, but simply acts out of a true love for humanity. Key to the first two tenets is the third: Truth. The Mason avoids deceit and hypocrisy. It would be expected that one would treat his friends and family fairly and honestly, but the Mason goes beyond this. He adopts this same standard in his dealings with everyone. He gives everyone a fair treatment and is always on the level. Indeed, these Masonic ideas have come into popular usage as an expression of plain dealing and fairness. 3. To Yourself: A Mason is taught that he has a duty to himself. He is to be industrious, to pursue a vocation, to increase in knowledge and understanding, and to provide for his family. Since God gave men the capability of rational thought, Freemasonry encourages its members to increase their education, particularly in the seven liberal arts and sciences. By pursuing these fields, the Freemason enriches his mind and gains a greater understanding of God's creation. Freemasonry teaches us to temper our zeal when pursuing these first three goals. It is important to find a balance or equilibrium. This sense of balance brings us to the fourth duty: 9 Arizona Masonry—A Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of Arizona Publication www.AzMasons.org
Arizona Masonry 4. To Keep your Passions within Due Bounds: The most recognized symbols of a Freemason are the Square and Compasses. The Square teaches the Mason always to act towards others as he wishes they would act toward him. The Compasses teach the Mason to temper his actions, to avoid excess, and not overstep his bounds in any of his endeavors. By keeping the lessons of these symbols in mind as we live our lives, we ensure our good reputation and uphold the honor of our Fraternity. 5. As a Citizen: Just as the Mason is to follow Masonic law, so too he is to be a loyal and law abiding citizen. Freemasonry has always been found on the side of democracy and individual rights and against tyranny and wrong; on the side of merit rather than privilege; and on the side of the rule of law and not anarchy. Being a good citizen is a Masonic value, and this means being an active participant in our democratic institutions and following its laws. Just as it is said that Freemasonry is an institution calculated to benefit humanity, so too, it can be said that adherence to these duties is what makes a man a Mason. If we deviate from them, we debase ourselves – and our Fraternity. If we live these values and “forget the duties,” we enrich our communities, the world, and ourselves. The most valuable contribution of Freemasonry is the lives of its individual members. If Masonic ideals are eventually to prevail in the legislative halls of our country, the houses of commerce and trade, and the places of industry, these ideals must be carried there by individual Masons, for whatever good Masonry may accomplish in the world will be the sum of the worth of its individual members.
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Arizona Masonry Senior Grand Steward Worshipful Brother Leigh Creighton The Pleyel Hymn The Pleyel hymn is sung in Arizona lodges as part of the Master Mason degree and I have always wanted to know more about its origin and meaning. I found a Short Talk Bulletin from August 2010 written by Reverend and Brother Joseph Fort Newton, who was the author of many Masonic writings, most significantly “The Builders”. His short talk is poetic and touched by the solemnity of our Masonic use of the hymn and its symbolic meaning. Let’s note the origins of the music and the lyrics we use. The music was written by Brother Joseph Ignaz Pleyel, a member of Lodge "zum goldenen Rad" in Eberau, Hungary. This lodge worked under the Provincial Grand Lodge of Hungary, Grand Lodge of Austria, till the suppression of Freemasonry by Emperor Joseph II. There are many lyrics associated with the Pleyel hymn, not just the Masonic lyrics. Those we sing were written by Brother David Vinton in the early 1800s. Originally of eight stanzas we in Arizona use only five, and often only four depending on the speed of the perambulation. Solemn strikes the funeral chime, Notes of our departing time, As we journey here below, Through a pilgrimage of woe. The first stanza sets the tone for what the brotherhood is doing. I am not sure that we are journeying through a pilgrimage of woe however unless the lyricist is referring to a funeral procession only. Our pilgrimage through life is certainly, hopefully, one of joy. Mortals, now indulge a tear, For MORTALITY is here, See how wide her trophies wave, Over the slumbers of the grave. Again, we are reminded of our transient existence here on earth, but mortality, while inducing tears, is also a trophy, a reward for a good life. God of life’s ETERNAL DAY, Guide us – lest from thee we stray, By a false delusive light, To the shades of endless night. A prayer to God for guidance, recognizing that He is eternal, to keep us from drifting away from Him by false impressions. Calm, the GOOD MAN, meets his fate, Guards celestial round him wait, 11 Arizona Masonry—A Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of Arizona Publication www.AzMasons.org
Arizona Masonry See! He bursts the mortal chains, And o’er DEATH the Vict’ry gains. We consider ourselves as good men, seeking to become better men through Masonry, so we should be calm, quiet, accepting as angels wait for us. We will be victorious by achieving eternal life. We will join our brethren in that spiritual building, that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Lord of all below, above, Fill our souls with TRUTH and LOVE: As dissolve our EARTHLY TIE, Take us to Thy Lodge on High. Once again, we pray to God for his providence as we pass from this imperfect to that all perfect, glorious, and celestial lodge above.
12 Arizona Masonry—A Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of Arizona Publication www.AzMasons.org
Arizona Masonry Junior Grand Steward Worshipful Brother Roger Biede Mentors of Man Brethren, This month I had the pleasure of speaking at an event designed to give high school students the opportunity to interact with the professional world and encouraging them to think about their long-term goals. Students were then given the option to attend a 20-minute information session for the career area they preferred the most. The options were medical, public safety, trades, agriculture, automated industrial technology, veterinary medicine, engineering and hospitality. After that session, they could then move on to their second preference. The professionals from each field gave the students a taste of what to expect should they choose to pursue a career, including necessary education and training. They also took questions so students could get a better sense of whether that career field would actually be best for them. This led to some great discussion and some interesting insight from both sides. Follow up discussion with the speakers showed that they received just as much out of the exercise as the students. Both students and the professionals were better for taking part in the event. A subsequent discussion with a newly raised Mason regarding mentorship got me to wondering how many of us, as Masons, take advantage of the similar opportunity we have afforded by our great Fraternity. This man, as most who enter our Fraternity, joined the Lodge to grow as a person by interacting with like-minded men. The ever-correct Wikipedia defines Mentorship as “a relationship in which a more experienced or more knowledgeable person helps to guide a less experienced or less knowledgeable person. The mentor may be older or younger than the person being mentored, but he or she must have a certain area of expertise. It is a learning and development partnership between someone with vast experience and someone who wants to learn. Interaction with an expert may also be necessary to gain proficiency with/in cultural tools. Mentorship experience and relationship structure affect the "amount of psychosocial support, career guidance, role modeling, and communication that occurs in the mentoring relationships in which the protégés and mentors engage”. Within our 6,000 members we have men in most every vocation, men with most every hobby, and hopefully men volunteering in most every way. Are you getting everything out of Masonry that you should be? There is an old African saying, “When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground” and with all respect to the senior men in our Fraternity, we have a ton of stocked libraries in our midst. Take the time to get to know your Brothers young and old, ask questions, read the volumes of knowledge they have accumulated. Both of you, and the Fraternity will benefit.
13 Arizona Masonry—A Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of Arizona Publication www.AzMasons.org
Arizona Masonry Acting Grand Secretary Very Worshipful George Mather From the Office of the Grand Secretary Welcome to your Grand Lodge Service Center. We are here to support you, your officers and your membership. If you have a financial inquire please contact VW Mike McGee, Grand Treasurer: azgnd_trea@azmasons.org If you have petition inquiries or longevity inquiries please contact Brother Jim Leppert, Deputy Grand Secretary: azgnd_ldg@azmasons.org If you have Form 14 inquires please contact MWB Jim Rowan, Assistant to the Grand Secretary: azgnd_dep@azmasons.org If you have any inquires pertaining the Constitution, Statutes or anything not listed above please contact VW George Mather, Acting Grand Secretary: azgnd_sec@azmasons.org Any one of us will make every effort to see that your call or inquiry is handled in the appropriate manner and responded to as quickly as possible. Our office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 4:00PM. Lunch is from Noon to 1:00PM. The Grand Lodge Office telephone number is 602-252-1924. If your call is not answered please leave a detailed message and will return your call as soon as possible. We are all here to serve you and we will return your calls. Visitors are most welcome, and we encourage you to stop by and visit with us at the Grand Lodge Offices.
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