Q4 2020
Arizona Masonry Boyd Wayne Robertson Most Worshipful Grand Master
Bryon Patrick Howe Worshipful 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. 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.
MWGM Boyd Robertson
RWDGM Randy Jagar
RWSGW Jim H Baker
RWJGW George Rusk
WSGD Michael Dale
Permission to reprint articles is automatically granted to recognized Masonic publication with proper credit given. WJGD Leigh Creighton
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 Azgl.editor@gmail.com
WSGS Roger Biede III
WJGS Eric DuPree Front and Back Cover Image Courtesy of: J. Paul Gomez WM, Doric Lodge No. 316 AF&AM in Toronto
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Well Brothers to say that this year has been interesting would be a major understatement. I have been thinking about this year as we are coming to the close of 2020. Hopefully all of you either have taken the time to reflect or plan to do so before the end of the year. Have you become a better man this year? How have you helped your Brethren, family or community?
in regards to our education challenges. All of our Lodges should be talking with each other and seeing how they are presenting education during these challenging January started out pretty normal and then we all times. We can learn started hearing about a virus coming out of Chifrom each other and help each other improve ourst na. By the 21 we had our first case in the US and selves and our Fraternity. by the 26th Arizona had its first case. The first two months of the year were pretty much business as How many of us have been studying ritual on our usual and then we had our worlds turned upside own and working towards proficiency down in March. The virus had become a worldcards? Since we basically have not been able to wide pandemic and everything, including Mason- go anywhere we should have lots of Brothers that ry, was shutting down. New York and California are now proficient in some part of the ritual! If had major cases and we were all wondering how you have not worked on this, why not? How long this would last. Surely no more than a couple many Lodges have reinstated their calling trees of months. References to the 1918 Spanish Flu and taken the time to speak with each Brother to epidemic were everywhere. Now ten months lat- make sure they are OK? Being isolated can cause er we are still in the middle of this pandemic. major issues for people since we, as a group, are social beings. Some of us I know are more social So how have we changed and improved ourselves than others, but all of us need to have communiin these last ten months? We have certainly cations. Make some phone calls! Or even do vidadapted and continue to do so as time goes eo chats with your Brothers. Anyone who has on. We learned that we can survive and conduct attended a Zoom or Teams meeting over the last business through digital means. Thankfully we several months now knows how to do this so take have the ability to do this today. Can you even the time as the year winds down to get in touch imagine the struggles in 1918 that our Brothers with someone you have not had the opportunity went through? We have been challenged and I to see or speak with over this 10 month period. It certainly feel that we have stepped up within the is amazing how this pandemic has opened the Fraternity to move forward. But what have we world of technology up to all of us. Take addone for our individual Brothers and Masonic vantage of what you have learned. Family? Just keeping up with the business meetings is nowhere near enough. We have learned that technology may be our greatest asset
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Helping our families and communities has In closing I would like to wish all of you, my Brothbeen a much greater challenge and sometimes it ers, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and I wish feels like there is nothing that we can do. It is for all of you a prosperous 2021. time to think outside of the box and do things Fraternally, differently so that we can help in whatever way we can. But above all Brothers, we need to stay safe and healthy. I know that several of our Brothers have had or currently have this virus and Grand Master 2020-2021 it can be deadly. So thank you all for following the established guidelines for all of our safety and please stay vigilant during this winter season so that we can all hopefully get together in June.
Boyd Robertson
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Freemasonry is an individual journey towards becoming a better father, husband, friend, citizen, and man supported by other men at different points on the same journey. For centuries, the individual Lodge has been the focal point for Masons on that journey. It has been the place for Brethren to identify and learn to live their Masonic values, it has been the launch pad for Masonic Education, it has been the common ground for Brethren of different backgrounds to meet and exchange ideas, provide support, and offer friendship. Freemasonry was always meant to be lived outside of Lodge. Brethren have always been charged with taking the lessons learned in Lodge and practicing them in their daily lives. We now live in a world where Masonic resources are more available than in years past to supplement what Masons get from a strong and vibrant Lodge Experience. We also live in a world where it is much easier for Masons from around the world to connect and socialize. The following suggestions are offered to Masons so that they can live each day, building a temple in their heart that reflects the order and beauty of the Great Architect. Live Your Masonic Principles As the old adage goes, ‘Actions speak louder than words;’ so should we strive to live every day by our Masonic Principles: Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. By Brotherly Love, we regard the human species as one family; and, as a member of that family, we should act with respect and understanding towards others and seek to aid and support those who are in need. As Masons, we understand that everyone has their own path and their own obstacles. We aid and whisper wise counsel where we can, and we offer support and protection when necessary. In other words, Masons take responsibility for their communities and care for the people in them. Communities are not limited by geography, and a Mason is a member of many communities through his career, faith, and interests.
By Relief, we understand our obligation to assist those in true distress, whenever possible, without injury to ourselves and to our families. As Masons, we should help others to negotiate the obstacles in their path, if not remove it altogether. Sometimes, Relief takes the form of a wellneeded kindness at the right time. Most Masonic Relief is of this nature and is rarely, if ever, talked about. A mother who has to transport her child to a hospital three times a week for cancer treatments will find an envelope in her mailbox containing gas cards, a veteran finds that his meal has been paid for, or someone stops to assist the family with a flat tire on the side of the road. As Masons, we do not seek applause for our relief work; because we believe that offering Relief is not a rare circumstance to be celebrated; but the way that we are supposed to behave and conduct ourselves. By Truth, we have high moral and ethical standards for ourselves and in our dealings with others; we respect and encourage the reciprocal acts of education and reflection, and is that which we use as our compass on our path to becoming a better father, husband, friend, citizen, and man. More and more in society, people do not expect of one another and we, as Masons, believe we should act differently. As Masons, we seek to gain knowledge and understanding, utilizing that information to improve ourselves, our families, and our communities. As Masons, we understand that it isn’t enough to just desire to improve oneself or live a principled life, we need to be actively working towards betterment. We also recognize that knowledge gained should be knowledge shared; that investing your time, knowledge, and experience through the act of mentoring and coaching is one of the better ways to live your Masonic Principles. As the old adage goes, ‘Actions speak louder than words;’ so should we strive to live every day by our Masonic Principles: Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.
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Educate Yourself Freemasonry is a big tent, and people come to it for many different reasons seeking different experiences. Because of this, there are many different lenses to use when looking at Freemasonry. It is worthwhile to look at Freemasonry through different lenses or viewpoints to increase our knowledge and understanding. There are a wealth of print, television, movie, and online resources for the modern Mason and most of them can be categorized as presenting from one of the following viewpoints: ∙ Freemasonry 101-These resources seek to give the basic information about the history, nature, and specifics of Freemasonry such as Brother Christopher Hodapp’s Freemasons for Dummies. ∙ Moral, Ethical, and Spiritual InspirationThese resources help explain, reinforce, or invite reflection upon systems of thought and belief such as Volumes of Sacred Law or Joseph Campbell’s ‘Power of Myth.’ ∙ Foundational Documents-These resources are examples or explorations of the original documents upon which Speculative Freemasonry is based, such as Brother James Anderson’s Constitutions of 1723 or Brother Thomas Smith Webb’s The Freemason’s Monitor: Or Illustrations of Masonry. ∙ Masonic History-These resources explore the history of the institution, the institution’s role in historical events, and/or the lives of influential and/or famous Masons. ∙ Masonry Explained-These resources seek to explain Masonic symbols, shed more light on aspects of the degrees, or increase understanding on the lessons of the different degrees such as Brother Allen Roberts’ The Craft and Its Symbols. ∙ Esoteric Masonry-These resources ex-
plore the less mainstream areas of Masonry, often including aspects of spiritualism, mysticism, hermeticism, and mythology such as Brother W. Kirk MacNulty’s Freemasonry: A Journey Through Ritual and Symbol.. ∙ Anti-Masonry-These resources explore the religious, social, and historical objections to Freemasonry, offering evidence and information to respond to those objections such as Is It True What They Say About Freemasonry? by Brothers Arturo de Hoyos and S. Brent Morris. ∙ Masonic Conspiracy Theories-These resources, usually created by non-Masons, seek to implicate Freemasonry in explaining mysteries such as the Whitechapel Murders or the Oak Island Treasure or seek to show Freemasonry as a clandestine global authority that directs everything from the fates of nations to the winners of entertainment awards. ∙ Masonic Fiction-These resources utilize Freemasonry as part of the story, such as Dan Brown’s ‘The Lost Symbol,’ Umberto Eco’s ‘Foucault’s Pendulum,’ or Rudyard Kipling’s ‘The Man Who Would Be King.’ ∙ Masonic Poetry-These resources feature poems by Masons or about Masonry such as MWB Rob Morris’ ‘Poetry of Freemasonry,’ or works by WB Rudyard Kipling, WB Robert Burns, WB Jason Eddy and others. ∙ Masonic Leadership-These resources explore ways of becoming a leader, being an agent of change within a Lodge, or call for a reexamination of Masonry such as PGM James Easterling’s ‘The Successful Lodge: Best Practices in Freemasonry by 70 Well-Traveled Brethren,’ RWB Dan Hrinko’s ‘The Craft-Driven Lodge,’ or Brother Andrew Hammer’s ‘Observing the Craft.’
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This list is not exhaustive, and any resources listed should be considered a representative example and not construed as being an endorsement. When utilizing any resources, Masons should keep a healthy level of skepticism and utilize their powers of investigating and reasoning to evaluate the source, ideas, and viewpoint. We live in a society awash in information, but not all of it is good, valid or useful. As Masons view Freemasonry through different lenses, some find that they have a particular interest in one view over another; they may also find gaps in their own knowledge. As Masons, we recognize that there is always more to know; therefore, keep interested in your own development as a man and Mason. There are many ways to develop: a study of one of the seven liberal arts and sciences, perfecting your skills as a craftsman, enhancing your abilities as a father and husband, or taking the time to contemplate and appreciate the great works of Creation can be just as valuable. Some Masons will tell you that they learned more about Masonry taking their daughter fishing than they ever did reading a book or going to a website. Education can be difficult on your own, and the inquisitive Mason will find that there are many like-minded Masons readily available. For centuries, the Masonic Lodge has been the place for men to share their knowledge, to discuss challenging ideas with peers, and come away with their own knowledge increased and thinking clarified. As the old adage goes: “If you are uninformed, surround yourself with informed people; if you are informed, surround yourself with informed people who are not afraid to respectfully disagree with you when necessary and explain why.” As you develop, bring what you have
learned back to your Lodge and your other communities. Apply and share what you have learned. A perfect ashlar on a shelf is nice to look at; but its true beauty is discovered once it is put to use. Connect with Other Brethren Freemasonry is a personal journey towards becoming a better father, husband, friend, citizen and man supported by others at different points on that same journey. The importance of the Fraternal Connection cannot be understated, and, for many years, the focal point of that connection was the individual Lodge. We now live in a world where there are many ways to connect with Brethren from different cities, jurisdictions and countries. You are an individual Mason, but you are part of a Brotherhood that spans the globe and spans the centuries. A perfect ashlar’s true beauty is only discovered when it is used in concert with others, together creating something beautiful, useful, and steadfast. Some Masons find that regularly attending Lodge is not a good fit with the other demands on their time and efforts. These Masons usually find that the best way for them to connect with their Brethren is through activities that are outside the regular Lodge meeting. Participating in a community event like Special Olympics or a local fair, attending special Masonic events like Table Lodge or the Annual Inspection, taking a specific part on the Craft Team for one degree or another, or even just meeting with Brethren for a meal or an activity separate from Lodge altogether are all wonderful ways to connect with Brethren. Masonic Brotherhood was never limited to the confines of the Lodge Room and to the monthly Stated Meeting, nor should it ever be.
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Because of the character, values, and skills of the Brethren, every Masonic Lodge does provide a unique experience. For some, a successful Lodge experience centers around education and discussion, for others it centers on the meal and the Brethren talking for hours, still others focus on Ritual Excellence, others focus on community service; Brethren are encouraged to visit other Lodges and discover the unique experiences available. We live in a world with many resources for the digital or online Mason. Besides Facebook and Grand Lodge websites, you can find Masonic podcasts, Masonic blogs, and Masonic online communities where Brethren can connect, share, and discuss. These online resources can often supplement the experience of Lodge or meeting with other Brethren in person but should never completely replace that experience. When connecting with Brethren, especially online, it is well to keep in mind the Ancient Charges of our Order, particularly the section regarding behavior toward a strange Brother. You are cautiously to examine him, in such a method as prudence shall direct you, that you may not be imposed upon by an ignorant false pretender, whom you are to reject with contempt and derision, and beware of giving him any hints of knowledge. But if you discover him to be a true and genuine Brother, you are to respect him accordingly; and if he is in want, you must relieve him if you can, or else direct him how he may be relieved. You must employ him some days, or else recommend him to be employed. But you are not charged to do beyond your ability, only to prefer a poor Brother, that is a good man and true, before any other poor people in the same circumstances.
Finally, all these Charges you are to observe, and also those that shall be communicated to you in another way; cultivating Brotherly Love, the foundation and capstone, the cement and glory of this ancient Fraternity, avoiding all wrangling and quarreling, all slander and backbiting, nor permitting others to slander any honest Brother, but defending his character, and doing him all good offices, as far as is consistent with your honor and safety, and no farther. We live in a global society. You will encounter Masons of all stripes as well as cowans and pretenders in your travels. Therefore, do not be too eager to reveal specifics of Ohio Ritual, Masonic Code, or Lodge business. Recognize that Masonry is a big tent and that people come to it for many different reasons seeking different experiences and have very different opinions. Be careful to avoid letting productive discussions devolve into rancorous arguments. In short, remember the cardinal virtues of Temperance, Prudence, Fortitude, and Justice. Because connecting with other Masons is crucial to living a Masonic life, Brethren are encouraged to find the right fit for themselves. It may be that being involved only in activities outside the Lodge is the best fit for a Brother due to family and work obligations. It may be that the Traditional Observance Lodge in the next county or the Lodge in their District that is made of mostly veterans is the best fit for a Brother and what he values. It may be that an online community is the best fit for a Brother to use a particular lens to view Masonry and connect with informed Brethren. In general, we find that Masons will drive 3 hours one way to a Lodge or activity that is the right fit when they wouldn’t cross the street for the wrong one.
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Your Actions Have Undivided Attention Recently, members of a Lodge attended a youth group Installation. During the opening prayer the Brethren put their right hands over their hearts and bowed their heads. There was a pack of Cub Scouts in attendance and a Brother noticed one of the young boys staring intently. The boy then, with great care, put his hand over his heart and bowed his head. For many people, you will be their idea of what it means to be a Mason. Your actions will inform, influence and inspire their thoughts about the Craft. We are reminded often in our Ritual to be peaceable citizens, industrious in our labors, humble and reverent before sacred things, loving and attentive to family, charitable and generous to those who despair, moral and judicious in our undertakings, and strive to live a life free of regrets, full of love and worthy of emulation. When you took your obligation, you both created and became part of a Masonic Family. Your deeds will necessarily affect all
those who have embraced you. In every moment of every day you are called to constantly act and walk in a way worthy of your Family. You may stumble, you may fall, you may be tried; but rise, be persistent, and be willing to be tried again. Remember who is watching, and what they will learn from your actions and example. Conclusion Freemasonry is a personal journey towards becoming a better father, husband, friend, citizen and man supported by other men at different points on the same journey. Brethren have always been charged with taking the lessons learned in Lodge and practicing them in their daily lives. In our modern society, it is more important than ever that Masons endeavor to live their Masonic values and put them into action, educate themselves and reflect on topics relevant to a well-spent life, connect with other Brethren and live a life that informs, influences, and inspires others.
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Brethren, I bring you warm Fraternal greetings from the Grand North East. With this message, I would like to pay some wages: To the sitting Worshipful Masters – making hard choices about meeting formats that maximize the safety of their members while simultaneously retaining member interest and commitment To the Lodge calling committees – working tirelessly to keep in touch with all members and confirm their well-being To the Lodge line officers – studying to make their officer proficiencies during this time when so many other concerns are on their mind To the DDGMs and DDGLs – offering their time and efforts to assist the Lodges and all members of the Craft with their needs To the members of the Craft – serving our society as a voice of reason, and promoting to others that civility is the path to mutualrespect and peacefulness To the dedicated Brothers and Lodges – continuing to dream up and try new ways to address age-old concerns in our Fraternity To the “technologically challenged” Brothers – agreeing to log on to their first (of many) virtual meetings To the Lodge IT Gurus – patiently facilitating our virtual meetings and helping to mute and unmute the cherished, aforementioned Brothers To “that Lodge Brother” everywhere – who
seems to never fail to bring the extra face masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer to all meetings he attends To all the Lodge Secretaries – checking temperatures and maintaining a contact-tracing log for their Lodge’s activities To the Brothers – picking up / delivering supplies and prescriptions to another Brother who is unable To the Lodge Chaplains – offering prayers to the Great Creator for the health and safety of their Lodge and Brothers To the Lodge Stewards – finding new ways to serve the Lodge Brothers in the absence of the ability to prepare meals / refreshments To the Lodge members – submitting articles and content to the Lodge trestleboard editors, so the membership can receive encouragement from the messages they read when they are not able to receive it face-to-face To the new Candidates – waiting patiently while their Lodge coordinates a safe method of performing their degrees, and studying their catechism despite so many other draws on their time
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To the Lodge ritual directors – working with the dedicated ritual team members to find safer methods of delivering quality degrees to members and ceremonies to all the Lodge members To the Mentors and Coaches – continuing to share their knowledge and dedication with our newest members and Brothers To the “huggers” of our Fraternity (we know who we are) – yearning for that human connection once again To all the members of our great Craft – who understand that this great Fraternity is not defined by the limitations of our ability to meet physically, but by the actions of every… single…one of our Brothers, every minute of every day
history. It is great men like you that have enabled our venerable institution to last for centuries. You are my heroes. Please continue to let your L.I.G.H.T. shine bright! To my Brothers who could not find one place where they were mentioned above…I love you all, but I challenge you to find a way to make a difference. All of us have unique talents…find yours! I look forward to sitting in Lodge again with all of you very soon! Fraternally
Randy Jager Deputy Grand Master 2020-2021
To all of you, I sincerely thank you for your service… you are what makes this the greatest Fraternity in
Brethren All, We send greetings from your Grand Lodge Service Center. Mike, Jim, Jim and George are working to keep all the Lodges updated and helping resolve your situations and concerns. We are also working on the new Grandview Membership Data System. When everything is ready to roll out we will communicate with all the Lodges the process that will be used to bring each Lodge on board. We will hold regional sessions as needed to assist every Lodge to become comfortable to the new system. Many things will change from the way we have been doing Lodge reporting and record keeping. We ask that each Lodge be supportive of the change and help us help you become masters of the new system. We would like to request that all Lodge Secretaries get in touch with any Brother that you do not have current phone numbers or email address for. There are many blank phone and email records in the Grand Lodge data base. If there are out of state Brothers please send them a letter or post card requesting the information. For the Brothers that are reading this article please check with your Lodge Secretary to see if your information is correct and current. Sincerely and Fraternally,
Your Grand Lodge Support Team ARIZONA MASONRY—A GRAND LODGE OF ARIZONA F&AM PUBLICATION Q4 2020
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Brethren, The trivium is the lower division of the seven liberal arts and sciences and comprises grammar, logic and rhetoric. These three subjects were essential to a classical education and the study of the trivium was first established in ancient Greece. Trivium is a Latin word meaning "the place where three roads meet "and are the foundation for understanding the upper division of the seven liberal arts". The upper division is comprised of arithmetic, geometry, music and astronomy.
As prospective members, candidates, Entered Apprentices, Fellowcrafts and Master Masons, we are introduced to a language (our Masonic ritual) which is both foreign and familiar to us. To learn, understand and communicate this new language we naturally rely on the trivium to accomplish that goal. Our ritual is a mix of verbiage from the 1700's to modern times with Biblical passages and references from the King James version of the Holy Bible.
According to Wikipedia, Grammar teaches the mechanics of language to the student. This is the step where the student "comes to terms", defining the objects and information perceived by the five senses. Grammar has different meanings and I'll use this one for our study of the ritual. Grammar is the set Logic is the mechanics of thought and of analysis, of structural rules governing the composition of the process of composing sound arguments and clauses, phrases and words in a natural language. identifying fallacious arguments and statements When we gain the knowledge of how our ritual is and so systematically removing contradictions, put together and the meanings of words unfamilthereby producing factual knowledge that can be iar to us the words become easier to memorize trusted. and communicate. Once that task is mastered, we can use logic to determine if this is factual Rhetoric is the application of language in order to knowledge and can be trusted. Understanding our instruct and to persuade the listener and the read- ritual is the true meaning of learning the ritual not er. It is the knowledge (grammar) now understood just memorizing the words. Having used grammar (logic) and being transmitted outwards as wisdom and logic in learning and understanding the ritual (rhetoric). ourselves, it has prepared us for perfecting the use of rhetoric
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to instruct and persuade our students of the truths it contains. Applying the skillful use of rhetoric in communicating to the candidate as well as all in attendance at our degrees the lessons of Freemasonry and of moral and ethical behavior completes a circle of knowledge that should stay in perpetual motion through generations. We all have be asked at some time what our first impressions of Freemasonry were. To me in simple and basic terms, it was a reinforcement of the lessons taught to me in my youth. Through our ritual we communicate those same lessons on an adult level, one that as Men and Masons we should never lose sight of and constantly practice.
Grammar, logic and rhetoric are the basis for learning, thinking and communicating for any student, especially a Freemason. It is vitally important we should endeavor to master these first three liberal arts in learning the ritual and communicating its principals to our candidates.
Jim H Baker Senior Grand Warden 2020-2021
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One of the reasons I enjoy Freemasonry so much is the education I receive in lodge and from the several appendant and concordant bodies. It not only expands the mind, but it also enhances the soul. Education is important to keep a society progressing and to unfold the full potential of individuals.
Another way to improve the efficiency of a meeting is to make sure everyone knows their part. Know the procedures and review the ritual. When everyone knows what I recently heard a podcast that emphasized how is expected of them in running a lodge more efficiently would provide a meeting the memopportunities to add or increase educational pro- bers of the lodge will grams to a meeting. This efficiency is obtained by be pleased by their expediting the monotonous, reducing or elimiperformance and proud of their membership in nating errors, and helping the WM to use the gav- that lodge. Nobody likes disorganization or confuel properly. sion. And if there is a substitution to be made it is important that each officer know the part of the Imagine a meeting that does not have an agenda, seat in front of him. This will allow for a smooth or the agenda is not followed. What topics are dis- transition to fill in for an absent brother. cussed? How much time is designated to each topic? What are the members to expect at the When discussing items on the agenda, the Master meeting? Our ritual provides the guidelines for the of the lodge acts as a facilitator. He is familiar with regular order of business for a stated meeting. Fol- the Arizona Constitution and Statutes, with the lowing this order will make the meeting run lodge by-laws, and Roberts Rules of Order (a mansmoother, ease frustrations, and allow time for ual of parliamentary procedure). These docueducation. It is important for the WM to know be- ments help guide the decision-making process to fore the meeting if a committee has a report or an efficient and orderly conclusion. The WM not. Why ask for a report if there is no report to needs to be aware of the time each item is taking be given? And if a member has a subject to disand if the discussion gets off topic he should use cuss, he should bring it to the secretary and WM his gavel attention before the meeting. Surprises can get the meeting off topic and waste more time than necessary. The requirements for the reading of the minutes should be reviewed by the secretary. It may be possible to distribute printed copies of the minutes or be allowed to read an abbreviated version of the minutes and correspondence. This could reduce the boredom of sitting through a lot of reading. Oriental Masonic Lodge #20
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to guide the discussion to one of three areas; 1. determine if the discussion is finished, 2. table the discussion for a future time, or 3. establish a committee to investigate the subject. Proper use
pare your meetings with your officers and use the time efficiently. Your time as well as theirs is valuable. This will not only encourage members to attend but will allow more time for education.
of the gavel ensures the welfare and prosperity of the lodge.
References: https://diphi.web.unc.edu/files/2012/02/MSGNothing will stop members from attending lodge quick- ROBERTS_RULES_CHEAT_SHEET.pdf er than knowing they will have to sit through an unor- https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-winding-stairs/ ganized, unproductive, and time-wasting meeting. Pre- episode/start-small-masonic-education-64141721
THE MODEL MASON By Bro. ROB. MORRIS There's a fine old Mason in the land, he's genial, wise and true, His list of brothers comprehends, dear brothers, me and you; So warm his heart the snow blast fails to chill his generous blood, And his hand is like a giant's when outstretched to man or GOD; Reproach nor blame, nor any shame, has checked his course or dimmed his fame All honor to his name!
This fine old Mason is but one of a large family: In every lodge you'll find his kin, you'll find them two or three; You'll know them when you see them, for they have their father's face, A generous knack of speaking truth and doing good always; Reproach nor blame, nor any shame, has checked their course or dimmed their fame Freemason is their name!
Ah, many an orphan smiles upon the kindred as they pass; And many a widow's prayers confess the sympathizing grace;
The FATHER of this Brotherhood himself is joyed to see Their works -they're numbered all in Heaven, those deeds of charity! Reproach nor blame, nor any shame, there check their course or dim their fame All honor to their name! ARIZONA MASONRY—A GRAND LODGE OF ARIZONA F&AM PUBLICATION Q4 2020
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The cardinal virtues are the four principal moral virtues. The English word cardinal comes from the Latin word cardo, which means "hinge." All other virtues hinge on these four: temperance, fortitude, prudence, and justice. We as Freemasons are introduced to these virtues in the First Degree.
Prudence is concerned with the intellect. Aristotle defined prudence as recta ratio agibilium, "right reason applied to Plato first discussed the cardinal virtues in the Republic, practice." It is the virand they entered into Christian teaching by way of Pla- tue that allows us to to's disciple Aristotle. Unlike the theological virtues, judge correctly what which are the gifts of God through grace, the four cardi- is right and what is nal virtues can be practiced by anyone; thus, they rep- wrong in any given resent the foundation of natural morality. situation. When we mistake the evil for the good, we are not exercising prudence—in fact, we are showing Temperance. is the restraint of our desires or passions. our lack of it. Food, drink, and sex are all necessary for our survival, individually and as a species; yet a disordered desire for Because it is so easy to fall into error, prudence reany of these goods can have disastrous consequences, quires us to seek the counsel of others, particularly physical and moral. those we know to be sound judges of morality. Disregarding the advice or warnings of others whose judgTemperance is the virtue that attempts to keep us from ment does not coincide with ours is a sign of impruexcess, and, as such, requires the balancing of legitidence. mate goods against our inordinate desire for them. Our legitimate use of such goods may be different at differ- Justice is concerned with the will. Justice is the constant ent times; temperance is the "golden mean" that helps and permanent determination to give everyone his or us determine how far we can act on our desires. her rightful due." We say that "justice is blind," because it should not matter what we think of a particular perFortitude is commonly called courage. It is very differ- son. If we owe him a debt, we must repay exactly what ent from what we think of as courage today. Fortitude we owe. allows us to overcome fear and to remain steady in our will in the face of obstacles, but it is always reasoned Justice is connected to the idea of rights. While we and reasonable; the person exercising fortitude does often use justice in a negative sense ("He got what he not seek danger for danger's sake. Fortitude gives us deserved"), justice in its proper sense is positive. Injusthe strength to do the right thing. tice occurs when we as individuals or by law deprive someone of that which he is owed. Legal rights can nevFortitude is the only one of the cardinal virtues that is er outweigh natural ones. also a gift of the Holy Spirit, allowing us to rise above our natural fears in defense of the Christian faith.
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I found the following by William R. Fischer which I found just as true today as when it was written in the early 1900s.
With strength FORTITUDE is a part. To be strong of character you must have fortitude. Fortitude is the driving force in strength of character. This would give you the skill to deal with those who would subvert the If you had three wishes what would you wish for? Most good you are trying to do. people would wish to; 1. Live forever. With wisdom PRUDENCE would be found and JUSTICE 2. Win the lottery. could be served. Prudence is a part of wisdom. To be 3. Have peace on earth. wise is to be prudent. Justice is known to a wise person. Thus, to be wise is to have the know-how to adLiving forever, although it seems immortal, is one of minister justice. Having the knowledge to use prudence the most mortal parts of mankind abilities. We all live and dispense justice can only come from wisdom. Thus, forever, for as long as you live that is forever. When we would be able to tell who is in need and who is your body expires your spirit lives on and people who causing the pain of need. know you will remember you, and that remembrance will keep you living forever. So if given three wishes, maybe we should wish for: Winning the lottery is much more difficult. First you have to play to win and then be one out of twenty million. But, all of this does not matter because we have enough for ourselves and our families. We have enough to live on, and to survive, we may not have it as easy as others but we have enough. Peace on earth is a matter of cooperation and understanding. The more we understand each other the less difficult it will be to cooperate and achieve peace. We can be sure that some have other wants or needs, noble and selfish, but what about an alternative. How about ABILITY, STRENGTH, and WISDOM.
The ability to help those in need. The strength to forgive those who cause pain. The wisdom to know the difference. If we all did this we would still live forever, we would all be richer and peace on earth would last for an eternity.
Fraternally,
Michael Dale Senior Grand Deacon 2020-2021
With ability TEMPERANCE would be easy. If you have the ability to accomplish what you wish, temperance would be the first accomplishment. To be able to control ones desires is the goal of every good man. This would make it easy for you to help others through your example and your knowledge.
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For this quarter’s article in Arizona Masonry I struggled with what topic to choose and had to re-think the purpose of the magazine. Was it to enlighten the brethren with my knowledge? Mine is surely less than many if not most of the brethren. Was it to share my masonic musings? Well, because my thoughts tend to be being highly critical of the shortfalls of others my musings are not worthy of publication. So I found a little story about what it means to be a Mason and include it here:
As he and the farmer walk to his car he turns and asks "my brother, thank you so much but I have to ask, did you help me because I am a Mason?" "No" was the reply, "I helped you because I am a Mason" Travel well my Brothers.
A salesman breaks down in a remote country lane, a farmer in the adjacent field comes over I believe this illustrates well MWB Boyd’s theme and they discover that they are "Brothers". The for the year of “Brothers being Brothers”. salesman is concerned as he has an important appointment in the local town: "Don't worry says the farmer you can use my car, I will call a friend Junior Grand Deacon 2020-2021 and get the car repaired while you go to the appointment" Off goes the salesman and a couple of hours later he returns but unfortunately the car is awaiting a part which won’t arrive until the next morning. "It's not a problem," says the Farmer, "use my telephone and re-schedule your first appointment tomorrow, stay with us tonight and I'll see that the car is done first thing!" The farmers' wife prepares a wonderful meal and they share a glass of fine single malt during an excellent evening, the salesman sleeps soundly and when he awakes there is his car, repaired and ready to go. After a full English breakfast the salesman thanks them both for the hospitality.
Leigh Creighton
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When it comes to social media, everyone wants in on the action. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest are all highly active social media networks. Everyone wants to gain positive social media recognition for their business or group. Twitter specializes in sharing links and short written messages, Instagram specializes in sharing pictures, and Facebook shares pictures and stories. There are many new platforms being introduced almost weekly that can be taken advantage of.
Social Media is quite fickle also, as it can have the exact opposite effect just as easily. I came across a very public interaction on social media between two Masons the other day regarding the current state of politics. Challenges Many Fraternal Organizations around the world use were put forth, references to the Fraternity and ApSocial Media to advertise, socialize, and advance pendant bodies were made and many derogatory their agenda. It is an easy and economical way to comments about each individual were made. While get a message out and give potential members tan- it was on a personal page, each clearly identified gible reasons to join our hallowed halls. Having a themselves and Masons. good, or great, social media presence can help an organization like ours grow like wildflowers. But this If prospect were looking at social media with an inwill only happen after we develop a large following terest in our Fraternity, would this encourage them and learn how to give them what they are looking to research being a Mason further? Does this seem for. like an institution having for it’s foundation, the practice of social and moral virtues? Would men There are many online classes aimed at teaching or- preeminent in the moral and intellectual attainganizational Membership Chairmen how to use So- ments look towards such a group to better themcial Media to their advantage when trying to build selves? followers. Understanding what your audience needs We learn in our ritual Masons to keep ourselves cirand interests are will help to interact with them on a cumscribed in our passions and desires, but what more intimate level. Once we understand this, we about our words and actions? Are we not bound to can give your audience everything they want - which represent our Fraternity in a positive and honorable means bringing them to your website to see what way in all our actions, both public and private? our organization is all about. Social media is any digital tool that allows users to quickly share content with the public.
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In this day and age the public knows that you are Fraternally, a Mason and are therefore an ambassador for the entire Fraternity in all your words and actions. I hope we are all striving daily to represent our Fraternity in Senior Grand Steward 2020-2021 the most positive way possible. Fraternally
Roger Biede III
A Masonic Christmas Poem 'Twas the night before Christmas at Freemason's Hall Where the Lodge was busy and the orders were tall; Reams from Grand Lodge, a notice of motion, A ballot or two and a pause for devotion To brethren departed of the months gone before, Plus a candidate who would soon walk the floor. Our own Junior Warden, when facing the crunch Said" Let's call off and all go for Lunch". The Master replied, as Master’s all do, lntoned in a voice reserved for the few "Before we partake of fellowship there, ls a summons to read and a ballot to clear – Not to mention the candidate quaking with dread At the stories of whether the goat has been fed".
The Master, exhorting the brethren to work, With a firm grip on the gavel, turned with a jerk To the Secretary, putting shine to each lens, Polishing both to a lustre, and reached for his pens. "lt's half past the hour'', the Master then winced At the stuff left to do, and remained unconvinced That the evening would go as smoothly as hoped Since he'd gone to the trouble of "feeding the goat' "Though the ballot's behind us and notice is gone, Grand Lodge is finished, but the work still goes on. " The lnner guard knew, as the Tyler did too, That knock, knock, knock was the right thing to do. Sidebenchers slept soundly and were only stirred When a crack of the candidate's knuckles were heard.
The slight groan that penetrated lips pursed Appeared to the Deacon as just a light curse. Onward they travel, the guide and the man, Seeking truth and enlightenment wherever they can. The secrets were given, the grip and the token Obligations were offered, the words then were spoken. Though never, not once, was one heard to gloat As the Entered Apprentice never did meet the goat. The evening now ended, the candidate clear, Junior Warden entreats from the south us to hear. The oath we looked forward to right from the start "Happy to meet, and sorry to part". Christmas had come to the members that night As men came together under the light Giving freely of time as a labour of love As they bent to the task of the Most High above. To Stewards, to Deacons, the Tyler and Guard, The Wardens, the Master, who all work so hard, To Past Masters steady, sidebenchers too To Treasurer, Chaplain, the D of C who Help carry the Lodge, year in and year out To your family extended, a warm Christmas time Thank the G.A.O.T.U, we've run out of rhyme ! Research by Wor. Bro Weavers—Grand Lodge of Manitoba
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The twenty-four-inch gauge is an instrument made use of by operative masons to measure and lay out their work. But we, as free and accepted masons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of dividing our time. It being divided into twenty-four equal parts, is emblematic of the twenty-four hours of the day, which we are taught to divide in three parts; whereby we find a part for the service to God and a distressed worthy brother, a part for our usual vocations, and a part for refreshment and repose. The twenty-four-inch gauge is an important working tool that all masons should remember to make proper use of. I was recently doing some research and came across an article in a short talk bulletin dated in 1933. The book of Ecclesiastes was the inspiration for the following written by Thomas Smith Webb in 1784.
selfishness or selfless giving to others, building a nation or building a house, must be accomplished with "Time." Without time nothing is ever done. Hence, he who wastes either his time or another's, squanders that which he cannot replace, which comes from we know not whither, to go we know not whence, which once gone, is gone forever. About us are many varieties of men with as many ideas of how time should be spent. Every human being has the same number of minutes in an hour, of hours in a day, of days in a year. Some have little or nothing to show for their thirty, forty, or fifty years. Others have great accomplishments to exhibit as the product of their time. Lincoln used all the time he did not need to devote to his usual avocation to mastering geometry, learning politics, understanding the question of slavery. Albert Pike made himself a learned scholar by constant use of spare time. These men knew what the twenty-four-inch gauge really meant, how profound a symbol it is - aye, Lincoln knew, though he was a Freemason only "in his heart" and not a member of any Lodge.
"To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven; a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a Making use of one’s time has become easier for time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and some over the last several months. People around the country have started new businesses, learned a a time of peace." new skill, or even went back to school for further But nowhere in the wise counsel of prophet or pa- education.
triot, preacher or teacher, is there set forth a time to waste time. Time is the very substance of life, its golden minutes the only stones we have with which to build. Every accomplishment of man, be it Temple of marble or Temple of character, act of ARIZONA MASONRY—A GRAND LODGE OF ARIZONA F&AM PUBLICATION Q4 2020
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As masons how are we making use of our time? This pandemic around the country has increased the need for us to make time for our older brothers who may not be able to leave their homes. We should be making sure they have enough food or supplies or just someone to talk to if they are not attending
that there is always a helping hand extended to him. This year the theme of Most Worshipful Boyd is brothers being brothers. As brothers, we need each other more than ever in our current times. Let us remember to make proper use of our working tools. That tool is extended to God and family first and foremost, but always ensure there is time made for our extended masonic family.
Fraternally, Lodge. It could be a time to study up on the ritual or look over the constitution and statues. Write a masonEric DuPree ic education paper and present it at your next lodge Junior Grand Steward 2020-2021 meeting. Time can also be of use to help and newly made mason with his work and ensure that he knows
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