Arizona Masonry
A Grand Lodge F. & A.M of Arizona Publication Fall 2018 Fall 6018 Arizona Masonry—A Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of Arizona Publication
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Arizona Masonry Editor in Chief
A Grand Lodge F. & A.M of Arizona Publication
Craig L. Gross Grand Master
Managing Editor Roger C. Biede III, 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. Permission to reprint articles is automatically granted to recognized Masonic publication with proper credit given.
Grand Master Address MW Craig L. Gross
A Midnight Burial Evelyn Baldwin
Masonic Charities WB Roger Biede
Youth are our future
Please direct all articles and correspondence to Roger C. Biede III 988 E. Saddleback Pl. San Tan Valley, Ariz 85143 Roger.Biede@gmail.com For submissions for the next issue of Arizona Masonry or The Copper Post please contact Roger.Biede@gmail.com
Front Cover: MWGM Craig L Gross Image made of 100’s of pictures of Arizona Mason photographs from throughout the state
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GRAND MASTER’S ADDRESS In my travels over the last eight years I have witnessed a number of different ways to do things in a Masonic Lodge. Stated meetings seem to be one of the ceremonies that differ wherever I go. I have witnessed everything from good to bad; long to short; organized to “lost in space”; and interesting to boring to tears. How we operate at Stated Meetings is a clear example of how the Lodge is organized and its future health. Most Lodges appear to be very satisfied if they get a 10% turnout of their membership at a Stated Meeting. Typically it is the same dedicated faces at every Stated Meeting. What does your Stated Meeting say about your Lodge? Have you ever thought about how your Stated Meeting is run? Does your Stated Meeting seem to take forever? Is it interesting? Is it fun? Do you really accomplish anything of true value to your members? Do you do anything to create interest, especially among the newer Brothers, particularly your EA’s? You need to ask yourselves why a Brother would want to come to your Stated Meeting. Stated Meetings are a necessary part of the Masonic Fraternity. We have to open and close per the ritual, ballot on candidates, read minutes, pay our bills, present committee reports, sickness and distress, relief, etc., and read correspondence, especially that stuff from the Grand Master. But how do we do that? Just like a new candidate that knows if his initiation was done correctly, the members on the sideline know if the Master and Officers are organized and prepared. If you don’t have a plan for the meeting and officers don’t know what is expected of them, I will guarantee you that the sideliners will know and will react accordingly (such as not come back to the next meeting). Here is some food for thought. BE PREPARED: Know what you are going to do, have an agenda, have things worked out before the Lodge opens, make sure everyone knows what they are supposed to do. If you have an issue that needs to be brought to the floor, have someone ready to present it clearly and precisely, and make the proper motion. The Master should second all motions as he has the ultimate responsibility to determine what is allowed to be discussed and voted on in his Lodge. The Master should never have to ask the Secretary what is next. He must know ahead of time what the agenda is and what business is applicable. If there are no petitions to read then there is no reason to ask the Secretary, simply state that there are no petitions to read. Let the brothers know that all motions should be discussed with the Master before Lodge. There should never be a surprise at a Stated Meeting. CHANGE THINGS AROUND: The Ritual contains an accepted agenda for a Stated Meeting (on page S-24 – the Secret Section). It is a good agenda and covers everything necessary for a Stated Meeting. But that doesn’t mean that you must follow it to the letter. As long as the necessary issues are addressed, the Master can set his own agenda. Make sure that things keep moving and that you don’t get pulled into discussions that should occur outside the Stated Meeting. The Stated Meeting is NOT the place to be planning future events or fundraisers. And you don’t need to read every word of the minutes or correspondence or disbursements and bills. A brief synopsis can be given and additional information can be made available after Lodge has closed. Just watch out for that Official Correspondence from the Grand Lodge. Do you really need to introduce everyone in the lodge room? Choose wisely. Make sure you introduce the first time visitors and welcome them to lodge. Introduce the new members and make them feel part of the lodge. We tend to introduce everyone because that is how we have always done it. Have the Past Masters stand in place and welcome them. They don’t need introduced as we know them all already. Use your limited time wisely and efficiently. (cont. pg 4)
www.azmasoniclibrary.org Arizona Masonry—A Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of Arizona Publication
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GRAND MASTER’S ADDRESS (cont.) HAVE A DISCUSSION ABOUT YOUR LODGE: Get members involved in the future of their Lodge. Discuss what is happening, where do they want to be in 10 years, how do they get there from here. Have a brief discussion about the Goals and Objectives of your lodge and assign a committee to look into any questions raised and report at the next Stated Meeting. HAVE A GUEST SPEAKER: There are many members that have good information to share. There are thousands of great articles that can be read. Just be careful as to whom you ask. The Master should set the parameters of the talk with the speaker. Ten minutes of an INTERESTING talk will fly by and should hold the attention of the members.
VIVAT, VIVAT, VIVAT! On Tuesday, October 16th a historic joint table lodge was helped between Arizona No. 2 F&AM and King Solomon No. 14 P.H.A. In attendance were both Grand Masters - Most Worshipful Craig Gross, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Arizona, and Most Worshipful Timothy Seay, Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of the State of Arizona. The evening was opened by a toast from Jason Holbrook, Worshipful Master of Arizona Lodge No. 2 and closed by a toast from Larry Dickens, Worshipful Master of King Solomon Lodge No. 14. The guest speaker was Most Worshipful Tim Seay who spoke about the importance of Civic Engagement and important it is for us as Freemasons to get involved in our communities and governments. Most Worshipful Craig Gross followed up with comments about the importance of standing Tall as Freemasons! Brothers in attendance received a pocket version of the Constitution Embossed with the seal of both Grand Lodges and signed by both Grand Masters.
Final thought of the evening: GET TO KNOW YOUR BROTHERS: How good it is for Brothers to dwell in Unity? Assign a couple of members to share their story with you. Who are they, where did they come from, what is their Masonic history, what do they want out of the Fraternity. Nothing annoys me more that seeing a Brother, especially a new visitor, sit by themselves because no one knows them. Tell them ahead of time that when he is introduced you are going to ask him to tell us about himself.
READ SOME HISTORY OF YOUR LODGE: Very few members know much about the history of their Lodge. When was it chartered, who were the charter members, and what did they do in the “old” days. Most members would benefit from knowing a little about their lodge. Find a brother that speaks well in public and assign him the job to research the early days of the lodge. If we try to eliminate the mundane and keep things moving and lively we will have a better Stated Meeting. Remember that Brothers are there to socialize and enjoy themselves and to learn. We don’t need to rehash the same old things over and over again. Let’s have some fun and education and make it an awesome experience. That is what will bring your Brothers back to Lodge. As they say, the definition of INSANITY is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. LET’S MAKE MASONRY AWESOME AGAIN! Craig L. Gross 2018 Grand Master Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of Arizona
Arizona Masonic Trivia Mr. J.A. Kurtz's house in Oil City, Pennsylvania was burglarized in 1893 and among the items stolen was a valuable watch and a Knight Templar charm. It was the loss of the latter that he chiefly regretted, costing him over $100. He relocated to Phoenix, Arizona and at a meeting of Arizona Lodge No. 2 in November of 1901 he was sitting beside a member who had been recently made a Mason whom he engaged in conversation. Mr. Kurtz mentioned his being made a mason and passing through various degrees of the Commandery in Oil City. The new member, Mr. Bridewell slapped himself on the knee and asked if he had ever lost a Knights Templar charm. It was then relayed that Bridewell had found that gold watch and charm under some rubbish in a corral. He was not then a mason and the significance of it was not brought to him, neither did her know Mr. Kurtz, but now that he had become acquainted he remembered that that was the name engraved on the back of the charm. He had given the watch to his brother and the charm, being of no apparent value, was given to the children to play with. Thankfully both items were taken very good care of and the items were returned to Mr. Kurtz as good as new! Arizona Masonry—A Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of Arizona Publication
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A MIDNIGHT BURIAL True story of the first Masonic Funeral in Arizona As printed in the Feather River Bulletin (Quincy, CA) Thursday, April 18, 1901 Owning to a sequence of peculiar incidents the ceremony was delayed and was not completed until the sun peeped over the hills. The following true narrative of the first Masonic burial in Arizona, as related to me by my old friend, Colonel W.M. Williams of Cairo, Ill, will doubtless interest your readers. I give it, as nearly as possible, in his own words. In 1860 I was in Arizona as a superintendent of the St. Louis Mining company, located on the San Pedro river, a short distance west of what is now known as Tombstone and 40 miles east of Fort Buchanan. On one occasion I was made a visit to the Santa Rita mines, located in another part of the territory. These were managed by Cincinnati parties and were known as the Heintzleman mines. When I arrived there and introduced myself, as none of us had ever met before, I was greeted with that cordial hospitality known only to those who have lived on the frontier or in mining camps by Mr. H.C. Grosvenor of Cincinnati, the superintendent, with two others who occupied positions at the mines. One of these, Mr. J.T. Mason, I found seriously indisposed; the other I sent to Fort Buchanan to bring Dr. J.B.D. Irwin, surgeon at the post. I then devoted my time to the sick man, who was growing more feeble each hour. He told me if he died he wanted to be buried with Masonic honors. I had “tried” him and found him to be a bright third degree Mason. I promised to do all I could to carry out his request. He died before morning, and the messenger sent for the doctor had not returned, and it was uncertain as to when, if ever, he might return. As in those days there were not over 65 Americans in the territory outside of the troops, the taking of life by Indians was daily expected. In this emergency it devolved upon me to arrange for the burial of our friend. I sent peon messengers to Tubac and other places where Americans were known to be to come to my aid. During the day I selected a beautiful spot overshadowed by a large mesquite tree and there had a very deep grave dug, as in that country the coyote is a kind of hyena, that will unearth any corpse if not lad deep in the ground. This work was done by peons, while I stood guard to keep the Indians from surprising us. By midnight the messengers I had sent over commenced returning with the few who could come with them. I found amount those who arrived two or three Masons, who like myself were “rusty” in the Masonic burial ritual. We opened the truck of the deceased, hoping to find something to guide us in fulfilling his last request. The only thing we discovered was an Episcopal ritual. The following persons composed the funeral cortege: Dr. C.B. Hughes, J. Howard Wells, William S. Oury, H.C. Grosvenor, Colonel Titus S. Warner and myself.We had determined to bury the body at night, in the darkness, having no light except a candle in one of the old time perforated tin lanterns by which I could read the service. After lowering the body into the grave I commenced to read the service. I commenced to read the service. I stood close to the head of the grave, and Mr. Howard Wells held the lantern behind me. A rustling sound was heard. It was supposed to come lurking Indians, and every one looked out for himself. The man holding the lantern dropped it into the grave, and I fell in after it. There I was with the corpse in a deep grave. I had my pistols and Sharp’s carbine with me, and I realized that if the Indians peered into the grave I could fill it with dead bodies. I listened. Not a sounds was heard. My companions had, I suppose, secreted themselves and no doubt thought that had done the same. (Cont.pg 6) Arizona Masonry—A Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of Arizona Publication
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"THE MASON’S RING” `
Those men who help my dad each day, They wear those Mason rings. A Square and Compass set in gold, The praise of which I sing.
long years have passed since when My dad was in that plaster cast. And since I swore that Solemn Oath, Which unites us to the last.
My dad, he hurt his back you know, One cold and wintry day. He slipped and fell upon the ice, The insurance would not pay.
But more than that I'm proud to say, I wear his Mason ring. The one dad wore for many years, Until his death this spring.
And since that time those rings I see, On hands that help us much. With mowing lawns and hauling trash, Each day my heart they touch.
And one last time his comrades came, To ai d my w e e p i ng mot h e r. They praised and bid a fond farewell, To our fallen Brother.
They even built a house for me, Amid our backyard tree. Where all the neighbor kids, Would play with laughter full of glee.
And after which MY son did ask, About their Aprons white. And of the rings upon their hands. Of gold so shiny bright.
My Mom she cried from happiness, The time the Masons came. To aid our family in distress, Without a thought of gain.
With tearful eyes I said with pride, They're men of spirit pure. Those men who wear those Mason rings, Of that you can be sure.
And when I'm big, just like my dad, Of this it must be told. I want to wear a ring like his, Square and Compass gold.
And before he went to bed that night, The family he foretold. Someday I'll wear a ring like dad's, A Square and Compass gold. -Author Unknown
A MIDNIGHT BURIAL (cont.) After the lapse of about four hours day began to dawn, and as I stood upon the corpse, (no coffins were in use in Arizona at the time of this occurrence, the dead being simply wrapped in their blankets) and cautiously looked over the brink of the grave to take in the surrounds. I soon saw my comrades, one by one, emerging from behind rocks, where they had hastily secreted themselves no one knowing where the others were. I called aloud for help and was soon assisted from the prison in which I had been confined for fully four hours, and as this is the first Masonic funeral that was ever held in Arizona I think it deserves a record. After comparing notes we discovered that the mesquite tree under which we where holding our solemn service was the roosting place of a colony of crows, our intrusion having disturbed them and thereby causing us to stampede. As the sun rose above the mountain tops we returned to the grave and completed the reading of the ritual and covered our friend with the clods of the valley and left him sleeping where he will rest until the resurrection morn. – Evelyn B Baldwin in New York Masonic Standard. Arizona Masonry—A Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of Arizona Publication
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ARIZONA MASON RELEASES BOOK Scholar and Past Master of Research Lodge Master Jaime Paul Lamb’s work getting national attention! The greater Phoenix Metropolitan area boasts a wide array of Lodges, each with a unique character and culture. The well-travelled Brother will note that these Lodges, and the Brethren who compose them, are ripe with wonderful information. History, philosophy, philanthropy, science and art are some of the nodal points of the Masonic education system in which one may immerse himself with a bit of travelling. Jaime Paul Lamb is one such Brother who has not only been a prominent influence in Arizona Masonry, but an active participant in the arena of Masonic education. Brother Lamb is also a new luminary on the national Masonic literature scene. His recently published book, MYTH, MAGICK & MASONRY: Occult Perspectives in Freemasonry, has created quite a stir in the national Masonic community by attempting to illustrate and emphasize the relationship between Freemasonry, ceremonial magick, classical mythology, astrology and the ancient Mystery traditions. The book represents the culmination of years of research conducted as Lamb, from his early experiences in the Craft as a newly-raised Mason, used writing as a way to digest and interpret the various signs, symbols, allegories and rituals encountered in Masonry’s initiatory degrees. As a life-long lover of magick, comparative mythology and astrological lore, Lamb has forged the connections of these various subjects he experienced in Freemasonry. Over the years, Brother Lamb has engaged in education nights and Research Lodges, speaking often about the subjects he felt complimented the Masonic experience. He has published his findings in Royal Arch magazine, Knight Templar magazine, the Journal of the Masonic Society in addition to Grand Lodge-run publications in Connecticut, Montana and Indiana. Lamb has also recently appeared on the popular Whence Came You Masonic podcast, discussing his book. The Laudable Pursuit, a Masonic imprint known for such notable work as P.D. Newman’s ALCHEMICALLY STONED: The Psychedelic Secret of Freemasonry, were in communication with Brother Lamb in the revision process for an entire year – editing and perfecting his manuscript to great effect. The book views Masonic symbolism, ritualism and allegory through the lens of four distinctive “occult perspectives”. Lamb has noted that he feels his book contains several unique and original observations, and is not simply a rehashing of previously concocted tales of our origins and connections throughout history. The following excerpt is from the MYTH, MAGICK & MASONRY’s official Facebook page: “In MYTH, MAGICK & MASONRY, Jaime Paul Lamb develops several thoughtprovoking interpretations of the symbolic and allegorical content in Freemasonry. By using the interpretive lenses of ceremonial magick, solar and astrological lore and symbolism, classical mythology and the Roman Mystery cult, Mithraism, Lamb establishes four distinct vantage points from which to survey the Craft. These unique perspectives enable the reader to develop a more nuanced appreciation of Freemasonry and a deeper understanding of the Fraternity’s priceless heritage of symbolic and allegorical material.” Brother Lamb has provided the Craft with a set of wonderful ideas to contemplate discuss and build upon. In a recent lecture presentation held at the Phoenix Masonic Temple’s monthly Education Night, Lamb made the point that “[…] every standing paradigm had a predecessor which was toppled and there is every reason to suspect that today’s standing paradigms will suffer a similar fate […] these [paradigm shifts] do not generally happen from within the closed circuit of that particular discipline.” The implication is that a polymathic, inter -disciplinary approach is necessary if we are to achieve said paradigm shifts in our understanding. Following this mindset of thinking outside the box, this Arizona Mason’s work, though controversial, will almost certainly go down in the annals of Masonic literature as one of the relatively few must-read books for those wishing to deepen their Masonic experience through a synthetic and comparative methodology. Brother Lamb may be reached via his books’ Facebook page, or through his email: jaimepaullamb@hotmail.com Arizona Masonry—A Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of Arizona Publication
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The following article was written by Worshipful Brother Roger M. Firestone, 33° and is reprinted from The Scottish Rite Journal, 2012 November-December issue.
THE GRAND MASTERS VISIT The Grand Master of Masons came to our Lodge the other night. You could tell from his bemused expression that it was a strange experience for him. Nobody addressed him as "Most Worshipful." He didn't wear a gold-trimmed apron of elaborate design, a chain of office, or a pocket jewel with a glittering diamond. There was no committee of distinguished Past Masters and Past District Deputy Grand Masters to present him in a dramatic, candle-lit ceremony held in an otherwise darkened Lodge room. His wife wasn't introduced, or even invited, nor was there a ladies' program during the Lodge meeting for the Brothers; the wives stayed home for the evening. The Master of the Lodge wasn't even there to greet him beforehand, nor was the Senior Warden; the Junior Warden was in charge of the Lodge. There was no elaborate banquet before (or after) Lodge, complete with toasts and speeches and tickets sold dearly around the area with many disappointed that they could not obtain one; the Stewards had some ice cream and cookies after the communication, and one Brother had made a pot of coffee for those who had come early. Nobody received any special awards or certificates, carefully saved up for weeks so that the great man could make the presentation to the Brothers. No Brother took the man's auto to be topped off for his trip home. What kind of sorry excuse for a Lodge is this, you must be asking. How could a Master plan so poorly or be so ignorant of the proper protocols and procedures for receiving such an important guest? The Brothers of that Lodge must be embarrassed to have acquitted themselves in such shabby fashion and to have had such feckless leadership, surely. Nothing of the sort, I tell you! Every detail of the evening was in accord with the established customs and practices of the Craft. Not a letter or word of ritual was out of place, and all went according to the plan of the Worshipful Master, no matter how incredible that sounds. You see, this was not the sitting Grand Master, nor a Past Grand Master, nor one of the line officers of the Grand Lodge acting as Grand Master or soon to be Grand Master. No, this man is the Grand Master of Masons some twenty -three years from now, and he was receiving his first degree in Masonry at our Lodge. None of us knew, as we prepared him for his first experience in Freemasonry, that he would be Grand Master in somewhat more than two decades. Surely, he didn't know himself—in fact, he probably didn't know that there _was_ such a thing as a Grand Master, and may not even have been clear on the idea of the Master of a Lodge, especially since the Jr. Warden was acting in that role. His father was a Mason (how often we hear that!), but never spoke to his son much about Masonry (that too!), leaving him uninformed of what Dad did those three or four nights of the month when the rest of the family ate dinner without him. His grandfathers, too, were Masons, but our initiate was too young when they passed to the Celestial Lodge to have learned much from them about the Craft. So his initiation was an entirely strange experience, unlike anything he had encountered before. A strange experience, but not an unpleasant one, because the members of the Lodge went out of their way to make the new Brother's first night as a Mason a welcoming event. Just as they have done for many another Brother and fellow before this one. No one left him alone in the fellowship hall before or after the Degree while they talked with Brothers they already knew. No one made him feel that the ritual of the Degree was simply a long, boring ceremony to be gotten through. Rather, he was made to feel the center of the experience, and that a score of men had taken time away from their families, the work brought home from the office, the latest "reality" program on TV. The members of the Lodge gave him the impression that they were truly glad to have him become a Mason and that they expected him to be just as pleased to join them in the greatest organization in their corner of the world. When a candidate presents himself at Lodge for his Entered Apprentice degree--or a sojourning Mason from some other jurisdiction who has moved to your neighborhood shows up at a stated communication and requests an examining committee--how do you treat him? Is he really a friend you haven't met yet, or are those merely words on a dusty and slightly crumpled placard tacked on the Lodge bulletin board? Every one of those famous Masons on the lists we post around the World Wide Web was once a "nobody" being prepared by a Steward to knock at the door of the Lodge. Therefore: Resolve to treat every new Mason and every new visitor as if he might be a future Lodge Secretary, if not Grand Master! Who knows but that this might be a prophecy that fulfills itself! Our actions, both for good and for ill, have consequences that we seldom foresee. Words to Live By: “If you treat an individual as if he were what he ought to be and could be, he will become what he ought to be and could be” …Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Arizona Masonry—A Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of Arizona Publication
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MASONRY IN ACTION FOR ALL MANKIND The stated mission of Masonic Charities of Arizona is to assist organizations throughout the State that our engaged in relieving human suffering of any kind, which are dependent upon contributions from the public to accomplish their mission. Our objective is to channel contributions from Arizona Masons to those Charities. Donated funds are placed in an investment portfolio and grants to qualified organizations are made from the interest earned by those accounts. The Board of Directors is appointed to serve a three-year term by the Grand Master of Masons of Arizona.
Chalcedony Lodge #6, Free and Accepted Masons, helped present a check for $2000.00 to First Step Workshop on behalf of Arizona Masonic Charities. The grant was presented to Helen Lucero, Director of First Step Workshop by Master Clay Howard, along with Arizona Masonic Charities Director Peter Johnson and Lodge Secretary Dean Powell. The Holbrook First Step Workshop is a non-for-profit 501(c) 3 agency serving the employment needs of handicapped adults in and around Holbrook, AZ through contracts with the Arizona DES, DDD and Employment Support Services. https://firststepworkshop.org/
Throughout its history, grants from Masonic Charities of Arizona have been provided to needy organizations in the various communities all across the State of Arizona
Another 2018 grant went to Joy Christian School in Glendale is building Christian leaders through Bible-based curriculum, high academic standards, inspirational music and arts programs, exciting and engaging chapels, championship-level athletics and state of the art STEM Innovation Lab. With small class sizes and a low studentteacher ratio, your children get personalized attention geared to their pace of learning. Check out their website https://joyschool.org/
Masonic Charities of Arizona is a non-profit charity corporation, organized under the laws of the State of Arizona on April 25, 1981, and is an Internal Revenue Service approved tax-exempt Section 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donations are deductible for state and federal income tax purposes. Donations or Gifts should be mailed to: MASONIC CHARITIES OF ARIZONA 345 W Monroe St., Phoenix, AZ 85003-1617 www.masoniccharitiesaz.com Arizona Masonry—A Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of Arizona Publication
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Edgar “Ned” Wakeman – OBSCURE MASON. We all know of Samuel Clemens aka Mark Twain through volumes of written history. How many know of Captain “Ned” Wakeman who was the Master of the Ship which carried Samuel Clemens to the Eastern United States on the first leg of his proposed journey to France, Italy, India, China and Japan returning to San Francisco aboard the America. This particular voyage was at its start - inauspicious. However, the first night out great seas broke over the Steamer, sweeping away gunwales and timbers, flooding the forward staterooms with enough water to float a case of Claret. Lifeboats were readied. Not used. Calmer days followed as they sailed within sight of the Mexican coast. This is when Clemens got to know the Ship's Captain - a Connecticut Yankee – who by the sea followed the course of the American empire westward. Ned Wakeman was already a California folk hero. He had been under Piracy Charges in 1850 for stealing a paddle wheel steamer in New York and sailing her around the Horn. In San Francisco he had served as a Vigilante and hanged at least two men. For such services the citizens honored him with a silver speaking trumpet, a breast-pin cluster of nine diamonds, a gold watch plus a gold anchor and ring. Bearded and big-bellied, he was tattooed from head to foot with the Goddess of Liberty holding the Stars & Stripes, a clipper ship under full sail and an assortment of Masonic devices. For over 40 years Wakeman lived in Mark Twain's imagination as an archangel. Mark Twain published in 1909, Wakeman on the deck of his storm-beaten ship as Captain Stormfield. “Stormfield” was the name of Mark Twain's villa on top of a hill in Connecticut, his last home. The funeral of Captain Edgar Wakeman was largely attended at St. John's Church, Oakland, CA.. The services were conducted by Rev. Mr. Ackerly, who first gave a beautiful prayer at the former residence of the deceased, and afterward read the impressive Episcopal service at the church. The very unusual sight of gray-headed men, weeping like children, evidenced to the assemblage the sincere affection in which the "good Captain" was held by his Associates and Admirers. The casket was completely covered with beautiful flowers, predominant was a large anchor design, emblematic of the profession of the deceased. Occidental Lodge of F and A. Masons conducted the subsequent eulogies. All his friends followed the remains to the cemetery, where they were interred with all the honors of the Craft. Fraternally, Stan Martin, KCCH Aztlan Lodge #1, Prescott, AZ Phoenix Scottish Rite Bodies StanMartin33@earthlink.net
George Washington Masonic National Memorial OUR National monument dedicated to George Washington, the Man, the Mason, and Father of our Country Visit Soon! Arizona Masonry—A Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of Arizona Publication
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A New Tradition in Arizona History On Saturday, November, 17th 2018 Prometheus Lodge 87 and King Solomon Lodge # 5 began a new tradition. To promote and celebrate Masonic travel, both lodges initiated two candidates at King Solomon Lodge #5 in Tombstone, Arizona. Br. Dwayne Hoyt Senior Warden from Prometheus has been trying to plan this event since Grand Communication where the original idea was hatched. The day began with a brief historical presentation by WB Ken Berrett and a members only tour of the lodge. The presentation gave an insight of the events that took place near the OK Corral’s famous gunfight and all the men involved and their associated with King Solomon Lodge. Thereafter, the officers of Prometheus and King Solomon Initiated two new members into the Fraternity. King Solomon Lodge No. 5 Master WB Ken Berrett present the Entered Apprentice lecture using the lodges historical working tools, a tradition that goes back over 100 years. All officers and attendees were encouraged to wear period western attire for the event and the officer’s jewels used were made from silver from the mine just a mile down the road from the Lodge! After the degree, everyone adjourned to the Crystal Palace for lunch and fellowship. In summary, as result from this great experience, Prometheus and King Solomon Lodge have set the next joint degree. For 2019. It will be on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Perhaps, it will be known as The OK Corral Degree.
Arizona Masonry—A Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of Arizona Publication
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The Secret of Masonry We have all heard people describe Masonry as a “secret society.” And, although we are a society with secrets, the only true secret is, “what does the future hold for Masonry”. Every Lodge throughout the world does, or should, ask themselves where their future membership is coming from. Who will be those men to knock on the door seeking further light, and how will they carry on our rituals, procedures and our work? Although the future is filled with unknowns, the answer to this secret lies before our very eyes, and, in some cases, within our very own Lodge. Currently, there are nine Lodges throughout the State of Arizona that host a DeMolay Chapter which is an organization for young men age 12 to 21. These are young men seeking to become better men, sons, fathers and husbands. They perform ritual, conduct formal meetings, organize their own events, and raise their own money. They walk amongst Masons and participate in Lodge sponsored events. Understand, that DeMolay in no way expects their members to join Masonry, however, when a young man is surrounded by the great men of Masonry, and is witness to what we stand for and expect from our brothers, then the likelihood of him continuing his Masonic journey beyond DeMolay increases. In the month of October alone, two active DeMolay were raised to the sublime degree of Masonry, and one other became an Entered Apprentice. Over the past 4 years, Arizona Masonry has seen no less than 30 active DeMolay and their fathers join Masonic Lodges, two, of which serve as likely the youngest ever Worshipful Masters of their Lodges at this current moment. These young men are worthy of the investment of our time and attention. Invite them into your Lodge to share their experiences, visit their meetings to offer your support, and to see what the future of Masonry holds. Ask them to serve at your next function. Donate to their fundraisers. Sit down with them and show them that you are interested in who they are and their teachings. If you know a young man age 12 to 21, guide them to the closest DeMolay Chapter. Volunteer as an Advisor. Brothers, the future of Masonry is no secret at all. There are young men before you anxious to learn, and already familiar with our beliefs and ideals. In some cases, these young men will have had 9 years of Masonic experience prior to knocking on your door. But, they will only do so if they are exposed to great role models and feel welcomed and supported. The future of Masonry is bright, and it lies directly in front of you. You can learn more about DeMolay at azdemolay.org. Or contact Arizona State Chapter Dad Steve Johnston at state.chapter.dad@azdemolay.org
ARIZONA MASONIC LICENSE PLATES You can represent the Fraternity with your very own Masonic License Plate
There is a $25 initial application fee/ $25 annual renewal. No special requirements for eligibility as the plates are available to everyone. $17 goes to charities supported by the Grand Lodge. The license plate may be personalized with maximum of 7 characters Arizona Masonry—A Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of Arizona Publication
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THE YOUTH ARE OUR FUTURE
El Zaribah Shrine getting a make over for the Holidays by Mesa Assembly #9, International Order of the Rainbow for Girls
Chandler Chapter grabs the compass from Valley of the Sun. International Master Councilor Avery Brinkley was merely a witness to the theft. Arizona Masonry—A Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of Arizona Publication
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