Missouri Freemason Magazine - v52n04 - 2007 Fall

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FALL 2007

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Volume 52 No. 4

Official Publication of the Grand Lodge of Missouri A.F.&A.M.

THE MISSOURI FREEMASON

©

Official Publication of the Grand Lodge of Missouri

VOL. 52 NO. 4

FALL 2007

Published and copyrighted under the direction of the Committee on Masonic Publications

CONTENTS 100 Biography 101 Lamar Masonic Lodge Member Helping Victims of Katrina 102 Masonic Reflections: Standing on the Promises 104 The Cowan and the Eavesdropper 105 Kit Carson: Frontier Freemason 109 Missouri Rainbow 111 Missouri Demoly 113 Point/Counterpoint 115 The Masonic Home of Missouri 117 Forging on with the assistance of the Masonic Home of Missouri 120 Masonic Service Awards

FROM THE EDITOR’S KEYBOARD We almost couldn't breathe. Well… OK, I suppose that's an exaggeration.

Let's just say it was dusty… and hot. Every Scottish Rite building, every Lodge, even your own Lodge has a place like this. In this particular case, it was the area behind the stage at the St. Joseph Scottish Rite building. We were back there cleaning out the building so Missouri Western State University could move in as our new tenant but, hey, that's another story. The area in back of the stage was where much of the precious substance of the past had gone to become, in a way, debris. We didn't haul it all out, but moved enough to make room for the precious debris of the future. There were old programs, books, electrical parts, aprons, wreaths, mystery items and… pictures. Dozens of pictures.

"Hey," someone said, "Look at this one!" He pulled out a dilapidated frame with cardboard backing falling from it and held up an indistinguishable scene.

Some of the guys closer to the print thought it was interesting and they moved it into the light of the next room. As we each looked at it, we saw new things.

And on second look, we each again found more new things. It was a single scene, but within that scene was a representation of nearly every step of the Masonic journey. On one of those second looks, someone discovered it also contained York Rite symbolism. It was, in short, a fascinating piece.

It was so fascinating, in fact, we have included it as the cover for this issue.

The item itself is an 1875 print from the Pettibone Manufacturing Company of Cincinnati, Ohio – now defunct. In times past brothers received these prints to commemorate their journey from Entered Apprentice through the York Rite degrees, with places on the print to record the brother's name and the dates of all degrees.

Appropriately, this nineteenth century print, which was moved from the darkness of the backstage area into the lighted next room for viewing is entitled, "From Darkness to Light." We hope you enjoy it along with the remaining items in this issue.

124 The Work Of Our Craft Committee on Masonic Publications M. Robert Berger, Grand Master Bruce R. Austin, Deputy Grand Master Rocky E. Weaver, Senior Grand Warden Larry C. Reynolds, Junior Grand Warden Ronald D. Miller, Grand Secretary E. Otha Wingo Steven L. Harrison, Editor, Chairman Editor Steven L. Harrison P.O. Box 1120 Kearney, MO 64060-1120 816-628-6562 / Call for Fax editor@momason.org

Please note the change of address for the Missouri Freemason:

P.O. Box 1120, Kearney, MO 64060-1120

98 Fall 2007

Steve Harrison, Editor The Missouri Freemason (USPS 573-920) is the official publication of the Grand Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Missouri, and is published four times yearly. Articles to be considered for publication should be submitted to The Missouri Freemason, P.O. Box 1120, Kearney, MO 64060-1120, not later than the first day of the month preceding publication in February, May, August, and November.

Unless otherwise indicated, the views expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policy of the Grand Lodge A.F.&A.M. of Missouri. The Editor reserves the right due to limitations of space, to accept, reject, subedit and rearrange material submitted for publication. Pictures submitted for publication will not be returned.

OFFICE OF PUBLICATIONS: Grand Lodge of Missouri, 6033 Masonic Drive, Suite B, Columbia, MO 65202-6535. Printed by Tribune Publishing Co., Columbia, Missouri. Periodicals Postage paid at Columbia, Missouri.

POSTMASTER: Please send Address Forms 3579 to Grand Secretary, 6033 Masonic Drive, Suite B, Columbia, MO 65202-6535.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: The Missouri Freemason is mailed to every member of this Masonic Jurisdiction without charge. Domestic subscriptions elsewhere are $8.00 annually.

PERMISSION TO REPRINT: All recognized Masonic publications have permission to reprint original articles from The Missouri Freemason with credit to the author and the publication.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS (Important): Whenever a member changes his mailing address without notifying his Lodge Secretary and a mailing of the Freemason magazine occurs, the Post Office charges the Grand Lodge 75¢ per undeliverable Freemason.

PLEASE, contact your Lodge Secretary with your address change so that the Grand Lodge can then be notified. GRAND LODGE OF MISSOURI GRAND LODGE OF MISSOURI INTERNET ADDRESSES E-Mail to the Grand Lodge Office grlodge@momason.org The Grand Lodge web page www.momason.org Phone: 573-474-8561

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Brethren, My travels this year have taken me from Coast-to-Coast: Oregon, New York, Illinois to Texas. In these places, I have met some of the finest men I have ever had the pleasure of rubbing elbows with. However, some of them have been the most obstinate, and continue to hide their heads in the sand. We, in Missouri, have been progressive with our MoChip program, our C2A, as well as, our change in proficiency.

Our membership is climbing while several of the other jurisdictions are showing great loses, even as Masonry is receiving the Best Public Relations we have ever had--with the movies “National Treasure” and the “DiVinci Code” in front of the public.

With our MoChip Program, we have been invited by all segments of our population to participate in their communities to help their children.

We have received great T.V., Radio and Newspaper exposure because of this. I, again, want to thank Rt. Wo. Bro. Nick Cichielo and Rt. Wo. Bro. John Hess for their tireless work for our fraternity.

I along with other Grand Lodge officers visited Prince Hall Grand Lodge and we were treated royally.

We were informed that Recognition

has been granted by all but thirteen Jurisdictions, and the balance of these are in the Southern Portion of our country--Just another example of Jurisdictions having their heads in the sand.

Several weeks ago we had a meeting in Columbia with all of the appended bodies in attendance. We discussed a statewide calendar, whereby all of the bodies will notify the Grand Lodge of any upcoming events and put that date in stone so

that we can cooperate with each other and stop stepping on each other’s toes. If there is any special event that should be on this calendar, please notify the Grand Lodge.

I have had numerous inquiries about the time and date of opening Lodge at Green Tree Tavern in Ste. Genevieve, MO. Rt. Wo. Bro. John Broyles has picked August 11th as the date, the time approximately 1:00 P.M. The Lodge will be opening in due form with a business meeting held as it was 200 years ago, along with an explanation to the public outdoors. It should be an interesting time as this is our heritage, and we are indebted to John for his hard work and dedication to the craft.

Brethren, it is hard to believe that this Grand Lodge year is coming to an end, but I would like to express my sincere appreciation to everyone that has made this year so memorable.

Fraternally,

Robert Berger

The Work Of Our Craft Wallace Masonic Lodge #456 of Bunceton, Missouri is honored to have four generations of the Nelson family as members of the Lodge.

From left to right: Travis Nelson (05/21/07), Mark Nelson (05/16/07), Richard (Dickey) Nelson (0l/17/1950) and Richard L. Nelson (01/17/1997).

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Fall 2007 99

Senior Grand Marshal Randall M. Berger RWB Randall M. Berger was born July 8, 1969 in St. Louis Missouri. He graduated from Parkway North High School in 1987. He graduated from St. Louis College of pharmacy in 1992 with a BS in pharmacy and is currently employed as a pharmacist at Williams Pharmacy in University City, Missouri. He has been at that location for 6 years.

Prior to that, he was employed as Pharmacy Manager at Hart Food and Drug in O’Fallon, Illinois, and before that was a staff pharmacist for Interlock Pharmacy Systems, a long term care pharmacy. During his 12 years as a pharmacist, he has gained valuable knowledge in health care from both the clinical and institutional sides of medicine. He has also learned how to work with the public, treat people equally, and show respect to all. His career in pharmacy has helped make him a better Mason.

Masonically, Brother Berger received his Blue Lodge Degrees in Ben Franklin Lodge No. 642 in 1992.

His petition to Ben Franklin was his college graduation present to his father. He wasted no time in getting active and was appointed Jr. Deacon in 1993. He served the Lodge as Master in 1997 and earned the Grand Lodge Achievement Award. He was appointed DDGM for division B of the 61st Masonic district by MWB Steven Toybes in 1998. In 2003 MWB Stanley Thompson appointed him as Grand Orator. He has also served on the Grand Lodge Long Range Planning Committee, Reception of Distinguished Guests Committee, and College Lodge Committee.

In addition to Grand Lodge offices and committees, RWB Berger received the honorary KCCH in St. Louis in 1999, when he also served as Commander of the Council of Kadosh. In November 2005, he received the honorary 33rd Degree Inspector General in Joplin. He currently heads up the 23rd degree in the Valley of St. Louis. He has also served as president of the Scottish Rite Cathedral Preservation Committee as well as the Scholarship Committee.

He is a past president of the Wardens and Masters Club, a founding member of The Cornerstones, a member of the Grand Masters Consecration Breakfast Committee, a member of Keystone Chapter RAM, Jerimiah Council of Cryptic Masons, Allied Masonic Degrees, Moolah Shrine (member of the ceremonial cast), and Demolay Honorary Legion of Honor.

In 1998, he took dual membership with Rose Hill Lodge No. 550, and was on the merger committee which merged Rose Hill and Polar Star Lodge No. 79. He had the honor to be the Lodge’s First Master and was honored to sign the Charter as such. In the new lodge’s first year, RWB Berger led it to the Truman Honor Lodge Award as well as the 5% membership award.

RWB Berger currently resides in Clayton Missouri and has been there for 3 years. He is very close to his mother and father Barbara and M. Robert, his 2 sisters Jeri and Robin, as well as his 6 nieces and nephews, Tyler, Scott, Sydney, Cameron, Carly, and Abby.

The Work Of Our Craft All of the officers of Sedalia Lodge #236, Sedalia, are current members of the Missouri Lodge of Research.

Officers in picture (L to R ) Ralph E Britz, SS; James R. Hamilton, Marshall; Kenneth W. Norton, SD; David W. Wiedeman, Treas.; David E. Miller, SW; George McConnell, Chap.; H. H. Luetjen, WM; Robert D. Weikal, Sec.; Robert P. Melby, JW; Donald O. Walker, Tyler; Gregory W. Harrell, JD and William D. Talley, JS.

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LAMAR MASONIC LODGE MEMBER HELPING VICTIMS OF KATRINA

by Doug Davis | Lamar (Mo) Lodge #292 When Lamar Masonic Lodge Master Ed Belcher first met Clive Squibb, he felt there was something special about him.

Clive and his wife Beverly had moved to Lamar and he wanted to transfer from his Lodge in Mt. Vernon to one close to his new home and found Lamar Lodge 292 AF&AM.

Also included in the trailer were supplies donated by the Lamar VFW consisting of wheelchairs, walkers and crutches.

The clinic is a free clinic which ministers to people in the D'IbervilleBiloxi area and is operated by Lamar Lodge member Clive Squibb and Beverly.

Lamar Masonic Lodge #292 members who took a load of medical supplies and equipment to the Gulf Coast to help victims of Hurricane Katrina are shown in the D'Iberville Masonic Lodge.

From left, Clive Squibb, Lamar Lodge #292 member and director of the free clinic, Henry Tafner, local member Hewitt Barton I, Ed Sprinkle, Ed Belcher, and local lodge member Hewitt Barton II ( father and son members).

That was about six months before Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans and the Mississippi coast including the towns of D'Iberville and Biloxi.

Just a few weekends ago, right after Fathers Day, three members of Lamar Lodge loaded up a 20 ft. cattle trailer full of medical equipment garnered by lodge member Dr. Tucker Joustra (who recently became a Master Mason) and drove it to a clinic in D'Iberville.

The trailer was pulled by a recent acquisition of Ed Sprinkle, District Deputy Grand Master of the 33rd District and Master of Jerusalem Lodge at Jericho; a dual wheel GMC Duramax crewcab pickup. It had been fitted with a camper shell furnished by Rick Brasher and was filled with medical supplies which needed to stay dry.

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The story goes back two years.

After the Squibbs had settled into life in Lamar, they decided to become fulltime RVers and hit the road South. They are both retired LPNs and Paramedics (EMTP).

Clive said they arrived the on Gulf Coast at the end of the second week after the storm (Sept. 16, 2005) and they have been there ever since.

He said they didn't intend to stay so long but they saw such overwhelming needs that would not be met if they didn't help.

The clinic was in operation when they arrived but since then they have been the driving force, which keeps it going, "When we looked around there didn't seem to be anyone there to take over the day-to-day operations and recruit staff."

The Clinic serves those who were affected by the storm: the under-

insured, the uninsured, and those with urgent medical needs. The Clinic also provides free medications to those in need.

The Clinic is staffed entirely by volunteers: doctors, dentists, nurses, and other personnel. It operates strictly on donations of money, medications, supplies, equipment, and service.

Clive said they strive to minister to the whole patient, physically, mentally, and spiritually, "Everyone who enters the Clinic door on equal ground no matter his or her social or economic status."

The Clinic is the result of a lot of hard work by volunteers, generous donations of numerous people, groups and organizations, and lots of prayers, which have been answered two and three fold, Clive says.

It is now operated out of a modular home, which was donated new by a manufacturer.

Lamar Lodge's recent involvement in helping the Clinic might have been such an answer It started when Ed Belcher was helping out with Lodge secretary duties and getting the dues statements out. He remembered Clive upon seeing his name and address and put a note in saying the Lodge missed them and asked what they were doing.

Along with his dues, Clive sent a description of what all he was doing with the clinic.

Since Clive was a member of Lamar Lodge, Belcher felt the members would want to help and took it up at the next meeting that the Lodge might want to donate some money.

Dr. Joustra was at that meeting and suggested they send medical supplies and equipment instead as in many cases such clinics need supplies and equipment more than money. He said he had access to some equipcontinued 127 Fall 2007 101

MASONIC REFLECTIONS: STANDING ON THE PROMISES

by Dr. J. C. Montgomery, Jr., P.G.M. Most Freemasons will tell you that they never forget the night of their "raising," and many will recall the name of the Brother who conducted that important ceremony. "I was `raised' by So-and-So," they will say. It is especially touching when it involves family members - fathers "raising" sons (or visa versa), or brothers with brothers. It certainly creates a new and stronger family tie.

This recollection was renewed recently for the author when he accompanied Grand Master Robert Berger and Grand Chaplain Harvey Soule on the former's official visit to Charleston Lodge No.407, the home lodge of Deputy Grand Master Bruce Austin. It was in that lodge that I received the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on December 27, 1940. The Worshipful Master was my father, the Reverend J. C. Montgomery (Sr.).

There was this difference, however. Father chose not to "raise" me; instead he elected to give the obligation. The second section and the charge were conducted by R. W. Bros. John B. Prosser and Robert L. Fowlkes, District Grand Lecturer and Master, respectively. But what also stuck in my mind through these sixty-six plus years was the memory of two brethren grinning at me and gripping my hand after lodge and saying, "Boy, he obligated you with a vengeance!"

I have often thought about those words, at once spoken so teasingly and yet with great respect for the ritual. Father always gave Masonic work with dignity and superior enunciation. Or was it because I was young (just turned twentytwo) and unmarried? But this momentary and friendly levity has stayed with me through the years as a reminder of the seriousness and the importance of the "solemn obligations" we assumed in the several Masonic degrees. Never a communication ends without the Master saying in the closing charge, "Remember that around this altar you have promised ... " Standing on the promises ... The line from an old hymn seems appropriate. Our obligations, civil and religious as well as Masonic, are more than just words, rather the very fiber of our lives. Indeed such a fidelity is one of the golden chains binding together and strengthening civilized society. Dr. Marvin Pope of Yale University has written: "The security of a society depends that its members speak the truth in critical situations and keep their promises in matters of serious import."1 This spring after a grandson's college graduation I had the privilege of attending a very moving ceremony in which one of his friends was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marines. I swelled with pride and other emotions as this fine young man repeated after the Naval Captain the oath administered to all new officers. Many of the words rang a bell: " I, _____ _____.do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same, that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and that I will well and‌ faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me, God." I was touched because in this dangerous world not only this young officer's life but even the life of others rests on those words.

I later told Captain Buchanan of this article and wondered which came first, the military obligation or the Masonic, because we know of the affinity between Freemasons and the military services in modem Western history. Did the words of one creep into the other?

Of course, for many who are reading this there was that time when we raised a hand and assumed a similar obligation as I did at Jefferson Barracks on June 30,1941, and repeated a similar military obligation and an officer may have smiled and said, "You're in the Army (or whatever branch of service) now." As I reflect on it, within six months I had taken two obligations - Masonic and military - which were to change my life forever.

Oaths, obligations, swearing to (or by), public promises, are very ancient. There are instances of them in the Bible and other historic records. They were regarded as sacred, whether sworn to the Almighty or to the gods of the people.

One of the most famous, of course, was the Hippocratic Oath for physicians which was prefaced: "I swear by Apollo, Asclepias, Hygeia, and Panacea, and I take to witness all the gods, all the goddesses, to keep according to my ability and my judgment, the following Oath."2 Although this oath has been updated and replaced by many other statements, other cultures have had their share of obligations pertaining to that profession.

The common life of our developing civilization has indeed been bound together by the duty to truth and call to responsibility of oaths. Obviously our heads of government and elected leaders assume their positions with solemn and public obligations. The brief but high drama of a presidential swearing-in is always a hinge of our nation's history. In

continued next page 102 Fall 2007

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continued from previous page lesser but still important episodes of our community life, who would do without the witness oath or even a perfunctory but vital act, the notarized statement? Even signing tax forms is a de facto oath.

The Scriptures contain many examples of oaths, which one might discover by use of a Bible dictionary or concordance. In his essay on "Oaths," Dr. Pope notes their usual common elements: (1) invocation of the Deity; (2) it is accompanied by symbolic acts; (3) the swearer lays hold of some sacred or potent object; (4) accompanied by a curse or penalty for non-compliance because the swearer speaks his own name.

Does this not sound precisely like the assumption of a Masonic oath?

Henry Wilson Coil tells us in his Masonic Encyclopedia3 that the Anti-Masons often criticize the Fraternity simply because of the oath.

Likewise because the candidate swears to keep the secrets before he knows what the secrets are. They regard the ceremonies as impious and superstitious.

Also the oath is attended by penalties. The critics mistakenly say that Masons regard their oath as superior to civil law although Masons know that their obligations to secrecy do not extend to heinous crimes.

The foes of Freemasonry generally make their capstone argument the assertion that the New Testament quotes Jesus as forbidding oaths (Matt. 5:34; 23:1622). However better Bible students tell us that the Great Teacher was warning against vain oaths; rather that a person's life and character ought to be such that an oath is unnecessary, perhaps the equivalent of "his word is his bond." Psalm 15 tells us that the righteous "who shall abide in God's sanctuary "includes "those who stand by their oath even to their hurt (NRSV)." The Apostle Paul thrice makes promises of truth (II Cor. 1:23; Gal. 1:20; Phil.

1:8), which Biblical and legal scholars call "asservations," affirmations which would be accepted as the equivalent of an oath.

The penalties of Masonic promises are historically found in many places and in other connections, such as the fealty oaths of the Middle Ages. As Paul Bessel tells us in his book, Masonic Questions & Answers4, "Sometimes we retain tradition just for the sake of tradition". He goes on to say, "No Mason or former Mason is ever harmed physically, even if he violates his Masonic obligations."

Nonetheless the recreant Mason may face reprimand, suspension or expulsion should he knowingly or willingly violate his solemn obligations. The loss of Masonic friendships, fellowship, and other benefits as well as the damage to his reputation may prove more hurtful than any physical penalty.

Do we need to renew our obligations, our promises?

At every meeting of National Sojourners, that fine militarily-related and concordant Masonic body, members substantially re-affirm the vows they took when they were THE MISSOURI FREEMASON

received into the Chapter. Might it not be helpful if once a year a Blue Lodge had a night of re-dedication in which the Master Masons once again repeated their promises made on those special nights (or days)? They were better men for having taken them. They would be better men for saying them again, voice joined to voice, side by side, hearts knit together in the old words that are ever new and that ennoble our characters.

Standing on the promises. Somewhere I have read that the Hippocratic Oath was a model for the good life.

The same might be said of our Masonic obligations.

When the incoming Worshipful Master is being installed, the installing officer says to him, "You agree to be a good man and true and strictly to obey the moral laws." This is the essence of our promises, as we become Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Masons. The Craft assists us: but we know that our ultimate hope lies elsewhere: and thus we utter the words which might well become a daily prayer: "So help me, God, and enable me to keep steadfast in the due performance of the same."

MWB J.C. Montgomery served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Missouri in 1978-1979.

He is a Fellow of the Missouri Lodge of Research, where he also served as Master. He is a former editor of the Royal Arch Mason International Journal as well as the Missouri Freemason magazine. A 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason, MWB Montgomery has been recognized as an outstanding Masonic author. He holds a doctor of divinity degree from Central Methodist College and is a retired United Methodist Minister.

1 "Oaths," The Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible, Vol. 3, p. 572.

2 In the Greek pantheon Apollo was, among other things, the god of physical beauty, i.e., health; Asclepias was the son of Apollo and the god of medicine; Hygeia, the goddess of health; and Panacea the goddess of all healing. Hippocrates (4"' century B.C.E.) H\has been called "The Father of Medicine," although there were many physicians in centuries before.

3 P. 452, Rev. Ed., edited by Allen E. Roberts.

4 P. 23. Among other things, Bessel is well known for his Masonic education web site.

The Missouri Freemason

DEADLINES Issue Winter, 2007 Spring, 2008 Summer, 2008 Fall, 2008

Deadline October 1, 2007 January 2, 2008 April 1, 2008 July, 1, 2008

Fall 2007 103

THE COWAN AND THE EAVESDROPPER

By Kevin Hampton

Funk and Wagnell’s describes the Cowan as someone who builds walls or fences without mortar, also known as a “dry diker”.

The Eavesdropper: Someone who listens secretly to conversation.

In Freemasonry these words have a different meaning.

In the operative days of Masonry the Tyler’s duties were quite different. Workmen upon the structures held their meetings in a building erected for them—the lodge.

Operative Masons of the day had secrets of great value to the craftsmen, the Master knew the geometrical method of “trying the Square”, all of those who presented their “Masters Pieces” and had also satisfied the Master’s of the Craft of their proficiency were given the Masters Word that would enable them to travel to, and attain work in foreign countries as builders and earning themselves Masters wages. The Tiler of these days was charged with protecting the Lodge and these secrets.

When Speculative Masonry made its appearance, they added those secrets that only Masons possessed.

Of course, several people desired to obtain these secrets any way possible. These were divided into two classes the “Eavesdropper” who listened under the eaves of a building to the conversations within and thereby receive “the droppings from the roof”, and the Cowan, the person who impersonates a Mason or, also a partially instructed Mason.

To trace the origin of the word Cowan - it may have come from the French word “conyon” meaning a coward or a” Base man”, or from a Swedish word “ kujon” meaning a silly fellow.

As far back as 1589 {Schaw Manuscript} appears a passage: “That no Master or Fellow of the Craft shall receive any Cowan to work in his society or company. Nor send none of his servants to work with Cowan.” Mackey traces the word to Scotland.

In Scott’s Rob Roy, Allan Inverach says “She does not value a Cawmill mair as a Cowan.” Scottish use of the word Cowan is a term of contempt, a mason who builds dry walls, without mortar, or an uninstructed Mason.

In the days of operative Masonry, the Tyler of the Lodge may well have been armed with a sword to defend himself and the lodge in which his fellows were meeting from the encroachment of Cowans and Eavesdroppers who wanted the secret of the square and the word of a 104 Fall 2007

Master Mason without serving a prescribed time as an apprentice and laboring to produce a suitable “Masters Piece.”

Today’s Tyler keeps the Cowan away by simply refusing to admit those he does not know. If they still desire to be admitted through the tiled door, they must be either vouched for by a Brother of the Lodge, or they may request a committee. The sword of the modern Tiler is but an emblem of his authority; as the gavel is the symbol of the Master of the Lodge.

Some Cowans move through the West Gate, and are duly and truly prepared, initiated, passed, and raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason and never become true Master Masons.” How can this happen?” you ask.

This happens when the investigation committee and the Brothers of the Lodge do not heed the symbolism of the Tyler’s sword. Some of us Brothers know of some Brothers that would have been better left among the uninitiated and profane. They represent poor judgment beginning with the investigating committee, and then of the Lodge. Had all of the Brothers used their symbolic Tyler’s sword, investigated the petitioner as the Tyler does the "would be entrant" to the lodge, these Cowans would not be admitted and become a determent to the Lodge and the Fraternity.

The Eavesdropper is not really feared in modern Masonry as our Lodges are seldom built so that anyone can listen to what goes on within. The modern day “Eavesdropper” is the innocent profane who is told more than he should hear; usually by the too enthusiastic Brother Mason. In the monitorial charge of an Entered Apprentice, we are told “Neither are you to suffer your zeal for the institution to lead you into argument with those who, through ignorance, may ridicule it.”

In closing, I would like to point out the admonition of the emblem of the Book of Constitutions - guarded by the Tyler’s sword as it applies here. “We must be ever watchful and guarded of our words and actions, particularly before the enemies of Freemasonry”. Let everyone of us wear the Tyler’s sword in our hearts and set the zeal of circumspection on our tongues, and let us guard the west door from the Cowans as loyally as the Tyler guards the Lodge. Remember that every Profane who learns more than he should is an “Eavesdropper.”

Only by doing so, may the integrity of our beloved Order be preserved; the honor, glory and the reputation of our Fraternity be firmly established; the world convinced of its good effects, and the Brotherhood become a shining beacon; which attracts the good men who will make this Fraternity and World of ours a better place for all of Mankind.

Kevin Hampton is Junior Warden of Kearney Lodge #311, where he was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in February, 2006. He is also a member of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Kansas City, where he serves as Captain of the host, Lodge of Perfection.

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KIT CARSON: FRONTIER FREEMASON

By Steve Harrison, PM

Brother Christopher Houston "Kit" Carson.

Born near Richmond, Kentucky on Christmas Eve, 1809, Brother Christopher Houston "Kit" Carson was raised near Franklin, Missouri, where his parents, Lindsay and Rebecca, moved when he was still an infant. His family lived on land owned by Daniel Boone's sons, and the families became close over the years. Growing up to become an American frontiersman, trapper and Indian-fighter of the old west, Carson's short life was filled with adventures that grew into legends.

• He was once framed and arrested for murder, but his reputation was so impeccable the town sheriff helped him stage an escape so Carson could track down and apprehend the real killer.

• After mounting a campaign against gambling in his town, Tom Phillips, a friend of Carson, incurred the wrath of pro-gambling gang members. The gang attempted to lynch Phillips but, at the last second, as the noose tightened, Carson saved his friend's life by shooting the rope that was to hang him.

• He used himself as bait to lure a murderer out of the lawless Texas badlands and back into the hands of the law.

• At six-foot two inches, he was a bare-knuckle, two-fisted fighter who seldom, if ever lost, even when his THE MISSOURI FREEMASON

opponents were bigger or when he was outnumbered.

These are the escapades of which legends are made, and while each has been attributed to Carson, not a single one is true.

Despite the fact that Carson's life is clouded in legend, some of his real adventures make the legends look tame.

Carson had a tough childhood.

When he was only eight years old, his father was killed in a logging accident.

His widowed mother, burdened with a brood of fifteen children, remarried three years later. She considered her son Kit unruly and eventually apprenticed him to a saddle maker. Young Kit despised the work, and he did what many sixteen year-olds might consider.

He ran away. John Workman, the saddle maker to whom Carson was bound, placed an ad in the local newspaper offering a less than impressive one cent reward for the return of the boy.

Meanwhile, Carson found a wagon train headed for Taos, New Mexico and escaped with a price on his head.

He held a variety of jobs over the next several years but mainly worked as a trapper as he traveled west to California and north to the Salmon River in Idaho with another famed frontiersman, Thomas "Broken Hand" Fitzpatrick. During this trip, Carson and his party had countless, sometimes daily confrontations with Native American tribes.

Upon returning to Taos in 1833, Carson barely escaped with his life when a band of Comanche attacked his party. One account has it that the quick-thinking Carson had the members of his party slit the throats of their mules. The smell of blood spooked the Comanche's horses and gave the party

enough time to slip away under the cover of darkness.

Traditionally, at the end of each trapping season, mountain men got together at gatherings to blow off steam and make up for a summer of loneliness and seclusion in the mountains. It was at one such gathering in 1835, The Green River Rendezvous near present day Daniel, Wyoming, where Carson met a young Arapahoe girl named Waa-nibe (a name which meant singing grass or singing wind).

Carson was attracted to Waa-nibe, as was a burly, uncouth French trapper named Joseph Chouinard. The pair argued over the girl and eventually fought a duel. Although wounded, Carson won the duel and the hand of his new bride. Three years later the account of this duel became the first mention of Carson in a book.

His next few years were filled with tragedy. Carson was devastated when, in 1839, Waa-nibe died from childbirth complications. In 1842, his youngest child died after falling into a pot of boiling water and his second wife, a Cheyenne woman named Making-OutRoad, divorced him.

The 1950's television series, The Adventures of Kit Carson, lionized his legend. Other than his name and the fact he traveled around most of the west, little else in the series bears much resemblance to reality. For example, in the series, Carson's traveling companion was a colorful, womanizing Mexican who provided much of the comic relief in the show. It is one of the many examples of how Carson's real life actually outpaced the legend. In 1842, Carson met John Charles Frémont, whom he would accompany on three expedi-

continued next page

Kit Carson's Hawken rifle, presented to Montezuma Lodge upon his death. The inscription reads, "Presented to Montezuma Lodge #109, AF&AM by Brother Kit Carson, May, 1868." Photo courtesy Montezuma Lodge #1.

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the two. He eventually met with President James K. Polk and presented Frémont's side of the story. Polk said he agreed with Carson and then immediately turned around and had Frémont court marshaled. This single experience gave Carson a distaste for politics and politicians for the remainder of his life. In an odd twist, Polk later pardoned Frémont citing his distinguished

Meriwether at his ego-soothing councils, since they typically suffered distions over the next several years. Carcrimination and harm on these jourson became Frémont's guide as the two neys. Hearing this, Meriwether charged surveyed the west and led parties on Carson with disobedience, insubordinathe Oregon Trail. Unlike Carson's travtion and cowardice and had him arresteling companion in the TV series, howed. Carson judiciously softened his ever, Frémont chronicled their travels approach with Meriwether and manin three reports to Congress and, in aged not only to get out of jail, but also fact, nearly became the president of the keep his post for several more years.

United States.

Finding himself unburCarson came to know Frédened by constant travel for mont in a chance meeting on a the first time in his life, BrothMissouri River steamboat trip. er Carson joined the FreemaFrémont, an explorer and milisons in 1854. He became a tary officer, was planning an member of Montezuma Lodge expedition west and was look#109, chartered by the Grand ing for a guide. He learned of Lodge of Missouri, and was Carson's expertise and the two raised on December 26, 1854, immediately hit it off. By the two days after his 45th birthend of the year they had comday. In the same year, the pleted their first expedition and United States named him a had surveyed and mapped the national hero.

South Pass of the Oregon Trail Five years later, in Novemin Wyoming. ber 1859, Carson and a group For the remainder of his of other Freemasons petiBrother Christopher "Kit" Carson, possibly taken in New York days, Carson fought a near-loswith additional brothers and acquaintances. Standing: Bro. tioned the Grand Lodge of Edward H. Bergman, Bro Charles P. Cleaver, Dr. Basil Norris, ing battle to settle down into Missouri to charter a Lodge in Col. H.N. Enos, Col. McClernand, Col. J.C. McFarin; Seated: Bro. the life of a family man. After Taos, New Mexico. Upon its L.H. Rucker, Bro. Carson, Bro. James H. Carlton. Photo courtesy returning to Taos, at 33, he met inception, he became the first Montezuma Lodge #1. and married his third wife, 15Junior Warden of Bent Lodge year old Maria Josefa Jaramillo. Only service in California. A decade later #204. He then served as Senior Warfive months later, however, Frémont Frémont was the first Republican canden and was almost certain to become convinced Carson to accompany him didate for president.

Master the following year when, at the on a second expedition to map the area After the Mexican war, Carson age of 51, the United States Civil War between the Rocky Mountains and the returned to Taos. Frémont's expedicalled him to duty once again.

Pacific. Shortly after returning from tions and the books about them had During the Civil War, Carson the second expedition, Frémont talked made Kit Carson famous. But in 1849, served as a Colonel in the Union army Carson into going on yet a third trip. when Frémont offered him the chance and commanded Fort Craig in southern The third expedition allegedly was to to go on a fourth journey, the travelNew Mexico. With the defeat of the map the source of the Arkansas River. weary Carson turned him down. For Confederate forces in New Mexico in However, upon reaching the Arkansas, the next dozen years, he shared a 1863, Carson resigned his commission.

Frémont suddenly and unexpectedly somewhat normal home life with JoseUnfortunately, General James Carlton headed for California. Whether this fa. Although he was illiterate, he was refused to accept his resignation. was Frémont's idea or not is debatable, fluent in Spanish and several Native Instead, the General ordered him to but the Mexican war loomed and CaliAmerican dialects. Owing to this, Carremove the troublesome Navajos in the fornia was one of the prizes. son was appointed Indian Agent to the area to the Bosque Redondo reservation In May, 1846, the United States Ute tribe. in eastern New Mexico. declared war on Mexico. The following The Navajos had long been a warCarson is nearly universally considmonth, Carson and Freemont assisted ring and vicious force, preying on other ered to be one of the best Indian Agents settlers in Sonoma in defeating Mexitribes in the area. When Carson set out of his time. He fought for Native Amercan troops there. The war was won a on his mission, other Native American ican rights so intensely he had many year later and Frémont became territotribes in the area, glad to assist in the disagreements with his immediate rial governor of California. Another US eradication of their Navajo enemies, superior, Territorial Governor David general, Stephen Watts Kearny outjoined him. Carson was not timid in Meriwether. In one of their more ausranked Frémont, and felt he was the carrying out General Carlton's orders. picious spats, Carson insisted tribes legitimate governor. Carson got caught He conducted a relentless scorchedshould not have to travel to meet with in the middle of the squabble between continued next page 106 Fall 2007

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earth campaign, which soon forced the Navajos to surrender.

From that point, he led them on a grueling 350-mile journey back to the reservation.

This journey from Canyon deChelly in northeastern Arizona back to Bosque Redondo is more commonly known as The Long Walk. Modern historical revisionists have attempted to vilify him for his part in it. To the Navajo, Carson was indeed a villain. To other Native Americans and the United States government, he was a hero. As a reward, the United States cited Carson for gallantry and subsequently promoted him to Brigadier General.

The military assigned Carson to command Fort Garland in southern Colorado, but he soon resigned, citing ill health.

Once again a civilian, he moved his family to Boggsville, Colorado and expanded his ranching business.

Early in 1868, Carson was appointed SuperinBrigadier General Christopher "Kit" Carson. tendent of Indian Photo courtesy Montezuma Lodge #1. affairs for the Colorado territory. In the spring of that same year, he fell ill while in Washington, D.C. He made his way back to Bent's Fort where his pregnant wife Josefa met him. She had a successful delivery, but subsequently died of childbirth fever.

Carson was devastated. He never recovered emotionally or physiAlthough Carson's grave in Taos, NM lists his cally. On May 23, age at death as 59 years, he actually died seven months short of his 59th birthday. He is 1868, 58-year-old buried next to Josefa, his wife, who preceded Kit Carson knew him in death by one month. he didn't have much time. That evening, he ate a steak dinner, retired to his rocking chair, lit his pipe, and slowly bled to death from the effects of a ruptured aorta.

continued next page THE MISSOURI FREEMASON

Kit Carson and Mrs. White The Man Meets The Myth In 1849, thirty-nine year old Kit Carson had completed his three expeditions with John Charles Frémont and was back in Taos, New Mexico attempting to settle into a more mundane family life with wife Josefa. Frémont's books about the expeditions had made Carson famous, and the true-life adventures chronicled in Frémont's books had inspired fictional accounts by other authors. Carson wasn't just well known; he was a living legend.

One afternoon, he was riding with a band of soldiers.

They came upon an abandoned Apache camp. Here, Carson found the body of Ann White, who had been killed just minutes before his arrival. Among Mrs. White's effects, soldiers found a copy of the just published dime novel, Kit Carson by Charles Averill. The book detailed the larger-than-life adventures of Carson - woodsman, hunter, guide, mountain man and Indian fighter.

Carson could picture Mrs. White reading the book in captivity, knowing her superman was nearby and expecting rescue at any moment. He felt he had failed her and cursed Kit Carson the legend. The image of Mrs. White's body and his inability to help plagued Kit Carson for life. He spoke of the event in his memoirs: "We finally came in view of the Indian camp. The commanding officer ordered the men to charge, but the order was too late for the desired effect. In about 200 yards of pursuing the Indians, the body of Mrs. White was found, perfectly warm, had not been killed more than five minutes.

Shot through the heart with an arrow, she evidently knew that someone was coming to her rescue, it was apparent that she was endeavoring to make her escape, when she received the fatal shot."

"In camp was found a book, the first of which I had ever seen, in which I was made a great hero, slaying Indians by the hundred, and I have often thought that as Mrs. White would read the same knowing that I lived near, she would pray for my appearance and would be saved. I did come, but had not the power."

Later, when the soldiers suggested giving the book to Carson, he replied, "If you do, I'll burn the damn thing."

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continued from previous page In 1865, Brent Lodge #204 surrendered its charter and Carson re-affiliated with Montezuma Lodge. Today, New Mexico's Montezuma Lodge #1 includes Carson as a part of its history and is the caretaker of a few Carson artifacts.

As far as his involvement in the tragic Long Walk is concerned, history will always hold two points of view on Kit Carson: villain and hero. It is an issue that will never be resolved and, in the final analysis, perhaps we can only be fair to Brother Kit by letting him speak for himself, "I am not sure if I did right or if I did wrong, but I always did what I thought was best."

Bibliography • Harvey Lewis Carter, "Dear Old Kit": The Historical Christopher Carson with a New Edition of the Carson Memoirs (Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1968) • http://nmmasons.org/history_files/page0006.htm, Kit Carson, The Man – The Mason • http://www.answers.com/topic/kit-carson • Encyclopedia Britannica, Christopher Houston Carson • http://www.legendsofamerica.com/HC-KitCarsonBio.html • http://www.southernnewmexico.com/Articles/Southeast/De_Baca/FortSumner/BosqueRedondo-destination.html •http://www.pbs.org/weta/thewest/people/a_c/carson.htm •Biography.com, Kit Carson • http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3951/is_200407/ai_n9452440, "KIT CARSON AND HIS THREE WIVES: A Family History" • http://www.virtualology.com/KIT-CARSON.COM/, "Kit Carson, 1809 - 1868" • Alpha Video, "The Adventures of Kit Carson" Volume 1 (c) 2005, Original distribution, 1951 • The History Channel, "Carson and Cody, Hunter Heroes" (c) 2003, A&E Television Networks.

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kit_Carlson • http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/books/ chap1/bloodandthunder.htm

SAMUEL SMITH STEWART SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED Thirty students attending colleges and various institutions in the United States in the upcoming academic year (2007-2008) have received scholarships from the Samuel Smith Stewart Fund. The Grand Lodge of Missouri supports the educational endeavors and commends these individuals for their drive and determination to continue forth to seek higher education.

It is through our youth that we as a nation will grow.

In Stewart’s spirit the Masonic Fraternity continues its charitable giving of more than $1.5 million each day to causes that range from operating children’s hospitals, providing treatment for childhood language disorders, funding medical research, providing care to Masons and their families at Masonic Homes, and contributing to local community services.

Dr. Samuel Smith Stewart who died on May 4, 1960, was an active member of the Masonic Fraternity, which established the scholarship program in his name. It was his paternal grandfather, Lt. General Alexander Peter Stewart that inspired this scholarship due to his devotion to education as the Chancellor of the University of Missis108 Fall 2007

sippi where he provided the leadership that helped restore growth to both enrollment and faculty.

Dr. Stewart, a 33 Degree Scottish Rite Mason by the action of the Supreme Council of the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of America, founded a trust under the terms of which the ultimate beneficiary was the Grand Lodge of Missouri. The gift was to be used solely as a fund, endowment, foundation, eleemosynary (charity) and/or for free educational purposes. It was a memorial to his parents, Alphonso Chase Stewart and Elizabeth Smith Stewart, and was the basis for the creation of the Samuel Smith Stewart Trust Scholarship.

L to R, Scholarship recipents who attended the banquet in their honor.

Kara Dobbs, Courtney Hayes, Brittany Harrington, Anna Garvin, Benjamin Creech, Most Worshipful Grand Master M. Robert Berger, Heather Steelman, Dane Sosniecki, Jason Bals, Paul Talimonchuk.

The Scholarship recipients are Missouri high school students Brian Wideman, Jon Emery, Alexa Broyles, Samantha Stutzman, Addie Duncan, Andrea Gioia, Heather Coffel, Ashley Bugbee, Diana Auirre, Deedra Haney, Amanda Craft, Ashleah Gilmore, Jason Bals, Jesse Davison, Brittany Harrison, Stacie Ellis, Anna Garvin, Pail Talimonchuk, Heather Steelman, Angela Jarvis, Benjamin Creech, Dane Sosniecki, Abby Higgins, Alyssa Elliot, Hilary Thomas, Lea Probst, Jessica Bockelman, Sara Broyles, Ashley Slay, and Courtney Hayes.

For further information on the Grand Lodge of Missouri please refer to our Web site, www.momason.org, or contact the Public Relations Director, Nicholas R. Cichielo.

Regional School of Instruction Region C RWB Michael Armstrong

November 17, 2007 Sedalia Lodge #236 Sedalia, Missouri, 9:00 AM

THE MISSOURI FREEMASON

"EVERYDAY HEROES NEEDED!" Once upon a time there was young Rainbow Girl who was active in her local Assembly. Every year she loved going to the annual Rainbow celebration called Grand Assembly. You see, back then, there were over 80 Missouri Rainbow Assemblies…AND there were nearly 120 Grand Officers, Grand Pages and Grand Representatives. This meant there was a TON of new friends to make and old acquaintances to renew every year. Well, she held offices in her Assembly and finally became the Worthy Advisor — which made HER eligible for a Grand Office. In 1974 she was appointed Grand Service. She was elected to one office and then another.

In 1977, she was elected the 51st Missouri Grand Worthy Advisor. She chose the theme “God’s Greatest Gift” reminding everyone His greatest gift is FAITH. Her name was Dorleta Oetting. Miss Oetting had a fabulously busy term as Grand Worthy Advisor. While she was sad to see it come to a close, she still had college to finish. She received her degree and married a man named Michael.

They have since had three children…and I am the oldest of them!

My name is Niki Lodholz and I am the new, 81st, Grand Worthy Advisor in the State of Missouri.

Wow…30 years later, I’m following my Mother in this great Order! AND, I am the first Grand Worthy Advisor to do so! That’s kind of like a grand slam, winning basket/goal shot and tiebreaker overtime touchdown all rolled into one!

Now, before I go any further, I’d like to salute Samantha Stutzman, our Junior Past Grand Worthy Advisor. Samantha had a wonderful year. Her term was entitled “A Dream is a Wish your Heart Makes.” Samantha has been ALL OVER Missouri representing our Order. Her travels have included: being part of a HUGE delegation from Missouri attending our biennial Supreme Assembly—this time in Oklahoma City. (This was just a month after her installation.) Samantha served as the Supreme Page to the Acting Supreme Worthy Advisor. She was smiling the whole time so I know she had a blast! Just days after returning from Oklahoma, she helped hostess a Grand Officers’ Retreat in Salem and just days after that enjoyed, with her Grand Officers, the Masonic Youth Day in Columbia. There was a hoedown themed visit in Mexico, and then a kite-flying picnic (visit) in Lamar. There was a “red carpet” reception in Harrisonville (which was also a visit AND a combined Grand Worthy Advisor/State Dean reception), a kite-making competition (for her visit) in Piedmont and, finally, Wentzville was instituted prior to her visit there. She encouraged us at the Grand Officers’ Competition in Columbia and danced the night away at the DeMolay Knights State Youth Officers’ Dance. She enjoyed bringing greetings at Grand Lodge, Grand Chapter, Grand Court and even the Supreme White Shrine’s sessions—back in Oklahoma. Of course, she had fun going to some of DeMolay’s State Conclave and the Job’s Daughters’ Grand Bethel…and has had fun when members of those groups have been present with her. Throughout all these events, the State Dean (Mrs. Kim Best, also from Samantha’s home--Harrisonville Assembly) and Samantha have been collecting donated items and money for their combined State Service Project—the Make a Wish Foundation of Missouri. In December, 2008, Samantha hopes to finish her college work to become a labor and delivery room nurse. Good luck and farewell, Samantha! Good job!

So-o-o-o on July 2, 2007, I was elected to serve as Missouri’s Grand Worthy Advisor.

What huge heels I have to fill! (Samantha’s AND Mom’s!!) “Everyday Heroes” is my term’s dedication. The State Dean of our Grand Cross of Color I will be serving with is Melissa Felkner from Lamar. Our State Service Project is to help the foster children in the state of Missouri. We will be working with the Children's Division of Family Services as well as the foster parent organizations. We want to collect new and "like new" clothing, toys, school supplies, and personal items for children 0-18 years of age.

These items will be donated to the kids’ stores (and “closets”) in St. Louis, Springfield, and Kansas City. We will also work directly with the Supervisors in counties where we have assemblies to arrange more direct contact with foster children in order that girls might see the direct effects of their service, by donatTHE MISSOURI FREEMASON

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ing items to a particular child/foster family, sending cards for special occasions, and perhaps even tutoring—we’ll see what the needs are and see what we are able to do. The point is: ALL of us have the ability and potential to be a HERO in someone’s life.

Now, a little about me… I am a 2006 graduate of Kirkwood High School where I was active in the Pep Club and also a member of the Varsity Soccer and Field Hockey teams plus a Hockey Cheerleader. I am currently attending the University of Indianapolis and am majoring in Sports Marketing. I have continued my soccer "career" at U-Indy but now play on a co-ed team for fun. I am an active member of St. Louis Assembly #3 (Mom's the Mother Advisor!) and Kirkwood Order of the Eastern Star. In 2004 I received the Membership Award from Supreme Assembly and am the 2005 recipient of the Grand Commander's Youth Award. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family and friends as well as participating in many sports and watching Cardinals Baseball and Blues Hockey.

Missouri Rainbow continues to receive awesome support from our adult bodies as well as a strong presence of DeMolay and Job’s Daughters as the occasion (usually a dance!) arises. Times have changed since Mom held this office. We now have 22 assemblies on the roles and I have just over 40 Grand Officers, Grand Pages and Grand Representatives…BUT 22 assemblies still means many adults giving time, energy and money to make our assemblies and their agendas possible—and 22 assemblies means bunches of Rainbow Girls still coming to meetings and other events—local and all over the state. AND, I’m excited to report that our Pledge population took a surge forward this past year so now we're looking forward to having dozens of “little sisters” (ages 8 to 11) to “grow up” into Rainbow Sisters.

Please find your nearest Rainbow Assembly and volunteer to help with SOMETHING. They need you. I’m asking you to do this just once…or maybe twice. I truly need YOU to be one of our “Everyday Heroes” this 2007-2008 “grand” year.

Finally, please tell me “hello” and introduce yourself when you see me somewhere this year!

Make a Difference…YOUR One Candle may Light a Thousand!

Miss Niki Lodholz 2007-2008 Grand Worthy Advisor State of Missouri

GRAND MASTER'S MASONIC YOUTH AWARD Robert Berger, Most Worshipful Grand Master, presented Amanda Ogan, Liberty Assembly #31, International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, the Grand Master's Masonic Youth Award at Missouri's Grand Assembly on July 1, 2007. Amanda has been a member of Liberty Assembly for five years and previously, a Rainbow Pledge for two years. Amanda is a great asset to the Assembly by taking her responsibilities seriously. She has served two previous terms as Worthy Advisor and is on the line again.

Amanda served on a MOCHIP committee in Richmond this past May where she worked side-by-side with Masons from Richmond Lodge #57, Ray Lodge #223, Ada Lodge #44, Angerona Lodge #193 and Orrick Lodge. She has accepted the position of Assistant Pledge Mother for Liberty Pledges and received her Grand Cross of Color on May 19, 2007. Amanda is a friend to all and is an inspiration to Liberty Assembly, which received the honor of being named "Assembly of the Year, 2007" at Grand Assembly.

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THE MISSOURI FREEMASON

BURNING BRIGHT IN THE YOUTH TODAY! Burning bright within the young men of Missouri DeMolay are the morals and teachings of our Masonic Family. It is because of these teachings and the close relationships we have as a family that each of our organizations is starting to flourish!

Missouri DeMolay is well on its way to becoming yet again the number one Jurisdiction in DeMolay International. Missouri DeMolay recently held not only our State Conclave, but also hosted the DeMolay International Supreme Council Session and Congress in St. Louis, Missouri. We are now in the middle of our summer months

and things are getting busy. We have many events planned ranging from more Initiations, the awesome DeMolay Leadership Training Conference, the Annual softball tournament, visitations, DeMolay Day at Six Flags, and, or course, the Grand Master’s Masonic Youth Day. We hope to see each one of our Brother Masons at an upcoming function.

At our Annual State Conclave we had over 650 DeMolays, Squires, Sweethearts and adult leaders in attendance.

Our young men competed in several categories of ritual, including individual parts and team competitions. Our members from around the state did a fantastic job. Overall in the ritual competitions Kirkwood Chapter came out ahead of the rest, winning the majority of the competitions. Along with Kirkwood Chapter, many other Chapters won several awards and honors. Excelsior Chapter from Jackson, Missouri won the honor of Chapter of the Year by initiating members, participating in civic projects as well as instituting the new Divine Chapter in Poplar Bluff. Carondelet Chapter was honored as the Most Improved Chapter of the Year.

Brother Ronald Miller, Grand Secretary, received our Mason of the Year honor and our DeMolay Hall of Fame THE MISSOURI FREEMASON

inductee was Brother Ronald Krueger. Without these two brothers' hard work and dedication, Missouri DeMolay would have had a harder time reaching its goals. For a full list of our award and honor recipients feel free to check out at our website, www.modemolay.org.

At our opening session we were pleased to welcome 25 new brothers to our wonderful organization. These initiates helped push Missouri to over 80 initiates for the year as well as becoming number one in membership growth for the year. We thank all of the Masonic Family who helped make this year's Conclave a success.

As the host state of the DeMolay International Supreme Council Session and Congress, Missouri welcomed over 700 young men, advisors, and visitors to St. Louis for a week filled with brotherhood, fun, and business. As the opening ceremony kicked off the activities, brothers from Mineral Area Chapter and Excelsior Chapter attended at the altar and presented the flag of our Country for all our International Brethren. They did a fantastic job. Brother Justin Woods, our Deputy State Master Councilor, and I represented Missouri DeMolay among 98 other International Delegates to discuss business and to vote for our new 41st International Officers. We repre-

sented Missouri with the dignity and honor that any member of DeMolay would give. During Thursday of the session, the 100 members of the DeMolay Congress (DeMolay Delegates) as well as several advisors headed off to the St. Louis Shrine Hospital where we proceeded to perform several tasks for them. These included painting, staining, cleaning, cooking and even some yard work.

The Shrine Hospital was extremely happy with the work performed and was surprised at the number of young men that came to work.

At the session this year, Missouri had the honor to Fall 2007 111

have three of our advisors unanimously voted to become members of the International Supreme Council: Dad Ralph Sturdevant, Active Member, Dad Roger Salyer, Active Member, and Dad Rodney Pensel, Deputy Member.

Also, our Executive Officer, Dad Robert Cockerham was elected to serve as the Grand Junior Councilor of DeMolay International. If all goes well, this means that Dad Cockerham will be serving as the Grand Master of DeMolay International in 2009, at the 90th Anniversary of DeMolay International in Kansas City, Missouri.

Missouri DeMolay also received many awards and honors for the best and most outstanding performance in both membership and communications from DeMolay International. Newly inducted into the DeMolay Hall of Fame was Illustrious Brother Ronald A. Seale, 33째 Sovereign Grand Commander, Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A., for his continued guidance and support of DeMolay as well as his life long accomplishments inside and out of our organizations.

As many others agree the highlight of the sessions were the Squires Induction performed by the State Squires under the direction of Dad Tom Thomason, and the DeMolay Degrees performed by Missouri DeMolay under the direction of Dad Steve Pelak and members of Mineral Area Chapters Advisory Council. We were happy to welcome two new brothers from Progression Chapter into our Order.

Missouri DeMolay will be having several of its annual

DEMOLAY BALLAD DEBUTED IN ST. LOUIS Masonic troubadour Howie Damron has seen a resurgence in his singing career with the overwhelming popularity of his ballad, "The Masonic Ring."

Recently, Missouri DeMolay Executive Robert W. Cockerham, sharing a mutual interest with Damron, invited him to his home to show him his guitar collection. "I couldn't believe it," quipped Damron, "He had me autograph a guitar that's worth more than my truck!"

While visiting with Bro. Howie, Bro. Bob asked him why he didn't try to write a similar song for DeMolay. One thing led to another and the pair began collaborating on the song.

After several months of phone conversations and emails, Bro. Damron came up with a moving tribute to the order.

In June, DeMolay from around the world gathered in St. Louis to induct Southern Jurisdiction Scottish Rite Supreme Commander General Ronnie Seale into the DeMolay Hall of Fame. As one of the highlights of the ceremony, Bro. Damron debuted his DeMolay song.

Because of Bro. Cockerham's involvement, Bro. Damron refused to perform the song without his help. He invited

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events. On July 15, we will be hosting our Bi-State Masonic Youth event with Illinois at the always fun Six Flags over Mid-America, where we look to have over 200 young men in attendance. The DeMolay Leadership Training Conference will be held at the YMCA Trout Lodge in Potosi, beginning July 21, 2007. In early August, we will have our 3rd Annual Masonic Youth Softball Tournament, where all 3 Masonic Youth Organizations get together for a day of fun and softball. We are especially looking forward to the Masonic Youth Day on August 11th. We are once again anticipating another day of fun and fellowship among all of our organizations at the Masonic Complex in Columbia. Last year was such a great success we are looking to do all that is needed to help make this day grow.

Missouri DeMolay is thankful to be part of such an outstanding Masonic family, which believes in working hand-in-hand with the Masonic Youth to assist in the growth and the prosperity of our organizations. We look forward to igniting the fire of DeMolay in the youth of our community and keeping it burning bright! We hope with the continued support we can light the fire of the Missouri Masonic family.

Fraternally, Cory C. Meyer State Master Councilor Jurisdiction of Missouri Order of DeMolay Bro. Bob onto the stage and asked him to be his "music stand," a duty he accepted enthusiastically and performed flawlessly.

Bro. Howie belted out the inspiring new song, which the crowd received enthusiastically, and with a standing ovation. When the cheering stopped, Bro. Damron announced he will be recording it and it will be available commercially later this year. Bro. Damron's website, http://www.buckeyewild.com, features all of his music as well as information about his life and singing career.

Bro. Howie Damron sings his new DeMolay song, assisted by his "music stand," Bro. Bob Cockerham.

THE MISSOURI FREEMASON

POINT/COUNTERPOINT Editor's note: One of our Missouri brethren sent us an article expressing his belief that the individual member is responsible for maintaining communication with the lodge. Brother Ronald Seale, in a letter to a long time Scottish Rite member, believes the organization should have done more to communicate to the individual. With differing, but not mutually exclusive points of view, these brothers together have some important things to say to us about maintaining the relationship between our Masonic bodies and individual members.

WHAT WE HAVE HERE IS A FAILURE TO COMMUNICATE It is 7:30 p.m. It is time to open. The presiding officer arrived only five minutes ago; four of his nine officers are nowhere to be found, including me. He will have to draft the three sideliners to fill in where he can, and just move on. Thus is a sign of the times.

For years, most all anyone has ever complained about in our fraternity (besides membership, membership, membership) is a lack of communication. We want to know what is going on, we complain about the Secretary because he doesn't tell us, he keeps information from us.

We cannot afford a monthly reminder or even a newsletter, and the Secretary doesn't want the bother. The presiding officer is too busy to take real charge, he has three kids, a wife, a new job, and has no idea what he is doing.

I know this because you should hear what the old hasbeens say about him. No one ever calls me to remind me of a meeting, and I don't bother to write it down in my calendar book. I wonder where that calendar book is anyway.

However, it is ME who has not communicated. It is ME, the member, who accepted the position of an officer in this organization. I took an oath that I didn't really pay attention to. I want to remember to try to find that installation ceremony so I can read through it again and let it soak in, but I don't; I forget about it before I get home.

It is ME the member who fails to communicate with the Secretary and/or any officers to tell them that I am sick or having personal problems. It is ME the member who doesn't study and learn my parts of the ritual. It is ME the member who shows up five minutes before a meeting (sometimes), and unprepared. It is ME the member who moves and doesn't tell anyone resulting in no one being able to find me, my eventual suspension because I don't get dues notices and therefore never pay my dues, and then it is ME who complains because I blame this fraternity who is supposed to look after me! It is ME, the member, who talks about the way things used to be, or THE MISSOURI FREEMASON

SECOND CHANCES My Dear Scottish Rite Brother, Welcome back! Thank you for taking the time to write to me. I was saddened to receive your first brief letter informing me of your decision to terminate your membership in Scottish Rite. Unfortunately, your story is not unique, but we are working every day, confident in the hope that fewer men like you will feel compelled to submit a resignation to their Grand Commander.

You have been very successful in your professional and personal lives. As an attorney—still in active practice at ninety-plus years, you have served your profession with integrity and distinction and serve on the boards of your local bar associations. As a citizen, you have been honored in recognition of your civic-minded spirit and of your dedication to making your community a better place to live and work. As an alumnus, you serve on the board of your law school.

As a husband and father, your family has been central in your life.

While I was still in elementary school, you became interested in Masonry and joined your Blue Lodge. Thereafter, you decided that perhaps Scottish Rite held the promise of additional Light. And so, while JFK yet occupied the White House, you continued your Masonic journey by becoming a member of the Scottish Rite.

A span of forty plus years passed, a lifetime for some, between the time you affixed your signature on your petition and the time you submitted your resignation. What happened? Well, we—not you—dropped the ball. continued next page Fall 2007 113

continued from previous page should be. It is ME the member who is not willing to show my pride in this great fraternity by letting others know that I belong. It is ME who doesn't talk to my wife about how much it really means to me to belong to this organization, and that I want to continue to belong even if I get sick, wanting her to continue with my dues.

You waited all those years to be included, to be given a responsibility, a role to fulfill or something to do for our organization. But we never called. To be sure, we were glad to see you at the Reunion as a candidate because your presence added to our large class and thus made us feel secure. But we never called. Never wondered where you were or, more importantly, why you weren't with us. And

It is ME who refuses to get an endowed membership because I really only care about right now, not how strong the fraternity will be after I am gone, I'm selfish, I want my money now, for ME. It is ME the member who is too proud to let "the Brothers of my choosing" know that I need help, aide, and assistance, because I am embarrassed.

What I have found within me is a failure to communicate. I need to have a good long sit down with me! I really need to get my attention, kind of like my father might have done so long ago, when I was trying to ignore him. I need to own up to my responsibility, I need to give time, support, encouragement, and money when I really can. I need to get serious about my ritual, education, and my pride in my choosing this organization.

I need to take "ownership" in my organization.

After all, I am an owner, a joint owner. I need to communicate with my brothers, ever remembering my M a s o n i c lessons in brotherly love, not envy or jealousy. I need to keep my Secretary informed of where I am, if I move, if I change my phone number, if I change my email address. As an officer, I need to communicate regularly with my presiding officer, letting him know anytime I will be unable to attend a meeting or function, so he is prepared ahead of time. I need to have a good long discussion with my wife, letting her know how much this organization means to me, and what to do if something happens to me. I need to try to be a little more humble, and at the same time take "ownership" in my organization, dressing like I have pride in myself. I need to be much less critical of others and take advice where I can get it. I need to quit blaming others for my own failure to communicate. I am a member, and I "own" this organization, it's long past time that I started acting like it!

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the years passed. With each passing year it became harder for you to take the initiative and return. And harder for us, because, to be sure, we forgot who you were.

As Sovereign Grand Commander, I apologize to you for our neglect. We were content to make you a member, not a brother.

Fortunately, upon further reflection and conversation with wellinformed brethren, you let us know that you decided to stay and continue your Scottish Rite membership. Thank you for giving us another opportunity! Second chances are redemptive, and I know that your trust will not be misplaced. I look forward to hearing from you after your next visit to your valley.

Tell them I sent you.

Fraternally, Ronald Seale Ronald Seale is the Sovereign Grand Commander of the Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction. Brother Seale recently published this letter in the Scottish Rite Journal, and it is reproduced here with permission.

THE MISSOURI FREEMASON

RESOURCEFUL IDEAS LEAD TO FOUNDING OF MASONIC HOME Lodge activities, parades, KT drills raise initial capital

By Cindee Herrick | Special Project Curator One of the stories critical to the exhibit Reflected Values, opening at the end of this year is that of how the Knights Templar raised the money to start the Masonic Home.

The story begins in 1875 when the Grand Lodge of Missouri first discussed founding a home for needy Masons and their families. M.W. Brother John Ralls was impressed by the work of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky and he resolved that a committee be formed to study its success. By 1883, little progress had been made causing M.W. Brother Charles C. Woods to chastise the attendees of the Sixty-third Annual Communication with the following words: “ To give a loaf of bread to a starving widow, and spend a hundred dollars on a banquet, is not charity of a very pronounced character. The amount we spend during a single year in caressing defunct oysters, or burning incense to the social penates in the shape of costly cigars, would build a ‘Home’ that would go down in posterity, a perennial blessing.” Woods went on to serve as the second Superintendent of the Home.

The project went through a series of reviews and committees until, in 1886, a core group of Masons decided that it was time to open the doors. They had a problem though; they did not have enough money. To overcome this hurdle, the group proposed two things: raise money from the membership and hold a public event.

To raise money from the membership, the full Home Board recommended three steps. First was for each lodge, Chapter, Council and Commandery to appoint a “Committee who will see each and every Mason within its jurisdiction, and secure individual pledges.” Next was for the lodges to “organize a system of social entertainments, lectures, etc., say for St. Johns’ days, and by that means realize something for the Home.” And third, they predicted the critical role the Order of the John D. Vincil THE MISSOURI FREEMASON

Medal worn by John D. Vincil designating him as part of the coordinating committee. Other medals received by him in the course of his duties as the Grand Secretary from 1877 until 1901. The Grand Lodge of Missouri owns these fine items.

Eastern Star would play in the success of the Masonic Home.

The second idea was to invite the public to an event and charge admission. The event was based on the Knights Templar’s practice of military drill and marching band music. Charity Day was the brainchild of John D. Vincil, Grand Secretary, Home Board member, miniscontinued next page Fall 2007 115

continued from previous page

Knights Templar parade in St. Louis, 1886, to support the founding of the Masonic Home. This rare photograph of the actual parade postponed until Thursday, September 23, captures the mounted Commanderies leading the marching Commanderies. Knights Templar wore the distinctive chapeau head covering derived from the chapeau de bras of 18th century military uniforms. The photograph was found on the back of a souvenir owned by the New Masonic Temple, St. Louis.

Banner made from participant ribbons from the 1886 Knights Templar Triennial in St. Louis. Many Commanderies designed chest ribbons for their members to wear at the Grand Encampment. Stamped onto silk or embroidered onto grosgrain silk, they added a touch of color to the navy blue frock coats. An enterprising seamstress crazy quilted them together to make this distinctive wall hanging. Purchased on eBay by the Masonic Home of Missouri.

ter and holder of a doctorate in divinity. Working with Vincil, was M.W. Brother John R. Parson. Parson was the Chair of the committee to plan the St. Louis Grand Encampment. Parson’s lifelong commitment to the Home earned him the title of Father of the Home. The plan was Medals worn by members of the committees and by attending knights. to devote the second to last day of the 23rd Triennial ConThese medals belong to the New Masonic Temple, St. Louis. clave of the Knights Templar to public displays. Thousands of Knights Templar from all over the United States performed complex military drill patterns. Two thousand men played band music. Over one hundred thousand people attended the event. It was held on Wednesday, September 22 at the Old Fairgrounds on a beautiful fall day. The Old Fairgrounds were at Grand Boulevard and Natural Bridge Avenue.

To fully understand the scope of this event, one has only to read the newspapers. In 1886, the Grand Encampment was worthy of daily, multi-page coverage in the St. Louis papers. The Post Dispatch and the Globe-Democrat began coverage on Saturday, September 18, with two page spreads of biographical sketches of the Grand Commanders from throughout the United States. The papers prepared their readers for the 50,000 Knight parade that was scheduled for Tuesday, September 21 by describing the military patterns spectators could expect during the close order drill demonstrations.

Knights Templar parades with close order drill demonstrations and Commandery bands began in St. Louis. In 1868, the Grand Encampment was held in St. Louis and, at that time, the organizers coordinated the first public events. The community residents loved the parade and a tradition was born. Every three years from then on, when the Commanderies met in a city around the United States, the hosting Commanderies coordinated a parade. Every three years, hundreds of thousands of people lined the streets to watch the sharply dressed men perform. In 1886 the local hosts used the public’s love of a good drill team and marching band to raise the money to start the Masonic Home of Missouri.

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FORGING ON WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE MASONIC HOME OF MISSOURI The Masonic Home of Missouri would like to share Cecil and Betty Hurt with you. To watch them together, is to see how much love and devotion a couple can have.

They have had a wonderful life together, and they have allowed us to share a bit of it with you.

Cecil Hurt was a young man working in Florida, when he felt it was time to go home for a visit. He arrived home on the train on February 22, 1946. His father was a lay speaker, and there was an event at the church that evening. Cecil’s mother encouraged him to attend the event telling him that “there was going to be a pretty little girl attending.” Betty sang and played the piano in her family’s Gospel Quartet. Normally, they would not have been able to attend the church event, because Betty’s father would be working. However, this particular event was scheduled on the holiday, so her father had the night off. Cecil and Betty meet that night, and they were married a year later on May 17, 1947.

Six month’s after their wedding, Cecil preached his first sermon. He went to pastor his first church in September 1949, South Friendship General Baptist Church.

He also attended Oakland City College in Evansville, Indiana. In 1951, their lives changed again when Cecil’s uncle encouraged him to attend the Methodist Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, with him. Cecil was assigned his first Methodist Church in Whitewater, Missouri. It was in Whitewater where he took yet another path that would change his life – he jointed Whitewater Lodge No. 417.

Cecil also continued his education at Southeast Missouri State at Cape Girardeau.

The family was blessed with a baby daughter, Dianna Louise, on August 31, 1956. They did not think they would be able to have any more children. On December 21, 1965 a little boy was born in Evansville, Indiana. He was only three days old when Cecil and Betty met and fell in love with him, and they were able to adopt Cecil Bradley. After 20 years of marriage, God blessed them with a little surprise. On January 9, 1968, they had another baby girl, Martha Joyce or “Jo” for short.

They have two grandchildren, David Scott Carlye, II and Charles William C Eckert. The “C” in Charles name stands for Cecil, and there is no period after the “C”. This is because Harry S Truman does not have a period after his middle initial. Cecil mentions this proudly, as he also discusses President Truman Masonic membership.

Cecil is very proud of his many Masonic accomplishments, and he shared some of the many high points. Cecil joined the Lodge in Whitewater and Betty joined Morley Chapter. Cecil followed Betty into Morley Chapter three years later.

He joined the Scottish Rite, Valley of St. Louis, in 1960. He was a member of the Scottish Rite Choir, past President of the Choir, member of S.R. “Speakers Bureau”, worked in the degree work at the “Reunions” (both speaking and nonspeaking parts), member of “Out-State Membership” and chairman several years. Cecil became a Shriner in 1968. In 1969, he was appointed Grand Chaplain, which he was appointed to for 17 consecutive years. In 1973, Cecil was Knighted K.C.C.H. (Knighted Commander of Court of Honor). In 1974, he was given the H.L.O.H. (Honorary Legion of Honor) from the International Order of DeMolay. In 1976, “Sesquicentennial Year” he was first Vice-Chairman of Membership for the Valley of St. Louis. In 1978, he was installed as Worshipful Master of Senath Lodge No. 513, and he received “Merit of Honor” from the Shrine. He is a Life Member of Hadi Shrine, Evansville, Indiana, which was his “home-town”.

A good friend bestowed this honor on him. In 1979, he was coroneted 33rd Degree, Honorary and was chosen as the Orator of the Class. In 1980, he was selected as the sponsor of the December 27th Class of New Members of the Scottish Rite. In 2005, Cecil received his 50-year pen at Whitewater Lodge No. 417. Cecil is also very proud that he was Grand Chaplain at the cornerstone laying of the Truman Building in Jefferson City, Missouri, and many additional cor-

continued next page THE MISSOURI FREEMASON

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continued from previous page ner stones throughout the state. Betty said, “The Masonic Lodge and Scottish Rite enhanced his ministry. He would get home late from Masonic activities, and I would worry how he would preach the next morning, but it would always be one of his best.”

Betty was active in her Eastern Star work particularly in the music. She said, “I was always stuck at the piano, and I loved it.” Betty also taught music lessons for 38 years. She “tried to be a good minister’s wife and a good Masonic wife.”

The children always helped to keep things going while Cecil was away.

When Cecil retried, they did not have a home. They could move anywhere, but they decided to go to St. Louis. Cecil wanted to stay active in the Scottish Rite, so they found an apartment within an easy drive. When you talk with Cecil and Betty, their love for their children, the Masonic fraternity, and his ministry is very powerful. Betty said it best, “what a life!” They just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

In the last few years things have changed for Cecil and Betty. Due to health issues, Cecil and Betty needed to move to an independent living facility. Cecil’s health was declining. Cecil and Betty realized that they needed to move, but they could not afford it. Betty said, “We just did not save enough. We knew we had his pension and Social Security, but without help from the Masonic Home of Missouri we could not pay the rent. We could not survive without the Masonic Home of Missouri’s help. We are not embarrassed by the help we receive, we are grateful!”

The Masonic Home of Missouri is grateful to Cecil and Betty for allowing us to help them and share their story. They are a truly inspiring couple.

MASONIC HOME OF MISSOURI KANSAS CITY RESIDENTS “GEAR UP FOR SUMMER” We've had a busy spring schedule and now look forward an eventful summer.

Residents able to get out and about appreciate chapters and lodges supplying transportation for them to be a part of their activities: meetings, installations, receptions and the like.

A few are also able to make it to church on Sunday because someone volunteers to provide a ride.

These kind acts are realized to be even more special when we drive by a gas station and see the rising price of fuel. This always triggers memories of by-gone days: "I remember when fuel was 17 cents a gallon. We thought it horrible when it went to a quarter!"

"Time was, a fella'd pump the gas for you, clean your windows, check under the hood, and fill the tires if they needed it!"

"Remember the free stuff you'd get? I wouldn't have had [china, glassware, towels…] if it wasn't for those giveaways."

Folks were so busy with their own "doings" we ended up canceling our first fishing trip of the season.

We're looking forward to two other chances to participate in the Missouri 118 Fall 2007

Department of Conservation's Urban Fishing Program.

Exciting news! The folks in Sedalia asked us to come for a visit in July. They'll help us maneuver lunch at Ryan's, then, if we have time, we'll have a short historical tour of the town.

Residents truly enjoy time out of the building –most especially when it's getting away with family or friends.

Many residents are of the generation when Sunday's entertainment was a country drive (and perhaps a picnic or other treat along the way).

We try to get out for a drive once a week (in addition to getting out for medical appointments, the weekly trip to Walmart and short-trip errands).

Sometimes, it's a "stay in the bus" tour of a local park reserve, a visit to old haunts (The Plaza, Cliffview Drive, Swope Park…) driving to see features of the bi-annual "Homes Tour", how folks in local neighborhoods planted their flower beds, or traveling the back country roads to

admire the general scenery, crops and livestock (we can hardly wait 'til we can go out to Pleasant Hill and pick up some fresh sweet corn and home grown tomatoes).

Other outings have us going out for a treat to a local ice cream parlor, coffee house or sweet shop.

We've also learned of a new past time called "letterboxing."

International letterboxing week was June 18-24.

This activity combines artistic ability and treasure hunting. Clues are provided online (www.atlasquest.com) to various sites (we're keeping to the Lee's Summit/Kansas City area, but you can go just about anywhere in the country and some foreign countries as well).

Follow the clue to an historic site or local attraction. Some are difficult (you may even have to dig them up), but others are easily found, kid friendly and handicapped accessible.

It's fun solving the clues to find the site, driving to the location, following more clues to find the letterbox and stamping the "passport" that tracks our progress.

We're thinking about setting up THE MISSOURI FREEMASON

our own letter box just to see if anyone would find and visit it.

In addition to all these happenings, we've got our everyday routine and special happenings with entertainment (check out the Masonic

Home web site for some specifics) and treats from lodges and chapters (maybe it's just coincidence that Oak Grove will be here with ice cream during "Ice Cream Days").

We'll celebrate World Juggling

Day early by learning how to juggle from an international professional.

Residents help staff recognize "Recess at Work Day" by encouraging them to enter in to the fun.

Residents also recognize that none of these things would be possible if not for the generous support of their brothers and sisters in lodges and chapters throughout the State, and for the unity of groups like the 19th District as they provide support with their annual pancake breakfast. They would like to take this opportunity to say:

NEW RESOURCE GUIDE TO BE DISTRIBUTED About 3 years ago the Masonic Home of Missouri Distributed Resource Guides to all the Masonic Home Representatives and Secretaries in each lodge and in each of these directories were a listing of resources specific to the Masonic District you are in.

After reviewing those books it has become apparent that several of the resources and numbers have become outdated and with wanting to provide the most up to date information possible to the members; the Masonic Home has reviewed and revised all of that information; that will be made available at Annual Communication in September.

In order to receive your updated materials we ask that you stop by the Masonic Home’s Booth where you will be issued two copies specific to your Masonic District. All individuals will be asked to sign for their designated copies, so that we can have a record of who has received this information. We ask for your patience with this process and hope the information we are providing is beneficial to your lodge, its members and families. Should you not have a representative attending we will be mailing out copies that were not picked up concluding Grand Lodge Annual Communication.

Thank You.

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RATE ADJUSTMENT Effective July 1, 2007, the new rates for the Masonic Home of Missouri Assisted Living Facility in Kansas City, Missouri will be: Private Rooms $2,266.00 Suites $2,678.00 2nd Person in Suite $515.00 For more information regarding the KANSAS CITY FACILITY, please contact KATHRYN JOHNSON at 1-816-763-6667 or 1-866-763-6667

MASONIC YOUTH DAY 2007 Masonic Complex in Columbia, MO Saturday, August 11th, 2007 — 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Appropriate Casual Dress — Wear Organization's shirt Food: Hamburgers, Hotdogs, Chips, Soda, Funnel Cakes, Snow Cones, Cotton Candy, Popcorn Fun: Voleyball, Horseshoes, Washers, Mexican Golf, Water Balloons, Chicago Softball, Music, Prizes!!

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On April 3rd, at Camden Point Lodge #369, Camden Point, MO, past master Simeon Turner was presented his 50-year pin at an open communication of the Lodge. Pictured are Bro Turner and his wife Kay. RWB Larry Cook, DDGM of the 17th District, conducted the presentation ceremony.

At the May 1 meeting of Kirksville Lodge #105, Brother Rollie D. Smith was presented with his 50-year pin and certificate from the Grand Lodge of Missouri. Pictured L to R are his daughter, Susie Patton, Rollie, his son, John Smith, and making the presentation Right Worshipful Brother Robert M. Barrett.

On June 5, 2007, Fayette Lodge presented Bill J. Crigler with his 50-year pin and certificate from the Grand Lodge of Missouri. Pictured are front row (l to r) MWB M. Robert Berger, Bro. Crigler, WB Kenneth Gebhardt, RWB Randall M. Berger; back row (l to r) RWB Richard L. Smith, RWB Harvey R. Soule.

WB Nelson G. Morgan (right) was honored by George Washington Lodge #9 on June 26, 2007 for 65 years of service to the fraternity. WB Morgan was initiated into Freemasonry in 1942 and, at 95 “years young,� remains one of the most active members of Missouri Freemasonry. WB Morgan is a multiple member of Waynesville Lodge #375 and has authored publications about Freemasonry. RWB Joe Johnson (left) conferred the honor and presented our brother with a plaque denoting his contributions to freemasonry.

Bro Donald E. Stech (center) of George Washington Lodge #9 received his 50-year jewel on June 26, 2007. RWB Joe Johnson (left) presented Bro Stech with his jewel and certificate. Bro Stech was initiated into the fraternity in 1957.

In addition, WB Bill White received honors from George Washington Lodge #9 for 60 years of service to Missouri Freemasonry on June 12, 2007. RWB Marion Briggs (Worshipful Master) presented our brother with a plaque denoting our gratitude for past and continued contributions to the fraternity. WB White celebrated his 90th birthday on June 23, 2007 and remains an active member in George Washington Lodge.

50 Year Members: On Thursday May 24th, 2007 at the annual Family Night dinner of Farmington Lodge #132. Worshipful Master Terry Duckett (center) presented two 50-year membership pens to Right Worshipful Brother Harold J. Richardson and Worshipful Brother Walter Ellis. Pictured above are Worshipful Master Duckett, Right Worshipful Brother Richardson (right) and Worshipful Brother Ellis (left).

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Irondale Lodge #143 honored Bro. Ronald Jarvis with a bountiful dinner on November 4, 2006. At an open meeting at 7PM, Bro. Jarvis was given a very touching presentation in honor of his 50 years of continuous membership and service with a certificate and Jewel from the Grand Lodge of Missouri.

RWB Cecil Isaac of Potosi Lodge #131 assisted by his son made the presentation. There were approximately 30 members and friends in attendance along with some of his family. His wife, Ina, pinned the jewel on him. Two of his daughters, Mrs. Rhonda Bay of DeSoto, Mrs. Kerry Jarvis of Pevely, Bro. Albert Ives and wife Bette of Irondale and special friend Mrs. Beverly Moore of Park Hills attended.

Bro. Jarvis was very honored and pleased with the evening. He wishes to thank everyone who was involved in any way making it a very memorable affair.

After serving as Grand Marshall of a Lexington Heritage Day Parade, United States Congressman Ike Skelton received his 50-year Masonic Pin at his home Lodge, Lexington #149, on June 9, 2007. The ceremony was conducted at the same altar & Bible that Congressman Skelton received his oath as a Master Mason. Past Grand Masters M/W Brother Glenn E. Means (2001-2002) served as Worshipful Master, and M/W Brother Stanley Thompson (2003-2004) served as Senior Deacon. DDGL Stan Massey was Chaplain.

Brother Skelton made several complementary remarks regarding the Masonic Fraternity. He humorously noted how quickly time had passed since taking his oath with those many Masons he named, who were members in 1957.

A fellowship period followed with refreshments, and a lot of reminiscing between the Congressman and members of Lexington #149, as well as with members of the other 26 Lodges who were represented at this grand occasion.

For proper handling, congratulatory letters should be mail to, Bob Hagidorn, Office of Congressman Skelton, 514 B NW Highway 7, Blue Springs, MO. 64014.

Pictured: US Congressman Ike Skelton addresses the crowd after receiving his 50-year pin and certificate.

MWB Glenn Means, who made the presentation, is seated in the background.

Bro. Jerry J. Dennington of Dexter Lodge #532 received his 50-year pin and certificate from the Grand Lodge of Missouri on May 16, 2007. Evergreen Lodge #259 of Riverside, CA made the presentation on behalf of the Grand Lodge of Missouri.

His family was present for the ceremony.

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St. Francisville Lodge #588 A.F. & A.M. has thirty one 50year members. Pictured are: Back Row, Keith Zinnert, A.J. Humes, Dail White, & Ed Ronner 2nd row, Earl Moughler, Bill Ragan and Ansel Lipper front row, Gerald Miller, Jack Brotemarkle, Russell "Jack" Murphy, Bill Jutte, & Earl Hunziker.

50 year members not pictured are Roland "Guy" Barrows, Floyd Baum, Prentiss Faw, Thomas Gutting, Vernon Gutting, Robert Hinman, Delbert Huckey, Orie Inlow, John Jutte, John Kircher, Chiswell Lentz, Wayne Meinhardt, James Noble, Forrest Phillips, James Ragan, Winston Walker, Donald Young, Frederick Zinnert & Gale Zinnert.

The picture was taken June 3rd as the lodge honored five new 50-year pin recipients.

St. Francisville #588 A.F. & A.M. Masonic lodge presented five fifty-year jewels and certificates on Sunday June 3rd.

Receiving their fifty year pin from left to right are Gerald Miller, A.J. Humes, Jack Brotemarkle, Dail White and Leroy Ronner. Bro. Shawn McAfee served as Master for the ceremony. Br. Daniel McAfee served as Senior Deacon and Br. Joe Humes served as Chaplain. The event was well attended by family and friends. The five recipients reminisced with those present about some of their memories in the lodge and with each other. After the ceremony all enjoyed cake, ice cream and fellowship.

WB Willard Fritts received his 50-year pin and certificate from The Grand Lodge of Missouri from Meramec Lodge on March 19, 2007. His daughter Brenda Waterhouse, wife Violet, RDGL Norman Harrison and WM Joseph Keller were present for the ceremony.

Several members of DeSoto Lodge 119 have received 50 Year and 25-year pins. On March 22, 2007. We had four members who reached 50 years in masonry at our lodge. They are Bros. Roy Welshon, Harold Gibson, Harold Donnell, and Bro. Dean Mcgee who will receive his in May 2007. We had one Bro., Bob Miller, who reached the 25-year mark. Pictured are Bro. Bob Miller (on the Left) and Bro. Roy Welshon.

On April 15, 2007, Hebron Lodge #354, presented three fifty-year pins. They were presented by MWB Elmer Revelle, assisted by RWB Ronald Miller as Senior Deacon and RWB Donald Fairley as Chaplain. The three are being pined by their wives from left to right: Bro. Donald Murphy, Bro. Aubrey Bastian and Bro. Richard Coil, with RWB Ronald Miller observing.

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On October 28, 2006, Travis Graham received his 50year pin and certificate from the Grand Lodge of Missouri at Wakanda Lodge #52, Carrollton, MO. His wife Donna is shown presenting his pin.

On May 19, 2007, Bro. Cecil Y. Isaac, DDGL, presented a 50-year pin and certificate of the Grand Lodge of Missouri to Bro. Albert Ives and Bro. Raymond Nixon for fifty years of service.

On June 10, 2007, Nelson Brooks received his 50-year certificate and pin from Osage Lodge No. 303, Nevada, MO. PDDGM Lawrence Cripps made the presentation to Nelson. His wife, Ella Mae, presented the Jewel.

On September 9, 2006, Lanes Prairie Lodge #531 AF&AM in Vichy, Missouri, honored Brother Gerald A. Lindstrom with a presentation of his 50 year Jewel and Certificate of the Grand Lodge of Missouri. Bro. Lindstrom received his degrees in Pajarito Lodge #66 in Los Alamos, New Mexico. He transferred to Lanes Prairie Lodge #531 on January 10, 2004. It was a memorable night for Bro. Lindstrom and for Lanes Prairie Lodge #531. Cake and treats were served later in the Fellowship Hall. Right Worshipful Brother Jim Smallwood, DDGM, made the Presentation. It was his last Official Presentation as DDGM of the 29th District.

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Alpha Lodge #659 hosted its annual Widow's Dinner in April, catered by North Kansas City Rainbow Assembly #55. Pictured front (l-r) Guests: Nancy Lee and Judy McBath.

Looking on (l-r) Delaney Mose, Tom Smith, WM, Shelby Baker, Becky Olds, Crystal Terry, and Bob Chester, PM. At Alpha Lodge #659's annual Widow's Dinner, guest Norma Sacks is served by Becky Olds of North Kansas City Rainbow Assembly #55.

On May 15, 2007, Hebron Lodge #354, held its annual Past Master's Night, when Past Masters fill the chairs and brothers reminisce and socialize. In 2007 they were from left to right: (Front row) Edward Spurting 2005-2006, Dennis Herndon 1981, Gerald Chaney 1993, Gerald Kelley 1990, Richard Mills 1995-1997, Donald Fairley 1986, Donald Woods 1954 and Frank Wilfley 1960-1961. (Second row) Richard Schremp 1985, Randell Barnes 1982, Gregory Miller 1988, Grower Fannin 1997-1998, Charles Minney 1994-1995, Jared Price 1979 and Darrell Knipp.

RWB John Broyles, Junior Grand Steward, and MWB M. Robert Berger, Grand Master lead a delegation of brothers from Monroe Lodge #64 in the cornerstone dedication ceremony for the new Monroe City Hall, Monroe, Missouri on June 3, 2007. Several grand officers and brothers from other area lodges were present.

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Perseverance Lodge #92, Louisiana, MO has CANCELLED its Grand Master's breakfast originally scheduled for Saturday, October 20, 2007 due to a scheduling conflict. We sincerely regret any inconvenience.

Wallace Masonic Lodge #456 of Bunceton, Missouri is honored to have seven new members, who became Freemasons on June 13th, 2007. From left to right in the first row: Bill Bryan, Mark Nelson and James Shiverling. Second row: Mike Bryan, Brad Pfeiffer, Nash Mckenzie and Troy Thruman.

John L. Erfurdt Jr., right, was named the Mason of the Year

by Hope Lodge #251 during its installation of officers Saturday, July 28. Also pictured is Terry D. Coppotelli, Worshipful Master, who made the presentation.

Warrenton Lodge #609 sponsored a Chips program on June 9, 2007. Thirty-four Volunteers processed over 90 children. Grace Chapter #323, Eastern Star, served lunch. WB Phillip Carey and J.R. Latta assisted in setting up the computers and helping the volunteers.

On July 22nd, the Windsor Chapter OES #102 presented Windsor Masonic lodge with a complete set of Officer Jewels and Collars.

Pictured above is Joseph A. (A.J.) Humes with his son Joseph B Humes and his grandson Chris Humes all of Wyaconda. Grandfather, son and grandson are all Master Masons and members of St. Francisville Lodge #588 of Wayland.

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Receiving the Masters jewel WM Darrin Moorer presented by his mother W.M. Maureen Wallace, A Great Masonic family.

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On Saturday April 21, 2007 Linn Creek Lodge #152 held a 75-year rededication ceremony by laying a cornerstone commemorating 75 years at its location in Camdenton. The Lodge was first chartered in 1855 and was located in Linn Creek. During the Civil War the charter and all records were lost or destroyed.

The lodge was again chartered in 1869. Due to the creating of the Lake Of The Ozarks, the town of Linn Creek was flooded. A new Lodge Temple was constructed in Camdenton and was finished in 1932.

That Temple is the location of Linn Creek Lodge #152 today.

Shown in the photograph are seated: Mrs. Marian Rudolph, Bro. John T. McCrory whose father, John S. McCrory was the first Mason raised in the new temple in 1932, and Most Worshipful Brother James Noland Jr., Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Missouri and member of Macks Creek Lodge #433, and Keynote Speaker.

Standing l to r. Brother Gene Oitker, Master of Ceremonies; First row: Bryon Lovell, Worshipful Master; Right Worshipful Brother James Portwood, Secretary; Brother Mark Wilbarger, Senior Steward; Brother Charles Phelps, Junior Steward; Brother Bill Gansemer, Senior Warden; Worshipful Brother Larry Clemens, Treasurer; Second row: Brother Gary Bowling, Junior Deacon; Brother Jimmy Brashear, Senior Deacon; Brother Kelly Luttrell, Junior Warden; and Brother Robert Leonard, Tyler.

Boonville Wal-Mart manager, Dennis Raney presented a grant for $500 Cooper Lodge #36 to help to fund the MO CHIP program, which is sponsored by the Masonic Children’s Foundation of the Grand Lodge of Missouri. Pictured with Raney are Lodge Master Roy Cary and DeMolay leader Jeff Koa, co-chairs of the Boonville event.

This service provides families with a child’s information that is required by the AMBER ALERT program. This is done at the Lodge Hall in Boonville, and other Lodges, with absolutely no charge to the family. Each day nearly 2,000 children are reported missing or abducted in the United States. This packet of information can be made immediately available to law enforcement services as the search begins for the missing child. To date more than 25,000 children have gone through the program with Masonic Lodges.

The next MO Chip program in Boonville will be March 29, 2008. A big thanks goes to John Hess, who heads up the CHIP program for the Missouri Grand Lodge and helps the Lodges put on the program.

In a separate event, on behalf of the Cooper Lodge #36 and Boonslick Shrine Club, Master Roy Cary presented Clark Williamson of Boy Scout Troop #67 with a check for $300, during the end of the year dinner at the Lodge Hall.

A man may work from sun to sun, A woman's work may ne'er be done, The secretary's work, they say, Is done when in the ground he lay.

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continued from 101 ment and supplies that he was going to donate and the Lodge voted to accept those and ship them to the Clinic.

Belcher got together with Sprinkle and Lodge Past Master and Junior Deacon Henry Tafner about the possibility of Lodge members driving the supplies and equipment to the coast instead of hiring someone to do it.

All they asked was for the Lodge to pay for the fuel and their food. They would have a place to stay with the help of Squibb. It turned out a local condominium owner furnished them space in their facility without charge.

The three of them left Lamar about 3 a.m. June 22 and arrived about three or four in the afternoon, "It took us 12 hours to go down there and 16 to get back because we got lost and made some wrong turns!"

Belcher said Lamar Lodge will probably be helping again in the future but that will be up to the next lodge master and membership as his turn as master is coming quickly to an end.

Clive said the Clinic has many needs but a primary need is a dentist, "We have a complete dental room set up, including dental x-ray. The need for dental services is alarming!"

They need physicians to donate whatever time they might have available. He said one day or one month or anything in-between.

They can always use two to three nurses per day. Duties include triage (vital signs and history taking), assisting doctors as needed as so forth.

Medications/samples are needed as they fill 85 to 100 prescriptions any given day, "We also have critical needs and maintain a critical needs list.

As in any business, money is always a need in order to maintain services. "We maintain our day-to-day operations and expenses strictly on donations.

"We are dedicated to doing the Lord's work," Clive said, "We are his hands and feet for it is in His name that miracles are performed and prayers are answered."

Clive and the Clinic can be reached by phone at (228) 396-5876 or (228) 861-8437.

WESTPORT LODGE NUMBER 340 It’s official! The good Brothers of Westport Lodge #340 are now duly and truly members of Swope Park Lodge #617 as of July 1, 2007. WB Gus Egner (left) turned in Westport’s charter to DDGM Dennis Abernathy (right) as WM Gary Dryer looks on. We had an outstanding evening, beginning with a superb grilled dinner put on by our William F. Kuhn DeMolay chapter. The young men grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, brats and chicken served with all the trimmings.

Thirty Brethren were in attendance to witness this historical occasion. The 62 new Swope Park Lodge brethren gave the Swope Park Treasurer a check in the amount of $ 16,615.39, which will go along way supporting our charitable activities and help defray the cost of maintaining our building. As of the merger, Swope Park Lodge has 298 members of record.

RWB Jack Clark, PM York Lodge, was instrumental in bringing about THE MISSOURI FREEMASON

the merger of York Lodge #563 into Swope Park in 2002, and is a most excellent example of merged members bringing strength and vitality into a Lodge though their active participation. RWB Larry Cameron headed the committee making the Westport merger a success. Both WB Dryer and RWB Cameron echoed the sentiments of the Lodge as a whole in welcoming these brothers. We are certain they will actively participate on committees and serve as officers as their health, time and energies permit. They bring a wealth of Masonic experience and will contribute new ideas on how we can all best serve our fraternity and community.

In accepting the Charter, RWB and DDGM Abernathy stated, “May God bless everything you do together as a Lodge of Masonic Brothers."

Pictured above, to commemorate this occasion, were (left to right, front row) Westport Lodge #340, WB Jeptha Woods, WB David Blaisdell, WB Richard Edwards and WB Gus Egner. (Back row, left to right) Swope Park Lodge RWB Jack Clark, RWB Larry Cameron, WM Gary Dryer, DDGL Paul Miller and DDGM Dennis Abernathy

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Myself In Freemason e v o r p m I ry To

DARWIN & FREEMASONRY Darwin was a practicing physician, a poet, and a scientist.

He founded the Philosophical Society and became a Freemason in the famous Canongate Kilwinning Lodge No. 2 at Edinburgh, Scotland. As master of this lodge, with close ties to major European Freemasons of the day, Darwin was an important name in Masonic circles. His son Robert, also a physician, was a prominent Freemason. He made a name for himself as a medical practitioner, at which he made a small fortune, and as a writer of verse with scientific and evolutionist themes.

According to Alan Moorehead (Darwin and the Beagle, 1969), he was a much respected, though somewhat controversial figure. Coleridge coined the word “darwinising” to describe his rather wild theorizing. Among his works was a virtually unknown poem, Zoönomia, or The Laws of Organic Life (17941796), quite famous at the time, from which the following sample is taken: Hence without parent by spontaneous birth Rise the first specks of animated earth; From Nature’s womb the plant or insect swims, And buds or breathes, with microscopic limbs.

Organic life beneath the shoreless waves Was born and nurs’d in Ocean's pearly caves First forms minute, unseen by spheric glass, Move on the mud, or pierce the watery mass; These, as successive generations bloom, New powers acquire, and larger limbs assume; Whence countless groups of vegetation spring, And breathing realms of fin, and feet, and wing.

Clearly Darwin’s mind was more scientific than poetic, for the poem contains a system of pathology and he was known as one of England’s most prominent naturalists, who developed the main outlines of the theory of evolution from his experimental farm. Although Darwin did not develop his views into a scientific theory, they were the expression of a naturalist doctrine that accepts that nature has creative power.

If all this seems unfamiliar to you, I must confess now that I am talking about Dr. Erasmus Darwin, grandfather of the

more familiar Charles Robert Darwin, author of the historic treatises on evolution, who was neither a physician nor a Freemason, who studied botany at Cambridge, and who made the famous five-year scientific exploration on The Beagle, identifying and classifying plants and animals, which resulted in four books: The Voyage of the Beagle (1845), On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection (1859), The Descent of Man (1871), and The Expression of the Emotions of Man and Animals (1872).

Although Erasmus Darwin hoped to have his son Robert develop and publish his theory, it was his grandson Charles who undertook the task of developing what is now called Darwinian Evolution, which of course made him both famous and notorious.

Elbert Hubbard (1856-1915), prolific writer, publisher, artist, philosopher, and prodigious exponent of the arts, in Selected Writings (IX.224), wrote: “There is only one man in America putting forth any claim to intellectuality who derides, today, the Darwinian theory. That man is William Jennings Bryan.”

Bryan, a presidential candidate who lost twice to McKinley and once to Taft, was better known as Wilson’s Secretary of State. His Masonic membership was Lincoln Lodge No. 19, Lincoln, Nebraska, and later Temple Lodge No. 247 in Miami, Florida.

Hubbard also stated in a speech at Roycroft : “I thank Charles Darwin and Herbert Spencer, Englishmen, for liberating theology from superstition.” (Selected Writings (1922), IV, 16) “Simple, yet at times controversial, misunderstood and misused for social goals, the theory remains unchallenged as the central concept of biology, Charles Darwin, reluctant revolutionary, profoundly altered our view of the natural world and our place in it.” (From the American Museum of Natural History: www.darwinlibrary.amnh.org) Dr. E. Otha Wingo DDGL 38 otha@wingo.org

POSTMASTER: Please send Address Forms 2579 to Grand Secretary, 6033 Masonic Drive, Suite B, Columbia, Missouri 65202-6535.