COSBY LODGE CELEBRATES 100 YEARS Cosby Lodge #600 celebrated its 100th anniversary on Sunday, September 7, 2008 with a Lodge dedication ceremony. RWB Rocky E. Weaver, then Deputy Grand Master, presided over the ceremony, which was followed by Cosby Lodge’s installation of officers for 2008 – 2009. Wanting to celebrate the Lodge’s centennial in a special way, incoming Master Dennis Vogel arranged for a Lodge Dedication Ceremony, a special and unique occasion, which is celebrated infrequently. Grand Lodge and local Lodge officers, led by Deputy Grand Master Weaver, participated in the ceremony, circling the Lodge room and dedicating the Lodge, represented by a model of the building, with corn, wine and oil. After the dedication and installation, WM Vogel introduced visiting dignitaries and presented honorariums to Past Masters. Among those worshipful brothers receiving awards was WB Donald Hegeman who had the unique distinction of serving as the Lodge’s master in 1958 and exactly 50 years later in 2008 making him the Master in both the year of the Lodge’s golden anniversary and centennial years. He was also Master in 1994.
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Additional Past Masters honored were WB Kenneth E. Schindler (1951, 1987 and 2000) and WB Norman “Jim” Wilkins (1960, 1991 and 2001; award accepted by his widow). Also, RWB Weaver announced WB Larry DeShon will serve as DDGM for District 7 for the ensuing year. Attendees were seated three rows deep around the entire perimeter of the Lodge room. According to WB Vogel, the enormous crowd left some in the town of Cosby wondering what was going on at the Masonic Lodge. The Lodge hosted a reception after the ceremony. John Short, Grand Master of Missouri, Chartered Cosby Lodge #600 September 30, 1908. Located on the north side of Main street, the Lodge burned in 1923 in a fire that swept through the entire block. The fire destroyed virtually all Lodge records and paraphernalia. Lodge members raised money for a new Lodge by raffling off a Model T Ford and remained in their second Lodge until 1960. In that year, members moved to the current location, a hall financed by loans from members. That building was the first ground floor Lodge in Missouri.
THE MISSOURI FREEMASON
THE MISSOURI FREEMASON
©
Official Publication of the Grand Lodge of Missouri
VOL. 54 NO. 1
WINTER 2008
Published and copyrighted under the direction of the Committee on Masonic Publications
CONTENTS 04
Grand Master’s Message
05
New Grand Master Rocky E. Weaver
06
Charles Brent Stewart
07
Membership – A Powerful Word
08
The Chaplin
09
Nick Cichielo Receives 2008 Truman Award
09
Creating a Partnership
10
Cresent Hill Celebrates Longtime Member
11
W. Epaminondas Adrastus Blab
14
Statement of Ownership
15
Jobs Daughters
16
Missouri Rainbow
17
Missouri DeMolay
19
Masonic Home
23
Masonic Service Awards
27
The Work of Our Craft
Committee on Masonic Publications Bruce R. Austin, Grand Master Rocky E. Weaver, Deputy Grand Master Larry C. Reynolds, Senior Grand Warden Gail S. Turner, Junior Grand Warden Ronald D. Miller, Grand Secretary E. Otha Wingo, Assistant Editor 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 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
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FROM THE EDITOR’S KEYBOARD Brothers, at Grand Lodge this year I talked to many of the new Grand Lodge officers, Lodge of Research officers and award recipients. Almost universally, a brother in one of these positions will talk about how honored he is to be in that position and to have the confidence of his fellow Missouri Freemasons. Remarkably, I find myself in that same position. I have to tell you brothers, I am simply stunned at the honor you have bestowed upon me. I suppose I have received no less that two dozen photos for this issue, perhaps more, which did not have stories attached to them. I have also received several more with captions such as, “Newly installed officers” or, my personal favorite, “The degree team.” At first these caption-less pictures and the ones with limited captions confused me. And then it hit me. You, my brothers, have conferred upon me the title of Grand Clairvoyant. I am humbled and honored. Among the duties of the Grand Clairvoyant: guessing at scribbled spellings of odd names; transcribing articles written in invisible ink or the next worst thing, red ink or italics; and the ultimate skill, PhotoShoping a picture taken with a perfectly good digital camera and, instead of being emailed, printed off on a piece of two pound onionskin and folded across the eyes of the subject. Additional skills required of the Grand Clairvoyant include the capabilities of reading Sanskrit, of making sense of emails that have been forwarded three dozen times and receiving communications printed on a printer that has been out of toner for six months. I do hope you realize this was written tongue in cheek. Nonetheless, when you send me an article I would ask you put a little care into its quality and readability so the editor’s weak eyes and arthritic fingers don’t have to do so much to turn it into a work of art. Thanks.
Steve Harrison, Editor 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. The Missouri Freemason does not accept forms or clippings for publication. Please do not submit materials in PDF format. 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 $12.00 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.orgPhone: 573-474-8561
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Brethren: My wanderings through Freemasonry have taken me to many marvelous places and times in the last 24 years. Seven of which I spent going through the York Rite’s Grand Commandery line. That time was a joy in my life and I learned much that has aided me in the last seven years. The lesson I have learned is that the job you have given me is vast in its spectrum and scope and that the trust that you have put in me is enormous. I, like you, am simply a Brother who is trying to do what I believe is right for Masonry for everyone in this State, from east to west, and north to south. To do any less would be a disservice to the Craft. It is with overwhelming humility that I enter this year. MWB Harry S. Truman once said that being Grand Master of Missouri Masonry was the greatest privilege of his life. Having reached that same plateau I have to say that is putting it very mildly. The Grand Lodge Officers and I are here to serve you the Craft in the best manner that we can. That means that you the Craft are our boss and that we are here to follow the pleasure of the Craft as given to us by you on the Grand Lodge floor. I pledge to you the best that I have to give, and humbly give thanks for the confidence you have shown in me. Instead of new programs this year I have chosen rather to enhance one that already exists. That program is the Masonic Service Award. Ten to 15 Lodges generally report for this award on a yearly basis. I hope to have 365 Lodges report this year. In order to make this happen I have created the Grand Masters “BROTHERS HELPING OTHERS” pin. They are for recognition of the Brothers in every 4 Winter 2008
Lodge that participate in Community activities, whatever they may be. The only way to get this pin is if you are active in your community and the Master of your lodge reports that activity and who participated in it to your DDGM. When those reports are received I will set a time and place in your District to come and present those pins to all the Brethren who are eligible. The reason for this pin is two-fold. First I want our Brethren and Lodges to “Be The Difference” in their communities and secondly, every great program, such as The MoCHIP program, are GRASS ROOT efforts. That means they came from you the Brotherhood. We are looking for the next “BEST’ program for this state. There is no better place to look than with you, the Grass Roots. Let me share with you a dream in the making. In August of 2004 in Rogersville, Missouri at the inaugural event of the Missouri MoCHIP program the Brethren of Henderson Lodge No. 477 processed 68 children
with borrowed equipment. From that humble beginning, in only 4 years we have processed over 60,000 children. It has been my dream since that initial event to showcase Missouri Masonry and the MoCHIP program at the Missouri State Fair. To implement that dream I asked our Missouri Children’s Foundation leadership over a year ago to investigate that possibility. We are happy to say that dream moves closer to happening every day. It will be a huge undertaking and it is meant to showcase Missouri Masonry on all levels. We will need your help, and we know that we can count on you. On another horizon, your Missouri Grand Lodge Officers will be showcased in Columbia, Missouri on April 25th of 2009 by working all the floor positions in a C2A class. Get your candidates together and come enjoy the day. Finally we need to discuss issues of Masonic concern, but that will have to wait until the next issue of the Freemason magazine. Until then, be safe and be well, I look forward to working for and with you in the coming year. Once again, I appreciate the opportunity to serve the Craft, and I humbly thank you for the opportunity. Most Worshipful Brother
Rocky E. Weaver Grand Master of the Grand Lodge AF&AM of Missouri
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GRAND MASTER ROCKY E. WEAVER Most Worshipful Brother Rocky Edward Weaver was born in Kansas City , MO on November 12, 1948. He was the first of four boys born to William Junior and Maude Esther Weaver. Rocky was educated in the Kansas City school system and graduated from North Kansas City High School in 1967. He attended Maple Woods Community College for two years. He was employed at Ford Motor Company in Claycomo , Missouri for over 32 years. On June 1st of 2001 Rocky retired from Ford because he decided that wasn’t what he wanted to do when he grew up. He and his late wife Judy started a small embroidery business in 1997, which continues to operate out of his home. Rocky lost Judy to a brain tumor on August 30 of 2001. They were married for 31 years. Rocky has one son, Bradley James and four grandchildren Olivia, Zebulon, Calista and Jacob. Rocky is a member of the First Baptist Church of Buckner. As another chapter unfolds in his life, he wed Ms. Janet Berwald of Lyndhurst, Ohio on November 15, 2002. He now has a step daughter Cheryl Berwald and step son Alan Berwald. MWB Weaver served two years in the United States Army. He attended the Aviation Maintenance school in Fort Eustice , Virginia where he finished first in his class. He was then sent to NCO training school where he attained the rank of Specialist E5. He finished his stint in the 177th Army Aviation Company at Fort Benning, Georgia. MWB Weaver enjoys reading--especially historical fiction--as well as books on Masonic subjects. He and Janet love to travel. He enjoys golf and fishing as outdoor sports. He also loves to teach whenever given the opportunity, and being part of a team effort. MWB Weaver is a member of Liberty Lodge #31 (initiated in 1983) and holds a perpetual membership there. He was Worshipful Master of Liberty Lodge in 1992-93, and was the fifteenth Master in a row to receive the Grand Lodge Achievement Award. He was interim Secretary of Liberty Lodge from June to September of 1993. He was the President of the Liberty Masonic Temple Board in 1991. He also has perpetual memberships in Buckner Lodge #501 and Kansas City Lodge #220. He is also a member of the Missouri Lodge of Research. He is Grand Representative to Ohio . He was appointed to the advancing line as Senior Grand Marshall by Most Worshipful Brother Glenn Means in September of 2001. MWB Weaver is a past High Priest of Liberty Chapter THE MISSOURI FREEMASON
#3 (1993-94), Past Illustrious Master of Liberty Council #50 (1993-94), and Past Eminent Commander of Liberty Commandery #6 (1993-94). He was the 1994 recipient of the Lewis and Clark Award from the Grand Commandery. Rocky is a dual member of Independence Chapter #12, Independence Council #49, and Palestine Commandery #17. He also holds a dual membership with Ascalon Commandery #16. He is a member of the Order of High Priesthood, Order of the Silver Trowel and the Past Commanders Association. He is a recipient of the Missouri Knight York Cross of Honor. He was elected to the advancing line of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar in 1994 and was elected and installed as Right Eminent Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of the State of Missouri during the 139th Annual Conclave on May 21, 2000. Sir Knight Weaver has Honorary Memberships in the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Arkansas, Iowa , Kansas , Oklahoma and Texas , and the KYCH in Arkansas and Oklahoma . He is a Grand Representative to Iowa for the Grand Commandery of Missouri and Grand Representative to Finland for the Grand Chapter of Missouri. MWB Weaver is a charter member of Harry S. Truman York Rite College and a recipient of the York Rite Sovereign College of North America Order of the Purple Cross. He is a past Sovereign Master of Kilwinning Council #19, Allied Masonic Degrees. He is a member of Buckner Chapter #280 Order of the Eastern Star. He is a member of Ararat Shrine in Kansas City . He is an officer of Mary Conclave, of the Knights of the Red Cross of Constantine. Rocky holds memberships in the Past Masters Club, Sword of Bunker Hill and the ORCOMOT Shrine Club where he is a past president. He is a member of the Royal Order of Scotland, Societas Rosicruciana, Tipperary Council of Knights Masons and the Forty-Fivers Club of Past Grand Commanders. He has received the DeMolay Legion of Honor. He is a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Kansas City, President of Chapter 63 National Sojourners of Kansas City, and an officer in the Heroes of ‘76, and is a member of the Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests. He proudly serves as an Advisory Board member of North Kansas City Assembly #55, International Order of the Rainbow for Girls. Rocky is a recipient of the Grand Cross of Color from the Supreme Assembly of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls. Winter 2008 5
CHARLES BRENT STEWART, SR. GRAND MARSHALL Brother Stewart was born in 1960 in Columbia, Missouri. He received a BA degree from the University of Missouri—Columbia in 1983 and graduated from the UMC School of Law in 1987, later that fall going to work as an attorney and eventually becoming the Staff Director of the Missouri Public Service Commission until starting his own private law practice in 1993. He married his wife Kris in 1981 at the Newman Center. Kris works as a Medical Technologist for Columbia Regional Hospital and is active in the Columbia Community Band and Columbia Civic Orchestra. They have no children, other than their two adopted rescued racing greyhounds. They recently remodeled their home which formerly was an historic German restaurant, where he and Kris both worked while in junior high school, high school and in college. Coming from a Masonic family, he began his Masonic career during his first year of law school in Kansas City. With his proficiency coaching provided as courtesy through Swope Park Lodge, he was initiated an Entered Apprentice on November 27, 1984, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft on February 26, 1985, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on April 9, 1985 in Twilight Lodge #114, where he served as Master in 1999. He served on the Lodge Building Association, was involved in the construction of the new Columbia lodge building, and remains active as a member of the 3rd degree team as one of the three “lawyer ruffians.” He holds dual membership in Acacia Lodge #602, has served on the Grand
Lodge Ways and Means Committee since 2004, and on the Grand Lodge Building Committee in 1999. He received his 32nd degree at the Columbia Valley Scottish Rite in September 1985, was honored with the rank and decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor in October 1997, and was coroneted an Inspector General Honorary 33o in November 2003. He served as the
Venerable Master of the Lodge of Perfection from 1996-1997 during the construction of the Columbia Valley Scottish Rite Masonic Center and was the Columbia Valley Personal Representative to the SGIG from 20042007. He is a past board member of RiteCare Valley of Columbia and of the Scottish Rite Foundation of Missouri. He currently serves as Chairman of Columbia Valley Scottish Rite Temple Association and remains
active in the degree work. He joined the York Rite in Kirksville, Missouri in October 1988. He currently serves as High Priest in Columbia Chapter #17 R.A.M., as Captain of the Guard in Centralia Council #34 Royal and Select Masters, and is a past Commander of St. Graal Commandery #12 Knights Templar. He was the Charter Secretary of the Heart of Missouri York Rite College and currently serves as the Deputy Governor. He also currently serves on the Grand Chapter and Grand Council Jurisprudence Committees. His other Masonic memberships include Marquis de La Fayette Council #392 A.M.D., Tipperary Council #62 Knight Masons, Royal Order of Scotland, S.R.C.I.F., St. Thomas of Acon, Order of High Priesthood, Past Commanders Association, Scottish Rite Research Society, Missouri Lodge of Research, Moolah Shrine, Allepo Grotto, Tiger Shrine Club, Tall Cedars of Lebanon and the Sword of Bunker Hill. His A.M.D. presentation, Recovering the Lost Master’s Word, was published by the Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees in the 2006 edition of its annual publication, Miscellanea. Brother Stewart’s other community activities include being a charter member of the Southside Optimist Club, a Past Exalted Ruler and Past Lodge Trustee of the Columbia Elks Lodge, and a past board member of the Columbia Benevolent Organization, Inc. He still serves on the board of directors of the Missouri 10-33 Benevolent Fund, Inc., which he cofounded with Brother and former Governor Roger B. Wilson.
Regional Schools of Instruction, Region C • RWB Michael Armstrong December 27, 2008 Holden Lodge #262 Holden, Missouri, 9:00AM Grand Lecturer to instruct
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January 24, 2009 Hermitage Lodge #288 Hermitage, Missouri, 9:00AM
February 21, 2009 Trilumina Lodge #205 Marshall, Missouri, 9:00AM
THE MISSOURI FREEMASON
MEMBERSHIP — A POWERFUL WORD By Wayne Gerdes, PM
Membership is a very powerful word. If you are a member, you are allowed to voice your opinions, cast your votes, participate in meetings and discussions and to strengthen the foundation of the organization. Having not been a member of the organization for an extended amount of time, I have not met all of the 500 plus members of our Lodge. I have, however, been reminded in a not so tender manner of my failings while ensuring a new face was a member, to which as I was informed, has been a member for 40 years. Once again, membership allows you to know and meet all the members of the Lodge and to attend meetings. We are told that we should contribute to the relief of a distressed worthy brother. How can we accomplish this if we do not know who the distressed worthy Brother is? Membership allows you to participate in regular meetings and to be informed as to the current issues within the Lodge. It allows you to be a part of the decision-making process and to ensure quality candidates are selected to carry on the traditions of the fraternity. So many times I have heard that the old way was harder. The proficiency had to be turned in before advancing forward to the next degree and everything was mouth to ear. As this is no longer a requirement, it has become an excuse to complain about lack of proficiency. I am a newer member of the fraternity and was not required to do this – but – being retired from the military, I asked myself “What is the standard?” This forced me to go back and learn the ritual and, after the fact, turn in my proficiency. Membership allows you to mentor new members to carry on the great traditions of the fraternity. If proficiency is not required, how will the fraternity survive? I have a Masonic Trestle Board from Massachusetts THE MISSOURI FREEMASON
written in 1856. I know what you are saying, where is he going with this. As stated before, I learned and turned in my proficiency and also learned and turned in my proficiency on the 2nd degree Lecture, Letter “G” and Charge. If you are a member of the Lodge, you should have seen me do the lecture or some type of ritual work. Anyway, back to “mouth-toear” and the Trestle Board. After I learned the lecture, I went back to the Trestle Board and then realized that much of the work and wording is exactly the same as 150 years ago – word for word. This was not accomplished because I was just a member. It is the result of direct participation in the initiation of over one fifth of the Lodge’s membership. (Thanks P-DDGL) Membership allows you to be involved in the process of allowing (or not allowing) new candidates to be initiated into the fraternity. This process allows members to participate in the investigation and initiation of new candidates. Also, during this process, members are allowed to make known to the other members anything which would disqualify the candidate and prevent him from being initiated. If the members are not involved in the process, there should be very few comments made after the candidate is initiated except to “Remind him in the most tender manner of his failings and aid his reformation”. Membership allows you to participate and learn the ritual work conducted in the Lodge. All too many times a Brother will not come back because he does not want to be embarrassed by being asked to participate. An old military term, “No thin skin” comes to mind. Many times we initiate candidates into the fraternity with the bare minimum (if that) required to conduct the ritual work. This is a hard pill to swallow
as the membership exceeds “five hundred”. What is required is a mere two percent of the Lodge at any given time to participate. We have had some good nights though, when there were more than twenty members at the Lodge. With good membership participation, the officers of the Lodge would feel more at ease when they are required to be elsewhere the same time there is a function at the Lodge. Membership allows you to participate. Do not be afraid to participate. If a mistake is made, someone will let you know. If you feel it is not “in the most tender manner”, let “him” know. Mistakes will be made and corrections should and will be made. If corrected on a mistake, the mistake might not be made the next time. (Might be another). At least an effort has been made to participate. It has been said by some of the members of the Lodge who have been around for awhile to look at the new members. They are the ones who will be making the decisions in the very near future. Maybe we should recommend the dues be reduced for each meeting attended. (No – then we would have to charge for the meal). Membership also allows you “not” to participate. Participation is not meant to interfere with your normal vocation, family and religious practices. There are many of our members who are not in the area because of work related obligations or have moved or are deployed in support of our country or are bettering themselves through further education. I need not go into further detail on this. This was stated in the 1st degree charge. Participation in the Lodge activities should not be discontinued due to petty disagreements to the point that we do not endeavor to add to the common stock of knowledge and understanding to the point where Winter 2008 7
we are deemed a drone in the hive of nature. Finally, membership allows us to “sponsor” new candidates. In sponsoring a new candidate, the Brothers who recommended that the candidate be allowed into the fraternity have the privilege of presenting the petition to the Lodge, notifying the candidate as to the status of his petition, being present during his initiation and mentoring the newly made Brother in his obligations. In doing this, an impression is made upon the mind of the candidate of the duties expected of him, which will enable him to carry on the great traditions of the fraternity. (See you next meeting). WB Wayne Gerdes was raised in Waynesville Lodge # 375 on February 28, 2005. He received his sub-1 proficiency September of that same year and subsequently learned the 2nd degree lecture and charge. He is also a member of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Joplin where he fills the positions of Orator in the 12th degree and Senior Warden in the 22nd degree. In 2006, he received the degrees of the York Rite and the Sword of Bunker Hill. He is currently serving as the Worshipful Master of Waynesville Lodge # 375.
THE CHAPLAIN Our lodge is small. Seldom do we have a very wide choice of members to fill the chairs and sometimes we have to search for qualified officers. We continue to operate because we are close-knit and the members are helpful to each other. Therefore we do expect our officers to be capable but not necessarily outstanding. The office of Chaplain is easily assumed to be of minor importance, just someone that leads prayer to open and close Lodge and during degrees. Our present Chaplain has recently demonstrated the office can include much more than that. An elder and well-loved member of our Lodge had been on the sick list for the past few months. He sent word that he appreciated the “get well” cards that we had sent but we did not have to keep sending them. Recently it became obvious that he may not survive. We discussed visiting him, but did not want to cause a burden. He was at his home and was being cared for by his son and family. Our Chaplain sensed that he should visit and visit soon, and invited other members to join him. The day and hour were set and seven members plus a visiting brother drove to the house beside the river, where the sick brother lived. The son welcomed us in and led us to the sickbed. It was obvious that the brother was very near death. He was awake but too weak to talk. Not sure that the sick brother could see, our Chaplain stepped to the bedside, took the brother’s hand, told him who he was and named all of the visitors. At this, the chaplain said that he received a squeeze of the hand. The Chaplain then told him that being the Chaplain of his Lodge, he felt compelled to offer up a prayer for him. At this, a lone tear escaped the sick brother’s eye. A tearful and good prayer it was, short and thanking the Almighty for the sick brother and his service to the Lodge. We then left the sickbed, thanked the family for allowing our visit and also for the care that they had been providing. While driving back to town, we agreed that the brother had acknowledged us and was glad to see us. Three hours later word came that our sick brother had died. Worshipful Brother Kenneth Robinson, Chaplain of Composite Lodge #369, by his actions as detailed above has demonstrated that the office can include much more than just reciting a prayer in Lodge.
50 YEARS OF MASONIC FUNERALS Hoyt Young joined Macks Creek Lodge #433 in 1950. In the following years, he installed many officers and conducted many Masonic Funeral Services. Information taken from Hoyt’s Masonic Records shows he conducted at least 164 Masonic Funerals. He reports that early Masonic Services were always conducted at the graveside. Later they were held during visitation for the deceased. Sometimes services were conducted jointly with the Church Service. On one occasion, the Masonic Service was the only service for the decreased. Right Worshipful Brother Wayne Osbom usually served as chaplain. Services were held for Wayne Noland on 10-20-1998, Willard Noland on 3-10-1999 and Wilber Noland on 3-17-1999. These three were brothers of James A Noland, Jr. and passed away in a five (5) month 8 Winter 2008
period. James A Noland, Jr, Past Grand Master, Wayne Osborn, Past Grand Chaplain and Hoyt Young, Past Grand Tyler all served in the Grand Lodge of Missouri together. The first Masonic Funeral Service conducted by Hoyt was in 1950. The last Masonic Funeral Service he conducted was February 23, 2001, for Wayne Osbom who had assisted him with so many funerals. While Brother Young did not keep a record of the installations he conducted, he did install Lodge Officers multiple times for most of the nine (9) Masonic Lodges in the 38th District. He installed officers at the Waynesville Lodge for 39 out of 40 consecutive years and conducted more than 40 installations at Macks Creek. Hoyt remains a member of Macks Creek Lodge #433, although he is no longer able to be active in Masonic work due to Parkinson’s disease. THE MISSOURI FREEMASON
NICK CICHIELO RECEIVES 2008 TRUMAN AWARD Nick claims to have had two lives, liking the second better after meeting Lori, becoming a father to Nick Jr., and moving their family from New York City to Missouri. It was a career move that brought Nick west to St. Louis. Promoted to Executive Vice President of the national trade organization he had been working for in a regional capacity for over ten years, Nick did what he does best, embracing his new job and lifestyle with a voracity we’ve all come to know and admire. At this time he also became an active member of Rose Hill Lodge, coming to them as a RW from the Grand Lodge of New York— Master of Knickerbocker Lodge #182 in NYC in 1988 and 1989, District Deputy Grand Master in 1990 and 1991, Grand Lodge Convention Chairman, President of the District Deputies Association, Trustee of the Dumont Masonic Nursing Home—virtually starting his Masonic career all over again. It wasn’t long before he blossomed both professionally and Masonically, becoming CEO of the organization he traded his east coast life for, his name and integrity well known and held in the highest regard throughout a lifetime in the decorating industry expanded to include International recognition, and Grand Master MW Stanley Thompson placed him in the Missouri Grand line as Chaplin. From humble beginnings in his family’s paint store, various
sales and management positions including President of Dutch Boy Paint, Nick reached the pinnacle of his esteemed career and decided it was time to retire. What began as the climax of one career took Missouri Grand Lodge mere seconds to culminate into a new one for Nick as the Director of Grand Lodge Public Relations and the State Coordinator for the MoCHIP program. Nick agreed to take on the “part-time” position, and while settling into it, he quickly learned he jumped from the frying pan into the fire, as his new duties warranted twice the work. In fact MoCHIP was growing at such an intense pace that his wife, Lori had to step in. The deal was sealed. Grand Lodge had two full time ambassadors for the price of one part-time one. Nick and Lori have been married for 19 years, 15 of those years have been spent as Missouri residents. Nick Jr. turned 18 this year and honored his father by petitioning what is now Polar Star-Rose Hill Lodge #79 and becoming a Master Mason in April. Nick has two older children, Rob and Ronda, and six grandchildren, Rob Jr., Alec, Christopher, Tyler, Mackenzie and Kaleigh, all living in New Jersey. When he isn’t spreading the MoCHIP gospel, Nick is a trustee of his subdivision, enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, watching the cooking channel and following the Cardinals and Yankees.
CREATING A PARTNERSHIP Rolla Masonic Lodge presented a donation of $600.00 to representatives from Rolla Junior High in order to make it possible for the school to purchase coats, shoes, school supplies, or other emergency need items for the students of RJH. The funds, raised by Rolla Masonic Lodge #213 from proceeds of its annual Chili Dinner, are raised by the Masonic Lodge as part of a partnership between the Masonic Home of Missouri, The Local Masonic Lodges, and Schools in the local communities. The program is for all children in need at the schools, whether they have a Masonic Affiliation or not. Dennis Noel, guidance counselor at Rolla Junior High said, “The Partnership with the Rolla Masonic Lodge has been a great asset in helping us with the very needy of our School.”
THE MISSOURI FREEMASON
On September 5, 2008, Josh Shepherd, Worshipful Master of Rolla Lodge #213, presents Rolla Jr. High Principal Craig with a check to support the Rolla Jr. High School Red Ribbon Campaign, for clothing and School Supplies for needy students. Also Pictured is Retired Jr. High School Counselor Dennis Knowles who was instrumental in establishing the partnership with the Masonic Lodge.
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CRESCENT HILL CELEBRATES LONGTIME MEMBER Crescent Hill Lodge #368 held an open informal meeting at its hall on April 10, 2008 to Honor Brother Art Zellmer for his 50 years of outstanding membership in the Lodge. There were 58 people including family and members of various Lodges in attendance. Art introduced the members of his family. During that time Art has served as Master of the Lodge for 4 years and one other year for a brother that had to work nights and couldn’t attend. When passing his proficiencies, instead of another brother questioning him, Art questioned himself as well as answering the questions. Just a few nights after giving back his third degree proficiency he earned a Proficiency Certificate that called for him to memorize 179 questions and 179 answers and he passed it with flying colors. He has renewed that certificate every 3 years for the 50 years he has been a member. He also served as District Deputy Grand Lecturer of the 35th Masonic District from 1976 to 1986 and then again from 1988 to 1998 for a total of 20 years, and was appointed District Deputy Grand Master of the 32nd Masonic District for 2 years. Art entered the Regional Round Robin contest three times and won it all three times. He also learned the Masonic Funeral Service and has conducted over 300 services. Art has also been a member of Crescent Hill Chapter #127 Order of the Eastern Star 49 years. Lorraine Kershner, District Deputy Grand Matron of the 34th District, told
about some of his accomplishments during these years. She said there was no one more deserving of recognition than Arthur Zellmer. Art served as Worthy Patron of the Chapter 15 times; the first time was in 1965 then from the year 2000 through year 2007 consecutively. Through the years he has presided over the conferring of the degrees numerous times and conducted the proficiency examination many, many times. These are not small tasks, but he has them committed to memory and always performs with poise and perfection. He is the chapter’s “designated prompter” because he knows the ritual from cover to cover. Then there were the fun times. Once we had Art decorated like a Christmas tree with lights, tinsel and the works. One time we had him in a dress, hat and gloves. We probably would have had him in high heels if his feet hadn’t been so big. There were many more fun occasions because each time we install officers we do something for, or sometimes to, the incoming Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron. Art has always been a good sport and we congratulate him for a job well done and offer him our best wishes for the future. Several other brothers came forward and told how much they appreciate Art. Melvin Smith was Master of the Lodge when Arthur joined and he presented Art with a certificate from the Grand Lodge of Missouri and a 50 year pin, then Arthur’s wife Mary pinned it on him. Melvin said that his Masonic Claim to Fame is “I RAISED ART ZELLMER”
George Washington’s Birthday Celebration Webb City Lodge #512 will host the 23rd annual George Washington’s Birthday Celebration on Friday and Saturday, February 20 and 21, 2009. Neighboring Lodges assisting will be Mineral Lodge #471, Oronogo, Missouri, Criterion Lodge #586, Alba, Missouri and Southwest Heritage Lodge #681 Joplin, Missouri. The celebration will take place at the Scottish Rite Cathedral 505 Byers Ave, Joplin Missouri. Friday evening festivities include a meal served at 6 PM followed by an Indian Pow Wow conducted by the Oklahoma Masonic Indian degree team. On Saturday, starting at 12:30 PM the first degree will be conducted by Bentonvlle Lodge #56, Bentonville, Arkansas, the second degree will be conducted by Pittsburg Lodge #187, Pittsburg, Kansas and the third degree will be conducted by the Oklahoma Masonic Indian Degree Team. For more information please contact: RWB John C. Kuehn • 417.439.9179 • E-mail: kuehn.john@yahoo.com or Brother Gene Bass • 417.673.2291 • E-mail: gbass7@cableone.net
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THE MISSOURI FREEMASON
W. EPAMINONDAS ADRASTUS BLAB
Accomplished Author, Lecturer, Humorist and Famous Missouri Freemason By Steve Harrison, PM He was a caricature of himself. His long, bushy hair turned bright white as he grew older. His heavy mustache and thick eyebrows dominated his face and bleached along with his hair. In a time when mass communication as we know it today was still far in the future, when marketing consisted of a business card or a sign on the side of a snakeoil truck and when branding was... something for cattle, W. Epaminondas Adrastus Blab’s appearance was immediately distinctive. Although having a unique look, he occasionally was mistaken for others who may have had the same type of distinctive hair and mustache, including Albert Schweitzer and even Einstein. Once, upon being mistaken for eminent historian and archaeologist Theodor Mommsen while traveling in Germany, Blab said, “Been taken for Mommsen twice. We have the same hair, but on examination it was found the brains were different.”i Purposefully, to set himself apart from the bushy-haired set, he added a white suit to his repertoire and could often be found habitually chomping on his trademark oversize cigar.
any place — even London, I suppose.”ii The sixth of seven children, Blab moved with his family to Hannibal, Missouri when he was four years old. He lived there until he was 18 and the town, so much a part of his youth, became the setting for the fictional town of Petersburg when he wrote what some consider the great American novel.iii “Hannibal,” he wrote at the age of 32, “has had a hard time of it ever since I can recollect, and I was ‘raised’ there. First, it had me for a citizen, but I was too young then to really hurt the place.”iv
Boyhood home in Hannibal, adjacent to the famous “Tom Sawyer” fence.
W. Epaminondas Adrastus Blab
Even his birth, according to Blab, was auspicious. “I was born,” he said, “in [Florida, Missouri] in 1835. The village contained a hundred people and I increased the population by 1 percent. It is more than many of the best men in history could have done for a town. It may not be modest in me to refer to this, but it is true. There is no record of a person doing as much — not even Shakespeare. But I did it for Florida, and it shows that I could have done it for THE MISSOURI FREEMASON
Becoming a steamboat pilot had been his childhood dream and a trip down the Mississippi in 1857 inspired Blab to enter the long course of study to qualify as one. He convinced his brother Henry to join him. Tragically, Henry died in a boating accident a year later. Blab remained a pilot until 1861, when the Civil War curtailed boat traffic. In spite of the misfortune of his brother’s death, Blab loved piloting and in later life longed to return to the profession. Nearing the age of 40, he wrote a friend, “I am a person who would quit [earning a living as an author] in a minute to go to piloting, if the madam would stand it. I would rather sink a steamboat than eat, any time.”v When it came to religion, our brother was an iconoclast. Clearly a believer, what he did not believe in were what he considered to be the inconsistencies and atrocities of organized religion. “So much blood,” he said, “has been shed by the Church because of an omission from the Gospel: ‘Ye Winter 2008 11
shall be indifferent as to what your neighbor’s religion is.’ Not merely tolerant of it, but indifferent to it. Divinity is claimed for many religions; but no religion is great enough or divine enough to add that new law to its code.”vi As a believer, he joined Polar Star Lodge #79 in 1861, being raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on July 10 of that year. Shortly before his death, he referred to Freemasonry as “the grip and the word that lift a man up and make him glad to be alive”vii Feeling that, “it is no use to keep private information which you can’t show off,” when the Civil War brought an end to his piloting career, Blab began writing for newspapers in order to make a living. A compilation of his complete works is a near impossibility and it is feared some of his writings have been permanently lost. Many of his works have been discovered and published posthumously, most recently a book entitled “The Bible: Writings on Heaven, Eden, and the Flood” in 1995. Throughout his career he is known to have written essays, magazine and newspaper articles, short stories and even two plays. He wrote 28 books.viii Nearly all of them, fiction and non-fiction alike, rank among the greatest works of American literature. He dismissed having them called classics, saying, “A classic is a book which people praise and don’t read.”ix In 1867, he traveled to the Mediterranean and toured Europe and the Middle East while writing his first nonfiction book, Innocents Abroad. While in Palestine, he personally cut a branch from a cedar tree just outside the walls of Jerusalem. He had it fashioned into a gavel in Alexandria, Egypt and sent it as a gift to Polar Star Lodge. Along with it, he sent this note, “This mallet is a cedar, cut in the forest of Lebanon, whence Solomon obtained the timbers for the temple.”x
Gavel crafted from a cedar tree near Jerusalem, given to Polar Star Lodge in 1868. Courtesy Polar Star Rose Hill Lodge #79.
Blab, intent on spending his life a confirmed bachelor, once observed, “What a world of trouble those who never marry escape! There are many happy matches, it is true, and sometimes ‘my dear,’ and ‘my love’ come from the heart; but what sensible bachelor, rejoicing in his freedom and years of discretion, will run the tremendous risk?”xi 12 Winter 2008
He found out in 1870 when he married Olivia Langdon. He always claimed his downfall came as a result of love at first sight. Considering all marriages foreign alliances, after many years with Olivia, he observed, “Separately, foreign marriages and whiskey are bad; mixed, they are fatal.” Together, the couple had a son, Langdon, who died of diphtheria at the age of 19 months. In 1871 they moved to Hartford, Connecticut, where their three daughters were born: Susy (1872-1896), Clara (1874-1962) and Jean (18801909). Olivia died in 1904.
Gavel Inscription: From Bro. Saml. L. Clemens (Mark Twain) J.H. Pottenger, M.D. March 25th 1868. Presented to Polar Star Lodge No. 79 by J.H. Pottenger, WM April 8th 1868. Courtesy Polar Star Rose Hill Lodge #79.
Halley’s Comet came around in 1835, the year he was born. In 1909, Blab said, “I came in with Halley’s Comet in 1835. It is coming again next year, and I expect to go out with it. It will be the greatest disappointment of my life if I don’t go out with Halley’s Comet. The Almighty has said, no doubt: ‘Now here are these two unaccountable freaks; they came in together, they must go out together.’” His prediction came true, and he died of a heart attack on April 21, 1910, two days after Halley’s closest approach. In his early career, Blab struggled more for a name than for recognition. He tried several pen names on for size, including Josh, Thomas Jefferson Snodgrass, Rambler, and Sergeant Fathom. In fact, W. Epaminondas Adrastus Blab was also a nom de plume. He never wrote under his given name, Samuel Clemens. Rather, legend has it he took his pen name from his days piloting a steamboat on the Mississippi River. The name was a term indicating a depth of two fathoms, which was considered to be a safe depth for navigation: Mark Twain. i ii iii
iv v vi vii vii ix x xi
http://www.twainquotes.com/Lookalikes/lookalikes.html Neider, Charles, The Autobiography of Mark Twain, Harper-Collins, 1959. Huckleberry Finn. He also wrote The Adventures of Tom Sawyer also set in Petersburg. A letter to the Alta California newspaper published May 26, 1867 Letter to W. D Howells, Dec. 8, 1874 Mark Twain, A Biography http://www.msana.com/twainaward/about.html#about_twain http://www.cmgww.com/historic/twain/about/bio.htm Pudd’nhead Wilson’s New Calendar Denslow, William R., 10,000 Famous Freemasons, Missouri Lodge of Research, 1959 “Connubial Bliss,” Hannibal Journal, 11/4/1852
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THE REPORTS OF MY DEATH ARE GREATLY EXAGGERATED There are many versions of an incident in which Mark Twain learned of a mistaken report of his death. The story generally goes that a newspaper, usually from New York or London, printed Twain’s obituary in error. Twain, in reply, is said to have sent a telegram to the newspaper saying, “The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.” While the incident is true enough that the quote generally may be attributed to Twain, it did not happen exactly like that. In reality, the quote originated in May, of 1897. In this particular instance, it’s easy to determine what was originally said, since Twain wrote it down in a scribbled note. It is not known to whom he sent the note, but the note itself survives today: James Ross Clemens, a cousin of mine was seriously ill two or three weeks ago in London, but is well now. The report of my illness grew out of his illness, the report of my death was an exaggeration. Mark Twain Over the years, Twain and others told the story, embellished it and the more well known quote evolved from this original note.
WHAT MARK TWAIN DID NOT SAY Many articles on Mark Twain include a list of many of his sayings. Some of them in fact, are erroneously attributed to him. The following list includes some of the things Twain has been given credit for saying, but did not. This list was complied by and is courtesy of the Missouri Lodge of Research. Mark Twain is one of the world’s most commonly quoted authors, but he did not say everything that has been attributed to him. Below is a list of quotes often attributed to Twain that were either written by someone else or can not be found in his works. They are drawn from three sources, and the reference for each quote is identified in the list. It is possible to prove that Mark Twain wrote or said something if it can be found in his writings, speeches, or interviews. But it is ultimately impossible to prove that he did not say something unless another verifiable source can be found. If the authors of quotations are known, they are identified in parentheses in the list below. All others are believed to be erroneously attributed to Twain because they can not be found in his works. A gold miner is a liar standing next to a hole in the ground.(1) Better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than to open it and remove all doubt.(1) Don’t go to sleep, so many people die there.(1) Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it. (Charles Dudley Warner)(2) Giving up smoking is easy. I’ve done it hundreds of times.(2) I don’t exaggerate -- I just remember big.(1) If you can’t sleep, try lying on the end of the bed, then you might drop off.(1) If you don’t like the weather, wait a minute.(1) It is better to be careful a hundred times than to be
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killed once.(1) Only presidents, editors, and people with tapeworms have the right to use the editorial “We.”(1) Politics makes strange bedfellows. (Charles Dudley Warner)(2) So I became a newspaperman. I hated to do it, but I couldn’t find honest employment.(1) The art of prophecy is very difficult, especially with respect to the future.(1) The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.(1) The devil is alive and doing well because he has so many damned helpers.(1) There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics. (Twain attributed this to Disraeli)(3) There is nothing so annoying as to have two people go right on talking when you’re interrupting.(1) Wagner’s music is better than it sounds. (Twain was quoting Bill Nye)(2) When I feel the urge to exercise, I go lie down until it passes away.(1) When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.(2) When the end of the world comes, I want to be in Cincinnati because it’s always twenty years behind the times.(1) References: 1. Kim A. McDonald, “Many of Mark Twain’s Famed Humorous Sayings Are Found to Have Been Misattributed to Him,” Chronicle of Higher Education (Sept. 4, 1991), A8. 2. Shelley Fisher Fishkin, Lighting Out for the Territory: Reflections on Mark Twain and American Culture (New York: Oxford University Press, 1996), 133-137. 3. Mark Twain, Mark Twain’s Own Autobiography: The Chapters from the North American Review, ed. Michael J. Kiskis (Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 1990).
Winter 2008 13
STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP
Continued from back cover from the ritual, I will illustrate this from the King James Bible of 1611 (KJV), since its style is similar to the language of the ritual.. Compare with Today’s English Version of 1976 (TEV). Psalm 133:1: KJV: Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! TEV: How wonderful it is, how pleasant, for God’s people to live together in harmony! Psalm 19:1: KJV: The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. TEV: How clearly the sky reveals God’s glory! How plainly it shows what he has done! Each day announces it to the following day, each night repeats it to the next. Ecclesiastes 12:1: KJV: Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, 14 Winter 2008
when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them. TEV: So remember your Creator while you are still young, before those dismal days and years come when you will say, “I don’t enjoy life.” The ritual is intended to be SPOKEN, not read. That statement has more than one meaning. It is certainly not proper to read the ritual during degree work or the ritual opening and closing. Officers should know the words from memory. Can you imagine listening to someone read the degree lectures? So, what about prayers? The wording is prescribed and should be given from memory. Obviously the cipher cannot be used in a tiled lodge. The Masonic Manual of Missouri clearly publishes prayers, charges, parts of the lectures, but these are intended, just like the cipher, to be an aid to memory, not for reading in a lodge meeting. Ritual is designed to be SPOKEN—to the candidate; not recited—to the ceiling or outer space. Notice the difference when a Master in the East recites in a meaningful
way: “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth” compared to a Master who reads it, or attempts to read the passage without becoming familiar with the phraseology, the rhythm, the nuances of expression. If you don’t know the meaning of the elegant phrases and unusual words, they are worthy of study, so that the meaning can be conveyed in your presentation. Have you heard rote recitation of words like so many nonsense syllables, then the same words spoken by one who knows their significance and speaks them meaningfully? I often recommend that, when studying and memorizing ritual, the text should be practiced ALOUD. You do not want the sound of your voice to be heard by you for the first time when performing the memorized ritual in lodge. Practice aloud and you will see the cadence and rhythm of the poetic language. The ritual is poetry. Try it out. Read one of the charges aloud, to yourself or to another brother. Then try reading it silently. You miss the SOUND. THE MISSOURI FREEMASON
Hello Missouri Masons! As I write, we are preparing for another set of official visits and other state activities. Since I’m the new Grand Bethel Honored Queen, I thought I that would tell you a little about me. This year my mascots are pirates and knights and my term is “Let’s Celebrate, remember a year in the life of friends.” My charities are HIKE (Hearing Impaired Kids Endowment fund) and the National Marfan’s Foundation. I’m from Bethel 47, which meets at Algabil – Freedom Temple. I’m a sophomore at St. Louis Community College at Meramec and majoring in Forensic Chemistry with a minor in Criminology.
with Mom Toni being in the Supreme Line, Supreme Session will be in St. Louis in 2011! Following Supreme, in August, Missouri Jobies gave our biggest showing yet at Masonic Youth Day. Bethel #1 also gave the original Bethel #1 Bible to the Grand Lodge for the museum. The following weekend, the Grand Bethel attended the River City Rascals game and sang the National Anthem. The very next day we returned to Columbia for our Youth Protection Program training, so the adults can be certified adult volunteers. This program was created to protect the young ladies and our adults and to comply with other jurisdictions’ Grand Lodges to maintain recognition and support. September started not only back to school, but back to bethel meetings and activities. Our Annual St. Louis Line Officers Club (SLALOC) Spirit Dance was held and our new Spirit Trio was selected: Queen: Megan Meyers #32, Sr. Princess: Carolyn Kirchhoff #4 and Jr. Princess: Stephanie Bowlin #43. September also brought our Lincoln/Truman HIKE, where Missouri and Illinois Bethels gathered at Whitecliff Park and raised over $6,000 for HIKE, along with the return of our Associate Grand Guardian from serving our country overseas. The next day our Grand Team traveled to Grand Lodge. I was excited to address the Masons assembled there, and I have to admit that seeing that many Masons in one room was very moving…and a little nerve racking!
Daniella is installed as Grand Bethel Honored Queen in June.
Now I will get you up to speed with the events that have happened since June. We held our Grand Session in June, where I was installed as Grand Bethel Honored Queen. The 2008-2009 Grand Team also includes Mom Nancy Knarr, Grand Guardian and Dad Craig Stratmann, Associate Grand Guardian. At the Saturday session, the Grand Bethel embarked on its own ‘mini version’ of the Amazing Race – only instead of flying around the world looking for clues, the teams looked around Jefferson City. With the end of our Session we set sail with my fellow Jobies for a year filled with pirates, knights and friendship! Our first port of call was our Supreme Session at the end of July, in Middleton, Wisconsin, where Jobies from Canada, Australia, Brazil and around the US (unfortunately the Philippines were unable to attend) gathered for a week of fun and sisterhood! Missouri Jobies had quite a successful session, bringing home several trophies in all places for ritual and arts. Our ritual team took home third place! We were also pleased to have four of our Jobies selected to be Supreme Bethel Representatives to international jurisdictions. Our Miss Missouri 08-09, Erica Wallace, took second runner up in the Miss International Job’s Daughters Pageant! Mom Toni Underwood was installed as Supreme Guide and Mamma Donna as Supreme Treasurer – so THE MISSOURI FREEMASON
Daniella with the River City Rascals mascot, Ruffy, after the Grand Bethel sang the National Anthem in August.
October held our Miss and Jr. Miss Missouri Job’s Daughters Pageant and the installation of our Associate Grand Guardian and of course lots of Jobie love! I hope to see a lot of Masons traveling around to Missouri Bethels! Jobie love, Daniella Brand Grand Bethel Honored Queen, MO 08-09 Winter 2008 15
RAINBOW GETS GIRLS READY FOR LIFE. Dear Missouri Masons: Hello! I’m Amanda Fisher! On June 30, 2008, I was crowned Missouri’s Grand Worthy Advisor. What an awesome responsibility! Within the month, I was on my way to Chicago for our biennial Supreme Assembly (held in even-number years). Missouri was 3rd in registered participants with a total of 78. MANY of Missouri’s Rainbow Girls were asked to participate in this International event including: Niki Lodholz (Junior Past Grand Worthy Advisor, from St. Louis) who was the Acting Supreme Love. We were pleased to have Allison Rosenburg (Rolla) initiated by the Acting Supreme officers! We had 6 girls participating in the individual ritualistic competition: Advanced Division: BreAnna Hunter (Ashland); Elizabeth Jester (North Kansas City); Amanda Fisher (Pulaski County). Intermediate Division: Evalyne McInnish (Republic); Brooklyn Smith (Faith-Sarcoxie); Ashlee Brannin (St. Louis). We also had teams competing in both the Bow and Opening/Closing competitions. The Bow team was composed of: Love-Crystal Terry (NKC); Religion-Amanda Fisher (PCA); Nature-Ami Jester (NKC); Immortality-Evalyne McInnish (Republic); Fidelity-Brianne Sisco (Republic); Patriotism-BreAnna Hunter (Ashland); Service-Lindsey Chandler (Columbia); Worthy Advisor-Elizabeth Jester (NKC); Faith-Kristyn Sample (Columbia); Candidate–Nikki Tatum (Lee’s Summit). The Opening/Closing team (which received a 3rd place award!) included: Worthy Advisor-Elizabeth Jester (NKC); Worthy Associate Advisor-Amanda Fisher (PCA); Charity-Lindsey Chandler (Columbia); Hope-Crystal Terry (NKC); Faith-Evalyne McInnish (Republic); Chaplain-Kristyn Sample (Columbia); Drill Leader -BreAnna Hunter (Ashland); Confidential Observer-Brianne Sisco (Republic); Outer Observer-Ami Jester (NKC); Musician–Chelsea Thomason (Wentzville); Choir Director–Nikki Tatum (Lee’s Summit). Monday evening’s session began with the entrance of the International Supreme Choir, led by none other than the girls from Missouri. They were: Nikki Tatum (Lee’s Summit); Shelby Tatum (Lee’s Summit); Crystal Terry (NKC); Cassandra Smith (Faith-Sarcoxie); Brooklyn Smith (Faith-Sarcoxie); and Chelsea Thomason (Wentzville). Introduction of Past Grand Worthy Advisors (PGWA) was first on the agenda for the Tuesday afternoon session. We had 8 PGWA from Missouri present including: Amanda Baker, Pamela Baker, Jill Royce Tatum, Dorleta Oetting Lodholz, Amanda Bates, Jennifer Lash, Sarah Freeman Odom and Niki Lodholz. I presented the Missouri skit at the evening session on Tuesday: “What Makes My Missouri Rainbow Smile? “S” is for Service, like the Make a Wish Foundation through which Missouri Rainbow made a wish come true for a young girl and by being Everyday Heroes for countless foster children around Missouri. “M” is for Membership which grows every year in Missouri through our Rainbow Pledge Program and our Rainbow 16 Winter 2008
Sparkles. “I” is for Ingenuity and Imagination, as witnessed by the many programs and projects initiated by Missouri Rainbow Assemblies which encourage love and service and teach responsibility and leadership. “L” is for Love which permeates Missouri Rainbow from border to border, from Assembly to Assembly, through fun, fellowship, and service. “E” is for Education which is encouraged in Missouri Rainbow by the giving of scholarships in several areas. That’s what makes My Missouri Rainbow Smile.” After the session closed, it was time for the breath-taking, always-looked-forward-to Cavalcade of Flags. The Missouri representative carrying the flag of our state was Kristyn Sample (Columbia). Bottom line: We had a blast at Supreme in Chicago. 2010? Omaha, here we come!! We had barely returned home from Supreme when we arrived in Salem for a Grand Officer’s retreat. We learned lots and enjoyed church together Sunday morning before traveling home. The next weekend we enjoyed the love and attention of Missouri Masons at the Masonic Youth Day – THANKS GUYS! By the time you read this, you may have seen me at Grand Lodge and then I’ll be at Grand Chapter. The miles of smiles are already starting to accumulate. My first official visit was in Springfield in mid-October. I could hardly wait to get started! I have some mighty big shoes to fill as I start this year. Niki Lodholz, Junior Past Grand Worthy Advisor, had a tremendous year and I want to do the same. She and the State Dean that served with her, Melissa Felkner (Lamar), were thrilled with the Missouri Rainbow’s response to aiding children in foster care as their State Service Project. Now, with the help of Joanie Hedrick (the State Dean serving with me — she’s from Liberty), Missouri’s Rainbow and Grand Cross members are being asked to give their attention to helping the domestic violence shelters near their meeting locations--please ask them how you can help, too! Supreme’s new website is continuing to receive rave reviews (www.gorainbow.org) and I’ve heard some very successful membership events have been held…with more being planned almost daily. Would you mind asking your local Rainbow assembly how you can help with these? Sometimes a bit of money is needed for printing or refreshments and sometimes just your “eagle eye” in the parking lot drinking your cup of coffee is needed! Whatever you can do, I know these ladies across Missouri will welcome and appreciate you! My term’s dedication is “Love One Another” and so I’ll bring this to a close on that note… Love One Another…not just today…but ALWAYS and in ALL WAYS! Amanda Fisher, Grand Worthy Advisor State of Missouri International Order of Rainbow for Girls THE MISSOURI FREEMASON
As you read this article, I will have completed my year and Ryan Cockerham will be Missouri’s new State Master Councilor. I end my year proud of several accomplishments. Charity! Missouri DeMolay gave and supported the RiteCare Language Clinics. My original goal of $10,000 was far surpassed. In September, we were well over $101,000. Missouri DeMolay continued to be #1 in the world in positive growth & membership in 2007 and we always seem to rally at the end of the year and hope to do that again.
State Master Councilor Justin Woods & DeMolay supporters help Sheldon Snitz celebrate 50 years in Masonry.
Continue to improve communication. The website is undergoing some changes and it is still getting over 2000 hits a month. The e-newsletter was distributed three times this year and has improved each time because our state scribe does a great job of collecting and presenting Missouri DeMolay events and information. I planned and succeeded in attending an event or meeting in each the seven areas of Missouri. I wish I could have been able to visit all the chapters individually; however, I feel that getting to each area several times was a great success. Over the weekend of July 12, I took a trip to Oklahoma for its State Conclave and Installation of Officers. Jaymie Jordon was installed as Oklahoma’s State Master Councilor. From there, I drove home to Kansas City and then immediately left to drive to Jackson to have the Area 5 visit. What a great meeting! It was supposed to be a work meeting to get ready for a fundraiser and ended up opening a meeting to obligate a new DeMolay. I was home for a day and then left for Leadership Training Camp. The Leadership Training Camp in Petosi was amazing. With the support of the Scottish Rite Foundation, members of Missouri DeMolay were able to attend for free. The boys arrived on Sunday, July 20th and enjoyed four days of teamwork, membership, brotherhood, fun, and food. THE MISSOURI FREEMASON
On July 30th, I was honored to be able to do the flag tribute for the Mary Olds reception. She is the current representative to New Jersey for Missouri Order of Eastern Star, but she is also the mom of Past Master Councilor Michael Olds from Mother Chapter. Also in July, Ivanhoe Lodge honored Dad Sheldon Snitz with his 50 year masonic pin. Mother Chapter attended and congratulated and thanked Dad Snitz on his years of service. He has been a significant part of my DeMolay career and I appreciate his support and advice. The first weekend in August brings the Mineral Area Outdoor Degree and my Area 6 visit. Dad Voyles has set up an outdoor Lodge room on his property and the Degrees are done at dusk. It’s an event worth scheduling for your calendars next year. August 10th was the Grand Master’s Masonic Youth Day. This was the 4th year I have attended and the best so far. I really like being able to see everyone and play all the games set up. We had a great day of volleyball, football, softball, water balloons and prizes! The first DeMolay International Congress Cabinet Meeting was held on August 14th in Kansas City. The cabinet set goals and committees, and set a budget. The weekend that followed was Excalibur Chapter (Blue Springs Lodge) Installation of Officers – the best thing is that they went swimming after their installation! We had a great time.
Missouri State Master Councilor Justin Woods (Center) represents Missouri DeMolay at the Oklahoma conclave.
On a personal note… in the middle of August, I moved to Warrensburg where I will finish my bachelors in accounting at the University of Central Missouri. The first weekend in September, I traveled to Columbia for my Area 2 visit at Heart of Missouri Chapter for its Installation of Officers and then to Excalibur Chapter for my Area 3 visit. I have really enjoyed getting to all of the areas this year and meeting old Winter 2008 17
and new friends. I had the pleasure and honor of attending the Grand Lodge of Missouri and sharing a DeMolay message. I had the opportunity to talk with Dad Bruce Austin, the retiring Grand Master and Dad Rocky Weaver, the new Grand Master for 2008-2009. They both expressed their support and excitement for DeMolay in Missouri.
WE ATTENDED LODGE LAST NIGHT Paul Wilkerson, Jr.
We attended Lodge last night, Mostly to bring a new Brother to Light. Our temple was clean and aprons crisp, Readied for a special night. Our Junior Warden’s meal Enjoyed by all, no doubt. Our Lodge set to work by watch Of a Master Mason without. Our Master set the Craft to work And o’er our labors did preside. Our Senior Deacon, faithful and resolute, Sat attentively at his side. Our Senior Warden prepared his Trestle Board To ensure us at our best. Our Junior Deacon, staff at ready, Carried messages from the West.
Attendees of the Area 3 DeMolay meeting.
The last weekend in September was the Area 3 Conclave. A weekend camping trip with tents, bugs, s’mores, shaving cream fights, water balloon fights, capture the flag, flag football, championship volleyball, team building games, ritual and lots of brotherhood. Lastly, I want to thank all Missouri Masons, my brothers, for your support during my year as State Master Councilor. I want to strongly encourage all Masons to visit a DeMolay chapter because they are truly the future of the Order. Fraternally, Justin A. Woods State Master Councilor 2007-2008 Jurisdiction of Missouri
Missouri Freemason Deadlines Issue Spring, 2009 Summer, 2009 Fall, 2009 Winter, 2009 18 Winter 2008
Deadline January 2, 2009 April 1, 2009 July, 1, 2009 October 1, 2009
Our Secretary and Treasurer Measured their advice just right. Our Stewards carefully led the profane Through a door, and on to Light. We assembled as Brethren Seeking harmony, peace and unity. Our Chaplain’s prayers Offered to one Great Deity. We worked, and laughed And assisted each other… But mostly we gathered To make a new Brother. The Three Great Lights, a lecture, Both recited without cover. Our new Brother, excited, He has much more to discover. He will not be left alone to learn, He will be mentored by another. We are one united fraternity, Always willing to assist each other. We attended Lodge last night, Ostensibly to bring a new Brother to Light. But it was he who led us to Light, For he is why we gathered last night.
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MASONS TAKE ACTIVE ROLE IN COMMUNITY “We wanted to get the Lodge involved in the community,” said Senior Warden Herb Terrill of Branson Masonic Lodge No. 587. The members of Branson have been giving back to their community, in one way or another, for over 25 years.
In September, the members of the lodge, in conjunction with the Masonic Home of Missouri, presented a total of $3,000 to local schools. The Branson, Hollister, and Kirbyville school districts received $1,000 each. The funds were provided through the Masonic Home’s Creating a Partnership (or CAP) Program. The CAP Program is a partnership between a Masonic Lodge, like Branson, and the Masonic Home of Missouri that provides a school (or schools) in the Lodge’s community with needed supplies and other items directly for the children (i.e.: pencils, paper, backpacks, clothes, shoes, winter coats and gloves, and personal hygiene products). Currently, the CAP Program is
assisting 15% of Missouri schools. The members of Branson have been doing even more for their community. For over 27 years, they have provided Christmas baskets to needy families and Masonic widows containing a full meal with a turkey or ham, canned goods, fruit, flour, sugar, candy, and other various items. According to the Senior Warden the lodge distributes over 100 baskets each year. For the past two years, Branson Lodge has also hosted two MoCHIP (Missouri Child Identification Program) events. MoCHIP provides parents with digital photographs, fingerprints, and other information on a CD as well as a dental bite impression for identification purposes. The Lodge has yet another MoCHIP event planned for February 14, 2009 at the Branson Convention Center. The funds for these, and other, programs are raised at different events and fundraisers the Lodge hosts throughout the year. In April, Branson held a bowling marathon to raise money. On September 24th of this year, it held an auction at the Chateau on the Lake, with special guest Buck Taylor of Gunsmoke fame. Brother Terrill hopes to increase Branson’s involvement with the community and spread the word about the Masonic Order. “We’ve picked up two or three more members since we’ve been so involved,” he said. This was the Lodge’s first year participating in the CAP program, but the Senior Warden says he plans to continue with this new tradition next year. “We plan on making it bigger.”
MASONIC HOME HOLDS REP LUNCHEON AT GRAND LODGE More than 150 Masonic Home Representatives gathered for a luncheon on September 22nd during the 2008 Grand Lodge Annual Communication. The Masonic Home hosted the event to honor the representatives for their diligent efforts to keep the Masonic community informed of the Home’s many benefits and programs. THE MISSOURI FREEMASON
Many Lodges were presented with achievement certificates for participating in the Masonic Home’s Creating a Partnership (or CAP) Program. The CAP Program is a partnership between a Masonic Lodge and the Masonic Home of Missouri that raises funds to provide a school (or schools) in the Lodge’s community with needed supplies and other items
directly for the children (i.e.: pencils, paper, backpacks, clothes, shoes, winter coats and gloves, and personal hygiene products). Currently, the CAP Program is assisting 15% of Missouri schools. Five Lodges were awarded Gold Certificates for top participation in the program: Joplin Lodge #335, Sedalia Lodge #236, Summit Lodge #263, Troy Lodge #34, and Woodside Winter 2008 19
Lodge #387. After awarding these certificates, Masonic Home Public Relations Director, Sara Snodderley, conducted a brief workshop to remind the representatives how easy, yet significant, participation in the CAP Program really is. Also covered in the workshop was the Masonic Home Outreach Program. To truly relate just how vital the Outreach Program can be to the Masonic community, the Masonic Home invited a family that was the recipient of Outreach aid to speak to the representatives. Without disclosing the personal nature of the aid, all that can be said is that the family was very much in need of the Masonic Home’s assistance. According to the family, it was on the verge of losing hope when the phone rang and an “angelic voice” said, “This is Carly Dibben from the Masonic Home of Missouri.” Carly Dibben was the Outreach
caseworker assigned to the family’s case. She was able to help the family complete the request and submit it to the Masonic Home Board of Directors who were able to get it the help it so desperately needed. “They’re just the sweetest family who wanted to do the right thing, but needed help,” said Dibben. And that help was provided by the Masonic Home because someone recognized the family’s brother was in need and contacted the Outreach department on its behalf. The Masonic Home staff impressed upon the representatives just how essential it is to make referrals to the Outreach department, not just for fellow Masons, but for their families, widows, and the ladies of the Eastern Star. To that end, Right Worshipful Brother Larry Reynolds, the VicePresident of the Masonic Home of Missouri, announced the institution of the Outreach Referral Pins. For
every referral a brother makes, he will receive a beehive-shaped pin. If a lady of the Eastern Star makes a referral, she will receive a beehiveshaped charm. The beehive was chosen to represent the brother or sister’s industriousness in finding members in need. Finally, the staff emphasized the importance of providing the Home with an accurate and up-to-date widows list for each Lodge. Masonic widows and ladies of the Eastern Star make up 54% of the individuals receiving aid from the Masonic Home Outreach Program. In closing, the Masonic Home staff encouraged the representatives to return to their Lodges and keep in touch with the Home, read the Masonic Home magazine, attend Masonic Home area and district informational meetings, and do not hesitate to call with questions. The Masonic Home is your Home. Remember: We are where you are.
A HOLE IN ONE FOR KIDS August 25, 2008 could have been a day of 100 degree weather, no breeze and 100 percent humidity and with the rain we have had this summer it could have been coming down in buckets, however, it was quite the opposite, it was clear, 80 degrees, cool breeze with no humidity meaning a perfect day for golf and an even better day for the 6th Annual “Leaves of Autumn” Golf Outing. Looking back to the first outing worried thoughts raced through our minds: would we get enough golfers, how will the weather be and would the golfers enjoy their day. Now concluding our 6th Annual outing we must say the ongoing support of the Masonic Home Golf Outing has been outstanding totaling over $283,000.00 in donations. These monies have provided numerous children throughout the state with necessary supplies, clothing, shoes, and more for school and it has provided Masonic Children with aid for necessary treatment and services. The sole purpose for the event is to support children and that is exactly what the members of the Missouri Masonic Fraternity are doing! In the last year the lodges across the state
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have provided 3640 children with necessary items to attend and once again enjoy school, in addition to this they have aided 12% of Masonic Children throughout the state through the Masonic Children’s Outreach Program. The “Leaves of Autumn” Golf Outing is more then just a day of golf it is a time of fellowship and a time to reflect upon what the event is truly about. Article after article tells about the 1000’s of children who simply don’t have what they need to attend school and time and time again the Masonic Home receives phone calls about Masonic Children and services they are so desperately in need of, this is what the Outing is all about it is about providing for those children and enriching their lives, the Missouri Masonic Fraternity is achieving this goal. As we look ahead we now look with excitement and thankfulness to have such great support from the members because it is through them the Masonic Home is able to accomplish and continue its purpose. “The mission of the Masonic Home of Missouri is to provide the best quality of life for those eligible adults and children in need of our assistance.”
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CREATING A PARTNERSHIP
By Jon Seabaugh, Secretary, Grand River Lodge #276 The consolidation of Coldwater Lodge #485, Drexel, Missouri with Grand River Lodge #276, Freeman, Missouri, in April, 2008, was a sad note for the Drexel Lodge. Paraphernalia from the Coldwater Lodge was cleaned and placed in the Grand River Lodge Hall. As we were taking inventory of the items from the Coldwater Lodge, we found a large picture of George Washington, just like the one the Grand River Lodge has. A decision as to what to do with the extra picture of George Washington was made. Being one of the County Commissioners it was decided to place the second picture in the Historical Courtroom in the Courthouse in Harrisonville. With the blessing of this and future Commissioners that is where it is today and hopefully will forever remain.
Reviewing additional paraphernalia we found an old dirty picture, which we thought was Harry Truman in his Masonic apron. As we cleaned the excess dirt from the picture we noticed a signature on the bottom. If this mason is not Harry Truman, who is it? It is a picture of President McKinley, just before he was shot, (1900) standing in his Masonic apron on the steps of a Lodge in Buffalo, New York. The picture frame had Masonic symbols with slight damage, but not so much damage to prevent it from being displayed in the Historical Courtroom in Harrisonville. That is where it hangs today, as an indication of the Masonic history of our presidents. A little something positive from something negative.
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At an open meeting on May 22, 2008 of Christian Lodge #392, OES Chapter #407 honored the Masons with a dinner. After a short business meeting, the lodge was closed and an informal get-together was held. An unexpected event occurred. It seems that a member of both organizations was present and had passed 60 years in the Masons some two years earlier. RWB James E (Jimbo) Leath III, DDGM of the 19th District presented WB Melvin (Pete) Mathews with his 60 year Jewel. Standing proudly by while this event took place was Pete’s wife Emory (PGM) and WB Carl Castle WM of Christian Lodge. We are thankful for the work done each year by the OES, this year headed by Marian Case, WM, who organized the dinner. Good food, good friendship; and loads of support for each other from the lodge and the chapter builds success in each.
Grove Lodge #187 of Grove, Oklahoma presented Charles F. Kircher (left) with his 50-year jewel and certificate from the Grand Lodge of Missouri on June 26, 2008. Roger Wadley (right) of Grove Lodge #187 presided.
On Friday, July 17, 2008, Marceline Lodge #481, held an open meeting to present 50-year jewels to Bro. Tom Behrman and Bro. Jim Reynolds. Pictured left to right: RWB Bob O’Dell (presented the jewels), Bro. Tom Behrman and Bro. Jim Reynolds. There was a large number of Family, Friends, and Brothers present for the ceremony. The two distinguished Brothers were each given and opportunity to reminisce on their earlier Masonic years, which were much enjoyed by all present. After the ceremony all retired to dining room for an ice cream social.
On July 24, 2008, WB Paul Ollar celebrated 60 years in Freemasonry by opening Lodge and presiding. WB Bill Humble, DDGM presented WB Ollar his sixty year pin and certificate. WB Allen Pigg also received a Past Master’s jewel for all his accomplishments in the Lodge.
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On August 14, 2004, WB Bill George presented a Masonic 50 Year Service Award to Brother Richard L. Hackler, a member of Corinthian Lodge #265. Brother Hackler’s lovely Lady Shirley is shown pinning on his 50 Year Lapel Pin. During discussion with Brother Hackler, his most cherished memory was when he had the honor and pleasure of presenting his father, Brother L. G. Hackler with his 50 Year Award and Pin.
Member of Clintonville Lodge #482, Brother Kenneth N. Gilkeson, was presented his 50-year pin and Certificate, courtesy of Warren Lodge #74 at Keytesville. Presenting the award was RW Bro. Leo Bottom, 14th DDGL.
Raytown Lodge #391 held a 50-year presentation on September 4, 2008. Pictured left to right are brothers Earl H. King, Samuel W. Bennett and WB Chriss L. Green, Jr. WB Green now lives in San Benito, Texas, and traveled over 1,000 miles to receive his 50-year pin in his home Lodge.
On September 6, 2008, Bethesda Lodge #64 of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico presented Oris Spencer his 50year pin and certificate from the Grand Lodge of Missouri. Brothers gathered on Saturday morning with Brother Spencer’s son and daughter-in-law to present the pin and certificate. There were also two masons from the NM Veterans’ Center accompanying him. Afterward the brothers adjourned to the dining area for cake and punch. Brother Spencer is a member of Osage Lodge #303.
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On Sunday September 14, 2008 The Masonic Lodge in Pleasant Hill, Jewel Lodge #480 presented 25-year pins to the following: Everett R. Foster, Thomas B. Allen, Homer L. Foote, Wallace L. James. Those not pictured: Melvin R. Acock, Arthur E. Blackmore, James L. Ferguson.
On September 18, 2008 Herculaneum Lodge #338 presented Brother William Bins his 50 year pin and certificate from the Grand Lodge of Missouri. The wives of the officers served a wonderful meal after the ceremony. RWB Francis D. Jett DDGM District 28 made the presentation.
On Saturday October 4, 2008 Lebanon Lodge #77 presented Worshipful Brother Walter Slovensky with a 50 year pin. Brother Slovensky was initiated on12/09/1957, passed on 6/23/1958 and raised on 9/29/1958 at Maplewood Lodge. He was elected Worshipful Master of Maplewood on 12/22/1984. Brother Slovensky’s pin was presented by Worshipful Brother Wayne Blunt, Secretary of Lebanon Lodge No. 77. Brother Slovensky’s wife Thelma was present to share in his honor.
St. Francis Lodge #234, Libertyville, honored three fifty-year members at a picnic in May. Shown are RWB Albert ‘Sonny’ Miller, WB Elvan ‘Al’ Roderick and brother Chester Sloan.
Most Worshipful Brother Rocky Weaver stopped by Joplin, Missouri to visit with RWB Warren Carr during a presentation by Fellowship Lodge #345 celebrating Warren’s recent 100th birthday and honoring him for his many years of service to our fraternity. A presentation was also made by the Southwest Missouri Demolay thanking Warren for his many years of support for their organization. We all wished RWB Warren Carr a very happy birthday and a speedy recovery.
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WM Mike Shulse is shown presenting his father Brother Davis Shulse with his 50 year pin at an open meeting Oct. 22, 2008 at Ralls Lodge #33. DDGl Kent Cheek of the Monroe City Lodge conducted the ceremony.
At the 2008 Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Missouri, James W. Williams received the Secretary of the Year Award. Mr. Williams has been the secretary of Jewel lodge for 20 years.
On October 8, 2008, Worshipful Brother Gerald Hill presented Brother Clarence D. Jennings his 60-year pin prior to a stated meeting at Richland Lodge #385, Richland, Missouri. Brother Jennings is a member of Architect-University lodge #569 in Garden City, Michigan. Brother Jennings’ lovely wife placed it on his lapel.
On Thursday, October 16, 2008, Greenville Lodge #107 presented Brother Truman Barks (center) his 50 year jewel and certificate. WB Lavern Daves (at left) officiated with Brother Barks’ wife Gladys (at right) and other family members present. Brother Barks was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on September 18, 1958.
Brother Theodore Cockayne, a member of Nodaway Lodge #470 AF&AM, Maryville, Missouri received his 50-year jewel and certificate at a ceremony held recently at the Lodge in Maryville. Brother Cockayne is 96 years young. He was presented his award by RWB Rex Barnett, DDGM of the 6th Masonic District.
At its meeting on October 27, 2008, Liberty Lodge #31 presented brother Hubert D. Altis with his 50-year jewel and certificate from the Grand Lodge of Missouri. WB Chad Howerton conducted the ceremony. Brother Altis has also been an active member of the Eastern Star together with his wife Norma.
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Arrow Rock Lodge #55, Arrow Rock, MO held its dedication on May 10, 2008 with the following officers presiding: RWB Rocky Weaver, RWB Kenneth R. Osborn, MWB Elmer E. Revelle, RWB Richard L. Smith, RWB Ronald D. Miller, WB James R. Humburg, RWB August L. Bottom and Brother John L. Vinson.
The Warrenton Masonic Lodge #609, A.F.& A.M. presented a check for $429.00 to Debbie Richter, Director of the Warrenton Senior Center on 5-14-2008. This money was raised at the latest All-You-Can-Eat breakfast held at the Warrenton lodge on April 26, 2008. Pictured are (left to right): Terry Fleetwood, Alexander Mount, Debbie Richter, Jimmy Tipton and Peter Schmidt. The Warrenton lodge plans to have numerous fundraisers to help support local organizations.
Arrow Rock Lodge #55, Arrow Rock, MO held its dedication on May 10, 2008 with the following officers presiding: RWB Rocky Weaver, RWB Kenneth R. Osborn, MWB Elmer E. Revelle, RWB Richard L. Smith, RWB Ronald D. Miller, WB James R. Humburg, RWB August L. Bottom and Brother John L. Vinson.
On May 15, 2008, Harold O. Grauel Lodge #672 held its fifth annual mother’s, family and brethren banquet at the Cape Girardeau Masonic temple in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Fifty-four mothers, family members and brethren were present and after a great meal prepared by Mrs. Jobyna and Bert Daume, a short program was presented honoring the mothers and each mother was given a present. Pride of The West Lodge #179 celebrated its 150th anniversary with a dinner on Wednesday evening May 28, 2008. MWB Bruce R. Austin with his wife and several other Grand Lodge Officers were there to enjoy the celebration. MWB Wilfred G. Soutiea and MWB J.C. Montgomery, past Grand Masters, were also in attendance. WB Richard H. Patten, Past Master of Pride of The West Lodge gave a brief history of the lodge after which everyone enjoyed a catered dinner. A trio of harmonica players from the Gateway Harmonica Club provided entertainment. Pictured from left to right, Buddy Hirsch (bass Harmonica), MWB Bruce R. Austin, Grand Master, WB Bill Dickey, Present Master of Pride of The West Lodge #179, WB Frank Davis (lead harmonica) and Joe Fey (chord harmonica).
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Table Rock Lodge #680 enjoyed a visit at our stated meeting on May 27 by RWB Vohannan, DDGM for the 1st Eastern District of Illinois. While there, RWB Vohannan got to observe balloting on the petition of two candidates to become a member of our lodge by initiation and the raising of Brother Heath Bohene to the degree of Master Mason. It is always a pleasure for brethren from other Grand Lodges and all other Brothers visit us.
Union Lodge #593 celebrated the raising of 2 new Master Masons on June 7, 2008. Shown (l to r): Bruce E. McGlasson, SW; Ryan James Braun; Johnathan Philip Breuer; Donald J. Hall, WM. Charlie’s Angels Degree Team was instrumental in raising these new brothers.
Worshipful Master Donald J. Hall (right) and Senior Warden Bruce E. McGlasson (left) are shown presenting the Lodge’s newest Master Mason, 6’ 5” Brother Shaun Carl Ruether, with his Certificate of Degrees and a Masonic Holy Bible on Friday, June 13, 2008 after he was raised to the sublime Degree of Master Mason. The Officers of Union Lodge #593 were assisted in the raising by several Brothers from various Lodges of the 24th Masonic District of the Grand Lodge of Missouri.
Sedalia Freemasons as they line up to walk in the American Cancer’s “Relay For Life”, at the Fred Davis Multipurpose Center, State Fair Community College Friday, June 13, 2008. Pictured left to Right: RWB James Duzan, WM David Miller (Team Captain), WB H. H. Luetjen, WB George McConnell, WB Floyd Ulmer, Robert Melby and WB John McCormack.
Kearney Lodge #311, Kearney, Missouri held its installation of officers for the 2008-2009 term on Sunday, July 20, 2008. RWB Wayne Dugan was installed as Worshipful Master for the ensuing term and is shown here with his new officers line.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008, a public installation of newly elected 2008-2009 officers was held at Hebron Masonic Lodge #354. Pictured front row L to R: WB Gerald Kelley, Tyler; WB Gerald Chaney, Senior Warden; WB James Mosley, Worshipful Master; RWB Donald Fairley, Installing Master; Randall Gish, Junior Deacon. Second Row L to R: WB Phillip Moody, Senior Deacon; RWB Gene Berck, Installing Marshall; Stephen Andresen, Marshall and RWB Jared Price, Secretary.
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Tuesday, July 29, 2008, a public installation of newly elected 2008-2009 officers was held at Hebron Masonic Lodge #354. Pictured front row L to R: WB Gerald Kelley, Tyler; WB Gerald Chaney, Senior Warden; WB James Mosley, Worshipful Master; RWB Donald Fairley, Installing Master; Randall Gish, Junior Deacon. Second Row L to R: WB Phillip Moody, Senior Deacon; RWB Gene Berck, Installing Marshall; Stephen Andresen, Marshall and RWB Jared Price, Secretary.
Craftsmen Lodge #717 held its summer picnic August 30 at Whitecliff Park in Crestwood, MO. The photo is of the Lodge members who attended the picnic. The picnic, well attended by members, family and friends, ran from noon until dark, and included a lunch of burgers and hot dogs, and a catered evening meal of BBQ with all the fixings. The picnic activities included bingo, hillybilly golf, swimming, and a washers tournament. More pictures of the picnic are posted on the Lodge website at http://www.mofreemason.com/craftsmen717.
On September 6, 2008, Zalma Lodge #545 held its annual installation of officers. The installing officers were MWB Bruce R. Austin, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the state of Missouri, installing Master WB Harry Froman, installing marshall, and RWB Russ Busby, installing chaplain. Officers installed were Michael K. McCollum, WM, Phillip Wilson, SW, WB Chris Hornbuckle, JW., WB Gary Sitze, Treasurer, WB Mick West, Secretary, Michael L. McCollum, SD, Bill Shanks, JD., Lee DeCourley, SS, Jim McCollum, JS., Larry Hornbuckle, Chaplain, and Michael Fritch, Marshall.
Washington Lodge #87 AF & AM officer installation was held on September 9, 2008. The 2008-2009 Washington Lodge #87 officers are: Front Row (L-R) Dallas McGuire (Tyler), Homer Ellis (Junior Warden), Gary Gabbert (Worshipful Master), WB Jack Wheeler (Senior Warden), WB Tim Black (Secretary). Back Row (L-R) Mike Auge (Senior Deacon), Larry Hilburn (Treasurer), Bob Willet ( Junior Deacon), James Rosenbaum (Junior Steward) and Curtis Rogers (Senior Steward).
Rusty Krueger “sports� his new Rainbow Hat, presented to him by Worthy Advisor, Becky Olds, at his Installation on Sept. 5, 2008.
Rusty Krueger, WM, Alpha Lodge #659, is joined by the Rainbow Girls of North Kansas City Assembly #55. The Assembly performed the Bible Ceremony at his Installation.
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Union Masonic Lodge’s Secretary and member of Yesterdays Cruisers Car Club of Gerald, MO, Clarence “Buzz” Barrows, presents a check for $200 to the parents of Nickolas Koepke, and to Paula Helmig to help with medical expenses which are not covered by insurance. The benefit raised a sizable amount of money through the generous contributions of individuals, business and Fraternal Organizations, like the Masonic Lodge, Gerald Lions Club and numerous car clubs throughout Missouri. 55 antique and classic cars and trucks as well as 100’s of individuals attended the benefit. Stephen Steineker, President of Yesterdays Cruisers, also shown, expressed the Club’s thanks to everyone, individuals, businesses and organizations, that made this another successful benefit. Stephen said Yesterdays Cruisers holds 2 benefits each year, one in April and one in September, and in the Clubs short 4 year existence has raised over $17,000, all of which is provided to the beneficiaries.
Cooper Lodge #36 installed its new Master and Officers at a dinner in the Lodge on Sept. 9, 2008. A large crowd was in attendance to enjoy a fine dinner prepared by Master Chef, Brother Arlin Baker and all the great dishes provided by the Brothers and their Ladies. We had a very nice installation and night of fellowship. Our new officers are: Mark Bean, WM; Bill Burnett, SW; Marvin Utterback, JW; Bill Sullivan Secretary; Ted Litton, Treasurer; Matt Price, SD; John Ernst, JD; Rick Zimmerman, SS; Todd Hill, JS; Jim Piles, Marshall; Tom Miller, Chaplain; Gary Whitehurst, Tyler. Installing officers were Jim Wade, Installing Master; Robert Bray, Installing Marshall; Lewis Odneal, Installing Chaplain. The Lodge presented outgoing Master Roy Cary a plaque of appreciation for his 2years of service as Master of the Lodge and leadership in the remodeling of the Lodge. Brother Iggy Ignacio and Brother Tom Miller gave Roy his Past Master apron, a gift from them. Pictured L to R: Janice Cary, Past Master Roy Cary, Iggy Ignacio and Master Chef Arlin Baker.
Riddick Lodge #361 AF&AM in Buffalo, Missouri held its annual installation of officers for 2008-2009 on September 9, 2008 at the Lodge. The installing Master was WB Carl Carpenter. The installing Marshall was RWB Greg Ross. The installing Chaplain was WB Bobby Pineger. Pictured here is WB Steven Lipe receiving the Jewel of his Office from RWB Ross. Also installed were James Sweaney as Senior Warden, WB Travis Spears as Secretary, WB Mike Ferguson as Chaplain, Deacons Matt and Brian Kramer and Tyler Lynn Jackson. The Colors were presented by members of the Buffalo/Bolivar DeMolay Chapter and the meal was provided by the Ladies of OES #446.
On Friday, Sept. 19, 2008, Milton Lodge #151 had a fish fry and special meeting to honor RWB Rusty Kitts, on his retirement as DDGL of Dist. 13. RWB Rusty has been a mentor and friend to the Lodges and members of Dist.l3 as well as many other Districts and members. RWB Bob Hutchinson and his crew furnished the fish as well as fried them. Many friends and Brothers prepared and furnished many delicious dishes to top the meal off. The large dining room of Milton Lodge was overflowing with friends and Brothers to pay tribute to Bro. Rusty. Pictured: RWB Rusty Kitts holding the plaque that was furnished by his District and was presented to RWB Rusty by RWB Randy Jones, Grand Lecturer of Missouri. Many of the Brothers and Friends as well as Family stood and expressed their appreciation for all that RWB Rusty has done for District 13 and Freemasonry.
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Officers for the Union Masonic Lodge #593 were installed on September 12, 2008. Shown are: WB Buzz Barrows, Secretary; WB Bob Hoemann, Tyler; WB Dennis Trimble, Chaplain; WB Donald Hall, Jr., Marshal; Ryan Braun, Senior Steward; Bob Stahlman, Senior Deacon; Shaun Ruether, Junior Steward; Worshipful Master Bruce E. McGlasson; Installing Master; RWB Bob Wright; Junior Warden Frank Smith; Installing Marshal, Bob Martin; Senior Warden, Derek Laubinger; Installing Chaplain, RWB Frank Lesinski, Sr.; Treasurer George Taylor.
On Sunday September 14th 2008 the Masonic Lodge in Pleasant Hill, Jewel Lodge #480 AF and AM held its Past Master’s Appreciation Dinner, 25 Year Member Pins and Installation of Officers for the 2008-2009 year Pictured left to right bottom row Marvin Dotson, JD; Charles Shands, JW; Richard Beard, WM; Steve Boston, SW; Don Donavan, SD; Martin Hendrickson, Chaplain; top row, Installing Officers Farrell Sexson, SD; Glen Osborn, Marshall; James Williams, Master and current Secretary. Officers not pictured Paul Williams, Treasurer; Jerold Quick Jr., Marshall; Daniel Collins, SS; Ronald Beatty, JS; James Lotspeich, Tyler; Harold Hackler, Installing Chaplain.
On September 17, 2008, Shelbina Lodge #228, Shelbina, Missouri, installed its officers for the 2008 year. The open installation was preceded by a fine meal in the dining room, and was enjoyed by a large number of Family, Friends, and Brothers. Pictured left to right, front row: Mike Dodd, Secretary; Keith Baker, Chaplain; Glendale Johnson, Marshal; Dean Jensen, SS.; Robert Proper, JS.; John Christine, Tyler; Second row: Martin Lund, Jr., SD; Jason Cook, JD; Steve Smith, JW; Tom Christine, WM; Pat Heathman, SW; Back row: Darrell Wilham, Treasurer and Installing Marshal; Bob O’Dell, RGL “A” Installing Master; Jerry Miles, Installing Chaplain.
Officers from Union Masonic Lodge #593 are shown presenting a check for $500.00 to the Unioin High School Basketball Cheerleaders to aid in their fundraising to allow the Cheerleaders to perform at halftime at the Gator Bowl, January 1, 2009 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Lodge donated the proceeds from this month’s All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast to the UHS Cheerleaders. Shown accepting the check from WB Buzz Barrows, Lodge Secretary, is Ms Bobbie Wilson, Cheerleader Coach. Also shown left to right are WB Donald Hall, Lodge Public Relations Officer; and Cheerleader Captains, Alyssa Lavalle and Megan Presley. Bolivar Lodge #195 met in special open communication September 19, 2008 to install the Following officers: John Bennett, WM; Neil Acheson, SW; Charles Gass JW: Elwayne Harris, Treasurer; James “Jim” Whitman, Secretary; Andy Gravely, SD; Jim McManigle, JD; Jim Hensley, Chaplain; Leonard Baker, Marshall; Shannon Stafford, SS; Lonnie Naylor, JS; and Norman Fallesen, Tyler. There were 61 people present from Missouri, Iowa, and Kansas. The DeMolay boys presented the American flag. Bolivar Lodge #195 officers pictured: front row Charles Gass, Neil Acheson, John Bennett, James Whitman, Andy Gravely, Norman Fallesen; back row: Elwayne Harris, Jim Hensley, Leonard Baker, Jim McManigle, Shannon Stafford, and Lonnie Naylor.
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On September 20, Meridian Lodge #2 presented a check to the MoCHIP program. Pictures (l to r) RWB Rodney Keline, SW Terry Harris, RWB Craig Skinner, RWB Tom Moser brother Paul Skinner, WB Mel Meyer and Anita Bean.
Meridian Lodge #2, St. Louis, Missouri held its installation of officers for the 2008-2009 term on Saturday, September 20, 2008. WB Billy Pyle was installed as Worshipful Master for the ensuing term and is shown here with his new officers line.
MWB Bruce R. Austin, Grand Master is shown with RWB Regan Baird, Grand Sword Bearer and RWB Russell Busby, Grand Chaplain and WB Shawn Caldwell at the St. Francis Lodge #234 annual Lamplight meeting. This was the 4th consecutive year the meeting was attended by the presiding Grand Master.
Samaritan Lodge #424 captured the 37th Masonic District traveling gavel award earlier this year. MWB Bruce R. Austin last used the gavel during the St. Francois Lodge #234 Lamplight meeting before being placed in its case. WB Dan Ward, Master of Samaritan Lodge holds the award after the presentation by MWB Austin.
On Sept, 20, 2008 Linn Creek held it’s 145th annual installation of officers for the year 2008-2009. Pictured are: (first row left to right) Wayne Minnick, Senior Deacon; Gary Bowling, Junior Warden; Kelly Luttrell, Worshipful Master; Jimmy Brashear, Senior Warden; Charles Christensen, Junior Deacon; Paul Warman, Marshall. (Second Row left to right): W. Larry Clemens, Treasurer; Kelly Burkhart, Senior Steward; Richard Simons, Junior Steward; W. Terry McKeever, Chaplain; Robert Leonard, Tiler; WB Bryan Lovell, Secretary.
The Brothers at Tuscan Lodge #360 have instituted a new program called Adopt-A-Lodge or Helping Lodges Help Themselves. Each year Tuscan Lodge will select a Lodge and donate up to $1,000.00 for a project they have been holding off on or for Lodge improvements that they otherwise cannot afford. The first Lodge to receive a $1,000.00 donation is Point Pleasant Lodge #176 in Conran, MO. Pictured are from left to right RWB Andy Oberman; WM Walter J. Roberts; RWB David A. Wright and RWB Guy D. Ross.
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Corinthian Lodge #265 AF&AM. conducted an Open Installation of Officers for 2009 on September 29, 2008. Pictured front row left to right is RWB Joe Joyner, DDGL 21st District as Installing Master. Brother Craig Harrison as Senior Deacon, Brother Patrick Sutton as Senior Warden, Brother Eddie Chitwood as Senior Steward and Brother Cliff Combs as Junior Steward. Back row, Worshipful Master Steve Nagel, WB Bill George Installing Marshal. WB David Key as Installing Chaplain and Brother Paul Adams as Junior Warden. Our new Worshipful Master, Brother Steve Nagel with the assistance of his Brother, Brother Lonnie Nagel, presented his Mother Ruby Nagel with a Masonic Widows Pin, their Father WB Richard Nagel is a Past Master of Corinthian Lodge #265. He then introduced his family and also had the other Officers introduce their families.
Laying the cornerstone ceremony was done Sunday afternoon at the new city complex and was performed by the Grand Lodge of Missouri Masons A.F. & A.M. and the Mt Zion Lodge #327 here in West Plains. The ceremony was conducted by Bruce Austin, Grand Master of Missouri Masons at Columbia, Mo. shown from left to right, Junior Grand Warden, Webb Edwards, Senior Grand Warden, Reagan Baird, Deputy Grand Master, Rocky Weaver, Joe Paul Evans, Mayor of West Plains, The Grand Master, Russell Busy Grand Chaplain Second row Randy Upton, Senior Grand Deacon, Marshal Biesen Grand Sword Bearer, Junior Grand Deacon, Richard Reed and David Vaughn, principal Architect.
September brought the 2nd Annual Fellowship Lodge/Children’s Center of Southwest Missouri Poker Run fund raiser. About 50 Motorcycle Riders participated in the event and over $5000 was raised through the Poker Run, a silent auction and candy sales. WB J.H. Lawson is shown presenting the check to the Children’s Center with WM David McDaniel assisting.
The Officers of Fellowship Lodge #345 were installed into their respective stations Saturday, October 11 at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center in Joplin, MO. After the installation ceremony, a banquet in the Dining Hall provided everyone with a wonderful meal and made it a very enjoyable evening.
Trenton Lodge #111 sponsored a MoCHIP event at its lodge dining hall on Saturday October 4, 2008. Forty hard working volunteers staffed the event, registering 183 children. One of our volunteers (Austin Waddle) is pictured having our Trenton Police Volunteer (Keith Edmonston) take finger prints while preparing Austin’s MoCHIP package. Austin played cartoons and movies to entertain children while guardians filled out permission slips and information collection forms. We know that 183 children of our community are a little safer thanks to MoCHIP and our hard working volunteers.
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Jefferson Lodge #43 members assisted in the opening of the Grand Lodge of Missouri AF&AM. at 1:00 PM October 5, 2008. Then the Grand Lodge of Missouri adjourned to the new Social Security Building for a cornerstone dedication. Upon returning from the cornerstone dedication, the Worshipful Master James Thomas welcomed all to Jefferson Lodge #43. Introductions were made for the Grand Lodge Officers and visiting dignitaries and he thanked the others for their participation in the building of our new Lodge facility. . We then retired to the dinning room for refreshments. The dinning room had members of the Missouri Masonic Family available to explain its connection with Freemasonry to the local community. As a result, the Lodge received one petition for the degrees of Freemasonry and one transfer of membership. A special thanks to MWB Rocky E. Weaver, Grand Master and RWB Ronald D. Miller, Grand Secretary for their participation on this very special day.
Rolla Masonic Lodge #213 held its 148th Annual Installation of Officers. Pictured are: Front Row (l-to-r) WB Robert Kelly – Secretary; Brother William Keys IV – Jr. Warden; WB Kristopher Crews – Worshipful Master; Brother David Foldesh – Sr. Warden; WB Columbus Craft – Chaplain; WB Josh Shepherd – Jr. Past Master; Second Row (l-ro-r) WB Frank Jurotich – Sr. Deacon; WB Norman Ragan – Marshal; Back Row (l-to-r) WB William Neighbors – Installing Marshal; Brother Kirby Moreland – Sr. Steward; RWB Ed LeMay – Installing Officer.
Eighty-ninth Installation of Officers of Alpha Lodge #659: (L-R Row 1) RWB. Glenn Burrows, WB Bob Chester, RWB Fred Morrow, Eric Holfzclaw, WB Morey Palmer. (Row 2) Bob VanVactor, WB Rusty Krueger, Allen Moss (Row 3) RWB. R.L.Tichenor, Marshall Forest, RWB. Dennis Spears (Row 4) Brad Yates, WB Bill Perry, and RWB Larry Moss.
Buckner Lodge installed its officers for the 2008 - 2009 year on October 12, 2008. Shown is the new line of Lodge officers along with the Job’s Daughters from Bethel 7, who performed during the Ceremony.
On October 18, 2008, Richmond Lodge #57 held a fundraiser for a local 3yr old boy, named Colon Newman, who lost his legs in a farm accident. Lodge members stood at intersections in Richmond collecting money. The amount that was collected ended up being $1,600.00.
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Dana DeWeese, Secretary of Jefferson Lodge #43, wasn’t even a Mason when his father, Dr. Joyce E. DeWeese received his 50year pin and Grand Lodge Certificate, but he was able to issue him a 60-year pin on December 20, 2007 at Marceline Lodge #481. WB Dana wore his Grandfather DeWeese’s Masonic ring and hat for the ceremony.
On August 21, 2008, as a courtesy to Rolla Lodge #213 AF&AM, Aiken Lodge No. 156, A&FM., of South Carolina, made a 50 year Grand Lodge of Missouri Jewel and Certificate presentation to RWB Leonard E. Myers, who with his wife Bettie, accepted the honor accorded to him. Pictured (L to R) RWB Ron Parker, District Deputy Grand Master, Mrs. Myers, RWB Leonard Myers.
WB Gene R. Tucker was honored on Monday evening, May 12, 2008 at a Special Stated Communication of the Lodge. RWB Russ Tinker, S/W, presented a proclamation to Tucker on behalf of the Lodge. WB Tucker has been a member of this Fraternity since March 23, 1966, and a member of Troy Lodge No. 34, AF&AM since March 11, 1991. He recently was instrumental in the actual saving of a fellow man’s life by properly and effectively applying the Heimlich maneuver during a serious choking distress. His years of service and his recent heroism prompted the Brethren of his Lodge to join the Community in recognizing his heroic actions and to proclaim him “Troy Lodge Freemason of the Year” for 2008.
Then and now...Worshipful Brother Donald Hegeman recently finished his latest term as Master of Cosby lodge. Nothing unusual about that until you learn he was master of Cosby exactly 50 years ago. With terms as Master exactly 50 years apart, in 1958 and 2008, Worshipful Brother Don had the unique distinction of serving as Cosby’s Master during the celebration of both its 50th and 100th year. Cosby Lodge honored WB Hegeman for his service during its 100th anniversary dedication ceremony September 7, 2008. For good measure, he also served as Master in 1994.
On June 12, 2008, Brother Lee Roy Fowler was presented with his 50-year pin and certificate at Wayne Lodge #526 in Piedmont, Missouri. Pictured with him are (l to r) RWB Wayne Tucker who made the presentation; daughter-in-law and son, Paula and Denny Fowler; Brother Fowler; wife Jean Fowler; sister Bernice Sullivan; and Raymond Silvey, WM of Wayne Lodge.
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“IT MEANS THE SAME THING. THEY WON’T KNOW THE DIFFERENCE, ANYWAY.” Dr. E. Otha Wingo, DDGL 38, FMLR — otha.wingo@gmail.com Once a young lodge officer was struggling with some of the phrasing of the Masonic Ritual and asked the late Most Worshipful Dr. Harold O. Grauel, eponym of our lodge (672), why we used such strange language. Dr. Grauel, eminent English professor at SEMO State University, replied: “The ritual is perfect English. I advise you to learn it perfectly.” We should strive for perfect ritual, but this should be done in private study or in practice sessions. Degree work in lodge with a candidate is not the place to teach or learn ritual, as our Grand Lecturer recently reminded us. I teach our brethren that the best way to handle a mistake during a degree is to keep speaking, even if you need to use a substitute word or add a word to keep the rhythm and meaning. This is much better than interrupting the cadence by stumbling around for the word or starting the phrase over, or (what is worse) trying to get a clue from a barrage of prompts from the brethren. We should never interrupt a brother during degree work to correct a mistake
or a movement. A practical idea is to have a knowledgeable brother nearby who is designated to help, but only when the speaker indicates subtly that he needs a prompt. All others should remain silent. The ritual of Freemasonry may be described as “a beautiful system….” The language used is an elegant expression that was the literary model of the early 18th century. When the ritual was written, the style of writing was that of the best literature. The wording is precise and has a rhythm that is poetic. Ritual is poetry. It is designed to be spoken, not read. I am dismayed to hear some of the substitute words that I heard in Masonic ritual. Not so much because the recited passage is not exactly as prescribed, but because of the attitude expressed when corrected, viz: “It means the same thing. They won’t know the difference, anyway.” The fact is that all words do not mean the same thing exactly; even synonyms have different connotations. The Masonic Ritual has been
written in beautiful, literary English with the exact words needed to express the intended meaning. Do not evaluate the language based on silently reading the text or reciting it in your mind. The full impact is possible only when spoken aloud. Then you see that it is poetry. How important, then, is having the exact word? So what if I substitute a word, say implication where it should be imprecation? I hear this a lot. Does it mean the same thing? The first refers to an unstated connotation, while the second means a curse or condemnation. Is it the same to interchange compass and compasses? One is an instrument to locate directions and the other is an instrument for describing a circle. Or, “to seek audience” suggests only asking without expectation, whereas “to crave audience” means earnestly requesting with much urgency. Why do we use “antiquated” language? Why not modernize the wording, so that we can understand it? Rather than quoting an example contiuned on page 14
POSTMASTER: Please send Address Forms 3579 to Grand Secretary, 6033 Masonic Drive, Suite B, Columbia, Missouri 65202-6535.