Brethren, this year has flown by and I haven’t gotten to accomplish nearly what I wanted to. By the time you read this, the MoCHIP program at the Missouri State Fair will be history. No matter how that comes out I want to thank you, the Brethren of this state, for making a dream come true. By the end of this year we will have identified nearly 90,000 children. That is an accomplishment we can all be proud of. By Grand Lodge in September, every district in this state will have seen me at least once. To all of the lodges of this state, I thank you. Without your dedication and caring for the communities you live in there would be a huge hole in the relief of the needs of your community and our state. It was impossible for me to get into every lodge in this state, but I have made it into as many of them as was humanly possible. To you the Brethren of those lodges, I want to thank you for your warm receptions and all the great meals. I also want to thank all the Brethren who took me to see the homebound and hospitalized brethren in your communities. I am Committee on Masonic Publications Rocky E. Weaver, Grand Master John Hess, Junior Grand Warden Ronald D. Miller, Grand Secretary Zelwin B. Eaton, Past Editor 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
Submit articles to:
editor@momason.org 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 e-mailed to editor@momason.org, not later than the first day of
94 Fall 2009
have to go through a Depression to re-establish those values we all should cherish. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could accept a man’s handshake as his word and rely on it. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our most pressing concern in Masonry was how we could best meet the needs of our communities? This year has come and gone and what I have gained the most is wonderful friends all across this state. No matter what else happens in my life that can’t be taken away. It has been my Honor and Privilege to serve you this year and I thank you for the opportunity given a poor ole country boy to rise higher than he ever could have ever imagined. sorry I couldn’t get everywhere. I wanted to but time just ran out. Freemasonry is not today what we want it to be because we have settled for less than it should be. The world is run today by unreasonable people because they refuse to settle for less. Maybe we could be more like what we want if we were also unwilling to settle for less. The world needs what we have to offer. Hopefully we won’t 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 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
Rocky E. Weaver Grand Master A.F.& A.M. State of Missouri
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
THE MISSOURI FREEMASON
THE MISSOURI FREEMASON
©
Official Publication of the Grand Lodge of Missouri
VOL. 54 NO. 4
FALL 2009
Published and copyrighted under the direction of the Committee on Masonic Publications
CONTENTS 96
Missouri Masons Dedicate Green Tree Tavern
97
Missouri Masonic Child Identification & Protection Program
98
Pauldingville Lodge #11 Awards Scholarships
98
Masonic Unity Celebration
99
Farley Gets A Special Visitor
100
The Wings Of The Morning
104
DeMolay
105
Job's Daughters
107
Missouri Rainbow
108
Masonic Home
110
Masonic Service Awards
112
Work of our Craft
ON THE COVER: MWB Rocky E. Weaver and members of the Grand Officers’ line gather in St. Genevieve on May 30 to dedicate the Green Tree Tavern, site of the first Lodge meeting in Missouri.
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From The Editor’s Keyboard Brothers Helping Others – An Object Lesson Blissfully unaware of the adventure ahead of me, I pulled up to the gas pump in my thirsty motor home and followed the directions on that ubiquitous sign you find on every pump, "Please shut off your engine before pumping gas." (Doggone it, just once I want to leave my engine running, smoke a cigar, make repairs with a welding torch and roast marshmallows on an open fire while I'm filling up). Anyway, leaving all the fun for another day, this time I actually shut the engine off. I filled my tank, paid my bill, hopped in the front seat and was ready to be off on other adventures. Not so fast, Steve. I turned the ignition key and got that sound a driver never wants to get when doing that, which is... no sound. Zip. Bupkis. Nada. Dead. Hmmm... The thing's in park, everything is in the right place...that obviously must have been a mistake, right? I figured, hey, I just didn't turn it far enough. You're grasping at straws, Steve. I tried again. Simon and Garfunkel's "Sounds of Silence" comes to mind. So I figured, "Maybe I've got a dead battery." I popped my headlights on, got out and took a look. Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on your point of view under such circumstances, the headlights were on. You're running out of options, Steve. Well, I did what every red-blooded guy would do, I opened the hood. Yep. There it is, Steve. An engine. I mean, even if I were a master mechanic, this is one of those engines where you can't get to anything. So I checked what I could and everything appeared to be fine which, obviously wasn't the case. The worst I could see was a little buildup on the battery terminals, but I figured that wouldn't be enough to do this. "Well," I thought, "at least I've got good ole AAA which I've been paying for over the years and never use." I pulled my card out of my wallet and made the call. At this point, my worst fear was that I would be stranded there forever while I waited for the tow truck to arrive. Wrong again, Steve. I explained my plight to the nice lady on the phone. She took my membership number and assured me she would dispatch a truck right away and said my wait shouldn't be too long, "What make of car are you driving, Mr. Harrison?" "It's not a car. It's a motor home." I dutifully gave her the specs. She, in return, dutifully told me that, although I have the super gold plus premium whatever level of membership, I need even greater levels of membership to qualify for service on a motor home. As I hung up, the station manager came out and asked me if I was going to be moving soon so other customers could use one of the four gas pumps I was blocking. Not having a good day, are you, Steve? Undaunted, I decided to give it one more try. I banged on a few things, got back in and tried again. Of course, I got nothing. I tried the lights again, went around to the front and looked and, whaddyaknow... no lights this time. Totally disgusted, I grumbled, "Now what? No juice at all." Suddenly, the clouds parted and a ray of sun came through as a voice behind me said, "Well, that's not good. Let me take a look." No sooner did he put his head under my hood than I heard those wonderful words, "Well, here's your problem." It seems I had a cracked battery terminal clamp which I couldn't see because of the crud on the cable. He made an emergency repair with my vice grips, had me turn the key and – thank you, Lord – I heard that sweet sound of an engine firing. I thanked him profusely. He told me he was a certified mechanic. I just couldn't thank him enough and, of course, he said he was just happy to help and then jumped in his car and rode off into the sunset like all good western heroes. So, what's the point, Steve? As he left, he swung his car around in front of me and I kind of turned to wave one more thank-you. As I did, I saw that unmistakable plastic disk with the square and compasses on it. He was from out of state, so I guess I'll never know who he was, but it really doesn't matter. He wouldn't know I am a member of the fraternity because I don't have any markings on my motor home. And that probably doesn't matter either. I mean, that's part of what we do. After all, Rocky's theme is "Brothers helping others," not "Brothers helping other brothers." Just the fact he got me rolling probably made his day as much as he made mine. Thank you, Brother, whomever you are, wherever you are. Steve Harrison, Editor Fall 2009 95
Missouri Masons Dedicate Green Tree Tavern Venerable building was the site of the first lodge meeting in Missouri
In the early twenty-first century, millions of people cross the Mississippi River every day without giving it a second thought. In the early nineteenth century, the Mississippi was an untamed, meandering, deceptively docile looking barrier that no sane traveler took lightly. Crossing the river was sometimes treacherous, crossing at night, even more so, and in winter, sometimes impossible. So unsurprisingly, until 1807 the east bank of the Mississippi marked the end of the Masonic universe. By 1805, aptly named Western Star Lodge #105 stood as the last point of Masonic light on the eastern banks of the Mississippi. But the Louisiana Purchase two years earlier sparked interest in the vast area west of the river. Population on both sides of the river steadily increased. With this increase in the general population came an increase in the Masonic community as well. By 1807, fully half of the membership of Western Star Lodge #107 lived on the west side of the mighty river. Much of the population on the west side of the river was concentrated near St. Genevieve. The brothers here had to make the difficult crossing in order to participate in Masonic fellowship. The desire, not to mention need, for a Lodge on the west bank became increasingly apparent. This idea had nearly universal consensus, even from the members of Western Star Lodge, which stood to lose nearly half its membership by the formation of a new Lodge on the west bank. In December, 1806, several brothers petitioned the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania to form a new Lodge west of the river. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania granted the petition, forming Louisiana Lodge #109. Petition in hand, the brothers selected the area’s Nicholas-Janus house, also known as the Green Tree tavern as the new Lodge’s meeting site and gathered for their first meeting to constitute the Lodge on November 14, 1807. The Green Tree Tavern still stands in St. Genevieve. Recently renovated, it looks much the same as it did on the day of that first meeting in 1807. Just over two centuries after that first historic meeting, on May 30, 2009, the Masons of the Grand Lodge of Missouri gathered there to dedicate the site, commemorate the significance of the building and honor the brothers who brought Freemasonry to what would eventually become the state of Missouri. Led by Grand Master Rocky E. Weaver, the group gathered and marched into procession to the Green Tree, where MWB weaver conducted the ceremony of dedication. A stone monument placed at the site reads: Louisiana Lodge #109 The first Masonic Lodge west of the Mississippi River met across the street in the Green Tree Tavern on November 14, 1807. Freemasonry multiplied from this lodge and the Grand Lodge of Missouri creating thousands of Lodges and millions of members in 23 states. Grand Lodge of Missouri AF&AM. Dedicated May 30, 2009. Monument near Green Tree Tavern commemorating the site of the first Lodge meeting west of the Mississippi River.
The monument also lists the names of several brothers who were involved in the formation of the Lodge and, ultimately the Grand Lodge of Missouri. The cover of this magazine shows MWB Weaver, along with members of his Grand Officers’ line, conducting the ceremony.
✮ MISSOURI FREEMASON DEADLINES ✮ Issue: Winter 2009 (Deadline Oct. 1, 2009) Issue: Spring 2010 = (Deadline Jan 4, 2010) Issue: Summer 2010 (Deadline Apr. 1, 2010) Issue: Fall 2010 = (Deadline July 1, 2010) Please email all articles and pictures 96 Fall 2009
THE MISSOURI FREEMASON
Missouri Masonic Child Identification & Protection Program—MoCHIP—Hits 75,000 With only 511 children left to ID before achieving a fingerprints, and child data are burned onto a mini-CD that major program milestone, MoCHIP coordinators and vol- is compatible with AMBER ALERT. The dental impresunteers throughout the entire state waited with intense an- sion provides a virtual diagram of the child’s biting surticipation to see which Missouri region would process the face, which, like fingerprints, are unique to each individ75,000th child through the MoCHIP child ID program. ual, and further supplies enough saliva to provide a DNA MoCHIP (Missouri Child Identification and Protection sample that can also be used as scent source for trained Program)—deemed “one of the most comprehensive child canine search and recovery teams. Combined, this five-part recovery and identification proprocess provides a dramatic, grams in the nation,” by The Natime-sensitive recovery tool for authorities. There are no invational Center for Exploited and sive microchips involved, nor is Missing Children is a free Child any of the information retained. ID program sponsored by the The foundation keeps only the Masonic Children’s Foundation signed permission slip. of the Grand Lodge of Missouri No parent wants to believe Masons. The State Coordinathat the unimaginable could haptor for MoCHIP, Nick Cichielo, pen to them, though nearly 2,000 synchronized the countdown children are reported missing or to 75,000 via continuous cell abducted in the United States phone contact with Regional Coordinators. Five MoCHIP Clockwise from top: Rodney Klein (MoCHIP/Algabil- each day. The peace of mind events were held in the Central, Freedom Lodge 636), Cheryl Rothe (Budrovich), Lori MoCHIP provides to Missouri Cichielo(MoCHIP Technical Coordinator), Craig Skinner Eastern, Southern, Western and (MoCHIP Regional Coordinator), Dan Stoessel (Master, families is invaluable. Once the child is processed through the Northwest regions of the state Algabil-Freedom Lodge 636), Joey. program, which generally takes and the race was on to see where that 75,000th child would be identified. A very exciting and only fifteen-minutes, the parent is armed with a single preprinted envelope that instructs authorities in the event of concentrated few hours later—they had their child. It happened at 2:28 PM in Green Park, Missouri, 13 miles an emergency, something a parent in crisis would undoubtsouth of St. Louis. The MoCHIP Team #2, Regional Coor- edly have trouble with, and a proactive measure to combat dinator Craig Skinner’s crew was on duty at the Meet the the time sensitivity involved in recovery. Within a matter Machines MoCHIP Event sponsored by Algabil-Freedom of minutes the MoCHIP CD can be loaded into a computer Lodge #636 and Budrovich Exacavating. On the phone directly form a police officers automobile and entered into the Amber Alert system. with the State Coordinator, MoCHIP Technical Coordiized the So at the end of an action-packed day, little Joey and nators, Rodney Klein and Lori Cichielo realized 744 oother children across the state were ID’d, a mileered at countdown indicated that the child just registered stone reached, and this was all made possible FREE their event would be the 75,000th child to do so. The of ch charge through the tireless efforts of more than child was taken aside—his name is Joey and he is 3 9,759 dedicated Masonic brethren and volunteers. years old. For security purposes, we will not release The T MoCHIP program was adapted from the Joey’s last name, however both he and his parNational Masonichip Foundation, and since its Na ents were very pleased to be an integral part of inception in August 2005, MoCHIP has quickly in such a stupendous milestone, and even moree become the most successful and thorough of b thrilled just to have the MoCHIP program Joey the th “CHIP” programs and Masonichip’s “proavailable to them. totype” for future state programs. t So what exactly did little Joey have to do For more information on becoming a corto become the 75,000th child to be idenporate partner or to make a donation, please tified? MoCHIP consists of five major contact Nick Cichielo at 636-530-6069 (nick. components—digital photographs, digimochip@charter.net) or visit the calendar on tal fingerprints, vital child information and our on, ou Web site www.mochip.org to locate future emergency contacts, a dental bite impression, events in your area. hs, even and two laminated ID cards. The photographs,
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Fall 2009 97
Pauldingville Lodge #11 Awards Scholarships Pauldingville Masonic Lodge #11 A.F.&A.M. of Wright City, MO took the opportunity of the 169th Installation of Officers on June 18th to award scholarships to three outstanding Wright City High School students. The three students are Zack Dunakey, Leah Jones, and Rebecca Schreiner. The Pauldingville Masonic Lodge has for many years awarded a single $500 scholarship each year, but because of the slow economy the Lodge Brothers voted to award the three $400 scholarships. The money may be used for any educational purpose. The Lodge completed three major projects with the Wright City Schools this past year and the Brothers are hoping to complete this trifecta again this year. The three projects are: 1) During the Strassenbash Festival the lodge will host a MoCHIP program at Diekroeger Park on Saturday, September 19 between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. The MoCHIP program weighs, measures height, collects personal information, electronic fingerprints, collects a bite wafer dental
impression – which also serves as a DNA sample and a true scent for dog tracking. This information is encoded on a DVD and given to the parents in a form compatible with the Amber Alert Program. All expenses are paid by Missouri Masons and the project is operated by the local lodges. 2) Last year Pauldingville Lodge and the Masonic Home Foundation contributed over $4,000 to children who needed coats, boots, shoes, book bags, and many other items necessary for school attendance . This is called the “Building a Partnership” program and was one of the more satisfying programs the lodge has completed. 3) The Wright City High School/Pauldingville Lodge scholarship program. The number and amount of scholarships are determined each year by a vote of the brothers. Other community involvements include cash donations to several local groups including the Senior Citizens. Several brothers volunteer at the food pantry, meals on wheels, and local churches.
Masonic Unity Celebration by Rick Kinney
The first annual St. John the Baptist’s Day Masonic Unity Celebration was held on Sunday, June 21, 2009 at the Mount Moriah Masonic Mausoleum in Kansas City, Missouri. This celebration was the realization of the dream of WB Jon Robbins, Past Master of Lenexa Lodge #135. Brother Robbins has tirelessly campaigned for the preservation of the Mausoleum and the strengthening of ties between Masons in Kansas and Missouri. With this breathtaking architectural wonder as a backdrop and surrounded by the memorials of those great Masons who have come before, the celebration commenced with a prayer by RWB Wayne Rector, Grand Lecturer of the Grand Lodge of Kansas, and the pledge of allegiance led by WB Ron Harger, Past Master of Lenexa Lodge #135. Following the opening ceremony, a brief history on the Mausoleum was presented. A panel representing many of the Masonic bodies in Kansas and Missouri addressed the assembly on a variety of topics relative to Masonry. Speakers included MWB Rocky Weaver, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of of Missouri; RWB Robert Pfuetze, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Kansas; Mrs. Patty Crotty, Worthy Grand Matron of the Grand Chapter of Missouri, Order of the Eastern Star; Mrs. Mary Keffer, Past Worthy Matron of Adda Chapter #467, Order of the Eastern Star; Ill. William V. “Bill” Denton, 33°, Personal Representative of the SGIG for the Valley of Northeast Kansas; Christopher D. Tomlinson, Grand Scribe of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Kansas; and Ric Kinney, Public Relations Advisor for the Delaware Chapter of the Order of DeMolay. MWB John Mowen, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Kansas, was the featured speaker and delivered an outstanding presentation on St. John the Baptist and his significance to Masonry. The celebration was an excellent addition to the area’s St.; John the Baptist Day festivities. Preparations are already underway for next year’s celebration, and it looks to be even bigger and better. Every Mason should embody the spirit of unity at the heart of this celebration with the fervency of St. John the Baptist and labor incessantly in the quarries of our craft until we are called for our reward. 98 Fall 2009
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Farley Gets A Special Visitor By Roy Orth, PM
Fidelity Lodge #339, located in the fading rural Platte County community of Farley, Missouri, has struggled in recent years. Like many Masonic lodges founded in small rural areas it has been hard hit by loss of membership and a declining town population. The lodge maintained 50 to 60 brothers on the roster but active membership was under 12 men and on occasion there were not enough present to open lodge. Despite the challenges the brothers kept the original spirit of the lodge, founded in 1870, very much alive. In an effort started by the late Worshipful Brother Harvey Chaddock in 2004, Fidelity Lodge began to grow. The lodge has initiated nearly 60 new Masons since then and is becoming known for its many law enforcement, active military, and fire fighter members. Service to the community is the mission of all public servants and the Farley brethren strive every day to fulfill that trust. Wednesday, April 1st, 2009, was Fidelity’s regular meeting night. We were initiating two more active duty Missouri National Guardsmen one with deployment orders to Afghanistan. It was going to be a special night. Farley has a very active outreach program where every member of the lodge is regularly called by the Master to check on his welfare and encourage his attendance in lodge. Our widows are also regularly contacted honoring our obligation to brethren now gone. Tonight a 50yr member long absent from our deliberations had chosen to return. All he needed was a ride. A few hours before our lodge was to meet I received an email. It read simply, “Roy, what time does your lodge meet” and was signed Rocky. I responded 7:30 pm and heard no more. Being April 1st , I assumed a joke was afoot and gave it no more thought. I arrived at the Lodge at 5:30 pm to make sure all was in order for the degree work and by 6:00 several other brothers had arrived to enjoy the fellowship. At 6:15, coming in with a smile and a handshake, strolls our Most Worshipful Grand Master Rocky Weaver. To say we were surprised would be a colossal understatement. He came alone so the Farley brethren had the rare opportunity to truly visit with the man. The lodge has been averaging 20 or more members at lodge and that night was THE MISSOURI FREEMASON
no exception. No one knew of the arrival of the special visitor so as it registered who this guest was, it quieted even the most boisterous of the group. The Grand Master declined the formal greeting afforded his office and asked instead to be welcomed as a brother who was here to enjoy the initiation of two new Masons. When asked if he would like initiate one of the Candidates he agreed wholeheartedly. What followed was an incredible night of Masonic communion. The Lodge had three 50 plus Fidelity Lodge #339, Farley, Missouri.
year members in attendance, 20 regular members and was able to initiate, lecture, and charge the first candidate with no outside assistance for the first time in many years. Most Worshipful Brother Rocky closed the meeting and addressed the brethren. He thanked our lodge for the opportunity to serve us as Grand Master and encouraged us to continue our work for the fraternity and our community. It is difficult to describe what his surprise visit did for each of us and to our lodge. His message of commitment to our brothers and service to our fraternity and community, as the work of the Blue Lodge rang out loud and true. His humble manner and quiet strength had a profound impact on the assembled brethren young and old. This then is the true work of our fraternity. May the blessings of heaven rest upon our Most Worshipful Master and all Freemasons everywhere. WB Roy Orth is the current Master of Fidelity Lodge #339 where both his sons are also members. His Lodge boasts an excellent cooking team which recently served lunch at the Masonic home, in preparation of serving the entire town of Farley on July 11 during Farley’s annual Lodge work day. Fall 2009 99
The Wings Of The Morning Charles A. Lindbergh, The Enigmatic Mason study. After a year and a half, he dropped out of college to pursue a less stable but far more exciting career in aviation. "I had been fascinated with flying," he once wrote, "although up to the time I enrolled in a flying school in 1922, I had never been near enough a plane to touch it."ii With what could only be described as inadequate training, Lindbergh began his career in aviation barnstorming across the country as an assistant to part aviator, part snake oil peddler E.G. Bahl. In the spring of 1923, without ever having flown a solo flight, he bought his first plane, a surplus WWI Jenny with a new Curtis OX-5 motor for $500. He had to abort his first attempt at a solo flight at the dizzying height of four feet when windy conditions nearly caused the plane to crash, certainly an inauspicious beginning for a man whom many would call the greatest aviator of all time.iii In 1924, Lindbergh gave up his hit and miss informal air training for the very rigid Air Service Reserve Corps program. Of 104 original members of his class, only 18 graduated. Afterward, he became a lieutenant in the Officers' Reserve Corps and joined the US mail service, where he had a few harrowing experiences delivering airmail at night. In each case, weather, not mechanical failure,, led to the four emergency y parachute jumps he encountered. 1 Lindberg's lonely onnely flights as a mail carrier er gave him plenty of time t This enigma of a man, Charles Augustus Lindbergh, to think. It didn't take ak ke was born in Detroit, Michigan on February 4, 1902 . Soon much for him to start artt after, his parents moved to Little Falls, Minnesota, where considering a run forr his father, Charles August Lindbergh, served five terms the Orteig Prize. In as a US Congressman from 1907 – 1917. Known as an 1919, just 16 years unyielding individual,i his father gained notoriety for his after the Wright first isolationist views and opposition to the United States' en- Brother's try into World War I. His father's radical and ultimately flight, New York unpopular opinions undoubtedly rubbed off on young businessman RayCharles and later in life, came back to haunt him. His mond Orteig ofmother, the former Evangeline Lodge Land, divorced his fered $25,000 to the first person or group father in 1909. p Charles bounced back and forth between his parents and who could fly nonstop op p York went to a variety of schools. He never was a good student from Paris to New Yo rk but attended the University of Wisconsin with thoughts of or vice versa. The offer o pursuing an engineering career. However, those newfan- was good for five years y gled flying machines, less than two decades old, caught his and expired in 1924, 4, hav2 attention and distracted him from any thoughts of serious ing had no serious takers. He was the most famous person in the world. He was a hero, a tragic victim and many called him a traitor to his country. He was honored and reviled and in the end, history has nearly forgotten what he did except for 33½ hours of his life.
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by Steve Harrison, PM Orteig renewed the offer for another five years. By y this time, aviation had progressed to the point that att several groups became interested in attempting g to make the trip. "I first considered the possibil-ity of the New York – Paris flight," wrote Lindbergh, "while flying the mail one night in the fall of 1926. Several facts soon became outstanding. 3 The foremost was that with the modern radial air-cooled motor, high lift airfoils and lightened construction, it would not only be possible to reach h Paris but... land with a large reserve of fuel and a high factor of safety." Based in St. Louis, he contacted a number of publicspirited investors in the area willing to underwrite the trip and began making plans. At the same time, he made the decision to join the Freemasons. What prompted this decision is unknown as are most of the details of his membership. Brother Charles A. Lindbergh received his degrees in Keystone Lodge #243, St. Louis, between June and December, 1926. He was also a member of St. Louis Chapter #33, National Sojourners and the Sciots, a Masonic group located primarily in California. Lindbergh was the underdog in the race to cross the Atsame time, he was the most innovative. lantic,, but at the sa would While others woul ld attempt the flight in a tri-motor plane, he decided on a pplane with a single motor, increasing its flying effic efficiency. In the event of an engine failure ci in the m middle of the ocean, he figured two extra m motors wouldn't enable him to complete mo thee trip anyway. He also felt engines had become reliable enough that one engine bbe ccould make the trip. Others attempting the crossing planned to load their planes down with supplies and a crew of up to three men. Rather than add the extra weight, Lindbergh decided to make the trip alone and to limit taking anything unnecessary, making provision for the weight of extra fuel. He even decided against taking a sextant or a parachute, although he did carry cca a raft. He contracted with Ryan Aircraft in San Saan Diego to build the plane. Time was short. Lindbergh had several competishho torss waiting to make the crossing, includRichard E. Byrd, also a Freemason, who ing Admiral Admiral R Ri THE MISSOURI FREEMASON
hhadd bbeen the h fi firstt tto fl fly over er the North Pole.iv After the Ryan engineers finished building the aircraft, dubbed the Spirit of St. Louis, Lindbergh made several test flights, and then flew from San Diego to New York, making a stop in St. Louis. He wanted to spend more time in Missouri showing off his new plane, especially to his investors, but the race to get off the ground in New York was so intense, he had little time for that. As it turned out, he could have spent more time in Missouri. In New York, the weather became a factor. Lindbergh and Byrd, whose plane had been damaged in a relatively minor crash, waited through several days of rain and actually got to know and respect each other. When the weather finally cleared, Lindbergh was able to take off almost immediately, since he was piloting a lighter more agile craft. He left for Paris on May 20, 1927. There are dozens of published accounts of Lindberg's flight, and perhaps the least dramatic and most straightforward is the one published in Lindberg's autobiographical narrative, "We."v In this book, Lindbergh talks about the flight in almost matter-of-fact and technical terms as opposed to some documentaries, movies and other accounts which are fairly dramatic. Having had little sleep before the trip began, he certainly must have been tired, but doesn't dwell on that. Rather he describes flying in and out of fog and ice, clearly seeing icebergs at night and finally reaching Ireland the next morning almost as if it were just another day in the cockpit. In Lindberg's account, the most dramatic parts of the flight were the takeoff and landing. On takeoff, the fuelladen aircraft sloged through a mud-soaked field and barely got off the ground, d,, clearing "high tension" n" lines at the end of the area by less than 20 feet. The danger on landing had d 4 nothing to do with thh Fall 2009 101
the Spirit of St. Louis or the weather, rather it was the mob of people who rushed the plane causing Lindbergh to think the human herd was going to trample him. After the flight, Lindbergh toured Europe and then returned to a hero's welcome in the United States, where he received the Distinguished Flying Cross from President Calvin Coolidge. Whenever asked what he would do next, he always had one answer, "I am going to keep on flying."vii In a way, however, he didn't. While he certainly kept flying planes, with the constant attention from the press and public he lost the freedom flying had given him. It got so bad that on one flight in 1928, he landed in the Utah desert and slept in the sand, rather than flying to his destination where he knew he would be greeted by a relentless mob.viii It is likely that never in the history of the United States has a person received so many accolades and so much notoriety. He spent the remainder of the year following his transatlantic flight on a victory tour of sorts, traveling across the country and throughout North America. Everywhere crowds received him as a hero. While in Mexico City at one of his many receptions that December he met Anne Morrow, daughter of the ambassador. According to Lindbergh himself, she was the first girl he ever asked out on a date. Their courtship lasted about a year and a half, and they were married May 27, 1929. Lindbergh had enjoyed no privacy since his return from Europe and things even got worse for the young married couple. The press even followed their honeymoon boat, resorting to throwing debris at it to try to get the couple to come out for photographs. Having had enough of the constant hounding from the media and public, the Lindberg's chose a private, secluded section of land in New Jersey to build a home. There, their son, Charles A. Lindbergh Jr., was born on June 22, 1930. Just under two years later, March 1, 1932, in what many still call the crime of the century, an intruder climbed into young Charles' second-story room and kidnapped him. Lindbergh paid a ransom, but seventy-two days later, authorities found his body and determined the baby was killed the night of the abduction. Over two years later, authorities discovered some of the ransom money in circulation and traced it back to a Ger102 Fall 2009
man carpenter, Bruno Hauptmann. Hauptmann eventually was tried and executed for the murder. ass The couple's second son, Jon, was born shortly after the kidnapping.. Lindbergh pleaded for privacy but ut the press and public harassed him and d hi his family ceaselesly. In December, 1935, devastated by the kidnapping and weary of the constant publicity, when the Lindberghs began receiving kidnap threats against Jon, they gave up and moved to England. Three years later, he moved to Iliec, a small island near the Brittany coast of France. He chose this location because of a previous relationship in his life. Anne's sister, Elizabeth, had a weak heart and Lindbergh set out on a mission to see if he could help her. His search led him to Dr. Alexis Carrel, a physician, research scientist and the world's leading authority on longevity. While Carrel ultimately was unable to help Elizabeth, who died at the age of 30, he was impressed with Lindbergh's mechanical ability and invited him to work at his laboratory to help build a perfusion pump which would not become contaminated during its operation. Lindbergh eventually built the device and he and Carrel appeared on the cover of Time Magazine showing off what the world had come to believe was Lindbergh's 5 "artificial heart." In the process, Lindbergh and Carrel developed a deep, lifelong friendship and continued to work together. When he was forced to retire from the Rockefeller Institute at age 65, Carrel, a Frenchman, moved back to his home on the island nearest to Iliec, which eventually prompted Lindbergh's move. Unfortunately, Lindbergh and Carrel based their work on what today would be deemed racist and anti-Semitic views. They weren't searching for immortality. They admittedly and openly were searching for immortality for the white race. Lindbergh felt the German eugenics programs were right on target. He could not understand why the countries of the world were ganging up on the Germans when they held out hope for the salvation of civilization. Combining these views with the isolationist views he took from his father, Lindbergh went on a campaign to keep the US out of the skirmishes in THE MISSOURI FREEMASON
Europe, Eu ur which eventually became World War II. All of this, of course, delighted Adolf Hitler. He loved the dellig fact that the ggreat American hero was taking his side. Although Hitler and Lindbergh never Althho met, they admired mett th admire d i each other and Hitler, through Hermann Göring, awarded him the Service Cross of the German Eagle, an allegedly prestigious award to foreigners for "service to the Reich."ix Although still able to attract large crowds at his antiwar rallies, Lindbergh, now an agnostic, faced mounting criticism for practicing "Naziphilia" and "biological fascism."x When war finally broke out, Lindbergh began to make a turnaround of sorts and volunteered to help the US. President Franklin Roosevelt wouldn't hear of it, banning the man Hitler had decorated from any form of military service. Lindbergh managed to help the war effort by taking on civilian consulting positions with private companies including Ford and United Aircraft. He parleyed the UA job into a quasimilitary assignment in the South Pacific and even flew several combat missions as a civilian. Once the war was over, Lindbergh went through a period of intense personal reflection, resulting in the publication of a "book of confessions," Of Flight 6 and Life in 1948. In it, he urged Americans to turn away from "the grip of scientific materialism" to a "higher moral force." He turned back to a recognition of God and, in a subsequent article, specifically renounced white supremacy and racism. For the remainder of his life he lived by the creed he had set forth in these publications and became passionately active in conservation and environmental causes. His marriage to Ann had its rough spots. Both had affairs and tests have proven Lindbergh fathered seven children to three different mistresses. In spite of their difficulties the pair stayed together. In order to spend more time together, the couple moved to Maui in 1971. The following year, Lindberg's doctor discovered lymphoma. He fought the disease for nearly two years, finally succumbing on August 25, 1974. He is buried near his Hawaiian home. Today, he is remembered for his 33 ½ hour flight across the Atlantic in 1927, and then for the tragic kidnapping and murder of his son. Few know much about him beyond those events. Although he made a significant contribution to
medicine with his perfusion pump, it may be best forgotten along with the suspect motives behind its invention. Lindberg's epitaph, from Psalm 139:9, clearly alludes to his love of flying, "If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea..." But perhaps more importantly the next verse completes the sentiment, "even there shall thy hand lead me and thy right hand shall hold me." At least in his own mind his redemption – from being a man decorated by Hitler, from intolerant beliefs and from agnosticism – was complete, freeing the world to remember him as the great American hero.
Note: Unless otherwise noted, All photos in this article are by Randy Davis and courtesy Missouri History Museum. The Missouri History Museum is located at Lindell and DeBaliviere in Forest Park, St. Louis. It houses an extensive Lindbergh collection, some of which may be seen at its website, http://www.mohistory.org. i
One of Lindbergh Sr. famous quotes was "A radical is one who speaks the truth." http://quotes.liberty-tree.ca ii We, by Charles A. Lindbergh, © 1927, Penguin Putnam, Inc., p. 23 iii We, by Charles A. Lindbergh, © 1927, Penguin Putnam, Inc., p. 42 iv Later day documentation holds in dispute the fact whether or not Byrd actually made it to the North Pole. Byrd became the second person to cross the Atlantic by air (July 1, 1927), although he did not reach Paris. v So named because Lindbergh always referred to his plane and himself as a unit, "We." vi In his subsequent autobiography, Lindbergh expanded on the events of the flight, which more closely follow the events shown in the 1957 Jimmy Stewart movie The Spirit of St. Louis. vii FWe, by Charles A. Lindbergh, © 1927, Penguin Putnam, Inc., p. 258 viii The Immortalists, by David M. Friedman © 2007, HarperCollins, p. 21 ix The Immortalists, by David M. Friedman © 2007, HarperCollins, p. 155 x The Immortalists, by David M. Friedman © 2007, HarperCollins, pp. 92,108,119
1) Brother Charles Lindbergh shown in a 1927 pencil sketch by Carl Bohnen, with New York in the foreground and Paris in the background. 2) Gold Masonic medal presented by Deoges and Chust Jewelry Company for Keystone Lodge #243 in St. Louis, MO. 3) A gold lifetime membership card presented to Lindbergh from his home Lodge, Keystone # 243. The inscription reads, "To All Freemasons: Know ye that Charles Augustus Lindbergh was elected a Life Member of Keystone Lodge No. 243, AF and AM, St. Louis, Mo. October 6th, 1927. Attest: Chas. W. Speirs, Secretary, James M. Bradford, WM; Ralph W. Myers, SW; Julius J. Buehlman, JW; Presented February 15th 1928." 4) Gavel presented to Lindbergh by the Grand Lodge of Alabama. 5) Time Magazine featured Charles Lindbergh and Dr. Alexis Carrel on its June 13, 1938 cover with the infusion pump or "artificial heart" which Lindbergh invented. Photo courtesy Time-Life. 6) Lindbergh with his plane, the Spirit of St. Louis. Rumors persist that Lindbergh wore a Masonic Patch on his jacket or had a Square and Compasses fixed to the plane's instrument panel during his historic flight. No photographic evidence of such exists. Photo source unknown.
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Master Masons Make Missouri Demolay #1 In The World Ce Celebrating its 90th Anniversary DeMolay Intternational held its annual International Supreme Council Session and International Congress Session in Kansas City, Missouri June 15-21, 2009. Installing our very own Executive Officer Robert W. Cockerham as Grand Master of DeMolay International made it that much more special of an ev event to be hosting. DeM DeMolay around the wor world will be growing mo more than ever this yea year and Missouri is pro proud and privileged to be one of the ggreatest sources of tthat escalation to sheer greatness. Missouri DeMolay is where it is today because of our Masonic support. We are grateful to every Master Mason who works with and supports the Order of DeMolay. The abundance of assistance and encouragement Missouri DeMolay receives from our Master Masons and ladies will be promoted thoroughly throughout the world this year and next, ensuring that Masonic bodies and everyone everywhere know the benefits of the great investment of building Freemasonry through DeMolay. Missouri knows this first hand, and is flourishing in every aspect because of it. The Grand Master’s message for the 90th Anniversary of DeMolay International is proudly “Building Freemasonry Through DeMolay.” Missouri DeMolay is also proud to announce that because of the tremendous Masonic support and commitment, Missouri DeMolay is now the overall leader in membership for DeMolay International. Although Missouri DeMolay has been the leader in membership growth for the past five years, it has not been since 1922 that Missouri DeMolay has led the world in total membership. Missouri DeMolay also leads the world this year for the highest membership growth – again! 104 Fall 2009
This summer, from July 26-30, 2009, Missouri DeMolay experienced one of its many great examples of Masonic devotion to DeMolay. In Potosi, Missouri, over 100 selected DeMolays and adult leaders attended our 3rd Annual Leadership Training Camp at the beautiful YMCA Trout Lodge, sponsored by the Scottish Rite Foundation of Missouri, the St. Louis Preceptory Legion of Honor and Dad Earl E. Walker. There, these boys had the experience of a lifetime, truly participating in what DeMolay is all about: Fun, Food, Brotherhood and much more. Just ask anyone who has attended one of Missouri’s LTCs before; they will all agree that it is an eventful experience to remember. Throughout the week, the DeMolays not only had the time of their life at the beautiful Trout Lodge facilities, but they attended sessions lead by our Missouri DeMolay leaders, which will mold them into future leaders and prepare them for life. The experiences these young men shared with each other during LTC will remain with them for the rest of their lives, and being able to personally witness and be a part of it, makes us thankful for the hearts and emotions God gave them. The reality of this genuine camaraderie, especially in today’s world, is one that will change lives for the better. For more information and additional pictures of the DeMolay International Supreme Council Session, the Missouri DeMolay Leadership Training Camp, and many other Missouri DeMolay activities, please take the time to visit the Missouri DeMolay website at www.modemolay. org. You will also be able to hear the new song written by our Grand Master and Brother Howie Damron entitled appropriately: “Building Freemasonry Through DeMolay.” Respectfully Submitted, Ryan Matthew Cockerham State Master Councilor, Order of DeMolay Jurisdiction of Missouri THE MISSOURI FREEMASON
Hello Once Again Missouri Masons! As I write to you now, my term as Grand Bethel Honored running around, falling down, jumping right back up and pure Queen has come to a close. This greatly saddens me because I adrenaline – to raise money for our scholarship fund, and we have loved serving the young ladies of Missouri Job’s Daugh- raised the funds for another scholarship, bringing our total to ters so much that it is going to be a shock to not have to travel five! Sunday came around that weekend, and I was exhausted, to all of the events and I’m certainly going to miss seeing the but knowing that the girls were able to have a good time, even bright and smiling faces of the young ladies! But, before I go, though we had to brave strong winds, rain and snow, made it I thought you might like to know what the Jobies have been all worth it! up to since I last wrote, and who is following me as the next April brought our annual visit to the formal opening of the Grand Bethel Honored Queen. Missouri Grand Amaranth. Missouri Jobies turned out for me First things first, what have we been up to? February held again and we put on a bible ceremony for the members of Amamy reception as Grand Bethel Honored Queen along with Dad ranth, and I was invited to speak – it was a lot of fun! We Craig Stratmann’s reception as Associate Grand Guardian and also attended the annual State Officers Reception in Kansas the very first Jobie-wood Derby. It was amazing to see that our City, put on by the DeMolay Knights of the Ararat Shrine; we had a blast! May brought our annual Bethel girls could make elaborate cars Mid America HIKE, where Missouri, from blocks of wood! March was on Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska gathered us with super speed and it was busy! and raised money for the Hearing ImOn March 9th we celebrated the 128th paired Kids Endowment fund. Conbirthday of our beloved founder, Mrs. clave was the last visit of my term as Ethel T. Wead Mick. We were also exGrand Bethel Honored Queen before cited to have part of the Job’s Daughour Grand Session in June. ters International Supreme Team visit us for a few days! Our Supreme Now I will introduce you to Guardian, Marilyn Olson and SuMissouri’s next Grand Bethel Honnpreme Bethel Honored Queen, Jenna ored Queen! Her name is Jenniferr Larson were able to make the trip to The new Grand Bethel Trio, (l to r) Caitlin Burress, Grand Hallahan. She is a Past Honoredd our state, and myself along with a host Bethel Sr. Princess; Jennifer Hallahan, Grand Bethel Hon- Queen of Bethel #44 in Ballored Queen, and Ashley Ray, Grand Bethel Jr. Princess. of other adults and daughters took win, a Past Miss Missouri Conthem sightseeing and we performed a meeting for them with geniality, and Past SLALOC President. Shee three of our Bethels. They are two very amazing women that attends St. Louis Community College and are doing great things for our organization, and I can’t wait to is working towards her Associates Degree. see them again at our Supreme Session this summer. Her mascots are bumble bees and Gerber That next weekend was our Grand Guardian, Nancy Knarr’s daisies, and her charity is Life Skills. Jen reception and the Grand Bethel Trivia Night fundraiser for our couldn’t be more excited to serve the young scholarship fund. With the help of area businesses and the Mis- ladies of Missouri Job’s Daughters, and I know souri Bethels, we raised over $1,500, which equals a little over that she is going to do an amazing job! two scholarships, bringing our total to four scholarships – I The annual Grand Bethel Installation was couldn’t have been happier at the success of the event! held at the Capitol Plaza hotel in Jefferson City, The Moolah Shrine Parade was next on our list of activi- Missouri, on June 26, 2009. Jen is the 56th Grand ties and the Grand Bethel Trio & Queen Bee, Miss Missouri Bethel Honored Queen of Missouri Job’s Daughters. Trio, SLALOC (St. Louis Area Line Officers' Club) Trio and The Grand Bethel Sr. Princess is Miss Caitlin Burress, members of SLALOC rode the Job’s Daughters float through a Past Honored Queen from Bethel #60 in Jackson, and downtown St. Charles. the Grand Bethel Jr. Princess is Miss Ashley Ray, a Past The following weekend was our annual Mini Session, which Honored Queen from Bethel #43 in Fenton. We also is just a fun weekend for the girls, planned by the Grand Bethel have our new Grand Guardian, Mom Joleyne Nelson Honored Queen. This year, I took the girls out to Trout Lodge and a new Assoc. Grand Guardian, Dad Vernon "Butch" for a weekend of pirates and knights! There was archery, joust- Carpenter. Missouri Job’s Daughters is looking forward to ing, sand castle building, pirate ship building, a treasure hunt, a fantastic new year of growth and Jobie Love! It has been an honor serving Missouri Job’s Daughters the game ships and sailors and a costume contest! The girls and even the adults dressed up and had an amazing time – the this year, and writing for this publication! Daniella Brand members of the Grand Bethel Trio were also put up to the challenge of playing the ships and sailors game – which involves Past Grand Bethel Honored Queen 2008-2009 THE MISSOURI FREEMASON
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Bethel #43 Works for Accessibility in Fenton Lodge Everyone knows making a building accessible to all is not just a goal but the right thing to do! Bethel 43 in Fenton, Missouri committed several years ago to help the Masons of their Temple find away to make the Fenton Masonic Temple a place that would welcome all, on both levels. Several fund raisers have been successful in adding to that goal. For many years a portion of the Bethel’s annual Breakfast with Santa has gone to the fund. And beginning five years ago an annual family fun night… the Fenton Masonic Family Golf Challenge has also gone into the fund. At the golf challenge the lodge room is turned into a mini golf course. Teams made up of members of Fenton Lodge #281, Fenton Eastern Star #152, Job’s Daughter’s Bethel #43 and Progression DeMolay compete to get the best score and win a coveted trophy! It is also a great promotion event for all the organizations! Some holes challenge the team to work together, like hugging each other while they putt or answering trivia questions about golf or about the Masonic groups. This year, the Fifth Annual Challenge saw nine teams of four compete and more importantly have fun together; including a light dinner as part of their admission. Hole sponsors for all eighteen holes helped the activity raise another $500 for the elevator… one day soon the goal will be reality, at least the girls hope so! Continued from back page in his letters to friends and colleagues, but even had his character, Mephistopheles in Faust, assert the homeopathic principle of “similars.” Goethe addressed a petition of his own composition and handwriting to the master of Lodge Amalia in Weimar and received the first degree on June 23, 1781. He convinced the master to waive the three year waiting period and so received his second degree one year later, and the third on March 3, 1782. He atttended lodge for the last time on December 5, 1815, when his son, August (1789-1830), was initiated. Failing health prevented him from being present on June 23, 1830, when the lodge celebrated the 50th anniversary of his initiation into Freemasonry. Goethe composed a special poem, “Fifty Years Today Are Over,” which was read on this occasion. One biographer writes that his last audible words were “More Light.” Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann (April 10, 1755 - July 2, 1843) earned his medical degree at the University of Erlangen in 1779. The practice of medicine at this time was just beginning to reflect the scientific advances appearing in chemistry, phys106 Fall 2009
ics, physiology, and anatomy. Treatments such as bloodletting and purging often worsened symptoms and sometimes proved fatal. As early as the 16th century Paracelsus declared that small doses of “what makes a man ill also cures him.” Rejecting the use of complex mixtures of untested ingredients as irrational and unscientific, Hahnemann explored attenuated single doses, to which he added lifestyle improvements such as exercise, diet, and cleanliness. While translating into German a medical treatise, Materia Medica (1790), by Scottish physician and chemist, William Cullen, Hahnemann began to notice that the most effective drugs produced symptoms in healthy persons that were similar to those of the diseases themselves. (Similia similibus curantur = Like cures like). Thus the most effective treatment would be the simillimum, i.e., the single remedy most identical in effect to the symptom being treated. The basic principle had been described by Hippocrates (ca. 460 – ca. 370 BC) in ancient Greece. Mayans, Chinese, Greeks, Native Americans, and Asian Indians used this method of healing well before Hahnemann coined the phrase, homoeopathy, It was Hahnemann who developed the “law of
similars” into a systematic medical science. He used the name Homoeopathy (homoeos = like, patheia = effect) in published works as early as 1796. A complete overview of his medical system was published in his 1810 book, Organon der Rationellen Heilkunde (The Organon of the Rational Art of Healing). Dr. Hahnemann practiced homoeopathic medicine for almost 50 years until his death at 88. He treated thousands of difficult and chronic cases that had defined conventioanl treatment. He became so famous that physicians from Europe and America came to him for training in the new science and art of healing, called homoeopathy. Hahnemann became a Freemason before completiing his medical degree, while working in the library of Baron on Bruckenthal, who was a Past Master of the Lodge. On October 16, 1777, Hahnemann was initiated in the Freemason’s Lodge, St. Andreas zu den drei Seeblättern, in Hermannstadt. In 1817 he affiliated with Lodge Minerva in Leipzig. Hahnemann remained faithful to the Order throughout his career. In Halle on the Saale River, he became a member of Madgeburg Freemason’s Lodge and was later granted the title of Obermeister, or Grand Master. THE MISSOURI FREEMASON
Hello Missouri Masons! girls willing to share with you THEIR form of girl talk! On June 26, 2009, Missouri’s Grand Officers came toI’m proud to be from Columbia Assembly and have algether in Springfield for practices and then our Grand As- ready traveled quite a bit during my Rainbow years. I know sembly Sessions. Amanda Fisher was our Grand Worthy I’ll be on the road a bunch this year—and I’m hoping you’ll Advisor and her theme of “Love One Another” was evident take a moment or two to speak with me when our paths throughout our meetings and banquets. There were lots of cross. I’ve had the pleasure of growing up near the Grand presentations, prizes and scholarships awarded. Our little Cross Master who is serving as our State Dean this year. Her State Pledge Officers (ages 6-11) just shined under the lead- name is Daisy Batt and she’s from (just down the highway) ership of Kelli Sisco, State Pledge Mother. Since I was Mis- Ashland. Her theme is “Be the Change” and has angels as souri’s delegate for our Supreme convention’s Cavalcade of her symbols…with, of course, daisies as her flower! Flags, I just loved watching this year's Grand State OffiDaisy and I have chosen to support the Missouri Food cers square corners and march to the beat while present- Banks as our State Service Project. The Missouri Food ing the flags of their states—in costumes, too! Were you Bank Association is a coalition of the six Missouri Food there? It was all great fun! Amanda and last year’s State Banks working to provide hunger relief to every county in t state as well as St. Louis. Collectively they distribute Dean, Joanie Hedrick, shared their thanks for all the lovthe ing support given their State Ser-nearly 70 million pounds of food vice Project: Domestic Violence each year through a network of Shelters across Missouri. What more than 2,000 community a great cause! Congratulations feeding programs. There is a to Amanda and Joanie for a great map and links at their website, 2008-2009 year! www.missourifoodbanks.org, Then, with much nervousness, that will show which food bank on June 29, 2009, I was installed serves your community. Please as Missouri’s Grand Worthy Adhelp our Rainbow Girls with this visor. My theme is “Remember very worthwhile project!! Maybe Where you Come From” and I’m you could help sponsor a box at using jukeboxes and music notes your temple or offer to help the as my symbols. Whether your Rainbow Girls nearest you colhistory is sweet or bittersweet… lect food this year. It’s not too l take time to reflect on the fact late to put on a costume and go d that home is where your story door-to-door…trick-or-treating begins—but YOU get to make for food for your nearest Mischoices along the path and you souri Food Bank!! Mrs. Daisy Batt, State Dean (left) and Miss Kristyn Sample, Grand Worthy Advisor (right). CAN control your destiny—no I want to take just a moment matter your age!! and thank all those dedicated Rainbow is filled with pre-teen Masons who give their time, and teenage girls—girls that give energy and money every year to oodles of service to their communities and to our State sponsor the Masonic Youth Day. What a blast it Service Projects. They are aware that college and careers always is! From all of us to all of you—THANK YOU! are "out there”—but are sometimes more in the moment of And, by the time you read this, we also will have attended fun and fashion. Have you ever walked behind three or four our annual Grand Officers’ Retreat in Salem, my first Offigirls at the mall and not been able to understand a word they cial Visit (in Sarcoxie) and I will have been at Grand Lodge were saying? Girl talk! Rainbow provides many opportuni- with many of you. My reception is scheduled for October ties for ALL girls to take the basics they may learn at home 3 in Columbia and just over a week later I will be at Grand and build on them. They become proficient at speaking in Chapter. Check out our calendar at www.moiorg.org! You front of large audiences—generally without notes (and not are always, always welcome! using that mall talk!). They learn to lead a committee or, Well, time to wrap this up. Have a great fall and I’ll see sometimes more importantly, to follow a chosen leader. Girl you soon! talk! They are safe at chaperoned events and find they will Kristyn Sample, Grand Worthy Advisor be respected if they offer their respect. Check into a RainState of Missouri bow meeting some night—you may see 2, 12 or even 20 International Order of Rainbow for Girls THE MISSOURI FREEMASON
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Meeting Daily Needs:
Wish List
Large Print Books Are Very Popular: westerns, romance, historical novels, inspirational/Christian literature, biography & other non-fiction material. Music CDs: "Big Bands" and the "oldies" of Crosby, Sinatra, Tony Bennett Mitch Miller and the like, Sin old o hymns – instrumental & vocal; Kenny G and "easy listening". Videos: The Gaither "Homecoming"" series, TV series: Golden Girls, Lawrence ce Welk, Leave it to Beaver, Dick Van an Dyke, Ozzie & Harriet, Zane Grey The-D ater, ate musicals, classic movies (not too at much drama or complicated plots) "Family" entertainment (we don't show "R" rated films or anything with offensive language/nudity). Wii Games: easy puzzle type or game show similarities (Rated “E”). Personal Care Items For Residents: Fragrance free lotions (Eucerin, Lubriderm & Curel are rec-ommended by the dermatologist), moisturizing ng body washes (no Irish Spring), denture cleanser & adhesive, toothpaste, lightly scented aftershave & women's cologne, boxes of Kleenex or Puffs, diabetic socks, bath brushes, boxed greeting cards, fresh resh fruit, individually wrapped regular & sugar free can candy or snacks (Little Debbie, chewy granola bars, cookies, crackers…) Gift cards for places we frequent: Bob Evans, Panera or Atlanta Bread (or other eateries), Hen House, HyVee, Walmart (residents have the opportunity to go here every Monday), Lowes, Home Depot, Office Max, Staples, Hobby Lobby, Joann's Crafts, Conoco (fuel cards)…
Projects List: Gardening: planting annuals/perennials & maintaining ing ng raised beds & planters, landscape work, re-potting large indoor plants. Electrical: new outlet boxes in the housekeeping office, tv room, library, resident hallways. Repair Repai Water Damage: around the round stained glass window in the chapel. wind Wash/wax facility vehicles Wa Host/Hostess At Mealtimes: visit with residents Ho and a “warm up” cold coffee/tea. Library: Organize books in various common arL eas – sorting by interest (mystery, fiction, nonfiction, science fiction, inspirational…) Make Tasteful Seasonal Decorations: resident doors, common areas, window clings & sun catchers. Provide Gentle Entertainment (loud amplifica-ta tion tio is not usually needed). Sponsor A Penny Carnival Sp Share the Bounty of Your Sha Garden Gar Spend Time With A ResiSpe dent: read, play a games, talk & listen to them, walk with them, prepare their oral history, watch a video, take them out for a drive, ice cream or a meal, share pictures, a hobby or talent, let them teach you.
Four members of Windsor Lodge and one of their wives, visited the Masonic Home on June 30 to have lunch with the residents, take a tour an and make a $500 donation. This is an annual tradi tradition with Windsor Lodge, which served a lo lot of pancakes to make this happen. Picture tured are Sharon Southard; Richard Southard, Mas Master of Windsor Lodge; Kathryn Johnson, A Administrator - Kansas City Assisted Living Facility; Larry Storer – Secretary; Ed Vought,Masonic Home Representative and Steve Sadler, Jr. Deacon. 108 Fall 2009
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Volunteer Spotlight It doesn’t happen often…..but it does happen! I’m referring to the blessing of having a couple volunteer their time at the Kansas City Assisted Living facility! On December 3rd, 2001 Lorene Brown moved into the Masonic Home of Missouri-Kansas City Assisted Living Facility. Her daughter and son-in-law, Bonnie and Larry Nelson visited frequently. They encouraged Lorene to become active and to participate in activities. In December of 2004 the Grand Family of 2005 hosted a Christmas Party for the facility residents. Bonnie and Larry were present and offered to be of help in any way they could, and during that afternoon they decided to join the Order of the Eastern Star. Two Petitions were presented to them and Sister Retha Felkner and Brother Creed Marriot, the Worthy Grand Matron and Worthy Grand Patron of 2005, signed the Petitions. In March of 2005, Sister Retha and Brother Creed presided in the East and initiated Bonnie and Larry into Swope Park Chapter. They began to attend all Chapter meetings. In 2006 Bonnie was appointed Sunshine Chairman for the Chapter and continues in that Chairmanship. Sadly, in June of 2005 Lorene had to leave the Kansas City Assisted Living Facility due to deteriorating health. In September of 2005 the Chairman of the Jurisprudence and the Worthy Grand Matron gave permission for the Nelsons and some other members to work in the Ceramics Department at the Kansas City Assisted Living Facility. That year at the Grand Chapter Session a new By-law was passed stipulating that a member could receive a Grand Chapter Committee Appointment, without being a Past Matron or Patron, therefore Bonnie and Larry were appointed Masonic Home Volunteers! Bonnie was a “quick study” in Ceramics! She learned how to clean the greenware and how to glaze and stain the bisque. She excels at detail painting! She is a wonderful asset to the department and gives so much to the residents! She brings laughter to all, and God knows we can always use a good laugh! Bonnie grew up in Raytown, Missouri and graduated from Raytown South High School. Her parents owned a nursery and greenhouse in Raytown. The nursery was next to a cemetery and Bonnie tells us she played there as a child. One year her mother held a birthday party for her in the cemetery, with the birthday cake and refreshments THE MISSOURI FREEMASON
set on a tombstone! She says they were not bothered with any party crashers! Bonnie was a “stay at home” Mom until her children were raised. She then went out into the workforce holding several different positions. She was employed with American World Travelers for ten years, an organization that relocated families for the armed forces. She also worked at the Raytown Midcontinent Library for five years. In addition she always worked with her parents at their nursery and learned so much about flowers, trees and nature from her mother. She has been an avid volunteer for the Raytown Garden Club for fifteen years. Brother Larry has been a member of East Gate Lodge #630 since 1971. When he became a Ceramics volunteer he quickly became proficient at cleaning greenware. He had many questions as to how the slip was poured into the molds and how to release the greenware. It was not long before he was in charge of this procedure! His hobby as a wood carver prepared him with the techniques that allow him to clean most of the greenware before it is completely dry. He also learned to set the kilns to fire. He has brought a wealth of skills to the department. Larry worked for the Kansas City Power and Light Company for over thirty-two years, retiring about ten years ago. He took up wood-carving as a hobby and helped at the nursery and greenhouse! He occasionally helped his father-in-law dig graves in the cemetery…..one shovel of dirt at a time! Larry has displayed his wood carvings at a local show and come away with two Blue Ribbons. One of the judges was so impressed that he purchased some of Larry’s work and displayed it in a shop in Branson, Missouri! Bonnie was a June bride, and this June she and Larry will have been married forty-eight years! They have four children, eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren! This year on April 21st the Annual Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast was held at the Kansas City Assisted Living facility. Both Bonnie and Larry received their Gold Pin for volunteering over 1000 hours! Our heartfelt thanks and appreciation go out to this wonderful and giving couple! Submitted by Kathryn Johnson, LNHA Kansas City Assisted Living Facility Fall 2009 109
Iberia Masonic Lodge #410 AF&AM presented a 50-year pin and plaque to Bro. Jack Atwill of the state of Florida may 24th. 2009. From left to Right Bill Prather, PM; Buck Prather PM; Mrs. Atwill; Jack Atwill, Cecil Grisham, WM.
On May 13, 2009, RWB James Portwood presented Brother Charles L. Henson his 50-year pin prior to a stated meeting at Richland Lodge #385, Richland, Missouri. Brother Henson’s lovely wife placed it on his lapel.
Swope Park Lodge #617 Brother Glen E. Rogers (left) receives his Grand Lodge 50-year jewel and certificate from WB Ken Best Sr., Secretary. Brother Rogers was raised April 7, 1959.
On March 22, 2009, Most Worshipful Brother Rocky Weaver, Grand Master, presented Brother Ronald Kane his 50-year jewel and Certificate. Brother Kane is a member of Mt. Vernon Lodge #99.
Vandalia Masonic Lodge #491 awarded Brother Ted Hesse his 50-year jewel and certificate from the Grand Lodge of Missouri on Tuesday, May 20th, at the Lodge Hall in Vandalia. Presenting Brother Hesse his pin at the ceremony was the Worshipful Master of Vandalia Lodge, J.C. Davis. Brother Hesse started his Masonic journey at Laddonia Lodge on April 2, 1959, moved to Danville, Illinois, Lodge #38 and completed his 50 years at Vandalia Lodge #491 on April 1, 2009.
On May 7th Grand Master Rocky Weaver paid an unofficial visit to Laclede Lodge #83 for two purposes. First, he presented two of our brethren with their 50-year Certificates and pins. The two men, their wives and the Grand master are shown as follows (from left to right): Kenneth & Charlene Meads, Grand Master Rocky Weaver and Kyle & Carol Gibson. Later that evening Laclede Lodge conducted a first Degree in which the Grand Master filled the position of Senior Deacon.
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On April 7, 2009 Brother Robert A. Newell received his 50-year jewel and certificate from the Grand Lodge of Missouri at Dexter Lodge #532. MWB Bruce Austin, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Missouri, conducted the ceremony. Brother Newell’s wife Ann presented him with his pin.
On June 11, 2009, Clintonville Lodge #482 of El Dorado Springs, Missouri awarded James Owens his 50-year pin and certificate from the Grand Lodge of Missouri. RWB E.C. Morlan, DDGM of the 33rd District conducted the ceremony. Brother Brian Smith, Brother Owens' grandson, presented the pin.
Crescent Hill Masonic Lodge #368 at Adrian, Missouri held an open meeting on Thursday night May 28 for the purpose of presenting Brother Jack Rabourn a pin for 50 years of service. Brother Rabourn's wife Beverly was present as well as his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren with a total of 14. District Deputy Grand Master and Lodge Secretary Brother Larry White read Jack's Masonic Record, which included being Master of the Lodge in 1965 - 66. Brother Art Zelmer presented Jack with his pin and Dustin Rabourn pinned it on his grandfather. Shown (L to r) Tracy Rugg, Melvin Smith, Bruce Buhr, Jack Rabourn, Art Zelmer, W. K. Jenkins.
On June 4, 2009 Greenville Lodge #107 AF&AM presented WB Lavern H. Daves of Silva, Missouri his 50-year Masonic jewel and certificate. The ceremony took place 50 years to the day of him being raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. Brother Daves served as Worshipful Master of Greenville Lodge #107 twice, in 1966 and 2004. He has served as the Masonic Home Representative for the Lodge for a number of years. RWB Bill A. Humble of Poplar Bluff Lodge #209 conducted the ceremony. Shown are left to right; Judith Daves (wife of Bro. Lavern), WB Lavern H. Daves and RWB Bill A. Humble.
WB Gary Dryer was presented with the Gold Grand Honor Award April 4 at the Shrine Temple. The York Rite College honors and extends membership only to outstanding Masons. He was recently appointed to the Missouri Grand Line of Job's daughters. Congratulations Gary!
Eldon Smith of Lawrence, Kansas recently traveled to Cooper Lodge #36 to receive his 50 year pin. RWB Robert Gander presented the pin to Eldon Smith on June 9. Pictured: (L-R) Mark Bean-Master, Brother Eldon Smith. RWB Robert GanderDDGM.
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The Branson Masonic Lodge along with the Masonic Home Outreach Program donated over over $1,000.00 last year to the Hollister School District to help children in need of school clothing, supplies, eye glasses and many other items, and this year is no different than last year. Thursday, July 9, 2009 Branson Masonic Lodge #587 and the Masonic Home Outreach Program donated over $700.00 to the Hollister School District for the purpose of assisting school children in areas of need, such as clothing, supplies, eye glasses, etc. These funds were raised from the bowling marathon held on April 18, 2009, where businesses of the community sponsored teams and were also corporate sponsors. Thanks to those sponsors. Branson Masonic Lodge will be holding its third annual bowling marathon next year on May 8, 2010 at Dogwood Lanes for the purpose of helping our kids in need in the Branson and Hollister communities. The picture shows Mary Lou Combs, Hollister Middle School Principal, and Worshipful Master Herb Terrill presenting her with the check for $745.45.
On Saturday May 30, 2009, Grand Master Rocky Weaver helped the Brothers of St. Mark's Lodge #93 AF&AM and Harmony Lodge #40 F&AM celebrate their successful joint sponsorship of Troop 215 BSA. Both Lodges had been looking for a project that could bring them together. Sponsorship of a Scout Troop provided that opportunity. Organized in February 2009, the Troop has a dozen scouts, has been on 2 camp outs, has conducted a community service project, a successful Troop fund raiser and is planning to go to summer camp. Both Lodge's fundraising efforts have collected enough money to send the Troop to summer camp. Pictured left to right are 1st Row: Grand Secretary Ron Miller, Grand Master Rocky Weaver, Harmony Lodge Master Willie Jones, St. Mark's Master H. Scott Sander, St. Mark's Secretary Dave Rutherford, DDGL Otha Wingo, Harmony Scout Commitee Chair Herman Ray, 2nd Row: St. Mark's Scout Committee organizers Tom Fornkohl, Tony Smee, Jack Whisnant, DDGM Otis Long and Deputy Grand Master Larry Reynolds.
Waynesville Chapter Order of DeMolay attended Missouri DeMolay's Annual Conclave over Memorial Day weekend thanks to the support of Waynesville Lodge #375. Chapter members were able to share Brotherhood with members from other Chapters around the state. This four day event included ritual events and various sporting events such as basketball, volleyball, dodge ball and numerous track and field events. At closing ceremonies trophies were awarded for 121 ritual events and 89 sporting events. Three members of the Chapter have been raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason with four more having petitions in waiting.
Union Masonic Lodge #593, Union, Missouri, installed its new officers for the 2009-2010 Masonic year on June 26, 2009. The open installation was attended by more then 40 people plus the officers. Shown (left to right) are Senior Warden Frank Smith; Treasurer, Gary Tourville; Secretary Buzz Barrows; Worshipful Master Derek Laubinger; Junior Warden, Charles Ratcliff; Chaplain Donald Hall; Senior Steward Kevin Shaw; Tiler Warren Dixon; Junior Steward Norman Helms; and Marshall Bruce McGlasson. Shown in the back row are, left to right, RWB Bob Wright, Installing Marshall; RWB Kevin Weaver, Installing Worshipful Master; and WB Rodger Fleer, Installing Chaplain.
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On May 26, 2009, Larry E Brown, II was raised to the degree of Master Mason in Blue Springs Lodge #337, Blue Springs, Missouri. Larry II is the son of REGC Larry E. Brown, Grand Commander of Knights Templar in Indiana. Larry II was obligated in the First Section by MWB Rocky E. Weaver, Grand Master of Missouri. RWB John Hess, Junior Grand Warden presided as King Solomon with REGC Brown “raising” his son in the Second Section. Several Grand Lodge officers were in attendance and participated in both sections of the degree. The evening started with a dinner and fellowship followed by the opening of the Lodge for the Degree. Five Grand Commandery officers and the Junior Grand Warden from Indiana Grand Lodge accompanied REGC Brown to welcome the new Master Mason. 1st Row L to R: MWB Glenn Means, PGM, Missouri; RWB George Ingles, Jr. Grand Warden, Indiana, PGC, Indiana; RWB John Hess, Jr. Grand Junior Warden, Missouri; REGC Larry Brown, GC, Indiana; Larry Brown, II; MWB Rocky E. Weaver, GM, Missouri; WB Rick Krevitz, WM, Blue Springs Lodge; VESK Lawrence Kaminsky, PGC, Indiana; VESK Scott Inman, Grand Captain General, Indiana. 2nd Row, 9th from Left: VESK Carl Dykman, Deputy Battalion Commander, Indiana; Last in row; VESK Micheal Ritter, Grand Standard Bearer, Indiana. Top Row: 3rd from Left; VESK Steve Arlington, Deputy Battalion Commander. Several Missouri Grand Lodge Officers are also in the photo.
On April 28, 2009, MWB Rocky E. Weaver and several Grand Lodge officers attended Cooper Lodge #36 in Boonville. MWB Weaver served as the Senior Deacon in the Second Section in a Second Degree conferral and also presented Brothers Helping Others pins to the members for their work in the Lodge's "Bikes for Books," MoCHIP and other community activities. An unexpected spring rain during the replacement of the Lodge's roof the day before did nothing to dampen the spirits or prevent the many brothers present from enjoying a wonderful meal and the Masonic fellowship before, during and after the meeting. Pictured left to right, front row, RWB Harvey Wells, Grand Orator; RWB John Gibson, Grand Tyler; RWB Ron Zimmer, Grand Pursuivant; MWB Rocky Weaver, Grand Master; RWB Brent Stewart, Senior Grand Marshal; RWB Chris Harrelson, Grand Chaplain. Second row, WB Mark Bean, Master; WB Ted Litton, Treas; Gary Whitehurse, Tiler; Todd Hill, Junior Steward; Marvin Utterback, Junior Warden; Rick Zimmerman, Senior Steward. Back row, Matt Price, Senior Deacon; Bill Burnett, Senior Warden; John Ernst, Junior Deacon; WB Bill Sullivan, Secretary; Jim Piles, Marshal; WB Tom Miller, Chaplain.
Branson Masonic Lodge #587 over the last two years has donated over $1,000 to the Boys and Girls Club in Branson Missouri. This year is no different. On June 25, 2009 the Lodge donated $300 to its general fund. The Boys and Girls Club has always been a big supporter of the Lodge and the MoCHIP Program, supplying manpower at our MoCHIP Event. Pictured is Worshipful Master Herb Terrill presenting Billy Rader, Director of Operations for the Boys and Girls Club, a $300 check. Billy is also a member of Branson Lodge. Natalie Synder is the Director of Resource Development for the Boys and Girls Club.
On May 5th, bikes were presented to Kaitlyn Dozer and Thomas Simmons at Saints, Peter and Paul Catholic School. The bikes are provided as part of the Bikes-4-Books Program sponsored by Cooper Lodge #36 and its Partners in Education, Medical Arts. The goal is to encourage children to read. Principal Alan Lammers is pleased that the program will be offered again next year. Pictured (left to right): Front Row – Kaitlyn Dozer, Annamarie Smith (Medical Arts Partner in Education), Thomas Simmons. Back row - John Ernst, Todd Hill, John Holtzclaw, Roy Cary (program chairman).
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Kevin Scoot Shaw, Union Masonic Lodge's new Master Mason is shown accepting his Masonic Bible and Certificate of the degrees from WB Bruce E. McGlasson (in hat) at a Special Meeting to raise Brother Shaw to the sublime Degree of Master Mason on May 13, 2009.
Samaritan Lodge #424 held a fundraiser and donated $271.97 to the local high school for "Project Graduation." Present were John Crabtree, project graduation leaders Terri Willette and Jennifer Hovis, senior Ashley Lotz, WM Dan Ward and JW Brian Boyer.
Ingomar Lodge #536 of Willow Springs recently held its Masonic Widows appreciation dinner. Mrs. Barbara (Edward) Kahre , Mrs. Mary Sue (Larry) Meal and Mrs. Norma (George) Cumberland were honored for their Masonic service as wives of Masons. Shown Left to right (front) Mary Jane Broyles, Mary Sue Meal, Barbara Kahre, Norma Cumberland and Sandy Adams. (back row), John Bailey, Bill Broyles David Grant, Mike Nunan, Wayne Stephenson, John Adams.
On June 9, Grand Master Rocky Weaver visited Lebanon, Missouri, for a Cornerstone Ceremony. Among those pictured are: Grand Secretary Ronald Miller, Steven Tabone, Rusty Shadel, Daniel Knauss, Chris Winfrey, Randall Neasby, WM James Morgan, WB Wilbur Bradley, Grand Master Rocky Weaver, DDGM Michael Day, RWB William Bowser, SW John Winfrey, WB Samuel Mustard, T. J. Shamel, Hunter Popis, JD David O'Dell and Marshall David Pyeatt.
On May 2, 2009, Monett Lodge #129 AF&AM conducted it's first ever MoCHIP event at the Monett Masonic Lodge hall. Participation from both the community and the membership was terrific. By the end of the day, 50 volunteers helped provide identification packets to 302 children. We have already had requests from the public to host another MoCHIP and we will be more than happy to oblige! 114 Fall 2009
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On April 23, 2009, MWB Rocky E. Weaver and RWB Ronald P. Zimmer visited Hermann Lodge #123 for a regularly scheduled communication. Before the meeting, members and guests enjoyed a traditional German bratwurst meal. Pictured l to r, front row: RWB Ronald P. Zimmer, Grand Pursuivant; WB R. Russell Warren, WM; MWB Rocky E. Weaver, Grand Master; Jason Grosse, Tiler; WB Clinton Coulter, Marshall. 2nd row: WB Louis V. Sieg; WB Dan Howard, SW; WB Kevin Witthaus, JW; Dan Wilson, JS; Charles W. Kelsey II, SS; Jack Saunders. 3rd row: Ron O'neil, SD; WB Ben Grosse, Treasurer; William Kuhn; Matt Schutt, JD; WB Carl Ploeger. 4th row: Leo Hendricks, Chaplain; Glen Ocheskey; Max Aubuchon; Ken Lerbs; Ken Gerloff; WB Charles Brown.
On June 23, 2009, Belle Lodge held its annual Past Masters' Night. Past Masters and members were honored with a dinner and a special certificate for their work at the Lodge. The following Past Masters were honored, Gary "Bubby" Oliver (1974), Harold Priest (1975), Bernie McIntyre (1981,2000, 2002), James Lange (1982), Ronnie Stockton (1983), Sonny Spurgeon (1984), Rodger Janes (1989), and Bennie Cook (2003). The District Deputy Grand Master of the State of Missouri for the 29th District John Bayless presented these brethren certificates and pins. Pictured (left to right) front row: Harold Priest, DDGM Gary Oliver, John Bayless, Rodger Janes, and James Lange. Back row:Bennie Cook, Ronnie Stockton, Bernie McIntyre, and Sonny Spurgeon.
Fellowship Lodge #345 and the Southwest Missouri Children's Center, along with co-sponsor Hershewe Law Firm, held the 3rd Annual Fellowship Poker Run for 2009 to benefit the Children's Center of Southwest Missouri. In addition to a very scenic route which began and ended at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center in Joplin, a breakfast of biscuits and gravy were served by Lodge members, lunch was provided after the run, and a band entertained the crowd during lunch. Prizes were awarded for the top three best hands, the worst hand, and a 50/50 raffle was awarded. A silent auction was also held. Overall, everyone had a great time and the Children's Center made some much needed funds. Pictured are (l to r) Howard Tackett, Dawnielle Robinson, Kathi Olson, and Cassie Meier, all of the Children's Center; Wade Wood, WB Tod Thompson, WM Rod Trimble, WB J.H. Lawson, J.R. Wahl, David Inkelaar, and Chad Adams, Director of the Children's Center."
Harry S Truman #113, Order of the Sword of Bunker Hill, conferred its historic degree for 13 new members on March 30, 2009 at Summit Lodge in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. They are Ben Trillo, Scott Filkins, Michael Dolan, Colby Shaw, David Miller III, Ronald O'Neal, Steven Hoflin, Kevin Hampton, Hank Bedsoul, Steven Heflin, Ronald Hewitt, David Woehrman, and Daniel Woehrman. This degree is an historical degree that deals with the foundation of the United States of America. The only requirement for this degree is that you are a Master Mason in good standing. Life endowment for this degree costs $25. The next initiation into the Sword of Bunker Hill will be held on August 31st, 2009 at 7:30pm at Summit Lodge in Lee’s Summit, MO. If you are interested in more information about this degree or attending this initiation, please contact Mike Lundeen, Honorable Grand Commander in Chief, at jewlok@juno.com.
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The MoCHIP event held at Cooper Lodge on May 2nd was a big success. Boonville Wal-Mart donated $500 to Cooper Lodge #36 for the event. Parents and guardians of 216 children, aged 6 weeks to 19 years, were given Amber Alert compatible information at no charge. Photo (left to right): Tom Miller, Lodge Master Mark Bean, Manager Trisha Cowan, Roy Cary.
Polar Star/Rose Hill #79 Brothers Sean Robinson and Bryan Spencer present a check to Karen Nolte and Debbie Mason to assist students in need at Francis Howell North High School.
On June 7, 2009, members and their families joined together for the Benjamin Franklin Lodge #642 Annual Picnic. Burgers and hot dogs were featured along with other great tasting side dishes. Pictured left to right: Will Huie, Robert Rosansky, WB Jack Lite, WB Stanley and WB Jack Loomstein.
The Brothers of Union Masonic Lodge #593 continued their community service activities by painting a storage building at the St. Clair Senior Center, St. Clair, Missouri. This project was coordinated by WB Donald Hall,who is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Center, in order to prevent further deterioration of the storage building.
On June 20, 2009 Richland Lodge #385 and Waynesville Lodge #375 sponsored a MoCHIP event at the Community Center in St. Robert. At last count, we had 64 volunteers from Waynesville and Richland Lodges, OES, Rainbow Girls, DeMolay, Hearts Astride and several volunteers from the local community and Fort Leonard Wood. Many thanks to all the volunteers who made this event possible and also to the MoCHIP team and The Missouri Children's Foundation. During the event, 156 kids were processed and we hope none of their families will ever need to use this information, but the parents have it in the event of an emergency. 116 Fall 2009
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Plato Lodge #469, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons, recently had the unique opportunity to recognize five active and serving Lodge members with the presentation of the prestigious Daniel Carter Beard Award for Masonic Scouters. This singular award is presented to members of the Masonic fraternity who have also distinguished themselves with dedicated volunteer service to the Boy Scouts of America. Right Worshipful Brother David Norman, District Deputy Grand Master, 35th Masonic District of Missouri, presented and personally recognized the Lodge members for their accomplishments. Pictured left to right: Duane Martin, David Cartner, Mike Holt, David Norman, Dan Arden and Bill Rostad.
Monroe Lodge #64 was opened recently with Grandfather in the East, his son in the West and grandson in the South. Past Master Tom Coberly was a very proud Mason as he was able to open Lodge on all three degrees April 27th in Monroe City, with his son Frank, PM, in the Senior Warden's chair and his grandson Jake, a newly made Master Mason, occupying the Jr. Deacon's chair. The work was really next to perfect from all three chairs. Pictured (left to right): Frank Coberly, Tom Coberly and Jake Coberly.
Worshipful Master Willis Keeth, Fulton Lodge #48, presents a check for $4,000 to Principal Connie Epperson to contribute toward the purchase of newer and safer playground equipment for Bartley Elementary School in Fulton. This spring Fulton Lodge donated $500 to each of the three elementary school principals to assist with student needs throughout the year. Reports back from the principals show that the money has been used for gloves, coats, eyeglasses and shoes of needy students.
Members of Centralia Lodge #59 and Centralia Chapter #195 helped raise 321 US Flags at the Centralia Avenue of Flags for Memorial Day. The Avenue of Flags is set up in Centralia Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. Members pictured are Robert Torreyson, Tom Massey, Ed Torreyson, Phil Woolfolk (Worshipful Master), Katy Calhoon, Sandy Clark (Worthy Matron) and Gene Berck. Picture taken by Daren Clark.
Crescent Hill Masonic Lodge #368 held its installation of officers for the new year on Thursday night June 18, 2009. Pictured front row (left to right): Melvin Smith, Treasurer; Edward Jackson, Junior Warden; Tom Holmes, Master; RWB Ray Campbell, Senior Warden; W. K. Jenkins, Tyler; Back row: Charles O. Bridges, Senior Deacon; DDGL Alvin Griffin, Installing Officer; DDGM Larry White, Secretary; RWB Art Zelmer, Chaplin. THE MISSOURI FREEMASON
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Branson Masonic lodge #587 hosted the Masonic Home Area Meeting for the 43rd Masonic District on April 23, 2009. Dinner was served at 6:30 with roast beef and all the trimmings, plus cherry, blackberry and peach cobbler for dessert. Making the presentation for the home, Sara Snodderley was very informative about what the Home has to offer Master Masons and their families. Webb Edwards, a member of the Board of Directors was present, as well as Jeff Lehr, Masonic Home Representative for our Lodge.
Excelsior Masonic Lodge in Jackson held its Past Master's night on Monday, June 8, 2009. Pictured (left to right) front row: Ron Clark, Bob Goza, Clemon C. Crain, Dale Wolfenkoehler, Eddie Schreiner. Back row: Chris Penzel, Lane Cunningham, Stan Johnson, Jerry Marshall, Larry Cunningham, Everett Scharenborg, Ron Gardner and Bob Gribler.
Missouri Grand Master Rocky E. Weaver visited Greensburg Lodge #414 to present pins for his Brothers Helping Others Program on April 29, 2009. WM Loren E. Carriker greeted the Grand Master at the altar. Shown receiving pins from left to right: Jason Glass, Rex Clark, Thomas Glass, Richard A. Clark, Loren E. Carriker, John Witte, William J. Mallett and Robert Ward. Several other pins were presented.
Troy Lodge recently installed its officers' line for 2009 – 2010. They are pictured as follows: Front Row, (left to right) Jack Wagner, SD; Justin D. Butler, JW; RWB Russ Tinker, Installing Master; WB Kenneth W. Burch, WM; RWB Christopher Newbold, Installing Chaplain; Jacob L. Spa, SW; RWB Conley DePriest, Installing Marshal. Back Row: WB W. Robert Wermuth, Treasurer; John D. Gremard, SS; RWB Albert McMichael, Chaplain; Joseph B. Orf, JS; Donald “Dusty” C. Rhoads, Marshall.
RWB Mike Armstrong, Regional Grand Lecturer, Region C, has served the fraternity well over the years and has a reputation of being one of Missouri's best ritualists. Mike, Past Master of Rising Sun Lodge #13, is also a member of the Kansas City Valley of the Scottish Rite. He had been selected to receive the Knight Commander Court of Honor designation at the Valley's induction this fall. However, RWB Armstrong has been under the weather lately and likely would not be able to attend the ceremony. So, on August 5, Brother Robert Cockerham, Missouri Sovereign Grand Inspector General for Missouri, traveled to Kansas City, where he personally conferred the honor. Many of RWB Mike's brothers and friends attended.
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On May 2nd, 2009, a luncheon was given by Meridian Lodge #2 to pay tribute to the members of the lodge who have served Masonry for sixty or more years. There were twenty three brothers who have achieved this honor ranging in years of service from sixty to seventy. Eight of the brothers reside throughout the continental United States, six were unable to attend due to prior commitments or ill health, but we were fortunate to have nine brothers in attendance. All received or were sent their service pins and an afternoon of Masonic sociability was had by all.
Ingomar Lodge #536 AF&AM of Willow Springs Missouri proudly announces the 50 years of service of Brother Hershel Reaves of Cabool, Missouri. Brother Reaves is seen with Brother John Bailey of Ingomar. Brother reaves was raised on March 17, 1959. He was presented his pin and his Masonic history was read to him on May 6, 2009 in Willow Springs. Brother Reaves is 88 years young. We wish him many more years of membership in the greatest fraternity in the world.
WB Gerald Dueringer, WB Billy Thaxton, RWB Dale Newcomer, Marion Reed, WB Gerald Kim, WB James Joyce and WB Marvin Bess gathered at the home of Bro. Marion Reed in order to present him with his 50 year pin and certificate from the Grand Lodge of Missouri.
Brother Benny D. Surritte received his 50-year pin and certificate from the Grand Lodge of Missouri June 4th 2009 from Mt. Zion Lodge #327 at West Plains. Right Worshipful Brother David Frealy and Brother Jerry Marsh made the presentation and Mrs. Surritte presented the pin.
RWB James Spencer conducted the ceremony as RWB Walter Schneider of Grandview Masonic Lodge #618 received his 60year jewel and certificate from the Grand Lodge of Missouri. RWB Schneider’s wife Jo Ann presented him with his jewel.
The Grand Lodge of Missouri Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, in recognition of his long and faithful service to the Masonic Fraternity for these past 50 years issued Brother Jerry Wayne Kreft, (left) a Certificate of Service and a 50-Year pin. WB Buzz Barrows, Secretary of Union Masonic Lodge #593, Union, Missouri, made the presentation.
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SIMILLIMUM
Dr. E. Otha Wingo, DDGL 38, FMLR — otha.wingo@gmail.com In Germany on a lecture tour in 1985, I sought relief at a pharmacy for an allergic reaction to acres of cut grass surrounding the hotel. The prescription for a homoeopathic remedy quickly cleared up the watery eyes and sneezing. Thirty years ago I had received instruction from a specialist in the use of the homoeopathic remedies for personal use and had acquired all of the professional reference books. The first homoeopathic pharmacy west of the Mississippi, Luyties Pharmacal Company, established by Herman Luyties, M.D., has been in St. Louis since 1853. Homoeopathy was widely practiced in Germany, Great Britain, and the United States throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. It has been used by the Royal Family in Great Britain since the 1830’s. At the turn of the century there were over 100 hospitals, 143 societies, and over 15,000 practitioners in the U.S. Homoeopathy sought to treat the whole person and provided the impetus for conventional medicine to develop rational and scientific approaches to the practice of medicine. The focus on the physical body eventually led to a single
model eventually edged out homoeopathy, although it is still highly regarded in many countries. Two of Germany’s most outstanding intellectuals of the early 19th century figure prominently in the history of homoeopathy. Goethe became one of the world’s greatest Western literary figures and most recognizable names as a poet, novelist, playwright, diplomat, and natural philosopher. At age 8, he was proficient in Greek, Latin, French, and Italian. He was educated at Leipzig, where Hahnemann practiced medicine for six years. Hahnemann was famous in the field of medicine. While preparing for graduation, he extended his studies to jurisprudence, numismatics, and ancient literature, while cataloguing the immense library of books and rare manuscripts of Baron Samuel von Bruckenthal, governor of Transylvania. At the age of 22 he was master of Greek, Latin, English, Italian, Hebrew, Syriac, Arabic, Spanish, German, and “some smattering of Chaldaic.” Both Goethe and Hahnemann were friends and Freemasons, along with Friedrich von Schiller, who was also a German scholar, poet, and playwright.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (August 28, 1749 - March 22, 1832) is best known for Faust with its lead character, Mephistopheles, a dramatic poem not meant for the stage. Its writing took some 57 years, during which he published many other works and served as manager of the Court Theater for Duke Karl August at Weimar. The first part was published in 1808 and the second only two years before his death. The same legend was treated in The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus, by the Elizabethan tragedian Christopher Marlowe (1564-1593), who emphasized the morality angle, punishment for sin, while Goethe’s was a drama of redemption. He is one of the most quoted poets, e.g., “When an idea is wanting a word can always be found to take its place.” — “One ought, every day, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and, if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words.” — “Mozart is the human incarnation of the divine force of creation.” (The Austrian composer Mozart was was a dedicated Freemason.) Goethe not only supported the efficacy of homoeopathy Continued on page 106