Volume 56 No. 4
FALL 2011
A First for Freemasonry, page 89
Official Publication of the Grand Lodge of Missouri A.F. & A.M.
LIN P O J
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Each of us remembers particular years of our lives for things and events that leave a lasting imprint on our mind, influencing how we think and react to people and issues. There is much on the national news to remind us there are serious issues to be resolved, which could impact the civil fabric of our society. Change seems to be mandated even if it is something we instinctively resist. My journey this year as Grand Master of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of Missouri has put me into contact with individuals that convince me there is reason for hope that our Country will find solutions to the issues which presently seem so daunting. I have had the opportunity to attend many of the annual meetings of our Masonic Bodies in Missouri, as well as the Grand Master’s Conference of North America and the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Prince Hall Masons of Missouri. Meeting the leaders and delegates at each of these assemblies reminds me there is a segment of our society that will continue to positively influence the future of not only our Fraternity but also our Society. These individuals demonstrate Masonic Values remain to be the “cement and support of our civil society” and leave a lasting impression that we can adapt to changes that must be absorbed. In recently attending the Grand Lodge of Prince Committee on Masonic Publications Gail S. Turner, Grand Master David L. Ramsey, Senior 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 816-558-0436 / 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
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Hall Masons of Missouri and in meeting its Officers, Past Grands and Delegates, I was thoroughly impressed with the dignity and high importance they assign to Masonry. It would be my wish that the members of our AF & AM could each sit in Lodge with the Prince Hall Masons and sense in person the common bond we share as Brothers. I hope progress will continue toward full recognition between Grand Lodges. I also had the privilege to attend the Grand Lodge of Scotland in Edinburgh where they are celebrating 275 years as a Grand Lodge. It was most interesting to visit three subordinate Lodges and make comparisons with our Ritual. While their work bears many similarities to ours, it was evident they emphasize the educational applications more than the Proficiency of the Ritual itself. It was inspiring to see and feel the Harmony Masonry brings to the Scots. It is an honor to serve this Grand Lodge as your Grand Master and to have the opportunity to meet so many of you across the state. I hope Masonry will be a source of life changing events for you as well. Fraternally, Gail Turner Grand Master 2010-2011
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
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
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vol. 56 no. 4
Official Publication of the Grand Lodge of Missouri FALL 2011 Published and copyrighted under the direction of the Committee on Masonic Publications
contents 88 Announcing the Commemorative Grand Lodge of Missouri — Members' Story and Photo Album 88 Third Annual Masonic Unity — Friends of Masonry Day Scheduled 88 Civil War Reenacting and Masonry in Missouri 89 The Swedish Connection: "That I May Travel in Foreign Countries 90 The Right thing To Do … 93 Invitation to 190th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Missouri, AF&AM 94 Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth Are Not Just Words 94 Sampson, Ava Lodges Remember Founding Brother 95 Swope Park Lodge Commemorates 100 Years With Two Special Events. 95 MoCHIP Volunteer Extraordinaire 96 The First Lost Symbols of Saint Louis will not be The Last 96 Grand Lodge Launches New Membership Information System 97 The "Traveling" Masonic Ring — One Mason to Another — A True Story 97 Masonic Freemason Deadlines 98 Grand Lodge to Hold "Town Hall" Area Meetings 98 Thirteen Men with a Vision 99 MoCHIP ID's 125,000th Child and gets a Guardian Angel 100 The Third Degree 100 Missouri Freemason Online 101 Rainbow Girls 102 Job's Daughters 103 Masonic Home of Missouri 106 Work of Our Craft 109 Masonic Service Awards
From The Editor’s Keyboard Symbolism and Freemasonry go hand-in-hand. There have been, in turn, a couple of events recently that are themselves symbols of what Freemasonry is about. On Sunday, May 22, tragedy struck Joplin, Missouri, in the form of one of the worst tornadoes this country has ever seen. In its aftermath, people from literally all over the world have rushed to help. At the forefront along with those have been Joplin's own residents helping themselves and the area Masons pitching in. The Joplin Scottish Rite used its building, which remained unharmed, as a relief headquarters. Masons from all over Missouri have made donations and even driven to Joplin to assist. RWB Richard Lowrey has provided an update on the events there in this edition of the Missouri Freemason. When he submitted his materials, he pointed something out I thought I'd pass along. Among the pictures was a photo of a woman walking through the devastation wearing a T-shirt which has a quote on it from baseball great Babe Ruth, "It's hard to beat a person who never gives up." RWB Lowrey said he thought that represented the spirit of his community, which will definitely come back from the tragedy. On a much happier note, we believe we've seen a Masonic first in the state. On May 5, Missouri's Polar Star Rose Hill Lodge #79 and Sweden's Salomon à Trois Serrures Lodge held a joint meeting, opened on the Third Degree. While we know border Lodges from two countries have met in joint session before, we know of no other time Lodges have held this unique type of meeting, made possible only by technology not available just a few years ago. Brother David Cormier, editor of the PSRH trestelboard, wrote about this historic meeting in this issue's cover story. The events in Joplin, tragic as they may be, are a graphic example of the brotherly love and relief that so characterizes Freemasonry. The joint meeting across an ocean is emblematic of the spirit of Brotherhood alive in the Fraternity. It's great to be a Steve Harrison, Editor part of it.
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Announcing the Commemorative Grand Lodge of Missouri Members' Story and Photo Album Since 1821, the Grand Lodge of Missouri, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons has been, with its local Lodges, a place of learning for the Brethren to become better men, husbands and fathers; and to do charity and good works for others. In celebration of the tradition and legacy of the Missouri Masons, we are putting together a special, commemorative Members' Story and Photo Album. This publication will let you tell of the influence being a Mason has had on your life. It could be about personal growth, charity activities you participated in and contributed to, and special times with the Brothers you benefited from. Through these personal photos and narratives, you will see the evolution of the Missouri Masons and realize the individual growth we all have experienced as Masons. Every Mason, past and present, shares an extraordinary bond. Collectively, you have experienced many different things. You are connected to the Brethren, and this publication will help you to stay connected. In addition to documenting our history, this commemorative edition will also serve as a comprehensive reference of Masons everywhere in Missouri. Each of you will have the opportunity to con-
firm your own Masonic profile (i.e., degrees, honors, offices, affiliations) as well biographical (i.e., residence, employer, career code) and contact information. Additionally, there also will be a photo and commentary from each of the local Lodges. You will be able to submit a four-color photograph as well as up to a 300 word story. Besides being a substantial 8½x11 full color edition for you to own, a portion of the total project proceeds will benefit the Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge of Missouri has selected Harris Connect as its trusted partner to research and produce this commemorative publication. The Chesapeake, Virginia based publisher has worked with many Missouri organizations, and we encourage you to participate in this project as part of your Masonic heritage. Members will be contacted by phone, email and mail starting in late September. Be on the lookout in the near future for your chance to participate. Thank you for your support and effort in making this Grand Lodge of Missouri Members' Story and Photo Album yet another way to record your own personal legacy as well as the Brotherhood we enjoy in this state and beyond.
3rd Annual Masonic UnityFriends of Masonry Day Scheduled By Jon Robbins On Saturday October 29, 2011 at 2:30 pm there will be a Masonic Unity celebration. It will be held at Mt. Moriah Masonic Mausoleum, 10507 Holmes, Kansas City, Missouri. The gathering will last about an hour. Members of all Masonic bodies are welcome along with any non-Masonic guests you wish to invite. Representatives from as many bodies that wish to come from Missouri and Kansas will be in attendance. The ceremony will cover the visions of the Masonic body’s role in the next decade as builders of men and women, buildings and society as a whole. The unity and
cooperation of our orders will be on display and reaffirmed. The backdrop of the Mausoleum is a memorial to that end as its stunning beauty and broad cross section of historic people is a testament to the history of our orders. A tour of this building is a memorable experience and a reminder of our traditions. As we travel into the future, knowing our roots will provide guidance in that quest. If you plan to attend please e-mail me at jrobbins6@kc.rr.com so we can make seating arrangements. Help make this event a success for it will be memorable.
Civil War Reenacting and Masonry in Missouri By Phillip Woolfolk, PM The year 2011 kicks off 4 years of major reenactments scattered about the United States. Missouri ranks number 3 for number of battles fought and supplied almost an equal number of troops, horses, mules and supplies to both sides during the course of the war. As Lincoln said, “As Missouri goes, so goes the war”. Missouri troops fought in all the major battles of the Civil War in both the Eastern and Western theaters of operation. I urge all Brethren to try and attend at least one reenactment in 88 Fall 2011
the next several years if for no other reason than to get some idea of what our Brothers had to endure during that bloody conflict. The 150th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington will take place September 16-18 in Lexington, with a Masonic event on Saturday, September 17. If all goes as planned we will open at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday evening. The actual site is still to be determined. For additional information, contact WB Phil Woolfolk, 430 South Collier, Centralia, MO, 65240, email me at cwundertaker4@aol.com or call after 5 pm 1-573-933-2156. the missouri freemason
The Swedish Connection: "That I May Travel in Foreign Countries" By Bro. David Cormier In computer terminology as in Freemasonry "handshaking" refers to an "automated process of negotiation that dynamically sets parameters of a communications channel established between two entities before normal communication … begins" (Wikipedia). On Thursday, May 5, 2011 two Masonic Lodges conducted a closed circuit round table discussion on Freemasonry in America. This proved to be an historic event for Freemasonry. It was an expression of a deeply held principle dear to all Freemasons. It was 9:00 am in Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America. It was 16:00 hrs (4:00 pm) in Göteborg, Västra Götaland, Sweden. Six hours and 4,417 miles (7108.4 kilometers) separated Polar Star-Rose Hill Lodge #79, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Grand Lodge of Missouri and Salomon à Trois Serrures, Lodge of the Swedish Order of Freemasons, Grande Lodge of Sweden. The twenty-six Brothers of Polar Star-Rose Hill Lodge #79 who attended the presentation dressed to the nines in either dark suits or tuxedos. All wore white aprons. As we arrived for the presentation, Brothers anxiously moved in and out of the Lodge checking smart phones, greeting arriving Brothers, congregating in groups, chatting and laughing nervously. Several Brothers spent the week preparing for this communication. All of their work and our hope for success culminated here. The anxiety was justified; technology, internet connections and time and space all introduced variables that could affect the outcome of this event. The Brothers slowly set up the Lodge. One Brother tended the altar, tested the three lesser lights and arranged the three greater lights. Another Brother brought out the jewels and gently draped them over the backs of their respective chairs. One Brother opened and booted up the HP Elite 15" laptop that would serve as the conduit through which we would reach across the Atlantic and shake hands with our Swedish Brothers. Another Brother opened, unpacked, and unwrapped new speakers. The Brother tending the laptop removed a new microphone from its package and produced a 3G broadband modem from his pocket. He then connected the necessary components to the laptop and placed it on a small, old, ornate, rickety wooden stand so that it was east of the altar and facing the East. Two Brothers wheeled in a large, Sony flat screen cathode ray tube (CRT) TV. The TV would serve as the screen on which we would watch our Swedish Brothers gather together for our presentation. A Brother then connected the laptop video cables to the TV. We opened the Lodge on the third degree. The Worshipful Master then placed the Lodge at ease for the duration of the
presentation. Once at ease we sat in anticipation as we dialed Sweden on Skype and waited for the handshake that would open communication between these two Lodges. Skype connected. A familiar face appeared on the TV screen. It was Brother Mats of the Swedish Order of Freemasons.
Brothers from Sweden's Salomon à Trois Serrures Lodge stand with a live picture of the Brothers from Polar Star Rose Hill Lodge on video behind them.
Mats had attended Polar Star-Rose Hill while he was in Saint Louis conducting business. His familiar and welcome voice came over the speakers. The video and audio worked. Aside from a two second delay, the microphone going dead once and the screen freezing periodically everything appeared to be in order. Mats informed us that some of the Swedish Brothers had travelled five hours for the presentation. Peering into their Lodge through our TV screen we could see our Swedish Brothers filling all the available white folding chairs they had arranged in rows. The remaining Brothers were left standing. Salomon à Trois Serrures Lodge, established in 1755, appeared large, ornate and spacious with white and gold florid decor and high vaulted ceilings. Our Swedish Brothers were decked in multi-colored sashes, intricately detailed aprons, and fine tailored suits. After a few tests and some configuring, the Brothers of Polar Star-Rose Hill rehearsed their presentation. Once rehearsal was finished and we were given the signal the Worshipful Master began the presentation by reading a letter from the Grand Lodge of Missouri thanking the Swedish Lodge for the opportunity to present on American Freemasonry. One-by-one Brothers of Polar Star-Rose Hill took a position in the East and presented their topic. The presentations Continued on page 92 …
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The Right Thing To Do … By RWB Richard A. Lowrey All I could do was keep asking myself, "Is this real?" We were hunkered down in our safe spot, waiting for the tornado to pass. Inflow winds had taken a large branch from one of our trees and had taken down a large tree in our neighbor’s yard. My son and I had tried to help that Sunday night around the St. John’s Hospital area. The devastation was indescribable. The night passed fitfully and I couldn’t seem to sleep. There had to be more we could do. I just didn’t know what it could be. The following Monday we opened up the Scottish Rite and tried to make the morning seem normal. But it just wasn’t. People needed help. And then it happened. WB Ken Pierce and Brother Mike Felker stepped into the Office and wanted to open up the Scottish Rite Kitchen to feed storm survivors and volunteers. We would fix breakfast and lunch and they could escape the devastation for even an hour and have a hot sit-down meal. I agreed! This is how we could make a difference! We publicized the offer well, on the radio, FaceBook, emails, everywhere we could think that the message might get through. The problem was that, by 10:00 am that first morning, nobody came. Then it suddenly dawned on us, they CAN’T get to us. Emergency personnel were racing against an unrelenting clock and storm survivors, in many cases, no longer had transportation. We’ve got to take the meals to them! Before 15 minutes had passed, we had packed 200 breakfasts in to-go boxes and were starting deliveries. That first day we were getting things figured out but still managed to get over 400 hungry survivors and emergency personnel a hot breakfast and lunch. The next day we had a few more volunteers and managed to get a few hundred more meals delivered. Brother Jack Whisnant, from Cape Girardeau, called offering to bring a commercial smoker/grill and cook bbq pork and beef. He and his staff worked well into the night to prepare incredibly tasty sandwiches for the survivors and volunteers. By the Friday of Memorial Day weekend, we were delivering 2,000 meals a day to the damaged area and on Memorial Day we delivered an astonishing 2,500 meals! We realized during this process that people were going to need other essential items and we were getting calls to the office from people wishing to donate material goods. So we set up a tent on the Friday after the storm and began storing goods there. Storm victims were informed about the availability of those goods and began taking advantage of them. But we also realized that, sooner or later, people would have to return to work. The Tuesday after Memorial Day our volumes began decreasing. So many other organizations had been set-up by this point, that our operations were less effective. And since area churches and shelters had taken up the torch and were providing meals as well, we closed our kitchen on Sunday, June 5th. 90 Fall 2011
In the meantime, we needed to contact our membership. This project began in earnest the week of June 6. We built lists of Lodge members and widows, Scottish Rite members, York Rite members, and any other fraternity members we knew lived in Joplin. We cross-referenced their addresses with the known damage path and started a Calling Committee to locate our Brothers and Sisters. We used telephones, the Red Cross, the US Postal Service, and every other source we thought might help. We’ve managed to locate almost everyone, but we’re still working on finding about eight individuals. Every member contacted was informed of our ability to provide financial assistance and asked if any other help was needed. While we were at it, we sent letters to area Lodges asking them to check on their members too and informing them of financial assistance that was available. A Joplin Tornado Relief Fund was created for the many donations of financial assistance that started coming in to the office. A Tornado Relief Fund Disbursement Committee was formed and an application for assistance was developed. Assistance would be available to anyone who needed help, whether a Fraternity member or not. Policies for helping and screening procedures for applicants were also put into place. We’ll be able to make a difference in people’s lives! Now we are faced with the daunting task of cleanup and rebuilding. Some cleanup has already taken place, but the debris is everywhere and the field is massive. As of June 26th, our City Manager has informed us that we have about 25% of the debris cleaned up. I’ve encouraged some callers to the Office that if they’d like to assist with cleanup efforts, please coordinate with the City of Joplin by either calling 211 or registering on the City’s website at www.rebuildjoplin.org. By registering with these agencies, volunteer time can be counted as credit toward matching federal funds. We only have 90 days to finish cleaning up so we can take advantage of this program. I can just imagine cleanup teams composed of Freemasons wearing matching caps or shirts! It would be a glorious sight! Someday, it will be normal in Joplin, Missouri, again. Houses will be rebuilt, businesses will be restored, and things will again be orderly. For now, however, we will work to restore Joplin to her former self and we want to thank you all for the thousands of volunteers, so far, who have helped us bring her back. I can’t thank our volunteers enough. May God bless you and may God bless Joplin! RWB Richard A. Lowrey received his Lodge Degrees in 1990. He is Past Master of Fellowship Lodge #345 in 199697, and the Lodge's current Secretary since 2008. He was DDGM for the 45th District from 2000-2003. Brother Richard became a Scottish Rite Mason in 1992. He belongs to the Joplin York Rite Bodies. He is also the Executive Secretary of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Joplin and received his 33° Inspector General Honorary in the Fall of 2009. the missouri freemason
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Continued from page 89 … were accompanied by a PowerPoint that had been emailed to Mats the night before. The presentation lasted approximately one hour and covered an overview of the American system of Freemasonry and its history, a brief history of Freemasonry in Missouri, the Lodge room, officers, degrees, a typical Lodge night, and the appendant bodies: Scottish Rite, York Rite, Royal Arch Masons, Knights Templar, and the Shrine. The topics covered in the presentation were limited. Freemasonry is, after all, a society with secrets and there is no tyler posted at the doors of the internet to deter cowans and eavesdroppers. The presentation by all accounts went off without a hitch. The Swedish Brothers gave us the Grand Honors once we had finished. It was a humbling moment. The presentation then went into the question and answer session. Below are paraphrases of the questions the Swedish Brothers asked. 1. Are there different buildings for the various appendant bodies? 2. Does the interest in the appendant bodies vary across
the country depending on region? 3. Is there any national or federal governing body for the appendant bodies? 4. Is there any difference in how rituals and degrees are conducted across the country? 5. Before Brother Mats attended Polar Star Rose Hill Lodge #79 had we ever heard of the Swedish Order of Freemasons? For all involved this historic event was an expression of a deeply held Masonic principle: national borders, language barriers, time zones, cultural differences cannot disrupt the unifying force of Brothers dedicated to God and the principles of Freemasonry. On May 5th, 2001, two Masonic Lodges had reached across the Atlantic literally and metaphorically shaking hands opening a channel of communication between two entities that reinforced a unity between Brothers. David Cormier is a member of Polar Star Rose Hill Lodge #79 and has been for three years. He is a third degree Freemason and the editor of the Lodge’s trestleboard.
Continued from back cover … the subject. Landmarks are usually unidentified, but mostly they are the same as “ancient charges.” In 1850 the Grand Lodge of Missouri adopted Anderson’s Charges of 1723, which Coil says was the first Grand Lodge to take any kind of action on Landmarks. Three years later in a Grand Lodge resolution (Res. 1853-65), Missouri reaffirmed Anderson as “the only Landmarks of Ancient Craft Masonry now extant.” The following statement was then added: “We therefore reject all rites and conglomeration or amalgamation or rites, of whatever name or nature, not having for their base the above named Landmarks. We also reject all that is contained in Dermott’s Ahiman Rezon, or any and all subsequent editions thereof, as well as what may be contained in any textbook, or other Masonic work, that is contrary to the principles established above.” Nevertheless, Masonic Year-Book and Directory of Missouri 1895 ventured to publish a list of statements “generally accepted as Landmarks.” The Ahiman Rezon was based on Anderson’s revised edition of 1738, which was marred by “many extravagant tales in the alleged history of Masonry, the confusion and unauthorized distortion which Dr. Anderson had injected into the General Regulations, and the generally irresponsible vagaries and eccentricities of that author. … Dermott, however, added much original matter … some of it was not merely inelegant but rude and grotesque.” (Coil) Coil refers to Dr. George Oliver as “the most voluble, the most influential and, in many respects, the most undependable instructor, being like Dr. Anderson, reliable as to matters coming under his personal observation but supplying the rest from hearsay and imagination. He published 24 Masonic books between 1823 and 1863. He made Landmarks a special subject for attention and after vacillating for 40 years wound up in confusion.” Silas H. Shepherd, The Landmarks of Freemasonry
(1924), compiled two small volumes giving the various collections of Landmarks by various authors. He introduces the subject as follows: “The prevailing idea of the Ancient Landmarks is that they are those time-honored and universal customs of Freemasonry which have been the fundamental laws of the Fraternity from a period so remote that their origin cannot be traced, and so essential that they cannot be modified or amended without changing the character of the Fraternity. The term ‘Ancient Landmark’ is used freely and forcibly by Committees on Masonic Jurisprudence as indicating those Masonic usages, customs or laws which they consider fundamental principles of Freemasonry but authorities have never agreed on the definition, classification or enumeration of the ‘Ancient Landmarks.’ ” Quoting Josiah Drummond, Maine Masonic Text Book: “The very definition of Landmarks shows that an enumeration of them is scarcely possible. All we can know is that it is a law or custom that has existed from time immemorial. If any universal usage exists, and has existed so long that its origin is unknown, it is a Landmark.” And from H. B. Grant, Ancient Landmarks with supporting evidence: “A ‘Landmark’ that cannot be established by the writings of the fathers, or other recognized authorities, to have been the rule or belief among Freemasons in 1723 or before, or that is not now generally accepted as such, can hardly be held as a Landmark.” Shepherd continues: “Investigation of the Landmarks leads to a serious consideration of what Freemasonry really is. The definition that ‘Masonry consists of a course of ancient hieroglyphical and moral instructions, taught according to ancient usage, by types, emblems and allegorical figures’ suggests a possible solution of a problem that has puzzled scholars and has caused much controversial writing in regard to the Ancient Landmarks.” Continued on next page …
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Lodge Secretaries at a later date. On Tuesday morning, Master Masons and their Ladies are invited to attend the Missouri Lodge of Research Breakfast and Truman Lecture Series, featuring Guest Speaker WB Steven Vitale. A “don’t miss” for anyone who can possibly attend, WB Vitale’s presentation is entitled "When we are Re-Born: The impact September 11th and Freemasonry have had on My Life” Cost for the Breakfast and Lecture is $20.00 per person. All tickets may be purchased during the session from the Grand Lodge Office Staff tables located in Piccadilly’s at the hotel. Ladies of the membership are also welcome to participate in the Ladies Events during the session. Information will be sent to Lodge Secretaries at the same time as the proxy cards and session information. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your stay in Columbia, please feel free to contact the Grand Lodge Office by phone at (573) 474-8561 or by E-mailing Ron Miller at rmiller@momason.org or Adriene Green at aprice@momason.org.
Brethren: June 15, 2011 On behalf of MWB. Gail S. Turner, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Missouri, AF&AM, 2010-2011, I would like to extend to all Missouri Masons an invitation to attend the 190th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Missouri, AF&AM. The session is to be held at the Holiday Inn Executive Center, 2200 I-70 Drive SW, Columbia, Missouri, on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, September 25th, 26th and 27th , 2011. Reservations may be made at the Holiday Inn by calling (573) 445-8531. Please inform the hotel at the time of your reservation that you are attending the Grand Lodge Session so that you will receive the Grand Lodge of Missouri group rate. Other nearby hotels include the Drury Inn (573) 4451800 and the La Quinta Inn & Suites (573) 445-1899. If you plan to attend the Monday Night Banquet, tickets may be purchased either in advance or during the Grand Lodge Session. Ticket prices and menu will be mailed to
Ronald D. Miller, Grand Secretary
Continued from previous page … His conclusion: “There is a general agreement that there are basic principles in Freemasonry which have existed from time immemorial. These are conceded to be Ancient Landmarks which are vital to the life of Freemasonry and its distinguishing features. We find that from 1856 to the present time there have been many attempts to definitely define and enumerate them. “Many of the enumerations were compiled before the critical and analytical scholars of the latter part of the nineteenth century had supplanted mythical and erroneous traditions with historical facts. The critical study of the old manuscripts by Hughan, Gould, Speth and Begeman has given the present day opportunities which were not available to the learned and brilliant writers of the middle of last century. Nine Grand Lodges have officially declared Mackey’s enumeration to be the Landmarks. Seven Grand Lodges have adopted lists of their own. Six Grand Lodges hold that the old charges contain the Landmarks. The others believe that any attempt to enumerate them or definitely declare what is and what is not a Landmark is to be avoided, following the precedent of the Grand Lodge of England and permitting it to be an open question.” Otis V. Jones, in an article from the Philalethes published in Things Masonic (Missouri Lodge of Research 1993) has this summary statement: “Ancient customs and usages of the Fraternity might seem to presuppose an agreement. Nevertheless jurists and scholars express widely divergent opin-
ions about them nor has any Grand Lodge ever promulgated a list that would be acceptable to all. To Freemasons it must mean words of tradition or actions that were appropriate to the early Masons to indicate metaphorically, the immutable character of the fundamental principles of our craft, our customs and dogma that cannot be ignored without harm to our fraternity.” The unknown writer of Short Talk Bulletin VII.12 (1929) gives this advice: It is, therefore, of real importance that Masons desiring to understand the law by which the Craft is governed, and the legal standards by which Grand Lodge measures its “laws, resolutions and edicts;” should read both the “Old Charges” and the “General Regulations of 1723.” When he reaches the last (thirty-ninth) of the “General Regulations,” he will read: “Every Annual Grand Lodge has an inherent Power and Authority to make new Regulations, or to alter these, for the real benefit of this Ancient Fraternity; provided always that the Old Landmarks be carefully preserved,” etc. In a delightful article by Dwight L. Smith, FPS, “Of Landmarks and Cuspidors,” published in Fiat Lux (Philalethes Society, 2009), this statement caught my attention: “We are wise if we can avoid the error of identifying as a Landmark any practice which may have been helpful a century ago, but long since has ceased to serve us well. Such practices are habits, and nothing more. Many of them belong in the same category as the cuspidor and the pot-bellied stove—worthy of sentiment, but no longer useful.”
Sincerely and Fraternally,
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Brotherly Love, Relief, & Truth Are Not Just Words By Gary Foote, PM I stood there in my good clothes looking into the faces, and shaking the hands of men I had seen so many times before. Hushed conversations between Brothers were going on all around me. These conversations were no more than just noise because of the sadness in my heart. Someone at the other end of the room signaled that is was time, and we all, in procession, walked into the next room. I stood to the left of the master of this ceremony, and reached into my pocket for that all-important, piece of paper with the full name, and important dates about my Brother who was laying so quietly behind me. The master of ceremonies was eloquent in his delivery and demeanor, and suddenly it was my turn. I stepped forward slightly and read the information. I included that my Brother had been in our Lodge for 57 years, he had been Master of the Lodge twice and 22 of those years he was Secretary. When I was finished, and as I lowered the piece of paper, I looked right into the eyes of his son and daughter-in-law. At that point I felt woefully inadequate. I could not then, nor would I ever, be able to say how much my silent Brother had influenced me, taught me, led me, and supported me. I stood there helpless to relay the thoughts and feelings that I should have said to my Brother over and over again; but now it is too late. Before I knew it, the ceremony was over. We left the room, the Aprons were safely put away for the next time, and we walked away from our Brother, never to see him again.
That night, as I sat in my easy chair in front of the flickering images on my television I could not quell the feeling of all that was lost. I was angry at myself for not speaking out to my Brother, and telling him how important he was to me. It seemed that each time I tried to say how much I appreciated him, the words made him uncomfortable, or he would just pat me on the shoulder, and say, “Well, You are my Brother.” I soon realized that he was my idea of a Mason, and one of the reasons I have stayed with the Fraternity for so many years. For over thirty years I looked into his eyes, and saw a friend and Brother. We did not always agree on Lodge matters, but I always knew that if I needed him he would be there. I say to my Brethren everywhere, do not be the one standing there helpless and inadequate. Tell your Brethren that go out of their way to build and help the Fraternity how important they are. I warn you, that you may have to pull them aside and speak to them, because many of them believe the way they act is the way it should be, and feel they are just being a Brother. What a wonderful organization, where so many members living the principles of Freemasonry. Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth are not just words. Gary Foote has been a member of Ray Lodge #223 in Camden for 30 years. He has served as Master four times, Secretary for six years, was a teacher of proficiencies and Lecturer on the third degree.
Sampson, Ava Lodges Remember Founding Brother The members of Sampson Masonic Lodge #298 and Ava Lodge #26 held a Masonic memorial service on Saturday, April 16, 2011, to honor the memory of Sampson David Roberts on the 75th anniversary of his death. Sampson Roberts being the namesake of Sampson Lodge in Theodosia. The Masonic service was performed at the grave site of Sampson Roberts in the Ava Cemetery, and was conducted by Royce Wheeler, District Deputy Grand Master of the 42nd Masonic District of Missouri. Sampson Roberts was born near Cabool, Missouri in 1858. He married his wife Sarah in 1879, and started his family as a cotton farmer near Lead Hill, Arkansas. He entered the Masonic Fraternity as a member of the Lead Hill Lodge. The family subsequently moved to the Longrun, Missouri area where Sampson was involved in raising cattle, horses, and mules. He transferred 94 Fall 2011
his Masonic membership to the Lodge at Protem. In 1898, at the age of forty, he entered the ministry and became a wellknown and respected Baptist Preacher. He was instrumental in organizing the Masonic Lodge in Lutie, (now Theodosia), and when chartered in 1900 the Lodge was named Sampson in recognition of his efforts. In 1923, the family moved to Ava where Sampson served the Congregation of the First Baptist Church. He transferred his Masonic membership to Ava Lodge #26. Sampson Roberts passed away on April 13, 1936 at the age of 77. The service was attended by 33 people including four of Sampson's grandchildren (all in their 80s), several great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. the missouri freemason
Swope Park Lodge Commemorates 100 Years With Two Special Events Grand Lecturer RWB Randy Jones (left) conducted a School of Instruction at Swope Park Lodge #617 on May 21. Before beginning, WM Charles Farris (right) presented him with a Swope Park Lodge lapel pin commemoratWM Charles Farris (right) presents RWB Randy Jones with a Swope Park Lodge lapel ing the 100th anpin commemorating the Lodge's 100th an- niversary of the niversary. Lodge. Regional Grand Lecturer (Region C) Glen Burrows and Study Club Director and Eighteenth District DDGL Paul Miller worked with attendees on the Second Section of the Third degree. Brethren from various district Lodges were in attendance. Swope Park was well represented by several Past Masters and the majority of its line officers. The event included a “Round Robin” ritual contest with ten brethren sitting in a circle for the EA proficiency examination. Each participant asked and answered the questions and the exercise continued around the circle, eliminating Brethren as they made mistakes. After several rounds, one Brother remained as the winner: RWB Larry Cameron. RWB Cameron received the Ritual Award Medal in recognition of the accomplishment. The judges were RWB Burrows, RWB Miller and RWB Jim Spencer, Past Grand Lecturer. The festivities began with a biscuit and gravy breakfast prepared by WB Ken Best. Lunch consisted of spaghetti and meatballs with sauce prepared by WB Charles Farris. Many thanks to Sister Jayna Walden, Bethel #1 Guardian, along with the Job’s Daughters and DeMolay members who assisted in serving the meal and cleaning up afterward. Also assisting in the kitchen were RWB Larry Cameron (PM ‘78), WB George Wilson (PM ’92), WB Frank Chester (PM ’94) and WB Mike Luellen (PM ’09). Thanks brethren! Great to have a group of Swope Park PMs who always come out and
work in the Lodge and downstairs in the kitchen. About two weeks later, on June 5, the Lodge celebrated its 100th Anniversary with an open Lodge and dinner. Approximately fifty brethren, their wives and guests were in attendance. The festivities began with members of the William F. Kuhn DeMolay Chapter presenting the American Flag, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and invocation by RWB Lawrence Cameron. Several special guests were then introduced by the Worshipful Master of the Lodge, Charles Farris, as follows: RWB John Hess, Deputy Grand Master of the State of Missouri; RWB Ronald Miller, Grand Secretary; RWB Ronald Jones, Grand Junior Steward; and RWB Tom Truman, Grand Chaplain. Following these introductions, the Grand Master of the State of Missouri, MWB Gail S. Turner, was introduced, given the Grand Honors and escorted to the East. RWB Cameron then gave the history of the Lodge, which began as Park Lodge in 1911, and after moving to various locations in its early years, was allowed to change MWB Gail S. Turner (left) Grand Master of addresses the brethren and guests its name to Swope Missouri during the centennial celebration of Swope Park Lodge in Park Lodge 617, as WM Charles Farris looks 1922. The pres- on. ent location of the Lodge was purchased in 1962, with the groundbreaking ceremony held on October 6, 1963, and dedication of the new Temple on January 20, 1966. After the history presentation, the floor was opened for comments regarding Swope Park Lodge. During this time, members of the Lodge, Order of Eastern Star, Royal Arch Masons, Order of DeMolay, and Job’s Daughters commented on the friendship and support given to them and their Masonic organizations.
MoCHIP Volunteer Extraordinaire “Good things come in small packages,” exclaims Nick Cichielo, MoCHIP State Coordinator. “In this case, small and mighty,” he adds, referring to Kate, a MoCHIP volunteer with a severe handicap. Kate was one of many volunteers on March 5th at the Magnolia-Euclid #626 MoCHIP event in Imperial, MO, but special in that there was nothing about her disability that would stop her from getting the job done. Regional Coordinator, Craig Skinner paired 12 year-old Kate with Anita Bean, Team #2’s expert fingerprinter, who incidentally has missed only 5 MoCHIP events in 5 years. Kate was a natural and though she had to employ some of her
own tricks to fingerprint the children, she was successful in her mission. Watch out Anita Bean, you have some competition. This event marked 117,000 children Identified to date in Missouri.
Anita Bean, Kate, Kate’s caretaker
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The First Lost Symbols of Saint Louis will not be The Last By Ty G. Treutelaar, SW, Saint Louis Missouri Lodge #1 obtainable and that the directions were clear and “The best twenty dollars each of us has ever concise. It was very rewarding that there was not spent on a Masonic activity”, so said a member of a single complaint about the clues or the directhe team from Crestwood Anchor Lodge #443 that tions. Photographs of the clues were also obtained participated in first Lost Symbols of Saint Louis. and special consideration was made to make sure After more than a year of planning by Saint Louis that none of this was in conflict with the concurMissouri Lodge #1, the event successfully was rent Susan G. Komen for the Cure event. held on June 11th, 2011. As the results were tabulated at the end of the The teams left the starting point at 10 am in day, the participants were rewarded with a wonsearch of thirty-three clues related to 200 years derful dinner as prepared by Trey Raith, JW of of Saint Louis and Masonic history. A map was Saint Louis Missouri Lodge #1. Toward the end provided for the route through the city, but none of dinner we read each clue with a photo of the of the sites were pinpointed on the map so a bit of answer, along with a quick bit of history and lots ingenuity and knowledge was needed to find the of laughter between the teams. Everything was answers. Six hours later, and just before the 4 pm very lighthearted and the first place winner was deadline, all of the teams made it safely back to the original starting point. None of the teams found all This was a difficult the team from Mitzpah Mount Moriah #40; folto find, but all the lowed by Crestwood Anchor Lodge #443 in secof the clues, but all of the clues were discovered, clue teams were successand there was not a single call for help. No one got ful. The grave of Thom- ond place and St James Lodge #230 in third place. as F. Riddick, the first All of us at Saint Louis Missouri Lodge #1 lost, and everyone had a great time. Grand Master of MisThere were many discoveries that surprised souri; and a member would like to thank the many volunteers and the many of the participants. Markings on crypts, lost of St Louis Lodge #111, financial generosity of Gary Kwawer, PM and Lodge #12, graves, lost buildings, rediscovered buildings, a Missouri and Missouri Lodge his wife Ann, who helped make this event a success. This event also would not have been possible Civil War battlefield, and a blessing from a Pope #1. without the support of the officers of the numerwere all part of the day. Even though the entire city was in play for this event, the most comments by far ous events that allowed us a few moments to speak at their came from the time spent in Bellefontaine Cemetery where events, and the unconditional support of the Missouri Lodge so much history is contained. All of us agreed that you could of Research in publishing our door prize clues on Facebook hold an entire event in that single location, and our Lodge and Twitter. We hope to present all the clues and their digital answers will do so in the near future. at an event in the future, and look for us again in October of Countless hours went towards producing this event, particularly in making sure that the clues were challenging but this year for our next scavenger event!
Grand Lodge Launches New Membership Information System The Grand Lodge of Missouri is pleased to announce the implementation of a new web-based membership system designed to allow Lodge Secretaries more input and control over their Lodge's membership records. Launched under pressure caused by destabilization of the former system, which was struggling to retain member data integrity, the new system went "live" in May, just prior to the Grand Secretary's Area Meetings. Having a web-based membership system allows Lodge Secretaries and Office Staff to view membership records in "real time," eliminating the need to wait for system updates in order to verify information. Secretaries may now enter degree dates, offices held by Lodge members, member deaths, and many more events which occur within regular business of the Lodge. The Grand Lodge of Missouri is one of the first Grand Jurisdictions to use a web-based system for its membership 96 Fall 2011
support. The system, which was written specifically for the Grand Lodge of Missouri, has largely drawn positive comments from those Lodge secretaries who use it regularly. Designed by a local firm, the owner of which is a Missouri Mason, the new system will be used to track membership statistics and Lodge statistics as well as lending support to Secretaries who wish to keep accurate Lodge records in a safe location. Lodge Secretaries who have not yet used the new system may contact the Grand Lodge Office to apply for a new Lodge account. At this time, only those members currently serving as Lodge secretaries will be given access to the system, which operates under multiple layers of security. The Grand Lodge Office is confident that the 2011 membership system is a strong step in the right direction toward updating and maintaining the accuracy of YOUR Masonic records. the missouri freemason
The "Traveling" Masonic Ring — One Mason to Another A True Story By Buzz Barrows, Secretary Union Lodge #593 The "Traveling" ring story begins at the end of one century and the beginning of the new one, 11 years ago, in the year of our Lord, 2000, in Union, Missouri. One of the Brothers of Union Lodge #593, who shall be known only as Brother "A", was given a beautiful white gold and yellow gold Masonic ring by his loving and devoted wife of more than 20 years. Shortly after receiving the ring, it mysteriously disappeared. A strict search was made in and about the home and no tidings could be had of the Masonic ring. Brother "A" and his family searched East and West, North and South, in and about the home, yard, shop and the neighborhood. Still the "Traveling" ring remained absent. Brother "A" notified the police and the pawn shops in Union Missouri. Then he went to neighboring cities and inquired of the pawn shop keepers if they had seen any Masonic rings pass their way. They had seen some pass their way but not his beautiful white gold and yellow gold Masonic ring. His search continued throughout the years, never giving up hope of finding the hiding place of the beautiful white gold and yellow gold Masonic ring Brother "A" went to St. Louis Jewelry Company in Union and inquired of them information on the ring his Wife had them make for him. Yes, they could identify it, as it was the only one like that they had ever made and they had a detailed description of the beautiful white gold and yellow gold Masonic ring. Having returned to Union Lodge #593 as an active officer in 2009, Brother "A" renewed his search for his elusive beautiful white gold and yellow gold Masonic ring. Again he questioned the pawn shops in and about Union and Franklin County. Still, no tidings could be had of his "Traveling" Masonic Ring. Then on a certain day in June, having visited a local pawn shop, for the story's sake, Pawn Shop "1", he was informed that there were indeed Masonic Rings, but not his beautiful
white gold and yellow gold Masonic ring. Only a week passed by. Enter into the scene a new Master Mason in Union Lodge #593. This new Brother, who shall be known as Brother "B", had been raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason and desired to acquire a Masonic ring to mark him visibly to the world that he was a Master Mason. Brother "B" went to awn Shop "1" only a week after Brother "A" had been told his ring was not there. awn Shop "1" showed Brother "B" a beautiful white gold and yellow gold Masonic ring, which he immediately bought. Soon afterward, having it at the Lodge Hall in Union, Brother "B" was proudly showing off his new ring when he showed it to Brother "A". Brother "A" immediately identified his beautiful white gold and yellow gold Masonic ring. Brother "A" retold the story of his missing beautiful white gold and yellow gold Masonic ring. Brother "B" took the ring off his finger and gave it to Brother "A" and said if this is yours then you shall have it. In Union Lodge #593 brotherly love became evident and peace and harmony prevailed. Brothers "A" and "B" then went to St. Louis Jewelry Company and verified it was the lost beautiful white gold and yellow gold Masonic ring, missing for more than 11 years. St. Louis Jewelry Company then set out to duplicate the ring worn by Brother "A" 11 years earlier but had traveled to unknown places and returned to Pawn Shop "1" only one week from the last search. Now Union Lodge #593 has 2 Brothers that wear beautiful white gold and yellow gold Masonic rings. No one knows where the "traveling" ring went, nor the sights it beheld, and cannot tell the secrets it knows, but Brother "A" never gave up hope of having his beautiful white gold and yellow gold Masonic ring return to him so he show the world he is a Master Mason. A true story as told to the Secretary of Union Lodge #593.
✮ Missouri Freemason Deadlines ✮ Winter, 2011 October 3, 2011 Summer, 2012 April 2, 2012 Spring, 2012 January 2, 2012 Fall, 2012 July 2, 2012 Email all articles and pictures! the missouri freemason Fall 2011 97
Grand Lodge to Hold “Town Hall” Area Meetings Brethren, this fall the Grand Lodge Area Meetings will take on a new feel as we explore the format of the Town Hall meeting. All Brothers from newly-degreed Entered Apprentices to experienced Master Masons are urged to participate in these meetings as we discuss the needs of “the Fraternity for Tomorrow”. Your Grand Lodge Officers are anxious to hear your thoughts and concerns regarding your membership in this great organization. Brothers who attend this fall’s meetings will be given an opportunity to share with others a statement or observation pertaining to the Fraternity. Cards will be distributed so that Brothers can write down their thoughts or concerns. Those cards will be collected so that comments which are not addressed during the meetings may be reviewed by your Grand Lodge Officers and membership committee. The schedule for the meetings is as follows: 1. F ri. Oct. 7, 2011 7:00 PM Jackson Lodge # 82 300 E. State St. Linneus, MO 2. S at. Oct. 8, 2011 9:00 AM Censer Lodge # 172 201 Pearl St. Macon, MO 3. S at. Oct. 8, 2011 2:00 PM Hannibal Masonic Temple 1102 Central Ave. Hannibal, MO 4. S at. Oct. 15, 2011 2:00 PM Jefferson Lodge #43 603 Ellis Blvd. Jefferson City, MO 5. F ri. Oct. 21, 2011 7:00 PM Rolla Lodge #213 400 E. Second St. Rolla, MO
6. S at. Oct. 22, 2011 11:00 AM Excelsior Lodge #441 204 S. High St. Jackson, MO 7. F ri. Oct. 28, 2011 7:00 PM Wentzville Lodge #46 602 Meyer Rd. Wentzville, MO 8. S at. Oct. 29, 2011 8:00 AM B-fast@Lodge Hall 9:00 AM Polar Star Rose Hill #79 11122 Olive Blvd. Creve Coeur, MO 9. S at. Oct. 29, 2011 2:00 PM Hope Lodge #251 109 Lafayette Washington, MO 10. F ri. Nov. 4, 2011 7:00 PM St. Joseph Scottish Rite 615 Robidoux St. Joseph, MO 11. S at. Nov. 5, 2011 8:00 AM Grand Master’s B-fast 9:00 AM Kansas City Scottish Rite 1330 Linwood Blvd. Kansas City, MO 12. F ri. Nov. 11, 2011 7:00 PM Joplin Scottish Rite 505 Byers Joplin, MO 13. S at. Nov. 12, 2011 8:00 AM Breakfast @ Temple 9:00 AM Gate of the Temple #422 1700 N. Boonville Springfield, MO 14. S at. Nov. 12, 2011 2:00 PM Clinton Lodge #548 1109 E. Ohio Clinton, MO We hope you’ll join us to discuss the fire and excitement in the fraternity and the things you can do, and we can do together, to strengthen your individual Lodge and the Grand Lodge as a whole. Communication is key!
Thirteen Men With a Vision April 16, 2011, was a day of celebration for Farmington Lodge #132. The occasion was the 100th anniversary of the construction of the Lodge Hall, and the 160th anniversary of our Charter from the Grand Lodge. Over 80 members, family, friends and honored guests were present. Among those present were MWB Gail S. Turner, Grand Master, and six other members of the Grand Lodge advancing line. Members of the Lodge served dinner with a special assist from the Eastern Star Sisters. Members celebrating Farmington Lodge's 160th anniversary, and the 100 th anniversary In attendance were MWB P. Vincent of the building gather on its front steps. Photo courtesy Saint Francis County Daily Journal. Our Junior Warden, Jason Crites, prepared a special slide Kinkead, Past Grand Master, who was raised in Farmington Lodge in 1945, RWB Gene Cole who show depicting the history of the Lodge. Several of the slides has been a member for over 60 years and WB Don Cheese- showed the Lodge Hall as it appeared just after completion brough, who at the age of 97, was the oldest member in at- in 1911. WM Duaine Francis introduced Grand Master Turner, tendance. A table of historical artifacts was on display. Included who made some congratulatory remarks to the Lodge. He in the display were the original minute books dating from stated that from an 1849 gathering of 13 men, 160 years of service to members, family and community was the result. 1849-1901 and the original charter issued in 1851. 98 Fall 2011
the missouri freemason
MoCHIP ID's 125,000th Child and gets a Guardian Angel What began as a routine MoCHIP (Missouri Child Identification and Protection Program) event on Saturday, May 14 became anything but, as MoCHIP Team #3 lead by Brent Hunt, ID'd the program's 125,000th child. Brayden is his name and he is a six-year-old ball of energy, very sweet and quite congenial. The MoCHIP event sponsored by Alpha Lodge #659 and held at Winnetonka High School (Kansas City) gained momentum as soon as the doors were opened, processing more than 175 kids just two hours after start time. Realizing how close MoCHIP was to achieving the 125,000 milestone and the probability of this event processing 300 children, Regional Coordinator, Brent Hunt contacted Nick Cichielo, MoCHIP's State Coordinator. After doing the math with 6 MoCHIP events taking place across the state that day, Nick quickly confirmed Brent's suspicions and a plan was quickly devised. Forty-seven minutes later, they had their boy. Of all the children in attendance, Brayden was by count the child chosen, though the members of team #3 believe it was more a matter of divine intervention. You see, four months ago our MoCHIP program lost a treasured Regional Coordinator and friend, Paul Hunt. Paul was involved with MoCHIP since its inception in 2005, and devoted nearly every Saturday to securing the safety of Missouri's children. He was passionate about the program and took pride in its booming success, but to Paul, it was always the children that touched his heart. That is why so many believe Paul Hunt had something to do with Brayden's becoming MoCHIP's 125,000th child, as Brayden happens to be a special needs child with limited hearing and potentially at greater risk of abduction simply because he does not hear. No parents want to believe the unimaginable could happen to them, though nearly 2,000 children are reported missing or abducted in the United States each day. MoCHIP has been tested seven times in Missouri that we know of, with all of those children returned home safely to their families. The peace of mind MoCHIP provides to Missouri families is invaluable. It's important to note here that GIRLS and BOYS ages 11-21 are statistically most susceptible to become missing, and though we cannot release details on the recoveries, each of the seven children were between the ages of 11 and 21. Today, MoCHIP consists of 7 regions throughout Missouri, 92 regional coordinators and team members, 84 computers, 14 fingerprint scanners, and has held a whopping 622 events with the support of more than 11,000 volunteers. Additionally, MoCHIP's comprehensive program has become
the prototype for all Masonic child ID programs internationally, and a recognized partner of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The program consists of five major components — digital photographs, digital fingerprints, vital child information and emergency contacts, a dental bite impression and two laminated ID cards. The photographs, fingerprints and child data are burned onto a mini-CD that is compatible with the AMBER ALERT system already in place. The dental impression provides a virtual diagram of the child's biting surface which, like fingerprints, is unique to each individual, and further supplies enough saliva to provide a DNA sample that can also be used as scent source for trained canine search teams. Combined, this five-part process provides a dramatic, time-sensitive recovery tool for authorities. Once the child is processed through the program, which generally takes only 15 minutes, the parent is armed with a single pre-printed envelope that instructs authorities in the event of an emergency, something a parent in crisis would undoubtedly have trouble with, and a proactive measure to combat the time sensitivity involved in recovery. Within a matter of minutes the MoCHIP CD can be loaded into a computer directly from a police officer's automobile and entered into the Amber Alert system. On the day of the MoCHIP event, parents are urged to gather pertinent information about such as, doctor, dentist, and emergency contact and phone numbers, allergies, medications, and parent work, cell, and assorted phone numbers. Information Collection Forms and Permission Slips can be downloaded from the mochip.org website and filled out ahead of time. Height charts and scales are available at the event to facilitate the most current details regarding the child. As would be expected, security and privacy are of utmost importance. All information and specimens are collected on site, processed and provided to the parent or legal guardian in a yellow envelope. At the end of each event, databases are erased using state-of-the-art software. The only item retained by the Masonic Children's Foundation is the signed permission slip. Please visit our website (www.mochip.org) for more information, to find an event in your area, or to schedule an event. We are also a featured cause on Facebook, and you can find us on Twitter too! For more information on becoming a corporate partner or to make a donation, please contact MCF Coordinator, Nicholas R. Cichielo (636-530-6069, email nick.mochip@ gmail.com).
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The Third Degree By Sam Land As we have discussed, the First Degree is all about physical and the world outside us and the Second Degree is about mental/emotional and the world inside of us. Now we must look deeply into the Third Degree and the spiritual world into which we are conceived. You have been at the altar twice now and each time more is asked of you. This time what is asked of you is all of you. You must now be totally committed to and willing to place your whole self at the service of creating the best man you can possibly be in this lifetime. As you have done in the past, you will need some quiet time to think about your “being” and what you are to attain. By now it easier for you to sit quietly in your chair, feet on the floor, hands resting in your lap or on the chair arms, your back comfortably straight, and to let your breathing settle into the slow rhythm you know so well. The things that are outside of you leave you and the things that are inside of you come easily to mind and feelings. Now you need to take a long search of your “self ” and locate your soul; the home of your spirituality, and the connectivity to your Supreme Being. You know that your heart is the home of your emotions and that your head is the home of your mind but where is your soul? Every one of us has a soul and that part of us is always connected to our spirituality and to our God at the other end. We have all put off for so very long in our life any attempt to find our soul and to become on good working terms with it. Your soul can be very small, indeed, as you have ignored it or thought it unimportant. Now you must correct that. It is there, lurking behind something, peeking around the corner at you because of all the times you have told it to be quiet or to go away. Now you must become friends before you can learn to trust one another. That small voice is there, quietly waiting for you to show some attention. It is there to help you make correct decisions for yourself and to push you onto the paths that you need to travel. It will help you with determination to persevere and strength to overcome. The more work you do together, the stronger will your relationship be and the faster will you
advance. It is a positive spiral instead of the negative spiral that you have been using. Aristotle kindly gave us the notion that “Nature abhors a vacuum.” This is easily seen by us when we try to stop smoking or drinking, or any other addictive habit. Each habit has taken up quite a bit of your life and when you stop there is a vacuum in that space. You begin to fill it with other things like chewing gum or eating. Soon you find that you have lost one habit only to take on another. The vacuum of space and time created by quitting your habit was filled with a new habit. As you leave the old habits of materialism, unsubdued emotions and tunnel rationality behind, you will need something better to occupy that time or the vacuum will be filled with other things you do not want. Fill it by relating with your soul. Make new habits, the ones that are good for you and fulfill your life, using your soul as your help and guide. Eat what you need to eat, drink what you need to drink, study what you need to study, act as you need to act, and love with all your heart your God and your neighbor. Naturally, when you think that you are done and at the end, nature has a way of stepping in, out of nowhere, and teaching you that there is still more to learn and/or more cleaning to do. As you gain more you get even more but the obligation also becomes greater. You will also become more responsible and secure and have a greater respect for yourself; each step of the way removing the vices and superfluities, creating that home not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Sam Land is the Lodge Education Officer for Jefferson Lodge #43 in Jefferson City, Missouri. He is also a member of Jefferson Chapter #34 RAM, Ezra Council #32 R&SM, Prince of Peace Commandery #29 KT, AASR Orient of Missouri, Valley of Columbia, 32°. He is a member of the Missouri Lodge of Research, the Southern California Research Lodge, The Masonic Society, and The Philalethes Society. Jefferson Lodge's email address is jefflodge43@aol.com and you can contact Brother Sam at samland10@yahoo.com.
Missouri Freemason Online The Missouri Freemason magazine is available online at http://momason.org/mfmm.asp. If you would prefer to receive your magazine via email instead of receiving the physical magazine through the US mail, let us know, either by emailing grlodge@momason.org (please put "ELECTRONIC EDITION" in the subject line) or by filling in and mailing the attached form and an email notification will be sent when the current issue is available online.
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Name ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Lodge ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� email address ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Mail to: Missouri Freemason Magazine, P.O. Box 1120, Kearney, MO 64060 100 Fall 2011
the missouri freemason
Rainbow Gets Girls Ready for Life Hello Missouri Masons! In June, we experienced our 85th Grand Assembly. Elizabeth Jester was our beautiful Grand Worthy Advisor for 2010-2011 and her theme was “Leave a Legacy.” On Friday morning, the Grand Officers came together for a practice and from there the session began its snowball. There were banquets, more practices, drills, a ritual competition, a wonderful initiation of new members into Missouri Assemblies, scholarships, many awards and, finally, my Installation. Here are some of the highlights: This year the Grand Representatives, representing Missouri in Grand Jurisdictions throughout the United States and in several countries, showed off their pantaloons decorated with their Jurisdictions’ information during an awesome drill. The pantaloons’ competition was in addition to a picture frame competition containing similar information. They had a fun competition displaying pop-tabs in various forms of jewelry. Maybe you were a judge in one of these competitions? The Grand Floor Officers’ drills were wonderful and I know Elizabeth was touched with their beauty. This past year we’ve spent time supporting Missouri’s Ronald McDonald Houses — either serving meals, helping with events or providing supplies. There was a way for everyone to get involved and I know the Houses appreciated everything we did! I’d like to tell Elizabeth and her officers (as well as our State Dean, Hannah Glass and her State Officers whose theme was “Be a Champion”) “thanks” for a memorial year! For this next year, I will be your correspondent! My name is Brianne Sisco and I am so proud to be a third-generation Rainbow Girl! I am a Sophomore Pre-Nursing major at Mizzou, where I attend the Rock Campus Church and am very active in the Canvas Bible Study Group. I am a member of the Nursing Student Council and the Student Nurses Association. Although I am an active member of Republic Assembly, while at school I have been attending Columbia Assembly. My theme this year is “Be Heard.” My message is this: God has called everybody to make a difference in the world, to take a stand and be heard. Follow after the heart of God rather than the people of the world. Be bold for your faith. Don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe in and what is right. Don’t be afraid to go against the crowd. I am looking forward to using the colors lime green, fuchsia pink, purple, aqua and yellow — brilliant versions of some of our Rain-
bow colors! For the first time in over 25 years, as Missouri’s Grand Worthy Advisor, I will be visiting each Assembly. My calendar is posted on our website: www.moiorg.org and Catherine Dent, our Supreme Inspector, will answer any questions you have about the visits. (Catherine can be reached at khakid@ aol.com.) Please check the calendar often and come to the visits near you! Serving with me as the State Dean of the Grand Cross of Color (like Rainbow’s Honor Society) will be Mrs. Jeanette Pierce from North Kansas City Assembly. Jeanette is a second generation Rainbow Girl that is all fired up to represent Grand Cross. Her theme is “Family, Friends, and Lifelong Traditions” and her Mascot is the dog who best portrays this theme: Snoopy (and his friends will be invited!). Together we will be asking Rainbow Girls, Grand Cross Masters and YOU to help support Camp Barnabas which is a Christian Camp in Purdy, Missouri, dedicated to helping people with special needs. (www.campbarnabas.org) They have week-long camps throughout the summer, each designed for a different type of need or disease such as physical, mental, developmental, Autistic, Asperger’s, craniofacial syndrome disabilities or chronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes or Cystic Fibrosis. There are burn victims, amputees, people who are blind, visually impaired, deaf or hard-of-hearing. Maybe you, a family member or friend have utilized Camp Barnabas in the past! The camp commonly serves people from about age 7 to 45. Attendees have a chance to get away from their normal struggle with everyday life for an amazing week at Camp with friends while canoeing, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, ropes course, and much more! We need to collect items that they use each day to keep the camp going. You may email Catherine for a complete Wish List, or simply do this: two of the most needed items are Toilet Paper (1,000 rolls a week are needed) and napkins (10,000 a week are needed) — please help us by taking these items to your closest Rainbow Assembly to turn in to me. I look forward to meeting many of you at Grand Lodge this year. Please do not hesitate to approach me and introduce yourself! This promises to be an exciting year in our Missouri Rainbow and I certainly hope you join us! Don’t be afraid … BE HEARD! Brianne Sisco, Grand Worthy Advisor, State of Missouri International Order of the Rainbow for Girls
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Job's Daughters of Missouri recently held its annual session at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City. Great fellowship, competitions and business meetings were held, but above all the daughters of MisThe Grand Bethel Trio: Grand Bethel souri had a chance to Senior Princess Tiffany Hudson, Grand Bethel Honored Queen Ashley Ray reconnect, socialize and and Grand Bethel Junior Princess find new friends. I am Amy Bush. Ashley Ray from Bethel #43 in Fenton and I was installed as the new Grand Bethel Honored Queen. I will be serving this year with Miss Kim Underwood, Grand Guardian; she is from Bethel #12 in St. Louis, and Dad Joe Braun, the Associate Grand Guardian. Dad Joe is from Bethel #34 in Bonne Terre, Missouri. We look forward to traveling across the state and visiting with members of many of the Masonic family Organizations. As you read this article we will be packing to leave for the Grand Lodge convention and I am excited and a bit nervous to bring greetings to the Missouri Masons from the Job's Daughters. Be sure to stop by our table and pick up information on how Masons can support our girls and how we can help your Lodge. In July, Missouri was thrilled to welcome the world of Job's Daughters to St. Louis. We hosted Supreme Session at
the Millennium Hotel the last week in July and had delegations from all over the United States, Canada, Brazil, Australia and the Philippines. What a great experience. It was incredible to share our great state and city with them. Mom Toni Underwood retired as Supreme Guardian and I am sure Bethel #12 is glad to have her back home. I would like to invite all Masons to the Miss Missouri Pageant on October 1, at the Scottish Rite in Kansas City. We will select our new Miss Missouri, Jr. Miss and Miss Congeniality. It is always a fun weekend and a great chance to meet some fabulous girls. We end the weekend with a worship service at the Kansas City Masonic Home Chapel. My Bethel will be holding a reception in my honor on November 12, so if you are in the Fenton area, stop by. They promise some “Down on the Farm” fun to go with my theme for the year. My motto this year is “Find the seed at the bottom of your heart and bring forth a flower.” I hope all Masonic Family organizations grow and flourish this year. Sincerely, Ashley D. Ray, Grand Bethel Honored Queen of Missouri
If You Haven't Met This Person, You Should No one can help you minimize taxes, protect your assets, and find the best ways to provide for your favorite people and organizations like a qualified estate planning attorney. But where do you find one who fits your needs, personality style and budget? These three steps can help. Step 1: Collect Names Here are some common resources to help you identify estate planning attorneys in your area: • References from friends, relatives and co-workers • Referrals from a local bar association or estate planning council • Recommendations from charities you trust, especially if you're considering making a planned gift through your will or trust • The American Bar Association's Internet lawyer referral service, www.abanet.org — search for attorneys in your area and research firms or individual attorneys to identify which ones specialize in trusts and estates, or wills and probate 102 Fall 2011
Step 2: Acquire Information Once you've compiled a list of possible contenders, research them more to determine the following information: • Experience and references • How fees are charged, along with an estimate of costs • Professional accomplishments • The number of principals working in the office • Office hours • Areas of specialty • Percentage of work devoted to estate planning • Alliances with professionals in related fields that may be of help Step 3: Make Your Choice You now have enough information to make an informed decision, but we would be happy to further help you locate an estate planning attorney who works well with your unique situation. For more help, feel free to contact the Masonic Home at 800-434-9804.
the missouri freemason
The Donor Profile — Corey Faler Corey Faler was born in Farmington, Missouri. Shortly after his family moved further south to Van Buren, Missouri where Corey was raised and graduated High School. After graduation Corey came to Columbia, Missouri to attend Columbia College. Shortly after that, Corey became an employee of the Masonic Home of Missouri in the Maintenance Department. In 2008 Corey graduated with honors (Magna Cum Laude) with a BS in Business Administration, with majors in Accounting, Finance, and Management. Soon after, Corey accepted a position in the Accounting Department within the Masonic Home. In March 2011, Corey returned from his second deployment with the Missouri Army National Guard in Afghanistan. He has served with the Army National Guard for almost 11 years now and currently serves as NCOIC (Non Commissioned Officer in Charge) of Communications for the 205th Military Police Battalion out of Poplar Bluff, Missouri. When asked what he likes to do in his spare time, Corey said, "Family means a lot to me. It's the most important thing in my life. I had a good upbringing. My mother taught me the value of a dollar, responsibility and of the presence of the good Lord above that instilled the values in me to get me where I am today. My Dad taught me the presence of mind to be a respectable young man and provided the guidance and example of having a humble heart and to take pride in every
aspect of my life. I enjoy spending any free time or weekends that I have with my brother and two sisters that currently live in the Columbia area and with my parents and few step brothers and sisters that live throughout the state. I was able to get back in time from Afghanistan to take my first vacation in nine years with my stepbrother and his family to Walt Disney World in Florida." When asked why he has chosen to support the Masonic Home of Missouri, he responded, "It's one of the greatest charities for those in need right here in Missouri. While working at the Home I have the opportunity of seeing just how the Masonic Home has been a benefit to Masonic families and children in need. Because of this, in 2007, I became a Truman Club member and have continued to be and active participant and plan on continuing to contribute in any way that I can." In May 2011, Corey accepted a position as an Administrator NCO with Homeland Emergency Response Force, stationed out of Poplar Bluff, Missouri. He will be missed at the Masonic Home, but Corey is moving on to continue helping others in distress providing hands on aid from natural disasters. The Masonic Home of Missouri Board of Directors wishes to thank Corey for his service to the Masonic Home through not only his monetary support, but also through his dedicated eight years of employment. We all wish him the very best as he continues to serve his country on the home front.
What are REFERRALS? Many of you have heard us say time and time again to keep your eyes and ears open with your fellow members. Why in the world do we keep saying this? There are many reasons we ask you to stay in contact with your members, but one said reason is it continues to be a very crucial piece to the Masonic Home of Missouri Outreach Program. The Outreach Program on average receives 15 referrals a month regarding individuals who are in possible need of assistance and with each instance our staff takes time to investigate each situation. At this point you may be saying, "How would I make a referral to the Masonic Home and what information do you need?" The process is very simple and it can be handled in several different ways: email, phone or mail via a
referral card. Once you have made a decision on how you will be contacting the Masonic Home, it is then important to provide the following information on the individual being referred: • Name of person being referred • Address of person being referred • Phone number of person being referred • Lodge or Chapter of person being referred • Name/Address and Phone Number of person making the referral • Please let us know if you would like your identity to be kept anonymous Lastly, we would need you to provide us with the reason Continued on page 105 …
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A Message From Masonic Home Executive Director, Keith Neese As we wind down another Masonic calendar year, we begin to plan for the new year that is to come. It has been a year of difficult decisions, as many of you are aware, but with any change comes opportunities. The Masonic Home of Missouri has started holding Masonic Home Area Meetings. The purpose is to provide Masonic Home Representatives with the tools they need to increase their role as ambassadors for the Masonic Home. We want to recognize them for the hours of hard work they have put forth and supply them with information they need to fulfill their duties as the liaison between the Masonic Home and your Lodge. I also want to reassure you that the Masonic Home is here for you, our message "We Are Where You Are," illustrates the programs provided through the Masonic Home of Missouri to a "T". Our very own Outreach Program continues to reach into the lives of our members throughout the state providing individualized assistance specific to their situation and circumstance, while being able to keep people within their familiar s urroundings. We also continue to seek out widows of Masons and add them to our database; it is yet another way to keep connected to those ladies and keep them informed of the programs available. Lastly, our Children's Out-
reach and Creating-A-Partnership Programs continue to provide necessary support statewide, providing needed aid to children within our membership and communities. At this time of change I implore you to take this opportunity to learn about the great programs being provided by the Masonic Home of Missouri and learn how lives are being changed daily. We are truly blessed as Masons to have such an invaluable resource. I encourage you to learn about these services and hope that you will embrace the changes with an open mind as we look toward the future and what great possibilities well be coming before us. Fraternally,
H. Keith Neese, Executive Director, Masonic Home of Missouri
A Message From Masonic Home President, John Hess Dear Brother Missouri Masons, The Masonic Home of Missouri Board of Directors made the decision at its May Board of Directors meeting to sell the Masonic Home Assisted Living Facility in Kansas City, Missouri to Americare Corporation. The process began on June 1, 2011, and was completed with the signing of all appropriate documents on June 30, 2011. Effective July 1, 2011, the facility will have a new name, "Summit View Terrace." The transition has been smooth with very little effect on your residents. The majority of the staff, who has cared for our residents so well for so many years, will remain. Year after year we've seen expenses exceed revenue forcing the Masonic Home Board of Directors to take this hard step. Across the country more and more Masonic Homes are looking at ways to leave brick and mortar behind and provide services that resemble our very own Outreach Program. By taking this action we will continue to broaden our mission, "To assist eligible adults and children in need by practicing the principles of Freemasonry." We feel this is a positive move for the Masonic Home and Masonic Fraternity. Our goal is to make this transition as seamless as possible for our residents and staff. The corporation purchasing the Masonic Home Assisted Living Facility is headed by a Missouri Master Mason and former member of the Masonic Home Board of Directors who served from 1998-2001. He is familiar with who we are, what we do for our members and we have no doubt his organization will continue to provide excellent care. Americare is based 104 Fall 2011
in Sikeston, Missouri, and has been providing quality eldercare services throughout the region for over thirty years. The company operates 50 assisted living facilities and 11 skilled nursing facilities in Missouri alone, with 50 more in Kansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Illinois. They are a respected provider with state and local regulatory agencies and are ranked in the top 100 long term care companies in the nation. But at heart — they are a small town company and have held true to those values. Americare empowers the local management team to run each facility in a way that's responsive to its customers, employees and market. The resources, innovation and know-how they bring to the table make them the perfect provider to assume operations at our Kansas City home. For 20 years Missouri has been a pioneer for the Outreach Services model of assistance. States like Illinois have followed Missouri's lead providing program-based services to Master Masons, widows and female members of the Eastern Star who qualify for "Outreach" assistance. It is the hope of the entire Board that the Freemasons of Missouri support this needed change in the operation of the Masonic Home of Missouri. Fraternally, John W. Hess, President Masonic Home Board of Directors the missouri freemason
C O N F I D E NT IA L
PARTNERING OPPORTUNITIES
Masonic Home of Missouri
Name �����������������������������
I am pleased to inform you of the following gift to support the mission and work of the Masonic Home of Missouri. I/we have taken the following action: ❑ Named the Masonic Home of Missouri in a will or codicil ❑ Contributed to a charitable trust identifying the Masonic Home of Missouri as a beneficiary ❑ Arranged a contribution by charitable gift annuity ❑ Included the Masonic Home of Missouri in some other planned giving instrument (please describe) ————————————
Home Address ���������������������� City ������������������������������ State ������������������������������ Zip Code ��������������������������� Home Phone (_____) ���������������� Best Time to Call (a.m. or p.m.)
❑ Designated the Masonic Home of Missouri as a beneficiary in a retirement plan
Birth Date �������������������������
❑ Please contact me regarding Partnering Opportunities
Email Address ����������������������
❑ Please keep my gift confidential ❑ I/we would like to make a planned gift for the benefit of the Masonic Home of Missouri. Please contact me to assist in my/our choice and completion of the gift. Please complete this form and mail it or email it to Keith Neese kneese@mohome.org or Sara Snodderley ssnodderley@mohome.org. If you have specific questions please call (800) 434-9804.
The Masonic Home of Missouri is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization. Continued from page 103 … you are referring this individual and potentially what type of assistance the individual may need. When making a referral it is imperative to remember that all individuals identities are kept in strict confidence and any decision made regarding said individual will not be disclosed. It is also important to remember that only the following individuals are eligible to be referred to the Outreach Program:
• Missouri Master Masons • Wife of a Mason • Widow of a Mason • Missouri female member of the Order of the Eastern Star There are many Brothers and sisters among us who are struggling in silence and at times it takes the action of others in order to obtain the assistance they may desperately need. Thank you again for watching out for your fellow members.
Pictured are participants in the recent Masonic Home Widows' Lunch in Springfield, Missouri.
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Lodge News & Notes • Fraternal Lodge #363 in Robertsville, Missouri, opened its doors to the "Ride For Sight," sponsored by the Fenton Lions Club. The Lodge had lunch available for the riders. Even the neighbors came out to talk to the riders and admire their bikes. • Solomon Lodge #271 will sponsor a Sporting Clays Shoot September 10, 2011. It will be held at the Ozark Shooters Sports Complex in Branson, Missouri. Registration is 9:00 AM, Shooting starts at 10:00 AM. It is a 100-bird sporting clays event. Event Sponsor: $2,500 Team of 16+16 Raffle Tickets & Signage; Corporate Sponsor: $500 Team of 4+4 Raffle Tickets & Signage; Station Sponsors: $200; Individuals - $75 per person. Fees include entry, lunch and prizes for top place finish; Scoring by Lewis Class with three divisions; Awards
& raffle during lunch. Our goal this year is to provide approximately $6,000 of benefit to Bowerman and McGregor schools. This is a large increase; however, with your support and participation we can make a significant difference in the lives of these children. Solomon Lodge #271 had been supporting Bowerman and McGregor schools over the years with gifts that range from $250 to $500 annually. These schools have approximately 95% of their kids participating in the reduced and or free lunch program. Needless to say, these kids live under very difficult circumstances. The teachers are also challenged in being able to keep the children focused when their basic needs such as coats, hats, and clothing are not met.
Branson Masonic Lodge hosted a Masonic Home dinner and meeting on April 20, 2011. Masonic Home representative Shannon Findley conducted the meeting, attended by over 20 people. She explained how the home works within the community as well as the benefits it has to offer Master Masons, their windows and children. Thanks to Beverley's restaurant for catering a great meal. Pictured left to right: WB Jeff Loehr. RWB Webb Edwards, Shannon Findley and WM Lyle Stanley.
Mt. Zion Lodge #327 at West Plains installed its 2011-2012 officers June 11. From left to right front row, Lenny Eagleman, Senior Deacon; Scott Snyder, Worshipful Master; Jon Baltz, Senior Warden; Josh Hoffman, Junior Deacon; Wayne Calhoun, Chaplain; Jerry Marsh, Secretary. Second row Justin Bennett, Junior Steward; Dylan Anderson, Junior Warden; Steve Petrey, Marshall. Installing officers top row, Right Worshipful Brother Royce Wheeler, DDGM of the 42nd Masonic District; Right Worshipful Brother Randy Upton, DDGL of the 42nd Masonic District.
On Saturday May 14, the members of Sampson Lodge #298 teamed up with the graduating seniors of Lutie High School in Theodosia for a fundraiser breakfast served at the Lodge. All profits were donated to "Project Grad," which provides for a fun and safe post graduation celebration.
Members of Camden Point Lodge #169 gathered on the Saturday before Easter to pack and distribute Special Easter greetings to the Widows and “senior” members of the Lodge during their spring visits. This is an annual event that our special Masonic family members welcome with anticipation each Easter. This year, 25 gift bags filled with hams, fruit, cookies and candy, all donated by members, were delivered. Pictured left to right: Chris Dunn, JW; Arvin Kelley, PM, Tiler; Ron O’Neal, JD; Kevin Hampton, WM; David Woehrman, SD; Photo by Ron Hewitt, SW.
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University Lodge #683 donated $500.00 to the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks from proceeds earned at its 4th annual pulled pork lunch fundraiser. Pictured are Jim Pierce, SW; Lindsay Todd, Program Coordinator of BCFO; Eric Tackett WM; Crystal Hartin, Executive Director of BCFO; Blake Louderback, JW.
On Sunday, June 19, members of Sampson Lodge #298, Theodosia, participated in the memorial service for PFC Matthew England, US Army, held in Gainesville, Missouri. PFC England, a 2007 graduate of Lutie High School in Theodosia, was killed in Iraq when the armored vehicle he was driving struck a roadside explosive device.
The first annual Masonic Brotherhood Night at the Ballpark was held on July 8, 2011. The event was organized by Brothers Bryan Spencer and Randy Davis of Polar Star Rose Hill Lodge #79 to bring together Brothers and their families from the St. Louis Metro Area. The ballgame was between the River City Rascals and the Lake Erie Crushers of the Frontier League at the TR Hughes Ballpark in O'Fallon, Missouri. Brother Randy Davis threw out the first pitch of the game and the ball managed to make it to the catcher, although it ended up with a bit of dirt on it. There were 40 participants this year and everybody had a great time as the weather was perfect and the company was as well.
Billings Lodge #379 presented a donation in the amount of $700 to the Missouri Honor Flight Program, helping to send World War II veterans to view their memorial in Washington DC. Pictured at the presentation are WM Tom Williams, Lodge Secretary/Masonic Home Representative David Hart and Jamie Dopp, Board Member and Honor Flight Representative. The presentation was made at the NBC KY3 Television Station, Springfield.
On June 9, 2011, Samaritan Lodge #424 presented checks to North County R-1 School District for Creating a Partnership by requesting Grand Lodge to match the Lodge's donation. Pictured are Worshipful Master Brian Boyer, school social workers Melissa Stetina and Nicole Sprinkles and Samaritan Lodge Secretary Dan Ward.
Monroe Lodge #64 held its annual Lenten Breakfasts April 18 through April 22. It was the 14th year the Lodge held the non-denominational services. Each year it seems to be a more rewarding experience than the previous year. This year the Lay speakers were from the Christian Church, Catholic Church, Methodist Church and the First Baptist Church. Beautiful music each morning came from Holy Rosary Catholic, Christian Church, and the Christian Church Choir. A host of Monroe City residents received a full meal. Friday, several of the Ladies in the community brought casseroles. Most of all there was a lot of sharing, prayer and compassion shown by each and every person attending. Brotherly love prevailed.
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Webb City Lodge #512 presented a 50-year pin to Past Master Maurice Clark Thursday night March 24. Campbell has been a Master Mason since 1961 and was Master of Webb City Masonic Lodge #512 in 1971. Webb City Lodge Master John Kuehn presented WB Campbell with a pin from the Grand Lodge of Missouri as appreciation for his service to the fraternity and community. A pin and certificate were also presented to Clyde R. Smith, who has been a Master Mason in Webb City Lodge for 60 years. The Lodge also honored all Past Masters of the Lodge with a dinner prepared by Webb Chapter #204, Order of the Eastern Star.
Brother Martin Jones received his 50-year membership pin at the altar in Belle Lodge #373 on March 29, 2011. Brother Jones started out in Vichy, Missouri, at Lanes Prairie Lodge #531. He was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on April 8, 1961. He transferred his membership to Belle Lodge #373 on January 15, 1968, and has been a faithful member ever since. All the members of Belle Masonic Lodge wish Brother Jones a long healthy life and hope to keep seeing him come through our doors. Pictured (left to right): WM John Crossley, Brother Jones and RWB John Bayless, 29th Masonic District DDGM.
Webb City Lodge #512 presented a 50-year pin to Past Master Racy D. Campbell Thursday night February 10. Brother Campbell has been a Master Mason since 1960 and was Master of Carterville Lodge in 1966 before it merged with Webb City in 2003. Webb City Lodge Master John Kuehn presented WB Campbell with a pin and certificate from the Grand Lodge of Missouri in appreciation for his service to the fraternity and community.
On April 18, 2011, Hale City Lodge #216 presented WB Bill Hartwig with a 50-year membership pin. His son, WB Keith Hartwig, presented the pin. Shown left to right are WB Keith Hartwig and WB Bill Hartwig.
New Bloomfield Lodge #60 presented Brother Richard Clardy his 50-year jewel and certificate from the Grand Lodge of Missouri for 50 years of faithful service to the Fraternity. Worshipful Master Mike Backer made the presentation.
Perseverance Lodge #92 recently presented Stephen Glascock his 50-year jewel and certificate from the Grand Lodge of Missouri. Secretary Dean Thomas is shown delivering his certificate and 50-year pin to him.
On April 18, 2011, Hale City Lodge #216 presented Brother Donald Baker with a 65-year membership pin. Brother Howard Baker presented the pin. Shown left to right: Brothers Donald Baker and Howard Baker.
On May 5, 2011, Brother Earnest Hanson received his 50-year pin at Mt. Hope Lodge #476 in Odessa, Missouri. Making the presentation was RWB John W. Hess, Deputy Grand Master. Also in the photo is Larry Goodwin, Master, and RWB Ron Jones Junior Grand Steward.
On September 20, 2010, Hale City Lodge #216 presented Brother Harry Lyon a 50-year membership pin. RWB Lloyd G. Lyon made the presentation. Shown left to right: Brother Chris Lyon, RWB Lloyd G. Lyon, Brother Harry Lyon and Brother Gary Hughes.
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Fellowship Lodge had the great honor of presenting Don R. Kingry his 50-year certificate and pin at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Lodge on Thursday, April 14. RWB Gary Phillips (conducting the ceremony), presented Brother Kingry with his 50year certificate and commemorative pin, recognizing his milestone accomplishment. Pictured (right to left) are RWB Gary Phillips, Brother Don Kingry, and Worshipful Master Royce P. Wahl, Jr.
New Bloomfield Lodge #60 presented Brother Wayne Palmer his 50-year jewel and certificate from the Grand Lodge of Missouri for 50 years of faithful service to the Fraternity. Worshipful Master Mike Backer made the presentation.
Branson Masonic Lodge was recently proud to present Brother William Earl Miller with his 50-year jewel. WB Kevin Weibe conducted the ceremony with the assistance of SD Rick Hutchensen. Brother Miller was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on April 11, 1961 in Branson Masonic Lodge. He is a well-respected member of the community and of the Masonic Fraternity.
At its regular stated meeting on May 11, Ralls Lodge #33 at Center presented Brother George Lane with a well-deserved 50-year pin. Brother Lane is a well-respected member of the Ralls County agriculture and political community. Pictured presenting the award is RWB Charles Scrogin, DDGM.
Perseverance Lodge #92 recently presented 50-year pins to two Brothers. From left to right Worshipful Master Tim Turco; Willard Wamsley, 50 year pin recipient; Thomas Hamlett, District Deputy Grand Master of the 26th District and 50-year pin recipient Jim Flaherty.
On April 14, 2011, RWB James Spencer, assisted by RWB Ed Shubert, presented WB Roy Roberts his 50-year pin and certificate from the Grand Lodge of Missouri at Sheffield Lodge #625. Since there was no degree work this night, this presentation became the highlight of the evening.
Worshipful Master Homer G. Ellis, WB Don Adams And Larry Hilburn of Washington Lodge #87 presented Brother Parley Pierce his 50-year pin from the Grand Lodge of Missouri at his home.
On May 16, 2011, Hale City Lodge #216 presented Brother David March with a 50-year membership pin. Shown left to right: James Burks, SW; RWB Lloyd G Lyon, WM; Tim Jackson, Treasurer; RWB Lee A. Fisher; David March, Secretary; RWB Reggie Crose, SD; Travis Summers; RWB Norris Hensley; DDGL Bruce McWilliams.
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On March 26, 2011, Mount Vernon Lodge #99 presented a 65Year Pin to Brother Robert Zent. Past Master and Secretary Jim Maenner, WM Jonathan Howell and DDGM Kevin Sligar conducted the ceremony. Brother Clinton Zent presented the pin to his grandfather. Pictured are (left to right) Front Row: Mrs. Zent; Robert Zent; Back Row: Allen Dingerson, SW; Jonathan Howell, WM; Clinton Zent; Kevin Sligar, DDGM; Jim Maenner, Past WM/Secretary.
On Sunday, May 22, 2011, Brother Robert Slaughter was honored for achieving 50 years in Masonry. Senior Grand Warden of Missouri Masons David L. Ramsey conducted the ceremony. Pictured, front row (left to right): Bill Mobley, Don McClellan, Robert Slaughter, RWB David L. Ramsey, Shane Rowland and Herb Austin; back row Queen City Lodge #380 Brothers Ed Berry, Randy Johns, Willard Alexander and Royce Jefferies.
"The Work of our Craft" continued from page 107 …
Worshipful Master Bruce E. McGlasson, left, presents Brother Roger M. Westerhoff his Masonic Bible and Certificate of degrees. Brother Westerhoff received the degrees at Union Masonic Lodge #593 on June 24, 2011.
The Mt. Zion Masonic Temple building, 304 East Main St. in West Plains, has been listed by the US Department of Interior on the National Register of Historic Places. The building has been a part of the West Plains landscape and cultural fabric of the community for over 75 years. We are very proud of this historic designation, and hope this building will continue to serve the community for years to come.
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Worshipful Master Bruce E. McGlasson presented Brother Anthony W. Hendricks, Union Lodge's newest Master Mason, with his Masonic Bible and Certificate of the Degrees at the Stated meeting of Union Lodge #593 on June 10, 2011. Brother Hendricks is seen wearing the Jewel of the Chaplain. He filled in for WB Donald Hall, Chaplain, who was absent due to illness.
Washington Lodge #87 hosted widows of its former members on April 9, 2011. Pictured (left to right) are Nancy Brown, Pat Atkisson, Edith Friend, Betty Gillen and Dorothy Pendergrass.
Members of Jewel Lodge #480 and American Legion Post #53 co-sponsored a program to salute the American Flag on Flag Day, June 14, at the Lodge in Pleasant Hill, Missouri. Prayer was offered for the safety of our troops at home and abroad followed by a history of the pledge of allegiance given by Brother Glen Osborn. All present then pledged allegiance to the flag. The national anthem was sung, led by 7-yearold Miss Kennedy Donovan.
In January, Marcus Lodge #110 in Fredericktown had its installation of officers for the 2011 term. Glen “Buck” Needham will serve as Worshipful Master for the coming year.
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On June 4, 2011, Worshipful Brother Claude Malone presented Brother Leonard Frost with his 50-year pin and certificate from the Grand Lodge of Missouri. Witnessing this special event was Brother Leonard’s wife of 22 years Irene and numerous Lodge Brethren. Brother Leonard was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on June 7, 1961.
On May 17, 2011 at an open meeting of Kirksville Lodge #105, Brother Ed Smiser was presented with his 50-year jewel and certificate from the Grand Lodge of Missouri. Pictured with Brother Smiser are (left to right) his son J.D. Smiser, Brother Smiser and his daughter Leslie Motter. Most Worshipful Brother Dale Motter made the presentation.
Brother Delmar Weber received his 50-year pin and certificate from the Grand Lodge of Missouri at Samaritan Lodge #424 on May 19. Pictured are RWB Dale Newcomer, Brother Weber and his wife Deanna.
WB Bob Williams received his 50-year pin on May 2 at Corinthian Lodge #265, Warrensburg. WB Fred Wolff conducted the ceremony and is shown presenting WB Williams his award as Mrs. Betty Williams looks on in the background.
Brother Donald D. Williams received his 50-year pin and certificate from the Grand Lodge of Missouri recently at Independence Lodge #76. RWB Dan Haskell is shown presenting Brother Williams with a hand-carved Masonic cane as Brother Williams’ wife Anne looks on.
At a special ceremony held recently at Lexington Lodge #149, Mr. Jim Winningham of Lexington was presented his 50-year membership jewel and a certificate from the Grand Lodge of Missouri. Presiding was Right Worshipful Brother Bill Siegfried, District Deputy Grand Master of the 15th District. On hand for the presentation was Mr. Winningham’s family, members of the Lexington Lodge and members of Lexington Chapter #248, Order of the Eastern Star. Brother Winningham’s wife Virginia is shown presenting the pin.
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POSTMASTER: Please send Address Forms 3579 to Grand Secretary, 6033 Masonic Drive, Suite B, Columbia, Missouri 65202-6535.
Sine Qua Non Dr. E. Otha Wingo, PDDGL 38, FMLR otha.wingo@gmail.com Why this confusion and inattention to business among the craft? We have made strict search in and about the temple and no tidings can be had of our “Ancient Landmarks.” In an extensive survey of articles and books on the Ancient Landmarks I find no definitive list, no consistency in the discussions or even the number of them. Opinions range from none or one to several hundred. Mostly Landmarks are equated with or confused with ancient charges or basic tenets. The “Ancient Landmarks” are claimed to be the Sine Qua Non of Freemasonry, i.e., as MWB Melvin M. Johnson, Past Grand Master of Massachusetts, stated in The Builder (July, 1923): “The Landmarks are those essentials of Freemasonry without any one of which it would no longer be Freemasonry.” We are often reminded of one of the last injunctions in our degrees: “Our Ancient Landmarks you are carefully to preserve and not to suffer them on any pretense to be infringed,” Yet we are never told exactly what the
Landmarks are. Traditionally questions about Masonic Landmarks were referred to Albert G. Mackey, who settled on twenty-five (The Principles of Masonic Law, 1856). “The first requisite, therefore, of a custom or rule of action to constitute it a Landmark is, that it must have existed from ‘time whereof the memory of man runneth not to the contrary.’ Its antiquity is its essential element…. The last and crowning Landmark of all is, that THESE LandmarkS CAN NEVER BE CHANGED. Nothing can be subtracted from them—nothing can be added to them—not the slightest modification can be made in them. As they were received from our predecessors, we are bound by the most solemn obligations of duty to transmit them to our successors. Not one jot or one tittle of these unwritten laws can be repealed….” King Solomon is often quoted to show the antiquity and absoluteness of so-called Landmarks. “Remove not the ancient Landmark which thy fathers have set.—Solomon.”
However, this is misquoted from Deuteronomy 19:14: Thou shalt not remove thy neighbor’s Landmark, which they of old time have set in thine inheritance, which thou shalt inherit in the land that the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it. (KJV) This clearly refers to boundary markers for property lines. In recent years, reference is made to Henry Wilson Coil’s Masonic Encyclopedia: “The Ancient Landmarks, an American exploitation, started with the greatest pretensions, produced considerable dissension and dispute, and ended in fiasco. The fad was, until well toward the end of it, entirely confined to the United States, the rest of the Masonic world giving little heed. When foreign writers did enter the field they were no less incomprehensible than the beginners.” There follow 12 large pages of small type summarizing the major treatises on Landmarks, including a summary of how all the Grand Lodges treat Continued on page 92