FREEM The
SON
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF MISSOURI A.F. & A.M.
VOL. 62 NUMBER 2 • WINTER 2017
The Freemason®
Vol 62 No. 2 January 2017 ©Grand Lodge of Missouri A.F. & A.M.
The 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 quarterly.
Inside this Issue... 03 Grand Lodge
Grand Master’s Message • Visit to Shrine • 57-years of Proficiency
OFFICE OF PUBLICATIONS: Grand Lodge of Missouri, 6033 Masonic Drive, Suite B, Columbia, MO 65202-6535. Published and copyrighted under the direction of the Committee on Masonic Publications. Periodicals postage paid at Columbia, Missouri and Marceline, Missouri.
05 Lodge & District News
POSTMASTER: Please send address forms 3579 to Grand Secretary, 6033 Masonic Drive, Suite B, Columbia, MO 65202-6535.
10 The Four Crown Jewels
Membership Pins • Special Events • Father Daughter Dance
Masonic Children’s Foundation • Missouri Lodge of Research • Missouri Masonic Scholarship Fund • Masonic Home of Missouri
21 Masonic Youth
Missouri DeMolay • Job’s Daughters • Rainbow Girls
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 of Missouri A.F. & A.M. The editor reserves the rights to accept, reject, subedit, and rearrange material submitted for publication. The Freemason® does not accept forms or clippings for publication. It is the policy of the Grand Lodge of Missouri to not publish pictures or personal information about children under the age of 21, without written permission from the child’s parent, guardian or sponsoring group.
Committee on Masonic Publications Richard L. Smith, Grand Master Ronald D. Jones, Senior Grand Warden Robert T. Thomas, Junior Grand Warden David W. Haywood, Editor
24 Freemason Insights 28 Calendar of Events Articles to be considered for publication should be emailed to the editor@momason.org. The periodical is published quarterly. The deadlines for upcoming issues is as follows: Spring Issue: February 28, 2017 Summer Issue: May 31, 2017 Fall Issue: October 25, 2017
Artwork - Blue Dandelion Designs, LLC https://www.facebook.com/BlueDandelionDesigns
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The Freemason
Message from the Grand Master Richard L. Smith
Greetings, Brother Missouri Masons, For this edition of the Missouri Freemason Magazine, my Grand Master’s message revolves around “Who Comes Here?” which is the question inscribed on 2017’s Endowment Coin. “Who Comes Here” is a continuation of last year’s message of “Guard the Gate.” In keeping with those messages, I have elected to reproduce this message from a 1970s TV program. I discovered this piece in a recent Montana Freemason publication. I sincerely hope this relevant and important reminder resonates with each of you. MWB Richard L. Smith Grand Master of the Grand Lodge Of A.F. & A.M. of the State of Missouri
Most of you probably remember the 1970s Kung Fu episodes with the constant reminder to “Choose wisely, Grasshopper.” Each man has the right to choose his enemies and his friends. He may choose unwisely, but the decision is his alone to make. Then he must live with the consequences. And so must his enemies and his friends. You spoke of chance, Grasshopper. As if such a thing were certain to exist. In the matter you speak of, destiny, there is no such thing as chance. For whichever way you choose, right or left, it must lead to an end. And that end is our destiny.
leaders of lodges be groomed and tested throughout their Masonic career. A “wrong” Lodge Master or Grand Lodge Officer can be even more damaging to a lodge than a “wrong” petitioner that is allowed through the West Gate, or actions that damage the Grand Lodge and its ability to assist Lodges. If a poor leader is elected or appointed, it may not allow an opportunity to correct the mistake before that Brother finds himself in a position of leadership that could take a Lodge down or seriously harm a Grand Lodge. When choosing your Masonic Leaders keep this thought in mind...Choose Wisely.
Freemasonry has a leadership structure that we all know. This structure begins at the lodge level, and the basic process involved in the selection of the officers of a lodge is well known to Master Masons. It should be obvious that it is very important – maybe as important as the investigation and balloting process involving petitioners – that leaders and potential Winter 2017
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GRAND LODGE
Illustrating the warm and cordial relationship the Grand Lodge of Missouri enjoys with the Shrine in Missouri, Illustrious Sir Dean Isbell, Moolah Temple, presented Grand Master Richard Smith the Grand Master’s Fez on January 18th. Grand Master Smith’s address to the Nobles referred to the personal satisfaction members of the Shrine receive knowing they are helping children that might otherwise go through life “handicapped” instead of healthy and complete young people. He suggested the brothers attend their blue lodges and share the FUN that awaits their lodge brothers if they just come to one meeting and “discover” the joys of being a Shriner. The announcement that Grand Master Smith plans to attend the Imperial Session next July brought warm and loud applause.
RWB Sonny Miller earns “S-2” Proficiency Card On December 7, 2016, the Grand Lecturer, RWB Dave Wheelock, presented RWB Albert “Sonny” Miller with a proficiency card he recently earned. The reason for the personal presentation by the Grand Lecturer is that RWB Miller has now held the Subdivision 1 card for 57 years. Sonny is a member of both St. Francois Lodge 234 in Libertyville and Wentzville Lodge 46, and members of both lodges were on hand to see Sonny recognized for the decades he has spent teaching the ritual. This accomplishment makes Sonny the longest-serving proficiency card holder in Missouri. Pictured (L to R) are: WB Shawn Caldwell, Secretary of St Francois Lodge, RWB Sonny Miller, RWB Rick Kaeser, SGS, and RWB Dave Wheelock, Grand Lecturer. page 4
The Freemason
LODGE & DISTRICT NEWS GRAND LODGE
The officers of the Grand Lodge of Missouri A.M. & F.M. would like to congratulate the following recipients of membership service pins. It is a great honor to bestow these membership pins on our Brothers.
Brother Wayne Skaggs 50-Year Membership Pin
Brother Thomas Pritchard Passed to the Degree of Fellowcraft
During the stated meeting of Barry Daylight Lodge 17 on December 21, 2016, Brother Thomas Pritchard was passed to the degree of Fellowcraft with RWB Mike Wheeler in the East. He received his lecture and charge from RWB Greg Golden and the Letter G portion of the ritual was performed by MWB Richard Smith. MWB Smith served as the Senior Steward and RWB Ty Treutelaar as Junior Steward and RWB Stanton Brown served as the Senior Warden during the degree.
On January 5, 2017, at Samaritan Lodge 424, RWB Dan Ward presented Brother Wayne Skaggs with his 50-year pin. Pictured is Brother Skaggs and his wife, Linda.
Brothers Davy Hale & John Dike 50-Year Membership Pins On December 15, 2016, MWB David Ramsey presented 50-year pins to Brother Davy Hale and Brother John Dike and also presented a 60-year pin that the Grand Lodge of Florida requested Henderson Lodge 477 present to Brother Roy Bryant. MWB Jimmy Lee assisted with the presentation and MWB Larry Reynolds was also in attendance. Winter 2017
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LODGE & DISTRICT NEWS WB Lyle Laartz & Brother John Simpson 50-Year Membership Pins
Brother Jerry Ward 50-Year Membership Pin
On September 13, 2016, MWB Brent Stewart installed the officers of Versailles Lodge 320 and presented 50-year pins to WB Lyle Laartz and Brother John Simpson. Pictured are WB Laartz and his
RWB Jerry Ward received his 50-year pin on January 9, 2017 at Liberty Lodge 31. With family, friends and members present, MWB Rocky Weaver and MWB John Hess conducted and presented RWB Ward with his pin. They are pictured here with his family.
wife Karen on the right and Brother Simpson and his wife Jean on the left with MWB Brent Stewart in the center.
Brother Donald Bruns 50-Year Membership Pin
On January 3rd, at Fraternal Lodge 363 in Robertsville, Brother Donald Bruns received his 50-year pin and certificate from RWB Robert Bauer, DDGM of the 24th District.
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MWB Vern Schneider 60-Year Membership Pin
On December 20, 2016, Grand Master Richard L. Smith presented MWB Vern Schneider with his 60year pin and certificate at Tuscan Lodge 360. Pictured
are MWB Dick Smith, RWB Rick Kaeser, SGS, MWB Vern Schneider, MWB Dave Haywood and RWB Ron Jones, DGM. The Freemason
Brother Harold (Hank) Harrington 60-Year Membership Pin
On January 6, WM J.D. Mozingo, far right, and brothers from Shelbina Lodge 228, met at the home of Harold (Hank) Harrington, seated, and presented him with his 60-year pin. He was joined by family and friends for the event. A very deserving Mason!
WB Billy Turner & Bro Clarence Clevenger 60-Year Membership Pins
On October 23, 2016, Angerona Lodge 193 in Missouri City, Missouri, presented two 60-year pins to WB Billy Turner (right) and Brother Clarence Clevenger (left). WB Billy Turner was recently honored by the lodge for serving over thirty years as the Lodge's Tiler. RWB Rick Clevenger presented their pins. Winter 2017
LODGE & DISTRICT NEWS Brothers Jimmie Lee, Jr., Paul Stout, & Max Ray Moore 60-Year Membership Pins
Monday evening November 7, 2016, before the regular communication, 3 Master Masons received their 60-year pins at Hornersville Lodge 215. Pictured on left is Brother Jimmie Lee Jr., center is Brother Paul Stout, right is Brother Max Ray Moore with Mick Moffitt WM. All three served in the military.
WB Daniel Macrelli 2016 Grand Lodge Achievement Recipient
WB Daniel Macrelli was presented the 2016 Grand Lodge Achievement Award on December 9, 2016 at Webster Lodge 98 in Marshfield, MO by WM Mark Anderson. WB Macrelli received this award due to his commitment, dedication, and hard work during his tenure as Worshipful Master of Webster Lodge 98. WB Macrelli expressed his gratitude and love for Freemasonry, and was extremely proud of this award.
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LODGE & DISTRICT NEWS Installation at St. John’s Lodge 28
St. John’s Lodge 28 held their installation of officers for 2017 on Saturday, December 3, 2016.
Pictured on the front row are Brothers Earl Fitch, Senior Warden; Ken Tibbets, Junior Deacon. Standing are Brothers Ryan Lyonberger, Junior Warden; Richard Blakeslee, Past Master; Jeff Williams, Installing Master; Gregory Leftwich, Worshipful Master; Jack Kairy, Installing Chaplain; Terry Fitch, Installing Marshal; Robert Rapp, Chaplain; and Mike O’Cheltree, Senior Steward.
St. John’s Lodge 28 & Light House Chapter #194, OES, Hold Canned Food Drive
St. Johns Lodge 28, along with Light House Chapter 194, Order of the Eastern Star, recently held a canned food drive for the local Salvation Army unit in Hannibal, MO. Pictured from (L-R) is Salvation Army
representative Anthony Nordan, WM Richard Blakeslee, and Salvation Army representatives Melissa Meeker and Elysia Nordan.
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Cooper Lodge 36 Bikes-4-Books
Cooper Lodge 36 delivered the first semester bikes and MP3 players to 9 area schools, David Barton, St. Peter & Paul, Hannah Cole Primary, Blackwater Elementary, New Franklin Elementary, Daly Elementary in Fayette, and Harrisburg Elementary, St. Mary's and Glasgow Elementary in Glasgow. This is the 9th year for the Bikes-4-Books program. Pictured is Carrie Bell, Sports Manager at the Wal-Mart Super Center in Boonville.
Cooper Lodge 36 Distributes Gift Baskets
Cooper Lodge 36 donated over $8000 for gift baskets for their widows and homebound members as well as for community charities. $7600 was provided for $25 gift certificates to be used for food and paper products from Snoddy’s General Store, Jennings Meats and C&R Markets. The 306 certificates were presented to Harvest House, Baby Grace, Neighbors Helping Neighbors and Agency on Aging. The funds were raised from the annual chili fundraiser held in October.
Pictured with the Christmas baskets are, L-R: John Cary, Becky Cary, Mark Greis, Cody Echternacht, Karen Reagan. Janice Cary, Della Scott, Robert Scott, Kenny Swope and Roy Cary. The Freemason
LODGE & DISTRICT NEWS
The Poplar Bluff Masonic Youth hosted their 4th Annual Father Daughter Ball October 15th, 2016 at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff, and for the 3rd year in a row it was a SOLD OUT event. Attendees and volunteers put total attendance at over 800 people. The Princesses attending were treated to their very own Tiara, T-Shirt, Dinner and a night of dancing complete with a ride in Horse Drawn carriages. The motto is “IF you are a Father, Grandfather, Uncle, Brother, or just someone that knows a little girl that needs to feel special….this is her night!” That is what you will see at this event, from 17-year-old brothers bringing their little sisters to 82-year-old Great Grandfathers bringing their Great Granddaughters….. and daughters from 10 weeks old …and well let’s just say ….some daughters that have been 29 years old for a long time!!! Music was provided by Poplar Bluff Lodge 209’s very own Brother Dave Williams, owner of Atom Entertainment. Brother Williams definitely makes the event an unbelievable night!!! How Brother Williams interacts with the crowd takes the event from just another dance to something you cannot express in words. Awesome JOB!! If you get a chance to attend it is definitely worth the time!! Just ask the Grand Master Dick Smith and his wife June what they thought of their night in Poplar Bluff at the Father Daughter Ball!! I believe MWB Smith said it best, by using the words “Life Altering”, to describe the emotions of seeing young ladies building life-long memories with their Fathers or Father figures. Proceeds from the event are divided equally between 2 charities, Poplar Bluff Assembly 115 Rainbow Girls and Divine Chapter Order of DeMolay. Reserve this date, Saturday October 14th 2017, for the 5th Annual Poplar Bluff Masonic Youth Father Daughter Ball….tickets go on sale September 1st 2017 on EventBrite.com. page14
Winter 2017
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Missouri Children’s Foundation
With the end of the winter holiday season we begin a new year of working with the incredible program we know as MOCHIP. For many years, Missouri Masons have been leading the country in constantly evolving their best practices as to how this program can continue to provide exceptional service to their communities. RWB Rodney Kleine has been serving as Team #2 Coordinator for MOCHIP. His experience in supporting MOCHIP is well-served by his attention to the details around him during these events. MOCHIP Question and Answers by RWB Rodney Kleine Here are some answers to some commonly asked questions that might help a lodge with an event, or encourage a lodge to host an event. Can we do a MOCHIP outside our lodge area? Yes, it is just that a lodge has to sponsor the event, and if you don't think your lodge will have enough help to cover it all, go in with another lodge. Does it have to be only the Masons to work an event? No, you may use family members - wives, children, OES, DeMolay, Jobies, Rainbow Girls etc. Go through your local school and get students from the National Honor Society, or some schools have a requirement where the athletes have to do community service - this helps them get exposure to Masons and the Masonic Fraternity. Or if you need more suggestions feel free to contact the MOCHIP coordinator for the event and they can help aide and assist with ideas. Who is responsible for advertising? The lodge or lodges that are hosting / co-hosting the event are responsible for advertising the event. Use fliers, newspaper, radio, television, etc. What do we do if we want to host an event but can't get enough help? Go in with another lodge to have them help co-host the event, it will also help save you money with spiting the costs with the advertising, donuts, lunch etc....It is always better and cheaper to go in with another lodge. page page 12 10
Do we have to know how to work a computer before showing up? No, you will be trained on the station that you will be working, and if computers scare you, there are some jobs that do not require working a computer. Where are good places to host MOCHIP events? Get into places in your community where the people already are and events are already established - back to school fairs, health fairs, baby / kids expos, fairs, as they also help advertise and promote the MOCHIP event when they advertise their own event. Don't try to set one up where nothing is going on and try to get the people to come to an event with nothing to draw them to it. Try to get an event that the lodge can come together, work together, take ownership, and be proud of, not just throw one together just to get points on the Achievement Award. If a child was identified at a previous event, should they be identified again? Yes, as the child has changed over the year or years, I normally say that if they are under 8 yrs. of age you should update the information every year, after the age of 8, about every 2-3 years. We ID them from birth to age 21, remember that 14-18 year olds are the ones that are more likely to go missing so really try to encourage those to get it done especially if they are going away to college. Remember the MOCHIP coordinators are available to help you! The Freemason The Freemason
Missouri Lodge of Research
FOUR CROWN JEWELS
The Missouri Lodge of Research is working hard to continue to expand the collection of the library and expand Masonic education. The Truman Lecture series continues this year with our spring lecture by Michael Poll, the owner of Cornerstone Book Publishing. He is a Fellow and Past President of the Masonic Society, a Fellow of the Philalethes Society, and a Fellow of the Maine Lodge of Research and a Full Member of the Texas Lodge of Research. Brother Poll is a New York Times bestselling writer and publisher as well as prolific writer, editor, and publisher of Masonic esoteric books. As time permits, he travels and speaks on the history of Freemasonry, with particular interest on the early years of the Scottish Rite. He lives in New Orleans with his wife and two sons. Some of his published books include: “Masonic Words and Phrases,” “Masonic Enlightenment,” “The Bonseigneur Rituals,” and “Ancient Manuscripts of the Freemasons.” The lecture will be given on June 11, 2017 in Jefferson City. Watch for the flyer, which will be out in the next month or two, to register and for possible schedule changes. Dues for 2017 are now due. If you did not make it to Grand Lodge we will be getting the books in the mail, as well as notices to everyone soon. As always, please do not hesitate to contact any of the Officers if you have any concerns or suggestions. We have several projects that we are working on for the coming year. Thank you to everyone for electing me and thank you to all the officers for agreeing to serve this year. Scott Houge, Worshipful Master
Missouri License Plate Program The Grand Lodge has participated in the Missouri Specialty License Plate Program for many years. This allows members to proudly display their Masonic membership along with a unique message of their choosing on the front and back of their cars. Visit molor.org for more information about obtaining your specialized license and supporting the Lodge of Research.
Winter 2017
Save the Date! Truman Lecture Series
June 11, 2017 Jefferson City, MO
Time to be determined Watch for flyers and more information soon!
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FOUR CROWN JEWELS
Masonic Scholarship Foundation
by RWB Stanton T. Brown II, President Masonic Scholarship Foundation
Brethren: Time is fast approaching when Masonic Scholarships are due. March 31st is the deadline. There are three different scholarships available for your children, grandchildren or any high school senior. The Ruth Lutes Bachman scholarship for teachers and nurses, the Masonic Merit Scholarship from our donations and the Samuel Smith Stewart Scholarship. Please make sure your Lodge Education Officer (LEO) or designated lodge scholarship chairman has notified your local schools that up-to-date applications are available from the resource section of the Grand Lodge Website, www.momason.org and that the high school guidance counselors know where to get them. Remember that a well-educated populous is vital to a well-functioning society. RWB Stanton T. Brown II President of the Masonic Scholarship Foundation
Past Scholarship Recipients
Mark Your Calendars! March 31st Deadline page 12
The Freemason
Masonic Home of Missouri
FOUR CROWN JEWELS
Masonic Home of Missouri We are where you are Masonic Home Penny-A-Day Throughout the history of the Masonic Home of Missouri, various initiatives have been created to help support the programs of the Masonic Home. Sometimes, these ideas were devised by Grand Masters, after having served as President of the Home Board, seeing the good works of the Masonic Home and the need for this great charity to continue to move forward. One such idea is the Penny-A-Day Program. This program was initiated in 1974 by Most Worshipful Brother Herman A. Orlick through his semi-annual Grand Master’s letter calling for support of the Masonic Home. Most Worshipful Brother William J. Hill brought renewed focus to this program in his Grand Master’s Address in 1982, with the creation of the “I Can T.O.P. M.A.G.I.C.” program, which stands for “I Can Tell Our Pennies Make Amazingly Good Investment Cents”. It was at this time that Penny-A-Day as we know it was introduced. Each Master and Secretary was asked to include an appeal to members on their dues cards for a “voluntary contribution of not less than $3.65” for this program. The Secretary was then authorized to affix a small gold seal to the dues card of any member who participated. In his address, MWB Hill had this to say to those who supported the Masonic Home through Penny-A-Day, “May God, Whose All-Seeing Eye appears on that seal, be ever present in your life and bless you tenfold.” Winter 2017
In 2014 MWB David W. Haywood joined these two Past Grand Masters, and once again brought renewed attention to the Penny-A-Day Program. To encourage participation, MWB Haywood updated the dues cards to include a dedicated space for the redesigned Penny-A-Day Penny-A-Day sticker for those members who Sticker for Masons participate in the program. As Masonic Home Board President, MWB Richard L. Smith issued a challenge to then Associate Grand Matron Nancy Lane of the Grand Chapter of Missouri, Order of the Eastern Star. His challenge was for WGM Lane to introduce the Penny-ADay Program to the Missouri Eastern Star Chapters. WGM Lane accepted the challenge and introduced the Program after her installation as Worthy Grand Matron in October 2016. Penny-A-Day Sticker for Order of the Eastern Star Members
Although it is easy to think of a penny as being insignificant, MWB Orlick, MWB Hill, and MWB Haywood believed that if the membership could “pool their pennies” that it could truly have a positive impact on the Masonic Home. MWB Smith and
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FOUR CROWN JEWELS
Masonic Home of Missouri
WGM Lane share that belief. Imagine the amount of support that could be raised if only 75% of the membership pooled their pennies each year. Today, there are over 35,000 Master Masons in Missouri, and over 11,000 Order of the Eastern Star members. If 75% of our current membership contributed to Penny-A-Day, over $125,000 could be raised to help fund the various Outreach Programs. To put this in perspective, in Fiscal Year 2016 the Masonic Home financially assisted 101 Masons and their wives, Masonic widows, O.E.S. ladies, and Masonic children on either a short-term or long-term basis. Contributions from Penny-A-Day alone could have funded almost 14% of our Long-Term Financial Assistance Program! The possibilities of this program are so encouraging! Although we have not seen 75% participation across the state, we do have many members who give to Penny-A-Day every year. We even have Lodges who obtain 100% participation from their members! We have dedicated Masters, Secretaries and Masonic Home Representatives encouraging their Brothers to support the Masonic Home through Penny-A-Day. We are so grateful to these members for their gifts and to the Lodge brothers that are promoting the Penny-A-Day Program and encouraging participation. We are also especially thankful to WGM Lane and to the Order of the Eastern Star for their willingness to support the Masonic Home through this program. Thank you to those who have continued, renewed, or began their Penny-A-Day donations. The Masonic Home of Missouri has been providing for the Masonic Family for over 125 years, and your continued support will help us to see another 125 years!
From a Lodge’s Viewpoint Phoenix Lodge No. 136 After attending the Annual Masonic Home Representatives luncheon and learning about how many clients the Masonic Home was assisting, one Lodge’s Home Rep decided to approach how his Lodge supported the Outreach Programs. Gerald ‘Jack’ Jones III hasn’t been a Home Rep for very long but says, “I just knew this was something we [the Lodge] needed to get onboard with. I brought up changing our by-laws to incorporate Penny-A-Day (PAD) to our Secretary, RWB Chris Peterman. Chris wrote letters to everyone to explain the changes and scheduled the vote. We are a struggling lodge, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help others.” “The vote was unanimous.” Chris laughs, “We have about 50 members, and sometimes it’s hard to even open lodge, but this was one thing that everyone quickly got on board with. We didn’t raise our dues but rather made a by-law change to set aside $3.65 from each members’ dues to go the Masonic Home of Missouri’s Penny-A -Day Program.” By making the by-law change, the Lodge will also reduce some paperwork on the Secretary and Treasurer positions as they will not have to track individual PAD donations since everyone who pays dues automatically participates. page 14
“The Outreach Programs allow people to stay in their homes or a care facility of their choice. People are just more comfortable when they get to be independent and have choices, and that’s what the Masonic Home has given people.” Jack continues, “I would encourage people to talk to the Masonic Home and get them involved in your pre-planning for your future. Get to know their staff, find about their Outreach Programs and assistance. Getting everything worked out beforehand will allay some of the tensions before an emergency.” Chris, shaking his head in the affirmative, added, “Encourage your Lodge to have the Masonic Home come and speak about their programs and make a dedicated effort to support them, by having your members give $3.65. You can’t even eat at McDonald’s for that but if everyone gave that amount, think about the people that you would be helping.”
Special Thank You to Phoenix Lodge No. 136 for their dedicated support The Freemason
Masonic Home of Missouri
FOUR CROWN JEWELS
Truman Club Regional Event Columbia, MO On December 1, 2016, Keith and Beverly Neese, Jim and Lindy Ford and John and Rose Schloot hosted the first Truman Club Regional Event at the Elks Lodge in Columbia, MO. Masons (and their guests) from 15 surrounding Lodges were invited to attend. Masons from Twilight, Acacia, Hallsville, Ashland, Cooper and Fayette Lodges attended the event. Executive Director, Barbara Ramsey, said a few words highlighting our Outreach Programs. Guests then enjoyed food and fellowship. It was a great opportunity to learn about the Masonic Home and The Truman Club, and to get to know or catch up with some local Lodge brothers. Our goal is to host several regional events throughout Missouri during the upcoming year. Please watch your mailbox for an invitation and mark your calendar to attend. You will not want to miss out on the fun! If you have questions or would like to host an event in your area, please contact Julie Kirchhoff or Jackie Walters at 800-434-9804. Winter 2017
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FOUR CROWN JEWELS
Masonic Home of Missouri
Masonic Letter of Protection The Missouri Masonic Museum has five featured galleries: Pioneers and Pathmakers, Living Well, Generosity, Leadership, and Everyman. The Everyman Gallery has rotating displays to give Missouri Lodges, Missouri Chapters, and the membership an opportunity to display items of Masonic historical importance. A featured theme within the Everyman Gallery is “What Masons All Share”. Freemasons in all groups study and apply the same Masonic teachings: • • • • • • • • • • •
Man’s first duty is to love and revere a Supreme Being, Implore His aid in all laudable undertakings, Encourage every man to practice his personal religious beliefs, Extend charity and sympathy to all, Shield and defend the widow and orphan, Defend Virtue, Respect the aged, Honor the bonds of friendship, Protect the helpless, Respect the laws of government, and Promote morality.
In 2016, the Masonic Home of Missouri was gifted a document from Brother Leonard Stutz, a member of St. Francisville Lodge No. 588, Wayland, Missouri and his wife, Betty. It is a letter that fits perfectly within the Everyman Gallery, as it speaks to the history of Freemasonry and its teachings to “shield and defend the widow and orphan.” The letter dated January 3, 1867 A.D. 5867 from the Masonic Temple, Hall of Masonic Board of Relief San Francisco to the Masonic Board of Relief of New York states: “This is to certify that Mrs. Susan Rankin, widow of Br. W. D. Rankin was sent by the Mas. Board of Relief for this City to New York and is recommended to the protection of the Craft. Br. W. D. Rankin having been a member in good standing at the time of his death.” In the Masonic Museum, Missouri’s history of helping widows and orphans through the Masonic Home of Missouri is proudly on display. The letter donated by Brother Stutz reminds us that the aid and protection of widows and orphans by Masons predates Masonic Homes and was ultimately the reason there was a call for Masonic Homes throughout the Country. Thank you to Brother Stutz and his wife for sharing this piece of Masonic history.
The museum can be made available for visiting 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday when the Masonic Complex is open. Although no appointments are necessary, you are welcome to call the Masonic Home of Missouri at (800) 434-9804 with any questions you might have regarding availability.
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The Freemason
Masonic Home of Missouri
FOUR CROWN JEWELS
Spotlight on the Masonic Home’s Matching Funds Programs Creating-A-Partnership Program (CAP) The Creating-A-Partnership Program (CAP) is a matching funds program that creates a partnership between the Masonic Home and Lodges/Chapters throughout the state to help children in need within their communities. The Masonic Home may match up to $10,000.00 per Lodge or Chapter each fiscal year, July 1st through June 30th. Individual Child/Children Lodges and Chapters can work within their community to identify a child or children in need through schools or other local community organizations. Assistance can help to provide clothing, school supplies, coats, shoes, hats and gloves, hygiene items, eye glasses, dental work, etc. Project-Based Lodges and Chapters can identify projects within their communities through schools or through other charitable organizations. Recipients of the CAP Project-Based funds must be a 501(c)(3) as defined by the IRS or a public entity, such as a school. An example of a project that may qualify is the backpack food program found in communities statewide, which provides food over the weekend for schoolchildren in need. Matching funds must go toward the purchase of specific items, such as food or backpacks. The Masonic Home will not match funds for general operating expenses. This program is not intended to be used as a Thanksgiving or Christmas program. Once a need has been identified, the Lodge or Chapter must complete and submit their application along with their matching funds to the Masonic Home. The application can be accessed on the Masonic Home of Missouri’s website at www.mohome.org or mailed upon request. Winter 2017
After the application is approved, the Home will return to the Lodge or Chapter a check with the matching funds. Approved funds will be sent to the Lodge/ Chapter payable to the designated store or 501(c)(3) organization. The Masonic Home will not reimburse Masonic Lodges, Chapters or individual members of a Lodge or Chapter. Purchases must be made within five (5) days of receiving the funds. Once items are purchased and/or funds donated, the Lodge or Chapter will be responsible for providing a copy of the receipt(s) and/or a letter from the organization showing how funds were spent. The Lodge/Chapter will not be able to make additional requests until all receipts are received. All matching funds must be raised by the Lodge and/or Chapter and the application must contain two signatures, with one being either the Worshipful Master, Worthy Matron, Lodge/Chapter Secretary or Treasurer.
Creating-A-Partnership Check Presentations On January 3,2017, Samaritan Lodge 424 presented the School Based Social Workers from North County R1 School District with a check for $1500 for the school's "backpack" program. Pictured are: RWB Dan Ward, Secretary; Nicole Sprinkles Gregory, Social Worker, Crystal Ford, Social Worker and Bro. Ryan Hawkins who sponsored the flag football event to raise the money that the lodge used as their match to the Masonic Home's Creating a Partnership.
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Photograph from left to right: Jeff Richey (Master of Sampson Lodge & Worthy Patron of Eastern Star Chapter 130), Ozark County Sheriff Darrin Reed (Junior Deacon of Sampson Lodge), Len Modlinski (Masonic Home Representative) and Dale Cutbirth (Treasurer of Sampson Lodge & Eastern Star Chapter 130).
At the stated monthly meeting of Sampson Masonic Lodge 298 in Theodosia, held on Tuesday, December 20th, a check from the Masonic Home of Missouri, in the amount of $600.00, was presented to Ozark County Sheriff Darrin Reed to help fund his project to provide winter clothing and personal hygiene items to children in need throughout the Ozark County area. Funds were donated by Theodosia Eastern Star Chapter #130 and Sampson Masonic Lodge 98. The amount of those combined donations was then matched by the Masonic Home of Missouri.
Partnering to Honor (PTH) The Partnering to Honor Program (PTH) is a matching funds program between the Masonic Home and local Lodges and Chapters. It provides an opportunity to join together to help fund Honor Flights and care packages to those individuals currently serving. The Masonic Home may match up to $10,000.00 per Lodge or Chapter each fiscal year, July 1st to June 30th. Honor Flights Honor Flights (www.honorflight.org) started in 2005. This program honors veterans by helping them visit Washington D.C. to visit their memorial. The Masonic Home partners with Lodges and Chapters throughout Missouri to help fund some of these Honor Flights for our well-deserved veterans. The Masonic Home is not affiliated with the Honor Flight Program, nor is the Masonic Home responsible for any aspect of the Honor Flight Program. The page 18
Masonic Home of Missouri
Pictured from l to R are WB Ron Snyder, project coordinator, Jenni Busby East Buchanan Elementary Counselor, and Josh Barker, principal of East Buchanan Elementary School.
Gower Lodge #397 sponsored a Spaghetti Supper on May 21st, 2016 to raise funds for The Backpack Buddies Program for East Buchanan Elementary School for at risk students. The Project collected $5300 all of which went entirely to the program. With the Creating a Partnership program, the picture attached shows Br. Snyder presenting a check to the East Buchanan Elementary School for $10600. This will fund the program for the coming year, and possibly for 2 years, depending on the needs of the community. Congratulations to the community of Gower for stepping up for all the support to make this fundraiser a resounding success. Masonic Home works only with Lodges and Chapters to help fund this program. If you are a veteran interested in the Honor Flight, you must contact the Honor Flight Program directly. Care Packages Lodges and Chapters can work within their Lodge or Chapter to make and send care packages to active duty members, serving overseas or in the United States. There are some organizations that put together care packages and accept monetary donations, such as churches, VFWs or American Legion Posts. . If your Lodge or Chapter would like to donate toward a care package that will be made by another entity, Lodge or Chapter funds may be matched. Matching funds must go toward the purchase of specific items. The Masonic Home will not match funds for general operating expenses.
The Freemason
Masonic Home of Missouri
FOUR CROWN JEWELS
Masonic Family Cares Program Sometimes the Masonic Home receives a call, and the assistance needed is a helping hand or a friendly visit from a local Lodge or Chapter member. The Masonic Family Cares program helps to create a connection between the member and the Lodge or Chapter acting as the liaison to help bring the two together. A Lodge or Chapter may find that a Missouri Mason, his wife or widow, or a female member of the Order of the Eastern Star has a need that the Lodge or Chapter can assist with, but there is a financial component. For example, a Brother might need a ramp for wheelchair access to his home due to a change in his health. The Lodge Brothers would like to build the ramp, but the Brother cannot afford the cost of materials. The Lodge or Chapter can complete an application indicating the cost for materials along with how their volunteer hours will be used in conjunction with the funds requested from the Masonic Home. The Masonic Home may grant funds up to $10,000.00 per Lodge or Chapter each fiscal year, July 1st to June 30th. If your Lodge or Chapter is already lending that helping hand to those brothers and sisters in need, please share your stories with the Masonic Home at (800) 434-9804, so we can feature it in our Missouri Outreach magazine. To see more Creating-A-Partnership (CAP), Partnering to Honor and Masonic Family Cares Program presentations, ‘Like’ our Facebook page at Facebook.com/MasonicHomeofMissouri
15th Annual Masonic Home of Missouri
Charity ‘Luau’ Golf Tournament
Aloha! We are excited to announce our 15th Annual Masonic Home of Missouri Charity Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, May 1st with a 10:30 a.m. shotgun start at the Columbia Country Club in Columbia, MO. The theme this year is Hawaiian Luau, so dust off your Hawaiian shirts and get ready because this event is one you won’t want to miss! Our tournament offers fabulous food, drinks, prizes and a great day of golf, all to benefit the Masonic Home of Missouri. Registration includes 18 holes of golf, cart rental, range balls, lunch, beverages, polo shirt, prizes and an awards dinner. Funds raised during this event will benefit two of our matching funds programs: Creating-A-Partnership and Partnering to Honor. These programs provide an opportunity for Masonic Lodges and Eastern Star Chapters to double their impact in their communities through matching funds. Start forming your teams now to help support these programs. Tournament space is limited! The registration deadline is March 31st. For more information or to receive a registration packet, Register visit our website at www.mohome.org or call Julie Kirchhoff at (800) 434-9804. online and SAV
E!
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FOUR CROWN JEWELS
Masonic Home of Missouri
IRA Charitable Rollover As we enter 2017 and you begin to think about your charitable giving for the upcoming year, please remember that tax laws have made it possible for you to make a gift to the Masonic Home of Missouri that not only benefits the Home, but also benefits you. If you are 70½ or older, you may also be interested in a way to lower the income and taxes from your IRA withdrawals. An IRA charitable rollover is a way to accomplish this.
Benefits of an IRA charitable rollover • Avoid taxes on transfers of up to $100,000 from your IRA to the Masonic Home of Missouri. • Satisfy your required minimum distribution (RMD) for the year. • Reduce your taxable income, even if you do not itemize deductions. • Make a gift that is not subject to the 50% deduction limits on charitable gifts. • Help further the work and mission of the Home.
How an IRA charitable rollover gift works • Contact your IRA plan administrator to make a gift from your IRA to us. • Your IRA funds will be directly transferred to our organization to help continue our important work. • Please note that IRA charitable rollover gifts do not qualify for a charitable deduction. • Please contact us if you wish for your gift to be used for a specific purpose.
Contact us If you have any questions about an IRA charitable rollover gift, please contact Jackie Walters, Major Gifts Officer, at 800-434-9804 or jwalters@mohome.org. page 20
The Freemason
Missouri DeMolay
MASONIC YOUTH
Missouri DeMolay Building the Future
Brothers and Dads, Missouri DeMolay gained 155 new members in 2016 and it is accomplishments like this which make us even more grateful for the help and support that we get from Missouri Masons. 2016 was an incredible year for Missouri DeMolay and we hope to keep that going in 2017. Without the help and support that we get from Missouri Masons our endeavors would be for nothing. Masonry is a wonderful system of brothers connected by one common goal, to make each other better and to do good works. And one of those good works is our Masonic Youth. Being raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason I can attest to the work that Masons put in to DeMolay. Giving reports on how DeMolay is doing in Missouri to Fellowship Lodge 345 in Joplin, Missouri, my home lodge, I have learned that we as Masons do more than just sponsor DeMolay chapters. Masons guide us, they care about us, and I think above all else they set before us a brilliant example of what it is like to be a part of the Masonic family. It inspires DeMolay from all over the state to go on and become Masons themselves and I think that is one of the best rewards a Mason can receive, is to see a DeMolay from the chapter that his lodge sponsors take the obligations that bind him to our fraternity. That inspiration within a DeMolay to become a Mason is something that can bring more light into the Masonic family. Ukiah Camp State Master Councilor, Missouri DeMolay 2016-2017
Check out what Missouri DeMolay is doing in 2017! https://www.facebook.com/missouri.demolay/ http://www.modemolay.org/
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MASONIC YOUTH
Missouri Job’s Daughters
Missouri Job’s Daughters Hi Missouri Masons! I hope that you all had a nice holiday break with your families! Missouri Job’s Daughters has been keeping it slow due to the holidays but we have done some fun things! At the end of November, everyone headed to Kansas City for the annual Turkey Ball! I was asked to be an interview judge for the day and it was an awesome experience! The intelligence, quirkiness, and kindness of these girls really speaks for itself and they all did amazing jobs! That night the new Turkey Ball Trio was announced as the Thanksgiving Ball Junior Princess, Mikayla Zans from Bethel 1, Senior Princess, Khloe Kennedy from Bethel 33, and Thanksgiving Ball Queen, Grace Smead from Bethel 7. All of the candidates were amazing and I am so proud of them! We danced the rest of the night away until the KCJD Line meeting that occurred after the dance. On December 10th, the Shriners held their annual Christmas Lunch for their families, and the Masonic Youth were asked to help run games for the kids! There were several Jobies there as well as DeMolay and Rainbow. The turnout the Shriners had was hands down amazing. There were no less than 300 people in and out of that room that afternoon. It was not only a good experience for our girls but gave us a lot of exposure to children who are not blessed with being a member of the Masonic Youth Community yet! The next day the Shriners held a breakfast for their patients where they had more people than the previous day and there were special appearances by several Disney Princesses, Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Superheroes that made the children happy. The work the Shriners do for Shriners Hospital is really amazing. I am happy to have been a patient at Shriners for my broken arm for the past four years and am very thankful for all that they do for kids who need help. It is amazing and I just wanted to say thank you to our Masonic related organization, the Shriners, for doing miracles every day. Our Mini Session is coming up very quickly at the Stoney Creek Lodge in Columbia on March 11th and 12th. The theme for the weekend is to Be Legendary. The girls will learn a lot about hard work, determination, and they’ll have a lot of fun! Thank you for allowing every girl a better opportunity to go. This weekend will be one they will never forget and it is possible because of you. If you happen to be free this weekend please come by and see our daughters running around like crazy, it will be awesome! Thank you for everything you do for our daughters. They really are the best girls I have ever met. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need anything! Becca Hairer Grand Bethel Honored Queen 2016-2017 page 22
The Freemason
Missouri Rainbow Girls
MASONIC YOUTH
Missouri Rainbow Girls
Dear Missouri Masons: I’ve just finished winter break and am headed back to MIZZOU. My Rainbow trips have been fewer because, as we all know, Missouri’s weather may be predicted, but it’s actually unpredictable! (So we schedule less.) To bring you up-to-date, I attended a Grand Worthy Advisor (GWA) visit in Joplin in October, attended Grand Chapter and Grand Lodge, as well as a Reception for our State Dean (Lacie Glenn) in Raytown. If you attended one of these and took time to speak to me, thank you! I hope you will always take a moment to speak to our GWA in the future. I had heard from Past GWAs how kindly they are greeted when they attend adult events. I am touched to have received the same treatment. Again, my thanks! December 3rd was the Grand and State Officer’s Christmas Party in Columbia. We wore pajamas, had a small gift exchange and enjoyed FOOD! I will have three visits before my Grand year ends: February 25th at Rolla, March 11th at Columbia and April 22nd at Poplar Bluff. We also are planning a “Fun Day” for Missouri Rainbow Girls the afternoon of April 8th before heading to the DeMolay Knights Dance at the Ararat Shrine Temple in Kansas City (always a blast!) and I plan to be at Grand Amaranth. Lacie and I have continued to raise funds for our State Service Project. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library should receive a great amount from Missouri Rainbow Girls! We are also planning another Service Project to tackle at our Grand Assembly in June. Stay tuned! We hope you are sharing Rainbow with Masons who have daughters and granddaughters plus are asking them to invite any young ladies to Rainbow’s open events. We really want to Let Missouri Rainbow Grow the second half of this year! Many men have found Masons because of Rainbow and we hope many ladies find Rainbow because of their Masonic family and friend I’m still traveling and planning Grand Assembly. Won’t you join us? Let Rainbow Grow! Erin McCann, Grand Worthy Advisor State of Missouri, IORG
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FREEMASON INSIGHTS
My name is Brother Frank Sass. I was raised a Master Mason in April, 1951 at my father's lodge, Solomon 271, in Springfield, MO. This was shortly after I was drafted into the army during the Korean War. I was in basic training at Fort Leonard Wood at the time. After basic training, I was assigned to the 1st Radio Broadcasting and Leaflet Group, at Fort Riley, Kansas and then the entire Group was transferred to Tokyo, Japan.
Early on, I discovered Tokyo Masonic Lodge 125 and began attending regularly. I offered to serve the Lodge in a number of ways - greeter, Tiler, bit parts during initiations, and eventually became Instructor for new initiates. During this time, I was fortunate to meet, greet and become friends with Freemasons from many different countries. The Lodge was housed in a building that was the former Japanese Naval Officer's Club building, purchased by the lodge. A barber shop and other commercial businesses were located on the first floor. The lodge room, the lodge office and a restaurant were page 24
on the second floor, and the upper floors were rented to a number of foreign traders and other individuals.
After a while, I was spending almost every night at the lodge with one duty or another. Brother Ray Bedillion, the lodge secretary at the time, offered me a room where I could spend the night instead of returning to my barracks late at night. The room was located just off the lodge office, next to what was originally the Emperor's sitting room (whenever he visited the naval officers), and that little room offered me was originally the Emperor's wash room. It was actually two little rooms - one with a wash basin which was big enough for a cot and a wardrobe, and the other room had a stool and a shower. This is where I stayed for the remainder of my tour in Japan – some 15 months. In October 1951, I was initiated into the Consistory by courtesy to the Joplin Scottish Rite Temple. One of the most famous initiates into the Consistory was General Matthew Ridgeway, then Commander of the Far Eastern Armies. A group picture of all the Consistory initiates was taken with the General in a Consistory robe. It turned out that this was against army regulations, and the General in uniform was superimposed on the photo. I am standing to the left of and one row behind the General. The Freemason
Somewhat later I was initiated into the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine, in Springfield, MO. And while in Tokyo, I became a life member of the Torii Oasis Shrine Club.
FREEMASON INSIGHTS
I continued my duties with the Army and the Lodge until I was reassigned to the United States the last day of December, 1952. Later, in January, 1954, I received notification from Tokyo that for services rendered to the Lodge, I had received the high honor of being made an Honorary Member of Tokyo Lodge 125. This was quite a journey for a country boy from Missouri.
CALL FOR ARTICLES The Tokyo Lodge was under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines at that time, however Japan currently has its own Grand Lodge and many local lodges throughout Japan. Sometime during 1952, the Tokyo Lodge was visited for an inspection by the MW Grand Master of the Philippines, Michael Goldenberg. I met him at that time, and sometime later, at his invitation, I visited MWB Goldenberg in Manila. He was kind enough to give me a tour of the Grand Lodge, told me of the Japanese occupation of the Philippines and the difficulties that the Grand Lodge endured during the occupation. Later, on my return to Tokyo, MWB Goldenberg appointed me Grand Inspector of DeMolay for Japan.
Do you have a Masonic story?
It can be about an event you attended or were a part of, a person who inspired you, or anything that would be of interest to your Brethren. Write it down and submit it to the Missouri Freemason magazine. Remember to cover the 5 W’s; Who, What, When, Where and Why. Pictures are always desired but remember to use a camera, not the camera on your phone. Submit the article to editor@momason.org
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FREEMASON INSIGHTS MASONIC YOUTH
MWB John Fletcher Houston By Lloyd G Lyon, Hale City Lodge 216 A few years ago I embarked on a journey to write a book on a Brother Master Mason, Past GM John Fletcher Houston (1865-1866). Early on, it was determined that his grave site was in a cemetery in Richmond, MO and, as you can see by the picture, it was overgrown with brush. In the process of cleaning up the area, we determined that something was missing from the top of the stone, but did not know what was missing. In early October 2016, I received a call from Ray County Museum Director, Linda Emley. She informed me that she had found an item in another location in the cemetery that she felt was originally part of Houston's stone. I traveled to Richmond and took a look. I found a 12" x 3' broken column which in Masonry is symbolic of the untimely death of someone, the pillar of beauty has fallen. I determined that it was the missing piece of Houston's monument. On October 28th, 2016, Brother Alvin Kallenberger and I mounted the broken column to the top of Houston's stone. It is now complete. Thanks to Brother Kallenberger for his time and equipment and to Brothers Keith Clavin and Gary Hughes for additional equipment made available to complete the project. Houston owned 2 mercantile stores in Miles Point and Richmond, a flour mill, a coal mine, and extensive land holdings in both counties. Houston ran for state office in 1860 to be the first Register of Land and won with 61% of the statewide vote. My book will be completed in early 2017, and published by the Missouri Lodge of Research. An article in the November 22md Richmond News details the upcoming book. It is a great read on the life and leadership of MWB Houston, who spent his adult life in Carroll & Ray Counties.
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The Freemason
FREEMASON INSIGHTS
The Master Craftsman: Proverbs 8 There were employed in its building three Grand Masters; three thousand, three hundred Masters or overseers of the work; eighty thousand Fellow Crafts; and seventy thousand Entered Apprentices, or bearers of burdens... Recently, while in attendance at my local church on a Sunday, I was mildly surprised by my preacher’s reference to a particular part of Proverbs 8. My preacher was quoting from the New King James Version and it was at verse 30 that I heard words that I had not expected: While not one who can quote Scripture and verse by heart, I was generally familiar with the King James Version which opens with: Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? In the King James Version (KJV), verse 30 reads: 30 Then
I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; In the New King James Version (NKJV), verse 30 reads as follows: Then I was beside Him as a master craftsman; And I was daily His delight, Rejoicing always before Him, . . . . In the New International Version (NIV), verse 30 reads: 30 Then I was constantly at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, . . . . 30
At first glance, these translations appear to be altogether divergent and perplexing. The NKJV notation references a Jewish traditional rendering of “one brought up”. The NIV references “was the artisan” or “was a little child”. Thus, one can see that a Master Craftsman can be at once all these things, all being to the daily delight of the Great Architect. How often some of us forget to be like a little child and listen to our mentors in the Craft, or to the very words of the Great Architect, or neglect to be at the side of our brethren. These words are written to provoke thought in our brotherhood and to consider whether you listen intently each time a lecture or charge is presented in Lodge. About the Author: RWB Bill Snyder of Independence Lodge #76 is a Past Grand Master of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of the State of Missouri 2015-2016, and currently serves as the Grand Lecturer for the Grand Council and as the Executive Secretary of the Kansas City Scottish Rite. He is a past Grand Chaplain. You can reach him at zorel1953@yahoo.com Copyright 2017 Bill Snyder; Permission granted to the Grand Lodge of Missouri for use in its publications. Winter 2017
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Grand Master’s Calendar of Events February 2017
March 2017
February 6 • Lodge of Research at Masonic Complex
March 1 • Gavel Club St. Louis
February 7 • Western Star Lodge 15 (District 8)
March 4 • Grand Master’s Class - Royal Arch Masons
February 8 • Cecile Daylight Lodge 305 (District 19) • Lincoln Lodge 138 (District 7)
March 11 • Branson - Oklahoma 3rd Degree (Costume)
February 9 • Sojourners Chapter 22 (St. Louis) February 11 • Masonic Home of Missouri Board of Directors Meeting February 12 • Gateway Lodge 40 Valentine Dinner February 14 • Algabil-Freedom Lodge 636 Valentine Dinner (District 27) February 15 • Moolah Shrine Dinner and Meeting February 18-22 • Conference of Grand Masters February 24-26 • Geo Washington Masonic Memorial in Washington D.C. February 28 • Webster Groves Lodge 84 (District 27)
March 16-18 • Kansas Grand Lodge Annual Communication March 18 • Masonic Home of Missouri Board of Directors Meeting • Ways & Means Committe meeting • Directed Development Committee meeting • Smith-Stewart Trustee Meeting March 25 • Grand Master’s Cryptic Masons Day March 31 • Prince Hall Testimonial Dinner - St. Louis