PERIODICALS
Ann Arbor Masonic News Ann Arbor Masonic News (USPS 595-570) 4551 N. Maple Rd. Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105-9614
VOLUME NO. XLXIII
Serving the Masonic Fraternity of Washtenaw County USPS 595-570 JANUARY 2007
NUMBER 192
"We Are Never Alone"
“Two Wolves”
Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian youth's rite of passage? His dad takes him into the forest... blindfolded...and leaves him....alone.
One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson About a battle that goes on inside people.
He is required to sit on a stump the whole night... and not take off the blindfold until the ray of sun shines through it. He is all by himself. He cannot cry out for help to anyone. Once he survives the night.. he is a MAN. He cannot tell the other boys of this experience. Each lad must come into his own manhood. The boy was terrified...could hear all kinds of noise...Beasts were all around him. Maybe even some human would hurt him. The wind blew the grass and earth... and it shook his stump. But he sat stoically.. never removing the blindfold. It would be the only way he could be a man. Finally, after a horrific night.. the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold. It was then that he saw his father.. sitting on the stump next to him...at watch... the entire night. We are never alone. Even when we do not know it, our Father is protecting us... He is sitting on the stump beside us. All we have to do is reach out to Him.
He said, “My son, the battle is between two “wolves” inside us all. One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, Regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, Inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.” The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: “Which wolf wins?” The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”
It is the VETERAN! It is the VETERAN, not the preacher, Who has given us freedom of religion. It is the VETERAN, not the reporter, Who has given us freedom of the press. It is the VETERAN, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer, Who has given us freedom to assemble. Continued page 2
j.k SALINE LODGE N0. 133
MANCHESTER LODGE N0. 148
OLIVE LODGE N0. 156
109 West Michigan Ave, Saline 48176
135 E. Main St., P.O. Box116, Manchester
113 W. Middle St., Chelsea, MI 48118
MARK D. BRENNAN
GREG STEWART, PM
LYNN M. HELDT, PM
Worshipful Master
Worshipful Master
Worshipful Master
10781 Feldkamp Rd., Saline 48176 (734) 429-9135, work: (734) 429-9705
10100 Hogan Rd., Manchester 48158 (734) 428-0169 cscotty521@netzero.net Guy Gilbert ………………….…..………Secretary 207 W. Duncan, PO Box 4, Manchester 48158 (734) 428-7036 gugilb@hotmail.com 1st MONDAY OF THE MONTH, 7:30 PM except July & August
13301 Pleasant Lake Rd., Manchester 48158 (734) 428-0763 Cell (734) 216-0842
cell: (734) 231-5887 candyapplered76@aol.com James H. Miller …….…………..………Secretary 12829 Miller’s Dr., Milan 48160 734.439.3582 …………… jmiller@talkamerica.net 1st TUESDAY OF THE MONTH, 7:30 PM
The Master’s Letter
The Master’s Letter
garlicu@aol.com Jason Mifsud, PM……………. Secretary 11865 Bethel Church, Manchester 48158 (734) 428-7215 olivelodge156@yahoo.com WEB: www.grandlodgemi.org/michiganlodge.cfm?cID=0MI00156 2nd MONDAY OF THE MONTH, 7:30 PM, Lodge phone (734) 475-8920
The Master’s Letter Greetings for the East: Saline Lodge will be holding their Installation of Officers on The Saturday, January 13th. Installation will begin at 7 pm. Dinner will follow the Installation for all in attendance. The new Officers are looking forward to a large attendance at the Installation to show your support for them in their coming endeavors throughout the year. _____________________________
It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial. It is the VETERAN, not the politician, Who has given us the right to vote. It is the VETERAN, who salutes the Flag. It is the VETERAN, Who serves under the Flag! ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM. VETERANS KNOW THAT THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE HAS NO EXPIRATION DATE. We can be very proud of our young men and women in the service no matter where they serve.
GOD Bless them all!!!
Greetings Brothers: This will be the last time that I will be writing to all my Brothers in our Lodge as my year in the East is now over. It has been an honor to serve my Lodge with all the help that my fellow officers gave me, it was a breeze. Your newly installed offers for the 2007 year are as follows: Worshipful Master -Greg Stewart, PM Senior Warden – Eric Fields Junior Warden – Gill Portifield Treasurer – Jim Schook, Sr., PM Secretary – Guy Gilbert Senior Deacon – Guy Cole Junior Deacon – Pat Conklin Senior Steward – Casey Salkauskas Steward – Jim Schook, Jr., PM Steward – Ron Schook, PM Steward – Gayle Kayner, PM Marshal – Keith Harper, PM Tiler – George Taylor As you may notice there are not too many Past Masters in the moving line. Brothers Conklin, Salkauskas and Cole were just raised this past year. Brother Gilbert is also new to the line. Please come to Lodge to support these newly installed officers. The new Brothers will be real proud to show off their new Jewels and how they are learning their new roles as officers of your Lodge. We will be doing some Degree work shortly after the new year. Your help and attendance at the Lodge will impress these new men as they make their assent up those winding stairs. In closing I wish each and everyone a Happy and Prosperous New Year. Also, congratulations to Brothers John Church and Gale Kayner on their recent retirements. Hey will soon wonder how they ever found time to go to work!!! Fraternally Always, Keith D. Harper, PM
Greeting Brothers: Olive Lodge will be holding a Joint Installation with Stockbridge Lodge on Saturday evening, January 6th at the Stockbridge Lodge. They will be having a dinner after the Installation. James Miller of Saline Lodge will have the honor of installing his son as the Worshipful Master of Stockbridge Lodge. Come out and enjoy with them this wonderful occasion. It is also a great time to show your support for all of the new officers of both Lodges as they assume their stations.
WORDS OF WISDOM: “It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you.” Dick Cheney “Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction>” John F. Kennedy “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more. You are a leader.” John Quincey Adams “Set your goals, stay focused and you will succeed.” Ted Williams “There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.” General Colin Powell “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” Joseph Campbell “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.” Helen Keller
1474As GOLDEN RULE LODGE N0. 159 ‘r 2875 West Liberty Rd., Ann Arbor 48103 GARY L. THOMAS
ANN ARBOR-FRATERNITY NO. 262
MILAN LODGE NO. 323
2875 West Liberty Rd., Ann Arbor 48103
37 N. Tolan St., Milan 48160
GARY F. FILZEN
MATTHEW TOMECEK
Worshipful Master
Worshipful Master
Worshipful Master
653 Woodside, Milford 48381 (248) 410-0511 gobluegary2000@yahoo.com
2875 West Liberty Rd., Ann Arbor 48103 (734) 417-4691 wmaaf262@yahoo.com
332 Anderson St., Milan 48160 Work: 734-662-8611 (Cell) 734-891-7676 tomecekm@bv.com
Brian Folske, PM ………………...………Secretary 2613 Bellwood, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (734) 971-9063 Fax: (734) 975 6998 gr159@gl-mi.org WEB: www.gl-mi.org/lodges/goldenrule-159 st 1 THURSDAY OF THE MONTH Officers 6:30 – Regular 7:00 Electronic Trestleboard (734) 913-9510
Master’s Letter Greetings Brothers,
What an intense feeling on December 8th, being installed as Worshipful Master of Golden rule Lodge #159 was all I’d hoped it would be and more. Special thanks to all of the Installing Officers who took the time out of their busy lives to assist me, and Worshipful Brother Gary Filzen in having a great evening. Another thank-you to my wonderful wife Julie for being supportive of me in my Masonic journey, as we all know, it is essential to have a supportive spouse. Also, thank-you to all of the appendant bodies who were there to offer their support, without you the flavor of the ritual would’ve not been so robust. A Special thanks to Most Worshipful Brother Richard Ruhland and his wife for being there. I stated during the installation that I was humbled as I stood in the East and felt the full weight of the history of Golden Rule Lodge and its’ previous Worshipful Masters. I hope I can with the assistance of my officers and the Brothers of the Lodge build on what they have left us. I’m looking forward to having a productive year, both with degree work as well as other functions which may include the entire Masonic Family. January will be our first Regular Communication of 2007 on the first Thursday of the month. I’m, also, looking forward to some BiLodge ventures with our sister Lodge Ann Arbor-Fraternity #262 in the near future Hail to the Victors! Masonry is only as strong as each Gary Thomas
of its members working together! How strong a Mason are you? As a Mason, what are you doing to help the Fraternity?
Seymour D. Greenstone, PM ……...…….….Secretary 12065 Glenview Dr., Plymouth, MI 48170-3052 (734) 455-6121 Fax: (734) 254-0124 seymourg@comcast.net WEB: http://aaf262.michiganmasoniclodges.org 1st WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH 7:00 pm, Lodge Phone (734) 769-2242
Master’s Letter Greetings from the East Brothers, Welcome to the New Year. Brothers it is with both humility and pride that I write this letter to you. I now sit in a station within this Lodge that has been occupied by many men before me. Most of these men are unknown to me, some have been friends of mine, and others I have come to know and now am honored to call them friends. I assume the leadership position of this Lodge, witnessing the fact that my predecessor has left me with a vital and living lodge. It is my intent that next year, my successor will be able to write the same words. Will respect the rich traditions and history of this lodge, but I will also look to the future and try to start a few new traditions. My focus for the year will be ritual and family. My view on ritual is that though we come from diverse religious, political, cultural and professional backgrounds, the one thing all Brothers with this Lodge have in common is the ritual. I believe the ritual is one component of the cement that bonds us all together. The better we are at ritual, the stronger we become as a lodge of Brothers. I would ask that we all devote ourselves to the ritual this year. Each person picking one area of interest, learning it and then teaching it through demonstration. II will be asking individual Brothers for his contribution to this effort. Family wi8ll also be a focus for me as well since we all have families that are very important to us. A sign of the vitality of this lodge is that the officer line and the sidelines are now filled with many fathers of young children. I will keep this fact in mind as I draw out plans on our trestle board. We will have activities this year. Keep your eyes on the trestle board for more activities and details. One change that I believe all will enjoy is that all Master Mason Degree meals will be catered. This will add a nice touch to an already sub-lime evening, and will also give Brothers a break from the kitchen and allow them to focus on the ritual. We have a very busy first quarter this year. We have several candidates awaiting degrees. In January we will initiate three worthy men into the craft. In February we will raise Brothers to the degree of Master Mason. Also in February we will be honoring Brother Bob Oxenger as our Master Mason of the Year. Look for your invitation in the mail in early February. Brother Bob won this award due to his service to the craft. His willingness to Continued page 8
Steve Coburn, PM ………….…………..…..Secretary 10247 Crane Road, Milan 48160 734 231-7127 milanlodge323@yahoo.com st 1 WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH Special Communications, 3 rd Wednesday 7:30 pm, Lodge Phone (734) 439-1020
Master’s Letter Greetings Brothers: The Brothers of Milan Lodge are off to a great start for the New Year! We had an excellent turn out for the Installation of Officers held on December 2, 2006 in Milan. A delicious meal was prepared and served before the festivities began. 14 Brothers were installed that evening with close to 60 in attendance. Past Grand Master Robert Helmic presided as the Installing Officer for the evening. Brother Bob and his Installing Team performed a wonderful ceremony. Our many thanks go out to them! Afterward, all were invited back to the dining room for refreshments and fellowship. Our new Secretary, Brother Steve Coburn was unable to attend due to a prior commitment, but we installed Brother Steve at our December 6th Regular communication. I look forward to serving with Brother Steve at my side! Many thanks go out to Brother Joe Porter, our Jr. PWM for all of his dedication and hard work in our Lodge for the past 5 years, serving as Worshipful Master. Also, I need to give thanks to Brother Cannie Thacker who stepped down as Secretary this year. Brother Cannie served as Secretary for 17 years in our Lodge. That in itself is remarkable dedication, let alone the fact that he drives from Hillsdale for every meeting! Thanks again Brother Joe and Brother Cannie, you both deserve a break! Installation season is upon us and I look forward to traveling to the Lodges in the area to join the fellowship and support our Brothers. It will be my pleasure to see the many Brothers that I know and meet those of you that I don’t know, so please introduce yourself to me! Please take a moment to remember our service men and women allover the world as they fight for our rights. This brings me to some news about one of our Brothers. Brother Paul Wanty, Jr. was discharged with “HONORS” from the Air Force due to injuries he received in the line of duty wile fighting for our Country. He received 2 Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star Medal with V. The Bronze “V” identifies the award as resulting from an act of combat heroism or “VALOR”, thus distinguishing it from meritorious achievement awards. I personally have known Brother Paul since he was initiated into DeMolay as a youth. He was a leader at a young age and now he truly is a “Man of Honor”. His proud father Paul, Sr. said his Continued page 6
January 2007 Washtenaw County Monthly Masonic Planner Sunday
M onday
1
Tuesday
2
Wednesday
3
Thursday
4
Friday
5
6
9:00 AM Grotto - 7:30 PM Saline 7:00 PM Ann 7:30 PM Golden Tom & Jerry Lodge - R egular Arbor-Fraternity Rule - Ann Party No Joint York Rite - Regular, Dinner Arbor - Regular - 6:20 p Happy New Meeting this 7:30 PM Milan Year month Lodge - R egular
7
8
9:00 AM VA Hosp Visit
7:00 PM Grotto 7:00 PM Washte- 7:30 PM Grotto House & Bd. naw Chapter 6 - Monthly Meeting PM Rehearsal 7:30 PM York 7:30 PM ManchChapter- Stated ester Lodge 148 262 Deg. Practice - Regular Comm. 7:30 PM Olive Lodge - C helsea - Regular
9
14
15
9:00 AM VA Hosp Visit
Masoni c News 7:30 PM Washte- 7:00 PM 262 EA naw Chapter 6 - Degree Articl es are PM Degree Due!!! NLT!!!
21
22
9:00 AM VA Hosp Visit 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Breakfast Grotto
7:30 PM AAMTB ANN Stockholders Meeting
28
29
9:00 AM VA Hosp Visit
7:00 PM SEMYR Assoc. Quarterly Meeting Diner 6:15 pm
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23
10
17
24
11
Saturday
7:00 PM Chelsea/ Stockbridge Installation Stockbridge 7:00 PM Grotto Installation - AA Temple
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13
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM7:00 PM Saline Friday Fry Lodge Grotto Installation
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6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Friday Fry Grotto
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31 6:30 PM 262 Masters Table - Campfire Inn Milan
December 06 S M T W T F 3 4 5 6 7 10 11 12 13 14 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 26 27 28 31
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February 07 S M T W T F 4 5 6 11 12 13 18 19 20 25 26 27
Masonry Working for the Betterment of all M ankind
Somebody has well said there are only two kinds of people in the world. There are those who wake up in the morning and say, “Good morning, Lord,” and there are those who wake up in the morning and say, “Good Lord, it’s morning.”
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ANN ARBOR MASONIC TEMPLE BOARD 2875 West Liberty, Ann Arbor 734.996.0121 BRIAN FOLSKE, President (734) 971-9063
bfolske@comcast.net
Karl Grube, Secretary (734) 878-0639 Karlgrube@hotmail.com December 18, 2006, 7:00 PM Roll Call: Folske, Grube, Davidge, Hoffman, Richardson, Kent, Easton, Wilcox – Absent – Bunten. Guests – WM Filzen; WM Thomas; Stuart Berry, PM; Paul Howell, PM. Nov. Minutes approved as submitted. Treasurer’s Financial Report – Year End figures show a $6,500 red ink loss in cash. All except one bill have been paid. Board has a working interest in oil wells in Texas, via phone call. Kent and Davidge are validating our interest. President’s Report – Folske – Lease, Health Department – Kitchen and water system have been reinstated in good standing. Announcement: January Annual Meting – JANUARY 22, 207 – 7:30 PM – Annual Stockholds Meeting and Election of 2007 Temple Board Officers. Grube reported that GSA has indicated an interest in 8,000 wq. Ft in the first phase of the Office Project. Final papers have been submitted by Reyn Hendrickson. If an August occupancy is to be realized, “Ground Breaking” will have to occur in early January. Easton – Rentals & Revenue Report – 4 rentals have been scheduled for December. The AAMTB rental WEB site is nearing a trial basis. Hoffman – “Rodent Kitchen Report” – there are no catches as of this time. Howell reported that political signs were removed from the W. Liberty walkway. Found on Election Day. Also reported on the dwindling membership in York Rite Bodies in Ann Arbor. The new 2007 AAMT Board will address request of further relief in monthly rental payments. Grube will not seek reappointment to the AAMTB. Will continue working with Hendrickson on sales & construction. Wilcox had the Temple Board thank Sec. Grube (5 years) and Kent (1 year) for their valuable service. Kent will be taking a position with D.H. Blattner, a wind energy company building projects in Minnesota and Colorado. Jeremy has volunteered to clean all carpets on January 2. Temple Board will pay the cost of equipment rental and cleaning materials. Easton has arranged for an outdoor light to be installed at the entrance of the new driveway. DTE Energy will bear the full cost of transfer from the old driveway entrance to the new entrance. Adjourned: 8:32 PM. Brothers: The Bonisteel has a display of the Signers of the US Declaration of Indepedence. There are copies of the document marked with the Masonic Signers in the Ante Room. Help yourself while they last.
ZAL GAZ GROTTO THOMAS F. KERSEY, MONARCH 1223 Lutz Ave., Ann Arbor 48103 (734) 426-5639 TFKERSEY@aol.com Chief Justice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan Suomala Master of Ceremonies . . . . . . .. . . David Pilotto Venerable Prophet . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rick Wersche Marshall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .James Wade Frank B. Pope, PM……..……Secretary 301 W. Bennett, Saline, MI 48176 (734) 429-7039 Hank Gise, PM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Treasurrer Regular Meeting 2ND WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH, 7:00 PM 2070 West Stadium Blvd. (734) 663-1202
Monarch’s Letter Greetings Prophets and Brothers: Busy month coming up for the month of December.! House and Board Meeting on Monday the 11th at 5 pm. Annual Meeting and Dinner on Wednesday the 13th at 6 PM for Dinner and Meeting at 7:30 PM. Children’s Christmas Party on Saturday the 16th from 12 to 3 PM. Hope everyone had a pleasant Thanksgiving. There will be only one Friday Fry in December. There will be a Sunday Breakfast on the 17th from 9am to 1 pm. On Saturday, Nov. 25 Zal Gaz members Art Clark & Jan Suomala and their Ladies and Grotto Volunteer Harriet Holzafpel attended the Milford Parade. They joined Dick and Mary Sands at their home in the Milford area. A lovely breakfast and lunch was served and enjoyed by all. Our Chief Justice, Jan Suomala is looking for 2007 candidates and men to step into line. I challenge any and all of you to take your turn and support your Grotto. Don’t forget “Tom & Jerry’s” on Monday January 1, 2007 at 9 AM. The Annual Monarch’s Installation will be held at the Ann Arbor Temple at 7 PM and the Monarch’s Ball will be at the Grotto at 8:PM. (Editor’s note: Understand this will be on Saturday, January 6th). Thanks, Thomas F. Kersey Monarch
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WASHTENAW CHAPTER NO. 6
YORK CHAPTER NO. 150
2875 West Liberty Rd., Ann Arbor
37 N. Tolan Street, Milan
PAUL C. HOWELL, PHP
MICHAEL P. STUCK, PHP
Full Service Building & Remodeling
High Priest
High Priest
Licensed & Insured
17635 Manitou Beach Rd., Addison 49220 (517) 547.8266 pch43@comcast.net
12153 S. Custer, Dundee 48131
Handyman Service Available Allen C. Christ adchrist@gmail.com
(734) 429-4275 cell: (734) 239-5504
Allen C. Christ ………...……………… Secretary 1120 Jewell Road, Milan 48160-9529 (734) 429-4275 adchrist@gmail.com STATED CONVOCATION 1st TUESDAY OF THE MONTH 7:00 PM Joint York Rite Meeting
High Priest Address
Masonic News Articles must be received prior to the 15th of each month, before the publication date. Send them to Paul Howell at his home address or via email at: pch43@comcast.net
Greetings Companions and Friends: We have Exalted two Companions thus far in your Chapter during this year and have two additional candidates that have had their Fellowcraft Degree amplified by being taught that the knowledge we received can be employed most usefully and judiciously for our honor and the profit of others. A beautiful less was exemplified, inculcating the truth that although we are often misunderstood, underrated and traduced there ins ONE who will make the rejected stone the head of the corner. They are now in receipt of their wages as a Master Mason. Something that we as Master Masons have long sought. They are both excited and anxiously awaiting the opportunity of being made virtual Past Masters’. In order to properly prepare the work for the Past Masters’ Degree we will be having a practice (rehearsal) on Tuesday, January 9th at 7 PM. We will be conferring the Past Masters’ Degree at 7 pm on Tuesday, January the 16th. Hope that you will mark your calendars to be at both of these dates. We are in need more good Masons that want to improve their Masonic Education. The Royal Arch and the York Rite assist a Mason in understanding the sequences that have led to, and to fulfill the knowledge and information of the 3 Degrees of being a Master Mason. The lessons taught in the York Rite make the degrees of the Symbolic Lodge more understandable and make the teaching of those lessons much easier and informative. All Master Masons should receive the degrees of the York Rite to complete their Masonic Education. To receive more information or to get a petition contact any Royal Arch Mason. Paul Howell, Art Davidge, Allen Christ, Sean Dykhouse, Ron Rowe, Thomas Gomez or Gary Thomas would be a great start. You will find that the members of the York Rite are the leaders of your Masonic Lodges and some of the best ritualists in your Lodge. You can improve yourself and your work by joining the York Rite. Hope everyone had a great Holiday Season and we wish each of you the very best of health, wealth and happiness in the year 2007. Paul Howell Always remember to keep a smile on your face and a chuckle in your voice. Support your Masonic Lodge and you are supporting your local community.
John F. Midkiff, PHP …………………… Secretary 326 E. River St., Deerfield 49238 (517) 447-3258 ccbm@cass.net STATED CONVOCATION 2nd WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH 7:30 PM
High Priest Address Dear Companions of York Chapter #150: We have now entered upon the new year of 2007 with great hope and encouragement for our future. We hope that each of you will find growth and prosperity in your future endeavors during this year. We are looking forward to the same within the Chapter. We must make sure that we support or Lodges in order to strengthen them so that we can thereby strengthen our local Chapter. Looking forward to see you at our next Stated Convocation of the Chapter on Wednesday, January 10th. Milan Lodge Continued. highlighs are of working with the High Brass and Friends that he made in the service and becoming a Mason, having his Dad and friends from DeMolay there when he was raised before he went into the service. Brother Paul needs our prayers and support as he goes through these rough times in his life. We now have e-mail, so drop us an email to Milanlodge@yahoo.com so that we can include you in our address list. If you have any suggestions or comments please contact us, we would love to hear from you. I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas a safe and happy New Year. I look forward to serving you, My Brothers, for the ensuing year! Our next Regular Communication will be January 3, 2007 at 7:30 pm. Brothers please attend if you are able, we need your support and would like to see you in Lodge. Fraternally, Matthew Tomecek, WM
Brothers: When submitting an article for publication in your Masonic News remember to include events that are coming up in the month that the article will be published. Do not include dates that will have occurred after that date. *** Also, check the size of the space you have available. Try to fill it in with: material to make your article informative, educational and enlightening!
ANN ARBOR COUNCIL NO. 86
ANN ARBOR COMMANDERY #13
Acupuncture
2875 West Liberty Rd., Ann Arbor 48103
2875 West Liberty Rd., Ann Arbor 48103
Connie Sundrla – Dipl.Ac.
PAUL C. HOWELL, PTIM
ALLEN C. CHRIST, PC
Thrice Illustrious Master
Eminent Commander
NCCAOK Certified
17635 Manitou Beach Rd., Addison 49220 (517) 547-8266 (Cell) (517) 262-5140 meghpmi97@comcast.net
1120 Jewell Road, Milan 48160-9529 (734) 429-4275 (Cell) (734) 239.5504 adchrist@gmail.com
Paul C. Howell, PTIM……………...……….Recorder 17635 Manitou Beach Road Addison, MI 49220 (517) 547-8266 pch43@comcast.net STATED ASSEMBLY 1st TUESDAY OF THE MONTH 7:00 PM Joint York Rite Meeting
Arthur W. Davidge ..…………………….Recorder 4551 N. Maple Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105-9614 (734) 769-6982 adavidge@umich.edu STATED CONCLAVE 1st TUESDAY OF THE MONTH 7:00 PM Joint York Rite Meeting
Thrice Illustrious Master’s Letter Greetings Companions: I wish to express much thanks to each of you for you confidence in me by electing me to serve you this coming year. Remember that as Thrice Illustrious Master I am only the head of an organization. I can only help make plans and arrangements for that which you want and desire to be done. I cannot do the work for you, it takes all of us working together in order for it to be any event to be a success. It is with great pleasure that I wish to thank Allen Christ for his guidance and leadership which he gave to us this past year as Thrice Illustrious Master. He is a great inspiration for all that he came into contact. A great inspirational leader. Because of your hard work we have four new petitions for the Cryptic Degrees. The dates for these degrees will be set as soon as two of them complete their work in the Royal Arch Degrees. We will be studying our many parts for this work by visiting with Union Council in Ypsilanti as they perform these degrees in the near future. They have three candidates, at this time, for the work. They need help and assistance to put the work on, and we will need the same when we prepare for our work. We have a great relationship with the Companions of Ypsilanti and it is through mutual support that we will both survive, prosper and growth to prominence in our Masonic Community. You have several very faithful and dedicated Companions and Sir Knights in your York Rite in Ann Arbor. They show up for the Joint Meetings on the First Tuesday, except January, for dinner at 6:15 and the meeting at 7 pm. The conversation, friendship and fellowship that is enjoyed at these meetings cannot be beat. We could use your input in the discussing and solving of the worlds problems. Bring a joke with you, as we also enjoy sharing in the same. We always make every effort to keep the business moving along very smoothly and swiftly so that we have more time to enjoy each others friends and still get out and home at an early hour. Happy New Year. Get well if in sickness or distress. Then stay well. The Best to you and yours. Paul Howell
Friday, Saturday and Sunday By Appointment Only 2345 S. Huron Parkway ,Ann Arbor, MI 48104
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Commander’s Letter Greetings Sir Knights and Ladies! What a blessed time of year. We have just celebrated the birth of our Saviour, there is nothing on this world so magnificent! Now we get to celebrate the birth of a whole new year to dedicate to His service. How can we make Him more at home in our daily lives? I don’t know about you, but I think talking to a friend on a regular basis cements the friendship & lets each know how much the other cares. We talk to Him through prayer, pray often. We would like to take this opportunity to welcome & congratulate our new leaders in our Symbolic (Blue) Lodges & our Cryptic Councils. We trust that you will perform the duties of your offices with honor & lead the Craft to greatness in your year. Thank you for taking the time to DO SOMETHING ABOUT MASONRY! We have a beloved tale to share with the world. We look forward to you showing us what that tale is to YOU! From the bottom of our hearts, please accept our best wishes & do not forget to call us when you need us! We are very thankful for the spirit of renewal taking place in our Commandery. Sean & Miro have made a wonderful addition to our ranks. We can hardly wait to see how well they perform the work & help us bring Ann Arbor Commandery # 13 into the future. We have at least 2 more Brothers becoming Companions & Sir Knights this year. They want to receive the Degrees & Orders in our local bodies. Come out & support our Chapter & Council by helping take part in the Degrees. Our Commandery can only admit Royal Arch Masons, help them help us. The hard part of winter is coming up. Please remember those who can’t do for themselves. Lend a helping hand; pick up their mail, clean their walks, take them to the store, call & check on them, pray for them. It doesn’t have to cost money to be helpful. I urge us to visit other Masonic Bodies. Each year I experience the joy of seeing new, visiting faces on our sidelines, each working towards a common goal; spreading the tenets of the Craft. I am humbled when I see them, & regret the times I have selfishly stayed home instead of traveling. We are ALL busy, but THEY made the time to spread the cement of brotherly love. Try, please try, to do the same. Humbly, Allen Christ
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The Ann Arbor Masonic News Published Monthly by: The Ann Arbor Masonic News Association 4551 N. Maple Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48105-9614 Arthur W. Davidge…………………..President Allen C. Christ………………….Vice President Beth Masten………….Secretary-Treasurer Paul C. Howell………….………Editor The Ann Arbor Masonic News (USPS 595-570) is published monthly by the Ann Arbor Masonic News Association, 4551 N. Maple Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105-9614. Subscription rate: $4.00 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Ann Arbor, Michigan. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: THE ANN ARBOR MASONIC NEWS 4551 N. Maple Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105
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Fill in and assist during the ritual have been inspiring. He is often called upon to take a role in the ritual, rarely if ever declines, and his proficiency in his roles is inspiring to myself and other Brothers. He is a great example of a Brother who is willing to do his part. A lodge of Bob Oxenger’s would surely never fail. We should all seek to emulate his dedication to the craft. We will also honor our Junior Past Master Stuart Berry, another great Brother in the craft. Stuart’s tenure in the East has been personally inspiring. He has been a great example of what a Worshipful Master should be; easy of temperament, cheerful of character and judicious in his use of authority. Stuart has mentored me through his mastery of and dedication to the ritual. It will be the guide I follow as I sit in the East. Moving into March we will pass Brothers to the degree of Fellowcraft. Important Dates and Upcoming events, all on Wednesday’s: Jan. 3 – First Regular Communication Jan. 10 – Degree Practice Jan. 17 – Entered Apprentice Degree Jan. 31 – Master’s Table at Campfire Inn Feb. 7 – Regular Communication Feb 21 – Master Mason Degree Feb. 28 – Mason of the Year/Junior PM Roast Dinner at Zal Gaz Grotto Mar. 7 – Regular Communication Mar. 21 – Fellowcraft Degree Wed. 28 – Master’s Table at TBD TBD – Lodge of Instruction Before closing I would like to introduce you to the men who really make this lodge function. The men have made a tangible show
dedication to the craft by joi8ning the officer line; I respect this act of selflessness greatly. I am pleased to introduce your officers of Ann Arbor-Fraternity Lodge #262: Donald L. McKenzie, Senior Warden Stuart I. Berry, Junior Warden Arthur F. Davidge, PM, Treasurer Seymour D. D. Greenstone, PM, Secretary Sean Dykhouse, PM. Chaplain Christopher Fultz, Senior Deacon Bob Hotter, III, Junior Deacon William Carpenter, Senior Steward Steve Sjostrom, Steward Shih-Ho Chao, Marshalol Karl W. Grube, Tiler Justin Krasnoff, PM< Organist Karl W. Grube, Education Officer In closing I would like to make you aware of my new contact information: my email address is wmaaf262@yahoo.com It is my hope that in the future this email address will be the address for the sitting Worshipful Master of this Lodge. Will that is all, until next month look to the East. Sincerely and fraternally, Gary THE BUZZARD, THE BAT AND THE BUMBLEBEE BUZZARD If you put a buzzard in a pen that is 6 feet by 8 feet and is entirely open at the top, the bird, in spite of its ability to fly, will be an absolute prisoner. The reasoni9s that a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a run of 10 to 12 feet. Without space to run, as is its habit, it will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner for life in a small joi8l with no top.
BAT The ordinary bat that flies around at night, a remarkably nimble cre3atiure in the air, cannot take off from a level place if it is placed on the floor or flat ground, all it can do is shuffle about helplessly and, no doubt, painfully, until it reaches some slight elevation from which it can throw itself into the air. Then, at once, it takes off like a flash. BUMBLEBEE A bumblebee, if dropped into if dropped into an open tumbler, will be there until it dies, unless it is taken out. It never sees the means of escape at the top, but persists in trying to find some way out through the sides near the bottom. It will seek a way where none exists, until it completely destroys itself. PEOPLE In many ways, we are like the buzzard, the bat, and the bumblebee. We struggle about with all our problems and frustrations, never realizing that all we have to do is look up. Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, but faith looks up! HOW TO CLEAN THE HOUSE 1. Open a new file in your PC. 2. Name it “housework.” 3. Send it to the RECYCLE BIN. 4. Empty the RECYCLE BIN. 5. Your PC will ask you, “Are you sure you want to delete Housework permanently?” 6. Calmly answer, “YES,” and press the mouse button firmly….. 7. Feel better? 8. Works for me!