Trestle Board
February 2023
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Message From The East
Dear Brethren,
The past two months have been a total success in terms of education, fellowship and our usual gatherings in the Scottish Rite. On this edition of the newsletter, I wanted to briefly comment on a few aspects of the season, particularly the potential Masonic teachings we can grab from the Lenten and Ramadan Seasons that some of our brethren practice.
Taking inspiration from a previous message of the Grand Master of the Philippines, I want to invite us to reflect on this season what prayer means to us Masons. It is well known that no important Masonic undertaking shall occur without a prayer to the Grand Architect of the Universe, from the dinner we share in fellowship all the way to the degree conferrals and office installations. In the period of Ramadan, as the Sovereign Grand Commander Jim Cole expressed, it is observed a period of fasting, introspection and prayer and as Masons we can appreciate and observe the effectiveness of these acts in focusing our attention to things of greater significance for us and for humanity in general. As this season passes, I ask that we remain in confidence and trust that the Great Architect of the Universe and our prayers to him will be our greatest refuge in any hardship in life we may face.
Last, but definitely not least, I ask to all to not leave our working tools in the lodge, but to bring them to our usual vocations as we are Masons in every aspect of our lives.
Respectfully,
Luis Irizarry
Worshipful Master
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Message From the West
Brethren,
As we move through our Masonic year, I'm reminded of how we are taught to act as Masons. There's a story I was told when I joined the Lodge, about a Mason, who was traveling for work when his car broke down. He located a Brother locally who offered him his own car, so he could make it to his conference, and said he'd get his car to a mechanic to get fixed. When the Mason returned, the car was fixed. He asked the Brother how much was owed, and was told nothing! He asked if the Brother did it because "I'm a Mason"? The answer was "No, I did it because I am a Mason". This story reminds me to act as a Mason, no matter how others present themselves through their actions. Forgiveness can be hard to give, but I try to remember that people do what they think is the right thing for them to do at the time, right or wrong. And that leads me to remember to admonish with kindness.
Fraternally,
Tony Williams
Senior Warden
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Message From the South
Brethren,
I hope all is well with everyone. Let's remember to set the best Masonic example we can for our soon to be Brother. Seeing as his Masonic career is just starting, it's important he is set down the proper path and have the best representations of Freemasonry in his Brethren to emulate. May Heaven's blessing be upon on you all. "Masonic labor is purely a labor of love. He who seeks to draw Masonic wages in gold and silver will be disappointed. The wages of a Mason are in the dealings with one another; sympathy begets sympathy, kindness begets kindness, helpfulness begets helpfulness, and these are the wages of a Mason." - MWB Benjamin Franklin
Fraternally,
Zachary Taylor
Junior Warden
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Stated Meeting with Downtown No 86 | | |
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Honorary DeMolay Membership
-WB Luis Irizarry
As a young Mason that never went through the experience of DeMolay, I had a wonderful experience being inducted into the King Solomon Honorary Chapter of DeMolay. The teachings observed are enriched with Freemasonry and there are several similarities in numerology as well as a general ritualistic resemblance. On behalf on Aaron Lodge No 49, I want to congratulate all the DeMolay members that took part of the degree conferral on March 18th. They did an amazing job and definitely future Masons in the making. I want to encourage all Brothers that did not have the opportunity to become a DeMolay member to take advantage of the next opportunity to join the King Solomon Honorary Chapter.
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Library Corner
The Symbolism of Freemasonry: Illustrating and Explaining Its Science and Philosophy, its Legends, Myths and Symbols
by Albert Mackey
The Symbolism of Freemasonry is a book about the teachings and practices of the secret fraternal order of Free and Accepted Masons, the largest worldwide secret society. Freemasonry evolved from the guilds of stonemasons and cathedral builders of the Middle Ages which regulated the qualifications of stonemasons and their interaction with authorities and clients. The author traces the origins of Freemasonry and presents an adequate information and excellent foundation to understanding of how Freemasonry became what it is. The book mainly deals with signs and symbols of Freemasonry, illustrating and explaining its science and philosophy, and its legends and myths, providing a good background for many of the basics of modern day ritual and procedures.
Reviews and Purchase Options on Amazon
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Common Sayings Based on Masonry
On The Square
A very common phrase in everyday life, and one with no other explanation than having come from the Masonic fraternity - Freedictionary says - To act and speak honestly, without hiding information. For example "My daughter's fiancé is a very respectable fellow, and his actions are always on the square".
What does on the Square mean to a Freemason? If someone is said to be “On the Square” then they are a Freemason. There is even a Freemasonry magazine called The Square. Freemasons sometimes greet other men with ” are you on the square?” if they have reasonable reason to think another man is a fellow Freemason. “I saw that fellow in Lodge, so he’s definitely on the square.”
But what has this masonic term become used in everyday language? It’s Masonic explanation is that when a stonemason cuts a block to use in the construction of a building, it must be perfectly shaped so that it will support the other blocks that surround it. The block’s sides must all be perfectly straight with no faults, so that it will do its part as just one small piece of a much larger building. To check the reliability of his workmanship, the stonemason uses a tool called shaped like a right angle, to determine whether the sides and angles of the stone are perfect.
Freemasons use the term to describe their trust in each other. A man who is on the square is honest and reliable, and is a strong part of the whole community around him. Just like the blocks cut by the stonemason are a strong part of the building they are part of.
So it means that an honest man can be relied upon, just like a perfectly cut block off stone.
Less well known, is a different use of the term where it is also used to mean “just between you and me.” When one Mason tells another Mason something he’d like to be kept private, he’ll often say “This is on the square.” The masonic explanation is that unless another man is a Freemason he therefore won’t also be on the square.
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Lodge Spotlight
Adobe Lodge #41
160 S. Scott Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85701
Adobe Lodge #41 was Charted in 1950. They became an Observant Lodge in 2010. The Masonic Restoration Foundation defines Traditional Observant Lodges as having "a traditional approach to Freemasonry with an emphasis on the initiatic process. They seek to continuously maintain a Masonic Culture, Initiatic Focus and Traditional Structure."
Adobe Lodge #41 meets on the 1st Tuesday at 6:30pm except for the months of July and August.
Link to Lodge Website
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Order of the Eastern Star
The Order of the Eastern Star was founded by Dr. Rob Morris in the late 1800s. As a Master Mason, Dr. Morris had the idea that it would be nice to have a way for female relatives of Master Masons to share the benefits of knowledge and self-improvement that Freemasonry made available to men and to have a place in the Masonic Family that would allow men and women to participate together.
The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both women and men may belong. Worldwide, there are over 500,000 members under the General Grand Chapter. Members of the Order of the Eastern Star are aged 18 and older. Men must be Master Masons and women must have specific relationships with Masons. Originally a woman have to be the daughter, widow, wife, sister, or mother of a master Mason, but the Order now allows other relatives as well as allowing Job's Daughters and Rainbow Girls to become members when of age.
Grand Chapter of Arizona Order of the Eastern Star
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Order of DeMolay
The Order of DeMolay was founded in Kansas City, Missouri in 1919 by Frank Land who, after a conversation with the son of a Masonic Brother who passed away, decided to create a boys club that would meet at the local Scottish Rite Temple with the sole purpose to help them grow into decent men who would be respected in their community. Named after the last Grand Master of the Knights Templars of the 13th century, Jacques DeMolay, who died instead of betraying his brothers, thus becoming a testimonial of loyalty and friendship.
In 1921, Arizona DeMolay became one of the first states to start DeMolay. DeMolay of Arizona prides itself on providing tangible learning experiences to young men ages 12-20 in an environment that focuses on family, friendship, and leadership. They open opportunities for their members to gain skills and experiences that they'll need when it comes time to interview for a job or apply for college. By using fun to encourage self-development, their members grow their leadership skills and gain that intangible "X-Factor" that sets them apart from the rest of the field.
DeMolay Arizona
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The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls
The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls came into existence in 1922, when the Reverend W. Mark Sexson, a Freemason, was asked to make an address before South McAlester Chapter #149, Order of the Eastern Star, in McAlester, Oklahoma. As the Order of DeMolay had come under his close study during his Masonic activities, he suggested that a similar order for young women would be beneficial. The first Initiation consisted of a class of 171 young women on April 6, 1922, in the auditorium of the Scottish Rite Temple in McAlester, Oklahoma. The original name was "Order of the Rainbow for Girls".
The IORG is a Masonic youth service organization that teaches leadership training through community service. Young women (ages 11–20) learn about the value of charity and service through their work and involvement with their annual local and Grand (state or country) service projects.
The Grand Assembly of Arizona is a proud member of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls – a non-profit youth group that teaches girls what matters most – leadership, confidence, and citizenship. Every day, across the globe, hundreds of thousands of girls come together to laugh, share, and grow through fun events and challenging workshops designed to empower girls of all ages. Rainbow Girls volunteer for their community and travel to other clubs. Along the way, they make new friends and gather invaluable life skills that help them become the best daughter, sister, and friend they can be.
AZ Rainbow Girls
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Job's Daughters
Job's Daughters was started in 1920 by Ethel T. Wead Mick out of her home in Omaha, Nebraska. It became international with the institution of Bethel #1 in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Job’s Daughters International is a leadership organization for girls between the ages of 10 and 20. JDI has chapters called “Bethels” in the United States, Canada, Australia, Brazil, and the Philippines. Job’s Daughters is a premier organization for young women that teaches the values of leadership, public speaking, charity, respect for parents and elders, and teamwork. Members participate in a variety of activities such as: bimonthly meetings, fundraisers, service projects, leadership workshops, theme parties, dances and so much more!
The oldest Bethel in Arizona was formed in 1957.
New members must be related to or sponsored by a Mason. There is also a Jobie-To-Bee group for girls under 10.
Arizona Job's Daughters
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Grand Lodge of Arizona
Grand Lodge of Arizona was founded on March 25th, 1882.
Titles of Grand Lodges in the United States vary. Some Grand Lodges are called A. F. & A. M. which means Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. The most commonly used title, like that used in Arizona, is F. & A. M., or Free and Accepted Masons.
Arizona Masonry Magazine
Arizona Copper Post
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And so wraps up another month of our Trestleboard. We'll see you all next month.
Dear Brethren of the Mystic tie,
the night is waning fast,
Our work is done, our feast is o'er,
this toast must be the last.
Good night to all, once more good night,
again that farewell strain,
Happy to meet, sorry to part,
happy to meet again.
Disclaimer: Any views, claims, or opinions expressed in this newsletter represent those of the individual authors and, unless clearly labeled as such, do not represent the opinions or policies of any masonic lodge, Grand Lodge or recognized masonic body. No claims are made or responsibilities assumed for the contents of linked websites.
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