2014 June TB

TRESTLE BOARD

LEESBURG LODGE No. 58 FREE & ACCEPTED MASONS OF FLORIDA 200 Richey Road Leesburg, Florida 34748 Phone: 352-787-5696 Email: [email protected]

Meets the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of Each Month at 7:00pm Chartered January 15th, 1868

June 2014 Vol. VIII Issue VI

2

Officers for 2013

Worshipful Master W∴M∴John Haas (Tina)…… 360-9114

Senior Warden Bro. Ron Glover………………..874-9504

Junior Warden W∴Jim Campbell (Becky) ...…...552-7996

Treasurer WLarry Duff (Brenda)………..874-2164

Secretary W∴ Hank DeBerry (Paula)...….. 430-0238

Lodge ............................... ……. 787-5696

Senior Deacon Br. Jeff Lamb (Sherri)..……….. .753-0277

Junior Deacon Br. Wayne Reynolds.....…...407-484-0096

Senior Steward Br. Ed Spencer………………….324-2134

Junior Steward Vacant

Tyler Br. Richard Follett……………...406-8831

Chaplain Vacant

Marshal W∴Jim Angelos…………………… 255-1724

Organist Vacant

Lodge Instructor W∴Hank DeBerry (Paula)……...330-7311

Lodge Historian R∴ W∴ Joseph T. Price …..…. 787-0652

Librarian W∴ Larry Duff (Brenda)……….874-2164

Trestle Board W∴Hank DeBerry (Paula)…….. 330-7311

Trestle Board Printing Leesburg Printing …………….. 787-3348

Lodge Web Mail [email protected]

Committees for 2014

Board of Relief

Chairman W∴M∴John Haas, Ron Glover, Jeff Lamb

Lodge Property

Chairman Ron Glover, W∴Don McIntyre, W∴Jim Angelos,

W∴M∴John

Finance - Investments & Budget

Chairman Ron Glover, R∴W∴ Ken Graves,

W∴Tom Russell, W∴Larry Duff, W∴M∴John Haas

Vigilance

Chairman W∴Jim Campbell, W∴Bob Browning, Jeff Lamb,

Charity & Scholarships

Chairman Wayne Reynolds, Sec. W∴Hank DeBerry, Ed Spencer

Education

Chairman W∴Hank DeBerry, Ron Glover, Jeff Lamb

Lodge Mentors

Chairman W∴Larry Duff, W∴Hank DeBerry, all Past Masters

Catechism

Chairman W∴Don McIntyre, Sr., W∴Bob Browning, Jeff Lamb

Petitions Investigation

Chairman W∴M∴Haas, W∴Larry Duff, W∴ Hank DeBerry

Investigations Interviews

W∴M∴ John Haas will appoint as needed

Funeral

Chairman W∴Jim Angelos, W∴Bob Browning, Ed Spencer

Activities & Awards

Chairman W∴M∴ John Haas, Ron Glover, Jeff Lamb

Officers meet at 6:00pm, first stated meeting, Committee Chairman

meet the second meeting of each month for business and planning.

Living

Past Masters

Charles Porter 1959 G. Kiser Hardaway 1964 Jack Holloway 1968 R∴W∴Ray Richardson 1969* William “Ed” Davison 1974 Robert H. Smith 1977 R∴W∴Colin Crews 1980^* H. C. Connell 1985 R∴W∴Theodore Jansen 1986* R∴W∴Joseph T. Price 1987* Michael Dozier 1988 John H. Meier V 1989 Jay A. Frizzell, Jr. 1992 Raleigh Sorenson 1993/1994 Don Barfield 1996 Tom Russell 1997/1998/2002 Mervyn Harris 1999 R∴W∴Kenneth Graves 2000* R∴H∴ Thomas E. Beach 2001 Robert H. Browning 2003/2004 R∴W∴Dennis Ricker 2005/2007^* Roland P. Gibson 2006 Bill Green 2008 Richard Ecott 2009 Donald McIntyre, Sr. 2010 Randall Jesmok 2011 Larry Duff 2012 Jim Angelos 2013

Affiliated

Past Masters

Carl Anzelmo

Henry DeBerry

M∴W∴Joseph Brearley

Jack Delauter

Robert C. Gleckler

Robert Kennedy

Clifford Moore

Frank Peregrin

Glenn A. Reynolds*^

Edwin Robbins

Robert L. Welch

Forest Case*

Wayne Parks

Fred Lint

Raymond D Trudeau

John R. Haas

Gary Towne

Jim Campbell

Joseph Brearley#

^ Past District Instructor

* Past DDGM

# Past Grand Master

18th Masonic District

DDGM R∴W∴ Ed Lisle 352-669-8909

District Instructor R∴H∴ Alan Heist 407-718-5841

3

Chaplin’s Corner My Brothers, we recently celebrated Memorial Day and I want to take a moment to thank all our vet-erans all over the country and the world for their service and sacrifice. We take a lot for granted now a days but I believe we should never take a man’s service to his country for granted. I am reminded by this when I think of a slogan we had over the door of the Petty Officers Second Class mess.

“Through these doors, walk men, SECOND to no man” Our servicemen and women are not second class citi-zens and they should not be treated as such by anyone. The Great Architect has created man in his own image and “equal in the eyes of God”, should we think we know better? Our great Masonic Fraternity teaches us that we should judge a man by his inner self not his outer appearance and that has been our creed since time imme-morial. Brothers I ask you to think of our Brothers and Sisters in harms way and send them your support and prayers. Fathers Day is coming soon and we should also remember to thank those who helped to bring life to us in this world. May the Great Architect bless and keep you all.

.

St. John the Baptist, Patron Saint By history, custom, tradition and ritualistic requirements, the Craft holds in veneration the Festival Days of St.

John the Baptist on June 24th, and St. John the Evangelist on December 27th. Any Blue Lodge that forgets either of

these important Festival Days forfeits a precious link with the past and loses an opportunity for the renewal of alle-

giance to everything in Freemasonry symbolized by these Patron Saints. No satisfactory explanation has yet been

advanced to explain why operative Masons adopted these two particular Christian saints, when, for example, St.

Thomas, the patron of architecture and building, was already in wide use. Regardless, Freemasons agree that the

choice of these two ancient Brethren was, indeed, wise. No other two great teachers, wise men, or saints could have

been found who better exemplified through their lives and works the sublime doctrine and ageless teachings of Free-

masonry. Since on June 24th we celebrate St John the Baptist, this article will mainly focus on him.

It was a common custom in the Middle Ages for craftsmen to place themselves under the protection of some

saint of the church. All the London trades appear to have arranged themselves under the banner of some saint and if

possible they chose one who bore fancied relation to their trades. Thus, the fishmongers adopted St. Peter; glove

makers chose St. Crispin; guards chose St. Matthew; tilers chose St. Barbara; tailors often chose Eve; lawyers se-

lected St. Mark; lead workers chose St. Sebastian; stone cutters chose the Four Crowned Martyrs; doctors chose St.

Luke; astronomers chose St. Dominic; and so on. Eleven or more medieval trade guilds chose John the Baptist as

their Patron Saint. Even after exhaustive research by some of the best Masonic scholars, no one can say with any

certainty why Freemasons adopted the two Saints John, or why they continue to celebrate feast days when they once

held a far different significance. However, the appropriateness of the two Johns is obvious in our system of Great

Moral Teachings, if we consider the spiritual suggestion of their lives.

St. John the Baptist was a stern and just man, intolerant of sham, of pretense, of weakness. He was a man of

strength and fire, uncompromising with evil or expediency, and, yet, courageous, humble, sincere, and magnani-

mous. A character at once heroic and of rugged nobility, the Greatest of Teachers said of the Baptist: "Among them

that are born of woman, there hath not arisen a greater than John the Baptist." (Cont. page 4)

LIGHT FROM THE EAST

W∴M∴ John Haas

4

What do we know about John the Baptist? John had a popular ministry. It is generally thought that his ministry

started when he was about the age of 27, spreading a message of repentance to the people of Jerusalem. John's minis-

try became so popular that many wondered if he was the Messiah prophesized in the ancient Hebrew teachings.

We are also told that John the Baptist baptized Jesus after which he stepped away and told his disciples to follow

Jesus. It would seem logical that these two would combine their ministries. Oddly enough, however, they apparently

never met again. Descriptions from various historical sources seem to indicate that John was a strong, handsome,

well-formed man, and there is every indication that he was attractive to the opposite sex. However, we know that he

never married, and chose to devote his life to his ministry. In addition to being concerned with the spiritual reforma-

tion of the people of the Hebrew nation, John was also interested in the affairs of state.

John's ministry and life ended when he admonished Herod and his wife, Herodias, for their sinful behavior. John

was imprisoned and was eventually beheaded. Saint Jerome wrote that Herod kept the head for a long time after,

stabbing the tongue with his dagger in a demented attempt to continuously inflict punishment upon John. After he

was murdered, John's disciples came and buried his body, and then went and told the Great Teacher all that had hap-

pened. The Carpenter responded to the news of John's death by saying, "John was a lamp that burned and gave

Light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his Light."

St. John's Day, June 24, symbolically marks the summer solstice, when nature attains the zenith of light and life

and joy. St. John's day in winter, December 27, symbolizes the turn of the sun's farthest journey - the attainment of

wisdom, the rewards of a well-spent life, and love toward one's fellow man. The Festivals of the Saints John bear

the names of Christian Saints, but ages ago, long before the Christian era, they bore other names. Freemasonry

adopted these festivals and the Christian names, but has taken away Christian dogma, and made their observance

universal for all men of all beliefs. The Catholic Church observes the birth of the Baptist as a hallowed event. Inter-

estingly, they have no such commemoration for the birth of any of the other Saints.

In addition to being the initial Patron Saint of Freemasons, the Baptist was also considered to be the Patron Saint

of the following: Bird dealers, convulsions, cutters, epilepsy, furriers, hailstorms, Knights Hospitaller, Knights of

Malta, lambs, Maltese Knights, monastic life, motorways, printers, spasms, and oars.

The first Grand Lodge organized in England in 1717, on the Festival Day of the Baptist. The United Grand

Lodge of England was created in 1813 on the Festival Day of the Evangelist. The day of St. John the Baptist is truly

symbolic of a day of beginnings, while the day of the Evangelist is symbolic of endings.

The Volume of Sacred Law tells us that when the multitudes asked of the Baptist, "What shall we do", John re-

sponded, thusly: "He that hath two coats, let him give to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do in like

manner." To the tax collectors, he enjoined then not to exact more than the rate of taxes fixed by law. To the sol-

diers, who served as the police of those times, he recommended not to do violence to any man, nor falsely to de-

nounce anyone.

St. John the Baptist was a man of character and integrity, and someone we would all do well to emulate. John

was a humble man, in the best sense of the word. John preached a message of repentance. Repentance means more

than just saying that, "you are sorry." The Greek word "metanoia," from which the word "repentance" comes literally

means, "to turn around." In other words, John urged his followers to literally turn around and move in a new direc-

tion, i.e., to move toward God instead of away from God - mere lip service was not enough because actions speak

louder than words. John wanted his followers to live lives that demonstrated their orientation toward God. Moreover,

he preached this message not only with his words, but through his actions as well.

John the Baptist was simply a man who lived in one particular historical moment. Yet, his message of repen-

tance, humility, devotion and love of God transcends time and culture. It is a message that is just as urgent and just

as true today as it was 2,000 years ago. It is a message that was illustrated by John's daily life. Moreover, it is a mes-

sage that underscores so many of the values that Freemasons today exalt as ideals for the living of a moral life.

Our ritual speaks of a Lodge of the Holy Saints John at Jerusalem. Many Brethren take this to refer to a Lodge at

Jerusalem when it actually only refers to the Holy Saints John as being at Jerusalem. Hundreds of years ago, Scottish

(Continued page 5)

5

Lodges were referred to as Saint Johns' Lodges. Therefore, when a Brother referred to himself as coming from a

Lodge of the Holy Saints John at Jerusalem, he meant only that he came from a Scottish Lodge. When were the

Holy Saints John selected as patrons of our Order? We do not have exact dates, but our ancient manuscripts indicate

that St. John the Baptist was selected by Scottish, and later British, Lodges long before the Evangelist who appears

for the first time in any Masonic documents in the 17th century.

We may never know the truth about John's historical relationship with Freemasonry. We may never find out if

he was a member of our Fraternity, although it is highly unlikely that he was. The truth is that it really does not mat-

ter if he was a member of our Ancient Craft. Freemasonry honors the humble man who came to be known as St.

John the Baptist because his entire life exemplified duty to God through his faith, his religious practices, and through

the very living of his life. It is regrettable that we note an apparent increasing disinterest on the part of Lodges and

our Brethren to honor the two Patron Saints of our Order. It is not that these two Saints need to be honored based on

any ancient rituals and tradition. Rather, by holding an annual celebration in their honor, we recall to ourselves the

great moral lessons each taught, and the example of piety and devotion to Deity they exhibited throughout their

lives.

The imminent Masonic scholar, Joseph Fort Newton, wrote, "Righteousness and Love -- those two words do not

fall short of telling the whole duty of a man and a Freemason." And Freemasons around the world could do no better

in their choice of a Patron Saint and a model for living than they have in John the Baptist - a man whose life contin-

ues to shine as an example to us all - Mason and non-Mason alike!

6

My Brothers, I am truly sorry to have to begin this column like this but I am totally disgusted and disappointed! Our line officers worked for weeks getting ready for the Initiation of a new Ma-son. They had their lines down and the floorwork was right on the money and THERE WAS NO ONE THERE TO SEE IT! What does this tell our candi-date when he opens his eyes to the Light and sees nobody but the officers there to greet him? How do you think that makes him feel? We had one Past Master there (Thank You W. Don McIntyre), the Senior Warden’s father and a Brother from Clermont Lodge both of whom were friends of the candidate! I know this Brothers because I sat there in the Secre-taries chair and can see every seat in this Lodge! How many were at your Initiation and how good did it make you feel that you were being welcomed by the Brothers into this great Fraternity? I remember my Initiation like it was yesterday and I still remem-ber the first person I saw and I remember the warm feeling I got when all the Brothers crowded around and greeted me shaking my hand and welcoming me to the Lodge. This is a feeling that will never go away and an impression you only get one chance to make. I sincerely hope that this new Brother’s feel-ings for this Fraternity and this Lodge do not wither and die! Brothers we are losing Brothers every day and our great Fraternity will be dead and gone if we do not get new members in our ranks. Florida has approximately 35,800 Master Masons right now and this figure was upwards of 63,700 just twenty years ago! Where are we going to get our Brothers? We have to show the ones we do get, that we care and they, in turn, will tell their friends and family of the great works and friends they have made by joining. Otherwise we might as well roll up the carpets and close the doors because we will be gone! We have two Brothers in the pipeline right now working on their EA catechism. Are YOU going to be there to see them get their Fellow Craft? At the last count, 28 Brothers had bought tickets to the Master’s BBQ on June 21. This is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for us and we need it to keep the doors open and the lights on. We still have 21 Brothers who haven’t paid their 2014 dues. Men, we all knelt at the altar and took an Ob-ligation, are we going to keep that Obligation? I doubt I have made any friends today and for that I

am truly sorry. I feel that you all deserve the truth from me as your Secretary and I hope I can give it every time.

From the West

Bro. Ron Glover

Hello Brothers,

I hope this month is finding everybody well.

I hope everybody had a great Mother's Day and for

those that couldn't make it on the 11th for our Sunday

dinner, you missed some outstanding food and fellow-

ship. I would like to take a moment to remind every-

body that there will not be a Saturday breakfast in the

month of June due to the first Saturday falling directly

before the second Sunday, the day of our dinners.

For the Brothers that missed it, we had an Entered Ap-

prentice Degree on Friday May 9th where we initiated

George “Dallas” Pruitt into our Masonic brotherhood. I

must admit that it was disappointing that we only had

two brothers show up to welcome him into our brother-

hood, nevertheless he was excited about this new chap-

ter in his life and can't wait to continue his Masonic

journey.

The last week in May are the Grand Lodge meetings in

Orlando. WM John Haas, myself, and PM Larry Duff,

going as proxy for JW Jim Campbell, are looking for-

ward to representing the Lodge in our votes for the

Grand Line Officers for next year.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy summer and re-

member to wear your hats and use sunscreen.

From the Secretary

WHank DeBerry

7

My Brothers this will be short and sweet this month as I and my wife Becky are again on the road. I have left the

“kitchen crew” in charge and I have every confidence that they will do well. This coming dinner will be Chicken Marinara with spaghetti or Veal Oscar with Béar-

naise sauce. We will be having mashed potatoes and asparagus or Brussell sprouts. There will be the usual tossed

salad, drinks and deserts (either sugared or sugar free) . This meal is only one of several we have planned out for the year and I sincerely hope that all the Brothers

and their families will come out and enjoy the good food an fellowship of our Lodge. These meals are a major fund raiser

for the Lodge and our biggest one is com-ing up at the “Masters BBQ” which will be on June 21st 11:00 - 2:00 PM I hope you

have bought your tickets for this event be-cause the BBQ is going to be delicious! We will have all the sides and cold drinks and deserts and all for just $9.00. I look

forward to seeing you there Brothers and in the Lodge on meeting nights. Don’t forget we have a meal planned

for the second meeting of the month, June 17th, so come out and visit before the Communication.

June 2014

June 2 - Boy Scout Troop 1 Meeting - 7:00 PM

June 3 - Stated Communication - 7:30 PM

June 4 - York Rite - Leesburg - 7:30 PM

June 5 - OES meeting - Leesburg - 7:30 PM

June 7 - First Saturday Breakfast Cancelled

June 8 - Second Sunday Dinner - 11:30-1:00 PM

June 9 - Rainbow Assembly 79 - Mt Dora- 7:00 PM

June 11 - Open Books/ School of Instruction

Tavares - 6:00 PM

June 16 - DeMolay @ Eustis Lodge - 7:00 PM

June 17 - Stated Communication - 7:00PM

June 18 - Masters and Wardens-Eustis No 85 - 7:30

PM

June 21 - First Day of Summer!

June 21 - Masters BBQ - 11:00-2:00PM

UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES

June 2014 From the South

WJim Campbell

Once again Brothers and Sis-ters we ask that you please DO NOT drive on the grass next to the Lodge parking lot. It is leaving ruts in the ground and they are hard to mow over. Thank You!

-Yard Maintenance Guy-

8

Name(s) of Those Who Attended:

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

Date(s) Attended: _____________________________________________________________________

Function/Activity/Training/Etc. Attended:

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

Number of Hours Involved:______________________________________________________________

Location of Activity: ___________________________________________________________________

Please leave completed slips on the Secretary’s desk at the Stated Communications, or email W. Hank DeBerry

with this information at [email protected]


____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

Date(s) Attended: _____________________________________________________________________


____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________




with this information at [email protected], or place them in the slot in the Secretary’s door


____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

Date(s) Attended: _____________________________________________________________________


____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________




with this information at [email protected], or place them in the slot on the Secretary’s door.


____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

Date(s) Attended: _____________________________________________________________________


____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________




with this information at [email protected], or place them in the slot in the Secretary’s door

Masonic Education Worksheet

9

Leesburg Announcement Forms

Please Print Clearly

Event:_________________________________________________________

Date (s):__________________________ Time:_________________________

Description/Comments____________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

For further information contact:____________________ at ________________

Submitted by:_____________________________________________________

Please Print Clearly

Event:_________________________________________________________

Date (s):__________________________ Time:_________________________

Description/Comments____________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

For further information contact:____________________ at ________________

Submitted by:_____________________________________________________

Leesburg Announcement Forms

10

2014 TRESTLE BOARD SPONSORS

YOUR NAME HERE - INDIVIDUAL OR COUPLE FOR ONLY $20.00

Current year or any part thereof - HELP US KEEP YOU INFORMED!

John Dean Hank & Paula DeBerry Larry & Brenda Duff

Jim Angelos William & Sharen Aston Joe Schlegal

Suzanne Mina John & Tina Haas Jim & Becky Campbell

Richard Follett Ed Spencer George A. Brown

Bob & Carolyn Browning Ken Graves George Shoemaker

Betsey Jordan

If you would like to be a sponsor in 2014, please see the secretary with your donation. Your donations are applied to the

monthly mailing costs of the Trestle Board, we need 60 sponsors to cover the yearly mailing costs. Sponsorship is $20.00 for the

year or any part thereof. Our Goal for this year is 60 sponsors. Please consider a sponsorship.

"You get out of Masonry only what you put in it."

11

RAINBOW

ASSEMBLY

No. 79 at Mt. Dora

Let’s not forget the young Ladies of our local

Rainbow Chapter. They need our support.

We should also remember they are the future

of our Ladies organizations and future leaders in our

communities. Meetings are at 7:00pm on the 2nd

and 4th Mondays of each month at Mt. Dora Lodge.

Know a young Lady who might want to join,

you can contact Chapter Mom Debbie Dyer at 407-

908-6973 or Chapter Dad Warren Shippee at 321-

689-6661.

Attend a meeting and be impressed.

DEMOLAY

CHAPTER

At Eustis

Let’s also not forget the young Men of our

local DeMolay Chapter.

They also need our support. We should also

remember they are the future of Masonry and future

leaders in our communities. Meetings are at 7:00pm

on the 1 and 3rd Monday’s of each month at Eustis

Lodge. Know a Man who might want to join, you

can contact “Granddaddy” Philip Paul at 407-832-

8771. Attend a meeting and be impressed.

HELP BY SUPPORTING OUR

MASONIC YOUTH

18th MASONIC DISTRICT

LODGES

Stated Communication Meetings

Leesburg No. 58 1st and 3rd Tuesday

Umatilla No. 65 1st and 3rd Monday

Clermont No. 226 1st and 3rd Monday

Eustis No. 85 2nd and 4th Monday

Villages No. 394 2nd Monday

Tavares No. 234 2nd and 4th Tuesday

Wildwood No. 92 2nd and 4th Tuesday

Groveland No. 190 2nd and 4th Thursday

Mt. Dora No. 238 1st and 3rd Thursday

Have YOU Traveled Lately?

HIGH TWELVE Meeting Times & Locations

Hawthorne Masonic High Twelve No. 547 -

Meets at 11:00 a.m. on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday

of each month at Golden Corral, 1720 Citrus

Blvd. (Hwy 27/441) – Leesburg, FL. Tel: 352-

728-3911.

Tri-County Masonic High Twelve meets 10:30 a.m. 1st Wednesday of each month at La Hacienda Recreation Center, The Villages. Reservations for lunch due by the Thursday be-fore the meeting, call Rita at 750-5561.

Obstacles cannot crush me.

Every obstacle yields to stern

resolve. He who is fixed to a

star does not change his

mind.

- Leonardo Davinci -

Make no little plans; they have

no magic to stir men΄s blood….

Make big plans… aim high in

hope and work.

- Daniel H Burnham -

http://freefamousquotes.net/leonardo_davinci_obstacles_cannot_crush_me_eve/





http://freefamousquotes.net/author/leonardo_davinci/

http://freefamousquotes.net/daniel_h_burnham_make_no_little_plans_they_hav/




http://freefamousquotes.net/author/daniel_h_burnham/

12

Scottish Rite

www.OcalaSR.com or www.SROrlando.com

Ocala Scottish Rite meets the first Monday of each month,

at 7:30pm.at Ocala Scottish Rite Center, 3632 NE 7th Street, Ocala,

Fl.

Orlando Scottish Rite meets at 1485 Grand Road, Winter

Park, Fla. on the 4th Friday of each month, except, November,

which is on the third Friday and dark in December, meetings at

7:30pm.

York Rite Bodies

“A Continuation of the Blue Lodge” www.flgyr.org

Ocala York Rite Bodies – Meetings at Belleview Lodge No. 95

Ocala Chapter No. 13 - Meets Second Wednesday of January,

March, May, September and November beginning at 7:30 PM.

Ocala Council No. 22 - R&S Masters - Meets Second Wednes-

day of February, April, June, October and December beginning at

7:30 PM.

Ocala Commandry No. 19 - Knights Templar - Meets on the

fourth Wednesday of each month at 7:30 PM.

Lake/Sumter York Rite Bodies - Meetings at Leesburg Lodge 58 Eustis Chapter No. 33, Meets on the first Wednesday at 7:30 PM

Golden Triangle Council No. 28—Royal & Select Masters - Meets first Wednesday at 7:30 PM.

Chapter and Council will alternate on who begins first.

Triangle Commandery No. 38 –Knights Templar—Meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 PM, except in July and August.

Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter No. 84

Lady Theresa Fox PM– Worthy Matron

W∴ Hank DeBerry PP—Worthy Patron

Lady Paula DeBerry PM—Secretary

W∴ Robert Welch PGP – Treasurer

Meetings – 1st Thursday of the Month at 7:30 p.m. with the excep-

tion of July, August and September. Meets at Leesburg Lodge No.

58. Brothers and Sisters there will be an honor night on June

14th for our Grand Conductress, Linda Every so get you tick-

ets soon. Tickets can be purchased from any of “Linda’s High

Flyers”

June 4 - Harvey Chase

June 4 - Forrest Case

June 5 - Ed Sowden Jr

June 6 - Gregory Connell

June 8 - Bascom Tucker

June 9 - Richard Follett Jr.

June 13 - Blair Gingrich

June 14 - Ted Jansen

June 20 - Jerry Stegall

June 21 - John Schneider

June 22 - Wayne Longo

June 22 - Gerry Dallas Douma Jr.

June 24 - Theodore Patton Jr.

June 26 - David Raber

June 27 - Ronald Colletti

June 29 - Ken Graves

Editors Note: All articles and informa-

tion must be received by the editor

prior to the 23rd of the publishing

month for inclusion in the next issue.

Articles can be e-mailed to:

[email protected]

June Birthdays

13

MASONIC ETIQUETTE

by R. W. Alfonso

Serrano

The Masonic Fraternity exists in today

world as the oldest existing fraternity in the world.

It shares the fraternal stage with many other differ-

ent and similar organizations such as the Loyal Or-

der of The Moose, The Elks, The Knights of Co-

lumbus, The International Order of Odd Fellows,

The Fraternal Order of The Eagles, The Mechanics,

and the Fraternal Order of Foresters to name a few.

The one thing that sets us apart from most if not all

of these organizations is our Ritual and our tradition

both written and spoken. One of the most important

aspects of our traditional history is our Masonic Eti-

quette.

Masonic Etiquette belongs to the empire of

good manners, together with certain concepts pecu-

liar to Freemasonry. We all should practice eti-

quette because of its power to help maintain har-

mony. It is a form of courtesy to the individual

members and a manifestation of respect to the

Craft. Harmony is the first law of the Lodge and the

Worshipful Master of his Brethren demands it when

he declares the Lodge open. " I now declare the

Lodge duly opened and in order for business, at the

same time forbidding any idle, immoral or other un-

Masonic conduct where by the Harmony of the

same may be disturbed".

The dictionary defines Etiquette as follows:

"The forms and practices prescribed by social con-

vention or by authority, or, the established rule of

procedure and ceremony in a court or in any official

or other body". I am a believer in our standard

works and lectures, our constitution and our eti-

quette. This sets us apart from other organizations.

Though there are Masons today who would look to

doing away with certain parts of the ritual, such as

the Middle chamber Lecture, or how we enter a

Lodge room. "I recently read a suggestion by a Ma-

son who is an AGL that we should do away with

approaching the altar when coming into or leaving a

Lodge after it has been opened and saluting the Sr.

Warden when one need to leave the Lodge room

during degree work". This is the kind of thinking

that cheapens the Fraternity and I expect that the

Brothers of this Lodge would strive to execute the

proper Masonic Etiquette due not only to the Lodge

itself but also to his Lodge Brothers. I know that

Jeff’s Comedy Corner

One day an English mason, a Scottish mason, and an

Irish mason were in the bar after the meeting.

They each proceeded to buy a pint of Guinness.

Just as they were about to enjoy their creamy

beverage, a fly landed in each of their pints and

became stuck in the thick head.

The Englishman pushed his beer from him in dis-

gust.

The Irishman fished the offending fly out of his

beer and continued drinking it as if nothing had

happened.

The Scotsman picked the fly out of his drink, held

it out over the beer and yelled

”SPIT IT OUT!! SPIT IT OUT!!!!"

An 80-year-old Past Master of his Lodge becomes en-

gaged to a beautiful 22-year-old model. He goes to his

doctor for a checkup a couple of weeks before the

wedding date.

The doctor looks him over and says, "Arnold, you seem

completely healthy but I must tell you one thing."

"What's that, Doc?" asks the Past Master.

"At your age, sex can be dangerous, and you need to

watch it, take care it could be really deadly," the doctor

replies. Arnold thinks for a minute and then says, "Oh, what the

hell - If she dies, she

14

many of us have seen members act un-Masonically toward another Brother. That is because we are human and

as humans we will constantly make mistakes. Still we must strive to build our temples and seek perfection.

One avenue that can be used to achieve this goal is through respect or etiquette. Remember to subdue your

passions and improve yourself in Masonry is probably the most difficult tasks as Masons we are obligated to

perform. I particularly direct this essay to my newly raised Brethren, the most un-nerving thing for me to see is

a Past Master or Past Grand Lodge Officer address the Worshipful Master while he remains seated and not on

the sign of fidelity. How can we fault our newly raised Masons who see this un-courteous behavior and repeat

the same thinking that it is the norm. To the newly raised Brother should you make this mistake and are cor-

rected by another Brother do not be distracted by his zeal for this Brother practices Masonic Etiquette. Brother

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, " if good manners were lost, it would be necessary for the next gentleman to

rediscover them". This applies in full force to Masonic Etiquette; without it our Fraternity would be impossi-

ble.

Where a group of Masons act as a unit, as in a Lodge Communication, etiquette takes the form of

proper decorum. Loud talk, restless moving about, laughter, smoking, flippancy, irreverence toward the Wor-

shipful Master and other constituted officers of the Lodge, passing between the Altar and the East, omission of

the sign of fidelity, giving no heed to the business at hand, improper entering and leaving. No man needs to

consult a book of etiquette in order to accept the fact that such indecorous behavior is dangerous to the har-

mony of the Lodge. It is in such an atmosphere that ill will and hard feelings, not to mention the more serious

menace of splits and feuds, are most likely to take root to the great danger of the Craft. A worshipful Master

who permits the intrusion of such indecorum is not faithful to the duties of his office.

The following are what I consider some of the important rule of etiquette, which you should commit to

memory Addressing the Chair or Worshipful Master: The rules of order in Freemasonry do not permit discus-

sion, during a communication, among the Brethren. The Brother who has anything to say to the Lodge,

whether it be to enter discussion or to make or second a motion, must rise to his feet, give the sign, wait to be

recognized by the Master, speak directly to the Master. He must also remain on the sign of Fidelity until

seated.

Altar: No Brother shall pass between the Altar and the East while the Lodge is at Labor, except when

required to do so by ritualistic performance. The Great Lights are the particular responsibility of the Worship-

ful Master; no Brother should ever obscure his view of them.

Anteroom: As soon as a Brother enters a Masonic hall to attend a Communication he comes under the

sway of Masonic Etiquette. If he is late, he should not indulge in loud talking that may be heard in the Lodge.

His demeanor toward other Brethren, whom he may meet there, should be courteous and respectful—there as

well as elsewhere, Masonry does not give any man, license to take personal liberties with another! This is es-

pecially true if any candidates are present are present waiting their call to the preparation room; to give the im-

pression that vulgar conduct, levity, practical joking, or other forms of disrespect are countenanced by the

Craft as a misrepresentation of the Lodge.

Apron: When wearing clothing that would conceal the apron, always wear the apron on the outside of

the garment, except when wearing a formal cut-away (tails). A Grand Lodge Officer should always wear the

apron of his office. Not only to pay proper respect to the Lodge or Grand Lodge, but also as a means to iden-

tify the office he holds or the highest office held, except when filling an office in the advancing line of Lodge

Officers. At Masonic memorial Services, all Lodge Officers and Brethren, regardless of station shall be

clothed in white aprons.

Ballot: The Grand Lodge Constitutions make discussion of the ballot a Masonic Offense. Except for

the Holy Bible, the ballot is the most sacred thing in the Lodge. Every Mason owes to his Lodge the duty of

protecting it against poor material, and every Mason owes to every petitioner a fair ballot, which is the only

protection a petitioner has against unfair discrimination and unreasonable prejudice.

"Brother" is a title: In the usage's of Freemasonry, "Brother" is neither a sentimental nor familiar form

of address but is a title—as much so as Worshipful, Very Worshipful, Right Worshipful and Most Worshipful,

and must always be used as such. A man does not attend a Lodge Communication in his capacity as a private

individual; he is not Joe, or Bill, or John. He is there in his capacity as Master Mason, and for this reason, one

should refer to "John Doe" as "Brother Doe" in the same literal sense as any other officer in Lodge or Grand

15

Lodge.

Discussion in Lodge: Many Lodge proposals are decided by ballot because the business of Masonry is

so democratically managed. The discussion of such proposals and business in Lodge has a large importance

and must be safeguarded lest it be corrupted into argument or degenerate into a conflict of personalities; in

other word, discussion also has its etiquette. Etiquette for the Fraternity is set forth with great weight and feel-

ing in the old charges found in our constitutions. Regulations governing discussion in Grand Lodge are pre-

scribed in the Rules of Order, printed with the Constitutions; regulations for discussion in Lodge are imbedded

here and there in the Constitutions, are stated in Lodge By-laws, and elsewhere. They all belong to a pre-

scribed mode of conduct defined as Masonic Etiquette, especially in our discussions. There are three great pro-

hibitions in all Masonic discussions: All sectarian discussion, all argument or statement pro or con as to the

merits of politics, of any given religion or theological creed, of racial questions, of private business, or of any

other non-Masonic subject by which men are divided into classes, feuds, schisms, or are opposed on sectarian

issues, is at all times forbidden. It is strictly forbidden to discuss a petitioner (other than to read his petition and

indicate whether the report of the investigating Committee is favorable or un-favorable), and for a Mason to

reveal how he has voted, or in any way to seek to persuade members to vote one way or another. All offensive

personal remarks, all expressions of bitterness or ill will and all or any slurs upon the Lodge or its Officers,

Grand Lodge or its Officers, and the Fraternity itself, and all flippant, unseemly, or discourteous remarks ad-

dressed to the Lodge or to its officers, are condemned alike by the principals of common courtesy and etiquette

and by the disciplinary laws of the Craft.

Dress (Attire): The matter of attire depends entirely upon circumstances and is a point Grand Lodge

leaves to each constituent Lodge to decide, though much may be said in favor of formal attire, since it is a

mark of respect to the Fraternity. One thing is certain: if any of the officers are required to wear formal attire,

all of the officers should wear it without exception; and if he and his colleagues wear it, the Worshipful master

should use a hat to correspond—not a soft hat, a straw hat, or cap. The members will dress according to private

taste—normally a jacket with tie—and it is proper that they enter the Lodge room with apron properly ar-

ranged beforehand, and any other regalia, jewels etc., in due order. There is a philosophy in dress, as in so

many other things, and the dress proper to Masonic occasion is no exception. Its principle is good taste; its

practice is to wear such attire as a show of respect to the Brotherhood and expresses the dignity of Masonry. In closing I want to pass on a story I heard while attending one of the Deputy Grand Master's Task Force Committee meetings, on the subject of pride one of the members recalled an incident that happened one Sunday while attending Mass. The priest announced that right after the Mass the local Knights of Columbus where going to have their public installation of officers. His curiosity was flamed and he stayed behind to ob-serve the installation and compare it to a Masonic Installation of Officers. To his surprise he was the only one who stayed behind to observe the installation. To his greater shock he witnessed Council officers turning out for a public installation in tee shirts, shorts and sneakers. They had no idea of what the floor work was sup-posed to be and the actual installation itself seemed to be ad-lib. After the presentation the parish priest who knew him to be a Freemason asked him "I hope you Masons have it more together than the K. of. C." of which he assured him that we most certainly did. This is a serious example of pride. Would you turn out as an officer for a public installation in a tee shirt, shorts and sneakers? Could the reason that no one stayed behind to see the installation be that they have previously seen it and saw no pride in this organization? Masonic Etiquette instills pride, yet pride is something that you have to have within, because if you have pride in this Fraternity it shows without. Editors Note: I recently attended the 185th Grand Communication and I was shocked at how many times the Grand Master had to bang the gavel for attention! Brothers, we put him in this position of authority and I believe he deserves the respect of his position! That means when he is talking you sit down and keep your mouth closed! This also allows others around you to hear what he had to say. Show your respect Brothers if not for the man, then at least for the office he holds! That is proper etiquette and shows you are a Brother tried and true!

16

Pictures from around the Lodge

All ready for Mother’s Day

All the ladies got a beautiful rose with their dinner

17

Pictures from around the Lodge Cont.

The beginnings of a nice crowd for dinner!

Always nice to see W. Ecott and his Mom Janet at our dinners.

18


Brother Follett brought his Mom and Dad to dinner.

A very tired but happy Junior Warden after Sunday Dinner.

19


Boy Scout Troop #1 “Court of Honor” night May 19, 2014 Boy Scout Troop 1 sponsored by your Lodge

Which ones did you get? Brothers attending the “Court of Honor”

Opening with the Pledge of Allegiance. Scoutmaster Jaime Velez and Asst. Scoutmaster

Nelson

20


Ivan receiving “Star” scout badge and pin Giving his Mom the “Star” pin.

Daniel receiving his “Life” badge and pin. Giving his Mom the “Life” pin.

Nick will be receiving his “Eagle” award this

Summer at a special “Eagle Banquet” Kyler has received his third and last award as an

“Eagle”, his “Silver Palm”

21


Newest member of Troop one, Jess received 17 merit badges tonight! Good Work!

Meeting’s over Snack Time!

Leesburg Lodge No. 58 would like to Congratulate all these young men on their achievements and receiv-

ing their awards tonight and a special thanks to their Scoutmasters who volunteer to work very hard for

these young men. Well Done!

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SUNDAY DINNER Leesburg Lodge No. 58

May 11, 2014

Menu

Chicken Marinara w/Spaghetti or

Veal Oscar w/ Bernaise Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus or

Brussel sprouts, Tossed Salad,

Dinner Rolls, Drinks, Desserts

(sugared or no sugar added) $8.37 + .63 tax - Adults, under 14 - $3.72 + .28 tax

11:30 AM until 1:00 PM

Please call the Lodge at 787-5696 or sign the guest list in the

lobby and provide the number attending with you,. This ensures enough food is

purchased and prepared for all.

ALL MASONS, their families and friends are invited to our Monthly

Second Sunday Dinners and First Saturday Breakfasts

Help support your Blue Lodge, IT IS where all other Masonic Bodies Begin.

Future menu suggestions are always welcome!

Introducing 2014 Chef Crew

W∴ Jim Campbell - Graduate of New Orleans School of Cooking

Bro. Wayne Reynolds - Former Chef at Country Club

Bro. Ed Spencer - formerly at Benihana Restaurant

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NONPROFIT US Postage

PAID Permit#1040 Leesburg,, FL

34748

Leesburg Masonic Lodge No. 58 F&AM PO Box 985 Fruitland Park, Florida 34731

SUNDAY DINNERS 11:30 a.m. TO 1:00 p.m.

Menu items: May 11, 2014

Chicken Marinara w/Spaghetti or Veal Oscar w/Bernaise Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus or Brussel sprouts

Tossed Salad, Dinner rolls, Drinks Desserts (sugared or no sugar added)

$8.37 + .63 tax per person, Children under 14 years of age $3.72 + .28 tax

PLEASE call the Lodge at 787-5696, or sign the guest list in the foyer, provide

the number of guests attending with you, this ensures enough food is prepared for all. ALL MASONS, their families and friends are invited . Menu suggestions welcomed, just fill out a comment card.

Don’t forget to call or sign -up!!!

Celebrating 146 years (1868 — 2014) in Leesburg, Fla. “The Lakefront City”

1st Saturday Monthly Coffee Klatch & Breakfast 8:00am to 10:00am

Eggs (cooked to order), Pancakes, Waffles, Bacon, Sausages

(Patty’s or Links), Breakfast Potatoes, Grits, Sausage Gravy, Biscuits, Toast, Breakfast Pastries,

Coffee, Orange Juice

$5.58 +.42 sales tax per person

Documents

2014 June TB