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The Masonic
VOL. NO. 22 APR. 2018 ISSUE NO. 1
Trestle Board
Mad River Lodge No. 77
1868 - 2018
Waitsfield, Vermont
King Hiram’s Lodge No. 45
1817 - 1832
A MESSAGE FROM THE EAST My Brethren,
As I’m about to once again end my term as Worshipful Master of the Lodge, I want Thank all the members for their support of our Saturday morning Breakfasts and our Lady’s at the Table, which we hold jointly with our brothers of Winooski Lodge and ask you all to support our newly elected Officers.
So, to review this year, we donated to Rainbow Girl’s fundraiser, we helped Baked Beads on Memorial Day weekend and we helped send Kids to Camp in Maine from Valley Lodge #16. Then we again fed about 120 people at the United Church of Christ by providing a great community supper.
Richard Backus Then we held our annual Columbus Day weekend Baked Beads event and the annual Chicken-pie supper both at the same time in October, then we attended our Annual 6th Masonic District meeting and supper. And this year we presented two brothers with their 50-year Award Buttons, we had International Boutique again able to use the lodge and we started our first ‘Scholarship Fundraiser Breakfasts’. We also donated to the Masonic Service Assoc.’s fund to help the hospital visitations to our Vets. And this year we’ve also presented two degrees for our newest member.
In closing I’d like to let you know MWGM Brother Victor Stone will be coming to our April meeting and he will be doing a presentation on his trip to Scotland. An evening not to be missed.
Fraternally Yours,
Richard Backus, Worshipful Master
NEXT LODGE MEETING – APR. 3RD The Regular Tuesday Communication begins at 7:30 pm
The Regular Monthly Supper at 6:30 PM
The Annual Tuesday communication – April 17th
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MAR’s MONTHLY LODGE MEETING It was a Winter evening of March 6th and before the meeting, which was preceded by some hot delicious Pizza pies along with crudites, bread and cheese in the dining room. After supper the Master Masons Lodge was opened at 7:30 pm by W∴ M∴ Richard K. Backus.
The Officers Present:
WM: Richard K. Backus SD: Kenneth A. Backus SW: Gary A. Bombard JD: P. Howard Flanders -Act’g JW: Todd R. Pudvar -Acting SS: Vacant Treasurer: Vacant JS: Vacant Secretary: F. J. Rayfield-Acting Chaplin: Frederick J. Rayfield Marshal: Vacant Tyler: Vacant
We welcomed our Brothers Wor. Todd Pudvar and Sect’y “Skip”
Flanders – both from Winooski Lodge #49.
The Minutes of the February 6, 2018 meeting were approved as sent out in our Trestle Board, with the correction that the correct description is Tucker family funds, not “Bob Howard’s funds”. Ernest A. Tucker (1901-1988) was Worshipful Master of Mad River Lodge in 1950. Bob was the executor for his aunt Phyllis and uncle Ernest’s estate, which divided its assets between the MRV Ambulance, the Federated Church, and Mad River Lodge. Bob’s care as the executor handling the probate and sale of his aunt and uncle’s properties was to the satisfaction of all of the benefactors. The treasurer’s report was presented by Gary Bombard, as Treas. Gerry- a Moretown JP- was counting ballots at Harwood H.S. His Treasurer’s report was approved by the Lodge pending audit. Next it was agreed that we should advertise of next breakfast (March 24th) on the WDEV party calendar, Valley Reporter, Front Porch Forum, with posters, and our porch sign.
(Cont. On Page 5)
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FROM OUR CHAPLAIN
By Rick Rayfield
Those darn deists The 1976 Declaration of Independence of the United States of American, was
penned by Thomas Jefferson and signed by 56 Founding Fathers, including John
Hancock, Ben Franklin, and Sam and John Adams. In that Declaration, the signers
refer to what we would call “deity” by five names, one time each: Laws of Nature,
Nature’s God, Creator, Supreme Judge of the world, and divine Providence. Our
Founding Father were not godless, but they clearly left the door wide open to personal
faith in something beyond human existence.
Our Founding Fathers are sometimes called deists or Deists. Freemasons also are
sometimes called deists or Deists.
The word “deo” in Latin means god, and if you capitalize it “Deo” you probably are
referring to a particular “God” or a religious movement or religion. Various groups
have claimed the name Deism for their religion. Freemasons have been accused of
being Deists, that is a religion, which we are not, usually by fundamentalists who
claim to be the true Christians. Freemasons can fairly be called, along with our
Founding Fathers, as deists- that is a belief in some sort of deity. Freemasonry has
been open to Christians including Roman Catholics, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, and
anyone who is willing to make a simple statement of belief in something beyond
simple existence. Lots of wiggle room there, but also the beauty of complexity.
If someone calls you a Deist, or says Freemasons are deists, you might ask them if
they mean with a capital or a lower case D. They might not know what you mean.
Either way, you can have a discussion instead of an argument. A rose by any other
name… The Grand Architect has many nicknames in many languages, and we each
know him in similar and in different ways.
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MAR’s MONTHLY MEETING (Cont.) Committees: Sick or distressed members: Our Secretary Charles Kettles was out of town with his family recovering after a shoulder replacement operation. Scholarship: Our Feb. breakfast on President’s weekend we had a good day, with Geoff, Ken, Brent, and Rick cooking and serving; with Richard getting the building ready the night before. We will offer breakfast on Saturday, March 24, with improved advertising. We will look into renaming the “scholarships” or how they are presented so that they are no net-neutral with student’s financial aid. Rick will present some possible alternatives at the April meeting. The Building Committee: Member Rick Rayfield reported the purchase of LED tubes to replace the fluorescent ones in the kitchen which have gone dark while cooking the chicken pie supper the last two years. Also the Valley Democrats have been using our dining room for their monthly Monday 5 pm meetings, as the Joslin Library is not available due to renovations there. The meetings are advertised as open to the public and usually feature candidates from various parties and public officials from various parties. Other partisan groups are welcome to use the dining room as this strengthens democracy. Unfinished Business: PM Bob Howard’s 50 year button was presented to him by Sec. Charlie, SW Gary, WM Richard, Treasurer Gerry, and DDGM Tom Nesbitt at his home in Waitsfield. Investment Committee: There was No member present from this comte to give a report. Degrees: Fellowcraft Jake Sallerson has not been in contact. Perhaps his recovery from hip surgery has been slow. He is overdue for his Master Mason degree. Rick will endeavor to contact him.
(Cont. On Next Page)
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MAR’s MONTHLY MEETING (Cont.) New Business: The sad news of PM Bob Howard’s sudden demise was reported. WM Richard appointed Gary Bombard, Gordie Eurich, and Rick Rayfield as the Resolution Committee for Brother Howard. Ladies at the Table: The Ladies at the Table date is Saturday, April 28th at Aurora Lodge. The Committee met as Gerry’s home. One of our lodge’s honorees, Mrs. Kingsbury will not be in town for the event. One of the Winooski honorees is a group of women. So be sure to see either Richard or Gary to get your tickets. This will be a catered Roast Beef supper and the cost is $25/person and the plan is to arrive at 6 pm. We now need to get the Audit Committee together and on the job for the couple weeks in early April, so they can do their annual review of the books. Masonic Education: Rick passed out a copy of the information about the CARE program found on the Grand Lodge website. It is also known as the National Masonic Model Student Assistance Program. He walked through the basics of the history of the program. Since 1989, Grand Lodge of Vermont has spent over $600,000 to train over 235 teachers and administrators to identify and intervene in student drug and other problems. Brother Todd from his experience as a teacher reported how the CARE program had benefited the schools and students. The Lodge was closed at 8:15 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Rick Rayfield, Acting Secretary
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Bob Howard receives his 50-year Service Button It was a damp, cold and chilly evening of February 26th as
Officers of Mad River Lodge arrived at PM Robert L. Howard’s home, a little after 7 pm.
We were all warmly greeted by the folks attending Wor. brother Bob, who was just finishing his evening meal.
After our hearty Hello’s and the introduction of our DDGM R∴
W∴ Tom Nesbitt by W∴ M∴ Richard Backus, along with Treas. Gerald Maynard, Sr. Warden Gary Bombard and Secretary Charles Kettles, we all settled in for a pleasant visit.
When everyone finished having a nice chat with Bob and we caught up on his latest news. It was then time for the District Deputy GM to read his Proclamation from the Grand Lodge of Vermont and to present a 50-year Masonic Lapel Button to Bob and he pinned it upon him.
Obituary of Robert L. Howard May 18, 1941 - February 27, 2018
Robert L. “Bob” Howard – 76, passed away in the comfort of his home on Tuesday
evening, February 27, 2018. Born in Burlington on May 18, 1941, he was the son of
the late Frank S. and Edith (Tucker) Howard.
Bob was a 1959 graduate of Waitsfield High School and then continued his education
at the University of Vermont, graduating in 1964 with a Bachelor’s degree in
Agricultural Economics. Bob began his career working for the Farmers Home
Administration in New York State and then in 1970, he was employed by the State of
Vermont Agricultural Department in Weights and Measures and as an Egg Tester.
He later worked for Vermont State Retirement and then lastly for the Vermont
Department of Labor. He retired in 2005.
Bob was a 50-year member and Past Master of the Mad River Lodge #77 F&AM, a
member of the Barre Elks Club, and the Waitsfield United Church of Christ. In his
leisure time he enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening. He is survived by his
caregivers, Ray and Susan Pickett as well as extended family.
Services are pending. For those who wish, memorial gifts would be appreciated to the
Mad River Valley Ambulance Service, PO Box 305, Waitsfield VT 05673. Assisting
with arrangements is the Perkins-Parker Funeral Home and Cremation Service in
Waterbury. To send online condolences please visit www.perkinsparker.com or the
funeral home Facebook page.
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The Great Saturday Morning Breakfast On Saturday, March 24th, a few days after another Nor’easter,
the lodge had scheduled a pre-Easter Breakfast for our Scholarship Fund.
On this particular Saturday morning the weather was cooperating and we had three, Ken Backus, Gary Bombard
and WM Richard Backus, [See 2nd Pix]
of our four cooks who were working hard, telling stories and serving up some delicious multi-choice breakfasts
to our hungry friends and neighbors. The fourth member of the kitchen team was Rick Rayfield, who
was at home baking up some special homemade breads and he arrived with those sweet smelling loafs just in time. We had a much better turn out and one of our biggest fans, who decided to visit us, was our rehabbing secretary Charlie Kettles, along with his day chauffeur and son-in-law Charles and Sandra Pennington, his daughter. They
just loved the breakfast after their early morning drive up from L.I. And since the Farmer’s Market was no longer utilizing the lodge,
it was a good decision to do these Saturday morning breakfasts. We are within one breakfast from earning the funds for two $500 scholarships, with still some sausage and frozen blue- berries left over in the freezer.
We did get some advertising out soon enough for this event, and the folks that did manage to find us
enjoyed a great meal and the recommended donation is $8 for a great full menu breakfast.
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Happy
Birthdays Now that it’s the season of April Showers that brings the beginning of Spring and to give us Sugaring - we say ‘Thanks for Maple favors’ and are ready to wish all our April brothers the best for another great Birthday – IF we had any?
WE HAVE NO APRIL BIRTHDAY MEN
MASONIC BIRTHDAYS Wayne R. Whitelock Apr. 3rd 51 Yrs. Donald J. Demas Apr. 4th 57 Yrs. John L. Hadden Apr. 16th 30 Yrs. Brent V. Adams Apr. 16th 8 Yrs. Jeffery R. Kahn Apr. 16th 8 Yrs. Douglas C. Kenyon Apr. 29th 19 Yrs.
It is Time to Remember Annual Dues Our dues are presently $50.00 a year. Our pre-paid Grand Lodge Life
brothers must pay $35.00 a year. We haven’t had any request to change the current rate? This is your notice that our Annual Meeting will be held April 17th and your attendance is requested.
This is also to remind you that your present dues card will expire on April 1st, so the new annual dues membership cards will be available at the annual meeting. So please bring your check made out to: Mad River Lodge #77 F & AM or mail to POB 448, Waitsfield, VT 05673
FOR EXCELLENT JOBS WELL DONE To: Charlie Kettles for Layout, Sending of Emailing Mar. issue. And to Richard Backus and Rick Rayfield for their articles.
Many Thanks to all – Editor
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MEETING AGENDA Tuesday –Apr. 3, 2018
OPENING OF THE LODGE
Introduction of any Grand Lodge/visiting Officers/ brothers
Reading of Minutes & Treasurer's Report
Unfinished Business/ Committees:
1. Report of Lodge’s Financial Commitments
2. Report of Lady’s at Table Comte Meeting
3. Report on 50 yr. Button Presentation
4. Report of Candidate Status
5. Report of Nomination Comte
6. Unfinished Business/ Reports
New Business/ Committees:
1. Presentation of 25 & 50 yr. Buttons
2. Appoint & Charge the Audit Comte
3. Report of Resolution Comte for Wor. Robert L. Howard
4. Drape the Charter
5. Other New Business
6. Masonic Education
Petitions for Membership:
1. Read Petitions & Ballot
2. Balloting on Candidate
CLOSING OF THE LODGE
Snail or e-mail: Articles, Comments, Notices and Dues to:
Charles Kettles - P. O. Box 448 -Waitsfield, Vt. 05673-0448
E-mail to: [email protected]
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OFFICERS: MAD RIVER LODGE 2017 - 2018 Richard K. Backus Worshipful Master 279-2056 Gary A. Bombard Senior Warden 496-2941 Geoffrey G. Colby Junior Warden 917-4999 Gerald M. Maynard Treasurer 496-3614 Charles R. Kettles Secretary 496-4880 Travis L. Morse Senior Deacon 583-1994 Brent V. Adams Junior Deacon 496-3774 Kenneth A. Backus Sr. Steward 839-5250 Matias D.G. Simmons Jr. Steward 347/631-3404 Gordon E. Eurich Marshal 496-3869 Frederick J. Rayfield Chaplain 496-5667
MASONIC E-MAIL ADDRESSES Chuck Abare [email protected] Chris Keast [email protected]
Brent Adams [email protected] Doug Kenyon [email protected]
Ken Backus [email protected] Clifton E Kew-II [email protected]
Rich Backus [email protected] Charles Kettles [email protected]
Tim Baker [email protected] Dick Kingsbury [email protected]
William Beard [email protected] Mike Kingsbury [email protected]
Kenton Blair [email protected] TJ Kingsbury [email protected]
Gary Bombard [email protected] Troy Kingsbury [email protected]
Geoff Colby [email protected] James Leith [email protected]
Bob Danaher [email protected] Richard Lord [email protected]
Marke Englert [email protected] Stuart Maynard [email protected]
Gordie Eurich [email protected] Darrell Mays [email protected]
Bruce Fowler [email protected] Pete McMullen [email protected]
Allen Gaylord [email protected] Travis Morse [email protected]
Willard Gove [email protected] Rick Rayfield [email protected]
Kyle Greenslit [email protected] Donald Ritchie [email protected]
John Hadden [email protected] Jake Sallerson [email protected]
Bruce Hyde [email protected] Jeffrey Silman [email protected]
Jeff Hunsberger [email protected] Mat Simmons [email protected]
Dick Jamieson [email protected] Wayne Whitelock [email protected]
Jon Jamieson [email protected] Skip Flanders [email protected]
Jeffery Kahn [email protected] Bruce Humphrey [email protected]
Wendell Kathan [email protected] Bill Morse [email protected]
Grand Lodge VT [email protected]
Masonic Trestle Board Committee
Richard Backus Chairman 496-2941
Charlie Kettles Editor 496-4880
Rick Rayfield Member 496-5667
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VERMONT 05673-0448
Mad River Lodge # 77
4376 Main Street
Waitsfield, VT 05673
What is Freemasonry? It’s devoted individuals in quest of brotherly love, self-
improvement, faith in God and the American way of life – fraternally joined
together.
HAPPY EASTER – Our New dues cards have arrived
