The MasonicVOL. NO. 14 NOV. 2010 ISSUE NO. 9

Trestle Board

 

          

Mad River Lodge No. 77

1868 - 2010

Waitsfield, Vermont

King Hiram Lodge No. 45

1817 - 1832                     

A MESSAGE FROM THE EASTBrothers,

Thanks for taking the time to read your Trestleboard. Charlie spends a lot of time and effort in bringing this to everyone each month. This past month he has been having computer problems which has delayed the electronic version being delivered. As it is time to be considering our budget for next year, I’m wondering if the lodge should consider purchasing some software for the purpose of easily assembling our newsletter. The cost of postage and printing are rising, so electronic transmission of our Trestleboard makes a lot of sense. It is my feeling at our Trestleboard is a vital link between the lodges’ activities and many of its members

and deserves to be the best it can be without being a burden on its editor.

We had a record breaking Chicken-pie Supper this past month with exceptional help from the brothers and form eight teens that came in with family and worked along side of us. It is through this type of intergenerational activity that we look forward to the next generation taking up where we will leave off.

We have given the Enter Apprentice degree to a young man already this fall and by the time you read this, we will have raised a new brother and will soon be doing another Entered Apprentice degree.

We have a busy and exciting year in progress and I encourage everyone to get involved. Until next month, or we meet in lodge or on the street, enjoy what the lord has [provided for us and take the time to contemplate the glorious works of creation and to adore our great creator.

Fraternally yours,

Kenton Blair, Worshipful Master

NEXT LODGE MEETING – NOV. 2ND

Our Regular Tuesday Communication at 7:30 p.m.

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OCT’s MONTHLY MEETINGWorshipful Master Ken Blair called October’s meeting of the lodge to order at 7:39 p.m.

Sr. Deacon Tim Baker paraded our National Colors to the center of the lodge with Richard Backus and Bill Peatman as escorts while SW Bob Danaher recited the Flag Charge.

WM: Kenton Blair, SW: Bob Danaher - Acting, JW:  Chris Keats - Acting, SD: Timothy Baker –

Acting, JD: Jeffery Kahn - Acting, Treasurer: Gerry

Maynard, Secretary: Charlie Kettles,  SS: Bill Peatman, Jr. - Acting, Chaplain: Rick Rayfield, Marshal: Gordie Eurich. Brothers on the side benches: Grand Sr. Deacon R.W. Richard Backus. Before beginning the business of the Lodge, WM Kenton

Blair requested Marshal Gordie Eurich to escort Gerry Maynard west of the altar to be installed as Treasurer of the Lodge. After the installation, the Master congratulated PM Gerry on being selected at the ‘Citizen of the Year’ of the 6th Masonic District.

The lodge secretary read the minutes of the Sept. 7th meeting, which was approved as read.

The treasurer gave his report of the income and expenses for the period from Sept. 7th to Oct. 5th, which showed income of receipts and disbursements. The complete report was accepted pending audit by a vote of the lodge on a motion by Gordie Eurich and second by Bob Danaher.

Next the WM gave a good news report that Bro. Wayne Whitelock is fairing much better, he is now allowed to drive and may be back next month. Unfinished Business:1.    WM Kenton reported the highlights of the Sixth Masonic

District meeting held last evening in Summit Lodge #104 in Williamstown. It was a packed lodge with 112 Masons and the meal was excellent. The big event for us was the ‘Citizen the Year’ of the 6th Masonic District being presented to

(Cont. on Next Page)

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OCT’s MONTHLY (Cont. From Page 3)Gerry Maynard. Brothers Richard, Gordie, Bob Danaher and others rose to congratulate our brother on being chosen for this honor.

2.        WM Kenton reported that he and Bro. Brent Adams, who was unable to attend tonight, reported the dates and times they have filled so far for the Baked Beads Columbus Day Weekend Comte. Then some of our members volunteered to complete the needed schedule for the weekend.

3.        Rick Rayfield as the Chicken-pie Comte Chair reported that we are on schedule and he proceeded to fill-in some of the still needed foodstuffs his co-chair Holliday gave him. He reminded the members that the more we all donate the greater our profits will be. The Slice and Dice of the squash and potatoes will be at 7 pm on Friday night. He hoped that folks will show up early Saturday afternoon to help cook and had a request for all the Masons in kitchen aprons to serve the chicken-pies at the tables.

4.        The lodge was presented with a colorful Masonic designed plate from PM Neil Matheson. A sincere ‘Thanks’ goes to our brother and a suitable place will be found to display it.

5.         Rick, as Building Comte, gave a review of many items related to the building. Some of the present problems pointed out were: The water run-off the roof in the rear of the building, the steps and porch, water hook-up and basement entryway, plus some historical comments. Lastly the WM stated that a matching funds grant of 20K – 22K could be made available for the lodge’s work.

6.         The WM Kenton appointed a three-man Odd Fellow Comte. They are: Richard Backus, Gerry Maynard and Jeff Kahn.

7.         Interview Comte report was given by JD Jeff Kahn. He reported that the comte met in Waterbury on the evening of Sept. 29th at 6:30 pm. The proper answers and a positive impression is held by all the members of this comte and they believe the candidates prayer should be favorably answered. The WM discharged the comte with the ‘Thanks’ of the lodge for a job well done.

(Cont. on Page 12)

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FROM OUR CHAPLAIN

By Rick Rayfield

“God created all… and gave man spiritual insight so that he would understand Nature, understand himself, and know God through his wonderful signs.” Yusef Ali

Sometimes the autumn brings a sense of the end of life- plants withering, animals burrowing or migrating away.Yet at this time of year, many Vermonters finish preparing their home and woodpile and snow tires for the winter, and heads out into the barren woods. Of course, the woods are not barren, less lush, and quieter. But in November we find plenty to appreciate on a short walk out the back door, or a full day at deer camp.Recently I taught a unit on leaves to Fayston school kids, We looked at how human and plant veins carry fluid, same but different. I showed them the buds already on the braches for next spring’s leaves. In the quote above from Yusef Ali’s introduction to the first Surah of the Koran, we find the term “spiritual insight”. Sometimes it is hard to define “spiritual”. I remind myself that

the root of the word is “breath”. When the kids saw the tinny buds, some breathed out- “wow”. And some held their breath and bugged their eyes, and muttered “really?” Let us not fool ourselves. Deer camp and leaf drives and fall jaunts are a lot like “church”. The designs of the Grand Architect on his trestle board are a wonder to behold. And a worthwhile template for our own temples.

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Chicken-pie Supper ‘Greatest’ Our 34th Annual Chicken-pie Supper was a big success due to all the excellent planning and work done by the Rayfield Family and all of the people they got to make this years feast the best

one ever Holliday had everyone donating, decorating, prepping, cooking, baking, and volunteering on schedule this year.

This year the Friday night Slice and Dice get-together seemed to go faster than ever? Thanks to Gordie Eurich taking the lead, it made all the peelers, choppers, slicers, dicers, and chicken de-boners work go smoothly. Plus

he had a good crew of Marke Englert, Tim Baker, Brent Adams, Charlie Kettles, Bob & Robert Danaher, plus William Beard. This crew finished up quicker than usual, except for the extra

gravy making! Next morning Rick got everything going early, as the food began to be dropped off by our volunteers. The kitchen staff did a yeoman’s job this year; as did the severing group and we need to thank Rick & Holliday Rayfield, Tim Baker, Bill Peatman, Brent Adams, Chris

Keast, Jeff Kahn, Marke & Matt Englert, Carla Messer, Rachael Keast, Vicky Kingsbury, Ken and Fran Blair. It was just great to see Wayne Whitelock looking well and back at the lodge. This year we

sold pre-seating

(Cont. on Next Page)

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Chicken-pie Supper (Cont)tickets at the door, but no one was allowed to come into the building until the staff was ready to serve them. Greeting and selling tickets to our hungry guests was Charlie Kettles.

We also have to compliment the young adults who volunteered to help serve the general public. They were Sophie Rayfield, Anna Bauer, Clio Briggs, Sarah Hoyne, Matt Englert, Robt A. Danaher, Bill and Chris Keast.

We held two meal seatings again and this year we were packed with many familiar faces, as well as new folks, some coming as far as Montreal. We also did the largest number of take-out dinners this year.

A sincere thanks to everyone who participated in making this one of our greatest Suppers ever.

Watching at Bake BeadsWe have to thank Bro. Brent Adams for doing a great job in heading up our Bake Beads security force on the same weekend as our Chicken-pie Supper. Once again

we have ‘Thank’ Dave Cohen the CEO of Baked Beads for using our services. The following brothers of Mad River Lodge managed to find some time to help stand watch- Charlie Kettles, Rick Rayfield, Wm Peatman, Wayne Whitelock, Ken Blair, and Fred Messer- during Thursday, Friday or Saturday night.

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A Sunday MM Degree HeldOn the damp Sunday evening of October 24th at 5:45 pm a brief practice of the degree that was to be presented later that evening for Bro. William Beard went well. With GSD Richard Backus sitting in the East where he called for order at 7 pm. The other

officers were: SW: Fred Messer, JW: Kenton Blair, Treas: Gerry Maynard, Sec.: Charlie Kettles, SD: Christopher Keast, JD: Timothy Baker,

Mar. Gordon Eurich, Chap: Paul White, Sr., SS: Brent Adams, JS: Jeff Kahn, Tyler: Robt Danaher, and on the benches were: GSW RW Roger Crouse, PM Bruce Humphrey and PM Eugene Corliss – both of Winooski Lodge #49 and late arrival Ill. Rick Rayfield.After our SD Chris Keast escorted our new brother Bill Beard thru an interaction with the J Bro.’s, Bob Danaher, Jeff Kahn and Gordie Eurich, which led to his down fall. There was nothing but chaos in the

temple until the arrival of some FC. So until Gerry Maynard, Bruce Humphrey and Eugene Corliss presented themselves to KS Ken Blair all was uncertain. But due to them the matters were set right because of the help and assistance of SC Roger Crouse and traveler Tim Baker. After our new brother was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason, Charlie Kettles imparted to him the Charge of the Duties of the third degree. Then Richard Backus inculcated the Symbolism of this degree. And Gerald Maynard gave the Final instructions. Then GSW RW Roger Crouse recited the MM Section III Lecture of the Degree aided by a power point presentation, which was a real treat. DDGM RW Paul White, SR. brought the greeting of the GM and ‘Thanked’ the Lodge members for their support at the Sixth District meeting, which was the second largest in the state. The meeting closed at 9:45 pm and refreshments were had in the anteroom afterwards.

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Dist. #6 Met at Summit Lodge

The District Meeting for the Sixth Masonic District was held on the nice Monday evening of October 4,

2010 at Summit Lodge #104 F & A M in Williamstown, Vt. The meeting open- ed at 6:00 pm for the beginning of the session. The call from business to refreshment was at 6:30 pm for the purpose of eating a great dinner provided by the ladies of the Charity Chapter of OES. Our brothers funneled into the dining hall to enjoyed a scrumptious Pot Roast of Beef with mashed potatoes and vegetables and all the fixings.

After a delightful dessert, the lodge was recalled at 7:35 pm to conduct the business of the Sixth Masonic district. The

first order of business was the introduction

of our Grand Officers. Our District Deputy Grand Master Paul White, Sr. received and welcomed all the Grand Officers and had our Grand Master Thomas Johnston IV join him in the East. After the opening business of the lodge, a Roll Call was taken. It revealed that in addition to 25 Grand guests we had 87 brothers from the Sixth Masonic District.

(Cont. on Page 11)

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Happy Birthdays

Now that Fall is here and a change of seasons with a touch of snow we give ‘Thanks’ to and get ready to wish our Fall brothers the best for another great Birthday.

Gerald M. Maynard Nov. 6thEverett C. Maynard Nov. 6thDonald J. Demas Nov. 7thTimothy S. Baker Nov. 9thGary H. Kenyon Nov. 11thJohn L. Hadden Nov. 12thDavid E. Jamieson Nov. 20thStuart A. Maynard Nov. 21st

Stanley V. Matheson Nov. 28th

MASONIC BIRTHDAYSArnold F. Eastman Nov. 6th 37 YearsLauren H. Long Nov. 7th 60 YearsGeorge R. Kingsbury Nov. 7th 57 YearsAlan C. Rossetto Nov. 27th 20 Years

FOR AN EXCELLENT JOB WELL DONE

To: Ken Blair for Printing, Folding, Stapling & E-mailing. To Charlie Kettles for Layout, Mailing & E-mailing of Oct’s Issue. For Content: WM Kenton Blair, Rick Rayfield, and Chas Kettles. Many Thanks to all – Editor

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Dist. #6 Met at Summit (Cont.)The total number of Masons present of was 112. As expected Summit Lodge had the highest percentage of members

present. The lodge with the greatest number of members present was Granite Lodge #35. Next was a special treat for all the assembled Bro.’s, we had three members

escorted to the east to receive their 60-year Masonic Service Button from the Grand Master. Pictured above: GM Tom Johnston, Dave

Wheeler, Len Lewis and his brother Paul Lewis and DDGM Paul White.Another highlight for the evening was presentation of

the Sixth District’s Mason of the Year. The recipient was our very own brother Gerald Maynard, who we believe is an excellent choice for all he’s done over his many years of service for his lodge and the community. Mad River Bro.’s present were R. Backus, G. Eurich, G. Maynard, K. Blair, Wm Peatman, J. Kahn, R. Danaher, C. Keast, T. Baker, B. Fowler, C. Kettles and Janos Lawrence who won the 50/50 raffle. GM Johnston, G. Maynard, DDGM White The meeting closed in our usual manner at 9:38 pm.

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OCT’s MONTHLY (Cont. From Page 4)

New Business:1.        The lodge voted by ballot on a new members request. After

the vote the WM declared that the wish of the petitioner was granted.

2.        Degrees: Worshipful Master Kenton said we would be doing an Entered Apprentice degree as soon as SW Fred Messer can plan the degree. Next, after the usual checking on the best days to do a Master Mason degree for Bill Beard, Sunday, Oct. 24th at 7 pm was set and if an additional rehearsal is needed it will held at 5:30 pm on that day. The first rehearsal is set for Sunday, Oct. 10th at 7 pm.

3.        International Boutique: Rick spoke of Joni’s need this year to use the lodge for an additional week? The members, as always, don’t mind being charitable, but being continually forced to hold our Christmas Luncheon later than usual was not very popular. It was suggested that we use the Church across the street for our luncheon, but that would cost $150 vs. $0 using our own lodge! Since the Boutique has always properly cleaned-up and were out in time, a motion by Gordie Eurich that we allow them to use the lodge, for this year, for an additional payment of ‘at least $100 more’ than last year, plus the utilities. It was second by Bob Danaher and passed.

4.        The secretary reviewed our late dues payers, plus the newest ‘Lodge Lifetime Members’ and a brother who was moving out-of-state and his need to demit from the lodge. We are down to less an 1/2 dozen late payers. The members voted to make Bro.’s Louis Anderson and Owen Ward ‘Lifetime Members’ and to allow Bro. Stanley V. Matheson demit from our lodge

on a motion by Bob Danaher with a second by Gerry Maynard.

5.        It was moved by Gordie, second by Bob Danaher and passed by the lodge to allow the WM and Gerry Maynard, who will check, to decide if we need to change our propane company and to do so.

6.        Masonic Education: Bro. Rick dealt with Jeremiah and the need for Lazarus to warn a rich man’s brothers of the perils they face. We are bound by the Sacred Law and in helping each other.

7.        Suggest the Building Comte check on the vermin problem in the basement and the Prep-room.The lodge closed in short form at 10:09 pm and we had Greek Pastries in the anteroom after the meeting.

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A Sunday EA Degree Held

On September 26th the degree team members of Mad River Lodge #77 checked in before the scheduled meeting time for a

rehearsal, which began at 5:45 pm. Then calling for order at 7 pm, on that warm Sunday evening, was Fred Messer, who was sitting in the East. He had PM Kenton Blair as SW, PM Gerry Maynard as JW, PM George Seymour of

Winooski #49 as SD, Timothy Baker as JD, Bill Peatman as SS, Brent Adams as JS, PM Gordon Eurich as Marshal, PM Rick Rayfield as Chaplain, PM Charlie Kettles as Secretary and PM Bob Danaher as Tyler. Attending on the sidelines was: GSD Richard Backus, DDGM Paul White, Sr., PM Gary Bombard, PM Marke Englert, Jeffery Kahn, and Paul Kidder of Huguenot Lodge #46. Our newest brother Ryan Green who was queried by the Stewards before being escorted by SD Geo. Seymour.

Afterwards Bro. Ryan received his obligation and new apron from WM Fred Messer. The explanation of the history and significance of the apron was conveyed by PM Gerry Maynard.

Then WM Fred Messer presented some useful information on the tools of Masonry, which was followed by the Charge for the

degree delivered by PM Charlie Kettles. This was followed by the Symbolism of the degree nicely done by PM Rick Rayfield.At the conclusion of the degree all the attending brothers lined up to congratulated our newest member before the closing of the lodge at 8:38 pm.Subsequently in the dining room our Sr. Stewart Bill Peatman served up a choice of sandwiches, with chips, pickles and soda.

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MEETING AGENDATuesday – Nov. 5th

OPENING OF THE LODGE

Reading of Minutes & Treasurer's Report

Unfinished Business/ Committees:

1.   Report on the EA Degree2.   Report on the 6th District Meeting3.   Report of the Baked Beads Comte 4.   Report of Chicken pie comte5.   Report on the Heating Issue6.   Other Old Business or Reports

New Business/ Committees:

1.   Report of the Interview Comte 2.   Set up MM Degree Team & Dates3.   Set up EA/FC Degrees & Dates4.   Any New Business 5.   Masonic Education

Petitions for Membership:

1.   Affiliation or Candidates!!!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: Potsenvt@madriver.com

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VERMONT 05673-0448

 

Mad River Lodge # 77

4376 Main StreetWaitsfield, VT 05673

 

  

 

What is Freemasonry? It’s devoted individuals in quest of brotherly love, self improve-ment, faith in God and the American way of life – fraternally joined together.