Post Office Box 821413, Fort Worth, Texas 76182 USA
September, 1997
Our last stated meeting, on August, 7th, brought some changes that were, in some minds, long overdue. A resolution to raise the dues was presented to the Lodge. The foregoing fact of the matter is, that Your Lodge cannot function properly, and maintain the level of activity that we are so used to, with the current level of income. Therefore, it becomes necessary to make some adjustments; a "tune up" if you will. As you well know, the costs of taxes, electricity, water, and food for the Lodge are not on the decrease, and, more than likely, are not on the decrease at your home as well. The importance of a dues increase is at hand.
The responses to the above have been very positive by the Brethren, and, in short, We need it!
The Lodge will vote on the dues increase during our next stated meeting, which will be on the 4th of September. I urge you to come to Lodge and take part in this matter. See the message from the Secretary in this Trestle Board. Well now you have heard my pitch, on to other things.
Again, I thank the supporters of the Trestle Board for your contributions, I can't express enough how important it is to keep you updated as to what's taking place at your Lodge. Here again, this isn't free either, Postage is not getting any cheaper. If you would care to make a contribution or donation, Please see Brother Billy Campbell, Brother David Meyers or myself. My Brethren, how well your Lodge does in any one year depends upon the composite of all its members.
A special thanks to the Past Masters and the Officers for their much needed support and guidance. The Masonic Service Bureau met at Smithfield on August 13th for their meeting. A very good turn out! Beans, Ham and Cornbread (Arkansas Style) plus some super cakes made by Tommie Webb! Thanks, Tommie! Also, thanks to everyone who made this a success.
Oh! By the way -- J.B., if you lose your remote control again, check your refrigerator first!
Fraternally and Sincerely,
Steve Bachman
I would like to start by saying thanks to all the Brothers (and their wives! --editor) who are working on special committees. The different committees are the backbone of our lodge; they are the driving force within us. The lodge is currently undergoing some brief changes, but the change is for the good of the Lodge. We, as a team, can move forward to the future.
My wife, Malliga, and I spent the first weekend in August in Dallas, at the Warden's Retreat. It's purpose was to educate Warden's and their wives about the role of the Worshipful Master. As a team building exercise, a group of Wardens was presented a problem. Individual groups formed quick relationships with each other and worked together to solve our specific problem and present our solution to all the Wardens. Malliga and I enjoyed the fellowship and made lasting friendships. It was one of the best Masonic functions I have ever attended. I believe I learned more in one weekend about Masonry than I have in four years! This is probably due to the fact that they had us confined to one area for three days and bombarded us with Masonic information. Thanks to Smithfield Lodge for sending us to the Retreat!
We want every possible Brother to join us as we work toward a bigger and better future for Smithfield Lodge and our Masonic Fraternity.
Sincerely,
Daryle Hester
July 1997 was a busy month for Smithfield Lodge. We had a wonderful visit from R: W: Bob Hogan DDGM. Brother Campbell was elected V.P. of the Masonic Service Bureau. Richland Hills Lodge leveled the cornerstone of their beautiful new building. We had major participation in the associated representation of the Grand Lodge. There was a good breakfast on a quiet Saturday morning. The next couple of months will also be full of activity. Smithfield is hosting the Masonic Service Bureau meeting on August 13. We'll likely be having some initiations before long. (Call one of the principal officers for the exact time and date.) We're planning a one-day yard sale in October. Richland Hills Lodge will be dedicating their building. Don't miss out on some good times! Also, did you notice that we're having to compress some of our standard "Bulletin Board" items in the Trestle Board? We're getting more material than we can readily use and are having to choose what to print. It's a wonderful position to be in, but I lament having to leave anything out! So we'll squeeze things a bit and carry on.
Two significant activities are getting ready to begin. I want you to consider participating in one or both of them. First, after Richland Hills Lodge moves into their new building, they will begin a once-a-month practice for the Ritual Proficiency Certificate examination. The sessions will be on the first Wednesday evening of every month. It's really fun to do! It's also a nice feeling to be able to chip in during a degree. Secondly, beginning in January 1998, Smithfield Lodge will begin to operate a Masonic Education Institute. Our intent is to develop a continuing curriculum of once-a-month classes, open to anyone, covering aspects of Masonic history, jurisprudence, symbolism, philosophy, leadership and just about anything else related to the Craft. Watch the Trestle Board for further details. In conjunction with the Institute, I am looking for donations or loans of any Masonic books or magazines. If you want them returned, I'll search through them, photocopy information and articles for my files and return them to you. Any donations will become part of a Masonic Library I intend to start for the Lodge.
The Masters', Wardens' and Secretaries' Association will be sponsoring a booth at the Fort Worth Stock Show again early next year. Last year, Tarrant County Lodges received about fifteen petitions as a result of contacts made during the Stock Show. I have agreed to coordinate the county-wide effort to have Brethren at the booth. Of course, this means that Smithfield will have first choice of dates. RHIP! Opening day of the Stock Show is January 23.
Finally, I would like to publicly thank Brother Campbell for nominating me as Treasurer of the Masters', Wardens' and Secretaries' Association and Brothers Rumfield and Hogan for their vocal support. Though I was not elected, I want to express my deep appreciation of the honor, trust and confidence represented by the nomination and the votes I received from many Brethren. Billy, John,, Right Worshipful -- thank you very much!
Sincerely,
David Terrell
First of all, let me say how pleased I am to have Richland Hills Lodge #1348 use our Lodge as home during their building period. They are indeed good friends, and are most welcome.
Secondly, it looks as if we are going to need to raise the dues for Smithfield Lodge. This is not done without much soul searching. The simple fact is, we do not have enough funds to carry on a good Masonic Program. You will receive notice of this vote soon. The dues would have had to be raised much before this if several of your Brethren had not worked in fund raisers in the past. This is not fair to them to work so hard for all of us. Each of us must bear some of the burden.
The several accounts of the Lodge are in good shape, except the General Fund. This is the fund that we pay our bills from. At present, we have approximately 230 members. We have eight members who are 50-year Masons, and are exempt from dues. Endowed members account for another eighteen Brothers, so about 204 of us pay dues. This accounts for about $8,000 of income that we have to work with. Taxes, utilities, and Grand Lodge dues have increased each year, and we must pay them.
We can cut Lodge functions -- this will kill the Lodge. We can turn out the Lights -- this will stop us from enlightening others. OR -- we can "bite the bullet" and raise the dues.
Attend the Stated Meeting in September, and vote.
Fraternally Yours,
B.R. Campbell
P.S. Several have contributed moneys to the Trestle Board, with the express purpose of bringing this important missal. We feel that it is imperative that the information sent to you each month continue. Thanks to those who have cared so much as to become sponsors of the Trestle Board. B.R.C.
August 16 -- Breakfast 8:00 A.M. Lodge clean up
August 27 -- Richland Hills Lodge building dedication starting at 2:00 P.M.
September 1 -- Richland Hills Lodge first Stated Meeting at their new building
September 4 -- Stated Meeting, Pot Luck Meal
September 15 -- Garage Sale Meeting 7:00 P.M.
September 20 -- Breakfast 8:00 A.M. Lodge clean up
Coming In October ... A One-Day Yard Sale !!!
Several readers have seen fit to contribute funds to the Lodge, easing the financial burden of printing and mailing the Trestle Board each month. On behalf of the Lodge, we sincerely thank each of you for your kindness and consideration. Your confidence in our efforts is humbling. We will redouble our endeavors to make the Smithfield Lodge Trestle Board a worthy jewel in the Worshipful Master's hands.
Don LaPlante and David Terrell
R:W: Bob Hogan DDGM District 64-A
David, Maryann & Ryan Meyers
Billy & Patsy Campbell
R.T. & Mary Koonce
Jim Stegall
Fred Stewart
Askey Propeller
Azle Avenue Garage
Transom Power Outboard
Tony's Pro Marine Service
Clean Sweep Unlimited
Dear Masonic Family,
Before the Warden's Retreat, Masonry didn't really have any concrete meaning to me. I knew it meant Daryle wouldn't be home certain nights, and I knew it had something to do with charity organizations and symbolism. The retreat allowed me to spend three days with forty other Warden's wives and some extremely knowledgeable Masons. The Ladies' Program consisted of several team building exercises, and presentations on Masonic charities, symbolism, and protocol. I was astounded to learn that $82,500 per HOUR is contributed from the Masonic Organization. We watched some touching videos of the Scottish Rite Hospital, Texas Masonic Retirement Center, and the Scottish Rite Dormitory. Grand Chaplain, Brother Ben O'Brien explained the symbolism behind many of the things we observe during open meetings -- from the aprons to the "G" in the middle of the square and compasses. We discussed the importance of teamwork and making Masonry a family oriented organization. The things I've mentioned don't scratch the surface of what we learned, but I hope it at least sparks your interest in the Masonic Fraternity. I should soon be receiving a list from Brother O'Brien of informative books on the subject of Masonry. I would be more than happy to share my information with you.
We had the privilege of meeting all the Grand Lodge Officers and their wives. We also made lasting friendships with fellow Masons from the entire state of Texas. Together they helped give us a Masonic foundation. Thanks again to Smithfield for sending us to the Retreat.
Sincerely,
Malliga Hester
Suppose for a moment that overnight, by some unknown process, Smithfield Lodge ceased to exist. How would Northeast Tarrant County be affected? Besides the Lodge Officers and some active Lodge members, who else in town would know that this horrible event had happened? Would the Star-Telegram carry a headline story to eulogize the termination of a treasured institution, or would anybody even care? If our Lodge vanished from the face of the Earth tonight, would anybody notice? I'm not able to answer that question but, remember this: Before the people in our community will care about Masonry, they have to know Masonry cares about them. If we ever cease to be of service to our community, the very reason for our existence will cease. If our purpose is to take good men, teach them profound truths and valuable moral lessons, thus making better men of them -- what then should these better men do? It seems that they would have a burning desire to put into practical use outside the Lodge those principles learned inside it. Masonry is at its best when it is shared by others. When men work together in a united effort towards a common worthy goal, they strengthen their skills, and their potential is unlimited. Wear the Masonic Emblem proudly. Live your Masonry before the world so those prepared to be Masons at heart will know where to find us.
Brother John Rumfield PM is coordinating our involvement in a local history being written by the North Richland Hills Historical Committee. The Committee is planning on using our photographs of early Smithfield, and of the many Past Masters of Smithfield Lodge who now have local streets named after them. Many thanks to Brother Rumfield for his able representation of the Lodge.
Send your questions or comments to: David G. Terrell (David.G.Terrell@juno.com)