Post Office Box 821413, Fort Worth, Texas 76182 USA
October, 1997
Our last stated meeting, held September 4, brought some changes to our By Laws. As many of you know, we have increased our dues by the sum of ten dollars per year. We have raised the degree fees as well. These increases will enable your Lodge to continue to perform in the manner for which Smithfield Lodge is so well known. Much thought and preparation went into the making of the Resolution that raised the dues and fees to ensure that it would be an increase that we can all live with.
It was my privilege to present Brother T.C. Powell P.M. with his 25-year Award and pin. Additionally, two Permanent Endowments were purchased by Brother Harry Hampton. He purchased one for himself, and one for his Grandson, Brother Mike Haygood. Certificates stating the same were presented to both Brothers. Way to go!!!
In other news, four trees were planted on the east side of the Lodge by Brothers. R.T. Koonce and Bo Hestilow. This gesture will indeed be a thing of beauty that all of the Members will enjoy for many years to come. We also have a new addition to our Lodge Building! Courtesy of several Brethren and their families, we now have a covered metal roof over the cement pad on the east side of the Lodge. This will be a very welcome structure to those who have labored in the sun, during our garage sales, and our annual fish fry. I cannot even begin to thank the many Brethren involved on this one! Why not come and see this wonderful gift? When you do, you will see something that I am sure will touch your heart.
We have a dog dip planned for Saturday, October 4th from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. It will be at the Lodge. Dipping your dog is free but, a Veterinarian will be present and regular shots for dogs and cats will be available at reasonable cost. See you there.
Fraternally and Sincerely,
Steve Bachman
I'd first like to thank the Building and Grounds Committee for all their hard work. The appearance of our lodge is what attracts one's attention to the lodge and its place in the community. I'd also like to express my gratitude to the two Brothers whose generous contribution provided the new patio cover. The cover will provide a sheltered area for garage sales and many other functions. Thanks also to the Communications Committee for their continued efforts in maintaining and improving the Trestle Board and keeping our fellow brethren informed of lodge activities.
Many of you may know that we are attempting to establish fund raising activities in hopes of helping Smithfield Lodge become more self-supporting. While we will still need continued support, our goal is to lessen the burden on individual members. Our focus at this point is commitment to our fraternity. Commitment is more than just attending stated meetings, but it is also becoming involved in lodge goals. Remember, we need committed members not committee members. October's fund raiser will be a free dog-dip! Vaccinations will be available at an additional charge.
I would like to invite the wives and family members of all our brethren to attend Smithfield Lodge at the upcoming "Wives and Widows Banquet" as well as our other open meetings which are listed on the schedule. It is my sincere hope that our Masonic family feels welcome at Smithfield.
Sincerely,
Daryle Hester
Last month was anything but dull! If you missed it, you missed a great time! We hosted the stated meeting of Richland Hills Lodge and they used our lodge room to confer two degrees, initiating an Entered Apprentice and passing a Fellowcraft. We also hosted the Masonic Service Bureau meeting and again showed our Tarrant County brethren a good time. Harold Webb's beans, J.B. Hucherson's cornbread and Tommie Webb's cakes made for great eating. Paramedics were available and were helpful as several visiting brethren had to be rolled out to their cars after the meeting! R.T. and Bo planted some more trees on the Lodge grounds. We conferred an Entered Apprentice degree during which I spiritually sucked in my gut and gave my first Degree Lecture. I was starting to get a summer cold and feeling poor didn't help, but I did OK! Judy and Chris Bowman hosted a great breakfast at the Lodge! My heart-felt thanks to them both. To top it off, Richland Hills Lodge dedicated their new building! By the time you read this, even more will have happened. We'll be continuing our great, new floor school efforts every Tuesday and Thursday; completed a Garage Sale committee meeting; and have also survived another "Tell the Officers what you really think" meeting on September 18.
This Christmas and Hanukkah season, we will be participating in the Hurst Lodge "Mall Assistance" program. This will give us a unique opportunity to be a visible presence for good in the community. The program runs from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve. We'll be assigned a door at North East Mall and, while the mall is open, spend the time just being friendly to people. We'll be greeting folks; opening the door for those that need it; escorting them to their vehicles during the evening; and just spreading seasonal cheer anywhere we can. It'll be a tough assignment! We'll be looking for people to help. So start thinking about it now! It'll be fun and it will chase the Grinch away! Come spend three or four hours feeling good about your Masonry and spreading Brotherly Love to a dark and dreary world. The soul you bring to light may be your own! Call one of the officers if you want to participate.
I've prepared a draft syllabus of instruction for the Smithfield Masonic Education Institute. We'll spend three months on each of the following general topics: Masonic History; Masonic Organization and Administration; Masonic Purposes, Doctrines and Precepts; and the Symbolism of The Lodge and the Craft Degrees. I will be scheduling time in the Lodge for the once-a-month presentations to begin in January. I'm looking forward to seeing you there.
Sincerely,
David Terrell
Dear Brethren,
The members have spoken. The dues, and by-laws changes, passed unanimously. You will see this reflected on the dues notice, which will be sent to you in late October. Thank you to those who saw a need, and responded so positively.
Please contribute to the garage sale by donating goods, or better yet, be available to help man the sale on October 10, 1997, one day only. We need each of you.
Our brethren from Smithfield West have made donations to the Trestle Board. These funds help, but more importantly, the comments about the paper are even more helpful. As we send information, and enlightenment, to you, we need to know that the information strikes the proper chord in our readers. The comments from well informed brothers are always needed. Thank you Fred and Jack.
Brother Ray Tomes, P.M., name spelled right this time, sent a nice note to us, and included his contribution to help defray the cost of mailing the Trestle Board. Thanks, Brother Ray!
We are having a good time in the round table study time at the Lodge. We need more members out on Tuesday and Thursday, to become more proficient in the floor work. Brother J.B. Hucherson, P.M., is coaching, and doing a fine job! Opening ... closing ... lectures ... you name it, we study it! Good Job!
I have attended Masonic funerals for several Brothers during the past month. The procedure for having a Masonic is very simple. A Brother, or his family, need only to contact the Lodge, or one of the officers. Tell us when and where ... we will be there. Tell your family your wishes and how to get in touch with your Lodge. Take care of this while you are in good health. We never know when the scythe of time will be used to call us to that final resting place.
Fraternally Yours,
B.R. Campbell
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October 2 |
Rosh Hashanah |
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Stated Meeting, Pot Luck Meal |
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October 4 |
Dog Dip |
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at Smithfield Lodge, 1-3 P.M. |
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October 6 |
Garage Sale Committee meeting |
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at Smithfield lodge, 7 P.M. |
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October 10 |
Garage Sale |
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at Smithfield Lodge, all day |
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October 11 |
Yom Kippur |
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Lodge cleanup and Family Breakfast |
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at Lodge, 8:00 A.M. |
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October 13 |
Columbus Day |
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October 23 |
Certificate Exam, 6:00 P.M. |
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at Masonic Temple |
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October 29 |
Masters', Wardens' and |
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Secretaries' Association, Joint |
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Meeting with Dallas County |
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6:00 P.M. at Home and School |
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October 31 |
Halloween |
The Lodge voted at the August stated meeting to have a Garage Sale this fall to make up for the rained-out day last April. We had a very productive first organizational meeting on Monday, September 15. We encourage all members of Smithfield Lodge, and their families, to come out and participate.
These sales have been very successful in the past, and have really helped the Lodge financially; but only because a few people have been deeply committed to making it work. In short, we need your help, and we need your items now!! Call any lodge officer for pick-up. This will be a one-day sale, on October 10. We will be having a working meeting on October 6. More to come later.
Harold Webb, Committee Chairman
The Winding Stairs -- it requires more courage to face the unknown than the known. A straight stair, a ladder, hides neither secret nor mystery at its top. But the stairs which wind hide each step from the climber; what is just around the corner is unknown. The winding stairs of life lead us to we know not what; for some of us a Middle Chamber of fame and fortune; for others, one of pain and frustration. The Angel of Death may stand with drawn sword on the very next step for any of us. Yet man climbs!
Brush up on your Ritual! The often counterfeit, never duplicated, and much acclaimed ... "Tuesday Night Round Robin" ... sessions are in full swing! Join us, each week from 7-9 P.M., for good times and great fellowship!
Plan on attending the Smithfield Lodge Masonic Education Institute. Monthly seminars, open to the public, begin in January, 1998
Come and "Dip Your Dog" at Smithfield Lodge on October 4th from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. "Come and experience this fun and exciting sport! You can dip your own or have our friendly assistants dip 'em for you. Dipping your dog is free and a Vet will be present to provide regular shots for dogs and cats at reasonable cost. I tell you, Dippin' don't get no better than this!" Steve "Dipitty Dawg" Bachman, Smithfield's Own Olympic Gold-plated Medal Dog Dipper
Are you a Mason? How many of us have been asked this question when someone notices a ring, buckle or some other personal belonging that displays the Masonic emblem? We proudly answer "Yes, I am." But what thoughts should come to mind when we give our answer? Am I truly a Mason in every way, or do I merely carry the name because I did what was necessary to be raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason?
A quick memory check will reveal much. When was the last time I attended a Stated meeting or participated in lodge functions or became involved in floor work for any degree? How much light have I sought to further my Masonic education? The light can become very bright if you are willing to lift the basket from the candle.
There is a lot of activity in our Lodge. Many of our active brothers are waiting and willing to get you involved or help you travel down the long and interesting road of Masonry. Try the memory check and see where you stand. We would love to have you join us, you're not expected at every event but we hope to see you soon.
Don LaPlante, Editor
"I violate no secret when I say that one of the greatest values in Masonry is that it affords an opportunity for men in all walks of life to meet on common ground, where all men are equal and have one common interest." Brother Theodore Roosevelt (Born 27 October 1858)
Send your questions or comments to: David G. Terrell (David.G.Terrell@juno.com)