Post Office Box 821413, Fort Worth, Texas 76182
USA
Lodge telephone number: 817.656.2311
Best time to contact the Lodge: Tuesday and Thursday evenings between
6 PM and 9 PM
June, 1999
I hope this letter finds everyone well. We all have such busy schedules that it is easy to forget to ask how someone is, or just give a special thank you for a job well done. Brethren, I would like to take this time to tell every member at Smithfield Lodge how much I appreciate all the support and hard work that has taken place this year.
This is not a letter of sadness, but a letter of accomplishment. When I think of some of the things I have done in my young life, I consider Masonry to be a stepping stone towards manhood. Masonry has taught me many things, but the most important is self-confidence. Self-confidence comes from making a decision. Sometimes the decision made is not always right, but without making decisions nothing could ever be accomplished.
Masonry teaches us that we should work together to spread the cement of brotherly love and affection. I feel that this very lesson is what makes Smithfield the lodge it is. The brethren are constantly spreading cement with each new brother that comes through the door, and this is what builds a strong lodge. With this type of consistency within the lodge, each brother can have self-confidence with himself and his Masonry.
My thoughts for the upcoming year are of support and communication. Supporting the new Worshipful Master in his new thoughts and ideas and opening the lines of communication are keys to a successful year!! The master can not keep up with everything. He has to have constant communication to, from and within the lodge. With a strong positive attitude, Smithfield will continue build and grow.
Thanks again to those who made this such a successful year. It has been a joy to grow and learn with all of you. I will look forward to continued growth and strength in my Masonic walk.
Daryle Hester, W:M:
I've had my life turned upside down this month. For awhile, I had active duty orders which would have me out of pocket for at least four months, perhaps up to nine months. I had everything ready to leave but they got a tight budget and decided that they couldn't afford me. So, it looks like I'll be home for the summer after all.
I also got crossways with my dearest friend. It has not been easy to admit my errors and try to get us to reconcile our friendship. I've had to liberally apply the gavel to breaking off the rough and superfluous parts of my personality. While looking through some correspondence between my Mother and Father during World War 2, I found this, which applies as much to friends as it does to a man and wife. "Let your love be stronger than your hate or anger. Learn the wisdom of compromise, for it is better to bend a little than to break. People have a way of living up or down to your opinion of them. Remember that true friendship is the basis for any lasting relationship. The person you choose to marry is deserving of the courtesies and kindness you bestow on your friends.
Brethren, look to your friends. Guard your tongue and circumscribe your passions. Your friends are more valuable than gold. Make sure they know your feelings towards them and work hard to keep the ways of love and affection open.
In our May Stated Meeting, Brother R.T. Koonce, PM received his 25 year award. His response was most poignant. "To start off with, you're giving this to the wrong person. She's not here!" Amen and Amen!
David Terrell, S:W:
Dear Brethren: I would like to say something out of the Law Book Article 178 (214) Laying of Cornerstones. The Grand Lodge will not officiate in the consecration, dedication or laying the cornerstone of any building unless it is of undoubted Masonic, public or sacred character. The laying of such cornerstones shall be limited to buildings constructed of brick, stone or concrete, provided, substantial building of brick or stone veneer on steel or concrete supporting frame shall qualify. The face which should be carved the words "Leveled (or Laid) by the Grand Lodge of Texas, A.F.&A.M." with the emblem and the year carved thereon. The Grand Master's name shall not be carved on the cornerstone of Non-Masonic buildings.
Ricky Levings J:W:
Well, once again it is time to elect our new Officers. However, it may be more of a challenge than usual due to the World's dilemma and our Country's calling. It may become necessary for us to make special concessions, not only to insure the stability of the Lodge's administrative duties, but more importantly to insure the momentum of our activities that many have worked so hard to create.
It is so easy to take for granted these wonderful times. Yet, I impress upon each and every one of you, this is an extremely important time for all of us. Not only should we be concerned with maintaining the Lodge's strength and structure, but it may not be fair to our brethren to put added responsibilities and burdens on them when they may not be prepared for such. Serving the Lodge as an Officer, and especially the Master, is an opportunity we all have or will look forward to in our Masonic travels. Yet, to put someone in a position he may not be ready for or he is not prepared for would be unjust to the Lodge, the brethren and himself.
Your attendance at the next stated meeting is requested, your knowledge and respect for the Stations is required and, if elected or appointed to a position, your commitment and devotion to the duties of that position are crucial. Think about your nominations for these important positions carefully. Be honest, vote your conscience and most importantly, be compassionate to the feelings of those who are being considered for various stations and places. Remember, it is by "WISDOM" that we contrive, in "STRENGTH" we support and "BEAUTY" that we adorn all great and important undertakings. Be proud of your Masonry and hold your head high as you walk in the path of those who have walked this way before you. It is because of them that this wonderful opportunity exists for you.
David Myers
Brethren, I read an article by Bro. Walter M. Macdougall which started of with the question "what is a Lodge"? He, of course, gave the answer we learned in the Entered Apprentice Degree. He then went on to state that a Lodge is much more than that. The Lodge is the place where we meet, but is this the place we do Masonry"? The answer to this is no. Oh, we meet, teach, and do Masonic work in the Lodge, but our influence goes far past the door of the Lodge, or it should. We are taught to be a peaceable subject, but does this mean that we are not to be active in the government, the community, or the county in which we live? Once again the answer is "NO".
We, as Masons should be active, vote, run for office, serve on boards and commissions, and generally be supportive of the elective officials we place in office. What is your voting record, when was the last time you voted, attended a city council meeting, or a school board meeting? Probably when you had an axe to grind, or a gripe about some zoning change near your property, but to be supportive of the elected officials you must know what they are doing. Soon we will once again have the opportunity to vote on the Lodge ad-valorum tax question. Our Lodge pays some $1600.00 for taxes, our Lodge is fortunate. in being able to pay this amount, and still operate. Some Lodges are not so fortunate. Let us get out and vote this bill in this time. Masons can make a difference.
Well enough of this, election of officers will be held at the June meeting. Be there and lend your support to the new Master. I will leave the close of my article from last month in place this month, take heed. This is a plea to each of you, COME TO LODGE AND SEE WHAT GOOD THINGS ARE HAPPENING THERE. We need you at Lodge on any Tuesday or Thursday night. We meet about 7100 get thru by 9:00, and have a good time with our brethren.
Fraternally Yours,
B.R. Campbell, Sec.
The following brethren will observe their Masonic Birthdays in June. They were raised to the sublime Degree of Master Mason during this month.
B. D. Bass APM 06-06-1983
B. R. Campbell PM 06-20-1963
Johnnie Cox 06-23-1984
L.H. DeJournette 06-14-1960
Ray D. Edwards 06-25-1981
Roy D. Edwards 06-18-1981
D. E. Fraley 06-27-1991
D. H. Giles 06-25-1978
G. M. Haygood 06-19-1997
S. E. Lane 06-10-1989
H. C. Martin PM 06-15-1961
R. A. McJunkins PM 06-14-1990
E. R. Muzquiz 06-01-56
C. W. Smith 06-27-1974
C. T. Stewart 06-19-1958
J.C. Tarwater Sr. 06-13-1946
J.C. Tarwater Jr. 06-06-1970
A. L. Tollett 06-13-1963
C. W. West 06-13-1963
W.W. White Jr. 06-17-1967
D. F. Wolfe 06-24-1975
Congratulations Brethren!
Send your questions or comments to: David G. Terrell (smithfield455@fwst.net)