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
February, 2001
Right Worshipful Brian Bass, District Deputy Grand Master of Masonic District 64A made his official visit on January 4th at our Stated Meeting. The food and service was very good. R.W. Bass had a lot to say about different projects that we as a Lodge need to do. We need to improve on our community service and help out more with our Public Schools. He was extremely satisfied with our Lodge records and books.
January has been a full month of activities, and I appreciate all the help and support of the Lodge Brethren. On January 9th, we had proficiency examinations in a Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason Lodge. On January 11th, we had a Fellow Craft Degree. On January 16th and 18th we had Master Mason Degrees. On January 22nd, we had the pleasure of hosting the Master, Wardens, and Secretaries Association with an outstanding dinner which was enjoyed by all. On January 25th, we had an Entered Apprentice Degree with a special visiting Brother Mason from England to witness an EA Degree Texas style upon his son. As you can see, Smithfield Lodge is growing with lots of new members and I would like to see more of our membership on hand for support in helping our new Brethren learn more about Masonry.
February is going to be a little slower with just a few Degrees for those who finish up their proficiency work. But I would still like to see our Brethren on hand for floor school on Tuesday and Thursday nights when we are not having a Called Meeting. Please try to attend our February Stated Meeting on February 1st, we will have plenty of food and fellowship. Please come and support our Lodge.
Rickey Levings, WM
Brethren,
Our Stated Meeting for the month of January, which included the yearly inspection by D.D.G.M. was attended by many of our Brethren. As I did last year, I am choosing not to repeat dates and activities in my little corner of the Trestle Board. That information can be found elsewhere in the newsletter.
Taken from the Masonic Bible, pertaining to symbolism of Masonry and its connection with the Bible: WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE WORD, AMEN? The response to every Masonic prayer is “So Mote It Be”, meaning Amen, collectively. The word in Hebrew signifies very, very, certainly. And, is where one person confirms the word of another, and adds his wish for the success of another. It is a response to a prayer. The talmudists have many superstitions in respect to this word. Thus, in one treatise, it is said that whoever pronounces it with fixed attention and devotion, to him the gates of Paradise will be opened; and, again whoever enunciates the word rapidly, (ex. Amen, Amen, Amen, etc.) his days shall pass rapidly away, and, whosoever dwells upon it distinctly and slowly, his life shall be prolonged. Ref: Rev. 22:21.
From the American Heritage College Dictionary of the English Language: AMEN - Used at the end of prayer or a statement to express approval. 1. An utterance of this interjection, 2. Any expression of conviction or assent. An adverb - verily, truly. From Hebrew - certainly.
I would respectfully like to dedicate the following words to Bro. Jack Jeter, who is a guiding light among Masons. From THE OHIO MASON, December 2000:
LINCOLN SAID:
“I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man who lives in it so that his place will be proud of him. Be honest, but hate no one. Overturn a man’s wrongdoing, but not overturn the wrong. Stand with him while he is right, and part with him when he goes wrong. If you would win a man to your cause, first convince him that your are his sincere friend. Therein, is a drop of honey that catches his heart, which, say what you will, is the greatest highway to heaven”.
Jim Allen, SW
Brethren,
Every man, who takes his Masonry seriously, understands that there is more to the Masonic rituals than what is portrayed within the rituals. There is in fact a greater meaning to the rituals than any of us can understand by simply going through the degrees. The symbols reveal as well as conceal important moral and philosophical truths. To truly understand the full meaning of the three degrees in Masonry, we have to make a conscious effort to ascertain the truths that can be derived from these degrees.
There seems to be a certain marriage of architectural symbols with philosophical truths. The square and compasses, in the simplest terms, are tools of architecture. Freemasonry weds them with spiritual truths. The concept of using implements of architecture to represent moral and philosophical truth is not new. The ancients demonstrated their superior knowledge of geometry and architecture by building super structures that portrayed a specific meaning. The Great Pyramid of Giza, the Taj Mahal, the Greek Parthenon, etc. are still symbols of superior structures that reveal a considerable knowledge of architecture, each portraying a specific and timeless meaning that the architects designed into these structures. As speculative Masons, we are taught to ascertain the higher truths to specific architectural symbols. To be a true Master Mason, we must master the truths we have learned from Freemasonry.
Amidst all the hustle and bustle of social events, contributions, etc., it becomes easy to loose track of the higher truths of Freemasonry. It is up to each one of us, as individuals, to determine what the symbols and the allegories mean. By meditating upon these symbols and allegories, we are in fact, embarking upon a conscious journey that has the power to alter the way we treat others, how we live, and how we participate in our communities.
I have always wondered why we need the Scottish Rite and the York Rite if all a Mason needs to know can be found in the three degrees of Masonry. There is a catch-22 here, the Scottish and York Rites expand our knowledge of the three degrees in Masonry, yet if one really understands all the truths to the three degrees and what all the symbols mean, we wouldn’t need the Scottish or York Rites. Albert Pike, author of Morals and Dogma, would disagree. In fact, he claims that the candidates in the Blue Lodge degrees are deceived into believing that they are receiving the real truths of the symbols and the allegories. Albert Pike was considered to be well learned in the area of comparative religions. He interpreted the symbols in the Blue Lodge degrees in many different ways. His writings are peppered with references to many different religious books and philosophies. Though Albert Pike may have written many great works, it doesn’t mean that he has “cornered the truth” or properly interpreted the symbols. Perhaps there are meanings to the symbols that not even he can understand. Thus, whether we are Albert Pike or not, each one of us can derive important truths from the symbols that apply to ourselves in a personal manner. Thus, it becomes important to participate at the Lodge, learn the memory work, do floor school, etc., in order to learn what is contained within the three degrees of Masonry. Only then can we begin to reflect upon the deeper meaning of these beautiful degrees.
I want to encourage you to participate at lodge and learn all you can about these wonderful degrees. There are so many truths that we can apply in our everyday lives. So come on down and enjoy the Lodge!!!!
Michael Haygood, JW
Brethren,
Recently, a respectable group of Smithfield members met on a Saturday morning down at the Lodge to discuss things. If you weren’t there, you can only imagine the range of topics and vast intellect that was spread around the room. Most everyone had something to contribute and some even contributed a lot. But overall, it was a constructive morning and everyone went away thinking. THIS IS GOOD. We don’t always hear what we want to hear, but we always respect the other opinions. We must remind ourselves that everyone has a different perspective regarding a certain problem or topic. AGAIN, THIS IS GOOD. We all tend to develop “tunnel vision” from time to time. Especially, when it come to something we are concerned or passionate about. Hearing other views on the subject can sometimes open our eyes and shed more light. This is what makes Masonry and, more particularly, Smithfield Lodge so great. The ability to discuss and, yes, even argue our opinions with others will allow us, most of the time, to walk away with the best possible solution to the issue at hand. English Common Law and Masonry, combined, were the two most important and principle elements that founded this great Country. Our political process, imperfect as it may seem at times, functions on these same principles. This may not seem like the best analogy, but it is what it is and that is why this Country and the Masonic fraternity are the greatest in the World today.
On another note, this is our 125th Year Anniversary, and we are in the beginning phase of this celebration. We have had special pocket calendars made to commemorate this occasion and we will be finding other ways as well. If you want one of these special and momentous pocket calendars, drop by the Lodge while supplies last. A special meeting and program are in the works so we encourage everyone to participate. If you have any ideas, please let the Officers know. Remember, that is why they serve you and the Lodge. Their duties go beyond administrative. This is your Lodge and they are there to listen and serve your interests. If you choose to set idly by without “voting” your beliefs or opinions, then you have no room to complain when things don’t go your way. Let your comments, opinions, and interests be heard.
Remember, it is by “WISDOM” that we contrive, in “STRENGTH” we support and in “BEAUTY” that we adorn all great and important undertakings.
Your Treasurer, David W. Myers
Brethren,
Thanks to Brother Gary for his first edition of the newsletter, good job. With your help, the news will continue to get to the Brethren. Our sincere thanks to Bro. David Terrell for his help in making the transition go smoothly.
How pleased we were the other evening when the father of Sara Palochek, Peter, knocked on our door. Bro. Gary, and I, were happy to give him a petition for the Degrees. If you remember, Sara was the girl we sponsored to the Spinal Bifida camp near Tyler a few years ago. Peter felt then, that he did not have enough time for the Degrees, he now has, welcome Peter. It has been written that when you cast your bread upon the water, it does not always return soggy.
We have been busy in making the official visits to the Lodges with Right Worshipful Brian Bass. He is doing a great job. When you see him, thank him for his dedication to the task. He represents your Lodge well.
We are looking forward to hosting the MWS Association, and the MSB in the next few weeks. You can help the Stewards in their duties. They can always use your help.
We will also man the information booth at the Stock Show. Bro. Michael Haygood will welcome your help in this task, you will enjoy the outing.
Lodge dues notices have been sent out. Check to see if yours have been paid. The notices are stamped “dues notice only”, The dues are $50.00, and should have been paid by Jan. 01,2001. Please do not go suspended for non-payment of dues.
Fraternally, Billy R. Campbell, Secretary
The following brethren will observe their Masonic Birthdays. They were raised to the sublime Degree of Master Mason during this month.
W.G. Black 2-12-47
C.W. Bowman 2-04-97
Trace Brooks 2-04-97
R.L. Cobb 2-10-66
L.N. Farris 2-25-93
M.J. Gaston 2-25-84
R.H. Giles 2-17-72
L.M. Hammond 2-20-69
L.D. Haun, PM 2-10-53
M.W. Hestilow 2-23-61
D.R. Holloway 2-29-92
C.T. Marler 2-04-82
K.W. Ritter 2-10-94
T.J. Stevenson 2-11-82
J.Y. Sowers 2-18-99
D.G. Terrell,PM 2-21-95
M.B. Whatley 2-11-55
W.W. White, III 2-23-84
R.M. Whitt 2-15-62
M.S. York 2-19-76
Congratulations Brethren!
Brethren,
First of all, I would like to thank those who pointed out my mistakes in my first issue of the January Trestle Board. Some of them were my own, and some was from bad and or wrong information that was given to me. This is how I will learn to straighten out what is incorrect, of which, probably won’t be the first or the last mistakes that have or will be made. However though, the main thing is that we are back to getting the Trestle Board out. I really appreciate all the thanks I received on my efforts to get the newsletter out. This is done through the help of my fellow Brethren and patience in learning a new software of which I thank Bro. David Terrell for helping me with.
I would also like to extend a great big THANK YOU to Mary Koonce for supervising (Bunk & Bo) R.T. Koonce Jr. and Al Hestilow Jr. for remodeling the Lodge Pantry. It was indeed a job that was needed, and very well done. It looks great and everything is now well organized. Please thank Mary the next time you see her, as supervising these two is not always an easy task.
In the upcoming issues of the Trestle Board, I am going to insert a Calendar of Events section to note upcoming activities. I will do my best to ensure that it is kept up-to-date. I still would like any input on improvements and or special articles that you would like to see in the newsletter. I can be contacted at the Lodge on Tuesday and Thursday nights, or e-mail me at ggllss@msn.com.
The breakfast on Saturday morning of Jan. 13th, went extremely well. We had a fairly good turnout. Bro. Bunk and his band of helpers (Bro’s. Tony, Bo, Butch, and Darryl), did an outstanding job on the breakfast. The Brethren really missed Bro. J.B. Hutcherson, who normally is in charge of the breakfast meetings. Bro. J.B. was in the hospital and could not attend. He is in our prayers and we wish him a speedy recovery.
Also, on the evening of Jan. 13th, I along with numerous other Brethren, had the pleasure of attending Bro. Al and Wanda Hestilow 50th Wedding Anniversary Ceremony at the Rolling Hills Country Club in Arlington. There was an excellent turn out of family, friends, and Brethren. Those of you who did not attend, missed out on a spectacular event with fine food and entertainment. The Honored Couple got to perform the first dance of the evening. If you have never been around the entire Hestilow clan at one time, you really missed an outstanding time.
If you are not attending Lodge, you could be missing out on these activities. So come to Lodge and enjoy the fellowship and work that we are doing. I guarantee that you won’t be disappointed. Besides, we can always use your help in the Degree work and floor school.
Gary Spraggins, Senior Deacon
My Dear Brethren,
I have truly and deeply appreciated the opportunity to edit the Trestle Board over the past five years. It has been a real joy to be of service. While I lament the need to relinquish the responsibility to Brother Spraggins, I am very, very grateful for his willingness to help the Lodge in my difficulty.
I have found the demands of being a single father, with custody of my three teens and my first grader, to be great. But I have also found that the rewards are greater! I am striving to be the best “Mister Mom” that ever walked the earth. The “Good Morning!” hugs, dinnertime stories, bedtime prayers, and “Dog pile Daddy!” attacks have sustained me while I learn to walk with God, and without a spouse.
I have divested myself of many of the superfluities of my life over the past four months; there are not enough hours in the day for them. I feel the refiner’s fire most every day and miss the times I would sit among you and enjoy your company.
I ask that you remember my family in your devotions to God.
Your Devoted Brother, David Terrell, PM
Send your questions or comments to: Gary Spraggins (ggllss@msn.com)