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
March, 2001
In Sacred Memory of
Brother T. S. Carpenter
“He was a true and faithful Brother among us.
Brethren,
The February Stated Meeting went very well. We had a good turn out of Brethren and the dinner before the meeting was enjoyed by all. We had two new recently Raised Master Masons that were present for their first Stated Meeting. I would also like to thank our visiting Brethren for attending.
We also had another Master Degree on February 8th. We were a little short handed and had help from visiting Master Masons to help us out. All in all, it went pretty good. I would greatly appreciate it if we could get more of you to attend and help out in these degrees. It would mean a great deal to your Lodge and especially to your new Brethren.
On February 14th (Valentine’s Day), we had the pleasure of providing dinner along with Keller Lodge, for the Masonic Service Bureau. I would like to thank those Brethren who helped out and also thank your wives for letting you be here.
Don’t forget Brethren, and family members, that we will have our Annual Fish Fry, Honoring the Texas Public Schools Week on March 1st. If you would like to help out, please contact Bro. Al Hestilow. This is always a big event. Please show your support.
We will soon be having another Golden Trowel Award in the near future. The Committee will announce the recipient at our March 1st Stated Meeting.
Ricky Levings, Worshipful Master
Greetings Brethren,
The Lodge has been busy Initiating, Passing, and Raising Brethren to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason. As Brother Michael Haygood, our Junior Warden, stated in the February 2001 Trestle Board, “it it easy to lose track of the higher truths of Freemasonry amidst all the hustle and bustle of our social events, contributions etc.”. Just as Mike mentioned, I also want to encourage you to participate at Lodge and learn all you can about these wonderful degrees.
DEFINITION OF HAPPINESS from the Ohio Mason: One of the reasons why people are unhappy - perhaps the chief reason - is that they have never learned how to be happy. They think of happiness as one big total, and wait, not too hopefully, for it to come to them. Nobody has ever taught them that a lifetime of happiness is simply an aggregation of little happiness's - small ones that anybody can have if he will make the effort necessary to get them.
Normal Douglas wrote: “The happiest life, seen in perspective, can hardly be better than a stringing together of odd little moments.” If you aren’t as happy as you would like to be, use your ingenuity to create these moments.
There are lots of ways. Deliberately try to make somebody else happy. Out of a clear sky, do a small kindness for someone . Surprise a friend with a bit of praise. Show appreciation when it is least expected. Start a pleasant rumor about a person, whose reputation will be bettered because of what you say. Keep your eyes open for opportunities to encourage others. You’ll think of many other ways to capture these “odd little moments” once you put your mind to it!
Jim Allen, Senior Warden
Brethren,
I sometimes am asked the question, “What is Freemasonry?” This is a great question because a man can go through the Blue Lodge, the York Rite, and the Scottish Rite and still not be able to explain what Freemasonry is!!! There is an erroneous belief that the more degrees one receives the more they know about Freemasonry. If that is so, Then why do many Masons ask the question, “What is Freemasonry?” after they have gone through the York Rite and the Scottish Rite. There are many factors as to why it is difficult to explain what Freemasonry is.
Perhaps it is best to state that nobody knows what Freemasonry is - at least no one has been able to demonstrate that he knows the answer to the question. What one Mason asserts, another of apparently equal ability doubts or denies. Though different persons agree upon some phrases or points, few will be able to agree upon all. Nor is this divergence of opinion due to ignorance or lack of investigation, for conflicts arise amongst the most zealous and skilled Masonic students.
I have read many books on the subject of Freemasonry, and I can simply state that there are in fact differing opinions as to what Freemasonry is. Most of the books written about Freemasonry start with an assumed statement of “facts” or a prejudiced notion and then push forward to a corresponding conclusion, ignoring other factors inconsistent with it.
If you want to ascertain what Freemasonry is, then it becomes necessary to study its history, constitutions, regulations and ceremonies. It is misleading to follow the divergent opinions expressed by so many writers, many of whom are not sensitive to facts. Many theories have been presented about the origin and content of Freemasonry which have never been accepted by realistic authorities or by Grand Lodges.
I will now try to define Freemasonry in a very broad manner. Freemasonry, in its broadest and most comprehensive sense, is a system of morality and social ethics, and a philosophy of life, all of simple and fundamental character. It is without creed, being of no sect but finding truth in all. It seeks truth, but does not define truth. It urges us to think, but does not tell us what to think. It fosters education, but proposes no curriculum. Freemasonry permits each of us to form and express our own opinion, even as to what Freemasonry is or ought to be, and invites each one of us to improve if he can. So keep thinking and participating. In time, you will discover what Freemasonry means to you.
Michael Haygood, Junior Warden
Brethren,
Some of you have commented that, in spite of being your Treasure, I very rarely speak on the subject. Ok, you asked for it. Let’s talk about it, “MONEY”. We have all heard or said things like: “money makes the world go around” — “life is money” — “happiness is money” —, you get the picture. Our society today has instilled in us such an overwhelming demand for money, that there is not a night that goes by where we don’t hear on the news that someone has married, lied, stole, hurt or killed for money. We have been taught from a very early age that, to succeed and to be happy in life, you must first acquire all the money and material goods you possibly can. Then, with God’s will, decades of hard work, and a little luck, you can relax, see the world and have fun the remaining few years of your life. Don’t get me wrong, I like money, too.
Overall, this is a good and realistic philosophy. However, most of us will spend to much of our lives chasing our financial success and too little time, toward the end of our lives, enjoying the fruits of our labors. Yet, there are many riches along life’s path that we take for granted every day. Family, friends, nature, charity...etc. None of which requires anything more than a little time and attention, and yet, we are so determined to reach this financial pinnacle that we forget to just “stop and smell the roses”. Better yet, stop and smell’em with a friend or loved one. This might seem a little hokey or passé, but it makes my point. Spend a little time on the way to your individual success enjoying some of the simple things in life. Stop and look at the clouds, take a minute to help someone, say hello to a stranger, read a book to a group of kids.
This is what I refer to as quality of life, not quantity. When it is time for our lives to be evaluated by our peers, our success (or remembrance) will be measured on the quality of life we lived and the people we touched by our sincere generosity, and not the speed or amount of material wealth and honors we achieved. Is this beginning to sound familiar. Are we not taught in Masonry that it is the internal, and not the external qualities in a man that makes him stand out amongst others? It was certainly required of me before I became a Mason and I remind myself of that everyday. Think about the things Masonry teaches us.
Remember, it is by “WISDOM” that we contrive, in “STRENGTH” we support, and “BEAUTY” that we adorn all great and important undertakings.
Your Treasurer, David W. Myers
Brethren,
Things are busy at your Lodge. We are conferring Degrees, having floor school of instruction, and performing examinations quite frequently. Come on out on Tuesday, or Thursday and join us, you’ll like what is going on.
I just found out that one of our Brethren will, if things go to plan, be the Grand Patron in the Eastern Star next year. Brother Harold Trammell is the Brother. If you see him, congratulate him. This is a high honor for our good Brother.
If you have not made plans to be at the March Stated Meeting, you just might want to work it into your schedule, it’s fish fry time again, Brother Al Hestilow will need help, and you have always been there when needed.
Bro. J.B. Hutcherson is recovering from surgery to his leg, give him a call to encourage him in his recovery.
We had an Entered Apprentice Degree at the Lodge the other day, what a good feeling when the candidates father gave the charge to his son. We all enjoyed this moving experience.
Please check your dues card. Several need to pay before I send a reminder. This will be sent out in March, to give those in arrears time to get dues in before going suspended, don’t let this happen to you.
Fraternally,
Billy R. Campbell, Secretary
March 01 - Annual Fish Fry/Public Schools Week Smithfield Lodge #455 5:00PM
March 16 - MH&S Board of Directors Meeting Masonic Home & School 9:30AM
March 26 - M.W.S.A. 64th Masonic District Tabernacle Lodge #1195 7:00PM
March 28 - Grand Master’s Official Visit 64thMD Fort Worth Masonic Temple ($10.00/person) 6:00PM
May 05 - Moslah Temple Hospital Fund Drive See Your Lodge Secretary Varies
May 26 - Grand Master’s Conference Fort Worth Masonic Temple 10:00AM
August 10-12 2001 - Warden’s Retreat & Leadership Trng Dallas N/A
Please give these Brethren a call and visit when you can
The following brethren will observe their Masonic Birthdays. They were raised to the sublime Degree of Master Mason during this month.
R.W. Adamson 03-23-68
O.B. Adwell 03-18-71
W.C. Autrey PM 03-23-67
D.R. Derrick 03-23-67
R.L. Drummond 03-17-92
R.M. Evans 03-24-83
D.L. Hester PM 03-17-94
J.L. Horn 03-21-91
J.H. Jeter APM 03-13-54
D.W. Johnson 03-31-73
R.D. Levings WM 03-07-95
J.W. Luster 03-19-70
E.B. Marrs 03-12-81
H.O. McRobie 03-18-65
W.R. Myers 03-22-68
R.D. Nelson PM 03-10-90
C.W. Palmer 03-20-58
A.J.N. Pierce PM 03-21-46
R.C. Reflogal 03-15-73
R.K. Rice 03-12-96
R.L. Shade 03-29-73
J.W. Townsend APM 03-25-44
H.W. Webb PM 03-16-82
Congratulations Brethren!
Brethren,
As time goes by here at Smithfield Lodge, I am noticing that attendance is dropping off and out of sight. My question, is why is this happening ? How can we teach our new Brethren about what Masonry is really all about when you are not there to help out. I, as a fairly new Master Mason myself, depend upon the teaching and experience of the older Brethren to learn about Masonry and how to keep our Lodge going strong. It is to my understanding that all cannot attend due to health and or work circumstances, and some (old and new) just don’t show up for other reasons. I have asked what the reasoning for this is, but have not had what I call a good answer, as they are always different. I have even seen new members come and go through all three degree’s and learn the work in the proficiency and do a good job, pay their dues, and never show back up. Are these Brethren just here to be called a Master Mason ? Have we as a Lodge scared them off? Did we not take the time to teach them about the other aspects of Masonry? Or is it that I myself, still do not fully understand what is going on?
When I became a Mason, my father (who is also a Mason, Scottish Rite, and Shriner) told me that if I felt that if I could not make a commitment to spend the time at the beginning, that I would not get the true meaning of Masonry. There is so much to learn if you really want to see the beauty of it all. But it is the brotherhood that makes or breaks it. I feel that our (my) Lodge has this brotherhood and the Brethren that are always there to teach and help the young learn are doing their job, but there are not enough of them some say. Like anything else in life, you get out of Masonry, what you put into it.
As you can tell, I am not really much of a writer, and may not be expressing myself fully in trying to understand what is happening to our and other Lodges and Masonry in general. This is why I am asking for more light and guidance. I overdo a lot in life and work and at Lodge, but I enjoy every minute of it all. And I do understand that I have to ask upon occasion to receive some of the light that my Lodge has to offer in my teachings of being a faithful and true Mason. But I have also learned, like anything else in life, it takes initiative of ones self and motivation from the elder to really make it through all aspects of life and Masonry and faith in believing in good and true Fraternity of Brotherhood.
So I guess, that what I am asking, is to please help make Masonry and your Lodge strong again. Come on down and not only help out, but enjoy once again, the beauty and fellowship of Masonry.
Masonry is the activity of closely united men who, employing symbolical forms borrowed principally from the mason’s trade and from architecture, work for the welfare of mankind, striving morally to ennoble themselves and others, and thereby to bring about a universal language of mankind, which they aspire to exhibit even now on a small scale.
Gary Spraggins, Senior Deacon
Brethren,
I really appreciate you keeping me in your prayers and thoughts during my time of illness. I also thank those of you for your visitation and phone calls as it means so much to me and Carrie. I will probably (more than likely) be back at home by the time you read this. However, The Doctor says I must stay off of my feet for a while longer, which means that I still won’t be back at Lodge for awhile. That’s the hard part, as I really miss the Lodge activities and visiting with my Brethren. Please feel free to come by and or call whenever you have the time.
A special thank you to Bro. Billy and his wife Patsy, for taking Carrie to the Doctor for me.
Carrie and myself have talked to several of the Lodge Brethren about starting a Lodge Recipe Book. This will take awhile to compile and has only been talked about at this time. If you would like to participate and or know of someone who would like to submit a recipe of any type, please feel free to voice you opinions and ideas on this subject to myself or Bro. Gary. This could be used as a fund raiser for the Lodge or as a great get together activity for the Brethren and family. We could probably get some input from some of the other Lodge’s as well.
J.B. Hutcherson, PM
It’s funny: I always imagined when I was a kid that adults had some kind of inner toolbox, full of shiny tools: the saw of discernment, the hammer of wisdom, the sandpaper of patience. But then when I grew up, I found that life handed you these rusty bent old tools — friendships, prayer, conscience, honesty — and said, Do the best you can with these, they will have to do. And mostly, against all odds, they’re enough. By Anne Lamott Submitted by R.T. Koonce Jr. PM
Send your questions or comments to: Gary Spraggins (ggllss@msn.com)