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MOSES PAUL LODGE #96 DOVER, NEW HAMPSHIRE
Free and Accepted Masons Dover, N. H.
December 2016
Organized Under Dispensation December 20, 1889
Chartered May 21, 1890
December Calendar
Event: Special Communication DDGM Visitation Date and Time: Thursday December 1
st Lodge opens at 6:15
pm, Dinner at 6:30 pm Labor resumes at 7:30 pm.
Dress Code: Officers Tux and Gloves, All others Jacket and ties
Cost: $10.00 for Dinner, Donation for Collation
Description: Fund Raiser Dinner by the Rainbow Girls, with
Auction ! Bring extra money to support the cause.
Who can attend: All Master Masons
Event: Stated Meeting Date and Time: Thursday December 15
th Lodge opens at 7:30
pm
Dress Code: For all jacket and ties and aprons
Cost: Donation for Collation
Description: Annual Stated Meeting, Election of Officers, Lodge
of Sorrows, and other Lodge Business
Who can attend: EA’s and above
Event: Rehearsal for District Inspection Date and Time: Thursday December 22
nd at 6:30 pm
Dress Code: Casual
Cost: N/A
Description: Rehearsal for District Inspection by the DDGL.
Fellowcraft Degree, All officers required to attend.
Who can attend: FC’s and MM’s
District 5 Calendar
Event: Winnipesaukee Lodge Breakfast Buffet
Date and Time: Sunday December 18th 7:30 am-11:00 am at
Winnipesaukee Lodge in Alton NH
Dress Code: Casual
Cost: $10.00
Description: Famous Breakfast Buffet
Who can attend: Public event All are welcome!
Moses Paul Lodge #96, Dover, NH
Officers & Appointments for 2016
Worshipful Master: David Akridge 603-781-4453
Senior Warden: John T. Pond, Jr. 603-978-8940
Junior Warden: Wor. George McGee 603-969-4766
Treasurer: Adam M. Hughes 603-335-3617
Deputy Treasurer:
Secretary: David Martinelli 603-749-8916
Deputy Secretary:
Representative to Grand Lodge: Richard Lapointe 603-905-9953
Chaplain Wor. Kristopher G. Furtney 603-776-1235
Asst. Chaplain Wor. James S. Miller 603-742-6691
Senior Deacon: Robert P. Johnson Jr. 603-319-8757
Junior Deacon: James E. Lewis 603-767-8698
Marshall: Wor. Donald Meserve 603-742-2845
Senior Steward: Brett Cossaboon 603-833-1492
Junior Steward: Michael P. Couturier 603-285-5580
Tyler: Richard Lapointe 603-905-9953
Organist:
Lodge Ambassador:
Historian: David Akridge
Finance Committee: Jean L. LaBrack 603-743-4066
Trustees of Charity Fund Wor Kristopher Furtney 2016
Wor. James S. Miller 2016, & 2017
John T. Pond, Jr. 2016, 2017, &2018
Widow’s Program Chairman: Vincent R. Puleo 603-491-1639
John T. Pond, Jr. 603-978-8940
Gates: #1-, Richard Lapointe
#2-,
#3-Wor. Donald Meserve
Representative to Evergreen Place: Kevin M. Schultz 603-953-5256
Building Assoc. Representatives: Richard Lapointe
Adam M. Hughes
Robert P. Johnson
Wor. Robert Corsetti
Public Affairs Officer: Wor. Kristopher G. Furtney 603-664-7920
Lodge Care Taker: Richard Lapointe 603-905-9953
Web Master : John T Pond, III 603-841-6113
MASTER’S MESSAGE
As is usual the Fall Season has been a busy one. Moses Paul
Lodge has been represented at every District Visitation this year.
The Moses Paul Visitation will be on Thursday December 1st.
Lodge will open at 6:15pm, we will go to refreshment and enjoy a
nice meal prepared by the Rainbow Girls, and finally, we will
resume work at 7:30pm and receive Rt. Worshipful David
Cumming to our Lodge for his Annual Visit. It would be nice to
see a good turnout for this event.
We have attended Grand Lodge and were witness to a revised set
of by-law and constitutional changes as well as witnessed the
election of our Grand Master-Elect, Rt. Worshipful John Lobdell.
We will hold elections at our Stated meeting on December 15th
2016.
You will receive a letter in with your billing for dues outlining
some of the decisions that we need to make as a Lodge. We are
not limited to these options if someone has something better.
Finally, as this calendar year closes, I implore you to participate in
the decisions that we need to make as a Lodge.
I would also hope that you share my resolve in maintaining our
Lodge as the place where we continue to be together and do our
Work. Those of you who know me, know that I value what we
have here. For us as a Lodge it is time to make the hard decisions.
The options are many but the resolve to act has been less than
enthusiastic. I would hope that each of you would step up and be
heard. If I am asked to serve as Master of the Lodge next year, we
will make a decision.
A Masonic Thought
Flattering as it may be to the human mind, and truly honorable as it is to receive from our fellow citizens testimonies of
approbation for exertions to promote the public welfare, it is not less pleasing to know that the milder virtues of the heart are
highly respected by a Society whose liberal principles must be founded in the immutable laws of truth and justice. To enlarge
the sphere of social happiness is worthy of the benevolent design of a Masonic institution; and it is most fervently to be
wished that the conduct of every member of the Fraternity, as well as those publications that discover the principles which actuate them, may tend to convince mankind that the great object of Masonry is to promote the happiness of the human
race. [GEORGE WASHINGTON]
Masonic Education
Editors Note: In preparing for this Trestle Board I went back to the
Builders Magazine December 1916, 100 years ago to see what
Masons were doing that month! I found that they were studying the
Degrees of Masonry, just as we have been at our District Visitations.
SYSTEMATIC STUDY OF THE DEGREES
I have realized even since I have been received into this Fraternity
the necessity of some uniform plan to study the history and
symbolism of Freemasonry. I mean some plan that is not
complicated and not too deep for the ordinary Mason who has never
been so fortunate as to receive a good education. I am anxious to
organize a study club in our little town. It would be hard to get a
number interested, but I believe I can do it.
I would like some plan that will start right in on the first degree
which will teach its history and the origin of the symbolic meanings.
Then advance to the second degree in the same way, and to the
Master Mason, etc. I don't mean to run through them briefly, but to
go into them in detail.
I believe we could spend all this fall and winter on the first degree,
as we would only be able to meet twice each month. I have read the
"Builders," and I think it is great, but it might be a little hard for the
man to understand who has never done much reading.
I have been much interested in the study of Freemasonry for some
time and have been an active worker, and I am willing to join this
organization which proposes some plan to educate our members
more and more in the teachings of the Order by a systematic study
of its history, its tradition, its symbolism, and its meaning.
We, who have been active workers, know the only way to acquire
knowledge is to study, and it is surprising, as well as disappointing,
the great number of members in our fraternity who have practically
no knowledge as to its history and its teaching. So I believe the only
way to make this Fraternity become stronger is to encourage more
study by the individual member. No, I don't mean it to be the only
way, but I mean it will be a great and important step to make it
stronger.
So if you can give me a start to organize a study club by giving me
some textbook which will deal on the First Degree, or any other
suggestion in which you might offer something good, I will make a
hard effort to get several members of my Lodge - Novinger Lodge
583 in Missouri - interested in this work.
Trusting I may hear favorably from you, and with best regards, I
remain, yours fraternally, C. H. Charlton, P. M., Novinger Lodge
583, Novinger, Mo.
No letter that has so far come to me has more clearly emphasized
the necessity for the work undertaken by the National Masonic
Research Society than yours. You correctly point out that textbooks
are needed. But outside the indispensable Encyclopedia of Mackey
what have we? Certain reprints already published by our Society are
excellent but they are not exhaustive of the whole subject of
Masonry and they do not pretend to be. As we proceed in the work
of the Society we shall, every one of us, contribute from all sources
information of the exact kind you desire. This task will take time. If
you will read critically the little outline I have given for a Masonic
course of study in the October Bulletin you will note the range to be
covered by a comprehensive textbook.
I have planned a series of papers on Masonry which were
announced in the last issue. These have been thought out for the
very purpose mentioned by you. They will not in all probability take
the degrees in succession because there is some difficulty for me to
deal intimately with each degree in print. One must be truly
circumspect in committing to the printed page what he knows of the
degrees. Perhaps you will do me the favor of advising with me in
this regard. How far do you expect me to go? Please let me have the
benefit of your reflections on this very important angle of the
situation.
Much can be presented to the brethren in this Bulletin. We can
discuss the Monitor freely. Sundry significant facts hinging upon the
ritual may also be set forth. But the application of many of these
particulars must be remade by the brethren themselves. What they
already know will shed light upon the additional information, an
illumination unknown to the profane. Each of you readers of mine
will see how limited I must be in what is here said at any time of the
details of the three degrees mentioned by my good brother Charlton.
He is emphatically right. Masonry is the more to a Mason the
more he has of it. Masonry grows the stronger upon a Mason
the deeper it is planted within him. We are Masons, first and last,
because of what is in us. Enlightened knowledge, enlarged
humanity, the soul in contact with agencies for good, these are the
common aspirations of the brotherhood. Together, brethren!
From a now unknown source
The Candy Maker Who Loved Jesus
A tale from Gail Luze
There was a man who loved Jesus so much that he decided he had to do
something special for Jesus' birthday. Since he was a candy maker, he decided to
use his talents and make a special candy to honor Jesus. So he designed the first
Candy Cane.
If the Candy Cane is held upright, it is in the shape of a shepherd's staff, which
the shepherd uses as he watches over his sheep. Jesus is our Shepherd. If the
Candy Cane is turned upside down, it becomes the letter J for Jesus. The
scriptures tell us that by Jesus' stripes, we are healed. Jesus was beaten and
stripes were put upon His back when He was crucified in payment for our sins.
So the Candy Cane was made with red and white stripes to represent the blood
of Jesus which washes away our sins and makes us pure and white as snow. One
bold stripe represents our belief in One God who is the Father of us all. The
three finer stripes represent the Trinity: One God Who has revealed Himself to
us in three Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
There are lots of Candy Canes in the stores today made with different colors.
They are not true Candy Canes unless they are red and white and have one bold
stripe and three finer stripes. True Candy Canes are Christian candy because
they tell a story about Jesus. Show your love this Christmas season by giving
Christian candy, a True Candy Cane, to friends and loved ones.
A Word from the West.
Brother John T. Pond Jr.
Greetings Brethren
As we approach the end the year and prepare for the New Year it is
a time to reflect on how we want the world to view us a masons.
We must ask ourselves why did I become a mason, and how can I
make the fraternity better? I joined because I wanted to continue a
family tradition of Masonry. I was a DeMolay and my father a
mason. We had other members of the family were also masons. As
a young man when I first joined I wanted to quickly move thru the
offices of the Lodge, I wanted to be Master some day, a great goal
and one that would require a lot of effort on my part as well as my
new wife. I never got to realize that goal as work and home life
and children over took me. So, for more years than I care to
remember I was not an active member, yes I paid dues and figured
that was the best I could do. But, I found out late in my life that the
Lodge was in need of help and I was asked to step into an office
that I had no idea what to expect. I had to dig deep into myself to
see if I had what was needed to perform those duties. I put forth
the effort and found that I could do it, and I have received so many
spiritual rewards for it. I am asking you not to jump in with both
feet, but to examine yourself to see if there is something you can
do to help make your Lodge strong again! Paid your dues on time,
attend one event a month, donate your help with a fundraiser, and
offer the Lodge your suggestions, but the best thing you could do
is to be there on the sidelines to support the current officers, come
and have a say in what is going to be the future of Moses Paul
Lodge!
Fraternally
John T. Pond, Jr.
The Trowel
SO IS MASONRY EDUCATION?
Yes. In a very real sense, education is at the center of Masonry. We have
stressed its importance for a very long time. Back in the Middle Ages,
schools were held in the lodges of stonemasons. You have to know a lot
to build a cathedral -- geometry, and structural engineering, and
mathematics, just for a start. And that education was not very widely
available. All the formal schools and colleges trained people for careers
in the church, or in law or medicine. And you had to be a member of the
social upper classes to go to those schools. Stonemasons did not come
from the aristocracy. And so the lodges had to teach the necessary skills
and information. Freemasonry's dedication to education started there.
It has continued. Masons started some of the first public schools in both
Europe and America. We supported legislation to make education
universal. In the 1800s Masons as a group lobbied for the establishment
of state supported education and federal land grant colleges. Today we
give millions of dollars in scholarships each year. We encourage our
members to give volunteer time to their local schools, buy classroom
supplies for teachers, help with literacy programs, and do everything they
can to help assure that each person, adult or child, has the best
educational opportunities possible.
And Masonry supports continuing education and intellectual growth for
its members, insisting that learning more about many things is important
for anyone who wants to keep mentally alert and young.
What does Masonry teach?
Masonry teaches some important principles. There's nothing very
surprising in the list. Masonry teaches that:
Since God is the Creator, all men and women are the children of God.
Because of that, all men and women are brothers and sisters, entitled to
dignity, respect for their opinions, and consideration of their feelings.
Each person must take responsibility for his/her own life and actions.
Neither wealth nor poverty, education nor ignorance, health nor sickness
excuses any person from doing the best he or she can do or being the best
person possible under the circumstances.
No one has the right to tell another person what he or she must think or
believe. Each man and woman has an absolute right to intellectual,
spiritual, economic, and political freedom. This is a right given by God,
not by man. All tyranny, in every form, is illegitimate. Each person must
learn and practice self-control.
Each person must make sure his spiritual nature triumphs over his
animal nature. Another way to say the same thing is that even when we
are tempted to anger, we must not be violent. Even when we are tempted
to selfishness, we must be charitable. Even when we want to "write
someone off," we must remember that he or she is a human and entitled
to our respect. Even when we want to give up, we must go on. Even
when we are hated, we must return love, or, at a minimum, we must not
hate back. It isn't easy!
Faith must be in the center of our lives. We find that faith in our houses
of worship, not in Freemasonry, but Masonry constantly teaches that a
person's faith, whatever it may be, is central to a good life.
Each person has a responsibly to be a good citizen, obeying the law.
That doesn't mean we can't try to change things, but change must take
place in legal ways.
It is important to work to make this world better for all who live in it.
Masonry teaches the importance of doing good, not because it assures a
person's entrance into heaven -- that's a question for a religion, not a
fraternity -- but because we have a duty to all other men and women to
make their lives as fulfilling as they can be.
Honor and integrity are essential to life. Life, without honor and
integrity, is without meaning.
Secretary’s Desk Thank you to all who have paid their dues on time! There are still 12 that have
not paid to date! Please make every effort to pay these quickly as the Lodge
depends on this money to be able maintain our building and pay the bills. If you
can’t afford your dues or have other issues preventing you from paying them
please contact me or any officer, we may be able to work out a solution.
To all members, the bills for 2017 Dues will be coming out shortly, there has
been an increase in the Grand Lodge Assessment of $2.00 which will bring
our Dues and Assessment to $120.00 per member for this year.
When was the last time you came to a meeting? We as your officers know that
your time is valuable and should not be wasted! The meetings are fun and
informative. Can’t remember the signs or you don’t feel you know anyone, don’t
worry, we are all brothers and will greet you with open arms.
This month’s education article is What shall Masons Read? and don’t miss the
Trowel Article So, is Masonry Education
Please visit our website www.nhfreemasons.org for upcoming events.
The District 5 Calendar at:
https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=5thmasonicdistrictofnh%40gmail.com
NH Grand Lodge Web site at: www.nhgrandlodge.org
Webmaster: [email protected]
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MosesPaulLodge96
NOT RECEIVING THE TRESTLE BOARD BY EMAIL???
If you would like to get it as soon as it comes out and save the Lodge a stamp
send your email address to [email protected]
MASONIC EDUCATION
WHAT SHALL MASONS READ?
by W.O. Junbins, M.D., Greenland, N.H. THE VOICE OF MASONRY - 1880
ENTHUSIASTIC neophytes, after listening to the work and
admonitions of Freemasonry, are confronted with the question:
"What shall we read to thoroughly acquaint ourselves with the
ethics of the Fraternity?" They look around, make inquiries of the
Craft, especially of senior members, and sometimes get the desired
information, but too often are told that the Manual of the Lodge is
the only literature they have ever seen bearing upon the subject. Or
they are told that Brother A. or B. is thoroughly posted in the
ritual, and they had better take lessons of him. Meeting with such
obstacles on every hand, in their researches after hid- den
treasures, they are soon disconcerted, and too often their
embryonic enthusiasm is "nipped in the bud" by a premature frost,
and the sunshine of future development is unable to resuscitate it.
Young Masonic minds are in an active condition; better qualified,
more apt and willing to receive instruction than weary operators,
fatigued and exhausted by delving in the quarries, where they have
borne the sunshine and heat of the day, therefore, they should
promptly receive proper assistance in discovering and obtaining
the " beacon lights" of Masonic literature. The wheat must be
sifted from the chaff that no deleterious particles may take root and
develop into unprofitable plants.
Every lodge should possess a library, selected by competent
brethren, and kept under the supervision of a trusty Librarian.
The Master's admonition to the newly-made brother to be a lover
of the arts and sciences should go further, and advise him to give
attention to moral and religious science, so that he may attain and
possess all the virtues which tend to make men valuable members
of society. It should impress upon his understanding the landmarks
of the Fraternity, and imbue it with divine teachings, so that his
mind, unfolding in manliness, shall be actuated to extend its
researches far into the realms of history, science, and philosophy.
The Masonic magazines and papers published in this country
contain nourishing dainties, worthy of the most exacting
intellectual epicures. Lodges, as well as brethren, should subscribe
for them, that they may be within the reach of all. The Masonic
reader becomes a better member of society, his brain and heart thus
receiving a stimulant which makes man shine with a divine light.
I would admonish the young Mason not to adopt the custom of
studying the Ritual to the exclusion of all other Masonic teachings.
I am aware that there are many Masters of lodges who stand in
need of this admonition, as they never have studied anything
Masonic beyond the Ritual, the Trestleboard, and the Constitution
and Regulations of the Grand Lodge, and are not even thorough in
them. No Mason should accept of the responsible position of
Master of a lodge, unless his reading has been extensive and his
mind thoroughly cultured in moral and religious lore, that his
admonitions may be heeded and productive of good.
The Bible - the noblest gift of GOD to man - should be mental and
spiritual food for us by day and night, for in its pages we are taught
the great principles of Freemasonry, and if we obey its precepts we
will become living examples of what GOD intended we should be.
Let us not despise nor neglect the Holy Writings, for the golden
truths taught therein make them the greatest of Masonic works, and
the best attestor of the divine origin of the Fraternity.
The arts and sciences should be studied. Geometry, that science
which treats of the "relation of properties, and measurement of
solids, surfaces, lines, and angles," should be diligently studied,
that we may be able to 'work and receive Master's wages. The
pages of ancient history have recorded much, pointing directly to
societies having like secrets and requirements to those of
Freemasonry, while Mythology, ever ready with its mysteries,
shows us various scenic representations of mythical legends,
pointing directly to societies and religious institutions of the
Middle Ages.
Every Craftsman should possess an Encyclopedia of Freemasonry,
which should contain a complete synopsis of Masonic literature.
Such a. work is indispensable, and, as a work of reference, has no
equal.
In conclusion, I would admonish every neophyte to cultivate a love
of literature; to visit Masonic libraries; to purchase those Masonic
books best suited to his taste and thoroughly study them, as thereby
he will enrich his mind with knowledge that will be beneficial in
all his subsequent life.
Masonic Humor
A picture is worth a 1000 words!
Family Tradition
A Tradition
As we approach the holiday season I like to reflex on family
traditions. Many families have a tradition that they do every year.
It just wouldn’t be Christmas without it. For some it is putting up
the tree and decorating it as a family, or maybe going to see a
certain holiday show, or going to grandpa and grandma for dinner.
In our house one of the holiday traditions that we have is the
reading of the poem “The Night Before Christmas”. I have an old
dog ear copy that was read to my brother and I when we were kids
and that I read to my children, and grand children as they grew up.
I still read this poem every year even if it is only to me and my
wife. I will now share that tradition with my extended family and
Brothers. Merry Christmas to all and very Happy New Year!
'Twas the Night Before Christmas
(or A Visit from St. Nicholas)
by Clement Clarke Moore
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the
house
not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads.
And Mama in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap.
When out on the roof there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
tore open the shutter, and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
gave the lustre of midday to objects below,
when, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles, his coursers they came,
and he whistled and shouted and called them by name:
"Now Dasher! Now Dancer!
Now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid!
On, Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch!
To the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away!
Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky
so up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
with the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
the prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head and was turning around,
down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
and he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes--how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
and the beard on his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
and the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
that shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
and I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head
soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
and filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
and giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, 'ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"
DEMOCRACY ON LODGE
"Before I became a Mason," announced the New Brother, "I was
under the impression it was an institution of the greatest
democracy. I have gathered the idea that it was simple,
unassuming; that it inculcated the principles of our government
and that in it all men were equal. I am very fond of my lodge and
the fellows, but I have been disappointed in that respect."
"Why, son, do you find Masonry undemocratic?" inquired the Old
Tiler. "I have heard Masonry called a lot of funny names, but never
that!"
"Why, yes, I do!" answered the New Brother. "Seems to me we
have a lot of unwritten laws and customs which are autocratic."
"You might mention a few. I am not too old to learn!" answered
the Old Tiler. "This is evidently going to be good!" he finished.
"Take this idea of not passing between the Altar and the East,"
began the New Brother. "It's a free country, yet here is a restriction
without rhyme or reason. We salute the Master. He's just a Mason
like the rest of us. We have put him into power. He is our servant,
although he has the title of Master. Take the custom of the officers
retiring in favor of the Grand Officers when they visit; why should
we give up our authority and our seats to others no better men than
we are?"
"Is that all?" asked the Old Tiler.
"Oh, there are a few more, but those will do. Explain to me where
the democracy is in them!"
"When you go to church," countered the Old Tiler, "do you keep
your hat on? Does your wife keep her hat on?"
"Of course she does and I don't," responded the New Brother.
"Why?"
"I take my hat off as a mark of respect to the House of God, of
course. She keeps hers on because...well, er...Oh, it's the custom!"
"It's a free country," responded the Old Tiler. "The minister is just
a man like the rest of us. Why not wear your hat? Why not have
your wife take hers off?"
"But I don't take my hat off to the minister, but to God!" was the
puzzled answer.
"And your wife keeps hers on because it is the custom for women
to remain covered in church," responded the Old Tiler. "In lodge
you don't fail to salute the Master because it is the custom, and
because you are saluting, not the man who happens to be in the
East by the votes of the lodge, but the exulted station he occupies.
You pay respect to religion when you remove your hat in a
church."
"How about passing between Altar and East?" asked the New
Brother.
"That pretty custom is founded on a very happy idea," explained
the Old Tiler. "The Altar is the foundation seat of Masonic light
and wisdom. Upon it lie the Great Lights of Masonry. Before it
rests the charter by means of which a continuously unobstructed
view of the source of all Masonic wisdom, so that the lodge may
never be without a direct connection with the Great Lights. It is the
custom to leave the charter always in his sight, that by no chance
may he fail to be responsible for its safekeeping. Nothing happens
to a brother who passes between the Altar and the East any more
than would happen to a man who walked up the aisle of the church
and perambulated about the lectern. But it wouldn't be polite, or
respectful, or in keeping with the custom. Your respect is paid to
religion or Masonry, not necessarily to the men who expound
either."
"But I still don't see why a sovereign lodge must abdicate authority
for any old Deputy Grand Master who comes along!"
"Then you are very obtuse!" answered the Old Tiler.
"The Deputy Grand Master represents the Grand Master, the
supreme Masonic head. In him is, theoretically, all Masonic
wisdom. Why should a Master not offer his gavel to such
knowledge? He merely says, in effect, 'you know more than I do;
your years of service and experience in the craft entitle you to
supreme authority. I have less knowledge, therefore am less fit to
preside than you. You have more power and authority than I,
therefore I offer you its symbol while you are with us.' But note the
Master says this to the *position*, not the *man*. Grand Masters
do *not* always know all there is to know any more than kings or
presidents do. But we pay that sovereign respect to the office they
hold, while it is held by them, because of the office."
"My brother, democracy does not mean bolshevism! It does not
mean socialism. It means democracy, in which men are created
equal, have equal opportunity, but reverence to the power they give
to those to whom they give it. The United States is a republic
founded on the principles of democracy, and we are proud of our
freedom and our independence, yet we remove our hats to our
President and governors, and pay respect to our courts and our
lawgivers, even though they be but men like ourselves. So it is in
Masonry...a simple and unassuming democracy of brotherhood, in
which no man loses his independence because he pays respect to
authority."
"Well, of course, you are right, and I am wrong, as usual. It wasn't
so good, after all, was it?"
"Not so good!" responded the Old Tiler. "But Masonic youth, like
any other kind, can be forgiven much if only it is willing to learn."
DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROTHERS
Robert D. Berry William H. Carswell, II
William A. David William N. Garvin
Timothy M. Granfield Adam Hughes
William N. Koutrelakos Robert E. Lecain
George M. McGee, III John F. Torr
Henry J. McDermott
Moses Paul Lodge #96
Living Past Masters
Gerald E. Brown..…..……………..1965
Ronald C. Bartlett…..……………..1968
Donald S. Meserve..…………….…1972
Raymond E. Allen..………..………1975
William H. Carswell, II……1976, 77, 78
David R. Spiller…….………….1984, 85
Edwin F. Mitchell, Jr.………..……..1986
Anthony Zizos.…………………1989, 90
James S. Miller...1991, 98, 01, 02, 03, 04
John F. Torr…………….1993, 94, 99, 00
Stephen E Wawrzkiewicz…………..1995
Robert H. Stewart..…………………1996
Jay A. Edgerly………………………1997
William C. Hill, HPM……………….2003
Michael J. Mawson…..……………2005
George M. McGee III.……………….2006
Christopher Piehler……………2007, 2008
Robert D. Berry..…………………….2009
Kristopher G. Furtney…………2010, 2011
Vincent R. Puleo……………....2012, 2013
Robert J. Corsetti……………...2014, 2015
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"
