Jackson-Coolidge Masonic Trestleboard
Volume No. 11 December 2011 Issue No. 12 George M. Otis P.M., Publisher Stephen D. Vining P.M., Webmaster
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Jackson Lodge No. 17, F. & A.M.
Greeting's From The East
![WM 17](http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs040/1103211070660/img/48.jpg?a=1108596411308) Frank W. Lutze Worshipful Master 517-563-8338 Dear , It seems like just yesterday that I was working on my first Trestleboard article and now I find that the time is at hand to compose my last article as Worshipful Master. As I researched my articles over the year I have encountered countless websites, many of which I have bookmarked for future reference. For me this year has truly been one of more light in Masonry. The fast paced and rapidly changing society that we live in poses many challenges to our Craft. It seems increasing difficult for Brothers to gather for even a Regular Communication. I hear the occasional comments about changes that should be made to alleviate the issues. I found the following article that deals with the subject of changes to the Craft. It is so well written that I will not attempt to paraphrase or quote it but rather offer it in its entirety. Freemasonry as a Sacred Retreat John W. Taylor Dona Ana Daylight Lodge No. 78, Kingston Lodge No. 16, Ninth Masonic District, Grand Lodge AF&AM of New Mexico Brethren all, Concerning making changes in Freemasonry and/or attempting to define Freemasonry as a social club and community service organization... In the installation of officers the Master is admonished; "You admit that it is not in the power of any man, or body of men, to make innovations in the body of Masonry." In the anteroom lecture we are asked "Do you seriously declare upon your honor that you will cheerfully conform to all the ancient usages and established customs of the fraternity?" We all answered that question in the affirmative, from the youngest Entered Apprentice to the Most Worshipful Grand Master. In closing a Lodge the Master admonishes us; "Brethren, you are now to quit this sacred retreat of friendship and virtue to mix again with the world". I am still at odds with the definition of Freemasonry as "that's who we are and what we do" as it pertains to Lodges being involved in community projects, involvement of the Lodge in the outside world away from the Lodge. In my mind, Freemasonry is a sacred retreat away from the outside world where we live our day-to-day lives. The Lodge is meant to be different from that world. In that outside world men are separated by politics, religion, property, money, status and you-name-it; in the Lodge that is all cast away, we meet on the level. In that outside world men solicit members into their clique; in the Lodge we do not, (we didn't use to). The Lodge should not be a clique and we should not have cliques in the Lodge. In that outside world men are egotistical, materialistic, domineering, and self serving; in the Lodge we experience the death of the ego, the materialism, the urge to dominate, the selfishness and realize the birth of the spirit, the spirit of Freemasonry (or, as they say in the military, esprit de corps). In that outside world men are too busy to join and be active in a fraternity; in the Lodge some men, somehow, find that they really do have time for their Lodge, for Freemasonry; others just fade away and contribute nothing and get nothing from their Lodge, or from Freemasonry. I believe that the teachings of Freemasonry will produce men who will become active in their communities and community projects. The activity of the Lodge in community projects is good; activity of the Freemasons as individuals is greater, better and farther reaching. The Lodge is obligated to civic projects from year to year as the Master and members see fit. The individual Mason, so trained and committed to the tenets and principles of Freemasonry, will serve his community in civic affairs for his lifetime. I think we should return to the basics of what Freemasonry has been, is now, and will be in the future, as a sacred and spiritual retreat from the ego-oriented world outside. The teaching and practicing of the tenets and principles of Freemasonry is "who we are and what we do". The public and community projects we are involved in is not "who we are and what we do". I realize that some cannot see that. I realize that some are still living in that outside world when they come into the Lodge, and cannot retreat from that outside world; they cannot leave that outside world outside. To separate from that outside world one must believe in Freemasonry. To separate from that outside world one must accept the tenets and principles of Freemasonry. To separate from that outside world one must practice in the Lodge and away from the Lodge those tenets and principles taught in the Lodge. In my opinion, if one believes in Freemasonry, if one accepts Freemasonry, if one practices the tenets and principles of Freemasonry he would not propose changes in Freemasonry, he would not bring concepts of change from that outside world into the Lodge. There is nothing wrong with Freemasonry. If a man's ego comes between him and his commitment to the Lodge it is he and his ego that is at fault not the Lodge. To really be a Freemason one must accept the death of his ego and the birth of the Masonic spirit; he must adapt to Freemasonry, (Freemasonry will not adapt to him), he must experience the Masonic experience. Thank you to all of the Brethren, Officers and Past Masters of Jackson Lodge #17 for providing me the opportunity to serve the Craft as Worshipful Master in 2011. Fraternally, Frank W. Lutze Worshipful Master |
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Most Worshipful Brother Frederick E. Kaiser Jr.
Grand Master of Masons of the State of Michigan
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It is Lodge Tonight By: Brother Dale Imbleau PM Research Lodge of Oregon He slowly opened the door to his locker. He hung his police uniform on the hooks and took out his suit. It was Lodge night. He watched as the last employee left his business, locked the building and made the evening bank drop. He then headed off with a whistle on his lips and a spring in his step. It was Lodge night. The young man helped his wife clear the table. He then said good night to his children and snuck into his room to change his cloths. Upon leaving he smiled at his wife and kissed her. It was Lodge night. It had been a hard day. Navigating through the complexities of the legal system was rewarding work. It was also tiring. Normally he would have been headed home for a relaxing evening. But tonight was not normal and he felt none of the usual fatigue as tonight was Lodge night. Life had not been pleasant since his wife died. His family lived far away and with each passing year it became harder and harder to do the simple things in life. And most of all he missed his life long partner. Tonight he felt a little less pain and life didn't seem nearly as bad. It was Lodge night. The accident had been terrible. But there was some consolation that his skills as a doctor had saved a life. Still it would not be easy and there were possibilities of complications. But for a while he could place his worries in the hands of others as tonight was Lodge night. It is hard looking for work when the job market is scarce. Each day he faced the nameless horde of people who continue to tell him that he was not needed. He faced rejection and the possibility of hardship at every turn. Tonight he knew he was wanted and needed, it was Lodge night. He sat alone in the small room wearing clothes that were not his. He had received warm welcomes from a number of men he didn't know and a few he did. Now with an ancient relic of a bygone age they told him to wait patiently, yet he looked forward to it with anticipation. It was his first Lodge night. From all walks of life we come. We donate our time to an age honored tradition. We donate our money to help those who cannot help themselves. We gather in fellowship and part in peace. For a while we can lay aside our differences and worries to bask in our shared experiences. We can talk with men who are our equals, men who work to better themselves. Tonight is Lodge night and I am glad I am a Mason. |
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None to report.
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Fellowcraft Degree, 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 1, 2011 Master Mason Degree, 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 15, 2011
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![W.M. East](http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs040/1103211070660/img/73.jpg?a=1108596411308)
Jackson-Coolidge Masonic Center Lodge Blue Room
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Stephen D. Vining P.M., Secretary Jackson Lodge No. 17, F. & A.M. Region No. 4 Grand Lecturer Grand Lodge of Michigan (517) 914-8400
2011 Thursday, December 1st, 2011 Jackson Lodge No. 17, F. & A.M. Fellowcraft Degree, 7:00 p.m. Officer's wear tuxedo or dark suit. Thursday, December 8th, 2011 Jackson Lodge No. 17, F. & A.M. Regular & Annual Communication, 7:30 p.m. Dinner prior to meeting, 6:30 p.m. More information Below Sunday, December 11th, 2011 Jackson Lodge No. 17, F. & A.M. Installation Practice, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Installation Team and 2012 Line of Officer's Thursday, December 15th, 2011 Jackson Lodge No. 17, F. & A.M. Master Mason Degree, 7:00 p.m. Officer's wear tuxedo or dark suit. Saturday, December 17th, 2011 Jackson Lodge No. 17, F. & A.M. 164th Annual Public Installation Lyman S. Robertson Jr, Worshipful Master - Elect and the 2012 Officer's, 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 22nd, 2011 Jackson Lodge No. 17, F. & A.M. Lodge will be Dark. Thursday, December 29th, 2011 Jackson Lodge No. 17, F. & A.M. Jackson-Coolidge Masonic Temple Association Board of Trustee's Meeting, 6:00 p.m. Lodge will be Dark. |
Fish Fry Dinner ![](http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs040/1103211070660/img/206.png?a=1108596411308)
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Fish Fry with Sweet Potato French Fries, Salad and Dessert. Dinner will be at 6:30 p.m. prior to the Regular Communication. Come to lodge and enjoy the fellowship, dinner and meeting. All for a $5.00 donation to the Stewards Fund. Contact Adam W. Wygant, Junior Warden 517-745-1699 or you can email him at [email protected] Hope to see you there! |
2012 Line of Officer's - Elect
- Lyman S. Robertson Jr, Worshipful Master
- Adam W. Wygant, Senior Warden
- Richard G. Shea PM, Junior Warden
- Dale D. Brown PM, Treasurer
- Stephen D. Vining PM, Secretary
- George M. Otis PM, Chaplain
- David G. Shea PM, Senior Deacon
- David R. Brown, Junior Deacon
- Eric J. Cole, Steward
- Andrew S. Marlow, Steward
- Jeffrey R. Ohneck, Steward
- Robert S. Webb Jr, Steward
- Frank W. Lutze PM, Marshal
- Lawrence C. Sanford PM, Tiler
- Tommy R. Amidon PM, Musician
- George M. Otis PM, Publisher
- Stephen D. Vining PM, Webmaster
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Jackson Chapter No. 3, R.A.M. |
![HP](http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs040/1103211070660/img/136.jpg?a=1108596411308)
Jackson Chapter No. 3 Royal Arch Mason's
Michael E. Hicks, H.P. 517-787-8438
Ronald L. Spees, Secretary 517-780-9387
Calendar for the month of December 2011
Wednesday, December 14th, 2011 Stated Convocation, 7:30 p.m.
| Will Open and Close in Council this month |
High Priest - Michael E. Hicks
King - Adam W. Wygant
Scribe - Marcus U. Blue, Jr., P.H.P
Treasurer - Dale D. Brown, P.H.P
Secretary - Ronald L. Spees, P.H.P.
Captain of the Host - Stephen D. Vining
Principal Sojourner - Thomas E. Royce, P.H.P
Royal Arch Captain - Dale D. Brown, P.H.P
Master of the 3rd Veil - R. Todd Rubert
Master of the 2nd Veil - Joe R. Poston
Master of the 1st Veil - Eric J. Cole Sentinel - George M. Otis
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Jackson Council No. 32, R. & S.M.
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Jackson Council No. 32 Royal and Select Master's
Ronald L. Spees, T.I.M.
517-780-9387
Adam W. Wygant, Recorder
517-796-4661
Calendar for the month of December 2011
Wednesday, December 14th, 2011
Stated Convocation, 7:30 p.m. | Will Open and Close in Council this month |
Thrice Illustrious Master - Ronald L. Spees
Deputy Master - Dale D. Brown, P.T.I.M.
Pr. Conductor of the Work - Marcus U. Blue, Jr., P.T.I.M.
Treasurer - Thomas E. Royce, P.T.I.M.
Recorder - Adam W. Wygant Captain of the Guard - Eric J. Cole Conductor of Council - Michael E. Hicks Steward - Stephen D. Vining Sentinel - Vacant Chaplain - Thomas E. Royce, P.T.I.M. Marshall - Vacant
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Jackson Commandery No. 9, K.T.
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Jackson Commandery No. 9, K.T.
Adam W. Wygant, Eminent Commander
517-745-1699
Michael E. Hicks, Recorder
517-787-8438
Commander's Corner
Greetings Sir Knights, Ladies, and Masonic Family all:
Jackson Commandery No. 9 continued a long tradition of excellent ritual work during our annual inspection on November 7th, when we created our newest knight, Sir Knight Gary. The inspection was well attended with over 30 knights, including several past Grand Commanders. Right Eminent Grand Commander Ickes had high praise for the work well done by Jackson No. 9, and we likewise enjoyed his presence and his kind words for our Commandery. The banquet was delicious and had about 60 sir knights, ladies and sweethearts in attendance. The ladies auxiliary decorated the dining room very nicely, and the day was just great. I trust Sir Knight Gary will have a lasting impression of the day that was centered around him.
It was so nice to have several in attendance who have been recovering from surgeries, and our thoughts are with those who are still not able to make it out. If you know of sickness or distress among our knights, ladies or sweethearts please make sure to let us know, hold them up in prayer, and let them know you are thinking of them.
December will continue to be a busy month with an Order of the Temple planned for December 5th and our Christmas Observance on December 19th. For the Christmas Observance we will enjoy fellowship at the potluck with the ladies, have a short stated communication and finish with our annual Christmas Observance. The Christmas Observance is a special time to acknowledge the birth of our Savior and the Christian faith which our Order is founded upon.
Yours in Templary;
Adam Wygant
Eminent Commander
Calendar for the month of
December 2011
Monday, December 5th Order of the Temple, 7:00 p.m. Dress will be Full Uniform
Monday, December 12th
Commandery Dark
Monday, December 19th
Potluck with Ladies, 6:30 p.m. Stated Conclave, 7:30 p.m. Christmas Observance Full Commandery Uniform / No Sword
Monday, December 26th
Commandery will be Dark
Commander: Adam W. Wygant
Generalisimo: James H. Blauvelt, P.C. Captain General: Lloyd A. Darling, P.C. Sr. Warden: Paul M. TarrJr., P.C. Jr. Warden: Cortland C. Rule, P.C. Prelate: Theodore E. Welch, P.C. Treasurer: Harry E. Green, P.C. Recorder: Michael E. Hicks Standard Bearer: Richard E. Ward, P.C. Sword Bearer: Stephen D. Vining Warder: Kenneth D. Chandler, P.C. Sentinel: Lewis M. Woodard, P.C. 1 Guard: Marcus U. Blue, P.C. 2 Guard: Barry L. Chapman
3 Guard: Kenneth L. Sheffer, P.C. 1 Hermit: Thomas E. Royce 2 Hermit: Dale D. Brown 3 Hermit: Theodore E. Welch, P.C.
![GKK](http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs040/1103211070660/img/251.jpg?a=1108596411308) Eminent Commander Adam W. Wygant and Sir Knight Gary K. Klein Order of the Temple on Monday, November 7, 2011
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Jackson York Rite College No. 3 |
![Tarr](http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs040/1103211070660/img/146.jpg?a=1108596411308)
Jackson York Rite College No. 3, Y.R.C.N.A.
Paul M. Tarr Jr., Governor
517-285-5757
Timothy C. Forche, Secretary
517-676-5157
Next Meeting Date
Friday, January 20th, 2012
Stated Assembly 7:30 p.m.
Please wear tuxedo.
2011-2012 Officers
Governor - Paul M. Tarr, Jr.
Deputy Governor - William B. Kesterson
Chancellor - Michael E. Hicks
Treasurer - Theodore E. Welch
Secretary - Timothy C. Forche
Primate - Stephen D. Vining
Preceptor - William Leonard
Seneschal - Lloyd A. Darling
Marshall - Lewis M. Woodard
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Fern Leaf Chapter No. 66, O.E.S.
Gail Kirk, Worthy Matron 517-782-4427
Ellen Yoakam, Secretary
517-536-0643
Calendar for the month of December 2011
Tuesday, December 6th Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 20th Stated Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
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Jackson Assembly No. 7, I.O.R.G. |
Jackson Assembly No. 7, I.O.R.G.
Brandy Kuhl, Mother Advisor 517-522-4349
Calendar for the month of December 2011
Tuesday, December 13th, 2011
Stated Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 27th, 2011 Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
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Jackson High Twelve Club No. 16 | ![High12](http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs040/1103211070660/img/11.gif?a=1108596411308)
Jackson High Twelve Club No. 16
Michael E. Hicks, President
517-787-8438
Darrell G. Kesterson, Secretary
517-563-2902
Meetings are held every Monday
of the month at 12:00 noon at the
Cascades Manor House
1970 Kibby Road
Jackson, MI 49203
Cost for meal is $10.00 per person
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Chart of York Rite Masonic Degrees
![York Rite](http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs040/1103211070660/img/56.jpg?a=1108596411308)
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Masonic Tail Light Stick On Emblems
Cost is $3.00 per set of Masonic emblems, $5.00 per set of silver Past Master emblems and $6.00 per set of gold Past Master emblems.
Contact Brother George Otis P.M.
Phone: 517-262-9862
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![Tail Light](http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs040/1103211070660/img/25.jpg?a=1108596411308)
| Masonic Emblem available in Silver only
Past Master Emblem available in Silver or Gold |
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Temple Board Contact Information
Temple Board Meetings will be held on: Thursday, December 29, 2011 at 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, January 27, 2012 at 6:00 p.m.
(Annual Meeting & Elections)
Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 6:00 p.m.
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Jerry L. Bethel, President
phone: 517-262-0147
George M. Otis, Secretary phone: 517-262-9862
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Weekly Euchre Club
Every Monday evening at 7:00 p.m.
![euchre](http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs040/1103211070660/img/234.png?a=1108596411308)
The Euchre Club at the Masonic Center is looking for substitutes for the current card season. If you are interested in filling in just show up on any Monday night and play cards.
The Euchre Club is also looking for card players to form teams for next years Euchre Club. If you are interested you can contact Jason Chalfant at 517-764-4608 or email him at [email protected] for more info.
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Masonic Center Fund Raising
Jackson-Coolidge Masonic Temple Association
![fundraiser](http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs040/1103211070660/img/237.png?a=1108596411308)
The Temple Board would like any input you might have on ideas for fund raising events. If you have any ideas or would like to help we ask that you contact either Jerry Bethel at 517-262-0147 or George Otis at 517-262-9862.
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SPECIAL MONETARY APPEAL
To All The Brethren of Jackson Lodge 17 and Masonic Bodies.
WE STILL NEED YOUR HELP!!!
Again we find ourselves asking for assistance in paying off the loan that we owe to Jackson Lodge 17.
The loan was made to help pay off what the Temple Board used to
cover the cost of the Massive Clean-up that was done way back in January, 2011.
While we did get some money from the bodies and individuals, it was only $7,400.00 and we still owe more than $72,600.00
PLEASE, contribute as liberally as you can without material injury to yourself or family!
Thank you!
Make your checks out to:
Jackson-Coolidge Masonic Temple Association
355 Napoleon Road
Michigan Center, Michigan 49254-1264
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� 2009-2011 Jackson-Coolidge Masonic Temple Association
Stephen D. Vining P.M., Webmaster
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