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Jackson-Coolidge Masonic Trestleboard
Volume No. 12 February 2012 Issue No. 2
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
Lyman S. Robertson Jr. Worshipful Master 517-499-3330 Dear ,
There was something about the mystery of Freemasonry that drew us to it. Having all come from darkness, we knocked on the door of a Lodge in search of Light. It is very likely that each of us had a completely different reason when we contacted a relative, a friend or the Grand Lodge asking "how can I become a Mason?". And Mason's we became. We were given tools, ornaments, jewels and many other things. Most importantly, we were given Light in wait for the coming Light.
It is this "coming Light" that I want to focus on this year and what it means to me. That will involve looking back at the Degrees for their deeper meaning. For certainly they were and are more than just words on a page to be memorized and recited to a candidate and not thought of again. They are words to unlock mysteries within us and set us upon a journey. A journey akin to that of the rough ashlar taken from the quarries and hewn with the tools of the Craft until it becomes suitable for builders use. It is not an easy journey I am sure, for I am certainly not perfect. There still remains those vices and superfluities that need to be chiseled away. We are all a work in progress for we are to be fit as living stones for that house eternal in the Heavens. I don't know about you, but I believe there is a lot of steps left to be taken in this toilsome journey of life!
So join me this year for our regulars, education nights, degree nights and visitations and together let's dig into the mysteries of our ritual and give weight to our claim that Masonry makes good men better. Let it not be a cliché but a mission. A never ending journey towards becoming that perfect ashlar. The foundation upon which great things are built.
Fraternally,
Lyman S. Robertson Jr.
Worshipful Master
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MASONIC SHORT TALKS
 
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THE OLD MASTER
He was sitting in a wheelchair,
Looking down at the lawn.
I thought he might be asleep,
Then I saw the old man yawn.
I told him I'd come to visit.
A big smile lit up his face,
He said it's not very often,
People visit this old place.
Pardon my manners young man,
As he offered me a chair.
Would you like a glass of tea?
It's on the table over there.
I begged off the offer,
But I said I have a surprise.
I've come to take you to lodge.
You should've seen his eyes.
You know, I'm past master,
About three or four times,
He said as matter of fact,
I can work any chair in line.
I felt proud to push his chair,
As we headed for my car,
I had already checked him out,
And signed his pass card.
When I drove into the lot,
You should've heard the cheers,
I had a lump in my throat,
Down his cheek rolled a tear.
The lodge was filled with brothers
Who had come to celebrate.
Our guest of honor had arrived,
The eastern star had baked a cake.
We made a special presentation,
That brought laughter and tears,
For tonight our wise old master,
Had completed sixty-five years.
With countless years of service,
In this lodge in his hometown,
He did it all with a gentle heart,
And the strongest grip around.
His tired old voice cracked,
But his mind was sharp and clear,
As he took the microphone
Sitting there in his wheelchair.
We all sat down at tables,
With hot coffee in our cups,
He said I'd like to take you back,
To when I was just a pup.
You see, there's been times,
This old lodge almost went dark,
We were down to just a few,
And some didn't know their part.
But we kept on working hard,
And doing everything we could,
To get more men interested,
In the craft of brotherhood.
Oh there's all kinds of things,
That's changed over the years,
But younger men not coming in,
Is one of our biggest fears
You see, it was different then,
Than it is this day and time,
I remember how strict it was,
You didn't dare cross the line.
About asking a man to join,
When you knew he was good,
God and family came first,
This, the lodge understood.
We had to wait until he asked,
About how to become one of us,
Then we could tell him the truth,
About fellowship, honor and trust.
We worked hard and did our best.
To be a good example among men,
We all know from reading the bible,
There's not a man without sin.
So we'd take the best men,
And gently show 'em the light,
Just look at all the brothers,
That showed up here tonight.
If I could live my life all over,
And I could rewrite ever page
I'd hit a few bumps a little softer,
But there's nothing I would change,
Each time I was asked to teach,
Oh it made me feel so good,
To lead you gently to the light,
Until I knew you understood.
I love you all my brothers,
I enjoyed being there for you,
And I'll tell each one tonight,
You've been there for me too.
He talked for half an hour,
As we traveled back thru time
He had taken us on a journey,
And we hung on every line.
It was late when we got back,
But he was still wide awake,
As I pushed his wheelchair inside,
He gave the nurse a piece of cake.
Until the old master is called,
To the grand lodge on high,
His memories will be filled,
With the celebration tonight.
A few years have come and gone,
Since we honored him that night,
The old master even helped me,
Raise my grandson into light.
His kind and gentle manner,
Stands tall among the best,
Today he made the final journey,
We laid the old master to rest.
Fraternally,
Wor. Bro. Ben Steen, Jr.
Past Master, Jones Coty Lodge #537
Jones, Oklahoma
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Herbert L. Howell P.M.
Born - November 20, 1919 (Lynnbrook, NY)
E.A. Degree - December 13, 1949 (Fidelity Lodge #513)
F.C. Degree - December 27, 1949 (Fidelity Lodge #513)
M.M. Degree - January 17, 1950 (Fidelity Lodge #513)
Affiliated - January 1, 1974 (Liberty Lodge #209)
Worshipful Master - 1979 (Liberty Lodge #209)
Life Member - January 17, 1990 (Liberty Lodge #209)
Merged Lodges - November 4, 1999 (Jackson Lodge #17)
Lodge Organist - 2001 to 2005 (Jackson Lodge #17)
Died - January 19, 2012 (Jackson, MI)
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Ralph A. Boos
Born - May 13, 1912 (Jackson, MI)
E.A. Degree - February 2, 1944 (Jackson Lodge #17)
F.C. Degree - April 6, 1944 (Jackson Lodge #17)
M.M. Degree - April 27, 1950 (Jackson Lodge #17)
Life Member - May 10, 1984 (Jackson Lodge #17)
Died - December 9, 2011 (Indian Harbour, FL)
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Masonic Degree Schedule
Entered Apprentice Degree (Practice on 2/23/2012, 7:00 p.m.)
Fellowcraft Degree (None in February) Master Mason Degree (Thursday, 2/16/2012, 7:00 p.m.)
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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 
2012 Wednesday, February 1st, 2012 Jackson Lodge No. 17, F. & A.M. Visitation to Excelsior Lodge No. 116, F. & A.M. Regular Communication, 7:30 p.m. 119 North Lake Street Grass Lake, MI 49240 
Thursday, February 9th, 2012 Jackson Lodge No. 17, F. & A.M. Regular Communication, 7:30 p.m. Dinner prior to meeting, 6:30 p.m. More information Below Thursday, February 16th, 2012 Jackson Lodge No. 17, F. & A.M. Master Mason Degree, 7:00 p.m. Thursday, Febuary 23rd, 2012 Jackson-Coolidge Masonic Temple Association Board of Trustee's Meeting, 6:00 p.m. Jackson Lodge No. 17, F. & A.M. Lodge Education Meeting and Entered Apprentice Practice, 7:00 p.m. |
Lodge Dinner 
Swiss Steak Dinner Red Skin Potato's, Bread, 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 Richard G. Shea P.M., Junior Warden 517-414-2757 or you can email him at rckshea2003@yahoo.com Hope to see you there! |
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2012 Line of Officer's
- 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
- Garry L. Gooldy, Conductor
- 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. |
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 February 2012
Wednesday, February 8th, 2012
Stated Convocation, 7:30 p.m.
| Will Open and Close in Council this month |
Saturday, February 25th, 2012
Tri-State York Rite Festival
at Bryan, Ohio, 9:00 a.m.
All Chapter & Council Degree's
will be conferred this day.
RSVP Adam Wygant at 517-745-1699
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
Michael E. Hicks, T.I.M.
517-787-8438
Adam W. Wygant, Recorder
517-796-4661
Calendar for the month of February 2012
Wednesday, February 8th, 2012
Stated Convocation, 7:30 p.m. | Will Open and Close in Council this month | Saturday, February 25th, 2012 Tri-State York Rite Festival at Bryan, Ohio, 9:00 a.m. All Chapter & Council Degree's will be conferred this day. RSVP Adam Wygant at 517-745-1699
Thrice Illustrious Master - Michael E. Hicks
Deputy Master - Dale D. Brown, PTIM
Pr. Conductor of the Work - Marcus U. Blue, Jr., PTIM
Treasurer - Thomas E. Royce, PTIM
Recorder - Adam W. Wygant
Captain of the Guard - Stephen D. Vining
Conductor of Council - Ronald L. Spees, PTIM
Steward - Vacant
Sentinel - George M. Otis
Chaplain - Thomas E. Royce, PTIM
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:
January 2012 was a great month to get back to work; we enjoyed fine fellowship in Leslie for our Drill Corps Night; handled much business on our regular; and created the newest knight in Jackson on January 23rd. Sir Knight Samuel was supported by 16 Sir Knights hailing from Jackson, Marshall and Adrian Commanderies. He was thankful and excited to become part of Jackson Commandery Number 9.
February will be a somewhat quiet month for us, but preparing for participation in the Tri-State York Rite Festival. The Jackson York Rite bodies will be seeing about 7 candidates receive further light in Masonry in Bryan, Ohio on February 25th and in Angola, Indiana on March 3rd.
Records? What to do with so many records and over 160 years of Templar history in Jackson? Good question, we have begun to start to scan some old documents into pdf format to be stored on hard drives. Many old records are dusty, moldy, not indexed and frankly have not likely been viewed for decades. In completing this somewhat nasty job, one comes along little gems amongst the otherwise mundane articles of receipts, letters, notices. The following information will describe what gems were found within a little banker's box labeled 83rd Grand Conclave Records, June 5 to June 8, 1939. I decided that if we were members of Jackson No. 9, in February of 1939 we would be busy indeed.
Jackson hosted the 1939 Grand Conclave for the state of Michigan, and records indicate that many man hours were required to pull off a successful conclave. One note card read:
To Our Distinguished Guests, Knights and Ladies:
Greetings and a cordial welcome to the
Eighty-third Annual Conclave of Michigan Grand Commandery.
The Jackson committees, Knights and ladies
have endeavored to provide for your
comfort and enjoyment, and we hope you
will have pleasant memories of this occasion.
Elliot C. Davidson
Grand Commander
Monday Evening Dinners
Ladies, formal; Knights, fatigue uniform.
Wednesday Evening Dinner
Ladies, formal; Knights, dress uniform
Looking through the several hundred pages of receipts, invitations, and sometimes strong but gentlemanly persuasions to attend the conclave was very interesting. There was to be a parade, bands, dinners, cold lunches for the ladies, and so many other activities to plan for. There was solicitation by the Daniel R. Ellinger Company requesting an opportunity to provide for the advertising and printing work, they were from Grand Rapids but assured the committee that they were the best to provide for our printing needs having done so for the Grand Rapids committee who hosted the Grand Conclave the year previous. They offered a bit of free advertising in the Masonic Triangle, official paper of DeMolai Commandery hoping to seal the deal.
For a little walk in Templar history click on link below. I attended my first Grand Conclave this year at a hotel in Lansing. I suspect the numbers at last year's conclave were closer to 150 men, compared to the 300 at the banquet in 1939 or the estimated 1000 plus that may have participated in the parade on Tuesday, June 6th, 1939. We still have Exhibition Drills at conclave but they fit inside a hotel Grand Ballroom instead of Withington Stadium. We still have parades, but they are smaller ones usually in Traverse City and Northville. However, I would say that the Templar ideals, customs, and traditions are alive and well here in Jackson. As the Commander this year, I have had the honor of knighting 5 new knights into our Order and there will be close to 7 more just in the next month joining our ranks. It is not about numbers though, folks are just not joiners anymore and the internet has eliminated the need for fraternities, women's groups, and even churches.....but for those who enjoy true friendships and fellowship, timeless values and traditions, love of country, and service to our once crucified, but now risen and exulted Redeemer.... I trust you would be right at home in Jackson Commandery No. 9.
Gone are most of the receipts, notes and banker's box. Scanned are select documents from the conclave. Kept are the photos and a few select letters and printed items. Treasured are the memories of this Templar event in Jackson.
For a little walk in history and view
artifacts and pictures from the
1939 Grand Conclave jn Jackson
Yours in Templary;
Adam Wygant
Eminent Commander
Calendar for the month of
February 2012
Monday, February 13th
Drill Corp, 6:30 p.m.
Chicken Dinner at Temple
RSVP Commander at 517-745-1699
Monday, February 20th
Potluck with Ladies, 6:30 p.m.
Stated Conclave, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 3rd, 2012
Tri-State York Rite Festival
at Angola, Indiana, 9:00 a.m.
All Chivalric Order's
will be conferred this day.
RSVP Adam Wygant at 517-745-1699
Commander: Adam W. Wygant
Generalisimo: James H. Blauvelt, P.C.
Captain General: Lloyd A. Darling, P.C.
Sr. Warden: Paul M. Tarr Jr., 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.
 Eminent Commander Adam W. Wygant (right) and Sir Knight Samuel C. Hickson (left) Order of the Temple on Monday, January 23, 2012
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Jackson York Rite College No. 3 |
Jackson York Rite College No. 3, Y.R.S.C.
Paul M. Tarr Jr., Governor
517-285-5757
Timothy C. Forche, Secretary
517-676-5157
Next Meeting Date
Friday, March 16th, 2012
Stated Assembly 7:30 p.m.
and Order of York Degree
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
March 2012
O.E.S. WILL BE DARK
JANUARY & FEBRUARY
NEXT MEETING WILL BE
Tuesday, March 6th, 2012
Potluck and Planning
Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 20th, 2012
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
February 2012
Tuesday, February 14th
Stated Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 28th
Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
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Jackson High Twelve Club No. 16 | 
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
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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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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, February 23, 2012 at 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 26, 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.
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 jhchalfant@att.net for more info.
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Masonic Center Fund Raising
Jackson-Coolidge Masonic Temple Association
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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© 2009-2012 Jackson-Coolidge Masonic Temple Association
Stephen D. Vining P.M., Webmaster
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