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Jackson-Coolidge Masonic Trestleboard
Volume No. 12 April 2012 Issue No. 4
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 ,
This last month we had the honor of being visited by members of the Grand Lodge for the 3rd month in a row. This time however it was for the purposes of rededicating our Temple for Masonic purpose. After 164 years, Jackson #17 has seen different locations and has consolidated with other Lodges in the area. Having made our most recent move to Michigan Center, we decided it was time to bring it all together and in a way, start things anew. With Brothers from Jackson #17, Liberty #209 and Coolidge #532 participating in the ceremony, we did just that.
Dedicate: to devote (oneself, one's time, etc.) wholly to a special purpose or cause; commit wholeheartedly or unreservedly. I like this definition because it mentions that one can dedicate more than one specific part or aspect of their lives to something special. In this case that something special is Masonry. And I dare say it is also ourselves.
Our Masonic Temple was examined by members of the Grand Lodge and found to be square, level and plumb, constructed properly for Masonic work. The corn of nourishment, wine of refreshment and oil were spilt upon the carpet akin to a ceremony many of you reading this now once were. As I sat watching the dedication ceremony, I couldn't help but feel as though I too was being rededicated to the ideals of Virtue and Universal Benevolence as the structure around me was.
Whether you were fortunate enough to join us on this special evening or not, I ask that you join me in this feeling of renewal. Stretch forth your hands, come see the Temple and be a part of the good things that were are doing for the Craft, the Community and more importantly, ourselves and families.
Fraternally,
Lyman S. Robertson Jr.
Worshipful Master
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MASONIC SHORT TALKS
Frank W. Lutze P.M.
 
"....... I will immediately go to his relief..............................." Over the past few articles I have set the stage to discuss some of the Masonic encounters, Brother to Brother, that occurred during the War Between the States. The year is 1862. Before I begin I would like to introduce you to a 16 year old boy. His name is Llewellyn Woodruff and he is a private in Company E, 107th New York Infantry Volunteers. Two months after he enlisted he fought in his first battle at Antietam Creek in Maryland. A captain in another New York unit, 16th New York Infantry wrote of the following incident that occurred during that battle. "Lieutenant Best said "Captain, just beyond where I found the one I last brought to the surgeons is a man who plaintively repeats something that I do not understand, except that he said he was the son of a widow. I will show you where he is". I followed ....and carried to the surgeons a seriously wounded soldier....... The next day, referring to the incident, Lieutenant Best said, "Captain, you took great chances last night bringing off that wounded Confederate. Was he a Mason? I replied, "I did not ask him but your statement that he was a widow's son caused me to suspect he was". The second and last battle that Private Woodruff fought in was Chancellorsville. He was wounded in that battle and the Union forces were routed. Captain John Durgin of the 12th New Hampshire recounted that during that battle he was seriously wounded and lay dying on the battlefield. Many rebel soldiers passed him by, ignoring his pleas for water. As a rebel officer drew near Captain Durgin gave a Masonic sign. The officer immediately stopped and approached him. The rebel officer promised to return with water and true to his word he did. The water provided by a Masonic Brother saved his life. During the same battle a captain in the 146th New York, was seriously wounded and taken prisoner. He gave a Masonic sign to the Confederate surgeon who was examining him. The surgeon determined he was in danger of bleeding to death and amputated his arm which saved his life. After surgery the captain was paroled and carried to the Union line where he was released. The Confederate surgeon who saved him was Dr. George Rodgers Clark Todd, Abraham Lincoln's brother in law. If you are interested in "meeting" Llewellyn Woodruff, learning how I came to know him and seeing some of his historic documents please plan on attending the April Regular Communication. |
Chaplain's Corner
George M. Otis P.M.
A Little Scrap of Paper
I hold in my hand a little scrap of paper, 2 1/2 x 3 3/4 inches in size. It is of no intrinsic worth, not a bond, not a check or receipt for values, yet it is one of my priceless possessions. It is my membership card in a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. It tells me that I have entered into a spiritual and material kinship with my fellow Masons to practice charity in word and deed: to forgive an forget the faults of my brethren; to hush the tongues of scandal and innuendo; to care for the crippled, the hungry, and the sick, and to be just to all mankind.
It tells me that no matter where I may travel in the world, I am welcome to visit a place where good fellowship prevails among Brothers and Friends. It tells me that my loved ones, my home, and my household are under the protection of every member of this great Fraternity, who have sworn to protect and defend mine, as I have sworn to protect and defend theirs.
It tells me that should I ever be overtaken by adversity or misfortune, the hands of every Mason on the face of the Earth will be stretched forth to assist me in my necessities.
THE MASON'S CHARACTER
Freemasonry has always been true to its name, and the real Mason is the builder of the temple of his own character. Its mission is to furnish high ideals for the individual, that may be reflected in his actions towards his fellow men. The Masonic ideal teaches that moral and spiritual attainments are far more important than the material and physical.
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William Skrepnek, P.G.M.
Grand Master of Masons
State of Michigan
1991 - 1992
William Skrepnek of Lennon, age 74, died Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at McLaren Flint. A Masonic Memorial Service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, March 24, 2012 at Rossell Funeral Home, conducted by W. Don Baugher, Past Grand Master. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Clio. Visitation will be Noon-8 p.m. Friday. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Michigan Masonic Home.
Bill was born in Toledo, Ohio on June 10, 1937, the son of John and Rose Skrepnek. He married Doris A. (Jeffers) Walkling on February 5, 1983 in Flint. He graduated from Clio High School in 1955. He enlisted into the Michigan National Guard and later served in the U.S. Air Force from 1956-1960 as a Radio Repairman. Bill studied Applied Sciences for 2½ years at Mott College and Business Management for 2 years at Detroit College of Business. He was a retired Buick Journeyman Machine Repairman.
Bill was a member and officer of several Masonic organizations. He was a member of Flushing Masonic Lodge #223, F&AM and had served as Worshipful Master for three times, was currently serving as Treasurer, and he was the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Michigan, F. & A.M. in 1991. He was a member of the Flint Rapids Chapter #116 and had served five times as High Priest, Secretary for 22 years, D.D.I. for seven years, and had served as Grand Chaplain of the Royal Arch Masons of Michigan. Bill was a member of Flint Council, #56 and served twice as Thrice Illustrious Master, the Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of the Royal and Select Masons of Michigan in 1983, the Regional Deputy Grand Master from 1984-87, and awarded the Columbian Medal. He was a member of the Genesee Valley Commandery #15 and served as Commander three times, the R. E. Grand Commander of Knights Templar of Michigan in 2004, awarded the KCT, and was the current treasurer in two Commanderies. Bill was a member of the Ancient Accepted Order of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Bay City and served as Past Most Wise Master, Past Commander-In-Chief, and was a 33rd Degree Mason. He was a member of the Elf Khurafeh Shrine Temple.
Bill is survived by: wife, Doris; five daughters, Julie Bond of Bentley; Kay (Greg) Cherry of Genesee, Mick (Ted) Speers of South Lyon, Barbie (Mark) Benedetti of Howell, Terri (Greg) Green of New Hill, NC; the mother of his daughters, Barbara Skrepnek of Howell; step-son, Rick (Jennifer) Walkling of Durand; 13 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother, Alex (Lavada) Ewanchuk of Salisbury, MD; niece, Janice Dawson, of Salisbury, MD. He was preceded in death by his parents and a stepson, Greg Walkling.
Gerald Scott Yeomans
Born - November 20, 1926 (Durand, MI)
E.A. Degree - March 3, 1971 (Climax-Prairie Lodge #59)
F.C. Degree - March 20, 1971 (Climax-Prairie Lodge #59)
M.M. Degree - April 17, 1971 (Climax-Prairie Lodge #59)
Affiliated - February 10, 1994 (Jackson Lodge #17
Life Member - June 16, 2011 (Jackson Lodge #17)
Died - March 3, 2012 (Jackson, MI)
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Masonic Degree Schedule
Entered Apprentice Degree E.A. Degree Thursday, April 19, 2012, 7:00 p.m.
Fellowcraft Degree (None in April)
Master Mason Degree (None in April)
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Entered Apprentice Degree
March 21, 2012
 
Jason Lee Pente - Timothy Matthew Webb - Eric Francis Dwyer
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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 Thursday, April 5th, 2012 Jackson Lodge No. 17, F. & A.M. Lodge Dark This Week Monday, April 9th, 2012 Jackson Lodge No. 17, F. &A.M. Membership Committee, 7:00 p.m. P.M.'s meet with two petitioner's Thursday, April 12th, 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, April 19th, 2012 Jackson Lodge No. 17, F. & A.M. Entered Apprentice Degree, 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 26th, 2012 Jackson-Coolidge Masonic Temple Association Board of Trustee's Meeting, 6:00 p.m. Jackson Lodge No. 17, F. & A.M. Fellowcraft Degree Practice, 7:00 p.m. __________________________________________________ |
April Lodge Dinner 
Scalloped Potatoes and Ham 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 |
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2012 Line of Officer's
- Lyman S. Robertson Jr, Worshipful Master
- Vacant, 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 Jr, 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 April 2012
Wednesday, April 4th, 2012
Jackson Chapter #3, R.A.M.
Royal Arch Degree Practice, 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 10th, 2012
Jackson Chapter #3, R.A.M. &
Ingham Chapter #51, R.A.M.
Joint School of Instruction, 7:30 p.m.
Meeting will be hosted by Ingham Chapter #51
Wednesday, April 11th, 2012
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
Michael E. Hicks, T.I.M.
517-787-8438
Adam W. Wygant, Recorder
517-796-4661
Calendar for the month of March 2012
Wednesday, April 11th, 2012
Stated Convocation, 7:30 p.m. | Will Open and Close in Council this month |
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
Calendar for the month of
April 2012
Monday, April 9th
Jackson Commandery #9, K.T.
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