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Jackson-Coolidge Masonic Trestleboard
Volume No. 12 October 2012 Issue No. 10
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
Brethren,
I am starting to better understand the lesson of the 24 inch gauge. As I welcomed the fourth decade of my life here on the third rock from the sun, I am coming to terms with the fact that I am indeed getting older. And while I may have taken on a more sphere like shape over the years, I don't bounce back quite like I used to! Perhaps a better look at my own 24 inch gauge is in order? Am I to assume that there are actually some practical applications to the lessons we learn as Freemasons? This I ask of course in jest but perhaps the gravity of those lessons haven't truly sunk in until this year as I learned the final set of tools for the MM Degree in order to deliver it from the East. Perhaps a better look at the lessons taught concerning the working tools are in order for many of us. Perhaps a little Light may be shed on why our journey seems so toilsome and why our feet feel so weary at times.
When I think about the working tools that are presented during the degrees I start to see a little more clearly that there is no one place or time of day that any one working tool lends itself to. The Compasses remind of us our boundaries, the Gauge, speaks of three separate parts of the day, the Common Gavel can be applied at any, dare I say many times throughout the day. The Plumb refers to several stations, the Square applies to actions and the Level is with us with every step we take. Without the constant use of the Trowel, our Fraternity as we know, and our friendships that we have built would crumble to the ground.
The working tools are not ideas... they are IDEALS. They are concepts that we more than likely applied in our lives before becoming Freemasons. If we had not, we may not have been found worthy and well qualified. One thing I have to remind myself is that Freemasonry claims to make a good man better. It doesn't happen because we pay our dues, because we take up an officers station or because we raise monies for charities. It happens a little more each day when we pick up the working tools and use them for their intended purposes. And with that, I'm a little overdue on about 8 hours of rest!
Walk Light Brothers!
Lyman S. Robertson Jr.
Worshipful Master
517-499-3330
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MASONIC SHORT TALKS
Frank W. Lutze P.M.
 
"Cathedral at Cologne, Germany "  
Let's talk about masonry . . .
Operative masonry continued: Craft Guilds of the Middle Ages At the time construction of the Cologne cathedral was started there were approximately 80 active craft guilds in Cologne, Germany. The word guild may have been derived from the Saxon word "gilden" which means "to pay". A person made a tribute or payment to join the protection of the guild. Not all cities were under the control of craft guilds. These were known as free cities. The ranks in the guilds included apprentice, journeyman, master and grand master. It was typical for apprentices to be in their early teens. Many guilds required them to be of legitimate birth and married. Apprentices were the general laborers and as such not taught all of the trade secretes until they demonstrated that they could be trusted not to reveal them to outsiders. After the apprentice worked under a master for several years he would produce a piece of work to demonstrate his skills. He then was granted the rank of journeyman and given certificates of his rank. These documents would allow him to travel other cities or countries and work for other masters thus learning new skills and techniques. After several years of travel he would be granted the title of master. Some craft guilds required the newly made master to produce an article to demonstrate his abilities. This was known as a masterpiece. Stone masons most likely carved the larger blocks at the quarry just as our Brothers did in the construction of King Solomon's temple. Smaller blocks were cut on the ground at the cathedral before being hoisted into position. Each mason had a unique mark to identify the blocks that he carved and thus insuring that he would be paid for his work. In a degree in the York Rite a Mason is taught the significance of his mark. Work on the structure progressed during the spring and summer. During the fall and winter work ceased in part due to the inclement weather and to give the mortar time to cure. The lodge was the job site office of the master masons and also served as a workshop. It was also where a new master mason or one claiming to be one would be examined. During the off season the lodge may have been used as living quarters. For many stone masons, masonry may not have been their sole occupation. Work was seasonal and income was unpredictable. Some were farmers, inn keepers or brewers. The wives and children of masons probably lived in a permanent home while the mason traveled to where the work was. The typical work day began at sunup and ended at sundown with an hour for lunch. A bell was used to signal the start, and end of the workday and lunch break. The guild cared for an ill brother and if a brother died the guild made funeral arrangements. Care may have been extended to his widow and orphans. As one can see much of our ritual and tenants in speculative Masonry are traceable to operative Masonry and the craft guilds of the Middle Ages. I am currently researching the history Cologne cathedral during the Second World War and hope to present the story in the November Trestleboard. |
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Chaplain's Corner
George M. Otis P.M.
"Masonic Etiquette"
Part 1 - 4
1. WALKING BETWEEN THE ALTAR AND THE WORSHIPFUL MASTER:
Brethren do not pass between the Altar and the East when the lodge is open.
Why?As a courtesy to the Master, it is necessary that the three Great Lights which shine their eternal light and wisdom upon the Master to help him govern the lodge should never be in shadow, not even for a millisecond, during the processes of an initiation or degree work.
2. SITTING IN THE EAST:
Brethren do not take a seat in the East without an invitation... even if all other seats are full.
Why?While all Brethren within a tiled room are equal to one another, and the officers are servants of the brethren, all lodge officers have worked and studied long and hard for their lodge.
It is, therefore, the Master's prerogative to recognize this devotion and their loyalty by inviting distinguished visitors or a special member whom the Master wishes to honor to sit with him in the East.
In other words, if you were in church, synagogue or mosque and the pews were full, would you go up and sit beside the Pastor, Rabbi or Imam (Muslim Priest)?
3. ALWAYS FULLY DRESSED:
Brethren do not enter their Lodge room either without their apron nor while putting on that apron...not even the tying of its strings.
Why?In respect to the formalities of their Lodge, officers expect that the Brethren will have the courtesy to enter it fully dressed and ready for the labor.
They should not have to wait for a member to be fully "dressed", even just tying or adjusting their apron, to salute that member. It is expected that you will be properly and entirely dressed when you pass by the Tiler and enter your lodge room.
4. STAND WHEN YOU SPEAK:
No man sits while speaking in the lodge room, no matter if he addresses an officer or another brother.
Why?All lodge activity is based on each man in the lodge as being a servant of the Brethren. This includes the Worshipful Master and his officers.
While the man, himself, who has been elected Worshipful Master does not gain any special honor, personally, as the Worshipful Master, it is to the Worshipful Master as the Master of the Lodge that a member stands to address.
It is simply a form of respect ...and no different than attending a shareholder's meeting or a City Council meeting.
It is expected that if you wish to address the audience, you will stand so all may see who is speaking.
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None to report this past month.
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Masonic Degree Schedule
Entered Apprentice Degree Thursday, October 18th at 7:00 p.m.
Fellowcraft Degree
Master Mason Degree ( None in October ) |
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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 Tuesday, October 2nd Jackson Lodge No. 17, F. & A.M. will travel to and visit Humanity Lodge No. 29, F. & A.M. 106 W Main St
Homer, MI 49245-1038 Stated Meeting, 8:00 p.m.  Thursday, October 4th Jackson Lodge No. 17, F. & A.M. | Lodge is Dark | Thursday, October 11th Jackson Lodge No. 17, F. & A.M. Regular Communication, 7:30 p.m. Lodge Dinner, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, October 18th Jackson Lodge No. 17, F. & A.M. Entered Apprentice Degree, 7:00 p.m. Officer's In Tuxedo Thursday, October 25th Jackson Lodge No. 17, F. & A.M. Social Event, 7:00 p.m. Pizza and Masonic DVD's Thursday, October 25th Jackson-Coolidge Masonic Temple Association Board of Trustee's Meeting
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Lodge Dinner 
Menu To Be Announced 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
- 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 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
Adam W. Wygant, E.H.P. 517-745-1699
Ronald L. Spees, Secretary 517-780-9387 Calendar for October 2012 Wednesday, October 10th Jackson Chapter No. 3, R.A.M. Stated Convocation, 7:30 p.m. | Will Open & Close In Council This Month |
High Priest - Adam W. Wygant
King - Dale D. Brown PHP
Scribe - Marcus U. Blue, Jr
Treasurer - Dale D. Brown PHP
Secretary - Ronald L. Spees PHP
Captain of the Host - Stephen D. Vining
Principle Sojourner - Thomas E. Royce PHP
Royal Arch Captain - Michael E. Hicks PHP
Master of the 3rd Veil - Frank W. Lutze
Master of the 2nd Veil - David R. Brown
Master of the 1st Veil - Robert S. Webb
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
517-745-1699
Calendar for October 2012
Wednesday, October 10th
Jackson Council No. 32, R. & S.M.
Stated Convocation, 7:30 p.m.
| Will Open & 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.
Lloyd C. Darling PC, Eminent Commander
517-795-3694
Michael E. Hicks, Recorder
517-787-8438
Calendar for October 2012
Monday, October 8th
Jackson Commandery No. 9, K.T.
Drill Corp & Full Form, 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 14th
Joint York Rite Grand Reception
Comfort Inn Village Conference Center
1645 Commerce Park Drive
Chelsea , Michigan 48118
Social Hour with Cash Bar, 3:00 p.m.
Dinner, 4:00 p.m.
Cost : $ 40.00 per person
Dress : Black Tie or Business Suit
S.K. Cortland C. Rule
Right Eminent Grand Commander
for 2012-2013 of
Jackson Commander No. 9, K.T.
Monday, September 15th Jackson Commandery No. 9, K.T. Stated Conclave, 7:30 p.m. Potluck with Ladies, 6:30 p.m. Monday, October 22nd Jackson Commandery No. 9, K.T. Order of the Temple Practice, 7:00 p.m. Saturday, October 27th Lansing Commandery No. 25, K.T. Inspection, 9:00 a.m. Monday, October 29th Jackson Commandery No. 9, K.T. To Be Announced Wednesday, October 31st Marshall Commandery No. 17, K.T. Inspection, 2:00 p.m.
Commander - SK Lloyd A. Darling,KTCH, P.C.
Generalisimo - SK James H. Blauvelt, KTCH, P.C.
Captain General - SK Adam W. Wygant, P.C.
Sr. Warden - SK Paul M. Tarr Jr., P.C.
Jr. Warden - SK Ronald L. Spees
Prelate - SK Tommy R. Amidon, KTCH, P.G.C.
Treasurer - SK Harry E. Green, P.C.
Recorder - SK Michael E. Hicks
Standard Bearer - SK Richard E. Ward, P.C.
Sword Bearer - SK Stephen D. Vining
Warder - SK Kenneth D. Chandler, P.C.
Sentinel - SK Lewis M. Woodard, P.C.
1 Guard - SK Kenneth L. Sheffer, P.C.
2 Guard - SK David R. Brown
3 Guard - SK Marcus U. Blue, P.C.
1 Hermit - SK Thomas E. Royce
2 Hermit - SK Lloyd A. Darling,KTCH, P.C.
3 Hermit - SK Theodore E. Welch, P.C.
Director of Orders - SK Cortland C. Rule, G.C., P.C.
Director of Orders - SK Richard E. Ward, P.C.
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Jackson York Rite College No. 3 |
Jackson York Rite College No. 3, Y.R.S.C.
William B. Kesterson, Governor
517-262-6506
Timothy C. Forche, Secretary
517-676-5157
Next Meeting Date
Friday, January 18th, 2013
Stated Assembly, 7:30 p.m.
Please wear tuxedo.
2012-2013 Officers
William B. Kesterson - Governor
Michael E. Hicks - Deputy Governor
Stephen D. Vining - Chancellor
Theodore R. Welch - Treasurer
Timothy C. Forche - Secretary
Thomas E. Royce - Primate
William L. Leonard - Preceptor
Lloyd A. Darling - Seneschal
Paul M. Tarr, Jr. - Marshall
Barry L. Chapman - Sentinel
Calendar for 2013
Friday, January 18th, 2013 @ 7:30 p.m.
Friday, March 15th, 2013 @ 7:30 p.m.
Friday, May 17th, 2013 @ 7:30 p.m.
Friday, September 20th, 2013 @ 7:30 p.m.
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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
October 2012
Tuesday, October 2nd
Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 16th
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
October 2012
Tuesday, October 9th
Stated Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 23rd
Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
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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, October 25, 2012 at 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 29, 2012 at 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 27, 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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