Jackson-Coolidge Masonic Trestleboard
Volume No. 12 December 2012 Issue No. 12 George M. Otis P.M., Publisher Stephen D. Vining P.M., Webmaster
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Jackson-Coolidge Masonic Center Lodge Blue Room
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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
Aside from all the great things we have done this year, there's another aspect to Masonry that I love. In the book "The Old Tiler Talks" By Carl H. Claudy, it is explained better than I think I could do it justice. I hope you enjoy!
WHY MEN LOVE FREEMASONRY
The New Brother sat near the Old Tiler in the anteroom, crossed his legs and took out his cigar case. "Have a smoke and unpuzzle me." The Old Tiler accepted the proffered cigar with a smile. "I am often puzzled, too," he sympathized. "Tell me." "I am crazy about Masonry. I love it. So do a lot of other men. And I don't know why. I can't find anyone who will tell me why. Old Tiler, why do men love Masonry?"
The Old Tiler got up and crossed the room to a book case, extracted a volume and returned. "I read that question in this little book, 'The Magic of Freemasonry,' by Arthur E. Powell. Let me read to you--" The Old Tiler fluttered the pages. Finding his place he sat and began:
"'Why do men love Masonry? What lure leads them to it? What spell holds them through the long ears? What strand is it that tugs at our hearts, taut when so many threads are broken by the rough ways of the world? And what is it in the wild that calls to the little wild things? What sacred secret things do the mountains whisper to the hillman, so silently yet so surely that they can be heard above the din and clatter of the world? What mystery does the sea tell the sailor; the desert to the Arab; the arctic ice to the explorer; the stars to the astronomer? When we have answered these questions mayhap we may divine the magic of Masonry. Who knows what it is, or how or why, unless it be the long cabletow of God, running from heart to heart...'" The Old Tiler closed the book and waited.
"The cabletow of God," repeated the New Mason. "That's a beautiful phrase." "It's more than a phrase, I think," the Old Tiler answered. "As I see it, the heart of Freemasonry by which all manner of men are attracted and held, is just that- the longing for communion with the Most High." "Oh, you must be mistaken. Men who want God go to church." "Do you go to church?" "Er, oh, well, sometimes." "Yet you never miss coming to lodge?" "No, I don't, but--" "Never mind the 'but.'" The Old Tiler smiled. "A lot of men come to the lodge who do not find heart's ease in the church. The lodge is not a substitute for church. Masonry is not a religion, although it has religion. If the church fails, occasionally, it is because all human institutions must fail at times. No minister or church can satisfy all men. Some men find communion with the Most High in Masonry a greater satisfaction than in a church. I think that is the real reason some men love Freemasonry so much."
"You give me credit with being a lot more religious than I do," retorted the New Mason. "Men are incurably religious," asserted the Old Tiler. "Many don't know it and refuse to call it by that name, like you, for instance! In a church men are told various things about God. In a lodge they are allowed to tell themselves what they will. In a church you are taught a creed, a dogma. In a lodge there is neither. In a church you are quiet and respectful and whisper if you speak at all. It is kept high, unspotted from the world. A lodge is more intimate, personal. You can be jolly in a lodge, except during a degree. Here are just other men, brothers. They think as we do; they believe in the one God, as we do. They repeat the same words, think the same Masonic thoughts, do the same Masonic acts, as we do. We feel at home with them in consequence."Through years of simple, profound degrees, we weave the Mystic Tie. We cannot say of what it is composed. We cannot put a name to it. St. Augustine, asked of God, answered, 'I know until you ask me- when you ask me, I do not know.' In your heart you know, and I know, what the Mystic tie is- what Freemasonry is. But you cannot say it, nor can I. It is too deep for words. It is the reason we use symbols, for words cannot express it."Deep in us is something which understands what our brains cannot think; something which knows what our minds cannot comprehend. Masonry speaks to that something in its own language. If we must put it into words, God is the only syllable which seems to fit. But when we say God we mean no special deity, but all that is beautiful in life, in friendship, in charity, in brotherhood.
"So, my brother, there is no reason for you to be puzzled; no man can answer your puzzle. Freemasonry is loved by men because it strikes deep into the human heart, and supplies the answer to the question, the food for the hunger, which the tongue cannot express.""Unless it is the tongue of a wise, wise Old Tiler," finished the New Brother thoughtfully. "And thank you, I am not puzzled now."
Fraternally,
Lyman S. Robertson Jr.
Worshipful Master
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MASONIC SHORT TALKS
Frank W. Lutze P.M.
Freemasonry as a Sacred Retreat "Brethren, you are now to quit this sacred retreat of friendship and virtue to mix again with the world". Worshipful Brother John W. Taylor - Dona Ana Daylight Lodge No. 78, Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of New Mexico wrote: "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." When Thursday evening rolls around I feel an internal pull to get to Lodge if at all possible. Sometimes work, family commitments or illness prevents attending but even then my thoughts drift to my Brothers attending our sacred retreat of friendship. In my mind I can hear the Worshipful Masters words, "Brethren, Please be clothed and in order........". 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 clothes. 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. |
Chaplain's Corner
George M. Otis P.M.
Brothers,
My time as Chaplain of Jackson Lodge No. 17 is almost over. It has been my honor to serve my Lodge in this capacity. I will serve where ever I am needed. So, next year, I will be moving on to Marshall, a position I have held before and enjoy that as well.
My suggestion to the brothers is to SERVE WHERE NEEDED! Get in involved, learn, teach, enjoy what you do and are asked to do. Tell someone you want to be part of the Officers Line for the next year.
I always tell the new officers to pay attention to the next station they would like to take part in, listen to the words that the officer in that station utters when doing his work. If he does it correctly, it is helpful to you. Try not to have your Ritual open in lodge as this is forbidden except in a practice.
We learn from doing and what better way to do that than to get involved. It is serious work and not to be made light of. There are many Past Masters willing to help you with your work. Learn it word for word, don't try to adlib. Many Past Masters sitting on the sidelines will always know when you have made a mistake, but they will not say anything. If they can remember to say something to you privately they will try to help you. We as Past Masters made mistakes, and still do, when we were in line, so don't be afraid to ask for assistance. We ALL make mistakes; the key is to try to fix it for the next time. Those really interested in the work will do just that.
If you would like my assistance - I am here for you!
Fraternally yours,
George M. Otis, P.M.
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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, December 5th Jackson Lodge #17, F. & A.M. will visit Michigan Lodge #50, F. & A.M. Regular Communication, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, December 6th Jackson Lodge No. 17, F. & A.M. | Lodge is Dark | Sunday, December 9th Jackson Lodge No. 17, F. & A.M. Installation Practice for 2013 Line 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 13th Jackson Lodge No. 17, F. & A.M. Regular Communication, 7:30 p.m. Annual Communication Lodge Dinner, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, December 15th Jackson Lodge No. 17, F. & A.M. 165th Annual Public Installation Adam W. Wygant, Worshipful Master-Elect and 2013 Officer's Elect, 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 20th Jackson Lodge No. 17, F. & A.M. Lodge is Dark Thursday, December 27th Jackson Lodge No. 17, F. & A.M. Lodge is Dark Thursday, December 27th Jackson-Coolidge Masonic Temple Association Board of Trustee's Meeting, 6:00 p.m. |
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 |
2013 Lodge Officer's - Elect
- Worshipful Master - Adam W. Wygant
- Senior Warden - Richard G. Shea P.M.
- Junior Warden - David G. Shea P.M.
- Treasurer - Dale D. Brown P.M.
- Secretary - Stephen D. Vining P.M.
- Chaplain - Frank W. Lutze P.M.
- Senior Deacon - David R. Brown
- Junior Deacon - Garry L. Gooldy Jr.
- Steward - Eric J. Cole
- Steward - Andrew S. Marlow
- Steward - Jeffrey R. Ohneck
- Steward - Robert S. Webb Jr.
- Alt. Steward/Conductor - Eric F. Dwyer
- Alt. Steward/Conductor - Martin A. Hemry
- Alt. Steward/Conductor - James W. Spink
- Marshal - George M. Otis P.M.
- Musician - Tommy R. Amidon P.M.
- Tiler - Lawrence C. Sanford Jr. P.M.
- Education Officer - Lyman S. Robertson Jr. P.M.
- Publisher - George M. Otis P.M.
- Webmaster - Stephen D. Vining P.M.
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None to report this past month.
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Masonic Degree Schedule
Entered Apprentice Degree ( None In December )
Fellowcraft Degree
Master Mason Degree ( None in December ) |
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 December 2012 Wednesday, December 12th 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 December 2012
Wednesday, December 12th
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 December 2012
Monday, December 3rd
Jackson Commandery No. 9, K.T.
| No Meeting Scheduled |
Monday, December 10th
Jackson Commandery No. 9, K.T.
| No Meeting Scheduled |
Monday, December 17th
Jackson Commandery No. 9, K.T.
Stated Conclave, 7:30 p.m.
Potluck with Ladies, 6:30 p.m.
" Christmas Observance "
Full Uniform - No Sword
Monday, December 24th
Jackson Commandery No. 9, K.T.
| No Meeting Scheduled |
Monday, December 31st
Jackson Commandery No. 9, K.T.
| No Meeting Scheduled |
Right Eminent Grand Commander
Sir Knight Cortland C. Rule P.C.
Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Michigan
Presents the Grand Commander's Service Award to
Sir Knight Stephen D. Vining of Jackson Commandery No. 9
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, P.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
December 2012
Tuesday, December 4th
Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 8th
Fern Leaf Chapter No. 66, O.E.S.
Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Star
School of Instruction
Tuesday, December 18th
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 2012
Tuesday, December 11th
Stated Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 25th
No Meeting Scheduled
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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, December 27, 2012 at 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, January 24, 2013 at 6:00 p.m.
Annual Meeting & Officer Election
Thursday, February 28, 2013 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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