Friday, December 19, 2014

From the East


Brethren,

Thank you for permitting me the chance to serve as Worshipful Master of Rockford for 2015. We have a busy year ahead of us and I am looking forward to seeing Rockford do what it does best. I am confident we have a strong line of officers who will continue the traditions of this lodge throughout the ensuing year. To each brother I wish you and yours a very happy holidays and to the craft as a whole, please remember those in need or without families.  If nothing else, a warm smile can go a long way.

Fraternally yours,
W.M. Shane Lowe

Friday, December 12, 2014

From the South

Brethren,
We are looking forward to another jam packed year next year; but, first let's talk about December.

This Saturday, DEC 13th is our busiest day.
    No later than Noon we will be meeting at the lodge to load up the float and head to our starting point for the Rockford Christmas parade. Everyone is invited, we want to get as many kids on the float as possible. We also are still in need of candy for the parade.
    At 5:30PM we will be closing our lodge of sorrow for the year. Please come pay respects for the brethren we have lost this year.
    At 6:00PM we will be eating dinner.
    The installation of officers will be at 7:00PM.
    Officers pics and the opening of the new lodge of sorrows will come directly after the installation.

Thursday DEC 18th we will be having a Master Masons degree. Eat at 6:00PM, Degree at 7:00PM

Sunday DEC 21st We will be helping out again this year with the Food Pantry. this is a heart warming experience that will bring food and gifts to many needy families this Christmas. If you are interested, we will be meeting no later than 5:30AM at:

Army National Guard Recruiting


Saturday DEC 27th we will be having a Coffee Meeting at 8:00AM at the lodge in observance of St. Johns day. Come join us for coffee and donuts and some good masonic conversation.

January will be the last month we will be making tamales, The first batch will be on the 3rd starting at 10:00AM. We need all the help we can get.

Yours,
~J.W. Dustin Wade

From the West


Brethren,

First let me thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Senior Warden this year. We accomplished a lot in the community and saw enormous growth like this lodge has not seen for many years and its all thanks to you, the brethren of Rockford Lodge.

Our Big event Last month was the Table lodge. The event was very enjoyable and there were lots of first timers. This event grows larger and larger each year. A special thanks to Brother Joe for the Smoked NY Strip roll ad to brother Christopher Seaton for giving a very enthusiastic Past Masters short talk.
More photos of TABLE  LODGE can be found HERE.

We also had 1 Master Mason degree, 1 Fellow Craft degree, and 2 EA degrees. The Growth in our lodge continues to be astounding.

I would like to thank everyone again for a wonderful year.

Your,
S.W. Shane Lowe

Friday, November 21, 2014

Old Tyler Talks: BOOK UPON THE ALTAR ((Highly suggested))


"I heard the most curious tale," began the New Brother seating himself beside the Old Tiler during refreshment.

"Shoot!" commanded the Old Tiler.

"Friend of mine belongs to a midwest lodge. Seems they elected a chap to become a member but when he took the degree he stopped the work to ask for the Koran in place of the Bible on the Altar. Said he wanted to the holy book of his faith, and the bible wasn't it!"

"Yes, go on," prompted the Old Tiler. "What did they do?"

"The officers held a pow-wow and the Master finally decided that as the ritual demanded the 'Holy Bible, Square and Compasses' as furniture for the lodge, the applicant was wrong and that he'd have to use the Bible or not take his degree. And the funny part was that the initiate was satisfied and took his degree with the Bible on the Altar. I'm glad they have him, and not this lodge."

"Why?"

"Why, a chap who backs down that way can't have very much courage; I'd have had more respect for him if he'd insisted and if he couldn't have his way, refused to go on with the degree."

"All wrong, brother, all wrong!" commented the Old Tiler. "The Mohammedan initiate wasn't concerned about himself but about the lodge. He showed a high degree of Masonic principle in asking for his own holy book, and a great consideration for the lodge. This man isn't a Christian. He doesn't believe in Christ. He believes in Allah, and Mohammed his prophet. The Bible, to you a holy book, is to him no more than the Koran is to you. You wouldn't regard an obligation taken on a dictionary or a cook book or a Koran as binding, in the same degree that you would one taken on the Bible.

"That's the way this chap felt. He wanted to take his obligation so that it would bind his conscience. The Master would not let him, because he slavishly followed the words of the ritual instead of the spirit of Masonry.

"Masonry does not limit an applicant to his choice of a name for a Supreme Being. I can believe in Allah, or Buddha, or Confucius, or Mithra, or Christ, or Siva, or Brahma, or Jehovah, and be a good Mason. If I believe in a Great Architect that is all Masonry demands; my brethren do not care what I name him."

"Then you think this chap isn't really obligated? I must write my friend and warn him-"

"Softly, softly! Any man with enough reverence for Masonry, in advance of knowledge of it, to want his own holy book on which to take an obligation would feel himself morally obligated to keep his word, whether there was his, another's or no holy book at all, on the Altar. An oath is not really binding because of the book beneath you hand. It is the spirit with which you assume an obligation which makes it binding. The book is but a symbol that you make your promise in the presence of the God you revere. The cement of brotherly love which we spread is not material- the working tools of a Master Mason are not used upon stone but upon human hearts. Your brother did his best to conform to the spirit of our usages in asking for the book he had been taught to revere. Failing in that through no fault of his own, doubtless he took his obligation with a sincere belief in its sacredness. Legally he would not be considered to commit perjury if he asked for his own book and was forced to use another."     "What's the law got to do with it?"

"Just nothing at all, which is the point I make. In England and America, Canada and South America, Australia, and part of the Continent, the bible is universally used. In Scottish Rite bodies you will find many holy books; but let me ask you this; when our ancient brethren met on hills and in valleys, long before Christ, did they use the New Testament on their Altars? Of course not; there was none. You can say that they used the Old Testament and I can say they used the Talmud and someone else can say they used none at all, and all of us are right as the other. But they used a reverence for sacred things."

"If you write you friend, you might tell him that the ritual which permits a man to name his God as he pleases, but demands that a book which reveres one particular God be used, is faulty. The ritual of Masonry is faulty; it was made by man. But the spirit of Masonry is divine; it comes from men's hearts. If obligation and books and names of the Deity are matters of the spirit, every condition is satisfied. If I were Master and an applicant demanded any one or any six books on which to lay his hand while he pledges himself to us, I'd get them if they were to be had, and I'd tell my lodge what a reverent Masonic spirit was in the man who asked."

"Seems to me you believe in a lot of funny things; how many gods do you believe in?"

"There is but one," was the Old Tilers answer, "Call Him what you will. Let me repeat a little bit of verse for you:
At the Muezzin's call for prayer
The kneeling faithful thronged the square;
Amid a monastery's weeds,
An old Franciscan told his beads,
While on Pushkara's lofty height
A dark priest chanted Brahma's might,
While to the synagogue there came
A Jew, to praise Jehovah's Name.
The One Great God looked down and smiled
And counted each His loving child;
For Turk and Brahmin, monk and Jew
Has reached Him through the gods they knew.
"If we reach Him in Masonry, it makes little difference by what sacred name we arrive," finished the Old Tiler, reverently."

"You reached me, anyhow," said the New Brother, shaking hands as if he meant it.

Monday, November 17, 2014

From the South


Brethren,

I am pleased to bring you your upcoming events for the months of November and December.

On Nov 18 we will be having 2 EA degrees. Eat at 6:00 pm, degrees start at 7:00 pm

On Nov 20 we will be having a FC degree Eat at 6:00 pm, degree starts at 7:00 pm

It's Table Lodge time! Come join us on NOV 25th as we reenact the holding of lodge while eating as it was held in our forefathers time. Don't forget your kilt if you have one. We will eat at 6PM and it will be a pot-luck. 
Rockford lodge will be providing the main meat and you will be in for a treat if you attend.

On Dec 13 We will be Participating in the Rockford Christmas parade again this year. If you would like to help out or be on the float, please be at the lodge no later than at noon.

The installation of the 2015 Officers for Rockford Lodge will be held on Dec 13th. after the Christmas parade 
Please come out and support your incoming Officers and bring your family. We will eat at 6:00 pm with the installation to follow. The Lodge of Sorrow and officers pictures will start at 4:30.

Dec 18 will be the pack up for the Empty pantry. More info to come

Dec 21 will be the delivery for the Empty pantry. More info to come

So that the incoming Worshipful Master might have time to plan the next years events, there will be no degrees scheduled between Dec 18th and Jan 1st

Yours,
~ J.W. Dustin Wade

Monday, November 10, 2014

From the West


Brethren,
October brought three more entered apprentices into the lodge.

We held another Turkey shoot on the 18th. This continues to be an excellent fundraiser and we look forward to making it at least an annual event. A special thanks to brother Justin Smith for spear heading this event.

On Halloween night we held our annual Halloween carnival. The lodge's dinning room was packed full of kids for the majority of the night and we gave away plenty of candy. As is the lodges custom This was our Senior Deacon (Eric Middleton)'s first event to run and it went of with out a hitch.
More Halloween Carnival Photos can be found HERE

Friday, October 10, 2014

From the South


Brethren,
Here are your upcoming events for October & November.

OCT 11th - We will be meeting at the lodge at 10AM to make the first batch of tamales. this will be an all day affair so if you cant make it in the morning please come when you can, we will need all the help we can get.
Don't forget we are selling the Tamales for $12 a dozen or 2 dozen for $20. Hot or mild. If you want to place an order now call me at 865-686-2064

OCT 16th - We will be having 2 EA degrees, Eat at 6PM with degree to follow.

OCT 18th - We will be holding our second Turkey shoot for this year at the Rockford Football field. We will start at 8:30. Call S.S. Justin Smith at 865-712-6688 for more info

OCT 21st - We Will be having an EA degree, Eat at 6PM with degree to follow.
Due to the number of events during this time, we are preparing for low attendance and any help at these degrees would be greatly appreciated.

OCT 25th - MM Degree Canceled.

OCT 31st - Will be our annual Halloween Carnival, If you have not attended before or have children/Grand children, please come out. We have a lot of fun and will be providing the TN C.H.I.P. program (Child I.D.)
We are hardily accepting candy donations for this event, We will need upwards about 400 pounds of candy, if the previous years' success is any indication. we will also need cakes the night of for the cake walk.

NOV 8th - We will be holding our annual Veterans Day breakfast. All Veterans and active duty military eat free. We will start serving at 10AM.

NOV 25th - It's Table Lodge time! Come join us as we reenact the holding of lodge while eating as it was held in our forefathers time. Don't forget your kilt if you have one. We will eat at 6PM and it will be a pot-luck. Rockford lodge will be providing the main meat and you will be in for a treat if you attend.

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

From the West


Brethren,
I am pleased to bring you the results of our work during the last month.

On the 4th, Brother Jess Walker came for the official visit. It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm of the brethren present and the eagerness of the younger masons to jump into the ritual work without being asked.

On September 9th, the brothers of Rockford lodge were pleased to provide food for and serve the ladies of the Martha Washington Star chapter and we look forward to providing such services in the future.

On the 20th, Rockford lodge held a steak dinner fund raiser.  This is the largest fund raiser we have had in many years bringing in over $2000. A huge thanks to the brethren who put this event on and an even larger one for the brothers from other lodges, ladies, friends and kids who jumped in and helped. We were so busy during the event that unfortunately, we did not take any photos.

We initiated a young man on the 27th. We have held 15 EA degrees so far this year and more may be on the horizon. If you see a brother that you don't recognize please remember to introduce yourself and remember that with so many new masons coming in we need all the help we can get in teaching and molding these men into the knowledgeable masons that Rockford is known for.

Thank you.

Thursday, October 2, 2014

From the East



Greeting Brethren,

It's hard to believe that we are in the last quarter of the year. Time has went by swiftly and as you know we have had alot of activity this year from degrees to events and we have more to come. Let's finish the year as we started the year, strong and moving forward. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the brethren who have helped our lodge grow and be successful.   

A special thanks to the young and old master masons that have torn out the flowerbed and are in the process of refurbishing it. We will be engraving the tiles which will be one of the focal points in the flowerbed with personalized messages, dedications, remembrances, etc. If you would like to have something engraved on a tile, please contact me at 865-414-0811. The price is $25 per tile and all proceeds will go into the beautification of the flowerbed.

Check our calender of events for the remainder of the year on our website.

Please remember in your prayers, our shut-ins, sick, widows & military and please try to remember as I have always asked the question - "Why did I become a mason?"


In the light,
Mark Dixon
Worshipful Master

Friday, September 12, 2014

From the South


Brethren,

It is my pleasure to bring you the upcoming events for Rockford Lodge.

On Saturday September 20th we will be having a steak dinner at the lodge from 6pm to 8pm. This will be a true restaurant style, cook to order, all American, STEAK dinner. Sides will be baked potato and salad and yes there will be dessert. Tickets are $10.00, Kids 12 and under are $5.00. Call W.M. Mark Dixon at 865-414-0811 for Tickets and more details.

On Saturday September 27th We will have an EA degree. This is a morning degree. We will Eat at 8AM and start the degree at 9AM.

Oct 18th We will be holding the second Turkey Shoot this year at  Rockford Football field next to Rockford Baptist Church.
Shoots will range from $3.00-$5.00 Depending on prizes
There will be 50/50 Shoots
12 Gauge, 20 Guage, 410's @ 36" Barrel Length
Separate Shoots for Outlaw guns
Contact Justin Smith @ 865-712-6688 or Shane Low @8665-705-7988


Lastly, on October 31st (Halloween night) we will be having our annual Halloween carnival.  This event has been wildly successful in the past and we are looking forward to another fun year with new games so, spread the word.  Also we are looking for candy donations for this event, as well as cakes for the cake walk that will be held there.

Don't forget you can sign up to receive Rockford's weekly trestle board on the right hand side of the trestle board page on our website at http://rockfordmasoniclodge469.org/trestleboard.htm.

All dates are also available on our calendar at http://rockfordmasoniclodge469.org/calendar.htm

~ J.W. Dustin Wade

From the West


Brethren,

Last month we passed one Fellow Craft and Initiated one Entered Apprentice. Our good fortune continues.  This can only be a testament to the wonderful work our lodge is preforming both in the community and with in the walls of our lodge.

Thanks are in order for the brethren that came and helped out during our Ice Cream Social part 2.  Though it seems that we didn't get the word out as well as we would have liked, there were definitely some smiles.

Lastly, Congratulations to brother Andy Swicegood, plural member of Rockford and Sweetwater, for receiving Rockford's Proctor Award on Aug 14.
More PROCTOR AWARD pictures can be found HERE

Monday, September 1, 2014

Prayer Request


Brethren,

The daughter of one of our newer Master Mason's, Brother Shanken, was hit head on by a drunk driver tonight. Resent reports suggest that she is doing well; but, please keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

Friday, August 22, 2014

Old Tiler Talks: IN MEN'S HEARTS



"Where is the most beautiful Masonic temple in the world?" asked the New Brother of the Old Tiler.

"Wouldn't the answer depend on one's conception of beauty? retorted the Old Tiler. "I might think, and you another, while an architect or an artist might choose still another."

"Well, which one do you choose?" persisted the New Brother.

"I don't!" answered the Old Tiler. "The House of the Temple in Washington is impressive; Detroit has a wonderful temple; Philadelphia's temple is massive and beautiful, the Albert Pike memorial in Little Rock is considered fine. I cannot choose."

"You think it is one of these?"

"No, I am simply trying to oblige," laughed the Old Tiler. "I know three temples which impressed me more than any of these."

"I asked because I am taking a winter vacation. I'd like to see the wonderful temples Masonry has erected. Tell me where your three are located!"

"One temple that to me is great in beauty is in a town of about 2,000 people in the Middle West. The lodge room is over a country store. The floor is bare of carpet. The chairs are plain wood. The heating plant is one large stove; it is the Junior Deacons' business to feed it during the meetings. The walls are stained, the lamps are kerosene, there is no organ or piano and the ribbons in the lodge jewels are frayed. Not very up-to-date, the members of this lodge.

"But this lodge made a boy of twenty-two a Master Mason just before he went to France in the first world war. After Soissons he lay all night on the field with a shattered leg and an arm so badly mangled that later they cut it off. While he lay there he heard familiar words from the familiar burial service of a Mason; 'this evergreen, which once marked the temporary resting place of the illustrious dead is an emblem of our faith in the immortality of the soul.'

"The wounded boy called for help. Came crawling to him was a man slightly wounded, who had said the service over the remains of a comrade. At the risk of his life he hauled the wounded boy to safety. That wounded boy came back to this little country lodge to tell his brethren of what Masonry means in men's hearts when they carry it into the battlefield. As I listened the plain board walls fell away, the deal floor became tessellated marble, the low stained ceiling became a vaulted archway and the Great Architect Himself entered the East Gate.

"Another beautiful temple I only heard of. Civil engineers were building a railroad in the Andes. One of their laborers, a Mason, had fever and had to be sent home. This party of five sat out under the trees and the stars and talked on the square. Each of them gave a month's salary to the sick laborer. He had a wife and two babies in Denver, the wife trying to live in spite of the dread disease Denver's high altitude cures. Our ancient brethren met under the stars, where their 'covering was no less than the clouded canopy or starry-decked heaven.' But none of these ever held a more beautiful lodge than those five young men, filled with Masonic charity, giving each more than he could afford for a day laborer in hard luck, because he was a Mason.

"My third most beautiful temple was made of many little tents. There were children in them; children large and small, and there was no distinction between them of race, creed, color. All a child had to be was poor to have two weeks in the open. Nor was this a lodge charity; it was the work of a Masonic club, and run by individual contributions. As I looked I heard the organ peal as I have never heard it in many temples of stone.

"As a teacher said, 'for where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.' Where three, five, seven or more Master Masons gather in the name of Masonry, there is the temple. It is right and wise that we build great temples of stone and carving; which give testimony to all the world that here men gather in brotherhood. Masonic structures play a great part and we could spare them ill. But the greatest Masonic temples are builded in men's hearts.

"If you would visit beautiful temples in your travels. seek less for mighty building and more for a house not made with hands. 'Masonry builds her temples in the hearts of men' and in men's hearts shall you seek for, and find, those most beautiful."

The Old Tiler ceased and looked off into space as if he saw a vision. The New Brother looked at the Old Tiler.

"I do not need to travel far to see one of the most beautiful temples," he said.

Friday, August 15, 2014

From the South


Brethren,

It is my pleasure to bring you the upcoming events for August and the first part of September.

Firstly, Don't forget Union lodge's cave degree event is tonight and Saturday.  The dinner is tonight at Union lodge #38 from 4pm to 7pm, with a Georgia F.C. degree to follow.  Tomorrow's Events will start at 9am. More information can be found HERE.

TAMALES are now up for pre-order.
   Last year we started selling tamales and the results were astounding. These are not small tamales. We make mild or spicy and with or without pork. this fundraiser will be going from now through the holiday season. They are $12.00 a dozen or $20.00 for two dozen.  Call J.W. Dustin Wade at 865-686-2064 to place your order today.

Aug 21st we will be having 2 F.C. Degrees. We will eat at 6pm, Degree at 7pm.

Aug 28th we will be having an E.A. Degree. We will eat at 6pm, Degree at 7pm.

Due to in-climate weather last month, we will be re-hosting our 6th Annual Ice Cream social on Aug 30th This is a free event and we still have a ton of ice cream.

Sept 4th will be our official visit. I would like to see a good turn out this year. This is not just a chance for the grand lodge to grade us; it is also an opportunity for you to get a lecturers or proficiency card and a chance to ask questions.  It is also an excellent opportunity for the rusty mason to get his feet wet again.

Sept 20th we will be having a steak dinner at the lodge from 6pm to 8pm. This will be a true restaurant style, cook to order, all American, STEAK dinner. Sides will be baked potato and salad and yes there will be dessert. Tickets are $10.00, Kids 12 and under are $5.00. Call W.M. Mark Dixon at 865-414-0811 for Tickets and more details.

Don't forget you can sign up to receive Rockford's weekly trestle board on the right hand side of the trestle board page on our website at http://rockfordmasoniclodge469.org/trestleboard.htm.

All dates are also available on our calendar at http://rockfordmasoniclodge469.org/calendar.htm

~ J.W. Dustin Wade


Friday, August 8, 2014

From the West


Brethren,

July was a busy month for us. Continuing our influx of masons, we raised 2 new Master Masons last month. So many young masons have been getting involved and dedicating their time to the lodge and these young men are no exception. They are already great additions to Rockford.

We held our first annual community yard sale last month and the turn out was awesome. Between vendors and visitors, we ran out of parking spaces. All the vendors were extremely thankful for the opportunity and many look forward to participating next year.
  More YARD SALE photos can be found HERE

Another annual event was our 6th annual ice cream social. Unfortunately, due to in-climate weather, the turn out was minimal. We still have a lot of ice cream and will hopeful re-hold the event this month. Watch the "From The South" for more information.
More ICE CREAM photos can be found HERE

The beautiful lights that were made by brothers Joe Mencer and Doug Cable found their way to Sweetwater Lodge on July 18th. A few brethren along with the fore-mentioned brothers, presented the lights to the lodge prior to assisting with a Master's degree. A special thanks goes to brother Andy Swicegood for having us and for his work in that lodge.
 More LESSER LIGHTS photos can be found HERE

Rockford and Prudentia Lodges came together at Prudentia to provide a late luncheon to the area Masonic widows and orphans. We had wonderful food and fellowship and I sincerely hope to see these friends around the lodges more. Our doors and arms are always open.

At the end of the month we held a long over due family night and all I can say is WOW. The turn out was unimaginable.  A special thanks to everyone that attended we look forward to doing this again very soon.
More FAMILY NIGHT photos can be found HERE

Thank you all for an incredible month. Thanks to you Rockford is running strong.

Friday, August 1, 2014

Old Tiler Talks: ATHEIST AND AGNOSTIC


I have had a shock!" announced the New Brother, sitting beside the Old Tiler.

"Shall I send for a doctor?" asked the Old Tiler.

"No, a minister," countered the New Brother. "I just met Smithkins in the lodge. He's a member and I never knew it."

"If you like Smithkins, that must have been a pleasant shock," answered the Old Tiler.

"Oh, I like him all right. But it was unpleasant to find him a member of the lodge. Smithkins is an atheist! He can't be a real Mason."

"Oh! So Smithkins is an atheist. Was he an atheist when he signed his application?"

"Of course he was! He's always been one!"

"Then your course is clear. You should prefer charges against him for un-Masonic conduct and perjury, and have him thrown out of the fraternity."

"But-but why should I do it? Smithkins never did me any harm!"

"Oh, yes, he did! If an atheist lied to gain admittance to the Masonic fraternity, he injured Masonry and injured all Masons, and you are a Mason. So he injured you."

"But, why must I do it? You do it I You know so much more about such things than I do!" answered the New Brother.

"Oh, thank you!" smiled the Old Tiler. "But I know nothing about Smithkins being an atheist. I never met an atheist. I don't know what one looks like. And if Smithkins is an atheist, then an atheist looks and acts just like a theist. Where are his horns and his tail?"

"Oh, don't make fun! This is serious! How can we allow an atheist to continue in membership of our lodge?"

"I don't think we can!" comforted the Old Tiler. "But how can you prove Smithkins to be an atheist? He must have signed his statement that he believed in God when he joined the lodge. Atheism is a matter of belief or non-belief; it isn't a thing you can prove if he chooses to deny it."

"I have heard him say he doesn't believe in the divinity Christ!"

"Oh! Is that what made you call him an atheist? Many thousand Masons don't believe in the divinity of Christ; some are in this lodge. Jews do not; the Chinese do not; Mohammedans do not, but that doesn't mean they don't believe in God."

"But I have heard him say he doesn't believe in the God of the church."

"There is a conception of God in several churches in which I don't believe, either!" retorted the Old Tiler.

 "The God in whom I put my trust is not a vengeful God, swayed by passion or prejudice. The God in whom many good people believe is a terrible God, who gets angry and is revengeful and plans horrible torments for those who do not please Him. Because I don't put my faith in that particular idea of God doesn't mean I don't believe in God. And the people who believe in the Deity as pictured by Calvin and Luther and the Puritans may think my conception of Deity is all wrong, but that doesn't make them call me an atheist.
"The atheist is a curiosity. The very fact that a man says, 'I don't believe in God,' shows that he does. Where does he get his conception of the God he denies? The only real atheist is the man who never heard of God."

"Maybe Smithkins isn't an atheist, but he is an agnostic. He doesn't know what he believes!" defended the New Mason.

"That is different!" smiled the Old Tiler. "The agnostic isn't satisfied with the God of Moses, or the God of Calvin, or the God of Luther, or the God of the Jews, or the God of Jesus Christ. He defines his own God, made according to a formula which suits his particular ego. Let his child be desperately ill or he be in danger of drowning, and you'll hear him. Yes, and the 'atheist,' too! . . . cry to God for help. Luckily for poor impotent humanity the Supreme Architect is a merciful God who hears the cries of His children in distress whether they are simple men you know and like, or strange-minded men like Smithkins."

"Then you don't think Smithkins is a menace to the lodge because he is an . . . because he believes . . . differently from you and me?"

"I do not!" smiled the Old Tiler. "I know Smithkins pretty well. He doesn't lie so he must have some belief, or he wouldn't be a Mason. It doesn't concern us, or the lodge, or Masonry, what his belief is, so it is sincere. It takes all sorts of people to make a world, and if we all thought alike . . ."

"Why, then," interrupted the New Brother, "there would be no use for Old Tilers and their talks to the ignorant!"

"That would be terrible, wouldn't it?" agreed the Old Tiler, as he rose to answer knocks from within.

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Paul Revere



"Listen my children, and you shall hear of the midnight ride of Paul Revere "

These opening lines of Longfellow's poem, and the thrilling story which follows, have fascinated us for many years. History has recorded the details of the famous ride, and the incidents connected with it; but Masons know little about Paul Revere that arouses enthusiasm. It is my purpose tonight to bring out the important facts regarding him and to show the setting which brings our patriot brother closer to us.
The forefathers of Paul Revere were Huguenots, that brave sect of French Protestants who for many years defied Rome and the King of France. The Huguenots maintained their identity and churches in spite of edicts and persecutions. In 1540, six of their villages were completely destroyed and the inhabitants driven out, ravaged and murdered at the behest of the King. On August 24, 1572, the Huguenots were the victims of one of the most despicable massacres that ever took place - the Massacre of St. Bartholomew - in which more than six thousand of them were sought out in Paris and murdered in a human hunt lasting three days. The waters of the seine ran red with blood; the bodies of the victims were so numerous that the current was unable to carry them away; and for many miles the banks of the river were covered with their remains. When the news of the massacre reached Rome a three day's celebration was ordered by the ecclesiastical authorities. King Charles of France, who, together with his mother, had been influenced by Church leaders to order the massacre, was congratulated on the service thus performed for the Holy Roman Church.
The persecutions to which the Huguenots were subjected caused more than four hundred thousand French to leave the country and settle elsewhere. Among those who fled was Simon de Revoire, who moved to the Island of Guernsey in the English Channel. Simon's brother Isaac, being a man with a large family, stayed on in a remote part of France, later sending one of his sons, Apollo de Revoire, to his Uncle Simon, at the age of thirteen. After a time his uncle sent the Nephew to Boston, where he was apprenticed to a Goldsmith. Here he learned the secrets of the trade, and after a visit to Guernsey, he returned to America with the intention of making this country his home. His first step was to change his name to be more easily pronounced by his english speaking neighbors, and he was henceforth known as Mr. Paul Revere.
Establishing himself in business as a gold and silversmith, Revere married Miss Deborah Hitchborn in 1729. Twelve children were born of this union. The Paul Revere we are discussing tonight was the third of these, born January 8, 1735.
We learn that Revere received his education at the famous old "North Grammar School" kept by Master John Tileson, who taught school in Boston for eighty years. He was especially famed for his skill in penmanship. Doubtless we have here the foundation for one of Revere's later activities - engraved lettering.
Young Paul Revere followed in his father's footsteps as a Gold and Silversmith. Specimens of his work are still treasured to this day in some old New England families, and give ample evidence of his artistic skill. Inspired by long experience in embellishing the articles manufactured by him, Revere undertook the art of engraving on copper, with marked success. Books of the 17th and 18th centuries show that this was a popular form of illustrating. Many of Revere's pictures were political caricatures and cartoons; and among the best of his works is an engraving depicting the Boston Massacre, which was extensively copied in Europe. He also designed bookplates, and in later years furnished the engravings from which Masonic certificates were made.
The outbreak of the French and Indian Wars in 1756 prompted him to enlist in the British Colonial service. Commissioned a second lieutenant of artillery by Governor Sterling, he participated in the expedition against Crown Point under the command of General John Winslow. Here he received the military training which enabled him to give excellent service in later years as major, lieutenant- colonel, and colonel of artillery in the armed forces of Massachusetts.
Upon his return from military service, Revere was married in 1757 to Miss Sarah Orne of Boston. Seven children were born of this union. After sixteen years of wedded life, the faithful wife died, leaving Revere a widower at 38 with a large family on his hands, a business to look after and political events engrossing his attention. To quote Revere, he found his household "In sore need of a Mother," and within a short time after the death of his first wife and infant child, he married Miss Rachel Walker, ten years his junior. Eight children were added to the six of his first marriage.

Thursday, July 17, 2014

From the South


Brethren,
It is my pleasure to announce the upcoming events.
All these Events can be viewed on our lodge calendar at http://rockfordmasoniclodge469.org/calendar.htm

First of all, we at Rockford have been extremely blessed by an influx of new candidates this year. We will be raising two more young men to the sublime degree of Master Mason. The first will be tonight (July 17th) and the second will be Next Thursday (July 24th).

Tomorrow (July 18th), some of us will be heading down to Sweetwater Lodge to present said lodge with a much needed set of the representatives of the three Lesser Lights. If you are interested in attending, call Brother Joe Mencer for more info. This project was suggested by Brother Joe; whom collaborated with Brother Doug Cable in order to produce a truly beautiful set of standing lights. Brother Cable’s artistry in woodworking can be seen throughout the state in the canes that he and Brother Joe have been giving to the Brethren. Keep an eye out in next month’s Trestle Board for Pictures of the Event

This Saturday (July 19th) we will be having our 6th annual Ice Cream Social. This Event is open to the public and FREE. If you know anyone who loves ice cream (especially kids) bring them down or let them know where it is. We still need toppings so, if you want to bring something, call myself (Dustin) at 865-686-2064.
After Saturdays Ice Cream Social, don’t forget that George Washington lodge is having a BBQ dinner starting at 4pm, its $5.00 at the door.

On July 26th Rockford Lodge will be collaborating with Prudentia Lodge in a joint Widows and Orphans Dinner at Prudentia. All are invited but if you know a Masonic Widow or Orphan, please invite them.

On July 31st We will be having this year’s first family night. Brethren, this is a great opportunity for your wife, children or significant other to meet “those guys you’re always talking to until midnight”. Please bring your families out. This event will be a Pot Luck (No Cooking will take place at the lodge). We will also be collecting donations, that night, which will all go to the Scottish Rite Shoe Fund.

On August 16th We are planning to have a Steak Dinner; however, this event is still being planned and may be moved due to the large number of events that the lodge has been undergoing. Please keep an eye on our lodge calendar for updates.  

Lastly, on August 14th we will be starting back up on the tamale sales. More info will be announced in next month’s “From the South”


~Thank you brethren and may the blessings of the Grand Architect of the Universe, be ever with you. 

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

From the West


Rockford is having a great year!
First a quick catch-up.
Rockford put on our first turkey shoot in May and it was a hit. Turn out was great. Brother Justin Smith did a top notch job!  We also raised 2 new brothers to the sublime degree of Master Mason in May.

In June we performed an EA, FC and a Masters. We also had the fishing derby, which was a good chance for Rockford to be seen by the public. We had a good time serving hot dogs and having fellowship. On the 28th Brethren from Rockford lodge and the Boy Scouts joined to clean up the lodge's "Adopt-a-Road" that being Russell Rd here in Rockford. The boys received many hours of community service and it was an excellent chance to renew our friendship with the Boy Scouts of America. 

More pictures can be found on our Photobucket page HERE

 I would like to let you brothers know how proud I am to serve as S.W. of this lodge. Rockford is great because of the men I so proudly serve.

- Bro. SW Shane Lowe

Thursday, July 10, 2014

From the East



Greeting Brethren,

I hope this letter finds you all in good health and cheer. As far as I know all is still good at Rockford. It has been a very busy year as far as floor work goes. The Senior Warden will discuss it in his words. As you all know we have lost several brethren to death and we need to continue to raise their families up in prayer. As I start into the last half of the year, I still at times wonder where I'm heading. With the help of the past masters and the well informed brethren I hope to finish my year as it started with hope and enthusiasm and that our lodge will continue to grow and become even stronger than last year. As far as the East goes it has been a very humbling year. I've had to learn to run the lodge with a iron fist covered with a velvet glove. I have to remember that we all are traveling on a road we have never traveled before. I have learned that compassion and understanding is a virtue that is in as well as outside of the lodge.  I feel our lodge has been blessed and continues to be blessed. I have stumble and fallen, more than once, and with the compassion and understanding of the brethren they have held me up, dusted me off and helped me on my way. I have learned more from them then they have from me and I only hope I can repay that debt some day. I hope that God meets your every need and gives you a road more easily traveled.

In the light,
Mark

Words borrowed from John L. Palmer
"You might be a Mason if you have come face to face with your own mortality and resolved to devote your remaining span of life however long or short it might be to make the world a better place for everyone to live in"

How about the other side of the coin for instance:

You might not be a Mason if your more concerned about the amount of your dues than about being of service to other people

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Old Tiler Talks: KINDS OF MASONS

Brethren,
If you did not attend the district meeting, here is a story that was told and I would like to relay.


"I am almost through!" The New Brother displayed a sheaf of cards to the Old Tiler. "Soon I will have joined them all and become every kind of Mason there is."
"What do you know about the kinds of Masons there are?" asked the Old Tiler, interested. "You have not been a Master Mason long enough to gain all that knowledge!"
"That's not hard to gain, with all the brethren poking petitions at you. There are Scottish Rite Masons and York Rite Masons and Templar Masons and Chapter Masons and council Masons and..."
"Oh!" the syllable said much. The Old Tiler added, "I didn't understand. I thought you couldn't have learned yet."
"Learned what? Are there some more kinds of Masons?"
"Indeed, yes! answered the Old Tiler. "A great many kinds. But seven you haven't mentioned stand out more prominently than others."
"Do tell me! I thought I had joined most of them..."
"You don't join these. You become one, or are made one, or grow into one of them. For instance, there is the King Solomon Mason. He thinks that everything that Solomon did as a Mason is right and everything he didn't do is wrong. To him Masonry was conceived, born and grew up in the shadow of King Solomon, and every word of the legend is literally true, much like the man who refuses to believe the earth is round, because a verse in the Bible refers to the 'four corners of the earth!' The King Solomon Mason lives his Masonry according to his light; perhaps it's not his fault it is so dim.
"To the ritual Mason the importance of Masonry is the form of its words. A good Mason in his belief is one who can repeat a lecture from end to end without a slip. A man may do battle, murder, or cause sudden death, commit arson or run away with a neighbor's wife; if he knows his ritual letter perfect, it 'was all a mistake!' The man who doesn't know his ritual letter perfect is not, in this man's eyes, a good Mason; not though he give to charity with both hands and carry love for his fellowman in both head and heart.
"The practical Mason looks at life from a utilitarian standpoint. He prefers electricity to candles for Lesser Lights because they are simpler and prefers candles to electricity because they are cheaper. He thinks a choir impractical because it produces nothing permanent, and would rather spend the money for printed matter or a new carpet. He is at his best when raising money for a new temple and at his worst when asked to express himself upon the spirit of Masonry. His hand is in his pocket for charity, but never for entertainment. He is usually on the finance committee, and recommends a budget in which rent and heat and light are bigger than relief.
"The heart Mason is the opposite. He is full of impractical schemes. He wants to start a new temple which will never be built. He talks much of the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man, but is absent when the hat is passed and the committee on funds needs a few workers to go out and gather in. The heart Mason is the lodge sob-sister; he usually seconds any motion to spend any amount of money for flowers or to send a brother away for his health, and always makes a little tear-filled speech about the fatherless loved ones, even if the dear departed died a bachelor.
The business Mason belongs because he thinks it helps his job. He usually sits next to the solid businessman in lodge and likes to tell people what he does. If he is a Past Master, he never comes to lodge on time, so that he can get a special welcome at the Altar. His favorite speech is about the man who tried to advertise his business in lodge and how evil this was; in the speech he always mentions his own business. He wears an extra large sized pin and prints squares and compasses on his letterheads.
"We dominate another kind by the expressive term of belly Mason. He is most faithful in attendance at lodges where there may be a feed. He will cheerfully spend twenty cents carfare and a long evening to get a fifteen-cent sandwich. If there is to be a sit-down meal he will sit up all night to be on time. If the affair is in another lodge and needs tickets he will take time off from his job to hunt a brother who has a ticket and doesn't want it. He usually manages to cross the lodge room while the cigars are passed so he can dig into the box twice. If the crowd is small, he is the last man to get a smoke, so he can take all that are left. If the crowd is large, he is among the first, to make sure he doesn't get left.
"And then there is the regular Mason- the fellow who does his best with the time and brains he has. He is the great bulk of the fraternity. He pays the dues and fills the chairs and does the work. He is seldom a fine ritualist, but he is usually an earnest one. He is not very practical, and would spend more than we have if it wasn't that he is too sentimental to permit the charity fund to be robbed. He passes the sandwiches and coffee, and if there is any left he gets his; but he doesn't care so long as the evening is a success. He isn't a student, but something in the heart of Masonry has reached deep into his heart, and so he comes to lodge and does his best. He is not learned, but he is not stupid. He is not hidebound, and yet he is conservative. He loves his lodge, but not so much he cannot see her faults. He is most of us."
"And what class of Mason am I?" asked the New Brother, uneasily looking at his sheaf of cards.
"You have cards enough to be considered a Mason for almost any reason," answered the Old Tiler. "But I'll take your word for it. What kind of Mason are you?"
"I don't know for sure, but I know what kind I am never going to be!" answered the New Brother, putting his many cards away.