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.

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 17^th) and the second will be Next Thursday (July 24^th).

Tomorrow (July 18^th), 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 19^th) we will be having our 6^th 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 26^th 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 31^st 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 16^th 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 14^th 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. 

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

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

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.