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Post Office Box 821413, Fort Worth, Texas 76182 USA
Lodge telephone number: 817.656.2311
Best time to contact the Lodge: Tuesday and Thursday evenings between 6 PM and 9
PM
January, 1998
Dear Brethren,
Seasons Greetings! December found the lodge very busy. We had Grand Lodge early in the month, the unfortunate loss of Brother Clark McKelvey and our fund-raiser at the Northeast Mall. During our last stated meeting, the Insurance committee made its findings known. In short, we must pay a higher premium in order to increase our coverage to a level which will cover the Lodge, and its contents, in case of some sort of disaster. This increase in premiums will add over three hundred dollars to our costs of operation each year. We will be working on a fund-raiser, or some other way to pay this newest cost. Any ideas? If so, please contact any officer of the Lodge.
I received a very nice compliment from visiting Brethren on the talks given by Brothers David Terrell and Mike Haygood this past stated meeting.
Because New Year's Day falls on the first Thursday, our stated meeting will be held on Thursday, January 8 at the usual time of 7:30 P.M. We all hope to see you there. Have a wonderful Christmas and safe holiday season.
Steve Bachman
Brethren,
I would like to thank everyone who participated in our Wives and Widows Banquet in November. Your contributions were greatly appreciated. Thanks also to Brothers J.B. Hutcherson and Billy Campbell for all their hard work on the Mall Greeting Committee. I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season, and I'm looking forward to having a very successful Masonic year in ninety-eight!
Sincerely,
Daryle Hester
Hey y'all,
The Holidays are upon us! I hope they find you well. I took my family to visit my mother during Thanksgiving. My four older brothers, my little sister, and all our spouses and all our young ones came for a big 'ole turkey feast. However, the time was bittersweet as Dad passed away only six months ago. His presence is still strong (May God grant that it's always so.) and there were times I could feel him and spun around fully expecting to see him behind me. One of my brothers expressed the same feelings during the weekend. Then, as another brother drove Dad's truck around the bend toward the house, Mom glanced up and instinctively said "Here comes Daddy!" She paused and then burst into tears. As we rushed to her, gathered round her and held her close, I could only look to heaven and silently plead through my tears. "Oh Lord! We miss him so much! Help us in our weakness and strengthen our faith!" He did. A few minutes later, we pulled ourselves together and kept on going . . . .
Brethren, I am so thankful to God for His infinite compassion and grace, and to you for your warm fellowship and brotherly love. These things are tremendously important to me. They lift me up when life is dark.
And now, the cycle of time has brought us near the best time of the year -- Hanukkah and Christmas. I hope you took the opportunity to work as a "Mall Helper" during the month. I had some wonderful times seeing the effect that a bit of gentleness, joy and good will can have on a fellow Child of God. I was truly blessed by doing nothing more than opening the door for a total stranger and giving them a smile and kind greeting as they passed. You could look in their faces and tell that we turned some folks' entire day around. It's been a while since anyone other than Liz called me an angel. If you follow the local TV news, you know that the world noticed our efforts. Brethren, We Made a Difference!
I found out something that I already knew but, had not thought about lately. We're all unprofitable servants but, when you serve your fellows, you serve God! If you missed this wonderful service project, we have another chance close to hand. Representing the fraternity at the Fort Worth Stock Show Booth is a great opportunity to put your Masonry and good cheer before the world. Call me if you'd like to help.
We've had some great times at Lodge in the past month or so. Brother Burgess conferred his first degree (an EA) on his son; and Brother Bowman conferred his first degree (also an EA) on a dear friend. I passed my first "A" Certificate of Ritual Proficiency. Brother Haygood presented two wonderful talks on philosophical and symbolic aspects of the pyramids and the Tabernacle. And while I'm on the subject, Tabernacle and Riverside Lodges had their 75th anniversary celebration. (Our 125th is only a couple of years away!)
The warmth generated when Brethren dwell together in unity is pleasant indeed.
David Terrell
Brethren,
It was a good Grand Lodge session. Several important things happened this year. First, the session was governed by Grand Master Joe Regian in a manner that made us proud to be MASONS. For example, the chair recognized only positive motions. Thus, one knew that we were voting on the proposition, not on a committee recommendation. Secondly, the sessions moved rather quickly. One had to be on one's toes to stay abreast of the proceedings. Thirdly, you would have been proud of the children from the Home and School. The choirs and the band did a superb job!
Some of you might want to know that Brother David Dibrell, of Richardson, was elected to the Grand South.
I had the pleasure of bringing the Most Worshipful Bill Jeffers, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Arizona, to the 64th Masonic District breakfast. Some of you know that M: W: Brother Jeffers made the trip to England with us. His Grandfather was the first Master of the Lodge that we visited in Ebbw Vale, Wales. He brought us greetings from Paradise Valley Lodge. He also gave a very inspiring talk at the Grand Lodge session.
We had a good crowd at the breakfast. The incoming District Deputy Grand Masters were introduced, and presented with a brief case by the Master's, Warden's and Secretary's Association. The new DDGM for Masonic District 64A is the Right Worshipful W. Joe Brown. Some of you may know him as "The Undertaker." he will do us a good job. I will stay on as the District Education Officer. More to come on this later.
Thank you for allowing me to attend Grand Lodge. A double thank you to Brother Mike Haygood for standing in for me at the stated meeting. I hear that he did a great job . . . so, is this my replacement?
Happy Holidays to all, and to all a good night!
B.R. Campbell, Secretary
January 1 -- New Year's Day
January 6 -- Smithfield Lodge resumes labor
January 8 -- Pot Luck Dinner 6:30 PM, Stated Meeting 7:30 PM
January 23 -- Fort Worth Stock Show Booth
January 26 -- 64 Masonic District Master's, Warden's and Secretary's Association meeting at Stockyards Lodge 7:30 PM
January 27 -- Smithfield Masonic Education Institute 7 PM
Applications for admission to the Texas Masonic Home and School must be made by a Texas Masonic Lodge. First priority is given to children and grandchildren of Master Masons in Texas. Secondly, priority is given to great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews of Master Masons in Texas. In addition, consideration is extended to any child who lives in Texas; is recommended by five or more Texas Masons; properly investigated by a Committee of the recommending Lodge; and approved by a majority of the members present at a Stated Meeting. (See Article 157, revised 1989.)
Legally adopted children are given the same admission consideration as those who have a natural relationship. A step relationship will not be given the same consideration. Only children between five and twelve years of age may be considered for admission to the Home and School unless the Board of Directors approves the application.
The function of the Home and School is to rear and educate normal children. Children who have serious physical, emotional or learning difficulties, or who are morally delinquent, are not eligible for admission. (adapted from the Grand Lodge of Texas Web Page)
Further questions should be directed to:
Superintendent, Texas Masonic Home and School
P.O. Box 15040, Fort Worth, TX 76119
(817) 531-9300 or (214) 429-6071
Our first set of lessons will begin on January 27 and examine the operative masons of medieval England and the "London Company". We'll begin with a introduction of architectural masonry and discuss the medieval operative mason and the English Guilds. In February, we'll discuss the London Company of Freemasons and the "Acception" in the Masons' Company. In March, we'll examine the various "Old Manuscript Charges".
District 64-A
Sunrise Daylight 1433 -- 1/8 @ 9:30a
Handley 1140 -- 1/8 @ 7:30p
River Oaks 1311 -- 1/12 @ 7:30p
Arlington Heights 1184 -- 1/13 @ 7:30p
Polytechnic 925 -- 1/15 @ 7:00p
Smithfield 455 -- 2/5 @ 7:30p
Fort Worth 148 -- 2/9 @ 7:30p
White Settlement 1372 -- 3/9 @ 7:30p
R:W: Joe Brown [DDGM] (335-4557)
Gary Alexander [District Instructor] (461-6697)
Billy Campbell [District Education Officer] (282-1764)
Bob Hogan [District Masonic Relations Officer] (293-6380)
District 64-B
Cook-Peavy 1162 -- 1/5 @ 7:30p
Haltom City 1331 -- 1/6 @ 7:30p
Grapevine 288 -- 1/12 @ 7:30p
Deer Creek 510 -- 1/13 @ 7:30p
Crowley 1437 -- 1/20 @ 7:30p
Hurst 1387 -- 2/3 @ 7:30p
Tarrant 942 -- 2/9 @ 7:00p
Riverside 1194 -- 3/9 @ 7:30p
R:W: Kirby Rudisill [DDGM] (795-6758/275-2893)
Jerry Wilson [DI] (295-8398/295-2241)
James Hotopp Sr. [DEO] (297-1421/777-2000)
Randy Lockhart [DMRO] (656-8575)
District 64-C
South Hills 1389 -- 1/6 @ 7:30p
Hemphill Heights 1164 -- 2/9 @ 7:00p
Tabernacle 1195 -- 2/10 @ 7:00p
Estelle 582 -- 2/17 @ 7:30p
Keller 1084 -- 3/3 @ 7:30p
Eugene Green 1441 -- 3/7 @ 8:30a
Ridglea 1341 -- 3/9 @ 7:30p
Mansfield 331 -- 4/7 @ 7:30p
R:W: B.J. Young [DDGM] (263-5957/224-0251)
Pat Rambo Jr. [DI] (377-2626)
W. Clinton Stark [DEO] (581-1128/496-6721)
Robert Crawford [DMRO] (249-1781)
District 64-D
Julian Field 908 -- 1/13 @ 7:00p
Webb 1454 -- 1/19 @ 7:00p
Stockyard 1244 -- 2/2 @ 7:30p
Southside 1114 -- 2/9 @ 7:30p
Richland Hills 1348 -- 3/2 @ 7:30p
Lake Worth 1410 -- 3/3 @ 7:30p
Arlington 438 -- 3/10 @ 7:30p
Panther City 1183 -- 3/17 @ 7:30p
R:W: John Hughes [DDGM] (274-8978/762-8014)
D. Oliver Sutton [DI] (284-2631)
Darrell Smith [DEO] (485-1256/972-266-8737)
Joe Everett [DMRO] (847-7326/624-3122)
Please give these Brethren a call and or visit.
The following brethren will observe their Masonic Birthdays. They were raised to the sublime Degree of Master Mason during this month.
Congratulations Brethren!
"Every crime against our laws, every sin against decency and morality, every sharp practice against square dealing in business, is a serious reflection on the Masonic Lodge, in the neighborhood in which it is committed. Masonry should not take the pure principles of morality and preserve them in the walled up seclusion of lodge halls, like as we preserve fruit and vegetables and keep them in dark cellars for our own use; but our lodges and our lives should be as lighthouses, blazing out the truths of right living, to bless the community, state and nation, in which we have our being." (Milton Winham, P.G.M., Arkansas).
Send your questions or comments to: David G. Terrell (David.G.Terrell@juno.com)
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