The Trestle Board

of Smithfield Lodge #455, A.F.&A.M.

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

March, 1999

In The Memory of

Brother John Clinton Franks

1918 -- 1999

"He was a true and faithful brother among us."

From the East

I hope everyone is doing well. Our calendars are as full as ever. The Brethren are working hard at Smithfield. We are trying to promote Masonry in every aspect possible. If any of you readers have any ideas that might help our lodge become a stronger lodge please write and tell us. We are always open to suggestions.

This month looks very exciting for us here at Smithfield! Scheduled for the month of March are our annual fish fry, a Past Masters' night and some of our brethren are taking a trip to Arizona. I am looking forward to each of these events because this is the type of fellowship that keeps Masonry alive. Past Masters' night will be held March 13th at 6:30. We encourage you all to come as live entertainment will be provided by our bluegrass friends! I will give a report from our trip to Arizona in the next Trestle Board.

Brethren, don't forget how much work we are doing at the lodge. I would like to congratulate each Mason, from the newest Entered Apprentice to our most recent Master Mason on all the hard work that has been put into your studies. We are encouraging everyone to try and attend at least once a week, or every other week so everyone will maintain their Masonic work. Thanks to the Committee on Work who keep us in line!

Everyone is welcome at Smithfield. Come and see what Masonry is like!!!!

Daryle Hester, W:M:

From the West

Brethren,

Last month, one of our Brethren went an extra mile and deserves your consideration and thanks. Eileen Groves, the wife of our dear, departed Brother Charlie Groves, needed some outside electrical work performed at her house. Brother Jeff Draeger, who works for the rural electrical company, went to the Groves' home and made the necessary repairs, thus making Eileen's life safer and easier. Brother Draeger, from the bottom of my heart, thank you very, very much! I humbly and sincerely appreciate your efforts to assist this dear woman whose husband taught me so much about Christian love and devotion. Your willingness to devote your time and energy to serving the memory and families of our Brethren, gone on before, is an example worthy of Charlie Groves and his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May God Bless You and Keep You, My Brother!!

At the February, 1999 Stated Meeting, we had a good amount of business. Brothers Gary Spraggins and John Frakes were welcomed to their first stated meeting. Brother Gary Spraggins also became a Trestle Board sponsor. I got my Endowed Membership paid off. We read two petitions for membership; one of these was from a man who responded to the Grand Lodge radio information public relations campaign. Brother Bachman reported that Brother Wiltse, whose back is hurt, is now at home. His stitches are out and he will be off work, at home, until June. The Mall Greeter committee reported that the project had earned the Lodge over $1,200 and thanked all who participated. The W.M. announced a Past Master's night for 13 March and a Golden Trowel presentation for 19 March. Please make plans to attend.

Last month, we had a Lodge breakfast Saturday morning after the stated meeting. It gave everyone who attended a chance to talk frankly on the current state of the Lodge and voice likes, dislikes and concerns. It cleared the air and revitalized many members of the Lodge. We're planning another one for Saturday, April 3.

On 16 February, Brother Spraggins returned his Master Mason's proficiency in exemplary fashion! Semper Fi! During the same meeting we were visited by Brother Jimmy Key, Potentate of Moslah Shrine, and Brother Johnny Poe, this year's Shrine Circus Chairman. They brought the Lodge a commission check for $118 from the advertising sold through the Lodge for the Circus Program. I appreciate the Shrine's support of the local Lodges.

I will be seeking Brethren to serve on the Lodge's Standing Committees during the next Masonic year. Please consider helping the Lodge to perform its functions.

Lastly, a young man I work with in the Navy Reserves, an active duty First Class Petty Officer, has petitioned Panther City Lodge and will be initiated at the Masonic Temple on the evening of March 23. I will be going and if anyone else wants to go and see a shipmate become a Brother, give me a call or just show up. Speaking of the Navy, they're sending me overseas again for a couple of weeks. I'll miss the Fish Fry but will console myself with a visit to Waikiki Beach!

David Terrell

From the South

Dear Brethren,

Don't forget that, on March 4th, there will be a FISH FRY before the Stated Meeting. It would be great for our new Masons to come and join us for this annual event. Also, Brethren, the Masonic year is fast coming to an end. Officers are making plans. Please be ready to serve the Lodge.

From the Grand Lodge Law Book: Each District Deputy Grand Master shall examine the records of the Lodges in his district are properly kept. he shall inform himself whether the members are punctual in attendance and harmonious in their work; and shall inquire generally into the condition of the Lodge.

I think Right Worshipful Brother Elliot left Smithfield Lodge satisfied. Thanks to all those who work so hard.

Rickey Levings

From the Treasurer

David was unable to provide an article for this Trestle Board. Editor.

From the Secretary

Brethren,

Thanks to those who submitted their dues after the last news letter, some still need to take care of this item.

The annual fish fry and public schools week observance is on March 4, 1999. We will have the privilege of having our own Brother Mike Haygood give us a talk on the history of the public schools, and Masonry's involvement with it. Honor this young Mason by your attendance.

I attended a funeral of a Mason from Richland Hills Lodge #1348. This was not a Masonic funeral, but one of the men attending the funeral had on his apron. After the service, I introduced myself to this young man; and inquired as to his lodge affiliation. He told where he was a member, and explained how he came to be wearing his apron at this particular funeral. He had become acquainted with this brother quite by accident. He had bought some items from the deceased at a garage sale. They visited about several problems of the world, and found that they shared the common ground of Masonry. As they got better acquainted, the subject of death was broached. After some in depth discussion, they both felt prepared for the inevitable visit of the grim reaper. Their friendship solidified, and visits grew more frequent. They liked the frankness with they could talk, and promised each other that they would attend the funeral of the first to pass on, and wear the apron of a Master Mason.

I was very taken with this story, and hope that I have friends as dedicated when my remains are interred. Let this story remind each of us that the world may only see Masons at this sad time, but we can show what Masonry means to us by how we treat our brethren.

Several of us will visit Right Worshipful Brother Lorean Cole, the District Deputy Grand Master of Masonic District #86, and father of Allen B. Cole, on March 2,1999 in Archer City. This will be the DDGM's official visit to that lodge. You may remember that RT.W. Bro. Cole attended our January stated meeting. If you would like to travel with please get in touch with me or the W.M.

Some of us will visit Smithfield West in Phoenix, Arizona on March 26-27. If you want to attend with us, let us know quickly.

Thanks to those who replied to our request for information about how this newsletter is keeping you informed as to what is going on at your Lodge.

B.R. Campbell, Secretary

Events

February 3 -- Stated Meeting 7:30 PM

March 19 -- Grand Master's Official Visit and Dinner (Brother Terrell has Tickets $10)

Past Master's Night

March 16, 1999 at 6:30 P.M.
Live Bluegrass Music!
Good Food and Great Fellowship!

March 19 -- Grand Master's Official Visit and Dinner (Brother Terrell has Tickets $10)

Other Items of Interest

To All Brethren of Smithfield Lodge #455,

Just a short "Thank you!" to everyone who helped me make it through all my degree work and examinations. Even though I have only been here for short time, I have made a lot of new friends and brothers. I have learned a great deal about Masonry and know that I have a lot more to learn. I really appreciate the time spent by Brothers Hutcherson and Hestilow in teaching me and for their continued support in my lesson work. I also appreciate the help and support of all the other brethren and especially to those who worked in my Degrees.

I have enjoyed in participating in the all the events that have gone on since becoming a Mason (the Senior Center Retirement Family Reunion Event, Garage Sale, and helping out at the Mall over the holidays). I'm hoping to get more involved with the lodge and I will continue to be a proud member of this fraternity.

Brother Gary L. Spraggins, MM

In Our Thoughts and Prayers ...

Brother Rickey Leving's sister-in-law, who is recovering from an injury.
Brother Drew Wiltse, who is home recovering from back problems and could use a friendly call.

Please give these Brethren a call and or visit.

Masonic Birthdays for March, 1999

The following brethren will observe their Masonic Birthdays. They were raised to the sublime Degree of Master Mason during this month.

R.W. Adamson       03-23-68
O.B. Adwell        03-18-71
W.C. Autrey PM     03-23-67
D.R. Derrick       03-23-67
R.L. Drummond      03-17-92
R.M. Evans         03-24-83
D.L. Hester WM     03-17-94
J.L. Horn          03-21-91
J.H. Jeter APM     03-13-54
R.D. Levings JW    03-07-95
J.W. Luster        03-19-70
E.B. Marrs         03-12-81
H. McKeehan        03-18-65
W.R. Myers         03-22-68
R.D. Nelson PM     03-10-90
C.W. Palmer        03-20-58
A.J.N. Pierce PM   03-21-46
R.C. Reflogal      03-15-73
R.K. Rice          03-12-96
R.L. Shade         03-29-73
J.W. Townsend APM 03-25-44
H.W. Webb PM       03-16-82