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Brethren, First, let me begin this last article for my tenure by saying thank you. Thank you for allowing me the privilege to serve you as your Grand Master this past year. Thank you for making it a pleasant experience and aiding me to restore peace and harmony within our fraternity. Your efforts to dwell together in unity have allowed me the opportunity to concentrate on rebuilding our relationship with the imperial shrine, creating a revision of the trial laws for your approval, and above all, allowing me the privilege to spend time traveling to the lodges to fellowship with you. Brethren this upcoming Grand Session is unique in that it will be the first time to utilize electronic balloting. The delegates will have the opportunity to see the artwork for our new state issued license plate, and to see the return of the illuminated "G" in the Grand East. Additionally, and most importantly, the delegates will have the ability to make their decision whether or not to vote on revising our trial laws and a process to reinstate the Shrine in Arkansas.
The Imperial Potentate, Jim Cain and his committee chairman, the SGIG in Alaska, David Worel, will be in attendance at this session, ready to address the delegates and repair the bridge between our two organizations. Dignitaries from several neighboring jurisdictions have committed their attendance to bear witness to the outcome of the issues presented. Now is the time to show them who Arkansas Mason's are. If you are a legal voting delegate for your lodge, whether through proxy or sitting officer, I encourage you to attend and let your vote be counted for the future of our fraternity. I believe this session will truly be one you will look back on with pride and say, "I was there when it happened." Brethren, I have looked at the concerns of other grand jurisdictions toward us and have addressed those as well in my recommendations. As I have told those jurisdictions, Arkansas is sovereign. If any changes come to Arkansas it will be because the delegates in Arkansas make those changes, not from outside influence from other jurisdictions. The
Tidings From the Grand East:
Grand Lodge F & AM of Arkansas
Winter 2019 Volume II, Issue 3
The Masonic Trowel Spreading The Cement of Brotherly Love
2018—2019
Grand Officers
Bradley Phillips
Grand Master
J.D. Sexton
Deputy Grand Master
David Bradley
Grand Senior Warden
William Ronald Frizzell
Grand Junior Warden
Larry Berry
Grand Treasurer
Carl E. Nelson, Jr., PGM
Grand Secretary
Boyd Freeman
Grand Senior Deacon
Arnold Hodge
Grand Junior Deacon
Teddy Holmes
Grand Lecturer
Joshua Currier
Grand Orator
Ancel Ray Mathews
Grand Chaplain
L.R. Phillips
Grand Tyler
Inside this issue:
responsibility is now on YOU as a delegate. I have done all that I can to address the concerns I've heard about this fraternity for the past 15 years. It's now up to you, to attend and vote your conscience. Finally brethren in closing, you have an amazing opportunity before you. How you use it is not for me to say, that is something you must decide for yourself. I have completed my goal this year to bring my recommendations to the floor. Fraternally, and for the last time as your sitting Grand Master; Bradley R. Phillips
M∴W∴ Bradley R. Phillips
Thoughts from the
Grand Officers 2 & 3
From the Grand Secretary 4
The Story of a Lewis 5
East Fork Update 7
Service Dogs @ Sylvan Hills 7
The Gr. Chaplain 8
175 Years of Masonry 9
Remembering Richard 10
Page 2
Brethren: There has been lot work
going on throughout the
state. I have attended
several Master’s degrees
at various lodges. I believe
our future is moving in a
positive direction. The
demonstration of brethren
dwelling together in unity
has been amazing. The
2019 Grand Session is fast
approaching, I hope that
all the officers of each
lodge will be able to
attend. The future of our
fraternity is in your hands. I
plan to direct this Grand
Lodge in the direction the
brethren desire, but to do
so I need your input at
Grand Lodge. I feel though
we have made much
progress this year. There
is still much to do. Always
Remember
“Together We Can
Accomplish Much”.
. Fraternally: Jesse D. Sexton Deputy Grand Master
On the Left, in the Grand East
R∴W∴ J.D. Sexton
Deputy Grand Master
The Masonic Trowel
Pay the Craft Their Wages
concepts and goals of Freemasonry apply as much to today’s world as they did to our grandparents’, and they’re certainly needed every bit as much now as they ever were.So at the end of the day please continue to not only remember your obligations, but to apply your obligations to your life. Remember, every human being has a claim upon your kind
offices.That being said I look forward to sitting in Grand Lodge with each and everyone of you in February and look forward to seeing you all there. Fraternally, David Bradley Grand Sr. Warden
Brethren: The excitement about Freemasonry continues to grow in our state and it makes you ask, “How is Freemasonry still relevant today?” Well, the bad thing about the basic tenets of Freemasonry is that they don’t change very much. And the good thing about the basic tenets of Freemasonry is that they don’t change very much. The simple
R∴W∴ David Bradley
Grand Sr. Warden
Don’t miss out! Sign up to receive every issue of The Masonic Trowel delivered directly to your e-mail inbox! Send your e-mail address to the Editor at:
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No spam from
me, EVER! T.J. Henwood,
editor
Page 3
The Masonic Trowel
the result. Let’s do what is right for Arkansas Freemasonry. I am truly excited and looking forward to our Grand Lodge meeting. If you haven’t attended a Grand Lodge Communication you are missing a truly rewarding opportunity.I am always uplifted and encouraged to see our leaders taking care of our fraternity, experiencing their devotion and dedication to our craft, and the sincere brotherly love and fellowship shared among my brothers. Come join us!! I look forward to seeing you there. Fraternally, Wm. R. “Ronnie” Frizzell Grand Junior Warden
will be trying to do what is best for our fraternity and I challenge each one of you whether you will be attending Grand Lodge or not to do the same. We have enjoyed a level of harmony and cooperation not seen in many years because together we have done what is right for the fraternity. My hope is that we will continue to build on this foundation and strengthen our fraternity further. I believe this will only be accomplished if we all take the time to think more our fraternity rather than letting our thinking be clouded by any selfish, political, or shortsighted motives.This may not be easy in some cases but I am confident that if we remember our obligations, search our hearts, and act a Masons true light will be
Brethren:
Fac Quid EstIustum English translation: “Do what is right”. This phrase summarizes the way I was taughtto live and have tried to live my adult life. Although I try to live doing what is right there have been many times this teaching has been challenging and frankly there have been many times I have failed. In hindsight,most of my failures can usually be tied to some negative or selfish trait which I allowed to cloud my actions. I have usually ended up regretting not following what I have accepted as my credo. I tell you this because as we approach our upcoming Grand Lodge Communication, this will be my attitude. I
The Sun at Meridian Height
R∴W∴ Wm. Ronald Frizzell
Grand Jr. Warden
Masonry. Please send me a note about events at your Lodge. Local community events, and Lodge family events are especially solicited. Take that phone off of your hip, and take a few pictures. Send them to: [email protected] Or text to: 501-413-8181. I appreciate this opportunity to serve our Grand Lodge. I really appreciate your help!
T.J. Henwood Editor
Brethren: I hope you have enjoyed this final edition of “The Masonic Trowel” for the 2018-19 Arkansas Masonic year. I must apologize for not having one in the fall. My many responsibilities simply overwhelmed me. But, for those who sent pictures and information about your Lodge activities, I have incorporated as much as possible into this edition. YOU can help make this newsletter better represent all of Arkansas
Editor’s Notes
The Masonic Trowel Is a publication of
The Grand Lodge of
Free & Accepted Masons of
Arkansas
P.O. Box 2460
Little Rock, AR 72203-2460
Carl E.Nelson, Jr. PGM
Grand Secretary
T.J. Henwood, PDDGM
Editor
Grand Lodge of AR © 2018
TJH © 2018
All Rights Reserved
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We are planning some
exciting innovations for this
Grand Lodge session;
including electronic
balloting, and a real-time
display of every balloted
vote.
The displays will also allow
our technical reports to be
presented for all to easily
view.
I have enjoyed serving you
this last year, and I hope to
have the opportunity to
continue to serve our
fraternity.
If there is any assistance
we can provide you or the
lodges, please do not
hesitate to contact us.
Brethren we are here to assist you and the lodges. Fraternally, MW Carl Nelson PGM Grand Secretary
ahead of us to make our
database accurate. We
have got it to the point that
most understand how to
use it, but there is still
much work to do. I need
the lodge secretaries to
check all the member's
records for dates and
correct names, also check
the Perpetual accounts
and let's make sure they
are right. We had to spend
much time to update the
new database to track the
perpetual memberships
accurately; you can also
find the memorials your
lodge has purchased in
the non-section of the
database. Lodge
members can get on the
database, all you have to
do is go to
argrandlodge.com and
click on the member's
section and sign up for
you're account you will
need an email and your
new member ID which you
can get from the lodge
secretary. Also, the new
dues cards for 2019 have
your member Id # on your
dues card.
Brethren: Greetings from the Grand
Lodge office. Well, the cold
of winter is upon us. I for
one welcome it, at least
until around March. Then I
am ready for Spring and
warmer weather. The good
news is that the forecast
for Grand Lodge does not
have any winter
precipitation in it, for now.
I hope by now everyone
has had a chance to take
our new database for a
test drive. I am aware at
first sight it looked
confusing, but there have
been several lodges that
have picked up on the
challenge and done an
excellent job, for that I am
truly grateful. The ones
that haven’t had the time
we have spent at least four
weeks going thru every
lodge and all its records
trying to match it to the
Roll of Members from last
year. R.W. JD Sexton and
David Miles have both
been instrumental in
getting this completed. We
still have other challenges
On The Grand Secretary’s Desk
M∴W∴ Carl Nelson, PGM
Grand Secretary
Don’t miss out! Sign up to receive every issue of The Masonic Trowel delivered directly to your e-mail inbox! Send your e-mail address to the Editor at:
Themasonictrowel @gmail.com
No spam from
me, EVER! T.J. Henwood,
editor
176th Annual Communication Grand Lodge of Arkansas
February 7 and 8, 2019 Albert Pike Temple - Little Rock
Page 5
The Masonic Trowel
July 14th of 2018 was a wonderful day for Brother
Mathew Edwards. It was also a very sad day. For on that
day, Brother Edwards was raised a Master Mason at
Edwards Lodge #593 (no connection). But, it happened
without the man who raised him, his father, Brother Mark
Edwards. Brother Mark passed away on July6th.
Before he made his journey to the “Celetial Lodge
above”, Brother Mark had the privilege of conferring both
the Entered Apprentice and Fellowcraft Degrees on his
son.
On the day of his Master’s Degree, Brother Mathew
received an Arkansas Lewis Jewel, as a memorial to his
father.
In September of 2018, Texarkana Lodge No. 341
purchased an “Arkansas Diamond” in brother
Mark Edwards’ memory. Brother Mathew, with
RW Bro Arnold Hodge, presented the certificate
and a Masonic Widow’s pin to his mother.
More about the Lewis jewel on the next page.
Bittersweet Story of a Lewis
Don’t miss out! Sign up to receive every issue of The Masonic Trowel delivered directly to your e-mail inbox! Send your e-mail address to the Editor at:
Themasonictrowel @gmail.com
No spam from
me, EVER! T.J. Henwood,
editor
RW Bro. Arnold Hodge congratulates Bro. Mathew
Edwards after presenting him with the Grand
Master’s pin, and a Lewis Jewel, memorializing his
father, Bro. Mark Edwards.
We’re on the Web! www.argrandlodge.com
Page 6
The Masonic Trowel
Are You a Lewis?
Application for Lewis Jewel
Name of Recipient: _______________________________________________________
Lodge: ____________________________
Additional Name Bars (if Applicable)
Name: ____________________________
Lodge: ____________________________
Cost
Lewis Jewel X $50.00 each
Additional name bar X $25.00 each
Total Amount: _____________
The requirement for qualification of the Lewis Jewel is being the
direct descendant (son) of an Arkansas Master Mason (either
living or deceased). Once the information has been confirmed in
the Grand Lodge database for the recipients, the jewel and/or
name bars will be shipped to the lodge postal address. It is the
lodge/recipients responsibility to engrave the name bars so prior
planning is recommended. The purpose of the program is to
recognize Masonic families within Arkansas. The appropriate
time to present the jewel to the youngest generation within the
family is during the master mason degree after the bible, Grand
Masters lapel pin and other items are presented.
ADDRESS TO WHERE JEWEL IS TO BE SENT:
Name:__________________________________
Address: ________________________________
________________________________
Additional comments:_____________________________
_____________________________
The Lewis is a tool used in operative masonry to aid the workmen to lift large heavy stones to be placed accurately during construction. The son of a Mason is called a “Lewis” in England because it is his duty to support the sinking powers and aid the failing strength of his father; “To bear the burden and heat of the day that his parents may rest in their old age, thus rendering the evening of their lives peaceful and happy.” - Oliver
The Masonic Trowel
Page 7
East Fork No. 327 Celebrates Completion of New Lodge with MM Degree
The Brethren of East Fork Lodge have a right to be proud of their new Lodge Hall. (right) Completed in less than a year, the new facility shines like a new penny in the small town of Wooster. And, what better way to celebrate than with a Master’s Degree? (below)
Plainview Picks Up the Challenge One of the activities at East Fork that has the brethren enthused is the “Backpack” feeding program, headed up by Brother Lynn Hill. Apparently the enthusiasm is catching, because the brethren of Plainview No. 641, assisted by their ladies, (left) have started a similar program in their community.
The Masonic Trowel
Page 8
Our Grand Chaplain - Ancel “Ray” Mathew, Jr.
Greetings my brothers: This is just a little information of the life and times of your Grand Chaplain. I was born a little over 60 years ago in Springdale AR. and raised in the greater Mountain Home area along the white river. It is amazing how the great Architect of the universe can work things out. I began my career with the railroad just after turning 18 years of age where I would retire 32 years later and move to Viola, AR. where I demitted from Jackson Lodge #191 from where I was initiated, passed and raised. I became a 32 degree Scottish Rite Mason “Valley of Little Rock” in April 1995, and have subsequently been honored with the KCCH. When demitted from Jackson Lodge to “New Viola Lodge #741” where I have served three of my five years as the Worshipful Master of a Lodge. During that time I had married Wilma Barker, we had two wonderful girls, Debbie and Ashley and have four grandchildren. I lost Wilma in 2012 suddenly to a massive heart attack.
I am now married to my wife Sherry of 6 years we love to travel, enjoy horseback riding, horse and buggy, fishing the white river and a most memorable trip with my Masonic Brother J.B. Etheridge and his wife Arlene to Kauai Hawaii for ten days. Life is truly too short to not enjoy it along the way. It’s an honor to be a Master Mason and to receive the Pillars of Solomon award, honestly, it left me speechless. I served as District Deputy Grand Master for two years; it was humbling that two Grand Masters had that much confidence in me. This year I was humbled, speechless and honored to be asked by our Most Worshipful Grand Master, my brother and friend, Bradley R. Phillips to be his Grand Chaplain. Other Masonic bodies where I have the honor of holding membership are: The York Rite Bodies of Mountain Home The Allied Masonic Degrees - F.J. Scully Council #267 Order of High Priesthood of Arkansas Arkansas York Rite College Knights of the Red Cross of Constantine - Trinity Conclave The Council of Thrice Illustrious Masters of Arkansas - Order of the Sword and Trowel Arkansas Council #80 Knight Masons I pray that God bless each and every one of my Masonic Brothers and their families. Father, I lift up our men and women in uniform and pray for their safe being wherever deployed. I pray Father that you bless and guide our Grand Lodge and Masonry in Arkansas. For it is in Jesus Christ Name I pray, AMEN. Ray Matthew Grand Chaplain
W∴ Ray Mathew, Jr.
Grand Chaplain
The Masonic Trowel
Page 9
175 Years of Freemasonry on the Bluffs of the White River
If those stones could talk, what stories might they tell? Of men bonding together under the banner of Masonic Brotherhood. Of one brother passing his knowledge to another. Of the most excellent tenants of our Fraternity celebrated again, and again. High atop the hill overlooking Batesville, the Masons of Mt. Zion Lodge #10 are celebrating 175 years of Freemasonry. And, on October 20, 2018, celebrate they did! With an address from the Grand Master, and pomp and ceremony provided by the resident Rainbow Assembly, and Grand Worthy Advisor.
But, no Masonic celebration is complete without the banquet, enjoyed by a capacity crowd. Thanks to Bro. Bobby Bennett for the pictures and information. Editor.
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Page 10
A Tribute to Dedication
Barely two weeks before he laid down his working tools forever, W. Brother Richard Gambill was honored by the Grand Lodge with an apron recognizing him as Grand Lecturer, Emeritus. The ceremony took place on July 19th, 2018, in Bro. Richard’s home Lodge of Jonesboro No. 129, where he spent so many hours teaching the adopted ritual, and the meanings behind it, to his “lesser informed Brethren”. Sadly, Brother Gambill was called to the Celestial Lodge above on August 5th. Farewell, thou good and faithful servant.
An Ode to the 1st Poet Laureate of Freemasonry A tradition celebrated by many Freemasons around the world was brought to Sam Williams Lodge No. 89 in Edgemont on January 25th of this year. RW Brother Lee Phillips, an educator and historian organized a celebration of the life of Brother Robert Burns of Scotland. The brethren and their families enjoyed a catered meal of traditional Scottish cuisine, including haggis!
At the close of the evening, after a
presentation by Bro. Phillips, in keeping with another tradition, Bro. James Burns was presented with a red rose, in memory of Bro. Robert Burns. The celebration ended with the singing of Burns’ most famous composition, Auld Lang Syne. For more about our 1st Poet Laureate of Freemasonry, you can contact Bro. Phillips at: [email protected]. (Most anything else about our Fraternity, too.)
My thanks to Bro. Phillips for the information and Bro. Robert Gaut for the photos.
Lee Phillips, decked out in Scottish garb
with his mascot Eeks, wearing his kilt and
tam.
