Volume 57 No. 1

WINTER 2011

Official Publication of the Grand Lodge of Missouri A.F. & A.M.

The 190th Annual Grand Lodge Communication was held at the Holiday Inn Select in Columbia, Missouri on September 26 and 27 with Most Worshipful Brother Gail S. Turner presiding as Grand Master. Grand Master Turners theme throughout the year was to Connect with our Member. It was an honor and a privilege to have served with MWB Turner during two terms on the Board of Directors of the Masonic Home, a term as a Director of the Childrens Foundation and eight years in the advancing line. During the time that we worked together, we saw the Childrens Foundation develop the MoCHIP program, the Masonic Home focus its work to a total Outreach program with the sale of the Kansas City Residential Care Facility and the L13odge of Research develop a Truman Lecture series that is second to none in the Masonic world. The past Grand Lodge session addressed giving permission to the Grand Master to allow a Lodge to have stated communications on Sunday afternoon, to allow Lodges to remit dues for active military men serving in combat and approved the work of the By-Laws committee to bring our By-Laws up to date. The Grand Lodge did not approve a dues increase to support Youth Groups nor an elimination of the Mileage and per diem expense for members to attend the annual communication of the Grand Lodge. This year we introduced at the Area Meeting a forum for the membership to provide feedback to the OfficersCommittee on Masonic Publications John W. Hess, Grand Master David L. Ramsey, Senior Grand Warden Ronald D. Miller, Grand Secretary Zelwin B. Eaton, Past Editor E. Otha Wingo, Assistant Editor Steven L. Harrison, Editor, Chairman Editor Steven L. Harrison P.O. Box 1120 Kearney, MO 64060-1120 816-558-0436 / Call for Fax editor@momason.org

of the Grand Lodge to develop a Strategic Plan as the Grand Lodge of Missouri moves to its 200th anniversary in a few short years. Your District Deputy Grand Masters have been provided with materials from the Education Committee to hold Schools of Education in each Masonic District this year. We hope that the Schools will be informational and beneficial to the growth of Masonic knowledge for our membership. The Grand Lodge has entered into a contract with Harris Connect to publish a directory for the membership of our Fraternity. In the past, through another organization, I have seen the benefit of such directories and encourage your participation in the development of the book. All proceeds from the sale of the book will go to the Endowment Fund of the Grand Lodge. Your Grand Lodge Officers are committed to improve our Fraternity through its Crown Jewels, the Masonic Home, The Childrens Foundation, The Lodge of Research and the Scholarship program. We look forward to meeting with you as we travel the great State of Missouri this year. Fraternally,

John W. Hess Grand Masterwithout charge. Domestic subscriptions elsewhere are $12.00 annually. PerMiSSion To rePrinT: All recognized Masonic publications have permission to reprint original articles from The Missouri Freemason with credit to the author and the publication. chanGe oF aDDreSS (important): Whenever a member changes his mailing address without notifying his Lodge Secretary and a mailing of the Freemason magazine occurs, the Post Office charges the Grand Lodge 75 per undeliverable Freemason. PleaSe, contact your Lodge Secretary with your address change so that the Grand Lodge can then be notified. GranD loDGe oF MiSSouri GranD loDGe oF MiSSouri inTerneT aDDreSSeS E-Mail to the Grand Lodge Office grlodge@momason.org The Grand Lodge web page www.momason.orgPhone: 573-474-8561

Submit articles to:

editor@momason.orgThe Missouri Freemason (USPS 573-920) is the official publication of the Grand Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Missouri, and is published four times yearly. Articles to be considered for publication should be e-mailed to editor@momason.org, not later than the first day of

the month preceding publication in February, May, August, and November. Unless otherwise indicated, the views expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policy of the Grand Lodge A.F.&A.M. of Missouri. The Editor reserves the right to accept, reject, subedit and rearrange material submitted for publication. Pictures submitted for publication will not be returned. The Missouri Freemason does not accept forms or clippings for publication. Please do not submit materials in PDF format. oFFice oF PublicaTionS: Grand Lodge of Missouri, 6033 Masonic Drive, Suite B, Columbia, MO 65202-6535. Printed by Tribune Publishing Co., Columbia, Missouri. Periodicals Postage paid at Columbia, Missouri. PoSTMaSTer: Please send address Forms 3579 to Grand Secretary, 6033 Masonic Drive, Suite b, columbia, Mo 65202-6535. SubScriPTionS: The Missouri Freemason is mailed to every member of this Masonic Jurisdiction

2 Winter 2011

ThE MIssOuRI FREEMAsON

thevol. 57 no. 1

missouri freemasonofficial Publication of the Grand lodge of missouriPublished and copyrighted under the direction of the Committee on Masonic Publications

Winter 2011

contents4 John W. Hess Grand Master 4 Senior Grand Marshall Stanton T. Brown II 5 Robert Floyd Appointed Grand Lecturer 6 Most Excellent King Solomon 8 You Can't Get There From Here 9 The Whole Man 10 Missouri Lodge of Research Hosts Annual Breakfast Featuring 9/11 Survivor Steven Vitale 11 Independence Lodge Honors a MWB Donald E. Scott at Installation 12 Did You Know 12 Statement of Ownership and Circulation 13 Cooper Lodge #36 Masons Encourage Kids To Read 13 Rainbow Girls 14 Missouri DeMolay 15 Job's Daughters 16 Masonic Home of Missouri Sixth Annual Truman Club Dinner 17 Donor Profiles: Dan Blanke and Douglas J. Roberts 18 Masonic Home of Missouri Representative Luncheon 18 Fore Kids! 18 Creating-A-Partnership 18 Outreach Services Program 19 Children's Outreach Program 19 Masonic Family Cares 20 The Work of Our Craft 25 Masonic Service Awardsthe missouri freemason

from the editors KeyboardI'm part of that "lost generation" the one that pretty much skipped joining the Fraternity. Until later in life I was no exception to that generalization and it's hard to figure why. I almost couldn't have been more active as a DeMolay, loved it and by all logic I should have jumped right into Masonry when I was old enough, but didn't. College, marriage, a job life just got in the way, I guess. It's a shame and I'm sure I missed a lot but, you know, no crying over spilled milk. Still, I sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have been a member back in Masonry's "heyday," whatever that means. It amazes me, for example that my dad's Scottish Rite class had nearly 300 members. Over the course of a month, they saw all the Scottish Rite degrees, published a 120-page hardbound class book, had class projects and elected class officers... with no less than 12 vice-presidents! Yep. Things were sure different back then. Or were they? Looking through my dad's things a while back I found that old hardbound class book. Along with it, I ran across his copy of an Indiana Freemason magazine from November, 1966. I read the magazine cover to cover. It was interesting, fun and very, very familiar. Among other things, I found these tidbits: In his column Grand Master Joseph L. Birdwell admonished Brothers to remember the true meaning of the upcoming Thanksgiving. "It should be," he said, "a day of sincere thankfulness, not feasting and revelry." Members had recently dedicated a stone monument at the site of an old inn where Brothers held the first Masonic meetings in the area. There were strong parallels to our dedication in Missouri marking the site of the first Masonic meeting here. Fifty-year members were honored with their service awards. The issue is full of reports on activities of individual Brothers and Lodges. It talks about their donations, a Masonic Home pilgrimage, service projects, construction projects and, of course, many gatherings, meals and the same kind of Brotherhood and fellowship we know today. In other words, the work of the craft nearly a half-century ago is the same as the work of the craft today. Most of the articles in that old magazine wouldn't look out of place in this issue. They may have had more members back then, but there is a great bond of familiarity between the Brothers then and today. What's more, the Brothers back then felt that bond, too. As Brother Richard LaGrange, my dad's Scottish Rite Class Orator (yes, they had one) put it, "The mantle has been cast upon our shoulders, so to speak, to carry on and perpetuate the good work that has gone on before us." Our tenets: Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth are unchanging and we are indeed Brothers across the span of time. Steve Harrison, EditorWinter 2011 3

Grand master John W. hessMost Worshipful Brother John William Hess was born in Albia, Iowa on March 1, 1951. He is the oldest of three children of John Francis and Patt Hess. John attended St Marys elementary school, Albia Community High School, the University of Iowa and Creighton University where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1975. Johns stepfather, John Edmond Slack was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in Aster Lodge in Albia, Iowa at the age of 89. While attending Creighton University, John was a member of the Delta Chi Fraternity and served as a member of the Athletic Department as a Lecturer in Physical Education. After graduating from Creighton University John was employed by Roberts Dairy of Omaha, Nebraska and worked out of its Grand Island facility as a Regional Sales Manager. John moved to Kansas City in 1982 and was employed by International Distributing as the Kansas City Sales Manger. In 1985, John joined the firm of J. Nick Gray and Associates. There, he served as a partner in the firm until the death of the senior partner in 1992. From 1992 to 2004 John was employed by Mo-Kan Distribution as a dispatcher and Regional Sales Manager. Presently he is employed by the State of Missouri, Family Support Division as a supervisor of a child support enforcement team. In August of 2003, John married the former Ina Winfrey. Ina is the daughter of Emerson O. Brown and the niece of Stanton T. Brown. MWB Hess served the Boy Scouts of America as a Scoutmaster, District Commissioner, Council Camping Chairman and Project COPE Director. He was honored with the District Award of Merit, Vigil Honor from the Order of the Arrow and the Silver Beaver Award from the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America. John is a member of the Delta Chi Fraternity and served as Vice President of the Creighton Chapter his senior year. After graduation he served three terms as a member of the Board of Regents of Delta Chi and served as alumni advisor of the Creighton, Iowa and Kansas City Chapters of Delta Chi. MWB John is an endowed member of Buckner Lodge #501 (initiated in 1994) and served as Worshipful Master in 1996 and 1997. John is also a past master of Kansas City Lodge #220. A Past High Priest of Liberty Chapter #3 Royal Arch Masons, he is also Past Illustrious Master of Liberty Council #50 Royal and Select Masters and Past Commander of Liberty Commandry #6 Knights Templar. John was recognized with the Knight York Cross of Honor (KYCH) in 2001. John is a life member of the St Joseph Valley of the Scottish Rite and is a Past Commander of the Kansas City Council of Kadosh. He was recognized with the Knight Commander of the Court of Honor (KCCH) in 2006 by the Scottish Rite. He served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Masonic Home of Missouri from 1999-2003, serving on the Admission and Discipline Committee and the Administration Committee. John is the immediate past President of the Board of Directors of the Masonic Home Board. MWB John served the Grand Lodge as District Deputy Grand Master of the 59th Masonic District and served as Grand Orator. Grand Master Stanley M. Thompson appointed John to the Advancing Line as Senior Grand Marshal in 2004. He is a Past President of the Kansas City Chapter of the National Sojourners as well as Past Commander of the Old Glory Camp of the Heroes of 76. He is also a Past Excellent Chief of Charlemagne Chapter Knight Masonic, Past Celebrant of the Missouri College of Rosicrucian, and Past Sovereign Master of Kilwinney Council #19 Allied Masonic Degrees. John served as President of the Masonic Children's Foundation and was involved in the creation of the MoCHIP, Missouri Child Protection Program, as well as a Past President and Director of Masonichip International, a committee of the Grand Masters Conference of North America.

senior Grand marshall stanton t. Brown iiStanton T. Brown II was born on January 29, 1947, in Independence, Missouri, the eldest of 5 children born to Stanton and Shirley Johnnie Brown. The family moved to a farm in Sibley, Missouri where Stan lived and attended school in the Fort Osage school district where he was active in athletics and graduated in 1965. He attended the University of Missouri in Columbia for one year and then joined the military. He served in the Army Security Agency for 4 years with a top secret security clearance and spent 34 Winter 2011

years overseas and then completed his obligation in 1970. In February, 1971 Stan received training in the first class offered in Kansas City as a Federal Protective Officer (FPO) and worked for GSA at both the Bannister Road location and the Truman Library. He then returned to college full time and began working in banking full time. After graduating from college with a degree in accounting, he continued to work in the banking field and was VP/Cashier of a local Continued on next page the missouri freemason

robert floyd appointed Grand lecturerGrand Master John Hess has appointed Right Worshipful Brother Robert Floyd as Grand Lecturer. RWB Floyd was born October 13, 1965, is a Southeast Missouri native and graduated from Delta High School as Valedictorian in 1984. He served as State 1st Vice-President in FFA, so travel, instruction and motivation are no strangers to him. He was listed in Whos Who Among American High School Students, the Society of Distinguished American High School Students and was selected as a Westlake and Curators Scholar. RWB Floyd attended the University of Missouri-Rolla and majored in Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering. After transferring to Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, his path changed to Agricultural Engineering and Biochemistry with a minor in Math. Broadcasting became the surprise career choice for RWB Floyd, beginning as a disc jockey at KJEZ95 in Poplar Bluff. He made the move to KJAQ/KJAS radio as the afternoondrive DJ, and began commercial voice-work with KFVS12 television, the CBS affiliate, in Cape Girardeau. That evolved into a full-time position where he has worked as an awardwinning commercial producer since 1987. Robert also owns his own company, FasTrax Pro, which produces videos and voice-work throughout the country. He has worked on national cooking shows and hosted many radio, television and internet programs and events. RWB Floyds Masonic career began in 2004, and his love of ritual work propelled him to follow his father, Charles, through the chairs in Whitewater Lodge #417 and Trowel Lodge #440. Robert gave his first Charge in 2006 and was hooked. His inspiration to learn the Lectures of the Degrees came from the late Claude Estes at Whitewater, who gave him his Entered Apprentice Lecture at 89 years of age. Robert is a member of the Capaha Scottish Rite Club, Scottish Rite Valley of St. Louis, Orient of Missouri, Wilson Chapter #75 of Royal Arch Masons, Cape Council #20 of Cryptic Masons, Cape Commandery #55 of the Knights Templar, Whitewater Order of Eastern Star #174 and the Missouri Lodge of Research. He has served on the Public Relations Committee for the Grand Lodge of Missouri. RWB Floyd has served as District Deputy Grand Master of the 38th Masonic District and currently holds the Sub-1, Sub-2 (parts I,II & III), Sub-3, and all four of the Ritual Degree Certifications. He was the WM/Obligator and Lecturer in the MM Degree at the Grand Masters C2A Class in Columbia in 2011. Ask any Lodge in the 38th District and youll discover that Robert is a hands-on, full-fledged ritualist in Freemasonry and truly loves to work with new, and seasoned, Freemasons. Robert currently lives in Cape Girardeau with his lady of seventeen years, Karen, and has a son, Joshua, and step-son, Christopher Wade.

Continued from previous page bank when he accepted a position with American International Aluminum in 1991. In 1996 Stan opened an insurance agency while still working for American International Aluminum and continues to work for American International as an administrative manager and his insurance agency. In 1971 Stan married his high school sweetheart, Janice Clark, and they have two children, Patrick and Mary, 2 grandchildren and one on the way. Patrick is a member of Buckner Lodge #501. Stan is recently widowed after 40 years of marriage. Stan began is Masonic career at Buckner Lodge #501 in the spring of 1971 and became a Master Mason on May 21, 1971. He served as Master of his Lodge in 1978 and was part of the team that prepared and presented the centennial celebration for Buckner Lodge in 1977. Stan is currently serving as treasurer of Buckner Lodge #501 and on the building board. He was appointed a Grand Chaplin in 2009 by MWB Rocky E. Weaver and has been active on Grand Lodge committees serving on the scholarship committee, the PR committee and the Ways and Means committee. He has servedthe missouri freemason

as District Deputy Grand Master of the 19th Masonic district for 2010 and 2011 and helped develop the DDGM manual. He has memberships in Independence Chapter RAM #12 (Past High Priest), Independence Council #49 Cryptic Masons (currently serving as Illustrious Master), Palestine Commandery #17 Knights Templar (currently serving as Eminent Commander), Kansas City Valley Scottish Rite, Harry S Truman York Rite College #167, Charlemagne Council #79 Knight Masons, Kilwinning Council #19 AMD, Mary Conclave Red Cross of Constantine, Missouri Lodge of Research, Royal Order of Scotland, St. Thomas of Acon, and National Sojourners KC Chapter #63. His service to the community has included division president of the Buckner baseball league, coach of several girls youth softball teams, coach of several girls youth basketball teams, treasurer of the local boy scouts troop, treasurer of the Buckner Chamber of Commerce, board member and past president of Community Services League (CSL), board member of Buckner Senior Citizens, Inc., and board member of Buckner Area Community Services.

Winter 2011 5

most excellent King solomonBy Dr. J. C. montgomery, Jr., PGmThis subject came about for me in an interesting way. Dr. Walter Brueggemann, who at one time taught in Eden Seminary in Webster Groves and later at Columbia Seminary in Atlanta, is a world renowned teacher on the theology of the Hebrew Scriptures. One of his more recent books was on Solomon, and what induced me to part with $45.00 was the fact that Dr. Brueggemann, who is not a Mason, nonetheless devoted a small but friendly part of his book to the derived relationship of the Fraternity to the story of Solomon. He uses a "six-bit" word, "extrapolation," one often employed in mathematics, to describe it. It may mean, simply put, to go from known data to assumed data. In the case of our Masonic ritual we know certain historical facts about the building of the Temple at Jerusalem. And both from and to this Freemasonry has added the legend of the Third Degree, but more about that later. The second reason for my preoccupation with the place and personality of this ancient king came from a surprising moment in Lodge meeting. I wonder if you have ever had the experience of sitting through a degree or listening to the "same old, same old" ritual and all of a sudden a phrase, a word, even an action caught your attention in a new way. Now I don't know how many Third Degrees I have witnessed or taken part in my seventy-one years as a Master Mason, probably a good many. But it was the second section; the Lodge had become the theater. In the first act brave and steadfast Hiram ABI had lost his life. In the second act the scene is a Lodge room within the nearly finished Jerusalem temple; the officers have taken their stations, King Solomon is in the East. He addresses the Senior Warden, That officer responds: "Most Excellent King Solomon." That moment jarred me. Ordinarily we address Grand Masters as "Most Worshipful." The word "Excellent" is really found in the York Rite. Why should this be different? Hiram ABI, presumably a Grand Master from the Craft in Tyre, is not accorded that title. And then the deeper question came to mind. What was there that was "excellent" about Solomon anyhow? Why did the ritual develop in this way? First of all, we should remember that our ritual (as we have it) is of English origin. The word "Excellent" is an honorific just like "Excellency" and in such usage was applied to royalty or nobility. Likewise the word ''worshipful'' is applied to certain offices. For example, if you were to go North of the6 Winter 2011

Border and (heaven forbid) have to appear before a judge or mayor, it would be proper to address him as "Worshipful," which means worthy of respect. In like manner we refer to government officials as "The Honorable," a term reserved for senators, ambassadors, judges, yes, even for mayors. In this sense, it is certainly correct to speak of "Most Excellent King Solomon." Can we apply this to the man himself? But before we make any judgment it might be better to speculate how the ritual itself came to its present form. I use the word "speculate" because we really do not know the full story. Rather we pick up a clue here, an ancient Masonic document there, a reference from nonMasonic sources elsewhere: and we eventually have something which looks like a jigsaw puzzle with a discernible picture, yet lacking a number of pieces. My friend, Dr. Wallace McLeod, a retired professor at the University of Toronto, a distinguished Masonic author and a member of Quatuor Coronati Research Lodge, is the author of a book entitled The Old Gothic Constitutions. It is a collection of and commentary on ancient manuscripts pertaining to the Fraternity when it was operative and as it was morphing into speculative as we know it today. These documents include not only a reference to the temple of Solomon but stories about Noah and the flood, Nimrod, who built the tower of Babel, and other legends, especially those which had to do with the all important science of Geometry. But there may have been several reasons why the eventual ritual of the Master Mason degree, indeed the teachings of all degrees, became centered around the lessons of the Temple. The most obvious one is simply that the operative Masons were builders. It was not much of stretch to see a link between the building of Solomon' s temple and the erection of the magnificent cathedrals. The operative Masons saw theirs as a holy calling as did Solomon. Let me venture some ideas about the development of Masonry which I cannot prove definitively but which merit further study. Josef Roucek was a professor at the City College of New York, specializing in Central European history. In an article in a German historical publication nearly fifty years ago he made the interesting suggestion that a major contributor to the ideas finding root in our Masonic ritual was John Amos Comenius, a Moravian educational theorist, who has been called "the father of modern education." Comenius worked in the first half of the 17th century. Because of relithe missouri freemason

gious persecutions in that century's Wars of Religion (161848) he traveled extensively through Western and Northern Europe, spreading his theories. Now Comenius was a prime mover in what is now the modem Moravian Church, then called Unitas Fratrum, the Unity of Bohemian Brothers. As Professor Roucek wrote: "(Comenius) sought to mobilize the architects of the new edifice [of tolerance] on the ruins of the old world ... The aim of Comenius was to create a new social possibility amid the ruins of weary Europe, and he consistently used the metaphor of building a temple for his wisdom concerning a new society of justice, love, peace and progress. Thus the language is variously of A temple of wisdom or A Temple of Seven Chambers."i Roucek goes on to inform us that this community divided its members into classes, or grades or degrees similar to our Masonic practice. Of course, the operative societies of Masons did in effect have two degrees or levels then. The worker was either an apprentice or a "fellow" and a "master." Whether these ideas served James Anderson as he began to "craft" the ritual serving the members of the first Grand Lodge, we cannot know. But everywhere in England, indeed also in Scotland and Ireland, there were the examples of building, the cathedrals and the castles. And where better to look for building and the builders than in the stories about Solomon and the first temple at Jerusalem. A second thought about the development of the ritual, especially the second section of the third degree: How would this teaching of the Fraternity be communicated? Obviously by lectures, or the one-on-one instruction of the apprentice by an older fellow of the Craft. But lecturing, even this, gets boring, and something more striking was needed. Beginning in the thirteen hundreds there developed in both England and the continent the community dramas known as the "mystery" or the "morality plays." In the research that I have done, the various guilds or workers associations each took part putting on different scenes, almost always of a religious nature. For example, the bakers' guilds at York and Coventry always did a playlet depicting the Last Supper. The plasterers did the Creation. You would laugh to learn that the water-carriers did the story of Noah and the Flood, and the shipwrights the building of the Ark. Yes, the Masons had a part: but it was not the building of the temple, rather the coming of the Wise Men in the Christmas story. There was, however, one play which had to do with the building of the Temple: and, having lost my notes, I cannot find the reference to it any more. It was called "Huram's Dream." It depicted the vision which Hiram the architect had for the Temple. Unfortunately as the Protestant Reformation prevailed in England and the plays were barred as being Catholic, that and many other manuscripts were lost or destroyed. Nonetheless a century and a half later the format of the mystery play found its way back in the legend of the Third Degree, the building of the Temple, and the appearance of the one we address as "Most Excellent King Solothe missouri freemason

mon." It may seem anti-climactic because this has been a long way back to the question, what was excellent about Solomon? Here I want to touch on some features of the king's life. trying to look at it with a historian's eye but a Mason's heart. It is difficult not to be "preachy," because the most of what we know comes from the Holy Scriptures, especially the First Book of Kings with echoes in Chronicles, the early historians Josephus and Eusebius, and some of the findings of modem archeology. Ray Vaughn Denslow, our own Missouri Past Grand Master in 1931 and one of the most prolific Masonic writers of the last century, has a chapter entitled "Solomon the Magnificent" in the Lodge of Research book entitled Masonic Portraits. Denslow reminded us that Freemasonry is a beautiful system of morals, veiled in allegory, and illustrated by symbols. He went on to quote Dr William F. Kuhn, our Grand Master in 1903, that our drama of Solomon and the temple are parts of a beautiful allegory which informs and forms us as Masons. That being said, we should not forget that the Temple was an historic fact, that Solomon, King Hiram of Tyre, and Hiram the skilled craftsman were actual historical figures. It would not be surprising if across the nearly three thousand years since they lived, legends and myths did not develop. Indeed they were the sort of leaders about whom stories would cluster. Parenthetically it should be noted that almost every culture has a story about a faithful workman who lost his life in the defense of his integrity. Small wonder that this found its way into Masonic teachings. Nonetheless it is fair to say that Solomon and his reign represented both heights and depths of ancient Israelite history. Here I am indebted to John Kenneth Kuntz, a younger ministerial colleague in Missouri, who went on to a distinguished academic career as a professor of religion at the University of Iowa.ii First, Solomon left a record of administrative achievements. Ignoring traditional tribal boundaries, he reorganized the nation into twelve administrative districts. These provisioned his court and served as a source of labor for his building programs. Second, Solomon had a strong military policy. His military machine boasted 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horsemen (I Kings 10:26). In modern terms we might call it "a quick strike force." He strengthened the fortifications of Jerusalem and put military centers and cavalry posts around the nation's perimeter. Again, Solomon pursued an active foreign policy; much after the custom of the time, it was through marriage. This was a custom of many nations even until modern times, except that in the case of Solomon it seems to have been quite a harem. By marrying Pharaoh's daughter, Solomon secured the city of Gezer. as a part of her dowry. It served as a defense outpost for Israel. Because of his alliance with Tyre,

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You Can't Get there from hereBy Gary foote, PmIt was about twenty years ago, a warm summer night, and I was sitting on the tailgate of my pickup in front of our house in the country with my son. He was about sixteen, and seemed to have the weight of the world on his shoulders. His life was becoming complicated as all who remember sixteen, can attest to. I thought to get his mind off of his problems, and we began to talk about the stars and galaxies. How huge space is. We discussed distance in light years, and how small we are compared to the cosmos. We have always been able to bounce ideas off each other, and as our thoughts wandered far from reality, I could see some light is his eyes where worry was before. We both decided that you just can't get there, (to the outer cosmos) from here, that all we had talked about will not help him with his girlfriend tomorrow at school, and for the first time that night he smiled. After a long while, and after a couple comments about the time, shouted by my wife from the front door, I decided to bring this pleasant conversation to a close. I told him that I had a full day at work tomorrow, and we had degree work at the Lodge tomorrow night. My son turned to me, looked me square in the eyes, and asked me to tell him why I liked the Masonic Lodge so much. Well, with the thought of bidding him good night still fresh in my mind and, the desire to answer him truthfully, I was for the moment, struck dumb. Standing there with my mouth hanging open, and looking into his eager eyes, the best I could come up with was that it made me feel good. I began to talk about how I teach the new Brethren, and help them to find their way in the future. I spoke of the fellowship, and my affection I have for my fellow Masons. Finally it came to me. I told him that I can speak to them as I have just spoken to him, and not be fearful of ridicule. That seemed to have pacified him for the moment, and we called it a night. His straightforward question haunted me the next few days. What was it that kept me interested in the Masonic Lodge? It was, of course, everything I had mentioned, but there was more. Something that I could not put in words, I could not think of what it was, so I filed the question away, and went about my life. A week or so later when I was doing nothing in particular I suddenly had the answer. I remembered the first time I had that feeling. I had just gone through the most unusual ceremony I was ever asked to do. I had just put my street clothes back on, and was escorted back into this strange room of men. The guy that was escorting me made me step in an odd way, and sat down. The man that Continued on next page Solomonic nucleus in the Proverbs. By all of these criteria the ancient king richly deserves the title of "Excellent," yet we know that for all of his achievements the reign of the powerful monarch sowed the seeds of the kingdom's failure. The grandiose programs drained the resources of the land. He had encouraged a social stratification which violated the Mosaic covenant which embraced all Israelites as equal before YHWH. He violated Torah by his foreign marriages and his tolerance of alien faiths. Yet Solomon remains important for us as Freemasons. The lessons of the temple are not so much a narrative of history as they are an invitation to the kind of life we build and the faithfulness we show. Finally, in the drama of the second section Solomon keeps his word. But the real hero is not the king. Rather it is you, the faithful Mason, who learns and lives those lessons. As the line from the song, "The Impossible Dream," goes: "And the world will be better for this." MWB J.C. Montgomery served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Missouri in 1978-1979. He is a Fellow of the Missouri Lodge of Research, where he also served as Master. He is a former editor of the Royal Arch Mason International Journal as well as the Missouri Freemason magazine. A 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason, MWB Montgomery has been recognized as an outstanding Masonic author. He holds a doctor of divinity degree from Central Methodist College and is a retired United Methodist Minister.i Quoted in Brueggemann, Solomon, pp. 238-9. ii Article on Solomon. pp. 992-4, The Dictionary of the Bible and Religion.

Continued from previous page Solomon could expand his architectural and maritime ambitions. The nation had been primarily agrarian and pastoral. Solomon brought them into the world of commerce and industry. He established a trade program centered on the Gulf of Aqaba. He entered the caravan trade with the Sabean kingdom of Arabia through the visit of the queen of Sheba (I Kings 10:1-10, 13) We have heard of horse traders; Solomon became a middle man in the business of chariots from Egypt and horses from Cilicia, all of which passed through Israelite territory and presumably paid excise fees both ways. Then, of course, there was Solomon's building program, A full administrative complex, a house for Pharaoh's daughter, a judgment hall, and "the house of the Forest of Lebanon," which was both an armory and the treasury. And our Masonic ritual gives us embroidered Biblical details of the Temple, not alone a place of worship but a symbol of imperial power. We may think of the three inner pillars designated Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty. The final achievement of Solomon is that this was an age of enlightenment for ancient Israel. Open to the world of that day in material ways, it became culturally productive. Solomon fostered a court-centered wisdom movement. It is an exaggerated statement that Solomon spoke 3,000 proverbs and composed 1,005 songs (I Kings 4:31-32) and that the Hebrew Scripture books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and The Song of Solomon are attributed to him. Perhaps there is a8 Winter 2011

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the Whole manBy sam l land, 32, KtAfter having looked closely at the three degrees of Freemasonry, it is now possible to begin to raise the building of the Whole Man as a unity. We have long held the concept of the three stages of a mans life youth, manhood and old age and can now add to that the understanding gained from the first, second, and third degrees. In youth we grow in knowledge of our world and learn to understand it and react to it. In manhood we obtain experience in self-control, in interpersonal relationships and work. In old age we gain the wisdom to judge and advise while leading by sound example. Therein is exemplified the just and perfect Freemason that you started to become way back at your beginning through the first degree. The Whole Man is not a perfect man. He is a Man in Work who is striving to become the Perfect Man. He is an Aware Man who is attempting to subdue his passions and improve himself in Freemasonry. He is aware of his feelings and knows himself to be a thinking man. He uses his rational mind to circumscribe his emotions, keeping them within due bounds. He also uses his emotional self to undo the limits of his rational mind that might prevent him from achieving creativity and inspiration. He is also the Spiritual Man who recognizes that everything he does must be done to praise of the Great Architect of the Universe and reflect His perfect love. The road of the Whole Man is difficult because it requires constant self evaluation and long-term mental commitment. Great decisions of tremendous import need to be made. Some of these include: Will I dedicate more time to work or family? Will I take a partner or will I travel alone? How many children will I have? Which religious path will I travel? Will I live in the city or country? Each of these (and many others) is a life changing event and needs to be made with the full attention of the Whole Man. As these questions are faced and decisions made, the next lower level of decisions will appear and this will continue down to the everyday events that seem almost harmless by contrast. The Whole Man knows that they are definitely not harmless and the little decisions may alter the path of larger decisions. Each decision, no matter how small it seems, has a direct bearing on the life of the Whole Man and each must be made accordingly. After a hard day at work the thought might leap into your head to stop on the way home for a cold beer. That seems to be a fairly safe decision to make and the reward seems certainly welcome. The Whole Man will have to take a second to evaluate this before making a decision. A good question to ask is, Does this decision conflict with any commitments that I have or any vows I have made? The Whole Man will know the answer to the question instantly because he is accustomed to listening to his inner self and being truthful with himself. Another example might be found on the golf course during a weekly foursome. You find yourself separated from your fellows and see that your ball has a bad lie. No one but you will ever know if you move your ball to a better lie. The Whole Man finds this to be an easy decision. Integrity is personally important. It helps you decide who you are. The Whole Man always strives to be comfortable with himself even if it may cost him a stroke on his scorecard and a loss to a friend. The Whole Man is yet but a mortal man and still makes mistakes. Some will be made knowingly and some not. The difference here is that the Whole Man knows what he is doing and will readily pay the penalty for any transgression. The Whole Man knows that there is really no free lunch and that every choice has a cost. He is willing to pay what he owes. He will consciously make the decision whether to work late and try for that promotion or go home early and attend his daughters ball game. He will decide whether to talk with his coworker about misleading a customer in a sales promotion or remaining silent. He will decide to participate fully in jury duty or attempt to be relieved of duty. He will decide whether to leave his name and address on the windshield of the car he barely scraped in the parking lot. The Whole Man is aware that education is an ongoing opportunity to continually receive more light. He will seek opportunities to gain first-hand knowledge about almost anything. One of the greatest opportunities that he will ever have is to provide time and direction to new Freemasons and aid them along in their newly established path toward light. He will take joy in participating in Lodge work and

Continued on next page bled by our history, and our teachings. I am a small part of a huge Fraternity, but I am also level with the greatest, and the least. I can stand with pride in any group, and announce in a clear strong voice that: i am a freemason. What a wonderful feeling. Gary Foote has been a member of Ray Lodge #223 in Camden for 30 years. He has served as Master four times, Secretary for six years, was a teacher of proficiencies and Lecturer on the third degree.Winter 2011 9

Continued from previous page had been officiating over this meeting stood up, and spoke again. As he described the working tools of an Entered Apprentice, the light finally started to come on. I realized then that I had become a member of an organization that was so much bigger, and more ancient than I could imagine. I was awed by the idea, and have, since that day, strived to understand all I could about Masonry, the ancient beginnings, the transformation from Operative to Speculative Masonry, the troubled and great times of the Fraternity. I now have the answer I strived to give my son so many years ago. I am proud to be part of a moral group of men, and humthe missouri freemason

missouri lodge of research hosts annual Breakfast featuring 9/11 survivor steven vitaleNew Officers Line Installed at Annual MeetingWorshipful Brother Steven Vitale, as a part of the acclaimed Truman Lecture Series, spoke to a full-house at the Missouri Lodge of Research breakfast presented as a part of this year's Grand Lodge activities. WB Vitale is a survivor of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center buildings in New York. His talk focused on the events of that day, his gripping tale of survival and how the aftermath WB Steven Vitale addresses of those events has affected his the Missouri Lodge of Research breakfast about his experiences on 9/11 and in life since. He grew up in New York Freemasonry. City and currently resides in Central New Jersey with his wife Karen and two children, Nicole and Eric. WB Vitale has been involved in Freemasonry and many of its concordant and invitational bodies for the past eight years. WB Vitale is a member of St. John's Lodge #1 AYM, F&AM, the oldest Lodge in the state of New York. St. John's Lodge is also the owner and custodian of the George Washington Inaugural Bible, which has been used by several US Presidents to take their oaths of office. Steven, currently a senior executive with Sun National Bank, served as Worshipful Master of St. John's Lodge for the 2010-2011 Masonic year. At its semi-annual meeting the Missouri Lodge of Research received a generous donation from Brother Dean Christy. Members expressed their appreciation by rewarding Brother Christy with an endowed membership. Also, WB Steven L. Harrison was elected the 10th Fellow of the Missouri Lodge of Research. MWB Wilfred G. Souriea, FMLR, agreed to continue as the editor of the Missouri LOR newsletter. Members elected the officers line for the upcoming year, designating Larry Houge to serve as Master. Most Worshipful Brother P. Vincent Kinkead served as Master for the installation ceremony. In addition to Worshipful Master Houge, he installed the following Brothers in the officers' line: Nicholas R. Cichielo, Senior Warden; Steven L. Harrison, Junior Warden; Ron- Larry Houge, Master, Misald D. Miller, Secretary; Dale R. souri Lodge of Research Roller, Chaplain; LeRoy Salmon, Senior Deacon; Sean A. Robertson, Junior Deacon; Harvey R. Soule, Senior Steward; Gail S. Turner, Junior Steward; Scott Houge, Marshall; John Hess, Tyler.

swope Park lodge honors WWii veteransSwope Park Lodge #617 held a special program honoring our World War II Veterans. Several area middle school civics classes attended this rare opportunity to hear, first hand, the experiences of some of these members of the greatest generation, whose numbers are rapidly diminishing. The event was emceed by WB Robbie Robertson, who also served during the Second World War. He described his years on the Air Force base on Guam Island during that period. Carl Freeman, one of the guest speakers, then spoke of his time as a tail gunner on the air craft carrier Lexington. Carl's plane was shot down 5 times and each time his pilot was able to get them back to base safely.. Charles Siebert, another one of our speakers, also was a tail gunner for the Air Force serving in the European theatre, stationed in England. Charles made but one flight over Germany when his plane was shot down. He spent two and a half years as a prisoner of war in the German camp Stalag 17B. Charles told of the struggle he and his fellow prisoners faced just trying to stay alive. RWB Jack Clark, a member of Swope Park Lodge, rounded out the program with a fascinating story of his experiences which brought about many questions from the students attending. Everyone stayed afterward to see the many artifacts that were on display and to continue asking each of the Veteran's many questions. ficult it is to have enough knowledge to judge impartially and rationally. The Whole Man is a work of art. He is what a man who learns the difference between good and evil can choose to go in the way of right and love. Becoming a Whole Man is very difficult to achieve on this Earth and takes a lifetime of thought and effort. Every successful decision that is made toward that goal is a vote for the ability of mankind to return to the close relationship with God that He originally intended.the missouri freemason

Continued from previous page be a leader in Masonic education. He will know his talents and lend them willingly in aiding a distressed brother. The Whole Man is in love with his God, his world, his family, and his friends. The love of the Whole Man extends to times of pain and trial. He finds strength within himself to show mercy as well as seek justice. He understands that in most situations, given the right motivations, he, too, might decide to break the law. He is very careful in judgment as he understands how dif10 Winter 2011

independence lodge honors a mWB Donald e. scott at installationBy John W. Wallace, senior Warden, independence lodge #76ter. He was diligent, prudent, The 166th installation of temperate and discreet in perofficers of Independence forming his duties. Masonic Lodge #76, held A most interesting part of October 1, was nothing less the installation program was than fantastic; the Masonic the introduction of Past Masfellowship was tremendous. ters and distinguished guests The Grand Master of the by Right Worshipful Brother Grand Lodge of the state of Stanton T. Brown II, includMissouri, Most Worshiping the largest gathering of ful Brother John Hess, acted Grand Lodge officers seen in as the installing Worshipful any Lodge in a long time. The Master and presided with his Lodge was truly honored. typical expertise. The installA large number were presing Chaplain, Right Worshipful Brother Stanton T. Brown MWB Donald E. Scott (PGM 1996-97), seated in front, is shown ent to honor the most disafter receiving his 50-year pin. The following past Grand MasII, the newest line officer in ters of Missouri were in attendance (left to right, 2nd row) MWB tinguished member of the the Grand Lodge, honored William J. Hill (1981-82), MWB Elmer E. Revelle (2004-05), MWB Lodge, who received his Stanley M. Thompson (2003-04), MWB Rocky E. Weaver (2008us with his presence. Right 09), (3rd row) MWB Glenn E. Means (2001-02), MWB Jimmie D. 50-year pin: Most WorshipWorshipful Brother Rex Lee Lee (2002-03), MWB Larry C. Reynolds (2009-10), MWB Gail S. ful Brother Donald E. Scott. His wife Anna fastened the Stark acted as the installing Turner (2010-11), MWB John W. Hess, Grand Master. Marshall. His knowledge and experience were very evident. pin to his lapel with the assistance of five most Worshipful Right Worshipful Brother Teddie E. Harrison, a highly re- Brothers. (Someone said it took that many to get the back spected member of Lodge #76, was the acting Senior Dea- of the pin off). Most Worshipful Brother Scott proceeded to con. The installation began promptly after the members of thank many of the brothers he knew and worked with in his 50-years of Freemasonry. He is an eloquent and captivating Palestine Commandery #17 presented the flag. The new officers are: Worshipful Master, Keith Bradley speaker. Right Worshipful Brother William Snyder closed the inScott; Senior Warden, John W. Wallace; Junior Warden, James N. Wallace; Treasurer, Worshipful Brother David C. stallation program with a prayer. Anna Scott and Sandy Crick distributed the boutonnieres Witte; Secretary, Worshipful Brother Brent L. Winterberg; Chaplain, Mark A. Dobson; Marshal, Archie F. Hughes; Se- and corsages and Rosemary Hatfield maintained the guest nior Deacon, John S. Lambros; Junior Deacon, Benjamin C. book. Everyone proceeded to the dining hall for a reception Cottle; Senior Steward, Marc L. Hoefer; Junior Steward, Michael G. Long; Tyler, Worshipful Brother Kenneth Nelson, served by Eastern Star Chapter 329. More brotherly love and friendship was shared over the delicious array of refreshJr. The ceremony continued with new Worshipful Master ments including a very nice Masonic cake. It was a most interesting installation and day of celebraBrad Scott and Right Worshipful Brother Ron Hickey presenting immediate Past Master Kenneth Nelson, Jr. a Past tion with so many distinguished guests. Master's apron to commemorate his outstanding job as Mas-

missouri freemason DeaDlines spring, 2012 Winter, 2011 summer, 2012 spring, 2012 January 3, 2012 october 3, 2011 april 2, 2012 January 2, 2012 fall, 2012 2012 summer, Winter, 2012 fall, 2012 July 2, 2012 april 2, 2012 october2, 2012 July 1, 2012 email all articles and pictures!the missouri freemason Winter 2011 11

Continued from back cover

metal helmets for combat soldiers, and inflatable lifepreservers for sailors. Kiplings extensive participation in Freemasonry is well documented. Dr. Doyles was sporadic. On January 26, 1887, he was initiated into Freemasonry at the Phoenix Lodge #257 in Southsea, Hampsire, received the remaining two degrees in February and March. Among the Lodge members present was Dr. John H. Watson, a graduate of the University of Edinburgh in 1865, with whom Doyle became friends and whose name is forever connected with Sherlock Holmes. Dr. Doyle demitted from the Lodge in 1889, rejoined in 1902, and demitted again in 1911. Doyle and Kipling are thought to have attended a Lodge meeting together. On July 8, 1930, the day after Doyles death, a tribute was made to him by Authors Lodge #3456, of which Rudyard Kipling was a founding member. Yasha Beresiner states: On his return to England early in 1901, in a series of lectures given in Scotland, Doyle praised the activities of the Freemasons during the Boer War. On March 23, 1901, he was invited to propose the main toast to the Immortal Memory of Queen Victoria, who had died in January. Following his speech on Freemasonry in South Africa, the Lodge of St. Marys Chapel #1 in Edinburgh made Dr. Doyle an honorary member. The oldest extant minutes of a Masonic Lodge are from this Lodge, dated 1599. He was knighted on August 9, 1902 by Edward VII, who had been Grand Master in 1874, for his work with Langmans Field Hospital in South Africa. His history, The Great Boer War, was published in 1900. Dr. Doyle began writing while he was in medical

school and eventually wrote 56 short stories and four novels, featuring Sherlock Holmes. He wrote several science fiction stories, featuring George Edward Challenger, better known as Professor Challenger, who unlike the analytical mastermind sleuth, Sherlock Holmes, is an aggressive, dominating figure. These titles are The Lost World, The Poison Belt, The Land of Mist, The Disintegration Machine and When the World Screamed. Less well known are his books of poetry, such as Songs of Action and Songs of the Road; his historical novels, such as Micah Clarke, The White Company, and The Refugees; and especially his other books of history: The War in South Africa, its Cause and Conduct, the six volumes of History of the British Campaign in France and Flanders, the two-volume History of Spiritualism and more than a dozen other books. The Scottish Rite Journal (May-June, 2011, pp. 14 & 15) reports current efforts to preserve the Doyle family home from destruction by a developer: From 1897 to 1907 Doyle and his family lived at a home he named Undershaw where he wrote some of his most memorable work and celebrated some of his biggest accomplishments. Undershaw, designed by Doyle himself, was an impressive home with a two-story entrance hall, eleven bedrooms and dressing rooms, a dining room that could seat 30, and it even had a power plant to provide electricity to the house. Dr. Doyles many distinguished accomplishments as a physician and historian were sufficient to make him famous. But Arthur Conan Doyles name remains synonymous with Sherlock Holmes.

Did You Know When the Grand Lodge of Missouri chartered Multnomah Lodge #84 in Oregon October 19, 1846, the Lodge's jurisdiction ran from the Canadian border on the north to the Mexican border on the south and from the Pacific Ocean to the Rocky mountains. At the same time, the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Missouri covered all the territory between the Mississippi River and the Pacific Ocean.

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Cooper lodge #36 masons encourage Kids to readBy sam thompson and roy CaryThe Cooper Lodge #36 Bikes-4-Books program has eight Arkers and Rich King; Boonville Daily News; KWRT Raparticipating schools that will be getting 42 bikes. Partici- dio Dane Gregg; Achievia Tutoring Dave Watson; Fayette Advertiser and Democrat pating schools are: Boonville: Leader Pat Roll; Glasgow Hanna Cole Primary, David Missourian; Glasgow EquipBarton Elementary and Saints ment Bill Hord; Daves Peter and Paul; Blackwater: Country Mart Dave and Fayette Public, New Franklin Chris Nicholas; Hope PhoElementary, Glasgow Public to Julius Udinyiwe; Exand St. Marys. Joining the change Bank Stepanie program are Wallace Lodge Jennings; Jennings Premium Lodge #456 in Bunceton, Meats Jason Jennings; Prairie Home, Pilot Grove Citizens Community Bank Public and St. Joseph Catho Julie Schupp; Alpers lic. Farms Dorsey and Robert Every school has a reading program. The principals and Pictured left to right: Gary Whitehurse, Sam Thompson, Roy Alpers; Clarks Fork Mutual teachers know best how to im- Cary, Wal-Mart Store Manager George Arkers, Wal-Mart Zone Vicky Simmons; Mid-City plement the Bikes-4-Books. Manager Gary Hildebrandt, Morris Carter, Tim Boggs and Todd Lumber Gary Glaugitz; Hill. Bemboom Motors Gary Many schools put a childs Bemboom; Nordyne Gary Whitehurse; Caldwell Roofname in for a drawing; each book read is another chance to win the bike. Each semester the program awards one boys ing Kevin Caldwell; Wesley and Susan Williams; Melissa Vesser; Tom Adair Construction Mike and Shari Adair; and one girls bike to each school. Co-chairs Roy Cary and John Holtzclaw feel it is reward- Central Missouri Glass and More Ray Wells; Terry Daing to know so many are interested in the program and are vis; Gries Trucking and Excavating Marvin Lee Gries; always ready for more partners to provide more bikes for Cooper County Voice Theresa Krebs; Commercial Trust more schools. This is a great opportunity for Masons to help Company Gina Sanders; River Bend Restaurant Fred Foley; Tri-County Trust Stephanie Johanning; Heart of the schools encourage children to read. This is all possible with the help of the Partners in Ed- Missouri MFA David Monnig. ucation: Isle of Capri; Conley Road Wal-Mart George

Do YOU know a girl who wants to: have fun? make new friends? learn new things? make a difference? be a leader? Is she between the ages of 6 and 20? Then the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls is looking for her! ALL girls ages 6-10 are welcome for the Rainbow Pledge groups and ALL girls ages 11-20 are welcome for the Rainbow Girls' groups. These are the ONLY girls' clubs that teach what matters most - leadership, confidence and citizenship. Please explore www.GoRainbow.org to learn more!

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Lets begin with an amazing and inspiring tale, the true tale of a man who gave everything of himself and expected nothing in return. A man who loved his wife, his family, Freemasonry and the Order of DeMolay; understanding how crucial DeMolay is for the youth of our generation. He is a man who loved all people just for the sake of loving. This tale has and will continue to be legendary. This man is Dad Earl Earnest Walker. You cannot attend a Masonic event in the State of Missouri or beyond without someone knowing him and what he has done for Freemasonry. He is the cornerstone, with his Masonic brothers, of the evolution, development and progress of the Walker Scottish Rite Clinic for Childhood Language Disorders and the future of the Walker Health Center, which will house the Walker Clinic at Maryville University. His accomplishments and gifts are nothing short of remarkable. His story is one of inspiration, gives hope to everyone and sets an example worthy of our emulation. Earl Ernest Walker attended Ranken Technical College in St. Louis and went on to work for Curtis Wright Aircraft Co., which later became McDonnell Aircraft Company. Dad Walker and his loving wife Myrtle founded Carr Lane Manufacturing in 1952, in their garage in Kirkwood. Through long hours and tireless work, Dad Earl and Mom Myrtle built the fledgling operation into a global, multimillion dollar company providing parts to the automotive, appliance, furniture and aerospace industries as well as all four branches of the military. In addition to their business, the Walkers have been involved in their local church, community and charities. They are members of the Trinity Lutheran Church where Dad Walker served on the Church Council and the original site and building committee. He served on the St. Louis Board of Lutheran Churches and helped the Triumph Church. He was an active member of the Kirkwood Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce, the YMCA, the Girl Scouts with Mom Myrtle, and sat on numerous Boards. Dad Earl Walker was an amazing individual who has given in numerous ways to so many people in and around Freemasonry. Dad Walker was a man who understood the importance of youth and made sure he did as much as he could to help youth succeed and have every advantage he NEVER had. He was raised in a poor but loving and generous family and in the words of Dad Walker, If my mother had two potatoes she would give you one. He came from14 Winter 2011

humble beginnings and rose to the top making Dad Walker the cream of the crop. With every public event and unveiling he attended he reminded you, share with others and they will share with you, help others and they will help you, love others and they will love you. He was an advocate of helping people. He was an absolutely amazing individual, can never be replaced and will never be forgotten by anyone who had the honor and pleasure of meeting him. Dad Walker is one of the main reasons Missouri DeMolay has had the opportunity to hold its Leadership Training Conference (LTC) at Trout Lodge in Potosi, Missouri since 2007. Fortunately, Dad Walker was able to visit LTC this year, and as an esteemed token of DeMolays appreciation Dad Walker and Mom Walker were presented the Citizens Extraordinary Award. The last time the award was given was in 1957 to Dad Frank S. Land, Founder of the Order of DeMolay. The Walkers were also honored with the Jacques DeMolay original painting, now hanging in the Pillars of Charity at the Scottish Rite House of the Temple in Washington, DC, and the coveted LTC Plaque signed by all the DeMolays and advisors at LTC this year. What a joy it was to have Dad Walker attend LTC this year. It was such a pleasure and a surprise to everyone. Every DeMolay at LTC knows how much Dad Walker has done for him; and it was a heart-warming experience to have him there to share in the Brotherhood of DeMolay with the youth. Dad Walker was a proud and active member of the Masonic Family. Beginning his Masonic journey in Kirkwood Lodge #484, Dad Walker was later coroneted a 33 Scottish Rite Mason. He also received the Grand Cross, the highest honor in the Scottish Rite. Unfortunately, Dad Walker was unable to be an active DeMolay, yet he devoted his adult life in helping present and future DeMolays. Dad Walker was bestowed the Honorary Legion of Honor for his generosity and devotion to the Order of DeMolay and the community. Dad Walker was also given the extremely high honor and distinction of being inducted into the Missouri DeMolay Hall of Fame in 2009. He also received the coveted Eagle Award from the Grand Master of DeMolay in 2010, for extraordinary service to the Order. Dad Walkers selflessness and generosity is the definition of what DeMolay and Freemasonry are about. Dad Walker will never be forgotten, and his devotions will forever be appreciated and remembered. Earl Earnest Walker was a selfless, determined, charismatic, loving, generous man who gave everything, but asked forthe missouri freemason

Hello Missouri Masons! As you read this article, the annual convention of the Grand Lodge of Missouri will be a recent memory. Thank you to the many Masonic members who welcomed Jobs Daughters and the other Masonic Youth Organizations to your gathering. The formal banquet was a wonderful event with good food and entertainment. I was sorry to miss the meeting the next day, but I know that Grand Bethel Senior Princess Tiffany Hudson did a great job bringing greetings to the membership while I went to class!

The group picture was taken of the Missouri delegation at Supreme Session 2011, which was held in August in St. Louis. Miss Kaarin Hoogstraten from Bethel #33 in North Kansas City represented Missouri in the Miss International Jobs Daughters Pageant. We were thrilled when she was selected as the first runner-up! The new Miss International is from Alberta, Canada. The session was attended by more that 1,500 people from all over the world. As the Grand Bethel Honored Queen I shared hosting responsibilities with our Grand Guardian Kim Underwood and Associate Grand Guardian Joe Braun. One favorite memory was during Formal Opening, when I was honored to escort the Grand Master of Missouri and The Grand Secretary for introduction. Thank you to Grand Master Gale Turner and Grand Secretary Ron Miller for showing your support of Jobs Daughters at this important session. During the session the Ritual of Jobs Daughters International was revised and the new version will be in use shortly, so plan to come to a Bethel meeting to see what has changed. During the fall Missouri Bethels have been busy in September we held the annual Lincoln Truman Hike with the state of Illinois. This event raised funds for the HIKE (HearContinued from previous page nothing, came from modest starts and achieved everything he desired. He has been a living example of what Freemasonry is supposed to be. In memory of this great exemplary man we must continue his legacy spread the Word of DeMolay and Freemasonry cherish the moments we have with our family and friends and remember what DeMolay is all about. Words cannot do justice to what Dad Walker accomplished in a lifetime, but his actions will always speak louder thanthe missouri freemason

ing Impaired Kids Endowment) Fund, our charity, which provides funds to needy children who need hearing aids and other devices. We raised over $6,000. Then we were off to Kansas City to attend the annual Miss Missouri Pageant. Kaarin retired and Ashlee Brannin was crowned as our new Miss Missouri. She will compete next year in Baltimore, Maryland at the International Pageant. She will be accompanied by the new Jr. Miss Missouri, Tara Jolley and Miss Congeniality, Lauren Braun who were also selected at the pageant. The next day we held the Missouri Jobs Daughter Worship Service at the Scottish Rite in Kansas City. What an amazing building. We have also begun official visits and my own Bethel is finalizing plans for my reception on November 12, 2011. Most importantly many, many Bethels came back after summer recess to read petitions and welcome new members this is always an exciting event.

Have you been to a Bethel meeting or other event? Have you asked a Bethel to help at a MoCHIP program? (We would love to!) Have you talked to a niece, granddaughter or other young lady about coming to a Bethel social? If not, I hope you do soon! As always for more information please check out our websites at www.missouriiojd.org or www.jobsdaughtersinternational.org or just ask! Sincerely, Ashley Ray, Grand Bethel Honored Queen of Missouri Jobs Daughters International words. Continue to love and share with others as Dad Earl Walker did. Follow in his footsteps and keep him in your thoughts and prayers as he watches over us with a smiling face knowing that we are making the world a better place today and continuing to improve for tomorrow. No amount of thanks can repay him for what he has done. All we can say and have ever said to let him know how much he has meant to us is: Dad Walker WE LOVE YOU and hope that we can live as you have so honorably taught us to do!Winter 2011 15

sixth annual truman Club DinnerOn Saturday, September 24, 2011, the Masonic Home of Missouri held its sixth annual Truman Club Dinner at the Country Club of Missouri in Columbia. One hundred eight members were in attendance, twelve of those receiving their Truman Club Bust and three upgrading to the next society level in their Truman Club Membership. We wish to thank all of our donors for their support, for allowing us to be their hand that reaches out across the state to aid fellow Brothers, Sisters, wives/widows and children in need. Our donors are truly the bricks and mortar of this great Fraternity that we build the Masonic promises upon.

RWB William B. VanMeter

WB Harry L. Tripp, Jr.

WB Brian and Jennifer Maenner

WB Dan and Lynn Blanke

RWB Lionel and Sister Virginia Goede

Brother David N. Appleby

Brother Douglas J. Roberts

Brother John and Carol Hendrickson

RWB Dale M. Bryan and his mother JoAnne

WB Daniel W. and Ellen Stehly

RWB Frederick H. Neal

RWB Ronald E. Wood, Jr. and Betty Wood

RWB Ronald and Susie Jones

RWB Webb Edwards

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the missouri freemason

~ Donor Profiles ~Dan BlankeMaster in Holyrood, Kansas. His Brother Brother Blanke was born in Nowata, Kenny was the Potentate of Isis Temple in Oklahoma, and raised in Russell, Kansas. Salina, Kansas and his Brothers Jack and Lynn was born and raised in Long Beach, Wayne were Master Masons. California. Dan and Lynn both graduated Both, Dan and Lynn are avid golfhigh school and Lynn attended college at ers. Lynn is currently the Ladies Club Long Beach State. Champion at Cassville Golf Club. They Transferred to California with work, feel very blessed to have a home on TaDan met Lynn. The two were introduced ble Rock Lake since Dan loves to be on to one another by friends in 1976 and marthe lake with a rod in his hands fishing ried 1979. They spent 30 years in the San for bass. They enjoy staying warm in the Diego area before retiring to Shell Knob, winter in Southern Texas on South Padre Missouri where they reside today. DurWB Dan and Lynn Blanke Island where they participate in Flying ing their time in San Diego, Dan worked Stunt Kites. for the motorhome industry. He retired Their real passion is helping children. Dan spearheaded as Vice President of Sales and Marketing with Tiffton Motorhomes where he was responsible for sales and marketing a program through his Lodge called, "Healthy Smiles for Kids." Many families do not meet eligibility for assistance for everything west of the Rocky Mountains. Dan and Lynn have been blessed with three children and through governmental programs for dental care. Seeing a six grandchildren who live in California, Oklahoma and need, Central Crossing Lodge started a benefit golf tournaKansas. Dan was raised to the degree of Master Mason in ment to raise funds to provide dental assistance for children. 1965 in Kearney, Nebraska. Due to work and family life Dan Last year they raised $5,000 and provided 13 children in was unable to become active in Lodge until retirement. Since Shell Knob with dental care. The school was so happy to then he has transferred to Central Crossing Lodge #674 in receive the assistance they gave Central Crossing Lodge a Shell Knob. He was brought onto the line and was installed $2,000 grant. With another successful year ahead of them as Worshipful Master on September 30, 2011. He is also a Dan and his Lodge hope to launch another program called, 27-year member in the Scottish Rite and Shrine. Freemason- "Dont Meth with Me," an educational program for children ry plays an important role in Dans family. His Father was a on the dangers of Meth use.

Douglas J. RobertsWhile stationed at Whiteman, Brother RobBrother Roberts was born in Highland Park, erts joined Cold Spring Lodge # 274 in Leeton, Illinois. He graduated High School from Zion, Missouri, where he was raised to the degree of Illinois in 1960 and in October of that year he Master Mason in August, 1978, following in joined the United States Air Force. Douglas his father and two older brothers. Later, Dougparticipated in many assignments, both statelas joined the Scottish Rite and Shrine. side and overseas. While serving our country he After twenty-three years of service, Brother worked in Transportation, Intelligence, Missile Roberts retired from the Air Force as a Captain, Operations and Safety Engineering. in October 1983. He jumped into the aerospace The Air Force provided Brother Roberts with industry as Systems Safety Engineer on launch the opportunity to gain a few degrees on the way. vehicles, satellite production and satellite In 1973, Douglas was selected to attend Calilaunch for several aerospace corporations, such fornia State University obtaining a Bachelors Brother Douglas J. Roberts as Boeing and Rockwell to name only a couple. of Science in Business Administration. After reToday, Douglas resides in Torrance, California, where ceiving his bachelors he was commissioned to Second Lieutenant. Two years later (1975), while stationed at Whiteman he remained after retirement in 2000. His wife, Linda, is a AFB in Missouri, Douglas received his Masters of Science homemaker and is the Mrs. Fix-It in their home. Douglas has degree in Safety from Central Missouri State University in three children from a previous marriage that live in different Warrensburg. As an incentive to work in the Missiles Op- parts of the country and four granddaughters by his middle eration division, Whiteman provided a permanent faculty on child. In his spare time, he enjoys golf, reading and assisting base from the University of Missouri. Through this program his wife for those must-do-projects around the house. They in 1977, Douglas obtained his Masters degree in Business both enjoy traveling around the country, and has traveled abroad to Europe a few times. Administration.the missouri freemason Winter 2011 17

masonic home of missouri representative luncheonThe Masonic Home of Missouri hosted the Masonic Home Representative Luncheon at the Grand Lodge Annual Communication on Monday, September 26, 2011. We had approximately 200 Representatives in attendance. Discussion involved additions to the Masonic Home programs. The Reps also learned their role would be expanding, further utilizing them as the liaison between the Masonic Home and Missouris Lodges. Resource Guides and paper copies of the Widows List were available for pick up at the Masonic Home booth at the Grand Lodge Annual Communication. The Resource Guides were done differently this year; instead of a hard copy, the membership was/will be provided with a disc of social serThe Masonic Home of Missouri hosted another successful golf outing on Monday, August 29, 2011, at Columbia Country Club. Silent auction prizes included overnight stays with free event tickets to Lake of the Ozarks, Branson and Jefferson City. There were also golf, movie, dinner, car detailing, football and baseball packages, autographed photos by favorite sports legends and so much more. All of this is done each year to raise money for our Childrens Programs. If you would like to register to play in the golf tournament in 2012 please call 800-434-9804 and ask to speak with our Public Relations department. Well see you on the greens next year. vices available in each Lodges area. If your Lodge was unable to get its Resource Guide and Widows List at Grand Lodge, please call 800-434-9802 and speak with the Outreach Department. At each Grand Lodge Annual Communication it is our privilege to recognize the "Partner of the Year." This award was presented to Hazelwood Lodge #459. We also presented the "Representative of the Year" award. This years recipient was Worshipful Brother Clarence "Buzz" Barrows of Sullivan Lodge #69. Thank you to all our Lodges and Masonic Home Representatives that carry out the good works of the Fraternity and our Masonic Home of Missouri.

fore Kids!

Creating-a-PartnershipCreating-A-Partnership (CAP) is a matching funds program supported by the Masonic Home of Missouri, partnering with Lodges/Chapters up to $2,500 per Lodge/Chapter per MHM fiscal year. (CAP is based on fiscal year July 1 to June 30.) Individual Child/Children Lodges and Chapters can work within their communities to identify a child or children in need (e.g., through schools or local community organizations/families). Assistance can help to provide clothing, basic school supplies, coats, shoes, hats and gloves, hygiene items, eyeglasses, dental work, etc. Project-Based Lodges and Chapters can identify projects within their communities through charitable or other non-profit organizations, such as schools. Recipients of the CAP Project-Based funds must be a 501 (c) (3) public charitable organization, as defined by the IRS, Established in 1991, the Outreach Program is a financial assistance program that provides financial relief to eligible Missouri Master Masons, their wives/widows and Missouri female members of the Order of the Eastern Star. The Masonic Home of Missouri is able to help its elderly18 Winter 2011

or public entities such as school districts. An example of a project that may qualify is the backpack food programs found in communities statewide. Matching funds must go toward the purchase of specific item. The Masonic Home will not match funds for general operating expenses. Once a need has been identified, the Lodge/Chapter must complete and submit an application and worksheet (available online at www.mohome.org or by contacting the Masonic Home). Once items are purchased the Lodge/Chapter will be responsible for providing a copy of receipt(s) showing how funds were spent. The Lodge/Chapter will not be able to make additional requests until all receipts are received. The Masonic Home will not reimburse for purchases already made. Purchase must be made within five days of receiving funds. Tax exemption certification will be provided for purchase.

outreach services Programmembers who have outlived their resources in their homes, apartments, independent living facilities and assisted living facilities. Some applicants qualify for this long-term assistance each month, while others only need assistance with individual Continued on next page the missouri freemason

Childrens outreach ProgramEstablished in 2003, the Childrens Outreach Program provides financial assistance to legal dependents of Missouri Master Masons or Missouri female members of the Order of the Eastern Star. Assistance provided through this program may help with medical care and services such as dental, hearing, vision, therapy and equipment. This program alleviates the financial strain on parents who may have health insurance, but are struggling to afford the co-payments and other medical expenses not covered by insurance. The flexibility of the Childrens Outreach Program makes it possible for parents to seek services in their own communities. Applying for Assistance The parents or legal guardians of the child should make application on the childs behalf. Once an applicants information is received, the Outreach staff will contact the guardian to obtain additional information. All inquiries are given prompt attention. Age and Length of Membership is reviewed on all applicants. Applications can be found online at www.mohome.org. The Masonic Family Cares is a new program that will help facilitate connections between Lodges, Chapters, youth organizations and the Masonic Brothers and Sisters in their communities. Interested Lodges/Chapters can contact the Masonic Home to inquire about establishing relationships with Masonic Brothers, widows or OES members in their area who would enjoy visiting with a fellow Masonic member. This program is a great opportunity to connect with those members within your communities who might not be able to attend Lodge, or a widow who would benefit from seeing a friendly face. If your Lodge is already participating and doing these great works within your community, please share your stories with us. If you are trying to find ways to reach out to those members amongst you, please contact the Masonic Home of Missouri and we will assist you in locating these Masonic members within your community. Social Services The Masonic Home of Missouri provides updated Resource Directories (biannually) to each Masonic Lodge. These resource directories provide information on available social services, specific to each Masonic District. Eligibility Requirements applicants must meet the following criteria: Legaldependent(s)ofMissouriMasterMasonsorfemale members of the Order of the Eastern Star. MasterMasonorEasternStarmembermustbeingood standing at time of application. AgeandLengthofMembershipguidelines. Guardianofapplicantmustdemonstrateafinancialneed. Age and Length of Membership Guidelines subject to approval by Board of Directors Legaldependent(s)upto21yearsofageofMasterMasons or female members of the Order of the Eastern Star who are in good standing in Missouri Lodge/Chapter and have a minimum of two years of continuous good standing prior to application. Legaldependent(s)ofMasterMasonsorfemalemembers of the Order of the Eastern Star over the age of 21 who are physically or mentally disabled.

masonic family Cares

Our Social Services Department maintains up-to-date information regarding programs and services throughout the state and can provide you with this information should you need it. Please contact us if you need information or assistance researching social services within your own community.

Widows Program The Masonic Home provides widows with information regarding its programs and services. In an effort to bring widows and the local Masonic Home Representatives together, the Masonic Home began scheduling luncheons throughout the state. At these luncheons, the Masonic Home honors these ladies with a pin recognizing them as Masonic widows. A widows card is provided to each widow listing her late husbands Masonic record should she ever need assistance from the Masonic Home. If you know a Masonic widow who is not receiving information from the Masonic Home, we encourage you to provide us with her contact information. If you are a Masonic Widow and need information regarding the Masonic Home, or would like to change or submit your contact information please call 800-434-9804 or email cirvin@mohome.org. Age & Length of Membership Guidelines Memberpriortotheageof40musthavebeenincontinuous good standing for five years prior to application. Memberbetweentheagesof40and49years,inclusive, must have been in continuous good standing for at least ten years prior to application. Memberbetweentheagesof50and59years,inclusive, must have been in continuous good standing for at least 15 years prior to application. Memberatorsubsequenttoattainingtheageof60years must have been in continuous good standing for at least 20 years prior to application.Winter 2011 19

Continued from previous page payments, such as medical bills, hearing aids or dental work. The Outreach Program is also able to provide short-term assistance to its younger members. This short-term assistance may help members going through medical emergencies or during times of unemployment. The assistance is provided to help individuals while they are helping themselves out of difficult situations. As with all assistance, the Board of Directors considers each request on a case-by-case basis. All inquiries are given prompt attention. Age and length of membership are reviewed on all applicants. Applications can be found online at www.mohome.org.the missouri freemason

lodge notes On Saturday, July 23, 2011, Joe Detter Joachim Lodge #164 Worshipful Master, presented a check in the amount of $450 to Brenda of the Hillsboro Food Pantry. The proceeds were collected from the monthly breakfast on the first Saturday, held at the Lodge in Hillsboro, Missouri. Missouri Jobs Daughters will present a Grand Gala Event Friday, March 16, 2012 at the St. Louis Scottish Rite Cathedral. Social Hour begins at 6 pm. dinner served at 7 pm. Music and dancing from 9 -11:30 pm Featuring "Yessir!" Tickets are $50.00 per person, with a table to 10 for $400.00. A drawing will be held with minimum cash prize of $2,000.00. The guest speaker will be Lisa Nichols, CEO, owner and co-founder of Technology Partners, Inc. Presented by Missouri Jobs Daughters Promotion Committee. For Tickets call Julia Wallace at 816-916-0126 or email MOJDBanquet@aol.com. All proceeds benefit the members of Missouri JDI. For more information, please visit: http://missouriiojd.org/SpecialEvents/index. htm#PromotionBanquet. Sampson Lodge #298 became a beehive of activity during the first annual Oldies In The Ozarks community celebration in Theodosia on August 20 and 21. The event was highlighted by a classic car show on Saturday and a motorcycle show on Sunday. Other activities for the weekend included a 5K run, fishing pond, 50s era sock-hop in the school gym, drive in movie, paintball shooting gallery, exhibits by conservation agents and sheriffs deputies, vendors, and a spiritually uplifting sunrise service on Sunday morning. The members of Sampson Lodge cooked breakfast for the crowds on Saturday and Sunday morning and served a smoked pork meal on Saturday afternoon. Mark your calendars and be sure to join us for fun and friendship next year.

On August 6, 2011, a pork burger cookout was held at noon recognizing Past Masters from Hale City Lodge #216 including those from the consolidation of Bosworth Lodge #597. Past Masters in attendance: RWB Harold Shatto, RWB Lee Fisher, RWB Lloyd G. Lyon, WB Mark Fisher, WB Reigge Crose & WB Ralph Dooley.

On July 23, 2011, Hope Lodge #251, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Washington, Missouri, presented three scholarships to graduates of Washington High School and New Haven High School. Destiny Poertner of New Haven received $500. Lacey Nieder of Washington received $500. Lindsy Benedict of Marthasville received $250. (Photo courtesy of Firehouse Photography).

On October 3, 2011, Hale City Lodge #216 hosted a Masonic School of Instruction at the Lodge Hall in Hale, Missouri. Eighteen people were in attendance representing four Lodges and two districts. The school was conducted by DDGL Bruce McWilliams. DDGM Steve Walden and former Regional Lecturer Stan Massey assisted.

Hermitage Lodge #288, Hermitage, Missouri, installed its officers for the 2011-2012 term on September 9. Shown are Worshipful Master Conrad Pitz Sr., Senior Warden Wilbur Meierer, Junior Warden Jerry Stone, Secretary Jim Munden, Treasurer John Donahue, Senior Deacon Jerry Lightfoot, Junior Deacon Makie Snyder, Senior Steward Mark Houser, Junior Steward Wally Davis, Marshall Palmer Bishop and Chaplain Henry Garcia.

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the missouri freemason

"Solomon's Tribe" Widows Sons of Laclede Lodge #83 held a benefit poker run for a young lady who needs a $15,000 Seizure Dog. We raised about $1,800 which left the family about $2,000 short with a month to go. Looks good. It was a good ride and everyone enjoyed the food and fellowship.

Worshipful Master Joe Detter and Masterelect Dannie Patterson present Marine Corporal Justin McLoud with a donation from Joachim Lodge #164 in Hillsboro, Missouri, at a fundraiser on July 2, 2011. Corporal McLoud returned home after losing both legs and his left arm in an explosion in Afghanistan in December.

Members of Hale City Lodge #216 assisted the City of Hale and the Hale Lions Club in preparing the site for a new helicopter pad. Trees had to be taken down to prepare the property for the new concrete pad. Lodge members assisting: RWB Harold Shatto, RWB Lee Fisher and RWB Lloyd G. Lyon.

During a special communication on August 15 and 16, Craft Lodge at Canton raised 3 Brothers to the sublime degree of Master Mason. Pictured left to right are Richard Horner, Matt DeWitt (continuing a family tradition in Freemasonry) and Tracy Elder. Due to strong community involvement, Craft Lodge is experiencing an increase in its membership.

Saturday, September 18, 2011, Jewel Lodge #480, Pleasant Hill, Missouri, had its open installation of officers for 2011-2012 as follows: Worshipful Master Donald Donovan, Senior Warden Daniel Collins, Junior Warden Ronald Beatty, Treasurer Paul Williams, Secretary RWB James Williams, Chaplain RWB Farrell Sexson, Marshall Larry Rosanbalm, Senior Deacon Aaron Francis, Junior Deacon David Maguire, Senior Steward John Toynton, Junior Steward Mark Schlenker and Tyler Joe Sappington.

WB Donald J. Hall, Chaplain, (right) presented WB Bruce E. McGlasson a Gavel of Authority which he made to commemorate WB McGlasson's very successful years as Worshipful Master of Union Lodge for the 2008-2009 and 2010-2011 terms. The engraving on the gavel reads "To WB Bruce 'Trainwreck' McGlasson alluding, all in good fun, to events during WB McGlasson's term leading to his new nickname, which seems to have stuck.

On Saturday August 20, Fraternal Lodge #363 in Robertsville had its 141st installation of officers. From left to right, front row, Terry Gordon, Senior Deacon; Eugene Richter, Worshipful Master; Arnold Haddock, Secretary; C.W. Porter, Junior Steward; Eugene Sam, Tyler. Back Row Gary Bay, Treasurer; Danny Diesel, Junior Warden; Russell Humphrey, Marshall; Norman Harrison, Installing Master; Richard Weible, Senior Warden; Ronald Brown, Chaplain.

Clay Lodge #207 installed its officers for the upcoming year on September 18 in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. Shown (left to right): Justin O'Dell, Senior Deacon; Jack Dotson, Senior Warden; Wayne Souders, Senior Steward; Tyler Stone, Junior Steward; Bert Macy, Worshipful Master; Billy Bouchier, Secretary; Craig Jones, Junior Warden; RWB Rick Clevenger, Chaplain; Bill Stacy, Marshal. This year (2011) was the 150th anniversary for the Lodge.

the missouri freemason

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Cooper Lodge #36 received a gift from an old friend. Brother A.K. Ignacio lost his ring several years ago. When his widow, Frances, was cleaning out the deep freeze she found Iggys ring. With the permission of Frances Ignacio, Roy Cary, Past Master, presented the ring to his nephew, Brother John Cary, who thought highly of Iggy. Pictured (left to right): John Cary, WB Roy Cary, Gary Whitehurse, Senior Deacon.

Hope Lodge #251 installed David R. Whittaker as Worshipful Master during installation of officers ceremonies Saturday, August 20. Shown sitting, from left, are Daniel L. Neu, SW; WB Whittaker and Kyle Triplett, JW. Standing from left are Montgomery W. Morris, Marshall; Joseph W. O'Bryant, JD; Mitchell R. Martin, SD; WB Harold Lindauer, Treasurer; WB Terry D. Coppotelli, Chaplain; James E. Birmingham, SS; and John L. Erfurdt, Jr., Secretary. A noon dinner followed the installation ceremonies.

Each year, the Worshipful Master of California Lodge #183 identifies that Brother who has shown outstanding dedication to California Lodge through attendance at regular meetings and special events and a willingness to step up and participate. This year's recipient is Brother Dwight (Eddie) Phillips. Although a relatively new Mason, Eddie is always ready to support his Lodge and Freemasonry in general and California Lodge is pleased to honor him as the California Lodge #183 Mason of the Year.

Robert Burns Lodge #496 (Gainesville) and Sampson Lodge #298 (Theodosia) installed Officers for the 2011/2012 Masonic year in a unique dual installation ceremony held at Ga