I hope that your summer has been exciting, I know that mine has. It’s time to pick up the tools and begin working again. We have a busy schedule planned for the next couple of months and your participation will be greatly appreciated.

Believe it or not, the Masonic year is actually winding down and we are looking for brethren to fill positions in the line. This may be the year to take a more active role in your Lodge.

Brethren, at our last stated meeting in June we had an unusual occurrence happen. Two candidates opted out of the Grand Master’s Class to take their journey through Masonry the traditional way.

We were privileged to have three Past Grand Masters: MWB David L. Dresser, MWB William P. Mayberry, Sr. and MWB James M. Williamson; and our Deputy Grand Master RWB Terry W. Posey present to initiate the two grandsons of MWB Dresser. Other members of the Lodge assisted in the work of the evening. WB Jim Simko did a fine job with the lecture and Bro. Tom Adams did his usual fine job with the charge.

Please join us in welcoming our new members into the Lodge and help us to make them feel welcome. Newly obligated EAs are Bros. Michael A. Miller and Jonathan D. Miller, two blood brothers who, as you read above, decided to receive their degree work the traditional way. These are the two grandsons of MWB. Dresser.

Grand Master’s Class

At the state-wide Grand Master’s Class held on June 13, 2009, 2340 men were raised. In the Second District, held at the Dayton Masonic Center, 235 candidates (largest in the state) received their three Masonic degrees. That class included nine candidates from Far Hills Lodge, including MWB Dresser’s son-in-law Bro. John E. Millstead, Jr. Other new brothers from the one-day class are Bro. Eric M. Bull, son of Bro. John E. Bull, Jr., Bro. Sean K. Fickert, son of Bro. Robin S. Fickert; Bro. Thomas A. Harris, grandson of Bro. Thomas N. Harris, Bro. Mark T. Seitz, son of Bro. Thomas A. Seitz; Bro. Anthony D. Tomlinson, Bro. Robert Tomlinson, step-sons of WB Lloyd O. Nickell; Bro. Christopher R. Wamsley and Bro. Matthew A. Mattingly, friends of WB Jack M. Harless.

I-CARE

The main mission of Masonic Senior Services/I-CARE is to link senior Masons, their wives and widows, and Eastern Star members to services in their community that will allow them to remain healthy, safe and independent in their own homes as long as possible.

An in-home assessment is available to provide convenience, privacy and individual care in linking unmet needs with available services. Each of the I-CARE Coordinators has extensive knowledge of their area’s available services for seniors.

Lodge Education Officer

On August 5, 1884 on Bedloe’s Island in New York Harbor, the cornerstone for the Statue of Liberty was laid.

On October 9, 1880, the American Committee of the Statue of Liberty issued an invitation to the Freemasons Grand Lodge of the State of New York.

On August 5, 1884, in response to that invitation Grand Master William A. Brodie, assisted by his associate Grand Lodge Officers, laid the cornerstone of the pedestal of the Bartholdi Statue of Liber Enlightening the World, on Bedloe’s Island, in New York Harbor.

The copper box placed under the stone contained many rare memorials. Among the were nineteen bronze medals from the United States Mint, representing as many Presidents of the Federal Government who were all proven Freemasons; a copy of the United States Constitution; George Washington’s Farewell Address; copies of New York City newspapers; a portrait of Bartholdi; a copy of Poem on Liberty by E.R. Johnes; and a list on parchment of the Grand Lodge officers.

Although cornerstones of public buildings and monuments had been laid by representatives of the Grand Lodge from the beginning of the history of the State, voices of opponents began to be heard questioning the propriety of the procedure. The Grand Master took occasion, therefore, to offer worlds of explanation at the laying of the cornerstone of the Statue of Liberty. He said that the Fraternity had been called upon for this service because it had become a common law of practice the world over to invite the Masonic craft to lay the cornerstones of public structures, in time honored recognition of the fact that, symbolically at least, the Freemasons of the present are the descendants of the ancient operative Masons who built the world’s great masterworks of architecture.

There was, besides, a special reason: “No institution has done more to promote liberty and to free men from the trammels and chains of ignorance and tyranny than Freemasonry, and we, as a Fraternity, take an honest pride in depositing the cornerstone of the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World.”

Bro. Frederic A. Bartholdi was born April 2, 1834 at Colmar, Alsace, France. He passed away in 1904. He was the designer of the Statue of Liberty. Bro. Bartholdi convened his Lodge members to review the statue before it was shown to the United States committee. He was one of the early members of Lodge Alsace-Lorraine, Paris, France.

From the Secretary’s Desk

Any questions or problems regarding membership, dues, suspensions, reinstatement from suspension, petitions or awards should check with John Weyrauch. We can make special arrangements according to the situation of each individual brother or just answer your questions. Dues are comin’!

Blood Bank

Brethren, we do have a blood bank account set up at the Community Blood Center. When you donate tell them that it is for the account for Far Hills Masonic Lodge #784. We will get credit for each pint of blood donated. Brethren, this is one way to help others by giving something of yourself.
Thanks,
-Bro. Ron Seigla

Annual Communication

October 16 & 17
Toledo, Ohio

The governing body of Ohio Masonry is the Grand Lodge of Ohio, F & AM, located in Worthington, near Columbus. Each year the Grand Lodge holds an annual communication to dispense with business necessary to govern Ohio masonry and to elect new officers.

The Annual Communication is held in different cities and this year it will be held in Toledo on October 16 & 17.

Since it his highly likely in the normal progression of the officer line that the Deputy Grand Master advances (if elected by the members present at the convocation) to Grand Master, the present DGM, RWB Terry W. Posey, will be elected Grand Master in Toledo.

The Past Masters’ Club of Antioch Shrine has been asked to be the Honor Guard for his installation on Saturday. A bus has been hired to transport anyone desiring to go to Toledo on that Saturday (17th) morning and return later in the afternoon. For details or to reserve your seat, contact Mike Johnson at (513) 885-1627 or (513) 737-6576.

Open Houses

At the statewide open houses mandated by the Grand Master the words used to describe the event were: “excitement” and “success”. Check out the article in the May/June 2009 issue of the Beacon.

A Warm Masonic Tale

This is a story of Masons surrounding a campfire in the Old West, at night, discussing the Fraternity and its teachings. One old man listened patiently, then finally spoke up.

“I can tell you more about Masonry in a little example than some of the great Masonic philosophers can in books.

Everybody stand up and gather in a circle around the campfire,” he said. They did that.

“Now, everybody hold hands with the man next to him,” said the old man. They did that, too.

“What do you see looking ahead?” asked the man. “The face of a brother through the flames,” said one participant. The old man asked, “What do you feel in front of you?” The response was “the warmth of the fire” and “the comfort it brings on a cool night.” The old man continued, “What do you feel at your side?” They responded, “the warm hand of a Brother.”

“Okay,” said the man, “Drop your hands and turn around.” The did so.

“Now what do you see as you look ahead?” asked the old man. The reply: “Complete darkness.”

“What do you feel at your side?” “A sense of loneliness, of being alienated.”

He asked, “What do you feel at your side?” They answered, “Nothing at all.”

Finally, the old man asked, “What do you feel on your backside?” They replied, “The warmth of the fire.”

“So it is with Masonry,” said the old man.

“In Masonic gatherings you can feel the warmth of Masonic interaction. You can see the face of a Brother through the light Masonry brings to you, and you can always feel the warm hand of your Masonic Brother.

When you turn away from Masonry and are out in the world, you see darkness, feel alienated and alone, and you do not feel the warm hand of your Masonic Brother. But Masonry, and the warmth and light it brings, are just a turn away from you.”

Fraternal greetings from the East

Happy New Year Brethren! First of all, I would like to say thank you to all the Brethren of Far Hills Lodge for making my installation a success. In particular, I would like to thank RWB’s Bobby Campbell and (my great-uncle) Dick Harless, for conducting and installing me.

Second, speaking of the New Year, it’s that time again: time for good food, great celebrations and determined resolutions. One resolution I would like to make for myself, as a cog in the wheel of Freemasonry, is to dedicate at least a portion of my spare time to studying, writing and talking about the Craft.

Third, as we look to the future of our Fraternity, one of the easiest ways to spread the word of Free-masonry is by simply living it. Spend time studying the principles of the Craft by reading the myriad and diverse writings on and about the Craft. Engage in conversations with members and non-members alike. I find that the principles of Freemasonry apply to my life situations on a daily basis. Don’t be afraid to share your experiences with others and your ideas, and your concerns. Many are looking for what we have. As the old saying goes, “they would do what you do, if they knew what you knew.” If you feel able to write about your experiences or opinions about the Craft, there are innumerable ways to let your thoughts be heard in this instant age of communication.

Finally, let’s plan to renew our enthusiasm for our great history and future by immersing ourselves in teaching, studying and living out the principles and tenets of Freemasonry. Brothers, this is one resolution we just might be able to stick with!

This Month in Masonic History

January 7, 1808: On this date, The Grand Lodge of Ohio was established. Go to its website: www. freemason.com

~ Trestleboard ~

February 12 ~ 7:00 PM ~ Stated Meeting ~ EA Practice
February 26 ~ 7:00 PM ~ Stated Meeting ~ EA Degree
March 12 ~ 7:00 PM ~ Stated Meeting
March 21 ~ Statewide Open House for all Masonic Lodges
March 21 ~ 2nd District Grand Master’s Reception
March 26 ~ 7:00 PM ~ Stated Meeting
April 9 ~ 7:00 PM ~ Stated Meeting
April 16 ~ 7:00 PM ~ Special Meeting ~ Annual Lodge Inspection

From the Secretary’s DeskWe’re off on the New Year, whether we like it or not. Sixteen members have not paid their dues for 2009. Is it your dues card that doesn’t have 2009 on it? The Code requires suspension of members who have not paid their dues by 12/31/08.

To be reinstated after suspension for non-payment, requires the payment of the dues in arrears (70.00). Good standing in Blue Lodge is required for membership in all other Masonic related organizations.

Lodge Education Officer

It is interesting to know that King Solomon, who succeeded David his father on the throne, about 970 BC, is credited with being the author of most of the book of Proverbs in our Bible; and that he was famous for his wisdom as is indicated in the records in the books of Kings and Chronicles. Many of these Proverbs have come from his own experiences; and others may already have been ancient literature of that period.

With the aid of the trestleboard, plan ahead and attend Lodge when you can. Make it happen. Help and encourage your officers to do good work. Help to strengthen your Lodge and Freemasonry. It is important to America.

The Grand Master’s Theme for 2009

Valley of Cincinnati: “Can you describe some of the programs that you have in mind to support your theme, Reach?”

M.W.B. Murphy: “By the very nature of the theme, there are many facets. One example is that we’re working on some initiatives with some of the other Grand bodies, like sharing committees. For years we’ve operated as independent bodies with different jurisdictional boundaries, which makes it more difficult to communicate with one another on a local level. Other initiatives include reaching out to communities by marketing through billboards and getting Freemasonry’s name out there a little more, as well as reaching into charitable activities such as the Masonic Model Student Assistance Program, and more. The bottom line is that we want to develop programs that encourage Brethren to reach for improvement in all of their endeavors.

From Labor to Rest

Jack David Schlemmer
dob 06/25/1929
EA 02/16/1949
FC 06/01/1949
MM 09/14/1949
died 01/11/2009  (No services requested)

David Eugene Busser
dob 04/06/1936
EA 01/08/1963
FC 01/29/1963
MM 04/30/12963
died 12/30/82008

Did U Know?

In Ohio we open the Bible (The Great Light), in a Masonic Lodge to Psalm 133, when the Lodge is opened in the Entered Apprentice degree, Amos 7:7-8 when opened in the Fellowcraft degree, and on Ecclesiastes 12:1-7 when opened in the Master Mason degree. These particular passages are fairly consistent in the different jurisdictions in the United States.

In England, the passages are Ruth 4:7, Judges 12:6 and 1 Kings 7:13-14.

There have been other passages, too, used at various times around the world, such as; Genesis 18, 1 Kings 6:8 and 2 Chronicles 6.
Have you ever read any of them?

Important Notice

Please note that all correspondence to the lodge should be sent to our Secretary’s home address:
John A. Weyrauch • 4700 Briar Knoll Drive • Kettering, OH 45429
(937) 434-5140 • jaweyrauch@woh.rr.com

If the correspondence is meant for the Master, it should be sent to:
Jack M. Harless • 7185 Bigger Lane • Centerville, OHO 45459
(937) 433-7328 •jtoren19@yahoo.com or jack@drholten.com

Mail sent to the temple address will be returned to the sender by the post office.
We do not have provisions to receive mail at the temple.