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.”

Brethren, I hope that this newsletter finds everyone in good health. If you have not been able to attend the meetings lately, you have been missing out on some great fellowship.

Our awards night went well. Thanks to the Brethren who were able to show up for their awards. Our night out with the Ladies at Ryan’s Steak House was enjoyed by all who attended.

We will be conferring a Fellow Craft Degree on two candidates on May 24th. Please come out and support your Lodge.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate RWB Richard L. Coy for being selected as the Scottish Rite honoree for their spring reunion. WB Thomas R. Spettel was the honoree for the York Rite reunion and Grand Masters Class York Rite conferral and WB Bobby G. Campbell is the Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masons of Ohio. It is quite an honor to have these Brethren as members of our Lodge. I would also like to thank them for all of their countless hours of dedication to freemasonry.

This month Brethren we will be having two work days at Lodge one on May 5th and the other on May 12th from 9am to around 2pm.

NEWS FROM THE TEMPLE BOARD

At the meeting on April 26th, the Brethren voted unanimously to sell the property that use to be the ball field. Yes, we have a buyer. More later.

Temple work day on Saturday, May 12, 2007. Brethren we can use your help.

From the Lodge Education Officer

So many people embark on projects to make changes in their lives, only to get detoured or bogged down in the numerous other things that are in their lives. These can be physical blocks, such as a cluttered living room or kitchen but they can also be emotional
issues, mental clarity or personal relationships. Here are a few guides to simplifying your life of the obstacles that stand between you and fulfillment of your
vision. (continued from last month)

CLEAN HOUSE. A big part of simplifying is to declutter your physical landscape. Start with one small area like the kitchen counter or junk drawer and finish it in one shot. Focus your energy on this one space; don’t think about the messy garage or bedroom closet. You can even invest extra. into your small project such as putting in a drawer liner or organizing tray. This may encourage you to protect it from future clutter. It’s important to come up with a system as you organize and also to take steps to prevent clutter from even coming into your home.

GET A HEALTHY BODY. While you are getting rid of the junk around your house, examine your eating and health habits and start eliminating the junk there, too. Along with limiting caffeine, sugar and alcohol, look at eliminating junk food, tobacco and any other thing that ages, erodes, clogs up or adds weight to your body and puts your health at risk. It’s also good to update your personal appearance.

CLEAR OUT YOUR DEBT. Stop impulse buying and start paying off your credit cards. Establish a budget and start living within your means. Can you imagine all of the free time you’ll gain when you are not worrying about money?

SIMPLIFY YOUR LANGUAGE. Try to speak honestly and directly with courtesy and kindness. Don’t use whiny and apologetic language to ask for what you want (“I wonder if I could possibly persuade you to…”). Get rid of the swear words, hostile comments and the idea that you must voice your opinion about everything. Throw your judgment of others to the wayside.

LEARN TO SAY “NO.” It was probably one of the first words you ever learned, so why are you having so much difficulty using it now? Use it. It’s your life/your time, your resources and you have the absolute right to use it as you see fit.

LIMIT TRADITION. Tradition is wonderful so long as it doesn’t run your life. If a tradition has lost its meaning or purpose and is just a timewaster, then get rid of it. When anyone says “but we’ve always done it this way,” figure out why. If it no longer makes sense/then feel free to walk away or change it.

MAKE TIME FOR YOU. Time is tight for most of us. Make a decision that you will set aside time that is just for you. Start with 15 minutes a day if that’s all you can find. Lock your door/turn off the phone, or whatever it takes, but it’s important to create a space where you can focus on only you. Meditate, pray, write in a journal or eat an apple. Whatever you want to do with your time, do it.

JOKE FOR THE MONTH

A man had been convicted of murder and was about to be hanged. Just before the sentence was executed, the hangman asked the man if he had any last words. “Yes” came his reply, “I hate Masons!” “Why do you hate Masons?” asked the hangman. “The man I killed was a Mason,” explained the murderer, “the sheriff who hunted me down was a Mason, the Prosecutor who tried my case was a Mason, the Judge who presided at the trial was a Mason, and all of the men on the jury who found me guilty and said I should be hanged were Masons!” “Is that all?” asked the hangman. “Yes” replied the convicted murderer. “Then you will advance one step with your left foot.”

Greetings Brethren, I hope that you are all well. Our Fellowcraft Inspection went very well. I was really proud of all our officers for their hard work. Brother Jack Harless, SD and Brother Michael Perry, SS did outstanding work with the Lecture and Charge, respectively. All the extra practice that we did paid off. It was n ice to see so many of our Past Masters in Lodge and I thank them for their help before and after the inspection. The dinner before lodge was very good.

We will be doing the EA Degree on march 8, 2007 on one candidate and maybe two EA Degree candidates on March 22, 2007. This is a very busy month with the Grand Masters Reception being held on March 17th and the Grand Master’s Class (one-day) on March 31st.

Thank you to all the brethren who have been busy turning in petitions. This is the way we grow and strengthen the Lodge. Brethren, if you know of a good man and think that he would make a good Mason, don’t be afraid to tell him so, and give him a petition. Then, follow up with him to make sure that he turns it in. Remember our motto to take a good man and make him better.

Something to think about: have you uppdated your will? Do you have a will? Come back to Lodge and support your Officers. I hope to see you soon. Thanks to all who are sending in extra money to help support our Lodge. Check the list. Is your name on it?

News from the Temple Board

The lodge inspection and the York Rite Reunion is over, so now we can get back to work with keeping this building in shape. The new lights have provided the lounge, the dining hall and the kitchen with “more light in masonry” for the knife and fork degree.

If weather permits, we will sponsor a work-day on Saturday, March 24th. Check with the WM if you are interested.

From the Secretary’s Desk

The Lodge books and records have been inspected. The financial records have been reviewed. The ritual work has been validated and the inspection has been passed.

If you are due a service award for 25, 50 or more years of membership, let the secretary or the WM know.

We will also accept donations for the support of the Lodge.

Brethren, keep us posted on address changes and health problems. Your Lodge is here to support you. Let us know your needs.

From the LEO

Fact of the Day: Today marks the death in 1746 of Charles Radclyffe. Radclyffe was a staunch Jacobite and fervent Freemason. He founded the first Masonic lodge in mainland Europe, in Paris, and is said to have originated “Scottish Rite” Freemasonry. he met his end after being arrested in 1745 as he tried to join up with Charles’ invading army. He was beheaded at the Tower of London. Read more Masonic history at www.heritage.scotsman.com.

In Memory

Gerald Beckworth Sanders, Sr.
DOB: 09/05/1913 Died: 02/22/2007
EA 04-11-1966 * FC 05-15-1966 * MM 06-27-1966
40 years a member He rests from his labors

Carl K. Ray
DOB: 04/04/1924 Died: 03/03/2007
EA 01-21-1957 * FC 03-18-1957 * MM 10-07-1957
49 years a member He rests from his labors

Joke for the Month

Q: How many Masons does it take to screw in a light bulb?

A: Three. One to screw it in, one to read the minutes from the previous light bulb replacement, and one to sit on the sidelines and complain that this wasn’t the way they used to screw in light bulbs.