Fraternal Greetings from the East.

Greetings Brethren,

Your lodge has been very active for the last fiscal year. WB Jack Harless led us for his second year and special thanks go to the Past Masters who helped keep the lodge alive.

It is time for some changes, as we prepare for a new Masonic year. You are invited to attend the annual meeting on Thursday, November 11th and help elect the new officers to lead us. As usual, there will be refreshments after the meeting.

From the Grand Master

Worshipful Brother, Terry W. Posey complete a very busy and productive year. Check out his blog to see how busy he really was. GMOhio.blogspot.com He did the Second Masonic District proud.

This Date in Masonic History:

On this date (November 1) in 1922, the cornerstone of the George Washington Masonic Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia was laid in a Masonic ceremony.

Trestle Board

November 11  -   7 PM Annual Meeting -  Election of Officers – Reports. Also, Far Hills Temple Association Annual Mtg.

November 25  -   No Meeting. Happy Thanksgiving.

December 8  – 7 PM Stated Meeting -  Installation of Officers.

December 22  – No Meetings until January 2011

January 13  -  7 PM Stated Meeting.  Business

January 27  – 7 PM Stated Meeting – Possible EA Degree

Remember that Far Hills Lodge meets on the Second and Fourth Thursdays of each month except during July and August

Far Hills Temple Association

Thank you to Tom Spettel, Carl Eger and Dick Crandall for repainting the front porch pillars on the building. It was not an easy job. Come to Lodge November 11 to hear their report. They do a great job taking care of the facilities.

Freemasons correctly meet as a Lodge, not in a Lodge. The word “Lodge” referring more to the people assembled than the place of assembly. However, in common usage, Masonic premises are often referred to as “Lodges”. Masonic buildings are also sometimes called “Temples”. In many countries, Masonic Centre or Hall has replaced Temple to avoid arousing prejudice and suspicion. Several different Lodges, as well as other Masonic or non-Masonic organisations, often use the same premises at different times. According to Masonic tradition, medieval European stonemasons would meet, eat, and shelter outside working hours in a Lodge on the southern side of a building site, where the sun warms the stones during the day. The social Festive Board (or Social Board) part of the meeting is thus sometimes called the South. Early Lodges often met in a tavern or any other convenient fixed place with a private room.

Blood Bank Information

Please consider donating blood to the blood bank. Brothers, wives, and/or friends, etc. may donate with credit going to Far Hills Lodge #784. Our ID number is 1418. Ask for Nancy Blair at the Blood Center if you need help.

Remember it’s easy to give this gift to others in need. It’s the “Masonic way.”

Thanks,
Ron Seigla, Blood Bank Chairman

From the LEO

Several years ago, the story is told of a Mason who always wore his Masonic ring and lapel pin when in public. On some occasions he rode the bus from his home to the downtown area. On one such trip, when he sat down, he discovered the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change.

As he considered what to do he thought to himself, “You’d better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it.” Then he thought, “Oh, forget it; it’s only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount?” “Anyway, the transit company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a ‘gift from God’ and keep quiet.”

When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, then handed the quarter to the driver and said, “here, you gave me too much change.”

The driver with a smile replied, “I noticed your Masonic ring and lapel pin. I have been thinking lately about asking a Mason how to join. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. You passed the test. Can you tell me how to become a Mason?”

When the Mason stepped off the buss, he said a silent prayer, “Oh, God, Grand Architect of the Universe, I almost sold you and my beloved Mason out for a mere quarter.”

Our actions are the only Masonic creed some will ever see. This is an almost scary example of how people watch us as Masons and may put us to the test even without us realizing it! Always be diligent, whether it be at the theater, restaurant, grocery, service station or just driving in traffic. Remember, whether it be a lapel pin, a ring, or an emblem on the car, you carry the name of our great fraternity on your shoulders whenever you call yourself a Mason. You never can tell who may be watching!

From the Secretary’s Desk

Please notify me of any changes to your personal data, including your email and postal address.

Remember that your dues are due NOW and are very much needed. Please send them back ASAP. Thank you if you have already done so.

Check out these sites:

• www.farhillsmasons.org
• www.freemason.com
• www.secondmasonicdistrict.org

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 Dr. Kettering, OH 45429
937-434-5140  jaweyrauch@woh.rr.com

If the correspondence is meant for the Master, it should be sent to:

Jack Harless, 7185 Bigger Lane., Centerville, OH 45459.
937-681-0512   jackharlessdc@yahoo.com

Far Hills Temple Manager:
WB Thomas A. Spettel, 116 Sherbrooke Dr. Kettering OH 45429
937-294-8647 tspettel@woh.rr.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.

From the Lighter Side

A man is walking through the recreation ground of his local park when he notices a huge fight in full fury on the football field he is passing. “What’s going on?” he asks a spectator watching from the side-lines. The other replies, “It’s a match between the Masons and the Knights of Columbus.” “What’s the score?” asks the man. “I don’t know,” is the reply, “it’s a secret.”

A Doctor and a Plumber are in the same Lodge. On Sunday morning the Doctor wakes up to find his toilet blocked. So he rings the Plumber. “But I don’t work Sundays! Can’t it wait until tomorrow?” The doctor said, “I don’t like working Sundays either, but if you were in trouble, and felt unwell, Brother I would come around to see you.”

“OK.” says the Plumber. He goes to the Doctor. He goes upstairs and looks at the toilet, takes two aspirins from his pocket and throws them down the bowl. “There,” he says. “If it’s no better tomorrow give me a ring and I will call around.”

Fraternal Greetings from the East.

Greetings Brethren,

Happy New Year!  I hope and trust that is all is well.  I want to start the new year out by asking our members to remember and reflect on what it is about the Craft that they love.   We are at an interesting point in our history, not only nationally, but at the Blue Lodge level as well.  We have to identify what it is that our members want, and what they would like to see this Fraternity become in the future.

“The times they are a changin’” and so is the Craft.  If we are to change and make progress we have to know what direction to take.  We are looking for your input, so drop me a line or better yet come to lodge and talk to me about it.  As the saying goes, “if you’re not changing and progressing, you’re already behind.”  I would say we have a good deal of catching up to do.  We need your help Brethren!

From the Grand Master

This year our Most Worshipful Brother, Terry W. Posey has placed an emphasis on our men and women in uniform with his slogan “It’s all in the Family”.  In an effort to reach out to those men in the military, EMTs and firemen, MWB Posey has allowed for each Lodge to confer all three degrees for the lowest possible cost of $40.00.  If you know of a good man who is in uniform this would be a great time to talk to him about the Craft.

This Date in Masonic History:

Jan 2. 1901:   On this date in 1901, U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt received his 1st degree in Matinecock Lodge #806, Oyster Bay, New York.

Trestle Board

January 14th -   7 PM Stated Meeting -  EA Degree – MM Exam

January 28th -   7 PM State Meeting -    FC practice.

February 11th – 7 PM Stated Meeting -  FC Degree.

February 25th – 7 PM Stated Meeting – Annual Inspection – FC Degree

March 11th -     7 PM Stated Meeting.  Business

March 25th -     7 PM Stated Meeting – Business

Remember that Far Hills Lodge meets on the Second and Fourth Thursdays of each month except during July and August

Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.”

- Benjamin Franklin

More from the East

Not since 1975 have five Past Grand Masters and the new Grand Master received Grand Honors in Far Hills Temple. Back then, MWB Calvin T. Hubler had been elected Grand Master and George L. Marshall Lodge became the first subordinate lodge to give him Grand Honors. The five past Grand Masters were Charles B. Hoffman, L. Todd McKinney, Frank W. Nicholas, Ralph M. Francisco and Louis C. Holzapfel.

On Thursday, October 22, 2009, Far Hills Lodge became the first subordinate lodge to extend Grand Honors to Most Worshipful Brother Terry W. Posey as the newest Grand Master of Masons of Ohio. In attendance with him were five Past Grand Masters. MWB Neil M. Smalley, David L. Dresser, Douglas O. Brennaman, William P. Mayberry, Sr. and James M. Williamson.

This time however the subject was the Master Mason Degree. MWB Dresser wanted to raise his two grandsons and as he was short on time before he had to return to his home in Florida, he received permission from the Grand Master to raise the two Fellowcraft Masons simultaneously. Two sets of ruffians, two Senior Deacons were the only changes. Each grandson was raised individually.

The grandsons were examined in each degree the traditional way, the long way. Both were eager to learn more about masonry and had decided not to go through the one-day class.

Any one-day class member who would like to experience the one-on-one feeling may make his wishes known to one of the officers and we will fit you into the schedule; which- ever degree you would like to experience.

It has been difficult to get brethren interested in becoming line officers. Being a lodge officer  is not an impossible task and can be very rewarding. Some time and commitment is required. Let one of the officers know if you are interested. It is not fair to ask the Past Masters to have all the fun.

2010 Lodge Officers Elected and Installed:

• WB Jack Harless – Worshipful Master
• WB Dan Springston – Senior Warden
• Bro Dave Brewer – Junior Warden
• WB Jim Simko – Treasurer
• WB John Weyrauch – Secretary
• Bro Tom Rutherford – Chaplain
• Bro Kevin Howard – Senior Deacon
• Bro Tom Adams – Junior Deacon
• WB Bill Irwin – LEO
• Bro Bill Riffle – Senior Steward
• Bro Bob Tomlinson – Junior Steward
• Bro Art Camp – Tyler
• WB Lloyd Nickel – Marshal
• WB Dale Evans – Trustee

Be proud of being a member of the oldest fraternal organization in the world. Support your blue lodges as well as the Scottish Rite. York Rite and the Shrine.

We’re like the marines. We are looking for a few good men!

Christmas Holiday Event Successful

Congratulations are in order as Far Hills Temple was the scene of a great event on Christmas Eve  beginning at 5:30 PM and running through 6:00 PM Christmas Day.

The event was planned and executed by the members of Dayton-Victory Chapter No. 594, Order of the Eastern Star (Judy Mack, Worthy Matron) provided food to all emergency personnel of Centerville and Washington Twp.

The event started slowly, but as the word spread, the number of patrons increased and the food was kept fresh and hot throughout the day. The OES Chapter has already planned to do this again next year. Thanks from the members of FHL for bringing attention to the FHT.

Blood Bank Information

Anyone who donates blood to the blood bank, i.e., brothers, wives, and/or friends can donate and credit it to the Far Hills Lodge No. 784.   We now have an I.D. number, which is 1418. If you don’t remember that number, ask for Nancy Blair at the Blood Center for help.

Remember it’s easy to give this gift to others in need. It’s the “Masonic way.”

Thanks,
Ron Seigla, Blood Bank Chairman

From the Secretary’s Desk

We are looking forward to reducing our suspensions for non-payment of dues.  If you’re having difficulty paying your dues, please let us know and we can help you out.  Contact the Secretary or Worshipful Master in whatever way is most convenient for you.

Check out these sites:

• www.farhillsmasons.org
• www.freemason.com
• www.secondmasonicdistrict.org

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 Dr. Kettering, OH 45429
937-434-5140  jaweyrauch@woh.rr.com

If the correspondence is meant for the Master, it should be sent to:

Jack Harless, 7185 Bigger Lane., Centerville, OH 45459.
937-681-0512   jackharlessdc@yahoo.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.

Sunday, August 10, 2008 ~ 3:00 PM Family Picnic at Twin Oaks Shelter at Hills & Dales Park ~ See info below
Sept. 11 ~ 7:00 PM ~ Stated Meeting
Sept. 25 ~ 7:00 PM ~ Stated Meeting and Fellow Craft Degree
Oct. 04 ~ 8:00 AM ~ Special District Officer’s Meeting, Middletown
Oct. 09 ~ 7:00 PM ~ Stated Meeting and Lantern Reception
Oct. 17 and 18 ~ Grand Lodge in Columbus.
Oct. 23 ~ 7:00 PM ~ Stated Meeting

Fraternal greetings from the East

Summer is half over and it will soon be time to resume our labors. On June 26, we initiated two brethren into Masonry. On September 25, we will advance them to the degree of Fellow Craft.

On Sunday August 10, 2008, you are invited to a Family Picnic at Twin Oaks Shelter in the Hills and Dales Metro Park in Kettering. Gathering time will be 3 PM; sooner if no one is using the shelter ahead of us. The lodge will provide the hamburgers and the hot dogs. If you want something special to cook on the grill, feel free to bring it along.

Please bring a dish to share. Also bring your own chairs and your favorite drink, if you don’t care for lemonade; (no alcohol – lodge function and park rules). Twin Oaks Shelter is on Patterson Blvd, near the Patterson Monument on the north side of Community Gulf Course. Best access to the site is off West Dorothy Lane to Patterson Blvd.

District Officers

A special meeting of the District Officer’s Association will be held in the Middletown Masonic Center on October 4, 2008. The District Deputies will be presenting all three degrees with the accompanying lectures. This is a rare learning opportunity to improve on ritual proficiency. Too many words in the ritual are being misinterpreted, so this would be the ideal time to learn the proper wordage. This will be an all-day event, with lunch provided. Bring your rituals and read along with the demonstrations and take notes if needed. I have never seen such an event before.

Commemorative Lamp for 200 Years

On October 9, 2008, Far Hills Lodge will be the final recipient of the Second Masonic District’s version of the Grand Lodge’s Commemorative Lamp honoring 200 years of Masonry in Ohio. We won’t get to keep it, though. It will be returned to Grand Lodge on October 17, 2008 by the lodge delegation.

Condolences

Our condolences to WB Thomas H. Routsong (PM 1967) and Bro. Thomas A. Routsong, on the loss of wife and mother Marti who passed away on July 12, 2008. Marti was Past Worthy Matron of Far Hills Chapter OES and Past Grand Marshal of the Grand Chapter OES in 1984.

Birth Announcement

Congratulations to Senior Warden Jack Harless on the birth of his daughter Emla on May 22, 2008. Mother and daughter are doing fine and Jack will have to work 20 more years.

Well Wishes

Bro. Carl Eger, President of the Far Hills Temple Association Board of Trustees, is recovering from shoulder surgery.

Farewells

Having bid farewell to Bro. and Major Michael Perry, our Senior Warden, who has been transferred by the Air Force to Texas; we have an opening in the officer line. This is a good place for a member who might have considered becoming an officer, to get a good start for personal development in public speaking and being at ease when talking in front of a crowd, as well as allowing a brother to become more familiar with the workings of the lodge and Masonry in general. The office of Senior Steward may be a beginning position but it is not unimportant. Have you ever seen a degree presented without the stewards?

Correction

A couple of issues back, I quoted some “Murphy’s Laws.” I have since found out that these laws were not written by Murphy, but by some other guy with the same last name. Besides, Murphy was an eternal optimist. Thought you would like to know.

Temple Board

The temple board is making some upgrades in the kitchen: new range, countertop replacement, sink repairs. The cost won’t be too much, but the board could use some financial assistance. It has been requested that the membership (who are the actual owners of the temple) make
some contributions to the “Kitchen Fund”.

It won’t take a large donation by each of the brethren, but any donations would be greatly appreciated.

Final Note

I shall pass this way but once. Therefore, any good that I can do or any kindness that I can show, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again.”

Special Lodge Supporters

Brethren add your name to the list.

These Brethren donated Ten Dollars or more in extra support to our lodge and we thank them. Their names will appear in the newsletter until January, 2008. Won’t you be a supporter and send a donation to WB John Weyrauch at the above address.
Carl J. Bruckner
Paul H. Bushong
Richard L. Coy
Fount Deaton
Guy C. Douglas
Jack D. Dowler
George A. Fisher Jr.
Howard A. Fricke
Brian R. Hawkins
Jimmy Hoover
Lloyd O. Nickell
Richard W. Poore
Charles W. Ridgeway, Jr.
John W. Shimer
James M. Simko
Mark F. Stachler
Charles W. Topper
Daniel W. Wertz
John A. Weyrauch
James T. Young

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 /at/ woh[dot]rr[dot]com (insert appropriate symbols when emailing)
If the correspondence is meant for the Master, it should be sent to:
James M. Simko • 1316 Southlyn Drive • Kettering, OH 45409
(937) 293-8452 •jsimko.pwm /at/ usa[dot]net (note the dot between the o and the p)

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.