grand master’s message · hosted by texas masonic retirement center, 1501 west division,...

magazine

theOfficial PublicatiOn Of the Grand lOdGe Of texas, a.f. & a.M.

Volume XVIII • Issue 2 • Summer 2009

GRAND MASTER’S MESSAGE

Lead By Example Totally awesome!!! Five and a half months have already passed since I was installed as your Grand Master, and it has been a truly fantastic ride. Those bull riders in the rodeos think they know the excitement, thrill, and adrenalin rush, but they have never experienced being the Grand Master of Masons in Texas. I have been on a Masonic “high” all year. Our conferences have taken me from the top to the bottom, from the east to the west, and all points in between of this great State we call Texas. I can truthfully say that Texas is Masonic country. Allow me to express my gratitude for your attendance and participation at the Grand Master’s Conferences, as well as all the other functions I have been privileged to attend this year. The brotherly love, support, and friendship that you have shown to your Grand Master humbles me more than I can express. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who participated in making the conferences and other functions happen. I know how much time and effort this takes, and it is an example of your dedication to the Craft. I would ask you to continue remember to “Lead by Example”, and to “Replace Yourself”. I believe that this two pointed program can truly bring back the membership numbers we have experienced in the past and set us on a course for creating a larger Masonic presence in Texas than we have ever had. It all starts with these two steps, but it is you and I that must take those steps. Waiting on someone else to do it has not gotten the job done in the last several years. The good news is that it appears that it must already be beginning to work. All over the state there is a rush of new men coming into our fraternity. Degrees are being conferred at a rate not seen in some time, and the even better news is that the average age of Masons in Texas is getting younger. How wonderful is that? Hard times always bring out the best in all of us. It certainly has been such for the request that I made for those Lodges who can afford to contribute a thousand dollars to help Grand Lodge. From the bottom of my heart I want to thank all those Lodges who have contributed to my plea for assistance. That lesson of the northeast corner has not been forgotten, and you are to be commended for practicing a lesson well learned. With your assistance and by the will of God, I will continue to try to earn and keep the trust you have placed in me to lead our great fraternity.

Sincerely and fraternally,

W. David Counts, Jr.Grand Master

Photo by Roger Bell, Scotish Rite Hospital.

Due to budget constraints there will only be 3 issues of the Texas Mason this year. Issue 1 was in magazine format. Issue 2 (this

issue) is in black and white newsletter format. The final issue will be published in October and will return to magazine format.

Grand Master’s $1,000 Club of Lodges TheGrandMaster is continuing the idea broached by PGMGriffin thatmanyTexas Lodges havesufficientfundstoassistwiththeoperationalcostsoftheGrandLodge.TheGrandLodge’scashflowisbeing impaired by the state of the economy and we need your help. Grand Master Counts is asking those Lodgeswhocanaffordittobecomeoneofthe“$1,000ClubofLodges.”PGMGriffinandGrandMasterCountsavowedtheirhomeLodges(Winnie-StowellNo.1377andOrientNo.905)wouldbecomethefirstmembers of the club. A suitable recognition of the $1,000 Club Lodges will be devised. Lodges that want to join this group should send their $1,000 checks to the Grand Secretary, PO Box 446, Waco, Texas 76703. These funds will be set aside by the bookkeeper and strictly reserved to defray the operational expenses of the Grand Lodge. Please note that the Grand Lodge is a 501-C-10 organization and the donation will not be eligible for a possible tax write-off.

Message from the Grand Secretary...Preparing For the Constituent Masonic Year, 2009-2010

SummerisfastapproachingandLodgesacrossTexasaremakingfinalpreparationsfor the ensuing Masonic year. Elections are underway and installation ceremonies will becompletedbyJuly31.In-comingWorshipfulMastersandthe2010LodgeOfficersareready to implement the plan that has been two-years in the making. Now, lessons learned through Warden’s Retreats, L.I.F.E. Programs, or Lodge traditions will be applied. As the outside temperatures rise, so raises the fervor of activities within the Lodge.

Among the 878 Lodges within the Grand Lodge of Texas, common goals are prevalent – increase the membership with young Masons of high character; enhance the quality of the Stated meetings using educational and interesting programs; conduct esoteric ceremonies with few errors; set new marks of excellence in the Lodge’s charitable activities; and create an atmosphere of togetherness that everyone will want to experience. TheinstallationceremonystartstheLodgeonthepathofsuccess,andissymbolicallyarededicationofOfficersandmemberstoacceptthechallengesoftheupcomingyear.TheseOfficerswillworkfortwoGrandMasters–2009 GM David Counts and 2010 GM Orville O’Neill. Officersatalllevelswillbechallengedbytheadverseeconomy,andapositiveattitudeisessentialforsuccess.Everyone should strive to keep the Masonic lights burning bright in all of our communities. The members of the Conference of Grand Masters of North America face the same challenge of membership and funding. No Grand Lodge has found a magic formula to solve the problems. A strategic silver bullet does not exist. If any single Grand Lodge had developed a solution, all would have followed suit. Thomas Paine wrote, “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.” Written in the colonial era approaching the birth of our Nation, these thoughts might apply to the current state of Freemasonry across North America. Every Mason is encouraged to support and participate in his Lodge’s activities. If you ever have doubts about the value of our Fraternity or the actions that are taken, I recommend that you review the Charges of a Freemason that you swore to uphold. They are located within the Constitution as printed in The Laws of the Grand Lodge of Texas. These are the Masonic Principles that form our hallowed Fraternity. Finally,IencourageyoutolistencloselytotheInstallingOfficerwhenheadmonishesofficersandmembersto“have but one aim, and that will be, to try to please each other and unite in the grand design of being happy and

communicating happiness.” Help make the 2009-2010 Masonic year to be a pinnacle year in Freemasonry.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Tom GuestGrand Secretary

2009 WARDEN’S RETREAT & LEADERSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM There will be two workshops in 2009, on August 1-2 and the second on August 8-9. Both will be held at the Waco Scottish Rite, 2801 W. Waco Drive, Waco, Texas. Registration is on Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m, with the program kicking off at 9:30 a.m. and ending by Noon Sunday. Participants receive all retreat supplies and materials, Saturday lunch and dinner. Hotel accommodations are not provided, and each participant must arrange for their own hotel rooms. Refer to www.wacocvb.com or 1-800-321-9226 for lodging information. Designed for Texas Masons, the program is open to all Master Masons and their Ladies. Officers of Lodges and appendent Masonic bodies are especially encouraged to attend.

Dear Brother: We live in a time of great fraternal opportunity and face an economic challenge not seen in most of our lives. Our Grand Lodge Temple is in dire need of repair and upgrades. I have met many Masons who wish to see this tradition of Texas Masonry continue. Accordingly, I am appealing to our membership for their assistance in keeping the Grand Lodge Building maintained. Let me speak plainly. The infrastructure of the Building is deteriorating badly and the maintenance costs have increased. The Board of Directors of the Masonic Grand Lodge Library and Museum of Texas are trying to secure and stabilize the building and then proceed with upgrades as funding allows. In recent years, the per capita dues and returns on endowments have been unable to keep up with our rising costs. For a number of years you have received solicitations from vendors offering merchandise on behalf of the Grand Lodge. Some of us findthese third party contacts annoying and actually only a small part of the proceeds go to support Masonic programs. In 2009 your Grand Lodge Trustees are expressing faith in you and our Texas Brother Freemasons by appealing to you directly - without a third party

vendor who gets a cut. You will not receive several appeals to sell merchandise or to offer address labels. Because the 2009 funds are dedicated to the 501-C-3 Library & Museum, your contribution is deemed to be tax deductible. Please consider returning a gift of support to the Grand Lodge. Funds should be sent directly to The Grand Lodge P.O. Box 446, Waco, Texas 76703. Please designate on the check that it is in response to the Grand Master’s Appeal. Help keep the Texas Masonic Tradition going. May the Supreme Architect of the Universe continue to bless you and your family.

Sincerely and fraternally,

W. David Counts, Jr.Grand Master of Masons in Texas

Yes, Grand Master, I will step up and help fund the upkeep of the Building.

Name: _____________________________________________________

ID Number: ______________________ Phone: _____________________

Address: ___________________________________________________

City, State, Zip: _______________________________________________

I can help by enclosing □$10 □$25 □$50 □$100 □ Other $_______

2009 Grand Master’s Blue Envelope Appeal

Come Join the Fun at Texas Masonic Family DayHosted by Texas Masonic Retirement Center, 1501 West Division, Arlington, Texas 76012

Saturday, October 10, 200910:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Parade Grand Master M...W... David Counts

Contacts: Kirby Rudisill (817) 275-2893 • Jimmy Emmons (214) 212-5501 • Steve McCoy (817) 247-3733

TEXAS MASONIC FAMILY DAY

Live MusicLive MusicLive Music

Featuring Featuring Featuring

Donny BroughtonDonny BroughtonDonny Broughton

Michael Cote’Michael Cote’Michael Cote’

Jonelle BerryJonelle BerryJonelle Berry

Shady Grove RamblersShady Grove RamblersShady Grove Ramblers

Elvis ImpersonatorElvis ImpersonatorElvis Impersonator---Wade LentzWade LentzWade Lentz

Sponsored by Sponsored by Sponsored by

Fort Worth Fort Worth Fort Worth

Scottish Rite Scottish Rite Scottish Rite

FoundationFoundationFoundation

1st Annual1st Annual1st Annual

Masonic Masonic Masonic

Barbeque CookBarbeque CookBarbeque Cook---offoffoff


Waco Scottish Rite Waco Scottish Rite Waco Scottish Rite

ValleyValleyValley Hosted by

TEXAS MASONIC RETIREMENT CENTER 1501 WEST DIVISION

ARLINGTON, TEXAS 76012

Petting ZooPetting ZooPetting Zoo


Dallas Scottish Rite Dallas Scottish Rite Dallas Scottish Rite ValleyValleyValley

Gift of Life Blood DriveGift of Life Blood DriveGift of Life Blood Drive

Arts Arts Arts And And And

CraftsCraftsCrafts

Food Food Food

Drinks Drinks Drinks

RafflesRafflesRaffles

GamesGamesGames

Children’s Children’s Children’s

ActivitiesActivitiesActivities

Hay RideHay RideHay Ride

Jump HousesJump HousesJump Houses

Pumpkin PatchPumpkin PatchPumpkin Patch

Dunkin’ BoothDunkin’ BoothDunkin’ Booth

TOURTOURTOUR THETHETHE

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT RETIREMENT CENTERCENTERCENTER

ContactContactContact

Kirby RudisillKirby RudisillKirby Rudisill

(817) 275(817) 275(817) 275---289328932893

Jimmy EmmonsJimmy EmmonsJimmy Emmons

(214) 212(214) 212(214) 212---550155015501

Steve McCoySteve McCoySteve McCoy

(817) 247(817) 247(817) 247---373337333733

COME JOIN THE FUN AT

Saturday October 10, 2009 10:00am—4:00pm

PARADEPARADEPARADE

GRAND MASTERGRAND MASTERGRAND MASTER

DAVID COUNTSDAVID COUNTSDAVID COUNTS


























CraftsCraftsCrafts

Food Food Food



GamesGamesGames











(817) 275(817) 275(817) 275---289328932893


(214) 212(214) 212(214) 212---550155015501


(817) 247(817) 247(817) 247---373337333733



PARADEPARADEPARADE




























CraftsCraftsCrafts

Food Food Food



GamesGamesGames











(817) 275(817) 275(817) 275---289328932893


(214) 212(214) 212(214) 212---550155015501


(817) 247(817) 247(817) 247---373337333733



PARADEPARADEPARADE




























CraftsCraftsCrafts

Food Food Food



GamesGamesGames











(817) 275(817) 275(817) 275---289328932893


(214) 212(214) 212(214) 212---550155015501


(817) 247(817) 247(817) 247---373337333733



PARADEPARADEPARADE




























CraftsCraftsCrafts

Food Food Food



GamesGamesGames











(817) 275(817) 275(817) 275---289328932893


(214) 212(214) 212(214) 212---550155015501


(817) 247(817) 247(817) 247---373337333733



PARADEPARADEPARADE




























CraftsCraftsCrafts

Food Food Food



GamesGamesGames











(817) 275(817) 275(817) 275---289328932893


(214) 212(214) 212(214) 212---550155015501


(817) 247(817) 247(817) 247---373337333733



PARADEPARADEPARADE




























CraftsCraftsCrafts

Food Food Food



GamesGamesGames











(817) 275(817) 275(817) 275---289328932893


(214) 212(214) 212(214) 212---550155015501


(817) 247(817) 247(817) 247---373337333733



PARADEPARADEPARADE



FOODDrinkSraFFleSarTS & CraFTSGaMeS

TOur The reTireMenT

CenTer PeTTinG ZOOSponsored by Dallas

Scottish Rite Valley

live MuSiCSponsored by Fort

Worth Scottish Rite Foundation

featuringDonny Broughton

Michael Cote’Jonelle BerryShady Grove

Ramblersand Elvis

Impersonator Wade Lentz

ChilDren’S aCTiviTieS

includingHay Ride

Jump HousesPumpkin PatchDunkin’ Booth1ST annual

MaSOinC BarBeque COOk-OFF

Sponsored by Waco Scottish Rite Valley

Know someone needing help?Call 817.503.1500 or visit our website at www.mhstx.org

A PROGRAM OF:

MASONICHOME AND SCHOOL____OF TEXAS____

Masonic Children & Family Services of TexasMasonic Home and School of Texas Continues To Serve Children and Widows

New name. New location. New ways to help children and widows in Texas.

Masonic Home and School of Texas continues to carry out the legacy of our 110 year-old organization, with innovative and cost-e�ective solutions for those in need, through our new program, Masonic Children & Family Services of Texas.

In 1899, the Masonic Home and School of Texas opened its doors in southeast Fort Worth. Two orphaned brothers, Emanuel and Lee Ravey, showed up early to apply for admission. Dr. Frank Rainey, the institution’s �rst superintendent and a man of immense compassion, did not have the heart to turn the needy boys away. Instead, he graciously invited them to stay with him and his wife, who were then living in a tent on the school grounds, until the new building was completed.

In the early days, the campus was a self-su�cient community with its own artesian wells for water, a power plant for steam heat and electricity, and a cattle and dairy farm. Youngsters were o�ered a classroom education, but also were trained in farm operations.

In 1910, the widows were moved to Texas Masonic Retirement Center and the institution’s name was changed from �e Masonic Widow’s and Orphan’s Home to Masonic Orphan’s Home. In 1913, Masonic Orphan’s Home was declared an independent school district then referred to as Masonic Home and School of Texas.

Just as family farms plowed with dra� horses now feature air-conditioned super tractors, the needs of children and widows dependent on the Masonic Home and School of

Texas changed over the decades. �e last graduate of Masonic Home & School of Texas crossed the stage in 2005, and the residential facility and independent school district closed their doors. For over one hundred years, this incredible spirit of goodwill and concern for children characterized the Masonic Home and School of Texas. �e spirit of providing for those in need remains strong.

In 2007, Masonic Home & School of Texas began doing business as Masonic Children and Family Services of Texas. Masonic Children & Family Services of Texas was introduced as a program of Masonic Home & School of Texas to continue

the legacy of helping children and widows. Today, Masonic Children & Family Services of Texas ensures the care for hundreds of children and widows each year.

Masonic Children & Family Services of Texas provides information, referral, and �nancial support

for quali�ed children or widows residing in Texas. Masonic a�liation is given priority.

Services include:

Information and referral services for Texas children, widows, and families

Housing, food, and care for children living in state-wide childcare facilities and Masonic widows residing at Texas Masonic Retirement CenterFood, clothing, transportation, and family servicesMedical, dental, and prescription servicesTutoring, career counseling, and educational scholarshipsCounseling and psychological services

Masonic Children & Family Services of Texas

was introduced as a program of

Masonic Home & School of Texas

to continue the legacy of helping children and widows.

QTY ITEM NO. DESCRIPTION COST* TOTAL521DC Lapel Pin with Grand Master’s logo $5.00521DCC Charm with Grand Master’s logo, two-sided $5.00532DC Button Hook Tie Chain with Charm $10.00532DCEXP Expandable Tie Chain with Charm $20.00532DCBAR Tie Bar with Grand Master’s logo $15.00520DC Bronze Coin with Grand Master’s logo $5.00524DC Enamel Coin with Grand Master’s logo $10.00525DC Silver Coin with Grand Master’s logo $40.00526DC Large Buckle with Grand Master’s logo $30.00522DC Small Buckle with Grand Master’s logo $25.00527DC Bolo Tie with Grand Master’s logo, blue cord $15.00530DC 3” Car Emblem with Grand Master’s logo $15.00528DC Logo Decals $1.00529DC Tail Light Decals (pair) – Member $5.00529DCPM Tail Light Decals (pair) – Past Master $5.00536DCR Cap – Red, White and Blue $15.00536DCK Cap – Mesh Back, Khaki Crown with Khaki Bill $15.00533DCW Shirt – White

Specify: M M M L M XL M XXL M XXXL$30.00

533DCB Shirt – Blue Specify: M M M L M XL M XXL M XXXL

$30.00

540DC Tie – Red with Grand Master’s logo $30.00542DCSD Blue Slipper Decal $1.00542DCSPIN Blue Slipper Pins $5.00542DCSC Two-sided Blue Slipper Charms $5.00541DCW Widow’s Pin $5.00541DCWC Two-sided Widow’s Charms $5.00ANGEL Angel Pin $10.00

S/H under $50.00 $5.00S/H over $50.00 $10.00

TOTAL (*sales tax included)

2009 MASONIC MERCHANDISE

The First Lady believes that there are angels here on earth, and that they are always with us. She believes that Masons are guardian angels for children, young people, and the elderly, for the ill and widowed. As a result of that belief, she has commissioned a Silver “Texas Angel” pin as her project to raise funds for our Masonic Youth groups. You can be a guardian angel for these young people by buying and wearing the “Texas Angel” pin to show your love and support

for them. All proceeds from the sale of the “Texas Angel” pin will be donated to the Texas Masonic Youth Foundation which supports our Rainbow and DeMolay youths. Be an angel and order one today!

M Check Enclosed (Make Checks payable to Grand Lodge of Texas)

M Visa Card Number _______________________ Exp. Date___________

M MC Name: _______________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________

City/State: _______________________________ Zip:___________

Phone: _______________________________________________

Signature _____________________________________________

Mail this ENTIRE PAGE to: Grand Lodge of Texas P.O. Box 446 Waco, TX 76703

Please reproduce this order form and retain the original for your records.

Questions? Call 254-753-7395

Name: _______________________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________

City/State: __________________________________ Zip: ______________

Title: ___________________________________ District: ______________

ANGEL

521DC

532DCEXP

532DC521DCC

532DCBAR

525DC

520DC

524DC

526DC

522DC

527DC

528DC530DC

529DCPM529DC

536DCR

536DCK

541DCW

541DCWC

533DCW

533DCB

540DC

542DCSPIN

542DCSC

542DCSD

The Grand Lodge of Texas, A.F. & A.M.P.O. Box 446Waco, Texas 76703

NONPROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDWACO, TX

PERMIT NO. 903

1st Annual Masonic BBQ Cook-Off 2009Saturday, October 10, 2009Texas Masonic Retirement Center

1501 West Division • Arlington, Texas 76012

Contact Gary Moresco at 817-988-9903 or [email protected] with any questions.

BBQ Cook-Off 2009 Registration Form

Lodge Name: ___________________________________________________________Head Cook Name: _______________________________________________________Head Cook E-mail: _______________________________________________________Address: ______________________________________________________________ Street City State ZipPhone: ____________________ ____________________ ___________________ Home Work Cell

Make Checks Payable to: TMRC • Mail entry form to: TMRC, c/o Gary Moresco, 8332 FM 3136, Alvarado, Texas 76009, Attn: BBQ Cook-Off Registration

• Registration Deadline is September 7, 2009. All entries must be received by this date.

• OnlyMasonicLodges&appendentbodiesinTexaswillbeeligibleforthiscompetition.

• Rules&Regulationsavailableuponrequest.• Entrieslimitedtothefirst200teamsto

register.• Remitentryfeewithregistrationform.• TravelingTrophy&CashPrizes

Entry

Fee

$50

grand master’s message · hosted by texas masonic retirement center, 1501 west division,...

Documents