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Brother Mike Smith,of Freeport Lodge #23, Puts Voice to Decades of Short Talk Bulletins

Story on Page 6

Page 2 THE MAINE MASON

The

MAINE MASONTHE MAINE MASON is an official publication of the GrandLodge of Maine, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Thematerial printed herein does not necesarily represent opinionsof the Grand Lodge of Maine.At the 162nd Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge ofMaine in 1981, legislation was adopted to provide THE MAINEMASON to every member of the constituted lodges within thisGrand Lodge without additional charge.Members of lodges within other Grand Jurisdictions within theUnited States are invited to subscribe to THE MAINE MASON at$3.00 per year. Cost for Masons outside the United States is$5.00 Please send check payable to THE MAINE MASON withcomplete mailing address to the Grand Secretary at the addressprinted below.ADDRESS CHANGES: Subscribers are advised to notify theGrand Secretary’s office of any address change.

Elected Officers of the Grand Lodge of Maine

Editor

207-843-1086e-mail: grandlodge@mainemason.org

website: www.mainemason.org

Grand Secretary’s OfficeGrand Lodge Library/Museum

Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 4:30 pmMon-Fri 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

SENIOR GRAND WARDENRichard N. Bergeron, Jr.

81 Everett RoadPoland, ME 04274

GRAND TREASURERScott Whytock1 Sextant Lane

Scarborough, ME 04074

JUNIOR GRAND WARDENFrank T. Palmer

271 N. Raymond RoadRaymond, ME 04071

GRAND SECRETARYMark RustinP.O. Box 430

Holden, ME 04429

Grand Lodge Contact Information & Hours

GRAND MASTERDavid A. WalkerP.O. Box 182

Monmouth, ME 04259

DEPUTY GRAND MASTERThomas E. Pulkkinen

P.O. Box 413E. Boothbay, ME 04544

George P. Pulkkinen, PGM15 Ocean View Road

Scarborough, ME 04074207-883-5085 email: boatpiper@maine.rr.com

lliinnee--oo--ttyyppeeby George P. Pulkkinen

The Enlightenment. Freemasons played anintegral part in that historical era we recognize asthe period when men questioned, challenged, lis-tened and experienced the exhilaration of sharingnew concepts and ideas; of realizing and estab-lishing that new ways of thinking could lead tobetter and more productive lives.

In this issue of The Maine Mason we learnthat Freemasons continue to realize that newways of doing things can and do make for betterand more productive lives, and that MaineFreemasons stand at the cutting edge of thatinnovation.

Brother Mike Smith’s project of making 92years of printed Masonic Short Talk Bulletinscome alive as audio streams of intelligentthought is moving full speed ahead. His audioreadings are a wonderful example of a new,improved medium which will expose untoldnumbers of Masons to the rich gold mine ofinformation contained in those printed pamphletsproduced so faithfully by the Masonic ServicesAssociation since 1923.

While the bulletins have provided hundredsof hours of interesting reading for me, personal-ly, over the past half century, I must admit thethought of sliding a tape or disc into the car radiois an experience I eagerly anticipate.

That’s not to suggest that new technology haspushed aside need for the written word. That’swhy it’s so exciting to see what’s happening atthe newly-dedicated Grand Lodge Library inHolden. Incorporating a welcome to the entirecommunity -- including children -- with thestanding invitation extended to all Masons toenjoy the thousands of titles available on theshelves is another new and enlightened way ofthinking.

Both examples offer ample evidence thatcreative thought continues to produce improve-ments in the way Freemasons get things done.And both deserve our congratulations andthanks.

FFrroomm tthhee GGrraanndd EEaassttDavid A. Walker

Grand Master of Masons in Maine

THE MAINE MASON Page 3

The new Masonic year is well under way forthose Lodges that go dark for the summer months.The District Meeting schedule is half complete aswell and many Lodges are busy bringing newBrothers into our Beloved Fraternity. It is anexciting time to be a member of the Craft.

In spite of this feeling of excitement, Ifind it incredible that I continue to hearof Lodges that are doing nothing aboutintroducing their new Brothers to theMasonic Rookie Award Program.This program has been proven toincrease the level of knowledge andinvolvement of Brethren who arenew to our ranks. The proof is in thefact that over the last two years over80% of the Brethren who have com-pleted this challenge have becomeofficers in their Lodges. That figure isincredible and speaks to the fact that get-ting new Brethren involved and active in theLodge and community creates a better Lodge forall of its members.

The District Meetings have shown the widedisparities in our Lodges. There are some that areextremely active and some that are just getting by.The active Lodges all have one thing in common,one or more Brothers with a real fire forFreemasonry. Those Lodges are bringing in newmembers and putting them to work in the Lodgeor in the community or both. Brethren, the firemust come from within. When a spark is ignitedin your Lodge, watch what happens and enjoy!

The most popular program in the GrandJurisdiction of Maine continues to be Bikes forBooks. This program is putting lodges andBrethren to work and the beneficiaries are theLodge, the children, the parents, the school andthe whole community. The schools that have beena part of this initiative for many years have shownimproved reading skills over time. The children

are learning a habit which will serve them wellfor a lifetime and the image of Freemasonry isenhanced as well. I have issued a decision thatthere will no longer be dispensation required towear aprons and jewels while attending a publicBikes for Books presentation. If you are attend-ing, please wear them with pride!

The holiday season is partly over at thetime this issue is in your hands. I hopethat it is a chance for you to spendtime with friends and family and tobe truly grateful for all that wehave here in Maine. I know that Iam.

At meetings that I haveattended this year, I have tried totake a moment to say a prayer forsome very special men andwomen in our lives. First and fore-most are those that serve and have

served in our Armed Forces. Theydeserve every ounce of respect and

admiration we can offer. I have also includ-ed in my prayers those men and women whoserve us locally: Police, Fire and Rescue, WardenService and other groups that keep watch in ourcommunities every day. They are not travelingoverseas to defend our rights but they serve ushere every day. They are the ones who respond toa crisis at a moment’s notice and keep us safe,sometimes risking their own safety. They certain-ly deserve our respect and our prayers as well. Ihope that you will join me in those prayers.

Finally, I would like to ask you all to pleaseremember that the vows we all took at the altar ofMasonry are more than just words. They are thepromises we all made to the Supreme Architectand to each other to live our lives as Masons. Ifwe can continue to do this, Masonry will remainthe best Fraternity that history has ever known.

Your Friend and Brother,Dave

Page 4 THE MAINE MASON

Around the Grand Lodge Water Cooler...R.W. Mark E. Rustin, Grand Secretary

ON THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON

What value does Freemasonry hold for you? Itmay seem a banal question. After all, you are aMason so the value should be obvious. Yet, in con-versations I have with some Brothers, in some arti-cles I have read recently, and in the actions ofsome Lodges, the question forces itself to beanswered. All too often, it seems to me, theanswers we give side step the question. It is as ifwe are telling the questioner what the darkside of the moon looks like. When ouranswers are: “You get out of it whatyou put into it;” “We’ll make you abetter man;” or “It is a way for peo-ple to get to know and respect you,”we are avoiding the introspection ittakes to truly begin to describe theCraft.

While these are safe answers, they donothing to describe the value you place inFreemasonry. However, they are safe only becauseno one has stood on the dark side of the moon andthus, the answers cannot be refuted. The future ofFreemasonry is dim if the only answers we offer tothe question of value are “safe” and as such, do notrequire us to reveal our understandings illuminat-ed by the “light of the moon.”

It seems to me that the value we hold forFreemasonry is shown in a very profound manner— not quantified in simple, safe statements.Rather, the value we hold for the Craft is revealedin the lives we live each day which reflect thevalue we place upon the obligations we tookkneeling at a common altar — in the same way themoons reflects the light of the sun.

Freemasonry resides in the local Lodges acrossthis Grand Jurisdiction. Men with goals for selfimprovement, men yearning for knowledgerevealed by the “light” of the Fraternity, and menseeking relationships with other like-minded menwith whom they can improve the lot of humankind

— these are the men of which true Lodges aremade. Do you find value in Freemasonry as foundin our Lodges? As part of the obligation you freelytook upon yourself, do you live that value by reg-ular attendance and support of your Lodge? Doyou work with your Brothers in the Lodge to makethe regular Lodge meeting a place where fellow-ship and more “light” in Masonry can be found?Do you take new Brothers by the hand and allowthem to find ways to express the valueFreemasonry has for them? When you developother interests or join other organizations, is the

obligation you made to your Lodge —Freemasonry — first on your priority

list? Look at your life to find theanswers.

We have many vital Lodgesacross this Grand Jurisdiction. Theyare the places where Freemasonry isaccomplished. Though varied in

their approaches, they have one com-mon denominator. They recognize and

accept the obligation they took upon them-selves to participate in and work with their Lodgeto help one another grow and build a better worldto live within. They recognize the true nature ofFreemasonry and show the value it has for them inthe way they live it out — in Lodge and in thebroader world.

To be sure, many of these men do not lead one-dimensional lives. They are local elected officials,involved with youth programs, belong to other fra-ternal organizations, deeply involved with theirfamilies, etc. However, the manner they prioritizetheir lives is revealed by their fealty to their obli-gation to their lodge where Freemasonry lives. Inthese vital and active lodges we can see the myri-ad ways Lodges of Freemasons can “build” anenduring future for the Craft and the world.

It is in these vital lodges -- and only withinthem -- that Freemasonry lives, innovates, andmoves into the future to meet the challenges of theday.

That’s it from here -- back to work.

THE MAINE MASON Page 5

Masonic Library Dedicated, Town, Kids Invited

Continued on Page 28

Saturday, Novermber 14, 2015 was a great day forFreemasonry in Maine as the Grand Lodge Libraryexpansion was formerly dedicated. More than 70 Masonsand members of the community of Holden were there forthe event. Scottish Rite brethren who’d barely finishedan excellent degree program in Bangor, Holden townofficials, Grand Lodge officers coming early for the 6thDistrict Meeting in Bangor just a couple of hours laterwere all there. Arriving mostly on their motorcyclesdespite the barely 40 degree temperature were some 14members of the Low XII Riders, Widows Sons MasonicMotorcycle Riders Association, there to support theirTreasurer, Grand Librarian Ed King. It was a goodturnout indeed.

From the start of Grand Lodge occupancy of thebuilding in Holden in 2011, Grand Master Greenier andacting Clerk of the Works PGM Gerald Leighton deter-mined that the facility could and should be made avail-able to the public — and thus began the path to wherethings are today.

Even before that, however, during the first showingof the building, the real estate agent pointed out the win-dow to the bank drive-thru area and noted that it was partof the footprint of the building — that we could simplyenclose the space if we wanted to expand! Of course thenit was nothing but talk.

As the months moved on, Brother Ed King donatedhis book collection of some 1,300 Masonic and 2,700other books to the library, adding to those that had made

the trip from Portland. It soon became apparent that we’dbe running out of room and thus began discussions ofexpansion. That drive-thru area was eyed seriously.

After a few discussions, Grand Secretary MarkRustin took the idea to the Maine Masonic CharitableFoundation members who enthusiastically supported theproject. That night Brother Rustin began fund-raisingefforts. Surprising everyone (including even himself ashe said at the dedication), the community and our mem-bership came together to provide the funds to make it

happen. Four months from conception to ground-break-ing!

On a cold winter day in early April, with snow still

Grand Secretary Mark Rustin addresses the assembled as Grand Master Walker and others listen.

A shelf of fiction with Masonic connections.

Page 6 THE MAINE MASON

Local Mason Goes World Wide (with some brotherly help)

by Michael A. SmithThis all started one cold December evening in

2013, when I was serving as the Tyler for our statedmeeting at Freeport Lodge #23 in the great State ofMaine. As I was scouring the anteroom for anom-alous eavesdroppers and cow-hands, my gaze fellupon a dusty line of books that had likely beenstanding upon the display case for decades, unread.One title grabbed me, “Short Talks on Masonry,” byJoseph Fort Newton, published in 1928.

I have been producing and publishing audiobooks for some years and inmany genres, but this was differ-ent. This was a book made up ofshort, deep yet digestible inde-pendent chunks, disseminatingupon the history, allegories andmeanings to be found withinMasonry, and exceedingly interest-ing to my recently raised eyes.Here were some explanationsabout what I had gotten myself into.For example, in the Short Talk enti-tled “The Ruffians” (STB V05 N9),Newton talks about the blows givenby them to the throat, heart andhead, explaining them as allegoriesfor statecraft, priestcraft, and themob mind, that can kill by robbing usof our freedoms of speech (throat),belief (heart) and thought (head).This would make a great audio book, Ithought.

In pursuing the rights to turn thisexcellent book into audio, I ultimatelyfound myself corresponding with MW Bro. GeorgeBraatz, PGM of Ohio and Executive Secretary of theMasonic Service Association of North America inWashington DC, whose mission is to spread mason-ic information among Grand Lodges, and supportdisaster relief campaigns and hospital visitationthroughout North America. Apparently, no one hadever seriously considered producing audio fromtheir publications, so I composed a contract thatbrought profits back to the MSANA to directly sup-port their worthy campaigns, and sent it off. Five

months later, I had a dream in which my deceasedgrandfather, a 58 year member of Hiram Lodge inSouth Portland, stood talking with somebody I per-ceived to be Exceedingly Worshipful, and they wereboth smiling at me. Two days later, I received con-firmation of the contract.

”The Builders — A Story and Study ofFreemasonry,” also by Newton and a seminal workon the history of Freemasonry, was next on the list.Rather than keep all the fun for myself, I contracted

with another narrator, Bro. CraigHummel, who also happens to be a PGMof the Grand Lodge of Iowa. He has pro-duced an eminently listenable audiobook, and had this to say about it: “Bythe way, this project has been animmense joy and educational experi-ence. It may have been written over 100years ago, but his observations, likeMasonry, are absolutely timeless.” Bothit and the first Short Talks on Masonryaudio books are now available throughAudible.com, Amazon, and iTunes.

I discovered that the Short TalkBulletins have been published by theMSANA every month since 1923, andthe 33 that I produced for the audiobook were but a drop in the bucket.The MSANA is currently publishinga five-volume hardbound anthology,containing more than 1100 ShortTalks, written by some of our mostinfluential thinkers - the very lead-ers of our modern Craft. If Masonry

in North America was a church, these would be thesermons.

That’s great, I thought, but all of that wonderfulinformation is contained in big reference volumes,and not exactly accessible to the average smart-phone savvy brother - on the go, at the home or sit-tin’, listenin’ to th’ hoot owls upta camp. But then,after some excellent conversation with our ownGrand Librarian, Ed King, a vision took shape forthe Short Talk Bulletin Online Audio Library, where

Continued on Following Page

THE MAINE MASON Page 7

Local Mason Goes World Wide Continued)

Who Is This Brother, Michael A. Smith?

Mike Smith

for a $20 annual subscription that directly supportsthe MSANA, members receive the current ShortTalk Bulletin as a professionally produced spokenaudio file, and also access to ALL of the historicalSTBs as they are produced, through a smartphone ora computer. It can now be found through theMSANAweb page (www.msana.com) or directly at301-476-7330.

Again, not wanting to keep all the fun formyself, I’m recording other brothers deliveringShort Talks for the Audio Library, a list of whom

Michael A. Smith grew up listening to his dad preach everySunday, and returning to the family home in Maine every summer.He attended high school with the Jesuits in southwesternConnecticut, and then North Park, a small, Christian, liberal artscollege on Chicago’s north side. He spent two years as a musicmajor, but then, after conversation with his Dad about the hard lifeof musicians, switched to a mathematics major, and graduatedwith a B.A. and teaching certification.

Smith taught high school mathematics (and occasionallymusic) in Chicago for 14 years, with his favorite class beingHonors Geometry. During this time he wrote for grants and start-ed an after-school recording studio, where he taught (and learned)songwriting and music production. He also was “creative consult-ant” for his Dad’s first novel, “The Last Bridge.”

In 2004 tragedy struck, and he lost his Dad in a constructionaccident. He then moved to Maine to be with his family and finishthe log home in Durham that was his Dad’s dream. He taught highschool for three more years in Maine, but eventually decided toquit teaching and produce audio books full time, starting with“The Last Bridge.”

After living in Durham for a few years, and getting a littlefrustrated with the isolation of living in the woods, he had a con-versation with his grandfather, a 50-plus year member of HiramLodge in South Portland. “Grump.” as he was affectionatelyknown, advised him to join the local Masonic Lodge in Freeport,as the Masons are “a good outfit.” He did, and was raised the nextspring, with his grandfather in attendance.

Eventually, serving as Tyler for Freeport Lodge #23, he dis-covered a book of Short Talk Bulletins published by the MasonicServiceAssociation in 1928. Being a preacher’s kid, he recognizedthe quality of the writing, and the truth and relevance of the con-tent. Acquiring the rights to produce that book in audio led in a

appear on the front page. Brother Hummel is enthu-siastically taking part, and the vision includes manymore brothers, especially some of the authors of themore recent STBs voicing their own writing, likeRW Arthur Borland (DGM Oregon, STB V93 N9,Masonry and the Art of Fly Fishing), and Maine’sown Grand Secretary, RW Mark Rustin (STB V92N9 Tuscan, Corinthian ColumnsWorking Together).The vision concludes with hope that these books andthis thousand-plus-faceted jewel of Masonic Lightcan benefit all who might have ears ready to hear. SoMote It Be (STB V05 N6).

very few short steps to the discovery ofthe vastness of this body of work calledthe “Short Talk Bulletins” publishedevery month for almost a hundred years,and written by some of the wisest headsin the Craft. Brother Smith is a huge fanof the obvious, and it became obviousthat that body of work and his skills asan audio book producer were a matchmade by the Great Architect Himself.Thus was born the Short Talk BulletinOnline Audio Library.

Page 8 THE MAINE MASON

From Bethlehem to AlexandriaAn interview with Wor. Brother Andrew Hammer

by Bro. Jason Carey

First I would like to welcome you all. Thistimeless visit to the George WashingtonMasonic National Memorial was elevated by apersonal greeting from a very distinguishedMason indeed. Wor. Brother Andrew Hammer,Past Master and current Secretary ofAlexandria-Washington Lodge #22, personallygreeted my family as we entered the exquisitememorial for a tour — and what a tour it was! Iwon’t elaborate on it but when the tour came toits finish we found ourselves in a very specialplace - we were inside Alexandria-WashingtonLodge #22. What followed was an intimateinterview in serious language behind closeddoors.

The following is transcribed from that inter-view granted by Brother Hammer, author ofObserving the Craft: The Pursuit of Excellencein Masonic Labour and Observance, while vis-iting the George Washington Masonic NationalMemorial in Alexandria, Virginia this pastAugust 14th, 2015.

Bro. Jason Carey, Senior Deacon, BethlehemLodge #35, Augusta, ME: WB Andrew how do

you find traveling to be anessential part of develop-ing one’s position as agood Brother?

Worshipful BrotherAndrew Hammer: Ithink that travel is essen-tial because what it does isit helps to expand thebody of knowledge ofFreemasonry, in otherwords when you travel toother jurisdictions, notjust other lodges but otherjurisdictions, you have anopportunity to see how things are done elsewhere and when youare looking to find out about the overall history of Freemasonry,what is intended for us to do - how our history both unifies us andallows us to be divergent in how we go in different ways, travel-ing from place to place allows you to see that while everything isdifferent it still is essentially the same. There is a common bondwhich unites us. And though the rituals may be different, that stillspeaks the fact that any Mason anywhere can recognize where heis in a Lodge because he’ll recognize certain common elements.

Continued on Following Page

The George Washington Masonic National Memorial

Wor. Brother Andrew Hammer

THE MAINE MASON Page 9

From Bethlehem Continued from Preceding Page

Not only between jurisdictions in this country but also throughoutthe world.

JC: What kind of inspiration do you draw from the language ofFreemasonry as spoken by other Brothers?

AH: Well I think it goes hand in hand. When we look at ancientforms of religion, not really focusing on any one in particular, but ifI were to choose to talk about one I would choose Hinduism as anexample of how ritual and the language of ritual has an impact. Thedevelopment of that particular religion began with rituals and thephilosophy came later. In the same way, one could offer the obser-vation that Masonry, through its rituals, if it’s done correctly… nowif it’s done incorrectly you can end up with parrots as we call them- men who know all the words but don’t know what they mean, butif it’s done correctly, when the ritual is done in a way that is rever-ent with decorum and with an understanding of what’s being meant,you actually give birth to the meaning that follows after it. Whenyou add that to spontaneous contributions of Brothers in the Lodge,I find that, in my Lodge in particular, we enjoy both very meaning-ful presentations and also the contributions of Brothers’ questionsand discussions after the presentations. Having that “language” inLodge, both ritualistic and philosophical/educational, it helps tobuild that bond in the Lodge which let’ us know, it reminds us whywe’re all here in the first place.

JC: What else do you have to offer before we move on from here?

AH: We are living in an age of renewed inquisitiveness and the menwho are coming to us now are coming to us in search of what weoffer in terms of meaning and philosophy. Men can be improved asindividuals and go out and do things on their own, to improve theworld if that is what they are called to do. This never was a fast foodsort of organization, it’s always been slow cooking. If we don’t givethese men who are coming in something that is cooked slow, some-thing they can own themselves, something they can find meaning-ful, then as many men that are coming in will just as easily go out.

Thank you Andrew for your dedication to the Craft. Also, thankyou for sharing those moments we continue to expand on here inMaine.

I personally want to thank the Maine Mason Magazine for sus-taining this quality outlet for Masonic expression and observation.I’ve been searching for this kind of publication for a long time. Itseems that I have reached a stage in life where I just enjoy spendingsome time writing messages to friends and wishing them all a grandMasonic journey.

And of course thank you to my Brothers at Bethlehem Lodge.Let every social and moral virtue cement us. So mote it be.

Brother Hammer and Brother Carey atthe altar of Alexandria-WashingtonLodge #22.

50-Year Veteran

Wor. Charles Parlin, a member ofMaine Lodge #20 East Wilton. shownhere receiving his 50-year VeteransMedal from RW Brother Pete ForrestIn Davenport, FL

--Photo by RW Jack Lagerquist

Page 10 THE MAINE MASON

Fathers, Sons, BrothersBy Jeff Sukeforth

St. Paul’s Lodge #82, RockportIt began as any other degree evening begins, folks

trickling in for a bountiful supper by the Junior Wardenassisted by his Stewards of a hearty Beef Stew and bis-cuits.

It was soon evident that this might not be just any oldbusiness meeting put on by St. Paul’s lodge. This was anoteworthy evening of unifying two fathers and two sonsinto brothers. And it would seem that the large familytree of Masons would soon have new branches spreadingwide over these New England states all the way toMassachusetts.

What was happening that caused this stir within theMasonic fraternity; it was the raising of Zachory andAaron Annis, sons of Wor. Matthew Annis and RWKeryn Annis respectively, becoming more then Fatherand Son; they all became Brothers.

Now this might not seem too impressive to the laymember but down around these parts of the mid-coast thename Annis just might be deemed synonymous withFreemasonry! A quick look back in the Annis Masonicancestral tree as well as in MORI, (and I am certain thisis most likely not all correct, but as we say around here,“tain’t perfect but it fits good nuff”), reveals 69 memberswith the last name of Annis. Now adding the severalmembers of the tree who are “from away” in NewHampshire and Massachusetts, that number most likelygoes up to about 75 Annis living and deceased who havebeen members of this great Fraternity.

I must state in fact that MORI has a number of AnnisMasons with widespread lodges in Maine; Amity, St.Paul’s, Marine, Mariners, Ocean. Yorkshire, Rising

Virtue, Herman, Penobscot, St. Andrews, Lewey’sIsland, Kennebec, Bethlehem, Hiram, Meridian, SolarStar, Pownal, Triangle, Crooked River and Waterville.Now I am not certain that all these Brothers are relatedbut can assure you that many are and many more just donot realize it yet!

So it was on October 17th, 2015 at 7 pm sharp, St.Paul’s members, guest officers, visitors and an extendedAnnis Masonic family joined together to first witness anexemplary proficiency byAaron and Zachory Annis withthe help of RW Keryn Annis. It was then time for thework of the evening to proceed and proceed it did.

It was almost as if you could not turn in the lodgewithout finding an Annis sitting in the East providingdegree work, doing some lecturing, and giving an Oscarworthy performance as the Wayfaring Man. Needless tosay it was a night filled with fellowship, fun and pride.

Pride perhaps being most important! It was on thissimple October evening that gave witness to what canonly be described as perhaps the greatest bond a fathercan muster, that of raising his son to the sublime degreeof a Master Mason and becoming something even more— Brothers.

Annis Clan: 1st row L-R: Bob Annis, Liam Annis, Aaron Annis, Zachory Annis, Bill Annis. 2nd row:Scott Annis. 3rd row: Gregg Annis, Keryn Annis, Matt Annis. 3rd row: Herb Annis, James Freeman.

Dads and Sons, L-R: Zachory Annis, MatthewAnnis, Keryn Annis and Aaron Annis.

THE MAINE MASON Page 11

By Wor. Brother Will Halpin

Pleiades Lodge #173, Milbridge

Each fall I make my annual trek into the north woodsfor an end of the season fishing trip. This year had aninteresting twist to it. I traveled a good deal off the beat-en path to a wilderness campground on a lake where Ihad heard that the trout fishing was excellent.

After a long drive I arrived at my destination,checked in, and launched my old twelve foot aluminumskiff to check out the lake.

To my surprise just a short way up the lake lay a lineof boulders and tree stumps seemingly blocking any fur-ther progress in that direction. I navigated carefullyabout but the rocks seemed to be everywhere so I decid-ed to let prudence rule and return to the campground totry to acquire some local knowledge of the area.

Nearby my cottage I noticed a gentleman setting uphis square stern guide canoe in preparation for launching.I decided to ask if he might be willing to help me, know-ing full well that most dedicated fishermen would rathergive out their social security number before divulging thesecrets of a favorite fishing spot. Timidly I approachedthe man, complimented him on his nice looking canoeand asked if I might glean some information out of himas to how best navigate the lake safely so I might fish thefollowing morning.

To my surprise the man said that after supper he wasgoing out to try his luck and that I was welcome to joinhim. He offered to show me safe passage up the lake anda few fishing spots as well. Later that evening we met atthe waterfront, rods in hand, and embarked on a delight-ful couple of hours on the lake as the sun set.

As it turned out, the unusually warm weather was notconducive to catching trout so we returned to the dock.As we were about to get out on the dock John mentionedthat he would have arrived the previous day but he had alodge meeting that night. I said that I also had attendedlodge the night before and had a grand time as we had agood group of brothers attending including several pastmasters such as myself.

When I went to get out of the canoe John stretchedout his hand and said let me help you out with the stronggrip of a master mason or lions paw. As it turned outJohn is presently sitting in the East at his lodge so weenjoyed discussing various lodge activities. Now, as aretired Merchant Marine officer as well as a veteran, Ihave traveled all over the world and met many Masons inmy travels, always willing to lend a helping, welcominghand but never have I met one as friendly and as willing

Weary Traveler Finds a Friend in the Wildernessto be so helpful to a stranger in the wilderness as Johnwas to me.

The following evening we chatted over his campfireand once again had a pleasant time. On my way home acouple of days later I realized why I had joined theMasons more than thirty years ago and what a pleasure itis to be a member of the craft where friendship and broth-erly love prevail.

Black Ghost Cabin in the wilderness.

The Yod

Hebrew letterWith depth of Soul.

You announce what is --You proclaim the glory --

JahYah

The Name that is given--Is real

Inviting usTo know

Who you are --

4-11-15Bro. Michael Glidden

Page 12 THE MAINE MASON

By Wor. Brother Robert HaighMorning Star Lodge #41

Morning Star Lodge in Litchfield, Maine applied forits charter on July 10, 1822; it was granted five days lateron July 15, 1822. Nearly 170 years later, on March 18,1992, the lodge building was destroyed by fire.

The charter, along with other valuable lodge poses-sions, had been kept in a fireproof safe found among therubble in the ashes. While not destroyed, the charter,written on lambskin, had shrunk drastically. A decisionwas made to take the charter to Bowdoin College to haveit restored. That was the last time it was seen, more than22 years ago.

Since being initiated, I have often heard the story ofthe missing charter.Whenever I looked at ourCertificate of Charter onthe lodge room wall therewas a feeling of empti-ness; something wasmissing. When I becameMaster of the Lodge thisyear, finding the originalcharter was on top of thelist of things to accom-plish during 2015. Wesearched high and low inthe lodge, but had no luck.A trip to Bowdoin Collegeto see if it was in thearchives there producedanother dead end. Itseemed futile to continuetrying to find our originalempowering dicument.

Then, on October 25th, we held a public breakfast atMorning Star. After eating I asked some of the brethrento help me clean the back room. With the help ofBrothers Peter Ahearn, Matt Ouellette, Dale Denbow,Doug Caton, we got everything ship shape.

While cleaning the room, I opened a box and sawthat mice had been in it; paper inside was reduced almostto a powder. I first thought I should just throw the entirebox away but something told me to check it out. Hopingnot to get bitten by some resident rodent, I stuck my handin and pulled out three cyphers, one from 1914 and twoothers from 1943. It was exciting to see them. But therewas something else deeper in the box. Brushing the

It Once Was Lost...and Now It’s Foundpowder away, I discovered another smaller box with thewords “Guest Book, Morning Star Lodge” on the cover.There was no guest book inside that box but there was acertificate showing that a Brother had been raised to theSublime Degree of a Master Mason in Massachusetts.And there at the bottom was the original Charter forMorning Star Lodge #41!

I called the other brothers and as we examined thecharter. we were like children at Christmas. To see thehandwritten names of the original lodge members, totouch the charter and think what it must have been likefor those men to affix their signatures on a document thatwould inspire and change the lives of so many membersfor so many years to come, gave me a feeling I will neverforget.

I carefully carried the charter home to examine itwith a magnifying glass, and then took it to R.W. BrotherG. David Byras, Sr. A broad smile crossed his face as hebeheld the shrunken, long-absent treasure.

What’s ahead? Folks at the State of Maine Museumin Augusta said it is not possible for them to restore thedocument, but they suggested a place in Massachusettsthat does such restorations. It may be impossible torestore our charter but perhaps it can be preserved to pre-vent further damage.

Many brothers in our lodge have never seen thisCharter. Some have moved away, some have passedaway. But for now, this document will be on view in ourlodge display cabinet for all brethren to see.

THE MAINE MASON Page 13

In this issue, you’ll get to read about and see the results of YOUR Library’s expansion! Every Maine Mason can be proud of what’s been done - and in addition, you can di-rectly bene�t through the various books etc. we have. We’re adding material daily and reading suggestions happily o�ered!

It’s my belief that leading Freemasonry and Freemasons - whether at a local or grand lodge level - requires constancy, diligence, and endurance. It also mandates an understanding of the varied current topics of concern to all of us. Taking Issue by John Bizzack, Ph.D. gets you thinking about opportunities and challenges like few other books to-day. Easily read, it will provide you

with a background from which to shape solutions that are so desperately needed as we move forward. �ere’s thoughtful commentary on mediocrity, repeating history, solicitation, what’s worn at a lodge meeting, and so much more. Every Mason - EVERY MASON - should read this book! If every-one who cared did, we would be a LOT further ahead. �e vast majority of Freemasons today care little about esotericism. In fact, most would be hard pressed to provide even a vague de�nition of it - but then again, scholars and academics can’t agree on one either so.... �at notwithstand-ing, a goodly number of those now approaching our outer door seeking membership are doing so because of a belief that Freemasonry is the source of great esoteric wisdom. �ey’re probably right - but we Masons don’t really realize it. “Western Esotericism: A Guide for the Perplexed” by Wouter J. Hane-graa� will help you to understand just what this ‘woo-woo’ stu� is all about and can likely help you speak to and relate with those whose interests go beyond just the �sh fry and minute-reading only meetings. �ere’s a very deep and ancient background to what we have today and you’ll �nd your enjoyment of Masonry truly enriched if you take the tme to learn more about it. �e Goat, the Devil and the Freemason: A study in the history of ideas by David West is a book I should have re-viewed some time ago. At one level, the book explores the twisted lies of anti-Masonry including the foolishness of Levi, the accusations about Pike, and more. If you’re not familiar with all of this ‘stu� ’, you really should be - and Bro. West makes the journey of learning both interesting

as well as easily understood one. It’s the sort of thing that all Masons should be familiar with, just so they’ll have an understanding of the reasons why many in the past have avoided membership. Twisting and interlocking tales, along with much embellishment, is compli-cated but this work helps sort it all out. I’d encourage you to read it as well as Bro. West’s book on a completely dif-ferent topic titled �ings to Do When You Have Nothing to Do ...: Or How to Find �ose Candidates Who Have Been Looking for You All �is Time.Is your lodge in a slump? Although it’s written from an English lodge point-of-view, the lessons learned can be ap-plied right here, right now! Check it out. You can’t go wrong with these. An important note: this Bookshelf edition is being �nalized the day a�er the Grand Lodge Library Extension dedication. You’ll read more about it elsewhere in this issue. It was a truly wonderful day and ev-ery one of you should be proud! I’m pleased and humbled to have been a part and my heart swells thinking of the future. Remember, you can search our continually growing book catalog online 24/7. Go to www.mainemason.org - click the link at the top of the page or the tab in the lower right. We’ve got LOTS to keep you learning. And the Library is open Monday thru Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm with other hours by arrangement. Come and visit or call/email for what you’d like to read. Become a more informed Mason: READ!

The Old Webmaster’s

BOOKSHELF

Bro. Edward King is our Grand Librarian as well as Museum Director & Curator. He also pretends to be Webmaster for our Grand Lodge but most of you know who REALLY does that work! Looking for a good read? Call Ed.... <wink>

Here’s Harley taking a peek at Togus, A Coon Cat Finds a Home by Wor. Don Carrigan. It’s one of the many books

YOUR Masonic Library. We believe we’re the only Masonic Library in the world with a

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Continued on Following Page

by RW Walter Kyllonen, PJGW

The sixteenth annual “Quarry Degree” was heldSeptember 26, 2015 in South Paris at the Durgin Mine onMount Marie overlooking Streaked Mountain. The tradi-tion for this event was started in 2000 when the mastersfrom Evening Star Lodge No 147 of Buckfield and StAspinquid Lodge No 198, York, planned a joint outdoordegree initially held in Buckfield at the Bennett Mine. By2002 the Buckfield site was no longer available for ourdegree work but the Durgin Mine became available andhas been in use ever since.

The seeds for thisenjoyable tradition were plant-ed in 1998 when, as a JuniorWarden, I visited Evening StarLodge while my wife’s uncle,Wor. Richard Pope, was thesitting Master. I was intro-duced to RW Robert Perry,DDGM, who suggested thetwo Lodges join together whenI became master of St.Aspinquid Lodge in 2000 toconduct a joint Quarry Degreewhich they had started a cou-ple of years earlier. Thus wasborn a remarkable relationshipbetween two Lodges.

The Grand Artificerprovided us with a beautifulcloudless day for our first joint“Quarry Degree.” RW MikeBlank and I shared the Oriental Chair that day to raiseBro. Charles Powell of St Aspinquid to the sublimedegree of a Master Mason. MWWayne Adams sat in theEast with us and my high school English teacher andfriend, Wor. Joe Perham, honored us by accepting therole as Chaplain. MW Claire Tusch provided the lectureand an event that could only occur at an outdoor eventprompted all eyes to look skyward when two turkey vul-tures continually circled overhead during the second sec-tion of the degree.

The 2004 degree was interesting since MWClaire Tusch installed several officers. He Installed RWGeorge Kimball as DDGM and VW Mike Blank asDistrict Education Representative both for the 20thMasonic District. We also asked him to install the StAspinquid candidate, Bro. Dustin Price, as the LodgeJunior Steward. MW Tusch being adamant in his belief

Masons Gather at the Quarry for Workthat one should have a proper Masonic knowledge beforebeing installed as an officer quizzed Bro Dustin. Much tothe surprise of most Brethren present, Bro. Price chose toperfectly recite the middle section of the EnteredApprentice lecture to demonstrate his knowledge. Hepassed the quiz and was installed as Junior Steward.

The only time we conferred other than a MasterMason degree provided a memorable experience. Wewere in the midst of conferring a Fellow Craft degree foran Evening Star candidate when we found ourselves in adrenching downpour. We hastily retreated to my

“Hiram’s Hideaway”camp to set up a makeshiftlodge and finish thedegree. A couch becamethe Oriental East, the cof-fee table the altar.Brethren sat themselveson the circular stairs lead-ing to the sleeping loft andwere referred to as thethree, five and seven stepsduring the MiddleChamber lecture.We have been honored

over the years to haveseven Grand Masters anda significant number ofother present and pastGrand Lodge officersattend and participate inour degree work. In fact,there has not been one

event without the presence of Grand Lodge officers. Thetwo years MWA James Ross was Grand Master he vol-unteered his suite of officers to conduct the degree work.The opportunity for Brethren not normally accustomedto mingle with and participate in degree work has pro-vided a tremendous opportunity to broaden their fellow-ship experiences.

Meals following the degree work each year havebeen interesting. We started by leaving to attend a mealat Evening Star Lodge but we discovered many skippedthe meal, so we began having our meals at “Hiram’sHideaway”‘ just a quarter mile down the hill from theMount Marie degree site. One year we roasted a pig andon another we barbequed chicken but on most years wegrilled hamburgers and hotdogs and such other dishes as;lobster bisque, clam chowder, chilli and sausage soup.

Quarry Degree candidates Brother Kevin Lindsayand Brother Ryan Reed.

THE MAINE MASON Page 15

Continued from Preceding Page

The bakers from Evening Star have always pro-vided homemade pies. We not only enjoy the fel-lowship from several Lodges, we eat well also.

Our 2015 degree also proved to be a beauti-ful cloudless day as we had experienced on ourfirst joint degree in 2000. We were honored tohave in attendance MW George Pulkkinen, PastGrand Master and RW Thomas Pulkkinen,Deputy Grand Master who honored us by partic-ipating as Senior Warden and Junior Warden,respectively. MW Pulkkinen further honored usby entertaining us at lunch with bagpipe musicand again at the quarry prior to commencing thedegree work. Watching MW George descend thesteep incline toward the degree site playing hisbagpipes sounded like music heaven sent, per-haps, as a message from the Grand Artificer.

Wor Gregg Clark of St Aspinquid and WorDavid Castonguay of Evening Star Lodgeopened the Lodge. Wor Clark remained in theEast to confer the obligations for St Aspinquidcandidate Bro Kevin Lindsay and Evening Starcandidate Bro Ryan Reed. Bro Kevin Lindsay isthe son of Bro David Lindsay who was raised atthe very same site two years ago as the StAspinquid candidate. This was the first fatherand son to be raised at our “Quarry Degree.”Wor David Castonguay conferred the obligationfor Bro Ryan Reed but the second sectionbecame interesting. We have over the yearsfound the Evening Star Lodge ruffians to beunruly and difficult to extract from the boulderscomprising the “Cleft of the Rock.”One year one of these true ruffianswas delivered behind the altar upsidedown kicking and resisting theSpeaking Fellow Craft. This year weexperienced a new element of unruli-ness when they started one of ourparked vehicles and attempted anunsuccessful escape. As most of us areaware, RW Tim Turner is the mainunruly ruffian! The lecture by MWGeorge Pulkkinen and the “On YonderBook” charge by Bro John Graybill ofEvening Star Lodge were letter perfectas was the Fellow Craft lesson examby Bro Ryan Reed before the degreework.

Quarry Work

Wor John Belanger, Philantropic Lodge from MarbleheadMA. and an affiliate of St Aspinquid presented the 9thMassachusetts Masonic District Traveling gavel to Wor GregClark for use during the degree. Could this be the first time aMassachusetts traveling gavel was transported for use in a Mainedegree? Another Philanthropic Lodge member, Bro WilliamLinskey, and a St Aspinquid affiliate member brought a cookingtrailer made from a previous roadside radar trailer. What a treatto have our breakfast, lunch and burgers cooked on that appara-tus and the meals enjoyed out of doors.

The “Quarry Degree” is the catalyst that allows us to enjoyone another’s fellowship for a brief moment, but what bonds usto another Lodge is the continuing appreciation we have for ourfriendship. We share the knowledge of our successes and fail-ures, attend each other’s table lodges and join in fellowshipnights. The good relations we share and the enjoyment of jointexperiences is priceless.

-- Quarry Degree Photos by Wor. Brother John Belanger

Wor. Gregg Clark, wielding the 9th District Travelling Gavelfrom our Mother Jurisdiction, MW George Pulkkinen, RWTom Pulkkinen, and Wor. Dave Castonguay.

The East, left to right: Wor. Dave Castonguay, Wor. Gregg Clark,Wor, Paul Foster, chaplain; RW Walt Kyllonen and RW Bob Hoyt.

Page 16 THE MAINE MASON

The Maine Masonic College NewsletterThe

ENTABLATUREwww.MaineMasonicCollege.comWhole Number 22 Winter 2015

An entablature refers to the superstructureof moldings and bands which lie horizontallyabove columns, resting on their capitols.

The College Briefly...Our name inspires us to aʻhigher educational calling.ʼWe are not a bricks and mor-tar school but a “Temple ofKnowledge,” offering a grow-ing variety of learning oppor-tunities in various modalitiesWe believe that Freemasonryis relevant in society today,helping to create a continuumof knowledge for those whoare interested in personalenrichment.Masonic ritual exhorts us tobroaden our knowledge of theseven liberal arts and sci-ences. Thus, our programsinclude topics of interest toanyone with an inquisitivemind: ethics, astronomy,logic, public speaking andmore. We have molded theMaine Masonic College onthe best features of not onlytraditional and modernMasonic-oriented educationbut also “senior college” andlifelong learning endeavors.In addition, we are developingaudio and video materialalong with reading lists andmore. At the Maine MasonicCollege, we encourage yourinput, your recommendationsand - most of all - your....INVOLVEMENT!

LIKE us onFacebook

In its continuing effort to offer “more light in Masonry” the Regents of theMaine Masonic College announce the following course offerings. As with allCollege offerings, they are designed to provide brethren the opportunity toexpand their vision of Freemasonry and its principles. Whether you are on thepath to a Masonic College Diploma or simply want to be a more enlightenedMason, these programs are for you. As the cold, dark season of mid-wintercomes upon us, the offerings of the Maine Masonic College heat up with three,light filled opportunities!

18

ANNOUNCEMENT OFCOURSE OFFERINGS

Continued on Page 18

DEC 5UMO-ASTRONOMYWHERE: UNIVERSITY OF MAINE PLANETARIUM, ORONO 2PM

DEC 12DON & GEORGE - CRITICAL THINKINGWHERE: OCEAN LODGE, WELLS 8AM-12PM 19th District

DEC 12ERIC KUNTZ- SYMBOLISMWHERE: MORNING STAR, LITCHFIELD 9AM-12PM 11th District

JAN 9BRIANNE SULDOUSKY- RHETORICWHERE: RALPH J. POLLARD, ORRINGTON, 9am-12pm 6th District

JAN 9DON BEANE- ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT:WHERE: HIRAM, SOUTH PORTLAND 9AM-12PM 17th District

FEB 6DON BEANE- HISTORY OF THE FREEMASON UNTIL EARLY 1700s:ANALOGIES, METAPHORS AND LEGENDSWHERE: ARUNDEL, KENNEBUNKPORT 9AM-12PM 19th District

FEB 13CHARLIE PLUMMER- WHY RITUAL AND MYTHWHERE: MYSTIC LODGE, HAMPDEN 9am-12pm 6th District

THE MAINE MASON Page 17

#18 The Minutes of “Old Builders Lodge #1000”PAGE 2 THE ENTABLATURE: A PUBLICATION OF THE MAINE MASONIC COLLEGE WHOLE NUMBER 22R

Brother George M.A. MacdougallThis is one article in a series on the people who created,discovered or redefined how modern architecture, engi-neering and science came about.This edition of the Minutes is a deviation from the

usual format. Instead of a person, I wanted to talkabout something I find amazing that is in the news.Pluto. No, not the Walt Disney dog character but thenamesake for that Disney Character, Pluto the (for-mer?) planet! Discovered in 1930 by ClydeTombaugh and named for the god of the underworld,Pluto was the namesake for the Walt Disney dog creat-ed in the same year to give Mickey some com-pany; and the element Plutonium also dis-covered that year. It was namedPlutonium as the tradition had beenstarted with Uranium, named after theplanet Uranus which was found thesame year Uranium was discovered.Pluto got its name from one of thousandsof suggestions sent to the LowellObservatory, where Tombaugh worked, byVenetia Burney, an eleven year old girl inEngland who was interested in classical mythology.Planet or not Planet, that is the question; but why

all the controversy? One source states that a conven-tional definition of a Planet is a body that orbits a star,shines by reflecting the star’s light and is larger than anasteroid. According to NASA, technically, there wasnever a scientific definition of the term Planet before2006. When the Greeks observed the sky thousands ofyears ago, they discovered objects that acted different-ly than stars. These points of light seemed to wanderaround the sky throughout the year. We get the term“planet” from the Greek word “Planetes” - meaningwanderer. Pluto is part of the Kuiper (KYE-per) Belt.It was the recent discovery of an object larger thanPluto within the Kuiper Belt that changed everything.Is this object, now named Eris, our 10th planet since itis larger than Pluto? But if Eris is not a planet, then isPluto still a planet?Because of this discovery, there was a new defini-

tion of what a planet is. According to this new defini-tion, an object must meet three criteria in order to beclassified as a planet. First, it must orbit the Sun.Second, it must be big enough for gravity to squash it

into a round ball. And third, it must have cleared otherobjects out of the way in its orbital neighborhood. Toclear an orbit, a planet must be massive enough to clearsmaller objects – like asteroids – from their own orbit.The gravity of the planet would pull in smaller objectswhich would become part of the new planet.

According to the International AstronomicalUnion (IAU), Pluto does not meet this third require-ment but is now in a new class of objects called “dwarfplanets.” It is this third part of the definition that hassparked debate. Exactly how much does Pluto have to“clear” from its neighborhood to be considered a plan-et? And how much has Pluto already influenced its

own neighborhood since the planet formed?These and other questions have been raised inresponse to the IAU’s definition of a planet.

But why is this planet, or non-planet,in the news lately? Ten years ago, NASAlaunched New Horizons with a destina-tion of Pluto and beyond (for those BuzzLightyear fans out there!). In somethingthat sounds like a science fiction plot, New

Horizons travelled 4.7 billion miles in those 10years and hit its target!!! It did take two minor cor-

rections in its trajectory but with a distance of 4.7 bil-lion miles, I guess that would be considered prettyaccurate! Some other things that make this an incred-ible feat; New Horizons was roughly going an averageof 41,000 mph in order to get there in just ten years. Itpassed the moon in just 9 hours after launch! Next,Pluto is not stationary. It is travelling around the Sunat 10,600 mph.Some interesting facts about Pluto: Pluto has five

known moons: Charon (the largest, with a diameter justover half that of Pluto), Styx, Nix, Kerberos,and Hydra Pluto and Charon are sometimes consid-ered a binary system because the center of their orbitsdoes not lie within either body. Pluto does not have acircular orbit around the Sun like the (other) planetswhich makes it sometimes closer to the Sun thanNeptune. It is travelling around the Sun at 10,600 mph(the Earth is going 66,671 mph) but it is so far out asthe last planet that it takes 248 earth years to make onerevolution around the Sun, it hasn’t even been aroundthe Sun once since it was discovered in 1930. Lightfrom the Sun takes about 5.5 hours to reach Pluto at itsaverage distance.

Page 18 THE MAINE MASON

MAR 5ERIC KUNTZ-SYMBOLISMWHERE: LYNDE, HERMON 9AM-12PM

6th DistrictMAR 26REGGIE WING-TENENTS & CARDINALS:WHERE: MAINE LODGE, WILTON 9AM-12PM 15th District

APR 16COLBY COLLEGE STAFF-LIBERALARTS AND SCIENCESWHERE: BANGOR MASONIC CENTER9AM-12PM 6th District

APR 23CHARLIE PLUMMER-UNDERSTANDINGWORLDWHERE: SPRINGVALE LODGE, SPRING-VALE 9AM-12PM 19th District

MAY 7SAM MCKEEMAN-CRITICAL THINKINGWHERE: MERIDIAN LODGE, PITTSFIELD9AM-12PM 22nd District

JUNE 18SAM MCKEEMAN-ETHICSWHERE: WATERVILLE LODGE, WATER-VILLE 9AM-12PM 12th District

Please Note: There will be a lite luncheonserved after each class. The charge is$5.00. If you plan to attend the meal youmust pre-register for the class by callingTheresa at the Grand Lodge office at 843-1086. Thank you.

Maine Masonic College Course Offerings (continued)

This colorful photo above shows the Children’s Dyslexia Center’s “Library of Donors” bookcase at theBangor Masonic Center. The bookcase is actually a two dimensional painting on the wall by theentrance to the dining room. It does appear to be three dimensional and makes passersby try to picka book off the self. Each donor who donated at least $5,000 to the Scottish Rite Bangor Learning Centerhas his or her name painted on the binding of a book. When the Learning Center at the Masonic Centerwas being built, doors to the various rooms were sold for $12,000 each and a plaque with the name ofthe donor was placed on the door. Their names also appear on the binding of one of thebooks. Eventually the Learning Center ran out of doors. Hence the ‘Bookcase Idea.” The Bookcasewas dedicated on the night of the Appeals Banquet, September 12th by Ill. Alan Heath, Scottish RiteDeputy for Maine. The artist is Wor. Brother Perry Clark from Buxton Lodge in Buxton.

THE MAINE MASON Page 19

David A. Walker. The Medal is presented to aMaine citizen “who best exemplifies the char-acteristics of leadership, citizenship, honorand integrity as repeatedly demonstrated bythat great Maine man and Mason, JoshuaLawrence Chamberlain.” Above, left, BrotherNichols displays the Honorary LeadershipDiploma from the Maine Masonic College,presented by RW Mark E. Rustin, Chairman,and RW Dr. Eric W. Kuntz, Dean ofAcademics. Both presentations were made atthe thank you/send off dinner put on by theCollege for Brother Nichols in Waterville onJuly 13th.

R.W. Brother (and Gen.) Steve Nichols Honored for his Service

R.W. Brother Steve Nichols is a man ofexemplary service. He contributed much toMaine Masonry after retiring from the USArmy with the rank of Major General followinga distinguished military career. During thesummer Brother Nichols and his wife movedout of state to be nearer family. Beforedeparting, he was honored by Buxton Lodgewhich he served as Worshipful Master, by theGrand Lodge and by the Maine MasonicCollege which he served in various capacitiesfor several years. In the above photo, right,he is shown receiving the JoshuaChamberlain Medal from Grand Master

WM Scott Johnson of CrescentLodge #78, Pembroke, was hon-ored at the Second District AnnualMeeting this fall by MW DavidWalker and DDGM/2 Larry Clarkas Mason of the Year for theDistrict. He has been a four timeMaster of Crescent Lodge withuntiring dedication to numerousprojects in the district. A trueMason and Brother. L to R, MWBrother Walker, Wor. BrotherJohnson, and RW Brother Clark.

Bros. Alton Shedd and Derward Sheddwere presented their first bronze stars sig-nifying 55 years of service to the Craft byMW Bro. Louis Greenier II on June 8 inPine Tree Lodge, Mattawamkeag. Bro.Greenier previously presented the Sheddswith their 40-year Service Pins, their 50-year Veterans Medals, and promised toreturn to present them with their secondbronze stars in five years. Pictured left toright: R.W. Bro. Byron SandersonDDGM/24, Wor. Bro. Alton Shedd, VeryWor. Bro. Derward Shedd, M.W. Bro. LouisGreenier II.

King Solomon’s Lodge #61 Honors Veterans

Page 20 THE MAINE MASON

R.W. Brother Sherel Collamore, Past SeniorGrand Warden, received his 50-year VeteransMedal from RW Brother Jeffrey Curtis. withWor. Brother William Dail, Master of KingSolomon’s Lodge assisting.

Left to right, RW Brother Jeffrey Curtis,Brother Robert Nelson and Wor. BrotherWilliam Dail. Brother Nelson was presentedhis 50-year Veterans Medal.

Wor. Carl Cunningham, Jr. and Wor. RonaldGlidden received 40-year service pins. They areshown here flanked by Wor. William Dail and RWBrother Jeffrey Curtis.

RW Brother Jeffrey Curtis, left, presented a 50-year Veterans Medal to Brother Foster Williams,assisted by Wor. William Dail.

collamore

King Solomonʼs Lodge in Waldoboro honoredseveral brethren with service awards at thelodgeʼs annual Past Mastersʼ Night on June 8th.

Brothers Shedd Honored

THE MAINE MASON Page 21

A Hard Look at Approaches to MembershipR.W. Richard N. Bergeron, Jr.

SGW of the Grand Lodge of MaineFreemasonry has existed in some form at least since the

14th century. We know that in its organized speculativeform it has existed since 1717 when the United GrandLodge of England was created. Although we cannot be sureof what it was originally, we think we know what it is now.But do we?Freemasonry has been defined using many glowing

terms over the years; “Freemasonry Makes Good MenBetter,” “Freemasonry is a system of morality, veiled inallegory and illustrated by symbols,” Merriam Websterdefines a Freemason as ”a member of a major fraternalorganization called Free and Accepted Masons or AncientFree and Accepted Masons that has certain secret ritual.”These definitions and many others have been used over theyears but if someone asked you what Freemasonry is, canyou really answer them? Do you really know whatFreemasonry is?We sometimes evaluate lodge success in terms of quan-

tity rather than quality. Our attempt to return to those dayswhen we were raising 20 to 30 new masons a year per lodgeor of having to serve supper in two settings because the din-ing hall couldn’t accommodate everyone at once are longgone and will probably not return any time soon.There have been two different approaches over the

years to looking atthe health of the fra-ternity. One campincludes those whoare concerned prima-rily with numbers and will try anything to initiate, pass, andraise more masons; the other camp is peopled with brethrenconcerned strictly with not wanting to change becausewhen we change we somehow diminish the original con-cept of the fraternity.Think about what the pressure was like for brethren in

the mid to late 1600s when Masonic lodges consisted onlyof Operative Masons. They were craftsmen skilled in build-ing great architectural structures, many of which survive tothis day. When there was no longer the demand to buildthose structures what do you think was going through theirminds? At some point a mason floated the idea that theircraft guild should be more inclusive and invite profession-al people, realizing that the change would make the organ-ization a speculative fraternity. What a change that was!What a difficult decision that must have been!For the past four decades we’ve been concentrating our

efforts on the decline in membership. It’s important to real-ize that Freemasonry is ever evolving, and that evolution

mean change. We each have an obligation to be cer-tain that any changes we make will be of benefit tothe Craft. We have changed more over the past fewdecades than we have since that initial change. Butwe certainly have not stopped the decline in num-bers. Why is that?Perhaps it is time for us to examine more close-

ly what has been done for membership, what otherjurisdictions are doing and have done, what mayhave worked and shown promise.I believe we must use a combined approach to

this issue. We need to constantly attract new mem-bers because members, quite simply, are thelifeblood of any organization. As we do this let’slook at how we first became a great fraternity, andexamine the three main reasons why our Craft grewthe way it did:1. Freemasonry was one of the first organiza-

tions that accepted good men from all walks of life.The concept that all men were equal is/was whatattracted us in numbers.2. Freemasonry attracted some of the greatest

minds that ever lived.3. Freemasonry remained selective on the qual-

ity of the man it would accept.The deletion of any one of these reasons would

have preventedthe Craft frombeing what it hasbecome. I amconvinced that

the loss of any one of these will also destroy it, atleast in the form we have today. That brings us to theunderlying question that everyone should be asking;what are we doing to save our fraternal organization?There is no doubt, my Brothers, Freemasonry is

the greatest organization ever conceived by man. Ithas shaped the evolution of society beyond anythingother than organized religion. There can be littledoubt that without Freemasonry the civilized world,in its present form, would not exist. That being agiven, is there any question that we must take aback-to-basics approach to Masonry.Masonic education, mentoring programs, fami-

ly activities, encouraging members to attend church,and constantly demonstrating masonic principles ofBrotherly Love, Relief and Truth through our every-day actions are all areas that must be vigorouslyemployed. We may lose members who joined for

What a change that was! What adifficult decision that must have been!

Continued on Following Page

Page 22 THE MAINE MASON

The Grand Lecturer’s Corner: The Regius Poem

Continued on Following Page

by R.W. Don McDougal, Ass’t Grand Lecturer

The “True” history of Freemasonry is a fascinatingunending topic of discussion and interest within theCraft. Reliable documentation is limited. One depend-able source we have is the Regius Poem which is accept-ed as the oldest authentic record of the Craft of Masonry.It is generally considered to have been written between1390 & 1425. However some scholars place it as late as1450.

THE FIFTEEN ARTICLESOF THE REGIUS POEM

points there they wrought.” Following are the fifteenarticles of the manuscript.

“The first article of this geometry” outlines qualitiesa Master Mason must exhibit. It emphasizes integrity,character, and honesty. He “steadfast, trusty, and true”must be and must “take no mede; (bribe) of lord nor fel-low, whoever he be.” Craftsmen under his care must bepaid fairly. “And pay thy fellows after the cost … Andpay them truly, What they deserven.” Acting as judge insome dispute, he must “stand upright, And then thou dostto both good right.”

”The second article of good masonry, … everyMaster Mason, Must be at the general congregation,”The “General Congregation” was the group assembledfor religious worship. The mason had to be told where“the assembly shall be holde”. He was then expected toattend church unless he had “a reasonable skwasacyon(excuse)” or was “disobedient to the craft, or overtakenwith falsehood, or sickness hath him.” Sickness, espe-cially, was singled out as “an excuse good and able.”

“The third article forsooth it is, That the Master takesto no ‘prentice, Unless he have good assurance to dwellSeven years with him.” Less than that wouldn’t beenough time to learn the craft well enough to benefit theapprentice or the craft of Masonry.

“The fourth article this must be,” outlines the quali-ties Masons should look for in apprentices. ‘Nor for nocovetousness do him take; of honesty, Take a ‘prentice ofhigher degree. …By old time written I find the ‘prenticeshould be of gentle kind;” “ no bondman ‘prentice make,For the lord that he is bound to, May fetch the ‘prenticewheresoever he go.’ Bondsmen were peasants or serfsbound to service to others without wages. Originallyslaves, bondsmen transitioned to become indentured ser-vants. Medieval Peasant revolts and the English Risingof 1381 began the gradual demise of this class structure.

The fifth article lists requirements for an apprentice.Because of the physical nature of the craft, it was felt thathe had to be of “lawful blood” with no physical handi-caps, deformities, or missing limbs.

“The sixth article you must not miss”. Masons werecautioned never take a person from a higher social classas an apprentice. They needed to assure their apprentices

other reasons but we must embrace these concepts andset our lodges to work these areas.

Each of us must ask ourselves the following ques-tions. Am I well read on masonic topics of the day?AmI truly attempting to bring more light to the brethren ofyour lodge? Do we have regular masonic educationprograms in my lodge? Am I looking for brethren whomay need financial assistance or am I waiting for themto ask for help?

Our lodges must have a purpose. We should knowwhen a brother needs help because of an illness, orwhen a widow needs to have her roof fixed. We shouldbe making sure all the masonic gravestones in thecemeteries in our town are visited each year. We shouldbe making more of an effort to include our families inlodge events.

When we embrace a true back-to-basics concept, Ibelieve we will not have a membership problem. Thequality of the Craft must not be permitted to decline.We say we are a Brotherhood of Men under theFatherhood of God, a Fraternity designed to make goodmen better or what our Grand Master prefers to say,“Freemasonry is a fraternity designed to allow you tomake yourself better using the tools provided by theCraft.”

We should reexamine our approach because if wefail, the whole world loses. Give it some thought, myBrothers. What are we trying to save?

Membership Continued from Page 21

This second in a three part series about theRegius Poem or Halliwell Manuscript is based on thetranslation found on the website of the Grand Lodgeof British Columbia and Yukon.

The poem contains fifteen articles and fifteenpoints. “Fifteen articles they there sought, And fifteen

THE MAINE MASON Page 23

The Regius Poem Continued from Preceding Page

that, even though they were serving for several yearswithout the wages that others of their age were receiving,it would all be worth it in the end. “And ere his termcome to an end, His hire may full well amend.”

The seventh article alerts Masons to be careful intheir associations - never with criminals, and be certainto associate only with “Good” families. ”That no masterfor favour nor dread, Shall no thief neither clothe norfeed. Thieves he shall harbour never one, Nor him thathath killed a man, Nor the same that hath a feeble name,Lest it would turn the craft to shame.”

Eight warns against employing substandard crafts-men. “The eighth article sheweth you so, That the mas-ter may it well do. If that he have any man of craft, Andhe be not so perfect as he ought, He may him changesoon anon, And take for him a more perfect man.

Article Nine warns Masters not to undertake projectsunless they can complete the work timely, profitably, andwithout flaws. “That the master be both wise and felle;(strong) That he no work undertake, Unless he can bothit end and make; And that it be to the lords’ profit also,That it neither flaw nor grake. (crack)

The tenth article cautions about undercutting or dis-placing each other on a job. ”The tenth article is for toknow, Among the craft, to high and low, There shall no

master supplant another, But be together as sister andbrother, Nor shall he supplant no other man, That hathtaken a work him upon, …For no man in masonry Shallnot supplant other securely, …In such a case if it do fall,There shall no mason meddle withal. Forsooth he thatbeginneth the ground, If he be a mason good and sound,He hath it securely in his mind To bring the work to fullgood end.

Given the lack of suitable artificial lighting, ArticleEleven says: “ no mason should work by night.”

Twelve emphasizes our “Never to injure him in hisgood name”. “The twelfth article is of high honesty Toevery mason wheresoever he be, He shall not his fellows’work deprave, With honest words he it commend,”

Articles Thirteen and Fourteen delineate the teachingand education responsibilities a Master Mason has for hisapprentices. The master is commanded to completelyteach the apprentice specific topics so that the apprenticeis widely recognized for his thorough knowledge of thecraft.

The master is directed to not accept an apprenticeunless he can teach, during the apprenticeship, the nec-essary skills and provide the general educational oppor-tunities required of a skilled Master Mason. ”if that themaster a ‘prentice have, Entirely then that he him teach,That he the craft ably may conne, (know)Wheresoever hego under the sun. The fourteenth article by good reason,Sheweth the master how he shall don; (do) He shall no‘prentice to him take, Unless diver cares he have tomake, That he may within his term, Of him divers pointsmay learn.”

The fifteenth article says that a Master Mason is afriend and must not enable shortcomings, lies, or otherpersonal imperfections in his brothers. For to the masterhe is a friend;…Nor maintain his fellows in theirsin,…Nor no false oath suffer him to make,…Lest itwould turn the craft to shame, And himself to very muchblame.”

It is rewarding to consider the parallels between theethical and moral principles in these fifteen articles andthe principles in our Ritual and disconcerting to considerif we, as Master Masons, do enough to perpetuate anduphold these 14th century standards.

The next article will focus on the Fifteen Points with-in the Halliwell Manuscript.

Father and Sons Act at Caribou Lodge #170

Page 24 THE MAINE MASON

At the November Stated Communication ofCaribou Lodge #170 AF & AM, Past MasterRalph Conroy had the pleasure to raise his sec-ond son, Bro. Dylan Conroy, to the sublimedegree of a Master Mason. Wor Conroy alsoraised his first son Bro. Colby Conroy in April of2013. The evening began with a prime rib din-ner with over sixty in attendance. Wor RalphConroy is the coordinator for the Maine VeteransHome monthly breakfast in Caribou, which bothhis sons (now Brothers) have assisted with sincethey were teenagers. Wor. Bro. Conroy’s daugh-ter Makenzie also assists with the monthlybreakfast.

ABOVE: Caribou Lodge Masons dig in to adelicious prime rib supper prior to the workof the evening.

RIGHT: Wor. Brother Ralph Conroy kneelsat the altar with newly-raised son Dylan asson Colby looks on approvingly.

Wor. Brother RussellDoyle was presented his65-year star at Rising SunLodge #4 in Orland onOctober 6. It was a happyevening with, as thisphoto shows, plenty ofsmiles all around.

65-year veteranHonored at RisingStar Lodge #4

THE MAINE MASON Page 25

Wor. Bro. Charles Phinney Honored for Service

!!!!!!ATTENTION!!!!!!

MAINE MASONS WHO WILL BE IN FLORIDA ON FEB.14, 2016

M W. Bro. David A. Walker and his lady Audrey would like to invite the Masons of Maine and theirspouses/friends to the 14th Annual Maine Masons Day in Florida,at SAHIB Shrine Center, 600 N.Beneva Rd, in Sarasota, Fl.

This is intended to be a time of social enjoyment and a chance to meet and make new friends amongMaine Masons and Maine Masonic Widows who reside or winter in Florida.

The time to assemble is recommended to be 11:00 to 11:30 which will allow us time to socialize prior to lunchbeing served at 12:00 P.M. for a cost of $ 22.00 for the men. Ladies will be guests of the Grand Master.

Following lunch M. W. David Walker will be making a presentation.

It would help us if the visitors would share their temporary Florida addresses.

Directions to Sahib Shrine Center are: Take exit 210 off I 75 and go west about 1-2 miles to N. Beneva Rd.Turn right and go north on Beneva about 2 blocks. The Shrine Center is on your right.

You may make reservations for this affair through R. W. Brother Pete Forrest in one of the following ways:Phone: 772-344-6564; email: rgpeteforrest@aol.com; mail: 609 SW Treasure Cove, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986.

Deadline for reservations is February 8, 2016

The meal will consist of a table salad, Roast Pork Loin with Mashed PotatoesChef Choice of Vegetable, Rolls/Butter, Chef Choice of Dessert, Iced Tea/Coffee

Note: There will be a vegetable plate for those who cannot eat pork.Please advise if you need this at time of your reservation.

Wor. Brother CharliePhinney, Past Master ofPleiades Lodge #173,Milbridge, received his thirdbronze star recentlysignifying 65 years as aMason. The photo at rightis of another star he waspresented on Oct, 3 by theMaine Army National Guard.It is the Army’s Silver Starfor Gallantry during WorldWar II combat action. Thecase also holds the Army’sBronze Star. It seemsCharlie collects “stars”wherever he serves.

Page 26 THE MAINE MASON

To The Editor Some Eastern Star InfoThe following letter was sent by Brother Bill Bilal to

Wor. Clarence Jones, Master of Monument Lodge inHoulton. For years the lodge has sent out MasonicBirthday Notices. Many times the lodge gets letters fromthose who live away with notes of “Thanks” and remem-brances of what Masonry did or still does mean tothem.

This letter is about what Masonry means to oneBrother. Maybe it will prompt others to share why andwhat Masonry means to them.WM, Clarence Jones:And Brethren of the Lodge:

First of all, I must say that i really miss not beinghere, epecially today. I know you will forgive myabsence. We in masonry are indeed good citizens andgood family men.

I remember the days I used to live across from thelodge. Sometimes in the evenings I used to see men,nicely dressed, going up the building. Then I found outthat these were Masons. I was very excited. The kind ofexcitement you get seeing something rare, somethingdangerous. I had no clue what the Freemasons were, orwhat they did, except all the rumors.

Then one day Lodge arranged for a series of publiclectures. These were like an open house for me. Iattended the lectures. This became a great opportunityfor me to not ony learn what was in the lectures, butmore importantly to learn about the Freemasons and allthose mysterious men who used to go up the stairs andvanish.

I found these men to be good men. I learned that thisorganization was up to some real good and meant noharm to anyone. I learned what a true character of aFreemason is. He is a good man when nobody is look-ing. That is the character of a Freemason. I was hon-ored to be accepted in at the lodge. Anyone, from whomI sought guidance and help in learning the Craft, wasvery helpful...I am grateful for that.

I am proud to be a member of this Fraternity. I ameven more proud to have joined the Fraternity in thegreat State of Maine.

I wish to take this opportunity to thank each of you foryour continued service to our lodge. Your work amongthe Craft is greatly appreciated. I will also like to remindyou to be always mindful of our widows and families ofour deceased brothers.

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is forbrethren to dwell together in unity!

Fraternally,Bill Bilal(Bakhtawer Bilal)Jamesville, NY 13078

If you enjoy being a Mason then your loveand devotion to a fraternal order could beshared with your spouse by becoming mem-bers of the Order of the Eastern Star together.Who can become a members of the Order of

the Eastern Star?Wife, daughter, legally adopted daughter,

mother, widow, sister, half sister, granddaugh-ter, stepmother, stepdaughter, stepsister,daughter-in-law, grandmother, great grand-daughter, niece, great niece, mother-in-law sis-ter-in-law, aunt, first and second female cousinsof affiliated Master Masons of an affiliatedMaster Mason in good standing, or if deceasedwas in good standing at the time of his death aswell as to members - either active for three (3)years or majority of the International Order ofthe Rainbow for Girls or of the InternationalOrder of Job’s Daughters, each of whom haveattained the age of eighteen (18) years, are eli-gible to membership in the Order of theEastern Star.The top elected officers of the Grand

Chapter are the Worthy Grand Matron and theWorthy Grand Patron who are elected to servefor one year at the annual Grand ChapterSession which will be held May 15-18, 2016 atthe Augusta Civic Center.The Subordinate Chapters and the Grand

Chapter supports many charities. Among themare Cancer Research, Heart Foundation,Shriners Hospitals, The Children’s DyslexiaCenters, Knights Templar Eye Foundation,ESTARL (scholarship program for residents ofMaine going into the Ministry or a relatedfield), Grand Chapter Charity, Wreaths AcrossAmerica, and others.Most Subordinate Chapters support various

community non-profits and often give scholar-ships to high school seniors. SubordinateChapters and the Grand Chapter also financial-ly support the Rainbow Girls and the DeMolayBoys.Visit our website at www.maineoes.org to

learn more of what the Eastern Star is doing inMaine and to locate a chapter in your area.

THE MAINE MASON Page 27

Brother Arnold PalmerOne of the Greatest Golfers of Al Time

The following article appeared in the Oct.12 Update of the Scottish Rite SupremeCouncil Membership/Leadership Team.With appreciation and thanks to theSupreme Council, we rerun it here for theenjoyment of all who read this magazine.

There are so many men of tremen-dous character and courage past andpresent in our fraternity. To remind usall of the great men who are part of ourhistory, and to inspire us too, we fea-ture occasional profiles from ourrecently completed Gourgas Medalebook.Did you know that Arnold Palmer

has been a Freemason for more than55 years?Arnold D. Palmer was selected for

the Gourgas Medal in 2010 for hisexcellence in his field and for hismany charitable endeavors. Palmer isregarded as one of the greatest golfersof all time. With other members of the“Big Three,” including Jack Nicklausand Gary Player, he helped popularizegolf among the general population.Palmer turned professional in 1954,and won the Masters tournament in1957.In all, he notched 94 professional

wins including four victories at theMasters, the U.S. Open, and the P.G.A.Championship in 1974. Palmer shot 19holes-in-one over the course of hiscareer. He is a member of the GolfHall of Fame.In 2004, Palmer competed in the

Masters for the 50th consecutive year.“The embodiment of success,”

Palmer negotiated to build the firstgolf course in the People’s Republic of

China, and he is one of the founders of TV’s GolfChannel. He was the first golfer to be awarded thePresidential Medal of Freedom (2004), and the secondgolfer to be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal(2009).

MASONIC CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Arnold D. Palmer was raised a Master Mason in1959 at the Loyalhanna Lodge No. 275, Latrobe,Pennsylvania, and joined the Scottish Rite Valley ofPittsburgh. Palmer was created a Sovereign GrandInspector General, 33°, Honorary Member of theSupreme Council in 1998. In 2010, he was awarded theJohn James Joseph Gourgas Medal, which recognizedhis several decades of civic, philanthropic and Masonicservice.

piled deep on the ground, construction began. Less than five weeks later, the drive-thru area became a part of the build-ing. Shelving was another matter. Those who make library shelving require months of lead time and thus there was along delay in simply getting the interior pieces in place. It was the only “hitch,” however, and once that part wasresolved, things came together.

At lunch one day during the building process, Ed and Mark were entering a restaurant when Ed suggested that theyshould have something for youngsters to do when their parents/grandparents were at the building. Just inside the door,the restaurant had an Etch-A-Sketch and before the afternoon was over, a couple of them were on order.

This, however, began a larger thought process. Couldn’t we have a few books for the kids? Where would we putthem? Mark immediately pointed to the area outside of his office saying, “Put it right there!” That entire matter -- con-ception to approval -- took less than three minutes. Think about that when your lodge is agonizing over whether to haveegg salad or chicken salad. We now have what we believe is the ONLY Masonic library in the world with a sectionfor youth.

Nearly a dozen people, many non-Masons, have already donated books to provide a vibrant reading opportunityand we now are making tentative plans with a Mason and his wife to start a story-time program next summer.

It was this and more that we shared with Masons and the community. They were pleased and excited. The Townof Holden publicized the opening on their town signage and website, and Holden presented the Library with a selec-tion of children’s books.The Town Manager noted what a wonderful thing the Masons had done for their community.

One particular event of note duringthe proceedings was the appointmentby Grand Master David Walker of Bro.William F. Connell as an HonoraryAssistant Grand Librarian. Bill, aged91, has spent numerous hours gettingbooks ready for cataloging and shelv-ing. It was an honor well deserved.

Ceremonies ended recognizingoffice staffers April Cruz and TheresaHatch for their help and support in somany ways, not the least of which wasgetting refreshments ready, and forwhich all present were particularlygrateful.

Page 28 THE MAINE MASON

Grand Lodge Library Dedicated

The stacks at our new Grand Lodge Library.

Low XII Riders Widows Sons.

Continued from Page 5

THE MAINE MASON Page 29

MASTER BUILDERS$40,001+

Bangor Masonic Center

MASTER DESIGNERS$20,001-$40,000Meridian Lodge #125

MASTER TEACHERS$5,001-$20,000Thomas Pulkkinen

St. Andrews Lodge #83

EDUCATORS$2501-$5,000Ryan Otis

RESEARCHERS$501-$2,500

Gerald & Norma LeightonRalph Knowles

Bay View Lodge #196Seminary Hill Lodge #220Mechanics Lodge #66

John HillRobert H. HillNorman S. Hill

Arundel Lodge #76Mark & LaVerne Rustin

RREEAADDEERRSS$1-$500Luke ShortyAlan Thomas

Daniel P. Hanson, Sr.Hubert BillingsMerton RobinsonHerbert HopkinsTheodore RussellMillard SeeleyRobert OverlockSuzanne MoreauKenneth Shea

Roland Morang, Jr.Anne AndersonRichard DexterElfriede FreemanDorothy GravesNancy CorlissRonald WaltersJohn Lewis

Eugene HammHerman PeabodyNatalie Jude

John SidelingerMichael DoranMichael PenneyDavid BeckettPaul Hamilton

Evelyn WoodhouseCrawford Perry, Sr.William DigbyWayne CrowleyScott WhytockRodney PinkhamRoger GillisFred DupliseaHiram SupplyDonald PeetBrian Wallace

Rising Star Lodge #4Robert A. ScottPaul NicholsWilliam Connell

Benevolent Lodge #87Buxton Lodge #115

Exxon Mobil FoundationWayne T. AdamsArthur BestJoann HaslamBertha RocrayVerna JenneyJ. R. TownsendThomas RedmanMarie Coates

Richard Harris, Jr.Claire TuschRichard Ault

James LundstromJohn Irovando

Mystic Tie Lodge #154Crescent Lodge #78Ocean Lodge #142Trinity Lodge #130Caribou Lodge #170Marine Lodge #122John C. Fuller

Tremont Lodge #77Asylum Lodge #133Ervin Howe, Jr.Low XII Riders

Ira Berry Lodge #128Robert HoytWilliam Kurtz

Walter & Sylvia KyllonenLorne UrquhartBill Chapman

Grand Lodge Library Donors

Top photo shows SW Peter Warner handing an $800check to Janette Sweem, Director of the Richmondarea Food Pantry. Below, Wor. Jeremy DeVane hands$800 check to Kathy Tome of the Bowdoinham FoodPantry. These monies came from a summer fundrais-ing event with a matching grant from Grand Lodge.

$100 gift cards went to Bowdoinham, Bowdoinand Richmond elementary schools to be used forfood baskets. The two photos, above and below,show lodge treasurer, Wor. Arthur Chapman,handing over the cards to representatives ofBowdoin and Bowdoinham Schools.

Village Lodge Supports Community

Page 30 THE MAINE MASON

This photo shows Bro. Paul Jerome (left) of Ralph J.Pollard Lodge in Orrington and RW Russ Maynard,DDGM/6 at the 22nd Annual Paws on ParadeFundraiser in Bangor. RW Maynard lead the fundrais-ing team and promised to wear a pink tutu during theparade if the team raised $5,000. Bro. Jerome prom-ised to wear a tutu if he was able to personally raise$500. Both goals were met, and both brothers fulfilledtheir obligations. We’d say pink is definitely not theirbest color. What do you think?

Brother Carl Burbank, a member of NavalLodge in Kittery, was recently presentedhis 50-year Veterans Medal in Davenport,Florida by RW Pete Forest.

_-- Photo By RW Jack Lagerquist

The Trustees of the Portland Masonic Templewelcome constructive criticism concerning thecontinuing efforts to upgrade the facility at 415Congress Street.

When we are aware of real problems they areattended to immediately. For example, there arenow “hard wired” carbon monoxide sensorsinstalled as part of our security alarm system.

Please remember that a Mason does not needbe a representative of the Trustees to be heard, butMasonic Bodies housed in the Temple are bestheard through their representatives. Addressing theTrustees through a representative will help facili-tate continuing improvements and will keep inplace the harmony that cements us into one sacredband of friends and brothers. As I’ve stated before,Trustees meetings are open and Masons can ask tobe placed on the Agenda to be heard.

Does the Temple continue to have problems?Of course it does due to decades of neglect, indif-ference, hostility and deferred maintenance whichplaced our legacy in serious jeopardy. Now, theTrustees are committed to identifying and correct-ing those problems so the Temple is again wholefor ourselves, the general public and future genera-tions of Masons.

Please join with us in our efforts to reestablishthe Masonic Temple as an example of Masonicinspiration for today and for all who follow us.

Robert KahnChairman, Masonic Trustees of Portland

Pretty? in pink.

Portland Trustees Seek Imput

THE MAINE MASON Page 31

9th ANNUALScottish Rite Ladies Weekend Out

All Master Masons and their Ladies are cordially invited to attend our 9th “Ladies Weekend Out“to be held

Friday, Saturday and Sunday,January 22nd, 23rd & 24th, 2016at Point Lookout Resort in Northport, Maine

Accommodations:One Bedroom King Studio Cabin; $99 per night.

Two Bedroom Queen, Two Bath Cabin; $139 per night.Three Bedroom, Two Bath Cabin; $179 per night.

Please make your Cabin reservations with Point Lookout Resort67 Atlantic Highway (US Route 1), Northport, Maine

Tel: 800-515-3611

Room Reservation must be made by December 24, 2015 for these prices.

The activities reservations below must be made through the Scottish Rite Office by January 15thChecks payable to Valley of Portland, and mailed with Registration Form below to:

Valley of Portland, PO Box 303, Bowdoinham, ME 04008

Any questions call Brad Blake at 207-772-7711 or email him at scottishrite@mainemason.org

Friday Night Dinner at the Rockport Masonic Center361 Main St, Rockport 6:00 PM Social 6:30 PM Dinner

Saturday afternoon - Bowling Tournament & Card Playing at the Resort 1:00-4:30 PMSaturday Night Banquet / Dancing 6:00-7:00 Social Hour 7:00 Dinner

Sunday Morning Breakfast at The Summit at the Top of the Resort 8:00-10:00 AM

Couples Package #1 - For those spending 2 nights at the Resort - $99(Friday) Dinner at Masonic Ctr; (Sat.) Bowling, Banquet & dancing; (Sun.) Breakfast; all at Resort.

Couples Package #2 - For those spending 2 nights at the Resort - $89(Friday) Dinner at Masonic Ctr; (Sat.) Banquet & dancing; (Sun.) Breakfast; all at Resort.

Couples Package #3 - For couples spending 1 night at the Resort - $79(Saturday) Bowling; Banquet & dancing; (Sunday) Breakfast; all at Resort.

Couples Package #4 - For couples spending 1 night at the Resort. - $69(Saturday) Banquet & dancing; (Sunday) Breakfast; all at the Resort.

Saturday night dress; Jacket & Tie; Ladies dress appropriately. - All other events casual.

REGISTRATION FORM

Name: _____________________________ Lady: _______________________ Phone: ___________________

Email:_______________________________ Package #: _____________________

Amount enclosed: ______________________

Page 32 THE MAINE MASON

The

MAINE MASONGrand Lodge of MainePO Box 430Holden, ME 04429

If undeliverable, please do not return.

Nonprofit OrganizationU.S.POSTAGE

PAIDPortland, MainePermit No. 256

Thousands of books are now “officially available” in the new Masonic Library dedicatedNovember 14 as part of the Grand Lodge headquarters on Route 1A in Holden, An openinvitation is extended to all, Mason and non-Mason alike. See story, page 5.