the masonic · 4/9/2018 · the fellow craft degree, way back in may. plus, i ... i think often of...
TRANSCRIPT
The Masonic
VOL. NO. 21 SEPT. 2017 ISSUE NO. 4
Trestle Board
Mad River Lodge No. 77
1868 - 2017
Waitsfield, Vermont
King Hiram’s Lodge No. 45
1817 - 1832
A MESSAGE FROM THE EAST My Brethren,
First I want to ‘Thank’ all the officers for the great job they did on the Fellow Craft degree, way back in May. Plus, I want to ‘Thank’ those PM brothers who came to dinner and stayed to fill-in a couple of our chairs.
I know it’s hard to believe that summer is about over and it’s time to begin our Fall season, but I would like to commend PM Brent Adams on another successful job of putting together the team for the Memorial Day Bake Beads event.
Next, I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention the work on the lodge’s front porch railings, which went very well and was followed that evening by
WM Rich Backus our lead man PM Rick Rayfield as we served our annual community supper at the Elementary school on the last Saturday in June. We next held a Blood Drive for the Red Cross. I want to ‘Thank’ all those who helped to make it a successful summer. But now as our recess ends, we must start making plans to confer the Third Degree for Bro. Sallerson, work on putting in a new porch hand railing, get ready for the Columbus Day Bake Beads event and then our Annual Chicken-Pie Supper. We will be looking forward to your continuing support with these lodge projects, which I know many of members always look forward to doing each Fall.
So, please endeavor to approach a few good men to join with us in these great works. I want to meet with as many of our lodge brothers as possible and I expect you will be hearing from me very soon.
Fraternally Yours,
Richard Backus, Worshipful Master
NEXT LODGE MEETING – SEPT. 4TH The Regular Tuesday Communication begins at 7:30 pm
The Regular Monthly Supper at 6:30 PM
AASR Fall Reunion on Sat, September 16th in Barre @ 9 am
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JUNE’s MONTHLY MEETING It was another damp, rain-chilled Spring evening and at about 6:30
pm a few members arrived. We welcomed PM Russell Archut from Doric Lodge #30 of Millville, DE. It was good to see him again and invited him to join us for some salad, pizza and drink. He has a Condo in Warren and tries to visit area lodges when he’s in town. After our lite meal, it was up to the lodge room where W∴M∴ Richard Backus called for order at 7:35 pm.
It was presumed that with the Degree work just last week and the foul weather all week our remaining officers couldn’t find the lodge? So, we had to do double duty tonight.
The Officers Present: WM: Richard K. Backus SD: Donald J. Demas -Acting SW: Gary A. Bombard JD: Kenneth A. Backus -Acting JW: Gerald M. Maynard -Acting SS: Vacant Treasurer Gerald M. Maynard JS: Vacant Secretary: Charles R. Kettles Chaplin: Chas R. Kettles -Act’g Marshal: Vacant Tyler: Vacant
Our visiting brother Wor. Russell sat on the sidelines. It was also good to have PM Donnie Demas with us tonight.
Then the Secretary’s minutes of the May 2nd regular meeting, as printed in the Trestle Board, and the minutes of the May 30th Second degree, which he read, were both accepted by order of
WM Richard Backus on hearing no corrections or changes. Next was the Treasurer’s Report by Gerry Maynard where he read
the income and disbursements of the last month and he mentioned the decrease in our insurance costs and he ‘Thanked’ those members that worked with our insurer to make that come about. He also mentioned that the last Farmer’s Market of the season was held and we should be able to cover the fuel bills from the fees paid by the vendors.
A view of a few Vendors The scholarship applicants are being reviewed by the committee and Charlie moved that the committee be authorize to choose the two students and have checks drawn and be presented. This was second by Donnie Demas and it was so voted
(Cont. on Page 5)
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FROM OUR CHAPLAIN
By Rick Rayfield
A Gatekeeper at the Threshold Psalm 84 was probably written by “porters” serving in the Temple, a musical branch of
Levites called Kahathites, not by Solomon's father David. It is a beautiful psalm,
frequently set to music. “How lovely is thy dwelling place O Lord of Hosts….”.
The Psalm sings out-
“I would rather be a doorkeeper standing at the threshold of the house of the Lord than
dwell in the tent of evil.”
Is it because a house is better than a tent? Or because it is better to be a bit lonely at the
threshold of goodness than abide in the jolly comfort of bad company? An outsider versus
an insider?
I think often of the Tyler of a Masonic Lodge with his sword in hand and a symbolic
sword hanging about his neck. His duty to keep off all cowans and eavesdroppers is the
focus of first great care of the Masons assembled. He often sits alone in the anteroom while
the ritual and business of the Lodge is discussed behind the portal he is tyling.
The Tyler is usually listed last among the officers. We should remember that in any list the
first and last are most memorable. And the Tyler IS an officer with apron and jewel. So
there is confusion between whether the doorkeeper is outside listening in humbly, or a
honored guardian. Or both.
Ever feel that way in your life? There but for the grace of God go I, in a tent with bad
characters. But I am not exactly dwelling in the House of God. From the threshold- perhaps
with the door open or ajar, I may not realize that my brothers have recognized me as worthy
of the “first great care”. In some lodges the Tyler is a brother hired from another lodge, so
that every member of the Lodge can be fully present. In other Lodges, the outer door of the
anteroom is secured and the Tyler participates from the inner doorway, a practice called
“tyling from within”.
Perhaps the most hilarious but wise scene in Shakespeare’s plays is when the drowsy
porter answers the door of Macbeth’s blood-drenched castle. He tells the late-comers that
drink doth provoke three things- lechery, urine, and sleep. In our lives, each of us every
day, is a gatekeeper- letting people, and thoughts, and work and play into our lives. We tyle
our own lives, methinks wisely and with humor if we can. What a lovely thought.
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JUNE’s MONTHLY MEETING (Cont.) by the lodge. Unfinished Business: Next item was the Budget - it was determined that the committees will meet at Gerry’s home and it will all be done
before the September meeting.
The recent Past Master Meeting/Degree was next and Gerry informed the lodge that two candidates of the 6th District received the Past Master degree, which is required before a WM can take the East. He reported it was a good evening, good meal and good fellowship.
Another Vendor
Next was a report on our Bake Beads Memorial Day endeavor, which was reported on by Ken Backus on behalf of PM Brent Adams. Details revealed that Brent had done the Friday night period and Rick had done the Saturday night appearance.
NEW BUSINESS: WM Backus suggested that we might want to fund the training of an Ambulance Service EMT or maybe we could support them by serving them with a special meal?
The lodge Insurance was the next item. Our agent Jamieson Ins. has found us a new company and WM Richard and SW Gary –have turned the paperwork over to the secretary. An inspector will be coming next Tuesday to check out the lodge building. To see if our building is meeting their company’s standards?
SW Gary reported he’s gotten a picture of PM Roland Forster, Cira 1960 for the Wall of Fame in the dining area.
Next Gerry moved, Gary second that the Sec’y and Treas. be approved to pay our bills over the summer, this was passed by vote of the lodge.
Masonic Education: This evening Bro. Rick Rayfield demonstrated the flag ceremony and the proper method to be use when the Senior Deacon is parading the U.S. Flag with escorts.
Being no further business to review, the lodge was then closed in form at 8:25 pm.
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Mad River Masons had a Busy day on June 24th It was hot hazy Saturday morning at the Mad River Lodge as Richard, Gary,
Travis and Brent got started putting the railings of the lower Front Porch permanently back in place after a great job of restoring and replacing worn out parts by Rick and Freddy. It wasn’t just a matter of popping them in place, each one had to have new supports built and then had to be re-mounted, leveled and adjusted. To the untrained eye, it looks finished, but there is still a whole lot of trim work that must be done. It was long day and so little help! Thanks Bro’s it looks great.
While that was going on, the kitchen was just getting cranked up to create this month’s special Waitsfield complimentary Community Supper at the Elementary School at 5:30 pm. Since the church across the street is closed and has been undergoing renovations, the lodge has been taking up more of the slack, we now have the Boy and Cub Scouts meetings and their working out of our lodge.
While Rick was busy at home baking the evenings bread, Gordie and Brent got started by shopping, prepping and getting things rolling. In the meantime JoAnn Eurich, Vince Gauthier and other church members were setting up at the school. When Rick got there to do his magic and orchestrate putting together his menu of Loin of Pork al a pesto pasta, a four-bean salad and a great green cole slaw was all coming together, especially with all those little hidden touches Rick always does so well.
You all realize we weren’t on time serving this great meal, of course we were late! But all the hungry crowd filling the 10 tables didn’t seem to mind, while they busily forced themselves to stoke up on Rick’s delicious homemade bread with butter. Serving this long line of folks, we had Rick, Gordie,
Brent, Richard, Gary, Geoff and Holliday making sure everyone got enough to eat, at least once! The church members waited on tables with lemonade and coffee drinks. And we served those great ice cream Sundae desserts they
couldn’t resist. -6-
HIGHLIGHT’s of ANNUAL GR. LODGE MEETING On a fine warm Wednesday morning of June 14th at the Grand Resort Center in Killington as brothers, from around the State of VT, were
signing-in for our 223rd Annual Grand
Lodge Session. Our MW Grand Master
George Deblon called the meeting to order at 9:05 am. Mad Lodge’s members included Gerry Maynard, Richard Backus, Gary Bombard, Charlie Kettles, Rick Rayfield and Ken Backus. After the opening of the Grand
Lodge and the presentation of the Colors, followed by the Stars Spangled Banner and Oh Canada! Then after all the many dignitaries of the various jurisdictions and branches of the Order were received, recognized and accorded a fitting welcome, it was time for the Credentials Committee’s report, which concluded with 77 lodges represented by 207 members plus Grand Officers and visiting dignities. When the Grand Lodge Officers were settled, the meeting got down to the usual routine. All the usual other Grand Officers and Grand Lodge business was conducted Then Reports were then presented, seconded and passed as presented and the tellers were then appointed. Next the election of Grand Lodge Officers was held and recess was called just past noon for lunch, which was held
outdoors and pool side on the veranda. Recall was at 1:30 pm with the Tellers report of the voting. This was followed by
the GM Victor Stone’s acceptance
speech. Then MWGM Victor J. Stone
gave his Grand Master’s Address, the Annual CARE report followed and then the Raffle and winners.
This was followed by the acceptance of Financial reports as presented by Bill Morse and so approved by vote. This was followed by the various Award presentations and we had to depart before the ending of the meeting.
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Is it Time for the MINO’s to cut Bait? When you ask a brother Master Mason, “Are you a Master Mason?” They all
answer, “I am.”
But are they? Are they truly a participating member of this great Fraternal order
or are they just a MINO (Masons In Name Only). What kind of brothers are
they? Remember that little poem?
SOMETHING TO CONSIDER!
Some men keep their organizations strong,
Some others join just too belong.
Some dig right in, some serve with pride,
Some go along just for the ride.
Some volunteer to do their share,
Some only lay back and just don’t care.
Some always pay their dues ahead,
Some get behind for months instead.
Some do their best, some build, some make,
Some just don’t try, while some just take,
Some fall behind, some let things go,
Some never help their fraternity grow.
Some stand, some lean, some lag,
Some push, some pull, some drag,
Some don’t…. Some do,
Consider! Which of these are you?
We know it can’t be because they aren’t being kept up-to-date, we contact our
members and keep them well informed on all that’s going on thru email and
web sites! Over 82% are so contacted and the remaining few usually by phone.
We’ve also been serving a pre-meeting suppers on lodge meeting nights, in
case brothers are coming a good distance or right from work. Also a ‘Lodge of
Instruction’ will be held so our members can be better informed in Masonry.
Since being raised, and presented their Masonic Monitor, how many have read
the first 28 pages? How many have tried to memorize any portion of an opening
or closing prayer or the charges? Or maybe the Flag presentation, the Apron
Charge, or perhaps any of the degree charges or symbolisms?
How do you make a ‘Good man Better’ if you can’t find or see him? Also,
remember to even get a participation trophy; you must at least participate?
Your lodge brothers do care about you, because they pay your dues to the Grand
Lodge each year in hope you will come and join with them in brotherhood.
-8-
Happy
Birthdays Now that the Fall here we can say to all our brothers, we wish you the very best for many, many years of Happy Birthdays. So from all their relatives and friends, who all join together with us to say, “We wish you all a very Happy Birthday.”
William Beard - Sept. 11th
Travis Morse - Sept. 11th
Charles Kettles - Sept. 15th
MASONIC BIRTHDAYS
Jeffrey L. Silman July 12th 20 Yrs.
Gary A. Bombard Aug 8th 20 Yrs.
Travis J. Kingsbury Aug 15th 20 Yrs.
Steven J. Maynard Aug 27th 39 Yrs.
Clifton E. Kew II Sept 9th 29 Yrs.
FOR EXCELLENT JOBS WELL DONE To: Charlie Kettles for Layout, Emailing of the June issue.
And also, to: Richard Backus and Rick Rayfield. Many Thanks to all – Editor
-9-
MEETING AGENDA Tuesday –Sept. 4, 2017
OPENING OF THE LODGE
Introduction of Grand Lodge/visiting Officers/ brothers
Installation of any new officers – Undrape the Charter
Reading of Minutes & Treasurer's Report
Unfinished Business/ Committees:
1. Report on Scholarship Awards
2. Report of Master Mason Degree
3. Report on Community Supper
4. Report of Building Comte
5. Report of Chicken Pie Comte
6. Report of Bake Beads Comte
7. Any Unfinished Business & Reports
New Business/ Committees:
1. Report of Lodge Finance Comtes
2. Report on Past Master Fall Meeting
3. GL: Gen. Order #1 & 6th Dist. Meeting on Oct. 13
4. Communications & Other Business
5. Masonic Education
6. Announcements
Petitions for Membership:
1. Read Petitions & Ballot
2. Balloting on Candidate
CLOSING OF THE LODGE
Snail or e-mail: Articles, Comments, Notices and Dues to:
Charles Kettles - P. O. Box 448 -Waitsfield, Vt. 05673-0448
E-mail to: [email protected]
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OFFICERS: MAD RIVER LODGE 2017 - 2018 Richard K. Backus Worshipful Master 279-2056 Gary A. Bombard Senior Warden 496-2941 Geoffrey G. Colby Junior Warden 917-4999 Gerald M. Maynard Treasurer 496-3614 Charles R. Kettles Secretary 496-4880 Travis L. Morse Senior Deacon 583-1994 Brent V. Adams Junior Deacon 496-3774 Kenneth A. Backus Sr. Steward 839-5250 Matias D.G. Simmons Jr. Steward 347/631-3404 Gordon E. Eurich Marshal 496-3869 Frederick J. Rayfield Chaplain 496-5667 Vacant Tyler
MASONIC E-MAIL ADDRESSES Chuck Abere [email protected] Chris Keast [email protected]
Brent Adams [email protected] Doug Kenyon [email protected]
Ken Backus [email protected] Clifton E Kew-II [email protected]
Rich Backus [email protected] Charles Kettles [email protected]
Tim Baker [email protected] Dick Kingsbury [email protected]
William Beard [email protected] Mike Kingsbury [email protected]
Kenton Blair [email protected] TJ Kingsbury [email protected]
Gary Bombard [email protected] Troy Kingsbury [email protected]
Geoff Colby [email protected] James Leith [email protected]
Bob Danaher [email protected] Richard Lord [email protected]
Marke Englert [email protected] Stuart Maynard [email protected]
Gordie Eurich [email protected] Darrell Mays [email protected]
Bruce Fowler [email protected] Pete McMullen [email protected]
Allen Gaylord [email protected] Travis Morse [email protected]
Willard Gove [email protected] Rick Rayfield [email protected]
Kyle Greenslet [email protected] Donald Ritchie [email protected]
*Ryan Green [email protected] Jake Sallerson [email protected]
John Hadden [email protected] Jeffrey Silman [email protected]
Bruce Hyde [email protected] Mat Simmons [email protected]
Jeff Hunsberger [email protected] Wayne Whitelock [email protected]
Dick Jamieson [email protected] Skip Flanders [email protected]
Jon Jamieson [email protected] Bruce Humphrey [email protected]
Jeffery Kahn [email protected] Bill Morse [email protected]
Wendell Kathan [email protected] Grand Lodge VT [email protected]
Masonic Trestle Board Committee
Richard Backus Chairman 496-2941
Charlie Kettles Editor 496-4880
Rick Rayfield Member 496-5667
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VERMONT 05673-0448
Mad River Lodge # 77
4376 Main Street
Waitsfield, VT 05673
What is Freemasonry? It’s an Ancient society of God fearing men, steeped in
traditional family values with patriotism towards one’s country.
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