The Official Publication of the Audubon Park Lodge #272
January 2003
Volume 4, Number 3
From the West...
Here
we are at 2003 already. At least we are ready for the coming year, now that
all elected officers have been installed. I would like to pay wages by thanking
both WB Floyd Morse as the installing officer and WB Dean Whittier as Marshal
for their installation of Br. Chuck Young as Junior Warden during our December
stated meeting. I would also like to thank WB Dick Hawley for filling in as
Chaplain during the same meeting.
Regrettably due to my being out of town on business, I was unable to attend
our annual Holiday family night dinner, gift exchange and Toys-for-Tots drive
this year. However, I am certain our JuniorWarden Chuck Young will have lots
to report about of that happy event.
May
the blessings of heaven and the joys of the season be with you all. I look
forward to seeing you at our stated meeting on January 8, 2003.
Robert K. Good
Senior Warden
From the South...
We
had yet another very successful Holiday Family Night Pot Luck on Wednesday
December 18. While the numbers in attendance were small, the Brethren and
their Ladies who were in attendance to celebrate the Holidays had a wonderful
time with PLENTY to eat. No one went away hungry because of the wonderful
pot luck choices. It always amazes me how we seem to bring plenty of main
courses, salads, vegetables,side dishes and desserts. There were plenty of
leftovers to take home!
I
want to thank those who came out that night. I want to thank them for coming
and for being so generous with the food they contributed, for the wonderful
gifts we were able to exchange, but most important, I want to thank the Brethren
of Audubon Park Lodge #272 for their generosity in giving to those who are
less fortunate. Brother Bill Wilson, USMC,was able to take a very large sack
of new toys to the USMC Reserve Toys for Tots warehouse. Many children who
may not have had a new toy otherwise, were able to celebrate with a new toy
due to the wonderful thoughtfulness of many members of our Lodge. Thanks Brethren
and Ladies for your generosity!
A
final thought - and you are going to hear it repeatedly for the remainder
of the year. Think about new members of the Lodge. Our newest Brother and
his Lady attended the pot luck and had a wonderful time. Think about someone
you know who would be a great Mason - visit with him and let's get more members
in Audubon Park Lodge in 2003!
Charles R. Young
Junior Warden
In Other News...
New
Year's Gala at hand. As we go to press with this issue, WB Berman informs
me that about 60 tickets are sold for the upcoming NewYear's Eve Dinner and
Dance, to be held at the Lodge next Tuesday, Dec 31, 2002. After an evening
of fine dining and spirited dancing, we'll all welcome in the New Year with
a hearty chorus of Auld Lang Syne. This should be quite the gala event! There's
still time to participate. Call Eric at 455-4308 to reserve your tickets It's
$25.00 per person with proceeds going to support the Audubon Park Masonic
Foundation.
In
Memoriam...
Once again, The Pillars must inform the brethren of the passing of another
Audubon Park member. Bro. Glenn H. Grote joined the Celestial Lodge on December
22, 2002. He was raised as a Master Mason in Audubon Park 272 on May 19, 1982.
We will honor this departed brother with a memorial at our next stated meeting.
Masonic
Wisdom...
From time-to-time interesting nuggets of wisdom come across the desk. Here's
a pithy little lesson about the power of words.
A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, when two of them fell into
a deep pit. All the other frogs gathered around the pit. When they saw how
deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that they were as good as dead.
The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit with
all of their might. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were
as good as dead. Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs
were saying and gave up. He fell down and died. The other frog continued to
jump as hard as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to
stop the pain and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out.
When he got out, the other frogs said, "Did you not hear us?" The frog explained
to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the entire
time!
This story teaches two lessons: 1) there is power of life and death in the
tongue. An encouraging word to someone who is down can lift them up and help
them make it through the day. 2) A destructive word to someone who is down
can be what it takes to kill them. Be careful of what you say. Speak of life
to those who cross your path. (From a short article by Richard LaFlame, Masonic
Family News, Feb. 2000, p 15.)
Jobie Activity...
A
Bethel 64 of Job's Daughters meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month
at Audubon Park Masonic Lodge. The meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. Masons are
always welcome to attend and if you attend three meetings in a given year,
you'll be awarded the coveted "Purple Garter" award. It's great fun. The brethren
are encouraged to attend these functions and support the work of this fine
group of young ladies.
Dues
are Due...
Just a reminder that membership dues for 2003 are due. According to
our Secretary, they're coming in little by little. If you haven' t already
done so, please send in your dues as soon as possible. Thank you.
Famous Mason’s Corner
Leland
Stanford (1824-1893). A lawyer, railroad president, senator and governor who
gave millions of dollars to establish Stanford University in California, where
incidentally, he is buried. He drove in the "golden spike" at Promontory
Point, Utah, May 10, 1869, which joined the Union Pacific and Southern railroads
to form America's first transcontinental railroad. He was raised in Prometheus
(now Ozaukee) Lodge No. 17, in Wisconsin in 1850. Later he became a charter
member of Michigan City Lodge No. 47.
John
Jasper Ray, Sr. (1845-1952) This Mason holds the distinction of having the
longest proven record of Masonic membership in the United States. He was born
on Sept 2, 1845 in Orange County, N.C. He was made a Mason in Gravel Hill
Lodge No. 232 in Tennessee on March 7, 1868. Later, he affiliated with Dublin
Lodge No. 504 in Texas. Brother Ray died in Dublin on May 7, 1952 at age 106.
He was recorded as being a Master Mason for 84 years and 62 days!
Masonic
Quiz
Q:
What is the "Tyler's Toast"?
A:
Usually a song sung in memory of the absent and departed brethren. In the
United States it is usually found only in a Research lodge (and not in ordinary
lodges.) In England, the Tyler's Toast may be proposed by any brother at the
wish of the Master. Usually, it is the final toast at the dinner before leaving.
This custom is first mentioned in records dating back to 1762. At that time,
the toast was generally considered to be the exclusive privilege of the Tyler,
...hence the name. (from Facts for Freemasons, p. 109,by Harold Voorhis, Macoy
Publishing, Richmond, VA 1979.)
Q:
Why does the Master of a lodge wear a hat?
A:
See next month's Pillars !
Calendar of Events
January
7 Bethel 64 meeting of Job’s Daughters, 7:00 p.m.
8
Stated Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
21 Bethel 64 meeting of Job’s Daughters, 7:00 p.m.
February
4
Bethel 64 meeting of Job's Daughters, 7:00 p.m.
12
Regular Stated Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
18
Bethel 64 meeting of Job's Daughters, 7:00 p.m.
HOME