March 16, 2022

Volume 2022 Issue 3

Trestle Board

March 2022

Welcome to March's issue of Aaron Lodge's Trestle Board. There are still some sections that are being finalized before becoming ongoing segments. If anyone is interested in writing up an article they feel would benefit Masonry and this newsletter specifically, we would be happy to include your article in an upcoming issue. Any submissions received by the 1st of the Month will be considered for that month's issue. After the 1st, it might be pushed to the following month. Please reach out for more information or questions at trestleboard@aaronlodge49.com. Other suggestions and feedback are still always welcomed and appreciated as well.

Message From The East

Brethren, Our Lodge had a nice visit by the Potentate of Sabbar Shrine. Ill. Sir Roger Biede II, who invited us to participate in the “All Masonic Picnic” which will take place April 24 at Udall Park located on Tanque Verde Rd.

We are getting ready to resume the “Bikes for Books” program and hope to give away 4 bicycles in May.

I recognized W. Bro. Don Lowery as the “Mason of the Year” for Aaron Lodge. Don has done so much to keep our Lodge going by serving as its Master for 6 years. He has been the one I count on to advise me on Lodge activities and traditions as I have only been a member for 2 years and am still learning.

We are looking forward to having some Degree Work in the near future as I know W. Bro. Don Moyer has given some out. We also have an EA who should be ready for his 2nd Degree in a few months. By performing Degrees we are keeping our Lodge going and proficient.

Last month we visited Marion McDaniel Lodge No. 56 which helps us qualify for the Master Builders award. We will be visiting Epes Randolph No. 32 soon to continue relations with other Tucson Lodges.

Out next Stated Meeting will be April 6, and I hope to see more in attendance for food and fellowship.

Jeff Horton PM

Master

Message From the West

The West in Scottish Rite Blue Lodges is often represented by a statue of Hercules, meaning the strength that supports the Lodge and Brethren when doing Masonic work within our temple. That strength is what we should always keep in our hearts, even with the events of vandalism that occurred the night of March 16th. It has been a common theme in Masonic Lodges throughout the nation and, unfortunately, it was a matter of time until it reached us. I invite all Brethren to meditate and practice one of the meanings of Freemasonry, which defines it, not as a source of pleasures, but rather a constant fight against evil.

Luis Irizarry

Senior Warden

Message From the South

Greetings Brethren!

In our busy lives, we all have to juggle multiple commitments. As a business owner, I definitely have my share of scheduling challenges. So in light of that, I want to let each of you know, that when life happens, and you can't make it to lodge, know that your Brothers understand. Personally, I make a note to make extra effort to get to the next meeting. Because, as we grow the lodge, and work on ideas to generate more fun events, and fundraisers, it's important to stay involved. As a wise man once told me, if you never ask, the answer is always no! Conversely, if I have an idea that I'd like to see happen... If I don't get to lodge when I can, the result will always be... well, you get the idea. So in closing, I'll just say, there that there are some great ideas being spitballed that will create some great memories of our lodge lives together. I'm looking forward to seeing what we can make happen!

Fraternally,

Tony Williams

Junior Warden 2022

Aaron Lodge #49

Month in Review

February started with our Stated Meeting on the 2nd. On the 7th of February, we made an Official Visit to Marion McDaniel Lodge # 56 for their Stated Meeting, which helps meet one of our requirements for the Master Builder award. On the 9th, we gathered for Fellowship and were visited by a gentleman interested in our Fraternity, after which we finished up a commitment to the Scottish Rite by breaking down and moving the tables and chairs which were set up for the George Burns dinner, in which we received a considerable donation from the Knights of St. Andrew for our efforts. On the 16th, we gathered for fellowship, our annual audit review, and root beer floats. On the 23rd, in conjunction with Jerusalem Daylight Lodge, Aaron Lodge helped provide the funeral team for WB Bob Brown PM during the day and we went dark for our normal evening gathering. It's been reported the team did a great job supporting the family and our brother in his final hour.

For March's Stated Meeting on the 2nd, we were visited, by the Potentate of Sabbar Shrine. Ill. Sir Roger Biede II. Worshipful Bro. Jeff Horton also exercised his priviledge as Sitting Master, to announce Aaron Lodge's Mason of the Year for 2021. That honor was bestowed upon on Past Master, WB Don Lowery. WB Horton felt WB Lowery was the obvious choice based on his years of service to the Lodge, being a key part of keeping the Lodge going through some rough years, handling communications and organizing events, and willingness to sit in the East for the past 5 years. The Brethren whole heartedly agreed with the decision and showed as much by offering WB Lowery their support and appreciation by round of applause.

Upcoming Events

Mar 2nd - Stated Meeting

Mar 9th - Visit to Epes Randolph

Mar 16th - Fellowship & Visit by DDGM for Master Builder Q&A

Mar 20th - DeMolay Installation of Officers @ Tucson 4

Mar 22nd - Visit to Adobe Lodge for Military Fellowship Degree

Mar 23rd - Education night

Mar 30th - Fellowship

Apr 6th - Stated Meeting

Apr 15th - deadline for awards submissions to Grand Lodge

Apr 24th - All Masons Picnic @ Udall Park hosted by Sabaar Shrine.

Education Events

We held a couple of education events throughout this past year. Amongst educating potential candidates in Freemasonry during Fellowship nights to more specific education nights. On September 8th, WB Don Lowery led an education night regarding the 1st Degree Ritual, which was attended by 9 brothers. On September 22nd, WB Jeff Horton led an education night regarding the proficiencies of the Pedestal Officers, which was attended by 5 brothers. We will be starting up more education nights and hopefully start to see bigger turn outs. The next event will be on March 23rd, where WB Jeff Horton will be instructing us on the similarities between Freemasonry and Star Wars. That should be very entertaining and all are welcome.

Monthly Birthdays

Coming Soon

Masonic Outreach

My Brothers. Do you find yourself missing coming to meetings at Lodge or just curious how things are going, but do not have a way to get down to the Scottish Rite? We have Brothers in our Lodge living all across the Tucson area. From the west to east, central and even Vail. Many would be more than willing to offer rides to bring you down for meetings or even just a Fellowship night. We would love to see some of our Brothers who haven't been able to attend for any number of reasons. Feel free to reach out to our Junior Deacon, Bro. Shawn Jones and he will be glad to help organize transportation. You can either reach out by emailing trestleboard@aaronlodge49.com or contact Shawn directly at 520-270-4451.

Lodge History

On February 25, 1954, a meeting was called where Bro. C.A. Sherman was elected president and Bro. H.P. Stremmel was elected Secretary of the new organization. The President then appointed a Membership Committee consisting of all the Brothers present and urged them to contact their friends and acquaintances, advise them of the new organization and seek their help in the formation of another Lodge in Tucson. WBs Condit and McDaniels then suggested that the President and Secretary contact W.B. Ivey, Grand Secretary, and learn from him the proper procedure for the formation of a new Lodge. This they did and were graciously received by Bro. Ivey, who patiently answered their questions and volunteered much information. Among the many things discussed, the most important was the fact that before a Lodge can work under Dispensation or receive a Charter, the first three Officers, namely the WM, SW, and JW, must be proficient in Opening, Closing, and Conferring the Degrees in the Lodge, as well as the several Lectures. That, before power to "Work" is granted, these Officers must pass an acceptable examination before a Grand Lecturer. In order to accomplish this purpose, it was decided that a meeting would be held every Thursday night. W.Bros. Condit and McDaniel offered their services as Instructors, and the Brethren promptly and unanimously accepted them as such.

At the first Thursday meeting, on March 11th, it was discussed and agreed that Tuesday nights were more favorable for the majority and the in the event new Brethren appeared, they could be taken Adobe Lodge 41 for examination before being admitted to the Instruction Meetings. These Instruction Meetings were then held every following Tuesday through June of 1954.

Masonic Profile of the Month

This brings us to the end of March's Trestle Board. In the next issue, we will be providing more updates regarding our efforts for the Master Builder award, along with a recap of the award discussion we will have had with our DDGM, WB David Morganflash. You don't want to miss that. Have a great St. Patrick's day and stay safe out there. Until next time:

Dear Brethren of the Mystic tie, the night is waning fast,

Our work is done, our feast is o'er, this toast must be the last.

Good night to all, once more good night, again that farewell strain,

Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again.