Rhode Island MARCH/APRIL/MAY 2020

freem ason

Grand Lodge of Rhode Island Established 1791 Volume Forty-Five, Issue Four

St. Johns Com m andery No.1

Winter Solstice

At the Newport Tower

Decem ber 21, 2019

Co ntinued on Page 6

Page 2 March/April/May 2020 _______________________________________________________________________

Brother Kenneth F. Poyton Most Worshipful Grand Master

My Brothers, with the change in the frequency of publishing the RI Freemason, this is my last message as Grand Master that I will write. Even though I have much to do in my allotted time left as Grand Master, these next few months will be extremely busy for the Grand Marshal and I as we travel both in and out of this Grand Jurisdiction. I must say that the support we have been shown has been overwhelming and very much appreciated. We are looking forward to the next few months as our schedule will bring us out many times to do what we enjoy which is to be with our brothers.

There is not enough room for me to write about past events so, I won’t, with the exception of one particular event. On February 24, I presided over the merge of St. Andrews Lodge No. 39 and Jenks Lodge No. 24. In this time of hostile takeovers, this ceremony was just the opposite as two great lodges are joined as one. As anticipated, there was some sadness that evening, however, the feeling of joy, hope, and anticipation for something much better to come prevailed. It takes a lot of courage to admit that the time has come, and a change must take place. I commend the brethren of St. Andrews Lodge for making that most difficult decision. St. Andrews Lodge has a wonderful history and knowing the history of Jenks Lodge and the brethren there, I am confident they will honor the memory of St. Andrews Lodge for as long as they are able to.

One of the reasons this merge came about was because Jenks Lodge was forced to leave their home in Pawtucket which will be torn down due to a sewer system upgrade by Narragansett Bay Commission. Now that these two lodges have combined into one, this is a new and exciting beginning for our brothers from Jenks Lodge as they move to a new beautiful home in Riverside. We all wish them well.

I am pleased to report that Most Worshipful Brother Iacobucci and his team are prepared to present the revised “New Wardens Workshop” to the brethren. I want to thank them for their hard work and dedication in putting this program together to help future Masters learn the business and fraternal side of their duties. It has been a while since we have had this type of presentation and I encourage the wardens and any interested brother to attend and hear what they have to say. To make it more convenient, I plan on having one presentation on a Saturday morning and another on a weekday night. More information on these dates will have already been sent to the lodge Masters by the time this is published.

The repairs to the Grand Lodge will have started (weather permitting) by the time you see this message. There are many

Grand Master’s Message

moving parts to this project which has kept the building committee very busy, meeting frequently to make sure this project stays within budget and on track. I have no idea when it will be completed but I am confident that when finished, your Grand Lodge building will continue to be a symbol of all that is good for all to see and appreciate.

Lodges have already begun to look-into purchasing an AED device for their temple. I was at a presentation on how to use this device at Washington Lodge No. 3 and it looked very easy. Remember from now until the end of my term, up to $1,000 will be given to those lodges who install this device. All you need to do is:

• Buy the device.

• Have it installed in your lodge.

• Have training on how to use it. This would make for a very good program at your meetings. The more brothers who know how to use it is a good thing.

Please take advantage of this offer.

Every year the first weekend of February, the Grand Councils from New England travel to Portsmouth, NH for what we call a “get-away weekend.” This is a great time to get together with other Grand Jurisdictions to discuss what is going on with them. Lots of good ideas come from this weekend and I would like to share one of them with you. Lodge members can at times be very cliquish and they tend to sit with the same brothers at dinner and in the lodge. Believe it or not, this type of action can deprive you of meeting other members of your lodge. I have a suggestion to help break this. When you have dinner, put a number in a hat and a corresponding number at the dinner table. Each brother must pull a number out of the hat and find the same number and sit there. You never know what new friendships you will make. Just a suggestion.

I have always thought that we have a tendency to make Freemasonry rather complicated when in reality it does not have to be. Simply put, we are a FRATERNITY first and when we remember that, the pieces just seem to fit together. We promise to be there for a brother in good times and more importantly, in sad times. We promise to respect each other and to never attack them personally. We promise to do many other things but basically as Masons we try to be a good person and an ambassador of Freemasonry. Personally, I wear my Masonic ring with the square and compasses facing me to constantly remind me of the promises I made while kneeling at the Masonic altar and to challenge myself to live up to the expectations of being a member of this great

Fraternity. Are you challenging yourself?

Fraternally yours,

Kenneth F. Poyton Grand Master

Rhode Island FREEMASON

(USPS 366-750)

Published by the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island 222 Taunton Avenue, East Providence, RI 02914

Published in March, June, September, and December.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:

The Grand Lodge of Rhode Island 222 Taunton Avenue, East Providence, RI 02914

Periodicals Paid in Providence, RI

________________________________________________________________ Rhode Island Freemason Page 3

Masonic Services Association

On November 2, 2019 Russ Kawa, MSA Representative for the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island, presented a check from Grand Lodge Charities of Rhode Island to Donna Russillo, Chief of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service Program, for $2,000.00 for their Thanksgiving Basket programs for veterans.

On December 2, 2019 Russ Kawa, MSA Representative for the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island and RI Grand Lodge VA Volunteer Service Representative, was joined by Most Worshipful Grand Master Kenneth F. Poyton, Brothers Elliot Greene, Frank Castalone and his service dog Perry, Pat Paolo, David Armstrong, Elton Ricker, Rusty Booth, Michael Cunningham, and Bob Goff at the VA Hospital in Providence, RI.

That evening we visited every department from patient’s rooms, psychiatric health services, emergency room, and even the intensive care unit. We brought along Christmas cheer from the Masons of Rhode Island and a gift from the Masonic Charities of Rhode Island.

This is a yearly event sponsored by Grand Lodge Charities and the VA Voluntary Services. I would like to thank all the volunteers that took part in this year’s event.

New Program of Emails from Providence VA Medical Center

There is a new program for emails detailing programs being offered at the Providence VA Hospital. We will be starting a pilot program using the Scottish Rite Veterans Email database to send out these notices. They will have a heading from Winfield Danielson III. With an email address of Winfield.DanielsonIII@va.gov. These programs range from health benefits to new programs and VA hospital programs.

Rhode Island Veterans Home Holiday Visit

Most Worshipful Grand Master Kenneth F. Poyton accompanied by several Grand Lodge officers and brother Masons paid their annual holiday visit to the Rhode Island Veterans’ Home. The

Veterans’ Home director/commandant is R∴W∴Rick Baccus District Deputy Grand Master and retired Brigadier General, US Army. R∴W∴Rick was very happy to receive his fellow brothers and introduce them to the residents of the home. Gifts were presented to every resident on behalf of Masonic Grand Lodge

Charities and all the Freemasons of Rhode Island.

Reaching Out to Our Veteran’s During the Holidays

By: R∴W∴Russell Kawa, MSA Representative

Page 4 March/April/May 2020 _______________________________________________________________________

TESTIMONIAL DINNER IN HONOR OF

BROTHER KENNETH F. POYTON

The Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons For the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

Saturday, April 25, 2020

Twelve Acres 445 Douglas Pike (Rt. 7)

Smithfield, RI

Presented by Harmony Lodge No. 9 F. & A. M.

No Host Social Hour – 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Dinner – 7:00 PM

Choice of: New York Sirloin Steak (12 oz.)

Chicken Kiev, Twelve Acres Specialty Price - $35.00 per person

All Reservations must be received prior to April 19, 2020

Tables of ten (10) may be reserved – All others are open seating Gentlemen: Business suit

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Return this portion with your check payable to: Harmony Lodge No. 9,

c/o James R. Rapson, Treasurer, 244 Park View Avenue, Warwick, RI 02888 Name ______________________________# in Party * __________ Telephone:______________ # Beef ______________ # Chicken ______________ # Vegetarian Gluten Free _____________ Total payment enclosed: $ _________________

*NOTE: Attach list of all names in your party with individual choices

____________________________________________________________________ Rhode Island Freemason Page 5 The first week of December, Brother Felix Diclo Grand Lodge Representative near the Grand Lodge of Cuba and myself, had the great opportunity of traveling and taking part in the 160th Anniversary of the Grand Lodge of Cuba together with the Supreme Council of 33rd Scottish Rite of Cuba. I must begin by expressing my warmest appreciation to the Grand Lodge of Cuba and all the brothers from Cuba for their warm reception and attention they gave both Felix and I. Below you will see a few pictures of our trip and we would gladly put together a formal presentation as a program for any lodge in need as part of Club Masonico Libertad. During our time in Cuba we were able to attend many activities. This is an abbreviated itinerary of activities.

Tuesday, December 3, 2019 was the accreditation of delegates and welcome cocktail reception by the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Cuba Ernesto Zamora Fernández and the Sovereign

Grand Commander of the Supreme Council of 33 Scottish Rite of Cuba, José Ramón Viñas Alonso. It was a great time meeting and getting to know many of the dignitaries including Grand Masters from various jurisdictions. Delegations from Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, New York, Brazil, Mexico, Japan, Panama, and many more were in attendance. Over 250 brothers from 52 different countries/states with 35 Grand Masters, Past Grand Masters and Sovereign Commanders attended the event. In the evening we were invited to a stated regular communication of Lodge Jose Naken, which is the mother lodge of the organizer of

all events, W∴Raimundo Gomez Cervantes, Exterior Relations and Foreign Affairs officer for Grand Lodge of Cuba.

Wednesday, December 4, 2019 we had a city tour of Havana, with emphasis on sites linked to the history of Freemasonry in Cuba. In the evening we were able to attend a Cultural Gala for the 160th Anniversary of the Grand Lodge and the Supreme Council of the

33 at the renowned Martí Theater. We were delighted by an outstanding performance by Camerata Romeu directed by Maestra Zenaida Romeu, whose grandfather was a Past Grand Master of Cuba.

Thursday, December 5, 2019 we accompanied all the delegations from across all of the jurisdictions where we attended a morning floral offering to the Apostle and Brother José Martí Pérez at the Central Park statue. All were in full regalia led by Grand Master with the Grand Lodge officers and Supreme Grand Commander of Scottish Rite, Ill. José Ramón Viñas Alonso and members of Scottish Rite. It was amazing and heartwarming to see such diversity in every aspect including language, ethnicity, and religion. There were brothers from many counties in attendance from

Jamaica, Virgin Islands, Peru, South Africa, and many European delegations.

At noon we were received by the Grand Lodge at the National Masonic Building: "Carlos Manuel Piñeiro y del Cueto". The Grand Master gave a welcome address to the delegates. Brother Felix Diclo is our Grand Lodge Representative to Cuba but he felt under the weather so bestowed on me the honor and privilege to bring the official greetings of our Grand Lodge and those of our Most Worshipful Grand Master Kenneth F. Poynton. I was humbled by the occasion as many were delighted to hear me speak fluently in both English and translated into Spanish when bringing the greetings of our jurisdiction.

The evening was the main event of the 160th anniversary celebration of the Grand Lodge and the Supreme Council. The Grand Master and Sovereign Grand Commander welcomed us at the Concert Hall of the Minor Basilica of San Francisco de Asís in the Historic Center of Havana. This is where the oldest traces of Masonry are found in Cuba. We ended the night with commemorative dinner at the restaurant "El Patio" in Cathedral Square, after walking through old Havana in full regalia.

I feel blessed and honored to have represented our Grand Lodge with my brother Felix in Havana and hope to continue to travel around Latin America and other jurisdictions to learn about the different cultures of our Masonic brothers. Freemasonry is universal.

I will leave it with our motto of Club Masonico Libertad, “Sine Termini æqualitatis,” translated to Spanish is “Igualidad sin Fronteras,” or in English “equality without borders.” It was chosen as we believe that especially in Freemasonry brothers are never strangers even in foreign lands.

(continued on page 6)

Travels to the 160th Anniversary of the Grand Lodge of Cuba

By: W∴Melvin E. Silverio

Members of Lodge Jose Naken with M∴W∴Zamora Grand Master,

the Grand Marshal, and the Grand Secretary.

L – R: W∴Melvin Silverio, the Grand Marshal and the Grand Secretary of Cuba and Brother Felix Diclo.

Page 6 March/April/May 2020 ______________________________________________________________________

(continued from Page 5, Grand Lodge of Cuba)

Club Masonico Libertad will be traveling to our second Spanish speaking lodge, Logia La Fraternidad in New York City on Friday, March 13. During our travels to Cuba we were delighted to see some of these New York brothers as Felix and I had enjoyed their brotherhood in a Festive Board held for the newly chartered Spanish Lodge in NY, Juan Pablo Duarte Lodge. This lodge pays homage to the father of the Dominican Republic.

On March 28 we will be holding the first event for our Club. This will be a family event and we really hope to have you join us. More details to be announced through social media and proper communications throughout the jurisdiction. Anyone who is interested in being part of the creation of the Spanish language lodge, are welcomed to reach out to me at MelvinESilverio@gmail.com or 401-365-8509. You don’t have to

speak Spanish in order to be involved. Eminent Commander Paul Liese and Sir Knights from St. Johns Commandery with support from other Rhode Island commanderies were present to salute the winter solstice illumination at the Newport (Templar) Tower. Over 100 hundred Sir Knights and public were present. Following the event many of the Sir Knights traveled to the shoreline to view the “In Hoc Signo

Vinces” stone. Clear skies and cold weather greeted everyone!

St. Johns Commandery No. 1 Winter Solstice at the Newport Tower

December 21, 2019

____________________________________________________________________ Rhode Island Freemason Page 7

When I first sat down to write this it was intended to someday share with the brethren. It turned out to be a presentation for the Grand Master’s visitation to my lodge. A little over two years ago, I was kneeling at that sacred altar for the first time and now preparing for my first Masonic presentation, and it’s for the Grand Master’s official visitation, now that’s a little bit of pressure. My purpose for sharing this with you is to reinvigorate, to challenge you to ask and answer the question, “Are you living and showing the people around you the reasons that brought you into Freemasonry?”

In preparing for this I asked Masons why did you join the Craft? The consistent answer was they wanted more for and from themselves, to make themselves better, to be the best man they could be. There were a large range of answers, but always a common theme. Some wanted to become a Templar Knight, learn more about the history, regain the brotherhood from their service to our country, and it was a calling to others. The longer I conversed the more it became clear they wanted “more” for and from themselves. Not just the tag line “Making Good Men Better” but they truly wanted to be the best version of themselves. My hope is that this will force you to ask yourself the same question.

Let me start by saying that I grew up with Freemasonry. My grandfather was a Mason, my uncle is a Mason, my father is a Mason, my mother was member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and even some guy named Daniel, who happens to be my great uncle to the 6th power (Danie Boone) was a Mason. They would go once or twice a month to their meetings and I always wondered “where do they go?” I often asked and was often told “to see a man about a horse.”

This would go on until I was 12 and then life happened. My mother became ill, and my grandfather passed shortly after. My father stepped aside from Masonry and dedicated himself to not only my mother and myself but our entire family, helping my uncle through these difficult times. Once retired he became involved again with Masonry along with balancing the health of my mother and himself.

During this time, I had always been interested in this “secret society” and had done some internet sleuthing, but never took the plunge.

Life caught up with my mother, and after a two-month battle, she succumbed to her unfortunate circumstance.

Why is all this important? Well at our darkest hour and our saddest moment, Freemasonry showed its presence in my life. It was that solemn day at my mother’s memorial service that the light started peeking through the darkness. The room filled with mother’s friends, my friends, and coworkers, my father’s friends, and then Masons started to arrive, and still more Masons arrived. The Grand

Master, M∴W∴Steve McGuire’s wife came in his place, as he was away on business. Wow, 30 brothers came to pay their respects to my mother, but as importantly to show support for my father. This got my attention and that of my wife also.

We struggled, we were reeling. I had work, my wife and son, my father to dedicate myself to. To make sure they were OK. My father had us, but we couldn’t spend every moment of the day together. We had to move on, we had to continue living life.

This is where the brotherhood came in. My father returned to the Craft, he started slowly going back. Then the phone calls to get him out of the house, to get him back in Freemasonry. Our Masonic Brothers took care of him and helped him grieve. This was earth shattering to me and my wife. I was still at a loss.

We sat at the dining room table listening to my father tell about his travels. Christina turned to me and said “why aren’t you part of this? You need to go and see what it is all about.” She wanted more for me, so my wife pushed for me to be a better man.

I started attending some of the events at the local lodge, to get to know the Manchester brothers. A golf tournament (which we won, and weren’t invited back to), a “Black and Blue” night, a burger-

dog event. All of which, M∴W∴Glenn Carlson attended and made sure to sit with me and chat. I had known, M∴W∴Carlson since I was young and yet I never knew he was a Mason.

I put my application in, had my investigation several weeks later to see if I was the right fit for me and the lodge. My investigation goes well, and I am approved to join the lodge. The night comes to start my journey and take the first degree, and I am nervous. You would think I wouldn’t be because of my family affiliations, but I was more nervous than the other two candidates. The only thing that made it easier was knowing that I was not going at it alone, I was going through this with two other men. No idea that I would be forever linked with them, that the next nine months we would not only become friends, brothers, but more importantly, we became family!

The people that are met, the connections you didn’t know, like your cousin being friends growing up with Brother Amaral, or the memories that are shared with the older brothers about running around the Ionic lodge building as a tike. This has added to my Masonic experience.

I can now say that some of my best friends are honestly people who I would have never crossed paths with. A battery salesman, and 60-year old brother who is probably in the best shape of everyone else that I know, an 84-year old that still has his pilot’s license. And for all of this I am truly thankful. They exemplify what it means to be a Mason. Brother Al who took the time as my instructor and continues to take the time to explain the Craft and hold me to high standard when it comes to ritual. Brother Lou who is the most caring man I know and exemplifies being a Mason with his non-profit RISH that has touched thousands of children.

I can only hope that I am able to repay Masonry and the brothers in attendance this evening, future brothers, and more importantly the brothers not in attendance with what brought me here.

I will leave you with this: On yonder book we took an oath. Are you living it? Are you showing your brothers, your friends, your co-workers, or even that stranger in the grocery store the virtues we learned?

Since this presentation took place in November, I can honestly say that I am overwhelmed with the support and kind words from the well over 100 brothers in attendance. Yet there is more work to be done, each of us needs to live it, to meet on the level, to act upon the plumb, and part upon the square, not only with our fellow masons, but everyone we interact with on a daily basis. Our stories and actions are how we will strengthen this great fraternity of

ours.

How Did You Come to Freemasonry?

By: Brother Randy Boone, Manchester Lodge No. 12

Page 8 March/April/May 2020 ______________________________________________________________________

As we leave 2019 behind and with it the so called “Greatest Generation” is slowly taking its place in history. World War II and the veterans that fought in that war are also taking their place in history. The United States is loosing 294 WWII Veterans a day. The Department of Veterans Affairs predicts that in 10 years there will be only 7,795 WW11 Veterans left. Those of us that served in the Armed forces at that time faced the most devastating war of all time. Our American way of life and freedom was at stake.

The men and women that answered the call took the oath and signed on the dotted line to save our way of life. This has always been true since the Revolutionary War. Freemasonry was always there serving in every capacity and as leaders at all levels. The Commanders-in-Chiefs, during WWII, presidents Roosevelt and Truman were both Freemasons. Many of our top generals were members of the Craft also. Other world leaders at that time were Freemasons such as Winston Churchill who provided the leadership required to save the free world. Besides our Armed Forces we must not forget the American civilians who also answered the call. They moved our country from a sleeping giant to an industrial complex that provided the tools to win the war. Those that serve in the military obtain a special kind comradeship, a brotherhood in arms, that stays with them for the rest of their life. Today it is so important that we Americans recognize that maintaining a strong military is the savior of our American Way of Life and be thankful for those willing to serve. If you meet a veteran or a member of our Armed Forces, it would be nice to say

thank you for your service. God Bless America.

A new lodge year is under way! So, how are things going in your Lodge? If you are the Worshipful Master, congratulations and I hope your year has started out on a positive note. If it has, again, congratulations. But leaders of successful endeavors know there is always room for improvement. So, take the time to measure the start to your year and gauge the ways it could have been even better. If it hasn’t? Well then now is the time to fix it! Reflect on what has transpired in the first month of this new year and honestly appraise what you can do to “raise the bar” and better serve your members. Part of this process should include meeting with your subordinate officers to get their input. Remember, the old adage that “two heads are better than one” and keep in mind that one of your responsibilities is to mentor the subordinate officers as they progress through the line. The key is COMMUNICATION!

Every organization, from the largest corporations in the world down to mom and pop store, whether for profit or not, likely will find that their success or failure is due in large part to communication, or the lack thereof. Don’t let your lodge be a victim of a lack of communication. What percentage of your membership that lives within a reasonable distance to your lodge has attended your meetings since January first? Generally speaking, the average participation/attendance for volunteer organizations is around 10 percent. Is your Lodge doing better than that, worse than that, or about average? Are you satisfied with that attendance? If not, what are some of the things your lodge can do to improve those

numbers? Remember that, as M∴W∴Theodore J. Nelson, Past

Grand Master of CT, always reminds us, “Freemasonry is a team sport.” It takes the team members, working together, to create a successful lodge.

First and foremost, COMMUNICATE with your members! Have you published a trestle board yet? Was a hard print copy mailed to the older members who don’t have or use social media or email? Was the information in the trestle board timely and interesting? If you’re not comfortable with or technologically savvy, identify one or more of your members who may be willing to help you and your lodge by serving as a publications committee.

Second, have you analyzed your lodge’s membership? Take a look at your lodge roster! It is super easy to do with the Grand View membership database. What are the ages of those members who you haven’t seen in lodge lately? Where do they live? Which of your officers or members live in close proximity? Are they willing to serve as transportation for those brothers who may not drive at night or who have other difficulties that keep them from attending? Third, are your meetings worth the effort to attend? Remember, you are responsible for “setting the craft to work and giving them good and wholesome instruction for their labors!” How have your first several meetings been? Was something offered at every meeting that made attendance worthwhile? Did you give your members a reason to return any time soon? If not, now is the time to fix the problem. Do you have a programs committee that can assist you in obtaining and scheduling quality programs that will interest and entertain your members? And yes, I said entertain.

Sporting events, concerts, movies, all are entertainment and all have become huge businesses that consume our time and our money. Recently I read a blurb from 1955 saying “Did you see where some baseball player just signed a contract for $50,000 to play ball?” We’re a far cry from that today. Ball players make huge dollars, the batboy probably makes more than $50,000 and that kind of entertainment is what your lodge meetings are competing against. If you don’t make your meetings interesting and worth attending, then the only likely attendees will be your officers and a few “hardcore” members who attend because they’re in the habit of doing so.

Don’t expect to turn your attendance around overnight, it will take time. That is especially true in a case where your lodge has been struggling in recent years and there is a history of a lack of programs. But if you want your lodge to survive and to prosper, the positive change needs to start somewhere, and it might just as well start with you.

Communicate! Identify a handful of key members of your lodge both from within the officer corps and your general membership. Sit down with them and develop a plan for improving your lodge and your meetings. Think about reviving some old, successful activities in which the lodge used to engage or introduce something new that could be of interest to your membership. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box! Hold regular meetings with your program and transportation committees to get progress reports and to fine tune your efforts. Above all, communicate what you are doing with your members. Publish both your intended programs and the results of the programs you have already offered. Develop interest among your members to attend your meetings. Give your members who didn’t attend a reason to say: “I’m sorry I missed that meeting. I’m marking my calendar right now, so I don’t miss the next meeting.”

If you’re not constantly trying to improve, then there is a very good chance that you will fall short and your lodge will suffer. And if you’re not striving to improve, your lodge will move backwards. Being the Worshipful Master of a lodge is not easy. This is not something that you can do “on the fly” reliably or for any extended

(continued on page 9)

A Key to a Better Lodge Year By: M∴W∴Charles Yohe, PGM - Connecticut

Time Marches On By: R∴W∴Charles Angell

______________________________________________________________________ Rhode Island Freemason Page 9

(continued from Page 8, A Key to a Better Lodge Year)

period of time nor are you guaranteed success because you’ve done it before. Each year is different, and its success requires planning, preparation, communication, and cooperation.

I sat in a lodge installation earlier this year where the Worshipful Master was being installed for the second time. He related that he was excited and felt fortunate that there was a one-year break between his two terms. He related that he knew there were things that he should have done differently and that he now felt that this year, he would be better equipped to lead his lodge. I look forward to observing that lodge’s progress this year. Remember, the Worshipful Master is only one man. The officers of the lodge are admonished that “the intelligent cooperation of his officers will do much to lighten his load.” However, the Worshipful Master must lead in a constructive manner. Do this for your lodge and for those who will succeed you as Worshipful Master in future years. If you want a year that you can look back on with pride, you need to do the work now to lead your lodge in growing and improving. No matter how good your lodge is or has been, you have the remainder of this year to make it even better. Communication is the key to a successful year! You hold that key in your hand. Use

it to unlock your lodge’s full potential.

Previously I mentioned the jungle and campfires where the hobos gathered for social interaction, but it was more than that. After a lonesome ride it was a place of security and comfort accented by the best part of all, food and storytelling. I am not sure which was best, but they naturally went in hand-in-hand. In any jungle the “Crumb Boss” is most important of all. The Crumb Boss is in-charge of making and/or coordinating the food. They have a reserved sign/spot for parking his butt right near the pavilion. All food is free, and Mulligatawny Stew is a traditional favorite. The stew is made of a variety of donated ingredients which I don’t doubt could be quite interesting. However, when travelling, noodles and beans are a staple. They are easy to carry and cook.

Although we think of Hobos as loners, they do enjoy camaraderie and a good story. Late night is the best time to exchange stories and brag about the different train type they rode and the many interesting destinations. They exchanged important information of places they visited as well as tall tales of danger and heroic deeds. Information exchange was vital because once on a train many hobos have no predetermined destination. Wherever the rails take them!

One important destination is the yearly Hobo Convention. This was a huge event held in Britt, Iowa. This convention has been held continually for the past 112 years or so. Britt is a small town of nearly 2,000 residence and only three local waterholes. Every

second week of August the yearly convention begins. However, not all are welcome. The guest list is limited to current travelling hobos and tramps (no bums allowed), retired hobos, part time hobos who travel occasionally, and hobo enthusiasts known as “hobos at heart”. Many had a membership card from the “International Itinerant Migratory Workers Union: Hobos of America,” endorsed by Jeff Davis, who was elected King of the Hobos for life at a hobo convention in 1935. So, what could possibly happen at a Hobo Convention? Well, elections, weddings, and memorial services. One would surmise that being such free spirits and wandering the country there wouldn’t be any hierarchy among them. Not true! Every year they elected a King and a Queen. This process was complete with political style campaigning, speeches, and even a float for the winners. This is a highly contested race and an honor to win. Once elected the King and Queen ride a float through the streets. It isn’t just a political race but one of friendships, brotherly love, and fun. One year was very special as the Queen, Angel, was actually a member of the Britt, Iowa community. She was known as the lady who collects the cans from garbage around town. Angel was championed to win because she’s an underdog. The hobos wanted her to have her time to shine. By the same token, Minneapolis Jim was voted and crowned King. He was diagnosed with terminal cancer and it was his last year to attend the convention.

Weddings are a major event for everyone with lots of dancing and hoopla. Instead of holding flowers, the bride and groom both hold a stick of rhubarb. They throw the leaves of the rhubarb in the fire because the leaves are the bitter part of the rhubarb. It symbolizes letting go of bad things. Weddings aren’t complete without wedding vows that embody the hobo culture of acceptance of each other:

Wedding Vows, we are in accord with the following:

1. You are the way you are, and it’s OK for you to be that way.

2. May my love for you always be greater than my need for you.

3. May I always do what’s right even if it’s not what I want.

4. To help you be a success in your way.

At times there is a small cabin available for their wedding night and possible honeymoon if they don’t travel.

One of the most important and emotional ceremonies at the convention is the Memorial Service. Memorial services are performed for all the hobos or retired hobos who passed that year. All attendees gather and wear a strip of burlap for their fallen friend in remembrance of the rough life and meager life they lived. Another ritual is tapping the graves with a walking stick. It is an emotional time for all who travelled or communed in the Jungle

(continued on page 10)

The American Hobo Fraternal Life on the Iron Trail - Part II

By: M∴W∴Peter Iacobucci, P.G.M.

Page 10 March/April/May 2020 _____________________________________________________________________

(continued from Page 9, The American Hobo)

with them. Many were quite famous even to those outside the hobo ranks. For example:

Utah Phillips, who was an avid train hopper and one of the Twentieth Century’s best-known hobo musicians. His most well-known song, “Moose Turd Pie”, describes his time working on the rails in the Southwest.

Maurice “Steam Train Maury” Graham who was a five-time King and became famous because of his many stories about being on the road.

Emmett Kelly known as “Weary Willie” and stage and film stars who portrayed hobos such as Charlie Chaplin “Lil Tramp” and Red Skelton as “Freddie the Freeloader”.

Imagine from the horrors of our Civil War and the necessity to carve out a new life from which emerged a culture of brotherhood that has spanned over 112 years and provided us with much fascination. Yet, within the hobo community, they shared many of the same principles Freemasons do. Secret signs, symbols, brotherly love, care and relief for each other, always met on the level, and a fraternity

dedicated to a unique lifestyle.

George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the new republic on April 30, 1789 in front of a vast multitude in the open gallery of the old City Hall in New York. The oath of office was administered by Robert R. Livingston, then Chancellor of the State of New York, and the open bible upon which the President laid his hand was the Masonic Bible borrowed for the ceremony from St. John’s Lodge in New York City.

Among the distinguished gentlemen on hand were John Adams, who had been chosen to be Vice President, and George Clinton, Governor of New York. The crimson velvet cushion upon which the Masonic Bible rested was held by Mr. Otis, Secretary of Senate. After taking the oath of office and kissing the sacred book, Washington closed his eyes and said, in true Masonic tradition, So Help Me God!” Chancellor Livingston then exclaimed, “It is done,” and then turning to the people he shouted, “Long live George Washington, the first President of the United States.” The first Presidential mansion was in New York and was provided for Washington by Congress. Among the furnishings of the first Presidential office was a fine writing desk, in what is now called the Sheraton style, which embodies simplicity of outline, carefully considered proportions and sparing use of classic motif. When the capital was relocated in Philadelphia, the desk remained in New York. Today, the original desk is enshrined in the Governor’s Room, City Hall, New York.

Brother Kenneth W. Jencks, Most Worshipful Past Grand Master, began his term as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island on May 17, 1976 and as the Grand Lodge offices moved from Dorrance Street in Providence to the Scottish Rite Cathedral on Broad Street in Cranston, among the furnishings in the Grand Master’s new office was a replica of the

legendary George Washington Desk, that had been recently purchased by the Grand Lodge in honor of the nation’s Bicentennial. The faithful reproduction, beautifully crafted in mahogany was produced by the Kittinger Company of Buffalo, New York. The company was founded in 1866, and from 1937 to 1990 it was the chief furniture reproduction maker for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Today, these vintage reproductions are highly sought after and are considered to be among the finest pieces of furniture produced in America in the 20th Century. In fact, a number of Kittinger reproductions can still be found in the White House, Washington, DC. The “George Washington Desk” remains the

centerpiece of the office of the Grand Master in East Providence Recently I received an email from Mark Tabbert Museum and Library Director of the George Washington Masonic Memorial. He had received an email from the owners of Brimfield Barn Antiques (MA) about a bronze plaque that they had recently acquired and were seeking additional information. Mark forwarded this email with images of the plaque and asked that we might investigate.

The plaque is a large 3’X3’ casting commissioned by Washington Commandery No. 4 Newport, RI as a gift to Springfield Commandery No. 6 Massachusetts, on their pilgrimage to Rhode Island in October 1888. The plaque was signed with two names, Charles Dowler (KT) and Edwin Baker (KT).

The antique dealer was looking for any information that could be provided about plaque and the names listed on it. It should be

(continued on page 13)

A Masonic Treasure Reprinted from the July/August RI Freemason

A Masonic Knights Templar Plaque By: R∴W∴Richard Lynch, Curator/Librarian

___________________________________________________________________ Rhode Island Freemason Page 11

There are many scholarships available to children and grandchildren of members of Masonic Lodges in Rhode Island. There are also scholarships available to members of the Order of Rainbow for Girls and members of the Order of DeMolay. Some of the lodges have their own scholarship programs as do some Eastern Star Chapters and other Concordant Bodies. This list is our attempt to inform as many members and their families about those scholarships that are available, their basic requirements, and contact persons.

Grand Lodge of Rhode Island

The Masonic Grand Lodge of Rhode Island administers numerous scholarship programs, including the Fletcher Fund’s Masonic Youth Foundation program. Request forms and information from Masonic Grand Lodge Charities of RI, Inc., attention: Scholarship Committee, 222 Taunton Avenue, East Providence, RI 02914 or call the Grand Lodge office at 401-435-4650. Grand Lodge also has scholarships available to non-Masonic applicants.

The forms must be 100% accurately filled out and be received in the Grand Lodge office no later than 4:00 PM on Monday, April 15, 2020. There are no exceptions.

Scottish Rite Valley of Providence Abbott Scholarship

Currently enrolled freshman, sophomore, junior or senior at an accredited college or university. A minimum grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Freshman scholarships will be distributed after an acceptable GPA is submitted, following the first semester.

A child of a Scottish Rite Mason in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.

A member of a youth organization sponsored by the Masonic fraternity in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.

A graduate of one of the 32 degree Masonic Learning Centers for Children in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.

Not available to entering freshmen.

Albert P. Ruérat Scholarship. For active DeMolay boys only

Call Maria at the Scottish Rite office, 401-461-2480 for scholarship forms. If she is not available, Tom Yeaw can help. The office is open Monday – Thursday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The forms must be submitted in duplicate and must be in the hands of Scottish Rite no later than April 1, 2020. Scottish Rite 2115 Broad Street, Cranston, RI 02905.

Scholarships offered by Eastern Star and Rainbow

Grand Chapter of Rhode Island, O.E.S. & Eastern Star Foundation of RI Inc.

1. General Education Scholarships are available to those who have a State of Rhode Island Eastern Star or Masonic relationship or to those who were or who are a member in good standing of Rainbow or DeMolay in the State of Rhode Island. Scholarships are available for sophomore, junior, senior, and post-graduate years in college.

2. Estarl Scholarships are for those preparing for leadership roles in various fields of religious service including ministers, priests, missionaries, church music directors, and church youth directors and counselors. The scholarship does not require a Masonic, Eastern Star, Rainbow, or DeMolay relationship.

3. Eastern Star Foundation of Rhode Island Inc.

4. There is a Music Scholarship Fund which is not for college attendance. It offers scholarship assistance to anyone for organ lessons, providing an applicant commits to play for her/his Chapter or Assembly.

Applications for the above three scholarships can be obtained from Mrs. Kathryn A. Newman, Grand Secretary, 65 Ethan Street, Warwick, RI 02888, 401-228-8499, knewman58@cox.net. They are also available on the Grand Chapter website at www.gcrioes.org. The deadline for all completed scholarship applications is April 30.

Adah Chapter No. 15, Applications for the following scholarships may be obtained from Mrs. Frances M. Kane, 95 Farnum Road, Warwick, RI 02888, 401-463-8367, frankane@cox.net. The deadline for all completed scholarship applications is April 30.

The Round Scholarship is for current members in good standing and those with a majority from a Rhode Island Rainbow Assembly, preference given to members of East Greenwich Assembly No 4.

The Gardiner Scholarship is for members, children and grandchildren of Adah Chapter and the former Martha Chapter.

Nestell Chapter Scholarship is for those who have an Eastern Star relationship with members of the former Nestell Chapter. The application can be obtained from Carol-Ann King 110 Biscuit City Rd. Charlestown, RI 02813.

Philia Chapter Scholarship is for a first-year college student who will graduate from Ponagansett High School. For more information or for an application, please contact Mrs. Larry Thienel, 37 Davis Road, North Scituate, RI 02857, 401-474-2190, Allison.Thienel@NEMoves.com.

East Greenwich Assembly No. Applicant must be an active member of East Greenwich Assembly No. 4 who has had 3 years perfect attendance and has earned all merit bars and a Pot of Gold. Applications can be obtained from Mrs. Barbara Parisella, Outside Trustee, 305 John Franklin Road, Hope, RI 02831, 401-487-4473, barbaralou79@gmail.com. The deadline for all completed scholarship applications in June 15.

2020 Rhode Island Masonic Scholarship Sources and Information

Page 12 March/April/May 2020 ______________________________________________________________________ Grand Assembly of Rhode Island/Rhode Island Rainbow Girls Foundation Inc.

Scholarships are available for Rainbow Girls who are members in good standing in a Rhode Island Rainbow Assembly. Applicants must first apply during senior year in high school and may apply for four consecutive years. You must have a 2.0 grade point average and be a full-time student with at least 12 credit hours per semester. Applications may be obtained from your Mother Advisor, the chairperson of the Scholarship Committee, or downloaded from the Rainbow website, www.rirainbowgirls.org.

Deadline for all completed scholarship applications is June 15.

If you do not complete the year for which the scholarship is granted, it is expected that the amount of the scholarship will be repaid to the applicable grantor fund.

St. Johns Lodge No. 1 Providence

The scholarship is for the sons, daughters, and grandchildren of living St. Johns lodge members plus one Rainbow Girl and one DeMolay Boy. Minimum GPA for acceptance: 2.75 of a scale of 4.0. Mail or email a request for an application to: Secretary, Wyman P Hallstrom, Jr., secretary1prov@gmail.com. The completed form must be postmarked no later than April 30, 2020.

Harmony Lodge No. 9

The scholarship is available to sons and daughters of members of Harmony Lodge No. 9. Contact: Robert Kempf, Secretary at bobkempf@hotmail.com

Hope Lodge No. 25

A scholarship is awarded annually to a student who is a member or a close relative to a member of Hope Lodge No. 25, A.F. & A.M. Wakefield, RI on the basis of academic achievement and financial need. Student must attend URI and fill out the appropriate university and federal financial aid forms to be considered for this award. The applications are administered by URI, not the Lodge. Income from endowment for a scholarship awarded recipient is selected by URI Enrollment Services, not the lodge. http://web.uri.edu/catalog/files/scholarships-awards.pdf

Adelphoi Lodge No. 33

This scholarship is available to sons, daughters, grandchildren of members of Adelphoi Lodge No. 33 and members of RI Rainbow or RI DeMolay. Applications are available through the secretary, Edward Kdonian at ekdonian@verizon.net

Redwood Lodge No. 35

The Redwood Scholarship is for children and grandchildren of a member of Redwood Lodge. An applicant can receive a scholarship once and for the first year of college only. The due date for applications is June 3, 2020. Applications available from the secretary, Samuel Miller, 401-523-5720, smiller64@aol.com

Grand Commandery of York Rite Masons Scholarships are for junior and senior college students only

Request an application from the Grand Recorder and Grand Secretary: yorkriteboston@gmail.com 617-426-1973. The application must be received no later than April 30, 2020.

Providence Chapter of Royal Arch Masons

This scholarship is for the children and grandchildren of living or deceased members of the Providence Chapter only, plus Rainbow Girls and DeMolay Boys. Send a request for a scholarship form to: Mazen Alsabe at malsabe@yahoo.com. An email request is preferred. The request for an application must be submitted by the student (applicant) and be received no later than March 31.

Calvary Commandery No. 13 of York Rite Masons

For the family members and descendants of Calvary Commandery members only. Contact James Ogilvie at jogilthorp@yahoo.com or 401-954-8334 for an application. Available only to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Scholarships are awarded on a first come, first granted basis. Applications may be submitted January 1 through July 31, 2020.

Robert J. Allen Medical Equipment Distribution Center

One of our obligations as Masons is to help those in need, especially a fellow brother or his family. The Medical Equipment Distribution Center does this in ways that are truly inspiring. In this troubled economy, many are without proper medical insurance or insurance of any kind. Because of sickness or unemployment, those in need of hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers, etc. would not be able to obtain these without the help of our services! Everyone we deal with is most grateful for the services we offer, free of charge to Mason or non-Mason. We also accept donations of all types of equipment, make pickups, and deliveries. We move a lot of equipment but have one great shortage, YOU!

For more information contact Brother George Donahue on the Medical Equipment Center cell phone at 401-451-0184. You can also email us at gergekat@cox.net. Is important that we know you are coming so that we can schedule pickups, deliveries and maintenance work accordingly. Your help will be greatly appreciated.

We are located at the second entrance gate at the Masonic-Shrine Youth Park at 116 Long Avenue in the Buttonwoods section of Warwick.

___________________________________________________________________ Rhode Island Freemason Page 13

(continued from Page 10, Knights Templar Plaque)

noted that Washington Commandery is no longer in existence as it merged with Godfrey de Bouillon Commandery No. 4 in New Bedford, MA in 2000. Unfortunately, the records of Washington Commandery are unknown. At the Grand Lodge Library, we have little information about the commandery. I was however able to find information on the two names engraved on the plaque.

Charles Dowler was born in Birmingham, England in 1841, and came to America in 1863 to make munitions for the Union effort during the Civil War. After the war ended, Dowler embraced the “American Dream,” deciding to abandon his profession as a gunsmith and pursue a career as an artist. He had a successful career working in numerous mediums including sculpture, woodcarving, plaster, and jewelry making. His notable public, local works include the John Sparks Monument in Bristol and the Collyer Monument in Pawtucket. Additionally, his smaller wooden carvings are highly regarded in the Folk-Art community and are sought after by collectors.

He built a home, a 1½ story home a cottage ornée, or decorated cottage, a building style popular in the 1860s and 1870s. It is an elaborately decorated Second Empire structure, with an asymmetrical T layout, detailed decoration in the dormers which pierce the fish-scale-shingled mansard roof, and a porch in the crook of the T which is supported by Corinthian columns. The house still exists today at 581 Smith Street Providence and is on the National Historic Register.

Being an accomplished artist and craftsman, it was probable that he might also be a Freemason. I checked our Grand Lodge records and soon found that Charles was indeed a brother. He was a member of What Cheer Lodge No. 21 only a short distance from his home. The lodge was located at the end of Smith street on South Main street, a short buggy or trolley ride from his home.

Charles was initiated as an Entered Apprentice on May 24, 1871, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft on April 7, 1871, raised to the degree of Master Mason on May 10, 1871, and signed the by-laws on this date and became a member of the lodge. The year 1870-71 was the year of greatest membership activity for What Cheer Lodge. They received 125 petitions for membership, rejected 63, and 62 were approved. Charles was a member of a class of 62 men! What Cheer Lodge raised all 62 to Master Mason!

We also have a record that he was member of all the York Rite bodies and was undoubtedly a Knights Templar as evidenced by his signature followed by a “KT” after his name as carved on the casting.

The other name that appears on the casting is the name Edwin Baker which is a name that was familiar to me. Edwin is a Past Master of What Cheer Lodge elected on November 30, 1868. He later served as secretary of the lodge from 1874 to 1900! He like Charles was a member or Providence Chapter and Council No.1, and, was a member of Calvary Commandery No. 13. Brother Baker also served as Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge elected on May 20,1872.

In the 1800s and early-mid 1900s Templarly was at its peak. Pilgrimages, encampments, and triennials were important events for all sir knights, and every commandery supported these events with large attendance. I am certain that when Springfield Commandery’s pilgrimage was announced, that Edwin was certain to attend. When it was made known that Washington Commandery wanted to commemorate the event with a plaque, Sir Knight Edwin would have recommended Charles Dowler, as a friend and member of his lodge as a possible artist. Dowler was already well known as an accomplished artist of the day. This is how I believe the two names came to appear on the plaque.

If any brother or Sir Knight has any additional information they can share on the plaque and its history, please contact Eric Schultz at 413-657-0542 or brimfieldbarnshop@gmail.com. Please also copy

me on this information.

Top L- R: Charles Dowler house, Folk-Art Cigar Store Carving.

Bottom L- R: Collyer Monument Casting – Pawtucket,RI, Dowler family monument, North Burial Ground, Providence, RI

Page 14 March/April/May 2020 ______________________________________________________________________

RI Freemason Deadlines

Publishing Schedule The Rhode Island Freemason is published four times based on a Masonic calendar year. Deadlines for submissions are listed below for each issue. The issues will be published as follows:

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY Deadline: November 1st

MARCH/APRIL/MAY Deadline: February 1st

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST Deadline: May 1st

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER Deadline: August 1st

From the Editor Dear Brethren,

I thank everyone who submitted reports and articles for this issue. Unfortunately, we did not have space for everyone’s submissions. Where appropriate, I have saved the material for our next issue. As a reminder please submit your material for future issues before the deadline date. Space is on a first come, first serve basis. As the deadline approaches, there is less and less space available and your material may not be published if received on or after the deadline date.

A few simple guidelines are in order for submissions;

• Please send all articles as MS Word, Word Perfect or Text documents

• Photographs or illustrations should be sent as Jpeg, Tiff or Bitmap files

• Please no PDF files, they will not be accepted.

• The deadline for each issue is firm and submissions are on a first come, first served basis, the sooner your article arrives the more likely it is to be included

• Please send files to hstrclrsch@aol.com as well as rifreemason@rimasons.org addresses.

Fraternally, Brother Richard Lynch

Editor: R∴W∴Richard F. Lynch

Associate Editors: M∴W∴Leon C. Knudsen, PGM R∴W∴Jack Anderson Millie T. Hallstrom

Editorial Advisior: R∴W∴Ronald P. Reed R∴W∴Grand Secretary

Interesting Historical Facts of Freemasonry In Rhode Island

Selected from a review of the Annual Proceedings of the Grand Lodge

7th Installment

5/21/1906 Complete list of names of all members of lodges published. More than $3,000 was collected from lodges and contributed to aid persons in need resulting from earthquake and fire in San Francisco. In 1907 about 20 percent of that amount was returned because of extreme generosity of all Grand Lodges. This was distributed to all lodges making contributions.

6/9/1908 Monument erected in pasture field at Foster commemorating the event of an open-air meeting of Hamilton Lodge No. 15, held 6/9/1834 on property of W∴Jerah Hill. The stairs to the lodge room had been removed by a perverse landlord. Entrance was obtained by means of a ladder and necessary equipment obtained and usual business transacted. (The record does not show a special dispensation obtained!)

5/15/1910 The plans for erecting a memorial building to the memory of George Washington at Alexandria, Virginia is endorsed by the Grand Lodge, Past Grand Master Arthur H. Armington, chairman of the committee appointed by the Grand Master, attended the planning meetings at Alexandria. All Grand Lodges were represented.

11/14/1910 Grand Lodge is advised that the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of USA had established a memorial and monument fund to erect a monument in memory to Henry Warren Rugg, Past Grand Master of the Grand Encampment. They invited Grand Lodge of Rhode Island and the Grand Commandery of MA/RI to appoint a member to the Board of Trustees of the Fund.

To be continued.

Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation

Publication Title: Rhode Island Freemason Publication # USPS: 366-750 Issue Frequency: Quarterly Mailing Address: 222 Taunton Ave. East Providence, RI 02914 Headquarters: 222 Taunton Ave. East Providence, RI 02914 Contact: Michael Barboza 401-435-4650 Publisher: Grand Lodge of Rhode Island Address: 222 Taunton Ave. East Providence, RI 02914 Managing Editor: Ronald P. Reed Editor: Richard Lynch

Rhode Island Freemason

Average Total Copies: 3093 Single Issue nearest filing date: 3363 Mailed outside county, paid subscriptions, exchange copies, (average): 2156 Mailed in County, paid subscriptions: 782 Free or Nominal Rate copies: 100 Total distribution average: 2938 Copies not distributed average: 55 Total sum: 3093 Latest circulation date: Sep./Oct./Nov. 2019

Steak Fry Fund Raiser Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award Presentation

Friday May 8, 2020 Club Frontenac

1143 Main Street West Warwick, RI

6:00 PM Social Hour 7:00 PM Dinner

Family and Friends Invited $27.00 per person

For Tickets Contact: Bradford L. Barco, PGM 761 Nooseneck Hill Road West Greenwich, RI 02817

BLB1134@Yahoo.Com 401-397-3226 / 401-487-4336

_____________________________________________________________________________________ Rhode Island Freemason Page 15

METRO DISTRICT RWDouglas J. Grant, DDGM

Brethren, as I write this article, Mike and I are sadly reminded that our time in the districts as a DDGM and GMC team is coming to a close. As most other DDGM’s in the past have said, “I can’t believe how quickly the time has flown by”. Mike and I are so appreciative of the kindness and thoughtfulness that the lodges have shown us over the last five years. We have so many good memories of the many times we have spent in all the lodges. And although we are sure that there will be many more visits to the lodges going forward, it has meant a lot to us to have been able to visit with you officially and unofficially.

We have been very fortunate to have been supported by all of you as we made our official visitations. As well, we enjoyed installing the masters and officers of the lodges in all of the districts. Our goal was always to support the lodges and to make our institution stronger.

Now that our time is running short, I would like to remind all the brethren in all of the districts of the importance of tending to your lodges. Many of the duties that are explained to the officers when they are installed are meant to be a guide to assist in describing how to perform the tasks associated with the office. There are many more tasks that are related to each office and many times these other small tasks can be the difference between the success of a lodge and the failure of the same. I am hoping that every officer and every brother in our great jurisdiction takes time to reflect on their contributions to their lodges. Are you doing all that you can to be sure that your lodge is strong and actively subscribing to the tenets of our institution or are you just saying the words? Are you stretching forth a helping hand to a worthy distressed brother or are you too busy with your own issues? As a lodge, are you looking after the widows of Masons that have passed on or have you forgotten that they too contributed to our success? The sustainability of your lodge is directly dependent on the contributions that you make. Today is the day that you need to step up and do something that will ensure the future of your lodge. Don’t wait until tomorrow.

We are a society of friends and brothers that subscribe to a higher set of standards. It is our individual responsibility to not only maintain and practice those standards but to be sure that we are, as a lodge or jurisdiction, constantly reminding each other by good council, the errors that we might be making that would erode the same. By doing this on a consistent basis, we will be a stronger society and better be enabled to spread the tenets of our society to our communities. As such, we will change our world into a better place for all of us.

May the blessings of heaven rest upon us and all regular Masons, may brotherly love prevail, and every moral and social virtue

cement us.

EAST BAY DISTRICT RW André H. Faria, Jr., DDGM

Congratulations to W∴Thomas Warren who assumed the East at St. John’s Lodge No. 1. It was truly special for Brandt and me to have the opportunity to install the officers of my mother lodge.

W∴Warren has assembled a great line of officers who stand ready to take the lodge into the future. A special word of thanks is also extended to W∴Douglas Siple, a 50-Year Masonic Service Medal holder who did a terrific job as Master over the past year and now gets to enjoy the fruits of his labor. On another note, the lodge was saddened to mourn the passing of one of its long-standing

members, a past master and secretary for many years, Brother David Mower. The Master and brothers of the lodge paid fitting tribute to him with a Masonic Memorial service for the family and those in attendance, which included our Most Worshipful Grand Master, Kenneth F. Poyton. St. John’s has long had a tradition of spreading its cable-tow far and wide for their brothers and Masonic

family. May W∴Mower’s family feel the consolation and comfort of brotherly love during this difficult time.

Washington Lodge, No. 3 also paid tribute to its very own W∴Robert Sinclair, a distinguished past master who sat in the East

several times. The officers led by W∴Christopher Lopez also in the presence of our Grand Master who continues to demonstrate his great care and concern for grieving family and brothers, was also present at the Masonic service held in Brother Sinclair’s honor. As a testament to this outstanding brother, the East Bay decided to host a Burns Supper in his honor as its Annual Charity Event. It was a delightful gathering which included Brother Sinclair’s widow and had great representation from the East Bay District and beyond. It has often been said, that when we remember someone, in this case our dear brother, their presence in our minds and hearts brings them to life in us at that very moment. If that is not proof that they live on in eternal life, I don’t know what is.

Brandt and I also had the distinction of installing the officers of St. Alban’s Lodge No. 6 at the beginning of this year. Congratulations

to W∴Timothy Pray and his distinguished officer line. The lodge is small in numbers, but large in commitment with the continued presence of its dedicated brothers who attend the meetings month after month. Recently refurnished, St. Alban’s lodge room is a living testimony of the tenacity of its members who recognize that the lodge is not just the building, but primarily their brotherhood. Wherever the members of St. Alban’s gather, the lodge is there! We look forward to our official visitation to the lodge, in the near future!

Congratulations are also owed to our Grand Historian and Worshipful Master of St. Paul’s Lodge, No. 14 in Middletown,

R∴W∴David C. Lavery and his line of officers for a very successful year. We were pleased to install W∴Josh Manfredo and his officers as Brother Lavery’s successor. Brother Manfredo is no stranger to the East and has diligently already planned the lodge’s year with many interesting events and programs. A special word of thanks is owed to W∴Jason Nystrom GMC for the Central District for his assistance that evening. Brandt and I look forward to our visitation to St. Paul’s Lodge.

It has certainly been a year of transition for St. Andrew’s Lodge, No. 39. As you are read this article, the lodge has now merged with Jenks Lodge No. 24. Fittingly, the lodge will be meeting at St. Andrew’s temple so an appropriate homage continues to distinguish what is now a historical lodge. The Grand Master presided over a very beautiful merger ceremony in February and

we were all privileged to be a part of that moment. R∴W∴Michael C. Northup Grand Marshal deftly and astutely maintained the good

order of the lodge as the outgoing Master of St. Andrew’s W∴Bill Gervais and the Master of Jenks Lodge, the ever ebullient

W∴Anthony Amaral joined forces in a moving tribute to both lodges. A special word of congratulations and gratitude also is

owed to R∴W∴Douglas J. Grant DDGM of the Metro District and a long-time member of St. Andrew’s who worked hard to ensure that

the lodge was prepared for its merger. R∴W∴Doug had the privilege of giving a very beautiful program during St. Andrew’s last

meeting in January. R∴W∴Doug’s father, grandfather, and son were/are also members of the lodge, four generations, and so it was fitting that he was the mouthpiece for the lodge’s final tribute. Jenks Lodge now has the good fortune of having many

(continued on page 16)

Report from the Masonic Districts

Page 16 March/April/May 2020 ______________________________________________________________________

(continued from Page 15, East Bay District)

distinguished and dedicated brothers join its ranks. Congratulations to all involved as they continue to strengthen the bonds of friendship and brotherly love.

Brandt and I also had the good fortune to be present in a very full lodge room for the installation of officers of Adelphoi Lodge No. 33.

Congratulations to W∴Bill Pennoyer for a very successful year in

the East. We also look forward to a great year with W∴Pat Paolo assuming the East with the assistance of his distinguished officer line. It was an honor to have R∴W∴Gilbert J. Fontes, Jr. join us that evening and obligate the new Master at his request. We were also happy to see such a distinguished contingent of Grand Lodge

officers led by R∴W∴Gary S. Kaufman, Deputy Grand Master accompanied by W∴Melvin E. Silverio GMC.

As the Masonic year winds down, we look forward to getting together with the brothers of the districts at the upcoming Grand Master’s visitations that we will be attending. It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to break bread and enjoy each other’s company. Who in their right mind does not want to spend time with their brothers? When you are family, getting together is of the very nature of its existence. What a blessing to be part of this wonderful fraternity.

I end by recalling a story that I recently shared in lodge. In January, the Grand Lodge ladies decided to get together for dinner. This usually takes place during a Grand Master’s visitation while the brothers are at lodge, which provides the ladies an opportunity to get together. However, on this particular night, there was no Grand Lodge meeting, so we were home for a change while the ladies were out. As such, Brandt and I decided that we would get together at his home and babysit Otto so that Mary and Beth could enjoy the evening free of concern. We also thought, why not invite

W∴Jay Nystrom who lives nearby to join us so that he could have some practice babysitting since he will soon be a first-time father! While we were at it, I suggested to brother Humberto Matos, a new Master Mason who lives close to Brandt to come by the house to practice his proficiency work. Long story short, it was a delightful evening. This new brother was able to take advantage of his brothers who had traveled the path he was undertaking, to encourage him and offer him what we felt was the many things our fraternity has to offer. If I had never become a Mason, my life would not have been enriched by the presence of these men. Moments like these make me grateful that I had the opportunity to become a Freemason and it inspires me to live the tenets of our profession to the best of my ability so that we can continue to try and make a difference in our families, our communities, the places of our usual

avocations and the world in which we live.

NORTHERN DISTRICT

R∴W∴Rick Baccus, DDGM

“When I get older losing my hair Many years from now

Will you still be sending me a valentine Birthday greetings bottle of wine

Will you still need me, will you still feed me When I’m sixty-four”

John Lennon/Paul McCartney

The Northern Masonic District has now grown a calendar year older, and yet just like the song, we will still need each other to feed the Masonic values of our Brotherhood no matter what age.

Brother Rick Lynch and I along with our ladies Kay and Patti in attendance have had the pleasure of installing the officers of Mt Moriah Lodge No. 8 on November 1, 2019. My congratulations go

out to W∴Matthew Cerullo and the officers of Mt Moriah. We also had the privilege of traveling to Morning Star Lodge No. 13 on

January 25, 2020 to install W∴Norman “Skip” Priestley and his line of officers. All of us on the installing suite wish you the greatest success in the upcoming year.

Our visitations in the District have been equally rewarding. Brother Rick and I made a visit to Friendship Lodge No 7 when we presented two 50-year Veterans Medals to Bothers David Lohr and Larry Berk. It was fantastic to see these Brothers renew old friendships in the lodge. We were also thrilled to visit Morning Star Lodge No. 13 on December 5, 2019 to present a California 50-year

Golden Veterans Award to W∴Richard Picard. But not to be outdone, I was privileged to present a 25-year certificate to

M∴W∴Douglas Connell, a true honor. These are the highlights of any District Deputy’s tour in his district.

Patti and I had the opportunity to visit a Past Master of Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 8 to present him with his 50-year Veterans’ Medal. He asked us to visit him at home for the presentation since he does not attend lodge regularly. We found out many interesting things about this brother, who was a chemical engineer working in the jewelry industry for his entire career. He worked a second job as he called it, refereeing hockey games at night. He was tremendously proud of his family. His only regret was that he lost his wife 17 years previously, the same year he was going to retire. He was never able to spend any time in retirement with her. He also missed talking to the brothers from the lodge. This brought home our Grand Master’s theme this year, take a moment to call our brothers to see how they are doing.

The year 2020 promises to hold further opportunities to feed our Masonic values. Rick and I will be visiting Mt. Moriah Lodge No 8 in February and Lafayette Lodge No. 47 in April. The district will also hold its charity event. We will finish the Masonic year with the installation of Roger Williams Lodge No. 32 in May.

As always, please feel free to contact me at rickbaccus@cox.net or at 401-413-6281 to let us know of any lodge events Rick and I should attend.

“I could be handy mending a fuse, When your lights are gone

You can knit a sweater by the fireside, Sunday mornings go for a ride

Will you still need me, will you still feed me, When I’m sixty-four”

John Lennon/Paul McCartney

CENTRAL DISTRICT RW Gilbert J. Fontes, Jr., DDGM

“It’s not because things are difficult that we dare not venture. It’s because we dare not venture that they are difficult” - Seneca

Greetings from the Central District where all brothers are welcome. Nothing ventured, nothing gained is what they say. Recently I’ve been listening to a podcast called “Philosophize This!” I highly recommend it if you are into this sort of thing. The producer goes in depth on many different philosophies and philosophers. He talks about the unique personalities of many philosophers and the differences and similarities in their philosophies. He even explains the difference between Eastern and Western philosophies and how they are different but, in many ways the same. The speaker doesn’t talk about Freemasonry in particular, but he passionately takes you down a rabbit hole into how a different thought process can change outcomes, even today. I can’t imagine these men of “thought” were not Freemasons. These men had a love of wisdom, which is the Greek meaning of philosophy. Love of wisdom, isn’t that what we are all about as Freemasons? Aren’t we looking for the knowledge that will smooth out the rough spots? Many of our

(continued on page 17)

_____________________________________________________________________ Rhode Island Freemason Page 17

(continued from Page 16, Central District)

great philosophers thought about the importance of living a virtuous life. They not only thought about it, they lived it. Isn’t this what we are seeking as Freemasons? Through living a virtuous life, we discover opportunities for a different way of looking at things. Not right or wrong, just different. We discover there are many roads to providence.

As in philosophies and philosophers you will find unique personality in the lodges of the Central District. As soon as you walk through the doors to any of these lodges you can feel an energy that may be different from, say, your mother lodge. Each lodge has its own distinct look and feel, yet it is made up of brothers with unique backgrounds, all under the auspice of the same fraternity. Some of us have settled into our mother lodges and do not do much traveling except to a district visitation or an annual communication. I encourage you to visit a Central District lodge or any lodge for that matter. Listed are the masters of the Central District lodges. Each of these men have earned the right to be called Worshipful Master, they are bringing their ideas together and creating a stronger lodge, which by osmosis creates a strong district and stronger fraternity. Thank you!

The Worshipful Masters of the Central District are:

W∴Earl (Ray) Mann- Ionic Lodge No. 28

W∴Jeffrey Appt- Manchester Lodge No. 12 W∴Robert (Bob) Fish- Daylight Lodge No. 48

W∴Patrick Connor- Harmony Lodge No. 9

Upcoming Central District Visitations: March 3, 2020 Harmony Lodge No. 9 Officer Forum April 13, 2020 Daylight Lodge No. 48 Grand Master’s Visit to his Mother Lodge May 5, 2020 Harmony Lodge No. 9

Jay and I are immensely enjoying our time in the Central District. Thank you to all of the brothers for your attention and brotherly

affection. We look forward to greeting you on the level.

SOUTHERN DISTRICT RWEric E. Grist., DDGM

At the time of this writing, John and I have completed three of the four installations for the year. We recently conducted the first semi-public installation of our career at Franklin Lodge No. 20. The event was well attended by Masons, friends, and family. It was preceded by a fantastic prime rib dinner. I am still holding steady in regard to my weight, though the brethren of the Southern District are not making it easy.

Hope Lodge No. 25 will be hosting our official visitation on March 11. Perhaps John will garner another toy tractor during the visit! On April 2 the Grand Master will make his official visitation to the Southern District with the event hosted by Mt. Vernon Lodge No. 4. In May, we will be visiting Franklin Lodge again for our official visitation and final duty in the district.

Our time in the Southern District is nearing its end. Please come

visit your brethren in the South, I guarantee a great time!

St. Johns Lodge No. 1 Providence By: W∴Timothy L. Culhane, P.M.

We had a very productive autumn and early winter in lodge. We are looking forward to an exceptional spring in 2020. At our regular communication this past November we were honored to have author David Brody speak to the lodge about his new book, “Treasure Templari.” The program was well received, and it is always a pleasure to have David speak to our lodge. We were

also honored to have our R∴W∴Gary Kaufmann Deputy Grand Master in attendance.

The December Communication found St. Johns visiting Ezekiel Bates Lodge in Attleboro, Massachusetts for our traditional joint meeting, held annually. It was a pleasure for our lodges to be together again and it is always an interesting experience to witness each other’s ritual. Thank you to Ezekiel Bates Lodge for hosting us this year and for your warm and generous hospitality.

During January’s communication the Fellow Craft Degree was conferred upon our candidates; Brothers Armando Barragan-Tovar, Allen LaMoore, and Matthew Mayers. The Middle Chamber lecture was expertly delivered by Brother John B. Paliotta. Congratulations to our new Fellow Craft and to brother Paliotta, as well as the Worshipful Master and officers for providing an excellent degree.

St. Johns was also busy outside of our communications. On Friday, December 13, the annual holiday party hosted by

W∴Mazen Alsabe and his lady, Huda, at the Alpine Country Club. It was a wonderful affair and was very well attended. On Saturday, December 23, St. Johns hosted its annual food basket event at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center. Over 100 brothers, family members, and guests were present, 74 huge food baskets were filled and distributed to families in need across the state. A special thank-you to our guests and the brothers from all of the other lodges in the jurisdiction who attended and helped, especially our brothers who prepared breakfast that morning.

At our communication for March we will be conferring the Master Mason degree upon all available candidates. The lodge will open at 5:30 PM, dinner after opening, and then the degree work to follow. Please join us if you can on Wednesday, March 18 and support our new brothers.

On April 15, St. Johns will host R∴W∴Douglas J. Grant, our DDGM for his last visitation to the districts. Lodge will open at 6:00 PM with dinner immediately after opening. After dinner the lodge will receive the DDGM. The program for the evening will be a very special guest, author and retired Scotland Yard Detective and

Chief Inspector, W∴Mike Neville. He will be speaking on “Crime & the Craft! Masonic links to famous cases of murder, treason & robbery – for good or bad.” We hope that you can join us for this special event. Our May communication is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20. The program for this communication has not

NEWS FROM AROUND THE LODGES

Newly installed Master W∴Ralph Brunson and his family are joined by R∴W∴Eric Grist, DDGM and W∴John Kent, GMC and their ladies for a group photo at the Annual Communication.

(Continued on page 18)

Page 18 March/April/May 2020 ______________________________________________________________________ yet been determined. W∴Mazen Alsabe is planning a “Swing into Spring” party on Saturday, April 18. Details will be made available once they have been finalized. Also, St. Johns is proud to host our sister lodge, Euclid Lodge from Hasbrouck Heights, NJ, sometime in the spring of 2020. The date and details are not yet available.

As always, St. Johns welcomes any brother who would like to join us for our stated communications. If you would like to dine with us, please let us know by making reservations by calling brother Bob Gervais at 401-861-1757 by the Sunday before our scheduled

meeting. We hope to have you join us.

Harmony Lodge No. 9 By: Brother Jan A. Zukowski

Ralph Marston once penned, “Rest when you’re weary, refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. Then get back to work.” Springtime, for us here in Southern New England, allows for us to witness nature return from the rest of a long winter and come back to life. With the change of seasons, we too pick up our working tools with a renewed sense of purpose and brotherhood to continue our work for the betterment of all God’s creatures. As always, we extend our hands and hearts to all our brothers in our Grand Masonic Jurisdiction and beyond, and wish you make Harmony Lodge a part of your travels this spring.

December provided many opportunities for fellowship and charity, starting with the annual wrapping of gifts and decorating of the lodge on December 5, in preparation for the annual Christmas Party. On December 7 we celebrated our annual Children’s Christmas Party, which was a lot of fun. Great job, to Senior Steward Bill Laliberte for planning a wonderful day and thanks to Chaplian Ralph Carlini for providing a reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas”

for the children. Harmony’s Holiday Luncheon with the ladies of Harmony was held on December 28 and included an entertaining performance by the Holiday Victorian Carolers.

Fidelity Chapter of RI DeMolay hosted “Cha-cha for Charity” on January 11 at the Scottish Rite. I believe I speak for everyone that the young men along with the young ladies of Rainbow Girls put on a wonderful event with the proceeds going to help Cranston High School East start their ballroom dance program. Harmony is truly proud of our Senior Deacon Jeremey Newton who helped organize this charity event and look forward to supporting his efforts growing this charity.

As you read this Harmony Lodge will have exemplified the Entered Apprentice degree on five candidates, raising them as Masons on February 1 and starting them on their Masonic journey. On February 4, Brother Kyle Gamache brewed three different craft beers in preparation for our regular communication for a special beer tasting that followed the meeting. We offer a huge thanks to Brother Kyle and to Lisa Dupre who prepared a wonderful meal for the evening that was paired with the craft beer selection. This was truly a unique event. The return of spring proves to be just as busy with work in the Craft not slowing. Harmony Lodge will be hosting the 42nd Annual Brother Henry Rossi Memorial Game Dinner at the Portuguese Club in Cranston on March 1, 2020. On Tuesday March 3,

Harmony will be welcoming R∴W∴Gilbert Fontes our DDGM to the lodge for his official visitation. Dinner will be at 6:30 PM and meeting will follow at 7:30 PM. On Saturday March 28, Harmony will exemplify the Fellow Craft degree at 11:00 AM with lunch to follow. Reservations can be made through the Harmony Lodge website or by contacting Senior Steward Bill LaLiberte.

On April 4, we will be holding our annual lodge Easter Egg hunt. The event starts at noon, rain or shine, with lunch and activities for the kids, including a petting zoo! The main event, the Easter Egg hunt in the lodge will follow lunch. This event has been a lot of fun in the past and looks to be just as much fun this year! Please contact Junior Steward Jan Zukowski at 401-837-1747 for more information and reservations. Harmony’s regular communication on Tuesday, April 7 will be anything but regular. Our evening will start with Woodridge Rainbow girls’ April Fools Dinner (Breakfast) at 6:30 PM. All donations for April’s dinner will go to help send our eight Rainbow girls from Woodridge to Maine for Grand Assembly. Please come and support them and stay for our meeting as we will have the young ladies of Woodridge Assembly perform the Rainbow Degree on a few brothers! On April 19, the Walk-In Harmony group will be at Goddard Park for the annual “RI Brain Tumor Walk.” We will be meeting at 8:30 AM and all are welcome to attend and take part. For more information please contact Brother Rob Lindberg at 401-241-3117. On April 25, we will be hosting the Grand Master’s Testimonial Dinner to be held at Twelve Acres in Smithfield at 6:30 PM. All reservations for the Grand Master’s Testimonial Dinner must be received prior to April 19.

May starts out with the Grand Master’s visitation to Harmony his mother lodge on May 5. Dinner will start at 6:30 PM with the lodge meeting starting at 7:30 PM. Reservations can be made on the lodge website or by contacting Senior Steward Bill LaLiberte at 401-499-7696. Harmony will host our Ladies of Harmony Spring

(continued on page 19)

________________________________________________________________ Rhode Island Freemason Page 19

(continued from Page18, Harmony Lodge)

Luncheon at Twin Oaks on Saturday, May 2. On Saturday, May 9 the brethren will be out visiting the sick and infirmed.

To close out the spring, we will be holding a Master Mason degree on Saturday June 6 from 2:00 – 8:00 PM with dinner to follow. Harmony will also be having their “Ancient Masonic Feast” at the Anawan Club. More information will be available soon for this event.

As always, please refer to www.harmony9.org and the monthly trestleboard for specific details, including instructions for placing reservations, and upcoming dates and events. Please continue to

support your lodge and participate as you are able.

Morning Star Lodge No. 13 By: R∴W∴Justin Molitar, P.M.

Greetings all,

On January 25, Morning Star Lodge held its annual com-munication and election of officers. I couldn't help myself from feeling both a type of emptiness and happiness.

Emptiness because we had lost so many men over the year that I was proud to be able to call my brothers. Empty because as I sat in the secretary's chair I kept gazing at the photo that we have displayed in the east of our departed Master John Schierenbeck, while thinking to myself how tragic it was that he was so happy to be installed Master, and he wasn’t even able to preside over a single meeting. But on the other hand, I felt great joy to see so many brothers at the lodge to help celebrate our annual communication, a new line of officers ready to take Morning Star into another decade, and to see W∴Priestley receive a Certificate of Appreciation from Grand Lodge for stepping up this year as

Master and doing his all to make this year just how W∴John envisioned it to be.

W∴Priestley has laid out his plans for 2020 and we look forward to a wonderful year at Morning Star full of degree work and exciting presentations. Please join us in the Great North if you can! We look

forward to seeing everyone.

Franklin Lodge No. 20

By: W∴Ray Geer, P.M.

“In the Rubbish of the Temple”

Franklin Lodge has a large Mosler safe tucked in a closet under one of its stairways and is somewhat hidden by a significant amount of rubble. Once we found the combination (another story) and were able to open the safe, we found a treasure trove of the lodge’s Masonic History. I’ve spent hours looking at the several items in the safe including minutes and ledgers from late 1857 forward and other very interesting memorabilia like

our original charter and glass plate negatives of the first fifteen Masters of Franklin Lodge. I am sure that I have touched every item and reviewed every piece of paper in the safe.

That was until a few weeks ago! I received a call from our

Secretary, W∴Dan Rzewuski who was looking for the five new

Past Master’s jewels which we purchased six to eight months ago. I had personally put them in the safe for “safe

keeping.” I told W∴Dan that they were in one of the small wooden drawers. He looked and could only find two of the five and he wasn’t sure if they were the correct ones. I told him that I would be down the

next day to look. Like W∴Dan, I only found two of the five. Had I only put two in the wooden drawer and hid the rest? Maybe a “senior moment”! So, I started

searching through several of the cubbie holes in the safe with no luck. I then pulled out the small wooden drawer to see if maybe they fell out the back but found nothing but a small paper booklet. Not just any small paper booklet but the original by-Laws of Franklin Lodge, which were adopted on February 4th, 1857. They were printed by James H. Hoyt, the first Master of Franklin Lodge.

As for the missing Past Master jewels, I’m sure they’ll show up

eventually.

Jenks Lodge No. 24 By: Brother Mark Lamastro

As the cold and dark of winter is upon us, the brothers of Jenks Lodge continue to look for light in this new Masonic year. In January we had our annual communication in which we welcomed our new Worshipful Master Anthony Amaral to the East. We thanked our outgoing Master, David Sousa for a great year, where the lodge went through many unexpected changes, most importantly the merger with Saint Andrews Lodge.

The merger with St Andrews Lodge was scheduled for Monday February 24, a ceremony that would change the history of a great lodge but at the same time it would be a joyous event that brought two lodges with so many good men together to become one strong and unified and united lodge.

Due to the pending sale of the Pawtucket Temple for a public works project, Jenks Lodge will now officially meet at St. Andrews Temple at 18 Turner Avenue in Riverside, for all our forthcoming meetings.

Upcoming Events:

Monday, April 27, 2020 Stated communication, dinner at 6:00 PM, meeting at 7:00 PM. Presentation by David Lathery. Synopsis: The development of Rhode Island is a story governed by the sea and commercial trade. The development of Freemasonry in Rhode Island was rooted in the mercantile development of the colony and continued to dominate its future throughout the long Eighteenth Century. At a special joint meeting of the Collegivm Lvminosvm research lodge and Jenks Lodge on April 27, David will focus in on the most violent split to have occurred in the first 100 years of Freemasonry that led to the first two lodges going dark before the beginning of the Revolutionary War for American independence. Rhode Island's entire economy and way of life was threatened by the changes enacted by parliament in the 1760s, and that pressure was so divisive as to tear apart the fabric of Freemasonry. This split directly affects Rhode Island Freemasonry to this day in the way it

(continued on page 20)

Page 20 March/April/May 2020 ____________________________________________________________________

(continued from Page 19, Jenks Lodge)

allowed the re-development of the Craft from its original practices to a mixture of "ancient" and "modern" styles of symbolic Freemasonry.

Monday, May 11, 2020 (Note: this is not our regular meeting night) Stated communication, dinner at 6:00 PM, meeting at 7:00 PM, presentation by brother Ryan Flynn. Synopsis: The only time in our degrees when we direct our candidates to answer a question with an answer that is not their own is when we direct them to say they desire “light”. This simple word is the key to understanding the ultimate goal of the fraternity and is seldom discussed. Together we will discuss what the concept of “light” truly means to each of us.

Monday, June 22, 2020 Stated communication, dinner at 6:00 PM, meeting at 7:00 PM. Fellow Craft degree to be conferred on our newest brothers. Reservations are required for all dinners, email:

dinner@jenkslodge.com

Daylight Lodge No. 48

By: W∴Robert Fish, Master

Spring is a time of renewal and a great time to renew our commitment to the Craft. Daylight Lodge is committed to making our meetings available to all brothers who work evenings or have transportation problems. We meet on the second Monday each month at 10:00 AM at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center. You don’t need to be a member of Daylight Lodge. All brothers are welcome. Contact us (Ghoti724@aol.com) if transportation is a

problem, we will do our best to get you to the meeting.

Collegivm Lvminosvm By: W∴Timothy Culhane, Chancellor

Greetings from the COLLEGIVM LVMINOSVM. The lodge held a stated communication on Jan 28, 2020 at the Grand Lodge. During our meeting we discussed changes to the by-laws of which three changes were voted to pass, and one change tabled for future discussion. The approved by-laws changes are pending ratification by Grand Lodge. The program of the meeting was a tour of the museum and library. Thanks to curator/librarian

R∴W∴Richard Lynch and Brother Johnny Paliotta Associate Librarian for showing and sharing the treasures and resources that we have at our disposal to satisfy our curiosities and for research. Also, a big thank you to the Candidate Forum staff for sharing the

building with us that evening, as well as M∴W∴Peter Iacobucci, PGM for closing the meeting.

The Annual Communication for the COLLEGIVM is scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at St. Albans Lodge in Bristol. We will be opening at 6:30 PM. All Master Masons are welcome.

The next communication for the COLLEGIVM will be on Wednesday, April 29 with the location and opening time to be determined. We have several different programs available for the night, but the decision on which program has not been decided yet.

One of the goals for the COLLEGIVM is to foster research in Freemasonry and to encourage brothers to develop and present academic papers and presentations. If you would like to research,

write, or present to the COLLEGIVM, or if you would like assistance with your research, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are “your” lodge of research and would like to see all brothers excel and succeed in their academic and research projects.

As always, dates, times, and details for future communications will be posted in our trestleboard, or on our website (http://www.collegivmlvminosvm.org), our Facebook page, and the Grand Lodge Calendar.

The Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Pro Vice-Chancellor, officers,

fellows and scholars of the COLLEGIVM hope that spring brings warmth into your heart and light to your mind. We hope you can

join us at one of our stated communications.

Newly installed Master of Jenks Lodge No. 24, W∴Anthony Amaral and his officers at the Annual Communication in January.

___________________________________________________________________ Rhode Island Freemason Page 21

Page 22 March/April/May 2020 _____________________________________________________________________

On October 11-20, 2020, Grand Master elect Gary Kaufman and his wife, Miriam will lead at trip to the Holy Land where we will learn about Freemasonry by experiencing its very roots. We will also have an opportunity to meet with our Israeli brethren in Lodge.

The trip is open to all Masons.

Tour Highlights include Old Jaffa and Masonic Legend of the Apron | Tel Aviv | Ayalon

Institute | Dead Sea| Masada | Sea of Galilee | Golan Heights | Magdala| Jerusalem | Western Wall | Bethlehem | Tower of David Museum and Night Spectacular show | Zedekiah's Cave (Solomon's

Quarries) | Church of the Holy Sepulcher | Winery Tour ... AND MUCH MORE!

Quote Per Person-Double Occupancy 12 – 14 full paying travelers: $2960/per person plus airfare.

Rate includes 8 days touring with English speaking guide, all accommodations, entrance fees, and most meals.

R∴W∴Gary Kaufman and Miriam will host an Informational Meeting at Grand Lodge for anyone interested in learning more

about the trip on Sunday, March 15 at 1:00 PM.

Please RSVP: GMTrip2020@gmail.com to let us know you will be attending.

Overseas Lodge No. 40 Invites You to Attend

R∴W∴Douglas J. Grant’s Official DDGM Visitation April 14, 2020

The Kilwinning Club of Boston will confer a mock Master Mason degree, complete with Scottish regalia, drums, and bagpipes. A generous selection of single malt Scotch whiskeys will be available during the collation to whet your pallets as well as some excellent cigars (for those who wish to further enhance the experience).

Mark your calendars and spread the word. You won’t want to miss this!

Meal reservations can be emailed to: overseaslodge@gmail.com

The Grand Lodge of Connecticut

Welcomes You to the 39th Annual

New England Brotherhood Night

Saturday March 14th, 2020

Hartog Auditorium Masonicare Campus 74 Cheshire Road,

Wallingford, Connecticut 06492 --------------------------------

Tours of the Masonicare facilities and open house at the Grand Lodge offices

from 1:00 to 3:00 PM ----------------------------------------

Social Hour at 3:00 PM with Hors D’ouevres and Cash Bar

Buffet dinner at 4:00 PM featuring: Mixed Greens / Dinner Rolls

Roasted Sirloin Steak Roasted Salmon

Lemon Caper Chicken Brown Rice Pilaf / Roasted Potatoes

Seasonal Mixed Vegetables Assorted Desserts

-----------------------------------------

Speaker courtesy of the Grand Lodge of Vermont -------------------------------------------

Reservations are $45.00 per person. All Masons invited.

Suggested attire – business suit

REGISTRATION

www.eventbrite.com/e/new-england-brotherhood-night-dinner-tickets-87242906883

The Grand Lodge of Connecticut in partnership with

The Grand Lodge of Rhode Island

M∴W∴Melvin Johnson Grand Master of Connecticut

Invites you to the 2020 Grand Historians’ Symposium

March 21, 2020

Featuring Dr. Margaret C. Jacob, PHD Renowned Enlightenment Scholar

Distinguished Professor Emeritus, UCLA

Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library 33 Marrett Road

Lexington, MA 02421

$35.00 per person includes luncheon Registration online at:

www.eventbrite.com/e/new-england-conference-of-grand-historians-2020-tickets-

92309505215

___________________________________________________________________ Rhode Island Freemason Page 23

Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite

VALLEY OF PROVIDENCE

Need a Lodge Program?

Our Scottish Rite Lodge Ambassadors will be happy to present to your membership and more especially for your non-Scottish Rite members a

PowerPoint Presentation entitled:

“Introduction to Scottish Rite Freemasonry”

Scottish Rite Freemasonry is a way for you to

continue to expand your understanding of Masonic

principles and teachings. As you progress through

the degrees, you will find an untold wealth of

knowledge. You will more deeply explore questions

raised in the blue lodge degrees. 32° Freemasonry

is often considered a “graduate course” in Masonic

teachings. Our degrees supplement and reinforce

the blue lodge in every way. 32° Scottish Rite

Freemasonry is for those who wish to better

themselves and the world through deeper

engagement with the philosophy, values, and

teachings that have supported Freemasonry for

more than 200 years.

If you are interested to host this special

presentation and explore how Scottish Rite can

benefit your Masonic journey, then give us a call.

Contact: IllPeter Iacobucci 33°

Cell: 401-413-4821

Email: ike3317@gmail.com

or the Scottish Rite Office

401-461-2480

voprov@scottishrite.necoxmail.com

to reserve a date.

18-Holes w/ Cart

──── 12:30 PM at

Beautiful Foster Country Club

──── Scramble Format

and Shotgun Start

──── Prizes for 1st, 2nd

and 3rd! ────

Steak & Beer Following the

Event!

Raffles

June 6, 2020

Ionic Lodge Golf Tournament

Foster Country Club 18 Holes w/Cart

Tee off at 12:30 PM $100 Donation

Scramble format, shotgun start,

prizes for 1st 2nd & 3rd finishes! Closest to

the pin and longest drive for men and women.

Steaks and Beer back at Ionic Lodge and

Raffle Prizes!

Foster Country Club 67 Johnson Rd. Foster, RI 02825

Reservations:

Charlie Wilkinson

401-397-6071 ellch@cox.net

Page 24 March/April/May 2020 ______________________________________________________________________

Grand Lodge of Rhode Island

222 Taunton Avenue East Providence, RI 02914-4556

Telephone: 401-435-4650 Fax: 401-435-4423

Email: grandlodge@rimasons.org rifreemason@rimasons.org Web Site: www.rimasons.org

Normal hours of operation: Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Call of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

229th ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Brethren:

The Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons for the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations will be held in Freemasons’ Hall, 222 Taunton Avenue, East Providence, Rhode Island

Monday, May 18, 2020

For the transaction of such business as shall regularly come before it and the installation of Grand Lodge officers for the ensuing Masonic year. Grand Lodge will open promptly at 9:00 o’clock A.M. Masters and Wardens, or their proxies, are required to attend in business suits and to wear their official jewels.

Attest: Signed:

Ronald P. Reed Kenneth F. Poyton Ronald P. Reed Kenneth F. Poyton Grand Secretary Grand Master

Masters and Wardens of Subordinate Lodges only are entitled to send proxies who must be members of the same Lodge.