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Randall E. Briscoe Workshop | Page 4

Tranquility for All Mankind | Page 10

Don’t Miss the Boat! | Page 17

FREEMASONOfficial Publication of The Grand Lodge of Texas

Fall 2019

2 The Grand Lodge of Texas

CONTENTS FALL 2019

GRAND LODGE3 Family Day 2019

5 GoodSearch and GoodShop

6 Celebrating Freemasonry in Texas

16 Across the State

17 Don’t Miss the Boat!

20 Community Builder Award

EDUCATION AND COMMITMENT4 Randall E. Briscoe Workshop

8 Master Mason’s Degree Aboard the USS Lexington

9 Scottish Rite Hospital

19 Texas Lodge of Research

22 Masonic Widows

The Texas Freemason Magazine is an official publication of the Grand Lodge of Texas A. F. & A. M. It is published four times a year for the members of Texas Lodges and subscribers. Spring and winter issues are available in print. Summer and fall issues are available in PDF format at https://grandlodgeoftexas.org. Opinions expressed by the Editors and contributing writers do not necessarily reflect official positions of the Grand Lodge of Texas Copyright 2019, by the Trustees of the Grand Lodge of Texas. All rights reserved.

Publisher The Trustees of The Grand Lodge of Texas

Contributing Writers Stan Madden (Community Builder) and Jeff Haven (Across the State: Knox-Corinthian Golf Tournament

Editors Ken Curry, Grand Senior Warden. Assisted by the Grand Lodge Committee on Masonic Education and Service

Associate Editors Bruce Hammond and Larry FitzPatrick

The Texas Freemason Magazine encourages submission of articles and photographs of general interest to Masons in Texas, reserving the right to edit and use the articles and pictures as needs and policies dictate.

News and articles from around the state will continue to be published in a web-based format on the Grand Lodge of Texas website The Grand Lodge website is accessible at http://www.grandlodgeoftexas.org

Please continue to send your articles and Lodge events and news to the Editors of The Texas Freemason Magazine.

The preferred method of submission is via email with an attached Microsoft Word document. Pictures should be separately submitted in JPEG format to TexasFreemason@grandsecretaryoftx.org. If you do not have email, submissions may be sent to the Grand Lodge of Texas, Attn.: The Editor of The Texas Freemason Magazine, PO Box 446, Waco, Texas 76703. All materials become property of the magazine and cannot be returned.

Subscriptions $12.50 per year U.S. and Canada, $31.25 for three years; $20.00 per year in foreign countries, $50.00 for three years

Permission to Reprint Permission to reprint original articles appearing in The Texas Mason Magazine is granted to all recognized Masonic publications, provided that credit is given to the author and attribution to The Texas Freemason Magazine.

Archives https://grandlodgeoftexas.org/texas-mason-magazine-archives/

Tranquility for All MankindTwo great anniversaries for Freemasons. Page 8

FEATURE10 Tranquility for All Mankind

IN EVERY ISSUE14 The Profound Pontifications of Brother John Deacon

15 A Look Back

18 Grand Lodge Committee

23 Merchandise Order Form

ON THE COVER Officers of Orient Lodge No. 905 presented MWGM Terry Stogner with special items representing his life interests during their installation and awards banquet.

NAME BADGES NOW AVAILABLEName badges are now being offered by the Grand Lodge of Texas forall Texas Masons. The badges are designed to slip easily onto the breast pocket of a suit or shirt, and are available in two different styles - one formembers and one for Past Masters.The price for each badge is $26.50, including tax and shipping.

NAME BADGE ORDER FORMPlease print legibly

Name to be printed on badge

Lodge name & number

Ship-to name

Address

City State Zip code

Phone number (with area code)

Past MasterCheck one: Square & Compasses

If ordering by mail, send completed order form and check to:Eternity Creations, 301 Gilmer St. Suite C, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482You may also order badges online at www.eternitycreations.com.

4 5The Grand Lodge of Texas Texas Freemason | Fall 20194 5The Grand Lodge of Texas Texas Freemason | Fall 2019

EDUCATION AND COMMITMENT

It only takes a few minutes to configure these services and start raising money for the Grand Lodge Temple building and maintenance fund and the Library and Museum.

Set up GoodSearch and GoodShop• Register for the service by going to

www.goodsearch.com/register. You can sign in using Facebook or by entering your email.

• Once you are registered and signed in, scroll all the way to the bottom and choose a “cause” from the center column.

• Enter “Masonic Grand Lodge Library and Museum of Texas” and choose us from the list that comes up.

• Select “adopt this cause” and you’re good to go! You can then select GoodSearch from the top right in the tool bar, which allows you to open the search engine that you can use to earn 1 cent per search. Or you can go to Goodshop, which has a long list

of retailers who will donate a percentage of your purchase to the Library and Museum. When you are ready to shop, simply go to www.goodshop.com and search for preferred retailer.

Using GoodSearch and GoodShop It is highly recommended that you set your home page and default search engines to GoodSearch so you don’t miss an opportunities to help out and save you the effort of having to type in the GoodSearch.com every time.

Or, Google will save your information and it does not take long to bring GoodSearch up to allow you to do your search through GoodSearch to earn the free, if you don’t wish to set GoodSearch as your main search engine.

GoodShop has a long list retailers who will donate a percentage of your purchase to the Library and Museum. When you are ready to shop, simply go to www.goodshop.com and search for a preferred retailer.

GoodSearch and GoodShop are two ways to support the Grand Lodge Library

and Museum that won’t cost you a penny! Goodsearch donates a penny every time

you search the web. GoodShop can connect you with hundreds of retailers who

make a generous donation of a percentage of your purchase to your chosen cause,

while also offering you coupons and discount codes.

NAME BADGES NOW AVAILABLE!Name badges are now being offered by the Grand Lodge of Texas for

all Texas Masons. The badges are designed to slip easily onto the breast

pocket of a suit or shirt, and are available in different styles: one for members

and one for Past Masters. The price for each badge is $26.50, including tax

and shipping. Order badges online at www.eternitycreations.com or by

completing the order form to the right.

Name to be printed on badge

Lodge Name and Number

Send completed order form and check to:

Eternity Creations, 301 Gilmer St., Suite C, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482.

Ship To Name Phone Number (including area code)

Address

City State Zip Code

Check One: Square & Compasses Past Master

Randall E. Briscoe WorkshopFALL 2019

With the assistance of your District Service Team, the Committee on Masonic Education and Service is

pleased to offer the Randall E. Briscoe Fall Workshop Program designed to assist Lodge Officers in the

day-to-day operation of their Lodges. 2019 marks the ninth consecutive year that our committee has

brought the revived Briscoe Workshop Program to Lodge Officers and members. The program is an

adaptation of the format used by the Committee during the era of the 1960s when its effect upon

Lodge leadership was evinced by well-informed and capable leadership in Texas Lodges. Based upon

the results of the program since 2011, we believe the Masons of Texas are supportive of the theory that

well informed and prepared leadership of our Lodges has a definite impact upon the quality of Masonry

in our Grand Jurisdiction.

The workshop program focuses on Grand Lodge Law, as well as how to deal with difficult and

unexpected situations which may occur during the course of one’s tenure as an officer of his Lodge.

It is the difficult and unexpected situations that challenge leadership in any organization. Many leaders

are “blindsided” by such occurrences. The likelihood is that most Wardens of our Lodges will eventually

progress to the East, and that progression “through the chairs” will doubtless lead to several

opportunities to deal with tough situations requiring their prompt attention and careful consideration.

An additional purpose of the Briscoe Workshop series is to compliment the weekend Officer Leadership

Training Programs (OLT), which have proven very popular among Lodges throughout Texas. This program

formerly known as the “Warden’s Retreat” has evolved considerably since its introduction to Texas in

1995 by Past Grand Master R.W. David Dibrell with the support of his wife Marlene. A minimum of five

OLT programs is now offered across the state beginning the first week of August and concluding in

September somewhere in West Texas. While the Briscoe Workshop series primarily concentrates on

Grand Lodge Law and dealing with difficult situations while presiding in the East, the Officer Leadership

Training Program focuses on Lodge administration and leadership skills, and even offers a class for the

attendees’ wives. Together these programs seek to prepare officers to effectively manage and guide

their Lodges toward a bright and prosperous future.

Although written with the Lodge officers in mind, the Briscoe Workshops are open to all Master Masons

and will be offered statewide beginning in September. Contact your D.D.G.M. or D.I. for more information

about a workshop near you.

6 7The Grand Lodge of Texas Texas Freemason | Fall 2019 7Texas Freemason | Fall 2019

Led by Grand Master Terry Stogner, the Grand Lodge of Texas enjoyed a productive 2019. Below are highlights from this year so far.

Blue Envelope Appeal

MWGM Terry Stogner issued a Blue Envelope Appeal early this year asking Texas Masons to contribute to the Texas Masonic Charities Foundation and their response has been incredible with over $90,000 received midway through the year.

These funds will be used to support the TMCF Matching Scholarship grants to Texas Lodges. Since the inception of the program in 2009, a total of almost $5,000,000.00 has been distributed to lodges for their scholarship programs. These TMCF funds were added to lodge funds and have resulted in over $10,000,000.00 in scholarships to an estimated 17,000 Texas students.

These scholarships are often presented at graduation ceremonies or award ceremonies before parents, teachers, administrators and community leaders. These presentations are the largest single exposure of Masonry to the general public.

The Grand Master’s Blue Envelope Appeal will enable TMCF to continue to support lodges with matching funds for scholarships. During the spring of 2019, a total of 579 lodges submitted scholarship applications representing a total of 1,804 individual scholarships.

The Blue Envelope Appeal is an optional fund raising event in which some, but not all Grand Masters participate. Grand Master Stogner chose to conduct the appeal in support of TMCF and has indicated plans to conduct a second appeal later in the year. That appeal will include the special announcement of an extremely generous challenge grant gift to TMCF. Watch for details in the fall 2019 letter.

Homecoming Banquet

A large crowd attended the Grand Master’s Homecoming Banquet April 27, in Abilene at the Abilene Civic Center. A conference was held that morning and then that evening, attendees gathered for the banquet. Special music was provided for the social hour and during dinner by the Michael Cotè Band. A delicious BBQ dinner was catered by Hard 8 in Stephenville.

MWGM Terry Stogner chose that venue to present Grand Master’s Medallions to Roy and Judy Parsons, Don and Barbara Reynolds, Loy Marler, Steve Pepper and J. W. Irick. During a special presentation, DDGM Craig Enderli presented the Grand Master with a fully functioning replica cannon. He also displayed a second identical cannon that he had chosen to keep for himself. The cannons were named after the wives of the GM and DDGM, Jackie and Elizabeth. Following the banquet, the cannons were taken to the Civic Center parking lot and fired. An off duty Abilene PD officer was on hand and had notified dispatch to be on standby for some phone calls which he was sure were about to be received. The cannons were indeed very loud.

Another special presentation came from Grand Orator Brad Kohanke who presented GM Stogner with a bologna, onion and mustard sandwich. He gave little explanation but did indicate that if you needed details about the significance, details were available from almost anyone who had attended any of the Grand Master’s Conferences.

Highlight of the banquet was the special drawing and auction to benefit the Texas Masonic Charities Foundation. Special prizes had been donated and tickets were sold for a drawing to select from available prizes. Several special

prizes were auctioned by TMCF board president Steve Pepper. A Total of just over $9,000 was raised for TMCF during the event.

Presentation

Officers of Orient Lodge No. 905 presented MWGM Terry Stogner with special items representing his life interests during their installation and awards banquet.

Items represented included an airplane, pumpjack with GM Medallions and replicas of old Standard Derricks with GM Coins. Shown are (left to right) DDGM and Orient Sec. Greg Oliver; MWGM Stogner, Grand Chaplain and Orient Treasurer Steve Pepper; and Orient WM Jim Kirklin.

905 AwardsMWGM Terry W. Stogner (far left) presented 50 and 60 year service awards to six members of Orient Lodge No. 905 recently. He was assisted by Grand Lodge officer and family members and friends of the recipients. GLoT Officers assisting were (l to r) Grand Marshall J. W. Irick, Grand Senior Deacon Mickey Sargent and Grand Chaplain Steve Pepper. Receiving awards were: (l to r) Joseph E. “Skip” Lane, 50 years; Jessie Rodney Miller, 50 years; Bobby Eugene Jenkins, 50 years; Tommy Abe Watson, 60 years; Billy David Kittley Jr., 50 years; and Billy David Kittley Sr., 50 years.

905 OfficersMWGM Terry W. Stogner and Grand Marshall J. W. Irick installed Orient Lodge No. 905 officers in Knox City. Officers installed were: (l to r) Tiler Charles Pack, Senior Deacon Trey Singleton, Secretary Greg Oliver, Treasurer Steve Pepper, Junior Warden James Kirklin and Worshipful Master Dwayne Bearden.

Craig CanonsDDGM Craig Enderli, is shown with the cannons which he presented to GM Stogner at the Grand Master’s Homecoming banquet in Abilene on April 27. The fully functioning replicas were also fired in the parking lot of the Abilene Civic Center following the banquet.

Letz 50 YearIn a special ceremony MWGM Terry W. Stogner presented Mrs. Roy Letz with a 50 year membership certificate and

pin on behalf of the GLoT. Originally the plan was for Bro. Letz to receive the

award during the installation and award banquet of Orient Lodge No. 905, but Bro. Letz laid down his working tools

shortly before the banquet. The Grand Master invited his family to attend the

ceremony and presented the certificate and pin to his widow and daughters in

a very moving ceremony.

Other Notable Moments

GRAND LODGE

Celebrating Freemasonry in Texas

Masonic Infl uence is Refl ected in Our Rich History and Bright Future

BEHIND EVERY MISSION-DRIVEN ORGANIZATION, THERE IS A STORY.Ours began nearly 100 years ago when a group of Texas Masons came together to ensure that children with polio would receive proper medical care – regardless of the family’s ability to pay. Thus, in 1921, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, as it is known today, was founded in Dallas, Texas.

The Masonic influence in the hospital’s origin continues to play a key role in our story. It is reflected in our core values, which are grounded in integrity, respect and accountability. These values serve as our moral code and unite us in our mission of giving children back their childhood. To that end, we are committed to research advancements, education and excellence in all aspects of pediatric orthopedic patient care.

Because the minute a child walks through our doors, we become a part of their story. We have celebrated many page-turning moments with these children, from teaching a child with a hand difference to tie their shoes to helping a baby treated for

clubfoot take their first steps. Last fall, we took our first steps

into a new chapter of growth for the hospital. We opened our first-ever constructed satellite facility in the hospital’s history – Scottish Rite for Children Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center in Frisco. Once again, Masons were there. They came from throughout the state to witness and perform the ceremonial cornerstone leveling of the newly constructed building.

This new facility creates another access point to medical care that allows us to extend our reach and care for more children. Just as it was nearly a century ago, we could not achieve any of this without the ongoing support of the Masonic community. Whether through a lodge or as an individual, Masons’ ongoing commitment to the hospital touches thousands of children’s lives, across Texas and around the world. For every toy collected, dollar donated and referral received, we are tremendously grateful.

Particularly important is the Grand Lodge’s Gift of Life Blood Drive. This statewide Masonic effort saves the hospital nearly $250,000 in blood costs annually. The program also serves as a reminder to our hospital and the patients we serve that Masons are always with us, they are part of our story — as they have been since the beginning.

If you would like to learn more about the hospital, ways to refer a patient, to donate or become a volunteer, please contact Brother Burrel Poston in the hospital’s Development department at 214-559-7622 or Burrel.Poston@tsrh.org, or visit our website at scottishritehospital.org.

Current and past Grand Lodge officers, including then Grand Master Tommy Chapman and seven Past Grand Masters, gather at Scottish Rite for Children for the Cornerstone Leveling Ceremony.

Patient Madi, age 10, of Frisco, visits our new campus.

The new Scottish Rite for Children Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center in Frisco

8 9The Grand Lodge of Texas Texas Freemason | Fall 2019

EDUCATION AND COMMITMENT

Master Mason’s Degree Aboard the Historic U.S.S. LexingtonYou are invited to witness the Third Degree in Masonry aboard the U.S.S. Lexington, also known as “The Blue Ghost.” This degree is held in conjunction with one of the last Grand Lodge Officer Leadership Training Programs of the year.

Come to Corpus Christi to celebrate the 27th anniversary of this floating museum and see some of the best Blue Lodge Ritualists in Texas confer the Master Mason’s Degree.

FREE parking is available in the U.S.S. Lexington parking lot.

FREE metered street parking after 6:00pm.

Degree will be held in the air-conditioned Joe Jessel 3D MEGA Theater. The theater contains stadium seating for 193 people including four wheelchair spaces.

Please bring your current dues card. You are welcome to wear your lodge or personal apron. Aprons will also be provided.

For more information, call Mike King at (361) 696-1585 or kingmedia2014@gmail.com For more information about the U.S.S. Lexington

Please visit the website at http://usslexington.com

WhenSeptember 7, 2019

8:00 pm: Lodge opens onboard

8:25 pm: Degree begins

WhereThe U.S.S. Lexington rests in Corpus Christi Bay, just across the ship channel from Downtown Corpus.

Your HostOso Naval Lodge No. 1282 – Corpus Christi, Texas

10 11The Grand Lodge of Texas Texas Freemason | Fall 2019

On July 20th of this year, our nation celebrated the 50th anniversary of man landing on the moon at Tranquility Base. The Grand Lodge of Texas celebrated this milestone with the rest of the country,

but also celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the formation of Tranquility Lodge No. 2000.

On the 50th anniversary of the lunar landing, Tranquility Lodge was hosted by Waco Lodge No. 92. Waco Lodge provided a special program celebrating the accomplishments of Tranquility Lodge, and Charles Murchison was installed as Worshipful Master.

There was also a significant changing of the guard. As with any lodge, there are those constants that provide stability and direction. For the first time in so many years that no one really knows, Brother Charles Cockrell will not be the Secretary. Although this discussion might seem strangely placed here, no discussion of the Lodge is complete without mentioning Brother Cockrell or that of Brother Marion Devore. These two men have worked long and hard for the Lodge, and have been equally important to its longevity as anyone. We appreciate them and their efforts and wish them well. Fortunately, they are not going far; they will continue to provide support and information to everyone transitioning into a new role for at least the next several months.

50 years ago, astronaut and Brother, Edwin E. “Buzz” Aldrin stepped on the moon and claimed it for the Grand Lodge of Texas. The moon landing led to the creation of Tranquility Lodge No. 2000 in 1999.

The story begins when Grand Master J. Guy Smith deputized Brother Aldrin in May 1969 “to claim Masonic Territorial Jurisdiction for the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Texas, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, on the Moon.” This document is part of the Grand Lodge archives and carries Aldrin’s signature as well. He was then a member of Clear Lake Lodge No. 1417, in Seabrook, Texas.

Then, in the late 1990s, a Waco dentist and Past Grand Master, Duncan Howard, approached Mike Gower (PGM 1999) with the idea of creating a special Masonic lodge to honor the 1969 moon landing, to be named Tranquility Lodge No. 2000. It was chartered in 1999, with Grand Master Gower as its first Worshipful Master. Meeting quarterly and accepting Masons worldwide whose Grand Jurisdictions are in fraternal accord with the Grand Lodge of Texas, it has about 1,200 members. It confers no degrees, can move to various sites within the state at the direction of the Worshipful Master, and holds some out-of-state meetings with dispensations from the Grand Lodge of Texas and the hosting state. Thus far, Tranquility Lodge has met in Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Alabama. There are plans for more out of state meetings in the very near future.

As with all lodges, Tranquility Lodge recognizes that Masonry is noted for its connection with enduring moral and ethical principles, tying Masons to faith, family, and community. But there are other dimensions as well.

In addition to multi-state meetings and the unique format of traveling about Texas, the Lodge is also very active nationally in supporting science, education, educators, and future scientists. In recent years Tranquility Lodge has supported educational programs for children, young adults, and teachers. This is a natural fit for the Lodge.

Tranquility Lodge participates in the annual Conrad Challenge for high school students, held at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Conrad Foundation, led by Nancy Conrad, widow of astronaut Pete Conrad, brings students from around the world to compete for recognition of their ideas to address global problems in areas such as health, cybersecurity, energy, and the environment. The Lodge supplies a travel scholarship for the Teacher of the Year who is selected by Nancy Conrad. The Lodge presents along with other sponsors during the awards dinner at the Space Center. This year the competition started with well over two thousand students from fifteen countries, and ended up with five teams each winning in their individual areas. The monetary awards to the teams are just the beginning for them. The program is one of a kind and provides ongoing support to the schools, teachers, and winning teams. Some ideas are already in use in the “real world” and more than one company has been formed to bring concepts to market.

FEATURE

By Phil Morehead

Contributors: PGM Mike Gower and Bruce Hammond

TRANQUILITY FOR ALL MANKIND

50YEARS

12 13The Grand Lodge of Texas Texas Freemason | Fall 2019

50 years ago, astronaut and Brother, Edwin E. “Buzz” Aldrin stepped on the moon and claimed it for the Grand Lodge of Texas.

The Lodge also supports the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation and its mission of improving graduate-level science and engineering in the U.S. That group selects top undergraduates from universities such as UT, MIT, and Harvey Mudd, and pays for their full graduate education. At least one female graduate student supported by the Foundation has since become a U.S. astronaut. The Lodge is in a multi-year agreement to supply funding. It has been one of the Lodge’s largest cash donation efforts on an annual basis.

Tranquility Lodge along with the affiliated foundation provides support for teachers attending STEM educator training at the Space Center Houston. The Lodge has funded this activity for several years and is open to educators nationwide. The teachers are selected, attend the program in Houston, and then are better equipped to return and use the training to enhance their programs in their local communities. Several teachers have applied and attended more than once claiming the experience was very beneficial to their work.

The Lodge is also researching opportunities to support elementary-level science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs in Texas. Educators have said that more financial support is needed at that level compared with high school, which traditionally receives the largest share of school funding.

Tranquility Lodge is a lodge “for all mankind,” inspired by the views of our world from space and the notion that Masons worldwide can belong to a lodge that unites them in the Brotherly Love of Masons for the benefit of all. The current efforts by the Lodge to support positive and innovative approaches to scientific and technical education are an important part of its mission. What is needed, is for more Masons to join Tranquility Lodge to support its goal to work around the world for the benefit of all Mankind. Tranquility Lodge, “Brotherly Love on an interplanetary scale”.JULY 20, 1969 | NEIL ARMSTRONG AND BUZZ ALDRIN ON THE MOON

FEATURE (CONTINUED)

14 15The Grand Lodge of Texas Texas Freemason | Fall 2019

The Profound Pontifications of Brother John Deacon

Some Real Masonic ReflectionBy James C. “Chris” Williams IV

You know, I can’t say that I would do anything for a free meal but when John called me and told me he was going to buy me lunch I just couldn’t say no. Even when he told me I had to meet him a ways south of town. The thought that he was scamming me crossed my mind but he usually finds some way to stick me with the tab anyway. He said he had a taste for some Italian food and there was a place he had eaten before called Gabriella’s that he really liked and if I wanted a free lunch I had better get on my horse and meet him. Well I haven’t ever named my truck or any of my vehicles like he named his (except for a couple of names I called it when it wouldn’t start) so I will just say I jumped in my truck and headed south hoping to get there before all the food was gone.

I arrived just after he did and found him sitting against one wall of the dining room with a gloomy look on his face just staring off into space. I slid into the chair across from him and asked how he was doing. He looked over at me and shook his head slowly and said in a kinda sad voice, “I’m ok Brother… just a little melancholy. I just got back from the Valley and the wind was blowing like the dickens. The dust was terrible and I have been coughing and hacking for three days. I don’t feel good and I am in a bad mood.” “I am sorry John,” I replied. “You do look bad and sound terrible. So why did you want to meet for lunch? When I feel bad I don’t want to be around anyone.”

“I don’t really know,” he said slowly with a little smile. “Except that I didn’t want to eat alone, and I know that the newsletter is getting close to needing to get done.” He went silent all of a sudden looking at the menu. I saw him look up across the room a couple of times and figured he was looking for a waiter so I flagged one down and he quickly got our drink orders and went to get that for us. Soon he was back with two iced teas and said he was ready to take our order. I went first and ordered Lasagna because I like Lasagna and because John had told me it was the best. I was informed that it came with unlimited salad and bread which was good enough for me. He then turned to John who said, “Bring me two of them there Lasagna Plates with all the fixins. I also want a bowl of that spinach/artichoke dip as an appetizer (which I knew he wasn’t going to share) and throw a medium sausage and mushroom pizza in there too.” It was obvious that they had served John before because the size of his order didn’t cause a stir at all.

When the waiter asked if there was anything else he wanted, John looked up and said, “Yes there is. Every time I look across the room there is a feller over there staring at me. I don’t even know him. Can you ask him not to stare at me?” The waiter and I looked at the same time towards the other side of the room and the only thing in John’s line of sight was the opposite wall about 40 feet away. And the wall was actually a mirror which made the whole room look much bigger. I look at the waiter and he looked at me and the pained look on his face at the realization that John was probably looking at himself was almost too much to bear and I tried hard not to laugh out loud. In John’s defense, the lighting in the room was low but the waiter and I both could see well enough. I could see the waiter struggling to keep a straight face too. I just couldn’t let it go and I asked John which guy he was talking about and he looked over and sure enough he was looking at himself in the mirror. Before I could say anything, John muttered under his breath, “That’s him right there.” Then he gave a kind of wave which of course was simultaneously returned. He then shrugged and looked up at the waiter and said, “Oh heck, he seems like a friendly enough sort. Don’t worry about telling him anything, and looked back down.” I was holding on by a thread and I looked at the waiter whose mouth was hanging open and was looking at John with total disbelief. That’s when I lost it. I laughed out loud for several minutes with John looking at me like I was crazy. The waiter had walked away shaking his head.

Visit https://grandlodgeoftexas.org/some-real- masonic-reflection/ for the rest of the story.

GOOD HUMOR

A LOOK BACK

From Texas Freemason Article, October 1919

Masonic Poet Laureate, Scholar, Traveler and Historian

Rob Morris, LL. D., Founder of Order of Eastern Star

Five miles from his home Rob Morris was no better known than the average citizen among the profane. But rulers and peasants of foreign lands greeted him as brother, loved him in life and mourned his death. And in New York on the 17th of December, 1884, four years before his death, his coronation as the poet laureate of Masonry drew thousands of men from far distant points of the compass to witness that single event.

Robert Burns, the lovable and virile poet of old Scotland, was the first Masonic poet laureate. He won the title from the writing of one Masonic poem, “Adieu, A Heart-warm, Fond Adieu,” that farewell so expressive of the camaraderie, the deep-seated, brotherly affection of the fraternity. The poem is printed in this issue. At the death of the Scotch bard, no other poet was deemed worthy to wear the laurel wreath until in the evening of his life Rob Morris, American Mason, won it by years of scholarly and loving service to the craft and by the production of many scores of unexcelled Masonic poems.

And this is the founder of the Order of the Eastern Star. Fitting it is that he should be of such fine-spun emotions. Big, generous, a man among men, yet tender, loving, sympathetic, for many years he traveled among Masons, visiting fifteen hundred different Lodges, and everywhere he held meetings in which Masons, their wives and families met together. No more fit man links women so directly with Masonry, and that links women so directly with Masonry, and that now numbers nearly a million members.

Born August 31, 1818, near Boston, of educated parents, both of whom were teachers, Dr. Moms naturally turned to the schoolroom, and the first ten years of his life were spent in teaching. At Oxford, Mississippi, he married Miss Charlotte Mendenhall in 1841. The last thirty years of his life were spent in La Grange, Kentucky, where he died in 1888.

His Masonry was reflected in his life. He visited and comforted the sick. He diligently sought out destitute brethren and gave them assistance. Wherever he went he looked up the graves of the departed brethren and suggested better care of them. He was always solicitous about the welfare of widows and orphans, and insisted upon secretaries keeping careful lists of them in every lodge. He deplored leanings toward skepticism, and clung steadfastly to the Bible as the great light of Masonry. His voluminous literary works reveal a fervent religious zeal.

An indefatigable worker, Dr. Morris utilized his hours, and in addition to his many other labors has produced more work for publication than but few others in history. On many subjects, scientific, religious, social, historical, both prose and poetical, his writings appeared in many newspapers and magazines of his day. But it is chiefly for his Masonic verse that he is known. His poems possess delicacy and beauty far above the ordinary. Best liked by new Masons and longest remembered by old is his masterpiece, “The Level, Plumb and

Square,” which is reproduced in this issue of Texas Freemason. In 1868 Bro. Morris traveled in the Holy Land and through Europe, supported by funds raised for that purpose by American Masons, doing historical research work. He made Masonic acquaintance with General Abdel Kader of Damascus, the Prince of Wales (now King of England}, and many other notables who showed him marked honor. At Jerusalem he opened a Lodge of instruction that later became the Royal Solomon Mother Lodge No. 293, with his name appearing as the first Master.

Bro. Morris went through all the degrees of York and Scottish Rite Masonry, the Rite of Memphis, and the encampment order of English Templary in Canada. His degrees, honorary and others, and his complimentary memberships approximated one hundred and fifty. He served as Grand Master of Kentucky and Honorary Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Canada.

It was in 1850 that Bro. Morris gave to Masonry in definite form the ritual of the Eastern Star. Not only the symbolism of the degrees, but the poetry and music, come from his vigorous and beauty-loving imagination. All members of the Masonic and Eastern Star orders will be interested in the movement now under way among the Eastern Stars of Kentucky to properly preserve the home of Rm Morris at La Grange and to erect suitable memorial to him at the place where he kept Masonic light shining for so many useful years.

16 The Grand Lodge of Texas 17Texas Freemason | Fall 201916 17The Grand Lodge of Texas Texas Freemason | Fall 2019

GRAND LODGE

Knox-Corinthian Lodge No. 851 in Dallas, Texas has held a golf tournament and raffle every year since 2005. Proceeds average over $60,000 annually which is split equally between Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (TSRHC) and the Dallas Scottish Rite Library and Museum. These two worthy beneficiaries provide a compelling cause to attract broad support.

The common theme of charity connects the two beneficiaries through the world class health care provided by TSRHC to children with orthopedic needs regardless of their ability to pay and through the wide range of community service activities provided by the Scottish Rite Masons in the Valley of Dallas. Just like many successful Lodge activities, it’s critical to find the right brothers with a passion for the “cause”.

In Knox’s case, another critical factor has been empowering those passionate and dedicated brothers and forming a committee responsible for the planning, organizing and execution of the annual Golf and Raffle fundraising event.

A key component that makes the Knox Tournament and Raffle successful is the involvement of non-masonic groups who want to be a part of giving back to their community. Equally important is ensuring the total experience is first class including: an easy registration process, a signature venue and course, prizes and gifts for all participants, great service, great food, a thoughtful program, meaningful awards and an overall festive atmosphere. Participants return each year if the experience is special. The cost to participate as a golfer, underwriter or sponsor is reasonable so that anyone with an interest can be a supporter.

Proceeds average over $60,000 annually

All Lodge members are encouraged to be a part of the golf tournament and to sell raffle tickets but it’s optional. We know fundraising is not for everyone and we support each brother’s decision about how they can best help our fraternity. The Knox members who choose to be a part of the Golf and Raffle Committee take great pride in their efforts for our Lodge and for our two beneficiaries.

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18 The Grand Lodge of Texas18 The Grand Lodge of Texas 19Texas Freemason | Fall 2019

GRAND LODGE

This is the third installment of our recurring column looking at the various Grand Lodge Committees. In this issue we look at the Committee on Fraternal Relations. There are a total of twenty Permanent Committees with varying terms for the members. The Committee on Fraternal Relations is comprised of seven members. Each newly installed Grand Master appoints one member of the Committee. However, a Grand Master may appoint additional members during his term, such as to fill unexpired terms of members who have left the committee, or when a previous Grand Master did not appoint, and that member’s term expired in a previous year.

Article 106 created the committee and reads as follows:Fraternal Relations. The Committee on Fraternal Relations shall examine and report on all matters submitted to it by the Grand Master or this Grand Lodge; on all applications from Grand Jurisdictions to establish fraternal relations; on all charges against other Grand Jurisdictions for the violation of any Masonic principles and landmarks; and shall examine, review and report on all proceedings of other Grand Jurisdic-tions with which this Grand Lodge is in fraternal relations.

In the last issue of the Texas Freemason we noted the length of the article creating the Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence. By contrast the article creating the Commit-tee on Fraternal Relations is one of the shortest. However, this committee has an enormous task. The Committee on Fraternal Relations, like many other committees, does not formally meet often during the year. The members are provided information to review and do much of their work before going to Grand Lodge. At Grand Lodge, the committee deals with the creation of a report based on all the data received throughout the year.

On the surface the process seems simple; receive a request, verify lineage of the requesting entity and decide yes or no. However, there is always some complicating factor. After spending two hours with the Committee Chair, Pete Normand, it became abundantly clear that I needed to do more research, that the world of Masonic Fraternal Rela-tions is complex, and not always as things appear.

Brother Normand stated that Texas, being one of the older Grand Lodges, rarely asks for recognition from other Grand Lodges. However, the GLOT is constantly asked to recognize other jurisdictions. Brother Normand pointed to one case where a Grand Lodge had dissenters who left,

formed a new Grand Lodge with exactly the same name, and then asked for recognition from several Grand Lodges – which was not given. Then the original Grand Lodge lost their building lease and moved. The second Grand Lodge immediately moved into that same building using the same name and became recognized by some jurisdictions, and the original Grand Lodge lost their recognition with the change. Now, working from another country and armed with the information you were just given, you need to know which to recognize and not recognize, and then prove to others what happened and get the correct Grand Lodge identified. Fraternal Relations is not always easy; and working across international borders and with different languages makes things even more difficult.

Knowledge of the details of Masonic landmarks is an essential for committee members. What makes a Grand Lodge or Lodge “Regular”; how and by who formed? What are the mechanisms by which a Grand Lodge may be formed? What is fact and what is fiction? For example, the story most of us are told is that the Grand Lodge of Texas got its charter from Louisiana, well that is fiction, not fact. The Grand Lodge of Texas was formed by a “Convention of Masons” who held a meeting in 1837. The group met on December 20th, 1837 and agreed to come back in April 1838, which they did and formed the Grand Lodge of Texas on April 16, 1838. So, just because you think it is so, does not make it so. The Committee on Fraternal Relations must sift through rumor, tall tales, and tradition, and then gets to the root of things. It is not always an easy task with so many convinced they “know” the right answer, or they got it from the “Grand So and So” or the Committee on “whatever”.

An interesting discussion about the books we rely on ensued – we are told that the two books at the Secretary’s desk or in the possession of the Senior Deacon contain all the lodges in the world with who we are in fraternal or Masonic accord. Well, this is also not accurate. The book is assembled by the Pantagraph Company in Chicago, a third-party who only compiles lists supposedly obtained from the various Grand Lodges around the world. Un-fortunately, many of these Grand Lodges do not report to anyone, do not take regularly timed action on requests, or have as detailed records as they should. Thanks to Brother Normand and many others over the years, Texas has one of the best lists, literally, in the world. The next time you pick up the book read the fine print in the Texas listing, and you

will find that your Senior Deacon is probably going to be dealing with a deficit the next time an international brother visits.

But wait, we have a new app for that, it has all the informa-tion. Well, no, it has all that was reported to it. The people behind that app are going through a huge rewrite of that app to correct numerous issues. So, if the young guns with a ton of computing power and assistance from several Grand Lodges are rewriting after just a couple of years, think about what it is like to do this for our Grand Lodge on your kitch-en table with paper and pencil or a laptop. Databases are only as good as the data and data changes constantly. Seven men are volunteering their time and work diligently to keep things as straight as possible. They have their hands full, and their biggest asset is their experience and knowledge.

The lesson, just as with Masonic teaching, is that things may not always appear as they seem in Fraternal Relations. The world’s oldest and largest fraternity has varying levels of accurate data coming from around the world, and keeping it all straight is not for the lazy, and not for the title gatherer. To do this job well takes time, dedication, and knowledge.

Now, which Grand Lodge in France is recognized? Can’t the Fraternal Relations Committee report be first? (The reason is that many times the requestor knows when our Grand Lodge meets and they time their request near that date. Since the committee must go through all the submis-sions from that year, they can only deal with these at Grand Lodge and the time this takes pushes them to near the end of the communication.) Why are we still recogniz-ing ____ Grand Lodge they took an unpopular stance on a politically charged item and I don’t understand why the Fraternal Relations fellas didn’t recommend we no longer recognize them? If you have said any of these or thought any of these, or thought “I can do that job,” perhaps we should now reconsider with knowledge of the task, what this committee undertakes on our behalf. We likely would be better off just thanking the people who are willing to do the job correctly; for theirs is not a simple process.

The next article will focus on the Committee on Civil Law, another committee with profound implications to the average Mason but whose functions are rarely understood by most.

Committee on Fraternal Relations

EDUCATION AND COMMITMENT

Texas Lodge of Research Stated Meeting

September 21, 2019JOIN US AT Lufkin Masonic Lodge No. 669, 508 N. John Redditt Dr.,Lufkin, TX 75904 (936) 634-5243

The next stated meeting of Texas Lodge of Research is scheduled for September 21, 2019, at Lufkin Lodge No. 669, 508 N. John Redditt Dr., Lufkin, TX 75094, and (936) 634-5243. The lodge will be open by 9:00 a.m. and the business meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. Lunch will be served by the brethren of Lufkin Lodge. A contribution of $12.00 for lunch is requested.

Accommodations are available at The Best Western Plus Crown Colony Inn & Suites, 3211 S. 1st Street, Lufkin, TX 75901, (936) 634-3481. A room rate of $94.00 has been arranged. Please request the “Lodge of Research” group rate by September 5th to receive this rate.

Please join us for dinner on Friday night, September 20, at 7:00 p.m., at Ralph & Kacoo’s Seafood Restaurant, 3107 S. 1st Street, (936) 634-8000, within walking distance of the Best Western. It offers a wide selection of steak and seafood. A hospitality room for TLR members and guests will be open at Best Western before and after dinner on Friday.

I am looking forward to seeing everyone in Lufkin. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely & Fraternally,Brian Dodson, WM

20 21The Grand Lodge of Texas Texas Freemason | Fall 2019

GRAND LODGE

The values held dear by Masons are generally not obvious to the public at large. Masons have been builders from operative days of our history to the last three hundred years of speculative Masonry. We choose to build and encourage others to build.

One of the primary ways Texas Masons show their appreciation for those who build and improve their communities is by presenting the Community Builder Award. By giving the Community Builder Award a lodge accomplishes several very positive objectives. One, it tells the non-masons of the local area what Masons stand for. Two, in giving the award to the right individual, the lodge makes a friend of the recipient. Three, the presenta-tion itself gives the lodge a chance to invite other members of the com-munity into the lodge and demystify Masonry for them. No matter what we say about Masonry to non- masons, their own experience with members of the Masonic fraternity makes a greater impact.

What Is the Community Builder Award?

Each lodge affiliated with the Grand Lodge of Texas can give one Community Builder Award each year to non-masons who have distinguished themselves through service to the community. For the award to be given, the membership of the lodge must vote for it by at least a simple majority. Most lodges appoint a committee to recommend an award recipient on whom a vote is then taken. Once the selection is made by the lodge, the Secretary of the lodge submits a complete order form with the appropriate fee (currently $35.00) to the Grand Secretary’s Office at the Grand Lodge of Texas. An information copy of the form is typically also sent to the District Deputy Grand Master.

Who Should Get the Award?

There is no “typical” winner of the award. The judgment of the lodge is the most important factor in who should receive the honor of the Community Builder Award. Places to look for possible worthy candidates for the award might include leaders or volunteers in service clubs, in public school systems, in religious organizations, among public office

holders, in military or patriot organizations, or in all types of voluntary work. In addition to these conventional areas, the award is also given for any number of unusual cases. Occasionally the award is given for a lifetime of being available in the community for many small but critical jobs.

Occasionally someone might be excluded from receiving the award because their background is ques-tionable, despite their contributions to the community. By selecting someone the lodge is saying that the recipient is admired by the Masons who made the selection. Also, when making their selection the lodge should be careful to choose someone who has not received the

award from them or another lodge in recent years. In a small town where there is a single lodge this may not be a problem, but in a community that has several lodges an effort must be made to determine whether an individual has been honored in recent years by another lodge.

So far in this Masonic year, 77 lodges have presented Community Builder Awards. Thus, of the 794 lodges in the Grand Lodge of Texas only 9.7 percent have given the award this year. In other words 717 lodges (over 90 percent) that were eligible to present the Community Builder Award did not choose to select anyone to honor this year. While there may be many good reasons to not bestow an award in a given year, the benefits to both the lodge and the community of giving this award are being missed far too often.

As pointed out above, there is no “typical” winner of the Community Builder Award. There are, however some areas of service from which winners are frequently selected. Leaders and followers (volunteers) are often selected from such organizations as law enforcement, education, city organizations, US Postal Service, health care, fire department, churches or synagogs, chambers of commerce and county extension agents. Sometimes people are selected who are “on their way up” and others are selected in retirement for all they have accomplished in many roles over their lives.

Of the 77 award winners thus far this year, 49 recipients were males (64%) and 25 recipients were female (32%). The remaining three award winners were organizations (4%). This year the board of a historical commission, a local restaurant organization and a local employer of citizens who needed a job were each honored for the help they provided their communities.

How Should We Honor the Award Winners?

When the award is voted on a representative of the lodge should approach the winner and inform them of their selection. Very rarely does a recipient turn down the award but it is important that the award winner cooperate in accepting the honor and be available for the presentation

Usually a date and place is selected for the presentation wherein an open meeting of the lodge can be held or another appropriate event can be used to gather both lodge members and friends and relatives of the award recipient. Sometimes, if the award is being presented to the leader of another organization, the presentation might be made at the meeting of the recipient’s organization. For exam-ple, a Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet might be an appropriate venue to bring a broad cross-section of the community together for the award presentation. If possible,

local media should also be invited. At the very least, photographs should be taken and made available to media along with a written explanation of the award. The information and photographs should also be placed on the lodge website or Facebook page, as appropriate. If possible, a good photograph should also be given to the award recipient.

Many lodges also invite the membership of other lodges to attend the presentation. All Masons in attendance should wear aprons, if possible. The award should be presented by a member of the lodge and at least one Mason should speak to the worthiness of the recipient based on their personal experience. It is important that the award winner should be made to feel truly honored by the lodge and the community. Invitations should be sent to the family and colleagues of the award winner. It is best to schedule the presentation in the late spring or the early fall to make sure it does not conflict with other events or vacation time.

Should Your Lodge Give a Community Builder Award?

In an era when nine out of ten Texas lodges do not give a Community Builder Award and the common complaints about Masonry include that membership is falling and that most people in our communities do not understand freemasonry, it is important to tell the people of our local areas who we are and what we stand for by presenting this award. Remember—the objective of the award presentation is to honor a worthy citizen and also help the community to appreciate the values for which the lodge stands. Our future depends on making good men better and on helping our communities to understand who we are.

If only another fifty lodges presented this award next year, tens of thousands of Texans would learn about Freemasonry and come to respect our values. Would that not be worth our efforts?

The Community Builder AwardBy Stan Madden

The award was given to Toby Owen of Ft. Worth for creating “The Clean Slate Program” run by the Presbyterian Night Shelter. Kirsten Ham accepted it on his behalf.

Back row: Bradley Bates, [Mason], June Bates [Board Member], Blake Jones [Mason], Steve Tippin [Mason], Teddy Martyniuk [Board Member]Elizabeth Childress [Board Member], Ray Luther [Mason], Bill Gillit [Mason]

Front row: Dr. Heath [Superintendent], Mike Corley [Mason], Windell Dempsey [Board Member], John Finnell [President, Board of Trustees], John Fort [Mason], James Jay [Mason], Mike Witte [Board Member] Mike Evans [Mason] DeAnna King [Board Member] not pictured.

For more than a century, Masonic Children & Family Services of Texas (formerly Masonic Home and School of Texas) has

provided a home, meals, activities, and many other lifetime services to the widows of Texas Master Masons. Today, these amenities are

offered in partnership with the Texas Masonic Retirement Center in Arlington, Texas.

Aging is something we will all face one day and for many, being close to family and other community ties is comforting. As “Aging in Place” programs across the country have become more popular, many seniors feel that their quality of life is better while they are in familiar surroundings and with their own belongings. In order to expand our scope of services for Masonic widows in Texas, Masonic Children & Family Services has partnered with the Alamo and Bexar Area Agencies on Aging to launch a pilot project called the Widows Assistance Program. The purpose of the program is to find ways for widows of Master Masons in the San Antonio area and nearby rural counties to age in place with dignity, security and an enhanced quality of life. This includes ensuring that the widows residing in those areas are receiving all the government and local benefits they are entitled to, and to assess any other needs that might be met in order help these special ladies maintain their independence. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and the National Institute on Aging, many seniors are in need of assistance with personal care, household chores, meals, money management, health care, and modifications to the home. The Widow’s Assistance Program has already provided Masonic widows with funding for a variety of critical needs. For some widows, grab bars have been installed to prevent falls in the shower. Transportation assistance to and from chemotherapy treatments was a godsend for another widow fighting cancer. Respite care services have helped these ladies with meal prep, personal care and housekeeping – all things they may have trouble doing for themselves. Our 2019 goal is to reach at least fifty widows in the San Antonio area in need of assistance. Our hope is to expand the program to other parts of the state in the future. It is simply the Masonic way to be there to help when and where we are needed and to make life brighter for those we serve.

For more information the program, contact Shannon Davis, Executive Director, 817-503-1503 For more information about donating to the program, contact Sandy Shelby, Development Director, 817-503-1510

MAKING LIFE BETTER FOR

MASONIC WIDOWS

TO GET STARTED IN THE WIDOWS ASSISTANCE PILOT PROGRAM, LADIES NEED TO: Be the widow of a Texas Master Mason in goodstanding at the time of his passing.

Reside in any of these Texas counties:

AtascosaBanderaBexarComalFrioGillispie Guadalupe

Karnes Kendall KerrMcMullen Medina Wilson

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23Texas Freemason | Fall 2019

CONSTITUTED APRIL 1838

TEXAS FREEMASONThe Grand Lodge of Texas 715 Columbus Ave Waco, TX 76701

BECOME A PATRONIt is said, “People who take no pride in the achievements of their ancestors will achieve nothing worthy to be remembered by their ancestors.”

The Masonic Grand Lodge Library and Museum of Texas traces its roots back to The Texas Masonic Library Association founded in 1873. The Masonic Grand Lodge Library and Museum has a mission to preserve the historic artifacts, books, and archives of Texas Masonry. It is a place which has become the center of Masonic education and fellowship for all Texas Masons.

The Library and Museum exists only through the generous contributions from Texas Masons and their families of memorabilia, books, and financial assistance. Every gift is greatly appreciated. The Library and Museum is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization and all contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the United States tax laws. The Status of a Patron is a special way to assist the Library and Museum fulfill its mission to tell the story of Masonry in Texas in perpetuity.

There are several avenues to becoming a Patron:

1. A direct gift from an individual or a Lodge.

2. A bequest given through a will.

3. A memorial tribute to an esteemed brother or loved one.

More information on becoming a Patron can be obtained from the Grand Secretary or Library Museum Staff.

The Masonic Grand Lodge Library & Museum P.O. Box 446 Waco, TX 76703254 254-753-7395 https://grandlodgeoftexas.org/library-and-museum/