Rhode Island DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019-2020 - of the Lunar Landing Freemasonry and the 50th Anniversary
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Rhode Island DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019-2020
fr eem a so n
Grand Lodge of Rhode Island Established 1791 Volume Forty-Five, Issue Three
Freemasonry and the 50th Anniversary
of the Lunar Landing
See Article
on Page 3
Page 2 December/January/February 2019-20 _________________________________________________________
Grand Master’s Message
Matching Grant Program…For those of you who are not aware
of this program, Grand Lodge Charities is giving up to $1,000 per
lodge for a charity event they host. I must say that I am a little
disappointed that we have left money on the table this past year,
which runs from November 1 to October 31. If your lodge had a
charity event and did not take advantage of this generous offer,
shame on you. Don’t fret, this program is not going away this year
and I hope that every lodge will take advantage of this between
now and October 31 of next year.
Automated External Defibrillator (AED)…Last year,
M∴W∴Carlson had hoped to have this device in every Lodge
building with an equal hope that it is never needed. I agree with
M∴W∴Carlson on this initiative, so 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.
Brother Kenneth F. Poyton • Have training on how to use it. This would make for a very
Most Worshipful Grand Master good program at your meetings. The more brothers who
know how to use is a good thing.
Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master, Most Worshipful Past
Once you can prove that you have done the three requirements,
Grand Masters, Brethren all,
Grand Lodge will then send you a check.
I can’t think of any time in my life that I have been this busy. Masonic Assistance…As you know, the Officers Forum for each
Between work, my duties as Grand Master, and the wedding of our district is on Masonic assistance. As of today, we have already had
son, I am constantly doing something. Some days the demands of two presentations by W∴Melvin Silverio along with guidance from
life can be a little hectic, however, when I leave the office and go Brothers Cate and Sholes. The purpose is to make sure the
to a Masonic event, all that seems to go away. There are so many Wardens and Secretary (at a minimum) know how it works.
events to attend as Grand Master such as Table Lodges, Annual Masonic Assistance is not something we do very often, which is
Communications, Ladies Events, interesting programs at lodge why training is so important.
meetings, and anniversary celebrations are just a few to mention.
Unfortunately, I am not able to attend every event. Much of my time is going to meetings of the various Grand Lodge
committees. Every committee from the Board of Managers, Public
The Grand Marshal and I are looking forward to our travels the Relations, Building, Investigation, and Leadership has been
next six months, as we travel to other Grand Jurisdictions, but working very hard to help manage this Grand Jurisdiction. Thank
more especially as we travel this Grand Jurisdiction, to be with our you for your continued dedication to the Craft and this Grand
brothers. Lodge. Is the word “this” or “that”? This past six months, the
Assistant Grand Lecturers under the direction of the Right
Building Repairs…I am pleased to report that contracts have
Worshipful Grand Lecturer have held two meetings to discuss
been signed to begin work on this Grand Lodge building as soon
what is going on in their respective lodges. I have been to one of
as possible. The work will be done in stages and since most of it
them and have heard nothing but enthusiastic reviews! They have
will be done outside, the weather will dictate when much of the
more meetings scheduled as their Masonic light gets brighter and
work will be done.
brighter.
Investigation Committee…The Senior Grand Warden has been I wish to congratulate R.W. Brother Kaufman on his election as the
working with his committee to review their Investigation process. I 165th Grand Master for 2020 – 2021 and to W∴Silverio as you will
attended some of their meetings and like the direction they are
(continued on page 5)
heading. Your Grand Lodge can help you with the process, but
ultimately it lies with the investigation committee along with the
brethren from their lodge to convince the perspective member that
they are the right fit.
Rhode Island FREEMASON
Wardens Workshop…Under the direction of Most Worshipful (USPS 366-750)
Iacobucci, the committee has been working very hard to come up
with a meaningful presentation. It has taken more time than I Published by the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island
thought, but it is a testimony to the brethren putting it together. 222 Taunton Avenue, East Providence, RI 02914
Published in March, June, September, and December.
Protocol & Constitution…We are in the third month of reading
sections of Grand Lodge Protocol and the Constitution, selected POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:
by me. Sometimes it can be long but that is our Constitution. You
can have a short paragraph in the Constitution, but have a number The Grand Lodge of Rhode Island
of decisions which must also be read. If you have a suggestion, 222 Taunton Avenue, East Providence, RI 02914
please let me know. Periodicals Paid in Providence, RI
________________________________________________________________ Rhode Island Freemason Page 3
New Concord, Ohio, and eventually served as a prominent United
Freemasonry and the 50th Anniversary States senator and as a presidential candidate. He also came out
of the Lunar Landing of retirement to fly on a space shuttle in 1998, in part to conduct
By: Brother Mark Dreisonstok research on spaceflight and aging; he currently holds the record
for being the oldest person ever to fly in space, being 77 years of
(Originally published in the September/October 2019 issue of the Scottish Rite age at the time of flight.
Journal Southern Jurisdiction, reprinted by permission of S. Brent Morris,
Managing Editor.)
Ill. Leroy Gordon Cooper Jr., 33 member of Carbondale Lodge
No. 92 of Carbondale, Colorado and the Orlando (Florida) Scottish
Rite, piloted the “Faith 7” spacecraft on a 22-orbit mission which
concluded Project Mercury in May of 1963. Cooper followed up his
flight in August of the same year, commanding the two-man
Gemini V mission. During Gemini V flight Brother Cooper, like
Brother Aldrin six years later, carried a Masonic flag in his personal
possessions during the mission.
Brother Virgil I. “Gus” Grissom, 32 was another Mason involved
in the American space effort. Grissom piloted the Liberty Bell 7
spacecraft on July 21, 1961 during Project Mercury and later
commanded the Gemini 3 mission. Brother Grissom came to
represent heroism and bravery of the men who served as NASA’s
early astronauts. Grissom and two fellow astronauts were
tragically killed on January 27, 1967 by a flash fire during a launch
“All must hope that someday America would penetrate the pad training session on the then-new Apollo I spacecraft, an event
deepest secrets of that mysterious orb, the moon,” wrote Jules which led to extensive redesign of the launch vehicle and its safety
Verne in his 1865 novel From Earth to the Moon. A little more than systems, upgrades for which Grissom himself had advocated prior
100 years after Verne published his science fiction adventure, to the accident. Grissom was a member of Mitchell Lodge No. 228
Americans achieved this dream with astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, and the Valley of Orlando.
Edwin E. “Buzz” Aldrin, Jr. who set foot on the moon on July 20, Lt. Col. (and Brother) Donn F. A Constituted Lodge
1969. What might not be widely known are the Masonic links to the Eisle was command module In the Moon’s
moon landing fifty years ago and the early years of the NASA pilot on Apollo 7 on October
manned space program. Sea of Tranquility
11, 1968; this was the first
Ill. Aldrin 33, the second man to step on the moon’s surface in the manned space mission of the
Apollo program. Eisle’s lodge
Apollo 11 lunar landing, was a member of Clear Lake Lodge No.
was Luther B. Turner Lodge
1417 of Seabrook, Texas, as well as a member of the Scottish Rite
bodies. Relatively unpublicized is the fact that Brother Aldrin No. 732 in Columbus, Ohio.
carried a double-headed eagle banner of the Scottish Rite, with an Ill. Walter M. “Wally” Schirra,
insert square and compasses and Grand Commander’s emblem, Jr., 33 also flew on Apollo 7,
on his space journey. Through the auspices and acting under as well as on earlier Mercury
special deputation of the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of and Gemini missions. He was
Texas, Tranquility Lodge No. 2000 was founded in the Sea of a member of Canaveral Albert Mackey writes in his Lexicon
Lodge No. 339 at Cocoa of Freemasonry that “the Lodge is
Tranquility, though “meeting in Texas until a proper lodge room is
Beach, Florida and of the a representation of the universe,
constructed on the moon.” (see sidebar) where, as the sun rules over the
Orlando Scottish Rite bodies.
day, the moon presides over the
Because of the
Like Brother Schirra, Ill. night.” Little could Mackey imagine
historic feat of in writing these lines in the 1800s
Brother Aldrin and Thomas P. Stafford, 33 also
that one day the moon “which
his fellow crew flew in the Gemini missions
presides over the night” would be
members, it would before serving as the host to a Masonic Lodge! In the first
be easy to think of commander of the lunar- lunar landing, astronaut Buzz
him as the one orbiting (but not landing) Aldrin, 33 established in the stead
Mason synonymous Apollo 8. Stafford, believing of the Texas Grand Master,
with space flight. In that color video would help Tranquility Lodge No. 2000 at the
the public understand the Sea of Tranquility on the moon. For
fact, this would be practical purposes, the Lodge has
untrue; Freemasons space effort better, also
helped develop a its annual meeting back on earth, in
were involved in the Waco, Texas! While man has not
American space miniaturized color television been on the moon since the early
program every step camera system used on 1970s, today there is more talk of
of the way that Apollo 8 through Apollo 14. moon colonization and lodge
culminated with Neil He was a member of Western meetings might become a reality.
Armstrong’s “one Star Lodge No. 138 in As the New Age Magazine wrote in
Weatherford, Oklahoma. December 1969: “When man
small step for [a] reaches new worlds, Masonry will
man, one giant leap Brother Paul J. Weitz served be there.”
for mankind.” as astronaut support crew for
Ill. John H. Glenn, Jr. 33, initially achieved fame as the third the Apollo 12 flight. He later flew in space on Skylab and the Space
American to be launched into space and the first American to orbit Shuttle. He hailed from Lawrence Lodge No. 708 in Erie,
the earth, doing so in Project Mercury’s “Friendship 7” spacecraft Pennsylvania.
(continued on page 4)
in February of 1962. Glenn hailed from Concord Lodge No. 688 in
Page 4 December/January/February 2019-20 _________________________________________________________
(continued from Page 3, Freemasonry and the Lunar Landing) Brother Kleinknecht also notes how many of the early spacecraft
had names, frequently chosen by the astronauts themselves,
ringing through and through with Masonic and American ideals:
“Freedom,” “Friendship,” and “Faith,” to name a few. Finally,
drawing upon perhaps the greatest achievement of the Apollo
program – the picture of the earth, containing all of humanity,
floating above the magnificent desolation of the lunar landscape –
our brother in 1969 reminds us of the common goals which are
shared between science, exploration, and faith; “All men can be
bound as one. In God, and only in Him, can mankind find the
unifying belief that will bind all races of all countries together.”
So mote it be!
Questions, Questions?
By: R∴W∴Charles Angell
There are very few organizations that have so many unanswered
questions as to its beginnings. Freemasonry tops them all. Yes, so
many authors and books that claim they know the answers
boggles the mind, take your pick. I have spent 56 years in the
quarries of Masonic research and education with some of the best
The “Buzz Aldrin Space Flag” hand-sewn by Inge Baum, librarian of the in the field and my answer is I have no idea. I go with concept as
Supreme Council in 1969.
we know it today, that it started in 1717 in London, England. Of
Edgar D. “Ed” Mitchell, a member of Artesia Lodge No. 28 in course, we all know that it is common knowledge that Masonry is
Artesia, New Mexico, served on the crew of Apollo XIV, landing on much older and goes back many centuries. I believe it is one of
the moon. However, his service in the moon program went beyond the oldest in existence.
this; Mitchell served as part of the Apollo 13 Missions Operation The second question I get asked quite frequently, is how come
Team, where he worked on ground-based simulations that helped when Freemasonry is outlawed and driven underground by
bring the astronauts aboard the critically damaged Apollo 13 governments and others, it only takes a short time for
spacecraft back to earth safely. He thus shared in the Presidential Freemasonry to appear? The answer, they were always there.
Medal of Freedom awarded to the team for its efforts. Brother Like exuberance of seeds from a pomegranate that spread all
Mitchell was also active in the Order of DeMolay. Later in his over, so did the Masons. When they were outlawed, they simply
career, he became a source of controversy due to his belief in the went underground until the climate changed and they were no
reality of UFOs and his work with the Institute of Noetic Sciences. longer banned. Russia and Germany are late examples of this as
Of course, not all Masons involved in America’s lunar program it only took a few months when the climate changed for
have been astronauts. Many readers of The Scottish Rite Journal Freemasonry to reappear. I venture to say there are very few
places in this world where there are no Freemasons. It is up to the
will recognize the surname of ILL. Kenneth S. Kleinknecht, 33,
individual Mason of today to draw his own conclusions of what is
long-time Sovereign Grand Commander of the Scottish Rite,
true or false.
Southern Jurisdiction. An engineer who worked on early manned
Back to the original question. The
spaceflight, Kenneth Kleinknecht, a member of Fairview Lodge
answer my brothers along with many
No. 699 in Fairview, Ohio, and the Pasadena (California) Scottish
other questions, can be found in one
Rite bodies, once penned articles on the space program for The
book that does not reinvent the wheel
New Age Magazine, as The Scottish Rite Journal was formally
but contains many authoritative
known.
answers. This book is by an author that
Brother James Edwin Webb was an Administrator at NASA from uses common sense and points out
February 14, 1961 to October 7, 1968. He was a member of what is true or false.
University Lodge No. 409 at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and “Freemasonry for Dummies,” by
Oxford Lodge No. 122 in Oxford, North Carolina. His work at NASA Brother Christopher Hodapp, hits the
is planned to be memorialized in the soon-to-be-launched James nail on the head. Brother Hodapp
Webb Space telescope, an orbiting telescope designed to replace, recently spoke at St. Johns Lodge
and see even further into space than the powerful but aging No. 1 Providence a few months
Hubble Space telescope. ago. His book should be in the hands
With so many Masons involved in the space program, it is little of every Freemason that wants to be
wonder that Masons during the 1960s followed the space effort more than just a dues paying member
with great interest. Indeed, the November 1969 issue of The New of the Craft. “Freemasonry for
Age Magazine confirms: the issue is entitled “On the Moon” and Dummies” is one of the best-
the cover features a space-suited Brother Aldrin posing next to the selling, receiving a Five-star rating
US flag on the lunar surface. This issue also contains an article by from Amazon and Barnes and
ILL. Kenneth Kleinknecht, 33 (as mentioned above, then serving Noble. An excellent way to start
as Manager for the Command and Service Modules of the Apollo your life-long journey up those winding
program) called “Freemasonry in the Space Age.” Yet even in this stairs of light and knowledge as a
moment of American technological triumph, our Masonic brother Freemason.
reminds us of the need to remember things eternal: “Freemasonry (Available for loan from the Grand Lodge
teaches eternal, everlasting truths which no amount of scientific circulating library)
development can change or alter….”
____________________________________________________________________ Rhode Island Freemason Page 5
(continued from Page 2, Grand Master’s Message) in different ways, so I did the same. Then along came a feller,
become the next Grand Marshal. You will find that many of your guess he belongs to the church, cause I heard them call him
brothers will offer to help you succeed as Grand Master, take them Deacon, he lit candles, can’t figure out why he did it, cause it was
up on their offer. Noon time on May 18 will be here before you plenty light in the room. Then the Mister told someone to tell the
know it. feller outside the lodge was opened, but he didn’t seem to care,
cause he didn’t come in anyway.
When I was Installed Grand Master, I mentioned that I believe the
lodge room is a sacred place and we are not guys in a lodge room. The boss called the feller at the desk secretary and told him to do
Now that we are halfway through my term, I have directed the some reading. This was the first time I saw a real secretary. I once
Grand Lecturer and his staff to start paying closer attention to seen a story in a magazine where a man ran away with a
make sure we are addressing each other in the proper manner. secretary, couldn’t imagine who would want to run away with that
Remember, if you can get through a meeting and get it right, I will old man and for what.
be buying pizza for your next rehearsal. The Mister got up and said the lodge was open and that he was
A couple of years ago, I had a conversation with the wife of a looking for business, but I didn’t think anybody gave him any,
member of a lodge that in my opinion is doing “very well”. We though a few of them did some talking a bit about sickness and
talked about how ladies were always well represented and very other things. After a while the Mister told the son and father that
supportive. I asked, “why was she so supportive of her husband we was to have some refreshments, then the junior once hit his
going to lodge so often”? She replied that “without a doubt, I know hammer and we stood up and he told us about getting
that if something happened to my husband or me at two o’clock in refreshments. I waited around a bit to see what we get to eat and
the morning, all it would take is one call to one brother and in a drink, but seems they plumb forgot about it all, cause I didn’t see
very short time, my house would be full of Masons to do what anybody get anything so I got up and went home. Guess I won’t
needed to be done.” I ask you this question, does every lady from go up there anymore, cause everybody’s all mixed up like myself!
your lodge feel the same way? Are you sure? Author Unknown
My Brothers, as I travel both in and out of this Grand Juresdiction, Confidence and Its Role in Strengthening
I am more convinced than ever that as Maya Angelou wrote in the
Human Family Poem, that, “we are more alike my friends, than we
Freemasonry
are unalike.” In closing, to all our brothers and your families, By: W∴Stephan H. Saraidarian, P.M.
Michael, Patty, Colleen, and I wish you a wonderful Christmas,
Hanukah and a healthy and prosperous New Year. We underestimate the value of confidence. Yet a lack of
confidence can keep you from achieving even the simplest of
Fraternally yours, goals. Be it trying to get a promotion, trying to get the attention of
a special someone, venturing out and experiencing new things, or
Kenneth F. Poyton speaking up and expressing ideas, a lack of confidence will stifle
Grand Master your personal growth. As a fraternity we often place a high value
on knowledge and understanding, but little to no value on the soft
My First Visit to the Lodge subtle skill (and it is a skill) of confidence. Today we have all the
Submitted by Brother Douglas ‘Lee’ Ashbaugh knowledge in the world at our fingertips through computers and
Manchester Lodge No. 12 smartphones, but without the confidence to employ it, that
knowledge is for naught. We have many brothers within this
It was just three weeks ago that I became a member of Deep jurisdiction with grand ideas of how we can improve the fraternity.
Hollow Lodge No. 111. That night I was so mixed up about what Yet while many claim a lack of time to help implement these ideas
happened that I decided to go to the meeting to see just what and as the reason for a lack of execution, I believe what is really lacking
how things are done there. is simple confidence. A lack of confidence can sit unseen as a
I got through the milking early, fed the hens, saw that my pigs were weight upon the shoulders. It is easily compounded by a constant
penned up, then went to shave and again put on my blue suit that barrage of “can’t”, “won’t”, “it’s been tried”, and “it’s never going to
Uncle Dan gave me for Confirmation, cranked up old Henry and work.” So, in the end, what you have is a brother who has been
started on the 29 mile trip to the lodge. crushed into despair believing that his grand idea is a non-starter,
so why take the first step, and that once thoughtful idea is lost to
Little while after I got there all the men came in, sat down on the the belief that Freemasonry as it is now is the best we can hope to
benches and looked kind of quiet. Then a feller at the end of the achieve.
room, sitting a bit higher than me, wearing a High Hat, hit a
hammer on something, said everybody should watch how they The most common definition of confidence is a feeling of self-
were clothed …. I knew he meant me, so I fixed my tie and took assurance arising from one's appreciation of one's own abilities or
off my rubbers. Seems he must be the boss of the outfit, cause he qualities. That makes confidence a very internal and personal
gave orders to a lot of men. There was a father and son there who thing. It’s simply how you feel about yourself and your abilities.
had something to do with it. I know one was the junior and the Now consider this, the biggest difference between confidence and
other the senior, I can’t remember their first names, but I think their arrogance is someone else’s opinion of your perception of your
last name was Warden. abilities. Put another way, if you feel you can accomplish some-
thing you are confident. However, if you feel you can, and I feel
Then along came a feller with a long black stick in his hand, he you can’t, you can be seen as arrogant. One could argue that you
shook hands with everybody, then they would stand up and blow are arrogant until you prove you can do what you claim. Yet even
in his ear. When he got to me, I shook hands and blew in his ear, then you could still be seen as arrogant if the response of others
but he didn’t like it very much. It filled me with confusion. Then the to your success is negative, or if your response to your success is
feller, I think they call him ‘Mister’ asked if anyone knew me and indelicate. It is a very muddled field to play in when you really start
they did, so that was alright. After that, an old man got up and said to dig into it and clarity in one situation does not lead to clarity for
some nice prayers and we all sang a song which was pretty good. all. The bottom line is that in practice, confidence isn’t strictly
While we were still standing everybody started moving their hands (continued on page 6)
Page 6 December/January/February 2019-20 __________________________________________________________
(continued from Page 5, Confidence and its Role in Freemasonry) support to achieve lodge goals and their confidence will grow with
each attempt regardless of successes or failures.
defined. It is subjective. We all work differently when we believe
This of course isn’t where it all ends. The burden isn’t solely on the
we will succeed, particularly when compared to situations where
lodge. In truth, some of our brothers are arrogant. Early in my
we only hope we will succeed, or worse, where we think we might
Masonic career I would say I was guilty of that. A few members
fail. How you approach, and work through an issue is a key factor
told me I was overconfident. For the record, I don’t personally
in one’s success or failure. We as individuals often reward certain
believe in overconfidence and as such, I really didn’t know how to
people by calling them confident because they fit our ideal of what
respond to that kind of a comment other than to see it as a polite
a leader should be. In the same vein we punish others by calling
way of saying I was being arrogant. Over the ensuing years I
them arrogant because they don’t fit our archetype of how a leader
learned a few points that I think can help anyone navigate the
should look, act, or behave. This is where your lodge and your
narrow pass between confidence and arrogance both in and out of
brothers can make all the difference in the world.
lodge.
Confidence is born out of the permission others grant us to be
First point, practice deference. Deference gives you a perspective
confident. If every time you feel confident you are labeled as
and understanding of how and why others may view you in a
arrogant, eventually your behavior will change. Doubt will seep into
certain light. Imagine you have put forward a proposal and after
the cracks in your armor. Surely, if it is repeated so often it must
your presentation someone comments “we tried that.” You, in
hold some truth, right? It is at that point when you will either accept
response dismiss his comment out of hand and continue to push
being labeled as arrogant, leaning in and wearing it like a badge
your proposal. Now think about how your actions have made that
of honor or you will shrink from it retreating from the common circle
person feel, disrespected, talked down to, minimized. Your
to a place where you won’t garner so much attention and/or
dismissal of his experience gained you nothing but the appearance
criticism. If you lean into it, you may decide that you are better than
of being arrogant. You could have instead practiced a little
everyone else. You may begin to feel that the label “arrogant” is
deference and asked questions about his perspective on your
the product of small minds who don’t see what you are capable of
proposal. How did he do it? What else was going on at that time?
and perhaps, as you are constantly wrestling against its negative
Were there obvious reasons the approach didn’t work, etc. Then
connotations in order to make progress, you will start to damage
you might have a better understanding of the nature of your
your relationships with others through the adversarial way you find
proposal and you will have given your plan the maximum potential
yourself speaking. If you shrink from it, you may change your
for success.
behavior to avoid the appearance of arrogance. You may start
pumping the brakes on thoughts and ideas you believe are Second point, It’s OK to be wrong and/or ask for help. When you
valuable, and as your confidence wanes, you may stop offering up realize you are in over your head, do not fake ability just to
your ideas or volunteering your actions for fear of appearing too maintain an appearance of confidence. I have seen this done
forward. You will essentially take yourself out of the conversation many times and nothing could be a bigger waste of time, be it
as you will begin to believe that you are not a leader, that you are yours or everyone else’s. A confident person is not afraid to admit
not as capable as you think, and when you don’t believe in yourself to a mistake. They are not afraid to admit when they need
or your abilities you make the mountain of success a much steeper assistance. Instead they view these things as opportunities for
climb. education and growth.
As human beings, and particularly as Masons we must grant each Third point, don’t cut others down, particularly when it’s only to
other the permission to be confident. Every idea is not a winning build yourself up. Everyone has opinions. Everyone faces the
idea and not everyone will succeed in everything they do. In those issues of their lives in their own way. Instead of belittling their
cases, brothers are expected to whisper good council, but we must opinions or questioning their choices why not give them every
still foster the belief that everyone is deserving of a seat at the table opportunity to rise-up to whatever problem is before them by
and a voice in the conversation. If we cannot exemplify this within supporting your brothers within the length of your cable tow. It
our own lodges how can our brothers be expected to carry it into takes a lot less than you think.
the often harsh and adversarial world of the profane? How can
Masons succeed in being pillars of the community or have the These simple changes in attitude and behavior can be all it takes
strength to be shining examples of morality without confidence in to see a rise in confidence for yourself, for those around you, and
themselves, their actions, and the support of their Masonic for your lodge in general. This newfound confidence can then
community? How can a brother have a positive impact on his lodge serve as evidence that our brotherhood can help us overcome
when his lodge is having a negative impact on him? How can a even the largest of obstacles in our quest for personal betterment
place we deem a sacred retreat of friendship and virtue be allowed and further cements our Craft as a sacred retreat of friendship and
to foster such defeatism? Small voices can speak big things if we virtue from the world at large, thereby, strengthening our faith in
take the time to listen, and with a little support from a friend and our decision to join this ancient and honorable society. When
brother, confidence like any skill can be cultivated, practiced, and people notice this change and ask what inspired it, well that is the
improved. best advertisement the Craft could ever hope for.
Our Masonic community must actively promote the confidence of
its members. It can be as simple as this: be encouraging! Learn to
say “can” instead of “can’t”, “will” instead of “won’t,” “let’s try it” New Candidate
instead of “it’s been tried,” and “it could work” instead of “it won’t
work.” If you have brothers tell you they “can’t,” support them with At a military lodge in Ireland, the brethren were delighted that
“you can.” When they sit quietly in meetings telling their ideas to their Commander in Chief had agreed to join the Craft. At the
only one or two brothers, those brothers in turn need to speak up initiation ceremony, the two deacons responsible for the
proudly and say, “my brother has an idea.” Support one another. colonel being initiated were both ordinary soldiers in the unit.
Breed confidence in your lodge. Yes, as some must lead so should The secretary chose to record this historic event in the
others follow, but that does not equate to a leader having a minutes as ‘one of those rare occasions when the candidate
monopoly on good ideas. The greatest achievement a leader can was led around the lodge by his “privates”.
attain is to help his followers fulfill their potential. Give them your
______________________________________________________________________ Rhode Island Freemason Page 7
Beyond the reality many lodges are facing that they can no longer
Does History Hold the Key adequately finance the maintenance and upkeep of their buildings,
to Our Membership Decline? is the fact that as we seek to reverse the trend of declining
By: M∴W∴Charles Yohe, PGM - Connecticut membership, are we positioned to attract and retain good men or
are we “shooting ourselves in the foot” by pricing membership too
Some years ago, among a stack of papers and materials from a low?
lodge that had ceased to exist, I found a small gem entitled The Currently, the leadership in several Grand Lodge jurisdictions is
Masonic Year – 1924. This diminutive book is filled with numerous embarking on marketing campaigns designed to increase
tidbits garnered from various Masonic publications of the day. It awareness of the Masonic fraternity and to attract men to seek
also provided membership statistics for Grand Lodges, Grand membership. Have they thought through the process completely
Chapters, Grand Councils, and Grand Commanderies. It is or are they setting themselves up for another failure? If our local
interesting to note that the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island reported lodges are not operating in a way that delivers on the “promised
16,257 members for the year 1923 while neighboring Connecticut experience” that the marketing campaign touts, the result will likely
had 39,689 and Massachusetts reported 110,018. I have little be a revolving door where new Masons are initiated on one side
doubt that current Grand Masters of those jurisdictions would be and a few years later, will exit on the other side.
ecstatic to realize membership numbers approaching 50% of
those reported amounts. Some of the anecdotes from 1923 indicate that in almost 100
years, Grand Lodges have done precious little to correct the local
Despite the robust numbers of Masons throughout the United lodge deficiencies that likely result in the large number of demits
States at that time, and keeping in mind that annual dues and suspensions for non-payment of dues that Grand Lodges
represented a much larger proportion of a man’s wages, it is continue to experience. Here are a few that may sound like 2019.
interesting to read some of the perceived issues that were limiting
not only the number of members that Freemasonry was attracting, “A Back to the Lodge” movement is reported from South Australia.
but more especially the lack of members who actively attended The idea is by a personal canvass to seek out the members who
lodge. (Does that sound familiar?) Remember, this was 1923. have ceased attendance, ascertain their reasons for the apparent
There was no television, no computers, and no internet. There was indifference and induce them to again come to the
no Thursday night or Monday night football nor were there rock communications. A laudable undertaking, beyond question. But
concerts to attend. Prohibition was in full swing and would remain until the meetings of a lodge can offer to the average man an
so until its repeal in 1933. attraction to compete with other sources of entertainment or
instruction, pleadings or reproofs will be met in vain. When a lodge
According to the IRS, in 1923, there were fewer than eight million will seek to really interest and inform the brethren, making
taxpayers. Six million of those earned between $1000 and $4000 attendance a matter of value for the time spent, then there will be
per year. There were a reported 2,853,000 Masons that year no cause for complaint. That so many now fail to attend is an
according to the Masonic yearbook. Do the math and the indictment of the programs that are considered sufficient.” –
conclusion one reaches is the average Mason earned between National Trestle Board, August 1923
$1000 and $4000 per year. Although the yearbook does not
indicate the average dues charged by Grand Lodges, the following “Men of intelligence and real value to the organization remain away
may shed some light on what they were: “If we charged $25.00 a from the meetings because they are satiated and even bored by
year as minimum dues in Michigan we wouldn’t be able to initiate the ceaseless reiteration of degree work, with nothing to inspire
all of our successful applicants if we worked six nights a week. new thought or urge to productive work for men.” – National Trestle
Men want the thing that is hard to get. It’s human nature. That’s Board, March 1923
why, we believe, some lodges barely exist on three or four dollars
a year dues.” “The Craft has become an animated interrogation point. It is crying
for knowledge, information, and education. Will we arise to the
Further, the Illinois Freemason, September 1923 reported demand, or will we give them a stone when they are crying for
“Throughout the United States there is a prevailing opinion that bread?” – William F. Kuhn, PGM, Masonic Tidings, April 1923
Masonic dues are entirely too low and that they should be
increased to a point where the dues will sustain the lodge. It is “Masons are admonished not to use Masonry for personal or
pointed out that where dues are low, the lodges are compelled to financial gain. That is why some jurisdictions forbid the use of the
capitalize on candidates and as a result, resort to methods to get square and compasses on business related cards, invoices,
work which are not altogether legitimate. It is pointed out that the signage, etc. Masons can benefit by applying Freemasonry’s
average man will pay $100 per year dues in his club and will resist teachings to their dealings in life. This too was addressed in 1923:
the small payment which a lodge frequently asks. The general “Men are not expected to take their business, politics or religion
belief is that Masonic dues will have to be increased to meet the into Freemasonry, but they are expected to take their
growing responsibility of the Craft.” Freemasonry into business, politics and religion because
Freemasonry is a set of constructive principles.” – Illinois
Here we are nearly a century later and my lodge dues are $85 per Freemason, February 1923
year, $65 of which goes directly to the Grand Lodge. Are you “The purpose of Freemasonry is to educate the individual to do the
kidding me? Do you really think you can properly maintain a right thing and if Masonry is to function to the point of greatest
building and send regular mailings to the members on $20 per efficiency, we must as individual members, give the best that we
year? My lodge is not a “wealthy” lodge. In fact, recently the small have to it, and become an active part of the whole in promoting the
cushion we had has been depleted due to a merger with a principles it promulgates.” – Clark W. McKenzie, PGM Tyler-
neighboring lodge whose building had bankrupted them and is Keystone, January 1923
now doing similar damage to my lodge. Where Masonic lodges
should be conducting fundraising in order to support worthy “An eminent Masonic writer has said: ‘I would not give much for
charitable causes, most are fundraising to support their own your Freemasonry unless it can be seen. Lamps do not talk, but
operations.
(continued on page 8)
Page 8 December/January/February 2019-20 _________________________________________________________
(continued from Page 7, Does History Hold the Key?) that, it was an entire social culture. This was contrary to the typical
impression that our society has held over the years. Our
they shine. A lighthouse sounds no drum, it beats no gong and yet impressions of hobos were solitary wanderers and social outcasts
far over the water its friendly spark is seen by the mariner. So, let living a purely lazy life riding the rails and walking with the stick
your actions shine out your Freemasonry. Let the main sermon of and bag over their shoulder. They were considered tramps or
your life be illustrated by your conduct, and it shall not fail to be bums and most often chased and run out. In the course of my
illustrious.’” – Masonic Herald, April 1923 research, I found an interesting article written by Mark Stopera.
I believe a comprehensive study of history can provide 2019 Mark decided to leave his comfortable life and explore the life of a
Freemasonry with the information and tools necessary to reverse hobo. He documented his travels and the many aspects of the
the debilitating trend of declining membership, if only we and our hobo life. To say the least, it was fascinating.
Masonic leaders are willing to study and apply its teachings.
“Whenever you have to stop to think whether a thing is right or
wrong, you may be pretty sure it is wrong.” – Tyler-Keystone,
August 1923
A Story from Milwaukee
By: M∴W∴Charles Yohe, P.G.M. - Connecticut
In late August, I attended the biennial portrayal of the 33rd Degree
in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. There were several thousand Scottish
Rite Masons and their wives in attendance, and all were looking
for breakfast or lunch at establishments near their hotels.
Unfortunately, no one apparently alerted local businesses to the
fact that there were going to be an unusual number of folks looking
for meals.
Many of us descended on a small restaurant, Build A Breakfast –
Build A Burger. The wait staff was overwhelmed and one lady who
was acting as a hostess listed several of our names on a waiting
list and then disappeared. More Masons entered through the front
door creating a traffic jam. Another waitress finally came to the
hostess stand, in an effort to clear people from blocking the
entrance/exit and without consulting the waiting list, she seated
another couple.
My wife and I waited patiently and about 15 minutes later, we
finally were seated as well. As we walked past the couple who was Before we delve into the hobo life, let us first remove the stigma
seated ahead of us, the brother stopped me and expressed his attached to them. Hobos are penniless wanderers or vagabonds
concern that he and his wife were seated out of turn. I replied that and certainly not bums or tramps. Hobos take extreme offence to
it wasn’t his fault and that we were okay with what had been an be associated with bums and tramps. Tramps only work when they
honest mistake. have too, and bums don’t work at all. Hobos, on the other hand,
travelled as migratory workers to find work. Maybe you are not
To the restaurant’s credit, as soon as they realized there was an convinced so let’s start from the beginning.
unusual number of diners, they called in additional wait staff. My
wife and I ordered our breakfasts and were waiting for the food to Hobos first came on the scene at the end of the Civil War. They
arrive when our waitress came to the table and informed us that were discharged soldiers who were penniless and jumped the
the other couple, who had been seated first, had paid for our meals trains to catch a ride home. Many found that their homes were
as well as their own and that we would not be given a bill. I got up destroyed, and families gone. Some families killed and others
and went over to the other couple, introduced myself and were uprooted, so the destitute soldiers decided to hop the train
attempted to plead my case, but brother Stevan Anselini and his and head to the Northwest Territory to stake out a new life. On
wife, Nancy, were adamant that they wanted to do something to their way, in order to survive they took any odd jobs they could find
rectify the mistake. and therefore became migratory workers. While travelling they
Barbara and I finished our meals and once again stopped by the shared bonds of friendship with other migrant wayward soldiers
table where the Anselinis were seated. We chatted for a while similar to the camaraderie while in active duty and so, the culture
before leaving to go our separate ways. The encounter of “Life on the Iron Trail” began.
underscored the importance of living our Masonry. It’s not the titles
or the regalia that make us Masons – it’s how we interact with
those around us!
The American Hobo
Fraternal Life on the Iron Trail
By: M∴W∴Peter Iacobucci, P.G.M.
Sometime ago as I was researching symbols for a new lecture, I
accidently came across a picture of hobo symbols. Finding this of
interest, I decided to research it further. To my surprise, I found out
that hobos used symbols to secretly communicate to each other
as they travelled around the country. It became evident that the (continued on page 16)
hobo lifestyle was similar to a fraternal organization. Better than
____________________________________________________________________ Rhode Island Freemason Page 9
thanks also goes to Brother Jay Cox for a delicious lunch and for
Report from the Masonic Districts preparing a special meal for Lady Beth, it was much appreciated.
Two weeks after Washington Lodge’s Annual Meeting, I had the
METRO DISTRICT honor of accompanying W∴Melvin E. Silverio, the president of the
RWDouglas J. Grant, DDGM Spanish language Masonic Club Libertad as we traveled to
Brethren, Cambridge, MA with several brothers of our Jurisdiction to visit
Logia America, one of the Spanish speaking lodges in the state of
The holidays are upon us and we are celebrating one of the best Massachusetts. What we did not expect was that it also happened
times of the year. It’s a time when family, friends, and even casual to be the meeting that the District Deputy made his official visitation
acquaintances are treated with a little more friendliness and joy to the lodge.
than other times. It is also a time when we have the opportunity to
try and improve ourselves by making New Year resolutions that in November started off with a bang as W∴Brandt and I were
most cases, don’t last for more than a few weeks. But at least we welcomed by Adelphoi Lodge, No. 33 at our DDGM Visitation to
are trying to improve. the lodge. W∴Bill Pennoyer presented a wonderful program on
York Rite Masonry and the food and camaraderie was terrific.
I personally am not a big fan of making resolutions at the beginning
of the year. I believe that if I am doing something that needs to be It’s always great to be with our Grand Master, M∴W∴Kenneth F.
changed for the better, I should probably change it now. If I wait, Poyton. We had the opportunity to do so at his visitation to the
then I will probably make matters worse during the time that I Central District at Manchester Lodge, No. 12 in mid-November.
postponed the improvement. I knew that I needed to improve, but The very next day we were all at the Semi-Annual Communication
I waited until it was convenient for me to do it. That’s like of Grand lodge followed by the Fall Festival that evening. It was
intentionally running a red light and then saying that you will try to quite a packed 24+ hours with a little respite for sleep, but so worth
do better next time. You probably should have made the attempt it to be with our brothers and partners.
to stop when you saw the light turn yellow.
We finished off the month with St. Andrew’s Lodge’s Annual
Such is the way we should live as Masons. We should constantly Communication that took place the day after Thanksgiving. At the
look in the mirror and see the things that we need to improve upon request of incoming W∴Bill Gervais, R∴W∴Douglas J. Grant
and then do it. Although we may not be successful with the installed the officers of his mother lodge. As we all know,
outcome the first few times we try, we need to put the effort in to R∴W∴Doug’s ritual work is impeccable, and it is always a treat to
have any chance of success. To know that you need to improve in watch him work in the East. Congratulations to all the brothers and
a certain thing is the first step towards improvement. It is not easy especially to W∴John Barsoum on his very successful tenure in
to improve things that have become bad habits. However, if you the East.
constantly work at it, you will make the change.
The month of December is always a very busy one with all the
We have been given several guides to work with and I don’t believe holiday season events that we enjoy. The month will start off with
that they will ever be out of date. If we all go back and read them the Grand Master’s visitation to the East Bay District which will be
occasionally, I believe that we can all achieve the improvements held at Adelphoi Lodge, No. 33 this year. The program for the
that we will need to make. evening proves to be very informative as well as the opportunity to
be with one another.
Wishing you all a happy holiday season and an ever-improving
new year! May the blessings of heaven rest upon us and all regular At the month’s half-way point, I will have the honor of
Masons. congratulating W∴Doug Siple on a very successful year in the East
EAST BAY DISTRICT when we are present for St. John’s, No. 1 Annual Communication.
It will also be a great opportunity to congratulate and affirm all of
RW André H. Faria, Jr., DDGM
the officers being installed that evening.
Sometimes it is such a blessing to have a small jurisdiction like our
Once the New Year comes around, Brandt and I will be busy with
own. It enables us to travel not too far to see our brothers and
installations in January 2020. It will be Adelphoi Lodge on the first
break bread with them. We enjoy the opportunity of visiting each
week of the year, St. Alban’s Lodge on the second week and St.
other’s lodges and not having to wait extended periods of time
Paul’s Lodge at the end of the month. We will congratulate
before we see one another again. What a gift to live and work in a
W∴Pennoyer, W∴Tim Pray and W∴David C. Lavery for all of their
small state and reap big benefits!
efforts over the past year and celebrate their successes. It will be
an opportunity to welcome new lines of officers and pledge our
It was truly an honor to present W∴Christian Lopez his Past
support as they continue their own personal and collective
Master’s Certificate at Washington Lodge’s Annual Meeting in
Masonic journeys.
October. We were joined by his father-in-law, a Past Master from
the State of Delaware who came to congratulate his son-in-law and As February approaches, winter no doubt will continue its fury, but
be with him during this important meeting. W∴Lopez’s wife and we will begin to long for the spring air of March and the emergence
mother-in-law were also present to support him. Sometimes our of new life. While we can plan for the future and plan we must, we
fraternity is also our family which further strengthens the bonds we cannot ever “live” there, since the future only exists as a mental
have one with another. The Annual Communication was also an construct. Our lives always take place in a perpetual “now”, it is the
opportunity to congratulate W∴Lance Ratkowski and his line of only time to live, this moment. May we as brothers of light always
officers as they embark upon a new Masonic year in Warren. I also be “present” in the “now” to be there for each other, for our families,
want to extend a heartfelt word of thanks to W∴Jason M. Nystrom our communities, and all whose lives we may have the privilege to
for assisting as GMC for the meeting as W∴Brandt was stuck in touch. On behalf of W∴Brandt and our ladies Beth and Mary, we
Arkansas that morning. It was also great to see his wife Kathy as extend to each and every one of you a very special holiday season
well as R∴W∴Gilbert J. Fontes, Jr. and his lovely wife Blanca who filled with blessings, joy, love and peace.
came to support the brothers of Washington. A special word of
(Report on the Masonic Districts continued on page 11)
Page 10 December/January/February 2019-20 _________________________________________________________
Interesting Historical Facts of Freemasonry
In Rhode Island
Selected from a review of the
Annual Proceedings of the Grand Lodge
6th Installment
3/19/1896 Disastrous fire consumed Freemasons Hall, Grand Lodge Circulating Library
Providence, destroying entire contents of building except
certain records and valuable items in large safe. Our collection of Masonic books is composed of some of the most
popular titles in print today. Included are Masonic fiction by such
5/18/1898 St. Johns Lodge No. 1 Providence new altar authors as Dan Brown, David Brody, Scott Wolter, Brad Meltzer, etc.
consecrated by Grand Lodge, exact duplicate of original altar
constructed by Lodge and used at 125th anniversary of Lodge. The books are located in the Grand Lodge office lobby and can be
Original was destroyed in fire. (Still in use today at Grand borrowed Monday-Friday from 8:30AM to 4:00PM.
Lodge.)
The following are the requirements for borrowing:
6/24/1898 Freemasons Hall rebuilt. All apartments were
dedicated. ➢ Current lodge dues card must be presented.
➢ 30-day time period.
5/15/1899 Adopted; lectures and work of degrees will not be
displayed with various films or with costumes or robes. ➢ 1 book title at a time.
8/25/1892 Masonic Veterans Association of Rhode Island ➢ Books must be checked out with and returned to the office
established. staff or library staff.
➢ Email address for borrower must be on file.
6/24/1901 Photograph of Brother and President William
McKinley displayed in Grand Lodge. Made a Mason in Hiram
Lodge No. 21 Winchester, Virginia 5/1/1865; Fellow Craft Please also consider writing a book review on any title that is
5/2/1865; Master Mason 5/3/1865. At time of his death he was borrowed for submission to the RI Freemason.
a member of Eagle Lodge No. 431, Canton, Ohio. Received
Capitular Degrees and Orders of Templary in 1883 and 1884. Little Known Fact
He was wounded 9/13/1901 at Pan American Exposition, New
York; died 9/14/1901. It has been said that many years ago in Scotland a new game
was invented. The rules stated: ‘Gentlemen Only, Ladies
11/18/1901 Adopted resolution, every subordinate lodge will
Forbidden’. Thus, the word ‘GOLF’ entered the English
display the American Flag at every communication.
language.
To be continued.
RI Freemason From the Editor
Dear Brethren,
Deadlines 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
Publishing Schedule is less and less space available and your material may not be published if received on or after
the deadline date.
The Rhode Island Freemason is
A few simple guidelines are in order for submissions;
published four times based on a Masonic
calendar year. Deadlines for submissions • Please send all articles as MS Word, Word Perfect or Text documents
are listed below for each issue. • Photographs or illustrations should be sent as Jpeg, Tiff or Bitmap files
• Please no PDF files, they will not be accepted.
The issues will be published as follows: • 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
DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY • Please send files to hstrclrsch@aol.com as well as
Deadline: November 1st rifreemason@rimasons.org addresses.
MARCH/APRIL/MAY Fraternally,
Deadline: February 1st Brother Richard Lynch
Editor: R∴W∴Richard F. Lynch
JUNE/JULY/AUGUST
Associate Editors: M∴W∴Leon C. Knudsen, PGM
Deadline: May 1st R∴W∴Jack Anderson
Millie T. Hallstrom
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER
Deadline: August 1st Editorial Advisior: R∴W∴Ronald P. Reed
R∴W∴Grand Secretary_____________________________________________________________________________________ Rhode Island Freemason Page 11
NORTHERN DISTRICT W∴Earl Mann - Ionic Lodge No. 28
R∴W∴Rick Baccus, DDGM W∴Jeffrey Appt - Manchester Lodge No.12
W∴Robert Fish - Daylight Lodge No. 48
“Far, We’ve been traveling Far, W∴Patrick Connor - Harmony Lodge No. 9
Without a Home,
But Not without a Star… Each Lodge has had some pretty amazing (now) Past Masters.
“America”’ Neil Diamond
These humble Past Masters would tell you the success of their
My Brothers; lodge was greatly attributed to their supportive, diligent,
enthusiastic line of officers. Therefore, thank you goes to all of the
The Northern Masonic District is not without a Star. past officers of the Central District, but particularly the Past
Brother Rick Lynch and I along with our ladies; Kay and Patti have Masters; W∴Bob Izzy, W∴David DiCecco, W∴Gary Paul, and
had the pleasure of installing the officers of Friendship Lodge No. W∴Charlie Wilkinson. You have risen to occasions when your
7 and Lafayette Lodge No. 47. My congratulations go out to lodge needed you the most. I’m sure you had a few sleepless
W∴Robert Young and W∴David Becker and their officers for the nights as you pondered your decisions or crammed to learn ritual
upcoming year. All of us on the installing suite wish you the and your lodge is the better because of it. All of you have, in
greatest success in the upcoming year. particular ways, earned your rite to be called “Worshipful Master.”
Additionally, we have had our district visitation to both Roger
Williams Lodge No. 32 and Morning Star Lodge No. 13. The upcoming months are sure to bring many opportunities to
W∴Michael Farina treated the suite to a dissertation by Brother share time with your brethren. The newly installed Masters, and
Matthew “Doc” Perry on his Currahee Project to benefit veterans. Officers of the Central District have been planning and preparing
Thank you, Doc for what you are doing, your enthusiasm is interesting and fun programs for you to enjoy. Be sure to look for
contagious. W∴Skip Priestley entertained us at our visitation to these programs in the lodge notices, then attend an event. Some
Morning Star Lodge No. 13 with a reptile demonstration by Fellow of us have been away from lodge for so long we’ve forgotten the
Craft Brother Mike Taylor. Needless to say, I have eaten more reason why, others may have valid reasons. Brothers I am here to
reptiles than I wished to embrace at Brother Taylor’s presentation! tell you the Freemasonry that you know, and love, is right in front
of you, be part of it. If it’s been a while since you’ve attended lodge,
I recently read an article publicized in the Providence Journal I encourage you to reconnect, come out and see the old faces and
entitled, “Men and Their Harmful Addictions” by Michael Morse. He meet some new. To our newest brothers, I look forward to meeting
describes a 70-year old lady who he helped at Lowes. She was you on the level.
asking for help in buying a garden hose. She said her husband
always took care of these things, but now she was on her own. Upcoming Central District Visitations:
After years of illness he died. She tried everything to help him, but
his addiction to sugar finally killed him. He ate candy whenever he January 10, 2020 - Manchester Lodge No.12
could and stashed the wrappers so she could not find them. “I just February 8, 2020 - Ionic Lodge No. 28
wish he would have been honest with me” she said. “I found empty March 3, 2020 - Harmony Lodge No. 9 *Officer Forum
food wrappers in his car when I went to sell it.” So, we as Masonic April 13, 2020 - Daylight Lodge No.48
brothers should act upon the level, because a time will come when
all distinctions but that of goodness shall cease; and death, the Jay and I would like to thank you all for your continued support.
grand leveler of human greatness shall reduce us to the same May you and your families have a relaxing holiday season to gear
state. up for all the exciting things to come your way in the New Year.
Brother Rick and I look forward to installing the officers of Mt.
Moriah Lodge No. 8 and Morning Star Lodge No 13. Additionally, SOUTHERN DISTRICT
we will have the pleasure of visiting Friendship Lodge No. 7 and RWEric E. Grist., DDGM
Mt. Moriah No. 8. The visitation to Mt. Moriah Lodge will be the John and I hope you and your families are entering the holiday
District Officer Forum. We look forward to the fellowship we season happy and healthy.
experience at all these events.
We recently completed the first real “work” of this journey by
As always, please feel free to contact me at rickbaccus@cox.net conducting the officer installations at Hope Lodge and Charity
or at 401-413-6281 to let us know of any lodge events Rick and I Lodge. Thanks to the brethren for coming out in force to support
should attend. each of these lodges. I am looking forward to watching John boom
“My country ‘tis of thee, sweet land of liberty; out the “proclamation” 22 more times! Congratulations to
Of thee I sing; of thee I sing.” W∴Halderman of Hope Lodge and to W∴Tavares on their
“America” Neil Diamond ascension to the East. Well, to be honest, W∴Halderman hasn’t
left the East in a few years but I expect that will not be the case
CENTRAL DISTRICT next year. We also had W∴Earl Mann, Jr. the “newest and eldest”
RW Gilbert J. Fontes, Jr., DDGM Worshipful Master in the Rhode Island jurisdiction in attendance.
John and I are truly lucky to have so much support.
Greetings from the Central District,
We are looking forward to the upcoming Special Ladies’ Luncheon
at Franklin Lodge and our official visitation to Mt Vernon Lodge.
It’s hard to believe the 2019 calendar year is ending in a couple of
Sadly, these events will be in the rear view mirror by the time you
weeks. Time really does seem to accelerate as the years pass.
are reading this. Fortunately, there are many more events planned
Equally as quick is the Masonic year, as of November 23 all
for the coming months. We will be conducting Franklin Lodge’s and
Central District lodges have newly installed masters and officers.
Mt. Vernon’s annual communications in January and February
Congratulations, to all the Central District Officers, but particularly
2020 respectively.
our newly installed Worshipful Masters: (continued on page 12)You can also read
