St. John’s Lodge No. 9, F. & A. M.
Trestleboard
7910 Greenwood Ave. N.
(206) 623-0261
[email protected]
www.seattlemasons.org
MARCH 2017
Jim Russell, editor
Serving Seattle since 1860
Few would probably argue that one of the most enjoyable
forms of communicating is when it is quiet conversation over a
meal. I know I personally enjoy getting to know more about
my brothers at dinner, and I believe this is the best reason for
sharing a meal before our Lodge meeting. Imagine what it
would be like if dinner were served after the Lodge meeting;
when the topic of Masonic education from earlier could be
discussed at length or until the cows go home. Regardless of
when we share a meal, it is always a special opportunity we share in-person to
learn something about one another.
For some of our brethren the above is not an opportunity; whether due to
professional schedule conflicts...personal conflicts (i.e., family, personal
health)...Mother Nature....transportation issues...etc. Regardless of the issue,
these brothers deserve an opportunity to share with their brethren as well in a
manner and mode convenient for them; they equally deserve an opportunity to
share and learn about their brothers.
Over the decades different modes of communication have been created and
implemented to help share information with a larger and wider audience. Handwritten letters, newspapers, radio programs, television broadcasts. However, each
of those was primarily one-way due to the inability to have “real-time”
interactions. Enter modern day technology: the Internet.
Technology is changing, and has changed, how society communicates. The
tools we have to communicate with today are far greater in quantity than the tools
we had just a few decades ago. As a result, some methods of delivering our
messages may be better or more appropriate, more effective than other mediums.
Take for example that desire to share with our brethren in a real-time, two-way
interaction. Our Trestleboard publication and website are great tools to
disseminate information out to others in a manner that allows them to review as
time allows for them, but, that’s one-way communication. Let’s circle back to the
Internet. The World Wide Web has opened the door to things like email, text
(SMS/MMS), and social media (by the way, we do have a Facebook page for
those interested). Having an online presence provides a vital line of
communication for individuals looking for more of that real-time experience to
share information and interact with their brothers.
Granted, not everyone in St. John’s uses email, cell phones (texting), or
social media applications (posting), but a vast majority do use these tools. In turn,
there are brothers who do not subscribe to newspapers, land-line phones, nor
choose to press “print.” We have a wide preference spectrum for how brethren
communicate, whether by choice or not. As a result, we need to be mindful of
such and should always do our best (our duty) to connect with as many of our
brethren as possible.
 March 9 (7pm): Officers meeting
 March 11 (6:30pm): Dist. 4&5
Reception for the Grand Master
 March 15 (6:15pm) 7:30pm: St.
John’s 9 (dinner) Stated
 March 16 (7pm): Master Masons
Study Group topic: morality
 March 17 – 19: Lodge Leadership
Retreat (Pasco)
 March 28 (7pm): “Intender”
Masonic Education Study
 March 27 (7-9pm): Ritual
instruction classes
 March 29 (6:30pm): District 5
Assoc. meeting (Razzis Pizza) election
of officers
 April 13 (7pm): Officers meeting
 April 19 (6:15pm) 7:30pm: St.
John’s 9 (dinner) Stated Official Visit
DDGM5
 April 20 (7pm): Master Masons
Study Group
 April 25 (7pm): “Intender”
Masonic Education Study
 April 29 (10am): Masonic Service
Bureau Alki Lodge
 April 29 (10am): Past Masters
Brunch Jimmy’s on Broadway
 May 8 (8:30am-10am): FABulous
Family Brunch – Palisade Restaurant
 May 10 (6pm): Board of Trustees
 May 11 (7pm): Officers meeting
 May 14 – Mother’s Day
 May 17 (6:15pm) 7:30pm: St.
John’s 9 (dinner) Stated; Scholarship
Night
 May 18 (7pm): Master Masons
Study Group
 May 23 (7pm): “Intender” Masonic
Education Study
 May 29: Memorial Day
 May 31 (6:30pm): District 5 Assoc.
meeting (Razzis Pizza)
 June 9 - 10: Annual
Communication Grand Lodge
(Yakima Convention Center)
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WBro. Jeffrey Pullen, Master
CALENDAR
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FROM THE EAST
March 15 stated communication
Strangers: just friends you haven’t met yet...
“Oh, you don’t want to visit Cold Shoulder Lodge! They’re never friendly and act like
you’re not even there.”
Is that who we are? I don’t think so. At least, that’s not who we wish to be. Talking to
strangers doesn’t have to be like pulling teeth. Don’t wait too long to make your approach. Take
a deep breath, think of a good opening, and go talk to the person! Try a simple “Hey, I’m [your
name]!” Make a witty or helpful comment about something that’s going on around you. Ask
simple questions about where the person comes from, what they do, or how they came to know a
mutual friend of yours. Begin with small talk, ask authentic questions, and let the conversation
naturally bloom into something interesting. Remember: odds are that this person is just as nervous about talking to a
complete stranger!
How to approach our guests – be they a Mason from another Lodge or someone curious about Freemasonry – will be
our Masonic Education focus this month. Worshipful Master WBro. Jeffrey Pullen invites all members of the Lodge to
come out and enjoy an evening of fellowship and further light in Masonry that should involve a little lively discussion .
Dinner will be served at 6:15pm with the stated meeting
TABLE LODGE MOVED TO JUNE
opening at 7:30. Please make your dinner reservations with
the secretary at 206 623-0261 by Friday,
As a step to recognize the 300th anniversary of
March 10, prior to the meeting. If you need
speculative FreeMasonry, the officers of St. John’s have
a ride, the secretary will be happy to find
moved our traditional Table Lodge to the third Wednesday
one for you. Do you know of a brother who
of June.
has not attended Lodge in a while? Call him and ask if
On June 24, 1717, in London, England, four Lodges
you can pick him up and bring him to Lodge.
decided to create the Grand Lodge of England. Masonic
Lodges existed before that time but the 1717 date
represents the basic, creative step in the overall continuity
and agreement of principles that still govern the fraternity
we have today.
The District 4&5 Annual Meeting will be held on
June 24 also is St. John the Baptist Day. So, set your
Saturday, March 11, beginning with dinner at 6:30pm at
calendar
and prepare to join your brethren on the summer
the Greenwood Masonic Center.
solstice,
June
21, for a few ripping good toasts and a look
So why should you attend? Well,
at 300 years of Freemasonry.
this meeting offers an informal
session in a small localized
environment providing:
 Social interaction with other
St. John’s Masons and families will once again head to
brethren within our own District
the
Everett
AquaSox baseball game August 26. “Preand District 4..
admission” opens at 6pm into the Coca Cola
 Dinner followed by a forum to
Food Pavilion, with hot dogs, hamburgers,
meet and converse with the Grand
MWBro. Jm Mendoza
fruit salad, baked beans, soft drink and
Master and the Grand Lodge team.
reserved seating. Free parking on site.
 Presentations of awards and recognition to wellHere’s a look at our future Mariners
deserving Masons in our District.
vs. the Eugene Emeralds (world series-winning Chicago
 District 4 & 5 Worshipful Masters detailing what
Cubs farm club). Game seats will be in the lower rows on
their Lodges are doing, including special community and
the 1st base side of the field. First pitch will be thrown at
education programs, degrees, and fellowship and
7:05; fireworks following the game.
fraternalism opportunities.
Get your $10 ticket ($24 value!) from WBro. Terry
 An opportunity to meet the candidates for next year’s
Grove (425) 610-4561. Tickets are limited, so act now!
Junior Grand Warden.
 Grand Lodge committee reports to educate all.
Visit Our District Brethren
 Ample parking at St. John Catholic Church, only a
District 5 Lodges
Next Meeting
Time
half-block away.
St. John’s 9
Wednesday, March 15, 2017 7:30pm
District 4&5 Annual Meeting
Please RSVP to VWBro. Samuel Ali, Grand Marshal, at
[email protected] or 206-612-5932
Eureka 20
University 141
Daylight 232
Lafayette 241
Queen Anne 242
Esoterika 316
Monday, March 6, 2017
Monday, March 6, 2017
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Thursday, May 4, 2017
Thursday, March 9, 2017
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
7:30pm
7:30pm
10am
7pm
7:30pm
7:30pm
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All brothers and their ladies are invited to meet our
Grand Master, MWBro. Jim Mendoza. Dress is business
casual (collared shirts, etc.) Dinner provided at no cost.
2
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
Senior Warden Message
Junior Warden Message
Bro. Seann Maria
Bro. Jeff Hawley
Brethren All,
Let me take this month to talk of how we might
consider a vital piece to attracting new membership to our
Lodge. There have been suggestions that our dues need
further consideration. I have heard suggestions that we
need better content that is attractive to new members. I
would consider that both of these hold at the very least
consideration with no limit to their possible impact, but I
will argue that more importantly than both of these factors
is how we act when prospective new members engage us.
Imagine you were completely new to Masonry or
perhaps for the sake of the exercise imagine that you were
in a new city or place removed from your current world. If
you walked into a room in an outfit that was in your
opinion nice, but not exactly formal, and you saw 30 older
men, some in tuxedos, all speaking intensely to each other,
and it took minutes for even one to recognize you, then
you may feel slightly out of place. This sort of perspective
of a prospective new member can happen in many forms,
but under any set of circumstances the level of welcome
that man will feel depends 100% on our display of
welcoming.
At our January meeting a Brother was visiting from
Japan, accompanied by his wife and son, who spoke no
English. Walking into the dining hall, they stood a few
feet from the first table, scanned the room, and made their
way through the room to an empty table on the far side.
Not one person noticed them, stood up, or greeted them
until I raced to greet them as they were already sitting
down. I did my best to welcome them by introducing
myself and then asking some of the officers to welcome
them as well. If they had been an interested good man,
how might they have felt about their first impression of
Masonry? [As it turned out they were invited guests of a
late-arriving brother. ed.]
To add some consideration of how results can differ
when we greet our guests, I would like to point out that in
the past two meetings a Master Mason and an EA who’ve
attended our dinners and communications stayed for late
refreshment, and accompanied our brethren out of the
building because they felt in their own words, “...that the
brothers who had engaged them made them feel like they
wanted to learn more about St. John’s.”
One of those brothers has applied for plural
membership in our Lodge because of his interest in St.
John’s brethren and history. So here is an opportunity to
fill our seats with good men to do labor in the name of St.
John’s at a time when it has been incredibly difficult to
find brothers to fill the officer line or committee seats.
What will you do? I strongly encourage you to take a
moment to consider what we are doing to welcome
brothers as guests and as prospective members. I say all
of this with love, and hope you will all work with me to
fulfill our obligations of labor and fellowship.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about time. I often find
myself in a position of reflection – looking at where I’ve
been, where I’d like to be going, and constantly coming
back to the thought that there just doesn’t seem to be
enough of time. Time is this commodity that seems
fleeting. Time makes me feel like a limited resource. More
often than not, these days, we forget the concept of
balancing our time. The constant drive for success in our
careers and our home lives, battling our feelings of
inadequacy brought on by social comparison and the ever
present idea of what we “should” be, and the expectations
of others have left many of us time scarce.
In this kind of world, it becomes too easy to ignore
the concept of balance. Too easy to forget that a balanced
life is fulfilling and calming. This is why I’ve everincreasingly been thinking about the twenty-four inch
gauge. The gauge is a symbol that is meant to remind us
of how best to divide our time. It reminds us that we
should divide our time evenly between the service of God
and brother, our careers, and relaxation. The gauge
reminds us that when we spend too much of our lives
focused on careers and aspirations, we are taking away
from the service of others, and thus away from our service
to God. It’s a reminder that no matter how time scarce we
feel, a life is full when we act in the service of others as
much as ourselves.
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The twenty-four inch gage is a rule two feet long,
which is divided by marks into twenty-four parts each one
inch in length. The Operative Mason uses it to take the
necessary dimensions of the stone that he is about to
prepare. It has been adopted as one of the working-tools
of the Entered Apprentice in Speculative Freemasonry,
where its divisions are supposed to represent hours. Hence
its symbolic use is to teach him to measure his time so
that, of the twenty-four hours of the day, he may devote
eight hours to the service of God and a worthy distressed
Brother, eight hours to his usual vocation, and eight hours
to refreshment and sleep. In the twenty-four inch gage is a
symbol of time well employed, following as best we can
the example of the lines told to us by Longfellow in the
Psalm of Life: Lives of great men all remind us, We can
make our lives sublime, And departing leave behind us,
Footprints on the sands of time. The Masonic essence of
the lesson is ability, preparedness and readiness, recalling
the suggestion of William Shakespeare to the workmen in
Julius Caesar (act 1, scene i, line 5), "Where is thy leather
apron and thy rule? What dost thou with thy best apparel
on?"
3
Twenty-four inch gauge
MASTER MASON STUDY NIGHTS
St. John’s Lodge hosts a Master Mason Study Night every third Thursday, and Master Masons from any Lodge are
invited – urged - to join us for these nights of discussion. As a reminder of the intent of these meetings,
our Master Mason Study Nights are meant to create a forum where Master Masons may come together and speak on a
large number of topics that may not get covered in our Stated or other meetings.
These subjects range from in-depth analysis of ritual, code, symbolism, allegory, liberal arts, and contemporary
issues that may otherwise be difficult to discuss in our Lodge rooms. These meetings are informal and brethren are
encouraged to come for as little or as long as you can. The usual length of these meetings is 90 minutes to two hours.
Although it isn’t necessary, if you plan to participate it would be helpful to RSVP to Bro. Sean Maria so we can be
sure that someone is prepared to unlock the doors to let you in whenever you intend to arrive, for to secure the building,
our doors will only be unlocked from ten minutes prior to ten minutes after the start time.
This month, the focus of discussion will be
FAMILY BRUNCH MOVES TO PALISADE
“Morality.” A good podcast to consider listening to can
It’s been a popular venue for our FABulous Family
be found here.
Appreciation Brunch for many years, but Ivar’s Salmon
Discussion talking points
House has discontinued their renowned all-you-can-eat
Sunday brunches.
Absolute Morality: a clear definition of what i right or
So, this year chairman VWBro. Ashley Brinkley with
wrong - Example: Is it against your morals to kill anyone
the direction of our Worshipful Master Jeffrey Pullen has
ever?
made arrangements for all of us to enjoy a brunch at the
 Consequentialism: Is there a consequence that is
Palisade Restaurant at the Elliot Bay Marina. Starting
equally immoral by your absolute morality time is a little friendlier – 10am.
Example: What if someone else dies, because you
Costs have increased, so we’ve added a new twist:
still feel free to invite your family, but parties over two will
be assessed $10 each payable at the event. (Party of two –
no charge; party of four will cost $20.) We’re not trying to
discourage guests, just hoping to remain within budget.
We’re a little bit limited in how many can be served,
so be sure to make your reservations now at 206 623-0261
or [email protected].
MARCH MEETING HIGHLIGHTS:
Here’s a look at what’s happening at our March stated
communication:
Dinner - guests welcome
1. Menu: mint pea soup with Crème fraiche; oven
2.
Welcome & Introductions
3.
Committee reports
4.
Announcements
Stated Meeting – tiled
1.
Masonic Education: Introducing Masonry to
a stranger (members participation)
2.
General business
Refreshments
Kick back, visit, and enjoy a beverage and dessert
4
roasted halibut on crispy black rice cake with asparagus and
lemon butter sauce; angel food and pear parfait
(allergies, vegetarian? Let us know a week before.)
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try to avoid someone dying?
 Many pieces of scripture have absolute moral
decrees - "Thou shalt not kill"
 Are some morals superior to others?
Relative Morality: All morals are on a set of variables
 If you could save 5 people at the expense of one
dying is it moral?
 If Scriptures state an absolute morality and that
scripture has been overwritten by a new accepted
piece of scripture, is it now by definition a relative
morality?
Does Masonry have a defined morality? - In the ritual? In
the Great Lights?
 If so, can you define the morality within
Masonry?
 Does that morality change from Lodge to Lodge?
 If morality can change from Lodge to Lodge, is
there a system of morality constant to all
Masonry?
 If Masonry does not perpetuate the same morality
from Lodge to Lodge, do we deserve to suggest
we teach a system of morality?
 Do you completely discount a person’s moral
character when their moral character fails in one
instance?
 How do we determine the conflict of morals
between religious, legal, and Masonic morality?
 How do we determine the conflict of Masonic
morality that contradicts itself?
 If we are a relative morality, does that conclude
that we progress and must progress?
 If we must progress, do we need to change the
fundamental words of Masonry to reflect our
evolving morality?
From the Short Talk Bulletin of the Masonic Service
Association of the United States
A Mason is sometimes asked by a friend, a neighbor,
or a business associate, “What do the Masons do?” The
question may be worded more generally, “What are the
Masons?”
In either case, the Brother is challenged by the
realization that there is no simple answer which he can
rattle off “from the top of his head,” because the
questioner is really asking him for a comprehensive
explanation about what organized Freemasonry is, what its
principles and purposes are, what programs it is engaged
in, how it carries them out, and what satisfactions the
individual Mason derives from his Masonic membership.
Some of these considerations arouse the fraternal
doubt that “you can’t tell that,” or “that’s secret,” so that
the Brother’s reply is marked by hesitation or reluctance
to explain.
Puzzled by the difficulty of knowing what facets of
the vast subject of Freemasonry the questioner is
really inquiring about, the Mason “just doesn’t
know where to begin,” and too often may avoid a
simple statement of facts. He isn’t sure of what to
say.
Or, knowing that his questioner is a “practical
man of affairs” who measures outcomes
quantitatively, in materialistic terms, he realizes
that Freemasonry’s reputation cannot be explained
by charts, statistics, or financial statements, because the
Fraternity’s real worth can be expressed only in spiritual
terms, and that is rather difficult to explain to the
uninitiated. Masonic terminology, the most comfortable
words with which to reply, seems inadequate or out of
place. Masonic “secrecy” gets in the way.
Embarrassment is probably the commonest cause of a
Brother’s difficulty in replying to the question. He is
embarrassed because he realizes that he doesn’t really
know enough about the Fraternity to give a good simple
reply. He knows that there is much more Masonic activity
going on in other Lodges all over the country and
throughout the world, but he has never taken the time to
experience some of it or to read about it with real interest.
He hasn’t given much thought to the subject. He never
expected to be asked such a question by a non-Mason
outside the Lodge. Even though he has experienced
Masonry, he has never tried to express in words just
what Freemasonry means to himself.
A well-informed Brother, therefore, will prepare
himself for the possibility of being asked such a question.
Even though no one may ever ask the question, he will
have the confidence of knowing what Freemasonry means,
especially to himself.
First of all, he will determine to give a Masonic
answer, one which asserts the real nature of the Fraternity
as a spiritual force, as “a way of life” which seeks to
improve men morally and spiritually, by associating with
other idealistic men who want to improve the quality of
life around them by means of a brotherhood which
emphasizes the Fatherhood of God.
In an age which derides ideals, absolutes, the
concepts of law and order, and advocates relativism
instead of standards of excellence, which angrily demands
rights instead of responsibility, and which preaches a
nihilistic doctrine of individualism (doing your own
thing), Masons find it difficult to explain the Fraternity’s
idealism and its charitable and educational purposes. But
it must be done. A Mason must give a Masonic answer to
the question, “What are the Masons.”
There are really so few “secrets” which a Mason is
required to keep, and so much that he should be proud to
proclaim to others, that his principal concern in answering
questions is probably the doubt that he can give an
adequate Masonic reply.
The esoteric parts of the ritual work, the
grips and pass-words of the three degrees, these
are really the only “secrets” which should be kept
inviolate. Because it is impossible to communicate
to the uninitiated the joys and satisfactions of
brotherhood experienced in “the labors of the
Lodge,” this too (unnecessarily) becomes a secret
because it is inexpressible.
But there is so much that can be told about
Freemasonry, about the particular Lodge, about the
individual Mason, that the real problem in answering the
question, “What do the Masons do?” is to say only enough
to satisfy the questioner without boring or distracting him.
He can point out that Freemasonry is an educational
organization. By means of the ritualistic ceremonies and
other educational programs, Masons learn and teach the
truths of morality, justice, patriotism, and the necessity of
brotherly love to achieve those universal ideals. Reverence
for the Great Architect is inculcated because men are
brothers only if they are related to God as the sons of the
Creator Father.
He can explain that Masonic meetings, while
resembling the meetings of any organized society, have a
distinctly Masonic character. They are opened and closed
with prayer. They are patriotic because the nation’s flag is
kept in an honored place in the Lodge and properly saluted
with the pledge of allegiance. They are opened and closed
with Masonic ceremonies to remind the members of the
principal purposes of the Fraternity, which are to develop
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WHAT’S YOUR ANSWER?
5
This month’s Masonic education addresses how we welcome our guests and talk to them about Freemasonry and
our Lodge in particular. Each member of St. John’s is an ambassador to those who know little or nothing about
our fraternity. Are we putting our best foot forward, and what is our message?
ideals. They go to meetings which they call the Lodge, in
order to learn and to teach what friendship, morality, and
truth really involve, and to practice on a small scale the
reality of brotherhood. They also have meetings open to
their wives, children, and friends where they promote an
understanding of the serious nature of the Fraternity by
entertainment and sociability. Practical programs for
charity and relief are planned and executed. The special
kinship they feel for each other as a brotherhood is their
deepest satisfaction.”
WHY WE MEET
“We meet for the purpose of admitting members to
our fellowship, to instruct them in the lessons and
principles (of Masonry) and to strengthen each other in
adherence thereto,” said George W. Speth, in a public
lecture in 1892.
“ We meet to hand down to
succeeding generations the knowledge and
practice of certain ceremonies, which we
have ourselves inherited from our Masonic
ancestors, and the analogues of which can
be traced in the remotest antiquity... Lastly
we meet to practice our three grand
principles of Brotherly Love, Relief and
Truth.”
Making Strangers Welcome
The experience of an unchurched non-Christian
coming into church has been likened to that of a Christian
going into a betting shop. Both are going into
environments with which they are totally unfamiliar and
therefore do not know how they should act. Accordingly,
it is a big challenge for Christians to know how to respond
when strangers come into church so that they can make
the strangers feel welcome.
Ruth, was like such an outsider when she came back
to Judah with her mother-in-law, Naomi. She was a
Moabitess; totally unfamiliar with how things operated in
Judah. However, there was one person who went to great
efforts in order to make her feel welcome. That man was
Boaz. And from him we can learn lessons for ourselves
regarding how we respond to strangers when they come
into church.
Necessity first brought Ruth into contact with Boaz.
She and her mother-in-law had both returned from Moab
without husbands (see Ruth 1). As a result, they had to
find means for providing for themselves. Thus, Ruth, with
Naomi’s permission, went to seek to glean grain from
behind the reapers (see Ruth 2:2). As it turned out, she
was working in a field belonging to Boaz (Ruth 2:3b).
This is often what happens as regards people who come
into church. Generally necessity brings them to us. They
are either Christians who are seeking a church to attend or
they are non-Christians who are seeking peace and hope.
So how did Boaz respond to this unexpected visitor?
6
(Taken from Feltham Evangelical Church newsletter of July 2007)
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brotherly love and respect for truth, not the truths of
scientific facts or history, but the truths which guide a man
to live happily and harmoniously with his fellow man.
For that reason Masonic meetings do not permit the
introduction of discussions about sectarian religious
differences or partisan political opinions. A Masonic
Lodge, if it is working seriously, teaches its members the
principles involved in attaining a universal Brotherhood of
Man under the Fatherhood of God.
A Mason is also free to explain that Freemasonry is a
charitable organization, which acts to relieve the distress
of local individuals who are victims of calamity, and that
it has created programs and institutions to care for its
needy senior citizens, or to provide scholarship aid for
worthy and needy young people in college. Masonic
Homes and Hospitals, Grand Lodge Scholarship
Programs, Charity Funds, and the Hospital Visitation
Program of the Masonic Service
Association are examples of such
achievements.
Freemasonry is also, but not
primarily, a social organization, which
arranges special meetings to which are
invited wives, children, neighbors and
friends for the purposes of entertainment
and sociability. Masons seek the pleasure
of associating with other members of the community,
hoping thereby to reveal the serious and idealistic nature
of the Fraternity’s objectives.
There is so much that a Mason can tell about his
beloved Fraternity. But the way in which he tells it is more
important than what he tells. When a Mason is conscious
and proud of the moral and spiritual achievements he has
made through Masonry, when he has been inspired to
display the beauties of friendship, morality, and brotherly
love, when he realizes that his own personal life is the
most important evidence he can give to show what a
Mason is, he usually finds it very easy to talk about the
Fraternity to his non-Masonic friends. When he knows
that his Lodge is a spiritual force, when it is learning and
teaching its members the universal ideals of the Craft,
when it is actively promoting charitable programs and
pursuing truth, he will tell what Freemasonry is with
conviction and enthusiasm.
But he must know what he is talking about. This
essay suggests only in general terms what he can talk
about. He should be prepared to fill in the details. When
he is convinced that he can supply those details, he is
ready to answer the questions, “What do the Masons do?”
and “What are the Masons?”
When he is asked the question he must then decide
on how much or how little to say. A brief but adequate
reply is advised, for if the questioner is not satisfied, he
will undoubtedly ask for further information. The
following answer is only a suggestion.
“Masons are men who voluntarily asked to join a
Lodge. They were accepted because they were good men
who believe in God and hold high ethical and moral
provided for. Accordingly in vv14-16 a strategy is put in
place by Boaz to make sure Ruth’s needs are met. Let us
endeavor to show our real love for visitors by showing
practical love through hospitality or whatever is necessary.
Are we a welcoming church at Feltham Evangelical
Church? Let us take heed to the example of Boaz and
make sure all visitors are made welcome and helped as
they come among us. Who knows what great things may
happen as a result?
Basic Principles of Freemasonry
Often criticized as being a “pagan” or “Satanic” cult,
Freemasonry has had to fight against a good share of
misinformation throughout the years.
According to the Masonic Information Center,
Masons believe there is one God. However, we do believe
in religious freedom, so we often use the name “Grand
Architect of the Universe” and other non-sectarian titles so
as not to offend members of different faiths. Masonry
requires of its members a belief in God as part of the
obligation of every responsible adult. In North America, a
Bible is predominantly used as the “Volume of Sacred
Law,” which is the “rule and guide” of life to every
Mason, and is essential to every meeting.
Masons stress personal responsibility, a personal
relationship with God, a commitment to community and
country, and a willingness to give charitably. The tenets of
Masonry are friendship, morality and brotherly love.
Freemasonry is for self-improvement mainly. We are
not a community-service group like the Lions or groups
like that; we are committed to improving the community
by inspiring men to improve themselves.
Paul Boynton, during the 1832 presodential campaign,
lived in the Green Mountain country of Vermont. Those were
dark days for the Craft. Andrew Jackson, a Past Grand Master
of Tennessee, was the candidate for the Presidency against
William Wirt, a Mason running on the Anti-Masonic ticket.
Bro. Boynton was a devoted Freemason and did not
recant or hide his association with the Craft while the storm
was brewing and many members deserted. He made an
election vow that if Vermont went for Wirt he would move
“out west.” In those days “out west” meant St. Lawrence
Country, New York, to New Englanders.
When Wirt won in Vermont (the only state in which he
won), Bro. Boynton kept his word and moved. At the end of
an eighty day journey on horseback, Bro. Boynton settled
down in Canton New York. He swapped his horse for a
watch and a gun shop. He became the best gunsmith in the
area and his gun stocks are now collector’s items. He invented
many things, such as eight day clocks and a pedometer.
In 1835 he built what is now known as The Royal Arch
House, located at 12 Pine Street, as a constant reminder that
he was a Mason. Emblems familiar to the Royal Arch Mason
are on the front of the building. It is said that he dug his own
grave and made his own marker, except for the date. He died
on July 13, 1851
7
MASON LOSES A BET
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The first thing we notice about Boaz is that he
operated his business in a spiritual manner. We note this
from the greeting he shared with his staff. “The LORD be
with you!” “The LORD bless you!” they answered. (Ruth
2:4b). When people come into Feltham Evangelical Church
do they come into a spiritual place? The spirituality of the
place is determined by the people in that place. Is each of
us, through our devotion to God, contributing to creating a
Godly atmosphere in the church?
Sad to say that so often in churches visitors are just
ignored, but not so in Boaz’s field. Firstly, notice he is
aware that there is someone new around and it seems that
is Boaz’s first thought when he comes back to his field
(see v5). What about you? When you come into church do
you make it a priority to welcome strangers or do your
own friends come first?
Moreover, the question which Boaz asked indicated
that he was immediately showing an interest in her. He
asked his reapers “Who does that young woman belong
to?” (v5b). No doubt, everyone is different, but everyone
wants to be made to feel special. Without unnecessary
prying, a gentle inquiry about where someone comes from
or a little about their background can make people feel
that someone is taking a genuine interest in them.
Having established who she was and why she had
come to his field Boaz was keen to go out of his way to
make sure she was welcomed and received among the
reapers. When strangers come into church new people and
new circumstances can feel very threatening. Ruth very
probably felt threatened by the young men, but Boaz took
action to counteract this and said to her “I have told the
men not to lay a hand on you”. (v9b). Similarly, for
newcomers in church, a little discrete help with finding
hymn numbers or Bible passages may reduce their
discomfort.
In all this Boaz was keen to make sure that Ruth felt
at home. There were young women within his fold and he
wanted her to feel secure with them (see v8). As someone
departs after a service a simple “hope to see you again.”
can be very meaningful and be an encouragement to
someone to settle among us and to find their spiritual food
in our midst from the Word of God.
Having sought to make someone feel welcome, our
failing sometimes comes at the next stage when we seek to
consolidate our welcome. Good “follow-up” comes when
we seek, out of love and genuine interest to find out more
about our visitor so that we can be of specific help to
them. Boaz shows us a good example here. It is recorded
of him in v11 that he said to Ruth: “I’ve been told all
about what you have done for your mother-in-law since
the death of your husband – how you left your father and
mother and your homeland and came to live with a people
you did not know before.”
Boaz showed his love by obtaining further
information about Ruth. She was not just a name on a list,
but someone he cared about. Do we care about others
enough to want to find out about them? Furthermore, he
uses this information to make sure that Ruth’s needs are
Letter from Taproot Theatre
February 3, 2017
Dear brethren of St. John’s Lodge No. 9
After performing at one middle school, the Road
Company actors reported back to us: “The talk back with
the students after Cyber Zoo went better than we could
have ever imagined! When we asked the kids for positive
messages they could send out the kids’ hands were
popping up left and right. We heard so many positive
messages and we all were fighting back the tears. It was
very powerful and we can’t wait to keep taking this show
to other schools.”
The brethren of St. John’s Lodge have done so much
to support this amazing work with students and we would
love for you to see the Road Company in action! If you’re
interested in visiting a Road Company performance at a
school near you, then please feel free to contact Sonja
Lowe at 206-529-3672 or [email protected].
Sincerely grateful for your partnership,
Scott Nolte, Producing Artistic Director
Taproot Theatre Company
A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
A man who lies to himself, and believes his own lies,
becomes unable to recognize truth, either in himself or in
anyone else, and he ends up losing respect for himself and
for others. - Fyodor Dostoevsky, novelist (1821-1881)
The Ides of March is a day on the Roman calendar
that corresponds to 15 March. It was marked by several
religious observances and became notorious as the date of
the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BC. The death of
Caesar made the Ides of March a turning point in Roman
history, as one of the events that marked the transition
from the historical period known as the Roman Republic
to the Roman Empire.
The Death of Caesar (1798) by Vincenzo Camuccini
[HERE AND ABOUT
VWBro. Darrel Womack has been
presented a Hiram Award for his work on
behalf of the Lodge….WBro. Jim Shields has
recently moved to Maui and drives a school
bus….WBro. Helmuth Svoboda is doing well
following cataract surgery….Bro. David Holdsworth is healing
from cranial surgery….
HIGH TWELVE
The Latin nonus referred to the ninth hour of the day, that
is, nine hours after sunrise. In the Medieval church it
referred to the middle hour between midday and sunset,
that is, about three o’clock P.M. In the course of time it
came to refer to any part of the middle of the day, and
finally to twelve o’clock. The origin of our “High Twelve” is
uncertain, but it is probable that it goes back to a time
before “noon" was generally used for twelve o’clock; the
“high” doubtless refers to the sun, which at that time was
at its highest point in the sky.
LOW TWELVE
In Masonic language midnight is so called. The reference
is to the sun, which is then below the earth. Low Twelve in
Masonic symbolism is an unpropitious or unfavorable
hour.
8
Our Road Company actors have been braving the
winter roads this January and all of the schools have been
excited to see them. Sometimes they are navigating the
van just a few blocks to a Shoreline elementary school and
sometimes we send them all the way down to Mt. Rainier.
Next month they are getting ready to head over the
mountains for a whole week of performances in Yakima
County. This year, we are particularly proud to be
launching a new play for secondary school students called
Cyber Zoo. This script was commissioned in response to
specific requests from teachers for a story that would
address cyber-bullying, body image, and body shaming.
Set in a fictional high school, Cyber Zoo builds empathy
in students by demonstrating the pain caused by negative
social media messages meant to tear someone down and
then showing the power of positive messages that can
build someone up.
St. John’s to meet on “The Ides of March”
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On behalf of the staff and board here at Taproot, I
wanted to say THANK YOU for your generous support of
Taproot Theatre’s Road Company.
And a special thanks to our long
time Taproot friend, Bill Collison,
for the in-person delivery of your
check at our Thursday preview for
Room Service! It was a great
surprise to come into my office on
Friday morning and receive that check. Thank you again.