TRESTLEBOARD AUGUST 2015

MAKING MASONS SINCE 5889

1

B J

STATED COMMUNICATIONS

1ST AND 3RD TUESDAYS

AT 7:30 PM

BETWEEN TWO GOLDEN PILLARS AND THRU THIS

PORTAL WISE MEN WILL PASS

DeSoto LODGE NO. 105 F.&A.M.

10801 DeSoto Rd.

RIVERVIEW , FLORIDA 33569

AUGUST 2015 VOL. MMXV NO. VIII

DeSoto Lodge 105

First Worshipful Master

B.N.Mathes 5188-A.L.

TRESTLEBOARD AUGUST 2015

MAKING MASONS SINCE 5889

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Marshall

W:. Troy Di Vito

598-7087(Christina)

Tyler Richard “Dick” Sylvis

671-8959(Mary)

rssylvis@tampabay.rr.com

WORSHIPFUL MASTER William Tracy

727-244-1173 (Jennifer)

williambtracy@aol.com.

Junior Warden

Bill Miller

(757) 635-2195 (Monica)

Secretary Dwight Cooper

325-5881

Jr.Deacon

Mark Sills 843-9624 (Audrey)

Jr. Steward

Steven Brown

787 3365 (Debbie Ann)

Chaplain Bill Bartman 671-0560 (Jill K. Haider-Bartman)

Lodge Instructor W:.Don Campbell 671-0922(Barbara)

Senior Warden Steve Wilson

758-6174(Michelle)

Sr Steward Lyle Kelly (Meliane) 453-8000

Treasurer Mike Antoniadis

645-1564 Linda

Sr Deacon Steve Williams 743-5739 (Ronni Kay)

DeSoto Lodge 2015 Officers

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MAKING MASONS SINCE 5889

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1888- ........... B.N.Mathes * 1889- ............. A.H.Meeks*

Lodge first met

in the Meeks Store 1890- ........... B.N.Mathes * 1891- ........... O.P.Buzbee * 1892- ..... L.W.Buckholtz * 1893- ........... J.R.Brooker * 1894-1913-G.H.Symmes *+

1914-1915-B.H.Emerson *

1916-1917- L.G.Scofield *

1918- ........ J.W.WIlliams *

1919-1920- . E.P.Blanton *

1921- .......... F.Ray Hearn *

1922-1925-W.T.Williams *

1926- ..... J.E.McLean Sr. *

1927- ........ A.Kirkpatrick *

1928- ........ J.W. McLean *

1929- ........ D.H.Williams *

1930-1931 .... E.J.Bryant *

1932-1934- .. C.Friedling *

1935- .................... C.Pelt *

1936-1937-L.D.Patterson *

1938- ............ T.H.Brown *

1940-1941 .. A.O.Moody *

1942-1943 ...... M.Linder *

1944- ........ G.L.Pritchard *

1945- ......... J.S.Meadows *

1946- ...... H.W.Meadows *

1947- .............. E.E.Doub *

1948- ...... J.E.McLean Jr. *

1949- ...... J.W.Thompson *

1950- ........... D.C.Graves *

1951- ....... W.J.Gallana */+

1952- .. Wm.E. Hegeman *

1953- ........ J.P.Massicotte*

1954- ........ J.A.Bailey Jr. *

1955- .............. W.Willis *

1956- ............. R.M.Ekker*

1957- ............ A.Vasquez *

1958- ................. A.Ekker *

1959-..R\W\G. Cooley 33+*

1960-…...H. Smallwood +*

1961-……………H. Rice *

1962-…..J.R. Hamrick, Jr. *

1963-……….….V. Linder

1964-……….H.B. Wilder

1965-………..A.L. Frisbie *

1966-…..W.A. Thompson *

1967-……..W.L. Shurtleff

1968-………….W.W. Jay *

1969-……....J.D. Fletcher

1970-………..R.F. Tatum *

1971-……...A.W. Fenzau

1972-….....W.L. Stanford

1973-……….R.W. Smith *

1974-……..H.L. Clausen 1975-…………..C. Repp +*

1976-……….O.H. Elmore *

1977-……….J. A. Brown *

1978-……...M. Beardsley +*

1979-……...D.R. Packard *

1980-……....W.B. Ellis 33º*

1981-…...E.E. Oglethorpe *

1982-………..J.D. Fowler

1983-………....G.J. Davis

1984- ...... W.J.Wiggins*

1985- ............ G.W.Fears

1986-………….A.E.Baker *

1987- ....... J.M.Williams

1988- .......... R.S.Varney

1989- . R. “Gene” Horne

1990- ....... J.H.McDaniel 1991- ........... R.M.Hardy 1992-1993.E.L.Swilley, Jr. * 1994- .............T.A.Berry 1995-……….F.R.Hudson * 1996- ............ D.M.Little 1997- .. R\W\F.E.Lowe+ 1998- ....... R.E.Kennedy 1999-David G. Watson Sr.* 2000-…...Dennis Owenby * 2001- .......... Bob Boose 2002-David G. Watson Jr. 2003- ... “Skip” Franklin 2004- ......... James Hiller 2005David “Doc” Rivera 2006 . Ronald J. Brimner 2007 ....... Robert Dishon 2008 ………...Mark Titzel 2009 …...Howie Angeloni 2010...........Don Campbell 2011...............Greg Wynn 2012....Hoyt “Al” Lawson 2013..........Adam Barsoum 2014...............Troy Di Vito

DEGREE PRACTICE

Every Wednesday

DeSoto Lodge

7:00 pm

"Brothers, please support the degree team, your

help is greatly needed. District School of Instruction

Every 3rd Monday 7:30PM

Tampa #240

6920 E. Chelsea St; Tampa, FL 7:00 pm

MASONIC EDUCATION

Articles for the Trestleboard

Send to Dick Sylvis via e-mail rssylvis@tampabay.rr.com

W:. Don Campbell

DeSoto Lodge

Gold Card Instructor

DESOTO LODGE # 105 F.&A.M.

Has a “Facebook” Group

IF YOU USE FACEBOOK …

Join Our Group!

DESOTO HONOR ROLL of PAST MASTERS

DeSoto Lodge

2014 MASON OF

THE YEAR

W:. DON CAMPBELL

BROTHERS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE DEGREE

TEAM, YOUR HELP IS GREATLY NEEDED

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MAKING MASONS SINCE 5889

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WORSHIPFUL Master

Bill Tracy

My Brothers:

I hope this finds you and your families all doing well. July has been a great month for our lodge and

district. At our Stated Communications on July 7th, Right Worshipful Richard G. Hoover was in at-

tendance as well as Right Worshipful John Westerman who is on the Board of Directors for the Masonic

Home and a candidate for the Grand South next year. We appreciate these Brothers taking time out of

their busy schedules to join us in fellowship. It was a very enjoyable evening.

On Saturday, July 11th, DeSoto's own Right Honorable Greg Wynn hosted a BBQ Competition for the

lodges in the 23rd Masonic District with proceeds going to benefit the Grand Master's Charity. Six

lodges participated with BBQ Teams. It was amazing to see these lodges come together for such a great

cause and the fellowship with our Brothers and their families was terrific. None of it would have hap-

pened without the vision, leadership, and hard work of Right Honorable Wynn. He truly sets a great ex-

ample for all of us at DeSoto Lodge. I also want to congratulate the DeSoto BBQ Team on an outstand-

ing performance. Our team took first place in the BBQ Pork Competition and third place overall.

These Brothers were out there early in the morning preparing the food. Our team was made up of

Brothers Steve Wilson, Mark Sills, Stephen Williams, and Stephen Brown. Additionally, Ladies

Michelle Wilson and Roni Kay Lopez provide moral support and advice. Congratulations TEAM on a

Job Well Done. You all have a lot to be proud of, and all of us at DeSoto Lodge are very proud of you.

Brothers, please join us on Tuesday, August 4, 2015 for the Official Visit of the District Deputy Grand

Master. It is a great night to come out and hear the Grand Master's message as well as to honor our Dis-

trict Deputy. I hope to see you all there. Dinner will be at 6:30PM with our meeting starting at

7:30PM.

Lastly my Brothers, it is with regret that I inform you of the passing of Brother Edgar Kampe earlier this

month. Please keep Brother Kampe's family in your thoughts and prayers.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you or your family. Have a safe August and I hope

to speak or see you all soon.

Fraternally,

Bill Tracy

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From the West

S.W. Steve Wilson

On this day in 1753, 21-year-old Virginian George Washington is declared a Master Mason in a Masonic ritual per-

formed by his fellow Freemasons during a secret ceremony in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Washington, who belonged to

Alexandria Lodge No. 22, had been initiated into the Masons at age 20 on November 4, 1752. The following year, on

March 3, 1753, he passed as a “Fellow Craft.” Five months later, Washington was raised to the rank of Master Mason.

According to the Library of Congress, the secret society of Freemasons emerged from the medieval English guild sys-

tem and was brought to America in the early 1700s. For many young men, becoming a Freemason constituted a rite of

passage to adulthood and “civic responsibility.” Members of Masonic lodges were required to profess belief in a su-

preme being, as well as in the soul’s immortality, and were expected to promote, in Washington’s words, “private vir-

tue and public prosperity” and advocate for religious tolerance. Fellow Masons referred to each other as “Brother.”

According to published eyewitness reports, “Brother Washington” performed Masonic rites at the laying of the U.S.

Capitol’s cornerstone on September 18, 1793. Wearing an apron embroidered with Masonic symbols, Washington led

a ceremony laced with the society’s rituals. The apron, along with the trowel and tools used to set the Capitol’s cor-

nerstone in place, is currently housed at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia.

In 1923, the national organization of Freemasons purchased the former Revolutionary War site of Shooter’s Hill in

Alexandria, Virginia, in order to build a monument to their most esteemed Brother Washington. Assisting in the

groundbreaking ceremonies were President Calvin Coolidge and former President William H. Taft, both Masons. Har-

ry Truman, a former Grand Master Mason for Missouri, dedicated a statue of Washington at the memorial in 1950.

Other Freemason presidents include James Monroe, Andrew Jackson, James Polk, James Buchanan, Andrew Johnson,

James Garfield, William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, Warren Harding, Franklin Roosevelt and Gerald Ford.

Lodge roof repair in progress

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FROM THE SOUTH

J.W. Bill Miller

Brethren,

Here we are in August already, I hope the summer is going well for you and your family. In spite of the

warnings it looks like the Fourth of July was relatively safe for our country. I did see one news article

that concerned me, someone was floating a petition in California to change the American Flag as they

felt it was a sign of oppression and overthrow. August is going to be another busy month, we have the

DDGM visit on the first Tuesday, and I would appreciate some help with serving and cleaning up. This

will be a plated dinner. Family night will be a little bit different then we have had before. So come on

out and enjoy the company and fellowship.

Brother Junior Warden

Virtue

What does virtue mean to you?

The definition of virtue from Merriam-Webster is;

morally good behavior or character,

a good and moral quality,

the good result that comes from something

These are sound qualities in any person. However, I like the definition for Masonic use from Dictionaryrefernce.com

better;

1. Moral excellence; goodness; righteousness.

2. Conformity of one's life and conduct to moral and ethical principles; uprightness; rectitude.

3. Chastity; virginity: to lose one's virtue.

4. A particular moral excellence. Compare cardinal virtues, natural virtue, theological virtue.

5. A good or admirable quality or property: the virtue of knowing one's weaknesses.

6. Effective force; power or potency: a charm with the virtue of removing warts.

7. Virtues, an order of angels. Compare angel (def 1).

While some of these have nothing to do with Masonry, they do have something to do with life. skills. A long time ago

a couple of wise men taught me to lead by doing not just directing. The different faiths of the creator have instances

of this as well and typically had a lesson tied to them.

In this world today, it is hard to maintain the moral direction with what is going on in the world and all of the temp-

tations. Everyone needs friends, family and people they can depend upon to get through life. I believe this is one of

the virtues of the brotherly love of this Great Masonic Fraternity.

What do you think?

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CHAPLAIN'S CORNER

By Bill Bartman

Cha

MORALITY IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR A MASON

Most of us think of morality as sexual purity While that is a big part of it, let me explain that the virtue of mo-

rality is much more than that. It includes our whole being, our very character . It includes honesty, integr ity,

and uprightness. Webster defines it as “a doctrine or system of moral conduct; conformity to ideals of right human

conduct.”

We have all proceeded through three levels of Masonry, and each one addressed the issue of morality. We had

to learn things for each level, and prove that we did, indeed, know it. But, did you merely study and memorize words,

or did you actually understand the message that you promised to obey and follow?

Many people today think that morality is a relative term: that its meaning and application changes with the

times, the culture, and the mores of society in general. Did you see the swimsuits of the early 1900s? Did you notice

how the men dressed during that time as well? Today, Victoria doesn’t really have any secrets!! It’s very difficult to

control urges and hormones in a day and age when so much skin is exposed, but that is exactly what we are expected

to do. The Bible says that to even look after a woman with lust is the same as committing adultery with her!

Aside from the sexual aspect of morality, what about those promises that you made and are tempted to break?

As a Mason, can others count on your confidentiality when they share a secret or problem with you? Can they count

on your help if you’ve told them you would do so? Are your moral standards those expected of a true and loyal broth-

er Mason? Does your word stand for truth in all situations as it should for a Mason?

Morality is probably the most difficult virtue to practice in today’s society, but the temptation to break it can

be overcome if you keep your eyes on the goal of being a good man who is getting better! Each of us has an innate

sense of right and wrong, so as you are faced with various choices in life, think each one through carefully, and con-

sider the consequences of your actions. Choose the path that you know is the right one, regardless of the reactions of

others around you!

Remember, everything you say and do contributes to the heritage you leave behind when you die. Will part of

that heritage be that “He was a moral and upright man?” What would you like to be written on your headstone in the

cemetery? Let’s hope that it will be something the families and survivors can be proud of about you.

As your chaplain, let me remind you to let me know of any periods of distress, so I can inform the brothers,

visit with you, pray for you, or whatever, to assist and encourage you until you are restored to good health or whatever

the problem was is resolved.

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Coins Still Available DeSoto Lodge is 125 +

Years Young!

A Great Memento

125th Anniversary Coins are still available.

$20.00 per coin donation. $50 donation for 3 coins.

Support the lodge and remember this great period in

Desoto Lodges History.

See Bro Bill Tracy or email DesotoCoins2014@gmail.com for more information or

to buy a coin!

Tell your friends. They make perfect Gifts!

Who’s Traveling?

We thought you would like to know

A Long Way To Go And A Short Time To Get There

Brother Shelby Asher .

was Raise to the Sublime Degree on 27 May 2015

Mssrs. Karl Alexander Joly, Pierre Andre Joly, and Richard R Csuhta

Were initiated on 28 July 2015

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MAKING MASONS SINCE 5889

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Brother Steve Williams presided in the East during the 28 July E.A. degree

Our Newly obligated brothers Richard R Csuhta. Karl Alexander Joly, Pierre Andre Joly,

TRESTLEBOARD AUGUST 2015

MAKING MASONS SINCE 5889

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DATES TO REMEMBER

DDGM Don Cowart official visit 4 Aug 2015 7:30pm DeMolay charter presentation 8 Aug 2015 1pm meal to follow

25 Aug Fellowcraft degree 7pm

August 2015 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

30 31

Masonic Home Visit 11AM

Pancake Breakfast 0900 - 1200 Noon

DeMOLAY

7:3OPM

Ladies Orien-tal Shrine 1PM

Order of the Eastern Star 7:30 pm

DeMolay 7:30pm

Dist School

at Tampa 240 7:00PM

Order of the

Eastern Star

7:30 pm

Dinner

6:30PM

Meeting

7:30PM

Family Night

Dinner 6:30PM

Meeting

Degree

Practice

7:00 PM

Degree

Practice

7:00 PM

Degree

Practice

7:00 PM

F.C. Degree

7:00 PM

G.S.Troop

1296

6:30-8:30

G.S.Troop

1296

6:30-8:30

Masters &

Wardens

Fellowship 265

7:30PM

Work day-9am 1pm

COASTAL AUTO SPA Family Owned and Operated

1430 North Hwy 41 - Ruskin, FL 33570

Monday – Saturday 9:00 am – 5:30 pm

Sunday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Full Service Car Wash, Oil Change, Complete Auto Detailing

We would like to offer all members of the Masonic Lodge

a 10% Discount on any service provided.

Degree

Practice

7:00 PM

Officers

Meeting

7pm

DeMolay

charter

1pm