ACGL Communicator February 2016 · Annalista Saxo Lodge No 1072 will be consecrated on 2 April...

February 2016

Grand Lodge closed from 18 February – 29 February 2016 The Grand Lodge Office will be closed from 18 February 2016 till 29 February 2016, as the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master and Grand Secretary will be attending the 2016 Conference of Grand Masters’ of North America and Grand Secretarys’ Conference of North America. To avoid heavy roaming charges emails will only be downloaded periodically from the Internet. Please limit unnecessary email traffic.

Annual Per Capita Returns for 2016 and Monthly Reports At the time of going to print, not all Lodges have submitted their Annual Per Capita Return Forms for 2016, the deadline being 15 February 2016. Some Lodges have still not submitted their December Monthly Reports. The American Canadian Grand Lodge IBAN and BIC are as follows: IBAN: DE78 5001 0060 0016 0286 09 BIC: PBNKDEFF Registration Forms for the Annual Communication 2016 can be found on the ACGL Website. Only transfer Registration Fees to the Grand Lodge account when registering, Hotel fees MUST be paid to the Hotel direct when checking out. Consecration of Star of Africa Solomon Lodge No 1071 and Annalista Saxo Lodge No 1072 Star of Africa Solomon Lodge No 1071 was consecrated on 6 February 2016 and Annalista Saxo Lodge No 1072 will be consecrated on 2 April 2016. We are very proud to welcome these two new Lodges to our Jurisdiction. Master’s Report’s By directive of the Grand Master, the Master of each Lodge is required to submit a written report on the Status of his Lodge, deadline is 15th March 2016. This may be submitted by email attachment or hard copy by Deutsche Post.

Beehive Award available again Once again we now have stock of Beehive Awards, as this is a Lodge Award, the Certificate can be downloaded from the ACGL Website for the Lodge to use. The Beehive Awards can be purchased from the Grand Lodge Office priced at

€5.00 each. New/Old Grand Lodge Award Thirty years ago, the American Canadian Grand Lodge adopted the Grand Lodge Award Program; one award has never been presented since this program was started in 1986, The Grand Secretary’s Award. I understand totally the difficulties in deciding each year and why it has been difficult to select a Lodge Secretary that should receive the award. Seeing the commitment and dedication Lodge Secretaries dedicate to their work, in some instances the central person keeping the Lodge active, it is time to reward those Brethren, I hope we have found a suitable solution. As only a Lodge Secretary can qualify it indeed becomes a very prestigious award. The ACGL Code As every member must have a current copy of The ACGL Code it will soon be available on the ACGL Website as eBook or .pdf. The American Canadian Grand Lodge AF&AM e.V. (ACGL) Satzung The American Canadian Grand Lodge AF&AM e.V. (ACGL) Association By-Laws will be also available on the Grand Lodge website, it will be in both German and English, but should there be any deviation in the Translation only the German version is the only legal document. Necrology Report Sadly too many Brethren have departed to take their rightfully earned place with the Great Architect of the Universe, at the time of writing 29 Brethren, their names will be read during the Lodge of Sorrow at Grand Lodge.

Fraternally,

Michael A. Franklin Grand Secretary

From the Grand Master Dear Brethren all, Constituent Lodges: Over half of my year as your Grand Master is now history. During this time I have had the opportunity to travel and visit throughout the Jurisdiction from East to West and North and South and even visited our lodges in remote areas where I have been greeted in genuine fraternal friendship afforded my office. I was very impressed by the quality of work and the unity of purpose exhibited by the brethren as well as the performance of Lodge Secretary this past year. I personally commend all those who have worked so hard throughout this past year to ensure your brethren

enjoy our Masonry; your hard work speaks volume as obviously brethren were committed to attending and received much pleasure from their membership. Each lodge has its own success story documented, reported and archived as each ended 2015 on a positive note. Even our Grand Lodge Team has its own success story the harmonious attachment as servant to our constituent Lodges making a difference. Two new Lodges: – The Star of Africa Solomon Lodge 1071, Gelsenkirchen was consecrated on 6 February 2016 and is placed under District 6. Annalista Saxo Lodge No. 1072, Nienburg/Saale scheduled for consecration on 2 April 2016 will be under District 8. Grand Lodge: The following Appointed Officers added to serve our members better are Very Worshipful Brother Andreas Rolfs (1067) to District Deputy Grand Master of District 8 (Berlin 46 Out Post Lodge 895; Star of the East, Lodge 1066; Albert Pike, Lodge 1067), Right Worshipful (HJGW) Brother Fred Cornwell (Noble District 9) and Worshipful Brother Phillipp Crusius (892/1055) to Grand Historians of the ACGL. The Grand Master and District Deputy Grand Master Workshop was another success. It was held in Frankfurt and hosted by United American Lodge 819. I commend all our

Grand Lodge officers for their participation and for making a difference for our Constituent Lodges in attendance as programs were directly intended for their Masonic education and enrichment during the Entered Apprentice Degree, Rite of Investiture and Lodge of Sorrow. The attached pictures are indicative of the support and the tremendous effort put forth by your District Deputy Grand Masters in Very Worshipful Brother Daniel Jap Lim District 1; Very Worshipful Brother John Harris, District 2; Very Worshipful Brother Hans Neu, District 3, Right Worshipful Brother Larry E. Painter Sr., District 4; Very Worshipful Brother Joseph TOWREK, District 5; Very Worshipful Ilhan Boga, District 6; Very Worshipful Brother Jonny Henke, District 7; and Worshipful Brother John Kesier representing ND9. I also commend RW Brother Tayfun Çillingir, RW Brother Juan Goytia, RW Brother Patrick Rodrigues and Worshipful Brother Tarik Eker for coordinating and logistical efforts making our gathering possible. I also commend our Grand Secretary RW Brother Michael Franklin for working behind the scenes in preparation of End of Year Awards and Dues Cards for Lodges.

In this rare occasion Most Worshipful Brother Jess Minton, PGM (1967-1968) and Most Worshipful Brother Wolfgang Durst, PGM (1981-1982) were recognized for their leadership and contribution to Freemasonry. I also recognized Brother Jess for his life time contribution and service to our Honorable Fraternity and ACGL as Past Grand Secretary starting in 1969 to 2010. All in attendance were

inspired by the presence of these PGMs whose names are held in high veneration by the Craft. The next Grand Master and District Deputy Grand Master Workshop is scheduled for 19 March at the United American Lodge No. 819 Lodge Hall, Kruppstrasse 134, 60388 Frankfurt. Charity: I am grateful and expressed my personal appreciation to those lodges and individual brother for their generous donation to our Peter M. Rasmussen Charity Fund which is our Grand Lodge charitable and benevolent program. Making a difference as a brotherhood of dedicated charitable men and mason to help, aid and assist those in need. If your Lodge is making further donation to please bring your donation to our Annual Communication and be recognized for your generous donations. My personal gratitude goes to our brethren and ladies (especially those first responders) those involved in Community Service efforts in support as volunteers joining forces to help newly-arrived refugees and migrants get food, clothes and medical attention. Your efforts are well recognized and you are all greatly appreciated for making a difference. ACGL e.V. Annual Communication: The Annual Communication will be held on 15th and 16th April this year. Attendance is required for sitting Worshipful Masters. I however encourage and wish to motivate each of you to strengthen that momentum and get a chance to interact with each other by attending our annual convention in April. It is the best way to meet brethren and share your experiences with each other. Although you cannot exactly quantify the networking value of our conference, it remains an essential aspect of such a gathering. You will find that the conference provides a perfect balance between practice and theory. I think you will find our agenda interesting and also you can also find one or more group discussion on the side line to improve your Masonic knowledge and skills. I think it is definitely worthwhile to attend and I look forward to seeing you. Brethren, I thank you all again for your loyal support and may our Great Fraternity grow in strength and give us all a great sense of satisfaction in being part of it advancing the cause of Freemasonry. Make the difference! Eddie Grand Master

From the Deputy Grand Master Dear Brethren, I greet you well and extend my best wishes for the New Year. On 4-6 December 2015 our Grand Secretary, R.W. Brother Michael Franklin and I represented our Grand Lodge in Paris at the communication of GLNF (Grand Loge Nationale Française), by the order of our Grand Master, MW Brother Eddie M. Guevera. M.W. Brother James Barrett, PGM, was also with us, invited as a distinguished guest of the GLNF. We had the pleasure and opportunity to introduce our Grand Lodge to some of other

delegations from across the globe. After the re-recognition of GLNF, it was a great meeting with about 2000 Brethren attending.

During the holiday season I had the pleasure of sharing the joy and pride of the Brethren of two Lodges celebrating their 60th anniversary, Truth and Friendship Lodge #828, in Nuremberg and Solomon Lodge #822, in Ludwigsburg. It was a great time for me being together with the Brethren and their families. In the profane life a mason must show a good example. Therefore, knowing this we should behave in proper manner as Masons. Wishing to see you at our Annual Communication in Bad Kissingen on 15th and 16th April 2016. Fraternally Tayfun Çilingir Deputy Grand Master

From the West My Brothers, I again I want to thank you for the vote of confidence you have bestowed upon me at our last Grand Lodge annual communication in April 2015. It is an honor and privilege to serve the craft as Senior Grand Warden. I have traveled throughout our great Districts and enjoyed the Brotherly Love and friendship shown to me in every District and Lodge that I had the opportunity to visit. My Brothers, I divide Masonry into three parts. The First is the esoteric part which has existed from time immemorial and should never change. Remember,

"Freemasonry is a system of morality veiled in allegories and illustrated by symbols." Freemasonry is a moral institution. The Second is the social part which include all our actions, festive boards, Grand Master's Official visits, etc.... The Third is the business part which includes running our Lodges and keeping them open to the members and new potential candidates. This is our biggest challenge, to stabilize our Lodges financially and to keep them alive into the twenty-first century. My Brothers, we have lot of work ahead of us to improve and built a stronger fraternal organization. The younger generation presents the biggest challenge as they bring new technology and modes of communication that we have to keep up with if we want them in our midst. My Brothers, lets exchange ideas and work together for the betterment of Freemasonry and our future. Fraternally Juan A. Goytia Senior Grand Warden

From the South Brethren all, Being only shortly prior to our 2016 annual communication in Bad Kissingen, all Brothers involved in the preparation process are busy with their respective tasks at the moment, trying to make our reunion once again a wonderful experience for every visitor: Brothers from our Grand Lodge, Brothers from other Grand Lodges, Ladies, families. I am happy to be having a masonic supply shop and a masonic book store this year at the hotel. I am also glad to announce that our Nepal Charity Project has been completed. The report is included in this edition. I once again want

to thank all the Lodges that contributed to the victims in Nepal – „Tashi Deleg!“ I was asked to publish a short report from my refugee mission around last Christmas, which is also included in this communicator. As the world grows another year older the American Canadian Grand Lodge and its manifold Lodges face their new challenges. May the New Year bring a plethora of opportunities your way that allow you to create success stories - health and happiness to you and your loved ones for 2016! Your Brother Jan Savarino, JGW

District Round About District 1: Very Worshipful Brother Daniel Jap Lim and Most Worshipful Grand Master Brother Eddie M. Guevara attended Spessart Lodge 875 Orient of Achaffenburg in the installation of Worshipful Master Brother Christian Kremer and his elected and appointed line.

Worshipful Master Brother Andreas Schoenwandt, Friend of the Lahn Lodge 860 Orient of Giessen wrote to the Grand Master: “your Christmas Message has come home to roost as we wind down an exciting year. Worshipful Brother Thomas and I have indeed had a wonderful year under your helmsmanship and now that we had that wonderful, tightly scheduled special work session in Frankfurt we are indeed winding to the finish line for 2015. This year will remain in most special memory as I have been amazed and impressed at the ease with which you have combined the rigors of memorized ritual with that cool elegance which escapes so many of us trying to muster the dignity our craft calls for when we are to perform ritual. You have become an inspiration to do the right thing and do it well as we work in the temple. I thank you for having had the chance to witness your performance of what means so much to us brothers. Thank you for your inspiring work and your guidance in setting the boundaries of best practice. I for one endeavor to do my best whenever

and wherever meeting with like-minded brothers. It was a wonderful...and the best part is the fact that I sense there is more to come! And may we all be blessed by that mystic tie that we hope will bind us together” Spessart Lodge No. 875 Aschaffenburg Most Worshipful Brother Wolfgang Durst, PGM (1981-1982) is still very active in Masonic Service and actively supports an orphanage, school and nursing home in Hungary. Despite his physical disability (MW Brother Wolfgang can move around only with the help of a cane), he makes 5-6 trips regularly to Hungary with VW Brother Edwin Bruin. The Brothers of Spessart Lodge No. 875 gather clothes and

furniture for the orphans in Hungary and hand the gathered clothes to MW Brother Wolfgang and VW Brother Eddie. The two brothers then drive over to Scharnbeck, Hungary and hand over the articles to the Nuns who are running the orphanage, school and nursing home.

MW Brother Wolfgang Durst with the Head of the Orphanage accompanied by Elizabeth Griesbeck volunteer of the Catholic Church in Aschaffenburg Diocese

The Nuns who run the Orphanage and nursing Home A trailer load of clothes delivered.

Children at the Orphanage The class room furniture for the entire school was transported by MW Brother Wolfgang and VW Brother Edwin Bruin to Hungary. District 2: 2015 Was as busy year for District 2 and the District got a lot of things accomplished. On Behalf of District 2 I would like to thank you to all who worked on and completed all those tasks that were sent down to the Lodge’s. Sometimes it is a lot and I want to thank you for completion of those tasks. Also, I would like to thank the Lodge’s for all those holiday charity drives and donations that were done for those in need. Masonic Education Workshop: District 2 of the American Canadian Grand Lodge AF&AM, e.V (ACGL) held a Masonic Education Workshop themed “Running an Efficient and Well Working Lodge” on 7 November 2015 at Galilei-George Washington Lodge No. 810A on Augustastrasse 2 in Kaiserslautern, Germany. The workshop was

organized by the VW Brother John Harris the DDGM of District 2. Representatives from each of the Order of the Eastern Star, the International Order of the DeMolay, Galilei-George Washington Lodge No. 810A, Alt Heidelberg-Fidelitas Lodge No. 821, Mount Moriah Two Bridges Nahe Lodge No. 823, Peter M. Rasmussen Lodge No. 916, and the ACGL Webmaster gave presentations to the group.

Brethren were encouraged to bring their family members to the first two presentations which were the Order of the Eastern Star (OES) presented by Sister B. Schultz and the International Order of DeMolay by VW Brother W. Williamson. After the OES and DeMolay presentations the families were released from the remainder of the workshop.

The next presentation which was Leadership was given by VW Brother John Harris. At the end of VW Brother John Harris’s presentation he gave the Brethren a handout and held a discussion about various things that affect the Fraternity. This was followed by presentations on the Worshipful Master and Wardens Responsibilities by VW Brother M. Dupnak, Lodge Officers Meetings by VW Brother J. Tworek, Communication with Members by RW Brother R. Young, a Lodge of Education by the Brethren of Lodge No. 810A, and Lodge Budget by W Brother R. Dothager. Lodge Secretary’s Forms and Public Relations presentations were given by RW Brother Patrick Rodrigues the ACGL Webmaster. Each presenter was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for their contribution to the District Workshop. The workshop participants were assured that without their help the workshop would not have been a success. At the very end the DDGM VW Brother John Harris thanked all the participants for their participation (especially the ladies of Galilei-George Washington Lodge No. 810A who organized the food and drinks for the Workshop), asked the participants to fill out a survey, and wished everyone a safe trip home.

Community involvement through Boys Scouts of America By Brother Jeffrey Cox, Galilei/George Washington Lodge 810a

"Brothers, if you are active with the Boy Scouts or other Scouting movement and am interested in recognition of the Daniel Beard Masonic Scouting Award for service in Scouting, please contact Bro Jeffrey Cox at [email protected] or + 49 151 75487677. (2) I would suggest that I can help arrange a telephonic meeting with the Transatlantic Council of the Boy Scouts of America and you to begin a conversation. It would be focused on education and ways to help. Point of contact: Scouting Professional: Jessica Curtis at +32 27173689659 or [email protected] Recognition—Ventures’ achievements are recognized through the Venturing advancement program and through the acknowledgement of a youth’s competence and ability by peers and adults. • Ideals—Ventures are expected to know and live by the Venturing Oath and Code. They promise to be faithful in their religious duties, to treasure their American heritage, to help others, and to seek truth and fairness. • High Adventure—Venturing emphasis on high adventure helps provides team-building opportunities, new meaningful experiences, practical leadership application, and lifelong memories to young adults. • Teaching others—all of the Venturing awards require Ventures to teach what they have learned to others.

ADVANTAGES FOR MASONIC LODGES • Scouting provides mentoring opportunities for lodge members. • Scouting offers program opportunities that attract youth and their families. • Scouting offers ready-made programs to augment the work of DeMolay. • Scouting has age-appropriate programs for boys 7 through 17 years of age and young men and women 14 through 20 years of age. • Scout units have an obligation for service to their chartering organizations. • Scouting provides a time-tested, high quality developmental youth program that has continuous identification with the Masonic Lodge. • Scouting offers the use of its program and support facilities, as well as the experience of trained volunteer and professional staff. • Scouting offers additional challenges and personal growth opportunities through its advancement program. • Chartering a Scout unit provides greater public awareness of the objectives and mission of Masonry.

mailto:[email protected]

tel:%2B49%20151%2075487677


ORGANIZING A SCOUTING UNIT 1. Lodge leaders are informed about Scouting. 2. Lodge leaders agree on the desirability of organizing a Scouting unit. 3. The Worshipful Master appoints a chartered organization representative. 4. The chartered organization representative appoints an organizing committee of lodge members, local parents, and other interested adults. 5. An orientation session is held with prospective Scouts and their parents. 6. The organizing committee identifies and recruits unit leaders and committee members. 7. The leaders are trained in program planning (Fast Start training). 8. The program is planned for at least the first six months. 9. Youth are registered. 10. Unit meetings begin. 11. The unit is installed and the charter is presented at a formal ceremony held at a meeting of the lodge.

DANIEL CARTER BEARD MASONIC SCOUTER AWARD The Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award is a national recognition approved by the Boy Scouts of America and promoted by the Grand Lodges of the United States. It may be presented to any Master Mason who has made significant contributions to youth through Scouting. A member of the Masonic Fraternity may be nominated if the individual is currently a registered Scouter who has displayed outstanding dedication to the Scouting program through:

• Developing Scouting units • Assisting Masonic lodges in forming units • Exemplifying the Scout Law and Masonic Virtues • Recruiting Scouting volunteers • Strengthening the relationship between Masonry and Scouting

Work accomplishment and dedication, rather than tenure in Scouting, should be the criteria for receiving the award.

District 3: Our District is located in a triangle and surrounded by three countries, we are working in four languages and with four different rituals and approaches but in fact in the

same thought

and

behavior. Brethren and ladies celebrated Solomon Lodge 822 Orient of Ludwigsburg the Lodge 60th year under the American Canadian Grand Lodge. Worshipful Master Brother Arda Cillingir and brethren celebrated with Lodge Christmas dinner and a Christkindle Market tour.

District 4: Right Worshipful Brother Larry E. Painter Sr., District Deputy Grand Master District 4 represented our Grand Master at the Truth and Friendship Lodge 828 Orient of Nurnberg to commemorate the Lodge 60th year under the American Canadian Grand Lodge. Worshipful Master Herbert Hall was presented on behalf of Most Worshipful Grand Master Brother Eddie M. Guevara a plaque signed by the Grand Master acknowledging Lodge History and 60th Year, a Plaque of the ACGL affixed with the Grand Master Coin and the Grand Master Recognition Medal was also awarded to the

Lodge. The Lodge celebrated this August occasion with a Christmas Dinner with brethren, family and friends. The Truth and Friendship as reported in lodge archive: Truth and Friendship Lodge 828 received its charter on 1 December 1955 by a special dispensation issued by the United Grand Lodge of Germany. The birth of this lodge was a joint effort put forth by Brother Kermit Persel, Brother Lyle E. Boyd and Brother Loren White. This would be a lodge of English speaking Freemasons within the Nurnberg area. An agreement was made with the German Lodge Zur Wahrheit und Freundschaft to use the German lodge hall at 11 Dombacherstrasse in Furth Bavaria. The Lodge was to be called Truth and Friendship Lodge, which is a literal translation of Zur Wahrheit and Freundschaft. The Lodge Bijou was designed and adopted February 1956, which is still in use today. The lodge on 27 March 1967 adopted the ``Forget Me Not`` flower as the lodge lapel pin, which is a symbol of Freemasonry in Germany during the Dark Days of World War II, the pin is presented to all first time visitors. The Lodge has since moved to it new location at Altes Schloss, Höfleser Hauptstr 74, 90427 Nurnberg/Höfles, and meets on the 2nd Friday of each month at 19:00. On 13 December while in Pyramid Lodge this story happened: The Grand Master Traveling Gavel was in clear view of

Most Worshipful Grand Master Brother Eddie M. Guevara during his visit to Pyramid Lodge 869 in the Orient of Vilseck. The Grand Master inquired how long has the Traveling Gavel been in Lodge 869? The response the Grand Master received was that the ACGL Traveling Gavel has been with this Lodges for years and that the brethren had no knowledge how and why it was in the Lodge. Well, the Grand Master looked around and recognized that Light of the Three Stars, Lodge 963 represented with the Master and five brethren qualified to receive the Traveling Gavel, so before the lodge closed the Worshipful Master Brother Harald Thieme presented the ACGL Traveling Gavel to Worshipful Master Brother Michael Amaro. The Grand Master directed for Light of the Three Stars that if no other lodge takes it over by 14th April for the lodge to bring the Traveling Gavel to the ACGL Annual Communication in April. The Grand Master

alluded that the purpose of the ACGL Traveling Gavel is to encourage Masonic Travel within the Jurisdiction.

Worshipful Brother Harald Thieme and his elected line were installed by our Grand Master. Brother Adrain Mogos was so impressed with the installation and ritual exemplification from the Grand Master and echoed “Once more time I would like to express my gratitude for the unique experience Most Worshipful Brother Eddie personally offered us. I never dreamed about such a memorable, grandiose ceremony.... I am still under this impression and the fluency of the entire ritual, the eloquent way in which our Grand Master conveyed the information to us.” The backbone of Freemasons … our ladies! Lady Christine Baez reads a story to the

boys and girls - children of Masons from Light of the Three Stars, Lodge 963 during the lodge social Christmas event. I complement the ladies of this Lodge for making a difference to the future of our world and Masonic fraternity.

District 5: From Very Worshipful Brother Joseph TWOREK representing all French Lodges under the ACGL “the Grand Master’s message has been translated and transmitted to all the brethren and their families. They have gratefully expressed appreciation for the friendly and comforting message giving deepest sympathy to the many injured and the bereaved families of the victims. I am sure that everyone is very touched by the ACGL’s friendly sign for France suffering from this horrible act of terrorism. “ District 6: Very Worshipful Brother Jonny Henke the District Deputy Grand Master, District 6 and members of North Sea Armed Forces Lodge 829, Orient Bremen celebrated their 60th year under the American Canadian Grand Lodge. Worshipful Master Brother Ralph Quander received the Grand Master Recognition Medal from Most Worshipful Grand Master Brother Eddie M. Guevara as well as the Grand Masters Coin for Excellence in Masonry, the Grand Lodge 60th year Recognition Letter signed by the Grand Master and the ACGL plaque. These items were presented to the Lodge in commemoration of this august event.

´´We were all so very happy to have had our Grand Master present in our celebration as it meant so much for all of us.´´ Brother Philipp Crusius, Grand Historian lectured on a brief history of this Lodge: Some 70 Masons, 23 of them members of the Bremerhaven Square and Compass Club, assembled in the Staging Area Chapel in Bremerhaven for a service in observance of Saints John Day in June, 1955. It was at this meeting that Brother Heinrich Brau took the first steps toward forming North Sea Lodge. In a remarkable short period of time, Brother Brau completed the necessary arrangements and on 15 December 1955, a charter was granted by the United Grand Lodge of Germany, authorizing it to work in the English language. Here we are today celebrating our 60th year. Consecration of Star of Africa Solomon Lodge No. 1071 in Gelsenkirchen: The Lodge No.1071 was consecrated by the Grand Master Eddie M. Guevera on the 6th of February in Gelsenkirchen. The Grand Master accompanied by almost all the members of the Grand Line met in Gelsenkirchen on the 6th of February at the Lodge premises in the Munckelstrasse 54. The Brethren first enjoyed a light midday meal and then proceeded to consecrate the Lodge

with the customary ceremonial bringing in of corn, wine, oil and light. The Lodge was then set up with the three great lights of Masonry and thus officially consecrated. It was remarkable that the consecration was carried out by the Grand Master and his entourage without written help, but wholly extempore. MW Brother Eddie Guevara then installed the newly elected W. Master of the new Lodge, W. Brother Dennis Pabst in office and presented him with the new charter of the Lodge. After the installation of the W. Master, the Grand Master continued with the installation of officers and installed all the newly elected and appointed officers of the Lodge.

The Consecration of the Lodge: MW Brother Eddie M. Guevara is assisted by his Team

The Grand Master, MW Brother Eddie M. Guevara presents the Charter of the Lodge to the W Master, W Brother Dennis Pabst of Star of Africa Solomon Lodge No. 1071, Gelsenkirchen. VW Brother Johnny Henke, the DDGM of District No. 6 stands in the background.

The Brothers who attended the consecration and Installation of Officers of Lodge Star of Africa Solomon No. 1071, Gelsenkirchen.

District 7: Very Worshipful Ilhan Boga (at the Camera) and members of his District with

our Grand Master Most Worshipful Grand Master Brother Eddie M. Guevara in Berlin at the VGL Konvent.

Joint Workshop of District 6, District 7and District 8: A joint district workshop was conducted in Bremen on the 15th and 16th of January 2016. The Workshop was professionally organized by the two DDGMs VW Brother Jonny Henke of District 6 and VW Brother Ilhan Boga of District 7.

The workshop was divided into two parts; a Degree work in Turkish on the first evening followed with a dinner and then a workshop on ACGL Electronic Forms, Freemasonic

Public Relations, Masonic History and Masonic experience. Degree work was held in the Lodge hall of Kuzey Yildizi No. 1058 where a paper was presented by W Brother Tarik Eker who is the WM of Türkay Lodge No. 985 in the German Language. VW Brother Andreas Rolfs was then installed in open Lodge as the DDGM of District 8 by RW Brother Patrick Rodrigues Hon. DGM. The Degree work was attended by brothers from Turkey as well as the German

Lodges in Bremen.

RW Brother Steve Love PDGM also made a surprise visit and graced the meeting and workshop too. The workshop was held in the Restaurant owned by VW Brother Ilhan Boga. Over 24 Brothers from 11 Lodges attended.

All presentations were held in the German Language since it was meant only for the German and Turkish speaking lodges. The discussions were extremely lively since all brothers participated. It proved to be one of the very best District Workshops held since it became more a Masonic Happening rather than a simple workshop. The ACGL Webmaster could not only impart instruction on Electronic Forms and Masonic Public Relations, but also take back quite a few tips and requests for the improvement of forms. Brother Phillipp Crusius (Grand Historian) held a presentation on the earlier History of the ACGL and also requested the brothers to help him in his task of gathering information pertaining to the history of the ACGL. VW Brother Ruland Schmitz held a short lecture on Masonic experience which was very informative. It was interesting to see that the Brothers were so excited by what they had experienced, that they all requested that a second workshop should take place a later date as a Joint Workshop in North Germany with the participation of Districts 6, 7 and 8. The brothers who attended the workshop received Certificates of participation.

The Masonic Nepal Charity Project by Jan E. Savarino,

Junior Grand Warden It is a catastrophe of an enormous dimension: multiple heavy earthquakes starting on April 25, 2015 claimed around ten thousand lives, even more casualties and unbelievable destruction as far as the eye could see. Many months after the earthquakes buildings were still collapsing, people getting hurt and starvation was widespread. The first epicenter was 50 miles west of Nepal's capital Kathmandu, further tremors were felt until June in regions close to the Chinese border in a town named 'Namche Bazar'. These temblors are described as the most terrible catastrophe in Nepal's history. The region of Namche Bazar is a poor rural area where a small non-government organization (NGO) from Marktoberdorf in southern Germany, called 'Nepalhilfe Allgäu', has been collecting donations over the last couple of years, providing development help, humanitarian help, school building projects and god parenthood in order to support children of Sherpa mountaineers who died in accidents. Having had heavy quakes in that very region, this very organization founded by Tshering Guggemos, a Nepalese deriving from Namche Bazar and married to a German, received an entirely new significance. Helping those, who have been poor and lacking good education, now became a new paramount relevance. A school that Guggemos built before the catastrophe now needs repairs and new teachers have to be acquired and paid. Another Bavarian NGO that came to help within days after the first earthquakes with doctors, nurses, food, shelter and equipment was 'Humedica' from Kaufbeuren, Germany. A few days after the first quakes, the United Grand Lodges of Germany (VGLvD) appealed for a charity collection for those in need in Nepal. Thus, the Grand Master of the American Canadian Grand Lodge, Most Worshipful Brother Eddie M. Guevara, called all of our Lodges for contributions. Meanwhile, I took part in the decision making process within the VGLvD charity foundation (Freimaurerisches Hilfswerk) where we discussed all the details like how and where to distribute the donations. Being familiar with and active in charity organizations, I suggested splitting up the collection and donating it to smaller definite programs in order to provide more impact. We decided to divide the money into the respective Grand Lodges and let them decide which charity to donate to. For instance, the Grand Lodge of British Freemasons in Germany, donated their share to a Gurkha foundation having charity projects for the needy Nepalese. Our Grand Treasurer, Most Worshipful Brother Paul M. Curran, received a total of little over 7000 Euros from 19 Lodges. Since our Grand Lodge is rather small within the Brotherly chain of the VGLvD, the charity foundation decided to double up the sum for our designated charity, so at the end I was able to hand over a sum of 14,000 Euros as a donation in the name of the ACGL. Knowing that the two above mentioned organizations have been involved in local aid programs in Nepal and being confident in their integrity, I chose to donate our share to Humedica and Nepalhilfe Allgäu.

The first check of 7000 Euros was handed over to Humedica Foundation on January 14th, 2016. Steffen Richter, head of the communication department and spokesman of the organization, greeted me upon my arrival and gave me a brief tour through the administration building, depots, history of that institution and their current activities. Humedica is currently highly involved in the reconstruction of Nepal and supplying medical services in the affected regions. Picture: Ms. Heinke Rauscher taking delivery of the check (Foto: humedica) On January 16th, 2016 I turned over the other 7000 Euro check to Ms. Tshering Guggemos, CEO of the Nepalhilfe Allgäu. Our donation will help this small NGO to reconstruct and extend the school of

Namche Bazar, acquire educational material and provide teachers. Picture: Ms. Tschering Guggemos receiving the second check (Foto: Guggemos) If you are interested in further information on their current activities, see some impressive photographs or feel the urge to continue your support, here are the two organizations' web addresses: http://www.nepalhilfe-allgaeu.de/ https://www.humedica.org/ Fulfilling my tasks on this agenda, I represented all Brothers from our Grand Lodge and so

those organizations’ s gratitude goes back to all of you who donated. This contribution to the desperate victims in Nepal shows once again the willingness to help those in need from all of you Brothers and I am proud to be a part of ACGL and the world wide Fraternity. Thank you again for your generous donations! I will try to stay in touch with the Nepal Project Coordinators of these two organizations and keep you posted on any updates.

http://www.nepalhilfe-allgaeu.de/

https://www.humedica.org/

Refugee Mission 2015 By Jan E. Savarino, JGW

For the last few months the German media has been constantly reporting about the suffering of the thousands of refugees coming into Germany every day. Taking a position and criticizing politics, without having been in real contact with the matter is just not my style, so I felt the urge to inform myself better and get authentic in views. As a German Army officer in the Joint Service Command it has become more difficult for me to get firsthand information. I was therefore more than happy to seek special permission from my civilian employer to get an extra two week leave

for the army, although I have been away on deployment this year for another 3 months. I was deployed by the Armed Forces Refugee Task Force Joint Operations Center in Ulm to a primary admission facility at the border town of Freilassing, only a few kilometers away from the famous Austrian City of Salzburg. A former two story furniture store had been converted into a place, where between 1000 and

2000 refugees would pass through every day. These refugees were frisked, registered, medically screened for contagious diseases and provided with food, beverages and clothes. The German Federal Police were investigating for possible wanted felons and sorted them out immediately for special treatment.

There were 1500 cots in the facility, charging stations for electronic devices, toilets and dining area. The facility also contained an improvised clothing shop, where volunteers worked, sorting donated shoes, clothes, toys, diapers. Other personnel were 'running' the store, where refugees in need were admitted to find clothing they needed for themselves and their families. Besides two federal police companies, two platoons of security personnel and dozens of voluntary helpers from various Non-

Government Organizations (NGOs) and churches there were over 50 cleaning personnel. There were also two platoons of army logistics for taking care of the catering (both for refugees and personnel) and another group for the medical center with doctors, nurses and paramedics. The whole facility is running 24/7 - indeed most of the refugees came at night. I was charged to command the armed forces contingent of that facility for my two week term before Christmas. I was confronted with enormous distress and tragedies of families separated, pregnant women with abortions en route, wounds from war or torture and a huge number of babies and children in desperate need of medical care. Since the local hospitals were not eager to treat too many refugees free of charge, my team was advised to avoid too many admissions to the nearby clinics. All refugees coming through were sent to other accommodations throughout Germany by specially chartered trains and busses. Their stay at our facility was between 4 and 24 hours. On my first days in Freilassing I felt like my days of deployment to Arabic countries, but after getting used to the sights and smell a positive impression predominated, being part of a great team with highly motivated professionals from different organizations, working long hours and knowing why we do it: you cannot just stand beside the tragedy and watch without doing something about it. The so called 'German thoroughness' ensured the whole procedure was carried out smoothly. Although the whole crisis is not yet solved, the

organization dealing with over a million refugees in one year is functional, thanks to all the willing helpers. (Pictures: Savarino)

Available for Election

The following Brethren have submitted their CV as available for Grand Lodge Election in April 2016; their CV has been received and distributed by email to constituent Lodges. Each has complied as required by Code to submit their CV in November 2015 in order to be considered for Grand Lodge office in April 2016: Right Worshipful Brother Steve Love (895) Right Worshipful Brother Larry E. Painter Sr. (963) Right Worshipful Brother Tom Bell (1069) Very Worshipful Brother Daniel Jap Lim (838)

To the Officers and members of each A.C.G.L. constituent Lodge; Grand Lodge Officers, present and past; Honorary members of

Grand Lodge, Grand Lodge committees; and others receiving this Invitation and Summons

Fraternal Greetings ! Most Worshipful Grand Master, Eddie M. Guevara,

takes pleasure in extending this:

INVITATION and SUMMONS

To attend the Annual Communication of American Canadian Grand A.F.&A.M. e.V. (ACGL), which he will convene on Friday, April 15th and Saturday 16th, 2016,

at the Hotel Sonnenhügel, Burgstrasse 15, 97688 Bad Kissingen.

A copy of the official Agenda will be found on the following page, and a copy of the authorized advance Registration Form will be found on the ACGL Website for distribution to the Officers and members of all Lodges.

Masters of Lodges, other voting delegates, elected and appointed Grand Lodge Officers are fraternally summonsed to attend in accord with their obligations and Charges. All other Lodge Officers, Past Masters and interested Brethren are fraternally invited and encouraged to participate in their Grand Lodge Communication.

A warm and fraternal invitation is herewith extended to the Officers and members of Grand Lodges within the United Grand Lodge of Germany, and their constituent Lodges, as well as to recognized Masons sojourning in Germany.

The Grand Master and his Officers look forward to welcoming each of the Brethren attending the Annual Communication. In the interim, the Grand Master extends fraternal best wishes to all and looks forward to greeting many Brethren in Bad Kissingen.

FOR THE GRAND MASTER Fraternally and Sincerely,


American Canadian Grand Lodge AF&AM e.V. (ACGL)

Postfach 1201, 82242 Fürstenfeldbruck, Germany Telephone: +49 8141 36 31 961, Fax. +49 8141 36 31 963

Email: [email protected] Michael A. Franklin, HonDGM, Grand Secretary

Wednesday 10 February 2016

Summons to attend Annual Communication The Worshipful Master or a Representative of each Lodge is summonsed to attend the Annual Communication of the American Canadian Grand Lodge A.F.&A.M. e.V. (ACGL), which will convene on Friday, April 15th and Saturday 16th, 2016, at the Hotel Sonnenhügel, Burgstrasse 15, 97688 Bad Kissingen. In accordance with the American Canadian Grand Lodge AF&AM e.V. (ACGL) By-Laws the agenda for the meeting will be as follows: 1. Annual Reports from members of the Executive Board 2. Treasurer’s Report 3. Discharge the present Executive Board from Office 4. Elect new officers to the Executive Board 5. Increase membership fee and by how much 6. Create Committees – Committee members are selected by the Executive Board 7. By-Laws Change for American Canadian Grand Lodge AF&AM e.V. (ACGL) 8. Dissolution of the e.V. and disbursement of it’s funds 9. Any Proposals from the Executive Board or e.V. Membership

For the President,

Fraternally and Sincerely,


Office Address: American Canadian Grand Lodge AF&AM e.V. (ACGL), Schöngeisingerstrasse 22, 82256 Fürstenfeldbruck, Germany


American Canadian Grand Lodge AF&AM e.V. (ACGL)

Postfach 1201, 82242 Fürstenfeldbruck, Germany Telephone: +49 8141 36 31 961, Fax. +49 8141 36 31 963

Email: [email protected] Michael A. Franklin, HonDGM, Grand Secretary

Mittwoch, 10. Februar 2016

Einladung zu Jahreshauptversammlung Der Meister vom Stuhl oder ein Vertreter jeder Loge wird vorgeladen, um an der Jahreshauptversammlung der American Canadian Großloge e. V., die am Freitag, den 15. April 2016 einberufen wird, teilzunehmen. Die Jahreshauptversammlung findet im Hotel Sonnenhügel, Burgstrasse 15, 97688 Bad Kissingen statt. In Übereinstimmung mit §9 der American Canadian Grand Lodge AF&AM e.V. Satzung, beschließt die ordentliche Mitgliederversammlung über folgendes: den Jahresbericht des Vorstandes den Rechenschaftsbericht des Schatzmeisters die Entlastung des Vorstandes die Wahl der Vorstandsmitglieder die Erhebung der Mitgliedsbeiträge und deren Höhe die Bildung von Ausschüssen – Ausschussmitglieder werden vom Vorstand aus dem Kreis der Mitglieder der Mitgliedslogen bestellt – etwaige Satzungsänderungen Einsprüche gegen Ausschlussbescheide Auflösung des Vereins und Liquidierung seines Vermögens, und über Anträge des Vorstands und der Mitglieder. Für den Grand Master/Präsident Mit freundlichen Grüßen Michael A. Franklin Grand Secretary/Großsekretär

Office Address: American Canadian Grand Lodge AF&AM e.V. (ACGL), Schöngeisingerstrasse 22, 82256 Fürstenfeldbruck, Germany


American Canadian Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. e.V. (ACGL) Annual Communication & General Assembly

Bad Kissingen, 15-16 April 2016

Thursday, April 14th 16:00-17:30 ACGL e.V Board of Directors Meeting (Tyler’s Room) 17:00-18:00 ACGL Registration Desk opens in Main Foyer 18:00-19:30 Evening meal in the Hotel Main Dining room 20:00-22:30 Rite of Investiture (Regalia)

Friday, April 15th (coat and tie, no regalia for all assemblies and events) 08:00-09:30 ACGL registration desk open 09:45-10:00 Grand Master will convene ACGL e.V. Annual Communication; welcoming remarks Roll Call and Credentials Committee Report ; announcements and comments 10:00-11:00 Standing Committee reports and action thereon, including, Finance,

Bylaws, Audit, Budget, PMLP, Senate and Awards

a. 10 minutes: Bylaws Committee - M.W. James E. Barrett, P.G.M. b. 10 minutes: Code Resolutions - M.W. James E. Barrett, P.G.M. c. 10 minutes: Treasurer’s Report - M.W. Paul M. Curran, P.G.M. d. 10 minutes: Audit Report - R.W. Tayfun Çillingir, D.G.M. e. 10 minutes: Propose Budget - R.W. Tayfun Çillingir, D.G.M f. 10 minutes: PMLP Report - R.W. Jerry McKissack, g. 5 minutes: Senate Report - M.W. Paul D. Litteral Jr., P.G.M. h. 5 minutes: Awards and Appeals - M.W. Eddie M. Guevara, G.M.

11:00-11:15 B r e a k 11:00-12:00 Grand Secretary’s report; Grand Master’s report, and action on each. 12:00-13:30 Lunch in the Hotel Main Dining Room 13:30-15:15 DDGM verbal reports.

a. 5 minutes: DDGM D1 b. 5 minutes: DDGM D2 c. 5 minutes: DDGM D3 d. 5 minutes: DDGM D4 e. 5 minutes: DDGM D5 f. 5 minutes: DDGM D6 g. 5 minutes: DDGM D7 h. 5 minutes: DDGM D8 i. 5 minutes: DDGM D9E (caution) j. 5 minutes: DDGM D9W (caution)

15:30-1600 Election of Officers and Boards, Appointments; Announcements and recess for the day

American Canadian Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. e.V. (ACGL) Annual Communication & General Assembly

Bad Kissingen, 15-16 April 2016

Friday Evening, April 15th (formal dress, dark suit) 19:00 Introductions 19:30 Dinner Guest Speaker – M.W. Remzi Sanver, P.G.M, Grand Lodge of Turkey

Saturday, April 16th (formal session, dark suit, with full regalia) 07:30-09:15 ACGL registration desk open 09:30-10:00 Grand Master will reconvene Annual Communication; Roll call and Credentials Report.

Business per official Agenda, including confirmation of actions taken on Friday; Announcements

10:00-10:30 The Grand Master will receive and welcome our Distinguished Guests

10:30-11:45 Charity donations and presentations of Awards

11:45-13:15 Lunch in Hotel Main Dining Room 13:15-14:00 Memorial Service (Grand Master and Grand Lodge Officers)

(Grand Lodge reconvened in Open Session, Installation, Ladies and Guests invited) 14:00-14:30 B r e a k

1430-1530 Open Annual Installation of Officers and Boards (Grand Master, M.W. Gerhard Severin, P.G.M.)

15:30-16:00 Grand Lodge Tiled in Closed Session; Announcements, confirmation of proceedings,

presentations by Distinguished guests, Grand Master’s closing remarks, Closing of Annual Communication in ample form by Grand Master 18:00 Reception with the new Grand Line 19:30 Festive Banquet and dancing (Dress Formal)

American Canadian Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. e.V. (ACGL)

Annual Communication & General Assembly

Bad Kissingen, 15-16 April 2016 The ACGL Annual Communication 2016

Registration is required All Brethren planning to attend ANY portion of the Annual Communication MUST submit a registration form. The form must be sent even if a room reservation is not required. Fee payment All reservations must be accompanied by the fee of either €40 or $45. Registration forms received without payment cannot be considered. Room reservations and cancellation Room reservations are binding. If cancellation is not received in a timely fashion the may have to be paid even if not occupied. To cancel call the Grand Secretary Michael A. Franklin on +498141-6331961, or email [email protected]. When cancellation is necessary, be certain to record the date you cancelled, the name of the desk clerk and what you cancelled to avoid possible no show charges if rooms are not used. Meals With the room on Friday evening, you are entitled to the Friday lunch and the evening Festive Board, plus Breakfast on Saturday morning. With the room on Saturday evening, you are entitled to the Saturday lunch and the evening Banquet and Ball, plus Breakfast on Sunday morning. Brethren who register only for the conference will have to purchase meal tickets at the Hotel registration desk for lunches and dinners, which are more expensive than on the hotel room package arrangement. The Communication schedule includes many meetings; the meals are almost the only opportunity to meet with old friends and get to know new ones. Additional days in the Hotel Those wishing accommodation in addition to the dates on the form, please check the “Special Request” box on the reverse, and write the dates and Single or Double below. Sign –in ACGL sign-in will be open as mentioned in the Agenda. A Sign-in List will be available with the names of those registered. Early arrival will avoid unnecessary delays at registration. Medical emergencies Medical emergencies will be handled by local services in Bad Kissingen. While assistance may be available from members attending, we cannot assure that either the ACGL members or hotel are suitably trained to deal with them. Deadline Please mail your registration before the deadline of 30 March 2016. German mail is recommended as delivery is normally received within 2 days. Requests Everything possible will be undertaken to fulfill your requests, but the Hotel and Conference Coordinator cannot guarantee rooms in Haus 1. Also include any specific dietary restrictions that must be considered. SPECIAL REQUESTS: Please write your requests in the space below. (Extra days & Extra rooms with Names, ages of children, Single or Double – dietary restrictions, must be discussed with the Hotel direct)

ACGL Communicator February 2016 · Annalista Saxo Lodge No 1072 will be consecrated on 2 April...

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