Missouri Freemason Magazine - v52n02 - 2007 Spring

Official Publication of theGrand Lodge of Missouri A.F.&A.M.

T H E M I S S O U R I

FREEMASONVolume 52 No. 2 SPRING 2007

©

First Lodge Meeting SiteSt. Genevieve, Missouri

CelebratingCelebratingCelebrating two hundred years of

Freemasonry in MissouriFreemasonry in MissouriFreemasonry in MissouriFreemasonry in Missouri

34 Spring 2007 THE MISSOURI FREEMASON

THE MISSOURI FREEMASONVOL. 52 NO. 2 Official Publication of the Grand Lodge of Missouri SPRING 2007

Published and copyrighted under the direction of the Committee on Masonic Publications

©

CONTENTS35 Grand Master’s Message36 Biographies38 Quatuor Coronati39 Freemasonry Crosses The

Mississippi43 Missouri DeMolay #1 in

the World for the ThirdYear in a Row

45 Rainbow46 Regional Grand Lecturers

200747 Masonic Home of Missouri48 Museum and Library

Begins Accepting Items50 Changing with the Times51 Creating A Partnership

With Your Local Schools52 Grand Lodge Officers 200753 District Deputy Grand

Lecturers 200754 District Deputy Grand

Masters 200755 Masonic Service Awards58 The Work of our Craft64 The First Freemason

The painting on the cover is awatercolor depiction of the GreenTree Tavern, where the first Masonicmeeting west of the Mississippi Riverwas held on November 14, 1807,nearly two hundred years ago. Thestructure was originally a home con-structed by Nicholas Janis around1790. Janis died in 1804. His son,Francois, inherited the building andconverted it into a boarding houseand tavern. Beginning in 1807, itserved as the meeting place forLouisiana Lodge #109, the first Lodgein what would eventually become thestate of Missouri. The full story ofLouisiana Lodge #109 and this inter-esting structure begins on page 39.Plans are in the works to commemo-rate this event and reenact this firstmeeting. As these plans develop, wewill keep you informed in your Mis-souri Freemason.

Technically, the cover is not total-ly correct. The meeting occurred inwhat eventually became Missouribut, at the time, was the LouisianaTerritory. We won't split hairs if youwon't.

There is a lot more in this issue

as well: The young brothers fromMissouri DeMolay checked in withus for the first time in a while; Youwill find a few conceptual drawingsof the new Missouri Masonic Muse-um and Library in a series of articlesin the Masonic home section; Andwith deference, of course, to our ownMissouri Lodge of Research, we haveincluded an article about QuatuorCoronati, perhaps the premiereresearch Lodge.

Brothers, we simply ran out ofspace in this issue. Frankly, that's agood thing. We're an active and pro-ductive fraternity and there is a lotgoing on. We love your articles, pic-tures and reports about what is hap-pening throughout the state. Pleasekeep it up. In this issue we got somany contributions we had to goback to smaller pictures in the Serviceand Work of the Craft sections. We'drather make the pictures a littlesmaller so we can fit everyone in, andthat's what we had to do. Thanks somuch for your hard work.

FROM THE EDITOR’S KEYBOARD

Committee on Masonic PublicationsM. Robert Berger, Grand MasterBruce R. Austin, Deputy Grand MasterRocky E. Weaver, Senior Grand WardenLarry C. Reynolds, Junior Grand WardenRonald D. Miller, Grand SecretaryE. Otha WingoSteven L. Harrison, Editor, Chairman

EditorSteven L. Harrison P.O. Box 1120Kearney, MO 64060-1120816-628-6562 / Call for [email protected]

The Missouri Freemason (USPS 573-920) is theofficial publication of the Grand Lodge, AncientFree and Accepted Masons of the State of Missouri,and is published four times yearly. Articles to beconsidered for publication should be submitted toThe Missouri Freemason, P.O. Box 1120, Kearney,MO 64060-1120, not later than the first day of themonth preceding publication in February, May,August, and November.

Unless otherwise indicated, the views expressedin this magazine are those of the authors and do notnecessarily reflect the opinions or policy of theGrand Lodge A.F.&A.M. of Missouri. The Editorreserves the right due to limitations of space, toaccept, reject, subedit and rearrange materialsubmitted for publication. Pictures submitted forpublication will not be returned.

OFFICE OF PUBLICATIONS: Grand Lodge ofMissouri, 6033 Masonic Drive, Suite B, Columbia,MO 65202-6535. Printed by Tribune Publishing Co.,Columbia, Missouri. Periodicals Postage paid atColumbia, Missouri.

POSTMASTER: Please send Address Forms 3579to Grand Secretary, 6033 Masonic Drive, SuiteB, Columbia, MO 65202-6535.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: The Missouri Freemason ismailed to every member of this Masonic Jurisdictionwithout charge. Domestic subscriptions elsewhereare $8.00 annually.

PERMISSION TO REPRINT: All recognizedMasonic publications have permission to reprintoriginal articles from The Missouri Freemasonwith credit to the author and the publication.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS (Important): Whenever amember changes his mailing address withoutnotifying his Lodge Secretary and a mailing of theFreemason magazine occurs, the Post Officecharges the Grand Lodge 75¢ per undeliverableFreemason.

PLEASE, contact your Lodge Secretary with youraddress change so that the Grand Lodge can thenbe notified. GRAND LODGE OF MISSOURI

GRAND LODGE OF MISSOURIINTERNET ADDRESSES

E-Mail to the Grand Lodge [email protected]

The Grand Lodge web pagewww.momason.org

Phone: 573-474-8561

Please note the change of address for the Missouri Freemason:

P.O. Box 1120, Kearney, MO64060-1120

Steve Harrison, Editor

Brethren,We have completed our Area

Meeting's and I would like to thankall of the brethren who attended. Ihave never seen that much enthusi-asm shown over the Grand Lodgeprograms as you have shown thisyear. We brought you information onour Museum and Library; a way toincrease lodge attendance with KingSolomon's Passport; as well as win-ning an endowed membership; ourbeloved Masonic Home; with theprograms for children aswell as our members.

We have RightWorshipful BrotherNick Cichielo whois traveling theentire state in orderto instruct anylodge interested inMasonic Education;finally, our MoChip pro-gram, the best opportunitythe Masonic Fraternity has ever hadto show the communities throughoutour great state that Mason's helpfamilies and children.

Let us delve now intothe past –

In the early 1700's, trap-pers and fur traders crossed the

Mississippi River from its East bankto what would become the first set-tlement, Ste. Genevieve, on the westbank. This area was part of the upperLouisiana Territory until Thomas Jef-

ferson purchased it from Napoleon ofFrance in 1804. In 1790, a man by thename of Nicholas Janis built himself ahome in Ste. Genevieve and turnedhis home into a tavern in 1804. Henamed it the Green Tree and in 1807the first Masonic Lodge in Missourimet in the Green Tree Tavern. OnJuly 17, 1807; Louisiana Lodge #109received its charter from the GrandLodge of Pennsylvania, thus our her-itage began 200 years ago; in theGreen Tree Tavern.

The original Green Tree Tavernstill sits on Main Street today and ispart of Ste. Genevieve's National His-toric Landmark District. The proper-ty is owned by Hilliard Goldman, aretired professor of History, who is inthe process of restoring the buildingto its original design. Provided ourpublisher can make room in thisissue of the Free Mason, you can seepictures of the original building. Onetaken in 1995 as well as a sketch ofwhat it will look like when complet-ed. There will be no plumbing, orelectric and the wood as close to orig-inal as possible.

We are making plans through Rt.Wo. Brother John Broyles to have areenactment of the original 1st lodgemeeting sometime this summer.

Have a healthy and safe HolidaySeason and a Happy New Year.

Robert Berger

The Nicholas Janis House, orGreen Tree Tavern, site of the first

Lodge meeting in Missouri. SeeFreemasonry Crosses the

Mississippi, p. 41. Sketch byRussell Misselhorn. Courtesy City

of Ste. Genevieve, Missouri.

THE MISSOURI FREEMASON Spring 2007 35


Bruce Raymond Austin was bornDecember 14, 1935 in East Prairie,Missouri, and was educated in theEast Prairie Public Schools, graduat-ing in 1953. Bruce attended South-east Missouri State University inCape Girardeau for two years. Joiningthe U.S. Navy, where he became aHospital Corpsman, trained to spe-cialize in the uses of I-131, radioac-tive iodine, for thyroid glandularstudies. He was stationed at theNational Naval Medical Center inBethesda, Maryland for 3 ½ years.Enrolled in the Cincinnati College ofMortuary Science in Cincinnati, Ohio,where he obtained a degree in mortu-ary science, graduating Magna CumLaude. Brother Austin returned toEast Prairie where he was associatedwith McMikle Funeral Homes, bothin East Prairie and Charleston. Brucethen met and Married Myrtle (betterknown as Sisser) Goodin on April 6,1963 in Charleston. They have threesons: Stephen and Sam ofCharleston, and David of WebsterGroves, Missouri. Bruce then startedfarming with his father-in-law inMarch 1965. He took over the farm in1974 and, at the present time, farmsover 1700 acres, growing soybeans,corn, and winter wheat. He took inhis middle son, Sam, as a full partnerin the farm operation.

Stephen, his oldest son, is a pilot.David, his youngest son, sells surgi-cal instruments. David is a dual mem-ber of Charleston Lodge #407 andWebster Grove Lodge # 84. He is alsoa member of St. Louis Scottish Riteand is a past Venerable Master of theLodge of Perfection. He is also amember of the York Rite Bodies. Allthree sons are Eagle Scouts.

Bruce’s civic duties include: Serv-ing on the Foundation Board of theMissouri Veterans Home in CapeGirardeau, he is a member of the RedCross of Constantine, St. LouisConclave, Order of the PastMaster, Sword ofBunker Hill, AndrewJackson #43, MoolahTemple, and SEMOShrine Club. PastPresident andmember of the Mis-sissippi CountyLibrary Board, PastChairman of theUniversity of Mis-souri’s Outreach andExtension Council, hasserved on many boards inthe United Methodist Church, wherehe and Myrtle are both active mem-bers. He is a past member and Presi-dent of the Charleston R-1 SchoolBoard, and a past Scoutmaster ofCharleston Boy Scout Troop 323. Hestill serves on the Troop Committee.

He is a member of the FarmBureau and the Delta Growers Asso-ciation. Bruce and Myrtle were hon-ored by being named the MississippiCounty Farm Family in 1996. Brucewas Charleston’s Man of the Year in1999.

He wife, Myrtle, has served asDen Mother, and was the first femaleCubmaster in the District. She is amember and past president of boththe Junior Study Club and PEO Chap-ter CV. She has also served on manycommittees of the United MethodistChurch, and is also a past Woman of

the Year in Charleston. She retiredfrom teaching first grade in theCharleston Public Schools.

RWB Bruce’s Masonic Affiliationsbegan in February 1961, where hewas initiated into East Prairie Lodge#384, where three months later hewas raised to the Sublime Degree ofMaster Mason. In 1964, he trans-ferred his membership to CharlestonLodge #407, where he served as Mas-ter both in 1972 and 1980. He is amember of the Scottish Rite Valley ofSt. Louis. He was awarded the KnightCommander of the Court of Honor in

1979, and was honored with the33rd Degree Inspector Gener-

al Honorary in 1995. Healso served as VenerableMaster in the Lodge ofPerfection in 1995.

Other Masonicmemberships include:Charleston Chapter #19

RAM, where he served asHigh Priest in 1997 and

1998, and received the“Order of High Priesthood” in

Branson, MO at Chapter #75,Cape Council #20, Cryptic Masons,and Cape Girardeau Commandery#55, Knights Templar. He is also amember of the Olin S. McDanielAllied Masonic Degree, where he wasSovereign Master in 2005, the Mis-souri Lodge of Research, member ofthe Scottish Rite Temple PreservationBoard, and the Scottish Rite Founda-tion of Missouri, the Hunt York RiteCollege #162 of St. Louis, and theCapaha Scottish Rite Club in CapeGirardeau. He served as DistrictDeputy Grand Master of the old 50thMasonic District from 1996-1999. Inaddition RWB Austin is a Member ofMoolah Shrine Temple, St. Louis, theSEMO shrine club, Sikeston, The RedCross of Constantine, St. Louis Con-clave, National Sojourners, Heroes of'76, Sword of Bunker Hill, AndrewJackson #43, and is the president ofMasonic Home Board.

DEPUTY GRAND MASTER • BRUCE R. AUSTIN


Right Worshipful BrotherGail S. Turner graduated from Lin-

coln R-1 High School in 1970. He con-tinued his education receiving anAssociate of Arts degree from Hanni-bal LaGrange College in 1972, a Bach-elor of Arts in Political Science fromthe University of Missouri in 1974,and a Masters of Education in thearea of Secondary Education in 1976from the same institution.

Right Worshipful BrotherTurner was initiated into JacksonLodge #82 in Linneus , Missouri onDecember 12, 1977 where he hasserved as Master and Secretary. Hispast areas of service have been asDistrict Deputy grand Master 1985-1986 and a member of the MissouriHome Board where he served asfinance co-chair. He currently holdsmembership in the National Sojourn-ers, Kansas city #63; Heroes of '76

Old Glory Coup, Kansas City #63; Lib-erty Chapter #3, York Rite; CouncilR.&S.M. 350, Liberty; Scottish Rite320, Kansas City (Southern Jurisdic-tion); Ararat Shrine, Kansas City; andRoyal Order of Scotland.

His service to the communityincludes serving on the Grand RiverYMCA Board of Governors, beingtreasurer the Brookfield First Christ-ian Church, serving as a board mem-ber of Pershing Memorial Hospital ,being the Chairman of the City ofBrookfield Board of Adjustment, andbeing the past President of the Brook-field Rotary Club where he is still amember.

Right Worshipful BrotherGail Turner and his wife Tine havetwo daughters, Katelin and Abigal.

SENIOR GRAND DEACON • GAIL S. TURNER

LODGE OF RESEARCH PROMINENT MASONS IN MISSOURIIn order to facilitate the process of creating biographical information for the Lodge of Research, we have created this informationsheet. This is basically what we need for the book(s). It is really not difficult to write. We need biographies from all Past DistrictDeputy Grands, both Lecturers and Masters, along with any Brother who would like to make a contribution.1. Where you were born?2. Where did you attend school?3. To whom are you married and how many children, grandchildren and etc.?4. Where were you employed and for how long?5. Any military service you might have performed.6. Any additional achievements relative to your life that you feel would be of interest.7. Your Masonic History is a natural.

This information will be used in the books concerning Prominent Masons in Missouri.Please mail to: Ronald E. Wood, Jr., P.O. Box 8306, St. Joseph, MO 64508

Seniors-Masons partner for ProjectGraduation fundraiser

Knob Noster High School seniorsteamed up with Masons and theirfamilies on November 3, 2006, toraise money for Project Graduation.The spaghetti dinner, an annualevent co-sponsored by the seniorclass and Knob Noster MasonicLodge #245, netted almost $400 forthe project. The seniors will use themoney to fund their main ProjectGraduation activity, a canoeing andcamping trip to Sunburst Ranch, afamily owned campground andcanoe livery located on the banks ofthe North Fork of the White River in

Southern Missouri. The chaperonedtrip will take place following activi-ties on graduation day. Seniors mustraise approximately $5,000 to com-pletely fund their trip.

“Project Graduation is extremelyimportant,” said Donna Dempsey,Fundraising Committee Chairperson.

“For the kids, it’s a last hoorahwhere they can enjoy the cama-raderie of their friends in a safe,drug- and alcohol-free environment.” This is the forth year the Masons haveco-sponsored the Project Gradua-tion Spaghetti Dinner. (l-r) Bro. Kyle Hookey and his wife, Tam-my, WB Les Stewart, Bro. Scott Siegfried,and WB Robert Cass assist in preparingfood for the Project GraduationSpaghetti Dinner held at the MasonicLodge on Friday evening, November10, 2006.

THE WORK OF OUR CRAFT

400 MOREBIOGRAPHIES

NEEDED


WESTON MASONIC BODIES HOLD ANNUALCHRISTMAS CHARITY EVENT

Weston Masonic Lodge # 53 of Weston, MO; Weston Chapter # 197, OES; Weston Commandery # 2 Knights Tem-plar; Weston Chapter # 4 Royal Arch Masons and Weston Shrine Club held their annual Christmas charity event onDecember 16, 2006. Having conducted their annual fruit sales and receiving numerous donations from many sectors ofthe community, they were able to personally deliver more than 300 fresh fruit trays to the elderly citizens in their homes,in the nursing homes and in the senior citizen housing complexes.

In coordination with the school system and other social entities, needy families of the community were identifiedand 16 food boxes containing all the foodstuffs for a complete Christmas dinner were delivered to those families. Alongwith the food distribution, needy children were provided Christmas gifts containing coats, gloves, school supplies andtoys. Thanks to the generosity of the Weston Masonic Bodies and the community, they were able to provide charity andrelief to those in need valued at more than $3000.

QUATUOR CORONATIQuatuor Coronati Lodge #2076, Located in London, England, is the oldest, and many consider it to be the

most prestigious, of all research lodges. The United Grand Lodge of England chartered the lodge in 1884. Its ninefounders, brothers Walter Besant, Robert Freke Gould, William James Hughan, Sisson C. Pratt, John P. Rylands, W.Harry Rylands, George W. Speth, Charles Warren and Adolphus F.A. Woodford, were all well-respected students ofFreemasonry.

The name of the lodge derives from the group of martyrs knownas the Four Crowned Ones (Claudius, Nicostratus, Simpronianus,Castorius, Simplicitus -- notice there were actually five) who weremartyred for their faith during the reign of Diocletian on November 8,302 AD. Stonemasons throughout Europe, from the fifth through thetwelfth centuries regarded these men as their patron saints. Theinstallation meeting of QC takes place on the second Thursday ofNovember, to closely coincide with the date of their execution.

Full membership in Quatuor Coronati Lodge #2076 is byinvitation only and is rare indeed. The lodge limits its membership toforty brothers at any given time. Only four United States Citizens havebecome full members. The only one of these alive today is S. BrentMorris, Editor of the Scottish Rite Journal.

While full membership in the Lodge is limited, membership in the Quatuor Coronati Correspondence Circle(QCCC) is open to all Freemasons in good standing. Correspondence Circle membership includes all of the rights andprivileges of full membership, except the right to vote or hold office. According to the Lodge's literature, theseadditional membership privileges include:

• to receive the annual volume of the Lodge Transactions, Ars Quator Coronatorum, which contains the lectures ofthe year and notes of the discussions that followed them. It also includes other Masonic papers and information,which can be adapted for use at Masonic meetings.

• to receive in advance the Lodge Summonses, attend the Quatuor Coronati Lodge meetings, participate in thediscussions that follow lectures and dine afterwards.

• to participate in valuable and constructive activities as associates of the Premier Lodge of Masonic Research.Circle members can also submit questions on Masonic history, custom, etc. and the Secretary will wheneverpossible arrange for authoritative replies.

• to purchase a wide selection of Masonic publications and regalia at special discounted prices including the QCCC'sown publications and research papers

Membership in QCCC costs $55 for the first year for a hardbound edition of the transactions or $47 for asoftbound edition. Afterwards, membership is $40 and $35 respectively. If you are interested in joining the QCCCor have additional questions, contact the QCCC Regional Secretary, James Williams, 3502 Bel Nor Drive, St. Joseph,MO 64506-2259, phone (816) 279-7057, or by email at [email protected]


In the early twenty-first century, millions of people crossthe Mississippi River every day without giving it a secondthought. In the early nineteenth century, the Mississippiwas an untamed, meandering, deceptively docile lookingbarrier that no sane traveler took lightly. Crossing the riverwas sometimes treacherous, crossing at night, even more so,

and in winter, sometimes impossible. So unsurprisingly,until 1807 the east bank of the Mississippi marked the endof the Masonic universe.

By 1805, aptly named Western Star Lodge #105 stood asthe last point of Masonic light on the eastern banks of theMississippi. But the Louisiana Purchase two years earliersparked interest in the vast area west of the river. Populationon both sides of the river steadily increased. With thisincrease in the general population came an increase in theMasonic community as well. By 1807, fully half of the mem-bership of Western Star Lodge #107 lived on the west side ofthe mighty river.

Western Star was located inKaskaskia, Indiana Territory, southeastof the confluence of the Kaskaskia andMississippi Rivers. St. Genevieve, inthe Louisiana Territory, was the mainpopulation center on the west side ofthe river, seven miles northwest.Brothers in the St. Genevieve area hadto make the difficult crossing in orderto participate in Masonic fellowship.The desire, not to mention need, for aLodge on the west bank becameincreasingly apparent.

This idea had nearly universal con-

sensus, even from the members of Western Star Lodge,which stood to lose nearly half its membership by the for-mation of a new Lodge on the west bank.The Petition

Otho Schrader was a territorial judge who had settled inSt. Genevieve in 1806. While not a member of Western Star,

he was a member of the craft andspearheaded an effort to establish aLodge on the western side of the Mis-sissippi. Schrader, together with sever-al other brothers, gathered togetherand petitioned the Grand Lodge ofPennsylvania, applying for dispensa-tion to form a new Lodge, "TheLouisiana Lodge." Among that groupof Brothers were Aaron Elliott andThomas F. Riddick, who wouldbecome the first Worshipful Master ofthe Lodge and the first Grand Masterof the Grand Lodge of Missouri respec-tively.

On St. John's Day, December 27,1806, these brothers met with those ofWestern Star Lodge #107 and sent thepetition along with Western Star'sWavier of Jurisdiction to the GrandLodge of Pennsylvania.

Things moved slowly in thosedays. Seven months later, the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvaniamet in a "Grand Extra Communication" on Friday, July 17,1807 and passed the following resolution:

"[The] Petition being in due form and being recom-mended by said Lodge No. 107, agreeably to the Regulationsof this Grand Lodge, it was on Motion made and seconded,Resolved, That the prayer of the Petitioners be granted, andthat Brother Grand Secretary make out a Warrant according-ly, and that the said lodge be Number 109."

The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania returned its warrantto Western Star and, following the petitioners' recommen-

dation, charged James Edgar, Master ofWestern Star, with the responsibility ofconstituting the new Lodge and installingits officers.

First Lodge Meeting West of the Missis-sippi

Authorization in hand, WorshipfulBrother Edgar and several other brothersfrom the area assembled in St. Genevieveon Saturday, November 14, 1807 for thepurpose of constituting Louisiana Lodge#109. WB Edgar presided, installingAaron Elliott as Worshipful Master,

FREEMASONRY CROSSES THE MISSISSIPPIBy Steve Harrison, PM

The Green Tree Tavern as it may have looked on November 14, 1807, date of the first Masonicmeeting in what would become the state of Missouri. Photo courtesy Hilliard J. Goldman.

continued page 40


Andrew Henry as Senior Warden and George Bullitt asJunior Warden. It was the first meeting of a Masonic Lodgewest of the Mississippi River, in what would become thestate of Missouri.

The meeting itself was undoubtedly a big deal for thebrothers in the area. One can imagine the meeting hall beingfilled to standing-room-only, perhaps even with some broth-ers having to stand in the hallways to listen in.

It is likely that most of the brothers in the area, fromboth sides of the river, attended the meeting. Aside frombrothers Edgar, Elliott, Henry andBullitt, no one knows positively whomay have attended. However, it is farmore than speculation that the fol-lowing were witnesses to this historicgathering:

James Edgar – Worshipful Masterof Western Star Lodge #107 and pre-siding Master of the meeting.

Michael Jones – Senior Warden ofWestern Star Lodge #107.

James Gilbreath – Junior Wardenof Western Star Lodge #107.

William Arundel – Secretary ofWestern Star Lodge #107.

Aaron Elliott, PM – A member ofthe original petitioning committee;Installed as Worshipful Master ofLouisiana Lodge #109 at the meeting.Originally a member of a Lodge atStratford, Connecticut, Elliott was thefirst American physician west of theMississippi.

Andrew Henry – A member ofthe original petitioning committee;Installed as Senior Warden ofLouisiana Lodge #109 at the meeting.Henry later explored the Rocky Mountains and became apartner in the Missouri Fur Company, which was comprisedmainly of Master Masons.

George Bullitt – A member of the original petitioningcommittee; Installed as Junior Warden of Louisiana Lodge#109 at the meeting. Bullitt, an attorney, had been a mem-ber of Western Star Lodge #107 and later became a memberof the territorial legislature and Registrar of the Land Office.

Thomas F. Riddick – A member of the original petition-ing committee. Riddick was a Major in the Blackhawk War.Originally a member of Solomon Lodge #30 in Suffolk, Vir-ginia, he became known as the "Father of the Missouri Pub-lic Schools." The Land Act of 1812 provided for allunclaimed lands to be reserved for the support of the publicschools. Riddick personally rode to Washington, DC, onhorseback to promote the introduction of this bill. Fourteenyears hence, Riddick would become the first Grand Master ofthe Grand Lodge of Missouri.

Otho Schrader, PM – A member of the original petition-

ing committee. Schrader later became Master of LouisianaLodge #109. Thomas Jefferson appointed him Federal Judgeof the St. Genevieve District.

Henry Dodge, EA – A member of the original petitioningcommittee. General Henry C. Dodge, a member of the Mis-souri Militia, would become a participant in the War of 1812.He later became Governor of the Wisconsin Territory and asenator from Wisconsin. Known as "Honest Henry," FortDodge, Iowa was named after him.

Thomas Oliver, EA – A member of the original petition-ing committee. Oliver later served as Secretary of LouisianaLodge #109 and fought in the War of 1812.

Francois Valle – A member ofthe original petitioning committee,and also a member of Western StarLodge #107. He later explored theRocky Mountains with BrotherAndrew Henry.

Robert Robinson, PM – Memberof Western Star Lodge #107. Origi-nally a member of Stanton Lodge#13 (PA), Robinson was one of theoriginal petitioners for what becameWestern Star Lodge #107. Robinsonwas the presiding Master at the con-stitution of Western Star Lodge#107.

Rufus Easton. – Originally amember of Roman Lodge #82 inNew York, Easton was the first Post-master west of the Mississippi andserved as Attorney General for theIndiana Territory.

Robert Terry, John Hepburn andLouis Lassous all served on the orig-inal petitioning committee and werealmost certainly present. In addi-tion, other brothers in attendance,

mostly members of Western Star Lodge#107 were P. Fouke, William C. Greenup, S. Bond, SamuelWalker, D.S. Swearingen, George Fisher, John T. Smith (FC),Josiah Millard, and William Hickman.Nicholas Janis House

For many years, the exact location of this historic meet-ing was unknown. The sparse minutes from LouisianaLodge never mentioned the site. St. Genevieve, founded in1735, was well established. Still, there were few buildingssuitable for Masonic Lodge meetings, and speculation hadalways centered on a particular house built in 1790 by pros-perous fur trader, Nicholas Janis. Upon Janis' death in 1804,his son Francois converted the house into an inn, known asthe Green Tree Tavern.

Fortunately, the Green Tree Tavern, still stands. Thecurrent owner is Hilliard Goldman, a former professor of his-tory at St. Louis Community College. Goldman is restoringit to its original condition. In 1997, this restoration uncov-ered the so-called smoking gun, which almost certainly

A commemorative plaque today sits in the roomwhere the first meeting of Freemasons in Missouritook place. Photo courtesy Hilliard J. Goldman.

continued from page 39


marks the old tavern as the venue for the meeting. Work-ers discovered a crude image carved into one of the gallery(porch) posts. The carving is weathered and worn.Although faint, it is nothing less than an unmistakablesquare and compasses.

Brother Estel Smith, a member of Saline Lodge No. 226,lived in the area. He inspected the engraving upon its dis-covery and made the following observation, "The impor-tance of this thing is for added evidence that old LouisianaNo. 109 did meet there. My reaction... when I first studiedit was, 'This is of scant significance, with it's other scanti-ness,' but yesterday I was taken with a whole spread of goodreasoning – the porch post has been encased with trimboards for many, many years... One reason it is so hard todetect, it is obviously as aged as the timber...We know thatthis some body who gouged at a Green Tree post with hisknife, knew what he doodled."

After the discovery of this carving, workers discovered acarving of a second square and compasses and an anchor, athird degree symbol of a well-grounded hope, "which shallsafely moor us in a peaceful harbor where the wicked ceasefrom troubling and the weary shall find rest."

Goldman, with a doctorate in history, confirms thatenough evidence of Masonic activity has been found withinthe building to scientifically confirm it as the original meet-ing place.

Unfortunately, however, Louisiana Lodge #109 did notenjoy a long life, nor did it ever become a part of the GrandLodge of Missouri. Financial problems developed with theGrand Lodge of Pennsylvania, probably due to the distancebetween the two more than anything. Louisiana's attemptsto rectify the situation did not work out, and a mere eightyears after its constitution, Louisiana Lodge #109 surren-dered its charter. Yet, during its short life it boasted amongits membership a small list of the 'who's who' of Freema-sonry of that day, including two United States senators andthe Father of Texas himself, Stephen F. Austin.

A series of communications between members ofLouisiana Lodge #109, the Grand Lodge of Missouri and theGrand Lodge of Pennsylvania somewhat resolved the finan-cial issues enabling the individual members to retain their

good standing. On October 28, 1826 the Grand Lodge ofMissouri issued a charter to the brothers in St. Genevieve toestablish Tucker Lodge #13, thus continuing the brother-hood established nearly twenty years before with the incep-tion of Louisiana Lodge #109.A Small Irony

Only a few miles separated the brothers in St. Genevievefrom Western Star Lodge in Kaskaskia. However, the trip toKaskaskia included the necessity of crossing the often-treacherous Mississippi River, so the main reason to estab-lish a new Lodge so close to Western Star was to avoid thatcrossing. In April, 1881, the area flooded. As the watersreceded, the Mississippi River realigned itself along a chan-nel east of the town. Today, Kaskaskia, along with the placewhere Western Star Lodge sat, lies not on the east, but onthe west bank of the Mississippi River. Had this floodoccurred just after Western Star was established, therewould have been no need for a Lodge in St. Genevieve.

Regardless, Freemasonry was primed to move west intothe new Louisiana Territory. The area that would becomeMissouri was the focus of this movement and from thatcame the Grand Lodge of Missouri, the mother Lodge ofmany of the western states.

Bibliography• Berger, M. Robert, Notes on the first Masonic meeting inMissouri, 2006.• Denslow, Ray V, Territorial Masonry: The Story of Freema-sonry and the Louisiana Purchase, 1804 – 1821, The MasonicService Association of the United States, 1925.• Denslow, William R., Ste. Genevieve Is Site of First MasonicLodge, The Missouri Freemason, Spring 1971.• Goldman, Hilliard, PhD, St. Louis Community College, Own-er of the Green Tree Tavern, Interview, December, 2006Grauel, H. O., The Growth of Freemasonry in Southeast Mis-souri, Presentation to the Missouri Lodge of Research, Sep-tember, 1953• Smith, Estel, A letter to MWB P. Vincent Kinkead, March 27,1998• Acknowledgement of and thanks to additional previousresearch by: MWB M. Robert Berger, Wes Cook, Ray V.Denslow, William Denslow, Harold O. Grauel, MWB P. Vin-cent Kinkead, John Maofsky, Estel Smith and Jim Snavley.

Carvings of a square and compasses and an anchor found on porchposts of the Green Tree Tavern. The square and compasses may over-lay a sword pointing to a naked heart. Photos courtesy Hilliard J. Gold-man.

Issue DeadlineSummer, 2007 April 2, 2007Fall, 2007 July, 1, 2007Winter, 2008 October 1, 2007Spring, 2008 January 2, 2008

The Missouri Freemason

DEADLINES


On Saturday, October 21,2006, Perseverance Lodge No. 92resumed having its annual 4:00AM

Grand Master's Breakfast. The lodgewas opened at 4:00 A.M. on the thirddegree of Free Masonry. After thelodge was formally opened, the offi-cers introduced themselves then thevisiting brothers introduced them-selves and gave the lodge they repre-sented. Then Most Worshipful GrandMaster Robert Burger was received atthe altar, given the Grand Honors

and escorted to the East where hewas presented the gavel of the lodge.After his comments, the gavel of the

lodge was turnedback to the Masterwho then closed.Everyone then retired to the dininghall for a breakfast of scrambled eggs,ham, biscuits, juice and coffee.

There were 27 lodges repre-sented with a total of 62 masons pre-sent. Also there was a free will offer-ing taken that amounted to $362.00

that went to the Masonic Home.Members of Perseverance No. 92wish to thank everyone who helped

to make this breakfast a success. Alsoa special thanks to the lodges thathelped Perseverance with this ven-ture. Please mark the 3rd Saturday ofOctober, 2007, on your calendar, asplans are underway to continue thisbreakfast.

GRAND MASTERS BREAKFAST RESUMED

Six St. Louis area lodges provided the money andBrother power to prepare special holiday boxes for needyfamilies on December 16, 2006.

The event, organized for several years by RightWorshipful Brother Guy Ross of Tuscan Lodge #360,packed and delivered 40 boxes. Last year five lodges coop-erated in the effort and delivered about three-dozen box-es.

Other lodges helping were George WashingtonLodge #9, Naphtali Lodge #25, Benjamin Franklin Lodge

#64, Polar Star-Rose Hill Lodge #79, and Florissant Lodge#668. Some of the items were also donated by local busi-nesses, including Shop and Save of Ferguson. In additionthe donations from individual lodges, there were alsodonations by individuals.

Each box contained such staples as a ham, flour,rice, potatoes, canned meat, vegetables and fruit, pasta,pancake mix, juice and crackers. Toiletries were alsoincluded and during the event’s expansion some of theboxes contained items such as diapers and baby food forinfants. Families with older children found their box alsocontained age-appropriate toys provided through theFlorissant Police Department’s 2006 toy collection drive..

The packing was again done at the Ferguson busi-ness location of another Brother, Right Worshipful Broth-er David Wright of Tuscan.

The Brethren who took part unanimouslydeclared it was a very satisfying way to spend a Saturdaymorning and hoped more lodges would take part nextyear as Brothers continue to carry charity work into Mis-souri Freemasonry’s third century.

Brothers from six St. Louis area lodges worked together December 16to pack holiday boxes they delivered to needy families.

SIX ST. LOUIS AREA LODGES WORK TOGETHER TOPROVIDE HOLIDAY BOXES FOR THE NEEDY


Missouri DeMolay is proud toannounce that for the third year in arow it has achieved the Top honorsfor new Membership Growth for theentire Order of DeMolay Internation-ally. In fact, for the last three years,Missouri DeMolay’s net growth inmembership is double that of anyother Jurisdiction in the world.

We are off to a great start for Mis-souri DeMolay this year. Our StateInstallation occurred on Saturday,November 11, 2006, at the ScottishRite Cathedral in St. Louis, whereBrother Cory Meyer (also a MasterMason) was installed as the StateMaster Councilor of Missouri DeMo-lay, along with 15 other State Officersfrom throughout the state, as well as7 new State Squire Officers, led byState Master Squire NathanielThomason. Following the Installa-tion was a very enjoyable evening offun and dancing for all who attended.The State Officers plan on propellingMissouri DeMolay into a very suc-cessful future with the Masonic Fam-ily.

For this coming year we hope toaccomplish several goals, which willhelp Missouri DeMolay grow.Our goals include initiating over250 new members,many of whom will goon to become MasterMasons. We are alsostriving to institute sev-en new Chaptersthroughout the State.We have already startedtwo new Chapters: HarryS. Truman Chapter in WestPlains, and SouthwestMissouri Chapter inAnderson. We are also on our way toinstituting new Chapters in Fulton,Joplin, Kansas City and St. Louis. If

you would like to begin a DeMolayChapter at your Lodge, please contactus.

Another goal we have set is toincrease public knowledge of DeMo-lay and to get DeMolay to become ahousehold name. Increasing publicawareness of DeMolay will in turn

increase the knowledge ofour Masonic Family and

assist in gaining and retain-ing new members in all ofour organizations. To coor-dinate and improve com-

munication throughout thestate, we will hold quarterly

meetings of our State Officers.Also, we would like to retainour #1 status in membershipfor DeMolay International.

We know if we reach all of our othergoals, this one will easily follow.

In addition to our goals for the

year, there are three separate keys wewould like to focus on for success:Communication, Membership recruit-ment and retention, and Adultrecruitment and retention. The firstand most important to us is commu-nication, because if we conquer com-munication, we will flourish with theother two keys. We are striving tokeep constant reliable communica-tion which will keep everyoneinformed about our current events aswell as the status of Missouri DeMo-lay. Next, membership recruitmentand retention is vital. We believethat not only getting members initi-ated into DeMolay, but retainingthem is crucial. To do this we planon having several different member-ship drives throughout the year; thefirst starting on January 1, 2007 andlasting until our State Conclave on

MISSOURI DEMOLAY #1 IN THE WORLD FOR THE THIRD YEAR IN A ROW

continued page 44


May 25, 2007. We will be giving out special rewards tothe top three DeMolays who bring in the most members;and, if we initiate 212 new members by our State Con-clave in May, everyone who attends will also be rewarded.

The third key to our success is adult recruitment andretention. We need the adult support for our youth toprosper as leaders of the future. We strive to recruit ouradults from the parents of our members, Master Masons,Senior DeMolays, as well as others in our great MasonicFamily. As a Master Mason, you are important to the suc-cess of DeMolay and we invite you to become an advisorof a DeMolay Chapter. With these new adults we hope togive our members the guidance and support needed tobecome the future leaders of our fraternity and our com-munities.

On December 16, 2006, we held our Executive Officer- State Master Councilor’s Leader’s Conference at Twi-light/Acacia Masonic Lodge in Columbia, Missouri. TheState Officers and members of DeMolay, as well as mem-bers of Rainbow Girls and Jobs Daughters gathered forpresentations performed by some of the greatest leadersof Missouri DeMolay. These presentations included thekeys to successful communication, membership and adultrecruitment for the upcoming year, as well as expressingand explaining the goals we plan on reaching this year.The day was a tremendous success with over 100 mem-bers and advisors in attendance.

We were all extremely excited and thankful to theMasonic Home of Missouri and Brother Earl E. Walker forthe generous support of the DeMolay Leadership TrainingConference, which will be held at the YMCA Tout Lodgefacilities in Potosi, Missouri in July, 2007. This is one ofthe most important programs DeMolay has to offer and ithas been over 20 years since we have had a LeadershipTraining Conference at this great location. We are lookingforward to all of the Lodges and our Masonic Familythroughout Missouri to join in the support of our DeMo-lays in this tremendous program and the other activitiesfor our Masonic Youth.

With your continued guidance and support, workingtogether in our great fraternity, Missouri DeMolay looksforward to a bright and prosperous future. We thank youall for your commitment to our youth.

Remember, our motto is:

Cory C. MeyerState Master CouncilorJurisdiction of MissouriOrder of DeMolay

Contact Missouri DeMolay: 1-888-314-1919 and visit: www.modemolay.org

THE MAGICAL SECRETSOF THE MYSTERIOUS

MEETINGS OF THEGLPR & GLME

At Grand Lodge meetings, you have seen items thatappear as if by magic: a huge print-out showing therecords of all lodges and the Achievement Awards earnedsince the beginning of the program; copies of revisedAchievement Award application for the coming year; awall-size billboard in the convention center promotingFreemasonry; a wallet-size blue card with ten reasons tobecome a Freemason; educational booklets for candidatesin the three degrees, an entire room with rows of com-puters demonstrating something called MOCHIP; anotherroom with computers for helping lodges set up and main-tain web sites, several sample press releases for lodges touse in publicizing their activities; copies of a revised Q&Apamphlet and the Resource Guide for Missouri Freema-sons….

How do these items magically appear at the annualconvocation of Grand Lodge?

They are the result of the behind the scenes work ofdevoted members of the Public Relations and MasonicEducation (GLPR and GLME) Committees, meeting sever-al times a year at the Masonic Complex in Columbia—now the secret is out; you may have to check this out!

I will reveal some of the secrets:1. The GLPR and GLME Committees have been work-

ing together to bring all of our programs andpublications up to date.

2. The two committees will produce anew 8-minute DVD that can be used asa tool by all lodges to inform the pub-lic on Freemasonry. Did you hearabout this at the Area Meetingthat you attended?

3. That new little BlueCard provides all MissouriFreemasons with quickanswers to questions aboutthe fraternity. It contains 10reasons for being a Freema-son. Soon we will have aMini-Petition that also can becarried in your wallet. The Blue Cardsare available now from the Grand Lodge officeand every member is encouraged to carry the card withhim at all times.

4. MOCHIP is the “Masonic Model” Child Identifica-tion Program, one of the most comprehensive ChildRecovery, Identification, and Abduction Awareness Edu-cation programs being offered FREE OF CHARGE to par-

“Building Freemasonry through DeMolay.”

continued page 46



was the end of the year and all through our state,Missouri Rainbow workers pause to remember past dates.Ashland’s ladies were caught baking, growing Pledges too,

While Celestial’s folks are planning their future to-do’s.

Columbia serves with pride all over their college town,And Faith-Sarcoxie’s beauties never do slow down!Fidelity’s new Mother Advisor is on a membership quest,Harrisonville lovingly wishful dreams, courtesy of Sam and Ms. Best.

Lamar may be little—“but mighty”—they shout out,Lee’s Summit had a pj meeting—plenty of laughs, no doubt!Liberty travels—near home, to O-K... and all over M-O,Marlborough’s Rainbow Roundup was a terrific go, go, go!

Mexico excitedly initiated new sisters and is looking for more,“Assembly of the Year” North Kansas City is always ready to roar!Southeastern Piedmont simply wants more “little” sisters to join in,Pulaski County pleasantly serves with broad shoulders and huge grins.

Like others, Republic has rambled, sold Tacos, flown kites, slept over…This fall a fresh Rolla Mother Advisor has made that area re-stir.Always serving St. Charles, known on more than the St. Louie side, Then there’s St. Joseph-Harmony cautiously needing a loving guide.

St. Louis moved to Kirkwood, worked baseball games, gave aid…Service hostessed Bunko and sold ice cream via girls who never fade! A new home for Springfield…a new Mother Advisor, too, Wentzville was constituted and hosted Sam’s final visit…(boo hoo).

Seventy-two delegates cheered in Oklahoma, we Salem retreated,The Western Masonic Home’s 20th anniversary was celebrated.Sweet Pledges are growing Assemblies—their giggles fill the air,Christmas caroling sang clear; Majority member/helpers are less rare.

A new year we’ve welcomed with bunches more to do,Programs and projects and crystal keychains “just for you.” After winter’s weather brings spring Grand Cross conferrings,Finally it will be time for “my” Grand Assembly meetings!

Will you be one of the Masons who support Rainbow Girls this year?You know we’ll be looking for you with a 2007 rainbow cheer!May the next dozen months bring terrific things for each of you –And may ALL our groups enjoy a GRAND many successes too!

Remembering MY Rainbow promises,Samantha Stutzman2006-2007 Grand Worthy AdvisorState of MissouriInternational Order of Rainbow for Girls


ents in Missouri. This is the major project of Grand LodgeMasonic Children’s Foundation. At a Masonic CHIP event,Freemasons set up the equipment and enlist the aid oflocal volunteers to generate completed child identificationkits, containing vital identifying information. This it is tobe kept by the child’s parents or guardians and given tolaw enforcement, if their child is missing. May it NEVERbe needed! The kit includes (1) a small computer disc withfull-color, digital photographs of the child; a complete setof digital fingerprints; distinguishing features such as hairand eye color, scars, etc., contact information on parentsor guardians. (2) a Tooth-prints Dental Impression Waferwhich will provide a dental imprint, DNA sample, andscents for tracking dogs. The identification process takesabout 15 minutes per child.

The Masonic Children’s Foundation’s Child Identifica-tion Program (CHIP) is provided free of charge to the pub-lic. Once the information is given to parents, all recordsare deleted from our computers.

For information on how to host a CHIP event in yourarea, contact the Masonic Children’s Foundation—a501(c)(3) organization—at 1-877-226-2766. To visit thenational website go to www.masonichip.org. Or visit theGrand Lodge web site: www.momason.org. Or contactNick Cichielo, Public Relations/Masonic Children’s Foun-dation Coordinator, (P) 636-530-6069, (C) 573-424-3683,[email protected]. Or Ron Jones, PR Chairman, [email protected].


Regional Grand Lecturers 2007Region ABobby R. O'Dell24238 Hwy UBucklin, MO [email protected]

Region BF. Wayne Dugan8130 Southpoint Dr.Camden, MO 64017-9711816-496-5533

Region CMichael F. Armstrong505 NW Englewood Rd, Apt1 Kansas City, MO 64118816-454-1370

Region DNorman E. Harrison207 Drewel CourtEureka, MO 63025636-587-7913

Region EJoe W. Johnson10607 Wurdack Ave.St. Louis, MO [email protected]

Region FH.R. Huey Higgins3730 E County Line Rd.Rogersville, MO [email protected]

Region GWayne G. TuckerHC 3 Box 222Ellsinore, MO [email protected]

✁ ✁ ✁ ✁ ✁ ✁ ✁ ✁ ✁

✃ ✃ ✃ ✃ ✃ ✃ ✃ ✃ ✃

In Missouri 62 CHIP events werebooked at Grand Lodge. The

CHIP teams are booked throughJune, 2007, and new events are

being booked every day. By mid-December we had processed over

12,000 children, making themsafer by our efforts and theprodigious efforts of many

volunteers.I will attend future meetings of these committees and

will reveal to you the accomplishments and plans as theydevelop.

Dr. E. Otha Wingo, Member Grand Lodge Masonic Education Committee

Update

C H I Pwww.masonichip.org

April 21, 2007Hogles Creek Lodge #279

Wheatland, Missouri, 9:00 AM

May 19, 2007Butler Lodge #254

Butler, Missouri, 9:00 AM

Regional Schools of InstructionRWB Michael Armstrong

THE MISSOURI MASONIC MUSEUM AND LIBRARYFUNDING CAMPAIGN

An Overview of Campaign Phase 1: Museum Construction ProjectBy M. Robert Berger, Grand Master 2006-2007

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s behind Phase 1 of the exciting Missouri Masonic Museum and Library fundingcampaign.

Opportunities and Challenges: In designing a museum, many things need to be taken into consideration. Whataudiences, Masonic and non-Masonic, will we be serving? What is needed for exhibiting our growing collection of arti-facts? Baseline architectural drawings, conceptual designs, the costs of fabrication and installation, and many other fac-tors help establish the initial cost projections.

A Preliminary Artist’s Conception: The Museum Mas-ter Plan was drawn up using architectural designs in orderto lay out a “general idea” of what we might want. If you addconceptual design detail to that generalized master plan,you come up with an artist’s conception of what differentparts of the Missouri Masonic Museum might look like.

Is this whatthe final muse-um will actuallylook like? It’svery close. Sub-tle changes toenhance whatthe actual museum looks like will come about as we work even more closelywith the project’s design firm. All of our specific needs and requests will betaken into account.

The Cost Estimating Process: The Missouri Masonic Museum andLibrary Committee, working in conjunction with PGAV Destination Consult-ing of St. Louis, took The Museum Master Plan’s initial guidelines and addedmuch more detail. After working through that detail, the Committee and theMasonic Home Board of Directors approved the projected cost estimate forthe construction of the museum project which is shown in the sidebar.

Summing Up: The result of all this is a projected museum constructioncost estimate of $1,246,775. Every penny that is given to this funding cam-paign will go directly to the museum construction project. The exciting newmuseum will include a lasting record of everyone who has contributed. Thisis a unique opportunity not only to financially support Missouri Masonic his-tory, but to mark your place in the future as well.

How You Can Be a Part: You can financially support the museum projectby getting in touch with me directly at [email protected] or by con-tacting Brother David Horner, Director of Development, at 800-434-9804, ext.219 or by e-mail [email protected]. Please let us know if you have ques-tions.

Missouri MasonicMuseum and Library, Columbia, Missouri Capital Campaign Phase 1:Projected Museum Project

Construction Costs

Exhibit Areas . . . . . . . . . . .CostsIntroduction . . . . . . . . . . .$103,402Rotunda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$37,880Patriots and Pathmakers . $154,894Living Well . . . . . . . . . . . .$163,896Generosity . . . . . . . . . . . .$120,046Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$90,304Everyman/Everywoman . .$141,890

Exhibit TotalDesign, Engineering . . . . .$424,463& Contingency

Reimbursables . . . . . . . . . .$10,000

Grand Total . . . . . . . . . $1,246,775



MUSEUM AND LIBRARY BEGINS ACCEPTING ITEMSCommittee for the Library and Museum, Missouri

Masonic Library and Museum The Library and Museum is developing quickly. The

present exhibit, Masons Helping Masons Helping Missouri,remains on display. This is a pictorial history of the Mason-ic Home of Missouri in 37 panels and fills one gallery at theColumbia Masonic Complex. The second exhibit, ReflectedValues: Brotherly Love – Relief – Truth, will open near theend of 2007. This long term exhibit will fill the NorthGallery. In preparation for this exhibit, the museum is devel-oping key exhibition points and talking with those who willlend materials.

One critical milestone for the museum was the develop-ment of the Collections Policy and Procedures Manual by theLibrary and Museum Committee. After extensive review by legal counsel, the Masonic Home Board approved this doc-ument which will guide the future work of the committee and staff. The policy delineates the procedures for acceptingitems into the collections and divides the collection into four parts: 1) artifacts, 2) library and archival, 3) reference, and4) educational. With approved procedures for accepting items into the collections, the Committee for the Library andMuseum met on December 15, 2006 to consider its first list of potential items for display. These were items either offeredto the museum or that the museum purchased during the past few months for the exhibition of Reflected Values. Whenthe proper approvals are completed, the prospective donors will receive formal Deeds of Gift to legally transfer owner-ship of the items to the museum. Once this is completed, these items can be placed in the collections for display.

The Collections Policy also addresses the issue of loansto and from the museum. This section of the policy is crit-ical for the success of the next exhibit, Reflected Values,which depends on borrowing items from the collections ofmany Masonic and non-Masonic groups and museums. Themuseum is working with the Grand Lodge of Missouri toinclude some of the items that the Grand Lodge has collect-ed over the years, including some historic aprons, portrai-ture, jewels and medals. It is also talking with the MasonicTemple and Scottish Rite Cathedral in St. Louis to borrowsome items and to make digital copies of photographs and

other print material for enlargement and reproduction.In addition, work has begun with the Laura Ingalls

Wilder Home in Mansfield for items from Eastern Star ofwhich sister Wilder was a member.

Other organizations and collections that are beingapproached for items to include for display are the Harry S.Truman Homestead in Independence; the Randolph CountyHistorical Society in regard to Omar Bradley items; the Mis-souri Historical Society; the State Historical Society in –Columbia, Western Historical Manuscripts Collection; theTruman Presidential Library; and the George Washington Memorial in Alexandra, Virginia. In addition to these largerMasonic organizations and professional museums and archives, the museum is talking with lodges and individuals forspecific items and to tell particular stories. All of the items that come into the exhibit from these avenues will be onloan to the museum. The owners will retain ownership and their important items will be protected with security sys-tems, insurance, and inventory schedules. The Collections Policy addresses all of these issues, thereby assuring the own-ers that their items will receive the best of care during the time they are on loan to the museum for exhibition.

As members of the Library and Museum Committee, we are looking forward to the opening of the exhibition,Reflected Values: Brotherly Love – Relief – Truth. Please watch for updates of the progress being made and continue togive your support in making this one of the best Masonic Museums in the United States.


SHARE YOUR TIME WITH A MEMBER AT OURMASONIC HOME

It is time to kick off 2007 and with that being said wehave residents at our Masonic Home of Missouri that needadoption. We want to thank the lodges, chapters, assem-blies and individuals that support our members at theMasonic Home Assisted Living Facility in Kansas City byparticipating in the Adopt-a-Resident program. Each yearwe look forward to meeting new friends as we continuethis great program making sure every resident is spon-sored.

There are several activities you and your adopted resi-dent can do. First being participating in events at our facil-ity; throughout the year we are provided excellent enter-tainment from many different groups that volunteer at ourHome they do anything from singing to ceramics to play-ing games or holding lodge or chapter meetings. We alsoencourage you or your lodge to participate in scheduling an activity at the Masonic Home (please contact Bev Lentz foravailability 800-434-9804), several outside organizations come in to do plays, teach our residents about nature or animals,provide musical entertainment and other activities. Secondly we also encourage you to take your adopted resident(s) tooutside functions; maybe lunch, dinner or a lodge meeting or even assist in chaperoning off-campus activities sponsoredby the Home. Even just stopping by for a cup of coffee, eating lunch or sharing some stories is welcomed.

We also want to continue to thank the youth’sincreased involvement as our residents look forwardto that time. Our youth involvement is not justMasonic Affiliated we have several schools that part-ner up with us to pen pal, come out and play gamesetc, so please don’t hesitate to contact Bev Lentzshould you have a youth group wanting to host anactivity.

We would certainly be remiss if we didn’t take amoment to thank all of our supporters who continueto provide the financial support that allows our resi-dents to live in safety and comfort. Your support bothfinancial and through volunteering or adopting-a-resi-dent does not go unnoticed.

2006 was such a great year atour Masonic Home and the

residents truly enjoyed all ofthe fun filled activities you

provided for them, so let’s startthinking about 2007 and how

we can fill our calendar up againand provide our residents with

another unforgettable year.


CHANGING WITH THE TIMESOne hundred and twenty years ago, Missouri Masons

established the Masonic Home of Missouri. One hundredand seventeen years ago, the Masonic Home of Missouriopened its doors in St. Louis. Over time, it has expandedto Kansas City and now extends throughout the entirestate through the Outreach Services Program.

The Masonic Home has been able to assist individualsin so many different ways including bringing the help toyou. Our motto “We Are Where You Are” says it all.Through the Outreach Services Program the MasonicHome is able to provide financial support to members intheir own community. This assistance is and can be pro-vided to individuals in their own home, apartment, resi-dential or assisted living facilities or even outside the stateof Missouri, providing they have maintained their Mis-souri Masonic membership.

The requirements for the Outreach Services program are; you must be a Missouri Master Mason, wife, widow orfemale member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Age and length of membership guidelines are reviewed at time of appli-cation. Countless people are being provided financial assistance throughout the state; which has given people hope, com-fort and peace of mind at a stressful time.

As you travel to Masonic events and/or meetings pleasetake the time to share this information with at least oneother individual. It is so important that we continue tospread program information on the Masonic Home. Younever know when you may run across someone who is indesperate need.

40% of our assistance goes to Masonic Widows, 37%Masons, 16% Eastern Star Members and 7% to Masonic Chil-dren. As I travel throughout the state I still run across indi-viduals who are unaware this assistance is available throughthe Masonic Home of Missouri. If you are not familiar withthe programs offered through the Masonic Home of Mis-souri please contact our office to receive the most up to dateinformation on our Outreach Program, Children’s OutreachProgram, Assisted Living Facility in Kansas City, Missouri orour Creating a Partnership Program.

Polar Star-Rose Hill Holds TraditionalHoliday Party

Santa Claus, Silly Jilly the clown andsmiles on the faces of about threedozen children highlighted the tradi-tional Polar Star-Rose Hill Lodge #79holiday party held December 9, 2006at the lodge building in Creve Coeur.Only relatives with cameras outnum-bered the children. It was estimatedthat the crowd was larger than the

approximately 100 Brothers and fami-lies who attended the lodge’s Thanks-giving Day celebration the monthbefore.The party carried on a decades-oldtradition at the old Polar Star lodgeand was the second annual eventheld by the new Polar Star-Rose Hilllodge.Even children who arrived before the 4p.m. official start of the evening wereentertained by Silly Jilly (a.k.a. JillSchmidt) who made balloon toys forall the children. She was interruptedby the arrival of Santa Claus (a.k.a.Right Worshipful Brother Harry O.Weber) who arrived with a toy foreach child.Before Santa could start his work fromthe west, Silly Jilly gave him a balloonreindeer and received a kiss on the

cheek in thanks.Laughter and the rustle of wrappingpaper being torn from packages thenoccupied all those attending. Thecrowd then moved to the dining hallfor a hot dinner and found Silly Jillystill at work.The rest of the evening was occupiedby spirited holiday conversationsamong the Brothers and their familiesand even the children -- who weremostly occupied with examining andplaying with their gifts from Santa andeating yet another Christmas cookie.Santa Claus also got a present at thePolar Star-Rose Hill Lodge’s holiday party.Before he started giving each child a gifthe was presented with a balloon rein-deer by Silly Jilly the clown. Since Santa isin the giving business, he gave Silly Jilly akiss on her cheek.


CREATING A PARTNERSHIP WITH YOUR LOCAL SCHOOLS

Have you ever driven or walked by a school bus stop and noticeda child without a coat? The first thought is usually, I can’t believe thatchild doesn’t have a coat on. In many situations, children choose notto take a coat or to take it off, but in other instances, that child doesnot own a coat.

Over the past three years through the hard work of our LodgeBrothers and Eastern Star members, we have made contributions ofkindness; whether it is a coat, shoes, school supplies or other cloth-ing. In fact, last year alone with the assistance of the Masonic Home,over $50,000.00 of support was provided to 3,400 school children inneed throughout the state of Missouri.

We have received countless letters from the lodges that they havereceived from teachers and parents expressing their gratitude towardthe Lodge and the Masonic Home for their kindness, but it was a sen-tence in a letter we received a few months ago that continues to stickwith me. A little boy said when trying on clothes, “the kids won’tmake fun of me now.” The teacher went on to say, “for a young manwho doesn’t have a lot to smile about he certainly couldn’t have beensmiling any bigger.” Well I don’t know about you but those are wordsthat would make any heart melt.

So the next time you pass by a bus stop and see achild without a coat or book bag do not jump to the con-clusion they didn’t bring one. There are hundreds ofstudents who go to school everyday who don’t have thenecessary items like a winter coat or hat. Your lodge,with the assistance of the Masonic Home, could aid inproviding those items to the needy students in yourcommunity.

Please contact the Masonic Home of Missouri if youhave questions or need assistance on how to begin theCreating A Partnership program in your area. It is nevertoo late to contact your schools and start this wonderfulprogram. (Pictures in article were sent in from Nod-away Lodge No. 470)


Masons visit WarrensburgDeMolay Chapter

On Tuesday evening, November 21,Masons from Knob Noster MasonicLodge No. 245, Knob Noster, Missouri,made a visit to the Robert GoldbergDeMolay Chapter in Warrensburg, Mis-souri. The visit was done to recognize theChapter’s accomplishments over the

past year and to present a monetarydonation from the lodge.Although the Chapter received its char-ter just a few short months ago, it hasmade tremendous strides in building itsmembership, improving leadership skills,and becoming better citizens. In makingthe presentation to the young men of theChapter, Joe Joyner, Worshipful Master ofthe Knob Noster Masonic Lodge,acknowledged the Chapter’s role inmaking Missouri DeMolay a leader with-in the DeMolay organization internation-ally.According to the organization’sstatewide website, “DeMolay is an orga-nization dedicated to preparing youngmen to lead successful, happy, and pro-

ductive lives. Basing its approach ontimeless principles and practical, hands-on experience, DeMolay opens doors foryoung men aged 12 to 21 by developingthe civic awareness, personal responsi-bility and leadership skills so vitallyneeded in society today.” For more infor-mation on DeMolay, please visitwww.modemolay.org. Masons and DeMo-lay members stop for a quick photo follow-ing the meeting. Front Row (l-r) JeremiahWheeler, Lucas Wheeler, Dawn Shipman,Curtis Christopher, Anthony Clack, BruceShipman, Trevor Dotty, and Aaron Brown.Back Row (l-r) Robert Cass, Kyle Hookey, JoeJoyner, Mike Snell, Ryan Hartupee, Les Stew-art, and Larry Fox.


Grand Lodge Officers 2007M. Robert Berger,

Grand Master (Barbara) (642)14181 Woodsmill Cove Dr,

Chesterfield 63017Home: 314-434-5038 • Bus: 314-231-7093E-mail: [email protected]

Bruce R. Austin, Deputy Grand Master (Myrtle) (407)

603 N Main RdCharleston 63834-9621

Home: 573-683-6135E-mail: [email protected]

Rocky E. Weaver, Senior Grand Warden (Janet) (501)

106 Park Ave., Buckner 64016

Cell: 816-645-6178E-mail: [email protected]

Larry C. Reynolds, Junior Grand Warden (Bettie) (477)

443 Wildwood Dr, Rogersville 65742

Home: 417-753-3356 E-mail: [email protected]

W. Marion Luna, Grand Treasurer (526)

1101 N Main St, Piedmont 63957


Ronald D. Miller, Grand Secretary (Lenora) (366)

605 Adens Woods Ct, Columbia 65201

Home: 573-886-0288 • Bus: 573-474-8561Fax: 573-474-3601 E-mail: [email protected]

Randall J. Jones, Grand Lecturer (Darlene) (439)

4005 State Hwy KK, Rogersville 65742

Home: 417-767-2737 E-mail: [email protected]

Gail S. Turner, Senior Grand Deacon (Tina) (82)

106 Haliburton, Brookfield 64628

Home: 660-258-5072 • Bus: 660-258-3394E-Mail: [email protected] Work: [email protected]

John W. Hess, Junior Grand Deacon (Ina) (501)

125 Groom Ave., Liberty 64068-2419

Home: 816-781-4086 • Bus: 816-325-1409E-mail: [email protected] (H)

David L. Ramsey, Senior Grand Steward (Friday) (71)

2709 North Lincoln, Kirksville 63501

Home: 660-988-1415 • Bus: 888-457-3734E-mail: [email protected]

Jon B. Broyles, Junior Grand Steward (Anna)

1427 Carriage Bridge Trail, Ballwin 63021

Home: 636-225-8873 • Cell: 314-520-7578E-mail: [email protected]

Randall M. Berger, Senior Grand Marshal

900 South Handley Road #8E,Clayton 63105

Cell: 314-724-1132 • Bus: 314-727-4854 E-mail: [email protected]

Harvey R. Soule, Junior Grand Marshal (Barbara) (642)

590 Sarah Lane, #207, Creve Coeur, 63141-6067

Home: 314-567-3455 • Cell: 314-413-9768 E-Mail: [email protected]

Terry L. Claar, Grand Sword Bearer (Sandra) (587, 345, 681)

405 N. Moffet, Joplin 64801

Cell: 417-438-8476 • Bus: 417-623-3219E-Mail: [email protected]

Richard L. Smith, Grand Pursuivant (June) (550)

830 Coalport Dr., St. Louis 63141

Home: 314-878-3626 • Bus: 314-822-1111E-Mail: [email protected]

Sheldon H. Snitz, Grand Chaplain (Eunice) (104)

9852 Connell Dr, Overland Park, KS 66212


Rev. Ronald E. Wood, Jr., Grand Chaplain (Marie) (331)

P.O. Box 8306, St. Joseph 64508

Home: 816-364-4881 • Bus: 816-279-9597 E-mail: [email protected]

Nicholas R. Cichielo, Grand Chaplain (Lori) (550)

16815 Ashberry Circle Dr., Chesterfield 63005

Cell: 573-424-3683 • Home: 636-530-0143 Bus: 636-530-6069E-mail: [email protected]

JR Latta, Grand Chaplain (28)

1102 Central Ave., Hannibal 63401

Cell: 573-248-4000

Rev. James Shemwell, Grand Chaplain (Barbara) (354)

1636 Meadow Ln., Mexico 65265

Home: 573-581- 1195 • Cell: 573-473-6446E-mail: [email protected]

Rev. Dr. Darrel Curtis, Grand Chaplain ( Mary Katherine)(717, 95)

5120 Rosa, St. Louis 63109-3244

Home: 314-351-0673

Erick V. Kern, Grand Chaplain (79) (Susan)

14755 Chermoore Dr., Chesterfield, 63017

Home: 314-394-3260 • Bus: 314-892-9600E-mail: [email protected]

Lawrence R. Albright, Grand Chaplain (345) (Shirley)

11337 State Hwy. 43, Webb City 64870-9746

Home: 417-624-8100

Webb Edwards, Grand Orator (Debbie) (587)

500 W. Main St., Suite 102-B, Branson 65616

Home: 417-334-0325 • Bus: 417-334-3222E-Mail: [email protected]

Charles Wasserman, Grand Orator (Rita) (642)

11723 W. 101 St., Overland Park, KS 66214

Home: 913-492-5005

David Jacobi,Grand Tiler (Marcia) (2)

3025 Silver Bow Ct., St. Louis 63129-5221

Home: 314-846-0680 • Bus: 314-577-2991

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District Deputy Grand Lecturers 2007District 1Timothy Dunbar526 Winter St.Hannibal [email protected]

District 2Karl A.W. DeMarceRt. 2 Box 150Memphis 63555660-465-8977

District 3Richard L. MansfieldP.O. Box 493Kirksville 63501660-665-3277

District 4Richard L. Hamilton28697 E Jet RdBethany 64424660-425-6190

District 5David Moyer307 East Third St.Grant City 64456660-564-2584

District 6William J. Hollingsworth320 W. Torrance St.Maryville 64468660-582-8573

District 7Larry R. Crawford9147 CR 27Bolckow [email protected]

District 8Virgil E. Caldwell 611 S. BrownGallatin 64640660-663-3773

District 9James "Jim" R. Ulm8195 S Hwy 13Polo 64671660-354-2879

District 10Donald W. Allen26231 Image Rd.Brookfield 64628660-258-7032

District 11Donald R. St. Clair318 N. Main Cross St.Bowling Green [email protected]

District 12Gary A. Mc Cormack1304 Kathy St.Fulton [email protected]

District 13Durward R. 'Rusty" Kitts19414 Monroe Rd 976Holliday 65258816-266-3280

District 14August L. BottomRt 1 Slater 65349660-529-3511

District 15Stanley E. Massey10011 Linn Grove Rd.Odessa 64076816-230-7029

District 16Donald E. Gilkerson22009 NE 172ndKearney 64060816-628-6538

District 17Marvin G. Shull2304 NE Shady LnGladstone 64118816-453-2723

District 18Paul F. Miller9111 E. 74th St.Raytown 64133816-886-0066

District 19Lyle K. Croisant809 NE Independence Ave.Lee's Summit 64806816-524-6446

District 20Walter R. Campbell400 SpruceGarden City 64747816-763-6308

District 21Robert D. Weikal420 S Grand AveSedalia 65301660-826-5687

District 22James G. Wade2801 W Henley DrColumbia [email protected]

District 23John M. Duckett511 Belair DrJefferson City 65109573-635-0477

District 24Stephen D. Lynn, Jr.989 E. AdamsBourbon 65441573-732-4466

District 25Louis V. Sieg1401 StellaMontgomery City 63361573-564-7908

District 26Christopher J. Newbold1601 Prospector TrailWentzville 63385636-327-4426

District 27 ATerry C. Little1565 Ranchwood Dr.Florissant [email protected]

District 27 BKenneth R. Clements1422 Collins Ave.St. Louis 63117314-781-4728

District 27 CDavid C. Riek2316 EsqulineFenton [email protected]

District 28Cecil Y. Isaac14137 West State Hwy. 47Fletcher 63036573-678-2642

District 29Edison S. Lemay307 W. Second St.Rolla [email protected]

District 30Roy Feltner420 Highland Dr.Camdenton [email protected]

District 31 John A. ParksRt 1 Box 544Flemington 65650417-482-3252

District 32Alvin O. GriffinRt 2 Box 267Butler 816-297-2589

District 33James L. KilburnP.O. Box 544Stockton 65785417-276-4139

District 34Timothy Couch179 Hannah Grace LaneClever [email protected]

District 35James K. Ayers4695 State Hwy FFFordland 65652417-767-2270

District 36Noel R. MasonRR1 Box 175Black 63625573-269-4657

District 37Wayne Hutchings310 Center St.Farmington [email protected]

District 38E. Otha Wingo126 Camellia Dr.Cape Girardeau 63703573-334-9210

District 39James D. Smith11098 CR 717Dexter 63841573-624-3889

District 40Jackie D. Crawford208 Barbara Dr.Kennett [email protected]

District 41Bobby L. Brannum565 C.R. 304Poplar Bluff [email protected]

District 42Randall D. Upton11999 C.R. 6450West Plains 65775417-256-1560

District 43Bruce Trammell1251 S. Florence Ave.Springfield 65807417-869-9843417-818-4633 [email protected]

District 44John R. MullinsRt 3 Box 321 DAurora [email protected]

District 45John A. PaceHC 2 Box 2094-1Shell Knob [email protected]

District 46David A. Watson108 E. HickoryNeosho 64850417-451-1468

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District Deputy Grand Masters 2007District 1Jack Kairy8182 Highway MMHannibal 63401573-221-1365

District 2Thomas E. GlassRoute 3 Box 170-AMemphis 63555660-883-5681

District 3Barry V. Cundiff1501 PierceKirksville [email protected]

District 4Larry T. Odom415 E. 7th St.Trenton [email protected]

District 5Mike D. CookRR 2 Box 105Grant City 64456-9802660-786-2368

District 6Frederick L. Foster222 N Frederick AveMaryville [email protected]

District 7Dennis N. Vogel1310 Midyett Rd.Saint Joseph [email protected]

District 8Ralph F. RayP.O. Box 8Coffey 64636660-533-4965

District 9Jerry D. Galloway4381 SW Hollow RdPolo 64671-9801816-586-2560

District 10George T. Teeter28603 Katy Dr.Brookfield 64628660-258-2739

District 11Kent E. Cheek314 S Oak StMonroe City [email protected]

District 12Donald E. Fairley1007 West StreetMexico [email protected]

District 13Joel C. RidgwayPO Box 65311 Main St.Cairo [email protected]

District 14Kenneth R. OsbornBox 148Arrow Rock 65320660-837-3480

District 15Mark S. SchroerPO Box 285Wellington 64097-0285816-934-2537

District 16Roby D. Walker607 Mark St.Lathrop 64465816-528-3656

District 17Leonard L. Cook2221 Ottawa StLeavenworth [email protected]

District 18Dennis A. Abernathy11922 N. Home Ave.Liberty 64068816-781-5974

District 19David H. Coburn23501 NE Cowherd RdLees Summit 64064-2754816-229-2774

District 20Berry L. Garrison701 Lark St.Raymore 64083-9266816-322-1492

District 21Phillip B. Lawson105 Spruce Ln.Windsor 65360660-647-3963

District 22Eddie F. Fisher841 C.R. 316Glasgow 65254660-848-2369

District 23Gregory L. Duckett217 E Center StHolt Summit 65043573-690-8979

District 24Richard L. Weible1439 Elliot St.Eureka 63025636-938-5656

District 25James H. Hobusch#7 Oakwood EstatesWright City 63390636-745-8325

District 26Winston Bailey217 Hillcrest Dr.Elsberry 63343-1601573-898-5421

District 27 AGuy D. Ross5340 Ville Rosa Ln.Hazelwood 63042314-739-3287

District 27 BAlan E. DeWoskin225 S. Meramec Ave. Suite 426St. Louis [email protected]

District 27 CRodney W. Kleine5000 Bellarina Dr.St. Louis [email protected]

District 28Willard E. Rieffer414 Trevor Ct.Bonne Terre 63628573-431-1865

District 29John V. NiccumP.O. Box 4366Waynesville [email protected]

District 30James E. Portwood326 Basswood RoadSunrise Beach [email protected]

District 31Cleo W. FieldsRoute 1 Box 1433Cross Timbers 65634417-838-8836

District 32Stephen J. Dixon1004 Wesley CirRaymore 64083-9275816-331-6483

District 33Richard E. Sprenkle19225 S 725 RdStockton 65785417-398-2230

District 34Gregory V. Ross4715 S. Hwy. 123Fair Play 65649-9321417-694-2010

District 35D. Dean RoweP.O. Box 115Seymour [email protected]

District 36James M. JohnsonR.R. 1 Box 182Black 63625-573-269-4747

District 37John L. Ritter307 W. Sycamore St.Desloge 63601-3411573-431-5547

District 38Ronald Wayne Clark2500 Peach Tree StCape Girardeau [email protected]

District 39Jesse L. Deardorff16557 State Hwy. FDudley 63936573-568-2566

District 40Rodney E. Pitts105 Smith St.Steele 63877-1024573-695-3704

District 41Georgie D. BlaggRr 1 Box 616Harviell 63945-9506573-399-2740

District 42David N. FrealyRR 2 Box 2255Thayer 65791-9660417-264-7582

District 43H. Kevin Essick 3115 Oldfield Rd.Sparta 65753417-634-4350

District 44Kenneth R. AlsupP.O. Box 356Lampe 65681417-779-0461

District 45Carl C. Brandon417 England HillCarterville 64835417-673-5685

District 46Ellick E. Garren5054 Rt CCStella 64867-611417-364-8565

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Lavern Meadors received his 50-year pin and certificate from RiddickLodge #361 in Buffalo, MO. Present-ing him with this honor are picturedform left to right: Ron Meadors, DuanePhillips, Lavern Meadors, David Phillips,and Michael Ferguson.

Worshipful Brother Gary Yarbrough, a Past Master ofStrafford Lodge #608, and the outgoing Secretary, waspresented a Plaque on August 24, 2006 from the mem-bers of Strafford Lodge #608 for his dedication and ser-vice to our lodge for over 30 years as Secretary. Duringhis 30 years of service to our lodge, his routine presencewas required. With rare exception, Gary was always pre-sent and on time for all stated and special meetings thelodge held during his tenure as Secretary. Presenting thePlaque to WB Yarbrough is the Master of the Lodge, WBRick Thompson. WB Thompson stated of all the dutiesthat he had the pleasure of performing this year, pre-senting this plaque to such a dedicated and committedMason was the highlight of his year. WB Gary Yarbroughwill remain active in the lodge by performing the dutiesof the Chaplain.

The master and brothers of Arnold Lodge #673 presentBrother Herbert E. Crow his 50-year pin and certificatefrom the grand lodge of Missouri. The ceremony tookplace several months ago, but the picture was recentlyfound.

After the annual installation of officers for Buckner Lodge#501 on October 1, 2006, RWB Stanton T. Brown present-ed Bro. Wilbert Clark Van Dyke with his 50-year certifi-cate and jewel. His daughter Julia pined him. Picturedleft to right: RWB Stanton T. Brown, daughter Dorothy, Clark,daughter Mary and Julie.

At Charleston Lodge #407,Charleston, MO, WB Alfred L. Walkerpresented 50-year pins and the cer-tificate of the Grand Lodge of Mis-souri to Bro. Max Michael and WBRobert L. Munson for 50 years of ser-vice.

Bee Hive Lodge #393 presented Br.William T. Guilkey his fifty-year Pinand Certificate at a Lodge Dinner,December 2, 2006. Presenting thepin and certificate is RWB RobyWalker District Grand Master of the16th District, and Master Lee M. Rossof Bee Hive Lodge #393.


On October 2, 2006, Bro. Weldon"Buddy" Branum of the HonersvilleLodge #215 was presented the fifty-year Jewel and certificate of theGrand Lodge of Missouri. His wife,Frances Branum, presented the Jew-el. The award ceremony was held atHonersville Lodge #215. DDGL BobBrannum, of Poplar Bluff Lodge #209,made the presentation. Bro. BudBranum gave an inspiring speech ofhis 50 years in Freemasonry. Severalmembers of the OES were in atten-dance.

RWB Ronald D. Miller, Grand Secre-tary, Presented RWB Ralph E.Williams his 50-year pin on Septem-ber 9, 2006 at Anderson Lodge #621,Anderson, MO. RWB Williams servedas DDGM for 5 years and was activein the Scottish Rite at Joplin. TheLodge provided a supper, which alarge number of family and friendsenjoyed. RWB Williams served asInstalling Master the same eveningand installed the officers in an openinstallation.

On October 2, 2006, Right Worship-ful Brother John L. Ritter presided athis first official duty as the new Dis-trict Deputy Grand Master, 37thMasonic District of Missouri, by pre-senting a 25-year membership pinto Brother Richard L. Long, Sr. Bro.Long had medical problems severalyears ago causing the removal ofboth of his legs, which hamperedhis ability to attend Lodge regularly,but he has not lost his enthusiasmfor the Fraternity.

On Sunday afternoon, October 15, 2006, members ofWashington Lodge #87, AF&AM, Greenfield, MO, met withWB Willard Edington's family at the Dade County NursingHome where he has been a resident for the last fewyears. With pleasure we presented WB Edington with theGrand Lodge 50-year jewel and certificate. BrotherEdington has been an active worker for the Fraternity,always ready to befriend or relieve a worthy Brother. Hewas Worshipful Master of the old Everton Lodge #405,Everton, MO during the years of 1960, 1961, 1968, 1972,1978 and 1979. He became a member of this LodgeMarch 23, 1986, when Everton #405 consolidated with us.Pictured and making the presentation, L to R - WB Bill L.Cooper, PM, WB John W. Shoemaker, PM and WB Charles DonAdams, WM. Seated in front is WB Willard Edington, PM.

WM Hurschell Lain presents Bro. Fred F. Stuecken, (retir-ing Secretary) a plaque for his many faithful years asSecretary of Moberly Lodge. Also pictured is Bro. TanoMatu, S.D.

Children’s Foundation’s Child Identification Program (CHIP)

www.masonichip.orgwww.mochip.org


Worshipful Bro. Darrel "Smokey"Loyd was presented a Grand Lodge50 Year award at an open meetingconducted at ADA Lodge #444Orrick, MO. Pictured are RWB WayneDugan, Bro. Loyd, WM Mark Hellman.

On August 17, 2006, following a dinnerin his honor, Bro. Ted Wilson receivedhis 50-year pin and certificate fromWestview Lodge #103. RWB John E.Crites made the presentation. Hisgrandson pinned the jewel on hislapel. Approximately 45 brothers andsisters attended this event.

On October 30, 2006, Brookfield Lodge#86, held an open meeting to present50-year jewels to Bro. Norman Hahnand Bro. Raphael Cotter. Pictured leftto right: Bro. Norman Hahn, R.W. Bro. BobO'Dell (presented the jewels) and Bro.Raphael Cotter. There were a largenumber of family and friends presentfor the ceremony. The two distin-guished Brothers were each given anopportunity to reminisce on their earli-er Masonic years, which were muchenjoyed by all present. After the cere-mony there was an ice cream social.

Pictured on the left is WB Robert D.Billue receiving his 50-year pin fromRWB Bob Hutchinson, (presentingMaster). Bro. Billue was conductedto the East and reminisced on his 50years of service.

Brawley Lodge #402, Brawley, CA,Presented Raymond E. Klein his 50-year pin and certificate from theGrand Lodge of Missouri, AF & AM onNovember 28, 2006. Bill McNeer,Inspector, 499th Masonic Districtmade the presentation.

WM Abraham Velasco of OasisLodge #41, Las Vegas, NE, presentsGordon E. Woodlock of LebanonLodge #71 his 50-year pin and cer-tificate from the Grand Lodge of Mis-souri. The ceremony was held onSeptember 11, 2006.

On October 17, 2006, Hebron Lodge#354 at the Burroughs Masonic Tem-ple, a 50-year pin and certificatewas presented by RWB RonaldMiller, Grand Secretary, to WBClaudie Tipton. In the picture WB Tip-ton is being pinned by the lodge’ssenior deacon, John Hall.

On September 18, 2006, Right Wor-shipful Brother Lee L. Francis, DistrictDeputy Grand Master of the 37thMasonic District of Missouri, present-ed Brother Lloyd L. Sutton his 50-yearcertificate and pin. Brother Suttonhad recently celebrated his 90thbirthday.


On Tuesday evening, July 10th, 2006,Washington Lodge #87, AF&AM, hon-ored its Past Masters with a Dinnerand a great salutation from SeniorWarden, Tim Black. Lodge Master,John Shoemaker thanked them forcoming, and had each stand and givehis name and the year he was Master.Pictured left to right - Front row - RWBChris C. McLemore, III, WB Bill L. Cooper,WB Jack A. Myers, Sr. and WB Joe E. Hunt.Back row - RWB Ric D. Harding, WB KirbyWest, WB Jack A. Wheeler, WB David Witt,and WB Harold G Simmons.

Rolla Masonic Lodge #213 held its146th annual installation of officers,Sunday, September 10, 2006, at theRolla Masonic Lodge. In the afternoonceremony, Robert Kelly was installedas the Worshipful Master of the lodgefor the 2006-2007 year. Also installedwere officers, Jim Kittle, Jason Elrod,Jan Ostborg, Treavor Knudson, Colum-bus Craft, Larry Beard, and Larry Bak-er. Preceding the installation ceremo-ny, the Rolla Rainbow Girls preformedtheir Bible Ceremony for the lodge.Pictured (front row l-r) John Schafer,Installing Officer; Columbus Craft, Chap-lain; Jim Kittle, Junior Warden; Robert Kel-ly, Worshipful Master; Treavor Knudson,Marshal; Larry Baker, Tiler; (back row l-r)Larry Beard, Junior Steward; Jason Elrod,Secretary; Jan Ostborg, Junior Deacon.Not pictured are Josh Shephard, SeniorWarden; Jerry Knowles, Treasurer; LesThurston, Senior Deacon; and MichaelGielser, Senior Steward.

At a stated meeting of Alpha Lodge#659, North Kansas City, on October27, 2005 a Plaque was presented toRWB Larry R. Moss recognizing him asthe Mason of the Year. RWB Moss is thefirst recipient of this award to be pre-sented by the Lodge. It will become anannual award presented each year.The award is presented by, left to right,RWB Dennis Spears, Master of theLodge and DDGM of the 18th districtand RWB Larry Moss.

On August 26, 2006, Ivanhoe Lodge#446 made a presentation to MWB BillHill, Past Grand Master of the GrandLodge of Missouri A.F. & A.M. in recog-nition of his service to Ivanhoe Lodgeand also to Masonry in the State ofMissouri. Ivanhoe Lodge had recentlybecome aware that the petition ofMWB Hill for membership in IvanhoeLodge was signed and recommendedby Brother Frank S. Land, founder ofthe Order of DeMolay, who was also amember of Ivanhoe Lodge. MWB Billwas raised to the Sublime Degree ofMaster Mason on April 30, 1955. At theLodge's Homecoming dinner a framedcopy of MWB Bill's petition containingBrother Land's signature was present-ed to him. Ivanhoe Lodge is proud tohave MWB Hill as an active member ofthe Lodge. The presentation wasmade by Bro. Jim Lear, Junior Warden.

During the installation ceremony atRolla #213, Past Master Jason Elrodpresented Worshipful Master RobertKelly with a flag, which he received onbehalf of the members of the lodge.The flag was given to the lodge by oneof its members currently stationed inIraq. SFC Michael W. Jones, currentlystationed in Balad, Iraq, had the flagflown over his detachment's area ofresponsibility. SFC Jones is currentlystationed with the 31st MP Detach-ment, at Camp Anaconda, approxi-mately 68 km north of Baghdad. Theflag was first used in a promotion cer-emony at Camp Anaconda and thenflown in recognition of the support thelodge has given to America's fightingforces. Pictured: Worshipful MasterRobert Kelly (left) receives a flag andaccompanying letter of thanks fromJason Elrod. The flag was presented onbehalf of SFC Michael W. Jones, currentlystationed at Camp Anaconda, Balad,Iraq.

Sedalia Lodge No. 236 AF & AMinstalled new officers on October 16 atthe Sedalia Masonic Center. H. H. Luet-jen, center, was named WorshipfulMaster. Other officers from left areRalph Britz, SS; James Hamilton, Mar-shall; Kenneth Norton, SD; DavidWiedeman, Treasurer; David Miller,SW; George McDonnell, Chaplain; WBLuetjen, Robert Weikal, Secretary;Robert Melby, JW; Donald Walker,Tyler; Gregory Harrell, JD; William Tal-ley, JS.

More on pages 37, 50, & 51


WB Michael Burch of Caruthersvillelodge #461 was a guest speaker atHarold O. Graue Lodge #672 and gavea program on the Holocaust of WW IIand the importance of "the Forget menot" flower; how it came about, what itmeant and the number of Brother Mas-ter Masons who lost their lives in thedefense of their integrity. WB Michaelhad charts, handouts, and visual infor-mation; plus each Brother presentreceived a "For Get Me Not" lapel pin.This again shows excellent rapport

between Missouri Lodge'sCaruthersville #461 and the Brotherswho received this valuable informa-tion at Harold O. Graue Lodge #672.We had a GRAND time in CapeGirardeau!

Joe Swan, Worshipful Master of AlphaLodge #659, is presented a "RainbowHat," by Crystal Terry and AshleighAuman of North Kansas City RainbowAssembly #55, at his installation onSept. 8, 2006.

Branson Lodge #587, Branson, MO,hosted a Past Masters night May 15,2006. It was a special night as pastmasters manned each of the stations.Our oldest living Past Master, RWBEverett Gloyd was present andpresided over the meeting. RWB Gloydwas master of Branson Lodge in 1959.Other Masters present L to R front rowWB's Don Baker, Bob Edwards, CarlosCooper, RWB Gloyd, RWB Bob Alexander,WB Robert Hindbaugh. Second Row WB'sAl Jones, Tom Baker, Greg Pyron, andMorris Graves Third Row WB's Doug Baker,Bruce Tramell and Don McGuirt.

On September 23, 2006 Linn CreekLodge #152 held its installation ofofficers for the year 2007. Picturedare: First row, Mark Wilbarger, Jr. Stew-ard; Worshipful Brother Larry Clemons,Treasurer; Bill Gansemer, Sr. Warden;Bryon Lovell, Worshipful Master; EricRobbins, Jr. Warden; Paul Warman,Marshal; Second row: Gary Bowling, Sr.Steward; Jimmy Brashear, Jr. Deacon;Kelly Luttrell, Sr. Deacon; Right Worship-ful Brother James Portwood, Secretary;Robert Leonard, Tiler; Worshipful Broth-er Terry McKeever, Chaplain.

At the recent installation of officers ofTyro Lodge #12 of Caledonia, MO heldon July 15, 2006 WM Terry Tullock wasinstalled. Hit great-great grandfather,Samuel Tullock joined Tyro #12 in1866. This gives WM Tullock 140 yearsof Masonic history. His cousinsreceived that honor, too. Standingfrom left are Jim Barton, Tim Gallaher,Terry Tullock, Chuck Gallaher andAdam Barton.

Southwest Heritage Lodge #681,Joplin, MO helped with the annualGranby Easter egg hunt held Saturday,April 15, 2006. The hunt was held atDick Smith Park in Granby, MO. TheBrethren helped to place the eggs inthe park, get the children lined up torun and handed out prizes to all thelucky winners. In the picture in front ofour Lodge banner is Bro. Jim D. Carsel,RWB Carl Brandon, DDGM, 45t" MasonicDistrict of Missouri, Bro. Ken Brakefield, Bro.Rick McCully, RWB John A. Pace, DDGL,45t" Masonic District of Missouri andLodge Secretary, Bro. John Billings, SS, Bro.Dick Beardsley, JD and Bro. John C.Kuehn, SW.

Plato Lodge #469 held its installationof Officers for the 2006 - 2007 year onOctober 15, 2006. Installing Masterwas MWB Robert Berger; InstallingMarshal was WB Dean Rowe DDGM ofthe 35th Masonic District. WB JamesE. Davis was installed as Master.

Kirksville Lodge #105, Kirksville,installed its officers on Oct. 17, 2006 ina joint open installation with AdairLodge #366 following the annual ban-quet honoring past masters. Picturedfront row L to R WB David Powell, Secre-tary; WB Wally Trosen, Senior Warden;Gary Drummond, Worshipful Master; BobSteele, Junior Warden; RWB Dale West,Treasurer. Back Row L to R WB Bert Hol-loway, Tyler; Richard Mercer, Junior Dea-con; RWB Marion Rehm, Chaplain; WBJohn Rehm, Senior Deacon; WB JohnWitte, Marshal.

Sedalia Lodge #236 on Sept. 9 held aFamily Picnic at Liberty Park inSedalia. Preparing the BBQ dinnerare: (left to right) WB John McCorma-ck, RWB James Duzan, Bro. H. H. Luet-jen and WM George McConnell.


Kirksville Lodge #105 and Adair Lodge#366 in Kirksville, MO, recentlyprocessed over 300 children in ascreening for the Child IdentificationProgram. (CHIP) This was a joint pro-ject by the two lodges. Leaders in theprogram pictured left to right: Christo-pher Wistron, RWB Jon Broyles, RWB GaleTurner, RWB David Ramsey, and EliCohen.

Versailles Lodge # 320 held its annualinstallation of officers in an openmeeting October 23, 2006. InstallingMaster was Ed Smith and installingMarshall was Bill Dolstien. Front row leftto right are Worshipful Master Bill Hibdon,Senior Warden Wray Fisher, Junior War-den Larry Banner, Chaplain StanleyLindquist, Marshall Frank Montesano.Back row left to right are Senior DeaconCharles Slagley, Tiler Pat Deaton, SeniorSteward Carl Hees, Treasurer Creed Mar-riott and Secretary O.H. Patten.

The ninety-sixth installation of line ofofficers for Swope Park Lodge tookplace Oct 7th at the Temple. Picturedabove front row, left to right, RWB LarryCameron, Treasurer; Bro. JohnnieNemec, Junior Warden; WB Gary Dryer,Master; Bro. Kenny Best, Senior Warden;WB Warren Weston, Secretary. Back row,left to right, WB Gary Barron, InstallingGrand Master; Bro. Charles Farris, JuniorDeacon; Bro. Jim Payne, Senior Deaconand Bro. Neal Cowan, Senior Steward.Not in photo, Installing Grand ChaplainWB Bob Harmon and Installing GrandMarshal Bro, Tony Broome. A grand pro-gram was given before the actualinstallation with presentation of Colorsby Wm. F. Kuhn DeMolay followed bythe Pledge of Allegiance. JobsDaughters Bethel #48 gave the BibleCeremony. WB Bob Harmon gave theinvocation and Benediction. Manyhonored guests were present, alongwith many family members of theinstalled officers, Mrs. Hannah Farris,widow of 1996 Swope Park Master WBAl Farris and RWB William Van Meter.

Washington Lodge #87, AF&AM, host-ed an Open Meeting on September12th, 2006. Dinner was served at6:30pm for about 50 Masons, theirwives, family and friends. Later the fol-lowing were officially installed intotheir elected or appointed offices: Pic-tured are row 1 - Bill Isaac, Tiler, RWB CCMcLemore, III, Secretary, Gary Gabbert, JW,WB Don Adams, WM, Bruce Roseman, SS, A.J. White, JS and WB Joe E. Hunt, InstallingMaster. 2nd row - Rex A. Wilkinson, JD,Homer G. Ellis, SW, WB John W. Shoemaker,Installing Chaplain and David A. Payne, SD.3rd row - WB Harold C. Simmons, Marshall,Larry D. Hilburn, Treasurer, RWB Ric D. Hard-ing, Chaplain and WB Billy L. Cooper,Installing Marshall.

Temple Gate Lodge #299 and EastGate Lodge #630 came together onAugust 15, 2006 at East Gate Lodge tohonor Past Grand Masters. W.B. CarlH. Terry, P.D.D.G.L and P.D.D.M, hon-ored 101 Brethren including Most Wor.Bro. William J. Hill, Grand Master 1981-1982 Mo.; Most Wor. Bro. Charles PWeatheman, Grand Master of Japan1973; Most Wor. Bro. William D. Patter-son, Grand Master of Japan 1997;R.W.B. Rocky Weaver, J.G.W. Mo.Grand Lodge; R.W.B. James E.Spencer, P.G.L. Emeritus Mo. GrandLodge; R.W.B. Denning W. Spears,D.D.G.M. 18th Dist., Grand Lodge;R.W.B. Glenn Burrows, D.D.G.L. 18thDist., Grand Lodge; R.W.B. DavidCoburn, D.D.G.M. 19th Dist. GrandLodge. There were 25 other Rt. Wor.Brethren present, and 66 otherBrethren from Kansas, and MissouriLodges. The Brethren retired to the din-ning room for refreshments and fellow-ship. We all had a wonderful harmo-nious evening enjoyed by all.

On August 10, 2006, at an open meet-ing of Arrow Rock Masonic Lodge #55,the officers for 2007 were installed. (Lto R) front row, WB Bob Stith, Treasurer; WBTerry Townsend, Sr., SW; WB Luane Miller,WM; WB Geary Norris, JW, Bro. RobbieO'Bryan, SS; WB Fred McBurney, JS, andBro. John Vinson, Tiler; AND back row,RWB Stan Massey, DDGL/13, InstallingMaster, RWB Ken Osborn DDGM, Secre-tary; and RWB Leo Bottom, installingchaplain.

Shown are members of the LeadwoodLodge #598 Chance to Advance Classheld May 13, 2006. Charlie's Angelsperformed the degree work.

The first School of Instruction conduct-ed after Grand Lodge was held onTuesday evening, September 26, 2006with over 40 Brothers in attendance.RWB Bob O'Dell, RGL-A, worked thefloor. The School was in the 22ndMasonic District and was hosted byTwilight Lodge No. 114 in Columbia,Missouri.


On October 19, 2006 Clifton Lodge#463 held its 125th Roll Call dinner.Members and their families enjoyed apotluck dinner and a side program byBro. Merle Williams on his recent med-ical mission to Kenya, Africa.

On October 5, 2006, Marceline Lodge#481, Marceline, Missouri, installed itsofficers for the 2007 year. The openinstallation was followed by an icecream and cake social in the diningroom, and was enjoyed by a largenumber of family, friends and brothers.Pictured front row: Dale Schreckhise, S.D.;Arln Yount, J.D.; Ivan Buckman, Treas.;Bob Cupp, Marshal; Bob Walton, Chap.;RW Eddie Smith, (Installing Marshal);back row: WB Dean McAdams, S.W.; RWBob O'Dell, RGL "A" (Installing Master); WBRoger A. Cupp, WM; John Carver, S.S.;Mike Sportsman, J.S.; Pete Janis, Tiler; WBKenneth E. Jay, Sec.; Marty Cupp, J.W.;RW Larry L. Lentz, (Installing Chaplin). AllOfficers were present and duly installed.

On September 18, 2006, MoberlyLodge #344, Moberly, Mo., installed itsofficers for the 2007 year. The openinstallation was preceded by a finemeal in the dining room, and wasenjoyed by a large number of family,friends and brothers. Pictured are WBHurschell Lain, (on the right) and RWBBob O'Dell, RGL "A", (installing Master, onthe right). Officers not pictured: Bill Lor-ton, S.W.; WB Ken Redding, J.W.; JimBrooks, Treas.; WB Buffy Morgan, Sec.;Tano Matu, S.D.; WB Lymond Ray, S.S.; WBMutt Woods, J.S.; RWB Bud Prewitt, Tyler;WB Marion Fountain, Chap.

Angerona Lodge held its annual instal-lation of Officers on September 16,2006, installing Randy Ogan as Wor-shipful Master. Members of the offi-cers' line and installing officers includ-ed WB Randy Ogan, WM; Robert Jenk-ins, SW; Roger Hawk, JW; WB DaleMathews, Treasurer; RWB F. WayneDugan, Secretary; WB Rick Clevenger,Chaplain; Darrin McGlothlin, Marshal;Ray Mathews, SD; Loran Don Frazier,JD; Gary Lackey, SS; Michael Laughlin,JS; Billy Turner, Tyler; WB Steve Harri-son, Master of Ceremonies; RWBRocky Weaver, Installing Master; RWBRonald D. Miller, Installing Marshal;RWB Sheldon H. Snitz, Installing Chap-lain; Lawrence Dysart, InstallingPianist; Liberty Rainbow Assembly No.31 performed the Bible Ceremony; WBRick Clevenger was outgoing Master.

Richard L. Koerber became WorshipfulMaster of Brentwood Masonic Lodge#616 at Clayton Masonic Temple,Clayton, MO on August 3, 2006. Hesucceeded his father, Kenneth R. Koer-ber in ceremonies conducted by RWBJon Broyles as Installing Master, assist-ed by RWB Randall M. Berger as Chap-lain and WB James R. Fiete as Mar-shal. Prior to the installation, Brent-wood Lodge members Eugene W.Miller and Robert A. Summers wereeach honored for fifty years MasonicService. A catered meal before andrefreshments followed the open Lodgeceremonies. Pictured: RWB Jon B.Broyles, WM Richard L. Koerber, WB Ken-neth R. Koerber and RWB Randall M.Berger

On October 14, 2006, Lathrop Lodge#506 installed its officers for the 2007year. The open installation was held atthe Lathrop Christian Church and waspreceded by a fine meal prepared byWB Porter Hensen and his crew andenjoyed by a large number of family,friends, and brothers. Pictured left toright, front row: Don Frazier (installingChaplin); Art Gentry, Secretary; Don Grif-fin, Tyler; W. Corwin Henry, Master; BrianKennedy, JW; James Edwards, JS; RW F.Wayne Dugan, RGL "B" (installing Mar-shal); back row: Michael Marvin, SD; RWBob O'Dell RGL"A" (installing Master);Greg Golden, SW; Jack Everly, Chaplain;Scott Shrewsbury, Marshal. Not pictured:WB Jay Maddick, Treas; Skip Willder-mood, JD; Grant Edwards, SS.

Ivanhoe Lodge #446, Kansas City, installed 2006-07 Officers on September 23, 2006.The following pictured Officers left to right were installed: John Kosman, PM, Chaplain; DickGraff, PM, Secretary; Sy Harvell, Jr. Deacon; Allen Walden, PM, Jr. Warden; Jim Lear, Worship-ful Master; David Dowell, Sr. Warden; Bill White, Sr. Steward; Robert Inouye, Sr. Deacon; OscarBarkhurst, PM, Tyler. The installing Worshipful Master was MWB William J. Hill, Past Grand Mas-ter.

More on pages 37, 50, & 51


An area meeting was held in Colum-bia on November 11, 2006. Individu-als pictured (l to r) are WB Joe Joyner,Sara Snodderley (Director of Public Rela-tions Masonic Home of Missouri), MWB M.Robert Berger (Grand Master of theGrand Lodge of Ancient, Free andAccepted Masons of the State of Mis-souri), Karin Bell (Executive Director ofthe Masonic Home of Missouri), WB LesStewart, WB John Cecilia, Bro. KyleHookey, and RWB Ronald D. Miller (GrandSecretary of the Grand Lodge ofAncient, Free and Accepted Masons ofthe State of Missouri. Joyner, Stewart,Cecilia, and Hookey are all from KnobNoster Lodge #245, Knob Noster, Missouri.

Arnold Lodge #673 has installed thefollowing officers for 2007: From left toright: WB Richard Kraus, WB RaySchuchardt, Bro. Craig Stratmann, WB EdMarr, WB Don Jones, Bro. Jack Grothe, WBGeorge Ward, RWB Carl Brown (Front),Bro. John Klunk (Back), Bro. Mike Toombs,WB Rick Braun. The installation washeld on September 9, 2006 at FreedomMasonic Temple in Mehlville, MO.

During the Nov. 14 Blue Lodge meeting(Cooper Lodge #36), Brother KeithBail, who was elected as AssociateCircuit Court Judge in the Nov. 7 elec-tion, was presented a gavel that hadbelonged our deceased Brother, FrankAmes Arnold. Left to Right: H. MarkWoolridge, Keith Bail, Roy Cary.

Knob Noster Masons “paint the town”Masons from Knob Noster Masonic Lodge No. 245, Knob Noster, Missouri, tookadvantage of what could be the last nice weekend of the year to give parkingslots and curbs in downtown Knob Noster a fresh coat of paint.Several Masons and their wives came out bright and early on Sunday morning,November 26, to participate in what has become an annual community serviceproject for the lodge. The activity is a joint effort between the city and the lodgewith the city supplying the necessary paint and supplies and the Masons provid-ing the labor.“This is a project we always look forward to,” said Joe Joyner, Worshipful Masterof the local lodge. “Not only is it good for the city,” said Joyner, “it’s also a greatteam-building project for lodge members.”(l-r) WB Randy Eckert, Bro. Kyle Hookey, WB Les Stewart, and Bro. Max Grindstaff apply freshpaint to parking slots and curbs on State Street.

Hermitage Masonic Lodge #288, Heldan open installation of Officers for2006 on September 15th. Picturedfrom L-R front row: RWB Cleo Fields, SeniorDeacon; Dan Bodas, Senior Warden; WBDavid Turner, Master; Doug Anderson,Senior Steward; Walter Pearson, Marshall;Back Row L-R: WB David Loehr, Treasurer;Jim Strouse, Tyler; John Cawyer, JuniorSteward; WB Rick Nelson, Junior Steward;WB Carl Turner, Chaplin; WB JamesMunden, Secretary.

On August 29, 2006, the officers forHebron Lodge #354 were installed forthe coming year at Burroughs Mason-ic Temple. Officers (front row, from left)are James Mosley, junior warden; PhillipMoody, senior warden; Jared Barnes,worshipful master; Randall Barnes, fatherand installing officer for his son; John Hall,senior deacon; Gerald Kelley, marshal;(row two) David Loucks, junior steward;Chad Peck, junior deacon; GeraldChaney, chaplain; Jared Price, installingmarshal and lodge secretary; andRichard Mills, installing chaplain. Not pic-tured are John Lowry, treasurer; BrianDavis, senior steward and Edward Spurl-ing, Tyler.

On May 16, 2006, Hebron Lodge No.354 held Past Masters night at Bur-roughs Masonic Temple. Those PastMasters attending and those filling anoffice were (first row) Robert Fenlon,senior steward; Robert Poage, treasurer;Dennis Herndon, senior deacon; GeraldChaney, worshipful master; R. T. Hodges,junior warden; Donald Woods, juniorsteward; Frank Wilfley; James Schemwell,chaplain; (second row) Richard Coil;Darrel Knipp; Fred Smith; Randall Barnes,senior warden; Gerald Kelley; Robert Giv-en, marshal; Richard Mills, secretary; AlSchlindler, junior deacon; Scott Hunt,tyler; (third row) Jared Price; Charles Min-ney.

Southwest Heritage Lodge #681, Joplin, MO, will be having its 2nd Annual Out-door Third Degree May 19, 2007. Lodge opens at 7:00 PM. Location: East ofJasper at WB KENNY CARTER'S FARM. Directions: From 71 Highway and M/NRoad (Baseline) Go East on "N" to County Road 90, Go North 2 1/2 Miles. ORFrom Jasper on "K" to CR 90, Go South about 1/2 Mile. Watch for Signs.

momason.org


Knob Noster lodge enjoys family nightGood food and lots of fun was the main order of business during the Open Commu-nication at Knob Noster Lodge No. 245, Knob Noster, Missouri, on Thursday, November9, 2006.“It’s not often we have an opportunity to meet with our families and recognize theircontributions to Masonry,” said Worshipful Master Joe Joyner, as he opened the meet-ing. “All too often, the work of our families goes unnoticed, yet they are critical to thesuccess of most everything we do,” he added.Family members present were briefed on the many projects and lodge programsalready completed since lodge opened in September. WB Joyner wanted those inattendance to understand what their husbands and fathers are involved in when theyare away doing “stuff at the lodge.”Among the achievements highlighted were the initiation of four new members, sever-al very successful fundraisers, and attendance at Grand Lodge where the lodge wasrecognized as a “Truman Honor Lodge”, received the Silver Ritual Award, MembershipAchievement Award, and was recognized for its work with the Masonic Home of Mis-souri. Committee work performed by members of the Budget Committee, Audit Com-mittee, Building Committee, and Temple Board was also mentioned as contributinggreatly to the success of the lodge so far this year.Finally, after some brief announcements and a short business meeting, everyoneadjourned to the dining area to enjoy some great food prepared by lodge membersand their families. More than 40 people attended the event, including brothers andfamily members from Warrensburg, Holden and Windsor lodges.

Polar Star-Rose Hill Chance to Advance Class Held at Scottish RiteMissouri’s new Grand Master -- Most Worshipful Brother M. Robert Berger ---was among the Grand Line members of Polar Star-Rose Hill Lodge No. 79present when the lodge hosted a Chance to Advance Class at the St. LouisScottish Rite on Saturday, October 7, 2006.More than two dozen Brothers became Master Masons, including two fromPolar Star-Rose Hill. There were 20 Entered Apprentices, five Fellow Craftand 31 Master Masons in attendance and all left as Master Masons.Work in the first and second degrees was held in the morning. In the sec-ond degree, RWB Jon Broyles presented the Curtain Lecture and RWB Ran-dall Berger delivered the Letter "G". After lunch the lodge reopened andthe third degree was conferred.Other Grand Line officers from Polar Star-Rose Hill who attended the eventwere Right Worshipful Brothers Berger, Senior Grand Marshall; Broyles,Junior Grand Steward, and Richard Smith, Grand Perseverant. Also attend-ing were Right Worshipful Bothers Dave Jacobi, Meridian Lodge #2, GrandTyler, and Darryl Curtis, Craftsman Lodge #717 and J.R. Latta, HannibalLodge, Grand Chaplains.The moderator was former Grand Master Most Worshipful Brother Wilfred G.Soutiea. Past Grand Master Most Worshipful Brother Jeff Nations gave thethird degree curtain lecture.Polar Star-Rose Hill Brethren who took part in other degree work includedRWB Berger who obligated in the second, RWB Broyles who obligated in thethird, RWB Harry Weber as King Solomon, and RWB Tom Gooch, WorshipfulSenior Warden.Two of the lodge’s members were the on-stage candidates; Brother BarryRobbins, first section, and Mark Bunn, second section.When the special communication opened at 8:10 a.m. RWB Berger wasWorshipful Master; RWB Weber was Senior Warden, Bro. Don J. Fruhwirthwas Junior Warden, RWB Broyles was Senior Deacon and Bro. Peter G.Panagiotopoulos, Junior Deacon. All are members of Polar Star-Rose HillLodge. Many other members of Polar Star-Rose Hill also attended.

Dawson Joyner, grandson of WB JoeJoyner of Knob Noster, enjoys making hisown dessert.

Knob Noster Lodge Raises Three NewMaster Masons

Things were hopping at Knob NosterMasonic Lodge #245, Knob Noster, Mis-souri, on Saturday, December 9, 2006, asthree new Master Masons were raised.Bros. Rodger Kirk, Max Grindstaff, andBrad Cox were each raised with theassistance of visiting Brethren fromSedalia, Warrensburg, Holden, Hig-ginsville, Odessa, and Richmond. Thiswas truly a joint effort between arealodges and a day that will surely godown in the history books of the KnobNoster lodge. It’s not often that youhave three new brothers raised on thesame morning.Those in attendance enjoyed a greatbreakfast of biscuits and gravy prior tostarting the degree work and finished offthe day with a small lunch and socialtime.Pictured (l-r) are Rodger Kirk, Brad Cox, andMax Grindstaff, the newest Master Masons ofKnob Noster Masonic Lodge No. 245.

During the month of December Linn Creek Lodge #152 conducted it's 4th annualHoliday Food Drive with the assistance of The Lake Of The Ozarks Shrine Club.Food and cash donated by our members and from local merchants was collect-ed and donated to four needy families and to the following local charity groupsin our area; Citizens Against Domestic Violence, Lake Area Helping Hands, TheLamb House, and Camden County Child Advocacy Center. Over $1800 and asmall mountain of food items were distributed this year. Pictured from left to rightare Brother Paul Warman, Marshall; Brother Randy Oitker, RWB James Portwood, Secre-tary; and Brother Bill Gansemer, Senior Warden.

POSTMASTER: Please send Address Forms 2579 to Grand Secretary,6033 Masonic Drive, Suite B, Columbia, Missouri 65202-6535.

To Improve Myself In Freemasonry

The First FreemasonTradition and imagination (but not

history) have traced the first Freema-son all the way back to King Solomon(or even Adam!). We all understandthat the story of Hiram is allegoricalnot historical. Writers have attemptedto connect Freemasonry with everymovement from the Greek Mysteryreligions to Jewish Essenes to Rosicru-cians. We smile indulgently when wesee early Masonic writers designate asGrand Masters legendary figures fromMoses to King Solomon to the Emper-or Augustus. We tend to accept 1717 asthe beginning of organized Freemason-ry in England, but the establishment ofa grand lodge presupposes the exis-tence of individual, local lodges. Iheard recently a native American statethat there were Freemasons among thepre-European, native inhabitants ofthis country.

Historical documents haverevealed much earlier dates for lodgemeetings in which candidates were ini-tiated into Freemasonry. The “firstspeculative English Freemason” is saidto be Elias Ashmole (May 23, 1617 –May 18, 1692), called “the most learnedEnglish antiquarian of his day” byDenslow (10,000 Famous Freemasons).His extensive library and collection ofrare documents, donated in 1677 toOxford University, became the Ash-molean Museum. His diary has longbeen considered the earliest knownrecord of speculative masonry in anEnglish lodge. “His diary entry of Octo-ber 16, 1646 stated that he had been

made a Freemason at 4:30 p.m. at War-rington, Lancashire with Col. HenryMainwaring of Karineham, Cheshire.”

Frances A. Yates (The RosicrucianEnlightenment, 1972) points out thatthere is a well authenticated earlierone: “This is the record of the admis-sion into the Masonic lodge of Edin-burgh of Robert Moray, on 20 May1641. Moray did more than, probably,any other individual to foster the foun-dation of the Royal Society and to per-suade Charles II to establish it by hispatronage…. Thus the two persons ofwhom we have the earliest certain evi-dence of membership of Masoniclodges were both foundation membersof the Royal Society—Moray and Ash-mole. The Masonic organization wasthus clearly in existence at least twen-ty years before the foundation of theRoyal Society in 1660.”

Richard Lomas, in Freemasons andthe Birth of Modern Science (2003),writes that “Ashmole was invited intothe new Society,…not because of anypretension towards science butbecause he was a Freemason, withenough money to contribute to Bro.Moray’s project.” Ashmole proposed“an extremely Masonic Coat of Arms,”which was not adopted.

Henry Coil in Freemasonrythrough Six Centuries (1967) writesthat “the first account of the presenceof a non-operative mason in a lodge isfound in the minutes of the Lodge ofEdinburgh for the year 1600 where onJune 8 it was recorded that John

Boswell, Laird of Aichinleck, was pre-sent” at a called meeting of the lodge.Coil further states that “the first recordof the initiation of a non-operativeappears on July 3, 1634 when the Rt.Hon. Lord Alexander was admitted fel-low of the craft.”

The earliest known reference tothe “Mason Word” occurs in a poempublished at Edinburgh in 1638. Thepoem, published in Knoop, Jones &Hamer, Early Masonic Pamphlets,1945, p. 30, is a metrical account ofPerth:For what we do presage is not ingrosse,For we be brethren of the Rosie Crosse:We have the Mason word and secondsight,Things for to come we can foretellaright.

Does it matter who the firstFreemason was? Not really. Moreimportant is the newly raised MasterMason in your lodge, whose experi-ence of initiation must be supported byfollow-up Masonic Education. But it isinteresting and important to realizethere is substantial historic as well aslegendary precedent for the traditionsand practices that we still call Freema-sonry. It is truly an “ancient and hon-orable Order” and knowledge of its his-tory gives new meaning to our descrip-tion of its existence “from timeimmemorial.”

Dr. E. Otha Wingo, DDGL [email protected]

Missouri Freemason Magazine - v52n02 - 2007 Spring

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Transcript of Missouri Freemason Magazine - v52n02 - 2007 Spring