KING OSCAR JANUARY 2005 COLUMN
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TRESTLE BOARD
Jan 14 Stated meeting
Jan 28 Special meeting
Feb 11 Stated meeting
Valentine Dinner
Fed 25 Special meeting
Mar 11 Stated meeting
Mar 18 Special meeting
Mar 25 Good Friday
No Meeting
FROM THE EAST
Greetings Brethren:
Our annual smorgasbord December 10th, was a great event. The food was delicious.
Our compliments are extended to the chefs and the other hard workers who put
it together.
Many of our members and guests saw the renovated dinning area for the first
time. They couldn’t believe their eyes. It was gratifying to have so many
happy people. The wait was worth it! More renovation is to be done, and it is
all “coming together.”
Winter weather is with us. I am “on call” at my job to plow “snow
bound” streets. If I am “plowing snow” when our Lodge meets
our officers are well qualified to proceed in my absence. We have been practicing
our ritual in order to maintain our “award of excellence” performances
of last year.
Your officers are looking forward to your attending lodge.
Have a healthy and joyful new year.
Fraternally
Bruce Polit, Worshipful Master
FROM THE NORTH & ELSEWHERE
We apologize for not having Chester Larson’s January 2nd birthday listed
in last month’s column. Our records erroneously have his date of birth
as February 14th. Sorry Chester!
HOLIDAY PARTY
Sunday, December 5th Santa Claus found his way to Biagios.
His arrival made a group of youngsters extremely happy. In addition to “OLD
Claus,” a magician entertained the little darlings.
Chuck Strobel again proudly displayed his year older granddaughter, Mia.
A family style dinner of beef, ham and turkey was served. (It hurts my taste
buds to even write the word “turkey” BUT I must). A total of some
two hundred members guests and “tots” attended, this outstanding
traditional King Oscar event.
WWW - WISE WORDS OF WISDOM
When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery
rather than avenge it? Eleanor Roosevelt (1894-1962)
The man who has no inner life is the slave of his surroundings. Henri F. Amiel
Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons. Woody Allen
If you want to feel proud of yourself, you’ve got to DO things you can
be proud of. Feelings follow actions. Oseola Mccarty (1908-1990)
It is better to be boldly decisive and risk being wrong than to agonize at length
and be right too late. Marilyn Moats Kennedy
When you do not have a grip on life, it will definitely get a grip on you. Jewel
Diamond-Taylor
Hope sees the invisible, feels the intangible and achieves the impossible. Author
unknown.
My riches consist not in the extent of my possessions but in the fewness of
my wants. J. Brotherton
WELTER’S WELL OF WORTHWHILE WORLD WIDE
MASONIC TRIVIA
Between 1737 and 1779 two sailing ships of interest operated off the U.S. eastern
seaboard, Freemason and Master Mason. The Freemason caught fire and sank in
Marblehead Harbor, Mass. In1779.
In 1801, Czar Alexander I of Russia banned the craft. In 1803 he rescinded the
order and became a Mason. In 1822 he again ordered Freemasonry banned in Russia.
Lodge, St.George in Bermuda has rented an old state house since 1816 from the
governor for the sum of “one peppercorn per annum.”
FREEMASONRY’S SYMBOLS - (Continued) “LEVELS
of MEANING”
“Literary critics call the use of multiple levels of interpretation for
the same symbol ‘polysemy.’ Originally, Aristotle pointed out in
his book ‘Poetics’ that symbols and words have a simple or double
meaning.
“Four levels of meaning were introduced in medieval times. Thomas Aquinas
analyzed scriptures in four levels in his ‘Summs Theologica (ST-1, Question
1, 10).’ The four levels had various names but they were typically called
descriptive, allegorical, tropological and anagogic meanings. While these terms
seem excessively technical, they merely help us look at symbols, art or literature
with an eye to finding richer or higher meaning.
“At the descriptive level, which Aquinas called the ‘historical’
or ‘literal’ level, we find the meaning that most would see in the
context of the term or symbol. At the descriptive level, a square is a tool
for finding right angles.
“ The allegorical level refers to an understanding of the symbol representing
another concept or idea. The square is seen as the square of virtue. The tropological
involves the moral or biblical interpretation of the image. A Mason seeks to
live ‘on the square,’ and is associated with right living.
“The highest level is the anagoric, which seeks a spiritual or mystical
meaning. In Greek, anagoric literally means ‘to lead to more,’ which
is the highest sense of meaning. The square is the jewel given the Master of
the Lodge to designate his authority in Lodge matters.
“The four - fold classification system was expanded to five levels by
the Spaniard, Juan Perez deMaya. In his ‘Philosophic Secrets’ (1858),
he added a ‘physical’ or ‘natural’ level below the four
medieval levels. Most English-speaking users learned of the five-fold polysemous
levels in Northrop Frye’s Influential 1957 book, ‘Anatomy of Criticism’
Nevertheless, we will revert to the four-fold medieval levels.”
NOTE: Next month “The Monument to the Master Builder.”
FREEMASONRY & THE CHURCH - (Continued) “CAN
ANYTHING BE LEARNED?”
“The questions may arise in some minds. Is it possible for the church
to learn anything from Freemasonry or for Freemasonry to learn anything from
the church? So far as the teaching and work of the church and Freemasonry are
coextensive, I do not know that the ideal church can learn anything from, or
teach anything to, the ideal Masonic Lodge. But there are many things, which
the church, as she actually exists, may learn from the ideals of Freemasonry;
and there are many things, which actual Freemasonry may learn from the church.
“In discussing this subject, I shall not try to please you, though I shall
try not to give needless offence. My paramount object on this occasion, as in
all my preaching, is to say those things which will make us better men, better
church members and better Masons.”
NOTE: “What the Church May Learn from Freemasonry” next month.
TEMPLE RENOVATION
Renovation is progressing - the “Letter From the East” mentioned
the dinning area. It was probably our biggest chore within the building. Additional
progress is underway. We guarantee you will be equally pleased when the job
is completed.
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS
Forty-four of our brethren were born in the month of St.Valentine, February,
they are: Ronald H. Nystrom, Richard R. Gordon, John W. Martens (1); Elliott
A. Velez, Clarence D. Rackley (2); Richard J. Merk, Donald E. Esser (3); Joel
D. Eller (5); William P. Andrews (6); Elmer H.Wenk (8); Dean M. Bavetta (9);
Francis Stremeckim (10); Robert E.Morgan (11); William H. Ahlenius (12); Clarence
M. Kunstmann, Chester A. Hammerberg, Lowell L. Lathrop (14); Arthur R. Dietz
(15); Edward L. Henson, John M. Gubrud (16); Herbert A. Borman, Eugena T. Huges,
Russell C. Johnson (17); Ramon Feliciano, Duane W. Berg (18); Elliott F. Lang,
John E.McNeal (19); Wencesiao R. Hernandez, Bengt R. Jaensson (20); Herbert
E. Harraid, Edward M. Riblon, Ainssworth E. Hanson (21); Garry M. Bothman (22);
Laddie D. Paknik (23); Edward M. Schrey, Larry G. Dakof, Ronald G. Meyers, James
R. Hill (24); Thomas R.Traharne (25); George W. Klatt, Raymond Rickhoff (26);
Jezt J.Milanowski (27); and Alfred S. Nathan (28).
You, of Valentine Month, we wish the very best! May you and yours enjoy human
longevity accompanied by good health and happiness, God bless! So mote it be!
LEST WE MIGHT FORGET - KING OSCR’S FIRST
HUNDRED YEARS
“Edward C. Stracek was Master in 1994, and states what he ‘remembers
most was the loss of secretary Bill Sandroff and Treasurer Steve Klos. Both
resigned during the year after outstanding service to the Lodge.’ Bill
submitted this resignation to the lodge, giving personal insight into his dedication.
‘There comes a time when the ravages of time and health take their toll.
The standards I have set for myself are what I believe King Oscar Lodge expects
from its Secretary. I do not believe that I can continue to perform at that
level; therefore it is with a heavy heart that I herewith tender my resignation
as your Secretary. I wish to thank the brethren for the confidence reposed in
me for the past several years, Thank you again and God bless you.’
“King Oscar again won the Grand Master’s Award of Excellence. Past
Master Joe Botko, was proclaimed King Oscar’s ‘Mason of the Year.’
“At the official ‘Roast’ for Master Stracek, Past Master Charles
Strobel delivered this insightful and thought-provoking address ‘This
event is one of the long-time traditions of King Oscar Lodge, a time when the
Past Masters and officers met to ‘roast’ or critique the ‘outgoing
Master’s year. For at least the last 20 years it has ceased to be a roast
and became a glorified love-in. … … … … … …
… … … …… .
“Therefore, Ed I welcome you to the Past Masters of King Oscar
Lodge, it is an honor to have you with us.”
NOTE: taken from “King Oscar Lodge No. 855 - Centenary Celebration”
a booklet authored by Worshipful Brother Randy Becker.
SICKNESS & DISTRESS
Bill Bissen is doing quite well; he is home using his computer and is attending
Masonic functions courtesy of Worshipful Brother Elmer Gielow’s. “livery
service.”
Brothers Sal DeCola, Stan Freese, Moshen Modaressi, and Stanley Munson are having
health problems, we wish them “better days,” and pray the medical
professionals attending their ills, have the required expertise to bring forth
those “better days!”
Randy and Pam Becker are presently living in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas waiting
to move to DeKalb, Illinois
So far as we are informed other brethren are as well as can be expected.
OBITUARIES
Brother Johann Schoemer was born April 15,1926 in Zumm, Yugoslavia. He was initiated
June 17, 1982, passed February 17, 1983 and raised July 23, 1983. Brother Schoemer
passed this life January 5, 2004. (We were just informed of his passing.)
Brother Claude W. Connett was born November 1, 1922. He was initiated January
14, 1944, passed February 4, 1944 and raised March 10, 1944 in King Oscar Lodge.
He joined the Grand Master of heaven November 18, 2004.
Brother Charles A. Thompson Jr. was born October 5, 1934, initiated November
11, 1955, passed December 9, 1955 and raised December 16, 1955. He laid down
his earthly working tools November 24, 2004
Thus endeth the records of these three just and upright Master Mason. May their
souls rest in peace. Almighty God heal the wounds of loss of the bereaved.
CLOSING
Hopefully the hectic pace we impose upon ourselves at this time of year has
slowed down a bit, we have scraped the bottom of the “cookie jar”
to pay the credit card obligations. The youngsters are, or soon will be, back
in school. Mom, you can slow down to a less chaotic pace and get an extra breath
or two between cups of coffee or tea?
New Year’s resolutions have probably already been discarded. They were
unreasonable self-expectations in the first place.
We sincerely wish you and your loved ones a healthy and happy new year.
May we fervently pray for an end to world conflicts and vigorously endeavor
to live harmoniously with our world neighbors practicing sincere brotherly love,
as enthusiastically espoused by Freemasonry!
Until next time, God bless,
Whispering George C. F.