JANUARY 2004 KING OSCAR COLUMN
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TRESTLE BOARD & SPECIAL EVENTS
Jan 1 New Year's Day
Jan 9 Stated Meeting -DeMolay Night
Jan 16 Medinah Annual Meeting
Jan 19 Martin Luther King Day
Jan 23 Special Meeting
Feb 13 Stated Meeting - Ladies Dinner
Feb 14 St Valentine's Day
Feb 16 President's Day
Feb 25 Ash Wednesday
Feb 27 Special Meeting

FROM THE EAST
Happy New Year!
It was a sight to see fifty King Oscar brethren and two guests at our stated meeting December 12, 2003. It truly shows that YOU make our Lodge one of the best in Illinois, if not the entire United States.
THANK YOU!
We should have a super stated meeting January 9, 2004. We have invited the Skokie Chapter of DeMolay to learn of their programs. We are very interested in these future Master Masons are what they are doing.
King Oscar will confer a third degree January 23, 2003. Come and join us.
Fraternally,
Craig Stewart
Worshipful Master

FROM THE NORTH & ELSEWHERE

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY PARTY
Sunday, December 7th, our Annual Holiday Celebration was held at Biago's Banquet Hall. Following a delicious luncheon jolly "Old" Santa Claus made his usual visit, loaded down with oodles of goodies for the youngsters and some of the "not so old oldsters."
One hundred fifty three adults and thirty-six children were in attendance. "Entertaining" entertainment by a male vocalist "crooned" melodies we older "kids" could enjoy.
Santa was delayed by a "sky jam" but finally landed.
"OLD Santa:" thanks for finding us again in 2003! We will be expecting your return in 2004. You have nearly twelve full months to rest for the chore. Do you think you will be "up to it?"
Hope this issue reaches you at your North Pole headquarters. If it does a reply will certainly be appreciated.

THE "ONE-DAY CLASS" - IN OHIO
The "One Day Class," has occasioned much comment, favorable and otherwise. As most informed brethren are aware, the jurisdiction of Ohio, in a twelve month period, beginning in 2002 and concluding in 2003 raised nearly 11,000 new members in this manner.
The following information is taken from an article in "The Philalaethes" Magazine October 2003, Volume LVI Number 5. The author is Brother George O. Braats, MPS, RWPGM, and Grand Secretary of F&AM of the State of Ohio.
" While the concept of a one-day class has been around for quite a few years in a number of Grand jurisdictions, attention in the last two years has focused on Ohio, because of its overwhelming success at bringing in new candidates by this means.
"In April 2002, the Grand Lodge of F&AM of Ohio raised more than 7,700 Master Masons on one day. In March 2003, on five Saturdays, Ohio raised about 3,100 Master Masons in twenty-five locations. In other words, within a twelve month period, nearly 11,000 new members were welcomed through the 0ne-day class process.

"Did the quality suffer?
"There have been misinformed allegations that candidates were 'recruited off the streets,' and therefore the quality of the new Masons had diminished. Nothing could be further from the truth. All candidates were required to petition a Lodge, as usual, and all were investigated and balloted on in the normal manner. Absolutely nothing was changed in the 'recruitment' of one-day class members from those brought in during the previous 193 years of Ohio's Grand Lodge.
"In fact, many men of unusually high character, who, for a variety of reasons, were unable to petition before, became Masons. We raised elected officials, business executives, clergymen, and others of outstanding quality and stature in their communities.

"Were the ceremonies shortened, or altered?
"The degrees were presented in their entirety, and in an outstanding, impressive manner. Complete lectures, charges, and educational programs for each degree were performed. Tryouts were held in all locations, so a virtual 'all star' team of ritualists conferred the work in all locations. ? ? ? ?? ? ?. The ritual work of these 'all star' teams far surpassed the quality of work of any average lodge.
"It was decided that each candidate must have a mentor beside him to assist in the degree work.
"Each candidate was presented a Bible (or proper Holy Book of his faith), a lambskin apron, and a small specially engraved square and compasses. Therefore, each candidate, with his mentor's help, assumed obligations on his own Bible, square and compasses. Each candidate received and wore his own apron appropriately for each degree, and each candidate participated with his mentor in giving and receiving the various signs and grips. Each was 'raised' individually by his mentor from his seat
in the auditorium. The words for theses various activities would be given by the ritualist on the stage but each candidate participated with the help of his mentor.
"Other than the use of a hoodwink and the circumambulations, the participation of each candidate virtually matched traditional degree work.

"Where are the One dayers now?
"Now that Ohio's second one-day class in 2003 is history, many are asking "'What happened to the members of the first one-day class a year ago?
"In 2002, more than 7,700 men became Master Masons on one day in Ohio. Are they active today? Have they become integral parts of their Lodges? Have they fallen away?
"A survey of Lodges has revealed that 8% of 2002 one-day class members are currently serving in officers stations in their Lodges. They are doing more than just occupying a chair. Many were presenting 'outstanding' degree lectures at Lodge inspections this year. A number of one-day class candidates from 2002 were selected to perform key ritual parts the 2003 classes. 67% of the Lodges in Ohio today have officers who joined in the one-day class in 2002.
"The survey has shown that 19% are attending Lodge regularly.
"Even though no statistics are available from previous years regarding attendance or moving quickly into officer duties, veteran Masonic observers comment that these survey statistics demonstrate definite improvement over historic trends.

"What are the demographics of class members?
•" 55% of the 2002 class were 45 years of age; 30% were under 35, and 8% were under 25
•"69% had attended college: 36% had a college degree.
•"33% of petitions were signed by relatives; 63% by a 'friend'; 4% by both.
•"56% came from Masonic families.
•"5% were Senior DeMolays.
•"49% were joining with a friend; 34% were joining with a relative.

"Why did they join?
•" 91% said the shortened time (one-day) was important; 59% said
'very important' and 32% said 'not important.'
•"69% said the removal of the memory work and examinations was important; 29% said 'very important.'

•"How many are no longer members?
•" 61 members of the class of 2002 were suspended for non-payment of dues, that number equals about 0.8 %. Sixteen of the members have passed away.

"What are some of your conclusions?
"One of the major conclusions is: there are many individuals 'out there' who really want to be Masons. Some are EAs and FCs, who never completed their work (25% of Ohio's one-day class in 2002 were EAs or FCs.) For the first time in the lives of most Ohio Masons the Grand Lodge gave them a 'reason' to talk to their non-member friends about the Fraternity
"At the 2003 Ohio Grand Lodge Communication, legislation was proposed to eliminate the on-day class, it was loudly and overwhelmingly defeated. The rank and file delegates in Ohio recognized the merits of the procedure.
"It is hoped this information will permit future discussions of the one-day class concept with a better understanding and a more factual background."

COMMENTS - FOR YOUR SERIOUS CONIDERATION:

It appears we, the Masonic Fraternity, choose to ignore the fact we are living in the year 2004. Little, if any effort seems to be exerted to cope with this reality. Our actions or lack thereof are similar to those of the "proverbial ostrich - with his head in the sand."

THE ONE-DAY CLASS IS AN APPARENT EXCEPTION.

A matter, which seriously troubles me much more than membership,
concerning the well being of the Craft, is the manner by which lectures, the first educational information offered candidates, are presented.
I have become thoroughly convinced: the "state of mind" of a candidate, immediately following the floor work of a degree, is most likely too confused for him to adequately comprehend the deep, important and serious content of a lecture.
Lectures attempt to explain, as best they can, the very essence of Freemasonry. The fact they are of a vernacular the candidates are not familiar occasions many questions. These questions should be asked as they occur. In response - the inquiries need to be promptly and satisfactorily answered!
Lectures, in my considered view, should be presented in the
atmosphere of a classroom - sometime following the floor work of the degree - BUT DEFINITELY NOT the same evening.
It would be plausible to furnish the candidate educational material for study relative to the degree just experienced. Such material, in whatever form determined most appropriate, would provide a means whereby the candidate could more easily understand the forthcoming lectures pertaining to that degree.
It is my belief this is much more important than the memorization
of the degree's catechism.
These opinions are neither new nor original; they are shared by a
considerable number of knowledgeable and concerned Masonic scholars.
BRETHREN, PONDER THIS CONCERN, GIVE IT SERIOUS THOUGHT!
The rays of Masonic Light, I truly believe, would have "glowed"
much sooner and "brighter" for all of us had the lectures been openly discussed when presented!
Unfortunately, much too frequently, lectures are "MERELY RECITED" from memory (with intermittent prompting) and with little understanding exhibited by the "reciter." Consequently most "side-liners" do not remain when lectures are given; leaving an "I WONDER WHY ?" question in the minds of initiates.
This IS NOT a "FLY BY NIGHT OBSERVATION!" Your correspondent has been a Master Mason since April 11,1950, (soon to be 54 years).The situation existed in 1950 and continues unchanged to this very day.
THESE CONCERNS NEED TO BE ADDRESSED WITH AS MUCH, REALLY MORE EFFORT, THAN MEMBERSHIP. THIS IS ESPECIALLY TRUE IF WE SERIOUSLY WISH TO EXIST AND THRIVE IN TODAY'S MODERN SOCIETY!
THE ADDITIONAL MEMBERSHIP OF WARM, FRESH, ACCEPTABLE HUMAN MALE BODIES, WITHOUT COMPREHENDABLY PRESENTED LECTURES, IS DEFINITELY NOT THE "SALVATION" OF FREEMASONRY!
COPING WITH CURRENT TIMES, HAVING AN OPEN MIND
AND A WILLINGNESS TO ATTEMPT NEW AND REVOLUTIONARY IDEAS, ARE PLAUSIBLE ANSWERS!
MEMORIZATION OF LECTURES ISN'T NEARLY AS IMPORTANT AS WE HAVE TRADINIONALLY THOUGHT! ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY ARE OBVIOUSLY "PARROTED!"
A MORE REALISTIC METHOD OF COMMUNICATION, AS USED ELSEWHERE IN THE MASONIC WORLD, IS WORTHY OF SERIOUS CONSIDERATION.
ARE WE WILLING TO "OPEN OUR EYES" TO REALITY AND RESPOND ACCORDINGLY?
THAT IS THE PRIMARY QUESTION WHICH REQUIRES
ANSWERING!

WWW WISE WORDS of WISDOM
Look backward with gratitude and forward with confidence.
I am part of all that I have met. Alfred Tennyson -"Ulysses"
You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself one. James A. Froude (1818-1894) Historian
Don't give up when you still have something to give. Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying. Brian Dyson, Business Executive
If something comes to life in others because of you, then you have made an approach toward immortality. Norman Cousins (1915-1990)
Where the willingness is great, the difficulties cannot be great.
Nicole Machivelli (1469-1527) Politician & philosopher
Learn, earn, return---these are the three phases of life. JackBalousek Business Excessive
Small opportunities are often the beginning of great enterprises. Demosthenes (384-322 BC) Orator and statesman
When a person can no longer laugh at himself, it is time for others to laugh at him. Thomas Szasz

IMPORTANT: THE VIEWS EXPRESSED HEREIN ARE THOSE OF THE CORRESPONDENT, NOT NECESSARILY OF KING OSCAR LODGE # 855 AF&AM.

HELP, HELP, PLEASE!
The Scottish Rite Library is missing a number of issues of the British Magazine "Freemasonry Today." Should you have copies you can spare, please contact the office at 312-787-7605, FAX 312-787-7608 or <info@valleyofchicago.org>. It will be greatly appreciated!

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS
Nineteen King Oscar brethren were born in the "Month of St Valentine," with two being "whelped" that very special day. The February "bundles if love" are: Richard R. Gordon, Ronald H. Nystrom (1); Dean M. Bavetta, James E. Morgan (9); Donald P. Lenick, Robert E. Morgan (11); Clarence M. Kunstman, Lowell L. Lathrop (14); Herbert A. Borman (17); John E. McNeal (19); Bengt R. Jaensson (20); Ainsworth E. Hansion, Edward M. Riblon (21); Garv M. Bothman (22); William H. Ahlenius (23); Larry G. Dakof, Edward M. Schery (24); Thomas R. Traharne (25); and Raymond H. Rickhoff.
To these hearty souls who became members of human society during winter, we greet you: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, and MANY, MANY MORE! May 2004 be good to you - God Bless!

LEST WE MIGHT FORGET - KING OSCAR HISTORY
1979 was Brother Charles E. Strobel's year in the Oriental Chair. The events he recalls as most memorable, were the visitation from Muskegon's Lovell-Moore Lodge and a Wendella boat trip, via the Chicago and DesPlaines rivers to Joliet and back.
To "top-off" the year's explorations; a bus trip to Evansville Lodge of Evansville, Indiana.

SICKNESS & DISTRESS
We diligently strive to acknowledge all brethren who are ill, and/or, in distress, should YOU be aware of someone not included who should be - PLEASE let us know!
Worshipful Brother Bob VonWerder is in a neck cast due to calcified vertebrae. He is confined to the rehab facility of Alexian Brothers Hospital of Elk Grove Village.
Worshipful Brother Chuck Strobel continues recovery at home. He and Barbara attended the Holiday party proudly "showing off" their latest "smiling granddaughter."
Worshipful Brother Chuck Hendricks recently underwent major surgery
OBITUARIES
Brother Howard A. Heckel was born May 7, 1914, initiated March 24, 1948, passed October 12, 1948 and raised March 27, 1951. He passed this life January 1, 2001.
Brother Grant Spence Antink was born September 21, 1943, initiated February 9, 1968, passed May 24, 1968 and raised June 28, 1968. He passed this life November 18, 2003.
Brother Richard D. Johnson was born April 4, 1950, initiated January 4, 1985, passed February 1, 1985 and raised March 15, 1985 in Triune Lodge # 422. He was a Past Master of both Triune and King Oscar Lodges. Richard was a Certified Lodge Instructor and the DDGM of the Sixth Northeastern District at the time of his demise, November 25, 2003.
Gayl, Richard's widow, expresses her great appreciation for the many brethren who attended the Masonic funeral service for her beloved spouse.
Brother Jarvis B. Moore was born March 14,1922, initiated June 18, 1976, passed March 26, 1977 and raised May 20 1977 in Providence lodge # 711. He served as Master of that lodge in 1982. Brother Jarvis passed away December 6, 2003.
Brother Frank H. Dodge was born September 25, 1936, initiated May 27, 1960, passed June 10, 1960 and raised June 24, 1960 in Providence Lodge # 711. He parted this life December 10, 2003.
These brethren now sit with the Grandmaster of the Universe in the celestial lodge on high. Thus endeth the records of five just and upright Masons. May their souls rest in peace.

CLOSING
We trust that all had safe, sane, and healthy holidays and a happy New Year. That Santa brought the gifts you asked for. Hopefully the wallet has a buck or two remaining to reimburse Old Saint Nick for his mid-night sleigh ride to your domicile?

Until next time,
Fraternally, God bless,
Whispering George C. F.

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