KING OSCAR MARCH 2005 COLUMN

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www.kingoscarlodge.com
It is loaded with good “stuff!”

TRESTLE BOARD & SPECIAL EVENTS

March 11 Stated Meeting
March 17 Scottish Rite

Feast of the Pascal Lamb
St Patrick Day
March 18 Special Meeting
March 25 Good Friday
(No Meeting)
March 27 Easter Sunday March 29 Blood Drive
March 31 Scottish Rite Reunion
(First day)
April 2 Scottish Rite Reunion
(Second day)
April 8 Stated Meeting
April 22 Special Meeting

FROM THE NORTH & ELSEWHERE

ON THE LIGHTER & BRIGHTER SIDE
It seems to me that many of us, at times, are so enraptured with our “self appointed” importance that we fail to recognize the lighter and hopefully brighter side of human existence. The following should, for at least a minute or two, rectify that shortcoming.
A lady renewing her driver’s license was asked to state her occupation. “What I mean:” the clerk explained, “do you have a job or are you just …?” The applicant snapped, “of course I have a job, I’m a mother!” “We don’t list ‘mother’ as an occupation … ‘housewife’ covers it.” The clerk emphatically replied. The applicant, justifiably, left in a huff. (You would, I am sure, done the same.)
Another mother, observing the incident, was next in line. When asked her occupation she replied, “I’m a Research Associate in the Field of Child Development and Human Relations.”
“Might I ask,” the clerk inquired with new interest, “just what do you do in your field?” The housewife answered: “I have a continuing program of research, working for my Master’s (the whole darned family), and already have four credits (all daughters). Of course the job is the most demanding in the humanities (any mother care to disagree?) I often work 14 hours a day (24 is more like it).”
There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk’s voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered the mother to the door.
As this mother drove into her driveway, buoyed up by her new “glamorous career,” she was greeted by her lab assistants --- ages 13, 7, 3. Upstairs she could hear their new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby), in the child-development program, testing her new vocal pattern.
The mother felt triumphant, she had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than “just another mother.”
NOTE: Condensed from an email received from Illustrious Brother Richard Yena 33º. Thanks, Dick!
Following the above “Lighter & Brighter” related incident were these comments:
Motherhood … … … what a glorious career! Especially when there is a title on the door.
Does this make grandmothers and grandfathers “Senior Research Associates” and great grandparents “Executive Senior Associates?” I think so, also great aunts and uncles “Associate Senior Research Assistants.”

JANUARY THIRD DEGREE
Brother Richard Prazenka was raised Friday night, January 28thand he was among us February 11th. Richard, as you heard at the Valentine celebration. Freemasonry has a lot to offer and we want you to know King Oscar Lodge is egger to see that you realize those opportunities.

WHAT IS ON THE OTHERSIDE
A man preparing to leave his doctor’s office asked, “I am afraid to die. Tell e what lies on the other side.” The doctor replied, ”I don’t know.” About that time the doctor opened the door and a dog sprang into the room and leaped upon the doctor, showing its joy.
The doctor turned to the patient and said: “did you notice my dog? He’s never been in this room but he knew his master was here, and he entered without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I know my Master is there and that is enough!”
NOTE: Received in an email from brother Bob Cooke, thanks Bob!

VALENTINE CELEBRATION
February 11th the brethren and their ladies were guests at a set down dinner, served French onion soup, tender roast beef, tasty gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, tossed salad and a variety of desserts
.
WWW – WISE WORDS of WISDOM
Light tomorrow with today. Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806- 1861)
The closer one gets to the top, the more one finds there is no “top.” Nancy Barcus
A man’s dreams are an index to his greatness. Zadok Babinowitz
Man does not live by words alone, despite the fact that sometimes he has to eat them. Adlai Stevenson (1900-1965)
Assumption is the mother of scew-up. Angelo Donghia (1935-1985)
Establishing goals is all right if you don’t let them deprive you of detours. (Doug Larson)
If you scatter thorns, do not go barefoot. (Italian Proverb)

LEST WE MIGHT FORGET – KING OSCAR’S FIRST 100 YEARS

In 1996 Walter Kloepper was our Master. A Riverboat Casino event was held on February 18th. July 20th we visited Buehler Lodge in Louisville, Kentucky and conferred an Illinois third degree. Past Masters Degree Night in May witnessed the exemplification of the Master Mason Degree with Grand Master John Louden serving as Master, Senior Grand Warden, J Garrie Burr was in the West and Junior Grand Warden, King Oscar’s own Jim Durbin occupied the South. King Oscar Past Masters filled the rest of the slate.
It goes without saying the performance of ritual and floor work was absolutely PERFECT! Just one of the many traditions of King Oscar Lodge #855 A.F.& A. M. of Chicago, Illinois. Aren’t you delighted YOU are a member? I surely am, soon to begin my fifty-six year a Master Mason

WELTER’S WELL OF WORTHWHILE WORLD WIDE MASONIC TRIVIA

When Mussolini gained control of Italy, Masonic Lodges were declared illegal. The Grand Master was arrested, tried and imprisoned, where he died.
Dr. Carlos Rodriguez - Jimenez was the Grand Master of Venezuela in 1947. In 1957 he was the Grand Master of Japan.
NOTE: Sorry to inform you “Welter’s well has hereby “run dry.” For the edification of you “City Slickers,” that is a “Hoosier” farmer’s term meaning “there isn’t water in the well.”

MASONIC SYMBOLISM (continued)) “Weeping Over a Broken Column”

“The central figure is the beautiful girl in mourning. At her feet is the broken column, which is a symbol of premature death. We are informed of several allegorical meanings contained in the monument. It also alludes to the untimely death of the Master Builder.”
NOTE: Next month “The Open Book.”

FREEMASONRY & THE CHURCH (continued) “What Freemasonry May learn From the Church”

“Here I shall mention only two things – but they are of the utmost importance. First, the Lodge may learn from the Church the value and importance of religious convictions.
“The second lesson which Freemasonry may learn from the Church is the value of religious impulse.
“Let me say a word to the Church members. I now speak as a Mason; and am proud to wear my apron and pin on this occasion. As you need us, we also need you. We look to the Church for recruits. We cannot receive the atheist or the drunkard or the sot until the Church has first rescued them from unbelief and sin, and made suitable material to build into the Masonic Temple.
. “ We need your religious convictions, we need your God, your Bible and your cooperation in our work.”
NOTE this concludes the edited comments from Reverend J. G. Hughes sermon of March 1911.

SHRINERS HOSPITALS 2005 BUDGET

For the 2005 year the Shrine has increased its hospital budget by $100,000 every 24 hours. It is spending $1.7 million every day, or $19 every second. As always care is provided at no charge to the patients or their families. The 22 hospitals in the U. S., Canada and Mexico have a total budget of $625 million. $28 million has been earmarked for the more than 125 research projects currently in process. Since Shriners Hospitals began a formal research program nearly 40 years ago, more than $450 million has been invested in research efforts that have improved the lives of children around the world.

APRIL BIRTHDAYS

Forty King Oscar brethren were delivered to their loving parents in the month of “Showers.” They are: FIRST our only “April Fool “ brother -- Charles E. Strobel (1); Ricky J. Riggs (3); Ismall A. Hakim, Donald Oeste, William T. Nealt (4); Stanley A. Munson, Ingvar E. Wikstrom (5); Russell A. Marek, Ray J. West (7); Roger M. Nestler, Howard A. Morton, Herve W. Surrey Jr. (8); Seymour G. Carlson (9); Donald R. Woods (10); Harold A. Schoene, Robert C., Wordel Jr., Robert F.Schiff, George A. Imlach (11); Leroy T. Sanders, Wilmert G. Hoelzel (12); Charles R. Horwitz (14); Johann Schoemer, George C. Dalacker, Craig J. Stewart (15); Bruno A. Woltmann, (16); Shigeo Hoshikawa (17); Charles R. Hendricjs, John V. Bader (19); Edward A. Roberts, Robert W. Polzin (20); Robert A. Weiss, (21); Carl E. Knutson (22): John A. Morton (23); George G. Simon, Dennis D. Codacco (24); Felipe C. Legarda (27); Louis E. Wilcox (28); Omar H. Iraqui (29);George L. Dressel, Walter S. Falkowski (30).
May your birthdays be of a dry variety, you know – do you not? “April Showers!”
AGAIN: if you were born in April and you aren’t listed above -- LET US KNOW – YOU HEAR?

RENOVATION

Renovation is nearing the first phases of completion.
For those who are not regular in attendance at our second and fourth Friday meetings – a BIG SURPRISE is in store. You “will not believe your eyes!” I personally guarantee it!
An “Elevator Fund” has been established (with some contributions already made) to raise funds required for the acquisition and installation of an elevator to the second floor’s beautifully renovated lodge hall. YOUR contribution can be made to our secretary Russell E. Johnson.
We urge every Brother, Sister and Masonic body utilizing the Jefferson Masonic Temple (as well as others) to seriously consider assisting in making this needed addition a reality. Your help is solicited and will be welcomed with “open hands!”
THANKS in advance! Ever remember - the Almighty loves a cheerful
and generous giver.
Incidentally - each and every contributor and the extent of their generosity will be “carved in stone” and exhibited “for time immemorial.”

SICKNESS & DISTRESS

Brothers Sal DeCola, Moshen Modaressi and Bill Bissen are making recovery progress. Betty Modaressi, Moshen’s better half, at the moment, isn’t doing as well as we would wish. Your prayers are solicited on behalf of these who are hurting.
Almighty God guide the health care professionals who are tending our loved ones! AMEN, SO MOTE IT BE!
A REMINDER – Should YOU be aware of a brother or a member of his family who is ill or in distress PLEASE let US know. See the masthead; it indicates the means by which you may contact us!

OBITUARIES

Brother Bjorn D. Skaalerud was born October 1, 1931 in Feiring Norway. He was initiated March 7, 1968, passed April 4, 1968 and raised June 6, 1968 in Norseman Lodge # 878 Brooklyn, New York. Bjorn served King Oscar Lodge as Master in 1997. He was a member Medinah Shrine and the Scottish Rite Serving the Rite as Sovereign Prince in 2003. He passed this life January 17, 3005
Brother Hartnell M. Strom was born December 16, 1914. He was initiated August 15,1947, passed October 17, 1947 and raised October 31, 1947 in King Oscar Lodge. Brother Strom entered the Grand Lodge on high February 2, 2005.
Thus ends the records of two just and upright Masons, may their souls rest in peace.
Our condolences are extended to the loved ones. So mote it be.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Last month someone other than the writer submitted information directly to Temple Topics for inclusion in our February column. Such action is a very serious “NO, NO!”
NOTHING is to be included in our column except that which is submitted by the correspondent. Should any of you have information of any kind that you wish to appear in Temple Topics, it must be furnished to the correspondent, NOT the publisher!
“TAKE DUE NOTICE THEREOF AND GOVERN YOURSELVES
ACCORDINGLY!”

CLOSING

Another month is in the final days of its existence. For the most part, a lot of us are very happy those days are no longer with us as many of them brought: snow, ice, fender benders, influenza, head colds, very cold weather et cetera. More of the same might be forthcoming?
BUT: we have “faith” - that spring will arrive, “hope” - that it will arrive early and - “charity” - we will give thanks!
Until next month, God Bless!
Whispering George C. F.

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