KING OCCAR MARCH 2006
COLUMN
TEMPLE TOPICS
TRESTLE BOARD & SPECIAL EVENTS
MARCH 10 STATED MEETING
MARCH 20 SPRING “SPRINGS”
MARCH 24 SPECIAL MEETING
APRIL2 DAY LIGHT TIME
APRIL 7 STATED MEETiNG
APRIL 13 - 20 PASSOVER
APRIL 14 GOOD FRIDAY-DARK
APRIL16 EASTER
APRIL 28 SPECIAL MEETING
FROM THE EAST
Brethren & Friends:
Our Valentine Dinner was a great success. Taking into account the feminine pulchritude (ladies to you) in our midst, over one hundred were in attendance. If you weren’t with us - you do not know what you missed, sorry!
Should it have slipped you minds, we are here every second and fourth Friday, come rain, shine, snow or ice, like the US mail we are performing our obligation as Master Masons. YOU are always welcome at King Oscar, where “true Masonic brotherhood flourishes!”
See you?
Fraternally,
Dan Auro
Worshipful Master
FROM THE NORTH & ELSEWHERE
The primary thought gnawing at this “old codger’s” mind these days is “will I ever sit in the NORTH again?”
At this moment and for a long spell in the future, I am forbidden to climb more than a few steps. At eighty-eight plus years of age - in spite of my good German genes - I AM OLD – ANCIENT as a matter of fact - In physical being you understand!
There are a number of loyal Master Masons of King Oscar Lodge # 855 and in our tenant bodies who find themselves in this state of human existence. Who can no longer attend lodge because of their inability to negotiate the two flights of stairs to the newly renovated lodge hall.
Considering this “state of affairs” something soon must be done to have an elevator installed!
I fully realize this is a very delicate subject, some of us “fearless oldsters” MUST take the “Bull by the horns.” At least I am wearing a back brace and the BULL can do little additional damage to my spine.
SO there - “George, YOU just DID IT!” NOW who among YOU will join Screaming Niemann????
WWW –WISE WORDS OF WISDOM
Just pray for a tough hide and a tender heart. Ruth Graham
A friend can tell you things you don’t
want to tell yourself. Francis Ward Weller
When the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, it may be that
they take better care of it there. Cecil Selig
The next best thing to being clever is being able to quote someone who is. Mary Pettibone Poole
Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened. Billy Graham
ANTI-MASONRY – RELIGION
The Supreme Court of Nebraska, in deciding a case some years ago, used the following illuminating language relative to Masonry.
“The guiding thought is not religion but religious toleration. Each member is encouraged to pay reverence to his own God, the Deity prescribed by his own religion, and to obey those precepts of human conduct, which, while taught by all religions prevalent in civilized society, do not appertain to the systems or doctrines of any religion, as such, but are common to all. The Masonic fraternity, in other words, refrains from intruding into the field of religion and confines itself to the teachings of morality and duty to one’s fellow men, which makes better men and better citizens.
“The distinction is clear between such ethical teachings and the doctrines of religion. One cannot espouse a religion without belief and faith in its peculiar doctrines. A fraternity broad enough to take in and cover with its mantle Christian, Moslem and Jew, without requiring him to renounce his religion, is not a religious organization, although its members may join in prayer, which, in the case of each, is a petition to his own Deity. Neither can the belief in the immortality of the soul be denominated religious in the sense that it is typical of any religion, of any race, or of any age. It constitutes one of the most beautiful and consoling features of our own religion, but it is equally to be found in almost every other. It is so unusual and spontaneous that it is not so much belief or dogma as it is an instinct of the human soul. Neither does it imply or require adherence to any system of religious worship.
“The fact that belief in the doctrines
or Deity of no particular religion is required, of itself refutes the theory
that the Masonic ritual embodies a religion, or that its teachings are religious.”
NOTE: EVERY MASTER MASON SHOULD CUT THIS OUT
AND CARRY IT IN HIS WALLET. A MORE LUCID EXCELLENT CHOICE OF BEAUTIFUL WORDS
EXPLAINING OUR CRAFT I’VE NEVER BEFORE READ!
Included in the Southern California Research Lodge’s January 2006 Fraternal
Review #946
MASONIC ODDITIES
The double-headed eagle is a well-known symbol to Masons in the “higher degrees.” Known as the Austrian Eagle, it was adapted after the expedition by Frederick II, abut the thirteenth century. In the middle 1800’s it was found on ancient sculptures at Cappadocia.
The St. Clair Charter of 1601 contains the words “frieman maissons.” Edinburgh Lodge in 1636 mentioned ”frie mesones” and during 1652 reference was made to “brethreine fremen.”
NOTE: Oddities from the October 2005 issue of Philalethes Magazine
DID YOU KNOW – Why Masonic Halls sometimes are called “Temples?” The dictionary gives several definitions of “temple,” including “A building reserved for a highly valued function.” The library is a “temple of learning.” COMMENT – My view – Think the fact our meeting places are referred to as temples promotes “anti-Masonicism!”( NEW WORD!)
BURMA SHAVE DAYS
CAUTIOUS RIDER
To her reckless dear
Let’s have less bull
And more steer
BURMA SHAVE
AT INTERSECTIONS
Look each way
A harp sounds nice
But it’s hard to play
BURMA SHAVE
BOTH HANDS ON TH WHEEL
Eyes on the road
That’s the skillful
Driver’s code
BURMA SHAVE
Doubt that you youngsters remember these “before the SUPER HIGHWAY “read ‘em as you drive” humorous sign boards. Steve Greenburg – Illustrious Sir “are you reading?”
TRUE STORIES AND EVENTS (Courtesy of Brother Jerry Owens)
The lodge with the highest meeting place on the globe is Roof of the World Lodge No. 1094, of Oroya, Peru. The elevation of the lodge room in the Andes Mountains is 14,167 feet above sea level. The closest competitor in the US is Corinthian Lodge No.35 at Leadsville, Colorado at about 10,200 feet.
Did you know that John Stafford Smith (1750-1836), a member of Royal Somerset House and Inverness Lodge No.4, London, wrote the music, which became our national anthem? Its original use is not known, but at an early date it was used by an Irish Masonic orphans’ home as its song. When Francis Scott Key utilized this music for the Star Spangled banner, it was a popular drinking song known as To Anacreon in heaven.
My favorite religious hymn “How Great Thou Art” supposedly was a Scandinavian drinking song. Cannot remember which Country.
THANKS Jerome – Jerry THAT IS!
SICKNESS & DISTRESS
Betty Modaressi is still recovering from cancer as well from an automobile accident
Frances Stremicki is coming along well recovering from a stroke
Danny Witas is to have surgery to replace a pacemaker.
“Old Curmudgeon” George C. F. is home and back “online!”
Almighty God we ask that you guide the minds and hands of the medical professionals in whose care these, our loved ones, are entrusted. LORD – HEAR OUR PRAYERS, Amen, So mote it be!
OBITUARIES
Brother Charles E. Engdahl was born March 13, 1918 in St.. Paul Mn. He was initiated May 9 1957, passed June 27, 1957 and raised September 26 1957 in Beacon Light Lodge. He served Beacon Light as Master in 1963 and 1967. Affiliated with Providence and then King Oscar. He joined the Grand Lodge on High January 1, 2006.
Brother William P Andrews was born February 6, 1940 in Chicago. IL.. He was initiated September 16, 1982, passed February 17, 1983 and raised May 14, 1983 in Providence Lodge # 711. He served Providence as Master in 1975 and again 2002. He joined the Grand Lodge on High February 6, 2006.
Almighty God blesses the souls of these just
and upright brothers. Lord, hear our prayers!
CLOSING
It is refreshing, in a weary sort of way being
back at the keyboard after such a long absence nursing a lumbar compression
fracture in the same area that laid me up eighteen years ago in the auto accident
that killed my dear wife of nearly forty-eight years. Knowing your prayers were
petitioned on my behalf was very comforting and greatly appreciated THANK EVERYONE
OF YOU! Hope to be among you soon.
“Screaming Niemann!” a.k.a. “Whispering George”
Until next time God bless!