KING OSCAR MAY 2005 COLUMN
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TRESTLE BOARD & SPECIAL EVENTS
May 13 Stated Meeting
May 27 Special Meeting
June 10 Stated Meeting
June 24 Special Meeting
June 25 Rededication of
Jefferson Masonic
Temple
FROM THE EAST
Brethren, Greetings:
Now that spring is here and the snow season is hopefully over I can better serve you. Thanks for your patience during the winter months.
We have several candidates for degrees. Your presence impresses the candidates to know they are joining a lodge whose members are active, not just “pin wearers.” It likewise boosts the morale of your officers.
The afternoon of Saturday, June 25, 2005 the
Grand Lodge officers will rededicate Jefferson Masonic Temple, your and my renovated
Masonic home. We encourage you to mark your calendar NOW and reserve the date
to witness the ceremony and enjoy the ”true Masonic brotherhood”
that flourishes at King Oscar Lodge # 855. In the meantime, enjoy the warm weather.
Fraternally,
Bruce A. Polit
Worshipful Master
FROM THE NORTH & ELSEWHERE
FIRST THINGS FIRST
Due to technical problems April’s column was not printed in its entirety as furnished to the publisher. Obituaries and the closing were omitted
OBITUARY FROM LAST MONTH
Brother Alexander R. Friesel was born May 13,
1923 in Chicago, Illinois. He was initiated January 6, 1947, passed January
10, 1947 and raised February 17, 1947 in Ben Franklin Lodge. Brother Friesel
laid down the working tools of this life January 15, 2005 and now sits at the
right hand of the Grand Master of the Universe. May his soul rest in peace.
Thus ends the record of a just and upright Mason. Almighty God sooth the sorrows
of loss of his loved ones. So mote it be!
The publisher has installed new software which we are assured will prevent a recurrence of this nature. They apologized for the oversight.
THOUGHT PROVOKING OCCURANCE
This heartwarming story was received from Illustrious Brother Claude Bird 33º.
It hit me “smack dab between the eyeballs” and ignited the energy
to begin the monthly effort of communicating something to bring warmth, possibly
a tear to your soul, a smile or a chuckle to your “funny bone.”
Hopefully God was generous and blessed you with a “sense of humor”-
shame on YOU if you didn’t cultivate it!
Claude, THANKS a big bunch for this wonderful story of love and caring, which in so lacking, these days, in our society.
At a fund raising dinner for a school helping learning-disabled children, the father of one of the students gave a talk that will never be forgotten by any in attendance. After praising the school and its dedicated staff of “true” teachers, he proposed a question.
“When not interfered with by outside forces, everything nature does is done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn as other children. He doesn’t understand things like others do. Where is the natural order of things in my son?” The audience was stilled by the query.
The father continued, “I believe, when a child like Shay comes into the world, an opportunity is presented for true human nature to be demonstrated, it comes in the way others treat that child.” He then told this story.
“Shay and I were walking past the park where a group of boys were playing baseball. Shay asked ‘Do you think they will let me play?’ I approached one of the lads who knew Shay and asked if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance, receiving none he replied ‘I guess he can be on our team, we are loosing by six runs, it is the bottom of the eighth inning.’
“Shay was put on the team and sent to the outfield. He was ecstatic, wearing a fielder’s glove, my son was grinning from ear to ear. No balls were hit in his direction.
“In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay’s team scored, now with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to bat.
“ At this juncture, let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game? Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible. My son didn’t know how to properly grip the bat.
“As he stepped up to the plate the pitcher moved in a little closer and gently lobbed the ball, the first pitch was missed, again the pitcher came in a few steps closer, and lobbed the ball to the plate, Shay tipped a slow roller back to the pitcher who threw the ball over the head of the first baseman.
“The manner in which the ball was fielded (from then on) resulted in Shay hitting a grand slam, game winning, homerun. The boys of both teams were screaming applause for Shay as he crossed home plate!
“That day those boys and the adult leaders, of both teams, brought true love and humanity into this world for my son as well as for everyone who witnessed the event,” chokingly exclaimed the father with tears streaming down his cheeks.
NOTE; EVERY BOY AND LEADER ON THE FIELD WAS A “FREEMASON,” even though the boys were not eighteen years of age and very likely none of the men a member of a Masonic Lodge.
“TRUE FREEMASONRY IS A WAY OF LIFE!”
GOTTHOLD EPHRAIM LESSING. ONE OF THE GREATEST FREEMASONS OF ALL TIME, IN THE MID - 1700’s, WROTE, ”FREEMASONRY BEGAN WITH THE FIRST MAN, WITH THE WHOLE OF HUMANITY, AND CAN ONLY DISAPPEAR WITH THE LAST HUMAN BEING.”
AMEN, SO MOTE IT BE!
ELEVATOR FUND
THIS IS THE TIME for all good Masonic Brothers and Sisters who’s Masonic home is Jefferson Masonic Temple (and others so inclined) to contribute to the “ELEVATOR FUND.”
Checks are to be made out to “King Oscar Lodge # 855 Elevator Fund” and forwarded to Russell E. Johnson. Keep in mind the elevator is for the convenience of ALL. Time flies, YOU may soon need mechanical assistance to reach other than GROUND FLOORS!
IT IS LATER THAN YOU MIGHT WISH!
JUNE BIRTHDAYS
Thirty-eight King Oscar brethren were born in the month of “weddings,” June that is. They are: Peter E. VanWarnoy, Howard F. Eck, John J. Valenick, Julio E. Castillo Jr. (1); Kevin S. Besetnzy, Donald F. Weinberg (3); Leonard A. Peterson (4); John R. Seibert (5); Robert M. Shupp, Jerome A. Owens (6); Robert J. Babowice (7); Herbert A. Gonzales (8); John F. Helton (9); Richard S. Fagerman, Warren A. Peterson, Ivan R. Broaddus (10); Kenneth F. Lindgren, Melville C. Cook (11); Robert O. Patterson, Haskll J. Jefferson (13); Norman E. Anderson (15); Anthony Scipione Jr. (16); Michael J. Langdon (17); Gregory M. Bryant, Marvin R. Iverson (20): Earl F. Heppner (22); John B. Davidson (23); Gary R. Chanoux (24); Gilbert Llovet, Edward L. Shimanek (25); Donald E. Lind (26); Ray O. Almgren (27); Manuel Salgado, Stanley H. Freese , Manual S. Mateo ( 28); Almer L. Edahl (29); Irvin C. Ray, Daniilo C. Auro (30).
Those born between June 4th and the 13th fell from the Hornbeam Tree, June 14th to June 23rd the Fig tree, June 24th ONLY the Birch tree, June 25 to July 4th an Apple tree. The following explains how these trees determine your (????). Hornbeam Tree (Good Taste). Fig Tree (Sensibility), Birch tree (Inspiration). Apple tree (Love), do they accurately describe those of you born on the applicable dates??
We salute you, born in the wonderful month of June. Think it is also known as the month of “Brides,” why not Grooms, it takes two, doesn’t it? GOD BLESS!
LEST WE MIGHT FORGET (King Oscar’s First Century.)
Jay Burris was the centennial Master. The year’s activities included a Veterans Night with 120 in attendance. The most notable event was a Centenary Ball, June seventh. Members, their ladies and invited guests donned formal attire for an elegant reception. Those in attendance enjoyed a superb dinner, dancing to a fifteen-piece orchestra, in the style of the 40’s and 50’s and, of course, Masonic fellowship! The affair was a fitting capstone to the first hundred-years existence of one of Illinois’ premier Masonic Lodges
WWW – WISE WORDS OF WISDOM
It is not who is right, but what is right, that is important. Thomas Huxley (1825- 1895)
Curiosity is one of the permanent and certain characteristics of a vigorous mind. Samuel Johnson (1709-1784)
To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love. In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness. Robert Muller
Recollection is the only paradise from which we cannot be turned out. Jean Paul Richter (1763-1825)
The difference between a helping hand and an outstretched palm is a twist of the wrist. Lawrence Leamer
Our distinctions do not lie in the places we
occupy, but in the grace
and dignity with which we fill them. William Simms (1806-1870)
Man masters nature not by force but by understanding. Jacob Bronowsky (1908-1974)
MASONIC SYMBOLISM (continued)
THE SPRIG OF ACACIA
The marble monument prominently draws our attention to the sprig of acacia in the girl’s right hand. The bough appears to be a branch of any kind of plant. At the most basic level, the branch is an element from our natural world.
But we are reminded of the allegorical meaning of the cedar tree. It is used to conceal the grave and also to mark the location of the grave if ever it were to become necessary.
At the tropological level, there exists a higher meaning of the timely discovery of the hidden grave. Luck often aids those who persevere in their weary search for their goals.
The anagogic meaning may refer to the clear symbolism in the choice of an evergreen acacia within the scene of a stone monument, the evergreen reminds us of the immortality of the soul.
Next month “The Urn in her Left Hand”
ALBERT PIKE’S MASONIC LIBRARY SAVED BY AN ENEMY BROTHER
A Union general, Thomas H. Benton, Grand Master of Iowa (1860-1862), saved Albert Pike’s Masonic Library at little Rock, Arkansas, by placing Federal Troops around Pike’s home when the city was invaded during the Civil War,
Now you know “the rest of the story” courtesy of Gerry Owens. Thanks Gerry!
FLORIDA BULLETIN
Thursday, March 31st the Lindgrens, Pattie and Ken, became Grandparents. They were blessed with a grandson, Aiden Joseph, weighing in at eight pounds twelve ounces stretched over nineteen inches in length. Parents and grandparents are reported, “doing very well!”
PROUD ones, “Poppy Ken and Mommy Pattie,”our best to all. Just don’t “burst with pride” the kids have their hands full with Aiden. They do not need to have you two to also care for!
Make sure to visit us next month on your first “look see’ of Aiden!
KING OSCAR MASONIC EDUCATION AND DISCUSSION GROUP
It was recently announced in open lodge that an education and discussion group is being organized. There is a great wealth of material available concerning our GREAT CRAFT, We urge you to participate and partake of the opportunity to learn that Freemasonry is more, MUCH more than just ritual and floor work.
Those wishing to join the group let Russell E. Johnson or yours truly know. If you have a computer, PLEASE let us know by email or inform us “in person” when attending YOUR lodge!
SICKNESS & DISTRESS
Fearless Wally Kloepper was among us Friday evening, April 8th. He and Eileen have been intermittently afflicted with the illnesses of winter, since last Thanksgiving. We are now “GIVING THANKS” that they have recovered. Wally, we expect to see you at EVERY meeting from now on. You hear?
Moshen Modaressi likewise graced our presence at April’s stated meeting. He is better, but not yet up to par. Betty, his “better half” is confined to Illinois Masonic Medical Center and at the moment isn’t literally his “better,” health wise.
Almighty God, we earnestly and fervently beg you to restore the health and well being of these, our loved ones – AMEN, SO MOTE IT BE!
OBITUARIES
Brother Albert Henry Walker was born May 14th, 1911 in Chicago, Illinois. He was initiated January 10th, 1934, passed January 31, 1934 and raised February 16th 1934
Brother Walker laid down his earthly working tools March 18, 2005 and now sits at the right hand of the Grand Master of the Universe.
Brother Douglas E. Forsell was born June 9, 1952 in Chicago, Illinois, he petitioned King Oscar Lodge # 855 November 12, 2004, was elected to membership January 14, 2005 and initiated February 25, 2005.
Brother Forsell passed this life April 3, 2005 and now sits in the Celestial Lodge on High.
Thus ends the records of two just and upright
Masons. May their souls rest in peace. Almighty God heal the wounds of loss
of these brother’s loved ones. Amen, So mote It be.
CLOSIING
May is the month in which, from the showers
of April, flowers are expected. Hopefully our expectations will be realized
with the arrival of those beautifications of nature, in their myriad of gorgeous
colors and fragrances. Accompanying these physical evidences let our spiritual
souls be blessed with renewed faith in humanity - the “Brotherhood of
Man under the Fatherhood of Almighty God” - THAT IS FREEMASONRY! God Bless!
Until next month,
Fraternally,
Whispering George C. F.