KING OSCAR November 2004 COLUMN
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TRESTLE BOARD & SPECIAL EVVENTS
Nov 1 All Saints Day
Nov 2 Election Day
Nov 11 Veterans Day
Nov 12 Stated Meeting
Nov 25 Thanksgiving
Nov 26 Special Meeting
Dec 9 Hanukkah
Dec 10 Stated Meeting
Smorgasbord
Dec 24 Christmas Eve
Dec 25 Christmas Day
Dec 31 New Years Eve
Jan 1 New Years Day
FROM THE EAST
Greetings Brethren
Took a short vacation, went to Florida for a week. Looked up old friends and
had a great time. Ken and Pattie Lindgren, John Valencik and Hoshie extend their
greetings. Was treated like a King.
Being a Mason provides such amenities; you are never alone, regardless how far
from home.
Made it back in time for our October stated meeting.
We will be scheduling ritual practice sessions. Must maintain King Oscar’s
reputation for “excellent work!”
Holiday parties are coming up. Make sure you make reservations they are a must.
We look forward to your attendance and fellowship!
Have a GREAT time in all your endeavors and God bless.
Fratermally,
Bruce A. Polit
Worshipful Master
FROM THE NORTH & ELSEWHERE
107th INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
Sunday afternoon September 26, a beautiful warm fall afternoon, King Oscar held
its 107th installation of officers. One hundred and fifty individuals made reservations.
Preparations were made for that number. One hundred and seventy seven showed
up. Many arrived late causing unnecessary delay and confusion.
Physical facilities, procurement of food, its preparation and scheduled serving
time are predicated upon reservations made by the announced deadline. Guests
are expected to arrive prior to the start of the event.
To prevent a recurrence, in the future, only those with reservations will be
admitted and seated.
A “stand by” group may be formed, in the sequence of arrival, in
hope that someone with reservations becomes a “no show.” There is
absolutely no assurance a “stand by” will be seated.
A word to the wise - make reservations by the announced deadline.
Consider a moment, YOU prepare for eight guests in YOUR home, twelve arrive,
it is the VERY SAME THING - BUT IT COSTS THE LODGE MUCH, MUCH MORE. ENOUGH SAID!
WWW - WISE WORDS OF WISDOM
Whatever you would have your children become, strive to exhibit in your own
lives and conversation. Lydia Sigourney (1791- 1865) Poet
The undertaking of new action brings new strength. Evenius (42BC – 13AD)
Writer
It is not enough to get things done; they must be done right. Arthur Hadley
(1856-1930) Educator
When a man blames others for his failures, it’s a good idea to credit
others with his successes. Hoeward Newton
No labor, however humble, is dishonoring. The Talmud
It takes a long time to learn simplicity. Lous Malle ((1932-19950 Film Director
The only fool bigger than the person who knows it all is the person who argues
with him. John Hazard
Understanding is great when you use it. Anon.
WELTERS WELL OF WORTHWHILE WORLD WIDE MASONIC
TRIVIA
Winnedumah Lodge #287 of Bishop Ca. holds its meetings at 270 feet below sea
level, the lowest lodge in North America.
In 1779, Barton Lodge in Upper Canada accepted “good merchantable wheat”
in payment of lodge dues.
In 1892, the tallest building in the world was the Masonic Temple at State and
Randolph Street, Chicago, Il.
Theodore Parvin was Grand secretary for Iowa from 1844to 1901 except for 1852,
when he was Grand master.
William Heskreth Lever Lodge # 2916, England was the only lodge named for a
non-Mason, the first Viscount of Leverhuim (the soap manufacture).
Frank again THANKS!
LEST WE MIGHT FORGET - KING OSCAR HISTORY
1990and 1991 Mel Jorgensen and Joseph Rosch served as Masters. . During this
time, Presidents Bush and Gorbachev signed the first nuclear arms reduction
treaty.
Joe Botko was the Master in 1992. He always said, “I can’t understand
how fast the time passed from my entering the line until I took over from Mel.”
During Joe’s year Presidents Bush and Yeltsin announced the end of the
cold war. Worshipful brother Charles Strobel was officially appointed correspondent
and presented with the jewel of his office.
“Old Eagle Eye” Strobel has discovered a few errors in the “
King Oscar Centenary Celebration” booklet from which the above information
was taken. If you wish to correct yours:
(1) Thure Carlson was master in 1974, not 1973 as written in the chronology
listing of events
(2) John Nelson was master in 1975
(3) Sidney Peterson was Master in 1978
(4) Robert Morris was Master in 1988 not Robert Marchi as written
(5) Russell Rynerson was treasurer from 1972 thru 1984
(6) John Kessler was treasurer from 1985 thru 1989
In correcting your copy, should you discover some additional discrepancies missed
by “Old eagle eye” let us know. Doubt that will occur!
EPHESIANS 5:11, INCORPORATED
During the annual session of the Scottish Rite NMJ Supreme Council, in Milwaukee
in late September, an anti-Masonic organization by the above name, outside the
meeting headquarters, passed out flyers titled “The Fatherhood of God
- The Brotherhood of Man.” The cover bore the square and compasses symbol.
It referees to monitors from the jurisdictions of Indiana, Kentucky and Louisiana
as well as from Mackey’s History of Freemasonry and Lynn Perkins The Meaning
of Masonry.
Some comments included in the pamphlet are: (1) “Masonry teaches there
is one God and men of all religions worship that one God using a variety of
names.” (2) “The true Mason is not creed-bound.” (3) “If
you are a Mason, you have one choice to make. You can continue to embrace the
teachings of Masonry and spend eternity in Hell.” (4) “After a cursory
examination, it is clear that Freemasonry is decidedly unbiblical and anti-Christian.”
(5) “The Bible identifies who may become children of God” (following
this statement are references to the New Testament’s Book of John).
Statement (1) is true (Freemasonry believes in the true universality of one
God), that is the reason it is so inviting to many. (The intent of their phraseology
is demeaning our fraternity). (2) Is accurate relative to a “specific
denominational creed” (of which there are many, all of which “nit
pick” as to whose interpretation is the true one). Freemasons must “Believe
in God.” If that was considered a creed, there is certainly nothing to
“nit pick!”
(3) & (4) are absolutely untrue.
Ephesians 5:11, Incorporated’s interpretation of (5) the Book of John,
Chapter 14 verse 6 would have you believe - ONLY a Christian qualifies for entry
into heaven, where are all non-Christians destined, they want you believe HELL
- do you?
I am reminded of when I was a very young man of 23, before I became a Mason
at 32, while taking adult instruction to become a Missouri Synod Lutheran. The
pastor spent two three hour sessions, telling us, in essence, we could not profess
two creeds, one for Masonry and one for the church as they weren’t compatible.
Masonry professes no religious creed.
Have to give the pastor credit; he didn’t indicate we were “headed
straight to Hell!”
Incidentally “Ephesians, 5:11 Incorporated” headquarters are in
Fishers, Indiana, a small community located a bit north of Indianapolis.
Ephesians 5:11, as written in “The Everyday Bible” published by
Guideposts reads: “Have nothing to do with the things done in darkness,
which are not worth anything. But show that they are wrong.”
We do not exist in darkness; Our edifices proudly proclaim our being. So mote
it be!
.
HAS YOUR “NOK” BEEN ADVISED?
The following was taken from the Missouri Lodge of research latest bulletin.
“A couple of weeks ago, my daughter called and explained that a girl in
her office had recently read The de Vinci Code and that since she knew that
her (my daughter’s) dad was a Freemason, possibly he could help her with
what she should do with her Grandfather’s Masonic Apron. He had died several
years ago and that she had recently found the apron at her grandmothers.
“ It seemed simple to me at first. I would just tell her that Grandpa
should have been buried in that apron years ago, when he died. But on second
thought that wouldn’t solve the quandary for my daughter’s friend.
I wondered how many Masonic widows have to wrestle with this question every
year.
“In order to help our next of kin, “NOK,” prepare, each Freemason
needs to be aware of the proper disposal of their own Masonic Regalia upon their
death. Show you “NOK” where the apron is kept and that you want
it buried with you. This information should be shared with friends and especially
your lodge secretary.”
NOTE: Brother, have you done this? It is later than you might think. Remember
the Boy Scout motto: “Be Prepared,” So mote it be!
TEMPLE RENOVATION
The heating and air conditioning systems are installed and operative. Renovation
of the dining area is eighty percent finished awaiting painting and the addition
of some “niceties” (a few secret surprises, for the time being).
NOTE; Yours truly is very disappointed in the minuscule response of brethren
in “lending a hand” in the “renovation effort.” If it
wasn’t for a bare minimum of less than a “handful“ (“five”)
regular volunteers, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WOULD, AT THIS VERY MINUTE, BE ACCOMPLISHED!
SHAME, SHAME SHAME.
MASONIC SERVICE ASSOCIATION - “THE REST OF THE STORY”
In our September and October columns we related excerpts from a presentation
given by the executive secretary of MSA. Following is the conclusion of our
extractions.
“It is well known that Freemasonry was involved in the movement toward
public education. In many cases there were schools on the first floor and lodges
on the second floor. This is an example of the kind of contribution made by
our fraternity.
“It is a responsibility of the Masonic Service Association to provide
publications and information which enhance our understanding and knowledge of
Freemasonry. To put it poetically:
“The Masonic Service Association is the loom weaving the fabric - the
tapestry - of Masonic knowledge.”
NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS - A MONTH LATE?
Your aged correspondent became so involved recently in “forgetting”
birthdays he really slipped last month and didn’t even acknowledge those
born in “HIS” month of birth!
“Wake up, Chicken Hater!”
Fellow “Novemberites;” here we are, ONLY A MONTH LATE?
Claude B. Connett (1); Eugene C. Thorton (2); Robert W. Shrode, Robert W. Kapfhamer
(4); Martin S, Chew, Darwyne Croom (5); Christopher Steidinger Jr. (6); George
B. Weidinger, Christ P. Korbilas (7); James Clinton, James E. Morgan (8); Charles
DeLaRiva (9); Avelino Q. Rufo (10); Russell J. Kellner (13); Homer A. Guy, James
V. Nolan (14); Mellen A. Lindblad, Dennis A. Johanson (15); Jack L. Wherle (16);
James T. Chalikas, Robert Nelson (18); Rudolph Schulte (19); David A. Olver,
Douglas W. Reynolds (20); James W. Dunn (22); Rod C. Erickson, Paul J. Caldwell
(23); Earl G. Lohn (24); George C. F. Niemann, James A. Warneck, Harold W.Kearey
(27); Dan B. Houser (29); James R. Williams, Daniel A. Bixler, Eliot S. Echenoque,
Edward A. Rund, John F. Eichler (30).
Thirty-seven brethren, including GCFN, AED, were overlooked, obviously it wasn’t
intentional on my part, would never forget myself … … BUT I DID
‘TAINT ANY FUN BEING “THE” CHARTER MEMBER OF THE “SOCIETY
OF ADVANCED MATURE-ITES!”
GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU (“YOU ALL,” SHOULD YOU BE A SOUTHERNER), EVEN
THOUGH A MONTH - PLUS - LATE!
DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS
Forty-two of King Oscar brethren were whelped in December. Strange as it may
be, not one was whelped on Christmas. Santa and the Stork were most considerate;
none have to split Christmas and birthday on December 25th.
The lucky forty-two are: Fred E. Budinger (1); Richard B. Taman, William Spicer
(2); Abbas Ghajarieh, Roy M. Schmidt, Prudencio M. Alban Jr., Russell W. Holmquist
Jr. (3); William G. Kroening (4)); George J. Petersen (5); John B. Kenny (7);
Ronald C. Gubrud, Henry C. Sanderson, Paul H. Heck (8); John F. Valentine (9);
William W. Wagner, Mark S. Perkins, Reuben A. Erickson (10); Kent R. Greenholt,
Norman O. Marose Sr., Joseph F. Tunno (11); Timothy O. Reed (12); Richard T.
Abbott (13); Elwood L. Danielson, Henry D. Hoppe (14); Alexander G. Soraich
(15); Hartnell M. Strom, William Emrich (16); Joseph T. Wachowski (17); Philip
A. Huske, Ralph E. Anderson, Claude J. Bird (18); Harold C. Johnson, Homer U.
Hughes (19); Edward A. Petersen, Arthur K. Knudsen, Nicholas Dakof (22); Bertil
S. Bohrnell, Arvid O. Johnson (23); Jesus Velez (24); Roger E. Elmer (27); Bryholf
E. Brage (28); Harland W. Oates (30).
Brethren Merry Christmas and a Happy 2005, God bless!
SICKNESS & DISTRESS
Bill Bissen is back home “batching” and doing quite well, getting
his “feistiness” back, so my operatives report. Bill, hang in there,
God bless!
Randy and Pam Becker are no longer in the home at Paxton. Understand they are
planning to again become residents of Illinois as soon as arrangements can be
finalized.
Randy and Pam: “you can’t keep a good couple down!” So mote
it be!
Rick Taman is “on the road again” delivering ritual as “only
Rick can vocalize.” He is the only brother who causes me to “reduce
the volume settings on my hearing aides.” The batteries live longer when
Rick is articulating,
Jimmy Dakoff is recovering quite rapidly from knee surgery. His “square
corners” are nearly ninety-degree body movements (including his feet).
Good going, Jimmy!
NOTE: Remember, if YOU know of a brother ill or in need, PLEASE contact us.
The masthead indicates where we can be reached.
OBITUARY
Brother Howard L. Siebert was born March 10, 1918 in Chicago, Illinois. He was
initiated June 15, 1950, passed August 17, 1950 and raised September 14, 1950.
He passed this life June 6, 2004, having been a Master Mason nearly 54 years.
He now sits at the right hand of the Grand Master of the Universe.
Thus endeth the record of a just and upright Mason. May his soul rest in peace.
CLOSING
Now that the varied tinted leaves are or have, departed to where varied tinted
leaves go following their beautification of the landscape, we can expect the
ravages of winter. Snow, ice, slick driving surfaces, more delayed traffic jams,
fender benders and all that sort of “stuff.”
On the other hand we have the holiday season for which to look forward. Family
gatherings, over eating, gift exchanges, aunts, uncles, cousins, grand parents,
grand kids, great grand children and, hopefully pleasant remembrances of our
youth.
In spite of the troubles of the universe,
“Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
“Count your many blessings, see what God has done.”
That is, as I recall, the way the old Sunday school hymn read.
We are, for certain, absolutely the most fortunate and lucky people in existence.
Let us ever keep this in mind!
Thank the Almighty and our forefathers for our heritage - these
United States of America.
Be grateful also - many of those forefathers were FREEMASONS!
Until next month,
Whispering George C. F.
a.k.a. “chicken hater”