TRESTLEBOARD
Master's Message
Sunshine
Grand Lodge Message
May 2008
MONDAY, MAY 5, 2008
HALL ASSOCIATION MEETING: 7:00 PM
TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2008
DINNER: 6:30 PM
STATED MEETING: 7:30 PM
INSPECTOR'S OFFICIAL VISIT
OFFICERS DRESS, TUX; ALL OTHERS COAT & TIE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2008
THIRD DEGREE CONFERRAL: 7:00 PM
DINNER PRECEEDING DEGREE 6:00 PM
OFFICERS DRESS, TUX; ALL OTHERS COAT & TIE
TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2008
THIRD DEGREE CONFERRAL: 7:00 PM
DINNER PRECEEDING DEGREE 6:00 PM
OFFICERS DRESS, TUX; ALL OTHERS COAT & TIE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2008
SECOND DEGREE CONFERRAL: 7:00 PM
DINNER PRECEEDING DEGREE AT 6:00 PM
OFFICERS DRESS, TUX; ALL OTHERS COAT & TIE
TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2008
THIRD DEGREE CONFERRAL: 7:00 PM
DINNER PRECEEDING DEGREE AT 6:00 PM
OFFICERS DRESS, TUX; ALL OTHERS COAT & TIE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 2008
SCHOOL OF INSTRUCTION: 6:15 PM
SECOND DEGREE, ADVANCED STATIONS
CALIFORNIA NO. 1, HOST
BROTHERHOOD MASONIC CENTER
OFFICERS DRESS: CASUAL
FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2008
MYSTERY TRIP: 3:45 PM
BUS LEAVES SCOTTISH RITE CENTER
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, MAY 24 & 25, 2008
CHILD ID PROGRAM AT THE CARNAVAL FESTIVAL
HARRISON STREET, SAN FRANCISCO
BOOTH LOCATION TO BE ANNOUNCED
TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
SECOND DEGREE CONFERRAL: 7:00 PM
DINNER PRECEEDING DEGREE 6:00 PM
OFFICERS DRESS, TUX; ALL OTHERS COAT & TIE
NOTE: WEDNESDAY DEGREES SCHEDULED BY WORSHIPFUL
MASTER
Master's Message
Trestleboard
Sunshine
Grand Lodge Message
Brethren and Friends:
I am thrilled to report that Mission Lodge No. 169 is experiencing a surge in applications
and membership inquires. At the last Stated Meeting the lodge received four new applications for degrees. We hosted
10 visitors at our Mexican dinner who were interested in learning more about Freemasonry. While many lodges are
reporting similar increases in applications, I attribute much of our recent surge in applications to the efforts
of our new Membership Committee Chairman, Bruce McKelvie, PM.
He has been working with our Secretary and responding promptly to requests for more information about our great
fraternity. Once a person visits Mission Lodge and enjoys the friendly atmosphere of our members and their wives,
they are moved to apply for membership.
As a result of the many applications, I have decided to start having degrees on Wednesdays for May and June to
help reduce the backlog of degrees. For May, we have plans for at least two second degrees and three third degrees.
In June we expect to have four first degrees (depending on the reports of the investigation committees) and a third
degree, plus other degrees based on the candidate's upcoming proficiencies.
Our Hall Association has been very busy lately. They have been reviewing plans for a remodel of the men's bathroom,
and at their last meeting, in response to the complaints of the coldness of the main lodge room this last winter,
they authorized the replacement of the heating and ventilation system that had been out of service for some time.
We are looking forward to this month's Mystery Trip on Friday May 23, hosted by Brother Joe Castelli. It was another
sell-out. On the weekend following the Mystery Trip, for May 24 and 25, Mission Lodge will again be hosting a Child
ID program at the annual Carnaval Festival on Harrison Street in San Francisco. This will be our sixth year at
the festival. Our new chairman, Brother Dennis Menikheim, will try to get us back-to-back booths so that we can
cover both sides of the street and reduce the wait for the ID process. Last year we were able to do around 650
kids over the weekend. IMPORTANT. Please talk to Dennis about helping out on one of the days. See the enclosed
flyer for more information. Please note that because of the Mystery Trip there will be
no end of the month dinner instead there will be a second degree.
This last month I was absent for several meetings due to a fall in front of my house, a viral infection and some
surgery. I was very disappointed to miss the meetings and visiting with the members and their families. I hope
and pray that this series of bad luck and illness is over for now.
A. James Nikas, P.M. Worshipful Master 
From the West...
This month, from May 16 to 18 will be the Senior Wardens Retreat to be held in San Ramon for
those attending the Northern California location. The Deputy Grand Master Larry Adamson, who will be the Grand
Master next year, has strongly encouraged attendance. In his letter to Senior Wardens, he stated that the curriculum
this year was developed to provide the most advanced concepts in organizational leadership. He further stated
that it is no longer centered on management tasks. The retreat, he further stated, looks at building an understanding
to be a great leader. My wife, Florenda, and I will be attending the Retreat. I hope to learn and be equipped
with the necessary and helpful tools when I eventually assume the coveted Oriental chair next year.
Guillermo E. "Jun" Pariñas, Jr., Senior Warden 
From the South...
…Last fiscal year, 1,951 Entered Apprentices were initiated in California.
As for Mission Lodge, we too, have been attracted and consequently integrated into having new candidates. Our new
Membership Development Committee has been called from refreshment to labor, along with the prompt responsiveness
of our Secretary.
Though our long-term members are playing critical advisory roles, the newer members are motivated in executing
ideas and taking on leadership roles. As such, maintaining new member involvement in the lodge and Freemasonry
is critical to the future of the fraternity. Here are some of the factors how Mission has been vying with and how
we are growing:
A) Made Freemasonry accessible with a lodge web site that generates queries when someone searches
for Freemasonry in our area.
B) Responded to all email and phone queries, took time to explain the fraternity and answer questions.
C) Fostered a "friendly" and welcoming lodge culture.
D) Encouraged members to invite friends so they experience the culture of friendship and participation.
E) Got involved in community organizations.
GO MISSION!!
Arakel S. Derounian, P.M., Junior Warden
Coming Events for 2008
May 23, 2008 ------------------------------Mystery Trip
June 24, 2008 --------------- Philippine Cultural Night
July 13, 2008 -------------- Sunday Brunch & Musical
September 26-28, 2008 ----------------- Grand Lodge
Oct. 18-30, 2008 --------------- Mediterranean Cruise
November 15, 2008 ---------------- Fall Dinner Dance
December 13, 2008 ----------- Installation of Officers
Secretary's Message
A new membership roster is being assembled. It should be ready for publication
by MAY. Be sure to update me on any changes so our new roster can be as accurate as possible.
Dues Notices
Dues notices have been sent out to the members a little later this year due
to the voting on the "Alternative Dues Resolution" at the last Stated Meeting. This resolution failed
and dues remain at just $18.00 per year, the lowest in the state! The By-Laws of our Lodge require that dues shall
be paid in advance on the first day of January. (§19040 Article IX Section 1., of the California Masonic Code).
Please get your dues payment to the Secretary. Thank you.
Life Memberships
Purchase a Life Membership in Mission Lodge #169 and never have to remember to pay your dues again. The fee is
based on your age at the time you buy your life membership as follows:
Age 49 and under (21 x dues) = $378
Age 50 to 54 (19 X dues) = $342
Age 55 to 59 (17 X dues) = $306
Age 60 to 64 (14 X dues) = $252
Age 65 and over (11 X dues) = $198
Contact me if you wish to purchase a life membership.
Sunshine
Brother Fred Clodfelter is back
at the Masonic Home in Union City. He has been slowly recovering from his knee surgery. A. James Nikas, P.M., our Worshipful Master, continues
to have health problems. He missed a few meetings last month due some recent surgery. We were happy to see him
and his wife at the Mexican dinner at the end of April. Bill Roberts, P.M.
was admitted to the hospital for several days. He was found unconscious
in his home with low blood pressure and low blood sugar. He is home and back to normal now.
Dudley Westler, Marshal
Sunshine Committee
Trestleboard
Master's Message
Grand Lodge Messages
VW John L. Cooper, III has announced his retirement as Grand Secretary effective April 1, 2008.
The Grand Master, Richard W. Hopper, has appointed VW Allen L. Casalou, Assistant Grand Secretary, as his replacement.
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