| Los Altos Lodge No. 712: | Last Updated on January 22, 2004 |
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A sincere THANK YOU for all who attended the Installation of Officers on January 4, 2004. Also a THANK YOU to the ladies of the OES for the superb job in handling the dining room and kitchen. As “Yogi Berra’s” famous quote goes “It’s not over till it’s over.” As we go to press there are still a few more installations to take place.
I look forward to a busy year. There are four degrees pending and we have to get ourselves in order and start the ball rolling. As the butcher who backed in to the meat grinder and got a little behind in his work, so are we. Last year we had some late minute changes in the line and thus we are working hard to catch up. The brothers are diligently studying and we expect to be in full swing before next month. Our telephone committee will keep the brethren informed of the degree dates. I expect to have these settled at our next practice.
Being an election year, there will be much for the brothers not to talk about in lodge. We will keep busy with degrees, getting involved in our community and holding to our annual calendar. Our normal calendar of activities will keep us occupied starting with our annual scholarship award and little league sponsoring. I hope to expand on the community activities.
We expect to start off next month with the Superbowl party. On Presidents Day we hope to host our Crab Feed. Sharpen your weapons and come prepared to do battle with the mighty shell. Wor. Bill Malmstrom has taken on the job putting on this dinner and informs me that we will have pasta with the crab. At the end of the February we start Lent.
We hope to have a few visitations during the year. One I would like is a visit to the Masonic Home. As I recall, it was just over ten years ago when Los Altos confirmed a third degree at the Masonic Home. Perhaps we can do it again. Brethren let me know what you think of this idea? The officers will be busy planning and your suggestions are always welcome.
In this issue you will find a “Social Fund” document. This documents establishes a social fund for managing the expense of our dinners. I would like the brothers to review the document and attend lodge with their questions, suggestions and comments. We are always working on our dinner activities and would like your inputs and opinions.
It is incumbent on Masons to relieve the distressed. Brethren we are starting a new tax year, let us remember our obligation towards all mankind. Give as generously as you can. Remember our brethren and widows in the Masonic Home.
There appears no end to the situation in Iraq so I would like to close with the request that we remember all our servicemen serving in foreign countries in our prayers. Thank you.
Fraternally,
Ernest Casilo
Master
This month the second Friday falls on the 13th day of the month, and as such I am reminded of an interesting story in history, and an interesting tradition in Masonry. The Masonic tradition I refer to is that our lodges are “Erected to God, and dedicated to the Holy Saints John.” The question is, why to the Holy “Saints” John (plural) instead of singular? To answer this question we need to understand why and how certain important historical events took place.
"When de Molay retired that night, there was no way he could have known that just before the dawn of the next day an event would occur of such shattering dimensions that the date, Friday the Thirteenth, would live for centuries in the minds of millions as the unluckiest day of the year. And indeed it was for the Order of the Temple as Philip's troops descended on every Templar commandery over an area of one hundred and fifty thousand square miles to put fifteen thousand men into chains that had been made ready for them."
Jacques de Molay was the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar who was burned at the stake after being taken prisoner as described above. The above is a quote from Chapter 9, page 132, of the fascinating book entitled "Born In Blood" (ISBN 0-87131-602-1) and authored by Brother John J. Robinson. The actual date and year of the event was October 13, 1307 and the location was throughout France. In order to really understand why this was so daring and drastic an action you will really have to read the book. This is only one of many fabulous historical events and mysteries related to the Knights Templar. It is also interesting to note their origins, which seems veiled in mystery.
In 1070 C.E. a group of monks from the Calabria area in the toe of the Italian peninsula arrived in the vicinity of the Ardennes Forest in Northern France. One of their numbers is said to have been Peter The Hermit, famed throughout history as the principal instigator of the Crusades. He is also said to have been the personal tutor of Godfroi de Bouillon, duke of Lorraine and later in 1099, regent of the Kingdom of Jerusalem.
Because in the year 1070 the Italian peninsula was politically divided between the two Catholic seats of power, Rome and Constantinople, it was a place of constant turmoil. Some questions include: What kind of monks were these. Were they monks of the Roman Catholic Persuasion, the Eastern Orthodox, or the Arian Hearsay, Johnnites, Marcionites, Manichaens, Essenes, Gnostics, or for that matter Cathars? All these possibilities were quite real in that day and area.
In 325 CE Constantine had forced unification of the many Christian cults of that day into a single unit, which he named the “Holy Roman Catholic Church”. Catholic meaning “Universal”. The problem was however that all he really did was to force all cults except his underground. By 1070 many of them had begun open defiance, and of course the two main contenders for the religious power of Christendom was the Bishop of Rome, and the Bishop of Constantinople. In fact in 1070 the Italian peninsula was divided just below Rome between the two powers.
Of course many other questions beg to be answered. For example, we know the Monks in question came from the Calabria area (In the toe of the peninsula) but did they live there in the famous Monastic Caves of Calabria, or did they live in monasteries there? This would be very significant because it would directly bear on the type of monks they were, and what their belief structure was. This in turn is very important if one of their number was Peter the Hermit, because he directly influenced the very direction of European History, as a tutor of the later rulers of The Kingdom of Jerusalem. Did the Norman invasion of Italy have anything to do with the monk’s trip to France at that significant time?
Finally, since the area of Lorraine is so close to Normandy, did the rulers of these two influential areas conspire in any way regarding bringing all this about to begin with, and if so, why? This last question is even more interesting when we consider some of the known historical statements of the day.
According to The Medieval Sourcebook, Ekkehard of Aurach, "...a well-known German historian had completed a history of the world in the year 1101 when he determined to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. On his return he entirely rewrote the particulars of his history relating to the First Crusade, and finally issued it as a little separate volume called Hierosolymita. His work is regarded by historical scholars as remarkably painstaking and temperate."
This writer was a contemporary of the day, and he was very direct in stating who was originally involved in the First Crusade.
"While they were all under one king, Christ, the several peoples nevertheless were led by their several leaders, namely Godfrey of Lorraine and his brothers Baldwin and Eustace, Robert of Flanders, Robert of Normandy, Count Regimund of St. Gilles, Hugh, brother of King Philip of France, and other warriors of similar energy, rank, and bravery."
Robert of Normandy and Robert of Flanders were both of Viking decent and related by blood to William of Normandy, all of whom, were directly involved with Peter the Hermit.
It is also interesting that the years in which the original monks left Southern Italy were exactly those when the Viking invasion of that area took place. Could it have all been a coordinated effort by the Roman Church to take over Eastern Orthodox territory? If so, this might explain why the Knights Templar, whose leaders were tutored by Peter the Hermit from childhood, eventually took their original oath as is best explained on page 815 in the book "Morals and Dogma" by Albert Pike.
"In 1118, nine Knights Crusaders in the East, among whom were Geoffroi de Saint-Omer and Hugues de Payens, consecrated themselves to religion, and took an oath between the hands of the patriarch of Constantinople, a See always secretly or openly hostile to that of Rome from the time of Photius."
Then on page 817 we read; "The Johannites ascribed to Saint John the foundation of their Secret Church..."
We also read therein; "The Templars, like all other Secret Orders and Associations, had two doctrines, one concealed and reserved for the Masters, which was Johannism; the other public, which was the Roman Catholic. Thus they deceived the adversaries whom they sought to supplant. Therefore, it was established that the Templar Lodge dedication should be to "The Holy Saints John”.
Masonic Lodges are also “Dedicated to The Holy Saints John" in the plural, and not in the singular. Reference to this is also made in John Robinson's book "Born In Blood". Therein you will find much comment on the origins of Freemasonry, and I am sure a whole new avenue of investigation on the subject. Our "Gentle Craft" is by necessity composed in essence of seekers of knowledge.
In the bible we read, in Matthew Chapter III:
"1. In those days, came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea,
2. And saying, Repent ye: for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.
3. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his path straight."
This passage speaks of John the Baptist as though he were referenced by the prophet Isaiah, and it would be well for us to understand how powerful this would have been in the minds of the average person of that day and area. In many cases it was tantamount to saying he was the chosen one come from God to re-establish the House of David as God's Kingdom on Earth.
In hindsight those followers gathered by him are called Johannites, and are synonymous with those of Gnostic thought. In fact this in time became the principle subscription pattern of the Eastern Orthodox Church. There was also another John who was referenced as St. John the Evangelist, and who espoused a doctrine which differed from that of John the Baptist in many ways, and which eventually evolved into the basic doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church.
Because of the inherent differences betwixt the two avenues of thought, conflict arose, often to the point of open war.
This was the case in the age of the Crusades, and because of the need to unite in their efforts against the Moslem world, there needed a healing of some sort.
The secret order "Prieure de Sion" saw the Knights Templar as the agency best able to accomplish that goal, and when the time had come for the original Templars to be organized, it was accomplished covertly.
The Templars for reason were entitled, "The Poor Fellow-Soldiery of the Holy House of the Temple" and modeled themselves after the Warrior-Masons of Zorobabel, who are said to have worked, holding the sword in one hand, and the trowel in the other. Because of this model they adopted the Sword and the Trowel as their insignia and subsequently concealed themselves in organization as "Brethren Masons”. This title in the French becomes, "Freres Macons”, and is adopted by way of secret reference to the builders of the Second Temple. In time "Freres Macons" was corrupted in English and became Free-Masons, and today has become Freemasons.
Finally, I believe those original mystery monks who arrived in France in 1070, were indeed advocates of the Eastern Church and professors of Gnostic Johannism. As such they surely would have taught the young royal children of France that religious viewpoint. They had at least 25 years to accomplish this, indeed the youthful minds of the future kings of France were theirs to mould. The culmination and final open conflict between the East and West Catholic Churches ended on Friday October 13, 1307 with the death of Jacques de Molay, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar but even untiltoday our Masonic Lodges are “Erected to God, and dedicated to the Holy Saints John”.
So the next time you experience a “Friday the 13th”, you will have even more Masonic research to accomplish in your quest for more light.
Fraternally,
Brother Luis J. Orozco, II
Senior Warden
My brothers,
Well it’s a pleasure to be sitting officially in the South and there’s nothing but good things to report. We have the Stated Meeting dinner on the 2nd and the annual Crab Feed on the 16th. So be sure to mark your calendars for these two great events. Reservations are required, especially for the Crab Feed.
While I’m on the subject of dinners I have a reminder. Annual prepaid stated meeting dinner tickets are now being sold for this year. The cost is $100.00 for all 12 dinners. If you and your lady come regularly, then the lady’s ticket is only $80.00 more which is a steal. Both are great deals and it really helps us out (OK it really helps me, as Junior Warden). Even if you don’t make all the dinners, it works out cheaper for you and easier for us. And just think no more reservations to call in, no more having to remember, no more monthly payouts at the door. So get me a check ASAP made out to Los Altos Lodge #712 and I’ll do the rest.
As I promised last month, I’m working on my 3 year plan and my theme is “The Question of Balance”. How do we attract more members while not overloading ourselves which would result in the opposite effect? As a collector of Masonic antiquities, I’m am frequently scanning the web for rare and exciting items. The thing that strikes me most about our heritage is the public visibility we had in years gone by. Meetings that filled lodge rooms, convention parades that took up entire city blocks were the standard. Even into the 1960’s Masons had pavilions at world fairs. My fear is that we as Masons are now more a secret to the public than ever before. So as we move forward to once again shine our light far and wide, I will share with you a passage from Masonic book published in 1822. If we all aspire to these simple words than we all will make a start in everything we do. It was written as follows:
“Wherever we go, let the orphan cease to weep, and in the sound of our voice let the widow forget her sorrow. Let our presence at home be the constant felicity of our families. Let the integrity and affability of our conduct in the world be the subject of conversation to all those with whom we travel through life; and let charity and benevolence be the armorial bearings of our Masonic honours.”
That’s all from the South for now. May your February be spectacular.
Fraternally,
Jim Gable,
Junior Warden
(Due to the January trestleboard containing much needed information, the LAMTA report was omitted. ed)
2003 was a very active year for LAMTA. Besides the normal administration of the building, we embarked upon an elevator fund campaign. As was reported in a previous trestleboard, LAMTA would match all funds donated for the first $100, 000 donated.
Many brothers and members of the Eastern Star have participated with donations. We received exceptionally generous donations from Kermit and Vera Mae Willians and Bro. Gene Murname. To cap off the years activities towards the fund, Kermit and Vera Mae sponsored an open house, at their expense, with proceeds being matched by them and all going into the elevator fund. The result is that to date the fund is at $115,000.
LAMTA has also developed governing rules for this fund which will be sent to each donor with a corresponding certificate of acknowledgment. We only await Grand Lodge confirmation that what we have in process is correct. Hopefully this year we will move ahead with the elevator.
Our building has been fully rented throughout the year. Because of the economic turndown and a fairly high vacancy level in the local office space community we, at LAMTA have taken steps to retain our valued tenants.
This year LAMTA hopes to keep all the brethren better informed as to how our building is progressing. (EC LAMTA sec.)
The Social Fund of Los Altos Lodge No. 712, F. & A. M., is established in accordance with Section 21060 of the California Masonic Code, and is to be used exclusively for the purpose of providing dinners for the lodge, for which a charge shall be made. The sale of tickets for dinners shall be deemed to be "Funds collected by an officer, committee, or member of a Lodge from members of the Lodge for social purposes of the Lodge or its members....." as stated in the code. These funds, as stated by the code, "are received in trust as special funds and are not funds of a Lodge, and can only be used for the purpose for which the funds were collected....." - in this case, the purpose being the providing of dinners for lodge members and their guests.
The Social Fund may be used for the purchase of food and kitchen supplies, and related items. It may not be used for the purchase of alcoholic beverages of any kind.
In order for the Social Fund to be established, Los Altos Lodge No. 712 appropriates the amount of $ 2000.00 to be used to purchase food and related kitchen supplies. When the sale of tickets is sufficient, this amount shall be returned to the General Fund of the lodge, and thereafter the Social Fund shall operate on its own, outside of and separate from the funds of the lodge itself.
There shall be a uniform method of accounting for the monies received for and expended from the Social Fund, and the accounting period shall be the calendar year of January 1 through December 31. An accounting of this fund shall be made to the lodge on a quarterly basis at the Stated Meetings of January, April, July, and October. At the close of each calendar year any surplus in the fund (after return to the lodge of the initial amount appropriated to start the fund) shall be returned to the lodge. The Lodge may, by majority vote of the members present, allow the Social Fund to retain a stated amount as a "start-up" fund for the ensuing year. As with the initial "start-up" fund, this amount must be returned to the lodge as soon as the Social Fund is sufficient to carry itself during the year.
The Social Fund shall not be used for any other purpose than that of providing dinners for members and their friends. Should other projects require a similar fund, a separate fund shall be established for that purpose. The Social Fund shall not be used to furnish complimentary (free) refreshments for members or their friends, the latter being the function of the Refreshment Fund as set forth in Section 21090 of the California Masonic Code.
This fund is established and approved by a majority vote of the members present at a regular Stated Meeting of the Lodge. Any changes to the operation of the fund must be approved in the same manner.
Master _____________ Date______Secretary _______________
The Valley Star Chapter of the OES has informed me that Wor. Bill Malmstrom will be preparing the stated meeting dinners for this year. THANK YOU BILL.
In February we will have speaking for the Ladies Lowell Cordas. He will talk on Preparing for Spring Planting. The Ladies of the Sunnyvale Garden Club have been invited to attend the dinner. The Town Crier is to published a notice inviting the Los Altos residents to attend.
The Lodge will provide refreshments and cookies for all the guest that attend.
We will be holding our annual Superbowl party on February 1st. Bring a dish and share in the pot luck. The lodge will supply hot meats, (saussage, hot dogs, hamburgers) and beverages. We intenfd to get turkey and chicken meat products (perhaps a little pork but no beef.)
[The Dining Room is said in teh February TB calendar to open at 1:00 PM for the Party!]
A note of interest to all of you who love the performing arts. Our Brother, Harold Bain has been elected a member of the Board of Directors of the American Musical Theater of San Jose. The group performs at the Center for Performing Arts in San Jose. Any brethren interested in attending these musicals may contact Brother Hal for suggestions, information and recommendations.
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