| Los Altos Lodge No. 712: | Last Updated on April 28, 2003 |
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As I struggle with learning my ritual I came across the following quote
"Ceremony is the invention of wise men to keep fools at a distance." By Sir
Richard Steele.
I wonder how true this is? We as Masons are much involved in ritual and
ceremony. I find ritual and ceremony to be important in that it instills respect
and order to all our functions. Besides it allows each member to present himself
in a good light, display his personal character and attributes and improve his
confidence.
I regret that I did not join the fraternity out of college. I believe it would
have enhance what qualities I possessed, provided me with a better education in
rhetoric, improved my self esteem and in general made me better management
material. Our fraternity offers all young men this valuable opportunity. It is
something we should espouse to all young men.
Our ritual and ceremonies are there to provide us with character building tools
and methodology for serving as well as leading. As long as we don't lose sight
of their intent and the results they are supposed to produce, they will serve us
well. To some memorization comes easy, to others it is a chore. Regardless of
how it affects each of us, always remember it is a great asset.
We hope to have a good year. Let's see if we can bring in new young candidates.
Think of the wonderful opportunities our fraternity can provide. The degrees
also gives us old timers that needed mental activity to keep our minds in shape.
Fraternally,
Ernest Castillo, P. M.,
Senior Warden
Brother Bill Moller: Born November 16, 1922, Passed to the Grand Lodge above on
Sunday February 9, 2003.
Brother Bill was a member of Los Altos Lodge, and was a 32º member of the San
Jose Scottish Rite. At his passing, he was a patient in the Palo Alto VA
Hospital Hospice. For those of you who did not have the privilege of knowing
Brother Bill, he was a W.W.II veteran and served as a Captain in the old Army
Air Corps. His duties included serving as navigator on a B24 bomber on several
missions over Germany. During one of those missions, he and the entire crew had
to bail out over Germany when his plane crashed. It was then that he became a
POW. After the war, he remained in service, and in 1952 was assigned as a
fighter pilot. Later when his outfit was disbanded, he was assigned as a
helicopter pilot. There can be no question that he served his country very, very
well. Several weeks ago Brother Bill requested membership in the Masonic Knights
of Saint Andrew, and on Thursday January 16, 2003 at 3:30 PM, the Palo Alto VA
Chaplain's Office sponsored a special, and formal Masonic Knighting service for
him in the Palo Alto VA Hospital Chapel. At the time of the knighting service
the doctors assured us that he could not last more than a very few days,
"...Perhaps to the end of the week." Being knighted meant so much to him that he
lasted almost an additional month. He will be sorely missed by all.
As Masons, we often participate in Masonic memorial services for our brethren
after they have passed. This is one time we had a chance to honor a brother
Mason, as well as a brother veteran, before he passed. In his memory, perhaps in
future we could each visit or call our worthy distressed brethren while they are
still with us. Surely, Bill will look down with fondness each time we do.
A non-Masonic memorial service for Brother Bill will be held on Thursday
February 27, 11:00 AM at his home congregation, The Los Altos United Methodist
Church, which is located at the corner of Foothill and Magdalena in Los Altos.
Brother Bill is survived by his wife Janet.
Fraternally,
Luis Orozco, II, F.M.
Junior Warden
The following was obtained from John Runcie, PM. He in turn obtained it from Worshipful Bob Winter PM of Keith Lodge and felt it was appropriate for reprint.
"I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am a decisive element in this lodge. It is my personal approach that creates either a negative or positive climate within this Lodge; it is my mood that sets the precedent for my brethren.
As a Past Master, I possess a tremendous power to make a Master's life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal; in all situations it is my response that decides whether a crisis be alleviated or escalated and a Brother humiliated or dehumanized.
Which role of Past Master should I take?"
Notice to our 25 Year Masons ...
We have received the 25 Year Mason pins and a committee is busy preparing presentation certificates. Please stay tuned for future announcements regarding presentation dates. Our intention is to provide an annual Lodge event suitable for honoring your significant contributions to Masonry and Los Altos Lodge.
Brethren of Los Altos, we are planning a 1st° on Monday March 24. We plan on having dinner with our candidate at 6 PM at the Lodge. The dinner is a Dutch treat (each brother pays for his dinner only). Currently it is scheduled to be Chinese dinner at the Lodge building. Contact either Ernie Castillo (408) 564-7045, or the Lodge information and reservation at (650) 569-MASON (6276).
The following message is from Al Johnson, Master of Santa Clara Valley Daylight Lodge No. 844
Brethren of Los Altos Lodge No. 712. Your Master has afforded me the privilege of addressing you. I am Alvin Johnson, Master of "Santa Clara Valley Daylight Lodge #844". As our name implies, we are a Lodge that meets during the daytime instead of evenings. My message therefore is to those Brothers who may be working nights or those who find it difficult or impractical to attend Lodge at night. If these are reasons causing you to lose contact with your Masonic Brethren, we offer you the opportunity for Masonic fellowship during the daytime. We meet on the fourth Thursday of each month. Lunch begins at 11:00 AM followed by the Stated Meeting at 12:00 noon. Lodge practices are usually held on Thursdays, beginning at 10:00 AM ending at Noon. We meet at the Masonic Center, 2500 Masonic Drive, San Jose, on the hill just off Curtner Avenue. Please call any of the three Brethren listed below for additional information.
Fraternally,
Al Johnson, P.M., Master
Al Johnson, Master - (408) 847-0488
Lyle Bird, Senior Warden - (650) 962-9028
Dave Elgart, Secretary - (408) 867-3051
HOTLINE for Lodge Announcements and Events:
408-569-6276.
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