| Los Altos Lodge No. 712: | Last Updated on March 17, 2004 |
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By the time the brethren cast their eyes on this Trestleboard, it will be spring. Already in our fair part of the world the trees are in bloom and flowers are busting out all over. Soon we will return to Daylight Saving Time and forego one hour of sleep. The extra daylight allowing more time to enjoy this beautiful time of year.
This period in our calendar also marks some of western religions most holy days. I think that we Masons should consider it a time for us to remember our commitment to the Craft. Lets support our Masonic obligation by sending our donations to the Grand Lodge. We can now send our donations to one central organization, 'The Office of Philanthropy'. See the end of my article for address. Remember "... if I have not Charity it Profiteth me nothing".
At the March stated meeting we Installed three of our officers, Kermit Williams as Chaplain, Flemming Nielsen as Treasurer and Earl Gault as Tiler. Congratulations and Thank You for serving. It was the official changing of the Treasurers position. Sterling Bailey our sterling treasurer for the past eleven years expressed how much he would miss not having his treasurer duties. He promised to continue to come to lodge and help out as needed. Thank You Sterling and we will be needing your assistance as the transition progresses.
Our brothers should all know by now that Sterling is the official Historian of the Lodge. With his pending move to the Masonic Home, he has been turning over to the lodge all his historic files. I am looking for a volunteer that will help archive this data and generate a catalogue for future reference. Sterling has donated a filing cabinet in which to store the archives. Please contact me if you feel that this is a task you can volunteer and do for your lodge.
As you can see on the cover page we have two degrees pending. Brethren your participation is welcome and desired. Please come and support the degree team in these degrees. There will be a 3rd degree on the 29th of March and a 1st degree on April 19th.
Let me address the elevator fund. I would like to see the elevator started this year. The fund status as depicted in this trestleboard shows that we have more than one third of the expected required funds. It would greatly benefit the lodge if the needed financing were to be obtained during this period of low interest rates. I have held conversations with several brother that are willing to enter into low rate financing towards the construction of the elevator. With the committed financing there is close to 3/4 of the funds estimated towards the cost of building the elevator. Any brethren interested in entering into the financing aspect should let me know and I will bring it to the attention of LAMTA. BRETHREN lets join in and get this project started this year.
Last years Grand Lodge approved the changing of lodge By-Laws to allow a variable dues structure. The dues would be comprised of a fixed lodge dues amount and the Grand Lodge per capita, which changes from year to year. I would like to designate a committee to make recommendations to the lodge on changing our dues structure. Brothers interested in serving on this committee should contact me. A committee can generate a report that will inform all the brethren of the pros and cons of having the variable dues structure.
I recently received an email for Mrs. Jana Black, she is the daughter of a deceased brothers. He was a member back in the 1970's. His name was Allen Arthur McPherson. From her letter she informs me that her family masonic roots may go back generations to London, England. We have responded to her request as best we can, but if any brother remembers her father and knows anything about the family history, she would very much appreciated the information. All I have is her email address which is [snip].
Fraternally
Ernest Castillo, Master
Remember you now send your donations directly to:
OFFICE OF PHILANTHROPY
1111 California Street
San Francisco CA. 94108
Well here we are approaching our April Stated Meeting. As many of you already know I have been in and out of the VA hospital since last November. In early December I came down with the flu for about a week. I was much better during the December holidays and even attended several installations. In January the day following our own installation, I came down with another bout of the flu and was rushed into the ER at the Palo Alto VA Hospital. They examined me, took some x-rays, and decided to admit me. The x-rays showed a spot on my right lung and for a long time it was touch and go. On the afternoon of our March stated meeting however, the doctor called me and told me that I did not have cancer. The spot turned out to be pneumonia and was something left over from the flu. In any case I am fine now, although I still seem to tire very quickly. The main thing is that I will be able to continue my work as Senior Warden the rest of the year.
When talking to non-Masons I am often asked, "What do Freemasons do?" Of course this is a legitimate question, but a more appropriate question could be, "What does Freemasonry accomplish?"
It occurred to me Freemasonry has accomplished the establishment of a basic foundation, upon which the Western World has built the edifice of civilized community.
This has become evident over many years, and in many ways, but perhaps one of the more interesting examples, can be found in the numerous contributions by Freemasons to the establishment of our country as the worlds foremost example of desired civilization. No other country is so sought after by hopeful immigrants, as is our fair land. Ours, thanks to our forefathers is by comparison truly "...a land flowing with milk and honey."
One example of these Masonic contributions was celebrated during a Grand Masonic event, which took place in Monterey California back in July of 1996. The event was a grand gathering of California Freemasons in celebration of the Sesquicentennial Anniversary of the landing of the U.S. Navy under the command of Commodore John Sloat at Monterey in the year 1846.
That august gathering of California Freemasons under the leadership of Grand Master Charles Alexander was in recognition of the high Masonic principles exercised by Brother Sloat during his 1846 adventure.
I shall always be humbled by the memory of his genteel but firm actions during the accomplishment of his military duties of occupation. The 1846 event opened a new "West Coast Front" of the Mexican American War, which was then destined to continue to its official conclusion in 1848.
~ A Leisure Stroll Through A Sleepy Town ~
If we were returned in time to the California of 1846, we would find the tiny village of Monterey a sleepy coastal town, where the afternoon siesta was the accepted ritual of the social day. The dusty unpaved streets were no more than very few, and while this was the Mexican Capitol of Alta California, by today's standards the title "village" would be nothing less than an exaggeration.
~ A Time For Duty, Honor, Country ~
It was in 1823 that Congress adopted the famed "Monroe Doctrine" and thereby set the stage for the United States naval landing at Monterey on July 7, 1846. This document addressed the urgent problem of vast land acquisitions by the"European Powers" of the day. The situation was of such importance, that in his inauguration speech of March 4, 1845, Brother, President James K. Polk staunchly proclaimed that it was his" ...duty to assert and maintain by all constitutional means the right of the United States to that portion of our territory which lies beyond the Rocky Mountains."
Then just nine months later the situation had advanced to a point of urgency causing President Polk in his famous address to Congress on December 2nd to eloquently express his interpretation of the 1823 Monroe Doctrine, when he gave birth to his now famous 1845 Manifest Destiny. Therein he declared,"...no further European colony or dominion shall without our consent be planted or established on any part of the North American Continent." It was in fact his direct intent to target those Western Territories west of the Rocky Mountains. Therefore, it was established that this young nation put on notice all nations, but especially those European nations of threat.
Thus came Monterey, (At the time Mexico's principal seat of government in Alta California, as well as its premier economic port, and trade capital) onto the center stage of history to serve as a cornerstone of acquisition, and the preview of Californian settlement.
During this period of time Masonry lived and breathed the clean, clear air of service to our young, and as yet fledgling republic. Its halls of administration sponsored the atmosphere of deliberation during working hours, while critically important support was found through brotherly love at an evening lodge event.
The Masonic lodge of the day was an important civic institution, and fathered numerous public servants. To mention but a few besides President Polk, we must include such great patriots as Brother James Buchanan who served as President Polk's Secretary of State from 1845 to 1849 and as the 15th President in his own right from 1857 to 1861. Other brethren were busy serving their country as members of the Supreme Court of the day. These included Joseph Story, 1812 to 1845, John McLean, 1830 to 1861, Henry Baldwin, 1830 to 1844, John Catron, 1837 to 1865, and Samuel Nelson, 1845 to 1872.
Because of limited space I will continue this dissertation on "What does Freemasonry accomplish?" in my article next month. I hope you will join me here at that time.
Fraternally,
Brother Luis J. Orozco, II
Senior Warden
Greetings to all my brothers and friends.
Well, it looks like April is stacking up to be another banner month for LA 712. We'll have our stated meeting dinner on the 5th, and a First Degree on the 19th. It really is great to see that we have so many degrees to put on. I know I find degree work the most fun and my fondest memories are all around my three degrees, even though they were almost 25 years ago.
Many people have commented that last month's article was, well to say it bluntly, confusing. Funny, it was perfectly clear to me when I wrote it. But then I do think in abstract ways sometimes. Let's see if I can state it in an easier to understand vain.
As we attempt to present Freemasonry to the public in a positive light, it is essential that we make sure that we, all of us, adhere to the precepts that our fraternity is based on. So, I proposed that we look internally at ourselves and at one another before going externally in presenting ourselves to the public.
It is my feeling that society has come to a point where individual focus is most important and that 'winning' is everything. As such, we loose sight of the big picture of Freemasonry as a whole. This leads to increased conflict and disharmony within the lodge. But Masonry teaches us that within our lodge, peace and harmony should prevail. So, by becoming overly focused on our own desires and preferences, we create an atmosphere that is opposite of what we actually state that we stand for and hold most dear.
I am as guilty as anyone in this pursuit to be 'Right'. And given most of the discord I have been witness to or been part of, I can honestly say that the struggle is more about making sure that an individual opinion prevails, rather than what is good for the lodge or Freemasonry.
So, my recommendation is simple. When conflict starts, we should all take a look at the issue, and then our motivations around that issue. If we can set aside our own biases, preferences and opinions just long enough to look at what is good for the lodge and fraternity as a whole, then we might find that other solutions are feasible, and that our own views may not be the only option. This is the spirit of compromise. This does not discount anyone's opinions, but merely serves as a boundary to short cut the conflict we all to often experience. By taking this step, we may return peace and harmony to the lodge and truly adhere to the principles that we stand for.
I hope this is a clearer explanation to my feelings and I apologize for any confusion my article last month may have caused. But on a positive note, I am now absolutely sure that you are reading the Trestleboard.
That's all from the South. Have a very special April and I hope to see you all in lodge.
Fraternally,
Jim
Junior Warden
The pending rules for this fund were finalized at our las LAMTA meeting. The will be sent to Grand Lodge for review prior to being distributed to donors. There is no change this month but we will keep you informed of our progress.
Goal $300,000; Current amount in fund $119,000; amount needed to start $187,000.
We are still entertaining donations and or ideas for proceeding. Donations can be sent to the Lodge or to LAMTA. ed
On Saturday March 27, our Valley Star Chapter is sponsoring their Annual BBQ. It will be in the Lodge Dinning Room from Noon to 2 PM. Tickets are $7. Support our OES Chapter. Contact the Master for tickets.
Brethren, as we all know, Sterling and Virginia Bailey are expect to move to the Masonic Home within a few months. For those that are not aware, Sterling is our lodge historian and has accumulated many documents in his fifty plus years. He has been transferring much of this material to the lodge and we are looking for a volunteer to catalog the material and organize it so that the lodge will have easy access to historic information. Anyone interested should contact the Master.
APRIL STATED MEETING ENTERTAINMENT
The South Bay Storytellers and Listeners will share their tales of truth and lies with the ladies after the April Stated Meeting dinner. The storytellers include Cowboy Poet Bob Pearl and "California Gold" Laurie Pines. Bob might tell a tale about an "outlaw" horse by Cowboy Poet Curly Fletcher that begins "Wolves, and panthers, and grizzlies, centipedes, tarantulas, and such, scorpions, snakes and bad whiskey...compared to him wasn't much" Will Laurie tell of her adventures in Africa, the Philippines or as a congressional scholar? Maybe she'll enlighten us about how to handle the DMV or high school math students. Come and hear stories that are as Mark Twain might say are "truthful in their essential particulars."
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