lead by example - grand lodge of texas

magazine

the

Official PublicatiOn Of the Grand lOdGe Of texas, a.f. & a.M.

Volume XVIIIIssue 3

Fall 2009

Lead By Example

174th Grand Communication Issue

Table of Contents

Page 1 .................................................................................................................Grand Master’s Message ........................................... Grand Master’s Calendar; Grand Lodge in the Senate ChambersPage 3 .....................................................................................................................................Masonic Rifle2009 Grand Annual Communication Section

Page 4 ...................................................................................................................... 2009 ResolutionsPage 5 .............................................................Statements of Availability - Grand Junior WardenPage 6 ......................................Statements of Availability - Committee on Work; Book SigningPage 7 .................... Statement of Availability - Library and Museum Board; Ladies ActivitiesPage 9 .......Statement of Availability - Masonic Home and School; Name Badge Order Form

Pages 10 and 11 ..............................................................................This is Texas Photo Contest ResultsPage 12 .....................................................................................................Message from Grand SecretaryInside Back Cover .............................................................................................. 2009 Merchandise SalesOutside Back Cover ...............................................................................Grand Master’s Texas Banquet

magazine

theVolume XVIII • Issue 3 • Fall 2009

On the Cover: The concourse in the Grand Lodge of Texas. Photo by Linda Sirkel, Waco Printing.

The Texas Mason Magazine is an official publication of The Grand Lodge of Texas A. F. & A. M. and is published three times a year for the members of Texas Lodges and other subscribers. Opinions expressed by the Editor and submitting writers do not necessarily reflect official positions of The Grand Lodge of Texas. Copyright 2009, by the Trustees of the Grand Lodge of Texas, all rights reserved.

PuBLiShErThe Trustees of The Grand Lodge of Texas

EdiTOrBenjamin Franklin Linduff

COPy EdiTOrClinton M. M. McKenzie

The Texas Mason Magazine encourages submission of articles and photographs of general interest to Masons in Texas, reserving the right to edit and use the articles and pictures as needs and policies dictate. News and articles from around the State will continue to be published in a web based format on The Grand Lodge of Texas website www.grandlodgeoftexas.org. Please continue to send your articles, Lodge events and news to the Editor of The Texas Mason Magazine. The preferred method of submission of articles is via email with an attached ms word document. If pictures accompany an article they should be submitted in a separate e-mail in JPEG format. All e-mailed submissions should be sent to

[email protected]. If you do not have e-mail, send your submissions to the Grand Lodge of Texas, Attn.: The Editor of The Texas Mason Magazine, P.O. Box 446, Waco, Texas 76703. All materials become property of the magazine and cannot be returned.

SuBSCriPTiOnS$6.00 per year U.S. and Canada, $15.00 for three years; $10.00 per year in foreign countries, $25.00 for three years

PErmiSSiOn TO rEPrinTPermission to reprint original articles appearing in The Texas Mason Magazine is granted to all recognized Masonic publications with credit to the author and/or The Texas Mason Magazine.

the texas Mason Magazine www.grandlodgeoftexas.org Fall 2009 • Page 1

GrAnd mASTEr’S mESSAGE Lead By Example

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…..” Charles Dickens’ words best describe the way I felt at the start of this year that is now quickly drawing to an end. It was “the best of times” because I was being afforded the opportunity to serve the Masons of Texas as their Grand Master for the upcoming year. I would have the honor that unfortunately only a few in our fraternity will receive. I felt a churning in my stomach, wondering if I would be able to meet the needs of the Masons of Texas. Was I capable of fulfilling the responsibilities and duties required of this office of service to each of you? It was then that I faced the challenging and daunting reality. It was also “the worst of times”, because the gravest economic crisis in decades was wreaking havoc with the citizens of the world, our Nation, our State, and with the Lodges and members of our fraternity. It was a crisis that called for cutting expenses in the Grand Lodge and subordinate Lodges throughout the State. As we have in the troubled times of the past we have risen to the challenge by working harder, and by working together. With the help of the Great Architect of the Universe; we have weathered what appears to be the worst part of the storm. Thanks to your prayers, hard work, sacrifices, and just plain grit, we are making the most of a bad situation. It appears that the worst of the recession is behind us, and that conditions are improving daily. I thank each of you from the bottom of my heart for your part in supporting your Lodge through these troubled times, and I thank those Lodges who were financially able to contribute to my appeal to assist the Grand Lodge during these difficult days. You responded to the challenge as Texas Masons have always done, freely sharing your time and finances to assist where it is needed. Because of your efforts, our great fraternity is continuing forward. Did I say forward? Yes, I did say forward. While we were suffering through the bad times, some very good things were also happening. The first of these was seeing the influx of men coming into our fraternity. All over the State, there is degree activity happening in a way we haven’t seen for many years, and the good news is that the majority of these new Masons are young men. They are young men who want to take an active role in the activities of the Lodge and help do charitable work for the benefit of their brothers and their communities. The second good thing was the passage of legislation that will remove all Masonic properties from all ad valorem taxes beginning with taxes for the year 2010. This will allow us to do a lot more charitable work and get us better known in our communities, instead of having to have fund raisers to pay the property taxes and nothing left for charity. My brothers, thank you for the opportunity to have been of service to you this year. Please continue to remember the major points I have dwelt upon all year: remember to “Lead by Example” and to “Replace Yourself”. By conducting yourself according to the teachings of our fraternity you will influence good men around you. This will make it very easy to be the top line signer on at least one petition each year. If we all do this, our fraternity will be at the highest number we have ever had in just a few short years. May God bless each of you and our beloved fraternity!

Sincerely and Fraternally,

W. David Counts, Jr.Grand Master

Photo by Roger Bell, Scotish Rite Hospital.

• Fall 2009 www.grandlodgeoftexas.org the texas Mason Magazine

DECEMBER 2009

11 Fri Official Visit Alamo Lodge #4412 Sat 100th Anniversary Dumas Lodge19 Sat Knights Templar Priests – Lubbock21 Mon 100th Anniversary Chandler Lodge

JANUARY 2010

1 Fri Celburne Lodge Breakfast2 Sat Buffalo Lodge 60 Year Award Presentation6 Wed El Paso Lodge Award Presentation7 Thurs Fairfield Lodge #103 Official Visit9 Sat AM Dallas York Rite Festival9 Sat PM Grand Master Banquet – Waco14 Thurs Empire Lodge Official Visit16 Sat AM Grand Master Conference – Houston16 Sat PM Grand Master Conference – Nacogdoches20 Wed Holland Lodge Official Visit22 Fri Valley Banquet23 Sat Grand Master Conference – Valley27 Wed M.W.& S. 30th District – Houston30 Sat Grand Master Conference – Dallas30 Sat Palestine 50 Year Presentation

FEBRUARY 2010

3-5 Wed-Fri Grand Lodge of Arkansas6 Sat Bloomburg 100th Anniversary11 Thurs DeSoto Lodge Official Visit19 Fri M.W. & S. Southeast Texas – Woodville20 Sat Houston York Rite Festival20 Sat Katy Lodge #108 Visit22 Mon 107th District Official Visit26 Fri 31st District Fish Fry27 Sat Grand Master Conference – Beaumont27 Sat Crawford Lodge Fish Fry

GrAnd mASTEr’S

CALEndAr(For updates or an annual

calendar of events, visit website)

Grand Lodge in the Seante Chambers

A Representation of The Grand Lodge of Texas was opened in the Senate Chambers of the Capital Building in Austin Texas on September 21, 2009. M:.W:. W. David Counts, Jr., Grand Master of Masons in Texas opened the representation for the purpose of conferring a Masters Degree upon Representative Harvey Hildebrand. The degree was conferred by University Lodge Number 1190, of Austin Texas. Brother G. Duane Anthony, of Bridge City Lodge Number 1345 was the conferring Master.

Above: The Senate ChamberAll photos courtesy of Don Comedy, Grand Photographer.

Right: Grand Master and Brother HildebrandBelow: Brother G. Duane Anthony, Conferring Master


MASONIC RIFLE

NOW ON DISPLAY IN THE GRAND LODGE LIBRARY & MUSEUM On August 21, 2009 the historic Ragains Masonic Rifle was presented to The Grand Lodge of Texas Library and Museum. The rifle, which had been passed down through many generations, was placed on permanent loan by the descendants of Bro. David Abraham Ragains. Charles Sterling and his wife Anita Cooper made the presentation on behalf of the family. Other descendants in attendance were John and Debra Regains and Luke E. Sterling Jr., P.M. Texas City Lodge No.1118. The Ragains Rifle is the best known surviving example of an elaborately decorated 19th Century “Masonic” firearm. Created in 1853, it is hand inlaid with over 21 symbols of Freemasonry. The rifle has been carefully restored to museum condition by gun maker and Grand Lodge Texas History Committee member Sam Whitley. For additional information on the history of the rifle, and photos of the rifle before, during and after the restoration process, please see the Texas History Section of the Grand Lodge of Texas website: http://www.grandlodgeoftexas.org/history-index.php

Photos (colockwise from top): Ragains Rifle; Presentation of rifle to Tom Guest by Charles Sterling, Example of Masonic inlays; Example of Masonic inlays; Example of Masonic inlays; Ragains Rifle on display at the Grand Lodge Library and Museum; Decendents of Ragains - front row: Luke E. Sterling Jr., P.M. Texas City Lodge No.1118, Anita Cooper (Charles Sterling’s wife - in orange), second row: John (thumb up) and Debra Regains

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Amend Arts. 218 & 219 to be filed by October 1 and not require changes to a Lodge’s By-Laws 1. approved by a previous Committee on By-Laws. (Louis Stephens).Adds to Art. 225a to recognize the National Association of Masonic Scouters. (Rex Lewis)2. Adds to Art. 225a to recognize the National Association of Masonic Scouters. (PGM Brian R. 3. Dodson).Amend Form 23a to permit Past Presidents to be regular members of a Masters, Wardens, and 4. Secretaries Associations. (Jerry L. Jones).Permit a newly elected Worshipful Master’s proficiency to be determined to the satisfaction of 5. his Lodge and not the Committee on Work or a District Instructor. (PGM Bob Waters).Amend Art. 32(b) to permit a restored Lodge to change its original chartered name after 36 6. months. (Floyd Trammell).Amend Art. 32(b) to permit a restored Lodge to change its original chartered name if approved 7. by the Grand Lodge. (Cliff Cameron).Amend Article 135 to require the Committee on Work to issue a lifetime certificate to 25-year 8. holders of B and C certificates. (Louis Stephens).Amend Art. 397 to permit no other Book of Faiths to be placed upon the Altar but the Holy 9. Bible. (S. Eddie Graham).Amend Art. 6a to record other related Masonic activities and a recitation pertaining to family, 10. business, professional, civic activities and to military service in Statements of Availability. (W. Vernon Burke).Require any Master Mason to report any compensation received from the Grand Lodge while 11. serving in an appointive or elective GL position, or on any GL committee, board, foundation, or associated body for consulting, legal, accounting, or professional services and require the GL Finance Committee to report it at the Grand Annual communication. (Harold Collum).Amend Art. 129 to require the Grand Lodge to adapt and recommend a cipher/code book 12. conforming to the Texas work to Texas Masons. (William Patrick).Amend Art. 163.5 to permit Lodges to not pay the $25 fee to the Texas Masonic Charities 13. Foundation for the Master Masons’ Degree. (John Wallace).Amend Art. 163 to give discretionary authority to GL Trustees to suspend per capita payments 14. to GL Charitable Activities. (David Dibrell).Amend Art. 318a to permit an Endowed Members to add to its value in increments of $100 or 15. multiples thereof. (W. Vernon Burke).Amend Art. 318a to permit the Endowed Member to take back his Endowed Membership (and 16. its original payment) if no distribution is made on the investment. (Clyde Caldwell).Amend Constitution to prohibit be adoption of any resolution, etc. in an ex post facto or 17. retroactive manner, and to hold null and void any current applications made in such a manner. (Cliff Cameron). Amend Constitution to decrease the MHS Board to five members; deletes Grand Master & DGM 18. from Board, and negating GSW & GJW from serving as interim members. (Russell Brown).Amends Constitution to eliminate proxy votes; making WM, SW, and JW of Lodge a member 19. of GL; establishes GL voting by members; adds that no members can cast more than one vote. (Larry Winkle).Amend Constitution to establish GL voting by members only; each Lodge WM and Wardens 20. will have one vote each if present but a proxy would have one vote for the Lodge if the WM and Wardens are absent; no member can have more than two votes. (PGM Leonard Harvey)

McLennan Chapter No. 639, Order of the Eastern Star will again serve a lunch on Friday, December 4, 2009 at the Eastern Star Temple, 1612 Columbus Ave., Waco, Texas. The meal will be served from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Transportation will be provided.

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GEOrGE GiLLESPiEJames F. Taylor Lodge no. 169 Raised – January 14, 1992 Worshipful Master – 2003 – 2004 Endowed Member – 1999 PLurAL And EndOWEd mEmBErShiPS Jim’s Bayou Lodge No. 491 – Worshipful Master – 1993 – 1994;

Life Member – 1993; Endowed Member – 1998 Little Cypress Lodge No. 1459 – Charter Member;

Endowed Member – 2001 GrAnd LOdGE OF TEXAS Esoteric “B” Certificate – 1995 District Deputy Grand Master – Masonic District 5 – 2004

JErry L. mArTinParsons Lodge no. 222 Raised – March 4, 1997 Worshipful Master – 2002 – 2003 Endowed Member – 1999 PLurAL And EndOWEd mEmBErShiPS Point Isabel Lodge No. 33 – Charter Member – 2007 Randolph Lodge No. 1268 – Endowed Member – 2006 Texas Lodge of Research Tranquility Lodge No. 2000 – Charter Member – 2000;

Endowed Member – 2007 GrAnd LOdGE OF TEXAS Esoteric “A” Certificate – 2006 – Present District Deputy Grand Master – Masonic District 35-B – 2008 Grand Orator – 2009 State Coordinator – 2009 Masonic Education and Service Committee – 2006 – Present Special Assignments Committee – Chairman – 2009 Grand Representative – Illinois – 2008 – Present Sam Houston Hall of Fame – 2007 Grand Master’s DDGM Training Team – 2009 Grand Master’s Family Convention Team – 2004 – 2005

WALTEr W. rOGErSBedias Lodge no. 651 Raised – May 27, 1978 Worshipful Master – 1980 – 1981; Secretary, 1986 – 1991; 2001 – 2005 Endowed Member – 1990 Golden Trowel – 2003 PLurAL And EndOWEd mEmBErShiPS Point Isabel Lodge No. 33 GrAnd LOdGE OF TEXAS Esoteric “A” Certificate 1979 – Present District Deputy Grand Master – Masonic District 29 – 1981 – 1982 Grand Orator – 2002 Grand Senior Deacon – 1999 Grand Junior Deacon – 1985 State Coordinator – 1989, 1999 Assistant State Coordinator – 1983, 1985, 1987 Committee on Work – 1988 – 1991 Special Assignments Committee – Chairman, 1986 – 1988 Purposes and Policies Committee – 2000 – 2006 Take Time to Read Committee – Chairman, 2001 – 2004;

Vice-Chairman, 2007 – Present Grand Representative – Connecticut – 1985 – Present William M. Beck Award – 1999 Sam Houston Hall of Fame – 1999

Statements of Availability – Grand Junior Warden

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WiLLiAm E. “BiLL” SESSumS, Sr.holland Lodge no. 1 Raised – December 30, 1970 Worshipful Master – 1999 – 2000 Life Member – 2000 Endowed Member – 1994 25 Year Service Award – 1995 Golden Trowel Award – 2004 PLurAL And EndOWEd mEmBErShiPS Sugar Land Lodge No. 1141 – Endowed Member Tranquility Lodge No. 2000 – Endowed Charter Member Texas Lodge of Research GrAnd LOdGE OF TEXAS District Instructor – Masonic District No. 30A – 2000 – 2004 Committee on Work – 2004 to Present Sam Houston Hall of Fame

G. duAnE AnThOnymadison Lodge no. 126 Raised – June 22, 1993 Worshipful Master – 1995 – 1996 Endowed Member – 1994 Funeral Master L.I.F.E. Instructor Take Time To Read Coordinator PLurAL mEmBErShiPS Brookshire Lodge No. 1066 – Life Member – 2009 Tolerance Lodge No. 1165 – Life Member – 2008 Bridge City Lodge No. 1345 – Life Member – 2006;

Golden Trowel Award - 2009 Tranquility Lodge No. 2000 – MemberGrAnd LOdGE OF TEXAS Esoteric “A” Certificate – 1996 - Present District Deputy Grand Master – Masonic District No. 25-A – 2003 District Instructor – Masonic District No. 25-A – 2004 – Present Grand Junior Deacon – 2006 Assistant State Coordinator – 2008 Area Coordinator – 2008 – Present Grand Master’s Planning Team – 2008, 2009 & 2010 By-Laws Committee – 2008 – Present; Chairman – 2009 Hurricane Disaster Relief Committee – 2008 – Present;

Chairman – 2008 – 2009 Grand Representative to Louisiana

Statements of Availability – Committee on Work

Book Signing – December 4th and 5th in the Grand Lodge LibrarySan Felipe Secrets Unveiled: Beauty, Strength and Wisdom in Colonial Texas

By Linda Berthelsen, Christopher Dalrymple, and Kathryn Berthelsen

Billed as “A book that opens new doors into the story of Colonial Texas…” photos show Masonic Symbolism, i.e. the all seeing eye, and a starry sky, on the upper floor of the historic San Felipe church, which stands on Constitution Square in Stephen F. Austin’s original first colony. The book gives many interesting biographies of the early settlers and visits many of the important early sites of the Republic. The book sales will

be a fund raiser with a portion going to the Library and Museum.

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OrViLLE L. O’nEiLLWhite rock Lodge no. 234 Raised – June 13, 1978 Worshipful Master – 1984-1985, 2001-2002 Endowed Member – 1990 Golden Trowel Award – 1994PLurAL mEmBErShiP Texas Lodge of Research – June 16, 1984 Riesel Lodge No. 835 – Life Member, 2007 M. Denton Stanford Lodge No. 594 – 2007 Point Isabel Lodge No. 33 – 2007 GrAnd LOdGE OF TEXAS District Deputy Grand Master – Masonic District No. 14-B, 1989 Grand Tiler – 2000 Grand Marshal – 2005 Grand Junior Warden – 2006-2007 Grand Senior Warden – 2007-2008 Deputy Grand Master – 2008-2009 Assistant State Coordinator – 1993, 1994 State Coordinator – 1995 Grand Master’s Planning Team – 2005 Credentials Committee No. 1 – 1992-1998, 2000-2002, Chairman, 1993,

1996, 2004 Credentials – 2005 – 2006 Grand Representative – Acre, Brazil, 1995 – 2008 Grand Lodge Library and Museum Board of Directors – 2005-2009

Statement of Availability – Board of Directors of the Grand Lodge Library and Museum

Ladies ActivitiesThursday, December 3 1:30 pm Pre-Opening Ceremonies 7:00 pm Grand Lodge Awards and Entertainment

Friday, December 49:00 am Coffee Honoring Mary Counts 10:00 am Bus Tour to Salado for shopping &

lunch at the Stage Coach Inn ($30) Hostess: Vi Griffin ____________________________

Tour of 2 Historic Homes and a Church ($20) ____________________________

Tour of Armstrong-Browning Museum and Mayborn Museum On the Baylor University campus ($20)

Saturday, December 59:00 am Coffee Honoring Roxie O’Neill10:00 am Special Entertainment for Ladies Only 2:00 am Installation of Officers of the Grand

Lodge of Texas

All Activities take place at the Grand Lodge Memorial Building, 715 Columbus Avenue, Waco, TX 76701. All tours depart from the 7th street entrance, lower level of the Grand Lodge Building. Transportation available for boarding 15 – 30 minutes prior to departure. Please check the tour for which you are registering and complete the following information. Make checks payable to the Grand Lodge of Texas. Detach and mail to P.O. Box 446, Waco, TX 76703 (Attention: Doris). Further information will be available at www.grandlodgeoftexas.org after October 1.

Ladies, please join us during the Grand Annual Communication in Waco, December 3 - 5, 2009.

As you can see from the schedule below, there is much to do and see in Waco.

Name ___________________________________

Email ___________________________________

Phone ___________________________________

□ Baylor Museums $20□ Historic Homes/Church $20□ Salado Dine/Shop $30

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W. dAVid COunTS, Jr.Orient Lodge no. 905 Raised – April 24, 1961 Worshipful Master – 1970; 2003; 2004 Endowed Member Building Committee Chairman – 1985 Golden Trowel Award – 1996 Twenty-Five Year Service Award Forty-Year Service Award Audit CommitteePLurAL And EndOWEd mEmBErShiPS Milam Lodge No. 11 – Endowed Member Tranquility Lodge No. 2000 – Endowed Member; Master of Ceremonies

– 2004; Junior Deacon – 2005; Junior Warden – 2009 Texas Lodge of Research -- Marshal - 2005GrAnd LOdGE OF TEXAS District Deputy Grand Master – Masonic District 91 – 1972 Legislative Tax Committee, Member -- 2001 Special Assignments Committee, Chairman – 2004 – 2005 Governmental Affairs Committee, Co-Chairman – 2004 – 2005 Membership Maintenance Committee, Vice-Chairman – 2004 – 2005 Insurance Advisory Committee, Vice-Chairman – 2004 – 2005 Sam Houston Hall of Fame, Member – 2003 Grand Orator – 2005 Grand Junior Warden – 2006 Grand Senior Warden – 2007 Deputy Grand Master – 2008 Grand Master - 2009 Briscoe Workshop Chairman, Area Q – 2004 – 2005; Chairman, Area J –

2005 Grand Master’s 2005 DDGM Training Team – 2004 Grand Master’s 2006 DDGM Training Team – 2005 Board of Directors of the Masonic Home and School – 2008 – Present;

Treasurer-2009

Statement of Availability – Board of Directors of the Masonic Home and School

Name Badges Now AvailableName badges are now being offered by the Grand Lodge of Texas for all Texas Masons, especially those who might not have access to a badge maker in their area. The badges, designed to easily slip onto the breast pocket of a suit or shirt, are available in two different styles - one for members and one for Past Master. The price for each badge is only $15.00, including tax and shipping.

Name Badge Order Form Please Print Legibly

______________________________________________Name

______________________________________________Lodge Name & Number

Check One: Square & Compass Past Master

______________________________________________Ship to Name

______________________________________________Address

__________________________________________City State Zip

__________________________________________Phone Number

Send all orders to:Clearview Printing, P.O. Box 1084, Midlothian, TX 76065

If ordering multiple badges, please include all information on a separate sheet. Make checks payable to “Grand Lodge of Texas.”


This is Texas “This is Texas” photo contest is now over. 68 entries were submitted, and the judges were very hard pressed to bring one photo to the top which states, without apology, “THIS IS TEXAS!” Pictures that relate to the Masonic Fraternity were encouraged, but Masonic reference was not necessary, and carried no weight in the judging. The contest was open to all Texas Masons or members of the Eastern Star in Texas. Photos from non-members were also displayed, but were not be included in the judging. Judges for this contest were W:. Don Comedy (Grand Photographer); Bro. Jerry Smith (Past Grand Photographer); Bro. J. Darrell Kirkley (professional videographer and photographer); Bro. Loyd Addy (Webmaster) of the Texas History Committee, and Bro. Dick Brown (Chairman) of the Texas History Committee.

Judging Criteria.Did the photos reflect the theme “This is Texas”? - some entries included scenery, buildings, people or • wildlife. The “This is Texas” theme was the first criteria used as a judging point.As this was a photo contest, the second criteria used: “Was the photo composed in an artistic manner?” • Many excellent photos were submitted, which added to the difficulty in judging.The third criteria used was the overall quality of the photo. Most photos were excellent in quality.•

FirsT Place

Photographer: Jason Rees, Secretary, Graham Lodge 20The boy in the middle is my son Jason Dean Rees. He was at a birthday party in March of 2007 in Washington County. My son loves to be a cowboy. He has competed in many bull calf rodeos and won champion in at least 5 times. He also rides in the Mutton Bustin and has won that also. He has what I think all Texans have… The Cowboy at Heart. Simple dreams for a more simple time.


runner-uPPhotographer: James Talbot, E.A.,

Morton Lodge No. 72 Camera: Nikon D50

This photograph was take early Friday morning the day after Thanksgiving. I was on my way back to Houston from Martinsville. It’s all about the light!

Honorable MenTions

Photographer: John C. Chamberlin, PM, Kerrville Lodge No. 697 This picture was taken with a Canon Power Shot A520 digital camera.In August of 2007 my wife and I were vacationing in Amarillo, Texas. We had decided to go in and eat at a Golden Corral Restaurant and as we were eating we looked out the window and saw a man and several boys and girls all riding single-file horseback through the parking lot. They stopped at one end of the lot where no cars were parked, backed their horses up, hobbled their front legs so they would not wander off, and came in and sat down to eat. When my wife and I finished eating, I went outside to the car, got my camera, and took this picture.

Photographer: Paul D. Underwood, PM, Johnson City Lodge # 561, 2009 DDGM, District 52. Taken: November 24, 2006, On US Highway 277 south of Abilene headed

to San Angelo, with a Canon VSL EOS D30 digital camera.I was driving south out of Abilene headed to San Angelo on US Highway 277 at sunset when

my wife Becky and I came upon this scene and stopped and took the picture. Along with the beautiful Texas sunset, we were intrigued with the scene of old and new wind technology all in

the same scene. It was as if we were witnessing the end of one era of wind harnessing and the beginning of the new era.

Photo by: Greg Guest, Chalk Mountain Lodge No. 894. Camera:Nikon Coolpix S52C, July 28, 2008Luckenbach, Texas

Photographer: Dylan T. Santiso, Point Isabel Lodge No. 33, Port Isabel, Texas.

Camera: Nikon Coolpix (8 mega pixels)This photograph was taken at the Alamo in October of ’08. Brothers Travis and

Crockett are shown predominant in the relief sculpture (as can be seen). This picture reminds me of the great men that have stood in our Masonic ranks.


Sincerely and Fraternally,

Tom GuestGrand Secretary

Message from the Grand Secretary...Welcome to the home of

Texas Freemasonry Both of the 2009 Wardens’ Retreats were held in Waco, the Home of Texas Freemasonry. For the first time we invited them to visit the Grand Lodge of Texas. Nearly 90% of the participants had never been to the Grand Lodge facility. They were provided special tours and I expect to see the majority of them to return to Waco for the 174th Grand Annual Communication (GAC).

I suspect that many of our Past Masters have not been to a GAC, at least not in a long time. I encourage everyone to create or extend their personal Masonic traditions of meeting Brethren from across our great State in Waco every December. I hope that the Lodge leadership will “lead by example” and encourage promising young members to experience the Grand Annual Communication firsthand. Our new Master Masons seem to be joining our fraternity for the right reasons. They are thirsty for knowledge about Freemasonry, and they are seeking answers to their questions from all sources. More than ever, we see them using the internet and blogs to help them answer the question, “What is Freemasonry?” A few Masons are concerned that Internet sources do not provide accurate answers. I would recommend that they sign up for Ed Halpaus’ Internet publication, Mehr Licht! More Light! You may not completely agree with all of the contributing authors, but in the long run Ed’s publication will provide you a balanced response. There is no single acknowledged source of answers, but the GAC is a source of knowledge. I recommend that you should test your answers by asking the opinions of some very experienced Texas Masons at the Waco December meeting. Registration for the 174th GAC begins Wednesday, December 2, at noon. Masons and non-Masons will attend the pre-formal opening ceremonies at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, December 3 during which time Vanguard Awards and Grand Lodge Masonic Service Awards will be presented. Please attend Thursday’s evening session at which time the Grand Master will present Grand Lodge Awards and host the entertainment. The Masonic business will occur on Friday (9:00 a.m.) and Saturday (8:00 a.m.). Free coffee and doughnuts will be served in the Main Foyer on Saturday morning. In addition to the Thursday activities, ladies that come to Grand Lodge will be treated to coffees on Friday and Saturday at 9:00 a.m. On Friday, they can take a shopping tour and lunch in Salado (if they sign up by November 16). On Saturday the ladies are invited to attend a humorous presentation, A Ladies View of Masonry, in the lower auditorium at 10:00 a.m. Everyone is invited to attend the Grand Lodge Installation at 2:00 p.m. In 2009 you will find the City of Waco improving its downtown area and creating a safe and secure environment for both citizens and visitors to enjoy. While Grand Lodge voting members are dealing with the issues of 21 new resolutions and one holdover resolution, everyone will have the opportunity to increase their Masonic knowledge by attention to Committee Reports, Power Point presentations, and various Masonic speeches. You will work hard and at the same time meet many new interesting Brethren at the GAC, and you will observe a host city warmly welcoming your presence. Come to Waco on December 3-5, and help your Lodge “lead by example.”

QTY ITEM NO. DESCRIPTION COST* TOTAL521DC Lapel Pin with Grand Master’s logo $5.00521DCC Charm with Grand Master’s logo, two-sided $5.00532DC Button Hook Tie Chain with Charm $10.00532DCEXP Expandable Tie Chain with Charm $20.00532DCBAR Tie Bar with Grand Master’s logo $15.00520DC Bronze Coin with Grand Master’s logo $5.00524DC Enamel Coin with Grand Master’s logo $10.00525DC Silver Coin with Grand Master’s logo $40.00526DC Large Buckle with Grand Master’s logo $30.00522DC Small Buckle with Grand Master’s logo $25.00527DC Bolo Tie with Grand Master’s logo, blue cord $15.00530DC 3” Car Emblem with Grand Master’s logo $15.00528DC Logo Decals $1.00529DC Tail Light Decals (pair) – Member $5.00529DCPM Tail Light Decals (pair) – Past Master $5.00536DCR Cap – Red, White and Blue $10.00536DCK Cap – Mesh Back, Khaki Crown with Khaki Bill $10.00533DCW Shirt – White

Specify: M L XL XXL XXXL$25.00

533DCB Shirt – Blue Specify: M L XL XXL XXXL

$25.00

540DC Tie – Red with Grand Master’s logo $25.00542DCSD Blue Slipper Decal $1.00542DCSPIN Blue Slipper Pins $5.00542DCSC Two-sided Blue Slipper Charms $5.00541DCW Widow’s Pin $5.00541DCWC Two-sided Widow’s Charms $5.00ANGEL Angel Pin SOLD OUT

S/H under $50.00 $5.00S/H over $50.00 $10.00

TOTAL (*sales tax included)

2009 mASOniC mErChAndiSE

The First Lady believes that there are angels here on earth, and that they are always with us. She believes that Masons are guardian angels for children, young people, and the elderly, for the ill and widowed. As a result of that belief, she has commissioned a Silver “Texas Angel” pin as her project to raise funds for our Masonic Youth groups. You can be a guardian angel for these young people by buying and wearing the “Texas Angel” pin to show your love and support

for them. All proceeds from the sale of the “Texas Angel” pin will be donated to the Texas Masonic Youth Foundation which supports our Rainbow and DeMolay youths. Be an angel and order one today!

Check Enclosed (Make Checks payable to Grand Lodge of Texas)

Visa Card Number _______________________ Exp. Date___________

MC Name: _______________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________

City/State: _______________________________ Zip:___________

Phone: _______________________________________________

Signature _____________________________________________

Mail this ENTIRE PAGE to: Grand Lodge of Texas P.O. Box 446 Waco, TX 76703

Please reproduce this order form and retain the original for your records.

Questions? Call 254-753-7395

Name: _______________________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________

City/State: __________________________________ Zip: ______________

Title: ___________________________________ District: ______________

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SOLD OUT

The Grand Lodge of Texas, A.F. & A.M.P.O. Box 446Waco, Texas 76703

NONPROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDWACO, TX

PERMIT NO. 903

Grand Master Orville L. O’NeillWaco Homecoming 2010a must attend event

The Grand Master’s Texas BanquetSaturday, January 9, 2010 • 6:30 p.m.

Fellowship • Dinner • Program

scottish rite lee lockwood library & Museum2801 West Waco Drive • Waco, Texas

Music Bymichael cotÉ

Attireladies – cocktail

men – coat and tie

lImIted seatIng to 550

Cost$26.00 Per PerSon

advanced payment required

by check payable towaco scottish rite bodies

p.o. box 325008 • waco, texas 76703or by credit card

phone: 254-752-1618 • 800-880-7208email: [email protected]

Reservations Must be Received by January 4, 2010

lead by example - grand lodge of texas

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