The Pillars
From the East
Past Masters, Brethren, Family & Friends of the Lodge,
As we move to finish the recovery from the restrictive years of Covid, let us join in harmony to build a better tomorrow.
We have already initiated four new Entered Apprentices during the month of January, and we have a full pipeline coming to follow them. We must plan accordingly to travel wisely and stay the course.
As your newly installed Worshipful Master of Old West Lodge No. 813 F.&A.M., I humbly invite you to be part of this exciting time. This is your chance to help make a difference and it couldn’t be easier. We started the year with a 5th Tuesday Pizza Planning Palooza spearheaded by Brother Michael Hill and his lovely wife and our Sister of the lodge Peggy Hill. It was an amazing success, well attended, with tasty pizza, salad bar and drink fountain courtesy of the lodge. There were fun games, prizes and comradery. But perhaps most importantly was the involvement of everyone to contribute helpful ideas for our future.
Next, is the establishment of our communication network. in addition to our Grand Lodge site, we have launched our own local website, which will allow us more flexibility and serve to link all of our communication needs. Trestleboards or Chips from the Quarry will be emailed each month but will always be available on our website at oldwestmasons.org. Also, our calendar will be on the website as well as other interesting articles about the lodge, friends and family of the lodge and your contributions will be welcome. Degrees, Dinners and Special events will have separate emails from our MailChimp system and will be posted on our social media accounts. Officers and others that wish to receive immediate notification can join our Groupme application downloadable on your smart phone. The Officers emails are also available on the website.
Lastly, I hope to reach out to the Brethren and friends of the lodge to ensure that we are serving your needs and moving forward.
Sincerely & Fraternally,
Michael Schneider, PM
Worshipful Master
661-644-9835 cell/text
From the West
Additional Information
Brethren, first off, I am honored and thankful to have been elected to serve the lodge as Senior Warden this year and will serve the lodge this year to my fullest capacity possible. I’m looking forward to another fantastic year of our splendid Masonic principles of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.
This being my first time in the West, I understand what my responsibilities are to the lodge and brethren from a 20,000 foot level and as the year goes on I’m sure I’ll really learn the true meaning and importance of the Senior Warden to a lodge. It is my understanding that the Senior Warden oversees candidate coaching. I have put together a spreadsheet tracking all candidates including EA’s, FC’s and MM’s who have not yet completed their Proficiencies and will then, along with our Candidate Coach Brother Andrew "Andy" Grim, assign various Brethren to Mentor Specific Brothers. Fellowcraft Brother Derek Wynn, has already taken on the mentorship of several Entered Apprentices and other Mentors have stepped up as well. Please let me know if you are interested. At our practice on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 we invited our four new Entered Apprentices into our Officer Practice for the First Degree. They observed and asked questions about the 1st Degree Practice. Officer Coach Worshipful Bob Flinn did an amazing job covering all of the basics of giving the sign, rod work and lodge etiquette. Worshipful Rick Leiphardt was also present to continue his Walk-About the Lodge Discussion that he had presented after the 1st degrees earlier in the month. Fellowcraft Brother Derek Wynn was invited to attend the second part of the practice to observe the 2nd degree practice and so forth.
As I embark on this next step on my Masonic journey and continued service to the lodge, I ask those brethren who have been here before to give good guidance and those observing to have patience.
Last year was quite a year for our lodge and I look forward to continuing the Old West #813 legacy and hope you all will also be here along with us in the Lodge to continue it as well.
Fraternally,
Conrad Watson
Senior Warden
661-312-2297 cell/text
From the south
Additional Information
I am so happy to be your Junior Warden again.
We have increased our budget a little bit and are trying new dinners. We had Zankou Chicken and Jersey Mike's for the Degree Dinners and will be having home cooked Stromboli dinner by our Entered Apprentice Brother Dino Gregorio. We will have many Themed Dinners this year. It is a goal for each Dinner prior to our Stated Meetings. This month in commemoration of Grand Lodge Widows Month we will have our Stromboli Sweetheart Dinner. Widows and ladies of the lodge who are present will receive complimentary chocolate. Next month we have Irish dancing girls in commemoration of Youth Orders Month of which at least one is said to be a Jobs Daughter. Junior Warden also helps oversee the Stewards who are Senior Steward JoJo Aquino and Junior Steward Denny Biondi. They have done a good job this year and always appreciate everyone's assistance in setting up and cleaning up. I would especially like to thank Worshipful Doug Kelly and the DeMolay for washing all of the dishes after our Installation of Officers this year. Please let me know if you have any ideas for dinners.
Also, I would like to thank the San Fernando Lodge and Granada Hills Lodge and others for assisting with our Degrees during my year as Master. I will be organizing visits to their lodges to assist them and thank them. Please join me.
Fraternally,
Ronald Gutierrez, PM
661-803-0288
Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at 7:30 p .m.
First Stated meeting with new officers
Please join us:
February Stated Meeting
Social & Dinner
6:00pm Social
(Open to visitors)
6:30pm Stromboli Sweetheart Dinner
(Open with reservations $15)
7:30pm Meeting
(Open to Masons of all degrees only)
MASONIC EDUCATION
Timeline of George Washington’s Masonic activities
1752. Washington, 20, joined Fredericksburg Lodge in Virginia. The Bible he took his obligations on is still in the possession of the lodge.
1753. Washington was raised to Master Mason.
1775-1785. Throughout the American Revolutionary War and after independence was secured, Washington supported the military lodges that formed in army regiments, and he participated in various Masonic activities, including celebrations of the feast of St. John and charitable events to raise money for the poor.
1777. The Convention of Virginia Lodges nominated Washington as grand master of the commonwealth. He declined.
1780. Lodges suggested the establishment of a Grand Lodge of the U.S. to be helmed by Washington as grand master. The idea for such a national body was later dropped.
1788. Washington was named charter master of a new lodge in Alexandria, Va., upon issue of a new charter from the Grand Lodge of Virginia. That lodge is now known as Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22.
1789. Washington was inaugurated as president of the U.S., using the Bible from St. John’s Lodge No. 1 in New York, N.Y.
1793. Washington laid the cornerstone for the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
1794. Washington sat in Masonic regalia for a portraitist, at the request of Alexandria Lodge. 1799. Washington was buried at Mount Vernon with Masonic rites. Five of the six pallbearers were Freemasons
~California Freemason Feb/Mar 2010
upcoming events
February - Masonic Widows Month
7-Feb Tues Stated Meeting 7:30pm
Old West Scout talk at 12-point Religious Scouting Hike in Newhall Park 11:30am
10-12 Feb Fri-Sun Secretary/Treasurer Retreat
13-Feb Mon Building Association - PGM Adamson Residence 7pm
14-Feb Tue Valentine's Day - No Meetings
20-Feb Mon Presidents Day
21-Feb Tues Practice
28-Feb Tues Executive Meeting 6pm before practice
SPECIAL EVENTS
23-25 Jun Union City Masonic Home Degree and Tour
27 Aug PGM Larry Adamson Golden Veteran Award
Fellowship
Secretary Bob Flinn, PM at Crazy Otto's before Installation realizing that 3 pancakes fill the entire plate.
The Pizza Planning Palooza
Big Ideas
BETHEL 249 - Newhall - JOB'S DAUGHTERS INTERNATIONAL
Additional Information
The Jobs Daughters are happy to announce the return of the annual Cowboy festival which will take place on Main Street in Newhall this year. They will resume their sales of Corn on the Cob and welcome your support. Mystery Masons remember to bring your gifts to the Stated Dinners to give to Doug Kelley, PM.
Learn More
Old West Chapter of Demolay
Old West DeMolay is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit organization under DeMolay International and dedicated to preparing young men to lead successful, happy, and productive lives. Basing its approach on timeless principles and practical, hands-on experience, DeMolay opens doors for young men aged 12 to 21.
Axe Throwing
Racing
Appendant Bodies - Click below to learn more
Pasadena Scottish Rite
San Fernando Valley York Rite
San Fernando Valley York Rite
Fulfill the promise of additional Masonic knowledge through education and training sometimes referred to as the University of Masonry. Become a 32nd degree Mason.
San Fernando Valley York Rite
San Fernando Valley York Rite
San Fernando Valley York Rite
A Series of Masonic Degrees and Orders which Exemplify and Teach: – Historical Backgrounds – Ancient Craft Customs – New Philosophical Concepts, Through Its Symbols, Rich in Pageantry and Color, Dramatically Presented in Full Regalia. Sometimes referred to as the church of Masonry. Take the first step to becoming a Knight Templar by attending the degrees on March 25, 2023 at 8am.
Al Malaikah Shrine
San Fernando Valley York Rite
Pasadena Chapter No 265 National Sojourners
The Red Fez with its scimitar and crescent and the Shrine gradually has become the humanizing agency of Masonry, seeking to keep alive in men the spirit of youth by offering wholesome companionship, clean fun and a welcome escape from the worry, carte and the drab routine of our daily lives.
Each Noble of the Mystic Shrine believes that no man has any real right to play, however, unless he has also contributed to the happiness of others. Out of this belief came the idea of the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Pasadena Chapter No 265 National Sojourners
Pasadena Chapter No 265 National Sojourners
Pasadena Chapter No 265 National Sojourners
National Sojourners is a national fraternal organization that aims to meet the needs of those who are serving or have served in the U.S. Military, and for honorary members who are Master Masons. Its roots begin with the leaders of the American Revolution.
Cinema Grotto
Pasadena Chapter No 265 National Sojourners
Order of Eastern Star
The Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm, whose subordinate bodies are the Grottoes, is an organization by and for Master Masons. Although it is primarily an organization for good wholesome fun and frolic, it also has its serious side. Its slogan is GOOD FELLOWSHIP, and in contact with our fellowman, this principle is exemplified to a marked degree.
Order of Eastern Star
Pasadena Chapter No 265 National Sojourners
Order of Eastern Star
The members of the Order of the Eastern Star are dedicated men and women who sincerely reflect the spirit of fraternal love and the desire to work together for good by giving their time to meaningful projects that benefit mankind.