T h e P i l l a r s
From the East
Greetings from the East,
As we continue to finish the recovery from the restrictive years of Covid, let us continue to join in harmony to build a better tomorrow.
New Brothers
We have now initiated six new Entered Apprentice Masons this year. Brothers Daniel Boits, Jr., Ian Garcia, Dino Gregorio II, James Haggerty, Jr., Zachary Woltman, and Genaro Zendejas and they are an incredible group of men. They have been joining us on Lodge Night Tuesdays to practice their proficiencies, learning to set-up and take-down the lodge and dining room, and sidelining during 1st degrees. Also, all known Prospects have been contacted by email or phone call and we hope to see a few of them at our March Stated Dinner.
Youth Orders
As you know, we have a special treat for our March Stated Dinner, with Irish Dancing Youth to celebrate Masonic Youth Orders Month and home cooked Irish Faire by Brother Dino Gregorio, II and family.
Business
At our February Annual Stated Meeting, all our annual reports, were completed and presented successfully by Secretary Bob Flinn, PM and approved unanimously by the lodge. As an added bonus, reports were projected on our pull-down screen in the lodge using our new computer projector for better viewing. Required Committee Assignments were made, and the budget passed.
As newly required, by Grand Lodge, the Executive Committee consisting of the 5 elected Officers of the Lodge, met and reviewed calendaring for upcoming 1st, 2nd and 3rd degrees, organized committee assignments and discussed the Big Ideas from the Planning Palooza. We are truly looking forward to a fulfilling year.
Community
We were asked by the Boy Scouts to participate in their annual 12-point hike, one part of which, was held at Newhall Park. Past Master and former Boy Scout John Carter, who was raised in Kenya, shared his experience of maintaining the gravesite as a Boy Scout, of the World Founder of Boy Scouts whose gravesite is in Kenya. Lord Baden Powell, always the adventurer, retired in Kenya and was laid to rest there and is documented to have had Masonic connections. Brother and Eagle Scout Dennis Biondi also attended and shared his experience. These Brothers did a fine job of representing our lodge and contributed to building a stronger community. Old West Lodge was awarded a plaque for their efforts.
Brotherhood
Brother Michael Hill was appointed as the Right Hand Man or Hand of the Master. Brother Michael Hill has long served as an informal leader of the lodge and I have full confidence in his ability to assist the Master with the general operations of lodge. Doug Kelley, PM was awarded the Master's Lion of the Lodge Pin for his service in lifting up the lodge after the Installation of Officers.
Golden Veterans
Lastly, we have half of dozen Brothers that are eligible for their Golden Anniversary awards, which as you know, commemorates 50 years as a Master Mason. I am in process of contacting them to schedule their ceremonies and presentation.
Sincerely & Fraternally,
Michael Schneider, PM
Worshipful Master (2023)
661-644-9835 cell/text
From the West
Brethren,
It was another very active month at our Lodge this month, we saw another two brothers initiated into our Lodge who began their Masonic journey with us. The amount of activity this year at our lodge has been wonderful to see and if you haven't been to the Lodge lately, I highly encourage you to come and see the growth that's taking place at the Lodge.
As a reminder for everyone who is in need of coaching for their proficiencies, we're at the lodge every Tuesday at 6 pm to help you! If you're doing long or short form proficiencies, please come by on Tuesdays and meet with one of our coaches, fellowship and get help practicing your proficiencies so you can advance further in your Masonic journey. We want ALL who are in need of coaching to participate with us and please reach out if you need help getting to the lodge or have any questions.
Finally, if you are experiencing sickness or are in need of relief or need any other help, please reach out to myself or any brethren you feel comfortable with and let us know so we can arrange to provide assistance.
We look forward to seeing you at the next upcoming stated meeting.
Fraternally,
Conrad Watson
Senior Warden
661-312-2297 cell/text
From the south
Dear Brethren,
I wanted to take the opportunity to congratulate all candidates, newly obligated brothers as well as the fellowcrafts and those who are ready to be raised.
We have several petitioners and new members. The lodge renaissance continues as we bring in new members. We are privilege to have many, very outstanding new candidates, receiving their masonic degrees.
The side liners that can give moral support to the candidates, our officers or degree team are doing tremendous work. The only missing is… “YOU “
please see the lodge schedules for the upcoming degrees .
Fraternal greetings from the South,
Ronald Gutierrez, PM
661-803-0288
Tuesday, March 7, 2023 Starting at 6:00 p .m.
March Stated meeting with irish dancing youth
Please join us:
March Stated Meeting, Social, Dinner & Entertainment
6:00pm
Social
(Open to visitors)
6:30pm
Irish Stew or other Irish Fare
(home made by Dino Gregorio & family)
Irish Dancing Youth Performing
(open to all, reservations & donation requested $15)
7:30pm
Stated Meeting
(Open to Masons of all degrees)
Widows & sweethearts of the lodge Enjoying Dinner
Sweets for the Sweet
Lovely Ladies of the Lodge
Lovely Ladies of the Lodge
Widows of the lodge receiving See's Chocolate from the Widows Chair Doug Kelley. PM
Lovely Ladies of the Lodge
Lovely Ladies of the Lodge
Lovely Ladies of the Lodge
Widows & Sweethearts of the Lodge Being Welcomed by Master of the Lodge Michael Schneider, PM
We do the Cooking Tonight
Lovely Ladies of the Lodge
We do the Cooking Tonight
We do the cooking tonight, ladies. Relax and enjoy the Stromboli Dinner, Salad and Chocolate.
From the Worthy Patron
Worthy Patron, Doug Kelley, PM
Old West Chapter No. 642 Order of Eastern Star
Old West Chapter No. 642 Order of Eastern Star
As I mentioned last month, one of the California Grand Chapter charities is Paws for Purple Hearts, and we are once again going to be selling chocolate bones for the cause. All proceeds go to this charity. Bags are a $1 each. Will try to have some at the March Stated Meeting.
Our project to make blankets for Project Linus and Young Survivors Coalition is continuing. These are really simple, no skills required - even a Past Master (me) did one! Our next two "parties" are Saturday March 4 and Saturday April 15. Anyone and everyone is invited to help.
We have resumed eat-out fundraisers! Go have lunch or dinner, and support Old West Eastern Star! Our next eat-out will be Wedensday March 15 at ANY Panda Express across the country! Order online with fundraiser code 912931 the and our Chapter will get 15%.
The next fundraiser event is Saturday April 1 for our annual Tea and Purse auction. Brothers, I encourage you to let your wife (and other female relations) know about this. As the Worthy Patron I will be helping in the kitchen, keeping the teapots full and plates loaded. I could certainly use some help, and you might find a purse for your loved one! (Or at least, keep your loved one from bidding too high!)
Eastern Star is an organization for MASONS and their wives, and other female relations. We could certainly use more men in the Eastern Star (you do not need to join with your wife), please talk to me anytime.
Doug Kelley
(Worthy Patron)
Old West Chapter No. 642 Order of Eastern Star
Old West Chapter No. 642 Order of Eastern Star
Old West Chapter No. 642 Order of Eastern Star
Panda Express Fundraising Code 912931
From the Pasadena Scottish Rite Open to all Master Masons
From the Pasadena Scottish Rite Open to all Master Masons
From the Pasadena Scottish Rite Open to all Master Masons
From the Pasadena Scottish Rite Open to all Master Masons
From the Pasadena Scottish Rite Open to all Master Masons
Friday, March 10, 2023 Free Spaghetti Dinner @ 6pm
MASONIC EDUCATION - Youth Orders
March is a Special Month for DeMolay & Jobs Daughters
March is a special month for two of our Masonic youth orders.
In the worldwide movement of DeMolay, March is DeMolay Month. This is not an officially recognized happening by local or national governments. You will not hear it mentioned on the radio or on the evening news. But it is a time of the year that is very important to DeMolays around the world.
DeMolay Month is the time of year when every chapter and their members are keenly focused on two objectives - participation in activities that involve and/or serve the local community and the exemplification or practice of their vows as DeMolays.
A common approach to fully participating in DeMolay month is holding an event or in some other way, exemplifying the seven cardinal virtues of the order - Filial Love (Love of Parents), Reverence for Sacred Things (respect for your faith as well as the faith of others), Courtesy, Comradeship, Fidelity, Cleanness and Patriotism... In some cases, the members can also choose a personal form of acknowledgement for a particular virtue.
DeMolay Week is the week which includes March 18th, which is the date DeMolay was founded, in 1919. During DeMolay Week, chapters put forth an even more focused effort and very often the majority of DeMolay Month events are scheduled during DeMolay Week. As DeMolay is a brotherhood like Freemasonry, chapters will often schedule a brotherhood event around this date in particular, to celebrate the Comradeship of the order...
The young men of DeMolay look forward to this annual celebration and acknowledgement of their association with this fine organization and as Masons, we should do everything we can to support these young men in their efforts and recognize the good they and the Order of DeMolay are doing for our community and the young men who live here.
Job’s Daughters also has a reason to celebrate in the month of March. March 9th is the annual celebration of the birth of Ethel T. Wead Mick or “Mother Mick”, the founder of Job’s Daughters International. At the bethel meeting closest to this date, bethels around the globe are asked to make a special announcement and take a moment to formally recognize this annual occurrence. This can take many forms and might be formal or somewhat informal, as the bethel prefers.
For example, as Mother Mick was a poet, the girls might write poems about Job’s Daughters or their experiences in it. Some of Mother Mick’s poetry may even be read aloud during the meeting. During the course of business, a donation in her name may be authorized by the bethel daughters. The bethel can throw a birthday party, honoring their founder and express their thanks for Job’s Daughters and what it has done for them. There are also several ceremonies written to celebrate the founder and her dedication to young women around the world.
Regardless of the form, the heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for Job’s Daughters and especially its founder is well-represented in the execution of this annual event.
https://masons4youth.org/2023/02/05/march-is-a-special-month-for-two-of-our-masonic-youth-orders/
DeMolay, Honorary DeMolay, and Advisors at Pasadena Scottish Rite.
upcoming events
March - Masonic Youth Orders Month
6-Mar Mon Jobs Daughters Bethel No. 249
7-Mar Tues Old West Lodge Stated Meeting 7:30pm
9-Mar Thu Eastern Star
10-Mar Fri DeMolay
10-Mar Fri SPIRIT OF HIRAM (3rd Degree Theatrical Performance)
at PASADENA SCOTTISH RITE 6PM FREE DINNER & ADMISSION
12-Mar Sunday Daylight Savings Time
13-Mar Mon Building Association - PGM Adamson Residence 7pm
14-Mar Tue District Officer School of Instruction at Old West Lodge 6pm
17-Mar Fri St Patrick's Day
17-Mar Fri Cinema Grotto - Blazing Saddle & Chili Movie Night (Master Masons)
21-Mar Tues Practice - 3rd Degree
23-Mar Thu Eastern Star
24-Mar Fri DeMolay
28-Feb Tues Executive Meeting 6pm before 3rd Degree practice
S P E C I A L E V E N T S
23-25 Jun Union City Masonic Home - Degree and Tour
27 Aug PGM Larry Adamson Golden Veteran Award at Shrine Medical Center
Ways to Help
John Carter, PM
Michael Hill - Hand of the Master
Lord Baden-Powell - BSA
Worshipful John Carter is a Past Master and a former Boy Scout. He was raised in Kenya and as a Boy Scout was regularly called upon to tend to Lord Baden Powell's gravesite as a service to the community. He presented this history, as a representative of Old West Lodge, to Boy Scouts in Newhall Park during their February, 2023 12-Point Hike.
Lord Baden-Powell - BSA
Michael Hill - Hand of the Master
Lord Baden-Powell - BSA
Kenya has declared Baden-Powell's grave a national monument. The nation's largest newspaper, the Daily Nation, has called the Scouting founder's final resting place "one of the most revered shrines and pilgrimage sites in the world", with as many as 50,000 people visiting the site each year. Each year on 22 February, members of the Ken
Kenya has declared Baden-Powell's grave a national monument. The nation's largest newspaper, the Daily Nation, has called the Scouting founder's final resting place "one of the most revered shrines and pilgrimage sites in the world", with as many as 50,000 people visiting the site each year. Each year on 22 February, members of the Kenya Scouts Association and Kenya Girl Guides Association celebrate Founders' Day at the grave.
Michael Hill - Hand of the Master
Michael Hill - Hand of the Master
Michael Hill - Hand of the Master
Michael Hill
Appointed Hand of the Master
If you are a Game of Thrones fan, you will remember that the Hand is the King's closest advisor, appointed and authorized to take decisions in the King's name. Likewise, the Master of the Lodge, has appointed Brother Michael Hill as his Right Hand Man. Brother Michael Hill was the Senior Stewar
Michael Hill
Appointed Hand of the Master
If you are a Game of Thrones fan, you will remember that the Hand is the King's closest advisor, appointed and authorized to take decisions in the King's name. Likewise, the Master of the Lodge, has appointed Brother Michael Hill as his Right Hand Man. Brother Michael Hill was the Senior Steward when Brother Michael Schneider was Passed and Raised into the lodge. He advised him then and continues to advise him now. He provides wise council to many brothers and friends of the lodge. He is keenly attuned to the workings of the lodge and has informally acted as a Leader of Lodge Operations for years. He has the full faith and trust of the Master and is authorized to speak on his behalf within the guidelines of Freemasonry.
Hand Emblem from Game of Thrones
Doug Kelley - Awarded the Master's Lion of the Lodge Pin
Michael Hill - Hand of the Master
The Hand of the King Pin,
from Game of Thrones, symbolizes the most powerful appointed position in the Seven Kingdoms. Michael Hill was gifted this emblem from the Master of the Lodge to represent his authority and contributions to the Lodge.
Doug Kelley - Awarded the Master's Lion of the Lodge Pin
Doug Kelley - Awarded the Master's Lion of the Lodge Pin
Doug Kelley - Awarded the Master's Lion of the Lodge Pin
Immediately following this years Installation of Officers, there still remained much to be done. Long after everyone else had the left, Doug Kelley, PM remained doing the unsung work of setting the Dining Hall, the Kitchen and the Lodge back to order. His shirt-sleeve approach and attitude of leading-by-example combined with his enduran
Immediately following this years Installation of Officers, there still remained much to be done. Long after everyone else had the left, Doug Kelley, PM remained doing the unsung work of setting the Dining Hall, the Kitchen and the Lodge back to order. His shirt-sleeve approach and attitude of leading-by-example combined with his endurance of a man with a mission served as guiding light to the DeMolay youth and to his fellow Brethren in the lodge to finish the work. His efforts served to lift-up the lodge and earned his recognition as a Lion of the Lodge, awarded by the Master in February.
Master's Lion of the Lodge Pin
Doug Kelley - Awarded the Master's Lion of the Lodge Pin
Doug Kelley - Awarded the Master's Lion of the Lodge Pin
The Lion has long been a symbol of strength and sovereignty, of courage, bravery, and of agility and dignity.
In the symbology of the Medieval ages, founded on the legend that the lion's whelp was born dead, and only brought to life by the roaring of its sire, became a symbol of resurrection.
For our purposes, the lion can be viewed as
The Lion has long been a symbol of strength and sovereignty, of courage, bravery, and of agility and dignity.
In the symbology of the Medieval ages, founded on the legend that the lion's whelp was born dead, and only brought to life by the roaring of its sire, became a symbol of resurrection.
For our purposes, the lion can be viewed as a symbol for one that serves to lift up the lodge to make it better than it was before his action.
About Us
Secretary & Treasurer Retreat
Brother Michael Hill, Treasurer of Old West Masonic Budling Association, represented Old West at the Secretary/Treasurer Retreat in Irvine, California
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.