April 2023

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. ~ Old West Master, 2023

In terms of our Masonic activities, we are pleased to report that we have welcomed seven new Entered Apprentice Masons into our fold this year, with Brother Britt Chilton being the latest addition. We also had six new Prospects join us for our Stated Dinner with an Irish Youth Dancer theme last March, and we are happy to see that they all exhibit good character. Our plans for this month include the initiation of three Fellowcrafts, followed by at least two Master Masons in subsequent month or two.

Our lodge maintains strong bonds with our Youth Orders and other Concordant Bodies, and actively engages in collaborative efforts with them, such as the Mystery Masons and Suicide Prevention programs and have had the privilege of facilitating their participation in enjoyable activities such as axe throwing and fencing. We are eager to extend our support to the Eastern Star through their initiatives of Blankets for Project Linus and Paws for Purple Hearts. Also, Master Masons who wish to become a 32nd degree by joining the Scottish Rite are invited to click on the underlined date link in the upcoming events calendar below in this Trestleboard for further information. We take great pride in our association with these organizations, This year, we are committed to promoting their membership and leadership development.  

On the business side of things, we are doing better financially compared to previous years, but we cannot deny that the pandemic has affected us as well as other Masonic bodies and businesses across the country.  Our Brothers are kindly reminded that the dues for the current year 2023 were due on December 31, 2022. If you have not yet settled your dues but are capable of doing so, we urge you to make the payment as soon as possible to enable us to carry on with the good works of the lodge.  If you are experiencing financial hardship, please approach one of the pillars for assistance. It may also be necessary to discuss the possibility of raising our dues slightly, as most other lodges have done.

In terms of community involvement, we have been invited to participate in the Annual Memorial Day Golf Cart Parade in Friendly Valley, which promises to be a fun event.

 The bond of brotherhood among our members is further fortified by engaging in activities such as the recent Flash Breakfast. This impromptu gathering was attended by Prospects, New Brothers, Officers, and other hungry Brothers who enjoyed delicious food and a convivial atmosphere. Our Masonic knowledge was also enriched through our journey with Brother Andy Grim, as Old West Lodge visited the Burbank Lodge to attend the presentation by Grand Secretary Alan Casalou on Chief Justice Earl Warren. 

We are delighted to announce that we are making preparations to pay tribute to our esteemed Golden Veterans through a special dinner scheduled for May.  Additionally, we have planned further events to commemorate each of their service as 50 year Masons throughout the year. 

We are excited about the ideas coming to fruition that were discussed during our Planning Palooza. These include continuing our tradition of 5th Tuesday Bowling, participating in the Inter Lodge Chili Cook off in June, and the 2nd Annual Inter Lodge Bowling event, facilitated by Ron Gutierrez, PM in November. Additionally, we are embarking on an ambitious project to replace our damaged lodge mosaics, spearheaded by Hand Michael Hill and Past Master David Brandon.

We encourage our Brothers to share their ideas for the lodge or contribute articles for our electronic Trestleboard, now renamed as Tales from the Trails. You may contact us directly if you have anything to share.

Let us continue to work together in harmony towards a brighter future for our lodge and our community.

Sincerely & Fraternally,

Michael Schneider, PM

Worshipful Master (2023)

master@oldwestmasons.org

oldwestmasons.org

661-644-9835 cell/text

Dear Brethren,

Upon assuming the role of Master in 2015, I distributed a list of duties to each Officer under my leadership. The list, which was originally typewritten, contained some outdated information but still held value.  As such, I have taken the liberty to rephrase the Junior Warden duties for your benefit below. 

The required duties for the Junior Warden include assisting the Master in the performance of his duties, discharging all duties assigned to the Junior Warden by ancient usage, and succeeding to the powers and duties of the Master in the absence of the Master and Senior Warden. Additionally, the Junior Warden is responsible for preferring charges against a Mason guilty of un-Masonic conduct if no other Master Mason has done so for a period of thirty days.

The suggested duties for the Junior Warden include overseeing all dinners held at the Lodge, keeping records of expenditures and income, maintaining attendance records, working with the Stewards Committee, preparing monthly bills, chairing the Constitution Observance Committee, preparing Trestleboard articles, serving as an ex-officio member of the Budget and Finance Committee, attending all Lodge functions, and planning for his year as Master.

In terms of ritual, the Junior Warden is required to attend District Officers' Association meetings and be proficient in the work and lectures of the First Degree, as well as possess a certificate of proficiency in the Candidate's Lecture of the Degree of Master Mason and be proficient in relevant portions of the Constitution and Regulations of the Grand Lodge. Additionally, it is implied that the Junior Warden should learn the work and lectures of the Second Degree, be qualified to give the work of the Senior and Junior Wardens in their respective degrees, take charge of all First Degrees, and attend all designated degree practices. 

I want to again take the opportunity to congratulate all candidates, newly obligated brothers as well as the fellowcrafts and those who are ready to be raised.

We continue to 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.

Our officers and degree team greatly appreciate the moral support given by those who attend as side liners. However, we are missing one important person - YOU. Please refer to the lodge schedules for the upcoming degrees and consider attending to offer your support. 

Fraternal greetings from the South,

Ronald Gutierrez, PM

docronald25@hotmail.com

661-803-0288

Freemasonry, an organization often shrouded in mystery and conspiracy theories, has been associated with some of history's most brilliant minds. Sir Isaac Newton, the renowned mathematician and natural philosopher of the 17th and 18th centuries, was not proven to be a member of the fraternity, but his influence on it cannot be ignored. His methodology, based on reason and a keen interest in the natural world, became a cornerstone of modern Freemasonry, thanks to his close friendships with members of the organization.

Newton's legacy extends beyond his groundbreaking contributions to science and mathematics. He was appointed Warden of the Royal Mint, a position he held until his death, and became known as the first coin sheriff of England. Despite his scientific pursuits, Newton had a fascination with metals and coins, which may have been a result of his interest in alchemy.

Newton took his role at the Royal Mint seriously and was known for his meticulousness in every endeavor. He went undercover to apprehend counterfeiters and investigate their operations across Britain. He was relentless in his pursuit of justice, even engaging in extralegal and inhumane methods to apprehend counterfeiters who refused to provide useful information. His efforts sent a clear message that counterfeiting, a treasonous act that posed a serious threat to the Royal Mint, would not be tolerated.

Although Newton's financial investments may not have always been successful, his dedication to the Royal Mint and his passion for upholding the integrity of the currency cannot be overstated. Newton's contributions to science, mathematics, and the financial sector make him a truly remarkable figure in history. His legacy continues to inspire Freemasons and individuals alike to this day.
 

by Old West Brother Dennis Biondi

dbiondi95@gmail.com