May 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

Regarding our Masonic pursuits, we are delighted to announce four Brothers were passed to the degree of  Fellowcraft Masons during the  month of April. These individuals are Brothers Ian Garcia, Brandon Keene, James Haggerty, Jr., and Dino Gregorio II, who were successfully passed to the degree of Fellowcraft degree with the commendable assistance of Senior Warden Conrad Watson, who conferred the Degrees and the lecture , and Senior Steward JoJo Aquino, who stepped-up to perform the Middle Chamber Lecture. Additionally, we received four new applications for membership, which were read in lodge and are currently undergoing investigation. During the May Stated Dinner, we are paying tribute Brother James Brockman who will be awarded his Golden Veteran award.   Additionally, we have planned further events to commemorate each of their service as 50 year Masons throughout the year.  

As was mentioned last month, April was Masters and Wardens Retreat Month as designated by Grand Lodge.  As the Master of Old West Masonic Lodge, I had the privilege of attending the Master and Warden's Retreat held in Irvine, where several important topics were presented. These topics included positive awareness, addressing tough questions, supporting youth orders, reaching out to underrepresented populations, succession planning, harmony and resolution of conflict in the lodge, and care at Masonic Homes and of course budgeting and per-captia. 

Positive awareness is crucial in maintaining a positive image of the lodge in the community. It is essential that we actively promote the good work that the lodge is doing and engage with the community to build positive relationships. This can be achieved by hosting public events and supporting local charities and community organizations.

Addressing tough questions is another important topic that was discussed. Lodge members must be equipped to answer difficult questions about the fraternity, its history, and its practices. It is essential that we are transparent and open in our responses and provide accurate information to dispel any myths or misconceptions about Freemasonry.

Supporting youth orders is also crucial to the future of the fraternity. We must ensure that we are engaging with younger generations and promoting the benefits of Freemasonry to them. By supporting youth orders such as DeMolay and Job's Daughters, we can foster the growth of future leaders in the fraternity.

Reaching out to underrepresented populations is also a vital topic that was discussed. It is essential that we make a concerted effort to welcome all men regardless of race, religion, or social status into the fraternity. By reaching out to underrepresented populations, we can promote diversity and inclusivity within the lodge.

Succession planning is also critical to the future of the lodge. We must identify potential leaders within the organization and provide them with the necessary training and guidance to prepare them for leadership roles. By doing so, we can ensure the continuity of the lodge and its traditions.

Harmony and resolution of conflict in the lodge were also discussed. It is essential that we promote a culture of respect, tolerance, and understanding within the lodge. We must be willing to listen to one another's opinions and work towards finding solutions that benefit the lodge as a whole.

Care at Masonic Homes was also discussed. We must ensure that our senior members are taken care of and provided with the support they need to live comfortably in their twilight years. We must also ensure that our Masonic Homes are well-maintained and provide high-quality care to those who reside there.

Finally, the per capita is the sum that the lodge pays to the Grand Lodge, determined by the number of Brothers, which is utilized to plan for the Grand Lodge year's budget. 

The Master and Warden's Retreat was a valuable experience that provided insight into several important topics that are critical to the success and longevity of our Lodge. By promoting positive awareness, addressing tough questions, supporting youth orders, reaching out to underrepresented populations, succession planning, promoting harmony and resolving conflicts, providing care at Masonic Homes, and paying our dues, we can ensure that the fraternity continues to thrive and provide a positive impact on the community.

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

Brethren,

As the Junior Warden of our Masonic Lodge, This has already been a busy year, we have initiated seven new  Entered Apprentices and we have at least four more that have submitted applications.  I would like to take this opportunity to discuss the First Degree lecture and one of its most profound teachings. The First Degree lecture is an essential part of our Masonic education and is designed to guide us in our Masonic journey.

One of the most notable passages from the First Degree lecture, which is available for public, reads as follows: "Masonry unites men of every country, sect, and opinion; and causes true friendship to exist among those who might otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance."  

This passage encapsulates one of the core principles of our Fraternity: the importance of brotherhood and the unity of mankind. As Masons, we believe that all men are created equal and that we should treat each other with respect and kindness, regardless of our differences.

In a world that is often divided by politics, religion, and culture, Masonry stands as a beacon of hope and unity. Through our lodges, we bring together men of all backgrounds and beliefs, and we work together towards common goals.

Moreover, the passage also speaks to the transformative power of Masonry. It is through our Fraternity that true friendship and brotherhood can be forged, and we can break down the barriers that might otherwise keep us apart.

As Masons, we are called to be the best versions of ourselves and to make a positive impact on the world around us. The First Degree lecture reminds us that this work begins with the relationships we have with our brothers.

The First Degree lecture is a powerful and inspiring source of Masonic wisdom. It reminds us of the importance of brotherhood and unity, and it challenges us to be the best versions of ourselves. Let us all strive to live up to the high ideals of our Masonic teachings and to work towards a world where true friendship and brotherhood can exist among all men.

Fraternal greetings from the South,

Ronald Gutierrez, PM

docronald25@hotmail.com

661-803-0288

There were many Freemasons who played significant roles on both sides during the

American Civil War. As a secret society with a strong sense of brotherhood and loyalty,

Freemasonry played a crucial role in helping members on both sides of the conflict.

One of the primary ways Freemasons helped each other during the Civil War was by

providing support and aid to fellow Masons who were wounded or captured. Many

Freemasons volunteered as nurses and doctors in military hospitals, providing medical care and support to wounded soldiers, including their fellow Masons. They also helped provide food, clothing, and shelter to those in need.

Freemasons also used their influence and connections to help each other in other ways. They helped fellow Masons who were imprisoned or facing legal troubles by using their connections to secure their release or reduce their sentences. They also provided financial support to Masonic widows and orphans who had lost their husbands and fathers in the war.

Additionally, Freemasons played a role in maintaining morale among troops on both

sides. They organized social events and provided entertainment to soldiers, helping to

boost morale and keep spirits high. Overall, the sense of brotherhood and loyalty among Freemasons played an important role in helping members on both sides of the conflict during the American Civil War.

One story of a Freemason helping another during the Civil War involves General George Thomas, a Union officer and member of the Masonic Lodge.  During the Battle of Chickamauga in September 1863, Thomas was leading his troops in a fierce fight against Confederate forces. He was wounded in the leg and his horse was killed, leaving him stranded on the battlefield. A Confederate soldier, Sergeant James Milner, came across the wounded Thomas and recognized him as a fellow Mason. Milner approached Thomas and offered him assistance, helping him to mount his own horse and ride to safety behind Confederate lines. Milner told Thomas, "You are my brother, and I cannot leave you to die."

Once they reached safety, Milner arranged for Thomas to receive medical care and

made sure he was well-cared for until he could be transported back to Union lines.

Thomas was so grateful for Milner's kindness that he later personally thanked him and

gave him a pair of Masonic gloves as a token of their brotherhood.

This story illustrates how the bond of brotherhood among Freemasons could transcend the conflict of the Civil War and inspire acts of kindness and compassion even between enemies.

Fraternally submitted by,

John Carter, PM 

Prolific reader of stories of Freemasonry during the Civil War with an extensive libary on the subject.