TRESTLE BOARD

March 2014
Vol. VIII Issue III

LEESBURG LODGE No. 58

FREE & ACCEPTED MASONS OF FLORIDA 200 Richey Road Leesburg, Florida 34748 Phone: 352-787-5696 Email: leesburglodge58@centurylink.net Meets the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of Each Month at 7:00pm
Chartered January 15th, 1868

Officers for 2013

Worshipful Master Senior Warden Junior Warden Treasurer Secretary Senior Deacon Junior Deacon Senior Steward Junior Steward Tyler Chaplain Marshal Organist Lodge Instructor Lodge Historian Librarian WMJohn Haas (Tina) 360-9114 Bro. Ron Glover..874-9504 WJim Campbell (Becky) ......552-7996 WLarry Duff (Brenda)..874-2164 W Hank DeBerry (Paula)..... 430-0238 Lodge ............................... . 787-5696 Br. Jeff Lamb (Sherri).... .753 -0277 Br. Wayne Reynolds........407-484-0096 Br. Ed Spencer.324-2134 Vacant Br. Richard Follett...406-8831 Vacant WJim Angelos 255-1724 Vacant WHank DeBerry (Paula)...330-7311 R W Joseph T. Price ... 787-0652 W Larry Duff (Brenda).874-2164

Committees for 2014

Board of Relief Chairman WMJohn Haas, Ron Glover, Jeff Lamb Lodge Property Chairman Ron Glover, WDon McIntyre, WJim Angelos, WMJohn Finance - Investments & Budget Chairman Ron Glover, RW Ken Graves, WTom Russell, WLarry Duff, WMJohn Haas Vigilance Chairman WJim Campbell, WBob Browning, Jeff Lamb, Charity & Scholarships Chairman Wayne Reynolds, Sec. WHank DeBerry, Ed Spencer

Trestle Board WHank DeBerry (Paula).. 330-7311 Trestle Board Printing Leesburg Printing .. 787-3348 Lodge Web Mail leesburglodge58@centurylink.net

Living Past Masters

Charles Porter 1959 G. Kiser Hardaway 1964 Jack Holloway 1968 RWRay Richardson 1969* William Ed Davison 1974 Robert H. Smith 1977 RWColin Crews 1980^* H. C. Connell 1985 RWTheodore Jansen 1986* RWJoseph T. Price 1987* Michael Dozier 1988 John H. Meier V 1989 Jay A. Frizzell, Jr. 1992 Raleigh Sorenson 1993/1994 Don Barfield 1996 Tom Russell 1997/1998/2002 Mervyn Harris 1999 RWKenneth Graves 2000* RH Thomas E. Beach 2001 Robert H. Browning 2003/2004 RWDennis Ricker 2005/2007^* Roland P. Gibson 2006 Bill Green 2008 Richard Ecott 2009 Donald McIntyre, Sr. 2010 Randall Jesmok 2011 Larry Duff 2012 Jim Angelos 2013

Affiliated Past Masters

Carl Anzelmo Henry DeBerry MWJoseph Brearley Jack Delauter Robert C. Gleckler Robert Kennedy Clifford Moore Frank Peregrin Glenn A. Reynolds*^ Edwin Robbins Robert L. Welch Forest Case* Wayne Parks Fred Lint Raymond D Trudeau John R. Haas Gary Towne Jim Campbell ^ Past District Instructor * Past DDGM

Education Chairman WHank DeBerry, Ron Glover, Jeff Lamb Lodge Mentors Chairman WLarry Duff, WHank DeBerry, all Past Masters Catechism Chairman WDon McIntyre, Sr., WBob Browning, Jeff Lamb Petitions Investigation Chairman WMHaas, WLarry Duff, W Hank DeBerry Investigations Interviews WM John Haas will appoint as needed Funeral Chairman WJim Angelos, WBob Browning, Ed Spencer Activities & Awards Chairman WM John Haas, Ron Glover, Jeff Lamb Officers meet at 6:00pm, first stated meeting, Committee Chairman meet the second meeting of each month for business and planning.

18th Masonic District

DDGM District Instructor RW Ed Lisle RH Alan Heist 352-669-8909 407-718-5841
2

LIGHT FROM THE EAST WM John Haas

Brethren, how many of you thought Hirams last name was Abif? Well, I for one thought so until I did a little research. The word ABIF is Hebrew and is made up of two words AB means father, and by adding the IF, it then means his father. This translates in modern times as Father Hiram. The Hebrew word AB or father is often used as a title of respect and may then signify friend, counselor, wise man, or something else of equivalent character. Abif in Hebrew is often used to signify master, inventor, or chief operator and signifies a title of honor. The story of Hiram Abif was added to the writings of Masonry around 1723. Its a fictitious character who many scholars both Masonic and non-Masonic believe may have been based on one or more Hirams that appear in the Bible. We know that Hiram Abif was a master craftsman, but there were many just as skilled as he was Since Hiram was a common name at the time, and since Abif was a title, there could easily be more than one Hiram Abif. To make matters more confusing, some believe the story of Hiram is based on a combination of Hiram, King of Tyre and Hiram Abif. How they came to this conclusion is beyond me since Hiram King of Tyre was a King and Hiram Abif was a Craftsman. What we do know for sure is that there are several references in the Bible to people named Hiram. King Solomon makes a formal request to King Hiram of Tyre to send materials and workmen for the construction of the Temple. King Hiram of Tyre replies that not only will he send what is requested, but will send a craftsman skilled to work in gold, silver, bronze, iron, stone, and wood He is the son of the woman of the Daughters of Dan (this would have been a tribe), and his father a man of Tyre. One interesting note. If Hirams mother was a member of the tribe Daughters of Dan, This tribe was said to be bold, courageous, daring, and cunning. Their banner was blue. This may have been the origin for the choice of blue as a Masonic color. The mystery of who Hiram was still remains. While there are references as to who he may be, no one can really be sure if the Hiram Abif of Masonry has a direct relationship to one in the Bible. Brethren, if this story sparked your interest, I encourage you to Google Hiram Abif on the Internet.

Chaplins Corner
Brothers, I would like us to keep WDon McIntyres wife, Nina in our prayers. She was recently admitted to the hospital with a brain aneurism and had an operation to repair it. At last word she was improving and the pain was lessoning to where she could possibly come home very soon. However, they also discovered a second aneurism on the other side. The doctors have said that it is much smaller and that they will observe for now and decide at a future time how to deal with it. Nina is one of our ladies who help us tremendously on our Breakfasts and Dinners so we want her to get well as soon as possible and come back to us. Brothers, we have not had any losses this month and we are very happy to report that. Also we are happy to report that our Secretary WHank DeBerry is over his bout with diverticulitis. If any other Brother is ill or in bad health, please let your Lodge know. We do care about all of you Brothers and it is our Masonic duty to see to your needs when possible. You can contact the Lodge at leesburglodge58@centurylink.net . Take Care Brothers until we meet again. May the Great Architect Bless you and yours.
3

From the West

Bro. Ron Glover
Poison Control and You!

From the Secretary

WHank DeBerry

It has been brought to my attention that not everyone is getting the Trestle Board through the In 1961 President John F. Kennedy signed Pub- email. Brothers, if you do not receive it or can not open it, you have to let me know! I am always uplic Law 87-319 authorizing the President to designate dating the email list that I have and adding to it as I annually the third week in March as National Poison get new addresses. If I dont have your email adPrevention Week. Congress intended this event to be dress, please send it to me so I can get your Trestle used by local communities as a time to raise awareness Board to you. I promise you that you will NOT reof the dangers of accidental poisonings and to take such ceive anything non-Masonic from me. The only thing I ever send to the mailing list is notices for the preventative measures as the dangers warrant. With this dinners or breakfasts, the Trestle Board link and imis mind Id like to share a little information when it portant notices that affect the Lodge. That is all I send to that list! Our email address is on the front of comes to poisoning. the Trestle Board next to the phone number and it Its good to keep in mind that poisoning is not goes straight to the Lodge office. I check it twice a just primarily in infants or the elderly. It can happen to week and whenever else I am in the building. I hope people of all age groups for different reason. Most acci- to hear from many more of you in the future and hopefully we will reach all of you Brothers soon. dental poisonings happen to children ages 1 to 6. This We still have approximately 50 Brothers who is usually due to accidental exposure while exploring have not paid their 2014 dues at this time. Brothers their environments and trying new things. Tasting, it is written in the By-Laws of Leesburg Lodge No. smelling, wiping of hands can all lead to poisoning if 58, Section 4.01 that all dues are payable on or bethey have been exposed. An important thing to remem- fore the start of the Masonic year. That year to start on December 28th of the particular year and end on ber is that this age group has the highest fatality rate the 27th of December of the following year. Please because of ingestion and the inability of developing help out the Lodge by paying your dues on time. At organs to cope with large amounts of toxic exposure. this time our budget is very tight and 50 members Children 5 to 10 years of age are at the age where they represents $5000.00 to that budget! We have alwant to help their parents, and their exposures are usu- ready paid the per capita tax due to the Grand Lodge for those members so as it stands we are in the hole ally the results of accidental exposure to household Brothers. cleaning products. From the ages of 8 to 18 a large By the time you receive this we will have amount of poisonings are related to huffing or sniffmade a new Brother in our great Fraternity, and I hope everyone has made him welcome. I am sure ing household products to get high. Today, one out of five children admits to have tried huffing by the time that the Initiation of Jerry Hall will have proceeded without a hitch and we will be seeing this new they reach the eighth grade. In adults, misuse is the Brother in Lodge very soon. Also we will have anmost common cause of accidental poisoning, usually other Brother soon as we have received a petition for due to the failure to read instructions carefully. The eld- affiliation by Transfer for Brother Thomas Gahagan. He is transferring to us from Pennsylvania. Please erly can attribute a lot of accidental poisoning to mismake him welcome also. taken identity by attempting to read labels without Thank you again Brothers for making me glasses or in the dark or reaching for a medication that your Secretary. I hope that I am providing the serhas been moved from its usual place only to pick up vice you have asked for by electing me and if I am something else by mistake. not I hope you will please let me know so that I can correct it. I am in the office Tuesdays and Fridays of every week and hope you will stop in and -Continued on page 5 see me any time.
4

Continued from page 4 If you or someone you suspect is the victim of poisoning, there are steps you can take. The first, as in any emergency situation, is to stay calm. If the person is unconscious, having convulsions, or is experiencing any difficulty breathing call 911 immediately. Otherwise you can call the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. No matter which one you call you will need to provide them with as much information as you can such as the age and weight of the person. Try to locate the bottle or container of the substance so you can let them know what was ingested and how much. This will help them determine the severity of the poisoning. Let them know how the person is feeling or acting at the moment and if they are acting in any way unusual. Some additional steps to take include getting the person to fresh air right away, if they have inhaled poison. If they have poison on the skin, take off any clothing the poison touched and rinse the skin with water for 15 to 20 minutes. Do the same thing with accidental exposure to the eyes, rinse with running water for 15 to 20 minutes. In any case make sure you have called for assistance as the person on the other end of the line can give you other first-aid advice pertinent to the exposure and may save you a visit to the ER. In the event of a chemical exposure we have an excellent local resource that many people are not aware of and it is called Infotrac. Infotrac is a 24 hour emergency response hotline that is located right here in Leesburg, FL. Every Police, Fire, and EMS vehicle has a small orange book called an ERG (Emergency Response Guidebook), and on the very back of that page is listed the four main 24 hour emergency response communication services in the country to call and one of them is Infotrac, 352-323-3500 (or 1-800535-5053). If you or someone you know has accidently ingested or been exposed to a potentially poisonous chemical substance you can call them 24 hours a day and they can walk you through the proper procedures to take and advise on any further action that should be taken. POLICE/FIRE/EMS: 911 NATIONAL POISON CONTROL: 1-800-222-1222 INFOTRAC: 352-323-3500 (1-800-535-5053) Its a good idea to keep these numbers next to your phone or somewhere handy like on the fridge in case you need it. I tend to save the numbers in my cell phone as well, just in case. As always, stay safe Brothers.
5

The Treasure Chest

WLarry Duff

Brothers, as the elected Treasure of this Lodge, it is my duty to keep your informed of the financial status of our Lodge. Over the past several years an operating Budget has been prepared for the Lodge, presented to the Craft, and approved by the Craft. A reoccurring problem exists with every Budget, are we going to have the monies, anticipated, to operate our Lodge. This budget year, we are not 100% paid on our dues for the year. Currently we have forty-eight Brothers who are delinquent on their 2014 dues, 2014 dues notices were sent out in October 2013 for the period beginning January 1st, 2014. My Brothers, non-payment of 2014 dues equates to a $4,800.00 shortage of anticipated funds to make the budget for the year and affects how the Lodge is maintained and kept active, why, because we do not know if the funds are or will be forthcoming. A simple phone call to the Lodge secretary, stating, I will be or I will not be paying the 2014 dues, would help in the planning process. You should also be aware that the Grand Lodge per capita tax for each of these forty-eight delinquent Brothers has been paid for this year at a cost of $672.00 which is derived from the dues payment, if we have received that dues payment to gather this funds, then the funds either have to come from another source within the budget or cause a shortage of funds. We all know a building of this size, utilities, insurance and other expenses is great. Having in hand available funds greatly assists in the operation of our Lodge. Reviewing 2013, Brothers who passed to the Celestial Lodge above, were approved and placed in Emeritus Status, rewarded for 50 years of service to the Fraternity and Suspended for Non-Payment of dues has produced a loss of available dues income of $3,000.00. This also makes the timely payment of current dues even more important in the planning and operational process of the Lodge. My Brothers, what does the future hold for our Lodge, could it be that we will eventually have to shut down or move out of this building to lower expenses to match income. This is not the option I would like to see for this Lodge, but it could easily happen here as it is elsewhere. Brothers, we need you to pay your dues or communicate your dues status with us. (continued on page 6)

From the South

Brethren,

UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES March 2014

Mar 1 -First Saturday Breakfast Mar 3 - Boy Scout Troop 1 Meeting - 7:00 PM Mar 3 - DeMolay - Eustis Lodge - 7:00 PM Mar 4 - Stated Communication - 7:00 PM Mar 6 - OES Meeting - 7:30 PM Mar 9 - Second Sunday Dinner - 11:30-1:00 PM Mar 10 - Boy Scout Troop 1 Meeting - 7:00 PM Mar 10 - Rainbow Assembly 79 - Mt Dora -7:00PM Mar 12 - Open Books - Tavares - 6:30 PM Mar 12 - School of Instruction - Tavares - 7:30 PM Mar 15 - Pilgrimage Day - Masonic Home Mar 17 - St. Patricks Day Mar 17 - DeMolay - Eustis Lodge - 7:00 PM Mar 19 - Masters & Wardens - Mt Dora - 7:30 PM Mar 19 - Memorial Lodge - Mt Dora - 8:30 PM Mar 24 -Rainbow Assembly 79 - Mt Dora -7:00 PM (continued from page 5) Yes, the dues are higher than when you came in to the Fraternity but so are the costs of everything else in this world of ours, we call it inflation. There are options my Brothers for paying your dues that you may not know about. Did you know that you can now pay by credit card? How about payments? The Digest of Masonic Law of the Grand Lodge of Florida allows both payment methods. Call the Lodge and well provide you with more information. Brothers, I hope this helps you and provides some insight to the financial status of your Lodge. All we want is for you to be a member of our Lodge and this great Fraternity.

WJim Campbell

Welcome from the South. As the position of one who calls the craft from Labor to Refreshment and Refreshment to Labor it is the responsibility of the Junior Warden to oversee the function of the kitchen and refreshments for the craft. The idea of refreshments as part of the Lodge meeting is an old concept. We are however going to try a revised approach to refreshments for a stated meeting. Starting with our meeting on February 18 we will begin by having a dinner offering prior to the meeting starting at 6 PM with the meeting at the stated time of 7 PM. The cost for the dinner will be $ 5.00. There will be sweet refreshments then following the meeting as well (donations accepted) The menu for this first meeting will be an original New Orleans Jambalaya (hot sauce available for personal preference), salad, and bread pudding with or without a coconut white sauce. Please join us for this first meal before the meeting and feel free to offer suggestions for future menus. The purpose is to remind you that our lodge offers various social times with food and refreshment after stated and called meetings, our First Saturday Breakfasts and Second Sunday Dinners. These are times where our kitchen brothers demonstrate their skills and offer a friendly cost effective function where you as Brothers along with family and friends can socialize. Please join us for stated and called meetings along with the first Saturday and Second Sunday opportunities to meet old friends, make new ones and expand the fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons.

Masonic Education Worksheet

Name(s) of Those Who Attended: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Date(s) Attended: _____________________________________________________________________ Function/Activity/Training/Etc. Attended: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Number of Hours Involved:______________________________________________________________ Location of Activity: ___________________________________________________________________ Please leave completed slips on the Secretarys desk at the Stated Communications, or email W. Hank DeBerry with this information at hdeberry@embarqmail.com, hdeberry@embarqmail.com or place them in the slot on the Secretarys door.

Name(s) of Those Who Attended: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Date(s) Attended: _____________________________________________________________________ Function/Activity/Training/Etc. Attended: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Number of Hours Involved:______________________________________________________________ Location of Activity: ___________________________________________________________________ Please leave completed slips on the Secretarys desk at the Stated Communications, or email W. Hank DeBerry with this information at hdeberry@embarqmail.com, or place them in the slot in the Secretarys door

Name(s) of Those Who Attended: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Date(s) Attended: _____________________________________________________________________ Function/Activity/Training/Etc. Attended: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Number of Hours Involved:______________________________________________________________ Location of Activity: ___________________________________________________________________ Please leave completed slips on the Secretarys desk at the Stated Communications, or email W. Hank DeBerry with this information at hdeberry@embarqmail.com, or place them in the slot in the Secretarys door

Leesburg Announcement Forms

Please Print Clearly

Event:_________________________________________________________ Date (s):__________________________ Time:_________________________ Description/Comments____________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ For further information contact:____________________ at ________________ Submitted by:_____________________________________________________

Leesburg Announcement Forms

Please Print Clearly

Event:_________________________________________________________ Date (s):__________________________ Time:_________________________ Description/Comments____________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ For further information contact:____________________ at ________________ Submitted by:_____________________________________________________

2014 TRESTLE BOARD SPONSORS

YOUR NAME HERE - INDIVIDUAL OR COUPLE FOR ONLY $20.00 Current year or any part thereof - HELP US KEEP YOU INFORMED! John Dean Jim Angelos Suzanne Mina Richard Follett Bob & Carolyn Browning Hank & Paula DeBerry William & Sharen Aston John & Tina Haas Ed Spencer Larry & Brenda Duff Joe Schlegal Jim & Becky Campbell George A. Brown

If you would like to be a sponsor in 2014, please see the secretary with your donation. Your donations are applied to the monthly mailing costs of the Trestle Board, we need 60 sponsors to cover the yearly mailing costs. Sponsorship is $20.00 for the year or any part thereof. Our Goal for this year is 60 sponsors. Please consider a sponsorship.

"You get out of Masonry only what you put in it."

HIGH TWELVE Meeting Times & Locations

Hawthorne Masonic High Twelve No. 547 Meets at 11:00 a.m. on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month at Golden Corral, 1720 Citrus Blvd. (Hwy 27/441) Leesburg, FL. Tel: 352728-3911. Tri-County Masonic High Twelve meets 10:30 a.m. 1st Wednesday of each month at La Hacienda Recreation Center, The Villages. Reservations for lunch due by the Thursday before the meeting, call Rita at 750-5561.

RAINBOW ASSEMBLY No. 79 at Mt. Dora

Lets not forget the young Ladies of our local Rainbow Chapter. They need our support. We should also remember they are the future of our Ladies organizations and future leaders in our communities. Meetings are at 7:00pm on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at Mt. Dora Lodge. Know a young Lady who might want to join, you can contact Chapter Mom Debbie Dyer at 407908-6973 or Chapter Dad Warren Shippee at 321689-6661. Attend a meeting and be impressed.

Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual. -Bro. Mark Twain-

Good resolutions are simply checks that men draw on a bank where they have no account. - Bro. Oscar Wilde -

18th MASONIC DISTRICT LODGES Stated Communication Meetings

Leesburg No. 58 Umatilla No. 65 Clermont No. 226 Eustis No. 85 Villages No. 394 Tavares No. 234 Wildwood No. 92 Groveland No. 190 Mt. Dora No. 238 1st and 3rd Tuesday 1st and 3rd Monday 1st and 3rd Monday 2nd and 4th Monday 2nd Monday 2nd and 4th Tuesday 2nd and 4th Tuesday 2nd and 4th Thursday 1st and 3rd Thursday

DEMOLAY CHAPTER At Eustis

Lets also not forget the young Men of our local DeMolay Chapter. They also need our support. We should also remember they are the future of Masonry and future leaders in our communities. Meetings are at 7:00pm on the 1 and 3rd Mondays of each month at Eustis Lodge. Know a Man who might want to join, you can contact Granddaddy Philip Paul at 407-8328771. Attend a meeting and be impressed.

Have YOU Traveled Lately?

HELP BY SUPPORTING OUR MASONIC YOUTH

10

Scottish Rite www.OcalaSR.com or www.SROrlando.com

Ocala Scottish Rite meets the first Monday of each month, at 7:30pm.at Ocala Scottish Rite Center, 3632 NE 7th Street, Ocala, Fl. Orlando Scottish Rite meets at 1485 Grand Road, Winter Park, Fla. on the 4th Friday of each month, except, November, which is on the third Friday and dark in December, meetings at 7:30pm.

March Birthdays
3/1 3/1 3/1 3/1 3/1 3/3 3/3 3/4 3/5 3/5 3/8 3/11 3/13 3/13 3/14 3/16 3/16 3/19 3/21 3/23 3/25 3/26 3/27 3/28 3/29 3/30 3/30 Ralph Klippel Frank Perregrin Thomas Stevens John Willman John McLeod Jr Claude R. Adkins John Dozier Edward Walsh Julian Strickland William Sillery David Moseley Ed Davison III Thomas Wright James Fretwell Jr Walter Cannon Vernon Goney Jim Reynolds Jr Arthur Miller Jr Charles Donahey Jr Robert Fickies John Meier V Robert McLaughlin James Cotney James Ambrose Roland Gibson Robert Kennedy Charles Milton

York Rite Bodies

A Continuation of the Blue Lodge www.flgyr.org Ocala York Rite Bodies Meetings at Belleview Lodge No. 95 Ocala Chapter No. 13 - Meets Second Wednesday of January, March, May, September and November beginning at 7:30 PM. Ocala Council No. 22 - R&S Masters - Meets Second Wednesday of February, April, June, October and December beginning at 7:30 PM. Ocala Commandry No. 19 - Knights Templar - Meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7:30 PM. Lake/Sumter York Rite Bodies - Meetings at Leesburg Lodge 58 Eustis Chapter No. 33, Meets on the first Wednesday at 7:30 PM Golden Triangle Council No. 28Royal & Select Masters Meets first Wednesday at 7:30 PM. Chapter and Council will alternate on who begins first. Triangle Commandery No. 38 Knights TemplarMeets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 PM, except in July and August.

Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter No. 84

Lady Theresa Fox PM Worthy Matron W Hank DeBerry PPWorthy Patron Lady Paula DeBerry PMSecretary W Robert Welch PGP Treasurer Meetings 1st Thursday of the Month at 7:30 p.m. with the exception of July, August and September. Meets at Leesburg Lodge No. 58.

Editors Note: All articles and information must be received by the editor prior to the 23rd of the publishing month for inclusion in the next issue. Articles can be e-mailed to: leesburglodge58@centurylink.net

11

I shall never forget my first thought as I made my initial entrance into the Masonic Lodge that conferred the Entered Apprentice Degree on me, and followed with the Fellow Craft and Master Mason Degrees. I was immediately made to feel that I was surrounded by Brothers. I felt there were no strangers present. This was one big family that seemed to have adopted me, and I, in turn, was elated to adopt them as my family. My horizon of Masonry expanded, and my pride and joy were bubbling and effervescent. I couldn't wait to be able to confer the Degrees on others as there was so much I wanted to explain and elaborate about each Degree. I was offered this opportunity and immediately began to study and memorize many parts, and over the years I became very active, holding office, lecturing, and taking an active part in every phase of Masonry where my talents and abilities could be used. One aspect of Masonry that has made a great impression on me was the ability of all Brothers, regardless of religion, to ask me why did I need Masonry as a Rabbi, because my profession was one of integrity, kindness, honesty, and all the attributes expounded in Masonry. It was difficult for many to grasp my need for this addition and supplement to religion. I worked with men of different religions, as well as of the Hebrew faith, and they were all impressed when I would say that Masonry is not a religion, but to be a Mason we had to believe in God, and if this was the only aspect of our religion and we had no other formal religion, yet we adhered to all the moral teachings of Masonry; this too would have put us in the category of men of integrity. However, Masonry is not a substitute for religion, nor is it a religion. My experience has shown that Masons are, for the most part, deeply religious men. I am proud to be a Mason and a part of an organization that is devoted to helping, without question or embarrassment, widows, orphans, and those in need. I am proud to be a Mason and to be a part of a Fraternity dedicated to the upholding of the Constitution of the United States of America and the Bill of Rights. I am proud to be a Mason who believes in the freedom of mankind and the sanctity of human life. I am proud to be a Mason who believes in the dignity of God's children and opposes hatred and bigotry, and stands for truth, justice, kindness, integrity, and righteousness for all. I am proud to be a Mason and shall always be happy to number myself among those who uphold those cardinal principles and moral standards of life that are so needed if our organization is to continue on the high level that has been its character from its inception. May God grant it continued strength to go, to grow, and to glow so that I and all Masons can exclaim: "I am proud to be a Mason!"
12

Jeffs Comedy Corner

Two experienced Master Masons were enjoying a flight in a hot air balloon when suddenly a thick cloud formed between them and the ground. Being without instruments, after half an hour they realized that they were well and truly lost. A short time later there came across a large hole in the cloud and espied a gentleman below walking his dog across a field. They had time to exchange pleasantries and found that he too was a member of the Craft. The chaps in the balloon inquired of him as to their location and received the reply, "About 200 feet up in a balloon." Just then the cloud closed the hole and they were alone again. One turned to the other and said, "I bet hes the Secretary of his Lodge!" "Why do you say that?", the other asked. "Well what he has told us is absolutely true - but in our present predicament is totally useless!" The Worshipful Master of our Lodge found a bottle with a Genie in it. In accordance with custom, the Genie offered to grant him a wish. "OK," said the WM, "Ive always wanted to go to Hawaii, but I hate to fly. So my wish is for you to build a bridge so I can drive to Hawaii." "I cant do that!!!" exclaimed the Genie. "Dont you know thats impossible? No Genie could do that. Its too far, the water is too deep, its just totally beyond anybodys power. You will have to make another wish." "OK," said the Master. "I wish that at our next Stated Meeting all the old PMs would just get along and not cause any trouble, not have to tell us how they did it their year, not complain about the ritual, not put down the current officers ... just sit on the sidelines and behave!" "Hmmmmm," said the Genie. "Do you want that bridge with 2 lanes or 4??"

Pictures from around the Lodge

Valentines Day Dinner

13

Pictures from around the Lodge Cont.

Happy Valentines Dinner to All!

14

Pictures from around the Lodge Cont.

Brother George Brown enjoying his Valentines dinner

Line Crew serving up good eats

15

Pictures from around the Lodge Cont.

Order of the Eastern Star Installation dinner

16

17

SUNDAY DINNER
Leesburg Lodge No. 58 March 9, 2014 Menu
Corned Beef and Cabbage
Baby Baker Potatoes, Carrots Tossed Salad, Rolls Desserts (Sugar and Sugar-free) Coffee, Iced Tea, Lemonade
$8.37 + .63 tax - Adults, under 14 - $3.72 + .28 tax

11:30 AM until 1:00 PM Please call the Lodge at 787-5696 or sign the guest list in the lobby
and provide the number attending with you,. This ensures enough food is purchased and prepared for all. ALL MASONS, their families and friends are invited to our Monthly Second Sunday Dinners and First Saturday Breakfasts Help support your Blue Lodge, IT IS where all other Masonic Bodies Begin.

Future menu suggestions are always welcome!

Introducing 2014 Chef Crew

W Jim Campbell - Graduate of New Orleans School of Cooking Bro. Wayne Reynolds - Former Chef at Country Club Bro. Ed Spencer - formerly at Benihana Restaurant
18

Leesburg Masonic Lodge No. 58 F&AM

PO Box 985 Fruitland Park, Florida 34731

NONPROFIT US Postage PAID Permit#1040 Leesburg,, FL 34748

Celebrating 146 years (1868 2014) in Leesburg, Fla. The Lakefront City

11:30 a.m. TO 1:00 p.m. Corned Beef and Cabbage Baby Baked Potatoes, Carrots Desserts (Sugared & Sugar-Free) Coffee, Iced Tea and Lemonade
Menu items: March 9, 2014

SUNDAY DINNERS

$8.37 + .63 tax per person, Children under 14 years of age $3.72 + .28 tax

PLEASE call the Lodge at 787-5696, or sign the guest list in the foyer, provide the number of guests attending with you, this ensures enough food is prepared for all. ALL MASONS, their families and friends are invited . Menu suggestions welcomed, just fill out a comment card. Dont forget to call or sign -up!!!

1st Saturday Monthly Coffee Klatch & Breakfast

8:00am to 10:00am
Eggs (cooked to order), Pancakes, Bacon, Sausages (Pattys or Links), Breakfast Potatoes, Grits, Sausage Gravy, Biscuits, Toast, Fruit Cup, Breakfast Pastries, Coffee, Orange Juice $5.58 +.42 sales tax per person
19