Trestleboard - September 2003

News From the East

Hello my Brethren,

Well summer is about over and we are back at lodge. We have a lot to do in the next three months left in my year as Master. We are having our first meeting on September 11. We have a lot of news that will have a great impact on this lodge.

The Fair was a good time for the lodge. At this time I do not know how much money was made, but Bob Askew said he was pleased with the turn out. We will know more later. My Brethren, I Need you to come to lodge so you know what is going on. It has been told to me that some people are saying things about me or my officers that might not be true. But if you do not come to lodge, you do not know what is going on. I am not trying to hurt anyone or win a popularity contest. I was made master to lead and protect the lodge.

New keys will be coming out later this month for the new lock on the door. The key will be coming to the people that need to get into the lodge. This does not mean that just because you did not get a key that you are not going to get one. We are going to make sure that only so many are out this time, sorry.

We will be raising the rent on everyone that uses the temple. I do not know when it will be brought up. I have been up front with you about anything that has been brought up at the lodge. The next meeting will hold a lot for you, for all the committees will report on all their activities. I hope that it is all good news. Well, my Brethren, I do not have anything more to say so I will close.

Respectfully,

William C. Thompson

Brother Marion York passed away March 21, 2003. Brother Harold W. Rogers passed away July 6, 2003. Brother Shiloh Fields passed away July 24, 2003. Brother James P. Adams passed away August 5, 2003. Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to the families and friends of these beloved Freemason. They will live on....in our memories.

The following motions were introduced at the June 26, 2003 Stated meeting and are held over to the Stated meeting of September 11, 2003 for discussion and voting.

Members are invited to attend the September 11^th meeting to join in the discussion of these motions and vote their preference.

A motion to form a Long Range Planning Committee composed of four members from Medina Lodge #58 was introduced and approved at the June 26, 2003 Stated meeting. The purpose of the Committee is to recommend to the Lodge the best possible facility and the financial means to provide for that facility. The Long Range Planning Committee is to consider but not be limited to the following options:

• sale of current Temple and purchase of another building or land and construction of a new Temple,

• survey membership as to level of commitment to contribute financially to a proposed plan of action, (The survey was mailed to all voting members in mid July. Results will be published in October Trestleboard.)

• employing a financial consultant and fund raising professional for long term capital fund.

The Committee is to make a preliminary report to the lodge on September 11, 2003 and a final report on February 1, 2004. WM Thompson appointed WB Gilbert, Brother Doug Shuler, Brother Bob Askew, and WB Cover to the committee.

STATED Meetings
Thursday, September 11^th, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 25^th, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 9^th, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 23^rd, 7:30 p.m.

Special Events

Saturday Morning Breakfasts
Saturday, September 27^th, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, October 25^th, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Medina Masonic Temple Dining Hall

October Dinner to be Held
Saturday, October 11^th, 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
$8.00 per plate
Medina Masonic Temple Dining Hall
Menu to be published in October Trestleboard

The Masons have been called "the Sons of Light" because of the order's allegorical objective; the ongoing search for "light" (wisdom and truth) in Masonry. However Masonry does not provide the "light", only a beautiful allegorical path by which the individual can proceed in his personal search for the "light".

The various degrees provide maps suggesting routes we can use to find "light". The charts provided in the various degrees suggest we study the Bible (or that book appropriate to our personal religious faith), philosophy, theosophy, religion (both ancient and current), secular and non-secular, Masonic and anti-Masonic literature; but first and foremost, we are taught to use our God-given intellect guided by our hearts while keeping our passions within due bounds.

It takes many of us a lifetime before we begin to learn to understand the meanings of the Masonic symbolism and allegories to which we've been exposed throughout our Masonic careers. This does not diminish the value of the order to the initiate, but rather enhances it. In Masonry, as in life, its' lessons are learned by degrees and usually requires all the time we are allotted to fully comprehend.

The plant name Acacia refers to a large group of plants found growing throughout the world. Peas and beans are found in this plant family. Acacia thrives in warm climates and can range from a shrub in arid climates to a tree where water is plentiful. Acacias grow very quickly and do not live long. Perhaps this should serve as a reminder to all mankind of our own brief life and mortality.

The type of acacia we refer to in Freemasonry is an evergreen that grows abundantly near Jerusalem - Acacia Setal. The Hebrew name for this plant is shittah. It usually grows to 20 feet and can have a trunk diameter of two feet or more. The wood is strong, heavy, and finely grained. It is resistant to attack from insects.

This type of wood would be well suited for the construction of the Ark of the Covenant, the tabernacle, and its furniture as is described in the Holy Bible. It has always been held as a sacred wood by Hebrews and was consecrated by them to stand apart from the other trees and to be used for sacred purposes.

Symbolically, acacia has three interpretations: immortality, innocence, and initiation. Because of its incorruptible and evergreen nature, acacia has been adopted to represent the immortality of the soul. We use the evergreen in our own Masonic funeral rites to remind us of our immortal side that will survive the grave and never die. It should give us the strength, confidence, and composure to look ahead, accepting death as a new beginning. Ancient Hebrews often planted a sprig of acacia at the head of a loved one's grave to represent this continuation of spiritual life.

Acacia's name is from a Greek word meaning "freedom from sin". It alludes to innocence. This does not represent that plant itself, but the Mason. A Mason's virtue, fidelity, and integrity should serve as a template for the lives of others.

Masonry uses acacia in initiation rites. Just as the lotus is used in the Brahman rites in India, mistletoe by the Druids in England, and myrtle by the Greeks, our use of acacia is symbolic of resurrection to a future life in the Craft.

For Freemasonry, these three symbolic aspects form one. It teaches us that through the initiation of life and death (alluded to in being raised to the third degree) innocence must temporarily lie in the grave. Then, at length, the Grand Master of All Things will call us all to immortality.

This subtle symbol of Masonry provides one of the most significant lessons of the Craft.


	MEDINA LODGE NO. 58, F. & A. M. Dispensation Granted Monday, January 31, 1820 Chartered Tuesday, December 12, 1820