FROM THE PILLAR OF WISDOM

Greetings Brethren and Friends:

May is upon us and our lodge officers continue exemplifying their excellent degree work and as always, I want to encourage any Brother to come out and assist us in providing our candidates with the best possible experience.  Remember, every Tuesday is Lodge Night.

Fraternally,
Kyle Dau, PM, WM

TRAVELLING EA PROGRAM

Calling all Master Masons!  We need your help!  Section §804.860 of the California Masonic Code states:  An Entered Apprentice may sit in the Lodge in which he has received the degree or degrees when open in a degree taken by him, while he conducts himself with due order and propriety.  He may advance after satisfactorily passing a strict examination in a tiled Lodge.  He may visit another Lodge working in a degree taken by him, with the consent of the Master of his Lodge and the consent of the Master of the Lodge visited, if accompanied by a Master Mason who has sat with him in a tiled Lodge and vouches for him.

FROM THE PILLAR OF STRENGTH

FROM THE PILLAR OF BEAUTY

Brethren and Ladies;

The Missing Stones

Freemasonry includes comprehensive lectures on the working tools used by operative Masons, but some other important elements of the ancient symbolism, especially in respect to the stones used in buildings is missing.  In the degrees of Freemasonry the candidate is represented by a particular stone.   The rough and perfect ashlars are important symbols in the speculative craft and degrees.  However, many speculative Freemasons are not aware of several other important stones and their symbolisms.  Only three of many are discussed here.

A cubical stone is rarely used in masonry structures except to complete a course adjacent to openings.  Nevertheless it was an important stone used to test the skills of an apprentice who aspired to become a fully qualified craftsman.  Most of the stones used in the construction of masonry walls are running stones, used in alternate courses they are staggered as in brickwork, to avoid the joints being aligned in successive courses, which would be detrimental to the strength of the structure.  These stones remind us of the need to work in harmony with our fellow workers and that everything we do must be straight, level and true.  The footing corner stone is another very important stone in masonry structures.  This stone ensures that the running stones in adjoining walls mesh.  It reminds us that our strength is in a united effort.

It is also important to consider the various shapes in plans that have been used through the ages.  Rectangular shapes are by far the most common, but many other shapes of significance have been used for special purposes.  Each shape has a symbolism of its own, but here, we will consider two of the more complex shapes, the hexagon and the octagon.  The hexagon is the perimeter of six equilateral triangles.  All of the symbolisms of an equilateral triangle apply and, in addition, the number six is a symbol of accomplishment of growth or purpose.  The hexagon is the shape of the cells of a honeycomb, which symbolises industry and reminds us of honey, the symbol of spiritual food and nourishment, and of the celestial food of wisdom and love.  The octagon is composed of eight isosceles triangles each with its apex angle of 45º meeting the others.  The legs of the compass are commonly extended to an angle of 45º in Freemasonry.  Eight is called the number of regeneration and is a symbol of entrance into a new state or condition of the soul.  The square is the shape of every side of a perfect cube and therefore is the view of both elevations of the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle and in the temple of King Solomon, symbolising the need for the higher minds and intellects of humans to be in harmony with God.  The temple square, or triple square, was the template of the tabernacle and the temple.  It included the Holy of Holies and thus symbolizes the progress that humans must make from a mundane existence to the spiritual world if they are to partake in life eternal.

LADIES CORNER

Thank you to Maebelle for the fun table decorations at the April Stated Meeting Dinner.  We also want to thank Susie for teaching us a new card game and congratulations to Margaret, Amy and Tara for winning and collecting the chocolate Easter candy.  Don’t forget to give Wor. Gamache (our hard working Secretary) your deposit for the fun weekend at Laguna Shrine Camp coming in July.  Most important, when you see a sailor or soldier, thank him/her for the freedoms we have because of their dedication to this great country!

See you in March,
Marty

SHRINE CAMPING TRIP

S. W. Hackett Lodge annual camping weekend at Shrine Camp in the Laguna Mountains will be July 9^th and 10^th.  To date four cabins have been reserved and two remain available   Dorm rooms 1 & 2 (single queen beds) and 3 & 4 (three double bunk beds) remain available.

Cabins rent for $55 per night and dorm rooms rent for $25 per night.

RV spaces at $15 per night (water & power only) are available, and tent spaces at $7 per night are available.

If you haven’t yet made reservations contact Clint Black, PM, immediately.  Clint may be reached at 858-538-3051 or mohic47@gmail.com.

 BROTHER TONY BALAT AND STUDENTS OF REAL SCHOOL IN THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

Our Brother Tony Balat recently visited his home village in the Philippine Islands, and while there donated funds to support feeding the students of Real Elementary School.  The banner may be too small to read in this picture, but Bro. Balat made his donation in S. W. Hackett lodge’s name.  He writes that he realized the virtue of Charity through the moral precepts of Masonry.  Bro. Balat was raised Feb. 27, 1997 in your lodge.