Trestle Board

The June camping trip to Mt. Laguna Shrine Camp was well attended, with one head count of thirty-six, with the likely possibility of missing a few fast moving kids. The weather, even though an aberration compared to the week before and the day we left, was caused by an unusual June cold front that moved through our county. But, in answer, the Shrine lodge fireplace consumed its fair share of wood to keep all in attendance toasty; just ask Bob Smith, PM who took the time to make it so with the help of the youngsters who kept the wood box well supplied and full. The kids all enjoyed the treasure hunt and the craft project which I understand will be the center pieces for our September Stated Meeting dinner tables.

June 9^th. Alex Shpigel received his Fellowcraft Degree on June 30^th. Paul Stevenson will have received his Master Mason Degree at our annual Past Masters and Old Timers Night. (If you receive the July Trestleboard before June 30, plan to attend dinner and the degree with us).

The July Stated Meeting dress code is slacks and Hawaiian shirts and we will vote on a petition for membership, and if all goes well a Entered Apprentice Degree on the 21^st. of July.

August as usual will be dark for the lodge except for the business meeting (no dinner).

September will be move up night in the chairs two months early as the Master and his lady will be out of town on vacation and expect to return with tales of woe of the big fish that got away and other adventures.

August 2 Lodge Picnic Santee Lakes, Lake 1 Area A
August 4 Stated Meeting (Business Meeting Only)

September 1 Stated Meeting & Dinner (WM & Treasurer out of town)
September 26 Mason of the Year 5:30pm SRC

Brethren we are half way through the year and December 31^st. is again rushing upon us. That’s right, the time when our Secretary is recovering from all the stamps he’s had to lick and envelopes sealed and perhaps a paper cut or two sending out a request for payment of our dues of $81 of your hard earned money to fund your lodge and Grand Lodge programs. Each year most pay on time, some forget and are reminded, others less fortunate are remitted and in very rare cases suspended. We are all aware of what has happened with the stock market with its loss of value which has affected the income of all lodges. If serious improvements are not forthcoming in the next or even this year we must consider the necessity of increasing dues, as a responsible leadership has a duty to secure lodge funds for the future.

On another subject, the California Masonic Code, or CMC, becomes the subject of an examination of the Senior Deacon appointee, Wardens and Master in line. The tests have to do with the “rules of the road” on how Masonic lodges are operated and the codes we as Masons need to follow to remain in good standing. Few Masons outside the advancing line officers ever take the time to read and become familiar with the CMC. So, the following is from Section 804.130: When a member in good standing, against whom there is not pending Masonic charges, or charges under the criminal laws of the United States or any government entity involving moral turpitude, may withdraw from the lodge at any time. Such withdrawal shall be obtained by requesting in writing, over his signature, that a demit be issued. Upon report of the request at the next Stated Meeting the Master shall order the Secretary to issue a demit immediately, in the form provided as evidence of the withdrawal. Or, when a member in good standing desires to transfer from California jurisdiction to a lodge outside of California which is another jurisdiction, his lodge Secretary in the California lodge, upon receipt of the members written request, shall issue to the member a Certificate of Standing, which shall specify the date through which the members dues are paid. The Certificate of Standing shall also advise that a demit will be issued upon receipt of notification of election in the other lodge. Upon notification of election the Secretary shall immediately issue a demit on the form provided by the Grand Secretary and report to the lodge at the next Stated Meeting. Remember, when in doubt, call and ask how to properly obtain a withdrawal or transfer to avoid pitfalls.

Sincerely and Fraternally,
Kyle Dau, PM, SW.

Masonry teaches us that monuments of stone are subject to the ravages of time and man. Only those things we do for others are of lasting value, and can truly be expected to be eternal. So should the event “Mason of the Year” be understood.

The selfless application of ones talents to the improvement of ones self, as well as those they interact with in daily life, is worthy of high praise indeed. And so each year each lodge seeks out the worthiest of candidates for recognition as Mason of the Year. This year that event will be held at the Scottish Rite Center on September 26^th. S. W. Hackett Lodge will honor Robert Smith, PM.

Robert Smith’s Masonic journey through the Scottish Rite, York Rite and Shrine is one of service, leadership and recognition before entering the line in S. W. Hackett Lodge as Sr. Deacon in 2003. Bob continued through the line to become Master in 2007 displaying devotion, leadership and gaining the respect of his brethren. Since 2007 Bob has made his time available to any brother who might need a one-to-one assist with the ritual and still attends all formal lodge practices. Bob also is in the forefront of volunteers in support of lodge activities with his admired quiet dedication to the task at hand. Recently he has put his name back on the list of hospital van drivers for the Shrine. Bob is also a ham radio operator and as such is an active member of RACES or Radio Amateurs Civil Emergency Services which support the Sherriff’s Department in time of emergencies, an important community service when needed. Bob Smith is a well deserved Mason of the Year representing his lodge and Masonry by example.

Mason of the Year Dinner Reservations are absolutely required no later than September 14, 2009 and may be made by contacting our Bro. Secretary John Gamache, PM at 619-295-4420. Dinner Reservations are $30 per person. Note your lodge number and number of tickets required on your check so members of your lodge may be seated together. Checks should be mailed to Amity Lodge 442 at 1895 Camino Del Rio S.; San Diego, CA 92108; Attn: MOY