<title> http://www.navallodge87.org Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:24:32 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 John As a Junior Wardenhttp://www.navallodge87.org/the-south/john-as-a-junior-warden.html http://www.navallodge87.org/the-south/john-as-a-junior-warden.html#comments Fri, 20 Aug 2010 01:34:54 +0000 Frank http://www.navallodge87.org/?p=63 As I was out of the country since my last communication, I extend my heart felt thanks to all the brothers who covered the South in my absence: Bros. Jose Ferrer, Rick Lauziere, and especially John Wason. I now turn over this space to Bro. John to give you a full report.

Fraternally,
Leo Guison, Junior Warden

Having been tasked with attempting to fill the shoes of our Junior Warden while he enjoyed his daughters wedding in the Philippines, I did what any reasonable Senior Steward would do- Call a caterer!!!! Our July 1 stated meeting dinner was from The Mecca in Pittsburg, and since the crowd ate what was offered, I will consider the event a success. For the 4th of July, a different story. After much paranoid shopping ( how much relish on the average hot dog vs. one or two 64 oz. jugs of relish ?), the day arrived. Seventy-five people showed up, the new grill worked well, especially under Wor. Lawson’s care, and we got to see fireworks. We do have some leftovers, so I hope you all like hamburgers and hot dogs with LOTS of relish. I would like to thank my wife, Pat and her friend Joanie for their help with the decorations (OK, they did it, I helped). I now gladly retreat to my usual corner, as Leo has returned. Thanks to all who assisted, especially Bro. Barry Hughes and Rick Lauziere.
Check out the pictures from the July cook out.

John Wasson, Senior Steward

]]> http://www.navallodge87.org/the-south/john-as-a-junior-warden.html/feed 0 Summer Break in Naval Lodgehttp://www.navallodge87.org/in-west/summer-break-in-naval-lodge.html http://www.navallodge87.org/in-west/summer-break-in-naval-lodge.html#comments Fri, 20 Aug 2010 01:33:47 +0000 Frank http://www.navallodge87.org/?p=62 Okay, our summer break is over and some of the officers say “what break?” for I as one spent the down time getting ready for the upcoming degrees and Installation of the 2011 officers. We need to be proficient in our work or the district inspector will not proclaim us proficient which means no advancement till we learn our work. I worked with most of the incoming line to help them get ready for the advancement and I think it paid off in the end and they are well prepared and hopefully well qualified. I ate, slept, even dreamed the lines I needed to learn…what a commitment.
On another note we did manage to have some fun. I rode with our Brazen Pillars Chapter of the Widows Sons to Laurel, MT to a grand gathering of the North/South Chapters and had a great time; eight days of fun with other brothers from North and South of the Border (Canada & USA) and although we worked on our proficiency’s
during the ride we still had a lot of leisure and fun.
I am sad to say that our sick and distressed list has grown during the break besides the Brothers that have been indisposed for some time the following have been added. Brother Gary Pirkig is in need your prayers. As you may know, he and his wife Margaret were in an accident in July. Margaret fought bravely but the Great Architect
called her home. Keep him in your thoughts and prayers as well as the following Brothers: Charles Gardner P.M. had a heart attack and is recuperating, and George Miller P.M. had a stroke and heart attack and is also recuperating at home. Give them a call or go see them — it is best to call first to see if they are up to visitors especially Gary.
Please call Gary first to see if it is good to visit.
Remember if you need a ride call and someone will see that you get to and from lodge.
See you in lodge,
Barry Hughes, Sr. Warden
]]> http://www.navallodge87.org/in-west/summer-break-in-naval-lodge.html/feed 0 NOT YOUR GRANDFATHER’S LODGEhttp://www.navallodge87.org/east/not-your-grandfathers-lodge.html http://www.navallodge87.org/east/not-your-grandfathers-lodge.html#comments Fri, 20 Aug 2010 01:29:25 +0000 Frank http://www.navallodge87.org/?p=61 The theme of this Trestleboard is Masonry in the 21st century. The practice of masonry in this new century is going to be different than the 1900s. Lodges that are inflexible and unwilling to change the way they do business will not succeed and remain viable. Too much in the American culture, social fabric, and community life has changed for the old routines and customs to remain meaningful. For the Lodges that are willing to meet this challenge, they will not look like your Grandfather’s Lodge. I am neither an historian nor an academic. I run a business, practice law as a profession and participate in Masonry as an avocation. My views are not based on the strength of my historical analysis or upon academic exactitude. My critique is biased by my experience in the community and my journey through the chairs of a Blue Lodge.

Masonry has been carried along in the direction of the culture and as such it is diminishing in importance as is nearly every other fraternal based organization in the country. Mature men no longer look forward to amateur morality plays as their sole source of entertainment or escape from the dally routines of work and family life. As a result, Masonry advances with the culture unchanged at its peril. The cultural forces that gave rise to its development in the United States in the mid 18th century and to its renaissance in the mid 20th century have eroded. We are no longer a colonial society engaged in a Constitutional revolution nor are we in the paroxysm of two successive World Wars. We are now part of a World marketplace and community, a place where there is a growing competition of products and ideas.

Masonry has survived thus far, perhaps more successfully than others, because of our long tradition, wealth, broad membership base, and diverse concordant bodies, in a word our “social power”. However, each of these attributes is in decline. The visible signs are everywhere. We cannot trust our survival to the direction of the society because the larger culture may not share our set of values. We must set our own course so that we are not swept aside by the drift of the cultural norms. We do not have to allow the prevailing winds and ocean currents of the time determine our destination. Naval Lodge understands that it is time to trim the sails and man the helm. Part of our problem is that we continue to try to be all things to all people. However, we no longer have the social power in our communities that justifies such a strategy. In the United States, Masonry embraced democracy and intentionally removed itself from exercising direct political influence. For historical reasons it did not focus, as Continental Europe did, on its philosophical contributions. It is not surprising then that American masonry is largely absent from the discussions that dominate the philosophical exchanges in our intellectual circles. Instead, American masonry focused on its social power.

Masonry is one of the last and probably the largest fraternal organization that still exercises significant social power. But that social power has drastically diminished because of the radical changes in the social fabric. American Masonry’s social power was largely dominated by its conservative social values. As a result, its reaction to the changing intellectual climate was largely reactionary. Civil rights, women’s rights and LGBT rights have strained the tolerance of the fraternity. I still hear ugly comments and slurs by members lamenting the changes and yearning for the “good old days” of the old social order.

There is a world war of ideas taking place as we live and breath. Advancements in transportation, open markets and communication technologies have created the conditions for a cultural war of ideas. The clash of ideas and values that were once protected by oceans, mountain range and desserts, are now being played out on the world stage. What happens in Kabul and Baghdad now affects London and New York. Masonry needs to engage men in that discussion of values—that is our reason for being. To survive as a relevant and viable institution we will need to adapt to the new cultural climate and evolve in a way that maintains the integrity of our core values. So what might the Lodge of the Future look like? A Lodge that successfully navigates that transition will need to accommodate a new generation of men that live in a highly interconnected world. In this environment of overwhelming information, immediate communication and global competition, the new lodge will need to stick to a focused mission.

At first glance that Lodge needs to employ the communication tools that make it easy for men to gain information and arrange for participation in Lodge events. Electronic Trestleboards and interactive web sites that can be continually updated are a fundamental step in that direction. To become a dynamic lodge we need to be unapologetic that we are a selective membership. We need to employ new ways to invite successful, talented and bright young men into our fraternity. Also, we need not be bashful about expecting more from our membership. Higher standards, not lower standards should inform our thinking on such topics as dues, candidate advancement, proficiencies, and Masonic education. Masonic education as it is currently being practiced needs to be tailored to meet the needs of this new generation. Understanding the core degrees and their symbols is essential but we must be able to offer this younger membership programs that engage them at higher levels as well. At its core, the new Lodge will not just be dispensing information; it will give men the intellectual tools they need to think in ways that enrich their lives, to embrace the possible and the realms beyond the sky.

Here are some small steps that Naval Lodge is taking to adapt and evolve

SELECTIVE MEMBERSHIP

The old policy of waiting for a man to actively seek membership in the fraternity is based on an old social order that no longer exists. The days in which members of a community always knew who were members of the fraternity and where the local Masonic Temple was located are over. Men commute to jobs, transfer to new communities, work in places unrelated to their childhood. It is absurd to think that the best men are going to “naturally” find their way to the doorsteps of our fraternity. The air of secrecy that fostered our growth in a day when everyone knew a Mason is now a disadvantage in a society where most people have no idea what Masonry is about. Also, new communication tools like the Internet serve to spread misinformation about Masonry’s true purpose.
I am not opposed to the idea that a man should join the fraternity of his own free will and accord. However, you cannot exercise free will unless you know about the choices. It is naive to think that a good man will come to us if he does not know that we exist.
Our custom has been not to solicit membership. But that custom has been so narrowly interpreted that many members are afraid to even admit they are a Mason
let alone talk to their friends about our ideas and values. In the spirit of a new openness, Naval Lodge is sponsoring an Open House program at the Temple on Saturday August 14. I have asked the other concordant bodies to join us in this program. We will be advertising this program in the newspapers. This is the perfect opportunity for family, friends or co-workers who have any interest in learning more about the fraternity in general and Naval Lodge in particular to attend.

HIGHER STANDARDS: CANDIDATES

We should be raising the bar not lowering it. It is a fact of human nature that men value what they are invested in. If it does not take any effort it probably does not have any value. At first, I thought the short form proficiency in the first and second degrees would be a relief to our younger members and spur them to advancement. I am now of the opinion that the short term gain is not worth the long term loss. Shortening the proficiency to the obligation has not solved our membership advancement problems. We have more new members who are not advancing than ever before. Also, doing only the short term proficiencies makes it so much harder to get that full form Master Mason degree proficiency.
The result is languishing candidates and the loss of potential young officers. This year after forming a Candidate Committee and contacting candidates to determine why they had not advanced in several years, I authorized our secretary to send out notice letters. The letters set a generous deadline and advise long term candidates that they will no longer be treated as candidates but as Entered Apprentice or Fellowcraft Masons only. The result is that they forfeit their candidate fees and are taken off our Senior Wardens’ list for candidate advancement.
our new candidates to read their essays after delivering their proficiency in lodge. For many candidates this is his first address before the lodge and as such is an opportunity for the man to introduce himself publicly. This opportunity to share their thoughts shows the candidates that we value their efforts and intellectual contribution. The readings also provide another beneficial way for our membership to get to know the candidate.

SIDE LINERS

This year I have asked sideliners to become competent and deliver ritual work. The assignment of degree perambulations and degree charges has allowed some of our members who are not in the officer line to participate in the degrees, and take their first steps in ritual work proficiency. I have been very gratified by the results. These assignments have had the added befit of reducing the demands on the line officers. Nearly all the sideliner ritual work has been exceptional. If you are interested in an assignment let me know.

OFFICERS

Raising the bar also applies to the officer corps of Naval lodge. For the first time in years, the officer line will assume “advanced stations” in August when the Lodge returns from being dark in the month of July. “Advanced stations” means that for purposes of degree practices and degree conferrals, the officers will advance one station.
Stated meeting are not affected by this policy. The Senior Warden will be responsible for the Master’s work in the Third Degree, the Junior Warden will be responsible for the Master’s work in the second degree and the Senior Deacon will be responsible for the Master’s work in the First Degree.
The Junior Deacon becomes responsible for all the Senior Deacon work in all degrees and is expected to deliver the Middle Chamber lecture in the Second degree. This is a tall order but it is good for the officers and the Lodge. This practice encourages our officers to become proficient for their advancement in the line in advance of elections and installation. It also helps to create a stable line and a competent set of officers upon whom the Lodge can rely. It also sends a clear message to the aspiring officers of the Lodge.
We have a busy season ahead of us. In August we will have the official visit of the District Inspector at our stated meeting on August 5. We will confer a first degree upon Mr. Brett Euchenhofer on August 12, a second degree on Bro. Mervyn Nicholas on August 19 and a third degree on Bro. Douglas Campbell on August 26. On Saturday we will have our Open House Program to introduce Masonry to our community. On Saturday August 28 Naval Lodge will tour the Masonic Home in Union City.

Fraternally,
V. Thomas Langford
Master

]]> http://www.navallodge87.org/east/not-your-grandfathers-lodge.html/feed 2 Hiram Award Dinnerhttp://www.navallodge87.org/the-south/hiram-award-dinner.html http://www.navallodge87.org/the-south/hiram-award-dinner.html#comments Fri, 02 Jul 2010 18:16:39 +0000 Navallodge http://lodge.max.mk/?p=34 Half of 2010 is almost over by the time you read this message. As always we, the kitchen crew, would like to thank all the Brothers and Sisters who are always there to help and support us for the success of our dinners and special lodge activities.  Special thanks to Lorraine Wilson and Eujenya Lyn-IOJD who have been consistently help­ing the kitchen crew. To Bro. Martin Aurelio who, inspite of his busy schedule, took charge and served us his famous and delicious spaghetti during our last stated meeting dinner. Thank you my brother–what a treat . And to our latest dis­covery of excellent cooking, Bro. “The Chef” Joe Ferrer, assisted by Bro. John Wasson (assistant chef)…big thanks for your premier prime rib dinner during the Hiram award dinner which was highly commended by our guests and visi­tors. This dynamic duo did an encore lunch at the recent Widows Luncheon and was again rated excellent by our widows and guests! We are so lucky to have such dedicated, committed and talented brothers and sisters in our team.

To the Widows Son Motorcycle Club Brazen Pillars Chapter who hosted the Widows Luncheon headed by “El Presidente” himself, Bro. Guadalupe Thomas, bravo breth­ren! It was an impressive show of colors!! The guests had a great time and enjoyed the entertainment and good food immensely. And last but not the least, thanks to our Senior Steward Bro.John Wasson for taking charge of the refresh­ments at our recent first degree conferal during my absence . Get well soon to Bro. Rick Lauzierre and Sister Toni Kendall. We wish for your fast recovery. We missed you.

]]> http://www.navallodge87.org/the-south/hiram-award-dinner.html/feed 0 The Sun is in the westhttp://www.navallodge87.org/in-west/the-sun-is-in-the-west.html http://www.navallodge87.org/in-west/the-sun-is-in-the-west.html#comments Fri, 02 Jul 2010 18:12:52 +0000 Navallodge http://lodge.max.mk/?p=32 Well it is spring time and things are blooming and the lodge is blooming we have a new brother and a new petition to vote on at the stated meeting not as crazy as last year but they are trickling in and that is good it gives the officers time to prefect their ritual and give the candidates a better degree.  I have been to the Sr. Wardens retreat in beautiful San Ramon for 3 days and learned a lot and had a good time to boot. I must now buckle down and learn the rest of my Masters work by August and then start preparing for the big event moving to the oriental chair in December I didn’t realize that there is so much to do for that event but we will get through it as always with the help of a lot of people. My other pet project has sprouted a life of its own the Widows Sons of course between it and the lodge it is a full time position and I thought I retired. The Temple Board takes up the rest of what little time I have left it is defiantly a full time job.

The Board voted to give the Widows Sons some motorcycle parking only so we would not take up the spaces for cars as we need much less space to park our iron steeds and after all these years we are finally going to install a code required ADA bathroom in the lodge. In the last 7 years I have seen a lot of good changes come to our lodge and we are going to enter into the 21 century in style and the lodge will be updated to make that transition as funds become available. Our temple board is doing a great job making the needed improvement’s all the while managing the funds to get the improvement’s done. Our lodge has a strong core of officers that are all on the same page to see that the strategic plan gets done on time and on budget and a lot of Past Masters with the wisdom to guide them to get it all done. Not everyone likes change but it must be done and after it is done everyone will embrace the change when they realize it is for the future of the lodge and not for the egos of a few. I would like to see more brothers in lodge as would our candidate’s if you need a ride let me or one of the officers know we will provide transportation for you. Our ritual is improving all the time and we would like someone to experience it other than the officers they have been working hard to be perfect this year.

]]> http://www.navallodge87.org/in-west/the-sun-is-in-the-west.html/feed 0 Past Master Degree Nighthttp://www.navallodge87.org/east/past-master-degree-night.html http://www.navallodge87.org/east/past-master-degree-night.html#comments Fri, 02 Jul 2010 17:56:04 +0000 Navallodge http://www.navallodge87.org/?p=30 At the June 3 stated meeting we will be discussing a number of important business matters. Among the topics of discussion will be the manner in which we send out the Trestleboard and the Senior Warden’s proposal to raise Lodge dues in 2011.

June 10 the Lodge will host a proficiency night for our candidates.  I look forward to the candidates’ reading of their proficiency essays. Afterwards I will hold a midyear officer’s meeting. We will discuss the calendar of events and degree schedule for the remainder of the year. In addition, our Senior Warden, Barry Hughes, will discuss his plans and concerns as he prepares for his year in the East. I encourage all officers to attend this mandatory meeting.

On June 12 we will have another Saturday Lodge Lunch at the China Wok Restaurant. The April lunch was well attended and the food was excellent. We are looking forward to a repeat performance. Meet at the restaurant at 11:30 AM.

On June 17 Jeff Massingham will lead our second Masonic Formation Night. The topic of discussion will be the symbolism in the Fellowcraft degree.  This event is open to all Fellowcraft and Master Masons.

On June 24, we will have our Past Master’s Night with a Dinner and Degree.  The Past Masters of Naval Lodge will confer the third degree on Brother Jason Hamilton.

On June 28, I will present the third seminar in our philosophy series. The topic for the evening’s discussion will be Aristotle and his Nicomachean Ethics. Please call me to RSVP so that I can prepare for light refreshments.  The seminar will be in the refurbished Men’s Lounge located downstairs.

Mahalo for contributing to a terrific first half of the year. Have a great summer full of Aloha.

]]> http://www.navallodge87.org/east/past-master-degree-night.html/feed 0 Lodge activities in the Month of May.http://www.navallodge87.org/east/may-summary.html http://www.navallodge87.org/east/may-summary.html#comments Fri, 02 Jul 2010 01:44:29 +0000 Navallodge http://www.navallodge87.org/?p=7 On May 15, the Lodge took responsibility for cleaning up the litter on Oakwood Street. Thank you to all the brothers who turned out for the work party. A special thanks to Worshipful Gerald Bettman and Brother Brent Wolke who did the lion’s share of the clean up. I want to acknowledge Worshipful Wattles for coordinating with the city of Vallejo for supplies and pick up. Afterwards we joined other Lodge members for a pizza lunch. This casual atmosphere provided us with a productive occasion to chat with a prospect interested in joining our fraternity.

On May 17, Naval Lodge hosted the District wide certification school for becoming a funeral Master. Our District Inspector, Renee Bassett led the certification program and certified four members of Naval Lodge. Thank you and congratulations to Brothers Guadalupe Thomas, Barry Hughes, Leo Guison and Worshipful Henry Budding for taking on this important Lodge responsibility. It is never an easy task to conduct the Masonic funeral service but it is a tremendous service to our Masonic families in their hour of grief and need.

On May 19, the Temple Board decided to hire the architect/ designer, Scott Smissen of Scott Design Group Inc. to prepare a plan for the renovation of the Temple Lobby. Scott is an active Brother in the fraternity and is very familiar with the function and use of Lodge buildings. Brother Matt King said it best when he observed that employing a designer to assist with this project will be an invaluable source of information and the key to the project’s success. Having a good design and an overall comprehensive plan is the beginning of any successful and efficient construction project. We are looking forward to projecting a contemporary look that builds on the best aspects of the mid 20th century architecture of our building. I am confident that the Temple Board has adopted the right strategy.

While I am talking about the Temple Board, I want to commend the Board for taking the important decision to make our upstairs unisex bathroom comply with the American Disability Act (ADA). Thank you to Brother Barry Hughes for volunteering his plumbing expertise and labor. Also, I want to single out Brother Bill Hems for his leadership as Temple Board President. This was a difficult decision to implement because of the impact on the adjacent Eastern Star locker. Bill has worked hard to find a solution that accommodates the storage needs of Eastern Star while solving some of the other storage issues associated with Shriner’s and Demolay. Bill’s leadership demonstrates how we succeed when we are united in a common purpose that considers the best interests of all members of the Masonic family.

On May 20 we conferred the first degree of Masonry on Brother Mervyn Nicholas. Worshipful Albert Lawson presided in the East at the request of our Junior Warden who was out of town. Worshipful Lawson was regal and magnificent in his eloquent performance. Senior Stewart John Wasson delivered a perfect First degree charge. The officers executed an excellent degree reflecting the effort and time spent in the degree practices. Our officer’s coach, Worshipful Keith Wattles, gets all the credit for mentoring the officers. I extend a warm welcome to Brother Nicholas who is also looking forward to joining the Brazen Pillars Chapter of the Widow’s sons. He is a retired naval officer and a Doctor. Doc we are glad to have you on board.

On May 22, Naval Lodge hosted a lunch for our Widows. The Brazen Pillars, with motorcycles gleaming and dressed in their leather patches, welcomed and escorted the ladies into the Lodge. A wonderful lunch was prepared by our Junior Warden, Leo Guison and was served by the Brazen Pillars. Brother Guadalupe Thomas arranged for the entertainment provided by the musical group “Calavera.” This was by far one of the livelier and exciting widow’s dinners in memory. Showing the widows’ our support with our presence at their luncheon was the key to the successful event.

By the time this Trestleboard goes to print the Lodge will have had the Ice Cream Social on May 27. This is another of the events designed for the entire Masonic family and their friends. I have clarified that when an event is listed on the calendar as a Family Event there will be no alcoholic beverages served or consumed by our members.

]]> http://www.navallodge87.org/east/may-summary.html/feed 0 Naval Lodge embraces an Hawaiian themehttp://www.navallodge87.org/east/naval-lodge-embraces-an-hawaiin-theme.html http://www.navallodge87.org/east/naval-lodge-embraces-an-hawaiin-theme.html#comments Fri, 02 Jul 2010 01:02:02 +0000 Navallodge http://www.navallodge87.org/?p=1 Beginning in June and until September, the Lodge will adopt casual Aloha attire for stated meetings and informal gatherings- Aloha shirts and slacks.

With the coming arrival of summer and the season’s warmer weather we find ourselves midyear and still very busy. As respite from our formality, summer is always a more casual season for the Lodge. We use this time to socialize and travel and thereby strengthen our fraternal bonds that unite us into one sacred band or society. As you know, Naval Lodge is dark for the month of July. That means we will not be conferring any degrees or conducting any Masonic formation classes in July. While we still have much work to do, it is important to give the officers a planned rest period and allow the brethren to schedule time for vacations and family outings.

Of course we will be having our July stated meeting followed by out traditional 4th of July party. This year we will be hosting a Chili Cook off for the Lodge’s Independence Day celebration. As part of that celebration we are going to honor our World War veterans—Worshipful Kenny McKendry and Jack Kraus- who attended the California Grand Master’s Operation Greatest Gift visit to the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. We look forward to their impressions and reflections on their journey back east and into the historic past. Thank you to Pat and John Wasson for volunteering to put this Veterans program together.

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