 |
The Hall of |
 |
|
May of 2009
Worshipful Master Greg Clausen, P.M. Senior Deacon Ian Bodson James A. Ash - Jr. Past Master and Joseph Tusant, Sr. P.M.The Grand Master of Masons in Iowa is W. W. B. Jack L. Butler. From Worshipful Master Greg Clausen Hello, Brethren. Moingona Lodge # 633 recently raised Brother James “Jamie” Krist to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason on April 7th and he is already proficient! His Father is Donald Krist, also a member of Moingona. They are associated with Krist Insurance. Jamie’s mentor was P. M. Charles Jackman. We’ll get more new letters out. Give us some input. We are coming up on summer time, but we also have degree work coming up. Lloyd Mott is the brother of P.M. and current Junior Warden John Mott will be entering his 2nd Degree soon, we will let everyone know when it will be. We need to get new members! If anyone knows friends, or co-workers, or anybody that would make a good Mason, please let them know what WE ARE about! I would like to see our members attend the lodge, and at Stated Meetings please wear suits, just look nice. NO SHORTS or tennis shoes - please. Fraternally, Greg Clausen, P.M. and W.M. in 2009. And with this, here is a part of my notes from the Grand Masters Area meeting of a bit over a year ago: We have lost two 50-year Brothers to death so far in 2009. Donald Edward Koroch was born March 22nd 1923, received his Degrees in 1952 and died on February 25th, 2009. Your Secretary was honored to conduct his Masonic service. Lon Gerard Kienast was born August 31st, 1916, received his Degrees in 1949 and passed away on March 3rd of 2009. ALL SECOND TUESDAYS – STATED COMMUNICATION AT 7:30 P. M.
First, third, and fifth Tuesdays – fellowship, work and or practice.
The Lodge has not moved however the Post Office is changing the ZIP+4 for 1141-69th Street in WINDSOR HEIGHTS. And, 50324 will be the City’s new zip code effective July 1st, 2009. The present ZIP+4 remains 50311-2405 until that date. Residents and businesses will have from June 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010 to notify correspondents of the new zip code. Mail will be forwarded during that period. By the way, be very, very good drivers and watch your speed very closely in this suburb of Des Moines. For digital individuals, the GPS co-ordinates for the Lodge are N 51°35.960’ X W 093° 42.717’ and 853’ ASL. Moingona’s dues are $55.00 for 2009. It is generally far best to pay dues by check and please do so as soon as possible. I personally wish that Iowa had a life membership plan, but at this time there is none. As of now sixteen Brothers have not paid their dues for 2009. SO FAR only one has complained about the necessary dues increase. Here is our membership activity for 2008: New Members: Deaths: Degrees: Dropped: Demits: None Waveland Park Lodge # 654 now is meeting at West Gate/Adelphic Temple on Thursday nights.
The next meeting is presently scheduled for Saturday the 24th of October at the Marshalltown Temple at 10:00. Lunch will follow. Yes! The Marshalltown Masons have very good food! The speaker will be Ken Brickman and his topic: “Freemasonry at Gettysburg.” STOP e-mail address harvesting - protect your friends and family. IF you have an e-mail address please let me know and I’ll add you to the Moingona list. The best way to get that information to me is by e-mailing it to moingona@netins.net. There are updates sent by this method. This Trestle Board is being transmitted electronically to those known to be able to receive it and by post to others. As you know first class postage is now 44¢ a letter. Almost half of Moingona Brothers are e-mail capable. A lodge Roster will be sent to those requesting it. Travel safe!
Tom Gruis, K.Y.C.H., Secretary.
At five minutes and six seconds after 4 AM on the 8th of July this year, Trestle Board of August 2008 A.D.; 6008 A.L.
|
James A. Ash |
Worshipful Master |
Ian Bodson |
Senior Deacon |
Greg Clausen, P.M. |
Senior Warden |
Jason Golden |
Junior Deacon |
Gene Morris, Jr., P.M |
Junior Warden |
Kevin E. Burke |
Senior Steward |
Charles Shelabarger, PM |
Treasurer |
Jay S. Adams |
Junior Steward |
Dr. Tom Gruis, K.Y.C.H |
Secretary |
T. B. A. |
Tyler |
John Mott, Jr., P.M. |
Chaplain |
Kenneth E. Harrier |
Marshal |
Kenneth Harrier - Jr. Past Master and Joseph Tusant, Sr. P.M |
The Grand Master of Masons in Iowa is M. W. Brother Donald E. Mosier. |
Secretary: 1243-48th Street; Des Moines, IA 50311-2405 (515) 277-2512; E-mail: donnatom@netins.net or www.gruis.org
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
W. M. James Ash sends greetings from the East!
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
We resume our regular schedule starting September 2nd.
Mark your calendar:
Past Masters Night is Tuesday the 7th of October at 6:00 P.M. O’clock!
It is hoped that we will also have a 50-year members recognition night.
Moingona has a web site on the internet! The address is http://www.iowamasons.com/633.html or you can go directly to iowamasons.com and scroll down and there we are! OR click on Polk County and we are listed there. You might also want to check out http://showcase.netins.net/web/iowamasons/ and http://www.iowagrandmaster.org
This is a reminder that this is being sent to those with E-mail by that means only, unless otherwise requested. Other members will receive this by post.
Moingona’s dues are $55.00 starting for 2008 and also 2009. It is generally far best to pay dues by check and please do so as soon as possible. Secretaries love paper trails! I personally wish that Iowa had a life membership plan, but there is none. SO FAR only one has complained about the necessary dues increase. Our present membership is 111.
I have offered to conduct some sessions about Masonry other than the Ritual, which I do love and respect, starting in September. Know what? It might not be a bad idea to have a “Study Group” for this purpose.
Iowa Research Lodge No. 2 provides excellent materials and speakers at both meetings each year. The joining fee is $15.00 and you get three books just for joining. Dues are $15.00 per year and you get a book each year included in those small dues. It IS a really good deal. If you are interested contact the Secretary (me) who is also Sr. Warden of IaRL-2 this year. Information is available at http://www.yorkrite.com/ia/lodge2/ .
The Lodge has not moved however the Post Office is changing the ZIP+4 for 1141-69th Street in WINDSOR HEIGHTS. And, 50324 will be the City’s new zip code effective July 1st, 2009. The present ZIP+4 remains 50311-2405 until that date. For digital individuals, the GPS co-ordinates for the Lodge are N 51°35.960’ X W 093° 42.717’ and 853’ ASL. By the way, be very good drivers and watch you speed very closely in the suburb of Des Moines
The Grand Lodge of Iowa is sponsoring its first annual tailgate for the Iowa State – Kent State game in Ames on 06 September, 4 to 6, Tent No. 9.
Iowa Masonic license plates should be available soon. Their design features a good sized square and compass with no slogan so the logo is more prominent. $50.00 for the first year needs to be sent to Grand Lodge with the application.
Please let your lodge hear from you! Recently a former member of Moingona Lodge passed away, Bob Williams. The obituary carried this information about his membership in error. There was speculation that this was a recent Potentate of ZaGaZig Shrine – it was not. There was criticism of Moingona for not responding suitably. The point is this – PLEASE keep you lodge informed – move, phone number, changes, e-mail changes. Brother Williams was an announcer for WHO radio for many years. I had the pleasure to meet him several times through the years, especially when I was active in Des Moines broadcasting. Good man.
As Secretary or Recorder of eight different fraternal organizations, here are some of my thoughts on why late dues lists should not be published. I have been asked to do this several times but have declined!
- When a delinquent dues notice is published it is a “PUBLIC-cation” meaning that it is seen by many non-members as well as members. Once the issues are mailed out they may remain in existence for a long time with that invasive information in them. Multiple copies not only make more copies for the present but also enhance the probability of survival through time. This could have repercussions in private or even business lives away from the order.
- It is one thing to share names in a closed business meeting but another to list them in print.
- It is embarrassing to the Brothers by whatever title they may be known.
- It can cause “harassment” by several members, unintended as it may be.
- IF a member is dropped from membership for non-payment of dues that becomes another matter.
- It does NOT seem to be a necessary tactic.
- It has been told me that the practice has caused some members to resign. Is it worth that?
- Would commercial creditors follow this practice? Why in the world should a fraternal group?
- Is it even good business? (NO!) Yes, the money is important and all that. But more so is the dignity and privacy of the persons involved.
There is a new Lodge is Des Moines! Specialis Procer, U.D. It will have quarterly Stated Communications with
an emphasis on research and education. Information at: www.specialisprocer.org/
There is also a new York Rite body in Des Moines, the first in decades. It is Arcturus Council No. 63, Royal
and Select Masters. The Charter was approved by the Grand Council at 10:02 A.M. on Saturday August 9th. This is the second of the three York Rite Bodies: Chapter, Council, and Commandery. This is in addition to Alpha Council No. 1 which meets downtown. Arcturus provides opportunities and choices as to time and place and involvement.
The following letter was received from Grand Lodge on 20 August:
Brethren,
The 164th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Iowa will be held at the Airport Holiday Inn in Des Moines on September 18, 19, and 20. All Iowa Masons and their ladies are cordially invited to attend. While only the three principal officers of each lodge (or their proxies) are entitled to vote, all Masons will find the sessions interesting and educational. There is no charge for attending the sessions. Advance registration is not required. However, if you plan to attend one of the banquets or lunches, advanced ticket purchase is recommended, since tickets are limited to space available. Banquet and lunch ticket ordering information may be found on the Grand Lodge website at http://www.gl-iowa.org/grlodge.html .
I particularly call your attention to the Thursday night banquet. Your ticket to this banquet includes some fantastic entertainment. A Pennsylvania Mason will present a humorous retrospective of popular entertainment (TV, movies, singers, etc.) from the 1930's, 40's, 50's, and 60's. There is a bit of music, a bit of improv, and a great deal of laughter. I saw this show in February, and thoroughly loved it. The entertainment is well worth the price of the banquet ticket. I know you will enjoy yourself.
During the session on Friday afternoon, we will be treated to a most informative presentation on generational changes in Freemasonry since 1717 by Brother Bob Davis, from Guthrie Oklahoma. He presented a portion of this talk as part of the Midwest Conference on Masonic Education last April. All in attendance found it to be very informative, and many urged that it be included at our Grand Session.
Friday evening will be the installation of the 2008-2009 Grand Officers, followed by a reception in their honor. This will be a great opportunity for you to meet your new Grand Officers up close and personal, ask them questions, and bend their ear about what you think needs to be done to improve the fraternity.
Programs and activities for the ladies will be ongoing during the session. Please plan to attend. You will be glad you did.
Fraternally,
Donald E. Mosier
Grand Master of Masons in Iowa
To contact the Grand Lodge of Iowa: http://www.gl-iowa.org/ or Grand Lodge of Iowa, A.F. & A.M.;
P.O. Box 279; Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-0279 Phone: (319) 365-1438 Fax: (319) 365-1439
Please send correspondence to Moingona to the Lodge address.
The Secretary is pretty much responsible for the content of this Trestle Board.
Travel safe!
Tom Gruis, K.Y.C.H., Secretary.
8/21/2008 11:05:40 - 
***************************************************
Trestle Board of May 2008 A.D.; 6008 A.L.
111 Members James A. Ash
|
Worshipful Master |
Erik Lucas |
Senior Deacon |
Don Bryan, Jr. |
Senior Warden |
Ian Bodson |
Junior Deacon |
Greg Clausen, P.M. |
Junior Warden |
Kevin E. Burke |
Senior Steward |
Charles Shelabarger, PM |
Treasurer |
Jay St. Adams |
Junior Steward |
Dr. Tom Gruis, PM. |
Secretary |
Gene Morris, Sr., P.M. |
Tyler |
John Mott, Jr., P.M. |
Chaplain |
Kenneth E. Harrier |
Marshal |
Kenneth Harrier - Jr. Past Master and Joseph Tusant, Sr. P.M.
The Grand Master of Masons in Iowa is Donald E. Mosier.
Secretary: 1243-48th Street; Des Moines, IA 50311-2405 (515) 277-2512
E-mail: donnatom@netins.net or www.gruis.org
********************************************************************************
W. M. James Ash sends greetings from the East!
NOTICE OF ELECTION TO BE HELD
at our Stated Communication of 10 June 2008
We will be electing a Senior Warden and a Junior Warden.
Senior Warden Don Bryan, Jr. needed to step down at this because of family needs and the demands of his business.
His Father passed away recently also. Hopefully at some future time he will be able to return to the line.
Board
*******************************************************************************
Moingona has just put up a web site on the internet! The address is http://www.iowamasons.com/633.html or you can go directly to iowamasons.com and scroll down and there we are! OR click on Polk County and we are listed there. You might also want to check out http://showcase.netins.net/web/iowamasons/ and http://www.iowagrandmaster.org
This is a reminder that this is being sent to those with E-mail by that means only, unless otherwise requested. Other members will receive this by post.
Our newest Master Mason Jason M. Golden was raised on Wednesday; 26 December! He was elected into membership on 13 November. The Wednesday Raising came into play as a ripple effect of the terrible weather at the end of 2007. We also have a brother who has completed just the first degree and another who has completed just the first two degrees.
Also welcome new members John Bali and Stanley Edwards.
This is a reminder that this is being sent to those with E-mail by that means only, unless otherwise requested. Other members will receive this by post.
Moingona’s dues are $55.00 starting for 2008. It is generally far best to pay dues by check and please do so as soon as possible. I personally wish that Iowa had a life membership plan, but there is none. As of now, sixteen have not paid their dues for 2008. SO FAR only one has complained about the necessary dues increase.
*******************************************************************************************
On May 10th I attended a membership retention meeting called by Grand Master Donald Mosier. The session I was at was conducted by Jack Butler, Chairman of the Committee of Division and reference. It was very interesting and informative because the information was based on actual interviews conducted in Iowa with men young in Masonry in Iowa. Many ideas were freely and openly discussed. I took some notes and would like to share just a few of the thoughts of that meeting. Remember this is by no means an “official” reporting of this excellent meeting!
|
Some of the things needed are: |
* Qualified mentors for the new members. Those of us that became Masons through the olde posting lecture process remember the bond with our mentor! “Qualified” indicates a man with knowledge of many facets of Masonry – not just the ritual. M.I.’s and D.L.s used to attend schools where there were sessions on ritual, history, and jurisprudence! That practice has long been discontinued. Ritual is one very important part of Masonry – but not the only one! |
|
* Continued education about Masonry. Many sources of information were identified and your search may well begin at the Grand Lodge website. Some lodges have a “LEO” meaning a Lodge Education Officer. A suggestion was made that MAYBE a duty of the Senior Warden would be to assure that such education takes place. |
|
| * Websites – one new Mason, in his twenties, was references was hesitant about joining because the lodge did not have a website and his thought was basically “If you don’t have a website then you don’t exist.” | |
| * More dignity to the Degrees was suggested; the manner of dress being one suggestion and another, the absence of “coaching” and correcting during work. A Degree is not a school. It is a special occasion for the candidate and he, as well as the Lodge, must be helped to realize that! Taking degrees should not be seen as another way to fill up the time of an evening (Daylight Lodges acknowledged….) rather that a ball game or roller skating or a movie. It should be a life changing and most impressive and memorable event! | |
| * Communications. | |
| * To relate to present society | |
| * Dignity |
| The purpose of a lodge is to make Masons – NOT just members! |
Accordingly, I have offered to conduct some sessions about Masonry other than the Ritual, which I do love and respect, starting in September. Know what? It might not be a bad idea to have a “Study Group” for this purpose. Iowa Research Lodge No. 2 provides excellent materials and speakers at both meetings each year. The joining fee is $15.00 and you get three books just for joining. Dues are $15.00 per year and you get a book each year included in those small dues. It IS a really good deal. If you are interested contact the Secretary (me) who is also Sr. Warden of IaRL-2 this year. Information is available at http://www.yorkrite.com/ia/lodge2/ . The Iowa Masonic Library in Cedar Rapids is a fantastic wealth of information and is the best or second best in the world! There are many other research lodges including the “Civil War Lodge of Research” which is specializes. Several states also have these. If there is interest I can start a list of some of these organizations. |
***************************************************************************************
Some closing thoughts: If you were asked about Masonry – what would you say? If you were accused of being a Mason is there enough evidence to convict you? ß (I admit I adapted that from a question about being a Christian.) What came you here to do? Where is a man first made a Mason? Masonry – good stuff! And there should be FUN involved too! |
The Secretary is pretty much responsible for the content of this Trestle Board. Let your lodge hear from you! |
Travel safe!
Tom Gruis, K.Y.C.H., Secretary.
5/20/2008 17:40:45 - 
.