there seems to be a dearth of inspiration due to lack of partici- pation, support or influx of new members; we can take heart in the inevitable coming of spring. We can be alert and respon- Fruita #120 sive to the needs of our garden, and provide the nutriments, which enable it to grow and prosper. We can be open and (Chartered September 21, 1904) welcoming to visitors with whom to share our fruits. A Message From The Grand Master It is profound honor to be serving the Freemasons of Colo- Trestleboard rado, and representing this jurisdiction this Masonic year. It is humbling and an awesome responsibility not taken lightly. April 2016 I want to thank MWPGM Dexter D. Koons for a great year, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FruitaMasonicLodge/ and the opportunity allowing me to roll out this year’s themed Website: http://masonicfamilygj.org/Fruita120/Welcome.html SOS “Save Our Society” program at each of our two Annual Such a selfless atmosphere creates an irresistible attraction, Communications during his term. It really helped and we are all drawn to the warmth of its embrace. We thank us hit the ground running with our message, which is all of Calendar of Upcoming the Master Gardener for the opportunity to serve as laborers in us taking a reaffirmation in honoring our several obligations You early birds, join us His garden and seek His guidance and wisdom in implement- everyday. Every Friday Morning at Meetings and Events ing His design. Then we will see continual evidence of the The Border of this year’s Grand Lodge pin is emblematic of April 2 10 am - Joint Communication with Palisade #125 at Grand promise of renewal. the border of our beautiful state of Colorado; one border, one 7 a.m. at Judy’s Cafe in Fruita. Junction Masonic Center. Palisade will treat our Lodge mem- A certain sign of spring is Fruita Lodge #120’s Annual St. jurisdiction, one Grand Master serving all Masons in Colorado. bers to Breakfast at the Egg & I at 8 am. Patrick’s Day Luncheon. The celebration held on Mar. 19, The rope within the border is emblematic of the cable tow, to and attended by many eager and completely satisfied mem- remind us to always keep our passions within due bounds. The April 5 6 pm - Practice for 1st Degree All officers’ attendance bers and visitors boasted the culinary talents of WB Jimmy Ship is a two funneled steamship similar to hospital ships used essential. in WW-I, in the days of Morse Code. Thus the “SOS” code on the left side of the pin, representing a call to all of us to Save April 19 7 pm - Stated Communication and EA Degree Conferral Our Society, being examples of good conduct, morals and Preceded by dinner at 6 pm. values for the world we live in, using the lessons we are taught April 26 6 pm - Practice for 1st Degree All officers’ attendance essential as Freemasons. The “SS Freemason” belongs to the world, and reminds us to act and ever walk as upright men and Masons May 17 7 pm - Stated Communication Preceded by dinner at 6 pm. where we travel in the world for others to see there is a better way to live. The SOS Pledge card reminds us that being the oldest and largest fraternity in the world, has the answer to a more civilized and well mannered society, pledging us to Master’s Message McBride. We were treated to incomparable corned beef and honor our obligations and to live our lives as an example to cabbage complimented by potatoes and carrots, and a variety others. The SOS Affirmation itemizes those obligations which April Birthday we took in our Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master It is always invigorating to experience the of salads and desserts. Many thanks go to all for your delecta- Mason degrees, reminding us of our belief in God and that we arrival of spring, especially after a long, cold ble contributions. all will be judged on the day we drop the working tools of life. winter. We anxiously await the proper time On April 2, we will take part in our Semi-Annual Joint Both should be taken with an exemplary kneeing at the Alter, to commence our gardening, and prepare Communication with Palisade Lodge. The meeting will be with his hands on the Holy Bible , with the soil for seed sowing. We anticipate nurturing the tender plant held at the GJ Masonic Center at 10:00 am. Palisade Lodge all those remaining in “V” formation, right hand (the sign of shoots and delicate blossoms that result from our labors. Visits will be treating our Lodge to breakfast at the Egg & I at 8:00 fidelity) on the shoulder of the man in front, left hand over the from the hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies enthrall us. The am preceding the meeting. Please plan to attend. It should be heart. Afterward, the card must be signed, dated, and always whole earth seems to be embraced by sunshine and warmth, and fun! carried as a constant reminder of our own obligations to keep, we rejoice in the beauty and harmony provided and designed by Practice for the 1st Degree are scheduled for April 5 at and used as a tool to remind others when they don’t. the Great Architect. 6:00 pm with a Degree Conferral set for April 19th. It is Robert Nickels - April 5 Far from being a one-time seasonal event, this exhilarating essential that all officers be present to insure success. Thanks scene, seems, to me, to be analogous to the way in which we can in advance for your commitment. Bob Elsloo, GM AF&AM-CO view many endeavors, including our approach to Masonry. If Silan D. Smith, Worshipful Master - - - “A Freemason is obliged, by his tenure, to “A There are in fact very few items that pass in fact very few items There are In 1964 the Grand Lodge of British Colum 1) That a freemason professes a belief in God; That a freemason professes a belief 1) is an essential of Sacred Law Volume That the 2) of the lodge, to be open in and indispensable part are at labour; full view when the brethren free-born and That a freemason must be male, 3) of mature age; owes alle That a freemason, by his tenure, 4) giance to the sovereign and the craft; believes in the immortality That a freemason 5) of the soul. bia “purported to adopt” the following in lieu of the bia “purported to adopt” the following Anderson: first paragraph of those composed by obey the moral law; and if he rightly understands Art he will never be an atheist nor an irreligious the that libertine. He, of all men, should best understand at the God seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh the heart. outward appearance, but God looketh to Freemason is, therefore, particularly bound never A Let a to act against the dictates of his conscience. he religion or mode of worship be what it may, man’s provided he believe is not excluded from the Order, and earth, and Architect of heaven in the glorious Freemasons practise the sacred duties of morality. in the firm unite with the virtuous of every persuasion are taught to and pleasing bond of fraternal love; they and to view the errors of mankind with compassion to demon strive, by the purity of their own conduct, strate the superior excellence of the faith they may profess.” to the contrary” and a landmark is an element in the an element is and a landmark contrary” to the importance of such of the Society or essence form if be freemasonry would no longer that Freemasonry they are something In other words, it were removed. and unchanging perpetual include items which Most attempts this rigid test. of regulations, or under the heading really come and lists range from five items customs, or principles to fifty-five. meet the two point test: The following would - - - - - March 8, 2004 March ED. Note: The Masonic Education at our March Com at our March Education The Masonic ED. Note: H. B. Grant of Kentucky enumerated 54 land H. B. Grant of Kentucky enumerated 54 common wrote in 1924: “There is no The best writers are unanimous on two essential Concerning The Landmarks of Freemasonry The Concerning 1) “Monotheism, the sole dogma of Freemasonry; ultimate lesson of Ma the 2) Belief in immortality, sonic philosophy; part an indispensable Law, of Sacred Volume The 3) of the furniture of the Lodge; Third Degree; the The Legend of 4) 5) Secrecy; Art; of the Operative The Symbolism 6) must be a freeborn male adult. Mason A 7) to be The above list of Landmarks is not declared exclusive.”

From Percy Jantz, The Landmarks of Freemasonry, Landmarks of Freemasonry, The Jantz, Percy From munication dealt with the “Landmarks of Freemasonry.” We were were We of Freemasonry.” the “Landmarks dealt with munication reminded of the 3° Charge: “The Ancient Landmarks of Freemasonry of Freemasonry Ancient Landmarks “The Charge: of the 3° reminded The Grand Lodge Custo to preserve...” carefully are care entrusted your according of Freemasonry the 25 Landmarks reference Work dians of the of for the information with a cavaet: This is “...simply , to rules, Book of Cnstitutions, Laws, includes no part of the the Craft, and of the Book of Colorado.” However, of the Grand Lodge or regualtions So, what are to the Landmarks. contains several references Constitutions to “faithfully preserve”? we charged (or not). may find the following article helpful You agreement in regard to what are and what are not ‘Land That has never been definitely settled.” marks.’ points, the two point test: a landmark must have existed from the “time whereof the memory of man runneth not 1889, a list that marks in the Masonic Home Journal of 1918 the 11, was frequently reprinted. On December as part of their Grand Lodge of Massachusetts adopted, the following Constitutions, a shorter list recognizing Landmarks:

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RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED 858-0940 858-5190 683-1957 462-5551 241-7839 778-2397 245-2277 361-1162 201-3371 306-1580 683-1957 773-6531 318-1004 Honorary Members Thomas J. Cox, PGM William Marshall, P.M. William Donald L. Townsend, P.M. Townsend, Donald L. Jeff Koenig Jeff 2016 Lodge Officers 2016 Lodge [email protected] Director of the Work of the Director (Helen) Jimmy D. McBride, P.M. [email protected] Marshal (Eve) Clarke, P.M. William Robert H. Nickels (June) [email protected] [email protected] Tiler Chaplain Groves, PM (Pam) W. John [email protected] Junior Steward Junior PM (Penny) Doug Gaumer, Jeff Cyriacks, P.M. (Sharon) P.M. Cyriacks, Jeff [email protected] [email protected] Senior Deacon Steward Senior Junior Deacon Junior Dennis Bechtold (Joy) [email protected] [email protected] Deacon Senior Secretary P.M. Sr., A. McGarry, Mark Jimmy McBride, P.M. (Helen) Jimmy McBride, P.M. [email protected] [email protected] Treasurer James Anthony (Danielle) James [email protected] Warden Junior Senior Warden Senior (Edna) Jerald Conyers, P.M. Silan Smith, P.M. (Peggy) P.M. Silan Smith, [email protected] Worshipful Master Worshipful