Volume: 42 Edition: Summer Summer 2015

Official Publication of the of Texas The Texas AF&AM Mason Magazine The Texas Mason Table of Contents

The Texas Mason Magazine is an official publication of the A. F. & A. M. It is published four times a year for the members of Texas Lodges and subscribers. INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Opinions expressed by the Editor and contributing writers do not necessarily reflect official positions of the Grand Lodge of Texas Copyright 2012, by the Trustees of the Grand Lodge of Texas. All rights reserved. Page 1 …………... The Grand Master’s Message

Publisher Page 2 ……………....L&M Patrrons 2014-2015. The Trustees of The Grand Lodge of Texas Page 3 …...……..L&M Chandler Lodge No. 993. Editor Benjamin Franklin Linduff Page 4 ………………Chandler Lodge continued The Texas Mason Magazine encourages submission of articles and photographs of general interest to Masons in Texas, re- Page 5 ….… Masonic Home & School of Texas. serving the right to edit and use the articles and pictures as needs and policies dictate. Page 6 …………….. Grand Secretary’s Message News and articles from around the state will continue to be published in a web based format on the Grand Lodge of Texas Page 7 …..……Sandbags and Crime Prevention. website The Grand Lodge website is accessible at http://www.grandlodgeoftexas.org Page 8 ………….…Crime Prevention continued. Please continue to send your articles and Lodge events and news to the Editor of The Texas Mason Magazine. Page 9 .………….....Masonic Retirement Center The preferred method of submission is via email with an at- tached Microsoft Word document. Pictures should be separate- Page 10 .…GoodSearch &Masonic name badges ly submitted in JPEG format to [email protected]. If you do not have email, submissions may be sent to the Grand Page 11 ……..……Grand Lodge Photo Contest. Lodge of Texas, Attn.: The Editor of Texas Mason Magazine, PO Box 446, Waco, Texas 76703. All materials become prop- Page 12 .………………2015 Merchandise Sales erty of the magazine and cannot be returned.

Subscriptions $6.00 per year U.S. and Canada, $15.00 for three years; $10.00 per year in foreign countries, $25.00 for three years

Permission to reprint Permission to reprint original articles appearing in The Texas Mason Magazine is granted to all recognized Masonic publi- cations, provided that credit is given to the author and attribu- October 10th 2015 tion to The Texas Mason Magazine. Masonic Texas Masonic Family Day.

Art work by: Sundance Associates. Edition: Summer P a g e 1

The Grand Master’s Message

Brethren;

Early in the initiatic experience, the candidate is introduced to the Three Great Lights of , which he is told are the Holy Bible, . However, these “lights” are not physical sources of light but rather symbolic sources of inspiration for the conduct of life. In their explanation, the candidate is told that the Holy Bible is to rule his faith, the Square to guide his actions, and the Compasses to control his passions.

These symbols as a group constitute the fundamental basis of Freemasonry: the study of our relationship to God and our fellow man. The Square represents the moral law that dictates our relationships with others and guides our actions here on earth while the Compasses signifies our endless pursuit of spiritual understanding. Together, the Square and Compasses should constantly remind the Freemason of the balance required between the earthly and the spiritual nature of man and man’s journey through life to the eternal hereafter.

The Holy Bible, however, is the Great Light in Freemasonry and upon it rests the Square and Compasses in every Lodge. As such, the Holy Bible represents the foundation upon which Freemasonry is erected. It is central to the quest of the Freemason as he works to develop his moral and spiritual self, according to the symbolism of the Square and Compasses.

The Holy Bible, or his Volume of Sacred Law, is the source of enlightenment that all Freemasons should seek. Open upon the Altar, its beams of truth, faith, and hope radiate outward throughout the lodge room, symbolically representing the will and wisdom of God pouring forth upon the world. The spirit of the Bible, its faith and its attitude toward life and man’s relationship to God, permeates Freemasonry.

Faith in God is the cornerstone of Freemasonry, so it is only natural the book that presents to us the truth of God, should be the rule and guide to our faith and practice. Upon no other foundation can man build his moral and spiritual edifice with any sense of security and permanence in preparation for the hereafter. Within the Holy Bible, the righteousness and spirituality of God is revealed and within its pages moral truth is stored to light the mind and warm the heart of man.

Like most other things in Freemasonry, the Holy Bible is itself a symbol of Divine Truth in every form. When viewed as a symbol, it represents that divine truth or knowledge from whatever source derived. Freemasonry invites men of all faiths to its teachings, requiring only a belief in a Supreme Being, knowing that we all pray to the God and Father of the Universe regardless of the actual name one uses to address Him. Thus, the Bible is often referred to as the Volume of Sacred Law, allowing men of differing faiths to use the Sacred Writings of their faith as the Volume of Sacred Law.

The fact that the Holy Bible or some other Volume of Sacred Law rests open upon the Altar of Freemasonry means the Freemason must seek Divine Revelation. The Freemason must seek truth and wisdom from a source greater than that from human minds. Freemasonry makes no attempt at a detailed interpretation of the Bible. The Volume of Sacred Law lies upon the Altar open for all to read, open for all to study and interpret for himself. The tie that unites Freemasonry is strong, but it provides for the utmost liberty of faith and thought. It unites men, not by creed or dogma, but upon the broad truth of a belief and faith in God, the Supreme Grand Architect of the Universe.

Continued on next page. P a g e 2 The Texas Mason Magazine

Continued from prior page.

The Freemason should not only respect and honor the Volume of Sacred Law as the revelation of God’s divine will for mankind, we should read it, live it, and love it. The truths contained within its pages should be stored within our heart and guide our use of the Square and Compasses in building our moral and spiritual edifice. The Holy Bible, if it fills our heart, makes us gentle and strong, faithful and free. It teaches us goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, and brotherly love. The prophet Micah wrote, “[God] has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)

Freemasonry: Love God. Serve Others. Transform Lives.

Grand Lodge Library and Museum

The Masonic Grand Lodge Library and Museum would like thank the newest Patrons of the Library and Museum. At the present time there are two Patrons working toward the next level, as well.

2014 Patrons 2015 Patrons Jimmy Crow Patterson Dempsey Wiggins Mission Lodge 1064 Rayborn L. Reader, Jr.

2014 Gold Seal Patrons 2015 Platinum Patrons H. Malvern Marks H. Malvern Marks John Sinclair Trust Ken & Virginia Sparks

2014 Platinum Patrons Lawrence Casey Edition: Summer P a g e 3

Grand Lodge Library and Museum

Chandler Lodge No. 993

Chandler, Texas’ namesake, Alphonso H. Chandler and his family, opened a store in 1859 on the stagecoach road in Henderson County between Athens and , starting a community called Stillwater. A few years later, a Post Office was added to the store. Chandler obtained land in the area and, through his efforts, the railroad expanded through much of his land into the county. With the advent of the railroad, the population and businesses grew and the town was The Lodge building destroyed by a tornado on renamed in his honor. There is no evidence that he was April 23, 1966 ever a Mason and he died in 1911 just two years after Chandler Lodge was begun. Chandler No. 993 was chartered on or those who drank to intoxication among the Dec. 9, 1909. A copy of a letter in the Lodge files members. They did not own their building, written by Dr. James D. Carter, editor of the Texas their furniture was valued at $150.00 and they Grand Lodge Magazine, to Senator Ralph Yarborough did not carry any insurance. They had $78.50 in 1959 answered the Brother and Senator’s questions in the treasury on June 25, 1909 and owed about the early Lodge membership: miscellaneous indebtedness totaling $100.” “The Annual Returns of this Lodge, working under In reference to Dr. Carter’s note that the dispensation list the following as officers: W.M. W. O. Lodge did not own a building, correspondence Williams, S.W. J. R. Hicks, J.W. J. A. McClintock, from John D. Hall, Secretary of the Lodge Treas. R. D. Badgett, Secty. E. L. Green, S.D. J. H. supplied information from the October 16, Crooks, J. D. E. W. Harrison, S. S. A. B. Caltharp, J.W. 1909 minutes of the Lodge that the Lodge W. J. Stuart, Tiler J. C. Cade. Other members were paid $80.00 for the use of a school building listed as follows: for three years for their meetings. A. J. Cade United States Senator Ralph W. Yarborough J. A. Cox was the keynote speaker for his Lodge’s 50th James Cantrell Anniversary and his reminisces included his Joseph L. Hart own memories of becoming a member of R. S. Hines Chandler Lodge: William Stringer “…Who could ever forget those scenes? My William L. McLean father and my brother-in-law, E. B. Hardee, Arthur R. Stuart were in the Lodge Hall when I received the George R. Wood degrees, but their eyes were as unwavering as T. J. Wood the rest… Brother C. M. Dingler ably L.P. Wood delivered the Lectures and I will never forget the kindness of our Tiler, Zack Turner, who Only three meetings were held by the Lodge while un- guided me into this Lodge.” der dispensation, May 15, 1909, June 19 1909, June 22, Chandler Lodge lost its building to a 1909. …other information given in the first return to tornado in the late 1960’s, but persevered and the Grand Lodge …included the following statements: laid the cornerstone for their current building there was one nonaffiliated Mason in the jurisdiction of in 1969. Notes taken from the Proceedings of the Lodge, there were no profane swearers, gamblers, the Grand Lodge of Texas 1966 and 1967 show that the members found temporary accommodation in the school: P a g e 4 The Texas Mason

On May 12, 1966, dispensation was granted Chandler Lodge No. 993, Chandler, Texas to hold its Stated and Called Meetings in a room of the Public School Building in Chandler until a new can be erected since their Masonic Temple was almost totally destroyed by a tornado on April 23, 1966. And on November 24, 1967, dispensation was granted Chandler Lodge No. 993, Chandler, retroactive to December 8, 1966, to hold its Stated and Called Meetings in a room of the Public School Building in Chandler, until a new Masonic Temple is erected by said Lodge. Chandler Lodge has had a history of positive interaction with the local public schools. They were fortunate to receive the use of a meeting place after their Lodge building was destroyed and earlier were able to rent a meeting space in a school. Conversely, the members of the Lodge have honored extraordinary teachers with Lamar Awards and have given scholarships to graduating seniors for many years. Members have generously given of their time in participating in the Take Time to Read Program in the schools. The Lodge has given out free dental kits to first graders through the Fantastic Teeth Club, in partnership with the Masonic Home and School Foundation. A long-time community outreach tradition with the Lodge members is to deliver Christmas baskets and gift certificates to local needy families. Chandler Lodge is a fine example of a close-knit membership who do not The dedication of the new Lodge building in mind sharing the spirit of Brotherly Love taught in Masonry. 1969 The 100th Anniversary celebration was held December 12, 2009. An article in the Chandler and Brownsboro Statesman – December 31, 2009 edition reported the following: Worshipful Master Lloyd Neely opened the meeting and recognized the large crowd gathered. Texas Sen. Robert Nichols, a Master Mason from Jacksonville Lodge No. 108, read a proclamation recognizing the 100th anniversary milestone. He presented a Texas State flag that had flown over the state Capitol. Phillip Smith, aide to U.S. Rep. Jeb Hensarling, 5th District of Texas, read a congratulatory proclamation and presented an American flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol in Washington. Henderson County Judge David Holstein read a proclamation he drafted honoring the lodge. It was signed by Holstein and the Henderson County Commissioners Court. In recognition of this anniversary, Texas Grand Master for 2010, Orville L. O'Neill, was on hand, along with several visiting district deputy grand masters, and read a proclamation from the Grand Lodge of Texas congratulat- ing the Chandler Lodge including the following statement A dinning hall addition made to the Lodge building – "That a lodge be built on brotherly love, represented by completed in 2014 the character and devotion of its members past, present, and always towards the future". Worshipful Master Neely then gave a short speech, thanked those in attendance, and adjourned for refreshments. At its 50th anniversary, Chandler Lodge had 124 members. One-hundred five years later, the Chandler Lodge has 71 members, and new petitions are always under consideration. Members meet the third Monday of each month, at 7:30 p.m. If you want to see Chandler Masonic Lodge No. 993 on Google maps, here are the coordinates - 32.315179,-95.480057.

P a g e 6 The Texas Mason M e s s a g e from the Grand Secretary

Grand Secretary Forums – Lodge Administration

Masonic education is the core of Grand Master Mike Wiggins’ program in 2015. The local Lodge is the core level to educate Masons – not only to teach them about Freemasonry and prepare them to operate Lodge activities, but to also prepare them for other duties in the Grand Lodge or to belong to affiliated .

Every Lodge should have an education system to teach its new members about the Masonic fraternity and prepare them to hold Lodge positions. The Worshipful Master is responsible but the duty is often performed by a cadre of instructors who not only teach the meanings behind the esoteric work but also prepare the member for Lodge leadership, develop the new Masons’ thirst for knowledge and enhance his desire to read Masonic documents. Take advantage of the Grand Master conferences, Wardens’ Retreats, and the regional Briscoe workshops. Use the Grand Secretary forums to teach Lodge officers and Master Masons about Lodge administration.

The Grand Secretary Forum focuses on Lodge administration and current events. Lodge leaders and members learn the duties of the Lodge Secretary and the Texas Lodge Secretary’s Database that is maintained in the Grand Secretary’s electronic archives. Current issues facing the Grand Lodge are discussed. These educational programs are presented at geographical locations within the State – the 2015 schedule is two in Waco in the Grand Lodge lower auditorium (March 21 and September 12), and at Odessa (Odessa #955, April 11), Longview (Pine Tree #1369, May 2), New Braunfels (#1109, May 30), Amarillo (Palo Duro #1239, June 20), Houston (Doric #420, Houston , August 15), and Lufkin (#669, August 29). On these Saturdays, registration will start at 8:00 AM and the forum will begin at 9:00 AM. The forum has no fee or preregistration requirements. A donation will be requested for those who wish to have lunch. Normally, the event is completed by 3:00 PM. Only the forum in the Grand Lodge on September 12 remains for 2015. All Master Masons are encouraged to attend.

I cordially invite you to visit with me during my final tour across our great State of Texas.

Sincerely and fraternally,

Tom Guest, Grand Secretary

Edition: Summer P a g e 7

Sandbags and Crime Prevention by Steve Kaneaster, PM, State certified Crime Prevention Specialist

When you hear the word “Sandbag”, what thoughts go through your mind? Using sandbags to mitigate damage from flooding? Shoring up a stream bank? Or, Use in combat to reduce injury or death? You might even have other uses for sandbags. Sandbags help us to reduce our risk and enhance our safety and that of others important to us, from danger. Whether it is our homes, offices, places of worship, lodges, or just being in public, we should have sandbags. In the Crime Prevention field, we have many sandbags at our disposal to help reduce Risk and Enhance Safety. The Ten Principles of Crime Prevention are the basic sandbags that we follow to accomplish these goals. Before explanation of these principles, let’s first define what Crime Prevention is. Crime prevention is the anticipation, recognition and appraisal of a crime risk and the initiation of some action to remove or reduce it. Basically – Crime Prevention is REDUCING RISK. Crime is the result of the Desire or wish to commit the crime, the Ability or knowledge how to commit the crime and the Opportunity to commit the crime. DESIRE + ABILITY + OPPORTUNITY = CRIME Remove any or all of these factors and the Crime occurrence is greatly reduced or eliminated. The Ten Principles of Crime Prevention are tried and true methods that have proving to remove or reduce these factors. 1. Target Hardening – Physically making it more difficult for a crime to be committed. This may be done using stronger locks to your doors and windows; replacing entrance doors, glass and windows with higher security ratings; and using higher rated padlocks on exterior buildings. 2. Target Removal – don’t leave mail, documents, purses, laptops, and etc., sitting in the open in your vehicle. Don’t hide jewelry, guns, and other valuables under the mattress, bed, in the closest, or in an unsecure drawer or desk. The bad guys know how to tear up a place, but they also know where to look. Purchase a rated fire safe to secure these items. Don’t leave items in the open in a home or business that the bad guys can see through downstairs windows. They do “window shop”. Keep your cell phone on you when not using it. Keep it off the table or counter at restaurants and other such locations. Just like you shouldn’t leave children unattended, don’t leave purses, bags, and other such items out of your sight, even for a second, while shopping, dining out, and so forth. Report graffiti as soon as you see it - Criminals love to target locations that are not well kept. It tells them you don’t care and therefore are likely apathetic to security. If a wall or fence is a repeated target of graffiti, planting sticky or thorny shrubs or climbing shrubs can help reduce target potential. 3. Removing the Means to Commit Crime – Don’t let others see you use your PIN when using a Credit/Debit card; keep passwords hidden; Secure spare car/house/office keys in an insurance rated safe; don’t leave items outside that could be used to gain access to the roof (if a multi- level home/business) or break windows; use lighting to prevent hiding places or where potential witnesses would not be able to see activity without it. These are just a few examples – bottom line is you have to think like the bad guy. 4. Reducing the Pay-Off – MARK YOUR PROPERTY! Check with your local hardware store for an Engraver. These can usually be purchased for $15-$30. You might also check with your local Police or Sheriff’s office, they may have one that can be checked out. In our Crime Prevention program we recommend using your Driver’s license or State ID number. The recommended format is the 2 letter State Abbreviation, followed by the number, and lastly the 2 letter Identification type. i.e.; TX 12345678 DL. Law Enforcement will recognize this as a Texas Driver’s License. If a stolen item is recovered, Law En- forcement can run this identification anywhere in the United States and trace it back to you. Additionally, take pictures of valuables, record the serial numbers, and store them in fire rated safe or bank deposit box. You may recognize your stolen TV, but without the Serial number or other unique identifiers, you probably won’t get it back. 5. Access Control – This may seem like insulting your intelligence – but lock your doors and windows, whether you are present or not. Restricting access to your homes, offices, vehicles, and so forth is a very effective deterrent. Don’t forget to lock outside gates, and consider planting prickly shrubs along fences and near windows of the building. Shrubs should very rarely, if at all, be planted in front of windows. 6. Visibility/Surveillance – there are a number of resources of surveillance that are not limited to just cameras. If you do decide to use cameras, there are a number of types and setups that can be used. There is not enough room in this article to go in to detail. However, consider cameras inside and outside of the structure. You can “do it yourself” or consult with a Security Company to determine your needs. Depending on your local Law Enforcement Agency, they may be able to make recommendations as well. Contact your local Law Enforcement Agency to find out about Neighborhood Watch and/or Citizens on Patrol Pro- grams. Get to know your neighbors, be social. When going out of town, call your local Law Enforcement P a g e 8 The Texas Mason Magazine

Agency and request extra patrol in your Again, Security lighting is a big plus. The neighborhood while you are away. simplest advice I can give is, if it’s dark - it Additionally, removing barriers to visibility needs light. Dusk to dawn, Motion is a must. Removing or pruning trees, shrubs, Activated, or Timer Activated devices are and brush can greatly enhance visibility of just some of the possibilities. There are also the property. Talk to your Insurance many different types of lighting, such as Company or local Law enforcement Agency Fluorescent, High Pressure Sodium, Metal about have a Home or Business Security Halide, LED, and Incandescent. They all Survey conducted. These are usually done at have advantages and disadvantages, as well no cost to you, and in some cases, your as cost factors. Remember, evil loves the Insurance Company may offer a reduction in dark. Security surveys address these issues. rates by meeting certain criteria. Be aware of your surroundings. The bad 7. Environmental Change – this refers to guys are looking around to see if anyone is making changes to the area or neighborhood looking at them. If it looks suspicious that attracts the bad guys. Statistically, areas – REPORT IT! Better to call 911 and be and neighborhoods that are not kept free of wrong, than not call and be right. trash, landscaping that is not well main- 10. Deflecting Offenders - this tained, graffiti that is not removed, poor or means "Diverting the offenders and potential of- non-existent street lighting, and buildings not fenders from committing crime." Deflecting kept in good repair are more likely to have a offenders away from a target includes incorporating higher crime rate. the Principles of Crime Prevention into your own By working with your local Law program. This may include programs of deflecting Enforcement Agency, Code Compliance, offenders away from potential targets, and/or Public Works, and City Council, to name a deflecting offenders to more constructive activities. few, you can start the process to improve your environment. You might be surprised No one is completely shielded from crime. Follow- what a few well-placed phone calls can ing these principles will not guarantee that you will accomplish. And the more neighbors you never be a victim of crime. However, by taking an bring in to the issues, the better the results. active role in personal, home, office, place of wor- But remember, this is a never ending process ship, or lodge safety and security, you can greatly that must be maintained. reduce the Desire, Ability and, Opportunity of the 8. Rule Setting –Establish positive habits. Criminal. Working with your local Law Enforce- Something as simple as, “The last one out ment agency, Crime Prevention Specialist, Insur- needs to make sure door and windows are ance Company, and Security companies, you can locked, lights left on, and so forth”. Also further lower your risk of becoming a victim, and posting signs, such as, “No Cold Caller”; increase the risk to the criminal. “No Trespassers”; and other type signs on the property may help. Different municipalities have regulations that govern these and also what Law Enforcement can do in your absence. Contact these agencies for guidance. In places of business, places of worship, lodges, and other public places, be aware of who is entering and exiting. Acknowledge everyone, introduce yourself, or have a designated greeter. Bad guys do not like attention! 9. Increasing the Chances of Being Caught - Security Systems combining audible alarms, glass breakage and motion sensors, cameras, and remote monitoring helps immensely in Steve Kaneaster is a Past Master of Tabernacle increasing the chance of catching the bad Masonic Lodge and a Texas State Certified Crime guys. Contact some of the Security Prevention Specialist. He is also a member of the Companies in your area for what best fits National and Texas Crime Prevention Associations. your needs and budget. Edition: Summer P a g e 9 P a g e 1 0 The Texas Mason

This edition of the Texas Freemason will only be posted on the Grand Lodge web site and an email notice will be sent out to those brothers with email. If you know a Brother who does not have email please print out a copy for him or take a copy to Lodge. Edition: Summer P a g e 1 1

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