sign in sign up
<<
Home , Joel Roberts Poinsett, Judas Maccabeus, Sceloporus poinsettii

Unanimity Lodge

No. 418

Newsletter

Vol. 2020-12 December RWB James Barron, Editor

Email content to [email protected]

Items of interest

Celebrating Master Masons …..………..………………………Birthday I was raised in ………………………..……………………………December District…..Instructional, Workshops, Annual Communications Further Light……………………………….………………………….Miracles ………………………….…… Famous Freemason More Light………………………………….…..Holiday Special Sections Editors Notes……………………………………………………………………….

Your 2020 DUES are Due by December 31, 2020

Faith—In God

Brethren, 2020 may end as the most Bizarre year in American History. No matter who you are, no matter your heritage, COVID19 has greatly affected us. Let us pause this Holiday season and reflect on those whom we have seen move to the silent land……While we remember and mourn them let us weigh carefully our steps moving forward. May we focus on the blessings, both subtle and easily seen during this pandemic. I received a lot of questions about navigating the Grand Master’s directives and re-opening Lodges. I want to thank all of the 4th District Masters and Secretaries for their work and wisdom during this pandemic part of our journey. If I can be of any assistance, please call.

Wishing you all a Happy Chanukah and a Merry Christmas. May God Bless each of you and yours this holiday season and throughout the coming year.

RWB James Barron, DDGM

HOPE —Glorious Immortality--

Brotherly Love

Q: How did the ornament get addicted to Christmas?

A: He was hooked on trees his whole life!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

James Robert Heston 12/03/1944

Richard Alan Heindenrich 12/09/1946

Benton Eugene Waller 12/31/1957

Masonic Birthday

Hershel Clifford Pittenger, Jr. 12/22/1959

David Thomas Clisham 12/18/1990

Lawrence Maurice Hopkins 12-01-2015

Prudence--wisely judge and prudently determine all things

Merriam Webster’s online dictionary noun mir·a·cle | \ ˈmir-i-kəl \ Definition of miracle 1: an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs the healing miracles described in the Gospels

2: an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing, or accomplishment

The bridge is a miracle of engineering.

3: Christian Science: a divinely natural phenomenon experienced humanly as the fulfillment of spiritual law

Miracle a word we frequently hear. In Masonry, we refer to having reverential awe for the creator. Miracles were intended to be an awe-inspiring event. As the Holidays are here perhaps we feel less than festive this year. I have included some yuk-yuks and videos that I hope will lift you spirit as we sail into the 2021 year.

Double tap the pictures they are the link to you tube… I hope you enjoy!

5 Christmas Traditions From The 1950s That Are No Longer Popular

C. S. Lewis

Justice render to every man consistent with Divine and Human Law

Q: What do you call a kid who doesn’t believe in Santa?

A: A rebel without a Claus!

What was Christmas like, in the 50's? Back to Golden Days

Temperance--freeing your mind from allurements of vice

Famous Freemason

Joel R. Poinsett. Prints and Photographs Division/Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. (digital file no. LC-USZ62-23834)

Joel Roberts Poinsett was aware that his friends had nominated him to represent Charleston, , in the state legislature. In Greenville on his way back home, he learned that he had won the nomination and had a seat in the State House of Representatives. As he was beginning his first term in April 1817, the rumored position of American envoy to South America became reality. On April 25, 1817, acting Secretary of State Robert Rush offered Poinsett the position of Statue of Joel Poinsett special commissioner to South America stating, "No one has better by Zan Wells (2001), qualifications for this trust than yourself." Rush also added that he would Greenville, South be personally gratified by Poinsett's acceptance. Carolina Nevertheless, Poinsett declined the honor. In May, Poinsett explained to President that he had recently accepted a seat in the legislature of South Carolina and could not resign it "without some more important motive than this commission presents." Poinsett perceived that the mission would not lead to any substantial decision for recognition and was unwilling to give up his seat in the House. In the same letter, Poinsett offered his knowledge of South America to the service of whomever the Monroe administration appointed.

Poinsett's political values mirrored those of others at the time who considered themselves Jeffersonian Republicans. One of the most important measures supported by Jeffersonian Republicans following the was that of federally funded . As a member of the state legislature, this was one of Poinsett's passions. After being re-elected to the

South Carolina House in 1818, he became a member of the Committee on Internal Improvements and Waterways.

Poinsett also served on the South Carolina Board of Public Works as President. One of the main plans of this board was to link the interior of the state with the seaboard. Another important project was the construction of a highway from Charleston through Columbia, to the northwestern border of South Carolina. It was designed to promote interstate commerce as well as to draw commerce from eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina to Charleston. Poinsett, a seasoned traveler, knew better than anyone the importance of good roadways. Through his journeys in New England in 1804 and especially to the west in 1816, Poinsett understood that his country could benefit from transportation facilities.

Election to Congress

In 1820, Poinsett won a seat in the House of Representatives for the Charleston district. As a congressman, Poinsett continued to call for internal improvements, but he also advocated the maintenance of a strong army and navy. In December 1823, Poinsett submitted a resolution calling upon the Committee on Naval Affairs to inquire into the expediency of authorizing the construction of ten additional sloops of war. As a member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Poinsett took strong views on developments in South America. Poinsett's political views were aligned with such nationalists as Secretary of State and Secretary of War John C. Calhoun. Poinsett, like many opponents of Clay's American system, opposed the .

First Minister to Mexico

Mexican "flor de la noche buena," called in the U.S. the poinsettia.

Poinsett simultaneously served as a special envoy to Mexico from 1822 to 1823, when the government of James Monroe became concerned about the stability of newly independent Mexico. Poinsett, a supporter of the , was convinced that republicanism was the only guarantee of a peaceful, free form of government for North American countries, and tried to influence the government of Agustín de Iturbide, which was beginning to show signs of weakness and divisiveness.

On January 12, 1828, in Mexico City, Poinsett signed the first treaty between the United States and Mexico, the Treaty of Limits, a treaty that recognized the U.S.-Mexico border established by the 1819 Adams–Onís Treaty between Spain and the U.S.

Because some U.S. political leaders were dissatisfied with the Treaty of Limits and the Adams– Onís Treaty, Poinsett was sent to negotiate acquisition of new territories for the United States, including , , and Upper California, as well as parts of Lower California, , , and Nuevo León; but Poinsett's offer to purchase these areas was rejected by the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs headed by Juan Francisco de Azcárate.[3] (Poinsett

wrote Notes on Mexico, a memoir of his time in the and at the court of Agustín de Iturbide.)[4]

The U.S. recognized Mexican independence, but it was not until 1825 and the establishment of the Mexican Republic that it sent a minister plenipotentiary. and several others turned down the appointment, but Poinsett accepted and resigned his congressional seat.[4][5] He became embroiled in the country's political turmoil until his recall in 1830, but he did try to further U.S. interests in Mexico by seeking preferential treatment of U.S. goods over those of Britain, attempting to shift the U.S.–Mexico boundary, and urging the adoption of a constitution patterned on that of the U.S.[4]

After visiting an area south of Mexico City near Taxco de Alarcón, Poinsett saw what later became known in the United States as the poinsettia. (In Mexico it is called Flor de Nochebuena, Christmas Eve flower, or Catarina).[6] Poinsett, an avid amateur botanist, sent samples of the plant to the United States, and by 1836 the plant was widely known as the "poinsettia".[4] Also a of Mexican , , is named in Poinsett's honor.[7]

Unionist

Although Poinsett was a proponent of the slave system and owned slaves himself,[8]he returned to South Carolina in 1830 to support the Unionist position during the , again serving in the South Carolina state legislature (1830-1831). Poinsett also became a confidential agent of President Andrew Jackson, keeping Jackson abreast of situation in South Carolina between October 1832 and March 1833.[9] In 1833, Poinsett married the widow Mary Izard Pringle (1780-1857), daughter of Ralph and Elizabeth (Stead) Izard.

Secretary of War

Poinsett served as Secretary of War from March 7, 1837, to March 5, 1841, and presided over the continuing suppression of Indian raids by removal of Indians west of the Mississippi and over the Seminole War; reduced the fragmentation of the army by concentrating elements at central locations; equipped the light batteries of artillery regiments as authorized by the 1821 army organization act; and again retired to his plantation at Georgetown, South Carolina, in 1841.

Personal life Promotion of American Arts

During the 1820s, Poinsett was a member of the prestigious society, the Columbian Institute for the Promotion of Arts and Sciences, who counted among their members former presidents Andrew Jackson and John Quincy Adams and many prominent men of the day, including well- known representatives of the military, government service, medical and other professions.[10] He was elected a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1825.[11]

In 1840 he was a cofounder of the National Institute for the Promotion of Science and the Useful Arts, a group of politicians advocating for the use of the "Smithson bequest" for a national museum that would showcase relics of the country and its leaders, celebrate American technology, and document the national resources of North America. The group was defeated in its efforts, as other groups wanted scientists, rather than political leaders, guiding the fortunes of what would become the .

Freemasonry

It is unknown when Poinsett became a Master Mason, but it is known that he was a Past Master of Recovery Lodge #31, Greenville, and Solomon's Lodge, Charleston.[12] Poinsett played a prominent role in defining in Mexico; he favoured promoting the , which was allied to the political interests of the United States. This became one of three strands, the other to being allied to Continental Freemasonry and the other an "independent" National Mexican Rite.

Later life

He died of tuberculosis, hastened by an attack of pneumonia, in Stateburg, South Carolina, in 1851, and is buried at the Church of the Holy Cross Episcopal Cemetery.

Exert from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joel_Roberts_Poinsett to read the full history document.

Q: What do you get when you cross a snowman and a vampire?

A: Frostbite!

Truth--sincerity and plain dealing distinguish us

Q: Where does mistletoe go to get famous?

A: Holly-wood!

Masonic education is one of the cornerstones of our fraternity. To keep our newsletters interesting please send me articles of interest, items you would like to know more about, news clips…..etc.

Q:What do you get when you mix a Christmas tree and an iPad?

A: A pineapple!

Q: What’s a good Christmas tip?

A: Never catch snowflakes with your tongue until all the birds

have gone south for the winter.

Hanukkah Festival of Lights

Image credit https://english.thekotel.org/files/atarei_hakotel/vc/hanuka_2.jpg

Article from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hanukkah

Hanukkah, (Hebrew: “”)also spelled Ḥanukka, Chanukah, or Chanukkah, also called Feast of Dedication, Festival of Lights, or Feast of the , Jewish festival that begins on 25 (in December, according to the Gregorian calendar) and is celebrated for eight days. Hanukkah reaffirms the ideals of and commemorates in particular the rededication of the of Jerusalem by the lighting of candles on each day of the festival. Although not mentioned in the Hebrew Scriptures, Hanukkah came to be widely celebrated and remains one of the most popular Jewish religious observances.

Hanukkah lamp Hanukkah lamp, silver with enamel inlays on copper alloy by Johann Adam Boller (1679–1732), German, from Frankfurt am Main, 1706–32; in the Jewish Museum, New York City. Photograph by Katie Chao. The Jewish Museum, New York City, gift of Frieda Schiff Warburg, S 563

Read More on This Topic

Jewish religious year: Minor festivals: Ḥanukka and Purim

Ḥanukka and Purim are joyous festivals lacking the work restrictions characteristic of the major festivals.

According to I Maccabees, the celebration of Hanukkah was instituted by Judas Maccabeus in 165 bce to celebrate his victory over Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the Seleucid king who had invaded Judaea, tried to Hellenize the , and desecrated the Second . Following his victory in a three-year struggle against Antiochus, Judas ordered the cleansing and restoration of the Temple. After it was purified, a new was installed and dedicated on Kislev 25. Judas then proclaimed that the dedication of the restored Temple should be celebrated every year for eight days beginning on that date. In II Maccabees the celebration is compared to the festival of Sukkoth (the Feast of Tabernacles or Feast of Booths), which the Jews were unable to celebrate because of the invasion of Antiochus. Hanukkah, therefore, emerged as a celebration of the dedication, as the word itself suggests.

Although the traditional practice of lighting candles at Hanukkah was not established in the , the custom most likely started relatively early. The practice is enshrined in the Talmud, which describes the miracle of the oil in the Temple. According to the Talmud, when Judas Maccabeus entered the Temple, he found only a small jar of oil that had not been defiled by Antiochus. The jar contained only enough oil to burn for one day, but miraculously the oil burned for eight days until new consecrated oil could be found, establishing the precedent that the festival should last eight days. The early date for this story or at least the practice of lighting eight candles is confirmed by the debate of the 1st-century-ce scholars Hillel and Shammai. Hillel and his school taught that one candle should be lit on the first night of Hanukkah and one more each night of the festival. Shammai held that all eight candles should be lit the first night, with the number decreasing by one each night thereafter.

The celebration of Hanukkah includes a variety of religious and nonreligious customs. The most important of all is the lighting of the menorah, a candelabra with eight branches plus a holder for

the shammash (“servant”) candle that is used to light the other eight candles. Olive oil was traditionally used for lighting the menorah, but it was replaced by candles, which are inserted in the menorah incrementally each night of the festival from right to left but are lit from left to right. A blessing is also offered while the candles are lit each night. The menorah was originally kindled outside the home, but it was brought inside in ancient times to guard against offending neighbours.

Hannukah menorah , New York, 1919; in the Jewish Museum, New York City. Graphic House/Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc.

In contemporary , Hanukkah is a national holiday, and students present plays, sing holiday songs, and have parties. Schools are closed, and menorahs are displayed atop such prominent buildings as the Israeli parliament, the Knesset. A highlight of the eight-day festival is an annual relay from Modiʿin to Jerusalem. Runners carry burning torches through the streets beginning in Modiʿin. The runners continue until the final torchbearer arrives at the Western Wall, which is the last remnant of the Temple. The torchbearer hands the torch to the chief rabbi, who uses it to light the first candle of a giant menorah. The Hanukkah observance is also characterized by the daily reading of Scripture, recitation of some of the Psalms, almsgiving, and singing of a special hymn. Along with the daily prayers, thanks are offered to God for delivering the strong into the hands of the weak and the evil into the hands of the good.

Hanukkah lamp Hanukkah lamp from Brody, Galicia (now in Ukraine), 1787; in the Jewish Museum, New York City. Graphic House/Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

There are also a number of nonreligious customs associated with Hanukkah. Potato pancakes (), doughnuts (sufganiyot), and other treats fried in oil, which recall the miracle of the oil, are popular. Children receive presents and gifts of money (), which is sometimes distributed in the form of chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil. Card playing is common, and children play a game with a four-sided top called a (Hebrew sevivon). On each side of the top is a Hebrew letter, which forms the initials of the words in the phrase nes gadol haya sham, meaning “a great miracle happened there.” In modern Israel the letters of the dreidel were changed to reflect the translation “a great miracle happened here.”

In countries where Christmas rituals are widespread, some echoes of those rituals appear in Hanukkah celebrations. Some families, for example, exchange gifts or decorate their homes. The word Hanukkah in Hebrew also means “education,” and rabbis and Jewish educators try to instill in their congregants and students the notion that the holiday celebrates Jewish strengths, perseverance, and continuity.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen, Corrections Manager.

The Real Story of Christmas

The Christmas Story

King James Version

An Angel Announces the Coming Birth of John the Baptist – Luke 1:5-25

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.

And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, according to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.

And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

But the angel said unto him,

Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

And Zacharias said unto the angel, whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.

And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.

And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he tarried so long in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them and remained speechless.

And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.

An Angel Announces the Coming Birth of Jesus – Luke 1:26-38

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of , named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Then said Mary unto the angel, how shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

And the angel answered and said unto her,

The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible.

And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

An Angel Visits Joseph – Matthew 1:18-25

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt

call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.

Jesus is Born – Luke 2:1-20

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called ; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them,

Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Wise Men from the East Come to Worship Jesus – Matthew 2:1-12

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, and thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

Fortitude—a noble and steady purpose of mind

Editor’s Note Thank you all for sharing with me the journey to issue this newsletter on behalf of the Brethren of Unanimity Lodge No.418. In the research of them I have stumble upon and learned many wonderful and new things. I tip my hat to those who have contributed to articles, proof-read and especially to my wife (Ginger) for all of her assistance in editing, proofreading, and support this year. Hundreds of pages of text and pics later. Remarkably, she is ready to read the next issue. Please send me feedback on the issues to [email protected] I look forward to the 2021 editions of this publication and your submissions to it. Wishing you all a Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.

Vade in pace.