Vol. 2 • May 2013 The Wooden Masonic Ring of Major Enoch Obid Wolf uring the War Between the Major, and Charlie Molken of Batesville, States, Confederate Major Blackburn of Independence, Burch and Enoch Obid Wolf (1828 - 1910) Ladd of this state, and two others whose Dserved with Ford’s Battalion Arkansas names I have forgotten were the unlucky Cavalry, Company C. In 1863, he was privates. I had four days for prepara- captured by the Union forces. tion for my doom because I was Major, He was held in prison, condemned while those poor boys only had 6 hours. with six others to be shot in retaliation During my 4 days of doom my Masonic for the shooting of brothers went to work with a zeal that a Union officer. is known only to a Brother in distress While he was a and wired to Washington City and had prisoner of war, me reprieved just before the fatal hour Major Wolf, a arrived.” Freemason, cut At the last minute (the firing squad about 3/4 inch were loading their weapons), orders from the end of his arrived from Abraham Lincoln himself, cane, and carved it into a Masonic ring. commanding that As he recounted some 50 years later to a newspaper Major Wolf was not to be shot. (See reporter from the Sharp insert) County Harold - In fact, Wolf became one of the “I am the Major Wolf outstanding citizens of Arkansas, a who was condemned to substantial and highly-respected leader be shot at St. Louis in of the community. He lived until an old 1864, together with six age—dying in 1910—and was buried Confederate privates in as he wished on the family farmstead retaliation by the Feder- near Franklin, Arkansas, in view of the als for the killing of their Strawberry River. Major Wilson and six of his command by Tim Brother Wolf was a fascinating man. Reeves, one of our Majors According to his great granddaugh- belonging to Marmaducke’s ter, Arlene Wolf Singleton, during his [sic] command. When life, he was a fighter in the War with we were captured we, in Mexico, a Major in the Civil War, a company with some others, sheriff, and a judge. “He … drove a were sent to St. Louis and team of oxen to the Gold Rush in there drew lots for our lives. California, went through the Panama There had to be one Major Canal, traveled up the Mississippi and six privates shot and the to Memphis and walked the many unlucky number fell to me as The Oklahoma Mason Vol. 2 • May 2013 1 From the Grand Master

facility, but it was gratifying to see the local lodge and its brothers. thankfulness of the women organiz- I also realized that the older members ing the campaign for all you were able who brought me into the Fraternity to provide them. have all now passed away. To the On my way home from that very pre- newer members, I am the person they sentation I had to stop for gas just off look to for stability and guidance. It I-35, and as I was pumping gas, a run- was my time to shoulder the burden down car pulled up and the woman of responsibility for what my lodge driver begged for money for food. As meant to us. What should I be doing it happened I only had a few dollars as a mason? cash in my pocket to hand her as she With the possible exception of politics, drove off. I doubt she knew I was a no institution has written and spoken Freemason though I have a masonic more on the behavior and actions we license plate on my car. ought to undertake as Freemasonry – I was struck by the disparity between and had its members act so contrary the two events so closely occurring in to its goals. I know it is unrealistic to reetings Brothers - time and what our bonds of charity believe that harmony will reign in each really mean to our fellow men and and every lodge and every relationship I trust that you are enjoying women. What should I be doing as a between brothers: but we can all work our rather late start to spring… G mason? a bit harder at it as well. Speak your hopefully we do not head straight to mind – hold to your values – but when summer! We hope you enjoy this second 2. Here in Boston, I happened to chance the decision is made, go and make the issue of the Oklahoma Mason. I am upon a hat shop, and in looking for chosen outcome a success regardless of writing to you from sunny Boston, Mas- a new cap, struck up a conversation whether you supported it. Remember sachusetts where I am here on a business with the twenty-something shop the famous advertising executive who trip. [Editor: this was received one week owner and his female friend. She used to carry a coin in his pocket on before the bombings in Boston.] remarked on my masonic lapel pin and said that both her grandparents which was written, “He may be right”. When we sent out the first issue of the had been in Eastern Star, and she We have a number of important events magazine, we had about 1200 address wondered if I knew how she could coming up including Grand School in changes sent us by the publisher which join. He remarked that he’d heard of May. I hope to see you at a Grand Lodge were updated in the course of mailing. Freemasonry but didn’t know much event or visit, but regardless, if you These brothers not only hadn’t received about it. haven’t been to lodge in a while, why previous issues of the magazine, but don’t you consider going to a meeting also any other correspondence from The shop was just a few blocks from before the heat of summer? You may just their local lodges or the Grand Lodge. the Grand Lodge building of Massa- find something you are looking for. I Brothers – please do yourself and your chusetts, a 9 story building which sits look forward to visiting with you during lodge secretary a big favor and keep your right on Boston Common. So close… my travels. address up to date – and if you meet a and yet so far for these young people brother not receiving the magazine, tell interested in what Freemasonry fam- Fraternally, him to verify his address with us. (There ily has to offer. What responsibility is a form on the back of the magazine). do I have to act in a way that causes others to become interested in Free- A couple experiences I had over the last masonry? What should I be doing as few months I’d like to share with you: a mason? Brad Rickelman, Grand Master 1. I had the opportunity recently to 3. One of my home lodges oldest and present a large donation to the most active members recently passed YWCA through our Masonic Charity away. I was surprised that while he Foundation to assist with the capital had been a member for over 50 years, campaign for a new battered women’s his daughter had almost no under- shelter in Oklahoma City. It saddens standing of what Freemasonry was me that our state would need such a about, or how beloved he was to the

2 The Oklahoma Mason Vol. 2 • May 2013 continued from page 1 The family has the letter signed by miles back to Arkansas.” Upon the death Abraham Lincoln which followed the of Major Wolf, the ring passed to War- telegram of reprieve. They have donated ren Enoch Wolf (born March 25, 1892) the ring to the Library and Museum of who was a member of Talihina Lodge the Grand Lodge of Oklahoma in honor #73 and Atwood Lodge #413. Brother of Brother and Major Enoch Obid Wolf Warren Wolf served the Lodge as Secre- and Brother Warren Enoch Wolf tary for many years and then, starting in We are deeply grateful to the family, 1972, served as Chaplain until his death and in particular to Paul Enoch Wolf, in 1975. For many years, the ring was Arlene Wolf Singleton, Greg Alan Wolf, kept in the box of a military sewing kit, and Michael Paul Wolf for this artifact which is also in the display case. of a brave and courageous Brother.

e are often horrified by the casualty statistics of the war, but even for those who Wsurvived, the war was a time of terrible privation. Comforts were few, and the weather was a constant source of suffer- ing. Don’t miss the only The life of a prisoner of war was even chance in 2013 to join the more difficult. Many men did not sur- the period, their blades engraved with vive the prison camps. Masonic symbols. You will also find The Museum and Library of the Grand a bullet, a writing kit, spectacles, and Order of the Lodge of Oklahoma have several arti- other items from daily life. Sacred White facts from this period of the history of In the large display case in the Territo- our nation and the two Territories which rial section of the museum is a paint- Buffalo would later become the State of Okla- ing of the Reverend Joseph Murrow. homa. Not only was he almost singlehanded Framed on the wall of the Museum is a responsible for the establishment of August 10, Grand Lodge Masonic Monitor or ritual prepared for Freemasonry in Indian Territory, he the use of soldiers during the conflict. served as the Indian Agent for the Building in Guthrie On one large sheet of paper, usually military, being responsible for providing folded and kept in a leather wallet, is all food and other essential supplies to the See story in this issue. the exoteric language needed to open a tribes. He was one of early Oklahoma’s Lodge and confer the Degrees. most important civil, religious, and In the display cases are razors from fraternal leaders.

O.E.T.A. Presentation

hanks to the contributions from the Lodges and Matching Funds from the Masonic Charity Foundation, the Grand Master was able to present a check in the amount of $53,686.00 to O.E.T.A., Oklahoma Public Television. Mr. B.J. Wex- Tler of O.E.T.A. accepted the check. As you know, the Most Worshipful Grand Master is not cursed with excessive shortness. It was useful for Mr. Wexler to stand on a box so that both could be in the same television shot. Our thanks for O.E.T.A. for the outstand- ing job they do in providing quality programming for Oklahoma, and to Mr. Wexler for being good enough sport to allow us to use the “boxing” photograph. 164 Lodges par- ticipated in the fund-raising event. Our partnership with O.E.T.A. started in 1996. Since then, the Fraternity has donated a total of $827,092.00 to Oklahoma Public Television.

The Oklahoma Mason Vol. 2 • May 2013 3 The Myths about Forget-Me-Not Flowers

M∴W∴ Bradley S. & Jean Rickelman 1938, the Nazi’s selected a forget-me-not he blue, delicate, forget-me- pin as a token of recognition for those not flower has a long history persons who made donations during in German mythology but its the annual Winterhilfswerk, an annual Tassociation with Masonry dates back charitable solicitation that actually went less than a hundred years to the time of toward funding rearmament. Ironically, the persecution of freemasons in Nazi the pin was manufactured in the same in 1948. Remembering the forget-me- Germany. Disentangling the myth from Selb factory using the same molds as not pin distributed by the Grand Lodge reality includes reviewing stories about it did in 1926 for the Grand Lodge zur zur Sonne in 1926, Grand Master Vogel the origins of its name and different Sonne. Different pins were selected for went in search of the factory. By another meanings including love, remembrance each Winterhilfswerk, and the astonish- extraordinary coincidence, the factory and as a symbol of freemason resistance ing coincidence of the forget-me-not and the mold survived the war. Grand to Nazi oppression. being selected to identify those who had Master Vogel commissioned the pins to already contributed is in keeping with be made again and began to distribute Enduring Love German folklore about the forget-me- them as a token of friendship. When not flower association with remember- The majority of the folklore surround- he addressed the Conference of Grand ing those less fortunate. However, given ing the meaning of this flower comes Masters in Washington, DC in February it was a criminal offense to wear a pin from Germany. One German folk story 1953, he hoped the forget-me-not could recounts how after God named all the be used as an interchangeable symbol plants a tiny unnamed one cried out, with the ideals of Freemasonry and a “Forget-me-not, O Lord!” prompting Germany now free of Nazi oppression. God to reply, “That shall be your name.” It also was a way to remember those Several other Germanic stories feature masons who were victimized by the medieval knights who are either in love Nazi regime. or yearning for love. A common myth related to the origin of these flowers Remembrance recounts how once upon a time there The forget-me-not as a symbol of was a German knight who wanted to remembrance flourished in England express his love towards his beloved and Canada after World War II. In by giving her some blue flowers. While Newfoundland, the forget-me-not was searching for the flowers, he found them adopted as a symbol of remembrance for along the banks of the Danube River. As those who had died in war. In English he picked some of the flowers the weight that did not originate with the Nazi Freemasonry it is more commonly now of his amour caused him to fall into Party, it is highly unlikely that anyone worn to remember those that have died the river. As he was drowning he threw dared to wear the pin beyond the month as a symbol that though someone may the bouquet to his loved as he shouted of the annual Winterhilfswerk be gone they are not forgotten. “Forget-me-not.” Women began wearing Nevertheless, the belief persisted the forget-me-not as a sign of faithful- that freemasons began wearing the The 2013 Ladies Pin, which features the ness and enduring love. forget-me-not since they were forbid- forget-me-not, is meant to symbolize den to display the square and compass. three feminine virtues: enduring love, Fidelity However, there is no record of the pin, faithfulness and remembrance. By wear- ing the pin we are pledging our fidelity The decision to adapt the blue forget- or the flower, ever having been worn in and love to our Masonic family, hon- me-not in lieu of the square and com- concentration camps. This makes sense oring our veterans, and remembering pass by Nazi-era freemasons is lost to since the clothing in concentration those in our Masonic Family who are no the mists of time. It is true that the camps was minimal and any personal longer with us. Grand Lodge zur Sonne (Bayreuth, adornment, including wearing jewelry Bernheim, Alain. “The Blue Forget-Me-Not”: Germany) commissioned a forget-me- or any ornamentation, was punishable by death. Another Side of the Story” and not pin in 1926 as a gift for delegates “German Freemasonry and Its Attitudes Toward attending the annual meeting. The pins After World War II ended, Grand Mas- the Nazi Regime” can both be accessed at were manufactured in a factory in Selb, a ter Dr. Theodor Vogel, who later became http://www.freemasons-freemasonry.com/bern- small town close to Bayreuth. In March Grand Master of the United Lodges of heim3.html. McKeown, Trevor W. “Masonic Myths” Germany, installed a new Lodge at Selb http://freemasonry.bcy.ca/texts/masonic_myths. html 4 The Oklahoma Mason Vol. 2 • May 2013 A quick Reminder The Grand Lodge Website — gloklahoma.com — has many forms which can be downloaded to save you time and effort. Go to Resources & Links > Forms. There you will find:

• Name and Address Change Form • Certificate of Good Standing • Petition for Membership • Monthly Activity Report • District Deputy Report • District Deputy Informal Report • Application for Reinstatement • Application for Affiliation • Petition for Advancement • Order of the Sacred White Buffalo • Filing Application for Grand Lodge Petition for Membership • Charity Foundation Board Filing Form Petition for Perpetual Membership Form for Memorial Membership

The Masonic Charity Foundation announces the

MASONRY IN ACTION AWARD Oklahoma To recognize the charitable and educational efforts of Oklahoma Brethren to Lodges, the Charity Foundation Showcase has announced that awards of $5,000 each will be granted to two Musical Talents Lodges to be distributed to local charitable or educational causes of The House of the Temple in Washington, the Lodge’s choice. Full information D.C. has announced that Oklahoma on the awards has been mailed to Brethren Brian Pierson, Jay Hannah, Jerry the Lodges. You can also visit the Ball, Charles Bartrug, and Danny Hargis website www.mcfok.org have been selected to appear on Celebrating for more details. the Craft—a webcast on May 18th from 5 PM to 11PM our time. Our Oklahoma Brethren were selected from hundreds of audition tapes from across the United States. Congratulations, guys; we’ll be watching!

The Oklahoma Mason Vol. 2 • May 2013 5 What is the difference between an A∴F∴ & A∴M∴ Lodge and a F∴ & A∴M∴ Lodge? Originally, a Lodge whose Grand Lodge was chartered by the Grand Lodge of England was known as Free and Accepted Masons (F∴& A∴M∴). Those chartered by the English Grand Ask Lodge commonly known as the “Anti- ents” (Most Ancient and Honourable Society of Free and Accepted Masons according to the Old Institutions) were Hiram Why are the Senior and Junior Deacons called “Deacons?” The word “deacon” comes from the ave questions? Ask Hiram! Send ancient Greek διάκονος, which, among questions to the Editor, jim. other things, means “messenger”—the [email protected] or mail function the deacons perform in the Hto Ask Hiram, Grand Lodge - P.O. Box Lodge. It is interesting that, in Scotland, 1019, Guthrie, OK 73044 the title “Deacon” was also given to the head of a trade guild. Who can serve on a Lodge Audit Committee? Any members of the Lodge appointed Are all Bibles used in Lodge the by the Worshipful Master. The Con- King James Translation? stitution and Code does not specify. Most are by default. Almost all Many people think that the members known as Ancient Free and Accepted “Masonic Bibles”—Bibles printed with of the Audit Committee have to be Past a Masonic emblem on the cover and/ Masters, but that is not true. They do not Masons (A∴F∴ & A∴M∴). Today, it is usually a distinction without a differ- or Masonic identification and refer- have to be present or past officers of the ence material inside showing Biblical Lodge. ence. Sometimes the designation of a Grand Lodge reflects the designation sources for Masonic ritual—are of the of the Grand Lodge which chartered King James Translation, but that is not a Can a Lodge “go dark?” it, but it may not since Grand Lodges requirement. The translation used is up “Nay, not so.” To go dark means not to often select their own “letters.” In some to the Lodge. meet on a day specified as a Stated Com- instances there are minor ritual differ- munication by the Lodge’s by-laws. As ences. When visiting in another Juris- a practical matter, if it is impossible or diction, the only question is whether the unwise for a Lodge to meet on its usual Grand Lodge of Oklahoma recognizes day (ice storm, threatened tornado, etc.) the Grand Lodge where you are visiting. the minutes for that day should simply It makes no difference whether there are state that there were an insufficient 3 or 4 initials in the name. By the way, number of members to open due to the there are also recognized Grand Lodges weather, etc. Remember that a Lodge which are A∴A∴F∴M∴ (Ancient has the option of amending its by-laws Accepted Free Masons), F∴A∴A∴M∴ if it wishes to specify holidays such as (Free and Accepted Masons) and others Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc., on which as well. the Lodge will not meet.

6 The Oklahoma Mason Vol. 2 • May 2013 The Order of the Sacred White Buffalo

ear Brothers, and especially Eligibility and Membership Memorial Memberships are available New Master Masons, To be eligible for membership, the for a one-time cost of $50. It is a good The next annual POW-WOW applicant must be a Master Mason, a way to honor deceased brethren or their D spouses. A certificate will be sent to the for the Order of the Sacred White Buf- member of a Master Mason’s family, or a falo will be held at the Grand Lodge member of an Affiliated, Appendant, or person purchasing the Memorial Mem- Building in Guthrie on Saturday, Other Masonic Body in good standing. bership which may be displayed in the August 10, 2013. The Degree is always The Initiation Fee of $100 and 1st year’s lodge or given to the brother’s family. conferred by our own World Renowned dues of $50 ($150 total) must accompany Registration will start at 11:00 AM with Oklahoma Masonic Indian Degree the application. Dues are $50 annually. a meal at noon. The charge for the meal Team in full Native American dress. It is Both husband and wife and children for members will be $10. The degree a most impressive sight to behold. over 14 years of age may join. will start at 1:15 PM. Dress is casual, but As you may have heard, the Order of Your dues cover the cost of the meal please no shorts. Applications should the Sacred White Buffalo is an organi- at the meeting which you join. Meals be received by the Grand Lodge no later zation with two purposes: to recognize at following meetings will be at your than July 20, 2013; however, walk-ins and honor the importance of the Native expense. will be accepted. Meals may not be available without prior registration. American tradition in Oklahoma Perpetual Memberships are avail- Freemasonry, and to support the Grand able after you complete your degree for For a petition for the Order of the Lodge Endowed Building Fund. The $500 (10 X $50 dues). This is another Sacred White Buffalo, call the Grand White Buffalo is a symbol of special good way for us to support Oklahoma Lodge {405-282-3212} or e-mail us at significance to our Native American Masonry and maintain our beautiful [email protected] Or visit the Brethren. It was a symbol of deliverance Grand Lodge building which houses a Grand Lodge Website at gkoklahoma. in time of need--of the special connec- big part of our history. com. tion between man and nature.

The Oklahoma Mason Vol. 2 • May 2013 7 GRAND From the Senior Grand Warden Simple but Complete MASTER’S ometimes it’s the little things that catch our attention; the simple CALENDAR ideas that are the most impres- Ssive. A while back, Carolyn and I were May on our way to an out-of-town Masonic 2 – 50yr pin presentation: Cleveland gathering. On the way, we passed by Lodge an impressive looking church. It was a 3 - Trustees Meeting small church, with a fresh coat of white 4 – Cornerstones: Tipton paint and a neat and trim lawn. Out 7 - District 15 Meeting: Pond Creek front along the road was a sign, a sign 9 – 50 & 60yr pin presentation: like most churches have which usu- Tecumseh Lodge (with Macomb) ally tell you the topic of next Sunday’s 11 – Jurisprudence Meeting, 50yr pin sermon. As we drove by, we both read presentation: Guthrie the sign and asked each other what it 17-18 – Grand School said. Curious to see if it said what we 17 - McConnell Picnic thought it did, I drove around the block 18 – Putt Putt Tournament, Eastern so we could look at it again. This time R∴W∴Gary Beisly Star; Rainbow Installation, Yukon I stopped to read it. It was so impres- 22 – D-13 RGLO: Bristow sive I took a picture of it. This sign was knelt before the Altar, took his Obliga- 23 – Amaranth Grand Court a little larger than others we had seen. tions, said he wanted to be a Mason, 25 – Day Lodge RGLO (morning), It was divided into parts; the upper half and he became a Mason; and then he 26 – Rainbow Girls Grand Assembly, had a question and the lower half had continued living the way he always had, Norman the answer to the question. The ques- the way he had been living. But, now he 30 – D-16 RGLO: O’Keene tion was: “What is the best vitamin for had a name. He had the name of Mason. June a Believer?” The answer shown on the I think this simple phrase, B1, is a strik- 1 – Job’s Daughters Statewide lower part of the sign was short. It was ing way of demonstrating our steady Assembly, Tulsa only two words…actually it wasn’t even attachment to our Masonic principles. 3 – Canadian Lodge RGLO, Indianola two words; it was two characters…one To B1 is the way for us to fulfill our 4 – Prince Hall of Oklahoma Grand letter and one numeral. The answer was Masonic Obligations; to remind the Lodge, Tulsa B1. Consider this answer. How simple it Craft, the community, and the world 7 – Trustees Meeting is; how complete it is; yet how profound what Masonry is. It is a way of fulfilling 8 – D-28/31 District Picnic: Broken it is. the admonition given during the instal- Bow As I considered this question and lation of lodge officers; “and by amiable, 15 – Cowboy Outdoor Degree, the answer, I thought how aptly it also discreet and virtuous conduct to con- Glenpool applies to Masonry. What is the best vince mankind of the goodness of the 19 - MCF board meeting vitamin for a Mason? B1! We have many Institution”. This is how we continue our 20 – Apache Lodge GM visit times seen its “cousin” on Masons’ cars; initiation into Masonry…B!. So, what is 27 – Atoka (Oklahoma #4) - St John’s the bumper sticker “2 B1 ask 1”. At one the best vitamin for a Mason? B1! Day and pins time, every Brother asked to be a Mason, June 30 – July 7 – Imperial Shrine (Indianapolis), GM attend June 29-July 2 July 12 – Trustees Meeting 13-14 – DeMolay Conclave (Stillwater) 20 – Colbert Cornerstone, Senior Citizens Center

Dates subject to change: for current calendar listings, see http://www.glokla- homa.com/events.html

8 The Oklahoma Mason Vol. 2 • May 2013 From the Grand Treasurer

rethren, guess, so be conservative in your Lodge of budgeted expenses of $178,288.00. the overall disbursements. I was fortunate to be present last finances Currently the 2013 PEM Endowed week when a knowledgeable masonic Bof Grand Lodge funds are earning 8.0 to 8.5 % interest, gentleman gave a speech and made the are in good which is less than in 2012 due to the cur- following analogy. Do you know why condition. The rent U.S. Economy. The question comes the rear view mirror in your vehicle is Bond market has up, are these GNMA bonds still a good less that 1/4 the size of your windshield softened over investment? My answer is Yes! You can- he asked? That is to keep us looking the past six to not earn this high of interest anywhere forward and not looking where we have seven months else at the present time and it is an been. Somehow does this not relate to and that has affected the distribution investment in the future of your Lodge. our Masonic fraternity? We continue to checks that were mailed to the constitu- The overall income for the first five concentrate on what we have done and ent Lodges from the Perpetual Endowed months of the operation through where we have been. Let’s all be aggres- Membership fund for 2012. This amount 2-28-2013, of your Grand Lodge Gen- sive by looking forward to the future was $506,290.85. This amount was eral Fund budgeted revenue was down and continue this great masonic legacy $116,000 less than the 2011 distribu- because the per capita invoices to the for our children and grandchildren. tion because of the lower yield from our Lodges were not mailed until the middle If you have questions concerning the GNMA bonds. The current economy of March. As of 2-28-2013, our income Budget or PEM Funds you can contact of the nation appears to be improving. was 37.3 % of a budgeted income of me via e-mail at However, interest rates have continued $178,445.00. Our total expenses for the to be weak. How long we will experience [email protected] same period were $137,939.35 or 77.4 % this roller coaster economy is anyone’s John C. Alexander Grand Treasurer

From the Junior Grand Warden

rethren, Grand Masters, I am convinced that our Retention,” and “Lodge Officer Training I am very time and money were well spent. The Programs.” Without going into great pleased Conference this year was held in Kansas detail about what was covered in these B City, MO; and was hosted by both sessions, I want to assure the Craft of and proud to have the honor of Kansas and Missouri Grand Lodges. Oklahoma that every minute was filled serving the Craft There were 56 Grand Masters attending with valuable information that will help of Oklahoma as from the several states and other Grand me to do a better job in my position as an elected officer. Jurisdictions. One of the pleasant sur- Junior Grand Warden. During the past prises was the quality of the information Oklahoma also was distinguished R∴W∴Ridge Smith few months, provided. One speaker that especially by having M∴W∴ Randy Rogers as a I have visited impressed me was M∴W∴ Jim Cole, presenter for two breakout sessions. My many of the Lodges in Oklahoma and I Past Grand Master of Virginia, who gave biggest problem was trying to choose have been overwhelmed by the response a talk entitled, “The IRS, Grand Lodge, from the different sessions available. of the Brethren with whom I have met. I Local Lodges, and You.” That was Our R∴W∴ Deputy Grand Master and want to assure you that I will do every- particularly informative to help us keep Senior Grand Warden and I put our thing in my power to merit the honor our processes in proper order to avoid heads together to try to cover as many that you have conferred upon me. problems with the IRS. I know it opened different sessions as we could so that we my eyes. One of privileges that comes with could avail ourselves of the maximum being an elected officer is attending the Another very informative feature of the benefit of the sessions. Conference of Grand Masters of North Conference were the “Breakout Ses- In summary, I feel that the Conference America. I’m sure that there are many of sions” There were three different groups of Grand Masters was a very worthwhile the Masons in Oklahoma who wonder of four breakout sessions spread over use of our time and I look forward to the what these conferences are about and three days. I found these very useful. opportunity of going again, and I want what good they do for the membership. The three sessions that I personally to thank the Brethren of Oklahoma for After attending my first Conference of attended were “Technology in Today’s giving me this great experience. Masonry,” “Mentoring & Membership

The Oklahoma Mason Vol. 2 • May 2013 9 Thought for Food

magine a fully-loaded Boeing 737, in need - and we will do so again this munity to help feed the hungry—but full of passengers and fuel, ready to year. But there is one point we especially whether you raise funds in public, pass fly. Now imagine 315 of them! want to stress. The money your Lodge the hat in Lodge, or vote money from I gives stays in your community. It goes the Lodge treasury, please participate. If That fleet of planes would weigh less than the food provided by the organi- to help the people in your town. Hunger you can give more than $1.50 per mem- zations we partnered with last year to is hidden in Oklahoma. The chances ber, that will be even better. help feed hungry Oklahomans—espe- are that some of your neighbors or the In order that we can coordinate with cially kids! According to their pub- people you work with don’t have enough the efforts of the Food Banks, your lished records, the Regional Food Bank to eat. Many parents go hungry so their check needs to reach the Masonic Char- of Oklahoma provided 42.2 million children can have a little more. Hun- ity Foundation by August 30th. Mail the pounds of food to counties in Central gry kids do not do well in school, and funds in a check payable to the Masonic and Western Oklahoma. hungry adults do not earn as much. It Charity Foundation of Oklahoma, P.O. becomes a vicious circle. The Community Food Bank provided Box 2406, Edmond, OK 73083. Please food for families and children in Eastern As you did last year, the Grand Master write “food bank” in the memo section Oklahoma, so we covered the state. asks your Lodge to raise or vote $1.50 of the check. The Charity Foundation All you have to do is imagine one of per member, and then have the money will match the check and we’ll present your kids or grandkids going to sleep matched. That’s such a small amount of the amounts to the Food Banks. at night, crying from hunger, and you money, but it can make a very big differ- No one likes to think of someone going know we are helping to do good! ence in some very small, young lives. It hungry, especially a child. We’ve made a would be great public relations if your Grand Master Bradley Rickelman feels major difference before, and, with your Lodge did a fund-raiser in the com- it is important for us to assist those most help, we can do so again.

Special Alert on a Great Deal

he Short Talk Bulletin, published by the Masonic The book can be ordered at substantial pre-publication Service Association of North America, is sent each savings, and in two different formats. You can have the month to American Lodges, and has been since Master Mason edition — a copy bound in linen-covered T1923. Each is designed so it can be read aloud in Lodge in boards and with sewn signatures (the pages are sewn in, just a few minutes. The Short Talks are a great source of like a regular well-published book, not glued in like a Masonic information and education. paperback). The pre-publication price is $55 + $7 S&H for Now they are being collected, re-edited and re-typed, a total of $62.00. (Publishing price is $97.00) and published in book format. The first volume, to be You can also order the Grand Master edition, bound in published in the fall, is more than 750 pages in length and bonded leather, with gilt edges and satin book markers covers the years 1923-1937. A notice has been sent to the bound in for $110 + $7 S&H for a total of $117.00. (Publish- Lodges, alerting them that they can order a single copy at ing price is $157.00) I’ve already ordered a leather-bound a special price, but individual Masons can also buy copies. copy for myself. This is a great deal, and highly recommended for your To order or for more information, visit the website at personal Masonic library. www.msana.com Jim Tresner

10 The Oklahoma Mason Vol. 2 • May 2013 Senior Essay Contest Winners

ith thanks to the 89 Lodges and the teachers at the 115 schools who cre- ated the opportunity for 1,597 students to submit essays in the 2012-2013 Senior Essay Contest. To the 20 winners who will share the $13,700 in Wprize money, CONGRATULATIONS!

Senior Women’s Contest Emalee Alexandra Williams - 1st Place - $2,000 Marlow H.S. Marlow Lodge #103 Kenna Stanton - 2nd Place - $1,500 Lawton H.S. Lawton Lodge #183 Courtnye Michelle Niece - 3rd Place - $1,000 Adair H.S. Adair Lodge #99 Olivia Lockard - 4th Place - $750 Stratford H.S. Stratford Lodge #118 Jennifer Nicole Phillips - 5th Place - $500 Lone Grove H.S. Lone Grove Lodge #25 Kathleen Arongay - 6th Place - $400 Lawton H.S. Lawton Lodge #183 Emilee Danielle Cross - 7th Place - $300 Lone Grove H.S. Lone Grove Lodge #25 Raylee G. Woodward - 8th Place - $200 Kingston H.S. Kingston Lodge #287 Sara Smith - 9th Place - $100 Wyandotte H.S. Frisco Lodge #24 Abbey Worrell - 10th Place - $100 Owasso H.S. Owasso Lodge #545

Senior Men’s Contest Lee Kantowski - 1st Place - $2,000 Lawton H.S. Lawton Lodge #183 Patrick Broach - 2nd Place - $1,500 Jenks H.S. Jenks Lodge #497 Joshua Garrette - 3rd Place - $1,000 Fairland H.S. Frisco Lodge #24 Seth Hunter Neal - 4th Place - $750 Broken Bow H.S. Broken Bow Lodge #441 Daniel Stacy - 5th Place - $500 Poteau H.S. Poteau Lodge #46 Pryce Michener - 6th Place - $400 Lawton H.S. Lawton Loge #183 James P. Atkinson - 7th Place - $300 Jenks H.S. Jenks Lodge #497 Levi Hilliard - 8th Place - $200 Valliant H.S. Valliant Lodge #301 Mason Shane Stidham - 9th Place - $100 Valliant H.S. Valliant Lodge #301 Adam Dean Pearson - 10th Place - $100 Cheyenne H.S. Cheyenne Lodge #133

www.mcfok.org

heck it out! This is the site of the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma. It’s a great resource. You will find information about the programs we have for helping Brothers and the programs we have for helping those who are not Masons. Lodge secretaries can download any Cform they need. There are photographs and stories about problems solved with the help of Masonic charity. The site is updated often. If you want to feel a real pride in your Masonry, this is a great place to start.

“Like” the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma on Facebook! Keep up-to-date on events and deadlines, and connect with other Masonic bodies in the State. We’d love to hear your feedback, and Facebook is a great place to start.

The Oklahoma Mason Vol. 2 • May 2013 11 From the Deputy Grand Master

have been amazed at the number of responses to my article concerning the investigating committee. Many Ihave mentioned that they appreciated someone saying what they thought needed to be brought to everyone’s attention. The problem I see is complacency in doing what is necessary to keep our fra- ternity as strong and as viable as it has been in our past. We have taken solemn obligations to see that our investigations find the best qualified men in order for our fraternity to succeed. We have not only become complacent in the investigation process but, also in our degree work. Not teaching the new Masons what their respective positions require. Then advancing them to officer positions and eventually even Worship- R∴W∴Ron Chambers ful Master where they do not have the slightest idea what their responsibilities You would have thought that I had are. come up with a new revelation in what should be required of the lodge officers. Is it any wonder that after they have No one had ever mentioned anything been rushed through a couple of posi- about this to them. tions and become Worshipful Master you never see them again? They don’t Even if you are unable to attend your come back because in your effort to put lodge regularly, go as often as possible. someone new in the office of Worship- You have something you can share with ful Master you forgot to teach them our new brothers that will help them in Masonry. They don’t come back because their journey through this great frater- they didn’t learn anything that they nity. And in your daily life serve as an could teach someone else. example to others as to what being a Mason really is. As an example, I visited a lodge recent- ly, while there I had a conversation with Brethren the success or failure of our the Junior and Senior Stewards. I asked organization is in your hands. them what they were working on their I will leave you with this quote by response was “nothing”. I mentioned Thomas Edison. “We shall have no that it would be helpful to their lodge better conditions in the future if we are if they would start working on their satisfied with those which we have at respective language in the second sec- present”. tion of the Masters degree. In order to fill those positions when there was work to be done in the lodge.

12 The Oklahoma Mason Vol. 2 • May 2013 From the Grand Secretary

Making Better Men, Not Perfect which also increased their sales. He was n September of 2011, Glenn Almy, awarded numerous honors in Japan for Grand Master of Oklahoma gave a his work. short speech at a York Rite event. Dr. Deming later returned to the IHe stated that we said we would “make United States and implemented the good men better, not perfect”. This is same quality programs that had brought also found on our petitions. Japan to the forefront. First came Ford, This got me thinking about what man who introduced his processes and does to improve himself and by what brought the Ford Taurus to creation. measure he determines his improve- In 1987, he was awarded the National ment. I thought back to my time in the Medal of Technology. service when we were implementing a How does this apply to making good program called “Total Quality Manage- men better? Deming studied production ment”, introduced by Dr. W. Edward processes. He knew that there was no Deming, and how we could apply this to such thing as a perfect car or manufac- our goal of self-improvement. tured item, but by studying the manu- R∴W∴Steve Singleton Dr. Deming was a statistician during facturing process and specifications of World War II. He lived by numbers and each, he could always make them better statistics. During this time, he came and more efficiently. The goal was always up with an idea on how to improve the to strive for perfection, even though quality of products by statistical analy- unattainable. sis. As it turned out, Dr. Deming had the We can very easily apply these same opportunity to implement his theories principles to our lives as Masons. We in post-war Japan. cannot achieve perfection on this After the industrial base of Japan was celestial globe, for no man is without rebuilt, they began selling on a global fault. But by applying the principles of scale. The problem was the quality of Masonry, evaluating how we live our their products. It was almost a world- daily lives and finding ways where we wide joke that the Japanese made cheap can be better, we can improve the qual- products across the board. In 1947, ity of our “product,” namely ourselves. Edward Deming was sent to Japan to The challenge to us as Masons is; conduct a census for the Department of how often do we evaluate our progress the Army. He had already been work- towards this goal, and make corrections ing on his quality management theories accordingly? I would suggest that this is and was invited to speak at the Japa- best done by participating in our lodges, nese Union of Scientists and Engineers. not just ‘carrying the card.’ The process Shortly after that, he was invited to teach doesn’t end with the Master Mason hundreds of Japanese scientists and degree, but through repeated evaluation engineers statistical process control and of ourselves as Masons. Involvement quality management. in degrees (and striving to understand Deming’s methods of quality improve- them), improving our lodges and com- ment had such a dramatic effect on munities, all move us closer to that goal. Japanese industry that they became not Do your part to “improve your prod- only the quality leaders of the world, uct” – live your obligations and con- but reduced cost of manufacturing, stantly strive to improve.

The Oklahoma Mason Vol. 2 • May 2013 13 From the Grand Lecturer – Don’t Miss GRAND SCHOOL!

reetings my the state. We held schools in districts Brethren which have not held a school in some All. time, so congratulations to these dis- G tricts. The year seems to be getting away Brethren, I cannot tell you how impor- fast—it’s time for tant the Schools of Instruction are to us Grand School! as Masons. We need to attend as many That’s right: Fri- schools as we can, because this is how day, May 17th and we learn to do the work being taught by the Board of Grand Lecturers, and R∴W∴Ronald Wray 18th at The Grand Lodge Building in the work is what makes us who we are Guthrie. School will start at 9:00 a.m. as Masons. Remember the Certificate on the morning of The 17th. Remember, Lecturers meeting will be held Saturday, you will be able to stay at The Scottish May 18th at 9:00 a.m. in the Master’s Rite Temple Inn Friday night, so be room at the Grand Lodge building. thinking about making your reserva- My Deputies and I are only a phone tions now. Cost is $10. Reserve a room call away for any questions you may different this year. But you will have to by e-mailing the Innkeepers at inn- have, and we are all here to serve you. I attend to find out what it is. [email protected] challenge each of you to invite someone I look forward to seeing each of you I have been very pleased with the num- who perhaps has never attended Grand this year. Let’s make GRAND SCHOOL ber of schools already held throughout School. I have plans for something of INSTRUCTION 2013 the best one yet!

A Special Masonic Invitation to have a lot of fun, learn something new, and give a real service to your Masonic Brothers.

ear Brother, The ritual of Masonry is divided into Lecturer will issue him a card which You’ve been through the two kinds of work. One is called exoteric looks like this Degrees, so you know that was or monitorial (printed in plain English D in the monitor) and the other is eso- only possible because your Brothers learned the words of the ritual and con- teric. When you look at a monitor and ferred the Degrees upon you. In Lodges see rows of dots instead of words, it all across Oklahoma, men just like you means the language which goes there is are guiding new candidates through esoteric. those Degrees each week. It’s important You probably remember the categorical work— new Masons cannot be made lectures, although you may not know unless someone takes the time to do the them by that term. After you received “work.” the first part of each Degree, two Broth- I’d like to tell you ers stood up and gave a question and That is a “C” certificate, and it says that about the Certificate answer exchange. That exchange is the you have qualified to teach the categori- Lecturer’s Association. Categorical Lecture of the Degree. cal lectures on the Degrees and have As Grand Lecturer, I authority to teach. have the responsibility I’d like to invite you to earn a And here’s something really special! to see that the ritual is Certificate and become a Certificate- If you earn a “C” Certificate within performed and taught across the state. lecturer. 12 months of the day you receive the To do that, I have the help of some very To earn a “C” Certificate, a man learns Master Mason Degree, you will receive a special men, known as Deputy Grand the questions and answers for all three special Grand Master’s Esoteric Award, Lecturers, and, most importantly, a Degrees, and then “checks out” by recit- presented to you at Grand School by the group of men known either as “C” ing them to a Deputy Grand Lecturer. Grand Master. And the fact that you Certificate Lecturers or “A” Certificate The Deputy will correct any errors, and earned that award becomes a permanent Lecturers. then, when a man has it right, the Grand part of your Masonic record. Reduced in

14 The Oklahoma Mason Vol. 2 • May 2013 size, the Esoteric Achievement Award looks like this. Cipher Key. It has all the ritual, but the esoteric parts are writ- ten in a 3-letter cipher. But be sure you work with someone at the beginning! “Est” for example, might mean “esteemed,” or “estimated,” or “establish,” or any number of things. Don’t guess! Ask someone until you are comfortable with the words. You can also learn the work at schools held in your Lodge and in each Masonic District. And in May each year we have Grand School. You can learn or check out at any of those places. You have to renew your “C” or “A” Certificate each year by having someone check you out. It’s easy for words to slip a little or get changed in our memory.

Why should you do it? First of all, it’s fun—it’s hard to imagine just how much fun it is until you do it. Second, it’s a real accomplishment; it’s something you can be justly proud of. And third, it lets you give back to a new generation of men, and help them in their Some Brothers go past a “C” and earn an “A” Certificate. An Masonic journey. “A” Certificate Lecturer had learned all the esoteric work for If you want to know more, please contact me. My cell phone all three Degrees, and also has learned the “floor work”—how number is 580-623-0035 and my e-mail address is rewray76@ and where men move during the ritual. Just like a “C” Cer- hotmail.com tificate Lecturer, he proves his knowledge to a Deputy Grand Lecturer, and then receives a card. Fraternally, Ronald Wray, How can you learn the work? Grand Lecturer The best way is to learn it from someone who already has a “C” or “A” Certificate. But because it can be hard to find the time to get together, you can also learn it from the Red Book or

Brethren, we’d love to know what is going on in your lodge! Please send photographs to the editor at [email protected] Don’t limit yourself to check presentations, installations, etc. Be creative—just we sure we have permission to use the photographs.

The Oklahoma Mason Vol. 2 • May 2013 15 The Oklahoma Mason PRSRT STD P.O. Box 1019 U.S. Postage Guthrie, OK 73044 Paid Permit #1015 OKLA.CITY, OK

Address or Name Change (please print) Lodge # ______Date Address Effective ______Name______Street or Box address: ______City ______State ______Zip______Send to Address Change update, The Oklahoma Mason, P.O. Box 1019, Guthrie, OK 73044

CHIP Program Update

rethren, the Child Identification these areas. We need people who have Program (CHIP) continues to be the time to help with this program. available to all Lodges. This year We are encouraging doing a school Ball the equipment and consumable sup- system as that’s where the children are. plies are stored at Broken Arrow Lodge And, with parental or guardian per- #243. When you decide you would like mission it can be done with very little to have an event, contact me and I can disruption of classroom time. We do as help you schedule the event. I will make many as possible during the P/E class arrangements to get the equipment and time. With proper scheduling, a student all necessary supplies to your Lodge. will miss less than 30 minutes of study We have divided the State into 4 areas. time. We have some suggestions on The North-South divider is Interstate how to survey the School and after the 40. The East-West divider is Interstate survey getting the forms to the parent 35. In the Northeast quadrant there are or guardian and back to the School. We We will be happy to support and assist approximately 70 Lodges. In the South- then schedule the date with the School. any Lodge that requests us to do so. east quadrant there are approximately We realize that the Lodge members will Please call or email. 70 Lodges. In the Northwest and South- need some help. There are numerous Fraternally, west quadrants there are approximately organizations looking for a place to help Glynn L McCoy Jr 40 Lodges each. We are looking for such as PTA or PTO in each School, Home 918-872-9350 volunteers in each of the quadrants to Church Groups, Sigma Phi E.S.A., assist in arranging the CHIP events in Telephone Pioneers, and other Fraternal Cell 210-573-6413 Organizations. E-mail [email protected]

16 The Oklahoma Mason Vol. 2 • May 2013