Safford Lodge #16 F & AM P.O. Box 694, Safford, AZ 85548 Email: [email protected] Website: http://safford16.com January 2019 Instruments of Masonry a glorious immortality; and that From the sincerity in our profession will be Worshipful Master Continuing our Masonic education our only passport thither. This Thomas E. Schaff in the various instruments which line, like Jacob's ladder, connects we of this profession make use of, heaven and earth together; and, Brethren, all are emblematic of the conduct by laying hold of it, we climb up to A new year is upon us – and we of life in which we strive to perse- that place where we shall change all have the best of intentions as vere. this short line of time for the nev- we begin a new year. As part of • RULE er-ending circle of eternity. those intentions, I ask that you • LINE http://masoniceducation.com consider attending Lodge and • PLUMB-LINE supporting your Brothers – no • SQUARE matter where you live. Masonry • COMPASSES Just a reminder from the is world-wide, jump in, put it to • LEVEL Lodge Secretary use! • MALLET and CHISEL Yours dues are due… We are planning an active year • TROWEL Do you have your 2019 and we need your commitment. • HAMMER dues card? Perhaps you have seen the re- The second instrument,the LINE cent news articles regarding should make us pay the strictest Clothe-a-Child and the First Re- attention to that line of duty which sponders’ Luncheon. Also we was marked out to us, by our great are implementing an additional Benefactor and Redeemer. It page or two in the monthly Tres- teaches us to avoid all kinds of tle Board. Hopefully you will find double-dealing, both in conversa- this interesting and stimulating. tion and actions; it points out the direct but narrow path that leads to Yours in Brotherhood, Thomas E. Schaff Stated Communication: Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019 7:00 PM at Safford Lodge, 1421 S. 2nd Ave., Safford Dinner @ the Lodge 6:00 PM. Families invited. From the Worshipful Master Thomas Edward Schaff Season’s Greetings Brothers! May the blessings of Heaven be upon you and your families this holiday season. May you stay safe and enjoy cherished time with your families. For those not in attendance, you missed a spectacular installation. Being installed by Most Worshipful Brother Craig L. Gross, Grand Master of Masons in Arizona, was truly an honor and pleasure. Certainly, something not soon to be forgotten. Unfortunately, we were informed of the passing of our Brother, William Allen Laudenslager, just before the installation began. He was to be installed as Tyler. Seeing the Tyler’s sword sitting on the table without him there was truly difficult. I am truly honored to be selected as the Worshipful Master this year. With your help, I will do my best to make this a productive, memorable and exciting year. Some of my goals for the year: 1. An expanded Trestle Board with contributions from the West and South. Additionally, we will explore adding contributions from all brothers at their request. 2. Masonic Education at each regularly stated meeting. 3. Expanded presence on the internet and Social Media. 4. Expanded Community involvement. 5. Continuing our collaborations with the Masonic Family – OES, York Rite and the Shriner’s Club. Of course, we will be looking for your ideas, support and INVOLVEMENT to achieve each of these goals. Time to get involved Safford. Thomas E. Schaff Worshipful Master From our Senior Warden Jared Spencer Wallace "How well are we guarding the West Gate?" This was a question asked by Most Worshipful Brother Dwight L. Smith, in his 1962 book, "Whither are we traveling?" "Whence came the idea that a man - almost any man - has an inherent right to become a Freemason? Is it not a privilege to be conferred upon the worthy?" There are those who, for one reason or another, become Masons before they are ready to assume the privileges and duties of membership. Many of these Masons, their good intentions notwithstanding, undergo a change of heart and their curiosity being satisfied, they progress no further. To remedy this, Lodges such as the Grand Lodge of Alberta have caused that the candidate should have two important meetings before having their petition balloted. "The purpose of this meeting is to introduce the Candidate to Freemasonry and to prepare him in mind and spirit to receive initiation. He is entering a strange country. His Mentors will give him the necessary guidance and point out the landmarks by which to steer his course. It will be impressed upon him that becoming a Mason is not a light or frivolous undertaking, but fraught with important consequences, and that Initiation, Passing and Raising are not perfunctory ceremonies to be entered into with a light heart, but the first and all- important steps into the world of Freemasonry. He will learn that Freemasonry is a life to be lived, not a set of hollow forms to be hypocritically observed, and that he must become prepared in his heart." The book covers many controversial points of view such as raising dues, which make petitioning more difficult rather than easier. Brethren, regardless of where we stand, I ask are we being diligent in our personal charge to guard the West gate? Are we contributing to the building up and proper preparation of those who join our honored fraternity? Are we more concerned with membership numbers, mounting lodge costs, and getting new brothers through degrees quickly? How well are you guarding the West gate? Jared S. Wallace Senior Warden .