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Official Publication of the Fulton-Montgomery Masonic District Free & Accepted Masons State of New York Fall 2009 Issue #28 Fulton- Montgomery
Official Publication of theFulton-Montgomery Masonic District
Free & Accepted MasonsState of New York
Fall 2009 Issue #28
Fulton-Montgomery
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• Newsletter Policy •The Fulton-Montgomery News, published quarterly for the
benefit of the Brethren of the Fulton-Montgomery Masonic District and their families, is the official publication of:
Fulton-Montgomery Masonic DistrictFree & Accepted Masons
The Staff welcomes all letters and submissions, reserving the right to edit for space and clarity. Material MUST be provided in WORD format or mailed in the email body to “[email protected]”
The publication will go to the printer on 1 December, 1 March, 1 June &1 September with submission dates one week prior. Any of the contents of this newsletter may be copied, quoted or reprinted with the permission of the Editor.
• Staff • Editor: Roger B. Steele Assistant Editor: Stephen Sparks Billing Advertisement Layout: Stephen Sparks District Reporter: Your Name Here Circulation: Dave Saltsman & Keith Vietch Printing: Lee Smith Treasurer: Robert Lindholm
All hard copy, In Memoriam andCompliments Of to:Fulton-Montgomery Masonic District Roger B. Steele489 Honeywell Crs. Rd.Broadalbin, NY 1�0�[email protected]
Any correspondence and changes for advertisements will be sent to Stephen Sparks1� Curtis StreetGloversville, NY 1�[email protected] checks payable for all advertisements toFulton-Montgomery Masonic District to be send to:Stephen Sparks1� Curtis StreetGloversville, NY 1�[email protected]
All address changes and cancellationsto be sent to:David Saltsman903 County Hwy. 1�6Amsterdam, NY 1�010Phone (518} 843-3445email [email protected]
The Fulton-Montgomery News
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All address changes and cancellationsto be sent to:David Saltsman903 County Hwy. 1�6Amsterdam, NY 1�010Phone (518} 843-3445email [email protected]
• A View From The East •by R∴W∴William J. Dorn
DDGM Fulton-Montgomery District
Greetings Brothers from the East,
It is the week before September 1st and we had our first Master andOfficers meeting last night. The meeting was well attended seven out of eight lodges were represented. You do not have to be an officer of a lodge to attend the Master and Officers meeting. This meeting can be attended by anyone. I encourage any brother to attend. A lot of items werediscussed and the lodges are sent minutes of each meeting. This is done so that the brothers of the lodges can be kept informed. On September �8, �009 the Grand Lectures Convention will take place. The convention will be held at St. Patrick’s Lodge #4. I urge each brother to attend this important event. This is always a learning experience for me. The Master and Officers meeting as well as the charities meeting have been canceled on September �8 due to the Grand Lectures convention. One important item that the district could use is a district wide 3 rd. degree drama team, The AGL for the district V∴W∴John Morris has been working onputting together a team but needs volunteers for the different parts. If you are interested in helping out the district and your lodge contact V∴W∴John Morris. He has an article in the news letter with additionalinformation. This year I would encourage each brother of the district to find a person that would make a good mason. Contact your lodge and find out when they are having an open house or brother bring a friend night. This is the only way that masonry will stay strong.The District Deputy visits for the upcoming year are listed below:St. Johnsville Lodge# 611 September 17, �009Kennyetto Lodge# 599 October 14, �009Hamilton Lodge# 79 October �8, �009FishHouse Lodge# �98 November 4, �009Fultonville Lodge# 531 December �, �009Amsterdam Lodge# 84 January 18, � 010Fort Plain Lodge# 433 February � , �010St.Patrick’s Lodge# 4 March 18, � 010The Master and Offrcers and charities meetings are listed below:Kennyetto Lodge# 599 October �6, �009
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Hamilton Lodge #79 April �6, �010FishHouse Lodge# �98 November �3, �009Fultonville Lodge# 531 December �8, �009Amsterdam Lodge# 84 January �5, �010Fort Plain Lodge# 433 February ��, �010St. Patrick’s Lodge #4 March ��, �010I hopc to sce everyone attend the District Dputy Visits not only for your lodge but for thc distrist. Remember that the distict has the traveling gavel for each visit. So your attendance counts.Fraternally,R\W\William J. Dorn DDGM
• From the District Reporter •By Your name here
We are still looking for a District Reporter. all it will take is a small amount of time and have fun with it.
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• Lodge News •
St. Patrick’s Lodge #4 F & A MP. O. Box 896
�� North Perry StreetJohnstown, New York, 1�095-0896
518-76�-7015www.newyorkmasons.org
W∴William R. Dorn, MASTER
September 17, �009: Lodge Stated Communications resume.
The Lodge will be opened and then we will carpool to St. Johnsville Lodge # 611 for Their District Deputy Visit.The usual Masonic times will be observed, 5:30-6:30 Cocktails6:30-7:30 Turkey Biscuits Dinner Cost $9.00 (9) Dollars, Lodge resumes at 7:30pm.
October 1, �009 Stated Communications, The Enter Apprentice Degree will be conducted For four Candidates.
The Following are the names of the Candidates:Gary Stephen Miller, (Donald) William Iley, Daniel A. Doughety And Gary D. Miller.
This summer has been a busy one for the Lodge on July �5th the Annual Lodge Picnic was held at Dorn’s Grove the event was very well attended by 103. A day of fun, good conversations and a Delicious Picnic was enjoyed by all those who attended.
August 8th with a Special Dispensation from The Grand Lodge ofF. & A. Masons of New York. The Ritual was conducted outside at the camp of W∴ William R. Dorn, R∴W∴William J. Dorn DDGM,And Bro. James R. Dorn.
The sublime degree of Master Mason was conferred on 5 FellowcraftCandidates. V∴ W∴ John B. Morris as Master of the Lodge, with
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assistance from Brothers of St.Patrick’s Lodge #4, Fort Plain Lodge #433, St. Johnsville #611. The second part was presented by the Brothers of Fish House Lodge #�98.After the Ritual was completed 53 Master Masons from Fulton ~Montgomery and other Districts enjoyed a Prime Rib Dinner.
Attending the event, R∴W∴Thomas M. (Tim) McMullin Junior Grand WardenPast Grand Master of New York M∴ W∴Neal I. BidnickPast Junior Grand Warden R∴W∴Steven S. King
REMEMBER THE (36CLUB) WED.AM COFFEE HOURCoffee, Breakfast Sandwich, and Great Fellowship for $�.006:30 am till??
St. Patrick’s Lodge #4 still has the City of Johnstown �50th Commemo-rative Medallions available at $10.00 and a few of the St. Pat’s ��5th anniversary medallions for $10.00
September �8, �008: Grand Lecturer’s Convention at St. Patrick’s Lodge # 4; Officers required to attend for Lodge to qualify for POTTS AWARD at Grand Lodge in May �010.
October 30, �009: Robert Moss, author of books on Sir Wm. Johnson will be the guest of Friends of Johnson Hall for the re-release of his book “FIRESEEKER”. St. Patrick’s Lodge # 4 will host a dinner – opened to the public – at the Lodge. Author will sign books purchased that night.
December 17, �009 – ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY in lieu of Stated Communication.
It is also anticipated that another round of Degrees will be started this fall; more Petitions are expected in the coming days.
Mark your calendar(s) NOW, so you will be able to attend.
Again this year the Lodge will be looking for help At the Fonda Fair with the Child Id Program
Stephen SparksNewsletter Chairman
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6Hamilton #79W∴Carlton Scutt, Master
�nd & 4th Wednesdays(518) 9��-7668
6Amsterdam #84R∴W∴David Saltsman
1st & 3rd Mondays
Greeting Brothers From Amsterdam Lodge #84 We are meeting on the first and third Monday of the month. We will Have a First Degree on October 19 �009 The Second Degree November 16 �009 The ThirdDegree December �1 �009 Then in January 18 �010 Amsterdam Lodge #84 Will Host District Deputy R∴W∴William Dorn and R∴W∴Thomas Krutz Staff Officer.I hope you all had a good summer And fall will soon be hear.Fraternally,R∴W∴David Saltsman
6Fish House #�98By W∴Stanton Weaver Master
1st & 3rd Wednesdays
6Fort Plain #433W∴Christopher Hanley, Master
�nd & 4th Tuesdays
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Fultonville #5311st & 3rd Wednesdays Canajoharie Temple
W∴Jeremy Krajewski MasterHome - 518-9��-7668Cell – 518-3��-6734
Email – [email protected]
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Kennyetto Lodge No. 599W∴ Christopher Clizbe Master
�nd & 4th WednesdaysPhone (518) 883-8448
www.newyorkmasons.org
Kennyetto Lodge has definitely been busy this summer. We have not only been meeting regularly, but have also been continuing in our efforts to raise funds for improvements to our building. Several barbeques and pancake breakfasts have been held with great success, making the Kennyetto kitchen a very active place. Pancake breakfasts will continue into September and October, and all brothers are welcome to attend. For any of our brothers who find it difficult to attend regularly scheduled meetings, but are looking for other ways to be active, these breakfasts offer outstanding volunteer opportunities. Your help in the kitchen is always welcome.
On a different note, it is understood that the crazy and hectic pace of everyday life sometimes causes us to forget some of the things we plan on attending to. Therefore, this is a friendly reminder to any brothers who may have overlooked paying their dues for the year. It is certainly never too late, and in doing so, you greatly benefit your lodge. Here’s hoping that everyone has had a great summer, and we’ll see you in the fall.Fraternally,W∴ Christopher Clizbe Master
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6 St. Johnsville #611R∴W∴ Jacque Mosher Sr., Master
1st & 3rd Thursdays
My Brethren,The quarries will soon be busy as the brethren of St. Johnsville Lodge return from refreshment to labor on Thursday, September 3rd for our first stated communication after our summer break.
The brethren of the lodge will be assisting with the Child ID at the Fonda Fair on Sunday September 6th. A sign-up sheet will be available at our first stated meeting.
On September 17, �009, St. Johnsville Lodge No. 611 will host R. W. William J. Dorn, DDGM and R.W. Thomas Krutz, Grand Sword Bearer for the District Deputy Official Visitation. Turkey and Gravy dinner will be served at 6:30 pm. Please RSVP to David Saltsman by September 1�th at 518-843-3445 or [email protected].
The Master, Officers and brethren of St. Johnsville Lodge would like to thank the Officers of St. Patrick’s Lodge No. 4 for including our candidate, Brother Gilbert Stevens, in the class of Fellowcraft for the “open air” 3rd Degree conferred on August 8, �009 at the Dorn Camp.
I’ll see you in Lodge, my Brothers!
Sincerely and Fraternally,Don Chaffin, Secretary
Warm Fraternal Regards From The Master,Wardens and Brethren of Amsterdam Lodge No.84, F & AM Masonic Temple 34 Division Street, Amsterdam New York 12010 Stated Communications: Second and Fourth Tuesdays of Each Month
Golf Clubs Made to Order Customized & Repaired Warren H. Hyde 242 S. Third St. / P.O. Box 58 Northville,NY 12134-0583 Telephone, 518-863-6979 Member, Fish House Lodge No.298
Thank You for your Donation of The 4 tires for the
Fulton~Montgomery DistrictChild Id Trailer
Compliments of theMaster, Wardens and Brethren of
St. Patrick's Lodge No. 4, F & A MMasonic Temple
22 N. Perry St. Johnstown, New York 12095
Stated Communications on
First and Third Thursdays of Each Month
Compliments of,
R\W\DAVID MONTANYE Grand Representative to the Grand Lodge of Lativa
Member, Hamilton Lodge No.79Canajoharie, NY
Compliments of,
R\W\Keith M. Veitch Past District Deputy Grand Master Fulton~Montgomery District 1996-1998
Member, Fort Plain Lodge No. 433
Compliments of CRYPTIC MASONS St. George's Council No. 74 Warren H.Hyde, Illustrious Master Fredrick Beitter, Deputy Master
Cortland M. Andrew, Treasurer Clarence Langley Jr, Recorder (518) 377-8624
James Lowerre, Principal Conductor of the WorksCryptic Masonry of the York Rite completes the Circle of Perfection. Operating under the Grand Council of the State of New York, St.
George's Council confers three degrees: Royal Master, Select Master, and Super Excellent Master. We welcome Royal Arch members.
CYPRUS SHRINE TEMPLE 27 Hannay Lane Glenmont New York 12077 PO BOX 12473 Albany, NY 12473 webmaster@ cyprus.org
Where the FUN is put into Masonry
Adirondack Shrine ClubPresident Dan Malmborg...........762 -7867
First Vice President William J. Dorn ......... 736-1965 Second Vice-President J. Robert Barr ......... 762-2657
Secretary Warren H. Hyde...............863-6979 Treasurer John Morris ............ ..762-2657Meeting the Last Tuesday of the Month
September to May ALL WELCOME
To vist call any of the officers and let them know
Rotating Restaurants - Various Towns
199 County Highway 152 Ship's Store ~ Winter Storage Sacandaga Park Gas / Oil Docking Facilities Northville, NY12134-3444 Parts & Service for Most Makes Telephone, 518-863-8112 of Marine Engines Fax, 518-863-8081 www.parkmarinebase.com
Park Marine Base, Inc Member Fish House Lodge No, 298
David and Mary Dickey P R O P R I E T O R S
CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN: Mercruiser * EFI * Carb Outboards * Carb * EFI Optimax * Four Strokes Sport Jet * Force Outboards
MERCURY# 1 On The Water
Thanks for supporting our bulletin !
Compliments of a Past Line Officer
R\W\ John Ille Past Grand Director of Ceremonies
Fulton~Montgomery District 1994-1996
P.O Box 603 Northville, NY 518-863-8329 Post Office Box 603 Northville,NY 12134
COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE IN FUNERAL SERVICE BETZS,ROSSI,BELLINGER & STEWART 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam NY 12010 FAMILY FUNERAL HOMES INC. Telephone, 518- 843-1920 ~Fax 518-842-2709 Jackson & Betz Lenz & Betz Jeffords & Stewarts Walrath & Stewart Fultonville 853-4224 Canajoharie 672-3231 Broadalbin 883-3923 Gloversville 725-1121 Memberships in Amsterdam Lodge No.84 Fultonville Lodge No. 531 Kennyetto Lodge No. 599 St. Patrick's Lodge No.4
Compliments of
The Master, Wardens and Brethren of Fultonville Lodge No. 531, F & AM
Masonic Temple Fultonville, New York 12072
Stated Communications:
First & Third Wednesdays of Each Month
We MustNever Forget
All Those Who Gave The
Supreme Sacrifice
Best Wishes from
The Master, Wardens and Brethren
Fort Plain Lodge No. 433, F & AMFort Plain, New York 13339Chrostopher Hanley, Master
Kieth M. Veitch,Secretary Stated Communications Second & Fourth Tuesdays Each Month
Compliments of
St. George's Chapter No. 157
Royal Arch Masons Schenectady, New York
Compliments of
Hiram Union Chapter No. 53 Royal Arch Masons Canajoharie, New York First and Thrid Tuesdays
Name Tags Engraved Signs Desk Plates Plaques & Trophies
Say It With SignsCustom Engraving www.sayitwithsignsengraving.com
Ronald J. Dygert198 Dygert Road (518) 993-4296Palatine Bridge, NY 13428 [email protected]
UNION AUTO SERVICE CAR WASH 95 West Main Street St. Johnsville, NY 13452
Phone 518-568-5429Email [email protected] Don & Char Chaffin Member, St. Johnsville Lodge No.611
Greetings from your New District Leadership Team ! We look forward to supporting our District...... R\W\William J. Dorn, District Deputy Grand Master R\W\Thomas Krutz, District Staff Officer 2008 - 2010 V\W\John Morris, Assistant Grand Lecturer WE look forward to YOU to support our efforts
Thanks for supporting our bulletin !
WILLIAM R. DORN CONSTRUCTION, Inc. Residential ~ Commercial ~ Industrial 104 County Highway 142-A Telephone, 518-762-1463 Johnstown, NY 12095-3724 Fax, 518-736-1190
Member, St. Patrick's Lodge No. 4
Best Wishes From
The Master, Wardens and BrethrenSaint Johnsvile Lodge No. 611 F & AM
Saint Johnsville, P.O. Box 195 New YorkLodge Phone 518-568-2616
Stated Communications:First and Third thursdays Each Month
Compliments of The Past Grand Lodge Officers of the Fulton ~ Montgomery District
R\W\ Keith M. Veitch, President R\W\ William Johnson,Vice President R\W\Sisto Surento, Secetary/Treasurer 2006-2008
Compliments of
The Master, Wardens and Brethren
Kennyetto Lodge No. 599Free and Accepted Masons
2 Bridge Street Broadalbin, NYStated Communications: 2nd & 4th Wednesdays
Complments of,
Sacandaga Chapter No.116 Royal Arch Masons
High Priest.......Excellant James Loweree King.................Excellant Lee Brenn
Scribe........Very Excellant David Dickey Secretary. Right Excellant Fred Beitter
Treasurer..Right Excellant John Ille
Sacandaga Chapter meets Second & Fourth Wednesdays October through June, Northville Masonic Temple
Sacandaga Chapter offers four Degrees; Mark Master Mason,
Past Master, Most Excellant Master and Holy Arch;All closely to the degrees of the Symbollic Lodge
Compliments of
The Master, Wardens and Brethren ofHamilton Lodge No. 79, F & A M
1806 - 2008
Masonic TempleErie Boulevard Canajoharie, New York 13117
Stated Communications: Second & Fourth Wednesdays of Each Month
Compliments of
R\W\Sisto A. Surento Amsterdam Lodge no.84 Past District Deputy Grand Master Fulton~Montgomery District 2003-2004
Compliments of, R\ W\ BERNIE KOLACKI
Member , Kennyetto Lodge No599
Gray-Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home
34 Center Street Fort Plain New York 13339
William James Smith, Funeral Director
Christopher J. Hanley Funeral Director
Phone,518-993-3361 Fax, 518-673-3105
BROWNELL STEEL,Inc. MISC. & STRUCTURAL STEEL ERECTION CRANE SERVICE SIDING RIGGNG 6684 Amsterdam Road Scotia, NY 12309-6439 518- 887-3151, Fax 518- 887-3140
WAYNE BROWNELLMember, AMSTERDAM LODGE NO.84
12th CAPITULAR DISTRICTROYAL ARCH MASONS Hiram Chapter No. 53, Canajoharie, NY
Sacandaga Chapter No. 116, Northville, NY St. George's Chapter No. 157, Schenectady, NY
Thanks for supporting our bulletin !
Lee Smith 119 Logtown Road 518-922-5843 Fultonville, NY12072E-Mail:[email protected] Member Fultonville LodgeNo 531
HIGH QUALITY PRINTINGHOMESTEAD PRINTINGWORKS
Compliments of Scottish Rite Masons
SIGMA BODIES, VALLEY OF SCHENECTADY ANCIENT ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE
Helping our Symbolic Lodges withBring-A-Friend Night, & other Membership Development Programs
Re-member the Blue Lodge Program3rd Degree Dramatization
Arthur H. Van Vranken , 32°, Thrice Potent Master, • Sigma Lodge of Perfection Mathaia J. Erschen, 32°, Sovereign Prince, • Sigma Council, Princes of Jerusalem
James A.Saddlemire, 32°, Most Wise Master, • Sigma Chapter Rose Croix Roger H.Pelham, 33° MSA, Commander-in-Chief, • Sigma Consistory
Harlan S. Barney, 32°, MSA, TreasurerClarence Langley, 33°, MSA, Secretary
Family Life Programs Food Drives & Community ActivitiesProclamations by Mayors & SupervisorsD.A.R.E. Pograms with Essay Contests
Child I.D. Program . . . . and other programs each calendar year.
Compliments of The Master, Wardens and Brethren of
Fish House Lodge No. 298, F & A MMasonic Temple
Northville, New York 12134
Stated Communications: First and Third Wednesdays of Each Month
~ SPORTS ~ FUN ~ TRAINING ~ FUN ~ DANCES ~ FUN
~ SEMINARS ~ FUN ~ FRIENDSHIP ~ FUN ~ LEARNING ~ FUN ~
FUN
~ C
AM
PIN
G ~
FU
N ~ TRIP
S ~ FU
N ~ JO
IN Membership Information Call Clayton Swain 518-863-4694
Thank You from
St. Andrew's ChapterOrder of DeMolay
COMPLIMENTS OF, ST.GEORGE COMMANDERY No. 37 Meeting First & Third Mondays, Beukendaal Masonic Lodge,Scotia NY Sir Knight, Ron Edmonson Sir Knight,Lee Brenn Eminent Commander Captain General Sir Knight,Jim Lowerre Sir Knight, Keith Warren Generalissimo Recorder, 518-356-3383 Matt Erschen,Sr.Warden Robert Stankes,Jr.Warden EVERY CHRISTIAN MASON SHOULD BE A KNIGHT TEMPLAR
Thanks for supporting our bulletin !
CONGRATULATIONS ALL NEW OR RETURNING
MASTERSFOR THE 2009-2010 YEAR
Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home 20 Otsego Street Canajoharie, New York 13339 WILLIAM JAMES SMITH, Funeral Director www.houghtalingandsmith.com Telephone, 518-673-2233
Fulton & MontgomeryChild Id
R\ W\ David lee Saltsman903 County Highway 126
Amsterdam, New York12010
Phone 518-843-3445Email
Thanks for supporting our bulletin !
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• In Memoriam •
Remember a Brother. A $10 contribution to the newsletter will keeptheir name in this column for 4 issues. Any Brother may be honored.
W∴Ralph P. McKeon Past Master Ams. #89 from his wife LoisR∴W∴Wally Picket by A Fellow SeabeeBrother Walter Coolman from W∴Bob & Bonnie DietrickBrother Harold Lake from Churchill LakeBrother Dallas Dillenbeck from Churchill LakeBrother Richard J. Sponable from his wife ShirleyBro. Robert Rounds, Fultonville #531 from his wife ElaineBro. Peter Nicosia, FishHouse #�98 from wife Virginia & FamilyBro. Harold Banta from his wife NormaDeloss F. Walrath St. Patrick’s #4 from Bro. Robert E. McCloskeyJason Eward Whitcavitch St. Patrick’s #4 from Bro. Robert E. McCloskey
ompliments of:
Walter B. Davis Jr.Dr. William S. MuehleckR.W. Janet M. Bronk Matron Chapter #�08 O.E.S.Ted Moore
Help the Newsletter! A personal contribution of $10 or more will help
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Traveling Gavel 2008-2009Thus far, as of our last District Deputy meeting, the total
points for the year received for each lodge attending District Deputy and M&O meetings are as follows; St Patrick’s #4 93 pointsHamilton #79 3� pointsAmsterdam #84 xx pointsFish House #�98 13 pointsFort Plain #433 88 pointsFultonville #531 16 pointsKennyetto #599 30 pointsSt Johnsville #611 14 points
Respectively Submitted,R∴W∴David Saltsman, Chairperson
Salty Dog Quiz on Masonic Balloting
False 13 If the Investigation Committee reports ( favorable) all who bal-lot are ( not ) obliged to ballot Favorable.Likewise just as a favorable one does not insure his acceptance ,an unfa-vorable report by an investigating committee dos not reject a candaidate. Th e Inestigating Committee’s purpose is to ( make due inquiry) into a petitioner’s character and motives for seeking to become a Mason or affiliated with a lodge. Regardless of whether thir report is favorable or unfavorable it is always the responsibility of each individual Brother to decide how he will ballotTrue 14 A petitioner for Initiation or Affilation must be balloted upon at a ( regular ) ( that is a stated ) Communication of the lodge.The Book of Masonic Law add the further emphasis that even if the lodge has been apecially summond and it was previously announced in accordance with the constitutional requirements governing a specially
Answer Sheet
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6Respectively Submitted, R∴W∴David Saltsman
Brothers,There has been a renewed interest in forming a District Drama Team to assists the Lodges during the Drama part of the Third Degree.A Drama Team would need, as a minimum, 46 Master Masons. This number would provide for a Primary Ritualist as well as a backup Ritual-ist. I have asked St. Patrick’s Lodge and the Amsterdam Lodge to each submit 8 members who are willing to be on the Team. The other Lodges in the District are being asked to provide 6 members. This was origi-nally discussed at the Masters and Officers meeting in April. I asked that
summonced in accordance with the constitutional requirements govern-ing a specially summoned Communication that the purpose of the meet-ing would include the ballot it will not be legal or valid.True 15 A petitioner for Initiation who receives an adverse ballot ( that is, one whose petition has been rejected) nust wait ( at least 12 Months ) befor er-petitioning any lodge.False 16 The ballot ( may not) be examined by any Brother so desiring.According to Masonic usage and custom , once the ballot has ben declared colosed only the Wardens may examine it prior to the Master declaring its results. This universal custom has been declared an ancient Landmark of the Craft and a Lodge,s failure to do so Renders the ballot void.On the one hand the reason that the ballot is not open to inspection by any Brother is to allow the Master to exercise his constitutionally defined right to not declare its results On the other hand , the custom of having the Wardens inspect it is to insure bthat the Master does not accidentally declare the results incorrectly. In other words, it is based on a variation of an old adage. In this case, that three pairs of eyes are better than one.Fales 17 Discussing how one balloted should ( never be done) outside or inside the lodge.Masonic law is both very clear and very emphatic that any discussion of the ballot by a Brother at any time is a Masonic offense.
From the Assistant Grand LecturerV∴W∴John Morris
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names be submitted to me by the next meeting which was scheduled for May 18th. At that meeting, only 5 names were submitted.I am therefore asking via the District Newsletter, that if any brother has an interest of being on the Drama Team, to please contact me either by telephone (518-76�-�657) or by e-mail at [email protected] below are the Roles that need to be filled:King Solomon Hiram, King of Tyre Hiram Abiff1st Ruffian �nd Ruffian 3rd RuffianSeafaring Man Secretary Guard1st Craftsman �nd Craftsman 3rd Craftsman4th Craftsman Off Stage Voice and 9 Craftsman
The 9 Craftsman are non speaking Roles.Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me by telephone or by e-mail.
Respectively Submitted,V∴W∴John Morris, AGL
St. Monica Chapter 486, Order of the Eastern Star RW Marie Valachovic, Matron RW Daniel Malmborg, Patron (Second Tuesday of the month, September to May)
Master Masons and their wives formed OES in 1850 as a social organiza-tion for female relatives of Master Masons, as well as Master Masons in good standing in their Lodges. Membership, no longer limited torelatives, is now open to women 18 years of age. St. Monica is cel-
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ebrating its 100th Anniversary in �010. We have 140 members—many no longer living locally. There are 8 Chapters in the Fulton-Hamil-ton-Herkimer-Montgomery District—�49 chapters in the 38 districts of New York State. Our Order suggests a way of life that is built upon observance of religious teachings and is dedicated to Charity, Truth and Loving Kindness. Our mission includes fraternal and charitable projects, such as a home in Oriskany for elderly members in need of nursing home care; Educational Assistance Fund and Nursing Scholarship Fund; Emergency Relief Fund for members in financial need.; donations to veterans; and charitable work within our own community for Domestic Violence, Food Pantry, and mittens, hats, and scarves at Christmas time to Elementary Schools.Fall Schedule: September 15, Master Mason Night Dinner (in appreciation of their fraternal support) and Honoring our 50- and �5-year members. (Our September meeting is a week later this year to allow participation in FHHM District bus trip to Cape Cod, September 8-10)September 13, District Grand Officers Homecoming, Ilion; Our own RW Myrtle S. Dermott to be honored for her � years as Grand Representative of North Dakota.October 8-1�, OES Grand Chapter Convention, BinghamtonOctober 16, Annual Meeting; honoring Past Matrons and Patrons November 11: Initiation and honoring �009 OfficersDecember 9: Installation of �010 Officers.
It seems early to be making holiday wishes, but the Sisters and Brothers of St. Monica wish all a Happy and Joyous Holiday season.
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Youth Activities Report By: R∴W∴ William C. Clizbe, PDDGM
518-770-1070 [email protected]
I had the privilege of attending the grand banquet at the DeMolayConvention held at Union College this past August. At the conclusion of the meal the new state officers for �009-�010 were installed. I am pleased to report that our local chapter, St. Andrew’s, was well rep-resented in the event. Joshua Krajewski was installed as a state deacon and Michael Hernandez was installed as the deputy state master coun-cilor. Michael has been an officer in the state line for the past four years running and, barring unforeseen circumstances, will become the state master councilor at next year’s convention. Later in the month of August I was happy to journey to Utica where three now senior DeMolay’s were initiated into Freemasonry. Brothers Christopher M. Roberts, Hans Keller and Christopher R. Roberts, all past members of Mohawk Valley Chapter, received their first degree in the Lodge Room at the administration building at the Masonic Care Commu-nity. Many of their former advisors and friends from DeMolay, includ-ing your correspondent, were pleased to take officer chairs for the degree.Rainbow for girls is still an active topic in our district, and I hope to arrange an informational meeting this fall to explore the possibility of creating a chapter locally. If you are interested in being in on the ground floor with this project, give me a call.As I have just recently been re-appointed to this task, I don’t have a great deal of information for this communication, but rest assured we’ll be back on track by the next issue. Please be always mindful of the role our youth groups play in the future of our fraternity and its many concordant bodies. Strengthening our youth programs is like putting money in the bank. Support them when-ever you have the chance.
Fraternally, R∴W∴ William C. Clizbe,District Youth Rep.
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• More Light • Masons During the Civil War
Written by: John Howey
One of the first acts of Masonic Charity to occur in the American Civil War occurred at the First Battle of Manassas or Bull Run on July �1st, 1861. This act was reported in the Boston Masonic Monthly which started publishing in November, 1863, and was edited by Edward L. Mitchell. Colonel W.H. Raynor of the 1st Ohio left his command and in the company of two sergeants went to fetch water at a nearby creek. Suddenly, as they neared the stream, they heard the yell that eventually became known as the Rebel Yell and the thundering hoofs of hundreds of horses. Colonel Raynor instinctively raised his pistol just as a buckshot from a pistol hit the instep of his foot and numbed it. Finding a large tree nearby he dropped upon his knees behind it and watched the battle rage around him. A horseman fired his pistol at Raynor and missed and then as he passed by struck Raynor with his sabre. Lights flashed through Raynor’s brain and he fell to the ground senseless looking almost dead. After a period of time Raynor, slightly becoming conscious, realized that someone was tugging at his clothes. Bewildered he leaned upon one elbow and realized that a Rebel soldier was stripping the dead. He had already taken Raynor’s pistol, sword, canteen, and cap and was trying to take his coat. The robber, being startled at the resurrection of the man he was trying to rob, jumped on his horse and rode off. Later coming completely to his senses, Raynor realized he was surrounded by the Confederate cavalry. Two cavalrymen seeing him standing there grabbed him between their horses and dragged him off a con-siderable distance. Finally one lifted him and placed him in front of him on his horse. They rode till they came to a group of Rebel wounded. There he was placed upon the ground and a group gathered around him cursing him and calling him names. Being weak from the loss of blood and in considerable pain, he just laid back and ignored them. His being quiet caused even more of a commotion to the point that one angry wounded Confederate fired his pistol at Raynor but missed. Then the Southerners argued over this cowardly act. By this time, Raynor had almost wished that the ball had pierced his brain. Raynor was soon lifted behind a Rebel cavalryman and carried to the junction about four miles away. Here fresh Confederate troops were unloading and heading to the battle. Raynor was again met by verbal abuse. It was now early evening and the Southern wounded from the front were being treated at the junction in a stable. Raynor was taken first to a surgeon who refused to treat him because he was a Yankee and who said that he had enough others to take care of from his own army. Finally another more compassionate surgeon was found and his wounds were taken care of. He was made as comfortable as possible. His guard, J.H. Lemon of Radford’s Cavalry truly acted the part of the good Samaritan. Lemon somewhere found some ice and put it on the pounding head of Raynor and inquired if Raynor needed any money. In response to Raynor’s expressions of gratitude, pointing to the Masonic pin on Raynor’s shirt, Lemon replied, “I can only hope to get the same treatment from your men if I ever fall into their hands. If you will relieve the distresses of a suffering Brother Mason when in your power, I shall be well paid.” Lemon then mounted his horse and rode away. The next morning Raynor was removed to a barn that contained �0 other Union officers, and he learned the full extent of the Confederate victory. An example from a unit which also belongs to our famed Iron Brigade of which we belong. Colonel Henry A. Morrow commanded the �4th Michigan of the 1st Brigade (Iron Brigade) of the 1st Corps. Wounded during the fighting on the first day at Gettysburg, he was captured by the Confederates. As the Confederates prepared to retreat after the disastrous Pickett’s Charge, a Confederate (also a Mason) surgeon decided that Morrow’s scalp wound was “too serious” for him to be taken along as a prisoner. He also figured that he would get better care in the North. The surgeon probably saved his life due to the hardships of prison life. Another example: L.J. Williams of Harvard, New York, enlisted in the 114th New York Volunteers at the beginning of the Civil War. He received the Entered Apprentice and Fellowcraft Degrees in Downsville Lodge No. 464 prior to his leaving home. Later during the war he was captured and imprisoned near Savannah, Georgia. While in the prison, he communicated with his friends in the North. His lodge in New York through the proper officials got in touch with Zerubbabel Lodge in Savannah and stated that they would consider it a favor if the lodge in Savannah would confer the Third Degree on the Fellowcraft Brother Williams. One night Brother Williams was taken from the prison and conducted to the lodge room in Savannah. He only had his blue tattered uniform to wear, a token of his sympathy with the cause he believed in. The officers of the lodge were all in Confederate gray. Although on opposite sides in the struggle going on on the battlefields of the South, they were all Brethren. He was then and there raised to the sublime degree of
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Master Mason and acclaimed a full Brother and friend to those who wore the gray. Later that night Brother Williams escaped. When asked about his escape he would “smile peculiarly. You might put it down as an escape, but it wasn’t an escape strictly speaking. They put me in a boat and carried me off some distance. Then they deposited me on neutral soil between the lines.” From there Wil-liams was able to find his friends. Williams never knew who exactly helped him escape. He considered it as their secret and it was never disclosed. Williams stated: “I know exactly to whom I may attribute my escape, His name is Hiram.” An example of how a lodge was saved: After 4 years of war, the weary and almost defeated Confeder-ate Army was retreating and leaving the Confederate capital of Richmond to its own fate. As the army retreated, fires broke out in all sections of the city. Hoodlums, deserters, and criminals, with no law and order, began to pillage the city. Just as the city seemed to be doomed, a Union cavalry unit swung up Franklin Street. The bearded colonel looked warily at the riff raff around him who were about to fire a building which bore a sign “Masonic Hall.” Taking command of the moment, he halted his troopers and ordered that an adjutant “have all Masons wheel out of column.” Almost half of his force moved out. From this group he ordered a suitable guard to protect the Masonic Temple. The column reformed and resumed its ride. Later General Godfrey Weitzel, a Mason, gave the order, after a request by the Lodge, to continue the guard. The building saved is said to have been the oldest purely Masonic building in America with records dating back to 1787, and the historic building itself was built in 1785 by Richmond Lodge 10. The Grand Lodge assembled here after its formation in Williamsburg until its move in 1869. R.W. Houghton in a report relates a slightly different story to the saving of the lodge in Richmond, or he could be referring to a different building. Emanuel Semon reported that Major A.H. Stevens, the Provost Marshal of Richmond, raised the first Union flags over the city of Richmond and that immediately after doing so went looking for the Masonic Lodge. Brother Semon was one of the first he met there and Semon stated that he had “quartered against the approach of cowans and eavesdroppers for the last �5 years.” Major Stevens immediately sent Semon a guard and made sure that the officer of the guard was a Mason. He also sent a guard to Semon’s home, Semon’s daughter’s home and to a number of other Masons’ homes in the city. A third account exists of the saving of the Masonic Hall. In the history of Lodge Francaise No. 53 A.F. & A.M. published in 1874 their Tiler, Brother Thomas Angel, was commended for saving the temple. Recognizing that his duties as Tiler not only pertained to “guarding the entrance” but also to the general protection and “covering” the lodge from all harm, Brother Angel with “commendable zeal, energy and presence of mind” took action even with the Federal troops bearing down on the city of Richmond. After conversing with Grand Secretary Dove of the Virginia Grand Lodge, he proceeded to collect all the jewels and what clothing he could find from every lodge in the city and deposited them in the Masonic Hall on Franklin Street. Angel then proceeded to dress himself in the “time honored badge of a Mason” and took his place at the door of the Temple. The Northern troops respected the guard placed at the Temple by Major Stevens. The guard under the command of another Mason, Sergeant Gibbs, remained with Brother Angel day and night for three months.
THE FINAL ACT BY A MASON IN THE CIVIL WAR It was an April morning three days after General Robert E. Lee had surrendered to General U.S. Grant. The Southern troops, led by General John B. Gordon, a Mason, were marching in columns towards the Northern troops who were standing in formation waiting for the Southerners to stack arms and fold their flags. Suddenly a shifting of arms is heard. Gordon looked up with alarm. There was nothing to fear. General Joshua Chamberlain had ordered his troops to assume the position of “honor answering honor.” Immediately, the Confederate troops snapped to attention and returned the honor. It was the first act to heal the wounds of a nation that had spent four years and 618,000 lives in civil war. That command of “honor answering honor” was ordered by a Mason. Major General Joshua Chamberlain was a member of United Lodge #8, Brunswick, Maine. After the war, he became Governor of Maine from 1866-1871 and President of Bowdoin College from 1871-83. And for my closing example, we go back a few years but now we are again on our own state’s soil in Gettysburg, and perhaps the best example of the ties of brotherhood which occurred on the battlefield at Gettysburg. This battle, the turning point of the War, saw 93,000 Federal troops doing battle with 71,000 Confederates. Of those numbers, more than 35,000 were killed or wounded in the three days of fighting from July 1 to July 3, 1863. Of the men who fought, 17,930 were Freemasons, including the roughly 5,600 who became casualties. One of the most famous events and one that I have mentioned earlier that occurred at Gettysburg was the huge Confederate infantry push known as Pickett’s Charge. On July 3, Pickett (a member of Dove Lodge #51, Richmond, Va) led nearly 1�,000 men on a long rush across open fields towards the center of the
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Union line on Cemetery Ridge. It has been called the last and greatest infantry charge in military history. One of the men leading that charge was Brigadier General Lewis Addison Armistead, CSA. He was a member of Alexandria-Washington Masonic Lodge #�� in Alexandria. Originally from North Carolina, he had attended West Point, and fought with the US Army for a number of years before resigning his com-mission to fight for the Confederacy. During that time, he had occasion to serve with now Major General Winfield Scott Hancock, USA (Charity Lodge #190, Norristown, Pa.) while both men were in the west. The two had become good friends. However, with Armistead’s resignation, it had been nearly two and a half years since the two men had had any contact. Until Gettysburg, that is. It was Hancock who had taken command of the fragmented Union troops on Cemetery Ridge on July 1, and organized them into a strong front that had withstood three days of pounding from the Confeder-ate guns. And it was his position, in the center of the Union line, that was the focus of Pickett’s Charge. General Armistead led his men and vaulted the stone wall, yelled “give them cold steel” and headed for the cannons that had until recently been firing on his men. As he laid his hand on one of the guns of the 4th US Artillery, the 69th Pennsylvania Infantry fired upon the gray coated General and the men who had followed him. Many went down including Armistead. He was heard to cry for help “as the son of a widow.” Colonel Rawley W. Martin of the 53rd Virginia lay near by and witnessed as some of the men of the 69th Penna. Rose up and came to Armistead’s aid. Captain Henry H. Bingham (Chartiers Lodge #�97, Canonsburg, Pa.) physician and Mason, was brought to assist Armistead. Armistead inquired of his friend and Masonic Brother General Winfield Scott. Learning that Hancock had also been wounded, he entrusted to Bingham his Masonic watch and personal papers to give to his friend and Brother General Hancock. Two days later Armistead died in a Union hospital on the Spangler farm of his wounds. Bingham survived the war and in fact won a Congressional Medal of Honor in 1867. He retired in 1867 and went on to become a member of the United States Congress where he served for 33 years. He died in 181� at the age of 70. General Hancock survived his wounds though it was a long time until he returned to the Army. He later commanded the Department of the East of the United States Army and died in 1886 still in command. In 1880, he had lost an attempt for the United States Presidency to James Garfield. There were other instances like this, I am going to insert two of them here. In the battle for Galveston, Texas a young Union naval officer who was a Mason was killed on board one of the Union vessels. An armistice was sought and given for his burial at sea and his father, a Confederate officer, attended the funeral on board.
Masonic Burial by the Enemy
On June 11, 1863, the Federal gunboat Albatross, with Lieut. Commander J. E. Hart of St. George’s Lodge #6 in New York in command, wasa anchored on the Mississippi River opposite the town of Bayou Sara (some accounts say St. Francisville) which is 15 miles above the Rebel fortification Port Hudson. The gunboat was part of the ships laying siege to Port Hudson, Louisiana. Commander Hart had been in a delirium for many days and was confined to quarters. A shot rang out and the Ship’s executive officer Theodore E. Dubois and the doctor found the commander dead. The officers of the ship not wanting to bury their commander in the river sent a flag of truce ashore to discover if there was a local Masonic Lodge. William W. Leake, the acting Master of Bayou Sara lodge was approached by Captain Samuel White, who lived near the river, to hold a Masonic Funeral for Com-mander Hart. Brother Leake replied, “As a soldier of the Confederate Army, I think it is my duty. As a Mason, I know it is my duty.” On June 13th, a few members of the local lodge in Masonic regalia gathered and met the procession of 50 men from the Albatross under a flag of truce at the top of a hill. Brothers Benjamin F. and Samuel F. White of Bayou Sara, the surgeon and the two officers of the gunboat who were Masons were in the procession along with a squad of marines at “trail arms.” Leake and the local Brothers marched in front of the corpse to Grace Episcopal Church Cemetery and buried Brother Hart in the Masonic Section with military and Masonic honors with the service of the Episcopal Church read over him. Brother Leake led the Masonic part of the services. The US Surgeon and officers asked the Brothers to join them on the Albatross for dinner but they declined. The surgeon then offered Brother Leake to supply him with medicines for his family. Brother Leake declined but later the surgeon sent a few medicines to Leake through Brother Samuel White. Hart’s grave was marked with a wooden head plate for many years, and eventrually a permanent marker covering the whole grave was dedicated. This marker states: “This monument is dedicated in loving tribute to the universality of Freemasonry.”
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