grand lodge f & am of arkansas the masonic trowel€¦ · southeastern masonic conferences....

How good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! There has been an overwhelmingly positive response from the recent changes and forward thinking demonstrated from our delegates, committee members, and Officers. Working together brethren, I am confident that we can continue to improve the morale within our Grand Jurisdiction and look forward to a bright future for Arkansas Masonry. We have been blessed with an abundance of new degree work. Many of our lodges have been busy initiating, passing, and raising several new Master Mason's thus far. What a blessing for our Jurisdiction! I have attended several of these degrees and have enjoyed the time to the fullest. The internal audit committee should be completing their quarterly report soon for your review. This will be emailed to your lodge address only, so be certain that your lodge has given it's e-mail address to the Grand Secretaries Office. In the past, the structure of Arkansas Masonry has been compared to that of a dictatorship. My personal opinion of our fraternal

structure is that of a constitutional republic. The Grand Lodge and it's Officers are elected officials; whose duties are to help the subordinate lodges succeed and achieve their goals. The duty of the Grand Master is to interpret the Constitution and laws in a manner that serve and benefit the brethren, not himself or any individual. You, as Arkansas Masons, have paid every year to send the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, and Grand Secretary to the Conference of Grand Masters of North America and the Southeastern Masonic Conferences. These are not vacation's! It is a chance for your Grand Lodge Officers to attend seminars and learn new ideas and suggestions on how to build Masonry, bring those innovations back and share them with their respective jurisdictions. This year, I am planning on sharing these ideas and suggestions with you. Your Arkansas Grand Lodge has coordinated with the Arkansas Scottish Rite to host a Mid Year Conference at the Albert Pike Scottish Rite Temple on July 21st beginning at 9:00am. It will kick off with committee

Tidings From the Grand East:

Grand Lodge F & AM of Arkansas

Summer 2018 Volume II, Issue 2

The Masonic Trowel Spreading The Cement of Brotherly Love

2018—2019

Grand Officers

Bradley Phillips

Grand Master

J.D. Sexton

Deputy Grand Master

David Bradley

Grand Senior Warden

William Ronald Frizzell

Grand Junior Warden

Larry Berry

Grand Treasurer

Carl E. Nelson, Jr., PGM

Grand Secretary

Boyd Freeman

Grand Senior Deacon

Arnold Hodge

Grand Junior Deacon

Teddy Holmes

Grand Lecturer

Joshua Currier

Grand Orator

Ancel Ray Mathews

Grand Chaplain

L.R. Phillips

Grand Tyler

Inside this issue:

reports on the state of the Fraternity to date. Then for the first time ever, there will be multiple seminars offered on various Masonic subjects, lead by your elected Grand Lodge Officer's throughout the day. This will give you a chance to attend multiple presentations on the various ways to improve your lodge and the newly implemented database program. If you are a Secretary, I urge you to attend this seminar! As an added bonus, attendance at the mid year conference will give credit to one of the requirements for the EH English Award! Further details will be given as soon as possible and mailed to your lodge Secretary.

Continued on Page 4

M∴W∴ Bradley R. Phillips

Thoughts from the

Grand Officers 2 & 3

From the Grand Secretary 4

Lewis Jewel Application 5

Mid-year Conference 6

Service Dogs @ Sylvan Hills 7

The Gr. Orator Speaks 8

AR Masons in Action 9 & 10

Brethren: It has been a busy year so far. I have traveled to the Grand Masters Conference in Indianapolis Indiana, Tennessee Grand Lodge in Nashville and to the South Carolina Grand Lodge in Columbia. What a great experience to be a part of and see Brethren dwelling together in Unity throughout our country. It keeps me focused on the fact that Masonry has been, is, and always will be, a way of life devoted to what we can do for others. I am excited about the

future of Arkansas Masonry, the atmosphere across the state is becoming more and more positive and there has been degree work being conferred across the state. Let’s continue to grow in a positive direction and help Arkansas in becoming astrong force for, Friendship,Morality,Brotherly Love,Relief, and Truth.Remember Together We Can Accomplish Much. Fraternally: Jesse D. Sexton Deputy Grand Master

On the Left, in the Grand East

R∴W∴ J.D. Sexton

Deputy Grand Master

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Pay the Craft Their Wages

quote I heard about an arrow. “An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. When life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means it’s going to launch you into something GREAT. So just focus and keep aiming.” This pretty much sums up some of the way our fraternity has been over the past several years, and as long as we keep focusing and aiming

towards the future we will persevere and be the GREAT fraternity that we all joined years ago. Again I thank you for the opportunity to serve in your Grand Line and I look forward to seeing each of you soon. Until we meet again. Fraternally, David Bradley Grand Sr. Warden.

Brethren: What an exciting year we have had thus far in masonry in Arkansas. We have had lots of degree work taking place, schools of instruction throughout the entire state, and all in all tons of fellowship and brotherly love. The other day I got to thinking about where we were, compared to where we are now, and it reminded me of an old

R∴W∴ David Bradley

Grand Sr. Warden

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include your name, lodge, and a way to contact you (phone or email) in case I need to talk to you. If you can’t attend the meeting send your ideas with someone who will be attending or email them to me at: [email protected]. I am looking forward to seeing you at the conference or at least hearing from you. Fraternally, Wm. R. “Ronnie” Frizzell Grand Junior Warden

get your ideas and feedback. All ideas and thoughts are welcome, no matter how simple or outrageous. You never know when one thought or idea, simple or outrageous, may trigger a better thought or idea. Unfortunately, our time will be limited so we will not be able to get too detailed at this point. To make sure nothing is lost, I would like for you to write down your ideas and bring them with you to the meeting. Having everything in writing will be a huge help to me, especially since my memory is not what it once was. Be as specific as possible and please

Brethren:

As we, your Grand Lodge Officers, are preparing for the July 21 Mid-Year Conference, I hope each of you are making plans on attending. The meeting will not only be a great opportunity for us to get together and share good fellowship but also exchange information and ideas to help build our fraternity. On that note, my topic of discussion at the conference will be Masonic education. My plan is to discuss some of the ideas I presented in my previous newsletter article. But more importantly, I want to take time to hear from you. My primary goal will be to

The Sun at Meridian Height

R∴W∴ Wm. Ronald Frizzell

Grand Jr. Warden



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editor

Lodge. Local community events, and Lodge family events are especially solicited. Take that phone off of your hip, and take a few pictures. Send them to: [email protected] Or text to: 501-413-8181. I appreciate this opportunity to serve our Grand Lodge. I really appreciate your help! T.J. Henwood Editor

Brethren: I hope you have enjoyed this second edition of “The Masonic Trowel” for the 2018-19 Arkansas Masonic year. I am excited that this edition features many activities at Lodges across our state. Please keep the information flowing in so that your Lodge can be featured in a future edition. YOU can help make this newsletter better represent all of Arkansas Masonry. Please send me a note about events at your

Editor’s Notes The Masonic Trowel Is a publication of

The Grand Lodge of

Free & Accepted Masons of

Arkansas

P.O. Box 2460

Little Rock, AR 72203-2460

Carl E.Nelson, Jr. PGM

Grand Secretary

T.J. Henwood, PDDGM

Editor

[email protected]

Grand Lodge of AR © 2018

TJH © 2018

All Rights Reserved

mailto:[email protected]

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Lodge of Kentucky. He will be here to show us how to us it and the benefits to our lodges. Brother Secretaries; it is important that you or someone that assist you attends this meeting. Our lodge secretaries need to check the mailing address when you are sending items to Grand Lodge office. The Correct mailing address is PO Box 2460, Little Rock AR. 72203. Address labels are available through the Grand Lodge Office. Many of the secretaries are sending items to the old address, which causes a delay in us receiving them. Brethren we are here to assist you and the lodges. Fraternally, MW Carl Nelson PGM Grand Secretary

that he did consent to a background check. The background check is up to the lodge to have done. The lodge keeps the white copy, the Grand Lodge office gets the yellow copy, and the investigating committee gets the pink copy. You can still scan it and the back-ground consent form and email it to the office. But the lodge needs to maintain the original white copy. The digest of laws has been updated with the new laws and the repealed laws from our past Grand Lodge session. I know many of you have asked when the new database will be up and ready. We are planning on bringing it online July 21

st at the

Grand Masters mid-year conference. We will have a meeting at that time with the developer MW Keith Drier from the Grand

Brethren: Greetings from the Grand Lodge office. I hope everyone is having a great start to the summer, except the grass cutting of course. Two years ago, the lodge secretaries voted in a meeting to do away with all petitions and go back to the 3-part petition. We had new petitions printed and are available from the Grand Lodge office. The only petitions that are acceptable are on the 3-part form. A petition is a historic document that is filled out and signed by the petitioner and should be keep as a record in the lodge forever. When the petition is sent to the Grand Lodge office it must be complete and a copy of the background check waiver form included with it. That just lets us know

On The Grand Secretary’s Desk

M∴W∴ Carl Nelson, PGM

Grand Secretary



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editor

Tidings From the Grand East: Conclusion

Continued from page 1 There is a saying "positive attitude yields positive results". Brethren we are continuing to work hard to keep the positive energy flowing in Arkansas masonry. Together, we ARE going to achieve great results for our fraternity. Results that will pay dividends for future generations of Arkansas Mason's! Fraternally; MW Bradley R. Phillips Grand Master Arkansas

We’re on the Web! www.argrandlodge.com

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Are You a Lewis?

Application for Lewis Jewel

Name of Recipient: _______________________________________________________

Lodge: ____________________________

Additional Name Bars (if Applicable)

Name: ____________________________

Lodge: ____________________________

Cost

Lewis Jewel X $50.00 each

Additional name bar X $25.00 each

Total Amount: _____________

The requirement for qualification of the Lewis Jewel is being the

direct descendant (son) of an Arkansas Master Mason (either

living or deceased). Once the information has been confirmed in

the Grand Lodge database for the recipients, the jewel and/or

name bars will be shipped to the lodge postal address. It is the

lodge/recipients responsibility to engrave the name bars so prior

planning is recommended. The purpose of the program is to

recognize Masonic families within Arkansas. The appropriate

time to present the jewel to the youngest generation within the

family is during the master mason degree after the bible, Grand

Masters lapel pin and other items are presented.

ADDRESS TO WHERE JEWEL IS TO BE SENT:

Name:__________________________________

Address: ________________________________

________________________________

Additional comments:_____________________________

_____________________________

The Lewis is a tool used in operative masonry to aid the workmen to lift large heavy stones to be placed accurately during construction. The son of a Mason is called a “Lewis” in England because it is his duty to support the sinking powers and aid the failing strength of his father; “To bear the burden and heat of the day that his parents may rest in their old age, thus rendering the evening of their lives peaceful and happy.” - Oliver

The Masonic Trowel

Grand Master’s Mid-Year Conference

July 21, 2018

Albert Pike Memorial Temple

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Vets Service Dogs @ Sylvan Hills

May 16 of 2018, the brethren of Sylvan Hills #754 held an educational program and cook-out fund-raiser all about Service Dogs for Veterans. Two Vietnam vets who are members of Sylvan Hills are benefitting from having Service Dogs. At left, Bro. Robert Grubbs with his dog, Scout. Scout came from Soldier On Service Dogs in Fayetteville, AR. The event was two-fold: First as an educational seminar from Brother Grubbs and Brother Robert Felcher about the benefit of Service Dogs and second as a fund-raiser to help Brother Grubbs convert his vehicle to hand-control, to allow him to continue his mission of education about service dogs. The Jr. and Sr. Wardens (Bros. Justin Preachers and Bryce Moore, above) fired up a BIG grill from Delta Dental.

The Lodge served some 80 hamburgers and hot dogs, raising $300.00 for Bro. Grubbs. Brother Robert Felcher (left) is using his military experience as a dog handler to train his service dog Rosie. Both Scout and Rosie respond to heart and diabetic conditions that Bros. Grubbs and Felcher suffer from. Update: An unfortunate incident has forced Scout to be returned to SOSDs for additional training.

Bro. (then Corporal) Robert

Felcher w/Waco.

Ton San That, Vietnam

2/27/1969

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Our Grand Orator - Joshua Currier

My name is Joshua Gene Currier I am 37 years old, a graduate of McCrory High School and Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. Where I graduated with a Bachelors in Accounting and a Bachelors in Management Information Systems (computer business) in 2003. I have worked at Ross Ford Toyota in Wynne for the last 11 years as the Comptroller (CFO). Before Ross Ford Toyota I owned a computer consulting firm and assisted running the family farm with my father and grandfather. I am a member of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in McCrory where I accepted the Lord in 1993 as a 12 year old. My wife Misty and I have an 11 year old son named Braxton and we have been together 17 amazing years and married for the last 14 of those. Growing up my life revolved around farming and baseball. When I wasn’t on the baseball field I was in the rice field. After my playing days ended I took up umpiring

and later became the Little League Baseball Crew Chief for the state of Arkansas in 2002. While finishing college I umpired all levels of baseball from tee ball to college. In 2003 I was awarded the opportunity to umpire in the Little League World Series. Which is the greatest and highest honor a volunteer umpire can be awarded. Now days I enjoy spending my off time with my family on a body of water somewhere. We spend many a free hour fishing for Trout on the upper White and floating on Lake Norfork. As far as my Masonic career goes I was raised October 29, 2011 in Colony Lodge #190 in McCrory, Arkansas. I have served as Senior Deacon, Junior and Senior Warden, and Worshipful Master in 2015. I have served as the secretary of Colony since 2016. I am a plural member at Jackson #191 in Newport and Acacia #625 in Calico Rock. In 2017 I was appointed D.D.G.M. of District #10 in eastern Arkansas. I also served on the audit investigative committee that helped uncover the financial corruption at the Grand Lodge in 2017. In April of 2017 I was appointed assistant chairman of the Board of Finance by then Grand Master Carl Nelson. This year at the Grand Lodge session I was voted in to serve on the Board of Finance for the next 4 years and was also appointed Grand Orator of the M.W. Grand Lodge for 2018. I am a recipient of the Pillars of Solomon Award in 2014 and the Grand Lodge Award for Outstanding Service to the Craft which I received this year at the Grand Lodge Session for my work on assisting to root out the financial corruption that has tarnished our fraternity. Outside of the Blue Lodge I am a member of the Jonesboro York Rite, Knight Masons, and the Eastern Arkansas Scottish Rite. I am also a member of Bendemeer Grotto in Little Rock. I am an Alumni Advisor for my college fraternity Kappa Alpha Order at UAM of which I was a member during my first 2 years of college at the University of Arkansas-Monticello before transferring to ASU Jonesboro. Nothing gives me more joy in life than being with my family and friends. I have learned in my short 37 years that when all the fame and fortune has come and gone all we are left with in this world is the memories we have made. So when you are with you family, friends, and brothers whether it be on the River, Lake, or at the Lodge enjoy yourself and make as many memories as you can. The journey is so much more important than the destination. Fraternally, Josh Currier Grand Orator

W∴ Joshua Currier

Grand Orator

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Masonic Work

4th Generation Masonic Ring After being raised a Master Mason in Aurora Lodge #423 at Walnut Ridge, Bro. James Myers received a Masonic Ring that had been worn by three generations of Masons before him. (Right) Bro. Myers receives his great-grandfather’s Masonic ring from his Grandfather, Bro. Billy Barber.

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Hall Scholarship in Memory of Father On June 4, 2018, Bro. Mike Bunn, Chairman of the Board of Charities, presented Miss Madison Hadaway (left) a Joseph P. Hall Scholarship in the amount of $1000, in memory of her father, Past Master Terry Lee Hadaway. Miss Hadaway is planning to further her education to pursue a Doctorate in

Anesthesia at Baylor Medical School. We congratulate her, and wish her well in her studies and future. If any Lodge or Brother knows of a young person who will meet the requirements to receive a Hall Memorial Scholarship, or to inquire about the program, contact the Grand Secretary's office or any of the Board of Charities members.

From DeMolay to Mason Sr. DeMolay, now Entered Apprentice at Redfield #700, Bro. Shelton Wood (center) is flanked by his father, Bro. Andrew Wood and MW Bro. Dan Lloyd, PGM on the left and MW Bro. Bradley Phillips and Bro. Sam Ashcraft, long-time DeMolay advisor and Active Member of the DeMolay Supreme Council on the right.

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Masonic Work

Batesville Masons at Lyon College Festival For the past several years, the brethren of Mt. Zion #10 have had a pavilion about Freemasonry at the Lyon College spring festival. The Masons of independence County have a long-standing relationship with the College. In the picture at left, notice the monument just up the hill behind the tent. Here is what it says:

Two new Master Masons at Edwards #393 RW Bro. Jeff Brazeale making the Bible presentation, and presentation of Grand Master’s pins to Brothers Elijah Thorndyke and Joe Young, III on May 5, 2018.

New Master Mason at Hot Springs #62, Bro. Joshua Probst (blue shirt) with (L-R) RW Bros. Clyton Haynes, DDGM and J.D. Sexton, Dep GM. On the right, WM Andrew Newman.

Big Turn-Out at Manilla #88 The brethren of Manilla #88 were out in force on June 16th, with Grand Master Phillips and Dep Grand Master Sexton for the raising of Bro. Aaron Master as a Master Mason.

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