Liberty Lodge No. 299 F.&.A.M.
April 2015
Trestleboard
FROM THE EAST…
March started with the very successful conferral of
the Third Degree on a newly proficient candidate on
Monday March 2. The officers all did an excellent
job of preparing and delivering the ritual in their
installed stations and I am sure this brother came
away with a meaningful experience that we all hope
leaves a lasting impression. Congratulations Brother
Aaron Torres on being raised a Master Mason and
welcome again to Liberty Lodge #299!
As I write this article, still to come in March are the
family dinner on the 19th, our fundraising BBQ and
Child ID event at the Oakland Aviation Museum
“Open Cockpit” event on Sunday, March 22, and
the Masters’ and Wardens’ Retreat in Monterey
on March 13-15. I hope to see many of you join
the fun at the family dinner and also at the first of
our three planned BBQ fund raising events. As for
the Retreat, I look forward to gaining perspective,
honing some old skills, learning some new ones,
and overall a rewarding experience.
The Oakland Aviation Museum (OAM) “Open
Cockpit” provides an opportunity to see a wide
variety of spectacular aviation hardware and
memorabilia, up close and personal. The museum
has many stories to tell and the docents and
volunteers are more than anxious to share them with
you. Some of you will even have a chance to hear
from a pilot who flew one of these very machines for
its intended purpose in wartime. Visiting the OAM
will provide an absolutely real chance to appreciate
first hand some of the equipment our armed forces
men and women have used to assure our freedom
and way of life. This is sure to be great day. Look
ahead to June and September for additional open
cockpit events at the OAM.
In April, Liberty Lodge #299 Free and Accepted
Masons of the State of California will celebrate its
125th Anniversary with an anniversary ceremony,
presentations, and the recitation of some of our
Lodge’s history, followed by food and beverage
in the dining room. We hope this celebration will
be a well attended and successful event. Printed
invitations and RSVP cards were mailed to all
members. Please take a moment to complete the
RSVP card and return it in the included envelope.
The event will be attended by some people that
the Lodge is really looking forward to welcoming,
including the Most Worshipful Russ Charvonia,
Grand Master of Masons in California, Bro. Pat
Kolstad, Santa Clara City Councilman, and many
of Liberty’s distinguished past officers including
two Past Grand Masters from Liberty, the Most
Worshipful William Holsinger, PGM and the Most
Worshipful Ken Nagel, PGM. Obviously this will
be a “once in a lifetime” event that you will not want
to miss.
Lastly, looking ahead to early May, our annual
visitation on May 1 through 3 will be in the town of
Murphys California. The centerpiece of this event is
the conferral of a degree on a new member of Liberty
Lodge. The degree will take place in the Masonic
Lodge in historic Columbia California State Park.
This lodge room is no longer used regularly, but is
owned by the Grand Lodge of California. There is
a museum quality display of Masonic paraphernalia
and a lodge room on the first floor, and a working
lodge room upstairs, which is not on display to the
general public. Conferring a degree in this historic
lodge room should really be something special. The
degree will begin at 2:00 in Columbia.
For the ladies and significant others, while Liberty’s
Masons travel to Columbia, my wife Pam has
arranged a wine tasting and snacks visit to a nearby
Liberty Lodge #299 F&AM
1675 Scott Blvd
Santa Clara, CA 95050
Lodge Answering Machine: (408) 241-5026
Master:
Wor. Fletcher Dobbs (408) 930-2717
Secretary: Most Wor. Ken Nagel (510) 468-9864
Inspector: Wor. Randy Downey (408) 674-8341
Website:
http://www.liberty299.org
Lodge E-mail: [email protected]
tasting room, a short walk from the Murphys Hotel.
Bodega Del Sur Winery is the venue and Pam has an
informal gathering with light snacks on their patio
planned for early afternoon. Of course for those
that might enjoy purchasing some wine, there might
be a discount involved depending on how many
participate. And, the town of Murphys is full of
interesting shops and stops to spend time wandering
through as well when the afternoon begins to arrive.
Once again, a liberal number of great events all made
possible by your participation and for you and your
families’ enjoyment. I hope to see each of you at as
many of these upcoming events as possible.
Until next time.
Fraternally,
Fletcher Dobbs, Master
408-930-2717
[email protected]
FROM THE WEST…
On behalf of the members of Liberty Lodge, I would
like to congratulate Bro. Aaron Torres on being
raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on
March 2, 2015. I am sure that many of you are aware
that this degree was not listed in the March edition
of the Trestleboard. The reason for this was that Bro.
Torres had learned that he would be traveling to the
Philippines for an extended period of time and asked
that he receive his degree before his journey. His
request came after the articles for the month of March
were written. Albeit there was only one practice
before the degree, the officers did an exemplary job
and I would like to thank all of you for being able
to shift gears and honor Bro. Torres’ wishes with
such a meaningful degree. On a side note, an email
notification was sent to the membership to inform
our members that this degree was taking place and
a request for your attendance was made. If you did
not receive an email or have recently changed your
email address, please let me know at your earliest
convenience.
There is no “Candidate Coaches” night of instruction
for the month of April. This program will reconvene
on May 11, 2015 beginning at 6:30pm in the Lodge
dining hall. Most Wor. Ken Nagel will again be
leading the program. If you have made a commitment
to coach a candidate, please attend. If you are a coach
and cannot attend, please contact me at your earliest
convenience. Additionally, if you are interested in
becoming a candidate coach, please let me know.
Candidates, please keep in touch with your coaches.
The best way to learn your various proficiencies
is by meeting regularly with your coach. Learning
to memorize ritual may have its difficulties but the
more you study, the easier it becomes and I always
find it easier to learn while practicing with a brother.
For those candidates who have limited availability
to work with your assigned candidate coach, several
nights throughout each month have been set aside to
work with Most Wor. Nagel at the Lodge on your
various proficiencies.
If you have questions regarding your advancement, I
can always be reached for advice and counsel.
Fraternally,
Bro. Rod Moreland
Senior Warden
FROM THE SOUTH…
Some noteworthy events happening in April. April
fool’s day on the 1st is celebrated every year on the
first day of April. Popular since the 19th century, the
day is not a national holiday in any country, but it is
well known in Canada, Europe, Australia, Brazil and
the United States, and it is celebrated as a day when
people play practical jokes and hoaxes on each other.
Easter occurs on Sunday the 5th. This day needs no
explanation.
Tax day on the 15th. Needs a lot of explanation but
we’ll never get it.
There will not be a Family Dinner on Thursday
the 16th. Please join us on April 19 at the Lodge
Anniversary Celebration. RSVPs required.
Liberty Lodge’s 125th birthday on the 19th. This will
be a special day and a catered event. Many dignitaries
will attend and this will be a momentous occasion.
Hope you can join us.
John Horton
Jr. Warden
From the Secretary’s Desk….
Change of contact information:
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY! WE ARE
CONTINUALLY LOSING CONTACT WITH
OUR MEMBERS. WE NEED YOUR HELP.
Because we are a mobile society, keeping contact
with the lodge is vital. Please remember to inform the
lodge when you have an address change, a new email
address or a new phone number. Keeping current
on your contact info is the only we can ensure the
lodge is there to help if you need us. We do not want
to lose contact with you! It is also imperative that
you speak with your family regarding the benefits if
anything should happen to you. Many of our wives
don’t understand that there is assistance for them if
you are gone. Financial aid, authority to move into
our Masonic Homes, college assistance for family
members are just a few benefits for which they
should be aware. As long as we know how to get a
hold of your wife, she will always be taken care of.
Please ensure we don’t lose contact with you. Keep
us up to date when things change.
DUES, DUES, DUES:
In early March, I sent out 2nd dues notices to all
those who had yet to pay their dues. If you received
one, please take the time to write a check and return
it as soon as possible. Or call me and we can settle it
with a credit card.
As of this writing, there were still 22 of you who
still need to PAY YOUR DUES (16 Master Masons
and 6 EAs and FCs).
All checks should be made payable to “Liberty
Lodge #299”. Please mail it in the dues envelope I
provided to you.
If you wish to pay by credit card, I need 4 items:
Card Number
Card Expiration Date
3 or 4 digit Security Code
Zip Code where you receive the bill.
I Hope to see all of you in lodge,
Fraternally,
Ken Nagel (Secretary)
[email protected]
Lodge Visitation to the Gold Country...
Visitation this year will be May 1- 3 in Columbia,
California. Columbia is located in the heart of
gold country and is a very scenic place to see.
We will be staying in the Murphys Historic Hotel
& Lodge in their new building (Well, it was new at
one time). It is located in the center of downtown
Murphys and is within walking distance to many
wineries, shops, and more. If you have never
visited Murphys before, you are in for a treat.
Limited rooms are available, so sign up early. I
will have a sign up sheet on the Tiler’s desk or
give me a call. Costs of the rooms are $150.00
a night.
Matt Spencer
408 374-9179
Who’s ready to Bar-B-Que?
The lodge will again be
participating in this year’s Santa Clara
Bar-B-Que Championships on Friday Night,
June 26th and all day Saturday, June 27th. The
event will be held at Central Park.
We will be selling bar-b-que samples as we
did last year. All proceeds will go towards our
various philanthropy projects.
We will have more details as we approach the
event, but please reserve the date now. Your
assistance is needed if we are to be successful.
Please sign up at the Tiler’s desk if you can help
with the project.
Ladies of Liberty Lunch
2nd Wednesday at 11:30 am
Applebee’s
Saratoga @ I-280
Please call Barbara Spalding at 408-923-6507
for more information
April
Is
Public
Schools
Month
Together we make a profound difference for public education
Every day, our fraternal programs improve the lives of thousands of students.
Whether it’s the high school senior who receives an Investment in Success
scholarship or the kindergartner who receives Raising A Reader’s red book
bag, we are making a difference.
Members and lodges make it possible.
Because you support our fraternal programs.
Because you volunteer in local schools.
Because you remind your community why public education matters.
This April, we come together as a fraternity to
renew a promise: We will make a profound
difference for California public education.
To support our statewide efforts, visit
freemason.org and select Contribute>Give Online.
Masonry and Public Schools
Throughout history, Masons have been connected to education
1600s
Education was central to the fraternity, as master masons taught new
stonemasons – apprentices – how to safely build castles and cathedrals.
1700s
Many of the men who founded this country’s system of government were
Masons, who drew upon fraternal values such as equality, knowledge,
truth, and service to the community. They set a precedent for equal access
to education, and paved the way for public schools.
1740-50
Grand Master Benjamin Franklin urged the adoption of a public school
system in Pennsylvania and helped organize the University of Pennsylvania.
1793
A group of Masons laid the cornerstone for the University of North Carolina,
the first state-funded college in the country. They were presided over by
William Davie, a state legislator and grand master of North Carolina, today
remembered as the father of the University of North Carolina.
1800-10
Grand Master DeWitt Clinton, governor of New York from 1817 to 1822,
helped found a system of free education before the establishment of public
schools in New York City. He became known as the father of public schools
in New York.
1840-60
United States grand lodges founded 88 public colleges in 11 states, often
offering free tuition to deserving students. They were among the first
universities to accept students regardless of religious affiliation.
1862
John Swett, Mason and San Francisco school principal, was elected
California superintendent of public instruction. He went on to organize
teachers’ institutes, established a teacher certification system, won support
for school taxes, wrote a revised school law, and provided for textbooks
for California public schools. Swett is now referred to as the father of the
California public school system.
1892
Francis Bellamy, a Mason, wrote the Pledge of Allegiance for a celebration
honoring patriotism and public schools. In a speech for that same program,
Bellamy referred to public schools as the “great American institution that
united the nation.”
1920
Public Schools Month began when Charles Adams, a San Francisco
attorney and grand master who was passionate about California schools,
proclaimed Public Schools Week. During that week, Masonic lodges led
community meetings to respond to the state’s critical teacher shortage.
Each succeeding grand master in California has continued the observance
of Public Schools Week, now Public Schools Month.
1969
The California Masonic Foundation was established to further the education
of young people, from kindergarten through college. Today, more than
$1 million in scholarships is awarded by the Foundation every year, and
lodges and other Masonic organizations contribute additional hundreds of
thousands of dollars.
2011
The California Masonic Foundation launches a statewide initiative to
support public education in three critical areas: school-based programs for
elementary-age literacy; support for advancing instruction in middle school
algebra; and expanding the Foundation scholarship program to include
students for whom a college education has not been a choice. The strategic
objective is to make a profound difference for California public schools.
April 2015 Activities
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
7:00 PM
All Officers
Council
Easter
6:45 PM
Degree
Practice
5
6
7
1
11:30 AM
Ladies of Liberty
Lunch
Applebee’s
Saratoga @ I-280
THURSDAY
6:30 PM Masonic
Education
8:00 PM Stated
Meeting
SATURDAY
2
3
4
9
10
11
6:45 PM
Degree
Practice
8
6:45 PM
Degree
Practice
FRIDAY
6:45 PM
Degree
Practice
Santa Clara
OES
12131415161718
2:30 PM
Liberty Lodge
125th Anniversary
19
6:45 PM
Degree
Practice
20
6:45 PM
Degree
Practice
6:30 PM
OAM - Los
Altos #712
21
6:45 PM
Degree
Practice
22
23
24
25
6:45 PM
Degree
Practice
2627282930
UPCOMING EVENTS AND DATES TO REMEMBER
May 1-3 - Lodge Visitation to the Gold Country
May 7 - Stated Meeting
May 10 - Mother’s Day
May 25 - Memorial Day
May 28 - OAM at Mt Moriah #292
Master Mason Anniversary...
Karthigeyan Sethumadhavan - 5 years
Juan Ranier - 15 years
Arvind Perumal - 15 years
Birthday Greetings...
Bro. Peter L. Abueva
Wor. Harry K. Baker
Bro. Gary L. Brandenburg
Bro. Jaime R. Calderon
Bro Willie K. Chan
Bro. David R. Greene
Wor. Chris Nagel
Bro. Melih Ovadya
Bro. Alan S. Porjesz
Bro. Richard F. Powell
Bro. Abdallah Saghieh
Bro. Rodney J. Stafford
Bro. Brian P. Tempero
Bro. Edwin W Walter
Wor. Esfandiar Zartoshty
Bro. Elden L. Zercher