Trestle Board2

The Ritual

During the week of January 29th, 2008, my wife Deb and I had our Grandson staying with us for a week. However, on Tuesday while Deb was going to pick him up, I began to feel a bit green. On Wednesday the condition had become a bit more serious and, being a nurse, Deb deemed necessary that I was going to the hospital ER. The exam and x-rays determined that I had a condition that put me in ICU over night, followed by in-hospital obesrvation for two days. Not the visit I had Planned. On Thursday, our daughter came to pick up our Grandson. My mother-in-law had been watching him while Deb came to the hospital, and when Deb got home the three ladies sat around the table and talked for awhile. When Caleb finished playing and came into the kitchen area, he chalked it up and looked confused at the adult arrangement. He then took my daughter by the hand and walked her across the room and pointed to the picture of Deb and I, positively asking where, through the pointing gesture, was Grandpa. She told him that I was gone and had to stay away for a day or two. Seeming satisfied, they proceeded back to the kitchen table. However, here came the unschooled ritual that this little guy has learned in two very short years. My mother-in-law was setting where a guest always sets at the table. Deb was setting in my chair and Mandy was about to sit down in the chair usually occupied by Deb. This was not going to happen. As she bent her knees to sit down Caleb gently shoved her and said "No"! All at the table were a bit mystified, however he quickly answered the confusion. He took Deb by the finger, pulled her up and led her to "her" chair, my daughter to her usual chair and then climbed into mine. The idea of someone setting in Grandpa's chair was outside the ritualistic parameters which he had seen practiced, for him, since time began.

We have another new year in front of us Brethren, let us all find the time to practice the fellowship and enjoy the brotherhood of this wonderful Lodge. I ask for each of you to find the time to come to Lodge as frequently as you can. Ther are far to many of my brethren that I have yet to meet and I hope to see that remedied. Perhaps we can all find some bit of brotherly love and friendship in the ritual we practice.

May God bless and keep each of you and I sincerely hope to see you in Lodge soon.

Dave Nolton, Worshipful Master

Brethren,

Thank you once again for your vote of confidence in electing mr to the office of Junior Warden for this year. I'm excited about this advancement and am looking forward to serving along with all of the other officers to the betterment of our Lodge. As per what is typical at Cloverdale, we have a terrific line of officers this year whose goal it is to increase our knowledge as well as membership throughout the coming months.

By virtue of the primary duties of the Junior Warden station, I will be the catalyst for this years meal planning. As in years past, we plan on having dinners prior to our stated meetings in the months of March, May, July, September, November and December. I'm asking for volunteers to prepare all of the above meals with the
exception of November "Thanksgiving" dinner which will be prepared by Brother Kris Phillips and family.

Please keep all of our Brethren and their families in your daily thoughts and prayers and better yet, contact them as liberally
as possible.

Warmest regards and Fraternally,
Sam Truby, Junior Warden
struby@ccrtc.com

Brethren,

Thank you once again for your confidence in electing me your Craft Club President
once again this year. Your vote reminds me of a passage in scripture that reads,

”Forgive them Father for they know not what they do”.

As I look out over my calendar I look forward to the many activities that we are planning to build upon this year and ask for your participation and support in making these fun as well as profitable. It’s been said that to do things the same way and expect different results is one definition of insanity. With that statement in mind, I’m asking all of you to shift your paradigm of thinking and bring new ideas to our Craft Club meetings on the first Monday of every month.

Since 5 of our Lodge officers are new to there respective positions or stations, I ask
that we meet for Craft practice on the 3rd Monday in the months of Feb. and March
to practice ritual work. We can review our progress at our April Craft Club meeting to determine weather we wish to continue these practices.

I’m sincerely looking forward to another year of Masonic fellowship and camaraderie, as we advance in the knowledge our Craft, and hope to see an increasing number of you attend our meetings with creative and ever improving ideas on the many subjects that we address.

Fraternally,
Sam Truby
CloverdaleSocial Craft Club President
struby@ccrtc.com

THE MASON'S PLEDGE
by Brother Rob Morris

Brother, hearken, while I tell you
What we Masons pledged to do
When, prepared at yonder altar,
We assumed the Mason's vow!
Foot and knee, breast, hand and cheek --
Hearken while I make them speak!

Foot to foot, on mercy's errand,
When we hear a brother's cry,
Hungry, thirsty, barefoot, naked,
With God's mercy let us fly.
This of all our thoughts the chief,
How to give him quick relief.

Knee to knee, in earnest praying,
None but God to hear or heed,
All our woes and sins confessing,
Let us for each other plead;
By the spirit of our call,
Let us pray for brothers all.

Breast to breast, in sacred casket,
At life's center let us seal
Every truth to us entrusted,
Nor one holy thing reveal!
What a Mason vows to shield,
Let him die, but never yield.

Hand to back, a brother's falling,
Look, his burdens are too great.
Stretch the generous hand and hold him
Up before it is too late.
The right arm's a friendly prop,
Made to hold a brother up.

Cheek to cheek, in timely whisper
When the temper strives to win.
Urge the brother's bounden duty,
Show him the approaching sin.
Point to him the deadly snare,
Save him with a brother's care.