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MAY, 2008
From the Master:
Brethren,
I wanted to start out this month's article with a story. Last week Wayfarer's had a visitation planned for
Arizona # 2. After we showed up we found out the meeting had been canceled. A pretty good group of us were
already there, so we took a tour of the lodge room and building. We had a couple of prospects with us and
a small group from Wayfarer's. After our tour we decided to go get a bite to eat a few blocks away at an
Irish pub.
I have to say that what turned out to be a disappointment about the meeting being canceled, turned out to be
a wonderful evening. Our table included young potential Masons, a Grand lodge member, the Master of our lodge (I),
and a mix of other members from Wayfarer's. It was such a delight to see such a mix of brothers all hanging out
and discussing Masonry, stories, and a myriad of other topics.
Sometimes in our Masonic life I think we forget to just enjoy each others company and truly become brothers, in
our Masonic life and personal life. I just wanted to say how much fun I had with everyone. (Thanks to Brother Mike
C. for treating the group to dinner).
On another note we should have a couple of new candidates ready for degree work over the summer, so buckle up and
get ready for some work! Remember we will be having the Fiesta lunch on May 31 12:00 at Wayfarer's. Get your tickets
soon. We will be donating to the Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind. The Peoria Jobes daughters will be handling
the 50/50 raffle as well. Should be a great event!
Thank You,
Marc Mittelsteadt
Worshipful Master
From the Senior Warden:
Brothers,
Thanks to all the brothers that attended our Friend-to-Friend, we had one great candidate attend thanks to brother
Gene. I think the brothers attendance really helped in making a positive impression on the potential candidate.
We also had a visitation to Arizona #2 last week, and although Arizona #2 ended up canceling their meeting, a group
of us all went to dinner with two potential candidates, and the fraternal brotherhood really came through as we all
had a great time talking and laughing.
I want to remind everyone of our Fiesta Dinner, check the website for details. I hope to see you all in lodge, and
look forward to your participation in keeping Wayfarer's as the best lodge in Phoenix.
Fraternally,
Doug Steele
Senior Warden
From the Junior Warden:
Hi brothers,
It’s been a hectic few weeks for me but I had an opportunity to visit an old friend and see a part of the country
that I’ve never seen. I took a few laps in a Richard Petty racecar around Charlotte’s Lowes Motor Speedway at
about 170 MPH, and talk about a thrill! Anyhow, this coming Tuesday night is our last Stated Meeting before we go
dark, so hopefully we will have a nice turnout. Please don’t forget to pick up your Fiesta De Mayo tickets, and
come to the celebration on May 31!
Thanks to all the brothers for their hard work on the 3rd degree the last couple weeks, we should have a great
degree because of it. Don’t forget to look at the issues we will be voting on before Tuesday night.
Fraternally,
Jeff Tench
Junior Warden
From the Secretary's Table:
Hello Brothers,
Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground. The Grand Lodge is due in June and the Resolutions
will be read and voted on at Wayfarers May Stated meeting. Be there and voice your opinion. The brothers of the
lodge are selling hot dogs as a fund raiser at the Recycle Yard at Hatcher and 19th Ave. I bought some last time
and they were good. Come out and support this effort. You will be pleased. Better than that, volunteer to be a
sales man.
The monthly Masonic Birthdays have become a nice means of recognition, so if you receive a card be sure to attend
the meeting and visit with the brothers. If you haven't been to the meetings for a while we will be glad to help
refresh your memory on the work.
There has been some question as to whether or not Master Masons attending the Annual Communication in Prescott must
pay the $40 registration fee. I asked Grand Lodge and have received the following reply:
Brother George:
The Grand Lodge Annual Communication is a yearly main event of the Grand Lodge of Arizona and is held at a
facility that charges for all activities conducted within its property - - for setting up the room, rental for
the room, sound system, special lighting, for coffee, tea and water, and for the tables to put them on. (All this
in addition to the fees for lodging, lunches, banquet, etc.) The Grand Lodge must pay for those items in order to
conduct its business, and that is what the registration fee is necessary for - - the Grand Lodge does not make a
profit from the event and, in most cases, has to subsidize it.
Consequently, all attendees to the event must have a name badge in order to attend tiled sessions (Masons only) as
well as specially purchased tickets to attend any fee'd item, such as lunches, banquet, bus to downtown Prescott
(for Grand Master installation) and the Grand Master's reception. The name badge is included in the registration
package, together with event program, legislation materials, and other items that each registrant receives.
We do hope that you will find it rewarding to attend in spite of the registration fee - - we are planning it to be
so.
Fraternally,
Joe Pendergast
WM Grand Stewards Lodge
So there it is. Until next time,
George Heberling, PM, Secretary
Secretary
Wayfarers Packages:
Brothers,
We are raising money to pay for the shipping costs of packages to our service men and women by selling Masonic
license plates for just two dollars. We hope you'll all want at least one and proudly display your love of the
Craft. You can view the license plate holder by clicking on the link to Wayfarers Packages to the left. Anyone
who wants to make a cash donation to help with the high cost of shipping can do that at the Stated Meeting. I
will get them a receipt for tax purposes.
We need more items to ship as attention to this wonderful cause has been lagging. Also, take a few moments and
write a note of appreciation to those in harms way for us all. Those who'd like to join us boxing at PFH, just
let me know. Thank you all your support of this wonderful cause.
WB Norm Katzoff
Wayfarers Packages Committee Chairman
APRIL, 2008
From the Master:
Brethren,
I hope everyone had a great Easter this year. I spent some time with family and had a great time. I would like to
thank the brothers who have really helped out this past couple months. We had a great Lodge of Sorrow presentation
that I feel really honored our fallen Brethren. I look forward to seeing many more. A special thanks goes out to
Brother Ron Watkins for his work researching and putting together the ritual. I would like to remind the Committee
heads to really dig into your chosen committee and do Wayfarer's proud!
We have a few things on the schedule coming up this month, make sure and check out the calendar on the website. We
will be having a Friend-to-Friend as well as an outing with the Hot Dog cart.
This month is our time to look over the suggested new legislation for Grand Lodge of Arizona. There are some pretty
interesting items on there. We will be going over it next week. Just a reminder that we will be honoring some of our
most senior members of the lodge this coming week on April 8. We should have a few of them at the meeting so make
sure to come down and show your appreciation to these wonderful brothers who have helped shape and mold our lodge
into what it is today. My personal journey into Freemasonry has been one of continual learning, and I'm sure these
brothers have much to teach.
Thank You,
Marc Mittelsteadt
Worshipful Master
From the Senior Warden:
Brethren,
I want to thank all those brothers involved in the Lodge of Sorrow that we held earlier this month. For those of
attended, I think you would agree that it was a worthy event, and one to look forward to each year to honor our
brothers who reside with the Supreme Architect of the Universe. I hope that we have better attendance next year.
We have a couple of opportunities for fund raising for our lodge coming up, and would like a few brothers to
volunteer to assist. We have the HotDog cart on April 19th, the Fiesta De Mayo on May 3rd, please contact me if
you are able to volunteer or contribute to these fund raising events.
As always, we need new members, and ask that you invite a friend to attend our Friend-to-Friend to be held on
April 22nd. I hope that each of you are well and that we see you in lodge soon.
Fraternally,
Doug Steele
Senior Warden
From the Junior Warden:
Have you ever found yourself somewhere you but don't remember the drive? You know the feeling I'm referring to,
where you are preoccupied and on autopilot. Maybe going to the grocery store or to work in the morning. You get
out of the car and suddenly realize you don't even remember driving there. If it's happening to you too often, you
might considering hanging up your cell phone while driving, but I digress. By the same measure, how many of us are
on autopilot when it comes to Masonry? I know I've been guilty of it myself. Rather than dwell on the negative
let's focus on the positive and talk about ways to turn off our autopilot and take control of the stick.
Number 1; This is my favorite, learn a new part! Our degree work and ceremonies are eloquent and beautifully
written. It's a pleasure to hear them, but maybe more so to actually say them. And you don't have to learn a whole
lecture if you aren't ready for that. Pick a small part to start with and learn the words, then surprise the Master
one day when he needs a fill-in by saying "I can do that part!"
Number 2: Throw yourself into Masonic education. With our new-look way of providing Masonic education at this
year's stated meetings, there is a tremendous opportunity to learn about our craft each month. Participate
rigorously in these discussions, or better yet, talk to the Master and see if you can get a month to research and
present one for yourself!
Number 3: Become political. Not in the national sense, but in the Masonic sense. We are approaching another Grand
Lodge session and another stack of legislation is in front of us. I challenge each of you to find one or more piece
of proposed legislation that you either adamantly agree or disagree with, then write your position into a paragraph
or two and present it at our May meeting when we vote on these proposals. Let's have a lively and vigorous debate
on these items. Perhaps we can even participate in the discussions at Grand Lodge this year, if there is an issue
our members are especially passionate about. Even better, maybe our lodge should propose some legislation for next
year's session... there has to be something we passionately want!
Number 4: Do something different. If you find you are on autopilot because you've been doing the same thing for
years, change it. Sit somewhere different, wear a different tie, park on the other side of the building... do
something to take yourself out of your comfort zone. It will heighten your senses and make you more self-aware.
Lastly Number 5: Do something! There is so much that needs to be done just find something and do it. Fix it, clean
it, organize it, build it, whatever it is, just do it! You'll have a reason to come to lodge, and the lodge building
will reap the benefits. And don't forget we have a work party the Saturday morning after each stated meeting. That's
a great place to start!
Have a wonderful month of April and I'll see you all Tuesday night.
Fraternally,
Jeff Tench
Junior Warden
From the Secretary's Table:
Hello Brothers,
What does the Loch Ness monster eat? Fish and ships. Wayfarers Masonic Birthdays were celebrated at the lodge at
the last Stated meeting and it was enjoyable. The brothers were recognized by WM Mittelsteadt and a birthday cake
was shared with all in attendance after the meeting. The Grand Masters Resolutions for the Communication coming up
in June will be read and copies will be passed out at the April Stated meeting. They will be discussed and voted
on at the May Stated meeting. Be on hand and voice your opinion so the voting members will know how you would like
the votes to go. Remember, its your Order and this is an opportunity to express your thoughts. Till next time.
George Heberling
Secretary
Wayfarers Packages:
Brothers,
Just a reminder to all of you to not forget to bring donations for Packages from Home. You can find on the website
those items our troops need. Anyone who wants to make a cash donation to help with the high cost of shipping can
do that at the Stated Meeting. I will get them a receipt for tax purposes. Thank you all for your support of this
wonderful cause.
WB Norm Katzoff
Wayfarers Packages Committee Chairman
MARCH, 2008
From the Master:
Brethren,
I'd like to start out this month with a big "Thank You " to all of the brothers who participated in our events,
and put an invite out to everyone else for this coming month. We will be having our first annual "Lodge of Sorrow"
presentation this month (March 4th 7:00 sharp). [ED NOTE: This event is continued to March 18]This is a new event to our lodge and I would love to see everyone
out to watch. It will honor our fallen brothers for the past year. It is also open to non Masons as well. All are
welcome. We will be having a work day again the Saturday after our stated meeting. This will be a regular event
every month, so don't be shy we'd love to have your help! I hope everybody enjoyed our President's Day Event we
try to do something every year to honor our past Presidents and I appreciate the participation from the brothers
who attended. I just want to end by saying we have some big plans for the lodge this year and it couldn't happen
without all of our brothers helping out. So Thanks!!
Fraternally,
Marc Mittelsteadt
Worshipful Master
From the Senior Warden:
Although we have many fun and exciting things planned for this year, we
find ourselves in need of CANDIDATES. I am reaching out to all brothers to
find a friend to potentially join our lodge. We will plan a formal Friend-
to-Friend shortly, watch the website for updates on that, but in the meantime,
we need CANDIDATES. If you know someone who you feel is worthy to be
taken by the hand as a brother, bring him to lodge. We would welcome the
opportunity to entice him to join our fraternity. Over the last several
years, our degree work has become very good, and worthy of complements from
others in the fraternity, we don't want to get rusty now.
If you know of someone, please contact me directly, and I will give a call,
create an invite, or meet with them, whatever it takes. I thank you in
advance for your help in worthy endeavor.
Fraternally,
Doug Steele
Senior Warden
From the Junior Warden:
My brothers,
Spring is in the air, what a wonderful time to be in Arizona! I recently had an opportunity to visit the Masonic
Temple at 4th and Monroe. I was with a group of men, non-masons, and as we passed the building somebody commented
how wonderfully historic it looked. I suggested we go inside and look around, and the whole group readily agreed.
This was the first time I'd been there since my DeMolay days over 20 years ago. My group was enthralled by the
historic artifacts, mainly the architecture and mechanical systems. These have been wonderfully preserved, and
even though many of the systems have modern upgrades, the original systems also were visible in many cases.
I was moved by the artwork displayed in the main lodge room. There are grandiose paintings that reflect some of
the most important Masonic symbolism, done amazingly and beautifully. They are scenes from the building of King
Soloman's temple and one moved me especially; the painting depicting the 3 Jubal's, holed up in their cave, in
obvious consternation over their terrible crime. These painting give life to a story we've all heard many times,
and I'd suggest each of you take an opportunity to go down there and study them for yourselves. The men I was with
really enjoyed the experience, and I was repeatedly thanked for bringing them there. I feel like I helped spread
the good word of Masonry, and although none of these men may ever ask to become a Mason, each of them left with a
greater appreciation and respect for the craft.
This was a unique situation. I was in the right place at the right time and seized the opportunity to share
Masonry with others. People are curious about the craft, everyone knows a Mason but very few understand what it
means to be a Mason. I encourage each of you to seek the opportunity to share a part of Masonry with the world.
We are a proud and honorable organization, and we should openly tout ourselves as such. Once we bring Masonic
values and ideals back into the consciousness of America, our membership will grow and we'll retake our position
in the community.
Fraternally,
Jeff Tench
Junior Warden
From the Secretary's Table:
Dues
Greetings. The most frustrating thing in the world is when the key to
success doesn't fit your ignition. A review of the dues payments indicates that
approximately thirty brothers are not up to date. Please check your cards and
help correct this situation.
Registration forms for the Arizona Grand Lodge
Communication are available through the Secretary's Table and WM Mittelsteadt is
hoping for a good attendance by the brethren of Wayfarers. Until next time,
George Heberling
Secretary
Wayfarers Packages:
Brothers,
I'm looking forward to a good year from our association with Packages from Home. The recent letter we received
from the commanding officer of the Arizona unit in Iraq reminds us all how much our letters, contributions and
support matter. Each box costs about $9 to ship so cash donations are welcome. I will get you a receipt from PFH.
If donating or giving money is a problem, please take a few minutes to write a note of appreciation.
Keep bringing items to every Stated Meeting and we'll see they get shipped. The list of what is needed is on
this website.
PFH can also use volunteers to box items for shipment. I can arrange that. I'm interested in putting together a fundraiser for this worthy cause. If you have any ideas or want to participate
just send me an email at normk111@cox.net or let me know at the lodge. On behave of those in harms way and the
Wayfarers Packages Committee thank you to all those who have been participating.
Fraernally,
Norm Katzoff, PM
Wayfarers Packages Committee Chairman
FEBRUARY, 2008
From the Master:
Brethren,
I want to start out this month by saying "Thank You " to everyone that is in the line this year. I feel we have
a great group of guys, and I think we will all make this year a great success. I was very happy to see everyone
out to visit Peoria lodge. I think we made a nice impression for our lodge, and I look forward to visiting many
other lodges with all of the brothers again. We will be setting all of the committees in the next two weeks. Any
brother interested in chairing, or participating in one of the committees, Please see me right away. I'm sure I
will see a lot of you out at the next stated meeting for Feb. I would like this year to be a rousing success, and
with all of your help I'm sure it will be!
Yours in the Craft,
Marc Mittelsteadt
Worshipful Master
From the Senior Warden:
This year is going to be a great year for Wayfarer's Lodge. I challenge
each of you to promote Masonry and Wayfarers this year by attending some
the upcoming informal and formal events that our Master and the line
officers will be promoting. We intend to have some informal get togethers
that will allow each of us to get to know our brothers a little better out
side of the formal structure of the lodge. We will also be doing more
visitations with other lodges, promoting brotherly love and friendship. I
hope that each of you will consider joining us, I know we will all benefit
from the experience.
Fraternally,
Doug Steele
Senior Warden
From the Secretary's Table:
Masonic Birthday cards
This year Wayfarers Lodge will be mailing Masonic Birthday cards to its members. The first mailings went out
for January and February. When you receive the card please make all efforts to attend the Stated Meeting which
will be in your honor. Master Mittelsteadt and the Brethren look forward to greeting you on your
special day.
George Heberling
Secretary
DECEMBER, 2007
From the Master:
Brethren,
I would like to take this time to thank all the brothers that have assisted me in my two years serving the Lodge
as your Worshipful Master. It has indeed been a rewarding and most challenging experience.
A lot of things have happened at the Lodge over the last two years. I think most have been for the betterment of
the order. It has been many years since the entire line has been proficient in their positions and the Lodge can
handle all three degrees, in house with all the Brothers involved.
As information our Lodge financial position is in the best shape we have ever experienced. Our trustees should
be applauded for their efforts.
I also take pride in our present line of officers and know that I am turning over my leadership of the Lodge
to good hands that will only improve our standing and make us better.
To all Brothers, I can only thank you for all you have done and the assistance I have received from each of you.
It has truly been wonderful working with you. Farewell from the East.
Yours in the Craft,
Matt Hinson, PM
Worshipful Master
From the Senior Warden:
I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving this year. I had a nice dinner with my family; it was nice to see some of
the family in Phoenix for the weekend. I would like to congratulate the Eastern Star for another great turkey
dinner this year!
Well it's official I was voted in as next years Master of Wayfarer's lodge #50. I am pleased to become the Master
for 2007-2008. We will be having the installation ceremony on Dec. 15th. We will be serving a lunch at 12:00 and
starting the meeting at 1:00. Everyone is welcome, especially the Eastern Star members. I like it when both groups
can get together. Walt Hinson P.M. will be the installing master for the ceremony.
We have a great group of line members and officers this coming year and I look forward to serving with them for
the next 12 months! I just want to throw out a Big Thank You to Matt Hinson for his great work the past 2 years
he has left us in great shape for the future and I look forward to working with him for years to come.
Marc Mittelsteadt
Senior Warden
From the Junior Warden:
Brothers:
Another year is coming to a close and I want to thank all of the officers and members for their support.
Congratulations to the newly elected officers, and I hope you all have an enjoyable year. Installation is
Sept. 15th at 12:00 noon, hope to see you all there. I hope that you all have a wonderful holiday season, and
that I will see you all back in Lodge soon.
Fraternally:
Doug Steele
Junior Warden
From the Secretary's Table:
Arizona Grand Lodge Scholarships
Applications for the 2008-2009 Grand Lodge Scholarships are now available from Wayfarers Secretary, WB George
Heberling, (602)944-6996. The deadline for completing the application -- along with other required documents -- is
March 1,2008. Applicants must meet ONE of the following criteria: be the son, daughter, grandson, or granddaughter
of an Arizona Master Mason, or be an Arizona member (or an Arizona senior/majority member) of DeMolay, Rainbow
for Girls or Job's Daughters. Applicants must be single, planning to attend an Arizona public university or
community college.
George Heberling
Secretary
Wayfarers Packages Update:
The first items donated by the Brothers at Wayfarers were delivered to Packages from Home on Monday, November 19th
and have since been shipped to the Arizona unit serving in Iraq. We want to thank all of those who participated.
This will an ongoing effort and Wayfarers will continue to collect items at each Stated Meeting though they can
be brought to the Lodge at any other time. You can click on the link to the left to view what is needed.
We urge all brothers and their families to support this most worthy cause. We especially urge you to include a
brief note of appreciation.
From WB Walter Hinson:
I See You've Traveled Some
Wherever you may chance to be--Wherever you may roam,
Far away in foreign lands; Or just at Home Sweet Home;
It always gives you pleasure, it makes your heart strings hum
Just to hear the words of cheer,
"I see you've traveled some."
When you get a brother's greeting, And he takes you by the hand,
It thrills you with a feeling that you cannot understand,
You feel that bond of brotherhood that tie that's sure to come
When you hear him say in a friendly way
"I see you've traveled some."
And if you are a stranger, In strange lands all alone
If fate has left you stranded--Dead broke and far from home,
It thrills you -- makes you numb, When he says with a grip of fellowship,
"I see you've traveled some."
And when your final summons comes, To take a last long trip,
Adorned with Lambskins Apron White and gems of fellowship --
The Tiler at the Golden Gate, With Square and Level and Plumb
Will size up your pin and say "Walk In",
"I see you've traveled some."
- Anonymous
NOVEMBER, 2007
From the Master:
Brethren,
This is my second to last article as Master of Wayfarers and as such,
I would like to remind all of the Brothers to come to November's
stated meeting to vote for the next year's officer line. Right now
the agenda for the November meeting will consist of Officer
elections, a robe talk presentation from Bethel 22 of Job's Daughters
(prior to opening the lodge), one new member ballot, and our regular
business. Those Brothers with daughters ages 10 to 18, we have the
ladies of Job's Daughters coming to give you an informative talk
about their order and maybe one of your daughters may have an interest.
We will be having a lodge work day on November 10th starting at
8:30am. We will be working on the roof to re-seal cracks, paint the
front porch, and giving the lodge a good cleaning so it will be ready
for the OES Turkey dinner on 11/17 and the Job's Daughters Bethel
meeting at our lodge on 11/17 as well.
Dues notices will be going out this month. Please try to get your
dues in a.s.a.p. Remember we use the dues money to operate our
lodge and finance our projects throughout the year. Our Brother
Senior Warden is still looking for more volunteers to help man the
hot dog cart. We need your support with this fundraiser. It can be
a significant source of consistent income for our lodge. The best
thing about this fundraiser, we are not picking the pockets of our
lodge members.
Our Brothers Senior Warden, Junior Warden, and Senior Deacon have
completed their proficiencies to go up the line. We do need other
brothers that are interested to fill officer chairs. If you have any
questions about serving the Lodge as an officer, please contact the
Senior Warden or myself.
I look forward to seeing as many Brothers that can make it, at the
next stated meeting.
Matthew Hinson
Master
From the Junior Warden:
Since it is election time I thought I would share this story.
This is a story about four people, named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. There was an important
job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody
did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought Anybody could
do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when
Nobody did what Anybody could have done.
We need good brothers to step up to ensure that our lodge continues the great work that has been done over
the last several years. I hope that you will all consider getting in the line to ensure our continued success
as a lodge.
Your Jr. Warden
Doug Steele
Wayfarers Packages:
Wayfarers has joined with PackagesfromHome.com, an Arizona based program which ships much needed items to our
forces in harm's way. There are many items we take for granted that are difficult to find in Iraq. These include
such things as beef jerky, canned tuna, Pop Tarts, peanuts and used DVDs, to mention just a few. Wayfarers collects
these items before every Stated Meeting, after which they are packaged and shipped through PFH to an Arizona Army
Reserve unit now serving in Iraq. We urge all brothers and their families to support this most worthy cause and
include a brief note of appreciation. A list of those items needed can be found on the link to the left of this
page.
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