Shiloh Lodge #327
December 2003
 Trestleboard

 From the East 

    Congratulations to our good brother, Hal McMinn for his receiving the Bronze Jordan Medal in recognition of his now being the oldest member of Shiloh Lodge, in terms of continued membership.  Fifty-four years as a Mason is an achievement worth cherishing!

    We will be voting on one petition at the December Business Meeting and, therefore, should have degree work throughout the month.  The year is about over and it may be your last chance to visit your Masonic Home during 2003.

    Todd Simpson will be receiving his “Red Cap” in Lincoln on Saturday, December 5^th.  The ceremony will be open to the public and a  good showing of Shiloh members would please Todd no end.  John Furstenberg and Scott Oglesby will also be coroneted with their coveted “White Caps” on Sunday, December 6^th at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center.  Sorry, this ceremony is open to only those members having already received the 33°.  Next time you see these members, take time to give them a pat on the back for their well deserved recognition. 

    In case you missed it, we elected a new line of officers for 2004 at the last Business Meeting.  We also “proved up” the lodge in December and are all set for another exciting year.  Congratulations to all those elected.

Fraternally Yours,

Charles W. Amidon

Worshipful Master-2003

Carl H. Claudy, Excerpted from Introduction to Freemasonry II Fellowcraft

Spurious

The use of two words in the Fellowcraft's Degree is a relic of antiquity and not a modern test to determine whether or not a Mason heles⁽¹⁾ the true word of a Fellowcraft.  We have more accurate ways of knowing whether or not a would-be visitor comes from a legitimate or clandestine lodge⁽²⁾ than his knowledge of ritual. 

There are clandestine or spurious Masons, but they are not difficult to guard against.  What all Fellowcrafts must be on watch to detect is any quality of spuriousness in their own Freemasonry.  For there is no real Freemasonry of the lips only.  A man may have a pocket full of dues cards showing that he is in good standing in a dozen different Masonic organizations; may be (although this is rare) a Past Master, and still, if he has not Freemasonry in his heart, be actually a spurious Mason.

Freemasonry is neither a thing nor a ritual.  It is not a lodge nor an organization.  Rather is it a manner of thought, a way of living, a guide to the City on a Hill.  To make any less of it is to act as a spurious Mason.  If the lesson of the pass as communicated in the degree means this to the Fellowcraft, then indeed has he the lesson of this part of the ceremony by heart.  

(1) Hele: Masonically, rhymes with "fail."  Often confused with "hail," a greeting or recognition.  Hele (pronounced "hail") is to cover, to conceal.  Is cognate with "cell," "hull," "hollow," "hell" (the covered place). In old provincial English, a "heler" was one who covered roofs with tiles or slates.  Compare "tiler."  (2) Clandestine: other than recognized, not legitimate.  A few clandestine Grand Lodges and subordinate bodies still exist in this country, organizations calling themselves Masonic but without descent from regular lodges or Grand Lodges, and without recognition by the Masonic world.

Odd Fact: OK brand soda (produced by Coca-Cola in 1994/95) actually contained Acacia. (Make what you will of that.)

2004 Elected Officers

Cleo M. Miller, W\M\

       cell:  598-5510

       email: cleo.miller@kbg.kiewit.com

R. Todd Simpson, S\W\

       wk: 457-7014 / hm: 330-6718

       email: rtodd@radiks.net

W\James R. Taylor, J\W\

       hm: 493-2854

       email: ijtaylor@earthlink.net

W\Paul D. Rutherford, Secretary

       wk: 397-1178 / hm: 596-9774

       email: dudru@cox.net

W\James C. Gathmann, Treasurer

       hm: 333-3700

       email: jcgathmann@aol.com

We would like to provide support to our brethren in times of distress and celebrate with them in times of gladness. Please immediately inform any of your lodge officers of such information regarding yourself or a brother.