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Wednesday, August 31, 2011

"30 Guns in 30 Days" raffle is here!!!

Sep 1, 2011 (Thu), 8:30am to Sep 30, 2011 (Fri), 10:00pm

Scrugg's Farm and Lawn

Saltillo, Ms [Map]

Notes:

Finally, the long awaited for kick off to "30 Guns in 30 Days"!!!

Starting 9/1, we will have a drawing every day, the entire month of September where we will be giving away a gun or a gift certificate of equal value.

Stay glued to Tupelo Masonic Lodge No 318 F&AM - Facebook page... If you are not a subscriber to our page yet, follow the link above and click "like" in order to recieve links to updates on winners as they are posted on our blog.

Daily winners will be posted on our blog at http://www.tupelomason.blogspot.com/ due to the fact that not all people have facebook accounts. You can go there and enter your email adress to recieve updates also.

Although all measures will be taken to provide updates on daily winners during the 24 hour period that the drawing occurs, there could be at some point(s), a logistical or technical problem that can not be avoided. If this occurs, the posting will appear as quickly as possible, once the circumstances surrounding the delay has been resolved.

Thank you for your understanding in advance if this should occur.

One other point to note: As daily winners are announced, we will attempt to post a photo that symbolizes the firearm of that day. Please understand that this is only a "representation" and in no way implies that this photo is the specific firearm that is being given away.

Hope you were able to get a ticket before they were all gone! If not, maybe next year.

Thank you to all that supported our fundraiser. Good Luck!!!

http://tupelomason.shutterfly.com/calendar




Tupelo Masonic Lodge No. 318 F&AM
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Frequently Asked Questions - Free & Accepted Masonry

1.What is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry is the world’s oldest and largest Fraternity. It aims to promote Friendship, Morality, and Brotherly Love among its members; men from every country, religion, race, age, income, education, and opinion who are brought together as Brothers to develop and strengthen the bonds of friendship. There are more than 3 million members meeting in nearly every free country in the world. Freemasonry proposes to “make good men better” by teaching – with metaphors from geometry and architecture – about building values based on great universal truths. Finally, charity and community service is fundamental to Freemasonry and something we actively take part in.

2.How can I get more information about the Freemasons?

The best way to learn more is to talk to a Mason - either in person or electronically. This website has the name and contact information of a Brother for every lodge in the state. He will answer your questions and provide you with additional information; and, if you would like, find a convenient time to meet, introduce you to some other members, and tour their building. You may have some of the same questions as those below – so take a look at the FAQ's. You can "Ask a Freemason" by submitting your question by email. Finally, you can also request information online through this web site.

3.What are the requirements to become a Mason?

Anyone meeting the following primary requirements may petition a Mississippi lodge for membership:

A. You are an adult male (18+) of good character and recommended by a Mississippi Mason.

B. You believe in a Supreme Being – no atheist or agnostic can become a Mason – but we are not concerned with theological distinctions or your particular religious beliefs.

C. You are interested in becoming a Mason because of you hold a favorable opinion of our institution; and, your decision to apply is based on your “own free will and accord” – no one compelled you to join. Not all men can become Masons, however. Masonry does not purport to make “bad men good,” only “good men better.” This distinction is critical in that from its early days the Fraternity took itself out of the “rehabilitation” game – which is the purview of religion and the criminal justice system. Only men of good character are accepted into the Fraternity. Masonic lodges review every applicant’s character – and the centuries-old “blackball” system is still in place; candidates for the degrees must be voted by a 100% vote of the lodge members present.

4.How do I become a Freemason?

Ask! Because Masons have not traditionally recruited members, and do not hold public meetings, there has long been confusion about how to join the Fraternity. Does someone invite you? Do you ask? For a man who meets the requirements listed above, it is really quite simple: Men can become a Mason by simply asking. In general, men seek out a Lodge near their home or work (the Lodge Locator feature will help you locate the closest lodge), or they will ask a Mason to recommend a lodge to them. Once you’ve found a lodge you would like to join, let them know of your interest and they will provide you with a petition. If you are unanimously elected by the members of a lodge, joining the Fraternity involves going through three “degrees”: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. Every man accepted into the Fraternity goes through the three degrees, thereby making each an equal to the others in the lodge. Typically they are conferred during a lodge’s monthly meeting over the course of three months.

5.What if I don't know a Mason who can recommend me?

It is quite possible you know a Mason but you just don’t realize it. If your father, uncles, or grandfathers aren’t Masons, they probably know someone who is. You might also want to ask around your workplace or school, church, or gym – anywhere that you find a group of men, you might find a Mason. Although Masons tend to be very proud of their association with the Fraternity, they are often uncomfortable talking about it. It is particularly difficult for them to speak with their friends or family members because they don’t want to push Masonry on them. They might very well be looking forward to the opportunity to speak with you; more importantly, they would be honored to sponsor you for membership. If you don’t know anyone who is a Mason and you are a complete stranger to all of the members of the lodge, you are going to want to take some time getting to know them. But they are going to want to take some time getting to know you too. Once you are ready to Ask, a member of the lodge will sign your petition.

6.What are the time and/or financial commitments of being a Mason?

Becoming a Mason takes several months from the time you complete your petition until you have finished your degrees. Once the degree work begins you will need to attend your lodge’s monthly meeting. There is also some side work that you will need to complete that amounts to a little bit of homework. Every member of the Fraternity has gone through this process and your lodge will assign a Brother to help you. Once you have completed your three degrees, we expect our members to attend their lodge’s “Stated Communication,” or monthly meeting. Sometimes there will be a special meeting on a second night in a month. Beyond that, there are other activities going on: community service, family and social outings, etc. that take place throughout the year. We hope our members will participate in the events that their time and interest allows. We also recognize and understand the need for a balance between your family, work or school, and other interests and commitments. There is a one-time initiation fee set by each lodge, which generally runs between $100 and $150. There are annual dues, which also differ from lodge-to-lodge, with $30 being the average.

7.The "Lodge Locator" feature only lists lodges in Mississippi. How do I find a lodge if I live somewhere else?


MSGrandLodge.org was developed by the Grand Lodge of Mississippi.If you do not live in Mississippi, the best resource for the information you need is the Grand Lodge that presides over your jurisdiction (your state of province in North America, your country most everywhere else in the world). Enter the term Grand Lodge of (Your Jurisdiction) in any search engine and the first entry will likely be your Grand Lodge. Do not hesitate to contact them. They will welcome your inquiry.

8.Why is there so much interest in Masonry today?

Over the last four centuries, Freemasonry seems to have flourished during times of great enlightenment and change. It is no coincidence that Freemasonry rose to prominence during the Age of Enlightenment in both Europe and America – where a new generation believed it could discover ways to gain personal improvement, bring order to society, and understand the whole universe. Today, men seek out Masonry for the same reasons – to better themselves and improve society in the company of like-minded Brothers. As we learn more about how our physical world works, there’s also new interest in those things we don’t understand – especially things bound around tradition or that have a more mystical nature. Also, books like The Da Vinci Code and movies like “National Treasure" have brought up both new interest and renewed speculation about the nature of the Fraternity. Though these books and movies are a product more of a vivid imagination than fact, the real history of Masonry is perhaps the best story of all – one learned only by Asking – and becoming a Freemason.

9.Can Freemasonry actually prepare me for greatness?

No organization can guarantee to make anyone great - the capacity and motivation must come from the individual - but the powerful values and important truths that are taught as part of the Masonic tradition has proven to inspire, challenge, and develop leadership in men. Benjamin Franklin may have said it best, describing the Fraternity as a place to “prepare himself.” Today, men are preparing themselves for greatness in Lodges the world over.

10.What are the benefits of becoming a Mason?

There are numerous benefits to becoming a Mason, but they tend to be personal and they are also quite varied. And they can only be truly discovered by becoming a member. But to try and give you an idea: without question the opportunity to experience camaraderie and fellowship with a group of men across the boundries of age, race, religion, culture, and opinion is a fundamental aspect of the Fraternity; many find great value and knowledge in our ritual ceremony that uses symbolism and metaphors to encourage and remind us to appreciate principles, ethics, and morality, and to live our lives accordingly; others find great satisfaction in our charitable efforts, community service, and the support we provide our members and their families; finally, for those who take on leadership positions within their lodge, they develop or further very practical management skills.

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The questions and answers provided here are writings courtesy of the Grand Lodge of Mississippi, under the  "Frequently Asked Questions" section of the website.

Please visit the Grand Lodge website for additional information on Freemasonry in Mississippi.

HOME - Grand Lodge of Mississippi



Tupelo Masonic Lodge No. 318 F&AM
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Tuesday, August 30, 2011

MS Grand Master's Tribute Slideshow 2009-2010

RE: MS Grand Lodge - YouTube!

Slideshow produced by Bro. Edgar A. Gonzales and presented at the Grand Banquet of Grand Master of Freemasons of Mississippi William Rayford Robinson on February 08, 2010. Great job Bro Edgar!!!


Tupelo Masonic Lodge No. 318 F&AM
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Monday, August 29, 2011

Weekly Events - Mississippi Grand Lodge 08/28/2011-09/03/2011

In order to keep all its subscribed members up to date, the Grand Lodge Internet Committee sends weekly emails with the most recent event updates and additions. Here is a list of Masonic Events for this week:

Events

Monday, 08-29-2011 - (06:00 PM - 09:00 PM) - Fellowcraft Degree, Crystal Springs No. 452 - Jackson, MS
Tuesday, 08-30-2011 - (07:00 PM - 08:30 PM) - Family Night, John P. Byrd No. 629 - Pearl, MS
Tuesday, 08-30-2011 - (06:00 PM - 09:00 PM) - District Meeting - [GM], Southern Star No. 500 - Long Beach, MS
Thursday, 09-01-2011 - 09-30-2011 / (07:00 AM - 08:00 PM) - 30 Guns in 30 Days Fundraiser, Tupelo No. 318 - Tupelo, MS {Drawing to be held every day the month of Sept at Scrugg's Farm and Garden}
Thursday, 09-01-2011 - (06:00 PM - 10:00 PM) - Master Mason Degree, Polar Star No. 154 - Handsboro, MS
Saturday, 09-03-2011 - (09:00 AM - 04:00 PM) - 2nd Annual Classic Car and Bike Show, Bay St. Louis No. 429 - Bay St. Louis, MS

Please forward this email to any Brethren on your contact list.

Fraternally,
Grand Lodge of Mississippi Internet Committee

Tupelo Masonic Lodge No. 318 F&AM
HOME - http://www.tupelomason.org/
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Sunday, August 28, 2011

"Freemasons for Dummies" by Chris Hodapp

"Freemasons for Dummies" , written by Christopher Hodapp 32°, is a comprehensive guide to Freemasonry, for both, Masons and those interested in Masonry, alike... but without the secrets! Hodapp is an author of many books and publications on the topic of Freemasonry. He has also appeared on the History Channel and Discovery Channel, discussing the subject of Freemasonry and is known world wide for his knowledge, understanding, love, and devotion to the craft. I encourage you to pick up a copy of his book and allow yourself the opportunity to grow your personal knowledge of the craft. Chris is a down to earth guy that loves to discuss the craft with others. You can visit his website, Hodapps.com as well as follow his blog,
"Freemasons for Dummies" - Blog. Chris is also available for personal interaction through Facebook and Twitter. The links are provided for you below.

"The Masonic Society" - FaceBook / Chris Hodapp

"Chris Hodapp" - Twitter



Tupelo Masonic Lodge No. 318 F&AM
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Saturday, August 27, 2011

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Friday, August 26, 2011

Bro Wayne Stanley - Update 08/26/2011

Bro Wayne Stanley, SW Tupelo 318, was scheduled to be released from the Rehab Unit today at North Miss Medical Center but according to his doctors, he will not. Wayne still does not have full use of his right leg and the medical staff has determined that they will keep him for an additional two weeks in order to continue with extensive physical therapy. As you can imagine, Wayne and his family are disappointed, especially after having the hopes of his release today. Please call or go by to wish them well and give Wayne your support. He has made tremendous strides in his recovery following his strokes and I am sure this small hurdle will be met with the same determination as ever before.

Tupelo Masonic Lodge No. 318 F&AM
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Wednesday, August 24, 2011

King Solomon's Temple

Architecture of the Temple



The assemblage of the world's architectural genius at Jerusalem,and the amassed store of materials of gold, silver, brass, iron, granite, and marble, together with the precious stones and costly woods and fabrics brought from foreign shores, resulted in a structure distinctive in design, gigantic in proportions, and glorious in embellishments, the like of which Israel and the people of that day had never before seen, and which will never again be equaled, much less excelled. The Temple and the Palace together, as a unit, consisted of a series of terraces round about Mount Moriah, the highest point of which was crowned by the Great Porch, with the Holy and the Most Holy Place.

The second highest terrace, surrounding the Mount, was an oblong or rectangle, 1,600 feet long and 800 feet wide, having a retaining wall rising from the base of the Mount to a height of from 80 to 240 feet as conditions required for support, for defense, and to produce a uniform raised level about the Mount. Within this first enclosure the architects provided homes for the porters and singers, as well as havens for the worshipers. The upper terrace was 800 feet long and 400 feet wide, surrounded by a retaining wall of great stone. The eastern half of this second enclosed terrace or court was embellished by three rows of hewed stones or pillars, round about, forming a colonnade and supporting an entablature of cedar beams and costly stones. The Covert for the King was located on the north side and was of solid brass. In the western half of this oblong enclosure, and on the north side, was the Court for the women, surrounded by high walls and enclosing a series of chambers suitably arranged. To the south was the Court of the Priests, containing the chambers for those who were actively engaged in the Temple services. In the center of the western half of the great court was the inner court, 400 feet by 200 feet in size, in the form of a rectangle, surrounded by a cloistered colonnade of three rows of pillars supporting a beautiful entablature of cedar beams and costly stones. The only entrance to the inner court was through the Great Gate on the eastern side. In the center of the eastern half of the inner court stood the Great Altar of Burnt-offering. In the southeast corner was the Molten Sea, and on the north and south sides, five on each side, were the Lavers. The western square of the inner court contained the House, or Holy and Most Holy Places, surrounded by a series of chambers. The approach to these sacred precincts was through the Great Porch, rising to a height of 240 feet.
These crowning terraces which supported the Temple and King Solomon's Palace or Citadel, including his house, the House of the Forest of Lebanon, the Queen's Palace, the Porch of Pillars, and kindred structures, were surrounded for the sake of security by a wall which began at the bottom of the Mount. Some of the sides of this wall were reared 280 feet in height before they attained the desired level, and these massive and curious bases, together with the super-structure, formed an impressive prospect, which was the marvel of all beholders. 2 Chronicles 3:4.

Approaching the Temple terraces from the southwest was a road leading through a gate into the great citadel, within the walls of which were the numerous buildings. The citadel was on an elevation just below that of the Temple, and visitors to the latter had to pass through the former. Here were the King's Palace, the House of the Forest of Lebanon, the Porch of Pillars, the Queen's Palace, the Tower of David, the Palace of the Captain of the Host, the Palace of the High Priest, and the Judgment Seat or Throne. Within this same enclosure were to be found the homes of the Royal Harem, and of the immediate official family and attendants. Here also were the Royal Gardens in which were to be found a great variety of trees and beautiful shrubbery, and enclosures for wild and domestic animals and birds.

The King's Palace, the House of the Forest of Lebanon, and the other royal buildings were of a size and magnificence such as Israel had never seen before, and were prized because they reflected the high political rank of the nation, as the Temple reflected the glory of its religious institutions. The road from the southwest gate ran diagonally northeastward to a central square which was dominated by the Tower of David. At the south of the square was the Court of Guards, at the west of the Queen's Palace, and at the east the Palace of King Solomon.

Author: Mishkan Ministries

Tupelo Masonic Lodge No. 318 F&AM
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Tuesday, August 23, 2011

We are Two Brothers

Give me your hand;
You are rich; I am poor;
Your wealth is your power, and by it you tread
A wide open path; where for me is a door
That is locked; and before it are worry and dread.
We are sundered, are we,
As two men can be
But we are two brothers in Freemasonry
So give me your hand.

Give me your hand;
You are great; I'm unknown;
You travel with a permanent fame;
I go on a way unlauded, alone,
With hardly a man to hear of my name:
We are sundered, are we,
As two men can be
But we are two brothers in Freemasonry
So give me your hand.

Give me your hand;
You are old; I am young;
The years in your heart their wisdom have sown;
But knowledge speaks not by my faltering tongue,
And small in the wisdom I claim as my own:
We are sundered, are we,
As two men can be
But we are two brothers in Freemasonry
So give me your hand.

Author: Unknown

Tupelo Masonic Lodge No. 318 F&AM
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Monday, August 22, 2011

Weekly Events - Mississippi 08/21/2011-08/27/2011

Brother Cade,

In order to keep all its subscribed members up to date, the Grand Lodge Internet Committee sends weekly emails with the most recent event updates and additions. Here is a list of Masonic Events for this week:

Events

Monday, 08-22-2011 - (06:00 PM - 09:00 PM) - Entered Apprentice Degree, Crystal Springs No. 452 - Jackson, MS
Tuesday, 08-23-2011 - (06:00 PM - 10:00 PM) - Master Mason Degree, Polar Star No. 154 - Handsboro, MS
Tuesday, 08-23-2011 - (06:30 PM - 08:00 AM) - Scottish Rite Ambassador Training, Tupelo No. 318 - Tupelo, MS
Tuesday, 08-23-2011 - (06:15 PM - 09:00 PM) - Fellowcraft Degree, John P. Byrd No. 629 - Pearl, MS
Thursday, 08-25-2011 - (06:00 PM - 10:00 PM) - Master Mason Degree - [GM], Trinity No. 88 - Kosciusko, MS
Friday, 08-26-2011 - (06:30 PM - 10:00 PM) - Entered Apprentice Degree, Wiggins No. 481 - Wiggins, MS
Saturday, 08-27-2011 - (08:30 AM - 04:30 PM) - School of Instruction, Joseph Warren No. 71 - New Albany, MS

Please forward this email to any Brethren on your contact list.

Fraternally,
Grand Lodge of Mississippi Internet Committee

Tupelo Masonic Lodge No. 318 F&AM
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Sunday, August 21, 2011

"The Lamb Skin"

It is not ornamental, the cost is not great,
There are other things far more useful, yet truly I state,
Tho of all my possesions, there's none can compare,
With that white leather apron, which all Masons wear.

As a young lad I wondered just what it all meant,
When Dad hustled around, and so much time was spent
On shaving and dressing and looking just right,
Until Mother would say: "It's the Masons tonight."

And some winter nights she said: "What makes you go,
Way up there tonight thru the sleet and the snow,
You see the same things every month of the year."
Then Dad would reply: "Yes, I know it, my dear."

Forty years I have seen the same things, it is true.
And though they are old, they always seem new,
For the hands that I clasp, and the friends that I greet,
Seem a little bit closer each time that we meet."

Years later I stood at that very same door,
With good men and true who had entered before,
I knelt at the alter, and there I was taught
That virtue and honor can never be bought.

That the spotless white lambskin all Masons revere,
If worthily worn grows more precious each year,
That service to others brings blessings untold,
That man may be poor tho surrounded by gold.

I learned that true brotherhood flourishes there,
That enmities fade 'neath the compass and square,
That wealth and position are all thrust aside,
As there on the level men meet and abide.

So, honor the lambskin, may it always remain
Forever unblemished, and free from all stain,
And when we are called to the Great Father's love,
May we all take our place in that Lodge up above.


By Edgar A. Guest



Tupelo Masonic Lodge No. 318 F&AM
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Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Bro Wayne Stanley - Update 08/17/2011

Bro Wayne is continuing to make excellent progress with his recovery from his devastating stroke. He is alert and making good use of his sense of humor. Please stop by to see him at the North Ms Medical Center in Tupelo. He is on the 1st floor, room #173... he would love to see a familiar face after weeks of being confined, inside the hospital.



Tupelo Masonic Lodge No. 318 F&AM
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Monday, August 15, 2011

Weekly Events - 08/14/11-08/20/11 MS Freemasonry

Brother Cade,

In order to keep all its subscribed members up to date, the Grand Lodge Internet Committee sends weekly emails with the most recent event updates and additions. Here is a list of Masonic Events for this week:

Events

Monday, 08-15-2011 - (06:15 PM - 09:00 PM) - DeMolay Installation of Officers - [GM], Tyrian No. 427 - Brandon, MS
Monday, 08-15-2011 - (06:00 PM - 10:00 PM) - Master Mason Degree, Magnolia No. 120 - Biloxi, MS
Tuesday, 08-16-2011 - (06:30 PM - 09:00 PM) - Master Mason Degree, Harmony No. 1 - Natchez, MS
Tuesday, 08-16-2011 - (11:30 AM - 02:00 PM) - Fellowcraft Degree, Museum-Watt Carter No. 636 - Jackson, MS
Thursday, 08-18-2011 - (07:00 PM - 09:00 PM) - Stated Convocation - Jackson Chapter No. 6, R.A.M., Jackson York Rite Bodies - Jackson, MS

Please forward this email to any Brethren on your contact list.

Fraternally,
Grand Lodge of Mississippi Internet Committee

Tupelo Masonic Lodge No. 318 F&AM
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Friday, August 12, 2011

"The Palace"



The Palace

by Brother Rudyard Kipling

When I was a King and a Mason, a Master Proven and skilled,
I cleared me ground for a Palace, such as a King should build.
I decreed and dug down to my levels; presently, under the silt,
I came on the wreck of a Palace, such as a King had built.

There was no worth in the fashion; there was no wit in the plan;
Hither and thither, aimless, the ruined footings ran.
Masonry, brute, mishandled, but carven on every stone,
"After me cometh a Builder; tell him I, too, have known."

Swift to my use in my trenches, where my well-planned groundworks grew,
I tumbled his quoins and his ashlars, and cut and rest them anew.
Lime I milled of his marbles; burned it, slaked it, and spread;
Taking and leaving at pleasure the gifts of the humble dead.

Yet I despised not nor gloried, yet, as we wrenched them apart,
I read in the razed foundation the heart of that Builder's heart.
As he has risen and pleaded, so did I understand
The form of the dream he had followed in the face of the thing he had planned.

When I was a King and a Mason, in the open noon of my pride,
They sent me a Word from the Darkness; they whispered and called me aside.
They said, "The end is forbidden." They said, "Thy use is fulfilled.
Thy Palace shall stand as that other's, the spoil of a King who shall build."

I called my men from my trenches, my quarries, my wharves, and my sheers;
All I had wrought I abandoned to the faith of the faithless years.
Only I cut on the timber; only I carved on the stone:
"After me cometh a Builder; tell him I, too, have known."

 




Tupelo Masonic Lodge No. 318 F&AM
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Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Weekly Events - Mississippi 08/07/2011-08/13/2011

Brother Cade,

In order to keep all its subscribed members up to date, the Grand Lodge Internet Committee sends weekly emails with the most recent event updates and additions. Here is a list of Masonic Events for this week:

Events

Monday, 08-08-2011 - (06:00 PM - 10:00 PM) - Master Mason Degree - [GM], Crystal Springs No. 452 - Jackson, MS
Tuesday, 08-09-2011 - (06:00 PM - 10:00 PM) - Master Mason Degree, Polar Star No. 154 - Handsboro, MS
Friday, 08-12-2011 - (06:00 PM - 09:00 PM) - Grand Master Official Visit - [GM], West Point No. 40 - West Point, MS
Friday, 08-12-2011 - (06:00 PM - 09:35 PM) - Master Mason Degree, Wiggins No. 481 - Wiggins, MS
Saturday, 08-13-2011 - (08:30 AM - 04:30 PM) - Congressional School, Coffadeliah No. 371 - Philadelphia, MS

Please forward this email to any Brethren on your contact list.

Fraternally,
Grand Lodge of Mississippi Internet Committee

Tupelo Masonic Lodge No. 318 F&AM
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EA Degree Scheduled - Charles M King II and Lynn Johnson

EA Degree Scheduled for Mr Charles M King II and Mr Lynn Johnson Monday, August 15th 2011 at Tupelo 318. Meal at 6:30 and degrees at 7:00. All visiting brethren are invited to attend.



Tupelo Masonic Lodge No. 318 F&AM
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Sunday, August 7, 2011

Take my hand; Follow me...

When I was a young man, a long time ago,
The secrets of Masonry I wanted to know.
Of a Mason I asked what those secrets might be.
He replied,"First, we talk, then we will see."

A petition he granted and ordered it filled
To be read at a meeting and a judgment be willed.
Then questions I answered about God and home;
Of habits and friends; a wife or alone.

In time I was summoned - a date to appear
Before an assembly of men gathered near.
I entered the building and looked up the stair;
Does pleasure or pain await me up there?

A hazing by paddle, taunting by joke?
My petition accepted or maybe revoked?
Introductions and handshakes welcomed me there
And lessons symbolic, an aid to prepare

For a journey in darkness, a predestined plight
To a Holy of Holies, the source of all light.
How well I remember what I heard someone say,
To enter God's Kingdom there is but one way;

Be ye naked and blind, penniless and poor;
These you must suffer 'fore entering that door.
The journey ahead is not yours to know,
But trust in your God wherever you go.

Then assurance from the darkness whispered tenderly,
"My Friend, be not afraid;
TAKE MY HAND;
FOLLOW ME."


With nervous attention a path I then trod;
A pathway in darkness to the altar of God.
With cable-tow and hoodwink, on bare bended knee,
A covenant was made there between God and me.

Charges and promises were made there that night.
Dispelling the darkness and bringing me light.
Mid lightening and thunder and Brethren on row!
Cast off the darkness! And cast off the tow!

In the company of men, a man you must be,
Moral in character, the whole world to see.
Trust in your God, promise daily anew
To be honest and upright in all things you do.

Each man is a brother in charity to share
With those suffering hunger, pain or despair.
The widow and orphan and brother in pain
Depend on your mercy their welfare to gain.

The secrets of Brethren keep only in mind.
To the ladies of Brethren be noble and kind.
Go now, my brother, your journey's begun
Your wages await you when your journey is done.

That journey I started, Oh, so long ago
And I've learned of those things I wanted to know.
I've learned of the secrets, not secret at all,
But hidden in knowledge within Masons' hall.

Childhood yields to manhood, manhood yields to age,
Ignorance yields to knowledge, knowledge yields to sage.
I've lived all my life the best that I could,
Knowing full well how a good Mason should.

I know of those times when I slipped and then fell.
What's right and what's wrong were not easy to tell.
But a trust in my God and a true brother's hand.
Helped raise me up and allowed me to stand.

I've strode down the old path, Masonically worn
By all Mason's raised for the Masons unborn.
But this tired old body, once young and so bold,
Now suffers the afflictions of having grown old.

The almond tree's flourished; the grinders are few.
The housekeepers tremble; desires fail too.
The locusts are a burden; fears are in the way.
The golden bowl is breaking, a little every day.

Mine eyes are again darkened, my sight again to fail;
I sense the Master's presence mid my family's silent wail.
I've laid aside my working tools, my day is nearly done.
For long I've played the game of life; the game's no longer fun.

Life's pathway ends before me. I see what's meant for me;
An acacia plant is growing where a beehive used to be.
The Ethereal Lodge has summoned from beyond the wailing wall
And I vowed that I must answer when summoned by a call.

Again I stand bewildered at the bottom of the stair
In nervous apprehension of what awaits me there.
Once again, and now alone, I stand without the door.
With faltering hand, I slowly knock as once I did before.

I pray again to hear those words,
whispered tenderly,
"My son, be not afraid.
TAKE MY HAND;
FOLLOW ME."
 
 
By Sir Knight Alvin F. Bohne, P.M.


Tupelo Masonic Lodge No. 318 F&AM
HOME - http://www.tupelomason.org/
BLOG - http://tupelomason.blogspot.com/
PHOTOS - http://tupelomason.shutterfly.com/


Saturday, August 6, 2011

Msg from WM, RE: Fundraiser Tickets "30 Guns in 30 Days"

Brethren,
As a directive from the Worshipful Master, Tupelo Masonic Lodge No. 318, we are fast approaching the end of our fundraiser and it has been requested that all tickets and money be turned in at the next stated communication meeting. This meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 8th at 7pm. If for any reason, you are unable to attend, please contact Derik Rushing immediately to make alternate arrangements. It is imperative that we get an accurate count of all tickets sold and all tickets that are unaccounted for. You may contact Derik either by phone at, 662-488-6367 or by email at rushingderik@bellsouth.net to provide an update as to the status of your sales. Please make sure that contact is made prior to the stated communication so we will have accurate information to work from in order to put a plan in place to reposition tickets where they have been requested for purchase. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Fraternally,
tupelomason

Tupelo Masonic Lodge No. 318 F&AM
HOME - http://www.tupelomason.org/
BLOG - http://www.tupelomason.blogspot.com/
PHOTOS - http://tupelomason.shutterfly.com/

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Last Night

Last Night

Last night I knelt where Hiram knelt.
Today I'm closer to my G-d,
tho hereto fore my fellowmen,
seemed each one like the other.
Today I search each one apart,
I'm looking for my Brother.
And as I feel this friendly grip,
it fills my heart with pride.
I know that while I'm on the square
that he is on my side.
His footsteps on my errand go,
if I should such require.
His prayers will plead in my behalf,
if I should so desire.
My words are safe within his breast
as though within my own.
His hand forever at my back,
to safely help me home.
Good councel whispers in my ear
and warns me of any danger.
By square and compass', Brothers Now!
Who once would call me stranger.
I might have lived a moral life
and risen to distinction,
without my brothers helping hand and fellowship,
but G-d who knows how hard it is
to resist life's temptations
knows why I knelt where Hiram knelt.

-Author Unknown

Tupelo Masonic Lodge No. 318 F&AM
http://www.tupelomason.org

The Level and The Square

The Level and The Square (1854)

We meet upon the Level and we part upon the Square.
What words of precious meaning, those words Masonic are!
Come, let us contemplate them! They are worthy of a thought;
In the very walls of Masonry the sentiment is wrought.

We meet upon the Level, though from every station come,
The rich man from his palace and the poor man from his home;
For the rich must leave his wealth and state outside the Mason's door,
And the poor man finds his best respect upon the Checkered Floor.

We act upon the Plumb - 'tis the orders of our Guide.
We walk upright in virtue's way and lean to neither side;
The All-Seeing Eye that reads our hearts doth bear us witness true
That we still try to honor G-d and give each man his due.

We part upon the Square, for the world must have its due;
We mingle with the multitude, a faithful band and true.
But the influence of our gatherings in memory is green,
And we long upon the Level to renew the happy scene.

There's a world where all are equal - we are hurrying toward it fast,
We shall meet upon the Level there when the gates of Death are past;
We shall stand before the Orient, and our Master will be there
To try the blocks we offer with His own unerring Square.

We shall meet upon the Level there, but never thence depart.
There's a Mansion - 'tis all ready for each trusting, faithful heart.
There's a Mansion, and a welcome, and a multitude is there
Who have met upon the Level and been tried upon the Square.

Let us meet upon the Level, then while laboring patient here;
Let us meet and let us labor, though the labor be severe;
Already in the Western sky the signs bid us prepare
To gather up our Working Tools and part upon the Square.

Hands round, ye faithful Brotherhood, the bright fraternal Chain.
We part upon the Square below to meet in Heaven again!
What words of precious meaning, those words Masonic are —
We meet upon the Level and we part upon the square.

Dr. Robert Morris (1818-1888)Past Grand Master (1858-1859) of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, USA
Chartered Royal Solomon Mother Lodge #293 (1873, Israel's first regular)

Asked Myself

I watched them tearing the building down,
a group of men in a busy town.
With a ho heave ho and lusty yell,
they swung a beam and a side wall fell.

I asked the foreman, "Are these men skilled,
the kind I'd hire if I wanted to build?"
He gave a laugh and said no indeed,
why common labor is all I need.

These men can wreck in a day or two
what builders have taken years to do.
I asked myself as I went my way,
which of these roles have I tried to play?

Have I been a builder that works with care,
measuring my deeds by the rule and square?
Or am I a wrecker that stalks the town,
content with the job of tearing it down?

-Author Unknown

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Bro J Alec Hawkins - Master Mason

08/01/2011 - Brother J Alec Hawkins was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason at Tupelo Masonic Lodge No. 318. Bro Hawkins was presented wth his Apron, Holy Bible, and Grand Master lapel pin following his degree. Congratulations to Bro Hawkins for his dedication to the craft and completion of his third degree. Our hope is that this night will be just the beginning of his journey and that he will preserve the true principals of Freemasonry, just as our forefathers before us.





Monday, August 1, 2011

Bro Wayne Stanley - Update: 08/01/2011

Bro Wayne Stanley, SW Tupelo 318, has been moved from the 4th floor at North Ms Medical Center in Tupelo, Ms. He is now back on the 1st floor in room #173, where he will continue with his prescribed treatment plan of physical therapy to assist in the rehabilitation process following his stroke about two months ago. Wayne is making great improvements and said today that he can't wait to get released from the hospital and attend lodge again with his brethren. If you get a free minute, he would like for you to stop by and visit with him or at least call. He asked about several people specifically today and sends his regards and best wishes to all. Please continue to keep Wayne, his wife, son Chris (JD - Tupelo 318), and the rest of his family in your thoughts and prayers. If you can not make it by to visit, he said to remind everyone that he has a telephone in his room and it is included in his bill, so you better use it! Wayne's sense of humor has returned... he does welcome all calls, but especially from his brethren!

Weekly Events Ms - 07/31/11-08/06/11

Brother Cade,

In order to keep all its subscribed members up to date, the Grand Lodge Internet Committee sends weekly emails with the most recent event updates and additions. Here is a list of Masonic Events for this week:

Events

Monday, 08-01-2011 - (06:15 PM - 10:00 PM) - Master Mason Degree, John P. Byrd No. 629 - Pearl, MS
Tuesday, 08-02-2011 - (06:00 PM - 09:00 PM) - Master Mason Degree, Polar Star No. 154 - Handsboro, MS
Thursday, 08-04-2011 - ( All Day Event ) - Southeastern Masonic Conference - [GM], Evergreen Marriott Conference Resort - Stone Mountain, GA
Friday, 08-05-2011 - ( All Day Event ) - Southeastern Masonic Conference - [GM], Evergreen Marriott Conference Resort - Stone Mountain, GA
Saturday, 08-06-2011 - ( All Day Event ) - Southeastern Masonic Conference - [GM], Evergreen Marriott Conference Resort - Stone Mountain, GA
Saturday, 08-06-2011 - (06:00 PM - 11:30 PM) - Daughters of the Nile Annual Luau, Wahabi Shrine Center - Jackson, MS
Sunday, 08-07-2011 - ( All Day Event ) - Southeastern Masonic Conference - [GM], Evergreen Marriott Conference Resort - Stone Mountain, GA

Please forward this email to any Brethren on your contact list.

Fraternally,
Grand Lodge