Limburger Letter

Baron Steuben Lodge #264 Free & Accepted Masons April 2013 Volume 2, Issue 3

Welcome Spring!

M a s o n i c Ta b l e L o d g e

ear Ye, Hear Ye.

The Worshipful Master, Steven W. Armstrong, and Officers of

Baron Steuben Lodge request the honor of your presence at a traditional Masonic Table Lodge to be held on the 3rd of June beginning at Six PM at the Masonic Temple in Lee Center. A Table Lodge is a tiled, Entered Apprentice Lodge, that uses a unique ritual. In addition to refreshments and traditional toasts, the evening will include a synopsis of the past year and a look to the future. All FreeMasons are welcome and encouraged to attend. Advanced reservations are required. The order of events for the evening will be as follows: Please notify the Lodge Secretary no later than 21 May of your intent to attend. Mail the following Social Hour Opening of Table Lodge Charge to Brethren at the Opening Explanation of the Ceremony of the 7 Toasts Introductions Dinner and 7 Toasts Remarks by the District Deputy Grand Master Closing of the Table Lodge tear-off with your payment to: Baron Steuben #264, Lee Center, NY 13363 Phone: 336-3435 / Email: Johnnie1067@gmail.com

The cost of the evening is $20.00.

In addition to dinner, a commemorative toast glass will be provided to all attending. Make reservations ASAP to ensure you receive this keepsake.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------I will be attending the Masonic Table Lodge, held at the Lee Center Masonic Temple, June 3rd 2013. Name:____________________________________________________ The following Freemasons will be accompanying me :_________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ Payment enclosed ($20/per person):_________________________ Checks payable to: Baron Steuben Lodge #264 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

TRIVIA - What is the length of your Cable Tow ? Answer page 5

All that is essential for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing - Edmund Burke - Political Theorist, Philosopher, Freemason.
1

Baro n Steuben Lo dge Officers 2013-2014

On Monday May 20th, 2013, Baron Steuben lodge will hold a summoned communication for the purpose of electing lodge officers for the 2013-2014 year. W Bruce Warcup Jr. has provided notice that he will be seeking the office of Worshipful Master for the ensuing year. He has asked that those interested in taking a lodge officer chair should contact him as soon as possible. Bruces phone number is 525-5744. As a Master Mason, you should participate fully in the business and affairs of your lodge. Please remember your obligation as it applies to the answering of Masonic Summonses.

Upcoming Events
16 April - Sconondoa-Sherrill #814 (Vernon) District Deputy Grand Master Official Visitation. 1st Oneida DDGM, RW Gleason Red Burketts homecoming. 19 April - Ziyara Shriners Membership Night at the Roselawn restaurant, NY Mills. If you are interested in becoming a Shriner (and maybe a Keystone Kop) contact the Lodge-Shrine liaison, Wayne Towne II. 02 May Northwoods #849 (Old Forge) District Deputy Grand Master Official Visitation. 2nd Oneida DDGM, RW Timothy Harwoods homecoming. 18 May - Oneida Districts Widows Banquet at Valley View Country Club in Utica. 18 May - Ziyara Shriners Installation Ceremony at the Utica Masonic Hall. 20 May - Election of Officers for 2013-2014. 03 June - Table Lodge at Baron Steuben. 17 June - Installation of 2013-2014 Lodge Officers. Coming in July

Building Fund
A sincere thank you for your generous donations to the lodge building fund. Since 2011, your donations have increased the building fund by over $3000. These monies are specifically designated for repairs and maintenance, to your lodge. Since 2011, our goal has been to raise the $30,000 needed to replace our 80 year old roof. Unfortunately, we recently had capital improvement outlay when the lodge hot water heater failed. The replacement cost for it was approximately $700. Following that expense, the current balance of the building fund is $3355.

Recent Contributors
Thomas Belcher Gary Boulerice Bobby Conrad Clarence Daily Bruce Daily Paul Davis. Joe Evans Todd Podkowka William Hoffman Robert Jones Albert Kipfer Arthur Lyman George Olney John Olney Robert Wakelee

Lee Center Firemans Parade.

Coming in August

Thank you for your generous donations!

Lodge of Remembrance/Widows Appreciation Night at Baron Steuben Lodge. Baron Steuben Lodge Awards Banquet.

Fr o m t h e S e c r e t a r y s D e s k
Given that this is the Masonic election season, the following are my thoughts regarding the election of lodge officers: In New York State, the Worshipful Master, Wardens, Deacons, Secretary, Treasurer, Trustees, and Tiler are elected by the lodge members. Other officers, including the Stewards, Masters of Ceremony, Chaplin, and Musician, are appointed by the Worshipful Master elect. Any man, regardless of his social, business, or economic position outside the lodge room, may aspire to be the Master of his lodge. Lodges generally employ a progressive line, also known as "going through the chairs." It is an established line of succession that moves up one position at a time from one year to the next. When a brother is appointed to the Steward's position, theoretically, seven years later he will be elected as Worshipful Master. Although this leadership system has its drawbacks, it was designed based on the philosophy of equality among Masons. There is supposed to be no politicking or campaigning for an officer's position. In the ideal situation, each man simply advances one chair each year, learning each position's duties and responsibilities, and a portion of the Masonic ceremonies and ritual. By the time he becomes Worshipful Master, he has sat in every chair except, possibly, the Secretary and Treasurer. He has learned public speaking, management, responsibility, leadership, and decorum. Eliminating the election popularity contests that plague other organizations, results in a smoother, friendlier line of succession. Baron Steuben cant function without officers. Every member should consider supporting his lodge by getting into line. If everyone is too busy, we will not survive.

John

Briefly Noted
90 - On April 26, Brother Arthur Ludwig will be celebrating his 90th birthday. Brother Ludwig was raised a Master Mason April 15th, 1947. He currently resides in Boonville with his wife Dorla. Happy Birthday Brother! 3rd Degree - On March 25, 2013, at a Special Communication of Baron Steuben lodge, Fellowcraft Masons Joseph Genovese, Bradley Bliss, John Duddleston, and Todd Hoffman were raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason at the Lee Center Masonic Temple. Both the Ritual of Raising and the Hiramic Legend portions of the degree were performed. Please welcome and congratulate our newest Master Masons. Lost - Brother Mitch Coogan, previously of Taberg, NY, has moved without leaving a forwarding address. If any brother is aware of his new address, please contact the lodge secretary, Recovering - W Wayne E. Towne is recovering at home from knee replacement surgery. Get well soon. 60 - Brother Robert Morgan has been a Master Masons for 60 years. He was raised at Baron Steuben Lodge on 6/30/1953. Congratulations Brother.

50 - RW Brother Robert Wakelee and his wife Adah Mae will be celebrating their golden wedding anniversary on May 25th, 2013. Happy 50 years! 35 - In 2013, Brothers Vaughn A. Combs and Bobby Conrad will have been Master Masons for 35 years. RW Bud was raised at Baron Steuben on May 10th, 1978. Brother Bob was also raised at Baron Steuben, on December 5th, 1978. Only another 25 years until you catch Brother Morgan at 60!

The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it for yourself. - Benjamin Franklin

The President and the Gardener

n 1908, while he was President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt visited his home lodge,

Matinecock #806, located in Oyster Bay, New York. Afterwards, he spoke of the experience of seeing his own gardener serving as Master of the Lodge that evening while he sat on the sidelines. Clearly, I could not call upon him when I came home. It would have embarrassed him. Neither could he, without embarrassment, call on me. In the lodge it was different. He was over me, though I was president, and it was good for him and good for me. In Masonry, all of the trappings of prestige, fame, and fortune, worn on the outside world, are left on the other side of the outer door; even for Presidents.

Fr o m t h e A s s i s t a n t G r a n d L e c t u r e r

he Masonic Apron is always displayed on the outside of a jacket. When clothed as a Master Mason, with the flap and corner down.

The badge of antiquity, your apron, puts emphasis on the value of the past and its contribution to the present and future happiness of man. The symbolism of your apron has come out of the mists of time. It has been tested by men of religion as well as labor. As it was worn with honor by the operative Mason, so must it be today by the Speculative Mason. The apron is considered a symbol of innocence, purity, and honor. In ancient times, it was a badge of distinction. None but superior members of the Jewish priesthood could wear one. It is still a badge of distinction. Not all men are permitted to wear the Masonic apron. . RW Thomas O. Yager, AGL 2nd Oneida District

In Memorium
Brothers who have laid down the working tools of life. Charles M. Sykes 11/21/1931-10/17/2012
We have reached 10% of our Building Fund goal. Keep making those donations! Superman and the Great Architect of the Universe. Illustration from "Superman Adventures 34." Fighting Fate. August, 1999. DC Comics.

Rest In Peace

Remember the Brotherhood Fund

The 2012-2013 Brotherhood Fund campaign has three months remaining. The Brotherhood fund supports the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory, the Masonic Care Community in Utica, the Livingston Library & Museum, and the Masonic Benevolent Fund among others most worthy Masonic charities. Please make every effort to contribute. Any amount is appreciated. Electronic donations to the Brotherhood fund can be made by visiting the Grand Lodge website at: http://www.nymasons.org/committees-and-departments/brotherhood-fund.html Donations can also be make directly with the Lodge Brotherhood Fund Chairman. This years chairman is W Bruce Warcup Jr.
At Right: Jubala and Jubalo. Wheres Jubalum? Baron Steuben Lodge #264 Worshipful Masters W Marvin Cadrette (1998) and W Robert Shearin (1997).

H ow d o y o u d o t h a t ?
The Masonic Sign of Fidelity

The Sign of Fidelity should always be given when addressing or being addressed by any officer of higher rank, either in the Ritual or during the transaction of any business of the Lodge. Every Brother in the Lodge must be on his feet and at the Sign of Fidelity whenever; the Lodge is at prayer; the Senior Deacon attends at the Altar; and when the Brethren form the Symbolic Lodge during an Obligation. The Sign of Fidelity is given on four notable public occasions; at a Memorial Service, at the Laying of a Cornerstone, at the Dedication of a Lodge building, and at Public Installations. The The sign is not given if an Apron is not worn. Do not come to the Sign of Fidelity during the invocation at a banquet table.

Answer to Trivia Question - Old Masonic writings define the length of a Cable Tow to be three miles for an Entered Apprentice., however, this expression is really symbolic. As defined by the 1842 Baltimore Convention, Cable Tow is the scope of a mans reasonable ability. Masonry aims at the promotion of morality and higher living by the cultivation of the social side of man, the rousing in him of the instincts of charity and love of his kind. It rests surely on the foundation of the brotherhood of man and the fatherhood of God - William Howard Taft - President of the United States, Chief Justice US Supreme Court, Freemason

B r o t h e r S p o t l i g h t R W R o b e r t L . Wa k e l e e

rother Bob was born Sept. 1, 1936 in Ansonia, Connecticut son of Edith H. and Robert L. Wakelee. He was educated in Ansonia public schools graduating in 1954 from Ansonia High School. Bob married the former Adah Mae Terill on May 25th 1963 in Kirtland, OH. They have two sons, both Freemasons and Shriners; Keith R. and Kent W. Wakelee. Bob received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Chapman University and later earned a Master of Science in Systems Management from University of Southern California. Bob served in the U.S. Air Force from 1956 to 1977, retiring as Senior Master Sergeant. Following his Air Force career, Bob was employed by the Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company as a Quality/ Manufacturing Engineer.

RW Robert L. Wakelee and wife Adah Mae.

Bob was raised a Master Mason at Baron Steuben Lodge in 1976. He was elected Worshipful Master in 1982 and 1986. From 1988-1989, he served as District Deputy Grand Master for the 2nd Oneida District.. In 1977, he became a 32 Scottish Rite Mason in the Mohawk Valley Consistory. In 1996, he received a Meritorious Service Award at the New York State Council of Deliberation. In 2001, he was elected Commander-in-Chief of the Valley of Utica. He was coronated as a 33 degree Mason later that year. Bob was created Noble of Ziyara Shrine in June 1977 and served as Potentate in 2003. Bob is a member of Utica Court Royal Order of Jesters, Gentlemen of the Creeks, and Rome Elks Lodge #96. His hobbies include model railroading, amateur radio, stamp collecting and model aircraft building.

L o d g e We b s i t e

Lodge Communications Director, Brother Ross Stoltz, has created a new Baron Steuben Lodge website. It contains information on Masonry, our lodge, and upcoming events. Direct prospective members to the website. Lodge petitions are available there for download. Check it out at: http://baronsteuben264.org/ Brother Ross has also recently assumed Calling Post responsibilities. Great job Ross.