From the Brethren

South Pasadena 290 Motorcycle Club

South Pasadena 290 has a few brothers that ride Motorcycles on a regular basis and we thought it would be a good way to get some brothers to come together while doing something that they enjoy.

This will be a great way to meet people, 
introduce friends to the Lodge
and possibly do some charity rides.

Contact brother Bob Arnold to get involved
bcarnold@sbcglobal.net

My Masonic Adventure
by Bro. Armin Schulhof, PM

        On my recent trip to Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji, I found out the meaning of Masonic Brotherly love and fellowship. We were in New Zealand which Masonically is divided into North Island and South Island with each Island having its own Grand Lodge and, of course its own Grand Master. 

        While in a city by the Name of Christchurch, we had a free day, so the night before I got the local phone book and looked up Masonic Lodges and found one fairly close to the hotel where we were staying. I made some calls and was given the name of a Brother who I was told would help me see the Lodge near our hotel. I called this Brother and he picked us up at our hotel. He turned out to be the Grand Master of South Island and showed us around the city. Then he drove us up into the hills and took us through a beautiful Lodge after which we all stopped for coffee and sandwiches at a beautiful medieval type restaurant near the Lodge, and then back to our hotel. Later that day, we met him and his wife at a restaurant for dinner.

        This brother was delightful to be with and made our vacation that much more enjoyable and interesting and I plan to correspond with him as he might come to California next year. This was an example of one of the joys and benefits of being a Mason and I strongly recommend that if you travel either in this country or overseas that you prepare ahead and try to have a Masonic adventure such as I had.

The Magic of Masonry
                                                                                      by Brother R Dana Moser

        During the devastating fires of ‘03 in Lake Arrowhead there were 90 homes lost in that community. Two of those homes belonged to a Brother Mason, Richard "Dick" Pritzinger, another to his son Rick, who lived right next door with his beautiful Bride of 21 years, Cammie, and three sons. Fortunately Brother Pritzinger was prepared and he and his son were eventually able to rebuild. Among the family memorabilia lost in the fire, was Bro. Pritzingers Masonic Apron. Dick contacted the Lodge and requested a replacement. This is how that simple request affected the lives of myself, and 9 other people. This, my Brethren is Masonry at its finest! This, I had to share with you all. Wor. Mike Diaz and I were informed of Bro. Pritzingers request and Wor. Diaz asked me to look into this matter.

        I contacted Dick to make plans for us to replace the apron. I told him that we wanted to bring him the apron rather than simply having it delivered, and that we would take him and his family to lunch. We ended our first phone conversation laughing like old Friends, and I gave dick my word he would have his Apron replaced. This was in December of ‘07, I attempted to contact Dick for the next five months to no avail. Finally I left a message for anyone who might be picking up Dicks messages to contact me as I was now becoming worried. In May of this year dicks daughter in law contacted me and said Dick had been in the hospital all this time but was expected to be released in a few days. I told her of Dicks request and that we wanted to bring the apron up and take them all to lunch. She informed me that due to his C.O.P.D., severe Emphysema, and diabetes, he was, at this point housebound. Within the next few days, just as she told me, I received a call from Dick, and for a guy just released from four months in the hospital, and now homebound due to his illnesses, Dick’s attitude was incredible. I told Dick if we couldn't bring him to lunch, then we'd bring lunch to him!

        Upon reporting the details of Dick's situation to Wor. Mike, he told me that we would be taking his apron up to Lake Arrowhead to present to him in person, along with a compliment of Brethren from the Lodge. When I told this to Dick, he was so very happy to hear of our upcoming visit. His home nurse Cathleen even called me back to tell me all he had been talking about was the fact that his "Masonic Brethren were coming up to see him." The date set, myself, Wor. Diaz, Bro. Jim "Doc" Coad, and Gabrielle Diaz (Wor. Diaz’ brother and a candidate) were on our way to Lake Arrowhead for a day none of us will ever forget. It was a beautiful sunny Saturday, as we left the Lodge and drove to Lake Arrowhead, with lots of laughs and fellowship on the drive.

        We arrived at Arrowhead Village and picked up some steaks, corn on the cob, sodas and of a few apple pies, which dicks Nurse told me were his favorite, and proceeded to dicks house. When we arrived we were greeted by Cathleen, Dick’s nurse, a wonderfully happy lady full of smiles and energy. As we entered this beautiful home there sat Dick in his wheelchair, an oxygen mask over his mouth, looking more like a pilot who belonged in the cockpit of a B-52, than the dining room table where he sat. Dick had a smile that could light up a football field, and he welcomed us as if we were family. As we all introduced each other and began getting to know who was who, Dick's daughter-In-law Cammie arrived with one of her sons. Next, Dick’s son Rick with yet another grandson in tow, and eventually the third grandson trickled in the front door. So, there we all were. Four complete strangers and this wonderful family. The only thread connecting us? Masonry.

        As we all sat like a big family reunion of sorts, getting acquainted on this beautiful day in Lake Arrowhead, telling stories of Masonic history, tales and Jokes. The three young men that are Dick’s grandsons talking about their love of Grandpa Dick, and of their high school football team, on which they all play. The three grandsons joking and kidding each other, with never once a sign of competition or the like that usually comes from teenage Brothers attending the same high school. Rather they seemed to have a sincere affection toward each other so rare in families these days. All three young men were very well mannered and closely bonded with each other. There was the oldest Ricky, 20, who had been the "football star." He now was coaching the team, and bragged endlessly about his younger siblings’ football careers. His hand in a cast from a football injury he is eager to get the cast off so he can get hired on to the local fire dept. Then there was the middle grandson David, 18, who is the brain in the trio, studying physics, physiology, trigonometry, and the like because he thinks "it's fun," and is also a fullback on the team. He was the quiet one. The youngest of the bunch was Dillon, 16, he was the "ladies man," a real charmer, taller than the other two and the obvious jokester of them, had an air of mischievousness and yet in such clear admiration of his two older brothers. He is described as marching to his own drum. Dillon, is also a running back, safety, and quarterback on the high school team.

        The Grandsons being interested in Masonry, listened attentively as Grandpa and his Brethren talked joked and laughed together. David, studied the Masonic Information we brought like it was a science test. So there we all were on this beautiful sunny day in Lake Arrowhead, talking of fires, Masonry, football, Family, community, and future. Gabrielle Diaz, our new candidate, and Brother of Wor. Mike Diaz, who just happens to be a professional Chef, was cooking up possibly the biggest steaks any of us had ever seen...to perfection.

        Then came the feast! And feast we did! This day couldn't have been more perfect and truly enjoyable in any way. I think we all agreed it had to be the handy work of the Supreme Architect of the Universe. As the day grew later and our departure time arrived we all parted company. Happy, our stomachs full, our minds filled with the joy of new found Friends, yet we parted more like Family. As we drove away from Brother Richard "Dick" Pritzingers home, waving our goodbyes, we all felt we had been truly blessed that beautiful day. We reminisced about our visit, our Brother, his Family, and the profound impact it had on each of us.

        The Magic of Masonry? this day we all agreed was truly Masonic, and Magical and the memory will go with each of us to our graves! Thank you Brother Pritzinger, for your hospitality, your kindness, the sharing of your wonderful Family, and of yourself. Oh, and Dick? Thanks for setting this all in motion by asking for a replacement Apron, as none of this would have happened if you hadn't made the call!

Brotherhood is a Dream
Submitted by Junior Warden, Brother Dana Moser. Written by Karsten M. Nilson PM

Brotherhood in the world is a dream yet to be realized. In Masonry it is a fact. The link between each Brother is an eternal bond wherein lies our strength.

In the world of Masonry there is a common ground of unity no matter what a mans position, state or status may be. Brotherhood is a treasure and in order to always have it, we dare not take it for granted.

Let us cultivate the highest and best in our Brotherly relations. Let us never allow anything to cause a Brother or the Brotherhood to suffer. Let us share the best of life as well as the worst. Let our obligations be steadfast and let Love prevail.

Let us always consider one another in our responsibilities and functions. Let us share in each others sorrow, misfortune, weakness, strengths and triumphs. Let us laugh and weep with each other. Let us accept and understand each other in the spirit of peace and unity. Let not our strength turn into arrogance for in doing so we will destroy not only ourselves but everyone else.

Let us never forget our sense of destiny as Brothers. The world about us and within us is one. Masonry shall not die. The Brotherhood is born for a destiny far exceeding men, nations, and events. In a world of fear, suspicion, distrust. and lack of credibility, our Masonic Brotherhood has much to offer. If each of us begins with the highest and best for each other as Brothers the "Light" will never dim.

The fruits of our labors shall not be in vain if we practice what we preach and teach as truth.

From the desk of the Secretary
Submitted by our Secretary, Wor. Mimo Akkari

It is hard to believe that we are into March & Spring just around the corner.

I was reading this story & I started to think about our members who do not attend lodge as often, or those members who have not attended at all in last 10 years or so. For those of you who think you are too busy to stop by once a month, I hope the following story will help you find the time.

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee.  A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.  When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.  He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar.  He shook the jar lightly.  The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.  He then asked the students again if the jar was full.  They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.   Of course, the sand filled up everything else.  He asked once more if the jar was full.  The students responded with a unanimous "yes." 

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand.  The students laughed.

"Now," said the professor as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.  The golf balls are the important things--God, You, your health, your family, your children, your friends and your favorite passions--and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.  The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.  The sand is everything else--the small stuff.

"If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.  The same goes for life.  If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.  Play with your children.  Take time to get medical checkups.  Take your spouse out to dinner.  Play another 18.  There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.  Take care of the golf balls first--the things that really matter.  Set your priorities.  The rest is just sand." One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.  The professor smiled.  "I'm glad you asked.  It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."

What is the Length of your Cable Tow? 
by Brother Dallas D Munger

        We hear these words spoken all throughout our Masonic teachings, but how often do we really think about what they mean?  With the Grand Master’s project this year having to do with coming home and trying to get as many of our membership to attend stated meetings as possible, I have been thinking of this expression quite a bit.

        Many will say to themselves (or have family members say to them), “What has the Lodge done for me?”  This is the basis for what they weigh the option of traveling out of their way to go to a stated meeting or an event.  For most, the answer to that question would be, “well, the Lodge hasn’t really done anything for me.”  But if we turn that question around and ask ourselves, “what have I done for the Lodge?,” the answer would probably be the same.  So what do we expect to happen?  Once we get raised as a Master Mason, we will get the keys to the new world order and every door will open up for us?  You’ll get the promotion or job that you have been coveting and you will have a windfall of cash?  These are the thoughts that we should not have and why we are asked what we intend to get out of Masonry upon our investigation interview before we take even one oath to the Lodge.

        Think about it another way.   How far would you travel to be with your family? Masonic tradition tells us that we should value our family above all. Many of us could not be kept away from our family if it were in our power to be with them.  We make excuses to friends, we take time off from work and travel great distances to be with our family to enjoy spelling bees, soccer games, piano recitals, etc.  I do not think anyone would fault us for this at all.  It is what is expected of us to be a good father, husband, brother, uncle or son, and we accept our duty with pleasure.

        I was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in August of 2007 and I started putting in work almost immediately.  I looked into it and asked what it would take for me to be in charge of the Lodge’s website.  When Worshipful Mike Diaz asked if I could take over as the editor of the Trestle Board and I did not hesitate to step up to the call of duty.  I was also doing all of this from a distance as I was living in Santa Barbara county and I would travel three hours one way to come to Lodge whenever I could.  I did not make every meeting, but I was there for several events and the all important November meeting in which the annual elections are held. 

        So, back to the original question, “how far would you go for your Lodge?”  I know that many of us are in situations with our jobs that do not allow much freedom of schedule.  Also, living in an area like Los Angeles, puts a wrench in the works due to the amount of time that it takes to travel anywhere in the early evening.  Our Lodge is made up of members that are spread all throughout the LA metro area, the state of California and indeed the entire world.  Many have come to South Pasadena, instead of a more convenient Lodge, due to the connections that they have made to our Lodge, through work or social circles, and once they come to our Lodge they feel that it is the right place for them.  Some do not realize the commitment it takes to be an active member of the Lodge.  Also, many do not realize that, like anything else, you will only get out of it what you are willing to put into it.

        This year I am taking part in the Master’s Executive committee and doing what I can to use my skills as an actor and director to help improve our ritual work as much as possible. I also had the opportunity to help the Master with memorizing the third degree lecture and have been providing transportation to brothers in need that would like to get to the Lodge, but have no other way to get there.  So, after all of the things that I have done for the Lodge, I should be sitting pretty, right?  As of this writing, I have no full time employment and have been living in a different state from my wife and son for the last five months while looking for work in LA.  So, I could be blaming Masonry, or being bitter about the situation that I find myself in, or making excuses about how I do not have time for the Lodge because I need to focus on myself, but my argument is this: “putting in work for the Lodge is something that I can do while I am under-employed to help better myself and be ready for the next opportunity.”  After all, our motto is that, “we make good men better,” but how do we expect to improve if we do not take part in the process?

        We all have a different answer because we are all in different situations. The answer may be different for an individual at different times of his life as well.  I do not wish to make anyone feel attacked or guilty, but I do think the question is one worthy of analysis for every individual Mason.  Do not forget that we all take an oath to each other before we can be raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. Perhaps it is easy to forget this one line and not think about it due to commitments that we make to others and to ourselves.  Perhaps we have more faith that our Lodge will always be there and can forgive our absence easier than friends or family.  One thing that I love about our brotherhood is that it is bigger than any one man and it will survive with or without me or you.  However, you never know how much time you have left and if you came to this Lodge for the right reasons, you may want to start taking advantage of all that it has for you.  Someone will be here for you when you decide to come knocking.