Brethren,
             I wish to start my last article of this Masonic year, by saying thank you to all of the members and officers of Newton Lodge No 59 A.M. & F.M. for making my year in the East a lovely and heart felt experience. This year has been filled with many incredible and memorable snapshots that flood my mind as I write this communication. I would love to go over a few of these images, but just writing about a few memories would not do justice to the thousands of others that I could mention. Thus, I will tell you that my year as your Worshipful Master has been very exciting, revealing and rewarding. Shifting gears just a bit, I would like to focus on the future of our Craft Masonry. It has always intrigued me when discussing Masonry with the older brethren of the Craft as to why they became Masons in the first place. In these discussions I have found a critical, unique and vital ingredient that should be at the heart of any new potential candidate of Masonry, which is the fundamental belief in God. I cringe at how many eyes may role at my stating this so obvious and emphatic necessity for future Mason's. Suffice it to say; I do see a beautiful future ahead for Masonry and those subscribing to a sincere belief in deity.  I have noticed recently that our interests and involvements have sharply increased over the past several months and I am sure that this trend shall continue for future generations to come. Again, thank you for journeying with me through my year in the East. For those of you reading this document that are Masons, I would like to especially, thank you for your support and prayers. For those reading this document that are not Masons I would ask you to look into your heart and discover for yourself if you think you have what it takes to even become a Mason. I believe that proper introspection causes one to lean towards effective future actions. 
   As a dear friend would say May the Force be with you!!! 
                                     God Speed                               
                                      Fraternally,
                              Dennis “Toby” Williams, WM
   .                

From the South

At our December Stated meeting the Worshipful Master will be preparing the meal. I have been told it will be a meal to remember.
       Ward Bailey Junior Warden

More from the East

November 1st, was past masters night and we had 47 brothers there. We also received the Grand Lodge Officers. The meal was prepared by the ladies from Eastern Star. It was a great meal and again thank you ladies. Thank you to all the past masters for all your wisdom. At our stated meeting we had an election for 2013 officers.  I am happy to tell you we voted Greg Van Vark for Worshipful Master, Rodney Hollinger for Senior Warden, Randy Hollinger Junior Warden, James Klier Sr. Treasurer, and Wade Sheeler Secretary. I am sure you all will do a great job next year. And for our Temple Custodians we voted to fill two positions congrats Wade Sheeler and Ward Bailey you both will do a great job.

Newton Chapter #100 O.E.S.

At our November stated meeting, the 2013 Officers were elected. Kathy Hackathorn, WM, Ed Meade, WP, Sharon Jolley, AM, Wade Sheeler, AP, Helen Ratliff, Secretary, Karen Meade, Treasurer, JoAnn Bergeson, Conductress and Delores Jensen, Associate Conductress. Congratulations to all and we are hoping for another good year at Newton Chapter. Closed Installation will be at our December 3rd stated meeting. A motion was made, seconded and carried that the Ways and Means committee will include all officers. This will no longer be the responsibility of just the Associate Conductress.
A note from Helen:  Please get your 2012 dues paid as soon as possible so that you don't become tardy or suspended!
Thanks to all who have made 2012 a memorable year!

JoAnn Bergeson,                    Jim Warnock,
Worthy Matron                    Worthy Patron

 

Newton York Rite News

The following officers have been elected to serve the Newton York Rite Bodies for 2013:  High Priest (Dan Crook), Illustrious Master (Dan Crook), and Eminent Commander (Robert Mick).  Wade Sheeler will serve as Secretary/Recorder. We still have some officer positions to fill for 2013. Oriental Commandery #22 will be observing the annual Christmas Observance on Wednesday, December 5th. A traditional Christmas dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m., followed by the monthly conclave at 7:30 p.m. Please join us for an evening of fellowship and observance of this holy season.  If you have not paid your 2013 dues, please remember that they are due and payable by January 1st.

Lessons From Geese

By Brother Milton Olson, Reprinted from The Masonic Trowel

Fact: As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the birds following. By flying in a “V”         formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if the bird flew alone.
Lesson: Masons who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

Fact: When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the birds immediately in front of it.
Lesson: If masons have as much sense as geese, they will stay in formation with those who are headed where we want to go and be willing to accept their help and give help to others.
 
Fact: When the lead goose gets tires, it rotates back into the formation, and another goose flies at the point position.
Lesson: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership-with people, as with geese, we are interdependent on each other.

Fact: The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.
Lesson: Masons need to make sure the honking from behind is encouraging – and not something else.

Fact: When a goose gets sick, wounded or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with it until it is able to fly again or dies. Then they launch out on, with another formation, or try to catch up with the flock.
Lesson: If masons have as much sense as geese, they too will stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong.
                                                JOIN THE FLOCK!!                             
                                                                                               

The Working Tools

The working tools of Masonry are the Level, Square, and Compasses.
Level to even, that no Mason be inclined to pride or hauteur.
Square to be upright, honest in everything to God and to Man.
Compasses divide inside circle from out; passions hold in check.
The working tools of Masonry are the Gavel, Gauge, Plumb, and Trowel.
Gavel setting maul, blunt tool for rough shaping of a man's character.
Gauge of twenty-four, measures of the length of days, divided three ways.
Plumb vertical angle right to the Earth; are we ecological?
Trowel Master's tool, for once the cement has set there can be no change.