You all should have received your dues envelopes by now.  Dues for next year (2012) are $80.00.  They are due and payable on January 1, 2012.  Please make your checks payable to Friendship Lodge No. 210 and mail them to:

Friendship Lodge No. 210

c/o James Greer

1152 Prentiss Drive

San Jose, CA 95120

We [the Finance Committee and the Master] have been in the discussion process of increasing the amount of our fee for the Application for Degrees that all new prospective members must complete and present upon their desire to become a member of Friendship Lodge No. 210.  Formal discussion will be had at this month’s Stated Meeting.  A proposed By-laws amendment will be formulated and a copy of that will be in next month’s Trestleboard.  There is a procedure that the Lodge must follow to increase this application fee and the process starts at this month’s Stated Meeting, followed by the membership notification [in the Trestleboard], followed by a vote in Lodge and the subsequent Stated Meeting.  If passed by a two-thirds vote of those present in Lodge, the proposed change then goes to the Grand Master for his approval.  If and when approved, the Lodge may then increase the application fee for all NEW members.  This increase, it is hoped will help to defray the costs associated with the degree conferral process.

 Fraternally,

Jim Greer, Secretary

Fraternally,

Billy L. Mills, PM 2007

Lodge Historian 

This Month in Friendship Lodge History

 20 Years Ago…

At a special meeting on February 27, 1992, Brother Kenneth Edward Ruyle passed his First Degree Proficiency.  He was examined by Brother “Bud” Wilson (long time coach and father of Robert L. Wilson, PM 1975).  At this same meeting, Brothers Kenneth Ruyle and Humberto Flores were passed to the Second Degree of Masonry.  Brother Tabor presented the carpet lecture to both candidates and Worshipful Paul Lyew, PM 1982 &1990 gave the Second Degree Charge.  (Note: Wor. Aaron Tabor became Master in 1995, Wor. Humberto Flores in 1998 and Wor. Kenneth Ruyle in 2000).

 50 Years Ago…

At a special meeting on February 15, 1962 five Fellowcraft were examined by Brother Joseph Gai and were found proficient.  The five brothers were Billy Gene Wilson, Gordon Ballard, Elmer Schnaible, Earl Hildebrand and Norval Clenkenbeard.

A special meeting on February 22, 1962 was convened for the purpose of conferring the Third Degree of Masonry upon Brother Billy Gene Wilson. The Master’s lecture was delivered by the W.M., Paul Holsinger and the charge was given by our J.D. Wallace Stovall.

[Source: Lodge Minutes]

Note: Our Secretary, Brother James Greer wrote a short article in the March, 2009 Trestleboard about Brother Billy Gene Wilson.  It is re-printed here for you to read. 

Secretary’s Table

On January 27th, our Brother Billy Gene Wilson passed away.  I had a brief correspondence with him some years ago.  I only wish I had met him.

When I was growing up, I was a 49er fan and Billy Wilson and Y. A. Tittle were my heroes.  I went to the same high school, Campbell High School, as Billy Wilson [a bit later however].  He played football at San Jose State and ended his football career with the San Francisco 49ers.

            Brother Billy was Raised in Friendship Lodge on February 22, 1962.  On his application, he listed his occupation as “Pro Football 1951 to 1960”.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Jim Greer, Secretary

[Above article reprinted from our Lodge’s March, 2009 Trestleboard].

I would like to provide some additional information I have researched about Brother Billy Wilson.  He was born in Sayre, Oklahoma on February 3, 1927.  He moved with his family to California at the age of three.  Many families did so as this was during the time of the Great Depression and Dust Bowls in that part of the Midwest.

As a wide receiver for the 49ers he led the NFL in pass receptions three times.  He was an All-Pro first-team selection two times.  He played in six straight Pro Bowls and was the MVP in 1955.  He was elected to the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame in 2000.  After retiring from active play with the 49ers, he spent thirty years with the organization as an assistant coach, scout and was in public relations.

Some years later, he moved to the small town of Clio which is between Quincy and Truckee in the foothills.  He passed away in Carlsbad, California where one of his daughters lives. 

I contacted a Masonic friend of mine who was with the 49ers organization and asked him about Brother Billy.  He said he knew him to be a fine, upright person who had nary a bad word to say about anyone whether it was an opposing team, a player or his own group.

[Excerpts from: SFGate.com]

[Dwight Chapin, Chronicle Senior Writer, Tuesday, November 11, 2003]

[Tom FitzGerald, Chronicle Staff Writer, Wednesday, January 28, 2009]

Our January stated meeting dinner was a huge success, and an excellent start to 2012.  The theme was Chinese New Year; the food was from China Inn (on The Alameda at Shasta Avenue) and King Egg Roll (on Lundy Avenue).  Thank you to everyone who attended (especially those who made reservations), and to those who purchased “Pre-Paid Dinner Cards”.  I would especially like to thank Jason Barnett and Keenan Mills for helping set up, and my wife Evonne and her sister Elizabeth for the very nice table decorations.

Our next stated meeting dinner on February 2^nd will be our Home-Made Soup Supper (always a treat).  Worshipful Billy Mills and his lady Karin Mills originated this tradition, and will be helping to organize this event.  If you would like to bring a Home-Made Soup, please contact either me or Worshipful Mills (he can be contacted at: w7ait@sbcglobal.net or telephone 408-532-7456) as soon as possible.  Of course, if you plan on attending please contact me for reservations.

Also in February, our annual Sweetheart’s Brunch will be on the Sunday before Valentine’s Day, February 12^th starting at 10:00 AM, at Pedro’s Restaurant in Santa Clara (see the notice for this event enclosed in this Trestleboard).  The price is $23 per person.  The deadline to RSVP is February 7^th (so we can give the restaurant the final count).  Please call for reservations and come show our respect, support and love to our lodge widows.

This year, we will again be giving members of Friendship Lodge 210 the opportunity to pay for their 2012 stated meeting dinners up front.  It’s not to late to apply.  The cost for a “Pre-Paid Dinner Card” (PPDC) is $75 for members for the whole year and $80 for non-members (spouses, etc.).  If you forgot to bring it in January, we will still accept pre-payment arrangments through the March stated meeting dinner (pro-rated for January/February dinners, of course).  For those members who come to all of our stated meetings, this is a great opportunity to pay up front and not worry about bringing cash to each meeting.  You are also getting such a deal, as you are saving $12 off the cost of paying monthly, which comes to almost two free dinners.  Also, by getting a PPDC, you automatically get a “standing reservation” which really helps us with our dinner order processing.

To make reservations for any of the stated meeting dinners or the Sweetheart’s Brunch, or if you are interested in purchasing a 2012 Pre-Paid Dinner Card, please contact me at:

    Phone:  (408) 985-5248

    E-Mail:  helmuth@magicbells.com .

Also, we can now make Dinner/Event Reservations through the Lodge’s Web-Site at http://friendship210.org .  Click on the appropriate tag in the “Upcoming Events” section to make reservations on-line.

P.S.: As we go to press, final arrangements are being made for the Annual Ultimate Crab Feed on January 19^th.  We are expecting between 185 and 190 guests.  Check the Trestleboard next month for a report on the Crab Feed.

 Fraternally,

Helmuth Litfin, Junior Warden

Here is something from the Handbook for Candidates Coaches.

The Duties, Privileges and Restrictions of an Entered Apprentice Mason

As a man is initiated and becomes an Entered Apprentice Mason his status within the lodge and among his brothers has changed. He has been accepted for further training. His coach, like the Master Mason of old, is bound to teach him, by precept and example, what makes a good Mason.

His first duty is, of course, to be bound by his obligation to the lodge. The burdens and responsibilities are not yet his but he must be taught that with knowledge comes responsibility and he should prepare himself for it. As knowledge can only be gained by effort, so he must acquire the patience to persevere and the will to succeed. Each man who has gone before has trod the same difficult path and, in the learning, made himself a better man.

There are basic virtues explained in this Degree and set forth in the Monitor which should have been his practice before his application was made. We consider him doubly bound to observe the uses of the twenty-four inch gauge and the common gavel, to act always as though clothed in a lambskin apron, to reverently contemplate on the Great Architect who has blessed him, to bear always in mind the Plumb, Square and Level and to view his own Masonic experience as a symbolic stone or Ashlar being formed to better fit into the structure of Masonry.

The Entered Apprentice is bound to his own lodge. He can only visit another lodge in the company of a Master Mason from his own lodge and then only for meetings held on the First Degree. He can only withdraw from the lodge if a change of residence removes him from the jurisdiction. The greatest privilege extended him is that of being taught by one man; his Coach, who can best express Masonry’s man-to-man friendship and brotherhood.

He cannot receive charity, nor can he vote in lodge, since he is not yet a member. He may still be rejected, after objection by a member, investigation and report to the lodge and a vote by the lodge to determine the validity of the objection. He may be tried, if charges of un-Masonic conduct are brought against him, and suspended or expelled as a result.

 Fraternally,
Vassil Bebelekov, (Favorite) Senior Warden

In the month of February we are having our traditional Sweetheart brunch at Pedro’s Restaurant and Cantina Sunday, February 12, 2012.  For reservation please see our Junior Warden.

To continue our goal for living more green, we will have an opportunity to learn about Turtle and Tortoises.  On March 15, 2012, The California Turtle & Tortoise Club of Silicon Valley will be exhibiting and displaying turtles & tortoises.  This society is dedicated to Turtle and Tortoise preservation, conservation and education since 1964.  They promote and facilitate the care, rescue and adoption of native and non-native species.  This is held the same day as the Pizza and Magic Show for the young groups.

For a few years Friendship Lodge has supported the “Walk for MS”.  Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system (CNS) made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from one person to another.  Today, new treatments and advances in research are giving hope to people affected by the disease. As you know, several members our lodge has been touched by this disease. The Walk for MS is the rallying point of the community coming together to raise funds and celebrate hope for the future. The MS society is working to find a cure to this disease and Friendship Lodge is joining to this effort. Please join us to support this important cause by making your donation online or join us on the Walk MS on April 28, 2012.  To make donation, go directly to http://tinyurl.com/teampaytondonate.  Or join us the Walk MS on April 28^th. To join the team, go to http://tinyurl.com/teampayton.  If you are interested on

learning more please visit:

www.nationalmultiplesclerosis.org.

Technology has increasingly become an important means of communication and collaboration. From cell phones to iPads, GPS navigators in our cars and Xboxes in our homes.  We use these tools to stay connected.  Friendship lodge is beginning to leverage these technologies to facilitate communication more broadly.  We now regularly post our Trestle Board online for members and non-members enjoyment.  We have also created a Facebook page where members can express opinions, view and post pictures from our activities, and keep up to date with the happenings at Friendship lodge.

You’ll start to see an updated calendar of events where you can make reservations right from the website. We also provide links to the greater Masonic community and our rich history

Visit www.friendship210.org or our Facebook page www.facebook.com/friendshiplodge210 to keep posted.

Fraternally,

José Pulido, Master

Dues for next year (2012) are $80.00.  They are due and payable on January 1, 2011.  Please make your checks payable to Friendship Lodge No. 210 and mail them to:

Friendship Lodge No. 210

c/o James Greer

1152 Prentiss Drive

San Jose, CA 95120

Fraternally,

Jim Greer, Secretary

I would like to thank Worshipful Joe Martinez for serving as Lodge Historian for the last five years.  His service in this capacity was greatly appreciated.

Worshipful Joe and I recently met with our current Master, Jose Pulido and our Secretary, Brother Jim Greer.  Our discussions centered on how we might properly store and preserve our Lodge Records, artifacts and other miscellany.  We are also exploring the best way to digitize our Minutes Books, Individuals Records and Photo Albums.

This certainly will be an ongoing and ambitious project.  We will report on the activities from time to time.

Fraternally,

Billy L. Mills, PM 2007

Lodge Historian

This Month in Friendship Lodge History

20 Years Ago…

At the January 1992 stated meeting, the lodge was called from labor to refreshment for the stated meeting dinner as well as the presentation of the “Golden Veterans Award” to Worshipful Lawrence A Campbell, P.M.  There were eighty plus brothers, ladies and friends in attendance to honor him for fifty years as a Master Mason.

At this same meeting, Brother Jim Grove, (then Senior Warden), reported on the trip he took to Pasadena, CA this New Years Eve and New Years Day.  He described his seeing the Masonic Float being built and being presented in the Tournament of Roses Parade 1992. This was the first time California Masons participated in the event.

50 Years Ago…

At the January 1962 special meeting convened for the purpose of installing the officers of the lodge for the ensuing masonic year, we find that Eugene T. Brown was appointed Junior Steward.  Brother Gene was well known and served the lodge for many years as Treasurer.

At a subsequent special meeting during the same month, we find in the minutes of the meeting… “Now appeared F.C. (Fellowcraft) Bro. Walter Wm. Fox and he was examined in the lecture of the F.C. Degree by Bro. Woodrow Reedy and found proficient”.  (Note, Walter Fox was elected to serve as Master in 1968).

Source: Lodge Minutes

Allow me to introduce myself and welcome you to another wonderful year of food and fellowship.  My name is Helmuth Litfin, and I will be your Junior Warden for this coming year.  Our previous Junior Warden (Vassil Bebelekov) did an excellent job and will be a very hard act to follow (thanks Vassil!).  I look forward to continuing his high standards.

Worshipful Jim Grove and his crew created an especially wonderful Prime Rib dinner at our December stated meeting.  It is only due to the generosity and cooking/organizational skills of our fellow members (thanks everyone!) that we are allowed such impressive dinners and variety.  Thank you also to Job’s Daughters Bethel 129 for their table service.

For our January stated meeting dinner on January 5^th, we will be enjoying Chinese food to ring in the New 2012 Year!  Looking forward to February, our stated meeting dinner will be our Home-Made Soup Supper (always a treat).

Also, please observe the notice for the Annual Ultimate Crab Feed, enclosed in this Trestleboard.  This event will be held at the San Jose Masonic Center on Thursday January 19^th at 6:30PM. This event is always well attended, so reservations MUST be made by January 14^th.  The price for this event is:

    Adults:  $20.00

    Children 12-and-under:  $10.00

    Children 5-and-under:  Free

PLEASE NOTE:  The young ladies of Job’s Daughters Bethel #129 will be serving our meal and will be accepting donations for their food service during this event (there will be donation containers at each table).  Please come and support our youth groups!

To make reservations for the Crab Feed or any of the stated meeting dinners, please contact me at:

    Phone:  (408) 985-5248

    E-Mail:  helmuth@magicbells.com .

See you there!

Fraternally,

Helmuth Litfin, Junior Warden

INTRODUCTION: One of the most important factors contributing to the success of the lodges a well-planned and organized program. Then it takes work-and more work; learning and more planning, to make for real success in a lodge. The building of a successful lodge is largely the responsibility of the Worshipful Master. He must not only be an excellent presiding officer, but he must be a spiritual guide for the brethren of his lodge, a go-between when necessary, and an instructor in the ritualistic teachings. He must ever be on the alert for ways and means of stimulating interest in the lodge’s program. The master is directly responsible for the planning and presentation of activities that will inspire and inform the brethren of his lodge and thus assure its growth and development.

A. FIRST STEP IS TO KNOW YOUR BRETHREN:

1. Friendship Group

2. Morality Group

3. Brotherly Love Group

***Popularity Group***

B. SECOND STEP IS THE PREPARATION STAGE:

1. Ritualistic Work

2. By-Laws

3. MWPHGL Code

4. Increase your Masonic Knowledge and Skills

5. Be Faithful to the Lodge and your Brethren

C. ELECTION: THIRD STEP IS THE PLANNING STAGE:

1. Staff meeting – Secretary and Treasurer

(a) Bank Cards               (f) Grand Lodge Reports

(b) Bank Statements       (g) Financial Cards and Rituals

(c) Check Book                  (h) Delinquent Dues

(d) Receipt Book               (i) Dropped From the Rolls

(e) Members Ledger Book (j) Death Benefits & Procedures

NOTE: Emphasis is placed on the fact that the Master must “Know His Men” and must not, under any circumstances, place Brethren in positions or on Committees merely because of likes. He must put men in these places of responsibility who have the best qualifications for the position. (Not Popularity)

2. Staff Meeting – Senior and Junior Wardens

  (a) Explain your Duty and their Duties

  (b) Develop a Communication Channel

  (c) Appointment of Officers

  (d) Establish Committees and the Chairman for each. Ask These Five Questions:

1. Devotion: Is he devoted to his work and does he    genuinely like to do this type?

2. Dependability: All of his capabilities are no good if he cannot be trusted to carry through.

3. Determination: Is he determined to do a good job and not easily discouraged?

4. Diligence: Is he diligent in his performances, by taking advantage of every opportunity for improvement and pushing on?

5. Delightfulness: This is the most important question of all; no matter how capable, efficient, or brilliant he is, if he is not a nice person to work with, he will never be a successful leader, “Delightful” has to do with disposition and personality.

3. Staff Meeting – All Officers and all Committees Chairman’s

  (a) Ritualistic (Opening & Closing Ceremonies)

  (b) Duties of Appointed Officers

  (c) Duties of Committees

      1. Sick and Charity                                  6. Public Relation

      2. Attendance                              7. Youth

      3. Membership and Expansion       8. Relief

      4. Investigation                            9. Employment

      5. Masonic Education                 10. Welcoming

NOTE: The Worshipful Master, who is proficient, knows the duties of each officer. He is alert for any evidence of dissension, misunderstanding or lack of interest in the Lodge and he must maintain within the Lodge a spirit of harmony and cooperation, which can only be done through understanding and confidence.

D. ACTIVITIES FOR YEAR-TRESTLE BOARD:

1. Continuing projects of the Lodge

2. Previous Events (Successful or not Successful)

3. This year Pre-scheduled activities

4. Establish Goals (Membership, Scholarship,   Charity Projects, Grand Lodge Program)

5. Meet and brief the Past Masters

NOTE: The Master should insist that each officer and chairman be present and if it is absolutely impossible for an officer or chairman to attend, that person should give his reason to the master before the staff meeting. Normally, if the master has told his officers of the necessity for holding staff meeting prior to the regular business meeting of the Lodge, he will encounter very little difficulty in getting them to attend.

E. ORGANIZE AN AGENDA FOR ALL MEETINGS:

1. The prerequisites for a good program are:

(a) Planning, and lots of it, ahead of time;

(b) Persistency and Patience;

(c) Pushancy (Create an interest);

(d) Personal Supervision.

2. The best program uses as many members as possible.

3. Present a program to the Lodge only, when every detail has been worked out thoroughly.

SUMMARY: The position of Worshipful Master of a Masonic Lodge is draped with honor, clothed with authority cloaked with responsibilities and adorned with obligations. It pays no wages in the coin of the realm, yet it offers to the worthy a wealth of experience. To the weak it lends strength; to the strong it teaches humility; to the vain it offers glory and to the faithful an opportunity to serve mankind.

MAY YOU CONTINUE TO BE BLESSED WITH WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Vassil Bebelekov, (Favorite) Senior Warden

I would like to start the New Year by thanking each and every one of you for electing me to serve as Master for the ensuing Masonic Year. I hope to make the year 2012 fun and productive.

The year 2011 was full of fun and great surprises.  This coming year will continue this tradition.  As we mentioned during the Installation of Officers, we will do our best to reach out not only to our widows and members, but also to our new Entered Apprentices and Fellowcrafts, and engage them in every activity. We will extend a helping hand to those who are in need. 

We will continue our support of the public schools by adopting another school in the East San Jose area. This will make a total of two schools supported by Friendship Lodge No. 210.  We will focus our effort in promoting education, diversity and tolerance among members and non-members. We will bring multiple educational sessions for all ages. We will support and learn different cultures and life styles.

For the month of January, we are having our traditional Crab Feed event, please see the attached flyer. The event will take place at the San Jose Masonic Center on January 19^th, 2012.

We are extending the Payment Plan for Lifetime Membership for the year 2012. This year we will be offering a new way for more of our members to become Life Members, not only protecting themselves from future dues increases, but assuring their families their Masonic Benefits and Privileges are protected. This is truly an investment that will yield great returns.

We are also offering a pre-payment plan for our 2012 Stated Meeting Dinners. Price per member will be $75.00 for the year and $80.00 for non-members.

Finally, please review the lodge calendar of events on the front of the Trestleboard for dates of upcoming events, degrees, and officer practices.

Fraternally,

Jose L. Pulido, Master 2012