Grand Master's Message - Three Steps Up - Thoughts
Brethren, the Grand Lodge Planning Session held in Boise on October 22nd was well attended, considering other Masonic events happening on the same date. It is utterly impossible to schedule any event that doesn't compete with another Masonic Event. I want to thank everyone that attended the Grand Lodge Planning Session and the IMFA meeting that followed. The item on the agenda that led to most of the discussion at the session was regarding the upcoming training conferences in the spring. The Spring Communications have been revised to Training Conferences, which may include a name change for the conferences, to all those desiring further light needed to advance up the line as officers in their Lodges or just to gain further knowledge about our fraternity. The consensus on how to finance these conferences is that each Lodge would be asked to contribute $30.00, which would cover the cost for all members from their Lodge that desire to attend the conference in their area. As advertised at the Fall Communications there will be 5 conferences held around the state in; Pocatello, Twin Falls, Boise, Lewiston and Coeur d' Alene. This should give everyone a choice of location to attend.
In the IMFA meeting, lots of ideas and suggestions were discussed. The new Rainbow Assembly scheduled to be instituted in Twin Falls had a problem with withdrawal of several of the new girls due to their parent's decision that the Masonic Fraternity is a cult. I don't know how we are ever going to get rid of this stigma perpetrated by those that do not understand who we are or what we do. The unfounded claims that are printed on the internet are unworthy of consideration. It is truly amazing to me how much people are influenced by the statements made on the internet and other writings. It is certainly frustrating that those that believe those writings don't take to the time to do their own assessment of Freemasonry and make their own decisions.
I for one am not ashamed to say that Freemasonry has improved my life. Freemasonry has lots to offer to those that seek to improve their lives. We do require a belief in a Supreme Being of your choice as part of the requirement to join Freemasonry. If that is a cult, I am part of it! In your contact with those that have the belief that we are a cult, ask them what their standards are for becoming a better human being in this journey we are all pursuing? What are they doing to improve themselves? Freemasonry means just as the name applies, "FREE". Freemasonry encourages all of us to be Free thinkers, Freedom of religious choice, Free from persecution, Freedom to assemble, Freedom of choice in our lives and Freedom to speak without accusation of cultism.
Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth are our great standards! We live by Faith, Hope and Charity. Being a cult is the farthest thing from my mind. Please exercise the Freedom you have, the Freedom of being who you are.
"Building Character" James A. Hensley MWGM
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Grand Masters Travel Schedule 2016-2017
Function
|
Date
|
Attending
|
Location
|
Rep Name / Default date
|
Whitman PM Night WA |
Jan. 18, 20 |
|
|
|
DON Ceremonial |
January 21st, 2017 |
|
Boise |
|
GL of Colorado |
January 27-28, 2017 |
Need Rep |
|
not specified |
GL of Utah - Salt Lake City |
Jan. 28-30 |
Yes |
|
5th Friday of year |
GL of Alaska |
Feb. 1-4 |
|
|
2nd weekend thru Tuesday in April |
GL of Nebraska - Kearney |
Feb. 2-4 |
Need Rep |
|
In February |
GM Conference - Omaha, NE |
Feb. 18-21 |
Yes |
|
|
Calam Potentate Ball |
May ?, 2017 |
|
|
|
GL Planning - Pocatello |
Mar. 4 |
Yes |
|
|
Regional Training |
March 11th |
|
Pocatello |
Proposed |
GL of New Mexico - Albuquerque? |
March 17-18 |
Yes |
|
3rd Friday in March |
Regional Training |
March 18th |
|
Twin Falls |
Proposed |
DON - Installation Iras Temple No. 40 |
Saturday, March 25, 2017 |
Yes |
|
|
Demolay conclave |
Mar |
Need Rep |
|
|
Regional Training |
April 1st |
|
Boise area |
Proposed |
Intl. Day BF/Creston BC |
Apr . 15, 2016 |
Yes |
|
|
Grand York Rite - Boise, ID |
Apr. 20-22 |
Yes |
|
|
Regional Training |
April 22nd |
|
Lewiston |
Proposed |
Regional Training |
April 29th |
|
Coeur D'Alene |
Proposed |
Unity Banquet |
May |
Yes |
|
|
GL of Oregon |
May 31-Jun 2 |
Yes |
|
|
GL of Arizona |
June 1-3, 2017 |
|
|
1st Friday in June |
Fiat Lux Lodge - New York |
Jun. 5, 2017 |
Yes |
|
|
GL of Washington - Yakima |
June 7-10 |
Yes |
|
2nd Friday in June. |
Grand Chapter OES - Boise |
June 11-13 |
Need Rep |
|
|
Demolay Intl. |
June 15-17 , Buffalo,NY |
|
|
|
Bannock Lodge |
Saturday, June 17, 2017 |
Need Rep |
|
|
Grand Session Job Daughters International |
June 14 - 17, 2017 |
|
Boise |
|
Prince Hall Grand Lodge |
June 22 - 25, 2017 ? |
|
Need Date |
|
GL of Montana |
June 22-24, 2017, Missoula, MT |
Yes |
|
In June |
Rainbow Girls |
July 6 - 10, 2017 ? |
Yes |
? |
|
Silver City Homecoming |
July 8 |
Yes |
|
|
Planning Session |
??? |
Yes |
|
|
Dedication at Hailey 16 |
July 1, 2017(?) |
|
|
|
Rocky Mtn. confer. |
July 20-22, 2017, Albuquerque, NM |
Yes |
|
|
GL of Wyoming |
August 14-15 (2nd Monday) |
Yes |
|
2nd Monday in August |
Challis Picnic |
Aug. 27 (?) |
Yes |
|
|
DON Supreme Queen Visit |
Sept. 5th, 2017 |
|
Boise |
|
GL of Idaho - Boise |
Sept. 21-13 |
Yes |
|
3rd Thursday of Sept. |
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Dates to Remember
See Lodge Trestleboards for upcoming events in your local Area
If you have something that you want everyone to know about contact Grand Lodge Office
|
7th Masonic District Practice "Red Room" 215 N. 10th Street, Boise, Idaho |
Every Tuesday
7:00 PM
|
|
Salubria Lodge #31 Bunco Party and Baked Potato Bar 7 - 10 PM 85 Central Blvd, Cambridge, ID |
November 18, 2016 |
|
Informal organization meeting for the new Charity Court # 8
Grove City Temple, Blackfoot 12 PM
|
November 19, 2016 |
|
Meridian Masonic Lodge, Meridian, ID 6:00 PM
|
November 19, 2016
|
*** |
Bethel #6 Job's Daughters Installation of Officers 1 PM Meridian Masonic Lodge |
December 10, 2016
|
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150th Annual Communication
Grand Lodge of Idaho - 2017
Boise, ID
|
September 21-23, 2017
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Clickable links to documents
2016 - 2017 Lodge Installations
Lodge
|
Date
|
Time
|
open/close
|
|
21
|
Dec. 01
|
Stated Session
|
Closed
|
|
77
|
Dec. 01
|
Stated Session
|
Closed
|
|
3
|
Dec. 04
|
1:00 PM
|
Open
|
|
31 |
Dec. 05 |
Preceeding Stated Session |
Open |
Dinner 6 PM, Install, mtg |
56
|
Dec. 06
|
6:00 PM
|
Open
|
|
34
|
Dec. 07
|
before or following stated session
|
Open
|
|
59
|
Dec. 08
|
Following Lodge Meeting
|
Open
|
Dinner 6 PM, Lodge 7 PM
|
92
|
Dec. 08
|
Stated Session
|
?
|
|
19
|
Dec. 10
|
1:00 PM
|
Open
|
|
23
|
Dec. 10
|
1:00 PM
|
Open
|
Lunch @ 12:00 PM
|
13
|
Dec. 10
|
Following Stated Session
|
Closed
|
|
41
|
Dec. 10
|
TBD
|
Open
|
|
42
|
Dec. 11
|
1:00 PM
|
Open
|
|
2
|
Dec. 13
|
7:00 PM
|
Open
|
|
10 |
Dec. 13 |
Stated Session |
Closed |
|
57
|
Dec. 13
|
7:00 PM
|
Closed
|
|
28
|
Dec. 13
|
7:30 PM
|
Closed
|
|
17 |
Dec. 13 |
|
Closed |
|
29
|
Dec. 14
|
7:00 PM
|
Open
|
|
11
|
Dec. 14
|
Stated Session
|
Open
|
|
60
|
Dec. 16
|
7:00 PM
|
Open
|
Dinner will precede?
|
39
|
Dec. 17
|
6:00 PM
|
Open
|
|
93
|
Dec. 17
|
TBD
|
Open
|
Dinner will precede
|
30
|
Dec. 18
|
4:00 PM
|
Open
|
|
1
|
Dec. 19
|
6:30 PM
|
Open
|
Refreshments following
|
47
|
Dec. 20
|
7:00 PM
|
Open
|
|
18
|
Dec. 21
|
7:00 PM
|
Open
|
|
61 |
Dec. 21 |
Stated Session |
|
|
|
Trestleboards from around the State
Click on the underlined link to read the newsletters
***Updated NOTE: if your Trestleboard is outdated, please send an updated Trestleboard to gs@idahomasons.org. Thank you. Trestleboards older than 3 months will be removed.
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Sunshine and Prayers
Joseph Arthur Merkey
16 September 1922 - 2 November 2016
Survived by :
Wife - Melba.
Children:
Gary of Houston
Judi of Boise
and extended family
Services will be held 7 November 2016 at 11:00 AM at the Rupert United Methodist Church.
Gathering and viewing for family and friends will be held on Sunday 6 November 2016 from 3 to 5 PM.
Burial with military rites will be held at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery.
He was a 50 year member of Burley # 68 & Paul # 77.
==============================================================
Please keep our Brothers in your thoughts and prayers.
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Ashlar #29 Installation Invitation
From:
Ashlarlodge29 Nampa [mailto:ashlarlodge29nampa@outlook.com] Sent: Wednesday, November 9, 2016 10:18 AM Subject: Brother Monte, Could you place this in the Grand Lodge Newsletter Thank you
Brethren,
Please join me at the Open Installation of Officers for 2017 on Wednesday, December 14th at 7:00 PM. Your new Officers are as follows;
Worshipful Master Harold (Howie) Bloom
Senior Warden Jake DeBerg
Junior Warden Glenn Lovell PM
Treasurer Bruce Wethered PM MEGHP
Secretary Joe Kowalczyk
Senior Deacon Roger Gamble
Junior Deacon Clinton Ransdell
Marshal Bob Nelson Sr. PM
Chaplain Richard Fretz
Senior Steward John Ransdell
Junior Steward Bob Bouy PM DDGM
Tyler Bud Wethered PM IM
Brother Harry Black PGM will be the Installing Master, Brother Rob Troxel will be the Installing Marshal, Brother Monte Bollar will be the Assistant installing Marshal and Musician will be Marjorie Lane-Smith.
Refreshments will be on hand.
Since this is an Open Installation you are welcome to bring family and encouraged to bring a friend.
Fraternally, Harold 'Howie' Bloom - WM Ashlar Lodge #29
Fraternally, Harold 'Howie' Bloom - WM Ashlar Lodge #29 (208) 559-6195
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Ionic #82 Degrees
Three new Fellowcrafts as of Saturday about 2pm Cascade has not put through three Brothers at one time since I've been a member and for at least 30 years.. It was fun. Started at 11am, broke for lunch about 12:45pm after obligations and I requested them be conducted through the outer an innerdoors (Dan Sidel) about 1:30pm and finished about 2:15 actually.. Brothers, Jack Scott,Brian Koch, Keith Wilson are now advancing toward MM Degrees. One at a time from this point on!!
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Boise Lodge No. 2 A.F. & A.M.
BOISE LODGE #2 A.F. & A.M.
Our scheduled Master Mason Degree has been moved to Tuesday, November 29th. The candidate should be ready on this date. WM Kibbey has moved the Fellowship Night of Pizza/Poker to Tuesday, November 22nd. We will have a mentoring or practice session tomorrow night, Tuesday, November 15th. Plan to attend these functions and enjoy the Brotherhood of the Lodge.
The elections were at our Stated Meeting on November 1st with Jim Ladd elected as WM; Mark "Scotty" Scott, SW; Wayne Ross, JW; Harlow Kibbey PM, Treasurer and Jerry Parsons PM as Secretary. Congratulations to these officers and we look forward to a great year. The Installation of Officers is scheduled for December 13th at 7:00 PM.
WM Elect Jim Ladd has scheduled a Christmas Dinner for December 20th at the Boise Masonic Temple.
The Grand Lodge of Idaho was formed on December 17, 1867 and will be 150 years old in 2017.
Dates of Interest:
Nov. 14 Idaho #1 EA Degree - 7:30 PM
Nov. 15 Boise #2 Practice
Nov. 19 Boise's Holiday Parade - downtown
Nov. 22 Boise #2 Fellowship Night Pizza/Poker - 7:00 PM
Nov. 24 THANKSGIVING DAY
Nov. 29 Boise #2 MM Degree - 7:30 PM
Dec. 06 Boise #2 Stated Meeting - dinner at 6:30 PM
Dec. 13 Boise #2 - Open Installation of Officers - 7:00 PM
Dec. 20 Christmas Dinner - Boise Temple
Dec. 25 CHRISTMAS DAY
Fraternally,
Jerry D. Parsons PM
Lodge Secretary
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ORIENTAL LODGE #60
November 15, 2016
Brethren,
November 11 was our Stated Communication with the election of Officers for 2017. Following re the Elected Officers for the ensuing year. Bro. Marc E Essary - Worshipful Master, Bro. Mark R Urban - Senior Warden, Bro. Jimmy T Hansen - Junior Warden, Ronald G Berto - Treasurer and David A Smith - Secretary. The Worshipful Master announced Installation of Officers will be on December 16, 2016.
November 18, FC Degree with dinner at 6:30 p.m.
SUNSHINE:
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Nov. 18, FC Degree with Dinner at 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 19, Treasure Valley DeMolay 2nd Annual Taste of Italy at the Meridian Lodge.
Nov. 25, DARK FOR THANKSGIVING WEEKEND.
Dec. 09, Stated Communication with Dinner at 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 10, Santa Bob Christmas pictures with Santa for a donated new toy.
Additional Degrees can be scheduled on other nights to fit with the candidate's needs.
Every Tuesday is Study/Proficiency night at the Boise Masonic Temple for all Lodges in the area at 7:00 p.m.
****Please check your dues card
****
Dues are due and payable January 1st of each year for the current year.
If your card does not say 2016, please send $125.00 to the address below or we can receive your payment via CC - $125.00 plus a $4.75 Convenience Fee to cover what the Lodge gets charged by Square. There are 12 members that have not paid for 2016 ($125.00) of which 5 of those are still owing for 2015 (250.00). The names of those still owing dues were read are listed in the November Minutes. Bros. Bryan Pemberton and J T Hood are now paid since the Stated Meeting.
David A Smith, PM-Secretary
Oriental Lodge #60, AF & AM
P O Box 1032
Meridian, Idaho 83680-1032
208/870-1094
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Scottish Rite Study Group
Attention Scottish Rite Masons! The Boise Scottish Rite Valley is hosting a Master Craftsman study group with the next session being on November 30 from 6pm - 7:30pm located at 1407 W Bannock St. Boise, ID 83702. This is a course put out by the Supreme Council at the House of the Temple that is designed to help Scottish Rite Masons understand the mysteries that are contained in the Degrees that lead up to becoming a Master of the Royal Secret. To get your course materials or for more information - email the study group facilitator at
BurxNorrod@gmail.com
Thanks in advance!
S&F,
Burx Norrod
∴
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Salubria Lodge #31 Bunco Party
|
Sesquecentenial Qult Raffle
|
Sesquicentennial Committee Gun Raffle
The Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M of Idaho Sesquicentennial Committee
has purchased two commemorative masonic rifles that are both unique. These rifles will be sold by raffle ticket at a price of $20 per ticket with the f
unds t
o help pay for the
S
esquicentennia
l Celebration and the remainder to go to the Grand Lodge of Idaho Endowment Fund.
Rifle 1. Marlin 45-70 Masonic Commemorative Rifle Serial Number "150". It is 1 of 1000 made but this one will be 1 of 1 because of its unique
Serial Number and there will be two Sesquicentennial Coins embedded in the stock of the rifle.
Rifle 2. Henry "Golden Boy .22" is a Masonic Commemorative Rifle with a serial number of "GLID18672017"
Raffle will be held Sept. 22, 2017 at the 150th Annual Communication General Membership Banquet.
You do not need to be present to win.
Tickets cost $20.00
Winner takes choice of the 2 rifles;
Second Drawing takes the remaining rifle.
You can purchase tickets from any Grand Lodge Officer or pick up at the Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Idaho, 219 N. 17th St. Boise, Idaho 83702 or contact the Grand Lodge Office
at (208) 343-4562.
For more Information use the QR code
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Idaho Masonic Family Alliance
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Job's Daughters International
Cindy Tolman, Grand Guardian
Russ Smith, Associate Grand Guardian
Barbara Mahoney Grand Secretary
|
Rainbow for Girls
International Order of the Rainbow for Girls. The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls (IORG) is a Masonic youth service organization which teaches leadership training through community service.
Mother Advisor
Barbra Smith
208-863-8972
Norm Lane
Board Chair
208-304-9051
Facebook:
Meridian Gems #12/International Order of the Rainbow for Girls
Assembly Contact Details:
meridiangems12iorg@gmail.com
IORG Meridian Gems Assembly #12
PO Box 164
Meridian, ID 83680
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Demolay
State Master Councilor - Elijah Newberry
State Senior Councilor - Damien Stonhill
State Junior Councilor - J.C. Spracher
Executive Officer - Gary LaBruyere
Rake Up Meridian Pictures
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Order of Eastern Star
Worthy Grand Matron Waunda Kibbey Worthy Grand Patron Bill Rigoli Grand Secretary Judith Walsborn
Grand Chapter of Idaho Order of the Eastern Star
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Shrine
Potentate Cory Turner
Recorder Max Bearden
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Daughters of the Nile
Daughters of the Nile is an international fraternal organization for women 18 years or older, who are related by birth or marriage to a Shriner, Master Mason, or Daughter of the Nile, or is a majority member in Good Standing of a Masonic-related organization for girls; or who was a patient, with or without Shrine or Masonic relationship, at a Shriners Hospital for Children®. Founded in Seattle, Washington in 1913, Daughters of the Nile members total 25,000 in 136 cities throughout the United States and Canada. The members are proud of their long association with Shriners International and their continuing support of Shriners Hospitals for Children®.
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Amaranth
Informal organization meeting for the new Charity Court # 8 will be held Saturday the 19th at the Grove City Temple in Blackfoot at noon, get more information at
dilanna2@aol.com
The Order of the Amaranth is a social, fraternal, philanthropic organization that is separate but related to the Masonic Lodge in that all of our members are either a Mason or a female relative of a Mason. Majority members of the International Order of Rainbow for Girls and Jobs Daughters International are also eligible under certain conditions. Our groups are called Courts and we currently have active Courts in Boise, Mountain Home, and Gooding and are working toward developing a Court in the Eastern side of the state. Our precepts are Truth, Faith, Wisdom, and Charity and our primary philanthropic project is to support the Amaranth Diabetes Research fund. This fund, is in conjunction with the American Diabetes Association, is a 501c3 organization that finances research projects that are working toward a cure for Diabetes, both juvenile and adult onset. We also fund scholarships for Masonic related youth who are going on to college. If you are interested in learning more about our organization or about becoming a member, current contact information can be obtained from the Grand Secretary of the Grand Court of Idaho.
Grand Court of Idaho
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York Rite Bodies
2017 York Rite Meeting
Date |
Location |
Open In: |
|
January 25th |
Grangeville |
Commandery |
|
January 31st |
Grangeville |
Council |
|
February 22nd |
Kooskia |
Chapter |
|
March 22nd |
Grangeville |
Commandery |
|
April 26th |
Lewiston |
Chapter |
|
May 24th |
Grangeville |
Commandery |
|
May 30th |
Lewiston |
Council |
|
September 27th |
Lewiston |
Commandery |
|
October 25th |
Kooskia |
Chapter |
|
October 31st |
Grangeville |
Council |
|
November 1st |
Grangeville |
Commandery |
Election |
December 6th |
Kooskia |
Chapter |
Installation |
December 8th |
Grangeville |
Council |
Election and Installation |
|
|
|
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Idaho York Rite Grand Sessions will be April 20, 21, and 22 at the Red Lion Downtowner, Boise, Idaho
Tentatively the Northwest York Rite Conference will be October 13-14.
Lewiston York Rite Bodies meet fourth Wednesday except November and December when they meet first Wednesday. Clearwater Council meets fifth Tuesday excepting if there is no fifth Tuesday in November they meet the second Friday in December. All York rite Bodies are dark in June, July, and August.
Grand Secretary/Recorder/Treasurer
grndyri1@gmail.com
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Idaho Freemason Foundation uses Amazon Smile
IDAHO FREEMASON FOUNDATION
(Freemasons helping kids by supporting education, safety and well being of children.)
The Idaho Freemason Foundation used Amazon Smile to purchase all of it needs from Amazon.com
Remember when you are shopping using Amazon.com - you can
register so the 0.5% of the sale goes to the Grand Lodge of Idaho A.F. & A.M. of Idaho Charitable Fund. or DBA: Idaho Freemason Foundation a 501(c)3.
All donations to the Idaho Freemason Foundation is tax deductible.
Thank you!
Idaho Freemason Foundation
Greg Winther, Chairman
G. Arthur Shoemaker
N. Randall "Randy" King
Monte Bollar
George Decker
John Ransdell
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"Your" Office Staff |
Monte Bollar, 219 N. 17th Street Cyndie Bollar "Your" Grand Secretary Boise, Idaho, 83702 Grand Clerk gs@idahomasons.org glclerk@idahomasons.org Phone: (208) 343-4562 Toll Free: (866) 674-1867 Website: idahomasons.org ________________________________________________________________________________ Grand Lodge Hours of Operation 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday - Friday Except when traveling on Grand Lodge Business and Federal Holidays |
|
The Grand Lodge invites all Masonic Bodies of Idaho to contribute to the newsletter on the happenings in your organization that are of interest to Masonry in general. Please send them to the Grand Lodge Office at gs@idahomasons.org. Please send digital photographs in .JPG format |
Deadline 1:00 pm Monday to be in Wednesday's Newsletter.
Disclaimer Unless otherwise noted the opinions and/or information shared by the writers of the articles/news items are that of the writer and do not reflect the position of the Grand Lodge of Idaho. Official information of the Grand Lodge will be through the Grand Master when attested to as official, in writing, by the Grand Secretary. |
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