Quarry Observer

From the East

Brothers, Widows, Friends, and Family-

I am continued to be overwhelmed and humbled by the support, and the spirit of Brotherly Love that is being displayed in Cayce Lodge.  I am so proud to serve as Master, of this Lodge in particular.

I have heard a common theme, and perhaps you feel as if you (or your situations) have been neglected in the past.  We would never intentionally do this, and I can assure you the current Officers and Brothers are committed to using the Working Tools of a Master Mason- which are ALL the implements of Masonry indiscriminately, but more especially the Trowel- that instrument we use to spread the cement of Brotherly Love and Affection.  However, it is up to you, your family, and friends to keep us informed, and to grab our hand when we extend it to assist you.  We are remembering you in our devotions, and are ready to fly to your relief and to lend an ear or words of caution and good counsel.  Please remember to inform the Lodge of any phone # or address change, e-mail or cell phone, and any situation you may face.

I want to thank all the Brothers who have responded to the Lodge Improvement Fund solicitation.  Yes, this is an ongoing campaign- and every donation is most appreciated and will be used for the repair work, painting, and other improvements to the Lodge.

Cayce Lodge is active- from degrees, proficiencies, studying, and learning, to yard and inside work days, to fundraisers, and more.  We are working hard, but having fun doing it.  The only thing that could make it any better is YOU- yes YOU can make a difference in helping to unite the Lodge in the spirit of Brotherly Love.

~Jason

From the West:

Brothers, what a great spring we have had so far in and about the lodge.  Spring work day and clean up went well with many brothers participating.  Our temple committee is working hard in securing the right avenues to lead our repairs.  The annual golf tournament will net over $5,000.00 once the final bills are in.  Those are the things happening about the lodge.  Within the lodge we are still enjoying good, hard work and learning lectures.  Last business meeting, we had seven brothers give and pass their 3^rd degree proficiency.   Congratulations to Glenn, Darren, and Chris Greer, Charlie Brown, Ron Horbal and Charlie and Jerad Dunlap.  So many exciting things are happening and this lodge year is literally flying by!   I encourage all the brethren to attend and enjoy the work that has separated Cayce Lodge from the rest!

Charlie Dunlap S.W.   

(Editor's note: We commend Brother Charlie, SW, for helping to prepare these members for their proficiency and for conducting the examination. Each of them will receive a 200th Anniversary Edition of the Ahiman Rezon, compliments of the lodge.)

From the South:

Brothers,

Our JW is suffering from a back injury but is recovering well.

Masonic Trivia:

What is the length of your cable-tow?

  It is as far as moral principle and material condition will permit me to go in assisting a worthy brother. As an entered Apprentice the cable tow was, of necessity, short. As a Fellowcraft it was lengthened because your knowledge and abilities in Masonry increased. As a Master Mason, it encompasses the full length of your capabilities.

What is the blue of a Blue Lodge symbolic of?

  Truth and Fidelity.

Ahiman Rezon, written by Laurence Dermott in 1764, was the Book of Constitutions for the Ancient Grand Lodge, a ritual that is still in wide usage. The title was derived from three Hebrew words, "ahim", "manah", and "raizon". But, what does the term mean?

At different times it has been interpreted as: A Help to a Brother; Faithful Brother Secretary; Will of Selected Brethren; Law of Prepared Brethren; Secrets of a Prepared Brother; Royal Builder; and The Thoughts or Opinions of a True and Faithful Brother. No one knows for sure what meaning Brother Dermott gave to the term.

STAY UP TO DATE ON LODGE EVENTS:   www.mastermason.com/Cayce384

I See You’ve Traveled Some:

Brothers,

It was my pleasure and honor to represent Cayce #384 at Grand Lodge in Greenville, along w/ Bro. Dave.  All Masons are welcome to attend Grand Lodge, and it is great exposure and experience.  If you are interested in attending 2009 Grand Lodge  (to be held on the fourth Thursday in April, 2009 in Charleston), let us know. Our very own, RW Brother Barry Rickman, Deputy Grand Master will be inducted into the chair of Most Worshipful Grand Master of Ancient Free Masons in South Carolina. Make plans now.

Cayce Lodge is honored to be the home lodge of Right Worshipful Brother Barry. We will have a portrait of Brother Barry hung in the halls of the Grand Lodge building. If you would like to contribute to the cost of this portrait, make your contribution to Cayce Masonic lodge No. 384 and mark it for "Portrait Fund".

Have you attended Lodges in other States and/or Jurisdictions, or have any good stories from the road?  Share them here.

Summary of the Grand Secretary's report on lodges:

We raised 1,073 Master Masons in SC last year and 335 were reinstated. 510 members affiliated in SC. (Mostly from by demit from other lodges in state).

1,158 were dropped for Non-payment of dues, 1,170 passed to the Celestial Lodge above and 430 demitted. (See above note)

As of December 31st, we had 42,463 members in SC in our 306 lodges. Summerville Lodge is still the largest in the state with 558 members. Locally, Boyleston 123 in the largest with 462. Sheppard Lodge No. 320 in Trenton is the smallest with 14 members.

Cayce Lodge began this year with 249 members.

In one report we were told that over $150,000.00 was given in Masonic Relief to Masons in South Carolina.

PRAYER LIST

Bobby Dorn & his family in the death of his son, Bill Hoffman & his wife(Dianne), Katheryn Burkett, Beth and Mike Hughes, David Cook,  Carl Spires, Fred Spires, Bill and Betty Price, Willie Floyd (Recovering well), Hank Garnett, James Cavanaugh, Tanya & James Hickman, Barry Rickman's Mom & Mom-in-law, Sam Lucas and his wife, Loy Miller’s wife, Jason Rucker, Cameron Harvey, Wayne Wright’s Mom & Dad & his wife & son, J. T. Mayfield & his family, Pat Parker (the daughter of our charter Past Master), David Waldrop, Tom Gainey, Owen Williams’ wife and grandson (Cass), Bub Goodwin and Alma, Terri Cowling, Jim Hayes wife, , Clay Dixon, and there are many others. Charlie McNair’s mom has a serious bacterial infection. Our Grand Master’s sister had a stroke following surgery. We all have family & friends who need our prayers. Let us know if you want to be included on our list.  . We include what we know. It is up to you or your friends to give us the information.

We mourn the loss of our brother, Marion F. Hammett. Marion was a life member, having been raised on March 25, 1945. We pray for God's grace for his wife, Edna and the family.