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Valley Hi Masonic Lodge #1407 A.F. & A.M. San Antonio, Texas | |
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Our new Grand Master was raised a Master Mason in Caddo Lodge No. 581 in Caddo
Mills, TX in 1990 and served the Lodge as Worshipful Master in 1994-95. An Endowed member, he received The Golden Trowel Award in 1998.
He is also a member of Henry Thomas No. 278 and Tranquility No. 2000, where he was the charter Tiler.
MW Broughton has served the Grand Lodge and District 8 through his appointments as District Education Officer in 1996 and District Deputy Grand Master in 1997. He also served as Grand Tiler in 1998 and Grand Orator in 2003. He served on the Grand Lodge Credentials No. 2 Committee in 1995 and the Committee on Masonic Education and Service from 1999-2003. He is also active in the York Rite, Scottish Rite, Shrine, Grotto, and the Eastern Star.
A devoted church member, he was a Sunday School teacher at the First Baptist Church of Winnfield, LA. After moving to Texas he was a Sunday school teacher, Elder and the Interim Choir Director at the Faith Bible Church of Caddo Mills. M W Broughton and his wife Susie were married in 1973 and have two sons, Kris and Karly. They also have one grandson, Brooks.
He is a 1974 graduate of Louisiana State University and President of Donald Broughton Enterprises, Inc. and Realtor/Broker with Coldwell Banker of Rockwell, Texas.
For the man who is looking for deeper meaning in life and who wants to be part of a fraternity committed to his growth and improvement, Masonry is filled with marvelous opportunities and limitless possibilities.
The first step in Masonry is one a man must take himself. He must say, "I want to become a Mason." What follows will be thrilling, exciting and extremely worthwhile.
"Should I ask?" That is the one important question.
The answer is up to you. |
Shortly we will complete our selection of deserving individuals
to receive the Lamar Medal as we have done over the past
years. We will be announcing the selection of the two students
from Southwest High School as soon as the selection is finalized.
The presentation will be made at 7:30 PM on March 2,
2007 at the Scottish Rite Temple. The total program has not
been completed but in attendance will be Masonic and city notables
including The Grand Master, MW Donny Broughton and
the Mayor of San Antonio or his representative, and a distinguished
speaker along with recipients and school officials from
the 39th Masonic District. It is an untiled event and is therefore
open to the public. Masons attending are encouraged to wear
their aprons so we can show everyone one of the many things
that we as masons do. The presentation of the Mirabeau B. Lamar Medal for Academic Excellence and Achievement is presented annually to students and educators individually selected by District 39A lodges. These honorees,in many cases, represent the cream of the crop in schools around the area. Valley-Hi Lodge past awardees have included students that have a grade point average of 4.0 and better and at the same time find time to tutor, counsel, participate in community activities and sports and just generally be good citizens. Several educators have been recognized for their “above and beyond” role in the everyday performance of their duties and the extra help and assistance they provide students attending their school.
Who is Mirabeau B. Lamar whose name is inscribed on the medal and for whom it is named? Mirabeau B. Lamar was born in Georgia August 16, 1798 and was adept in several arts and sports. He was elected a state senator in 1829. After this tenure, he followed James Fannin to Texas to collect historical information. He became involved in the independence movement and embarked upon a distinguished military and political career. Lamar was commissioned a Colonel and commanded the cavalry at the Battle of San Jacinto. He was later promoted to the rank of Major General. In September 1836, he was elected Vice President of the Republic of Texas. In 1838, he became the Republic’s second president. Lamar founded “Austin”, as the Capitol of Texas and gained recognition of Texas among principal countries of Europe. More significant, however, was his establishment of the public school system, which earned him the title of “Father of the Texas Public School System. Keep watching for more information on the selection of this years honorees and the presentation details and make your plans now to attend the presentation ceremony to show support and appreciation for the honorees. | |
Worshipful Master ----Bro John W. Gould
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As we begin a new year we look forward to new challenges... and look back to our past. As Masons
we must move forward, looking towards improving ourselves in Masonry, and to new growth in our
Lodge. At the same time we cannot fail to look back, to whence we came, and to find power in
those enduring principles which set us apart.
Those principals form our foundation. Without them we have no base upon which to build. We
witness a world beset by strife, brother killing brother, ethnic genocide, hatred and distrust. We
know a better way, and are given strength to display our belief in our actions by a higher power.
Let’s show the world what we are! You and I are viewed by the world as Masons. In our daily walk
through life they see what we do, how we act and they think “that is what Masonry is.” Let them see
good men, true to their trust, living by the highest standards.
In these turbulent, distrustful, godless times we see many seeking the solid foundation we enjoy.
Our resolution should be to display our teachings in our daily walk with our brothers. If we do this, day by day, we will grow, for they will come to us, to find that more solid foundation upon which to build their futures. |
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the first editon of The Corner
The cornerstone is a publication of Valley-Hi Lodge #1407 AF&AM, 235 Cedarhurst Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78227. Publication of The Cornerstone is authorized by the Worshipful Master, Valley-Hi Lodge # 1407 AF&AM solely for the purpose of information, education, and entertainment of the members, families and other interested individuals. Opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Valley-Hi Lodge # 1407 AF&AM or the Grand Lodge of Texas. Opposing views or opinions are welcome and should be addressed to The Editor, The Cornerstone, 235 Cedarhurst Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78227 or via Email to valleyhilodge@hotmail.com. The contents of The Cornerstone are not, to the best of our knowledge, copyrighted and therefore may be copied or reproduced without permission of the editor. After several years absence this is the first edition of The Cornerstone. Formerly published each quarter the publication was discontinued when there was a lack of interest and failure to contribute material for the columns. Now there is new life in its resurrection and we will try to produce a meaningful issue every quarter. It will be emailed to those with an email address on file with the secretary. Additionally it will be posted on Valley-Hi’s new web page for those that have computer access to the web site. All others will receive a hard copy. This will insure everyone has access to the publication and will reduce our cost for mail if we don’t have to mail it.
We need your comments, suggestions and input to keep it interesting and provide information in areas of interest to you the member and reader. So to start off let us encourage you to submit your comments and ideas to us so that we can make adjustments we go along. We will, of course have a column from the Worshipful Master, the Senior and Junior Wardens and the Secretary. But these fours columns a newsletter do not make. We plan to include Masonic education columns from time to time, happengs in area that you might be interested in, general Lodge information as well as something light hearted from time to time that can done when there’s nothing else to do or just relaxing. In view of the current involvement of our military we will occasionally include from time to time an article about patriotism just to remember our men and women that are giving so much for our freedom. God bless them and God bless the USA. That’s about it to get us started. We hope you will read and enjoy the entire newsletter and provide us feedback to help us improve as we develop over the months and years. You can send your comments via mail to the lodge or email us at the lodge email address which is valleyhilodge@hotmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you. Freemason is encouraged to do his duty first to God through his faith and religious practice; and then, without detriment to his family and those dependent on him, to his neighbor through charity and service. None of these ideas are exclusively Masoniic, but all should be universally acceptable. Freemasons are expected to follow them.
A Freemason is encouraged to do his duty first to God through his faith and religious practice; and then, without detriment to his family and those dependent on him, to his neighbor through charity and service. None of these ideas are exclusively Masoniic, but all should be universally acceptable. Freemasons are expected to follow them.
The cornerstone is a publication of Valley-Hi Lodge #1407 AF&AM, 235 Cedarhurst Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78227. Publication of The Cornerstone is authorized by the Worshipful Master, Valley-Hi Lodge # 1407 AF&AM solely for the purpose of information, education, and entertainment of the members, families and other interested individuals. Opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Valley-Hi Lodge # 1407 AF&AM or the Grand Lodge of Texas. Opposing views or opinions are welcome and should be addressed to The Editor, The Cornerstone, 235 Cedarhurst Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78227 or via Email to valleyhilodge@hotmail.com or Web Site: www.mastermason.com/valleyhi1407. The contents of The Cornerstone are not, to the best of our knowledge, copyrighted and ttherefore may be copied or reproduced without permission of the editor. | |
 Brother John W. Gould, Worshipful Master SEMIANNUAL REPORT
December followed by January and it's the beginning of a new
year. It is the custom of most to review the past however as your
Worshipful Master we only have been in office six months. Our
term of office runs from 1 July to 30 June the following year. With
that in mind we will attempt to advise you of some of the resolutions
or goals we had in mind when we were installed. The first priority was to acquire additional storage space. It was accomplished by generous financial donations of some of the brethren and their labor. A conex was acquired and set up on the grounds west of the lodge and provides additional storage space eliminating some of the over crowding of "stuff & things" in the candidate's preparation room and old secretary's office. To add to the appearance of the lodge several brethren repainted the eaves and repaired and repainted the sign on front of the lodge. Through the generosity of another brother, a flagpole was erected at the northeast corner of the lodge grounds. That's not all; the stewards out of the blue obtained another gas range for the kitchen. Now with two ranges they can really prepare sumptuous hot meals. We are most grateful and appreciative of the efforts and work of these few brethren with out whom this would not have been accomplish. Our next goal is to increase lodge. Attendance. The secretary has began a renewed effort to contact brethren to update their personal records. Believe it or not, the lodge was granted a charter 37 years ago. During this time numerous brethren have been recognized for their longevity of service. However, there are still quite a few who for one reason or another have not been recognized. The secretary is making a major effort to contact these brethren who have completed 25 years continuous years service. We are asking and requesting if they will contact the secretary to let him know their desires of how, when and where they would like to receive this service award. What's that saying, you can take a horse to water but you can't make him drink. Brethren when contacted, please make your intentions known. The lodge cannot serve you if we don't know what, when and where. It's as simple as that! We suggest you make a New Year's Resolution to attend a "stated meeting". Your lodge cannot accurately serve you unless we know your plans. So, let us hear from you. Start off by contacting the lodge to verify personal information - such as address, telephone number and whether or not you are logged on to the web. We cannot keep you informed and properly serve you if your record is not kept up to date. So make and keep a New Year's resolution, attend a stated meeting and at the same time update your personal file. We hope you and yours have had a fruitful and joyous year and the coming year will find much joy and happiness. So mote it be.  "Masonry was not made to divide men, but to unite them, leaving each man free to think his own thoughts and fashion his own system of ultimate truth. All its emphasis rests upon two extremely simple and profound principles, love of God and love of man." J. F. Newton
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 Brother Ed Tuma, Senior Warden
As we enter a new year, we will strive to live our
lives as Just and Upright Masons. With brotherly
Love, relief, and truth showing us the way, I am sure
we will live up to the fine reputations of the many Masons
who have preceded us in Valley-Hi lodge.
I hope to see you continue to support the lodge in as many ways as possible. It remains one of our priorities to make sure all our members understand the teachings and benefits of bringing masonry into their lives. Our fraternity invites all brothers and their families to participate in our upcoming events this year. Your lodge officers have scheduled many fine events during the next six months. I sincerely hope you will participate in them. As your Senior Warden, one of my responsibilities in association with Brother Junior Warden and Brother Senior Deacon is to coordinate a Degree Team that will convey the fraternity's rituals to our candidates in receiving the degrees of Freemasonry. Considering the fact that we all live in a busy world (things to do, places to go and people to see), the lodge is very fortunate to have a bunch of dedicated brethren who are willing to labor and undertake the necessities. Learning the rituals come easy to some but difficult for others. Time, patience and perseverance play a big part in getting the hang of it. Inevitably, mistakes will happen, justifying the old saying, Brethren, just keep on charging! You are all doing an excellent job and are truly worthy of our appreciation. Together we shall prevail. I appreciate all the help and cooperation I have received from each of you during the fist half of the Masonic year and I look forward to your continued support during the coming months. We still need a lot of help in many different areas both in and outside of the ritual. If you have time, talent or ability to spend a couple hours a week proving essential service, please contact me and let me know. We sincerely appreciate it. Here’s wishing you and your families a happy and prosperous new year.
 The true Mason does not hold or teach the attitude that, I am a Master Mason now and thus I no longer need to be concerned with using the working tools because they were given in the earlier degrees. |
 Brother Willie Pitts
It has been a long time since we published a
TRESTLEBOARD. I want to start this epistle with a short
explanation of why you haven’t seen a newsletter. The answer
is oh-so-simple …MONEY and the time it took to get
the pages to you. We had bulk rate privileges which took a
heck of a fight to get in the beginning but I won’t go further
than to say some folk do not care for FREEMASONRY and
on top of that I had to drive about 25 miles (one way) to get it
to the post office and each time a problem was found in the
way the materials were packaged meant another trip to the
Lodge and back. I’m sure you get the idea. With all that said
just so you know! Of our 200 members I have approximately 100 e-mail addresses so I can get them to you quicker and simpler. Since we now have presence on the internet – www.mastermason.com/valleyhi1407 -- thanks to Brother Bill Rushing (and without cost I might add) we have an e-mail address valleyhilodge@hotmail.com. Read about it elsewhere. To help us save money and put us in position to correspond with you quickly please be sure your e-mail address, if you have one, is on file with me. And if your address (snail mail or e-mail) changes be sure to notify the Lodge. The post office charges $0.75 for each piece of returned mail. Well, another year has come and gone and it is again time for dues. While it is difficult the officers of your Lodge have managed to keep them at $50.00 for another year. I don’t know how long this can continue. Everything keeps going up. It seems this is a never ending process. We (Bill and I) have crunched some figures and this is how it shakes out. Unlike so many organizations, we actually have no discretionary funds. It’s that close. We are obligated to more than $14000.00 in annual expenditures. We pay $14.50 per member to Grand Lodge for per capita. In addition, gas, electric, telephone, alarm system and taxes must be paid without choice. This year the Master sent along a letter asking for your help. As usual you are responding and our burden gets lighter but is still not aliviated. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Now, more than 60 of our members are holders of Lifetime Endowments. You read elsewhere in this letter about the endowments so I won’t belabor the point. Please consider using your Income Tax Return for that this year. Each of you (wsith exception of about 12)has received a 2007 calendar which we hope you will use and enjoy. Note that the creation, printing and mailing was done at a members personal expense and cost the Lodge or its members absolutely nothing. If you haven’t received yours let me know via email at valley-hilodge@hotmail.com . You can also drop me a note via Snail-Mail (postal card). Dues Receipt cards are in and all who are Endowed, Life and have paid dues (that I have received) are in the mail. If yours has not arrived by January 31st I need to know. Please! |
-----Constitutional law change to permit members that have
filled full terms on the Committee on Work be authorized to
retain the title "Right Worshipful" and wear the Committee on
Work apron forever.
2007 Grand Master's Regional Conferences: Saturday, March
3, San Antonio, 9:00 a.m., Alamo Observance
We want our widows to know that we still care about
you and want you to feel welcome in lodge at anytime. All
of our ladies play an important role in our lives both in and
out of the lodge. Please remember we care and want you to
contact us at anytime we can be of help or assistance to
you. We look forward to seeing you in lodge again soon and
remember to mark two important future dates on your calendar.
The first one is Tuesday, February 27 for ladies night
and the second is Tuesday, May 29 when we will honor our
widows.
God Bless and keep you and for our troops in harms way a special
thought –
“for your service, we are grateful. Keep both ends down.”  | |
  From The Kitchen Brother Tim Long and Brother Bill Gillis
I trust that all comes from the kitchen is good, whither
it be a meal, a snack, or just a smile and a welcome. I know
that all will not always be liked by every brother in attendance,
but I hope you’ll be satisfied most of the time.
I sincerely believe that dessert, no matter what form it is in, is one of the major food groups. As such you’ll usually find one or more at any gathering I provide for. Your ideas and your muscles are both welcome. Bring both or either and come see me or Brother Gillis in the kitchen. Looking forward to the scheduled events for the next three months here’s
"That one thing we have to teach, that one thing we Masons have as the key to our secret, the end-all and the be-all of Freemasonry is, you are my brother and I am yours." -Conrad Hahn |
Born - July 11,1928 Initiated - March 15, 1966 Passes - Mar 28, 1966 Raised - April 11, 1966 Died - Mar. 20, 2006
Born - Feb 13, 1929 Initiated - Apr 30, 1957 Passed - Jun 4, 1957 Raised - Sep 20, 1957 Died - Oct 26, 2006
The purchase of an Endowed Membership will allow you not
to have to pay dues ever again. At the same time, the Endowed
Membership will allow you to leave a legacy to the
lodge long after you have left your earthly bonds by supplying
a perpetual fund in your memory .
The Endowed Membership can be paid in a lump sum or through an installment plan. The installment plan allows you to pay the amount of the Endowed Membership in increments suitable to you ability until the total amount is paid. When the total amount has been paid, the lodge initiates the paperwork for the issuance of the membership. The total cost of an endowed membership is $500.00. Please give it some thought and start your purchase today. Freemasonry is an ancient and respectable institution, embracing individuals of every nation, of every religion, and of every condition in life. Wealth, power and talents are not necessary to the person of a Freemason. An unblemished character and a virtuous conduct are the only qualifications for admission into the Order.
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Brother Jim Lovely, Junior Warden
As we prepare to bid farewell to 2006 and welcome in a
new-year, it seems appropriate to take a moment to thank those
who worked so diligently to make 2006 a success for our Masonic
Community.
Thank you to the 2006 Officer Corps, who worked so hard to hone their ritual skills and gave up time with their families for he benefit of our Craft. Thank you to all our Past Masters, whose love and dedication of our Lodge is evidenced by their continued selfless service and support of our Lodge. Thank you to the Committee Members without whose help the :continuation and expansion of our programs would be nearly impossible. Thank you to our families for understanding why we feel so passionately about the work we do. And thank you ... thank you for your support and participation. Thank you for being a part of our Lodge Family . There's no doubt in my mind that 2007 will be an even greater year for Valley-Hi Lodge. The untiring efforts and dedication of all of us combined will insure there's always someone there to pickup and go with it when need be. Our continued presence at our meetings and functions will tend to spread Goodwill to all and reflect most favorably upon us individually as well as Valley- Hi Lodge. We look forward to increasing our lodge membership and with the aid and assistance of us all I'm sure this can be a very productive year in initiating, passing and raising good men that are interested in being better. Be sure to always carry a petition with you and don't hesitate to talk to interested prospects. Take every opportunity to spread the word about our fraternity. There's a lot of good men out there that,s ready to ask you to help him become a mason. Don't hesitate - hand him a petition. As we celebrate the holiday season let us give thanks to the Supreme Architect of the Universe for all his blessings and remember those in uniform who are fighting to protect our freedom and way of life. In closing I want to wish each and everyone of you and your family a very prosperous New Year.
In memory of those that lost their lives on that terrible day that will forever be seared in our hearts, Sep 11th, 2001. Pray for our Country that we will be strengthened by this terrible tragedy and come together as a Nation and with God's Grace continue to be the Leader of the free world. |
 
Greetings, my brothers,
December has always been my favorite month, and should be
to all Masons—not only because of Christmas with its hope of
eternal life, but also because of St. John the Evangelist’s Day
(the 27th). He is, of course, one of the two “Holy Saints. John”
mentioned in our rituals. The other is St. John the Baptist,
whose day is June 24th.
Few can question that Masonry has been biblical since its inception (whenever that was). Its rituals, lessons, and lectures are all biblical and based on King Solomon’s Temple. Additionally, it also seems to have been very Christian in nature, and what evidence we have suggests that it was always so until the forming of the United Grand Lodge in 1813. Yes, I know some dispute this, but a simple look at the oldest “expose’” books quickly makes one realize how much Christianity played a role in early Masonry. The earliest “expose’” rituals (books purporting to “expose” the rituals of Masonry) seem to indicate that the Holy Sts. John has been a part of Masonry from the beginning. After the United Grand Lodge was formed, most English Lodges became dedicated to King Solomon (and remain so), while American Lodges retained the Holy Sts. John. (Please remember, history shows us that while America was founded on (among other things) religious liberty, 99.8 % of Americans where, at that time, Christian of one sort or another). We can study this more in a future newsletter, but right now let us look at what these Saints mean to Masonry. St. John the Baptist was the forerunner of Jesus, and baptized Him. St. John the Evangelist is considered by some to have been learned, and wrote one of the Gospels, the Revelation, and three of the letters that became part of the New Testament. The Baptist’s fervency in announcing Jesus got him beheaded, and St. John the Evangelists writings got him exiled to Patmos, where tradition says he died. To Masons, St. John Baptist represents zealousness, or passion. St. John Evangelist represents learning, or study. By honoring them Masons symbolically unite Passion and Reason, creating a Brotherhood of dedicated, learned men, united under the Fatherhood of God, not given to fanaticism, but instead an equilibrium of man serving men under the direction of God and the Volume of Sacred Law. In going around the “point within a circle”, Masons become passionate for their Craft, but limit their passions by learning, and governing their conduct by the VSL.
Consider that, my brothers, as we celebrate this sacred time,
and look forward to a happy, prosperous New Year.  The true Mason ever strives to cultivate Masonry in his life to the fullest degree possible |
So, why are they important to Masons?
Has Masonry always honored them? Are
Americans the only Masons who hold
them in high regard?
Jan 9 - Stated Meeting
Jan 27 - Annual Lodge Banquet
Feb 13 - Stated Meeting
Feb 27 - Ladies Night
2 Mar - Lamar Medal Presentation 3 Mar - Grand Master Alamo Observance
13 Mar - Stated Meeting
27 Mar - Past Master Recognition Night |
Remember The Alamo! In one of the most celebrated battles of America, William Travis, Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie, and other heroes of the Alamo sacrificed themselves on March 6, 1836, to help win Texas' Independence. They bought time for Sam Houston to prepare his troops. Not long after, when Houston fought Santa Anna's army at San Jacinto, the rallying cry was, "Remember the Alamo!"! Traditionally Masonic Day in San Antonio is observed the first Saturday of March each year. This year the date is March 3 starting at 8:30 when Grand Master MW Donny Broughton will preside over a ceremony to honor the fallen heroes many of whom were masons. This will be followed by various non tiled events throughout the day including the Grand Masters Regional Conference . Non-mason family and friend are encouraged to attend the scheduled events. A complete schedule of the days events will be posted on the web site so go to www.mastermason/valleyhi1407. We encourage you to join us for the various programs and enjoy a day of masonry in San Antonio. |
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Our annual Lodge and Eastern Star Chapter Christmas Party was held on Saturday, December 16 in Demmitt Hall. With over 40 attendees, it was an event filled with fun and fellowship. Our stewards prepared the buffet of sandwiches, meatballs, cocktail wieners, chips, pickles, dips, and other goodies which were delicious as usual. The Eastern Star ladies brought an assortment of deserts which drew praise from those in attendance. The program started with a welcome by the master of ceremonies and the opening prayer by brother (Rev) George Hoop. This was followed by introductions of the head table and those in attendance. Following dinner the Master of ceremonies made appropriate remarks and read several Christmas poems. Then came the exchange of gifts. Each attendee brought a gift costing about $5.00. They were randomly passed out and all enjoyed opening them and seeing what they had received. One member got Texas scratch off cards and won $50.00. Everyone enjoyed the fun of opening their gift. Those who did not make it missed a great event. There are some photos from this event posted on the Valley-Hi web site. Mark your calendar for next year. | |
|  Masonic
Birthdays
January, February, March
The following brothers will
observe their masonic birthday.
January
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 Knock and the door will be opened unto you. |
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Valley-Hi Lodge No. 1407 AF&AM 235 Cedarhurst Drive San Antonio, Texas 78227-4424 Address Correction Requested
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