Ann Arbor
Fraternity
No.262

What 262 did on its Summer Vacation

In the calendar of many lodges, the summer months are “dark”, that means: not much happening.  AAF262 was only dark this year for the month of August, but by no means did we lack activity!

First off, Brother Erik Harclerode organized a lodge trip to Comerica Park to see the Tigers.  And what’s better than an evening at the ballpark with our brothers and family?  The same, with the Tigers trouncing the Cleveland Indians 10-1! Yes!

Next came the Master’s Table dinner, at the Corner Brewery in Ypsilanti. It was pouring rain while we sat outside under the back awning.  Nevertheless, the craft was not dampened as we enjoyed masonic discussion over great brews and food. Good times.

On August 28th we participated in the 2nd Annual Tri-Lodge Picnic.   This Event brings together the three best lodges in Michigan,  Ann Arbor-Fraternity #262, St. Mary’s #4 PHA and Golden Rule #159.  There was family fun and fellowhip, BBQ, games and our Brother Scott Yoders masonic pretzels!  Who else has that?

On August 30, the Scottish Rite Northern Jurisdiction had it’s annual meeting of the Supreme Council in Chicago. Our Worshipful Brother Justin Krasnoff was one of two Valley of Detroit members to receive the 33rd degree. Achieving the 33rd is an honor that can only be bestowed and it is granted solely by the Supreme Council. “A 33° Mason is a Master Mason who has exhibited knowledge, passion and sacrifice to his craft”.  Congratulations Illustrious Brother Justin!
                                    Far right: Justin F. Krasnoff, 33°

If thats not enough, some of our members have be filling their spare time reading Septembers Book Club selection, “Observing the Craft” by Andrew Hammer, PM of G.W.’s lodge: Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22.  From his book site: “Observing the Craft is a manifesto of sorts for the observant Mason, who seeks quality over quantity in every aspect of Freemasonry.”  An interesting read for sure, it’s not too late to get your copy and join the book club on September 20.

See you in lodge as 262 kicks of an exciting September!

Tri-Lodge Picnic | A time to remember!

August 8, 2010: Ann Arbor Masons enjoyed a wonderful and historic day of family, food, and fellowship.  The occasion was the first annual Tri-lodge Picnic, being Ann Arbor–Fraternity 262, Golden Rule 159, and St. Mary’s 4, Prince Hall Masons.  The event was held at the Old Picnic Shelter in Gallup Park.  Not only were Masons and family members from the three lodges present, but also from Belleville, Milan, Jackson, Saline, Romulus, and Manchester lodges. 

The three lodges provided a pig roast and chicken BBQ entree, while guests contributed side dishes and deserts.  The children, it seems, had most fun with the two tug-of-wars that were held.

A special moment was shared by all when PM Ray Holcomb of Golden Rule 159 presented the three WMs (pictured above: Bill Krebaum-159, Robert Blackburn-262, Bryan Campbell-4) with a commemorative sounding board he made in honor of the day.
The sounding board, on which a Master raps his gavel, will serve as a traveling trophy between the three Ann Arbor lodges and serve as a centerpiece at future Tri-Lodge picnics.

UPCOMING EVENTS from Our Trestleboard

• August 25, 2010
  Masters Table Dinner - Masons and interested non-masons are welcome! Location TBD
• September 1, 2010
  Regular Communication - Meeting at 7:00. LOCATION CHANGE: Pittsfield Grange, located at 3337 Ann Arbor-Saline Road  See Trestleboard for details
   

Master’s Letter | August 2010

I hope that everyone is enjoying their summer, wherever this newsletter finds you.  For those of us living in Ann Arbor, we’ve seen the end of this year’s Top of the Park season and the Arts Festival, but there are still many more local festivals and events to enjoy before summer is over.  At AAF 262 we have two social events this month – our annual lodge picnic and regular Master’s Table night.  As the lodge is dark, I hope I’ll see many of you there.

The July 7 MM degree proved to be a hot one.  My car thermometer read 96 F.  Still, we had a great turnout and a festive night despite our lack of A.C.  We had a night of informal attire (Hawaiian shirts and shorts preferred) and a tropic inspired meal to make light of weather.  Several guests were present, including the new Grand Lecturer.  Congratulations again to our three newest Master Masons.

August 8 is the first ever “Tri Lodge Picnic,” that being AAF 262, Golden Rule 159, and St. Mary’s No. 4, Prince Hall Masons.  The event will take place at 3 p.m. at the Old Picnic Shelter in Gallop Park, Ann Arbor.  A reservation is required; details are available on our lodge website or by contacting our JW Clinton Bartholomew.

Solomon’s Temple is one of the most significant symbols in our Craft.  We “walk” through it during our degrees and share in one of its legendary, though not historic, events.  As Freemasons, we cannot spend enough time contemplating this important element of our work and what it means to each of us as individuals.   A recent book, well worth reading on the subject, is William J. Hamblin’s “Solomon’s Temple: Myth and History” (Thames & Hudson 2007).  Hamblin moves from a review of early Near Eastern temple architecture, to conjectures about the historic first Jerusalem temple, the history of the Temple Mount, and the significance of KST to Jews, Christians, Muslims, and other groups, including the Freemasons, following the destruction of Herod’s temple in 70 C.E.  The book is well laid out and nicely illustrated.  It’s a little too big to take to the beach, but it is a great introduction to the subject and well worth the read.

Lastly, keep your eyes open for email notices or trestle board updates concerning our September regular meeting.  As you may know, your officers are investigating alternate meeting places to Hathaway’s Hideaway.  We may have a trial run coming up at the Pittsfield Grange.  We are growing and need more room to do our work.  The hope remains that all Ann Arbor Masonry will one day reunite in a single venue.  In the meantime, we may have to make do with other cost-effective options while we grow our building fund.

Sincerely & fraternally,

Robert Blackburn, WM

UPCOMING EVENTS from Our Trestleboard

• August 8, 2010
  Tri-Lodge Family Picnic
  Gallup Park
• August 25, 2010
  Masters Table Dinner - Masons and interested non-masons are welcome! Location TBD