Trestleboard

Awaiting Degrees

March Birthdays

William Baker 70

Eric Buzonas 59

Alex Fields                  31

Doug Hersey               101

Jacob Mickle               39

Sickness and Distress

Please keep all Brothers and their families in your prayers

Especially these

William Bray, Jack Kennedy

Spring Rebirth and Renewal

By Sr Warden Ed Arico

As the transition from winter to spring occurs, indicators of renewal become increasingly observable within the environment. Although each season possesses its own importance, spring stands out for its significant transformation; hills shift from golden yellow to vibrant green, flowers bloom, and bees initiate pollination, collectively signifying hope, and new beginnings. Spring officially begins with the Vernal Equinox—meaning "equal night"—marking the point at which daylight hours begin to exceed those of darkness. The proximity of Passover, Easter, and other religious observances to the Equinox is not coincidental, as this period embodies themes of renewal and new life.

This phase of renewal can also be interpreted metaphorically in relation to the Lodge and its members. As winter concludes, the Lodge experiences a transition in leadership, providing new Masters and Wardens the opportunity to acclimate to their responsibilities. During the dormant season, ideas have time to develop and mature. With the arrival of spring, these concepts may be implemented, akin to the emergence of new growth in nature. Each member plays a vital role in advancing the Lodge’s progress and vitality. Proactive involvement and volunteering, whether by utilizing existing expertise or acquiring new skills, are instrumental in enhancing the lodge.

For Masters and Officers, spring offers an apt opportunity to reinvigorate the Lodge, encouraging both communal engagement and individual fulfillment. By promoting active participation and innovation, leaders can help ensure the Lodge prospers and positively influences its members and the wider community. Ideally, future generations will recognize the current leadership as pivotal in guiding the Lodge through a period marked by excellence.

Consequently, this season presents an appropriate occasion to contemplate Masonic traditions concerning death, rebirth, and the concept of the "celestial lodge." It is also a timely moment to commence degree work and welcome new members into the fraternity, thereby reinforcing the values of brotherly love, relief, and truth. When raised as Master Masons, individuals receive instruction regarding the hope of resurrection, further underlining the symbolic connection between spring and notions of renewal and new beginnings.

Numerous cultures present narratives addressing themes of seasonal change, mortality, and rebirth. Within Freemasonry, various symbols are utilized to represent rebirth, renewal, and the advent of spring, emphasizing the progression from darkness to light and the concept of immortality.

Osiris, the ancient Egyptian god of the underworld, fertility, and agriculture, is at the heart of a myth about death and rebirth. His evil brother Set killed him and placed his body in a sarcophagus that eventually drifted to the shores of Byblos, where a large acacia tree quickly grew around the coffin. The acacia symbolizes the soul's endurance, purity, and the promise of an afterlife, serving as a link between the mortal world and the underworld.

Osiris was resurrected by his wife Isis, who reassembled his body and used the magical qualities of the acacia tree to

help bring him back to life. Osiris's resurrection reflects the agricultural cycle (with crops dying in winter and reborn in spring),

the daily journey of the sun, and the triumph of order over chaos. He is often portrayed with green skin (representing fertility

and regeneration) or black skin (the fertile mud of the Nile). As mentioned in our 3rd degree, the acacia tree marks the fallen

Master’s grave. In both contexts, the acacia stands for the return to life, light, or truth.

Another symbol we recognize is the beehive, which represents unity and collective purpose. Within a complex society, each bee performs its assigned role diligently, contributing to the overall success of the hive.

The chronicle of Ostara (or Ēostre), a Germanic and Anglo-Saxon goddess associated with dawn, spring, fertility, and renewal, further enriches this symbolism. Linked to the spring equinox, Ostara embodies the revival of life following winter. Her name is thought to be the origin of "Easter," and she is often depicted with motifs of new life, such as bees, eggs, rabbits, hares, and flowers. According to the legend, she transformed a bird into a hare, which in gratitude laid eggs.

Today, modern observances of Eostre/Ostara coincide with the spring equinox and feature traditions like cleaning,

planting, and celebrating the return of light and fertility.

Bees exemplify the fundamental cycle of renewal, as they facilitate the transition from winter dormancy to vibrant

growth through pollination and the continuation of life. As Masons, it is essential for each member to contribute to

the lodge’s endeavors, ensuring their success and harmony.

Another symbol employed in the second degree is the pomegranate, which represents abundance,

fertility, and the interconnected prosperity of the brotherhood. Pomegranates adorned the capitals of

the two pillars, Jachin and Boaz, in King Solomon’s Temple, signifying the fraternity's fertility and affluence.

The Greek myth of Demeter and Persephone further underscores the symbolism; Persephone, daughter of Demeter and Zeus, was abducted by Hades to become queen of the Underworld. As Demeter searched for her daughter, she neglected her responsibilities as goddess of agriculture, resulting in a perpetual barren winter.

During her captivity, Persephone ate pomegranate seeds—sometimes said to be only a few, other times as many as six—which tied her to Hades and meant she had to return to the underworld for part of each year. This narrative illustrates the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, explaining winter as Demeter’s mourning and spring as Persephone’s return. Ancient Greeks utilized this myth to account for the changing seasons, with plant blooms marking Persephone’s emergence and symbolizing agricultural fertility.

March Masonic Birthdays

Kirk Crantford 10 yrs

Jim Emery 42 yrs

Steven Garner 41 yrs

Roy Grimm 14 yrs

Gene Kurz 10 yrs

Jacob Mickle 10 yrs

Paul Nigh 44 yrs

John Vanlandingham 44 yrs

Order Of The Eastern Star Of Arizona

Verde Valley Chapter No7

534 S 12th St, Cottonwood, AZ 86326

Secretary: Barbara Wunder, PGM

602-290-9547 barbara.wundervv7@gmail.com

Stated Meetings: First Tuesday at 7:30PM

Dark: July and August

2025-2026 GRAND LINE OFFICERS

Grand Master Most Worshipful Leigh Creighton

Deputy Grand Master Right Worshipful Roger Biede III

Senior Grand Warden Right Worshipful Eric Dupree

Junior Grand Warden Right Worshipful James Xie

Grand Secretary Very Worshipful Greg Vasquez, PGM

Grand Treasurer Very Worshipful Ron Richards

Deputy Grand Secretary MWPGM Jim Baker

Deputy Grand Treasurer Brother John Olson

Senior Grand Deacon Worshipful Brother Reed Houge

Junior Grand Deacon Worshipful Brother Steve Bracety

Senior Grand Steward Worshipful Brother William Carnell

Junior Grand Steward Worshipful Brother Michael Flutty

Grand Lecturer WB David Fierro

Grand Chaplain VR WB Nathan Schick

Grand Orator WB Thomas Carpenter

Grand Marshal WB Lew Ivy

Grand Standard Bearer David Aguayo

Grand Sword Bearer WB Timothy Strasser

Grand Bible Bearer WB Harold Lindamood

Grand Pursuivant WB DJ Arps

Grand Organist Jonathan Edward D’Emilio

Grand Editor WB George Balady, Jr.

Grand Tyler WB Augustin Delgado

Grand Counsel WB Richard Leland Brooks

Grand Photographer WB Allen Nichols

Masonic Celebrations

Knocking on the Door Fellow Craft Master Mason

Iotanna Nkemdilim Josh Hastings, Jake Kowalski