Yucca Valley Lodge #802

Yucca Valley California Trestleboard

December 2010 A newsletter serving the Masonic and affiliated bodies of the high desert

Trestleboard - a draftsman’s designing board; that on which a Mason draws his designs for his character and spiritual growth;
Special Interest that on which the Worshipful Master lays out his designs for the workmen; a Lodge’s newsletter and calendar of events.
Articles:

• From the East. 1

From the East
Bro. Joseph Romero, Retiring Worshipful Master
• From the West. 3

Brothers,
Individual Highlights:
Allow me take the time to added a flag pole to the
thank each of you for your front of the Lodge at long
Editor’s Corner 2
support over the past year. last. We’ve continued the you have given me, and I
Dues Notice 2
This was an eventful year, tradition of celebrating know that you will
Poem 4 celebrating our fiftieth holidays by displaying continue that support for
anniversary and hosting flags along the highway Brother Joe DuPont as
Hanukkah 5
the Grand Master for the (special thanks to Joe he takes the Oriental
Famous Mason 6 Johnson and Joe Chair in the East.
celebration.
Calendar 7 Pennington for their
We’ve added new Masons efforts).
Officers 8
to the roster and seen
them advance through the Billie and I very much
degrees. We’ve seen appreciate the support
brothers participating in the
Masonic Education, which
Follow us on Facebook, will show benefits to the
where you can upload Lodge and to each
stories, photos and news individual Mason. We’ve
events! You can also find
Masonic education.

Please send stories, photos,

comments or corrections to
the editor at:
TCDowden@roadrunner.com New Fellow Craft Mason
Worshipful Master Joseph Romero offers
congratulations to Brother Darin Sanden on
his passing to the degree of Fellow Craft
Do you want to get Mason! Brother Sanden received his degree
the Trestleboard on November 11th after demonstrating his EA
sooner? Sign up for proficiency in front of the Lodge. Well done,
email delivery and and keep up the good work!
you’ll get it before
st
the 1 ! Send an
email to the editor
to sign up.

Our 50th Year in Yucca Valley

 Yucca Valley Trestleboard Page 2 of 8
The Editor’s Corner
Bro. T.C. Dowden

This has been a terrific two reading selections, and the

“We have a choice to make.
Do we continue to have a
quality publication offering
education, entertainment,
and enlightenment, or do
we let it slide backward.”
years and I’m proud to have
been the editor of this
publication during that time.
It has been both a challenge
and a delight at the same
time. The delight came from
your enjoyment of the
writings. The challenge has
come from the time required
to put together a thoughtful
and educational publication.
However, the last two years,
I have not been an officer.
This upcoming year, I will be
an officer, which brings new
time demands. I will not
have time to fulfill an
officer’s role and continue to
write, produce, fold, stamp,
tape, label and mail the
Trestleboard.
manual process of
production (printing,
The economy has not been
folding, stamping, taping,
favorable for them and
and mailing).
they will close their doors
I will continue to do the on December 10. The
overall editing, but as Trestleboard in your hand
Worshipful Joe has so is their final job for us.
succinctly stated it, I end With that, the cost of the
up being the single point of print version will soon
failure for the publication. double. We have had a
The Worshipful Master, number of brothers step
Senior and Junior Wardens up to sponsor the
all have regular columns, Trestleboard, for which we
which they will continue. are thankful. Our choice is
I’ll still do the Editor’s to (1) reduce the number
Corner as well. Beyond of printed copies, or (2) try
that, we need assistance. and raise additional funds
In addition, we say to maintain as it is, or (3)
goodbye to a terrific reduce the scope of the
partner in Steve’s Office print version to four pages
Supplies, who has been (while keeping the email

That being said, I need some very generous to the Lodge version as an eight page
in the pricing for the publication).
help in this endeavor. I need
someone to step up and Trestleboard and more That’s where we are, folks.
provide the Masonic importantly, has provided a We need help, so please
education articles, suggested very high quality print job. step up.

Lodge Dues Notices have been sent out.

Dues for this year are $84 and are due to the lodge Secretary by
December 31st.
For contributing to Masonic Home:
Contributions can be made on the same check, but please
indicate the amount on the memo Line

A beautiful system of Morality, veiled in Allegory, illustrated by Symbol

 Page 3 of 8 Yucca Valley Trestleboard

From the West

Bro. Joseph DuPont, Sr. Warden &
Incoming Worshipful Master

December is now upon us Community Involvement. participate.

and a new year lies just
ahead, how swiftly the sands
of time pass.
Sunday, December 5th 2010
at 12PM, the annual
Installation of Officers for
the coming year will be
conducted by Most
Worshipful William Bray III,
Grand Master of Masons in
California. This is truly an
Honor for Our Lodge, one
which I hope everyone will
attend and meet our Grand
Master and his Lady.
As the Master Elect, my
vision for the coming year is
a simple one, Increase
Fraternal Activity and
The success of which largely
depends on the involvement
and participation of all able
members of the Lodge.
There is much to be done
Brothers, with your help, we
can and will accomplish even
more.
To the greatest extent
possible the work of the
Lodge will continue on
Thursday nights, since it
allows participants to plan
their calendar. All are
welcome to participate
according to their degree.
Additional Lodge Activities, it
is hoped, will be scheduled
by the membership so
everyone is able to
My thanks go out
Worshipful Master
Romero, the Past Masters
and Brothers who have
worked the past few years
preparing me for my year
as Master of Yucca Valley
Lodge, without their help
it would not have been
possible. I look forward to
their continued
mentorship, guidance, and
friendship during the
coming year.
My wife, Therese, and I
wish you all a Merry
Christmas and a Joyful
Holiday Season.

Yucca Valley Masonic Lodge #802

Cordially invites you to attend their Annual
Installation of Officers for 2011 with reception to follow
On Sunday December 5, 2010 at 12 p.m.
At 7062 Theatre Rd. Yucca Valley, Ca. 92286
R.S.V.P. by November 26, 2010
Therese DuPont 760-367-4373
Formal attire: Tuxedos or dark suits for men
Formal dress or pants suits for ladies.

A beautiful system of Morality, veiled in Allegory, illustrated by Symbols

 Yucca Valley Trestleboard
Masonic Poem – The Lodge Night Before Christmas
T’was the Night before Christmas, and down at the lodge
Not a gavel was stirring, and in the hodge-podge.
Of aprons and jewels and chairs East and West
You could savor the silence, most gladly divest
All metal and mineral, it mattered not,
Since Christmas was nigh and the coals were still hot.
Back in their homeplace, old Masons were abed,
As visions of Trestleboards danced in their head;
When up on the Lodge roof there arose such a clatter
Our Tyler jumped up to see t’was the matter!
He picked up his sword and ran fast to the door,
Three knocks shook the panels - he wondered 'What for?'
He answered the knocking with raps of his own,
And once the door opened he saw, with a moan
Of delight it was Santa, all jolly and red
Except for one notable feature instead!
Upon his large finger he wore what we knew
Was compass and square on a background of blue!
'Why Santa!' he shouted and lowered his blade,
'I see you're a Mason!' the Tyler relayed.
He looked to the Master's most dignified chair
And said, voice near trembling, 'Most Worshipful there
Is a Gentleman properly clothed at the gate!'
The Master replied, 'Let's allow him - but wait!
You tell me a Gentleman, but I surely don't see
His Apron beneath that red suit, can it be
Our visitor hasn't been properly raised?
We must offer a test that is suitably phrased!
'I do beg your pardon,' ol' Santa said quick
As he pulled up his coat and displayed not a stick
A beautiful system of Morality, veiled in Allegory, illustrated by Symbol
Page 4 of 8
But a cane with engraving, two balls did appear
And oh, what an apron, he wore and held dear!
Adorned like the Master's, complete with a sign
Of "Lodge Number One, the North Pole" on one line!
"Now let this man enter," the Master declared,
And once in the Lodge room, the Brethren all stared.
For Santa was wearing a jewel not been seen
For many a century – right there in between
The fur of his coat and the splendid red collar
Gleamed two golden reindeer that shone like a dollar!
"It's Donner and Blitzen, who I must confess
"Are actually images brought from the West
By my Warden, a craftsman, like none in the world!"
And with a great laugh from his bag he unfurled
An ear of fine corn, and some oil from the East,
"My friend I have plenty, tonight we will feast
On all that is good! We are Masons, kind sir!"
A murmur went throughout the Lodge, quite a stir.
Why, presents and promises flew from his sack!
This Santa, a Mason, had showed quite a knack
For making this Christmas the best you could glean,
And soon even Deacons were laughing, they'd seen
On this very night only happiness reigned!
This jolly Saint Nicholas quickly explained
That truly a Mason would be so inclined
To make all kids happy, help all people to find
That Christmas is special,
Yes, Santa was right!
Merry Christmas to all,
and to all a good night!
Written by W Bro. Tofique Fatehi
Edited by Bro. TC Dowden
 Page 5 of 8 Yucca Valley Trestleboard

The Lights of both Christmas and Hanukkah

are traditions calling us to a time of
thanksgiving and remembrance.
As Christians, we give thanks to the Great
Architect of the Universe for the gifts of His
Son. Our Jewish Brethren thank the Creator
for the miracle of Hanukkah with the
restoration and cleansing of the Temple.
Perhaps at this time of the year, more than
any other, we should be grateful for our
many blessings. Of course, we say thanks for
the material gifts customarily received
during the holiday season, but we should
remember the gifts of greater value, those
intangible blessings in our lives that are
beyond price-family, friends, and good
health. Another of these rich blessings is
membership in the Fraternity we hold so
dearly as Masons.
Freemasonry shares a second common
factor with Christmas and Hanukkah-Light.
Christians celebrate the coming of the Light
of Christ into the world. Jewish Brethren Trestleboard Sponsors
celebrate the miraculous supply of oil that
kept the eternal lamp burning during the re- Platinum Sponsors
consecration of the Temple. Mark Clark
Gary Mason
Christmas and Hanukkah occur when Annual Trestleboard
Joe DuPont
darkness and cold rule. Gone are the golden Sponsorships help defray the
crisp days of autumn, and the freshness of annual cost of printing and Gold Sponsors
spring is only a promise. And yet, in the mailing the Trestleboard to those TC Dowden
Brothers and friends of the Joseph Romero
midst of winter, these two great religious Lodge that are not adept at
traditions share the symbol of Light and the electronic publications. If you
Silver Sponsors
theme of sharing it with others. can afford to sponsor, please Wayne Stuart

Keep the Light burning, always.

see TC Dowden. Sponsors 00

A beautiful system of Morality, veiled in Allegory, illustrated by Symbols

 Yucca Valley Trestleboard
Famous Mason: Burl Ives, Actor, Singer, Freemason
The monument (pictured in color television comedy series "O.K.
on the front inside cover of this Crarkerby" and the drama "The
issue) memorializes an ardent Bold One."
Freemason and humanitarian who Brother Ives was involved in
was one of seven children born to Freemasonry as a youth,
a Hunt, Illinois, farming family. He
becoming a DeMolay on
learned his first tunes and folk December 5, 1927. Then, after
ballads from his pipe-smoking moving to California, he
grand-mother, and by age four, he petitioned Magnolia (now
was singing in his grandfather's Magnolia-La Cumbre) Lodge No.
church. 242 and, in 1977, The Scottish
Entertaining became an avocation Rite Bodies of Santa Barbara,
as he studied at Eastern Illinois California, becoming a dual
State Teachers College and New member in the Valley of
York University, but in 1938, Bellingham, Washington, in 1990.
following his success on Broadway In recognition of his many
in The Boys from Syracuse, he services to our Order, he was
became a full-time performer on invested with the Rank of Knight
the concert and theater stage, in Commander Court of Honor in
radio, film and television. Often, 1985, coroneted an Inspector
he performed for charities, General Honorary in 1987, and
including the Scottish Rite of elected a Grand Cross by The
Freemasonry and the Shrine. Supreme Council in 1993.
Famous for such folk songs as Dorothy Ives, following what she
"Jimmy Crack Corn," "Big Rock feels would have been the wish of
Candy Mountain" and "Blue Tail her beloved husband, has had a
Fly," as well as for his lead role in Grand Cross emblem engraved on
the folk singing group "The her husband's monument. "He
Weavers." Ill.·. Ives was also an loved Freemasonry," she says,
actor of note. He starred on stage "and I know this is what he would
throughout the United States and have wished." In addition, Mrs.
in Europe, and in such major Ives has donated over 200 of the
motion pictures as "Cat on a Hot items collected by Ill.·. Bro.·. Ives
Tin Roof" and "The Big Country" throughout his long career. With
for which he won an Academy Dorothy's personal involvement a
Award. He also starred in the special Burl Ives Room is being
prepared in the House of the
Temple to display the Burl Ives
Collection, and plans are to
dedicate it near the second
anniversary of his death, April 14,
1997.
Appropriately, the passing of Ill.·.
Bro.·. Ives was marked by a
memorial service held, under the
auspices of the Grand Lodge of
F..&A..M.. of California on May 4,
1995, at the Scottish Rite
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Page 6 of 8
Cathedral in Los Angeles. Also,
following graveside services by the
Reverend Stephen Willis, Pastor of
the First Baptist Church of New-
ton, Illinois, the officers of The
Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of
A.·.&F.·.A.·. Masons of the State of
Illinois assembled on May 15,
1995, at Mound Cemetery to
conduct a memorial service of the
Craft for Brother Ives as a courtesy
to his home Lodge, Magnolia-La
Cumbre No. 242, of Santa Barbara,
California. The cremains of Bro.·.
Ives were then placed in the
grave.
The monument in the Mound
Cemetery is not the only tribute to
Brother Ives in Jasper County.
Recently, the bridge located on
Highway 130 at the north
entrance to Newton, Illinois, has
been named the Burl Ives Bridge.
In late 1995, State Representative
Charles A. Harke sponsored House
Resolution 56 which dedicated the
bridge to Ives, and the Illinois
Department of Transportation was
directed to erect a plaque near
the bridge honoring this great
American. In addition, there is a
"Home Place of Burl Ives" museum
dedicated to preserving the
history of his early life.
The Scottish Rite, Southern
jurisdiction, is proud to have had
so illustrious a Brother in its ranks
and deems it a high privilege to
dedicate a room in the House of
the Temple to displaying the Burl
Ives Collection. As the great
American poet Carl Sandburg said,
Brother Burl is "the mightiest
ballad singer of this or any other
century." To this, we would add
dedicated Mason and outstanding
Scottish Rite Brother--a great man
and Mason to be remembered
and revered, always.
 Page 7 of 8 Yucca Valley Trestleboard
Lodge Calendar Our 50th Year in Yucca Valley
Yucca Valley Masonic Center

December 2010
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
30 1 2 3 4
Sagittarius Capricorn Hall Association Hanukkah Stated Mtg 6 PM Breakfast
6 PM Begins Dinner 6:30 8-10 AM
Open Mtg 7:30 Galaxy Club 10 AM
Finance Board Installation
Mtg 6:45 PM
Practice

5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Installation of Oasis of Mara Degree/Officer Breakfast
Stated Meeting Practice 8-10 AM
Officers
29 Palms 7:30 pm 6:30 pm Oasis of Mara
12 p.m.

Hanukkah Ends
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Eastern Star 6 PM Scottish Rite in Masonic Concordant Body
Yucca Valley Palm Springs Education & Christmas Party
Election of Officers Officer Practice 11:00 AM
6:30 PM Helen Gray
Education Center,
Joshua Tree

19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Degree/Officer Christmas Eve Christmas Day
Practice
6:30 pm

26 27 28 29 30 31 1
Eastern Star 6 PM Degree/Officer New Years Eve New Years Day
Yucca Valley Practice
6:30 pm

It is with a heavy heart we say “thank you” for excellent

service and color prints for the past two years and bid a
fond farewell to

A beautiful system of Morality, veiled in Allegory, illustrated by Symbols

 Yucca Valley Trestleboard Page 8 of 8
Lodge Officers 2011

Grand Master of the State of

Most Worshipful William J. Bray III
Yucca Valley Masonic Lodge California
PO Box 686 Worshipful Master Joseph DuPont 367-4373
Yucca Valley, CA 92286
Senior Warden William Fitch PM
PHONE: Junior Warden Gary Mason
(760) 820-4499
Treasurer Mark Clark 367-7246
FAX: Secretary Joseph Johnson PM 365-5764
(760) 820-4499
Chaplain David Glenn 660-5736
E-MAIL:
Senior Deacon TC Dowden 418-5236
secretary@masons802.org
Junior Deacon Sean Clay PM 365-9385
Trestleboard Editor: Marshal Joe Gerusa
T. C. Dowden 418-5236 Senior. Steward Joseph Pennington 362-2785
TCDowden@roadrunner.com Junior Steward Don (DJ) Ross
Tyler James N. Henley 366-2527
We’re on the Web! Officer’s Coach Bill Shirley
See us at:
Inspector 830th Masonic Dist Richard F. Davis 347-8253
www.masons802.org
Telephone Chair
Facebook Adriana C. (Tina) Bergamin 365-5523

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#/pages/Yucca-Valley-CA/Yucca-Valley-Masonic-Lodge-802/387646035017?ref=sgm

YUCCA VALLEY
MASONIC LODGE
PO Box 686
Yucca Valley, CA 92286
City, ST 78269

A beautiful system of Morality, veiled in Allegory, illustrated by Symbol