We had a nice turn out this past Stated meeting and missed those who were unable to attend. Our WM, Dan Norton P.M., and his lady were not in attendance and missed. Our Sr. Warden attempted to fill Worshipful's shoes. A large pair to fill indeed! We are always pleased to have visitors to help fill the void we sometimes have.
A special birthday this month!
PM(1960), Ralph Whiteley, will be 97 on the 18th of June! Ralph is our oldest attending Past Master. When you have the pleasure of Ralph's company on the drive to Lodge each month it's a drive that often departs into conversation of the past history of the area that the 20 minute drive takes you through between Ralph's home and Lodge.
A lot of change has come and gone in the area, mostly the lumber mills, small businesses and the people have gone.The mountain, at one time, was full of activity. Ralph and his wife Fern loved square dancing and, of course, there was Lodge and a host other groups who had meetings to attend. We often wonder how a hard working person, such as Ralph, could find the time to enjoy all the activities that went on. The mountain is more quiet now. Ralph worked with the lumber industry operating heavy equipment. The year his brother Bill was Worshipful Master of Forbestown (1963), Ralph said he was unable to attend any of the meetings because he was working out of the area. You had to go where the work was. As with many members Ralph has talents to contribute to our Lodge. Some years back, when the seats of our chairs were in need of repair, Ralph taught himself the somewhat lost art of caning. He repaired many of our chairs which are original to our Lodge. I am assuming this fact, but I would have to guess that PM Ralph's proudest moment of being a member of Forbestown Lodge was when his son Ray became Worshipful Master in 1970. This little bit of info does not represent even a spoonful of PM Ralph's years and adventures in life. How does one fit 97 years of living into a little column? We can only wish Ralph a happy 97th birthday and are thankful to have him attend Lodge with us! |
In December 2012
the now Senior Warden, John Davis had the pleasure of having his son, John Jr and grandson John III, in attendance for Installation of Officers for 2013. He was thrilled with being able to sit in attendance at Stated, that day, with John Jr who was in the process of going through the degrees.
Just recently SW John returned from a trip to Denver and Aurora Lodge 156 A.F. & A.M. John was there to attend the raising of his son, John Jr, to Master Mason. He was asked if he would like to raise Jr and was given this privilege. This was the second trip made for the raising of a son to the 3rd degree. The first trip was for his son-in-law, Steven White, who was raised to the 3rd degree in Clovis Masonic Lodge #40 A.F. & A.M. in New Mexico. We hope that the future will hold more trips with family participation in Masonic activities. |
Above: John Sr, John III and John Jr
Below: Steve White and John Sr |
Upcoming Events
Some of the Masonic family activities are winding down. Eastern Star Chapter meetings are going dark for the months of July and August. Ben Ali Shrine is dark for Stated Meetings in June, July and August. Others continue with their usual meetings sans dinner in July and August. Forbestown, as usual, is the same all through the year! Pot Luck & Stated - visitors welcome! Below are posted several activities, some of which were gleaned from mailed announcements, Trestleboards, etc...
Masonic Calendar
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Saturday June 15th
Wreaths for Veteran's Graves
Workshop
A worthwhile endeavor. Any and all help is appreciated. There are not many opportunities to hold workshops to make the new wreaths for placement next Christmas.
1p.m. in the basement of Oroville's Masonic Temple, entrance is off the parking lot behind the building.
1p.m. in the basement of Oroville's Masonic Temple, entrance is off the parking lot behind the building.
Job's Daughters Installation
17th June 7p.m.
This is a Monday and I believe will be held at Oroville's Masonic Temple
Officers Association / School of Instruction
June 18th
Forbestown Lodge #50
7:00 p.m.
First Degree
Forbestown Lodge #50
7:00 p.m.
First Degree
June 21st (Friday)
Oroville Shrine Club 5:30 p.m. at Eagles
Important Meeting - Prepare for the upcoming fireworks sales June 28th thru July 4th. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Shifts are 4 hours long. If you can fill any shifts it would be appreciated! (Usual stand at WalMart)
JULY
Grand Ruth Reception
Josephine Chico Chapter #104, Order of the Eastern Star cordially invites you to the "You'll Never Walk Alone"
reception honoring Jan Smith, Grand Ruth of the Grand Chapter of California, Order of the Eastern Star and The Ruths of California on Saturday, July 27, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. @ Chico RSVP's to Marie Worthy at (530) 343-7878 or email to [email protected] on or before July 20, 2013 Attire - Dressy casual for the Ladies - street length casual dress or nice blouse and skirt. No jeans or shorts or formals. Dressy Casual for the Gentlemen - slacks and dress shirt, sports jacket, slacks and polo. No jeans or shorts or Tuxedos. |
July 29th - Eastern Star
Official Visit of the Grand Officers
This is the official visit of the Grand Officers to our district and will be at the Masonic Center in Chico. This will be a social, not a formal ritual event, and promises to be very special.
History Corner
Sometimes you come across interesting UBI's (useless bits of Information) which are interesting. This is from Amity Lodge out of San Diego. I am assuming this information was found, possibly, in the book '100 years of Masonry in California'. Which means that a couple of these lodges may no longer meet in these same lodge rooms.
Forbestown's Lodge Room
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Forbestown Lodge mentioned on
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