Category: Benjamin Villanueva

Posted on

From the East

FROM THE EAST

Master’s Message

Brethren and Friends,

We welcome you to read Culver City-Foshay’s February trestleboard.!  May it enlighten your senses through modes of diverse knowledge!  I would like to thank those who attended our Installation of Officers on January 7th, and help to give the ensuing Masonic year in our community an impressive start.  As the year progresses, we hope to see you at many exciting and diverse events and ceremonies. Please join me in congratulating Brothers Kenneth Halsband and Tuffy C. N. Williams, who were recently raised to the Degree of Master Mason and Brother Elijah Daniel smith who was passed to the Degree of Fellowcraft. We look forward to your attendance at all our degrees and your ability to witness the impressive work of our officers.

The Pin

This year, Sam House PM and I have collaborated in the production of this year’s lapel pin. As you may see, the pin, not unlike those of Sam House Michael Miller, which, during their years as Master of our lodge, featured a coffin and All-seeing eye, respectively, has significance in freemasonry. My pin, bearing the Hourglass and Scythe has certain meaning to our craft. The hourglass is a reminder of the limits of mortality and that a belief in immortality is no excuse for neglecting our duties here on earth.  Time, symbolized by the scythe, waits for no man, no matter what his station – be it high or low, rich or poor. Both are posted in the Chamber of Reflection, for the candidate to view, to incite his sense of judgement on the use of the time allotted him.  My duty as Master and a mason, is to lead and improve the craft at our lodge until my time as Master has concluded, and my life on earth.  The motto for the year is “Tempvs Fvgit” or time flies. Our time in our bodies on earth is finite, yet the agency we leave behind is imprinted on those whom we inspire. Every Mason, until death do him part, should endeavor to be efficient, and attentive to duty.

The Procedures of a Committee

A committee comprises a portion of the existing membership. It has a life span of three or more months. During the first month, the committee should seek the Master’s plan for that specific committee. Once the concepts of the Master are understood by all committeemen, the committee shall carry out the preliminary arrangements. If it is an event committee, publicity or pre-sale tickets will be promoted to the membership. If it is operational committee, committee members must assure that all information is attained months before the final product is to be presented or achieved. Hence, the second month each committee will report to the lodge on the progress. The last stage will continue with progress previous made, , but more importantly will make finishing adjustments.

Fraternally,

Benjamin Villanueva,

Master, Culver City-Foshay Masonic Lodge No. 467

Posted on

From The South – Meet the Masters

Trestleboard: From The South – Meet the Masters

Brethren:
The lodge’s membership program is thriving in comparison with similar programs of most lodges. The growth, to a great extent, has to do with our website and “Meet the Master’s” event. Meet the Master’s is a program that was started informally by Worshipful Brothers Clarence Kussner and Merrick Hamer. Clarence was in charge of renting our building when not in use by the lodge. Merrick began the creation of our extensive library. Often, while they were thus engaged, passersby would wander into the building to inquire about our unique edifice and its purpose. The creation of Meet the Master’s became a place where potential prospects were given an opportunity to find out more about freemasonry and what we do as Masons. The title, “Meet the Masters,” grew out of a desire by Worshipful David Francis Philips, when he served as Master of the lodge, to encourage brethren, already members of the lodge, to engage with the lodge’s leaders. Since this often involved not only the “Master,” but other leaders as well, Worshipful Jonathan Dilley, finally gave the event it present appellation. This prosperous event has brought countless members in our craft and continues to spark interest in worthy potential prospects. This event also allows us to bring a diverse group in applicants.

Benjamin Villanueva,
Junior Warden