The Freemason's Cipher

The exact origin of the cipher is uncertain, but records of this system have been found which go back to at least the 18th century. Variations of this cipher were used by both the Rosicrucian brotherhood and the Freemasons, though the latter used it so often that the system is frequently called the Freemason's cipher. They began using it in the early 18th century to keep their records of history and rites private, and for correspondence between lodge leaders.
Tombstones of Freemasons can also be found which use the system as part of the engravings. One of the earliest stones in Trinity Church Cemetery in New York City, which opened in 1697, contains the tombstone of James Leason (28 September 1794). Noteworthy here is the presence of symbols on the upper part of the tombstone. Leason was a member of the Freemasons and only those who possess the Freemason-key are able to read the signs on his tombstone ("memento mori" or in english, "Remember death").

George Washington's army had documentation about the system, with a much more randomized form of the alphabet. And during the American Civil War, the system was used by Union prisoners in Confederate prisons.


Important Dates

December

12/01 - Officer Practice
12/01 - School Of Instruction
12/03 - FC Degree
12/08 - Officer Practice
12/08 - School Of Instruction
12/10 - Regular Communication
12/10 - GM Visit
12/15 - Officer Practice
12/15 - School Of Instruction
12/17 - Possible Degree (see website)
12/19 - Widows Baskets
12/22 - Officer Proficiency
12/22 - School Of Instruction
12/29 - Officer Proficiency
12/29 - School Of Instruction
12/31 - New Year's Eve Party
(See Steve Sabourin or Joe Schulze)

Other and Upcoming Activities


01/03 - Breakfast With Santa - 9am (Contact PM Bill Joyce 376-6918 or Bro. JB Rogers 836-8116 if you plan to attend)
01/03 - FC Degree (See website)
01/05 - MM Proficiency
01/07 - MM Degree
01/14 - Stated Communication - Bring your current dues card!

01/19 - Temple #9 Grand Visit/200th Anniversary
03/20 - Brotherhood Night
03/28 - Semi Annual Communication

also see Calendar page



Legacy

"Weird" Al Yankovic received a Bachelor's degree in Architecture in 1981. He also served as valedictorian of his high school at age 16.

A pregnant goldfish is called a twit.

Money isn't made out of paper; it's made out of cotton.

The 57 on Heinz ketchup bottle represents the varieties of pickle the company once had.

Your stomach produces a new layer of mucus every two weeks - otherwise it will digest itself.

The Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper.


St. John's Shout Out!

Chalk Mountain Lodge #894, TX
Chalk Mountain Lodge TX Chalk Mountain Lodge Number 894 began work under dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Texas on July 30th 1904. The lodge was set to work by R. W. John J. Ray D.D.G.M of the 36th district of the Grand Lodge of Texas, with Joe Dotson as the first Worshipful Master. There were nine members present and 31 visitors. The lodge was chartered to work on December 8th 1904.

The stated meetings were set for the first Saturday night on or after the full moon. The meetings were set to coincide with the full moon as the members either walked or rode to the meetings on horseback. The light of the full moon made it easier for them to see their way home after dark.

From 1904 to 1946, only 21 Masters served the lodge with many serving more than one term. At the May 30th 1953 meeting, a bill of 14 dollars was paid for the last set of oil lamps purchased, prior to the use of electricity, in the lodge. At the stated meeting of April 9th 1955, the lodge voted to send one of these oil lamps to

Waco to be placed in the Grand Lodge Museum.

The original building was designed and built, by J.H. Underwood, a member of the lodge. The first floor was used as a grocery store and the second floor housed Chalk Mountain Lodge. In 1908, Brother Underwood gave the ownership of to the property to C.C. Hammock, with Chalk Mountain Lodge retaining ownership of the second floor lodge. In 1916 Mr. Hammock turned the deed of the property over to D.W. Lacky.

In 1935 D.W. Lacky died and the store closed down. The lodge members continued meeting in the building at the original location until 1989. A dispute with the Underwood family descendents who had claimed ownership of the land led to the decision to move the second floor lodge. The lodge owned the second floor but not the first floor or land that it was built upon. Negotiations to buy the property the lodge was built upon were unsuccessful.

Mr. Stacy Bright of Weatherford a non Mason donated a 1 acre lot to Chalk Mountain lodge. A foundation was poured and a concrete block lower first floor erected at the new location. On May 6th 1989 members of the lodge and other area Masons, along with considerable help from Shinn Construction Company Inc. and its workers cut loose and lifted the second floor lodge building and moved it a quarter mile away and set it on top of the new building.

Chalk Mountain Lodge TX
The lodge has become known as the lodge that wouldn't die, and continues to meet on the Saturday on or after a full moon. The lodge members stay involved in the surrounding community. The lodge provides Thanksgiving Dinners and Christmas Dinners to local families as well as supporting activities at the Three Way School.

Chalk Mountain Lodge #894
Erath Co. Rd 198 & Hwy 67
Chalk Mountain, Texas 76649


Notice

In an effort to operate in a sustainable environment, increase cost effectiveness, and provide you with information as quickly and readily as possible, our Trestle Board will be posted online. However, any member of our Lodge who wishes to receive a printed copy can contact our Secretary (by email at loebja@aol.com, or send a letter to Secretary, P.O. Box 409, New Castle, Delaware 19720, and one will be mailed to you by regular mail.)