The Gavel

The Masonic gavel is an emblem of authority used by the Master of the lodge to show his executive power over the assemblage by punctuating its actions.

The Common Gavel
In this capacity, order is maintained and a structured outcome to the proceedings is achieved.

The common gavel is also one of the working tools of the Entered Apprentice.

Operative Gavel

In the operative stonemason era, the common gavel was a tool used to hew (break) the rough edges from the stones (ashlars) in order to perfectly fit them into place.

Speculative Gavel

In speculative Freemasonry, the Masonic Gavel is used to symbolically divest the heart and consciousness of all the vices and superfluities (excesses) of life in order to ready ourselves as if we were living stones, open to be shaped into a spiritual being that is pleasing to our Creator.

A True Masonic Gavel

What does a true Masonic gavel look like? The head of the gavel is rectangular, flat on one end and can be slightly pinched (as you see, above) or come to a point on the other end.


Important Dates

November

11/03 - Officer Practice
11/03 - School Of Instruction
11/08 - GL Leadership Workshop
11/10 - Officer Practice
11/10 - School Of Instruction
11/12 - Regular Communication
11/17 - Officer Practice
11/17 - School Of Instruction
11/19 - Possible Degree (see website)
11/24 - Officer Proficiency
11/24 - School Of Instruction
11/29 - Pancake Breakfast

Other and Upcoming Activities


11/11 - Christiana #35 Grand Master Visit
11/19 - "Unity Meeting" Simultaneous Grand Visit of four lodges in one location
12/10 - St. John's Grand Master Visit
12/19 - Widows Baskets
1/19 - Temple #9 Grand Visit/200th Anniversary
3/20 - Brotherhood Night
3/28 - Semi Annual Communication

also see Calendar page



Legacy

Although NOT recommended, banging your head against the wall burns 150 calories an hour.

The human brain is 80% water. Gives a whole new meaning to "Drowning in your thoughts".

Mark Twain didn't graduate from elementary school.

Pilgrims ate popcorn at the first Thanksgiving dinner.

They have square watermelons in Japan - they stack better.

Iceland consumes more Coca-Cola per capita than any other nation.

The first Fords had engines made by Dodge.


St. John's Shout Out!

Friendship Lodge #160, OR
Legacy The Rose City Park distric of Portland Oregan, as in other major cities, experienced rapid growth just prior to 1913. Among so large a number of home builders there were necessarily a great many members of our noble Craft, a large percentage of whom were not

affiliated with Portland lodges. These brethren naturally had a deep affection for the lodges in which they had been raised, though they recognized the duty they owed to the Grand Jurisdiction in which they were now permanently located.

By September 1913 an initiative was started and a petition for the establishment of a Masonic Lodge in Rose City Park was circulated. In a short time the signatures of more than thirty Masons living in the vicinity of the proposed Lodge was obtained. The organizers voted to present the petition to Washington Lodge No. 46, the nearest brother lodge, for sponsorship. Washington Lodge accepted the petition and agreed to sponsor the new Lodge among the other Portland lodges. The name "Friendship" was adopted by unanimous vote and has always been an inspiration and incentive to the members to practice that truly Masonic virtue.

All Portland lodges gave assent to the petition, whereupon the Grand Master, Septimus S. Spencer, granted a dispensation under date of January 1, 1914, permitting Friendship Lodge, U.D., to meet at Vincent Hall and do Masonic work. It is significant that Acting Grand Master Cleland, in his remarks, stated: "The location is well chosen, the officers proficient, the membership loyal and enthusiastic, and there is every reason to believe that the new lodge will be successful and prosper."

The special communication of the Grand Lodge was closed and the first stated communication of Friendship Lodge, U. D., was opened immediately thereafter.

Friendship Lodge #160
8130 N. Denver Avenue
Portland, OR 97217


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.)