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03/02/08 |
     
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Sister Barbara Benton, Most Worthy Grand Matron GREETINGS FROM YOUR MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON
Halito! (That's hello in Choctaw Indian talk)
In the month of February we think of Valentine's Day; a day
in which we give our family, friends, and loved ones cards and gifts
to express our special love for them. We all need love, no matter
how young or old, married or single, handsome or homely. We need
someone to make us feel glad to be alive. Someone to love you--not
for how you look or what you can do--but just for being you. You
want a love you can depend on. You, my dear Sisters and Brothers,
have made me feel I am loved--you have never broken my heart and you
have never failed me in your love--you continue to be the wind
beneath my wings and I thank you again for that. Thank you for being
a special blessing in my life. When I'm counting all my blessings,
there's one thing I always do--I stop and say a "thank you Great
Spirit for very special YOU." For you're someone who'll forever be
a dear and precious part of the warm and treasured memories I hold
wihin my heart. My Valentine Wish for you is to spread love
throughout the world. Love conquers all. When you have love in one
another, there is friendship, and when there is friendship, there is
peace. May friendship and peace work together to make love in
your life
After attending the Installation and Reception on January 5,
2008 for Joe Jones as Potentate and First Lady Joyce, I was thinking
thoughts of famous Freemasons and the pride of all Freemasons and
since February is the birth month of Great Men, I again, thought
about the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria,
Virginia. High on Shooters Hill in Alexandria stands the pride of
all Freemasons in the United States--the 333 ft. George Washington
Masonic National Memorial. In the District of Columbia there can
never be a building of greater height than the Washington
Monument. A powerful reminder of George Washington's leadership for
liberty, the Memorial portrays his commitment to the Masonic way of
life. Supported by Grand Lodge contributions, a portion of
initiation fees from new Masons of some Grand Lodges, and the gifts
of concerned brothers, the George Washington Masonic National
Memorial is an expression of Masonic dedication to love of country.
Rob Morris was born in 1818, became a school teacher, but eventually
became so absorbed with Freemasonry that he spent his full time as a
Masonic author, editor, teacher, and lecturer. He eventually
settled in Kentucky and served as Grand Master. He was probably the
most famous Mason of his day. He organized and wrote the ritual of
the Order of the Eastern Star. He departed this life in 1888.
Famous movie stars have been Masons: George Bancroft, Ernest
Borgnine, George Brent, Eddie Cantor, Charles Coburn, Clark Gable,
Oliver Hardy, Tom Mix, Roy Rogers, John Wayne, Jonathan Winters, and
of course, my favorite, Gene Autry. Gene Autry, singer, actor,
prodeucer, writer of screen, stage, radio, and television was
ocroneted with the 33 degree Inspector General Honorary by the Long
Beach, California, Scottish Rite Bodies. Brother Autry was
initiated an Entered Apprentice June 6, 1929, passed to the degree
of Fellow Craft July 4, 1929, and raised to the Sublime Degree of
Master Mason August 2, 1929, in Catoosa Lodge No. 185. His first
picture was "In Old Santa Fe" and he starred in 55 musical Western
feature pictures and wrote over 250 songs. How many of you saw him
in his last picture--"Who Honked My Saddle Horn" (Forgive me
Gene--I just couldn't help myself!)
Tom and I enjoyed our two children and 4 grandchildren on a
trip to New York City--we flew on Christmas Day and returned to
Oklahoma City on New Years Day. We had a blast seeing broadway
shows, sight seeing, the Rockettes 75 Anniversary Specticular in
Radio City, bringing in the New Year with the dropping of the "big
ball" on Times Square. One of the highlights was to ride the ferry
over to see the Statue of Liberty. Did you know the famous Statue
of Liberty in New York Harbor was designed by a Frenchman, a
Freemason? The Grand odge of New York laid the cornerstone with
Masonic ceremonies on August 5, 1885.
Hopefully, our Chapters will find a community project to
support in the year 2008. I know our Choctaw Chief presented a
$7,000 check to a small town Fire Department. The donation came
from tribal funds to assist the small volunteer fire department.
Thoughts and prayers should be with all of the fire departments in
Oklahoma as they battle numerous fires. Your Chapter might furnish
fuel to fill up a fire truck and/or to by snacks, bottled water, and
Gatorade for area firefighters. This is just a thought as there are
many, many worthwhile projects that you could choose to support in
your community.
February's itinerary will take your Most Worthy Grand Matron
and Most Worthy Grand Patron to a General Grand Chapter Trustees
Meeting in DC, followed by our visits to two Chapters in Mexico
City. JoAnn Sheppard, Colleen Babb, and Patty Thompson will be
among the 91 who will be going on the bus from San Antonio to Mexico
City. We are always glad to have our Oklahoma folks participate in
our travels. We will return home to go to McLoud Chapter's 100th
Anniversary on February 16th. Hope to see many of you there for
this very special event.
May the Great Spirit's blessing always be with you.
EIHONEYSJ (until we meet again)
Affectionately,
Barbara
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This site was last updated 03/02/08
