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December 23, 2022

THE LOUISIANA FREEMASON is the Official Publication of The Grand Lodge of the State of Louisiana, F & A.M., digitally published quarterly and in print annually for members of Lodges in Louisiana. The Louisiana Freemason eEdition is published weekly on Fridays. Articles that are published do not necessarily reflect the views of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana. Email/Address Changes should be sent to the Lodge Secretary.

The Right Tools for the Job:
A Christmas Reflection from the Grand Chaplain

by W∴B∴ Perry Anderson,
Grand Chaplain

Artist: Walter M. Baumhofer

Each year as Christmas approaches, I tend to get a little sentimental. I cherish the many memories centered on this special day. One memory that always comes to mind is the day we found the perfect Christmas tree for our home. It was a Saturday and my dad had taken me and my two brothers to Shreveport to do some Christmas shopping. My dad seemed to be gifted in finding the perfect evergreen to bring home for decorating. We were returning home that evening and it was right at dusk, when all of a sudden, my dad stopped and parked the 1970 Olive Green Ford Country Squire Station Wagon on the side of the road. He said, “Come on boys, I found us a Christmas tree.”

My brothers and I followed my dad into the woods, fighting against the underbrush and briars to get a closer look. When we saw it, we all agreed it was the perfect tree. We wanted to get it right away, but didn’t have anything with us for cutting it down. We didn’t want to leave it for we were afraid we would not spot it again, or even worse, someone else could drive by and take it for themselves. We decided to get the tree right away. We walked back to the car to find something we could use to cut it down. Daddy looked in the bottom of the small storage area and all he could find was a crescent wrench and screwdriver. He grabbed the tools and said, “Let’s go get it, boys.”

My brothers and I watched as my dad chiseled away at the trunk of that perfectly shaped cedar tree. We dragged the tree to the car and loaded it in the back. These may not have been the ideal tools for the job, but they were all we had and they did get the job done. We were excited and couldn’t wait to get home and show Momma our prized find. When she saw the tree, Momma shared in the excitement and said this was the best tree we ever had. This reminds me of our lives as Master Masons. Some days we may be going through life doing our routine activities, when all of a sudden, God puts someone in our path as an opportunity to offer assistance in their time of need.

At times we may first think, we don’t possess the right tools to get the job done. We may think it best to go on and come back later when we are better prepared. If we choose to leave, we run the risk of that person never receiving the help they need. We must act in faith. God promises to equip us with the tools we will need to get the job done. I pray we will be faithful this special Christmas season as we strive daily to honor God and do the work for His Kingdom.

Let us be strong and courageous as we take advantage of every opportunity to serve our fellow man and shine the light of God’s love and grace to everyone. No matter where you go or who you encounter in your path, be assured God will never call on you without first equipping you with the tools needed to do His work.

Peace and Blessings,
W∴B∴ Perry Anderson,
Grand Chaplain

Bayou Lacombe Lodge No. 459

Installs New Lodge Officers for 2023

On Tuesday, December 6, of Bayou Lacombe Lodge No. 459 convened to install their duly elected 2023 Officers at an Open Communication. After a delicious meal prepared by Worshipful Elect W⸫B⸫ Wayne Tamborell, P∴M∴, 19 guests and 13 Members of Bayou Lacombe Lodge assembled in the Lodge to observe the installation. As the Installing Officer, W⸫B⸫ Marvin Larry Cook, P∴M∴, assisted by
B⸫ Johnathan Pettit, D∴G∴L∴ 14th Masonic District, Installing Marshall, installed the following Officers who will lead Bayou Lacombe Lodge No. 459 during the ensuing year:

FRONT ROW L-R: R∴W∴B∴ Carl Schubert, PM, DDGM, Treas.; W∴B∴ Richard Hooton, PM, SW; W∴B∴ Wayne Tamborella, PM, WM; B∴ John Delchamps, JW; W∴B∴ Murray Seals, PM, Sec’y.

SECOND ROW L-R: W∴B∴Hugh McCormick, Sr, PM, Chap.; B∴Joey Retiff, MC; W∴B∴Kelly Carrigan, Sr., PM, JS; W∴B∴ Harvey Gaines, PM, SS; B∴James Cauthen, III, JD; W∴B∴David Adam, PM, SD; and W∴B∴Fred Holland, PM, Tyler.

May Peace and Harmony prevail at Bayou Lacombe Lodge No. 459 in 2023.

Send your tidings to gar@la-mason.com.

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Louisiana Grand York Rite Session - 2023

March 2 - March 4, 2023

The 2023 Louisiana Grand York Rite Session kicks off on Thursday, March 2, 2023, with a jam-packed schedule full of Masonic education, business, and fellowship. Ladies’ dress for the banquet is formal (preferred) or semi-formal and for all other occasions business casual. Members should wear their uniforms or coat and tie as the event requires.

Purchase your tickets for all of the meals online using our secure payment portal. For those guests who pre-register, we will have a special check-in desk at the Session where you can zip right through and pick up your tickets and credentials without having to stand in the registration line.

IF YOU ARE A CURRENT GRAND HIGH PRIEST, GRAND ILLUSTRIOUS MASTER, OR GRAND COMMANDER OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION, please contact Cash Melville directly at cashmelville@gmail.com to register.

Click Here for Schedule

Coming in April from Goose & Gridiron No. 1717

Goose & Gridiron No. 1717 is an Observant Scottish Rite Craft lodge
that meets at 1415 Horseshoe Dr in Alexandria Louisiana.
Festive Board meetings require dark suit attire for guests and members.
Stated meetings are 5th Saturdays of the month.

Registration for Contemplative Masonry Retreat opens in January 2023.