CAPITAL CITY LODGE #499

FREE & ACCEPTED MASONS

4647 U STREET, SACRAMENTO, CA  95817

MONTHLY TRESTLE BOARD

Published monthly by

Monica Hodge

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR JANUARY 2023

Wednesday, January 4^th……….…….…Capital City Lodge

Start Time 6:30 pm…………….…..……..……..Dinner

Start Time 7:00 pm…….……..……….Stated Meeting

Saturday, January 7^th…………………..Capital City Lodge

Start Time 11:00 am……………….…….…Fellowship

Start Time 12:00 noon…………….………Installation

NOTE:  Dinner will be served directly following the Installation of Officers.

Wednesday, January 11^th…….…….….Capital City Lodge

Start Time 7:00 pm……………………..Ritual Practice

Wednesday, January 18^th……..Harding-San Juan Lodge

Start Time 7:00 pm………….…………….OSI Meeting

Saturday, January 21^st……………..…..Capital City Lodge

Start Time 12:00 noon……………Town Hall Meeting

Wednesday, January 25^th………….…..Capital City Lodge

Start Time 7:00 pm……………………..Ritual Practice

LODGE EMAIL ADDRESS

info@capitalcitylodge.org

(OFFICERS TO BE INSTALLED IN 2023)

Robert W. Leach                                               Master

Joseph “Kelly” Dixon, PM                      Senior Warden

TBD                                                          Junior Warden

Eric Schlenker, PM                                         Treasurer

Tony Shelton, PM                                           Secretary    

Valentino V. Garcia                                          Chaplain

Virgilio V. Manganaan, PM                    Senior Deacon

Kevin R. Laybourn                                 Junior Deacon

Bryan Lincoln                                                  Marshall

Roy Ridley, PM                                       Senior Steward

Ron Ridley, PM                                     Junior Steward

TBD)                                                                   Organist

TBD                                                                          Tiler

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR 2023

• Lodge February Breakfast – 2/4/23 at 8am 
• Widows & Sweethearts Luncheon – 2/4/23 at 1pm 
• Super Bowl Party 2/12/23 – time TBD

JANUARY BIRTHDAY LIST

Happy Birthday to the following 8 brethren!!  May you have many, many more.

Alexander A. Asuncion, PM

Eduardo R. Caballero

Paul L. Drew

Lendrith L. Jackson

Virgilio V. Manganaan, PM

Roy F. Ridley, PM

Brian W. Schroeder

Tony L. Shelton, PM

JANUARY STATED MEETING MENU

          Main Dish:                     Spaghetti & Meatballs 

          Bread :                            Garlic                                

          Salad:                             House A variety of drinks will also be provided.  We look forward to seeing everyone

FROM THE EAST – THE PILLAR OF WISDOM

Greetings Brethren.

With the coming New Year, I look forward to our continued progress in rebuilding our Lodge, both the physical structure and its membership.  At our December Stated Meeting, I was pleased to hear the reading of two new applications, Mr. Chris Love and Mr. Dan Marrujo. 

Though I will be the Master for our January Stated Meeting, I look forward to Brother Robert Leach’s Installation on the 7th of January.  Robert spearheaded our monthly Lodge breakfasts, and has a number of other ideas, which he believes will create opportunities for increased fellowship and community. 

In January, Robert will be holding a sort of Town Hall Meeting, which I’m sure he will address in his article.  After that meeting, myself and a few brothers will be going through our basement storage to clean out old, unused and unnecessary items.  If you would like to participate in determining what stays and what must go, please join us.

I encourage all members of our Lodge to join me in supporting Robert’s year in the East, and to attend our annual “Installation of Officers.  The future of our Lodge is up to each and every member.  Masters of the Lodge serve for only a season.  So, it is our individual responsibilities, from our most senior Master Mason to our newest Entered Apprentice, to fulfill that Masonic obligation we took while kneeling

at the altar.  Where we go has yet to be seen, I look forward to joining you in that journey, wherever it may lead.

Thank you for allowing me to serve our Lodge during the 2022 Masonic Year.  May each of you have a blessed and fulfilling year in 2023.

Fraternally,

Kelly Dixon

Master  Kd.12682@gmail.com

FROM THE WEST – THE PILLAR OF STRENGTH

Greetings Brethren.

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all!!!!!  I hope the new year finds everyone well.  This new Masonic year is going to be exciting.  We are starting the new year off with our “Installation of Officers”, and I would like to thank everyone involved for their assistance in making this wonderful experience possible.  

We are also excited to have in the works, as Worshipful Dixon mentioned, two new applicants who are very much excited & engaged to join our wonderful fraternity.  Please welcome Mr. Chris Love and Mr. Dan Marrujo, when you have a chance.  Also, congratulations to brother Bryan Lincoln for passing his EA proficiency.  We will soon be planning his next advancement in degrees.  Well done brother, and I look forward to passing you.

Brothers, on January 21^st we plan to have a Lodge Town Hall Meeting.  You will hear a report from our Hall Board Management team. We will also be holding a brain storming event, to see how can we improve engagement and interest in our Lodge.  I hope to see you all attend, especially since there will be Pizza, salad and refreshments available. 

Afterwards, we will be going through the Lodge archives in the basement, and organizing/sorting out what we need to keep and don’t need to keep.  We are pushing forward on a basement remodel, which we will hopefully explain in more detail during the Town Hall Meeting.  This meeting is very important to me, as I would like to hear from each of you, what it is that you want out of Masonry and what you want to see happen within our Lodge.

The first weekend in February (2/4/23), the officers plan to recognize our Widows & Sweethearts at a luncheon in their honor.  I would love to have a few volunteers to help out.  If you’re interested, please reach out and let me know.

Again, I would like to thank and congratulate all the officers to be “Installed” this month, for their dedication to step up and help lead this Lodge into another great Masonic year for 2023.  I also want to thank Worshipful Dixon, for stepping in the line again, to help see our Lodge grow.  I’m looking forward to the new 2023 Masonic Year.

Please reach out with any concerns, questions or ideas.  Fill free to contact any officer.

Fraternally,

Robert W. Leach

Senior Warden – 2022 Rwleach@gmail.com

Master Elect – 2023

FROM THE SECRETARY’S DESK

Greetings Brethren.

Next year is already showing to be a great year.  Worshipful Leach has challenged us to help each other in assisting him in insuring great Stated Meeting Dinners.  So far, we have brothers committed to 8 months for preparing the dinners.  But there are still 4 months available, if you would like to provide a meal for one of our Stated Meetings.  Anyone interested can contact Secretary Tony Shelton at (916) 240-0709, so he can provide you with the remaining available months.

Worshipful Leach has been working very hard to have our youth group help us out, with the serving & cleaning at our meetings.  Worshipful also has some exciting ideas for us this year, motivated by family involvement and expanding fellowship among brethren.

If possible, come on down to the Lodge and bring your ideas.  Especially since Robert is very receptive to new thoughts.  That’s it for now.

Fraternally,

Tony L. Shelton, PM

Secretary

CAPITAL CITY LODGE #499

FREE & ACCEPTED MASONS

4647 U STREET, SACRAMENTO, CA  95817

DECEMBER 2022

MONTHLY TRESTLE BOARD

Published monthly by

Monica Hodge

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR DECEMBER 2022

Saturday, December 3^rd…………….…..Capital City Lodge

Start Time 8:00 am…….…Monthly Lodge Breakfast

Wednesday, December 7^th……….….…Capital City Lodge

Start Time 6:30 pm…………….…..……..……..Dinner

Start Time 7:00 pm…….……..……….Stated Meeting

Wednesday, December 14^th…….….….Capital City Lodge

Start Time 7:00 pm……………………..Ritual Practice

Wednesday, December 28^th……….…..Capital City Lodge

Start Time 7:00 pm……………………..Ritual Practice

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR 2023

• Installation of Officers – 1/7/2023 at 11am 
• Lodge Town Hall Meeting – 1/21/23 at Noon
• Lodge February Breakfast – 2/4/23 at 8am 
• Widows & Sweethearts Luncheon – 2/4/23 at 1pm 
• Super Bowl Party 2/12/23 – time TBD  

LODGE EMAIL ADDRESS

info@capitalcitylodge.org

ELECTED OFFICERS FOR 2022

Joseph “Kelly” Dixon (Sabrena)                             Master

Robert W. Leach (Julie)                            Senior Warden

Eduardo Caballero Jr., PM (Jeralyn)         Junior Warden

Eric Schlenker, PM (Shelly)                               Treasurer

Tony Shelton, PM (Monica)                                Secretary    

Valentino V. Garcia                                             Chaplain

Virgilio V. Manganaan, PM (Tessie)           Senior Deacon

Kevin R. Laybourn (Kristine)                     Junior Deacon

Sean Roper                                                          Marshall

Roy Ridley, PM                                          Senior Steward

Ron Ridley, PM                                        Junior Steward

TBD                                                                         Organist

Alexander A. Asuncion Sr., PM (Myra)                        Tiler

John Knox, PM               Grand Lodge Inspector for the          410^th Masonic District

DECEMBER BIRTHDAY LIST

Happy Birthday to the following 5 brethren!!  May you have many, many more.

Jerry L. Clark

Moses A. Cohen

Ronald L. Gross

“Jay” Del Rosario

Charles E. Senk

DECEMBER STATED MEETING MENU

         Main Dish:    Teriyaki Chicken    Kabobs

         Side Dish:     Fried Rice    

         Appetizer:     Cream Cheese Wontons

         Salad:           Spinach                                      

A variety of drinks will also be provided.  We look forward to seeing everyone there.

CAPITAL CITY LODGE #499, F. & A.M.

Stated Meeting………………First Wednesday at 7:00 pm

       Officer’s Coaches:             Loren Robinson, PM

       Chief Candidate’s Coach: TBD by Master

FROM THE EAST – THE PILLAR OF WISDOM

Greetings Brethren.

This is the 36th article I have written for our Trestle Board, since going to the South in January of 2020.  I began my journey to the East just over 36th months ago.  I am very grateful to those who trusted me to lead our Lodge, and who have supported me through the 2022 Masonic Year.

As we begin our 102nd year, I encourage all brothers of Capital City Lodge #499, to join me in support of Robert Leach, our in-coming Master.  He, like all others who have chosen to serve, deserves no less than 100% of all our support. 

May your Holiday Season find you surrounded by those you love, and filled with joy and happiness!  

Fraternally,

Kelly Dixon

Master  Kd.12682@gmail.com

FROM THE WEST – THE PILLAR OF STRENGTH

Happy Holidays to all!!!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, spent with family and friends.  Thanksgiving always leads off my favorite time of year.  It’s always been my family’s tradition to set up the Christmas Tree on Thanksgiving weekend, and then decorate the house.  My favorite part of the Christmas season is the outside lights.  Whatever your family traditions are, I wish you and your family the best Holiday season this year.

I’m so humbled that the Lodge decided to vote me in as Master-Elect for this next Masonic year.  I am looking forward to serving the brethren, and to grow our fraternal organization.  This means that in January, we will have the “Installation of Officers”.  Please invite your friends and family to the Lodge on January 7^th, at 11:00 am.  Lunch and fellowship will follow the ceremony.

NOTE:  There will not be a Monthly Lodge breakfast in January.

Also in January, please add to your calendars a Lodge Town Hall Meeting on January 21^st at Noon. This will be a very important event, as we kick off the New Year.  The pillars are planning this meeting for the brethren, to come together and brain storm on what we want out of our Lodge.  Also, to get a perspective on how the Hall Board is handling the running of our building.

Brothers, we need your help.  The Lodge cannot survive without you.  All we are asking, is that you consider helping pick up a piece of the puzzle where you can, and help out.  We will also be serving pizza & salad, so please try very hard to attend.

This coming year, the Lodge leadership will be looking for brothers who are interested in advancing to the line of officers. While this commitment is a large one, it is essential to the advancement of our Lodge. This probably sounds like a sales pitch, because it is.  We need all our brethren, to assist us in this endeavor.

It’s going to be an exciting start to a new year, as we have a brother who is working very hard to advance in his degrees. We also have a few others, who are interested in joining.

Viber Messenger: Chats & Calls

Please fill free to ask one of the Pillars of the lodge for assistance in setting up “Viber”. You can send a message to my phone at 916-591-0137 and I can send you an invite to download and join “Viber”. Or you can go ahead and download “Viber” and add me as a contact. Simply, message me in Viber and I will add you to the Main Lodge Communication Group. The App is available for Apple and Android smart phones which most of us have these days. If you are having issues, please let us know at a lodge meeting or event and one of us would be happy to help.

Please reach out with any concerns, questions or ideas.  Fill free to contact any officer.

Fraternally,

Robert W. Leach

Senior Warden – 2022 Rwleach@gmail.com

Master Elect – 2023

FROM THE SOUTH – THE PILLAR OF BEAUTY

Greetings from the South brethren.

We are now in the last month of this masonic year, time indeed travels very fast, and awaits no man.  First of all, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to my brethren, for allowing me to serve as Junior Warden this year.  As some of you are aware, I will not be able to continue on as one of the three pillars.  Although my masonic journey in this Lodge will not take me to the east, I will continue to support the Lodge in any way I can.  I will also submit to the will and pleasure of the Worshipful Master.

May you all have a blessed and joyful season, and may we look forward into the ensuing masonic year, with optimism and enthusiasm.  For this month, I would like to end this year with a short article about the “Square and Compass”.

    We all know the square and compass is the most distinguishable symbol of our craft. The origin of the Masonic logo, (as we know it today), can be dated as far back as the 1780s.  The exact place of origin, of the square and compasses joined together, is unknown.  It’s theorized to come from the stonemason’s guild during the middle-ages.  The Chinese are said to have used the “square and compass” many years “BC”.  Possibly, to suggest order, regularity and prosperity.

Looking at it from a Freemason’s perspective, the square is from the masonry era.  It was a necessary tool in testing the accuracy of each side of a stone, to ensure that the angles align with the squares ‘true’ right-angle.  It helped the stonemasons, bricklayers, architects and other builders, to draw a perfect square in plans and corners.  In Masonry, the master of the workmen’s perfect square, was used as a standard against all the other measuring squares on the construction site were checked for accuracy.

A compass is specifically the basis of geometry, which is the basis of architecture.  Therefore, both the square and the compass, were derived from architectural tools.  The “square and compass” are used as a visual representation of morality, truth and honesty in Masonic teachings.

Freemasons are taught that the standard of life cannot be based on material things such as cars, houses or clothes. Instead, Masons learn that the real standard of living is measured in the intangible things like obligations to community, family, responsibility towards the weak, and the general welfare of the community & self.  These are the central teachings of morality, honesty, and the golden rule.  A compass is also used to remind Masons that God has defined the limit around good and evil, through His impartial justice.  Masons, shall therefore be rewarded or punished according to the way they have kept within the circumference, or gone beyond it.

Therefore, Freemasons use the “Square and Compass” symbol, to ensure that every single day, no matter your social status or physical location, your actions should be appropriately squared and within due bounds.

“A society without standards, will be a society without stability, and it will go down.  Not only nations, but also whole civilizations, have perished in the past for lack of righteousness.  Hence the importance attached to the square of virtue, and the reason why Masons call it the symbol of their craft.  It’s a symbol of the moral law upon which life must be based, if it is to continue.” (Joseph Fort Newton).

Fraternally,

Eduardo Caballero Jr., PM

Junior Warden  ejrcaballero@hotmail.com

CAPITAL CITY LODGE #499

FREE & ACCEPTED MASONS

4647 U STREET, SACRAMENTO, CA  95817

SEPTEMBER 2022

MONTHLY TRESTLE BOARD

Published monthly by

Monica Hodge

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR SEPTEMBER 2022

Saturday, September 3^rd………………..Capital City Lodge

Start Time 8:00 am……….Monthly Lodge Breakfast

Wednesday, September 7^th…………….Capital City Lodge

Start Time 6:30 pm…………….…..…….………Dinner

Start Time 7:00 pm…….……..……….Stated Meeting

Wednesday, September 14^th…………..Capital City Lodge

Start Time 7:00 pm……………………..Ritual Practice

Wednesday, September 21^st…..Harding-San Juan Lodge

Start Time 7:00 pm………….…………….OSI Meeting

Wednesday, September 28^th…………..Capital City Lodge

Start Time 7:00 pm……………………..Ritual Practice

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAY LIST

Happy Birthday to the following 11 brethren!!  May you have many, many more.

    William D. Alger                            Christopher T. Clarke

    William J. Dreher                        Matthew D. Ernst, PM

    Lucien A. Grondin                        James D. Lloyd

    Melvin Q. Mate                            Angelito De Dios Mostajo

    Joe F. Stastney                              Billey C. Tuttle

    Larry G. Wells

ELECTED OFFICERS FOR 2022

Joseph “Kelly” Dixon (Sabrena)                           Master

Robert W. Leach (Julie)                            Senior Warden

Eduardo Caballero Jr., PM (Jeralyn)         Junior Warden

Eric Schlenker, PM (Shelly)                             Treasurer

Tony Shelton, PM (Monica)                               Secretary    

Valentino V. Garcia                                          Chaplain

Virgilio V. Manganaan, PM (Tessie)           Senior Deacon

Kevin R. Laybourn (Kristine)                    Junior Deacon

Sean Roper                                                      Marshall

Roy Ridley, PM                                       Senior Steward

Ron Ridley, PM                                       Junior Steward

TBD                                                                 Organist

Alexander A. Asuncion Sr., PM (Myra)                      Tiler

John Knox, PM              Grand Lodge Inspector for the          410^th Masonic District

SEPTEMBER STATED MEETING MENU

   Main Dish:               Pot Roast Beef                     

   Salad:                       Garden                                

   Vegetables:               Mashed Potatoes & Green Beans

   Dessert:                    Ice Cream                            

A variety of drinks will also be provided.  We look forward to seeing everyone there.

CAPITAL CITY LODGE #499, F. & A.M.

Stated Meeting………………First Wednesday at 7:00 pm

       Officer’s Coaches:            Loren Robinson, PM

       Chief Candidate’s Coach: TBD by Master

LODGE EMAIL ADDRESS

info@capitalcitylodge.org

FROM THE EAST – THE PILLAR OF WISDOM

Greetings Brethren.

Recently, over breakfast with a longtime friend, he jokingly commented about me belonging to “that cult.”  I’m sure most Masons have heard such comments, made in jest by friends and family alike.  I’m guessing most are simply repeating what they have heard from others, and that they simply have no understanding of our fraternity.  While I quickly “jabbed back with some quip” about his less than successful football team, the Minnesota Vikings.  I wonder if there was a more appropriate comment that I could have made, which may have ignited further conversation about Masonry.

I wonder if I had followed up and said, “It is organized as a fellowship of men, a system of morals, a philosophy taught by degrees through the use of symbol, story, legend, pictures and drama.  It has served as a center of union among differing backgrounds, cultures and countries.  It also serves as the means of conciliating true friendship among persons, who because of differences, may have otherwise remained at a perpetual distance.” 

I could have told him that President Harry S. Truman (a Mason), is attributed with this quote.  Now, if a Mason can be at the helm of this great nation when World War II came to an end, don’t you think Masonry can play just as critical of a role in bringing a “Green Bay Packers fan” together to share a meal with a “Minnesota Vikings fan”.  Then I could say, “And to think, you actually believed I belong to a “cult.  No wonder your team can’t win a Super Bowl!!  Now, who’s paying for breakfast?”

Are you prepared for the unexpected opportunity to discuss Masonry? I hope I am!

Fraternally,

Kelly Dixon

Master  Kd.12682@gmail.com

FROM THE WEST – THE PILLAR OF STRENGTH

Greetings Brethren.

From the West, as I’m writing this month, I’m reflecting on this past weekend where I was involved in a Lodge project. A project for the Hall Board, where we are in the beginning stages of the basement renovation, and going through our archives.  I was able to spend a wonderful Saturday with Worshipful Dixon and Shelton, doing what we Masons do. That’s chatting and fellowship.  Even though it was over a long slaving day of hard labor and saw dust.  We were able to get the first phase of our cabinet archives built in the basement.  I bring this up because I feel these are the important events at the Lodge, where we can get together with brethren and join in fellowship.  I encourage you to get involved, come down to see the changes we are making and join in the fellowship.

As I begin planning for next year, as a potential candidate for the Masters chair, I’m realizing that it takes a village to run this Lodge.  I will begin to ask you now if you are interested in being more involved, or would like to take an officer’s position.  Please reach out and let me know.  I truly feel that if each brother takes a piece of the puzzle, no matter how large or small, we will grow.  Remember brothers, this is your Lodge too.  An old saying, (an oldie but a goodie), I learned from my days in DeMolay.  “You get out of “it”, what you put into it”.  That “it”, can be lodge, work, friends, family or whatever your passion is.

Brothers, I again look forward to seeing you all at the Lodge Breakfast on the first Saturday of this month, September 3^rd from 8am to 10am.  Remember, friends and family are always invited.  I know this may be a busy weekend too, as it’s also Labor Day weekend.  But, if you can’t make it, I hope all is well and you’re able to spend some quality family time with your loved ones.

Viber Messenger: Chats & Calls

Please fill free to ask one of the Pillars of the lodge for assistance in setting up “Viber”. You can send a message to my phone at 916-591-0137 and I can send you an invite to download and join “Viber”. Or you can go ahead and download “Viber” and add me as a contact. Simply, message me in Viber and I will add you to the Main Lodge Communication Group. The App is available for Apple and Android smart phones which most of us have these days. If you are having issues, please let us know at a lodge meeting or event and one of us would be happy to help.

Please reach out with concerns, questions or ideas. Fill free to reach out to any officer.

Fraternally,

Robert W. Leach

Senior Warden Rwleach@gmail.com

FROM THE SOUTH – THE PILLAR OF BEAUTY

Greetings from the South brethren.

For our September Stated Meeting, our Senior Warden, Brother Robert Leach, has graciously volunteered to prepare “Pot Roast Beef”.  We will also be serving mashed potatoes, green beans, a garden salad and ice cream for dessert.  We will all look forward to this opportunity to share a delicious hot meal, and have a warm conversation to continually forge the bond of friendship & brotherly love in our Lodge.

Whenever the months start to hit the (Bers), it is generally a signal for me to start working on my list for Christmas presents.  This process is usually a very stressful event for me, considering I almost always end up with a very long list.  Especially since most of my family are overseas.  For a Masonic Lodge like ours, it is also a signal to start preparing for our last yearly quarter, as well as the advancement of our officer’s line up in the Lodge.  As a Masonic Lodge, it is everyone’s responsibility to have a continuous progression.  A vibrant, healthy Lodge ensures an unbroken line of officers.  All the events, activities and the future of our Lodge relies on the full cooperation of its members.  

Let me share a short story with you.

Who Did It?

This is a story about four people.  The first one is named “Everybody”, the next is “Somebody”, then there is “Anybody” and lastly “Nobody”.

With an important job to be done, Everybody was asked to do it. 

Everybody was very sure that Somebody would do it. 

Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.

Somebody got angry about this, since it was Everybody’s job.  

Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody would not do it.

It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody, when actually Nobody had accused Anybody.

As we continue to make great plans for our Lodge, we must always remember that it is everybody’s responsibility. Brotherly Love, Relief & Truth, never under, never over, but always on the level.

Fraternally,

Eduardo Caballero Jr., PM

Junior Warden  ejrcaballero@hotmail.com