FVNews. Weekend Edition
No 10. Saturday-Sunday, April 25-26, 2020
From the Communications and Marketing Volunteer Action Team

Vale Brigadier Phil Davies (Ret.)
• Brigadier Phil Davies AM has heard the Last Post and his duty is done. Stand easy. Deepest sympathy to Sandra and family. He was a patron of the TPI Association from 1998-2020, Executive Officer of the Association 2001-2005, and Honorary Life Member.

Vale Colin Gronn
• RWor. Bro. Colin Matthiesen Gronn passed away at Somerville on April 20. Aged 83. Husband of Judy (nee Brown), brother of Evelyn (dec) and brother-in-law of Bruce Skeggs (dec). Uncle to Philip, Julie, Robbie (dec) and Margaret. Great-Uncle to Ben, Thomas, Twyla, Rose and Angus.

Vale Rodney Stanfield
• Bro Rodney Stanfield MM passed away to the Grand Lodge above early Wednesday (Apr. 22). Wor. Bro. Rampling is in contact with the family and has passed on condolences from everyone in the Lodge, advises Jean-Paul Curtin of The Revival Lodge No. 926.

Ceremony of the Vacant Chair
• Adam Woledge, Secretary, Williamstown Lodge No 16, advises of the Ceremony of the Vacant Chair being held online (Zoom) from 7pm on Saturday (Apr. 25). Dress code: Smart casual – collared shirt with jacket. Brethren with personal or family service medals are encouraged to wear them. Given the solemnity of the occasion there will be no admissions after 7.05pm – can enter through after 6.55pm.. All Brethren are encouraged to have their Zoom settings set to mute. 7pm – Introduction by Worshipful Master, RWor. Bro. Ron Swift7.05pm – Ceremony of the Vacant Chair
7.15pm – “What does ANZAC mean 100 years later? By guest speaker RWor. Bro. Wing Commander John Glover PDGM
7.30pm – Loyal Masonic Toast
7.35pm – Closing remarks
Meeting ID: 862 5119 0232
Password: 5aStpv

ANZAC thought
• “Can a man be brave when he is afraid?”
“That is the only time a man can be brave.”

Tribute to four Victoria Police officers
• There has been extraordinary response and support from Victoria’s Freemasons to the personal message from Grand Secretary Garry Rungefollowing the death of four police officers at Kew. Read the message HERE. Many commented on the leadership shown in Garry’spersonalstatement.
• Myles King suggests a virtual blue ribbon, available HERE; and offering a donation which can be made HERE.
• Isaak Presser suggests as many Freemasons as possible display blue-and-white ribbons or balloons outside their properties to demonstrate sympathy for Victoria Police.

Jim Long’s War Years
• Ash Long writes: “Just prior to his untimely death in August 1987, my father Jim Long penned his memoirs of his overseas service in the Middle East in World War II. The 33,700-word story sees an Australian working-class shoe store worker from Bendigo, volunteer for overseas military service.” Read it HERE

1915 snapshot
• In its Weekend Feature, FVNews goes back in time to take a snapshot of Freemasonry across Victoria around the first ANZAC Day. We examine regular Masonic events, as reported by the newspapers, of Lodges including Merino (near Hamilton), Bendigo, Skipton, Beaufort, Learmonth, Castlemaine and Murchison. Read the feature HERE

Letters to the Editor
• Mark Freudenstein writes: “Congratulations on your excellent publication. You provide us with very down to earth grassroots info of value and interest on a daily basis. Presenting the list of members of the Works team is a good innovation, and I trust you will work through all of the teams, committees and groups that work, mostly without the knowledge of the general membership.Possibly to add some value to these groups, a short summary of what these groups/committees actually do to keep our fraternity ticking over would be appreciated and an education in itself. Many thanks, and continued success in your worthwhile contribution to Masonic knowledge.”

Personal Pars
• Bev and Max Prentice are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. Thanks to Barry Minster for passing on this news.
• Reg Broadbent says: “Been reading your FVNews now since you started it.Thank you so much. It’s brilliant work and so much needed in our community at any time but more so now. It is my No.1 news item each day … thank you.”

From labour to refreshment
• Whilst the Masonic community – like the rest of the community – is in lockdown, here is a recipe for ANZAC Biscuits. it might be the only time in your life that you have time to bake them.
Ingredients: 125gm better, 2 tbsp boiling water, 1 tsp bicarb soda, 1 tbsp golden syrup, 1 cup SR flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup rolled oats.
Method: Boil together the better, water and golden syrup and then add bicarb soda. In a bowl add the flour, sugar and rolled oats, then add the butter mixture and mix well. Place spoonful onto a greased tray, allowing room for spreading and bake in a moderate oven approx. 15 minutes or until golden brown. Watch that they don’t burn. Enjoy and bake again!

Masonic Trivia
• In 1839 the Mormons left Missouri and settled in the area of Nauvoo, Illinois. On October 15, 1841, the Illinois Grand Master issued a dispensation to form a lodge at Nauvoo. On March 15, 1842, Joseph Smith received his first degree and the others shortly after. Certain irregularities were reported – in five months the lodge initiated 256 candidates and 243 were raised. After investigation, the Grand Master revoked the dispensation, but the lodge continued to work. On April 5, 1844, the Mormon masons dedicated a Masonic Temple. Illinois Masons got in trouble for taking part in the ceremony. Opposition to the group and internal dissension led to the assassination of Joseph Smith and the removal of the Mormons from IL.
• Operative Lodge #150 in Aberdeen, Scotland is unusual in that it is only open to operative stonemasons.
• Dr. Edward Jenner, in 1789, discovered the vaccination process against smallpox. He was Worshipful Master of Faith and Friendship Lodge  No. 270 in Berkeley, England at the time.
• In July 1863, Confederate raiders rode into Versailles, Indiana, capturing the local militia and stealing the county treasury. The next day, General John Morgan (CSA), learned that his men had also made off with the jewels of the local lodge. They were returned the following day. Morgan was from Daviess Lodge No. 22, Lexington, Kentucky.

Masonic Wisdom
• “Freemasonry is founded on the immutable laws of Truth and Justice and its grand object is to promote the happiness of the human race.”
– George Washington

INFORMATION TO KNOW
FVNews is published by Bro. Ash Long, Chair of the Communications and Marketing Volunteer Action Team of Freemasons Victoria. 
Phone: 0450 399 932.
Web: www.FVNews.com.au 
Email: editor@FVNews.com.au
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