Header photo: Fort Worth has always been a cattle town, but the Stock Yards were not formally created until 1893. A stock show soon followed in 1896 boosting Fort Worth as a beef market and not just a rail hub.
Smithfield Lodge is generally open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-7pm. Stated meetings occur on the first Thursday of each month - visitors are welcome 6-7:30pm.
Comments or questions can be sent to smithfieldmasoniclodgetx@gmail.com
"Either write things worth the reading or do things worth the writing." Benjamin Franklin
Messages from the Stations
From the East
Brethren -
April Stated Meeting was preceded by a delicious dinner, thanks to our Junior Warden Hebert and his crew. The meeting was highlighted by the reading of the petitions on two worthy men and the successful balloting for them to start their Masonic travels. We have been practicing The Entered Apprentice Degree in anticipation of this, with a date set for April 24th as degree night. Please put this on your calendar and help us make a strong showing of support for the Lodge and our new to be Brethren. Regular business was conducted and reports made by the various committees/special committees as to progress. Our scholarship recipients have been selected and will be announced soon; thanks to all involved in this.
As for other Masonic activities, the MWSA is scheduled for April 28th at Webb Lodge. If you have not been there, it is worth the trip to see this historical building. I would like to see all officers, past and present, make the effort to attend.
In conclusion, let��s all keep the membership effort going by finding a few good men who are not Masons, but should be. You may work with them, go to church together, or have a connection through another organization you both belong to. Invite them and their family to our “pot luck”; and if they come, introduce them around! A little effort could yield big results, go forward in Masonry Brothers. So Mote It Be /G\
Bro. Jerry R. Kewley - Worshipful Master
From the West
Brethren,
Just as modern memes and bumper stickers compress complex ideas into catchy phrases and instantly recognizable icons, Masonic symbols have served this purpose for centuries. Our working tools - the square, compass, plumb, and level - condense profound moral and philosophical teachings into simple, memorable forms. Like today's viral images and abbreviations (IYKYK!) that carry layers of meaning to those "in the know," Masonic symbols speak volumes to initiated Brothers while maintaining our mysteries.
Each symbol in our craft serves as a vault of wisdom, carefully designed to trigger contemplation and understanding. The letter 'G', the all-seeing eye, or the checkered flooring - each contains multiple layers of meaning that unfold as a Brother progresses in his Masonic journey. These symbols create immediate recognition and connection among Masons worldwide, transcending language barriers and cultural differences.
Through regular participation in lodge, shared ritual experiences, and personal study, these symbols become deeply embedded in a Mason's consciousness. They serve as mental shortcuts to complex moral lessons, much like modern memes serve as shortcuts to humor, outrage, and other shared cultural experiences. However, unlike fleeting internet posts, our symbols have stood the test of time, continuing to unite Brothers across generations in a common pursuit of Light and Truth.
I invite each of you to join in the upcoming degree work of our two recent candidates. These are opportunities to grow your understanding of and appreciation for our Masonic symbols.
Bro. Doc Hank Johnson - Senior Warden
From the South
Brethren -
I wanted to take a moment to discuss fellowship in the Blue Lodge.
The Blue Lodge, often regarded as the foundational structure of Freemasonry, serves as a sanctuary for individuals seeking moral and ethical development. It is within the Blue Lodge that we engage in fellowship—an essential aspect that fosters camaraderie, mutual support, and personal growth. We will explore the significance of fellowship in the Blue Lodge, its traditions, and its impact on our lives.
Understanding the Blue Lodge
The Blue Lodge, also known as the Craft Lodge, represents the first three degrees of Freemasonry: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. These degrees encapsulate the core principles of Freemasonry, including brotherly love, relief, and truth. While each degree comes with its own rituals and teachings, the underlying theme of fellowship remains a constant throughout.
The Importance of Fellowship
At its heart, Masonic fellowship is about forming strong, lasting relationships. The shared experiences of lodge meetings, ceremonies, and social events create a unique bond among our brethren. This sense of brotherhood transcends age, background, and beliefs, allowing men from diverse walks of life to come together with a common purpose.
Fellowship provides an essential support network for us as Masons. We often face personal challenges, whether related to family, career, or health. The bonds formed in the Blue Lodge allow us to offer help, guidance, and encouragement to one another, fostering an environment where we can thrive both personally and collectively.
Freemasonry emphasizes moral rectitude and ethical behavior. Through fellowship, we engage in discussions that challenge our beliefs, encourage self-reflection, and promote ethical conduct. This communal exploration of values helps us grow into better men and responsible citizens.
Beyond the formal meetings and rituals, fellowship in the Blue Lodge often extends to social gatherings, charity events, and community service projects. These activities not only strengthen the ties between us but also allows us to contribute positively to society. Involvement in charitable work reinforces the Masonic tenet of relief, demonstrating our commitment to helping those in need.
Fellowship within the Blue Lodge is more than just a social connection; it is a vital element that nurtures the personal and moral development of our brothers. The bonds forged through shared experiences and mutual support create a unique environment that encourages each of us to grow as individuals and as a community. As the principles of Freemasonry continue to resonate in today’s world, the importance of fellowship remains a timeless aspect of our journey as masons, fostering brotherhood and a commitment to the greater good.
May Stated Meeting Meal
The Worshipful Master has made the decision that the stewards will man the lodges gas grill and cook hamburgers for the May stated meeting. We do ask that each brother bring something for the table that goes with hamburgers, fries, and onion rings.
“What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.” - Bro. Albert Pike, Western Star Lodge #1, Little Rock, Arkansas.
Bro. Andy Hebert - Junior Warden
From the Secretary's Desk
Lodge News & Upcoming Events
New Candidates for the Degrees
In the April Stated Meeting, the following individuals were elected to receive the degrees of Masonry:
- Mr. Eric Ward - surveyor; married with one son
- Dr. Shadi Kilani - college Dean; married with two sons
Both were investigated and found to be upright contributors to our community. We look forward to their future with our Lodge!
We are currently scheduled to confer the first degree on April 24th at 7pm (or 6:45 if permitting - be early!). Your attendance is needed to help celebrate the first step of these two gentlemen. Your participation in this, or other degrees, is welcomed.
Stockyard to Backyard Burger Day at May Stated Meeting
Worshipful Master and the Stewards would like all to know that burgers and fries/onion rings will be served at May's Stated Meeting. They ask that the brethren bring side dishes and desserts that will complement hamburgers.
Scholarships to be Awarded
In our May Stated Meeting, we look forward to reviewing recommendations for scholarship recipients for the Lamar Award, as well as additional high school and current college/trades students. In this way, Masonry continues its historical support for education and growth of a strong Texas workforce!
Thanks again to the work of those who made our scholarship raffle possible. Our funds are currently over $8,000 - allowing us to deliver scholarships twice a year, supporting both fall and spring semesters of study.
Now is your chance to contribute by joining the raffle team! Contact Bro. Hank Johnson if you would like to be a part of this critical team. These raffles do not succeed by themselves! Help us build the excitement for more scholarship funds in 2025-26!
Smithfield YouthWorks
Do you have a son/grandson or daughter/granddaughter that likes to do odd jobs for pay? Share that information on the bulletin board and support Smithfield YouthWorks! Do you have a trustworthy young person who has done good work for you? Vouch for them on a bulletin board card and let other brothers give them more business. This is a great way to directly show our youth how Masons support their growth and well-being. Refer a youth - Hire a youth - Grow a young adult!
Masons Giving Back
Each of you provides charity to the community. These are all acts of kindness which contribute to the community and reflect the principles of Freemasonry. Our Lodge needs your help to collect and report this charitable giving. Our annual tax Form 71 actually has a line for reporting the total. We need your help to gather this information. Contributions may include:
- Cash donations to a favorite charity
- Donations of clothes, furniture, or other household items
- Blood or plasma donations
- Volunteer hours spent supporting a non-profit organization or community event
Click the button below and fill out the form with information about your donations. Donations could be to your church, community, or a non-profit organization. All together these help us report how Masons are making an impact on the community.
Need this form in the future? It will be under the "Featured" tab on our Facebook page. Or just ask a Lodge officer and they can text it to you.
Give your Lodge a Gift of History!
Here are several ways to contribute to the history of your Lodge!
Updating the Lodge History - Use the links below to view previous histories of Smithfield Lodge, compiled around the year 2000-2001 and 1976. Please gather your thoughts and memories of your time in Lodge so we will have more to share with future members as we continue to move toward a 200th anniversary!
Your lodge needs your photos of past events and memories. These will support the upcoming 150th anniversary of the lodge. If you have digital photos, please send them to Bro. Johnson's email address at hmjohnson392@gmail.com or by text message at 817-891-8219.
If your photos are prints, please bring them to Lodge and Bro. Johnson will scan a copy. You may place them in the Senior Warden's drawer, but be sure to put them in an envelope with your name on it.
Be sure to include the names of all people shown in the pictures you send. Thank you!
Upcoming Events
- April 24 - EA Degrees conducted (6:45 or 7pm)
- April 28 - MWSA; Webb Lodge #1454
- May 1 - Smithfield Stated Meeting; dinner (6:30pm), meeting (7:30pm)
- May 14 - MSB; Haltom-Riverside Lodge #1331; dinner (6pm), meeting (7pm)
In Memorial
Our Great Architect has seen fit to keep His mortal temple intact this month, thus far as we know. Blessings to you all and to those who have passed whom you have loved.