Page 14 - MFMJan 2016

Sol Star’s PGM Jewel
9th Grand Master of Montana, 1873

The Past Grand Masters Jewel of the From a Masonic point of view, Mike
Ninth Grand Master of Montana, Sol Rodman, RWDGM of South Dakota,
Star who was elected in 1873. It was during a conversation with MWPGM
recently rediscovered in the archives Jim Savaloja, Past Grand Master of
of the Adams Museum in Deadwood, Masons in North Dakota, in which
S.D. he mentioned a conversation he had
with Reid Gardiner, Grand Secretary
From the Proceedings of the 10th of Montana about a Sol Star Masonic
Annual Communication of the Grand artifact in possession of the Adam’s
Lodge of Montana (Day 3) October Museum. Brother Rodman contacted
7, 1874. “ Resolved, That the hearty Carolyn Weber, Executive Director
thanks of this Grand Lodge and the of Deadwood History, Inc., and asked
entire Masonic Craft of Montana are them to research their archives for
due and the same are hereby extended the artifact and M. W. Brother Jim
to M. W. Grand Master Star for his Savaloja and Brother Rodman along
faithful and successful administration with Deadwood Lodge Members
of the many large, delicate, and difficult Fred Ormitson and Paul Holtsclaw
duties of that high office, and that the were treated to a private viewing of
Deputy Grand Master be requested to the PGM award by curator Rachel
appoint a committee to procure some Lovelace-Portal.
suitable testimonial to present to Bro.
Star in the name of this Grand Lodge An article is forth coming in the
as a more permanent expression of our South Dakota Messenger publication.
appreciation of his services.

I Am Freemasonry

Ray Vaughan Denslow, FPS
I AM FREEMASONRY, I was born in antiquity, in the ancient days when men first dreamed of God. I have been
tried through the ages and found true. The crossroads of the world bear the imprint of my feet, and the cathedrals
of all nations mark the skill of my hands. I strive for beauty and symmetry.
IN MY HEART is wisdom and strength and courage of those who ask. Upon my altars is the Book of the Holy
Writ, and my prayers are to the One Omnipotent God. My sons work and pray together, without rank or discord,
in the public mart and in the inner chamber. By signs and symbols I teach the lessons of life and death, and the
relationship of man with God and of man with man.
MY ARMS ARE WIDESPREAD to receive those of lawful age and good report who seek me of their own free
will. I will accept them and teach them to use my tools in the building of men, and thereby, find direction in their
own quest for perfection so much desired and so difficult.
I LIFT UP the fallen and shelter the sick. I hark to the orphan’s cry, the widow’s tears, the pain of the old and
destitute. I am not church, nor party, nor school, yet my sons bear a full share of responsibility to God, to country,
to neighbor and themselves. They are freemen, tenacious of their liberties and alert to lurking danger.
AT THE END I commit them as each one undertakes the journey beyond the vale into the glory of everlasting
life. I ponder the sand within the glass and think how small is a single life in the eternal Universe. Always have I
taught immortality, and even as I raise men from darkness into light, I am a way of life.
I AM FREEMASONRY.

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