RIP Harry Black

The Masons of Idaho and Freemasonry, in general, lost a great man today. Harry C. Black was born on July 24, 1931, in Northampton, MA, where he lived until August 1, 1951, when he enlisted in the United States Air Force (during the Korean War). He served until July 31, 1954, where he was honorably discharged while stationed at Mountain Home Air Force Base. It was while stationed in Idaho that he met his first wife Frances Jean Diehl with whom he had 3 kids. Frances passed away on March 17, 1981, and Harry married a second time, but it didn't last long. In 1991, he would marry an exceptional woman named Ava Mansell with whom he was still married at his passing.

Harry was initiated (April 19, 1963), passed (November 22, 1963), and raised (March 26, 1964) in Oriental Lodge No.60 in Boise, ID. He would serve that Lodge as its Worshipful Master in 1970. He also had the honor of serving as the Lodge's Tyler from 1976 to 2003 (with exception of one year). Harry was also a member of Silver City Lodge No.13 where he served as Worshipful Master numerous times. He served the Grand Lodge AF&AM of Idaho as District Deputy Grand Master in 1992 and 1993. Bro. Harry then served as the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Idaho for the 2004-2005 Masonic Year.

Harry was also a member of the Boise Valley of the Scottish Rite, the Boise York Rite, Royal Order of Scotland, El Korah Shriners, Order of the Eastern Star. Harry also worked with the Order of the DeMolay and Job's Daughters International.

Harry was one of the first Masons I ever met and was of the signers of my petition. I have so many fond memories of Harry. I remember back in 2007 and I was Senior Warden of the Lodge, he wondered if he would make it to his 50-Year Anniversary in Freemasonry as that was 7-years away at that time. I looked at him straight in the eyes and said "Harry, you're not allowed to die on me while I'm Master next year." He just laughed and said he'd try. When I came home from my second deployment to Iraq, I hadn't taken two steps into the Lodge room when Harry shot up to me, grabbed me by my shoulders, looked me up and down, and said, "Good! You're in one piece!" Then shook my hand and said, "Welcome home, Brother."

Harry was a fine ritualist, although, he did sometimes like to adlib and add in his own words, especially with the Master Mason Lecture. Harry, though, was a fountain of knowledge and if I needed a prompting, Harry was who I'd look to for a word. He served Freemasonry tirelessly and I'm going to miss him greatly.

2013 Idaho Job's Daughter Grand Session

Well, tonight ended the 4-day long annual Grand Session of both the Grand Guardian Council and the Grand Bethel of Idaho. It was a fun time, but I'm glad for it to be done and the new officers start their journey. One of my good friends in Masonry went in as Associate Grand Guardian and he will do a fantastic job. He is partnered with a great lady (Grand Guardian) and two young women (Grand Bethel Honored Queen and Miss Idaho Job's Daughter) who will keep him on his toes.

The Daughters of my Bethel made me proud in their demeanor their conduct, their willingness to help, and the proficiency they displayed during competitions. They make me proud to be their Associate Bethel Guardian.

The Supreme Family in Idaho

Idaho had the pleasure of hosting the Supreme Guardian, Miss International Job's Daughter, and Supreme Bethel Honored Queen while they came through Boise. At their request the 6-Bethels in the Treasure Valley area came together for joint meetings; three on Monday and three on Wednesday.

Monday night, Bethels No.6, No.29, and No.31 congregated at the Boise Masonic Temple. Bethel No.6 opened, Bethel No.29 (my Bethel) conducted the business portion to include presiding over the String of Pearl's ceremony, and Bethel No.31 closed using the Closing Cross formation with 30+ Daughters. The String of Pearl's ceremony is a special ceremony dedicated to Mother Mick, the founder of Job's Daughters.

Remarks were given by many, including myself, but the Supreme Guardian gave an amazing speech.

Tonight (Wednesday), Bethels No.5, No.8, and No.48 met at the Boise Scottish Rite Center. These Daughters and those who met on Monday did an amazing job and displayed the excellence of Job's Daughters in Idaho.

March Masonic Madness

This month is going to be a busy, busy month for me in Masonry! Outside of my normal Lodge, Scottish Rite, York Rite, and Eastern Star schedule I have some extra activities and travels.

On the first weekend, I will attend my monthly Army National Guard drill and I have gone back to my original Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), and will be jumping right into the fire of an Intelligence Exercise.

On the 9th I will be traveling to Olympia, WA, to receive the Orders of the Knight Masons. The next weekend I travel up to Kennewick, WA, to receive the Order of the Holy Sepulcher and Order of Saint John the Evangelist in the Red Cross of Constantine.

From the 18th through the 20th, the Supreme Grand Guardians and their entourage will be coming to Boise. My Bethel will be one of those hosting them and I am very excited to meet them.

On the 23rd, I will preside for the first time over the conferring of the Chivalric Orders for new Sir Knights. The next day my Commandery is holding its annual Easter Observance. Lastly, on the 30th I will be back up to Federal Way, Washington, to be initiated into the Commemorative Order of Saint Thomas of Acon.

This month will be fun, but I'm going to be busy.

Associate Bethel Guardian

This evening was the first meeting for the newly installed Honored Queen of Bethel No.29, Job's Daughters International. Prior to the meeting, the Guardian Council was installed. I was installed as Associate Bethel Guardian, which is the Masonic connection to the Bethel and male Guardian.  I assist in the duties of the Guardian and one of my more important duties is to verify the petitioner's Masonic affiliation. The Vice Associate Grand Guardian of the Grand Bethel of Idaho is a good friend and he said to me the other day, "Remember, T-L-C.  Tote. Lug. Carry. Those are your biggest duties."  I just laughed.

I have been with this Bethel since 2009 and have enjoyed their company and I was ecstatic when the previous Bethel Guardian told me I had been chosen to be the Associate Bethel Guardian. I think this will be a fun year as this Bethel has a great group of young ladies who I get to mentor and watch grow.