Today, September 11, is the anniversary of a dark day in the memory of America. And, while there is cause for sadness there is also much cause for jubilation. America was shaken ten years ago when terror came to our shores, but America did not fall. There are those in the world who would destroy America, who would see her falter and fail. But, America will not fall. There are those who would see America bowed and humbled, but America will not bow because the spirit of the people of America will never be bowed.

America has faced many challenges, and we are facing many now. Uneasiness and uncertainty permeate our daily lives, but while our direction may be uncertain our future is sure. Our American spirit will see us through. The people of this great country will unite, and we will carefully and lovingly stitch together a cause and a course for the common good.

America will survive, not because of her government, or her abundance of resources, or her military might. America will survive because of her people. The people of America are resilient, resourceful, tenacious, determined, generous, loyal and kind, and it is these qualities that will enable us to create a future that will be bigger and brighter than ever before.

Embrace the memories and experience the sadness of that day and never forget what we have lost, but do not allow that sadness and loss to dim your vision of the future. Use it to envision a world where such things do not happen, and together we can make our vision the reality. In the words of the immortal Pat McDonald, "The future's so bright, I gotta wear shades."

Fraternally yours,

Tim Couch

Now, on with the news........................

Tuesday, September 13, 2011: Bolivar Lodge No. 195 will have work in the 1st Degree of Freemasonry in conjunction with their Stated Business meeting. Dinner at 6:30 and Lodge will be duly Opened at 7:30 PM. Thomas Nutter, who has been duly elected, will be presented for initiation into the mysteries of Freemasonry.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011: It's once again time for the ever popular Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Corn Roast. It will be held at the usual place at Pat Jones River Park. Gates open at 4:00 PM. This event is free to ABA Nobles and there will be corn, BBQ and Camels Milk. This is a stag event for the members of Abou Ben Adhem and dues cards will be checked at the gate.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011: Solomon Lodge No. 271 will hold their annual Installation of Officers ceremony beginning at 7:00 PM. This will be an open event. Family and friends are invited and welcome to attend.

Thursday-Sunday, September 15-18, 2011: The Brethren of Friend Lodge No. 352 cordially invite you to the 50th Annual Steamorama in Republic, MO. Hosted by the Ozarks Steam Engine Association, and the Southwest Missouri Early Day Gas Engine and Tractor Association this is one of the Ozarks' "Definitely Don't Miss" events. You'll see antique and classic tractors, trucks and other vehicles that aren't as easy to classify. There are food booths of every flavor, a giant flea market and a whole list of entertaining demonstrations. And, definitely don't miss the tractor pull on Friday and Saturday nights.
While you're there stop by the Friend Lodge No. 352 food booth and say hello. You'll be glad you did.
For more information visit Steamorama.com. There's a map on the site but the showgrounds are right along Highway 60 in Republic. You can't miss it by much.

Thursday, September 15, 2011: Monett Lodge No. 129 will hold their annual Installation of Officers ceremony. Dinner will be served at 6:30 with the Installation ceremony to begin afterwards. RWB Kevin Sligar, District Deputy Grand Master of the 44th Masonic District will be the Installing Master. This event is open to family and friends.

The Tri-County Scottish Rite Club cordially invites all Scottish Rite Masons and their family and friends to enjoy fun and fellowship at their regular meetings held on the third Thursday of each month. Tri-County meets at the Elks Lodge in Bolivar , MO. Social time at 6:30 PM; Dinner and meeting at 7:00. Yearly dues are just $5.
For directions and inquiries please call John Bennett at 417-328-8188 or Jackie Slagle at 417-376-2943.

Saturday, September 24, 2011: The Valley of Joplin KCCH Club will host the annual Rite Care Memorial Golf Tournament to benefit Joplin Scottish Rite Care. The tournament will be held at Eagle Creek Golf Club in Joplin, MO. This will be a 4-Person Scramble with a shotgun start at 8:00 AM. Entry fee is $85 per player and includes:

• Greens fee
• Cart with GPS
• One Mulligan
• Post-Tourney lunch and awards ceremony
• A Goodie-Bag
• Additional Mulligans are available.

Saturday, October 1, 2011: Sparta Lodge No. 296 in Sparta, MO will host a Concealed Carry Firearms class. The classroom portion will begin at 8:30 AM, and then a trip to the shooting range after lunch. The class should be finished around 4:00 PM. Guns will be available or you may bring your own. You'll need about 100 rounds of ammunition, .22 long rifle if borrowing a gun. For more details call 417-880-0074.

Saturday, October 8, 2011: Henderson Lodge No. 477 will host a Concealed Carry Firearms class. The education will begin at 9:00 AM at the lodge hall located at 127 East Center Street in Rogersville, MO. After lunch the class will move to the firing range. The class size will be limited so reserve your spot by contacting Mike Smith at 417-753-4360 or Chad Porter at 417-763-1041.

The Scottish Rite Valley of Joplin needs your help in preserving our beautiful Scottish Rite Cathedral. And, in helping preserve this piece of American history you could win a brand new Chevy Camaro. Tickets are just $50 each and only two thousand tickets will be offered. There will be cash prizes awarded, as well. For all the details on how you can help us preserve this beautiful building please go to WWW.WIN-CAMARO.COM. or visit and "LIKE" the page at Facebook.com/Win-a-new-Camaro. While you're at it be sure and tell your friends. Thank you very much.

As you can see there's lots of Masonry going on in Missouri. See the links below to keep up with the latest or to submit information for your upcoming meeting.

For more news of upcoming events and special communications visit the Upcoming Masonic Events page on Masonsmart.com

For a calendar of Stated meetings for many of the Lodges and Masonic bodies visit the Masonic Calendar page on Masonsmart.com

For help locating a lodge building visit the Missouri Masonic Lodge Map page on Masonsmart.com

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