Awaiting Degrees

https://azmasons.org/annual-communication

Sickness and Distress

Please keep all Brothers and their families in your prayers

Especially these

 William Bray, Jack Kennedy

April Birthdays

Brian Brooks               49

David DeHarter           84

James Strempke         60

John Welsch               74

Earl Wunder                83

April Masonic Birthdays

James Conway          23 yrs.

Robert Jahns             13 yrs.

Carl Strempke           22 yrs.

April Fools’ Day

Occurring on April 1 each year—has been celebrated for several centuries by different cultures, though its exact origins remain a mystery. April Fools’ Day 2026 is on Wednesday, April 1. Traditions include playing hoaxes or practical jokes on others, often yelling “April Fools!” at the end to clue in the subject of the April Fools' Day prank. While its exact history is shrouded in mystery, the embrace of April Fools' Day jokes by the media and major brands has ensured the unofficial holiday’s long life.

Origins of April Fools' Day

Some historians speculate that April Fools' Day dates back to 1582, when France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar, as called for by the Council of Trent in 1563. In the Julian Calendar, the new year began with the spring equinox around April 1. People who were slow to get the news or failed to recognize that the start of the new year had moved to January 1 and continued to celebrate it during the last week of March through April 1 became the butt of jokes and hoaxes and were called “April fools.” These pranks included having paper fish placed on their backs and being referred to as “Poisson d’avril” (April fish), said to symbolize a young, easily caught fish and a gullible person.

Adjusting the Calendar

Two months were added to the calendar around 713 BCE by Numa Pompilius the 2nd King of Rome. The original Roman calendar, attributed to Romulus, consisted of only ten months, leaving a gap for winter. This system was inadequate for agricultural and civic planning, leading to confusion about seasons and festivals. By adding January and February he created a 12-month year. This adjustment aimed to synchronize the calendar with the lunar cycles and the solar year, which is approximately 365.25 days

January was named after Janus, the Roman god of doors and gates, symbolizing beginnings and transitions.  February derives its name from "Februa," a festival of purification celebrated by the Romans during this month.

Freemasonry and Janus 

Freemasonry derives symbolic significance from Janus, who is occasionally cited as a representation of duality and transition. This symbolism aligns with Masonic principles such as enlightenment and personal development. The depiction of Janus with two faces complements the Masonic emphasis on self-discovery and the dual aspects of human experience, highlighting the value of considering multiple perspectives. Freemasonry frequently adopts symbols from various traditions, and Janus serves to illustrate the equilibrium between the past and the future, as well as the importance of choices throughout life's journey.

Within Freemasonry, the expression "from darkness to light" denotes the individual's progression toward enlightenment and knowledge, reflecting the belief in advancement from ignorance to understanding. This symbolism underscores personal growth and the pursuit of truth, mirroring Janus's association with transitions. Furthermore, Freemasonry utilizes diverse symbols, including that of light, to convey moral and philosophical lessons, emphasizing the transformative experiences encountered by its members.

February Februus was an ancient Roman deity associated with purification and fertility, particularly celebrated during the month of February, which was named after him  His festivals involved rituals aimed at cleansing and renewal, reflecting broader themes of transformation and moral improvement. This concept resonates with Masonic principles like self-improvement and moral integrity. Masonic rituals highlight personal development and ethical conduct, reflecting the core idea of purification.

Masonic Calendar

A Masonic calendar is based upon the date of an event or a beginning. Craft Masons and different appendant bodies within Freemasonry utilize different Masonic calendars to celebrate a historical inception date such as the creation of the world or an historical event specific to that Masonic order or body. These dates are used upon official Freemason documents. The historical dates are symbolic of new beginnings and should not be misconstrued.

Symbolically, they connect the creation of physical light in the universe with the birth of Masonic spiritual and intellectual light in the candidate. The only idea intended to be conveyed is that the principles of Freemasonry are as old as the existence of the world.

Order Of The Eastern Star Of Arizona 

Verde Valley Chapter No7

534 S 12th St, Cottonwood, AZ 86326

Secretary: Barbara Wunder, PGM

602-290-9547   barbara.wundervv7@gmail.com

Stated Meetings: First Tuesday at 7:30PM

Dark: July and August

2025-2026 GRAND LINE OFFICERS

Grand Master Most Worshipful Leigh Creighton

Deputy Grand Master Right Worshipful Roger Biede III

Senior Grand Warden  Right Worshipful Eric Dupree

Juni​or Grand Warden Right Worshipful James Xie

Grand Secretary​​ Very Worshipful  Greg Vasquez, PGM

Grand Treasurer Very Worshipful Ron Richards

Deputy Grand Secretary MWPGM Jim Baker

Deputy Grand Treasurer Brother John Olson

Senior Grand Deacon Worshipful Brother Reed Houge

Junior Grand Deacon Worshipful Brother​​ Steve Bracety

Senior Grand Steward Worshipful Brother William Carnell

Junior Grand Steward Worshipful Brother​​ Michael Flutty

Grand Lecturer WB David Fierro​

Grand Chaplain VR WB Nathan Schick

Grand Orator WB Thomas Carpenter 

Grand Marshal WB Lew Ivy

Grand Standard Bearer David Aguayo

Grand Sword Bearer WB Timothy Strasser

Grand Bible Bearer WB Harold Lindamood

Grand Pursuivant WB DJ Arps

Grand Organist Jonathan Edward D’Emilio

Grand Editor WB George Balady, Jr.

Grand Tyler WB Augustin Delgado

Grand Counsel WB Richard Leland Brooks

Grand Photographer WB Allen Nichols  

​

Masonic Celebrations

Knocking on the Door                                   Fellow Craft                              Master Mason
                                                       Josh Hastings, Jake Kowalski

                                                               Lotanna Nkemdilim