Republic Lodge #570

2007 - 2008 Lodge Officers
Worshipful Master	WB. Arnet Whalen	732-9291
Senior Warden	Bro. Ryan Lakey	838-0402
Junior Warden	Bro. John Watson	881-2575
Treasurer	WB. John Fenton	732-8483
Secretary	RWB. Gary Benskin	827-6723
Chaplin	Bro. Patrick Hill	693-2958
Marshall	WB. Harold Maness	732-7562
Senior Deacon	Bro. Chad Cole	459-8360
Junior Deacon	Bro. Tim Clampitt
Tiler	WB. Dean Benskin	732-7851
Lodge Education Representative	WB. Larry Caudle	732-2556
Masonic Home Representative	RWB Bob Hammond	732-2938

With a sad and heavy heart, here is Doc Gibbons' obituary. He was a giant in Freemasonry in Southwest Missouri and his passing leaves us a bit poorer for his passing but knowing him enriched each life that he touched.

Dr. James Joseph (Doc) Gibbons
(October 31, 1946 - July 1, 2008)

Dr. James Joseph ("Jim") Gibbons joined his mother and father in heaven July 1, 2008 after having an apparent heart attack at his home. He was 61.

Jim was born in Springfield, MO on October 31, 1946 and was a graduate of Parkview High School, and Drury University, having obtained a Bachelor's Degree magna cum laude in Chemistry and Mathematics in 1968. While at Drury, Jim was a member of the Seven Sages, Omicron Delta Kappa, president of the student affiliate of the American Chemical Society and Phi Eta Sigma. In 1966, Jim was on the General Electric College Bowl, representing Drury against the University of Oklahoma. He received his PhD in Analytical and Inorganic Chemistry from Louisiana State University in 1975, where he was treasurer of the Alpha Mu chapter of Phi Lambda Upsilon, the honorary chemistry society, and a member of Phi Sigma Pi. Jim was awarded an honorary degree of ScD from St. Xavier University in Calcutta, India in 1976.

Jim's professional experience includes research chemist, Hoffman-Taff Division, Syntex Pharmaceuticals; director, Drury Research Institute; coordinator, departments of chemistry, math and physics, Drury; manager, Analytical Services, Dayco Technical Center; visiting scientist & lecturer in chemistry, Jadavpur University and distinguished scientist exchange program, Kalyani University, India; visiting associate professor in chemistry, University of Oklahoma and laboratory supervisor, Global Drug Testing Services. Jim taught chemistry at Drury University for over ten years and continued to teach night classes at Drury until the time of his death. While at Drury, he was the Jaycee's educator of the year. He also taught classes at the Ozarks Community Technical College and Everest College and worked for the Branson Health Department, the Webster County Health Department, the Springfield Public Works Department, and AHP Inc.

Jim's professional memberships included fellow of the American Academy for the Advancement of Science, the Royal Society of London, and the American Institute of Chemists; member of the American Chemical Society, the American Society of Testing & Materials, the American Nuclear Society, Sigma Xi and the New York Academy of Sciences; certified food safety professional with the National Environmental Health Association and certified pool & spa operator with the National Swimming Pool Foundation.

Jim was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, and an Eagle Scout. He was a Scoutmaster for troops in Louisiana and in Springfield, and was awarded the Silver Beaver Award for his work with the Boy Scouts. He was a volunteer reenactor for various Civil War groups and for the Gray-Campbell Farmstead. He played softball on various church and park teams. He was a volunteer building sets at the Springfield Little Theatre in the early 1970s.

Jim joined the Army Reserve in 1968 and served for 30 years, most of the time in the 14th Preventive Medicine Unit, where he eventually became the unit's commander. He was activated for Operation Desert Shield/Storm/Saber and deployed for six months to Saudi Arabia. For his service in Southwest Asia, he was awarded the Army Commendation medal, the Kuwait Liberation medal, the Southwest Asia Service medal with two oak leaf clusters, the National Defense Service medal, and was nominated for the Bronze Star. He retired from the Army Reserves in 2006 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Jim was a past trustee and ritual director of the Abou Ben Adhem temple, A.A.O.M.S. and past commander of the Shrine's Legion of Honor; past master of United Lodge #5, A.F. & A.M. and past president of Springfield No. 51, High Twelve Club; past grand orator of the Grand Lodge of Missouri; past high priest of Springfield Chapter No. 15, R.A M.; past illustrious master of Zabud Council No. 25, R. & S.M.; past commander of St. John's Commandary No. 20; past grand commander of Knight Templars of Missouri; 33rd degree mason and past venerable master of the Lodge of Perfection, A. & A. Scottish Rite, Valley of Joplin; past president, Metropolitan Scottish Rite Club; past worthy patron of Springfield Chapter, Order of Eastern Star; past royal patron, Jewel Court # 16, Order of the Amaranth; past grand royal patron, Grand Court of Missouri, Order of Amaranth; deputy supreme royal patron, Order of the Amaranth; former chairman of Springfield Assembly #25, International Order of Rainbow Girls; life member of the DeMolay Legion of Honor; chairman of Farnsworth Chapter, Order of DeMolay; knight mason of the Tipperary Council No. 62, Grand Council of Knight Mason of the U.S., past monarch of Al O Zark Grotto, Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Mystic Realm; past chancellor commander of Syracuse Lodge No. 437, Knights of Pythias; past grand chancellor of Knights of Pythias Grand Lodge of Missouri; member of La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux (40 & 8); knight york grand cross of honour with one quadrant of Priory No. 17, Knights of the York Cross of Honor; member of the Royal Order of Scotland; life member of American Legion Post 69; life member of VFW Post 639; member of Elks Lodge No. 409; member of Queen City Lodge #12, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; secretary of the Ozark Mountain Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution; secretary-elect of the Missouri Society, Sons of the American Revolution.

On Saturday, April 26th, the Republic Lodge #570, sponsored and worked at a very successful CHIPS event held at the Miller Community building. We had 47 volunteers that served and processed 198 kids. This number was up 22 kids from last year. A special thanks needs to go out to many people and I hope not to forget anyone because without their help we couldn't put on this event. First, I would like to thank the Grand Lodge for creating and sponsoring this event. Without them and the CHIPS team, nothing would have happened. Next, I would like to thank the men and women of the Republic Police department. The fire department came out and really made a great difference - Thanks! The men, officers, and several wives from the lodge came out and worked their butts off for the cause. You each and everyone rocked!!!! The girls of the Rainbow Assembly of Republic came out and did a wonderful job. They worked hard and made us proud of each and everyone of them. We had two Boy Scouts that came and helped. Part of the time they were the eyes and babysitter of the tiger mascot. You did a lot! Hannah Caudle needs to be mentioned for her hard work and dedication to the cause. She processed over 40 children at her terminal. Chad Cole needs to be recognized for his hard work on the event as the event coordinator. He worked tirelessly to advertise this event and to find us sponsors. Great job, Chad! You're a great brother! Thanks to our sponsors! Sonic provided us with lunch and I will add the other names as I get them. I want to thank the parents that came and brought their children. Being able to serve and provide this service was a wonderful thing that touched the hearts of all the participants. On a more personal note, I want to thank that wonderful and beautiful woman that I call my wife. Her years of service in college as the Sugar Bear helped to make my day in the Republic Tiger mascot costume a success. If she hadn't have pulled me aside and told me to dress cooler in the costume, I would have probably heat stroked. She also gave me much needed guidance on interacting with kids in the costume.

Speaking of the mascot costume, I want to relate a moment that really touched my heart during the event. I was dancing around and playing with the kids that were being processed. I was directed to a small girl that was wanting to see the Tiger. She really was enjoying my romping, dancing, and acting silly. She then motioned to me to pick her up. I willingly did so. I noticed that the child was a special needs child. She let me hold her as I danced around for a bit with her in my arms. At the time I suspected she might have had cerebral palsy. I put her back in her walker and went on about my business. Later my wife told me that the mother had told her that she was amazed at the way the child had reacted to me. This was not the way she acted. The child did in fact have cerebral palsy and was autistic. The mother was amazed that the child reacted to me so well and nearly fainted when she wanted to be picked up by me. That never happens. Later after the event, when I had to time think about it, I realized the blessing that was for me and how much that it meant to me. That moment made every drop of sweat that I shed in that extremely hot costume worth it all, a thousand times over. Now for some pictures.

First of all I wanted to THANK everyone for their help and support, this was a very successful event. The CHIPS program is so important to all children, and their families and it gives us a chance to be more open to the community, I heard a lot of compliments during the event and received several calls afterwards from folks thanking us for putting it on, to me next to Pumpkin Days this is the most important community event of the year. I also wanted to say a special thanks to the Caudle family for their willingness to fill any volunteer gaps that we had they were a tremendous asset, I also want to thank WM Whalen and Senior Warden Lakey and his wife for purchasing the donuts and juice and milk. Junior Warden Watson for bringing soda and water thank you so much. I also want to thank my wife for volunteering. If there is anyone else I am forgetting GREAT JOB EVERYONE!!!!! Thank you all for your patience as well. Have a great weekend.

Chad Cole

The Sword of Bunker Hill initiated seven new brethren into this patriotic side order of Freemasonry. The degree is designed to be both fun and to instill lessons in patriotism and other moral and social virtues. A dinner of sandwiches, chips, dips, grapes, strawberries, cookies and assorted soft drinks was served before the order opened lodge. This order was a lot of fun and Republic looks forward to hosting it again in the future.

The April 10th stated communication was a special evening with a fine dinner. As always the Republic lodge showed why it has the reputation as one of the best feasting Lodges in the district! The Lodge hosted two very special guests who talked about the DeMolay program. First was Charlie Mason, Bass Country Radio personality, active Freemason and Farnsworth Chapter DeMolay Dad and Roy Cochran, the Chapter Dad for the Southwest Missouri Chapter and Worshipful Master of Anderson Lodge #621. The briefly touched on the history of the DeMolay, what it takes to create a successful program, and offered any assistance they could to start a chapter if anyone was interested. The meeting then went on with the normal business. Petitions were read and the upcoming 3rd degree for Brother Lakey was discussed.

On September 15th, 2007, a picnic was held starting at 5:00 P.M., followed by the annual open installation of officers for the upcoming year. This was done a couple weeks earlier than in previous years to accommodate the Grand Lodge's desire to have the new Worshipful Masters installed and attending the Grand Lodge at the end of September. The Picnic was a great time and well attended. The installation got off to a slow start, because of some scheduling conflicts. Outgoing Worshipful Master Larry Caudle began the ceremony by speaking about the previous Masonic year and how it had been a bittersweet experience. It was bittersweet because of the loss of two line officers during the year. Long time Marshal WB Don Manes and long time chaplain Bert Miller were called home to the eternal lodge. The accomplishments of the year was briefly reviewed and some thanks said to important individuals that helped make WB Caudle's year so good. A plaque was presented RWB Bob Hammond for his dedication to ritual instruction and for being the instructive tongue when our ears weren't always so attentive. THANKS Bob, from the bottom of our hearts. WB Caudle says that your friendship, wisdom, experience, and guidance often helped him to make sound decisions, not to make blunders, or hurt feelings. Plaques were presented to the Republic Police Department and to the Republic Fire Department for the invaluable assistance rendered during the Missouri Children Identification Program event this year. Because of their help this event was a smashing success. Their presence lends credibility to the program and provided much needed help to process the 176 kids that were photographed, fingerprinted, dental impressions taken, and information created and stored for. WB Caudle was presented a cut crystal gavel by WB John Fenton. This piece nearly brought a tear to WB Caudle's eye. He was touched by the gesture and the esteem that the lodge seemed to hold him in. He was also presented a very beautiful Past Master's apron by the lodge. This has become one of his most prized possessions.

If you have an item you would like to see on the Lodge news, give me a call or email me and we will get it on. Pass on the address to friends and let's try to make this an active page!

The next Monthly Stated Communication will be Thursday, May 8th with dinner starting at 6:45 PM.

We Have many degrees coming up! Check in often to find out the latest times and dates. Friday nights will be full of practice or degrees for the time being.

If you are a member and need transportation or some other form of accommodation to attend, please feel free to contact Brother Caudle or any other officer and arrangements can be made!

Saturday, October 28th the Eastern Star had an Open Installation of Officers

Republic Rainbow Assembly Meets on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 7:00 P.M.

The first picture is the July 7th, 2007 Masonic Youth day picture in Columbia, MO. It was a hot day but the girls really enjoyed themselves.

The Taco Stand along with the Tiny Tot Booth is an annual Fundraiser and the monies raised are used for our services projects and help run the assembly. It takes an all out effort including the Rainbow Girls, Pledges, parents, friends and of course the Advisory Board

Upcoming events for Republic Rainbow Assembly: Rainbow of Hope Team at the Republic Relay for Life, Prospect Bowling Party, Trash Pickup on our adopted section of highway 174 and Grand Assembly.

If anyone has any questions or needs further information they may contact the Mother Advisor, Paula Howell at 417-732-2180 or by email at im_howell@hotmail.com

The 34th Masonic District Lodges
Ash Grove Lodge #100 2nd Thursday at 6:30pm	Bolivar Lodge #195 2nd Tuesday at 7pm
Daylight Lodge #678 1st Monday at 8:30am	Gate of the Temple #422 3rd Thursday at 6:30pm
O'Sullivan Lodge #7 2nd Tuesday	Pleasant Hope Lodge #467 2nd Thursday at 7:30pm
Republic Lodge #570 2nd Thursday *7:30 pm*	*Riddick Lodge #361* *4th Tuesday at 7:30pm*
Solomon Lodge #271 2nd Monday at 7:00pm	Strafford Lodge #608 1st Thursday at 7:00pm
United Lodge #5 3rd Monday	University Lodge #683 3rd Friday *at 7:00pm*
Willard Lodge #620 1st Monday at 7:30pm	Click Here for Missouri Districts

Republic Lodge #570 A.F. & A.M.
The 34th District of Missouri, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons
141 ½ N. Main
Republic, Missouri

Welcome

The Republic Lodge meets on the second Thursday of Every Month. The Lodge opens at 7:30pm with dinner or refreshments are served at 6:45 P.M.

All Masons are Invited to our Lodge. We meet at 141 ½ N. Main Republic, Missouri.

We welcome visitors with open arms.

THE MASTERS
JOURNEY TO THE EAST

The 34th Masonic District Lodges

Republic Lodge #570 A.F. & A.M. The 34th District of Missouri, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons 141 ½ N. Main Republic, Missouri

Welcome The Republic Lodge meets on the second Thursday of Every Month. The Lodge opens at 7:30pm with dinner or refreshments are served at 6:45 P.M. All Masons are Invited to our Lodge. We meet at 141 ½ N. Main Republic, Missouri.

We welcome visitors with open arms.

THE MASTERS JOURNEY TO THE EAST

The 34th Masonic District Lodges

Republic Lodge #570 A.F. & A.M.
The 34th District of Missouri, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons
141 ½ N. Main
Republic, Missouri

Welcome

The Republic Lodge meets on the second Thursday of Every Month. The Lodge opens at 7:30pm with dinner or refreshments are served at 6:45 P.M.

All Masons are Invited to our Lodge. We meet at 141 ½ N. Main Republic, Missouri.

THE MASTERS
JOURNEY TO THE EAST