"A Record of all that is proper to be written"
MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER OF MASONS IN NEVADA, 2010; BUD BANKS, HIS CORP OF OFFICERS AND THE OFFICERS OF MT. MORIAH #39
Brother takes MM obligation on 150 year old compasses
During the month of October 2009 FC Ken Morean took the MM obligation on a 150 year old set of compasses that were recovered by metal detector at the Civil War Battlefield of Chancellorsville, Virginia. The battle of Chancellorsville was fought from April 30 to May 6, 1863 and engaged Union Army of the Potomac under Maj. General Joseph Hooker against the Confederate Army of Nothern Virginia under General Robert. E. Lee. It was during this battle that Confederate Lt. General Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson was mortally wounded by friendly fire from Confederate lines.
These compases were recovered by metal detector on private property adjoining the park boundries with the land owner's permission. It is unknown as to whether these compasses were in use during Masonic work when they were lost or whether they were used as engineer's dividers to walk maps for artillery placements, although engineering dividers commonly found on the battle fronts are generally much taller in the 10" to 12" height. This set of compasses is 4 1/2" in height and is identical to those commonly used on the lodge alter for opening modern lodges. The compasses have been frozen in time by heavy rust in the exact position used during lodge instruction. If a Square was lost also it was not recovered, but possibly would have rusted away due to the flat nature of it. It is also unknown as to which army was using them although there were Masons on both sides during the war.
Brother Ken Morean is a former Army Ranger of the 75th Ranger Regiment and the 82nd Airborne and was dischared from active duty in April 2002. Due to his military background he requested and was granted permission by then W.M. Mike Hoaglin to take his MM obligation on a set of compasses that had seen battle.
Ken Morean, 2010 Junior Steward
150 year old compases from the webmaster's private collection (positioned atop modern day square)
May 12th, 2010 Mt. Moriah hosted the annual Memorial Day Dinner. A "missing soldier" place set and table was set up to honor those soldiers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Members who had served in the Armed Services were requested to wear their uniforms. The public was invited and several potential members and their families were present.
2010 SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED...
ON MAY 26TH THREE SCHOLARSHIPS WERE AWARDED TO STUDENTS AT BASIC HIGH SCHOOL FOR SCHOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENT. EACH STUDENT RECEIVED $1100 TOWARDS THE PURCHASE OF BOOKS AND MATERIALS FOR THE FIRST YEAR OF STUDY.
