1. May 1, 2013

3. Invocation Pledge of Allegiance

4. Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one state under God, one and indivisible. one and indivisible.

5. Introductions

6. Trestle Board... Next Wednesday – 9:00 AM – PI 33 Square & Compasses Point Isabel 33 Stated Meeting 4 th Thursday of May May 23, 2013, 7:30 PM Three weeks from tomorrow night Election of Officers

8. Benjamin Franklin

9. Founding Father / Politician / Diplomat Constitution, Declaration of Independence Treaty of Paris Other important documents Member of Continental Congress Wrote Albany Plan of Union Diplomat to France

10. Inventor... Lightning Rod Flexible Catheter Bifocals Franklin Stove

11. Early Life Born in 1706 in Boston Raised in a religious home Worked for older brothers Used an alias Fled to Pennsylvania Three years in London as a printer Returned to the Pennsylvania Gazette.

12. Spiritual Life "... at the last day we shall not be examined on what we thought but what we did." [letter to his father, 1738] Parents wish for Presbyterian education. List of virtues: temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity, (and humility) Temporarily became an atheist. A deist - believed plainly in the virtues of being a good person and helping others

13. A Mason: Undisputed Facts 1731, St. John Lodge in Philadelphia  First recognized Lodge in America  Helped create bylaws of the lodge 1734, Grand Master PA 1734, Grand Master PA 1778 - in Paris - initiated Voltaire.

14. It is said... Became a Mason for its prestige Initially denied...THEY HAVE NO SECRET AT ALL Bullied his way in - publisher

15. Loyal Mason Nonetheless Simply to gain prestige?  Member for 60 years  Concerned with society Opportunist or man of integrity? For himself or for society? Patriot or conspirator? Practicing Mason or impostor?

17. Please Don't Forget the Kitty!