The Trestleboard is an official publication of Twin Peaks Lodge No. 32, which is a legally constituted Masonic Lodge operating under charter granted by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah. The Trestleboard is published for the sole and exclusive use of the members of Twin Peaks Lodge No. 32, and any other use is expressly forbidden.  The editor of The Trestleboard is Glen Van Steeter.  Submissions of educational articles or other announcements may be sent to the editor at [email protected], and if selected for publication, will be given full attribution. All submissions are subject to the approval of the Worshipful Master of Twin Peaks Lodge No. 32 and the editor of the Trestleboard.

The Lodge Secretary tries to keep our roster as current as possible. If you are moving, changing your mailing address, phone number or email address, please update your information in Grandview or notify the Secretary so that we can keep your information current.

Sickness and Distress

James D. Wadley, Past Grand Master of Utah and Past Master of Twin Peaks Lodge

Brethren, MWB Jim is doing well in assisted living. His wife visits him frequently. He is still ambulatory and was able to enjoy the Christmas holiday in his home. He does tire easily. He is unable to read letters, but his wife happily reads any correspondence from members of the Lodge. Jim devours these message, and is tremendously happy to receive them. As this is a public facing website, I cannot put his mailing address in this Trestleboard, but if you create letters, either W:. B:. Robert Hartman or W:. B:. Glen Van Steeter will be happy to forward them to his wife. If you have registered on Grandview, you can get Jim’s mailing address directly. Please write to him. This Mason has given his entire adult life to Masonic Service. Let us honor him.

If you are aware of any members whom are in distress, please notify the Lodge Secretary using our Contact page “Email Us” form. Please put “Brother in Sickness and Distress” and then provide details in the “Message” box. This information will be immediately received by multiple members of the Lodge when the “Submit” button is clicked.

From the Trestleboard Editor

I apologize that this edition of the Trestleboard is late. However, we are charged in the 1st Degree that we should not neglect our duties to our families and our usual vocation. I had the fortune of having family from Flagstaff, Arizona, in town last week and my duties lay in preparing our house for visitors and then hosting them over a three day period. By the time this is published, our February stated meeting, our FC Degree practice on the 9th have already come and gone. I would remind ALL of our BRETHREN that you can always find out what activities and events are upcoming by visiting our Calendar page at MidvaleMasonry.com.

Also, I am always looking for educational, historical, or personal articles that illustrate the principles of our Craft. If you are willing to provide such articles, send them to me via my email, which can be found in Grand View in the Lodge Roster. If you have not yet registered in Grand View, please consider doing that today. You can reach out to our Secretary Ephraim Sng, PM, or our Assitant Secretary, Bob Hartman, PM, in order to get your member ID for the registration process.

Fraternally, Glen Van Steeter, PM – Jr. Warden and editor of the Twin Peaks Trestleboard.

Brethren, as we start this journey through the year 2026 together, I’m pleased to say that Twin Peaks is thriving. January has been nothing short of eventful, with our lodge bustling with activity. We have already conducted several degrees, further enriching our Masonic knowledge and fellowship.

I am immensely proud of the great turnout and wonderful camaraderie displayed during our recent volunteering event at the Utah Food Bank. The spirit of charity and service that we embody as Freemasons truly shone bright. I am pleased to announce that we have another opportunity to serve at the Food Bank on the 14th of February, spreading love and goodwill in the true spirit of Brotherly Love.

Our Officers had the honor of attending the 154th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in Utah, where we gathered with brethren from across the state, and around the nation, to celebrate our shared traditions and values. It was a truly inspiring experience that reaffirmed the strength and unity of our Masonic family.

Furthermore, I am thrilled to see record numbers of new faces at our monthly meetup, reflecting the growing interest and enthusiasm for our craft. Our next gathering will take place on February 23rd, offering us a platform to welcome and connect with our newest brethren.

Looking ahead, February promises to be a month filled with excitement and growth. We have more degree work lined up, providing us with valuable opportunities to deepen our understanding of Masonic teachings and rituals. Let us seize these opportunities to work diligently and grow within our craft, supporting each other on our shared Masonic journey.

Brethren, I am honored to be a part such a vibrant and dedicated lodge. Together, let us continue to uphold the principles of Freemasonry with passion, dedication, and unity. May this month be filled with joy, fulfillment, and meaningful connections as we deepen our bonds of friendship and brotherhood.

Fraternally yours,
Frank Keller
Worshipful Master Twin Peaks No. 32

Brethren all, greetings from the West!

January was a busy month for degrees, we performed 3 Master Mason degrees! Each of these degrees continued to display the excellence of work that has become the standard in Twin Peaks Lodge.

As we look forward to February we have an FC degree on the 16th, with a practice on the 9th. In March we should be looking forward to another MM degree.

I encourage all of you to attend practices even if you feel you know your part 100%. I found this quote that imparts some wisdom I would like to share with you.

We Practice ritual to 
Perfection not because 
Perfection matters, but
Because the discipline
Of practice matters.
It’s Training for life.

I look forward to seeing you all at the practices and degrees we have coming up.

Fraternally,

Michael Hartman

Senior Warden

The Junior Warden was anciently charged with the overseeing the Craft at “refreshment” and to organize the social activities of the Lodge.

Brethren all, greetings from the South!

January was packed! I would first like to thank Worshipful Brother Keller and his lovely and capable spouse, Shannon, for the fine meal at our February stated meeting. I would like to announce the Brethren who have volunteered to provide the pre-stated meeting meals so far:

• March 2nd: Brother Mike Hartman
• April 6th : This month not spoken for. Any volunteers?
• May 4th: W. Bro. Lyle Miller. (Note, this is “Star Wars” day!)
• June 1st: Bro. Phil Lammi
• September 7th: Bro. Rubens Barbosa
• October 5th: Bro. Chris Van Steeter
• November 2nd: W. Bro. Glen Van Steeter
• December 7th: This month not spoken for. Any volunteers?

February Meetup – Our monthly social meal will take place at our usual location: Chubby’s Cafe in Riverton, Utah, on Monday, February 23rd from 7 pm to about 8:30 pm. We are privileged to use their “semi-private” group dining area. Family, friends and persons interested in learning more about becoming Freemasons are cordially invited.

BREAKING NEWS: The following brethren visited Gateway Lodge No. 29 on February 10th: W.M. Frank Keller, S.W. Mike Hartman, S.D. Chris Van Steeter, W.B. Lyle Miller and Bro. Delwyn Price. This qualifies as an official visitation by Twin Peaks Lodge with regards to the G.L. of Utah “Master Architect” program. During this meeting, we were informed that they are holding a St. Patrick’s Day Dinner on Saturday, March 21st starting at 5 pm. You can get more information on their Facebook event page. We are shamelessly plugging their event in order that we may see some of them come down to our Masons at Work picnic in June. So please consider attending their event.

Grand Lodge Visitation – The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons if Utah will visit Twin Peaks Lodge #32 at the Salt Lake Masonic Temple, in the Egyptian Room. There will be a catered dinner prior to the visitation. More details will be announced as they become available, check back often!  Dress: Officers in suits, all other business attire.  The dinner prior to the visitation is being catered;  reservations are required. To make a reservation, contact our Junior Warden, W. Bro. Glen Van Steeter by email or text message: If you do not have a reservation, there is a high probability you will not be served. If you make a reservation and do not attend, regardless of the reason, you are still liable for the cost thereof. Thank you for your consideration. This is a very important annual event for our Lodge, and you will hear annual reports from our Pedestal Officers, the Secretary and Treasurer, as well as an in-depth educational feature from our Grand Lodge Officers.

Masons at Work Picnic – June 14th from 10 am to 3:30 pm – Big Bear Park, 930 E. Onyx Lane, Sandy, UT. Work is in the preliminary stages. We will be setting the menu and expected cost for meals at our March stated meeting. We have tons of stuff to offer for our silent auction. We will be bringing amusements like table games, horseshoes and corn hole. If you have a yard game you can provide please let us know. We are also looking for volunteers to bring grills and help prepare the food. You can contact our Junior Warden, Glen Van Steeter, by either email or text message if you are willing to lend a hand.

With the Degree Work, candidate progression and mentoring, social activities and charitable events, this is going to be a busy year! Let’s make it one for the record books! Roll up your sleeves! Put your shoulder to the wheel! Be a part of the success of your Lodge!

Fraternally submitted, Glen Van Steeter, PM – Junior Warden

From the Board of Trustees

Brothers,

I wanted to let you all know that your trustees have had a meeting with Alex Wheeler regarding our investment account. We discussed some new strategies we wish to bring before the lodge in March. I would ask all who can make the meeting on the 2nd to please do so as this will have real implications as to the future of our investment account.

On the square

Michael Hartman

1 yr Trustee

Calendar at a Glance

• Monday, February 2nd @ 7:30 pm: Stated meeting with pre-meeting dinner at 6:30 pm.
• Monday, February 9th @ 7:30 pm: Fellow Craft Degree practice at the South Valley Masonic Center.
• Tuesday, February 10th @ 7 pm: Official visitation by Twin Peaks at Gateway Lodge 29 in Clearfield Utah.
• Saturday, February 14th from 8 am to 10 am at the Utah Food Bank located at 3150 S. 900 W. in South SLC, Utah. Contact W. B. Bob Hartman or our Sr. Warden, Mike Hartman, if you would like to volunteer.
• Monday, February 16th @ 7:30 pm: Fellow Craft Degree for Bro. Rubens Barbosa, to be held at the Salt Lake Masonic Temple at 650 E. South Temple Street in Salt Lake City, Utah. Officers and degree cast should arrive no later than 6:45 pm.
• Thursday, February 19th @ 7:00 pm: Esoteric Education Night via Zoom Virtual Meeting. A separate email will be sent out soon with connection information.
• Sunday, February 22nd from 3 pm to 5 pm. Bowl for the Cure with Mt. Olympus OES Chapter #23. Look for information below on how to participate.
• Monday, February 23rd from 7 pm to 8:30 pm: Meetup at Chubby’s Cafe in Riverton, Utah.
• Wednesday, February 25th from 7 pm to 8 pm via Zoom: Officer’s meeting. Non-officers are welcome to attend but please be aware that this meeting is for the purpose of finalizing items for discussion at the March stated meeting.

FEBRUARY DEGREES

On February 14th, we had one of our most successful Utah Food Bank service days yet. 22 Twin Peaks Masons, family, friends and prospects arrived at about 7:50 am to register for 2 hours of service. This is the best showing our Lodge has had in five years (maybe more). The project for this day was to bag, box and palletize take-home meals for Utah schoolchildren. The process involved the following steps: A team to prep the bags; another team to replenish the food items to be bagged; another LARGE team to “walk the line”, putting the correct number of items in each bag; a small team to put five bags in each box; one guy to palletize the completed boxes; one person to make new boxes; and a couple of people to flatten food cases and place them in the recyclable bin. In two hours, we had stacked five pallets of 36 boxes, plus 5 more boxes on pallet six, for a total of 925 take home meal bags. Each take-home bag contains enough product for two full meals for a household of 4, so we actually bagged, tagged, and packaged 1850 meals.

This is core Freemasonry. What we do IN our Lodges, which is to improve ourselves with a “virtuous education”, facilitates what we do OUTSIDE our Lodges, which in many cases is Philanthrophy to our community.

Our Committee Chairman, W:. B:. Bob Hartman, thanks each and every person who helped us. On a final note, there were only about four or five individuals in addition to us, so for the first time in a long time, this 2 hour session was primarily a Twin Peaks project. If we can keep the momentum going, we might be able to increase our committment to the UFB in terms of volunteers. Wouldn’t that be a sight to see?

March Stated Meeting – March 2nd @ 7:30 pm

Our March stated meeting will be held at the  South Valley Masonic Center located at 7390 Creek Road in Sandy. The doors will open at 6:30 pm and there will be pre-meeting meal provided by our Sr. Warden, Bro. Mike Hartman. We expect to open on the 1st Degree. Business attire is requested by the Master.

Esoteric Education Night – Feb. 19th @ 7 pm

This is a virtual meeting via Zoom. An email with the connection information will be emailed to all members a few days prior to the meeting. This will be a continuation of January’s topic of “The Symbols of the 3rd Degree of Masonry.” We will discussion the following topics:

• Considerations for behavior in Lodge.
• Traditions of Freemasonry in general.
• Our relationship with the Outside World.
• What you should expect from your Lodge.
• Thoughts concerning your obligations.

As this meeting will be discussing topics relevant to the Master Mason Degree, only Master Masons in Good Standing are invited to attend. For you Entered Apprentices and Fellow Crafts, this is a timely reminder to get your proficiencies done!

Masonic Anniversaries

These are the brethren of Twin Peaks Lodge No. 32 that were raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in the Month of February.

• Worshipful Brother George Auer was raised on February 16th, 1978 and has 48 years of service.
• Brother Albert Shahinian was raised on February 2nd, 1979 and has 47 years of service.

A truly sad note, my Brethren. As this Trestleboard was being edited for publication on February 12th, we received notification from the Grand Secretary that W:. B:. George Auer was recalled to the Celestial Lodge Above on February 5th of this year. I knew George personally, largely through my contact with him through the Salt Lake Masonic Temple Association when we needed to use the SLMT for special events. Although I did not know him well, he was always welcoming, with a ready smile and a twinkle in his eye. I do remember that his sense of humor was sometimes “out there”, which suited me just fine. He had moved to Georgetown, Texas, a number of years ago for the beneficient climate and health reasons.

“We may hope that we may meet again, in that House not made with hands, Eternal in the Heavens.”

2025 Twin Peaks Building Fund Report

Submitted by W:. B:. Robert Hartman

In calendar year 2025, the members and friends of Twin Peaks Lodge #32 contributed, according to my calculations, $4583.86 to the 365 fund. A transfer of $2700.00 was made by the Treasurer on September 25th to our investments account. The names of those who donated $365.00 in calendar year 2025 have been added to the plaque displayed at the door of our Lodge at each meeting.

My Brothers, this is the most that has been deposited into our Building fund in the 38 years I have been a member of this Lodge, and reverses a decades long trend of taking money out. Part of the reversal, of course, is the Lodge’s willingness to increase our dues and fees to meet actual expenses. $1.00 a day. Less that a drink at McDonalds, less than a Starbucks or Beans and Brews coffee. There is a very convenient link to Paypal on our Lodge website, where you can make an one-time donation, or an ongoing monthly donation.

Why is the Building Fund important to our Lodge? If you attended Worshipful Master Frank Keller’s installation, you saw why we held it at the Salt Lake Masonic Temple. This room, here at the South Valley Masonic Center, is not large enough for an installation, nor degree work, and we are close to
capacity at most Lodge meetings! Such a wonderful problem to have!

Please consider making your monthly donation of $31.00 to this very important fundraiser. Let’s work together to build a New Masonic Home for Twin Peaks Lodge!

Update: According to my calculations, we have collected another $1614.46 in January and February to bring our total to $6198.32. A very impressive figure indeed. As of February 14th, we have 14 tags on the 365 donor plaque!

I’ll ask again. Is $1.00 a day worth it to you, so we can move forward to making our temple a reality?

Masons Who Had an Impact on My Life…

Submitted by W:.B:. Robert Hartman

When I reflect on Masonry in general, and on Twin Peaks Lodge #32 specifically, I often think of the remarkable people I’ve met over the years. Generous, kind, and giving individuals whose stories aren’t widely known but who have had a profound effect on my life. I’d like to share a few memories of two of these Brothers — this is by no means a complete list, just some thoughts that come to mind right now.

When I began my Masonic journey about 38 years ago, I had the privilege of meeting Most Worshipful Brother Bill F. Baker, PGM, who served this jurisdiction in 1983. Two qualities that stood out were his sincere modesty and his deep pride in Masonry. I sat in Lodge with him for three or four months before I discovered he was a Past Grand Master — imagine my surprise as a newly raised Mason! His energy was contagious; he seemed to be present wherever Masonry was involved. He rarely spoke of his many achievements in Masonry or in his life. It was only after his passing that I learned he was a flight engineer with B-17s in World War II. M.W. Brother Bill was always ready to participate in degrees; although he seldom rose from his chair on the sidelines, when he did he spoke kindly and passionately, offering wise counsel. His help as I moved through the chairs was invaluable, and during my first two years as Master he was the person I turned to with the many questions new masters face. I frequently asked myself, “What would PGM Bill Baker say or do?” before acting. He will always be someone I strive to emulate, and knowing him improved both my life and my Masonry.

My coach and mentor, PM Merle Taylor, was an ideal guide when I entered Masonry. At the time I worked two jobs and had a young family. I would call him after my second shift; he’d put on a pot of coffee and we’d work on the catechism for an hour and a half almost every evening for the 90 days it took me to complete my degrees. As mentor and candidate do, we learned a great deal about each other during those sessions. He stayed in regular contact, calling to offer rides to Lodge, checking on my family, and wishing me well. After leaving the military he had driven for Consolidated Freight and accumulated over a million miles without an accident or ticket. He joined Twin Peaks “because one of my friends at CF was a member and spoke highly of his Masonic life.” When I first met W. Bro. Taylor he was a widower — his wife had died two years earlier — and, upon learning my wife and I had joined Mt. Olympus Chapter #23 OES, he asked me for a petition to join. When I handed it to the secretary she told me the Chapter had spent years trying to persuade him and his wife to join, then asked how I had convinced him. I replied simply, he asked me; the lesson I took from that moment was that you never know how your actions will touch another person. Sadly, I was Master of Twin Peaks Lodge when this fine Brother joined the Grand Lodge on high, and it was with great honor and many tears that I officiated at his funeral. Worshipful Brother Taylor has influenced the way I mentor candidates today, and interact with the members of my Lodge, and all for the better.
My brothers, these are but two of the wonderful Masons I have known, I hope you enjoyed
this article.
POTS

Bob Hartman, PM

Some Thoughts on the Purpose of a Masonic Lodge

Submitted by W:.B:. Robert Hartman

What is the purpose of a Masonic Lodge? Certainly, it is a gathering of good men working to become better, but what else defines it? How do good men become better through the lodge’s existence? What makes it different than other fraternal organizations, and how does it display its worth to the community, or does it? 

Any number of organizations exist for the purpose of getting together, having a good meal, enjoying some entertainment, patting each other on the back, and going home. Given time, this type of social engagement wears thin, and the shine is found not to be of great value, but only a veneer covering unfulfilled expectations. A thinking man desires a meaning for organization, a firm basis upon which to improve life, not only his own, but the lives of those around him.  Enter then, one of the purposes of a Masonic Lodge. Good men, working together, can achieve great works; indeed one of our frequent exaltations is for nobler deeds, higher thoughts, and greater achievements. Should these noble deeds be enshrined in silence, unpublished, and exist in perpetuity only upon the records laid up in the archives of the Lodge? Should a Lodge’s work and achievements be placed in a public arena, for all the world to see? 

Certainly in any good Lodge, there are times when the members are moved by virtue and charity to assist a needy brother, his family or some other member of the community in which it exists. These particular acts of charity are best kept within the repository of the faithful breast, as the less said about the circumstances is in itself an act of charity and virtue. There are numerous examples any Mason can recall whereon his Lodge, or an individual Mason, has met the call of the needy or unfortunate with proper response, and the world is a better place for it. These considerable examples of Masonic virtue, however, are not the greater achievements I have in mind in this presentation. 

Each Lodge should develop an public reason for existence; a program or charity that makes it easier for the individual Mason and the public at large to support and honor the fraternity. The choice of said program or charity is a matter of great importance to the Lodge; for it should be a choice that can continue and grow with time, expanding the Lodge’s ability to benefit mankind as a whole. For the choice to have a true, long-lasting value for the Lodge and the community at large predicates its need to be ongoing, without a pre-determined exit point and worthy of the support and efforts required to make it a successful endeavor. 

At this point in the planning stage, the actions of the Worshipful Master are of great importance; the Master of the Lodge should be careful in the execution of his prerogatives during the discussions. One of the basic requirements for success in this choice is the acknowledged right, perhaps duty, of each member of the Lodge to make his thoughts known, and for the Lodge to gain input from all who desire to participate in the discussion. Under no foreseeable circumstances should any member be denied the right to speak, or be subject to ridicule for his position. This is one of the basic tenants of our profession, and at this moment in time its importance cannot be overstated. While Masons are known to communicate with each other outside of the stated meetings, no cabal should control the discussion or the final decision with discussions held outside of the Lodge.  Obviously, these discussions will take center stage at many meetings, for it is not an undertaking  to be assumed lightly.

The selection process should involve answering several questions completely, or to the best of our ability at the time of selection. Here are some examples of questions I think would be relevant to the selection process in no particular order of importance. I am sure there are many more questions that will arise.

What need in the community will this charitable effort fill? Is the need being fulfilled by other organizations; that is, are we taking someone else’s place? Is this an ongoing need or a one-time emergency situation? Who are the major organizations involved now in fulfilling the need, and how can we approach them for guidance? Does the fulfillment of the need require manpower, money or both? Do we need special training, licenses, or permits to meet the need? Is there any physical danger to our members for supporting this charity? Will this involve the use of our current facilities? Will this require any permission or dispensation from Grand Lodge? How will our involvement help the community? How can we showcase Masonry in general and our Lodge in particular with this involvement? 

” . . . who taught me a true Masonic lesson, that of charity. . . “

Just some of my thoughts on this subject.

Your Rights Under the U.S. Constitution

Brethren, despite what you may think about the heading of this article, this is not a “political” posting. We are not permitted to talk about politics or religion in a Masonic Lodge. However, with regards to Freemasaonry in the United States, every informed citizen Mason should be aware of the rights that are “reaffirmed” in the first ten amendments to the Constitution, also known as the “Bill of Rights”. Every Freemason is instructed in the Degrees that he must be a true and peaceable citizen and to obey the laws of the jurisdiction in which he resides. As the Constitution and the Bill of Rights are the very bedrock on which the framework of our statutory law is built, it is therefore obligatory that U.S. Freemason should have a basic understanding of them so that they may conform their actions to never stray beyond it’s restrictions.

It is important to understand the historical context in which these amendments arose. Immediately after the U.S. War of Independence (1775 – 1783), the original 13 Colonies formed a “Confederation” of States, which provided for strong State governments and a very weak Federal or Central government. Problems immediately arose, as the central government couldn’t pay for an army or a navy, or repay its war debts without permission of the newly formed States. There were also problems with negotiating treaties with foreign powers, an irregular and inconsistent approach to interstate trade, the standardization of import fees and tarriffs, etc. The situation rapidly became untenable, culminating in Shay’s Rebellion (1786-1787). In the immediate aftermath of this event, a movement led by Geo. Washington began to reform the national government, culminating in the U.S. Constitution.

What Powers Does the Constitution Grant?

The Constitution is the framework that defines the powers of the Federal Government, and how it works. It is often characterized as a system of negative powers, meaning that the Federal Government’s power is limited only those powers explicitly contained in it. The first seven articles broadly define:

• Article I: The Legislative Branch – Establishes a bicameral U.S. Congress consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. It grants Congress the primary power to make laws, declare war, and regulate commerce.
• Article II: The Executive Branch – Creates the office of the President, who serves as the head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces. This article details the responsibilities for enforcing laws and managing day-to-day government operations.
• Article III: The Judicial Branch – Establishes the Supreme Court as the highest court in the land and authorizes Congress to create lower federal courts. It defines the jurisdiction of the federal judiciary to interpret laws and settle legal disputes.
• Article IV: Relations Among States – Outlines the duties states have to one another, such as respecting each other’s laws (“Full Faith and Credit”), and describes the process for admitting new states into the Union.
• Article V: The Amendment Process – Defines how the Constitution can be changed, typically requiring a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress or by two-thirds of state legislatures to propose, followed by ratification by three-fourths of the states.
• Article VI: National Supremacy – Establishes the Constitution and federal laws as the “supreme Law of the Land,” meaning they take precedence over conflicting state laws. It also prohibits religious tests for holding public office.
• Article VII: Ratification – Specifies that the Constitution would take effect once ratified by nine of the thirteen original states. 

Although the Constitution was officially completed in September, 1787, an anti-federalist movement was very concerned that the Constitution granted certain powers to the Federal Government but did not do enought to declare the rights and privileges of the States or private citizens that the Federal Government cannot suspend or limit. During the period of 1787 through 1788, two camps arose: The “Federalists”, the chief authors were: Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay; and the “Anti-Fedralists”, notably:

• “Brutus” – most likely the Hon. Robert Yates, a New York judge, who warned of a powerful federal judiciary and the “necessary and proper” clause.
• “Cato” – presumed to be the Hon. George Clinton, governor of New York, and who expressed concern that the presidency had the potential to become a monarchical office.
• “Federal Farmer” – Could have been Richard Henry Lee, Melancton Smith, or Eldbridge Gerry. Chief concerns expressed were: 1) The U.S. was too big geographically for a single government, and that they would be “swallowed up” by a national authority. 2) The large size of the districts would permit only wealthy and well-known men to be elected for Federal offices. 3) The loss of the voice of the middle class. (Note that these opinions appear to be prescient in modern politics.) 4) The lack of an explicit Bill of Rights.
• “Centinal” – believed to be Samuel Bryan of Pennsylvania. He focused entirely on the lack of an explicit Bill of Rights.
• “Columbian Patriot” – authored by Mercy Otis Warren, notably a female author. Her pamphlet, Observations on the New Constitution was a key text in promoting a need for a Bill of Rights.

The Addition of the Bill of Rights

Due to these eloquently expressed concerns, and under the threat that the states would not ratify the Constitution without an explicit declaration of individual and state’s rights, in June of 1789, James Madison revised his opinion and began the process of adding seventeen clauses explicitly declaring certain state and citizen rights, which he initially proposed be “interwoven” into the existing draft text of the Constitution. However, a joint session of the House and Senate reduced the number of amendments to twelve and settled on the final language in September of that year. Finally, in 1789, on the advice of Pres. Geo. Washington, ten of the twelve amendments were added to the Constitution as the first ten amendments in the form of “codicils” at the end of the document. The Bill of Rights can be though of as a safeguard to protect “natural rights” from over-reach by the Federal Government. Literally, these ten amendments are a list of what the Federal Government cannot do. (There are those who believe that the Federal Government has “gone and done it anyway” but that is not in the scope of this article and will not be discussed here.) You can also think of the Bill of Rights as “negative rights” that the Federal Government cannot infringe in any way. Think of it this way. The First Amendment does not grant “free speech” to individuals, it instead says that “free speech” is a natural right of individuals and the government may not restrict it. See the difference?

The First Ten Amendments, or the Bill of Rights – SUMMARIZED

First Amendment

TEXT: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

• Freedom of Religion: The federal government cannot establish a national religion (nor permit states to do so), or restrict the free exercise of any religion.
• Freedom of Speech and the Press: Protects the right to express ideas, to publish them, even if they are unpopular.
• Freedom of Assembly and Petition: Guarantees the right of the people to peaceably gather, and to appeal the government for redress of grievances.

Historical context: Prior to the revolution, Parliament and King George could detain and imprison individuals, or shut down newspapers, simply because they expressed opposition to the policies of the United Kingdom. Protecting Freedom of Speech was primarily motivated to prevent the Federal Gov’t from the same actions and behaviors, which was to protect individual’s ability to petition and seek redress for greivances. Finally, the prior history of both the United Kingdom and Europe was littered with instances of individuals being deprived of property, wealth, employment, and even their lives, for failing to conform to state-approved or sanctioned religious faith practices. This is a safeguard to ensure the free expression of faith, or to not participate or recognize any faith at all, by an individual or group.

Second Amendment

TEXT: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

• Right to Keep and Bear Arms: Guarantees the right of the people to possess firearms, interpreted as a personal right for both personal and national defense, and as a check against federal overreach.

Historical Context: The Colonies had a very small national army and heavily depended on “militia” for military defense. With the exception of the coastal towns and cities, most of the geography was wild frontier, and the ability to defend one’s home and life against invaders, agressors and criminals was paramount. Finally, the anti-Federalists were very concerned that without securing this right, the Federal government would be able to suppress any movement, no matter its legitimacy, to change it. This provision thus ensured that the government remains obedient and in service to the people who empower it. The first thing European monarchs did in the case of increasing dissatisfaction on the part of their subjects was to confiscate their means to resist.

Third Amendment

TEXT: No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

• No Quartering of Soldiers: The government cannot require the housing of military personnel in citizen’s domiciles without permission during peacetime. In time of war, such quartering of personnel in private residences shall only be implemented by war-time legislation.

Historical Context. In the period immediately prior to the opening shots of the Revolutionary War, Bostonians and nearby residents were required, at their own expense and by threat of penalty, to provide housing and even food for British soldiers.

Fourth Amendment

TEXT: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

• Searches and Seizures: No individual’s home, property, papers or effects may be subject to search or seizure by the government except in the case that probable cause has been established and warranted by a magistrate or judge, in which case such warrant shall be specific as to what is the object of said search.

Historical Context: The British government often made use of “Writs of Assistance”, which were permanent and open-ended warrants used by Customs officials to combat smuggling. Searches were permitted under these writs without specific evidence to search for untaxed goods. In 1761, Attorney James Otis challenged these writs, characterizing them as a violation of long-established English principle that “a man’s home is his castle.” Although Otis lost the case, John Adams stated this event was the first scene of the first act of opposition to English rule of the Colonies. Additionally, the landmark English cases of Entick vs. Carrington (1765) and Wilkes vs. Wood (1763), established that the state must have specific legal authority to intrude upon private property.

Fifth Amendment

TEXT: No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

• Indictment by Grand Jury: In the case of capital or infamous crimes, evidence must be presented to a Grand Jury, whose sole purpose is to determine if the evidence exceeds “reasonable doubt” for a trial to be called upon. The Grand Jury does not determine guilt or innocence. It simply determines that there is sufficient evidence to put the indictment to argument.
• Double Jeopardy: An individual cannot be tried for the same (instance) of a crime more than once after a valid acquittal or conviction. Note, if a person steals a car, is acquitted, and then steals another car, being tried for the second instance (also called “count”) is quite legal.
• No Self-Incriminaton and Due Process: Individuals can be compelled to involuntarily testify against themselves. Additionally, no individual may be deprived of life, liberty, or propertyl without due process of law.
• The “Takings” Clause: States that private property cannot be taken for public use (also known as “Eminent Domain”) without just compensation.

Historical context: Under previous English Law, an individual could be forced to confess to crimes under oath. The Founders adopted the maxim “nemo tenture seipsum accusare” (“no man is bound to accuse himself”) to prevent inquisitorial practices. Due Process is a direct descendant of the Magna Carta of 1215, wherein “the law of the land” ensured that the government could not seize life, liberty or property without established legal process. Historically, it had been a commonplace practice in England to keep charging the same individual for the same crime repeatedly until a conviction was reached. Interstingly, the founders were aware of the fact that in a 12th Century dispute between Henry II and Thomas Becket, Becket argued that clerics should not be punished twice under both church and civil law. Finally, the “Takings Clause” was a direct repudiation of the feudal system of land allocation by the Crown wherein it held all territory in fief and granted aristocrats to hold it only by direct authority of the Crown, and could be retracted at any time, without due process and without renumeration or recompense of loss.

Sixth Amendment

TEXT: In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.

• Criminal Trial Rights: Guarantees the following:
  • Right to a speedy trial to avoid long pre-trial incarceration which impacted both liberty and property.
  • Right to a public trial by an impartial jury, which ensures that the public shall know the venue and time of a trial, and that the defendant is allowed the presumption of innocence until the state proves beyond a reasonable doubt of guilt.
  • Right to confront witnesses against them and to present witnesses for the defense, which ensures that the defendant or defense attorney can challenge assertions made by witnesses for the prosecution and to rebuttal their testimony with witnesses called to further rebuttal witness testimony for the prosecution.
  • Right to legal counsel. An individual named as a defendant shall be guaranteed the services of legal counsel who shall work wholeheartedly for the benefit of the defendant, and if the defendant cannot afford such counsel then a state-appointed defender will be provided for.

Historical Context: The Founders were aware of the “Court of Star Chamber”, which operated in secret with no jury. It was widely believed to be a rubber-stamp drum-head court to achieve the desires of the Crown. Additionaly, the “Administration of Justice Act of 1774” allowed the Royal Governor to move trials of British Officials to England or other colonies under the pretense that a fair trial could not be conducted in Massachussetts. The Colonies saw these both as pernicious to colonial defendants and as a form of protection to British officials. They were almost certainly aware of the 1603 prosecution of Sir Walter Raleigh who was denied the privilege of directly confronting his accuser, and was indicted and tried on a written letter from an alleged co-conspirator. He therefore did not enjoy the right of cross-examination. This led to the Confrontation Clause in English Law that ensured the right of cross-examination. Ironically, under English law, defendants in minor cases had the right to a lawyer, but those accused of felonious or treasonous crimes were often denied the same right, under the assumption that the judge would be the counsel for the prisoner. This was obviously a “conflict of interest”, as the Judge was an officer of the Court and influenced by Parliament and the Crown.

Seventh Amendment

TEXT: In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

• Civil Trial Rights: Guarantees the right to jury by trial in civil or common law cases, ensuring that the facts are decided by ordinary citizens (a jury of peers) rathern than government officials who would naturally of a conflict of interest.

Historical Context: To bypass local juries in smuggling or tax-evasion trials, Parliament expanded the jurisdiction of vice-admiralty courts which had no juries, causing judges to be beholden to the monarchy to enforce unpopular laws like the Stamp Act or Townshend Acts. The Anti-Federalists were deeply concerned that without trials by jury, the judges would become a tool for Federal overreach, possibly allowing them to overturn jury verdicts and eliminating the authority of common citizen juries. The Federalists were concerned that the civil jury mandate would undermine contract law and harm the interests of creditors. An interesting side-note is that the U.S. Supreme Court has never mandated this amendment to apply to state-level civil trials, although most U.S. States do have similar protections in either their Constitutions or statutory laws. Obviously the dollar amount stated in the original amendment has been superseded.

Eighth Amendment

TEXT: Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

• Unenumerated Rights: Prohibits excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishments, ensuring consistency in the application of laws.

Historical Context: The Eighth Amendment’s prohibitions on excessive bail, fines, and cruel and unusual punishment were shaped by centuries of English legal history and the specific fears of the American Anti-Federalists. The Cruel and Unusual Punishment provision is attributed to the English Bill of Rights of 1689, wherein it is stated that “excessive bail ought not to be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.” This was a response to the regin of King James II, whose chief justice, George Jeffreys, was known for sentences that imposed exorbitant fines and horrid punishments to suppress political dissent. Finally, noted Anti-Federalists Patrick Henry and George Mason argued that the new federal government would be too powerful and that without an explicit ban, Congress would enact measures that would mirror civil law practices in France or Spain. These included torture to compel confessions or the invention of unusual or severe punishments for new federal crimes. Their argument was compelling enough that James Madison, the “Father of the Constitution”, included the Eighth Amendment to secure ratification by the states.

Ninth Amendment

TEXT: The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

• This is also known as the “Unenumerated Rights” clause, which explicitly clarifies that the rights enumerated in the Constitution doesn’t deny or diminish (“disparage”) the rights retained by the people. Examples include the right to privacy and the right to travel.

Historical Context: It can be said with a straight face that this amendment was added to the Constitution because James Madison became convinced that without it, the states would not ratify it. The Federalist position, expressed by Alexander Hamilton, was that a “Bill of Rights”, a specific list, as dangerous. In Federalist 84, he argued that if you create a list of specific rights, the implication would be that any right not on the list wasn’t protected, giving the government claim to more power than intended by the framers. The Anti-Federalist rebuttal was that without such a guarantee of certain “natural rights”, the new, much more powerful federal government would eventually infringe upon them. The principal behind both arguments was the influence of the Philosophy of Natural Law as expressed by Enlightenment sccholars like John Locke, who claimed that all human beings possess “natural rights” that exist prior to any form of government. Many of the Founders and Framers were followers of the Enlightenment. Therefore, the whole point of the first ten amendments was to confirm these natural rights and prohibit the federal government from ever infringing them. Therefore, in 1789, James Madison drafted the Ninth Amendment, which essentially can be interpreted thusly: “The enumeration of powers in the Constitution, granting specific powers and authority to the several branches of federal government, shall not be construed in a manner that does not fully recognize the natural rights, unnamed and unlisted though they may be, and that any effort to deny or infringe upon them shall be in violation of the powers of the Federal Government as enumerated in this Constitution.”

Tenth Amendment

TEXT: The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

• States and People’s Rights: Reinforces the position that the Constitution is a document of negative powers by reserving all rights and powers not explicitly declared (enumerated) in the Constitution are to be reserved (enjoyed) as rights relegated to the States or to the Individual Citizens (the People).

Historical Context: The 9th and 10th Amendments are often called “companion provisions” since they both serve the purpose of defining the boundary between government authority and individual liberty. They both address the same fear of the Anti-Federalists, which is the spectre of future federal overreach. However, they approach the same problem from two different perspectives. The Tenth Amendment declares the power not expressly granted to the Federal government (enumerated) still exists and is enjoyed by the States and individuals, while the Ninth Amendment declares that any right not expressly granted to the Federal government (enumerated) still exists and is reserved to the States and individuals. In this way, future generations could discover the possibility of new rights or powers, and without ever amending the Constitution, would still be considered to be states or people’s rights because those new rights or powers were not enumerated in the original Constitution.

Another way to put it would be: The 9th Amendment prevents the government from using the list of rights in the Constitution to narrow the scope of individual liberty, while the 10th Amendment prevents the government from using the list of rights to broaden the scope of federal authority. In this way, the 9th and 10th amendments form a “Rule of Construction”, wherin they form a complete interpretation and guide.

Brethren, we are approaching the 250th Anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America. Sadly, when one looks at the political landscape before us at any level of government here in the U.S., we see flagrant abuses of power at the Federal and State levels and we also see illegal acts by individuals, often in groups, to not simply assemble to petition the government for redress of grievance, but the interference of officials in the performance of their duties, as if to imply that we are no longer a nation where “no man is above the law”, but instead that we are a nation “where law can be applied without the execution of due process and that the mere act of protesting in a manner not consistent with the First Amendment is somehow no longer illegal.” It is enormously distressing to me that it appears that the majority of our citizens no longer have a basic understanding of how government works, or how it can be changed.

In this difficult time, remember your obligations to the Lodge, and always remember that the Bill of Rights is the most powerful tool you have to keep yourself safe from predation by the State, but only if you learn it, understand it, and obey it.

I hope that this article is of use to you for either specific or general knowledge. May light be added to the coming light, that darkness be dispelled and your path always crystal clear and always illuminated.

Fraternally and cordially,

Glen Van Steeter, PM – Junior Warden, Twin Peaks Lodge No. 32

PS: By the way: Happy President’s Day!

PPS: This article was wholly researched and written by me, and any factual or historical errors are mine and mine alone. If you find any factual or historical errors, please feel free to talk to me about it at Lodge and if we are agreed that I am in error, I will amend this article and attribute your contribution to it.