Wade Massey, 32°, KCCH

During the 2005 ARRL Field Day members of the Masonic Gathering
set up a field station to practice their emergency communication skills.

Square and Compasses fly proudly from the top of the W4MGN tower.

On June 25th of this year, fifteen Brother Masons gathered in a field in Allen, Texas, to participate in what has become an annual tradition among Amateur Radio Operators across the United States. The ARRL (Amateur Radio Relay League) Field Day is held the fourth weekend every June when Amateur Radio Operator or “Hams,” as they’re affectionately known, set up radio stations in public places using only emergency power. For a 24-hour period they make as many contacts by ham radio with other “Field Day Stations” as possible. The purpose of the event is to hone the operators’ skills in setting up and operating radio stations as they would in emergency conditions.

Brother Gary Drescher, 32°, KI5FU demonstrated
radio equipment to two young visitors.

It has been said, “Ham Radio works when other systems don’t.” In almost every natural disaster, you find Amateur Radio Operators providing communication support to emergency officials and communicating health-and-welfare messages out of the areas affected. Their equipment is designed to work without the benefit of commercial power grids and is portable, so it can be taken to the areas where it is needed.

The Brothers who set up and operated the Field Day Station in Allen are part of the Masonic Gathering, a group of Masons worldwide who share the hobby of Amateur Radio. Consisting of almost 400 members, these brothers meet each Sunday evening for a “Gathering” using computers and Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) systems designed by and for amateur radio operators interconnected with amateur radio repeaters. During these gatherings, the brothers discuss activities of their lodges and other items of interest to Masons.

Burning the Midnight Oil at Field Day are Brother Johnny
Davis, 32°, K5JD (Left) and Brother Joe Blair, N5WB (right)

While most of the members of the Gathering were not able to participate at the station in Texas, many were actively participating with other local ham clubs at stations across the country. The Gathering field day station operated using the call sign W4MGN (Masonic Gathering Net). From the top of the radio tower flew a flag proudly displaying the Square and Compasses. The site was open to the public and publicized in the local newspaper. Several young people visited and got the chance to sit down at a radio and make contacts with other radio stations.

The event was a great success for all. It promoted the service to the community that both amateur radio and the Masonry provide. For those who were able to attend, the Masonic fellowship was thoroughly enjoyed. For more information on amateur radio, please check out the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) website at www.arrl.org. The website of The Masonic Gathering is www.masonicgathering.net.

Wade Massey, a Maser Mason since 1989, is a Perpetual Member and Past Master of Broadway Circle Lodge No. 546, Oklahoma City, belongs to Eufaula Lodge No. 1, Eufaula, Okla., and Princeton Lodge No. 1436, Princeton, Tex., and is a Perpetual Member of the Valley of McAlester, Oklahoma. He has held a Technician Class Amateur Radio license since 1995 and currently serves at the Net Control Operator for the Masonic Gathering Net. He has worked for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation since 1985. Contact: kc5mgl@comcast.net.