FROM THE EDITOR
Jim Russell

History and Masonic legend tell us that the Freemasons were skilled craftsmen and builders of Cathedrals, who practiced their trade when there was a great interest, support and need for their collective talents. They formed guilds of Master Masons and took in a number of Apprentices to assist them in this work. And taught the Apprentices the secrets of their trade. Theirs was a strong union of specialists, and they were free to come and go because of the need for these special talents. Over time, the Freemasons also developed a special way of life, freeborn, belonging to no man and obligated to no prince or baron, choosing only to give allegiance to the Craft, which, after all, was the principle reason they were freemen. Also during this time, there arose a great interest in "enlightenment," and during the dark winter months, when construction was slowed, education and study and open discussion to new ideas became an associated activity in the living quarters or "lodges" attached to the construction site.

Now, it comes to pass that all this new construction begins to outnumber the need for new Cathedrals, and the need for these operative Freemasons begins to diminish. The guilds, or societies, of Freemasons find that their numbers are dwindling, and with the dwindling numbers also come a lessening of power and influence. Now comes the radical idea. In order to maintain, or even strengthen their influence, they invite others who are interested in the study of new ideas and advancing one's education. The attraction to these operative Freemasons, who are obligated to no man and who are free to study and challenge conventional thought, is overpowering, and men who want to further their own studies without fear of secular or spiritual condemnation are taken into the guild. Now we have Speculative Masons. These men are not skilled in the building trade, but they are especially skilled at advancing the "new enlightenment." By welcoming into the Craft one who was not skilled as a builder of Cathedrals, but who was a master of scholastic skill, Freemasonry reversed the steady decline of its numbers and instead became a growing force throughout Europe and the world. Somewhere, someone made the difference when it must have been said, "How's this for a radical idea?"

Today, when Masonry is again experiencing a rapid decline of its members, we must not turn our back on those voices that cry, "How's this for a radical idea?" What may have once been extremely radical is now who we are. And that ain't bad.

ST. JOHN'S 140TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER TO FEATURE NATIONALLY RENOWNED SPEAKER

St. John's Lodge No. 9 invites its members and wives to be its guests on Saturday evening, September 16, to celebrate the 140th Anniversary of receiving our Charter. The evening will feature an outstanding and nationally acclaimed writer, scholar, teacher, commentator, and historical impersonator, Mr. Clay Jenkinson.

The social hour will begin at 6:00 o'clock at the Nile Shrine Country Club. Everyone will have an opportunity to catch up on what we did this summer, discover new friends, and renew old friendships. Dinner will be served at 7:00 o'clock, followed by a full evening of celebration.

Mr. Jenkinson, a Rhodes and Danforth scholar, hosts two public radio programs: the nationally syndicated Thomas Jefferson Hour, and On Reserve, a weekly book review program hosted by KUNR-fm in Reno, Nevada. He has performed in character as Thomas Jefferson, Meriwether Lewis, and John Wesley Powell, among others. He will first appear on this special evening as Meriwether Lewis, then take on the person and character of our third President, Thomas Jefferson.

When St. John's No. 9 was chartered as a Lodge, Washington was still a Territory of the United States, and statehood was still nearly three decades away! The first lathe and plastered house was yet to be built in Seattle; the first newspaper yet to be started; the second church yet to be built; the first hospital was yet to be opened; the first cemetery yet to be established; the first telegraph line yet to be erected.

St. John's Lodge No. 9 received its charter on September 4, 1860. Invited to join us in this celebration are members of our "Mother Lodge," Steilacoom Lodge No. 2, and ten of our twelve sponsored lodges. They include Eureka No. 20, St. Andrew's No. 35, Falls City No. 66, Occidental No. 72, Arcana No. 37, Doric No. 92, Home (Southgate) No. 100, University No.141, Rainier No. 139 and Queen Anne No. 242. Ionic Lodge No. 90 has since consolidated with St. John's and Anvil Lodge No. 100 Nome, Alaska) has also consolidated.

The reservation card must be returned by September 6.

RESOLUTION FOR ACTION AT AUGUST STATED

The following resolution was read at the July Stated Communication and will be acted upon Wednesday, August 2nd.

Whereas, it is the desire of this Lodge to be fiscally responsible, and
Whereas, there are certain expenses that are now expected to exceed those approved in the budget for the fiscal year 2000, and
Whereas, it is required in the bylaws of this Lodge that any disbursements outside of these budgeted funds be approved by a resolution read at a stated meeting of the Lodge and voted upon at a subsequent meeting,

Be it Therefore Resolved that the 2000 budget be increased by an additional amount of:
$350 for Masonic Supplies, ($1000 total),
$150 for Telephone ($850 total),
$2,500 for Charity Reserves ($7,000 total) and
$5,000 for Remodel of the Quick Room ($50,000 total).

LODGE ROOM "REMODEL" READY FOR UNVEILING

With new carpeting, new seating, freshly painted walls and ceiling, the Quick Room is ready to"show off" on Saturday, July 29, when three candidates will receive their Entered Apprentice degrees.

WBro. Ken Lane, Sr., our electrical "expert," has made minor adjustments to our "G" in the East, a new clock adorns the wall in the West, a new sound system has been installed, and the Scottish Rite will soon be installing brand new lighting. All this has been done under the supervision of our SW, Bro. Jeff Lane and the able assistance of our Past Master WBro. Chuck Brockway.

ANNUAL FAMILY PICNIC AT NILE GROUNDS SATURDAY, AUGUST 19

Mark your calendars, invite your friends and especially those who might be good candidates for Masonry and come to our annual St. John's Lodge No. 9 Family Picnic, Saturday, August 19. As in the past years, our picnic will be held at the Nile Temple picnic grounds, area "A." The Lodge will furnish the steaks, hot dogs and buns. You need only to bring a choice of one of the following: hot or cold vegetable, salad, dessert. And, oh, yeah, your appetite!

The festivities will begin at 11:15am, with steaks coming off the grill at noon. Lunch will be followed by our traditional Bingo! game, and other games will be available for the youngsters. Swimming is allowed only with adult supervision. No life guard will be on duty.

Reservations must be received no later than August 7! A flyer was enclosed in the printed Trestleboard.

AUGUST STATED MEETING TO HONOR SCHOLARS AND FAMILIES

Our Lodge has awarded $15,000 and twenty young people with scholarships for this next academic year. They and their families will be present at dinner prior to our August Stated Communication. Please come and share in this joyous occasion.