Home - Archive Index - November Stated Report November's Meeting Night Brethren began to arrive for the monthly Stated Communication at about five thirty and by supper time there were over forty members and visitors present. At six o'clock PM The dinner bell was rung and the brethren retired to the dining room for the meal and good conversation. Catching up on the lives of the membership is a favorite topic of dinner conversation and the time spent in the dining room seemed to pass too quickly. Joining us was MW Bro. Bill Wood from Brewster, Washington who came to speak to the Lodge. His presence is always a happy and friendly addition and all enjoyed his company. Also joining us were three visiting Masters, our District Deputy, and several other visiting dignitaries. All were made very welcome by the brethren and we enjoyed the social time spent with them. Steve and his serving crew (Steve's Expresso Cafe, Bothell) served the Lodge roast beef, mashed potatos, carrots, salad, and vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup. A filling and excellent repast, as usual. Well fed and ready for the evening all present retired to the Lodge room for MW Bro. Wood's presentation. He told several jokes which had the brothers laughing uproarously and then got to the business of his talk. MW Bro. Bill told the Lodge that a man who displayed strength of character by doing what is right and necessary, going out of his way to help those in need, learning about those things which enable him to better understand himself and the world around him, steadfastly lives a moral and upright life, and lets it be known that he is a Freemason would most certainly be convicted and imprisoned as a Mason if Freemasonry was outlawed. He went on the state that there are many members of Masonic Lodges who take the initiatory work, pass the proficiency, and then simply fade off into the sunset. It is unknown whether or not these men display the attributes that Freemasons are known by and it is probable that they would never be arrested as Freemasons should the fraternity ever be outlawed. It is those who practice the craft in their daily lives, attend meetings, and are involved in the active work of the organization who would be most likely be made into examples by imprisonment. He said that like the members of any group, the perception of who is or is not a practicing Freemason has to come from that individuals dedication, actions, and deportment. Following MW Bro. Wood's presentation Lodge was opened and the regular paying of bills, reading of the minutes of the previous meeting, and introductions of dignitaries and other visitors were quickly done. Committee reports were made, the resolution which was published in the Trestleboard was passed, a petition for membership was favorably balloted, an investigation committee was asked for to visit with a petitioner on a petition which has been held over from the last Stated Communication. Other regular business was also brought before the Lodge and quickly dispensed with. Affiliated Past Master's were asked to rise and were accorded applause, three white carnations were placed on the altar for all our Past Master's who have passed away, and the Past Master's of St. John's Lodge and merged Lodges were lined in a semi-circle where the Master presented each with a red carnation and his personal thanks and the thanks of the Lodge for their continuing support of St. John's Lodge No. 9. He stated that the Lodge remains indebted to the tireless work of its Past Masters for its longevity and continuing leadership as a vibrant and living example of what a Masonic Lodge is and should be. Then it was time for the annual election of officers for the 2003 Lodge year. Bro. Terry Grove was elected Master, Bro. Michael Rust was elected Senior Warden, Bro. Joseph Lund was elected Junior Warden, Bro. Joseph DuWors was re-elected Treasurer, VW Bro. James Russell was re-elected Secretary, and W Bro. William Collison was re-elected to another four year term as Trustee of the Lodge Corporation. The election was conducted in peace and harmony and the vote was virtually unanimous for all candidates. High praise indeed for these fine officers as they obviously enjoy the Lodge's appreciation of their dedication and leadership qualities. Lodge was then closed with Past Masters filling the chairs of the Officers. They did a commendable job with W Bro. Allan Pinch as Master. Peace, Harmony, Good Will, and Smiles were the legacy of the evening. An excellent and eventful meeting. On line and ready for the twenty-first century www.seattlemasons.org home Website ©2002 - St. John's Lodge No. 9 F&AM of Washington - All Rights Reserved