February 2003 Stated Communication

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February Stated Communication
Report by VWB Jim Russell, Pictures by WB Darrel Womack

By 5:30, several brethren of St. John's No. 9 began to gather for fellowship at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center for their February meeting. Although the business meeting wasn't to begin until 7:30, many were eager to greet friends and renew fraternal ties. The evening ahead promised to be interesting as the Deputy of the Grand Master was to make his "official" visit while the Job's Daughters shined everyone's shoes. An "ugly sock" contest was also in store!

Lively conversations continued as the dinner bell sounded and Worship Master Terry Grove shook the hand of each one entering the dining room. As a salute to this month's Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, Junior Warden Joseph Lund provided a menu of fresh garden salad, hush puppies, jambalaya, blackened catfish, and Pecan Pie a la mode for dessert. Everyone agreed that it was the best catfish and jumbaya they had eaten.

With dinner concluded, everyone adjourned to the Quick room, where Worshipful Brother Jack Berg provided some instruction on the Hebrew alphabet, and certain words associated with the three degrees of Masonry. He used a projector and screen to add interest and assist in the instruction.

The meeting opened promptly at 7:30pm, everyone shoeless and showing their worst taste in socks. The usual introductions were made, and then everyone again had a chance to renew friendships for five minutes and to see how others in the room chose to adorn their shoeless feet. The Master then called the assembled brethren back to order, and the business of the Lodge continued.

Master Terry Grove congratulated the Lodge on its latest recognition by Grand Lodge for its advancement in the "technology age." Technology is one of the eight "pillars of progress" in the Grand Lodge plan to advance the cause of Freemasonry in our jurisdiction. Our productive use of the internet and our web page as managed by webmaster WBro. Charlie Tupper was instrumental in receiving this award.

		Last year we were rewarded for our efforts in education and training. Also, two of our members received the Grand Master's Achievement Award for their work and dedication to the Craft. Worship brother Orrin Niles, who is our "Organist Emeritus" and Very Worshipful Brother David Julian, who this year replaced Brother Niles as Lodge Organist were honored for this singular recognition.
Only one Mason in each district is so honored. WBro. Niles was recognized as a member of District 4. He plays for many Lodges throughout the Seattle area.

Everyone sang "Happy Birthday" to those in attendance who celebrate birthdays this month. WBro. Hans Wehl and VWBro. David Julian were appreciative of the recognition, even though VWBro. Julian had to play his own birthday song on the piano. Next, all those who wore outrageous socks paraded their hose for view to be judged.
The brethren by their applause decided that Worshipful Brother Hans Wehl best epitomized "ugly" when it came to stocking feet.

[ While the Brethren were involved in the meeting and were getting the sartorial splendor of their remaining footwear judged by all those present in the room, the Job's Daughters of Bethel No. 4 were busily shining all the shoes which were left outside the Lodgeroom. They worked hard and made a handsome profit by their nights work. ]

Five brethren in the Lodge will gather forces to feed homeless teens Sunday evening, February 16 at the University Congregational Church in the University District. We did this last October with great success, and will do so at least one more time later this year. Worshipful Brother Skip Albertson is the leader of this attempt to make life a little less cruel for our many homeless.

A memorial service was held for our late brother, Wm. Arthur "Art" Smith. Bro. Smith worked for the Canadian Pacific and the Milwaukee Railroads before his retirement. He was nearly 90 years old at his passing.

It was decided that our annual family picnic will be held Saturday, August 16, at the Nile Shrine picnic grounds. Five from our Lodge will be attending a dinner sponsored by Daylight Lodge No. 232 to recognize the "lead chairs" for the Seattle Youth Symphony.

Following other business of the Lodge, Very Worshipful Brother Gale Kenney was invited to address the brethren and close the Lodge. VWBro. Kenney thanked Brother Joseph DuWors for the beautiful memorial service he had conducted, and extended his greetings from our Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Jimmie Reid.

He congratulated the Lodge for its Pillars of Progress award, and challenged us to reach for other pillars in the coming years. He invited us to attend the District 4 & 5 Workshop April 5 to be held at Queen Anne Lodge. He concluded his remarks by citing the Grand Lodge Vision Statement:

"Freemasons of Washington will be recognized as a relevant and respected Fraternity, committed to attracting and retaining all men of high quality who strive for self improvement and the opportunity to make a positive difference in their community."

Before closing the lodge, VWBro. Kenney presented Past Master Skip Albertson and Master Terry Grove with two apron lapel pins in token of his respect as presiding Masters during his tenure as District Deputy.

VWBro. Kenney closed the lodge at 9:45pm, "peace and harmony prevailing," and the brethren went their separate ways,
eager to return to next month's Table Lodge, which will begin at 6:30pm, Wednesday, March 5.