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From the East
S
eptember - back to school. Where did our summer go? Did you complete that household or yard project? Did you take that summer vacation? Do you still have any money left? If not, maybe this will help….
| We're going to hold our 143rd Anniversary on Saturday evening, September 13th, 2003, at the Seattle Design Center. We'll serve you and your guest either salmon or prime rib. Our plans include some fun entertainment for your enjoyment. Reservations are a must and need to be turned in to our lodge secretary no later than Monday, September 8th. Reservations will be cut off at 140! |
At our stated communication of August 6, I shared some disturbing statistics with our brethren. Would it surprise you to learn that 68% of our members are over the age of 65? That leaves only 107 or 32% under the age of 65. If not, how about the fact that 162 or 48% are over the age of 75? If this does not concern you, you must not understand the implications this presents to St. John's 10+ years down the road. At the present rate of attrition, we're going to lose around 50% of our brethren to the celestial lodge above, "from whose bourne no traveler returns." |
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My purpose in bringing this information to your attention is to address the simple fact that our future comes down to only 63 members under 65 years of age within 25 miles or 25 minutes of lodge, of whom 22 are Past Masters, to administer our charities and programs. Of these 63 brothers, six (6) are in our officer line. Where is that going to put us ten years on down the road?
We need to focus on the remaining 57 brethren and the support of our experienced elder brethren. We need and want your help. I'm sure that many of you are aware that in most volunteer organizations 10% of the people do 90% of the work. What we need to do is dramatically improve on that statistic. Many of you may be familiar with the song "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother." "Many hands make light work." We need everyone's participation and involvement if we are to continue to enjoy future anniversary celebrations. We've come too far to quit now!
Your lodge officers and brethren look forward to your friendship, fellowship and fraternalism. If you are an infrequent attendee, please let our secretary, VWBro. Jim Russell, know of your intention to join us for dinner and lodge. We're looking forward to seeing you at either our next stated lodge meeting September 3rd or our 143rd Anniversary on September 13th.
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Terry Grove, Master
OK, so what's the speed of dark?
THANKS TO THOSE WHO SERVE
Ken Sr. and I want to express our thanks to all who helped make the annual picnic a success. Mainly to Jim Wold, who really did an outstanding job. We had a great time, thanks to Dennis Archambault, Skip (Albertson), who helped with the bingo (he did a fun job), and the kitchen crew, Jim, Rick & Laurie (Heston), Ken (Lane), Kenny (Lane, Jr.) and Dennis. WM Terry (Grove) did his job of greeting and visiting with all the picnic-goers!! The food was great and the weather was perfect....not toooo hot! - Darlene and Ken Sr.
ELVIS PRESLEY WILL MAKE APPEARANCE AS ST. JOHN'S CELEBRATES ITS 143RD ANNIVERSARY, SATURDAY, SEPT. 13
In this age wherein we calmly accept miracles of transportation, communication and modern conveniences, we must adjust our thoughts to that time of the 1850's and 1860's when the light by which Masons worked was that of the sun and the moon, of kerosene lamps and candles. Brethren walked miles to attend Lodge or traveled by boat because there were no roads. Lodge attendance was vitally important because it was the best means of keeping informed as to the welfare of one's friends and the progress of the area. Neither telephones nor railroads nor the postal carrier, and certainly not the daily newspaper or television or the Internet had yet come to the small community in Puget Sound. This was a time when fishing and farming were the main occupations of industrious workers, and shipping was in its infancy. This was indeed a time of work, determination, faith and trust.
This was a time when Brothers joined for comradeship, support, and even for self-preservation. Our Lodge, and indeed, all Lodges, was a source of strength and enlightenment.
On Saturday, September 13, we will celebrate our 143rd anniversary as a Lodge with special entertainment. On this 26th year of the passing of Elvis Presley, Clayton Wagy, who appeared in the movie 3,000 Miles to Graceland, will impersonate The King and perform various Elvis hits.
Elvis Aaron Presley, in the humblest of circumstances, was born on January 8, 1935. In 1954, he began his singing career with the legendary Sun Records label in Memphis. In late 1955, his recording contract was sold to RCA Victor. By 1956, he was an international sensation. With a sound and style that uniquely combined his diverse musical influences and blurred and challenged the social and racial barriers of the time, he ushered in a whole new era of American music and popular culture.
He starred in 33 successful films and sold over one billion records, more than any other artist. His talent, good looks, sensuality, charisma, and good humor endeared him to millions.
Known the world over by his first name, he is regarded as one of the most important figures of twentieth century popular culture. Elvis died at his Memphis home, Graceland, on August 16, 1977.
The ladies are invited to share this evening.. If you have not already sent in your reservation, reserving your place and claiming your order for prime rib or salmon, do so today! The enclosed reservation card must be returned by Sept. 8!
Our Organist VWBro. David Julian is resting at home following a successful 5-valve heart bypass!
FAMOUS MASONS CORNER
Benjamin Franklin (1707-1790) Ben Franklin was raised in St. John's Lodge, Philadelphia in 1731 and served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge in 1734, the same year he reprinted Anderson's Book of Constitutions of 1723. He invented many things among which was a heating stove in 1744, which is still being manufactured and used today. He was recognized as the foremost scientist of the day not only in the U.S.A., but abroad as well. He probably did more for Masonry in this country than any other individual during his lifetime. In 1778 he assisted at the initiation of Voltaire in the Lodge of the Nine Sisters, in Paris.
USED OR UNNEEDED EYEGLASSES
One of the great charities sponsored by the Lions Clubs of America is the collection and distribution of used or unneeded eyeglasses to lower income or homeless persons. If you have glasses in the back of a drawer at home, please bring them to Lodge. We will pass them on to the University Lions Club eye care program.
RESOLUTION TO BE ACTED UPON AT SEPTEMBER 3 STATED MEETING
Representatives of The Blue Nile Project will address us prior to our Stated Meeting, Wednesday, September 3. This project has been one of our charities for the past two years.
During the meeting, WBro. Jack Berg will provide an educational presentation. Also, VWBro. Charles Brockway and WBro. Allan Pinch will offer a short program to give special recognition to the 10th anniversary of the merger with Ionic Lodge No. 90.
The evening's business will also include action on the following resolution:
Whereas the mid-year review of our 2003 budget has been completed, and
Whereas the funding in several specific areas needs to be increased to meet projected expenses, and
Whereas the Trustees have reviewed and support these amendments,
Therefore be it resolved that the 2003 Annual Budget be increased for the following line items;
1. $350 for stated meeting rentals. Because we have had several special programs, we have needed the large dining room more frequently than anticipated.
2. $250 for Flowers. Flowers are sent for funerals and hospitalized members. We have had an increase in our needs.
3. $1,000 for Anniversary dinner. An improvement in our financial portfolio encourages us to allow more members and their guests to attend the celebration (increasing the limited to 140).
4. $750 for Installation Ceremony. Actual expenses should be lower, but over $1000 for 2002 expenses fell into this year's budget. An accounting adjustment.
5. $600 for Lodge Paraphernalia. A number of new officers for 2004 will replace those not moving up in line. We subsidize $125 for tuxedos to new officers for their uniform.
6. $6,000 as a new line item entry, "Oppenheimer Accelerator Management Fee." These costs used to hide as commissions charged against a stock value. A new management fee for the Accelerator Funds account fixes the cost at 1 ½% of the annual fund value and will be shown.
Contact Us Here
Worshipful Master: Terry Grove 425 337-7134
terryagrove@seattlemasons.org
Secretary Jim Russell: 206 623-0261 stjohns9@msn.com
Webmaster Charlie Tupper: 206 459-8236 webmaster@seattlemasons.org
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