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 | | February's meeting day arrived with warmer than usual weather. This made for an excellent turnout of members for the monthly Stated Communication
At six o'clock the dining room was filled to capacity and Steve served us an excellent roast beef dinner. As we ate there were more arriving and some who had finished their meals stood so that those arriving could have seats in the main dining area for their dinners. |
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Following the meal JW Charlie Tupper asked that all announcements be made in order to save time at the end of the Stated Communication and these were heard from several members and guests. He then introduced Mark Campbell, our Senior Warden who introduced Joseph Lund, our Worshipful Master. WB Lund invited everyone into the Lodgeroom for the evenings program.
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This month the Seattle Youth Symphony came to talk about their programs and they brought Mr. Joe Kye, an excellent violinist, who performed part of a Bach violin sonata. A very well done and appreciated piece. The membership was impressed with his mastery of the instrument. After he performed Ms. Erin Nestor, Director of Development of the SYO introduced Mr. Don Thulean, SYO's President of the Board of Directors.
Mr. Thulean thanked the Lodge for its support of the SYO's work over the past forty years and told us about the various orchestras that comprise the Seattle Youth Symphony programs. These are very worthy educational programs and the Lodge was, once again, impressed by the work and dedication of those who are responsible for the orcestras work. |
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The guests then left and WM Joseph Lund opened Lodge on the Fellowcraft degree for the Monthly Stated Communication.
Following introductions of visiting Brethren, Masters, and Grand Lodge team members, WM Lund instructed the Senior Deacon to seek out VWB Michael Davis, Deputy of the Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington in District No. 5, and had him presented at the altar. WM Lund then escorted VWB Davis to the East, introduced him to the Lodge, had the Lodge accord the Public Grand Honors, and offered to let VWB Davis conduct the meeting. VWB Davis deferred and sat next to the WM. |  |
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The WM then conducted the business portion of the meeting. Minutes were read, the Treasurer's report given and the usual opening business of the Lodge was concluded in a very timely fashion.
A petition for affiliation was balloted and accepted by the Lodge.
Committee reports were heard from the Scholarship Committee, the representative to the King County Masonic Service Bureau, The Junior Warden on Outside Fun Activities, The Trustees, The Company Store, and the Relocation Committee.
VWB Brockway speaking for the Relocation Committee reported that the Scottish Rite is looking at three different sites but the committee needs the Lodge to give it some direction as to what the Lodge wishes to do for the future. Do we follow the Scottish Rite, buy a building, or lease space. This will be addressed soon by the Lodge as we must move by the spring of 2007.
WB Hans Wehl reported that he and WB Ken Lane Jr. had replaced many items in the display case with items from the Company Store. Anyone wishing any of these items can purchase them from the store at any Stated Communication and any member can purchase these by filling out the contact form on this website and mailing a check to the Lodge.
He then broached the subject of possibly having a Lodge pin made and this sparked discussion on whether or not the Lodge should redesign its logo. There was vocal opposition to a redesign and it looks like the one on the homepage of this website will remain as the Lodge logo.
The Secretary read three petitions for the degrees and two petitions for plural membership.
The Secretary then read three memorial scrolls and the elected officers and chaplain performed the Lodge remembrance for each of these.
A Committee was assigned to help a brother badly injured in an automobile accident get to Lodge meetings.
The Junior Warden was instructed to reserve Ivar's Salmon House for the annual Sunday Brunch on the first Sunday in May.
VWB Chuck Brockway was railroaded into setting up this year's table Lodge and protested mildly but accepted the job.
The Trustees recommended four charities for the Lodge to support and, after explanation and discussion, their recommendations were accepted.
VWB David Julian requested that St. John's Lodge increase the funding of the booth at the Fremont Fair and this request was deferred to the Trustees for discussion and recommendation.
The Lodge decided that it would support the work of twelve Masonic youth groups this year.
The WM then re-introduced VWB Michael Davis and presented the gavel. The Deputy of the Grand Master then addressed the brethren.
He brought greetings from MWBro. Sat Tashiro, and offered his congratulations to WBro. Terry Grove who has been re-elected to serve as president of the District No. 5 Lodge Officers and Members Association for 2005. VWBro. Davis reported on the status of the District, noting that there were 1,338 Masons in the District at the close of the year 2004 At this date, there are 1,282. Century Lodge, moving their meetings to Alki Masonic Center in 2004, is now a member of District No. 6. Walter F. Meier Lodge of Research No. 281 will be moving from District No. 4 to District No. 5 in June. Over-all, this District and its lodges are doing well.
VWB Davis then closed the Lodge at 9:20 PM and the brethren retired to the dining room for dessert. A very companionable time for all and peace and harmony prevailed, as it always does, at St. John's Lodge No. 9.
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