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 | | The March meeting was St. John's Lodge No. 9's annual Table Lodge and the dinner began a half hour later than usual. By six o'clock the parking lot was filling and our members were milling around outside the main dining room where all was being set up for the festivities.
This afforded the Brethren time to talk about whatever came to mind and the time was well spent. |
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At 6:30 PM VWB Chuck Brockway, chairman of the Table Lodge committee, led the officers and brothers of the Lodge in the Table Lodge procession to the festive board.
After taking some time to put on the ribs aprons and get themselves settled into where each wished to sit the invocation was said by our Chaplain and everyone sat down to prepare for an excellent beef rib dinner. | |  |
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 | | WM Joseph Lund then opened the Table Lodge with the St. John's Lodge Table Lodge ritual and dinner was served by the ever diligent Bobby who has returned from a very nice vacation in Australia. (She said that she stayed in a condo on the beach and really enjoyed herself) Along with the ribs came corn on the cob, fresh vegetable trays, and baked beans. A true feast. |
Then Bro. Mark Campbell, the Senior Warden, delivered the theme for this year's table Lodge as follows:
Legends, surrounding the origin and growth of Freemasonry are abundant. Some historians trace the beginning back 3,000 years to the building of King Solomon's Temple, to Egypt, to Greece, to even earlier periods.
In the earliest dawn of history there came into being men well skilled in the art and science of building with stone. Before the beginning of recorded history, there were buildings and monuments of such magnitude that only men of considerable skill in engineering and geometry could have erected them. Their work was dangerous and risky. Only one trained and qualified could be entrusted to produce that which would be useful, beautiful, and stand the test of time. All evidence points to the fact that it was through King Solomon's support that those who worked with and carved freestone organized into the building craft guild called Masonry.
Solomon was King of Israel in the 10th Century B.C., becoming such with the support of King David. As well as can be estimated from the faulty chronology of the times, Solomon was 20 years of age when he ascended the throne. Solomon's reign maintained peace with all surrounding nations throughout his life and fought not a single major war.
Accounts of Solomon's Temple do not state the location of the building, but authorities seem to agree that it was near if not upon the sacred rock where David built his alter, which place is now occupied by the Dome of the Rock and Mosque of Omar.
The royal palace seems to have been of timber construction and contrary to that found in our ritual, required 13 years to build. It was 75 by 150 feet in area and 45 feet high, supported by 4 rows of cedar pillars with cedar beams laid across. The palace was lighted by three rows of windows. Before it were porches, one of which was 45 by 75 feet and another which was occupied by Solomon when he sat in Judgment, indicating that even political proceedings were held in the open. The numbers and classifications of the workmen engaged on the Temple are mythical and, like all ancient accounts, are unreliable and cannot be regarded as history. The Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.
This evening we have entered into a representation of the Royal Court of King Solomon's Temple. It is here we will truly find and share Good Fellowship, Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. It is a time to feast; it is a time of cheer and mirth. "Let us eat, drink, and be merry - for tomorrow we shall be better friends" exemplifies the true spirit of the "mystic tie."
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| During the course of the meal various toasts were raised, the secretary read the minutes of the last meeting, the Junior Warden gave a short Masonic instruction on table lodges, committee reports were received, and the treasurer gave his report. All during the meal, between toasts and reports, VWB David Julian played soft comfortable dinner music. This was greatly appreciated by all present. | |  |
When the committee reports were heard the Master called upon VWBro. David Campbell to report on the activities of the youth committee. He has made a number of visits, accompanied by members of the committee to DeMolay Chapters, Job's Daughters Bethels, and Rainbow Assemblies in the area. He reported that Snoqualmie Chapter only had a couple in attendance because of school vacation and that the Chapter was brand new. He and VWBro. Jim Russell assisted the boys in completing their paper work to attend Conclave in Olympia.
WBro. Skip Albertson said that the scholarship committee had met at WBro. Bill Collison's home and is making preparations to identify students who deserve scholastic financial support. They will be focusing on students from Ballard, Nathan Hale and Sealth high schools this year. WBro. Ken Lane, Jr. added that the committee does not encourage student applications, but relies primarily on teacher and councilor recommendations.
The Junior Warden reported that there will be a family outing at Dr. Cue's Billiards in Lake City, Saturday afternoon, March 19, beginning at 4pm. This will be an opportunity to bring your family and prospective Masons to enjoy an afternoon and evening. Sandwiches will be provided. WBro. Tupper will need a count of those attending by Wednesday, March 16. He also reported that the Family Brunch will again be at Ivar's Salmon House, Sunday morning, May 1.
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When the feast was over and the Tyler's toast was raised the brethren retired to the Lodge room for the business portion of the meeting. Lodge, having been opened on the entered apprentice degree at 5:00 PM and called to refreshment, was called to labor by the WM. Introductions of visitors were made, the Past Master's of St. John's Lodge No. 9 were accorded the public grand honors, and the Lodge got down to business.
The usual business of the Lodge was quickly carried out.
Two petitions for the degrees and one for affiliation were favorably balloted.
A memorial was held for VWB Sam Harding and many rose to remember this brother who was a very active part of our Lodge's recent history. He will be missed.
WBro. Ken Lane asked the Lodge to provide five t-shirts and five hats to outfit the coaches of the three Northwest Little League teams sponsored by St. John's which was done.
WBro. Ken Lane then requested that the Lodge approve the scholarship plan as reviewed by the Trustees. The Lodge authorized the Scholarship committee to proceed with its 2005 plans.
WBro. Terry Grove, president of District 5 LOMA, said that the District 5 LOMA would be providing pizza and soft drinks to members of the Seattle Youth Symphony on rehearsal day, Sunday, May 15. Those who help serve will receive tickets to the 3pm afternoon concert. Volunteers should contact WBro. Grove.
Money was allocated for the Fremont Fair booth.
The Senior Deacon announced that we may have the opportunity to perform the open air degree at the Granite Falls Masonic Park in 2008. The Lodge agreed to try for this and Bro. Wold will let the committee know we are interested.
WB Charlie Tupper, the Junior Warden, announced that reservations need to be in by March 16th for this month's outing at Dr. Cue Billiards.
Lodge was closed at about 9:40 PM.
Peace and harmony prevailed, as it always does, at St. John's Lodge No. 9.
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