January 2006 Stated Communication

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January Stated Communication
Pictures by WB Darrel Womack
Report written with aid from the Stated Meeting Minutes

On a mild winter evening, January 18th, the Brethren, visitors, and guests of St. John's Lodge No. 9 met at Greenwood Masonic Temple for our monthly Stated Communication

Steve fed everyone stuffed chicken this month and it was so good that not many had much room left for the excellent cookie and ice cream dessert.

Immediately following the wonderful meal everyone adjourned to the Lodge Room where Rev. Rich Lang of Trinity United Methodist Church in Ballard, and Ms. Megan Gibbard, Direct Services Supervisor for University Street Ministry each addressed the brethren.
Rev. Lang as an aside, thanked the lodge for its support of Little League Baseball, but more directly was with us this evening to thank us for our support of families in the community who struggle with the daily exercise of living. Trinity United Methodist has supplied us with names of families we have helped through the Thanksgiving and Christmas periods. He said that the church has the spiritual resources, but not always the financial resources to provide needed services. He thanked the lodge for its unhesitating support. University Street Ministry coordinates all the volunteers and offers the support so necessary to serve the young people of our community. Ms. Gibbard thanked the lodge for our assistance in providing hot meals to the homeless teens in the University community. This Christmas we purchased useful gifts which were made available at a holiday party for the kids. USM was established in 1986 to reduce the risk our youth encounter daily. The ideal aim might be housing and education, but you can't climb the mountain in one step. We must begin where young people can be reached. Encourage those who are sexually active to use protection. Educate those using drugs about clean needles, safer ways to use, and, when they are ready - treatment programs. Encourage youth to apply for food stamps to better their nutritional access, or to stop by a clinic for illnesses. Each small positive change is one step closer to a healthy life, and, ultimately, life off the streets.

		When the speakers were finished, the guests were excused and WM Mark Campbell opened Lodge on the Third Degree for the monthly Stated Communication. The usual business of the Lodge was quickly dispensed with including the reception of two visiting WM's and the reception of several Grand Lodge committee members and officers. The WM had the Lodge accord these
dignitaries the public grand honors.

WBro. Bill Collison reported that the Board of Trustees met on January 11, and explained that the Trustees have a fiduciary responsibility to the lodge and an obligation to oversee its financial portfolio and property. He gave an historical review of how this lodge began with nothing following the destruction of its building in the Great Seattle Fire, acquired and sold properties, and has been responsible for building our finances to its present level while dispensing charities nearing $100,000 the last few years. He said the Trustees will be recommending that the lodge carry directors and officers liability insurance and that we add a sound system to the Greenwood dining area.

VWBro. Jim Russell reported on the status of two Grand Lodge resolutions which will be proposed at the annual communication of Grand Lodge in June. After consultation with the Masonic Code Commission, the resolutions were moderately "tweaked" for proper acceptance. The Grand Lodge jurisprudence committee will rule on their proper form in mid-February.

Bro. Jim Wold announced that a Fellowcraft degree will be held on Thursday, January 26, and encouraged all the brethren to attend.

WBro. Charles Tupper announced that brothers from the lodge will be presenting $5,000 to support the accelerated reader program at Sacajewea Elementary School, Monday, January 23, during a student-body assembly. Brothers should arrive by 9am for the 9:15 assembly, dressed as Masons. Worshipful Master Mark Campbell will be accompanied by WBros. Tupper, Bill Collison, Darryl Womack, Joseph Lund, and VWBro. Jim Russell.

WBro. Hans Wehl urged the brethren to bring their "St. John's Bucks" to the next stated communication and buy something from the Company Store inventory. He said, "We need the business." The company store will be holding a "close out" at that meeting to make room for new exciting items.

A petition for the degrees was received and a committee will be appointed.

A committee was appointed to visit Mr. Fredrickson and to report back to the Lodge by the next Stated Communication.

A favorable ballot was spread on Mr. James Joseph Swift for the degrees. The petitioner had received unanimous favorable recommendation by his investigating committee.

Bros. Chuck Brockway, Jim Russell, Darrel Womack, and Ken Lane Sr. were honored with a rendition of "Happy Birthday" to celebrate their achieving one more year in their journey through life.

VWBro. Michael Davis reported that the plans to hold a five-district reception for the Grand Master at Benaroya Hall, hiring the Seattle Youth Symphony to provide an evening (or afternoon) of entertainment, have been altered, as only Districts 4 and 5 will join to honor our Grand Master. We will still include a few members of the Seattle Youth Symphony for a portion of the entertainment. Our Junior Deacon Bro. Ken Wehl will also entertain with his magic performance. The reception, entertainment, and awards ceremony will open with a 5pm dinner at the Greenwood Masonic Center, February 25. It was m/s/p to approve an expense of $250 for the Grand Master's Reception. Members of the lodge donated an additional $64.25. Each lodge is assessed $300 and will be allotted six tickets. The SYSO will receive $1,000 from the proceeds. Brothers Mark Campbell, Charles Tupper, Darryl Womack, Terry Grove, David Julian, and Doug Lidz have indicated they will be attending the reception.

WBro. Hans Wehl completed the installation of brass knobs on the new Tyler's desk which was recently built to hold our officers aprons and collars. The Secretary m/s/p to approve $228.48 payment for engraved brass knobs for the Tyler's desk.

WBro. Bill Collison noted that Greenwood Temple Board is upgrading its sound system for the lodge room, and that our wireless headsets and microphones will be able to be tied into that system. As a contribution to the Greenwood Masonic Center, WBro. Collison m/s/p that $5,000 be approved for the installation of a sound system in the dining area of Greenwood Masonic Center.

We have received the adjusted premium for non-profit directors & officers liability insurance. This covers $3 million for D&O liability, and $1 million for employment practices. There is a $5,000 retention on each claim against employment practices. Our 2006 budget allows for this coverage. It was m/s/p to pay Walmsley-Degginger & Co. $2,305 for the annual premium for D&O liability insurance.

About five years ago we erected a sign on Holman Road as a NW Little League sponsor. The sign is showing its age and is in need of renovation. It is believed that the cost should be at or under $200. WBro. Ken Lane, Jr. m/s/p to replace the Little League sponsorship sign at its current location.

WBro. Lane and VWBro. Russell have been looking into the costs and designs to replace our old King Solomon and King Hiram costumes. WBro. Lane showed pictures of two samples for input from the Trustees. WBro. Tupper suggested additional sources, including New London Regalia. WBro. Darryl Womack said that some used costumes were available in West Seattle, including possible Wayfaring/Seafaring costumes. It was generally agreed that these two costumes should be replaced this year, with an eye to general upgrading our costuming in time for our presentation of the Master Mason degree at the Masonic Park, summer of 2008. It was m/s/p to authorize up to $1,000 for the purchase of new King Solomon and King Hiram costumes.

The brethren were reminded of the following dates of interest:
January 23 (9am): Present accelerated reader check to Sacajewea Elementary
January 25: District 5 LOMA at Greenwood
January 26 (7pm): Fellowcraft degree
January 27: Quarterly meeting of Masonic Service Bureau (election of officers)
February 8 (5pm): Trustees at Tallmadge House
February 15 (6:15pm) 7:30pm: St. John's 9 (dinner) Stated Official Visit of District Deputy
February 20 (8:30am): laying of wreath at George Washington Memorial
February 22 (7pm): Officers meeting/practice
February 25 (5pm): Districts 4 & 5 Regional Reception for Grand Master at Greenwood
February 26 (3pm-6pm): "Going Away" party at Scottish Rite
February 28: MM degree at Esoterika (St. John's Lodge No. 9 courtesy candidate Scott Yerger)
February 28 (7:30pm): King Co. Masonic Library (Delta-White Center No. 172)
March 24-26: Wardens Conference - Yakima

WBro. Jim Lumsden thanked the lodge for the ice maker and refrigerator recently donated to the Greenwood Masonic Center. He extended a message of appreciation from the Master of Greenwood Lodge, WBro. Shawn Belyea, who had hoped to be present this evening.

Senior Warden Charlie Tupper "invited" Bros. Jason Leehan, Nick Boone, MWBro. Sat Tashiro and VWBro. Gale Kenney to join the Long Range Planning Committee.

The Junior Warden praised the work of Hans Wehl and Jeff Lane for the construction of the Tyler's desk which contains the officers aprons and collars. He announced that WBro. Charlie Tupper will be speaking on the origin of Mardi Gras at our next communication.

The Lodge was then closed by the WM at 9:17 p.m., peace and harmony prevailed as it always does at St. John's Lodge No. 9.