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February 2006
From the East
During the presidential campaign of 1832, a mere 28 years before the birth of our lodge, a new feature dawned on the political horizon. For the first time in our nation's brief history a third party entered the fray. The Anti-Masonic Party, whose support was fervent throughout the middle Atlantic and New England states, appealed to the notion that secret societies (namely the Freemasons) were bastions of wealth and privilege. Moreover, the fact that it was almost a political necessity to join the fraternity was viewed as a threat to the welfare and integrity of the nation's public institutions.
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| The rise of the party and anti-Masonic sentiment can be linked to an event six years earlier. In 1826, a disgruntled Mason named William Morgan of Batavia, New York threatened to publish the secrets of the fraternity. After the Masons became aware of his intent, he was eventually seized and taken to Fort Niagara. Shortly thereafter he disappeared. Despite the fact that his ultimate fate was never known, it was widely believed that he had met an untimely death at the hands of the Masons. Subsequently, as public support of the fraternity plummeted, Masonry in New York suffered a near fatal blow as membership dwindled in a ten-year period from 20,000 to 3,000. |
Ironically the party's nominee for the 1832 election, William Wirt, was a Mason. In fact, he defended Masonry in a speech he gave during the convention that nominated him. However, as President Andrew Jackson (running for his second term) was a prominent Mason who publicly lauded the fraternity, the Anti-Masonic Party could be more accurately described as an anti-Jackson party. The party also drew the support of various Protestant groups who sought to establish moral and social reforms in a society that they viewed as increasingly secular.
In the end Jackson was overwhelmingly re-elected with 219 electoral votes. Henry Clay, the nominee of the National Republicans, received 49. Wirt and the Anti-Masons garnered only 7 votes from the Electoral College. By 1836, the Anti-Masonic Party was all but a memory as most of its membership merged with the Whigs. An interesting footnote to history, the rise and fall of our nation's first third party illustrates the inherent danger of rallying around a negative. Perhaps if they had devoted more time and effort to explaining the principles, beliefs and solutions they supported, they might have had a longer lifespan.
But what an interesting problem for President Jackson to endure, having to defend Masonry in the context of a presidential campaign. Where's a new Anti-Masonic Party when you need them? An opportunity to extol the virtues of our fraternity and inform the public of the immeasurable good we do for our communities in a national spotlight? Bring it on!
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Mark Campbell, WM
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WELCOME TO ST. JOHN'S
The Master welcomes all to St. John's for our Stated Meeting of February 15. Dinner begins at 6:15. Please let the Secretary know you and a guest will be in attendance so we can give the chef an accurate count!
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Coming Events
- 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 G. Washington Memorial
- February 22 (7pm): Officers meeting/practice
- February 22 (7pm): District 5 Lodge Officers & Members Assoc. meeting (Greenwood)
- February 25 (5pm): Districts 4 & 5 Grand Master Reception - 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)
- March 15 (6:15pm): St. John's 9 (dinner) Table Lodge Stated
DEPUTY OF THE GRAND MASTER CALLS ON ST. JOHN'S
When a representative of the Grand Lodge comes calling, it can be a good thing - or a bad thing! It's like getting word that the boss wants to see you. Are you getting a promotion or are you about to be fired? This month we will be receiving the Deputy of the Grand Master, VWBro. Michael Davis, on his annual official visit to St. John's. He'll be bringing greetings from the Grand Master, ask our Master how Grand Lodge can help St. John's, and nudge the brethren of the Lodge to renew their efforts to improve themselves in Masonry.
VWBro. Davis, a Past Master of Queen Anne Lodge No. 242, is a member of St. John's, and has actively supported us in our Work.
Also, that evening, the story of the origin of Mardi Gras will be told by WBro. Charles Tupper to kick off St. John's February stated communication, Wednesday, February 15. He will be sharing "beads" of information about this pagan holiday adopted by the early Roman Christians.
A Cajun-themed dinner will be served at 6:15, with this program of interest following. Please make your dinner reservations with the secretary at 206 623-0261 or stjohns9@seattlemasons.org by Friday prior to the meeting.
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ST. JOHN'S OFFICERS MEETING
Our officers continue to meet to consider our plans and direction for the lodge this year. Last month we determined to emphasize Fellowship, Fun and Inclusion in what we do this year. We also want to make sure that we get the message out to the community that Freemasonry is alive and well. The officers also want to attain a degree of excellence in their ritual and floorwork. As part of the agenda this year, we will be addressing long range planning for the lodge. Chairman of the LRP committee WBro. Charlie Tupper welcomes everyone's ideas and recommendations. Our next meeting will be Wednesday, February 22, at 7pm.
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SMOKING BAN IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS
Grand Lodge has consulted with legal council and has issued the following clarification regarding the new Washington law banning smoking in public buildings: Masonry is a private organization and the current law that bans smoking in public places does not apply since the Lodge is a private organization. If before or after the lodge meeting the Brothers and their ladies are at refreshment, the law does not apply when the event includes only members, their spouses and invited guests. However, when the hall is used for public events or the general public is invited at a particular event, the rule applies.
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WILL THIS FLOAT?:
Looking for a little change in your daily routine? The Grand Lodge Float Committee is looking for volunteer drivers. This spring and summer, the Grand Lodge float travels from city to city to appear in community parades to help tell the story of Freemasonry and our appendant adult and youth organizations. You can help by calling 1-800-628-4732.
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DISTRICT MEETING FEATURES SYSO
Districts 4 & 5 are going to raise money for the kids at the SYSO and have fun doing it. There will be a reception for the Grand Master on February 25th at Greenwood Masonic Center. This reception will not be like any you have been to in the past. The Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra will be providing a string quartet and all net proceeds will be donated to the SYSO to benefit the orchestra's scholarship and Marrowstone summer school programs.
Additional entertainment will be provided by acoustic guitars played by Bro. Anthony Monaco (SW Daylight No. 232) and Greg Schwartz from the band Loophole. Brother Ken Wehl, from St. John's No. 9, will delight you with some slight of hand, and rumor also has it that the "King" may be in the building.
And yes, our Grand Master MWBro. Al Jorgensen will also have the opportunity to meet and greet the brethren.
The reception, entertainment, and awards ceremony will open with a 5pm dinner (limited seating) at the Greenwood Masonic Center, February 25. Those not holding dinner tickets will be admitted to the lodge room at 6:30 for $10.
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LODGE COMPANY STORE CLEARANCE SALE
WBro. Hans Wehl urges the brethren to bring their "St. John's Bucks" to the next stated communication and buy something from the Company Store inventory. WBro. Hans says, "We need the business." The company store will be holding a "close out" at this meeting to make room for new exciting items. A whole variety of goods are available, from note pads to pens to shirts to letter openers, cups and aprons - all with the St. John's logo emblazoned to display our pride in our lodge.
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GEORGE WASHINGTON MEMORIAL
District 5 and the Daughters of the American Revolution have been saluting the birthday of our first President and brother Mason George Washington with a wreath laying ceremony for several years. This event takes place at Kane Hall on the University of Washington campus. We will be meeting at University Lodge on February 20 at 8:30am for coffee and then walk to Kane Hall. The Kane Hall program begins at 9:30. Free parking is available under Red Square.
We will be clothed as Masons - so be sure to bring your apron.
CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?
Greenwood Masonic Center is upgrading its sound system for the lodge room, and our wireless headsets and microphones will be able to be tied into that system. As a contribution to the Center, as well as for our own use, St. John's will be installing a sound system and movie screen in the dining area.
Other News: WBro. Boe Lindgren and wife Debbie announce the birth of a second son, Fyn Patrick Lindgren, born January 11. Weight: 8 lbs 5 oz…….WBro. Darryl Womack's daughter Tanisha will be installed as Worthy Advisor of West Seattle Rainbow Assembly No. 18, Friday, February 10.
THE ROYAL ARCH MASONS
heart foundation continues to look for children in need of heart care. Not many are being sent their way. If you know of any family who could use this assistance, call Bro. David Flood (206) 720-1560. University Chapter No. 22 of the York Rite will be meeting February 13, at University Masonic Center with a program on the symbolism of the Royal Arch.
Contact Us Here
Worshipful Master: Mark Campbell (425) 398-1398
Senior Warden: Charles Tupper (206) 406-8670
Junior Warden: James A. Wold (425) 357-6867
Secretary: Jim Russell (206) 623-0261 stjohns9@seattlemasons.org
Webmaster: Charles Tupper (206) 406-8670 webmaster@seattlemasons.org
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