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August 2006
From the East
"Let us not be too particular; it is better to have second-hand
diamonds than none at all."
Mark Twain - Following the Equator
On August 13, 1895, right around the time our Lodge would celebrate its 35th birthday, Samuel Clemens (better known to the world by his pen name of Mark Twain) spoke before a capacity crowd at the Seattle Theater at the corner of 3rd Avenue and Cherry Street. He arrived in our fair city flat broke and $70,000 in debt. The failure of his publishing house in the Panic of '93 and the lackluster sales of his most recent works compelled him to begin an international speaking tour to pay off his creditors. The Seattle Post-Intelligencer described his performance as, "A Continuous Laugh." The tour was a | |  | worldwide success. Twain would find himself completely debt free in three short years.
As most of you may know, Twain was a Mason. He was initiated, passed and raised at Polar Star Lodge No. 79 in St. Louis, Missouri in 1861. Yet, despite his affection for our fraternity, the only public reference he made to Masonry occurred in a dinner speech to the New York City Lotus Club on November 10, 1900 where he mentioned, "the grip and the word that lift a man up and make him glad to be alive." But three of his published works also included references to Freemasonry, namely Tom Sawyer's Conspiracy, A Tramp Abroad and Innocents Abroad. The latter contains the following eloquent prose, "...and in a spirit of thankfulness which is entirely unaccountable, considering the slim foundation there was for it, he praised his Maker that he was as he was, and went on enjoying his little life just the same as if he really had been deliberately designed and erected by the great Architect of the Universe."
In 1884 Twain published his greatest contribution to American literature, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Ernest Hemingway described it as, "…the best book we've had. There was nothing before. There has been nothing as good since." Most of us are familiar with the story of Huck and Jim - a white orphan boy and a fugitive black slave - and their adventures as they navigate the mighty Mississippi river. An allegory of escape and freedom, their journey also represents the struggles we all face as we float down the river of life in search of our own redemption.
An interesting bit of trivia; Mark Twain was born and died in years where Halley's Comet appeared. But unlike that celestial body that materializes every 75 years, the likes of an individual with the same skill and artistry as Mark Twain will, most likely, never be seen again. We are fortunate that his wit, wisdom and stories remain. But more importantly, we are proud to call him a brother.
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Mark Campbell, WM
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COMING MEETINGS DRESSOur August meeting will return to more formal attire, when we will be honoring our young people and their families who have received scholarships for the coming year. This year St. John's will be presenting $25,000 in grants to young men and women in the Seattle area.
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Coming to Dinner at 6:15? RSVP at 206 623-0261 or email the Secretary at stjohns9@seattlemasons.org.
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TYLER POSITION OPPORTUNITY
Senior Warden WBro. Charles Tupper is looking for a brother who has an interest to serve as Tyler next year. WBro. Tupper looks forward to appointing a Tyler who will also visit sick or housebound brothers and their widows. Travel allowance will be available. Charles Tupper webmaster@seattlemasons.org, 206 406-8670.
WAITING FOR GODOT?
Many of our brothers have reached that time in their lives when it is best not to drive at night. For those who have espoused chauffeurs, we invite their ride-givers to enjoy the comfort of the library upstairs just outside the lodge room. There are books, a fireplace, and cable television available to enjoy during the course of our meetings.
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St. John's Approaches 146th Anniversary
August 13 Family Picnic, August 16 Stated, lead up to celebration in September
Mark your calendar for our big event of the year, when we host our 146th anniversary dinner at the College Club in downtown Seattle, Saturday, September 16. Dine and Dance to The Andy Mirkovich Trio as they stir all those with dancing feet and also satisfy those who just want to relax and listen.
Our Social Hour with bar will begin at 6pm, with dinner following at 7:00.
Bro. Iain Cameron and his lady Angela have planned and prepared an evening to remember. All members of St. John's and their wives are invited to join the festivities. Reservations are a must, and may be made by returning the enclosed card, by email at stjohns9@seattlemasons.org, or calling the secretary at 206 623-0261. Indicate your preference for Baked Prime Rib Choice Cut or Indian Style Smoked King Salmon Fillet; these entrees will be accompanied with roasted Rosemary Potatoes and a baked stuffed tomato. Dessert will feature New York Style Cheesecake with Melba sauce.
Those who request a vegetarian choice need to do so when making their reservation. All reservations must be received by Saturday, September 9!
The Andy Mirkovich Trio will provide dinner music followed by music for dancing. A combination of easy listening standards, show tunes and ballads from the 20's to current will please all musical palates whether they just want to listen, visit or dance the night away.
THE COLLEGE CLUB OF SEATTLE was established in 1910. Located in the heart of downtown Seattle at 505 Madison St., the College Club has a long history of providing its members an enjoyable social atmosphere to meet, conduct business or just unwind after work. Free parking is available below the club. Access from 5th Avenue just south of Madison Street.
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Coming Events
- August 13 (11am): Lodge picnic at Nile (Sunday)
- August 16 (6:15pm) 7:30pm: St. John's 9 (dinner) Stated Scholarship Night
- August 23 (7pm): Officers meeting/practice
- August 23 (7pm): District 5 Lodge Officers & Members Assoc. meeting (Greenwood)
- September 16 (6pm): St. John's Lodge No. 9 146th Anniversary Celebration (College Club)
- September 20 (6:15pm) 7:30pm: St. John's 9 (dinner) Stated
- September 27 (7pm): Officers meeting/practice
Family Picnic
widows and members
Annual Picnic & Potluck - Sunday - August 13th, 2006
Hosted by St. John's No. 9
This is another chance for your family and friends to enjoy the fun and hospitality of our Masonic Fraternity! Invite tomorrow's Mason today!
We will furnish steaks, hot dogs (with buns), chips, coffee and a limited variety of soft drinks.
Please bring one of the following (suggested by last name):
A-H dessert (cookies, cake, pies, etc.)
I-R salad
S-Z vegetable dish (hot or cold)
Bring a steak knife, special utensils, and any other preferred beverages.
- 11:00 am - Select your table and bring your potluck item to the buffet line. Mix and mingle. HAVE SOME FUN!
- 11:00 am - 2:30pm games - including volleyball, Frisbee, croquet
- 12:00 pm - Steaks and hot dogs from the grill. Each Lodge member should check in with the chef to make any special requests known. Let the chef know if you want your steak "well done," "medium," etc.
- 1:00 pm - Kids penny scramble and races
- 1:00 pm - Bingo! Fun, games & music (Contributions for bingo prizes welcome!!!)
- 3:00 pm - Clean up. You can stay as long as you wish. Grounds close at 9pm.
Swimming is allowed only with adult supervision. NO Life Guard will be on duty.
St. John's Lodge Annual Family Picnic
at the
Nile Country Club
6601 244th St SW
Mountlake Terrace, WA
Picnic Area "B"
POTLUCK
RSVP! We need to know how many will be attending to make sure we have enough food and games for everyone to enjoy. email Jim Russell stjohns9@seattlemasons.org or call 206 623-0261 by Wednesday, August 10th.
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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