October 2006 Stated Communication

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

		Promptly at 6:15 on the third Wednesday of a fast coming fall evening Bro. Steve (Steve's Expresso Cafe - Bothell, WA) served an excellent Oktoberfest meal. Beef and sausage and all the usual Oktober trimmings. There were many calls for second helpings.
When everyone was fed the Junior Warden called for everyone to meet in the Lodgeroom for the evenings presentation.

When everyone was settled in the Lodgeroom the Master introduced WBro. Helmuth Svoboda. WBro. Svoboda spoke to the assembled brothers and guests on the subject of Women in Freemasonry. To the majority of Freemasons today (dominated by US and Canadian brethren), the concept of women
becoming Masons is, for all intents and purposes, an anathema. This is not because of some sexist feeling or because they feel women are incapable of understanding and appreciating the moral and spiritual lessons that Freemasonry can impart. It is because, simply, in their obligation they have sworn not to be present at the making of a woman a Mason. This is one of the "Landmarks of Freemasonry" and is deemed unchangeable. In fact, no "mainstream" Lodge/Grand Lodge of Masons accepts women as members or will recognize (acknowledge) any lodge which does. It must be acknowledged that there are today and have been for decades (centuries, even) females who "know themselves to be Masons." They belong to lodges that are composed of either single-sex female lodges or mixed-sex lodges. None of the organizations to which they belong was created by a mainstream Grand Lodge - and that adds to the problem based on the concern for recognition. Many (most?) mixed-gender lodges (Le Droit Humain and some Grand Orient lodges) which exist today have - as far as can be ascertained - changed some things which "mainstream" Freemasons consider absolutely and unequivocally essential: an open Bible upon the altar when the lodge is at work, prohibition of political or religious discussions, etc. Because of this, such mixed lodges are far more removed from "mainstream" Freemasonry. They consider themselves Masons but the large body of Freemasonry does not and very likely will not in the next century at least

Following this presentation the guests were excused and WM Mark Campbell opened Lodge on the Entered Apprentice Degree as we had our newly entered members in attendance. Minutes of the previous communication were read in short form, bills were read and ordered paid, the Treasurer gave his report, communications were read and introductions were done.

The Master reported that he had exercised his authority to grant the extension of Master's Charity for this month. The wife of a Virginia Mason was provided housing while visiting her daughter at Harborview Medical Center. The daughter, wife of a navy serviceman deployed overseas, suffered spinal damage in an automobile accident.

WBro. Charles Tupper reported that he and VWBro. Jim Russell purchased and delivered four bicycles each to John Rogers and Cedar Way Elementary schools and two bicycles to Sacajewea as motivational gifts for those students who attain their reading goals in the accelerated reader program for the semester. Helmets were also provided with each bicycle. Two more bicycles will be delivered to Sacajewea Elementary within the next couple of weeks.

WBro. Hans Wehl displayed new items from the company store. They include jackets, vests, caps, cook aprons, T-shirts, sweat shirts, coffee mugs, saddle bags, zippered portfolios, and name badge/ID/wallet holders. All these items are of high quality and display the lodge logo. Also available are a few copies of an excellent book, "Freemasons for Dummies," written by Christopher Hodapp. These are available for just a few dollars, including the "St. John's Bucks."

The Master offered a special welcome to WBro. Michael Rust, who joined us this evening. WBro. Rust has been undergoing chemotherapy in his battle with leukemia. The hair-less, mustache-less Rust was greeted with a standing ovation by the brethren of his lodge.

Favorable ballots were spread on a petition for the degrees and on one for plural affiliation. Both petitioners had received unanimous favorable recommendations by their investigating committees.

Bro. David Flood (10/8/39), MWBro. Sat Tashiro (10/12/34), Bro. James Swift (10/12/83), and WBro. Charlie Tupper (10/26/46) were honored with a rendition of "Happy Birthday" to celebrate achieving one more year in their journey through life.

The annual District 5 Halloween party and dance for our Masonic Youth will be held this coming Saturday, October 21, at Alki Masonic Center in West Seattle. The secretary m/s/p that the lodge contribute funds to support the District 5 Halloween Party.

WBro. Hans Wehl, chair of the company store, has made several purchases for store merchandise. These latest purchases exceed this year's budget, and must be spread out over the 2006 and 2007 budget year. The secretary m/s/p that the lodge re-imburse WBro. Wehl for the new company store merchandise. The balance will be requested in 2007.

VWBro. Charles Brockway, MWBro. Sat Tashiro, and WBro. Charles Tupper met with plural petitioner Bro. Joe Oates to investigate the petitioner. The meeting was held over dinner at the Azteca restaurant. As this was not a pre-authorized expense, it is necessary to get approval from the lodge for payment. The secretary m/s/p VWBro. Brockway be reimbursed for the investigating team dinner.

WBro. Tupper announced that there will be a dinner at the Greenwood Romeo's for the 2007 officers and trustees on Saturday, November 18. It was m,/s/p to authorize the 2007 officers and trustees dinner.
He also reminded the brothers to get their requests for charity support in to the Trustees for consideration at the November 8 Trustees meeting.

The brethren were reminded of the following dates of interest:

October 21 (6-11pm): District No. 5 Youth Night (Halloween dance) at Alki
October 25: Greenwood Lodge PM Night w/Grand Master (Officers meeting/practice - Canceled)
October 28: (City of Hope) Harvest Celebration Ball - St. John's table for 10
November 6: Eureka Lodge No. 20 Installation of Officers - David Campbell Master
November 8 (5pm): St. John's Lodge No. 9 Trustees meeting - Conference Room
November 15 (6:15pm) 7:30pm: St. John's 9 (dinner) Stated Past Masters/Elections
November 18 (7-9pm): Officers and Trustees dinner (Greenwood Romeo's)

VWBro. David Campbell, newly elected Master of Eureka Lodge No. 20, invited the brethren to attend the open installation of officers of that lodge, Monday, November 6. MWBro. Sat Tashiro will be the installing officer, assisted by RWBro. Gale Kenney and VWBro. Jim Maher.

Bro. Rob Cittadini, Lafayette Lodge No. 241, invited the brethren to attend International Night, annually sponsored by the lodge. It will be held at the Nile Golf and Country Club, Thursday, November 2. Prepaid tickets are $25; $35 at the door. Grand Masters from nine jurisdictions will be present.

WBro. Jerry Schor invited the brethren to attend Occidental Lodge No. 72 stated meeting tomorrow evening. WBro. Jeff Lane invited the brethren to attend Esoterica Lodge No. 316, Tuesday, October 24. Also he encouraged everyone to attend a program of music to be presented by the Seattle Academy for Success, 1pm, Thursday, November 2, in Bothell.

The Senior Warden distributed ties to those brothers who were not present at the August and September meetings.

The minutes of this communication were read and approved in short form. There being no further business to come before this Lodge of Entered Apprentice Masons, the Lodge was closed in due and ancient form by the Worshipful Master at 9:20 p.m., peace and harmony prevailing.