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December 2005
From the East
The Invisible Mason
On my way to lodge a few months ago I had an experience that I'm sure most of you have gone through in some form or another. Walking out to my car, dressed in my tuxedo, the neighbor across the street called out, "Wow, you look sharp. Where are you headed; a wedding?" I laughed and quickly replied, "No, I'm a Mason." After an awkward moment or two and a blank stare I continued, "Do you know who the Masons are?" "No," he said. "How about the Shriners?" I asked. "Yeah, I've heard of them." "Well," I said, "we're in the same family." Unfortunately as I was running late, I didn't have the opportunity
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| to explain further. As I opened the car door and tossed my briefcase inside I promised to tell him more about Masonry at a later time. But as I drove away, the symbolism of the experience really hit home. A question continued to echo through my mind; "Why don't more people know about the Masons?" |
Certainly a portion of our anonymity can be attributed to our status as a "secret society" (or more accurately a society that has secrets). But, unfortunately, the greater cause of our obscurity can be found when we, as a fraternity, look into the mirror. With all of the good work that we do, the countless hours we spend away from our families and the thousands of dollars we give to charity you would think that the term "Mason" would be emblazoned on the collective consciousness of our community. Sadly, this is not the case. I might as well have told my neighbor I'm from Mars.
Brethren, this year I look to all of you for ideas on how to make Masonry a household name. Whether it be advertising, press releases or over-sized novelty checks; how can we spread the word about all of the good things that Masons do? Certainly our work is not in vain. Recipients of our financial assistance are thankful. We are making a difference. But at the same time, shouldn't we get a little credit for our efforts? The truth of the matter is that if everyone knew about Masonry, membership will no longer be a problem. Men would come to us to participate in the benevolent deeds we perform and be a part of a fraternity that strives to make good men better.
As a lodge with almost 150 years of history behind us, I believe the best days of St. John's are yet to come. I thank you for this opportunity to serve as Worshipful Master. It is truly an honor and a privilege. Given the long list of great leaders that have come before me, my work is certainly cut out. But with your support, I'm up for the challenge.
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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 December 21. 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
- December 14 (6:30): Master Mason degree
- December 21 (6:15pm) 7:30pm: St. John's 9 (dinner) Stated
- January 11 (5pm): Trustees meeting - Conference Room
- January 12 (7pm) Thursday: Officers meeting/practice
- January 15 (3pm): Scottish Rite Reception for Grand Master
- January 18 (6:15pm) 7:30pm: St. John's 9 (dinner) Stated
- January 27: Quarterly meeting of Masonic Service Bureau
- February 15 (6:15pm) 7:30pm: St. John's 9 (dinner) Stated Official Visit of District Deputy
DECEMBER STATED TO KICK OFF NEW YEAR AT ST. JOHN'S
Our December stated communication will close out the year on Wednesday, December 21. This will be WBro. Mark Campbell's first opportunity to maintain some kind of order at St. John's. Also, on the program will be performing arts teacher Jim Geizsler, who works with "at risk" kids at an alternative school in Bothell and has been teaching them "the blues." None of these kids has ever played an instrument until four months ago, and they just played there first concert. They cut a CD, and we're told you cannot believe how cool it is! A sample of their music will be offered this evening. Remember that dinner starts at 6:15. Bring a friend, but let us know you're coming so we can warn the chef!
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Milestones
Bro. Brian Downie was initiated into St. John's November 10. He is the grandson of WBro. Ken Lane, Sr., the nephew of WBros. Ken Lane, Jr. and Jeff Lane, and the step-son of Bro. Rick Heston….Bro. David Flood was installed High Priest of University Chapter No. 32, Royal Arch Masons Nov. 14…..WBro. Helmuth Svoboda was installed Master of University Lodge No. 141, December 10….A Zachary D. Dinwiddie scholarship fund has been established for the son of our late brother Robert Dinwiddie, Jr., who passed away suddenly last month.
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WORSHIPFUL MASTER MARK CAMPBELL
 | | WBro. Mark Campbell was born in Seattle on June 25th, 1970. After graduating from Ballard High School, he attended Shoreline CC and eventually transferred to the University of Washington where he received a degree in history.
The beginning of his Masonic career can be traced back to 1983 when he joined Shoreline DeMolay where his dad David Campbell, Jim Russell, Bill Collison and Jerry Schuh were all members of
| the Advisory Board. After rising to the position of Master Councilor, he remained active with the chapter and eventually served as Ritual Advisor.
Bro. Campbell was initiated an Entered Apprentice, February 3, 1996, passed to a Fellowcraft, March 13, 1996, and raised a Master Mason, April 23, 1996.
Mark, wife Katie and their daughter Abby live in Kenmore. He is a songwriter, producer and DJ. He recently secured a recording contract with Proper Talent Records. In his spare time Mark enjoys camping (a life member of the Masonic Park) and attending Seahawk Games.
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Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Prosperous New Year!
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CHRISTMAS AND HANUKKAH CELEBRATIONS
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 77% of Americans are Christian. The story of the birth of Christ and the gift of the Magi are deeply rooted in the Christmas celebration. Hanukkah, the "Festival of Lights," starts on the 25th day of the Jewish calendar month of Kislev and lasts for eight days and nights. In 2005, Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 25. With blessings, games, and festive foods, Hanukkah celebrates the triumphs - both religious and military - of ancient Jewish heroes.
Hanukkah is a relatively minor holiday in the Jewish year. In the United States, however, its closeness to Christmas has brought greater attention to Hanukkah and its gift-giving tradition.
Masons throughout the world have a fundamental belief in a Supreme Being, known by many names, but who we often refer to as the Great Architect of the Universe. While not espousing any particular religion, Freemasonry encourages all men to pursue the faith of their choice.
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2006 DUES St. John's dues for 2006 will again be $12, and are payable by December 31 of this year. In this lodge, those who have been members of the Fraternity for 40 years, are Life Members, or who have served as Master of St. John's are no longer obligated to pay dues.
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FIVE BROTHERS RECOGNIZED FOR SERVICE
The Hiram Award is the official recognition of a Brother by his own Lodge for his devoted service to that Lodge and to Masonic principles in general. It is intended for the Brother who, year after year, displays his devotion without receiving special recognition or special honor. Every Lodge has many such members. They are the living cement that binds our Fraternity into a true Brotherhood. You will find them at labor in kitchens, the coaching rooms, the committees, their churches and communities - anywhere that a true and steady hand of assistance is needed.
Bros. William Isabelle, Charles Tupper, Hans Wehl, and Jim Wold were presented their awards by WBro. Joseph Lund at our Installation of Officers this month. Bro. Brett Braun was recognized by Van Nuys (CA) Lodge No. 450 in September.
Congratulations, Brothers!
HOMELESS IN SEATTLE
For many years, St. John's brother Fred Hutchinson and his wife Dr. Ruth Bishop have spent their holiday time preparing and servicing meals for homeless folks. Beginning at 7am on Sunday, December 25, a small group of volunteers will meet at South Gate Lodge No. 100 (Burien) to prepare and cook four-course Christmas dinners for 400 homeless women in the Seattle/Burien area. If you have food prep or clean-up experience, they are asking for your help for any part of the day from 7am to 9pm on Christmas Day.
All of the food will be packed in heated containers for delivery at 5pm. A few women are needed to deliver the bulk meals to scattered shelters for homeless women. The guys can help to clean up while the ladies are delivering to these shelters which do not allow men on the premises.
TWO GRAND LODGE RESOLUTIONS SPONSORED BY ST. JOHN'S
St. John's will be presenting two resolutions for consideration at the June 2006 annual communication of Grand Lodge at Ocean Shores. One resolution, if adopted, would allow electronic communication to be used in notifying members of any proposed lodge bylaw changes. The second resolution would permit those lodges incorporated by early Acts of the Territory of Washington to retain their corporate status.. St. John's is one of four lodges in this jurisdiction recognized as a pioneer corporation, being incorporated January 21, 1865.
We received our charter from Grand Lodge September 4, 1860.
Do you have a copy of our History Book(s)?
If you don't have both volumes of our lodge history, let the Secretary know and he will arrange to get them to you.
BROTHERS EXTEND THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS CHEER
Members of St. John's again provided food and clothing for families at Thanksgiving, and distribute food, clothing and toys for the children at Christmas. Most of those families given assistance at Thanksgiving were in the Seattle area. For Christmas, we added many families living at Fort Lewis, whose fathers and mothers are serving our country in Iraq. WBro. Hans Wehl played Santa Claus for the second year, mixing in a little of his own Jewish culture with the spirit of Christmas.
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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