ong before the stated dinner hour of 6:15 on a chilly February 21st the members and guests of St. John's Lodge began to arrive for what would turn out to be an evening to remember.   DeMolay, Rainbow Girls, and Job's Daughters were in attendance.

Most Worshipful Brother Jimmie L. Windham, Grandmaster of the Grand Lodge of Mississippi, also attended as a guest of the Grand Lodge of Washington along with our own Deputy Grand Master, RW Brother Wayne Smith.  Add to this all the members of St. John's Lodge No. 9, visitors, ladies and the adults that came with the youth groups and we had more than the dining room could handle.

The Lodge opened on the Third Degree at 7:30 p.m., forty members and fourteen visitors in attendance as per Tyler's Register.  All officers were in their stations and places, except that the place of the absent Musician was left vacant.

The American flag was presented by the Marshal and deposited in a place of honor in the East.  The Worshipful Master called upon the Marshal to lead the brethren in the pledge to the flag.

The Master called the lodge off session to permit the guests, including members and advisors of the youth groups, and other guests to witness the remainder of the youth program.

The Worshipful Master called upon the Senior Deacon to introduce our Masonic visitors with the exception of Masters, Wardens, and Grand Lodge officers and committeemen.  In attendance and receiving a warm St. John’s welcome were seven visiting brothers: Bro. Myles Makortoff (Langley Lodge No. 184, Langley B.C.), Bro. Randy Kuhlman (Churchland Lodge No. 276, Portsmouth, VA), VWBro. Ray Zimmerman (Myrtle Lodge No. 108), WBro. Gordon Allen (Lafayette Lodge No. 241), Bro. James G. Thornton (Robert Burns Lodge No. 243),WBro. Jim Lumsden (Greenwood Lodge No. 253), and Bro. James C. Taylor (Lakeside Lodge No. 268).

The Junior Warden introduced his counterparts, WBro. Vinnie DiGiulio, Junior Warden of Walter F. Meier Lodge of Research No. 281 and Bro. Nick Mitchell, Junior Warden of Esoterika Lodge No. 316.  The Senior Warden introduced VWBro. Mike Davis, Senior Warden of Queen Anne Lodge No. 242 and WBro. Joseph Lund, Senior Warden of Esoterika Lodge No. 316. All were given a warm St. John's welcome

  The Master introduced VWBro. David Campbell, Master of Eureka Lodge No. 20 and WBro. Ken Lane, Jr., Master of Esoterika Lodge No. 316.  They were accorded the Public Grand Honors.

The Affiliated Past Masters and the Past Masters of St. John's Lodge No. 9 were asked to stand and be recognized and were graciously thanked for their dedication to the Lodge.

The Master then instructed the Senior Deacon to escort the Grand Lodge Officers and Committeemen east of the altar and shook each by the hand as he announced their names.  In attendance were VWBro. David C. Campbell, (youth), WBro. Darrel Womack (public relations/photographer), WBro. Doug Haughton (Masonic Retirement Center Trustee), WBro. Howard Ballou (CHIP-chair), WBro. Vincent DiGulio (CHIP and public relations), WBro. Terry Grove (CHIP), VWBro. Bill Werner (Deputy of the Grand Master District No. 7), VWBro. Jim Maher (Deputy of the Grand Master District No. 5), VWBro. Charles Brockway (Special Deputy), VWBro. Ashley Brinkley (Grand Chaplain), MWBro. Alvin Jorgensen (jurisprudence),   MWBro. Ken Robinson (jurisprudence), MWBro. Richard Mecartea, and RWBro. Gale Kenney (Junior Grand Warden).

They were accorded the Public Grand Honors.

The Master directed the Senior Deacon to seek out and present RWBro. Wayne Smith, Deputy Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Washington and to present him at the altar.  The Master then escorted RWBro. Smith to the East, where he was introduced and accorded the Public Grand Honors.

	Twelve DeMolays of Merle E. Luther Chapter and two members of their sorority then demonstrated their precision work with the Arch of Steel, culminating with a request by the Deputy Grand Master that the Senior Deacon present the Grand Master of Mississippi at the altar.  MWBro. Jimmie L. Windham made  his  entrance  through  the  Arch  of Steel and was presented at the altar.

RWBro. Smith then escorted MWBro. Windham to the east, where he was accorded the public Grand Honors.  MWBro. Windham was presented with volumes I & II of the lodge history, a St. John’s pen and letter opener set, and a lodge pin for his lapel.

MASONIC EDUCATION

The Master spoke to the brethren and guests about the pillars at the entrance to King Solomon’s Temple.  The pillars are named Jachin and Boaz, and are found one on the left and one on the right of the entrance.  Boaz may be found on the left and Jachin on the right in some representations; in others Jachin is on the left and Boaz is on the right.  This variation is but one of those differences separating the Ancients from the Moderns.   

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

WBro. Hans Wehl was honored with a rendition of “Happy Birthday” to celebrate achieving one more year in his journey through life.

GRAND MASTER INVITED TO SPEAK

Following a presentation of flowers to Mrs. Windham by the Master, MWBro. Jimmie Windham was presented the gavel and invited to address the assembly.  He said that as a new Grand Master, this was the first time he has been formally received as Grand Master of Mississippi.  He greeted us on behalf of his great State, noting that there are 21,000 Masons in “Missippi.”  He presented the Master with a Grand Master’s knife, which has a serial number #9.  He presented similar knives to RWBro. Wayne Smith and VWBro. Bill Werner, who was instrumental in his visit to Washington following the Conference of Grand Masters in Portland this week.  He was most pleased with the hospitality shown to him and his wife by the brothers of St. John’s.

PROFICIENCY EXAMINATIONS

Following the dismissal of the guests, the Master declared the lodge “on session” and called upon Bros. David Long and James Swift to demonstrate their proficiencies on the Master Mason degree.  They were examined by their coaches WBro. Ken Lane, Jr. and Bro. Nick Mitchell.  Following the examinations, Bro. Swift affixed his signature to the bylaws.

CALL DOWN TO FELLOWCRAFT DEGREE

The Master suspended labor on the 3^rd degree and opened a lodge of Fellowcraft Masons to continue business.  Recently passed Fellowcraft Bro. Ryan Stoulil joined the brethren.

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS COMMUNICATION

The minutes of the previous communication were read in short form and were available in full as posted at the Tyler’s door. 

TREASURER’S REPORT

The Treasurer reported that our accounts are in order.

EXPENSES FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY

The bills, having been reviewed by three acting members of the finance committee (VWBro. Charles Brockway, WBros. Darrel Womack and Terry Grove), were submitted to the Lodge for approval.  After the acting chairman, WBro. Darrel Womack, attested to the accuracy of each bill or invoice, he stated the expenditures were in order and moved for the payment of the bills.  On vote of the Lodge, the bills were approved for payment. 

COMMUNICATIONS

Trestleboards and letters of communications were distributed.  Concerning each, the Secretary reported the following:

We have received communications from five of our charities – Taproot Theatre, Blue Nile Children’s Organization, the Ballard Food Bank, the Greenwood Food Bank, and the City of Hope.  Also, we have received a thank you card from Mrs. Margaret Harding, widow of VWBro. Sam Harding, for our Christmas time gift.

Grand Master MWBro. Charles McQuery re-affirms his permission to solicit financial assistance for the repair of flood damaged Masonic Park at Granite Falls.

Two communications were requested by Grand Master MWBro. Charles McQuery to be read at this communication, the first regarding a program at the Masonic Retirement Center; the second regarding the recognition of the Order of the Amaranth in March.  They were accordingly read in full.

From Grand Lodge also comes an invitation to take part in a one day conferral of the three degrees to be held at the Tacoma Scottish Rite, Saturday, March 31. 

The King County Masonic Library Association will discuss its future role at the next quarterly meeting, Tuesday, February 27. 

We have received communications from MWBro. Jimmie L. Windham, Senior Grand Warden and now Grand Master of the MW Grand Lodge of Mississippi, F&AM accepting our invitation to attend our February 21 Stated Communication.

Newsletters and Trestleboards have been received from Heirloom Bible Publishers, HOPE Heart Institute, Eureka Lodge No. 20, Doric Lodge No. 92, University Lodge No. 141, Daylight Lodge No. 232, Lafayette Lodge No. 241, Queen Anne Lodge No. 242, and Lakeside Lodge No. 258.  Please take extra copies of the HOPE Heart newsletter home for healthy reading.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

VWBro. Charles Brockway reported that the Board of Trustees met last week and the following is a synopsis: 

• Our portfolio has grown by 18% since 2003. 
• The 2005 audit report with some recommendations was accepted. 
• A revised questionnaire to be used by teams to investigate petitioners for plural membership was approved. 
• Any trial or waiting period for a petitioner for plural membership was rejected. 
• It was agreed to recommend that funds be allocated to the LOMA Youth Halloween Party. 
• Two changes to our Lodge by-laws were approved and will be presented to the lodge for action. 
• A recommendation will be made to negotiate for the services of Mr. Clay Jenkinson for the 147th anniversary dinner. 
• A resolution will be presented to the lodge to assist in repairing the flood-damaged Granite Falls Masonic Park. 

  The Junior Warden will be contacting Anthony Porter to determine if he will be present and available to receive his Fellowcraft Degree on Wednesday, March 14.  Bro. Carney will be asking for volunteers to take part in the degree.

  On the evening of January 31^st, WBro. Joseph Lund, chairman of our Accelerated Reader committee, along with WBro. Bill Collison, Aundie Collison, WBro. Ken Lane Sr., and VWBro. Chuck Brockway went to John Rogers School to deliver four bicycles for the Spring Semester and a five thousand dollar check for the Accelerated Reader program for the calendar year 2007.  Following the presentation the committee members took a tour of the school and some of the students showed them how the  program works.  When St. John’s began the program nine years ago the library shelves were almost empty.   Today it is almost a problem for the librarian to fit new volumes on the shelves.  Bro. Ken Wehl volunteered to assist WBro. Bill Collison to deliver bicycles to Sacajewea and Cedar Way schools. 

  VWBro. David Campbell reported that 56 young people took part in the youth program this evening, joined by parents and advisors.  He expressed how proud he is of their efforts and congratulated the lodge on its continued support.  It was suggested that two other groups who had been discouraged from coming out this evening (due to the capacity limitations of our dining facilities) be invited to join us at our April and May dinners.

  BALLOTING ON PETITION

  A petition for plural membership was rejected.

  NEW BUSINESS

  LOMA Halloween Charity

  As recommended by the Board of Trustees and at the request of WBro. Terry Grove, it was m/s/p that funds be allocated to the Lodge Officers and Members Youth Halloween Party.  The payment will be made in September or October.

  Lodge By-laws

  The Master requested that the Secretary read two proposed changes to the lodge by-laws which will be acted upon at the next communication:

  • ARTICLE VII - Financial Records and Regulations

      Section 7.  The books and records of the Secretary and of the Treasurer shall be submitted to the Board of Trustees once each year not later then March 1st, or more often when requested by the Trustees, and the Board shall thereupon cause to be executed an audit or review of the books, records and vouchers, including investments and securities owned by or to which the Lodge is entitled.  Such audit or review shall be made by a recognized firm of Certified Public Accountants when deemed necessary by the Board of Trustee.  An internal Lodge audit committee will perform an audit during all years not done by a recognized firm of Certified Public Accountants in accordance with Washington Masonic Code.

     

  • ARTICLE VIII- Masonic Funeral Services

       Section 1.  The Worshipful Master, or his designated alternate, shall conduct all funeral or memorial services for departed members, except when the service is to be conducted outside our local area.

  Anniversary Dinner Featured Speaker

  WBro. Charles Tupper expressed a desire to invite Mr. Clay Jenkinson to speak to us at our 147^th anniversary dinner on the subject of Pres. Bro. Theodore Roosevelt.  Mr. Jenkinson’s speaking fees and traveling expenses, and related dinner and music expenses, will exceed our budgeted line item of $10,000.  It was m/s/p to negotiate for the services of Mr. Clay Jenkinson for the 147^th anniversary dinner, and to make any additional expense available from the line item “lodge expense reserves.”

  Granite Falls Masonic Park

  The storm of November 6, 2006 has wrecked major flood damage to the Granite Falls Masonic Park.  The park, which is located 4.5 miles east of Granite Falls, has the beautiful Canyon Creek as a center point. This usually mild mannered stream became a raging torrent of water that destroyed many of the areas throughout the park causing an estimated $75,000 to $85,000 dollars of damage.

  Extensive damage occurred to the open air amphitheater, in which all stations of the lodge were washed away leaving a mire of mud.  The three fishponds were washed away with the flood.  Some of the culverts under the roads connecting the different camping areas of the park are gone completely and others have been damaged extensively, but are repairable.

  
  Several of the shelters along the creek have been undermined by the high water and shelter No. 12 in camping area No. 1 was completely destroyed along with the road.  Other roads throughout the park are impassable and must be restored before the 2007 camping season.

  The rebuilding of the park will take an unprecedented outpouring of both volunteer labor, along with financial assistance.

  The Master requested that the Secretary read the following resolution which will be acted upon at the next communication:

  • Whereas the Granite Falls Masonic Park has been devastated by floods and wind storms and

  • Whereas the Master Masons Club of Snohomish and Island Counties does not have the funds estimated at $95,000 to repair the damage and

  • Whereas St. John’s Lodge No. 9 has a desire to help our Fraternal Brethren in times of need and

  • Whereas this is such a time, 

  • Therefore Be it Resolved that St. John’s Lodge No. 9 will increase its 2007 charity budget by $25,000 and will create a budget line item in this amount to help toward expenses incurred in rebuilding the Granite Falls Masonic Park, to be distributed in installments.  The first installment of $15,000 shall be stipulated to repair heavy equipment and for beginning all phases of the rebuilding process.  The second installment of $10,000 to be distributed two months later for use as park rebuilding funds.

  VWBro. Bill Werner, Deputy of the Grand Master for District No. 7, said work parties will be assembling on Saturdays of March 3 and March 10 to assist in repairs.  MWBro. Ken Robinson added that the Seattle Valley of the Scottish Rite has agreed to extend $5,000 toward the repairs.

  ANNOUNCEMENTS

  The brethren were reminded of the following dates of interest:

  February 27 (7:30pm):  King Co. Masonic Library (Delta-White Center)February 28 (7pm):  Officers meetingMarch 15 (7pm):  degree

  March 21 (6:15pm):  St. John’s 9 Stated Table Lodge – Gale Kenney, JGW – speaker
  March 23-25:  Warden’s Seminar (Yakima)
  March 28 (7pm):  Officers meeting
  

  FELLOWSHIP LODGE CLOSED

  The Master closed this lodge of Fellowcraft Masons and resumed labor on the 3^rd degree.

  DEPUTY GRAND MASTER INVITED TO CLOSE

  The Master offered the gavel to RWBro. Wayne Smith and invited him to close the lodge.  RWBro. Smith presented the Grand Master’s lapel pins to our newly proficient brothers, congratulated them in their work, and encouraged them to continue in their Masonic journeys.  He reported that he and others had just returned from attending the Conference of Grand Masters in Portland, where 64 Grand jurisdictions in America were represented.

  RWBro. Smith remarked that he was pleased by the work of St. John's Lodge No. 9, the hospitality that was shown and the support the lodge gives to its many charities.  However, he was less than pleased by the choices made by a couple of brothers this evening, and said that they “need to re-examine their Masonic principles and start acting as Master Masons.”

  RWBro. Smith invited MWBro. Jimmie Windham to sit in the West and RWBro. Gale Kenney to sit in the South to assist in closing.

   GOOD OF THE ORDER

  VWBro. Ray Zimmerman, president of the Masonic Service Bureau, thanked the lodge for its continued support over the years.

  VWBro. James Maher extended greetings from the Grand Master and also offered apologies from MWBro. Sat Tashiro for not being able to stay for the meeting following dinner.  MWBro. Tashiro had served as driver and host for MWBro. Jimmie Windham, but needed to leave for an engagement in Spokane.

  Bro. Myles Makortoff brought greetings from Langley Lodge No. 184 from north of the border in Langley, British Columbia.

  CLOSING OF LODGE

  The minutes of this communication were read and approved in short form.  There being no further business to come before this Lodge of Master Masons, the flag was retired and the Lodge closed in due and ancient form by Deputy Grand Master RWBro. Wayne Smith, assisted by MWBro. Windham and RWBro. Kenney at 9:59 p.m., peace and harmony prevailing.

   

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