n a damp and muggy third Wednesday in July St. John's Lodge No. 9 met at the Greenwood Masonic Center for its annual Herb's Night celebration.  Many of the Brethren brought their families and casual wear was the norm.
The room was filled with laughter and conversation as the meal was served.  Stuffed Pork Chops or Salmon with all the fixings along with strawberry shortcake for dessert filled everyone to capacity and when dessert was finished this well fed and happy throng was  invited to the Lodgeroom for the evenings entertainment and meeting.

OPENING OF LODGE

The Lodge opened on the First Degree at 7:30 p.m., thirty-six members and seven visitors in attendance as per Tyler's Register.  The above officers were in their stations and places, except that Bro. Nick Mitchell took the station of the Junior Warden, Bro. Adam Creighton filled the place of the Musician, VW Bro. Chuck Brockway filled the place of the Senior Deacon, and the office of Senior Steward was left vacant.  The Master immediately called the lodge from labor to refreshment and guests were escorted into the lodge room.

PRESENTATION OF THE FLAG

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 and guests in the pledge to the flag.

HERB’S NIGHT PROGRAM

An evening of entertainment and Masonic celebration opened at 7:45pm.  Opening the entertainment portion of the program, Ms Maggie Bennett narrated folk tales and sang folk ballads accompanying herself on the Irish harp, autoharp, and mountain dulcimer.  Ms Bennett has been a State Arts Commission “Folklorist in the Schools” for Washington and Idaho.

SEARCH FOR THE WILD T-SHIRT

INTRODUCTIONS

The Worshipful Master called upon the Past Masters of St. John’s to rise and introduced them by name.  He thanked them for their continuing support of this lodge and caused them to be accorded the public Grand Honors.

The Junior Warden introduced WBro. Vinny DiGiulio, Junior Warden of Walter F. Meier Lodge of Research No. 281.  The Senior Warden introduced his counterpart, VWBro. Mike Davis, of Queen Anne Lodge No. 242.  The Master acknowledged the presence of VWBro. David Campbell, Master of Eureka Lodge No. 20, and WBro. Ken Lane, Jr., Master of Esoterika Lodge No. 316.

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 WBro. Vincent DiGulio (CHIP and public relations), WBro. Terry Grove (CHIP), VWBro. Mike Davis (President of CHIP Board of Directors), VWBro. Coe Tug Morgan (Asst. Grand Secretary Emeritus), VWBro. Charles Brockway (Special Deputy),

VWBro. Ashley Brinkley (Grand Bible Bearer), VWBro. Jim Maher (Deputy of the Grand Master District No. 5), MWBro. Alvin Jorgensen (jurisprudence), MWBro. Richard Mecartea (Past Grand Master), and RWBro. Gale Kenney (Senior Grand Warden).  Also accepting recognition was our Worshipful Master WBro. Charles Tupper (technology committee).

They were accorded the public Grand Honors.

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

WBro. Alan Pinch (7/22/48) was honored with a rendition of “Happy Birthday” to celebrate achieving one more year in his journey through life.

PRESENTATIONS

WBro. Mark Campbell was escorted to the East by the Senior Deacon, where he was presented with a Past Master’s Certificate to commemorate his year as Master of St. John’s in 2006.

The Master then directed the Senior Deacon to escort VWBro. Jim Russell to the East, where he, too, was presented a Hiram Award for Outstanding Service to the lodge.  RWBro. Gale Kenney congratulated VWBro. Russell, and declared that both brothers were well deserving of this honor. VWBro. Russell was also accorded the Public Grand Honors of Masonry.

 VWBro. Maher added that both brothers have taken similar paths in Masonry, beginning as Dad Advisors in DeMolay, Masters of the lodge, and have served as Deputies of the Grand Master for District No. 5.  Both Brothers received a Standing Ovation from the Lodge.

MASONIC EDUCATION

The Master addressed the brethren and guests with a short talk on the subject of “friendship.”  He stated that friends are those who, in a kindly manner, admonish us in our laxity and forgetfulness.  They remind us that we must do better.  They are with us in our time of need.  Friendship sustains us.  There is a greater need for friendship today than ever before.  He stated that in this lodge we see more friendship exhibited than in most other lodges.  Worshipful Master Tupper concluded his remarks with the following quote: “He who has a thousand friends has not a friend to spare, And he who has one enemy will meet him everywhere.  Ali ibn-Abi-Talib, A Hundred Sayings (602 AD - 661 AD)

COMMUNICATIONS

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

Acceptance and regrets have been received from various Masters and Wardens to attend our 147^th Anniversary Dinner on September 8^th, 2007.

The Greenwood-Phinney Chamber of Commerce encourages all members and neighbors to attend the Greenwood Seafair Parade, Wednesday evening, July 25^th.

Thank you letters have been received for our contributions to the Greenwood Food Bank and the University of Washington Diabetes Care Center.

We have received the 2006 annual report from Mercy Corps, which continues to channel funds and volunteers to assist wherever necessary around the world.

The Grand Lodge of Washington sends word that seven pages of changes are available for the recently issued Monitor/Cipher and that those who have purchased same should contact the Grand Lodge office for the corrected copies.

MWBro. Grand Master Wayne Smith has issued his blessing to use the Masonic Emblem and the word “Mason” to be used in all approved Lodge Websites.  Also, MWBro. Smith encourages the use of Masonic Aprons when attending Divine Services and community parades “clothed as Masons.”  The Worshipful Master of the Lodge which is sponsoring the event must approve of such appearance and record his approval in the Minutes of the Lodge.

We have received newsletters and trestleboards from the Phinney Neighborhood Association, our private investment with Conversay, the Master Masons Masonic Park, Eureka Lodge No. 20, Diamond Lodge No. 83, Doric Lodge No. 92, and Daylight Lodge No. 232.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Bro. David Long reported that the Torchlight Parade Float will be seen live and on TV, Saturday, July 28.  Five members of the Masonic community will be riding on the float, including the Grand Master, Grand Honored Queen, State Master Councilor, and representatives of the Eastern Star and Rainbow for Girls.  Ten members of the Craft will be able to walk with the float, carrying a banner identifying the Masons of St. John’s.  Volunteers to walk with the float include WBro. Charles Tupper, VWBro. Ashley Brinkley, Bros. Brad Greco, and David Long.

WBro. Hans Wehl announced that items from the company store will be on display and for sale following the meeting.  He encouraged the ladies to have a look at what is on display.  He added that some new items will be coming.

Bro. George Rine reported that the annual lodge picnic will be Sunday, August 12, and encouraged everyone to come out and to bring their families.  The Nile space is reserved, and rentals from Miller Rentals have been arranged.  He asked for volunteers to assist with the games and entertainment, to set up, and to tear down.  Reservations are requested and should be directed to the Secretary.

Bro. Jim Wold reported that the Teen Feed held in the University District this Monday went well, with about 10-12 brothers assisting.  We served 35-40 “kids.”  All were very pleased to be eating steak and baked potatoes and salad.  Extra portions of food were taken to the community shelter between NE 40^th and NE 43^rd, west of 15^th NE.

As the lodge will be responsible for the Master Mason degree at the 2008 Open Air degree at the Masonic Park, the Master encouraged the brothers to attend this year’s presentation.  The 2007 43^rd annual Open Air degree will be Saturday, August 4.  Breakfast will be served between 7am and 10am at Damascus Lodge No. 199 in Granite Falls ($4).  Registration ($5) at the park gate will be between 8am to 10am.  Coffee and donuts will be available at the big kitchen.  Yancey C. Blalock Lodge No. 265 will open lodge at 10am.  Sometime around noon the drama section of the third degree will be presented by Filipino Masons of Greater Seattle degree team.  The Masonic Park will serve a dinner ($10) after the degree until 5pm.  There will be entertainment for the ladies at Dream Camp, with a light brunch ($4) at the Rainbow Chalet.

Brothers Ashley (Lisa) Brinkley, Adam Creighton, Vinny DiGiulio, Al Jorgensen, Gale Kenney, Ken Lane, David Long, Joe Oates, George Rine, Jim Russell, Charles Tupper, Hans Wehl, Jim Wold, and Darrel Womack indicated their interest in attending the event.

WBro. Ken Lane, Sr. reported that the investigating committee has not been able to meet with petitioner Adam Munday because he has been in Colorado.  His grandfather MWBro. Richard Mecartea explained that he is in training to improve his ice skating skills, with an eye on the Olympics.

Bro. Jim Wold briefly spoke about his coming participation, along with his son Tyler, in a 102.5 KZOK – FM radio on-air session to raise money for Ethiopian families.  Bro. Wold will be interviewed sometime between 8:30 and 10am and he hopes to spread the word about our fraternity and St. John’s Lodge with a donation.  The program is sponsored by World Vision and aims to purchase goats to be given to families in Ethiopia.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The brethren are reminded of the following dates of interest:

• July 25:  Greenwood Seafair Parade (assemble at 6pm)
• July 28 (7:30)pm:  Seafair Torchlight Parade
• August 8 (5pm):  Board of Trustees – College Club August 9 (7pm):  EA degree
• August 12 (11am – 4pm):  Lodge picnic at Nile (Sunday)
• August 15 (6:15pm) 7:30pm:  St. John’s 9 (dinner) Stated (casual dress)
• August 22 (7pm): FC degree
• August 28 (7:30pm):  King Co. Masonic Library (Delta-White Center)
• September 8 (6pm):  147^th Anniversary Celebration with Jim Foote as Theodore Roosevelt (College Club)

WBro. Jim Lumsden invited the brethren to come to the Greenwood Seafair Parade dressed as Masons to march with the Masonic float.  The brothers will assemble at the old Lelani (bowling) Lanes about 5:30pm.

The Master encouraged the brothers to attend the 147^th Anniversary Dinner on September 8.  VWBro. James Foote will be present in the character role of Pres. Theodore Roosevelt.  [A check was cut for $1,265.28 post-Lodge to secure the appearance of VWBro. Foote.  Authorization to do so was previously approved at our December 2006 stated communication.]

LODGE CALLED FROM REFRESHMENT TO LABOR

The guests were excused and the lodge was called from Refreshment to Labor on the 1^st degree.

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.  The minutes reflected the following:

The Lodge opened on the third degree at 7:40 p.m., twenty-one members and four visitors in attendance. The minutes were read in short form and approved as posted; the Treasurer reported that our financial portfolio has increased 16.46% in the past year. Expenses  were approved.  Communications were read; committee reports were received.  A petition was received from Mr. Mathew Scott LaCroix for the degrees.   It was agreed to increase our 2007 operating budget by $7,000 and 2007 charity budget by $28,000; to advance funds to purchase food and supplies for the July 16^th Teen Feed; that funds be contributed to assist in the repairs and improvements of the Greenwood Masonic Center; and to authorize funds in this year’s budget for up-front expenses for a January team-building retreat.  Announcements were made.  The Lodge was closed at 9:21 p.m., peace and harmony prevailing.

TREASURER’S REPORT

The Treasurer reported that our financial portfolio has increased 16.07% during the period June 2006 to June 2007.

 EXPENSES FOR THE MONTH OF JULY

The bills, having been reviewed by three members of the finance committee (Bro. Jim Wold, VWBro. Charles Brockway, and WBro. Hans Wehl), were submitted to the Lodge for approval.  After the chairman, Bro. Wold, 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. 

BALLOTING ON PETITION

A favorable ballot was spread on Mr. Mathew Scott LaCroix for the degrees.  His investigating team had returned a unanimous recommendation that his petition should be granted.  (The previous Minutes had spelled Mathew’s name in error.)

NEW BUSINESS

Lodge Picnic

In order to facilitate the preparation for the annual lodge picnic of August 12, it was m/s/p to issue a check  to picnic chairman Bro. George Rine.

Goats – We Kid You Not!

Wednesday morning, July 25, Bro. Jim Wold and his son Tyler will be guests of the Bob Rivers show on 102.5 KZOK – FM.  At that time there will be an emphasis on raising public awareness of the needs of families in Ethiopia and to raise money to fight the poverty in their communities.  World Vision is encouraging contributions to supply goats to those families.  Goats supply milk and cheese, as well as meat.  World Vision Ethiopia is a Christian Humanitarian & Development Organization involved in sustainable community based transformational development and emergency relief with special focus on children.  Bro. Wold reports that goats are $75 apiece.  We can buy seven for $525 and they will be sent to seven families of children in the Dominican Republic and Ethiopia. He is hoping to present it on air.  It was m/s/p to pay $525 to World Vision to provide goats for seven families in Ethiopia.