t each Stated Communication of St. John's Lodge many of our members come early in order to spend a few extra minutes with those they do not see between meetings.  Ladies are always welcome at our dinners and many take advantage of this to see their friends from the Lodge and to see the monthly before Lodge entertainment or educational presentation.

This month the Master had invited our Most Worshipful Grand Master to attend our dinner and Stated Communication.  Most Worshipful Brother Wayne I. Smith accepted and arrived early to take advantage of being able to visit with the membership, ladies, and guests of the Lodge.  He also got a look at the Grand Lodge Poster for 2007-2008 which the Worshipful Master and the Lodge and Grand Lodge photographer, Darrel Womack, had put together for the year.

Promptly at 6:15 the Chaplain offered a prayer and the Lodge sat down to an excellent meal of Stuffed Chicken, Noodles Alfredo, and vegetable along with salad and dessert.  For the next half hour or so all that could be heard was the sound of utensils and happy members as they consumed this offering.

PROGRAM OF EDUCATION

Before and following dinner, Ms Heidi Fray, Executive Director of Rite Care of the Scottish Rite and Mr. Ed Medeiros, Executive Director of the Phinney Neighborhood Association, spoke to the dinner guests about their organizations.  They expressed their gratitude for the support shown by the members of St. John’s Lodge.

Rite Care for many years has been known as the Scottish Rite Speech and Language Disability Clinic.  The Seattle Scottish Rite sponsors clinics and screening services for Washington children with communications disorders and language differences.  With 200 clinics, reading centers, and programs available nationwide, the Scottish Rite is the largest private sponsor of communications problems in children in the United States.

Phinney Neighborhood Association is a non-profit community organization founded in 1980 by Phinney neighbors to build community. The PNA provides and promotes programs, services and activities aimed at encouraging connections between neighbors and fostering civic involvement in a diverse community.  Headquartered in a restored elementary school building, the PNA has developed an active community center that not only serves as a focus of Seattle's Phinney/Greenwood neighborhood, but offers a wide variety of programs and activities open to anyone in the Puget Sound region.

MASTER MASON PROFICIENCY

Following dinner and prior to opening of Lodge, Bro. Vince Kodikal demonstrated his proficiency as a Master Mason.

 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 in the pledge to the flag.

INTRODUCTIONS

Following the Tyler’s invitation to join his brethren, the Worshipful Master called upon the Senior Deacon to introduce our visitors with the exception of Masters, Wardens, and Grand Lodge officers and committeemen.  In attendance and receiving a warm St. John’s welcome were four visiting brothers.

The Master introduced the Past Masters and the Affiliated Past Masters of the Lodge, and expressed his appreciation for the strong support these brothers have given to the lodge.

The Senior Warden introduced his counterparts, Bro. Andy Anderson, Senior Warden of Daylight Lodge No. 232, and VWBro. Mike Davis, Senior Warden of Queen Anne Lodge No. 242, who were accorded a St. John’s welcome.

 The Master introduced VWBro. David Campbell, Master of Eureka Lodge No. 20, WBro. Roger Barnstead, St. Andrews Lodge No. 35, and WBro. Ken Lane, Jr., Esoterika Lodge No. 316.  They were accorded the public grand honors.

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. Charles Tupper (technology), WBro. Darrel Womack (public relations), WBro. Terry Grove (CHIP), WBro. Vincent DiGulio (CHIP and public relations), VWBro. Mike Davis (CHIP), VWBro. Chuck Brockway (Special Deputy), VWBro. James Maher (DDGM5), VWBro. Coe Morgan (Asst. Grand Secretary emeritus), WBro. Roger Barnstead (Senior Grand Steward), VWBro. Ashley Brinkley (Grand Bible Bearer), MWBro. Alvin Jorgensen (jurisprudence), MWBro. Sat Tashiro (jurisprudence), MWBro. Richard Mecartea (Past Grand Master), and RWBro. Gale Kenney (Senior Grand Warden). 

They were accorded the public Grand Honors.

RECEPTION OF THE GRAND MASTER

The Master directed the Senior Deacon to seek out the Grand Master and present him at the altar.  MWBro. Wayne Smith was accompanied by WBro. Hans Wehl.  The Master greeted MWBro. Smith at the altar and escorted him to the East where he was greeted with the public grand honors, given the hat and gavel, and invited to run the Lodge.  MWBro. Smith Returned the gavel and hat and instructed WBro. Tupper to conduct the Stated Communication of the Lodge.

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 over the previous 12-month period ending July 31, 2007, our portfolio has increased 12.53%.  The market has erased some of that gain this month.

EXPENSES FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST

The bills, having been reviewed by three acting members of the finance committee (VWBro. Charles Brockway, MWBro. Al Jorgensen, and WBro. Terry Grove), were submitted to the Lodge for approval.  After the acting chairman, MWBro. Jorgensen, 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 a white jacket with the Square & Compasses once owned by our late Bro. Frank Cushman.  It has been dry-cleaned and is a size XL.  His daughter Sharon Cushman thanks us for our thoughtfulness and caring and expresses her hope that a brother of the Lodge may enjoy wearing it.

Brother Robert Johnson expresses his regrets that he was unable to attend our Herb’s Night festivities and looks forward to receiving his forty year pin.

We have received a synapses of the 150^th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Washington.  187 of 191 lodges in this jurisdiction attended the annual communication in Kennewick.  The Grand Lodge announces that the suspension of a brother by then Grand Master MWBro. Charles McQuery has been upheld.  Also, that a Past Grand Master of British Columbia and Yukon has been suspended by that jurisdiction.  As he is also a member of Genesis Lodge No. 305, he is also suspended in this jurisdiction.

We are officially informed that the dissolution of the King County Masonic Library is complete.  The KCML assets are now the sole property of the Grand Lodge Library.

We have received a letter from the Lodge Officers and Members Association, which will require lodge action.

We have received newsletters and trestleboards from Heirloom Bible Publishers, Conversay, the Phinney Neighborhood Association, HOPE Heart newsletter, Diamond Lodge No. 83, and Doric Lodge No. 92.  Please take home the extra copies of the HOPE Heart newsletter for healthy reading.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Bro. George Rine reported on the recent St. John’s picnic, thanking the many brothers who helped to make it a success.  Special thanks were extended to WBros. Ken Lane, Sr. (and wife Darlene), Ken Lane, Jr., Terry Grove, Bros. Rick Heston, Ken Wehl, and VWBro. Chuck Brockway for their assistance.  Approximately 83 adults and nine children participated, somewhat below our usual count. 

The Junior Warden announced that there will be a Fellowcraft degree on Wednesday, August 22, for at least two, possibly three candidates.  He encouraged all to attend the degree and to offer their support.

VWBro. Chuck Brockway reported on the actions of the Board of Trustees.  Opportunities to offer programs for the ladies while the men attend Stated Communications were presented.  A proposal to consider a trip to Leavenworth was received.  Our financial portfolio reached a new high through the end of the 2^nd quarter, but dropped following a major market downturn in July and early August.  Three brothers remain delinquent in their 2007 dues.    Reservations continue to come in for our 147^th anniversary dinner.  It was agreed to discontinue a program to grant funds toward the purchase of a tuxedo to new officers.  We will attempt to see if additional space might be available at Greenwood Masonic Center for storage.  It was agreed to ask chairs of five committees to complete committee commitment forms as a trial organizational change for 2008.  It was decided that all future audits shall be done internally.  The next scheduled meeting will be held at the Greenwood Masonic Center library, Wednesday, October 10, at 5pm for preliminary 2008 budget preparation.

The Master reported that the Anniversary Dinner is being well-handled by Bro. Iain Cameron, and that VWBro. James Foote of Saratoga, NY, will be our featured guest.  The Secretary reported that about 60 reservations have been received to date.

WBro. Ken Lane, Jr. thanked the lodge for its support of the scholarship committee’s efforts, and reported that 17 students have been awarded scholarships, with the possible addition of a couple of more.

MASONIC EDUCATION

The Master offered a story about a lodge who initiated a new brother into the fraternity.  Following the ceremony, the Master addressed the young man, who had expressed his gratitude that he had been accepted as a brother.  The young man had made a series of mis-steps in his young life from the time he was six years old through his teen years.  Along the way brothers of the lodge had stepped in to give him a hand, acting as surrogate fathers to the son of a deceased brother.  He became a good student, a good citizen, and eventually had received a scholarship sponsored by the lodge.  When he asked to become a Mason, the brothers were only too happy to take him by the hand as a brother.

GREETING BROTHERS ON THE LEVEL

The Master called the lodge “free from restraint” for a period of five minutes and invited the brethren to mingle and to greet each other upon the level.

MEMORIAL SCROLLS

Memorial scrolls were read for Bros. Glenn Sherman Lee and John P. Digby, followed by a memorial service by WBro. Ken Lane, Jr

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

Bro. Rich Hawley (8/3/48), MWBro. Richard Mecartea (8/9/22), and WBro. Terry Grove (8/12/50) were honored with a rendition of “Happy Birthday” to celebrate achieving one more year in their journey through life.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Anniversary Dinner

Hotel and travel expenses and honorarium need to be sent to VWBro. James Foote, who will portray Pres. Teddy Roosevelt at our 147^th Anniversary Dinner.  Pres. Roosevelt was a brother Mason and Theodore Roosevelt Lodge No. 229 consolidated with this lodge December 31, 1997.  It was m/s/p to send the needed funds to James Foote for expenses and honorarium for the 147^th anniversary dinner.

NEW BUSINESS

Nile Advertising Golf Bench

The Treasurer reported that our advertising on one of the benches at the Nile Shrine golf course is up for renewal.  He m/s/p that we renew our sponsorship  for one year.

Lodge Officers and Members Programs

The lodge received a letter from the President of the District 5 Lodge Officers and Members Association requesting that lodges in the district contribute $2 per member to support the LOMA activities for the year.  These include the annual Youth Halloween Night, the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra Pizza Party, and the Reception for the Grand Master.  It is also hoped to conduct a one-day educational session on Freemasonry for the general public.  We have allowed funds in our budget for LOMA dues,  the Halloween party, and  the Grand Master’s reception.  It was m/s/p that funds be sent to the Lodge Officers and Members Association for the per member appeal. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 The brethren were reminded of the following dates of interest:

August 22 (7pm): Fellowcraft degree

September 8 (6pm):  147^th Anniversary Celebration with Jim Foote as Theodore Roosevelt (College Club)

September 10 (7-9pm):  Ritual instruction classes at Greenwood Masonic Center

September 11 (6:30pm):  Master Mason degree

September 19 (6:15pm) 7:30pm:  St. John’s 9 (dinner) Stated Wild Socks and Tie Contest – Prizes for top 4

 The Master encouraged all who might be interested in officer positions to attend the classes on ritual held each  2^nd Monday of the Month. 

GOOD OF THE ORDER

VWBro. James Maher encouraged the brethren to attend the Entered Apprentice degrees at Daylight Lodge No. 232 this coming Saturday, August 18.

 Bro. Andy Anderson appealed to the brethren to consider assisting with the travel expenses to England to enable his wife Ms Carla Hilderbrand to audition for further opera training.  She is an accomplished artist, and has entertained at a number of local Masonic events, including the past two District 5 receptions for the Grand Master.  Ms Hilderbrand studied for her Masters in Music at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, where she received a full tuition opera performance assistantship. Carla just finished the Portland Opera To Go Program for Emerging Professionals where she performed Rosina Dainty Mouth (the witch) in their production of Hansel and Gretel and the title role of Carmen in a concert production held in conjunction with Eastern Oregon University. The expense will be $1,000 to $2,000; the trip will be this October.

WBro. Barnstead invited the brethren to attend St. Andrews Lodge No. 35 on Saturday, September 1, which will be their annual Corn, Wine and Oil Night.  Dinner will be served at 6:45pm.  The Job’s Daughters will be performing their Closing Cross ceremony.

Bro. Chris Carney announced that Esoterika Lodge No. 316 will be installing officers this coming Friday.  The installation will be public.

WBro. Hans Wehl reminded the brethren that WBro. Mike Rust is at Swedish Hospital undergoing another round of chemotherapy, and would appreciate any visits or calls.

The Master announced that Bro. Vincent Kodikal had satisfactorily demonstrated his proficiency as a Master Mason.

GRAND MASTER’S MESSAGE

The Master presented a check to MWBro. Wayne Smith for the Grand Lodge Masonic Youth support.  Additionally, he presented as a personal token of his respect a custom-designed Masonic cannon, engraved with the Grand Master’s crest and invited the Grand Master to address the lodge.  MWBro. Smith was deeply moved and acknowledged that in his busy schedule

and in his travels, he is blessed with the opportunity to meet many of the 18,000 Masons who make up this jurisdiction.  He said that each time he travels, he receives more than he can give in friendship and brotherly love.  He encouraged the brethren to respond to the recent lapel pin appeal, where the net proceeds go to the Masonic youth in our community.  Additionally, he pleaded for those who have not yet purchased a personalized Masonic license plate to do so, as the extra money generated from those sales is directed to the Rite Care program of the Scottish Rite.  Our sales have fallen short on our promises to the Department of Licenses.  The Masonic plate is a way to let the world know who we are.  We say to the men in our community, “To be one – ask one.”  To do that, they must be able to know who to ask.  Lastly, take with you “to the outer world,” the tenets of Freemasonry.

CLOSING OF LODGE