July 2009 Trestleboard

From the East
By Bro. Nick Mitchell, Senior Warden

Greetings my Brothers. This month we welcome our snow bird brothers back to the nest for our annual “Herb’s Night.” Bro. George Rhine, our hard working JW, has put together a wonderful evening with entertainment provided by the Seattle Youth Orchestra. These young virtuosos will entertain us all during dinner and our guests as we conduct a short amount of business. Wives are of course welcome and we will have a fifty year pin ceremony following dinner. As a reminder, it is summer and the dress of officers and members will be business casual; no ties – no tuxes.

As we move from June to July, I continue to reflect on the recent events at St. John’s and in my musings was reminded of a poem from my youth by Samuel Coleridge: “Kubla Khan, OR, A VISION IN A DREAM. A FRAGMENT.” First published in 1816, it is a masterpiece of allusion and well worth reading. Enjoy my Brothers and be well.

In Xanadu did Kubla Khan	Five miles meandering with a mazy motion
A stately pleasure-dome decree	Thru wood and dale the sacred river ran,
Where Alph, the sacred river, ran	Then reached the caverns measureless
Through caverns measureless to man	to man,
Down to a sunless sea.	And sank in tumult to a lifeless ocean:
So twice five miles of fertile ground	And mid this tumult Kubla heard from far
With walls and towers were girdled round:	Ancestral voices prophesying war!
And here were gardens bright with	The shadow of the dome of pleasure
sinuous rills	Floated midway on the waves:
Where blossomed many an	Where was heard the mingled measure
incense bearing tree;	From the fountain and the caves.
And here were forests ancient as the hills,	It was a miracle of rare device,
Enfolding sunny spots of greenery.	A sunny pleasure-dome with caves of ice!
But oh! that deep romantic chasm	A damsel with a dulcimer
which slanted	In a vision once I saw:
Down the green hill athwart a cedarn cover!	It was an Abyssinian maid,
A savage place! as holy and enchanted	And on her dulcimer she played,
As e’er beneath a waning moon	Singing of Mount Abora.
was haunted	Could I revive within me
By woman wailing for her demon-lover!	Her symphony and song,
And from this chasm with ceaseless	To such a deep delight ‘t would win me
turmoil seething,	That with music loud and long,
As if this earth in fast thick pants	I would build that dome in air,
were breathing	That sunny dome! those caves of ice!
A mighty fountain momently was forced;	And all who heard should see them there,
Amid whose swift half-intermitted burst	And all should cry, Beware! Beware!
Huge fragments vaulted like rebounding hail,	His flashing eyes, his floating hair!
Or chaffy grain beneath the thresher’s flail:	Weave a circle round him thrice,
And ‘mid these dancing rocks at once	And close your eyes with holy dread,
and ever	For he on honey-dew hath fed,
It flung up momently the sacred river.	And drunk the milk of Paradise.

Bylaws Adopted; Await Grand Lodge Approval

A host of changes to the bylaws of St. John's were adopted at the June stated communication and now await the signature of the Grand Master following a review by the Grand Lodge Bylaws Committee. Brothers of the Lodge rejected a proposed $40 increase to our dues level and additional fees for petitioners for plural membership.

Following an increase in per capita tax adopted at this year’s Grand Lodge annual communication, 2010 annual dues for St. John's will be $16. Dues this year are $13.

Online Trestleboard Expanded Format in 2010

The online St. John's Trestleboard is moving to an expanded e-mail format in 2010! If you wish to continue to receive St. John's Trestleboard in print format after December 2009, please contact Jim Russell at stjohns9@seattlemasons.org.

CALENDAR

· July 13 (7-9pm): Ritual instruction classes at Greenwood Masonic Center

· July 15 (6:15pm) 7:30pm: St. John’s 9 (dinner) Stated; Herb’s Night – Ladies invited

· August 1 (8am): Masonic Park Open Air degree featuring RCMP

· August 6 (5:30pm): Museum of Flight - lodge outing

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

· August 11 (6pm): Officers Meeting

· August 12 (6pm): Board of Trustees

· August 19 (6:15pm) 7:30pm: St. John’s 9 (dinner) Stated (casual dress)

HERB’S NIGHT to feature Seattle Youth Symphony group

3^rd Wednesday in July; Ladies welcome!

Bring your lady and enjoy our 10^th annual Herb’s Night on the 3^rd Wednesday this month, July 15. We'll celebrate Herb's Night as we have done every year since 2000. Wear your tropical shirt and Hawaiian lei and prepare to have a little fun. Dinner will be served at 6:15. Junior Warden George Rine has arranged for a group from the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra to entertain our brothers and their ladies and guests. A 50-year brother will receive his pin in recognition of years of service, as well.

This evening is especially designed to encourage our ladies and guests to join us for an evening of entertainment.

Who is (or was) Herb? When we first began to celebrate Herb's Night, we presented Bro. Herb Gottschalk with his 50-year pin. Herb was a snow-bird who lived in Hawaii all but a couple of months (or three) out of the year and because we were "dark" during the summer months for a few years, we never got the opportunity to see him. Well, in 2000, we returned to meeting year-round, and Herb and his wife Reinee joined us at our July Stated Communication where we welcomed him in great style - encouraging everyone to dress in their best Hawaiian duds, to bring their ladies, and hear a little bit about Freemasonry.

We encouraged all our snow-birds to make a special effort to be there that evening, and helped a few "rusty Masons" to learn how to get past the Tyler.

Oh, yeah, unfortunately Herb passed away a couple of years later in 2002, but we still honor his memory with our fun-filled Herb's Night!

We’ll try to hold our business down to as little as possible, enough to pay the bills and maybe read a petition or two. The rest will be “un-tiled” and open to all visiting guests.

The ladies are invited to join us for dinner and to share in the evening’s activities.

We particularly want our snow birds and infrequent attendees to be a part of this. Please call the secretary, VWBro. Jim Russell, at (206) 623-0261 if you can join us, so that we may know how many to expect for dinner.

Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestras

The SYSO is an organization that is arts educational for the youth of our area and should be viewed as an educational charity. Much the same as our support of the reading programs in our elementary schools.

The musical performance arts are, in many ways, more demanding and educational than the curriculum in our schools. Those who are drawn to this organization are among our best youth. The excellence of their dedication and the grades they garner in the schools speak for themselves. The members of the various orchestras that make up the SYSO are mostly the top ten percent of our student population.

These young people are our best hope for the future of our city, state, and country. We first offered our support in 1975 and are happy to continue to support this organization.

A representation of these young people will be performing for St. John's at this month’s Herb’s Night, July 15.

Museum of Flight: Lodge Night Out!

VWBro. Ashley Brinkley has arranged for a family fun outing at the Museum of Flight beginning at 5:30 Thursday afternoon, August 6. We will meet at the main entrance. There is a cafe there and the food is good. A brother Master Mason works as a tour guide and will show us all around, or anyone can walk around on their own. There really are a lot of things to see. Box lunches are available for a price.*

The Museum of Flight is located at the south end of Boeing Field: 9404 East Marginal Way South. There is no charge for admission on the 1^st Thursday of any month. Call the Lodge number if you can go so we don’t start without you!

Box Lunches Available for Museum of Flight Tour

BOX LUNCHES

Smoked Turkey Havarti on Sourdough Bread
Shaved Smoked Turkey, Lettuce, Tomato with Dijon Mayo on the side
Portobello Veggie Sandwich
Grilled Portabella Mushroom, Roasted Red Pepper, Pickled Onion, Hummus
Provolone Cheese on a Baguette
Tuna Salad on Multi-Grain Bread
Tuna Salad with Lettuce Tomato
Roast Beef Cheddar on Grain Bread
Thinly Sliced Roast Beef, Cheddar Cheese, Lettuce, and Tomato with Mustard Mayo on the side
Grilled Chicken Caesar - Sliced Breast of Chicken with Homemade Croutons, Parmigiano- Reggiano Cheese - Caesar Dressing

The above lunches come with Tim’s Chips, Whole Fruit, Cookie, and bottled Spring Water.

Napkins, utensil (if necessary) and condiments also included.
(note: the Caesar salad does not come with chips.

Guarantee is due three business days prior to pick up or delivery time. Additional orders will be accepted subject to availability. $10.45+tax each

NINE CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF MASONRY

We are happy to acknowledge nine of our members who celebrate 50 years of Masonic brotherhood this year: Jerome Alhadeff, Raymond Lundy, Alfred Anthony, Denis Lane, Ray Bailey, Hans Wehl, Dick Loeb, James O’Conner, and Gilbert Mullen.

Bro. Nick Mitchell has announced that the Lodge family picnic has been

cancelled for this year.

GRAND LODGE HONORS TWO FROM ST. JOHN’S

WBros. Charles Tupper and Darrel Womack each received special recognition at the annual communication of Grand Lodge in Spokane last month.

WBro. Tupper received a “Traveling Man” award for his travels and presence at lodges and events throughout the Grand Jurisdiction of Washington. WBro. Charlie put at least 30,000 miles on his odometer as he “preached” the importance of websites at regional workshops, Lodge programs, and other Masonic events throughout Washington.

WBro. Darrel Womack probably had as many miles under his belt (and helped to keep Charlie awake on those many trips) as he logged hours behind the camera taking photographs of Masonic action throughout the state. For his efforts over the years, WBro. Darrel was named “Mason of the Year.”

Congratulations and kudus for all the effort and good work by WBros. Tupper and Womack!

“If money is your hope for independence you will never have it. The only real security that a man will have in this world is a reserve of knowledge, experience, and ability.” Bro. Henry Ford

Masonic Park Open Air degree

The 45^th annual open air degree at the Masonic Park will be Saturday, August 1. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Masons will be conferring the Master Mason degree.

Damascus Lodge No. 199 will, once again, offer the attendees their famous Open Air Saturday Breakfast in Granite Falls previous to the degree.

The ladies will be welcomed at Dream Camp where there will be entertainment. A $5 brunch will be provided for the ladies at the Rainbow Chalet.

There will be a fellowship hour and lunch following the degree. Dress code for this is Casual except for the Grand Lodge team which will dress as directed by the Grand Master.

CHEF STEVE HOFER ANNOUNCES HE’LL RETIRE

Caterer Steve Hofer has announced that he will be retiring from the catering biz with this month’s final meal being dished up at St. John's. His ever-cheerful and irreverent waitress/wench Bobby Graff, who has served many dinners and table lodge repasts, first gave Steve notice that she would be retiring to care for her granddaughter. Steve said, “If she’s going to retire, maybe it’s time for me to do the same!”

This month the Lodge will be honoring Steve for his many years (15?) of delicious service.

ST. JOHN’S WELL-REPRESENTED

Our newly-elected Grand Master MWBro. Gale H. Kenney has selected 15 St. John's brothers to be part of his 2009-2010 Grand Lodge team:

1.    MWBro. Gale Kenney, Grand Master

2.    MWBro. Al Jorgensen, Jurisprudence; MRC

3.    MWBro. Dick Mecartea, PGM

4.    MWBro. Sat Tashiro, Jurisprudence; CHIP Foundation

5.    VWBro. Jim Russell, Junior Grand Steward

6.    WBro. Dennis Archambault, Credentials

7.    VWBro. Mike Davis, Chmn. CHIP Foundation

8.    WBro. Terry Grove, Chmn. CHIP Committee; Charity

9.    WBro. Vinny DiGulio, CHIP Committee

10. VWBro. Jim Maher, Finance; Long Range Planning; Landmark on the Sound Trustee; MRC

11. VWBro. Chuck Brockway, Membership Development

12. WBro. Darrel Womack, Chmn. Photographers

13. Bro. David Choe, Photographer

14. WBro. Hans Wehl, Public Schools Committee

15. WBro. Charles Tupper, Technology Committee

16. Bro. Vince Kodikal, Technology Committee

VWBro. Mike Cuadra (141 - 149) will continue to serve for a second year as our Deputy of the Grand Master.

Good leadership requires you to surround yourself with people of diverse perspectives who can disagree with you without fear of retaliation. Doris Kearns Goodwin

Doric Lodge Comes Alive in Fremont

Members of Doric Lodge No. 92 put their heart and soul into this year’s Fremont Solstice Fair last month. With creative energy, the tools of Freemasonry marched in the “funky” parade. Shown here are emblems depicting the plumb, the square, the common gavel and the trowel. Of course the square and 24-inch gage were equally well represented.

The brethren of Doric show their enthusiasm for Freemasonry and let everyone know this Lodge is alive in Fremont!

Two vultures board an airplane, each carrying three dead raccoons. The stewardess looks at them and says, "Sorry, gentlemen, only two carrions allowed per passenger."

I now present you with this lambskin or white leather apron

Let us all remember that day when we were first initiated as an Entered Apprentice Mason and given our white apron. It was the Master of the Lodge who said: "My Brother, I now present you with this lambskin or white leather apron. It is an emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason; more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle; and, when worthily worn, more honorable than the Star and Garter, or any other Order that could be conferred upon you, at this time, or at any future period, by King, Prince, Potentate, or any other person, except he be a Mason. It is hoped that you will wear this emblem with equal pleasure to yourself and honor to the Fraternity.

“It is yours; yours to wear throughout an honorable life and, at your death, to be placed upon the coffin that shall contain your mortal remains, and be with them laid in their final resting place. Lets its pure and spotless surface be to you an ever-present reminder of a purity of life and rectitude of conduct, a never-ending inspiration for nobler deeds, for higher thoughts, for greater achievements; and when at last our weary feet shall have come to the end of life's toilsome journey, may the record of your life and actions be as pure and spotless as this fair emblem.”

Brothers: please discuss this most important episode in our lives as a Mason with your families. I did. It helps our loved ones to understand what Masonry means to us. I recommend reading "the apron lecture" to them.

And don’t forget to let them know that you’d like your apron to accompany you to that distant shore.

HERE AND ABOUT

The annual Square and Compass Outdoor Jamboree will be held July 10^th, 11^th, and 12^th at Wenatchee River County Park. Reservations for breakfast, dinner and golf should be made. . . . The annual open air degree at the Masonic Park has been announced for Saturday, August 1. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Masons will be conferring the Master Mason degree. . . . A “unity march” with members of Prince Hall Masons will be held Sunday, August 2^nd in DuPont, Washington. . . .   Masons will be recognized at a special Masonic Lodge Night at the Tacoma Rainiers, Sunday, August 16. Tickets are infield Reserved Seats behind home plate.

CHIPs

This program gives the parents of every participating child the tools they need for identification of that child should he or she ever become missing.

At CHIPs events trained volunteers make a video of the child, take an impression of the teeth, make a DNA swab, and take the child's fingerprints. These are put into a kit which is given to the parents for safekeeping and nothing is retained by CHIPs except a signed permission slip.

Give yourself peace of mind and participate when CHIPs has an event in your area!

The probability of recovering a child is directly proportional to the quality and quantity of accurate, current identification data available on them, and the speed and breadth of the response to the situation.

It is the goal of CHIPs to help families be prepared for a lost, missing, or kidnapped child by having, in hand, the exact kind of high quality information / data on the child that news agencies and law enforcement needs to provide the best and most diverse response to the crises.

A LITTLE RUSTY, PERHAPS?

Have you been away from lodge for a few years? Perhaps even a few decades? Is"embarrassment" keeping you away from your lodge?
We We have heard that too many members in every lodge (even one is too many!), are staying away because they can't remember the modes of recognition or some other such foolishness. They are embarrassed so they stay away from their own Lodge.
Please brethren, you should not be ashamed of forgetting things you may not have used for years, but you should be ashamed of yourself for thinking this matters to the members of St. John's Lodge No. 9!

We would be overjoyed if you would only give us the chance to help you remember these small matters. We can assure you it happens to everybody, and it will all come back to you in short order! You owe it to yourself, and us, to come back to lodge and give us the pleasure of each other's company!
We see it as a great honor to help a brother return to a more active participation in our fraternity. There is not one man among us who would ever consider criticizing another brother about such a minor matter, and we can assure you we all want you to return to the fun and fellowship which distinguish our Lodge.
We don't bite, so you can feel very safe and confident if you just come back to Lodge and extend a simple hand of friendship. We will be happy to refresh your memory and get you back into a meeting. Just remember to bring your dues card with you!
Please give this a little thought and come back this month. We will all be very glad if you do! While you're at it, bring your family and friends to Herb’s Night and other social events.

Brother John Stafford Smith
Brother John Stafford Smith (1750-1836) of Inverness Lodge #4 in London was the author of the tune used for our National Anthem.

Brother Smith was born in 1750 and christened in Gloucester Cathedral. After his education at the Cathedral School he was a choir boy at the Chapel Royal London. He also studied under Dr. Boyce. He gained a reputation as a fine organist and composer and gained membership of the select Anachreonic Society. Members have included J. S. Bach, Henry Purcell and James Boswell.

In 1780 he composed the music to the society’s constitutional song. It was entitled "To Anachreon in Heaven ". It was inspired by a 6th century Greek poet and was about the pleasures of wine and love. The song was, at one time, used by an Irish Masonic Orphan's Home as their song.

He played as organist at the Three Choirs Festival in 1790 at Gloucester. He died in 1836 at the age of eighty-five, allegedly from a grape-pip lodged in his windpipe.

His song became popular in England and America. During the war of 1812, the British fleet attacked Fort McHenry which protected Baltimore. Frances Scott Key was aboard a British war ship trying to get the release of an American prisoner. He was held so that he could not pass on any warning about the attack. When the sun rose next morning he notice the Stars and Stripes was still flying. He then penned the following words to the tune of John Stafford Smith's song.

Star Spangled Banner

Oh! say, can you see, by the dawns early light

What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last Gleaming

Whose broad Stripes and bright Stars, thro' the perilous fight

O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming

and the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air

Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.

Oh! say, does the star spangled banner yet wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more!
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

This was printed on hand bills the next day and distributed through Baltimore. Interestingly, although the American navy and army had recognized the Star Spangled Banner as the National Anthem of the United States for some time, it was not until 1931 that it was officially recognized by Congress. You will see the stars and stripes flying from Gloucester Cathedral to this day because of this connection.

Kids looking for that St. John's picnic?