WHAT THE WORLD KNOWS ABOUT MASONRY
Is What it Knows About Me
he world may know a little more about Freemasonry thanks to
Dan Brown’s latest book The Lost Symbol, but let’s face it, what
the world knows about Masonry as well as what the new Mason
(let's say two years or less) knows about Masonry are what they know about you
and me as Masons.
People in general, non-Masons, for the most part have no clue what
Masonry is or is about. They may have had a relative who was a Mason, but they
still don't know anything about Masonry except for what they know about the
Mason himself. They may look up Masonry in the Dictionary or Encyclopedia
but that does not really explain the depth, as we know, of Masonry. By and large
they will make their judgments and assessments of Masonry by what they know
about Masons they know and whether they have a favorable opinion of them.
The same can be said for the new Mason in lodge. For the most part the
folks that come into Masonry do so without a lot of pre-knowledge of it and learn
as they go. But, they do start to form varying opinions as they get to know their
lodge brothers. This can be good or bad depending on who they meet.
Now, we can’t be all things to all people and I am not suggesting that we
do so nor can we be perfect in our actions and behavior at all times. But, if a
person meets a Mason and knows they are a Mason, and that Mason is a selfrighteous
opinionated jerk then that is what this person will think Masonry
consists of – self-righteous opinionated jerks.
Or, if they consider the man to be dishonest, or a drunk, or a racist that is
what Masonry will be to them. A place for dishonest racist drunks.
In my own experience I had the fortune to meet some really fine Masons
early on. In the meantime I have met some less than desirable examples of what
we say Masonry should be. And this is what this is playing to, Masonry does
have a “press” to live up to. All the “good” things we Masons say about
Masonry, all the “we make good men better” slogans.
But if the world at large or even new Masons do not find the rhetoric to
be true it is Masonry they will fault and not simply the person who set the poor
example.
I don’t believe we should dismiss or “shove under the rug” or shoutdown
these issues when they are raised, for they point to some of the very real
and fundamental problems of the Craft, the notion of its members actually living
by it precepts. The idea of its members living up to the press we put forth.
The bottom line is – You are Masonry, I am Masonry. It does not get
any more basic than that.
2010 Dues $15
Statements for our 2010 annual lodge
dues were mailed at the end of October.
Dues are payable before the end of this
year. In this lodge, those who have been
members of the Fraternity for 40 years,
or are Life Members, or who have served
as Master of St. John’s (as well as our
consolidated lodges) are no longer
obligated to pay dues.
Because I am a Freemason…
I believe that freedom of religion is
an inalienable human right and
tolerance an indispensable trait of
human character; therefore, I will
stand in my Lodge with Brothers of
all faiths, and respect their beliefs as
they respect mine, and I will
demonstrate the spirit of Brotherhood
in all aspects of my life.
CALENDAR
 November 9 (7-9pm): Ritual
instruction classes at Greenwood
Masonic Center
 November 9 (7pm): Eureka
Lodge No. 20 Installation of Officers
 November 16 (7pm): Greenwood
Lodge Fellowship Night – dinner &
games
 November 18 (3pm): Board of
Trustees (change of date and time)
 November 18 (6:15pm) 7:30pm:
St. John’s 9 (dinner) Stated Election
of Officers, Past Masters Night
 November 21 (10am): Daylight
Lodge That’s Entertainment! “2nd
Annual Daylight Talent Show”
 November 25 (7pm): District 5
LOMA meeting
 November 26: Thanksgiving Day
 December 12 (10am): Installation
of Officers (Saturday morning)
followed by light lunch
 December 16 (6:15pm) 7:30pm:
St. John’s 9 (dinner) Stated
T
PAST MASTERS FETED IN NOVEMBER
Officer Elections, 2010 Budget Presented
This month, St. John’s Lodge No. 9 will hold its annual election of officers for the coming year, adopt the 2010
budget, and honor our Past Masters with special recognition for their years of service. As is our usual custom,
Past Masters will conclude the evening by taking stations and places to close the Lodge, this year under the
leadership of Past Master, WBro. Charlie Tupper.
Junior Warden George Rine has arranged for a return visit by Dr. Irl Hirsch, Medical Director of
the University of Washington Diabetes Care Center. Our ladies are invited to join us for dinner and
to learn the latest discoveries in research on the cure or prevention of diabetes.
Offices open for election will be the Master, Wardens, Treasurer, Secretary and one Trustee. Any member who is
proficient as a Master Mason is eligible to be elected to one of these offices. Two brothers have expressed interest in
seeking a currently vacant seat and 4-year term as a Trustee.
The Board of Trustees has prepared a budget for 2010
which will be recommended to the brethren for action at
this Stated Communication. It represents 5% of our (July
31) portfolio, with 67% allocated for operating expenses
and 33% for charities.
Dr. Irl Hirsch is a professor of medicine and holds the
Diabetes Treatment and Teaching Chair at
the University of Washington School of
Medicine in Seattle. He graduated from
medical school at the University of
Missouri, performed his internal medicine
training at the University of Miami and
Mt. Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach,
and completed his endocrinology
fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis. Dr.
Hirsch has authored over 100 papers, 40 editorials,
numerous book chapters, and four books both for patients
and physicians.
All Masons are invited to join us for a full evening of
programming and business. Dinner begins at 6:15. Please
let the Secretary know you and any guests will be in
attendance so we can give the chef an accurate count!
HERE AND ABOUT
Thanks to VWBro. Ashley Brinkley for
arranging tours of interest for the
Lodge July, September and
October….WBro. Errol Scott, WBro.
Hans Wehl, and VWBro. Charles
Brockway are vacationing with their
families in Hawaii.…Saturday, November 21 (10am) Daylight
Lodge will host a Talent Show as several members of the
Lodge, known for its professional entertainers, will
demonstrate their specialty in this field.…Welcome to Bro.
Eric Koteles, who was initiated into St. John's last month.
SANTA’S WORKSHOP WILL BE OPEN
WBro. Hans Wehl tells us that the company store (Santa’s
Workshop) will be open for business at this month’s stated
communication. Come see what’s available and spend
your “St. John's Bucks!” Santa and his helpers will be glad
to show you the latest in Lodge fashions.
FIVE ANNOUNCE FOR JR. GRAND WARDEN
The Grand Lodge of Washington has issued
statements of availability from those who wish to be
considered for elected offices at next June’s annual
communication. VWBro. John Booth of Grandview,
VWBro. Cary Cope of Arlington, VWBro. Jerry Lingle of
Shelton, WBro. David McCuistion of Stanwood, and
VWBro. John Sleeth of Bellingham all seek the office of
Junior Grand Warden for 2010-11.
TOP RITUAL EXHIBITED FOR DeMOLAY CLASS
VWBro. Charles Brockway reports he was impressed with the
talent displayed by the team of DeMolay brothers at last month’s
Grand Master’s Class at the Landmark on the Sound. The day
was filled with both the Initiatory and DeMolay degrees, the
Flower Talk, and the Ceremony of Lights. Twenty-three new
initiates were introduced into the Order of DeMolay.
LODGE RALLIES TO HELP FAMILIES
Each year at Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday
season, several members of St. John’s seek out families
who are in need of a little care and attention. A few days
before Thanksgiving, grocery supplies are purchased and
delivered to the homes of these families, located in the
Seattle area. When we visit with them, we have the
opportunity to get to know them and find out a little about
the children. At Christmas time, we again shop for
groceries, with an added incentive to find a few gifts that
will fit the needs of the children.
WBro. Charlie Tupper will be leading a team of
brothers to shop for food and other necessities to make
Thanksgiving a little friendlier for some of our needy
community families. Any brother of the Lodge is
encouraged to lend a hand in shopping and delivery. To
volunteer, contact Charlie at 206 406-8670.
OPEN INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
St. John's Lodge No. 9 invites all brothers and their families to
attend our annual installation of officers, Saturday morning,
December 12. Ceremonies will open at 10am, followed by
lunch at the Greenwood Masonic Center.
CURTAIN NUMBER ONE…TWO…THREE
There’s another vote scheduled for Wednesday the
21st – which caterer we prefer for future dinners at St.
John's. This will be the third provider in our search .
Brothers will be asked to vote their preference.
HOLIDAY WREATHS
The members of Job’s Daughters 28 (Ballard) are offering
Christmas wreaths to raise money to go toward their state
convention registration fees . At
$25 each, these fresh evergreen
wreaths measure 16” and are
embellished with a large ribbon bow
and pinecones to complete a festive
holiday look. Orders may be placed
with Judy Davis, Bethel Guardian,
at 206-779-5179. They may be
delivered or can be picked up at the installation of
Occidental Lodge 72 officers, Friday, December 4th.
120 Years Ago
The Territory of Washington officially became a state on
November 11, 1889, 120 years ago
this month. On November 18, 1889,
Elisha Ferry was inaugurated as our
first State Governor. November 11,
2009 we honor our veterans.
November 18, 2009, brothers of St.
John's will hold our monthly
communication to adopt a budget
and elect officers for next year.
Inauguration of Gov. Elisha Ferry, State Capitol, November 18, 1889
Courtesy UW Special Collections (Neg. UW376
FROM THE MASONIC
CODE of the Most
Worshipful Grand Lodge of
Free & Accepted Masons of
Washington:
Sec. 15.02 B.L.
Who May Vote. Only
Master Masons who are
members in good standing of the Lodge holding the
election are entitled to vote. Rev. 2000
Sec. 15.03 B.L.
Officer Qualification. All Officers of a Lodge, either
elected or appointed, shall be Master Masons in good
standing who are voting members thereof, and who
shall have passed a proficiency on the Third Degree.
Exception: The Chaplain, Musician, and Tyler, who
may be members of other Lodges. Rev. 2005
FROM A RECENT STORY IN THE CEDAR RAPIDS
IOWA PRESS:
(Masonry) is not a religion or a substitute for
religion, but members are required to believe in a
supreme being of some kind. There are no ties to specific
denominations or faiths; Masons are Christians, Jews,
Muslims and Buddhists.
Doug Heath, past Grand High Priest (Iowa) said,
"People ask questions about Masons, and we talk to them
about some things. We do have a few things that we just
don't talk about, though." They won't say, for example,
whether any living U.S. president is a Mason but will list
the deceased presidential Masons.
Heath will give you the basics about a Masons
meeting: Members sit on cushioned benches lining the
walls of the great meeting room. In the center of the room
is a table that displays an open holy book, usually the
Bible. The master of the lodge sits at the front of the
room, flanked by the secretary and treasurer.
He won't, however, tell you what is discussed at
those meetings.
Despite the things Masons won't discuss, Heath
and William Jacobson, 68, personal representative for the
Cedar Rapids Valley of the Scottish Rite, are hesitant to
call the organization ‘secret.’ "Actually, there's . . . . little
about it that's secret," Jacobson said.
"There's a lot that's private. There's a difference."
Some of the "private" information includes details
about how a man becomes a member.
"We don't allow just any man to become a
Mason," Jacobson said.
"If there were a 'great masonic secret,' it is that a
man cannot tell you how he has changed by being a
Mason, but he has," Jacobson said.
NOTE: There are a few Brothers (5) who have not
paid their 2009 dues. If these are not paid by
December 31st, you will be slated
to be dropped NPD. If this
happens, you are automatically
dropped from all the Masonic
organizations you belong to,
even if your dues are current
with them. The dollar amount
may seem small, but dues
support our Lodge and in your
obligation, you vowed to support
& honor your Lodge, do your part
to uphold your obligation.
Pay your dues now or go sit in the corner!
Coming to Dinner at 6:15? RSVP at 206 623-0261 or email
the Secretary at stjohns9@seattlemasons.org.
Statements of Availability Seven brothers have announced
that they seek election to offices in St. John's at our
November stated communication:
Worshipful Master - MWBro. Al Jorgensen
Senior Warden – Bro. George Rine
Junior Warden – Bro. Joe Oates
Treasurer – VWBro. Jim Maher
Secretary – VWBro. Jim Russell
Trustee – MWBro. Sat Tashiro, WBro. Serco Tokatlian
Available for Worshipful Master
MWBro. Alvin W. Jorgensen
Masonic Experience
Lodge Membership:
King Solomon # 60 – Past Master
Frank S. Land # 313 – Charter Member
St. John’s # 9
Grand Lodge of Washington:
Deputy of the Grand Master – District # 13
Chairman Long Range Planning Committee
Trustee – Masonic Retirement Center
Jurisprudence Committee
Past Grand Master
Affiliated and Concordant Organizations
Order of DeMolay – Past State Master Councilor, Past
Master Councilor
Tacoma Preceptory Legion of Honor - Past Dean
Scottish Rite – Orient of Washington Membership
Chairman, Tacoma Valley – Rite Care Committee, Past
Wise Master Chapter of Rose Croix, Wenatchee Valley
Royal Arch Masons – Robert B. Palmer Chapter, Past High
Priest
Royal and Select Masters - Seattle Council and King
Solomon Council U.D.
Knights Templars - Rainier Commandery
York Rite College – Tahoma
Nile Shriners – Past President Renton Shrine Club
Knight Masons – Clontarf Council
National Sojourners – Ft. Lewis Chapter
Royal Order of Scotland
Red Cross of Constantine – St. Alban Conclave
St. Thomas of Acon – Tahoma Chapel
Order of Eastern Star – Past Patron Cyclamen Chapter
Order of Amaranth – Golden Light Court
Professional Background
Retired Air Force Officer - 26+ years Service – Pilot,
Contracting Officer, Executive Officer, Program
Manager
Retired Small Business Owner – Auburn, WA
Retired Flight Training Instructor – Boeing Flight Trainer
Center Tukwila, WA
Available for Senior Warden
Bro. George M. Rine
Raised in St. John's # 9 April 5, 1997
Scottish Rite, Seattle Valley
Married, one son
Available for Junior Warden
Bro. Joseph H. Oates, Jr.
Raised in Sam Poe Lodge # 284, November 18, 1965
Member Victoria Lodge No. 4 (Ireland)
Affiliated with St. John's # 9, October 18, 2006
Married, two daughters
Available for Treasurer
VWBro. James R. Maher
Professional Background
President and Chief Investment Officer, Maher Investment
Company 1998-Present
Cost Management Analyst, The Boeing Company 1989-
1998
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), CFA Institute 2001
MBA, Washington State University 1988
Masonic Experience
Raised in Tyee Lodge #115 1989
Worshipful Master, Daylight Lodge #232 1993-1994 &
1997-1998
Treasurer, Daylight Lodge #232 1999-Present
Trustee, Landmark on the Sound (Masonic Retirement
Center) 2002-Present
Member, Grand Lodge Finance Committee 2003-Present
Member, Grand Lodge Long Range Planning Committee
2007-Present
Deputy of the Grand Master in District #5 2006-2008
Other Masonic Activities:
Member, Seattle Valley Scottish Rite 2008-Present
Rainbow Dad, Kent Assembly #87 2007
Chair, Kent Assembly #87 Advisory Board 2008-Present
Trustee, Washington Demolay Foundation 2007-Present
Trustee, Washington Rainbow Foundation 2009
Awards:
Grand Master’s Achievement Award, District #5 2004
Other Activities:
Secretary, Seattle Youth Symphony Board of Directors
2008-Present
Treasurer, St. James Episcopal Church 1997-Present
General Statement (from Jim Maher):
Over the past four years I have gained a deep
appreciation for the role that St. John’s Lodge has
played and will continue to play in the Seattle Area
and in this jurisdiction. This lodge provides a shining
example of what Masonry can achieve in the
community and beyond. I believe that my skills and
experience as a portfolio manager and investment
analyst will contribute greatly to ensuring that the
great charitable tradition of St. John’s continues long
into the future. In my mind, St. John’s #9 is one of the
cornerstones of Masonry in this state. It would be an
honor and a privilege to serve as your Treasurer.
Available for Secretary
VWBro. James F. Russell
Masonic Experience
Raised in St. John's # 9, June 30, 1984
Worshipful Master St. John's 1991
Secretary 1996-present (13 years)
Deputy of the Grand Master, 1992-1994
Grand Lodge By-laws Committee 1994-95
Grand Lodge Credentials Committee 2000-2001
Junior Grand Steward 2009-2010
Other Masonic Activities
Order of DeMolay – Past Master Councilor, Chevalier
Shoreline Chapter Order of DeMolay Dad Advisor and
Chair of Advisory Board; Legion of Honor designate
Awards
Grand Master’s Achievement 1996-1997
Proficiency in Lodge Management
Hiram's Award July 2007
Available for Trustee Term End 2013
WBro. Serco S. Tokatlian
Masonic Experience
Raised in Elliot Bay Lodge # 253, May 19, 1978
Worshipful Master Elliot Bay, 1982
Professional Background
Jeweler presently working for Macy’s (downtown
Seattle) in precious stones and metals
Personal background
Serco was born in Athens, Greece during the War.
His father died when Serco was two years old. He
completed high school in the evenings, graduating
with honors with a bookkeeping degree. His arrival
in the United States in 1969 was sponsored by
Weisfield Jewelers, where he worked as an
apprentice jeweler. He completed two years in
community college in industrial arts. WBro.
Tokatlian is skilled in all facets of jewelry making,
from design to setting and polishing.
Serco is married, with two sons.
Available for Trustee Term End 2013
MWBro. Satoru Tashiro
Sat Tashiro has been a member of the fraternity since
1974, being raised in Lakeside Lodge 258 in Bellevue. He
is currently a member of St. Johns 9, Walter F. Meier
Lodge of Research 281, Lakeside Lodge 258, as well as a
member of Tsawwassen Lodge 185, BCR in Ladner, British
Columbia. He affiliated with St. John's in 2005. He is a
member of Scottish Rite, Valley of Seattle, the York Rite
bodies, a member of Grotto and is currently the Chief
Rabban of Nile Shrine.
He is also active in the Grand Lodge of Washington in
different capacities, and was Grand Master in 2004-2005.
He worked for The Boeing Company for over 30 years as
an engineering manager in small to large programs
associated with the military, i.e., space initiatives, AWACS,
Minuteman, Space Station, etc. He retired in 1995
During his working years he was also active in the
Communications Society of the IEEE, the national
organization for electrical/electronics engineers, where he
held numerous positions from local to national levels, i.e.,
as general chairman for one of two major conferences
held in the Seattle area in 1990, where over 1300
engineers attended.
In his retirement years, he is active as a member of the
SYSO board (finance chairman), and on the Board of
Governors for the Portland Shrine Hospital, aside from
Grand Lodge responsibilities.
A widower, MWBro. Tashiro recently married his lady
Lorna and now lives in Bothell.
Remember our veterans on November 11th
(and every day!)