Home - Archive Index - 2009 Archives - October Stated Communication
October Stated Communication OPENING OF LODGE The Lodge opened on the first degree at 7:38pm, thirty members and nine visitors in attendance as per Tyler's Register. The above officers were in their stations and places, except that Bro. George Rine took the station of the Worshipful Master, MWBro. Alvin Jorgensen took the station of the Senior Warden, Bro. Joe Oates, Jr. took the station of the Junior Warden, WBro. Bill Collison took the place of the Junior Steward, and VWBro. David Campbell took the place of the Chaplain. PROGRAM OF EDUCATION Following dinner and prior to opening of Lodge, teachers from John Rogers and Sacajawea elementary schools reported on the progress of the accelerated reader program at their schools. Ms Debby McDonald reported that John Rogers had few books in its library when St. John's introduced the program twelve years ago. Now there are 10,500 quizzes and books available to the children. Ms Lauren Barnard of Sacajawea said that students are able to set their own reading goals. The students at her school are now at the 90 to 95 reading percentile, “which is amazing.” WBro. Joseph Lund presented Ms McDonald and Ms Barnard two $4,000 checks to advance the program in the two schools. He said that he will be meeting with the principal of Bailey Gatzert Elementary on Yesler Way to hopefully add a third school to the program. 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. TRAVELS EAST AND WEST Acting Master Bro. George Rine said that from his first entrance into this Lodge of Masons, he has been traveling to the East in search of Masonic Light. He expressed his hope that all our brothers will embrace this journey. He invited MWBro. Al Jorgensen to preside for the business portion of the meeting, whereupon they exchanged the jewels of their offices and MWBro. Jorgensen graciously accepted the gavel. He invited the Secretary to read a letter of resignation received from Senior Warden Nick Mitchell, Treasurer Ken Lane, Jr., and Trustee Jeff Lane. The resignations were effective September 29, 2009. MWBro. Jorgensen expressed his prayers that Bro. Rine remain in the best of health, as the Lodge is now without a Master or Senior Warden to conduct its business for the remainder of the term. He announced that VWBro. James R. Maher has been appointed by the acting Master to fill the duties of Treasurer. INTRODUCTIONS The Master introduced our newest brother, Bro. Eric Koteles, who was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason on Saturday, October 17. Bro. Koteles was warmly received. Following the Tyler’s standing invitation to tile the outer door and join his brethren at the inner door, 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 five visiting brothers, Bros. Carl Tokarek (Lakeside Lodge No. 42, Sandpoint, ID), Alex Jouravlev (North Hill Lodge No. 210), Carl Cook (University Lodge No. 141), Steve Lowe (Greenwood Lodge No. 253), and WBro. Jim Lumsden (Greenwood Lodge No. 253). Also present was Musician Bro. Adam Creighton (Greenwood Lodge No. 253). The Senior Warden introduced his counterpart, WBro. Errol Scott, Senior Warden of Walter F. Meier Lodge of Research No. 281. He was accorded a warm St. John's welcome. WBro. Scott is also a member of this Lodge. The Master introduced WBros. Robert Cittadini (Lafayette No. 241) and Joseph Lund (Esoterika No. 316), Masters of their respective Lodges. They were accorded the public Grand Honors. 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. 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 WBro. Hans Wehl (public schools outreach), WBro. Terry Grove (charity, CHIPs), VWBro. Charles Brockway and WBro. Maurice Nelson (membership development), VWBro. Jim Maher (finance, long range planning, MRC Trustees), VWBro. Jim Russell (Junior Grand Steward), and VWBro. Coe Tug Morgan (Historian, Asst. Grand Secretary Emeritus), all of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington. They were accorded the public Grand Honors. MWBro. Al Jorgensen (jurisprudence), as presiding officer, was not acknowledged. The Master then instructed the Senior Deacon to seek out the Grand Master. MWBro. Gale Kenney, Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Washington was escorted to the Altar where he was received by the Master and escorted to the East. He was accorded the public Grand Honors, offered the gavel which he declined, and invited to remain in the East. 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 second degree at 7:30pm, twenty-seven members and eleven visitors in attendance. The minutes were read in short form and accepted as posted; the Treasurer reported that our accounts are in order. Expenses were approved. Communications were read; a letter was read from the Grand Master informing a brother of the Lodge that he was suspended from Masonry beginning September 16, 2009 and concluding January 21, 2010. Committee reports were received. It was agreed to pay Matt Parham for the evening’s dinner; and to pay VWBro. David Campbell to recover his anniversary dinner parking expense. A favorable ballot was spread on Mr. Kalman Eric Koteles for the degrees. Announcements were made. The Lodge was closed at 8:44pm, peace and harmony prevailing. TREASURER’S REPORT The Treasurer reported that our financial portfolio has increased 27% since its low a year ago. EXPENSES FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER The following bills, having been reviewed by three members of the finance committee (WBro. Hans Wehl, WBro. Bill Collison, Bro. Joseph Oates, Jr.), were submitted to the Lodge for approval. After the acting chairman, Bro. Oates, 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 brethren, the bills were approved for payment. COMMUNICATIONS Trestleboards and letters of communication were distributed. Concerning each, the Secretary reported the following: We have received resignations from office from six brothers of the Lodge: that of the Senior Warden, the Treasurer, a Trustee, Marshal, Senior Steward, and Tyler effective September 29. They also submit their resignations from committees of the Lodge on which they were serving. None have dimitted. 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. The Grand Master has formally approved the new by-laws for St. John's following a review by the Grand Lodge by-laws committee. We have received letters from Washington State University and Rite Care acknowledging our support for student scholarship and child language development. The Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra invites everyone to a concert Sunday, November 15, in Benaroya Hall. Neighborcare Health encourages our giving to the community healthcare organization. We have received a contribution to our charity program from Past Master Paul Wickward. We have received a request from two brothers that their dues for 2009 be waived for reasons of economic hardship. We have received newsletters and Trestleboards from the HOPE Heart Institute, the Phinney Neighborhood Association, Volunteers of America, Heirloom Bible Publishers, Eureka Lodge No. 20, University Lodge No. 141, Daylight Lodge No. 232, and Lafayette Lodge No. 241. Please take home one of the extra copies of the HOPE Heart newsletter for healthy reading. COMMITTEE REPORTS VWBro. Jim Maher asked the Deacons to distribute copies of the 2010 budget as proposed by the Trustees. He asked for comments and questions and addressed those which were raised. It was noted that no expenses have yet been proposed for the 150th anniversary celebration for the Lodge, which will take place this coming year. These expenses have not yet been determined and will be addressed separately. No action was taken at this meeting. The budget will be acted upon at the November stated communication. The Secretary distributed copies of the newly adopted and approved Lodge by-laws. READING OF PETITIONS A petition for the degrees was received from Mr. Robert Lloyd Emin and a petition for plural membership was read for Bro. Carl Paul George Tokarek. Committees were appointed to visit Mr. Emin and Bro. Tokarek and to report back to the Lodge at the next Stated Communication. MEMORIAL SCROLLS Memorial scrolls were read for Bros. Stanley E. Maginn, Donald E. Johnson, and Isaac Victor Solam. The Secretary also acknowledged the passing of two beloved Past Grand Masters of our Jurisdiction, MWBro. John D. McNab, who led our Grand Lodge 2003-2004 and MWBro. Albert N. Bradford, who served 1963-1964. Remembrances were expressed by brothers of the Lodge and a memorial service was led by VWBro. David C. Campbell. BIRTHDAY GREETINGS Bros. David Flood, Al Jorgensen, and Jim Lumsden were honored with a rendition of “Happy Birthday” to celebrate achieving one more year in their journey through life. MASONIC EDUCATION MWBro. Al Jorgensen inquired as to who has taken the opportunity to read the latest book written by Dan Brown entitled “The Lost Symbol.” The Master highly encouraged everyone to read the book. He said that in addition to it being a “good read,” it also generates the opportunity to talk to those interested in the Fraternity. There are errors in the book, of course, but for the most part it is accurate and in your discussions you will have the opportunity to correct the inaccuracies and to express your thoughts about Freemasonry. NEW BUSINESS Identity Theft Bro. David Flood cautioned the brethren about how easy one’s identity can be stolen. The popular exercise of “Tweeting” by so many of us has increased identity theft by 1 ½ times what it had been. He expressed concern that birthdates of our brothers that may be found in the Trestleboard and on the website can be used to gather information by those who wish to assume our identities. The Secretary agreed to keep this information from public scrutiny. Christmas People Foundation The Board of Trustees has reviewed a request by Bro. Fred Hutchinson that a Christmas project be supported by this Lodge. For the past 12 years Bro. Hutchinson and his wife Ruth Bishop, and many members of the Masonic community, have provided approximately 600 meals, sweatshirts, and hats to Seattle’s homeless at Christmastime. They provide Noel House (homeless women shelter) and Evangeline’s (women’s outreach) with clothing and meals and Operation Night Watch (meals for the homeless) is provided with clothing and desserts. Southgate Lodge No. 100 offers facilities for cooking and gift wrapping by local Rainbow Girls. Preparing a complete meal of turkey or ham, mashed potatoes, homemade dressing, vegetables, and cranberry sauce, Fred and Ruth plan the meals, recruit the volunteers (OES, Masons, Rainbow Girls) to cook, wrap gifts, work Christmas Day (and two days before) and personally cover whatever costs are not met. Over the years they have donated almost 1000 hours of their time and nearly $10,000. They are greeted as “the Christmas people” when they arrive at the shelters bearing gifts and meals. It was m/s/p to contribute $500 to The Christmas People Foundation. Financial Audit The Board of Trustees recommends that a financial audit be conducted for the period January 1, 2008 through September 30, 2009. This audit should eliminate any questions that might arise following the changeover of Lodge Treasurer. WBro. Hans Wehl will contact up to three firms for a bid to perform the work. It was m/s/p to authorize an independent audit of Lodge financial records. Waiver of Dues The Secretary reported that two brothers have requested that their 2009 dues be waived because of financial hardship. It was m/s/p to waive this year’s dues for these Brothers. ANNOUNCEMENTS The brethren were reminded of the following dates of interest:
The Master called upon VWBro. Ashley Brinkley to remind the brethren of the Fall Foliage bus tour this coming Sunday. Brethren and their guests will board the “trackless trolley” at 11am Sunday for a pleasant tour of the fall foliage in the Cascade foothills of east King County. There will be stops for photos along the way and lunch in Black Diamond. GOOD OF THE ORDER VWBro. Coe Tug Morgan invited the brethren to attend the next stated communication of Daylight Lodge No. 232. This November 21 meeting will feature Entertainment Night, as several members of the Lodge, known for its professional entertainers, will demonstrate their specialty in this field. VWBro. Charles Brockway expressed that he was impressed with the talent displayed by the team of DeMolay brothers at last Sunday’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 Light. Around 24 new initiates were introduced to the Order of DeMolay. WBro. Rob Cittadini of Lafayette Lodge No. 241 invited the brethren to attend that Lodge’s International Night which will be held at the Landmark on the Sound, Thursday evening, November 5th. Dinner tickets ($35) are available. MWBro. Al Jorgensen encouraged Scottish Rite brothers to honor our Grand Master MWBro. Gale Kenney at 1pm this Sunday when the Tacoma Scottish Rite will invest him with the rank of Knight Commander Court of Honor. (This Investiture is a prerequisite to receiving the Thirty-third Degree at some later time.) MWBro. Jorgensen also remarked that Bro. George Rine did an outstanding job of opening Lodge and requested that the Secretary enter this acknowledgement in the Minutes of this stated communication. CLOSING OF LODGE IN AMPLE FORM MWBro. Jorgensen invited the Grand Master to close the Lodge. MWBro. Gale Kenney thanked the Master and added an announcement that VWBro. Jim Russell and VWBro. Charles Brockway have recently been elected to the Legion of Honor, a high honor within the Order of DeMolay. They will be formally invested as LOH in a Ceremony next spring. The minutes of this communication were read and approved in short form. There being no further business to come before this lodge of Entered Apprentice Masons, the flag was retired and the Lodge closed in ample form by the Most Worshipful Grand Master at 9:20pm, peace and harmony prevailing. | ||||||||||||||
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