Home - Archive Index - 2010 Archives - March Stated Communication March Stated Communication Edited Secretary's minutes, Photographs by Bro. David Flood TABLE LODGE
The evening began with forty-three members and guests assembled for dinner to enjoy an evening of instruction. Following the invocation by the Chaplain, the Master called for the Senior and Junior Wardens to invite our brethren on the columns of the North and South to assist in opening a Lodge of Table Instruction. The Marshal led the brethren in pledging allegiance to the flag and the Chaplain opened with prayer.
CHARGE TO THE BRETHREN The Master then charged the brethren: “Brethren, in this solemn hour I charge each of you to rededicate yourselves as a Freemason to the noble and glorious purpose of bringing Light to dispel darkness…to the precepts set forth in the Great Light of Masonry, the rule and guide of our faith. I charge you to keep your apron an emblem of innocence, unspotted by the world…to practice that most excellent gift of charity…to make constant and proper use of the Square of Virtue, the Level of Equality, and the Plumb of Rectitude. Craftsmen in the quarries, I summon you to greater loyalty to your Lodge and your Fraternity, to integrity in all your dealings with your fellowman, to study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed. Guard against innovations, my Brethren. Preserve the Landmarks. Maintain the reputation of our Fraternity. Aid and succor the needy. Remember your Brother’s welfare. Be circumspect always in speech. Assist and support him who is falling. Whisper good counsel in the ear of him who needs encouragement. Let each of us make use of the Trowel to spread the cement of brotherhood. Let us labor with the Common Gavel that these Rough Ashlars may be Perfect Ashlars. And finally, my Brethren, remembering how once you stood in the Northeast Corner, a just and upright Mason, I give it you strictly in charge ever to walk and act as such. Amen.” THE CEREMONY OF THE TOASTS Following dinner, several toasts were proposed and acknowledged. They included toasts
Other toasts were also proposed by brethren assembled. OPENING OF LODGE Following the close of the Lodge of Instruction, the Lodge opened on the first degree at 8:25pm, twenty-four members and thirteen visitors in attendance as per Tyler's Register. The above officers were in their stations and places, except that Bro. Joseph Oates, Jr. presided in the East and MWBro. Al Jorgensen sat in the South for the formal opening ceremony. The chair of the absent Senior Steward was unfilled. 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. WELCOME BY THE MASTER The Master welcomed all brothers to this evening’s stated communication and thanked Bro. Oates for his opening work in the East. INTRODUCTIONS 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 six visiting brothers, Bros. Alex Jouravlev (Daylight Lodge No. 232), David Colbeth (King Solomon Lodge No. 60), Gerry Gibbs (Crystal Lodge No. 122), Steve Ling (King Solomon Lodge No. 60), Don Eddy (King Solomon Lodge No. 60), and Steve Lowe (Greenwood Lodge No. 253). Also present were Chaplain Bro. Alex LaBarba (Doric Lodge No. 92), and Musician Bro. Adam Creighton (Greenwood Lodge No. 253). The Junior Warden introduced his counterparts, Junior Wardens Bro. Tom Crawford (King Solomon Lodge No. 60), and WBro. Al Gustafson (Lafayette Lodge No. 241). They were accorded a warm St. John's welcome. The Master then instructed the Senior Deacon to escort the Grand Lodge officers and committeemen East of the Altar and extended a hand to each as he announced their names. In attendance were WBro. Hans Wehl (public schools outreach), WBro. David McCuistion (military recognition chair), VWBro. Charles Brockway (membership development), VWBro. Jim Maher (finance, MRC Trustee, long range planning), WBro. Terry Grove (CHIP chair, charity), WBro. Don Campbell (Assistant Grand Secretary), VWBro. Jim Russell (Junior Grand Steward), MWBro. Wayne Smith (Grievance & Appeals), and MWBro. Al Jorgensen (Masonic Retirement Center Trustee, jurisprudence), all of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington. They were accorded the public Grand Honors. 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 the Lodge finances were in order. EXPENSES FOR MARCH The following bills, having been reviewed by three acting members of the finance committee (VWBro. Charles Brockway, WBro. Paul Winter, and Bro. Joe Oates), were submitted to the Lodge for approval. After the acting chairman, WBro. Winter, 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 a thank you card from Greenlake Lodge No. 253 for our contribution to the Greenwood Masonic Temple building fund. We have received our annual Grand Lodge Life membership income distribution for 2009. After expenses, the return equaled 2.38%. This represents a decrease of 1.79% from last year’s return of 4.17%, and reflects about a 42% decline in income over the prior year.. Occidental Lodge invites all brothers to share in the celebration of 50 years of Masonry for MWBro. Ken Robinson, Thursday, March 18, in Ballard. The Grand Assembly Washington and Idaho Rainbow for Girls is seeking support for a walk-a-thon to be held Saturday, May 15, on behalf of Northwest Harvest to help families in need. They also would like our continued support to purchase a page in their convention program. We have received newsletters and trestleboards from the HOPE Heart Institute, the Phinney Neighborhood Association, Eureka Lodge No. 20, University Lodge No. 141, Daylight Lodge No. 232, Lafayette Lodge No. 241, and Walter F. Meier Lodge of Research No. 281. Please take home an extra copy of the HOPE Heart newsletter for healthy reading. COMMITTEE REPORTS WBro. Joseph Lund shared correspondence and notes of appreciation from Ms Debbi McDonald and students at John Rogers Elementary. Our sponsorship of the Accelerated Reader program thirteen years ago has helped to purchase 13,000 books with 9,000 titles, computer programming and tests to inspire children to read and to elevate their reading as much as two grades above their enrolled level. They have had the benefit of a viable PTSA organization which has donated additional money for the program. He added that Sacajawea Elementary is also doing well with the A/R program established by the Lodge. Also, our financial contribution has enabled Bailey Gatzert Elementary staff to establish the Accelerated Reader program for their students. Bailey Gatzert does not have an active PTSA organization. WBro. Paul Winter reported that his scholarship committee has met and is reaching out to our current scholarship recipients to determine who will be seeking assistance next year. Once that information is gathered, the committee will be able to determine how many additional scholarships will be available. So far, six returning students have expressed interest and one new student has been recommended. Bros. Carl Tokarek, Simon Letarte, and Eric Koteles are also serving on the committee. READING OF PETITIONS A petition for the degrees was received from Mr. Ronald Allan Woodall, Jr. Mr. Woodall was born August 28, 1982, in Portsmith, VA. He and his fiancé live in Kirkland. He works as an arts administrator and appraiser for Howard/Mandville Gallery in Kirkland. He is recommended by WBro. Errol Scott, VWBro. Jim Russell, and WBro. Terry Grove. A committee was appointed to visit Mr. Woodall and to report back to the Lodge by the next Stated Communication. MEMORIAL SCROLL Memorial scrolls were read for Bro. Samuel Montgomery Howe and WBro. John Stephen Mead, followed by remembrances from three brothers of the lodge and a memorial service by the Chaplain. Bro. Adam Creighton offered an appropriate dirge on the piano. BIRTHDAY GREETINGS WBros. Paul Winter and Joseph Lund were honored with a rendition of “Happy Birthday” to celebrate achieving one more year in their journey through life. MASONIC EDUCATION The Master invited WBro. David McCuistion to address the brothers. WBro. McCuistion is seeking election in June as Junior Grand Warden. He is a Past Master of Garfield Lodge No. 41. He served in the U.S. Navy and is a retired Chief Warrant Officer. He emphasized the need for good communication and complimented this Lodge for its excellent website. He said that Masons are life-long learners and we need to continue teaching our brothers. Lodges that are progressing are those that are working in their communities. He encouraged us to use our teachings and our skills to improve ourselves, our lodges and our communities. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Garfield Lodge 41 Roof Resolution The Master called upon the Secretary to read the resolution from the previous communication: Whereas: as Masons we have promised to hasten to the relief of a Mason in distress and never hesitate to go out of our way to aid and serve a needy brother, and Whereas: we have heard the call from our Garfield Lodge No. 41 brothers of LaConner, Washington, that the life of their meeting place for 120 years is threatened by the elements of Mother Nature, and Whereas: estimates of $44,000 have been received for a very necessary replacement of an aging roof, and Whereas: our Lodge is in a position to aid and assist our needy brothers, Therefore be it resolved: 1. That we grant $15,000 to re-roof Garfield Masonic Center, provided at least two other lodges or entities join in this endeavor, and 2. That the brothers of Garfield contract for a first-rate roof (roughly $44,000), and 3. Should the building be sold within fifteen years that this money be returned to St. John’s. The resolution was m/s/p unanimously. Fabulous Family Appreciation Brunch Resolution The Master called upon the Secretary to read the resolution from the previous communication: “Be it resolved: That the budget for the Family Appreciation Brunch be increased from $4,000 to $6,000.” The Master noted that the May 2nd Brunch will be held at Ivar’s Salmon House and that we will be admitted at 8:30am before the general public. We expect our number of adults will be approximately 120 and that this should allow us to remain close to our targeted $4,000 budget. WBro. Serco Tokatlian accepted a friendly amendment to his proposed resolution which would read “Be it resolved: That the budget for the Family Appreciation Brunch be increased from $4,000 to $5,000.” The resolution passed unanimously. NEW BUSINESS Swimming Hole Shelter The Master announced that the Granite Falls Masonic Park Board has elected to dedicate shelter No. 52 "In Appreciation of St. John's Lodge No. 9" and has constructed a four-foot 2" x 12" wooden plank with this lettering painted in black. The park would like the Lodge to send a committee of three or four to the park to hang this board on the shelter. This is quite an honor for our Lodge as Shelter 52 is the swimming hole shelter that they were never going to name. They decided to do this as St. John's has been there to help them many times over the years. This is not only for our help in 2007 when they had all the flood damage but is to honor the Lodge for the children's play area and the money we have donated for various things over a period of many years. We have elected to do this Sunday, March 28. We will meet with a couple of representatives from the Park at 2pm to hang the dedication signboard. Bros. Brian Downie, Joe Oates, Joseph Lund, Hans Wehl, Vinny DiGiulio, Bill Collison, Adam Creighton, Chuck Brockway, Paul Winter, Al Jorgensen, Mark Campbell, Boe Lindgren, and Charles Tupper indicated their interest. ANNOUNCEMENTS The brethren were reminded of the following dates of interest:
GOOD OF THE ORDER WBro. Vinny DiGiulio announced that work parties will be held March 19 and 20 to prepare flyers advertising the coming Shrine Circus. He will be installed Worthy Patron of his Eastern Star Chapter on the 27th. WBro. Joseph Lund announced that the Scottish Rite will be conferring the 14th and 15th degrees on May 7. He encouraged brothers to join the Seattle Valley Scottish Rite. WBro. Terry Grove announced that the Everett Valley Scottish Rite will be holding a Family Remembrance Night on Friday, March 19, and an All-Masonic Night on May 12. WBro. David McCuistion invited everyone to a corned beef and cabbage dinner at Garfield Lodge No. 41 in LaConner on March 18. MWBro. Al Jorgensen reminded the brothers that MWBro. Ken Robinson will be honored by Occidental Lodge No. 72 tomorrow, when he will receive his 50th year certificate as a Mason. The brothers of King Solomon Lodge No. 60 invited the brethren to their annual Strawberry Feed on Monday, June 14, at 6pm. They will also be holding a food handlers permit class this Sunday, March 21. MWBro. Al Jorgensen congratulated three brothers of St. John's Lodge who were inducted into the DeMolay Legion of Honor last weekend – MWBro. Gale Kenney, VWBro. Jim Russell, and VWBro. Charles Brockway. They were accorded additional honors by the brethren’s applause. WBro. Joseph Lund, President of the Masonic Service Bureau, said that those Masons in our community who need assistance should first appeal to their home Lodge, but that the Bureau is an additional source for help. He also has with him some CDs for sale ($20 each) to help raise money for the Service Bureau’s work. The CD, by Bro. Howie Dameron, is entitled Hiram’s Call and has many beautiful Masonic pieces, including the popular The Masonic Ring. CLOSING OF LODGE 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 due and ancient form by the Worshipful Master at 9:56pm, peace and harmony prevailing.
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