Home - Archive Index - 2010 Archives - November Stated Communication November Stated Communication Written by aid of the Secretary's Minutes --- Photographs by WB Darrel Womack
At 6:15 on November 17th the Brethren, ladies, visitors and guests of St. John's Lodge No. 9 met for our annual Past Master's Night and election of officers for 2011. OPENING OF LODGE The Lodge opened on the second degree at 8:07pm, thirty-three members and thirteen visitors in attendance as per Tyler's Register. The above officers were in their stations and places, except that WBro. Jim Lumsden filled the place of the absent Chaplain, Bro. Ken Wehl took that of the absent Junior Deacon, and the place of the absent Junior Steward remained unfilled. PROGRAM OF EDUCATION Following dinner and prior to opening of Lodge, representatives from three elementary schools benefiting from our accelerated reader sponsorships and Ms Mary Craves-Hollands of the Masonic Outreach Services spoke to the assembled brothers and guests.
Ms Debby McDonald and Ms Marsha Boyd of John Rogers Elementary thanked the brothers for our continued support of that school for thirteen years. “Because of you,” she said, “we have been able to keep a large number of books and quizzes available for our students.” Ms Visala Hohlbein of Bailey Gatzert Elementary played a recorded “thank-you” message from the children. She used to teach at Sacajawea using the accelerated reader program and is now with the initial program started
The Grand Lodge of Washington has been searching for a way to better serve the more than 16,000 members of the Masonic family throughout the State of Washington with services that exemplify the spirit of family and caring formerly associated with the Masonic Retirement Home. Since the relocation of the residents from the Masonic Retirement Center, our emphasis has shifted away from care at the Home to care dispersed throughout the State, wherever the person is living or would like to live. Outreach Services Director Mary Craves-Hollands said that as the Outreach Services program grows, it hopes to develop a network of volunteers (Masons) across the state who can deliver a variety of services to the senior Masonic family. PAST MASTERS RECOGNITION
Past Masters of St. John's and our affiliated Past Masters were then recognized for their dedicated service to our Lodge. Worshipful Master Al Jorgensen presented each with a traveling alarm clock as a gift from the Lodge. Twelve Past Masters and ten affiliated Past Masters were introduced. Those in attendance were:
Past Masters Carl Alexander Our ladies and guests were then excused and enjoyed an evening of entertainment by musician/songwriter Kerry Hooks. 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 Because the evening promised to be lengthy, the Worshipful Master requested our visitors with the exception of Masters, Wardens, and Grand Lodge officers and committeemen to stand and introduce themselves from their places. In attendance and receiving a warm St. John’s welcome were five visiting brothers, Bros. Ryan McDaniel (Boise Lodge No. 2, Boise, ID), Terry Gibbs (Crystal Lodge No. 122), Skott Young (Jacques DeMolay Lodge No. 1390, Houston, TX), Tim Hall (Hermiston Lodge No. 128, Hermiston, OR), and Dick Meredith (Falls City Lodge No. 66). Also present was Musician Bro. Adam Creighton (Greenwood Lodge No. 253). The Junior Warden introduced his counterparts, Bro. Al Gustafson, Junior Warden of Lafayette Lodge No. 241, and Randy Fernandez, Junior Warden of LuzViMinda Lodge No. 317. All guests were accorded a warm St. John's welcome. The Master then introduced visiting Masters in their places: WBros. Bert Bautista (LuzViMinda Lodge No. 317) and Michael Mann (Alki Lodge No. 152). They were accorded the public Grand Honors. Grand Lodge officers and committeemen were introduced in their places: WBro. Darrel Womack (chmn. photography), VWBro. Chuck Brockway (military recognition), VWBro. Jim Maher (finance, long range planning), WBro. Terry Grove (chmn. CHIP committee, charity), VWBro. Michael Davis (chmn. CHIP Foundation), VWBro. David McCuistion (Special Deputy), VWBro. Charles Tupper (DDGM 5), VWBro. Coe Tug Morgan (Asst. Secretary emeritus), WBro. Norberto “Bert” Bautista (Grand Historian), VWBro. Alden Sarmiento (Grand Lecturer), MWBro. Dick Mecartea (PGM), MWBro. Al Jorgensen (PGM, Jurisprudence, Masonic Retirement Center Trustee), and MWBro. Gale Kenney (PGM, 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 Following the Tyler’s standing invitation to tile the outer door and join his brethren at the inner door, 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 our portfolio at the end of the third quarter has risen 12.1%. EXPENSES FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER The following bills, having been reviewed by three acting members of the finance committee (VWBro. Charles Brockway, VWBro. David Campbell, and WBro. Darrel Womack), were submitted to the Lodge for approval. After the acting chairman, VWBro. Brockway, 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 request from The Christmas People (WBro. Fred and Dr. Ruth Hutchinson) to assist with their annual Christmas meals and clothing project for the needy and homeless. Also, the Volunteers of America (Greenwood Food Bank) have issued a plea to remember those who need food, medication, and hope at this time. Washington State University thanks us for our scholastic assistance to one of their students. The young ladies of Bothell Rainbow Assembly #47 have sent a card thanking us for our contribution to their program. We have received letters of appreciation from the Sacajawea and John Rogers Elementary Schools for our support of their Accelerated Reader programs. We have received a letter of appreciation from Dr. Irl Hirsch of the University of Washington Medical Center for our contribution to the Diabetes Care Center. The Blue Nile Children’s Organization is holding an appreciation dinner for all its supporters at Habesha Ethiopian Restaurant, Sunday, December 5. We have received newsletters and trestleboards from the HOPE Heart Institute, Eureka Lodge No. 20, Garfield Lodge No. 41, and University Lodge No. 141. Please take home the extra copies of the HOPE Heart newsletter for healthy reading. COMMITTEE REPORTS WBro. Bill Collison reported that the Trustees met with our investment councilors the previous week; that our finances are in good shape; and our portfolio continues to grow with high expectations for the coming year. The Trustees reviewed a charity request and recommend that it be approved. VWBro. Charles Tupper reported that he has the names of four families who will receive the benefits of our Thanksgiving Family charity. Brothers Joe Oates, Simon Letarte, and Eric Koteles will join VWBro. Tupper in leading teams of brothers to purchase food and necessaries for these families to enjoy a Happy Thanksgiving. VWBro. Charles Brockway encouraged brethren of the Lodge to assist with this year’s Operation Kid Smile at Fort Lewis again this year. Many brothers offered their support and eagerness to join Santa Claus Hans Wehl and distribute food, clothing and toys to the families of those serving overseas. Among those volunteering were, MWBros. Gale Kenney, Al Jorgensen, WBros. Hans Wehl, Terry Grove, and Bros. Joe Oates and George Rine. Several ladies of those volunteering will also be participating. The Lodge has contributed funds for this endeavor; the committee will be happy to accept additional donations from any of our brothers. The Secretary reported that three brothers remain delinquent in their 2010 annual dues. They have each received at least four requests for payment. The Master will appoint a committee to personally or otherwise interview each delinquent member to ascertain the cause of the delinquency and to report to the Lodge at the December stated communication. BALLOTING ON PETITION A favorable ballot was spread on Mr. Paul Bernal for the degrees. Mr. Bernal had received a unanimous favorable recommendation by his investigating committee and a clean criminal history report. The Senior Deacon has scheduled Tuesday, November 30, for the Entered Apprentice degree and will assemble the degree team. ELECTION OF OFFICERS The Master announced that the Grand Lodge Bylaws Committee has not yet met and that we will need to proceed with our election of officers under the old rules. This means that we will need to elect a Trustee again. He suggested that we give serious consideration to re-electing WBro. Bill Collison whose term expires this year and who has agreed to resign once the new bylaws are approved by the Grand Master. Ballots were distributed for the election of officers for 2011 and one Trustee whose term will expire in 2014. Thirty-two (Master Mason) members were present and voting. Visiting brothers VWBros. Coe Tug Morgan and Alden Sarmiento and WBro. Bert Bautista served as the tally committee. The result of the ballot was:
Each graciously accepted the honor and responsibility entrusted to them. BIRTHDAY GREETINGS WBros. Bill Collison and Errol Scott and Bro. George Rine were honored with a rendition of “Happy Birthday” to celebrate achieving one more year in their journey through life. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Masonic Park Resolution Passed The Master requested the Secretary to read the resolution carried over from last month: Whereas: It is our desire to leave a lasting memorial to the 150th anniversary of our Lodge, and Whereas: The expenses associated with the reconstitution of our Lodge and the dinner which followed fell well below the budgeted level anticipated to celebrate our anniversary, Therefor be it resolved: To allocate up to $10,000 of the 150th Anniversary Celebration Budget as a donation to the Masonic Park in Granite Falls, Washington, to construct a Gazebo/Bandstand to commemorate St. John's Lodge 150 years as a regular Lodge in the Jurisdiction of Washington. (The designated donation is subject to the approval of the Masonic Park Board of Directors. The 5- or 8-sided structure is to be approximately 20 to 25 feet in diameter, with electrical power and water, and to include a fireplace in the center.) The president of the Park Board Dick Meredith and Vice President Terry Gibbs were available to answer questions regarding the structure. The motion passed 32 – 1 and a check was written for $10,000 payable to the Masonic Family Park Board. 2011 Operating and Charity Budget The proposed 2011 budget had been distributed for initial review at the October stated communication and was again distributed this evening for discussion and action. The budget was approved unanimously without dissent. NEW BUSINESS Lodge of Sorrow The Washington Masonic Code, Sec. 23.02 B.L. allows a Master, on vote of a Lodge, to open a Lodge of Sorrow, which will remain open only during his term of office, for the purpose of conducting Masonic funeral rites. The Secretary m/s/p that a Lodge of Sorrow, for the purpose of conducting Masonic funeral services under such restrictions as provided by the Washington Masonic Code of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington, be opened immediately at the conclusion of the installation of officers, Saturday, December 11, 2010. 2010 Installation of Officers Bro. George Rine m/s/p that the 2010 installation of officers be open to the general public. The installation is scheduled to start at 10am, Saturday, December 11, followed by a light brunch. Officers are to assemble at 9am for a photo session. Charity Request The Trustees reviewed a request by WBro. Fred Hutchinson that a Christmas project be supported by this Lodge for another season. For the past 12 years Bro. Hutchinson and his wife Ruth Bishop, and many members of the Masonic community, have provided approximately 800 dinners, 100 lunches, 1800 cookies, 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. 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 to The Christmas People project. Masonic Service Bureau Funeral Team Workshop WBro. Joseph Lund, president of the Masonic Service Bureau, thanked WBro. Errol Scott for his work as executive secretary of the MSB. Funeral services and charity work, some in conjunction with Outreach Services, are the principal functions of the Masonic Service Bureau. Recently, under the leadership of WBro. Scott and VWBro. Bill Werner, a workshop attended by twelve brothers was held in Marysville to assemble and train those who could participate in Masonic funeral services. He requested that St. John's sponsor a similar workshop in this area. It was m/s/p that St. John's Lodge join with Greenwood Lodge to sponsor a funeral service workshop in January or February. Payment for Ladies’ Program Expenses Lady Nancy Jorgensen prepared some gift items for the ladies’ program for this evening. It was m/s/p to re-imburse Nancy Jorgensen for out-of-pocket expenses for the ladies’ program. ANNOUNCEMENTS The brethren were reminded of the following dates of interest:
WBro. Bert Bautista announced that LuzViMinda Lodge No. 317 will be holding a stated communication this Saturday, with a Master Mason degree scheduled for Saturday, November 27. Bro. Al Gustafson invited the brethren to Lafayette No. 241 stated communication December 2. They also will be holding a Master Mason degree on Thursday, December 9. Their officers will be installed Thursday, January 6. GOOD OF THE ORDER Bro. David Flood encouraged the brethren to attend a Seattle Youth Symphony concert this Sunday at 3pm. Two concerto winners will be performing. Senior citizen tickets are as low as $10. VWBro. David McCuistion thanked the brothers for the contribution from St. John's which enabled Garfield Lodge No. 41 to do major repair on their roof. This encouraged them to upgrade in several other areas and has infused a breath of fresh air and life into the Lodge. On November 28 they will be installing new officers. VWBro. Charles Tupper encouraged all brothers to attend the Regional Workshop for Districts 4-5-6-7 this coming Saturday. Following the evening banquet, we will be entertained by Jacques DeMolay as portrayed by Richard Kovak. The full day is also open to the ladies. Masonic Park Vice President Terry Gibbs encouraged the brothers to use the Park facilities. Usage fees are down and expenses are up. He added, “See you in the spring.” Greenwood Chapter Order of Eastern Star is looking for additional members and invites the brothers and their ladies to attend their “Plum Pudding Celebration” following their December 21st meeting at the Greenwood Masonic center. The Junior Warden announced that pie and coffee were available following the meeting. CLOSING OF LODGE As is our tradition, Past Masters were invited to close Lodge taking the following stations and places:
The minutes of this communication were read and approved in short form. There being no further business to come before this Lodge of Fellowcraft Masons, the flag was retired and the Lodge closed in due and ancient form by the team of Past Masters at 9:43pm, peace and harmony prevailing. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Website © - St. John's Lodge No. 9 F&AM of Washington - All Rights Reserved |