Masonic Tribune
A quarterly News and Information Publication of:
Grand Lodge OF Washington
FREE & ACCEPTED Masons
2019 - 2020
Team
MWB CHARLES E. WOOD
Grand MASTER
Volume CI No. 1 - Fall 2019 Issue
A few words from the Chair:
Brethren,
Grand Master’s Message .......................... 3 We were able to publish 4 issues of the Washington Mason-
ic Tribune for the 2018-2019 year. The publication has been
Deputy Grand Master ................................ 4 made possible through the great effort and thought by those
who submit articles. I am very grateful for those articles and
Senior Grand Warden ............................... 5 give great thanks! I hope that we can continue and pursue its
purpose in the future days to come. The Masonic Tribune is
the best means to communicate to the membership efficient
Junior Grand Warden ................................ 6 and effective ideas, best practices and successful programs
that were promoted in your areas.
Grand Secretary ....................................... 7
You can submit an article to me at [email protected].
In This Issue
Long Range Planning Committee.............. 8 Please have the article between 500 and 800 words and put
in a word document in Arial format of font size of 10. The next
Lodge Leadership Training ........................ 9 due date will be December 1, 2019. I give great thanks for ar-
ticles submitted, time take and love of our craft.
Membership Development / Youth ............ 10
Washington Masonic Charities .................. 11 Fraternally,
WB Dean Markley, Chairman/Editor
Grand Lodge Photographer ....................... 12 Washington Masonic Tribune
JGW Candidate ......................................... 13 [email protected]
Masonic Retirement Center Update. ......... 14 Future dates:
February 1, 2019
District Deputies of the Grand Master ....... 15 May 1, 2020
District Deputies of the Grand Master ....... 16
District Deputies of the Grand Master ....... 17
District Deputies of the Grand Master ....... 18
District Deputies of the Grand Master ....... 19
(Guidelines continued)
Pictorial ...................................................... 20 7. When sending your article, your email subject field should say “Ma-
sonic Tribune Summer 2017 – Your Name or Committee Name or your
GL Title should be contained in the article.”
8. Your article is important to us. Please help us protect its accuracy ac-
cording to your intended subject.
The Masonic Tribune is an official publication of Grand Lodge
Guidelines for submission of articles for the Masonic
Tribune of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington.
1. Articles can be submitted in MS Word format. Please do not do too
much special formatting when writing your article because your layout Masonic Tribune Committee:
will be subject to change depending on which page your article will be WB Dean Markley, Chairman
placed in the publication itself.
2. Please always do a thorough spell check of your document especially
names that are not common in the built in spell checker of software Publication Design & Layout: MWB G. Santy Lascano
applications.
3. Please make sure you only use Arial in all your fonts in the document, This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or in
as the publication body text will all be produced in Arial type font only. part without the permission of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted
If you use another font, some special characters might not translate Masons of Washington.
properly when converted to Arial. This typeface is pretty much Uni-
versal. Liability: While every care is taken in the preparation of this publica-
tion, neither the publisher nor the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted
4. Include the pictures you want used in your article in the Word docu- Masons of Washington can be held responsible for the accuracy of the
ment layout, but also please attach the original digital photo file as a information herein, or any consequence arising from it.
separate file in the email.
5. Make sure the name and author of the article is reflected on the bot- Article submission deadlines:
Summer Issue ......................................................................First of May
tom of the article content. Fall Issue ............................................................................ September 1
6. Video clips are acceptable. Please send me a separate email so Winter Issue......................................................................... December 1
we can arrange for the transmission of your video media footage Spring Issue............................................................................February 1
([email protected])
(Continued next column) 2
Gr and Lodg e of W ashingt on
Grand Lodge of Washington
Masonic Tribune
r
Masonic T
ibune
Volume CI No. 1 - Fall 2019 Issue - Page 3
I bring you greetings from the table of
the Grand Master.
Brethren,
t is with a mixture of emotions that I announce
Charles E. Wood efforts of many, the Grand Lodge of Washington
Ithat after several years and thanks to the diligent
has completed the sale of the Masonic Retirement
Center in Des Moines, WA. The MRC was a jewel
MOST WORSHIPFUL Brother
of the community and home to retired Masons and
their family members for decades. Unfortunately,
the MRC building is approximately 90 years old.
As the years passed and occupancy dwindled, the
building fell into disrepair and stood unoccupied
for over six years. However, the Grand Lodge of
Washington has continued to pay the expenses to
Grand Master
maintain the building.
Numerous studies have been done and costs
to bring the building and associated facilities up
to current City Code and receive a Certificate of
Occupancy to begin any type of development
of the property are estimated at approximately
$40,000,000.00. Even if the Grand Lodge had
the financial resources necessary to renovate the
building, which it does not, it would be a fiscally
irresponsible decision to spend funds to renovate
a facility that can no longer be used to benefit the
Brethren and their families.
The Grand Lodge was able to negotiate a sale
price of $11,500,000.00 for the building and sur-
rounding property. For the past several months,
we have been meeting with the Finance Commit-
tee, our attorneys and accountants to determine
what restrictions there are on the use of these funds
and how they can be best used to benefit the Frater-
nity. Because the funds used to purchase and build
the MRC were acquired for specific purposes, we
have been informed that legally the proceeds can
only be used for limited or like purposes and cannot
be distributed to Lodges or individuals.
I know that you are going to have many questions
about the sale of the building. I assure you that your
Grand Lodge elected officers are working diligently
to determine how the funds from the sale can be
used according to the law and how they can best
benefit the Fraternity within those constraints.
Grand Masters Charity Challenge @ 25%
Total $ 10,800.00
Fraternally,
Charles E. Wood
Grand Master
3 Table of Contents
Gr and Lodg e of W ashingt on Marching in parades, cornerstone ceremonies, and
Grand Lodge of Washington
Masonic Tribune
Masonic T r ibune other public activities show that we are still here
Volume XCII No.1 - Summer Issue - Page 3
Volume CI No. 1 - Fall 2019 Issue - Page 4 and relevant. If a Lodge is sponsoring a corner-
stone, having dinner to celebrate first responders,
My Brothers, or other news worthy activity, then it can contact
the Public Relations Committee to assist in getting
publicity to non-Masons. Similarly, the Legislation
We constantly hear about Masonry having a mem- Affairs Committee can help to have local and re-
bership crisis. gional political leaders to attend. For example, the
recent rededication of Victory Masonic Temple in
We need to also remember that Lodges make Ma- Bremerton was well attended by the public includ-
sons, the Grand Lodge does not. The solution to ing the Mayor of Bremerton. Similarly, the corner-
the membership issue lies with the Lodges. So stone laid at the Sequim Museum and Art Center
how can Grand Lodge help Lodges address their and rededication at the Hutton Settlement in Spo-
membership issues? kane were very well attended by the public.
First, your Grand Lodge encourages Lodges to Whether these events will lead to inquiries about
include those activities which successful Lodges membership is unknown, but they help remind
DEPUTY Grand Master
are doing. As I stated in the last Masonic Tribune, quality people about our Gentle Craft. For those
successful Lodges have meals with their meet- who do not know, the Hutton Settlement was es-
tablished by a Master Mason 100 years ago as an
ings, family involvement, education and charitable
CHRIS COFFMAN tional aspects of Masonry that are important for a Hutton Settlement I had a long conversation with
orphanage. It continues to provide a safe environ-
activities. While these are important and keep
RIGHT WORSHIPFUL Brother
ment for at risk youth. After the ceremony at the
a thriving Lodge moving forward, there are addi-
one of the counselors. She was very impressed by
struggling Lodge to reach a sustainable member-
the symbolism and asked about how Masons can
ship. Specifically, these are Lodge management,
help their residents. She was unaware of Rainbow
community engagement, and social media. The
and DeMolay that meet very close to the Settle-
Grand Lodge can help Lodges with these.
ment and said she would encourage residents to
Leadership:
ment who lives on the westside. He did not know
No organization survives long if it has poor leader- inquire. I also spoke with a graduate of the settle-
that he needed to ask to become a member. He
ship. The Lodge Leadership Retreat is one means indicated that he would follow-up when he returned
that Grand Lodge tries to help Lodges train good to his home.
leaders. This is a program that other Jurisdictions
have copied because of its success. This year we Social Media:
are moving to a new venue. This year’s Lodge
Leadership Retreat will be held on March 20 to 22, Most younger men get their news from the Internet
2020 at the Wenatchee Convention Center where and social media. If a Lodge does not have an
we have held our Annual Communications sever- up-to-date website or social media presence, it is
al times. While being in a new location presents missing out on a great opportunity to inform these
some challenges, we are familiar with the facility men about the Lodge. I have heard many times
and the town. The Leadership Committee con- that an out-of-date website or social media may
tinues to review all presentations make changes, actually be worse than not having anything. When
updates, and adds classes that we hope the par- an interested man in his 20s opens the webpage or
ticipants find are useful. Facebook page and sees a picture of the officers
from 2011 and the calendar of events from 2012,
In order for the LLR to be responsive to the Lodge’s he is going to believe the Lodge no longer exists.
needs we are developing a brief survey to deter- The Public Relations and Technology Committees
mine the number of potential participants, as well can help Lodges create WebPages/social media
as suggested subject matter. It is my hope that presence and show how to keep them up-to-date.
every Lodge sends participants or at least shares Please remember to follow the social media guide-
the expense. It is an investment that is lines issued last year.
well worth the cost.
As you can see, the Grand Lodge Committees and
Registration information and class Elected can help Lodges in a variety of ways, but
schedules will be distributed later this the Lodges need ask for help.
year.
Fraternally,
Community Involvement: Chris Coffman
Deputy Grand Master
Lodges that are involved in their com-
munity tend to have more persons com-
ing to them to inquire about member-
ship. Opening the building for tours
during community events is a great
way for the public to find out about us.
4 Table of Contents
Gr and Lodg e of W ashingt on
Grand Lodge of Washington
Masonic T r ibune
Masonic Tribune
Volume XCII No.1 - Summer Issue - Page 3
Volume CI No. 1 - Fall 2019 Issue - Page 5
In his famous oration of December 27 1736, delivering that message, they helped ensure the fu-
Chevalier Michael Ramsay declared that the ture of our Fraternity, not for a year or two, or even
Masonic Promise was: decades, but for centuries.
We know what the Masonic virtues are and we
know that if those virtues were very widely held our
“the Subjects of all Kingdoms shall learn to cherish world would be a better place.
one another without renouncing their own country.”
It is time for us to; as Ramsay and Pike did in the
Following the Chevalier’s oration, which was deliv- past, proclaim those virtues. Proclaim them loudly
ered in Paris, the popularity of our Fraternity ex- and proudly, to hoist our Masonic Standard high in
ploded across the European continent, and from the air. The young men of today are seeking social
there quickly spread around the world. networks. Facebook is a poor imitation of the real
SENIOR Grand WARDEN
Cameron M. Bailey “The great peace society of the world.” what it is that FreeMasonry promises, and explain
thing and the new generation just entering adult-
Long after that fateful speech our own Albert Pike
hood will come to us if we can understand precisely
declared FreeMasonry to be:
that promise to them.
RIGHT WORSHIPFUL Brother
I think that is the challenge we all face as we seek
Ramsay and Pike used different words, but were
to restore and rebuild our Ancient Fraternity. Not
certainly describing the same virtue. The words of
to develop a bland ‘elevator speech’ that explains
both men had a tremendous impact that resulted in
FreeMasonry to those who might inquire in the
explosive growth and prosperity for our Fraternity,
first in Europe, later in the United States.
understand the great power of our institution and
embrace the divine mission for which it exists. We
I think that we can learn much from these men. most careful and dull way possible, but to truly
need to be able to explain those things, clearly, in
We can, perhaps, begin to understand that our words that will resonate with the young men of to-
Ancient Craft is not some trifling thing filled with day, just as Ramsay and Pike were able to do for
meaningless ritual and elementary lessons. It truly the young men of their times.
is serving the cause of the Great Architect by show-
ing men everywhere that we are all Brothers, that If we can do these things, FreeMasonry will thrive.
we can, and must, strive to live in peace and har- If we only talk and think about dusty buildings,
mony despite our national, creedal, and cultural dif- strong coffee, and business meetings, well then we
ferences. shall continue our decline.
We can also discover that the men in our society We must never forget that by uniting all men into
need and crave the message we offer. If only we one common Brotherhood under the Fatherhood of
can deliver that message. God, FreeMasonry promises peace. In our society,
ripped apart by nasty politics, rampant crime, mas-
We need to learn to explain what Masonry truly is. sive income inequality, meaningless mass shoot-
Not a dusty old society of men gathered together to ings and terrorism, our message is more important
drink coffee and struggle with ritual, but a calling, now than it has been in decades and decades.
a quest to improve ourselves and in so doing to
improve the world around us. Men will flock towards that message, if they hear it,
and if they understand it.
Properly we meet not in ‘Masonic Centers’ where
nothing more sacred is done than paying the That is our challenge.
monthly bills, but in ‘Masonic Temples’ where we
make our promises before God, and I am certain that we all can rise to meet that chal-
strive to hold each other accountable to lenge.
those promises.
Our Brother Pike suffered through our RWB Cameron M. Bailey
own Civil War, and our Brother Ramsay Senior Grand Warden
was forced to live in exile due to armed
dispute over who was the legitimate
King of England. Both men saw their
own countries torn apart by war, with
brother fighting against brother. That
is likely why they found FreeMasonry’s
message of peace so compelling. By
(Continued in page 6)
5 Table of Contents
Gr and Lodg e of W ashingt on masonic-mentoring) where a young Mason clearly
Grand Lodge of Washington
Masonic Tribune articulated that the lack of mentorship almost led
Masonic Tribune
Volume CI No. 1 - Fall 2019 Issue - Page 6 to his leaving the Fraternity. I believe that if we
Volume XCII No.1 - Summer Issue - Page 3
examine ourselves, we may find that we have a
similar trend in our Grand Jurisdiction. Masonry is
Our Masonic year is off to a great start. multifaceted. There are many topics to cover with
our young Masons to ensure that they are properly
As of this writing we have completed three Corner- educated. Masonic etiquette, symbolism, opera-
stone Ceremonies with many more to come over tive, speculative, Lodge history, ritual and Masonic
the course of this year. If you have not attended law. These are but a few of the many topics a new
a Cornerstone Ceremony, I can honestly say you Member will need to be educated in so as to be-
don’t know what you are missing. What a wonder- come grounded enough in Masonry to one day be-
ful way to introduce the public to Masonry. Each come another Brother’s mentor. Masonry is hard
ceremony has been met with appreciation and work. Mentoring is one of many components to
questions about our great Fraternity. People are our success and I challenge each of you to con-
genuinely interested in Masonry. The Unity March sider becoming a mentor to either new Members
that took place in Dupont was yet another opportu- or Members whom you have not seen in Lodge for
nity for the public to see Mason’s at work and truly a while. Reach out and be the difference that en-
JUNIOR Grand WARDEN
see what Masonry exemplifies and has to offer to courages a Brother to keep coming to Lodge, prog-
the world. Our presence in the public as Masons ress in their degrees, pay their dues or and most
importantly to not take a dimit from our Lodges.
will surely bring interested men to the doors of our
Charles E. Wood valuable tools we have at our disposal to assist us honored and humbled by your preferment. I look
Lodges. The Six Steps will be one of the most
RIGHT WORSHIPFUL Brother
In closing I want to say once again that I am deeply
both in making sure that Masonry is right for those
forward to meeting you in my travels, having great
men but that those men are right for Masonry be-
discussions and being a part of the future of our
fore they receive a petition.
great Fraternity. Every day is a great day to be a
Mason.
I also believe we can all agree that once elected to
receive the degrees of Masonry, good quality and
well-done degree work is equally important. What
RWB Edward C. Woods
follows however is where we may be missing the
Junior Grand Warden
mark. The Grand Master has given us six chal- Fraternally,
lenges for the year. I would like to speak about
three of the six for now. They are reducing the
number of annual dimits that we experienced last
year by one third; reducing the number of non-
payment of dues (NPD) that we experienced last
year by one third; and reducing the total number of
Entered Apprentices and Fellowcrafts waiting for
degree work by one third.
I would like to start by asking you the following: A Ring For All Reasons
How many of you remember your mentor(s)? As
you think back how did your mentor(s) help you I recently went to the Pacific Inn, a local establish-
learn about Masonry? How did they motivate you ment, to meet our latest EA, Brother Curtis. The
to keep coming back to Lodge? Did they keep you Pacific Inn is one of those old time Seattle places
engaged? I strongly believe that one of the many and is owned by a robust gentleman named Rob-
keys to meeting the Grand Master’s challenges is ert, who once upon a time, sang for the Seattle
to be a good mentor. Every newly made Mason Opera. His claim to fame in another life, was that
should have a mentor. I would argue that ideally he bartended for Jake O’Shaughnessy’s, which
the first line signer of their petition should be that was on Mercer St. near the Seattle Center. Robert
mentor. Think about it. By signing that petition would burst out at the bar with one of the finest
you are asserting that you are, and I renditions of “Summertime, and the living is easy.”
quote from the petition itself, “person- We sat at the bar and Br. Curtis lamented he was
ally acquainted with the above-named looking for a particular Masonic ring, something a
petitioner for X months and or years and little different. We looked on his cell phone at vari-
recommends him as a fit and proper ous websites, Brickmasons, J.P. Luther & Co., etc.,
candidate for Masonry.” By your signa- and looked at literally hundreds of Masonic rings.
ture, you as a Mason are indicating that After awhile, it occurred to me there were no spe-
you already know this man and quite cific Lodge rings and I mentioned this to Br. Cur-
possibly have an established relation- tis. We both agreed a Lodge ring would give us a
ship upon which you can build his Ma- sense of belonging and to some degree, devotion
sonic education. to our Blue Lodge. There was a time in Seattle,
if a Brother needed a ring, he would go to Car-
I recently read a short article which can roll’s Fine Jewelry on 4th and Pike. Unfortunately,
be found here: (https://www.FreeMa- Carroll’s has been closed for many years. I was
sonrytoday.com/more-news/initiatives/ inspired to give a call to our MWB Santy Lascano,
6 (Continued in page 13) Table of Contents
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Masonic Tribune
Volume CI No. 1 - Fall 2019 Issue - Page 7
What Legacy are We Leaving?
FreeMasonry is over 300 years old. FreeMasonry dynamic concept however; it is often used to de-
has survived for 300 years because of the labors scribe a gradual decline into disorder or a gradual
our predecessors undertook. Thinking about that, decline in an ability to function. Many of our Lodge
I was struck by the fact that we are the beneficia- buildings suffer from years of neglect. But there is
ries of a legacy that was left to us by our Brothers a lot that can be done with a little bit of time, effort
who came before us. This led me to ask are we and money. Get a work party together to clean up
doing everything necessary to ensure the survival around the building. Power washing the exterior
of the Fraternity for the next 300 years? and a fresh coat of paint can go a long way in im-
proving the external appearance of your building.
When I became Master of my Lodge, one of Prioritize repairs and begin budgeting for items that
the admonitions that I received was to leave the you know are going to need to be repaired or re-
Lodge a little better than when I started. What
Clint Brown for your successor. This seems like such a simple over the long run and generally results in a finan-
placed. Deferred maintenance costs more money
they were really saying is leave a positive legacy
RIGHT WORSHIPFUL Brother
cial hole which cannot be overcome.
Grand SECRETARY
concept. But what does that really mean? If you
really think about it, it means not only planning for
Last, but perhaps most important is the financial
the present, but planning for the future. Many as-
sume a leadership position in the Lodge and eas-
ture for the Lodge is perhaps the most important
ily get wrapped up in the day to day operations of legacy that we leave. Creating a fiscally sound fu-
thing that we can do. One important question that
the Lodge and lose sight of what it means to plan should be asked is not only are we able to pay our
for the future of the Lodge. There are numerous bills but are we able to contribute to charitable re-
ways to leave a lasting legacy for your Lodge. lief as well as put money back for the future? Are
we investing our money wisely? Are we just mak-
One is a membership legacy. I visited a Lodge re- ing ends meet or are we creating a financially sol-
cently that had been one of the Lodges in my Dis- vent future? I often hear from Lodge leadership
trict when I was District Deputy. I remember that about how the members of their Lodges can’t af-
when I visited the Lodge, they had trouble field- ford to pay more in dues. Most Lodge dues are
ing enough officers to even open Lodge. Many under $100 per year. That is less than $10 per
times when I visited, I was asked to fill in so that month. Compare that to Lodge dues and fees 100
they could open Lodge. I honestly believed that years ago. Most Lodges charged the equivalent
the Lodge would not survive another year. Fast of $3,000 in today’s value just to receive the de-
forward three years later and they are a thriv- grees of Masonry in the late 1800s. Men saved
ing Lodge. I walked into their dining room and for years to be able to join a Masonic Lodge and
there were at least 15 Brothers present, many of to pay their dues. Why? Because being a Mason
whom I had never met. They have been confer- was important to them. They wanted to be part of
ring degrees and those Brothers have assumed something great and guarantee that the Lodge was
leadership positions in the Lodge under the tute- there for their children and their children’s children
lage and mentorship of the stalwart members. The If the Lodge can pay their bills, contribute to char-
new members of the Lodge are bringing in men ity, plan for the future and keep their dues down,
of good character who want to be part of some- that is great. But if you are just making ends meet,
thing great. Their Lodge is thriving and active in perhaps it is time to take a hard look at your Lodge
the community and their future is bright. They are finances and ask what are you leaving for those
building a membership legacy for the future. who come behind you?
Another legacy that we should be leaving Andy Warhol was once quoted as saying that “the
for future Masons are our buildings. The idea is not to live forever; it is to create something
Grand Master has challenged Lodges to that will.” We did not join Masonry just to watch
improve the exteriors of their building by it fade away into the sunset. Each of us believes
doing simple maintenance and clean up in the tenants of Masonry and the changes that it
around the building. This helps improve can make within our community. It is up to us to
our image within the community, but leave that lasting legacy for those who follow us.
what about the long-term maintenance We will not live forever, but it is up to us to create a
of the building? Is the Temple Corpora- Masonic legacy that will.
tion keeping up with the maintenance
needs inside the building or are your Fraternally,
dealing with years of deferred mainte- RWB Clint Brown
nance? Many Lodge buildings are the Grand Secretary
victims of entropy. Entropy is a thermo-
7 Table of Contents
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Gr
Masonic Tribune
Masonic T r ibune rational education programs that are both thought provok-
Volume CI No. 1 - Fall 2019 Issue - Page 8 ing and highly anticipated. Individual Lodges work together
Volume XCII No.1 - Summer Issue - Page 3
to expand their capabilities and share their unique talents.
Masons have an expanded sense of camaraderie with other
Masons in their Lodge and across the state.
Long Range Planning: Let us know what you think!
The Grand Lodge of Washington is a viewed by the Masonic
Greetings my Brethren! community as a supportive organization. Its repository of
educational materials and the best practices of its constitu-
After being the Chairman of the Legislative Affairs Task Force ent Lodges are of great value to the individual Lodges. The
for the past few years, I’m switching hats and now chairing Grand Lodge supports the efforts of the member Lodges
the Long-Range Planning Committee. I have been attend- and is a source of consultative services to assist member
ing this committee’s meetings for the past couple of years Lodges in being successful. The Grand Lodge Officers are
as a committee chairman, providing input for this committee, seen as prudent and effective leaders that guide the Frater-
as well as the other committees, that might be valuable for nity by precept and example.
the progress of the other committees, as well as our Grand
Lodge. I plan to continue the excellent progress that my pre- 1. Membership Experience
decessors have established. Engage and retain members and their families through
an enhanced, sustaining, and relevant membership
One of the main items that this committee has been work- experience.
ing on is a survey for the Brethren. This article will consist
chiefly of the text of this survey, as well as a link to it. Below 2. Masonic Education
is the text of the survey, as well as our Mission and the Six Educate members and communities about the Frater-
Supports: nity’s intriguing and enduring history, values, practical
application of our principles, and relevance to society
We have the Mission Statement and the Six Supports to use today.
as a philosophical framework for our Long Range Planning 3. Leadership and Management
(see below). In an attempt to develop a ‘from the ground up’ Strengthen our leaders and cultivate new ones;
Strategy for implementation of day to day operations and strengthen management and governance effectiveness
goals for the Long Range Plan, we submit this survey to you at all levels.
and ask that you provide a response.
4. Beyond the Lodge
What the LRP Committee is looking for are the passionate Instill a wider Masonic perspective, inside and outside
things that you want to accomplish in the next 5, 10, 50 years the Fraternity, by deepening the connection between
as Masons and as a Grand Lodge. members, Lodges, the worldwide body of FreeMasonry,
concordant organizations, and the Public at Large.
Not only what do you want, but what other Brethren want to 5. Philanthropy
see the Grand Lodge doing, but they may not be willing to Focus our philanthropic efforts through Washington
speak up. What do you talk about with your Brethren in the Masonic Charities
“meeting after the meeting,” saying “I wish we were doing 6. Technology
this...” or “I wish the Grand Lodge did that...” or “I wish the In all areas, leverage technology for communications,
XYZ Committee would do more of...” education, management, charities, and deepening the
connections of members to our Fraternity.
We not only want your complaints, but we also would like to
hear your suggestions on how to overcome these obstacles. Please find the link to the survey:
We want all your ideas, even if they are “policy-based” rather glwastrategicplan.wordpress.com
than “action-based”; we want to hear your opinion!
If there is a description of the Committee in the Code, it is pro- I strongly encourage you to take this survey,
vided for reference. Remember the Code CAN be changed, and have a great autumn season!
don’t be afraid or worry that you can’t recommend a change
or addition to something because “that’s not what the Code Fraternal regards,
says”. We as Masons control the Code, we as Masons can
change or add to it! VWB Clayton La Vigne, Chairman
Long-Range Planning Committee
MISSION
Freemasons of Washington will be recognized as a relevant
and respected Fraternity, committed to attracting and retain-
ing all men of high quality who strive for self improvement
and the opportunity to make a positive difference in their
community.
SIX SUPPORTS
Masonry in Washington is growing in membership and has
the public perception as an honorable and positive influence
on society. Masonic events are well attended and considered
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Volume CI No. 1 - Fall 2019 Issue - Page 9
explore asking your Lodge to sponsor your attendance, and
think about what solutions you want to bring back to them.
I hope to see you there!
Lodge Leadership Training Fraternally,
VWB Jeremy Yielding
Every year we embark on an ambitious
program to assemble and present a week-
end full of informative, relevant, and enjoyable content to the
leadership of our Lodges. This time we’re seeking to en-
gage with our membership up front – by the time you read
this, a ‘pre-event survey’ will already have been sent to this
year’s Wardens and Deacons. We’ll use that feedback to
help guide the content that we’ll present at the conference
this coming March.
While the Lodge Leadership Retreat (LLR) is targeted at pro-
viding essential knowledge for upcoming Wardens and Dea-
cons – it’s suitable for anyone looking to expand their Lodge’s
best practices. The Retreat is also a fantastic place to seek
out fellowship beyond the walls of the Lodge. Friendships
are formed and reinforced across the Grand Jurisdiction as
ideas are shared, refined, and adopted. Many members of
the Grand Lodge Team are present teaching classes – it’s a
great time to reach out to those Brothers and find out what
they’re seeing in their travels.
We’re organizing our thirty-five (!) different classes around
several tracks. These include officer role-based Core Class-
es for Wardens and Deacons, Membership Engagement,
Strategic Planning, Nuts and Bolts, Best Practices, Ritual,
Civility, and Outreach. We will tweak the class offerings and
the content of the classes based on the feedback we receive SUDOKU SYMBOL PUZZLE
in the pre-event survey.
Spouses and significant others are welcome at the Leader-
ship Retreat! While we don’t anticipate offering child care
at the Retreat, we’re aiming for a highly engaging, educa-
tional, and enjoyable Ladies Program. We’ve scheduled co-
ed offerings on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning to
supplement the Ladies Program and so that we can learn
together. Look for more information in the coming months.
The LLR will be held March 20th through March 22nd at the
Wenatchee Convention Center and we’re excited about the
new venue. Information about registration will be forthcom-
ing soon, but we believe that there will be a moderate cost in-
crease over last year. Lodges who are sponsoring brethren
should explore doubling up on the accommodations to help
save on the expense.
If you’re on the fence as to if the Leadership Retreat is for
you and your Lodge, I urge you to consider the value that
you’ll derive from attending. You’ll have the opportunity to
share fellowship, discuss best practices, and receive excel- Sudoku, but like Masonry symbols are sub-
lent instruction from leaders from all over our Jurisdiction. stituted. Complete the grid so that every row,
The education presented is intended to be practical – stuff column and 3 X 3 box contains every symbol
you can put in place to not only improve the function of your shown below:
Lodge, but also to encourage your own growth as a leader
in your Lodge.
We hope that you’ll commit to taking full advantage of the op-
portunities presented at the Lodge Leadership Retreat this (Solution is provided in page 13)
coming March. Talk to your Lodge about who should go,
(Continued in page 22) Table of Contents
9
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Grand Lodge of Washington A Great Summer with our Masonic Youth
Gr
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Masonic T r ibune
Masonic Tribune
Volume XCII No.1 - Summer Issue - Page 3
Volume CI No. 1 - Fall 2019 Issue - Page 10
I’m happy to report a very successful and busy summer for
our Masonic youth here in Washington. Jobies had their
Grand Session in Wenatchee, Rainbow Girls their Grand As-
sembly in Yakima, lots of Installations and many fun events.
Membership Development Committee DeMolay, Rainbow and Jobies all had Jurisdictional camping
weekends, which were enjoyed by all. From my perspective
it was wonderful to see so many of our Masonic brethren in
Brethren, attendance, involved and supporting our youth.
This will be the first of 4 installments detailing the major Just last week, WB Doug Schroeder of our Grand Lodge
takeaways from the series of surveys that the Membership Youth Committee organized and hosted a night at the ball-
Development Committee undertook last year. In this install- park in Spokane. He invited all the Masonic youth and their
ment I will be delving into the survey sent to EAs and FCs friends and family from the surrounding area to join him in a
who haven’t advanced in over 6 months. wonderful event at Avista Stadium in Spokane for a Spokane
Indians baseball game.
The three primary reasons that our candidates aren’t ad-
vancing are: 150 tickets were secured for Jobies, DeMolay, Rainbow and
friends. They were treated to free tickets, dollar feast night
1. Conflict with work hours (hotdogs, ice cream, soda) and lots of FUN! WB Doug has
been hosting this event for a few years now. Special thanks
2. Conflict with family obligations to WB Doug for putting on this great event! And in case you
3. Lack of help in preparing for advancement were wondering, the Indians beat the Everett Aqua Sox 5-3.
The Fraternity, as a whole, can’t do anything about the first In my own backyard on the West side, I would like to make
two items on the list, except to assist these Brethren to find special note of some of our Brothers who are making a dif-
another Lodge that better suits their availability. Isn’t it better ference. In addition to their offices and huge responsibilities
that a candidate advances via courtesy degrees rather than they have in Lodge, they have taken on even more duties in
losing them from the Fraternity? Almost 65% of the candi- serving our youth. WB Beau Grant, WM of Shoreline Lodge
dates are not aware that if they are not able to attend their No.248 had the surprise and shock of his life when named
own Lodge, that they can, if requested by their home Lodge, to be Jurisdictional Rainbow Dad for Washington & Idaho for
have degree work done at another Lodge. Let’s not let our the following year. I know from personal experience it will be
pride stand in the way of a candidate advancing, and this fun and memorable year for you and the Girls of WA/Idaho
Jurisdiction raising another Master Mason. Rainbow – Congratulations!
The third one however, is absolutely on us! Only 90% of the Our own Deputy of the GM in District 2 – VWB Matt Appel
candidates are being assigned a coach and/or mentor. Of was just recently installed as Rainbow Dad for Edmonds As-
that 90%, over 60% of the candidates did not feel that they sembly. Southwest of Shoreline Lodge No. 248, WB Craig
were receiving the help that they need to advance. Broth- Mullin was installed as Rainbow Dad for Richmond High-
er’s, we can and we MUST do better. We are failing in the lands Assembly and a newly raised Brother – B Jason Finch
promises we have made to them. And, we are failing in the was installed as Rainbow Dad in Everett.
promises we have made to ourselves. A couple of weeks ago, a few of us on the Grand Lodge
On the positive side, 90% of the candidates feel welcome in Youth Committee had the pleasure of presenting the Grand
the Lodge. Additionally, over 60% of the candidates have Masters Youth Support Award to Brother Colin Chew of Ab-
found value in the Alternative Education Program. Let’s not botsford, BC. Brother Colin was nominated and recognized
forget to use this aid in improving the candidate’s knowledge for his countless hours of service he has provided up at
and understanding of each degree, the lessons taught there- Dream Camp in the Masonic Family Park in Granite Falls.
in and overall knowledge for which our beloved Fraternity Well done Brother Chew!
stands. These are just a few examples of good men doing great
In closing, a few other tidbits. Over 50% joined because a things for our youth. I know in your very own Lodge or Dis-
friend or family member is a Mason. Over 1/3 joined be- trict, there are men just like them, maybe even you, doing
cause of either curiosity or the reputation of the Fraternity. the same kind of thing for your local Jobies, DeMolay and
Over 80% joined Masonry between 26-55 years of age. Rainbow Girls. Thank you all!
If you have any questions please do feel Brethren, here’s an invitation – come see
free to contact me via email at: john@ what the FUN is all about. Get involved
wwgemlab.com. with our Masonic youth. Take some time
this Fall and visit one of your local youth
Fraternally, groups.
WB John Danner, Chairman
WB John H. Vivian, Chairman Youth Committee
Membership Development Committee [email protected]
10 Table of Contents
Gr and Lodg e of W ashingt on sentation to help your Lodge gain exposure in your school
Grand Lodge of Washington
Masonic T r ibune district and community as a leader and supporter of higher
Masonic Tribune
Volume CI No. 1 - Fall 2019 Issue - Page 11
Volume XCII No.1 - Summer Issue - Page 3
education.
The Scholarship Committee and WA Masonic Charities will
assist the Lodges in any way possible. The goal is for all
We Have the Tools You Need Lodges to participate and for students at every high school in
the state to have the opportunity to compete for the WA Ma-
to Change Lives for the Better sonic Charities scholarships. This can only be achieved with
No Grand Master’s Ties to purchase. No Grand Master’s more Lodges participating and more outreach to the school
districts in your area.
Coins to buy. Just donate $40 to Washington Masonic Char-
ities. This is the message we have heard from our 2019- Interested in joining the over 40 other Lodges participating in
2020 Grand Master MWB Charles E. Wood. this great service to students?
One aspect of the work that is done with these funds is pro- The process is simple. All Lodges that
viding scholarships to deserving high school students in sign up are accepted. Lodges are not re-
need. quired to raise money or have their own
Washington Masonic Charities is proud to partner with the scholarship program to participate. All
your Lodge needs to do is “opt-in”. This
Grand Lodge of Washington to offer scholarships for deserv- is a great way for your Lodge to get in-
ing young people throughout the state of Washington. Ma- volved with your local school district and
sons believe strongly in investing in the education of young community.
people - tens of thousands of dollars a year in scholarships
are provided to youth by Masonic Lodges across the state. https://www.wa-masoniccharities.org/
Our mission is to “To create a culture of philanthropy to in- webhost/scholarships
vest in youth and education, provide comfort and support WB Aaron Simon, Chairman
for seniors and those in need, and to preserve and share WMC Scholarship Committee
the Masonic heritage of Washington.” WAMC is the 501(c) 3
charitable arm of the Freemasons of Washington. Washington Masonic Charities
Our work is discreet. So you may not see or hear the hun-
dreds of stories of those we help each year, but each Mason
can and should be proud of the fact that the Fraternity brings Greetings Brethren,
Hope and support when it is needed most. We bring light to
those we serve, every day. Working on the Level as Masons, we have a Vision to build
Through the Scholarships Committee we are assuring that an environment where people live with meaning and dignity,
deserving students with few resources can obtain the voca- and can learn, grow and be safe. Our Masonic heritage and
tional, college, or university education to become successful values are the cornerstone to fulfill this vision. Creating a cul-
adults. This year we realigned our program, and while mak- ture of philanthropy, investing in youth and education, provid-
ing fewer scholarship awards increased the amount for each ing comfort and support for seniors and those in need, and
student and focused on those with greatest needs. Five total preserving and sharing the Masonic heritage of Washington
scholarships were awarded, including three Legacy Scholar- State is our Mission keeping in mind our Masonic values.
ships for children or Grandchildren of Masons.
For many years recipients of WA Masonic Scholarships have WAMC’s key objectives are Youth & Education, Seniors &
used the funds provided to continue on to higher education Adults in need and our Library & Museum. I have been on
after high school and graduate into successful careers in the Scholarship Committee for the last eight years and have
the workforce. The careers contribute to the communities in seen firsthand how much they mean to a student in need.
which these past scholarship recipients live. My Lady & I both serve on the Children’s & Youth Committee
working with youth groups presenting a program entitled Civil
Several past winners of scholarship awards are first genera- Dialogue, which is a lesson/reminder of civil discourse. This
tion college students who would never know the opportuni- committee along with WAMC is working with local Lodges
ties that wait for them once they have a college diploma. and school districts to supplement programs to help feed our
Lives are changed for the better as a direct result of the work states 40,000+ homeless school age children and assist in
and awards given by the Scholarships Committee for the re- providing weekend food sacks and basic needs such as soap
cipients and their families. and tooth paste. In our local community we work with various
Currently we have grown to over 40 different Lodges in our groups, along with the school district, to provide hot breakfast
state participating in the scholarship review process. With for the youth along with having the gym open early so the
lofty goals to grow the amount of applications received by neediest youth can take showers before school starts. It is
150% for 2020 we need to grow Lodge participation as well. humbling to hear the students at graduation or in the schol-
Our goal is to add another 20 Lodges to participate in the arship applications thank the Masons for our work that has
WMC Scholarships process. made it possible for them to graduate and go on to college
We have all the tools you need to sign up your Lodge and or trade schools. It is most humbling indeed. My parents are
currently engaged with WAMC’s Outreach Services. It takes
join over 40 other Lodges participating in the process. Once special people to sit down with my folks and work out a plan
signed up you will receive step-by-step instructions in an so they can age in place and end their years in the comfort
easy to read 4 ½ page Scholarships Manual for Lodges doc- of their home. I cannot give enough praise to the staff and
ument. We outline the scholarship review team procedures. volunteers of Outreach Services to do justice.
You will also get an informational flyer and PowerPoint pre-
11 (Continued in page 12) Table of Contents
Grand Lodge of Washington provide well needed and appreciated support for the many
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Masonic Tribune
Masonic T r ibune concordant and youth organizations within the Masonic fam-
Volume CI No. 1 - Fall 2019 Issue - Page 12 ily.
Volume XCII No.1 - Summer Issue - Page 3
The Grand Lodge Photography Team’s charter is to support
the Grand Lodge of Washington and the Washington Mason-
(Continued from page 11) ic Library and Museum Committee. Our primary mission is to
document, with high quality imagery, the travels of the Grand
Master and his team. We will also provide photographic sup-
Last November with special permission of the Grand Lodge, port for Masonic installations as well as support, if available,
WAMC sent out their first Annual Appeals letter to the Broth- to concordant bodies and Masonic youth organizations. The
ers of this Jurisdiction. This is important as every other char- Committee will upload photos and information to the Grand
ity sends out an annual appeal letter to its donors & poten- Lodge Web Site via the Grand Lodge of Washington/Photo
tial donors. WAMC is now seeing success in Legacy Gifts & Archive (https://wa-masonicphotos.smugmug.com/), in addi-
Planned Giving. However, WAMC needs the support of all tion to providing submittals to the Monitor, the Tribune, lo-
the Brothers to continue to achieve its objectives. cal newspapers or any other community organization that
requests copies of our photos. All photos not involving youth
I have often been asked why I sought out being elected to organizations are available to download and use (appropri-
the Board. First and foremost, I was one of these children ately) without charge or reference. Youth organizations re-
who came from a negative home, who went hungry, and en- quire a provided link and password to access, but downloads
dured physical and mental abuse. I wanted to be a part of are also available at no charge once you have accessed the
something new. I saw and see the potential of WAMC and site.
what it can do. I have been involved working with our youth
for many, many years and now have the opportunity to do Any member our Masonic family is welcome to contact us
more along with my Lodges and WAMC. I work for the Wash- with your photography needs and, if we have a photographer
ington State Department of Corrections and see firsthand the available, will do our best to accommodate your require-
end results of a child who went hungry, did not stay in school ments. All of our support is on a best effort basis and we do
or had no positive role models. It is not a child’s fault they are not guarantee to provide a specific photograph or support a
in this world, but they are the ones who pay the price. It does specific part of your event; but throughout the years we, as a
not take a village to raise a child but it does take a village to team, have done an excellent job of providing very high qual-
support a child and give them every opportunity to have food, ity and memorable photographs to the people that we sup-
be safe and succeed in life. We, as Masons, can and should port. All photographs will be uploaded to the archive within
do more to make this world a better place even if it is one a maximum of two days and typically much fast than that.
person at a time. If you do choose to use our photographers for your events,
it’s recommended that you included them on your program,
Lastly my Brethren, my Lady and I have a very simple Life as part of your installation team, and/or thank them for their
Motto that guides everything we do: Go Big and Celebrate! hard work and support when you acknowledge others in your
I now urge you all, as a call to action, to Go Big and Cel- presentations. Also, the photographers do their work without
ebrate in your Lodges and communities compensation and are usually still working many hours after
and continue to support your Washing- your event. So if your event requires an overnight stay, in
ton Masonic Charities so that we may some cases it may be appropriate to offer to comp them a
change the world as our forefathers have room for their efforts.
done before us. We also have an immediate need for several Grand Lodge
photographers. The requirements to become one of our
team are first and foremost a love for photography, being
VWB Larry D Foley involved with large groups of people that are passionate
President-Board of Trustees about Masonry and philanthropy, and finally a desire to be
Washington Masonic Charities “the most powerful person in the room. On top of having the
desire to be a member of the team, you should also have ac-
cess to a newer DSLR camera, a zoom lens (18mm-200mm
or higher ratio is recommended), and a good external flash.
The Secret Life of a Grand Lodge Photographer Grand Lodge does not provide equipment for the Photog-
raphy team. Team members are never required to shoot a
I was in search of frame number 25, the perfect shot of all of specific event or to shoot every event in your area. If you are
the Grand Lodge Team together on a high wind-swept peak interested in joining our team, either as a full member or a
in the Himalayas. I had just jumped from a rather small fuel part-time volunteer, we would love to hear from you.
starved helicopter into the frosty waters of the Arctic Ocean If you would like to request support for one
and could hear the POCKETA-POCKETA-POCKETA… of of your events, join the photography team
the fishing boat that would pick me up and take me to the or have comments about the archive, pho-
next point in my journey. tos or anything else then feel free to contact
As a Grand Lodge Photographer, you may not have this ex- me. My contact information is listed below:
act opportunity for excitement and adventure, but you will
have plenty of opportunities for unique travel and entertain- WB Rick L. McGann
ment to see the fascinating architectural/historical designs of Photography Committee Chairman
the different Lodges in the State of Washington and around 206-251-2541
the country. You will also have the opportunity to meet a [email protected]
lot of interesting, dedicated and well-rounded people and to
12 Table of Contents
Grand Lodge of Washington
Gr and Lodg e of W ashingt on (Continued from page 8)
Masonic T r ibune who helped us with our Doric Lodge Challenge Coins. He and
Masonic Tribune
Volume CI No. 1 - Fall 2019 Issue - Page 13
Volume XCII No.1 - Summer Issue - Page 3
I talked for quite some time on Masonic rings and I told him
that of the hundreds of rings I looked at, I saw one Lodge
ring. I told MWB that I would do some sketches and text them
to him. From the preliminary sketch I used the usual Square
and Compass with an All Seeing Eye on a round face with a
JUNIOR Grand WARDEN Cable Tow around the edge. It was decided to have a choice
of Royal Blue enamel or Syn-
JGW CANDIDA TES thetic Sapphire with the Square
and Compass as a choice. On
one side of the ring would be
C O R N E R a raised casting of Doric 92,
on the other side, also raised,
would be Seattle, WA. The ring
Question: Given the widespread use of social media today band itself would be a Doric
and the implications it can have on how the fraternity is column that is raised and wraps
viewed please share some thoughts how Washington Ma- around to the opposite side in
sons should conduct themselves when using social media. mirror image. I was thinking of
adding some words around the
Cable Tow, something like “Let
Response: When it comes to social media, how one con- There Be Light,” though it may
ducts themselves should be no different than how they would look too busy. That’s why it’s
conduct themselves when sitting in an open Lodge meeting. always good to have another,
The anonymity of sitting behind a keyboard and monitor does “eye” on design. Now we have
not remove our responsibility to “do good unto all”. While to choose metals and price
we cannot enforce a person’s behavior, we can “remind a points, the fun begins!
brother in the most friendly manner of his faults”. As with
most situations though, praise in public, admonish in private. Fraternally
Do not add fuel to the social media fire by calling a brother
out on social media! We are making good men better and in WB Charles Hadrann
my opinion, good men don’t spew hatred and discontent in Doric Lodge No.92
public or on social media. As with most things, I always try F&AM - Washington
and go back to the lessons taught to us from our Standard
Work. At the close of every meeting we hear the words I
quoted above, we need to not just hear the words, but listen
to them, understand them, and live them. The Worshipful
Master is charged at his installation to encourage the breth-
ren of his Lodge to practice out of the Lodge, those duties
which they have been taught in it. I would ask the brethren
that when you are commenting and reacting in Social Media
be conscious of the fact that people will see what you post
and know that you are a mason, don’t fall prey to the internet
“trolls” and always be respectful. If what you type is some-
thing you may not say to a person’s face, don’t post it. “Be SUDOKU SYMBOL PUZZLE (Solution)
temperate, prudent, and discreet” and just step away from
social media for a few minutes and reflect on the conversa-
tion and remember your obligations.
Fraternally,
VWB Steve Martin
Grand Lecturer
JGW Candidate 2020
(Solution of puzzle from page 9)
13 Table of Contents
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Gr
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Masonic Tribune
Masonic T r ibune
Volume XCII No.1 - Summer Issue - Page 3
Volume CI No. 1 - Fall 2019 Issue - Page 14
The Masonic Retirement Center Is Sold
to be rezoned to allow for many
more uses than its exclusive
zoning for Masonic use at the
time. Through the summer of
2018, Grand Lodge completed
the necessary steps to rezone
the property to an institutional
campus use. At the same time,
the City of Des Moines made
amendments to its zoning code
for institutional campuses to al-
low for much greater uses and
flexibility to include residential,
office, and retail mixed uses
to better serve the needs of its
growing community. In Septem-
ber 2018, the MRC property was
successfully rezoned as an insti-
tutional campus.
On Monday, August 26, 2019, The Most Worshipful Grand At the same time the property was rezoned, every effort was
Lodge of Washington successfully closed the sale of the Ma- made by the buyer and City to figure out what the absolute
sonic Retirement Center (MRC) in Des Moines, Washington minimum requirements would be to reinstate the certificate
for $11.5M. This sale was the result of an effort that began of occupancy that had been lost over 10 years earlier. It was
over 6 years ago and culminated with the rezoning and sale discovered that required improvements would cost over
of the property for redevelopment that will benefit the Des $40M just to meet basic life safety rules before any kind of
Moines community and support charity for our Masonic com- renovation could take place. Based on this new information,
munity throughout the state. it quickly became clear that it was no longer economically
After the first sale failed in November 2014, the MRC Task feasible to keep the buildings. The buyer decided not to con-
Force was formed at the request of Grand Master MWB Sam tinue with the purchase and a fourth buyer was under con-
Roberts in February 2015. This task force was comprised of tract by February 2019. Within a few months it became clear
Brethren who are current and former real estate brokers and that this latest buyer would not be able to perform and a new
attorneys who advised the Grand Lodge Finance Committee marketing strategy was developed.
and Grand Lodge on the many issues that are associated In May 2019, Grand Lodge with the support of the City of
with selling commercial real estate property. Des Moines, decided to market the property for development
The MRC Task Force recommended hiring a land use real without any requirements to keep the buildings. Multiple of-
fers were made and Grand Lodge selected the best offer
estate consultant to help Grand Lodge determine the highest from the strongest buyer who ultimately closed the sale as
and best use of the property. THK Associates Inc. completed our fifth and final buyer.
their study by June of 2015 and found that the property was
well suited for a mixed-used campus development. Sever- The Brethren of this Grand Jurisdiction should know that
al potential buyers had expressed interest in the property. great lengths were taken to ensure that the MRC property
Grand Lodge retained a real estate attorney to represent was sold through a rigorous process to figure out what can
Grand Lodge as letters of intent were submitted in August be done with the property, finding buyers through extensive
2015 and over several months a contract was established marketing efforts, navigating the com-
with a second buyer in January 2016. plexities of commercial real estate devel-
After a year of studies, the second buyer defaulted. Grand opment and financing, working closely
Lodge retained the earnest money and the MRC Task Force with the local building Jurisdiction, and
recommended that commercial real estate brokers should be making tough decisions as new informa-
hired to represent Grand Lodge and its interests in the mar- tion came to light. The sale of the Mason-
keting and sale of the MRC property. By June 2017, Grand ic Retirement Center property has allevi-
Lodge selected a commercial real estate broker team to be- ated a huge financial burden that will now
gin an extensive marketing campaign within the local, region- provide new opportunities to once again
al and national commercial real estate development commu- serve the needs of our Masonic commu-
nity to attract buyers that had the financial wherewithal and nity for generations to come.
vision to repurpose the property to a new use.
A third potential buyer was selected to purchase the MRC VWB Chris Haynes, Chairman
and they began their feasibility studies in August 2017. Grand Lodge Real Estate Advisory Committee
Through their efforts, it became clear that the property had
14 Table of Contents
Grand Lodge of Washington
Gr and Lodg e of W ashingt on done a bit differently, that our organization will change for
Masonic T r ibune having accepted the new member. This does not mean that
Masonic Tribune
Volume CI No. 1 - Fall 2019 Issue - Page 15 we needed to lose our identity as a group or change our core
Volume XCII No.1 - Summer Issue - Page 3
values, but that “the way we have always done it before”
may need to change and may no longer apply at all.
Deputies of the Grand Master In my time in Masonry, I have been of two minds about our
craft and how to address its presence in the community.
There are times when I think that all we need to do is be
R E P O R T S good men and true acting out the principles of Masonry in
our daily lives and the people around us will wonder “what
is it about that guy?” and want to emulate us. Other times,
I feel that we need to shout from the rooftops what it is we
do and advertise and bring as much attention as possible
to ourselves to point out our good works. I still do not know
what the right course of action is. I do know, however, that
not every Lodge is the same. Not every town is the same
across our Jurisdiction. What is best for your Lodge may
not be what would work for mine. Your Masonry and mine
Thoughts from District Two are likely not be the same, and that is a
good thing. I do know that one way for
us to spread the light of Masonry is by
Brothers, this year MWB Charles Wood has chosen for his increasing our contact with our commu-
theme “One Masonic Family Living United.” As we reflect on nities, members of other Masonic groups
our plans for the upcoming year, let us consider why and how and with our families.
we can fold the other members of our Masonic family into our
activities, the better to spread the Light of Masonry. VWB Matthew Appel
Our Brothers and Sisters in the Order of the Eastern Star Deputy of the Grand Master
support our Masonic family in many different ways. Recently District Two
at the Rainbow Dream Camp weekend there was a large por-
tion of the OES Grand Line present, and the support they
showed for the Rainbow Girls was certainly appreciated by
the girls. They are making an effort to communicate with the
youth groups to communicate their continuing lessons of self-
improvement and service to the youth as they age out of their
organizations. When is the last time you attended a meeting The D4 Diary
of a Masonic youth group? It is very likely that one meets
in the same building as your Lodge. Our presence at their – Or The Ruminations of Richard the Recorder
meetings is how we communicate our values to these young
men and women and continue to educate them in how to be
a good citizen and leader. Whether or not the members of the Dear Diary:
youth groups or their families become Masons is secondary.
By living our Peculiar System of Morality before these chil- Summer has been a long yawn so far in D4 with no stated
dren, we spread our beliefs and expectations to them. meetings or degree work throughout July and most of Au-
gust. However, the D4 Picnic on August 18 at the Nile pic-
Another way we transmit our values to the coming genera- nic shelter A certainly interrupted my summerial siesta. With
tions is by inviting them to be a part of our events. Some past DD’s Don Lyman, Marv Pearson and Neil Quinn per-
Lodges do an excellent job of enfolding the families of their forming the roles of organizer, chef and party whip the picnic
members and the community around them into their activi- proved to be a sparkling success despite a slightly lower
ties. Others do not even attempt to do so. Each of these ac- than usual turnout. Many ladies and a few children attended
tivities is an opportunity for your Lodge to transmit its values to sample the fine cuisine offered by Chef Pearson. Neil and
on to the world around it. While the focus of the Lodge is of Don moderated a special activity this year: Chip Closest to
necessity the improvement and happiness of its members, the Pin at the chipping area on the picnic grounds. I have
certainly a secondary goal should be to improve the com- rarely seen such a gallant display of golfing chutzpah from a
munity and world around the Lodge. What better way to do dozen or so players who must have just come off the satellite
this than by standing up as an upright organization and band tour outside of Pluto! Someone won, but none would defeat.
of men and act out the values we hold dear before the com- All in all, a fine midsummer event and we expect many more
munity. We should celebrate our successes with our families D4ers and their ladies to join us next year,
and community members. Walter F. Meier Lodge of Research No. 281 did meet at the
Don’t forget that as with so many things, this is a two-way end of August and your faithful DD did attend. Good ritual,
street. A former leader of my religious group was fond of say- a good meal and fine fellowship abounded. WB Don Moore,
ing that when we accepted in a new member, they were tak- now in his third year as WM again did a masterful job from
ing a chance because they did not know everything about the East as did the rest of the officers in their respective po-
the group they were joining (clearly this goes double for Ma- sitions. A highlight was a lecture by WB Richard Mauldin on
sonry!). But he also would say that we the group were taking Masonic music as it relates to and enhances degree work.
just as big a chance. By accepting this new person into our He demonstrated how classical music could be adapted to
group as a peer we were accepting that they may want things
(continued in page 16)
15 Table of Contents
Think about the accomplished athlete who continually strives
Grand Lodge of Washington
Gr and Lodg e of W ashingt on
Masonic Tribune
Masonic T r ibune to a higher level of performance and the discomfort and strain
Volume XCII No.1 - Summer Issue - Page 3
Volume CI No. 1 - Fall 2019 Issue - Page 16 that it takes to get there. Consider the sleep deprived stu-
dent who pulls all nighters to master a subject and improve
his grade point average. What about the parents who are
not only present for their kids but read child rearing books
Deputies of the Grand Master and might even go to family counseling or parenting groups
to make sure they are attuned to and prepared for their kid’s
R E P O R T S developmental needs. Certainly there are other examples
but the point is that there’s a lot more to being better than
just showing up. There’s also a lot more to being a better
man than putting on a suit, memorizing our ritual, becoming
knowledgeable about Masonic history and esoterica, and en-
forcing the Washington Masonic Code. Those things make
one a more proficient Mason and may enhance what can be
gained through Masonic osmosis, and if that’s the only ben-
efit one derives from our Fraternity it’s better than nothing.
But is it enough?
(continued from page 15)
At every officer installation the Master is instructed to charge
accompany any part of the degree work both from the Ameri- the Brethren to “practice out of the Lodge those duties they
can and Canadian perspectives. Thank you, Richard, for that have been taught in it.” So the question is what lessons
enlightening lecture. are we learning that can be put into the context of the outer
world? How much do we really challenge ourselves, or each
As September rolls into sight, your DD will be busy attend- other, in the course of our training? How uncomfortable do
ing stated meetings and trying to understand what God and we allow ourselves to be until we attain more light?
MWB Woody hath wrought for him in this District. I look for-
ward to every minute of it! Installation season is right around the corner and the Mas-
ters-to-be are probably scratching their heads to come up
And thank you, Dear Diary, for your pa- with the programs that will be offered during their year. My
tience in hearing this poor soul’s soulful suggestion to them is to ponder questions such as: Exactly
ruminations. how do Masonic skills translate to outer-world skills? What
are we confronted with out there that we
Sincerely, are better prepared for through our Ma-
VWB Richard M. Kovak sonic training? Beyond each of us indi-
Deputy of the Grand Master vidually working to make ourselves better
District Four how should we make ourselves available
to help others do the same?
VWB John Gebhart
District Seven Deputy of the Grand Master
District Seven
This being my first submission to the Tribune as a District
Deputy I thought it would be useful to scan past issues to
reacquaint myself what the deputies before me have writ-
ten. Common themes seem to be interpreting the message
in that year’s Grand Master pin, urging readers to achieve a District Eight
better understanding of some aspect of the ritual, or recount-
ing the fact that one of the District Lodges had some kind of Greetings Brethren,
special meal or event. And of course there is frequent refer- Where does the time go? It seems Lodges just went dark for
ence to how good we are because we’re making good men the summer and now we are gearing up to come back to the
better. My submission is going to be a little different as I feel light. I hope your summer has been filled with BBQ’s with
the need to challenge the notion that we make good men friends and family mixed in with some adventure.
better. Better than before or better than today?
I have no doubt that simply affiliating with other good men, August has been a busy month here in District 8 with many
events happening at the Masonic Family Park in Granite
with the expressed intention of becoming better men, has a Falls. The Rainbow Girls & Jobs Daughters each have their
positive effect. The laws of osmosis say this in unavoidable. yearly gatherings at Dream Camp and JWOF.
There’s nothing wrong with that, but it’s passive. It’s also
very comfortable. We’re all happy to see each other, we all On August 3rd, the Master Mason Club along with host
know when to stand, sit, and speak, we’re (usually) wearing Lodge Sultan-Monroe Lodge, No. 160 put on the Open Air
nice clothes, and we deal with each other in the most friend- MM Degree. VWB Larry Foley opened Lodge with over
ly manner. We meet in a safe and nurturing environment, 150 Brothers in attendance. The Degree was conferred by
which if nothing else allows us to recover from the influences VWB Cary Cope with the drama team comprised of Brothers
of the outer world. But is that enough? How much growth from District 8 and 17 led by WB John Mathers and VWB
really occurs when we restrict ourselves to such a comfort- Mark Hanshaw, which supplied the drama costumes. MWB
able state? Charles Wood closed in ample form. There were Brothers
(continued in page 17)
16 Table of Contents
Gr and Lodg e of W ashingt on District Nineteen
Grand Lodge of Washington
Masonic T r ibune
Masonic Tribune
Volume XCII No.1 - Summer Issue - Page 3
Volume CI No. 1 - Fall 2019 Issue - Page 17
While according to their respective Bylaws, the Lodges of
District 19 go “dark” during the summer months of July and
August and do not conduct Lodge business, the Members do
Deputies of the Grand Master not abandon their working tools nor forget their obligations.
To the contrary, we continue to work as Masons for the good
of humanity.
R E P O R T S District 19 Masons pay particular attention to the trowel,
spreading the cement of brotherly love and affection. During
the summer months, Masons can be found participating in
parades, laying wreaths at Veterans Memorials, supporting
concordant bodies at County Fair food booths, and provid-
ing assistance for the local East West Shrine football games.
Moreover, District 19 Masons meet socially throughout the
year each Friday at local establishments to enjoy a beverage
during what we affectionately refer to as COB (Corn, Oil, and
(continued from page 16) Beer). COB is open to Masons, family, friends, and those
who are interested in FreeMasonry.
from four Grand Jurisdictions including GL of Washington, There are also opportunities for Masonic education while the
GL of BC & Yukon, Prince Hall GL and GL of California. The Lodges are dark. The District 19 Masonic University (also
weather was perfect which lead to a most amazing time had referred to as Saturday School) occurs each Saturday morn-
by all. Please welcome our newest MM’s, Bro.’s Mike Fee, ing in a secure place for instruction to help Brothers with their
Will Lorenzini & Larry Laquote. Later that night VWB Cary Posting Lectures, Lodge ritual, and general Masonic discus-
Cope put on the drama “Defense of the Ruffians” where our sion. Further, a series of Degree Club educational events
newly raised MM Will Lorenzini proposed to his lady and she extended into the month of July.
said ‘Yes’! August was a busy month in District 19. During our annu-
On August 11th, the Brothers of Karl E Warren 259, District al Outdoor Master Mason Degree, we conferred the sub-
8 and the Everett Valley Scottish Rite came together to pay lime Degree of a Master Mason on two Brothers. We also
homage to WB Gerald Earl who passed away July 27th. WB installed the Officers of Mt. Hood Lodge No. 32 and White
Gerald Earl was WM of KEW 259 in Skykomish & KCCH Salmon Lodge No. 163.
Scottish Rite. The District 8 memorial team lead by VWB
Cary Cope and the Rose Croix memorial team lead by Il- While the Lodges were dark, our Masonic
lustrious Wayne Betts 33 performed the memorials for family, light has continued to shine brightly in Dis-
friends & Brothers alike. WB Gerald Earl served our Craft for trict 19. Even so, I’m certain that I’m not
53 years before being called into the Celestial Lodge above. alone in looking forward to resuming our
labors in Lodge.
On August 17th, the District 8 Symbolic Lodge Officers Coun-
cil along with host Lodge Peninsular 95 put on the Torchlight Sincerely & fraternally,
FC Degree at the park. A free dinner put on by the Jobies was
enjoyed before the Degree. Lodge was opened ay 9:00pm VWB Gordon S Johnson
where three Brothers were passed. The Degree is a step Deputy of the Grand Master
back in time where the Lodge room is lit only by torches, sur- District Nineteen
rounded by evergreens with the celestial bodies above. The
second part of the Degree was performed in costume once
again supplied by the Brothers of District 17. RWB Cameron District Twenty Three
Bailey did an excellent Circumambulation with VWB Clayton
LaVaigne reprising his role in the Middle Chamber. An excel-
lent job well done with Brotherly Love and Friendship shared District 23 is composed of 6 Lodges that run in a east-west
by all. This Degree was started to bring something to the direction from Sunnyside 138, Grandview 191, and Benton
Brethren, give a unique experience for the Candidates and 277 in the Yakima Valley, to Richland 283, Kennewick 153
to bring Brothers and families together for and Pasco 173 in the Columbia Basin This area of south
a weekend of true Fellowship. Next Torch- eastern Washington is spread over 60 miles down the Ya-
light will be in 2021. kima River where it convolutes into the Columbia River. The
With summer coming to a close and Lodg- 3 Lodges of the Yakima Valley are smaller farming communi-
es returning to work, I look forward to shar- ties whereas the 3 in the Tri-cities are in a large metropoli-
ing Fellowship with each of you. It’s almost tan area with a mix of agriculture and industry including the
time for the District 8 Communication with Hanford site north of Richland. This gives an even split within
the GM as well as Lodge installations of the District bringing unique challenges and opportunities to
officers. It is indeed a good time to be a each half. I was raised in the rural town of Grandview in the
Mason. Talk to you all again soon. Yakima Valley but have spent most of my life in Kennewick.
That gives me a good feel for the needs of the valley and the
VWB Larry D Foley basin. Although I have visited all the Lodges and participated
Deputy of the Grand Master in degree work, I am excited to learn more about each of the
District Eight Lodge’s inner workings. They all have great histories, each
with charters over a century old.
(continued in page 18)
17 Table of Contents
live where group interaction must be reinvented in a society
e of W
e of W
Grand Lodge of Washingtonon
and Lodg
and Lodg
Gr
GrGr and Lodg e of W ashingt on
on
ashingt
ashingt
Masonic T r r ibune where in the last 100 years we have gone from working to-
Masonic T
Masonic Tribuneibune
r
ibune
Masonic T
V
Volume CI No. 1 - Fall 2019 Issue - Page 18 gether naturally to becoming the most isolated society in our
Volume XCII No.1 - Summer Issue - Page 3olume XCII No.1 - Summer Issue - Page 3
history. Finding that bridge between our be-
loved history and tradition and the minds of
Millennials can no longer be ignored if we
Deputies of the Grand Master expect to become a stronger fraternity. We
must start working outside the box so that
R E P O R T S our sacred values are inculcated into a new
generation of men.
VWB John Lawson
Deputy of the Grand Master
District Twenty Three
District Twenty Three
(continued from page 17) Service to our great Nation in the uniforms of the various mili-
tary services comes with implied virtues and values that we,
as Free and Accepted Masons know, such as duty, honor,
So far, summer has not been “dark” as the Lodges in the country, selfless service, leadership, and loyalty. But let us
Tri-Cities and Benton City have installed officers, had instal- never forget that most painful part for the families of the fallen
lations, and hosted public events. But no one seems to mind … the agony of sacrifice.
at all, with each gathering filled with a slew of members from As a Fraternity, all across our country we take time to honor
each of the other Lodges with good fellowship and interac- those who have served with banners, commemorative pa-
tion. In many ways, the Lodges in the Columbia Basin includ- rades, community events, and yellow ribbons. What some-
ing Benton Lodge up the valley are like one Lodge that fre- times gets missed, lost, or forgotten is the pain of loss, which
quently interact with one another, helping with lectures and is unique to a Gold Star family.
filling needed parts for the rituals.
I host a bi-weekly education activity at my home and av- You have likely seen the window decal on a vehicle or a
neighbor’s front door composed of a red border, white inner
erage around 12 Brothers who represent a number of the rectangle and a star within the field. Masons who are vet-
Lodges. They break into three basic categories. Brothers erans know that the star of blue signifies the family has a
who need assistance with ritual work and are interested member currently serving in our armed forces. Plural stars
in the deeper esoteric meaning of Masonry, Brothers who represent plural family members serving.
are working on proficiency in Lodge management and men
who have knocked on our doors and are going through a The Gold Star, however, carries with it a heartbreaking reality.
Six-Step program. I have found that the intermingling of this The family displaying this emblem has lost a son or daughter,
group has done wonders with friendships and networking mother or father, brother or sister, while serving in the Armed
and many of the Brothers are now meeting additionally on Forces of the United States of America.
the side to practice together and become friends. They also Here in the State and Grand Jurisdiction of Washington, ef-
get individual help on different nights as needed with spe- forts are now in progress to erect a memorial to the fallen, in
cific mentors. This is to address the deficit I have seen in the honor of Gold Star families across the “Evergreen State.” This
Lodges’ ability to retain new members and efficiently investi- will be the next of many such memorials across the coun-
gate interested candidates as well as watching new Brothers try through a program called “The Medal of Honor Founda-
fade into the woodwork out of neglect. I believe that we have tion” which was developed by Chief Warrant Officer Hershel
underemphasized this important aspect of our Masonic duty “Woody” Williams, a Medal of Honor winner from the Vietnam
statewide and I intend to make it a part of my 2-year focus as War.
District Deputy, measuring and monitoring its progress. Website home page information for this program says, in
As I continue to examine these kind of organic groups, I find part: “The purpose of the Gold Star Families Memorial Monu-
that meeting away from the Lodge in a home-setting is an ment is to honor Gold Star Families, preserve the memory of
important missing link in our retention and orientation issues. the fallen, and stand as a stark reminder that Freedom is not
Some of the men that have shown interest now have a place free.”
for them to come and learn more about who we are and visit
with other Masons. I plan to foster Lodges starting up this The memorials developed by the program feature moments
kind of interactive group style process throughout the valley done in black granite with information on both sides. The first
and basin in hopes it will aid the Brothers throughout District side is a tribute to families and relatives “who have sacrificed
23. a Loved One for our Freedom.” On the reverse, four panels
tell the story of “Homeland, Family, Patriot, and Sacrifice.”
I have created a pamphlet on the closing charge and a logo
for the Brothers that I hope will offer insights to new Masons The distinctive feature of each monument is “the cut out which
about the deeper meaning of the charge and our challenge represents the Loved One who paid the ultimate sacrifice in
as modern Masons working together in a world where frater- the name of Freedom,” as the web site describes. In the case
nity sounds like a word from the past. Masonry, in my opin- of the monument currently being developed, the honoree will
ion has grossly underestimated today’s society in which we be a native of Walla Walla.
(continued in page 19)
18 Table of Contents
Grand Lodge of Washington
GrGr
on
on
e of W
e of W
Gr and Lodg e of W ashingt on play four square, the only ball the school had was being used
and Lodg
ashingt
and Lodg
ashingt
Masonic TMasonic T
Masonic Tribune
ibune
Masonic T r ibune for kick ball. Denis fished into his own pocket for the ball, but
ibune
r
r
Volume CI No. 1 - Fall 2019 Issue - Page 17 noticed several of the children in need to decent clothing for
Volume CI No. 1 - Fall 2019 Issue - Page 19
V
Volume XCII No.1 - Summer Issue - Page 3
olume XCII No.1 - Summer Issue - Page 3
school. So “White Socks & Wigs” grew out of the playground
Deputies of the Grand Master ball request.
R E P O R T S Like everything else it takes a while for the word to spread,
but it did quickly. The first few years the amounts were small.
It grew for a meager $65.00 (in 1997) to a sum of $2500.00
(as of Sept. 2019). SO, as you can see, Masons LOVE to
support children & education. It shows by the support our
(continued from page 18) Lodge has received over the years. We have raised & spent
the better part of $30,000.00!!!
Various service citations and combat action reports describe I guess I need to back up and share where this money goes.
that 1st Lt. Mathew Fazzari, United States Army, died during Our Lodge takes a desiring family in to purchase the children
an aviation combat support mission for war fighters on the their back to school clothing. Each child receives 3 shirts, 3
ground in Afghanistan. His surviving parents are Greg and pairs of pants, socks, underwear & shoes. Sometimes the
Susan of Walla Walla. Both are members of the Board devel- children hit a growth spurt and we will again take them to get
oping the memorial. Penny Linterman, the project lead, re- new clothing. It’s all about helping a child feel like the “fit in”
ports that current plans are to place the monument this year, because we all know self-esteem plays a huge factor in chil-
once fundraising is complete. dren feeling comfortable & be able to learn effectually.
Linterman, who is not a Gold Star family member, became So, here is the HUGE news!! Little Falls Lodge has moved
interested in this effort after becoming acquainted with fami- into Centralia Masonic Temple as of September 2020. So,
lies and friends who are. Penny is the Pacific Northwest Liai- the next White Socks and Wigs night will be held there. Sec-
son volunteer for the program. She can be reached by calling ondly, we decided that the weather became too much of a
360-670-7629, or emailing her at: [email protected] . factor too often in February, so we moved White Socks and
“Memorials like this give Gold Star families a place they can Wigs night to March. So, PLEASE!! Mark March 27, 2020 on
your calendars NOW!!
go to share their pain and their common experience. Current-
ly there are 28 Gold Star families in the Walla Walla Valley,” In the past, for the meal before, we have done many different
said Linterman. “There are several ways to be part of this ef- things, but this year being a new venue for us, I am hoping to
fort. Local donations can be made to the do something BIG!! Maybe a steak catered dinner at Centra-
foundation and the Walla Walla memorial lia Lodge. Also, two years ago, we added a “Ladies Program”
project. Donations can be sent to: P.O. during the meeting. The ladies have met for their own meal,
Box 2983, Walla Walla, WA 99362. Online then one year took in a movie (I hope I am remembering cor-
donations can be made to the same effort rectly) another time, just sat and talked. Both times though
by going online to www.hwho.org .” it was reported to be a huge success & was enjoyed by all
As we honor our Nation’s emblem every Ladies in attendance!! So, bring along your wife or girlfriend
too!! Enjoy yourselves while helping the children of Vader go
time we open and close our Lodges, we back to school while looking sharp!!
can help honor the Gold Star families of
the fallen. Look for further updates as the date draws closer, or contact:
WB Craig Sullivan
VWB Dutch Meier Home: 360-262-9804
Deputy of the Grand Master Cell: 360-324-2728
District Twenty Four Email: [email protected]
Chairman, Public Relations Committee
Member, Military & Veterans Services Committee
Changes coming for White Socks
& Wigs night!!!
I am hoping most of you have heard about Little
Falls Lodge, No. 176 “Famed” White Socks & Wigs
night. Some may have even ventured down to Va-
der, Washington to sit in Lodge on a cold February
night.
What started back in 1995 by a student at Vader El-
ementary of then Worshipful Master Denis Robbins,
to purchase them a playground ball because the
school couldn’t afford one. These children wanted to
19 Table of Contents
Grand Lodge of Washington
Gr and Lodg e of W ashingt on
Masonic Tribune
Masonic T r ibune P I C T O R I A L
Volume XCII No.1 - Summer Issue - Page 3
Volume CI No. 1 - Fall 2019 Issue - Page 20
Torchlight Fellowcraft Degree
2019 Master Mason Outdoor Degree
20 Table of Contents
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