2020 Spring

Washington

Masonic Tribune

Spring 2020




Table of Contents

MWB Charles Wood Grand Master ................................................... 2
RWB Chris Coffman Deputy Grand Master ......................................... 3

RWB Edward C. Woods Junior Grand Warden ................................... 5
RWB Clinton Brown Grand Secretary ................................................. 6

Available for Grand Junior Warden - Steve Martin ............................ 7
VWB Matthew Appel – DDGM District 2 ............................................ 7

VWB John Gebhart – DDGM District 7 ................................................ 8
VWB Larry D Foley – DDGM District 8 ................................................ 8

VWB Gordon S Johnson – DDGM District 19 ...................................... 9
Leadership Training ............................................................................. 9

Long-range Planning ......................................................................... 10

Membership Development ............................................................... 11
Public Relations ................................................................................. 12

Sudoku .............................................................................................. 13
Civility & Connection in a Time of Crisis ........................................... 14

Washington Masonic Tribune – editor notes ................................... 15
Sudoku Answer ................................................................................. 15

ARE YOU REALLY THE MASON YOU 5. Suppose you were called upon to tell why you should be retained;
THINK YOU ARE - A MASONIC SELF would you have a record of service to aid in your defence?
EXAMINATION? 6. Suppose every member did as you were doing; would your Lodge be
A few years ago, while serving this Grand the most active one around, or would it disappear into obscurity?
Jurisdiction as your Senior Grand 7. Suppose you were charged with being a mason, would there be
Warden, the membership voted to adopt enough evidence to convict you?
the Six Supports of 20/20 Vision. These 8. Suppose a young man asked you all about Freemasonry; could you
guiding principles are: Membership answer him?
Experience, Masonic Education,
Leadership and Management, Beyond the Once the meeting was over, I asked MWB Ron Yates to send me these
Lodge, Philanthropy, and Technology. questions, so I could insert them into an article on membership experience.
Here‟s a question for you to consider, Now it‟s your turn. Please take a few minutes to reflect how you would
when was the last time you reviewed the answer these seven questions but do not send me your responses. The
Six Supports of 20/20 Vision? In the intent of this article is for each member of our great fraternity to evaluate their
March 2020 edition of the Masonic own Masonic experience. Ask yourself if your answers are what you thought,
Messenger I included the questions or did they surprise you. Ask yourself what you can do to make your lodge
stated below for your consideration, For better for yourself and your brother masons. We have a membership
MWB Charles Wood those who have not signed up for the retention problem and it is up to each mason and every local lodge to fix the
Masonic Messenger I decided to add it to
Grand Master the Spring Edition of the Masonic Tribune problem and that begins with a frank and honest look at our personal
for consideration My spring article for the membership experience.
In closing, I fully support the Six Supports of 20/20 Vision that we all voted in
Masonic Tribune asks the following question, has your membership
experience been what you anticipated one way or the other. On a scale favor of at Grand Lodge sometime back and leave each of you with this
of 1 to 10 with 1 being poor and 10 being excellent, how would you rate your question: Ask not what masonry can do for you but what can you do for
experience as a mason since being initiated into our fraternity to date? masonry?
When was the last time you did a self-evaluation of your Masonic
experience? Has your experience been all you envisioned it would be? Here is an update on the Grand Masters Challenge to raise $40,000.00 by
contributing directly to Washington Masonic Charities, currently stands at
I had not given this subject consideration until I attended the installation of 86% or $ 34,251.00 this is an outstanding accomplishment and we still have
Victoria/Columbia No. 1 in Victoria a few years ago as your Senior Grand 2 months before our next Grand Lodge Communication. Thank you one and
Warden. After the installation was completed, MWB Ron Yates, the Most all
Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon,
Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons, in his closing remarks, ask those It is up to each Mason to “Be the difference”
present to suppose the following questions:
Fraternally:
1. Suppose your Lodge was limited to 25 Members; would you be in or
out? MWB Charles Wood
2. Suppose you had to run for membership, as a candidate runs for Grand Master
office; would you win or lose?
3. Suppose your membership term was for only one year, and then you
had to be re-elected depending on your service; would you be re-
elected?
4. Suppose you had to run for membership, as a candidate runs for
office; would you win or lose?
2

full of people who knew Lynn, her students and colleagues, and friends. The
. tributes from so many eased some of the pain that my family and I have felt.
My Brothers, The many well wishes from those who were unable to attend are truly
As most of Craft is aware, my wife, Lynn, appreciated. I am so glad that the two Grandchildren who were hospitalized
was killed in a terrible vehicle accident on had recovered enough to attend. They both continue to improve. Please
December 16, 2019. My daughter and
five grandchildren were also in vehicle. keep my Granddaughter in your prayers. Her injuries were the worse and
Two of my grandchildren had to be the therapies (physical and mental) she needs are not readily available due
airlifted from Quincy to Harborview in to the Corona virus pandemic.
Seattle due to life threatening injuries from
the accident. I must say that Christmas The pandemic is on everybody‟s mind. It will be some time before we can
and New Year‟s were not joyous in my meet again in that “sacred retreat of friendship and virtue” we call the tiled
heart. We have all seen the vitriolic and
hateful speech from politicians, the biased recesses of the Lodge. In the meantime, I ask each of you follow
news media who will only tell the story recommendations of the health professionals. While we cannot meet
that benefits the political slant of network officially, we can and should communicate with your Brothers, especially
owner, the screaming in the streets, and those who may be home bound. Additionally, if you are able, go to the
the lack of civility at all levels of our grocery and/or drug stores for a Brother or neighbor who cannot go out. We
RWB Chris Coffman society. But, the outpouring of support can do this and still maintain social distancing by placing the medicine and
from my Brothers reminds of a scene from
Deputy Grand Master the Lord of the Rings, Return of King groceries on their front porch. Help wherever you can. Remember “every
when Samwise and Frodo are sitting in a human being has a claim upon your kind offices.”
desolate place and a ray of sunlight peeks
though the clouds. Samwise says to Frodo, “Look Frodo, there is some good Lastly, I applaud the efforts of Brothers who think outside the box. Many
in this world.” Lodges are holding virtual meetings using Zoom, Go to Meeting, or other
platforms. Your elected are planning on holding the last District Meetings
There is still good in our society. Our Gentle Craft is part of that good. Many virtually as well. We will get through this.
of my Brothers in our gentle craft and sisters in OES and other bodies who
have never met my daughter or her family as well as many others who are Chris Coffman, Deputy Grand Master
total strangers have stepped up and contributed to the go fund me page and
the Facebook fund raisers to help her family deal with the immediate financial
needs. My daughter and I have said many times, it just amazes us how
generous people are. The family is eternally grateful to everyone who
contributed. I have tried to individually thank those who contributed to help
my daughter and her family, but I know there are many who I have missed.
Please know that my lapse is not intentional and my heartfelt thanks go out
to you.

We held the Celebration of Lynn‟s life just four weeks after the accident. It
seemed fitting in a way that there was a threat of snow. As many know, Lynn
refused to drive if there was snow. But despite the bad forecast, the hall was

3

with our Lodge almost impossible. Again though, with a virtual meeting, this
A Brighter Future is no limitation. At a virtual Lodge meeting I attended this week; the meeting
was attended by a Lodge member from Arizona, and another from Florida.
As I write this we are twelve days into Governor
Inslee's Stay Home, Stay Healthy order. Our I've got to admit, I've never been a technology guy. I talk to people for a
Lodges have been dark for even longer, from the
date that larger gatherings were banned. We in living, so never felt much need to embrace the latest and greatest stuff from
Washington will be living under this order for at Silicon Valley. This current crisis has forced me to pull myself into the
least another month. modern world, and based on the large numbers of Masons I see participating
with their Lodges virtually, it seems that a great many of our Brothers are
This situation is unique in our lives, and in doing the same.
Masonry. Our individual Lodges can use it as an
excuse to wither and fail, or as an opportunity to
bring about change and an even brighter future We will heal our land, this virus will be beaten, probably much quicker than
RWB CAMERON for themselves. most of us would expect. The question then is, will Masonry learn from this
experience and come out of it even stronger than it was before it all began?
BAILY - GRAND I'm very pleased to report that the second course

SENIOR WARDEN is being taken by many of our Lodges throughout I think we will learn, and that our Lodges will be improved for the future. We
this Jurisdiction. Many of our Lodges are will figure out how to embrace current technology (and our member‟s
organizing to check up on, and better assist our older members. Others are widespread adoption of it) so that our members can participate and remain
redoubling efforts to reach out to our Masonic widows, ensuring that they actively involved, no matter their age, health, or location. Masons will no
receive fellowship and if needed assistance. These are important things that longer have to be able to make it into our physical Lodge rooms in order to
should continue into the future, long after the current crisis ends. join us in Lodge.

Very impressive to me has been the rapid pace that many Lodges have This will be a great way for our entire membership to remain engaged,
begun to embrace video conference technology. Lodges are meeting in the regardless of whatever personal limitations they might be facing. It will also
virtual cloud. In the past weeks I've been able to attend some of those be a tremendous boost for our Lodges that will benefit from the knowledge
meetings, and I've got to say that I've been extremely impressed. and wisdom shared by members who for whatever reason could not
otherwise participate.
Attendance at some of these virtual meetings seems to be even larger than
the Lodge's average Stated Meetings, across all age groups, and The future of Freemasonry remains bright, as does our collective future.
participation in discussions seems to be enjoyed by all. Together we will meet the current challenges, and we will come out of this
time even stronger than we were before.
Age, health, and the ability to drive at night can often limit our member‟s
ability to physically attend our Lodge meetings, and in the past these Cameron M. Bailey
limitations could all but divorce a man from his Masonry. With a virtual Senior Grand Warden
meeting, this is no limitation. All can attend; all can meet on the level.

Here in Washington many of us dream of being able to move to warmer
climates after we retire, and some achieve that dream. Such a move may be
great for us personally on the whole, but it certainly makes any involvement
4

Brothers, Social distancing however is a proven strategy at mitigating the spread of this
Wow. Who would have thought that we would virus. It is not going to rid us of COVID19, but it will slow the spread to allow
be dealing with a Pandemic? COVID19 has us to manage it appropriately. While not popular, it along with many of the
seriously put a glitch into our daily lives the other restrictions that have been placed on our daily lives is necessary. To
impact of which remains to be seen for the
unforeseeable future. It‟s not that I never equate these actions with government takeover conspiracies and evil
figured that there would be a Pandemic; I intentions is not productive, nor conducive to setting an example as a Mason.
guess I just hoped that it would not occur in It creates undue stress, which is something we need less of, not more.
my lifetime. But here we are, so what‟s next?
As Masons now is the time more than ever for us to set the example in how
Over the last couple of weeks, I guess you we should treat one another. “These generous principles extend further,
can say that I am one of the fortunate ones, for every human being has a claim upon your kind offices, do good
who are still going able to go to work. By
fortunate I mean to have something to do that unto all.” We as Masons need to be the beacon of light to aid and guide
is productive, meaningful and aids in keeping humanity through these difficult times, to provide aid to others when and
RWB Edward C. me from going stir crazy at home. My time where we can, to show compassion for those who are struggling and to show
over the last couple of weeks has been spent
Woods Junior working in my agencies Incident Command the world that Masons are not only relevant today, but that once again
Masons are leading the way by examples in the way mankind should conduct
Grand Warden Post (ICP) working with our facilities assisting themselves.
them find the Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) resources that are in such high demand during this crisis. The
challenges have been many. What I see every day is that people‟s emotions I encourage you to reach out to our older members who are likely
are running high, people are fearing what may come next and rightfully so. homebound. See if they need assistance with picking up prescriptions,
The work around the COVID19 Pandemic evolves daily because we know so getting supplies or groceries from the store. There are many things we can
little about it. Every day we learn something new. do to provide aid and assistance while still adhering to the mandates put out
by the Governor and keeping ourselves safe and healthy.
In my down time I have the opportunity to check on the media, Facebook and
Twitter. Much of what I see out there is the same uncertainty I see working Keep up to date on what is going on with factual information. There are
in the ICP. I see a lot of dark humor, something I happen to know a little bit many great sources out there to keep informed: Coronavirus.wa.gov. This
about coming from the Corrections profession. It is just one of many ways of is Washington State‟s official COVID-19 site, maintained by the state Joint
coping. While humor can be uplifting it can also cause additional stress for Information Center. The Joint Information Center is part of the Washington
others in times like this. Please be mindful of this. State Emergency Operations Center operated out of Camp Murray. The site
provides links to official information from a wide range of trusted sources,
Additionally, I have also read some posts from Brothers in this Jurisdiction including government and community services.
that are a bit concerning, if not disappointing. I dare even to say outright Brothers I miss each and every one of you. Please be safe, stay healthy and
mean and negative. I get it people are frustrated. This comes with unknown take care of each other. We will triumph. We will be stronger than ever
territory. I also get that the things that we are being asked to do like staying when this is over with.
home, social distancing do not come easy for people. We are social
creatures after all who require closeness and the touch of others. Fraternally,
RW Edward C. Woods Junior Grand Warden


5

Brethren, venue to improve his business or to satisfy his idle curiosity. Simply going to
Guarding the West Gate his house and asking the same questions that we have always asked is not a
Having just returned from the Conference recipe for success. The Grand Lodge Six-Step Program is designed to help
of Grand Secretaries, one of the topics Lodges in this process. If you have questions or would like more information
that was discussed is are we guarding the about the six-step program, contact the Grand Lodge office and we can
West Gate. The most important obligation assist you.
we have as Masons is to preserve
unsullied the reputation of the Fraternity. Pay-Per-View and other Subscription Based Broadcasts in Lodge
Unfortunately, not everyone we have We recently had an issue arise where a Lodge broadcasting a pay-per-view
invited into our ranks has met this event. The Lodge believed that they had done everything right. The Lodge
obligation. As men, none of us are
perfect. But as Masons, we always strive had service with a local cable provider and had purchased a residential
to reach that lofty goal; to be a Perfect license to show the event. Unfortunately, they did not purchase the proper
Ashler. Unfortunately, perhaps in a rush license which resulted in a civil action against the Lodge.
to bring members into the Fraternity have
not always guarded our gates. We have In researching the issue, it is important for Lodges to understand what they
RWB Clinton Brown let men into our gentle craft that, through can and cannot broadcast in the Lodge. If you are going to show a pay-per-
Grand Secretary their words or actions, have not lived up to view event in Lodge or at a Lodge function, you had better make sure that
their obligations to themselves or to our
Fraternity. you have purchased a commercial license for the event. Many of us never
When you first submitted your petition to become a Mason, you had to ask read the fine print. However, because of the licensing issues, you should
three Brothers to sign your Petition. By signing your petition, the Brothers never show pay-per-view events in Lodge (even if it is only being shown to
were certifying to the Lodge that they knew you, that you were a good man your members) unless you have a commercial license. Many of the pay-per-
and that you would make a good Mason. The Master then had your petition view promoters hire investigators to search social media and go around to
read in Lodge and assign a committee to investigate your character. The events to determine if the licensing agreements are being violated. These
accuracy of their report and the fidelity with which the Brethren discharged promoters are extremely aggressive about pursuing organizations that they
this duty determined whether you were worthy to become a Freemason. find have violated the licensing agreement, even the Freemasons. Addition-
When you sign a candidate‟s petition, what do you really know about him? ally, I have been advised by an expert in the field that it is also a violation to
Have you taken the time to get to know him, to know his history, his show programs or movies from such services as Netflix or Amazon Prime in
background, his family? Is this someone who you would be comfortable Lodge since these services only authorize the residential showing of their
inviting to your home, socializing with your family, and trust with your worldly programming. The statutes are written in favor of the vendors and the
possessions? If you cannot honestly answer these questions in the damages sought are generally based not on the number of people present,
affirmative, then perhaps you should take more time before you agree to sign but the capacity of the venue. In other words, if you get caught, it can be
his petition. extremely costly to the Lodge in attorney‟s fees, court costs and cost of
settlement of the action.
If you have been assigned to conduct an investigation on a candidate, what
have you done to ensure that the information he has given is truthful?
Thanks to the internet, it is easier than ever to check for truthfulness. Was Fraternally,
he really a deacon in his church or did he spend most of his time in the local
bar? Is he truly a man of character or did he steal candy from the baby on Clinton M. Brown, Jr., Grand Secretary
the street corner? What are his reasons for wanting to become a Mason?
Does he want to improve himself or community or is he simply looking for a

6

Available for Grand Junior Warden - Steve Martin the last three weeks at home with comparatively few things to do outside the
house is definitely weird.

What can our Lodges do to ensure a meaningful Masonic experience
for their membership? What shall I do with this time? What would the lessons of Masonry have me
do? Without the usual vocation, that leaves refreshment and sleep and the
Our lodges, and more specifically our experienced lodge members, need to service of God and distressed worthy Brethren. I would put forward two
work on expanding their knowledge of the symbols and allegories as well as projects for you to mix in with Netflix viewing, gardening, and catching up on
the Standard Work, and pass that on to newer brothers. If we can get a good your sleep.
mentorship going with new members instead of just providing coaches to spit
out the words, we can provide a much better experience. If we explain the First, call some Brothers and widows from your Lodge. If you don‟t have their
symbols and allegories, and then allow them to determine what that means contact info, ask your Secretary. These people are even more at risk than
to them, we can make it more personal. Without a good solid foundation usual from being cut off from the rest of society. Humans are social
inside our lodge rooms with our ritual and education, we risk losing interest in creatures, and although I wholeheartedly support staying home and
our outside activities. Brothers must have a reason to come to lodge interacting in person with as few people as possible, I know that a phone call
meetings and it can‟t be to hear the minutes and pay the bills, even though can mean a great deal to someone restricted from seeing other people. Find
that is a very important part of our meeting, but we cannot sustain interest if out more about five of your Brothers, report what you found back to your
that is the only focus. Without an internal meaning inside our lodge rooms, Secretary or WM and get another list of five names and numbers. This is
the interest in newer masons will weaken and all function of the lodge, both Brotherly Love and Relief.
inside and out, will fall on the shoulders of a small number of brothers. We
all know that regardless of how much you love the Fraternity or how much In my Official Visits over the course of my time as Deputy, I have asked the
you love a given cause, without assistance and support, you will eventually same question of each Lodge each time, and I always get the same answer.
burn out. When that lack of assistance or support happens the events will “Do you have a long range plan?” Well, now is the time. It is hard and takes
then start to burn out as well. If we provide solid education and interesting time. Now you have more time than before. Contact your WM and prompt
topics, as well as quality ritual work, inside our lodge rooms, we will build that him. Set up some Zoom meetings and get to work. While you‟re making
solid foundation and the work will be spread to more hands, making it easier those calls to the at-risk-Brothers of your Lodge, ask what they want to see in
for all. To me it comes down to making things interesting inside the lodge Lodge when we are meeting again in person. Ask what is important to them
room, before events and service projects outside the lodge room can be truly in and outside of the Fraternity. Distill this information down and see what is
sustainable. important to your Lodge. Is it the social aspect? Or is it service projects?
VWB Steve Martin, Grand Lecturer Maybe it is inner growth? Well, now is the time to figure out with the
leadership of your Lodge how to improve you game in these areas. In 5
years, what do you want your Lodge to be known for? Write it down. Work
now when you have less else to do to make it a reality. Make a plan to make
VWB Matthew Appel – DDGM District 2
these ideas into the Truth of your Lodge.
As I sit here in my home office writing this, my wife and son are cooking
dinner in the kitchen, and my daughter is „cleaning‟ in her room. This is not Brothers, I want us all to be safe and healthy. And when we return from this
really remarkable, except that they should be off other places. Our little family period of „darkness,‟ I want our Lodges to shine like never before.
of four is usually running off in a hundred different directions, grabbing fast
food while running from school to rehearsal to a meeting. That we have spent VWB Matthew Appel is the Deputy of the Grand Master in District Two


7

VWB John Gebhart – DDGM District 7 much to us. Although business is very slow, we have faith we will all be
dining together again very soon.”
Making Good Breakfast Better
More than 10 years ago the Brothers of Myrtle Lodge #108 organized a VWB John Gebhart
Saturday morning breakfast and for the last five years have gathered at the District 7
Gaslamp Bar and Grill in Issaquah, WA (Gaslamp Bar and Grill). Masons
from District 7 and beyond routinely gather there share fellowship, greet and
inform prospective members, and solve all of the world‟s problems at the VWB Larry D Foley – DDGM District 8
breakfast table. It is not unusual for 20 or more Brothers to begin their Not Just a Man, a Mason
weekends there.
Greetings Brethren,
Gregg Fossum, owner of the Gaslamp, says of his Masonic clientele, “I really
enjoy having the Masons group join us at the Gaslamp for breakfast on As you all know, these are trying times with the outbreak & spread of COVID-
Saturday mornings. They even helped me fix my software system when it 19. With social distancing, closed lodge halls & the stay home order one
was down one day.” Helping Gregg with his software is not a surprise; we‟re might feel a bit overwhelmed, perhaps a bit isolated and feelings loneliness.
in the business of help each other and doing good to all. With today‟s technology, there are social media platforms that can and does
help.
In the midst of the COVID-19 the
Gaslamp, like all Washington restaurants District 8 set up Round Tables talks, via ZOOM, once a week on Tuesday
has been limited to take out business. evenings with guest speakers with a wide range of topics. WB Andre DeWald
Gregg and his staff are hanging on but is hosting Thursday night talks in Masonic Education. The District 8 Symbolic
still found time to help healthcare Lodge Officers Council is also holding Zoom meetings. District 2 has a
workers hang on. He has been nightly chat and Districts 10 is also hosting online chats. Now is a great time
delivering meals to the staff at Swedish
Hospital in Issaquah, providing much to reach out to our elder members, if they have a smart phone or computer,
need relief to front line medical can also be a part of lodge using the online platforms. Reach out to each
professional. other and remember, while we may be isolated in our homes, a Brother is
never alone. If you would like to join District 8 in our Round Tables or talks,
“We were so pleased to partner with a please contact our Zoom Master, VWB Steve Martin at
community GoFundMe plan to feed the
[email protected] and he will send you an invite.
workers at Swedish hospital.
“They are the heroes during this trying time. We recently delivered 80 meals
and will continue to support the community and healthcare workers until this During my time as a member of our Craft, I have spent much time thinking
disease is gone.”, said Gregg. along with discussion with our brethren, about what is a Mason. While this
has led to many lengthy, deep meaning spirit talks, I keep coming back to our
Degrees more especially the First Degree and our Closing Charge. In these
The Gaslamp, like all restaurants, is going to need the community‟s help to
get back on its feet when everyone is allowed to dine out again. Masons who trying times, they stand out to me even more brightly. Now is the time for
have routinely convened for breakfast will be back, and it is forcefully Masons to reach out, not just to our Masonic elders and widows, but to our
elders in our communities. Remember our virtues Faith, Hope & Charity –
recommended that more Masons join the ranks, and not just for Saturday Charity being most important. Call that elderly neighbor to see if they need
breakfast. You‟ll receive a warm welcome from Gregg: ““We are humbled by assistance with anything; if they have food or enough firewood stacked by
the support we‟ve received during this down time. Our customers mean so

8

the door for easy access. Contribute to their relief as their necessity requires
and your ability permits for every human being has a claim upon your kind Our current situation brings to mind the four Cardinal Virtues: Temperance,
offices. Now is the time to Shine my Brothers and show the world what being Fortitude, Prudence, and Justice, more especially Fortitude, that noble and
a Mason truly is. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, steady purpose of mind whereby we are enabled to undergo any pain, peril
thought or ideas on what masons can do for our Craft & our communities. or danger, when prudentially deemed expedient. It is with fortitude, dear
I look forward to being to sharing Fellowship with you all once this crisis has Brothers that we will make it through the pain of the current restrictions, not
passed. Be safe. Follow the health safety guidelines laid out from our county, only with fortitude, but also with brotherly love and creativity.
state & federal health agencies. Reach out to each other and may the God of
Love and Peace delight to Dwell with you and bless you. Masons are reaching into our community to offer assistance with shopping
Fraternally, and other errands so that those in high risk groups may shelter in place.
Virtual meetings have been conducted during which Lodges may
VWB Larry D Foley communicate or Brothers may simply keep in touch, while respecting social
Deputy of the Grand Master, District 8 distancing guidelines. (I personally find these virtual meetings to be an
effective means of mitigating the feeling being isolated.)

While virtual meetings may not include ritual or tiled communications, we
VWB Gordon S Johnson – DDGM District 19 need not stagnate in our Masonic development. Be encouraged take time to
review the Standard Work, the Lodge Officers Handbook, and the

As we entered into Spring 2020, few, if any, of us imagined that our lives Washington Masonic Code. Go to the Grand Lodge website and complete
would be so terribly disrupted by a virus. Yet, we find ourselves subject to the Proficiency in Lodge Management on-line exam. Review your working
restrictions imposed by our State Government, and reinforced by a tools and the lessons of the degrees conferred upon you.
suspension of Masonic gatherings by our Grand Master.
I send Prayers, dear Brothers, for you, for your loved ones, and for the whole
There are 382 Master Masons in District 19, with an average age of 69.54 family of mankind. Also I am sending Prayers for your health and for your
years. Given what we know about COVID-19, it seems clear that the current safety.
restrictions will certainly mitigate risk for a significant portion of our Masonic
Family, and for the loved ones in our lives who are included in high risk Sincerely & fraternally,
groups.
Gordon S Johnson, Deputy of the Grand Master – District 19
Lodge meetings have been suspended. Our District 19 meeting with the
th
Grand Master on March 14 was cancelled, to be superseded by a virtual
th
meeting with the Grand Master on Friday, April 24 . Our District 19 Leadership Training
st
Workshop on March 21 has likewise been cancelled, to be rescheduled for I had hoped to brag about a wildly successful Lodge Leadership Retreat in
a later date. this issue, but that report will need to wait until the fall. The Leadership
Training Committee spent the last 7 months preparing for the Retreat – we
Alas, even our beloved District 19 COB (Corn, Oil, and Beer) weekly have more than 30 different classes prepared, in addition to the best practice
gathering of friends and brothers has been put on hiatus, as has our weekly panels and PILM sessions. We are still looking forward to the hospitality of
Masonic Saturday School.

9

the Wenatchee Convention Center – and hope that you‟ll be able to join us fellowship shared over meals with strangers who are brothers who become
for the rescheduled Retreat which will be held August 28 through August 30. friends, the anecdotes and corny jokes of the past masters all have a place in
solidifying the relationships and the bonds we forge at the Leadership
In the days leading up the postponement of the Leadership Retreat, we Retreat. I‟ve made enduring friendships across the state as a result of the
received concerned inquiries from several of the attendees. The committee LLR. More importantly, I‟ve taken the lessons and programs learned at the
was in close consultation with the Grand Lodge Officers and staff in coming Retreat and employed them back at my home Lodge. The Lodge benefited
up with contingency plans for the rapidly changing information we were and I was a better Worshipful Master for having attended.
receiving about the COVID-19 virus. Ultimately, the Grand Master made the
difficult decision to postpone the Retreat to safeguard the health of the I hope to see you in Wenatchee at the end of August.
membership. Fraternally,

This difficult time has been frustrating for both the Leadership Retreat team VWB Jeremy Yielding
(who were excited to put on the program) and for the attendees alike. We all Chairman, Leadership Training
miss attending our Masonic events, but given what we‟re now learning about
the virus, discretion seems to have been the better part of valor.
Long-range Planning
I want to pay wages to the committee and to the Grand Lodge staff. They
met the deadlines that were set and made managing the project relatively Being careful of which way we’re going
easy (COVID notwithstanding). Lynne Blaylock knows the secret sauce for
arranging the venue, putting the hotels and catering together, and keeping all As I author this article, our world is embroiled in a disease pandemic,
the paperwork straight. Thanks Lynne! I received staunch support from RW one that hasn‟t gripped this much of the population in ages. It has flipped our
Ed Woods as the outgoing chairman and it has been a genuine pleasure to way of life upside down, and we have to rethink the ways we go about our
work with RW Chris, Clint, and Cameron as well. RW Ed‟s Lady Karolyn has daily lives.
been kind and always willing to help with the Ladies Program (and thanks to
Melinda, Cristal, and Sharron as well). The team has been supportive, The same thing applies with our Lodges, as you well know. With no
attentive to their duties, and patient with me. Thanks to VWB Zane, RWB meetings to be held from mid-March to at least the end of April, we‟ve had to
David A., VWB David C., VWB Red, WB Jeff, WB Dan, and MW Sam for rethink how we communicate with each other as Brothers. I had been tasked
working in harmony to put on the Retreat. How good and how pleasant it is with researching the last time we had such a pandemic, and that, of course,
to dwell in unity! We‟re extraordinarily fortunate to have such a talented would be the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1918. It turns out that while we did
group dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders in our hold Annual Communications during both the years 1918 and 1919, I also
Fraternity. found that the Lodges did undergo quarantine during the winter of
1918/1919, and many were unable to elect and install their officers.
Finally, a commercial for the Lodge Leadership Retreat, rescheduled for Interestingly, the Lodges were monetarily penalized for their lack of action,
August 28-30 at the Wenatchee Convention Center: and the Grand Master had to direct the fines to be refunded during the 1919
Annual Communication. And while the Flu was mentioned, the looming topic
The content that we plan to present at the Leadership Retreat has real value that dominated the addresses at both Annual Communications was the
to your Lodges. The classes, the panel discussions, the sharing of ideas in “Great War”, now known as World War I. That brought me to World War II,
the lobby, the casual conversations between and after sessions, the

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where I found that the Grand Lodge held Annual Communications throughout media on the internet related to Freemasonry, and most of us have viewed
the 1940‟s and that war. these items from time to time. So have men who are not Masons. And then
some of these men take the steps to join our Great Fraternity. They petition
This means that our Grand Lodge is entering unchartered waters, to become a part of the oldest and greatest Fraternity in the World, and not
and is working hard to establish a Short-Range plan for the next couple of only to meet to conduct business, or to follow items of Masonic interest on
months. the internet, but also to break bread with each other, to enjoy each other‟s
fellowship, and to work together, as a team, for the betterment of mankind.
This brings me back to a Long-range plan, which for the time being That was, and always will be, a fundamental part of this Fraternity‟s Long-
might seem to be put on hold. However, the way our Lodges have had to Range Plan.
adapt to the current situation demonstrates some of the methods of
communication that will become a part of the way our Lodges communicate As you might already know, our Committee has published a survey
with each other for years to come. Many of our Brothers have had to learn several months ago. Here is the link to it: glwastrategicplan.wordpress.com.
how to use teleconferencing, which is a technology that had been in use for Unfortunately, there are not as many responses as we would like, and while
years by other businesses, and has been used, with success, by our Grand the suggestions we have received have a wide range of ideas, do not be
Lodge, including this committee. It is an excellent way for Brethren from afraid to take the time and be honest with some of your comments
across our Jurisdiction to communicate with each other in real time, without concerning the several committees, and general comments as well. The
having to travel hundreds of miles for several hours to meet in person. Now comments are anonymous, and will all be taken into consideration by our
that many of our Lodges have learned how to use teleconferencing, they are committee. If you have any questions concerning committees that you would
also learning that they can communicate with members of their Lodges that like to ask in person, all of the members of the Long-range Planning
live in other states, or are otherwise not able to attend regular meetings. This committee are available to answer your questions to the best of our ability.
shift will be likely one of the fundamental changes in the way our Lodge
functions, a way that was impossible for most of the history of our Fraternity. Please stay safe in this dangerous time, take the proper precautions,
and I‟ll see you when we‟re able to meet in our Lodges again!
There are some that also believe that teleconferencing might play
another crucial part in the way Lodges function. These Brothers visualize Fraternally,
virtual Lodges where a building to meet in is no longer necessary, and most
interactions between members could be through our computer screens. VWB Clayton M. M. La Vigne, Chairman, Long-range Planning Committee
Some of them see that as a large cost savings, so we would no longer need
to rent conference centers, hotels, or other expenses related to several
Brothers convening in person in a common building. And it‟s not a stretch to
think of a Lodge or two that think this idea would be a great alternative to Membership Development
meeting in their aging building that might be draining their finances. However, Brethren,
the chief flaw in this potential long-range plan is the need for people to
congregate in person. It is an essential need of human nature. While the This is the 2nd of 4 installments detailing the major takeaways from the
teleconferencing method is excellent to conduct business and to keep in series of surveys that the Membership Development Committee undertook in
touch with members who cannot attend in person, it is not a substitute for 2018. In this installment I will be delving into the survey sent to Master
congregating in person when able to do so, an activity our civilizations have Masons who were dropped from our rolls for NPD.
done for centuries. There are numerous websites, blogs, videos, and other
There are 5 major reasons that Brothers choose to stop paying dues.
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Public Relations
- Too much drama/conflict within the Lodge
- A lack of fellowship within the Lodge FEATURED LODGE:
- Feel that the Fraternity is stuck in the past Blue Mountain Lodge #13
- Personal finances Free & Accepted Masons of Washington
- Conflict between meeting times and work/family obligations 607 East Main Street
Walla Walla, WA 99362
st
The 1 two fall squarely on the individual Lodges and their leadership teams.
We each need to look very closely at ourselves and our Lodge Brethren to try News Release -- Local Masonic Lodge hosts awards ceremony for area law
and find a way to do away with the corrosive atmosphere of acrimony. We enforcement officers of year.
need to practice our 3 major tenets, Brotherly love, Relief and Truth. We
need to whisper sweet counsel in the ear of a Brother when he is not living Walla Walla, Wash., (March 3, 2020) – Four law enforcement officers from
up to Masonic standards. Let us strive to make our Lodges a more local area agencies were recognized by leaders of Blue Mountain Lodge
welcoming and warmer place to find shelter from the vicissitudes of life. The #13 for their outstanding service during calendar year 2019 in a recent
rd
3 in my opinion is that expectations of what Masonry is about don‟t always ceremony held at the Walla Walla Masonic Center.
coincide with reality. Masonry is evolving as it has from its very beginning,
slowly, but it is changing. Our landmarks give us grounding, but shouldn‟t be The Walla Walla Police Department recognized Detective Nick Loudermilk,
used as an anchor to prevent us from growing and remaining viable in this who was selected for his continued hard work and dedication throughout the
world of today. The last 2 are personal to the Brother, although there are year.
things that we can do to try and keep a Brother in the Craft. If dues are the
problem, remember that the Code does allow a waiver of dues if it‟s a The honorees were from left to right:
financial hardship. Is it really better to lose a brother over a few dollars? I Detective Nick Loudermilk,
think not. Lastly, let us remember that if a Brother has problems attending Walla Walla Police Department
Lodge, we do have at least 2 options. First, can another Brother be the
driver? After all, you are going to Lodge anyway, why not enjoy the company Sergeant Robin Frisvold, Walla
of a Brother on the drive! Secondly, perhaps the work or family schedule has Walla County Sheriff‟s Office
changed and the proper thing to do is to find another Lodge that is nearby Officer Tanner Cole,
that meets on an available evening. Both of these options are preferable to College Place Police Department
the Brother leaving the Fraternity. Lodge leadership should be aware if a
brother is having trouble attending Lodge. Trooper Jarret Krueger,
Washington State Patrol
The hardest part on Brothers leaving via NPD is that 75% are Past Masters.
Additionally, 45% of those leaving have been a Mason for 5-10 years and an
additional 33% have been a Mason for over 10 years. We are losing the "Det. Loudermilk has served this department for just over six years and is
heart of the fraternity. These are experienced Brothers with leadership currently working in the Street Crimes Unit. He works on specialized cases
experience. I don‟t have an answer on why so many Past Masters are involving career criminals and repeat offenders, gangs and the illegal
leaving Masonry. And, unfortunately, over 60% have stated they have no distribution of narcotics," said Capt Chris Buttice. "He also serves as a SWAT
intention of returning. team member and is the local President of the Blue Mountain Chapter #9
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge."
As always, if you have questions on the above, please do feel free to email
me at: [email protected]. Walla Walla County Sheriff's Office presented the Sergeant Tom Bowman
Award for 2019 to Sergeant Robin Frisvold presented by Sheriff Mark Crider
Fraternally, W John H. Vivian, Chairman Membership Development
"Sergeant Frisvold began his career with the WWCSO thirty-six years ago in
Committee
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1983. It is characteristic for Sergeant Frisvold to take a few extra moments to more of this organization which has spent more than 300 years serving
interact with all involved in an incident," said Sheriff Mark Crider. "He has communities around the world.
built an unmatched rapport with the citizens of Walla Walla County, which "Our law enforcement agencies represent the kinds of values-based
has paid off countless times in calming stressful situations. He has been an organizations that Masonic Lodges embrace and support," said Doug
instrumental part of the successes of the Walla Walla Sheriff‟s Office since Warnock, event organizer. "We're privileged to help recognize these role
beginning his career here." model officers who dedicate themselves to protecting every one of us every
day and night."
College Place Chief of Police Troy Tomaras said his department selected an
officer who is part of a team that inculcates courage, commitment, VWB Dutch Meier, Public Relations, Chairman
community and character in their daily operations through open and honest Deputy, District 24
cooperation, service, respect and diversity.

"We selected Officer Tanner Cole because he demonstrated these values so Sudoku
well on two particular incidents in 2019 for his heroic actions, saving the lives
of two members of our community. On October 21, 2019, Officer Cole
responded to a suicidal suspect who had cut their wrists. Officer Cole was
the first to arrive on scene where he quickly applied a tourniquet to stop the
bleeding and save the individual's life," said Tomaras. "The second occurred
on December 29, 2019 at 5:14 a.m., when Officer Cole was dispatched to a
woman lying unconscious on the sidewalk, not breathing and had no pulse.
Officer Cole began CPR and continued to do so until College Place Fire
Department Medics arrived on scene."

The Washington State Patrol presented honors to Trooper Jarret Krueger for
making our community a safer place, according to his supervisor.

"Trooper Krueger possesses an extremely strong work ethic and has a
passion for making our community a safer place. He stopped 1731 vehicles
in 2019. He arrested 27 DUI violators, contacted 887 speeders, 126 seat belt
violators, 38 distracted drivers and 126 aggressive drivers. In addition to
protecting our roadways, Trooper Krueger is an exemplary investigator and
looks beyond the traffic stop, interdicting various criminal activities to make
the communities we work in a safer place. He made 12 drug arrests, 22
warrant arrests, had a total of 130 criminal arrests and assisted his fellow
Troopers in apprehending a murder suspect wanted by the FBI," said Sgt.
Justin Destito. "Trooper Krueger also enjoys participating in community
events including the annual Shop with a Cop event, National Night Out, the
Every 15 Minutes program, Coffee with a Cop, both Dayton and Waitsburg
Christmas parades and the Walla Walla County Fair."

The Free and Accepted Masons of Washington support numerous activities
in the community including leadership programs, scholarships, speech and Sudoku, but like Masonry symbols (parts of the square) are substituted
language clinics, military and veterans' causes, and the law enforcement Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 grid contains every
community. For more information, visit https://freemason-wa.org/ and learn

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symbols shown here. b. Join us by video conference on Zoom at
https://zoom.us/j/858359226
: Washington Masonic Charities – Ken Gibson 2. Stay connected – It is important for our social and mental well-being
Even though our physical offices are closed, Masonic Outreach to stay connected. We invite anyone and everyone to call in to our
twice weekly virtual living room to stay connected, share information,
Services and our Children and Youth Programs remain open for and to let us know if you or anyone in your Lodge needs assistance
business. We are hard at work for our Masonic family and our community‟s – times are Mondays at 7 PM and Thursdays at 11 AM. You can
orphans and students experiencing homelessness, during this meet and chat with Byron, Megan, Kim and Pam, our outreach staff.
unprecedented national crisis. We have adjusted our programs and services Feedback we‟ve received is that this is really making a difference for
to continue assisting our Masonic widows, older Brethren, and distressed people participating.
Masons. Contact us at 844.288.3531 X 103 if you need assistance. For a. Call in at 1-253-215-8782 and use meeting ID: 634 063
0078
employee extensions, visit http://www.wa-masoniccharities.org/contact. b. Join us by video conference on Zoom at
https://zoom.us/j/6340630078
In the past weeks, we’ve served more than 150 members of our 3. Consider supporting our efforts – call me at 253.442.2505 x 101
Masonic family and provided support for many orphaned and homeless or visit our website at
students. https://www.wa-masoniccharities.org/ to learn how.

I want to share with you just a couple of examples of how we‟re helping Now is really the time for us to embrace the Grand Master‟s theme, “one
people who are suffering: Masonic family, living united.”
 Megan, our Western Washington care coordinator, learned about a
Masonic widow who was out of food for both herself and her service Fraternally Yours,
animals. Megan took care of the widow‟s immediate need and is Br. Ken Gibson, MNPL
making sure she has what she needs on an ongoing basis. Executive Director
 Homeless student coordinators from our partner school districts have
been reaching out to us for assistance with food, necessities, and
transportation for homeless young people who have been shut out of
school. Kurt, our program coordinator has been delivering these Civility & Connection in a Time of Crisis
resources daily.

We are – even if we have hermit tendencies – social beings. We have
We expect the numbers to increase in the coming weeks, so I am inviting you varying degrees of need for contact, be it by mail, phone, Skype or some
to get involved in our work in three ways as this is a time where we, as digital device, or in person. Being sequestered as many of us now are with
Masons, can really make a difference. our current pandemic world, we are rapidly learning how much person-to-
person contact we crave and whether the forms of communication we have
1. Lodge Leaders (and any interested Brother) are invited to at our disposal are adequate to satisfy that need.
participate in our Masonic Outreach Services Operation
Masonic Relief weekly check in meeting. We‟re counting on our No longer in a culture with extended families close by, there are some
Lodge leaders to be looking out for their Brethren, families and nuclear families who are with each other, and we hear of others who hunker
widows, but when the need gets bigger than your Lodge can handle, down with friends or relatives they have called in to share the time and
we‟re there to back you up and support you. It is important that space. But, the length of time originally anticipated has now been extended.
every Lodge get involved in this, so I invite principle officers to This state of affairs may demand of us new coping skills and ways to connect
participate Wednesday evenings at 7 PM. with each other to stave off the increasing feelings of loneliness, isolation,
a. Call in at 1 253-215-8782 enter meeting ID 858 359 226 or
and for some, claustrophobia and the desperate need to reach out.
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Washington Masonic Tribune – editor notes
So, here are some strategies you may not have considered. They all
involve ways in which we can “virtually” come together via one of the many
means we have available. Consider any of these to especially be in contact Brethren,
with elder and more isolated friends. And if you are alone, reach out. The publication has been made possible through the great effort and thought
by those who submit articles. I am very grateful for those articles and give
1. The most basic approach is to get to know or reach out your great thanks! I hope that we can continue and pursue its purpose in the
neighbors, saying “hi” and checking in at an appropriate social future days to come. The Masonic Tribune is one of the means to
distance – through the windows, over the fence, across the street, communicate to the membership efficient and effective ideas, best practices
when you are taking in some sun on a walk. Overcoming our normal
shyness or reticence to engage others while out and about may lead and successful programs that were promoted in your areas.
you to discover new friends. In Italy, people sing birthday greetings
and common songs to each other from their porches and You can submit an article to me at [email protected]. Please have the
balconies. No equipment necessary! article put in a word document in Arial format of font size of 10. The next due
2. Call friends and relatives. Make a daily or somewhat frequent date will be May 15, 2020. Again, I give great thanks for articles submitted,
“check-in” list. Think of having a number of people on the line at time take and love of our craft.
once. Most phones have speaker or conference capabilities.
3. For more face-to-face encounters, I-phones have conference and
Facetime capabilities. Google has Google Chat. Facetime has Fraternally,
video chat. Then there are downloadable software for Skype, Zoom,
GoToMeeting. All of these platforms have been made simpler and WB Dean Markley, Chairman/Editor Washington Masonic Tribune
simpler - and are FREE. [email protected]
4. Be inventive on your calls with loved ones. Obviously, their safety
and health are top priorities. But once you get past these and the
usual pleasantries, play an online game, read to little ones, or to
each other. People are having sing-a-longs, virtual wine and dinner
parties. We can plan on friends making the same dish and then us Sudoku Answer
all sitting around on video, enjoying the same foods.

We are profoundly realizing how much we mean to each other. And, in
such a time, we discover that what we have in common – the desire for
contentment and security, our concern for our families and friends, the
importance of love in our lives – may be a powerful incentive to heed the
lessons on the importance of civil discourse and cooperative interaction for
creating and re-creating our world.

Courtesy of Robert Sachs
Forwarded by
VWB Larry D Foley
President – Board of Trustees, Washington Masonic Charities





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