2018 Summer

The
Masonic Tribune
A quarterly News and Information Publication of:
Grand Lodge OF WASHINGTON
FREE & ACCEPTED Masons


We thank each of you for the


warm welcomes, courtesies extended,


handshakes, hugs and smiles.





















































Cover story: Page 3
MWB Warren R. Schoeben
Grand Master
Grand Lodge of Washington
VOLUME XCIX No.3 - Summer 2018 ISSUE

Grand Masters Message ................3
Deputy Grand Master ...................4
A few words from the Chair:
Senior Grand Warden ...................5
Junior Grand Warden ....................6
Brethren,
Grand Secretary ............................7
This issue will be my last one chairing this com-
In This Issue
Asst. Grand Secretary ...................8 mittee. I am passing the baton to my very diligent
editor, WB Dean Markley. He has been very suc-
Special Articles .............................9 cessful in the struggle of encouraging the brethren
to write and submit articles to the publication. The
JGW Candidates Forum...............10 life of the Masonic Tribune can only be sustained
by having as much content contribution from the
JGW Candidates Forum...............11
leadership as well as the membership of the same.
JGW Candidates Forum...............12 I hope that we can pursue its purpose in the fu-
ture days to come. I hope also that WB Dean will
PILM ...........................................13 gather as much support if not more to promote its
existence. I thank you all so much for the efforts
District Deputy Reports ..............14
you have given to be able to carry on this tradition.
District Deputy Reports ..............14
Good Luck and Godspeed.
Announcements ..........................16

Fraternally,
MWB G. Santy Lascano, PGM
Chairman, GLWA Masonic Tribune

[email protected]



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2

the Light, Instruction and Education, which
Gr and Lodg e of W ash ingt on
Grand Lodge of Washington
Masonic T r i bune they each come in search of, must be our
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objective if we are to retain these new
Brothers within our Ancient and Honorable
ANOTHER CHAPTER COMING TO A CLOSE Fraternity. We must become good mentors
and teach the lessons of this great Frater-
Through the constancy of its purpose and nity to those already within the walls of our
the positive images it has projected to the Lodges and to those yet to come. We have
world, Masonry celebrated its 300th Anni- the ability required to create an environ-
versary. The celebration marked the 300th ment, where we can leave people feeling
year since four Lodges met at the Goose really good about the time they spend with
and Gridiron Tavern in St. Paul’s Church- us.
yard, London, England on St John’s Day, A message I shared during my travels was
June 24, 1717, to establish the world’s first to protect and maintain those Traditions
Grand Lodge. Today there are over 6.5 mil-
and Customs that have endured through
Warren R. Schoeben The purpose of Freemasonry is to help The Youth are our future and WE are the
lion Freemasons worldwide.
the 300 years “plus” of Freemasonry:
men better themselves through the appli-
future of our Youth. They need our assis-
cation of our teachings, which are based
tance.
MOST WORSHIPFUL Brother
on moral and ethical principles and taught
Reaching out to and staying in touch with
through the use of symbolism, allegory and
our Widows and Brothers who are unable
ritual. We must strive to bring the values of
to attend Lodge or special events and as-
Masonry into our everyday life, where our
word is a bond and a deal can be settled
many family members how much receiving
with a handshake. sisting, where we can. I have heard from so
a call, a visit, a news letter or a ride means
We are confronted today with some prob- to these Brothers and Widows. They need
lems concerning our integrity as an institu- to know they have not been forgotten. It
tion. Many of the problems are originating also, shows the families and community
outside the Craft, but, regretfully most orig- the “Good We Do unto All” starting with
inate from within. Freemasonry’s goal has how we care for our own.
Grand Master
been to start with the best we can find and As my year as your Grand Master con-
improve that best. cludes, I would like to thank each of you
Freemasonry shall be an organization for providing me the opportunity to work for
known worldwide by the quality of its mem- you and represent you in this Greatest of all
bership and historians will write about the Fraternities. To my Lady Mary Jo, I cannot
quality of our organization and not the thank enough for her support and travel-
quantity. Guarding our West Gate must be ing the thousands of miles with me during
our top priority for the future of our Craft. our journey. To the Lodges, the Brethren
Through our Six Steps Program the po- and their Ladies and all the Concordant
tential petitioner will know if the Lodge is Bodies, that we have had the pleasure to
right for him and the Lodge will know if he share time with, we thank each of you for
is a good candidate to bring into our Craft. the warm welcomes, courtesies extended,
During my travels throughout the many dis- handshakes, hugs and smiles. Each of
tricts and Lodges of our Jurisdiction, I have you and those times shared together, will
become aware of the increase in Degree remain a part of our cherished memories.
work being conferred, which in part may As a craftsman, I was always reminded to
be due to the work of our Public Relations leave my work area in better shape than
Committee. In the early Fall of last year, 30 when I found it and I hope that is the sit-
second messages began to be aired on uation involving our Grand Lodge and our
radio and TV stations. These messages Jurisdiction. To each of you “Safe Travels
included Brothers of our Craft sharing their on Your Journey”!
thoughts on Masonry and concluded with
where interested parties could find ad- Thank you and fraternally,
ditional information regarding our Fra-
ternity.
Through a positive communication pro- Warren Schoeben
Grand Master.
cess, the communities will gain knowl-
edge of who the Masons are and the “Communicate To Educate”
“Good We Do unto All”. By Providing
3 Table of Contents

facts about the budget that need to be con-
Masonic Tribune
Masonic T r i bune sidered. First, of the approximate $40,000
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shortfall, $10,000 is “depreciation” which is
really a tax-affected line item. In real terms,
Are we having fun yet? not a dime is expended out of any account.
That leaves approximately $30,000 in pro-
ay back in the day a Salty Old Sailor posed deficit spending. There is a good bit
Wused to repeat the aphorism “If you of the budget over which we have no real
ain’t having fun, you ain’t doing it right,” the control. Adequate business and casualty
meaning of which is left to your imagina- insurance, legal fees, accounting and audit
tion. I always took it to mean in part “don’t fees, and the other expenses of running a
take yourself too seriously” and especially business office are largely set as the most
“you don’t have all the answers, so do your responsible as well as economical expens-
best and enjoy the ride.” es. Some of the line items that are discre-
Our Grand Master has rightly adopted the tionary really are not, if we are to affect
theme of “Communicate to Educate.” We positive changes that are necessary to our
can all remember times in our lives when success as a Fraternity. We, the Executive
we made a decision in good faith and dis- Committee and Finance Committee have
covered too late that we were making that pared back every expense that we felt was
decision without having all the pertinent prudent. Can more be cut? Yes. Doing so
RIGHT WORSHIPFUL Brother
information at our disposal. Sometimes however would be a detriment to our ability
that is because the information was not to conduct the business of the Fraternity.
available, and sometimes the holder of
To address this shortfall, three emergent
Jim H. Kendall the result of a decision made without all cover the deficit in the proposed budget. ARDEN
DEPUTY Grand Master
that information did not share it. Usually
resolutions have been submitted that will
the information is still an acceptable result,
None of the three is palatable, yet one
and sometimes not. It is the “not accept-
needs to be passed if we are not to ac-
able” outcome that takes up an inordinate
cept a deficit budge. That is a decision that
amount of time.
the hands of the Grand Lodge Team. That
As it happens, your Grand Lodge Team rests in the hands of the body, and not in
spends time putting out fires of one variety is where the decision should lie. Please,
or another. Despite the (necessary) dis- pay close attention when the time comes
tractions caused by dealing with the brush for the Finance Committee to present the
fires, very real progress is being made in budget.
several fronts. Membership: We are hearing more and
Financial: The Finance Committee, Execu- more reports of enquirers entering and
tive Committee and office staff have been even completing the six steps program
arm-wrestling the budget for more than six and joining our Fraternity, in part because
months. The result is a clearer understand- they heard or saw our ads. At least one
ing of the magnitude of the issues and the Lodge reports great success using the 6 SENIOR Grand W
disparate causes of the perceived discon- steps program coupled with keeping an
nects between resources and obligations. up-to-date Lodge website. Retention of
So far, we have beaten the budget into our members is one of the most important
submission for the short term. There is a things we must tackle, and I am happy to
lot of work to be done yet, however. Long report we are seeing progress in that effort
term “fixes” simply don’t exist in the real as well.
world but strategies can and will be crafted Are we having fun yet? I am. I love the op-
to deal with budgetary issues as they arise. portunity to affect positive changes while
We are not there yet, but we have made having fun at the same time. Ask VWB
substantial progress. Romy Labonete how he conned the Grand
Budget: Speaking of financial issues, Master into loudly announcing that District
you have by now seen the budget 12 is the best district. Now that was fun!
submitted by the Finance Commit-
tee (in conjunction with the effort per RWB Jim Kendall
the previous paragraph). It is a defi-
cit budget, which seems to set some Deputy Grand Master
people’s hair on fire. There are some
4 Table of Contents

mentor and give “good and wholesome
Masonic T r i bune instructions” to our newly Raised Mason
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“every day and every way.”
Mentoring begins within the local Lodge,
YES, WE CAN TURN THE FOLLOWING by letting this new brother know that the
AROUND! Lodge is there for him. By providing him
MEMBERSHIP RETENTION AND REVI- with a copy of the Washington Masonic
TALIZATION Code, Standard Work and Lodge Officers
Handbook you will be providing the nec-
ince being elected as your Senior essary tools to advance his knowledge of
SGrand Warden last summer I have Masonry thru encouragement and building
written three articles for the Masonic Tri- confidence in the young mason to read
bune. The subjects I have chosen to ad- and ask questions. The Masonic Services
dress in this article are MEMBERSHIP Association of North America is a good
RETENTION and REVITALIZATION which resource for Masonic education materials
I believe are important for our Grand Juris- for use in advancing his Masonic experi-
diction to grow and be here for our children ence. Lodge meetings should focus more
and their children’s children. Growing our on Masonic education instead of conduct-
RIGHT WORSHIPFUL Brother
membership with quality members is vital
ing a boring business meeting. When we
to ensure that Freemasonry will continue
accepted his initiation fee, an obligation
ARDEN Charles E. Wood Jurisdiction. a better person.
to both growth and survive in our Grand
was made to help make our new Brother
MEMBERSHIP RETENTION
My question to the readers is, “Are we do-
ing what we obligated ourselves to?” We
Statistical data tells us that we do not have
have what many new members are in
an attraction problem because we are get-
search of, and need to do a better job of
ting as many new members initiated as
we are losing through attrition. It has been
Education is the key to success and keep-
noted by other commentators that we are
SENIOR Grand W
ing new members into the future.
losing more members through demits and delivering what our Fraternity is all about.
non-payment of dues than we initiate an- MEMBERSHIP REVITALIZATION
nually, resulting in a slightly declining mem-
bership over the past years. Therefore, as I The next item I would like to address is
see it, we have a retention problem and not revitalization. Lodges have a lot of good
an attraction problem. talent out there that is being wasted. We
need to ask pointed questions as to why
Today, the membership committee is us- you are no longer coming to Lodge meet-
ing two questionnaires to find out the root ings before we can solve this problem and
causes for this current trend, because there get these members back in Lodge again.
is more than one cause. One questionnaire When was the last time we reached out to
addresses those who have not advanced a Brother and asked why are you not at-
and become Master Masons. The second tending Lodge? Have we given this mem-
questionnaire will address those that have ber a reason to attend? Has his Masonic
been dropped for Non-Payment of Dues experience been what he was looking for?
(NPD) and who have demitted from the It has been said, that you cannot solve a
Fraternity. Once we compile the results problem if the root causes are not known.
from the returned questionnaires, we will It is my belief that a good Masonic expe-
have the necessary base to start ad- rience is a formula for continued involve-
dressing the root causes. ment in the Lodge.
It is my belief that it is up to each Mas- IN CLOSING
ter Mason to search out and correct
our membership problem just as it is I would like to direct you to the Grand
the function of the Lodge to educate, Lodge Long-Range Planning Committee
article that was in last year’s summer edi-
(Continued on Page 6)
5 Table of Contents

My mentor was also my first Worshipful
Masonic T r i bune Master. He took to heart the charge given
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at his installation. Among other things, he
was directed to spread and communicate
light and instruction to the brethren of his
Lodge. Essentially, the charge to the Mas-
What is Freemasonry? ter directs him to mentor his Lodge.
Lastly, our closing charge provides a short,
re we a Fraternity that exists so we but succinct, summary of Masonry. It
Acan enjoy a dinner once a month and states you are to remind a Brother, in the
occasionally donate to charity? Or is the most friendly manner, of his faults, endeav-
preparatory lecture accurate when it says or to aid in his reformation, and defend his
Masonry is a course of moral and philo- character. Thus, we are reminded to men-
sophical instruction illustrated by hiero- tor our Brothers. But our duties are much
glyphics, and taught, according to ancient broader, because every human being has
usage, by types, emblems and allegorical a claim on your kind offices. We are en-
figures. I believe that the preparatory lec- joined to mentor every person we interact
with and hopefully improve society as a
ture definition is why Freemasonry has
whole.
existed for over 300 years.
RIGHT WORSHIPFUL Brother
So how do we provide that education? I
In so many ways my mentor was the per-
fect example of a Mason’s Mason. In
am reminded of Most Worshipful Brother
ARDEN Christopher J. Coffman John McNabb’s theme for his year – Men- May of this year, my mentor would have
celebrated his 90th birthday. Sadly, he is
toring. Mentoring is more than coach-
received a call from the Grand Warden of
ing a candidate through his proficiency.
Heaven two years ago and is missed by
While the initial Masonic education comes
those who knew him. It is my hope that all
through the ceremonies of our degrees,
Masons live like he did and provide good
the degrees are just the start of the life-
long symbolic journey from the rough
mentorship to our Brothers and our com-
ashler toward the perfect ashler. There
munities.
is much more. Mentoring is a long-term
commitment of providing advice and edu-
Chris Coffman
JUNIOR Grand W
cation to a Brother. Fraternally,
Junior Grand Warden
I can’t help but think of my Mentor. He ex-
plained the subtle distinctions in Masonry
like orders versus messages, stations ver-
sus places, and many, many other Mason-
ic truths. He taught me to remember that
words in our ritual are not always intended
to be applied literally. Rather, the words
have symbolic meanings. For example, (Continued from Page 5)
the penalty for violating our obligations is
not taken literally. tion of the Masonic Tribune. I urge you to
read it, especially the content about mem-
Another example, our ritual says the Wor- bership experience and Masonic educa-
shipful Master gives orders. In some cas- tion. I support this long-range plan and be-
es, this is true. The Worshipful Master lieve we, as a Fraternity, are headed in the
may order the Secretary to issue a dimit. right direction. We have some heavy lifting
But in other cases, a Worshipful Master to do and it will take time to turn the current
is better served by asking a Brother to membership trend around.
do sometime. For example, a Worship-
ful Master may want his officers to wear We have the ability and the know-how
tuxedos to every meeting. If this is to get it done and we can no longer kick
not a tradition of the Lodge, ordering the can down the road expecting things to
officers to wear (purchase) a tuxedo change. To paraphrase a former President,
could easily drive those officers away “Ask not what Masonry can do for you but
from the Lodge. A better approach what you can do for Masonry.”
would be to raise the idea at an of-
ficers meeting, develop consensus, RWB Charles E. Wood
and move forward. Senior Grand Warden
6 Table of Contents

Public Relations Committee
Masonic Tribune
Volume XCIX No.1 - Summer 2018 Issue - Page 7
ooking back at the work of our committee
Lover the past year, the highlight has been
Forget not the duties and oaths you the airing of three 30-second PSA’s on 166
have assumed as a Mason. TV and Radio stations throughout the Juris-
can only speak for myself, but I can categor- diction of Washington, aired to coincide with
the 300th anniversary of Freemasonry and
I ically say that I am a better man for being the Grand Master’s mission that we “Com-
a Freemason. There have been and are so municate to Educate”. The vignettes were
many truly good men that have guided and composites of interviews with Washington
shaped me to reach out and live the Mason- State Freemasons explaining why they be-
ic principals. They have opened doors that I came Masons, how the craft has changed
might learn what is behind our Masonic sym- their lives and – in turn – how they are chang-
bols, where they came from, how they came ing their communities. The concept was the
to be Masonic Symbols. These men have brainchild of Chuck Heinrich, a founder of
invested time and brotherly love in helping McCann-Erickson, one of the world’s largest
me realize that it is truly special to be a Free- advertising agencies who graciously worked
mason. pro bono for our committee as we developed
RIGHT WORSHIPFUL Brother
our messaging concept. Our strategy was to
I see strife and anger in the world. On a daily
Sam Roberts basis, we witness some people that have no connect with the public at a visceral level by
letting them hear from a cross section of our
respect for themselves, much less for oth-
membership, rather than a scripted “pitch”
ers. For many, civility is a meaningless word.
from a production-booth announcer. These
More and more honesty is a matter of con-
venience and tolerance is something others
ship, but directions for those interested in
should have for us. were not designed to be calls for member-
There is no better time for us to seek out finding out more about Freemasonry to visit
Grand SECRETARY
our Grand Lodge of Washington website,
qualified, virtuous, moral men of character where through Google Analytics provided by
for membership into our Fraternity. I did not the Grand Lodge Technology Committee, we
say solicit. If you know of such a man, ap- could accurately track the response rate.
proach him and in any of a dozen ways let
him know that you are a Freemason. {Have This amount of radio and television ex-
a good weekend?} [I did! I had a great time posure, if purchased through traditional me-
at the outdoor Degree on San Juan Island.] dia buying methods, would have cost Grand
{Outdoor Degree, what’s that?} [Oh, I’m a Lodge upwards of 100-thousand dollars and
Freemason and we had a Fellowcraft Degree was made possible only through a unique
there on Saturday.] {Who are the Masons and partnership with the Washington State Asso-
what do you do?} ciation of Broadcasters. WSAB member sta-
tions allow only two or three non-profit organi-
My Friend, do you truly believe that hones- zations each year to work with them through
ty is the only way to live one’s life? Do you their “Partners in Education Program”, where-
think that being a man of good character by they match a non-profit’s investment for
means that you are tolerant, charitable, civ- PSA’s on a 2-for-1, and more often than
il, restrained and patient? Given a choice, not a 3-for-1 basis. Participating non-profits
wouldn’t you rather associate with men who must work directly with the WSAB, with no
believe as you do and live those values in commissions paid to any party. The only
their daily lives? My Friend, there are such other non-profits the WSAB has made this
men, everywhere, and they are known as available to are the Washington Army Nation-
Freemasons. I can introduce you to some of al Guard and the Lake Chelan Chamber of
them and would be willing to talk some more Commerce.
about Masonry if you want.
Quality over quantity, it’s not a numbers (Read more about this report in the digital ver-
game. When we find these men, many sion of the Masonic Tribune posted in our web-
of whom have no knowledge of Mason- site.)
ry, and share with them the same oaths
and obligations, the world will become a WB Roger Nelson, Chairman
much better place for all mankind. Public Relations Committee

Sam Roberts, PGM
Grand Secretary 7 Table of Contents

show up to a meeting that lasts until mid-
Masonic Tribune
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ships that goes beyond the walls of the
Lodge. We ask ourselves why younger
The Challenges as Grand Secretary men don’t stay in our Fraternity and I be-
lieve the answer is simple. We don’t pro-
vide them what we promised them when
have been asked why I filed my statement we made them Masons. It is critical that we
I of availability for the position of Grand take steps to remedy that situation.
Secretary. First, this is the greatest orga-
nization in the world. We have changed The second area that must be addressed
the course of history. I am proud to be a is finances. This is true of Grand Lodge as
part of this wonderful group of Brothers. I well as the constituent Lodges. Many of our
believe the future of Freemasonry is bright. Lodges are in financial trouble. We must
That does not mean we don’t have serious look for new ways to fund our Fraternity.
challenges ahead. What we do as a Fra- We have to think outside the box and look
ternity in the next 10 years will define who for ways to increase revenue. We must
and what we are for the next 100 years. I also look for ways to save money. In the
want to be a part of shaping that future and present climate, every penny counts. We
believe I have the knowledge and skills to must work for creative ways to cut budgets
assist. while continuing to provide the support and
growth of both our Fraternity and our char-
First, what are my qualifica- ities.
tions? I have been a licensed
attorney since 1995 and was Finally, we must develop our leaders. Ma-
a trial lawyer in Texas. I tried sonry is designed to find good men and
many cases and handled com- make them better; to teach them how to
plex litigation. Additionally, I be leaders within the Fraternity. They need
have been a Lodge Secretary, skills to assist them in successfully govern-
District Deputy, Special Deputy ing their Lodge. The Lodge Leadership
and have served on numerous Retreat Committee and Research and Ed-
Grand Lodge committees including the ucation Committee are doing a tremendous
Washington Masonic Grand Lodge Build- job. But I believe that we can do more to
ing Association. I also serve as Assistant give our Lodge officers the leadership tools
Grand Secretary and worked as Grand that they need to succeed.
Secretary pro tem while the current Grand Let me conclude by saying that the office of
Secretary was out of the office last fall. I be- Grand Secretary should serve the will and
lieve I am uniquely qualified to serve as the pleasure of the Grand Master. The Grand
Grand Secretary. Secretary also should oversee the admin-
Some of the issues that we face are declin- istration of the Grand Lodge office. But I
ing membership, financial issues and lead- believe that the office of Grand Secretary
ership development. I believe that Grand should serve more than just an administra-
Lodge and the constituent Lodges must be tive function. The Grand Secretary should
partners in developing a plan to address all work with the Grand Master to support the
three issues. There is no magic bullet or Fraternity, assist in implementing solutions
easy solution. It will require each of us to roll to the problems we face and communicat-
up our sleeves and dedicate ourselves to ing with and assisting our Lodges. The
working together to solve these problems. problems that we face are not unique to
our Jurisdiction. How we address these
First and foremost, I believe the most im- issues is critical to our future success. Ma-
portant issue facing Masonry is member- sonry not withstanding WILL survive. But
ship. It does not appear we have a problem our future success depends on our present
obtaining members, our biggest problem action. Time is of the essence. I believe I
lies in retaining members. I believe the bring unique qualifications to the table that
Grand Lodge must partner with the Lodges can assist the Fraternity in navigating our
to develop programs to assist them in re- future course.
taining members. We must provide mem-
bers with a reason to continue to come to Fraternally,
Lodge. Brothers don’t want to show up to Clint Brown
Lodge just to pay the bills and go home or Assistant Grand Secretary
8 Table of Contents

Masonic Tribune
Volume XCIX No.1 - Summer 2018 Issue - Page 9







“You have gone too far. Come back.”









everal years
Sago, about a
month into my term
as Grand Master,
the Grand Lodge
Team was doing a
100-year celebra-
tion and reconsti-
tution of North Bank Lodge #182 in Washougal,
Washington. A short while before the ceremony,
I received a call from our Senior Grand Warden,
RWB Jerry Lingle. He said he could not find the
Lodge. I asked him to describe the route he had
take and where he was. I realized he had missed
the Lodge and was farther up the road. I told him
“You have gone too far. Come back.” Jerry, be-
ing the insightful person that he was, realized that
there was an unintended teaching moment with
those words. He changed his prepared remarks for
the afternoon and taught a lesson that sometimes,
without intending to do so, we allow our passions Having been on the receiving end of that council
to go beyond due bounds, and we need a loving on more than a few occasions, I can testify how
brother to say “You have gone too far. Come back.” joyous it is to know that you have a brother who
cares enough for you
That was the last Grand Lodge event that I had the to help you get back on
privilege of experiencing with RWB Jerry. Sadly, the right track. Sure, it
less than a month later he unexpectedly passed is embarrassing, and
away, but that final lesson he taught has always your first impulse is to
stayed with me. At the close of every Lodge meet- be angry or offended,
ing we hear the closing charge. In it, we are re- but when you stop to
minded of the council we received when we were reflect, you realize your
raised a Master Mason, to whisper good council in brother has given you
our brother’s ear, that we are to “remind a brother, the greatest gift he can
in the most friendly manner of his fault, endeavor to offer: His love.
aid in his reformation, and to defend his character”.
In other words, we are to say, in the most friendly MWB Michael L. Sanders
and loving manner “My brother, you have gone too Past Grand Master
far. Come back.”
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Once I received the request for assistance,
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Brothers familiar with it, I arranged for a
summons to be sent to each of the Broth-
ers.
JUNIOR Grand WARDEN The men involved, the Master of the
Lodge, a couple other Brothers who both
JGWCANDIDA TES of the men admired and myself sat down
and reasoned together.
F O R U M By sitting down together, and discuss-
ing the situation in its entirety, and in a
non-emotional manner, we were able to
Assume that two Brothers who have been pinpoint where the problem had started,
Secretary and Treasurer of the same rural why the relationship had broken down, and
Lodge. They have held these offices for how silly the whole thing actually was.
many years and worked together amicably. This ended the conflict and led to apolo-
However, a recent personal dispute be- gies. Both men involved still sit together in
tween them has boiled over into the Lodge harmony, in Lodge, to this day.
and is affecting morale, attendance, and
usefulness of the Lodge. We need to recognize that none of us are
perfect. We may say things in anger, or
• How would you as Grand Master we may have our feelings hurt when such
address the problem and its im- was not the intention. Conflicts arise be-
pact on Masonry? cause while we are learning to subdue our
passions, none of us will ever be able to do
hortly after being appointed Deputy of so perfectly.
Sthe Grand Master in District 17 I was
faced with a very similar problem. Two Recognizing that we are not perfect, and
very well liked, and active members of the that we will sometimes hurt people, inten-
Lodge were at each other’s throats, and tionally or not, we need to all learn to be
their fight was having a negative impact quick to offer sincere apologies, quick to
upon the Lodge. offer the hand of forgiveness and brother-
hood. That is how we can overcome our
From my perspective, the prob- own shortcomings and create peace in the
lem had started out as a minor world around us whether it may be in our
disagreement with a good deal Lodges, and/or outside of them.
of misunderstanding thrown in,
but from there it had grown into The ability to sit down and dispassionately
a major problem as extremely reason with otherwise good Brothers who
harsh words were spoken, de- may be in conflict is I think a vital skill for
mands were made, and anger a Grand Master to possess, and that such
had grown. conflict resolution is a good and proper
When the situation seemed use of a Grand Master’s time, for as noted
in the example above, an individual con-
to be heading towards hope- flict can do tremendous harm to an entire
lessness, I was asked by the Lodge.
Lodge to try and assist.
That is, I think, an important step in this VWB Cameron M. Bailey
entire process. Our Lodges should be DDGM 17
self-governing within our Masonic Law. I
don’t think that a Deputy, or even the Grand
Master, should jump into an internal Lodge
conflict, unless a violation of Masonic Law
is taking place, or without an invitation to do
so. Lodges should have full opportunity to
solve problems on their own, without inter-
ference, unless and until they decide that
outside help is needed.

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offering counsel, and compassion would
Masonic Tribune go a long ways to heal the wounds caused
Volume XCIX No.1 - Summer 2018 Issue - Page 11
by their careless actions, that although
unintentional, the fallout to the Lodge still
Assume that two Brothers who have been requires repair so I would encourage the
Secretary and Treasurer of the same rural Secretary and Lodge Master to make a list
Lodge. They have held these offices for of those who have faded from membership
many years and worked together amicably. but are still on the rolls and ask them, along
However, a recent personal dispute be- with the Treasurer to invite them back to the
tween them has boiled over into the Lodge Lodge, reassuring that the conflict was now
and is affecting morale, attendance, and behind them and offering apologies.
usefulness of the Lodge. Civility is one of the hallmarks of our craft.
• How would you as Grand Master The ability to “agree to disagree” is both a
address the problem and its impact learned skill and a discipline, so important
on Masonry? in a large Fraternity of men with diverse
viewpoints. As Grand Master the ability to
y first reaction would be one of sadness demonstrate civility and be the example at
Mthat two of my Brothers in position of the helm is the most useful way that I could
Masonic responsibility, have found them- bring about the necessary changes to keep
selves outside of due bounds, struggling the Fraternity happy and healthy during my
and unable to resolve their issues and un- term and I would expect nothing less from
able to use civility as their guide. I would my officers in the Fraternity as a whole.
reach out to them along with the Master We are imperfect men striving for a bet-
of the Lodge and have them each lay out ter version of ourselves and although we
their case and ask them to describe what have codes and guidelines and even dis-
each of them felt had brought them to long- cipline when necessary, living our craft and
term disagreement. I would listen earnestly, demonstrating it to one another is more
offering them an example of compassion valuable than all other currency.
and genuine concern that they had failed I conclude with the great counsel of two lu-
to show one another and work out a solu- minaries of our craft, Albert Mackey and the
tion with them, finding a plan of action and man that he raised to the sublime Degree
behavior, not only for one another but for of a Master Mason, Albert Pike.
the craft as a whole. I would remind them
in the most friendly manner, “Friendship is cemented by a mystic bond,
that their private faults had a and strife, and envies and jealousies are
negative effect on the Craft discarded, while the only contention that
as a whole, even to the Grand exists is that noble emulation of who can
Lodge because the actions of best work best and best agree.”- Albert G.
one Brother effects the entire Mackey
Fraternity. “Masons must be kind and affectionate
Once we came to an under- one to another. Frequenting the same
standing between the two of temples, kneeling at the same altars, they
them, I would ask them to think should feel that respect and that kindness
about how they could work for each other, which their common relation
with the Master and others to and common approach to one God should
repair and improve morale and inspire. There needs to be much more of
attendance in their Lodge. I would offer to at- the spirit of the ancient fellowship among
tend a meeting of the entire Lodge to assist us; more tenderness for each other’s faults,
in facilitating the reconciliation of the Broth- more forgiveness, and more solicitude for
ers who felt offended or uncomfortable, each other’s improvement and good for-
reminding them that we are a brotherhood tune; somewhat of brotherly feeling that it
after all, and as much as we are together in be not shame to use the word “Brother” as
our desire to make ourselves and our world quoted by Albert Pike, Morals and Dogma.
a better place to live, sometimes we lose our Page 122.
way and it takes a caring heart and compas-
sionate ear to bring us back to balance. Respectfully Submitted,
WB John Lawson
I would hope that demonstrating the tenets
of Freemasonry for the sake of those two,
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Masonic Tribune
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to their specific position. It is important for
all Lodge officers to be familiar with the
Proficiency in Lodge rules and regulations for the Lodge as it is
essential for the Lodge management as a
Management: the concept itself can whole. It’s not necessary to memorize the
be quite exhilarating, yet confusing. Hav- code book, but become familiar with it, so
ing your Proficiency in Lodge Management that it will be easy to find the guidelines to
means the ability to be spot on with the ritu- situations that you may come across.
al of first three Degrees. Being recognized In short Proficiency in Lodge Management
by the Grand Lodge as having your Profi- is a tool that all officers should be interest-
ciency in Lodge Management means you ed in, for their own growth if nothing else.
have passed a written exam on the written The Proficiency in Lodge Management
resources and satisfied your District Dep- program is available on the Grand Lodge
uty that you know the ritual required to run website, under the “resources” tab. The
a Lodge. Masonic Research and Education Com-
Proficiency in Lodge Management mittee has been advised that there are
is an important way to keep some issues with the questions and an-
your Lodge conducting itself swers. A revised exam will be available
in a manner that is tradi- shortly, and we are aware of the current
tional and recognized by problems. Do your best on the exam, and
our Masonic forefathers. good luck with your District Deputy on the
I have been told many ritual portion.
times that our work is
written the way it is for a
reason, usually having to Bro Greg “Jack” Jackson
do with its meaning. If we Member, Masonic Research and Educa-
don’t say our work correct- tion Committee.
ly, then we could change the
meaning. That goes for every
This is the Proficiency In is, was, the, and any other ad-
Lodge Management pin verb, adjective, or prepositional Bro. Robert Earl Bonney
awarded to the recipient
of the certificate, 3/4” in phase in our Lodge work. For
brushed gold color tone. every step, line, or position, is Medal of Honor Recipient
where it is for a very good rea-
he Medal of Honor is the highest award
son. It has been set down and studied for Tfor bravery presented, in the name of
years as to the why, when, where and how. Congress, to members of the United States
It’s not to be changed or abbreviated in any military for bravery and heroism in the line
way shape or form. of duty. Since its inception during the Civil
It can be hard when memorizing by your- War, there have been just over 3,500 pre-
self, so we recommend rehearsal and sented. Some of the most famous recipi-
practice with your Brothers. Cues are giv- ents, such as Lt. Audie Murphy, and Sgt.
en and taken by the line in which we say, Alvin York are well known and their stories
sometime cues can be a single word, a have been told in books and movies. Some
given phrase, or even a certain movement less famous recipients are known only to
about the Lodge. It is possible to inadver- those who seek out their stories, includ-
tently skip pages of Degree work by simply ing a man who received one of only 137
giving the wrong cue or omitting an expect- awarded for non combat related heroism.
ed one. His name was Robert Earl Bonney. Rob-
Now that we have talked about the practi- ert was born in Maryville, Tennessee on 23
cal portion of the Lodge management, let’s November 1882 and enlisted into the U. S.
talk about the second and equally import- Navy in Nashville. By 1910, he was Water
ant part, the review of the literature that tender Chief aboard the U. S. S. Hopkins,
how the business of the Lodge is conduct- DD 6, a Torpedo Destroyer stationed at
ed. The worshipful Master is to guide the the Navy base in San Diego, California.
Lodge by these rules and regulations. The After coming out of repair and refitting of
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Deputies of the Grand Master
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(Continued from previous page)
its boilers at Mare Island, the Hopkins was on a ust when I think I’ve considered the Grand
shakedown cruise heading back to its home base. JMaster’s theme from every angle, some
On the afternoon of 14 Feb. 1910, the ship was new way of looking at it appears and it speaks
rocked by the explosion of one of the boilers, filling to me along a dimension that surprises me.
the compartment with superheated steam result- This happened recently when a thought began
ing in the deaths of 2 sailors and trapping others in to crystallize that explains the very different sit-
the compartment. Chief Bonney, with total disre- uations of the lodges that are thriving versus
gard for his own safe- those who aren’t. One of the biggest differenc-
ty, ordered 2 sailors to es is that the lodges that are doing well feature
hold him by his ankles a lot of education in their stated communica-
and lower him into the tions. This education is usually but not always
steam filled space Masonic. In the past year, I’ve attended lodges
while he attempted with programs ranging from the Mithraic Mys-
to activate the blow- teries to the Masonic Music of Sibelius to an
er controls and effect incredibly entertaining recounting of Custer’s
evacuation of the last battle. Some of these talks were rich in
steam. Knowing that Masonic content while others showed little
taking a breath of the identifiable Masonic influence, but all had one
steam would likely be thing in common: the men who attended those
fatal, he felt blindly for meeting left feeling enriched and glad they had
the valves to start the come to Lodge.
blowers. He succeed- Sadly, I have observed similarities among the
ed with his first attempt, which undoubtedly saved struggling lodges as well. Their stated com-
the lives of several of his shipmates. For this self- munications followed the cookie cutter format
less act he was awarded the Medal of Honor. of reading the minutes, the rote introduction of
visitors already well-known to all in the room,
Robert remained in the Navy, eventually retiring and of course the always suspenseful vote on
as a Chief Warrant Officer, settling in Bremerton, whether to pay the bills. Attendance at these
Washington. After his retirement, he petitioned meetings seemed to be a chore for all present.
Steadfast Lodge #216. Moving to Alderwood Few past masters were in attendance, and the
Manor, he demitted from Steadfast and petitioned older members had long ago calculated that
Robert Burns #243, where he remained for sev- their attendance would be neither useful to the
eral years. Eventually moving to Edmonds, he Lodge nor personally edifying. The members
demitted from Robert Burns and joined Edmonds rarely socialized outside of Lodge. Predictably,
#165, where he remained a member until his few if any degrees were scheduled and the
death on 22 November 1967, one day before his presence of prospective members at dinner
84th birthday. He is buried in Acacia Cemetery. was rare.
Planning a good meeting is hard. Changing
Commemorating Bro. Bonney, WM Leslie the month in an old template is easy, but try-
Schwartz, Worshipful Master of Edmonds ing to find a speaker or plan a program takes
#165, at their first stated meeting in March effort and can be exhausting. Setting up social
2018, invited the Master and brethren of both events consumes precious hours from a Mas-
Steadfast #216 and newly formed Mill Creek ter’s day or week and requires an exertion of
#243 to attend the ceremony. The Masters leadership that may surpass his comfort level.
were presented with framed copies of a photo But the rewards make the effort worthwhile
of Bro. Bonney, wearing his medal, a photo of and will send your Lodge along a trajectory of
the U. S. S. Hopkins, copy of the citation to ac- success that will surpass your most optimistic
company the award of the Medal of Honor, and ambitions.
the newspaper article from 1910 telling of the New Worshipful Masters would do well to
event. use their 24 inch gauge for another purpose,
not the one for which it was designed but for
VWB Steve Pennington which it is nonetheless well-suited. Divide your
Military Recognition Committee Lodge’s time into three equal parts: one for
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The beauty about the Masonic Tribune is we
get to learn what everyone else is doing in their
(Continued from page 13)
lodges or district. As the Grand Master says,
the service of the minds of the we need to “Communicate to Educate.”
brethren, one for the usual vo- With that communica-
cation of attending to the busi- tion, it may spark new
ness matters of the Lodge, and ideas for you to try, or
one for the mutual refreshment for you to duplicate what
and recreation of the members. some else has had suc-
But be especially careful not to cess with. I wish you all
neglect the first of these. Al- the best with your mem-
ways include education in your stated communi- bership drives, and who
cations. Communicate to Educate. knows, maybe some
VWB Dan Boren other Rainbow Dads will
Deputy of the Grand Master have colored and or cut
District No. 5 hair soon!
Fraternally,
Grow and have fun! VWB Patrick Murray
Deputy of the Grand Master
o you like to learn new things from others District No. 6
Dand try new ideas? Are you looking for
ways to attract new members into our Mason- 5 Points of Fellowship & Social Media
ic Family? Maybe what the Rainbow Girls in
District 6 are doing will be an idea you can use. everend G Oliver speaks of the 5 points of
I believe what’s happening is exactly the right Rfellowship in the 19th Century before the GL
formula for growth. of England in his lecture before reunification,
I want to give a lot of credit to the Mom and “Assisting a brother in his distress, supporting
Dad advisors in District 6 of both the DeMolay him in his virtuous undertakings, praying for his
Boys Rainier Chapter, and also West Seattle welfare, keeping inviolate his secrets and vindi-
Rainbow Girls Assembly. They are doing a cating his reputation as well in his absence as
wonderful job of supporting our youth. They in his presence.” These were symbolized by
are all learning and growing and at the same Hand, Foot, Knee, Breast and Back.
time, they are having fun, which is one of the I am reminded of these points when considering
key elements to being successful. the context of social media and the craft. Broth-
I would like to share with you how West Seat- ers, one cannot set aside these lessons when
tle Rainbow Girls Assembly#18 are having fun engaging in “dialog” Online. I placed quotes
and growing! around dialog because what is happening is a
series of single duplex monologues where all
In July, when VWB Tom Christie became Rain- civility is cast aside. We all understand that we
bow Dad for West Seattle Assembly #18, he do not waste time in Lodge on the topics of pol-
challenged the girls to bring in new members. itics and religion, nor do we suffer it to be done
To give them an incentive, he offered to grow by others. Why then do we apply a separate
out his hair and let them color or cut it as they set of rules when posting Online? Does your
desired IF they brought in at least 3 new mem- friend group not include your brothers? Why
bers. On December 28, 2017, the Assembly is it acceptable to publicly excoriate another’s
initiated two more girls, bringing their total for character because of a difference in opinion?
the term to 4. THEY MET THEIR GOAL! And The deliberate contradiction is tearing at the
on the 29th, the girls went after Tom’s hair... fabric of our craft.
below is a picture of VWB Tom and his new
hairdo. Congratulations to the girls of West Social Media is not a place to spend time if
Seattle Assembly #18! Hats off to VWB Tom you want to change someone’s mind, nor is it
for his dedication and letting the girls have a conducive to a well-reasoned debate. Rather,
great time styling your new look!
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IT’S GOOD TO BE A 12!
Masonic Tribune
Volume XCIX No.1 - Summer 2018 Issue - Page 15 istrict 12 is the best! The Grand Master said
Dso and we have it on video! When you placed
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much thought about a gift for anyone, you are
it is a place where tribal warfare is supported highlighting the adage “it’s not the gift but the
by memes someone fabricated in Photoshop, thought that counts!” What do you give to a Grand
or by some unsupported statistics posted in Master, more Masonic items? He’s probably got a
some critic’s twitter feed. We are better than roomful of them over his many years of service to
this. The prominent social media platforms the Craft. Does it have to be expensive? Does it
are all designed to surround you with opinions have to be in the category of shiny and bright with
that match your own – further entrenching you purple and gold?
in the “correctness” of your position. Careful On April 14, 2018, the seven lodges of District
attention must be paid to fact checking any No.12, within the borders of Bremerton, Port
curetted set of facts that suddenly appear on Gamble and Bainbridge Island, gathered togeth-
your feed. We can do better than this. er at William Renton Lodge No. 29 to celebrate
Further, if your Online presence includes a our annual District meeting with the Grand Mas-
ter and his team. It was a resounding success! A
public display of your membership in Freema- total of 117 jersey-wearing, smiling faces of family
sonry (non-anonymous presence), then you and friends showed up at our annual gathering.
need to elevate your dialog to a higher level. Towards the end of the program, two special gifts
Every character, syllable, word, or sentence were ready to be given. First, we presented MWB
reflects the good-bad-ugly on our Fraternity. Warren and Lady Mary Jo with a very simple en-
Are we not the men who “… are one whom graving of two hands holding each other, with their
the burdened heart may pour out its sorrow, to names etched on each and their wedding anniver-
whom distress may prefer its suit, whose hand sary date inscribed below. That alone was enough
is guided by justice, and whose heart is ex- to touch them both including a few hearts from the
panded by benevolence?” I find it disappoint- audience. The second was more of a fun gift for
ing when witnessing the interactions between our GM. I pulled out an eight inch round clear acryl-
my brothers and hope we can all pause a mo- ic and in it was a blown-up engraving of his coin
ment to reconsider more than just being right. logo. The fun was in the manner of presentation
Empathy and attention to the bigger picture will and was presented this way: “Grand Master, this
lead you back to our principal virtues on which may look like just an ordinary acrylic engraving of
this great Fraternity is founded. your coin logo but it is more high tech than it looks.
It slips on top of this high-tech base which actually
Lastly Brethren, if one research- lights up. There is no switch, only voice activated
es The Royal Society, the early with a password and only your voice can turn it on.”
predecessor to Freemasonry, I then placed the acrylic on the base, gave him the
you see the origins of the prohi- password written on a piece of paper and asked
bition of discussions on politics him to read it out loud, to which he very much com-
and religion. Dago Rodriguez, plied. The base light turned on and it illuminated
PM and Editor of the Fraternal his Masonic logo very well! The password…? DIS-
Review wrote of The Royal So- TRICT 12 IS THE BEST!!! Of course, I forgot to tell
ciety, “Take no one’s word.” This him that I was holding the remote controlled switch
is to say that one ought to do in my pocket! After the laughter and clapping died
their homework regarding facts of the matter down, I told him that there
in a search for Truth. And, he writes, “Truth was another way of turning
it on when he is not around.
is the goal to knowledge, and Tolerance is the Same password but it has to
pathway.” be yelled out by at least 12
or more people. So I turned
VWB Doug Stamper to the audience and asked
Deputy of the Grand Master them for the password, and
District No. 7 the whole room yelled that we
are the best!
Fraternally,
VWB Romy Labonete
Deputy of the Grand Master
District No. 6
Promote! Promote! Promote!


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The


















The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Washington - F&AM

161st Annual Communication

Wenatchee Convention Center

121 N Wenatchee Ave, Wenatchee
Washington, 98801, United States


161st Annual Communication
June 7, 2018 - June 10, 2018
12:00 am - 11:00 am

On-Site Check-in/Registration: You will check in at your Lodge table.
You must have a current 2018 dues card. Bring your apron if you desire.
The Registrations hours are as follows:

• Thursday: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 7:30 a.m. – Noon

Proxies: Worshipful Masters, Wardens and Secretaries will receive a proxy form
that should be signed immediately in case you are unexpectedly unable to at-
tend. The Lodge may be represented by proxy by any member (Master Mason)
of the Lodge. However, please remember that an individual may represent only
one Lodge as an officer or by carrying a proxy. If the Master, Sr. Warden, Jr.
Warden or a Brother (Master Mason) holding a proxy does not register before
noon on Saturday, the Lodge will not be officially represented.

Lodging: Please note it is your responsibility to reserve lodging.

Please go to our website for a more detailed context of the event:
Link: https://freemason-wa.org/