OMN - 2024 February

OREGON MASONIC NEWS

FEBRUARY 2024

W W W . O R E G O N F R E E M A S O N R Y. C O M

The

Light

+ PLUS Fellows of the Craft The Masonic Bookshelf

OREGON MASONIC NEWS FEBRUARY 2024 EXECUTIVE EDITOR Grand Secretary, James L. Morgan, P.G.M. EDITOR Holly Darling CONTRIBUTORS Craig A. Sipp Dale B. Palileo Gregory A. Hinkelman Marissa Douglas Danielle Christopherson Tiffany Tullius TO CHANGE DELIVERY OPTIONS Login to or.grandview.systems to edit your communication preferences CONTACT US info@oregonfreemasonry.com 503.357.3158 www.oregonfreemasonry.com

2 Member Profile: Jun Catanaoan

6 The Five Points of the Fellows of the Craft Program

CONTENTS Rights are reserved to edit all submitted material, and views expressed in articles may not necessarily be the official position of the Grand Lodge nor an endorsement thereof.

Proprietary rights to all articles published in the Oregon Masonic News are the sole property of the author and cannot be reproduced without express permission of the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge, A.F. & A.M. of Oregon.

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Grand Master’s Message Member Profile: Jun Catanaoan A New Order of Freemasons Fellows of the Craft The Masonic Bookshelf Mastering the Art of Change MasonicAid Giving Tree Announcements & Invitations News from our Lodges Statewide Masonic Training

8 The Masonic Bookshelf

GRAND MASTER’S MESSAGE

Common Ground I n my travels this year as Grand Master I have had the opportunity to meet Brothers from all walks of life. I always enjoy striking up a conversation and getting to know a new Brother and some of their background. We all bring our own experiences that help create that Lodge culture. Whether we come from a small or large, rural or urban Lodge, I immediately feel a sense of Brotherhood.

Th is year I met Brothers from across the United States and from abroad during Imperial Shrine in Charleston, North Carolina and the Scottish Rite Biennial in Washington DC. At the Scottish Rite Biennial, Oregon hosted the Costa Rica delegation. I had a lot of fun getting to know our Costa Rican Brothers. We discovered that from a Masonic point of view we have a lot in common including challenges in membership, retention, and how to support and grow Masonry.

Even though we may have had some language barriers, I could feel the bond of Brotherhood in our conversations.

Freemasonry seeks to uphold universal values of love for all mankind, assistance to those less fortunate, and to seek truth in all and every situation. It’s the common bond that binds one Mason to another regardless of his culture, religion, politics, or background. May we always strive to work together in harmony, with loving kindness and generosity toward each other.

Check the calendar for upcoming events like the Statewide Masonic Training on March 23 and remaining Occasional Grand Lodges. Consider attending to deepen your understanding of Freemasonry, and join in fellowship with your Brothers.

See you on down the Masonic Trail.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Craig A. Sipp Grand Master 2023-2024

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO VIEW THE GRAND MASTER’S CALENDAR

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MEMBER PROFILE

The

Light

One Brother’s Story

O

riginally from the Philippines, Brother “Jun” (pronounced June, short for Junior) Catanaoan was raised as Master Mason less than one year ago.

Ten years before immigrating with his family to the United States in 1993, Catanaoan turned down the opportunity to become a Freemason.

His father was an active member of Hundred Islands Masonic Lodge No. 201 of F. & A.M. of the Philippines, in Alaminos City in the province of Pangasinan. His father’s Brethren encouraged Jun to learn the value of becoming a Freemason, but he felt he was too busy at the time in his career. He learned later that after his father died, those Masonic Brethren conducted a Masonic Ritual at the wake before the burial. “Originally, I was not fully convinced about the value of Masonry, then realized I should have become a Mason 30 years ago,” says Catanaoan. “I admit I regret that it took me several decades to decide to join.”

His wife, Redemcion, is an officer of the Valiant Sellwood Chapter No. 92, Order of the Eastern Star; and his eldest son, Mark Lance, is also a Master Mason as of December 2023.

Freemasonry is now a family affair.

It was only here in the U.S. that he learned the importance of being a member of the largest and oldest Fraternity in the world – for his life, his family, and his contribution to society. He likens it to a roadmap as

he travels along the journey of life.

Catanaoan aspires to help grow a greater connection between Lodges in the Philippines and the U.S. Upon fi ling an inquiry on the Oregon Freemasonry website, Catanaoan was channeled to Willamette Lodge No. 2 in Portland.

He first met with W.B. James C. Lamb, who Catanaoan said “welcomed me and treated me with dignity and respect. He embodied how a Master Mason ought to treat a prospective Brother. He did not see the color of my skin, or a person coming from a different culture. He accepted my application the way a true Brother follows the tenets of being a Freemason.” Later, W.B. Gilbert C. Thonstad became Catanaoan’s coach and mentor through his initiation from Entered Apprentice to Fellow Craft, and finally Master Mason.

“I deeply appreciate the Fellowship at Willamette Lodge and the working relationships as a Lodge officer with my fellow Brethren,” says Catanaoan.

He also enjoys when Willamette Lodge invites Brethren from other Lodges to break bread with them.

Despite harsh weather or a busy schedule, taking time to visit other Lodges to contribute and be part of the traditions of bringing new members from darkness into light, to make good men better. He is looking forward to being part of Degree teams, and working with different Lodges.

“I believe Masonry can change lives.

If more people knew that, it would be so impactful.”

“You can go to any country, and you are a Brother, you are accepted. Even though I was born outside of the U.S.A., I’m treated the same as any Brother.”

- Brother “Jun” Catalino De Perio Catanaoan, Jr.

J u n ’ s P N W Tr a v e l s While he has traveled extensively Catanaoan loves living in Oregon and exploring the Pacific Northwest.

Maryhill Museum of Art

Everg reen Aviation & Space Museum Columbia Gorge

Portland Japanese Garden

Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm

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Modern-day Freemasonry may have enthusiastically embraced the Internet, but its ideals and distinctive imagery are firmly steeped in the traditions of centuries past. (Richard Hartog / Los Angeles Times)

A New Order of Freemasons is Transforming the Ancient Society with Flair

By Adam Tschorn, Senior Features Writer | Los Angeles Times

I

n Los Feliz, across from a 7-Eleven on North Vermont Avenue, a few dozen men in their early 20s to late 80s share a dinner behind closed doors. Some wear full tuxedos with bow ties and jeweled cuff links, some have shoulder-length hair, and others wear open-collared shirts that reveal the slightest filigree of tattoo arching across their chests.

Over Italian food, retired lawyers and judges sit elbow-toelbow with owners of scrap metal yards and vintage clothing boutiques. They hold forth on philosophy, the weather; they rib each other and joke about saving room for cannoli.

As they reach for seconds, they reveal skull-cracking rings emblazoned with a compass and a square.

Meet the millennial Masons. As secret societies go, it is one of the oldest and most famous. Its enrollment roster includes Louis Armstrong and Gerald Ford, and it has been depicted in movies such as “The Da Vinci Code” and “National

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Treasure.” Once more than 4 million strong (back in the 1950s), it has been in something of a popularity free-fall ever since. Viewed with suspicion as a bastion of antiquated values and forced camaraderie, the Masons have seen membership rolls plummet more than 60% to just 1.5 million in 2006.

Only now the trend seems to be reversing itself, and nowhere more noticeably than in Southern California. The reasons seem clear. In another Masonic Hall, this one on La Cienega, a Sri Lankan-born banker, a sunglasses-wearing Russian immigrant and a continent-hopping Frenchman break bread, poke at their salads and chat about their health.

“For a time it looked as if Masonry was going into a sharp decline, if not the death throes,” said UCLA history professor Margaret C. Jacob, who has written extensively about the fraternal order. “But it looks like it may be making a comeback.”

That’s because the Freemasons, whose tenets forbid soliciting or recruiting members, have enthusiastically embraced the Internet as a way to leverage curiosity about an organization with its roots in Europe’s medieval stonemasons guilds. Freemasonry today sees itself as a thinking man’s salon, a learned society with a philanthropic bent.

“We had a record number of new members last year,” said Allan Casalou, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of California. “We added 2,000 men, which is the most since 1998 and our seventh straight year of membership increases.”

And, to paraphrase that Oldsmobile campaign, these definitely aren’t your father’s Freemasons. They are bar owners, male models and olive-oil brokers. They are men like Zulu, an L.A. tattoo artist with a swirling Maori-inspired design inked across his face and a panoply of metal piercing his ears, nose and face. They are men like Jonathan Kanarek, who runs a men’s vintage clothing store on Hollywood Boulevard and whose retro chic wardrobe of polka-dot ascots, glen-plaid jackets and smartly pressed pocket squares earned him a spot on Esquire magazine’s 2007 list of best-dressed real men in America. And they are men like Daemon Hillin, whose surfer-dude looks and blinding white smile can be found on Japanese TV, where he plays sidekick and comic foil to the Japanese version of the Hilton sisters.

They are also all men who want to be part of an all-forone and one-for-all brotherhood built on shared ideals, philosophical pursuits and a penchant for rings, aprons and funny hats. As Zulu bluntly put it: “I joined because I was looking for people to hang with that were like-minded but also hip and cool, and a lot of tattoo artists tend to be drunks and druggies.”

Hillin, who originally joined the Masons in Temecula, moved to L.A. and is interested in the Santa Monica-Palisades Lodge No. 307, one of the youngest and most diverse congregations in the state (the average age of active brothers is just 33). The Lodge’s Senior Deacon, Jim Warren, calls it “ ‘Star Trek’ without the chicks.” “We have every possible national origin, ethnicity and religious denomination you could imagine,” he said.

Warren credits the Internet. “We were one the first Lodges in the state to have a website up,” he said. “That led to a huge spike in membership.”

Other Lodges followed suit, putting up their own sites and drawing a crowd. That’s how prospective Mason Johnny Royal ended up at the door of Elysian Lodge No. 418 last month.

Intrigued by the distinctive Masonic architecture that graces most halls, the 31-year-old publicist with sideburns to his chin and hair to his shoulders and a Renaissance lute player tattoo on his right forearm hit the Web. What he read about the Masonic ideals – wisdom,

strength, beauty and the pursuit of knowledge – made him decide to pursue membership. “My generation wants to be part of something beyond itself,” Royal said. “I want to learn; I want to participate.”

T h e We b G e n e ra t i o n

The Internet hasn’t only made it easier to learn about the Freemasons, Casalou says, it’s changed the type of men coming forward. “There is so much information on the Internet that by the time someone comes to a Lodge to seek membership, they already know a lot about Masonry,” he said.

“Which is a big departure from previous generations. And it means they are more likely to be active participants.”

Zulu became curious about Freemasonry after tattooing Masonic symbology on several clients. He joined five years ago at age 39 and now serves as webmaster and Senior Warden of North Hollywood Lodge No. 542. He has also gone on to become both a Scottish Rite Mason and Shriner (Masonic membership is a prerequisite for both), and next year he will become the leader of his Lodge. “I’ll be the first black Worshipful Master in the Lodge’s history,” he said, using the proper term of respect.

But he probably won’t be the last. Because California’s contingent of Freemasons is expected to grow, the average age of its members, once 71 and now 65, is expected to drop.

Casalou predicted by 2018, the state would be awash in 55-year-old pre-retirement Masons giving each other secret handshakes, wearing Ritual aprons and invoking the Grand Architect of the Universe.

The Internet continues to help. Zulu said that he gets at least four emails a week from prospective Masons around the globe who see his tattooed and pierced visage at the Lodge website and want to be reassured such an alternative look isn’t a barrier to membership.

“Yeah, I think it’s going to become hip and chic to be a Mason,” Zulu said.

Reprinted with permission from the Los Angeles Times

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Need help creating a Lodge website?

Contact Marissa Douglas

M D o u g l a s @ O re go n Fre e m a s o n r y. co m 503-357-3158

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FELLOWS OF THE CRAFT

The Five Points of the Fellows of the Craft Program

By W.B. Dale B. Palileo, Grand Lecturer

S

ince the introduction of the WestGate Experience last year, we have seen a revival of interest in one of its core components, namely the Fellows of the Craft program.

While this program has been around since the mid-2000s, many Brothers have either forgotten it exists or simply do not know anything about it. Some even wonder if it’s worth the effort in implementing the program in their respective Lodges. If you’re thinking about implementing the WestGate Experience or the Fellows of the Craft program in your Lodge, then these five points might help you decide.

LOG IN TO GRAND VIEW, THEN SCAN THIS QR CODE

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1. IT’S AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE TRADITIONAL DEGREE PROFICIENCY Since the dawn of our Fraternity’s modern era, the proficiency for each Degree has been a staple in making sure that Brothers progressing through our Degrees have a strong educational foundation on which they can build their Masonic experience. Unfortunately, it is plausible that we have lost countless men over the decades simply because they could not do the memory work. They could have been great Brothers; great additions to the Craft with their own talents and skills that could have enhanced our own collective strength as an organization.

The Fellows of the Craft program recognizes and understands this important issue. In fact, it is one of the reasons why the program was developed in the first place. It is the only program that is allowed by the Grand Lodge to provide an alternative to the traditional proficiency without diluting the educational value of the proficiency experience.

2. IT CREATES STRONG BONDS BETWEEN MENTOR AND STUDENT

4. IT PREPARES BROTHERS FOR THE TORCHLIGHT PROGRAM

Throughout a man’s journey through our Degrees, nothing is as special as the relationship between him and his mentor. This bond is not only the basis for learning, but also for imparting Masonic wisdom. The Fellows of the Craft program emphasizes this special relationship by encouraging mentors and students to constantly be in communication and sharing experiences both inside and outside the Lodge.

Brothers who have taken the Torchlight program know that the purpose of the program is to teach you how to find answers to your questions through the various materials and publications that are available to every Mason. The Fellows of the Craft program trains Brothers in this endeavor with openbook tests, especially in the Master Mason Degree.

3. IT ENCOURAGES CURIOSITY AND PRODUCES MORE INFORMED LODGE MEMBERS While the Fellows of the Craft program sidesteps a huge portion of the memory work, it substitutes that proficiency requirement with reading materials and tests. Again, the involvement of a Brother’s mentor is crucial, because this journey encourages Brothers to ask questions about their Masonic experience and to seek out explanations about important parts of our gentle Craft. Moreover, the educational materials touch upon historic parts of our Fraternity that are not usually explained in the memory work. In short, the program, with the assistance of a Brother’s mentor and the educational materials, delves into answering the ‘why’ questions in addition to the ‘how’ and ‘what.’

5. IT PREPARES BROTHERS FOR OFFICER POSITIONS A great misconception of the Fellows of the Craft is that you do not have to go through the regular proficiency or memory work if you go through the program. This is simply not true. In fact, the WestGate Experience strongly encourages Brothers to take the Fellows of the Craft program while also doing the required traditional memory work.

When done correctly, this produces Brothers who are not only versed in the ritualistic parts of our Degrees but are also more informed with information that could help them become better participants and contributors in their respective Lodges.

If you are interested in getting certified or re-certified in the current version of the Fellows of the Craft, drop me an e-mail at dpalileo@oregonfreemasonry.com.

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THE MASONIC BOOKSHELF

5 Essential Books Every Freemason Should Read W.B. Gregory A. Hinkelman, Senior Grand Deacon

O

ne of the components of our beloved Fraternity that separates us from other civic organizations is the number of books related to our Craft. Over the last three centuries, there have been thousands of books written about Freemasonry. Our focus on ritual, symbolism, and allegories has generated these books about our meaning and philosophy which separates us from all others. How many books have you seen written about what it is to be an Elk, or a Kiwanian? A quick search of Amazon and there is not much. Contrast that with books about Freemasonry and you can scan through dozens of Amazon pages of available books. And Amazon by no means has them all.

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During a trip to Powell’s Books in Portland a few years back, I browsed the Masonic book selection. I picked up a book printed in 1925 that I used this past year as Master of my Lodge where I conducted a “Masonic Teaching” at each stated meeting. Books printed almost 100 years ago are still relevant today because the principles of Masonry are timeless.

So, for the newest Brother in the northeast corner, to the 70-year jewel recipient, what books out there are worth reading?

THE RITUAL

Let’s start with our Ritual. It is always a treat to hear the lectures of each Degree.

Especially in my part of the state where putting on Degrees is not a regular occurrence.

I encourage all to read the lectures (the parts not cyphered and, of course, learn the cyphered parts). These lectures are fundamental to our Craft and worth reading through and reminding us of what we learn at the beginning of our Masonic journey.

A MUST READ

Reprinted August 2022

Continuing with the themes we learn in the beginning, I recommend The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Freemasonry

by S. Brent Morris. This is a great introductory book for those considering joining the Fraternity and for those who have just started out. It also serves as a great reminder for the more seasoned Masons. This book really outlines the fundamentals and dives into a little bit of our history.

Keeping with the historical aspects of Masonry, a book called The Masonic Myth by Jay Kinney gives a nice history of Freemasonry and some of the other aspects of the Craft such as our appendant and concordant bodies. An easy read well worth your time to digest and expand your Masonic knowledge.

There are many other books such as reference and encyclopedia books that I did not touch on. Our Standard Manual and Etiquette book that are worth looking at if you have not done so recently. These books on origins, history, and Masonic philosophy are a great place to start or continue your Masonic education and life-long journey in Freemasonry.

Albert Pike’s Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry; Annotated Edition by Arturo de Hoyas. This is by no means an easy read. Some might think this read is the perfect remedy for insomnia.

However, the Annotated Edition makes this read easier as the original Pike text has been clarified where possible. Plus, it has great footnotes for explanation of certain terms and names used. This book is for serious Masonic study and worth your time to read. However, I recommend reading it in small chunks at a time.

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A Pilgrim’s Path by John J. Robinson is the best Masonic book I have read to date. It covers Masonic history and specifically touches on some notable historical attacks and hoaxes of the past and brings the motives of those who created these controversies to light. This is a must read for every Mason. The book is not very long and is an easy read. It gives a Brother great historical perspective and facts to present to those who have a negative view of Masonry. There is excellent material here to improve your Masonic knowledge and history.

Submit your favorite Masonic reads to O M N @ O re g o n Fre e m a s o n r y. c o m

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f o t r A e h t g n i r e t s a M R.W.B. Chad M. Lacek Past Master of Dundee Lodge No. 190, Carpentersville, IL

Did you make any New Year’s resolutions last month? By now you’ve had a chance to test their permanence. How’s it going so far? Are you hanging in there, or have you already abandoned some of them?

Don’t feel too bad. Change is hard. In fact, lasting change is almost impossible, unless you apply it the right way. Most people try to use an act of willpower to resist the behaviors they are trying to eliminate, or to add the habits they wish to begin. You can visualize what is happening in this case by imagining a powerful magnet, pulling you in the direction of what you are trying to avoid, and pushing you away from where you want to be. This invisible force is always there.

It’s always pulling and pushing, constantly, relentlessly. To achieve your goals, you will have to fight it every second, every day, forever. That’s asking a lot of our poor willpower.

Let’s consider an example of a man who wants to lose a few pounds.

We all know the many benefits of maintaining a healthy body weight.

It’s a worthy goal. One major component of his weight loss will be decided by the foods he eats. Every time he passes that box of doughnuts someone brought to the Lodge meeting, he must resist the desire to eat one if he hopes to achieve his goal.

The problem is that he has to fight that desire, and win, every time. Just like water that wears away at solid rock, so too will that doughnut eventually end up in his stomach.

So how do we make lasting changes? First, we must admit that wanting something and denying it to ourselves is not a long-term solution. The secret to success is to work towards not wanting it in the first place. We can achieve this by

“

reshaping our identity. “I want to lose a few pounds” becomes, “I’m the kind of person that enjoys keeping fit.” This works with anything you wish to start doing, or something you want to eliminate. “I want to write a book” becomes, “I’m the kind of person that writes every day.” “I want to pay off my debts” becomes, “I’m the kind of person who lives debt free and within my means.”

I know what you’re thinking. It’s easier said than done, right? Yes, but no. Every action we take is really a vote for the kind of person we want to be. At first you will need to tell yourself what kind of person you are. After a while you will start to believe it. Eventually you will become it. You might be surprised how much faith you have in your own voice, and how much your opinion of yourself matters. If you find yourself saying things like, “I’m terrible with names” or, “My memory is awful”, your subconscious will believe you.

Start telling yourself that you are the kind of person you want to be.

You will be amazed how quickly you can transform your will, without the need for willpower. For a step by step, simple, practical guide to implementing this practice in your life, I highly recommend reading Atomic Habits by James Clear (JamesClear.com/atomic-habits). Please trust me. You won’t regret it. With a little practice and persistence, you will master the art of change.

YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED HOW MUCH FAITH YOU HAVE IN YOUR OWN VOICE, AND HOW MUCH YOUR OPINION OF YOURSELF MATTERS.

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”

Reprinted with permission from the Emessay Notes January 2024

Outpouring of Support

M a s o n i c A i d G i v i n g Tr e e We’re thrilled to wrap up another successful Giving Tree season, and we’re deeply grateful for the overwhelming support from our members, lodges, and chapters. Donations this year not only fulfi lled the wishes of Giving Tree recipients but also extended gifts to five more MasonicAid clients.

On behalf of the MasonicAid program, thank you for your generosity!

We’ve received several heartfelt cards and calls from MasonicAid clients expressing appreciation to those who contributed. Your kindness has made a significant impact, and we appreciate your support.

Shirley, a member of Pioneer Chapter, with her Giving Tree gift that was handdelivered by a MasonicAid Case Manager a few days before Christmas.

- Danielle Christopherson MasonicAid Director

Make a

DIFFERENCE in Others’ Lives

THANK YOU FOR A RECORD YEAR!

35

MasonicAid Client Recipients

5%

More Funds Raised Than in 2022

77 33 Donors

Lodges & Chapters Donated

“Thank you to the Masonic & Eastern Star membership for the generous check surprise I received in the mail this morning!

I appreciate it so much! I also appreciate the wonderful care I am getting from the MasonicAid program and the caregivers who have been helping me at home.”

Member, Friendship Rose 148

Set Up Your Recurring Donation Today To Help Members Like Shirley Donate online at www.OregonFreemasonry.com/Donate or call the Grand Lodge office at 503.357.3158.

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A N N O U N C E M E N T S & I N V I TAT I O N S

F E L LOW S O F T H E C R A F T T R A I N I N G & I N S T R U C TO R S TR AINING

Saturday, February 10 @ 11 a.m.

Tillamook Lodge No. 57 1904 1/2 Second St., Tillamook, Oregon This is a two-part training.

First will be the Fellows of the Craft training followed by an Instructors training.

All educational materials will be provided.

This is open to Master Masons Only.

RSVP to Secretary.Tillamook57@gmail.com

Member Locator

The Grand Lodge of Oregon is now using TransUnion to help locate members for Lodges and clean up membership data.

If a Lodge has members that cannot be located, the Grand Lodge can use this new tool to find current contact information.

A fee of $1.50 will be applied to each member located and updated in the database. No charge will be incurred if the member is not found. As part of the update process, we will attempt to refresh the address, phone number, and email information.

Lodges may email missing member lists to info@oregonfreemasonry.com.

or call 503.812.1602 MARCH

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Tr a v e l i n g L i g h t F o u n d a t i o n

Brother Nicholas R. Godfrey of Union Lodge No. 3 in McMinnville, Ore., along with his wife Rachel and son Callum, started Traveling Light in 2022 in honor of Nick and Rachel’s son Ronan who passed away. The foundation started from money that Ronan had saved which he wanted to be used to inspire learning and to enjoy the world around us.

The name of the organization came from a joke that Ronan loved to tell, “A photon is going through airport security. The TSA agent asks him “Do you have any luggage?” The photon says “No, I'm traveling light.”

Traveling Light Foundation is a registered non-profit, section 501(c)(3) charity. It is a volunteer-based family-run organization relying on donations to bring enjoyable learning experiences to the youth in the community. It aims to provide access to educational opportunities to students who are eager to learn.

Please stop by their fun website and read more about this wonderful foundation. GoTLF.org 12 |

O R EG O N M A S O N I C N E W S

BASIC SCHOOL OF INSTRUCTION SALEM MASONIC TEMPLE 9:30AM - 1:00PM 1625 Brush College Rd NW Salem, OR 97304 You are invited to attend this year's school of instruction hosted by Salem Lodge No. 4 and Pacific Lodge No. 50 and presented by M.W.B. Dave Fryday, P.G.M., W.B. Eric Headley, and R.W.B Daniel De La Rosa.

To ensure that all Brothers have at least a “basic” understanding of our gentle Craft and that this knowledge is uniform throughout this Grand Jurisdiction. We hope to see you there!

RSVP BY FEBRUARY 29TH TO: DDELAROSA@OREGONFREEMASONRY.COM

NEWS FROM OUR LODGES

Fro m D eMo l ay t o Entered Apprentice

E m p o w e r i n g M a s o n i c Yo u t h : A Call to Action for Lodge O f f i c e r s i n t h e N e w Ye a r

As newly appointed Lodge officers embark on planning for the upcoming year, it is imperative to emphasize the significance of incorporating our Masonic Youth groups into these plans. Beyond the confines of regular Lodge communications, consider scheduling visits to Job’s Daughters Bethels, Rainbow Assemblies, or DeMolay Chapter meetings. Such visits not only promise enjoyable experiences but also contribute greatly to the appreciation of our youth members.

While attending these gatherings, take the opportunity to explore potential openings for adult leadership or mentoring roles within these groups. A wise quote reminds us, “Our youth groups don’t always want you to open your wallets; what they really need is for you to open your calendars.” This sentiment holds true as, without available adult leadership, any youth organization is bound to face challenges.

As Masons, we are fortunate to have all three Masonic Youth Groups actively engaging in our state. It is certain that these organizations would warmly welcome new adult volunteers. In the spirit of the new year, my advice is to seize every chance to enjoy your Masonic journey.

Embrace opportunities to meet fellow Brothers, and in doing so, consider actively participating in a youth group.

Your involvement can make a meaningful impact on the development and success of these youth organizations.

Fraternally, W.B.HD Grant Mobley Oregon Grand Lodge Youth Activities Committee

Diego C. Legorreta received his Entered Apprentice Degree at Corvallis Lodge No. 14.

Scio Lodge No. 39 Elects 2024 Officers

Scio Masonic Lodge No. 39 elected its new officers with R.W.B. Jason T. Hamblen, DD No. 10 in attendance.

South Umpqua Lodge No. 72 Fe l l o w c r a f t D e g r e e s

Six Lodges were represented at South Umpqua Lodge No. 72 in Canyonville for Fellowcraft Degrees for the Smith brothers.

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OREGON MASONIC NEWS

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