Our Charities May Help You

By R.W.B. Gregory A. Hinkelman, Junior Grand Warden

When was the last time you encountered someone who was a direct beneficiary of one of our Masonic charitable foundations? Some of you may know many; some of you, none at all. I see someone every day—my son, Tommy.

When my son was an infant, we noticed that he was not developing as other kids his age. After several trips to doctors and medical facilities, we discovered his development was delayed (slower than his peers) but never arrested. As we sought treatment for him, one of his issues was a delay in talking and formulating speech. It was suggested by his step-grandfather, a Mason at (now consolidated) Evergreen Lodge, to take him to the Shrine Hospital. Being a Shriner, he was able through connections to direct us to the right people. An appointment was made, and we took a trip up to “Pill Hill” where he was evaluated for speech. After one follow-up appointment, they directed us to the Scottish Rite Speech Clinic in Portland. They gave us the contact information, and again, an appointment was made, and off to the clinic we went.

At that time, the clinic was right across the street from the Portland Valley Scottish Rite temple. My wife would take him to the clinic several times a month, and this continued for more than two years. At no time were we asked to pay, but they did bill our insurance. The speech therapist, Dr. Phil (no, not that Dr. Phil), was amazing. He would get down on the floor with my young son, take toys and objects, and engage with him in “play” designed to stimulate him, get him to talk, and work with him on annunciations, phonics, and basic vocabulary. The “play” he engaged in was tailored to Tommy’s interests. At that time, the animated movies “Finding Nemo” and “Cars” were his favorites, so Dr. Phil had toys from those movies to engage and stimulate his interest. It worked.

Another aspect of the quality of services and their true caring attitude was their willingness to continue to see Tommy as we transitioned to my new job in Clatskanie. We had to temporarily live in Seaside, and the school district there would not provide any services to my son because we homeschooled him. The speech clinic did not care; they continued to see him. Their care was amazing, and I joke that they did too good of a job—there are times I can’t get Tommy to stop talking! Our charitable foundations support a wide range of programs. The Oregon Masonic Charitable Foundation (OMCF) offers initiatives like Creating a Partnership. Concordant and appendant bodies also contribute, including RiteCare for Scottish Rite, the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, and the well known Shriners hospitals for children. These charities provide invaluable services to both the Fraternity and the wider community.

Our Masonic charities are vital, impacting more lives than we often realize. It could be you, a family member, or a Brother in your Lodge. Each month, I donate to the Oregon Masonic Charities through a recurring contribution—a modest amount, but every bit makes a difference. These donations sustain our charities and support Brothers and their families in meaningful ways.

I encourage you to join me in this effort. Together, we can ensure these vital programs continue to thrive and extend their reach. Let’s live out our values and make a lasting impact. Your support matters.

Donate online at www.OregonFreemasonry.com/Donate or call the Grand Lodge office at 503.357.3158.