OREGON MASONIC NEWS
MARCH 2024
W W W . O R E G O N F R E E M A S O N R Y. C O M
BUILDING
Leaders
+ PLUS Facets of Masonry
OREGON MASONIC NEWS MARCH 2024 EXECUTIVE EDITOR Grand Secretary, James L. Morgan, P.G.M. EDITOR Holly Darling CONTRIBUTORS Craig A. Sipp Grant Mobley Tracy M. Harris James L. Morgan Eric Headley Marissa Douglas
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2 Eastern Star and Amaranth Annual Youth Fundraiser
6 Judgement and Forgiveness
14 Masonic Alaskan Cruise
CONTENTS 1 2 4 6 8 9 10 12 13 14
Grand Master’s Message Eastern Star and Amaranth Annual Youth Fundraiser Many Uncles Judgement and Forgiveness 2024 Secretary Seminar Facets of Masonry Masonic Brotherhood Announcements & Invitations News from our Lodges Masonic Alaskan Cruise SCAN THIS QR CODE TO VIEW THE GRAND MASTER’S CALENDAR
GRAND MASTER’S MESSAGE
Building Tomorrow’s Leaders A M a s o n ’ s C a l l t o S u p p o r t Yo u t h O r g a n i z a t i o n s
M
y first experience with Masonic youth organizations was when I joined DeMolay in high school. Even though my journey may have been short, it provided a strong background, and helped start my Masonic Journey. The next opportunity was to get involved with Rainbow even before my daughters were old enough to join. I was asked to participate on the Rainbow board for Columbia Assembly No. 8 in The Dalles. I had no idea what I was getting myself into but was immediately impressed with how the young women conducted themselves and held their meetings. Over the next several years, I was able to see how those girls began their Rainbow journey and transformed into confident young women conducting meetings and participating as statewide officers. Nothing could have prepared me for my first statewide Rainbow Assembly. I was completely worn out after the first day, but the energy was contagious. I was so excited when my daughters were old enough to join and participate. As a father and a Mason, it brought me great joy to see my daughters take on the challenges and grow from this wonderful Masonic youth organization. We moved from The Dalles to Union in 2000. The closest Rainbow Assembly was in Joseph, 80 miles away. I was dismayed to discover that there were no other Masonic youth organizations in eastern Oregon. I reflected on my experience growing up in Baker and the short time I had been in DeMolay. With some effort from members of the Grande Ronde Valley Order of the Eastern Star and Lodge members, we took on the challenge of chartering a Rainbow Assembly in Union. I am proud to say that both of my daughters were charter members and went on to become Worthy Advisors and held several statewide positions. The adage “our youth is our future” rings true. Lessons gleaned from DeMolay, Job’s Daughters, or Rainbow endure for a lifetime. Many of these youth transition into Masonry and Order of the Eastern Star. I am very fortunate and proud that both my daughters and son followed this path. Our support to our youth organizations is critical to their success. Whether you are a board member or just attend their meetings, it makes a huge difference. You may do some growing yourself. I encourage you to connect with our youth organizations any way you can and someday you may find yourself sitting in Lodge or Chapter with them. See you on the Masonic trail. Sincerely and Fraternally,
Craig A. Sipp Grand Master 2023-2024
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A N N UA L YO U T H F U N D R A I S E R
GENEROSITY IN ACTION Highlights from the Eastern Star and Amaranth A n n u a l Yo u t h F u n d r a i s e r
O
n Sunday, January 28, the Eastern Star and Amaranth Annual Youth Fundraiser was held at the Al Kader Shrine Center in Wilsonville. It was a great afternoon where many members of our Appendant and Concordant Bodies came together to support and raise money for our Oregon Masonic youth groups. The afternoon started with a silent auction and social hour where everyone had the opportunity to bid on donated gift baskets. After dinner, a beautiful dessert was auctioned and immediately given to the youth
A N N UA L YO U T H FUNDR AISER BY THE NUMBERS 2 |
O R EG O N M A S O N I C N E W S
members in attendance to share. It was such a generous gesture and showed the spirit of the event quite well. Each table gathered funds to earn the privilege of choosing from the dessert tables first. The evening ended with the announcement of the winners of gift baskets from the silent auction. It was amazing to see how generous everyone was! There was a great turnout from the youth leaders of all three youth groups. Not only did each group get to visit with their own members from around the state, but they were also able to visit and bond with members of other youth groups as well.
120
IN ATTENDANCE
51
BASKETS RAISED $1,907
Events like these are a great opportunity for all of us to support our youth groups and to get to know them better. There are always opportunities to lend a hand. Spending time supporting these youth groups is never wasted time. There is always a role you can play when you are willing to donate your time. Fraternally, W.B. Grant Mobley Youth Activities Committee
50/50 TICKET DRAWINGS RAISED
$1,500
“I am learning leadership skills in DeMolay. I’d like Oregon Masons to know how thankful we are for their continued support in helping grow strong leaders like myself in our community.” Dacoda, 13 • DeMolay Tioga Chapter, North Bend
DESSERT AUCTION RAISED
$1,155
MORE THAN
$4,500
WAS RAISED FOR OREGON MASONIC YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS M A R C H 2 0 24
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MEMBER PROFILE
Many
UNCLES By Rebecca Azevedo, daughter of an Illinois Mason
I
t took many years before I recognized the value of Freemasonry, the pricelessness of the relationships it brought to my family, and its effects on my father's character. At first, when my father told my sisters and me about being a Mason, I was annoyed. I didn't know much about it, except that it was yet another time commitment when he already worked too much. Perhaps it was my immaturity or my lack of understanding as to why he’d choose to commit to this weird fraternity, but I was very vocal in my distaste for Masonry. I would complain when he’d have to be gone some nights, why he was spending time with people we didn’t know, or when he would bring up going to pancake breakfasts or parades.
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“
With every friendship, every act of kindness, every charitable donation, Freemasonry is changing the inner workings of society and simply, beautifully making it better.
My attitude began to shift though, when I started to see how Freemasonry changed my life—even when I could never be a Mason.
“
Freemasonry gave me uncles whom I love, men who I know would help me if I needed anything.
”
I remember being in Germany with my family, and in one instance, my dad told us he’d met another Brother Mason. It felt irrelevant in the moment, until we started talking as a family and my dad told us that, if need be, that stranger would help us in an emergency. Today, I know that I have an extensive network of people who would help my family and me in an instant. During
”
times of stress and when our family needed help, it was my “uncles” who first helped. Uncle Ziad, uncle Brian, uncle Bob, uncle Pat, uncle “Bean” ... Whether it was something major or my little sister needing a ride from school, there was never any hesitation. Freemasonry gave me uncles whom I love, men who I know would help me if I needed anything. Not only that, but I see the kind of relationships they have with my father. Our home has hosted people of all backgrounds, and part of it is due to how Freemasonry unites people through common values. The man I know my father to be today is largely due to what Freemasonry has instilled in his heart. It has drawn out a love for knowledge, the courage to stand up for what is right, and a passion for helping others. Through this incredible Brotherhood, I've seen firsthand men of character capitalize on doing good, focusing so much time on serving, giving, and mobilizing for amazing causes. My greatest realization regarding Masonry has been that its impact is anything but limited to the men who are a part of it. The way this huge group of men transform the world on a daily basis is unparalleled. With every friendship, every act of kindness, every charitable donation, Freemasonry is changing the inner workings of society and simply, beautifully making it better.
Reprinted with permission from the Illinois Freemason
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J U AND DGEMENT
Forgiveness By W.B. Tracy M. Harris, Grand Chaplain
GRAND CHAPLAIN’S MESSAGE
Someone parks in a handicap spot gets out and
walks away. They do not look like they need to park in the handicap spot. Did you judge? I did
At the grocery store, a guy paying for his groceries needed to use three cards to pay for his groceries. Did you judge? I did.
Driving down the road with moderate traffic, a car uses all three lanes to move up two cars. Did you judge? I did.
At the grocery store, the checker has 13 earrings in her left ear and more in her right ear. Did you judge? I did.
Your oldest daughter’s boyfriend comes by to pick her up for a date. He has a big swath of purple hair. Did you judge? I did.
You see a man standing on the side of the off-ramp with a dog, smoking a cigarette and a sign asking for money. Did you judge? I did.
I was working out, using a butterfly machine with 1.5-pound weights on each side. Did you judge? Another person did.
He said mockingly, “That’s a tough workout.” I jumped up, lifted my shirt, and said, “I started at zero.” He stuttered, apologized, and asked me what happened. He was looking at a very bright pink scar down the middle of my chest from my bypass surgery a few months before. I had been working extremely hard to recover from that surgery. I was proud that I had finally made it to 1.5 pounds. He judged me without knowing anything about me or what I had been through. After that experience, I have tried not to judge others. Each person is unique and most times you have no idea about their situation, their life, or their experiences. I must admit, I am not always successful; however, I do try not to judge others.
So, reflect on the following verse. Luke 6:37 Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. The words “forgive” and “forgiven” in the above verse, remind me that Easter is fast approaching. My earliest recollection of Easter is of my grandparents visiting. We would be dressed up, me in a suit and my little sister in a frilly dress and white gloves. We would go to church and have a big afternoon meal. After my grandparents passed away, my mom took over the tradition. Soon, my parents were grandparents and the tradition continued. Recently, I was reminiscing about my past Easter experiences that have revolved around family and services at Pulpit Rock. As a teen, I belonged to a Methodist youth group. We would gather at the top of a hill for sunrise service. It was my first sunrise service, and everybody went silent as the sun rose. What a moment as the sun came up to adorn the day. We had breakfast up there. I helped scramble eggs; my first-time preparing food. Years later, I was raised as a Mason in The Dalles, gaining a new family with new traditions. On cold Easter mornings, well before the sunrise, the Masons would meet at the Lodge to load chairs into a horse trailer and then set the chairs up at Pulpit Rock, a natural 12-foot-tall rock, used by Methodist missionaries for delivering sermons in the 1840s. Left in place, but now in the middle of a residential intersection, we would drink coffee that a very thoughtful Mason had brought. Soon more Masons, our Masonic family including Eastern Star members, Rainbow Girls, and members of the public joined us for the sunrise service. It was the Master’s duty to invite someone to give a sermon from the top of Pulpit Rock. Each year, it was a different Master and a different pastor, but it was always an Easter to remember. Easter is a time for forgiveness. Forgiveness can be a hurdle in the soul of humanity. Are forgiven people able to both forgive and forget? Do those who struggle to forgive tend to hold onto memories of past wrongs? Where do you fall on this spectrum? This Easter, forgive others as you have been forgiven.
+ If yo u a r e a b l e , j o i n yo u r M a s o n i c f a m i l y at P u l p i t Ro c k i n T h e D a l l e s fo r s u n r is e s e r v i ce . T h is ye a r m a r k s 10 0 ye a r s of M a s o n s ce l e b r at i n g E a s te r at P u l p i t Ro c k .
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2 0 2 4 S E C R E TA R Y S E M I N A R
Empowering Lodge Secretaries Insights from the 2024 Secretary Seminar by M.W.B. James L. Morgan, P.G.M., Grand Secretary
T
he 2024 Secretary Seminar was a great success! More than 40 Lodge secretaries, worshipful masters, and other interested Brothers joined the Grand Secretary and Grand Lodge Office staff for the seminar held on Jan. 26 and 27. The seminar was held in the Robert M. Richmond Memorial Library and Museum, on the Grand Lodge campus in Forest Grove. The format was changed some to allow more time on Saturday to go over several new Grand View programs that are being rolled out this year. Friday afternoon was dedicated to timely topics that Secretaries deal with on a regular basis, including various forms used for in-state and out-of-state transfers and plural membership, record keeping, Lodge consolidation, financial and audit forms, and the differences
+
GRAND VIEW RESOURCES
between Withdrawal, Demit, and Severance. There was a lot of helpful conversation between the participants, as more experienced secretaries shared their tips and tricks of the trade with newer secretaries. Saturday morning saw a few new faces added to those who attended the Friday afternoon session. After a few opening remarks and a review of the duties of the Secretary as outlined in the Oregon Masonic Code, the office staff took over and led the discussions and presentations. Some of the highlights of the morning were a review of the new Directory of Lodges, the several awards that are prepared at the Grand Lodge office when requested by a Lodge, and how to avoid having duplicate members in Grand View. There were also presentations
Where you can find helpful tools and new features including:
8 | O R EG O N M A S O N I C N E W S
• • • • •
on Lodge liability insurance and our Workman’s Compensation insurance. The new Grand View programs were presented after lunch on Saturday, including a new background check process that utilizes Grand View and a company named One Source to provide background checks for petitioners. The new Ritual Parts Tool was explained as well as the new Online Dues Payment process, and the new TransUnion member locator tool that you read about in the February issue of the Oregon Masonic News. It was great to see the Brothers engage in the topics and share their knowledge. The Grand Lodge office staff hopes the seminar was informative and helpful for everyone who attended.
Background Checks Online Dues Payments Ritual Parts Tool Member Search Secretary Handbook
SCAN THIS QR CODE AND LOGIN TO GRAND VIEW TO ACCESS THESE FEATURES
“Masonry IS LIKE A
” Mduring refreshment at every EA degree. This
y good friend and Brother in my Lodge says this
made me think about what this multi-faceted gem may hold for others. I have often thought that men join this Fraternity for at least one of three reasons: fraternity, philanthropy, spirituality. The fraternal aspect is a human need. Humans are pack animals and the need to be around others of like mind is instinctual. This is evident where the culture of a Lodge is so prevalent and palpable that it can be felt by members and guests alike. These are the Lodges where you see true friendship among those who may have otherwise remained at a perpetual distance. Philanthropy is that altruistic approach to charity and the Masonic tenet of relief. To relieve the distressed is a duty incumbent on all men, but particularly on Masons. We say this in our lectures and we practice this in our Lodges. The Creating A Partnership (CAP) program is a perfect example of how a local Lodge can identify and fulfi ll a need in the local community. These Lodges have a positive and lasting relationship with their communities and see firsthand the impact it makes. Spirituality is a bit harder to pinpoint. We invoke deity when embarking on any great or important undertaking and when taking our obligations. We have shelves of books and publications that attempt to explore the esoteric and cryptic knowledge of Freemasonry. We have an altar at which we kneel and pray. On this altar rests the volume of the sacred law. We have cabinets of paraphernalia and ritualistic items on our walls that evoke profound thought. All these together form the spiritual ‘emulsion’ by which we can contemplate and reflect. We all remember when we were brought to Light or when we were taught how to approach the East. We all share this knowledge, and it is through this spiritual experience that Masonry becomes a part of us and strengthens our spirits. Thank you to W.B. Joshua D. Singleton for inspiring this writing. Fraternally, W.B. Eric Headley Grand Marshal M A R C H 2 0 24
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Why Do Freemasons Refer To Each Other As “Brother”? by W.B. Brandon T. Cole, St. George Lodge No. 33, Utah
F
reemasons often address each other as “Brother.” We also consider ourselves “Travelers” in a way. What do brotherhood and travel have to do with Freemasonry? Masonry is a Fraternity and, frankly, a journey in and of itself.
The Masonic Brotherhood
Brotherhood is a synonym for fraternity. We consider ourselves brothers (or brethren) because we have taken and endeavor to keep the very obligations necessary to become and remain a member of this Brotherhood. As Dr. Albert Mackey described in his work Encyclopædia of Freemasonry, fraternal organizations in the Middle Ages 10 |
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MASONIC BROTHERHOOD adopted the term brotherhood to denote “any association of men engaged in the same common object, governed by the same rules, and united by an identical interest.” This describes Freemasonry to a tee; we have the same aims, our actions are regulated in accordance with the same ancient landmarks, and we are all interested in serving our respective communities. We take our Fraternal bonds quite seriously. When one becomes a Mason, one becomes a part of a global family built on similar values.
M a s o n i c “ Tr a v e l ”
In our respective rituals, it is often stated that we are traveling in search of light (light here being symbolic for knowledge). In the above-mentioned work, Mackey described Masonic light as “emblematic and mental illumination.” As Masons, we seek to learn both collectively (as Lodges) and individually (in all aspects of life). In Masonry, we are taught quite a bit; our didactic ceremonies can take hours to perform. More importantly, we are encouraged as Masons to seek out learning, both for ourselves and to share with others. If a man becomes a Master Mason, memorizes all the Ritual, and even becomes the head of a Grand Lodge or other appendant/affiliate organization, his Masonic journey never ends. Instead, it perseveres until he passes to the next life or unless he quits the Fraternity. We also enjoy visiting other Lodges (literal travel) for various reasons, including: • learning what Masonry is like in other parts of the world. • befriending distant Brethren. • broadening our horizons overall.
“
H o w O l d i s Yo u r M o t h e r ?
Often, two or more Masons may randomly meet for the first time and recognize that they are Brothers (for example, if one of them is wearing a Masonic ball cap; this has happened to me on more than one occasion). A question to ascertain where a Mason is from is to ask, “How old is your mother?” or “How old is your grandmother?” The “mother” in this question is the Lodge; the age in question refers to the Lodge number. If I were to respond to this question in the customary way, I would answer with something along the lines of “She is 33; she lives in Utah.” This tells the Brother that I am a member of Lodge No. 33 (which he may deduce later to be St. George Lodge if he decides to look it up) in the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of Utah.
We have the same aims, our actions are regulated in accordance with the same ancient landmarks, and we are all interested in serving our respective communities.
Conclusion
As Masons, we are expected to improve ourselves and our communities. As we add light to our lives, we become more capable of doing so; and, in fostering our Brotherly relationships, we all encourage each other in all commendable, important undertakings. We travel to other Lodges and we run into previously unknown Masons in our travels elsewhere. Light is what we value in all aspects of life (although it is different for each person in general). We all view and treat each other as Brethren.
”
Reprinted with permission from MasonicFind.com
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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 Sovereign Grand Commander Official Visit
BASIC SCHOOL OF PROFICIENCY H O S T E D BY T I L L A M O O K N O. 57 & G AT E WAY N O. 175
March 16 @ 10 a.m.
Tuesday, March 19, 2024 The Portland Valley of Scottish Rite will be hosting an official visit to the Orient of Oregon by Illustrious Brother James D. Cole 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Southern Jurisdiction. Reservations will be required. Contact Portland Valley for more information. All Scottish Rite Members are invited to attend.
Tillamook Lodge No. 57 1904 1/2 Second St., Tillamook, Oregon
RSVP by March 10 to W.B. Kris Torrey kristopher.torrey@gmail.com
F r e s h Fa c e A t T h e Grand Lodge Office
Julie Beckman Administrative Assistant Welcome Julie Beckman, the Grand Lodge’s new Administrative Assistant. California born but a proud PNW resident, Julie is passionate about healthcare and giving back to her community. She enjoy thrifting and exploring Oregon. 12 |
O R EG O N M A S O N I C N E W S
S AV E T H E D AT E
Centennial Cornerstone Rededication Ceremony McKenzie River Lodge No. 195 All are invited 6 p.m. on Friday, May 24 at Mckenzie River Lodge 850 East 14 Ave, Eugene OR 97401
NEWS FROM OUR LODGES
South Umpqua
On January 13, at South Umpqua Lodge No. 72, 22 Master Masons and one Fellowcraft from six Lodges in our Jurisdiction, gathered to confer courtesy Fellowcraft degrees upon Entered Apprentices Ken Smith and Justin Smith. It was amazing to see the Brothers from Grants Pass Lodge No. 84, Bandon Lodge No. 130, Laurel Lodge No. 13, Oakland Lodge No. 16 gather at South Umpqua Lodge No. 72 for a breakfast early Saturday morning, followed by some excellent Degree work. This amazing work is credited to Grants Pass Lodge No. 84. Senior Steward Garrett W. Pottmeyer, made it his mission of visiting Lodges with the intention to promote fellowship and establishing lines of communication between key communicators in each lodge. Garrett established a digital communication forum through a platform called Wire. With this, South Umpqua Lodge was able to promote our courtesy Degree for Oakland Lodge, prompting more Masons to attend a Degree in our Lodge in ages! Thank you everyone who made this possible and we are hoping this continues to only get bigger and better, helping improve our lives through Masonry. Yours in fraternal service Fred Linton, Secretary South Umpqua Lodge No. 72 AF & AM
7 5 -Ye a r Presentation
On January 24, R.W.B. Alexander Ben-Isreal, District Deputy No. 17 for the Grand Master of Oregon along with W.B. Howard Leachman, Secretary of Medford Lodge No. 103 presented W.B. William Adler, Amanda Masonic Lodge No. 509 of Amanda, Ohio, with his 75-year Mason Certificate and pin at the request of his W.M. Kory Weldy. W.B. Adler is in good health and according to him, looking forward to recieving his 100year Mason Certificate.
Eagle Scouts Tr o o p 5 0 9
On January 21, 2024 Eagle Scouts from Troop 509, Warrenton, Ore. completed their Eagle Scout program by building two picnic tables for Gateway Lodge No. 175. Gateway Lodge is their charter sponsor and provide financial support and a place to meet for the Scouts.
New Posts On Museum Blog
“One of the many blessings being involved with the documenting of history of the Grand Lodge of Oregon A.F. and A.M. is Masonic Travel.” W.B. Johnny J. Edwards shares two new blog posts on RichmondLibraryMuseum.com/blog
Masonic Service Association Bulletins Online Catch up on new and old Short Talk Bulletins and Emessay Notes on Grand View. Visit OR.GrandView.systems/public_members/msa.
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