OMN - 2024 June

OREGON MASONIC NEWS

JUNE

EXECUTIVE

Grand

CONTRIBUTORS

Craig

Timothy

Richard

Johnny

Marissa

Pioneering Masonry Forward

Experiences and Gratitude from the Grand Master

Ihave often referred to “life is a highway” and shared a lot of my Masonic experiences along the Masonic Trail. I am so thankful for this opportunity, the trust and confidence you have placed in me as your Grand Master. As my wife, Sherri and I travelled across this great state of ours and visited your Lodges, we enjoyed all the hospitality and fellowship we received. I had 65 official visits, the memories made will last a lifetime, including five Lodge anniversary events. I had the honor of presenting several 50-, 60-, and 70-year Jewels saluting our Brothers for their years of Masonic service.

I also represented the Grand Lodge of Oregon in several other Grand Jurisdictions, providing a critical network of Masonry beyond just our stateline.

This will be my last article as your Grand Master, and I would like to leave you with this thought:

Continue to set that bar high, with the upmost respect and integrity. Always remember your Masonic obligations and practice Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. And bring a Dusty Mason to Lodge!

Continue to be active in your community by supporting your local schools with programs like Bikes for Books, Kindles for Books, Robotics and other after-school programs. I encourage you to award scholarships to high school students in your communities. Support a community function or have a booth at the county fair. Creating A Partnership funds from the Grand Lodge are available to support your community involvement.

Continue to support our youth organizations. Become active in supporting Rainbow, Job’s Daughters, and DeMolay in your area. By doing so we are helping set the foundation for the future.

I am so thankful and blessed for all the support I received this year from the Trustees, Grand Lodge Officers, District Deputies, Grand Lodge Committees, Grand Secretary, Grand Treasurer and the Grand Lodge staff. It truly is a great team and I appreciated everything you did in supporting me and Pioneering Masonry Forward this year.

I extend my deepest gratitude to the Freemasons of Oregon for their invaluable support throughout the year. Their unwavering dedication has been the cornerstone of our achievements. It has been a profound honor to have served as your Grand Master, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity bestowed upon me.

I look forward to seeing you down the Masonic trail.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Craig A. Sipp Grand Master 2023-2024

MASONRYPi ing FORWARD

Grand Master Sipp’s Year on the Masonic Trail

“IT HAS BEEN A PROFOUND HONOR TO HAVE SERVED AS YOUR GRAND MASTER, & I AM TRULY GRATEFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY BESTOWED UPON ME.”

Craig A. Sipp Grand Master 2023-2024

ICelebrating MASONIC SUPPORT IN

am pleased to announce the upcoming release of the 2023 annual Impact Report, arriving in mailboxes later this month, presented on behalf of Oregon Masonic charities. Th is represents our comprehensive and ongoing commitment to addressing the needs of Masonic Family members and the local community.

Th is report is more than just numbers and figures; it’s a testament to the tangible impact of our collective efforts. Th rough prudent fi nancial management and strategic growth, we’ve surpassed $1,200,000 in sustainable support provided to those in need throughout the State of Oregon, a testament to the dedication of our staff and our leadership’s steadfast commitment to fulfi lling the Masonic obligation. Th is not only meets the needs of those we serve but affi rms our donors that every dollar counts – we make sure of it!

While our charitable support is constant and stable, we are never static. We rigorously apply those same resources to enable a dynamic and continuously-evolving culture. Our flexibility and adaptability enable us to meet changing demands through new and expanded grants and programs.

Our commitment to the community remains at the

forefront of our mission. Th rough various initiatives and partnerships, we continue to make meaningful contributions to the communities we serve, enriching lives through care and support. As our charitable resources have compounded across decades, so has our impact. Today, our ability to more broadly support the community is stronger than ever.

To our donor society, we extend our deepest thanks for your continued support. You make a great choice in partnering with Oregon Masonic charities! Th rough your selfless contributions, we’ve been able to provide essential resources, support, and hope to those facing challenging circumstances.

Our work matters, our mission matters, and the greatest reward is the number of lives that have been, and continue to be, positively impacted and empowered. Together, we stand united in our mission to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Marissa Douglas Marketing Director

To familiarize yourself further with the available grants and programs, please visit OregonFreemasonry.com/charity.

$1,217,565

“My doctor said if I had waited any longer [for braces], I would have had permanent damage. I am really thankful for this assistance! Thank you so much!”

- Grateful Young Adult

“I’ve always known the Masons were the ‘good guys’ but this makes me proud to be the daughter of a Mason and mother of another. Thank you!”

- Appreciative Sister, OES

“I was blown away that our little country school could have this kind of opportunity, to get things that we couldn’t really afford. These kids don’t get that often. It’s incredible and will be remembered for a really long time.”

- Thankful Teacher

Whether You Give A Little, Or Give A Lot, Monthly, Or One Time, Your Support Matters.

Join Your Masonic Family In Supporting Our Charities.

“We can come together to take care of each other. If we all give, it eases burdens, and no one is forgotten. We can be an example of how to care, and to encourage the younger generation to get involved.”

- Craig & Sharon Erwin, Medford Lodge No. 103 Past Worthy Matron

“25 years ago, the Grand Master asked if all Masons would donate $25 a month to the Home Endowment. I was raised in the Home in Covina, California so I feel tied to this mission. All the Masonic charities are worthwhile.”

- Arthur & Sherry Case East Linn Lodge No. 44

1. Visit our website at OregonFreemasonry.com/Donate.

1. Visit our website at OregonFreemasonry.com/Donate.

2. Become a monthly donor with a recurring donation using auto-pay online.

1. Visit our website at OregonFreemasonry.com/Donate.

2. Become a monthly donor with a recurring donation using auto-pay online.

1. Visit our website at OregonFreemasonry.com/Donate.

2. Become a monthly donor with a recurring donation using auto-pay online.

3. Call the Grand Lodge Office at (503) 357-3158 to contribute over the phone.

2. Become a monthly donor with a recurring donation using auto-pay online.

3. Call the Grand Lodge Office at (503) 357-3158 to contribute over the phone.

3. Call the Grand Lodge Office at (503) 357-3158 to contribute over the phone.

4. To list Oregon Masonic charities as a beneficiary in your will, trust, or estate, contact the Grand Lodge.

3. Call the Grand Lodge Office at (503) 357-3158 to contribute over the phone.

4. To list Oregon Masonic charities as a beneficiary in your will, trust, or estate, contact the Grand Lodge.

4. To list Oregon Masonic charities as a beneficiary in your will, trust, or estate, contact the Grand Lodge.

5. Send payment in our donation envelopes.

5. Send payment in our donation envelopes.

4. To list Oregon Masonic charities as a beneficiary in your will, trust, or estate, contact the Grand Lodge.

5. Send payment in our donation envelopes.

5. Send payment in our donation envelopes.

Tim’s story begins against the backdrop of growing up in the Midwest. From the echoes of his childhood to the corridors of his career, the compass of his life has traced a unique path. Just before midnight, Tim claimed the title of the last baby born in Milwaukee, Wisc. in 1960.

Tim grew up as the son of a Baptist minister, moving often but mostly raised in Western Michigan. After his junior year in high school, he obtained his private pilot’s license and took to the airways as often as he could. After graduating from high school in 1979, Tim’s family relocated to Southern California, where he met his future wife, Teresa. They married in 1986 before embarking on a journey that led them to Schroon Lake, N.Y., where Tim graduated from the Word of Life Bible Institute.

Their path eventually led them to St. Helens, Ore.,

R.W.B. Timothy J. Best Expected to be Grand Master-elect

where Tim initially worked with youth at a local church before fi nding his calling in law enforcement. He began a successful career with the Hermiston Police Department in 1992. Upon graduating from the Oregon Police Academy, he worked as a Patrol Officer, a School Resource Officer, a Patrol Sergeant, and an Administrative Sergeant. He was also a Deputy Medical Examiner assigned by the District Attorney’s Office. He attended and graduated from the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration in Plano, Texas, and held several certifications with the state of Oregon. Unfortunately, things don’t always go as planned, and he was forced into early retirement due to a health issue but is grateful for his years of service and to have his health back.

Upon retirement in December 2009, Tim missed the “Brotherhood of the Badge” which led him to fi nally ask a good friend about Masonry. Drawn to it by the rich history woven into the beginnings of our nation, he soon found himself knocking on the west door of the Lodge, and his Masonic career began. His good friend, M.W.B. R. Michael Wick, served as Tim’s

coach and mentor, conferring his third Degree in 2012 at Hermiston Lodge No. 138. Tim had a fast track through the chairs due to a few Brothers moving out of the area and served as Worshipful Master for two consecutive years (2015, 2016). Tim was asked by M.W.B. James L. Morgan, P.G.M. in 2018 to serve as his District Deputy for the Grand Lodge of Oregon for District No. 21, and the following year (2019) by M.W.B. Ron Eggers. He enjoyed his time serving in the district, working with the local Lodges, and getting to know the Brothers while supporting the efforts of the Grand Lodge. During that time, he was a member of the Membership and Publicity Committee and the LongRange Planning Committee for the Grand Lodge of Oregon.

That all changed when Tim, thinking he was going to serve a third year as a District Deputy, was appointed by M.W.B. Mike McGuyer to be his Senior Grand Deacon and join the Grand Line in 2020.

Tim is a member of Hermiston No. 138 and Arlington No. 88. He is a member of Baker Valley and Pendleton Valley Scottish Rite. He served as the secretary

Master-elect

Empowering Lodges

for Pendleton Valley and in 2021 was invested with the Knight Commander Court of Honor. He is a member of the Union York Rite Bodies and Al Kader Shrine.

A Guide to Lodge Building Management from the Long Range Planning Committee

By R.W.B. Richard D. Varner, Junior Grand Warden

The Long Range Planning Committee has been working diligently over the last year on a project which we hope will benefit many of the Lodges in this jurisdiction. In the near future, you will see the fruits of our labors as the fi nishing touches are put on a Building Management Manual.

The buildings owned by our Lodges are often the most valuable asset of the Lodge. In addition to the monetary value, these buildings are the face of the Lodge in the community and are an integral part of the identity of the Lodge. All too often, Lodges don’t operate their buildings in a business-like manner and run the risk of the building becoming a liability instead of an asset.

Th is new manual is designed to assist Lodges in evaluating their buildings and planning for their operation and maintenance.

The manual provides suggestions and examples such as:

• Determining who will manage the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the building,

• How to document the building systems and their condition,

• How to set up the fi nances of the Lodge so that the operation of the Lodge and the operation and maintenance of the building are useful for management decisions,

• How to develop a capital replacement and major maintenance plan and an associated funding strategy,

• How to document the relationship between the Lodge and building users so that misunderstandings and confl icts are minimized.

Tim and Teresa reside in Hermiston, Ore., and have raised three sons, all of whom are married, and they now have six grandchildren. Their oldest son, Christopher (Emily), resides in Virginia and has three sons, Asher, Tobias, and Gideon, as well as a daughter, Phoebe. Their middle son, Joshua (Lauren), lives in Hermiston, and their youngest son, Jacob (Sara), also resides in Hermiston with two children, a son Collin, and a daughter Signe. When Tim isn’t immersed in Masonic activities, you will fi nd him spending time with his grandchildren, or hooking up the camper as he and Teresa head out for a weekend adventure. Baseball has been a family tradition, and he attempts to take them to at least one Major League Baseball game a year. In Virginia, they go see the Washington Nationals or the Baltimore Orioles, and at home, it’s the Seattle Mariners!

Much of the success of this project is due to the efforts of R.W.B. Dale D. Wiley who provided a fi rst draft based on our preliminary discussions. Th is allowed the members of the committee to have a framework for providing our input so that everyone’s ideas were considered. Most of the material in the manual has not been available from Grand Lodge as guidance. In completing the manual, we noted that one important piece of the package was already available to Lodges, “Risk Management Strategies For Landlord/ Tenant Relationships” in the Secretary’s Handbook. We chose to include it as an appendix in the manual as it is a great resource for Lodges in managing their buildings.

We are proud to present Lodges with a guide to effectively manage their buildings. We anticipate continuous enhancements to the manual as Lodges utilize it, offering valuable suggestions for additions or revisions. Together, we strive for ongoing improvement and excellence in Lodge management.

Trustee Report

R.W.B. Timothy J. Best, Deputy Grand Master

The Trustees of the Grand Lodge of Oregon per the Code Sec. 18 are as follows: The Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden, Junior Grand Warden, and Immediate Past Grand Master. Listed in the Code Sec. 128 are 28 Powers and Duties of the Trustees that I will not take the time to list. One of those important duties is to hold monthly meetings. For the past 6 months, all our meetings have been in person at the Grand Lodge headquarters in Forest Grove, even with some of the crazy winter weather that we experienced this year. Your Trustees drove to Forest Grove from Union, Hermiston, Prairie City, Eugene, and Dallas so we get the full experience of winter on the Oregon roads. Also, our Grand Secretary, Grand Treasurer, and Senior Grand Deacon join us.

At a typical monthly meeting the agenda we follow includes the minutes from the previous meeting, a report from the Junior Grand Warden on the review of bills and Grand Lodge Officer expenses. A report from the Grand Treasurer/Financial Controller’s report. The Senior Grand Warden will report on Educational Assistance as we review and vote on the cases to be approved for that month. We have a report on the Creating A Partnership program and applications for the Lodge Repair Grants. One of the most important areas of discussion is under Lodges: where we talk about issues that some of our Lodges are having and how we can assist them. Ideally it is nice to have this list be rather short, but some months we have had as many as 11 or more to work through. We do not take this lightly and monitor them closely as we help to resolve pending issues. Our typical committee reports are the Lodge Management and Advisory, Long Range Planning, and Information and Education. Then we move on to communications, unfi nished business, new business, miscellaneous and policy.

Aside from the monthly meetings, your Trustees are busy during the rest of the months attending Lodges and Masonic functions as we are committed to engaging with the broader Masonic community. To highlight a few, in the month of December, I assisted the Grand Master with seven Officer Installations in Lodges in Eastern Oregon. It was a real blessing to be part of these celebrations. We ended the month with an Occasional Grand Lodge in Medford for the Southern region that was well attended. In January, we attended the Al Kadar Shrine Officer Installation in Wilsonville and attended the Secretary Training in Forest Grove. In February, we attended the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Alaska in Anchorage. Yes, it was cold as we experienced -38°F in Fairbanks! Th at made -14°F in Anchorage seem like a heat wave! We also attended the Conference of Grand Masters of North America and the Western Conference of Grand Masters in Seattle, Wash.. We kicked off the month of March with an Occasional Grand Lodge in Salem, attended Portland Valley of the Scottish Rite for a Town Hall meeting with the Illustrious James D. Cole, 33° S.G.I.G. of the Scottish Rite for the Southern Jurisdiction, and held a Statewide Training Day from the Grand Lodge in Forest Grove. We closed out the month with an Occasional Grand Lodge in La Grande. In April we attended the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Hawaii, and the Baker Valley Scottish Rite Reunion in Baker City. During the month of May we had the Cornerstone rededication at McKenzie River No. 195 in Eugene and wrapped up the month with the DeMolay Convention in Welches. The list is much more extensive as these are just some of the highlights. Although we have been very busy, it is an honor to serve the craft for Oregon Freemasonry.

In February 2024, our Grand Master Craig A. Sipp attended the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of Alaska. During this event, M.W.B. Johnnie Wallace, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Alaska, requested a moment of our Grand Master’s time to present a significant piece of Masonic history: the Past Grand Master apron of M.W.B. Charles Edwin Wolverton, Grand Master of Oregon from 1910 to 1911. Th is treasured apron was generously donated by Harold Wolverton of Anchorage, Alaska, who has carefully preserved it since inheriting it from his father. The apron symbolizes a

A HonoringLEGACY

The Journey of M.W.B. Wolverton’s P.G.M. Apron

W.B. Johnny J. Edwards, Grand Historian

rich Masonic heritage and honors the distinguished service of Past Grand Master Wolverton.

Charles E. Wolverton’s remarkable career began when he was admitted to the bar in 1874 at the age of 23. He practiced law until 1905, when President Theodore Roosevelt sought a qualified individual to fi ll a vacancy in the District Court of the United States for Oregon. M.W.B. Wolverton was appointed to this esteemed position and served with distinction until his passing in 1926.

M.W.B. Wolverton’s Masonic journey started in St. Johns Lodge in Albany, Ore., where he was raised to the sublime Degree of Master Mason. His dedication and leadership were quickly recognized, leading to his appointment as Senior Grand Deacon in 1906, marking the beginning of his significant contributions to the Grand Lodge of Oregon. Born on May 16, 1851, in Des Moines, Iowa, M.W.B. Wolverton’s life was marked by service and dedication. He passed away on September 21, 1926. His Masonic funeral was held on September 27, 1926, at 1:30 p.m., conducted by the Grand Master and the officers of the Grand Lodge of Oregon at the Multnomah Hotel in Portland, Ore.

The Grand Lodge members proceeded in unity to the First Presbyterian Church for the funeral service, and afterward, to Riverview Cemetery, where M.W.B. David P. Mason, P.G.M. conducted the traditional Masonic rites.

M.W.B. Wolverton’s Past Grand Master apron is now permanently housed in the M.W.B. Robert M. Richmond Memorial Library and Museum archive room, ensuring that his legacy and contributions to Masonry are preserved for future generations.

M.W.B. Charles E. Wolverton Grand Master of Oregon 1910 - 1911

ANNOUNCEMENTS & INVITATIONS

SCHOOL OF INSTRUCTION

Saturday, June 22 @ 8 a.m.

Beaverton Masonic Lodge No. 100 4690 SW Watson Ave., Beaverton

Instruction by Grand Lecturer, Dale B. Palileo An opportunity to learn floor work, Ritual, and gain esteem with a proficiency card. Open to Master Masons only. Doughnuts and coffee provided.

RSVP to Brother Daniel K. Gray dan@grayzone.us | 503-939-9040

2 MASONIC YOUTH EVENTS

TILLAMOOK FARMERS MARKET & POTLUCK

Tuesday, July 16 | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Tillamook Farmers Market

Tillamook Lodge No. 57 and Silverwave OES will host a potluck to strengthen our Fraternal bonds and visit with our Masonic youth.

MASONIC YOUTH DAY AT OAKS PARK

Saturday, August 10 | 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Oaks Amusement Park 7805 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland

Hamburgers, hot dogs, and beverages provided. Picnic area 4. Ride bracelets provided to our youth members.

Rainbow Visit at Jennings McCall

The Rainbow Assemblies of District 1 held their annual official visit of Oregon Rainbow’s Grand Worthy Advisor and Supreme Deputy on Sunday, April 28, 2024. One of the things that made this one unique was where the event took place. The event was held at the Jennings McCall Center, and all residents were invited. It was a great day with many Rainbow Girls, JMC residents, and Rainbow adults in attendance; 103 in total!

Oregon Rainbow has ‘adopted’ grandparents at JMC for years, and since COVID restrictions are gone, an in-person visit sounded wonderful. It was a busy Rainbow day with programs honoring the Rainbow grandparents, reports about Rainbow in other states, Supreme assignments and officer announcements, Grand Cross of Color recipients, and it all ended with an initiation where four new members joined Rainbow for the fi rst time.

After the formal event, Rainbow members and adults delivered small flower arrangements to every resident of Jennings McCall. These arrangements were a project at the recent Camp SAS weekend. Oregon Rainbow loves their grandparents!

It was a very nice event, enjoyed by Rainbow members and Jennings McCall residents alike. If you ever get the opportunity to attend an event with our Masonic youth, take it – you’ll be glad you did!

70-Year Jewel Presentation

Grand Master Craig A. Sipp presented to Brother John Compton his 70-year jewel on May 16, 2024. Brother John is a life member of Union No. 3 in McMinnville, Ore. In attendance also was M.W.B. Hunt M. Compton, P.G.M.; W.B. Will Painter; Bro. S.D. Nick Godfrey; Bro. J.D. Michael Lathrop; and W.B. Johnny J. Edwards, Grand Historian.

4 Service Awards

The following members were presented their service awards on May 16, 2024 at Medford Lodge No. 103 by M.W.B. Craig A. Sipp at the 103rd birthday celebration for Brother Leslie L. Lawrence:

Leslie L. Lawrence – 74 years

Floyd R. McHargue – 60 years

William R. Shrader – 60 years

William E. Best – 50 years

OREGON MASONIC NEWS

e Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of Oregon

2150 Masonic Way Forest Grove, OR 97116

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