OMN - 2023 September

Life is a Highway

We often hear that life is a journey. I think of it more as a highway. This may be influenced by the fact that I spent my whole career in the transportation field as a civil engineer. The learning and training over the years provided me the guidance and experience to navigate the highways and avoid most of the potholes along the way. Masonry plays a key role in establishing the road map for us. The principles and tenets are our foundation that help guide us along the highway of life.

I am excited to see what this year brings to Oregon Freemasonry and honored to be your Grand Master during the 2023-2024 Masonic year.

My theme this year is “Pioneering Masonry Forward.” This can take on several meanings depending on how you want to approach the challenges ahead of us. It may be that we strive to harness that strong pioneering spirit that was developed on the Oregon Trail, or to open a new line of thought or activity. Masonry and the pioneering spirit of being a frontiersman, settler, and homesteader went hand in hand. This hardy breed of men showed the strength and character needed to forge forward to grow our country and Masonry.

Pioneering leaders are also adventurous, driven to keep seeking bigger and better roles, products, and experiences. They inspire a team to venture into uncharted territory. We get caught up in their passion to grow, expand, and explore. As Masons we should always seek the opportunity to grow and learn.

My pin is the Square and Compass over a highway survey marker. This is a reminder to stay focused on our goals and aligned with our Masonic beliefs. Helping a Brother in need, supporting our communities, and finding opportunities to expand our Masonic knowledge. We do this through our obligation to provide Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. See you on down the Masonic Trail.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Craig A. Sipp Grand Master 2023-2024

P.S. Following the response of our readership to the redesign of the Oregon Masonic News in the Spring, the Grand Lodge found a way to continue the refreshed look. I hope you enjoy this issue and look forward to future issues.

On July 21, 2023, the Oregon Masonic Charitable Foundation (OMCF) hosted a Pro-Am Tournament fundraiser at Stone Creek Golf Club in partnership with the local PGA organization. It was a warm sunny day with gentle winds, manicured fairways, and fast greens. Nineteen teams played a scramble (best ball) with the help of 19 professionals. Scores

CHARITY & FELLOWSHIP

2023 OMCF PGA Pro-Am Golf Tournament

OREGON MASONIC CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

reported were fantastic and more than $19,000 was raised for OMCF. Prize money was awarded to the participating professionals.

The players competed in a putting and chipping competition in the morning. Lunch preceded the “shotgun” start at 1:30 pm. As golf carts roared onto the course, anticipation for the day was piqued by long-drive contests for different age groups and a hole-in-one contest for a prize of $20,000. Unfortunately, there was no hole-in-one winner.

W.B. Grant I. Sharp, 2022-2023 OMCF Chairman, was responsible for putting together this event with Dominic Marconi, Executive Director of the PNW Section PGA, and they deserve credit for the months of preparation and oversight of details. After teams completed the course they retired to the club house for dinner, a silent auction, and announcement of the final scores.

IN 2022-2023 OMCF MATCHED

$65,428

35 LODGES PARTICIPATED

This was the first year of the ProAm format for the OMCF Golf Tournament fundraiser and it was well received. Thank you to all the sponsors, Stone Creek Golf Club, and participants. This format will be continued next year. Join us next year for a great day of fellowship and come support our Masonic charities.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

David H. Fryday, P.G.M. OMCF President

More than $19,000 was raised for OMCF

20% WENT TOWARD BIKES FOR BOOKS & KINDLES FOR BOOKS

TOP TEAMS:

1. Webber, Strangfield, Hopkins, Warren, and Dolin — Scoring -13

2. Bush, Shores, Karns, Herrera, and Patterson — Scoring -12

3. Loennig, Jaimes, Schleining, PeyerNelson, and King — Scoring -11

TOP PGA RANKINGS:

1. Scott Erdmann (Oswego Lake Country Club) Scoring -7 for a purse of $1,500

2. David Brown (Arrowhead Golf Club) Scoring -6 for a purse of $1,250

3. Zach Emery (Waverly Country Club) Scoring -5 for a purse of $1,000

MEN’S LONG DRIVES:

Under 40 Jared Hobbs

41-60 Todd Schroder

61+ Mark Castleman

WOMEN’S LONG DRIVES: Sherri Sipp

MEN’S KP (CLOSEST TO THE PIN): Marc Strong

GRAND MASTER’S MARSHMALLOW DRIVE

Sam Aldrete

THAN $33,400

THE GAME THAT CHANGES LIVES

East-West Shrine Football Game

Since 1952, Shriners from Oregon and Idaho have partnered with graduating high school seniors from across Oregon to put on the East-West Shrine Football Game. This started in 1952 when the Shriners from Union and Umatilla Counties hosted the first East-West All Star Game, and has continued since, incorporating Shriners patients and support from local businesses and communities. This year marked the 70th annual game, and 50 years in Baker City.

Since the start of the East-West Game, over $5 million has been raised to support the Shriners Children’s Portland Hospital. For 100 years, Shriners Children’s has provided high-quality, specialty medical care to children and families regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status.

In 2023, Shriners from Al Kader (Wilsonville, Ore.), Hillah (Medford, Ore.) and El Korah (Boise, Idaho) came together for the 70th annual game, along with the community of Baker City and representatives from Shriners Children’s Portland.

Aside from supporting Shriners Children’s, the East-West Game becomes a melting pot of fellowship and public relations between the Masonic family and the community. Baker City welcomes us every year with open arms as Freemasons, family, Masonic youth organizations, and Shriners descend from all over the Pacific Northwest for this game. Even past players (roughly 4,000 of them over the years) make the pilgrimage to watch the game. Every year we also honor two young women and two young men as Queens and Co-Captains to represent Shriners Children’s with their teams.

Some of the community events this year included multiple barbeque dinners to honor the players; the Queens lunch to

honor the East and West Queens, presenting them with their sash and crowns; the community parade which honors our players, cheerleaders, Queens and Co-Captains, as well as showcases

Oregon

Freemasonry Grand Lodge Officers, Shriners, Daughters of the Nile, DeMolay and Rainbow Girls, as well as entries from the rest of the community, including a steer which is raffled off annually during half time.

If you have never attended the Oregon East-West Shrine Game, you are missing out on so much fun and fellowship between our Masonic Brothers, families, and the community.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Kristopher A. Torrey Ashland Lodge No. 23

For 100 years, Shriners Children’s Hospital has provided highquality, specialty medical care to children

Pioneering Masonic Assistance

A New Era for the Educational Assistance Program

Educational Assistance is one of the oldest programs within the Grand Lodge of Oregon. The Masons who started this fund in 1854 had a noble and worthy vision to support education for children and grandchildren of Oregon Masons. They would be proud to know it is still moving forward.

The Educational Assistance program has faced a challenge in recent years of reaching individuals and families that need it most. Since Tammy Vanderzanden’s retirement, Courtney Chun has stepped up as the new program director. With new eyes upon this program, administrative enhancements and adjustments may be forthcoming.

If approved, the funds granted may be used however the family sees fit. Anything from groceries to school

supplies, clothing, etc.—whatever is needed to keep children in school.

Application enrollment is now open for the 2023-2024 school year. To qualify for financial assistance from this long-standing program, children must be attending a public school in grades kindergarten through 12 or post-high school through age 22. The applicant does not need to live in Oregon but does have to have a Masonic affiliation either through their father or grandfather.

Educational Assistance funds, like most other programs of the Grand Lodge, are distributed on a “first come, first served” basis, so it is very important applications be submitted as soon as possible.

Applicants meet with a Lodge representative and District Deputy to discuss their household and financial

needs. All applications are reviewed and approved by the Grand Lodge Trustees.

The Trustees oversee and maintain the finances for the program, review new procedural suggestions, and encourage everyone who needs assistance to apply for it.

This program exemplifies and reaffirms the commitment of Oregon Freemasons to support public education.

If you have questions about this program, Ms. Chun can provide assistance.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Marc L. Strong Senior Grand Warden Educational Assistance Chairman

Awonderful gathering was held at Molalla Lodge No. 178 on Saturday, July 8. Attendees were treated to an excellent dinner and an exquisite cake, catered by Clark Grange No. 261. An occasion of this importance was magnified by the presence of the Grand Master of Masons in Oregon, Most Worshipful Brother Craig A. Sipp, and his Grand Lodge officers. After dinner, Most Worshipful Grand Master Sipp opened his Grand Lodge in an Occasional Communication. He then made the necessary Ritual adjustments to allow visitors to join the 45 Master Masons already inside. M.W.B. Craig A. Sipp, assisted by R.W. Deputy Grand Master Timothy J. Best, R.W. Senior Grand Warden Marc L. Strong, and R.W. Junior Grand Warden Richard D. Varner then proceeded to perform the Corn,

Longevity — Not by Accident

Molalla Lodge’s 100-Year Anniversary

Submitted by M.W.B. Michael J. McGuyer, P.G.M.

Wine, and Oil Ceremony in a room packed with onlookers. How did we get to this point? Why was it important to do this ceremony and most of all does it really matter if we celebrate these milestones?

Rewind history to a little over 100 years ago. Molalla Lodge was chartered on June 16, 1922. When this happened the seeds of faith, hope, and charity were planted in the rural town of Molalla, Ore. The founders of Molalla Lodge No. 178 could never have imagined the Lodge would someday be celebrating 100 years of existence. What they did know was that it was very important to have a Masonic presence in their community if it was to grow and thrive. They knew that the

influence of Masonry on its members and consequently the community was something so important that a Lodge needed to be there. Hence establishing a Lodge was very much a leap of faith, not knowing if these beginnings would flourish or ultimately fail. Did they know that Masonry was of such value that men would gravitate to it? Would a new Lodge attract members? Only time and hard work would tell if they were right. The hope was that men would invest their time and money in a worthwhile endeavor, but for that to happen, you must have a visible presence in the town. That seems obvious enough, but establishing a Lodge is not an easy thing. Onlookers must see your efforts through activities and just as importantly your results. It is through their foresight, hard work, and efforts that Freemasonry has persisted in Molalla to the present day. I would also add that this could be said of all Lodges that are celebrating a centennial or larger milestone.

Which brings us to the present day. When we celebrate an event like this one, we visually demonstrate that we are the oldest Fraternity in the world for a reason. “Longevity is not by

It is through their foresight, hard work, and efforts that Freemasonry has persisted in Molalla to the present day.

accident.” Masonry is the tie that binds, through positive values and precepts influencing members, something that other organizations can only try to imitate. When visiting the Lodge in Molalla, you will see pictures of Past Masters on the wall, like many other Lodges. Parks and streets in Molalla are named after several of these Past Masters. We pay homage to these founders and Brethren that have paved the Masonic path for us by having a day of remembrance, an anniversary of their accomplishments. This is why a 100-year celebration of Masonry is so significant. Milestones are not only important to Masons but for the community as a whole. It is a public celebration of a fraternity that has been long established, venerable, and productive. Will our Lodge and the Fraternity survive another 100 years? The answer is much the same as it was 100 years ago, only time and more hard work will tell, because “Longevity is not by accident.” For now we will continue celebrating the accomplishments of our predecessors, and our rich heritage of serving communities as men and Masons.

TOOLS FOR LEARNING

How School Supplies Impact Student Success

School supplies are linked to the success of students and educators alike. Being prepared keeps children motivated and excited. Studies show that children having school supplies of their own can improve grades, creativity, attitude towards learning, behavior, peer relationships, and self-image. A single pack of pencils and paper could be the gateway to a bright, promising year.

Entire websites are dedicated to wish lists of teachers asking for support in the form of classroom supplies. This is what sparked the partnership between Oregon Freemasonry and KPTV on the Classroom of the Month effort. For the last three years, nominations (promoted across the television and digital network referring viewers to www.KPTV.com/classroom) have been received from local community members, sharing the names of educators they witness doing great things, going the extra mile, that deserve recognition and $1,000 in school supplies.

In that same time frame, over two dozen teachers have been recognized through Classroom of the Month, each presented with supplies directly from their class Amazon wish list. Every presentation is organized through the Grand Lodge and the Lodge nearest the school is invited to participate in walking the supplies in, opening them with the students, and engaging in a short interview with KPTV - providing a great opportunity to speak on Freemasonry and its care for education and youth. The educators are also interviewed, then the footage collected is presented as a segment airing on Good Day Oregon.

What stands out at each of these interactions is the teachers’ awe in being nominated, their humble acceptance of such a gift, and the students’ reaction to the gifted goods. Through this effort, we are helping narrow the school-supply gap experienced by many classrooms. Tune in to various KPTV media when Classroom of the Month starts again in September!

Fellowship on the River

The doors opened wide for attendees of the 2023 Annual Communication. Between Wednesday, May 31 and Friday, June 2, more than 200 Oregon Freemasons and visiting dignitaries gathered at the Riverhouse on the Deschutes in Bend, Ore. to enjoy fellowship and comradery. M.W.B. Mark L. Posler, Grand Master at the time of the event, opened the Grand Lodge in ample form with a full quorum of 91 Lodges respresented. Legislation was brought to a vote for the good of the Craft. Special guest speaker, W.B. Daniel D. Hrinko, from the Grand Lodge of Ohio, gave an inspiring talk about effective leadership within Freemasonry. The Grand Master’s fundraiser presented a check for more than $12,000 to the Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp during the “Enjoying Our Travels Together” themed Fellowship Banquet. The 2023 Annual Communication closed with the installation of M.W.B. Craig A. Sipp on Friday afternoon. Thank you, to all previous officers for your service and congratulations to all those newly appointed!

Thank you both for your service to your Lodges and fellow Masons!

MASON OF THE YEAR

M.W.B. Posler had the honor of presenting his selection for Mason of the Year to W.B. Greg Gilbert, Past Master of Grants Pass No.84. He’s a Hiram Award recipient who diligently serves this fraternity and his Brethren.

SECRETARY OF THE YEAR

Each year, the Grand Lodge staff select an outstanding Lodge Secretary. This year, R.W.B. John F. Ferguson of Redmond Lodge No. 154 was awarded Secretary of the Year. In addition, he was also District Deputy No. 18 for seven years. He was recognized for being someone other Masons look up to, providing guidance, and also having a kind and helpful demeanor. R.W.B. Ferguson was shocked and delighted to receive this award.

Timothy J. Best* Deputy Grand Master

Craig A. Sipp* Grand Master

Marc L. Strong* Senior Grand Warden

Mark L. Posler I.P.G.M.* MESH Board Chairman

Richard D. Varner* Junior Grand Warden

Gary L. Ball Grand Treasurer

Gregory A. Hinkelman Grand Deacon

James L. Morgan, P.G.M. Grand Secretary

*Members of the Grand Lodge Board of Trustees

YOU'RE INVITED!

Three historic events to be part of.

SEAPORT LODGE NO. 7

100TH ANNIVERSARY CORNERSTONE EVENT

September 9 @ 4 - 7 p.m.

1572 Franklin Avenue, Astoria, OR 97103

For more information, visit www.SeaportMasonicLodge.com or Facebook.com/SeaportMasonicLodge

TILLAMOOK LODGE NO. 57

150 YEARS OF MASONRY IN TILLAMOOK COUNTY

September 15 @ 6 p.m. - Lodge Rededication

September 16 @ 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Open House

1904 2nd Street, Tillamook, OR 97141

For more information, visit www.Tillamook-Lodge.com or Facebook.com/TillamookMasonicLodge57

GRANDE

VALLEY LODGE NO. 56

150TH ANNIVERSARY

September 29, 2023

Doors open at 3 p.m. | Refreshments at 5 p.m.

Grande Ronde Valley Lodge No. 56

125 W. Center Street, Union, OR 97883

PAVE Awarded $30K

On June 18th, Brother Kris Torrey, Senior Warden for Tillamook Lodge No. 57 and Secretary of Gateway Lodge No. 175, represented the Potentate for Al Kader Shriners as his official representive at the Oregon Eastern Star Grand Chapter and spoke on behalf of Paws Assisting Veterans (PAVE), a charity providing veterans with PTSD a service dog at no cost. PAVE operates entirely with grants and donations. Brother Torrey received his service dog, Gunner, in February 2019. This year PAVE was awarded $30,668, totalling more than $150,000 raised for PAVE by O.E.S. since 2019.

Blood Drive at Tuality

Tuality Lodge No. 6 has been hosting regular blood drives in partnership with the American Red Cross. During their last drive, 25 donors participated. W. M. Rian M. Ford even signed up!

RONDE

The Grand Lodge will perform the public corn, oil, & wine ceremony.

Grand Master Fezzed

M.W.B. Craig A. Sipp received his Fez at the Al Kader Shrine June Stated Meeting. This was an auspicious occasion and one that should make every noble extremely proud! This is the first time, in recent years, that the Grand Master has been invited to the Temple for a special ceremony to receive his Grand Master Fez.

Hermiston Awards 30 Bikes for Books

Each year, Hermiston Lodge No. 138 provides the elementary schools in Hermiston five new bicycles and helmets to be awarded to students who participate in a book reading contest. Those 30 bicycles, as part of our Bikes for Books program, put smiles on the faces of many kids who may have never owned a new bicycle. One winner surprised the Lodge when he picked the smallest bike (because he was such a tall kid) and gave it to his younger brother who came to the event with his parents.

Witnessing the sheer excitement and pure joy from the children as they are recognized and rewarded for their outstanding work throughout the school year is truly an unbeatable experience. Their excitement and enthusiasm is always contagious and it serves as a powerful reminder of the positive impact Masons can make in their communities.

Corvallis No. 14 & Marys River No. 221 Picnic & Drive-In

Eugene's Car Show Donates $5,000

The 4th Annual Car Show at Eugene Lodge No. 11 donated $5,000 to Bethel 52 Willamette High School Automotive Technologies Program.

Brothers from District 11 came and enjoyed the barbecue fellowship on July 22, 2023.

The Masonic families enjoyed the barbecue cooked up by Brother Michael J. R. Jackson (14).

W.M. Ted A. Baker (221) and W.M. Jonathan E. O. Strowbridge (14)

Brother Dennis J. Smith (14) and his 1969 Chevy Chevelle SS 396 won first place!

OREGON MASONIC NEWS

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

2150 Masonic Way

Forest Grove, OR 97116

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Hello!

Over the past two decades, I’ve been a part of numerous publications, however there’s an undeniable excitement in encountering new experiences. Since joining the Grand Lodge of Oregon team in April, I’ve engaged with Masons at the 2023 Annual Communication and collaborated closely with a handful to finalize this edition. I’m delighted to continue refining the Oregon Masonic News, and I eagerly anticipate your contributions and feedback, which are essential to crafting a magazine of value. Don’t hesitate to connect, whether it’s to share a story, photographs, or captivating content.

Let’s be in touch!

Holly Darling Publications Manager Oregon Masonic News Editor OMN@OregonFreemasonry.com

503-357-8588