OREGON MASONIC NEWS
SEPTEMBER
Timothy
Dale
Craig
Richard
Johnny
Gregory
James
EVERY DAY
A Call to Action for the Year Ahead
What an exciting time to be a Mason as we leave Pendleton, Oregon after a successful Annual Communication! I want to congratulate
M.W.B. Craig A. Sipp, I.P.G.M. on a job well done.
As we begin this next year, I want us to turn our attention to my theme for the year. It is a rather simple one, but also very important: “Every Day.” That’s it—just be a Mason, Every Day.
Late one night, while sitting at my desk, I noticed my patrol badge from when I worked for the police department. Being an officer was more than just a 9-to-5 job; it was an identity. Even in retirement, I am still known in my community for having been an officer. Why should Masonry be any different? Are you only a Mason when you attend a Lodge meeting, hear the minutes read, and discuss some business and a few other things? We have Lodges in Oregon that get together once a week and are active within the community and membership.
It’s time that we all become more visible—not only to our communities but also amongst Masons. Th is year, we will share ideas and information to help our Lodges meet the needs of the men who are knocking on our doors, seeking what we have to offer. I look forward to serving alongside each and every one of you… Every Day!
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Timothy J. Best Grand Master 2024-2025
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE
A Legacy of Care
R.W.B. Richard D. Varner, Senior Grand Warden
Masons have always taken care of the families of their brethren in need. Almost 75 years ago, the Grand Lodge of Oregon created the Educational Assistance program and started an endowment to fund the effort.
Over time, the Grand Lodge has amassed a significant endowment and the earnings on that endowment are available annually to assist families of Oregon Masons who have children or grandchildren in public schools. For the 2024-25 academic year, nearly $160,000 is available to be disbursed.
Financial assistance is granted to help children be successful in school. Funds can be used for school supplies, extracurricular activities, or everyday living expenses.
It is the duty of the Worshipful Master of each Lodge (Section 217-14) to report on the need for Educational Assistance. If any member of a Lodge becomes aware of a family that may need assistance, please work through your Worshipful Master and Lodge Secretary to get information to Courtney Chun, the Educational Assistance Program Director.
So, who may qualify? Educational Assistance is limited to resident and nonresident children or grandchildren of Master Masons of a Lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction who are currently in good standing or were at the time of their
death. Financial assistance is provided to aid the student in obtaining an education in an accredited, tax supported public institution for grades kindergarten through 12th, or post high school through the age of 22. There are also additional fi nancial need considerations based on income and expenses and family size.
While the Trustees examine all programs annually, Educational Assistance was thoroughly reviewed in 2023-24 and some significant improvements were made. The application process was streamlined and the approved amounts allotted to each applicant were increased nearly 20%.
If approved to receive Educational Assistance, fi nancial assistance will be provided directly to the applicant in the form of a pre-paid PEX card, which will be loaded with the approved amount each month of the nine-month school year.
K-12 Educational Assistance applications must be completed and ready for review by the Trustees of the Grand Lodge no later than December 31. Post high school applications must be completed and ready for review no later than January 31.
If you know of a family or student that may benefit, don’t delay. You could make a difference in the life of a Brother’s family.
Starting this year, approved families & students will have immediate access to their Educational Assistance funds with personal PEX cards.
TLiteracy
OMCF Announces $50K Partnership with SMART Reading
he Oregon Masonic Charitable Foundation (OMCF) is excited to announce its new partnership with SMART Reading to support young readers across the state. On Friday, July 12, 2024, the OMCF Board proudly presented Ms. Stacy Goodwin, the Washington County coordinator for SMART Reading, with a check for $50,000. Th is marks the beginning of what we hope will be a long and fruitful collaboration.
SMART Reading is a program that pairs children with volunteers for shared reading time and provides them with books to keep during the 2024-2025 school year. The Foundation Board chose SMART Reading as its primary partnership outside the fraternity because of its proven acceptance and partnership with school districts across
the state. Their work in public schools aligns well with Freemasonry’s historic support of public education.
In addition to its partnership with SMART Reading, the OMCF funds the Creating A Partnership program, which helps Oregon Lodges support local schools and community programs. Through the partnership with SMART Reading, OMCF will expand its support to public schools and young readers.
If you would like to become a SMART Reader, please visit their website at www.smartreading.org for more information. OMCF encourages any member to support our new partner by volunteering as a reader. If you would like to contribute fi nancially, please visit www.OregonFreemasonry.com/donate You can make a difference in a child’s life by helping them grow their love of reading through your donation.
M.W.B. James L. Morgan, Grand Secretary
AT SMART READING, WE HOLD TO ONE SIMPLE TRUTH:
READING MATTERS
It’s an early gateway skill that paves the pathway for future success. Without it, kids are simply less likely to graduate high school, find employment, or successfully avoid hardships like poverty, homelessness, hunger and other injustices.
Founded in 1992, SMART Reading is a children’s literacy nonprofit that serves kids in Oregon’s highest need schools and marginalized communities with two ingredients critical for literacy and learning success: shared reading time and books to keep.
OUR VISION
An Oregon where all children can realize their full potential through reading.
OUR MISSION
To spark joy and opportunity through the magic of a shared book.
We should all be supportive of the effort to give a helping hand.
I want Masons in our jurisdiction to be able to bring the support of Oregon Freemasons to charities that we can all feel good about.
“
W.B. James V. Munson OMCF Board President
Golfing for Good
OMCF Raises $17K at Annual Tournament
R.W.B. Gregory A. Hinkelman, Junior Grand Warden
With a spectacularly clear sky and very warm temperatures, the Oregon Masonic Charitable Foundation’s annual golf tournament commenced on Friday, July 19 at the Glendoveer Golf Course. The event is the biggest fundraiser of the year for OMCF and we were able to raise $17,099 for the foundation. This was the first time the tournament was held at this course and the participants seemed to be pleased with the course and the accommodations.
The event kicked off at 8 a.m. with check-in and registration. The golfers then mounted their golf carts and with what I could swear was the sound of a trumpet blaring the “Call To Post” at a horse race, they all sped out to their respective holes at 9 a.m. The players consisted of 14 teams competing in the “scramble” format. The teams each started at a different hole and rotated through the course.
The most interesting hole was #9. This hole had a short drive of 150 yards but the players had to tee off with the green being elevated several feet and not viewable (except for the flag marking the hole). On this green, if a hole-in-one was accomplished, paid out $20,000! Alas, the purse was safe for another year as no one made it, but the two most interesting shots came from the Sipps. Playing on separate teams, M.W.B. Craig had the best “chip shot” getting his ball close to the hole and later, playing on the woman’s team, past Grand Lady Sherri had the best putt on the green making a long shot.
With the day heating up, the golfers began finishing their 18 holes. A nice brisket BBQ for lunch was had and the trophies were handed out. M.W.B. Timothy J. Best addressed the golfers and guests thanking them for their participation and generosity. The best team with a score of 13 under went to the team of Dan Bush, Dave Karns, Kevin Walsh and Matt Herrera. Right behind was the P.G.M. squad with a score of 11 under consisting of Craig Sipp, Mark Posler, Jim Morgan, and Dick Southard. The third-place team of Greg Horner, Mark Curtis, Matt Abere, and Ty Oliver come in at 10 under.
There were some individual awards handed out. Longest drive awards of different age categories went to Paul Miller, Dan Bush, Marc Strong, and Sloan Cameron. Closest to the hole shot, done at the hole-in-one prize hole, went to Mark Osterhout. The closest pin award for the ladies went to Gloria Varner.
There were three other fun competitions for a putt on the green and a chip shot just off the green. The idea was simple: hit the ball so it could go in the hole; many tried, but none made it. The final competition was a “Marshmallow Drive” using, you guessed it, marshmallows. The winner was the person who could drive a marshmallow the furthest. That prize was claimed by Chris Hughes. When all was done, the event was best described by W.B. Andre Cvitanich when he said, “This is for a good cause —I am here for that and the fun.”
LIBRARY AND MUSEUM
Access to History
Robert M. Richmond Memorial Library and Museum’s Recent Acquisitions and Utilizing File Vault
W.B. Johnny J. Edwards, Grand Historian
Your Library and Museum is diligently working, receiving monthly donations from families, Lodges, and Brothers nationwide. Recent gift s include a hardbound book from the Grand Lodge of Missouri Museum, unique membership certificates, and Lodge documents from a Brother’s family.
We oft en receive inquiries about our collection and connections to the Grand Lodge of Oregon. While inventory and documentation might seem tedious, I am always excited to uncover fascinating histories, such as men involved in wars or notable authors.
The digital archives contain over one terabyte of data, growing monthly.
These discoveries are like reconnecting broken strings of history, enriching our database and the fabric of our Grand Lodge. One significant project we completed is the Oregon Mason / Oregon Freemason Magazine Scanning Project. These magazines, dating from the 1940s to the 1980s, are now available in searchable PDF format.
To access these scans, please email Brother Johnny Edwards who will provide a link. Each workday brings new discoveries that enhance the story of our Grand Lodge of Oregon.
In April, File Vault launched in Grand View as a digital
storage solution for Lodge records. The following notice explains its use:
“File Vault is the new home for Lodge Minutes, By-Laws, and other uploaded documents. Lodges can now add, edit, or delete documents as needed. All fi les in the File Vault are viewable by the Lodge membership.”
While some Lodges have started uploading their minutes and histories, most have not. The History Committee will be using File Vault to share historical information with Masonic Lodges in this Jurisdiction and we encourage you to do so too.
The Grand Historian and Library and Museum Committee will share Lodge history with the History Committee, which will then upload this information to each Lodge’s File Vault in a folder named “GLO LIB/ MUS.” Th is folder will be separate from the Lodge’s own data, added by the Lodge Historian and Secretary.
Once new historical fi les are added, the History Committee will notify that Lodge’s Worshipful Master, who can then assign someone to organize the data in the preferred File Vault location. Each Lodge will still have a physical folder for hard copies and a digital folder at the museum archives.
You are invited to visit the Robert M. Richmond Memorial Library and Museum to access Masonic and Lodge history.
Open for tours and visits by appointment. Please call in advance.
Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
174 TH ANNUAL
GRAND LODGE COMMUNICATION
AT WILDHORSE RESORT & CASINO
The 174th Annual Communication was held for the first time in Eastern Oregon at Wildhorse Resort and Casino in Pendleton on June 6, 2024. M.W.B. Craig A. Sipp opened the event, which saw more than 200 Oregon Freemasons, and dignitaries representing ten Grand Jurisdictions in attendance. Grand Lodge was opened in ample form to conduct elections, approve the budget, and consider proposed legislation. We honored our departed Brothers, including M.W.B. Larry Weaver, Past Grand Master and M.W.B. John Turner, Honorary Past Grand Master—memorials by M.W.B. Richard Surroz and M.W.B. Ed Bousquet respectively.
W.B. Myron E. Miles delivered an inspiring oration on Oregon Masonry’s history and future, while keynote speaker Very Worshipful Zane McCune from Washington provided a strong message on Masonic Leadership. More than $6,000 was raised for Masonic charities during the Grand Master’s official Lodge visits.
We recognized W.B. Larry “Butch” Vermillion as Mason of the Year and W.B. Troy M. Fischer as Secretary of the Year. The event concluded with the installation of M.W.B. Timothy J. Best as Grand Master. Thank you to all previous officers for your service, and congratulations to the newly appointed!
See you down the Masonic Trail,
Craig A. Sipp, Immediate Past Grand Master
2024-2025 Grand Lodge Officers
*Members of the Grand Lodge Board of Trustees
Timothy J. Best* Grand Master
Marc L. Strong* Deputy Grand Master
Richard D. Varner* Senior Grand Warden
Gregory A. Hinkelman* Junior Grand Warden
“THANK YOU TO ALL PREVIOUS OFFICERS FOR YOUR SERVICE, AND CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEWLY APPOINTED!”
— Craig A. Sipp Immediate Past Grand Master
Craig A. Sipp I.P.G.M.* MESH Board Chairman
Eric M. Young Senior Grand Deacon
Gary L. Ball Grand Treasurer
James L. Morgan, P.G.M. Grand Secretary
The Journey through Masonic Degrees
W.B. Dale B. Palileo, Grand Lecturer
“Abeautiful and profound system of morality, veiled in allegories and illustrated by symbols.”
This is usually what we tell men who ask what our beloved Craft is all about, and it is a poignant and succinct way of describing something many of us view as “hard to explain yet easy to understand.”
But how is Freemasonry a “system?” It is a system due to the structured nature of our Degrees. The hierarchical structure of our Degrees encourages progression where one starts his journey through the First Degree and ends with the Third Degree, and each one imparts an important set of principles that build on each other. When taken as a whole and when done properly, the entirety of our lessons provide an experience that teaches us many valuable lessons. These lessons eventually lead to a gentle reminder of self-evaluation so that we can be better versions of ourselves.
Why is there a need for allegory? Simply put, allegories allow for enhanced understanding, internalization and memorization of what we teach. They provide multiple layers of meaning, which encourage personal interpretation and a deeper engagement and connection to our timeless traditions. Allegories enhance the journey and provide personal context and association.
Speaking of traditions, symbolism is perhaps one of the most important parts of our identity and provides a visual aid throughout the Masonic journey. Symbols serve as powerful reminders of the lessons we learn through each Degree and serve as a visual foundation of our identity not only to ourselves but to the outside world as well.
Symbols serve as powerful reminders of the lessons we learn through each Degree.
In time, the degree system provides the proper context for our lessons, while allegories provide easier understanding and internalization, which we remind ourselves of by using symbols. The Masonic journey would be devoid of any importance or meaning without any of these three parts.
This eloquent meaning of Freemasonry is deeply rooted in the journey through each Degree, and despite the uniformity of our rituals, allegories and symbols, each of us finds a different meaning to the entire experience especially when we apply it to our own lives.
Still yet, after participating in numerous Degrees—be it just someone from the sideline or sitting in the Oriental Chair— those who seize the opportunity to further understand their beloved Craft find hidden gems of truth that enhance their understanding of the world and more importantly, themselves.
But the Masonic journey does not end when we go through all three Degrees. Perhaps more importantly, the next part of the journey begins once we can practice what we learn, when we are given an opportunity to collect pieces—be it through participating in Degrees, taking time to understand ourselves on a deeper level, or interacting with the world at large—that complete this elaborate mosaic that gives us a closer view of enlightenment. ■
KNOW THY Brother
Bro. Steven L. Keller
Laurel Lodge No. 13
Past Worshipful Master & Past District Deputy
How long have you been a Mason? I was raised 27 years ago in May 1997 in Oakland Lodge No. 16.
Who did you ask for a petition, and why?
In 1992, I moved next door to a Master Mason from Roseburg, and it sounded very interesting. My cousin Joe Keller went to Oakland Lodge No. 16. Joe had never given out a petition, and it was a lifelong goal to do so. I decided to join his Lodge. Sadly, he passed away before I was able to sit in Lodge with him and my Brother.
What Lodges and appendant and concordant bodies do you belong to?
I have a life membership at Laurel Lodge No. 13. In 2000, I joined Scottish Rite, then six months later, I joined Hillah Shrine. Today, I am the Potentate.
How has Masonry influenced your life?
The backbone of Masonry with good men of like belief just helps reaffirm my beliefs in Christianity. How has Masonry changed?
With membership down, Lodges are combining and struggling to find interested and knowledgeable Masons for lectures and Degree work. It can be challenging to find coaches for candidates. In the past, many Brothers were fluent in the work, Degrees; it was really a fun time to sit and listen. Personally, my favorite role is King Solomon, which I’ve done 10-15 times.
Any words of wisdom for today’s Mason?
Stick with it, learn the Degree work, and spend time in the Blue Lodge before you move on to the Shrine. The Blue Lodge is the foundation; it’s the building block of all the appendant and concordant bodies. If we don’t build the Blue Lodge, we have nothing to look forward to. Go through the chairs if you are so inclined, and then move on to some of the other groups.
A few months ago, we shared a Notice of Passing of Most Worshipful Brother John T. Turner, who was made an Honorary Grand Master at the 164th Annual Communication, and passed to the Celestial Lodge on Saturday, March 9th, 2024.
A Masonic Service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 21 at the Sisters High School auditorium, located at 1700 W. McKinney Butte Rd, Sisters, Ore.
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL OF INSTRUCTION
Saturday, October 19 @ 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
Masonic Youth Day at Oak’s Park
What do you get when you have the Grand Master, a Group of Al Kader Shriners, seventy-five Masonic Youth, and about one hundred adults come together? You get a very successful event at Oaks Amusement Park, the return of the Masonic Youth Picnic!
The Grand Lodge Youth Activities Committee, appointed by the Grand Master, planned and executed the day’s events. The day started with the serving of lunch. Hamburgers, Hot dogs, potato salad, and baked beans were offered. Ride bracelets were distributed to the youngsters and after finishing lunch, they took off for the many rides at the park. The youth group leaders invited MWB Tim Best and his wife, Theresa to accompany them on the train ride around the park.
While the kids were out in the park, adults attending enjoyed each other’s fellowship and had a good time reminiscing. The weather was perfect, and our Grand Master was very impressed at both the turnout and everyone’s kind of support for the Masonic Youth.
On behalf of the Youth Activities Committee team, we would like to thank everyone for their love and support for our Masonic Youth Groups. Everyone had a very good time and are looking forward to future events. The committee is eager to set up more! A special thank you to MWB Tim Best for his support, and the Al Kader Shriners for cooking the great meal. Also, a special thanks to our Grand Secretary, MWB James Morgan for his help getting us organized!
Wayne Metz, Committee Chairman
Grant Mobley, Representing Oregon Rainbow
Scott Freeman, Representing Oregon Jobs Daughters Michael Legorreta, Representing Oregon DeMolay
From left to right:Maleah Hill, Grand Worthy Advisor, Oregon Rainbow for Girls; Theresa Best; M.W.B. Timothy J. Best, Grand Master; Diego Legorreta, Master Counselor, Order of DeMolay; Theysha Gordon-Lee, Grand Bethel Honor Queen; Rhianna Wilson, Miss Oregon Jobs Daughter
Pedaling Toward Literacy
Hermiston Lodge No. 138 actively works in partnership with the Hermiston School District to promote reading. Each year the Lodge provides five new bicycles and helmets to each of the six elementary schools in the district. The Lodge appreciates the support from the Grand Lodge, the Hermiston Police Department, and Lamb-Weston foods. On May 29, W.B. Michael E. Clements, W.B. Brent C. Ottmar, W.B. Earl Wilson, and Brother Joshua L. Best were on hand at Highland Hills Elementary for the first giveaway.
A Summer Solstice Gathering at Bend Lodge No. 139
On the summer solstice, a group of Brothers from Bend Lodge No. 139 gathered at the Lodge for brotherhood and fellowship. The occasion was not planned as a special event but was part of the ongoing efforts to engage more members. The range of participants not only included an Entered Apprentice,
Honoring Brothers at Lone Fir Cemetery
Members of Columbia Lodge No. 114, including W.B. Robert M. Coomer, W.B. Charles L. Adams, W.B. Erik L. Arneson, and Bro. Christopher B. Ritzau, cleaned several Masonic headstones (Dow, Shorno, & Yates) at the Lone Fir Cemetery during one of their monthly volunteer visits. Anyone interested in attending the last cleaning event at Lone Fir Cemetery from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, September 21 can contact Columbia Lodge.
a Fellowcraft, several Master Masons, and several Past Masters, it even included a past Potentate and a man seeking admission to our order!
The big draw for this evening was a showing of the 1975 movie “The Man Who Would be King”. While the story itself is a drama, much humor is to be found in the movie which is based on a short story first published in 1888 by Bro. Rudyard Kipling who became a Mason in 1885.
From 1885 to 1888 to 1975 to 2024, I encourage you to watch this film with your Brothers and talk about what lessons parallel our teachings and what may have changed and what has not changed.
50-Year Jewel
Presented by the Grand Master
Brother E.G. “Buddy” Barnett, member of McKenzie River Lodge, was presented his 50-year jewel on June 12 by M.W.B Timothy J. Best. Brother Barnett lives in Umatilla with his wife Dolly. Jason Edmiston, District Deputy No. 19 helped facilitate.
On May 13, 2024 Gateway Masonic Lodge held their annual Seniors Award banquet where $40,000 in renewable 4-year scholarships where awarded to 17 Warrenton High School graduating Seniors.
In the photo are W.B. Bert Little and W.B. Brad Horn, Worshipful Master.
OREGON MASONIC NEWS
e Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of Oregon
2150 Masonic Way
Forest Grove, OR 97116
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