174TH 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