OMN - 2023 October

Cover photo by Timothy D. Sofranko, taken at The Dalles Dam and Bridge across from the Oregon State Police and Oregon Department of Transportati on where M.W.B. Craig A. Sipp and W.B. Douglas A. Nielsen both worked at the ti me of their introducti on.

Degree Work Elevated

Ritual Part Manager

In August, Marissa Douglas and Tiffany Tullius of the Grand Lodge office staff attended the Grand View User Conference in Bossier City, Louisiana, to learn more about our membership database soft ware and how it might benefit our membership. They brought back many ideas that the team at Grand View is working on to help all the jurisdictions using this platform. Some new features include a Ritual Part Manager, online dues payments, enhanced background checks, centralized dues notices, integration of the Short Talk Bulletins issued by the Masonic Service Association, and an improved and expanded data system for wives and widows’ information.

While many of these features are forthcoming, one is now live and ready for use: the Ritual Part Manager. Th is came about through a request made by the Grand Lodge of Oregon to Grand View a couple of years ago. It took some time, but they now have it built and at the time of this publication it will be in use in Oregon. If you have not noticed it yet in Grand View, visit the “My Portal” section, and go to the Ritual tab (look for the scroll icon). It is accessible to any Master Mason. Now, members can go to their profi le and mark the Degree parts they are willing to perform, as well as how far they are willing to travel to perform them. When a Lodge is putting together a Degree team, each part will have a list of potential members in the area who have marked ‘Yes’ to performing that part. There are several automated emails that will be sent by the system to the Brothers selected, informing them of the Degree location, date, and time. We believe this will help our jurisdiction fulfi ll the needs of Degree work and improve our capability to raise new Master Masons.

In order for this process to be effective, members must note the parts they’re willing to perform. Please take a few minutes, login to Grand View, and indicate in your profi le which Degree parts you can perform and how far you are willing to travel to assist Lodges with their Degrees.

Reminder of the new link for Grand View: OR.GrandView.Systems/Users/sign_in

We hope you fi nd these changes useful and welcome your feedback at info@oregon eemasonry.com

Sincerely and Fraternally,

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

P.S. Information on the enhanced background check process is forthcoming. The key benefit of this feature is that it allows the entire process to occur within Grand View, keeping potential candidate information secure while providing Lodges with the information needed. Stay tuned for more.

LOOK FOR THE SCROLL ICON

From

a Dusty MasonInto an

“I was talking to Myron Miles at Grand Chapter when he mentioned his nephew worked in the highway department in the same building where I worked. I found out where Craig was, invited him back to Lodge, and the rest is history.”

ACTIVE MEMBER

The Power of a Simple Invitation

Ialways look forward to visiting Lodges and enjoying the wonderful fellowship of meeting Brothers. It is a pleasure to see my lapel pin displayed on our suits. The Square and Compass inside the outline of Oregon on top of a survey marker is a reminder that we need to stay focused and on target if we are to accomplish our goals.

We will continue to focus on a couple of key strategies that will keep our Lodges going strong. To ensure we are bringing in the right men I encourage you to use the West Gate information. Along with this we need to make a concerted effort to bring our Brothers back into the Lodge who have not been attending. A good way to accomplish this is to invite those Brothers to Lodge and host a Dusty Mason Program.

I was a dusty Mason. After being raised a Master Mason, I fi nished college, got married, started a career, and family. Masonry was not part of the equation at that time.

I was working for ODOT in The Dalles when an OSP Trooper came into the office asking for a Mr. Sipp. I approached thinking ‘What have I done?’ It took a few minutes for me to realize that he was asking if I was a Mason. He then warmly informed me that he was taking me to Lodge that night! I vaguely remembered my Degrees and let him know that I didn’t remember the signs and passes. He assured me that he would instruct me before the meeting. I was still somewhat uneasy about attending, but with this Brother’s encouragement and friendly contact with me, I went.

That is all it took – a personal invitation – for me to become active in Masonry again. I enjoyed the fellowship and the Masonic growth. A few years later I was Worshipful Master of Wasco Lodge No. 15.

- W.B. Douglas A. Nielsen

DUSTY MASON PROGRAM

PURPOSE:

To reacquaint a Brother Mason with the basic requirements of gaining admittance into a tyled Lodge of Master Masons who for whatever reason, has been away from Masonry for such a length of time that he has forgotten these basics. The basics shall be, but are not limited to signs, words, grips, steps, and due guards of all three Degrees and the grand hailing or Master Mason’s sign of distress and the substitute word.

To promote Masonic fellowship by affording these basics, to a Brother, in a relaxed, amiable setting without subjecting him to a time of stress, as may come to pass, during a rigorous inquisition.

SCOPE:

1. To present the required material in one evening or occasion. The benefit of this approach would be to impact minimally on the “Dusty Brothers” time and make the task less of a burden on the members involved in the presentation of the Degree.

2. To present the work over a period of several meetings or occasions. The benefit of this “continuing revelation” approach would be:

a. Keeping the involvement time down to a minimum during a meeting.

b. The “Dusty Brother” may be enticed to return meeting after meeting to get the next installment.

c. It may prove easier to handle for the Lodge in question (as to logistics and personnel).

d. The “Dusty Brother” would be exposed to the camaraderie of his Lodge Brethren more often.

e. The “Dusty Brother” would be involved, but the work would not tax his attention span.

Each “Dusty Brother” should be paired with a knowledgeable “Brother of the Evening” to assist them.

Call members you haven’t seen in a while. Extend a personal invitation to rejoin as an active member.

That OSP Trooper, now retired, is W.B. Doug Nielsen. Doug is currently the Grand Royal Patron of Amaranth. I owe him a debt of gratitude for taking the initiative and reaching out to me. He is a good friend and Brother Mason. We both continue to be very active in Masonry and enjoy catching up anytime we can.

The Dusty Mason Program can be found in Grand View and I hope your Lodge will host a Dusty Mason night. I am certain that there are Brothers out there that are missing the fellowship and will be excited to get back on the Masonic trail.

Fraternally,

M.W.B. Craig A. Sipp Grand Master, A.F. & A.M of Oregon

“Imagine how a personal invitation might impact a Brother who doesn’t feel like anyone noticed he hasn’t been at Lodge. How much that would mean to him. Without Doug’s invitation back to the Lodge, I wouldn’t be Grand Master today.

- M.W.B. Craig A. Sipp

Found in Grand View under Master Mason Resources

Latest Additions to the Library and Museum

Another wonderful donation was a collection of papers from W.B. Jack Armstrong, a member of Research Lodge of Oregon No. 198. Th is collection has many of the papers he authored and notes on important issues of the day in our Jurisdiction and others. The digitization of these papers is in progress and will be a wonderful tool for future Masonic researchers.

If your Lodge has digitally copied any of your records, please consider sharing them with the Library and Museum Committee for archiving. These digital records are very important to our history as a Jurisdiction. These can also be uploaded within Grand View to share with your members.

The Robert M. Richmond Memorial Library and Museum has received several donations, and purchased several books with quality content.

The museum has received many interesting items from a family donation from the UK which includes documents from the mid-1700s concerning Lodge meetings. Th is was a very interesting insight into the early workings of the Lodge and a unique addition for our museum.

The contents of the museum cabinets are in early planning stages for new content. The items that have been on display for more than a year need to be rotated periodically. Th is allows museum items to be preserved longer without noticeable deterioration. The next rotation will include how our Masonic and Eastern Star Home began. Stay tuned.

The ongoing Digital Scanning Project within the museum and the Lodge Czur Scanning Project, which has been written about extensively in the past, are moving full speed ahead with 2,513 pages digitally copied so far for 2023 just in the museum.

If your Lodge would like to be placed on the list for the loaning of the Czur Scanning Project, call the Library and Museum Committee.

Always remember the Robert M. Richmond Memorial Library and Museum is all of ours.

If your Lodge would like to schedule a special private tour, let the Library and Museum Committee know and we will start the process.

Fraternally, Johnny J. Edwards Library and Museum Chairman

Seaport Lodge Turns 100

Following a devastating fi re in 1922, the Freemasons in Astoria, Oregon fi nanced the construction of a unique new building which would house the Masonic Fraternity, and its appendant bodies, for 100 years and beyond.

Temple Lodge No. 7 was the seventh Masonic Lodge chartered in the Oregon territories in 1854, predating Oregon’s statehood by five years. It quickly became the hub for Masonic activity on the Oregon Coast. A second Lodge, Harbor Lodge No. 183, formed in Astoria and both Lodges shared the building along with the Fern Chapter

of the Order of the Eastern Star, a Scottish Rite chapter, a York Rite chapter, the Demolay, Job’s Daughters, the Rainbow Girls, and even the Boy Scouts. Today it is home to the rebranded Seaport Lodge No. 7. Located at 1572 Franklin Ave. in a Historic District on the National Registry of Historic Places in Astoria, it stands as a marvelous example of the “Greek Revival” style. Nestled just outside of the downtown area, the building sits on a hill overlooking the beautiful Columbia River. It was designed by architect R.R. Bartlett. In

those days, Masonic Lodges were often situated above a tavern or retail store, which served as a source of revenue for the Lodge. It was much rarer to see a building built for the singular purpose of housing the fraternity. Designed with a spacious Grand Hall, the fi rst floor of the building has served as a meeting place for parties, dinners, and special events since it was opened. Many local high school dances were held there, as well as countless wedding receptions. Today the building is still occasionally used by the community to host events.

Submitted by W.B. Quinn A. Haas, Master of Seaport Lodge No. 7

By 1979 the building had fallen into disrepair and the combined tenants of the building pooled their resources to form the Astoria Masonic Temple Association, each organization being issued shares of ownership in exchange for their investment. In 1980, a “grand reopening” was underway to celebrate the newly remodeled building. Members of the community, along with the press, gathered to celebrate the building upon its renovation. In 1993, Temple Lodge No. 7 and Harbor Lodge No. 183 voted to merge and Seaport Lodge No. 7 was formed with a new charter from the Grand Lodge of Oregon. Today, Seaport Lodge No. 7 is the only surviving group of the original Astoria Masonic Temple Association and is now the sole owner of the building.

Much like in 1979, the unrelenting weather of the Oregon Coast has caused much of the exterior beauty of this building to fade. But all hope is not lost. A new generation of young Masons have begun to step forward to carry on the torch and bring light to those who need it. Working together with our Brothers who came before us, and have shepherded the Fraternity for many long years, this new generation of Freemasons has an eye on preserving the important foundations of our past while bringing a modern approach to Masonic life which will help keep it footed in the 21st Century. In 2022 efforts began for repair and renovation, to see that it will be continued to be used for years to come. Working with the Grand Lodge of Oregon and their generous Lodge Repair grants, work began with minor fi xes and weather protection. Seaport Lodge No. 7 was

“To walk in the footsteps of hundreds of men who came before me, hold the vessel that contained our first charter issued in 1854, gaze at the pillars and arch used at the laying of the cornerstone in 1923, is truly an honor and privilege. The Grand Master and his off icers honoring our milestone with a rededication ceremony is a memory I will always

W.B. Quinn A. Haas

awarded an Oregon Opportunity Grant in 2022 by the State of Oregon for continued efforts to restore our beloved building. Improvements include a new metal cap to protect the building from rainfall and the purchase of large scaffolding to access the building for future projects.

Coinciding with this new preservation effort, the Lodge commissioned a new sleek website, SeaportMasonicLodge.com, and launched a fundraising campaign through Go Fund Me

in an effort to reach Masons and historical preservation enthusiasts the world over. That campaign can be found at GoFund.me/8cca1de3

Continuing to partner with our community is an important piece of our continued success. Working with the Historical Preservation program at Clatsop Community College allows students to learn the important skills needed to succeed by having workshops at our building. The Lodge receives repairs to plaster and paint, windows and woodwork, while students get hands-on experience. It’s a win-win! Seaport has also looked for ways to donate the use of the space of the building to support community efforts for wellness and success. In recent years the building was home to a free philosophy lecture class and a community workshop group focused on mental health and wellness. Seaport also continues to support education in the community by providing scholarships and partnering with the Grand Lodge of Oregon in recognizing the amazing work of teachers with the Classroom of the Month program.

cherish”

-

As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and the metaverse is causing many to consider the implications for various aspects of society, including the future of Freemasonry.

Freemasonry, a centuries-old fraternal organization, is known for its rituals, symbolism, and focus on selfimprovement and brotherhood. With the development of the metaverse and the increasing role of AI in our lives, Freemasonry faces new opportunities and challenges in maintaining its traditions and values in a digital age.

In this article, we delve into the fascinating topic of Freemasonry in the Age of AI and the Metaverse, exploring the potential impact of these groundbreaking technologies on the ancient fraternity.

Freemasonry in the Age of AI

As technology advances, particularly in the realms of artificial intelligence (AI) and the metaverse, Freemasonry is also evolving to embrace these innovations.

Th is section explores the impact of AI on Masonic traditions and its influence on education and communication.

Artificial intelligence has the potential to significantly transform the way we conduct our ceremonies and rituals. Rather than replace the human touch entirely, AI can be implemented to support and enhance these traditional activities.

For instance, AI-powered tools can help create immersive experiences during meetings and ceremonies, enabling us to participate more effectively and feel more connected with our brethren, even when being physically apart.

Another potential impact is the use of AI algorithms to help maintain members’ adherence to the tenets of Freemasonry. By analyzing lodges’ activities and interactions, AI technology can provide insights into areas of improvement and help keep member behavior aligned with the core values of the organization.

Freemasonry in the Age of AI & the Metaverse Exploring

Future Impact

Reprinted with permission from Masonic Find

Freemasonry places great importance on the education of its members, and the integration of AI in this aspect could facilitate more effective learning experiences. AI-driven personalized learning plans can help tailor educational materials to individual needs, allowing members to expand their knowledge at their own pace while also promoting continuous improvement across the fraternity.

Moreover, new methods of communication are emerging with the rise of the metaverse and AI-driven platforms. Th is could lead to new possibilities, such as virtual lodges or immersive educational resources that help brethren better understand the symbolism and teachings associated with the craft .

Additionally, utilizing AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants could enhance member interaction, offering reminders and assistance, or even facilitating discussions between lodges around the world.

Freemasonry in the Metaverse

The advent of the metaverse presents new opportunities for our longstanding organization to expand its reach, promote education, and foster global collaboration.

Th ree key aspects of Freemasonry within the metaverse:

• Virtual Masonic Meetings

• Digital Preservation of Masonic Heritage

• Global Connectivity and Collaboration

To read the rest of this article, scan this QR code or visit MasonicFind.com/ eemasonry-aiand-the-metaverse

Making a Profound Impact

ON OUR FRATERNITY AND COMMUNITY

As we contemplate the remarkable progress achieved by Oregon Masonic charities throughout this year, we are moved to express our profound gratitude for the invaluable support of our donors and Masonic Family. Your compassionate contributions have wrought tangible transformations in the lives of those we are dedicated to serving, providing them with indispensable aid, educational opportunities, and essential care services.

We recognize the significance of each donation and the thoughtful deliberation behind supporting our noble cause. We solemnly pledge to honor this trust by prudently and transparently utilizing your contributions, thereby ensuring that they result in a lasting and meaningful impact on the lives we touch.

As we look to the future, we earnestly appeal for your continued support. Your sustained contributions will empower us to scale even greater heights, extend our reach, and extend a helping hand to an even larger number of individuals in need. Your support constitutes the very essence of our organization's success, and your generosity has vividly demonstrated the power of collective action.

We are deeply honored to stand shoulder to shoulder with you in our shared commitment to forging a more compassionate and benevolent world. Please enjoy the 2022 Impact Report, appearing in mailboxes soon, which includes more detailed reporting on our philanothropy and your legacy of support.

Thank

PROVIDED 37% 11%

$152,000 13%

231 EQUIPPED STUDENT SUCCESS $941,226 15% 20% 4% OUT OF STATE

TOGETHER, WE'RE SHAPING A BRIGHTER FUTURE.

See where the funds were disbursed statewide in 2022! OCTOBER 2023 | 9

The Anchor of Society

It has been four years since we were able to gather in full form without restrictions. In that time the world has changed, and just like the rest of the world, our membership has been through a lot and continues to adjust to life after the COVID-19 pandemic. Although we have lost family, friends, businesses, and members, we were encouraged by the leadership of the Supreme Council and our Sovereign Grand Commander James D. Cole, 33°. Th is Biennial Session’s commemorative coin features the phrase “Freemasonry – The Anchor of Society.” It serves as a reminder that Masonic work is important for us to feel grounded in turbulent times and for our communities that rely on the practice of our virtues.

The 2023 Biennial Session of the Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction, USA was held in Washington D.C. from August 19-23 and attendees included members from Taiwan, Costa Rica, and Grand Master M.W.B. Craig A. Sipp, who was selected to receive the Degree of Knight Commander Court

of Honor, an invitational Scottish Rite Degree created by the fi rst Sovereign Grand Commander Albert Pike. The event featured lectures and meetings attended by Scottish Rite Masons from all over the world. The Session culminated with the Public Session followed by the Honors Banquet. The Orient of Oregon also had the opportunity to host a private dinner attended by Grand Master Craig A. Sipp, his wife Sherri, and the Costa Rica delegation. Oregon was well represented at this year’s Biennial Session, and we all left recharged in our mission, with new memories and greater bonds of Brotherhood.

Fraternally, Richard

C. Komraus, P.G.S. Deputy of the Supreme Council for the Orient of Oregon

and Richard

S. Nowacki District Deputy No. 5 Western Region Donor O cer for the Supreme Council

SCOTTISH RITE CREED

Human progress is our cause, liberty of thought our supreme wish, freedom of conscience our mission, and the guarantee of equal rights to all people everywhere our ultimate goal.

2023 Scottish Rite Supreme Council Biennial Session

F I N A N C I A L A S S I S T A N C E f o r C h i l d r e n

H E L P I N G O U R

M A S O N I C F A M I L Y ( 5 0 3 ) 3 5 7 - 3 1 5 8

T h i s s u p p l e m e n t a l f i n a n c i a l a i d i s

a v a i l a b l e t o b e n e f i t t h e c h i l d r e n o f

O r e g o n M a s t e r M a s o n s o r S i s t e r s o f

t h e O r d e r o f t h e E a s t e r n S t a r ( 5 + y e a r s ) .

C A L L U S T O D A Y

M E D I C A L E X P E N S E S

D E N T A L B I L L S

V I S I O N C A R E

YOU'RE INVITED!

Shriners’ Kids Sunday

Where the Children will take Center Stage

Free Movie & Root Beer Floats

1-3:30 p.m.

Sunday, October 22

Harrington Hall at the Shrine Center

Th is event is for the kids so bring your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, neighbors’ kids and have a fun fi lled afternoon!

Presented by the Al Kader Patrol, Wilsonville

East Gate Oyster Stew Dinner

Masonic Harvest Festival

4 - 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 28

Roseburg Masonic Building 920 SE Cass Ave. Roseburg, OR 97470

A harvest dinner to honor all veterans.

Presented by Laurel Lodge No. 13 Roseburg Valley of the Scottish Rite $10 at the door

7:30 p.m. on Monday, October 23

4812 NE 102nd Ave., Portland, OR 97220

Parkrose Lodge No. 179 had an oyster stew dinner going back to the early days of the Lodge, it was even in the By -Laws! Parkrose merged with East Gate Lodge No. 155 in 2015 and we made sure the tradition continued.

Th is year, M.W.B. Craig A. Sipp is making his official visit to East Gate Lodge No. 155 on Monday, October 23 and we will use the modified recipe from M.W.B. Greg Jenkins, P.G.M. We’ll also have a non-seafood entrée. We will use fresh caught oysters, have jars of oysters for sale, and Mason jars to take home extra stew.

We have continued to work hard on improving the Lodge and visitors from last year may be duly surprised by all of the internal changes to the Lodge.

Call Secretary Michael D. Wall, at 360.798.7920 and keep up on the news by following our Facebook page at Facebook.com/EastGateLodge155.

Washington Lodge Fish Fry

6 p.m. on Saturday, October 28

3612 SE 52nd Ave., Portland, OR 97206

$20 per person / $160 table for 8

Join Washington Lodge No. 46 for fellowship dinner of fried trout, hushpuppies, coleslaw, mac and cheese, vegetable trays, Hawaiian rolls, assorted pies and desserts.

LIVE CONCERT � GERMAN FOOD � DANCING

ROSEBURG GERMAN BAND

Worthington Receives Columbia Award

The General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons, International, and the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, International, held their respective triennial meetings on August 14 and 15 in Branson, Missouri. Th ree Oregon companions, W.B. Robert E. Worthington, W.B. Dale E. Imbleau, and R.W.B. John P. Ridenour, attended the Triennial, at which W.B. Robert E. Worthington was presented with the Columbia Award by the General Grand Council. The Columbia Award is the highest honor that the General Grand Council can confer. The award is named for the fi rst organized Council of Royal Masters in the United States, which is Columbia Council No. 1 of New York, was organized on September 2, 1810. The Columbia is an award of merit for service given at the regional level. During each threeyear Triennial period, one is awarded to an outstanding Cryptic Mason for each of the 13 General Grand Council Regions, plus a maximum of three atlarge awards. W.B. Worthington is the only living recipient of the Columbia Award in Oregon, and with only one award among seven states every three-year period, W.B. Worthington deserves our hearty congratulations.

Mark Building Collage

W.B. Johnny J. Edwards visited the Mark Building in Portland on a recent family trip. The Mark Building, now the administrative and venue rental space for the Portland Art Museum, used to belong to Oregon Masonic groups and even house the Grand Lodge office for a time. The Grand Lodge of Oregon Annual Communications were held here, shown above.

Jefferson Lodge Renovations

Jefferson Lodge No. 33 has begun restorations with support from a Lodge Restoration and Improvement Grant offered through the Grand Lodge.

Maui Relief

W.B. Christopher A. Chuculate, Worshipful Master of Milwaukee Waluga Lodge No. 109, was in Maui helping the Hawaii Food Bank after the devastating fi res in August.

The Grand Lodge of Oregon Board of Trustees donated $5,000 directly to the Grand Lodge of Hawaii for this relief effort.

JAN. 8, 2024

Proposed Legislation is due to the Grand Secretary’s office.

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

2150 Masonic Way

Forest Grove, OR 97116

Change service requested

Masonic Low Twelve Club, Inc.

Could your spouse or family use immediate financial assistance in the event of your passing?

The Masonic Low Twelve Club is not an insurance policy. Low Twelve membership assures that a check is delivered to the member’s intended recipient immediately upon report that the member has passed away. No proof of loss, claim forms, or death certificate is required. Oral or written notification to the Secretary or any current Board of Directors is sufficient to get the Low Twelve wheels in motion. Th is program is designed to relieve the Brother’s family of one significant source of stress during their hour of grief: immediate access to cash.

A designated recipient may be any person or organization of your choice. Typically, widows are chosen as the recipient, however, other family members or an organization can be chosen. And you can split it up however you wish. Currently, the benefit is $500 and is usually mailed out within 24 hours of notification. Membership conveniently implements the Masonic obligation of assistance to widows and orphans.

The Low Twelve Club, Inc. is a registered non-profit corporation that operates with By-Laws and a Board of Directors. An annual meeting is held in July in conjunction with a social event, usually a dinner at a local Lodge in Salem. Attendance is open to current and prospective members, family, and friends. Annual dues are $50 and due in January. If you wish, you can split that up into two payments of $25 each, due in January and June. Members will be mailed notifications at the time of the assessment cycle.

Applications are available by calling or emailing one of the two officers below.

Scan this QR Code for a quick link to the other issues of the OMN.