OREGON MASONIC NEWS
OCTOBER
2024
EXECUTIVE
Grand
EDITOR
Holly
CONTRIBUTORS
Timothy J. Best
Dale B. Palileo
D. Arthur Bush, P.G.M.
Eric Headley
Adam M. Bayer
CONTACT
Supporting Our Youth
Strengthening Communities and Masonry This Season
October is upon us. The weather is getting colder, the leaves are falling, and across Oregon, the Friday night lights are shining as high school football Season is in full swing. If you have the chance to sit in the stands with the students and cheer for your local team, or watch the marching band at halftime, consider how your Lodge can make a positive impact on your community by supporting these young people.
By utilizing the Oregon Masonic Charitable Foundation (OMCF) and following its guidelines, your Lodge could apply for matching funds on a 50/50 basis to invest back into the community. Th is is a win-win situation for both the community and the Lodge.
Don’t forget to support our Masonic Youth Groups. DeMolay, Rainbow for Girls, and Job’s Daughters. New student leadership has recently been installed as they begin their year, but they need your help now more than ever. While fi nancial assistance is always appreciated, your presence at events and the gift of your time are even more valuable. I know we are all busy, but investing in the lives of our youth is vital. You could be the positive light and mentor they need. I challenge you to attend one event with me this year. You just might enjoy yourself.
Growing Masonry through our youth! Be the example… Every Day!
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Timothy J. Best Grand Master 2024-2025
Understanding Masonic Ritual
W.B. Dale B. Palileo, Grand Lecturer
As Masons, we know that our beloved Craft has deeply-rooted values, borne from rich traditions that have been cultivated by many dedicated Brothers throughout the centuries. These values and traditions gently suggest a way of life founded on many great and important principles that are best taught through symbolism and allegory.
Just like ancient mystery schools in Greece and Egypt, our ancient brethren understood the need for these principles and lessons to be taught through an experiential process. They also understood that having an “experience” would leave a more permanent and indelible mark on the initiate than mere words written on paper. This created the necessity to design meaningful rituals, delicately woven with inspiration, intent, and intelligence.
Aside from imparting lessons, these rituals also served another purpose: to bind us to an obligation which, when taken as a whole—from the Entered Apprentice Degree through the Master Mason Degree—is as equally important
GRAND LECTURER’S MESSAGE
to the main lessons themselves. These obligations remind us that the lessons we learn should be manifested to our Brothers, our families, and to our communities. To use a quote from the closing charge, they remind us that “every human being has a claim upon your kind offices” and to “do good unto all.”
But Ritual is meaningless if the lessons are not fully understood by those who are supposed to understand it. How do we, as Master Masons and Masons going through the Degrees, make sure that we understand the lessons imparted by our beautiful rituals? This question becomes even more complicated when we realize that our rituals were created with different layers of meaning, with each one presenting a more serious philosophical thought than the next.
Thankfully, our Ritual imparts basic lessons that are “common denominators” that allow us to share in the joys of finding these nuggets of wisdom. These basic lessons also allow us to find common ground in our philosophical discussions, both inside and outside the Lodge.
And what are some of these basic lessons? How do we peel through the layers of our Ritual to find deeper meaning in the words that we recite and the steps we take in our Degrees? Here are just some of the ways we can provide an understanding of our rituals:
Fellowcraft Degree
This Degree imparts lessons that are focused on action and looking towards the future. It also teaches us that we have a responsibility to our Brothers. Taken in its entirety, the ritual of this Degree further shows us even deeper meanings: Intellectual advancement is a lifelong pursuit, and applied information transforms into wisdom.
Master Mason Degree
Cooperation and teamwork are the lessons taught by this Degree. It also extends our responsibilities to include our Brothers’ families. More lessons become obvious through this Degree’s beautiful allegorical storytelling that centers around fidelity and hope. At a deeper level, this Degree reminds us that our lives should have meaning and purpose, especially for those we leave behind when we shed our mortal coil.
When taken as a system, each Degree is interconnected with each other and profoundly expresses an even deeper meaning that highlights the human condition.
Separately, each Degree’s ritual imparts lessons that may seem simple, especially if taken outside of the Degree’s ritualistic context. However, when taken as a system, each degree is interconnected with each other and profoundly expresses an even deeper meaning that highlights the human condition: The Entered Apprentice Degree deals with the self, the Fellowcraft Degree explores how we treat others, and the Master Mason Degree underscores our relationship with the Divine.
Entered Apprentice Degree
At face value, the lessons learned in the Entered Apprentice Degree can be summed up in two words: Prioritization (knowing what’s important in one’s life) and time management (balancing one’s daily activities). However, looking at the Entered Apprentice Degree ritual a little deeper, we can see that it also teaches us the value of secrecy, particularly from a Masonic perspective. To further the point of prioritization and time management, this Degree also imparts the important lesson of self-care and how we should treat ourselves.
As a whole, our Ritual encompasses the fundamental aspects of life shared by all people, including birth, growth, emotional experiences, relationships, suffering, mortality, and the search for meaning. Our Ritual deals with universal themes such as love, fear, hope, loss, and the quest for purpose. It reflects the dual nature of human experience—sorrow and joy, failure and triumph, isolation and connection—and examines how we as Masons navigate these complexities within the broader context of society and the natural world.
THE 84TH ANNUAL MALHEUR CAVE DEGREE Legacy OF
by M.W.B. D. Arthur Bush, P.G.M. Worshipful Master of Robert Burns Lodge No. 97
“Why travel West to East?”
The answer
of course is to attend the 84th annual conferral of the Master Mason Degree within the Malheur Cave!
To be the recipient of this distinct honor is a peculiarity that very few Masons have received over the years and it will certainly be the crown jewel in their Masonic journey. This year’s recipient was Brother William M. Alexander from Bend Lodge No. 139. What is especially unique is that the candidate was raised by his father W.B. Matthew A. Alexander and his grandfather W.B. William David Ranbeau, both members of Bend No. 139. What a legacy for this family.
This year’s event, hosted by Robert Burns Lodge No. 97 for the 84th time, set a record for attendance with 144 Brothers present—almost half of them were first time visitors. This was also the Grand Master’s Official Visit for Robert Burns Lodge No. 97. M.W.B. Timothy J. Best had ample support from his Grand Lodge Officers and his family. Brothers Joshua L. Best and Jacob T. Best, two of the Grand Master’s sons, attended.
The Grand Master received a whiskey decanter from the Lodge to mark his visit.
Several Brothers were recognized for contributing so much of their time to the betterment of Robert Burns Lodge No. 97. Every Lodge has a “spark plug” and in the Burns Lodge that is W.B. Gene L. Mackey. He was awarded the Hiram Award for being the “go to” guy not only in Lodge, but also during the weekend of the Cave Degree.
Two other Brothers, W.B. Daniel D. Bush and W.B. Brandt F. Shores, were awarded the first of its kind, “The Master Craftsman” award. Both these Brothers were driving forces in removing the old and installing the new bleachers, LED lights in the cave, designing and installing the gate for the cave, and lastly designing and building the new cook shack which will surely stand the test of time and provide the Brothers with good food for years to come.
The Widows Sons, Sojourners chapter, set up an axe tossing contest complete with a big slab of tree as the target. There was a movie on Friday night with popcorn provided by Tigard-Orenomah Lodge No. 207. They also sponsored the “Fairly Honest Art’s Horse Shoe Tossin’” tournament. Gresham Lodge No. 152 also provided the Brothers an opportunity, for a modest donation, to taste various “hard waters”. Several Brothers searched for arrow heads while others flipped over rocks just to see what lived underneath. There were campsites where Brothers huddled around and discussed the Code or the Ritual while another group sat and remembered departed Brothers and talked about the past. It was impossible not to enjoy the 84th annual Malheur Cave Degree.
Special shout outs go to W.B. Gregory L. O’Neal for providing new t-shirts and hats as souvenirs, W.B. Robert “Rusty Root” F. Root, Jr. and W.B. Patrick Cuomo of Corvallis No. 14, who took over
cooking on the barbeque trailer, and W.B. Henry “Hank” G. Stockhoff for driving his grandfather’s 1950 Massey-Harris tractor to cut the tall grass so that the Brothers could see where they were stepping and what they might be stepping on.
During my 20+ years of attending the Malheur Cave Degree, I’ve always come away with something new and this year was no exception. This year, all present were treated to Brother Michael “Mike” J. Milford’s singing of the funeral soliloquy on the way to the grave. His voice was magnificent and resounded off the walls of the cave.
TIPS FOR A MEMORABLE LODGE INSTALLATION
W.B. Eric Headley, Grand Marshal
November brings the excitement of elections and the beginning of installation season—a pivotal time for the incoming Master and Lodge Officers. The installation ceremony is not just a tradition, it’s a chance to set the stage for a successful Masonic year. With thoughtful planning, you can ensure this event launches your Lodge into a year of prosperity.
START EARLY
Begin planning well in advance. Master-elects and Lodges should familiarize themselves with Code Section 209, which outlines the qualifications for Installing Officers, installation dates, and other procedural details.
CHOOSE YOUR TEAM
Select your installation team as early as possible. Early planning helps ensure that your chosen team members don’t have conflicting commitments.
PUBLIC CEREMONY
Use the public installation to highlight your Lodge to Brothers, their families, and the community. This is a prime opportunity to showcase Masonic values and make a positive impression. Extend invitations to door knockers and others the Lodge interacts with throughout the year—sometimes a simple invitation is all it takes to spark interest.
INVOLVE OTHERS
Invite other Masonic bodies and youth organizations to participate. Consider having them perform flag presentations, honor guards, or other contributions.
REHEARSE
Practice the ceremony to ensure everyone knows their roles. Assign specific duties like chair setup or guest greeting to streamline the event.
FOOD MATTERS
Make the meal special. If budget allows, opt for catering and use real plates and silverware instead of paper and plastic.
LOCATION
Decide on the venue for the ceremony. While the Lodge is a traditional choice, consider alternative venues like a country club or winery for a unique atmosphere. If sticking with the Lodge, enhance the space with decorations like flowers and balloons.
ADD MUSIC
Incorporate music, whether live or streamed, to elevate the event’s ambiance and create a festive atmosphere.
The Lodge Installation is an annual highlight and a chance to celebrate the incoming Master’s role. Investing extra effort into this event ensures it’s memorable and showcases the best of Masonry to the wider community.
Honoring the 2023-24 Hiram Award Recipients
NAME LODGE
Larry Stefanick Belt Lodge No. 18
Zachary A. Keirsey Enlightenment Lodge No. 228
Jeremiah T. Pruitt Vista Masonic Lodge No. 215
Glenn A. Lazott, Jr. Holbrook Lodge No. 30
Garry W. Weiner Beaverton Masonic Lodge No. 100
John L. Nerski Bend Lodge No. 139
E. David Granum Cornerstone Lodge No. 157
Timothy S. Randall Laurel Lodge No. 13
Warren S. Burkholder, Jr. Washington Lodge No. 46
Gabriel M. Martinez Ashland Lodge No. 23
Martin L. Bradford Newberg Lodge No. 104
Joshua D. May Medford Lodge No. 103
James Warriner Grants Pass Lodge No. 84
Jason C. Conway Esoterika Lodge No. 227
Birol A. Yesilada Tigard-Orenomah Lodge No. 207
Richard R. Swires Cottage Grove Lodge No. 51
Korey W. D. Kearney Gresham Lodge No. 152
Stephen M. Larrance Warren Lodge No. 10
Blake G. Presswood Kenton Lodge No. 145
Steven L. Rienks Prineville Lodge No. 76
Greg J. Dennis Wildhorse No. 65
What is the Hiram Award in Freemasonry?
Every year Blue Lodges across the jurisdiction bestow an honor known as the Hiram Award upon a single member of their individual Lodge. The award is generally described as the “highest honor” which can be presented by a Lodge. This can be somewhat confusing, as being Master of the Lodge is also described as being the “highest honor” that a Mason can achieve. Technically, both statements are true.
The name ‘Hiram’ itself is Hebrew and means “my brother is exalted,” or “my brother is most noble.” In Masonic Legend, there are two Hirams; Hiram, King of Tyre and Hiram Abiff, who was sent from King Hiram of Tyre to King Solomon (2 Chron 2:13). “Abiff” is an interesting word from the Bible, as it’s translated differently in the various versions: -ab, Abi- and Abi(f). Strong’s Concordance indicates that the word ‘Abif” translates to “fatherless.”
The Hiram Abiff of Masonic Legend was the son of a widow who was from the tribe of Napthali and lived in Tyre. The tribe of Napthali was one of the northern Israelite tribes, who joined with David, who was to become the ruler of a unified Kingdom of Israel. The successor to David was Solomon, the King of Israel.
and a steady paycheck during the construction – worked under the premise that when the project was finished, they would then achieve the status of Master Mason.
Seven years is a long time. And some of the workmen were less patient than others. A few dissatisfied workers conspired together to extort their promotions early from Hiram Abiff. They talked, cajoled, and finally hunted him down, found him alone, and threatened him. But Hiram refused their demands and did not yield to their threats. He reminded them of their duty to God and the conditions of their employment by King Solomon. Unfortunately, his discussions with the workmen failed, and three of them, in their anger, murdered Hiram Abiff in the unfinished Temple.
The award is generally described as the “highest honor” which can be presented by a Lodge.
We read in the Bible (1 Kings 6-8) that King Solomon built the First Temple – also known as King Solomon’s Temple. King Solomon requested the aid of King Hiram of Tyre, who furnished Solomon with materials, workmen and a particular craftsman skilled in stone, metal, wood, and fabric: Hiram Abiff. Hiram was not only a skilled craftsman, but he was known as a Master Architect and was renown as a man who could get things done. A Biblical mover and shaker, as it were.
According to accounts, the First Temple took seven years to complete – even with over 150,000 masons employed at the building. These workmen – while provided with food, shelter
That, essentially, is the answer to the question of who Hiram Abiff is. He is a man of noble character, who remained true to his word, his nation, his community, his promise, and God even when confronted with certain death.
The Hiram Award is an honor that is bestowed only once a year by a Lodge. Unlike the office of Master of the Lodge which a Master Mason can hold more than once a Mason can only receive the Hiram Award one time in his life. And there’s no memorization or floor work required for the Hiram Award, which is a nice plus, too.
As far as eligibility requirements go, every Master Mason is eligible. The award is recognition of a Brother by the Lodge for his service. It is a tribute to a Brother who has devoted themselves, their time, and their talent above and beyond the minimal requirements of Freemasonry to become a shining beacon to others both within the Fraternity and the community. It is a singular honor authorized by the Grand Lodge and presented by the Brethren of the Lodge to a member they feel is a credit to the Craft.
Reprinted with permission from ConejoMasons.org/freemasonry/awards/what-is-hiram-award
DON’T LET YOUR HARD WORK GO UNNOTICED
By R.W.B. Adam M. Bayer, District Deputy No. 3
As I prepare for the official visits of my fifth term as District Deputy, I’m reminded of the tremendous displays of hospitality and Brotherhood put forth in my honor over the years – personalized gifts, lectures, and homemade dinners, to name a few. But the gratification of sitting in the East as our Grand Master’s representative comes even more so from observing what Oregon Lodges do for both our Craft and our communities.
For two years prior, I had the privilege of being appointed Junior Grand Deacon and spent that time accompanying Grand Masters on their official visits; learning how to listen, and observing each Lodge’s individual successes. I was inspired by what I heard and couldn’t believe that I had no sense of how much good was being done throughout our jurisdiction without my knowing. So, when the honor of being appointed District Deputy arose, I made it my objective to ensure that all the unheralded good deeds and hard work – within and without the Lodge room – were being properly brought to the attention of the Grand Lodge. At first, that notion was easier said than done, as I found Lodges to be modest when it came to selfaggrandizing. So, I began to approach each Worshipful Master just prior to my visitation, encouraging them to use their time in front of me as an opportunity to promote every accomplishment, large or small, that their Lodges were performing –Bikes for Books, community service, donations, cemetery clean-ups, Schools
of Instruction, etc. It may seem redundant to discuss before your Lodge members a second or third time, but it’s often news to your District Deputy. And after all, our job is to be the eyes and ears of the Grand Master within our respective district; not to police you, but rather celebrate you and help recognize the attention you deserve for the good works you’re performing. For without our monthly reports, a good number of those deeds threaten to fly under the radar of the Grand Lodge, which benefits no one.
The Grand Master, his Grand Officers and District Deputies, and his staff are so very proud of the countless hours our Lodges commit to bettering not just themselves, but the members of our communities who look up to us – as givers, as doers, and as advocates of the power of education. I therefore encourage you to be your own best promoter and let your District Deputy know all the fantastic work that’s going on within your Lodge. Good news spreads quickly and inspires others to emulate your accomplishments.
DISTRICT DEPUTIES of the Grand Master
1. John P. Ridenour (32)
2. Richard A. Fieldhouse (104)
3. Adam M. Bayer (55)
4. Blake G. Presswood (145)
5. Richard S. Nowacki (227)
6. William “Billy” T. Burns (100)
7. Richard L. Gunn, Jr. (152)
8. Marvin C. “Marty” Hardin (45)
9. Brian S. Jenkins (110)
10. Jason T. Hamblen (33)
11. W. Ryan Buys (14)
12. Dennis R. Hanson (51)
13. Michael D. Sullivan (140)
14. Timothy M. Wilson (13)
15. W. John Rall (84)
16. Alexander E. Ben-Israel (109)
17. Dale D. Wiley (30)
18. Merlin P. Hughes (69)
19. Jason D. Edmiston (138)
20. Christopher C. Warren (41)
21. Kurt J. Wiskoff (34)
Eugene Lodge Awards Scholarships
Each year, Eugene Lodge No. 11 proudly awards a $4,000 scholarship to one graduating senior from each of the high schools in our surrounding area. Th is year, eleven scholarships were granted to exceptional students selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants. These outstanding recipients distinguished themselves through remarkable academic achievements, leadership abilities, and a strong commitment to community service. The selection process involved a comprehensive review of academic records, personal essays, and letters of recommendation, ensuring that the most deserving candidates were recognized.
In addition to the eleven community scholarships, we also awarded eight scholarships to students from local Masonic families, reinforcing our ongoing dedication to supporting those within our Masonic community. These students not only excelled academically
but also demonstrated a deep connection to Masonic values and traditions.
The scholarship banquet, held on May 15th, was a heartwarming celebration, where recipients and their families gathered to mark this significant milestone. Brothers of the Lodge, serving as table hosts, expressed pride in the students and reaffi rmed the Lodge’s commitment to education as a pathway to a brighter future.
The scholarship recipients shared their gratitude, acknowledging the life-changing impact of this fi nancial support. One student remarked, “Th is scholarship means the world to me and my family. It not only relieves fi nancial burdens but also motivates me to pursue excellence in my studies.”
Th is year’s scholarship awards underscore Masonry’s unwavering commitment to fostering educational opportunities and supporting the next generation of leaders.
Masonic Analyst Magazine Archive Complete
The scanning project of the “Masonic Analyst Magazine”, the official magazine for the Grand Lodge of Oregon from 1927-1939, is complete. Th is magazine was a precurser to the “Oregon Freemason” and “Oregon Masonic News”.
The PDFs are fully searchable and loaded with happenings of the jurisdiction during the years of publication.
Historic Church and Local History
Benefit from Blue Mountain Lodge Contributions
The Blue Mountain Lodge No. 34 Lodges Community Charity Committee has selected two deserving recipients for this year’s charitable donations. One recipient, the North Powder Community Church, has long been a pillar of the community, hosting the local food bank and numerous cherished events like the 104-year-old Silver Tea and the annual Easter Egg Hunt, now in its 42nd year. R.W.B. Kurt J. Wiskoff, D.D. No. 21, presented the church with a $10,000 donation for restoration efforts. As one of the oldest continuously active churches in the Northwest—dating back to the 1880s and still holding weekly services in its original building—it is in need of repairs.
The second recipient is the Powder Valley Historical Foundation, which is dedicated to preserving local history and restoring historical buildings for future generations. In addition to these donations, the Lodge also supports five FFA chapters across three counties, sponsors the Bikes for Books program, and provides scholarships from former lodges that have since merged with Blue Mountain Lodge. These contributions reflect the warmth and generosity of our Lodge members, who take great pride in supporting the community.
Beaverton Masonic Lodge No. 100 Shines at 2024 Beaverton Celebration Parade
On September 7, 2024, a group of Brothers from Beaverton Masonic Lodge No. 100 proudly represented their Lodge and Oregon Freemasonry at the annual Beaverton Celebration Parade. Joining them were R.W.B. Billy Burns, District Deputy of District 6, W.B. David Miller, Worshipful Master of Tigard-Orenomah No. 207, and visiting Brother George Leyesa Jr. from Muog Lodge No. 89 F. & A.M. in the Philippines.
As they marched, the Brothers handed out candy to children, shared copies of the “Simple Answers” brochure with adults, and greeted the crowd with waves and smiles. The event provided a wonderful opportunity to increase the visibility of Freemasonry in the Beaverton community.
From left to right: W. B. Bob Ahrens, Anderson Campbell, Dale Jacobs, W. B. Stephen Barkley, W. B. Rai Castro, W. B. Jim Sonsteng, W. B. David Miller, W. B. Dan Gray, R.W. B. William T. “Billy” Burns, and Bro. George Leyesa, Muog Lodge No. 89 F. & A.M., the Philippines.
Check out this blog post by R.W.B. Robert H. Johnson, Illinois Freemason and Midnight Freemason emeritus contributor, about his recent trip to Eugene, Ore.
50-Year Jewel Presentation
R.W.B. W. Ryan Buys presented Brother Alan L. Harrison his 50-Year Jewel on June 12. Brother Harrison is a Life Member of East Linn Lodge No. 44 in Lebanon, Ore. and Scio Lodge No. 39 Scio, Ore.
Pictured from left to right: R.W.B. W. Ryan Buys, Alan L. Harrison, W.B. Gregory L. O’Neal.
Secretary of the Year Award
Presented
R.W.B Jason D. Edmiston, District Deputy No. 19, presented the Secretary of the Year Award to W.B. Troy M. Fischer who was unable to attend to the Fellowship Banquet.
“Thank ya’ll so much. I am so proud of this award. It really means a lot to me. I can’t express my gratitude enough. I feel this award ranks right up there with my HiramAwards,” said Fischer.
Joseph Lodge Volunteers for Cycle Oregon Event
Joseph Lodge No. 81 proudly supported the Cycle Oregon event on September 10th by assisting at the Wallowa rest stop. Lodge members provided food and beverages to both the cyclists and the event staff, ensuring everyone was well taken care of during the ride.
In addition to the rest stop, the Lodge also contributed to dinners for the participants over the next two evenings in Enterprise.
From left to right: W.B. William M. Rudger, W.B. John E. Duckworth, Bro. James W. Eldred, Bro. Scott P. Blackman, Bro. Bill Williams, W.B. William F. Tilton, Jr., W.B. David S. Wergen, and Daniel H. Sneed.
e Grand Lodge of
of Oregon 2150 Masonic Way Forest Grove, OR 97116
1. Visit our website at OregonFreemasonry.com/Donate.
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2. Become a monthly donor with a recurring donation using auto-pay online.
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3. Call the Grand Lodge Office at (503) 357-3158 to contribute over the phone.
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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.
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.
