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 self aggrandizing. 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)