Volume XL No. 8, April 2023
The Grand Master’s Message: MasonicAid
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hrough outreach services and retirement community subsidies, the Grand Lodge of Oregon provides aid to Masons, their wives, widows, and minor children on your behalf. Working in partnership with the Order of the Eastern Star, assistance is also provided to female members of their Order. MasonicAid is a primary charitable activity of the Freemasons of Oregon, based on the idea “charity begins at home.” As a Grand Lodge Trustee for four years, I have learned much about the administration of MasonicAid. I can report to you that we have outstanding staff working from the Grand Secretary’s office to deliver this service. Participating and receiving assistance is easy, but I have found how difficult it can be to help a Mason. As Freemasons, our concern is that of helping others, not ourselves. I have observed instances when a Mason could use help but did not think to ask for assistance. It seems many of us M.W.B. Mark L. Posler have a “blind spot” when it comes to our Grand Master own needs. I have made over 40 Official Visits to Lodges so far this year, and at almost every visit, concerns were raised regarding the welfare of Lodge Brothers during the “Sickness and Distress” portion of the meeting. It is common for Lodges to contact the distressed Brother, which is commendable but does not often result in financial aid. In my experience, the distressed Brother will rarely ask for assistance when contacted by a Lodge Brother. When you hear of a Lodge Brother who is seriously sick or injured, consider making a referral to MasonicAid. Our staff will contact the Brother and assess their situation. Sick or injured Brothers seem to be more willing to speak candidly about their situation with a professional case manager than with their Lodge Brothers. MasonicAid contact will often result in advice, referral information, coordination of support, and sometimes financial assistance. Of course, this also applies to our Brothers’ wives, widows, and minor children. Contact MasonicAid by calling the Grand Lodge at (503) 357-3158, visiting www. oregonfreemasonry.com/MasonicAid, or learn more from your District Deputy. Fraternally, M.W.B. Mark L. Posler, Grand Master, The Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of Oregon
Understanding the Real Value of The WestGate Experience
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f you attended the recent Grand Lodge statewide training or your Lodge’s Stated Meeting during the Official Visit of the Grand Master, it is likely you have heard about The WestGate Experience. At its core, The WestGate Experience is a unique approach in retaining new and existing Lodge members. It does this by providing a roadmap W.B. Dale B. Palileo Grand Orator or process that Lodges can easily follow, from the time a potential petitioner contacts the Lodge to the time he becomes a Master Mason and beyond. It is important to note that The WestGate Experience is not for every Lodge. There are Lodges within our jurisdiction that are doing well with membership retention programs and may not need anything that The WestGate Experience provides. However, there are Lodges in Oregon that are struggling with membership, and perhaps The WestGate Experience can provide a different approach that may yield results.
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IN THIS ISSUE 1 1 3 3 4 6 7 7 8
Grand Master’s Message The Real Value of The WestGate Experience Robert Burns Lodge and the Malheur Cave GWMNM Celebrates 100 Years News from Our Lodges 173rd Annual Communication Information 173rd Annual Communication Agenda 173rd Annual Communication Meal Sign-up Grand Master’s Itinerary