The Grand Master’s Message: The Masonic Family
“TheMasonic Family” is a phrase used to include all the organizations related to Freemasonry. The Appendant & Concordant bodies seem to have been created to allow women and youth to participate in Masonic activities and to create additional groups that draw their membership from the fraternity. We have many Masonicrelated organizations active in Oregon.
The benefits of the Masonic Family are obvious. These organizations allow more persons to participate in the Masonic lifestyle, engaging in self-improvement, charitable projects, and social activities. New friendships are made and joint activities and events are undertaken. The most well-known project being the Masonic & Eastern Star Home in Forest Grove. It is important to maintain positive relationships among the members of the Masonic Family, which will benefit all of us.
Communication and coordination between the Lodges and the other Masonic Family groups are very important. Because each group has different leadership and customs, misunderstandings can arise. Such misunderstandings can be amplified when a Lodge building is used by multiple groups. In the past, shared Trestleboard newsletters helped with this communication. Unfortunately, many of these newsletters have been replaced with electronic information distribution, which is limited to each organization separately.
Earlier this Masonic year, I held an “Appendant & Concordant Bodies Summit” at Grand Lodge Headquarters. I met with many Masonic Family leaders to discuss issues facing our organizations. One of the first steps we took was to improve our ability to contact each other.
I ask you to think about how your Lodge can improve communication with other Masonic Family organizations. Consider ways to share information among all members of the Masonic Family in your area. Plan joint activities and have some fun together! I have greatly enjoyed my interactions with the Masonic Family this year, and you can too.
Report of the MESH Board
Aduty of the Immediate Past Grand Master is to chair the Masonic & Eastern Star Home (MESH) Board, and it has been a pleasure and an honor to serve as chairman of the Board for this Masonic Grand Lodge year. I now submit this abbreviated report on the Home:
The management of the Home, Jennings McCall Center (JMC), is managed by Aidan Health Services under the supervision of Mark Remley and the direction of the MESH Board. For most of this year, we were limited on any physical improvements to the building due to the continued operating restrictions caused by testing for COVID-19 and pandemic restrictions already in place. We were able to finish the remodel of the clinic, enabling better use of the area and adding much-needed space. This has helped lower medical costs as many services are now provided in-house.
JMC has been fortunate to have Aidan Health Services managing the Home and Crystale Harding as its administrator;
continued on page two
IN THIS ISSUE
1 Grand Master’s Message
1 Report of the MESH Board
2 Robert Burns Lodge & The Malheur Cave
3 Grand Master’s Itinerary
4 173rd Annual Communication Information
5 173rd Annual Communication Agenda
5 173rd Annual Communication Meal Sign-up
6 News from Our Lodges
7 PGA/OMCF Golf Tournament
Report of the MESH Board,continued
from page one
they have shown superior leadership during these trying times. They have maintained the quality and appearance of our facility while working within the rules and guidelines of both state and federal laws. The JMC staff have again shown their dedication to our residents during these difficult times. The high quality of care our residents have come to expect has continued throughout the many restrictions our staff have been required to follow. At the writing of this report, staffing levels are improving. The use of agency employees will not be needed as we continue to hire our own staff, allowing us to reduce the dependence on outside labor services and the increased cost associated with their use.
We currently have two Life Care members and 12 MasonicAid Subsidy Program members, with eight residing in JMC and the other four residing in independent or assisted living facilities in their communities. Thanks to Ms. Tammy Vanderzanden for her leadership in our MESHCare/MasonicAid Subsidy Program, working with current members and new applicants. Thanks to Ms. Danielle Christopherson, MasonicAid Director, who is currently assisting over 60 Masonic and Eastern Star members. During the 2022–2023 Grand Lodge year, approximately $200,000 was allocated to help our members remain safely at home or get necessary care within a retirement community.
My recommendation to the Board is that they continue to provide and grow the outreach programs and work on getting the word out to our Masonic and Eastern Star members because it is one of our best-kept secrets.
My thanks to the Grand Lodge office staff for all the help and support they have given the Board and me these past six years. Without your skills, talents, and devotion to your duties, the MESH Board and Grand Lodge would not operate as efficiently as it does. There is no way I would have made it, especially since my keyboard skills are so limited.
Thanks to M.W.B. James L. Morgan, P.G.M., Grand Secretary, for his support and guidance this year. Thanks to the members of the MESH Board; it has been a great opportunity and honor to serve with you. M.W.B. W. Myles McMillan, P.G.M., thank you for the opportunity to be Grand Master and serve the Craft for the last six years. They have been some of the best years I have had in Masonry. Finally, to the members of the Grand Lodge of Oregon, thank you for having faith in me and allowing me to serve as your Grand Master for the 2021-2022 Masonic year.
Fraternally,
M.W.B. Gregory A. Jenkins, Immediate Past Grand Master, Masonic and Eastern Star Home Board Chairman
Robert Burns Lodge & The Malheur Cave Part II
Witha Special Dispensation issued by Most Worshipful Grand Master F. C. Howell, the first Malheur Cave meeting was held on Oct. 1, 1938
At 8 p.m., an old-fashioned “Buckeroo” supper was served at the cave entrance. Following, the Lodge was opened in the cave on the Master Mason degree, and this degree was conferred upon Brother Fellowcraft William Merle Bennett. Fortynine Masons registered, and 21 different Lodges from seven states and one foreign country were represented. Five short speeches were given by various attending Brothers, and a handmade butcher knife, made by Walter Booker, was presented to the Worshipful Master by Brother C. E. Gregory, Park Falls Lodge, Park Falls, Wis. Lighting was by gas lanterns.
Two notes contained in the minutes by C. W. Loggan, Secretary, are of interest. At a place in the minutes where a water smudge appears this note: “This blot was caused by a drop of water falling from the ceiling of the cave,” and the last entry: “Note: These minutes were written in the Malheur Cave, and an old bench was used as the secretary’s desk. CWL, Sec.”
The meetings at the Malheur Cave have become an annual event that has entertained thousands of Masons from all over the world, and they are still flourishing at this time. The Lodge acquired legal title to the cave property in 1953. A bronze plaque honoring Brothers Ulysses S. Hackney and Charles W. Loggan for their part in establishing the cave meeting was dedicated by Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden Shalor C. Eldridge at the cave meeting on Sept. 7, 1946.
The April 2023 Oregon Masonic News article on the Malheur Cave and this article were taken from a Lodge article titled, “History of Burns Lodge No. 97, A.F. and A.M., June 12, 1890, to June 12, 1990.”
- submitted by M.W.B. D. Arthur Bush, P.G.M.
Rainbow Girls: Camp SAS 2023
Grand Master’s Tentative Itinerary
May 2023
2 — Gateway No. 175, Warrenton, Official Visit; dinner, 6:30 p.m.; Lodge, 7:30 p.m. - U, L
4 — South Umpqua No. 72, Canyonville, Official Visit; dinner, 6 p.m.; Lodge, 7 p.m. - U, L
6 — Grand Lodge Officer and District Deputy Training, Grand Lodge Headquarters - S
9 — Wildhorse No. 65, Athena, Official Visit; dinner, 6 p.m.; Lodge, 7 p.m. - U (Masons only)
Oregon Rainbow recently held our Enchanted Forest-themed Camp SAS. Camp SAS (Skills and Sisterhood) is a weekend event filled with informative classes and team bonding, such as minigames.
We had some amazing Masons teaching many of the classes. Mr. Stephen Barkley from Beaverton Lodge taught Personal Finance, Mr. Alan Beebe from McKenzie River Lodge taught First Aid, Mr. Bruce Altizer from Lents Lodge gave pointers on memorizing ritual, and Mr. Grant Mobley from Fairview Lodge shared some car care tips. We also had some great Amaranth and Eastern Star members leading classes and helping all weekend. We are grateful for everyone’s support, and I would like to thank everyone who helped during this fun weekend event!
On Sunday, we worked on the Supreme Worthy Advisor’s service project, Purses of Empowerment. Many Assemblies, Chapters, and Courts collected purses and small toiletries such as shampoo bottles, feminine products, and more. We packed these essentials into the donated purses, which will be sent to women in need. We were able to put together 52 purses that day!
Again, thank you to all who made this weekend so spectacular for Oregon Rainbow’s members. Your continued support enables Oregon Rainbow to offer the young members an opportunity to bond and grow together during events like Camp SAS.
Respectfully,
Mykayla Powers, Worthy Advisor, Hillsboro Assembly No. 2410 — Joseph No. 81, Official Visit; dinner, 6:30 p.m.; Lodge, 7:30 p.m.
- U, L
11 — Acacia No. 118, Ontario, Official Visit; dinner, 6 p.m.; Lodge, 7 p.m. - U, L
13 — MESH/Trustee Meeting; Forest Grove, 8 a.m. - U, SU
16 — Rainier No. 24, Official Visit; dinner, 6:30 p.m.; Lodge, 7:30 p.m. - U, L
18 — Scio No. 39, Official Visit; dinner, 6:30 p.m.; Lodge, 7:30 p.m. - U, L
20 — Potentate’s Ball, Al Kader Shrine Center, Wilsonville, 4-9 p.m.
- U, T, L
25 — Oregon DeMolay Gala, Sentinel Hotel, Portland, 5-9 p.m. - T, L
27 — Oregon DeMolay Convention, Mt. Hood Oregon Resort, Welches
- U, S, L
28 — Wreath laying at M.W.B. Berryman Jennings’ gravesite, Greenwood Hills Cemetery, Portland, Section 1, 11 a.m. - U, L
31 — Grand Master’s Banquet (invitation only); social hour, 6 p.m.; dinner, 7 p.m. - T, L
June 2023
1 — Grand Lodge of Oregon 173rd Annual Communication, Riverhouse Convention Center, Bend - U
Fellowship Banquet: social hour, 6 p.m.; dinner, 7 p.m. - Casual (nice jeans OK, no shorts), L
2 — Grand Lodge of Oregon 173rd Annual Communication, Riverhouse Convention Center, Bend - U and Installation of Grand Lodge Officers 2023-2024, 4 p.m. - U, T, L
U = Uniform; L = Ladies; T = Tuxedo; S = Suit; SU = Summer Uniform; BC = Business Casual
Find
M.W. GRAND MASTER, Mark L. Posler, invites all Master Masons, their wives, and guests to attend the 173rd Annual Communication of the Masonic Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of Oregon in Bend, Oregon. An Informal Opening will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 1, followed by the Formal Session at 10:00 a.m. On Friday, June 2, the Session will open at 8:00 a.m.
The Fellowship Banquet will be held Thursday evening at the Riverhouse Convention Center. A no-host social hour will begin at 6:00 p.m., with dinner at 7:00 p.m. The cost of the dinner includes entertainment. The Grand Master has selected “Enjoying Our Travels Together” as the theme! The attire for the banquet is casual (nice jeans are OK, but no shorts, please! “Dress like a tourist.”) There will be lunch available at noon on both Thursday and Friday, as well as ladies’ events on both days.
MEALS
Oregon Grand Lodge Officers, District Deputies of the Grand Master, and visiting dignitaries will be sent a letter with instructions for signing up for meals online. If you are not an Oregon Grand Lodge Officer, District Deputy, or visiting Dignitary, and not ordering online, please complete the meal selections and return the form on the next page.
To make your meal selections online, visit:
www.oregonfreemasonry.com/annual-communication
Meal tickets will not be sold at the door. Refunds unavailable to those unable to attend.
Reserved tickets for all meals will be tucked into your packet and available for pick-up at the check-in table (open various hours, shown at right), so be sure your meal ticket order reaches the Grand Lodge office no later than Friday, May 19!
Meal Tickets will not be mailed, and we are not able to hold tickets for later payment.
The Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of Oregon
173rd Annual Communication
June 1 & 2, 2023
LADIES’ EVENTS
Thursday, June 1, the Grand Master’s Lady has arranged a bus tour to Black Butte Ranch. Boarding will be at the Riverhouse on the Deschutes hotel, and buses will begin loading at 10:15 a.m., depart at 10:30 a.m., and return around 3:00 p.m. A ranch buffet and cookie bar will be served for lunch. The “There is a Place” walking tour of Black Butte Ranch will be followed by a visit to the town of Sisters for an afternoon of shopping.
Additionally, the “Horsing Around” themed Ladies Luncheon will be on Friday, June 2, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Riverhouse on the Deschutes hotel. Dress attire is casual.
For those ladies not attending either of these ladies’ events, you are welcome to join the men during the Thursday and/or Friday Fellowship Luncheons.
LODGING
For room reservations, you may call The Riverhouse on the Deschutes hotel directly at (541) 389-3111 or visit the Grand Lodge website, www.oregonfreemasonry.com/annual-communication. You will find information about Accommodations and a link to take you directly to The Riverhouse’s special page to make room reservations for this event. There you can select your room type, as well as see the amenities and cost. If calling, be sure to inform them you are with the Masonic Grand Lodge group. Room availability is first come, first served. To receive the group rates, you must make your reservations by Sunday, April 30, 2023.
Other hotels in the area:
Shilo Inns Bend — (541) 389-9600
Red Lion Inn & Suites — (541) 388-4114
