OMN - 2025 June

OMN

JUNE 2025

OREGON MASONIC NEWS

L E AV E A

Impact

OREGON MASONIC NEWS JUNE 2025 EXECUTIVE EDITOR Grand Secretary, James L. Morgan, P.G.M. EDITOR Holly Darling CONTRIBUTORS Timothy J. Best Marc L. Strong Austin Mier Eric M. Young Dale B. Palileo TO CHANGE DELIVERY OPTIONS Login to or.grandview.systems to edit your communication preferences CONTACT US info@oregonfreemasonry.com 503.357.3158 www.oregonfreemasonry.com

Rights are reserved to edit all submitted material, and views expressed in articles June not necessarily be the official position of the Grand Lodge nor an endorsement thereof.

Proprietary rights to all articles published in the Oregon Masonic News are the sole property of the author and cannot be reproduced without express permission of the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge, A.F. & A.M. of Oregon.

6 Introducing Oregon Masonic Charities Giving Societies

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Fostering DeMolay Connections

Grand Lecturer’s Message

CONTENTS 1 2 4 6 8 9 10 12 14

Grand Master’s Message Meet Marc L. Strong Fostering Connections Oregon Masonic Charities 1851 Society Donors Long Range Planning Committee Grand Lecturer’s Message News from Our Lodges New Museum Exhibit SCAN THIS QR CODE TO VIEW THE GRAND MASTER’S CALENDAR

GRAND MASTER’S MESSAGE

Reflections from the Grand East A

s I sit in the Grand East for these final few days, I find myself fi lled with a deep sense of gratitude and humility. What a year it has been. Looking back, it has truly been a tremendous journey, one marked by challenges, growth, and, most importantly, the unwavering support and dedication of Oregon Masons across our jurisdiction.

Serving as your Grand Master has been the greatest honor of my Masonic life. The trust you placed in me was not taken lightly. Throughout the year, I’ve had the privilege of visiting Lodges large and small, witnessing firsthand the strength and resilience of our Craft. Each handshake, each conversation, each official visit has reminded me of the timeless values that unite us—Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.

There were triumphs to celebrate and obstacles to overcome. Yet through it all, I was reminded time and again that the true strength of our Fraternity lies not in buildings or titles, but in the hearts and hands of the Brothers who carry on our ancient traditions with pride and purpose.

To those who offered guidance, lent a hand, or simply shared a kind word along the way—thank you. This has not been a journey I walked alone, and I am better for the companionship I found in all of you.

As we look to the future, I do so with great optimism. Our Craft is in good hands. The dedication of our blue Lodge officers across the state, the energy of our newer Brothers, and the wisdom of our past masters ensure that the light of Freemasonry will continue to shine brightly in Oregon.

My Brothers, thank you for the opportunity to serve. May the Lord continue to bless you and this Grand Lodge. Every Day! Sincerely and Fraternally,

Timothy J. Best Grand Master 2024-2025

JUNE 2025

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Marc L. Strong ANTICIPATED TO BE

M

GRAND MASTER

arc Lloyd Strong was born Sept. 19, 1955, in Bend, with the Paul Gorham Memorial 141st Reunion. The signers Ore. He was the son of Donald Lyle Strong and on his petition were Tharrell Tilgner and Donald Strong. He Barbara Blackstone Peck. He is the youngest of became a Life Member in 2011. six siblings, with four sisters and one brother. He descends He is a member of Al Kadar Shrine and is a Life Member from the early families of Massachusetts in the late 1620s, of all three York Rite bodies since early 2024. the founding colonists of Connecticut and Maine in the Marc married his wife Lanni Edmunson in 1974 in the 1630s and the early Dutch families of New Netherlands Prairie City United Methodist Church and just celebrated (New York), also in the 1630s. Marc’s father came to Eastern their 50th wedding anniversary in August 2024. They have Oregon in 1949 and took a job with the U.S. Forest Service. two children: Michael born in 1976 and Donald born in Marc’s father, paternal grandfather, maternal great1979. They built their own home in 1992 and still live in grandfather, and two of his great-great grandfathers (one on that home. They have six grandchildren, and three great each side) were all Freemasons. Marc petitioned Canyon City grandchildren with one more that may be born during this Lodge No. 34 and was Initiated an EA May 6, 1999, Passed Grand Lodge 2025. to FC and Raised a Master Mason on May 22, 1999. He was He worked in the ranching community while attending elected Junior Warden in 2003 and was Master of that Lodge high school. After graduation he went to work in the timber in 2004. He was elected Senior Warden in 2005 and in June industry working at several sawmills, helping to build several of 2005 the Lodge consolidated with Baker Lodge No. 47 and of them working as a construction millwright. In 1986 he changed its name to Blue Mountain Lodge No. 34. He was was injured and went to work after recovery with the USDA elected Master again for 2006, this time for Blue Mountain Forest Service for 35 years and moved up to the national Lodge No. 34. He served the Lodge as Senior Deacon in level of the organization in 2004. He continued his career by 2012, 2013, 2020 and 2021. He served on the Lodge Audit moving up to the USDA agency itself in 2019. He retired in Committee for 2024 and 2025. He became a Life Member on April of 2024 after approximately 38 years with the USDA. May 30, 2006.

He enjoys several hobbies including using and building both golf clubs, black rifles, and In the Grand Lodge, he was appointed Senior Grand handguns, plus shooting and Deacon for 2021-22, elected Junior Grand Warden for 2022hunting sports, golfing, jet skiing, 23, Senior Grand Warden for 2023-24 and Deputy Grand camping, side by side adventures, Master for 2024-25. Grand Lodge Committees: Chairman and four wheeling.

Long Range Planning 2021-22; Code 2022-23; Chairman Information and Education 2022-23; Budget 2023-24 and I ' M LO O K I N G FO RWA R D TO 2024-25; Chairman Lodge Management SERVING THE BRETHREN Advisory 2024-25.

He received the OF THIS JURISDICTION Scottish Rite Degrees AND BUILDING ON THE in the Baker Valley of Oregon, 4° - 14° on S T R O N G F O U N D AT I O N October 13, 2006, and the 15° - 32° LAID LAST YEAR. October 14, 2006,

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O R EG O N M A S O N I C N E W S

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O R E G O N D E M O L AY

Left to right: Bjorn Johnson, Rocky Zachary, Collin Best, Diego Legorreta

Fostering Connections

By Austin Mier, Contributing Editor, Oregon DeMolay Hall of Fame Committee

Y

ou can control your oven with your phone now.

Dishwashers, washing machines, basically every household appliance offers some form of digital connection that supposedly delivers on the promise of living a frictionless, connected life. Even your toaster can be integrated into a web of increasingly complicated, and yet increasingly frivolous connections between the various facets of your life. I’ll admit, I’m guilty of indulging in these modern conveniences. My camera now offers an app that I can use to remotely trigger the shutter. What once required a physical connection between myself and the device now can be done wirelessly, requiring a simple tap of a virtual button on my phone screen. Good for selfies.

Strange that all of these connections serve to physically distance ourselves from our tools. The fulfi lment of the promise of connectedness comes in the form of a universal remote built into your phone, such that you no longer have to even get up to operate the simplest of appliances, nothing to say of the increasingly complicated things, like my camera, or of modern cars. The more “connected” a thing becomes, the more distant it tends to become.

What then of human connection? Surely all of our communications technologies serve to maintain an illusory

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sort of connection with each other, while maintaining a physical reality of distance. Such was my first reaction when I heard about the possibility of a DeMolay online chapter.

How does one forge true friendships through a medium of distance? It seems counterintuitive, and yet the first signs point to Oregon DeMolay’s foray into the digital realm as being successful in what was, originally, the empty promise of tech corporations, a promise of connection despite distance.

I am reminded that even the simplest tools can create great works.

The idea began small. As Oregon DeMolay Executive Officer John Coulter puts it, it came to him in a dream. One restless night, he scribbled some notes on a bedside notepad, but by the time he had woken up the next morning, only one word was really legible; “Online”. The hope was that new technology could facilitate communication and reach disparate members of the DeMolay community, connecting people and resources from physically distant chapters across Oregon. It seems simple, but as anyone who has arranged an online meeting knows, things can quickly become messy.

Coulter initially tried to apply the idea to a Squire program, but was met with little success. While the online meeting was functional, after he took his hands off it, it failed to grow

into a self sustaining and growing community. “DeMolay is meeting can become a frustrating and scary experience. a youth organization, and so these things have to come from But Oregon Trail Chapter demonstrates that it doesn’t the youth.” have to be. Meetings are conducted informally within Technology at that the comfort of the moment was an obstacle participant’s homes, and that had to be overcome, displayed name cards and opportunity to do so even aid in learning struck about a year later. names and making Then Junior State Officer introductions less Rocky Zachary, while at difficult. Participants Convention with other can join in as little, or representatives from as much as they want. across Oregon, heard From simply listening a story about a young behind a “muted” man who wanted to be camera, to joining in on A new member of Oregon involved, but was too conversations, debates, Tr a i l C h a p t e r c a n e x p e r i e n c e physically remote from and games, a new things at their own pace. any active chapters to member of Oregon Trail do so. Zachary and close chapter can experience friend Bjorn Johnson things at their own pace, were both experienced while still interacting in using Social Media tools to help promote and organize with real, active DeMolay members. their own events, and so they set to brainstorming ideas for Indeed, while it was initially intended to reach remote what would eventually become Oregon Demolay’s first online DeMolay chapters, perhaps the greater victory, at least chapter; Oregon Trail Chapter. philosophically, is that Oregon Trail Chapter presents a To call it a chapter is somewhat of a misnomer, as the unique and effective way to introduce new members to what gathering, conducted through a video call on Zoom, is very makes DeMolay so special in the first place; the values that it informal. All are welcome to join the call every month on the promotes and the people who engender those values. Because seventh, but officers are typically not in uniform. They also of the low commitment required to join an online meeting, don’t conduct standard ceremonies. Indeed, there are many even someone who is just a little curious can interact with things that make the online chapter experience very different current DeMolays and ask questions, and get prompt answers from a typical Demolay chapter meeting. Rocky describes the in an informal environment. initial intimidation of his first “physical” meeting, where he The results are already clear. The first full member from was introduced to many people who, through their manners the online chapter was recently initiated into DeMolay, and dress, seemed important and larger than life. Such a and people from around the state, and even outside it, are perception, he argues, serves to distance ourselves from the beginning to notice. DeMolay leadership from as far away physical reality that these people, who seem so intimidating as Bulgaria and Brazil have dropped into the meetings to see now, will soon become collaborators and friends. Combined what is going on, and there is genuine interest in applying the with the difficulty of remembering names and details, a first methods and lessons from the Oregon Trail chapter to online DeMolay meetings around the world. As Bjorn Johnson puts it, “Oregon is the heart of a new wave of DeMolay, and I’m a firm believer in it.”

For Rocky Zachary, the value in the Online Chapter lies in the connections he has made and the connections he is facilitating between other members. Imagining the “found” family that he has cultivated within DeMolay, he says; “DeMolay should be a home away from home. DeMolay should be a home even when you don’t have a home. Your brothers and Mom and Dad advisors should be family even when you don’t have one.” The Oregon Trail Chapter is a home that can follow you wherever you go, an ongoing connection to the brotherhood of DeMolay, in spite of physical distance.

"Oregon is the heart of a new wave of DeMolay, and I'm a firm believer in it."

- Bjorn Johnson

JUNE 2025

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OREGON MASONIC CHARITIES

L E AV E A

L ASTING

Impact

Recognizing donors who support Oregon Masonic Charities

Rooted in Masonic values, we believe every act of a month—and over time, unlocks exclusive recognition and generosity holds the power to shape the future. That’s why unique experiences. we’re proud to introduce two new giving societies—The 1851 The Legacy Society honors those who include Oregon Society and The Legacy Masonic Charities in Society—honoring those their will, trust, or estate who give with purpose plans. These thoughtful and vision to support the commitments provide MA SONRY HELPED ME charitable work of Oregon a lasting foundation for GROW A S A PERSON. MY Masonic Charities, both the future, ensuring that B R O T H E R S D E M O N S T R AT E D today and for generations to our shared values—relief, come. education, and service— RESPECTING ALL PEOPLE The 1851 Society, named continue to thrive.

A N D I S T R I V E T O E M U L AT E for the year Freemasonry Whether your generosity T H AT. M Y D R I V I N G took root in Oregon, comes through annual giving recognizes individual donors, or future planning, your FORCE IS TO GIVE BACK .

Lodges and Chapters, and support uplifts Oregon’s B Y D O N AT I N G T I M E , community partners who Masonic family and the give annually to support communities we serve.

R E S O U R C E S , A N D S U P P O R T, life-changing Together, we are building I AIM TO SUPPORT programs that serve a future grounded in MASONS AND OUR both the Masonic compassion, purpose, and family and the Masonic ideals.

M A S O N I C F A M I LY. broader community.

Learn more at Membership begins OregonFreemasonry.com/ - M .W. B . C r a i g A . S i p p , at just $100 per GivingSocieties Past Grand Master and 1 8 5 1 S o c i e t y M e m b e r year—less than $10

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W here Generosity Meets Masonic Purpose

MEMB ER S HIP B EG IN S AT $10 0/ Y E A R

All gifts are tracked cumulatively for lifetime recognition.

G IV IN G LE V EL S Ambassador Pillar Foundation Cornerstone Master Fellowcraft

– – – – – –

$100,000 $25,000 $10,000 $5,000 $2,500 $1,000

MEMB ER S HIP B ENEFITS

✓ Recognition in annual publications & digital donor wall ✓ Access to exclusive branded merchandise ✓ Reflects your commitment to Masonic values: relief, education, and community

Recognizes individuals who include Oregon Masonic Charities in their will, trust, or estate plan.

G IV IN G LE V EL S Pearl Emerald Ruby Diamond

– – – –

S TA R T SMAL L, MAKE A BIG I M PA CT

$5,000 $20,000 $100,000 $500,000

MEMB ER S HIP B ENEFITS Legacy Society Donor Wall Plaque

The generati best decision ✓ Perpetuate your values for future ons you&can ✓ Recognition in annual publications on make the Legacy donor wall for a life of in the Richmond Library and Museum

— SU PP O RTIN G —

independence confidence and freedom.

• Adu

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• Ind Livi

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2300 Masonic Way  Forest Grove, OR 97116 503-357-4133  www.jenningsmccall.com

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OREGON MASONIC CHARITIES

2024 DONORS

Donation amounts are cumulative since 2015 * Indicates Monthly Donor

AMBASSADOR

CORNERSTONE

FELLOWCRAFT

O.E.S. Grand Chapter

Burkholder Jr., Warren Case Jr., Arthur & Sherry Warren Lodge No. 10 Pacific Lodge No. 50 Tillamook Lodge No. 57 Sidney Croft Lodge No. 206

Boyd, Robert & Susan Cornerstone Lodge No. 157 East Gate Lodge No. 155 Ebert, George G. Erwin, Craig & Sharon Fairview Lodge No. 92 Granger Jr., George & Starr Harper, Ben W. Holbrook Lodge No. 30 Jensen, Jerry L. Kinney, Calvin & Susan Landauer, Robert & Valorie *Larrance, Stephen M. Marys River Lodge No. 221 Medford Lodge No. 103 Prineville Lodge No. 76 Rohrbacher, Mark G. Sandy Masonic Lodge No. 158 *Sipp, Craig A. Van Buren, Phillip C. *Varner, Richard D. Yesilada, Birol A.

$100,000+

PILLAR

$25,000+

Eugene Lodge No. 11 Insurance Partners, LLC Rainier Lodge No. 24 UBS Financial Services, Inc. Vista Masonic Lodge No. 215 Washington Lodge No. 46

FOUNDATION $10,000+

Belshe, James R. Hansen Hunter & Company P.C. Jennings McCall Center

ADD YOUR N A M E TO THIS LIST!

$5,000+

MASTER $2,500+

Beaverton Masonic Lodge No. 100 Bitar, William Griffiths, Frank R. Komraus, Richard C. Lyon Lodge No. 29 *Morgan, James L. Munson, James V. Newkirk, Loren & Marjorie Portland Lodge No. 55 *Posler, Mark L. Smith, Dennis Wick, R. Michael

$1,000+

Learn more at OregonFreemasonry.com/1851Society

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CONGR ATU L ATIONS

L O D G E S T H AT RAISED THE MOST MASTER MASONS IN 2024 Salem No. 4 Ashland No. 23 Medford No. 103 Florence No. 107 Sandy No. 158 Tuality No. 6 Washington No. 46 Klamath No. 77 Grants Pass No. 84 Milwaukie No. 109 Bend No. 139 Kenton No. 145

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Culture, Assessment, & Positive Change

by R.W.B. Eric M. Young, Senior Grand Deacon

T

he members of this Long Range Planning Committee represent a diverse cross section of Masonry in Oregon.

This committee represents many years of Masonic experience. We are honored to serve and have the goal of creating a valuable tool to assist in producing positive change within our jurisdiction.

The Long Range Planning Committee has been meeting via Zoom on a monthly basis. Our diverse locations makes the use of Zoom meetings and Google Docs the most efficient and cost effective way of communication and collaboration.

After taking on the diverse and expansive subject of Lodge culture, we narrowed our efforts into creating an interactive Lodge document that can assist Lodges in assessing their culture. Identifying the problem is the first step in fi xing it.

This interactive Lodge assessment tool will identify areas within the Lodge that need focused effort or improvement.

Next, the tool will suggest practical ways for the Lodge to respond to the challenges that they have identified.

Those activities, when built into a Lodge 3- to 5-year action plan, create a road map for positive change and creating a constructive culture within the Lodge.

The subject of Lodge culture has become a focus point that many Lodges are discussing and looking for assistance with. The Masonic day of training spent a great deal of time discussing this topic. Discussion among Brothers is the start.

It is our hope that Lodges will use these conversations to facilitate Brothers stepping up and committing to lead their Lodges in this exercise of assessment and improvement.

As of the writing of this report, the committee is compiling reports and working on conclusions, and next steps. We are hopeful that a final product will be rolled out to the Lodges soon.

I commend the members of this committee for their diligence and hard work. The members of this committee have shown their dedication to Oregon Freemasonry by spending many of hours of discussion and work on this project.

JUNE 2025

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GRAND LECTURER’S MESSAGE

You Were There for Your Degree

Will You Be There for Theirs?

By W.B. Dale B. Palileo, Grand Lecturer

W

e all say we love the Craft. We say Brotherhood matters. We say we want our Lodge to grow, to thrive, to stand tall for the next generation.

And yet when it comes time for a Degree conferral — when a man takes the biggest step in his Masonic journey — the sidelines are half-empty. The excuses roll in: Busy. Tired.

Already seen it. They won’t miss me.

And maybe some of those reasons are real. Life gets in the way. Work piles up. Family demands attention. Nobody’s saying those things don’t matter. They do, but far too often, it’s not that we can’t come, it’s that we choose not to.

We tell ourselves it’s no big deal. That someone else will cover it. That our presence isn’t going to make or break the night. But it does. It matters. Maybe more than anything else

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we do. Let’s break it down, in no uncertain terms, why your presence matters more than you realize.

THE CANDIDATE’S FIRST IMPRESSION IS EVERYTHING

Picture this: A man stands at the altar, hoodwinked, heart pounding. He’s vulnerable. Trusting. Unsure.

And when the hoodwink is lifted, what does he see? A few scattered faces looking bored, or a full room, shoulder-toshoulder, Brothers standing tall to welcome him in?

That first sight matters. It sets the tone for everything that follows. When he sees a packed room, it tells him something powerful: “This is real. These men showed up for me, for the Craft, for something bigger than themselves.”

When the room is empty, it sends a message too: “Maybe this isn’t as important as they said it was.”

That moment, that first sight, shapes a Mason’s entire perception of the Craft. It tells him everything about what he just pledged himself to. It either affirms that Masonry is alive, vibrant, and worth devoting his life to, or it leaves a seed of disappointment he may never fully uproot.

We only get one shot to give a candidate that first moment.

One. Why would we ever waste it?

IT REMINDS YOU WHY YOU TOOK THE OBLIGATION IN THE FIRST PLACE

It’s easy to forget. Over time, the Degrees blur together. The memory of your own first steps gets buried under meetings, minutes, and motions. But when you stand on the sidelines and watch a man take his obligations, something stirs inside you if you’re paying attention. You remember what it felt like. You remember the hope, the excitement, the fear, the pride. You remember why you did this, and you realize that journey isn’t finished. It's still unfolding, right there in front of you — not just in him, but in you too.

Masonry isn’t something you join once and forget.

It’s something you live, EVERYDAY, or else you slowly stop living it at all. And sometimes, all it takes to wake you back up... is showing up.

him to feel that power, that welcome, that charge in the air.

Be the Brother you hope is there for the ones you love.

YOU WILL LEARN SOMETHING IF YOU’RE WILLING TO LISTEN

You think you’ve heard it all before? Good. Now hear it again as the man you are today. Because here’s the secret: The Ritual never changes. You do.

Freemasonry doesn’t repeat itself because it’s stagnant. It repeats itself because you are supposed to grow. You’re not the same man you were when you first heard those words. You’ve been through more. You’ve struggled, succeeded, failed, grown. You bring different eyes, different ears, a different heart to the Degrees every time you attend. And if you really listen — not with boredom, but with curiosity — you’ll hear something you missed. A new layer. A deeper truth. A quiet challenge you weren’t ready for before.

Freemasonry isn’t static. It’s alive. And if you think you’re too advanced, too busy, or too important to sit and listen, maybe that’s exactly when you need it most.

THIS IS REAL .

THESE MEN SHOWED UP FOR ME , FOR THE C R A F T, F O R SOMETHING BIGGER THAN T H E M S E LV E S .

YOU BECOME PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER EVEN IF YOU DON’T SAY A WORD

You don’t have to be on stage to matter. You don’t have to deliver a lecture to make a difference. You don’t even have to open your mouth.

Just standing there, just being there, you are doing something important. You are part of a moment that Brother will remember for the rest of his life. You are part of the story he will tell — about the night he became a Mason.

You might be a face he can’t name. You might be a handshake he barely remembers. But your presence will be felt. The Lodge feels different when it’s full. The energy is different. The whole experience lifts when the room is alive.

And someday, when it’s your son, your nephew, your friend at that altar... you’ll want every chair filled too. You’ll want

THE BOTTOM LINE

It’s easy to talk about Brotherhood. It’s easy to say you care about the Craft. It’s easy to post a square and compass on your Facebook page.

Showing up is harder, and that’s why it matters more. No degree team can succeed without support. No candidate becomes a strong Mason in a vacuum.

No Lodge thrives on the backs of a few tired volunteers.

It takes all of us. And it starts with the simple, stubborn, powerful decision to just be there.

You won’t get a trophy. You won’t get your name in the minutes. You won’t get public applause. But you’ll get something better: the knowledge that you were part of something real. That you honored your obligation. That you helped build a Mason’s future — and in doing so, strengthened your own.

So the next time a Degree night comes around, don’t make excuses. Make history. Stand up. Show up. Be the Brother you promised you would be. Because if we don’t show up for each other, then who will?

JUNE 2025

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

J U N E Q U A R T E R LY L E C T U R E :

CONSCIOUS ENERGETICS

BY R O N K A R S T E N Vice President of the Theosophical Society in Portland Theosophy holds that spiritual progress involves the redirection of energy from the personal self to the All-encompassing Self present in all. This presentation is offered in an effort to help you develop this capacity.

DATE & TIME Saturday, June 21st Lecture: 5:00-6:30 pm [Public] Esoterika Stated Meeting: 7:00 pm [Masons only]

LOCATION 1512 SW Morrison Street Portland, Oregon 97205 $10 suggested donation

MCMILL AN R ANCH OUTDOOR EA DEGREE

Saturday, June 28 Gavel strikes at 5pm Steak dinner following the Degree Join us and enjoy a beautiful setting, topshelf Ritual work, a great meal, and fellowship! $15 per person RSVP to jhamblen@oregonfreemasonry.com Address and additional information provided with RSVP confirmation

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O R EG O N M A S O N I C N E W S

Sequencial Masters

Worshipful Masters of Lodges 155, 156, 157, and 158 were at the Cornerstone Lodge No. 157 April stated meeting.

Pictured left to right: W.B. Mike Wall, Master of Eastgate No. 155, W.B. Jim Akers, Master of Lents No. 156, W.B. Josh Singleton, Master of Cornerstone No. 157, and W.B. Peter Morrison, Master of Sandy Lodge No. 158.

NEWS FROM OUR LODGES

Donation to ROTC

Worshipful Brothers Michael B. Frye & Greg L. O’Neal presented a donation from East Linn Lodge No. 44 to the Lebanon High School JROTC & LTC Mark Smith for $720.

6 5 -Ye a r J e w e l P r e s e n t e d i n M c M i n n v i l l e

On April 26, representatives from Union Lodge No. 3 visited Brother Dennis McCord at his home in McMinnville to award his 65-year jewel for his service to Freemasonry. Brother McCord was raised in Union Lodge No. 3, though his career as a naval officer took him across the country and the world. Among his many accomplishments, he commanded the USS Impervious, was present at the first nighttime launch of a Polaris missile from a submarine, and even after retirement was asked to help with some specialty work at Area 51. He is enjoying his retirement with his wife of 67 years, Dolly, and is still active with amateur radio.

Pictured: Brother Dennis McCord, R.W.B. Rick Fieldhouse, and M.W.B. Hunt Compton, P.G.M.

Shriners on Parade

On April 26 the Shriners Motor Patrol and the Oriental Band float participated in the NW Cherry Orchards Festival in The Dalles, Ore.

Grand Master Visits Sidney Croft Lodge

Most Worshipful Grand Master Timothy J. Best visited Sidney Croft Lodge No. 206 in Brookings for their stated meeting in March. Gifts were exchanged and everyone had a great evening.

D o n a t i o n t o Tu r n e r Elementary School

Pearl Masonic Lodge No. 66 donated $750 to Turner Elementary School which was very grateful to receive support for its students.

5 0 -Ye a r J e w e l Presentation

Brother Dwight Irby was presented with his 50-year jewel presentation

by W.B. Patrick Opdahl, Worshipful Master of St. Helens No. 32, R.W.B. John Ridenour, DD No. 1, and W.B. Terry Pea, Senior Warden of St. Helens No. 32.

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JUNE 2025

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OREGON MASONIC NEWS

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NEW EXHIBIT

Robert M. Richmond Memorial Library and Museum

“The Home”

The Robert M. Richmond Memorial Library and Museum is proud to unveil its newest exhibit: "The Home."

This compelling display tells the story of the Masonic and Eastern Star Home of Oregon—from its founding, through its daily life and operations, to its eventual closure in the 1990s. For decades, The Home was a sanctuary for Brothers, Sisters, and orphans who had nowhere else to turn. Within its walls, residents found not just shelter, but dignity, community, and care.

Adults lived out their golden years with access to food, medical support, and companionship. Orphans were given more than a roof—they were given a fresh start and a future, thanks to the generosity and vision of the Masonic family.

Come explore the legacy of The Home—a powerful testament to Masonic charity and compassion.

Yo u a r e i n v i t e d t o v i s i t t h e R o b e r t M . R i c h m o n d M e m o r i a l L i b ra r y a n d Mu s e u m to a cce s s Ma s o n i c a n d Lo d ge h i s to r y.

O p e n f o r to u r s a n d v i s it s by a p p o i nt m e nt .

P l e a s e c a l l i n a d v a n ce .

M o n d ay-T h u r s d ay 8 a . m . - 4 p. m .

Fr i d ay 8 a . m . - 2 p. m .

C o nt a c t j e d w a r d s @ o r e go nf r e e m a s o n r y.co m 5 0 3 . 4 37. 32 85 2 24 0 M a s o n i c Way Fo r e s t G r ove , O R 97116

Visit the Librar y and Museum website, blog a n d d i g i t a l a r c h i ve s .