OMN - 2025 September

OMN

OREGON MASONIC NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2025

175 YEARS OF FR EEMASONRY IN T HE

WILD WEST + PLUS Annual Communication Recap

OREGON MASONIC NEWS SEPTEMBER 2025 EXECUTIVE EDITOR Grand Secretary, James L. Morgan, P.G.M. EDITOR Holly Darling CONTRIBUTORS Marc L. Strong Johnny J. Edwards Gregory A. Hinkelman Zachary Steele Gary L. Ball Timothy J. Best, I.P.G.M. Marissa Douglas 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 may 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.

2 175 Years of Freemasonry in the Wild West

10 175th Annual Communication

14 Join the Grand Master in Washington, D.C.

CONTENTS 1 2 5 6 8 10 12 14

Grand Master’s Message 175 Years of Freemasonry in the Wild West Education and Care—Educational Assistance What Legacy Will You Leave Behind?

OMCF Golf Tournament Celebrates 21 Years 175th Annual Communication News from Our Lodges Join the Grand Master in Washington, D.C.

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO VIEW THE GRAND MASTER’S CALENDAR

GRAND MASTER’S MESSAGE

From Summer’s Rest to Autumn’s Light Rekindling Our Obligations and Unit y in the Masonic Family

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hope this month’s OMN finds you enjoying the gentle transition into autumn. Across our beautiful state, the leaves are changing into brilliant shades of gold and crimson, and flocks of birds are gathering, preparing for their long journeys to warmer places.

In many ways, our Masonic Family is like those birds. Over the summer, we’ve each been busy— whether with our families or with our Masonic Family—attending picnics, parades, and other summertime activities. Now, as fall arrives and Lodges that go dark in the summer return to light, we gather again, drawing renewed strength from each other and the bonds of our brotherhood. Just as birds rely on their flock, we rely on each other to rejuvenate our spirits and remember our obligations.

This is also a season for giving. Opportunities abound to support our charities, the Home Endowment Fund, and Oregon Masonic Charitable Foundation. Whether through a one-time gift or a recurring donation, your generosity can lift up many—perhaps even you or your loved ones—someday.

Our Masonic Family deserves the same care and respect we give to any cherished relationship. In Lodge, let us welcome every voice, honor each other’s experiences, and work together toward more light in Masonry. Newer members can learn much from the wisdom of our seasoned Brethren, while longstanding members can be inspired by the energy and ideas of the newer ones.

Building a strong Lodge culture takes time, patience, and dedication—but the rewards are worth it.

Treat your Masonic Brothers as you would your own family, and you’ll find the fellowship of the Lodge becomes one of life’s greatest joys. When we honor our obligations to one another, we strengthen not only our Lodge but ourselves—and that is a journey worth taking together.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Marc L. Strong Grand Master 2025-2026

SEPTEMBER 2025

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1 75 YE A RS OF FRE E MA S O N RY I N TH E

WILD WEST

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reemasonry made its way into the Oregon Territory long before statehood, predating the first railroad, as gold fever swept through the West. Ours is a history built by pioneers—men who carried the working tools of the Craft alongside their rifles and plows, who gathered in log halls and candlelit rooms to lay the foundation for a Grand Lodge in the rugged, untamed land that would one day be Oregon.

In the 1800s, Grand Lodges across the United States were being formed as settlers pushed west. Oregon Freemasons carved their own path in this historic march, and now we’re approaching a milestone of American Freemasonry worth celebrating.

While the 175th Annual Communication took place in June 2025, our true jurisdictional anniversary is September 15, 2026—exactly 175 years since the Grand Lodge of Oregon was officially established in the heart of frontier life. This date is more than a number, it marks a legacy of grit, vision, and brotherhood.

From the candlelit halls of Oregon City in 1851 to the thriving Craft we enjoy today, our journey has been shaped by the pioneering spirit that carried Freemasonry across mountains and through the

wilderness. The 175th anniversary will honor not only the passage of years, but the enduring bonds of our Masonic Family.

To mark this occasion, we invite you to join us for a full season of celebration.

Mark your calendars for Sept. 12, 2026, for a special anniversary event.

A custom anniversary logo will be shared across digital platforms and may appear on commemorative materials. We plan to share historical artifacts from the archives (including the leather-wrapped trunk that carried our first charter along the Oregon trail from the Grand Jurisdiction of Missouri), highlight stories and milestones from our history, and encourage Lodges and Masons across the state to participate in local celebrations.

We encourage Lodges to incorporate the milestone into the 2026 calendar, offering a special event to engage both members and the public. Want to collaborate on an idea?

Connect with me via email! This celebration belongs to all Oregon Masons, and it will be a time for the entire Masonic Family to come together to honor this legacy.

Marissa Douglas Marketing Director mdouglas@oregonfreemasonry.com

SEPTEMBER 2025

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A TRAILBLAZING

TIMELINE W.B. Johnny J. Edwards, Grand Historian

FEB. 5, 1846

An Oregon City notice published in The Spectator calls frontier Freemasons to gather to begin organizing Masonic work in the West.

FEB. 21, 1846 A formal petition rides east to the Grand Lodge of Missouri, with Bro. Joel Palmer, requesting a charter for a lodge in Oregon City.

OCT. 17, 1846 Missouri grants the charter for Multnomah Lodge No. 84

SEPT. 11, 1848 The charter arrives by wagon train, carried over mountains and through rivers by Brothers Kellogg, father and son, and is placed in the hands of Oregon Masons. That same day, the Brethren meet and open the lodge for the first time.

AUG. 16, 1851

Resolutions are passed to form a Grand Lodge for the Territory of Oregon, with Oregon City chosen as the meeting place.

SEPT. 15, 1851 The Grand Lodge of Oregon is officially established, the Constitution adopted, and officers installed at this first Annual Communication. This is the moment our jurisdiction came into being—a milestone firmly etched into the Masonic history of the American West.

JUNE 4, 2025

SEPT. 13, 1851 Delegates convene in Oregon City, ready to bring the vision to life.

JUNE 14, 1852 The second Annual Communication, just months after the first, set the pace for the annual gathering of future Oregon Freemasons.

Opening day of the 175th Annual Communication of this grand jurisdiction.

SEPT. 15, 2026 Marks 175 years of Freemasonry in the Oregon Territory, celebrating the true jurisdictional anniversary.

SAV E TH E DATE TO C E LE B R ATE

Oregon F R E E M A S O N R Y

1851

2026

SEPTEMBER 12, 2026

THE MASONIC CAMPUS in FOREST GROVE , OR

Education and Care How Masons Are Supporting the Next Generation R.W.B. Gregory A. Hinkelman, Senior Grand Warden

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here are some exciting changes in our Masonic efforts the trustees have raised the household income threshold for to take care of our families with our important assistance to better align with today’s cost of living.

Educational Assistance program. To remind our For the 2025-2026 academic year, the Grand Lodge has Brothers, this program was set up 75 allocated just shy of $200,000 for years ago and is limited to resident assistance and as of this writing, and nonresident children and we have 25 cases, representing Our family works grandchildren of Master Masons of 38 students in the process of a Lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction reapplying for financial assistance. very hard to support who are currently in good standing All Brothers need to be on the our kids with their or were at the time of their death. lookout for Masonic families in Financial assistance is provided their Lodges who might benefit expanding hobbies & to aid students in obtaining an from this amazing program. The it’s not always easy education in an accredited, tax funds provided by Educational supported public institution for Assistance may be used for school due to limited finances. grades K-12, or post high school expenses, extracurricular activities, With help from the through age 22. or everyday living expenses.

The new changes involve a A reminder to all that K-12 Educational Assistance restructuring of the financial applications must be completed program, we are able eligibility criteria. The Grand Lodge and turned into the trustees by Trustees, using data and diligent December 31 of each year and post to fulfill our kids’ goals. research by Courtney Chun our high-school applications are due by Grateful Recipient Educational Assistance Program January 31.

Director, approved a new method Let us all be on the lookout of determining levels of assistance. for families that could use this Using empirical data gathered from assistance. This is one of the finest ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained & Employed); things we can do for our Masonic Family in our jurisdiction.

SEPTEMBER 2025

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A

of Light

How Masons Can Use Life Insurance to Support the Craft for Generations W.B. Zachary Steele, Endowments Committee

W H AT L E G A C Y W I L L Y O U L E A V E B E H I N D ?

As Masons, we are taught to leave the world better than we found it. While many of us live this principle daily, few realize the lasting impact we can make with a simple, often overlooked tool: life insurance.

Using life insurance for charitable giving is a powerful way to continue supporting your Lodge or the Oregon Masonic Grand Lodge’s charitable efforts—well beyond your earthly years.

1. BUY A POLICY WITH A MASONIC CHARITY AS BENEFICIARY

A straightforward method is to purchase a life insurance policy and name one the Oregon Masonic 501(c)(3) Charities as the beneficiary. This could include the Home Endowment or Oregon Masonic Charitable Foundation. This turns your monthly premium into a future gift of meaningful value. ✓ Charitable donations avoid probate ✓ Your estate may receive tax advantages ✓ Your premiums may be tax-deductible (consult your tax professional) If you are not interested in the tax advantages of this method you could even select your home Lodge as the beneficiary.

2. DESIGNATE A PORTION TO CHARITY

If you’d prefer to balance your legacy between family and Fraternity, you can split your policy benefits. For example, 90% to family, 10% to your Lodge. ✓ Multiple beneficiaries allowed ✓ Percentages fully customizable ✓ Update any time without cost

This method ensures your loved ones are provided for— while still contributing to the craft that shaped your life.

3. CHARITABLE GIVING RIDERS: HIDDEN GEMS

Some life insurance companies are now offering charitable riders at no cost. These riders pay an additional 1% (up to $10,000) to the charity of your choice—without reducing your main death benefit. ✓ No impact on loved one’s benefit ✓ Easy to set up ✓ Great way to amplify your giving Example: If you have a $500,000 life insurance policy, your designated charity could receive $5,000 in addition to the full death benefit going to your family.

Ask your insurance advisor if your current policy qualifies.

LEAVE A LEGACY THAT REFLECTS YOUR LIGHT

Whether you want to create a modest gift or a significant endowment, life insurance is one of the most efficient and flexible charitable vehicles available to Masons today.

Talk to your insurance agent, financial advisor, or a member of the Grand Lodge Endowments Committee to explore your options.

BECAUSE WHEN THE WORKING TOOLS ARE SET DOWN, YOUR LIGHT CAN STILL SHINE ON.

Learn more at OregonFreemasonry. com/GivingSocieties The above information is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor.

References to taxes are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results.

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

W here Generosity Meets Masonic Purpose

“Including the Oregon Masonic Charities in our estate plan was an easy decision. It feels good to know that even after we’re gone, we will still be part of something meaningful— helping others and supporting the values we believe in.”

W.decision Myles and Sue McMillan The best Past Grand Master 2017-2018 you can make for a life of independence confidence and freedom.

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SEPTEMBER 2025

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O R E G O N M A S O N I C C H A R I TA B L E F O U N D AT I O N

From Birdies to Big Impact

O M C F G o l f To u r n a m e n t C e l e b r a t e s 2 1 Ye a r s o f G i v i n g B a c k R.W.B. Gary L. Ball, Grand Treasurer

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he 21st annual Oregon Masonic Charitable Foundation Golf Tournament was held at Glendoveer’s East Course in Portland on July 17, 2025. The first tournaments in 2004 and 2005 benefitted the Masonic Model Student Assistance Program before the OMCF was created in 2006 to fund the MMSAP and other charitable organizations. This year, the OMCF

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

Golf Committee was chaired by M.W.B. Dave Fryday, who did an outstanding job. Seventy players participated in the event and a fun time was had by all. Nearly $41,000 was raised in sponsorships and player fees, and $10,000 was spent on tournament expenses, resulting in almost $35,000 to benefit the OMCF fund. The OMCF fund is invested with other Grand Lodge funds for additional income and for the last two years, the statewide SMART Reading literacy program has been the recipient of $50,000 each year. The OMCF fund also supports local Lodges using the Creating a Partnership program which supports local community charities and Lodge scholarship programs.

Congratulations and thanks to the sponsors, the participants, and the Golf Committee for their support of this event. Congratulations also to the Tigard-Orenomah Lodge No. 207 team for their first-place performance of an amazing 19 under par score of 54. They scored two eagles . . . and fi fteen birdies if my math is correct! And congratulations to Grand Secretary M.W.B. Jim Morgan the longest drive in the over-70 division!

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Celebrating Oregon Freemasonry

T

EVERY DAY!

he 175th Annual Communication was held at Chinook Winds Casino Resort in Lincoln City, Ore. on June 5 & 6, 2025. M.W.B. Timothy J. Best opened the event, which saw more than 200 Oregon Freemasons, and dignitaries representing ten Grand Jurisdictions in attendance. Grand Lodge was opened in ample form to conduct elections, approve the budget, and consider proposed legislation.

A MasonicAid luncheon was held as a meaningful opportunity to reconnect our dedicated MasonicAid staff with many past members of the Masonic & Eastern Star Home Board and their ladies. Updates on today’s program were shared to equip them to continue serving as valued stewards within the Masonic community.

The event concluded with the installation of M.W.B. Marc L. Strong as Grand Master.

S E C R E TA R Y O F THE YEAR

Thank you Brothers for your ser vice to your Lodges and fellow Masons!

MASON OF THE YEAR M.W.B. Best selected R.W.B. Michael D. Sullivan, Past Master of North Bend Lodge No. 140 and Blanco Lodge No. 48, for his outstanding leadership, mentorship, and service to the Craft. He has served in nearly every Lodge office, as District Deputy, and in key York Rite roles. He exemplifies the spirit of Masonry, living M.W.B. Best’s theme—Every Day!

Each year, the Grand Lodge staff select an outstanding Lodge Secretary. This year, R.W.B. Jerald G. Boyd of Prineville Lodge No. 76 was awarded Secretary of the Year. Brother Boyd is 36-year Oregon Freemason, has served as Lodge secretary for 20 years, and is a Hiram Award recipient who diligently serves this Fraternity and his Brethren.

The Grand Lodge Staff recognized him for his deep sense of responsibility as a Secretary and for being a joy to work with. Brother Boyd was delighted to receive this award.

2025-2026 GR AND LODGE OFFICERS

Marc L. Strong* Grand Master 10 |

Richard D. Varner* Deputy Grand Master

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

Gregory A. Hinkelman* Senior Grand Warden

Eric M. Young* Junior Grand Warden

“OUR ANNUAL COMMUNIC ATION WA S A SHINING E X AMPLE OF UNIT Y AND PURP OSE, REMINDING US OF THE ENDURING S TRENG TH OF FREEMA SONRY IN OREGON . E VERY DAY!” —Timothy J. Best

Immediate Past Grand Master

Scan for More Photos from the Event

Mark R. Reed Timothy J. Best, I.P.G.M.* Senior Grand Deacon MESH Board Chairman *Members of the Grand Lodge Board of Trustees

Gary L. Ball Grand Treasurer

James L. Morgan, P.G.M. Grand Secretary SEPTEMBER 2025

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A N N O U N C E M E N T S & I N V I TAT I O N S

A R R I V I N G I N M A I L B OX E S N OW !

The 2024 Impact Report reflects the profound difference your generosity has made this year. Together, we have provided critical resources, guidance, and relief to individuals and families in need—strengthening the bonds of compassion that define Oregon Freemasonry. Your support is more than a gift; it is a testament to our shared values of brotherly love, relief, and truth. Thank you for standing with us, giving so selflessly, and helping us build a legacy of kindness that will endure for generations.

MASONIC PA S S P O R T S & LO D G E S E A L S Masonic Passports are a great way to celebrate your journey through the Craft.

Each Lodge you visit can stamp your passport— creating a personal record of Brotherhood and Masonic fellowship.

SHOW YOUR MASONIC PRIDE! Represent the Craft with the Grand Master’s official merchandise. You can order from the Grand Lodge office or directly from the Grand Master.

Challenge Coin | Lapel Pin | Baseball Cap Bucket Hat | Grand Master’s Pocket Calendar

If you don’t have a passport yet, get yours now on Amazon and start collecting your Masonic memories.

Lodges—make sure your Lodge seal is ready for visiting Brothers.

A N N UA L M E M B E R S H I P R E N E WA L The Grand Lodge is preparing for the 2026 membership renewal period, with notices going out by email in August and by mail in September to all dues-owing members.

Payments can be made online through Grand View or directly to your Lodge.

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

Life Members will not receive renewal notices this year (based off past feedback), and Lodges remain responsible for sending their own annual election notices.

Scan the QR code to access Grand View.

NEWS FROM OUR LODGES

7 5 -Ye a r D i a m o n d J u b i l e e C e l e b r a t i o n f o r R o y F. A n d e r s o n

On May 12, 2025, 97-year-old Roy Anderson was honored for an extraordinary 75 years of membership in Freemasonry by the Grand Lodges of California and Oregon. A special ceremony took place at the Masonic Homes of California, where Brother Anderson now resides.

Brother Anderson reflected on his remarkable Masonic journey, sharing memories, insights, and the enduring values that have guided him through nearly eight decades in the fraternity in a video shared by the Grand Lodge of California. To watch the video, scan this QR code.

Summer Brotherhood in the Stands

Corvallis Lodge No. 14 and Marys Rivers Lodge No. 221 got together with their families to fellowship and enjoy a Knights baseball game at Goss Stadium this summer.

Brotherhood Thrives in Central Oregon

Bend Lodge No. 139 marked several firsts this summer.

Senior Warden Scott T. Hegness sat in the East, and Brothers William M. Alexander and Lance A. McCarthy took on new roles—serving as Senior Deacon (2nd Section) and delivering a lecture for the first time. Congratulations to our newest Master Masons, Jared M. Eisenhauer and David C. Luman.

Special thanks to our visiting Brethren from Redmond Lodge No. 154, Prineville Lodge No. 76, and Texas!

5 0 -Ye a r J e w e l P r e s e n t e d by the Grand Master

Brother E.G. “Buddy” Barnett, member of McKenzie River Lodge No. 195, was presented his 50-year jewel on June 12

by M.W.B Timothy J. Best. Brother Barnett lives in Umatilla with his wife Dolly. R.W.B. Jason Edmiston, District Deputy No. 19 helped facilitate.

SEPTEMBER 2025

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WASHINGTON D.C .

BOOK YOUR JOURNEY Travel with the Grand Master to Washington, D.C.!

Join us for an unforgettable Masonic journey to our nation’s capital from April 26 – May 1, 2026. Explore historic sites, deepen your Masonic bonds, and experience Washington, D.C. like never before — alongside fellow Oregon Masons and guests.

Highlights include: • George Washington Masonic National Memorial • House of the Temple Tour • Wreath Laying Ceremony at Mt. Vernon • And much more!

Scan this QR code to view the full itinerary & details.

Reserve your spot early — space is limited!