OMN - 2026 May

OMN

OREGON MASONIC NEWS

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A

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Freemason

OREGON MASONIC NEWS M AY 2 0 2 6 EXECUTIVE EDITOR Grand Secretary, James L. Morgan, P.G.M. EDITOR Holly Darling OMN@oregonfreemasonry.com CONTRIBUTORS Marc L. Strong Stephen L. Barkley Daniel D. Bush Christopher S. Wig Timothy J. Best, P.G.M. Eric M. Young 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

4 What It Means To Be A Freemason

8 Serving with Purpose

9 Heppner Lodge Donates Life-Saving AEDs

CONTENTS 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.

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Grand Master’s Message 175 Year Anniversary Gala Planning Your Estate Properly What It Means To Be A Freemason Speculation Reconsidered Serving with Purpose Heppner Lodge Donates Life-Saving AEDs Annual Communication Registration News and Announcements OMCF Golf Tournament SCAN THIS QR CODE TO VIEW THE GRAND MASTER’S CALENDAR

GRAND MASTER’S MESSAGE

Celebrating the Jennings McCall Center

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he Jennings McCall Center, our Masonic and Eastern Star Home, bears a name rich with meaning and purpose. It honors the enduring legacies of Berryman Jennings, the first Grand Master of Masons in Oregon, and Mary McCall, the first Worthy Grand Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star in Oregon—individuals whose lives reflected generosity, compassion, and an unwavering belief that caring for others is among our highest callings. Their names remind us that true philanthropy is not measured only by gifts given, but by lives uplifted and dignity preserved.

From this inspiration, the Masonic and Eastern Star Home stands today as a living expression of Masonic and Eastern Star values—charity in action, relief offered with kindness, and love extended without condition. For generations, it has provided a safe, dignified, and compassionate home for eligible members of the Masonic family and their loved ones, transforming noble ideals into daily service.

Today, the Jennings McCall Center thrives as a modern, resident-centered community. It offers a continuum of care that meets individuals where they are in life, including independent living, assisted living, and memory support. Throughout every level of care, the focus remains on quality of life, personal dignity, and meaningful connection. Residents are supported by attentive clinical care, enriching activities, spiritual encouragement, and a welcoming campus that fosters comfort, belonging, and peace of mind.

Equally important is the stewardship behind the mission. The Masonic and Eastern Star Home Board carries the responsibility of safeguarding the vision entrusted to them—ensuring faithful governance, financial responsibility, regulatory compliance, and long-term sustainability. Guided by the same principles that inspired Jennings and McCall, the Board works thoughtfully to ensure the Home continues to serve future generations with strength and integrity.

This vision is brought to life each day by dedicated professional staff.

Caregivers, nurses, administrators, and support teams blend expertise with heartfelt compassion, creating an environment that feels not like an institution, but like home. Their work reflects a shared promise: that every resident is seen, valued, and cared for with respect.

As we celebrate the Jennings McCall Center, we honor more than a facility—we honor a legacy. It is a promise kept, a mission fulfi lled, and a shining example of Freemasonry and the Order of the Eastern Star at work, quietly yet profoundly improving lives, just as Berryman Jennings and Mary McCall would have hoped.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Marc L. Strong Grand Master 2025-2026

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

P L A N N I N G YO U R E S TAT E P R O P E R LY C h o o s i n g H o w Yo u r L i f e ' s Wo r k E n d u r e s

By W.B. Stephen L. Barkley, Endowments Committee Chairman

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n the March 2026 edition of the Oregon Masonic News, Tiffany Bell, Senior Program Manager presented a thought-provoking article about Life Memberships. She shared how a lodge was able to commit funds to help buy life memberships for Brothers who might not be able to afford such and, further, provide one for Brothers who may have fallen away from their lodge due to being NPD. This was provided for by a gift received by the lodge. Let's talk about how you can do something similar, through a well thought out estate plan, to make such a gift or in some other way fulfi ll your obligation to assist a worthy Brother in like circumstances.

The cornerstone of an estate plan is a will. This is a document which, if properly crafted, can make the process of administering your estate simplified for the person you entrust to fulfi ll the role of executor. It is also a document that allows you to take control of what happens to your estate’s property when you depart this life. Make no mistake, your estate will be divided and dispensed with, whether or not you have a will. The difference is whether you have any say in the matter. Dying without a will means that the distribution of your estate is subject to the laws of your resident state.

Often this state distribution is not in keeping with what you may have wanted. Thus, creating a comprehensive estate plan puts the control and ultimate disposition of your assets in keeping with your desires.

Many people choose to combine their will with a living trust. This allows for the will to direct all of your assets to be distributed via the directions in the trust to whomever you designate as your trustee. Thus, you avoid having your will probated by the courts, which can be a lengthy and expensive process.

When you work with an estate planning team, they can help you understand the laws of your state and assist you in crafting your will/trust to accomplish the goals that you desire. As Masons, we want to provide for our families, certain charities, and perhaps even our individual lodges. This

is the beauty of using a trust. You are the Grantor of the trust, and you get to set up the distribution of your estate as you desire. The beauty of a living trust is that you can continually modify and update this document, to adapt to your changing life. A living trust is known as a Revocable Trust which means you, the Grantor, can continually change things. At the time of your death, the trust then becomes Irrevocable. There are many more nuances to this beyond the scope of this article.

My intent is simply to impress upon you how important it is to establish an estate plan early in your life. When I first did mine, I had young children and trying to make decisions for their care and upbringing was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. And, when the documents were completed and signed, the relief I felt was palpable. After that, it was a meeting every 3-5 years to “tune up” my plan for changes in my life.

Neither I, nor Grand Lodge, is affi liated in any way with Fortis Planning, LLC, but one of the owners is a long-time friend of mine and a fellow veteran. He wanted to do something to help our members with this process and created the program outlined at this website FortisPlanning.com/Mason.

Regardless of whom you choose to help you, please take the time to complete this important step before you are called to stand before the Great Architect of the Universe.

"THIS PARTNERSHIP NOT ONLY HELPS PROTECT YOUR FAMILY BUT ALSO STRENGTHENS THE THE MASONIC GRAND LODGE OF OREGON HOME ENDOWMENT FUND."

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G R A N D O R AT O R ' S M E S S A G E

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A

Freemason

By W.B. Daniel D. Bush, Grand Orator

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want to share with you what it truly means to be a Freemason—not the myths you’ve heard in movies or online, but the lived reality for millions of men around the world who have chosen this path.

Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest fraternal organizations, with roots tracing back over 300 years to the traditions of medieval stonemasons who built Europe’s great cathedrals and castles. Those operative masons used tools like the square, compass, and level not just to shape stone, but to ensure precision, balance, and strength. In the early 18th

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century, this craft evolved into speculative Freemasonry—a society where men from all walks of life come together to shape something even more important: character.

So, what does it mean to be a Freemason today?

At its heart, being a Freemason means committing to a lifelong journey of self-improvement. We take good men and strive to make them better—not through magic or secrets in the conspiratorial sense, but through timeless moral lessons wrapped in allegory and symbol. Every Mason progresses through degrees—Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and

Master Mason—each one teaching lessons about integrity, personal responsibility, and ethical living. These ceremonies aren’t hazing or empty ritual; they’re thoughtful morality plays designed to prompt reflection: How do I square my actions with my principles? How do I level my conduct with fairness?

How do I use the compass to keep my passions within due bounds?

Freemasonry rests on three great tenets: Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.

• Brotherly Love reminds us that all people are part of one human family under the fatherhood of God— whatever name each man gives to the Supreme Being. It calls us to treat others with respect, kindness, and understanding, regardless of background, faith, or station.

• Relief is about charity—not just writing checks, but active concern for those in distress. Masons give millions to hospitals, scholarships, disaster relief, and community programs every year, but more importantly, we support one another and our neighbors in quiet, personal ways.

• Truth demands honesty—with ourselves, with our Brothers, and with the world. It means seeking knowledge, living with integrity, and building our inner temple on a foundation of honor and trustworthiness.

Many Grand Lodges, including the United Grand Lodge of England, express these ideas through four guiding values: Integrity, Friendship, Respect, and Service. These aren’t abstract slogans—they’re daily guides. A Mason strives to be a man of his word, to forge deep and lasting friendships, to treat every person with dignity, and to leave his community better than he found it.

Being a Freemason also means belonging to something larger than yourself. In the lodge room, men from different professions, faiths, and political views meet as equals. No discussion of partisan politics or sectarian religion is allowed, because our focus is on what unites us, not what divides us.

“

That harmony creates lifelong bonds. Many Masons say their closest friends are their Brothers, men who hold them accountable, celebrate their successes, and stand by them in hardship.

To join, a man must be of good character, believe in a Supreme Being, and be recommended by members who know him. It’s not exclusive for elitism’s sake, it’s to ensure shared values and trust.

In the end, being a Freemason is about building, not cathedrals of stone, but cathedrals of the soul. It’s choosing to live deliberately, to act with honor even when no one is watching, to extend a hand to those who need it, and to surround yourself with men who inspire you to be better.

As one Mason put it: “Freemasonry doesn’t make a man perfect, it gives him the tools and the Brotherhood to keep trying.”

If you’re a man of integrity seeking friendship, purpose, and a path to be the best version of yourself, perhaps Freemasonry is waiting for you to knock at the door.

At its heart, being a Freemason means committing to a lifelong journey of self-improvement.

”

W.B. Daniel D. Bush and M.W.B D. Arthur Bush, P.G.M., father and son, meet as equals in lodge, both committed to a lifelong journey of self-improvement.

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Speculation Reconsidered A Masonic Reflection on Masculinity and Modern Risk

By W.B. Christopher S. Wig, Prospect Manager District 12, Eugene Lodge No.11

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reemasonry describes its members as speculative to mark the shift from an operative trade guild to a moral and philosophical tradition. In its older sense, the word “speculative” speaks to disciplined reflection, careful inquiry, and the steady work of shaping character through symbols and ethical instruction. The same word also carries another meaning, as speculation often refers to high-risk gambling and financial schemes that promise quick rewards without the labor or patience that true growth requires. This essay explores these contrasting definitions and considers how Masonic principles offer a grounded alternative to the speculative habits that increasingly shape modern masculine culture.

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Speculative Masonry emerged as the Craft opened its doors to men who were not builders in the literal sense but who sought to apply the lessons of the operative lodge to the work of self-improvement. This development anchored the fraternity in a view of human progress rooted in study, reflection, and deliberate practice. The speculative Mason examines his conduct with the same care a craftsman gives to his materials, guided by the cardinal virtues that form the foundation of a well-ordered life. Through this lens, speculation is not chance or guesswork but a thoughtful method for understanding oneself and strengthening both character and community. It is steady work, often slow and sometimes difficult, but made meaningful by its purpose.

This older meaning stands in clear contrast to the speculative habits that have become common in modern masculine culture. Sports betting, cryptocurrency trading, and meme-stock wagering are heavily marketed toward men and often appeal to anxieties about success, independence, and competition. The constant presence of betting apps during sporting broadcasts and the rise of online personalities promoting crypto schemes have helped normalize these behaviors. Studies consistently show that men participate in these activities at higher rates and are more likely to face financial losses, emotional strain, and signs of gamblingrelated harm. Researchers also note higher levels of impulsivity and overconfidence among frequent participants, traits that feed risk-taking and deepen the cycle of loss. These pressures can isolate men at the very moments when they need stability and connection. Instead of building resilience, modern speculative culture often amplifies doubt and turns understandable ambition into a source of instability.

The appeal of these behaviors is strengthened by a cultural message that frames sudden wealth as a measure of worth.

Achievement is portrayed as something that should happen quickly and dramatically, with little regard for the steady labor that produces lasting success.

These ideas conflict directly with the virtues that guide Masonic life. Prudence calls for sound judgment and clear thinking. Temperance encourages restraint in the face of excitement and risk. Fortitude values persistence when progress feels slow or uncertain. Justice requires responsibility to others and to oneself. When placed beside these principles, the promises of “get rich quick” masculinity show themselves as shallow and fragile. They offer the appearance of advancement without the substance and weaken the habits that build genuine strength.

This concern carries real urgency today. Speculative behavior has become a common way many young men respond to uncertainty, economic pressure, and the search for identity. With constant access to online gambling and trading

platforms, high-risk speculation can feel ordinary rather than hazardous. At the same time, many men describe feeling disconnected and unsure of where they fit in a changing world. These emotional and economic pressures make fastreward schemes feel like a way to regain control when many men feel they have little. Recognizing this dynamic helps explain why so many are drawn into patterns that promise stability but instead produce instability. It also clarifies the relevance of our own tradition at a moment when grounded examples of responsible manhood are needed.

The teachings of the Craft offer a steady path through these dynamics. Our duty as Masons is to uphold the thoughtful purpose of Speculative Masonry by living the virtues that guide reliable growth. This begins with approaching speculation as an inquiry into truth, not a pursuit of quick gain. It continues through daily choices that reflect prudence, temperance, fortitude, and justice in ways that others can trust. Simple acts such as mentoring a younger man, practicing financial responsibility, or showing consistency in our commitments reinforce these values in concrete ways. By modeling these principles, Masons can offer an alternative that is both practical and deeply needed.

In this spirit, Masonry calls us to build rather than bet. We are encouraged to strengthen character, deepen our commitments, and seek understanding through patient and intentional work. These commitments stand in sharp contrast to the illusions of fast success that dominate contemporary speculative behavior. Taken together, they reaffirm the central idea of this essay, that the two meanings of “speculative” point toward two very different paths for a man’s life. As we reflect on these meanings within our own fraternity, each of us can consider how our lives express the true speculative path of Freemasonry and how we can continue shaping ourselves into men who build with purpose, steadiness, and integrity. This is the work before us.

We are encouraged to strengthen character, deepen our commitments, and seek understanding through patient and intentional work.

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M A S O N I C & E A S T E R N S TA R H O M E

Serving with Purpose

By M.W.B. Timothy J. Best, Immediate Past Grand Master

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ne of the great strengths of our Fraternity is the quiet, steady work that often goes unseen—but makes a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve. The Masonic and Eastern Star Home (MESH) Board is one of those efforts.

The MESH Board meets monthly to oversee the operation of the Jennings McCall Center (JMC), located in Forest Grove, Ore., and MasonicAid. The MESH Board itself reflects the spirit of partnership that defines our work, composed of five representatives from the Grand Lodge and three from the Oregon Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. Leadership is provided by the Immediate Past Grand Master, serving as chairman, and the Junior Past Grand Matron as vice chair. The remaining members of the MESH Board include the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden, Junior Grand Warden, Worthy Grand Matron, and Associate Grand Matron. Each brings their perspective and leadership to the work at hand.

At the Jennings McCall Center, our focus is clear: to provide a level of service and care that truly sets JMC apart as a premier retirement community. Working closely with Aidan Health Services, the MESH Board is committed to ensuring

that our residents receive not just care, but dignity, comfort, and a true sense of home. This is not simply a facility, it is a reflection of our values in action.

Equally important is MasonicAid, which allows us to extend a helping hand to those in need throughout our jurisdiction. With three dedicated case workers managing a significant caseload, the impact is both meaningful and measurable. Close to 1 million dollars of MasonicAid financial assistance has been provided this fiscal year. Behind every dollar is a Brother, a family, or a member of our extended Masonic family who needed support, and received it.

This work does not happen on its own. It requires commitment, oversight, and, importantly, the continued support of our membership.

I would encourage each of you to consider supporting our Masonic and Eastern Star Home and MasonicAid through donations and estate gifts to the Home Endowment Fund.

By doing so, you help ensure that we can continue this vital mission—caring for our residents and assisting those in need, not just today, but for generations to come.

This is Masonry in action. This is who we are!

MasonicAid

Wherever you are, we care.

Call us at (888) 811-3199 8 |

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Learn more at MasonicAid.com

Heppner Lodge Donates Life-Saving AEDs

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n a strong show of community support, Heppner Lodge No. 69 has donated eight ZOLL automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and one training unit to the Morrow County Sheriff ’s Office, equipping patrol vehicles with lifesaving technology.

AEDs are portable devices that treat sudden cardiac arrest by delivering a controlled shock to restore a normal heart rhythm. With simple voice and visual prompts, they guide responders through each step, including CPR when needed, making them effective even with minimal training.

In rural areas like Morrow County, where response times can be longer, early defibrillation can significantly improve survival rates. By placing AEDs in patrol vehicles, deputies can respond quickly when every second matters. The included training unit will also allow for ongoing, hands-on instruction to ensure readiness in critical moments.

Sheriff John Bowles expressed his appreciation, calling the donation “a great tool to keep the public safe.” The Sheriff ’s Office also recognized W.B. Herman W. Winter, Jr. and the members of Heppner Lodge No. 69 for their leadership and commitment to community safety.

This effort highlights the impact of Oregon Freemasonry’s Creating A Partnership (CAP), which empowers lodges to fund meaningful local projects. During the 2024-2025 year, 42 Oregon lodges participated in CAP, collectively investing more than $213,000 in their communities across the state.

These funds supported a wide range of projects, including public safety equipment, educational programs, charitable outreach and youth programs, demonstrating the continued commitment of Oregon Freemasons in making a tangible difference in their local communities.

The Oregon Masonic Charitable Foundation will start a new fiscal year on May 1 with a brand-new budget. We hope your lodge is making those community connections to submit new applications for the matching funds for the 2026-2027 budget year. Oregon Freemasons are showing up and making real community impacts.

Boost your lodge's local community efforts with a 50% MATCH from the Grand Lodge!

RE ADIN G IN CE NTIVE S CO MMU NIT Y PROJ EC TS LO C AL PARTNE R S HIPS

Apply Online Today!

OregonFreemasonry.com/CAP M AY 2 0 26

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1 76 ANNUAL TH

G R A N D L O D G E C O M M U N I C AT I O N JUNE 4 & 5, 2026 SALEM CONVENTION CENTER | SALEM, OREGON M.W. Grand Master, Marc L. Strong, invites all Master Masons, their spouse, and guests to attend the 176th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of Oregon.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2026 Check-in 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Grand Master’s Banquet

(By invitation only, formal attire)

6:00 p.m. – No-host Social Hour 7:00 p.m. – Dinner

FIND CURRENT INFO & MORE ONLINE

THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026 Check-in 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Morning Session 7:45 a.m. – Musical Prelude 8:00 a.m. – Informal Opening (All Invited)

10:00 a.m. – Formal Grand Lodge Opening 11:00 a.m. – Ballot Opened 11:30 a.m. – Ladies’ Bingo Lunch 12:00 p.m. – Call to Refreshment

FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2026 Check-in 8:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Morning Session 7:45 a.m. – Musical Prelude 8:00 a.m. – Call to Order 11:00 a.m. – Ballot Closed 11:30 a.m. – Ladies’ Luncheon (Casual attire)

11:45 a.m. – Election Results Announced 12:00 p.m. – Call to Refreshment

Fellowship Luncheon 12:00 p.m.

Fellowship Luncheon 12:00 p.m.

Afternoon Session 1:00 p.m. – Call to Order 4:00 p.m. – Call to Refreshment

Afternoon Session 1:00 p.m. – Call to Order Time TBD – Ritual Closing

Fellowship Banquet

Installation of 2026-2027 Officers

(All Invited, casual attire)

“Cowboy Western” theme 6:00 p.m. – No-host Social Hour 7:00 p.m. – Dinner

(All Invited)

4:00 p.m. – Reception to Follow Banquets PGMs, PGMs' Ladies, New Officers

(Three separate banquets. By invitation only. Formal attire)

6:00 p.m. – No-host Social Hour 7:00 p.m. – Dinner

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

LODGING

L ADIES’ EVENTS

MEALS

For room reservations, you may call The Grand Hotel at (877) 540-7800 or visit the Grand Lodge website www.OregonFreemasonry.com/AnnualCommunication. You will find information about accommodations and a link to take you directly to The Grand Hotel’s special page to make room reservations. 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, May 3, 2026.

Additional accommodations can be found at the Best Western.

On Thursday, June 4, the ladies will play Bingo and enjoy a Baja buffet lunch.

Casual Dress attire.

On Friday June 5, the Ladies' Luncheon will be a Christmas theme and a BBQ buffet lunch.

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.

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.

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.

Reserved tickets for all meals will be provided in a packet and available for pick-up at the check-in station (open various hours, shown on left-hand page).

If you need assistance, please contact the Grand Lodge office no later than Friday, May 22.

THE MASONIC PASSPORT QUEST Visit Lodges. Meet Brothers.

Collect 20 Seals to

Receive a Special Prize!

Don’t have one yet?

Masonic Passports are available on Amazon

Collect twenty or more Lodge seals or signatures in your Masonic Passport, and present it at the 176th Annual Communication to the Grand Lodge staff to redeem.

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NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

A S t r o n g Ye a r f o r Occasional Grand Lodges in Oregon

By R.W.B. Eric M. Young, Junior Grand Warden

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Oregon Consistory No. 1 of Masters of the Royal Secret

cordially invites all Master Masons in good standing

The Scottish Rite Entered Apprentice Degree & Feast of The Manifesto For the first time in our rich fraternal history, the Scottish Rite Entered Apprentice degree will be exemplified in the Grand Jurisdiction of Oregon by the District 16 traveling degree team and Germania Lodge No. 46 of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Louisiana.

Date & Times

Location

Saturday May 30th, 2026 11am: Doors open High Noon: Lunch & Feast of the Manifesto 2pm: Scottish Rite Entered Apprentice Degree by Germania Lodge No. 46 of Louisiana 5pm: Fellowship and Social (Scottish Rite Lounge)

Portland Valley Scottish Rite Temple 1512 SW Morrison Street Portland, Oregon 97205 Tickets and a current dues card must be presented upon entry.

No exceptions.

Meals and Degree tickets available via Event Brite: https://tinyurl.com/SREA-Manifesto

SEND US YOUR LODGE NEWS! 12 |

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

nder the leadership of Grand Master Marc L. Strong, the jurisdiction of Oregon held two Occasional Grand Lodge sessions this year in Eugene on December 6, 2025, and in St. Helens on March 7, 2026. They stand as excellent examples of the vitality and unity of Masonry in Oregon. Hosted by Eugene Lodge No. 11 and St. Helens Lodge No. 32 respectively, both gatherings reflected a shared commitment to strengthening the Craft through education, fellowship, and purposeful leadership.

Each event was marked by strong attendance and an evident spirit of brotherhood. From the opening gavel to the close of labor, there was a clear sense that these gatherings were more than routine meetings, they were opportunities to reconnect, exchange ideas, and renew a common dedication to Masonic principles. The hospitality extended by both host lodges, along with the support of affiliated bodies, helped create welcoming and memorable experiences for all in attendance.

The programs at both Occasional Grand Lodges demonstrated a thoughtful focus on the future of the fraternity. Presentations and discussions emphasized Grand Lodge programs, leadership development, member engagement, and the importance of equipping lodges with practical tools for success. Opportunities for dialogue through comments, shared experiences, and instructional segments—encouraged active participation and reinforced a collaborative approach to addressing the needs of the jurisdiction.

During the St. Helens program, Grand Master Strong received a surprise visit from the Widows Sons. They presented the Grand Master with a Widows Sons vest and $1000 in one-dollar bills, to be donated to Oregon Masonic Charities. It was a meaningful moment of brotherhood and charity that stood apart from the rest of the day.

Taken together, these two Occasional Grand Lodges reflect a jurisdiction moving forward with purpose and unity. They demonstrate that when Oregon Masons come together in fellowship and shared labor, the result is a stronger, more vibrant Craft prepared to meet the opportunities of the future.

NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

O r e g o n We l l R e p r e s e n t e d a t G u t h r i e Va l l e y S c o t t i s h R i t e Spring Reunion

A group of members from Oregon made a notable showing at the Guthrie Valley Scottish Rite Spring Reunion in Guthrie, Okla. They stood as the largest out-of-state contingent in attendance. Their presence brought a distinct Pacific Northwest spirit to the gathering, underscoring the strength and the enduring bonds of the Rite that draw members together from across the country. During the event more than 400 Brothers volunteered with costumes, make up, stage crew, and degree teams to perform all 29 degrees.

Pearl Lodge Members P r e s e n t 6 0 -Ye a r J e w e l s

Members of Pearl Lodge had the honor of presenting Brother Fred A. Mitchell with his 60-year Jewel, and also presenting 60-year Eastern Star Jewels to both Kathy and Fred Mitchell.

Pictured in top image: W.B. James D. Bowers, Brother Fred A. Mitchell, and M.W.B. W. Myles McMillan, P.G.M. Pictured in bottom image: Marge Newkirk, Sue McMillan of Victoria 76 O.E.S., Kathy Mitchell, and Fred A. Mitchell.

Pictured: Front: W.B. Arthur "Art" E. McGhehey, Jr., W.B. Michael D. Robinson Back: W.B. Quinn A. Haase, Brother Grayson C. Dahn, W.B. Gregory F. Jackson, Brother Luke T. Bloomquist, W.B. Christopher "Chris" S. Wig, Brother Bob Madson, W.B. Andre J. Cvitanich, Brother Randy L. Gordon, Brother Christopher B. Ritzau, Brother Joshua Revert, W.B. Leo M. Schuman.

One Lodge, Three 2025 Hiram Award Winners

Marys River Lodge No. 221 has three Hiram Award recipients this year! How can this be? The answer: two are dual members with other lodges. W.B. John Spicher received his award from Corvallis Lodge No. 14, W.B. Richard Hammel, Jr. received his from St. Johns Lodge No. 17, and W.B. Ted Baker was honored by Marys River Lodge No. 221. Congratulations to these three hard working Brothers!

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OREGON MASONIC NEWS The Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of Oregon 2150 Masonic Way Forest Grove, OR 97116

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22 ND ANNUAL

GOLF TOURNAMENT T URNA TO NAM NA AME Friday, July 10, 2026 Rose City Golf Course 2200 NE 71st Avenue Portland, OR 97213

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