OMN - 2023 January

The Grand Master’s Message: Masonic Visitation

With the holiday season behind us, the beginning of a new year is an excellent time to plan for future events. The Worshipful Masters are creating schedules of upcoming Lodge events to add to your calendar, but you have an opportunity to plan additional events which appeal to you. As you make your plans, consider including Masonic visitation.

Landmark #14 in the Oregon Masonic Constitution provides “the right of every Mason to visit and sit in every regular Lodge.” Masonic visitation was obviously important to the founders of Oregon Freemasonry.

Lodge Anniversaries

M.W.B. Mark L. Posler Grand Master

The first and most obvious reason for the visitation right is to ensure the Freemasons of Oregon are allowed to freely meet on the level. This is to make certain that Lodges do not become insulated from one another, which could lead to the development of cliques and disharmony.

Masonic visitation has many additional benefits. One such is the value of the exchange of Masonic ideas. Visitation exposes the Brother to different Lodge customs and strategies to accomplish the goals of Freemasonry. It also promotes Masonic education and discussion of Masonic topics. The visiting Brother may suggest improvements to how things are done at his home Lodge as a result.

Another is the development of personal contacts with other Brothers, which can be of great value. Cooperation with Brothers from other Lodges can help accomplish degree work, enable shared special events, fill chairs during Stated Communications, and facilitate outreach to our communities.

Most of all, visiting other Lodges and jurisdictions is fun! Brothers who only attend their own Lodge are missing out. A trip to visit other Masons is a special event, whether it be here in Oregon or to another jurisdiction. It provides a chance to do something new and different, with the assurance you will be interacting with Brothers who are trustworthy and interested in meeting you.

I look forward to my upcoming Official Visits and hope to see you during my travels. I also hope you plan to visit some other Lodges this year. I am sure if you go visiting, you will not be disappointed.

Fraternally, M.W.B. Mark L. Posler, Grand Master, The Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of Oregon

As we begin a new year, Lodges are looking forward to many things: a new Master full of energy and ideas, a continuation of traditional activities, and a chance to celebrate the brotherhood we have. One thing often overlooked is the Lodge’s anniversary. Be it the third, 27th, or 88th — all are important. They give us a date to celebrate the continuity and the enduring fraternal bond that we all have. They place a mark on the calendar so we may remember the successes and achievements our Lodge has accomplished. They make us aware that time has passed and with that comes inevitable change. Anniversaries should be celebrated to remind us that we have continued to bear the burdens, continued to hew on the mountains and in the quarries, and continued to oversee the work that makes a Lodge thrive.

Each year, every Lodge has an anniversary. It should be an opportunity to recognize the successes, reflect on the past, and look at the progress we have made. It should be a way to remember

continued on page two

W.B. Eric Headley Grand Marshal

Are you looking to make the most of the time serving your Lodge as Secretary? Attend the free in-person 2023 Secretary Seminar on Saturday, Jan. 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., to learn more about how you can best serve in this leadership role.

Hosted in the Richmond Library & Museum, adjacent to the Grand Lodge office, a light breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m. Lunch will also be provided. For those arriving the night before or who have questions for the Grand Secretary, a meet and greet will be hosted at the Grand Lodge office on Friday, 4-6 p.m.

The Grand Lodge invites all Master Masons to attend but strongly recommends the attendance of each Secretary, as the presentations and shared information are pivotal to the role. Please register and submit any supply orders to the Grand Secretary’s office no later than one week before the event. There is no fee to attend; simply have a current copy of the Oregon Masonic Code and the Secretary’s Handbook on hand.

Topics are subject to last-minute updates but often include:

• Grand View: The Membership Database

• Books, Forms, and Other Resources

• Q&A with the Grand Secretary

• Additional subjects to be determined Register online at www.masonic-oregon.com/secretary-seminar.

Lodge Anniversaries,

continued from page one

the Lodge’s journey and recognize each member’s role in keeping the Lodge alive and viable. It should be a salute to the Lodge’s culture and sustainability and celebrate the Lodge’s traditions that have contributed to its longevity and permanence in the community.

It does not have to be a milestone anniversary to celebrate. Each year that passes, each marked anniversary means the Lodge is doing the right thing. It is an opportunity to recognize the members that have made your Lodge a success and to remember we are a team bonded by the trowel that has spread the cement of Brotherly Love and affection, uniting us into one common band of friends and Brothers.

I encourage you to celebrate all Lodge anniversaries, for it means your Lodge continues to represent a force for good, a positive model, and a pillar in your community. Make the Lodge anniversary a jewel in your calendar, an annual event to be remembered fondly and eagerly anticipated.

Fraternally, W.B. Eric Headley, Grand Marshal

Grave Matters — A Portrayal of Judge William H. Hollis

OnOct. 5, 2022, the city of Forest Grove celebrated the 150th anniversary of its founding. As part of the sesquicentennial celebration, The Friends of Historic Forest Grove held a special event entitled “Grave Matters.” Several actors portrayed historically significant personages from the early years of not only Forest Grove but of Oregon itself, all of whom were laid to rest in Forest View Cemetery. Interestingly, the performances were given at the resting place of each person depicted.

The citizens portrayed ran the gamut from a noteworthy bowyer, famous barnstormer, suffragette, pharmacist, and the inspiration for Laura Ingalls Wilder’s character, Nellie Oleson, in the “Little House on the Prairie” series, to name a few. There was interest in adding a Freemason to the cast. Who better to portray a Mason than a Mason? I was deeply humbled and honored to be asked to portray W.B. William Henry Hollis, 33°, a state judge, lawyer, legislator, humanitarian, and avid Freemason. Brother Hollis and I share first and middle names, so I jumped at the opportunity to portray him.

William H. Hollis was a fascinating person to research, and his life story was one of drive, grit, and perseverance but also of kindness, charity, and friendship. W.B. Hollis was born in Edgar County, Ill., in 1853. From an early age, he showed an aptitude for learning complex subjects and found law to be of particular interest, so it was not surprising that he pursued the subject in college. W.B. Hollis quickly became a prominent lawyer, later a county judge, and eventually a Freemason. He suffered from an acute case of wanderlust and, by the turn of the last century, had settled in Forest Grove, where his law office thrived. Judge Hollis promptly joined Holbrook Lodge No. 30 and the Portland Valley of the Scottish Rite.

His professional life blossomed, becoming the lead lawyer for a number of large corporations, including the Oregon Electric Railway Company and the Forest Grove First National Bank, as well as the

president of several state and local civic improvement societies. Additionally, W.B. Hollis was elected as Oregon state senator, where he sponsored the Workmen’s Compensation Act and later the Widow’s Compensation Bill.

Around age 70, W.B. Hollis took his well-earned retirement at the Masonic and Eastern Star Home, where he serenely passed away in 1932.

I want to note a common thread throughout W.B. Hollis’ remarkable life. He genuinely lived his Masonic obligations no matter where he lived or his endeavors.

A few cast members from the Friends of Historic Forest Grove’s Grave Matters cemetery tour.

There was nary a bad word said against his character; his reputation was truly unspotted, even in the eyes of his political rivals. Those who knew him personally were noted as saying he was a man of his word who gave freely of himself and his valuable free time, not only to his Lodge but to his community and the state of Oregon. Brother Hollis is an inspiration to me as a man, a citizen, and a Mason, and I humbly hope that I honored his memory in my portrayal of him.

Two other Freemasons were portrayed during the Grave Matters event in October. From the Friends of Historic Forest Grove:

Charles VanKoughnet owned and operated the Forest Grove Rexall Drug Store from the early 1910s until his death. He was a prominent businessman and civic leader, introducing Forest Grove’s first soda fountain. He was also a Masonic Lodge Brother and a Knight’s Templar.

W.B. William H. Hollis

OREGON'S 22ND GRAND SECRETARY

A familiar face to many, M.W.B. Morgan was elected and installed as Grand Secretary at the 172nd Annual Communication in Salem, Oregon, on June 3, 2022.

Born in Rainier, Oregon Lives in Clatskanie, Oregon

Worshipful Master of Rainier No. 24 Past Master of Clatskanie No. 133

Happily married to his soulmate, Terrie, since 1970

Hobbies include golf, stained glass art, travel, & watching the New York Yankees

MAJOR MILESTONES

Worked for the Crown Zellerbach paper mill in Wauna, Ore., for 46 years (1970-2016), starting as the cleanup guy and finishing as a supervisor.

Joined the Clatskanie Volunteer Fire Department, serving 18 years as a volunteer firefighter and advanced life support emergency medical technician. He also spent 29 years as a city councilor before retiring at the end of his term in 2016.

Served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of Oregon during the 2018-2019 Masonic year.

Masonic Community & Youth Groups

Weoften say how important it is to support our Masonic youth groups. While that is certainly true, my experiences over the last few years and now my participation on the Grand Lodge Youth Activities Committee make me see the many reasons for this focus.

It is often expected that happy members of our youth groups become happy members of our adult groups, and I believe the benefits of supporting our youth go much further than that. The community that ties us together is strong, and that includes members of our youth groups. It was that community and family that brought me to become a Mason.

I do not come from a Masonic family. My wife was a Job’s Daughter when we met. She continued working with Job’s Daughters and joined Amaranth and Eastern Star as we began our lives together. At the time, I did not get it, I chose to focus on my career and, eventually, my kids. When my daughter turned 11, she became a member of Rainbow. Her joining Rainbow was the start of me seeing the importance of the Masonic community.

My daughter stayed active in Rainbow. She learned valuable leadership skills and made important friendships. When she was 13, she was diagnosed with scoliosis. Her treatment brought her to Shriners Children’s Hospital in Portland for spinal surgery. I saw firsthand the benefits of Masonic charity and support while she was at the hospital. I also saw a group of her Rainbow sisters visit her while she was there. They took time to make sure she knew she was important to them. That Masonic community was not only healing my daughter but offering her a support system as well. As she recovered, she started a scoliosis support group in our area and helped other girls with similar diagnoses work through their treatments.

MWB JAMES L. MORGAN,PGM

Grave Matters,

continued from page three

Grand Master’s Tentative Travel Itinerary

January 2023

W.B. William H. Sparks, III portraying W.B. Hollis during the Friends of Historic Forest Grove’s Grave Matters cemetery tour.

Alexis Abdullah Ben Kori was born in what is modern-day Lebanon and was an excellent scholar who immigrated to the United States. He moved to Forest Grove to become a professor of Modern Languages at Pacific University from 1906 to 1913. Professor Ben Kori was an active community member and a popular speaker around town and with ties to the local Congregational Church and Masons. While on leave of absence from Pacific, he got caught up in World War I, where he served in the French Army and translated for President Woodrow Wilson at the Treaty of Versailles. I want to thank the Grand Lodge for their exceptional support in this endeavor, most notably M.W.B. Mark Posler for allowing me to wear an apron for the performance, and to my great friend, Grand Historian W.B. Johnny Edwards, for his inspiration and help to point me in the right direction. The Richmond Library and Museum was a fabulous source of research material, without which I could not have contributed to this event.

Fraternally, W.B. William H. Sparks, III Photos courtesy of Friends of Historic Forest Grove.

See W.B. Sparks’ portrayal of W.B. Hollis on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pb3SP0wArCQ

5 — Beaverton Masonic No. 100, Official Visit; dinner, 6 p.m., cost, $10; Lodge, 7:30 p.m. - U, L 6 — Enlightenment No. 228, Portland, Official Visit; dinner, 6:30 p.m.; Lodge, 7:30 p.m. - U, L 7 — Al Kader Shrine Installation, Al Kader Shrine Center, Wilsonville, 5-9 p.m. - T or U, L 9 — Cornerstone No. 157, Portland, Official Visit; dinner, 6:30 p.m.; Lodge, 7:30 p.m. - U, L 11 — Hood River No. 105, Official Visit; dinner, 6 p.m.; Lodge, 7 p.m. - U, L 12 — Kenton No. 145, Portland, Official Visit; dinner, 6:30 p.m.; Lodge, 7:30 p.m. - U, L 14 — MESH/Trustee Meeting; Forest Grove, 8 a.m. - U, SU 16 — Medford Scottish Rite honors the Grand Master, 6:30 p.m. - U, L 17 — Bandon No. 130, Official Visit; dinner, 6 p.m.; Lodge, 7 p.m. - U, L 19 — Waverly No. 174, Milwaukie, Official Visit; dinner, 6:30 p.m.; Lodge, 7:30 p.m. - U, L 21 — District Deputy Summit; Forest Grove, 10-3 p.m. - DDs only 24 — Tillamook No. 57, Official Visit; dinner, 6 p.m.; Lodge, 7 p.m. - U, L 28 — Secretary Seminar; Richmond Library and Museum, Forest Grove; breakfast, 8:30 a.m.; training, 9-2 p.m. - BC 28 — Hillah Shrine’s Potentate Installation, Grants Pass No. 84; Oasis, 5 p.m.; dinner, 6 p.m.; Installation, 7 p.m.

A

Remembrance Day Celebration

A“Remembrance

Day Celebration” was held on Nov. 19, 2022, at the McMinnville Masonic Cemetery in McMinnville, Ore., in honor of the Gettysburg Address delivered by President Abraham Lincoln. Don Benson and Tim O’Neal, members of the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War, and Col. Edward D. Baker, Camp No. 6, scheduled this wonderful event. Abraham Lincoln arrived to recite his Address. The celebration also included a gun salute in honor of those veterans who served in the Civil War.

- submitted by W.B. Johnny J. Edwards

Four members of Salem Lodge No. 4 participated in the presentation of $1,000 of school supplies specifically selected by the November Classroom of the Month. Ms. Britton Henneman, a 12th Grade teacher, was thrilled to receive the nomination from the community and the accompanying supplies.

Community & Youth Groups, continued from page four

Masons in attendance (pictured, left to right) included W.B. Anthony Chase, Bro. David Martinmaas, Bro. Joshua Bushman, and W.B. Daniel De La Rosa. They also invited Ms. Marissa Douglas, Marketing Director (left), and Stephanie Kralevich, a face at Fox12 Oregon for almost two decades (right), to get in the photo. It was a great time; the Masons were very enthusiastic.

Nominate a classroom in your community at www.KPTV.com/classroom.

I know her experience in Rainbow helped make her comfortable offering this to her peers.

As she continued in Rainbow, the more impressed I was with the adult she was becoming. How could I not start pursuing my own Masonic journey after experiencing all this? I contacted a local Lodge and became a Master Mason, where I actively support my Lodge while continuing to work with Rainbow. My family’s experiences with Masonic service are a big reason I am a Mason today.

My message here is that there are many important reasons we should support our youth organizations. This happens to be mine. If your Lodge is lucky enough to host a Bethel, Assembly, or Chapter, get involved! Start by visiting one of their meetings. You may just catch some of their motivation, and they will appreciate having a new friend and supporter!

Fraternally, Grant Mobley, Fairview Lodge No. 92

Oregon

Rainbow State Rainbow Dad Grand Lodge Youth Activities Committee Member

Grant Mobley with his daughter.

NEWS FROM OUR LODGES —

Holbrook Lodge No. 30

OnNov. 9, 2022, W.B. Jon Englund, Past Master of Harbor Lodge No. 183, was presented with a special wall plaque commissioned by Seaport Lodge Secretary W.B. Ronald Atkins and designed by W.B. Dan Sealy of Astoria. W.B. Atkins (left) made the presentation on behalf of Seaport Lodge to W.B. Englund (right) for his many years of outstanding financial support to the Lodge.

- submitted by W.B. Ronald L. Atkins

Halloweentrick-or-treating was well and alive in Forest Grove. Holbrook Lodge No. 30 was pleased to participate in the city’s annual “Trick-or-Treat the Merchants.” As in the years past, we gave away apples, apples, and apples; in total, we gave away over 10 cases of apples to the princesses, ghouls, superheroes, pirates, and many other costumed participants. Our Worshipful Master disappeared, but instead, Eeyore appeared to assist in handing out apples (evidence obtained in the photo). One very welcomed assistance came from our Senior Warden-elect and his family. After making the rounds of the various merchants, he and his family joined us at the Lodge, where his two daughters were the hit of the day, making sure every person who stopped by received an apple. Thanks to everyone who helped make Holbrook Lodge an active participant in our community.

- submitted by W.B. Jay Carey

Again

this year, a local merchant gave bicycles with missing pieces or broken parts to Sidney Croft Lodge No. 206 and Chetco Shrine Club. I have reached out to bike companies who have helped us with missing or broken pieces. So far, we have 20 bikes repaired; five went to Hillah Shriners to give away at the circus in May. Fifteen bikes will go to Community Action, which they will give to children for Christmas.

- submitted by W.B. Steven Pomerleau

The Bug-out Bag Project exists because W.B. Alex Sims saw a need in the Salem area foster care system to provide basic hygiene, sleepwear, and gifts for children placed in an emergency foster care home. The fraternity has a long history of stepping in to help families in such moments of crisis, and we created the Bug-out Bag Project as a modern extension of this relief — offering expertise and resources to guide families through sensitive situations. Salem Lodge No. 4 is seeking donations of new and unopened shampoo, soap, washcloths, towels, small toys, and pajamas for boys and girls. For more information about the Bug-out Bag Project, contact W.B. Alex Sims at (503) 400-2827.

Sidney Croft Lodge No. 206

Seaport Lodge No. 7

OREGON MASONIC NEWS

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

Change service requested

Scan this QR Code for a quick link to the Grand Lodge website.

Oregon Masonic News

The Oregon Masonic News is published monthly (except July and August) by authority of the trustees of The Grand Lodge, A.F. & A.M., of Oregon. Editors are the trustees of the Grand Lodge. Deadline for copy is the first of the month preceding the publication date. Example: May 1 for the June issue.

High resolution photos, along with story submissions, may be sent electronically to the Grand Secretary. Photos should not be reduced in size. Printed photos are also acceptable. If you scan your own photos, they should be at least 300 dpi. Photocopies are NOT acceptable.

The Oregon Masonic News is a publication of the Grand Lodge, A.F. & A.M., of Oregon and unauthorized duplication is strictly forbidden. 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.

“News from Our Lodges” is solicited. 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. Non-members’ domestic-subscription rate is $5 per year. PLEASE NOTE: The mailing address is Oregon Masonic News, 2150 Masonic Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116. Phone: 503-357-3158; outside the Portland-area, 800-970-9920. Fax: 503357-1815.

Website: www.masonic-oregon.com Email: OMN@oregonfreemasonry.com