Greetings from the Grand Secretary

Lodge Masters and Secretaries
Please forward or share the Messenger with your members. They might want to know what is going on. Don’t let your dues statement be the only time the Brethren hear from the Lodge.
 
Where’s Sam
Things are progressing nicely. This should be the last Month for Cardio rehab. So, we’re focusing on Grand Lodge business. 

I get several calls a week asking about VWB Clint Brown running as a candidate for Grand Secretary. Let’s get this on the table and out of the way.  VWB Clint and I had a very open and honest discussion before my surgery about what would happen if I woke up dead, incapacitated or worse. Should that happen, the Washington Masonic Code clearly states that the Assistant Grand Secretary will assume the office. But then the question about the election at the Annual Communication in June with no declared candidate remained open.  VWB Clint and I decided that he would submit his Letter of Availability to resolve that issue and be the best thing for the Fraternity in my “absence”.

The next conversation after getting back to work, we also agreed that the Brethren should ALWAYS have a choice. So, VWB Clint’s name will remain as candidate for Grand Secretary. There is no animosity, no ill feelings or anything of the sort.  Together we continue to travel throughout the Jurisdiction to assist the Lodges and the Brethren.  
 
MRC
We sponsored an Open House at the Masonic Retirement Center last weekend hosted by the City of Des Moines and representatives of the buyer. The purpose of the open house was to inform the neighbors and community of the current status and plans for the site.

Only the Lobby, Library, Banquet Hall, Auditorium and Lounge were available to the public. Refreshments were served by the city and buyer while we provided chaperon services (Thanks to those Brethren that volunteered!). From all appearances, the city and the buyer are closely working together to get the re-zoning and planning finalized and approved (hence the community open house!) In short, the sale seems solid and moving toward a close later in the year.
 
Civility
If anyone can share with me when there has been a time when a civil society has been more needed, I’d like to know. The basic components of civility are generally forgotten by the public and sometimes ignored in our Lodges. We, as Masons should be ever watchful to make sure that we are civil to each other, and by shining example, to all around us. This is particularly true when around our youth.  They do not need anymore BAD examples. I especially call upon all adult youth leaders and Lodge Officers to demonstrate restraint in dealing with issues, making sure that you select an appropriate time and place for working together for the benefit of the organization.

We must encourage our youth to actively adopt the high standards morals and ethics that we profess to live by. Attend and support our youth groups.  Prove to society that Masons are men of character. Live your obligations.

Civility Quote
“Whether in business or in life, you can be civil and get ahead. Whatever your age or circumstance, you can master civility. So what are you doing today to connect with others? What kind of legacy are you leaving? Are you lifting people up or holding them down?

In each moment we get to choose who we want to be.

Who do you want to be?” 

― Christine Porath
Mastering Civility: A Manifesto for the Workplace


Grand View
By this time, I hope that every member has taken the opportunity to sign in to Grand View and review/update their own personal information. Along with your ‘preferences’ where you set how you want the Lodge to communicate with you, you can enter and update your address, email and other contact information. Some Lodges have already begun to use the system to send out meeting minutes, notices of events, meeting reminders and more. Don’t complain that you never hear from your Lodge if you don’t let the Lodge know where and how you want that communication.

We are currently working through several issues, also known as growing pains of a new system. We are learning that the Jurisdiction of Washington does not always do things the same way as the other Jurisdictions. We are learning the importance of complete and accurate information. Before turning on some of the additional capabilities of Grand View, please make sure that your information is correct.
 
Public Relations
Many Lodges have already experienced new petitions as a result of the 30-second radio and TV spots that our Public Relations Committee produced and distributed to broadcasters around the state. Those that prepared to receive these men into their Lodges with willing and knowledgeable Brethren and the Six Step Program are reaping the rewards of new members.

While attending the North American Conference of Grand Secretaries, I learned of a study conducted by the Scottish Rite (NMJ) that most men strive to be honest, patient, tolerant and civil. However, many are surprised by the fact that these are the very same traits that define who Masons are and what they stand for. When asked if they would want to associate with people that share the same values the answer as a resounding ‘yes’. According to the study, that opens the door for fifty-three million (53,000,000) eligible men for the benefits and fraternalism of Masonry. I have a copy of the one minute video that they presented and have shared a copy with our PR Committee. It completely dovetails with our message of Masonry in this Jurisdiction. The Scottish Rite also shared material that can (and should) be used in our Lodges, by our Brothers to reclaim the face of Masonry.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bz2IzbOI-I
  
Island Time
Ever dreamed about living on an Island and living the quiet life?  Your Grand Lodge can help.  Located on Anderson Island in Puget Sound off the coast of Steilacoom this secluded wooded lot would make a great weekend getaway. This lot will be sold this year to the best offer. Call Clint in the Grand Lodge Office for the details.
  
A Hot Topic
Free WEB Page provided by the Grand Lodge Public Relations Committee. Lodges that have no web presence and are complaining about ‘no one knows we’re here’ is surpassed only by those Lodges that have not updated their web page in years. What impression is left by seeing a list of the 2010 officers? In some cases, the page is out of date because the webmaster left, or the access password is lost. In some cases, the Lodge can’t afford a web host. If you are in any of these circumstances, or if you have no website, contact the Public Relations Committee for help. It is a fact that most younger men get their information electronically. Make sure that it is your information and it’s correct.  
 
Cornerstone
Another jewel from the Conference is what the Grand Lodge of Michigan calls a cornerstone of Masonry. The Masonic Family has committed to a unified front of Masonry for the whole Jurisdiction. No more working independently or in some cases in opposition of each other. Even calendars are coordinated. Fundraisers and special events are shared to the benefit of all.   Announcements and notices are timed and targeted for the maximum benefit of the Masonic FAMILY. The Presenter gave examples of conflicting installations between the Lodge and the Masonic groups they supported; splitting the attendance, the fellowship and the support for either organization. An even more bad example of two foundations holding major fundraisers very close together, where the donations for one of the foundations dropped more than $30K to the detriment of both.