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
Getting ready for the Annual Communication.
 
MRC
The MRC is back under contract to close no later than December 17, 2018 if extensions are exercised. Hopefully, we will be done before then. The next step is to have our rezone application approved by the City of Des Moines, which we should know within the next couple of weeks. By all accounts of what the city is telling us, this should not be a problem. (Thanks Chris Haynes.)
 
Junior Grand Warden
Ever thought that you might want to become a Grand Lodge Elected Officer?  There will be an information session on August 5^th at the Grand Lodge office for anyone wanting to know more about the Grand Lodge Officers and what is expected and what is required. The current Grand Lodge Officers will share their experience and answer your questions about every aspect of becoming Grand Master. Afterwards, stick around and attend the Unity March in DuPont where we join up with our Prince Hall Brothers.

Opportunity
Retired and looking for a way to give back… helping vets, getting people to and from medical appointments?  Looking to get back into the work force, part or full time?

Masons of Olympus 45 Foundation
Every year about this time, many people contact this office to say that they have been called by the “Masons of Olympus 45” Foundation asking for a donation.  If pressed, the caller will state that he is with the Prince Hall Masons and is collecting for various ‘worthy causes’.  This group is NOT associated with the Grand Lodge of Washington or with the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Washington and Jurisdiction.
 
Civility Quote
Civility is a talent used for making friends, gaining respect and developing character, while un-civility will result in being deprived of friends, forfeiting respect and revealing your morals, but in half the time.   
 

Electronic and Rubber Seals
More and more of the Lodges are moving to electronic documents, fillable forms and Lodge Certificates.  The same is true of Grand Lodge. The issue is that putting the seal on a document leaves a great embossed impression but doesn’t scan worth beans. Many of US have resorted to highlighting the seal with a no.2 pencil just so the copier or scanner picks it up. After Grand Lodge we will be investigating the use of electronic and rubber stamp Seals.  Any lodge that is interested in getting information about using an electronic seal in Lodge communications, audits and certificates, contact Clint at the Grand Lodge Office or clint@freemason-wa.org. If we have enough interest, we’ll put out proposals for us all. 
 

Reporters for the Messenger and Tribune
We are looking for Brothers and others that would like to let the jurisdiction know about what is happening in and around the Lodge; the Bethel, Assembly or Chapter. A brief paragraph (and picture if possible) will inform and inspire.

Public Relations
The PR Committee is still offering FREE websites to any Lodge that does not have one, or theirs is out of date or locked. Contact the PR Chairman Roger Nelson.
 
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.
 
Suggestions for the Annual Communication
Hearing assist will be available at the Annual Communication.  Ask at the registration desk.
 

Ideas from around the Jurisdiction
Increase Attendance
  Contact your state Representatives -- http://leg.wa.gov/House/Pages/default.aspx
Encourage Visitation
   Many Districts participate in a Lodge of the Month visitation.
 

A Hot Topic
See you at the Annual Communication.