This is a follow-up to the last two articles I have written for the Grand Lodge Masonic Messenger. I was asked if there was a reason I was addressing issues concerning Masonic conduct and my reply is yes. As Masons we invest a lot of time and energy in helping other Masons to become better men, yet we see Brothers acting un-Masonic and the consequences of these actions can result in Masonic action being taken against them.
I also understand that society’s moral compass has changed since I became a Mason 25-plus years ago. As Entered Apprentices then, we learned to subdue our passions in order to improve ourselves. Today it has become much easier to follow the masses than to be recognized as being different. As human beings we have a natural tendency to follow instead of leading. By applying the working tools of Masonry daily, we stand a better chance of staying true to our Masonic beliefs. If we fail to do so, it may become easier to act in a non-Masonic way and thus face sanctions by our great Fraternity.
Over the years I have seen an increase in the number of Masons brought up on Masonic charges. This, in my opinion, is a very disturbing trend and one must wonder why this is occurring. I think this trend can be traced back to the lack of self-discipline. Ask yourself the following questions... What made these men act in a manner that opens them up for masonic sanctions? Did they just forget the obligations they took at the altar of Freemasonry? Did they not understand what the meaning of these obligations where? Did they believe that these obligations did not apply to them? We all took the same obligations as Entered Apprentices, Fellowcrafts and Master Masons. Others have taken on additional obligations by accepting a more active role in our Fraternity. It takes daily discipline if we are to live up to our numerous responsibilities.
Be true to yourself and plus the principles of Freemasonry. By doing so you will set an example for your friends, co-workers and communities to follow.
Again, ask not what Masonry can do for you but what you can do for Masonry.
The Grand Master Challenge to raise $40.00.00 currently stands at 46% or $18,499.60, this is an outstanding achievement as we head into the holiday season. Throughout the World, in every house, in every heart-one prayer … that all men live as brothers and that peace reign everywhere. Happy Holidays to one and all.
Fraternally,
MWB Charles Wood
Grand Master
From the Desk of Clinton M. Brown, Jr.
Grand Secretary
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Dear Brethren,
On behalf of the Grand Lodge Elected Officers and the Grand Lodge staff, I would like to wish you and yours a wonderful and joyous Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year.
After the Thanksgiving feast is done, it has long been a tradition at my house that we decorate the Christmas tree. As I was watching my daughters decorate the tree this year, I was reminded what the holiday season is truly about. It is not about the parties or the gifts or even the decorations that we put up. It is about being with our families and our friends. It is about giving to those in need. It is about those things that we as Masons cherish most; Faith, Hope and Charity.
Many of our Brethren or widows may be alone this year. Please take the time to drop by and check in on them to let them know that we have not forgotten about them. Also, don’t forget our Brothers who cannot be home because they have put themselves in harms way to defend our freedom. We live in a country where many have sacrificed so that we may be Freemasons.
Finally, enjoy your time with family and friends. Put a smile on someone’s face. It may be the best gift you can give.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Clint, Lynne, Kathleen, Clayton, Connor and Don
Fraternally,
RWB Clint Brown
Grand Secretary
From The Desk of Clayton LaVigne
Assistant Grand Secretary
Greetings, my Brothers!
As we wind down the 2019 year, we're in the middle of that time when many of our Lodges are performing their annual Installation of officers. Many of us have an opportunity to attend not only our own Lodge's Installation, but also the Installations of neighboring Lodges. It's also one of the ritualistic ceremonies that our Lodges perform in public, if it is an open installation.
Watching these installations might inspire you to join the installing team in your area, or maybe even learn to become an installing officer yourself. The first thing to do is to talk with those Brothers who are regulars in the installing teams of your district or region and express your interest in joining them. It is likely that they will be more than happy to include you in their ranks. Then, learn the work. You might want to start by learning the two prayers of the Installing Chaplain. Depending on the Lodge being installed, if you are the installing Chaplain, you might be called upon to deliver additional prayers, such as before the dinner that may accompany the Installation, so you may wish to have more prayers learned for that purpose. You might also be put to work as the Installing Senior Deacon, which more Lodges are utilizing in their ceremonies. The Installing Senior Deacon might have different responsibilities in different areas of the Jurisdiction, or with different Installing Masters, so be sure to ask what will be required of you so you will look your best during the ceremony. The installing Marshal is a part that doesn't include much spoken ritual but involves much floorwork. Performing the duty of Installing Marshal gives you an opportunity to learn who the officers of the Lodge you are installing are, and they will also get to know you better. The position of Installing Secretary is pretty straightforward, and often is given to a senior Past Master, or another well-respected Mason in the region.
And, of course, there's the role of Installing Master. It is quite an esteemed position, and one which requires a Past Master to perform it. There is a considerable amount of ritual involved with the Installing Master's part, and you may wish to learn it a little at a time, and inquire if you can do the part you learned in one of the Lodge installations. This might be one of the Charges or installing one or more of the appointed officers. Eventually you will be able to install all the officers, including the Worshipful Master, and you could be asked to install one of the Lodges in your district. It is quite an honor to be able to install a Lodge; over the last 15 years, I have had the honor of installing all the Lodges in my district (before it merged with District 16) at least once. And to this day, it is still an honor to be on the installing team for a Lodge installation.
My Brothers, there isn't that many of us that have committed the Installation Ceremony to memory. While it can be read, and there are many of us who can read the ritual well, it is hard to beat ritual that has been memorized and well-practiced. I encourage you to consider joining your local installing team and learning the ritual. You will find it most rewarding, particularly in an open installation, where the public has an opportunity to watch our ceremonial work.
May all of you have a very nice Holiday Season, and may you and your families have a prosperous New Year.
Fraternally,
VWB Clayton M. M. La Vigne
Assistant Grand Secretary
From the Accounting Department Kathleen Lau
It is that time of year again for you to review your Lodge’s Life Membership Report. This is closely followed by the annual audit of the Endowed Life Membership Fund by our CPAs in January 2020. Distribution of earnings to participating Lodges will occur in February 2020. In order for the Grand Lodge to produce an accurate distribution to each Lodge, it is critical that your Lodge records match those of our office. Beginning 12/01/19, you need to print your Lodge’s Life Membership report from Grandview.
Please CLICK HERE to review a copy of the full letter and instructions
If you have any questions, please contact me at the Grand Lodge office: kathleen@freemason-wa.org or 253-625-7891 ext. 203
We are looking for Brothers who have a background in audio visual production and social media who would like to be considered for the Technology Committee. If any Brother would like to join the Grand Lodge Technology Committee, please send your name and contact information along with a brief description of your experience in these areas to the Grand Secretary at:
Beginning in January, there will be a monthly contribution in the Grand Lodge Newsletter concerning civility, specifically Masonic Civility. I am not sure of the title for this bit of opinion/editorial and any suggestions will be appreciated, as long as they are civil!
As Masons, we are obligated to do or not do certain things. Beyond the Code and civil law, Masons will meet on the level, act by the plumb and part on the square. Beyond tradition and the Landmarks, Masons will refrain from debating religion or politics (I should add sports). Masons should adopt the Masonic tenants as a person living in society.
In the coming months, I hope to inspire discussions in your Lodges of the inseparable philosophy of Masonry and the attributes of civility. We can start with, if a Man has taken the Masonic obligations and holds them in his mind and heart; then how can a Masons fail to act on them, especially in Lodge?
My thanks to the Grand Master for permitting me to submit this to the Grand Lodge Newsletter and to the Grand Secretary (and Staff) for including it.
Fraternally,
MWB Sam Roberts
Past Grand Master
Grand Lodge Events
January 17, 2020 - 6:00 PM - District No. 6 Meeting - Delta-White Masonic Center
13034 41st Avenue South, Tukwila, WA 98168
January 18, 2020 - 10:00 AM - District No. 13 Meeting - Thornton F. McElroy Lodge, No. 302
1700 South 340th Street, Federal Way, WA 98003
January 18, 2020 - 5:00 PM - District No. 14 Meeting - William P. Dougherty Masonic Temple
3819 North 27th Street, Tacoma, WA 98407
January 31, 2020 - 6:00 PM - District No. 2 Meeting - Scottish Rite Masonic Center
1207 North 152nd Street, Shoreline, WA 98133
February 8, 2020 - 10:00 AM - Secretary, Treasurer and Temple Board Governance Training
Olympia Masonic Center
521 North Street South East, Tumwater, WA 98501 The Grand Lodge Offices will be closed at 12:00 PM Monday, December 23rd - Wednesday, December 25th in observance of Christmas; and on Tuesday, December 31st & Wednesday, January 1st for New Years.
2020 Lodge Leadership Retreat Registration is NOW OPEN!
March 20th – 22nd, 2020
Wenatchee Convention Center
The 2020 Lodge Leadership Retreat will be held Friday, March 20th through the morning of Sunday, March 22nd, 2020 at the Wenatchee Convention Center in Wenatchee, WA. Those that are eligible and encouraged to attend are any Masons that anticipate being installed as a Warden or Senior Deacon of a Lodge in 2020. While the primary focus of the retreat is geared towards Lodge Wardens and Senior Deacons, any Master Mason (including Masters or Past Masters) may attend.
The program is designed to lead officers to a greater understanding of their role as a leader in their Lodge and provide them the skills to excel and succeed in that role. A full list of classes offered can be found on the Grand Lodge website.
Ladies are invited and encouraged to attend, with Ladies programs and co-ed courses being provided. We are going to have fun and learn a lot while we are at it.
For registration information including a class list and RW Chris Coffman's letter in its entirety CLICK HERE
Lodge Secretary Corner
2019 End of Year Report
Letter from the Grand Secretary with instructions on how to process your End of Year on Grand View will be going out to all Lodge Secretary.
IMPORTANT DATES: January 17th, 2020 – You must have all your information for the 2019 year entered into the Grand View system. February 1st, 2020 – Your 2019 End of Year Return, 2019 Financial Annual Report and 990’s must be received or postmarked to Grand Lodge.
If you have not received your End of Year packet, you can download a copy from the GrandView database under forms & Docs. (2019 End of Year Forms and Procedures)
Election results are now entered on GrandView. Please submit your Lodge Election in Grand View as soon as your Elections are complete. After reporting your Elections in Grand View don’t forget Install your Officers by clicking the in Install button and adding your Lodge installation date.
Elections must take place before December 14th and installation must be completed by January 31st.
The 2019-2020 Team Directory can be found on GrandView under My Portal/Resources/Master Mason. You must be registered for GrandView in order to access.
