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Greetings from the Grand Secretary

 
The Grand Lodge Messenger
 
April 2020
 

A Video Address from the Grand Master - April 2, 2020

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Message From M.W. Charles E. Wood
Grand Master


 
Brethren, 

This week, Great Wolf Lodge announced that all of their locations will be closed until May 20, 2020 due to the COVID-19 virus. We are very concerned that the closure could be extended and threaten the Annual Communication scheduled for June 12th and June 13th. We do not know what will happen in the next month and are optimistic that we will be able to meet again by June. However, we have to face the real possibility that we may not be able to meet at Great Wolf Lodge this year. The Grand Lodge team continues to monitor the situation and are making alternate plans to hold the Annual Communication in the event that Great Wolf Lodge is unavailable. Our highest priority continues to be the safety of our Brothers and their families during this unprecedented crisis.

Due to the continued uncertainty, I have directed that the Grand Secretary postpone registration for the Annual Communication until April 15, 2020. I am hopeful that we will know more by that date. We will send out the registration packet and other information to the Lodges next Tuesday, April 7, 2020. Please forward this information out to all your membership. We will continue to keep the Brethren updated regarding the status of the Annual Communication. 

The issues that we are facing are unique in our history. We are hopeful that the current crisis will pass soon and look forward to the day when we will be able to meet again, in person, and share again in joyous Fraternalism and fellowship. Remember that even though we are not able to meet in person, our phones and computers still work. The Grand Lodge team has participated in several virtual meetings online and I encourage the Brethren to continue to keep the lines of communication open. Let us not forget those who are in need and suffering during this pandemic. Let us not forget faith, hope and charity in this time of uncertainty, and that the greatest of these is charity. 




Fraternally,
MWB Charles Wood
Grand Master
 



Here is an update on the Grand Master’s Challenge to raise $40,000.00 by contributing directly to Washington Masonic Charities. Thank you one and all for your contributions.

To paraphrase a former President, “Ask not what Masonry can do for you but what can you do for Masonry.”  It is up to each Mason to “Be the Difference”.

 
From the Desk of R.W. Clint M. Brown, Jr.
Grand Secretary



 
Brethren,

Last night, for the first time in weeks, I was able to attend a Lodge meeting.  Not a Lodge meeting in the traditional sense, but a virtual Lodge meeting.  There was no opening or closing, no degree work, no business, no debates.  Just a Lodge meeting where Brothers got together and shared toasts, jokes, Masonic education and Brotherly love.

It came to me during the meeting that in this time of darkness there is perhaps a silver lining and a lesson to be learned.  I was reminded once again how good and pleasant it is for Brethren to dwell together in unity.  I encourage Lodges to start conducting virtual meetings. Platforms like Zoom have free options and are easy to use.   You cannot perform our esoteric ritual, but that does not mean that you cannot meet, check in to see how everyone is doing and conduct some Masonic education. More importantly, after we are able to meet again, remember that a Lodge meeting is not about meeting to pay the bills and go home.  It is about Brotherly love, relief and truth. 

I lived in Houston during both Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  I have seen what a crisis does to a community.  It can bring out the best and yes, the worst in people.  I wake up every morning to hear how scammers are preying upon people or people are hoarding toilet paper and other necessities.  I also hear how the federal, state and local governments need to do more.  My Brothers, we are the ones who need to do more.  We need to do more for our neighbors, our communities and our Brothers and widows in need.  We need to make sure that our elderly neighbors have what they need to get through this pandemic.  Do they have food, water and medicine?  Is there an opportunity for us to contribute something back to our community?  There are many opportunities to volunteer without risking exposure to the virus.  What about the elderly Brothers and widows?  Maybe they have everything they need.  Everything except someone to talk to.  What we are experiencing now is outside the experience of almost every living human being.  Many people are scared and lonely.  A little kindness and reassurance that they are not alone and not forgotten will go a long way.   Let’s not forget those Masonic Tenents; faith, hope and charity.

I want to remind the Brethren, that the Grand Lodge staff continues to work from home and are here to assist you in any way that we can.  I have access to email and GrandView, so if you have questions, please do not hesitate to send me an email.  I try to respond to emails as quickly as possible.  I am also planning to start doing a weekly online Zoom meeting.  The first meeting will be this Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at 6:30 PM.  Information regarding this meeting can be found on Grand View. We will also be putting out information regarding virtual District meetings and the 2020-2021 Team meeting via Zoom.  So stay tuned.




Fraternally,
Clint Brown
Grand Secretary


 
From The Desk of V.W. Clayton LaVigne
Assistant Grand Secretary

 

 
              

Greetings, my Brothers!

Wow, when you look at the blooming fruit trees, you know that it’s spring, but you sure wouldn’t know from the temperature outside! Things are moving right along with the seasons, but we have been derailed by a situation that we haven’t had to contend with in our lifetimes. It’s been a tough last couple of weeks for our Lodges, and we’re now looking at the Month of April without stated meetings, dinners or events in our Lodge buildings.
 
However, as you might have already realized, that doesn’t mean that our Lodges have totally shut down! Despite the fact that I haven’t been in the same room with a Brother Mason in several days, I’ve been in contact with many of you via E-mail, over the phone, or through teleconferencing. I remember mentioning a few months ago that using teleconferencing programs like Zoom is an excellent way to hold informal meetings with members of your Lodge. These could be Brothers that live in other states, are unable to attend Lodge because they cannot drive at night, can’t climb the stairs in your Lodge building, or any other reasons. Well, we’re now in a situation where you can take full advantage of that. With a free Zoom account, you’re stuck with a 40-minute limit, but you’re not limited in the number of meetings you can schedule, and you can host up to 100 people! And it doesn’t cost that much to upgrade to the longer times for the meetings and other goodies not featured in the free version. I’ve heard of a few Lodges already holding Zoom meetings with good attendance, at least one Lodge that has scheduled an event featuring a speech from a Brother that lives across the state, and I have set up Zoom accounts with all three of the Lodges in which I hold membership. And Zoom is only one example of holding video chats, as a member of your Lodge might already have an account with another teleconference company so your Lodge may choose to go that route.
 
And while the Grand Lodge Office is currently closed, that doesn’t mean that I’m not available as your Assistant Grand Secretary! I am still working on Mondays and Thursdays, and I can be reached at clayton@freemason-wa.org. I’ve been calling Brothers on those days, just from a different phone. There have been several of you that have continued to contact me regarding Lodge matters, and I’m truly enjoying assisting you.
 
This is a bump in the road, and things will get back to normal. But in the meantime, catch up on your Masonic reading and study, “visit” with your Brothers with the teleconferencing, get out and spend some time outdoors and enjoy the spring blooms!
 
Be prudent, be safe, and in due time, see you in Lodge!




Fraternally,
VWB Clayton M. M. La Vigne
Assistant Grand Secretary


 

Lynne Blaylock
Office Manager




Greetings,

I wanted to say hello to everyone and make sure that you are staying home and staying healthy.  This is a crazy time for all of us right now. This is the time to let your loved ones how important they are to you and reach out to those you haven’t spoken with in a long time.

Because of the coronavirus the Grand Lodge office is closed.  I do want you to know that I am working from home so if you need assistance please do not hesitate to email me.  I am here to answer your questions and help you in any way I can. 
 

Warm regards,
Lynne Blaylock
Lynneb@freemason-wa.org



 
Connor Tibke
Administrative Assistant




Greetings,

I hope this message finds all the Brethren safe and healthy in these troubled times. Despite disruptions at the office, the Grand Lodge Team is still available to contact for support and guidance as needed. I am available by email if you are in need of assistance with Lodge duties or if you have any questions about teleconferencing solutions during this period of social distancing. 

I hope that those of us with the privilege are taking some time to go outdoors! Whether gardening, strolling or exercising outside, staying active is a fun way to stay sharp and mentally fortified while we are unable to see our friends and loved ones in person.

Please take take care of yourselves and be well.


Warmest regards,
Connor Tibke
connor@freemason-wa.org  


 
Sickness & Distress – Masonic Outreach Services is Here to Assist

 
Do you know a Mason, Masonic widow, or member of our Masonic family who needs assistance due to age, illness, disability, or hardship?  Maybe you could use a little help yourself? Masonic Outreach Services’ Care Coordinators and Certified Senior Advisors spend time visiting with our clients to tailor solutions that help them lead dignified and meaningful lives by remaining independent or finding the right solution for their daily needs.

Please, if you know someone who can use our assistance, help them connect with us by calling, toll free, (844) 288-3531 or outreach@masonscare.org

 
Technology Committee
 

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: 

grandsecretary@freemason-wa.org.

 
Grand Lodge Events



April 17, 2020 - 7:00 PM - District No. 18 Meeting
Links to a Zoom Meeting will be distributed to all participants beforehand


April 18, 2020 - 10:00 AM - 2020-2021 Grand Lodge Team Meeting
Teleconferencing details for this meeting will be released prior to the event


April 24, 2020 - 7:00 PM - District No. 19 Meeting
Links to a Zoom Meeting will be distributed to all participants beforehand


April 25, 2020 - 10:00 AM - District No. 15 Meeting
Links to a Zoom Meeting will be distributed to all participants beforehand

April 25, 2020 - 1:00 PM - District No. 17 Meeting
Links to a Zoom Meeting will be distributed to all participants beforehand


 


The Grand Lodge Offices will remain closed
until further notice due to the impacts of the COVID-19  Pandemic.

 
Lodge Secretary Corner
 

 
Grand Lodge Fees - Please remember your Grand Lodge Fees are due on or before April 15, 2020.  Thank you to all of the Lodges that have paid their invoice.



Thank you

 
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