Issue. Elections and Edicts. We began this year s Masonic & Grand Master s Message: Elections & Edicts

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1 Volume XXX No. 3, November 2012 Grand Master s Message: Elections & Edicts Elections and Edicts I have no idea how many Blue Lodge members attend Lodge regularly. I know it is not 100 percent. If it is 10 percent, that means approximately 8,500 Blue Lodge members neither hear M.W.B. Hunt M. Compton, Grand Master the Code Reading as requested in each of the Stated Meetings, nor do they hear any important messages coming out of the Grand Lodge Office. Here are a couple of items in the form of a Code Reading and Grand Lodge Message: It s In the Book Section 204 Election of Officers: 1. (a) Each Constituent Lodge shall choose the following Officers an- IN THIS Issue 1 Grand Master s Message 1 Report of the MESH Board 3 Grand Master s Calendar 3 Lodge History 4 POMC Remembrance Day 5 Contributions 6 News From Our Lodges 7 OutReach giving tree 8 Thank you nually, by written ballot, at the first Stated Communication in November: a Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Treasurer and Secretary; also Trustees if provided for in its By-Laws. Every eligible Lodge member has a right to choose the elected officers for his Lodge, but you need to attend Lodge in November to be able to cast your ballot. So, why not ballot? If you need a ride to Lodge, give the Lodge a call and request transportation. Grand Lodge Messages Over the course of the past three years there has been a repeat of several Edicts issued by the respective Grand Master, itemized as follows: (1) Ritual Use During Opening and Closing: In order to continue the improvement in proficiency of Lodge Opening and Closing, the three principal officers the Master and two Wardens will not have an open Ritual book at their station. This obviously requires some memory work, but it also fits into my theme for the year which is Excellence by Example. We each need to muster up some personal initiative with a can do attitude to improve ourselves in Masonry as suggested by our Obligation. (2) Rental Agreement Contract: One standard Rental Agreement form was adopted for all Constituent Lodges for their use in renting their facilities. This was especially necessary where the use of alcohol Continued on page 2 Report of the Masonic & Eastern Star Home Board by Richard A. Martin, Immediate Past Grand Master We began this year s Masonic & Eastern Star Home Board on a sad note. Normally the Immediate Past Worthy Grand Matron is elected as vice-chairperson of the Board. This year, however, with the passing of Sister Carolyn Beecher, we were not able to follow tradition. The Worthy Grand Matron, Sister Anna Knecht, graciously accepted the position of vice-chairperson of the Board. She also appointed Sister Judy Rooth, the Grand Conductresss, as the third voting member of the Eastern Star, along with Sister G. Ann Thomas, the Associate Grand Matron. The Masonic members of the Board are myself, Richard A. Martin, I.P.G.M.; M.W.B. Hunt M. Compton, Grand Master; David H. Fryday, Deputy Grand Master; Mike Wick, Senior Grand Warden; and Donald F. Stapleton, Junior Grand Warden. We held our first meeting on June 9, 2012, immediately following Grand Lodge in Seaside. As many of you know, we had perhaps the largest change to the Home/ Jennings McCall Center since its inception in the 1920s. Aidan Health Services assumed the operation and administration of the Jennings Mc- Call Center. This, of course, resulted in many personnel changes, including dismissing the executive director and hiring a new administrator and health services coordinator. The new administrator, Mr. Channon Larson, has been responsible for the Continued on page 2

2 MESH Board report, Continued from page 1 day-to-day operation and execution of policies and procedures for the Jennings McCall Center since the beginning of the year. The MESH board took this step to streamline operations, provide the best care possible to all residents of Jennings McCall, and ultimately generate a profit after decades of losing money at the Masonic & Eastern Star Home at Jennings McCall. The decision was made after several years of discussion, obtaining bids from many management companies, visits by the Board to comparable facilities and asking the Great Architect of the Universe for His wisdom. The transition a little rough at times is beginning to take shape. Aidan Health Services, in conjunction with the MESH Board, held several meetings with the residents earlier this year with positive results. In September, the MESH Board met with the residents, without the presence of Aidan. At that meeting, there were many issues documented by the MESH Board and reported back to Aidan Health Services. Those issues have been addressed and corrections made wherever possible. The MESH Board plans to have additional meetings with the residents in the future. For the last year or so, the Board has been considering converting a portion of the Center into a memory care unit. This would allow residents with dementia or Alzheimer s to remain at Jennings McCall rather than transfer to another facility. The design work for the memory care unit is currently underway. Now for the good news: For the past two months, Jennings McCall has been in the black! That hasn t happened for many a year and we look forward to continuing success. Grand Master s Message, continued from page 1 was to be served. Use of the standard Rental Agreement Contract will insure the Lodges are in compliance with specific Resolutions pertaining to Services and Consumption of Alcohol in Masonic Lodges. It is also more efficient when one standard form is used. The contract may be found on the Grand Lodge website. (3) Lodge Historical Update: To get a jumpstart on the next volume of the History of The Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of Oregon, from 2000 to 2050, Lodges have been requested to provide an update covering the years 2000 through No information has been provided to the Grand Historian during these 13 years, and yet this Jurisdiction has surrendered 31 charters so far during this time. One charter was arrested and 30 were consolidated. I especially want these 31 Lodges to be recognized in our History Book, as well as any of the important milestones any of our Lodges feel the general public should be aware of. (4) Clandestine Body: There are two Sections in our Code Book Section 5 and Section that address and define the issue of Clandestine or Irregular Bodies. One such body that meets the definition is The Grand Priory of the Reformed and Rectified Rite of the U.S. of A. (Grand Priory). The Grand Priory was issued a Charter by the Grand Priory of Occitania, which itself is a separate and irregular Masonic Body because it was issued a Charter by an irregular Masonic group in France. Consequently, the Grand Priory became a Clandestine Body in this Jurisdiction. The Grand Encampment of Knights Templar is a national organization overseeing the York Rite. There is a direct link between the York Rite, Knights Templar and Grand Encampment. The Grand Encampment has recently fully embraced as an appendant and concordant body the Grand Priory. I m sorry; what did you say? I said the Grand Encampment has recognized a body that this jurisdiction has classified as Clandestine or Irregular!! There will be updates on this issue to follow. Attending Lodge is more than listening to a Code Reading or any message put out by the Grand Lodge. It is a meeting with Brethren who have similar ideals and convictions. It is a time to demonstrate and execute a theme of Excellence by Example for our own selfimprovement in Masonry. Attend Lodge when you can. Respectfully and fraternally, Hunt M. Compton, Grand Master My Morning Prayer by Abby Willowroot Bless this day - keep me safe and whole, kind and compassionate. Bless my path today - Help me to act with wisdom and live in perpetual gratitude. Bless my human family who are everywhere and everyone. Bless the creatures and plants. May all life be blessed on this day. Page 2

3 GRAND MASTER S TENTATIVE ITINERARY November Medford No. 103, O.V.; dinner, 6 p.m.; Lodge, 7:30 p.m. - U, L 3 DeMolay Grand Master s Class, Salem Scottish Rite, Legion of Honor and Awards - U, L 4 Daylight Savings Time ends 6 Hermiston No. 138, O.V.; 7:30 p.m. - U Election Day 8 Newberg No. 104, O.V.; dinner, 6:30 p.m.; Lodge, 7:30 p.m. - U 10 MESH, Teleconference - Forest Grove Grand Lodge of Nevada Annual Session, Reno 14 Tigard-Orenomah No. 207, Tigard, O.V.; dinner, 6 p.m.; Lodge, 7 p.m. - U, L 15 Clatskanie No. 133, O.V.; dinner, 6:30 p.m.; Lodge, 7:30 p.m. - U 17 Occasional Grand Lodge Willamette Valley; Salem Scottish Rite; 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. - U, L 19 Santiam No. 25, Stayton, O.V.; dinner, 6:30 p.m.; Lodge, 7:30 p.m. - U, L 20 Rainier No. 24, O.V.; dinner, 6 p.m.; Lodge, 7 p.m. - U, L 26 Parkrose No. 179, Portland, O.V.; Lodge, 7:30 p.m.; Oyster Stew, 8:30 p.m. - U December Lafayette No. 241, Seattle; International Night - T, L 2 Tigard-Orenomah No. 207, Installation, 2 p.m. 4 Union No. 3, McMinnville; Installation, closed, 8:30 p.m. - U 7 Leadership Meeting, Forest Grove, 2 p.m. - SU 8 MESH, Forest Grove 27 St. John the Evangelist Day U = Uniform; L = Ladies; T = Tuxedo; S = Summer Uniform; O.V. = Official Visit With Thanksgiving in sight, can Christmas and the New Year be far away? Time to think about those end-of-year donations to make your 2012 tax burden a bit lighter. You can send your donations for the Masonic & Eastern Star Home Endowment Fund to 2150 Masonic Way, Forest Grove, OR Donations to Home Endowment remain permanently in the fund and are never spent. Only the interest is diverted to the Home Maintenance Fund to support our Home members at the Jennings McCall Center, as well as the OutReach Services and MESHCare programs. Lodge History by W.B. Jim Akers, Grand Historian History is the analysis and interpretation of the human past that enables us to study continuity and change over time. It is an act of both investigation and imagination that seeks to explain how people have changed over time. Historians use all forms of evidence to examine, interpret, revisit and reinterpret the past. This includes not just written documents, but also oral communications and objects such as buildings, artifacts, photographs and paintings. They are trained in methods of discovering and evaluating these sources and the challenging task of making historical sense out of them. Nevertheless, historians don t always agree on interpretations of the past. History prepares us to live more humanely in the present and to meet the challenges of the future because it provides us with an understanding of the human condition. It s a means of disseminating and comprehending the wisdom and folly of our forebear s while it fulfills our desire to know and understand ourselves and our ancestors. History allows one to vicariously experience countless situations and conditions, which stimulates the imagination and creativity of historians. Historians debate the nature of history and its usefulness. This includes discussing the study of the discipline as an end in itself, and as a way of providing perspective on the problems of the future. Our identity as Masons must include work on ourselves both as individuals and as a brotherhood. Continued on page 7 Page 3

4 POMC marks Remembrance Day By M.W.B. Rich Martin, P.G.M., & Janet Martin, P.G.L. September 25th was a National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims. At Mt. View Cemetery in Oregon City, the Oregon Chapter of Parents of Murdered Children marked the day with music, words of comfort and the reading of victims names. This annual event is held for many reasons. Yes, it is a day to be with our loved ones among family and friends; and to remember those who were taken from our lives at a young age. It is a day to be with others who also endure the loss Steve Doell, president of Crime Victims United, speaks during the National Day of Remembrance and heartache of losing some- gathering. one to violence taken from us by someone else. It is hard to imagine the day when it happened. We think it is a terrible mistake; they must have the wrong name, the wrong address. Unfortunately it does happen to some of us, and we still grieve and are never the same to carry on with our lives. The National Day of Remembrance started with a bagpiper, the presentation of colors and the National Anthem. There were many area speakers, including John Foote, District Attorney for Clackamas County; Hardy Myers, retired Attorney Bagpiper Daniel DelMain begins the service by playing Amazing Grace. General; and Steve Doell, president of Crime Victims United, who also lost a child to violence. A poem was read and then chimes were sounded. Each victim s name was read aloud for all to hear, then the chimes sounded again. A family from Canada laid a wreath at the podium for their son who had come to Oregon to help the homeless. His life was taken as he tried to give back to our community. At the conclusion of the ceremony many Monarch butterflies were released and they flew freely among the audience and the trees. Two hundred people attended, including three Past Grand Masters and their wives and past and current Grand Lodge Officers and their Continued on page 5 Ring raffl e tickets will be available soon Grand Master Hunt M. Compton is wearing a very special ring this year a 14 karat gold Past Master s ring. The ring was given to the Oregon Masonic Charitable Foundation by Cathy O Malley assistant to the Director of the National Masonic Foundation for Children and her family. This was a generous gift and we are pleased our Most Worshipful Grand Master has agreed to add historical value to the gift by wearing it to all of his official functions. The ring will be raffled off and proceeds will help support the Masonic Model Student Assistance Program. Tickets are $5 each, and only 1,500 tickets will be sold. A bound book of photographs, documenting the journey of the ring and the Grand Master will accompany the prize-winning ticket. Grand Lodge officers will have the tickets soon. I t s not what we don t know that hurts, it s what we know that ain t so. Will Rogers ( ) G ood judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment. Unknown Page 4

5 September 5 October 9 Masonic & Eastern Star Home Foundation Society Taft Lodge No Pin Money Ralph Fowler Estate (34) Fellowcraft Club Rainier Lodge No. 24 (Home Maintenance) Vista Masonic Lodge No. 215 Rainier Lodge No. 24 (Home Endowment) Apprentice Club Earth Angels Group in honor of MWB Hunt M. Compton, GM Petitioner Club Arthur D. Case Jr. (44) Jeanne Levy J. Evan Nelson (30) in memory of Alice Johnson Jefferson Lodge No. 33 in honor of MWB Hunt M. Compton, GM Kathleen A. Gould Darline Allen Locati Patti & Hunt Compton, GM (3) Joyce & Bob Richmond, PGM (34) in honor of MWB Hunt M. Compton, GM Anna Knecht, WGM in honor of MWB Hunt M. Compton, GM Anonymous Donation in honor of Tiffany Cook on her Birthday R.E. Gene Wright Sr., DDoGM #21 (48) in honor of MWB Hunt M. Compton, GM Rainier Lodge No. 24, Pin Money Vista Masonic Lodge No. 215, Pin Money Earth Angels Group For MESH Planter Box Project Patti & MWB Hunt Compton, GM (3) for MESH Planter Box Project Ed Bousquet, PGM (139) Judy Bousquet Masonic Charitable Foundation Foundation Society Taft Lodge No. 200 Petitioner Club Daniel & Teri Douglas (207) for MMSAP Rainier Lodge No. 24 for MMSAP Your donation, no matter what size, helps Oregon Masonry achieve its goals and fulfill its mission. Oregon Masonic News The Oregon Masonic News is published monthly (except July and August) by authority of the Trustees of The Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of Oregon. Editors are the Trustees of the Grand Lodge. Deadline for copy is the fifth of the month preceding the publication date. Example: November 5 for December 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 of 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 of A.F. & A.M. of Oregon. News of 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 Phone: ; outside the Portland-area, Fax: Website: grandsecretary@masonic-oregon.com Remembrance Day, continued from page 4 wives. We are so appreciative of all the support we received to help raise funds for this memorial. The plan is to have several waterfalls and columns at each end of the monument. It truly will be a beautiful place to visit and be at peace with the beauty around it. Our hope is to have it completed as soon as possible. Since the dream started some of the material costs have gone up, so it is taking longer than we thought to complete. Janet Martin points out Valerie J. Martin s name on the POMC memorial. The chapter of POMC is such a comforting group; one that is there for us when we need to talk, cry or just sit with someone. The chapter persevered to help all of us with a dream this memorial garden to honor our loved ones and the dream came true this summer. The garden is a reality. The area has been cleared and the cement walls are taking shape. The names are engraved and when the time is right they will be placed on the walls. We hope you can take the time to view it for yourself. It truly is a loving tribute to unfortunately so many. Respectfully, Rich and Janet Martin, I.P.G.M. & P.G.L. Page 5

6 NEWS FROM OUR LODGES Redmond Lodge No. 154 was to participate with Pappy s Pizzeria in Redmond on Oct. 23 (according to the Lodge s October Trestleboard) on a fundraising project. All food ordered and accompanied by a flier distributed in the trestleboard would give the Lodge 50 percent of the amount of a food order. This is a great way to raise funds, giving the restaurant increased business and publicity, giving families a night out for dinner and putting funds into the Lodge coffers. Is there a business in your community that might participate in something similar to this? Bandon Lodge No. 130 raised its newest Master Mason, Jeffery L. Scott, on Sept. 27. All the Lodges from District 16 were represented Bandon, Chadwick No. 68, Myrtle No. 78, Port Orford No. 170 and Sidney Croft No. 206 along with North Bend Lodge No. 140 from District 14. Bandon s Worshipful Master Jerry Earls thanked everyone and said, It was absolutely amazing to be a part of the effort. He also thanked the Brethren of North Bend who traveled so far that night in support of a new Brother. Good work! Cornerstone Lodge No. 157 (Portland) planned its Annual Stew Feed on Oct. 17. Judging by past events like this, it was likely to be a big success. Eric Headley, Worshipful Master, has told the Brethren he would welcome suggestions, ideas and even past successful ventures to aid in fundraising. A lot of money is needed to have a long-term plan to have our building be accessible to everyone in our Masonic family. - The Edict on History, as explained by R.W.B. Duncan Tucker, would like to claim it for Tuality its traveling gavel. W.M. Raycraft District Deputy No. 11, in the Mid- Lodge before the end of the year Valley Trestleboard: The Grand and he only needs five volunteers Master only wants the period of to attend a Stated Communication history from 2000 to 2012; 13 years. of Holbrook with him. His goal is The Grand Master states he doesn t to bring this full circle and return want the monthly details of meetings, but the significant decisions Tuality. We hope Tuality members it to Union Lodge with a visit from and changes to the Lodge. Some are able to swoop in and rescue the that he suggests are major building Unity gavel. issues, exhumation of ancient subsurface oil tanks, cemetery vandal- (Seaside) At the Tuesday, Oct. 2, Evergreen Lodge No. 137 ism, consolidation(s) or any item of Stated Communication of Evergreen an infrequent or abnormal circumstance (i.e., the destruction of the Deputy of the Grand Master No. 1, Lodge R.W.B. Jim Robinson, District second floor of Jefferson s building was pleased to present W.B. Donald during the Columbus Day storm). Methven with his 60-year pin. So form a committee to assist your Master in reviewing the has actually served the Fraternity This was a bit belated, as W.B. Don events of the last 13 years, looking for 62 years. He was initiated and for major improvement or events. raised in Multnomah Lodge No. 1 The Grand Master states, whatever the Lodge wants the public to wife Jackie was there to witness the before he moved to Seaside. Don s know that may be unusual or civicminded. That could be educational presentation. grants, assistance to schools, Child ID programs, parades organized, community groups honored by the Lodge, the organization of youth groups, developing or assisting a Food Bank, etc. There are many possibilities. Remember it s due in February, Tuality Lodge No. 6 (Hillsboro) W.M. Fred Raycraft thanked the Brothers who helped with the Rainbow Crowning Ceremony at their installation. I know our support is WB Donald Methven (left) receives his appreciated by these young ladies, 60-year pin and award from RWB he noted. James Robinson during a meeting of In the Lodge Trestleboard he Evergreen Lodge No also remarked that he had discovered that the Brethren at Holbrook chael Gottschalk reports the Lodge Florence Lodge No. 107 W.M. Mi- Lodge No. 30 (Forest Grove) attended a meeting at Union Lodge the September Stated Meeting, is at the point of beginnings. With No. 3 in McMinnville and left with Continued on page 7 Page 6

7 It s time for wishes on OutReach giving tree As we gather around the Thanksgiving table this month, giving thanks for our many blessings, our thoughts may wander to the holiday ahead as we consider special gifts for family and friends. Family includes our Masonic Family. Please think of the neediest OutReach recipients this holiday season and consider answering one of their wishes. The second annual Giving Tree will be set up at the Grand Lodge in Forest Grove and will anonymously grant wishes for our Masonic and Eastern Star Brothers rs and Sisters. These members may have no family with whom they can share the holidays, or they may have limited income and/or poor health. All of these make the holidays difficult. What a wonderful gift this would make for that hard-to-shop-for-orperson on your list! Perhaps you know someone who has everything they need. Wouldn t they be happy to know that your gift to them gave happiness to someone else who really needed a gift card, a warm coat or a gift of money to help pay an electric bill? In order to make the Giving Tree available to those not able to pick up a wish ornament from the Grand Lodge in Forest Grove, the next issue of the Oregon Masonic News will have each member listed anonymously so you may still participate in this important seasonal event. Stay tuned for more details and additional information in the December OMN. News of the Lodges, continued from page 6 Lodge members returned to formal attire. He also noted that renovation projects are going well. Anyone interested in renting the Lodge building for events should contact the Master or Lodge Trustees for approval. A Masonic Study Group is under discussion. Those who would like to discuss books of Masonic interest or share what we are learning are welcome to attend. Contact W.B. Dick Tooley at Tigard-Orenomah Lodge No. 207 Brother Jonathan Stubbenhagen was raised a Master Mason in October. His father, Jon Stubbenhagen, Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, A.F. & A.M., flew to the United States especially to help with his son s ascent to the sublime degree of Master Mason. Installation of officers Lodge Secretaries: Please remember to send in Form 70½ to the Grand Lodge Office as soon as possible after elections. You can also find the form on the Grand Lodge website. Choose For Members, then in the dropdown menu, Reporting Forms, Printable Forms to Dowload Protected, and then click on Form 70.5 List of Lodge Officers. Lodge history, continued from page 3 Our decline in membership over the past 50 years is merely a symptom of the loss of Masonry s relevance to our lives and our communities. We have individually and collectively allowed our lethargy to entrust the jewel of Masonry, which has been bequeathed to us to pass on to the future. MWB Rich Martin, IPGM; Jonathan Stubbenhagen; WB Jon Stubbenhagen; and MWB Art Bush, PGM, (L-R) pose after a remarkable Tigard-Orenomah meeting. Send your Lodge articles to ptemple@masonic-oregon.com. We welcome timely news articles that are of general interest (fundraising events, scholarship presentations, Lodge rededications, open house nights, special Lodge events or speakers, etc.) and we are always pleased to get photos. Page 7

8 OREGON MASONIC NEWS The Grand Lodge of AF & AM of OR 2150 Masonic Way Forest Grove, OR NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID SALEM OR PERMIT NO. 526 Change service requested Oregon Masonic News, November 2012 Thank you! The Grand Lady, Patti Compton, wishes to thank everyone for their prayers, cards, calls and concern after she broke her hip. She is now home and glad to be there and will begin to work again on the planter boxes for the Masonic & Eastern Star members at the Jennings McCall Center in Forest Grove. Autumn Special Let us pay your moving costs! Move into the Jennings McCall Center before November 30, 2012, and we will credit your first month s rent for up to $1,000 of your moving costs!* Offer expires December 1, 2012 Philosophy Corner If you aren t in over your head, how do you know how tall you are? - T.S. Eliot What do we live for, if not to make life less difficult for each other? - George Eliot He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose. - Jim Elliot Contact Bev Buckner at Jennings McCall, , or bbuckner@jenningsmccall.com. Adult Living You Design 2300 Masonic Way Forest Grove, OR *Some restrictions might apply. Receipt is required for moving costs and a copy of this ad must be submitted before credit will be applied to your rent.