Issue. Grand Master s Message: Oregon Masonic Youth Education & Literacy Foundation Now that we have elected and installed the new Officers for

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1 Volume XXXI No. 6, February 2014 Grand Master s Message: Oregon Masonic Youth Education & Literacy Foundation Now that we have elected and installed the new Officers for our Lodges, it is time to look forward to a productive year. Most of these Officers have developed a plan and calendar for the New Year implementing both new and tried-and-true programs to educate and entertain the members of the Lodge and their families. Installations that my Grand Lodge Officers have attended and participated in have largely been traditional but each Lodge has displayed its own unique style, including open or closed installation, those with or without entertainment, or installing three Lodges at once. These installation events demonstrate our ability to blend tradition with a flair for resourcefulness. All in all, one theme prevailed, an expressed desire to improve Lodge programs, reach out to the immediate community and to improve ourselves in Masonry. Last month, I discussed the M.W.B. David H. Fryday Grand Master identity of Freemasonry - basically a description of what the public knows about who we are and what we do. Our conclusion was that Masons and the Appendant and Concordant bodies need to do a stronger job with public relations by interfacing better with our members and local communities. What can the Grand Lodge do to assist in this process? In December, the Leadership Committee heard a presentation about best practices in dissemination of information. It was announced that Lodge training aimed at improving our identity as Masons will be provided by the Grand Lodge at the Blue Lodge Training, Apr. 26, 2014 and at the Masonic College in October. In addition, the District Deputies will be trained this Spring to help Lodges improve their communication skills. Basically, continued on page two The jewels of the Principal Officers A couple of months ago, we heard the Installing Officer charge those who would lead our Lodges this year. Two of the charges are demands. That given to the Junior Warden tells him to walk properly; to be virtuous. That given to the Worshipful Master, to act well as he presides; to observe the laws as he protects and guides his Lodge. The charge delivered to the Senior Warden though, most invites the speculation that motivates Freemasonry speculation in a historic sense, as meaning a thoughtful and sustained inquiry, examination, and consideration. We are, in the Senior Warden s charge reminded that we, all of us, are descended from the same stock and partake of the same nature; that we take the same journey in a shared hope that at its end we will be gathered into the arms of our divine creator. A thoughtful consideration yields good lessons. Should a brother err, know that the same impulse that motivated him lies in continued on page two IN THIS Issue 1 Grand Master s Message 1 Jewels of the Principal Officers 3 Masonic Musical Connection 3 Grand Master s Calendar 4 OutReach Services Thanks You 5 Contributions MMSAP News 7 Blue Lodge Training Secretary Seminar Recap

2 Grand Master s Message, continued from page one each Lodge, Temple Association, Assembly Chapter, etc. needs to develop a trained Press Correspondent to handle their public relations, websites, newsletters and distribution to the public and members. What else can Grand Lodge do to assist Lodges in improving their individual identities? The Trustees have historically worked diligently to develop programs that can help the youth of Oregon, the children and grandchildren of Masons, and the Masonic Youth Groups directly. These programs include: Masonic Educational Assistance Masonic Model Student Assistance Program (MMSAP) Oregon Masonic Charitable Foundation (OMCF) Bikes for Books Child ID New programs, which have come into existence through the hard work of the Long Range Planning Committee include: Raising A Reader Masonic Youth Group Matching Scholarship Funds Kindles for Books Masonic Angel Program How are these programs being funded? Masonic Educational Assistance is funded by the earnings from a Grand Lodge endowment which started many years ago and has consistently grown based on earning from our investments and additional donations. MMSAP is funded by earnings from OMCF investments and monies raised at the annual golf tournament. Bikes for Books and Child ID have been funded by local Lodges all over the state. For the next few years, Grand Lodge will match funds for Bikes for Books, Masonic Angel Fund, Kindles for Books and Child ID at the rate of 25 cents for every $1 spent. Raising A Reader is funded by local Lodges with a 50 percent matching fund from Grand Lodge for implementation of the program. Similarly, scholarships given to Masonic Youth Group recipients by Lodges or Masons will be matched by Grand Lodge at 50 percent of the donation. This has been made possible by the positive return on our investments in recent years. Will we always be able to do this? For a while, yes, but not indefinitely. To protect against future changes in support, the Trustees have approved the creation of a permanent foundation for funding the youth programs mentioned above, called the Oregon Masonic Youth Education and Literacy Foundation or OMYELF (pronounced Oh my elf ) and its goal is continued on page five Jewels of the Officers, continued from page one you, and in me. Should he triumph in a virtuous act, know that the same capacity to do good is in our hearts. It is the awareness of a shared nature and journey that invites Brotherly love, that love which engenders relief given a Brother whose journey is, for a time, harder than ours. - by W.B. Tom Burke, Grand Orator You re invited: Benefit for Youth Scholarships On Feb. 16, the Oregon Amaranth Youth Scholarship Committee is hosting a Prime Rib and Prawn Dinner at the Wilsonville Shrine Center, SW Parkway Ave., beginning at 4 p.m. This casual, low-key event will include various games and a spirited dessert auction. The pre-purchase of tickets is required (no tickets sold at the door) and all proceeds will be divided between the Oregon Masonic Youth Organizations for their scholarship and leadership programs. There are several ways to help support this fundraiser beyond purchasing a $20 dinner ticket; you can purchase a $25 business card-sized advertisement on the dinner placemats or you can sponsor a corporate table for $450, and receive a private server, numerous sponsor announcements, a placemat advertisement, plus other special services and attention. Either way, your purchase will lend support to Oregon Masonic Youth. This is a 21-and-over event and free childcare will be provided. This is not a Masonic Family only event; please bring your family and friends. To purchase tickets please contact H.L. Emily Wheelbarger, Committee Chair at story provided by Bro. Larry White, G.R.P. Order of the Amaranth Page 2 February 2014

3 Masonic musical connection In the Fellowcraft degree, we are directed to study and appreciate the seven liberal arts and sciences, among them being Mathematics (Arithmetic and Geometry) and Music. Nothing could have convinced me more that I was in the right place when I heard these words, as I had spent most of my years studying and appreciating both. As I progressed through the chairs in Laurel Lodge No. 13 in Roseburg, we had the good fortune to have a Lodge musician, Ralph Cloyd Riffe, present for all of our degrees and important meetings. Little did I know what a blessing this was, as in my later travels, I found musicians to be somewhat rare in the Lodges I visited. I believe my installation as Master was the last installation for which he played, as his health began to fail. He did not leave me his music, but he left me with the knowledge of how to accompany the activities of a Lodge with music. As I saw the need to continue the musical tradition, I began filling in with some hymns and some classical pieces I had learned in my youth. I played Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven to entertain at a Lodge dinner before I even knew that any of them had Masonic affiliation. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart became a Mason in 1784, and at his instigation, both his father, Leopold, and his friend, admirer, and fellow composer Franz Joseph Haydn, became Masons in When I began playing during degree work, I chose a Haydn piece to accompany some of the perambulations and I continue to play it to this day. One of Haydn s pupils was Ignaz Josef Pleyel, the composer of Pleyel s Hymn, the funeral continued on page four GRAND MASTER S TENTATIVE ITINERARY February Grand Lodge of Utah, Salt Lake Masonic Temple - U, T, L 4 Holbrook No. 30, Official Visit; dinner & Lodge, 6:30-9:30 p.m. - U, L 5-7 Grand Lodge of Alaska, Anchorage Sheraton Hotel - U, T, L 8 MESH, Forest Grove; 8 a.m noon 11 Tillamook No. 57, Official Visit; dinner & Lodge, 6-9 p.m. - U, L 15 Conference of Western Grand Lodges, Baltimore, Md Conference of Grand Masters in North America, Baltimore, Md. 20 Clatskanie No. 133 Official Visit; dinner & Lodge, 6:30-9:30 p.m. - U, L 22 Regional Meeting, Occasional Grand Lodge, Washington Masonic Center, Portland; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. - SU, L 28 Little Falls No. 176, White Sox & Wig Night, Vader, Wa; 5-6 p.m. -U March DeMolay, Job s Daughters, Rainbow; Salem Scottish Rite, -T, L 4 Union No. 3, Official Visit; Corned beef & cabbage, 6-9:30 p.m., - U, L 5 Rickreall No. 110, Official Vist & Past Master Night; 6:30-9:30 p.m., - Bib overalls, L 6 Medford No. 103, Official Visit; dinner & Lodge, 6:30-9:30 p.m., - U, L 7 Amaranth Banquet; Valley River Inn, Eugene, 5:30-9:30, -U, L 6-8 Amaranth Grand Court; Valley River Inn, Eugene, - T,L 8 MESH, Forest Grove; 8 a.m.-12 noon 8 Grand Court of Amaranth Installation; 7 p.m. 9 Daughters of the Nile, Installation; Al Kader Shrine, Wilsonville, 2 p.m., - T, L 10 Marys River No. 221, Official Visit; dinner & Lodge, 6:30-9:30 p.m., - U, L 12 Lyon No. 29, Official Visit; dinner & Lodge, 6:30-9:30 p.m., - U, L 13 Kenton No. 145, Official Visit; dinner & Lodge, 6:30-9:30 p.m., -U, L Scottish Rite Grand Leadership Conference; Portland, -U 19 Salem No. 4, Crab Feed; Salem Temple, 6:30-8:30 p.m., -SU, L 22 Regional Meeting, Occasional Grand Lodge, Salem No. 4; 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., - SU, L 22 Leadership Meeting; Salem Masonic Temple, 3-5 p.m., - SU 27 Masonic Family Night; Salem Scottish Rite, 6-9 p.m., - U, L York Rite Festival; Washington Masonic Center, Portland In Loving Memory of LOIS VERA KRAUSE July 19, December 28, 2013 Sponsored by Columbia Chapter No. 23, now Concordia Chapter No. 133, Portland, Oregon Born in Dickinson County, Kansas. Lois was a dual-member of the Home Star and Columbia Chapters. She was a Life Care member over 13 years and had lived in the Home since February 2014 Page 3

4 OutReach Services thanks you On behalf of the MasonicAid OutReach Services Program, I would like to express gratitude for your donations to our OutReach Services program this Christmas season. Your donations provided a wonderful gift to the Masonic and Eastern Star members in need of extra assistance and kind thoughts this year. OutReach Services, along with volunteers from Rainbow, DeMolay, and Lodges, hand delivered close to half the gifts this year, allowing for special moments of visiting and sharing stories. I had the pleasure of delivering a Fred Meyer gift card to OutReach recipient, Bertha, (right) a few days before Christmas, and the sheer joy and gratitude she expressed is hard to explain. She talked excitedly about buying a soft, warm sweatshirt and socks to wear around the house. Volunteers from Children s groups including Rainbow and DeMolay delivered other Giving Tree gifts, along with some homemade cookies. Pictured below is Bryan Chipman, Past State Master Councilor of Oregon DeMolay, member of Tigard Lodge and Jennifer Chipman, Worthy Advisor of Harmony Assembly in Tigard, State Miss Service and Grand Drill Leader of Oregon Rainbow, taking time for a photo with OutReach recipient, Alice a week before Christmas. The kids enjoyed their time with Alice and look forward to future visits in the coming year. This Giving Tree year was a true success, with $2230 donated. This includes 30 individual donors! Again, we sincerely thank you for your support and generosity and look forward to carrying on this special event for years to come. Wishing you many blessings in by Danielle Christopherson, OutReach Services Coordinator What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal. - Albert Pike Musical connection, continued from page three dirge used in the third degree in most of the United States. Brother Pleyel was a member of a Masonic Lodge in Hungary in Pleyel s Hymn is sometimes the only music heard in a Masonic Lodge. I played the hymn during the degree by ear for many years until finally I discovered I had been playing a wrong chord, after doing some online research. W.B. Jim Castle, former Grand Organist, provided me with a copy of Masonic Lodge and Chapter Music and several of the pieces it contains were composed by Ludvig van Beethoven. Beethoven was also a student of Haydn and although there is no definite Masonic record for Beethoven, there are strong grounds for believing that he may have been a Mason. Three of Beethoven s biographers state that he was a Mason, but none of them give any further information. During that period however, Masonry was oppressed in Central Europe, and many Lodge records were either destroyed or not kept in the first place. As Grand Organist, I believe it is my job to improve the Masonic musical connection. I offer my assistance to any Brother wishing to add music to his Lodge. If you have had some musical training but it has been awhile since you have used it, let me assure you that it is never too late. And similarly, if you have the desire, that is all it really takes. + - by W.B. Gary Ball, Grand Organist Page 4 February 2014

5 Grand Master s Message, continued from page two to promote education and literacy for the youth of Oregon. The future of our State is dependent upon excellent education of our youth. Oregonians and Masons alike will be judged by how we assist the least privileged of our young citizens. How can you help? You can help through direct individual or Lodge donations to OMY- ELF, a 501(c)(3). Several sizable donations have been received already. Also, every time you Oregon Masonic YOUTH EDUCATION & LITERACY Foundation purchase a Grand Master s pin, a Grand Master s pen, Grand Master s baseball cap, or Grand Master s pen and letter opener set, or the new OMYELF coffee cup the proceeds go to OMYELF. For larger donations of $100 or over, you or your organization will receive a certificate of appreciation; for donations of $500 and over, you will receive a Major donor s plaque; and for donations of $1,000 and over, you will receive a Founder s plaque. All donations are tax deductible and will contribute to education and literacy programs in perpetuity. Let s get behind fundraising for this foundation. Every dollar raised will support educational and literacy programs in our Jurisdiction for many years to come. Each one of us can make a difference individually and an even bigger difference collectively. The need has been demonstrated and the programs supported by OMYELF have proven their effectiveness. Please give generously. Fraternally, David H. Fryday, Grand Master A.F. & A.M., of Oregon December 11, 2013 January 8, 2014 Masonic & Eastern Star Home Petitioner Club Raymond Carson (201) Rodney Galloway (201) David E. Riggs (76) Steven J. Roberts (103) William Ziebell (55) Nelson Atkin II (100) Frank Griffiths (77) in memory of Charles Griffiths Gregory Jackson (100) Stephen Barkely (100) Garry Weiner (100) Ralph Holt (100) Dennis Lamm (100) Charles Canedy (13) Robert Laidlaw (13) Steven M. Pomerleau (206) Judy and M.W.B. Ed Bousquet, P.G.M. (139) South Umpqua Lodge No. 72 for Pin Money Klamath Lodge No. 77 for Pin Money Apprentice Club F. & M. Schoene Endowment Fund Fellowcraft Club Eugene Lodge No. 11 M.W.B. James Belshe, P.G.M. (15) Cornerstone Club John Moffitt Foundation (156) Oregon Masonic OutReach Program Giving Tree (Petitioner Club) Del Shermer (16) Lloyd C. Peterson (109) Matthew Gerbrandt (52) R.W.B. Mike Wick (138) Mitchell Harden (211) John W. Kuppler (163) John J. Lohrfink (103) David DeCook (57) R.W.B. Art Borland (103) Bandon Lodge No. 130 Port Orford Lodge No. 170 Maple Lodge No. 127 Sidney Croft Lodge No. 206 Bay City-Wheeler Lodge No. 102 OMCF - MMSAP Petitioner Club George C. Petrie (50) Raymond Carson (201) Dennis Lamm (100) Rodney Galloway (201) Jesus Alberto Martinez (6) Fellowcraft Club Eugene Lodge No. 11 Your donation, no matter what size, helps Oregon Masonry achieve its goals and fulfill its mission. February 2014 Page 5

6 A year of firsts: Exciting news for the 2014 MMSAP Having joined the team at the Grand Lodge six months ago, I have not yet experienced the Masonic Model Student Assistance Program. During my training with Jeanne Levy, it became very apparent how exciting of an opportunity this is for all Oregon educators and how generous an offering it is from dedicated Oregon Masons. How could I be anything but thrilled to have the chance to coordinate the effort of joining forces with local educators to battle at-risk behaviors in our students and schools?! Stemming from Jeanne s extensive contact list, something developed through much hard work and dedication, I further developed a marketing plan to reach out to even more public, private and charter schools in the state. In previous years, we ve consistently hosted 40 even 50 educators, proving how easy of a sell this program is. I am pleased to announce that the 2014 MMSAP will be a banner year, as we will welcome 80 educators and have even started a waiting list for next year s event. How exciting, to know that through the support of Oregon Masons, more children will be helped and guided toward a successful education. I would like to take a moment to point out the efforts that have played a large role in this significant increase of attendance. Firstly, I want to commend each Mason that received, read and delivered the MMSAP information to their local schools. I have been in touch with several Masons who wanted information to take to school board meetings, printed handouts to distribute or to learn additional ways they could help spread the word. The program has thrived because of our shared effort and I thank you for so ardently partnering with me and truly embodying the Masonic belief in an education for every child. The Oregon Masonic Charitable Foundation met on Jan. 19, to discuss the 2014 workshop and how we can make the biggest impact with future MMSAP workshops. Through your continued support, we will be able to educate faculty members on how to develop a safe school environment, identify at-risk behavior and help children become more successful in life. - by Marissa Douglas EXTRA! EXTRA! WRITE ALL ABOUT IT Something of interest to note? Upcoming event you d like to share? Submit your story to Marissa Douglas, mdouglas@ masonic-oregon. com or mail to 2150 Masonic Way, Forest Grove, OR Oregon Masonic News The Oregon Masonic News is published monthly (except July and August) by authority of the trustees of The Grand Lodge, 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: September 5 for the October issue. High resolution photos, along with story submissions, may be sent electronically to Marissa Douglas, mdouglas@masonic-oregon. com. 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, 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, 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: ebousquet@masonic-oregon.com. Page 6 February 2014

7 NEWS FROM OUR LODGES Hermiston Lodge No. 138 We at the Oregon Masonic News would like to issue a retraction and offer an accurrate telling of a recent Hermiston Lodge No. 138 presentation. W.M. Phil Walchli (left), joined by Bro. Jim Leitch (right), presented W.B. Bernie Carper (center) with the Grand Master s pen set for his 15 years of service to his Lodge as Treasurer. An impressive and appreciated time of service, job well done, Bernie. - story provided by W.B. Randy Smith Coming soon to a city near you: 2014 Blue Lodge Training This year s Blue Lodge Training (BLT), will be held on Saturday, Apr. 26, 2014, in five locations around the state (listed below). A variety of classes will be offere, including; Masonic Etiquette, Educational Assistance, Public Relations, Masonic Code, and many more. Stay tuned for more details in next month s OMN. Register early to ensure you will have a seat. The best way to register is as a Lodge through your Secretary. However, individuals are welcome to register using the same form below. Blue Lodge Training Registration For April 26, 2014 (Deadline April 1, 2014) We are from Lodge: No. We wish to attend: Portland Grants Pass Salem La Grande Coos Bay/North Bend Name: Office: Craftsmen, check your mailboxes! Cost is $15 per person ($20 per person for late registration or at the door). Please enclose a check payable to: The Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of Oregon. Mail to the Grand Lodge at 2150 Masonic Way, Forest Grove, OR To pay by credit card, call Questions? Contact Art Borland, or art@borlandbooks.com. On behalf of M.W.B. David H. Fryday, Grand Master, your Board of Trustees, W.B. Myles McMillian, S.G.D., and Chair of the Long Range Planning Committee, and the Committee members, Grand Lodge is distributing one printed copy of the new Worshipful Master s Handbook to each of our constituent Blue Lodges. This year-long effort is in keeping with M.W.B. Fryday s mission of Building Together. It is hoped that your current and future Officers will find its content beneficial and of use to the Craft. The Handbook will also be available in pdf format by accessing the Grand Lodge website where you can view and print the Handbook for further distribution. Additional printed copies may also be available from the Grand Lodge staff at a minimal cost. On behalf of our M.W.B. David H. Fryday, please accept this Handbook as a continuing effort to support and enlighten the Lodges throughout this Jurisdiction. - by W.B. Darrell Maple, District Deputy No. 17 Long Range Planning Committee Member February 2014 Page 7

8 OREGON MASONIC NEWS The Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of OR 2150 Masonic Way Forest Grove, OR NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID SALEM OR PERMIT NO. 526 Change service requested Scan this QR Code for a quick link to the Grand Lodge website. Let us pay your moving costs! Move into the Jennings McCall Center before March 1, 2014, and we will credit your first month s rent for up to $500.* Adult Living You Design Retirement Assisted Living Progressive Care Memory Care Brethren of the Quill: Making the most of the Secretary Seminar The January Secretary Seminar was a rousing success and thankfully, it was held in the Jefferson Room at the Jennings McCall Center as almost 80 Brethren were in attendance. This year s seminar was not solely for Lodge Secretaries and several Worshipful Masters and Treasurers took the opportunity to accompany their Secretary. Several Brothers commented on how nice it was that the seminar had been expanded to invite non-secretarial members and it was pleasing to see the level of involvement and interest that was shown by each attendee. Presentations were given by M.W.B. Ed Bousquet, P.G.M., Acting Grand Secretary, Ryan Miller of Miller Insurance, and the Grand Lodge staff on subjects including; MESHCare, OutReach, MMSAP and the Secretary s Portal. After the presentations were complete, the floor was opened for general questions and discussion of individual Lodge issues ensued. - by Marissa Douglas 2300 Masonic Way Forest Grove, OR *Some restrictions may apply. A copy of this ad must be submitted before credit will be applied to your rent. In Loving Memory of G. WILLIAM OLDHAM, P.G.M. Dec. 14, Jan. 18, 2014 Born in Portland, Bill was a plural-member of Union, Warren and Holbrook Lodges and Grand Master in1992. He received the Hiram Award in Union Lodge No. 3 in 2003, and was proficient in the Fellow of the Craft program.