M.W. Grand Master Martin s Message: Greetings from the East

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1 Volume XXIX No. 4, December 2011 M.W. Grand Master Martin s Message: Greetings from the East The Territory of Oregon was an organized, incorporated territory of the United States that existed from Aug. 14, 1848, until Feb. 14, 1859, when the southwestern portion of the territory was admitted to the Union as the State of Oregon. Originally M.W.B. Richard A. Martin, Grand Master IN THIS Issue claimed by several countries, the region was divided between the U.S. and Great Britain in When established, the territory encompassed an area that included the current states of Oregon, Washington and Idaho, as well as parts of Wyoming and Montana. The capital of the territory was first Oregon City, then Salem, followed briefly by Corvallis, and lastly Salem, as the seat of government for 1 Grand Master s Message 1 Masonic College 3 Grand Master s Calendar 4 St. John s Day History 6 Trustee Report 7 Contributions 7 Blue Lodge Proficiency 11 Secretary Seminar 11 Changes at Jennings McCall the state of Oregon. If you became a Freemason when Oregon was a Territory, your Degrees would have most likely included the use of Tracing Boards. A Tracing Board is a pictorial representation of the journey taken during the Degree. Several years ago, while at the Grand Lodge of Utah, I had the opportunity to witness a Fellowcraft Degree exemplified by two Brothers from Europe. They used Tracing Boards, placed on the floor, and explained them to the Candidate. I was impressed not They came from all corners of Oregon Bend, Burns, Medford, Klamath Falls, La Grande, Portland, Salem, Coos Bay, Florence, Hood River, Eugene just to mention a few. Some 70-plus Masons, representing 40 Lodges, came together in Cottage Grove to attend our first annual Masonic College. It was a weekend filled with food, fun and fellowship and, from the remarks received, it was a rousing success. It brought together Senior and Junior Wardens and Senior Deacons for an educational experience to better prepare themselves for that journey to be Master of their Lodge. Twelve different breakout class sessions were held, including major presentations on Planning your Ma- only with the information contained on the Tracing Boards, but also the beauty of them. An idea formed for me on how I could use that beauty and bring it to Oregon Brothers. In 2009, while at the Conference of Grand Masters in Anaheim, Calif., I saw three Tracing Boards representing each of the first three Degrees on display at the conference center. These were modern Tracing Boards, and the artwork was produced by Greg Stewart, a California Mason. I was Continued on page 2 1st annual Masonic College deemed success sonic Year, Installation Procedures, Effective Leadership and the Future of Masonry. A Lodge in Disarray program was held on Friday evening, and another fine program was also presented for the ladies. On Saturday evening there was more fellowship, with a very nice banquet and a special guest speaker, Jordan Kent. A former star Continued on page 2

2 Masonic College, Continued from page 1 athlete at the University of Oregon, Kent provided insight into following your dreams and the pursuit of excellence. A very special thank-you should go to those who worked so hard preparing this program: M.W.B. Rich Martin, Grand Master; M.W.B. Vern Wertz, P.G.M. (below, at the lectern); M.W.B. Art Bush, P.G.M., and his wife Corrine; M.W.B. Dennis Johnson, P.G.M.; W.B. Bob Fountain, Grand Lecturer; R.W.B. Hunt Compton, Deputy Grand Master; R.W.B. Dave Fryday, Senior Grand Warden; W.B. Mark Posler, Grand Marshal; W.B. Mike McGuyer, Grand Pursuivant; W.B. John Turner; W.B. Art Borland, Grand Orator; and Bro. Rich Nowacki and Bro. Birol Yesilada. A packed two days for sure, with participants tired but asking, What about next year? We have not picked the location for next year s college, but right now, according to R.W.B. Compton, Deputy Grand Master, it is scheduled for the end of October All information for this and other educational seminars will be available in future copies of the Oregon Masonic News. To those attending this year s college, please pass the word to your other line officers. We want to see you attending next year. f Grand Master s Message, continued from page 1 overwhelmed by their beauty and decided I would try to contact the artist with my idea. I asked Brother Greg, via , if I could use his artwork on my Grand Master ties when I was installed in He agreed and worked with the manufacturer to make sure the ties were produced correctly. I am very grateful to Brother Greg, and when you see the Grand Master ties I think you will agree they are truly beautiful and represent the Blue Lodges very well. Only 100 of the ties have been made. They are being worn by the District Deputies of the Grand Master and all the Grand Lodge Officers. The ties that have not been distributed are being used as gifts. As I travel to other Grand Lodges, it is appropriate to present a gift to the Grand Masters in other jurisdictions. Additionally, the heads of other Masonic bodies have been presented with the tie, along with a few Masonic friends. Brother Greg is also an author. In his book Masonic Traveler he describes the First Degree as depicted in his Tracing Board artwork: the symbolic path of the initiate as he enters into the space of the Temple of Solomon. The candidate first enters the Temple by way of the tessellated, or triangular, borders that mark the entry point into this plane that crossing over serves as a clear indication of our shift from the mundane world of man to that of the sacred. He then crosses over a broad black and white checkered pavement. The mosaic is an expressive form of light and dark, good and evil, and a first example of the duality this degree suggests. Within this space the initiate encounters three pillars that represent much in this allegory. The three pillars are identified by their architecture, namely Doric, Ionic and Corinthian. Doric correlates to the Wisdom to erect the Temple, Ionic to the Strength to support the Temple and Corinthian to the Beauty to adorn the Temple. They also correlate to the three principal Officers in a Lodge: the Worshipful Master, the Senior Warden and the Junior Warden. Additionally, Masonic ritual says that the pillars are parallel to the three great lights of Masonry, which are said to be the sun, moon and master. In essence, they represent the three points of a triangle, analogous to the sun, moon and earth, which rule and guide the candidate on his Earthly journey. Beyond the pillars, the candidate is confronted with a decision: to continue on or turn back. When he decides to continue on this spiritual quest, he is confronted by a perplexing symbol of ascent. There before him, in this space, is a simple ladder allegorically referred to as Jacob s ladder, which Continued on page 3 Page 2

3 GRAND MASTER S TENTATIVE ITINERARY December District 10 Dinner, Pacific No. 50, Salem, 6 p.m. - U, L 3 Installation of Officers District 11 Dinner, Vista Masonic No. 215, Salem, 3 p.m. - U, L 8 East Linn No. 44, Lebanon, Official Visit; 6:30 p.m. - U 9 Leadership Meeting, Forest Grove, 2 p.m. - U 10 MESH, Forest Grove; 7:30 a.m. - S 12 Marys River No. 221, Corvallis, Official Visit; dinner, 6 p.m.; Lodge, 7:30 p.m. - U, L 14 Tigard-Orenomah No. 207, Tigard, Official Visit; dinner, 6 p.m.; Lodge, 7 p.m. - U, L 17 Lyon No. 29, Independence, Installation, 2 p.m. - T, L 25 Grand Lodge of Ireland (through January 3) January Grand Lodge of Ireland 4 Washington Lodge No. 46, Portland, Official Visit; dinner, 6:30 p.m.; meeting, 7:30 p.m. 5 Salem Scottish Rite, Salem, Honor Grand Master, 6 p.m. - U, L 7 Waluga No. 181, Lake Oswego, Official Visit, 8 a.m. - U Al Kader Shrine, Wilsonville, Installation, 6 p.m. - T, L 10 Rainier No. 24, Official Visit; dinner, 6 p.m.; Lodge, 7:30 p.m. - U, L 14 MESH, Forest Grove; 7:30 a.m. - S 16 Medford Scottish Rite honors Grand Master, 6 p.m. 17 Belt Lodge No. 18 Crab Feed, 12 noon 19 Willamette No. 2, Portland, Meet the Masters, 7:30 p.m. - U 20 District 9 Dinner, Silverton No. 45; dinner, 6 p.m. - U, L 21 District 3 Dinner, Union No. 3, McMinnville, 6 p.m. - U, L 28 District 7 Dinner, Tigard-Orenomah No. 207, 6 p.m. U = Uniform; L = Ladies; T = Tuxedo; S = Summer Uniform; O.V. = Official Visit 2011 GWMM holiday ornament released The George Washington Masonic Memorial is pleased to announce that The Three Great Lights in Masonry is the 2011 Holiday Ornament. The Holy Bible and the Square and Compasses were selected by the Fraternity in its formative period as the first and most important symbols presented to a new Mason. They are called the Three Great Lights in Masonry. The Holy Bible represents the rule and guide of a Mason s faith, the Square symbolizes virtue, and the Compasses allude to the importance of self-mastery in moral and intellectual progress. To order, please contact the Memorial Gift Shop at (Item 561, $25.00) or visit the Memorial website at: giftshop@gwmemorial.org/shopping. Grand Master s Message, Continued from page 2 represents the gateway between the earthly world and that of the divine. Before the initiate can make his ascent he must first encounter three muses/virtues, known as Faith, Hope and Charity. These three act as gatekeepers and are to gird the fortitude of the initiate and ensure he is worthy and qualified to make the ascension of the ladder. The journey up the ladder is not addressed, as it is the act of the degree itself that is considered the ascent. The initiate then encounters the jewels of the Lodge which are divided into two sub-sets of three, often referred to as immovable, the other moveable. The first set of three are the square, level and plumb. These tools correspond to the three pillars; the square represents Morality (East), the level Equality (West) and the plumb Rectitude of life (South). These tools are said to be immovable because of their permanence in the Lodge, and in life. The moveable jewels are the rough ashlar (or un-worked stone), the perfect ashlar (hewn stone), and the trestle board (drawing board). Together these six jewels make up a helix of meaning representing purpose and process. Also depicted is a circle with a point in the center and two parallel lines on either side. The importance of the point within the circle is such that it serves as a reminder for all Masons of their material limitations; the point represents the individual Mason. Symbolically, it is said that Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the Evangelist flank the sides as reminders of the bal- Continued on page 5 Page 3

4 Saint John s Day History by W.B. Steven W. McCathern, Grand Historian Every well-regulated Lodge observes the Festivals of the Holy Saints John. St. John the Baptist is celebrated on the summer solstice, June 24, and St. John the Evangelist is observed on December 27, the winter solstice. Why these two men were chosen as the Patron Saints of Freemasonry is not quite clear; neither were Masons as we know them. It was the custom of the early trade guilds to pick a patron saint, such as St. Luke for the doctors and the Lead Guild chose St. Sebastian. They would choose a saint who had something to do with their craft. With this in mind, then, it is surprising that neither man had a relation to the Craft. So why were these saints chosen? I feel it has to do with their character, their morality, and the way they lived their lives. Take John the Baptist. He was called the voice in the wilderness. He spent his time on earth preaching and baptized believers on the banks of the River Jordan, preparing the way of the Lord. His was a simple but powerful life, full of devotion. He was a stern and just man, intolerant of shame, pretense and weakness. John the Baptist was a man of strength and uncompromising with evil. The Lord said, Among them that are born of woman, there hath not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist. For his refusal to change himself or his message - and for his devotion - he was imprisoned and beheaded by King Herod. John the Evangelist is recognized the world over as the apostle of love and light; the bringer of comfort to the grief stricken and of courage to the weak. There have been thousands of books written about him. Both these men possessed honor, truth and love. In every regular and well-governed Lodge, there is a certain point within a circle. The point represents the individual Brother. The circle represents the boundary line of his conduct to God and man, beyond which he is never to suffer his passions, prejudices, or interest to betray him on any occasion. The circle is bordered by two perpendicular parallel lines representing these saints, and upon the top rests the Holy Scriptures. And while a Mason keeps himself thus circumscribed, it is virtually impossible that he should err. Our early Brethren chose well in picking these two men as our patron saints. There is so much information on these two pagan and Christian festivals that it cannot be included in this brief statement. I would suggest that you seek further light by becoming more familiar with this topic through your own research and Masonic growth. g June Annual Communication has legislation deadline The following dates are pertinent to Legislation for the 2012 Annual Communication to be held on June 7-8, 2012, at the Convention Center in Seaside, Oregon. 150 days prior: Proposed Legislation is due in the Grand Secretary s office on or before January 9, days prior: Legislation is to be mailed to the constituent Lodges from the Grand Secretary s office by April 23, Please note these dates. Proposed legislation MUST be received by January 9, 2012, so it can be reviewed by the Code Committee and mailed to our membership on time. The Seaside Civic & Convention Center is at 415 First Avenue, Seaside, OR At you will find a list of the Top 30 things to do in Seaside, and an online magazine with timely information on events in Seaside and the surrounding area. You will also find a listing of accommodations to make your visit memorable and satisfying. Page 4

5 Grand Master s Message, Continued from page 3 ance between zeal and knowledge of our fraternity. The circle is meant to represent his own moral boundary as supported by his faith, as he has come to know it. The circle recognizes the value of all faiths; it is grounded in basic tenets: a belief in the divine, the principles of the Golden Rule, and the tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. The fundamental tenets of faith are the core of Freemasonry, and exist at the core of all faith traditions, which are represented on this Tracing Board by the inclusion of the thirteen faith tradition symbols. Remember this, my Brothers: Although the core of Freemasonry is faith, Faith Without Works is Dead. by M.W.G.M. Richard A. Martin Note: All of the comments in quotes are excerpts from Greg Stewart s book Masonic Traveler. The book can be purchased by visiting Men are born with two eyes, but with one tongue, in order that they should see twice as much as they say. Charles Caleb Cotton 1965 words inspire from R.W.B. Frank Jordan, District Deputy of the Grand Master 2 O nce again, we need words that encourage, motivate and inspire. This would be difficult, at best, for me. Therefore, I will borrow some quotes from a speech given by M.W. Bro. John J. Murchison, P.G.M., who could not have realized in 1965 to what extent his words apply today. From a great man, I quote: If the last few decades have done little else to expand and spread the cause of freedom throughout the world, they have at least made clear to Masons everywhere that apathy and indifference in civic affairs is not only dangerous but can be disastrous. If ever there was a time in (the) history of this republic when members of the Fraternity seemingly needed to be reminded that their country needs them, that time is now. By thought, word and deed, we must oppose those ideologies which are designed to destroy our way of life and to devalue the precious heritage of freedom and liberty. May we so live and exemplify our teachings, that historians of the future ages may say During that trying age, the world may thank God for the steady influence of the Masonic Fraternity. What is Freemasonry that it may be expected to succeed in such a task? Let me tell you: Freemasonry is Kindness in the home; Honesty in business; Courtesy in society; Fairness in work; Pity and concern for the unfortunate; Resistance toward evil; Help for the weak; Forgiveness for the penitent; Love for one another; and above all, Rever- Continued on page 6 Watch raises funds for Charitable Foundation The Oregon Masonic Charitable Foundation has Swiss-made Masonic pocket watches for sale and the holidays are coming up. A tribute to 1920s-era styling, the watches have Masonic working symbols on the face and a silver plated cover with embossed gold Square and Compasses. The old fashioned looks are deceptive because it is battery operated, even though it features a winding stem. Push the stem and the case opens to reveal the time. There is a linked silver chain, approximately 7 inches long. Sales of the $50 watch generate funds for OMCF, which help underwrite the Model Student Assistance Program. The watch is available from the Grand Lodge office until supplies run out. A charge of $5 is also required for postage on each order for a total of $55. Call or toll free to order. American Express, MasterCard and Visa accepted. f Page 5

6 Trustee Report June through October, 2011 by Hunt M. Compton, Deputy Grand Master The Personnel of the Trustees, as enumerated in Section 18 of the Constitution and By-Laws, is supplemented by the Grand Secretary, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Grand Deacon. The Powers and Duties of the Grand Lodge Trustees may be found abbreviated in Sections 128 of the Constitution and By-Laws relative to Grand Lodge. Although the Trustees are the designated representatives on the Masonic and Eastern Star Home (MESH) Board, this report will relinquish any such reporting to that of the Immediate Past Grand Master as Chairman of the MESH Board, with the understanding that there does exist some overlapping between the two Boards in such things as MESHCare, Out- Reach, staffing and insurance. Traditionally, the first meeting of the Trustees of the new year begins with an assignment of tasks to specific Board members. The Junior Grand Warden is designated to perform such duties as required by the Penal Code as well as reviewing all the financial disbursement of the Grand Lodge. The Senior Grand Warden is designated to report the Educational Assistance applications to the Trustees, and the Deputy Grand Master is assigned to proof the Trustees minutes. In addition, new signatures are legally required from the newly elected officers. A typical agenda for the Trustee s meeting will include reports from the: Junior Grand Warden on his review of the bills; Grand Secretary on Monthly Detailed Financial Statements and Bequests; Chief Operating Officer on things Masonic and MESH related; Senior Grand Warden on Educational Assistance requests; Grand Master on Constituent Lodge issues; Various Committees; and, of course, Old Business as well as New and Miscellaneous Business. Of these agenda items, there is none more important than the Fiduciary Responsibility of the Trustees that is associated with each of these agenda items. Proper stewardship is required in order to keep the resources and efforts focused on the Charity Mission as well as overall Fraternal Excellence. Due Care is therefore enjoined in each Trustee to discharge their duties which an ordinary prudent person in a like position would exercise under similar circumstances. Since Grand Lodge in June 2011, some of the Trustee-approved highlights include: New and improved website; Penal Code assistance in printed manuscript; Repair of shared driveway to Grand Lodge Office and McMenamins; Implementation of a Marketing Program called Ask a Freemason ; Purchase of new sound equipment for Annual Communication; Approval of the Grand Master s Blue Lodge Proficiency program; Disaster Relief granted to Missouri, North Dakota, Tennessee, Alabama, Connecticut, Vermont, Virginia and New York. Purchase of a new Grand Lodge membership database system; and Educational Assistance Appropriations of approximately $74,000. Finally, it is a pleasure to report the opinion of Hansen Hunter & Co. P.C. of their audit of the financial statements of the Grand Lodge that they [the financial statements]... present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The Grand Lodge of AF & AM of Oregon, as of April 30, 2011, and 2010, and the results of its activities and its cash flows for the years then ended are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Respectfully and fraternally, Hunt M. Compton Deputy Grand Master hunt@comptonoaks.com Words inspire, continued from page 5 ence and Love for God. Freemasonry, my brethren, is a way of life. End of quote. Craftsmen, there are many among you who have not yet reached your pinnacle of Freemasonry. I would enjoin each of you to work toward that goal. c Page 6

7 Announcement made on Blue Lodge Proficiency Hunt M. Compton, D.G.M. At the inspiration of W.B. Robert Fountain, Grand Lecturer; the expansion by R.W.B. Hunt Compton, Deputy Grand Master; and the approval of the Grand Lodge Trustees, M.W.B. Richard A. Martin, Grand Master, proudly announces the implementation of the Blue Lodge Proficiency Award Program, commencing Jan. 1, About 10 years ago a new program was instituted called the Proficiency Cardholder s Program. This program consisted of three levels of proficiency: Basic Certification, Intermediate Certification and Advanced Certification, available to all Master Masons. The program required reading a portion of the ciphered work and attending a Basic School of Instruction. The more ciphered work read, the higher the certification. The new Blue Lodge Proficiency Award Program is patterned after the Cardholder s Program in that there are also three levels of Proficiency: basic, intermediate and advanced certification. However, the award goes to the Constituent Blue Lodge rather than to the Mason. The general description of these levels and their respective requirements are as follows: Basic Blue Lodge Proficiency 1. Reciting from memory a portion of the ciphered work; 2. Hosting a Basic School of Instruction using its own Lodge installed members; 3. The Worshipful Master must hold at least a Basic Proficiency Certificate; Continued on page 8 from October 1 - November 9 Masonic & Eastern Star Home Petitioner Club Ed (139) & Judy Bousquet, Thomas T. Lanman (17), Members of Pearl Lodge No. 66, John D. Armstrong (160), PGM D. Arthur Bush (207) in honor of Kenton Lodge No. 145, Arthur (77) and Viola Dickson memorial Fund, PGM James Belshe (15) in memory of PGM Herman Kuppler, W. Rex Stevens (103), Parkrose Lodge No. 179 Pin Money, Bend Lodge No. 139, Charles G. Spindle (72), Members of Heppner Lodge No. 69, Lewis R. O Mohundro (41), Clarence Stouffer (104), John C. Owings (77), Allen Aldridge (77), Gilman B. Smith (77), Cottage Grove Lodge No. 51 Pin Money, Crater Lake Lodge No. 211 Pin Money, Klamath Lodge No. 77 Pin Money, La Grande Lodge No. 41 Pin Money, Fairview Lodge No. 92 Pin Money Apprentice Club Members of Beaverton Masonic Lodge No. 100 Fellowcraft Club Members of Vista Masonic Lodge No. 215 OutReach Resources Petitioner Club Jennifer Brundidge in honor of Thomas F. Burke & in memory of Forrest A. Steen Oregon Masonic Charitable Foundation/MSAP Program Petitioner Club Thomas T. Lanman (17), Members of Beaverton Masonic Lodge No. 100, W. Rex Stevens (103), Crater Lake Lodge No. 211, Allen Aldridge (77), Gilman B. Smith (57), Fairview Lodge No. 92 Fellowcraft Club Members of Vista Masonic Lodge No. 215 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: Jan. 5 for February 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. 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 Page 7

8 NEWS FROM OUR LODGES Washington Lodge Past Master confers Degrees at 91 Chet Schink (far right) was raised on Sept. 17, 1941, in Oregon Masonic Lodge No He was Master in 1983 and 1991, and again Master of Palestine Masonic Lodge No. 141 in He has been a Mason for 70 years, and during this unbelievable journey in Masonry W.B. Chet Schink is as sharp as ever. He asked W.B. Larry Harmon, current Master of Washington Lodge No. 46 (above right, at left), earlier in the year if he could confer all three Degrees this year, and Larry gave a resounding OK. His mission was accomplished The Chaplain s Corner: Masonic Holiday Message - R.W.B. William C. Phillips Jr., Grand Chaplain When I was a very young man one of my fondest memories was the holiday Christmas party that was given every year at my father s Masonic Lodge. What I remember most are the hundreds of helium-filled balloons on the high ceilings with strings that I couldn t quite reach. Also, I recall the colored stockings filled with little toys, capped off with a piece of fruit; either an orange or apple. And, of course, there was Santa Claus the big guy himself. It was great fun and something I looked forward to every year (at least until I discovered girls). It was right about that time that the holiday season became less about toys and shiny wrapping paper but more about memories. Memories are a way of holding on Oct. 26 with the conferral of the Master Mason Degree on Brother Jacob Leander. Some 24 Masons were present, and it was a very special evening for Chet and the members and visitors to Washington Lodge. Congratulations! Submitted by Don Stapleton on to the people and the things we love. The great thing about memories is that in some cases they can be just as vivid today as they were 50 years ago. I think besides being a time to get together with family and talk about old memories, the holiday season is also about faith. Strengthening our faith with our own beliefs, traditions and rituals are all the things that make Masonry a very special organization. On that note I would like to wish all our beloved Masonic families a very, very happy holiday season and the very best of memories. Blue Lodge, continued from page 7 4. Using its installed officers, while witnessed by the Grand Lecturer or Custodial Deputy Instructor, the Lodge exemplifies the following from memory: A. Opening and Closing Lodge on all three degrees, both Long and Short Form; B. Calling from Labor to Refreshment, and, from Refreshment to Labor; C. Announcing an Alarm; D. Calling the Lodge at Ease; and, E. Purging the Lodge when the Senior Warden is not satisfied. Intermediate Blue Lodge Proficiency 1. Successful completion of the Basic Blue Lodge Proficiency requirements; 2. Using its installed officers who qualified the Lodge for Basic Proficiency, while witnessed by the Grand Lecturer or Custodial Deputy Instructor, the Lodge exemplifies from memory any one of the Three Degrees in the ciphered Ritual. Advanced Blue Lodge Proficiency 1. Successful completion of the Basic Blue Lodge Proficiency requirements; 2. Using its installed officers who qualified the Lodge for Basic Proficiency, while witnessed by the Grand Lecturer or Custodial Deputy Instructor, the Lodge exemplifies from memory all Three Degrees in the ciphered Ritual. For more detailed information, download the Grand Master s Blue Lodge Proficiency Award from the Grand Lodge website at masonic-oregon.com/ under New & Noteworthy. g Page 8

9 bmore bnews bfrom bour blodgesb Creswell members receive awards Members of Creswell Lodge No. 112, received awards for 50 and 60 years of membership in September. From left are W.M. Denny Batterson, W.B. Eddie Roberts (50-year), Past Master, Oakridge No. 205; Bro. Dale Helikson (60-year); Bro. Lloyd E. Henson (60-year); and Bro. Donald Owen, Senior Warden. Rickreall brothers raised It is the dream of every father who has grown up with Masonry in his heart to be able to have his sons ask the all important question and follow in the legacy set forth by the generations before him. Brother Greg Jenkins (second from right) is full of pride as his sons Brian and Daniel Jenkins not only asked but executed the lessons of Master Mason on Oct. 5 and were raised in Rickreall Lodge No They are the fourth generation of the Jenkins family raised in Rickreall Lodge. On Nov. 2 they gave their proficiency lecture and will be installed as Junior and Senior Steward in December. GWMM marks Washington s 280th birthday The George Washington Masonic Memorial in Alexandria, Va., will be holding a gala birthday celebration, Feb. 22, 2012, to commemorate the 280th birthday of George Washington. The celebration will begin with a Special Communication of Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22, Tuesday evening, Feb. 21, The Lodge meeting will include a special welcome to members of the Society of Washington Lodges. Celebrations will continue with a wreath laying at the tomb of George Washington on Wednesday morning, Feb. 22. This year s George Washington Memorial Award recipient is Peter Henriques, Ph.D. Henriques is Professor of History, Emeritus, at George Mason University. He specializes in Virginia history, with particular emphasis on Virginia and the American Revolution and the Virginia Founding Fathers. Henriques s most recent work is Realistic Visionary: A Portrait of George Washington (2006). The birthday evening celebration will begin with a reception in Memorial Hall. Concurrently, there will be a private reception with Professor Henriques for members of the new George Washington Memorial Society and other distinguished guests. Following the receptions, guests will enjoy a musical celebration in Memorial Theater, then the birthday banquet in Grand Masonic Hall with appropriate birthday toasts and short remarks. Invitations will be forthcoming in the next few weeks. Online: GWMM Society formed The George Washington Masonic Memorial is pleased to announce the creation of a new society, comprised of a select group of members dedicated to supporting the memorial and its mission. The society s purpose is to raise support for the George Washington Masonic Memorial and to increase awareness of the memorial among Masons and in the community. Membership consists exclusively of charter and regular members. Charter members are those who donate $1,000 or more. Applications must be applied for through Feb. 22, 2013, with $250 or more per year thereafter. These members receive several unique gifts for joining. Regular members make an initial donation of $500 or more with their application and $250 or more each year thereafter. Please see the website for more. Page 9

10 Veterans Aid & Attendance Workshop presented at Jennings McCall On Saturday, Nov. 12, a workshop on qualifying for Veterans Aid and Attendance was presented for the public and Jennings McCall residents and their families. The presenter was Patty Servaes, founder and CEO of Elder Resource Benefits Consulting and a nationally recognized expert on Veteran Benefits. The Aid and Attendance (A&A) Pension provides benefits for veterans and surviving spouses who require the regular attendance of another person to assist in eating, bathing, dressing and undressing or taking care of the needs of nature. It also includes individuals who are blind or a patient in a nursing home because of mental or physical incapacity. Assisted care in an assisting living facility also qualifies. To qualify for A&A it needs to be established by your physician that you require daily assistance by others to dress, undress, bathe, cook, eat, take on or off prosthetics, leave home etc. You DO NOT have to require assistance with all of these. There simply needs to be adequate medical evidence that you cannot function completely on your own. The A&A Pension can provide up to $1,632 per month to a veteran, $1,055 per month to a surviving spouse, or $1,949 per month to a couple. Eligibility must be proven by filing the proper Veterans Application for Pension or Compensation: Form , surviving spouse; Form , veteran. This application will require a copy of DD-214 (see below for more information) or separation papers, Medical Evaluation from a physician, current medical issues, net worth limitations, and net income, along with out-of-pocket Medical Expenses. A DD-214 is issued to military members upon separation from active service. DD-214 s were issued to separated service members beginning in the 1950s. The term DD-214 is often used generically to mean separation papers or discharge papers, no matter what form number was used to document active duty military service. If you ve lost your original DD- 214 or a copy and you are receiving disability or education benefits from the VA, they may have a copy (or the original, if you gave it to them) on file. To request a copy of a DD-214 visit archives.gov. February MSAP signups begin to arrive Currently, the Grand Lodge has received 12 registration signups for the Feb. 15, 16 & 17, 2012, Model Student Assistance Program. All these signups are from Mt. View High School in Bend. If your local school plans to attend, remind them the deadline is Jan. 31, The Oregon Masonic Charitable Foundation pays all costs. Reimbursement for substitute teachers is available to participating schools. Call the Grand Lodge for more information. Secretary s Seminar dates set Brother Secretaries, it is time once again for the annual Secretary s Seminar. Please make time from your busy schedules to attend one of the four seminars that will be conducted throughout the state in It is imperative you attend one of these seminars due to significant changes regarding filing your Lodge s 990N, Lodge injury reporting forms and to learn about new reporting tools that will come about from implementing the new Grand Lodge database. All four seminars will begin at 9:00 a.m. and will conclude by 5:00 p.m. with lunch provided. Saturday, January 21, 2012 Medford, Medford Lodge No. 103 Saturday, January 28, 2012 Forest Grove, Jennings McCall/ Grand Lodge Saturday, February 4, 2012 Salem, Salem Lodge No. 4 Saturday, March 17, 2012 La Grande, La Grande Lodge No. 41 The Grand Secretary will be available before and after each seminar for additional questions and answers that are pertinent to the individual Lodge Secretary s membership issues. Please have your registration form in the Grand Secretary s office no later than one week prior to the date of the seminar that you choose to attend. There is no fee for attending the Secretary s Seminar; simply bring a current copy of the Oregon Masonic Code and your Secretary s Handbook with you to the seminar. Continued on page 11 Page 10

11 Letter announces changes that will affect Jennings McCall Center The Board of Directors of the Masonic & Eastern Star Home has signed an agreement with Aidan Health Services to assume management responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the Jennings McCall Center. The transition will take place beginning Jan. 1, The decision to make this change came about after months of carefully reviewing options that would maintain the high standards of care for our residents, preserve our reputation in this community and improve the financial health of the facility. Under this agreement, Jennings McCall will continue to be owned by the Masonic Grand Lodge of Oregon. Aidan will report to the Grand Lodge through the Home Board. Most importantly, the goal of this change is continued and improved care and services for our residents. Mark Remley and his team from Aidan will be on-site doing a review of all department staffing and operations with a goal of attaining the best organization possible for delivery of resident services. After the first of the year, a meeting for all residents and their families will be scheduled so you can meet the Aidan team. Before that time, please direct questions or concerns to Raean Johnston, Administrator; Adella Macdonald, Executive Director; or Mark Remley at Aidan ( ). Remley is the business development manager for Aidan. He is an Oregon State University graduate with a Bachelors of Science in Healthcare Administration with an emphasis on long-term care. His experience includes work with multi-facility providers and as an independent owner managing skilled nursing, assisted living and independent living facilities. This has been a very difficult decision and it was not made easily. The Board is confident that Aidan s expertise and success in managing complex facilities will allow Jennings McCall to make significant operational improvements in the years ahead. Sincerely, Ed Bousquet, Past Grand Master and Chairman of the Masonic & Eastern Star Home Board of Directors Safe, secure, convenient online donations can be made on Oregon s Grand Lodge website, In the top bar under For Members, select online donation in the drop-down menu. Any amount will aid our MasonicAid programs. These programs help provide help for Oregon s Masons, their families and Eastern Star members. Secretary s Seminar, continued from page 10 Internet will be available, so please feel free to bring your laptop computer as well. The registration form is below. Please fill it out and return to the Masonic Grand Lodge. Lodge Secretary s Seminar Registration Form Please complete this form and return it to: Masonic Grand Lodge of Oregon 2150 Masonic Way Forest Grove, OR Please register me for the Lodge Secretary s Seminar on: Date: 2012 Location of Seminar: Your Name: Your Lodge Name: Lodge Number: Please register as soon as possible. Remember that changes to filing your Lodge s 990N form, Lodge injury reporting forms and the new Grand Lodge database will be some of the items addressed. Page 11

12 OREGON MASONIC NEWS The Grand Lodge of AF & AM of OR 2150 Masonic Way Forest Grove, OR Change service requested Have you noticed this Quick Response code? Smart phones can scan these codes. This one will take you directly to our website, Try it and be amazed. Jennings McCall Independent Living Where amenities, choices and individual services are suited to your needs. Included in monthly Assisted Living rent: Three daily meals and dietary accommodations Ongoing health monitoring, 24-hour on-site licensed nurses Utilities and basic cable plus wireless Internet access Exercise room, game room and media & Theater Room Library with flat screen television Greenhouse and garden areas Alert system in apartment & personal help buttons Adult Living You Design See what you ve been missing. Visit our website At the close of another year we gratefully pause to wish you a warm and happy Holiday Season Jennings McCall Assisted Living CALL Bev Buckner at 503/ , or Mark Read at 503/ for information and to schedule a free lunch and tour. From the Staff at the Masonic Grand Lodge of Oregon, A.F. & A.M.