Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry

Transcription

1 Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Carl Smith, 33 Personal Representative of the S.G.I G. (360) Charrison Lochaby, 32 KCCH Secretary PO Box 1112 Everett, WA (888) Orient of Washington Volume 18 January 2009 Issue 01 From the Personal Representative One hundred years ago the Masons of Everett and the surrounding area began to plan for the day when there would be a Scottish Rite Lodge of Perfection in their community. On October 20, 1909 they realized that vision when they received their charter from the Supreme Council. The was originally chartered under the name Port Gardner Lodge of Perfection #10 Port Gardner was what the City of Everett was commonly known as at that time. The Valley will be celebrating this august occasion of our centennial on Saturday, October 24 th. Be sure to mark this important date on your calendars. Great plans are underway under the direction of Illustrious Brother Allen Lowe, 33, Venerable Master of the Lodge of Perfection. There will be a banquet featuring Brother Howie Damron, songwriter and singer. Perhaps you have heard his song The Masonic Ring. Our Sovereign Grand Inspector General, Illustrious William R. Miller, 33, and RWB Gale H. Kenney (who will then be Grand Master of Washington) will be present to share a message with us. Sovereign Grand Commander, Illustrious Ronald A. Seale, 33, has also put the date on his calendar. A lapel pin is being designed to promote the occasion and other commemorative items are being considered. Illustrious Robert E. Larsen, 33, is diligently preparing a history of Everett Valley for the first hundred years. FIRST MEETING Our first meeting of the New Year, January 2 nd, will be Installation practice. Our Venerable Master, Illustrious Gary Rhodes, is also planning for an interesting program. INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS Please plan to attend the Public Installation of Officers to be held on Friday, January 9 th. The evening will begin at 7:00 p.m. with a Buffet Supper. The Installation of Officers will follow at 8:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served following the Installation. The Valley again has a full slate of officers in each of the Bodies so let s encourage them by our support. YOUTH NIGHT Once again, we will thank the Jobs Daughters, Rainbow Girls, and DeMolay for the services they have provided the Valley. The event will occur on Friday, January 23 rd, with dinner being served at 6:30 p.m. A special menu is being planned that should be appealing to the Youth Groups. Last years event was quite enjoyable. The Jobies got most of the Brethren to participate in the Chicken Dance What a sight!! Brethren, the Executive Council of your Valley is working hard to enhance the quality of the Scottish Rite experience. They have developed a plan for 2009 that includes the dissemination of Masonic knowledge through the Degrees of Scottish Rite and the promotion of fellowship by presenting various social activities. I have gained considerable respect for the dedicated efforts of the officers and the many members who labor tirelessly for the benefit of Scottish Rite in Everett Valley. Let us support them in their endeavors by participating in Valley functions whenever possible. Best wishes to all for a peaceful, prosperous, and Happy New Year!!! Carl B. Smith, 33 Personal Representative of the S.G.I.G. From the Almoner's desk John Friesen, 32º, If you know of anyone who is ill, or in a nursing home or hospital, please let me know so I can send them a card or pay them a visit. May God be with you. God Bless. I can be contacted at or me at john-friesen@comcast.net

2 The members of the Valley of Everett Scottish Rite extend to all the Brethren listed below, born in the month of January a very Happy Birthday! Peter Anderson Bryan Bechler Walter Bell Robert Campbell Newman Conklin Cary Cope Steven Dazey Hernan Divinagracia Scott Gaines Bruce Garner Samson Jalandoni John Kennedy Claro Lebalen Philip Leung Charrison Lochaby Steven Myers Lynn Peterson Gerald Perdum James Raymond Warren Schoeben Carl Smith Darrel Tobias Joseph Towns Robert Wilkie "Freemasonry is anxious to give of her secrets to worthy men fit to receive them but not all are worthy, and not all the worthy seek." "He who seeks Freemasonry out of curiosity for her secrets must be bitterly disappointed." Brother Carl Claudy Reprinted from CINOSAM CHARITY COMMITTEE REPORT By Steven Wandel. 32º Last month the Charity Committee met and reviewed a number of charitable organizations worthy of the Scottish Rite s recognition. By the end of the meeting, we had selected four worthy charities to receive donations from the Scottish Rite. First, we selected the Everett Food Bank, which was running short on all supplies and donations. Second, we chose Project Pride which is administered through the Snohomish County Red Cross. Project Pride is a program that assists the elderly and indigent with their utility bills upon request. The third charity selected was the Providence Hospice and Home Care of Snohomish County. This group provides in home Hospice care and medical services to the Young and old in the Everett area. The last charity selected was the Little Red School House. The Little Red School House is an organization that provide education and funding for at risk and disabled young children. All of these Charities are based and provide services in the general Everett area. They all have outstanding records for providing the very best services for the money. Once again, I would like to remind all the brethren that if, in your travels, you find a worthy charity or organization, please get that information to one of the Charity Committee members. The Charity Committee would like to wish all the Brethren of Everett Valley a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Refrigerator card (Please cut out this card and place it on your Refrigerator as a reminder of upcoming Scottish Rite and other meetings, appointments or events) January 2009 Jan 02 Lodge of Perfection Stated Meeting 6:30 PM Buffet Pizza Installation Practice Jan 09 Installation of Officers Jan 11 Executive Committee Meeting 2:00 PM Jan 16 Dist 8 * 9 Reception for the Grand Master at Crystal Jan 23 Chapter of Rose Croix Youth Night Jan 30 Consistrory 15th Degree Notes for other Meeting/Events Date Function A Masonic Thought The six most important words: I admit I made a mistake. The five most important words: You did a good job. The four most important words: What is your opinion? The three most important words: If you please. The two most important words: Thank You. The least important word: I

3 THE YARDING CREW SHACK: NOTEWORTHY EVERETT BRETHREN By Jim Larson, 33 In my Local Boys Made Good article back in the April 2008 issue about our Everett Valley Brethren who play a prominent part presiding (past, present, or future) in the Grand Lodge of Washington or state bodies of the York Rite, I did make an error of omission. I was using an old roster I had which didn t have Bro. R. Dale Fluaitt, 32, of Stanwood, who transferred down from Bellingham to Everett Valley just a few years ago. Sorry, Bro. Dale! He is a Past Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons for the state of Washington, and is also now in the grand line for the Council in York Rite, being Grand Conductor of the Work, so is in line to be Grand Illustrious Master in a few years! In May 2008 we had another Brother from Everett Valley elected into a grand York Rite line, Ill. Bro. Tony Schwab, 33. Tony, a past GIM in Grand Council, was elected as Grand Scribe (=JGW) in the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch for the state. Congratulations, Bro. Tony! Above are just two of the many Masons from the Valley who labor in other concordant bodies around the State of Washington. The Valley of Everett is certainly wellrepresented in prominent positions! Degree Schedule Jan 30, th Degree Feb 20, th Degree Feb 27, st Degree Mar 13, th Degree Mar 27, th Degree Apr 17, th Degree Apr 24, th Degree May 15, nd Degree Scottish Rite Master Craftsman Program By Hernan Divinagracia, 32º, KCCH, Director of Education Brethren, the Scottish Rite Master Craftsman Program is strong and is progressing well. The Master Craftsman Program is a correspondence course designed and administered by the staff at the House of the Temple in Washington, DC under the guidance and leadership of the Supreme Council, Southern Jurisdiction. The program consists of six lessons and utilizes The Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor and Guide written by Arturo de Hoyos. The fee for all course material is $35 includes all 6 lessons and materials, the Ritual Monitor and Guide. Upon completion of the program, you will receive a personalized Certificate of Completion and lapel pin. At the present time, the Valley of Everett has 33 members enrolled in this program with four having already completing it and are presently awaiting their Certificate of Completion and Lapel Pin. As the, Director of Education, please let me know if you would like to enroll in this most educational program and I will schedule study groups to assist all the member of the Valley in completing the Scottish Rite Master Craftsman Program. DID YOU KNOW? That in 1906, President and Brother Theodore Roosevelt earned a Nobel Peace Price for his efforts in bringing the leaders of the war between Japan and Russia to New Hampshire. There they signed a peace treaty ending the war between the two countries. Masonic Trivia and Facts By Charrison Lochaby, 32, KCCH Good day Brethren, A major change has occurred in the production and distribution of the Rite Bulletin that may not be readily apparent. If you have an electronic address then that is the vehicle that will deliver your Rite Bulletin to you. If you do not have an address then we will rely on the postal system to deliver your bulletin. We are attempting to use technology where ever we can and save money in the process. The new method of mailing the Rite Bulletins will save the Valley in excess of $ per month. Plus the electronic distribution method allows us to send you a full color version of the news letter. And as time goes by we will be using more and more color. Let me know what you think of the new system. THIS MONTH IN MASONIC HISTORY January 7 On this date in 1808, the Grand Lodge of Ohio was established. January 8 On this date in 1844, the Grand Lodge of Iowa was formed. January 13 On this date in 1818, the Grand Lodge of Indiana was formed January 15 On this date in 1865, the Grand Lodge of Nevada was formed January 15 On this date in 1872, the Grand Lodge of Utah was formed January 26 On this date in 1866, the Grand Lodge of Montana was formed

4 A Masonic Moment By WB Wally Zink Believe in Yourself Some years back there was a professor whose wife had a hearing deficiency. In trying to develop a device to help her hear better he constructed a small piece of equipment that he thought could be of use to the general public He traveled through the New England states trying to persuade people to invest in his invention, but with no success. Instead the business interests laughed at his contraption telling him that it was absolutely useless and that ideas like his were a dime a dozen, and your product is doomed to failure. But he turned a deaf ear to their taunts and continued his research with the amazing result that Alexander Graham Bell not only developed an aid to hearing but also to the invention of the telephone. How often it is we put imaginary barriers in our path when in reality those barriers only exist in our doubts and suspicions. In the 1940 s the most learned physicists and aeronautical engineers seriously and academically believed, and they had complicated equations to underscore and support their belief, that the sound barrier could never be broken and that anything and anyone would be shattered if it approached the speed of sound. But there was one lone pilot, Chuck Yeager, who pushed aside their equations and believed it could be done. He believed that there wasn t any such thing as a sound barrier. And to prove his belief he flew right through it. Helen Keller said it succinctly, The most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight but no vision. The Masonic Park Needs Your Help. Have you heard of the best kept secret in Masonry? It has been said it is the Masonic Park in Granite Falls, WA. The Masonic Park is the property of the Master Masons Club of Snohomish and Island Counties. It consists of 245 acres of beautifully wooded land on rushing Canyon Creek and is located in the foothills of the majestic Cascade Mountains. This beautiful park was donated by; Jacob Anthes; Mathias and Johanna Quist; the Soundview Pulp Company and the Des Moines Timber Company in four separate bequests between 1932 and The land donated for the sole purpose of constructing a park for Master Masons and their families. The Park through time has been developed entirely by donations of time, effort, money, and materials from many devoted brethren and many of the surrounding lodges. The Master Masons Club Executive Committee is responsible for overseeing the Parks business and the Park Board, which oversees the day-to-day operations of the park. We currently have two caretakers, and hope to find a third soon. The Park Board has been responsible for the annual Open Air Degree, which has been enjoyed by so many of the Brethren. The members of the Master Masons Club and the Park Board have each served their positions for many years. There is now a need for additional Brethren to become a part of this team. Now is the time to save this beautiful asset given to the Masons of Washington. If you don t who will? We need people who will be willing to run for offices on the Master Masons Club Executive Committee as well as member of the Park Board. We need Brothers who will take responsibilities for maintaining and improving the park. Please join our team by attending a meeting, run for office, and continue this great Best Kept Secret in Masonry. The Master Mason s meetings are held the third Monday of January, April, and October at the Damascus Lodge in Granite Falls and in July, in the Park. The Park Board also meets monthly, the third Monday of each month. In the summer we usually meet in the Park, and in the winter we usually meet at the Damascus Lodge. There will be no meeting in December. Please join us January 19, 2009, at the Damascus Lodge at 7:00 PM for our annual election of new officers. There will be a Park Board meeting immediately following the Master Mason s meeting. Hope to see you there. For additional information, please call WB Dick Meredith or visit our web page at COMING ATTRACTIONS Annual Installation of Officers Friday, JANUARY 9, 2009 At the Everett Masonic Center 6:30 PM Punch Bowl Social 7:00 PM Dinner Ladies, Guest and Children are invited to attend Wally

5 Packing It UP! By Bro. Les Reed On Nov. 15, 2008 a group of Masons and wives met at the Everett Masonic Center to package and ship about 309 pounds of misc. goodies for shipment to Patrick Moody who is with a Military Police unit in Iraq. Monies for the postage came from our Goose and Gridiron plus other lodges and the Scottish Rite. Those in on the packaging were Ernie and Ruth McCasland, John and Molly Friesen, Joyce Settergren, Walt and Dee Moody, Gene McFarlane, Earl Greathouse, Stephanie and Jerry Dahl, and Les Reed. What we shipped were edibles, and a lot of odds and ends that aren't available where these troops will be quartered. Anyway the picture doesn't really do justice. We were getting in a hurry to get everything packed and sealed and off to the post office for shipment. VALLEY OF EVERETT ELECTS OFFICERS FOR 2009 By Ken Thompson, 32º The in December held the annual election of officers for the year 2009 and the following Brethren were elected to lead and direct the affairs for the for the year. The installation is scheduled to be held on Friday, January 9, 2009 and all the Brethren, their ladies and guest are cordially invited to attend. A hearty congratulation to all the Brethren who have been elected and appointed. LODGE OF PERFECTION Venerable Master: Allen W. Lowe, 33 Senior Warden: Gerald A. Earl, 32 Junior Warden: Philip Leung, 32 CHAPTER OF ROSE CROIX Wise Master: Charles McQuery, 33 Senior Warden: Wayne Smith, 33 Junior Warden: Terry Grove, 32 COUNCIL OF KADOSH Commander: Steven A. Wandel, 32º 1 st Lt. Commander: J. Robert Morrison, 32º, KCCH 2 nd Lt Commander: Hernan Divinagracia, 32º, KCCH Chancellor: Steve Lively, 32º CONSISTORY Master of Kadosh: Bryan D. Bechler, 32 Prior: Angelito V. Corpus, 32 KCCH Preceptor: Robert Dearborn, 32 Chancellor: David McCuistion, 32 All Bodies Treasurer: Bryan D. Bechler, 32 Almoner: John Friesen, 32 Tyler: Charlie Kissell, 32

6 Masonic Education FREEMASONRY & SERVICE My brothers, of the many definitions of service found in the dictionary, the following seemed closest to our conception of service. 1. The serving of God, as through good works, prayer, etc. 2. Work done for a master or superior. 3. Helpful, beneficial, or friendly action or conduct; act giving assistance or advantage to another. 4. Work done or duty performed for another or others. How can a Mason be of service to the Craft? The answer does not seem difficult at all. We can be of service through Lodge maintenance, committee work, coaching, donations, the line of chairs, and much more. Many of us intuitively feel that it is all service to the Craft, whether the Lodge hands you a broom or a Gavel. Perhaps then there is not much more to say of our service except that the degree of our sacrifice of personal time and effort in service to the Craft is directly proportional to the degree of our love for the Craft. Yet there must be more to this Masonic concept of service to the Craft. Perhaps this particular question does not bring forth the essence of the true Masonic meaning of service to the Craft. Perhaps it should sound more like this - How can I maximize my service to the Craft? Now this is an obviously different question. The answer to the first question may not apply to our new question. The first question implies that a serious Mason will do for the Craft whatever the Mason's talents best suit him for. If he is good at memory work he may gravitate to some need within the Craft which requires a good memory. If he is a handyman, he may become involved in Lodge maintenance. These ways of service would answer our first question - How can a Mason be of service to the Craft? However, the answer to our new question - How can I maximize my service to the Craft, involves the willing and accurate use of all the tools of the Craft which were presented to us in our degree work. Precisely, this question implies the maximization of our abilities. In other words, it requires the personal working knowledge of the twenty four inch gage, the Compass, the level, the Plumb, the square, the trowel, and especially the common Gavel, as we make our rough Ashler into a smooth Ashler and use it according to the designs laid out upon the trestleboard. We are speaking now of the Masonic transformation, that precious refinement of character, that extended process by which we gradually chip away our rough edges and gradually increase to a maximum the quality of our character. During this process we find ourselves gradually more willing and capable of serving in capacities which we were not suited for before we began to learn and apply the tools of Masonry upon ourselves. We may find new abilities developing in interpersonal relationships and thus find ourselves now more suited to serve as a Coach. We may find that we have over come a fear of speaking in public and thus find ourselves now suited to present degree lectures at Lodge initiations. We may find new abilities in organization and thus be suited for organizing degree practices, editorial duties, secretary's duties, or the line of chairs leading to the East of our Lodge. Many, if not most, of us have experienced changes in our abilities in proportion to our personal application of the tools of our Craft. The sincere speculative Mason knows that he must work on himself in order to be of ever increasing service to our Craft, and thus to Humanity. This Masonic transformation of character, this making a good man into a better man, is a gradual process never to be rushed or taken to an extreme. (prudence: or moderation in all things). From the sweating slow pace of the Entered Apprentice laying out and removing the rough Ashler from the Quarry, to the increasingly discerning pace of the Fellowcraft using the common Gavel to smooth the Ashler, we find the various stages of personal growth in Masonry. Finally, one day we find ourselves in harmony with the calm pace of the true Master Mason sincerely praying to God for guidance before drawing his designs upon the trestleboard. This true Master Mason never sets down the tools of his Craft. He is ever sharpening his discernment thereby continuously divesting his character of all the imperfections which keep the rough Ashler unsmooth and the character unrefined This true Master Mason has adopted the Master's Motto, "Burden me more.", because he knows how to use challenges to further refine his character, thus allowing him to be of ever greater service to the Craft. He knows how to practice joyful labor because he has learned the value of harmony in his life, and how it truly sets the stage for wisdom, strength and beauty to function through him. He has learned that brotherly love cannot exist without sincere mutual respect. "But", some of us may be thinking, "this is the ideal Master Mason. We are far from that ideal. How can we possibly maximize our service to that extent?" This question could be analyzed in many ways; however, the simple and safe Masonic formula is to first pray to God for guidance in acquiring a working knowledge of the tools of the Speculative Mason. After praying for guidance, pick one tool such as the common Gavel. Learn all there is to know about it physically, and then learn all there is to know about its Masonic symbolism. After this intellectual knowledge is gained, the experiential knowledge will follow as we apply that particular tool to our personal reactions to the situations which our daily living presents to us. Brothers, let us smooth our individual ashler, for in smoothing our Ashler, we not only do our Craft a great service but ourselves as well, for a rough Ashler, (an unrefined character), can only lead to pain.

7 Calendar of Events Reserve Friday Evenings for your Scottish Rite Jan 02 Lodge of Perfection Stated Meeting 6:30 PM Buffet Installation Practice Jan 09 Installation of Officers Honor Men Host 7:00 PM Buffett Jan 16 District Eight and Nine Grand Master s Reception at Crystal Lodge, Marysville Dark Jan 23 Chapter of Rose Croix Stated Youth Night Jan 30 Consistory 6:30PM Buffett 15th Degree Feb 08 Executive Committee Meeting 2:00 PM Feb 13 Lodge of Perfection Sweet Heart Dinner 6:30 PM Punch Bowl 7:00 PM Dinner Feb 20 Council of Kadosh 6:30 PM dinner 18th Degree Feb 27 Consistory 6:30PM Buffett 21st Degree DISTRICT EIGHT MASONIC HAPPENINGS January 2009 Date Day Time Lodge Event 03 Saturday 8:00 AM Sultan-Monroe 160 Symbolic Lodge Officer Meeting 06 Tuesday 7:30 PM Crystal 122 Stated Meeting Sultan-Monroe 160 Stated Meeting Robert Burns 243 Stated meeting 07 Wednesday 6:30 PM Alpha 212 Stated meeting Centennial 26 Stated Meeting 08 Thursday 6:30 PM Peninsular 95 6:30 PM Dinner 7:30 PM Meeting 13 Tuesday 7:30 PM Damascus 199 Stated Meeting 14 Wednesday 7:30 PM Arlington 129 Stated Meeting 16 Friday 6:00 PM Crystal 122 Combined Dist. 8 & 9 Meeting 20 Tuesday 7:30 PM Crystal 122 Stated Meeting Sultan-Monroe 160 Stated Meeting 21 Wednesday 6:30 PM Alpha 212 Stated meeting Centennial 26 Stated Meeting 22 Thursday 6:30 PM Peninsular 95 Special 6:30 PM Dinner 7:30 PM Meeting 26 Monday 7:30 PM Everett 137 Special Communication 27 Tuesday 7:30 PM Damascus 199 Stated Meeting DISTRICT NINE MASONIC HAPPENINGS January 2009 Date Day Time Lodge Event 01 Thursday 7:30 PM Burlington-United 93 Stated Meeting 03 Saturday 2:00 PM Mount Baker 36 Installation of Officers 06 Tuesday 6:30 PM Mount Baker 36 Stated Meeting 08 Thursday 6:30 PM Camanio 19 Stated Meeting 12 Monday 7:30 PM Whidby Island 15 Lodge Officer Meeting 13 Tuesday 7:30 PM Fidalgo 77 Stated Meeting 15 Thursday 7:30 PM Garfield 41 Stated Meeting 16 Friday 6:00 PM Crystal 122, Marysville Combined Dist. 8 & 9 Meeting 19 Monday 7:30 PM Langley 218 Stated Meeting 20 Tuesday 7:30 PM Whidbey Island 15 Stated Meeting Note: Brethren take the time to visit your local Blue Lodges and share with them the opportunities that are available to them in our valley.

8 F&AM Scottish Rite Bodies P. O. Box 1112 Everett, WA Non- Profit Org U.S. Postage paid Permit No. 372 Everett, WA December 2008 What is Scottish Rite? Although there is no higher degree than that of Master Mason, the 29 degrees of the Scottish Rite serve to enrich the philosophy of the Symbolic Lodge. A Mason who chooses to further his Masonic experience by becoming a 32 Scottish Rite Mason will be expanding upon the fundamental principles of Freemasonry. The moral and ethical lessons will allow him to be constantly reminded of his duty to God, Family, Country, and Fellow Man. IN THIS ISSUE From the Personal Representative From the Secretary Calendar of Events January s Birthdays Could You Pass The Test? by Anthony Schwab A Masonic Moment Believe in Yourself, By Wally Zink Charity Committee Report by Steven Wandel The Yarding Creww Shak by Jim Larson Scottish Rite Master Craftsman Program, By Hernan Davinagracia Packing it Up, Bro. Les Reed The Masonic Park Needs Your Help Masonic Education Freemasonry and Service Web masters' Note: Come visit the Everett Valley web site. It is located at: DATES TO REMEMBER January 9, 2009 The Annual Installations of Officers 6:30 PM Punch Bowl Social 7:00 PM Dinner Ladies, Guest and Friends are Cordially invited to attend Some people ask God for their daily bread and then complain because it isn t cake Uncle Joe, The Chinaberry Tree Philosopher Contact List Carl Smith, 33º, Personal Representative of the S.G.I G. Telephone: Umpire@wavecable.com Charrison Lochaby, 32º, KCCH, Secretary Telephone: clochaby@whidbey.com John Friesen, 32º Almoner Telephone: john-friesen@comcast.net Kenneth Thompson, 32º, Editor Telephone: Kenneth.thompson32@verizon.net