Free and Accepted Masons Scottish Rite Bodies P. O. Box 1112 Everett, WA Return Service Requested. November 2005

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1 Free and Accepted Masons Scottish Rite Bodies P. O. Box 1112 Everett, WA Return Service Requested Non- Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 372 Everett, WA November 2005 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 Rep Degree Work in the Valley Scholarship Foundation Obligation MWB Mark Wiggins From the Secretary Missing Members Knights of Saint Andrews Active In the Orient Congratulation to our new White and Red Hats Book on the Altar Carl Claudy You Might Be a Red Neck New look for Website

2 Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Carl Smith, 33 Personal Representative of the S.G.I G. (360) Charrison Lochaby, 32 Secretary P.O. Box 1112 Everett, WA Valley of Everett Orient of Washington Volume 14 November 2005 Issue 11 The Puget Sound Regional Degrees have become a great opportunity for the Valley of Everett to showcase their capabilities in presenting the Scottish Rite Degrees. On Saturday, October 15 th at Seattle Scottish Rite our Valley performed the 5 and 6 in a very exemplary manner. Under the direction of our Director of Works, Illustrious Brother Bob Larsen, 33, the 5 was conducted after only 3 weeks of preparation. When it became known that the degree would not be performed unless a Valley different from the one to whom it had been assigned, the Brethren from our Valley said: We ll do it! And so with only three weeks to prepare they did. Their presentation was well done and made those of us present from Everett Valley very proud. It Looks as thought we will be adding another degree to our repertoire. The cast of the 6, with Brother Gene McFarlane, 32 KCCH, as Degree Master, performed the degree with their usual aplomb for which they received a standing ovation from the Brethren on the sidelines. It was a proud day for the Valley of Everett. Not only because of the performance of the degrees, but also because 20 Brethren were in attendance, exceeding the total attendance of the other Valleys. Our Valley will host the next Puget Sound Regional Degrees on Saturday, November 19 th. The Valley of Bremerton will present the 9th 10th and 11th degrees. The Valley of Everett will present the 12 th and 13 th degree. The day will begin with coffee, donuts and fellowship at 9:00 AM. The degrees will commence at 10:00 AM with a lunch break at noon. There will be a $5.00 charge for lunch. Let s have a large attendance to support the degree teams and show that Everett is a strong and vibrant Valley. Thanksgiving will soon be here. It is a time for us to thank God for all the blessings and comforts that He has bestowed upon us. It is a time for us to be thankful for the liberties we enjoy in this great country, and it is a time for us to be thankful for the strength we receive from our beloved Fraternity. May you, your family, and your friends enjoy a very Happy Thanksgiving! Carl B. Smith, 33 Personal Representative of the S.G.I.G.

3 WORK IN THE VALLEY By Bob Larson, 33º October 18, 2005 degree teams from the Valley of Everett traveled to Seattle present the 5 th and 6 th Degrees as part of the Regional Degree effort. The 5 th Degree was presented for the first time in many years and the cast is to be complimented on a job well done. This is particularly true since the Degree was put together and presented on two weeks notice. The presentation of the 6 th Degree was outstanding as usual and was warmly received by the Brethren in attendance. The Regional Degrees will come to The Valley of Everett on November 19th. Beginning at 10:00 am with the presentation of the 9 th and 10 th Degree, followed by the 11 th Degree. Both of these presentations will be performed by the Valley of Bremerton. Lunch will be served at 12:00 PM followed by the 12 th and 13 th Degrees beginning at 1:00 PM. The Valley of Everett will be presenting both the 12 th and 13 th Degrees. Please mark your calendars for this important date and join us for a great day of Scottish Rite Masonry fellowship. On November 18, 2005 we will present the 14 th Degree which will conclude the Degrees of the Lodge of Perfection for the year. After receiving this degree the candidates become members of the Lodge of Perfection and may take part in all activities of the Lodge. Coming in December is the annual election of officers for the Valley of Everett, if you are interested in one of the elected or appointed offices, please contact the body Master or Secretary know. Everyone is encouraged to get on board and help direct the Valley of Everett as it continues to move forward. Not sure what a position entails then contact the Secretary for a job description of any of the positions. Remember that all of the Brethren working together can help the Valley of Everett continue to be the finest Valley in the Orient of Washington. Scholarship Foundation By Bob Larson, 33º The Scottish Rite Scholarship Foundation is accepting applications for the academic year. Students who will be entering their Junior or Senior year at an accredited university within the State of Washington who have a minimum GPA of 3.0 are eligible to apply. Applicants should contact Valley of Everett Director Jim Raymond, 32 0 KCCH, at , goflo@tgi.net or Assistant Director Robert Dinwiddie, Jr., at , bobdinwiddie@comcast.net. Scholarships are awarded in the amount of $2,000 to the top two scorers with $1,500 to the next ten percent and $1,200 to the remaining applicants based on score order and available funds. In addition to the undergraduate scholarship several fellowships are provided for graduate students. The primary fellowship is an award of $10,000 to a student in Governmental Affairs at George Washington University. This grant is matched by GWU for a total of $20,000. Students applying for this fellowship must apply through one of the Foundation Directors. Additional Fellowships are offered in Governmental Affairs at the Evans School at the University of Washington, Nursing at the Washington State University School of Nursing, Speech Therapy at the State Universities offering graduate work if the field and Nutrition at Bastyr University. The Universities select recipients of these fellowships. Applicants should apply directly to the University they would like to attend. For the academic year of 2005/2006 the Foundation awarded over $260,000, in scholarships and fellowships. This brought or awards for the past four years to over $1,000,000. An exchange of ideas and intelligence is called a discussion, but an exchange of ignorance is an argument. Uncle Joe The Chinaberry Tree Philosopher

4 Valley of Everett Calendar of Events November 4 th Dark November 11 th Lodge of Perfection - "Introduction to the Lodge of Perfection" - 6:30 PM Buffet November 13 th Executive Council - 2:00 PM November 18 th Lodge of Perfection - 14th - 6:30 PM Buffet November 19 th Puget Sound Regional Degree - 9th through 13th - Everett November 24 th Happy Thanksgiving November 25 th Dark December 2 nd Dark December 9 th All Bodies Stated Elections and Degree Education December 11 th Executive Council Meeting 2:00 PM December 16 th Special Night Christmas Party and Awards Night Ladies and Guest are invited December 23 rd Dark December 30 th Dark OBLIGATION The following is an excerpt from a message delivered by VWB Mark S. Wiggins on the occasion of his official visit to Camanio Lodge, No. 19, April 14, His views on our Masonic obligations should us cause to reflect on the significance they have in our own lives. Carl B. Smith, Personal Representative What does the word obligation mean? What does it mean to us as Mason s? The dictionary defines Obligation as an act binding oneself by a legal, social or moral tie. A legal, social or moral requirement, such as duty, contract, or promise that compels one to follow or avoid a particular course of action. In Freemasonry we view the obligation as a binding agreement, based upon moral and spiritual values between two entities, the individual Man and the Fraternity as a whole. So when a candidate is placed at the alter to take his obligation what are we asking him to obligate himself to? 1. Secrecy - We are asking the candidate to maintain secrecy. Not about Masonry itself, but simply the modes of recognition. 2. Fidelity - We are asking the candidate to maintain his Fidelity to the Constitution, ancient landmarks, laws and regulations of the Craft. 3. Conduct - We are asking the candidate to begin to think and act Masonically. To accept the Tenets and Principles of Freemasonry as his rule and guide. To hopefully instill in him the importance of things like Faith, Brotherly Love and Relief. 4. Attendance - Attendance at a Masonic meeting is more than just a privilege; it is an obligation of membership. We are obligating ourselves to attend all due signs and summonses sent by a Lodge. Implied within the concept of attendance is PARTICIPATION. We owe it to ourselves and the Craft to take an active part in its deliberations. 5. Responsibility - We are asking the candidate to make sound and acceptable judgments in all of his actions and to be accountable for his actions. 6. Dedication - We are asking the candidate to be dedicated to the principles and tenets of Freemasonry. 7. Self-Discipline Self- Discipline in relation to behavior in Lodge, punctuality, proper etiquette in all his Masonic duties, and most importantly, the discipline to continue his studies of our ancient Craft and truly embrace the moral and spiritual lessons that await him. 8. Opportunities - The opportunity to help others less fortunate than yourself. The opportunity to broaden his horizons through study and self-improvement. And of course, the opportunity for friendship, fellowship and brotherly love Perhaps the greatest gift our Fraternity has to offer. 9. Integrity - By improving ourselves as men and Masons we will develop that outstanding trait of integrity. If we take the time and mentor our newly obligated brothers and they embrace the things that they have obligated themselves to, then both parties will have succeeded. The man will have become a better man (whether they realize it or not) and the Fraternity will have an active and participating member who will contribute to the fabric of Freemasonry.

5 FROM THE SECRETARY By Charrison Lochaby, 32º In the process of updating the addresses for the membership I find that there a number of our members that we do not have a current address for. If any of you know the whereabouts or a current address for the brethren listed please contact the Secretary. Below are the name and the last known address? Henry C Brown 1335 W 17th Yuma, AZ Elbert B Burdick th Place SE Apt 219 Puyallup, WA Charles U Davis III th Ave N E Bothell, WA Michael R Kyle PO Box 569 Seabeck, WA Clyde B Sparks 6420 E Tropicana Lot 8 Las Vegas, NV Clifton A Spillman Highway 99 Unit 155 Everett, WA Carl S Swedin N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd Apt 254 Scottsdale, AZ Antonio Umali 1915 Terry Av Rm 608 Seattle, WA Jason M Wallen PO Box Nsga Denver Aurora, CO Travis E Wieneke 5094 Mcnarney Ave Tinker Afb, OK Knights of St. Andrew, Active in the Orient By: Bro. William A. Isabelle 32 Brethren, I am pleased to announce that the newly created Everett Chapter of the Knights of St. Andrew has brought the Tacoma Chapter of the Knights of St. Andrew to life. On behalf of the Everett Chapter of the Knights of St. Andrew, I would like to congratulate the Founding Members and Officers of the Tacoma Chapter, and Bro. Michael A. Smitson 32, Founding Venerable Master. Well done brothers! Our brothers in Tacoma made a formal request to the Everett Chapter, asking that they be afforded the opportunity to start their own Chapter of the Knights of St. Andrew, drawing upon the Charter of the Everett Chapter. The members of the Everett Chapter unanimously agreed to sponsor the Tacoma Chapter. On Saturday October 22 nd the Everett Chapter of the Knights of St. Andrew traveled to the Tacoma Valley and initiated their candidates into the Order of the Knights of St. Andrew, delivered a Charter of Constitution, consecrated the Tacoma Chapter, and installed the Founding Officers. The Tacoma Chapter, having received their Charter of Constitution from the Everett Chapter, now has full authority to work as a Chapter of Knights of St. Andrew. I want to thank the members of the Tacoma Valley for the opportunity to help and to be of service to your Valley. We very much enjoyed ourselves, and your hospitality was greatly appreciated. The members of the Everett Valley and the Everett Chapter of the Knights of St. Andrew, are at your service, and please feel free to call upon us again for any opportunity to enjoy fellowship and promote Scottish Rite Masonry in our Orient. I congratulate all of the Knights of the Everett Chapter on their hard work and dedication to Scottish Rite and the Knights of St. Andrew. I know how hard it is to give up a Saturday, when we are all so busy with our respective projects. You should all be very proud of yourselves! Not very often do you get the opportunity be a part of creating a new body of Scottish Rite, and then turn around and go and replicate the process for another Valley, after only five weeks in existence! I would also like to thank the Knights who accompanied me to the Seattle Valley s Feast of Tishri, and the Seattle Chapter of the Knights of St. Andrew s stated meeting. Venerable Master Bro. Brian Thomas 32 and the members of the Seattle Chapter have decided to emulate the Everett Chapter s example, and have elected to adorn themselves and their successive membership with the Glengarry as their chosen headgear. I would like to also congratulate Bro. William C. Harker, Sr. 32, was unanimously elected to the office of Venerable Master of the Seattle Chapter. Bro. Bill, your fellow Knights in the Everett Chapter look forward to sharing many fellowship opportunities with you and the Knights of St. Andrew Chapters throughout the Orient. DID YOU KNOW Every Governor of Wyoming from it founding until 1951 was a Freemason - with one exception Mrs. William A. Ross, who was the wife of a Freemason and a member of the Eastern Star.

6 CONGRATULATIONS!!! The Supreme Council at their current biennial sessions has recognized several Brethren of the Valley of Everett by electing them to receive the Thirty Third Degree or become Knight Commanders of the Court of Honor. These Brethren have served Masonry and Scottish Rite well for many years and are most deserving of the honors about to be bestowed upon them. The honors, along with the new titles they will receive, are as follows: Illustrious Brother Brother Angelito V. Brother James Brother Walter T. Brother Charles W. Allen W. Lowe, 33 Corpus, 32 KCCH Raymond, 32 KCCH Smith, 32 KCCH McQuery, 32 KCCH The Brethren of the Valley congratulate them for this outstanding achievement!!! Book on the Altar Submitted by Steve Osborn, 32º I heard the most curious tale, began the New Brother seating himself beside the Old Tiler during refreshment. Shoot! commanded the Old Tiler. Friend of mine belongs to a Midwest lodge. Seems they elected a chap to become a member but when he took the degree he stopped the work to ask for the Koran in place of the Bible on the Altar, Said he wanted the holy book of his faith, and the Bible wasn t it! Yes, go on, prompted the Old Tiler, What did they do? The officers held a pow-wow and the Master finally decided that as the ritual demanded the Holy Bible, Square and Compasses as the furniture for the lodge, the applicant was wrong and that he d have to use the Bible or not take his degree. And the funny part is that the initiate was satisfied and took his degree with the Bible on the Altar. I m glad they have him, and not this lodge. Why? Why, a chap who backs down that way can t have very much courage; I d have had more respect for him if he d insisted and if he couldn t have his way, refused to go on with the degree. All wrong, brother, all wrong! commented the Old Tiler. The Mohammedan initiate wasn t concerned about himself, but about the lodge. He showed a high degree of Masonic principle in asking for his own holy book, and a great consideration for the lodge. This man isn t a Christian. He doesn t believe in Christ. He believes in Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet. The Bible, to you a holy book, is no more to him than a Koran is to you. You wouldn t regard an obligation taken on a dictionary or a cookbook or a Koran as binding, in the same degree that you would one taken on the Bible. That s the way this chap felt. He wanted to take his obligation so that it would bind his conscience. The Master would not let him, because he slavishly followed the words instead of the spirit of Masonry. Masonry does not limit an applicant on his choice of a name for a Supreme Being. I can believe in Allah, or Buddha, or Confucius, or Mithra, or Christ, or Siva, or Brama, or Jehovah, and be a good Mason. If I believe in a Great Architect that is all Masonry demands; my brethren do not care what I name Him. Then you think this chap isn t really obligated? I must write my friend and warn him Softly, softly! Any man with enough reverence for Masonry, in advance of knowledge of it, to want his own holy book on which to take an obligation would feel himself morally obligated to keep his word, whether there was his, another s, or no holy book at all, on the Altar. An oath is not really binding because of the book beneath your hand. It is the spirit with which you assume an obligation which makes it binding. The book is but a symbol that you make your promise in the presence of the God that you revere. The cement of brotherly love which we spread is not material----the working tools of a Master Mason are not used upon stone, but upon human hearts. Your brother did his best to conform to the spirit of our usages in asking for the

7 Book on the Altar (Continued) holy book he had been taught to revere. Failing in that through no fault of his own, doubtless he took his obligation with a sincere belief in its sacredness. Legally he would not be considered to commit perjury if he asked for his own book and was forced to use another. What s the law got to do with it? Just nothing at all, which is the point I make. In England and America, Canada and South America, Australia and part of the Continent, the Bible is universally used. In the Scottish Rite bodies you will find many holy books; but let me ask you this; when our ancient brethren met on hills and in valleys, long before Christ, did they use the New Testament on their Altars? Of course not; there was none. You can say they used the Old Testament and I can say they used the Talmud and someone else can say they used none at all, and all of us are as right as the other. But they used a reverence for sacred things. If you write your friend, you might tell him that the ritual which permits a man to name his God as he pleases, but demands that a book which reveres one particular God be used is faulty. The ritual of Masonry is faulty; it was made by man. But the spirit of Masonry is divine; it comes from men s hearts. If obligation and books and names of the Deity are matters of the spirit, every condition is satisfied. If I were Master and an applicant demanded any one or any six books on which to lay his hand while he pledged himself to us, I d get them if they were to be had, and I d tell my lodge what a reverent Masonic spirit was in the man who asked. Seems to me you believe in a lot of funny things; how many gods do you believe in? There is but one, was the Old Tiler s answer, Call Him what you will. Let me repeat a little bit of verse for you: At the Meuzzin s call for prayer The kneeling faithful thronged the square; Amid a monastery s weeds, An old Franciscan told his beads, While on Pushkara s lofty height A dark priest chanted Brama s might, While to the synagogue there came A Jew to praise Jehovah s Name. The One Great God looked down and smiled And counted each His loving child; For Turk and Brahmin, monk and Jew Had reached Him through the gods they new. If we reach Him in Masonry, it makes little difference by what sacred name we arrive, finished the Old Tiler, reverently. You ve reached me anyhow, said the new brother, shaking hands as if he meant it. From Old Tiler Talks by Carl H. Claudy 2nd ed, Pins and Rings It is true; we all are Craftsmen, And are extremely proud to be; We wear our pins and rings For everyone to see. But we should ask the question, Even though the thought may sting- Would others know us as a Mason If they did not see our ring? True, men show the tenets Of our ancient, hallowed Creeds; Not just on our coat and finger, But by our words and deeds. There is one thing to remember, If I have learned my lessons well, My deeds are more convincing Than my finger or my lapel. WB Wally Zink You might be a redneck if... We have enjoyed the redneck jokes for years. It's time to take a reflective look at the core beliefs of a culture that values home, family, country and God. If I had to stand before a dozen terrorists who threaten my life, I'd choose a half dozen or so rednecks to back me up. Tire irons, squirrel guns and grits -- that's what rednecks are made of. I hope I am one of those. If you feel the same, pass this on to your redneck friends. Ya'll know who ya'll are... - You might be a redneck if: It never occurred to you to be offended by the phrase, "One nation, under God." 've never protested about seeing the 10 Commandments posted in public places. still say "Christmas" instead of "Winter Festival." bow your head when someone prays. stand and place your hand over your heart when they play the National Anthem. treat Viet Nam vets with great respect, and always have. - You might be a redneck if: You've never burned an American flag. know what you believe in and you aren't afraid to say so, no matter who is listening. respect your elders and expect your kids to do the same. I believe that you, like me, have just enough Red Neck in you to have the same beliefs as those reflected in this article God Bless the USA

8 When Is A Man A Mason By Joseph Ford Newton, Litt. D. From "The Builders" When he can look out over the rivers, the hills and the far horizon with a profound sense of his own smallness in the vast scheme of things, and yet have faith, hope and courage - which are the root of every virtue. When he knows that down in his heart every man is a noble, as vile, as divine, as diabolic and as lonely as himself, and seeks to know, to forgive, and to love his fellow man. When he knows how to sympathize with men in their sorrows, yea, even in their sins - knowing that each man fights a hard fight against The Everett Valley web site at has been given a new look. The information is current and will keep you up to date on the events and happenings in our Valley. The site has also been reorganized to provide simpler navigation by way of several hyperlinks displayed on the left hand side of each page. The "HOME PAGE" contains a welcome from our Personal Representative Carl Smith, 33. The "WHO WE ARE" hyperlink is an introduction to the Scottish Rite by our Sovereign Grand Inspector General, William R. Miller, 33. The "HOW TO JOIN" hyperlink contains all the information necessary to join the Scottish Rite. The "CONTACT US" hyperlink simply launches many odds. When he has learned how to make friends and to keep them, and above all be friends with himself. When he loves flowers, can hunt the birds without a gun, and feels the thrill of an old forgotten joy when he hears the laugh of a little child. When he can be happy and high-minded amid the meaner drudgeries of life. When star-crowned trees and the glint of sunlight on flowing waters subdue him like the thought of one much loved and long dead. When no voice of distress reaches his ears in vain, and no hand seeks his aid without response. When he finds good in every faith that helps any man to lay hold of divine things and see majestic meanings in life, whatever the name of that faith may be. When he can look into the wayside puddle and see something beyond mud, and into the face of the most forlorn fellow and see something beyond sin. When he knows how to pray, how to love, how to hope. When he has faith with himself, with his fellow man, with his god; in his hand a sword for evil, in his heart a bit of song - glad to live but not afraid to die. Such a man has found the only real secret of Masonry, and the one, which it is trying to give to the entire world an message pre-addressed Brethren, I hope you enjoy the NEW LOOK FOR to the webmaster. The site and that it meets your needs. WEBSITE "EVENTS CALENDAR" You can look forward in the future John Geraghty, 32, Webmaster hyperlink lists all events for the to a photo archive and a more valley on a single page for easy developed area for Scottish Rite viewing and printing. If a date is educational and mentoring changed, it will be noted so as to material. Please take a moment to minimize confusion to the review the site and send me input Brethren. The "NEWSLETTER" by simply clicking the hyperlink launches the latest "CONTACT US" hyperlink from Valley newsletter in an Adobe the navigation bar at the site. I Acrobat (.PDF) format. The look forward to receiving your "CHARITIES" hyperlink input. highlights the RiteCare and Scholarship programs. The "DIRECTIONS" hyperlink contains driving directions to the Everett Masonic center and a map for easy reference. The "PETITION" hyperlink allows a member or candidate to easily launch, read, and print a petition for membership or affiliation to our Valley. Finally, a NEWSFLASH section has been added so you can quickly gain access to timely and important information. Masonic Education As an Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason you searched for light. Then when you think you have it, you find out that it has been lost and you must search on. Therefore, the quest for light continues through out your life. Then it is found in the second Temple of the Eternal Life.