Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Ill. Carl Smith, 33 Personal Representative of the S.G.I G. (360) 387-4357 Robert (Bob) C. Dearborn 32, KCCH, Secretary 220 Olympic Blvd Everett, WA 98203 (425) 337-6982 Orient of Washington - Valley of Everett Volume 24 January 2015 Issue 01 THE RITE BULLETIN From The Personal Representative Ill. Bro. Carl Smith, 33 I wish every Brother and his family a Happy New Year. May the year 2015 be prosperous and filled with Brotherly Love, good health, and enjoyable fellowship. I know that we all celebrate in different ways the coming of the New Year, some with champagne and joyous parties, some at home watching the Times Square ball drop on television. No matter how or what we do to celebrate, it is the beginning of a new year and is much more than just changing the pages on the new calendar. It is an opportunity to re-dedicate ourselves and renew our faith and resolve. Have you made your resolutions concerning things that you fully intend to do such as lose weight, quit smoking, exercise more, or to be more understanding of others and their needs? There are several resolutions that all of us in Scottish Rite need to make AND KEEP. They are to fully support our new officers in the Valley of Everett as they take over the leadership of our great fraternity. Resolve to attend our meetings, degree conferrals and programs. Resolve to live the tenets of Scottish Rite Masonry fully in our everyday life. Resolve to act like a Mason both in and out of the lodge so the world may know what we stand for. If we do these simple things that we all pledged at the altar to perform, we will improve ourselves, our families, the community and Masonry. Our 2014 officers did an admirable job of conducting the affairs of our Valley and they have set the bar very high for those coming after them. We just had elections of Officers and I know that we have a fine group of Brothers relieving our 2014 leaders. So let s all come out and congratulate them and support our new Body Officers. Let s keep Everett the best Valley in the Orient and the Southern Jurisdiction. Remember, we can and we will. I hope to see you all at the Installation on Friday, January 9th. Also remember that it is not too late to invite other Masons to join us at Everett Valley Scottish Rite. The 2015 class begins on the 23 rd of January with the conferral of the 4th degree. Get those petitions to our General Secretary now so these potential Scottish Rite Masons can join us in fellowship and the lessons of Scottish Rite. Happy New Year! Carl B. Smith, 33 Personal Representative From the Almoner's desk Kenneth Cage, 32º If you know of anyone who is ill, in a nursing home or hospital please let me know so I can send them a card or pay them a visit. May God bless you and be with you 360-659-5808 or email me at: eckc1@comcast.net
From the Secretary By Robert C. Dearborn,32, KCCH Masonic Education GRAND LODGE OF CHINA Freemasonry reached China in the late 1750s through the East India Company. In 1767, Amity Lodge No. 407 was established in Canton under the Grand Lodge of England near Hong Kong on the Pearl River delta. For unknown reasons, the Lodge went dark in 1813 as its charter was not renewed when the two English Grand Lodges united in London. By 1890, however, the Chinese treaty port cities of Hong Kong, Shanghai, Qingdao, and others reportedly had over twenty English, Scottish, Irish, and American Lodges. During the Imperial Qing government, it was nearly impossible for a Chinese to become a Freemason. In 1931, an assembly of American and Chinese Brethren, who were raised abroad, formed a new Lodge in Shanghai. Reminiscent of the first Lodge in China, the new Lodge was named Amity Lodge No. 106. Six Lodges were initially charted by the Grand Lodge of the Philippines until the Grand Lodge of China was at the American Masonic Hall in Shanghai in 1949. When the Chinese Communist Party came into power, the Grand Lodge of China was declared dark in 1951. The Grand Lodge at the American Masonic Hall Committee of the Chinese Political Consultative Conference, in Shanghai) moved to Hong Kong until the Grand Lodge of China revitalized it in the capital city of Taipei in Taiwan in 1955. Soon after, the relocated six Chinese Lodges were reactivated around the island. Many more Lodges were established in the ensuing years under the Grand Lodge of China. At present, a growing brotherhood of vibrant Masonic communities exists throughout Taiwan. An informal Square and Compass Club, a sort of an incarnation of earlier clubs during the years of Japanese occupation, operates in Shanghai among the foreign Brethren living and working in China. In Hong Kong, the active Masonic communities among the English Constitution, the Irish Constitution, and the Scottish Constitution meet regularly for their stated communications at the historic Zetland Hall on One Kennedy Road. This was the home of Freemasons since 1865, with a brief hiatus during WWII. A great number of Hong Kong Brothers have close relations among the three Constitutions and the Freemasons in the United States, the Philippines, and Taiwan. [Excerpted from an article by Patrick Mendis in Virginia Masonic Herald, Spring 2014, Grand Lodge of Virginia] In Memorial Members of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Everett are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the following Brother Charles William Kissell This Brother has been called to the Great Celestial Lodge by the Supreme Architect of the Universe. He lived respected and died regretted. Farewell My Brother, Until We Meet Again. The members of the Valley of Everett extend to all the Brethren listed be January a very Happy Birthday Peter F Anderson Bryan D Bechler Dean Bonar Cary A Cope Hernan B Divinagracia Scott F Gaines Bruce G Garner Samson T Jalandoni Richard L. Jones Charrison W Lochaby M M "Milo" Milfs Steven E Myers Pete Peterson John F Platt Gerald H Purdum James Raymond Warren R. Schoeben Carl B Smith Murat Tanyeri Darrel J Tobias Christopher T. Warrick Vance L Whippo
Recently I attended the retirement party of one of my co-workers. As she was regaling us with her plans for this next stage of her life, I was reminded of the words of another colleague who not too long ago left the world of 8 to 5: You don t retire from anything, you retire to the next thing. These words should ring especially true to those brethren who have been newly minted as Past Masters. As a Past Master, you have been accorded the title of Worshipful Sir. You are an honored and respected brother. It is a reputation which you must continually strive to uphold. The question before you now is this; what are your intentions? If it is your intention to disappear into history, it is well to remember that none of the lessons taught in Freemasonry make this statement: Sit down, Brother, for your work is done. Your lodge needs you; be it as a trustee, committee chair, coach, mentor, degree participant, pro tem officers, I think you get the picture. Additionally, you should not be surprised if your Worshipful Master looks to you to serve as a sounding board for programs and activities that he may be considering. There is something to be said about the wisdom of experience. No doubt you looked to your Past Masters for guidance along the way, now you get to Onto the Next Thing By RWB Jim Mendoza pay it forward. Consider this Why are a Past Master s compasses, on his apron, open at 60 degrees on a quadrant instead 90 on a square? Answer: The compasses open 60 degrees are in easy position to construct a square. The Master has worn the square while he presided; now, as Past Master, you are supposed to be in possession of the knowledge necessary to make a square, hence the position of the compasses and the quadrant. There are many geometric methods of erecting a square; the Past Master s apron hints at one of the simplest and most used methods as best for the Past Master to employ not only in aiding and instructing your successor, but also in being an example to the brethren of your lodge as well. Rose Croix Funeral Service This service is very beautiful and available to all ; however, Members must make their members of the Scottish Rite desires known to their families and the Valley. Should you desire a Rose Croix Funeral Service, when the time comes, please let your families know now. Ensure that they have the phone number of our Valley Secretary, Bob Dearborn when that time does comes. Bob can be reached at 1-425-337-6982. or email him at rcdearbornsrevt@comcast.net THE TWENTY FOUR INCH GUAGE BY Dewey Wollstien, PGM, 32, KCCH A distressed brother is not always a brother in need of material assistance. To understand this is to understand the lesson of the twenty-four inch gauge. The very simplicity of a statement will often hide the meaning, and a great teaching will thereby escape our serious consideration. So important is the study of the twenty-four inch gage that from it a philosophy complete within itself is possible of attainment. Time cannot be saved, that is, you cannot save two hours from today and spend them tomorrow. Time can only be spent. Neither can we take four hours from one part of the gauge and use it advantageously by bringing it forward to an entirely different part and use. The happiness derived from the study of the twenty-four inch gauge depends upon the application of the total into its proper and equal parts. In taking away from God and our brothers it may appear that we are very busy in our affairs, yet the fact remains that we are working against the Rule. God and man stand together as one part because unselfish service to man is the only true path to the service of God. If the twenty-four inch gauge intended to teach that we must only administer to a brother's physical need, there would be an excess of hours to spend. The truth is that our brothers need us, not our material gifts, and we need our brothers. To give ourselves means to give "that" many hours daily. The Rule is for our happiness. Service to God and man is a Divine Privilege.
Most Worshipful Bill R. Wood A Tribute December 2014 By David A. McCuistion 32 KCCH Most Worshipful Bill was a super man, And a Super Mason head and shoulders above His peers, his superiors and the family clan, An esteemed Brother whom all did love. He had a vision and lived by his theme, Do Good Unto All always he professed. His smile so bright shown like a beam, Spreading goodwill and tidings as if obsessed. Most Worshipful loved to joke and laugh, His stories could make a book full of parables. All teaching a lesson with a moral to last, Spreading truths that became a fable. Sometimes his Arkansawese hard to comprehend, He appointed a Grand Interpreter to make it clear. Dressed in bibbed apron and teaspoon jewel to attend, Interpreted what he said to what he meant them to hear. He loved surprise visits on new Lodge Masters, Creating stress and sweat on their brow. Fun and laughter raised the rafters, A meeting so memorable and full of WOW! Started Bikes for Books helping youngsters to read, Caught on like wildfire spreading across the land. Acclaimed for leading young minds to succeed, Doing good unto children enhanced his brand. Continued to labor after his time in the Grand East, Teaching, counseling, mentoring throughout the Craft. Resolving conflicts and strife with the skill of a priest, Improving men and masons to insure they last. Most Worshipful Bill a Giant among men and Masons, Cherished for his passion, his kindness, his love of mankind. His intelligence, charisma, and appeal chastened Brother Masons to live by a right mind. In the Celestial Lodge he now spreads his joy, Doing Good Unto All always on his mind. Spreading glad tidings and laughter like a new toy, Most Worshipful Bill R. Wood one of a kind. Masonic Trivia Where did the term "lodge" come from? The Scottish Rite Research Society Where it all comes together! http://scottishriteresearch.com As with many things we can only speculate as to where the word "lodge" derived. Dictionaries say that it probably came from the buildings, or huts, where the craftsmen worked and lived. Lodges of masons are mentioned at York Minster in 1352, at Canterbury Cathedral in 1429, at the Church of St. Nicholas, Aberdeen in 1483, and at St. Giles, Edinburgh, in 1429. "Lodge" first referred to nonpermanent bodies, but gradually reverted to fixed localities, such as Edinburgh in 1598.
Valley of Everett C O M I N G E V E N T S Annual Sweetheart dinner Friday, February 13, 2015 At the Everett Masonic Center 6:30 PM Punch Bowl 7:00 PM Dinner Members, Ladies and Guest are Cordially invited to attend Ceremony of remembrance Friday, March 20, 2015 At the Everett Masonic Center 6:30 PM Punch Bowl 7:00 PM Dinner Members, Ladies and Guest are Cordially invited to attend
Valley of Everett Calendar of Events Reserve Friday Evenings for your Scottish Rite Jan 09, Friday Installation of Officers 6:30 PM Punch Bowl 7:00 PM Buffet Dinner Jan 11 Sunday 2:00 PM Executive Council Meeting Jan 16 Friday Rose Croix Stated 6:30 PM Buffett RiteCare Program Jan 23 Friday Council of Kadosh - 6:30 PM Buffet - Confer 4th Degree Jan 30 Friday Consistory - 6:30 PM Buffet - Confer 5th & 6th Degree Feb 08 Sunday 2:00 PM Executive Council Meeting Feb 13 Friday Lodge of Perfection Sweet Heart Dinner -6:30 PM Punch Bowl 7:00 PM Buffet Dinner Feb 20 Friday Council of Kadosh - 6:30 PM Buffet - Confer 9th & 10th Degree Feb 27 Friday Consistory - 6:30 PM Buffet - Confer 12th Degree DISTRICT EIGHT MASONIC HAPPENINGS January 2015 Date Day Time Lodge Event 4 Saturday 8:00 AM SLOC Host Sultan Monroe 160 6 Tuesday 7:00PM Sultan Monroe 160 Stated Meeting 6:00 PM Dinner 6:30 PM Crystal 122 Stated Meeting 6:30 PM Dinner 7 Wednesday 7:30 PM Alpha 212 Stated Meeting 6:00 PM Centennial 25 Stated Meeting 8 Wednesday 6:30 PM Arlington 129 Stated Meeting 6:30 PM Dinner 9 Thursday 6:30 PM Peninsular 95 Stated Meeting 6:30 PM Dinner 12 Monday 6:30 PM Everett 137 Stated Meeting 6:30 PM Dinner 13 Tuesday 6:30 PM Damascus 199 Stated Meeting 6:30 PM Dinner 20 Tuesday 6:00PM Sultan Monroe 160 Stated Meeting 6:00 PM Dinner Tuesday 6:30 PM Crystal 122 Stated Meeting 6:30 PM Dinner 21 Wednesday 7:30 PM Alpha 212 Stated Meeting 7:30 PM Centennial 25 Stated Meeting 22 Thursday 6:30 PM Peninsular 95 Special 6:30 PM Dinner 26 Monday 6:30 PM Everett 137 Special 6:30 PM Dinner PM Night 27 Tuesday 6:30 PM Damascus 199 Stated Meeting 6:30 PM Dinner 28 Wednesday 6:30 PM Arlington 129 Stated Meeting 6:30 PM Dinner DISTRICT NINE MASONIC HAPPENINGS January 2015 Date Day Time Lodge Event 1 Thursday 6:30 PM Burlington-United 93 6:30 P M Dinner Stated Meeting 8 Thursday 7:30 PM Camanio 19 6:30 P M Dinner Stated Meeting 13 Tuesday 6:30 PM Mount Baker 36 6:30 P M Dinner Stated Meeting 13 Tuesday 6:30 PM Fidalgo 77 6:30 P M Dinner Stated Meeting 15 Thursday 7:30 PM Garfield 41 6:30 P M Dinner Stated Meeting 20 Tuesday 7:30 PM Whidby Island 15 6:30 P M Dinner Stated Meeting 27 Tuesday 6:30 PM Langley 218 6:30 P M Dinner Stated Meeting 28 Wednesday 7:30 PM Fidalgo 77 District Nine Leadership Association Note: Brethren take the time to visit your local Blue Lodges and share with them the opportunities that are available to them in the Valley of Everett Scottish Rite
F&AM Scottish Rite Bodies 220 Olympic Blvd Everett, WA 98203 January 2015 www.everettscottishrite.org Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage paid Mt Vernon, WA Permit No. 147 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 From the Secretary Masonic Education Grand Lodge of China Januarys Birthdays The Twenty Four Inch Gauge, by Dewey Wollstein Rite Care Communication Changes Life MWB Rill R. Wood A Tribute BY David McCuistion In Memorial Charles W Kissell Upcoming Events\ Onto the Next Thing, By Jim Mendoza Visit the Everett Valley web site. It is located at: www.everettscottishrite.org DATES TO REMEMBER Friday, February 13, 2015 Valley of Everett Sweetheart Dinner 6:30 Punch Bowl 7:00 PM Dinner At the Everett Masonic Center Everett, Washington Members, Ladies and Guest are cordially invited to attend Friday, March 20, 2015 Valley of Everett Ceremony of Remembrance 6:30 Punch Bowl 7:00 PM Dinner At the Everett Masonic Center Everett, Washington Members, Ladies and Guest are cordially invited to attend Valley of Everett Contact List Carl Smith, 33º, Personal Rep of the S.G.I.G. Telephone: (360) 387-4357 Email: Umpire@wavecable.com Robert (Bob) C. Dearborn 32º, KCCH, Secretary Telephone: 1-425-337-6982 Email: rcdearbornsrevt@comcast.net. Kenneth Cage, 32º Almoner Telephone: 360-659-5808 Email: eckc1@comcast.net Kenneth Thompson, 32º, KCCH, Editor Telephone: 425-344-4477 Email: Knthom32@Comcast.net