This article is a brief explanation of the

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1 Volume XXXIII No. 4, December 2015 The Grand Master s Message: Let there be Light The title of this article includes a phrase that all Masons have come to recognize as a turning point from our entrance into the Masonic fraternity to our very existence in today s world. As we learn the great lessons of the Craft, its ritual and symbolism, Let there be Light on our relationships with others, by being that man who sincerely cares about the welfare of our Brothers and Sisters, who goes the extra mile to comfort those truly in need. Let there be Light on this new Masonic year, guiding the new officers in their quest for excellence in their Lodges, working together, building relationships with your counterparts and your communities. Let there be Light on the wonderment of the holiday M.W.B. Don Stapleton Grand Master before us, enjoying family, the lights of the season, the many blessings that have been bestowed upon us and the anticipation of a year to come that will bring us much health and happiness. We may never know how a single act of kindness will affect the lives of others, so move out of your comfort zone and let your Light shine. I encourage all of you to support the OutReach Giving Tree. What a privilege for the youth groups and staff at Grand Lodge to present gifts to our OutReach clients. It is indeed one of the highlights of the holiday season. Many of our Brothers and Sisters could benefit from some holiday cheer so turn to page four to learn more. The Grand Lady and I wish all of you a very joyous holiday season and a most successful New Year. Fraternally, Don Stapleton, Grand Master, A.F. & A.M. of Oregon Trustees 2015 report This article is a brief explanation of the major activities of the Trustees of the Grand Lodge of Oregon from May through October, In addition to the following topics, many other issues covered in our meetings are still in early development and will be reported on at a later time. The Board of Trustees consists of the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Senior and Junior Grand Wardens, and the Immediate Past Grand Master. The Trustee meetings are typically scheduled for the second Saturday R.W.B. Arthur L. Borland of each month at the Deputy Grand Master Grand Lodge office in Forest Grove. Although they are nonvoting guests, the Grand Secretary and the Senior Grand Deacon often attend these board meetings. Upon the Trustees falls the duty of evaluating our monthly bills, reviewing our financial investments, and approving Lodge reimbursements for various programs like Bikes-for-Books, Kindlesfor-Books, scholarships, etc. This year, the Trustees reviewed requests for Educational Assistance and worked with the Lodge Masters and District continued on page two IN THIS ISSUE 1 Grand Master s Message Report of the Trustees 2 Secretary Seminar 3 News from Our Lodges 4 OutReach Giving Tree 5 Grand Master s Calendar 6 Making a Difference In Your Community 7 Contributions 8 Grand Secretary s Corner

2 Trustees report, continued from page one Deputies to ensure our eligible members and families receive financial assistance when qualified. This Masonic year to date, the Grand Lodge has approved nearly all of the $63,000 budget. The remaining funds will be awarded through the remainder of the year. The deadline for completed applications is Dec. 31, 2015 for K-12, and Jan. 31, 2016 for post-high school students. During the monthly meeting, the Trustees also discuss the activity of the Lodge Management Advisory Committee, the Long Range Planning Committee, and the Information and Education Committee to determine the direction and focus in this Jurisdiction. The Information and Education Committee developed a number of classes this year which addressed the direct training of our District Deputies and Grand Lodge Officers of the Masonic year. These classes were intended to help these officers understand their duties and responsibilities as they pertain to their individual positions. In addition, the committee developed Blue Lodge Ritual and Education Training classes which were taught on Oct. 24, in five locations throughout our Jurisdiction. The committee is now focusing on the development of the Leadership Workshops to be held in the spring of 2016 in Portland, Ontario, and Medford (tentatively). The Long Range Planning Committee is presently working on a number of programs to benefit our Lodges. The first is a program to purchase equipment to allow Lodge records to be scanned and kept for historical purposes. The details of this program are still being developed but our Lodge records, photographs and documents are important enough to ensure their safety. The Long Range Planning Committee is also working on establishing accounting standards for a Chart of Accounts and Reports which can be used by our Lodges to standardize accounting processes. As the Trustees continue to meet during the remainder of this Masonic year, we, and our committees, will continue to provide Lodges with updates, schedules for trainings, new programs, and other announcements of interest to the Craft. Look for my next Trustee article in the June 2016 Oregon Masonic News. - by R.W.B. Arthur L. Borland, Deputy Grand Master 2016 Secretary Seminar The Secretary Seminar is fast approaching and features improvements based on attendee feedback from the 2015 session. This year s event will take place on Jan , Friday afternoon will begin at 3 p.m. with the kick off of the Nuts and Bolts program, intended mainly for new secretaries, focusing on basic Lodge secretarial information while Saturday will cover more advanced topics from 8-3 p.m. The event will take place in the Jefferson Room at the Jennings McCall Center. Lunch will be provided on Saturday and the Grand Secretary will be available for additional questions throughout the event. The Grand Lodge invites all Master Masons to attend but strongly recommends the attendance of each Secretary as the presentations and shared information is pivotal to the role. Please have your registration form and any supply orders submitted to the Grand Secretary s office no later than one week prior to the event. There is no fee for attending; simply bring a current copy of the Oregon Masonic Code and the Secretary s Handbook, which are available to print from the Secretary s Portal. Questions? (503) Secretary Seminar Registration Form Please fill out and return to: Masonic Grand Lodge 2150 Masonic Way Forest Grove, OR name: A sound head, an honest heart, and a humble spirit are the three best guides through time and eternity. - Sir Walter Scott lodge name : lodge number: Page 2 December 2015

3 NEWS FROM OUR LODGES Jennings Lodge No. 9 Recently, our Lodge lost our Worshipful Master, W.B. Jim Lash. During his time as Master, he impressed upon each of us to become more public within our community. It came to his attention that our Lodge was not represented on the Welcome to Dallas sign as you enter our community. He inspired the Brothers to get this done. While he did not see this project come to completion, we have the Masonic symbol proudly displayed for all to see as they come to town. There's a lesson here, Brothers: while we make plans and set goals, none of us know what the Great Architect has planned for us. For plans to be made and goals to be reached requires that the Craft work together in harmony for success. No one man or Brother can do this alone. W.B. Jim may well be looking down on our efforts to finish what he envisioned and a smile comes to his face. The Masonic sign one sees should serve as a reminder of our departed Brother and the goals that can be achieved by those craftsmen who remain working in the quarry. - submitted by W.B. Jerald Schierling Want to submit an article? If you have Lodge stories of community involvement, events, etc. you are invited to submit your articles and pictures to Marissa Douglas at mdouglas@ masonic-oregon.com. Deadline: The 5th of the previous month (i.e. articles for June issue are due by May 5). OMN Tigard-Orenomah Lodge No. 207 The Lodge hosted its second annual German Festive Board on Oct. 28, with M.W.B. Don Stapleton in attendance in addition to six sitting Masters, five Grand Lodge officers, three Past Grand Masters and the Shrine Potentate. Fifty-two Masons enjoyed an authentic German Octoberfest meal of wursts, sauerkraut, potatoes, pretzels, cheese and beer. A delicious German chocolate cake was served for dessert. W.B. Joshua Bush led the Brothers in toasting in true Masonic form with W.B. Thomas Pierce serving as Master of Ceremonies. W.B. John Laws of the Philalethes Society, Lewis & Clark Chapter, presented a lecture on the History of Masonry in Germany. W.B. Frank Blair performed 19th century songs and music, enlightening the Brothers with their history. A highlight of the evening was the Grand Master's presentation of a long lost Past Master s jewel to W.B. Gary Kniss, Master of Oregon Military Lodge. The jewel was found and donated by a member of the Lewis & Clark Philalethes Chapter. It dates from 1949 when the Lodge was working under dispensation in Germany. The Chapter was privileged to have the Grand Master make the presentation. We hope you will visit Tigard-Orenomah Lodge at its Third Annual German Festive Board next October. Leadership workshops Brethren, you have asked for it and M.W.B. Don Stapleton is going to deliver. Over the years everyone has had to travel to Salem, Eugene, or Portland to attend this event. Recently, the Grand Master has heard, "can you bring this closer?" He decided to try something new and this year's training will be held in three different locations around the state. Mark your calendar for one of the following workshops: Portland, Feb ; Ontario, March 18-20; and Medford, April Open to all Master Masons, there will be a welcome on Friday evening and classes all day on Saturday, finishing up with a dinner and fun evening. A ladies program has been planned and they are encouraged to attend. Look in the January issue of the Oregon Masonic News for registration information and further detail. December 2015 Page 3

4 OutReach Services Giving Tree: Answering grown-up Christmas lists Thank you for your gift! I would like to brighten the holiday specifically for # - or i don t mind my gift being used for any outreach member in need. Mail to: 2150 Masonic Way Forest Grove, OR D isplayed below are Masonic & Eastern Star members of the OutReach Giving Tree who are in poor health, have little money, or may be spending the holidays alone this year. If you would like to make a monetary donation to one of our OutReach Sisters and Brothers, please select an ornament from the list, and a gift card will be purchased and delivered to them in time for Christmas. Donations may be made by calling the Grand Lodge office at (503) or by visiting our donations page under the For Members tab of our website, Simply mention OutReach Giving Tree with your submission. If you would like to mail your designated donation, please fill out the ornament to the left and send with payment to the Masonic Grand Lodge, 2150 Masonic Way, Forest Grove, OR We ask that all donations be received no later than Monday, December 14th to allow delivery by Christmas. Thank you for your generosity and kindness! #1 OutReach Members in need: years, Sheridan Chapter years, widow, Friendship Masonic Lodge years, Meridian Chapter years, Medford Lodge years, Central Oregon Chapter years, Sandy Lodge years, Gateway Lodge years, widow, Tigard-Orenomah Lodge years, La Grande Lodge years, Union Lodge 3 85 years, Blue Mountain Lodge years, Willamette Lodge 2 88 years, Home Star Chapter years, Sheridan-Dayton Lodge years, Myrtle Lodge years, Washington Lodge years, Grande Ronde Valley Chapter years, Redmond Lodge years, Oregon Chapter years, Crater Lake Lodge years, widow, Cornerstone Lodge years, Mt. Scott Chapter years, Doric Chapter years, Blanco Lodge years, widow, Vista Masonic Lodge 215 #2 #4 #5 #6 #7 #10 #9 #8 #12 #11 #13 #16 #17 #15 #14 #19 #20 #18 Please note, you may choose to give to a specific Brother or Sister from the numbered list or request instead, that your gift be used for any member in need. #24 #25 Page 4 December 2015 #3 #21 #23 #22

5 Lodge supports fiddle residency Eugene Lodge made a donation to Lane Arts Council for an in-school program led by Mr. Kelly Thibodeaux. The donation will allow Mr. Thibodeaux s fiddle residency to serve as an excellent introduction and hands-on experience to one of the world s oldest and most powerful musical instruments: the violin. He provides an engaging and fun program that incorporates basic state criteria for music education in its curriculum: rhythm, timing, and dynamics. It goes much further by including historical and cultural information on the instrument itself as well as the cultural perspectives of the music. Over the next nine months the program will reach rural Lane County schools, which will supplement the program with matching funds. It is estimated that students will receive instruction and participate in the school-wide musical program. A portion of the donation is reserved to purchase a dozen fiddles that are to be given to students who show further interest and aptitude for playing the violin. Left to Right: Bro. Mike Spurling; Liora Sponko, Exec. Director, Lane Arts Council; Kelly Thibodeaux, Fiddle Instructor; and W.B. Zack Blalack. + GRAND MASTER S TENTATIVE ITINERARY December Evergreen No. 137, Seaside, Official Visit: dinner, 6:30 p.m.; Lodge, 7:30 p.m. - U, L 5 ABATE/Shriners Toy Run, Portland 11 Leadership Meeting, Al Kader Shrine, Wilsonville, noon - BC 12 MESH Meeting, Forest Grove: 8 a.m. - U 13 Ainsworth No. 201, Salem, Installation: Scottish Rite Center, 2 p.m. - U, L 19 Shrine Christmas Social, Al Kader Shrine, Wilsonville January Al Kader Shrine, Installation, Wilsonville: 5:30-9 p.m. - T, L 6 Fairview No. 92, Troutdale, Official Visit: dinner, 6:30 p.m.; Lodge, 7:30 p.m. - U, L 7 Salem Scottish Rite Honors Grand Master, 6-9 p.m. - U, L 9 MESH Meeting, Forest Grove: 8 a.m. - U 11 Marys River No. 221, Corvallis, Official Visist: dinner, 6:30 p.m.; Lodge, 7:30 p.m. - U, L 14 Fidelity No. 54, Brooks, Official Visit: dinner, 6:30 p.m.; Lodge, 8 p.m. - U, L Secretary Seminar, Jennings McCall, Forest Grove - BC 16 Hillah Shrine Installation, Medford 18 Medford Scottish Rite Honors Grand Master, 6-9 p.m. - U, L 20 Waluga No. 181, Lake Oswego, Official Visit: dinner, 6 p.m.; Lodge, 7 p.m. - U, L 22 Robert Burns Dinner: location TBA, 5:30-9 p.m. - T, L 24 DeMolay Endowment Foundation meeting, Al Kader Shrine, Wilsonville, 10 a.m Grand Lodge of Utah, Salt Lake City - U, T, L U = Uniform; L = Ladies; T = Tuxedo; S = Suit; SU = Summer Uniform; BC = Business Casual Oregon Masonic News The Oregon Masonic News is published monthly (except July and August) by authority of the Trustees of The Grand Lodge, A.F. & A.M., of Oregon. Editors are the Trustees of the Grand Lodge. Deadline for copy is the fifth of the month preceding the publication date. Example: May 5 for the June 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. The Oregon Masonic News is a publication of the Grand Lodge, A.F. & A.M., of Oregon and unauthorized duplication is strictly forbidden. Proprietary rights to all articles published in the Oregon Masonic News are the sole property of the author and cannot be reproduced without express permission of the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge, A.F. & A.M., of Oregon. News of Lodges is solicited. Rights are reserved to edit all submitted material, and views expressed in articles may not necessarily be the official position of the Grand Lodge nor an endorsement thereof. Nonmembers domestic-subscription rate is $5 per year. PLEASE NOTE: The mailing address is Oregon Masonic News, 2150 Masonic Way, Forest Grove, OR Phone: ; outside the Portland-area, Fax: Website: ebousquet@ masonic-oregon.com. December 2015 Page 5

6 Making a difference in your community recent press release by the Ontario Police Chief states that A following the opening of the Boys and Girls Club, a 32 percent decline in youth crime has occurred in our city. The theory is when kids have positive influences and outlets for their energy, youth-related crime will decline and our city will become a safer place. The Ontario Police Department is putting this theory into action by partnering with Acacia Lodge No. 118 to create an annual Public Service Award of $2,500. Those organizations interested in the award must have been in operation for the previous year and have evidence of their work with emphasis on mentorship, good citizenship and positive lifestyle choices. The three finalists were: The Children s Relief Nursery serves children, 18 months to 5 years of age, who have lived with chaos and instability. This vision starts with a safe place for young children to grow and become part of stronger families, helping Ontario to become a successful community. Nazarene Basketball supports 152 basketball teams, grades first through sixth, with 65 volunteers. Children get to play every week and their motto is: Forgiveness, Respect and Honesty. Ontario Boys and Girls Club its 740 members feed 135 kids daily during the summer months. The club provides a safe, structured program for kids to do homework and activities. The facility has supervised classrooms, a TV lounge, computer lab and cafeteria. Each finalist thanked the Masons and the Police Service Board in addition to providing information on how they would use the $2,500 award, if selected, to help reduce youth crime in Ontario. The Boys and Girls Club warmly accepted the 2015 award. Masonry has taken a place of respect in Ontario and surrounding areas. Masonry s vision as a charitable fraternity gives us a wide spectrum in which to better serve our youth. Acacia Lodge officers believe we are making a long- term difference in our community s success. The composition Success by Emerson hangs on my office wall, the last few lines reading: To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition: to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded. - by W.B. Will Hasley Pictured are officers of Acacia Lodge No. 118, several local youth and club members, the Ontario Police Dept. Public Service Committee, Police Chief Mark Alexander and Boys and Girls Club Director Matt Sorenson. A captured moment During his official visit on Oct. 7, M.W.B. Don Stapleton was presented with copy 1 of 250 of a 8x10 black and white, limited edition photograph of Mount St. Helens during full eruption, dated May 18, W.B. Ronald Collman received copy 2 of 250, for his substantial donation to the Gateway Roof Fund. The picture was taken from a OV-1D Mohawk aircraft from A Co 641 MI BN, Oregon Army National Guard. The photograph is being offered from the personal collection of MSG Ronald Atkins (US Army Ret.). Each print is numbered, registered to the owner, recorded at Gateway Lodge No. 175 and includes an informational certificate of authenticity. A wonderful Christmas present for anyone for just $20 each, plus $5 S & H. To order, contact R.W.B. Ron Atkins at rlatkins2@charter.net. Left to Right: R.W.B. Ronald Atkins, DD 1; W.B. Archie Cook, W.M., Gateway 175; W.B. Ronald Collman, Gateway JW; M.W.B. Don Stapleton, Grand Master; V.W. Michael Carmel, District Deputy 18, Grand Lodge of Washington. Grand Lodge Announcement! Kristen Steltenpohl has joined the Grand Lodge team part-time. She is learning the ropes and has been very helpful with address changes, supply orders and dues cards. She s often the one you hear on the phone so please join us in making her feel welcome. glad to have you, Kristen! Page 6 December 2015

7 September 24, 2015 October 28, 2015 Masonic & Eastern Star Home Petitioner Club Gary Shaw (13) Judy Bousquet Fellowcraft Club Vista Masonic Lodge No. 215 Emergency preparedness Many Lodges recently took part in the Grand Lodge's AED program, investing in the safety and preparedness of their members. Building off of this, Cornerstone Lodge No. 157 is starting off the new year by teaming up with Red Cross and the Montavilla Neighborhood Association to host a blood drive on Jan. 9, with a "Preparedness!" presentation at 1 p.m., a First-Aid/CPR/AED certification course starting at 3 p.m., and a General Outdoor Safety talk also starting at 3 p.m. for those who cannot afford the certification, or already have it. Snacks will be provided throughout, and we are seeking involvement from local businesses who wish to be associated with emergency preparedness. If you, or someone you know, might be interested in contributing to this event, please contact Bro. Robert Olson using the information below. The local community is not only able to attend, but are able to contribute to the venture of saving lives and providing resources - and I invite you to do the same. Please visit our website or com/cornerstonelodge157 page for updates, and feel free to contact Bro. Olson with any questions or to register for the certification: TreborNoslo@gmail.com. Oregon Masonic Youth Education & Literacy Foundation Petitioner Club M.W.B. Ed Bousquet, P.G.M. (139) Oregon Masonic Charitable Foundation - MMSAP Petitioner Club Craig Esselstrom (13) Dustin Cox (215) Kent S. Clinkinbeard (103) Fulfilling the obligation to our Brothers, their wives or widows, and our Sisters Reminder to all Lodges: proposed Legislation is due to the Grand Secretary s office by January 4, MESHCare Coordinator Tammy Vanderzanden TV@masonic-oregon.com OutReach Director Danielle Christopherson DC@masonic-oregon.com December 2015 Page 7

8 OREGON MASONIC NEWS The Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of OR 2150 Masonic Way Forest Grove, OR NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID SALEM OR PERMIT NO. 526 Change service requested Scan this QR Code for a quick link to the Grand Lodge website. Winter Special Let us welcome you! Move into the Jennings McCall Center before March 1, 2016, and we will credit your first month s rent for up to $500.* Offer expires March 2, 2016 Contact Laura Andres landres@jenningsmccall.com. Adult Living You Design 2300 Masonic Way Forest Grove, OR *Some restrictions may apply. A copy of this ad must be submitted before credit will be applied to your rent. The Grand Secretary s Corner Election and installation of officers It is election time and Lodge officers are being selected and installed. Recent inquiries indicate the benefit of a brief overview of the pertinent sections of our Masonic Code. Failure to Elect at Prescribed Time Section 205 outlines the procedure for electing an officer not elected at the first Stated Communication in November, as detailed in Section 204. If an officer is not elected as outlined in Section 204, the Lodge shall apply to the Grand Master for a Dispensation to hold an election as soon as practicable. Installation of Elective Officers Section 209-3(a) states if the Master is not installed by Dec. 27, the Lodge shall petition the Grand Master for a Dispensation to have the Master installed at a later date. Section 209-3(b) states if any other elected officer is a not installed on or before Dec. 27, the Master may, without Dispensation, install the officer. Failure to Appear for Installation, Master Section states that if the Master-Elect does not appear for installation the Lodge shall petition the Grand Master for a Dispensation to elect and install a Master at a later date. Failure to Appear for Installation, Other Officers Section says that if any other elective officers fail to appear for installation, the Lodge may, without Dispensation, hold an election to fill such office at the next Stated Communication. One final subject that is often misunderstood is requesting a Dispensation to move a public installation. There is no Dispensation required to move a public installation even if the purpose is to have a joint installation with another Lodge. The Code sections listed above have more details that Lodges should review regarding the need for a Dispensation for each of the areas discussed. The Grand Lodge appreciates all the time and thought that goes into these elections and we, as a Jurisdiction, have much to look forward to in the coming year as we welcome the new wave of officers to their positions. - by M.W.B. Ed Bousquet, P.G.M.