Washington Lodge No. 46
A.F.A.M.
Volume 2024
Issue #11
Washington Masonic Center Calendar
November 1st, 6:30PM Valiant Sellwood OES
November 4th, 7:30PM Council of Cryptic Masons #3
November 6th, 6:30PM Willamette Lodge #2 Stated Communication
November 9th, 10:00AM The Sunnyside Brunch (with guest speaker)
November 10th, 2:00PM Willamette Lodge #2 Installation of Officers
November 11th, 6:30PM Royal Arch Chapter #18
November 13th, 6:30PM Washington Lodge #46 Stated Communication
November 15th, 6:30PM White Shrine of Jerusalem
November 18th, 7:30PM Commandery #15
November 19th, 10:00AM Friendship Rose OES
November 20th, 6:30PM Washington Lodge #46 Officers Meeting
November 23rd, 10:00AM Willamette River Lodge Royal Ark Mariners
To have your event added to the calendar, please contact WM Matthew Cox.
Master’s Message
Brethren,
We are now in November, and the year is quickly coming to a close. Before it does, we can take a moment to give thanks. We have two important holidays this month: Veterans’ Day and Thanksgiving.
At our Sunnyside Brunch (10AM, Saturday, November 9th) we will recognize and honor our veterans. I am inviting all people, whether in the Masonic Family or not, who have a connection to the Armed Forces to come and enjoy a hearty brunch. We will have a guest speaker from the Red Cross who will discuss their work for Veterans.
Secondly, Thanksgiving is the one day that we pause to think about what we are grateful for. I’ve received a tremendous amount of support in my year in the East, and I am grateful every day for you, my Brothers. I know that I can count on each and every one of you to help out when I ask for it. This way, we continue to work towards the betterment of the Lodge and the Craft as a whole.
Sincerely and fraternally,
Matthew Cox
Worshipful Master
Washington #46
From The West
From The South
November is one of my favorite months, especially the Thanksgiving holiday. It has always been a time to reflect on and be grateful for my family.
As Masons, we dedicate ourselves to principles of honor, integrity, and support — values we carry beyond the Lodge and into our daily lives. Among the highest of these commitments is the one we make to our families. Just as our bonds as brothers strengthen us, our devotion to our loved ones forms the foundation upon which we build our lives. Family is, in many ways, our first Lodge — where we learn the importance of loyalty, patience, and selflessness.
Masonry teaches us the importance of being pillars of strength and guidance, roles we fulfill not only among ourselves but especially at home. By honoring our families, we bring the virtues of Masonry into the heart of our households, where they inspire and sustain the next generation. The commitment to family and Masonry are, indeed, deeply intertwined; each makes us better men in the other.
As we gather in fellowship and brotherhood, let us remember that our commitments extend to those who share in our journey. May our efforts in Masonry echo in our homes, and may the love and support we give to our families grow in return.
Looking forward to seeing each of you soon, and I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the blessings of family and the ways in which they deepen our work as Masons.
Dinner Menu:
Enjoy a cozy evening of hearty flavors and thoughtful touches for our stated dinner. We will start with a refreshing seasonal greens salad featuring crisp cherry tomatoes, tangy pickled red onions, fresh cucumbers, a sprinkle of cheddar, and crunchy croutons, all tossed in a vibrant red wine vinaigrette. The main course is a rich beef stroganoff, complete with tender beef striploin, creamy mushroom gravy, and comforting egg noodles, perfectly accompanied by roasted broccoli. Savor the classic pairing of warm bread and butter, and conclude with a delightful warm apple crisp, topped with a golden brown sugar oat crust and a dollop of whipped cream. Each dish is prepared and served by our dedicated catering team led by Paul Stanislaw, ensuring an evening that’s both delicious and memorable!
Yours in Masonry,
Jesse McCann
Junior Warden
From The Secretary’s Desk
The landscape has changed. The rains are returning, leaves are changing color, and the temperature is falling, which means we are officially in the fall season with only two months to go in 2024. We have accomplished a lot, and with elections in November, a new group of men will lead Washington Lodge into 2025. As we all know, it carries with it much responsibility for this lodge of 160 members. So, I encourage our members to support these new officers and participate in our meetings and activities throughout 2025.
We will also be having our new District Deputy for District #4, RWB Blake Presswood, make his first official visit. Please come and support RWB Blake as he brings the most up-to-date information from Grand Lodge and his plans for the upcoming year.
Thanksgiving is a special time to share with family and friends. There are many troubling events happening throughout the world, but sharing peace and happiness with those you love and support is especially important. Please take the time to look after your family and those who need an extra helping hand. This is a time for celebration, and with Christmas just a couple of months away, let us all look forward to a bright 2025.
Do not forget that our annual building Christmas party is on December 8th, starting at 2 PM. Refreshments, Santa with lots of fun and fellowship. Our stated meeting on the 11th will again feature the Dickens Carolers, so come and have a special time with us.
Pat & I want to wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving and the best of health in 2025.
Fraternally,
Don Stapleton, PGM, Secretary
Photos
Past Masters
(not pictured: WB Warren Burkholder, WB Jim Akers, WB Dennis Harris)
Photos
New Master Masons Receiving Their Aprons
Photos
October Sunnyside Brunch
