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Washington Masonic Center Calendar
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April 1st, 6:30 pm Willamette Lodge #2 Stated Communication
April 6th, 7:30 pm Council of Cryptic Masons #3
April 8th, 6:30 pm Washington Lodge #46 Stated Communication
April 11th,10:00 am The Sunnyside Brunch
April 13th, 7:30 pm Royal Arch Chapter #18
April 15th, 6:30 pm Washington Lodge #46 Foodcarts & Fellowship
April 16th, 6:30 pm Willamette Lodge #2 Entered Apprentice Degree
April 18th, 6:30 pm White Shrine of Jerusalem
April 20th, 7:30 pm Commandry
April 25th, 10am Washington Lodge #46 "Purging The Lodge" spring cleaning event
April 21st, 10:00 am Friendship Rose
April 22nd, 6:30 pm Washington Lodge #46 Officers Meeting |
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Brethren,
As we move further into the year, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the progress our Lodge has made since the beginning of my time in the East. The first quarter has been both active and encouraging. In a short span of time, we have approved a major fencing project for the building, improved the lodge room with dimmable lighting, shared fellowship both within our walls and beyond, presented a 60-year jewel to a deserving Brother, passed a Fellow Craft, and begun forming meaningful connections with new prospects.
These are only the most visible milestones. Much of the work of a Lodge happens quietly, often unseen, but no less important. When you next visit, you may notice some of these efforts taking shape. None of this happens by accident. It is the result of steady, consistent labor by our officers and brethren. To those who have contributed their time and effort — thank you. We are building something worthwhile together.
Looking ahead, we have several opportunities before us. One of the most immediate is our “Purging the Lodge” day on April 25th. This will be a day of clearing, organizing, and restoring order to spaces that have, over time, become cluttered. In many ways, it is a practical application of our working tools — removing what is unnecessary so that what remains may serve a clearer purpose. We will begin with coffee and pastries at 9:00 AM, start work at 10:00 AM, and break for a catered lunch at 12:30 PM. I encourage all brethren who are able to join us. Your presence and effort will make a meaningful difference.
I have greatly enjoyed the time spent with those who have attended our gatherings — both formal and informal. At the same time, I find myself hoping to see more familiar faces return. I understand well that the demands of life can pull us in many directions, and that the winter months can make participation more difficult. Still, the Lodge remains what we choose to make of it. It becomes stronger when more of us are present, and heavier when too few carry the work.
I would especially extend that invitation to those of my own generation. There are many of you whom I have yet to meet, and I would very much welcome the opportunity. The Lodge is not meant to be a distant obligation, but a place of connection, purpose, and renewal.
Let the Lodge serve, if only for a time, as a place of quiet refuge from the noise of the world. Let fellowship remind us that we do not stand alone. And let us continue the work — deliberately, steadily — building our Lodge, and ourselves, one stone at a time.
Fraternally,
Jesse McCann
Worshipful Master
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Greetings from the West,
We made it through winter one more time and spring is here. It is a fantastic time to enjoy the outdoors and take in some extraordinary sights. The coldest part of the year is in the rearview mirror, and we can look forward to gentle warming until it gets hot.
Some people think about gardening this time of year as do I. You might choose to focus on edible garden or ornamental plants or a combination of both. If you have a yard or patio, give gardening a try. If you keep your plants watered, you will eventually be proud of your achievement and benefit from pretty flowers or enjoy some wholesome food.
Masonry can be considered your spiritual garden. The soil of your spiritual garden is the base you are given. This base is represented by society, the era in which you live and your location in this soil. Some soil is nearly perfect and will be a great place to grow. Some soil is shallow and limited in nutrition. Very few of us have great soil so it is incumbent for us to amend our soil with rich organic matter represented by good people who have the qualities we seek to own and present to the world.
In your base you plant the seeds of your soul and spirit. Water them with the waters of faith. Faith of a higher power and faith that we will become a better person and contribute to society in a positive way. As our spirit begins to grow, the good gardener fertilizes the tender sprouts with the nutrients of effort and persistence. As the sprouts break through the soil of society, they are warmed and energized by the sunshine of the Great Architect, without whom no life would exist or continue to grow.
As our garden begins to grow and thrive, we will look up from our toil and notice the aggression of others who want to steal power from our garden. These weeds that seek to take from us are represented by negativity, mean people and temptations. Remove these weeds and look to the sun.
Not everyone can work all day every day. So, look up, rest and refresh yourself, find renewal and know this time as the sabbath. Reflect on your crop of life and be grateful for the water and sunshine.
The fruit of your soul will start small and over time will gain in size and perhaps beautiful color. Inside this wonderful bounty that you can share with the world will be the seeds of your spirit that will carry your legacy forward.
Happy gardening.
In harmony,
Jim Munson |
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When we look at Freemasons in general across all Jurisdictions, we tend to see an average age group of higher than 50 years. Most successful Lodges are tending to buck this trend, where the average age is around 47 years of age.
To understand the definition of the various generations, we must consider them as follows:
- Traditionalists: born 1925 to 1945
- Baby Boomers: born 1946 to 1964
- Generation X: born 1965 to 1980
- Millennials: born 1981 to 2000
- Generation Z: born 2001 to 2020
The “missing generations” in Freemasonry typically refer to younger men, often Millennials and Gen Z, who are notably underrepresented in our Masonic Lodges compared to Baby Boomers and Gen X.
Many Lodges are aging with too few initiates replacing those who pass away or become inactive. To draw these missing generations into our Fraternity and Order, Lodges need to modify both their outreach and internal culture.
We need to understand why they are missing and then work on plans to include them. They are our Order’s future and can contribute in a very definite way to the growth and success of achieving our great aims and objectives.
The younger generation perceive Freemasonry as outdated or irrelevant to modern life. In fact the complete opposite is true, Freemasonry is probably more relevant today in our fractured societies and the world than it has ever been before. Our basic principles of truth, morality, relief, brotherly love, treating and speaking to all in the way in which we want to be spoken to or treated is vital to peaceful coexistence with each other in the society.
Misunderstanding or lack of awareness: many simply don’t know what Freemasonry is or what it offers. Here, we can only blame ourselves, because we have allowed society to dictate to us, to retreat and not to be visible. In any organization, success is linked to visibility in the market in which they operate. We have allowed myths to be spread, we do not defend ourselves, which in itself adds a sense of “truth” to what our distractors are saying. We need to be visible in our communities and be proud of being Freemasons, by living our lives in accordance with our basic tenets and beliefs, being true to ourselves and our neighbors.
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From The Secretary's Desk
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Spring has sprung, daylight saving time has established itself and the daffodils are again poking their heads out for all to see. What a winter it has been, there really wasn’t much to enjoy but the famous winter rains continued to come and bless this landscape with nature’s bounty. The cherry blossom’s beauty is hard to ignore, so enjoy while they last. The beauty of the northwest is hard to miss so I encourage all of you to make a trip down to the lodge and experience the fellowship that is also hard to miss. That stated meeting and Sunnyside brunch brings forth that feeling of togetherness, which at times we really need. I bring this to your attention because over the last three months, my wife Pat has spent most of her time in the hospital or in rehab. It has been a humbling time for me but has made me realize how important this fraternity and the fellowship of my brothers have meant to our well-being. The prayers, cards and phone calls have truly been so encouraging and I thank all of you for your kindness and support.
Your lodge officers are doing a fantastic job with their ritual and if you haven’t visited lodge for some time I know you will be very proud of how Washington Lodge is taking shape. Some super projects are in the works so I hope you will want to find out what the future holds. I wish all the members a very joyous and happy Easter. Enjoy the spring, stay safe and God Bless!
Fraternally,
Don Stapleton, PGM, Secretary |
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60-Year Jewel Recognition of WB Bob Richardson
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Gavel Presentation to visitors from Lents Lodge
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Congratulations to Marvin Rivera on his FC initiation!
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