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Washington Masonic Center Calendar
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November 1st, 1:00 pm Reserved for Private Event
November 3rd, 7:30 pm Council of Cryptic Masons #3
November 5th, 6:30 pm Willamette Lodge #2 Stated Communication
November 8th, 10:00 am The Sunnyside Brunch
November 10th, 7:30 pm Royal Arch Chapter #18
November 12th, 6:30 pm Washington Lodge #46 Stated Communication
November 15th, 6:30 pm White Shrine of Jerusalem
November 17th, 7:30 pm Commandry
November 18th, 10:00 am Friendship Rose OES
November 19th, 6:30 pm Washington Lodge #46 Ritual Practice/Social Night (TBC)
November 20th, 6:30 pm Willamette Lodge #2 Officers Meeting
November 22nd, 2:00 pm Allied Masonic Degrees
November 26th, 6:30 pm Washington Lodge #46 Officers Meeting
To have your event added to the calendar, please contact WB Matthew Cox. |
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November has arrived, bringing us to the final stretch of the year. As it draws to a close, now is an ideal time to reflect with gratitude. Thanksgiving offers us that special opportunity to consider our blessings. Throughout my time serving in the East this year, I've been humbled by the extraordinary support I've received, and my appreciation for you, my brothers, extends beyond just this single day. Your willingness to step forward whenever called upon is something I truly value. Through this spirit of brotherhood and service, we move forward together in strengthening our Lodge and advancing the goals of our Craft.
This month's fellowship brunch embraces the spirit of gratitude befitting the Thanksgiving season, providing us an opportunity to break bread together in brotherhood. Additionally, we will honor those who have shaped our Lodge's legacy and those who carry forward the memory of departed brethren at our Past Masters and Widows Appreciation Dinner, held on the same night of our November Stated Meeting. These occasions remind us that Masonry extends beyond ritual and labor—it flourishes in the bonds we nurture and the respect we show to those who have given so much to our Craft.
As we embark upon these final two months of our Masonic year, we face pivotal moments that demand your presence and participation. This month brings the solemn duty of electing our officer line and deliberating amendments to the foundational bylaws that govern our Lodge. December promises an even more distinguished occasion—an Official Visit from our Most Worshipful Grand Master, complemented by the timeless harmony of The Dickens Carolers, whose voices will fill our lodge with cherished holiday melodies. These are not mere gatherings, but transformative moments in our Lodge's journey. Be sure not to miss it!
Acceptable attire: Suit & Tie. If not available, a Barong will do. No t-shirts.
Please note: All Masons must adhere to the dress code when entering the lodge room. This maintains the dignity and formal atmosphere appropriate for our tyled meetings.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Aaron E.Worshipful Master
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The Call of a Forgotten Generation
As I ponder standing for the East next year, I’ve wondered where so many of the men of my generation—those who joined this lodge years ago—have gone. Generation X, as it’s called, is a unique one.
We came of age in a world that was changing faster than anyone could keep up with. Too young to enjoy the stability our parents knew, and too old to be digital natives, we learned to adapt, to make do, and to carry on without much fanfare. The world tends to overlook us—wedged between the optimism of the Baby Boomers and the confidence of the Millennials—but that has always been our quiet strength. We don’t demand attention; we earn respect through perseverance. We’ve faced economic swings, cultural shifts, and a near-constant redefinition of what it means to be a man, a father, a citizen. Through it all, we’ve remained tough, resourceful, and independent—perhaps too independent at times.
Maybe that independence explains why so many of us drifted away from lodge life. Our generation often learned self-reliance before community, efficiency before tradition. Yet, deep down, we know the power of fellowship—the value of having brothers to stand beside us when life feels uncertain. Freemasonry offers precisely what the world seems to have forgotten: connection without pretense, purpose without noise, and the reminder that we are part of something enduring.
As I look toward the East, my hope is to see more of my generation return—not out of nostalgia, but out of recognition. The lodge doesn’t need us to be who we were in our twenties; it needs us as we are now—experienced, steady, and aware of what truly matters. The world may overlook Generation X, but Masonry doesn’t. Here, we still have work to do, and brothers waiting to do it with us.
So this is my call to you, my brothers: dust off your apron. Come back—not because you have time to spare, but because you have wisdom to share. Join a committee, sit in on an officer’s meeting, help a new Mason find his footing. Your presence matters more than you know. Our generation may be the bridge between eras, the steady hands guiding this lodge from what it was to what it must become. Let’s show what Generation X can still build when it builds together. |
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Greetings from the South,
As we approach the end of this year, we enter the holiday season and find Thanksgiving to be the big celebration of November. Thanksgiving is often the day of many indulgences; food, beverages and football, to name a few. The day is more than the yummy and plentiful food, more than the family and friends with which we share. To me, the day is even more special because we choose to be thankful for all our blessings (including the food, family and friends). However, many people only focus their gratitude for one day, when being grateful daily is proven to be of greater advantage.
The practice of gratitude will provide mental and physical benefits. Mentally, the regular practice of gratitude will lead to increased happiness, optimism and a greater ability to cope while reducing negativity and stress. Physically, gratitude can lead to lower blood pressure and improve sleep.
People who are more frequently grateful have stronger social connections with people and animals. They are happier, less stressed and more resilient. If expressing thanks can bring all these benefits, then why not try daily gratitude? It might put a smile on your face.
Please join us for this month’s stated meeting when we will welcome our past Masters and widows for the annual appreciation dinner on November 12th. The dinner will begin at 6:30 pm and will feature a special dinner and a distinguished speaker. Brother Rich Nowacki will make a presentation on the history of the Scottish Rite. The stated meeting will begin at 7:30 pm.
Gratefully yours. |
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From The Secretary's Desk
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This coming month is probably one of the most important of the year. Right off hand it is a month that we honor our widows, past masters, have our annual election of officers and Thanksgiving, where we are truly thankful for all the good that has happened during the year, in our masonic life but also with our family and friends.
Let's start with our widows, the spouses of our longtime members that have stood by their beloved husbands during their journey in masonry. We appreciate you and thank you for your continued support of our fraternity.
Our Past Master, the bedrock of our lodge that has kept Washington Lodge going for over 156 years. Their wisdom and knowledge, participation in our degrees and committees has made a real difference in the operation of the lodge. It's always a pleasure to welcome them and thank them for their continued support.
ELECTION of OFFICERS. This once-a-year event is the vote of confidence for those members that will lead the lodge into 2026. All of these officers have worked very hard during the year to learn ritual, travel to other lodges, and maintain the excellence that we are so very proud of. Please come and support your newly elected officers.
Thanksgiving is a time for caring and sharing the bounty of the year. It may be with family and friends or with a masonic group. It's being thankful for what we have, asking for a blessing on all that is true and good.
Brethren, the year is almost over, and Christmas is just a couple of months away. Excitement awaits the official visit of the Grand Master, entertainment by the Dickens Carolers, a brunch Christmas party with Lents Lodge and presentations galore as we wind down the year. I hope to see many friendly faces in the months ahead. Please take care & God Bless!!
Fraternally,
Don Stapleton, PGM, Secretary |
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