Northern Light – First Web Edition
Greetings and salutations my brothers. I hope you are finding the “dog days” of summer tolerable, despite the heat. A little precipitation might help a bit. Not as much as Noah had to deal with, though occasionally it occurs to me …. As usual, things are changing. It is possible that change is the only true constant and either way change is what we have to live with, que sera, sera.
The leadership at Grand Lodge has landed in some very capable hands. MWB Stapleton is one of the very first Masons I met at Washington No.46. In fact, when I telephoned to get information, I think his was the first, very distinctive, voice I heard. He very sagely suggested that I contact Lents Lodge, and to this day probably wishes I had. In any circumstance, he is a most capable man and I feel certain it will be a great year, despite it being admittedly difficult times for Freemasonry (and just about everything else, come to think of it)! I sense the coming of a year of enlightenment.
This is where I need to back up to last year. In my ever so humble opinion, MWB Wick did an outstanding job as Grand Master and I do hope he will forgive me a few observations. I first encountered him in his official capacity at the 100th anniversary of Lents Lodge (Lents again!). He was new I know but I was secretly surprised (grin) to see that Grand Lodge didn’t seem to have it quite together. I especially noted that the Grand Chaplain read the opening and closing prayers. I have followed on in the ‘grand’ tradition! (and yes, I am working on it, MWB). There is a German (who else) word for enjoying the suffering of others; Schadenfreude, but I rush to add it didn’t apply here! OK, maybe a tiny bit.
Well, that was my first impression, not having rubbed elbows with the loftier echelons of Oregon Masonry before. Again, I must hasten to add that it is an impression that has changed considerably. I had several opportunities to see, and listen to, MWB Wick and it was an interesting metamorphosis. His realization that is quality and not quantity that will solve many of our dilemmas and his courage in bringing this to the foreground should be lauded. The energy and effort he obviously expended was likewise tremendous. Fortunately for us, he is a young man and should be around for a very long time.
Gentlemen, I suggest that no matter how solid a foundation you have, no matter how hardworking and tenacious the membership is, without first class leadership it will all come to naught. We can all look around and see evidence to support this. We can have all the worthy and warranted charitable causes we want, but unless we take good care of the Craft! Confidently, this too will be recognized and dealt with. I trust that we do have the leadership to continue this.
And now, as they say, back to the future!
May your God go with you.
Brother Roland Lakey,
Chaplain, Washington No. 46
