Washington Lodge No. 46 A.F. & A. M. Washington Lodge No. 46 A.F. & A. M.
Washington Journal
Volume 2024 Issue #9
Washington Masonic Center Calendar

September 2nd, 7:30 pm Council of Cryptic Masons, Washington Chapter #3 

September 4th, 6:30 pm Willamette Lodge #2 Stated Communication 

September 5th, 7:00 pm Washington Lodge #46 Master Mason Degree (6PM Dinner)

September 9th, 6:00 pm Royal Arch, Washington Chapter #18

September 11th, 7:00 pm Washington Lodge #46 Stated Communication

September 14th, 10:00 am The Sunnyside Brunch

September 21st, 6:30 pm White Shrine of Jerusalem

September 16th, 7:30 pm Commandry #15

September 17th, 12:00 pm Friendship-Rose OES 

September 19th, 6:30 pm Willamette Lodge #2 Officers Meeting 

September 20th, 6:00 pm Valiant-Sellwood OES 

September 25th, 6:30 pm Washington Lodge #46 Officers Meeting

 

To have your event added to the calendar, please contact WM Matthew Cox.
Master's Message

Brethren,

I write this month’s article having just returned from the Malheur Cave Degree. I was grateful to be joined by six brothers from this Lodge and an impressive 140 more from across Oregon and beyond. To say it was a memorable occasion would be a gross understatement. Of course, I had heard how great the event was and how special it was to see a brother raised in that environment, but it was one of those events that you really had to experience yourself.

Some of you have heard me say that I believe we need to experience things in life firsthand. Freemasonry allows us to do just that. I’m sure that every part of the ritual can be found in books or on the internet if you look hard enough, but what lessons does that impart? I firmly believe that our Craft offers the opportunity to experience and learn through these experiences in order to really absorb the many meanings they hold.

I’ll admit last weekend was exhausting, but the experience on an individual and collective level was truly worth it. I’m very glad I made the effort to do this, and I encourage all of you to go out there, go outside your comfort zone, and do what you can to experience the work for yourself. This holds true even if you have served many years as a Mason.

 

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Matthew Cox
Worshipful Master
Washington #46
From The West
On August 24th, seven members from our lodge witnessed a memorable MM Degree at the 85th Annual Malheur Cave Event. Brethren from California, Idaho, and Louisiana also attended. I only wished more from our lodge could have attended. It is a unique experience to see a new Master Mason being raised by both his grandfather and his father; it was indeed three generations of Master Masons! I've discovered a new approach that I believe we can integrate into our upcoming MM degrees. It was a fun experience with great camaraderie, including our brethren from Gresham Lodge. I want to personally thank WM Matthew for letting me join him in traveling to and from this event. During this event, I saw great teamwork among everyone, always willing and available to help a brother in need. I will never forget this. I highly recommend going to this event at least once in your lifetime.
 
On August 29th, we had the joy of raising brother Jayke Bickford to the esteemed rank of Master Mason. On Thursday, September 5th, we will have the honor of doing the same for Brother Kai Krenek. I want to express my gratitude to our brethren who have been instrumental in making these ceremonies a success—a special thanks to our JW Jesse for arranging our refreshments. We will raise another brother in the coming weeks, and I will set up the cast soon. Please let me know if you can help fill some of the roles.

To our brethren who have been away for a while, I urge you to reconnect with our lodge. Your participation in these events will not only refresh your memory but also fill you with pride as you witness the growth and progress of our fraternity. Your presence and support are invaluable to us, and we look forward to welcoming you back.
 
We have an exciting month ahead of us. In addition to our regular stated meeting and a couple of degree conferrals, we are thrilled to announce the return of our Sunnyside brunch! Furthermore, our WM Matthew is planning a visit to Gresham #152, and they are equally excited for our visit. Join us on the 4th Tuesday of September for this special occasion, where we will have the honor of meeting the Grand Master during his official visit. I look forward to seeing you all there.
 
Fraternally,
SW Aaron E.
From The South

Despite some late heatwaves, summer is coming to a close. School is back in session, and football season has begun—clear signs that fall is at our doorstep. I hope your summer was enjoyable and you could soak up some of that good vitamin D. That daylight is getting shorter again! 

Even with our brethren's comings and goings as they take summer vacations, our work has continued. The first of three MM degrees was recently conferred. What an exciting time as we witness the completion of the three newest members' journeys through their initiations! These men have made an impressive and admirable commitment to their advancements, serving as an inspiration to us all. You should attend the upcoming degrees if you have yet to meet them.

Last month, I wrote about the rituals and their often confusing language. Those of us who have the ritual book would benefit from re-reading the charges from each degree. They are filled with references to the degree rituals and allusions to their lessons. Hearing them once is NOT enough. Spend time with them, break them down, and ask yourself if you have stayed true to the instructions within each. It would be great to discuss these sorts of things or hear presentations that further explain the charges. We may see that kind of effort soon enough within our lodge. Keep up all the excellent work you do for each other and your community, and I'll see you at our stated communication.

For September's Dinner: Burgers catered by Red Robin

Yours in Masonry,
Jesse McCann
JW
From The Secretary's Desk

I am sure you have heard from the other officers about where the year has gone. It is September already, with only four months left in 2024. We have accomplished much yet there is plenty more to do; degrees to confer, kitchen projects to finish, elections in November and Christmas events in December. Please note that this month's stated meeting still starts at 7:00 PM with dinner beginning at 6:00 PM. Wear your barong or dress business casual.  

It is not often that we have two upcoming Master Mason Degrees—the culmination of extremely hard work from coaches and candidates. Sideliners and team members are essential to impress upon our candidates the significance of these degrees. Your presence would be very much appreciated.   

As we approach these last few months of the year, let us not forget those in need, extra support for the holidays, a joyful Thanksgiving, and our members at Jennings McCall in Forest Grove. All these holidays need your support.

Our annual Christmas party will be on Sunday, December 8th, so mark your calendar. Great events to come! Stay in touch!

ONE FINAL REMINDER: If you have not established your account in Grandview, please take a few minutes to do so.
This really helps in keeping you informed about all updated Grand Lodge information, and it really helps your secretary in updating any important lodge information as well.  Go to the Grand Lodge Website for further information.  Have a great September and stay well.

Fraternally,

Don Stapleton, PGM, Secretary

Photos
Washington 46 Members at Malheur Cave
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