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Washington Masonic Center Calendar
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March 3rd, 7:30 pm Council of Cryptic Masons #3
March 5th, 6:30 pm Willamette Lodge #2 Stated Communication
March 7th, 7:30 pm Valiant-Sellwood OES
March 8th, 10:00 am The Sunnyside Brunch
March 10th, 7:30 pm Royal Arch Chapter #18
March 12th, 6:30 pm Washington Lodge #46 Stated Communication
March 15th, 11:00 am Basic School of Instruction
March 15th, 6:30 pm White Shrine of Jerusalem
March 17th, 7:30 pm Commandery #15
March 18th, 6:30 pm Friendship-Rose OES
March 20th, 6:30 pm Willamette Lodge #2 Officers Meeting
March 26th, 6:30 pm Washington Lodge #46 Officers Meeting
March 29th, 2:00 pm Memorial Service for W.B. Bob Keller
To have your event added to the calendar, please contact WB Matthew Cox. |
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Peace and all good my brothers!
Last month, we had the pleasure of being visited by our brethren from across the river. In return, we visited Mt. Hood Lodge No. 32 for their MM Degree conferral on February 27th, where 5+ of our members received a warm welcome. I want to thank my officers and members who joined me on this travel.
This March will be the month that we will be seeing each other often. As the master of our lodge, I will attend and represent us at the Occasional Grand Lodge on March 1st. I want to invite you all to join me in visiting some lodges. A list of events and schedules is posted at the bottom of my message.
To complete several of the requirements of the Grand Master’s Achievement Award, we will host a Basic School of Instruction led by the Grand Lecturer. Master Masons are welcome to attend.
This month, I will also participate in the Statewide Masonic Training Day which will be hosted by Lents lodge to be led by our District Deputy. I recommend my officers to join me.
There will be a remodeling of the lodge on March 13th for 3 weeks if everything goes as planned. In the meantime, we can still use the coffeemaker, refrigerator, stove, and oven. Everything will need to be hand-washed. I highly recommend using disposable things such as paper cups, paper plates, and plastic utensils. If you have any questions, please reach out to WB Dennis Harris or to our Bldg Board Mngr. WB Jim Akers.
Lastly, I want to invite all our members to attend our April stated meeting, where we will welcome our Grand Master and conduct his Official Visit to our lodge.Events in our Lodge:
- March 8th Saturday - The Sunnyside Brunch at 10:00 am.
- March 12th Wednesday - Stated Meeting at 7:30 pm, dinner at 6:30 pm.
- March 15th Saturday - Basic School of Instruction from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.
- April 2nd Wednesday - Willamette #2 Grand Master's Official Visit, dinner at 6:30 pm, stated meeting at 7:30 pm.
- April 9th Wednesday - Washington #46 Grand Master's Official Visit. Stated Meeting at 7:30 pm, dinner at 6:30 pm.
Events not at our lodge address:
- March 1st Saturday - Occasional Grand Lodge in Lents Lodge at 9:00 am, doors open at 8:00 am.
- March 6th Thursday - Portland #55 Grand Master's Official Visit, dinner at 5:30 pm, Stated meeting at 7:00 pm.
- March 22nd Saturday - Statewide Masonic Training Day at Lents Lodge from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Sincerely & Fraternally,
Aaron E.Worshipful Master
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Brethren,
As we journey together in our Masonic labors, it is fitting to reflect on the ancient practice of paying wages—a principle deeply embedded in our fraternity. In operative Masonry, wages were the rightful due of craftsmen who labored with skill and dedication. In speculative Masonry, wages take on a more profound meaning, reminding us that our efforts in the lodge and in life must bear fruit—not merely in material reward, but in the wages of wisdom, character, and fraternal love.
As Senior Warden, it is my duty to assist in ensuring that every Brother receives his due wages. But what does that truly mean? It means that the work we invest in our lodge, whether through attendance, mentorship, charity, or service, should be met with the wages of recognition, encouragement, and brotherly support. A kind word, a sincere handshake, or an acknowledgment of a Brother’s labor can go a long way in reinforcing the strength of our bond.
It also means that we, as individual Masons, must hold ourselves accountable to our work. The wages we receive—be they moral, intellectual, or spiritual—are directly tied to our efforts. If we are to grow as Masons, we must be willing to labor diligently in our studies, our relationships, and our contributions to the craft.
Brethren, let us not forget the lesson of the Fellowcraft: the wages of a Mason are more than coin; they are the just rewards of service, self-improvement, and fraternity. Let us pay our wages freely, in gratitude and in kindness, ensuring that every Brother leaves our lodge richer in spirit than when he arrived.
Fraternally,
Jesse McCann
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Greetings from the South,
March is a harbinger of spring and warmer weather. I am already enjoying the Crocus and observe the Daffodils getting taller each week and expect blooms in a couple weeks. Keep an eye out for the bright yellow shrub known as Forsythia, it will brighten your day. Remember, daylight savings begins on March 9th.
Our February meeting featured an education segment that was a speech by a Past Grand Master of Montana, Brian Murphy, titled “Are New Member Expectations Realized?”.
The speech encouraged Lodges to put their best foot forward to the new curious man who is visiting our Lodges and new members. That best foot includes the building, Lodge room, dress code, and refreshment table. MWB Murphy states, “All we as individuals Masons can hope to do is set our standards higher, lead by example, and inspire others to do the same.” The potential candidate or new Brother is the future of our Masonic Lodge and providing the highest Masonic experience is the best chance for a quality Lodge in the future. Each month we will try to bring quality education to our stated meeting as time allows, so be a part of it.
Our dinner at the March stated meeting on the 12th will give a nod to St. Patrick’s Day but won’t be the usual boring corned beef and cabbage. Come check it out for a special treat.
See you in Lodge.
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From The Secretary's Desk |
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We are just finishing up the shortest month of the year and are jumping forward to not only Daylight-saving time but also that first day of Spring. It's hard to stay focused on all our masonic activities but also personal obligations as the days keep flying by. Worshipful Master Aaron has been doing an excellent job of planning his meetings and organizing activities for the future. The lodge has put together an ambitious schedule to work on our requirements for the Grand Masters Achievement Award as new leadership will take over in June. In April the Grand Master will visit both Willamette #2 and Washington #46. Please plan on attending both official visits in support of your Grand Master, MWB Tim Best.
Just this past Friday, February 21st, members and guests gathered for the DeMolay Crab Fundraiser at Al Kadar Shrine is Wilsonville. What a great event and it was so exciting to see our members having fun and enjoying some great food. We look forward in supporting this get together in years to come.
As you are aware replacement of our dishwasher will start on March 13th. This will cause some disruption for some groups that meet in March so please inform your members of this change.
Brethren, it is also my sad duty to inform you of the passing of WB Robert (Bob) Keller. Bob passed to the Celestial Grand Lodge on February 11th, 2025. He received his degrees in Hawaii and affiliated with Washington Lodge in 2006. He was presented the Hiram Award in 2010 from MWB Art Bush and was master of Washington Lodge in 2009. A memorial service for Bob will be held at Washington Lodge on Saturday, March 29th at 2PM. More information to follow.
Thank you to all the members and guests who are supporting our many projects and to all the new Life Membership members. We miss seeing you and hope for your participation is the months ahead. Have a great spring, and Happy St. Patrick's Day!! Take care and God Bless.
Fraternally,
Don Stapleton, PGM, Secretary
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