| March 2006 - Trestleboard |
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From the East My Brothers – The ides of March are upon us. Is the attraction, Saint Patrick’s Day? Or, is it that winter is on it’s way out and the blahs are getting you down? Maybe some time for Spring Cleaning? Or, the saying goes: “In like a Lion, out like a lamb.” What is Saint Patrick’s Day? History tells us: St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is one of Christianity's most widely known figures. The first St. Patrick's Day parade took place not in Ireland, but in the United States. Irish soldiers serving in the English Military marched through New York City on March 17, 1762. Along with their music, the parade helped the soldiers to reconnect with their Irish roots, as well as fellow Irishmen serving in the English army. Have you taken the time to “Talk with one good man this month?” MWB Erin Endicott has charged each of us to talk with a good man each month. If we look at the statistics for membership, they are not pretty, but there is hope and we can turn this trend around. Degree work: We have a number of brothers that are in various stages of the degree work and we can always use coaches, mentors and help with getting these fine men through the first three degrees of Masonry. Remember when you were raised a Master Mason? I know in my mind that was an experience that I will never, ever forget! This is the most important time in the degree work that we as Masons, lay aside our troubles, arguments, etc. and come together as brothers to help with the task at hand. We have to come together as one unified band and help with these men in their journey through their Masonic life. Our Stated Meeting: We will have a guest speaker coming for the March 8, 2006 Stated Meeting to do a talk on Masonic First Ladies. Thank you Stan Schmidt for doing this for us. Stay tuned for a “Table Lodge” coming up in April. Please Remember: The “Knight of the Kitchen” Gareth Duggan is asking that you please RSVP to him at (503) 590-4001 and let him know how many will be attending for the stated meeting’s meal. This will help aid with the planning of the meal. Fraternally, WB Kent Dyer -- From the West I’m tired, very tired and those of you sitting at home and not coming to lodge on lodge night need know this. When I joined this fraternity, it was a life changing decision, a decision I made to place myself on a better path. Along this path of over 20 years, I learned what it meant to be a Brother; I took my obligations to heart and lived through my actions the life of a Master Mason. I helped those less fortunate than myself, cared for those in need and always answered the call to serve this wonderful fraternity called Freemasonry. I have been to the East twice and now sitting in the West on the road to the East for a third and unprecedented time in our Lodge’s history. Now, I’m not saying this to have accolades placed upon my head or to receive pats on the back for a job well done, no. I’m telling you this for one reason and one reason only, my Brothers, I’m tired! I am not alone in this category of being tired. We have a Junior Warden going through the chairs for a second time and I thank WB Norm for following me. We have a lodge secretary who has stepped into that position even though his plate is filled to over flowing with the duties of being our District Deputy. Our Junior Steward is a past Grand Master who has served our fraternity in its highest station and I can tell you for a fact, he is tired too. We’re all tired! You Brothers who are sitting at home on lodge night ARE KILLING OUR LODGE. There, I said it! Question, why did you become Masons? What caused you to knock three times on our lodge door and seek admission? Was it a family tradition? If it was, well you’re certainly going to put a stop to that, aren’t you, your going to let this lodge die! Did you join just to be come a “ring knocker” and wear the ring of a Master Mason? Well shame on you! Do us all a favor, go NPD so we can cut down on our lodge mailings or demit until such time as you understand the responsibilities of being a Freemason. And as far as that ring you wear, take it down to a pawn shop and “hock” it for all I care. Wearing that ring doesn’t make you a Master Mason, your actions do and from the lack of attendance in lodge, you’re just fooling those who see you wearing the ring by allowing them to think you’re actually a Master Mason, because your not! Now let’s make one thing clear, very clear. There are some Brothers who don’t attend because of where they live like WB Doug Ratty who lives in Seaside or maybe WB Dan Stansbury who is tied to a dialysis machine and has to stay home. My comments are not directed to those Brothers, my comments are directed to you “local boys” who live within easy driving distance from the lodge. You’re the ones I’m talking to. You’re the problem. Now, if you take issue with what I’ve said, good, but what are you going to do about it? You going to come to lodge meet me on the level and get in my face. I don’t think so, you’ll just sit at home like you’ve done for years and change channels on the TV, but remember this; You’re killing this lodge ! ! ! ! Your humble servant, Art Bush, Senior Warden -- From the South Welcome brothers [and Sisters] as I was recently pleased to find out, that it is not only our brothers who diligently read our Trestleboard. Many of you remember that I had the distinct privilege of reading in Lodge, a letter which was in reply to our February Trestleboard, and I personally want to think Retha Faver for her kind response. Soon in the mail you should all be receiving notification of tickets for our upcoming Easter Breakfast, which this year falls on April 16th. Your kind and generous response in the past will once again allow us to continue to be a well recognized charitable organization. Again, I would ask that all brothers and their Ladies, who wish to attend our free first meeting of the month dinner, notify in advance MWB Gareth Duggan at (503) 590-4001. Fraternally – WB NORM Griffin, Junior Warden >> Bethel No. 66 Jobs Daughters Meets 2nd and 4th Mon Sr. Princess: Katie Phelps Jr. Princess: Julie Asla Guardian: Sue Coulter (503) 693-6499 Associate Guardian: Tom Killion (503) 655-1118 Bethel #66 would like to thank the DeMolay boys who came to Installation and helped. I think we counted 16 there. That's a great turn out. We'd like to thank Dan Douglas for helping out with clean up. We'd also like to thank the Mason's for being there and supporting the girls. We appreciate all of the organizations that share time and space with us. You are so good to work with. February is a fairly quiet month for the Job's Daughters. We will have our Dance Marathon Feb 24th. HQ Katie will have more information out on that but if you would like to sponsor we have at least 9 girls who will be looking for your help. The girls are raising money for Save the Music this time. Most of our girls participate in some kind of music program in school or in church. Come join us the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 7 pm. We'd love to see you there. March 13th Valentines Meeting 7 pm March 27th at 7 pm >> Tigard-Orenomah DeMolay Meets 1st and 3rd Tues M. Councilor: Joe Fleury Sr. Councilor: Richard Massie Jr. Councilor: Gregg Douglas Dad Advisor: Dave Mason (503) 649-7547 March 3rd – Regular Meeting - Formal March 10th – Advisory Council 7:00 PM March 17th – Regular Meeting - Informal The regular meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 7pm. We look forward to seeing Masons and Eastern Star on the sidelines. It would be great if you could help us to include the young men (ages 12 to 21) in your family in the fun and learning to be found in DeMolay. If you would like more information please contact the Chapter Dad Dave Mason or the Chapter Advisory Board Chairman Dan Douglas. >> Eastern Star Chapter No. 174 Meet 1st and 3rd Weds Worthy Matron: Charlotte Karvia (503) 625-6240 Worthy Patron: Bernie Stanfill (503) 244-5682 Secretary: Iva Jean Bonar (503) 625-7095 March 1, 2006 - Stated meeting 7:30pm March 15, 2006 - Stated meeting 7:30pm Posted By: Webmaster |
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