| July 2006 - Trestleboard |
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From the East What is Independence Day? It is the time of the year when we celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It is one of the most important documents that have ever been created. We reside in a “free” country. Sure, we are free to move about and don’t have rocket launchers pointed at you as you walk out the door. But, unfortunately, that is not the case with a good many people on this planet. So, with our Soldiers in Iraq, it is important to think of them and say a prayer for them and their speedy return. Freedom is never free as we have had a number of young men and women lay their life down for us to enjoy our life day in and day out! We are dark for the summer. However, there are activities scheduled. First, we have an area picnic at Jaquith Park, in Newberg on July 24, 2006 at 6 PM. Second, we have the annual Cave Meeting on August 25, 26, and 27 in Burns. The main item of notice for the Cave Meeting is that the MM Degree will be conferred by Grand Lodge Officers. In fact, MWB, William Martin was raised as a Master Mason in the Cave at Burns 25 years ago and will be celebrating this milestone in Masonic Journey. For more information and on either of these activities, please call Rich Martin at (971) 212-2356. Fraternally, WB Kent Dyer >> From the West We are half way through the Masonic and what a great year it has been so far. We have conferred all 3 degrees multiple times and we may be on our way to show positive growth with in the Lodge for the first time in many years. We need to keep this ball rolling and we need help in “coaching” our new candidates so please contact our Worshipful Master and volunteer your services. Congratulations should go out to our new Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother William A. Martin and his new Grand Lodge Officers. The Grand Communications last month were quite interesting to say the least and the “craft” passed in legislation several issues dealing with the Fellows of the Craft training program. While this new legislation will have a direct impact on the training of certain candidates who progress through the degrees, the guidelines on how to implement this are still being worked out. Addressing this issue my Brothers has been a long time coming and I look forward to seeing how this new and exciting program will work into the training of our new Brothers coming through our degrees. I recently had the pleasure of sitting in lodge in Gresham where our Grand Master, MWB “Bill” spoke of the obligations we all took at the altar of Free Masonry. The Grand Master spoke of how we, as Brothers, are bound together by those irrevocable ties that can never be laid aside and how we need to re-visit our obligations and think about that which we vowed to do. While it is true that we could certainly use more “good men” in Masonry, we must also look inward and recognize the fact that we need more Masonry in the “good men” who are Masons already. In the Enterer Apprentice degree we were placed in the Northeast corner of the lodge and charged by the Worshipful Master ever to live, walk and act as a Mason. Question, are you doing it? Revisit those obligations and in the process revisit your lodge and sit with your Brothers again on the sidelines. Come and watch the conferral of the degrees again and remember those days that have slipped away so fast. If transportation is an issue, please call me or any of the lodge officers and we will make sure that you will have a ride to lodge. Your humble servant, WB Art Bush – Senior Warden >> From the South The Fourth of July, Independence Day, is getting closer and this is an appropriate time for the Masonic Family to reflect on its heritage. Who can forget the image of George Washington, standing with such dignity and grace, crossing the icy Delaware waters at night for love of his country and freedom? Our first President was a Master Mason and truly a remarkable example of the type of man that early Masonic brotherhood attracted. Many other leaders and signers of the Declaration of Independence were also among the first Masons in the newly formed United States of America. Over 25,000 Americans died in the Revolutionary War, fighting to give this country its freedom, and many of them could have been some of our first Masonic brothers. We also need to remember another war, started only 85 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed. The Civil War, brother against brother, claimed the lives of over 605,000 American Citizens. And the battle of Gettysburg, which many consider to be the turning point of the war, ironically took place from July 1st through July 3rd, 1863, and ended on July 4th. What difference when brothers work together for a common goal, rather than when they work against each other. More than any other established fraternal organization; the Masons have proved for over two hundred years, that they are committed to maintaining the principles that made them strong. Just like the United States, we may not have as old a history as some of the other countries in the world, but we have continued to stay true to the democracy that made us strong on July 4, 1776. We should look up to, and never forget, the ideals that these early Masons established, not only future Masons, but also for their children and their children's children. 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 Jobs Daughters have dark for the summer. -- Tigard-Orenomah DeMolay Meets 1st and 3rd Tues M.Councilor: Richard Massie Sr. Councilor: Ryan Wilson Jr. Councilor: Dad Advisor: Dave Mason (503) 649-7547 July 6th – Regular Meeting – Formal Note: Meeting date change for Independence Day July 11th – Advisory Council 7:00 PM July 18th – 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 Eastern Star has gone dark for the summer. Posted By: Webmaster |
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