In doing so, I must add that it has indeed been my honor to have worked with the six Lodges in the District: Occidental  Lodge No.  72, Doric Lodge No. 92, Green Lake Lodge No. 149, Maritime Lodge No. 239, Greenwood Lodge No. 253, and  Walter F. Meier  Lodge of Research No. 281.

"The six Lodges in District Four play a significant role in comprising the overall Masonic membership in the City of  Seattle. Of all   of the Lodges who meet in the City of Seattle, approximately one third of their membership comes from  the Lodges within District  Four.  In addition, of the five Districts whose member Lodges include those who meet in the  City of Seattle, we are the largest in  terms of membership.

"I am impressed by the overall quality of leaders in all of the lodges, which is strong.  All of the Masters, are quite  dedicated to   their work, as are the Wardens who will no doubt provide strong leadership in the future.  In addition, the   work and participation  of our Past Masters continue to play a vital role in the ongoing operations of the Lodges.

"District Four also enjoys an active District Lodge Member's Association.   Perhaps the most significant event is the  annual   District Four Scholarship Program.  This program provides scholarships to students from the four high schools of  Seattle's north  end.  It is generously supported by the District Four Lodges and individual members, and this year it  awarded twelve $1,000  scholarships.

"Most Worshipful Grand Master, District Four is strong and well, and its Lodges are all blessed with energetic and strong  leadership."

It has been my pleasure to have served at the will of the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Free and Accepted Masons  of  Washington as his Deputy in District Four these past two years.  My sincerest gratitude to MWB Bill R. Wood and  MWB Richard  A. Mecartea for granting me this privilege.

Among the many benefits that I have enjoyed, perhaps what I shall cherish and regard most are the fraternal friendships  I have  made, both the stronger friendships with the Brethren I have know for so many years, and the new ones that I  have been able to  forge within our fraternity.

And, just as the line so aptly puts it from the Installation Ceremony for the Master Councilor in the Order of DeMolay,  "From the  ranks you have emerged, and to the ranks you shall soon return." And so it is, once again, I have returned.

Congratulations are in order to the following Brethren from District Four whom RWB Robert L. VanZee has announced as  having  been appointed to serve on the Grand Lodge Team for 2001 -2002:

Deputy of the Grand Master: Bob Jensen(72, 281);
Standing Committee members: Kenneth S. Robinson (72, 77) Jurisprudence; Ronald R. Duck (72) Masonic  Home  Endowment; M. Gene Ross (239, 253, 281) Public Schools; and, Ian C. Hyde (239, 281) Research and  Education;
Special Committee members: Brian B. Hardy (72) and Alfred J. Luberts, Jr. (149, 150) Information  Technology.