VWB Bob Jensen Deputy of the Grand Master in District 4 of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington for 2001-2002

The Importance of Freemasonry (October 2001)

Many good Masonic books and articles have been written about the importance of Freemasonry in our lives as Masons, in our  society, and the effects of it on our country and local areas.  What does Masonry mean to you? To some it is just a social  experience, to some it has deep spiritual meaning and to some it does not mean very much.  I like to sit and reflect on my  experiences in Masonry from time to time.  I have met some wonderful men in many different Lodges and they have influenced  my life and beliefs greatly.  To me, the ritual has always been important, and the success of the lodges and its individual  members encourages me to want to do more, to be more active.  I have not gone beyond the Blue Lodge, because that is what  interests me most.  In reading about the many other groups attached to Masonry, I know that these all form an important part  of our Masonic society.  Those who look to other Masonic organizations for their main activities have found the part of  Masonry that appeals to them and certainly all the great charity work, the learning experience and the fellowship that these  provide is very important.  These Brothers are to be commended for their great efforts on behalf of their organizations and  humanity.

The Fellowship and the learning experience that we gain by our attendance in the Blue Lodge and our associations with others  who have many different ideas, jobs and interests broadens us and gives a better overall picture of life in this world.  I  frequently chuckle to my self when I hear in the closing charge the words "Be ye all of one mind...."  While I realize that this  means more to work together and to understand other viewpoints, it does not mean that we can't be individuals and have other  ideas.  I also think what a poor world it would be if we all did think exactly alike.  The diversity we see in our lodges helps all  of us to be better citizens, better family men and certainly betier friends lo those around us.

Sit down sometime and think about Masonry.  What is its importance in your life?  What can you do to improve your Lodge,  your District and Grand Lodge, and also to improve yourself?  I hope you enjoy that experience as much as I do.

District Four Dinner Dance - October 13th

The month of October will see something that has not been done in a long time - a Dinner Dance.  The District is putting on a  really nice affair at the Ballard Elks at 6411 Seaview Ave N.W. in Ballard.  There is a great view of the water and you can  watch the moon rise on Shilshole Bay.  You and your lady (or just you) can have a great dinner, music to dance or listen to and  some great fellowship with your Brothers.  Beginning at 6:00 p.m. with a social hour, dinner will commence at 7:00 p.m. on  Saturday, October 13th.  Individual tickets are $25.00 and a couple at $50.00.  You have a choice of baked chicken or a  beef dinner and I am told that the food there is terrific.  We need YOUR support for this to be a success.  You can call or e-mail me for tickets, or George Lofthus at 425-673-1066 and several officers of the various lodges also have tickets.  By the time you read this, you need to move fast and get your reservation and money in.  Please join me in this fun evening.

By the time you read this we will have held our first evening monthly District meeting and decided on a permanent date and time for future meetings.  There will be some Masonic education (brief); some business pertaining to the Lodges and District; some light refreshments and again some great fellowship.  I Invite all members of Lodges in the District to attend and hope the younger and newer officers will particularly make plans to join us.

Check out the Lodge notices elsewhere in the Masonic Monitor and come join your Brothers for an evening of fun, food and fellowship.  See you soon,

Thanks to both the Deputy of the Grand Master in District 4, and the Masonic Monitor which publishes his articles for allowing us to reprint them.  The Masonic Monitor is published monthly (except August) under approval of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington.  The Masonic Monitor can be contacted at: 6619 132nd Avenue NE, PMB 237, Kirkland, WA, 98033-8627, USA.  Phone: (425) 822-4605 - FAX: (425) 822-2535 - Email: masonicmonitor@earthlink.net.