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

Thanks To Our Musicians (November 2001)

The 1988 Prestonian Lecturer of England, Andrew I. Pearmain was in Seattle that year giving his talk on Music and Masonry.   This was sponsored by Walter F. Meier Lodge of Research and many were on hand to hear both his talk and his renditions of lodge music.  I recently bought the 1988 to 1996 book of collected Prestonian Lectures by numerous Masons and in rereading Pearmain's article, I thought more about how important Music is to our ritual and lodges.  Without it the work is flat and even when well done, not as interesting or attractive.

Each year more lodges lose one of the most beautiful aspects of Masonry — Music.  As our Organists and Musicians get older and can no longer attend lodge, the harmony and beauty of our ritual declines without their faithful efforts.  District Four has been very fortunate to have WB Orrin Niles, WB Bill Hawkins, WB Norm Miller and sometimes VWB David Julian and others playing at our lodges over the past many years.  When they are ill and absent, the ritual and marching of the Deacons and Stewards is flat and not always in step.  If you think about your everyday life, how often do you hum a tune as you work, or listen to music on the radio or CD player?  I happen to like all types of music, some a little, some a lot, but I seem to be humming or sometimes singing (quietly otherwise I would drive everyone away) while at my work, in the shower or walking around.  At Lodge, I really enjoy hearing music before Lodge opens, during it, and when sometimes the Master will ask the Organist to "give us a little music as entertainment," I enjoy it immensely.

When you realize that these Brothers generally have to have a Tux, clean shirt, drive to and from lodge, listen to business they may not be interested in, listen to ritual whether done well or badly and probably spend three to four hours a night for very little pay, you can realize how much music means to them and how willing they are to share their gift with us.

The next time you attend lodge, give the Organist a "Thank You" and let him know you appreciate his talents and efforts to improve our lodges and meetings.  Some of you younger Brothers with musical talents might consider becoming an Organist.  You might be contributing more to the benefit of your lodge and its members than by going through the chairs, although I would not want to discourage anyone from that lofty goal.

The month of November will Find the topic of Astronomy, Stone Circles and Celestial Calendars at the Masonic College on Saturday, November 10th.  This will start at 9:00 a.m. and end at Noon.  These are three subjects that I know very little about and I look forward to attending.  All Masons are welcome, the program varies each month and the little cost of $10.00 per year pays for copies of papers presented.  You can also get free copies of reprints of many different articles and  purchase Walter F. Meier books there.

Another note of interest will be Hercules Lodge Prince Hall and their annual Widow's Night, which will be held at the Ballard Masonic Center this year.  They really take care of their widows and I have attended several of these events.  Last year one of the ladies gave a very moving talk on what being married to a Mason had meant and still means to her.  All Masons and ladies are welcome and you will enjoy a good dinner and get to meet some wonderful Brothers and their ladies.  The date is November 17th and tickets can be obtained from WB Brian Hardy of Occidental or call me for details.

The next District Four meeting will be Monday, November 26th at 7:00 p.m. at the Ballard Masonic Center.  Again all Masons are welcome and the short program will include instructions for the Deacons.  If you are a Deacon or will be one next year, you ought to be there.  Light refreshments will be served and some District business will be accomplished also.**

Lastly, Brothers I have put my phone number and e-mail at the top of each of these columns.  They are there for you to use.  I have many calls and e-mails and will help in whatever way I can.  I am enjoying being a District Deputy and together we can help our lodges grow and improve, but we need to communicate and know what is going on.  Please read this Masonic Monitor from cover lo cover and when you come to Lodge, I will have a newsletter for you with local information and a short education article each Stated Meeting.

** Editor's Note:  The D4 MLA meeting on November 26th will take place at the Doric Masonic Center.  The program for Deacons was held in September.  November topic to be determined 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.