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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 2001-2003 Mailto: bjjcmj@aol.com 23313 94th Place
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Have You Talked With Your District Deputy Lately?? (October 2002)
I ask this question because each Deputy now has a copy of the printed out in full
Ritual for Washington. This contains all the work now in the ciphers for all three degrees and the Washington Monitor, all printed out in English. This makes it very easy to study and learn parts. While there are a number of errors in the first edition, they are being corrected and a second edition will be put out by the Grand Secretary. I have been excited about this since receiving the copy at our last June Grand Lodge. I have been taking it with me to lodge functions and find that many members are eager to look at it, study the work and become more proficient than before. Young new members, long time members and any in between will find some words they did not understand or were using incorrectly. I found at least two words that I have given incorrectly for many years and there are probably others. This great tool needs to be used by each of us and I am also offering time at my home for you to come and study it. Give me a call and we will work out a time. Senior Wardens particularly need to study this, as it will help them do a much better job as Master next year. I would bet that the Deputy in your District would be happy to hear from you also.The only thing to remember is that neither the Deputy
nor member can make copies, and the Deputy needs to keep it in his control. Unless I see you come with a large suitcase that could contain a copying machine, I am not worried about either you or me breaking this rule. Please take advantage of this offer. Unlike some offers on TV, it will be repeated continuously and at absolutely no charge. If we do not become better ritualists in the next couple of years, I will be greatly surprised.The Deputies are encouraged to hold workshops on
various Masonic subjects and our District Association will decide what we want and when we want to have one.There are so many great programs available
that each lodge and each member would benefit by attending a workshop, just as our Junior and Senior Wardens benefit so much by attending the annual workshops designed for them. I also am encouraging anyone interested in being an officer, or if you already are one, to take the Lodge Officers Proficiency exam. This gives you a great insight into our Code, ways to run the lodge, and responsibilities the Worshipful Master has. Anyone can be elected to a position, but only if you study, plan and make a real effort to do the job, will you succeed. I am sure that each Master wants to finish his year not only hearing compliments from others, but also knowing in his own heart that he has done the best his could and has made a difference in his Lodge.As we head into the Installation season and are making plans for the coming year, please consider all the great programs that are available and all the fun and Fellowship you can have by attending your Lodge. This summer, Green Lake installed a chairlift, Occidental installed an elevator and Greenwood and Doric (which includes Maritime) already had elevators. Walter F. Meier has a few steps at the front entrance, but there is a ramp and door buzzer at the back door. These importance conveniences make it much easier to come to the meetings and if you need a ride, I am sure if you called the Master or Secretary of the Lodge you want to attend, they can arrange a ride also. The numbers of those attending lodges in the District are increasing and it is great to see so many out. Visitors are always welcome at Lodges in District Four and I am enjoying being a Deputy because of all the great Brothers and programs in the District. Thanks for your support and I look forward to seeing more of you in Lodge 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.