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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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District Four Lodges and Progress (March 2003)
Greetings Brothers: The District Four and Five Reception for our Grand Master, James N. Reid, Jr. on February 1st, went well and I was pleased not only with the numbers attending, but also the great effort made by many Brothers to help in the kitchen, dining room, and Lodge. We had fun, we heard some important information and had a good dinner. I particularly enjoyed working with VW Gale Kenney of District Five on this and believe that the two District system for Receptions and workshops will prove to be very beneficial for both Districts in the future.
I was also pleased to be able to present each Lodge with a Pillars of Progress Award. Each Lodge in the District has been showing improvements in several facets of Masonry and each is working hard to make progress both in ritual and programs for the members. It takes many small steps to reach the goal and more are looking at long range planning. Each of the Masters are very concerned with the members and their needs and are adjusting programs, budgets and ideas to make their Lodges better.
I was also very glad to see WB Orrin Niles, long time member of Greenwood Lodge and Organist at so many Lodges, receive the Grand Master's Achievement Award. Only one Brother can get this per District each year and WB Orrin has certainly "Made a Difference" with his lovely music both before and during meetings. I enjoy sitting in the Lodge before a meeting when I can, and listening to his jazz and music from the 30's and 40's. Any meeting without music certainly is less interesting, no matter how hard the Master and Officers try and certainly all our degrees benefit from having music played during the ceremonies. Again, Congratulations Brother Orrin. Keep up the great work.
A few words about balloting on candidates. Several Masters are reading the Code about how to vote and who votes, etc. Take a look also at the section on not talking about the ballot, how you voted or whether the candidate was rejected or elected. We are NEVER to talk about the ballot outside of the Lodge. Years later someone may say something that could hurt a Brother or a non Mason by casual remarks on what happened. One of the things pointed out to the Deputies and they to the Masters, is that the Master must sign the minutes after every meeting. In case of a law suit, this make the minutes official and insures success in a future lawsuit. Rejections sometimes are necessary and if you have a good reason, you should use the black cube, but never to hurt the Lodge or a Brother who may have recommended the applicant for membership. Petty jealousy, bickering and hate have no place in a Masonic Lodge, and yet we are all human ( I hope) and sometimes act without thinking of all the ramifications. Your good judgment is expected in all things, partly because of the ritual you heard during your own degrees and partly because Masonic Law expects you to be just, upright and fair. If not, you should not be a Mason. Think about your actions, before your act.
Please put April 5th, 9:00AM to noon at Queen Anne Lodge, on your schedule for the second District Four and Five joint workshop. Some new subjects, several of the Grand Junior Warden candidates will be present, and some coffee and cookies. All for free. Please try to attend.
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.