D4 Deputy - Sep., 2005

VWB C. Blair Leckie
Deputy of the Grand Master in District 4
of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington
for
2005-2007

Mailto: cblairl@excite.com

The new Grand Lodge year has begun and the Grand Master has chosen for its theme, "Great Expectations". This is not just some Dickensian catch phrase but rather a considered, earnest and dedicated approach to the year ahead of us. Together, we will build upon our own hard work and the leadership of previous Grand Masters. They have guided us through conscientious plans for shaping and focusing on the future, implementing long range planning and being mentors within our Craft. We now look ahead to acting in accordance with Masonic principles, reversing some troublesome trends and re-establishing Masonry as a vital, valuable influence in our communities.

What does all this mean to District Four? In part, it means that each Lodge, its officers and members are expected to be accountable for living up to the dignified and virtuous standards of Masonry. It means a cheerful willingness to work, to help, to prepare and perform. Charity is almost synonymous with Masonry so it is expected that we continue to find ways to help those less fortunate. It means that we give of ourselves to continue the excellence of our District Four Scholarship Program. Also, it is expected that the ritual, protocols and the dispatch of business in each Lodge be performed with ciphers closed and according to form. Does this expectation mean perfection? Of course not, but it does mean the aspiration to perfection. It means we take the necessary time to prepare. We all know the rewards of Masonry. As human beings we sometimes overlook the obvious truth that rewards come after the work. They come because of the work.

This year we will make the effort to invigorate the District Four Lodge Officers Association. Lodges in communication with each other can share ideas, engage in fellowship and get support for their programs. An ambitious yet wonderfully self-serving and attainable goal is that all of the officers in District Four, and as many of the members who wish, work together to complete the Grand Lodge course of Proficiency in Lodge Management. Our Craft will be the beneficiary of confident, skilled and prepared membership.

We are rapidly approaching Step-up Night in our Lodges. This time of year is an opportunity to give and grow not just for the soon to be elected and appointed officers but for every Mason. It is a time of renewal when we can be reminded of why we became Masons. We can step up not only to a new place or station in the Lodge, but to a loftier station within ourselves. We can make the effort to become better Masons and therefore better people. With each individual striving for self-improvement, we strengthen our Lodges, our District and consequently, we strengthen our communities. We should be encouraged by the difference we can make as Masons with a little bit of extra effort by each of us. This year, now, these are the expectations of our Grand Master. They can be our own and they are Great Expectations.

The next meeting of the District 4 Masonic Lodges Association will be Monday, September 26, hosted by Occidental 72 at the Ballard Masonic Center.

Thanks to both the District 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.