D4 Deputy - Oct., 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

As we enter into the "Installation Season" and the beginnings of a new Masonic year, it is a good time to make an appraisal of our District. Individually, most of the lodges in District Four are vibrant and effective. The active and successful Lodges are a balance of experienced Master Masons, younger enthusiastic leaders going through the chairs for the first time and dazed and somewhat amazed candidates and Entered Apprentices. This mixture of men makes for outstanding opportunities to create fraternity and provide charity and outreach to the community.

But, to be candid, it must be admitted that within District Four there may be Lodges that need work, need restitution. In these Lodges, new candidates are not anywhere to be seen. The members recycle through the chairs, the ritual is "casual" and the light of energetic striving and meaningful purpose has long since been turned off.

In all of our Lodges we need to create the intention of excellence. We must develop the capacity for open mindedness. We must share among ourselves and with all of our Brothers the ideas and programs that work and provide meaning to the members of our fraternity.

A decision must be made whether we are to continue with the District Four Masonic Lodge Association. As it stands now, there appears to be very little district-wide interest. Most of the officers of our Lodges are regular absentees at the meetings. If the officers show no interest, we can't expect others to come. However, currently there is a renewed effort being made to provide interesting and meaningful programs that enlighten and instruct. Personally, I would hate to see the association dissolve. It is the perfect format to meet as Brothers, to learn from one another and exchange ideas about what concepts are working well in our Lodges.

My Brothers, let's take stock of ourselves. Let's bring open minds, purpose, a renewed energy and the intention of excellence to all our Lodges and to District Four.

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.