D4 Deputy - Nov., 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

District Four, Brethren all. Pleading diminished capacity and impoverished wisdom, I must make do this month with providing information rather than attempting inspiration. Not to say that this information isn't useful. It is. But, wisdom and inspiration are much more impressive to read. Ever mindful of my limitations, let me share the information that Grand Lodge wishes for the Deputies to impart to the Lodges in all of the districts.

1. Regional Workshops - Having attended the first two Regional Workshops, I can personally attest that they are absolutely worth your time to attend. There was Masonic instruction, fraternal interaction and many laughs. The stop and go opening and closing of Grand Lodge was both instructional and entertaining. I especially encourage the "younger" Brothers to attend. The remaining scheduled workshop will be held in Tumwater on November 5th. Hopefully, you will be reading this before that date.

2. The 10% Solution - It is well known that in any given lodge, between 10 and perhaps up to 25 percent of the total membership are actually active members. If just the active 10 percent in all of our lodges each replace themselves with not just a new member but with a new Mason, it is projected that the fraternity will grow by 3 to 4 percent. Depending upon our success in decreasing the number of those who do not pay their dues and those who demit, the growth could be as high as 7 percent. If then those new Masons replace themselves with new Masons and so on the growth would continue incrementally.

3. Masonic License Plates — Each new license plate purchased or renewed will contribute $28.00 to the Scottish Rite Language Disorders Foundation. The goal this year is to have 2000 plates on the road. Currently, there are around 750. It is an important and worthy cause to support and the plates provide much needed exposure to our fraternity. Of course it goes without saying that our driving habits should reflect brotherly love.

4. Childhood Identification Program - This excellent program has been developed in conjunction with the American Dental Association and the FBI. It has been operational in our jurisdiction for over a year and is now available throughout the state. This program is a great example of the kind of work Masons do and lodges are encouraged to contact the committee to see now they can become involved. You may contact WB Vincent DiGiulio at chips121@mindspring.com or by telephone at (425) 825-9103. The committee has its own web page where much more detailed information is available. http://chip-mason.tripod.com.

5. Grand Lodge Collectible Coins - This is new program designed as a fund-raiser for the Grand Master's discretionary fund. The proceeds from the sale of these coins are used by the Grand Master to support Masonic undertakings. They will be minted each year by successive Grand Masters and over time will become a valuable collectible. I have a limited supply of these coins available at $10.00 each.

Grand Lodge Web Page — You can find out just about everything you want to know about the activities of Grand Lodge here. http://www.freemason-wa.org/index.htm.

District 4 Installation Schedule:
Sat. November 19,    3:00 p.m. - Doric No. 92
Fri. December 2,    7:30 p.m. - Occidental No. 72, buffet after
Sat. December 3,    5:30 p.m. - Greenwood No. 253, dinner after
Fri. December 9,    5:30 p.m. - Green Lake No. 149, dinner after

All installations are open to family and friends.

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.