D4 Deputy - June, 2007

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

It is difficult to believe, but my time as your District Deputy is over. Two years, which in the beginning seemed daunting and interminable, have flown by. At first, I was a somewhat reluctant participant, not feeling worthy to the task. Your overwhelming acceptance and support helped immeasurably and coaxed me through my initial uncertainties and reservations.

There is a long list of individuals to thank. It begins with my father-in-law, MW George Jurgich. His “gentle” persistence brought me to Masonry. I wish that he could have been here for this time. MW Ken Robinson was insistent and patiently persuasive, telling me that I could do this job. I will always be thankful to him for that encouragement. Others who were always there to provide good counsel when I asked (sometimes when I didn’t) were WB Ron Duck, VW Ian Hyde, WB Tony Corning, VW Bob Jensen and MW Carl Smith. I appreciate the genuine warmth and positive regard always afforded me by MW Grant Wardlaw, VW Eldon Hawney, WB Gene Ross and WB Doug Searles. Throughout this time, every Master in each of the years was unfailing in his enthusiastic and open-minded support. Perhaps most importantly, I will forever remain grateful and somewhat amazed at the kind cooperation given me by every lodge and every member in the district. I humbly thank the members of Doric Lodge for making me an honorary Past Master. My brothers, if I had any detractors, you mercifully kept yourselves hidden.

On a more solemn note, our Fraternity lost some esteemed and worthy brothers. Meaning no disrespect to any of the honorable brothers not mentioned who passed away during the last two years, most notable to me, was the passing of WB Harry Poole, VW Frank Livingston, VW Warren Murphy and WB Ken “Grandpa” Edgar. These were men who lived respected and died regretted. They were irreplaceable resources for our Craft and are missed.

While it is true that we have lost some cherished brothers, it is also true that we have gained some. It has been a pleasure to observe the subtle yet unmistakable resurgence of Masonry in our district. Men of quality and substance have been joining the Craft. Lodges are re-emerging as viable, vital and contributing members of the community. In many of our lodges, there has been dramatic improvement in the quality of our ritual work. Good and wholesome instructions for our labor have been given and are being followed.

The District Four Scholarship Program continues to grow. This year, ten more one thousand dollar scholarships have been given to some outstanding young men and women from Ballard, Ingraham, Nathan Hale and Roosevelt High Schools. One of the scholarships awarded continues for the entire four years of the student’s schooling. This is a very powerful and rewarding program, my brothers. I encourage you to take an active part in its continuing success.

And so, just like that, my time is up. For me, this has been a powerful and enriching experience. Even though I was committed to give my best effort and prepared and worked at the job, I have gotten from it so much more than I have given. You have caused me to grow. I am humbled and grateful. Thank you to each of you. There is no doubt in my mind that my successor, soon to be if not already, VW Brian Hardy, will be an outstanding District Deputy. I am also convinced that you will extend to him the wholehearted support and affection you have given me. My time is up.

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.