VWB Brian B. Hardy Deputy of the Grand Master in District 4 of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington for 2007-2009 Mailto: Brian B. Hardy

Pride is what I feel right now as a result of your great attendance and accomplishments noted at the Joint Districts 4 & 5 Reception of the Grand Master, which was held at the Ballard Masonic Center on Saturday, March 8th.  It is an emotion that wells up when I think of all the good work that the Brethren and Lodges in our Districts are doing in supporting our communities, our families, our Grand Jurisdiction, and particularly each other.

Our Joint Districts Reception was nearly a full house.  In addition to our Grand Master, MWB Wayne I. Smith, all five of the elected Grand Lodge officers were present, there were a number of appointed Grand Lodge officers and committeemen, and four of the candidates running for the Junior Grand Warden’s position, including: VWB Mark Wiggins from District 9, VWB John Sleeth from District 10, VWB Michael Sanders from District 19, and WB Andy Olson from District 20.  I hope those of you who attended got a chance to talk to them about their plans if elected.

District 4 was well represented with officers, members, and ladies from all seven of the Lodges, including five past Deputies of the Grand Master: MWB Carl Smith, VWB Ian Hyde, VWB Ned Daniels, VWB Greg Stewart, and VWB Blair Leckie.  Five of our seven Worshipful Masters were there as well.

VWB Jim Maher from District 5 and I want to thank the Lodges of both Districts for your support.  We sold 120+ dinner tickets and there were only a few no shows.  The entertainment provided by the Jazz Ambassadors from Bainbridge Island was outstanding, and the meal provided by WB Gary Rhodes and his “Road Kill Warriors” from Crystal Lodge No. 122 in Marysville was excellent.  We would also like to thank Dottie DiGiulio for the nautical decorations, as well as Bethel 5 from Bothell and Assembly No. 87 from Kent for serving and cleanup.  With proceeds from the ticket sales, we were able to present MWB Wayne a check for $2,400 to his Masonic charity for the year - the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program.  He and his wife were very moved.  Their son is a Marine who is being deployed again soon, and this charity means a lot to them.

I had the honor of choosing and helping present Pillars of Progress awards to four of our District 4 Lodges.  Singling out award winners is hard.  All our Lodges have wonderful attributes, but by calling out a few I wanted to point out the exceptional this year.  I chose to award the “Community Involvement” pillar to both Doric 92 and Maritime 239 for the efforts they are undertaking in their neighborhood charities as the “Fremont Masons Association.”  I chose to award the “Education and Training” pillar to Greenwood 253 for their continued leadership and team accomplishments they have shown in their ritual work, degree teams, and educational seminars they have put on.  I chose to award the “Family Involvement” pillar to Rainier 189 because they always have not only their wives at their events, but they draw the largest visitations to their meetings and special events from their “extended families” in a number of lodges from multiple Districts.

The most gratifying part of my evening was to help present the Grand Master’s Achievement Award for our District.  This year, I was pleased to award it to WB Marv Pearson.  Marv is the immediate Past Master of Greenwood 253, the SW of Walter F. Meier Lodge of Research 281, VP of the District 4 MLA, a husband, a father and coach to two active teenagers.  Marv strives to keep a balance between his family, job, and Freemasonry.  He has found a balance where many have failed.  He reminds me of the beautiful description of a Mason pointed out in the Canadian Charge to the Lodge.  A man who is quiet and not outspoken, doesn’t seek out attention, yet gives of himself selflessly.  He is well respected, a good leader, and sure of himself and of his beliefs.  When you next see Marv, congratulate him on his recognition.

Please review the article by WB Dan Miller, President of the District 4 MLA for other upcoming events in our District.

Photo by WB Darrel Womack, GL Photographer

From left:  MWB Wayne I. Smith, GM; VWB Brian Hardy, DDGM District 4; WB Larry Blake, WM Greenwood Lodge No. 253; RWB G. Santy Lascano accepting the award for WB Neil Quinn, WM Rainier Lodge No. 189; WB David Wakeman, WM Maritime Lodge No. 239; WB Wayne Rose, WM Doric Lodge No. 92; RWB Douglas E. Tucker, DGM.

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.