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

Brethren, I wish you Fraternal Greetings from our Grand Master, MWB Wayne I. Smith.

A lot of planning and preparation are underway for the upcoming Annual Communication of our Grand Lodge in Wenatchee on June 12-14.  Our Fraternity has had another great year under the leadership of MWB Wayne Smith and his theme of “Accentuate the Positive.”  It has been a constant help and a reminder to me about not dwelling on problems and the difficulties of change.

I completed my last “official visitation” for this term as Deputy of the Grand Master in our District on Friday evening, May 9th at Rainier Lodge No. 189.  As Rainier No. 189 is the newest Lodge in our District, I wanted plenty of opportunities to see who they were, what they do, and what they need before trying to report back to the Grand Master and other Elected Officers.  It has been a pleasure to get to know and work with these Brethren over the year.  They are a strong and growing addition to our District.

At this Grand Lodge, MWB Smith is bringing 14 Grand Master’s recommendations to be considered.  In addition, 4 others resolutions are being brought forward by constituent Lodges, and one is being carried over from last year.  All these pieces of legislation are intended to strengthen our institution, and most are well thought out.  There are two different initiatives that intend to make passing the Proficiency in Lodge Management exam a requirement for new Masters before they can take office.  One is a carry-over from last year, and would take effect immediately on any new Masters in the upcoming term.  The other is being recommended by our Grand Master.  It would take effect after February 1, 2009, and provides for a Grand Master’s granting exceptions to the requirement on an individual basis.  In addition to these legislative issues there are seven candidates who have made themselves available for the elected position of Junior Grand Warden.  All this business should take some time and make this session worthwhile.  Study the legislative initiatives and candidates running for Grand Lodge office carefully, and make your decisions in light of what is best for Freemasonry, best for your Lodge, and what is best for this Grand Jurisdiction.  Hope to see you there.

I had a great time at the Warden’s Conference in Yakima in March.  I’ve had a chance to see and talk with many of the Wardens and Deacons from our District who attended as well.  All agree that there was a lot covered and well worth the time.  Reports are that the ladies who attend are learning as much about our Craft as we are.  Good show.

District 4 members and their families met at Safeco Field on Sunday, March 27th to watch the Mariners try and outlast the Oakland Athletics.  They didn’t, but we had fun anyway.  Our District name was proudly displayed on the big screen for at least five seconds.  Count on joining us again next year.

Many of us feel that as June is now here, summer, and a more relaxed schedule for Masonic activities are just around the corner.  And while it is true that many Lodges will be “dark” from their normal Stated meeting schedule for a month or two, there are others that do meet.  For example, Maritime No. 239 has a meeting in July, and Walter F. Meier No. 281 has a meeting in August.  If you look closely, there are quite a few neighboring Lodges that have regular meetings or special activities planned.

Following Grand Lodge, the last half of June offers us all a couple of other opportunities to meet in our District.  Because Grand Lodge falls on their regular meeting night, Rainier No. 189 will be meeting on the 3rd Friday, June 20th.  Doric No. 92 and Maritime No. 239 will open their doors to the public for refreshments as the Fremont Masons during the Fremont Fair on Saturday June 21st and Sunday, June 22nd.  District 4 is holding a Horseshoe Tournament at the pits located at Lower Woodland Park, Area No. 6, on Sunday, June 22nd, at 2:00 p.m.  Make sure you are there to represent your Lodge.  The Lodges are bringing beverages and light snacks that should last for a couple of hours of fun.  The Greenwood Car Show will take place on Saturday, June 28th, from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  The Lodge serves hotdogs and pop to the public and it has been a big hit in past years.  Stop by and say “hi”, buy a hotdog or help serve them.  Moving on into July, the District 4 Golf Tournament will be held at the Nile on Saturday, July 19th at 7:00 a.m.  It will be a two-man scramble format.  Get your names to WB Jerry Biddle, ASAP so he can get enough tee-times reserved.  The Greenwood Parade will be at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23.  Come march as Masons with the District 4 Lodges and the Occidental Float.

I will report back on the outcome of the Walter F. Meier No. 281 Table Lodge honoring MWB Wayne Smith on May 16th and the District 4 Scholarship Awards Ceremony held on Tuesday, May 20th.

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.