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 of District Four, it is my privilege and honor to bring you fraternal greetings from our Grand Master, MWB Douglas E. Tucker.

The fall season is well under way, and as I have witnessed, many of our lodges have been busy practicing and conferring degrees.  Congratulations on very fine work.

As many of you know, the fall season for most lodges, also brings us closer to the installation season.  In fact, I hope you were able to attend the Maritime 239 installation on September 20th.  There are brothers who expect to be advanced in the line in our lodges, and I encourage them to prepare now for whatever that entails according to the position they seek or are expected to fill.  In the case of the current Senior Wardens, that means among other things that they should be finalizing their programs for the coming year and planning their installations.  Here is a piece of advice to them.  One of the most important tasks for an installation is to ensure that the installing officers are selected and invited to perform the various parts - giving them plenty of time to prepare and practice for it.

I would like to offer a comparison for you to consider.  The ritual and lectures of our degrees are the primary focus of study for many of us - and rightly so - for it teaches candidates and reminds members alike of the bonds that tie us together.  In comparison, a diligent study of the installation ceremony can provide an additional focus that emphasizes not only the duties and expectations of each officer elected or appointed to a position in the lodge, but also points out the duties and expectations of every member.  It points out how his individual character and habits should reflect on his fellow members, to his community, and to the world at large.  Like the Closing Charge we are becoming accustomed to hearing at the close of our meetings, the Charge to the Lodge also reminds us of how we should treat each other.  In particular, I was reminded of these poignant words:  “I therefore trust that you will have but one aim - to please each other, and to unite in the grand design of being happy, and communicating happiness”.  What a great thing that is to have as a primary objective.  Make it real, and live it.

So here is some news.  VWB Michael Cuadra of District 5 and I are working on our Joint District Reception of our Grand Master.  The date has been set by our Grand Master for Saturday, November 22nd.  Mike and I have decided that we will host it at University Lodge.  This month we should have tickets available for sale.  Mark the date now.

One last note.  Many of you know that WB M. Gene Ross, editor of this, the Masonic Monitor, has been undergoing some serious health issues, and was admitted to University Hospital during the first week of September for surgery.  Gene is one of the busiest and most dedicated Masons I know.  Reflect on how much you rely on this paper to keep you informed of what is going on.  As he recovers, think of him and Sylvia in your prayers and ask that his strength may return.

See you in Lodge.

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.