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

I bring you fraternal greetings from our Grand Master, MWB Douglas E. Tucker.  I hope you had a chance to read his article in the Fall edition of the Masonic Tribune on his theme of “Pass it on.”  In addition to pointing out the need to share our experiences with new members and prospects, it made me think of some secondary things we should do to encourage that growth in our younger members.  In particular, we need to show our approval and enjoyment in their progress, and suppress our displeasure when their actions don’t measure up to our own ideas of how things should be done.  Remember, some of us have years of experience, and it has taken time and effort to accomplish what we know at whatever stage you are in life as a Mason.  The goal is to make them proud of learning our lessons and ritual, and then if they choose, to take on more responsibility and leadership roles.  So be careful to express encouragement to our younger members.  Take notice of their growth, and by that encouragement it is likely to pay off in even more attempts to get it right and please their peers - to be proud of accomplishing things they may never have seen themselves being capable of.  I would venture to guess that most members don’t join our Fraternity so they can be leaders.  They join for fraternal companionship and that mystic knowledge we offer.  Then they decide through encouragement that we all gain something when we see them grow.

November in District Four has a number of important and social activities planned.  I hope you take advantage of all of them.

First, I encourage you to attend the annual open installation of officers of Doric Lodge No. 92 on Saturday, November 15th.  It will take place at the Doric Masonic Center at 1:00 p.m. with snacks and beverages provided after the ceremony.  The members would like your support, and attending installations and congratulating brothers in their new positions is a way of extending the bonds of friendship that hold us together.

Second, I would also encourage you and the members of your lodges to attend the joint District 4 and District 5 Reception of the Grand Master at the University Masonic Center on Saturday, November 22nd.  Individual tickets are available from both me and VWB Mike Cuadra of District 5 at $25 each.  Call now if you don’t have yours yet.  Dinners and seating will be limited.  Letters have been mailed or hand-delivered to each Lodge asking that our lodges pre-purchase 6 tickets each, and to make a donation to the event as well.  Thank you to the Lodges that have graciously given what was asked for.  The social gathering will begin at 5:30 p.m.  This year, our Grand Master wants to bring back a piece of the traditional District Meeting by having a short and private Masons only gathering with him for 30 minutes beginning at 6:00 p.m.  Your ladies can continue with some social time until dinner, which will be served at 6:30 p.m.  The menu will feature chicken.  The open meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m., and include entertainment by a really super musical group, the Dina Blade jazz quartet.  Of course, there will be lodge and personal recognition awards as well as oral reports by the Deputies, the Grand Master, and perhaps some others that the Grand Master may choose.  It should be a fun evening.

Third, District 4 will hold another bowling tournament at Robinhood Lanes in Edmonds on Sunday, November 23rd, at 2:00 p.m.  Thanks to our lodges, the cost is free to individuals.  In addition to the friendly competition among Lodge brothers, there will be lanes for family members and plenty of food as well.  Come for the fun of it.  On good authority, even Doric Lodge No. 92 will be represented.  Welcome them, and have a good time.

See you in Lodge, and please e-mail or call me at 425-481-5912 if you need tickets to the Reception for November 22nd.  Remember, tickets are limited.

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.