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, as his appointed Deputy in District 4, I bring you Fraternal Greetings from our Grand Master, MWB Douglas E. Tucker.

February is the shortest month of the year, but we as a people, a nation, and as Masons manage to pack it full of a number of celebrations, events, and meetings.  For example, it’s the month we count on to see if Mr. Groundhog will shorten our winter weather or not.  It’s the month we should celebrate and honor our sweethearts, and it’s the month the whole nation formally observes and celebrates the birthdays of our first and sixteenth Presidents.  It’s also the month our Grand Master was born in (2/26).

The first event I mention is trivial at best.  The last I trust you will take care of by sending MWB Tucker a note or card.  But what are we as good citizens and Masons doing about the other two?

Valentine’s Day is a very popular custom that is appreciated by our ladies, but it has evolved from confused origins, and today it has more the appearance of being just one more shopping event promoted by jewelers, greeting card companies, and confectioners.  I ask if you and your lodge have made significant plans to thank the ladies who help us so much and who give us the time we use to meet as Masons?  Are the widows of your members remembered at this time as well?  We promise to help our widows when needed, but a special remembrance can be appreciated as well..

It is unfortunate that President’s Day has also become a “hollow-day” for our country.  The majority of American workers and schoolchildren alike look forward more to enjoying a 3-day weekend from their vocations than of thinking about the accomplishments of these great former leaders.  For Masons in particular, President’s Day ought to have a special meaning.  February 22, 1732 is the birth date of our first president, George Washington.  Because he was a Mason, we tend to embellish this aspect of his life perhaps more than it deserves.  I would with utmost respect give him credit for being “a great leader who happened to be a Mason”, more than I would credit him with being “a great Mason who was the most famous leader of our country.”  Undoubtedly, George Washington was greatly influenced by the principles and tenets of the fraternity he joined - just like I hope we all can feel.  And, he was always complimentary of the Craft.  But as a man who wrote a lot and corresponded with many people and groups during his time - first as a General, and then as a President, - there is little evidence he actually attended many lodge meetings.  He carried his Masonic principles outside the lodge.  Much of what we know is saved in a few letters, and he is often seen depicted in artistic pictures of him laying the cornerstone of the US Capitol dressed in Masonic regalia.  We do know this: he was made a Master Mason at age 21 in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and was elected as the Charter Master of Alexandria Lodge in 1788 after he had served his two terms as President.  You can use the library or Internet to learn a lot more about this man and his relationship to Freemasonry.  A good summary of his generally known Masonic activities can be found at this web site: www.bessel.org/gwfmy.htm.  What our Fraternity has gained from having him as a model citizen has been repaid by the Fraternity in the form of a beautiful memorial to him.  Visit www.gwmemorial.org to learn more about the George Washington Masonic Memorial located in Alexandria, Virginia.  Our Grand Master Tucker and our other Grand officers, as well as an entourage of interested Masons from Washington State helped celebrate the 100th anniversary of this memorial on a trip taken on December 1-3, 2008.  Among them was our WB Jerry Ward - a direct descendant of George Washington’s family.  WB Jerry will be speaking about George Washington at the February 26th Stated Communication of Walter F. Meier Lodge of Research No. 281, and also at the Saturday, March 14th meeting of the WFM 281 College of Masonic Knowledge.  Join us at these Walter F. Meier events if you want to learn more.

The last of the District 4 Installation of Officers for 2009 was accomplished on Saturday evening January 10, 2009.  On that date, MWB Richard A. Mecartea was installed as Worshipful Master, along with the other officers of Walter F. Meier Lodge.  Please wish them well.

On Sunday, February 8th at 2:00 p.m., the District 4 Scholarship Committee will hold its annual letter mailing party at the Doric Masonic Center.  This doesn’t take long, but as they say, “many hands make for light work.”  I encourage any of our members who want to expand their commitment and usefulness to this excellent program to come and help out and get involved.

A date, place, and time have been established for a District 4 Past Master’s Degree (or Secrets of the Chair ceremony).  It will take place at the Doric Masonic Center on Monday, March 2nd at 7:00 p.m.  Mark it on your calendars now.  Worshipful Masters who have been installed and have not previously been through this ceremony will be receiving letters of invitation as well as their Secretaries.  They need a letter from their Secretaries attesting they have been seated to gain admission.  In addition to these qualified candidates, only Past Masters are freely invited to attend.  Refreshments will follow.

As I noted last month, I am preparing to hold this year’s Lodge Officer’s Competition for District 4 on Saturday, March 7th.  The place and time have not been settled yet, but I have heard from a couple of Masters that they intend on competing for this honor.  I need to get back to the Grand Lecturer, VWB Jim Mendoza, in short order to make this happen.  Please let me know if you also wish to do this, and if the date will work for you.

“Pass It On”, and 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.