VWB Marv Pearson Deputy of the Grand Master in District 4 of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington for 2009-2011 Mailto: Marv Pearson

One of the great attributes of Freemasonry is that, while the Standard Work needs to be just that, standardized, many other aspects of the Craft not only tolerate but encourage individuality.  The Washington Masonic Code prescribes exacting rules by which we do business.  These we must not deviate from, but other practices, such as the way we choose to help ourselves make the world a better place, are left completely up to the individual and the individual Lodge.  The Ritualistic standards even vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction; ours is not a “National Fraternity.”  Lodges can find ways of interpreting the ritual and personalizing it without violating the Code or ancient landmarks.

Today’s successful Masonic Lodge attracts men from many different walks, skills, convictions and style, hopefully aiming in a common direction.  We are careful to avoid pushing a religious or political persuasion on a Brother, for good reason!  Individuality and an appreciation for our “mates” leads to tradition.  The evolution of tradition becomes history.  In an earlier issue of this publication our Grand Historian VWB Coe Tug Morgan asked us to update our Lodges’ history.  I’m finding out how important this really is.

WB M. Gene Ross has generously loaned me his copy of “The History of the Lodges of Washington and the Grand Lodge of Washington, F. & A.M. 1979-1994” by VWB Bob J. Jensen, Grand Historian 1993-1994.   Bro. Gene may have trouble getting it back until I memorize every page.  I can almost hear the voice of VWB Bob, one of my very favorite men and Masons.  I plan to use this book as I make my official visits, most of which will be at the March Stated Communications.  Quick subtraction would indicate that a history of the next 15 years is about due.  Any volunteers?

During my visits in January and February I have been and will be asking members to consider their own Lodge priorities and “character.”  With regard to performance of the ritualistic opening, closing, and degree work, a lodge must decide on the importance placed on the proficiency, depending on expectations placed upon the officers.  We can certainly “get by” doing the bare minimum and moving on to what is deemed important.  For those who decide to emphasize excellence in ritual, practice as a group can certainly produce not only greater satisfaction in our roles, but ultimately better attendance and growth.

~Together we can Improve Ourselves in Masonry~

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.