April 1st, 2010
Tenino Lodge “soft’ opening, Corned beef & Cabbage
Okay, so the Corned Beef and Cabbage was a couple of weeks late. Nevertheless, it was worth it. And it was the only chance to see the entire downstairs of the newly remodeled Tenino Lodge Building. Upstairs, we were introduced to the new, improved lodge room. Am I the only one that misses the old dungeon-like smell of the old lodge? John Shull solved that problem for my birthday. Anyway, RWB Dave Owen, Grand Secretary, presented VWB Jack C. Parker with his 60-year pin for a modest, but not small, crowd. A very honorable distinction for a very distinguished Mason. WB Tim Lund also gave previews of ideas for using neon lighting for the walls and ceiling of the lodge room. I look forward to seeing what that’ll look like! Overall, it’s great to be back home.
April 8th, 2010
DeMolay Grand Convention, Great Wolf Lodge
WB Jerry Vaudrin has a young man who was interested in joining DeMolay, and he brought me along to watch. Boy, was that a wakeup call! It’s the exact opposite of our Annual Communication of Grand Lodge! Jerry had to shut off his hearing aids, and I wished I brought earplugs, but I must say it was fun. Brian Johnson was also in attendance, as well as the Centralia Assembly of the Rainbow Girls. Oh yeah, so were WB’s Jon Anderson and Don Bulloch, whose sons were involved in the ceremony, as the state DeMolay did great work when the time was for it. But it was worth the trip, as the young man is now ready to join.
April 19th, 2010
Ed Bennett’s presentation in Centralia Lodge
After the usual stated communication, WB Ed Bennett, Worshipful Master of Olympia Lodge #1, gave us a lecture on the Civil War generals that were active Masons in the Washington Territory, most notably Olympia lodge. As are most presentations, this one was well received, and many hope to see more of them.
April 28th, 2010
Chehalis Lodge Flag presentation, FCM Degree
Chehalis Lodge conferred a Fellowcraft Degree on their newest brother, after which 3 members of Harmony Lodge #18 demonstrated the 13 folds of the American Flag, and explained the meanings of the 13 folds. This is usually seen at veteran’s funerals, so it is nice to see the ceremony under more favorable circumstances. I performed the Middle Chamber Lecture, which is notable only due to the unfortunate passing of the Worshipful Master of Robert Morris Lodge, WB Bill Lowe, who was scheduled to perform the lecture.
April 30th, 2010
Tenino Bikes 4 Books, Parkside Elementary
I don’t think I included a Bikes 4 Books in this blog, but here is one, even though I was at work and didn’t attend. This time, Bro. Steve Livingston, Senior Warden, drew the winners. It’s nice that almost all of the lodges in our district are involved with this very worthwhile program. The kids love it.
May 6th, 2010
Traveling Trowel from Winlock to Tenino
After spending at least 10 years hidden in a back room of Winlock Lodge, a member finally found the Traveling Trowel. WB Mark Hanshaw brought 2 brothers with him and presented it to Tenino Lodge. Derek Lathrope, the Senior Deacon, figured he’d quickly get rid of it by bringing 3 Tenino members to Olympia #1 the following night. As of Grand Lodge, he still had the Trowel. On another note, WB Rich Lathrope turned 66, and received a cake. Nice cheesecake, and boy, was it good!
May 9th, 2010
Mother’s day breakfast in Centralia
A couple of Lodges had a Mother’s Day breakfast, but I attended the Centralia one to help a little. This was actually a practice for the Grand Lodge breakfast to be held in June. While attendance was just enough to stay afloat financially, the big key was the lessons learned logistically. This paid off in June.
May 10th, 2010
Centralia Lodge Costume 2nd degree
Upon taking the Grand Master’s advice and inquiring from certain Seattle brothers, I brought one of the ideas to Centralia Lodge in performing the Middle Chamber Lecture in a costume. While most of the brothers said I picked too drab of a costume, the idea was well received by young and old alike. I hope that this will start a trend in the district.
May 12th, 2010
Morton Lodge #209’s final degree
A certain bro. Chandler received the Master Mason degree in Morton Lodge, and this will likely be the final degree this lodge performs before merging with Robert Morris Lodge. The 2 dozen in attendance was a nice showing, however.
May 20th, 2010
Tenino Lodge #86 MM degree
On the other hand, Tenino Lodge performed their first Master Mason degree in their newly remodeled building, on a Bro. Jay von Minden. It was the first time I’ve seen a Drama in the building with that high of a ceiling in about 14 years.
May 26th, 2010
Chehalis Lodge Pin ceremony
MWB Gale Kenney attended this meeting, where 10 Masons received pins for membership spanning 25 to 60 years. Some were pinned by their wives, one by his Granddaughter and great-granddaughter, the others by the Grand Master. IN addition, MWB Kenney also presented a Hiram Award to WB Eric Melin, who certainly deserved it for all of the work he’s done for Chehalis Lodge. Pictures for this event will be found on the Grand Lodge website.
May 28th, 2010
Memorial Day grave markers in Centralia
This is a tradition that goes back at least 60 years. Centralia Lodge puts out grave markers for the Masons interred at 3 cemeteries in the area. While 1 or 2 get negative reaction from family members, the thank-you’s greatly outnumber them. Many members find it fun, kind of a treasure hunt in a way. Plans are to clean and update some of the more worn headstones.
June 10th, 11th, 12th 2010
Grand Lodge Annual Communication at the Great Wolf Lodge, Grand Mound
As the home Deputy, you get special benefits. For example, I had the privilege of escorting the Mayor of Centralia, Harlan Thompson, as the first dignitary. I also received a few petitions from brothers, and gave them to members of lodges that were closest to the petitioner’s residence. Living so close, I also “Brown Bagged” it and ate at home. (Yeah, I’m rubbin’ it in!) In addition, as a member of the Grand Lodge Team, I found it quite fun. It’s a great atmosphere, and I encourage any Mason in our district to attend next year’s, which will again be here in Grand Mound.
Grand Lodge Breakfasts in Centralia, held by Centralia, Chehalis and Tenino Lodges (Winlock late entry)
This was a project started almost a year ago, and after much planning, it sounds like it was a success. I’ve heard that many Masons are wondering if the Centralia area Masons plan to repeat the breakfasts next year. Good for you guys!
Grand Master’s installation
Our new Grand Master is MWB Godofredo Santy Lascano, the 3rd Filipino to be installed as Grand Master in an American Jurisdiction. MWB Santy’s theme is “Working Together.” It will be fun working together with you in our district for the good of Masonry. In addition to RWB’s Mike Sanders and Dean Heineman moving up in their respective positions, we welcome RWB Jerald “Cuddles” Lingle of Shelton as our new Junior Grand Warden.
June 23rd, 2010
Chehalis Lodge #28 Strawberry Feed
I regard this meeting as the last regular meeting in our district until the fall, even though half of the lodges continue to meet throughout the year. It’s still my sendoff for summer. This year it was well attended. And yes, you still have your choice of “leaded” or “Unleaded”, depending on how much sugar you can handle. This year they called it “fake Sugar!”
June 26th, 2010
While I admit that Bro. Ken Keesler did most of the work, Ray Berrian and I did help a little. The Second Floor now looks better; at least that’s what the majority of the brethren think. Okay, it’s not that bad!
July 4th, 2010
Fourth of July parade
While there weren’t that many Masons in the parade, those that did show up had fun. Even Brian enjoyed himself, despite wearing that heavy armor throughout the parade route. The Lewis County Shrine Club’s 1924 Model T is a big hit with the kids and adults alike. The Rainbow Girls were in front, and Ian and Leeroy were carrying the CHiPs banner behind. Brian and I did crowd control, to allow the Shriners to do their stunts. Half of the parade found me holding the T’s steering wheel!
July 6th, 2010
Chili Cook off, Harmony Lodge #18
This year, there were only 4 contestants, and Bro. Ed Woods won. Also, one of the recipients of the Bikes 4 Books program decided to donate his bike to a needy boy overseas. Quite a charitable move.
July 12th, 2010
Centralia Lodge, Kyle Jessup’s EAM degree
Quite a grand evening for WB Lauren Jessup, Secretary of Centralia Lodge, who conferred the First Degree on his son. The making of another Lewis in Lewis County!
July 17th and 18th, 2010
31st Annual Seattle to Portland Bike Classic (STP)
This wouldn’t be in the blog if it weren’t involving 3 Masons in the area. However, Bro. Brian Johnson and his daughter, WB Lauren Jessup and I had been training for this since early spring. Unfortunately, the young lady who talked us into doing it had a bad spill on July 5th, breaking her right arm, so only 3 did it instead of the intended 4. Check the Centralia Lodge website for the numerous pictures I took during this ride. Included are a handful of pictures of us in front of various Masonic Lodges on the route. It looks like more Centralia Lodge members are interested in joining Brian and Lauren for the 2011 STP. Have I made a commitment? Are you kidding? It’s too early. We’ll see.
July 24th, 2010
Centralia Lodge #63 Annual Installation of Officers for 2010-2011
The first Mid-summer installation in District #17 that I can remember. Oops, the first one period, as they weren’t allowed until a few years ago. Now WB Ken Keesler is now Worshipful Master of Centralia Lodge, and he was installed in fine form in front of a nice crowd. Again, Check Centralia’s Website for pictures of this ceremony, as 90 pictures were posted. We were also treated to a great dinner downstairs of ribs, chicken, rolls and corn on the cob.
