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What is the identity of Freemasonry? According to Wikipedia,Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that traces its origins to thelocal fraternities of stonemasons, which from the end of the fourteenth centuryregulated the qualifications of masons and their interaction with authoritiesand clients. This is a historical view of our Fraternity but it doesnot explain what we are and what we do. As each one of us

knows, we are honest, hard work-

ing, patriotic, and spiritual menwho endeavor to make good menbetter. To this end we are suc-cessful. However, as our numbersdecline, we need to stem the tideand let our light shine.

It is often said that Masonsshould not seek quantity, onlyquality. While that is true, I cannotbelieve that there are not tens ofthousands of men in this Juris-diction that would benefit from be-coming Oregon Masons. We needto get the word out about what wedo and stand for, and that we arelooking for good men. In recentyears, the Craft has not alwaysbeen successful in reaching out to

our communities public relations have been lacking or nonexis-tent. This situation cannot be reversed by Grand Lodge alone orby the leaders of the Appendant and Concordant bodies. Thereis no silver-bullet solution, but thereare steps we can take. Lodges,

chapters, assemblies and templesand their membership need to be-gin to reach out to the community.

What can you do to reach out?Each Masonic Lodge, and the localgroups of every Appendant andConcordant body need to focus onpublic relations. W.B. Carey Huck-aba cites Dr. George Fox Mott whosaid, The business of producing words and pictures has beengoing on for a long time. Combine an idea and the act of trans-mitting it to others out of range of immediate voice, and journal-

Grand Masters Message:The identity of Freemasonry

Volume XXXI No. 5, January 2

IssueIN THIS

1 Grand Masters Message

1 Lodge Programs

2 Torchlight

3 Grand Masters Calendar

4 George Washington Memorial Visit

5 Contributions

5 2014 Secretarys Seminar

6 The Chaplains Corner

7 News from Our Lodges

continued on page

continued on page two

The Masonic year has just begun and vidual Lodges are working on their bgets and finalizing their choice of prograand activities for the year. Or are they?

Worshipful Master, you have your calen-dar and programs all outlined for the yeadont you? While thisquestion is obvious tomany there may stillbe some Lodges hav-ing difficulty selectingor starting programs.

The Grand Lodgehas taken a giantstep in making yourprogram selection aneasy one this year, bybeing your partner to help in the funding

and success of these programs.Some of the well-known establishedprograms like Bikes for Books; Child IDand Kindle for Books are further enhancby Grand Lodge contributions. Now, mothan ever, you can give additional Bikes Kindles, and increase participation in ChID. Newer programs like the Masonic AnFund and Raising A Reader further enhathe Masonic presence in public educatio

Most Worshipful Brother David Fryday

Lodge programs:Partner for succe

M.W.B. David H. FrydayGrand Master

R.W.B. Don StapleSenior Grand Ward

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Grand Masters Message,continued from page oneism exists in its simplest [form]. Disseminating information toothers is publicity. Administration of the dissemination of infor-

mation from each organization to the public is considered publicrelations. Masonry and the Masonic Family has had communica-tion with the public, but we need to learn to better manage ourpublic relations.

It is obvious that there are a few who are opposed to Masonry.According to Wikipedia, Anti-Masonry (alternatively called Anti-Freemasonry) has been defined as opposition to Freemasonry but there isno homogeneous anti-Masonic movement. Anti-Masonry consists of widelydiffering criticisms from diverse (and often incompatible) groups who arehostile to Freemasonry in some form. Critics have included religious groups,political groups, and conspiracy theorists.Our efforts to counter thiskind of criticism need not be that extensive. There will always

be a few in society who want to believe opinions for which thereis no evidence, and there is not much we can do to persuadethem otherwise. We can, however, live our lives as an exampleof the best that mankind has to offer and demonstrate our faithin what is right. Do good unto all and treat others the same waywe expect to be treated. If we lead by example, we can diminishmuch of the unwarranted criticism and illuminate the truth aboutMasonry and the Masonic Family.

One organization in the Masonic Family has done a much bet-ter job of managing its public relations, and that is the Shrine.The Grand Lodge recognizes their success and feels that Mason-

ry and the rest of the Appendantand Concordant bodies need toemulate the Shrines success andmaximize our collective efforts.Not only do the heads of eachorganization need to becomecognizant of the need to putour best foot forward, but eacharea representative (i.e. DistrictDeputy) needs to learn what canbe done in their district. In turn,the call for better public relations

needs to reach the leaders ofeach Lodge, chapter, assembly and temple to encourage them toreach out to their local community. Ultimately, each Mason andmember of the Masonic Family is responsible for their contribu-tion of public relations for the Fraternity. If each member doeshis or her part, the public will know what we stand for and whatour standards are.

W.B. Carey Huckaba suggests that each Lodge needs to havea press correspondent who is responsible to inform the groupsmembers and the public at large about events and activities. The

continued on page four

Torchlight continues

Iam happy to hear from my Brethren,newly elected to office, who are workingon Torchlight. Congratulations on yourpreferment, it reflects your Lodges con-fidence in you to do the duties required.What are those duties, you may ask? Dointhe Torchlight study will answer most ofyour questions, teach you how to findanswers, and show your Brethren thatyou are really serious about serving yourLodge to the best of your ability.

For new Worshipful Masters, organizinga Torchlight study group is an excellentway to stimulate a working bond with you

officers. You will soon learn who is mostwilling or able to help you as you delegateLodge duties. If you decide to group studyplease download the study group formand use the procedures outlined, and provide the information asked for. Check theFor Members tab on the Grand Lodgeweb site for Educational Resources.

Perhaps someone who has done theTorchlight would consider being themoderator for the group, and appreciatethe opportunity to refresh their knowledgalso. I am always here to give assistance,though I dont answer Torchlight ques-tions.

Good luck, good studying, and HappyNew Year!

- by Dick Unruh, Grand ChaplaTorchlight Coordinato

Lodge Trivia: Know this Lodge?

Originially chartered in Frankfort,Germany near the end of World War II,this Lodge houses many of the artifactsbrought from its country of origin.

Hint: The Jewels of the Lodge aremade from reminants of B-17 Bombersand the Cords are originally from Rangerparachutes that landed U.S. militarybehind enemy lines on D-Day.

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GRANDMASTERSTENTATIVEITINERARYJanuary 20142 Salem Scottish Rite, Honors Grand Master; 6-7 p.m., -U, L

4 Al Kader Shrine, Installation; Wilsonville, 6-9 p.m., - T, L9 Ashland No. 23, Official Visit; dinner & Lodge, 6-9 p.m. - U, L11 MESH, Forest Grove; 8 a.m. - 12 noon11 Hillah Shrine, Installation; Medford, 5-8 p.m., - T, U, L15 Jennings No. 9, Official Visit; dinner & Lodge, 6:30-9:30 p.m. - U, L16 Meet the Masters at the Washington Masonic Center; Willamett

No. 2 and Waverly No. 174; meeting & refreshments, 7-10 p.m., - 20 Medford Scottish Rite, Honors Grand Master; 6:30-9 p.m., - U, L21 Rainier No. 24, Official Visit; dinner & Lodge, 6-9 p.m., - U, L24 Robert Burns Dinner, York Rite, Odd Fellows; Milwaukie, 5:30-9

p.m., - U, L30-31 Grand Lodge of Utah, Salt Lake Masonic Temple - U, T, L

February 20141-2 Grand Lodge of Utah, Salt Lake Masonic Temple - U, T, L4 Holbrook No. 30, Official Visit; dinner & Lodge, 6:30-9:30 p.m. - 5-7 Grand Lodge of Alaska, Anchorage Sheraton Hotel - U, T, L8 MESH, Forest Grove; 8 a.m. - 12 noon11 Tillamook No. 57, Official Visit; dinner & Lodge, 6-9 p.m. - U, L15 Conference of Western Grand Lodges, Baltimore, Md.15-19 Conference of Grand Masters in North America, Baltimore, Md20 Clatskanie No. 133 Official Visit; dinner & Lodge, 6:30-9:30 p.m. - U, L22 Regional Meeting, Occasional Grand Lodge, Washington Mason

Center, Portland; 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. - SU, L

28 Little Falls No. 176, White Sox & Wig Night, Vader, Wa; 5-6 p.m. -

Grand Master, and the Grand Lodge

trustees, including members of theConcordant and Appendant bodies, areworking on ways to put Masonry in theforefront of public education. Informationon all these programs is available on theGrand Lodge website or from the staff atGrand Lodge.

So I ask the Masters and their variouscommittee members to plan wisely andinclude some of these programs duringyour Masonic year. As we all know, timepasses quickly. Let your Lodge and theprincipals that we stand for; BrotherlyLove, Relief and Truth be known in yourcommunity and we will indeed hear thatit was the Masons that made it all hap-pen.

Lodge programs,continued from page one

- by Don StapletonSenior Grand Warden

New Year, new opportunities.

Public Education reminder

In the December issue of the Oregon Ma-

sonic News, our Grand Master, M.W.B.David Fryday, reminded us of the impor-tance of the Spirit of Giving. It is withouta doubt that each and every Lodge, as wellas each Brother, recognizes opportunitiesto reach out within our communities tocontribute in some worthy fashion.

I am urging each Worshipful Masterto go to the Grand Lodge website anddownload the Public Education Achieve-ment Award Report and fill it out. This is asemi-annual report, covering June throughDecember of the numerous activities andvolunteer hours for this period. It is onlyproper that the Brethren and Lodgesreceive the recognition for their labor andserve as an encouragement to others tolend a hand in reaching out to our commu-nities and supporting the opportunity toeducate the public of our fraternal obliga-tions.

- by W.B. Jerry SchierlingChairman, Public Education Committee

The 2014 Masonic Model Student As-sistance Program is fast approach-ing. Currently, we have around 60 teach-ers and staff signed up to attend. AsOregon Coordinator, I want to extenda thank you to each Mason who hastaken the time to approach local educa-

tors. Youve made the difference!If you havent approached any, Iimplore you to do so. As we know, thebenefits to Oregon children are endlessand the program is regularly hailed asOne of the most useful and dynamicconferences [out there]*.

Thank you for continuing to make thedifference for MMSAP.

*Quote of a Douglas County educator.

- by Marissa Douglas

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Grand Masters Message,continued from page tw

press correspondent would have the dut

to utilize the appropriate media: be it thelocal newspaper, radio station, or televi-sion station. The press correspondentmust have accurate information to dis-seminate: who, what, when,where, how, and why.He should also be ableto provide high qual-ity close-up photosof people and events.Proper media relationsrequire establishing a rapportwith editors, columnists, news directorsand reporters. The subject matter needsto be timely, unusual, local and have hu-man appeal.

Lodge Trestleboards (newsletters) neeto follow the same standards for communication with the media. They also needto announce upcoming events, report onrecent happenings, acknowledge membeaccomplishments, etc. Trestleboards cango a step beyond and provide biographi-

cal sketches and review Masonic publications. Although we traditionally mail ourmonthly publications, the trend is shift-ing to electronic media which has beenenthusiastically accepted by many of ournewer members.

All of these ideas, and more, will beshared in the upcoming training for ourmembers and the leaders of our variousorganizations. Blue Lodge Training on

April 26, 2014, will have various work-shops on Lodge public relations andinstructors will delve into the nitty-grittyof proper publicity. If you are interested,contact the Information and EducationCommittee Chairman, R.W.B. Art Borlandfor more details.

Let all of us begin to reach out to ourlocal communities and improve our col-lective Fraternal identity. We must proudly stand up for the principles and tenetsof Masonry. We need to educate the

A visit to remember:The George Washington Memorial

continued on page six

The estate features a dove of peace weathervane.

Twenty-one visitors from Oregon arrived at the east coast on

Nov. 12, 2013, to represent the Oregon Jurisdiction at theGeorge Washington Masonic National Memorial, located in Alex-andria, Va. Stay tuned as the next few OMN issues will cover theday-to-day activities and landmarks of the 2013 visit.

DAY TWO:Thursday dawned bright, sunny and a bit chilly with a light

breeze. Our day started with a trip to Mt. Vernon for an enjoy-able and delightfultour of the estate ofGeorge Washington.

We were met at thefront steps by Jack,a very entertainingdocent. He escortedus to the Orienta-tion Center where weviewed a 15-minutemovie titled WeFight to be Free.This informative

video presents many lesser-known facts about George Washing-tons role as a Colonel in the Virginia Militia when he participated

in the French and Indian War. In 1755, Colonel Washington servedwith Major General Edward Braddock on a mission to advanceon Fort Duquesne. After Braddocks force was ambushed anddefeated at the Battle of Monongahela, resulting in General Brad-docks death, George Washington stepped forward and organizeda retreat that saved the remainder of the British and Americanforces. For his service during the French and Indian War, George

Washington receivedseveral thousandacres in the Ohio

Valley, an area thatWashington becamefamiliar with yearsearlier as a 16-year-old surveyor. Thevideo further dis-played details aboutthe crossing of theDelaware, a battlethat began on Christ-mas day, 1776, and concluded the next with the first major victoryfor the Colonial Army in the War for Independence, providing an

continued on page s

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November 7, 2013 December 11, 2013

Masonic & Eastern Star HomePetitioner Club

Mitch Obeid (66) James B. Byford (72) Steve M. Dunn (156)Raymond Carson (201) Gary Price (18) Harry Davis (48)

John D. Armstrong (160) Victor Morton (29) Arthur D. Case, Jr. (Judy and M.W.B. Ed Bousquet, P.G.M. (139)

Evelyn Holce Gerald V. Gerritz, Jr. (55)Tillamook Lodge No. 57 (Pin Money)

Crater Lake Lodge No. 211 (Pin Money)Florence Lodge No. 107 Crater Lake Lodge No. 211

Warren Lodge No. 10 Gateway Lodge No. 175Tillamook Lodge No. 57

Oregon Masonic OutReach Program

Petitioner ClubJennifer Brundidge in honor of Tom Burke & in memory

of Forrest A. SteenPortland Lodge No. 55

Giving TreeRobert H. Swenson (57) William F. Bitar (114)

Patti and M.W.B. Hunt Compton, P.G.M. (3)Donald A. Helwig (57) W.E. & Darlene Johnson (156)

Dalton & Christine Fox (29) LeRoy Parker (103)

Matthew Gerbrandt (52) Brian Hellman (6) James W. Aday (13Donald B. Myers (102) Morris & Carolyn Miller (157)Dean & Helen Frazier (34) Charles & Debra Aster (56)

Judy and M.W.B. Ed Bousquet, P.G.M. (139) Art Thompson (6)Marys River Lodge No. 221

OMCF - MMSAP

Petitioner ClubRalph Gens (55) William Ziebell (55) Richard A. Hazeltine (156

Mitch Obeid (66) James B. Byford (72) Bob L. Hopper (30)Raymond Carson (201)

Gateway Lodge No. 175 Portland Lodge No. 55

Tillamook Lodge No. 57 Florence Lodge No. 107Crater Lake Lodge No. 211

Masonic Youth & Literacy Program

Fellowcraft ClubWarren Lodge No. 10

2014 Secretary Seminar

Time is limited! Sign up for the Jan.18, 2014, Secretary Seminar. Hostedin the Jefferson room at the JenningsMcCall Center, the Grand Lodge stronglyrecommends attendence. The seminarwill last from approximately 8-5 p.m., withlunch provided. The Grand Secretary willbe available for additional questions andanswers that are pertinent to the individualLodge Secretarys membership issues andconcerns.

The Secretary Seminar is open to LodgeSecretaries and those in training. Pleasehave your registration form and supply or-

der submitted no later than one week priorto the date of seminar. We suggest youbring a current copy of the Oregon Mason-ic Code and your Secretarys Handbook.

Lastly, a block of rooms has beenmade available until Jan. 3, at both theBest Western Hotel, 503-992-888, and theMcMenamins Grand Lodge, 503-992-9533.Mention Masonic Grand Lodge for adiscounted rate.

2014 Secretary Seminar

Registration Form

Please fill out and return to:Masonic Grand Lodge

2150 Masonic WayForest Grove, OR 97116

name:

lodge name :

lodge number:

Reminder to all Lodges:

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George Washington Memorial visit,continued from page four

- by M.W.B. Ed Bousquet, P.G.M.,Acting Grand Secretary

important and morale-boosting victory.

The original Mt. Vernon residence was a modest farmhousebuilt by George Washingtons father, Augustine in 1735. George

Washington expanded the house in 1758 to two-and-one-halfstories and in 1774, added the north and south wings, the cupolaand piazza to create the structure we see today. Today, the man-sion stands at those same two-and-one-half stories with a fullbasement, the whole totaling more than 11,000 square feet.

There are largevegetable gardensthat provided vastamounts of food forthe estate. Thereare outbuildingsthat include quar-ters for the servants of those that visited George and Martha, abakery, distillery, blacksmith shop, gristmill, greenhouse and avery interesting dung repository. This is a covered area wherehorse manure was mixed with other organic matter to producefertilizer for the nearby gardens, orchards and fields. This uniqueuse of what would normally be considered waste was an exampleof Washingtons creative innovations for agriculture. Of all histalents, George Washington was most proud of being a farmer.

Our tour ended with an impressive laying of a wreath by Most

Worshipful Grand Master,David Fryday at the tombs ofGeorge and Martha Washing-ton. George Washington diedat Mount Vernon on Dec. 14,1799. It was not until 1831that a tomb was completedand George and Marthasremains were transferred tothe tomb.

Everyone agreed, the visitsto the memorials dedicatedto the Father of our coun-try were rousing and excit-ing ventures that createdan intense desire to return

and learn more about this amazing man, husband, Freemason,farmer, fisherman, entrepreneur, surveyor, soldier and inspira-tion. Sadly, we had to leave Mt. Vernon with much left to be seen.Guess we will just have to plan another trip.

GWMNM TRIVIAWashington also operated the largest

distillery in the country, producing near

11,000 gallons of whiskey in 1799.

The Chaplains corner

Now that Thanksgiving has past, we catake a few minutes to reflect on allthat we have to be thankful for. One greatbenefit is the support of all our Brothersas we go into a new year. Some officerswill be new and may be worried aboutwhat they should be doing. Remember,help and advice is just a handshake away.

Dont hesitate to ask an experiencedBrother for assistance. Those of us whohave gone that way before are usuallyreluctant to volunteer help, but seldom wwe refuse when asked. A lesson I learnedthe first time I was Worshipful Master, wasthat when I asked for volunteers, no handwent up, but when I asked specific menby name if they would help, I was seldomrefused.

Always remember, there is an inexhaus

ible supply of help and strength in prayerand in our Holy Book. With the outstand-ing leadership we have in our Lodgesand Grand Lodge, I pray and expect ourLodges and Fraternity to prosper in theNew Year. May the Great Architect blessand protect you.

- by Dick UnruGrand Chapla

Grand Masters Message,continued from page fou

FraternallDavid H. Fryday, Grand Mast

A.F. & A.M. , of Orego

public about our contributions to society

to public education and to our variousphilanthropic efforts. Working alone,there is little we can get done; BuildingTogether there is little we cannot accomplish. Let us continue to make the worlda better place - eliminating ignorance,eradicating disease and assisting theneedy. Lets get to work and make a realdifference.

+

W.B. David Fryday and wife, Mary lay a wreath

he tomb of George and Martha Washington.

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NEWS FROM OUR LODGES Bend Lodge No. 139

On Nov. 16, Bend Lodge hosted their annual Veterans Dinner. This year with the help of the Brethren, the

Lodge was able to get the word out to well over 200 veterans who served, or are still serving, in the U.S.military. With the word out, and the leg work done by the officers of the Lodge, we were pleased to see a

turnout that was four times the previous year. With the hall full and the wonderful foodserved, the Worshipful Master introduced our special guests for the evening.

Among the attendees were; Shirley Godwin and Lucille Seidenverg, sisters of MajorBenjamin F. Wilson who received the Congressional Medal of Honor and the Distin-guished Service Cross for his heroics and actions in the Korean War; and Corporal Rob-ert Maxwell, resident of Bend and oldest living Congressional Medal of Honor recipientfor his heroic actions during World War II. Corporal Maxwell received his medal of honofor his risk of life in 1944, when he unhesitatingly hurled himself squarely upon an enemhand grenade, saving the lives of his comrades in arms.

The head table, complete with its patriotic quilt backdrop, provided by the WorshipfulMasters wife, Gail Ransdall was covered with fascinating historic documents, flags, car-toons and photographs, including one of the presentation to Major Wilson by PresidentDwight Eisenhower. Though it is easy to revel in the accomplishments of our key speak-ers, it was impossible to come away from the evening without heartfelt recognition anddeepened respect for all that each and every service member has done for our nation. Iwas proud to be able to break bread with such upstanding and selfless people.

- by W.B. Derek Steve

2013 OutReach Giving Tree Results

This years OutReach Services Giving Tree,

at right, is covered with ornaments, eachrepresenting a donation given to support aBrother or Sister in need. This past Christmas,twenty-two OutReach members recieved giftsfrom the $1,880 donated to the fund. DanielleChristopherson, OutReach Services Coordi-nator, is working with the Rainbow Girls andLodge volunteers to distribute, and oftenhand deliver the gifts to the recipients.

Thank you to everyone who picked anornament off the tree and made the modest

wishes of Masonic and Eastern Star Brothersand Sisters come true. Youve made someoneelses holiday brighter!

- by Marissa Dougla

The oldest living recipient ofthe Congressional Medal ofHonor, Robert Maxwell.

Hermiston Lodge No. 138

W.M. Phil Walchli recently presented a

gift to Brother Jim Leitch of Hermis-ton Lodge inhonor of hisfifteen yearsof service asTreasurer. Bro.Leitch was pre-sented with theGrand Masterspen set andis seen below,holding the giftwith smiles all around.

- story provided by W.B. Randy Smith

2014 Directory of Lodges

The Directory of Lodges will be mailed out in the next month. Included in the listings are Worshipful Masters,Senior Wardens, Junior Wardens, Senior Deacons and Secretaries. Also listed are District Deupties of theGrand Master and Grand Lodge staff.

Please remember the Directory of Lodges is only for the use of our Lodge members. Lodge Secretaries shouldsubmit any changes to the members contact information to the Grand Lodge promptly.

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OREGON MASONIC NEWSThe Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of OR2150 Masonic WayForest Grove, OR 97116

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he Oregon Masonic News is publishedonthly (except July and August) by

uthority of the trustees of The Grandodge, A.F. & A.M., of Oregon. Editorse the trustees of the Grand Lodge.eadline for copy is the fifth of theonth preceding the publication date.xample: September 5 for the Octobersue.igh resolution photos, along with story

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ecretary of the Grand Lodge, A.F. &M., of Oregon.

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ubscription rate is $5 per year. PLEASEOTE: The mailing address is Oregonasonic News, 2150 Masonic Way, Forestrove, OR 97116. Phone: 503-357-3158;utside the Portland-area, 800-970-9920.ax: 503-357-1815. Website: www.masonic-

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