Page 13 - 2017 Summer

Grand Lodge of Washington
Gr and Lodg e of W ashingt on (Continued from page 11)
Masonic Tribune
Masonic T r ibune
Volume XCVIII No. 4 - Summer 2017 Issue - Page 13 Master Mason. Unfortunately, (and it is only my opinion), this
Volume XCII No.1 - Summer Issue - Page 3
inverse relationship is what may be partially to blame for the
stream of those who become Masons only so that they may
become a Shriner. (Shriners are currently spending upwards
(Continued from page 12) of 22-Million dollars a year on advertising the services of their
hospitals, and at the end of most of these 2 and 3 minute
ering the challenges and difficulties faced by men in that day. television commercials, you will see in light relief a Masonic
Here he makes the following statement: square and compass.)
“I believe that Masonry is worthwhile; that it stands for some- The Grand Lodge Public Relations Committee has formally
thing. I believe that it is as enduring as the hills and that in asked our Grand Lodge to go into partnership with the 166
the up building of our institutions and in the advancement member TV and radio stations of the Washington State Asso-
of our civilization its influence has been and will be a strong ciation of Broadcasters, who will match us on a minimum 2 for
agency in the constructive order of things that are of real 1 basis for 30-second “Paid PSA’s” – a “Partners in Education
value.” Program” the WSAB makes available only to select non-profit
organizations such as the Washington National Guard.
He goes on to argue that Masonry must develop into, “a Our vision is to air short montages of interviews with a wide
strong constructive force, and form into active operation the variety of our members, who explain in their own words why
growing mind of today, which will be the ruling force tomor- they became Masons, how FreeMasonry has changed their
row.” Because of his long involvement with the Juvenile lives – and subsequently – how they have been able to help
Court system, Judge Neterer had a deep interest in the wel- bring healthy change in their communities. Each montage
fare and growth of our nation’s youth. He believed that Free- will conclude with a call “to learn more, visit https://freeMa-
Masonry could and should play an active role and supporting son-wa.org ”.
and helping both boys and girls. He states:
“As a progressive institution teaching a system of morality, These are not overt solicitations for new members. These
special attention should be given to the youth of both sex- vignettes are of FreeMasons of Washington who have waited
es, in their training, education and moral development. We for their turn to speak, and now deserve the opportunity to say
should be guardian to those who have no friend, Brother to in their own words - who they are, what they believe and what
the young, whoever they may be; restrain those who are they stand for. Viewers and listeners are then shown a door
wayward and not leave them to prison reforms, but with Ma- and given the opportunity to knock.
sonic hearts bring them back to the paths of rectitude; give
them guidance, helping them to unfold and expand into use- WB Roger Nelson, Chairman
ful members of society.” Public Relations Committee

Later he states the following: (ed. – WB Roger Nelson was an investigative reporter for KOMO and KING
“Masonry is not a kindergarten, nor a reformatory, nor is in Seattle for over a decade before moving into broadcast management.
it primarily an institution of charity, but is an institution for Since 1998 has been the Senior Account Executive with the KXLY Broadcast
character building, an institution whose object is to make Group and Phase 3 Digital Advertising Agency in Spokane).
its votaries wiser and better men, and the points of whose
compasses extend beyond the limits of active membership.
What greater can a Mason do than to be alive to the welfare
of the growing boy and lend this additional influence to the
destinies of the world.”
SUDOKU SYMBOL PUZZLE (Solution)
After reading these comments, one wonders if Judge Ne-
terer helped to inspire Frank S. Land to create the Order of
DeMolay eight years later in 1919. Although I was unable to
uncover any evidence regarding this, it is certainly a question
worth investigating further.

Following his term as Grand Master, Judge Neterer contin-
ued to serve the Grand Lodge in a variety of capacities for
many years. MWB Brother Neterer was called unexpectedly
to the celestial Lodge on February 2, 1943 while on special
assignment for the U. S. District Court. He was buried in
Seattle.
VWBB James Maher
Grand Historian

(Solution of puzzle from page 5)
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