Page 19 - 2017 Summer

community involvement is most prominent with the success-
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Volume XCII No.1 - Summer Issue - Page 3
Volume XCVIII No. 4 - Summer 2017 Issue - Page 19 this year are four schools and 16 bikes strong and have been
Volume XCVIII No. 4 - Summer 2017 Issue - Page 17
olume XCII No.1 - Summer Issue - Page 3
nurtured by WB Tim Rowley. They have also taken an active
role in the youth groups.
Deputies of the Grand Master Yelm Lodge has three Past Masters serving as Master and
Wardens. This has provided much needed leadership to the
Lodge. Yelm continues to support the community with schol-
REPORTS continued... arships and by participating in local activities like parades
and other community activities.
(continued from page 18) Community involvement is a hallmark of Tenino Lodge. They
is also a great way to meet local students, and their parents. hold an annual breakfast for a local car show and partici-
I met several school officials and parents, who now probably pate in the Tenino parade. WB Franklyn Gallup has used his
have a better impression of the Masonic Fraternity and the woodworking skills to build a miniature golf course to encour-
good we can do in the community. age family and community participation. He is also holding
On Sunday, May 21, Grand Lodge will assist District 15 with monthly Birthday Parties at the Lodge to encourage mem-
the dedication of a cornerstone ceremony at the new Mid- bers of the community to come and learn about Masonry.
land Fire Station at 1 pm. This is an impressive ceremony Wynooche Lodge has a successful book program and a
that again puts our Fraternity in a great light. District 15 will scholarship program. They continue to buys books for 3rd
be working with the local fire departments to conduct around graders each year. Each year several of the local elemen-
5 more ceremonies, as new fire stations are built or upgrad- tary schools in the surrounding community benefit from this
ed. If you can attend, please do. It is more impressive to our program. In return the Lodge receives a thank you note from
communities if there is a large Masonic turnout. many of the students with photos showing their gratitude.
District 15 will join with Districts 13 and 14 for our annual They also provide scholarship for local high school seniors.
Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 29 at 1 pm, at the Grays Harbor supports the local youth in its community and
New Tacoma Cemetery in University Place. The Grand Mas- has a rotating scholarship program for area schools. Grays
ter and Lodges will be there to honor those Brothers who Harbor also hosts an annual Surf and Turf dinner which hon-
have departed this world over the past year. If any Lodge ors the Police and Fire Departments in the Grays Harbor
has aprons of departed Brothers that they would like to be area. The money raised goes to supporting the scholarships.
interred, we would be willing to do so. Grand Master and Brothers, I am humbled by the confidence
As we are about to come together again as a Grand Lodge, which you have reposed in me these past two years. I have
I look forward to seeing you all and having a great time in served you and the Brothers of this Grand Jurisdiction to
Yakima. See you in June. the best of my abilities. I am honored to have served as
your Deputy of District No. 16 of the Most Worshipful Grand
VWBB James Nero Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington.
Deputy of the Grand Master - District 15
Fraternally,
Clint Brown
The Grand Master’s message this year is Deputy of the Grand Master - District No. 16
simple. Three words… Be the Difference.
FreeMasonry has been the cornerstone of
society for hundreds of years. We have
played key roles in the rise of nations, We have had a great spring in District 17,
society and the arts. We have welcomed and are looking forward to a bright future
such great men into our ranks as George with FreeMasonry.
Washington, Voltaire and George S. Pat- For those who might not know, District
ton and celebrated artists such as John 17 is a small District, comprised of four
Wayne, Mel Blanc and Harry Houdini. Em- Lodges, all within Lewis County. Like
pires have fallen, palaces destroyed and vessels of iron and most, perhaps all, the District has con-
steel have rotted. However, the superstructure upon which tracted over the past years as Lodges
FreeMasonry is built has weathered the test of time. Why? have merged with their neighbors in or-
Because, we FreeMasons each and every one of us are the der to survive, and to continue serving
difference. My Brothers in District No. 16 have embraced this their membership.
message and are making a difference. While in some ways sad, this contraction was necessary to
Olympia Lodge, No. 1 has a strong line of officer’s and contin- keep resources from being spread too thin, and I believe that
ues to work within their community. WB Joel Lockwood has District 17 is now right sized to serve the Brethren of today,
provided outstanding leadership and direction to the Lodge. and tomorrow. I do not think that we will see further consoli-
Olympia Lodge demonstrates great support for its youth dation; rather I think that these fewer Lodges will each grow
groups and community. The Lodge hosts an Easter egg hunt stronger over time.
open to the community. They also award four scholarships Chehalis Lodge, No. 28 has been experiencing some good
to deserving students within the TuMWBater, Olympia and growth recently. Its dinners are well attended, its programs
North Thurston School Districts. are interesting, and there is a positive vibe throughout the
Harmony Lodge is gaining new members who are active and Lodge. The Lodge building is also getting some long ne-
glected TLC; younger Brothers there are proving to be an
participating. Harmony Lodge has a young line and their
(continued in page 20)
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