Page 20 - 2017 Summer

ashingt
on
e of W
Grand Lodge of Washington plain that “thin” organizations think of people’s talents, the
and Lodg
Gr
Masonic Tribune
Masonic T r ibune individuals as resources to be used. Okay, I am a bit of a
Volume XCVIII No. 4 - Summer 2017 Issue - Page 20 thin thinker. In my Masonic career, I have found a lot of
Volume XCII No.1 - Summer Issue - Page 3
talented people. Why should they not be used for their
strengths?
Deputies of the Grand Master “Thick organizations think in terms of virtue and vice. They
take advantage of people’s desire to do good and arouse
their higher longings.” But then, I like that, too, so thank-
REPORTS continued... fully, along with a pretty substantial waist, I am for another
kind of “thick.”
(continued from page 19) “…thin institutions tend to see themselves horizontally.
inspiration for the work. People are members for mutual benefit. Thick organiza-
Centralia Lodge, No. 63 is working hard to continue its tions often see themselves on a vertical axis. People are
positive growth and trajectory. The huge and historic Lodge members so they can collectively serve the same higher
building is undergoing a complete cosmetic remodel, a re- good.
model that is incorporating truly Masonic features such as “In the former, there’s an ever-present utilitarian calculus
a checkered floor with a blazing star in the middle. This will — Is this working for me? Am I getting more out than I’m
help to ensure that it remains a vital Meeting place, not just putting in? — that creates a distance between people and
for the Lodge, but for the OES, and York Rite bodies as well. the organization. In the latter, there’s an intimacy and iden-
Robert Morris Lodge, No. 97 always proves itself to be a tity borne out of common love.”
great place, whether one is a member or a visitor. The Our common love, treasured values, feelings of Brother-
Brothers of Robert Morris work hard to ensure that the work hood, and determination to emphasize good works and
is superb, they take good food and good fellowship very seri- civility, are marks of a very thick organization.
ously, and you will not find a more welcoming band of Broth-
ers anywhere. I give my gratitude to Mr. Brooks for opening my eyes to
Little Falls Lodge, No. 176 remains a pillar within the tiny consider these concepts. In March, 2008, Michael G. Win-
community of Vader. With its fundraising, primarily through ston published a paper on this subject entitled “Leadership
the always popular White Socks and Wigs Night, it ensures Development through Thick and Thin” in the online maga-
that every child in its community has the clothing and sup- zine “Leader to Leader.”
plies needed to succeed in school. At this year’s Annual So, as FreeMasons, we are both thick and thin. Hopefully,
Communication, be on the lookout for information about Brethren, we will delve more into these concepts in our nev-
White Socks and Wigs, then make plans to join us there. er-ending quest for perfection.
All of us in District 17 look forward to welcoming you to our
Lodges, anytime you have a chance to come visit. VWB Michael A, Carmel

Cameron Bailey Deputy of the Grand Master - District No. 18
Deputy of the Grand Master - District No. 17

The Star and the Garter
Through Thick and Thin
Until April 18th, 2017, I never heard the These are two Orders.
terms “thick” and “thin” applied to organi- The Order of the Star originated in
zations. That’s the day I opened the New France, and was founded by John II.
York Times Op-Ed section and read Da- In 1350 an imitation of the recently in-
vid Brooks’ column on the subject, “How stituted Order of the Garter in England
to leave a Mark on People.” He memori- was formed. The name of the Order has
alizes a fire-fighter he knew, a man who allusion to the Star of Bethlehem, or the
gave selflessly. We know Brothers like Star of the Magi. A star of some design,
this, but do we try to define what makes from five to sixteen points, forms a part of the symbolism in
them special and consider how it affects us and our orga- every Order of Knighthood. The Order of the Garter dates
nization? from about 1344. Its origin is not certain. Edward III is said
by some to have instituted the Star and the Garter. Others
“Thick” is better. Are you curious enough to find out what say Richard I. at the siege of Acre, when he is said to have
this is about? All the quotes are directly lifted from Mr. caused 26 Knights to wear thongs of blue leather around
Brooks’ column. their legs.
His words: Another account is, that the Countess of Salisbury hap-
“A thick institution is not one that people use instrumentally, pened at a ball to drop her garter, and the King picking it up,
to get a Degree or to earn a salary. A thick institution be- presented it to her. Some of the company smiled, whereup-
comes part of a person’s identity and engages the whole on the King exclaimed “Honi Soit Qui Mal y pense” (French
person: head, hands, heart and soul. So, thick institutions translates to: Evil to him who evil thinks.) Immediately after
have a physical location, often cramped, where members this circumstance this Order of the Garter was founded. It
meet face to face on a regular basis, like a dinner table or a was founded in honor of the Holy Trinity--The Virgin Mary,
packed gym or assembly hall.” St. Edward the Confessor and St. George. The last, who
Could that sound like a Masonic Lodge? He goes on to ex- had become the tutelary saint of England, was considered
(continued in page 21)
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