Page 21 - 2017 Summer

Gr and Lodg e of W ashingt on June, the plan was for Grand Lodge to meet the next year in
Grand Lodge of Washington
Masonic T r ibune Ellensburg. Ellensburg had a brand new temple which had
Masonic Tribune
Volume XCII No.1 - Summer Issue - Page 3
Volume XCVIII No. 4 - Summer 2017 Issue - Page 21 just been completed. What was not foreseen was the major
fire that burned most of Ellensburg on July 4, 1889, includ-
ing the brand new Masonic Temple. The Ellensburg Ma-
Deputies of the Grand Master sons decided to rebuild, but at a new location which is the
current Masonic Temple in Ellensburg. Grand Lodge was
held in Ellensburg in 1890 in spite of the previous year’s fire,
REPORTS continued... and the building of the replacement temple made it possible
for Grand Lodge to lay the cornerstone for the new building
(continued from page 20) during the June 1890 Grand Lodge communication. This
its special patron. It is known as the Order of St. George, as event is described in the proceedings for 1890. MWB Wil-
well as of the Garter. Its members are also known as Knights liam A. Fairweather was Grand Master. The Grand Marshal
of St. George. formed the Grand Lodge in procession and they marched
The number of Knights was originally twenty-six, including the to the new building site escorted by the Ellensburgh (not
Sovereign, who is the Chief of the Order; but in 1786 an order a misspelling – see further in article) brass band of music.
was passed increasing the number to include all the princes of After the necessary ceremonies, the following articles were
the Royal family, and illustrious foreigners on whom the Order placed in the cornerstone: relics from the cornerstone of
might be conferred. the building that burned the figure of an Egyptian dog taken
The Garter is a dark blue ribbon, edged with gold, bearing the from the tomb of a Pharaoh, The Jewish Ten Command-
ments written in Hebrew, and engraved on a ten-cent piece,
motto, “Honi Soit qui Mal y pense” in gold letters, mounted with and other items like business cards, by-laws, and coins.
a gold buckle, and worn on the left leg below the knee. The The spelling of Ellensburg in 1890 was Ellensburgh as the
mantle is of blue velvet; on the left breast is a star. The hood is “h” was not dropped until 1894.
of crimson velvet lined with white The hat is of black velvet with
a plume of white ostrich feathers, in the center of which is a tuft
of black heron’s feathers, all fastened by a band of diamonds. VWBB Wayne Erickson
The “George” is a figure of St. George encountering a dragon,
and is worn on the collar, while a lesser “George” pendant to a Deputy of the Grand Master - District No. 20
dark blue ribbon, is worn over the left shoulder.
This Order is perhaps the best known of any except the Order This has been a fast year for me, but a good year. I’ve
of Knights Templar. In many respects The Garter and the Order learned a great deal and have a much greater appreciation
of the Temple resemble each other. for Grand Lodge and the Brethren that make it all work. One
In comparing all these orders, The Golden Fleece, The Ro- of my accomplishments this year was to complete the Profi-
man Eagle, and the other European orders of the Eagle, The ciency in Lodge Management (PiLM) program. Working my
Star and the Garter, FreeMasonry may well claim to be more way through the written exam, I was exposed to policies and
ancient than any or all of them; for in some form, well nigh akin procedures of which I was not previously aware or was not
to its present form, Masonry has existed for many centuries.” sure about. It was truly a learning experience. An experi-
Source: The Builder - October 1915 ence I recommend to all in Masonry, especially the Brethren
By Bro. John W. Wells, Iowa who desire to be leaders and mentors of those coming up
Researching the Internet, no reference can be found to “the the line.
Star and Garter” and a single order. How this came about Having gone through the PiLM experience, I believe I am in
seems to be lost in the passage of time. Suffice it to say that a much better position to help Worshipful Masters and other
our Masonic Badge is of royal application and should be worn officers in my District’s Lodges. Things I’ve learned from my
as such. PiLM experience have had direct application to situations
The next contribution will be on the several “Apron lectures” and questions I received from District 24 Lodges this year.
found throughout the various Jurisdictions of FreeMasonry. I urge my Brethren to consider doing PiLM; it’s worth it and
will give you a better understanding and appreciation of our
VWBB Mike Clemenhagen Lodge and the way it functions.
Deputy of the Grand Master - District No. 19 Grand Lodge Annual Communication is coming soon and
we’re hoping to see a good representation from the Lodges
in District 24 in Yakima. The decisions made at the annual
This year is the first time in a while since communication are important to our collective success and
Grand Lodge was held in District No. 20. I we need the thinking and the support of all our Lodges as
looked back in proceedings from the early we ponder the matters that must be decided. I look forward
years of our Grand Lodge to see the first to seeing many of you in Yakima in June.
time Grand Lodge met in this District. The I give many thanks to the Lodges of District 24 for your
first time Grand Lodge met in Yakima was hospitality and warm receptions as I traveled to and visited
1915, but at that time it was known as your Lodges. I respect your commitment and dedication to
North Yakima. It was not until 1918 that the Masonry and appreciate all you do for the people of your
original Yakima City was renamed to Union communities and the Brethren of your Lodges. I’m looking
Gap and North Yakima was renamed to forward, with you, to another good year of Masonry.
just Yakima. The Grand Master in 1915 was MWB William J.
Button. This, however, was not the first time Grand Lodge met Fraternally,
in District No. 20. The first Grand Lodge held in District No. 20 VWBB Doug Warnock
was in Ellensburg in 1890. In 1889 when Grand Lodge met in Deputy of the Grand Master - District No. 24
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