Mt. Hood Lodge No. 32 met on June 23rd at the Barberton Grange for our Stated Communication on the 2nd degree. As per Lodge tradition, we held an Aloha-Business Casual Hawaiian-themed meeting. Inside the Grange was a bit warm, but comfortable. OES Henry Wentworth put on an impressive show by breaking out the grill and firing up fresh Huli-Huli chicken and a full spread along with Mai-Tai’s with the little umbrellas. The smoky-sweet smell of cooking chicken greeted everyone as they arrived. Getting into the spirit of the event, we all donned lei’s and moved towards festively decorated tables as WB John T. led us in a thoughtful Grace.
A bit of entertainment was provided during the meal, initially by Brother Charles C. describing how he used his Random Act of Kindness (RAK) funds to pay for a stranger’s groceries. It was heartwarming to hear about some unnamed person in our community receiving a small amount of charity from their local Masonic Lodge. Meal attendees then donated funds to refill our RAK coffers. After, the WM gave a brief piece of education about the District Deputy and the five power bases proposed by French and Raven. Following the training, he proceeded to use his Coercive and Reward power to recognize several individuals for their contributions through the past Masonic year, to humorous effect.
The relaxed and fun atmosphere carried into the Lodge during the opening. Brief introductions were held for VWB Gordon J. and WB Todd E. as sitting Worshipful Masters of Silver Star 286 and Washington 4, respectively. The Treasurer’s report was brief and three motions were passed; move funds from the investment account, pay the rental expenses to the Grange in July and August, and pay bills over the summer. During reports of Joy, Sickness, and Distress the hat was passed with poker chips used to randomly choose a recipient of that meeting’s RAK funds. WB Virgil M. drew the white poker chip and we look forward to hearing about how he spent the funds at our September meeting. We then discussed the operative definition of the word “Cowan”, and how it should encourage us to work our rough ashlars, minimize gaps in our work, and seek unity with others.
Proficiency reports were given; Brother Will C. will be ready to prove up this Summer, Brother Jerramie C. proved up in committee during the meal, and Brother Connor G. proved up on the 2nd degree in Lodge. His dramatic performance of the Posting Lecture was well received by the Brothers. (The ‘cheat sheet’ posted by the Master was not needed.) After, the Secretary read communications from Grand Lodge granting a dispensation to move our charter to North Bank on July 7th to hold an MM Degree.
The Lodge had several Petitions to discuss. First, a petition from Mr. Justin G was read and an investigation committee was assigned. A Petition for Plural-Membership was read a second time for WB Gerald W. and was passed unanimously by the Bretheren. A Petition for the Degrees was read a second time for Mr. David H. and was passed unanimously by the Brethren. After, the Secretary read communications from the Grand Lodge granting a dispensation to move our charter on July 1st to hold an EA Degree.
Old business was covered to include a discussion of Grand Lodge and congratulations to Most Worshipful Brother Ed Woods on his election to Grand Master. The theme for his year is GNOTHI SEAUTON (Know Thyself) and will be the theme for our Table Lodge in December. We then discussed the meeting held on June 8th attended by Master Masons of Mt. Hood where we conducted a SWOT analysis and made recommendations to be presented to Lodge, which we then proceeded to present during New Business.
Elections for the ensuing year were then held. VWB Gordon J., WB Todd E., Br. Connor G. facilitated the ballotting, with unanimous votes received for the following:
Worshipful Master – WB Will L.
Senior Warden – VWB Dave E.
Junior Warden – Br. Alex “The Beast” B.
Secretary/Treasurer – VWB David D.
After several announcements were made during Good of the Order, we proceeded to close. Each Brother was embraced during the final charge as the Lodge was closed in Due Form, peace and harmony prevailing.