Mt. Hood Lodge No. 32 met on November 10th at the Barberton Grange for our Stated Communication on the 1st Degree. The table setting provided by O.E.S. Henry Wentworth was patriotic and inviting. In honor of Veteran’s Day, Navy Bean soup was served with red/white/blue jello, cornbread, and pumpkin pie. WB Todd E. provided a heart-felt grace before the Lodge settled into the meal and a presentation about Diogenes the Cynic.
The educational piece started with Antisthenes, a philosopher who learned rhetoric from Gorgias and who, as a student of Socrates, was dramatically impacted by that philosopher’s condemnation for teaching the youth of Athens and his following trial and death. Antisthenes, motivated by a belief that pleasure is not only unnecessary but a positive evil, began teaching at Cynosarges (the place of the white dog) and eventually adopted Diogenes as a student. Diogenes taught Crates of Thebes, who then taught Zeno of Citium. Several humorous exploits of Diogenes were highlighted before defining the Cynics (dog-like) and differentiating them from contemporary cynicism (distrust by prudence), pessimism (distrust of potential success), and nihilism (distrust that anything in life has meaning).
“Other dogs bite their enemies, I bite my friends to save them.” – Diogenes
Classical music greeted the Brothers as they found their seats just before the meeting began. The opening ritual was beautifully performed by the Officer Team, a testament to their practice and respect for the Craft. After which, Veterans in attendance were asked to stand and be recognized. A round of applause thanked them for their service. Several visitors were then introduced, including VW Gordon J., WM of Silver Star No. 286, and WB Chad B., WM of North Bank Lodge No. 182.
Our meeting started with “The Man in the Arena”, giving the audience an opportunity to compare Roosevelt’s opinion with that of Diogenes for the upcoming Lodge discussion. Communications were read, to include an announcement by the Grand Master regarding dues entry into Grandview and virtual dues cards. During the Treasurer’s report, motions were made to move funds to cover expenses and to pay the bills in December.
During the Lodge Discussion, Brothers were asked if a Mason could be a Cynic. WB Todd E., WB John F., and Bro. Connor G. provided thought-provoking comments before we moved on to Proficiency Reports. VW Dave E. reports that Bro. Connor G. will be ready to prove up in January. Bro. Alex has begun working with Bro. Will C., the Lodge’s newest Master Mason. Brother Sage B. was excited to announce Bro. David H’s readiness for 2nd Degree proficiency, however Bro. David was less excited when the WM asked him to approach the alter. After being reminded, by a surprising number of people, that they were open on the 1st Degree, it was decided that proficiency would be done later. Bro. Jerramie R. announced that Bro. Justin G. is making excellent progress and, in line with our enhanced proficiency program, invited Bro. Justin to the alter to report answers to several questions from the New Candidate Education Program. Bro. Justin reports his appreciation of this addition to the proficiency process, as the questions prompted him to think deeply about the lessons of that degree.
VW Gordon then escorted WB Todd out of Lodge as balloting on two petitions began. Bro. Sage and Bro. Jerramie moved sharply around the Lodge as both ballots were cast. Bro. Norvin C. was first up and received much applause when the vote was found bright in the East. The second was for Bro. Todd E., Past Master of Washington Lodge No. 4. Since he was just outside the door, the result was given silently from the three principle Officers. WB Todd was then called into Lodge and, while standing at the altar, given the good news. A warm round of applause was given as Mt. Hood welcomed its newest member! We then read a petition from Mr. Mark P. who has been a frequent visitor to the Saturday University events and is eager to join the Craft. An investigation committee was assigned, and their results will be reported at the January Stated Meeting.
Reports of Joy, Sickness, and Distress caused mixed emotions as Brothers provided insight into their happiness and concerns. Our Lodge Chaplain WB John T., a much loved and steady presence in the Lodge, was missed due to health reasons. The Lodge is hoping for his swift recovery.
Old Business began with VW Dave E. announcing the results of our internal Audit. The committee, including WB John T. and Bro. Connor G., reports the books being in order but requests an itemized list of items purchased from our Lodge Improvement Equipment fund, which will be presented at our Stated Meeting in January. The limited number of available Table Lodge tickets were then announced before proceeding to New Business which included two resolutions, one to amend our By-Laws and one to implement a Standing Resolution. Text of the resolutions are available upon request.
WB Chad then provided an enjoyable bit of education about the number 42, which included references to “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” and it being the ASCII code for “*”. This presentation was originally given at North Bank to acknowledge WB Will’s 2 score and 2 years on this blue globe floating in the vastness of space. WB Will then began a detailed presentation titled “From whence came our ritual?” which detailed its early origins, standardization in various Constitutions, ritual discrepancies found in various exposés, beatification from Preston’s lectures, refinement from Thomas Webb’s Monitor, consolidation after the Baltimore Convention, spread via Dr. Morris and his Conservators, delivery through California and then to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Territory of Washington by Brother Thomas M. Reed. The Lodge provided a standing ovation after the well-received presentation.
Our In Case You Missed It section was filled with Masonic events. White Salmon Lodge No. 163’s Haunted House, Mt. Hood retrieving the Traveling Gavel from Washington Lodge at their Stated Meeting, the District’s participation in the Veteran’s Day parade, DeMolay Vancouver Chapter’s D&D Night, as well as recent elections held by Silver Star Lodge No. 286, Ridgefield-Daylight Lodge No. 237, and North Bank Lodge No. 182. Special attention was given to WB Art L. who was presented with the Hiram Award at North Bank’s meeting on Nov. 7th. WB Art, in attendance that evening, was given Public Grand Honors in congratulations for this high honor of distinction within our Craft. The approaching holiday season became obvious as many holiday-themed events were announced during Good of the Order. Solemnity returned as we began to close and, after the charge, the normal gavel was passed over as the Traveling Gavel made a booming sound to officially close Lodge at 9:15 PM, peace and harmony prevailing.