Mt. Hood Lodge No. 32 met on April 11th at the Barberton Grange for our Stated Communication on the 1st Degree. Br. Randy R. and Br. Jerramie R. were among the first to arrive, promptly initiating the setup of the Lodge room in preparation for welcoming numerous Past Masters and staging our theatrical opening. Shortly thereafter, both Henry Wentworth OES and Bethel #38 JDI arrived to assist with meal preparations, infusing the hall with bustling activity and eager anticipation for serving dishes and conducting a dessert auction.
After savoring a meal featuring pork chops accompanied by an array of side dishes, the Jobies promptly turned their attention to showcasing the abundant selection of desserts available for bidding. Sixteen delectable options were swiftly auctioned off to the highest bidders, culminating in a total of $582 raised for their youth group.
The Brothers bid farewell to the numerous visitors and proceeded into the Lodge room. Following a theatrical opening, amidst the subdued ambiance of the Grange Hall, the Master’s Message commenced by emphasizing the shared experience of initiation into Masonry and the overarching goal of the institution to cultivate Better Men among its members. He then urged those present to introspect on the influence of Masonry in their lives, questioning whether the Craft had indeed contributed to their personal improvement. Br. Cory was excused from this reflection, given that it was his inaugural meeting, and was encouraged to “give it a minute.”
A Brother’s journey unfolds as he progresses through the initial three Degrees, offering immeasurable benefits to each individual in their personal lives, as it has done for men over the centuries. It was proposed that it is the responsibility of every proficient Master Mason to impart these lessons to the men who come after them, thereby perpetuating the tradition of Masonic wisdom and enlightenment.
Although Lodge’s Master Masons hold significant value within the fraternity, the cornerstone of a Lodge lies within its progressive officer line. It is these individuals who facilitate the enjoyment of Masonic rights and privileges for all Brothers, as well as the vital task of adeptly introducing new men to the Fraternity.
It is an Ancient Landmark of Masonry that each Lodge is governed by a Master and two Wardens, roles that may seem formidable to those new to the Fraternity. However, through the lens of the ‘Temples Leadership’ framework, it was illustrated how the progression toward these positions within our Craft imparts valuable lessons. These lessons not only equip individuals for leadership roles within the Craft but also contribute to their personal growth, enriching their relationships within their families and careers.
Then, special consideration was given to the position of Worshipful Master. A title immediately recognizable to every Mason globally and since its inception. The discussion drew upon Chapter 10 of MW Carl Claudys’ “The Masters Book” as a framework to delve into the intricacies and responsibilities associated with this revered role.
The Master’s Message culminated with an emphasis on the fundamental significance of the Past Master. Seeking insight into the wisdom bestowed by this esteemed position, Past Masters of Mt. Hood Lodge were invited to occupy seats west of the Altar. Following formal introductions by our Senior Deacon, Br. Jerramie R., Public Grand Honors were accorded.
Subsequently, each Past Master was granted the spotlight and a microphone to impart their wisdom to those currently serving or contemplating joining the Officer Line. The following Past Masters of Mt. Hood Lodge No. 32 were either present () or contributed words of wisdom to be conveyed in Lodge:
WB Lee T. – 1977
WB Dick P.* – 1987
WB Jim J.* – 1995
WB Peter G. – 1999
WB Mark W. – 2002, 2006
VWB David D.* – 2004
WB James W.* – 2008, 2012
VWB Paul W. – 2008, 2018
VWB Dave E.* – 2009
WB John L. – 2013
WB Steve T.* – 2014, 2019, 2020
WB Rob P. – 2016
WB John T.* – 2021 (Hon.)
Following the insights shared by our Past Masters, warm greetings were extended to all visitors present, including Br. Austin B., a fellow Brother from West Gate Lodge No. 128, and Br. Cory P., Mt. Hood’s newest Entered Apprentice. Each received a heartfelt welcome from the Brothers in attendance.
Moving forward, Br. Cole C. was invited to recount how he utilized the March Random Act of Kindness (RAK) funds. He shared an encounter with a gentleman he met while waiting at a bus stop. Observing evident signs of recent surgery and drill scars on his head, Br. Cole sensed the man was grappling with adversity. Engaging in conversation, he discovered that the man had been a recent victim of a hit-and-run accident, compounded by the unfortunate circumstance of his insurance company going out of business, leaving him burdened with debt. Recognizing an opportunity to extend kindness, Br. Cole generously allocated the RAK funds and offered words of encouragement. Well done, Brother!
For this month, collected funds were allocated to support Job’s Daughters, consequently, no Random Act of Kindness (RAK) funds were gathered. We urge all Brothers to initiate a Random Act of Kindness individually and subsequently report them anonymously to the Lodge. These acts will be shared during our upcoming May Stated Meeting.
An excellent opportunity would be to join Br. Connor at the upcoming Habitat for Humanity event on May 4th from 8:30 am to 1 pm. (I feel compelled to note that the building is located on 32nd Street. Send an email if you would like more information.)
A Petition for the Degrees of Masonry was then read, followed by the appointment of an investigation committee. During Communications, it was announced that the Lodge would extend its support to the Job’s Daughters and Rainbow Girls by purchasing half-page advertisement spots in their upcoming state convention program books.
A succinct presentation was delivered regarding the status of Mt. Hood’s annual Budget during Old Business, leading to several proposals for budget increases under New Business. Notably, funds were proposed to support our upcoming May Masterpiece event on May 11th and our 5th Thursday Fun Night in August. Furthermore, a Social Media Policy was introduced, outlining the expectations regarding our various Telegram groups and other communication channels. Please reach out if you would like to know more about all of our groups, forums, and chats.
Attention then shifted to Proficiency Reports, overseen by our Senior Warden. The first recognition went to Br. Mark P., marking his final appearance under these reports, as he had successfully completed proficiency on the Master Mason Degree. Amidst resounding applause, Br. Mark shared a recent Lodge visitation he undertook independently, attending a joint meeting of Willamette Lodge No. 2 and Fairview Lodge No. 92 in Troutdale, OR. In formal acknowledgment of his accomplishment, Br. Mark was presented with a certificate of proficiency bearing the seal of Mt. Hood Lodge No. 32, along with a Mt. Hood lapel pin.
The reports continued with Br. Connor providing an update that Br. Ian is making great strides in his Master Mason proficiency and eagerly anticipates his forthcoming trip to Europe as a Master Mason. Br. Norvin conveyed steady improvement in Br. Randy’s work. Br. Jerramie shared that Br. Joey is nearing proficiency as an Entered Apprentice, hinting at an imminent announcement of a Fellowcraft Degree. Br. Mark disclosed that Br. Cole is in the process of developing a presentation scheduled for our May Stated Meeting. WB Will informed us that Austin is reviewing the NCEP questions for presentation in Lodge. Finally, Br. Connor informed the Lodge that Br. Cory P. has received all the necessary documentation to commence work on his Entered Apprentice proficiency.
Br. Justin G. then took the floor to deliver our Practical Proficiency for the evening. Br. Justin had recently conducted a survey among the Brothers, soliciting information about their talents and aspirations for personal development. He proceeded to utilize a well-recognized symbol within Masonry to elucidate how we should perceive these passions and prioritize them within the Masonic context. Following his presentation, the brethren responded with a resounding applause for this original educational piece.
Br. Alex then invited brothers to share about recent events during the “In Case You Missed It” segment.
WB Tim H. rose to celebrate the recent initiation of Br. Jesse C. as the newest Entered Apprentice Mason in Washington Lodge No. 4.
WB Chad B. shared the recent celebration at North Bank Lodge No. 182 honoring WB James “Klutz the Magnificent” for his remarkable 60 years of service, marked by the presentation of his Service pin.
Br. Kyle W. provided an engaging recap of the Jurisdictions Lodge Leadership Retreat, highlighting a particular course and emphasizing the camaraderie and active participation among the Brothers in attendance.
Br. Justin G. recounted the enjoyable Easter Egg Hunt organized by Bethel #38 at the North Bank Masonic Center.
Br. Connor G. discussed his participation in a recent Habitat for Humanity event, where they collaborated on constructing a home for a deserving family in need.
Under Good of the Order, several upcoming events were presented:
May 11th – May Masterpiece Ladies Event
May 25th – Memorial Day Potluck (Woodland/Kalama No. 17)
May 30th – May 5th Thursday Fun Night
Jun 13th – Annual Communication
As the evening drew to a close, the Marshall’s Bottle was presented, but there was something a little different planned for this particular occasion.
The first documented definition of the word “cocktail” appeared in the 6 May 1806 issue of The Balance and Columbian Repository in Hudson, New York, in response to a reader’s letter seeking clarification of the term. Initially, cocktails were quite straightforward, typically comprising a single liquor with minimal additions. However, by the 1860s, bartenders began to expand their repertoire, crafting a diverse array of complex cocktails that patrons could order.
However, there were those who liked it how it was in their year, or rather the “Old Fashioned” way. Therefore, in honor of our Past Masters, and as a small penance for doing things a bit differently, our Entered Apprentices and Fellowcrafts would, with some bourbon, orange peels, and bitters, mix up some ‘Old Fashioned’s’ to be enjoyed directly after the meeting.
In anticipation of the warm fellowship to follow, the meeting was closed, peace and harmony prevailing.