Mt. Hood Lodge No. 32 met on May 11th at the Barberton Grange for our Stated Communication on the 1st Degree. The Brethren were greeted by a strong gust of cool wind as the air conditioner struggled against the hot May afternoon. Dark suits moved quickly throughout the Grange Hall intent on preparing the Lodge for the evening. As stations were prepared and posters hung, new faces were seen and quickly lent a hand. Mr. Randy R., who has a significant background in DeMolay and a regular at the Saturday University meetups, was warmly greeted as well as Brother Norvin C. who made his long-awaited return after many years of being out of the area. Unfortunately, many Brothers were not able to make the meeting due to health and other priorities. Their absence was greatly missed, and our prayers are with them.
OES was doing quick work preparing the evening’s meal, and VW David E. made a triumphant entrance as he brought in our new cabinet, an idea that he proposed and was approved by the Grange. With this additional storage, we will be able to provide a real table setting instead of disposable plates and flatware. During the meal, Entered Apprentice Mark P. asked if the Grange had a dishwasher, to which he was met with a long glance and a smile. A delicious dinner was served by OES Henry Wentworth as a presentation on Aristotle was given.
Seven-thirty came a bit quicker than normal as the Lodge settled in for the evening’s business. A quote from Brother William Preston greeted visitors on the screen, “May the blessing of Heaven rest upon us, and all regular masons! May brotherly love prevail, and every moral and social virtue cement us! Amen”. After opening, visitors were welcomed before jumping into a presentation regarding the differences between Tracing boards and Trestle Boards.
A brief history of lecture aids was then provided; mop and pail, master’s carpets, and magic lanterns. After presenting the first official tracing board published by the UGLE in 1836, twelve different EA tracing boards were shown, highlighting the subtle differences which may have had a profound impact on their interpretation. Section 6.03 of the code was then discussed, underlining the necessity of giving the lectures by memory, and the importance of proficiency.
Br. Mark P. was then given the floor to answer several questions on the Entered Apprentice degree found in the New Candidate Education Program. His several answers were heartfelt and inspiring. After much applause, many compliments were given. After, many Brothers shared during our Joy, Sickness, and Distress. Several Brothers and family members experiencing illness, and our prayers are with them. We were also able to celebrate many joys, including an anniversary and birthday!
Communications started with a second reading of the Grand Master’s letter regarding plain-text ritual. After, VW Gordon J. lead a brief but insightful presentation about what happens after Masonic Charges have been pressed, and the courses of action and notifications involved. Additional communications were read, including a request to support Jobs Daughters International, which the Lodge happily supplied with $320 going to support the Supreme Ritual Team, and $100 each to the Grand Ritual Team and various State projects. The treasurer’s report was brief, and normal bills were paid.
Proficiency reports included positive updates for Br. Will C., Br. David H., Br. Mark P., and Br. Ian R. Br. Justin G., having completed his questions and presentation in Lodge, will be receiving the Sublime Degree at our upcoming Special Meeting on May 25th.
To stretch out a bit, a new segment was included in the evening’s agenda, Random Fellowship. Br. Jeremy R., as Pro-Tem SD, held the microphone for each Brother as they, in turn, were asked a random question and asked to give a quick and brief answer. A few laughs and some surprising answers were given.
The meetings Ritual Rhetoric segment was delivered by Br. Connor G. who provided an insightful presentation about how memories are formed, techniques to commit items to memory, and the benefits of working to improve one’s memory. Special emphasis was given to the pool-table demonstration developed by WB Todd E. and the Method of Loci which is a mnemonic device that relies on establishing relationships between familiar locations and the text to be remembered.
Old business included a brief review of our enjoyable Leo Taxil Table Lodge where we discussed; Leo Taxil and the lasting effects of his false claims against the fraternity by Br. Sage B., the Morgan Affair which spurred the creation of the Anti-Masonic Party by Br. Jeremy D., an understanding of Alchemy presented by Br. David H., and a presentation on Edward Bulwer-Lytton by Br. Sage B.
Having no New Business to discuss we moved into In Case You Missed It. First, we congratulated Br. Michael M. and Br. Britten E. on being passed to the Fellowcraft Degree in Washington No. 4, congratulated Ms. Gabriella P. as being installed as the incoming Honored Queen for Bethel No. 38, Jobs Daughters, and the presentation of a 65-year service award to Br. George W. who was unable to attend Lodge in person. A video was showing WB Will L. presenting the certificate and lapel pin to Br. George in his home was shown. Just prior to presenting him with Mt. Hood’s newest lapel pin, WB Will L. asked, “Are you a proficient Master Mason?” To which Br. George replied with a chuckle, “I was proficient before you were born!”
Good of the Order included many upcoming events. The Great Strides walk is this Saturday and Brothers are needed to support the Masons of Southwest Washington booth (details below), White Salmon will be conferring the Fellowcraft degree on Monday, May 15th, and Washington No. 4 will be visiting Kenton Lodge on their Special Meeting night (5/19/23), and our May Masterpiece event on the 19th. Finally, the Master Mason Degree is to be conferred on Br. Justin G. at our upcoming Special Meeting!
Br. Todd E presented the Marshall’s beverage for the evening, and gave an interesting backstory:
In the late 1700s and early 1800s, there existed groups of soldiers strategically placed throughout England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland called Fencible Regiments. In some ways, they were equivalent to the volunteer soldiers we had here called minute men. As battles raged through those territories all over the world, these men were charged with guarding some of the resources and precious waterways in each of those lands. In Scotland, they guarded some of the richly resourced Scotch-making territories.
It was difficult to cross-pollinate soldiers from different territories and countries, largely these regiments were made up of Freemasons. Due to the brotherhood between them, it was much easier for all of them to work together. Many would cross-pollinate and raise Master Masons between skirmishes and ensure the safety of everyone. This is a story you can see throughout the history of Freemasons where different groups from different regions and lands with different dialects and differing ideologies can form meaningful bonds that rise above all those differences. It is with that tonight; we introduce Alexander Murray Tamdhu in honor of defensible regiments and the ubiquitous brotherly love and friendship we’ve experienced as Freemasons through all ages and for many more to come.
With much anticipation for a tasty end to the evening, the Lodge was closed, peace and harmony prevailing.