In late September, Mt. Hood Lodge No. 32 held its annual Installation of Officers, continuing a tradition that has been observed for centuries within the Craft. This ceremony not only signifies the transition of leadership but also reaffirms our commitment to the enduring principles of Freemasonry.
Many Brothers arrived early to assist in filling a beautiful room at the Vancouver Hilton with the necessary tools and embellishments to host a formal Masonic event. The gleaming officer jewels laid out on the table at the front of the room symbolized the responsibilities and honors about to be bestowed upon the new officers and gave a silent testament to the purpose of the evening’s activities.
| Friends and brothers reconnected, sharing stories and laughter before the ceremony began. The atmosphere was filled with camaraderie, reflecting the strong bonds that unite us as a fraternity. Many Lodges from around Southwest Washington were represented to share in the joy of welcoming our new Officer Line. |
As more attendees arrived, the room buzzed with anticipation and joy. The reunion of so many dedicated Masons highlighted the fellowship that is at the heart of our brotherhood.
The room came alive with music, thanks to Angelica, Worshipful Brother Alex’s talented daughter, who beautifully played the violin. Her melodies added an elegant touch to the evening, even as they mingled with the lively conversations filling the room.
The event officially began when Brother Cole C. introduced WB Will L. as the Installing Master. Who then introduced the Installation team including WB Tim H. as Chaplain, WB Rick J. as Secretary, and WB Leigh C. as Marshal.
This set the tone for a meaningful and time-honored ritual, bringing everyone’s attention to the significance of the occasion. The prepared remarks, provided at the end of this email, highlighted the origins and history of Mt. Hood framing the gravity of the evening’s momentous ceremony.
The Masonic ritual of installing officers is deeply rooted in tradition, and those present were well acquainted with the process. This familiarity allowed unique moments to shine through, such as when the incoming Worshipful Master knelt at the altar, revealing a heartfelt message on the soles of his shoes—’Love you,’ along with his wife and daughter’s names. This personal touch added warmth to the solemn proceedings.
After introducing the incoming officers, the new Worshipful Master was formally Installed and given the various implements of his office, including the Mt. Hood Charter. These items symbolize the authority and responsibility that come with his new role, a part of the official transfer of leadership.
A lighthearted moment followed when the Installing Master humorously noted an issue with the gavel, as it bore his own name. He playfully asked if anyone had an alternative, prompting Worshipful Brother Alex’s wife Prima to stand up and exclaim, “I have one!” Amid laughter and applause, she presented him with a beautiful new gavel.
In a powerful moment echoed throughout Masonic lodges across the globe annually, the outgoing Worshipful Master placed the hat upon his successor’s head. Uncovering himself, he told the new Master that this distinction was now his alone in the lodge. Together, they faced the audience, symbolizing the seamless transition of leadership and the continuity of our traditions.
It is impossible to overstate the impressive work immediately performed by Worshipful Brother Alex. It is an almost universally accepted practice for the incoming Worshipful Master to ask the Installing Master to continue with the ceremony. However, after gaveling the audience back down to their seats, the new Master proceeded to install his officers’, reciting ritual from memory.
This impressive and rarely-seen act demonstrated his commitment and readiness to lead. The outgoing Master was pleasantly surprised, and the officers were honored to be installed directly by their new leader. At times fighting through the emotions of the moment, WB Alex installed each and every one of the men, delivering the ritual perfectly.
Once the officers were installed, Charges were then delivered to inspire and guide them in their duties. The outgoing Worshipful Master gave the Charge to Worshipful Brother Alex, emphasizing the weight of his responsibilities. Very Worshipful Brother David R. addressed the Wardens with words of wisdom, and Very Worshipful Brother Mark S. delivered a beautiful Charge to the entire lodge, reminding us all of our shared commitments.
Following the conclusion of the official ceremony, the new Worshipful Master offered heartfelt thanks to those in attendance. He presented flowers to his wife and daughter, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support. Brother Sage B., as the new Senior Warden, then walked around the room, giving flowers to the ladies of the incoming officers. This gesture acknowledged the important role that family and loved ones play in supporting our Masonic endeavors.
Various gifts were then exchanged as tokens of appreciation. The outgoing Worshipful Master received a new apron case, symbolizing respect and gratitude for his dedicated service. The new Worshipful Master also presented special tokens to key individuals, recognizing their significant contributions to the lodge.
It is an ancient landmark of the Craft that a lodge is led by a Worshipful Master. The Charge to the Master highlights his responsibility in guiding the lodge toward success and harmony. Standing at the podium, the new Worshipful Master embodied these principles, ready to lead with wisdom and integrity. A touching photo of him with his wife captured the support and partnership that will sustain him throughout his tenure.
Mt. Hood Lodge No. 32 welcomes and congratulates our new incoming officers and looks forward to a rewarding year of Masonry. After the conclusion of the formal ceremonies, a feast was provided. Conversations and laughter filled the room, lasting well into the evening. The group photo of all in attendance reflects the unity and fellowship that define our lodge.
Mt. Hood thanks all who attended and contributed to making this event memorable. We anticipate a prosperous and enjoyable year ahead, working together to uphold the values and principles of Freemasonry.
Opening Remarks
Ladies, Gentlemen, Brethren, and Honored Guests,
Tonight, we step into history.
It is with profound honor that we gather to mark a significant milestone in the life of our lodge. Seeing so many familiar faces—brothers who have dedicated themselves to the craft for decades and those who are the promising stewards of our future—is both humbling and inspiring. Your presence tonight is a testament to the strength and vitality of our fraternity.
The origins of Freemasonry are steeped in mystery, yet in 1717, the Premier Grand Lodge of England was established, laying the cornerstone of modern Masonry. From that single foundation, a continuous chain of brotherhood was forged—each Grand Lodge endorsing the formation of the next—extending our principles across continents and generations.
In 1787, a time when the lectures we recite today were still being given by the original authors, brethren from the Premier Grand Lodge of England approved the formation of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina. In turn, those Brothers approved a petition from the Grand Lodge of Tennessee in 1813 and they, the Grand Lodge of Missouri in 1821.
Thirty years later, after enduring the trials of the Oregon Trail, the Grand Lodge of Oregon was established. Then, in 1858, Washington Lodge No. 22, along with three other Lodges, formed the Grand Lodge of Washington, and were then transformed into Washington Lodge No. 4. Their dedication and leadership set the stage for future lodges in the region, including our own.
We are deeply honored to have representatives from Washington Lodge No. 4 with us tonight to assist in our Installation of Officers. Their presence is a living symbol of the unbroken chain of brotherhood that connects us to the very origins of our fraternity.
Twenty-two years after the establishment of Washington Lodge No. 4, eight sojourning Masons sought to expand our fraternity’s reach. With the support of their brethren, they each contributed six dollars and twenty-five cents—about $200 today—to secure a dispensation to form a new lodge. Looking eastward to the majestic silhouette of Mount Hood, they found inspiration and named our lodge accordingly, embodying the steadfastness and grandeur of that noble peak.
Over the past 144 years, our lodge has woven a rich tapestry of stories, traditions, and contributions to the community. We have navigated the tides of history, standing firm through trials and triumphs. The impressive number of active Masons here tonight is a testament to the hard work and dedication of those who have served before us, as well as the enthusiasm of our newer members leading us into the future.
In recent years, despite unprecedented challenges, our lodge has not only persevered but flourished. We have grown immensely since the trials of the pandemic, moved to a new location that we now proudly call home, and enhanced our rituals to enrich the Masonic experience for all. This progress is a collective achievement—a reflection of the commitment and unity of our brethren.
As we stand here tonight, we acknowledge that while we honor the past, we are the stewards of the present. It is through our actions today that we shape the future for generations to come. Each of us plays a vital role in ensuring that the light of Masonry continues to shine brightly.
This evening, we will install Brother Alex Bautista, who will become the 123rd brother to lead our lodge as Worshipful Master, along with his team of dedicated officers. This new leadership represents not just another chapter in our history but the embodiment of our collective hopes and aspirations. They stand ready to guide us with wisdom, integrity, and a profound sense of purpose.