Mt. Hood Lodge No. 32 met on October 14th at the Barberton Grange for our Stated Communication on the 2nd degree. Meal attendees enjoyed a main dish of either Parmesan Prosciutto Chicken or Dijon Rosemary Pork Loin while discussing items of interest. Of note, a painted eagle feather was displayed; a gift to Bro. Tom W. after having been conferred the 3rd degree by a Native American degree team in 2007.
After opening, Brother Sage B. provided a magnificent display of proficiency in the 2nd degree with the assistance of WB Jim J. A Special Meeting has been called on October 28th to confer the 3rd degree. The brethren took a moment to appreciate our fraternity’s long history while enjoying “The Ten Disciples of the Wrights and Masons”, a 1721 oil painting by WB Roderick Chalmers. VWB David R., the Deputy of the Grand Master on his official visit, was given a proper introduction with the assistance of Worthy Brother Todd E. VWB David took a moment to reveal the new District Gavel, which will be signed by each Master of the Lodges within the District. After which, we held a dual ballot for the degrees of Masonry, both bright in the East.
The future of masonry in the digital age was considered while an achievement of the Spawn Masons, a ‘virtual’ lodge founded on an online Minecraft server, was presented. The treasurer’s report and voting on the bills proceeded an in-depth discussion of our previous and proposed budgets, the latter being approved as presented. Our upcoming Dec 9th Table Lodge was discussed; we will be hosting the Grand Master and inviting all the Lodges in the District to attend. Brother Tim M. provided education about a peculiar Topping Off ritual found in the construction trade, one that has deep roots in antiquity and is still honored today. The Lodge enjoyed comments from VWB David who encouraged us all to “Live the Legend” before we closed the meeting, peace and harmony prevailing.