The
Communicator
The Seattle Valley Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry
Jan / Feb 2013
volume 60, No. 01 206-324-3330
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USPS 485-660 Periodicals postage paid
new year is underway for the Seattle Valley, and we want to wish all our members a healthy and prosperous New Year.
It is filled with much promise and renewed energy with a new slate of officers for the four bodies being elected at the November meeting. They include: Lodge of Perfection, Venerable Master elect, Harold Federer; Rose Croix, Wise Master elect, Bryan Bechler; Kadosh, Commander elect, Grover Partee and Consistory, Master elect, Steve Dazey. The coming year starts off with our stated meeting on January 15, where the installation for the officers, elected and appointed will take place, following our usual dinner. The Knights of Saint Andrew held the initiation of new members in December 2012, and we will also recognize the new leadership at our stated meeting. The incoming Chieftain is Brother Jeff Hardin. A few days after the stated meeting, on January 20, 2013, Sunday, we will be hosting the annual Grand Masters Reception for the Worshipful Masters, elect or installed, of the lodges in the Seattle Valley area. The program starts at 3 PM, and all are invited to arrive for a social hour at 2 PM to meet and greet these new Masters, and the Grand Master and members of his team. The 14th degree is scheduled for February 9, 2013, Saturday, starting at 1 PM for candidates progressing through the degrees. We urge your attendance and show your support of the new candidates and the degree cast. Masonic education will be emphasized this year, as the candidates progress from degree to degree. We will be evaluating new ideas and available technology as we perform the various degrees, recognizing the time pressures of our current generation of members, and as we operate the Valley. Be sure to drop by the office and tour the new conference room, adjacent to the Rite Care office. We are striving to increase the income potential of our building, which will provide us added flexibility in the future for improvement for our fraternal use.
Fraternally, Sat Tashiro, 33째 Personal Representatiave of the S:.G:.I:.G:.
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Scottish Rite Communicator Valley of Seattle
www.seattle-scottishrite.org
SCOTTISH RITE OFFICERS Ronald A. Seale, 33°
Sovereign Grand Commander Alvin W. Jorgensen, 33° Deputy, Orient of Washington Sat Tashiro, 33° Personal Rep. of S:.G:.I:.G:. stashiro@comcast.net Greg Goodrich, 32° K:.C:.C:.H:. General Secretary & Communicator Editor secretary@seattle-scottishrite.org Norman Miller, 33° Treasurer George Lofthus, 32° K:.C:.C:.H:. Almoner PRESIDING OFFICERS
National Grand Lodge of Romania host delegation from Stivichall Lodge. Pax Mundi Lodge, No. 119, of the National Grand Lodge of Romania (MLNR), based at Brasov, hosted a delegation from Stivichall Lodge, No. 5799, Province of Warwickshire, United Grand Lodge of England, to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Bogdan Prodea, who studied in Coventry, and his father Mihai Prodea, both members of Pax Mundi Lodge, extended the invitation. Masons from Brasov lodges, their mother lodge in Sinaia, and MLNR Grand Officers including Pro Grand Master Virgil Nitulescu, attended the meeting and a gala dinner at the Brasov Citadel with an orchestra, singers and dance.
Harold Federow, 32° Venerable Master, Lodge of Perfection Bryan Bechler, 32° Wise Master, Chapter of Rose Croix
Emulation Ceremony ‘First’ In Estonian Initiation
Grover Partee, 32° K:.C:.C:.H:. Commander, of Kadosh
In May 2012, Hackney Brook Lodge, No. 14 (formerly No. 7397 UGLE), working under a temporary warrant granted by the Grand Lodge of Estonia, initiated Risto Feodorov, the first time that Emulation had been worked by an English-speaking Lodge in Scandinavia. The meeting took place in Tallinn, Estonia, and the work was carried out by Marvin Ellison, Master of Hackney Brook Lodge, the last Master of No. 7397, with Arne Kaasik, the Grand Master of Estonia, and Heikki Maki, Grand Master of Finland, present.
Steve Dazey, 32° Master, Seattle Consistory Jeff Craig, 32° K:.C:.C:.H:. Chief, Knights of St. Andrew Scottish Rite Masonic Center 1207 N 152nd St Seattle, WA 98133-6213 206 324-3330 voice 206 324-3332 fax Brian Lorton Building Manager brian@seattle-scottishrite.org Lorna Schack Administrative Assistant lorna@seattle-scottishrite.org The Communicator (USPS 485-660) is published by the Seattle Valley of Scottish Rite, 1207 N 152nd St., Seattle, WA 98133-6213, for the benefit of its members, bi-monthly and is mailed as a non-profit publication to all members of the Seattle Valley and to specified other interested parties. $2.00 per member is assessed for the publication of The Communicator. Periodicals postage paid at Seattle, Washington and at additional mailing offices. The material contained within this publication is intended for the education and enjoyment of the members of the Masonic Fraternity and all material published becomes the property of Seattle Valley of Scottish Rite. Permission to reproduce material from this publication for Masonic publications is hereby granted. Postmaster: Send address changes to — The Communicator at 1207 N 152nd St., Seattle, WA 98133-6213.
Valley News
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Greetings! In the consciousness of the Supreme Architect of all that is!
East Side Scottish Rite Club The East Side Scottish Rite Club had it’s first successfull meeting on Decemebr 8th at Issaquah Brewhouse. A number of brethren were present and discussions on the purpose of the club were discussed. The next meeting will take place on January 26th at Myrtle Lodge starting at 11:00 am. If you are intersted in attending please contact Brother John Hannaman, 32° KCCH for further information.
Attention Members in South King County Recognizing the changes in traffic patterns in recent years, and the difficulty in attending the regular stated meeting, in the early evening hours at our Scottish Rite building in Shoreline, we are exploring options to provide a means of education and fellowship in a local setting. Towards this end we are proposing to hold a planning get-together for those who may be interested in a South King County Scottish Rite Club – Seattle Valley. If the responses are positive, details of the club will be ironed out and a new club will be formed. For further information about the formation of the South King County Scottish Rite Club please contact the P.R., Sat Tashiro or call the Scottish Rite office and speak with the General Secretary.
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rethren, as you may have already heard, Ill. Bro. William R. Miller has retired from the Supreme Council as the S:.G:.I:.G:. in the Orient of Washington, effective December 15, 2012. Bill has served the Orient of Washington and our Valley for 19 years. It is impossible to express the amount of gratitude we owe to Bill for his support and leadership over the years. We wish him luck and Godspeed as he and Maralyn finally get to relax and enjoy retirement to the full extent.
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ith Bill’s retirement, the other bit of exciting news is that we have a new Deputy for the Orient of Washington. Ill. Brother Alvin W. Jorgensen, 33° has been appointed Deputy for the Orient of Washington. Our Grand Commander, Ronald A. Seale, 33° made this effective as of December 15, 2012. We are excited to work with Ill. Bro. Jorgensen and look forward to his leadership in the Orient of Washington. Please join us in congratulating Ill. Bro. Jorgensen in his new position. I have also included a facsimile of the official announcement from the Grand Commander on the following page.
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ast but not least, at our November stated meeting the Valley has voted to increase our annual dues to $100.00 per year starting in 2014. According to our by-laws this automatically raises the life membership amount as well. As such, this would be a good year to purchase a life membership before it doubles in 2014. Currently, life membership is available for a one-time fee of $500.00 until December 31, 2013. Then it will increase to $1,000.00. Greg Goodrich, 32° K:.C:.C:.H:. General Secretary
Orient News
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Masonic Body Spotlight The Worshipful Society of Free Masons, Rough Masons, Wallers, Slaters, Paviors, Plaisterers and Bricklayers.
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n Introduction to The Worshipful Society of Free Masons, Rough Masons, Wallers, Slaters, Paviors, Plaisterers and Bricklayers. Known as The Operatives.
he Society exists to perpetuate or preserve a memorial of the practices of operative Free Masons existing prior to, or continuing independently of, modern speculative Freemasonry. It does not claim to be the successor to or connected with any former society of the same or any like name, nor that the ceremonies in fact represent precisely the practice of stonemasons, although some elements certainly reflect former practices. For instance, anyone wishing to learn the craft of stonemasonry in days gone by would do so in two ways; by either watching and practising next to an experienced workman (i.e. ‘Sitting by Nellie’, as it was known), or by entering into a formal apprenticeship deed with a master. This latter method is reflected in our Society today and, on joining, a candidate does not promptly become a ‘mason’ but is known as an Indentured Apprentice until through time and experience he is able to progress through the seven degrees of the Society, which are: Grade I - Indentured Apprentice, Grade II - Fellow of the Craft, Grade III - Fitter and Marker, Grade IV - Setter Erector, Grade V - Intendent, Overseer, Super Intendent and Warden, Grade VI - Passed Master (Note for Masons: Not Past Master), Grade VII - Master Mason, of whom three are Grand Master Masons.
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he Society is governed by three Grand Master Masons who traditionally hold their offices ad vitam, but waive that right. The First Grand Master Mason retires after a tenure of five years and the Second Grand Master Mason after a period of three years (although both are eligible for reappointment), whilst the office of Third Grand Master Mason terminates annually with the enactment of the Ancient Drama one year after his appointment.
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he three Grand Masters are the sole members of the seventh degree Lodge, all others being said to be members of the seventh degree honoris causa. The minimum qualification for the sixth degree is to be an Installed Master in good standing in both the Craft and Mark degrees of speculative Freemasonry. The candidate also has to have attended at least seventy percent of his Assemblage meetings. The Senior Passed Master of a Region confers this degree in a Lodge of Passed Masters, usually held once per year. In his capacity as head of a region the “SPM” is known as a Deputy Grand Master Mason.
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he first four degrees are conferred in an Assemblage of Lodges IV° to I°, each degree beyond the first being conferred when the Assemblage is appropriately opened as a Lodge of that degree. The fifty, sixth and seventh degrees are conferred in separate Lodges of those degrees.
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he Society has about two thousand members scattered throughout the world in England & Wales, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, France, Belgium, India, Malaysia, Canada and America, with more planned in Hong Kong and South Africa, although Assemblage membership is not restricted to those countries alone. All ceremonies are distinctly English in character. No matter where they are being worked, they are always conducted in English and the first toast at the luncheon or dinner which follows the meeting is, whenever possible, always to the Monarch of the United Kingdom.
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KING SOLOMON’S TEMPLE Symbol of Freemasonry
References to the construction of King Solomon’s temple at Jerusalem have been included in the rituals of the operative freemasons since ancient times. In operative lodges the layout of the lodge room in each of the several degrees symbolises either a stoneyard or the temple building at one of the various stages of construction. As he participates in each of the several degrees, the candidate progressively represents the various types of stone used in the building, until ultimately he represents the plan of the temple. The ceremonial for each degree is based on the preparation and usage of the relevant stone during construction and ultimately on the application of the plan to achieve completion of the temple. The way in which a stone is prepared by a stonemason in the stoneyard and utilised by fitters and erectors on the building site, in conjunction with the application of the plans and gauges, is used to illustrate how an individual should prepare himself for the life hereafter. The moral lessons imparted are also illustrated by the application of the various working tools used at the various stages of the work, not only in the shaping, testing, fitting and marking of the stones, but also during erection on the site. Many aspects of the operative ceremonials and catechisms have been included in the rituals of speculative freemasonry, though in a very abbreviated form. One of the most learned and distinguished of the early English Freemasons was the Rev Dr George Oliver DD, who studied and wrote extensively on ecclesiastical antiquities and all aspects of speculative Freemasonry. He was descended from an ancient Scottish family of that name, some of who moved to England in the time of King James I. In 1801 he was initiated in St Peter’s Lodge in the city of Peterborough, by his father the Rev Samuel Oliver. In his renowned work, the Revelations of the Square, Dr Oliver says: “The Society adopted the Temple of Solomon for its symbol, because it was the most stable and the most magnificent structure that ever existed, whether we consider its foundation or superstructure; so that of all the societies men have invented, no one was ever more firmly united, or better planned, than the Masons . . . The edifices which Freemasons build are nothing more than virtues or vices to be erected or destroyed; and in this case heaven only occupies their minds, which soar above the corrupted world. The Temple of Solomon denotes reason and intelligence.” This must be one of the most succinct yet comprehensive explanations ever given in respect of the foundation, purpose and symbolism of Freemasonry. It also typifies all aspects of the operative craft from which speculative Freemasonry is derived.
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Grand Master’s Reception of 2013 Worshipful Masters
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t is time for the annual Grand Master’s Reception, hosted by Seattle Valley Scottish Rite, where the new 2013 Worshipful Masters and their ladies will be afforded the opportunity to personally greet the Grand Master, M:.W:. Dean W. Heinemann and his lady, Kerry.
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he event will be held on Sunday, January 20th at 1207 N. 152nd St., Shoreline, which is the address of the Seattle Valley Scottish Rite. The ceremony will start promptly at 3 p.m. and you are asked to arrive no later than 2:00 p.m. to permit a brief social hour and a preliminary briefing. his invitation is also extended to Masons, lodge officers and their wives. This will also be a great time to meet other Grand Lodge team members in attendance along with the members of Seattle Valley Scottish Rite and to discover the role of Scottish Rite in our Masonic family.
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lease call the Scottish Rite office at 206-324-3330, or e-mail the office at lorna@seattlescottishrite.org to verify your attendance and the number in your party.
he Grand Master will make a brief address followed by the heads of the four bodies of Seattle Valley. Refreshments will be served following the meeting during the social hour. We look forward to seeing you then.
MASONIC CURIOSITIES: ORIGIN OF THE WORD FREEMASONS The first-known use of the word Freemasons - in the form Free Masons - occurs in City of London Letter-book H of 9 August 1376, though the word is in fact deleted in favour of Mason. Masons and Freemasons were interchangeable during the 15th and 16th centuries and Freemasons were generally meant to denote hewers or setters of freestone, Masons being used to embrace all stoneworkers. Ashmole in his diary wrote that he was made a Free Mason and referred in 1686 to the “Fellowship of Free Masons”. James Anderson when writing his 1723 Constitutions did not use the single word - Freemasons - once. Whatever the reasons, the 1723 Constitutions contain approximately 126 references to Masons, 12 to Free Masons, 10 to Free and Accepted Masons, 9 to FreeMasons, one to Accepted Free Masons and none to Freemasons. And such is the tenacity of tradition that to this day the most of the Constitutions are addressed to Free and Accepted Masons and not to Accepted Freemasons. The earliest-known anti-masonic leaflet, of 1698, warns the public against “those called Free Masons” - almost certainly what we now know as speculative Freemasons.
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biography of Ill. Alvin W. Jorgensen, 33° Deputy of Washington
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ll. Alvin W. Jorgensen, 33° was born in Seattle and raised in Auburn, Washington. He was educated in the Auburn School District, graduating from Auburn High School in 1962. He attended both the University of Washington and Washington State University, receiving his degree in Business Administration from the latter. Having participated in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps while in college, he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force upon graduation. A week later he was married to the former Nancy Hannon, and the week after that found himself on active duty at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. This began a career that spanned more than 26 years. During his career he graduated from pilot training and became an Air Force pilot, flying B-52 bomber aircraft. Nancy and Al made 16 moves during his career and lived in virtually every corner of the United States. His last assignment was overseas in Germany. During his Air Force career, he held command positions at the flight, squadron, wing, and air division levels. He also served as a Chief of Contracting at two Air Force Bases, as a project manager and Executive Officer to Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans of the Strategic Air Command. While in the Air Force he completed two Masters Degrees, one in Aviation Management and one in National Security and Strategic Planning. He graduated with honors from the Naval War College where he was an exchange officer. He retired from active duty in 1993 in the grade of Colonel.
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l was active in DeMolay in his early years and culminated his participation by serving as Washington State Master Councilor in 1963-1964. He has served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Washington DeMolay Foundation. He was raised a Master Mason in King Solomon Lodge, No.60, in Auburn. During his Air Force career he maintained his tie to his mother Lodge while visiting Lodges in several of the locations where he was assigned. Upon retirement he returned to Auburn and served as Worshipful Master in 1997. In addition to King Solomon Lodge, he is a member of, and Past Master of St. John’s Lodge, No.9 in Seattle, and a Charter Member of Frank S. Land Lodge, No.313, in Des Moines, Washington. He has served Grand Lodge as Deputy of the Grand Master in District 13, a member of the Long Range Planning Task Force, Chairman of the Long Range Planning Committee, Trustee of the Masonic Retirement Center, and Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Maine near the Grand Lodge of Washington. He was installed Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Washington in June 2005. Al is active in several concordant and appendant organizations.
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l and Nancy have two daughters, Teresa and Suzanne. Both daughters have graduated from universities in Washington, Teresa from Central Washington University, and Suzanne from Washington State University. Both had successful careers prior to becoming full time moms. Both are married and live in Auburn, Washington. Each daughter has two children, one girl and one boy.
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ric’s Story
y husband and I are both airline pilots and we were plodding along happily when our third child’s pediatrician said at his 2 year check up that it is fine that he’s not talking now, but you need to have a plan for when this is considered a problem. Well, a speech delay was not in our flight plan—so when we discovered, “we have a problem Houston,” I quit flying and embarked on the journey we call “Eric’s Speech and Language Quest.” Fortunately, I heard about RiteCare.
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ackie Brown evaluated Eric and found his speech delay to be severe. He would try to communicate, but would get so frustrated when his listener was unable to comprehend his garbled speech. We tried to teach him sign language, but that was not a solution. Even though he is a bright boy, the words he wanted would not make it to the tip of his tongue. Eric had therapy 2 days a week for 4 years with Barbara McKague, one of the speech therapists at RiteCare. She was a gift to us as she not only positively engaged Eric with games contrived to facilitate speech, they were also structured so he enjoyed his visits and became a very socially advanced little boy.
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here was a time when we didn’t know if Eric would talk. We are now far beyond that worry. He was given attention and love at RiteCare and that made him feel special.
ric is now an amazing 10 year old that in spite of his language challenges, sings in a choir, participates in sports and has the gift of gab. He is well loved by his peers and adults alike as he wins hearts with his warm and engaging personality. We owe a debt of gratitude to Barb and Jackie and the good folks at RiteCare for Eric’s successes.
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Messages In Memorium Brethren, please remember these, our own, and all the Brethren who have traveled beyond our physical borders to that undiscovered country. Virtus Junxit Mors Non Separabit Cyrus Cole 12/02/2012 Robert Colton 12/15/2012 Kenneth Grimes 12/05/2012 Lyle Knudson 09/10/2012 James Manos 12/01/2012 Benjamin Mayers 12/01/2012 William Stoebuck 11/23/2012 Chester Valley 12/05/2012 James O Wood 12/27/2012
Don’t Forget For the Stated meeting in Jan & Feb, you have to RSVP with the office at least two days before the stated meeting if you plan to eat dinner. You can also purchase your dinner ticket on-line at: www.seattlescottishrite. org/dinner.html Save $5.00 by sending in your RSVP early... Dinner tickets are $15.00 in advance or $20.00 at the door. HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Congratulations from all your Scottish Rite brethren to our members who have reached a very important birthday! Malcolm Barnes Thomas Turner Charles German William Kowalyk Jack Rowe Roy Brown Gene Seals John Hennessey Harvey Scott
1/1/1911 1/14/1917 1/20/1918 1/18/1920 1/5/1921 1/14/1921 1/30/1922 1/14/1923 1/15/1923
Gordon Renfro Gust Doces Robert Purvis Kenneth Kessler John Moe Willard Smith
2/10/1916 2/5/1918 2/13/1918 2/12/1922 2/13/1922 2/28/1922
Page 12 Scottish Rite of Freemasonry 1207 N 152nd Street Seattle, WA 98133
Schedule of Events
Jan / Feb 2013
www.seattlescottishrite.org
Tuesday Jan 15th, 6:30 am - Stated Meeting Saturday Jan 19th, 9:00 am - Executive Council Sunday Jan 20th 3:00 pm - Grand Master’s Recpetion Saturday Feb 2nd - 9:00 am - Executive Council Saturday Feb 9th - 12:00 am - 14th Degree Tuesday Feb 19th, 6:30 pm - Stated Meeting nad Mardi Gras Celebration
Happy New Year!
2013
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