STEILACOOM LODGE No. 2, f. & a.m.
From the
East
Greetings to all members and friends of Steilacoom Lodge #2!
The brotherhood of freemasonry that we share with all races and creeds of men is truly a worldwide phenomenon. Freemasonry is the stage where all of us can march together on the level (as well as on the moon as you can see).
Brethren
enjoying the 16th Annual DuPont March of Unity and Church Service
The 16th Annual March of Unity in DuPont endorsed by both Washington Grand Lodge jurisdictions allows all of us to integrate our ideas and customs. We are worshiping together in the same church. This year we had the honor of both Grand Encampments of Knights Templar to welcome the marching unit at the church door under the arch of steel.
Grand Masters Harden M. Key Jr. and Wayne I. Smith had both jurisdictions well represented with 125 members attending the service. We made new friends, reunited with old friends, and a day of fun and fellowship was shared by all.
In a perfect world, where
freedom rules over tyranny and equality is embraced by fellowship we might not
need freemasonry. However, “the price of
freedom is constant vigilance” and so freemasonry will continue to be the
transcending conspiracy for worldwide brotherhood from which worldwide peace
will eventually preside.
Sincerely,
WB Will Tobin
Just Another Fish
Story?
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Boy, you should have seen the one that got away!
Our Junior Steward, Bruce Everett, was able to get away to Alaska this summer to go fishing.
Brother Bruce Everett
Grilling Salmon in the alley behind the lodge
He did so well that he was able to bring back well over 50 pounds of beautiful Alaska salmon for our August ‘Hawaiian Night’ stated meeting!
He also proved that not only is he a splendid provider, but an excellent cook too! He took charge of expertly grilling the salmon to perfection!
Well done Brother Bruce!
Bro. Ricardo
Petruzza Do Prado
Bro. Iverson, WM Tobin, and Bro. Petruzza Do Prado
Brother Jay Iverson met a freemason from Brazil and introduced him to our lodge. It was exciting to host a brother from the Southern Hemisphere— a native Portuguese speaker addressing our lodge in excellent English. We exchanged Masonic pins and coins. His comments about the universality of freemasonry were timely and well received.
A New Standard
for Steilacoom
Bro. Diaz and WM Tobin
We had another welcome visitor in August. Brother Sean Diaz returned on leave from Iraq to share fellowship and brotherhood at the August stated meeting.
He even went so far as to present the lodge with a beautiful Steilacoom Lodge banner. The banner will be proudly displayed in our building.
Sean is back in Baghdad now,
but reportedly safe and sound. Please
keep him and all of our other brothers in arms in your prayers for their safe
and swift return.
A
Falcon and A Friend
W.B. Fred Owen owns a beautiful Masonic Blue 1965 Ford Falcon—in showroom condition. We were proud to have him and his blue Falcon as part of the South Tacoma Classic Car Show. This car show has occurred on the third Saturday in August for the past 11 years and features more than 300 classic cars of every category.
The event allows us to present a little tip of the Masonic iceberg. As we sell cold soda and water to the crowds, we pass out flyers and pamphlets on freemasonry, answer questions about the fraternity, and even hand out some petitions. The Afifi Shrine once again sold tickets for their car raffle (1975 gold Corvette). VW Bro. Bruce Gardner and WB Larry Newsham helped to sell tickets.
A special thanks to Bill Hoggatt who helped with set up and takedown of the booth.
In
Memoriam—Elton Plank
Our brother Elton Plank was an operative mason by trade. Not only did he use the cement that unites the building into one common mass, he helped form over 8,500 cubic yards of concrete which became the beautiful towers supporting the new bridge from the ocean floor.
More than an operative mason, Elton spread the cement of brotherly love, becoming a Noble of Afifi Shrine. As a member of the world famous Afifi Shrine clowns, Elton delighted children as “Shorty” and was inducted into the Royal Order of Jesters.
We will cherish his memory forever.
Upcoming
Events
November 15—Lodge proficiency study session 6:00 to 9:00
November 16—2nd Degree 6:30
November 17—District 14 and 15 District Meeting and Reception for the Grand Master—Where—Tacoma Scottish Rite—817 S. Vassault, Tacoma—No charge bar and social hour at 5:30, dinner at 6:30 ($15 per person), and meeting at 7:30. Ladies are welcome.
November 23—Stated Meeting and Election Night—dinner at 6:30, meeting at 7:30—featuring Jerry Berg’s famous Oyster Stew. A-G please bring a side dish, H-N salad, O-Z dessert.
December 21—Stated Meeting—dinner at 6:30, meeting at 7:30—Turkey night—A-G dessert, H-N side dish, O-Z salad.
December 27—St. John’s Night—Stated Meeting and Installation of Officers at 7:30 p.m.
Goodness Gracie!