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Welcome to Steilacoom Lodge # 2 Moonlighter Online!
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Moonlighter for December 2004 |
VOLUME 6, ISSUE 12 |
Happy Holidays my Brothers!
I hope that this Moonlighter finds you all happy, healthy and enjoying the holiday season.
Well, last Friday, November 26, was election night and for some it held no surprises. WB Bailey Green was elected to the East (yeah Bailey!), Bro John Geier was elected to the West, and Bro Will Tobin re-elected to the South. VWB Bro Don Campbell will be our Secretary. He has been doing the job for several months now and I am eternally grateful for his stepping in when we needed him. A special thank you to VWB Bro Stan Cybulski for his work with the Secretary's job as well. Brethren, this lodge cannot function without a Secretary and these brothers have done the work. A hearty congratulations and thank you to WB Mike Smitson as he continues on as our Treasurer.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all of the officers, committee members and sideliners that have helped me in so many ways this term. While I didn't accomplish everything I set out to, I think we had a wonderful 150th year and it has been an honor and a privilege to have served as your Worshipful Master.
Last meeting I presented WB Tom Kingsbury with a Hiram Award for his service to the Lodge during this 150th Year Celebration. We could not have done half of what we accomplished without his diligent service to this Lodge. Thanks again my Brother!
Fraternally yours,
Joe Fuller
WM
The Election.. An Article by Joe Fuller, WM
I want to address something, that is very difficult for me to address. It comes under the auspices of the closing charge "you have been enjoined to remind a brother, in the gentlest manner, of his faults and to endeavor to aid in his reformation and defend his character".
My brothers, intentional or not intentional, this last election was anything but an election in several ways. I had heard that our JW was not going to seek election to SW in favor of Bro John Geier going forward. I felt that he (Bro Will Tobin) had done a great job as JW. Our dinners were all well prepared, orderly and well served. I never had to ask twice for something to be done, he learned his ritualistic parts and attended all meetings that he was physically able to attend. I urged Bro Will to move forward, but he decided to decline the election. I do not fault him that at all, moving up the last three stations is a "rough and rugged road" and I respect that decision.
What I am having problems with is that once again our Senior Deacon has not advanced to the position that he has earned. This throws the whole idea of a line way out of whack, and is unfair to those that are following the traditions of the Blue Lodge. My point is, when you step out of line, STEP OUT OF LINE. I had to do so once due to work conditions. I was fortunate that an opening came into the line and I was able to advance without adversely effecting those in the line below SW. The election is over, but I am afraid that there are some hard feelings that may never heal.
I know that several of the brothers had discussed the upcoming elections well prior to the election. I encourage that. What I do not encourage is what has the appearance of an election being pre-determined by a few Brothers, no matter their good intentions. Please, my Brothers, I ask you to consider appearances, to consider the feelings of your Brother Mason who is struggling to do service to the Lodge and to bear in mind that if you do not feel that a Brother is living up to the expectations of his office (no matter what officer that is from the WM down to the Tyler) then you have a Masonic Obligation seek out that Brother and remind him, in the gentlest manner.....
I hope that you will take this gentle admonition in the spirit in which it is intended. That we all learn, that we all grow and that we all tend to each other in Brotherly Love and Affection.
I remain your Obedient Servant,
Joe Fuller
WM
I have in the past brought you excerpts from “History of Steilacoom Lodge #2, F. & A.M.” written by Bro C. A. Spreen, concerning mostly with the Lodge as a whole. Now I would like to bring you some of the Personalities of those brothers that created our lodge. This excerpt is about William P. Dougherty, a fundamental pillar of Masonry in the Pacific Northwest. These excerpts are brought to you with the permission of VWB Bro Alan T. Spreen, Bro C. A. Spreen’s son.
Thank You Brother Alan!!
“William P. Dougherty”
William P Dougherty figures in Masonic history from its beginning in the Pacific Northwest. He was born in Washington, Washington County, Pa. in 1812. He was initiated, passed and raised to the Degree of Master Mason in Platte Lodge No. 56 in Platte City, Missouri in 1843 and emigrated to Oregon that same year. He settled in Oregon City. In regard to his part in establishing Masonry in the Northwest he wrote – “My house in Oregon City, at the time, was the principal place of resort for the boys. Brothers Hull, Stewart, Carson and I had the matter of a charter brought to our view. From hence a notice was prepared and published in the Spectator (in 1846). I can’t say who wrote the notice. Brother Joseph Hull could have wrote it, he was well posted on such business. – A number of the Brethren assembled at my house, a petition was written and signed by the brethren present, and directed to the Grand Lodge of Missouri.”
By the time the Charter reached Oregon City in 1849, Dougherty himself was not present there to be installed as Senior Warden as designated in the Charter. He had gone to California in the Gold Rush. However, the installation was held in a store building owned by him. Dougherty returned to the Northwest after his California sojourn. He eventually took out a donation land claim at Rigney Hill and began farming. His home, a log house now covered with shakes, still stands, just below the railroad tracks on 74th St. in South Tacoma. Brother Dougherty was one of the petitioners for dispensation in the forming of Steilacoom Lodge No. 2 in 1854. He served as Treasurer 1856-61: as Junior Warden in 1866 and 1868.
WB Tom Kingsbury
Announcements
Kaffee Klatsch
Catch the 0900 ferry in Steilacoom, wander up the hill and be prepared for hot coffee and a fresh goodie. This happens on every Tuesday! Well, almost every Tuesday! I will send e-mail to most who come on Mondays!
I can promise you refreshments, you bring the friendship and fraternity and we all will have a fun morning. It seems that our discussions are getting increasingly interesting. Keep it up!!
Y'All Come, Y'A Hear!!!
Jer
Tressleboard for December:
| December 24, 2003 | Stated | Merry Christmas! |
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| December 27, 2003 | Stated |
"St. John the Evangelist" Night - Installation of Officers |
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We have the end of the current year and the start of a new year for our Worshipful Masters. Please come and support them in their endeavors for the upcoming year!
Editor
Can you name all of the organizations shown below?
