Olympia Valley Scottish Rite

A note from Ill.Bro. Kris Graap

noreply@blogger.com (Edward Woods) — Sun, 08 Sep 2013 20:55:00 +0000

Brethren;
Happy Labor Day to you all! As we begin to close our summer and transition to autumn, I hope you have a relaxing day of reflection over the many contributions of organized labor to the strength of our nation.
It is interesting to review the 8th Degree (Intendant of the Building) and its lessons. While it clearly acknowledges the need for capitalism and for the duty of an employee to his employer; it is equally clear of the responsibility of an employer to respect his laborers, and the respect society owes to all who honestly toil. Whether a person works in a field, factory, or laboratory; whether he works with his hands or his head; whether he carries a union card or not; his efforts as a human being should be respected by all.
It is also interesting to note that the history of Freemasonry includes many celebrated leaders of organized labor, among them Brother Samuel Gompers, President of the American Federation of Labor. You can read about the history of Samuel Gompers Lodge #45 MWGL F&AM of DC through this link: http://www.sgbf45.org/uploads/History_of_SGBF_for_GL_200th_Anniversary.pdf

In other news, please join us Wednesday September 11 for our Friendship Night. While we’ll conduct a small amount of business, most of the meeting will be open to friends and family, including any potential candidates.

On Wednesday September 25 we will confer the 4th Degree. This will be our first conferral since the untimely passing of Br. Jack Sowers. And while he is sorely missed, our new Br. Jon Wolf has very ably stepped up to the plate. I can tell you that Br. Jon’s zeal in taking on this role has been personally inspiring to me, and he and his cast will do an outstanding job! I sincerely hope that we will have a large contingent of side-liners – including you!

On Sunday September 22 at 1pm, three of our Olympia Brothers will be given the Knight Commander Court of Honour: Jon Kime, Jon Anderson, and Fred Sjöquist. The KCCH ceremony is open to the public, and will be held at the Seattle Scottish Rite Center. Carpooling anyone?

Finally, Happy Birthday to the following Brothers: Tony Woods (8/26), Gary Norton (9/3), Jon Lenander (9/17), and Mike Kreidler (9/28).

Fraternally,
VM Kris

Brethren;

noreply@blogger.com (Edward Woods) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 02:08:00 +0000

It is with deep sadness that I pass along the news of the passing of Brother Hank Roberts, who apparently suffered a massive heart attack yesterday. He was 81 years young. Brother Hank was a member of Olympia Lodge #1, Olympia Valley of Scottish Rite, and Afifi Shrine; but if you knew Brother Hank at all, you most likely knew him through Eastern Star - as a devoted and dedicated member of Chapter 36 in Olympia. Br. Hank served several stints as Worthy Patron, and, with his wife Norma Jean, were anchors for the Chapter and state OES. One of Brother Hank's ongoing projects was the Maytown coffee stops, and he had it down to an art form - obtaining tasty treats from area grocers. I'm not sure how many thousands of dollars these stops generated for the Chapter, but it was plenty! Additionally, Hank and Norma Jean hosted the Chapter picnic every year as far back as I can remember, and Hank served as pearl diver for many of our Scottish Rite dinners served by the Chapter. His Masonic shoes will be very difficult to fill! My heart (and Star Love!) goes out to Norma Jean at this difficult time, and please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. I have not heard yet about services for Br. Hank, but I will certainly pass along any news as I learn of it. Rest peacefully my Brother, until we meet again!

Fraternally,
Kris

As a post script, Lettie Arnold conveyed that the service for Hank Roberts will be at the Masonic Lodge Building 521 North Street SE, Tumwater, WA 98501 Tuesday 4/24/2012 starting with family viewing @ 9:00AM. The burial will be at 10:00 AM at Masonic Memorial Park (south side of the cedar hedge off the lodge parking lot). The memorial service will be at 11:00 AM in the Lodge Room with a reception to follow.

Brethren;

noreply@blogger.com (Edward Woods) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 02:08:00 +0000

The Council of Kadosh (VM Damien Kolb and his crew) are hosting our next Wednesday Scottish Rite meeting 4/25 at 7:30; with dinner at 6:30.
As a reminder, our Golf Tourney is coming up fast. However, there's still room for a foursome or two, so if you, or someone you know whats to sign up, please contact us asap. By the way, if you don't have a foursome, but want us to pair you up, we can help with that. Lastly, we're always looking for sponsors, so if you know of a business or group - small or large - that would like to provide effective advertising and receive a nice tax deduction, steer them our way. Remember - it's all for charity and our kids.

Fraternally,

Kris

Valley News.....

noreply@blogger.com (Edward Woods) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 01:41:00 +0000

Brethren;
A quick reminder that the Lodge of Perfection meets this Wednesday, April 11. Dinner's at 6:30, with the meeting to follow at 7:30. I'm sure that Venerable Master Ed Woods will have some good items for thought, and he could certainly use your sideline support this Wednesday!

How was Guthrie, do you ask? In a word, it was 'marvelous'! I know that each Brother wants, and gets, something different from the experience. For me, I enjoy several things. For one, you can't beat it for Masonic Education. Besides the beautiful portrayal of the Degrees (and the lessons in each!), you have the opportunity to speak with Dr. and Br. Tresner, and Br. Davis - both 33 Grand Cross recipients, and obviously two of the most knowledgeable members of our Craft. (And, for persons of their stature, both are exceedingly friendly and approachable!) Secondly, the fellowship is simply wonderful. As South Sound Brothers, enjoying steak (or even catfish) with a couple of Shiner Bocks ain't a bad way to spend an evening. But more, getting to know Brothers from OK, NC, CA, and FL (in my case) was both fun and rewarding, whether in the cigar room or elsewhere! I could go on and on, but suffice it to say, you need to plan for next year!

Lastly, if you haven't purchased a copy of the new Morals and Dogma, I can attest that it's well written, and worth your time. While I know that Brothers may put a different value on Masonic Education; for all of us it is an obligation as Scottish Rite Masons. I was recently struck by passages from the 20th Degree.
Zoroaster admonished his people to "be good, be kind, be humane and charitable, love your fellows, console the afflicted, pardon those who have done you wrong." Confucius admonished "Love thy neighbor as thyself. Do not to others what thou wouldst not wish should be done to thyself. Forgive your enemy, be reconciled to him, give him assistance, invoke God on his behalf."
Br. Albert Pike admonishes and challenges us as Lodge members to not allow our morality be inferior to that of either Philosopher. (And you thought the beatitudes were a Christian ideal?)

See you Wednesday!
Fraternally,
Kris

UPDATE... National KSA Gathering in Guthrie

noreply@blogger.com (Edward Woods) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:10:00 +0000

For anyone making the Guthrie trek this year, we leave on ( The reunion is March 30 – 31 and April 1, 2012 ) March 31st and return on April 4th. The degrees start on Friday, March 30 April 1st promptly at 0800, or for you Marines the little hand on 8, etc.

There are a lot of flights available getting to Oklahoma City about 3:30 PM, which should be your target time so you can get to the Scottish Rite Center in Guthrie in time to get checked in, register, and accompany us to the steak house for dinner.

I'll have room for two people in my car and I get into OKC at 5:30 PM. Now is the time to start booking plane fares. Also I need a list of names no later than February 28th so I can reserve rooms at the Center.

( I think the rooms in the INN may be gone by now. Last night I was told there were only 15 beds left )( You might e-mail Brother John Walker at the new e-mail address – innkeep@att.net )

Please send me a list of names of the members that will be coming and I will register them. If they want a packet please have them send in a Gathering reservation which is on our new homepage for the Knights of St Andrew. www.ksaguthrie.org Reunion is FREE but the packets are $25.00 – They contain a Note book / Pen / Special Challenge Coin / Gathering Lapel Pin. Plus other items and Oklahoma / Guthrie information.

The hotels are listed in our home page. Sleep Inn and Best Western are $80 and $ 74 / night. I understand the Holiday went up to $150.00/night.

Please respond to: KSAofGuthrieOK@dittmar.net
www.KSAGuthrie.org

Brethren...

noreply@blogger.com (Edward Woods) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:50:00 +0000

I would like to thank all of our guests and especially our Sovereign Grand Inspector General William R. "Bill" Miller for attending tonight's installation of Officers for the Olympia Valley 2012.

I would like to extend congratulations to Bro. Gary Norton 32° KCCH our newly appointed Secretary and Bro. John Kime 32° our newly appointed Treasurer both of who have extremely large shoes to fill and will no doubt serve our Valley well. Be sure to congratulate them the next time you see them.

I would like to thank the Installing Officer Illustrious Brother Donald R. White 33°, Master of Ceremonies Brother Rod Mason 32° KCCH, Installing Secretary Illustrious Brother Skip Sanford 33° and Prelate Illustrious Brother John Woodall, 33°, for a wonderful installation ceremony.

Of course there are thanks for the wonderful meal provide and served by the Daughters of Bethel #51, it was enjoyed by all, you did a great job.

Lastly I would like to extend my gratitude on behalf of the Brethren of the Olympia Valley to Illustrious Brother Skip Sanford 33° and Illustrious Brother Ray Drummond 33° for their many tireless years of service.

I look forward to seeing you all at our next meeting February 8, Wednesday 2012 - 6:30 PM Dinner Lodge of Perfection - 4th Degree.

Fraternally,

Edward Woods, 32° K.C.C.H.

Brethren,

noreply@blogger.com (Edward Woods) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:27:00 +0000

A reminder that the Lodge of Perfection meets this Wednesday, January 11. Dinner is at 6:30, with our Cap and Ring ceremony to follow. I see that a movie is also scheduled. Remember that this is a public event, so your friends and family are very welcome!

As an additional incentive to get out to the Lodge, our Jobies will be in attendance to shine shoes by donation. I have no doubt that the young ladies will be shining with an esprit de corps and a smile. My shoes are definitely in need of a little TLC - I'll bet yours are too!

Last, as most of you know, VWB Jack C. Parker passed to the Celestial Lodge last week. Br. Jack was a member of the Valley of Olympia, although he devoted the majority of his efforts towards the Blue Lodge. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him, and I can't think of a Brother who loved the Craft more. He was preceded in death by his wife Peggy a couple of years ago, and Br. Jack assisted Peggy through a long struggle with dementia. Both were very delightful souls, in every sense; and as VWB Brian Morgan aptly stated, both enjoyed a long and full life. While sadly mourning Jack's passage, I will gladly pass along news of his memorial service when known.

Fraternally,

Kris Graap, 33°

Brethren,

noreply@blogger.com (Edward Woods) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:11:00 +0000

It's my sad duty to report the passing of our Scottish Rite Brother Al Peringer. Below is an obit prepared by friend Jack Taylor. Obviously, WB Al loved the Craft!

Also, please note the minutes to our last Valley meeting of December 14, and our Spring Schedule, as prepared by Illustrious Secretary Skip Sanford,33 IGH. If you didn't know, Br. Skip is 'retiring' as Olympia Valley Secretary after ten or so years of faithful service. Please join me in sincerely thanking Skip for that wonderful service to our Valley!! Hopefully we'll see his smiling face often on the sidelines for many years to come!

Filling those big shoes, our Brother Gary Norton, 32 KCCH will take over the Secretarial reins. I know that VWB Gary will do an outstanding job, providing he can "keep his stick on the ice"! Please wish Gary well, and give him your support!

Fraternally,

Kris Graap, 33°

Al Peringer died peacefully this morning, Saturday, December 31^st, at 0530 at Panorama Retirement Center, Lacey, at the age of 90.

Al was a life-long Mason, Past Worshipful Master of Berkeley Lodge 167, Chesapeake, VA; a 60-year Shriner and Past Commander of Afifi Legion of Honor (2008). He retired from the US Navy in 1968 with the rank of CWO-4, in the pay grade LT(JG).

Al enlisted in the Washington National Guard at the age of 17 while a student at Olympia High School in 1938 and served two years in the coastal artillery and, as he would proudly say, “rose to the ‘lofty’ rank of PFC.” In 1940, he enlisted in the Navy and was assigned to the USS Pruitt, a destroyer mine layer, which was in dry-dock at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Al retired from the Navy in 1968 after serving our nation for over 30 years. His Navy career specialty was in communications/electronics and he was involved in the development of naval radar. He was a life member of the Pearl Harbor Association, the VFW (Past Commander of his VFW Post in Virginia) and life member of the Military Officers Assoc. of America (MOAA).

He leaves no survivors and his ashes will be interned at Arlington Cemetery in the spring pending their schedule. Funeral/memorial arrangements are unknown at this time.

Al was a kind and gentle man of honor and impeccable morals and standards. Although physically slowed by age, he maintained his wonderful sense of humor and greatly loved the work of our Masonic and Shrine bodies. He said that the proudest moment in his life was when he was installed as Worshipful Master of his Lodge.

I know that he rests in glory in his heavenly home. We will miss him very much.

John C. (Jack) Taylor

Puyallup, WA

Brethren,

noreply@blogger.com (Edward Woods) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 05:08:00 +0000

Here we are in November already! Don't forget to 'fall back' tonight, or you'll be an hour off everybody else.

This Wednesday, November 9, we'll have dinner at 6:30, followed by the 30th degree. The 30th always seems to be the most dramatic, and I'm sure our Brothers will put on a great performance! Of course, it helps greatly to have a good crowd on the sidelines, which is a not-so-subtle hint that you should be one of them! :-)

In other news:

A week ago Friday, the Valley of Hoquiam put on a wonderful dinner. Their speaker, Br. Kevin Townley, of Boulder Colorado, gave a wonderful talk about alchemy, and the Masonic alchemy of transforming lives through our tenets and the lessons found within.

The next day, Brothers Cliff and Roberson and yours truly were honored to be coroneted 33rd Inspectors General Honorary. I believe I can speak for both of us in saying that the degree conferred was outstanding, and that the reception was as warm as could be! Brothers, I feel truly blessed to have been selected for this honor.

Finally, last night the Valley of Seattle hosted Illustrious Arturo de Hoyos, 33 Grand Cross. Brother de Hoyos spoke eloquently about this duties as Archivist at the House of the Temple, and then hosted a hour-long Q&A from the Brothers about various Masonic topics. It was well-attended, and well worth a trip north! By the way, in attendance was the SGIG of the Scottish Rite Bodies of Turkey. (I should have written down his name but I forgot.) THis Brother will be the guest of honor for the Seattle Valley on November 15, Tuesday, and will speak about Masonry in Turkey. If you are interested, I'd welcome a car-pooler.

Also, after sending yesterday's message, I kicked myself for failing to pass along this tidbit about Illustrious Brother de Hoyos. Obviously he is an incredibly intelligent and dedicated Mason, as an author of several books - including the recent update to SGC Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma - but following the meeting he spent several minutes speaking with a Brother in flawless German. It is humbling, and it speaks well of our Fraternity, knowing the depth and breadth of the intellect of these leaders.

Fraternally,

Illustrious Bro. Kris

Congrats....

noreply@blogger.com (Edward Woods) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 05:07:00 +0000

Brethren,

Please join me in Congratulating

Illustrious Brothers Kris Graap and Cliff Roberson

on receiving their Thirty-Third Degree honors.

National KSA Gathering Being Planned

noreply@blogger.com (Edward Woods) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 01:16:00 +0000

National KSA Gathering Being Planned

Yes, after 19 years of growth and expansion, the Knights of St. Andrew will hold an historic First National Gathering in March/April, 2012. The Guthrie (Oklahoma) Chapter, the oldest continuous active KSA group, will host with organizational assistance from St. Louis (Missouri) and other Chapters. Plan now to be a part of this sharing event!

Greetings to all the Knights of St Andrew in the State of Washington,

The Orient of Oklahoma, Valley of Guthrie, Knights of St Andrew along with the Orient of Missouri, Valley of St Louis, Knights of St Andrew would like to invite you and your Knights along with any other Scottish Rite member to a Guthrie Scottish Rite Spring Reunion and The first ever, National Gathering of the Knights of St. Andrew in the Guthrie Scottish Rite Masonic Center in Guthrie, Oklahoma the weekend of March 29, 30 and April 1^st 2012.

All twenty nine degrees will be preformed during the reunion and the Guthrie Knights of St Andrew will open and close the reunion activities. They will also have a KSA processional and ceremony initiating Squires and Knighting new members. The processional starts in the Solomon’s Hallway moving to the Atrium where some ritual is spoken thence into the Egyptian Room (auditorium) for the main ceremony. All 32^nd Scottish Rite Masons are invited to attend.

During the reunion we will have KSA meetings with participating Valleys to discuss activities within their valleys and to discuss problems that they might be having. Times will be indicated on the agenda. A presentation will be given to show the expansion of the Knights of St Andrew across the country since its conception in 1993.

There are two evening banquets planned during the reunion and there are also many eateries down town. Shuttle service will be available between the hotels and the Masonic Center and the down town restaurants.

For those with transportation that plan to come early or want to take a break from the degrees these are some of the local attractions:

In Guthrie: Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library, Frontier Drugstore Museum , Double Stop Fiddle Shop & Museum, + many Antique and Curio Shops.

In Oklahoma City: 35 miles South: Oklahoma National Memorial and Museum (We lost a Knight of St Andrew in this bombing), Red Earth Museum, Oklahoma History Center ( good stop to do genealogy), National Cowboy Hall of Fame, Oklahoma City Zoo, 45^th Infantry Division Museum, Fire Fighters Museum, plus many others.

Visit our webpage to take a visual tour of the Guthrie Masonic Center . http://www.guthriescottishrite.org/homepage.aspx

Please RSVP to the e-mail address KSAofGuthrieOK@dittmar.net if you are interested in attending this Scottish Rite Reunion and Knights of St. Andrew Gathering and how many from your valley may be interested. Once we have numbers we can then reserve blocks of rooms at the local major hotels at a discount rate. (THIS IS NOT A COMMITMENT) Van transportation from the airport runs $60 – $65 which can be divided by the number of passengers. Thank you.

Questionnaire

Below is a questionnaire to assist us in the basic planning of the reunion and gathering this is not a registration for the event.

A second letter will go out with more details later about the reunion, agenda, housing etc. and will have the official registration form.

Questionnaire:

1. I would be interested in attending this KSA Gathering: YES NO

2. Several members of my KSA Chapter are interested: NUMBER:_____________

3. We would be flying in to OKC: YES NO

4. We would rent a vehicle at the airport to drive to Guthrie: YES NO

5. We would take advantage of the group Shuttle Vans: YES NO Save transportation costs.

6. We would travel from our Valley by Bus. YES NO

7. We would travel from our Valley by Car. YES NO

8. What is the best contact address for your Chapter?

We will be publishing a booklet for the reunion of all known KSA Chapters by State, Valley, and contact address.

9. Does anyone from your valley need special accommodation at the reunion? If so what?

10. Do you have any additional comments, suggestions, requests or requirements?

Fraternally, Frederick M. Dittmar 33^rd.

Frederick M. Dittmar, 33rd

Secretary Emeritus - KSA

Guthrie Knights of St. Andrew

Guthrie, Oklahoma

PO Box 2601 Norman, Oklahoma 73070

KSAofGuthrieOK@dittmar.net

Brethren;

noreply@blogger.com (Edward Woods) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 07:03:00 +0000

It is with a heavy heart I inform you that R.W.B. Jerry Lingle passed on to the Celestial Lodge. Jerry Lingle has touched many people throughout his life as a community member, police officer, county commissioner and Mason. He will be missed by many.

R.W.B. Jerry Lingle

Per Mt. Moriah #11

The Memorial for RWB Jerry will be this Sunday August 28, 2011 at 10AM at the Little Creek Casino near Shelton Washington.

Brethren,

noreply@blogger.com (Edward Woods) — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 21:32:00 +0000

Please take note:

The 2011 Biennial Session Opening will be internet video streaming live! August 22, 2011 starting 8:00 am EST, thanks to WSB. Watch for updates about this event on the Freemason Network www.freemasonnetwork.org or the Scottish Rite webpage www.scottishrite.org

Illustrious Brother Allen Plue Memorial Service...

noreply@blogger.com (Edward Woods) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 04:42:00 +0000

Brethren,

If you're not already aware, the Masonic memorial service Illustrious Brother Allen Plue is scheduled for Saturday, July 23, at 1:00 p.m. The location is the Olympia Masonic Lodge building, 521 North Street, in Tumwater, WA. You may wish to carpool and arrive a bot early, as I suspect an overflow attendance. Also, if you wish to, cards of condolence may be addressed to Marge Plue, 312 Wildcat Drive SE, Olympia, WA 98503-6744.

Fraternally,

Kris

Illustrious Brother Allen Plue

Golf anyone....

noreply@blogger.com (Edward Woods) — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 18:41:00 +0000

It's That Time Again
for the
7 th Annual Scottish Rite Golf Tourney

Thats right get those clubs out and dust'em off. The Olympia Valley Scottish Rite invites you to join us at Capitol City for our 7th annual golf tournament. $85 dollars per person or $340 a team or Sponsor a hole including a team for $600.

Friday, June 17, 2011
Capitol City Golf Club
8:30 A.M. - Shotgun Start

Click here for entry form

I wanted to pass along the following.....

noreply@blogger.com (Edward Woods) — Mon, 23 May 2011 04:31:00 +0000

Brethren;

I wanted to pass along the following:

First, from our Illustrious SGIG Bill Miller:

The Scottish Rite will place a Memorial Monument at Tahoma Cemetery on Wednesday June 8. We will gather at 1:00 pm. I hope lots of Scottish Rite Masons will be present in caps. Please make sure your 50 year members are informed. We set this date and time to make it convenient to stop by on your way to Grand Lodge.

Second, set your calendar for Wednesday, May 24. Br. Jon Kime has scheduled a speaker, Dr. Jack Havins, to speak about local plans for Capitol Lake. It should be an interesting discussion, as some folks want the lake returned to a tideflat, and others want it cleaned up for swimming and recreation. Personally, I very much appreciate Br. Jon's efforts to make our meetings interesting and worth attending - I hope you appreciate his efforts as well (and through your attendance is the best way to show your support!)

Third, our local golf tournament is just around the corner. If you're interested in helping making this a success, or getting in a round, please check with Br. Damien Kolb or Br. Sam Lantow. The event is Friday, June 17th.

Last but not least: Kudos to Br. Bill Hollifield for his efforts on the shoe program. At the last meeting, Bill reported that he (and his better half) had given out 66 pairs of shoes during 2011 (27 in April). He currently has inventory of 228 pairs (of varying styles and sizes), with $1200.02 in the bank account. Bro. Bill reports that, although he procures shoes from several sources, Wal-Mart deserves recent credit for furnishing 30 pairs for $414.80, which works out to roughly $14 a pair.

Brethren, going back many years, this program has been a Godsend to children in the greater Olympia area - protecting their feet but more importantly raising their self-esteem so to allow better efforts in school. Just as with the golf tourney, our shoe program shows the best of Scottish Rite philanthropy. Thanks Bill, for doing a super job!

Fraternally,

Kris

Brethren;

noreply@blogger.com (Edward Woods) — Tue, 10 May 2011 07:29:00 +0000

Unfortunately, Brother Heath Gunns had a last-minute emergency, so VM Jon Kime switched gears quickly and got a replacement. Mr. Lee Chambers will speak about emerging technologies, and how they will change our lives. Sounds quite interesting!

Hope to see you for dinner at 6:30! If not, please attend at 7:30 as in addition to the speaker we have several items of business.

Fraternally,

Kris

Brethren;

Please mark your calendars for this Wednesday, May 11. For the Lodge of Perfection, VM Jon Kime has scheduled Brother Heath Gunns as our speaker, who will speak about firearms and gun safety. We will also have a short business meeting, including several committee reports. It should be an interesting evening, and I hope you'll join us. Dinner will begin at 6:30 with the meeting to follow at 7:30 pm.

Fraternally,

Kris

Brethren;

noreply@blogger.com (Edward Woods) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 19:48:00 +0000

As Commander of the Kadosh, it's my pleasure to invite you to next Wednesday's meeting. We are honored to have Thurston County Sheriff John Snaza in attendance, and he will discuss his Department, goals, changes, and what we can do as citizens to maintain a safe county. It promises to be an excellent evening, and I hope to see you there, along with your friends and family!

As always, dinner is at 6:30 with the discussion to follow.

Finally, whether you're haviing a Happy Easter today, or celebrating the week of Passover, may the spirit of renewal and hope be with you all!

Fraternally,
Kris

Hello from Guthrie Oklahoma...

noreply@blogger.com (Edward Woods) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 20:11:00 +0000

Brethren,

Eight Brethren from our valley made the annual treck to Guthrie. Illustrious Brothers Jon Lenander, Ray Drummond, Skip Sanford ;KCCH Ben Schatz, and 32 Chris Scarr, Don Bulloch, Jon Anderson and myself attended the Scottish Rite reunion in Guthrie Oklahoma over this last weekend. We were treated to a wonderful presentation of the 29 Scottish Rite degrees performed in full costume on stage. The Guthrie degree teams, and there are many, have out done themselves again as did the many Brethren from the Guthrie Valley who made our every moment a pleasurable one.

If you have never been, it is an experience that you will never forget, if you do not want to take my word for it then check with the many Brethren who have made multiple trips only to still leave in awe at the powerful message the degrees impress upon you. This has been my second trip and rest assured I will make yet another. It serves as a powerful reminder of those many obligations we took at the alter of Freemasonry.

One final treat was the procession by the Knights of St. Andrews click the link to enjoy.

Bro. Ed Woods

Lemons into Lemonade...

noreply@blogger.com (Edward Woods) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 23:25:00 +0000

Brethren;

Please see the attached minutes from yesterday's meeting. As a personal comment, I think we really did turn a bunch of lemons into lemonade in having a much-needed discussion. It was very obvious that those in attendance are extremely committed to supporting and improving Scottish Rite Masonry in Olympia.

Fraternally

Kris

As an added note, a huge thank you to W.B. Charlie Poole for the wonderful lunch meal that was prepared, once again he truly has out done himself. And forget not the assistance of the Rainbow girls who assisted W.B. Charlie in serving the meal to the Brethren

Bro. Ed

Baseball anyone...

noreply@blogger.com (Edward Woods) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 04:57:00 +0000

When: June 19, 2011 at 1:35 PM Fathers Day
Where: Tacoma- Cheney Stadium
What: Tacoma Rainer's Baseball

Bring your Father to a ballgame.

Here are three items coming up soon!

noreply@blogger.com (Edward Woods) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 05:32:00 +0000

Brethren;

Here are three items coming up soon!

First, for our program on February 23; Jim Clarkson is a retired police Detective Sergeant who quite by accident found himself investigating a famous UFO sighting in Grays Harbor. He's been investigating ever since. He has taken his investigations to Area 51 in the Nevada desert and the famous UFO crash sites in New Mexico. Because he uses the same no nonsense investigative methods he used as a Detective he discounts far more reports than he endorses. Jim has been asked to speak all over the country and is the author of a book with a strong Ocean Shores connection. For more information go to http://www.clarksonufo.com/

For a fascinating evening attend our February 23rd meeting. A presentation open to friends will be followed by a short business meeting.' Dinner will begin at 6:30, with the presentation to follow. For more info, please contact VM Jon Kime. This should be good!

Second - Our Valley of Olympia will be assisting the Valley of Hoquiam with the 18th through 32nd degrees on Saturday, March 12 starting at 9am. There will be two candidates. We can certainly use your help - either as a sideliner or as a degree-team member! Please mark your calendars.

Finally, a reminder of our trip to Guthrie - leaving March 31 and returning April 4. If you're thinking of going, Illustrious Skip needs your rsvp by the end of this month (February 28th) so as to book the rooms at the Guthrie Scottish Rite Center.

For questions or more info on the last two, please give Skip a call at 360-280-4108 (local in Olympia.)

Fraternally,

Kris

Recent Happenings and Upcoming Events

noreply@blogger.com (Edward Woods) — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:55:00 +0000

Brothern,

Here are some recent photos to share with you.

Here you have Illustrious Brother Bruce York sitting with two our our newest Scottish Rite Masons

K.C.C.H. Kris Graap and Bro. Kurt Schmid

Finally Brothern,

Please join us at the next meeting December 8, 2010 - Wednesday 6:30 PM - DINNER, ROAST BEEF, LODGE OF PERFECTION, Cap and Ring Ceremony, ELECTIONS.

We look forward to seeing your smiling faces.

Harmony 18 - 2010 Car Show Extravaganza

noreply@blogger.com (Edward Woods) — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 01:37:00 +0000

Harmony 18 - 2010 Car Show Extravaganza
Harmony Lodge #18
Presents
2010 Car Show Extravaganza

Open to Masons and their invited guests
Cars, Trucks, and Motorcycles of all types
If you think it’s cool BRING IT!
The judges will categorize upon arrival
(Bribing the judges is encouraged)

Entry Fee $10.00 suggested donation in addition to your normal dinner donation
August 3rd 2009 5:30pm
Contact WB Ivan Isaacson to RSVP 360-491-1451
Olympia Masonic Center, 521 North Street, Tumwater WA 98501

Hello from New Orleans....

noreply@blogger.com (Edward Woods) — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 06:14:00 +0000

Brethren,

New Orleans and the Leadership Conference is a kick. Illustrious Brothers Skip, Bruce and our Personal Representative Jon and myself had the pleasure of attending an exemplification of a Scottish Rite EA Degree, and all I can say is wow what a treat. Tomorrow we start in on many good sessions sure to be packed with great information that we will in turn bring back to the Brothers. We will all be looking forward to seeing all of you at the next meeting.

By the way if you have not already the Scottish Rite has a new website that will provide the means and opportunity to meet many of your Brothers across the country. Additionally, you will find many updates regarding the Leadership Conference in New Orleans and links where you can follow along, just go to the following link and check it out.

Freemason Network

Fraternally,
Bro. Ed Woods