September 2002
Volume 3, Number 9
The Official Publication of the Audubon Park Lodge #272
September 2002
Volume 3, Number 9
From the East ...
Coincidentally, our next stated meeting occurs
on September 11. Who will ever forget the terrible events of that day? We watched
in horror as nearly 3000 individuals perished at terrorists' hands. The memory
of that sickening fireball and the collapsing towers are burnished in our memories
forever. In the days that followed, amid our disbelief and outrage, we watched
on t.v. as heroic rescues unfolded and mourners laid flowers on heaps of rubble.
We struggled to make sense of the appalling carnage. How can one comprehend
such an atrocity? ..... Much has happened in the intervening year. As best we
could, we buried our dead. Families of victims struggled to piece together their
lives. We carried the war to Afghanistan and delivered fearful blows to terrorist
strongholds. We're resolved to bring the perpetrators to justice and expunge
the terrorist menace from the earth. But the future remains very much uncertain.
Out of all this tragedy has come some new realities. We realize how vulnerable
our institutions are to attack. We understand that other cultures and countries
despise us and seek our downfall. We appreciate with awful, chilling clarity
the need to be vigilant and ready to defend our precious freedoms.
America heeded well the lesson of 9-11. Historically as a nation, we've always
pull together in times of adversity and this grim event is no exception. In
post 9-11 America, we are united in our resolve to defeat terrorist threats
to our way of life. As this dreadful anniversary passes before us, never forget
how blessed we are to live in this wonderful country. Let us cherish our traditions
and values. And difficult though it is, we must strive to work for peace in
the world. President Theodore Roosevelt had it right, I think, when he observed
(of America's role in the world) ..."Walk softly, but carry a big stick." We'll
survive this because Americans are decent, fair-minded, tough when we need to
be, and resourceful.
Shifting gears a bit, ...I trust you've all had busy, happy and productive
times during the summer break. Just because most of us are away during July
and August doesn't mean things are quiet at the Lodge. The old secretary's office
was gutted. That long-stuck window was opened. The floor & walls were washed
and painted. VWB Chester Echelbarger removed the old radiator resulting in considerably
more space in the room. Senior Warden John Smith assembled a new desk for the
office. Secretary Floyd Smith now has a cheery, well ventilated, very pleasant
place in which to work. Stop by and have a look. What an improvement!
We had several weddings and receptions during the summer. These events brought
much needed revenue to the Lodge and we are grateful to WB Floyd Morse for his
services as rental manager. We also appreciate the groundskeeping work, i.e.
mowing lawn, maintaining sprinklers, trash removal and so forth, performed by
VOW Echelbarger MW Harold Tucker.
Timely maintenance inside and out promotes a tidy, sharp-looking appearance
for the Lodge. Which reminds me that we need a new vacuum cleaner. The existing
vacuum is very weak. It just doesn't do an adequate job of cleaning the rug.
If anyone out there has a good serviceable vacuum they'd care to donate, the
Lodge would be most grateful.
Our next Stated Communication is Wednesday, September 11, beginning at 7:00
p.m. Please make every effort to attend. Let's start the new cycle with as much
momentum as possible. Also, mark your calendars! Wednesday, September 25 will
be Family Night. It will be a pot luck starting at 6:30 p.m. This will be my
last Family Night with you as Master of the Lodge, and I want to honor several
brethren. It will be an awards and recognition night. The evening may hold some
light-hearted "shanaganigans" too. So plan to be there!
Finally, be aware that at our October stated meeting, we will be electing our
new slate of Officers for the 2003 year.
Paul J. Vielle
Worshipful Master
From the West ....
Let me welcome you all back. I hope everyone had a safe and
enjoyable summer. The last time we were together was at our Picnic-at-the-Lodge,
...in June. The event was a great success; -plenty of good food and great fellowship.
About 24 people showed-up on this beautiful June day. We set-up tables on the
front lawn and enjoyed the usual picnic favorites of hamburgers, fruit salad,
chips, pies, cakes and other specialty dishes. WB Floyd Morse surprised us with
homemade ice-cream. Man-oh-man....no one went away hungry that day. My thanks
to all who came and especially to those who brought food.
Worshipful Master Vielle tells me he has been working with Brother Mark Anderson
over the summer. Brother Mark is our newest Entered Apprentice. I understand
he is very close to demonstrating proficiency on his first degree. If so, we'll
look to confer the Fellowcraft degree on Brother Mark later in the month of
September. I see you at our next Stated Meeting, September 11.
John M. Smith
Senior Warden
From the South ...
We are again at the close of summer. The Labor
Day celebration is over and school busses are back on the road. I for one am
still trying to finish some of my June summer projects. There seemed to have
been lots of time to get things done right after our June picnic, but here we
are in September and I'm wondering what happened to August!
Now it is time to return to the business of Freemasonry; improving ourselves
by doing good work to benefit others. Over the past few years we have expanded
our involvement in the community. The Operation Outreach literacy program in
the schools and inviting guest speakers for our family nights are two examples
of our reaching out to the community around us. Such efforts bring recognition
to our Lodge. Let us continue to strive for a better understanding of Masonry
in the community, specifically the recognition of Audubon Park Lodge #272 as
an asset to Spokane.
See you in Lodge.
Robert K. Good
Junior Warden
In Other News... This
note from WB Eric Berman: "Audubon Park Masonic Foundation has had a successful
year. The Fall 2001 Donation Campaign netted $1125.00 for the Foundation. The
Spring campaign generated another $1155.00. The Valentine Dinner and Dance (in
February 2002) cleared $1011.00 and in May our "La Vie en Rose" dance netted
$520.00. Another $630.00 came in from the Corn Beef and Cabbage Dinner (in March).
Finally we received numerous checks for various reasons through this period.
As of May 31, 2002, APMF held $28,470 in assets. Our year-end goal is to hit
the $30,000 mark. On behalf of the Board of Directors of the APMF I extend my
sincere gratitude to all who have supported the Foundation. Your donations to
the Foundation are investment in the future financial security of Audubon Park
Lodge. As we move into the Fall, we are planning future dances and we're thinking
of a Semi-Formal-ish dinner & Dance for New Years Eve. This could be a real
blast. More info to follow." Congratulations on a successful fundraising campaign,
Brother Eric!
Brother Bill Wilson has done a fantastic job in setting up our Webpage. If you
haven't yet done so, do visit us online at: http://www.audubonpark272.com. We
added several informative links, one of which is a brief history of the lodge.
We plan to add additional pages with information on Hall Rentals and the Audubon
Park Masonic Foundation. Well done Brother Bill!
At our next stated meeting (September 11) VWB Doug Tucker will be delivering
our Masonic Education segment. His talk that evening will be on the Regius Poem
and the Halliwell Manuscript. The Regius Poem (circa 1390 A.D.) is arguably
the oldest genuine record of the Craft of Masonry known. Most Masons have heard
about these documents, but few of us actually know what is in them. I'm sure
you'll find VW Doug's remarks most interesting and informative.
In Memorium
With great sadness we note the passing of two more Audubon Park brethren.
WB John M. Lipp passed away in late June 2002. He was Master of Audubon
Park in 1957. WB Glain H. Cook was called to the Celestial Lodge above
in July 2002. Brother Glain held memberships in several local lodges and was
very active in Scottish Rite. Memorials will be held for these departed brethren
at our next stated meeting.
Famous Mason's Corner
General John J. Pershing (1860-1948) Commander-in-Chief of American
forces in WW1 and had many honors conferred upon him not only by the U.S., but
also by other nations. Born in Missouri; graduate of U.S. Military Academy,
1886; earned a law degree from University of Nebraska, 1893. Raised in Lincoln
Lodge No. 19, Nebraska, 1888. Member of both York and Scottish Rites. 33rd Degree
awarded in 1930.
Masonic Quiz
Q: What is the legend of the Winding Stairs?
A: An allegory to teach us the ascent of the mind from ignorance through all
the toils of study and the difficulties of obtaining knowledge, gleaning a little
along the way and thus adding to our stock of knowledge at each step until the
reward of how to seek God and His truth is gained in the full fruition of manhood
(the middle chamber of life).
Q: What is the symbolic meaning of the Setting Maul?
A: See next month's Pillars!
Calendar of Events
September
3 Bethel 64 meeting of Job's Daughters,
7:00 p.m.
11 Stated Communication, 7:00 p.m.
17 Bethel 64 meeting of Job's Daughters,
7:00 p.m.
18 Fellowcraft Degree (Tentative)
25 Family Night. Pot Luck. 6:30 p.. Awards
& Recognition program
October
1 Bethel 64 meeting of Job's Daughters,
7:00 p.m.
9 Stated Communication, 7:00 p.m. Election
of Officers for 2003
12 Installation of new Officers for 2002
- Saturday - 1:00 p.m.
15 Bethel 64 meeting of Job's Daughters,
7:00 p.m.
23 Family Night. Dinner. 6:30 p.m.