Monitor Entry for November 2008

Fraternal greetings to one and all. It seems like time goes by so fast and here we are, just like most lodges, finishing up our last phase of activities for the year. Apparently, installation of officers for the ensuing year are already starting to escalate and invitations are starting to emanate.

We have just attended the installation of officers at our Sister Lodge (St. John’s Lodge No.21) in Ladysmith, Canada, B.C. last October 4th. For some of us, it was a wonderful and pleasant first time experience to witness such an installation done the Canadian way, very solemn and brilliantly executed tyled installation. It gave us the opportunity to meet and greet the brethren from the neighboring lodges. Such a warm feeling greeted us on our fellowship with our Canadian Brethren. What a great day to be a Mason, we exclaimed.

Alki Lodge No. 152 had its Stated Communication last October 6th and despite the moderate wind and heavy rain, we managed to have another great meeting and fellowship. Our meeting was highlighted by the presence of MWB Kenneth Robinson, who delivered such an exceptional message about Masonry and religion, detailing about the aspects of different religions, their practices and beliefs and the ideals of Freemasonry, its symbolism and allegories, emphasizing the latter is not a religion. He compared them to railroad tracks which always run parallel but heading to and from the same direction.

Our appreciation to VWB Scott Wells, WB Tom Dahl, WB Kent Evans and other members who brought and serve a wonderful dinner for the night.

Our congratulations to Bro. Jason Tharpe for passing the third degree proficiency test delivered in full version. His articulate presentation was just fantastic.

Once again, our sincerest gratitude to Sis Jane Dusatko for introducing another project to the Ladies during our meeting night and kept them occupied, making such a nice 5”x7” wooden picture frame painted with attractive colors.

Every time we make a visit to Mark P. Waterman Lodge #177, we always considered it a blast. We just had another one last October 8th. Thanks again, Brethren of Mark P. for another great evening of fellowship and laughter. You want to find out why, go visit them at Vashon Island and you won’t regret it. Their Stated Meeting is every 2nd Wednesday of the month.

On October 10th, we visited the Rainbow Girls during their meeting and the unique thing about that meeting was everybody’s wearing “pajama” outfit, the event being a “pajama night” and we found ourselves blending with them. What a change, switching gear from the usual tux outfit to pajama. Well, our mission was to present a check amounting to $500.00, representing our contribution to fundraising effort for our youth organization. The amount raised was the result of our joint fundraising activity, the Pasta Dinner Event. Our best wishes to the Rainbow Girls, Assembly #18. We know that your organization shall flourish.

Another Pancake Breakfast fundraising event was held at Alki Lodge No. 152 dining hall last October 11th. To those who supported this worthy endeavor, we sincerely thank you for bringing us another successful event.

Just a note about Charity; proceeds of the previous Pancake Breakfast (held in March) will be used for charity to fund and support our “canned food drive” in time for Thanksgiving. There is a drop box located at the Alki Dining Hall where canned goods can be deposited. The canned food drive runs from October 6th to November 21st. Our Charity Committee will be donating the canned goods to the West Seattle Food Bank, an institution which provides free food to the hungry and the poor during the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Congratulations to our youngest Entered Apprentice Masons who were initiated October 20th; Bros. Paul Bolds-Moorehead, Kevin Nguyen and Jethro Hughes.

Last October 22nd, Alki Lodge No. 152 hosted the Wednesday Night Lodges, an event attended by ten different lodges in the South covering the Seattle area up to Tacoma area. This traditional gathering of brethren started in 1948 and to this date, has remained an active tradition. Our recent event was graced by the presence of the Senior Grand Warden of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of F&AM of Washington, RW G. Santy Lascano, who shared his thoughts and interesting account of his travel experience in and outside the jurisdiction. To the Brethren of the South and to the recipient of the Traveling Trowel, we say thank you and expect us to travel south to meet you again in April 2009.

Our special thanks to WB David Brown, WB David Morrow, Bro. Robb Gray and Bro. Charlie Runke for bringing in a sumptuous dinner for the Wednesday night. Likewise, our sincere appreciation to VWB R. John Bozeat and WB Marcel Maddox for the great coordination effort.

Upcoming events for November:

• Nov. 1st - Visit to St. Andrews Lodge No. 35, Renton, 7:45 PM
• Nov. 3rd - Alki Lodge No.152 Stated Meeting, 7:30 PM, Dinner (6:15 PM) Election of 2009 Officers, Step-up at Closing Guest Speaker, MWB Charles McQuery, PGM
• Nov. 13th - Visit to Ark Lodge No. 126, Tukwila, 7:30 PM
• Nov. 17th - EAM Degree Conferral (3 candidates), 7:00 PM
• Nov. 24th - (Tentative-to be announced) FCM Degree Conferral (3 candidates)

-- WM Isagani DeJesus

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