Lest We Forget
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November 2001 Editor: MWBro Robert E. Juthner Vol. 66, No. 9 Lest We Forget It behooves us, as citizens as well as Freemasons, to remind ourselves of the sacrifices made by valiant men — and in some instances women — and to hon- our them by annual remembrance. We have paid such tribute within the pages of this publication every year. This time let us read a letter received from WBro Jason Smith, the Worshipful Master of Baseline Lodge No. 198, relating the events of November 2000: After completing the business por- tion of the meeting (on November 6, 2000)… a prayer was said for all our departed Brethren, and a moment of silence was observed. Then Labour was suspended to allow a three-man colour party from the local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion to parade into the Lodge. A prayer was read by their Ser- Soldiers pause to bury their brother, Major E.L. Knight, who was killed during the geant-at-Arms and two minutes of si- Battle of the Somme, October 1916 — Lest We Forget! lence were observed to honour all those who sacrificed their lives in the World in Spruce Grove by the Royal Canadian Legion. The Lodge was again thanked Wars of the 20th century in defense of Legion. A wreath was laid on behalf of for allowing the Legion to visit our Lodge our freedom. Our National Anthem was Baseline Lodge No. 198. After the cer- and participate in our Remembrance then sung by all present. The Legion emony, a large crowd proceeded to the ceremony, and the wish was expressed colour party then paraded out and La- local branch of the Legion and partook that, perhaps, this could become an bour was resumed and the Lodge closed of a light lunch, compliments of the annual event. in due form. The members of the colour party were then invited to stay for the Festive Letter Board, and they enjoyed the hospital- I am writing this letter to thank you changes with the student loan program ity. One of the members of the Legion for your continued support while at- and the continuous rise in tuition costs, party addressed the Brethren present tending University. I received a number programs like yours become vital to about the structure and purpose of the of scholarships from your organization students like me to be able to attend Royal Canadian Legion and answered and I don’t think I would have made it university. I urge you to continue to questions from the Brethren. Later, the through school without your financial fund other students in university, as Legion members expressed their ap- support. As you know, I come from a this is some positive work that you are preciation for the opportunity to par- family that was unable, for a number of doing. ticipate in our Remembrance Day cer- different reasons, to assist me with my I can never thank you enough for emony. It also was discovered that one schooling. With your financial support I supporting me. I did not have a lot of of the Legion members was a demitted was able to spend my time concentrat- support from my family in attending Freemason and he especially appreci- ing on my academics instead of worry- university, and receiving support from ated our hospitality and brotherhood, ing where I was going to find the tuition your agency really made me feel as suggesting that he might return to a money for the next semester. though someone out there believed that Lodge meeting, as he was not affiliated I wanted to inform you that I gradu- I would do well in school and believed in with any Lodge at the moment. ated from the Special Work Program at me enough to invest in my studies. Your Later that week, on November 11th, the University of Calgary (Lethbridge support meant the world to me. Thank several members of the Lodge accom- Division) and I got a job working full you. panied the Worshipful Master to a for- time with the Government of Alberta as Sincerely, mal Remembrance Day ceremony held a Child Protection Worker… With the Tammy Hankel, BSW Editorial is always more important than the mes- cated that they would attend again. senger. The concept of having schools Those who will return, and those who Our Annual Retreat of instruction, from which to choose, is will come for the first time, will be glad When we returned from that first still sound, and the organizers are still they did and will be reassured by the “Masonic Spring Workshop” held at the doing their best in choosing topics and Mission Statement adopted by the Plan- Banff Centre in April 1966, we could presenters. It seems that for the coming ning Committee, to wit: hear many of the participants comment: Workshop of 2002, the stream (of inter- •To create a weekend experience in a “That’s the best thing that ever hap- est) approach will be continued, with relaxed atmosphere of fellowship, pened in Masonry in Alberta.” They the planned addition of a philosophical- offering individual Masons the op- cannot have been wrong in their assess- historical-esoteric topic series to the portunity: ment, or else the annual Masonic re- present training, general and contro- • to be challenged, excited, amused, treat could not have survived to this versial streams. exposed to new ideas, offered op- day, but it has and shows no sign of What has not changed over the years, tions for expression, and be mentored fading into history. Yes, details have and hopefully never will, is the ener- in the ways and ideals of Freema- changed, but that was to be expected. getic and enthusiastic engagement of sonry; Attendance figures have dropped from the Planning Committee in serving the • to renew old acquaintances; and the registration of 434 that year to Craft, and the good fellowship, growth • to make new friends; present day figures of about the half in Masonic knowledge and general • and to foster co-relationships with (226 in 2001), but then, in 1966, total enjoyment of all in attendance. What other organizations to support this membership in this Grand Lodge was does appear less than ideal is in the process. 19,008, more than twice of that in the uneven age and Masonic experience It should go without saying that it is year 2001, which seems to make things distribution of the attendees. This last incumbent on all Worshipful Masters of even. Incidentally, the theme for 1966 time, according to questionnaire re- our Lodges, the District Deputy Grand was “The Mason in the Community,” a sponses, 60 per cent were Past Masters Masters, and indeed all other Brethren, topic bearing great resemblance to to- including Grand Lodge officers, only to encourage their peers and particu- day’s areas of concentration — just ask one in eight attended for the first time, larly new members and younger men to Andy Michaelson et alia. Other changes only 12 per cent were under 50 years of avail themselves of this great fraternal include moving the venue from the Banff age, 53 per cent between 50 and 70, and retreat in the beautiful mountain set- School of Fine Arts, as it was first named, the remainder above 70. It is, however, ting of our Rocky Mountains. It’s worth to the present hotel at Kananaskis and encouraging that the respondents were the two nights away from home, the trip to replace the original communal lunch generally satisfied with the Workshop and the money which would otherwise and supper tables, where the bowls experience and a full 98 per cent indi- be spent on something less rewarding. were passed around, to the buffet style with limited table service. The costs for Highflying Support 168, Bro Gordon Pedden (1999 recipient the weekend have risen, but so has of the Masonic Medal of Merit), on the everything else in the past 35 years: we right, presenting a cheque in the amount no longer pay a dime for a municipal of $1,000.00 on behalf of the Lodge to transit ride or enjoy a cup of coffee for Bob Layton (left), Co-Chairman of a nickel, even if it were a quarter then; “Project S.O.S.” which is an endeavour costs escalated but so rose wages and in support of the purchase of a Police other sources of personal income. Helicopter for the City of Edmonton. Programming has changed too, but Unity Lodge No. 51, prior to its amal- that’s all right. The indispensable dis- gamation with Highlands Lodge No. 168, cussion group sessions were dis- had a strong historical connection with continued; new offerings were added, the City Police Service, and many of its such as Masonic video shows. During members currently serve or have served the first few decades of Workshop his- on the force. Since the merger on De- tory, more use was made of “local” (Al- cember 9, 1998, this tradition has con- berta) talent in the choice of theme The photograph shows the presen- tinued. The presentation was made on speakers, nowadays there is more em- tation of a cheque for a worthy cause of June 23, 2001. phasis on bringing in “eminent” Masons a different kind than usual. Shown is the Richard Kampjes, Secretary from elsewhere. However, the message Treasurer of Highlands-Unity Lodge No. Highlands-Unity Lodge No. 168 Provided to Freemasons of Alberta and the Northwest The Committee on the Grand Lodge Bulletin Territories west of the 4th Meridian who are members of MWBro Robert E.