ANNUAL ADDRESS

of the

GRAND MASTER

ARTHUR L. BORLAND

The Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Oregon

Masonic Year 2016-2017

One Hundred and Sixty-Seventh Annual Communication June 1 & 2, 2017

BEND, OREGON Reports received prior to the Grand Lodge Session, which are printed in this booklet, are all for your review. Those reports which do not require adoption by the delegates assembled will not be read and may be found on pages 27-69. The Grand Master has ordered that all reports printed in this booklet be received. Those reports requiring action by the Grand Lodge will be presented for discussion and adoption or rejection and can be found on pages 70-74. Arthur L. Borland

GRAND MASTER 2016-2017

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GRAND MASTER’S ADDRESS - June 1, 2017 To the Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of Oregon

Brethren: Welcome to the 167th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Oregon. The Grand Lodge Officers, District Deputies, Committeemen and I are honored to have you here today. I personally thank you for attending our session. I am grateful to each of you for allowing me to serve as Grand Master during the 2016-2017 Masonic year. As outlined in Section 107.6 of the Oregon Masonic Code, among the duties of the Grand Master is, “To present at each Annual Communication a written address, setting forth his official acts, the general condition of Masonry within this Jurisdiction, and to make such recommendations as he may deem necessary.”

OFFICIAL ACTS A list of By-Laws approved, Dispensations granted, Edicts and Proxies issued, Rulings and other decisions made are included in the following pages. Please read them, and see how Masonry is working in Oregon.

SPECIAL ACTS The Grand Lodge Officers and I had the distinct pleasure of attending a building rededication ceremony for Tuality Lodge No. 6. The city of Hillsboro hosted the rededication ceremony for the historic building, whose interior had been damaged by a fire. The Grand Lodge Officers performed the corn, oil and wine ceremony, and a plaque was presented to commemorate the occasion. The Grand Orator also spoke of the history of Tuality Lodge and the city of Hillsboro. We were honored to participate in the 150-year anniversary ceremony of Umatilla Lodge No. 40 in Echo. Our Grand Orator explained that the building, originally constructed in Umatilla, was moved to the city of Echo some years later. The Grand Lodge Officers performed the corn, wine and oil ceremony to celebrate this milestone. Throughout the Masonic year, I was pleased to help present several Hiram Awards and 50, 60 and 70-year Jewels to members of our Jurisdiction. These presentations were special as they represent many years of dedication to Masonry. My congratulations to the recipients. The Grand Lodge organized three Masonic Colleges in Portland,

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Medford and Bend. A session was planned in La Grande, but was canceled due to low interest. The Masonic Colleges gave the Grand Lodge Officers an opportunity to practice their Ritual by opening and closing an Occasional Grand Lodge. Those who attended the training agreed the subjects taught were beneficial and needed. My thanks to the trainers and those who organized the classes. We also held a Blue Lodge Training on March 18 in Portland, Bend, Salem, Medford, North Bend and Baker City. This one-day training was specifically aimed at covering the Basic School of Instruction, providing a time when members could read for their proficiencies. The training included videos on conflict resolution, bridging the generation gap, a basic Robert’s Rules of Order and an introduction to the new Grand View membership database. This was our first attempt at video training, and we hope to expand on it in the future. Yearly, the Grand Lodge Trustees and Grand Secretary attend the Conference of Grand Masters of North America (CGMNA) and the Western Conference of Grand Masters. Held in Omaha, Neb. in mid- February, the Grand Lodge of Oregon was blessed to have played a major role in preparing for this year’s conferences. M.W.B. Don Stapleton, I.P.G.M. was the coordinator for the Western Conference of Grand Masters which includes Jurisdictions from Alaska, Oregon, California, Hawaii and British Columbia and Yukon. R.W.B. Ronald J. Eggers, Junior Grand Warden, spoke at the conference and his message was well-received. Thank you both for your support. I was asked to be on the Planning Committee for CGMNA along with several other seated Grand Masters. We determined the structure of the conference and topics to be presented. R.W.B. James L. Morgan, Senior Grand Warden, headed a forum which discussed ways to guard the West Gate by applying background checks for candidates. It was a great forum well-received by all Jurisdictions. Thank you, R.W.B. Jim.

CONDITION OF FREEMASONRY IN THIS GRAND JURISDICTION Masonry is the oldest fraternal organization in the world with its roots reaching back some 4,000 years. Since the establishment of the first Grand Lodge of Freemasonry in England in 1717, Masonry has spread across the face of the world. The lessons we have been taught, from the working tools used in the building of King Solomon’s Temple, have become the core values of who we are and define us as a Fraternity, worldwide. Page 3 2016-2017

The world has watched as Masonry grew and changed over the years. Our traditions and lessons have changed with time, and our sheer numbers have both increased and decreased over the years, but our core values have never changed. We base our strengths on our deep beliefs in Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. Since the 1960s, Masonry throughout the world has been decreasing in numbers. In the early 1960s, Masonry in Oregon had a membership of nearly 48,000. Today, that number hovers around 7,000 active Master Masons. However, this decline is not limited to Freemasonry. The Odd Fellows, Elks Lodges, Rotary International, churches and other civic organizations have lost members in similar proportions. There seems to be a fundamental change in the need of people to belong to something. This could be due to television, movies, sporting events, working longer hours, greater commutes or other factors. Whatever the reason, we must become more innovative in telling our story and attracting new members. Innovative methods are being used in several Lodges in Oregon with, what seems to be, a great deal of success. Although there is no one solution for all Lodges, a few basic steps seem to bring a degree of success. To begin with, each potential candidate should be asked to attend several Lodge functions prior to being given a petition. This allows him to meet members of the Lodge and gives the members an opportunity to help determine his character. Next, a mentor should be assigned to the candidate to help answer any questions and to help him understand the meaning of Masonry. This step may take several months. Following, a petition is only given once he has satisfied the Lodge and is worthy of membership and will be a good match. Additionally, the Lodge performs a thorough background check and contacts each reference. Finally, once his petition is received, the Lodge will assign a mentor to be with him until he is raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason and even afterward. Lodges that follow these basic steps are guarding the West Gate well and making strong and sustainable Masons for our future. Although our membership is declining, it is at a slower rate than in the past. It is expected we will see an increase in overall membership within the next few years. This can be hastened by Lodges reaching out to Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft Masons who have not advanced, encouraging them to come back to the Lodge. We must give them a reason to return. We must ensure our Lodge meetings are more than reading the minutes and paying bills, but also enjoyable and informative.

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This can be done by asking each officer or member to provide an educational program during the year or by having family dinners during the month. Lodges that plan trips and events, keep members and their wives more interested. There can also be growth if the Lodge takes interest in supporting our youth groups and Grand Lodge programs. Lodges, officers and members need to keep the Lodge active, visible and vital to the community. We must become or continue to be relevant to ourselves, our members and our community. Today, there are a total of 107 Lodges in our Jurisdiction. This number has decreased for several reasons, but it seems to have stabilized. One reason for our decreasing numbers is our geography and diverse economy. During the time when Masonry was growing, Oregon’s economy was rural-based and dependent upon timber, fishing and farming. Over the years, these mainstays to our economy declined, and we began losing many of these industries. The number of lumber mills has decreased greatly; therefore, many towns which once supported a Masonic Lodge have all but vanished. The same holds true with our fishing industry which once flourished along our beautiful coastline. Even our family farms are dying as corporate farms are replacing them. Where we once had communities with hundreds of small farms, we now have corporate farms producing more food with fewer people. Times are changing. This may sound like a scenario of doom, but it is only a sign of change. We may lose rural Lodges due to the change of direction in the economy, but we will gain new Lodge members as more workers relocate to the metropolitan centers like Portland, Salem, Eugene, Medford and Bend. We need to give prospective members something in which to believe and grow. It is imperative that we guard our West Gate while allowing good men into our Lodges. I encourage you to make the Masonic experience something which will attract new and old members into the Lodge. The Grand Lodge office strives to provide the tools which will help individual Lodges grow and become stronger. Over the past several years we have produced many programs and classes which are geared to help Lodges educate their members, teach candidates, become visible in the community and train their officers. These programs include Fellows of the Craft, Torchlight, Masonic Colleges, Basic Schools of Instruction, Blue Lodge Training and others. We encourage Lodges to attend the classes when offered and schedule local training classes for their members and candidates. I believe we are poised to grow again. Masonry offers our members

Page 5 2016-2017 and communities a solid foundation for self-improvement and a place of moral stability. Our teachings of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth are the basis for a strong society, and many men in our communities are looking for such a foundation to build upon. It becomes our duty and responsibility to show them who we are and how we can help improve society. This year, we have focused on developing new ways to reach out and assist our veteran Brothers. Our OutReach Services department continues to recognize and support the needs of our Masonic veterans, and we are producing an Oregon Masonic veteran pin which will be given to all Oregon Masons who have served our country. We are also sponsoring a veterans’ golf tournament, encouraging all to become involved and support our program. The Grand Lodge has also established a Robotics committee to reach out to local schools and support students in the design and building of robotics projects. This outreach has helped establish several Robotics clubs with more to come. Students today are learning advanced math- ematics, science and engineering concepts, years ahead of what most of us learned. I look forward to seeing how this wonderful program advances in the future. I am happy to say we have continued and expanded on the Ritual competition this year. We have established four categories which include the Apron Lecture of the Entered Apprentice Degree, the “G” Lecture of the Fellow Craft Degree, the Conferral of the Master Mason Degree and the Opening and Closing of the Master Mason Degree. Although the winners had not been selected at the time of this writing, I congratulate those competing and look forward to seeing them at this Annual Communication.

TRAVEL AND VISITATIONS I was told several years ago that I would probably wear out a car during this journey. My wife and I have driven over 34,000 miles in the first nine months of this Masonic year. While I have not worn out my car yet, I estimate a total of over 40,000 miles will be added to the odometer during this year alone. At an average 60 mph speed, this equates to nearly 666 hours behind the wheel or over 27 days of driving. During this Masonic year, I attended 54 official visits to Oregon Lodges as well as two Outdoor Degrees. I was also able to attend the Annual Communications of nine other Grand Lodge Jurisdictions, performed four Lodge installations in December, and two building rededications,

Page 6 2016-2017 one of which was a 150-year anniversary celebration. I also attempted to bring Masonry closer to our concordant and appendant bodies by becoming more involved by attending their ceremonies, meetings and programs. In doing so, I attended a total of 19 meetings of the Scottish Rite, York Rite, Al Kader Shrine, Order of the Eastern Star, Order of the Amaranth, Daughters of the Nile and Ladies Oriental Shrine. These are wonderful organizations living the Masonic principals daily and helping to spread the word of who we are and what we do. Thank you for your efforts. My wife and I traveled to Tampa, Fla. for the Imperial Shrine in July. In August, I attended the East-West Shrine football game in Baker City. We also danced the night away at the Potentates Ball and attended the Worthy Grand Matron’s Reception. I accompanied my wife to the Zuliema Temple and Nydia Temple installations for the Daughters of the Nile, and visited again during the official visits of their Supreme Queen. I attended the installation for the Order of the Amaranth in Portland and both the Hillah and Al Kader Shrine installations. I was blessed with the opportunity to sit in the East with the High Princess of the Ladies Oriental Shrine. I was also asked to attend several Scottish Rite Valleys during the year including the Portland, Salem and Medford Valleys. I also attended the Scottish Rite Spring Reunion in Baker City. The youth groups have always been important to me. During this year, I tried to attend several functions beginning with the Grand Assembly for the Rainbow Girls in Pendleton. Part of my duty was to participate in the Crowning Ceremony for the new Grand Worthy Advisor, Grace Wolbaum. To show our support for the youth groups, the Grand Lodge sponsored a Youth Day at Oaks Park in Portland. With the help of the Al Kader Shrine, we served hamburgers and hot dogs to nearly 300 people. All youth members were given free bracelets to cover the admission to the rides in the park. It was a great way to let the youth groups know that Masons care and everyone appeared to enjoy the day. I also attended several DeMolay functions including the Grand Master’s class where several new members were initiated. Two highlights of the year were the State Master Councilors reception for Ben Allphin and the reception for the International Congress Secretary, Gabriel Jones-Gallardo. I was also honored to be part of the team which helped select the Miss Oregon Job’s Daughter, Cassie Allen. I attended several breakfasts to support the Job’s Daughters during the year. Many Grand Lodge Officers and Lodges have also shown support for the youth groups by attending

Page 7 2016-2017 their local meetings, installations, breakfasts and ceremonies. Thank you all for the support you have shown. Please keep it up. They are important to our Masonic family.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS AND DISTRICT DEPUTIES There is not enough time to thank the Grand Lodge Officers, District Deputies and Committeemen for the help they provided to make this a successful Masonic year. Many of you traveled with me to official visits, Lodge anniversaries, training sessions and visits to other Jurisdictions. Many of you went out of your way to develop training classes and helped launch new programs and events. I thank every one of you. Your dedication to the Craft is exemplary and an example of what true Masonry is and can be. Thank you!

RECOMMENDATIONS I believe our great Fraternity is in a position to be a guiding light in a world of chaos and uncertainty. We can do this by clinging to our basic beliefs of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. Through Brotherly Love, we can practice civility in our Lodges, our communities and in our homes. By Relief, we can reach out and help our Masonic members and their families in need of assistance. We can encourage and help the youth of Oregon with scholarships, reading programs, financial aid and supporting our youth groups. By Truth, we can show the world and our community who we are and become a beacon of hope in a confusing world. I believe each Lodge in our Jurisdiction should take a more active role in advancing members who have received their Entered Apprentice or Fellow Craft Degrees. We currently have a membership of 7,646, however, there are presently about 1,064 Entered Apprentices and 188 Fellow Craft Masons who have yet to advance to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. Although many are slowly advancing, many have become stagnant in their advancement. When you consider we presently have 6,680 active Master Masons, advancing the Entered Apprentices and Fellow Craft Masons would bring the number of Master Masons to 7,932, nearly a 20 percent increase. We have the ability; we just need the desire and commitment of dedicated Brothers. I recommend our Lodges make it a point to become more active in their community and support local schools with programs like Bikes for Books and Kindles for Books. Consider starting or supporting a Robotics program at a local school. Work with the Creating a Partnership program

Page 8 2016-2017 in a neighboring school to provide for children who need necessities like a coat, shoes, school supplies or money for school outings. I encourage you to award scholarships to high school students in your cities and towns. Support a community Easter egg hunt or start a Masonic information booth at the county fair. March in parades and have a cotton candy or popcorn booth at a street fair. Join your local Chamber of Commerce. Become involved in your community. Make Masonry visible. By helping our youth, we will be setting a foundation for the future. Become active in supporting DeMolay, Job’s Daughters and Rainbow in your area. If there isn’t one, help start one. It takes commitment, but it will provide a return many times greater than the effort given. At one time, Oregon had the largest DeMolay Chapter in the United States. We can do it again. There are many ways a Lodge can become involved with our youth. I encourage you to help them. They are important.

SPECIAL THANKS Not surprising to anyone, I want to thank my wife, Dale, for this magical adventure. She has tirelessly made sure I was on time and dressed appropriately, hair cut and face shaved. She shared the driving with me as we traveled around the state. She graciously attended official visits when she would rather have taken a well-deserved nap. Without her help, this journey would have been near impossible. Thank you! Our office staff is the silent supporter of this wonderful journey. Each of them knows what needs to be done without direction or urging. If I need information, they usually have it prepared before I ask. They seem to anticipate my every need. They are also not afraid to tell me when I have missed a deadline or if one is looming. They are an amazing group of hardworking ladies and I thank them. Tiffany, Tammy, Marissa, Danielle, Erin, Heidi, Kristen and Molly, you have my utmost appreciation and gratitude. Thank you!

CONCLUSIONS I must say, the journey I have been on for the last six years has exceeded my expectations. Being asked by M.W.B. Hunt M. Compton, P.G.M. to serve as Senior Grand Deacon was an out of the blue change of direction for my wife and I. He changed the direction of my leisurely retirement and put me on the path of unknown wonder and joy. Thank you, M.W.B. Hunt. I have learned many lessons of Masonry on this journey. Among

Page 9 2016-2017 them is to put your faith in God and do not make any major decisions without His council. He is the heart of Masonry and should be involved in every decision. I also learned that being the Grand Master does not make you the best Mason in this Jurisdiction, only the greatest servant to the Craft. I have learned there are very few situations in Masonry that require a hurried decision. Any decision can wait until all the facts are reviewed and discussed with others. I have learned that it is just as far from Portland to Medford as it is from Medford to Portland. More importantly, I have learned I have friends throughout Oregon. Thank you for being my friend this year.

Respectfully submitted, Arthur L. Borland Grand Master of A.F. & A.M. of Oregon

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AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS APPROVED 2016 July 9 SILVERTON LODGE NO. 45 — ARTICLE V The investment fund shall be maintained by the Special Trustees for the benefit of the Lodge using a new set of rules and guidelines.

July 14 SILVERTON LODGE NO. 45 — ARTICLE VI Fees for the conferring of the Degrees are $150.

July 14 SILVERTON LODGE NO. 45 — ARTICLE VIII Increased the amount allowed to be drawn from the Treasury for acts of charity from $100 to $250.

July 14 SILVERTON LODGE NO. 45 — ARTICLE IX Allows the Master of the Lodge to direct the auditing committee to audit the accounts. Treasurer’s reporting requirements updated.

July 14 SILVERTON LODGE NO. 45 — ARTICLE X The Secretary’s report to the Lodge was updated to not only be presented at the January Stated Communication but also at the Worshipful Master’s discretion.

July 14 SILVERTON LODGE NO. 45 — ARTICLE XI The guidelines for Special Trustees, regarding Real Property and furnishings of the Lodge, as well as overseeing rentals and the management of income generated by the Lodge properties, has been brought up to date in keeping with today’s needs.

Aug. 13 AINSWORTH LODGE NO. 201 — ARTICLE VII Annual dues raised from $35 to $75 per year.

Aug. 13 AINSWORTH LODGE NO. 201 — ARTICLE VII-A Life Membership fees increased according to age bracket. Memorial Life Membership to remain the same.

Aug. 13 SANTIAM LODGE NO. 25 — ARTICLE VII Annual dues raised from $50 to $75 per year.

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Aug. 13 SANTIAM LODGE NO. 25 — ARTICLE VII-A Life Membership fees increased according to age bracket. Memorial Life Membership to be $150. Past Masters will be awarded a Past Masters Apron at no charge having completed their year in the East.

Oct. 20 ENLIGHTENMENT LODGE NO. 228 — ARTICLE III Stated Communication location changed from the Blue Room of the Scottish Rite Center in Portland to the Kenton Masonic Temple in Portland.

Oct. 20 WAVERLY LODGE NO. 174 — ARTICLE III Stated Communication location changed from the George Washington Masonic Center to Samaritan Lodge of I.O.O.F. at 10282 SE Main St. in Milwaukie, Ore. The day also changed from the first Thursday of each month to the second Tuesday of each month.

Oct. 20 WAVERLY LODGE NO. 174 — ARTICLE VII Annual dues raised from $17 to $36 per year.

Nov. 10 McEWEN LODGE NO. 125 — ARTICLE III Stated Communication day changed from the first Monday of each month to the first Thursday of each month.

Nov. 28 MARYS RIVER LODGE NO. 221 — ARTICLE V-B V-B (1) Added to allow the Master to appoint a committee to administer the scholarships of the Lodge. V-B (2) Added to allow the Master to appoint a committee to oversee fundraising efforts of the Lodge.

Dec. 9 MULTNOMAH LODGE NO. 1 — ARTICLE V-B Amended to remove one of the two Lodge checking accounts.

Dec. 9 MULTNOMAH LODGE NO. 1 — ARTICLE V-C Added to set a limit to the amount of funds transferred by the Trustees from the Lodge’s investment accounts to the Lodge’s operating account to not exceed 2.5 percent of the total value of the Lodge’s investment funds.

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2017 Jan. 4 FRIENDSHIP MASONIC LODGE NO. 160 — ARTICLE V-B Verbiage added to ensure the Lodge does not discriminate based upon sexual orientation.

Jan. 4 MYRTLE LODGE NO. 78 — ARTICLE VIII The sum that can be drawn from the orders on the Treasury changed from not exceeding $20 to not exceeding $500 for the relief of any one case.

Jan. 4 MYRTLE LODGE NO. 78 — ARTICLE X Payment for Lodge Secretary’s services changed from $50 per year to not exceed $50 per month.

Jan. 4 MYRTLE LODGE NO. 78 — ARTICLE XI Part (B) Gives responsibility to the Lodge for the management, maintenance, general care, finances and property associated with the cemetery. Part (C) Election of the Trustees shall be at the annual elections in November and their purpose shall be to oversee the property from the Chadwick-Myrtle Lodges consolidation.

Jan. 4 PORTLAND LODGE NO. 55 — ARTICLE III Stated Communication time changed from 7:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month.

Jan. 30 JOSEPH LODGE NO. 81 — ARTICLE III Stated Communication day changed from the second Wednesday of each month to the second Thursday of each month.

Jan. 30 JOSEPH LODGE NO. 81 — NEW SET

Mar. 10 ENLIGHTENMENT LODGE NO. 228 — ARTICLE III Stated Communication time changed from 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the first Friday of each month.

Mar. 31 JEFFERSON LODGE NO. 33 — ARTICLE III Stated Communication date changed from the first Monday to the second Monday of each month.

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DISPENSATIONS GRANTED 2016 June 15 SUNNYSIDE LODGE NO. 163 — to move the November Stated Communication to Monday, November 28, 2016, at 7:30 p.m., to allow the membership to welcome the Grand Master and other Grand Lodge Officers during the Grand Master’s scheduled official visit.

July 1 SALEM LODGE NO. 4 — to move the location and time of the August Stated Communication to 4767 Viewcrest Rd. S in Salem, Ore., the summer meeting location of Rickreall Lodge No. 110 at 7:00 p.m., to allow the membership to attend a joint Stated Communication with Rickreall Lodge and be present for the official visit of R.W.B. Greg Jenkins.

July 26 HERMISTON LODGE NO. 138 — to move the time of the August 2, 2016, Stated Communication from 7:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., to allow the membership time to confer an Entered Apprentice Degree.

Aug. 1 SILVERTON LODGE NO. 45 — to move the time of the September 8, 2016, Stated Communication from 7:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., to allow the membership time to also attend the Stated Communication of Fidelity Lodge No. 54 at 8:00 p.m.

Aug. 29 LAUREL LODGE NO. 13 — to move the location of the annual outdoor Master Mason Degree from Patterson Masonic Park to the Masonic building in Roseburg, Ore., to allow the membership to attend the Degree in an indoor location, avoiding the extreme heat which raised concerns about the health of the membership and potential fire danger if held at Patterson Masonic Park.

Sept. 21 BLUE MOUNTAIN LODGE NO. 34 — to move the date of the October 20, 2016, Stated Communication to Thursday, October 13, 2016, to allow the membership to attend the Fall Reunion of the Baker Valley Scottish Rite.

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Sept. 27 HIRAM LODGE NO. 67 — to move the date of the Wednesday, October 12, 2016, Stated Communication to Monday, October 10, 2016, to allow the membership to attend the Stated Communication of Joseph Lodge No. 81.

Oct. 5 EAST GATE LODGE NO. 155 — to move the date of the Monday, November 28, 2016, Stated Communication to Tuesday, November 29, 2016, to allow the membership to welcome the Grand Master for an official visit at the Lodge’s annual Oyster Stew Dinner.

Oct. 10 OREGON MILITARY LODGE NO. 223 — to move the Saturday, November 26, 2016, Stated Communication to Saturday, November 19, 2016, to allow the membership to spend time with family over the holiday weekend.

Oct. 12 McEWEN LODGE NO. 125 — to move the dates of the November and December Stated Communications to Thursday, November 3, 2016 and Thursday, December 1, 2016 respectively, to accommodate the work schedules of the membership and increase Lodge attendance and participation.

Oct. 24 COVE LODGE NO. 91 — to hold the December 7, 2016, Stated Communication at Grande Ronde Valley Lodge No. 56 in Union, Ore., to allow the membership to attend a joint Stated Communication with the membership at Grande Ronde Valley Lodge.

Nov. 1 CASCADE LODGE NO. 208 — to move the December Stated Communication to December 20, 2016, to allow the Lodge membership that is traveling out of the area for the holidays, time to attend the December Stated Communication.

Nov. 8 RICKREALL LODGE NO. 110 — to move the time of the December Stated Communication from 7:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., to allow the membership time to conduct a Fellow Craft Degree.

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Nov. 16 LYON LODGE NO. 29 — to move the time of the December 14, 2016, Stated Communication from 7:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., to allow the membership time to conduct a business meeting prior to installing the 2017 officers of Lyon Lodge No. 29, Jennings Lodge No. 9 and Rickreall Lodge No. 110.

Nov. 21 ROBERT BURNS LODGE NO. 97 — to hold a Special Communication on November 21, 2016, for the purpose of electing the officers for the 2017 year, with the appropriate quorum that had been previously unavailable at the Stated Communication on November 7, 2016.

Nov. 22 MILWAUKIE LODGE NO. 109 — to move the time of the January 10, 2017, Stated Communication from 7:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., to allow the membership time to host a banquet dinner for a Brother who will soon be deployed to the Middle East.

Nov. 22 MULTNOMAH LODGE NO. 1 — to move the time of the December 12, 2016, Stated Communication from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., to allow the membership time to hold a tyled installation during the December Stated Communication and confer an Entered Apprentice Degree following the meeting.

Nov. 30 GRANDE RONDE VALLEY LODGE NO. 56 — to hold a joint Stated Communication with Cove Lodge No. 91 on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at 7:30 p.m., to allow the membership, many who are dual members of both Lodges, to attend a joint meeting before spending time with family over the holidays.

Dec. 7 MAPLE LODGE NO. 127 — to hold a Special Communication on December 19, 2016 at 7:30 p.m., to allow the membership to complete the election of officers for the 2017 year, as the Lodge was unable to elect all officers at the November Stated Communication.

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Dec. 9 KENTON LODGE NO. 145 — to move the Thursday, December 8, 2016, Stated Communication to Monday, December 12, 2016, to allow the membership to attend the December Stated Communication that had earlier been canceled due to inclement weather conditions.

Dec. 9 LENTS LODGE NO. 156 — to move the Thursday, December 8, 2016, Stated Communication to Wednesday, December 21, 2016, to allow the membership to attend the December Stated Communication that had earlier been canceled due to inclement weather conditions.

Dec. 9 WOODBURN LODGE NO. 106 — to move the Monday, December 5, 2016, Stated Communication to Monday, December 19, 2016, to allow the membership to attend the December Stated Communication that had earlier been canceled due to inclement weather conditions.

Dec. 15 TIGARD-ORENOMAH LODGE NO. 207 — to move the Wednesday, December 14, 2016, Stated Communication to Wednesday, December 21, 2016, to allow the membership to attend the December Stated Communication that had earlier been canceled due to inclement weather conditions.

Dec. 15 WASHINGTON LODGE NO. 46 — to move the Wednesday, December 14, 2016, Stated Communication to Tuesday, December 27, 2016, to allow the membership to attend the December Stated Communication that had earlier been canceled due to inclement weather conditions.

Dec. 21 EAST GATE LODGE NO. 155 — to move the Thursday, December 8, 2016, Stated Communication to Wednesday, December 21, 2016, to allow the membership to attend the December Stated Communication that had earlier been canceled due to inclement weather conditions.

Dec. 22 RICKREALL LODGE NO. 110 — to move the January 4, 2017, Stated Communication from 7:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., to allow the membership time to attend the Grand Master’s official visit of Salem Lodge No. 4.

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2017 Jan. 3 PENDLETON LODGE NO. 52 — to move the January Stated Communication to Thursday, January 19, 2017, at 7:00 p.m., to allow the membership to welcome the Grand Master for an official visit.

Jan. 6 MEDFORD LODGE NO. 103 — to move the Thursday, January 5, 2017, Stated Communication to Tuesday, January 17, 2017, to allow the membership to attend the January Stated Communication that had earlier been canceled due to inclement weather conditions.

Jan. 9 BELT LODGE NO. 18 — to move the Thursday, January 5, 2017, Stated Communication to Thursday, January 12, 2017, to allow the membership to attend the January Stated Communication that had earlier been canceled due to hazardous driving conditions and power outages throughout the region.

Jan. 9 GATEWAY LODGE NO. 175 — to move the Wednesday, January 4, 2017, Stated Communication to Wednesday, January 25, 2017, to allow the membership to attend the January Stated Communication that had earlier been canceled due to a power outage in Warrenton, Ore.

Jan. 9 PEARL LODGE NO. 66 — to move the Saturday, January 7, 2017, Stated Communication to Saturday, January 21, 2017, to allow the membership to attend the January Stated Communication that had earlier been canceled due to inclement weather conditions.

Jan. 10 KLAMATH LODGE NO. 77 — to move the Monday, January 9, 2017, Stated Communication to Monday, January 16, 2017, to allow the membership to attend the January Stated Communication that had earlier been canceled due to the water pipes bursting in the Lodge building.

Jan. 10 CRESWELL LODGE NO. 112 — to move the Monday, January 9, 2017, Stated Communication to Monday, January 23, 2017, to allow the membership to attend the January Stated Communication that had earlier been canceled due to inclement weather conditions. Page 18 2016-2017

Jan. 12 SEAPORT LODGE NO. 7 — to move the Wednesday, January 11, 2017, Stated Communication to Wednesday, January 18, 2017, to allow the membership to attend the January Stated Communication that had earlier been canceled due to inclement weather conditions.

Jan. 12 SHERIDAN-DAYTON LODGE NO. 64 — to move the Wednesday, January 11, 2017, Stated Communication to Thursday, January 12, 2017, to allow the membership to attend the January Stated Communication that had earlier been canceled due to inclement weather conditions.

Jan. 12 TIGARD-ORENOMAH LODGE NO. 207 — to move the Wednesday, January 11, 2017, Stated Communication to Wednesday, January 18, 2017, to allow the membership to attend the January Stated Communication that had earlier been canceled due to inclement weather conditions.

Jan. 13 KENTON LODGE NO. 145 — to move the Thursday, January 12, 2017, Stated Communication to Thursday, January 19, 2017, to allow the membership to attend the January Stated Communication that had earlier been canceled due to inclement weather conditions.

Jan. 17 COLUMBIA LODGE NO. 114 — to move the Wednesday, January 11, 2017, Stated Communication to Wednesday, January 18, 2017, to allow the membership to attend the January Stated Communication that had earlier been canceled due to inclement weather conditions.

Jan. 17 EAST GATE LODGE NO. 155 — to move the Thursday, January 12, 2017, Stated Communication to Thursday, January 19, 2017, to allow the membership to attend the January Stated Communication that had earlier been canceled due to inclement weather conditions.

Jan. 17 PACIFIC LODGE NO. 50 — to move the Tuesday, January 10, 2017, Stated Communication at 7:30 p.m. to Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at 7:00 p.m., to allow the membership to attend the January Stated Communication that had earlier been canceled due to inclement weather conditions.

Page 19 2016-2017

Jan. 17 TIGARD-ORENOMAH LODGE NO. 207 — to move the Wednesday, January 11, 2017, Stated Communication to Wednesday, January 18, 2017, to allow the membership to attend the January Stated Communication that had earlier been canceled due to inclement weather conditions.

Jan. 17 WASHINGTON LODGE NO. 46 — to move the Wednesday, January 11, 2017, Stated Communication to Wednesday, January 25, 2017, to allow the membership to attend the January Stated Communication that had earlier been canceled due to inclement weather conditions.

Jan. 23 HOOD RIVER LODGE NO. 105 — to move the Wednesday, January 11, 2017, Stated Communication to Monday, January 23, 2017, to allow the membership to attend the January Stated Communication that had earlier been canceled due to inclement weather conditions.

Jan. 27 WARREN LODGE NO. 10 — to elect a Junior Warden for the 2017 year at the February 8, 2017, Stated Communication, to allow the Junior Warden position to be filled, since the Lodge failed to do so at the prescribed time.

Jan. 31 NORTH BEND LODGE NO. 140 — to move the March Stated Communication, to Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at 7:30 p.m., to allow the membership to welcome the Grand Master for an official visit.

Feb. 7 ENLIGHTENMENT LODGE NO. 228 — to move the February Stated Communication to Friday, February 10, 2017, to allow the membership to attend the February Stated Communication that had earlier been canceled due to inclement weather conditions.

Feb. 7 PENDLETON LODGE NO. 52 — to move the March Stated Communication to Friday, March 24, 2017, to allow the membership to welcome the Grand Master for an official visit.

Page 20 2016-2017

Feb. 7 SALEM LODGE NO. 4 — to move the March Stated Communication to Wednesday, March 15, 2017, to allow the Lodge membership to attend the Past Master’s event held at Rickreall Lodge No. 110.

Feb. 8 KLAMATH LODGE NO. 77 — to move the location of the February, March and April Stated and Special Communications to the Scottish Rite Temple at 632 Walnut Ave., Klamath Falls, Ore., to allow the Lodge time to repair major water damage, currently rendering the Lodge unusable.

Feb. 9 PENDLETON LODGE NO. 52 — to move the February Stated Communication to Thursday, February 16, 2017, to allow the membership to attend the February Stated Communication that had earlier been canceled due to illness and inclement weather conditions.

Feb. 13 HOOD RIVER LODGE NO. 105 — to move the Wednesday, February 8, 2017, Stated Communication to Monday, February 13, 2017 at 7:00 p.m., to allow the membership to attend the February Stated Communication that had earlier been canceled due to inclement weather conditions.

Feb. 27 SUNSET LODGE NO. 144 — to move the location of the March, April and May Stated Communications to Cottage Grove Lodge No. 51, located at 33322 Row River Rd. in Cottage Grove, Ore., to allow a new meeting location for the Lodge membership to attend because the Sunset Lodge building located at 335 West C Ave. in Drain, Ore. has been sold.

Mar. 10 BLANCO LODGE NO. 48 — to move the date of the Thursday, April 6, 2016, Stated Communication to Tuesday, April 18, 2017, to allow the membership and Lodge officers who are dual members of York Rite to attend the Grand York Rite Sessions held during April 6-8, 2017.

Page 21 2016-2017

Mar. 29 HERMISTON LODGE NO. 138 — to move the date of the Tuesday, April 4, 2017, Stated Communication to Monday, April 3, 2017, to allow the membership to attend the annual Oyster Feed at Heppner Lodge No. 69.

Apr. 5 CLATSKANIE LODGE NO. 133 — to move the April Stated Communication from 7:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., to allow the membership time to confer a Master Mason Degree and welcome their District Deputy for a visit.

Apr. 12 FIDELITY LODGE NO. 54 — to move the date of the April Stated Communication to Tuesday, April 18, 2017, to allow the membership to attend the Remembrance and Renewal Ceremony at the Salem Scottish Rite.

Apr. 17 SHERWOOD-MIDDAY LODGE NO. 164 — to move the date of the June Stated Communication to Saturday, June 17, 2017, to allow the Lodge membership to host a breakfast during the annual Sherwood Cruise-In event.

Apr. 17 KLAMATH LODGE NO. 77 — to move the location of the May, June and September Stated Communications to the Scottish Rite Temple at 632 Walnut Avenue in Klamath Falls, Ore., to allow the Lodge time to repair major water damage, currently rendering the Lodge unusable.

Apr. 18 SILVERTON LODGE NO. 45 — to move the date of the April Stated Communication to Thursday, April 20, 2017, to allow the membership to hold the April Stated Communication outside its regular time due to a previous lack of quorum.

Page 22 2016-2017

EDICTS Oct. 26 Cannabis The use, sale, transfer or possession of any cannabis or cannabinoid products on Masonic Lodge property in this Jurisdiction will be considered un-Masonic conduct and be subject to all penalties associated with that charge.

Oct. 26 Carrying Firearms in a Masonic Lodge Room The Masonic Grand Lodge of Oregon supports and defends the Constitution of the United States and encourages every Mason to follow federal, state and local laws. However, since our Lodges are places of friendship and trust, it is not a place where it is necessary to carry a firearm. Therefore, the following Edict is being issued: No one, except a law enforcement officer, who is required to carry a firearm, either on or off-duty, may possess a firearm in any Masonic Lodge room in this Jurisdiction.

Oct. 26 Open Rituals in Lodge Meetings The Masonic Grand Lodge of Oregon encourages all Masons to educate themselves on all aspects of the Fraternity, especially, the Ritual of Opening and Closing. It is incumbent on each Lodge officer to know his part without the necessity of referring to the Ritual cypher. This year I have been made aware of Lodges opening and closing Lodge by reading or referring to the Ritual. I therefore issue the following Edict: When the Lodge is opened or closed for communications, there will be no “open” Ritual books in the stations of the three principal officers of the Lodge; those officers being the Worshipful Master, Senior Warden and Junior Warden. The Worshipful Master may assign a Brother on the sidelines to act as a Lodge “Prompter”. This Brother must hold no less than a current “Basic Proficiency” card issued by the Grand Lecturer and may possess an “open” Ritual book. Brothers on the sidelines may have an “open” Ritual book solely for the purposes of following along and learning the Ritual. At no time shall these Brothers assist in prompting.

Page 23 2016-2017

2017 Feb. 28 Lodge Historical Updates The history of our Masonic Lodges is one of the greatest assets we, as Masons, have to give to those who follow us. Many of our Lodges are over 150 years old and their records describe the history of Oregon and how our great state was formed. Over the years, we have lost Lodge records to fire, floods and neglect, and we need to make it a priority to preserve our Masonic history. Therefore, I issue the following Edict: As a continuation of the History Edict issued by M.W.B. Hunt Compton, P.G.M. and in order to help preserve our Lodge histories, I am requesting the current Master or Historian of each Lodge prepare and submit the enclosed form for the 2016 year to the Grand Lodge office, 2150 Masonic Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116, no later than May 15, 2017. A fillable form is available and can be accessed by logging on to the Grand Lodge website and clicking For Members — Resources — Forms — Lodge History Form.

PROXIES 2016 June 14 to M.W.B. Don Stapleton, I.P.G.M, to represent the Grand Master at the Oregon Job’s Daughters’ Grand Session in Redmond, Ore. on June 23, 2016.

June 14 to R.W.B. W. Myles McMillan, Deputy Grand Master, to repre- sent the Grand Master at the Oregon Job’s Daughters’ Grand Session in Redmond, Ore. on June 24-25, 2016.

June 14 to R.W.B. Ron Eggers, Junior Grand Warden, to represent the Grand Master at the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Montana on June 23-25, 2016.

July 15 to M.W.B. David H. Fryday, P.G.M., to represent the Grand Master at the Crater Lake Outdoor Degree on August 13, 2016.

Sept. 9 to R.W.B. James L. Morgan, Senior Grand Warden, to represent the Grand Master at the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Missouri on September 25-27, 2016.

Page 24 2016-2017

Sept. 22 to M.W.B. Richard E. Surroz, P.G.M., to represent the Grand Master at the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Colorado on January 26-28, 2017.

Oct. 5 to R.W.B. Ronald J. Eggers, Junior Grand Warden, to represent the Grand Master at the Shrine Membership in Tampa, Florida on October 12-15, 2016.

2017 Jan. 13 to R.W.B. W. Myles McMillan, Deputy Grand Master, to repre- sent the Grand Master at the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Utah on February 2-4, 2017.

Feb. 14 to R.W.B. James L. Morgan, Senior Grand Warden, to represent the Grand Master at the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of New Mexico on March 16-18, 2017.

REPRIMANDS 2017 Jan. 31 to W.B. Anthony Griffin, Laurel Lodge No. 13 On November 30, 2016, you submitted to Grand Lodge an order form for a Hiram Award for Bro. David Hopkins. You modified the original form to indicate there was a verbal vote and assent by the Worshipful Master, Senior Warden and Junior Warden, taken on or about October 1, 2016. According to the Resolution regarding “The ‘Hiram Award’ Lapel Emblem” adopted on June 4, 1993, “... only one ‘Hiram Award’ shall be awarded by any one Lodge in one Masonic year, and recipients shall be elected by written ballot, without nomination.” Per our subsequent discussion, I informed you the requested Hiram Award could not be presented and a vote of the Lodge would be required. At the Stated Meeting of Laurel Lodge No. 13 on December 14, 2016, the Lodge did ballot to present a Hiram Award to Bro. David Hopkins. The fact that Bro. Hopkins has properly received the Hiram Award does not change the fact that you chose to violate our Masonic Code and take the decision of who should receive the Hiram Award away from the members of Laurel Lodge

Page 25 2016-2017

No. 13 and make the selection with a small group of officers. I therefore, as Grand Master, officially reprimand you for failure to follow the Masonic Code and attempting to take the decision of selecting a Hiram Award recipient away from the members of Laurel Lodge No. 13. As the Masonic Code is the foundation of our Fraternity and all Masons are expected to follow it, it is my order that you study it fully and learn the precepts it contains.

Page 26 GRAND ORATION

of

The Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Oregon

James R. Westerfield GRAND ORATOR

Masonic Year 2016-2017 2016-2017

Address to the One Hundred and Sixty-Seventh Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Oregon

I think it is safe to say our world is changing very fast. I am not sure how many of you have had the opportunity to listen to a futurist give a presentation. These people are scientists and social scientists who specialize in futurology or the attempt to systematically explore predictions and possibilities about the future. Over the years, they have developed many conclusions about the future. Three of their basic conclusions are: software will disrupt most traditional industries in the next five to ten years; any idea designed for success in the 20th century is doomed to failure in the 21st century; and if it does not work with your smartphone, then forget the idea. In the future, computers will become exponentially better at understanding the world. For example, with IBM’s software, Watson, you can get basic legal advice within seconds, with 90 percent accuracy compared with 70 percent accuracy when done by humans. Futurists predict there will be 90 percent less lawyers in the future, due to artificial intelligence. Self-driving cars are already appearing. Around the year 2020, it is believed that the need to own a car will change. As predicted, you will call a car with your cell phone, it will show up at your location and drive you to your destination. You will not need to worry about parking and only pay for the distance driven. In the future, young children of today may not need to own a car or obtain a driver’s license. The price of the cheapest 3D printer decreased from $18,000 to $400 within 10 years. At the same time, it became 100 times faster. All major shoe companies have already started using 3D printing technology to make shoes. Soon, new smartphones will have 3D scanning possibilities. Imagine scanning your feet and printing your perfect shoe. The space station now has a printer that eliminates the need for excess spare parts that were needed in the past. There is a phone app called Moodies which can tell what kind of mood you are in. By the year 2020, it is predicted there will be apps that can tell if you are lying by your facial expressions. Imagine a political debate where a monitor can tell you when a candidate is telling the truth or lying. These predictions and other possibilities for the future go on and on.

Page 28 2016-2017

In the future, men interested in our traditions may face challenges. He may wonder what would his peers think if he became a Mason, but more importantly, will our society’s norms allow him to become a Mason? We briefly considered the future, now let us develop a picture of our current society and the world we live in. In the book, Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in Our Busy Lives, Wayne Muller may have painted the best picture of our world today. Many people say, “I am so busy.” Muller responds by saying, “We say this to one another with no small degree of pride. As if our exhaustion were a trophy, our ability to withstand stress a mark of real character… to be unavailable to our friends and family, to be unable to find time for the sunset, to wiz through our obligations without time for a single, mindful breath, this has become the model of a successful life.” If we would make a graph of the scientific progression of the world over the last couple hundred years, as described by Eric Teller in Thomas L. Friedman’s book, Thank You for Being Late, it might look like a horizontal hockey stick. Starting at the shaft and gradually rising to the heal would be the printing press, the telegraph, the manual typewriter, the telex, the mainframe computer, the first word processor, then ascending the blade would be the PC, the internet, the laptop, smartphones, mobile apps, big data, virtual reality, human genome sequencing, artificial intelligence and self-driving cars. I believe there is an answer that overcomes our societies exponential advancements, and permits a man to seek out the values of our Fraternity. That answer may be found by looking back to the Greek Philosopher Plato who said, “Human behavior flows from three main sources: desire, emotion, and knowledge.” Those of us within this room and our Fraternity possess these three sources. We only ask a prospective new member to have a desire in seeking admission. To knock at our door and seek to understand our traditions. Emotion, is our collective genuine involvement in providing, to the best of our ability, the lessons of our Fraternity through our traditions. And finally, knowledge, the moral lessons or traditions that have been passed down over thousands of years, which are embodied in the degrees of our Fraternity. If we, in this busy fast-paced world, expect to communicate our knowledge or traditions to our newer members, we must first teach them to learn the simple lesson of pausing and to have patience. Dov Seidman, CEO of LRN, Legal Research Network, expanded upon this

Page 29 2016-2017 thought by saying, “Our ability to forge deep relationships — to love, to care, to hope, to trust and build voluntary communities based upon shared values — is one of the most uniquely human capacities we have.” When speaking on patience, Leon Wieseltier, an editor and writer, stated the following, “...’Who needs patience anymore?’ But the ancients believed that there was wisdom in patience and that wisdom comes from patience…Patience wasn’t just the absence of speed, it was space for reflection and thought. Knowledge is only good if you can reflect on it.” We have now described the world as we currently know it and explored what the world might be in the future, perhaps near future. Many of our members may say, “That’s all fine and well, but when I am in Lodge, who cares whether there is internet, artificial intelligence or even smartphones.” But it does matter, for from that world, that scientific environment, that busy model of successful life comes those men who may seek membership in our Fraternity. You might ask, can we expect anyone to have the patience to absorb our traditions? I believe we can, but it is going to take us on a journey we will find time-consuming, compared to what we may be doing currently, but overall can be very rewarding. Let me offer a possible solution to this problem with an analogy. What we must do is find a way to eliminate the “surface tension” between our prospective members, and, we, as Masons. You have all seen the demonstration of water running across soil and not soaking in. However, scientists have developed chemicals that release the water’s “surface tension” and allows the water to be absorbed into the soil. So, if our prospective members would be the soil, they are ready to provide a medium for growth if the water could be absorbed. And Masonry being the water, that when absorbed by the soil, would provide a beneficial result. Then the challenge becomes, how do we release the “surface tension” between Masonry’s traditions and potential Masons? When a prospective member asks how he can become a member, we immediately give him a petition, ask for his initiation fee, and begin the joining process. Have we eliminated the “surface tension”? What questions were asked? What does he know about Masonry? He may have answered: my Grandfather was a Mason; my co-worker is a Mason; or I read a book and it sounds interesting. But does he really know about Masonry and our traditions? Remember, he is coming

Page 30 2016-2017 from the world I previously described. Does he have the time to pause and be patient, to be willing to understand our lessons and learn our traditions? As Leon Wieseltier said, “…patience isn’t just the absence of speed, it is space for reflection and thought. Knowledge is only good if you can reflect on it.” I believe the “surface tension” is still present. Before a petition is handed to him, there should be an orchestrated effort to get to know him. What is his knowledge of Masonry? What is his family and occupation situation? Does he have any hobbies? Conversely, we as Masons should explain to him what our understanding of Masonry is. Explain the Lodge and its history, what will be expected if he petitions, and the steps required for him to become a Mason. Tell him about your families, occupations and hobbies. These conversations may reveal Masonry was not what he expected, and there might be some hesitancy on our members’ behalf to accept his petition. Maybe by developing this policy, we can fulfill what Dov Seidman said, “Our ability to forge deep relationships — to love, to care, to hope, to trust and build voluntary communities based upon shared values — is one of the most uniquely human capacities we have.” By our rules, we have three opportunities to judge a prospective member: first, we vote to accept his petition; second, the investigating committee gives their opinion; and third, the ballot box makes the final decision. However, the candidate has only one opportunity to judge us and Masonry and that is in his opinion after the Entered Apprentice Degree. Was the Lodge atmosphere friendly? Will he learn the lectures or understand the examinations? Will he be blamed if he does not, or will we be blamed because we failed to explain the commitment he will be expected to undertake? Also remember, the Lodge and its members are going to invest a lot of time and effort in creating this new Master Mason. Will that time be spent well, and will our traditions be carried forward within this new Mason? Put yourself in the candidate’s shoes for a moment. How do you think he would feel if, when he first saw the light in a Lodge room as an Entered Apprentice Mason, that he did not see just Masons, but he saw Masons who were also his friends? Michelangelo once said, “I saw an angel in the marble and I carved until I set him free.” We should never forget that one of the goals of Masonry has been, we take good men, men who step out of this fast- paced, ever-changing world, and ask to become a Mason, and we as

Page 31 2016-2017

Masons use our symbolic hammer, of moral lessons, our chisel of Masonic traditions and symbolically carve that man to be a better man.

Respectfully submitted, James R. Westerfield, Grand Orator

Page 32 ANNUAL REPORT

of

THE MASONIC & EASTERN STAR HOME BOARD

Don Stapleton I.P.G.M., CHAIRMAN

Fiscal Year 2016-2017 2016-2017

Report of the Masonic & Eastern Star Home Board In the Oregon Masonic Code, Section 166.9, the Masonic & Eastern Star Home (MESH) Board shall make a report to the Grand Lodge of its operation during the fiscal year ending April 30th, 2017. The MESH Board is comprised of five representatives of the Grand Lodge and three representatives from the Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star of Oregon. The 2016-2017 representatives include:

Don Stapleton Immediate Past Grand Master A.F. & A.M. Chairman Karen Beebe Junior Past Grand Matron O.E.S. Vice Chairperson Arthur L. Borland Grand Master A.F. & A.M. Michelle Combs Worthy Grand Matron O.E.S. W. Myles McMillan Deputy Grand Master A.F. & A.M. Gloria Varner Associate Grand Matron O.E.S. James L. Morgan Senior Grand Warden A.F. & A.M. Ronald J. Eggers Junior Grand Warden A.F. & A.M.

For the past 12 months, I have had the privilege of serving with a board that is truly engaged in the operation of the Home. Even though we meet once a month, we have stayed focused on providing the oversight and necessary policy changes, always keeping the welfare of the residents our number one priority. This has been our commitment since 1923 as we continue to provide exceptional care, not only to our Life Care residents; there are currently five, but to all the residents of our continuing retirement community. Tammy Vanderzanden, MESHCare Program Manager, sends monthly reports to the MESH Board detailing activity associated with Life Care and MESHCare. Currently, all members are residing at Jennings McCall, but we encourage Masonic and Eastern Star Brothers and Sisters around the state to call Tammy. There is no cost to do so, and do not forget that staying in your own local community near friends and family is our goal. Danielle Christopherson, Director of OutReach Services, continues to maintain a caseload of approximately 80 clients, providing case man- agement and support services to Masonic and Eastern Star members throughout the state. Danielle completes home assessments, provides information and referral services, and monitors clients as necessary. We encourage Masons and Eastern Star members to notify Danielle if a member may benefit from OutReach Services, including those who Page 34 2016-2017 have medical, home care and transportation needs. The MESH Board meets quarterly with the residents at the Home. These meetings provide feedback to Mr. Mark Remley of Aidan Health Services and to the administrator, Mr. Paul Silva, as to the pulse of the residents. Mr. Silva, our new administrator, was hired March 1, 2017. There are about 220 residents being cared for by 140 staff members. Items of discussion include food choices, transportation needs and activities. We have recently hired a new chef, and he is already adjusting the menu and introducing services to make the dining experience for all residents extra special. Our desired goal of occupancy is 95 percent. Over the last 12 months, that number has fluctuated resulting in decreased revenue for the Home. We know however, that even with recent remodeling of rooms, a new roof over the Assisted Living facility and expanded Memory Care facilities, many factors contribute to this decrease. We are confident with expanded marketing in the local Washington County area, this number will increase over the next fiscal year. It should be noted that our yearly audit by our accounting firm, Hansen Hunter & Company P.C., has shown that our Home has received high marks for its financial strength and ongoing business practices. A very special thank you to our Grand Lodge Finance Committee for their due diligence and sound financial advice. I would recommend to the Board that they stay the course and continue to make refinements to the MESH Board Handbook and streamline proposals that will enhance our business practices with Aidan Health Services. We will keep our remodeling time frame going so our Home is as fresh and modern as it can be. It has been my pleasure over these last six years to work with a Board made of dedicated and truly caring professional men and women whose only goal and mission is to support and carry on an obligation that was established nearly 100 years ago. A special thank you goes out to the office staff at the Grand Lodge; Tiffany, Tammy, Heidi, Danielle, Marissa, Erin, Kristen, Molly and Grand Secretary, M.W.B. Ed Bousquet, P.G.M. for their expert behind-the- scenes assistance. What a wonderful group of employees making a difference for our Jurisdiction. Our future looks bright and with your continued support of Jennings McCall, it will be a shining light for Oregon Freemasonry.

Respectfully and Fraternally, Don Stapleton, Immediate Past Grand Master Chairman, Masonic and Eastern Star Home Board Page 35 2016-2017

Page 36 ANNUAL REPORT

of

THE JENNINGS McCALL CENTER

Mark Remley, Aidan Health Services

Fiscal Year 2016-2017 2016-2017

Annual Report of the Jennings McCall Center

A large part of the changes at the Jennings McCall Center this past year happened by way of remodeling. The second phase of the Memory Care facility was opened, and now we are able to care for 27 residents. We continue to evolve in our learning of the Montessori Approach to Alzheimer’s and Dementia care to promote continued independence as long as possible. We have also identified the need to have one person do all of our training for this program and are in the process of getting a new onboarding process for all new hires at Jennings McCall. With the Memory Care remodel behind us, we have been working on plans for a complete renovation of the Independent Living facility, now underway. Once complete, you will see a new front entryway and lobby, additional resident space above the current library area, all new lighting and carpet through the corridors, and a two-exam room medical clinic. We have partnered with a nurse practitioner who is currently utilizing another space in the facility to give our residents an alternative to leaving for medical appointments. This will be a lengthy project with an approximate completion date of December 2017. Recently, we welcomed a new administrator, Mr. Paul Silva, who has been working in the industry in Independent Living, Assisted Living, as well as Memory Care. With his background, he will be a wonderful fit with our community. We are always looking for ideas to enhance what we are able to provide for our residents, and Mr. Silva will offer a fresh prospective. Over the years, we have continued to evolve and adapt new services to offer our residents. There are always new rules to adapt to for compliance, so our ideas need to fit into the ever-changing landscape. I say that as Jennings McCall and Aidan Health Services just passed our five-year working relationship. This has been a good partnership where we can all work together for the goal of providing the best care and services to our residents. We have come a long way and look forward to seeing what else we are able to do here. I would like to thank the current board as well as previous boards who have made this journey possible. Respectfully submitted, Mark Remley, Aidan Health Services

Page 38 2016-2017

LIFE CARE MEMBERS OF THE MASONIC & EASTERN STAR HOME OF OREGON April 30, 2017

NAME AFFILIATION AGE ADMIT YEARS OF DATE RESIDENCE

Evans, Margaret Holbrook Lodge 30 88 03/24/1997 20.30 Hall, F. Arinda Esther Chapter 11 62 12/12/2003 13.58 Hickmon, Zoella Taft Lodge 200 97 09/28/2004 12.78 Johnson, Harold Holbrook Lodge 30 99 03/18/2004 13.31 Nichols, Maxine Salem Chapter 162 92 12/13/1999 17.58

MASONIC AND EASTERN STAR HOME OF OREGON COMPOSITION OF LIFE CARE MEMBERS OF THE HOME

LODGES AND CHAPTERS MEN WOMEN TOTAL 1 Lodge sponsors one member 0 1 1 1 Lodge sponsors two members 1 1 2 2 Chapters sponsor one member 0 2 2 TOTALS 1 4 5

LIFE CARE MEMBERS OF THE MASONIC AND EASTERN STAR HOME OF OREGON April 30, 2017

RECAPITULATION Census April 30, 2016 8 Admitted during fiscal year 0 Released to Self 0 Released by Death 3

Census April 30, 2017 5

Page 39 2016-2017

MESHCARE MEMBERS April 30, 2017

SEX AFFILIATION AGE APPROVED YEARS OF DATE RESIDENCE

Female Beaverton Masonic 100 91 08/11/2012 4.91 Male Union Lodge 3 88 05/01/2013 4.20 Female Knowles Chapter 12 90 05/01/2013 4.20 Female Meridian Chapter 179 82 04/12/2014 3.25 Female Holbrook Lodge 30 87 07/11/2015 2.00 Male Holbrook Lodge 30 91 07/11/2015 2.00 Female Tualatin Chapter 31 85 07/09/2016 1.00

Current Members Average Age Average Years Residence 7 89 2.90

Page 40 ANNUAL REPORTS of the SENIOR & JUNIOR WARDENS The Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Oregon

Masonic Year 2016-2017 2016-2017

Report of the Senior Grand Warden

The Masonic Code of the Grand Lodge of Oregon outlines the duties of the Senior Grand Warden as: a member of the Board of Trustees, a member of the Masonic and Eastern Star Home Board (MESH), and a member of the Budget Committee. Additionally, ”to perform such other duties as may be assigned him by the Grand Master, or required by the Constitution and By-Laws of the Grand Lodge and the Customs and Usages of Masonry.” As a member of the MESH Board, I have attended the monthly meetings held at the Grand Lodge office in Forest Grove. Each month, the board meets to review the operation of the Jennings McCall Center, and to manage the Life Care, MESHCare and OutReach programs. This is always an educational experience as we learn the many elements of operating a care facility and assisting our Masonic Brothers, their wives and widows, and our Eastern Star Sisters. The Grand Lodge Trustees also meet monthly following the MESH board meeting. At these meetings, the Trustees, under the leadership of the Grand Master, conduct the business of operating the Grand Lodge. These duties include paying bills, hearing reports of various committees and reviewing the performance of the Grand Lodge office to name a few. As the Senior Grand Warden, I was the Trustee responsible for the administration of the Educational Assistance program. This year, I have been fortunate to travel with the Grand Master across our great state and visit many Lodges in this Jurisdiction. Two of the highlights of our travels were the rededication of the Tuality Lodge No. 6 building in Hillsboro and the 150-year anniversary celebration of Umatilla Lodge No. 40 in Echo. I also attended a number of other Grand Lodge Annual Communications including Alaska, British Columbia and Yukon, Washington, California, Nevada, New Mexico and Missouri. It is a great privilege to represent our Grand Lodge at these Annual Communications, and there is always something to learn from the other Grand Jurisdictions. I attended the Conference of Grand Masters of North America which was held in Omaha, Neb. Those who attended had the pleasure of meeting Brothers from around the world. I was honored to be the host of the Grand Wardens Lunch and the leader of one of the breakout sessions at this year’s conference. Finally, to the Craft, I would like to say a most heartfelt thank you for allowing me to serve as your Senior Grand Warden for this Grand Lodge

Page 42 2016-2017 year. I would also like to thank all the Lodges in our great Jurisdiction for all their support.

Respectfully submitted, James L. Morgan, Senior Grand Warden

Report of the Junior Grand Warden

Most Worshipful Grand Master, fellow Grand Lodge Officers, distin- guished guests and Brethren: It has been my distinct pleasure to serve this Grand Jurisdiction of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons as your Junior Grand Warden for the 2016-2017, AC 6016-6017, Masonic year, and here present the report of my actions for this year. Duties of the Junior Grand Warden as described in Section 110 of the Masonic Code, require the incumbent to serve as a Trustee of the Grand Lodge, perform the duties required by the Penal Code, and to perform such other duties as assigned by the Most Worshipful Grand Master. As a Trustee, the Junior Grand Warden is tasked with the duty of reviewing the bills and expenses of the Grand Lodge and the Jennings McCall Center, the Masonic and Eastern Star Home, and reporting monthly to the Trustees and Home Board. The Trustees meet monthly to deal with the issues of this Grand Jurisdiction and to review opera- tions of the Masonic and Eastern Star Home. In completing this task, I received the assistance of several of the Grand Lodge staff, who I highly commend. They are professional, courteous and always ready to help. As Junior Grand Warden, I am also tasked with being the prosecutor in Masonic Grand Lodge Trials. While this is the most difficult task that a Mason must do, I can report to you that peace and harmony reigned throughout this Masonic Jurisdiction in 2016-2017. It is a tribute to all Brothers in Oregon that Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth prevailed. We must be ever mindful that we are living our obligations and resolving problems before they escalate. Each of us should offer to assist our Brothers to reconcile any dispute or disagreement by mediation and discussion in accord with the principles taught by our Fraternity. As Junior Grand Warden, I traveled throughout the state and to other Jurisdictions with the Most Worshipful Grand Master and other Grand Lodge Officers. I traveled to many Lodges in Oregon, and was welcomed

Page 43 2016-2017 and hosted at many warm and delicious meals prepared with love and care by the Brothers and their wives. At many of these official visits, our meals were served by representatives of Job’s Daughters, Rainbow for Girls, and DeMolay. I thank our hosts and the youth for their efforts and hospitality. I also traveled to several other Masonic Jurisdictions this year. Among the Annual Communications I attended were Montana, California, Nevada, Alaska and Hawaii. In June 2016, I attended the Masonic Communities & Services Association annual meeting in Berkeley, Calif. Our membership in this association enables the Trustees to access a significant amount of information and professionals working to improve the services in our Masonic and Eastern Star Home. I also attended the Conference of Grand Masters in Omaha, Neb. in February. At the meeting of the Western Conference of Grand Masters, I presented a short talk on Marketing our Services to the Craft. I also attended the East-West Shrine football game in Baker City, the Malheur Cave Degree, the Eastern Star reception for the Worthy Grand Matron and Patron, and the International Shrine Membership training in Tampa, Fla. As chairman of the Information and Education Committee, I was tasked with organizing and directing the three Masonic Colleges in Bend, Portland and Medford. These sessions were focused on learning about the various methods available to manage our Lodges as a business. I was also tasked with organizing Blue Lodge Training at six locations, including Portland, Bend, North Bend, Medford, Salem and Baker City. This one-day training on March 18 focused on Ritual practice, etiquette, membership, and other topics geared to enable us to improve ourselves in Masonry. I also want to thank the District Deputies and Deputy Instructors who made this training successful. As part of our expansion of information dissemination, nearly all the Masonic College presentations were captured on video recordings. They will soon be available to access on the Grand Lodge website.

Respectfully submitted, Ronald J. Eggers, Junior Grand Warden

Page 44 ANNUAL REPORTS of the GRAND LODGE COMMITTEES The Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Oregon

Masonic Year 2016-2017 2016-2017

APPEALS & GRIEVANCES Unlike most committees, our committee is fortunate when we have nothing to report. This past year, as of the time this report was written, no trial verdicts have been referred for our consideration. Apparently, peace and harmony prevailed throughout our Jurisdiction this past year.

Respectfully submitted, Tomey R. Greer, H.P.G.M. Darrell G. Maple Michael J. McGuyer David D. Fuller Courtland “C.B.” Brooks L a r r y A . Wa r d James R. Belshe, P.G.M., Chairman

BUDGET The Budget Committee pursuant to Section 130-A of the Oregon Masonic Code, have prepared the projected budget for the fiscal year 2017-2018. Projected revenues are $2,924,170 with expenses of $2,758,925, leaving a projected surplus of $165,245. The Grand Lodge Trustees continue to focus on efficient management and strict control of all Grand Lodge finances. The Grand Lodge Trustees and the Craft are extremely grateful for the hard work, dedication and foresight of the Finance Committee. Below and on the following pages is a summary of the expected income and expenses of Grand Lodge for the 2017-2018 Masonic year.

INCOME INVESTMENT EARNINGS...... $220,400 SALE OF SUPPLIES...... $10,000 ANNUAL DUES...... $36,000 ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGES...... $1,129,000 JMC LEASE INCOME...... $1,128,000 McMENAMINS LEASE INCOME...... $318,270 OTHER INCOME...... $82,500 TOTAL...... $2,924,170

EXPENSES SALARIES...... $359,280 GRAND SECRETARY SALARY ...... $120,000 GRAND TREASURER SALARY...... $30,000 SOCIAL SECURITY...... $34,369.92 WORKERS COMP...... $1,700 MEDICAL INSURANCE...... $37,000

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FEDERAL UNEMPLOYMENT...... $560 STATE UNEMPLOYMENT...... $7,200 LOCAL TAXES...... $1,100 DISABILITY INSURANCE...... $5,400 PENSIONS & 401(K)...... $23,000 ANNUAL COMMUNICATIONS...... $98,100 COMMITTEE EXPENSES...... $125,000 GRAND LODGE OFFICER EXPENSES...... $133,500 PRINTING...... $15,000 INSURANCE...... $32,000 LEASED EQUIPMENT...... $14,000 OFFICE EXPENSES...... $59,100 UTILITIES...... $13,400 LEGAL FEES...... $20,000 COMMUNICATIONS...... $6,200 TELEPHONE...... $7,000 POSTAGE...... $30,000 MASONIC SERVICE ASSOCIATION...... $6,000 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE CONTINGENCY ...... $30,000 MASONIC BOARDS OF RELIEF...... $5,000 JMC INTEREST EXPENSE...... $152,000 TRANSFER OF FUNDS...... $0 OFFICE & BUILDING EXPENSES...... $31,100 PROPERTY TAX EXPENSE...... $183,000 GEORGE WASHINGTON MASONIC MEMORIAL...... $8,300 GRAND LODGE PROGRAMS...... $197,500 FRATERNAL SUPPLIES...... $20,000 REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE...... $5,500 GRAND LODGE TRIALS...... $7,500 OREGON MASONIC NEWS...... $28,000 GWNM & WASHINGTON D.C...... $25,000 UGL OF ENGLAND ...... $20,000 MSCA CONFERENCE ...... $7,500 SEMINARS...... $2,000 JDR YOUTH EVENT ...... $6,500 CONFERENCE OF GRAND MASTERS...... $23,000 LIBRARY INTEREST EXPENSE ...... $103,000 LODGE EDUCATION EXPENSES...... $33,000 HISTORICAL LODGE PRESERVATION ...... $10,000 DEPRECIATION...... $639,315 ARRESTED CHARTERS...... $500

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GRAND MASTER PINS/GIFTS ...... $7,000 DEPUTY GM FUNDRAISING /GIFT EXPENSE...... $3,000 HOME BOARD...... $4,500 GROUND MAINTENANCE...... $24,000 MISCELLANEOUS...... $3,800 TOTAL EXPENSES...... $2,758,924.92 NET REVENUE OVER INCOME ...... $165,245.08

Respectfully and fraternally, Arthur L. Borland, Grand Master Ed Bousquet, P.G.M. Don Stapleton, I.P.G.M. James L. Morgan W. Myles McMillan, Chairman Ronald J. Eggers

CLOTHING, JEWELS & FURNITURE In accord with Section 143 of the Masonic Code of Oregon, we hereby submit a report on the condition of the clothing, jewels, and furniture required for Grand Lodge ceremonies. During this past year, we have observed that most of the Grand Lodge Officer and District Deputy apron cases are in acceptable condition. However, many aprons and collars are showing signs of wear. It is likely a replacement set will need to be purchased sometime in the next two or three years. We continue to clean and repair the Grand Lodge Officer aprons and collars, as well as the District Deputy aprons, on an ongoing basis when needs are identified and brought to our attention. The Working Tools and Vessels of Consecration were used during Lodge rededication ceremonies for the Tuality Lodge No. 6 building and for the 150-year anniversary celebration at Umatilla Lodge No. 40. All other equipment necessary for the ceremonies of the Grand Lodge is in good condition and is in possession of the Grand Marshal. An inventory of the same is on file at the office of the Grand Secretary.

Respectfully submitted, Steven W. McCathern Eric C. Smith Mark L. Posler, Chairman

DISPENSATIONS AND CHARTERS This report will be given verbally during the 2017 Session then printed in the Proceedings.

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EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE The Grand Lodge of Oregon holds the belief stated by M.W.B. Benjamin Franklin, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” In fact, our Masonic Code requires the Trustees of the Grand Lodge to, “examine into the merits of any case brought to their attention by the Master of any Lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction, or by other Masonic information, in which any resident or nonresident children or grandchildren of a Master Mason of a Lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction shall require assistance to obtain an education in public school K through 12, or post high school through age 22.” Additionally, Section 217.14 requires the Master of a Lodge to report to the Grand Master or Trustees of the Grand Lodge any child or grandchild that requires assistance in obtaining a public education. As the Senior Grand Warden, it has been my responsibility to oversee the administration of the Educational Assistance program. Mrs. Tammy Vanderzanden in the Grand Lodge office has been invaluable, doing most of the work for the program. Mrs. Vanderzanden sends all renewal applications to past Educational Assistance recipients as well as newly referred cases. She compiles the reports of the Masters and District Deputies, tracks all monies approved and remaining balance in the Educational Assistance Fund. This year we received applications from 43 families representing 62 students. We were able to help 27 families representing 47 students through the Educational Assistance program. A total of $92,000 was distributed to our Masonic families this year with $76,150 going towards 38 K-12 students and $14,850 supporting seven students in post high school education. Unfortunately, there were several cases where the required reports were not received by the deadline and four cases that did not meet the requirements of the program and were not approved by the Trustees. A breakdown of Educational Assistance for the 2016- 2017 year is on the following page:

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Kindergarten through 12thKindergarten grade through 12thKindergarten grade through 12th grade Case No. Lodge Name & # Total Award Case No. Lodge Name & # Total Award 845A Bend No. 139 $2,700 840C La Grande No. 41 $1,800 845B Bend No. 139 $2,700 846A Grand Ronde Valley No. 56 $1,800 832A Blanco No. 48 $1,800 846B Grand Ronde Valley No. 56 $1,800 832B Blanco No. 48 $1,800 831 Newport No. 85 $2,700 832C Blanco No. 48 $1,800 804B St. Johns No. 17 $2,700 842A Blanco No. 48 $2,700 804C St. Johns No. 17 $2,700 842B Blanco No. 48 $2,700 854A Sunnyside No. 163 $1,800 848 Evergreen No. 137 $1,000 854B Sunnyside No. 163 $1,800 849A Florence No. 107 $1,800 854C Sunnyside No. 163 $1,800 849B Florence No. 107 $1,800 844A Tillamook No. 57 $1,800 850 Florence No. 107 $2,700 844B Tillamook No. 57 $1,800 826 Gresham No. 152 $1,800 844C Tillamook No. 57 $1,800 767B Hiram No. 67 $2,700 819C Tuality No. 6 $2,700 767C Hiram No. 67 $2,700 817A Vale No. 142 $1,350 816 Hiram No. 67 $2,700 817B Vale No. 142 $1,350 828 Hiram No. 67 $2,700 817C Vale No. 142 $1,350 855 Hiram No. 67 $900 853A Woodburn No. 106 $900 806 Holbrook No. 30 $2,700 853B Woodburn No. 106 $900 840A La Grande No. 41 $1,800 Subtotal $76,150$74,727 840B La Grande No. 41 $1,800 Subtotal $74,727 Post High School throughPost age 22 High School through agePost 22High School through age 22 Case No. Lodge Name & # Total Award Case No. Lodge Name & # Total Award 852 Friendship Masonic No. 160 $1,350 780 Washington No. 46 $2,700 847 Joseph No. 81 $900 837A Woodburn No. 106 $2,700 851 Newport No. 85 $1,800 837B Woodburn No. 106 $2,700 819B Tuality No. 6 $2,700 Subtotal $14,850$8,400 Subtotal $8,400 Total Disbursement $91,000

It is anticipated that in the future the Grand Master may need to add a line item to the budget to supplement the funding from the Education Fund. Our goal is to continue to assist all those that qualify for our as- sistance. With the available income from the fund being lower the last several years and the increased participation in the program, supplemental funding may need to be allotted or many deserving families would go without this assistance.

Respectfully submitted, James L. Morgan, Senior Grand Warden

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ENDOWMENTS The Endowments Committee continued to work on many of the fundraising vehicles we are utilizing to build a cash reserve for the Oregon Masonic Youth Education and Literacy Foundation (OMYELF). We will continue to develop and strengthen the following programs so they are easier and more efficient to implement at the Lodge level. • Develop and implement Masonic family fundraising • Individual Lodge or District fundraisers • Direct mail campaign to membership • Specific donation requests from Lodges and members • Create partnerships with businesses for partnership and matching donations • Design and implement a planned giving campaign (wills, trusts, appreciated stock, qualified charitable distributions, etc.)

The committee also created a rifle raffle that has seen significant interest across the state. The Henry .22 caliber rifle was created with etchings and carvings of various Masonic symbols including the square and compasses, the letter G, the all-seeing eye and Faith, Hope & Char- ity. The stock has a rendering of W.B. George Washington. Our hope is to sell all 1,000 tickets to make a $10,000 donation to OMYELF. Please reach out to the Grand Lodge staff at registration for tickets. We are always looking for new and innovative ways to raise money and awareness for Grand Lodge initiatives. Please let us know if you would like to help in these efforts.

Respectfully submitted, Tomey R. Greer, H.P.G.M. Melvin H. Drews Gregory A. Jenkins Zachary K. Cohen Jeffrey A. Davis Brian W. Lackey Zachary A. Blalack, Chairman

EXAMINATION OF VISITING BRETHREN The purpose of this committee, according to Section 139 of the Oregon Masonic Code, is “...To examine all visitors not properly vouched for.” It is our goal, therefore, to ensure that each visitor to a Lodge in this Jurisdiction is properly examined and that he provides proof of mem- bership in good standing in a just and regularly constituted Lodge of Master Masons in a Grand Jurisdiction recognized by the Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of Oregon.

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There were no issues brought before the committee during the current Masonic year.

Respectfully submitted, John T. Turner, H.P.G.M. Dick T. Magers Robert L. Fountain, Chairman Richard L. Schoonover FELLOWS OF THE CRAFT The Fellows of the Craft (FOTC) mentoring program continues to be an essential tool by which a Brother can become a well-qualified mentor to the candidate. The role of the mentor is to guide, instruct and dem- onstrate by word and actions the principles of Masonry. This alternative approach to achieving proficiency in each Degree of Masonry should support the candidate in his study and memorization of the candidate’s lecture. The Fellows of the Craft study allows candidates to work with their mentors and coaches in this learning opportunity in addition to the standard candidate’s lecture. The benefits of applying the Fellows of the Craft to all candidates include building a stronger bond with the Brethren, Lodges and Freemasonry, resulting in a Brother who is encour- aged to participate in his Lodge and Freemasonry, as a whole. Remember, the job of a FOTC goes way beyond that of a coach or mentor. The FOTC mentor has the task of teaching Freemasonry, not just helping the new Mason memorize a bunch of words. Knowing and understanding Freemasonry is the critical goal. We should be reminded that becoming a qualified mentor is one requirement found in our Offi- cer’s Handbook for a Brother to preside in the East as Worshipful Master. For the Brethren and Lodges wishing to receive proper training to become a qualified mentor, you can contact the FOTC Chairman, W.B. Jerry Schierling for information and required materials. This past Ma- sonic year, a growing number of Brethren have been trained as mentors. These Brethren are a great asset to their respective Lodges. The goal of this mentoring program is to provide the best method of instruction for successful candidates that enter our Fraternity.

Respectfully submitted, Lowell D. Mathison Brian D. Wright Michael J. McGuyer Robert A. Livingston Vern S. Wertz, P.G.M., Advisory Jon C. Waldum Jerald D. Schierling, Chairman

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FINANCE The Grand Lodge Finance Committee continued to invest in high quality securities during 2016, the emphasis on cash income remaining high. In keeping with the historically conservative approach, 75 percent of the funds are invested in stocks and 25 percent are in cash, notes, or bonds. The Finance Committee feels it is important to comment, currently the benefits from investments are a result of the covered call writing and dividend strategy. Until interest rates return to more normal levels, stocks will carry most of the load. Based on the financial environ- ment, we recommend continuing the current strategy for another year.

Looking at our accounts, year to date 12/31/2016: Account Value December 31, 2015 ...... $51,026,632.51 Account Value December 31, 2016 ...... $52,317,972.39 Total Withdrawal by Lodge 2016...... $2,995,000.00 Total Deposits 2016...... $0

Year to date 12/31/2016 income as follows: Income from interest and dividends...... $1,193,300.88 Income from call writing activity...... $1,696,514.83

On behalf of the committee, I would like to offer our thanks to the Trustees for your support.

Respectfully submitted, John D. Livie, P.G.M. Bruce A. Kent Ed Bousquet, P.G.M. Peter Morrison Bob M. Keller, Chairman

GRAND MASTER’S ADDRESS This report will be given verbally during the 2017 Session then printed in the Proceedings.

HISTORY M.W.B. Arthur L. Borland, like so many before him, started his year as Grand Master with regular visitations and an overload of activities. These activities were located far and wide throughout our Oregon Jurisdiction. The Grand Lodge Officers were in attendance, as much as possible to support M.W.B. Borland in his travels. Always by his side, his wife, Dale, was there to encourage and help spread his message of Traditions: Past,

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Present and Future. The meaning of his message was to reflect back to where we have come from, and acknowledge the history and traditions which have formed who we are today. Those traditions of the past help remind us why we do what we do today. The significance is that we have and follow these core values of spreading the cement of Brotherly Love and affection, and divide our daily lives so we always have time for our work, rest and God. Today and into the future, we as Masons, need to continue to search out good men and through Masonry make them better while making sure our Fraternity continues in a positive, forward direction. We need to use the tools and traditions from the past, and must adapt them for the needs of our future members. However, we must be careful not to change our core values while doing so. Presented at the 166th Annual Communication was the Archivist, a new tool which has been years in the making, which allows the Craft to preserve and archive its history. It will scan loose papers, images and photos and more importantly bound books, including minute books. This machine was brought to life by W.B. Paul Hardin, W.B. Richard Nowacki, and the Long Range Planning Committee. This incredible machine allows for digitization of various print formats, which once scanned using the Archivist, can be easily shared, indexed and searched. It also allows for optical character recognition. This new digital imaging process allows for duplication and storage at an offsite location. The importance of this technology is to help assist with disaster recovery should your Lodge ever suffer a catastrophic loss. All of our Lodge records are considered historical documents. The digitization process will allow the user to copy a bound book about as quickly as you can turn the pages. Once these documents are scanned, this digitized format can be uploaded to file sharing applications, allowing us to easily research and utilize these records as historical reference and data. Our Grand Jurisdiction had two very important Masonic milestones this past year. First was the rededication of the historic Tuality Lodge No. 6 building. With the help of the community and the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce, the rededication took place at the recently renovated Lodge, after it had suffered damage from a catastrophic fire. There was also a Cornerstone rededication ceremony. The second event was the sesquicentennial celebration of Umatilla Lodge No. 40 in Echo. This was a special day with many Eastern Oregon Masons and Grand Lodge Officers in attendance. The Umatilla Lodge had been literally disassembled back in 1901, loaded on to a railroad car, moved 30 miles south and rebuilt. A few short years later, the Lodge members decided to pour a concrete

Page 54 2016-2017 foundation with basement, and once again the Lodge was moved, this time as a whole unit. For the Lodge building being almost 150 years old, it is in excellent condition. Both the main floor and upper Lodge room had recently been renovated, and both the Lodge building and members presented themselves smartly as a historical symbol of Oregon and Freemasonry. There was a rededication ceremony presented by both the Grand Lodge and Umatilla Lodge members. It was an enjoyable day for all who attended and a huge milestone for Umatilla No. 40. In an ongoing effort to preserve our Masonic history, M.W.B. Borland re-emphasized and sent an Edict regarding the need for a Lodge to report its history. This Edict was very similar to the one sent by M.W.B. Hunt Compton, P.G.M. The Edict was sent to each Lodge in our Jurisdiction requiring them to submit a simple one-page form about their Lodge’s events from the 2016 year. This allows Grand Lodge to record these events, making a complete historical entry of the events that happened during that year in this Jurisdiction. By doing this on an annual basis, it reduces the memory loss and allows Grand Lodge to compile the information on a regular and ongoing basis. I want to give a huge thank you to the members of the History Committee and their continued and endless efforts to save and preserve our Masonic history. Throughout the year, this group meets and compiles various Grand Lodge documents. They take account of who we are, where we came from and record our historical facts. I would like to thank Larry Ward, Michael Robinson, Dan Bauer, John Tucker, Johnny Edwards and Jim Akers.

Respectfully submitted, Daniel R. Bauer John W. Tucker Caleb M. Fennell Larry A. Ward James. S. Akers Michael D. Robinson Brian W. Lackey, Chairman

HOSPITAL VISITATION As Chairman from June 2016 through April 2017, I visited members of our Masonic family in several hospitals in the state of Oregon, with the majority of them being in the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in Portland and Vancouver, Wash. • Seventeen trips to the Portland VAMC: 131 hours, 1,904 miles; • Four trips to Oregon Health Sciences University, 12 hours, 448 miles; • Two trips to the Vancouver VAMC: 6 hours, 268 miles; • One trip to St. Vincent Hospital: 3 hours, 122 miles; and • Twelve Masonic in-home visits: 36 hours, 1,464 miles.

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These visits amounted to a total of 188 visitation hours and 4,206 miles traversed. I visited 31 Masons and 1,751 veterans during these visits, including ex-POWs. This report does not reflect travel time; nor does it include a hospital visit to the Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Boise, Idaho. I continue to receive telephone inquiries asking for information on VA benefits, medical care issues and referrals for help.

Respectfully submitted, Richard A. Martin, P.G.M. John C. Donner William D. Seymour Gary G. Heim Norman P. Griffin, Chairman

INFORMATION AND EDUCATION Each Masonic year, the Information and Education Committee is charged with developing training sessions around the state of Oregon. During the first half of this year, we held three Masonic Colleges in Bend, Portland and Medford. The training titled, Managing Our Lodges as a Business, focused on the leadership and management skills needed for Lodge officers. The day was divided into five sessions. The first session,It’s a Business, focused on the calendar, Oregon Masonic Code, accounting and records management, planning and succession, and budgets. Session two, Business Management Principles, examined fiduciary roles and responsibilities, custodial duties, insurance and risk management, conflict resolution, communications and public relations, computer security and data management, and drafting Legislation. The third session, Training and Masonic Education, gave an overview and review of Fellows of the Craft and Torchlight programs, membership retention, generational challenges, civility, and archiving documents. The fourth session, Planning Your Year as Master, included discussion on Lodge investigations, selling ourselves short, and investment management. The final session was a panel discussion moderated by M.W.B. Arthur L. Borland and covered practical steps recommended for new Masters. Time was available for questions before the Occasional Grand Lodge Communication was closed. On March 18, Blue Lodge Training (BLT) sessions were held in the Portland Metro area, Salem, Bend, North Bend, Medford, and Baker City. This one-day training focused on improving Lodge operations, Ritual skills, and proficiency in a variety of areas. There were four segments to the BLT: a modified school of instruction combined with Ritual practice, proficiency testing, video presentations on the Grand View database,

Page 56 2016-2017 conflict resolution, generational challenges, and Masonic parliamentary procedure. Plenty of time was left for discussion and interaction. The BLT was organized by the District Deputies and assisted by the Deputy Instructors. Thanks to all District Deputies and the Information and Education Committee members for participation in the Colleges and BLT. Thanks, also, to the Deputy Instructors for their help in making the BLT a success.

Respectfully submitted, James L. Morgan Thomas F. Burke Cary R. Pugh Robert L. Fountain Jerald D. Schierling, Torchlight Birol A. Yesilada Ronald J. Eggers, Chairman

LIBRARY AND MUSEUM The light is very bright over the Library and Museum Committee of the Grand Lodge of Oregon. With the ongoing support of the Trustees of the Grand Lodge, the task of processing, researching, documenting, preserving and archiving our Masonic history is moving along at a steady pace. The committee has accomplished the digital transfer of a large quantity of old glass degree slides for our ritualist Brethren to use during their lectures. The photography project is going strong, accepting photographs from donations and then making a digital copy for all to enjoy. We have been working very hard with the Grand Lodge of Oregon’s Historical Committee this Masonic year. The Library and Museum Committee has been given all the collected Lodge histories from the committee, and these will be scanned and placed in the archives for all to have access digitally. Lastly, the Library and Museum Committee is excited about the new library and museum building that was announced at the 166th Annual Communication. The movement of the current library and museum contents will be a very large undertaking when it does occur. We are ready for this challenge.

Respectfully submitted, Johnny J. Edwards, Chairman Michael D. Robinson

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LODGE MANAGEMENT ADVISORY The committee’s workload this year has been fairly light. We have only been called to assist two Lodges. On one hand, this is nice, but on the other, it makes us a little uneasy. Both callings were handled in a proper manner and in one case, a suggestion was made that may help other Lodges in the future. The suggestion was made that a file be assembled on the Grand Lodge website that could aid Lodges considering consolidations, building sales or closings. This would only be a guide with ideas for inquiring Lodges to aid them in formulating a plan before making the decision to consolidate with another Lodge or sell a building. We continue to hear stories of Lodge Secretaries who tend to run the Lodge. Worshipful Masters, we urge you to read and use the Officers Handbook. I won’t go as far as to tell you where, but use your opera- tional books.

Respectfully submitted, Hunt M. Compton, P.G.M. Thomas F. Burke Tomey R. Greer, H.P.G.M. Darrell G. Maple Steven W. McCathern Larry A. Ward W. Myles McMillan, Chairman

LONG RANGE PLANNING During this Masonic year, the Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC) has met several times utilizing the Sococo virtual meeting program. This program allows members to meet even though separated by large distances, saving time, money and allowing participation among those that may not have contributed if travel was a requisite. The digital imaging machine, the Archivist, displayed at last year’s Grand Lodge, has been placed in the library at the Grand Lodge office in Forest Grove by W.B. Rich Nowacki and W.B. Paul Hardin. This is the final stage necessary for Lodges to begin digitizing their records, photos and assorted documents to electronic archives. Recent discussion of Lodge security prompted development at the end of last year. Subsequently, a device called Ring video doorbell was selected by W.B. Gregory O’Neal after doing his research, and two are now in trial use. This electronic doorbell is motion activated; if someone comes within a preset range, it will alert you via your smartphone or computer. You can see and talk to the person that either rings the doorbell or is in that preset range of motion. That person does not

Page 58 2016-2017 know if you are at the Lodge or somewhere else when you answer. The device is either hardwired or battery operated and does require a wireless internet connection. Combine this technology with security protocols that are being developed, and you have peace of mind for members and a safer Lodge facility. LRPC continued to work on finding a suitable financial accounting program for Lodges, with W.B. James Westerfield taking on most of the difficult task. Later, LRPC was directed to suspend this activity since the new membership database, Grand View, should be able to provide a uniform accounting template for Lodges. This custom template specific for Lodge use is superior to something “off the shelf” and will better suit local Lodge and Grand Lodge needs. As always, the Long Range Planning Committee welcomes your ideas for new programs and services that can help our local Lodges.

Respectfully submitted, Brian W. Lackey Darrell G. Maple Richard S. Nowacki Gregory L. O’Neal Steven R. Vanderzanden James R. Westerfield Michael J. McGuyer, Chairman

MASONIC INSTRUCTION From May 1, 2016, through April 1, 2017, Basic Schools of Instruction were taught by the following Brethren: Eric Headley; Dale Palileo; Bill Taylor; John Turner, H.P.G.M.; Bob Fountain; Joe Fontana; and Tomey Greer, H.P.G.M., hosted by Lodges in a variety of locations around the state. In that same period, there were 20 individual Basic Proficiencies, six Intermediate Proficiencies, and two Advanced Proficiencies completed. Special recognition should go to the instructors and assistants in the Basic Schools of Instruction and to those Brethren who read for their proficiencies this year.

Respectfully submitted, Kenneth L. Briggs Ed Bousquet, P.G.M. John T. Turner, H.P.G.M. All Deputy Instructors Robert L. Fountain, Chairman

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MEMBERSHIP AND PUBLICITY This year’s committee decided to focus on social media to attract potential members for the entire Jurisdiction. This focus was meant to attract a younger demographic that was well-versed in today’s form of online communication. The committee decided to focus its efforts on Facebook as the social media platform of choice, primarily because of its ubiquity and adver- tising tools, which allow advertisers to target a variety of demographic segments and affinities in addition to geographic information. For ex- ample, ads can be targeted towards males between the ages of 21 to 45 who have an interest in history or community service. But social media advertising was only one half of the equation. These social media ads also needed a website where interested indi- viduals can be directed to learn more about Freemasonry and submit their contact information, which can then be forwarded to the nearest Lodge. From there, it would be up to the receiving Lodge to follow up on these individuals and handle their inquiries as they saw fit. It was decided that this website should be simple and direct to the point, em- ploying a one-page design that can be changed on the fly to fit with any Facebook advertising campaign. Future one-page websites could also be created for a similar purpose. The Grand Lodge Trustees also approved a $5,000 advertising budget to test this campaign and generate some useful metrics for future advertising campaigns. At this junction, the website is in development and we hope to begin running the Facebook ads this summer.

Respectfully submitted, Timothy J. Best W. Myles McMillan James L. Morgan Gregory A. Jenkins Gary L. Ball Carey J. Huckaba Dale B. Palileo, Chairman Brian T. Canady

NECROLOGY It is always a great time to witness and be part of our Grand Lodge’s Annual Communication. It is a time for Masonic formality, friendship, and Brotherhood. It is a time when merriment and celebration mix with introspection and foresight. It is also a time of recognition and remembrance, especially of Brethren who have gone before us to that Celestial Lodge above, becoming part of that Great Hall not made with human hands, but erected by that one

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Almighty Being we all recognize and respect as the Supreme Architect. Brethren, I stand before you today to fulfill this sacred duty of recognizing these departed Brethren. These are men that have given a part of their lives to become one of us—to become a member of this great Fraternity and be called “Brother,” and as such they deserve our recognition and respect as we bid one last farewell. This past year, 363 of our Brothers have not answered to their names. These are Brothers that have walked through both the humblest and most majestic halls of life, each step a contribution to their experience of the human condition. All of them have done their part in the Grand Design and have been called by the Creator, forever dropping their working tools. While we mourn their passing, let us be comforted in our faith that they—and ultimately all of us—are promised with an everlasting life in that Great Beyond. The Lambskin, or White Apron, is an emblem of innocence, the badge of a Mason. It is acknowledged by us to be the highest honor that can be conferred. An apron was our first gift to these Brothers, and by it they were enabled to enter our temple. That they may be properly clothed to enter, for all eternity, the Temple of our Lord, I place this apron with them. The evergreen which once marked the temporary resting place of one illustrious in Masonic history, is an emblem of our belief in the immortality of the soul. By it, we are reminded that through our faith in the loving kindness of God, we may confidently expect our souls to forever flourish in eternal spring. As is our tradition, we will now present the names of the Oregon Lodges who have lost a Brother this past year along with the names of our departed Brethren. I would like to request that the attending Brethren of each Lodge rise when your Lodge is presented. Supreme Grand Master of Heaven and Earth, we commit these dear departed Brethren to your loving care. They will live forever in our hearts and minds. We know these good men of Masonry will be a great addition to that Celestial Lodge. Dear Father, until we all once again meet, on the Level, we ask for all your blessings. In thy Holy name, Amen.

Respectfully submitted, Phillip C. Van Buren William J. Gersbach Dale B. Palileo, Chairman

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OREGON MASONIC YOUTH EDUCATION AND LITERACY FOUNDATION One of the foundations of our democracy is the education of our populace. The Oregon Masonic Jurisdiction has striven to support this cause with matching funds for Lodges who have participated in youth education and literacy programs, including: • Bikes for Books • Raising A Reader • Blue Lodge Scholarships • Masonic Youth Scholarships • Kindles for Books • Child I.D. • Creating A Partnership • Robotics Programs

This year has been no exception. The Oregon Masonic Youth Educa- tion and Literacy Foundation (OMYELF) Committee has focused on fundraising for individuals and groups. We have reached out to Masons and Lodges here in Oregon for support. To encourage participation, the committee created a fundraising coin for the 2016-2017 Masonic year, available for a donation of $10. A new coin was designed for 2017-2018 highlighting the Bikes for Books program which has been successful in Oregon. We have written letters to the Lodges encouraging contributions to the foundation this year or placing this item in their budget for 2018. If you have ideas for fundraising or are interested in participating, please let us know. We are open to original concepts and assistance from the Craft.

Respectfully submitted, James L. Morgan David C. Johnson Gregory A. Jenkins Michael J. McGuyer Raymond E. Carson Grant I. Sharp David H. Fryday, P.G.M., Chairman Zachary A. Blalack

PHOTO The Grand Master initiated a new program this year to encourage Lodges and individual Masons to submit photographs of Masonic events, a historic building (or a portion of the building), or some Esoteric depiction of Masonry. Winners are selected by the Photo Committee

Page 62 2016-2017 and then featured in the Oregon Masonic News. Those photographs are now displayed at our Annual Communication to be voted on by the membership. The first place winner will receive a plaque and a $500 donation to the Masonic charity of their choice and the second and third place winner, a plaque. The committee recommends that if this program is continued that more promotion be made to encourage Lodges and individuals to submit photographs of the many Masonic events, buildings and other Esoteric symbols that occur in and around our Jurisdiction every year. The committee thanks the Grand Master for the opportunity to serve in this capacity.

Respectfully submitted, Arthur L. Borland, Grand Master Tomey R. Greer, H.P.G.M. Don Stapleton, I.P.G.M., Chairman Arthur V. Thompson

PUBLIC SCHOOLS For the past 300 years, Freemasonry has held as one of its foundations, the belief in an educated society. Over the span of time, improvements in communication have elevated the common man to one who has the opportunity of gaining knowledge. That knowledge has led to many great discoveries. I mention this as a simple introduction to the value our educational system has in making or building a better world. As Masons, we have the opportunity to carry on this tradition by being involved in our local schools. Each Brother has something of value that adds to the sum of educational support in the local school. Lodges, more essentially, can participate by volunteering time or resources with their fellow Brethren in a Lodge. By lending support to the many varied programs recognized by this Grand Lodge, our children will be given the opportunity to succeed. As we will see by those Lodges that have submitted their report, the activities and programs vary according to the means and interests of these Brothers. One should be reminded that the contributions, large or small, have a positive influence on schools and, more to the point, students. Most Worshipful Grand Master, if you would assist me in recognizing these hardworking Brethren for supporting our local schools. Will the representative from the following Lodges please come forward:

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Lodge Lodge Total/Service Performed — $10 in “service time” = 1 hr. of service

Salem Lodge #4 Bikes for Books $2,880 Awesome 3000 Volunteer Hrs. Jennings Lodge #9 Child I.D. $270 Student Recognition Program Eugene Lodge #11 Dictionaries for Students $6,356 High School band program Music department funding Thurston High School Equestrian Team Volunteer Hrs. Prineville Lodge #76 Kid’s Club $1,330 Little League Soccer Team Rickreall Lodge #110 Child I.D. $4,400 Oregon Robotics (ORTOP) Robotics Funding (4 schools) Friendship Masonic Lodge #160 $1,656 Kindles for Students Cascade Lodge #208 Gift certificates for teachers $4,350 Volunteer Hrs. Vista Masonic Lodge #215 $5,751 Awesome 3000 Child I.D. Masonic Angel Fund Oregon Robotics (ORTOP) Raising A Reader Title I Christmas party

Individual Achievement Award: Jerald G. Boyd: Volunteer Hrs. in S.M.A.R.T. at Crook County Elementary School.

Respectfully submitted, Victor Y. Kee John P. Smith Robert R. Bigelow III Benjamin M. Merril Jerald D. Schierling, Chairman

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ROBOTICS The Robotics Committee has worked to encourage Lodges to support school robotics programs as an additional Masonic educational program. The robotics programs in most of the state school systems are an after-school program and do not have the financial support of district funding. This is where Lodges can step up and help support the programs in their local school either directly or through ORTOP, the governing body. This is the first year the Grand Lodge of Oregon has supported the program with matching funds. A limit of $1,000 was set as the matching amount for a Lodge to give towards a robotics program to receive $500 or 50 percent back from Grand Lodge. Six Lodges have either continued or started a robotics program with their local schools. We have been contacted by other Lodges indicating their interest and asking about becoming involved with the program next year. The committee feels this program will become a major educational alternative for Lodge participation in our continued school involvement.

Respectfully submitted, Brian S. Jenkins Rocky P. Wagers Robert F. Barrowcliff Henry G. Stockoff Gregory A. Jenkins, Chairman Zachary K. Steele

TECHNICAL STANDARDS The Technical Standards Committee members attended the 2016 Annual Communication as usual and operated the cameras, overhead projection system and e-voting system. Processes and logistics around operation of the e-voting system are mostly smoothed out now, proving to save time during legislation and counting of votes. Last year, we purchased an additional camera, monitors and hard case to protect our electronics gear during storage and transport. The additional camera mounts somewhere in the east and faces west, providing better coverage during awards and discussion that occurs on the floor, away from the podium. We will still have a few issues to sort out regarding placement, as the camera must be mounted high enough to clear people’s heads when walking. Our typical tripod for high mounting would be an eyesore in the east, so we’re trying to avoid using that. Our recommendation would be that the podium incorporates space to place the camera at the left of the Grand Secretary on a normal tripod, which requires about three square feet of space.

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W.B. Scott Cook is retiring as committee chairman after many years of service. Bro. Mark Cook has agreed to take over as chairman, and we will be in capable hands for several years to come.

Respectfully submitted, Patrick D. Sheehan Kent L. Dyer Fadi S. Arnaout Richard S. Nowacki Scott D. Cook, Chairman Eric C. Smith

TRUSTEES The following is the Trustees’ report, pursuant to Section 108.2 of the Grand Lodge By-Laws, which requires the Deputy Grand Master, “To prepare and present annually to the Grand Lodge a summary of the transactions of the Trustees since the preceding Annual Communications of Grand Lodge.” Section 18.1 of the By-Laws lists the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden, Junior Grand Warden and Immediate Past Grand Master, shall be the Trustees of the Grand Lodge. The Grand Secretary attends and records the proceedings. The first Trustee meeting in June 2016 held at the Red Lion hotel in Portland, resulted in the following assignments: R.W.B. W. Myles McMillan, Chairman of the Budget Committee and Chairman of Lodge Management Advisory Committee; R.W.B. James L. Morgan, responsible to review the Grand Lodge Educational Assistance applications, including recommendations to the Trustees; and R.W.B. Ronald J. Eggers, responsible for review of Grand Lodge disbursements and Grand Lodge travel expenses including recommendations to the Trustees. Each month, the Trustees meet with the leaders of the Order of the Eastern Star to review the reports of Aidan Health Services, our manage- ment company that oversees the operation of the Masonic and Eastern Star Home (MESH). Again, the bills are reviewed and approved by the Junior Grand Warden. Nearly all operations of MESH are covered in this meeting including the current facility remodel that is presently going on within the Home. Each year the Grand Lodge Trustees attend the Western Conference of Grand Masters in February. This year, it was held in Omaha, Neb. and proceeded the Conference of Grand Masters of North America (CGMNA). This is an excellent opportunity to meet and talk with Jurisdictions just like ours, many experiencing the same problems and successes. The Western Conference is composed of the states and provinces of Alaska, British Columbia and Yukon, Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona and

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Hawaii. The CGMNA is attended by nearly every state in our union as well as surrounding countries, so you can see there is a lot to draw from. Trustees also attended the Annual Communications of: Washington; British Columbia and Yukon; Prince Hall of Oregon, Idaho and Montana Inc.; Montana; Wyoming; Idaho; California; New Mexico; Alaska; Utah; Nevada and Hawaii. The Automated External Defibrillator (AED) program was successful this year, supplying AED’s to Lodges in need. Twenty Lodges received matching funds for Blue Lodge Scholarships, nearly using the program’s budgeted funds. Bikes for Books remains popular with rural Lodges, where 149 bikes were supplied to children. Sixty-four Kindles were earned by kids with the Kindles for Books, proving the program popular. Creating A Partnership, the old Masonic Angel Fund, is gaining strength every year. Four Lodges partnered with local schools this year, providing basic necessities to children in need. The Senior Grand Warden has reported on a successful year for Educational Assistance. A detailed report can be found in earlier pages of these Proceedings. Each month, the Junior Grand Warden reviews all disbursements including travel expenses for the Grand Lodge and reports to the Board of Trustees any irregularities. The Trustees also track the financial investments of the Grand Lodge and these are reviewed monthly from the Finance Committee. Each spring, the accounting firm of Hansen, Hunter & Co. audits the books of the Grand Lodge and again has given the Grand Lodge high marks on our investments as well as our in-house accounting systems. Individual Lodge issues seem to take more time than any other issue on our monthly agenda. Wise counsel by District Deputies and a thorough familiarity with the Masonic Code by Worshipful Masters could often make this list shorter. The Trustees must thank the Grand Lodge staff for their dedication and support and their obvious affection for our Fraternity. We thank the Craft for their dedication and support to the Fraternity we all love.

Respectfully submitted, W. Myles McMillan, Deputy Grand Master

VETERANS ASSISTANCE To recognize our military veterans and especially our Masonic veterans, M.W.B. Arthur L. Borland created the Masonic Veterans Assistance Committee. The committee was tasked to acknowledge and publicly recognize members of the Armed Forces, retired and currently serving.

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It was also asked that the group promote OutReach Services so all Masonic veterans are aware of services available to them, should they need assistance or help of any kind. The Grand Master also updated the requirements for the Lodge of Excellence Achievement Award for 2016- 2017 Masonic year. Now, each Lodge must host at least one event for our veterans. These events could include hosting a recognition dinner, inviting a guest speaker to Lodge, marching in a Veterans Day parade, and/or holding a service awards ceremony. In our efforts to publicly recognize Masonic veterans, the committee designed a pin which will be available to present to veterans at various events. I would like to thank the committee for their time spent in creating and implementing this program. It is always a challenge to start something from scratch. We want to thank M.W.B. Arthur L. Borland for his willingness to start this program and his insight to our many questions as we started our work. I would like to especially thank Brian Williams who really started working this group forward, as well as Kyle Hatch, John Turner, Norman Griffin and Victor Birdseye for all their insight, ideas and help.

Respectfully submitted, Norman P. Griffin Kyle G. Hatch John T. Turner, H.P.G.M. — Advisory Victor T. Birdseye Brian W. Lackey, Chairman

YOUTH ACTIVITIES 2016-2017 was another year of rebuilding for our Masonic youth groups. Michael Sanders, P.G.M. reported that the health of DeMolay in Oregon was marginal, proving our Masonic youth groups need our help. We need adult advisors for all three youth groups. The 2017-2018 youth pins are in tune with our current Grand Master’s year and were mailed to Oregon Lodges in late April, early May. This committee has always been fortunate to have past and present adult youth group leaders as members. I would like to acknowledge, Wayne Metz, Past State Rainbow Dad; Albert Martinez, Past State Rainbow Dad; James Lamb, Past Executive Officer Oregon DeMolay; and Morgan DeClerque, Past Associate Grand Guardian. It is extremely important that this continue as their input is invaluable. We functioned as in previous years: 1. “Oregon Masonic Youth Pins” are the only fundraiser, 2. Sponsors Oregon Youth Days (DJR) the first Saturday in March, 3. Scholarship money is made available to our Masonic Youth Groups,

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4. Grand Master’s Youth Support Award, 5. Committee members support various youth activities throughout the year, 6. Participation in the Grand Lodge youth picnic in August.

The year began with the presentation of the Grand Master’s Youth Sup- port Award for 2016-2017 by the Grand Master to the following Brothers: • Oregon Rainbow – Loren F. Newkirk • Oregon DeMolay – Nabeel M. Shaaban • Oregon Job’s Daughters – Gary L. Price and Jerry Anderson

The Clyde Brown Senior Membership Plaque was presented to the Oregon Youth Group with the most initiates for this Masonic year: Oregon Job’s Daughters with 23 initiates. The Grand Lodge youth picnic was held in August. The Al Kader Shrine cooked hot dogs and hamburgers, and M.W.B. Arthur L. Borland volunteered to go in the dunk tank. What a day! Our thanks to M.W.B. Borland and the Grand Lodge of Oregon for this wonderful youth day. The Grand Lodge Youth Activities Committee sponsors the annual Oregon Youth Activities Day in Salem. Our thanks to Illustrious Brother David D. Fuller, members of the Salem Scottish Rite and Salem Lodge No. 4 for their annual support and assistance; we could not continue without your help. Oregon Youth Activities Day is held annually on the first Saturday in March. This year it was held on March 4, 2017 at the Salem Scottish Rite Center. Our turnout was down from last year. We hope to see a rise in participation for 2018. This year, we were blessed with M.W.B. Borland, and our first lady in attendance at the dance and talent show. Thank you, M.W.B. Borland; you cannot imagine what your presence means to our Masonic youth. We thank the Oregon Masonic Lodges for their continued support of the Grand Lodge Youth Activities Committee and our fundraising efforts of the future. We thank the Grand Master for our appointment to this committee, and we sincerely hope we have served the Craft to his satisfaction.

Respectfully submitted, James C. Lamb Wayne E. Metz Marlin D. Lovelin David D. Fuller Alexander B. Aanderud Morgan A. DeClercque Paul A. Blackburn, Chairman

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REPORTS REQUIRING ADOPTION

CODE In compliance with Section 24.3(c) of the Masonic Code of Oregon, the Code Committee reviewed proposed legislative issues for the June 2017 Annual Communication and submits the following report:

1. A proposed change to Section 146, Personnel and Duties of Com- mittee on Publications, was submitted by M.W.B. Ed Bousquet, P.G.M.; M.W.B. John T. Turner, H.P.G.M., and R.W.B. Ronald J. Eggers. Section 146 falls within Part Two, By-Laws Relative to the Grand Lodge. This submission allows for the Trustees to direct the Grand Secretary to make typographical, grammatical, syntactical and other nonsubstantial­ changes corrections to Code consistent with Section 112.27. The Grand Secretary must submit the final draft to the Trustees for approval. Part A is a report on a proposed General Revision of the Constitution, By-Laws, Penal Code and Resolutions prepared by the Code. The principal author was consulted about ambiguity in the original language of the proposed change. He agreed with the committee to modify the original submission. As modified, the proposal appears to be in proper form. 2. Late legislation is also submitted by the Code Committee as a housekeeping matter regarding a typographical error in Section 224 amended in June 5, 2015. The correct version was submitted but was mistyped in transmittal (a “1.” was omitted). Because the incorrect version was approved by the Grand Lodge, we must submit this proposed change to correct the error. The proposal appears to be in proper form.

Respectfully submitted, W. Jay Carey James L. Morgan David H. Fryday, P.G.M., Chairman Hugh Morgan

JURISPRUDENCE The following is the Jurisprudence Committee report of proposed Legislation and Resolutions.

Amendments to Constitution and By-Laws Section 146, Personnel and Duties of Committee on Publications This proposed legislation would allow the Grand Secretary, with ap- proval of the Trustees of The Grand Lodge, to make any non-substantive

Page 70 2016-2017 changes to the Code which fall into typographical, syntactical, grammati- cal or structural error. This piece of legislation is in proper form and ready for consideration by the delegates of this Grand Lodge. A two-thirds (2/3) majority vote is required for passage.

Section 11, Voting in Grand Lodge This proposed legislation is presented as a “housekeeping” measure to eliminate confusion by defining who are the voting members of Grand Lodge. This piece of legislation is in proper form and ready for consideration by the delegates of this Grand Lodge. A three-fourths (3/4) majority vote is required for passage.

Resolutions Voting on Hiram Award This resolution addresses how the Hiram Award will be voted upon. This resolution is in proper form and ready for consideration by the delegates of this Grand Lodge. A two-thirds (2/3) majority is required for passage.

Late Legislation Section 224, Membership This legislation would correct an omission in numbering in a piece of legislation that was passed by this Grand Lodge at its annual communication in 2015. This legislation is in proper form and ready for consideration by this Grand Lodge. A majority vote is required for this to be referred to the Committee on the Code, to be included in their report for consideration at next year’s Grand Lodge session.

Respectfully submitted, Lyle C. Logan, P.G.M. David R. Anderson, P.G.M. R. Michael Wick, P.G.M. Stanley C. Miller L.L. “Vern” Beito, P.G.M., Chairman

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RECOGNITION OF OTHER GRAND LODGES Your committee on Recognition of Other Grand Lodges would like to report on four requests for recognition we have received since our last Grand Lodge Session. I would like to begin by reviewing the standards used when considering requests for recognition. These standards were adopted by the Conference of Grand Masters of Masons in North America in 1952 and have been used by most regular Grand Lodges since when considering whether Grand Lodges should be recognized. They are summarized as follows: 1. Legitimacy of origin. 2. Exclusive territorial jurisdiction, except by mutual consent and/or treaty. 3. Adherence to the Ancient landmarks: Specifically, a belief in God, the Volume of the Sacred Law as an indispensable part of the Furniture of the Lodge, and a prohibition of the discussion of politics and religion.

Grand Lodge of Estonia We have received a request for recognition from the Grand Lodge of Estonia. “The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Estonia was inaugurated on May 18, 1999, and currently consists of 21 warranted lodges. It has adopted the Ritual and Constitution of its parent grand lodge of Finland.” Currently, the Grand Lodge of Estonia is officially recognized by Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nebraska, New York and Washington. Based on the information submitted to this committee in the aforementioned report, we recommend that the Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of Oregon grant recognition to the Grand Lodge of Estonia.

State Grand Orients of Brazil We have received a request for recognition from the State Grand Orients of Brazil. The Commission on Information and Recognition for the North American Conference of Grand Masters issued the following report at its February 2017 meeting: “The Grande Oriente do Parana, the Grande Oriente do Santa Catarina, the Grande Oriente do Rio Grande do Sul and the Grande Oriente do Moto Gross, were each recognized by and treaties signed with their respective state Grand Lodges in August/September of 2016. Each of these bodies

Page 72 2016-2017 are recognized by the CMI. It would be reasonable to assume that these Grande Orients are practicing regular masonry.” Based on the above stated information, it is the recommendation of this committee that the above-named State Grand Orients of Brazil be granted recognition by the Grand Lodge of Oregon, A.F. & A.M.

Grand Lodge of State “Baja California” AA. LL. & AA. MM. We have received a request for recognition from the Grand Lodge of “Baja California” AA. LL. & AA. MM. Since 2008, there have been numerous reports made by the North American Conference of Grand Masters concerning the Grand Lodge of Baja California. There has been much confusion due to the fact that two separate entities claim to be the legitimate Grand Lodge of Baja California. In the 2013 report of the North American Conference, the commission on recognitions reported that one of the entities, known as “The Grand Lodge of Baja California” does in fact meet criteria for recognition. The report however does not give any direction on how to determine which entity calling itself the Grand Lodge of Baja California is in fact the legitimate entity. It is therefore the recommendation of this committee that the Grand Lodge of Oregon, A.F. & A.M. withhold recognition of the Grand Lodge of Baja California until further information can be obtained.

The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of Missouri and Jurisdictions We have received a request for recognition from the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of Missouri and Jurisdictions. This Grand Jurisdiction meets all required criteria for recognition. It therefore is the recommendation of this committee that the Grand Lodge of Oregon, A.F. & A.M. grant this request.

Most Worshipful Grand Master, this completes our report. The mem- bers of this committee thank you for the opportunity to serve this Grand Lodge during the past year.

Respectfully submitted, D. Arthur Bush, P.G.M. Craig A. Sipp L.L. “Vern” Beito, P.G.M., Chairman Larry A. Ward

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RESOLUTIONS The committee received two resolutions proposed by the Craft, and proposes one.

1. Resolutions Proposed by the Craft: a.) The committee received a resolution which would have established procedures for recognition of Grand Jurisdictions of Prince Hall Masons. Those who proposed the resolution have withdrawn it. b.) The committee received a resolution as to the Hiram Award. In its original form, the resolution was received by the Grand Lodge on January 2nd of this year. Those who proposed the resolution amended it. In its amended form, the resolution was received by the Grand Lodge on February 10th. The amended resolution is titled, “RESOLUTION FOR VOTING ON THE HIRAM AWARD.” It is proposed by John T. Turner, H.P.G.M.; Ronald J. Eggers, Junior Grand Warden; and Ed Bousquet, P.G.M. It provides that: The resolutions as to the Hiram Award adopted in prior years are ratified and confirmed; and The written ballots upon the award of the Hiram Award shall be cast during a Stated Communication. The amended resolution is in proper form.

2. A Resolution Proposed by the Committee: The committee proposes a resolution conferring upon visiting dignitaries during the course of this Annual Communication honorary membership in this Grand Lodge.

Respectfully submitted, Edward A. Meyer Michael F. Connelly Steven W. McCathern Michael D. Sullivan Thomas F. Burke, Chairman William P. Russell

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