M.W.
WILLIAM C. RHEUBOTTOM
MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND
MASTER
Greetings:
If I were to ask you, Brethren, the question that is upper most in your
minds on this auspicious occasion, I think that I would be met with the
almost unanimous response that your presence here indicates your love and
zeal for Masonry.
From all over this broad jurisdiction, and other sister jurisdictions, you
have come as proud representative of one of the oldest and most highly
regarded fraternities known among men; an institution that peasant loves,
and the nobleman patronizes, one that knows no distinction, should practices
no deception, and has endured because of its worth and the blessings that it
has brought to the human family. If in life you have no other claim upon the
gratitude of men, if fame passes you by, if fortune does not
linger but nods carelessly and is gone, if you who have been the recipients
of the arts and mysteries of Masonry and the boon that it confers, and have
lived up to its magnificent teachings, have practices its tenets, and tried
to inculcate its true Christian sprit and principles, you may boost proudly
of the fact that you are a Master Mason.
As Grand Master of Masons for the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of
Washington and Jurisdiction, I extend to each and every one of you a warm
welcome. I am particularly pleased to welcome our distinguished guests, who
are visiting from other Grand Lodges and Jurisdictions. We are honored that
you have made it your priority to be with us on this auspicious occasion. We
appreciate the opportunity to return the hospitality and friendship our
representatives have received while visiting your Grand Jurisdictions.
To the Brethren of Prince Hall Lodges in the Jurisdiction of Washington, I
am extremely pleased to see you here. My Brethren, we are at the crossroads
of a new era. What we do during the next two days will have a serious effect
on the direction this Grand Lodge will take, as we move closer to the new
millennium. We as a Grand Lodge must position ourselves to effectively
respond to changes forth coming in the next century.
My Brethren, on the 95th Annual Communication another page must be added in
our history book and new dimensions in the development and expansion of
Prince Hall
Masonry, whenever disbursed around the globe, are due to the successes that
were accomplished this year.
I wish to thank the excellent staff of officers and each of you for your
prayers and support. I cannot say enough about the elected officers this
past year, they all worked overtime to bring credit to our great
Jurisdiction. Not once did I see or experience any unwillingness to meet a
new challenge placed before them. Each time I called upon their services,
the Deputy Grand Master, Senior and Junior Wardens, Grand Lecturer, Grand
Trustees and the various committee chairmen and those serving on those
committees were always there and willing to take on another task or project.
And, to the appointed Grand Officers-- thank you for your excellent services
and support as well, I truly, truly appreciate each of you. A special thanks
to all my District Deputies for their hard work and support. And to all our
Past Grand Masters for their heads of wisdom and council.
It is indeed a pleasure for me to stand here today before you, with much
humility, and render to you an accounting of my stewardship for Masonic Year
1997-1998. First, I must say thanks to God for allowing me to serve you, my
Brethren, as your Chief Executive Officer. The Bible has always been my
guide in my everyday life. This protects me from being robbed of my
self-dignity, skills, mental, physical and economic resources by wolves in
sheep clothing; or those who masquerade as Brothers!
I wish to thank my wife, family and my very close friend who I talk to daily
for the support they gave me this past year. When the real test came, the
Bible and prayer were there to give spiritual and physical strength to carry
me through.
NECROLOGY
1997-1998
When the roll is called at this 95th Annual Communication, there are some
Brothers who will fail to answer. Silence will be the response to the
calling of their names. They will not answer because they have finished
their labors here on earth and have gone on to that celestial lodge above
where Job said the “wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary be at
rest:
There were “many on board” the old ship of Zion when we put out to sea 12
month ago. Faces were bright, and smiles told a story of happiness and
expectations. Alas, before the ship could dock in the safety of the Harbor,
the dread messenger death summoned some of our Brothers from among the craft
and closed the book of life as they stole silently away to receive the great
white stone which distinguishes them as “masters” of the craft.
Since the closing of our 94k” Annual Communication 18 of our Brothers have
come to the end of life’s toilsome journey, dropped forever the working
tools of life, answered the final roll call which symbolizes, “the purity of
life” and the “rectitude of conduct”.
We pray that the merciful Father, who enables us to trace the mysteries of
life through its various windings to its most concealed recesses, will
receive them into a favored place and give them rest. We pray, further, that
as their trebling souls stand naked and alone before the great white throne,
that they will hear the great Grand Master of the universe say to them “well
done good and faithful servant, thou hath been faithful over a few things; I
will make thee ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joy of the Lord”.
Edgar L. Smith
George E. Gray
Harmony Lodge #2
Egyptian Lodge #44
November 11, 1996
February 21, 1998
Frank J. Howard Sr.
Henry McCoullough
Cassia Lodge #5
Abiff Lodge #37
August 14, 1997
February 25, 1998
George W. Pleasant
Cecil L. James
William H. Upton Lodge #11 Union
Lodge #43
August 24, 1997
March 3, 1998
Frederick W.C. Washington Jr. Willie James Anderson
Perfect AshIer Lodge #40 Lee
Grant Rogers Lodge #61
September 10, 1997
March 20, 1998
Rodney E. Momon Eugene Ellison
Cherry Blossom Lodge #42
Egyptian Lodge #44
September 23, 1997
April 22, 1998
Samuel O. Fowlkes Frank Bascomb
Egyptian Lodge #44
Hamma Hamma Lodge #35
October 19, 1997 May
1998
Leo S. Baptiste Eugene J. Baker
Hercules Lodge #17 Union
Lodge #43
February 3, 1998 May
13, 1998
George A. Williams Jr. Viven Earl Johnson
Daniel Chappie James Lodge #72 Cassia Lodge #5
February 19, 1998 May 22,
1998
Lewis J. Marshall James R. Franklin
Cassia Lodge #5 Harmony
Lodge #2
February 21, 1998 June 20,
1998
STATE OF THE NATION
In many respects, the nation is at a crossroads of conflicting fortunes. It
stands as a beacon of hope and freedom for the world, but at the same time
it stands at the confluence of opposites like a mighty river rushing
headlong to no where; the rich versus the poor, the housed versus the
unhoused, the haves versus the have nots; and the weak versus the strong.
Children in Crisis
Of all the social ills that befall the less fortunate, housing is at the top
of the list. Consider a child who is homeless, poorly fed, poorly clothed,
and pressured to attend school and complete with others who may have more of
the necessities of life. Consider, still further, a child who has lived in
four different apartments and shelters for the homeless within a six month
period — and attended three different schools in that time. Imagine the
strain on such a child. But don’t imagine that this case is an exception to
the rule. It is not. It happens too often to be an exception!
Children such as these represent the fastest growing segment of the nation’s
homeless population, which rose from 273,000 school age children seven years
ago to more than 740,000 by 1998. As economics, divorce, drugs and other
problems have torn families apart, educators have been presented with a
particularly vexing problem; how to help such nomadic children hang on to a
stable and suturing education, often their only lifeline to a better future.
News for the Jobless
During the last several months, the nation’s jobless rate fell to 4.7
percent, the lowest level in 24 years. This resulted from the addition of
more than a quarter-million new jobs. The drop in unemployment, coupled with
the rise in payroll jobs, suggested that the demand for labor is still
rising strongly enough to continue to reduce the pool of Americans who are
either looking for work or might take a job if the right one comes along.
How Healthy Are We?
Next to the welfare of our children, health is perhaps the next most
important agenda for America. The problem is providing health care spans the
scope of American life — from childhood to senior citizens. In a country
that is considered by others to provide the best of everything, citizens
continue to encounter a barrage of ills, which prevent them from realizing
their maximum potential. Amazingly, some 66 per cent of Americans think they
are in “excellent” or “good” health. Unhappily, one in five are “afraid” to
go to the doctor.
In spite of the fact that we are living longer, we are not necessarily
living better or healthier. In a study of 1852 men and women, 18 year olds
and older, Parade
Magazine found that 57 percent of the respondents admit that they are
overweight, 52 percent don’t exercise, and 26 percent still use tobacco in
some form. Twenty-five percent of those surveyed cite arthritis as the most
common health problem.
When it comes to high blood pressure, 23 percent of the respondents were
affected; 14 percent say that they suffered from depression at some point
within the last year. Of those, 17 percent were women and 10 percent were
men. About 66 percent of the respondents say they would prefer to change
their diets, rather than take medication to treat a health problem.
Turning the focus to Alzheimer’s disease, the National Institute of Aging
says that up to 50 percent of people over 85 suffer from dementia —
confusion, disorientation, and memory loss of recent events. About 60-70
percent of these have Alzheimer’s disease, an incurable condition in which
the ability to learn, reason, remember, control behavior or perform basic
tasks of daily life gradually deteriorates.
Cancer experts say that Black women, on average, are diagnosed with breast
cancer at a later time than women of other races. This put them at greater
risk of dying from the disease. Some 26 percent of Black women studied were
severely overweight, compared with 7 percent of women of other races, and
were three times as likely to be diagnosed with cancer at later, less
treatable stages of the disease.
Race Relations in America
Much of America was surprised a few months ago when citizens in Houston,
Texas voted to continue Affirmative Action in employment section. In Durham,
North Carolina, the President of Duke University proposed an enigma; what is
it that many people hardly think about that others think about all the time?
The answer; she said, is “race”. The subject has taken on new importance on
the university campus in recent months sparked by a racially offensive
article in a student publication, and the improper arrest by two Duke police
officers of a Black male apparently mistaken for a burglar. What is clear to
most of us is that race relations in America is on a roller coaster ride —
going hither and thither along an aimless and senseless course to the
detriment and derogation of Blacks and other minorities. The recent racial
tragedy in Jasper, Texas should serve as a wake up notice to all of us that
the work of racial reconciliation is long and difficult. Short-term
enthusiasms will not win the day in our struggle for finding unity in
diversity. Essential to that struggle is a recognition of and sensitivity
to, the various faces of racism. With the state of the nation as it appears
today, there is even Greater need for our Masonic Orders to open its doors
and become more visible in the problem solving activity of this nation.
THE CONFERENCE OF GRAND MASTERS MISSION
The mission of the Conference of Grand Masters Prince Hall Masons, Inc. is
to identify Masonic and Non-Masonic research subject(s), present the product
of that research for use by Jurisdictions so disposed, and publicize
appropriate positions and issues at a press conference as desired and
necessary.
Objective
The objective of this Conference of Grand Masters Prince Hall Masons, Inc.,
shall be to perpetuate fraternal harmony among Grand Masters of Grand Lodges
of the Masonic Jurisdictions; to share constructive ideas, to promote and
encourage community involvement with the business sector,
to conduct educational workshops and seminars, to support charitable
organizations and agencies that assist those persons less fortunate than
ourselves; and to extend strong educational support to our youth through
annual scholarships.
Meeting
The Conference of Grand Masters usually convenes on the First or Second
Thursday in May. The Host Jurisdiction of the Annual meeting is determined
by the Time and Place Committee. However, to commemorate our founding Father
Prince Hall, the Conference will meet in Boston, Massachusetts every tenth
(10th) year.
ON RECOGNITION
The Conference is mindful that all Grand Masonic Jurisdictions are sovereign
in their own right, operating without fear or favor as their members so
desire, and that the question of recognition by our white/Caucasian brothers
is a controversial one. The Conference still believes, that for the sake of
Prince Hall Masonic family solidarity, open discussions, pro and con, should
take place at the Conference. Further, that as a Grand Masonic Jurisdiction
is free to seek or accept recognition from whomever it pleases, the
Conference should ask those Jurisdictions with such relationships to share
with the Conference such information.
As a Conference, it should be noted that no Grand Masonic Jurisdiction
should be subjected to ridicule, castigation, or any other act at a meeting
of the Conference, whether that jurisdiction is for or against the act of
“recognition.” Further, the heritage and future of Prince Hall Masonry are
to be protected.
CONFERENCE OF GRAND MASTERS
The Grand Masters of the jurisdictions that make up the Prince Hall Masonic
family have formed the Conference of Grand Masters whose purpose is to
foster progress and well being for Prince Hall Masons wherever dispersed
around the globe. It is an advisory body, assuming no powers except those
agreed upon by the Grand Masters when in attendance at any one meeting.
As a matter of tradition and law by the several Grand Jurisdictions, the
following bodies of Freemasonry are recognized as being either concordant,
appendant, adoptive, or affiliated:
-
Royal Arch Masons
-
Royal and Select Masters
-
Knights Templar Masons
-
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite
Masons
-
Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles
Mystic Shrine
-
Order of Eastern Star
-
Heroines of Jericho
-
Circle of Perfection
-
Cyrene Crusaders
-
Order of the Golden Circle
-
Daughters of Isis
The above organizations are rooted in symbolic Masonry through the Master
Mason or Symbolic Masonry, and by the right of recognition granted by the
jurisdictions represented in the Conference of Grand Masters. They shall
frame their constitutions and bylaws, and administer and enforce such laws
pertaining to the governance of their members as long as those laws, rules
and regulations, shall not be in conflict with those of the Grand Masonic
Jurisdictions in which they reside.
Each year the Conference will extend an invitation to the National Body
Leaders of the Prince Hall Family. Further, the Conference each year would
extend an invitation, to the heads of governments or any other political,
social, or otherwise designated field of endeavors which the Conference
and/or the host Grand Master may choose.
Grand Masters, individually and collectively when appropriate, shall attend
all Masonic meetings; in person or by representation.
For entertainment the Kemper Insurance Company and the Buick Motor Company
sponsored a reception and musical entertainment. These affairs were most
enjoyable.
FRATERNAL RELATIONS
We have established a very good relationship with most of our sister
jurisdictions with the other Prince Hall Grand Lodges. Our ties to these
bodies and my personal relationship with Grand Masters has been a wonderful
experience for me. I have gained personal friends whom I feel I can call on
at any given time, to assist this Grand Lodge in any worthwhile endeavor.
I am pleased to report that relations between our grand organizations of the
Prince Hall family of Washington are excellent. Grand Worthy Matron Ola
Miller of Prince Hall Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star and Most
Ancient Grand Matron Carlotta Garraway of Prince Hall Grand High Court,
Heroines of Jericho and I have had a cooperative working relationship this
past Masonic year.
I must state that an excellent and harmonious relationship existed with
Sovereign Grand Inspector General Frank Russell, Deputy of Scottish Rite
Masonry, Orient of Washington. I also have similar working relationships
with Deputy of the Desert William Spenser and Grand High Priest Larry
Williams of the Holy Royal Arch Masons.
The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Washington and Jurisdiction
continues to enjoy a harmonious and productive relationship with the Most
Worshipful Grand Lodge of Washington, F. & A. M., contrary to some beliefs
and for perceptions, Prince Hall Masonry has maintained its uniqueness,
customs, tradition and its proud heritage. There has not been any attempt
from either Grand Body to merge, change, or infringe upon each other’s
sovereignty and I seriously doubt that there ever will be. We are also
enjoying a harmonious working relationship with the following Grand Lodges:
1.
Idaho
2.
British Columbia
3.
Turkey
4.
Philippines
5.
United Grand Lodge of England
6.
New Zealand
7.
Australia
Early this year D.D.G.M. Morgan and representatives of District #9 was
officially received and given Grand Honors at the Annual Communication of
the Grand Lodge of Turkey. Also, attending the session was the Grand Masters
of Russia and Grand Masters of a couple of the Balkin countries.
In April of this year I attended the 82nd Annual Communication of the Grand
Lodge of the Philippines. I was received and accorded full honors as a Grand
Master, also, as the first Prince Hall Mason to attend their Annual
Communication. Also in attendance were members of our Mabuhay Lodge #59.
Also attending the session were the Grand Masters of Japan, Italy, Spain,
Hong Kong, Taipei, Tasmania, Hawaii, Australia, and a representative from
the Grand Lodge of Colorado.
On June 3, 1998
D.D.G.M.
Morgan and Dr. Hall representing the Grand Lodge
attended the Grand Lodge of England’s Annual Session, the hospitality and
royal treatment they received was indescribable. And they were welcomed with
a standing ovation. They were welcomed by the Rt. Honorable Lord Farham the
Pro Grand Master.
STATE OF THE CRAFT
I am pleased to report that the overall state of the craft is excellent. It
has been said to me during my travels that the Prince Hall Masons of
Washington State are one of the strongest, cohesive groups of Masons in the
world. I am pleased to report that the true sprit of Prince Hall Freemasonry
prevails through the Grand Jurisdiction, and overall state of the craft is
excellent. However, there are some areas of concern that will be mentioned
later in this report.
We have in the jurisdiction at present, 64 chartered lodges. Our membership
has increased slightly since last year. But not as much as our potential
shows it should. There is a cluster of Brothers from other jurisdictions at
Fort Lewis, who have requested a dispensation from this office to start a
U.D. Lodge. This office is still reviewing the request.
STATE OF OUR DISTRICTS
District#1. DDGM Jackson
Membership in this District is slowly increasing. Community projects in this
District have increased, such as donated 17 suitcases for BCD,
adopt-a-street program, staff information booth at Central Area Community
Festival job fair.
District#2. DDGM Keys
Emphases was placed on study clubs, workshop, and/or some type of leadership
training for the officers and brethren. Also, focusing on developing
leadership, confidence, motivation and pride. The District continues to do
the things that Masons should do, such as:
Ø
Started a mentor/book program with McKinley
Elementary School with over 700 books have to additional school 300 books
Ø
Donation to women’s shelter
Ø
Donation to Sara Baylise for trip to Washington
D.C.
Ø
Donation to Knight of Pythagoras
Ø
Donation to Wilberforce University Choir
Ø
Donated food baskets to needy families during the
Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays
Ø
Donate eggs for Easter egg hunts
Ø
Perform security work at locations during Annual
Christmas Play
District #3 and #4. DDGM Crumb
Lodges in these two Districts have experienced a slight increase in its
membership. The lodges in Yakima and Walla Walla are not functioning as
well as I would like it to. Hopefully and soon, more military people will
be permanently stationed at the Yakima Firing Center.
District #5. DDGM Jolly
This District with lodges in Everett, Washington and Vancouver B.C. are
doing an excellent job pursuing Masonry in its truest sense, both in
ritualistic work and community outreach programs.
District #6. DDGM Richardson
These lodges are located in Japan and are doing very well. They are also
pursuing Masonry in its truest sense, both in ritualistic work, community
outreach programs, and charitable contributions. Our lodge Revelations #97
and Yokusuka Lodge #20 (of Grand Lodge of Japan) may have to move to another
building to hold their lodge meetings. This is due to continuous growth of
the installation and the lack of available facilities to house new community
enhancement projects.
District #7. DDGM Hughes
This district is the House of Torii Lodge #46 and Okinawa Military #68. This
district after overcoming some administrative and organizational problems
and some personal animosity, they are pursuing Masonry in its truest sense,
both in ritualistic work, community outreach programs and charitable
contributions.
District #8. DDGM Hall
This district, House of Marianas Travelers Lodge #49 located in Guam, they
recently has to vacate the building they were meeting in. They are in the
process of locating another meeting place. This district also performances
in the highest level of Masonry ideals and principals.
District #9. DDGM Morgan
In this district this pass year was like the previous two years, have found
the majority of its members deployed to one peace-keeping mission after
another. Presently there are five lodges deployed to Bosnia. What was
supposed to be a mission that only lasted a year has turned out to be an on
going project with no end in sight, and it’s taking all their resources with
them. The remaining lodge is pursing Masonry in its truest sense.
District #10, DDGM Shepard
With its five lodges in the District, located in South Korea, are performing
very well considering the fast turnover of its members, long field training
exercises and the diversity of Masonic organizations operating in Korea.
District Deputy Shepard has instituted a campaign to simply get “back to
basics”; both ritualistically and administratively. They have automated and
simplified administrative procedures assuring continuity throughout the
District. Training of leaders in those areas is ongoing, because of the
rapid turnover of members. The lodges have donated over $3000.00 to
community programs and have provided more than 5000 hours of community
service.
District #11. DDGM Williams
This district is located in Puyallup, Spanaway, Lacey, Olympia, Vancouver,
and all points between. In the past Masonic year, these Brothers have had a
very successful working year. This District is very visible by the public
and events centered around the family — keep up the good work.
District #12. DDGM Hall (interim)
This district is located in Angles City, Philippines and is the home of
Mabuhay Lodge #59. Members of this lodge consist mainly of retired military
personnel. They are proud to have their charter back and are busy performing
their Masonic duties. They also joined me in visiting the Grand Lodge of the
Philippines.
District #13. DDGM Crosson
This district consists of Hamma Hamma Lodge #35 and African Genesis #101 —
located in Bremerton, Washington and Oak Harbor, Washington respectively.
This district is doing excellent work in the community. Hamma Hamma is
working with the youth at the Roxy Theatre in Bremerton; Channel 12, Chamber
of Commerce and assisting at the Shrine Hospital Screen Clinic.
African Genesis is doing monthly work with the Neutral Zone Youth Group as
chaperons, as board members with Partnership with Youth Organization. This
lodge has been recognized by the Oak Harbor Police Department and the
Chamber of Commerce.
In addition to the aforementioned, these lodges are pursuing Masonry in its
truest sense, both in ritualistic work as well as community outreach
programs and charitable contributions. Plus Hamma Hamma has a brother by the
name of Robert Webb who has celebrated his I 00th birthday on April 16,
1998. Congratulations, Brother Webb.
REPORT OF DEPUTY-AT-LARGE
RW Mark E. Heath:
Reclamation:
Working closely with R.W. Charles Thomas, Headquarters Lodge #75, has
successfully helped several Brothers get reinstated the fraternity. Through
them and other means of communication, many brothers are now expressing an
interest in reinstatement. We have placed this issue at the top of our
priorities. We have set a goal for reclaiming at least 50 brothers back into
our Order by the end of the 1998.
Given the overwhelming number of inquiries about our Grand Lodge process,
and the Headquarters Lodge procedures, we have no doubt that this will be
accomplished. And will continue to work with RW Thomas to see this modest
task to fruition.
MASONIC EDUCATION & FRATERNAL
ACTIVITIES
In order to revitalize interest in the Fraternity, we have established a
study club, “The Military District of Washington Prince Hall Masonic Study
Group.” The primary goal of this group is to provide its members with
enlightening Masonic educational topics, and provide the general practices
of Masonry practiced by Washington State Prince Hall Masons. Additionally
the group provides a source of information on Masonic activities held by the
host Fraternal Family in the MD/DC area. The Study Group covers a large area
and is broken down into 3 sections. FT Meade/Aberdeen Proving Ground
Maryland section, WaIter Reed Army Medical Center/DC Section, and Pentagon
VA Section. The primary method of communication to the group membership is a
Periodical Newsletter, “The Lambskin.”
The first gathering of the group membership was for the observance of St.
John’s Day. The FT Meade/APG section was invited, and participated in a
Church visitation with Morning Star Lodge #44 (Maryland Jurisdiction) at the
Waters AME church in Baltimore Md. The Pentagon NA section held their
observance at the Pentagon on the 19th of June. A truly heartfelt message
was delivered by Rev. Brother Charles Glover, of the First AME Church of
Manassas, VA. Brother Glover’s message was a call to the Brethren to be
involved in their communities, as all Masons should. This event was well
attended by Brothers of various Jurisdictions including A.F. & A.M. Brothers
from the Grand Lodge of Washington. It was especially, as Brother Glover is
one of the Masons recently reinstated into Headquarters Lodge #75.
In the future Brother Heath intends to correspond with the overseas Lodges
through the District Deputies, to offer assistance in transition to those
Brothers who may be coming to the MDW area. To further the efforts of the
Study Group, Brother Heath request that if possible, they might be issued
copies of the Masonic Monitor, and a set of the Master Mason study packet?
Headquarters Lodge has been functioning quite well this past year. They have
truly an asset to this Grand Body in reclaiming brothers that have either
been dropped by their lodges or no longer in touch with their lodges. This
success is due to the dedication and hard work of RW Thomas and WM Tucker.
1997 — 1998 SIGNIFICANT GRAND
LODGE PROGRAMS
Listed below are the Grand Lodge Programs that a considerable amount of
human resources were devoted in carrying out the objectives of said program.
Each of the program/project chairmen will render a report:
• Headquarters Lodge
• Scholarship & Investment
• Roslyn Cemetery
• Official Training
• Membership Expansion Committee
• Annual Spring Workshop
• Black, White & Red Ball
• Committee of Sons of Haiti
• Community Medical Awareness
• Grand Historian
• Community Out Reach Program
• Knights of Pythagoras
• Youth Out Reach Program
• Building — Capitol Improvement
• Prince Hall Community Development
• Image Awareness
STATE OF THE CRAFT CONCLUSION
For many, membership, pure numbers is important. Numbers and totals are
important because it is from this source that we derive revenue by which our
various charities, philanthropies, capital improvement projects, and other
programs are funded. Few members mean less revenue. To overcome this
reduction, additional funds must be sought from those who remain dedicated
to our principles and purposes or we adjust our operating budget with
current and projected membership. Before the down sizing draw down, or
shifting of resources from Europe in 1994-1 995 we had nearly 3000 members
on our rolls. Since the events in Europe our strength has dropped to about
2500 members, there by reducing our revenue base. While we were having a
decrease in funds generated; and once again while our income decreases, our
expenses increased. For an example, as reported to this body July 1997, for
the 1996-1997 budget year, our income was $157,827.24 while our expenses
were $192,221.99, which resulted in a negative difference of $38,394.85 (you
may consider the same negative difference of $38,394.25 for budget year
1995-1996 and 1997-1998). The deficient is attributed to decrease in
membership, unexpected, unplanned capital expenditures, other financial
obligations, and unmet financial responsibilities by a few lodges.
In our overseas districts, we have not been able to find a solution to our
age-old problem of maintaining a Brother’s interest once he returns to the
United States. We have suggested to the lodges that they communicate with
these brothers by sending newsletters, copies of minutes, certified letters
and a host of other things, while there are some results, it does not reward
our effort. We must continue to attempt other methods of establishing and
maintaining control with our members.
*BRIEF FINANCIAL RECAP OF GRAND LODGE TAXES*
The Grand Lodge has not had a tax increase since 1981-82 and that increase
was from $2.90 to $3.80 and it was increased again in 1987-88 from $3.80 to
$4.70 where it is presently. My Brothers we cannot continue to operate the
way we have done in recent years.
The negative difference in each of those years has forced us to tap into our
reserves. Therefore I believe this Grand Lodge is due to assess itself a tax
increase. The size and scope will be in my recommendations.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1.
That Earl Metz, who served as Grand Trustee for 15
years and attended each Annual Communication since 1969, be given life
membership in this Grand Lodge.
2.
That the Comptroller Board prepare and submit for
approval during this session a five (5) year budget plan that will include
the following:
a.
Increase Grand Lodge tax for members from $4.70
per quarter to $6.00 per quarter -- an increase of $1.30 per quarter. This
increase will raise each member’s yearly Grand Lodge tax from $18.80 to
$24.00 per year.
b.
Commencing in 1999 or year 2000, the Annual
Communication for this Grand Lodge be held in the Puget Sound area for Five
Consecutive years.
3.
Grand Lodge increases the amount of Grand Lodge
Assessment from $100.00 to $175.00. This increase will be gradual over a
consecutive 3-year period. $25.00 each year, commencing the First Masonic
Quarter of the 1998-1999 and year 2000.
4.
Commencing in 1999 or year 2000 for five
consecutive years members authorized to receive Grand Lodge Per Diem be
reduced from its current rate of $310.00 (for Eastern Washington) and
$290.00 (Western Washington) to a flat rate of $150.00 commencing in 1999 or
year 2000 for five consecutive years.
5.
In order to reduce the Grand Lodge expenses, the
Grand Lodge Annual Communications will be limited to two and a half days
commencing with the second Monday in July.
IN CONCLUSION
I would like to say “thank you” to a fine staff who have worked diligently
throughout the year; to the executive team, the cabinet and the deputies,
both special and at large, your loyalty and support throughout the year has
been immeasurable. I compliment each of you for giving unwavering of your
time, money, and dedication.
And so, my Brothers as I come to a close, I must offer you my personal
perception of how I view our organization. Freemasonry, our Freemasonry. The
Prince Hall Masons of Washington State emphatically say to its members “Act
on the Square”. The assumption is that, just as a building is unreliable and
unsafe, if not built on the square, so a man’s life will only be to the
community what it ought to be in so far as it is lived. “On the Square”.
Living on the square, to all devout and sincere Masons, means the dedication
of personal knowledge, acquirements, and possessions to the highest purposes
of life.
Some men are known for their knowledge; some for their eloquence and some
for their wealth, but Freemasonry does not measure men by these standards.
Unfortunately some members of the Craft do, and find it very difficult to
stay with the truth and carry out their promises. Nevertheless, Freemasonry
measures men by the presence or absence of love in their souls, love for one
another and love for humanity. It’s endeavors to develop a fraternity of
great feats. A true Mason is never knowingly guilty of rudeness, never
selfish, never resentful, never glad when others go wrong, but is always
hopeful, always patient and always eager to believe the best. He is
generous, mild and modest; his hand is ever ready to lift the fallen, cheer
the disheartened, help the
From my personal messages my Brothers; I have represented this great Grand
Lodge as your Grand Master not because of my ego. I serve because of my love
for this Grand Body. I have walked up right in all of my endeavors in
representing each of you in a manner that demonstrated to the world the best
side of Masonry and the image of our Brothers. I have always tried to be a
gentleman/brother without any feelings of feeding ego. I have always put
into practice the words of President Kennedy, what can I do for the Grand
Lodge not what this Grand Lodge can do for me.
I have performed my duties consistent with our Constitution while not
requesting any funds above my authorized budget, although I have far
exceeded that amount.
I refused to be shackled by yesterday’s failures. What I don’t know I will
no longer allow intimidate me. I will instead view it as an opportunity. I
will not allow others to define my mood, my method, my image or my mission.
I will pursue a mission greater than myself; by treating each person I
encounter with dignity and respect. I will not allow self-pity, jealousy, or
negativism from my self or others defer from my goal of being an upright
Brother/Mason/Person.
And, finally my Brothers, do not judge men by the swiftness of their tongue,
judge them by the content of their character and the deeds they have
performed in time, all that dwells in darkness will soon come to the light.
“Let your light so shine.”
My Brothers, the power in which you entrusted and turned over to me at the
close of our 94th Annual Session, I now return to you. Thank you for
allowing me to serve you.
Fraternally,
/s/WILLIAM C. RHEUBOTTOM
Most Worshipful Grand Master
Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Washington
and Jurisdiction
