Robert Burns Lodge Happenings 2006

On this page, your humble webmaster will attempt to relate what has most recently happened in our lodge.  Mostly these will be items from recent meetings, but occasionally other items will appear here.  I hope these notes will help to keep my brethren current on happenings at the lodge, and entice you to come to our next event.

19 December:  WB John Sutton held an officers meeting at Bro. Steve Wandel's house.  In attendance were Bro. Steve, Bro. John Hart, Bro. John Friesen, Bro. Mark Goldberg, and Bro. Matt Appel.  The meeting was quite productive, although I fear it may not have seemed so from the outside.  We spent the majority of our time discussing the South Snohomish building project, our enthusiasm (or lack thereof) for the project, and how to proceed.  We also discussed who would represent Robert Burns on the board of the project, should we proceed. 

WB John also discussed re-forming the Finance Committee to determine how much of our current building fund could be committed to the project.  This discussion subsequently led into a discussion of lodge finances.

WB John also held a discussion with the other 4 officers in attendance regarding how the future of the scholarship fund.  We discussed what is believed to be the intent of the original donor, what has happened since then with the fund, and how we thought the fund should proceed from its current state.

6 December: Several brothers attended the planning meeting of the South Snohomish Masonic Center, where multiple issues were discussed, including Robert Burns' recent affirmation of our interest in the project.

Richmond-Haller Lake #248 announced that at their previous meeting they had authorized the sale of their lodge building after some conditions were met.  Genesis #305 announced that they are going ahead with a planned survey and staking of the property.  The group agreed that they should proceed with articles of incorporation and complete many paperwork items by the 31st of January.  Also, the creation of a website for the project was discussed.

5 December: This was the first meeting conducted by our new Master, John Sutton, in that capacity.  We covered a great deal in a short time, and everything went quite smoothly. 

A message from the Grand Master was read regarding the Bikes for Books program.  The Grand Master supports this program, and wholeheartedly encourages lodges to become involved.

The lodge took an informal vote, endorsing our continued involvement in the proposed South Snohomish Masonic Center.

The Robert Burns night was briefly discussed.  This year it and its associated Scotch tasting will be held at the Nile Shrine, on the 13th of January starting at 4PM.  As one who attended last year, I can only express the great depth of my regret at not being able to attend this year.  I encourage anyone able to attend, it is a great event.

WB Duane Holte is ailing still.

2 December: Today was our installation, which went off with a minimum of hitches.  The wife of our new Senior Warden, Chris Wandel provided some excellent refreshment afterwards.  We were lucky to have not one but two District Deputies to the Grand Master, VWB G. Santy Lascano (DDGM #8) and VWB Robert Nygren (DDGM #2) acting as Installing Marshal and Senior Deacon, respectively.  The entire program can be viewed in MS Word here.

We also had several visiting Worshipful Masters and Masters-elect, as well as some Senior Wardens visiting from local lodges.  WB William Summersgill came in from Canada, and delivered the Charge to the Lodge in excellent style. 

Bro. Robert Johnson was given the Hiram Award for his work with T. H. Little Demolay, and received a standing ovation for his efforts.

Overall, the installation went very  well, and the fellowship afterwards was excellent.  Hope to see you at our next meeting, on Tuesday the 5th.

7 November:  Our meeting had three visitors, including Steve Martin, raised at and currently a member of Olympia Lodge #1 was in town visiting friends and stopped by.  We enjoyed his company, and hope he enjoyed his time with Robert Burns.  Also, the SW (and webmaster) of St. John's #9, WB Charles Tupper, visited with WB Robert Bennish, of Fredericksburg Lodge #4, AF&AM of VA.  WB Robert gave a presentation about George Washington and Masonic History, including the derivations of several words used in lodges everyday.

Bro. Matthew Powell, SW of Genesis #305 gave a presentation on the details, as they now stand, of the projected South Snohomish Masonic Center.  This talk was very worthwhile, and addressed many issues that had arisen in my mind, as well as other brethren.  I hope those not present at the meeting can see the presentation another time.

WB Jim Larson, our Secretary, also briefly mentioned a newly published book on Alderwood Manor history, which features several Robert Burns members of the past.  The DDGM cancelled his visit for last night, so there will be another visitation later.

WB Duane Holte was reported to be ailing, and Ray Colby mourning the loss of his wife.