June 2025 Trestleboard

From the East

WM Anderson Campbell

At the June Stated Communication, I gave a midyear address to the Craft. I am reproducing the text for you in full here:

Brethren,

At the beginning of this year, I stood before you and invited us all into a season of reflection and renewal. I asked us to consider what kind of Lodge we want to belong to—and what kind of Lodge we want to build for those who will come after us.

I began with the simple truth that Freemasonry in Beaverton will be what we make of it—that it is a direct reflection of the collective commitment and effort we choose to bring to it.

Tonight, as we stand at the midpoint of the year, I want to reflect with you on the work we have done together so far, to celebrate what we’ve accomplished, and to call us forward into the work that still lies ahead.

Reflection: A Lodge Becoming

Brothers, this Lodge is becoming. It is changing—not all at once, not perfectly, not without challenge—but genuinely and measurably.

Together we have held three Craft-Driven Conversations, where we explored why we are here, what we hope to create, and what obstacles stand in our way. We named our aspirations: 

    • Community Visibility, 
    • Fellowship and Unity, 
    • Ritual Excellence, 
    • Charity and Service

And we named our challenges: Money, Facility, Apathy, Time, Competition, and Institutional Inertia.

And then—we began to act.

    • We have completed a full remodel of our Social Hall and installed a new HVAC system, making our building more suitable for our work and more attractive to outside groups.

(continued below)

June Stated Communication Highlights

At June’s Stated Communication, we heard Brother Fellowcraft Raymond Doerr’s proficiency for the FC degree. Having been found suitably proficient, we scheduled his Master Mason degree for Thursday, June 26. This will be preceded on June 19th by Brother Fellowcraft Dameon Martin’s Master Mason degree.  

We also entertained a motion to go dark for the months of July and August. After discussion about the recent addition of air conditioning to the Lodge and an overwhelming desire to keep momentum going, the motion to go dark for July and August was rejected with 1 vote for and 15 votes against. See below for more details on our July and August Stated Communications.

Summer Stated Communications

What are you doing on the evenings of July 10th and August 7th? I hope the answer is “coming to Lodge!”

Our custom for quite some time has been to go dark in July and August, owing to the heat upstairs and people’s summer rhythms of increased travel and increased rest. As you just read above, the Brethren voted down a motion to go dark this summer, meaning that we will have Stated Communications in the months of July and August. 

July’s Stated Communication will be the second Thursday, July 10, not the first Thursday. Code Section 212 allows for the Master of the Lodge to advance or postpone the date of a Stated Communication which falls on the day of, the day preceding or the day following a legal holiday [see 212-1 (b, c)]. August’s Stated Communication will be held on the first Thursday, August 7th

Both will be at 7pm with dinner at 6pm, prepared and served by the Rainbow Girls. Donation for dinner is $15; 100% goes to the Rainbow Girls. 

Dress for July & August Stated Communications will be relaxed. Instead of business formal (our customary suits and ties), the Worshipful Master is permitting business casual attire: short-sleeved shirts with collars (no t-shirts), slacks or nice jeans (no rips, holes, or tears). No shorts. Tennis shoes permitted, but no sandals or flip-flops. 

We will endeavour to keep the business to a minimum and fellowship to a maximum!

Volunteer Help Needed!

We have two active fundraising opportunities that the Fundraising Committee needs your help with:

    1. TNT Fireworks Sale
      From June 24th – July 5th, we are selling fireworks at 185th and TV Highway. This is a great opportunity for us to raise several thousand dollars for the Lodge and all it requires is your time. There are three shifts per day, each four hours long. We need four people for each shift. OES Beaver Chapter will also be helping us staff the tent, but we need all hands on deck. Please sign up for shifts here: Fireworks Booth Staff Scheduling signup sheet
    2. Beach Stay Raffle
      Enter to win a 3-day, 2-night stay at a condo in Pacific City. The condo is a 3-bed, 3-bath unit that is dog friendly and sleeps 8. The dates of the stay are Sept. 19th – Sept. 21st. Tickets are just $20 each. Each ticket equals one entry for the raffle drawing. The drawing will be held on August 14th. You can obtain sheets of tickets to sell from the Lodge Secretary. 

Remembering Brethren

The Craft gathered on May 18th at Beaverton First United Methodist Church to perform a funeral service for Byron Ward.

On June 1st, WB Dan Gray, Bro. Brian Smalley, RWB Billy Burns, and WB Greg Jackson (pictured above) took a hike to visit the place where WB George Ruhberg’s ashes are spread.

From the East (con’t.)

    • We have launched two fundraisers—a fireworks booth and a raffle for a beach weekend—both designed to support the financial health of the Lodge.

    • We have added new social activities: we held a game night and started a monthly hiking group—steps toward building the Fellowship and Unity we all value.

    • More than half a dozen Brothers have learned and performed new ritual roles, breathing fresh life into our ritual work and deepening their connection to the Craft.

    • And we have a healthy pipeline of inquiries from men interested in joining our Lodge. The Grand Lodge’s West Gate program is bearing fruit: the men who take the time to engage in those intentional conversations over weeks and months are proving to be well-prepared and genuinely dedicated to learning about the Craft and about our Lodge. These men make better candidates—and ultimately, better Brothers—than those we might hastily rush through the process.

These are achievements to celebrate. But they are also a reminder that progress invites further responsibility. Now is not the time to pull back. Our work is not yet done. Now is the time to push forward.

Renewal: The Work Before Us

We have made good progress, but our work is far from done.

    • Our fundraising efforts and new social efforts require sustained follow-through and broader participation. A small handful of Brothers cannot carry these alone.

    • We need to draw in a wider swath of our membership—not only to Stated Communications, but to our social gatherings and community-building efforts.

    • And we must begin to think beyond this year—toward the next two to five years. Who will fill the chairs? What programs or initiatives will we carry forward? How will we sustain and build upon the momentum we’ve begun?

In this conversation, we must be clear-eyed. Perhaps a traditional progressive line does not serve us as it once did. And after 114 consecutive non-repeating Masters, we must face the sober reality that this tradition may well have come to an end. That is not failure; it is evolution.

We must ensure that every chair, from the East to the Tyler outside the West Gate, is occupied by the Brother best suited to serve in that role—not by tradition, not by inertia, but by capability and commitment. If we embrace this principle with humility and with clarity, we will be better positioned to lead this Lodge into the future.

A Call to the Craft

Brothers, I return again to the three commitments that have guided us this year: justice, kindness, humility.

Be just—act with fairness and integrity. Follow through on your commitments. Support one another. Speak truth with care.

Be kind—create an atmosphere where every Brother feels welcome and valued. This Lodge should be a place of warmth, encouragement, and mutual respect.

Be humble—recognize that we are stronger together. No one Brother can build this Lodge alone. The work is ours to share.

Brothers, we meet on the level and act by the plumb—reminders that here, we stand as equals in both rights and responsibilities. Radical ownership means this Lodge belongs to each of us. And a Lodge that belongs to all must be built by all—not merely enjoyed by many while built by a few.

Our fundraising efforts, our social gatherings, our leadership—these do not happen by themselves. They require willing hands, generous time, and shared commitment. It is not fair, nor fitting, for us to enjoy the benefits of a vibrant Lodge if we are not also contributing to its vitality. Freemasonry is not a spectator activity; there is no place for sideliners in a living Lodge.

So I say this as both a challenge and an invitation: If you have not yet found your place in the labor of this Lodge, now is the time. Step forward. Offer your skills. Lend your energy. The work before us is worthy—and it belongs to us all.

This Lodge is ours. It will be what we choose to make of it. The vision we articulated in January is still before us. The obstacles we named remain real. The progress we have made is encouraging—but it is only the beginning.

Now is not the time to relax. Now is not the time to say, “We’ve done enough.”

Now is the time to lean in. To deepen our commitment. To push forward—together.

So I ask you:
Will you show up?
Will you take ownership?
Will you bring your energy, your ideas, your hands to the work?
Will you help us build the best version of Beaverton Masonic Lodge—not in ideas alone, but through action?

If we do this—if we walk these next months together in the spirit of justice, kindness, and humility—I believe we will look back on this year as a true turning point in the life of this Lodge.

I am honored to walk this path with you.

Pay Online

You can now make donations to the Lodge online, using the Lodge’s Square account:

Each item includes a processing fee, calculated into the total amount, so that your entire gift is received by the Lodge.

Calendar

Access the full calendar online here!

    • Every Monday – Monday Morning Coffee, 8-10am – Social Hall
    • June 19 – Master Mason Degree for Dameon Martin, 7pm 
    • June 21 – Men with Compasses Hike, 9am
    • June 26 – Master Mason Degree for Raymond Doerr, 7pm
    • June 24-July 5 – Fireworks Booth Fundraiser!! 9am-9pm daily
    • July 10 – Stated Communication, 6:00pm Dinner, 7:00pm Stated

May 2025 Trestleboard

From the East

WM Anderson Campbell

As the days grow longer and the earth softens beneath our feet, nature reminds us that now is the season for planting. Gardeners know this well: the care you give the soil, the intention behind each seed sown, and the patience you carry as you wait—these all shape what the harvest will become. In many ways, Freemasonry calls us to be gardeners of the spirit, both within ourselves and in the lives we touch.

This spring, I’ve been reflecting on the parable of the sower, where a man scatters seed across different types of ground. Some of it falls on rocky soil, some among thorns, and some on fertile earth. Not every seed sprouts, and not every sprout grows strong. But the sower scatters anyway.

As Masons, we too scatter seeds through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, the degrees we confer, and the example we set. Some of those seeds may not take root. Some may spring up and then wither. But some—perhaps the ones we least expect—will flourish and bear fruit in due time.

That truth has freed me from expecting every idea and every effort to succeed immediately. Sometimes, the point is not the outcome, but the act of planting itself. We are called to labor and tend, not always to harvest.

As Memorial Day approaches, let us also honor the Brethren who planted seeds through service and sacrifice, men whose legacies live on, even if we do not see the full fruit of their labors.

May Stated Communication Highlights

At May’s Stated Communication, we heard Brother Fellowcraft Dameon Martin’s proficiency for the FC degree. Having been found suitably proficient, we scheduled his Master Mason degree for Thursday, May 28.

We were also treated to two mini-lectures by our two Fellowcraft Masons. Brother Fellowcraft Raymond Doerr spoke on the liberal art of Music and its connection to Masonry, playing for us a piece he composed. Brother Fellowcraft Dameon Martin spoke on the science of arithmetic, reminding us all of the importance of basic math for unlocking and expanding upon the many mysteries we see in life.

Reminder: Due to Grand Lodge Annual Communication, June’s Stated Meeting will be held on Thursday, June 12 at the usual time.

Fundraising

At two of this year’s Craft-Driven Conversations, we have discussed the importance of fundraising. It came up in the conversation about our financial challenges as a possible way to alleviate those challenges. It came up in the conversation about things we can do to engage the Brethren as an activity to work together for a common good. 

There are two upcoming fundraising opportunities that the Fundraising Committee needs your help with:

TNT Fireworks Sale
From June 24th – July 5th, we will be selling fireworks at 185th and TV Highway. This is a great opportunity for us to raise several thousand dollars for the Lodge and all it requires is your time. There are three shifts per day, each four hours long. We need four people for each shift. OES Beaver Chapter will also be helping us staff the tent, but we need all hands on deck. Please sign up for shifts here: https://volunteersignup.org/W8PXW

Beach Stay Raffle
Enter to win a 3-day, 2-night stay at a condo in Pacific City. The condo is a 3-bed, 3-bath unit that is dog friendly and sleeps 8. The dates of the stay are Sept. 19th – Sept. 21st. Tickets are just $20 each. Each ticket equals one entry for the raffle drawing. Buy entries for yourself and tell your friends and family. The drawing will be held in mid-August. Watch your email for more details on how to purchase tickets.

Building Improvement Work

What a difference a month makes! Renovations to the Social Hall are complete: new windows, new trim, new floors, new paint. HVAC work is nearly done, which brings a much more efficient furnace to the building and adds air conditioning! Big thanks to WB Tom Binkerd for acting as manager for this project and WB Dale Jacobs for being one of the key points-of-contact for both the city and the vendors, ensuring that all paperwork was being submitted in a timely manner, checks deposited, and vendors paid. Enjoy some before and after pictures of the work!

Pay Online

You can now make donations to the Lodge online, using the Lodge’s Square account:

Each item includes a processing fee, calculated into the total amount, so that your entire gift is received by the Lodge.

Calendar

Access the full calendar online here!

    • Every Monday – Monday Morning Coffee, 8-10am – Social Hall
    • April 24 – Officer’s Meeting, 7pm – Lodge Library
    • May 1 – Stated Communication, 6:00pm Dinner, 7:00pm Stated
    • May 8 – Craft-Driven Conversation, 7pm – Lodge Library

April 2025 Trestleboard

From the East

WM Anderson Campbell

I write this month’s Trestleboard on Holy Saturday, the third day of the Paschal Triduum in the Christian tradition. It is a day marked by silence and introspection—an often unnoticed, liminal space that exists between the darkness of Good Friday and the light of Easter Sunday.

As Masons, we work constantly with the imagery of darkness and light. It is what we most desire. But the movement from darkness to light is rarely swift. More often, it is slow and uncertain, accompanied by waiting, confusion, and quiet struggle. Gradually, the darkness begins to lift, and we are able to behold new things.

Holy Saturday challenges us to honor that in-between space—to sit with the mystery of darkness in anticipation of the coming light. To trust, even when we cannot see. As Masons, we are invited to embrace the sacred pause of the in-between and not rush too quickly past it. In this stillness, we find the space to reflect, to trust, and to be remade. The poet T.S. Eliot captured this spirit of waiting in his poem “East Corker”:

I said to my soul, be still, and wait without hope
For hope would be hope for the wrong thing; wait without love,
For love would be love of the wrong thing; there is yet faith,
But the faith and the love and the hope are all in the waiting.

May we, too, find meaning in the waiting.

April Stated Communication Highlights

At April’s Stated Communication, we received District Deputy Right Worshipful Brother Billy Burns on his official visit. He reminded us that it is our actions more than our emblems that show the world we are Masons. He admonished us to take stock of our 24-inch gauge and ensure that we are dividing our time appropriately.

Double Fellowcraft Degree

On March 20th, we passed Brothers Raymond and Dameon to the degree of Fellowcraft. Six Beaverton 100 Masons stepped into FC parts that were new to them, furthering our commitment to excellent ritual work.

New Fellowcraft Masons Dameon (L) and Raymond (R) with the rest of the cast and participants.

Craft-Driven Conversation

Monthly Craft-Driven Conversations continue to generate good ideas and direction for the Lodge. April’s conversation centered around ideas for engaging the Brethren. There was a lot of spirited discussion about what the Lodge should start doing together, continue doing together, or stop doing altogether. This conversation summarized, presented, and extended during May’s Stated Communication.

Some of the ideas generated by the participants in the recent Craft-Driven Conversation. Green, yellow, and red dots represent the participants’ prioritization of possible social activities.

Building Improvement Work

After months of preparatory work, renovations to the Lodge Social Hall have finally begun. Replacement windows are in and drywall is up. New flooring will be installed soon, followed by finish carpentry, painting, attic insulation and the installation of a new HVAC system. All the work is anticipated to be completed by the middle of May.

Game Night

A number of the Brethren and a few prospects gathered at the Lodge on a recent Thursday to play tabletop games and socialize. Because the weather was nice and the Social Hall is under renovation, they met outside. It was a great time of fellowship and fun.

Pay Online

You can now make donations to the Lodge online, using the Lodge’s Square account:

Each item includes a processing fee, calculated into the total amount, so that your entire gift is received by the Lodge.

Calendar

Access the full calendar online here!

    • Every Monday – Monday Morning Coffee, 8-10am – Social Hall
    • April 24 – Officer’s Meeting, 7pm – Lodge Library
    • May 1 – Stated Communication, 6:00pm Dinner, 7:00pm Stated
    • May 8 – Craft-Driven Conversation, 7pm – Lodge Library

March 2025 Trestleboard

From the East

WM Anderson Campbell

This year, as in most years, the Christian season of Lent spans the whole of March. It is a season of self-examination, discipline, and spiritual refinement, most often marked by fasting. The 40 days of Lent are meant to bring to mind the 40 days that Jesus is said to have fasted in the desert before his public ministry began. 

Both Lent and Freemasonry invite us to reflect, identify areas for improvement, and take measured actions to make those improvements. In the Entered Apprentice degree, we are introduced to the common gavel and taught about its usefulness in making the rough ashlar smooth. Similarly, the Lenten practice of fasting is a way of intentionally divesting our minds and consciences of any vice or superfluities of life that may distract us from becoming better men. 

Such distractions can come in many forms. Perhaps it is as simple as too much chocolate–the most common food item given up during Lent–but as Masons, we can certainly think of more important things from which to abstain. What makes the ashlar of your life rough? Where might you use the speculative common gavel to knock away parts of that rough ashlar this Lenten season?

Whether you identify as Christian, observe Lent, or not, the principles of this season align nicely with that earliest of lessons we are taught as Masons. There are things in my life that hinder my progress toward being the best man and Mason that I can be. The responsibility is mine to chip away at those with the tools with which I have been presented, as a speculative Mason. The ashlar of your life will never be perfect but, as Worshipful Brother John Saultz reminded us at Refreshment after March Stated, Vince Lombardi once said “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.” Let us catch excellence in our pursuit of a more perfect ashlar.

Rough and smooth ashlars

March Stated Communication Highlights

March’s Stated Communication started on a somber note, as we draped the altar to commemorate the passing of two brothers of Beaverton Masonic Lodge: Zane Harper and Byron Ward. Both decades-long Masons, members of the Greatest Generation, and loved and remembered by many. 

Brother Bob Madson, Junior Steward, was escorted west of the altar where the Worshipful Master presented him with his Basic Proficiency card. Brother Entered Apprentices Raymond Doerr and Dameon Martin both gave their Entered Apprentice proficiencies, one after the other, and were both declared proficient. A double Fellowcraft degree was then scheduled for Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 7pm

Lodge education was given by Worshipful Brother Dan Gray, who read an excerpt from a book that Most Worshipful Brother Arthur Borland compiled out of past orations by Grand Orators of Oregon. The particular selection he read was an interesting take on Masonry as a “dinosaur” and how that might not be the worst metaphor for it. Worshipful Brother Dan informed the Lodge that he was donating the book to the Lodge Library, so if you’re curious to learn more about the positive aspects of being a dinosaur, head up to the Lodge and check it out.

Worshipful Master Anderson Campbell (L) with Brother Junior Steward Bob Madson after presenting Bro. Madson with his Basic Proficiency card.

Work Party

We have some long-deferred maintenance to complete at the Lodge, so it is time for another work party! You don’t need to have any special skills or special tools to participate. Join us on Saturday, March 29th from 9am until mid-afternoon as we partner with OES Beaver Chapter to spruce up the building inside and out. Projects include some cleaning, organization, kitchen light replacement, among other things, and if weather allows we will install a parking barricade in the side yard and perform some landscaping tasks to improve the exterior look of the property.

Pay Online

You can now make donations to the Lodge online, using the Lodge’s Square account:

Each item includes a processing fee, calculated into the total amount, so that your entire gift is received by the Lodge.

Calendar

    • Every Monday – Monday Morning Coffee, 8-10am – Social Hall
    • March 20 – Double Fellowcraft Degree, 7pm – Lodge Room
    • March 22 – Statewide Training, 9am-1pm – Lodge Library
    • March 27 – Officer’s Meeting, 7pm – Lodge Library
    • March 29 – Work Party with OES, 9am – Lodge
    • April 3 – Stated Communication, DD Official Visit, 6:00pm Dinner, 7:00pm Stated

February 2025 Trestleboard

From the East

WM Anderson Campbell

At the first Craft Driven Conversation meeting last month, 11 brothers gathered to articulate a shared vision for the best version of Beaverton Masonic Lodge 100. Through interactive exercises, we explored our aspirations for the Lodge, identified key obstacles, and prioritized the most important areas to address.

Key themes that emerged for the best version of BML 100:

    1. Community Visibility – Strengthening our presence through events and creative initiatives.
    2. Fellowship and Unity – Encouraging teamwork, participation, and social events.
    3. Ritual Excellence – Enhancing ritual fluency and Masonic education.
    4. Charity and Service – Expanding outreach and community impact.

Top challenges identified:

    1. Money/Finances – Addressing financial sustainability and resource management.
    2. Facility – Maintaining the security and upkeep of our building.
    3. Apathy – Increasing engagement and participation from more brothers.
    4. Time – Balancing Lodge responsibilities with personal and professional commitments.

These themes will become the fodder for our next several Craft Driven Conversations. We will generate ideas and action plans for moving forward with the things that we want to define our Lodge experience, while also addressing the challenges that stand in our way. 

These conversations work best when YOU are present. Your opinions, observations, and suggestions are vital to shaping our shared vision and overcoming our shared challenges. Whether you are an Entered Apprentice Mason or a Past Master, a sideliner or a Grand Officer, your voice is important. 

Due to the snowy weather, our February Craft Driven Conversation was postponed, meaning you still have a chance to make it! Our next Craft Driven Conversation will be held on Thursday, February 20 at 7pm in the Lodge Room

Whether you can attend or not, think about the following question:

“As you think about the challenges we face in becoming the best version of our Lodge, what is going to be the ‘wind in your sails’ that will motivate you to keep working towards our shared goal when the going gets tough?”

I’d love to hear your answer, either in person or via email.

February Stated Communication Highlights

February’s Stated Communication comes with some mandatory annual reports. We heard from the Secretary, the Treasurer, and the Trustees on the health of the Lodge. As was evident from the discussion on the budget in January, there are some concerns about our short- and mid-range financial health. We need to shore up and diversify our income streams to put ourselves on solid footing. This means increasing our number of rentals, developing a culture of financial giving to the Lodge, and engaging in strategic fundraising activities. 

The Worshipful Master announced the formation of a fundraising committee to oversee fundraising activities for the year. WB Steve Barkley is chair, joined by WB Tom Binkerd, WB Greg Jackson, Bro. Kyle Lynn, and Bro. Bob Madson. The remit of that committee is to vet and plan fundraising activities for the Lodge. Execution of those activities will require the involvement of every Brother. 

For the second Stated Meeting in a row, Worshipful Brother Dale Jacobs (Secretary and immediate Past Master) was escorted West of the altar for a presentation. The Worshipful Master gave WB Jacobs his Past Master Certificate and Pin from the Grand Lodge of Oregon. 

The Lodge voted unanimously to request a Dispensation from the Grand Master to move March’s Stated Communication date from March 6th to March 13th. This will allow brothers from Beaverton 100 to attend the Grand Master’s official visit to Portland 55 on March 6th. 

Lodge education was given by Bros. Brian Smalley and Jerry Knapp. They gave a multimedia presentation on the social site Discord, showing the Brethren the private Discord server they have created for our Lodge to use as a communication hub. For information on how to set up an account on Discord and get connected to our Lodge’s private server, email Bro. Brian or Bro. Jerry.

Advanced School of Instruction

On February 8, 2025, Beaverton Masonic Lodge hosted the first-ever Advanced School of Instruction in the Grand Jurisdiction of Oregon. Presented by Worshipful Brother Dale Palileo, Grand Lecturer, the Advanced School covered the second section of the Master Mason degree ritual. 

The School was attended by 26 Master Masons from 9 different Lodges, including almost every Beaverton 100 officer. It was a fine showing and a fantastic opportunity for Beaverton 100 to continue its commitment to excellent ritual, both in our Lodge and for our Jurisdiction.

Participants in the Advanced School of Instruction

Building Improvement Grant

Seven months after being approved for up to $75,000 of funds from the City of Beaverton’s Downtown Building Improvement Grant, we submitted our final grant application. Consisting of bids for work to renovate the social hall, install a new HVAC system, and replace the first floor windows, the grant is now in review with the city. The approvals process is expected to take 2-3 weeks, after which work can commence. 

The grant is a $3-to-$1 matching grant. For every one dollar spent by the Lodge, the grant matches with three dollars. This means that we can get up to $100,000 of work done for an outlay of $25,000. 

We are fortunate to have funds set aside for work like this in the Solomon Trust. The monies in that Trust are specifically earmarked for building maintenance and improvement. Disbursements from the Solomon Trust must be approved by the Trustees. The scope of work will deplete most of those funds, though. As you look for ways to contribute to the Lodge, I’d ask that you consider making a donation in any amount to the Solomon Trust, so we can continue to care for our physical space well into the future.

Learn more about our building here.

March Stated Communication Date Change

By dispensation of the Grand Master, Beaverton 100’s March Stated Communication will be held on March 13th, 2025. The Lodge voted to request this dispensation in order to attend the Grand Master’s official visit to Portland 55 on March 6th. Please make a note of the change! Join your brothers at Portland 55 on March 6 and then at Beaverton for our monthly Stated Communication on March 13th.

Pay Online

You can now make donations to the Lodge online, using the Lodge’s Square account:

Each item includes a processing fee, calculated into the total amount, so that your entire gift is received by the Lodge.

Calendar

    • Every Monday – Monday Morning Coffee, 8-10am – Social Hall
    • February 20 – Craft Driven Conversation, 7pm – Lodge Room
    • February 27 – Officer’s Meeting, 7pm – Library
    • March 6 – Visit Portland 55, Grand Master’s official visit, 6:00pm Dinner, 7:00pm Stated
    • March 13 – Stated Communication, 6:00pm Dinner, 7:00pm Stated

January 2025 Trestleboard

From the East

WM Anderson Campbell

It is the tradition of many Lodges for the January Stated Communication to feature an address by the new Worshipful Master in which he lays out his program for the year. Often reflecting the Worshipful Master’s own Masonic journey, hopes, or dreams, his program is his chance to leave his mark on the Lodge. 

As one who has come up “through the chairs” over the past several years, I’ve had ample time to think about my year in the East. Instead of trying to conceive a program, I started with a posture. As Worshipful Master, my year will be marked by justice, kindness, and humility, three traits that I strive to embody in all aspects of my life and which I am convinced mark the best leaders. 

Once I’d articulated the posture of my year, a programmatic theme came into focus: reflection and renewal. We are in a time of transition in our Lodge. We have new members joining every year and we have some of our mentors and giants who are needing to pull back. Transition is often accompanied by uncertainty and uncertainty can breed fear. It can also stoke creativity and present opportunity.  

This year, I want us to lean into our collective creativity and grasp the opportunity to reflect upon our individual and collective Masonic journeys. I challenge us to renew our commitment to Freemasonry and to Beaverton Masonic Lodge. To aid us in this work, I am inviting us all to participate in a monthly Craft Driven Conversations. Held at the Lodge on the second Thursday of the month, I will lead us through a series of topics and workshops designed to help us articulate a shared vision for Beaverton Masonic Lodge, identify the challenges and obstacles we must overcome, and chart a course of action. 

I am honored to have been elected to serve this Lodge for its 134th year. By the time my year in the East concludes, it is my hope that we will have a well-defined path for how we begin our next 134 years. You can read the full text of my remarks here.

January Stated Communication Highlights

There was a lot of business undertaken at the first Stated Communication of the year, as there often is. We installed Bob Madson as Junior Steward, debated and approved a budget, committed to running a fireworks booth in June to raise funds for the Lodge, appointed the Finance, Grievance, and Audit committees. 

Worshipful Master Anderson Campbell presented Brother Levi Campbell with his Basic Proficiency Card. Brother Senior Warden Tom Binkerd presented Brother Secretary Dale Jacobs with a Past Master’s Jewel with a handmade chainmail collar as well as a Lodge challenge coin, numbered 113 to commemorate Worshipful Brother Dale as the 113th consecutive non-repeating Master of Beaverton Lodge. 

The Worshipful Master closed the meeting by delivering remarks about The Craft Driven Lodge and his desire to implement a similar program in Beaverton Lodge. He invited all to join him in a season of reflection and renewal by participating in monthly Craft Driven Conversations, to be held on the second Thursday of each month at 7pm at the Lodge.

WM Anderson Campbell (L) presents Bro. Levi Campbell (R) with his Basic Proficiency Card
WB Dale Jacobs (L) holds the Past Master jewel and challenge coin presented to him by WB Tom Binkerd (R).

Craft Driven Conversations

On January 9, 2025, 11 brothers gathered for a workshop to define a shared vision for the best version of Beaverton Masonic Lodge 100. We used interactive exercises to explore our aspirations for Beaverton 100, identify obstacles that will make it challenging to achieve our goals, and prioritize areas to address that will help our Lodge become the best version of itself.

The evening began with a moment of reflection as brothers answered the question: “Why did you join Freemasonry? Why did you join BML 100 in particular?” This think-pair-share exercise allowed everyone to connect with their personal motivations for joining the Craft and this particular Lodge, reminding us of our shared purpose for the work ahead.

We then watched a video, The Craft Driven Lodge, which provided the framework for these ongoing discussions. 

Finally, we engaged in some interactive brainstorming and theme sorting to help us articulate a shared vision of what the best version of Beaverton 100 could look like and identify the top challenges that might keep us from getting there. 

A more detailed report of the conversation and the themes that emerged will be given by the Worshipful Master and the participants at the next Stated Communication, February 6.

Participants of Craft Driven Conversation 1 (from L to R): Tom Knapp, Kyle Lynn, George Albrecht, Dameon Martin, Dale Jacobs, Bob Ahrens, Bob Madson, Brian Smalley, Rai Castro, Raymond Doerr, Will Erickson. (Not pictured: Anderson Campbell.)

Calendar

    • Every Monday – Monday Morning Coffee, 8-10am – Social Hall
    • January 16 – Ritual Practice, 7pm – Lodge Room
    • January 23 – Officer’s Meeting, 7pm – Library
    • February 5 – Visit Friendship Lodge 160, 6:30pm Dinner, 7:30pm Stated
    • February 6 – Stated Communication, 6:00pm Dinner, 7:00pm Stated
    • February 8 – Advanced School of Instruction, 9:00am – Lodge Room
    • February 13 – Craft Driven Conversation, 7pm – Lodge Room

Master’s Remarks January 2025

WM Anderson Campbell delivering remarks at the Installation of Officers.

At the Officer’s Installation in December, I delivered a few remarks about how I am approaching this year in the East. Since not all of you were able to be there, I thought it prudent to make a similar address today. 

The purpose of Freemasonry is often summed up as “making good men better.” Freemasons undertake our work of character formation by drawing upon the symbols and allegorical teachings found in the craft of stonemasonry. We learn lessons in philosophy, spirituality, morality, and more. This makes us “speculative” masons, in that the work we do is not for the purpose of literally building structures, but for the purpose of building ourselves into the kind of men whose lives leave the world and those around them better. 

The work of Masons is undertaken within the unit of the local lodge, the definition of which we just heard from the Code, Section 201. Though guided by the same overarching principles, teaching the same lessons, and observing the same ritual, each lodge has its own special characteristics that reflect its unique combination of membership, history, and community context. 

Over the 133 years of the Lodge’s existence, Beaverton has grown into one of the most populous cities in the state as well as one of its most diverse cities. For some of that time, Beaverton Masonic Lodge kept pace. As the city grew, so did our membership.

But Masonic membership in the U.S. peaked in the late-1950s and has been in decline ever since, part of a macro trend of membership decline in civic and community organizations across the U.S. And yet, each year we see new faces coming through our doors to inquire about Masonry. Each year we see some of those faces submit petitions. Each year some of those petitioners become initiates. 

There is still a draw to Freemasonry. People are seeking connection. They want to be connected to ideas bigger than themselves. They want to be connected to communities that will make them better. They want to have the opportunity to make themselves better. They want to lead a life that makes a difference. They want their life to have meant something to those around them. 

Freemasonry offers men a way to do all those things, but so do many other organizations. What makes Freemasonry unique? What makes Beaverton Masonic Lodge special? Why should a man give his time to this group, rather than any of the other options? 

These are hard questions to answer. 

Without a compelling vision for how Beaverton Masonic Lodge makes good men better, we will continue to struggle to attract and retain good men. We will struggle to make a measurable difference in the lives of our own members. We will struggle to find meaningful ways to be involved in the broader Beaverton community, in whose midst we live and work.

I am inviting you to join me in a season of reflection and renewal. Reflection on why we became Masons, what we hoped to gain from our involvement and what we wanted to give of ourselves to the craft. Renewal of those guiding principles of Masonry that are written on these walls and the unique ways in which this group of men can embody them in this time and this place. The goal is to become the best version of Beaverton Masonic Lodge, given our history, our members, and our community. 

To guide us in this season, I will be drawing inspiration from Brother Daniel Hrinko’s book The Craft Driven Lodge. Brother Hrinko is a Mason in the Grand Jurisdiction of Ohio. His book chronicles the practices and processes that he and some of his brothers used to address some of the same questions we face, and find workable answers. 

He identifies four key principles core to the Craft Driven Lodge:

  1. Everyone has a voice
  2. Everyone sees the vision
  3. Everyone has a job
  4. Leaders let the workers work

Over the course of this year, we will be engaging in a series of conversations to discuss the goals and desires of the members of this Lodge. We will reflect on things like why we joined Masonry in the first place, what we’d like to see more of, what things we do that are a poor use of our time, the ways in which we want to be involved in the greater Beaverton community. We will articulate a shared vision for the future of the Lodge. We will create actionable steps to make that vision a reality. We will, each of us, work together to complete those steps. 

These Craft-driven conversations will take place here at the Lodge on the second Thursday of each month at 7pm. The first of these will be next week, on Thursday, January 9, and we will explore in more detail the principles of the Craft Driven Lodge. We will discuss some of our preliminary thoughts on what might make Beaverton Masonry better. 

As Master of the Lodge, my role is not to create the vision, it’s to help us articulate it. My role is not to determine where we are headed, it’s to have my hand to the tiller, guiding us along the course we chart together. I will perform those duties, guided by three commitments that are important to me as a leader: be just, be kind, and be humble. As the prophet Micah says in the Judeo-Christian scriptures: “The Divine has shown you what is good: to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” I charge us to turn their attention to these commitments in 2025 as well:

First, be just. When we speak of justice, what we often bring to mind are ideas and images connected to our legal system. There is a different connotation to justice. To be just means to be fair, to create balance, to act in a manner that is moral and upright. 

There are a trio of Masonic images found in our teachings that represent this kind of justice well: they are a sword, a heart, and the Eye of Providence. As Masons the sword and the heart reminds us that in the end, justice prevails. The Eye of Providence reminds us that nothing escapes the gaze of the Divine— the sun, the moon, the stars, and everything that was, is, or shall be are held in Its care. 

These symbols call us to live with integrity, knowing that our actions, thoughts, and intentions matter, and that they are never truly hidden. As a gift to my officers, I had a lapel pin created with those three Masonic images.  It was designed by a tattoo artist friend, who did most of the tattoos that cover my arms. As we go throughout the upcoming year, it is my hope that it reminds you of our shared call to walk moral and upright before God and before the world. You, too, can have a pin by making a donation of any amount to the Solomon Trust. See Brother Secretary for more. 

Second, be kind. One of the first lessons we are taught in Freemasonry is a lesson in Masonic charity. Throughout our degrees and our teachings, this lesson is expounded and expanded upon. One of our fundamental tenets is Brotherly Love. We are taught to be men of compassion, empathy, community, and support. We are taught to be men marked by kindness.

Third, be humble. As Masons we all meet “on the level.” This means that within the bounds of our fraternity, social status or position makes no difference. In our fraternity are politicians, celebrities, men of industry and power who, upon donning the Masonic apron and entering into the Lodge room drop their accolades and titles for the simple moniker, Brother. In the Lodge, we are all equal and we all interact with one another as equals. This is only possible through a deep commitment to humility. 

These ideas—justice, kindness, humility—will be the hallmark of my year as presiding officer of the Lodge.

Flowing from these three ideas, there are two commitments I charge us to each make: radical ownership and personal responsibility. 

First, radical ownership: 

Remember that this is YOUR masonic journey, your brotherhood, your Lodge building. We are all co-owners in Masonry. Like many things in life, what you get out of Masonry is proportional to what you are willing to put into Masonry. Masonry isn’t something that happens TO you; it is something you must actively create. There are no true sideliners, we all are laborers. That means that we show up, and when we show up, we speak up, and when we speak up we help out, and by helping out we take pride in our craft and in our brotherhood and in our Lodge.

Second, personal responsibility:

This follows from radical ownership. Because this Lodge, these brothers, and this journey is yours, then the responsibility to care for them is yours. “Someone” and “Somebody” aren’t members of this Lodge. We can never assign them any work. They can never take any responsibility. 

But I am a member. You are a member. Nothing gets done here except what you and I choose to do. From the mundane tasks like dishes, the state of our library room, ensuring the doors to the building are closed and locked when you leave, to the abstract like ritual work, learning and sharing esoteric knowledge, and participating in leadership, you are responsible. I am responsible. We are responsible. 

Freemasonry will be what we make of it. It will be a direct reflection of collective commitment and effort that this group of men chooses to make.

I am honored to have been elected by the members of Beaverton Masonic Lodge to serve as the Worshipful Master for its 134th year, and to be the 114th consecutive non-repeating Master of the Lodge. You can see the men who came before me pictured on that wall to my left. 

That’s a lot of shoes to fill, but also a lot of shoulders upon which I stand. As we undertake our conversations about the future shape of Freemasonry in Beaverton, it is my hope that the conversations and the outcomes are steeped in the same justice, kindness, and humility that was demonstrated here this evening. If they are, then I have little doubt that we will be putting Beaverton Masonic Lodge on a course that will move it towards its next 134 years.