From the East
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:
- Community Visibility – Strengthening our presence through events and creative initiatives.
- Fellowship and Unity – Encouraging teamwork, participation, and social events.
- Ritual Excellence – Enhancing ritual fluency and Masonic education.
- Charity and Service – Expanding outreach and community impact.
Top challenges identified:
- Money/Finances – Addressing financial sustainability and resource management.
- Facility – Maintaining the security and upkeep of our building.
- Apathy – Increasing engagement and participation from more brothers.
- 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.
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.
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