A note from Ill.Bro. Kris Graap

Brethren;
Happy Labor Day to you all!  As we begin to close our summer and transition to autumn, I hope you have a relaxing day of reflection over the many contributions of organized labor to the strength of our nation.  
It is interesting to review the 8th Degree (Intendant of the Building) and its lessons.  While it clearly acknowledges the need for capitalism and for the duty of an employee to his employer; it is equally clear of the responsibility of an employer to respect his laborers, and the respect society owes to all who honestly toil.  Whether a person works in a field, factory, or laboratory; whether he works with his hands or his head; whether he carries a union card or not; his efforts as a human being should be respected by all.
It is also interesting to note that the history of Freemasonry includes many celebrated leaders of organized labor, among them Brother Samuel Gompers, President of the American Federation of Labor.  You can read about the history of Samuel Gompers Lodge #45 MWGL F&AM of DC through this link: http://www.sgbf45.org/uploads/History_of_SGBF_for_GL_200th_Anniversary.pdf

In other news, please join us Wednesday September 11 for our Friendship Night.  While we’ll conduct a small amount of business, most of the meeting will be open to friends and family, including any potential candidates. 

On Wednesday September 25 we will confer the 4th Degree.  This will be our first conferral since the untimely passing of Br. Jack Sowers.   And while he is sorely missed, our new Br. Jon Wolf has very ably stepped up to the plate.  I can tell you that Br. Jon’s zeal in taking on this role has been personally inspiring to me, and he and his cast will do an outstanding job!  I sincerely hope that we will have a large contingent of side-liners – including you!   

On Sunday September 22 at 1pm, three of our Olympia Brothers will be given the Knight Commander Court of Honour:  Jon Kime, Jon Anderson, and Fred Sjöquist.  The KCCH ceremony is open to the public, and will be held at the Seattle Scottish Rite Center.  Carpooling anyone?

Finally, Happy Birthday to the following Brothers:  Tony Woods (8/26), Gary Norton (9/3), Jon Lenander (9/17), and Mike Kreidler (9/28).

Fraternally,
VM Kris

Brethren;

It is with deep sadness that I pass along the news of the passing of Brother Hank Roberts, who apparently suffered a massive heart attack yesterday. He was 81 years young. Brother Hank was a member of Olympia Lodge #1, Olympia Valley of Scottish Rite, and Afifi Shrine; but if you knew Brother Hank at all, you most likely knew him through Eastern Star - as a devoted and dedicated member of Chapter 36 in Olympia. Br. Hank served several stints as Worthy Patron, and, with his wife Norma Jean, were anchors for the Chapter and state OES. One of Brother Hank's ongoing projects was the Maytown coffee stops, and he had it down to an art form - obtaining tasty treats from area grocers. I'm not sure how many thousands of dollars these stops generated for the Chapter, but it was plenty! Additionally, Hank and Norma Jean hosted the Chapter picnic every year as far back as I can remember, and Hank served as pearl diver for many of our Scottish Rite dinners served by the Chapter. His Masonic shoes will be very difficult to fill! My heart (and Star Love!) goes out to Norma Jean at this difficult time, and please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. I have not heard yet about services for Br. Hank, but I will certainly pass along any news as I learn of it. Rest peacefully my Brother, until we meet again!

Fraternally,
Kris

As a post script, Lettie Arnold conveyed that the service for Hank Roberts will be at the Masonic Lodge Building 521 North Street SE, Tumwater, WA 98501 Tuesday 4/24/2012 starting with family viewing @ 9:00AM. The burial will be at 10:00 AM at Masonic Memorial Park (south side of the cedar hedge off the lodge parking lot). The memorial service will be at 11:00 AM in the Lodge Room with a reception to follow.

Brethren;

The Council of Kadosh (VM Damien Kolb and his crew) are hosting our next Wednesday Scottish Rite meeting 4/25 at 7:30; with dinner at 6:30.
 As a reminder, our Golf Tourney is coming up fast. However, there's still room for a foursome or two, so if you, or someone you know whats to sign up, please contact us asap.  By the way, if you don't have a foursome, but want us to pair you up, we can help with that.  Lastly, we're always looking for sponsors, so if you know of a business or group - small or large - that would like to provide effective advertising and receive a nice tax deduction, steer them our way. Remember - it's all for charity and our kids.

Fraternally,

Kris