north bend masons a brief history of unity …...2 75 years request to pm’s unity lodge no. 198...
TRANSCRIPT
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NORTHBENDMASONS
ABriefHistoryofUnityLodge#198
1
TableofContents
Introduction 1
75Years 2
RequesttoPM’s 2
EarlyHistory-Addendum 3
PublicCeremony 8
Signatures 10
UnityLodge#198Charter 11
50Years 12
EarlyHistory-Addendum 12
Signatures:CharterMembers 17
Signatures:MasterMasons 18
25Years 20
EarlyHistory 20
1
Introduction
ThiscollectionofdocumentswasoriginallycollectedbyW.B.RobertCokewellforthe75thanniversaryofUnityLodge#198in1988.ThanksgotoattheSnoqualmieValleyMuseumwholoanedmetheoriginalforcopying.
Iapologizeforanytyposcreatedduringthedigitizationandediting,itisstillanimperfectprocessandeditingisverytimeconsuming.Sometyposwereretainedpertheoriginaldocuments.
Happyreading!
BrotherDavidBach
October2016
2
75Years
RequesttoPM’s
UNITY Lodge No. 198 F.&A.M
Stated Communications, first Wednesday of every month 7:30 p.m.
NORTH BEND, WASHINGTON
August 16, 1985
To Past Masters of Unity Lodge # 198
From 1963 to Date
Dear Worshipful Brother,
The lodge has petitioned me to write a history of the past 25 years of
our Lodge. I have studied in some depth of how best to accumulate the
necessary information to accommodate the finished product. After
discussing the subject with our Worshipful Master and several other
officers, I have concluded and they all agreed, that each Master
should forward to me within the next 60 days (by Oct. 31) what they
consider to be the highlights of their year in the East.
With the help of this data, I feel confident that we can cover the
subject properly by crediting those people and events that made our
history, rather than me reading the minutes and picking out what I
consider to be the most important events of the past 25 years.
I am relying on you “Worshipful Sirs” to furnish me with this
information that I may get on with the task.
Fraternally Yours
Oscar B. Miller P.M.
P.0. Box 232 North Bend, WA. 98045
206-888-0778
cc. W.M. E. Smith file
BY YOUR DEEDS YOU SHALL BE KNOWN
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EarlyHistory-Addendum
IofferthefollowingasanaddendumtothealreadyrecordedfiftyyearHistory.
Itwasonthe21stdayofJanuarynineteenHundredandtwelvethatUnityLodgesfoundingfathers,
(alreadyspecificallymentionedinthefiftyyearHistory)metattheoldMilwaukeedepotinNorthBend
forthepurposeofadiscourseconcerningtheformationofaLodgeatNorthBend.
Thereasonforsucharequestfromtheparentlodge,FallsCityLodge#66wasnotoneofdiscontent
withtheaffiliationbutratherassetforthinthefiftyyearhistory,traveltimewasdeprivingtheUpper
SnoqualmieValleymembersthecompensationthataLodgeofMasterMasonsaffords.
SincenamesofChartermembers,firstofficershavealreadybeenmentionedinthefiftyyearhistory,to
recapitulatewouldonlyserveasrhetoricandIwillthereforereferittothebrethrenforfuture
reference.
Theyearof'1913'atGrandLodgecommunicationsBrotherSewardS.Morrisappearedbeforethatbody
withanaccountofthestewardshipandasaresultofthatreport,June11,1913MostWorshipful
BrotherPrankN.McCandlessgrantedUnityLodgeunderdispensationacharterandgaveitanumber.
ThusUnityLodgeNO.198wasborn.
Twentyfiveyearsago,nineteenHundredSixtyTwo,UnityLodgecelebratedfiftyyearsofMasonryinthe
UpperSnoqualmieValley,wheretheBrethrenwerewarmedintheknowledgeofthenumberseeking
menwhomtheyhavetakenbythehandandleddownthepathoflight,truthandknowledgetoamore
meaningfullife,wherecompassion,toleranceandservicetoothersbecomesthespiritoftheir
existence.Thepureprincipalsofourbelovedfraternityembodythesequalitiesinthedeepestsense.
Howblessedweareforitsexistenceandhowgratefulweshouldbetothosewhoseforesight
bequeatheduswithsuchapreciousgift.
Theyearof1912whenourLodgewasformed,amorerelaxedlifestylewasmoreevidentduetothe
lackofsuperhighways,advancedtransportation,radiosandtelevision,allthesehavelefttheirimprint
onthelifestyleofman.Sowhatwasonceconsideredadesirablepursuithasnowbeensubjectedtoa
highlycompetitivefieldofentertainmentvyingformankindsattentionandifwearetosurvivewemust
meetthesechallengesbyseekingmeanstodisplayourofferingsinkeepingwiththedictatesofthe
times.
Itiscomfortingtonotethatinrecentyearstheofficersandbrethrenarerisingtomeetthiscompetition
withseveralongoingactivitieswhichValleyresidentsarelookingforwardtowithpleasure,forexample
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approximatelyfifteenyearsagoUnityLodgejoinedMyrtleLodgeandFallsCityLodgeinpromotinga
ScholarshipprogramforHighSchoolJuniors,coveringMtSi,IssaquahandCarnationschoolsandlately
LibertyHighSchool.Itiscarefullydesignedsothatthegradingisdonebynumbersratherthannamesto
insurethecontestantthatgradingwillbedoneonthesubjectmatter,sansthetendencytofavora
familiarnameorpersonality.Rewardingscholarsforoutstandingperformanceisanoblepursuitandthe
combinedLodgesaredrawingmuchdesirablecommendationfortheirefforts.
ThreeyearsagoUnitybeganparticipatingintheAlpineDayscelebrationbyoperatingaSalmonBake
concessionwhichhasmetwithconsiderablesuccess.Themoniesderivedfromtheprojectareusedto
buyvarioussuppliesfortheLodge,withonehalfbeingusedtopurchaseLifemembershipfordeceased
PastMastersandthebalancebeingusedforanyworthwhilecharitythatmayemanateformthe
community.TheRoyalArch,abranchofBlueLodgeMasonshasforsometimenowheadedupa
programnamed,ChildrenHeartFoundationfundedbythemembersfromaninitiatoryfeeplus
individualdonationsatregularmeetings.Moniesthendistributedtofamilieswhomayhaveachildwith
aheartproblemandisexperiencingdifficultyfinancingtheneededcare.
SeveralyearsagoUnityLodgecontactedMr.HarleyBrumbaughthemusicaldirectorofBellevue
CommunityCollege,whogrewtomanhoodintheSnoqualmieareaandwasagraduateofMtSiHigh
School,tobringhismusicalshowtotheareawhichhedidandprovedtobeanoutstandingsuccessand
anaffairthatthepeopleofthearealookforwardtowithmuchpleasure,againtheproceedsafter
expensesareputtogooduseinprovidingLifemembershipsandthebalanceforcharity.
Anindicationofflexibilityinrecentyearshasbecomeevidentbythenumberofopeninstallations,the
appearanceonoccasionofmemberswivesattheHomeComingandanoccasionalaffairhonoring
Widowsofdeceasedmembers.Iamsurethattheladiesfeltthehonordeeplyasbeingtherecipientsof
therelaxingofanageoldtradition,whichMasonscleavedtotenaciously,inthenottodistantpast.
Theyearof'1983'withWorshipfulBrotherHermanSchoddeinthechair,hebecameawarethatthere
wereanumberofdelinquentpostinglecturesthatwereinneedofbeingprovedupon,sowiththehelp
ofWorshipfulBrother'sGordonHearing,AlexPalola,RichardI.TrombleyandBrotherFredEverett,he
formedateamthatproperlycoachedandcausedeightcandidatestoproveupandheaddedtoour
rolls.
Theyearof'1984'withWorshipfulMasterElmerSmith,Masterinthechair.TheLodgesponsoredaGolf
tournamentandsteakdinner,heldatSiViewGolfcourseformembersandtheirfriendswhichprovedto
beasuccessandisnowlookedforwardtoasanannualevent.
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TheHomecommingisthehighlightoftheyearasalwayssinceitsinceptiononThanksgivingEve'1914'
thevaluetothemembersisdemonstratedinitslongevityandannualattendence.
Sincetheyear'1912'to'1987'therehavebeensixtyfiveMasterswhohaveservedUnityLodge.
Ordinarilytherewouldhavebeenseventyfive.butforvariousreasonseightofthePastMastersserved
twotermsandtheyareasfollows:
CharlesH.Cooper 1912and1913
RobertW.Vinnedge 1916and1917
SewardS.Morris 1919and1920
RichardI.Trombley 1952and1979
MillardP.Folsom 1946and1970
G.GordonHearing 1975and1982
KennithD.Freese 1978and1981
DanielE.Sater 1960and1984
Atthiswritingtherearetwentyeightstillamongtheliving.
TheGlazierfamilywithBrotherW.W.Glazier,oneofthefoundingfathers,sonBrotherWattJ.Glazier
andhisGrandsonsBrothersJohnandWilliamGlazier.
TheHearingfamilywithWorshipfulBrotherGroverC.HearinghissonWorshipfulBrotherG.Gordon
HearingandGrandsonsKennethandJohnHearing.
TheTrombleyfamilywithWorshipfulBrotherRichardI.TrombleysonBrotherDonB.Trombleyand
GrandsonDonR.Trombley.WorshipfulBrotherTrombleyinformedusthathisfatherwasalsoaMason
thoughnotofUnityLodge,whichmadefourgenerationsofMasonsinthefamily.
Therearealsonumerousfatherandsonduo's.Therearefamilieswhodon'tfallunderthethree
generationcategories,oneoftheseistheSaterfamilywithWorshipfulBrotherCarlA.Saterandsons
WorshipfulBrothersDanielandJohnSaterandtheiruncleWorshipfulBrotherElmerG.Sater,whowasa
MasteratHistoricalLectures.
Thenumberofmembersaremanywhohaveservednotablyinavarietyofactivitiesoverthisseventy
fiveyearspanbutnonesolongasWorshipfulBrotherCarlA.SaterwhoservedUnityLodgeasSecretary
fortwentysevenyearsandacloserunnerupWorshipfulBrotherAlexPalolawhohasservedas
Treasurerfortwentytwoconsecutiveyears.
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Itismostnoteworthytomentionthatourlodge,smallasitishasproducedthreememberswhohave
beenappointedtothepostofDistrictDeputy.VeryWorshipfulBrother'sBrentC.Saterbo,whoheeded
thecalloftheSupremeArchitectbeforehistermhadexpired.WorshipfulBrotherJohnBuchananwhose
positioncausedhimtoretireandnowWorshipfulBrotherHermanSchodde,andthenasafurther
complimenttoourlodge,WorshipfulBrotherRichardI.TrombleyhasbeenappointedbytheGrand
MastertotheGrandLodgeCredentialscommittee,alsototheGrandLodgecommitteesonCharities.
WorshipfulBrotherAlferdD.NicholashasbeenappointedasDistrictDeputybytheGrandChapterof
RoyalArchMasons.
Inconclusionoftherecordingofthehistoricaleventsofthetwentyfiveyearspastourofficersand
membershavenotonlyservedthelodgeadmirablybutmanyhaveservedtheircommunityinservice
orientedactivitiessuchas,Mayorforsixteenyears(OscarMiller),Councilmembers,VolunteerFire
Department,E.M.T.Teamsandotherstonumeroustomention.
InaconversationwithVeryWorshipfulBrotherHermanSchodde,heappraisedmeofamottouttered
bytheMostWorshipfulGrandMasterofFreeandAcceptedMasonsofWashington,attheGrandLodge
communication'1985'inhisannualmessagetothebrethrenatlarge,'tostayaliveandwellinthese
changingtimes,wemustrelaxourphilosophythatadherestostrictprivacyinallouraffairsandadapt
ourselvestoamoreflexibleapproachwhichhedubbed,V.I.P.Visibility,InvolvementandParticipation.
Iamsuretherearethoseamonguswhostillcleavetothescripturalprincipals,"Praynotinthe
Synagoguesthatyemaybeheardofmenormakeyourachievementsandphilanthropiesknown,Verily,
Isayuntoyou,youhaveyourreward."
However,hadtheearlyprincipalsofphilosophykepttheirachievementssecret,howwouldfuture
generationsknowofthegoodthatensued,everygooddeedormiraclethatwasperformedbyChrist
wasvisiblehowelsewouldanyonehaveknownofhisdivinenature?HisteachingsandthatofMoses,
Abrahamandotherswerescatteredbythefourwindsthattheymaybescrutinizedandsampledbythe
multitudessothattheymaybaskinthejoyoflivingemanatingfromalifededicatedtolove,sharingand
service.
Involvementisthatqualityoflifethatsetsusapartascreatureswhocareenoughtosacrificeourtime
andpatiencetoinsurethatlifemaybeenjoyedinit'smoreabundantform.Tobeinvolvedintheaffairs
ofourgovernmentwhetherasanobserverorasanactiveparticipantasasafeguardagainstapathyisa
worthypursuit,apathyonthepartoftheconstituencyisanygovernmentsnumberoneenemy.Forthis
hasbeentheculpritthathascausedthedownfallofnumerousadvancedsocieties.Neverfeartostand
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uptobecounted,howelsecanwepracticethepureprincipalsofourbelovedfraternity?Involvement
andparticipationaresynonymousinsofarasourdutiesto"God",ourCountryandourfellowmen,letus
thendemonstrateasdidthefounding'fathers'ofourbelovedcountry,mostallMasons,whoformed
ourconstitutionandputtheirpersonalsafetyandfortunesinjeopardytoguarantee,thatwewillbea
freepeople.
Participationinourfreeelectionsisameansbywhichtheconstituencymaybeassuredthatitwillnot
benecessarytohavearmedguardsatthevotingpolls.LettheinhabitantsoftheworldknowthatFree
Masonrystandsstrongagainstanythreattoourfreedoms,andthendemonstrateourgoodintentions
bytheadoptionofourMostWorshipfulGrandMastersmottoandbevisibleinouractions,involvedin
allfacetsofhumanendeavor,wheresoeverdispersedandparticipatoryinit'sdeportment.
YouwillnoteIamsurethatIhavementionedbutafewnamesinthishistoricalreviewmainlybecause
organizationsaremadeupofleadersandfollowerswhichalltogetherformulateateamonerelieson
theothertoaccomplishanytaskhowevergreatorsmall.Sotocomplementtheleaderswithout
recognizingtheeffortsofthefollowerswouldnotbeinourstandards,afairevaluationandtostrivefor
honorablementionforeachcontributionwouldbeanimpossibletask.
Ihavenotedinthepasttwentyfiveyearsourlodgesarebecomingmorevisibleintheireffortsto
elevatemankindslotandIamsurethatifsomeofoureffortstoaccomplishthesame,maybecome
publicknowledgethattheSupremeArchitectoftheUniverseinhisinfinitewisdom,won'tmind.
RespectfullyandFraternallySubmitted,
WorshipfulBrotherOscarB.Miller
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PublicCeremony
JUNE 8, 1988
75TH ANNIVERSARY
WELCOME
INVOCATION
FLAG CEREMONY
I WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME ALL OF YOU TO UNITY LODGE'S 75TH ANNIVERSARY
CELEBRATION. IT IS GREAT TO SEE SUCH A LARGE TURNOUT FOR THIS
AUSPICIOUS OCCASION.
INFO- THE GAVEL IS FOR THE MASONS ONLY. THE GUESTS WILL BE ASKED TO
RISE OR SIT AT THE APPROPRIATE TIMES.
INTROS- THE VISITIING MASTERS AT THEIR SEATS
APPOINTED GL OFFICERS IN THE EAST
ELECTED GL OFFICERS IN THE EAST
GRAND MASTER IN THE EAST
SD ESCORT MAXINE DOVENBERG AND DOROTHY BURNHAM TO EAST. EACH YEAR
UNITY’S MASTER CHOOSES A CHARITY FOR HIS YEAR AND THIS YEAR I CHOSE
“LIFELINE" AS UNITY'S MASTER’S CHARITY.
THE LODGE HAS VOTED TO SPONSOR ONE PERSON FOR ONE YEAR AND WITH
PLEASURE I PRESENT TO YOU, ON BEHALF OF THE BRETHREN OF UNITY LODGE,
THIS CHECK FOR $192 FOR THAT SPONSORSHIP.
WOULD YOU PLEASE TELL THE AUDIENCE A LITTLE ABOUT “LIFELINE.“
SD ESCORT WB GORDON HEARING TO EAST
IT IS MY PLEASURE TO INTRODUCE WB GORDON HEARING WHO I BELIEVE IS
UNIQUELY QUALIFIED TO SPEAK TO YOU ABOUT THE 75 YEARS OF UNITY LODGE.
WB GH HAS SPENT HUNDREDS OF HOURS COMPILING MATERIAL, QUITE A BIT OF
WHICH CAN BE FOUND BETWEEN THE COVERS OF THE LOOSELEAF BINDER WHICH IS
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ON THE TABLE JUST INSIDE THE DINING ROOM. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO LOOK
IT OVER BEFORE YOU LEAVE TONIGHT
SD PLEASE ESCORT THE GRAND MASTER TO THE EAST.
IT GIVES ME MUCH PLEASURE...
DELIVER THE GRAND MASTER‘S MESSAGE.
BSW HAVE YOU ANYTHING TO ADD TO OUR CELEBRATION?
SJW HAVE YOU ANYTHING TO ADD TO OUR CELEBRATION?
WOULD ANYONE ELSE LIKE TO BE HEARD BEFORE WE CLOSE?
THANK YOU TO LADIES OF UNION CHARTER OES WHO PREPARED AND ARE PREPARED
TO SERVE OUR FEAST.
AFTER WE CLOSE I WOULD LIKE THE ELECTED AND APPOINTED GL OFFICERS TO
ASSEMBLE AT THE SECRETARIES DESK TO SIGN THE BACK OF THE CHARTER.
WOULD THE MEMBERS OF UNITY LODGE PLEASE STAY AND SIGN A ROSTER TO BE
INCLUDED IN THE 75 YEAR HISTORY.
RETIRE THE FLAG
BENEDICTION
CLOSING CHARGE
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Signatures
11
UnityLodge#198Charter
12
50Years
EarlyHistory-Addendum
FiftyYearsofMasonrywithUnityLodge#198
Sunday,Jan.21,1912wasdestinedtobecomeaneventfuldayinthehistoryofNorthBendandthe
upperSnoqualmieValley,asitwasonthisdaythatourfoundingfathers:
Chas.H.Cooper GeorgeB.Gregor
SewardS.Morris SamuelD.Baldwin
WardW.Glazier ThomasS.Carlin
JohnE.Taylor JamesG.Derby
RogerE.Williams RobertW.Vinnedge
Chosetomeetatthe"MilwaukeeDepot"inNorthBendforthepurposeofadiscourseconcerningthe
possibilityoftheformationofaMasonicLodgeinNorthBend.Thereasonnotbeingoneofdiscontentof
theiraffiliationwithFallCityLodgeNo.66,butbecauseofthelimitedandtime-consuming
transportationfacilitiesofthedaywhichmade,inmostcases,Lodgeattendanceanarduoustask
involvingmostofthenightintheprocess;thereforedeprivinguppervalleymembersthebenefits
derivedfromregularattendance.Thentoo,therewasthefactthatthecommunitiesoftheuppervalley
hadgrowntosuchproportionsastowarranttheinfluenceforgoodthatanestablishedLodgeof
Masonscouldafford.So,withthesepertinentfactsinmind;withtheireyesonthefuture;havinglittle
morethanaprayerascollateral,yetwithdeep-abidingfaithintheirbelovedFraternityandtheirown
Community,didpetitionFallCityLodge#66with23signersaskingthatitvouchforthepetitionersand
recommendthataLodgebeformedinNorthBend.Therewere20chartermembersallofwhom,but
four,whodemitted,havebeencalledbytheSupremeArchitecttohigherduty.
InordertofacilitatethecompletionofaBuildingthathadbeenstartedbytheEaglesandabandoned
beforecompletion,twelvemembersnamely:
Chas.H.Cooper L.C.Mattall
R.T.Burke S.S.Morris
R.W.Vinnedge J.E.Taylor
W.W.Glazier S.D.Baldwin
J.G.Darby T.5.Carlin
R.E.Williams E.D.Harris
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pledgedthemselvestocontributeOneThousandDollarstobeusedforthepurchasingandcompletion
ofthisBuilding.Thiswasfirsttobeajointventurewiththe"I.0.0.F.",wholaterdeclined.However,
undauntedbyadversities,ourfounderspursuedtheirgoal,bypresentingthe"NorthBendTimberCo.",
thenownersoftheBuilding,OneThousandDollars($l,000.00)andanoteforTwoHundredDollars
($200.00)tobegivenbytheLodgeafteritsformationforaone-half(l/2)interest.Thepropertywasthen
tobemortgagedintheinterestofsecuringfundsforitscompletion.Withinashorttimesuchan
arrangementwaseffected.Theinstrumentsetuptofacilitatethisarrangementwasname,"TheNorth
BendConstructionCo.”andsaidinstrument,havingbeenacteduponingoodfaithdownthroughthe
years,hasprovidedadignified,comfortableandpermanenthomeinwhichUnityLodge#198hasspread
thedoctrineoftheFellowshipofGodthroughtheBrotherhoodofMan.
WorshipfulBro.Chas.Cooperbeingawarethat"CloverLodge"inTacomawasdisposingofitsfurniture
wasabletoprocureitforthenewtempleataverynominalfee,GracingthecentralportionofourLodge
room,aroundwhichallimportantmasonicfunctionsevolve,youwillbeholdouraltar,oneofthe
originalpieces.
JustpriortotheGrandLodgecommunicationoftheyear"1912"ourfoundersconvenedintheinterest
ofselectinganamefortheproposedLodge,Outofthismeeting"Unity"becamethetoolofouridentity.
OutoftheGrandLodgesession,thesummeroftheyear"1912",camethedecisionthatthepetitionfor
aLodgeofMasonsatNorthBend,namely,UnityLodge,underdispensationbegrantedandwasduly
authorizedbyMostWorshipfulBro.FrankN.McCandless,GrandmasterofMasonsoftheMost
WorshipfulGrandLodgeofFree&AcceptedMasonsofWashington,Aug.12,1912.However,duetothe
unfinishedstateoftheTemple,itwasimpossibletoholdaregularcommunicationuntiltheeveningof
Sept.18,1912.Theofficersserving"UnityLodgeunderdispensation"atthefirststatedcommunication
were:
Chas.H.Cooper,W.M. WardW.Glazier,Sec.
RogerE.Williams,S.W. S.D.Baldwin,S.D.
SewardS.Morris,J.W. JohnE.Taylor,J.D.
RobertH.Vinnedge,Treas. LouisH.Vogl,Tyler
Theyearof1913atGrandLodgecommunicationBro.SewardS.Morrisappearedbeforethatbodywith
anaccountofthestewardshipandasaresultofthatreportJune11,1913,MostWorshipfulBro.Frank
H.McCandlessgrantedUnitylodgeunderdispensationacharterandgaveitanumber.ThusUnityLodge
#198wasborn.
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Torecallinfulldetailtheminutesofeachmeetingdownthroughtheyearswouldbealaborioustask
andservenopurpose.Wepropose,however,toacquaintyouwiththehighlightsofUnityLodgehistory.
Todatetherehavebeen46Masters,ourcurrentMasternumbering47.Therostershows,however,in
thoseearlyyearslackofmembershipmadeitnecessaryforBro.Chas.H.Coopertoservetwoterms,
RobertH.Vinnedgetwo,andSewardS.Morris,three.Thishasnotagainbeennecessarysincetheyear
1920.
Therearethirty-five(35)livingPastMasters,withnoneoftheforty-sixtotalhavingeverdemitted,and
eachadding,inhisownway,totheLodge'sgrowthanddevelopment.Atthisreadingtherehavebeen
threehundredseventy-three(373)poorblindcandidateswhohavesoughtandreceivedlightinUnity
Lodge,--Bro.JamesT.Bellbeingthefirsttoreceivethedegrees.Therearetwosonsoftheoriginal
twentywhostillliveinthecommunityandaremembersofUnityLodge.Theyare:WattGlazier,sonof
WardW.Glazier;andScotyCarlin,sonofThomasStewartCarlin.
Theyear1914,ontheeveof"ThanksgivingDay",marksthebeginningofafunctiontobecomeknownas
Homecoming.Ithasbecomeatraditionandwhileithaschangedinitspatternfromtimetotime,ithas
becomenolesseffectiveandtothisdayisoneoftheoutstandingfunctionsoftheyear.
IbelievewewouldberemissinourHistoricalreviewnottomentionthenameoftheBrotherservingthe
longestnumberofyearsconsecutivelyinoffice,andthathonorgoestoourCurrentSecretary,W.B.Carl
A.Sater,whohasservedUnityLodgeinthiscapacityfortwenty-oneyears.
AtaspecialcommunicationNov.28,1931aceremonyfortheburningofthelastnoteheldonthelodge
propertywasperformedbyW.B.EdwardH.KinkerandChas.Kelsko,approximatelyl8yearsafterthe
originalindebtednesswasincurred.W.B.NeilD.JarrettwasthepresidingMasterthatyear.
Theyear1958withW.B.W.W.Francisinthechair,marksanotherhighlightintheHistoryoftheLodge,
foritwasinthisyearthedecisionwasreached,that,ifourbuildingwastoserveasaproperplacefor
Masonstomeetandforthepurposeofpreservingthedownstairsrental,acompleterefurbishingofthe
existingfacilitieswasinorder.Thenbegantheenormoustaskofworkingoutthedetailsoffinancingand
carryingouttheworktobedone.Iwouldbeatacompletelosstoendeavorsettingforthalistof
importantcontributionstothisundertaking.Asthereweresomanywhofigureintothesumtotalaswe
seeittoday,Masons,WivesofMasons,LadiesoftheEasternStar,AttorneyofotherLodges,anumber
ofcashcontributions,whocansaywhichwasmostimportant.IamsureWor.Bro.Franciswillagree
thatittookmanyhands,muchtoleranceandcooperationofallwhocontributedtothisventure.
However,liketheearlystrugglesofthisLodge,thetaskwascompletedintrueMasonictradition,and
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wearenowenjoyingthefruitsofourlaborsinafittinganddignifiedsetting,bearingouttheprinciple
thatgoodworksareinevitablyrewardedwithaliberalHarvest.
Thereisoneexception,however,thatshouldbemadeinthedecisionnottomentionnamesinthis
ventureandthatoneofcourseisBro.HaroldCrouch,whoaskedonlytoheartheritualisticworkofthe
lodgeandbaskinthewisdomofit.Heneveraspiredtothechairs;cheerfullydonewhathewasasked;
meticulouslylivedouttheprinciplesofFreemasonry,andwhenhewascalledtohigherdutiesinthe
realmoftheSupremeArchitect,herememberedUnityLodgewithacomfortablelegacy,withoutwhich
therefurbishingofourfacilitieswouldhavebeenimpossible.Weowemuchtothismanofquietdignity
whogaveasmuchindeathasinLife.
Theyear1959ourLodgewashonoredbytheappointmentofVeryWor.Bro.BerntC.Saterbotothe
positionofDist.DeptytotheMostWor.GrandmasteroftheMostWor.GrandLodgeofFreeand
AcceptedMasonsofWashington.Thoughtheappointmentcameinthetwilightyearsofhislife,
hamperedbyagraveillnessrenderinghimfarlesscapableofperformingthedutiesofofficethanhe
oncewas,yetthoseofuswhowereclosetohiminthislastyearcaughtglimpsesofenormousmental
andmoralfibrethatonlyrisingaboveaseverephysicalimpairmentwouldbringout,bequeathingus
withamonumentallessoninstrength,courage,andunderstandingthatshallbelongrememberedand
drawnheavilyupon,fromtimetotime,untilwetooshallanswertheclarioncall.
Ithasbeennoteddownthroughtheyearsofthegrowthanddevelopmentofourmembersbythegood
influencetheyhaveexertedinourcommunitieswhicharemanifestedintheirservicestothechurches,
cityCouncils,VolunteerFireDepts.,Schools;infactanywhereaworthycauseisbeingconsumated,
Masonswillbefoundintheverymidst.
ItalmostgoeswithoutsayingthattheprincipalthemethroughthesefiftyyearsofMasonry,maybe
summedupbyoneword-"Service"-ServicetoGodthroughourCountry,andourfellowmen.So,inthe
interestofthisservice,IshouldliketodedicatethispoemtoallthepeoplewhomadethisLodge
possible,andhavecarriedthemessage,bypreceptandexampleofitscharacterbuildingqualitiesdown
throughtheyears.
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Inthewords,then,ofElizabethBarrettBrowning:
--
Thesweetestlivesarethosetodutywed
Whosedeedsbothgreatorsmallareclose-knitstrandsofanunbrokenthread
WhereLoveennoblesall.
Theworldmaysoundnotrumpets,ringnobells.
ThebookofLifetheslurringrecordtells.
Thyloveshallchantitsownbeatitudesafteritsownworking
Achild'skisssetuponthylipsshallmaketheeglad.
Apoormanservedbytheeshallmaketheerich.
Asickmanservedbytheeshallmaketheestrong.
Thoushaltbeservedthyself,ineverysense
Bytheserviceswhichthourenderest.
--
Written&PresentedbyW.B.OscarB.
Miller,Nov,1962
17
Signatures:CharterMembers
18
Signatures:MasterMasons
19
20
25Years
EarlyHistory
ARECORDOFEVENTSSURROUNDINGUNITYLODGEF.A.A.M.OFNORTHBENDPRIORTOTHEFIRST
REGULARCOMMUNICATION
FOREWORD
Theaxiom,'Allthingshaveabeginning'isexemplifiedasanunquestionableverityinthefollowing
revelationoffactsconcerningtheexistenceofUnityLodgeF.A.A.M.ofNorthBendWash.Itisthoughtto
bemorefittingandproperthatarecordofthelodge,beginningsotospeak,beinscribedtoserveasan
authenticattestationofeventstranspiringintheinterimbetweenthebirthoftheideaandthefirst
officialrecordofthelodge.Toposterityandfuturegenerations,thisstatementisreverentlydedicated.
Genesis
Littledidtheythink,thosefewgoodMasonswhogatheredtogetherinthedepotoftheC.H.&St.P.Ry.
Co.,atNorthBend,onSundaythe21stdayofJanuary,1912,thattheywereindeedmakinghistory;that
theywere,thenplantingtheseedwhichwastospringintolifeandgrowtoagloriousfruition.The
followingwerepresent:
Brothers CharlesCooper Geo.B.Gregor
W.W.Glazier S.D.Baldwin
S.S.Morris J.S.Carlin
J.E.Taylor J.G.Derby
R.E.Williams R.W.Vinnedge
BrotherS.D.Baldwinwaselectedtemporarychairman,andbrotherW.W.GlaziertemporarySecretary.
Itwasrecountedthatthemeetinghadbeencalledforthepurposeofdiscussingthepracticabilityor
desirabilityofformingalodgeofMasonsatNorthBend;thattherebeingnoneexistingthereatthe
time,itbecamenecessaryforthosewhoavailedthemselvesoflodgeprivilegestotravelmanymilesto
FallCity;thatsuchtravelbeingextremelyarduous,itnaturallyfollowedthatfewreceivedthebenefitsof
lodgeworkwhichallpresentdesired.
ApetitiontoFallCityLodge#66,askingthatitvouchforthepetitionersandrecommendthatformation
ofalodgeatNorthBendwhichhadbeencirculatedpreviously,atthistimebore25names,and
21
demonstratedthefactthatthe15petitionersnecessaryfortheissuanceofadispensation,were
available.Followingisanexactcopyofthepetition:
WetheundersignedMasterMasons,ingoodstandinginourrespectivelodges,beingdesirousof
organizingalodgenearourhomeswhereitwillbepossibleforustoaffiliateatalltimes,doaskthatFall
CityLodge#66vouchforthepetitionersandrecommendtheorganizationofalodgeatNorthBend.
R.T.Burke #66FallCity
JamesG.Derby GeneseeLodge #174Flint,Mich.
SewardS.Morris Lockport #538Lockport,Ill.
T.S.Car1in #66FallCity
S.D.Baldwin #66FallCity
Geo.B.Gregor #66FallCity
RogerE.Williams #66FallCity
LouisH.Vogl #66FallCity
W.W.Glazier Crystal #122Marysville,Wn.
E.D.Harris GateCity #522KansasCity
HarryW.Aldrich Holden #81Balfour,N.D.
R.W.Vinnedge #66FallCity
E.A.Kress #66FallCity
T.R.Hill Doric #92Seattle
JamesPotts GreenLake #149Seattle
T.S.Weyer GeorgeWashington #62
C.R.Gordon Bethshan #Churdan,Iowa
E.C.Reinig #66FallCity
F.D.Harman University #141Seattle
Geo.H.Clark Staples,Minn. #207Crescent
RobertE.Nye #66FallCity
JohnE.Taylor PortAngeles #69PortAngeles,Wn
Chas.H.Cooper #66FallCity
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ThesecretarywasthereforeinstructedtocommunicatewithM.W.brotherC.D.Atkins,requestinghim
tomeetthepetitionersinNorthBendatanearlydateandadvisewiththemrelativetotheformationof
alodge.Realizingtheprimerequisitofsuchanorganizationtobeanefficientcomplementofofficers,a
motioncarriedtoelecttemporaryofficerstoactuntilthefirstregularelectionofofficers,afterthe
issuanceofacharterbytheGrandLodge.Uponnomination,thefollowingnameswereproposedfor
respectiveoffices:
Brother CharlesCooper WorshipfulMaster
RogerE.Williams SeniorWarden
S.S.Morris JuniorWarden
W.W.Glazier Secretary
R.W.Vinnedge Treasurer
S.D.Baldwin SeniorDeacon
J.E.Taylor JuniorDeacon
Allnominationswerecarried.
OnaccountofpoorlodgeroomfacilitiesinNorthBend,itwasdecidedafterconsiderablediscussionto
appointacomitteetolookintothefeasibilityofconstructingahallbuilding,alsotodeterminethe
financialrequirementofsuchanundertaking.Thecommitteeappointedwasasfollows:Brothers
CharlesCooper,W.W.Glazier,andR.W.Vinnedge.Onmotionmadeandcarried,themeetingadjourned
toconveneonFeb.4th,twoweekshence.
OnSunday,Feb.4th,thesamebrothersattendedasbefore,andinadditionbrothersL.H.Vogland
E.C.Renig,ThesecretaryadvisedthatbrotherAtkinswouldvisitNorthBendatanearlydate.The
buildingandfinancecommitteereportedatentativeplanforcompletingtheconcretestructurebegun
sometimepreviousbytheEaglesLodgeofNorthlend.AplanwasproposedwherebytheOddFellows
Lodgewastobeinvitedtojoinusinanundertakingwhichhadforitsobjectthecompletionofthis
building,eachlodgetoshareequallyintheundertaking.Afterconsiderablediscussion,itbecame
aparentthatapersonalsacrificeonthepartsoftheindividualmemberswasnecessaryinorderto
financetheproject,andaccordingly,thefollowingmemberspledgedthemselvestocontributethesum
of$1,000.00tobeusedforthispurpose:
Brothers CharlesCooper R.E.Willlams
L.H.Vogl L.C.Mattall
W.W.Glazier S.S.Morris
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R.T.Burke T.S.Carlin
R.W.Vinnedge E.D.Harris
J.G.Derby
Themeetingthenadjourned.
ThenextmeetingofthepetitionerswasheldintheNorthBendschoolhouseonJanuary21,1912,which
wastheoccasionofthevisitofbrotherAtkinstoNorthBend.Hecounseledwithusastotheessential
qualificationswhichgotomakeupahealthyandprosperouslodgeandinformedusalonggenerallines
withreferencetoformation,costs,methodetc.,andafteramorecompletesurveyonthefollowingday
ofthecountryadjacenttoNorthBend,heinformedusthathewouldrecommendtotheGrandLodgeat
thecomingmeetinginJunethatadispensationbeissuedfortheoperationofourlodge.
Realizingthenecessityofperfectingthelodgeworkpreparatorytoholdingthefirstregular
communication,itwasdecidedthatfromthattimeforward,themeetingsshouldbedevotedtothe
workofthethreedegrees.
Thefinancecommitteehadfromtimetotimereportedslowprogresswiththeworkofperfecting
feasibleplansforthebuilding.AfterconsiderabledeliberationoftheprojectproposedbytheMasons,
theOddFellowsdeclinedtocooperateinthejointbuildingplan.However,the$1,000.00havingbeen
pledgedbytheindividualmembers,itwasthoughtbesttostillfurtherendeavortobringaboutthe
desiredresultbypresentingtotheNorthBendLumberCompany,thenownersoftheEaglesHall
property,apropositionlookingtothepurchaseofone-halfinterestintheproperty,bythepaymentof
the$1,000.00whichhadbeensubscribed,andanoteof$200.00tobegivenbythelodgeafterits
formation.Thepropertythentobemortgagedtosecurefundsnecessarytocompleteit.Such
arrangementswerethereforeaffected,andsoitcametopassthatoutofthemistofuncertaintyand
disappointment,theregleamedasilverbeamofhope;atangibleentitywhichformedthenucleusfor
theultimateachievementofthatendwhichweallhadsosteadfastlysought;namely,ahomeofwhich
weallmightbeproudandonewhichwouldstandasanabidingmonumenttomasonryandourlodgein
particular.
Realizingthefinancialobligationswhichwouldbeforthcomingtheapplicationforacharterandthe
purchaseoflodgeparaphernaliaandfixtures,itwasunanimouslydecidedthateachpetitioneradvance
anamountequalto4yearsdues,whichwouldfinancethelodgeinitsinfancy.
AboutthistimewereceivednoticefromCloverLodgeinTacoma,oftheirdesiretodisposeoftheir
lodgefurnitureandthatanattractivepricemightbesecured;whereuponbrotherCharlesCooperkindly
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volunteeredandwasdelegatedtoascertainifthepropertyweredesirableandifso,toeffecta
purchase.BrotherCooperlaterreportedanattractiveofferhadbeenmadebothastopriceandterms,
andthatheacceptedsametentatively.Thepurchasewasimmediatelyconsumated,andhasprovena
fortunateoneindeed.BrotherW.W.Glaziervolunteeredtoundertakethetaskofpackingandshipping
thesegoodsfromTacoma,anddevotedtwodaysofhisvaluabletimetoitsperformance.
AsthedateonwhichtheGrandLodgewastomeetwasthenapproaching,itbecamenecessarytoselect
asuitablenameforthelodge,anditwasthereforedecidedthatsuggestionswouldbeinorder,after
whichballotshouldbetaken.Aftersuchprocedurethename'Unity'waschosen.
Notwithstandingthetrialsandvicissitudeswhichhadthusfarbesetourpathwayinourpersuitofour
goal,wewerestilltobecalleduponbytheAlmightytoofferupasacrificetohisomnipotence,forthe
GrimReapersuddenlycalledfromourmidstourhonoredandrespectedbrother,E.C.Reinig,striken
downintheperformanceofdutyon1912.Toproperlyandfullyattestourbrotherlyloveandaffection
andtheesteeminwhichourdepartedbrotherwasheldbyall,weattendedthefuneralinabodyas
individualsandsentasuitablefloraloffering.
WereceivedaboutthistimeaverywelcomevisitfrombrotherJamesH.Begg,Custodianofthe'work'
whofavoreduswithanedifyingExhortationonthesubjectofharmony,andbadeuseverkeepthis
essentialrequisitbeforeusinourlodgework.
ThushavetheeventsrepresentingtheearlystrugglesofUnityLodgebeenchronicled,andthisnarration
completesthechainofeventsprecedingourfirstofficialrecordwhichappearsonthefirstpageofthe
Minutebook.
Writtenand
Presentedby
OSCARMILLER
Nov.1985