0
was successfully added to your cart.

Dec 03
0
Beehive

Wisdom and Regeneration

By | From the West | No Comments

“The bee and the hive have long been symbols of industry and regeneration, wisdom and obedience, with a place in Egyptian, Roman and Christian symbolism.”

The beehive is an appropriate symbol for the renewing direction of Friendship Masonic Lodge #160, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons. Through the ongoing cooperative work of our active members, older and newer, and the strong commitment to renewal undertaken by our newly elected Master and Wardens, we will exemplify over the next three years the steady, industrious regeneration symbolized by the beehive. Read More

Dec 03
0
Jewel of Friendship

The Jewel of Friendship

By | From the South | No Comments

My studies this past month lead me to a short paper, written by Worshipful Brother Alphonse Cerza, Grand Historian of the Grand Lodge of Illinois A.F. & A.M. titled, “Our Most Valuable Asset: Friendship”. It would be a bit lengthy to present to you here, but I assure you it is a swift, uplifting and informative read, and I will be certain to provide a route to it through our internet platforms; but I would like to share an excerpt with you here:
Read More

Oct 27
0
From the South

The Virtue of Humility

By | From the South | No Comments

Greetings from the South, Brethren;

Approaching November, our elections obviously come to mind. I don’t mean to be presumptuous, but based on tradition I have my suspicions as to whom might ascend to the West next year. Consequently I have found myself contemplating the Level, and with it the virtue of humility. Read More

Oct 22
0

Kent Smith Becomes a Master Mason

By | General News | No Comments

Friday nights are usually not the lodge’s meeting night, but the lodge made an exception this time to accommodate a special event: The raising of Brother Kent Smith to the sublime degree of Master Mason.

The evening wasn’t just about raising a brother; it was also about creating a family legacy where the fourth and final brother of the Smith family finally became a member of the fraternity. To mark this auspicious event, WB Alan Smith and Brother Daniel Smith — both from George W. Lininger Lodge No. 268 in Omaha, Nebraska — were in attendance. WB Alan also played an important role in the degree, practicing extensively to make sure that his part conformed to Oregon ritual requirements.

Brother Kent Smith follows Brother Daniel Smith in joining the Craft. The first of the Smith brothers who was initiated was WB Alan Smith, then followed by WB Stephen Smith.

mm-kent-smith-01

 

mm-kent-smith-02

 

mm-kent-smith-03

Sep 28
0
From the East - May

Kindle Charitable Donation

By | From the East | No Comments

A charitable donation was made, this month, by our lodge. We donated 13 Kindle Paperwhite e-readers to a third grade class at Harrison Park School, in southeast Portland. Also, we donated appropriate accessories.

Support for public education is a longstanding Masonic tradition. Unfortunately, our public schools are under considerable financial stress. Some schools could benefit from donations of educational equipment. Read More

Sep 28
0
Friendship Altar

Is Masonry a Ritual or a Practice?

By | From the West | No Comments

We hear it said that the purpose of Masonry is to “make Masons.” But, how exactly do we do that? My personal experience as a brother of “Friendship Masonic Lodge #160, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons” has been unusual in some respects. Like 5 of my brothers, I was raised in the “united” Friendship 160, during the period when we were consolidated with Kenton 145. Yet, the first time I ever spoke in open Lodge, other than during my degrees and proficiency testing, was to offer prayer as Chaplain the night our Lodge was divided by the Grand Master back into its predecessors. The lines of our closing prayer – “[n]ow that we are about to separate …” – have never rung so strongly for me as they did that night. Read More

Sep 28
0

Charity

By | From the South | No Comments

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!

I’ve been turning this familiar piece of scripture over in my mind for a bit now because it seems to connect two ideas that I had previously found to be paradoxical, though individually agreeable, and harmonizes nicely with our present theme of charity. Read More

Sep 26
0
Fellowcraft Degree - Kent Smith

Congratulations, Brother Fellowcraft Kent Smith

By | General News | No Comments

Last Wednesday, September 21st, Friendship Masonic Lodge No. 160 conferred the Fellowcraft Degree on Brother Kent Smith. The degree was conferred by WB Bob Casey, the lodge’s current Worshipful Master, with brothers from various lodges in attendance.

Brother Christopher Chase, the lodge’s current Senior Deacon, delivered an exceptional rendition of the staircase lecture, while Brother Joey Piazza, visiting Senior Deacon from Kenton Lodge No. 145 delivered the G Lecture.