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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

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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

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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

22

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