M.W. JAMES E. CHASE

MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER

Greetings:

It is again a great honor and a privilege to welcome all of you to our 70th Annual Communication being held here at SeaTac Motor Inn. It is my firm conviction that this session will be one of the most productive we have ever held---the past Masonic Year, indeed, has been most inspiring, fruitful, and challenging.

We are meeting here today to give an accounting of our work we have accomplished the last twelve months; and because of our experience during this interim period, we should also be able to make viable plans for the coming year. There will be coming before this Grand Lodge, many ideas and discussions of important issues such as: the review of the Masonic Code and the consideration of resolutions and recommendations.

I certainly hope you will give all issues your careful and complete attention and consideration. The day has come that it is imperative for us to plan ahead; and, therefore, I hope we are able to perform our tasks well in body and in mind.

In my travels, about our Washington Jurisdiction, I was encouraged by the desire of Masons to progress with the times. Now is the time to move onward and upward.

I want to thank all of the members my staff for their loyal and dedicated cooperation. I could not have asked for anything more.  I feel that no Grand Master has ever been blessed with a finer group of Masons. I deeply appreciate the fine work o our R.W. Deputy Grand Master, Bro. James W. Davis and his entire Grand Entertainment Committee. My special thanks go to all my committee chairmen and their members and to all of our Grand Lodge officers, elected and appointed.

NECROLOGY

Though absent, the departed still minister to our spirits, teaching us patience, faithfulness, and devotion. We are thankful for their imagination, identification and unselfishness and for all they gave to those around them, especially to us.

In memory of:

Evergreen Lodge No. 9

Brother Johnnie Smith July 19, 1972

Hercules Lodge No. 17

Brother Milton Bonner - June 5, 1972

William H. Upton Lodge No. 11

Brother Boycie Hodge - September 11, 1972

Guiding Star Lodge No. 6

Brother John Clark - September 22. 1972

Cassia Lodge No. 5

Brother Carroll T. Jackson - September 16, 1972

Brother Frank H. Johnson - October 24, 1972

Brother Thomas H. Lauderdale - April 9, 1973

True Resolution Lodge No. 16

Brother Oral Watkins - December 12, 1972

Harmony Lodge No. 2

Brother James C. Harris - May 26, 1973

Hercules Lodge No. 17

Brother Clifford B. T. Andrews - June 19, 1973

“I tell you they have not died,

They live and breathe with you;

They walk here at your side,

They tell you things are true.

Why dream of poppied sod

When you can feel their breath,

When flow’r and soul and God

Knows there is no deaths”

I tell you they have not died,

Their hands clasp yours and mine;

They are but glorified,

They have become divine.

They live!  They know!  The see!

They shout with every breath:

‘Life is eternity!

There is no death!”

My Obituary Committee will new aid me in the presentation of the Necrology.

STATE OF THE CRAFT

I am happy to report that the State of the Craft can be described as being healthy and viable. Our membership and our finances are growing and are stable. We are initiating and raising younger and better qualified Masons then ever before.  With the help of our Finance Chairman, P.G.M. Frank Russell and his committee, we have been able to stay well within our budget. 

Because of the unsettled economic conditions in the areas surrounding Tacoma and Seattle, it was necessary to make certain changes in our operation, Because the High Twelve Corporation found it impossible to pay the mortgage and to defray current expenses without obligating the Grand Lodge, I authorized this Corporation to execute a deed in lieu of foreclosure on April 4, 1973 to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. My action was based on supportive information I received concerning the project.

GRAND MASTER’S CONFERENCE

I traveled to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the company of R.W. Jasper R. Warren to the Supreme Council where he received his highest and last degree in Masonry; the 33º.  It was a very impressive class which included our own Councilman Sam Smith, who also received his 33º.  Also, it was a joy to see our P. G. M. Benjamin Davis, who, likewise, received his 33º.  He is a Mason to whom our Jurisdiction owes a great deal.

The high point of the Supreme Council meeting was the election of our own Illustrious Russell S. Gideon to the Office of Lieutenant Grand Commander.

Had it not been for P.G.M, William Hill, of Pennsylvania, we would not have made it to the airport; there being a taxicab strike in Philadelphia.  Because of Brother Hill’s ingenuity and usual capability, we made it by bus. It was indeed a pleasure to meet up with this fine man again.

At my request, Brother Jasper R. Warren changed his plans for returning directly to Tacoma and instead, accompanied me to the Grand Master’s Conference held in New Haven, Connecticut. This Conference was most interesting and informative, and was well planned and expertly organized. Grand Master Madison Bolden was a perfect host.

FRATERNAL RELATIONS

Our Masonic Order enjoys a good relationship with the Order of Eastern Stars and the Heroines of Jericho. We have had several joint staff meetings. Because of these times of communication, we have begun to appreciate our mutual problems and goals. We have begun to realize we have much in common. May our good relationship continues

NORTHWEST CONFERENCE

Our 47th Northwest Conference convened at SeaTac Motor Inn, located at 18740 Pacific Highway, south of Seattle, Washington. This conference was one of the most fruitful we have ever had. It was well planned and the information instructive and to the point. I think we all left with a better understanding of P.H. Masonry and the planning for its future programs. Special thanks go to R.W. Brother Jimmy Simmons for a task well done.

YOUTH

We can be proud of our youth of today-proud of their accomplishments, their zeal, and fortitude in exploring new ways to meet the challenges in these changing times. Our support and guidance in their formative years are of utmost importance, for the life source of our Masonic fraternity depends on them. We must show we have faith and confidence in them. To paraphrase the words of Abraham Lincoln, who described a wayward youth: “I don’t like him for what he is today, but for what he may become.” We must remember that the youth of today will be our P.H. Masons of tomorrow.

We are fortunate to have G.J.W. R.W. Carlton Tucker as our Youth Director. He has worked long and hard to achieve the kind of youth program we need. Let’s give him all the support we can give.

IN DEEP APPRECIATION

Again, I must say that in your wisdom, you, my brothers, elected one of the finest slates of Officers of our Washington Jurisdiction has ever had. I am sure no Grand Master has ever had more support or more excellence in his staff.  They have been dutiful and committed. Likewise, my appointed Officers have been dedicated Masons, doing outstanding work. This also includes committee members who worked so diligently. To you, I am most grateful.

My special thanks goes to the following brothers: James W. Davis, Deputy Grand Master and Chairman of the Grand Entertainment Committee in charge of the Grand Session; Jasper R. Warren, Grand Secretary; Jimmy Simmons, Senior Grand Warden and Chairman of the Northwest Conference; Carlton B. Tucker, Junior Grand Warden and Chairman of the Youth Department; Charles D. Stubblefield, District Deputy Grand Master, who so ably aided in the formation of our new U.D. Lodge. In fact, all District Deputy Grand Masters, committee chairmen and committee members deserve accolades for their work.

My wife, Sister Eleanor Chase, and I, shall never forget the marvelous banquet and dance given in my honor by the P.H. Grand High Court of the Heroines of Jericho last October. It is impossible to express adequately our deep appreciation of this wonderful staff and affair. The love and generosity expressed were simply beyond compare.

Also, we shall always remember our trip to Fairbanks, Alaska, where I made my official visit to Arctic Lodge No. 56. The delicious dinner at the beautiful home of Brother and Sister Willie W. Martin was so lovely and the hospitality and fraternal spirit was indeed memorable.

I am sure you will all agree that to be honored by the Brothers in your own hometown is so heartwarming; it is difficult to describe your deep appreciation and the deep emotions engendered by this wonderful kindness. The banquet given by Inland Empire Consistory No. 78 was a grand and beautiful affair that touched my heart deeply. I shall ever be grateful to them.

My wife and I were guests of Harmony Lodge No. 2 again this year when they honored their wives. We enjoyed this lovely banquet so much; it is going to be hard to give it up when the tine comes.

I again wish to express my deep appreciation for the perfectly marvelous time I had in the Far East.

My sincere thanks and deep appreciation to all of you who have been so very kind to me in every way. Your wonderful presents have been put to good use.

BUILDING FUND - ASSESSMENTS

It can be said that beyond any reasonable doubt, the building program is one of the most important projects we have before us today. We have only to look around us and take note. We see progress in action; new office building, service buildings, apartment complexes, churches, etc. Yes, we see an extensive remodeling job to be undertaken on a building to use as a lodge hail. This should serve to make us aware of the tremendous obligation we owe our Prince Hall Masonic Community in which we live.

Over seven years ago, our Grand Ledge established a building fund of which we all are aware. We know what provisions were agreed upon for payment of our obligation. However, almost seven years have passed and we are still endeavoring to collect the funds.

In January, 1972, I decided that there might be some brothers who just weren’t able to pay the $100.00 assessment at that time. Therefore, I issued a dispensation, granting each Worshipful Master the power to review each case as to the financial ability to pay and to take necessary, appropriate action to bring a brother back into Masonry. This was not intended to exempt anyone from their rightful obligation, but rather, it was to alleviate the pressure on those who temporary found themselves in unfortunate circumstances. However, after a year elapsed, it was found that the response from the lodges in the collection of this assessment was far from adequate.

I realized that possibly my letter of January, 1972, had been misunderstood by many at the brothers and also some of the Worshipful Masters. Therefore, it was necessary to send the letter of April 27, 1973 regarding the building fund assessment. I believe you are all aware of the contents at that letter.

We are unswervingly committed to the task of acquiring a Masonic Temple here in Seattle; a building of which our youth and the community can be proud. This we can do if we are ready to make the commitment.

First, let us review a few pertinent facts about our Grand Lodge Building Program, We need adequate buildings in other cities in our Jurisdiction where we have lodges, namely: Yakima, Everett, Vancouver, Washington, Vancouver, B.C., Walla Walla, Guam, and in other cities where we have lodges as times go on. Plain arithmetic tells us that our program of the present finances will not provide the amount of money needed for this program, but it is certain that we agree that some way, this must be done.

I do not believe the adoption of any one single idea will allow us to attain our goal. We shall have to use a multi—lateral approach, using all the resources of our entire Masonic family. We all shall need to adopt modern methods of operation.

Increasing our membership is of vital importance. Just think of what an increase of 500 members each year would mean to us!

We must also develop an updated investment program. Our business administration must be operational. We must take a new look at our Masonic relief program. Furthermore, our Youth Department must be given more consideration by the Grand Lodge; for our youth today are our reservoir of Masons. It is imperative that we attract younger men to our Order.

The aforementioned ideas will have to become a reality before we can accomplish the goals which we are striving to attain. We need the will, the courage, the dedication and the tenacity to devise solutions, and we need to respond vigorously to this challenge. We cannot afford to go by the wayside and fail by default. We have to realize that Masonry is not cast in an archaic mold, unable to cope with the issues of today.

FAR EAST COMMAND

My visit to the Far East Command left me with memories I shall always cherish. Grand Secretary, Jasper R. Warren and I, had the honor of having Grand Worthy Matron, Sis. Joanna Law, accompany us on our journey to Tokyo, Japan. We departed from SeaTac on March 13, 1973, at 2:10 p.m. and arrived in Tokyo at 5:30 p.m. the same day.

We were greeted at the airport by a host of brothers and sisters led by Special District Deputy Grand Mastery Roland F. Rainey; District Deputy Grand Master, Freddie L.  Bradley; District Deputy Grand Master, Todd Brown; Special District Deputy Grand Master, Lt, Lionel Simmons; W.M. of Cherry Blossom Lodge. They had chartered a special bus to take us to Yokota Air Base, where we stayed in a new, modern motel.

At the motel, we were greeted with the usual, warm hospitality; we had refreshments, snacks and music. Later, came a midnight dinner. This was the beginning of a very busy schedule, which was as follows:

March 14 – 8:00 a.m. -- Golf at Tame Golf Course with D.D.G,M. Brown and S.D.D.G.M. Lionel Simmons. Results?  No comment!!

2:00 p.m. -- Dinner at the home of S.D.D.G.M. Roland R. Rainey and Sister Rainey. It was an honor to be with this fine family. It was delicious and the hospitality was warm. The contributions of S.D.D.G,M. Rainey to the P.H. Masonic family in the Far East has been immeasurable  We must be grateful to him for his tireless work and for his willingness to share his talents with us.

March 14 - 6:30 p.m. -- Brother Rainey arrived to take Brother Warren and me to the Thanksgiving Services at Tachikawa (West).

March 15 - Brother Rainey took us to the opening of the District Session, which was most impressive. Later, I had a meeting on a one—to—one basis with the Worshipful Masters of several lodges until 2:00 p.m. and then, continued at the motel until 5:00 p.m.

March 16 — 8:45 a.m. -- I was at the District Session. With the aid of S.D.D.G.M. Rainey and District Officers, I officially presented the Charter to W.M. William R.L. Green of Bee-hive Lodge No. 60, which is located in Tainan, Taiwan. We all can be proud of the manner in which the officers and members conducted their business and the proficiency which they displayed in the raising ceremony at this Session, At 6:45 p.m., Bro. Goodman escorted us to the Grand Bail, which, in my estimation, was one of the finest I have ever attended.

March .17 - 8:30 am. --Brother Simmons escorted Brother Warren and me to a breakfast at Yokota Officers’ Club. That evening, we were guests in the home of Brother Hurd, whose lovely wife prepared us a delicious dinner. The next morning, I was entertained at breakfast in the home of Brother Simmons, whose lovely wife had pre­pared the delicious meal. Besides the very warm hospitality accorded us, I was the recipient of many beautiful gifts from these wonderful people. Mere words can never express to them my deep appreciation for everything they did. The memories of our fellowship and the lovely gifts I shall cherish always.

The remaining days of our visit took us to Okinawa, Taipei, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Guam. I held conferences with the officers and members who had the work of our Order at heart. I must commend these dedicated brothers for their work on behalf of our Craft.

Time will not allow me to elaborate on the many kindnesses and the very warm hospitality accorded me by the brothers. May it suffice to say, that they truly “rolled out the red carpet for us”. I shall never forget the beautiful Grand Hotel in Taipei (the most beautiful one I have ever seen), where W.M. Herbert W. Young and his officers entertained us at a sumptious dinner.

In Okinawa, W.M. C.C. Cox and D.D.G.M. Freddie Bradley entertained us royally. The sightseeing trip was impressive. Also, the sisters entertained us with a delicious barbecue.

Whsle in the Philippines, we again were entertained royally with breakfast, barbecues, etc. by both the Brother and Sister W.M. Titus Story, and many others made our visit a most happy one. Our last stop was Guam, where we were given a tour of the island. We had several conferences, including the President of Real Estate Association, the head of the Chamber of Commerce, and the President of the Rotary Club in regard to property and buildings suitable for a lodge hail. Their hospitality was much appreciated.

Special thanks to W.M. Lee R. Keese and P.M. Dale in their dedication and hard work in keeping the torch burning on the island.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

In looking to the future, we must not forget the past -- the long and hard struggle, the frustrations, the shattered hopes and dreams, the despair, the changes, the old and the new. In spite of the obstructionists that reared their heads from time to time, we have continued to progress.

So, it was in the past, it will be in the future. In the quest for a better fraternity, we must encounter opposition and pessimism; but if we stand firm and keep the faith, we shall surely overcome.

As we move into the middle 70’s, our focal point will have to be the increase in membership, business administration, and our Grand Lodge Youth Program.

We are living in an era which is unique in the history of the world. We live at a mental and physical pace never known before. In the face of the stress in which we live, we still are able to maintain some of the valuable assets: the power to think, the power to reason, the power to take appropriate action.

In our efforts to make proper decision, we can no longer restrict our hearts and our minds, we cannot look back with nostalgia and cling to what has been, as if it Is more real than the present or more worthwhile than the future.  We cannot allow ourselves to be intimidated by the changes that are sure to come. No longer can we wrap ourselves in a blanket of decaying customs and traditions in our quest for security which is a false security. In this fantasy, we hope that reality will vanish, and we won’t have to cope with the present, let alone, the future.

The future must not become a threat to us; but rather, it should be a part of us. in concern for the future, I shall now present to you my recommendations:

RECOMMENDATIONS

1.         When any prospective candidate, whom the Investigation Committee duly investigates, is found worthy, and the Investigation Committee brings back to the lodge a favorable report in a regular manner, it shall require a 25* or more favorable vote of the Masons present to disqualify him from initiation and from becoming a member.

2.         That the black-ball system be changed to the use of red and green balls.

3.         Whereas it is necessary for local and Grand Chapters to have a qualified Patron to perform the duties prescribed by law in a manner that will assure the maximum peace, harmony, and progress of our Jurisdiction; and whereas, it is the duty and the sole responsibility of the Masonic Order to provide the above, be it resolved that the Grand Lodge submit the names of no less than three such Masons who have the Masonic and Order of Eastern Star capabilities and knowledge, qualified to perform such duties according to the Bylaws of the Grand Lodge arid the Grand Chapter: these brothers to be voted on and duly elected in the regular and constituted manner of the Order of Eastern Star.

4.         That the building assessment be continued for three more years.

5.         Whereas it is necessary for local and Grand Courts to have a qualified Joshua to perform the duties prescribed by law in a manner that will assure the maximum peace, harmony, and progress of our Jurisdiction; and whereas, it is the duty and sole responsibility of the Masonic Order to provide the above, be it resolved that the Grand Lodge submit the names of no less than three such Masons who have the Masonic and Heroines of Jericho capabilities and knowledge,

qualified to perform such duties according to the Bylaws of the Grand Lodge and the Grand High Court: these brothers to be voted on and duly elected in the regular and constituted manner of the Heroines of Jericho.

6.       That our P.H. Grand Lodge presents a life membership to Right Worshipful Reginald G. Bright and to Past Master Ray Gibson, at an appropriate time.

7.        That our P.H. Grand Lodge Finance Committee devise ways and means at this time, of financing our Building Program with an adequate cash flow so that we can proceed with our Building Program.

8.         That the report of the updated Code Committee be adopted.

9.    That because of the unusual conditions under which our brothers in Guam have to meet, I recommend that this be given our due consideration of their Building Program.

James E. Chase