An official visit from the Grand Master of Ancient, Free & Accepted Masons in Oregon is always an auspicious time. It gives the lodge a chance to show off, celebrate, and lift the spirits of its members.
Last Thursday night was one of those nights, and the Kenton brethren certainly did not disappoint. They rolled out the proverbial red carpet for MWB Tim Best and his lady Teresa, as well as for the Grand Lodge entourage and visiting brethren from as far as La Grande, Clatskanie, Salem, and Sandy.
But unlike most official visits MWB Best has experienced across the jurisdiction, Kenton’s hospitality didn’t begin at the doorstep. Upon learning that the Grand Master and Grand Lady were staying at a nearby hotel, the brethren arranged for a personal pickup to spare them the burden of rush-hour traffic. They were chauffeured in style: a bouquet of fresh flowers for Grand Lady Teresa and first-class treatment befitting the highest office in Oregon Freemasonry.
Dinner featured the finest barbecue Portland had to offer. Afterwards, the lodge presented Grand Lady Teresa with a rare and meaningful gift, reserved only for ladies of past Worshipful Masters—a bracelet of baroque Tahitian pearls. No such gift had been given since 2019. Before receiving it, Grand Lady Teresa was moved to tears as WB Dale Palileo shared heartfelt words recognizing her strength, sacrifices, and grace throughout the year.
The stated meeting began promptly at 7:30 PM. During the Grand Master’s reception, the members of Kenton Lodge wore their “EVERYDAY” shirts as a tribute to MWB Best’s theme for the year. This unexpected gesture added to the already palpable warmth of the evening.
Among the Grand Lodge officers and District Deputies in attendance were:
- MWB Greg Jenkins, Past Grand Master 2021–2022
- RWB Adam Bayer, District Deputy for District No. 3
- RWB Greg Hinkelman, Junior Grand Warden
- RWB Gary Ball, Grand Treasurer
- WB Dale Palileo, Grand Lecturer
- WB Eric Young, Senior Grand Deacon
- WB Ian Cawley, Grand Musician
- WB Nathan Neff, Grand Pursuivant
- RWB Blake Presswood, District Deputy for District No. 4
- RWB Brian Jenkins, District Deputy for District No. 9
- RWB Chris Warren, District Deputy for District No. 20
WB Andrew Gross served as Marshal and escorted MWB Best during the reception.
WB Peter Morrison, Worshipful Master of Sandy Lodge No. 158, was also seated in the East. Having arrived with four of his lodge members, he formally requested the lodge’s traveling gavel, which was presented to him as is customary.
The meeting itself lasted under 40 minutes. WB Valan Primus, Worshipful Master of Kenton Lodge, conducted the proceedings with a pace and clarity that MWB Best described as “a breath of fresh air.”
Meeting highlights included:
- Honored Brother Mike Milford, Senior Warden of the lodge presenting MWB Best with proceeds from the sale of “EVERYDAY” shirts for his charity
- WB Primus presenting MWB Best with this year’s Kenton coin
- The reading of Mr. Kevin Johnson’s petition and assignment of his investigation committee
- Plans to attend Brother Fellowcraft Joseph Easly’s Master Mason Degree at Washington Lodge No. 4, F. & A. M. (under the Grand Lodge of Washington)
- The upcoming Master Mason Degree for Brother Fellowcraft Doty
Following the meeting, MWB Best addressed the lodge and offered his reflections.
True to Kenton tradition, the night didn’t end there. Libations flowed and cigars were lit as the brethren reconvened for fellowship in the dining hall. There, MWB Best was presented with a bottle of WhistlePig’s Boss Hog XI—a fitting successor to the Boss Hog X gifted to him during his installation as Grand Master.
Other highlights of the evening included:
- Mr. Kevin Johnson being notified of his petition’s reading
- RWB Chris Warren receiving his silver Kenton Wings from WB Zack Keirsey
As the evening waned and the last echoes of laughter faded into stillness, WB Primus and the few remaining brethren gathered to share quiet thanks with the Grand Master and Grand Lady Teresa for gracing Kenton Lodge with their presence. With warm smiles and sincere hearts, they returned the sentiment. In that closing hush, something intangible lingered—a feeling that the night had been more than just an event. It was the kind of evening that settles not just in memory, but in the heart—etched in brotherly love, quiet dignity, and the enduring light of our Craft.
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