The months of July and August typically show a lull in activities for most lodges. It’s a time for members to spend time outdoors with family and friends, take vacations, and explore other areas of life that are fulfilling and gratifying.
Some lodges use the time to catch up on lodge-related things.
And some, like Kenton, mix both.
Such was the experience this year. With the lodge not being encumbered by the usual monthly stated meeting, the members saw it fit to include family and friends in several activities that strengthened camaraderie and family ties, continued lodge traditions, and progressed several brothers through their degrees. We even raised a Master Mason to boot.
Here’s a quick summary of what quickly became quite a busy summer:
Outdoor Entered Apprentice Degree at the McMillan Ranch
WB Dale Palileo, Brother Mike Milford and BEAs Kevin Johnson and MJ Gold had the opportunity to attend the outdoor Entered Apprentice Degree at McMillan Ranch at the end of June. The brethren were treated to a steak dinner, and came home with the first-ever “Traveling Entered Apprentice Shoe” for being the lodge that traveled the farthest while fulfilling other requirements (attendance of the WM or a warden as well as an Entered Apprentice)
Start of Summer Backyard Barbecue at the Palileo Residence
The day after attending the outdoor Entered Apprentice Degree, the brethren were invited to the first annual “Start of Summer” backyard barbecue at WB Dale Palileo’s residence. Several brethren, friends and family members were in attendance. The party also had a second purpose: to celebrate Sarah Palileo’s birthday.
4th of July Picnic
To celebrate Independence Day, the brethren saw it fit to drag food, drinks, tents, a grill and other essentials to Kelly Point Park. Fun, food and music were abundant as the brethren and their guests enjoyed Kenton-style hospitality and celebrations.
Billiards Night at Sam’s Billiards
Following the success of Kenton’s first-ever Bowling Night, the brethren then decided to hold its first-ever Billiards Night at Sam’s Billiards. As usual, several brethren, their friends and families were in attendance to enjoy an evening outside the confines of the lodge room.
Fellowcraft Degree for Brother Kevin Johnson
On July 17th, the brethren then proceeded to examine Brother Johnson as to his proficiency in the lecture of the Entered Apprentice Degree. Following his successful rendition of this time-honored proficiency, the brethren then proceeded to confer the Fellowcraft Degree upon him, headed by RWB Zack Keirsey in the Oriental Chair.
Annual Officers Retreat at Seabeck
Per lodge tradition, the officers and past masters of the lodge then held their yearly officers retreat at Seabeck during the end of July. This longstanding tradition’s aim is to provide a respite for the lodge’s officers, re-align the Worshipful Master’s goals for the remainder of the year, and plan out the lodge’s goals for the next year.
Outing at Duggan Falls
To take advantage of the warm and sunny weather, brothers and their families made the trek to Duggan Falls in Southwest Washington on at least two separate occasions.
Brother Kevin Johnson’s Master Mason Degree
A little over a month after being past to the Fellowcraft Degree, Brother Johnson delivered his Fellowcraft proficiency and was subsequently raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. The degree was led by Brother Mike Milford, with WB Dale Palileo assuming the Oriental Chair in the second section as well as providing the lecture for the degree.
End of Summer Picnic
All summers come to an eventual end, and to mark another great summer season, the brethren once more assembled at WB Dale Palileo’s residence for an “End of Summer” picnic. This time, the brethren, their families and friends were treated to a sumptuous feast featuring catered Filipino food consisting of popular favorites such as pancit, roasted pork belly, checken adobo and many other dishes. A few brothers also saw it fit to bring desserts and other beverages for the enjoyment of all in attendance.
The brothers now look forward to its September stated meeting featuring the official visit of MWB Marc Strong, Grand Master of Ancient, Free & Accepted Masons of Oregon.