1

SPECIAL EDITION

VOLUME 37 No. 10, JUNE 2020

OMNOREGON MASONIC NEWS

OMN June 20202

ISSUE 10JUNE 2020

What’s

Inside

3 Grand Master’s Message

4 Grand Secretary’s Desk

5 McGuyer to be Grand Master-Elect

6 Grand Master’s Itinerary

7 Report of the Trustees

8 Highlights of the Grand Master’s Year

10 Distressed Masons of Oregon Relief Fund

12 The Masonic Trial of Andrew Taylor Still

14 Behind the Cloud

15 News from our Lodges

GMs. Erin Evans, Grand Lodge employee and Editor of the Oregon Masonic

News for over 4 years, is moving on in her journey - quite literally as she readies for an out-of-state move. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of interacting with Erin, you’ll understand when we say that her delightful demeanor, kind spirit and proactive service rendered even the most difficult challenge a positive experience.

“No words can express how much I have enjoyed working for you and the greatest fraternity in the world. Thank you for this opportunity. I wish you all

the best in the future!”

The feeling is mutual, Ms. Evans, and we know the membership will join the Grand Lodge in wishing you the best of luck in all of your future endeavors. We know you will tackle this new venture with the same passion and dedication you’ve displayed as part of our team. Thank you for your years of excellent service to Oregon Freemasonry. We hope you’ll stay in touch from time to time.

OMN June 2020 3

GRAND MASTER’S MESSAGE

Thanks for the memories

Looking back to June 2019, I never would have predicted this sort of outcome to my year as your Grand Master. Right now, however, I want to express our (I include Kathy in this too) deep appreciation to all

Masons and especially Oregon Masons for your support and assistance through this unique year. On the positive side, I (we) did have nine months of smooth sailing before the COVID-19 pandemic changed ev-erything. The last three months were not the same without the planned activities that I had, prior to the Annual Communication. Much of our business was cancelled or postponed. Now we have been advised that this pandemic hasn’t passed and may be back for Halloween and stay for a more extended period.

The Trustees of the Grand Lodge, however, require some certainty and stability to successfully com-plete our Annual Communication. We will continue to follow the plan I have described in my Edicts. We will minimize the size of the meeting this year because the COVID-19 virus is still present in our commu-nities, and we still need to be vigilant about protecting the health of our members. The phased opening, announced by the governor, is conservative. This is to determine the number of new cases caused by increased social interaction. We see this approach not only in Oregon but in many other states concerned about a resurgence of COVID-19 cases.

And now for the “rest of the story” as Paul Harvey used to say. In my Grand Master’s Address at our upcoming Annual Communication, I have confronted head-on the problems we face and my recom-mendations for change. I commend those pages to your reading. I will not reiterate them here. Basically, Masonry requires the care that a Master Gardener would give to his plants to raise the most productive results. This is a giving of water, air, and fertilizer, among others, to facilitate growth and abundance. But don’t overlook the labor involved in selecting the best growing medium, tilling the soil, removing weeds and other undesirable invaders, as well as maintaining conditions throughout the growing season. This anal-ogy is directly applicable to Freemasonry.

We don’t sweat and toil at memorizing our Ritual. We do exert our brain and do the mental lifting necessary to retain text. Some are good at this, just like some are stronger than others. I believe that it is a worthwhile endeavor because our Ritual is the foundation of our fraternity. Once the foundation is laid, we can move on to achieve other goals.

This year has been great for Kathy and me. I confess that we have not been as thorough as we could have been in sending out thank you notes. While it is an old fashioned notion, it still has relevance to us. Thank you for the great dinners you have provided to us. We both have very much enjoyed your kind hospitality and gifts. I very much appreciate meeting men I have never met before. Some of these serendipitous meet-ings have been delightful, and I look forward to seeing you all again. I have learned a lot about myself this year, thanks to you, and the ever-present challenge of this office. I have had the great fortune to be supported by my fellow Trust-ees and a fantastic staff that works hard for all of us. Most of all, I will always treasure the opportunity to have been your Grand Master for the past year. It has been a great honor to serve Freemasonry in Oregon and to help improve the great fraternity we all love. I thank my wife, Kathy; son, Ryan; and daughter, Elizabeth, and their families, for all the help and support they have given me. Look for me on the golf course, fly fishing in a stream or at a Lodge meeting. THE END.

Fraternally,

Ronald J. Eggers, Grand Master, A.F. & A.M. of Oregon

OMN June 20204

GRAND SECRETARY’S DESK

The Grand Lodge office building may be closed, but the staff remains busy and

ready to assist our membership during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We hope you are all staying safe and healthy during this unprecedented time. With the gathering restrictions set in place by the governor’s executive orders regarding COVID-19, I imagine many of our members are looking forward to getting back to Lodge when it is safe to do so. As you may be aware, many of the events planned this summer have been postponed or cancelled. Among these events include the cancellation of the Oregon Masonic Charitable Foundation’s golf tournament, scheduled for July 26. The best way to stay up-to-date on the Grand Master’s itinerary is to visit www.masonic-oregon.com/calendar. You may notice that the June issue of the Oregon Masonic News (OMN) looks different. At the 169th Annual Communication, the

Grand Lodge Trustees submitted a Resolution for the OMN to be published every other month (bi-monthly). The hope was to provide our readership with a larger issue to highlight more of our history, the good works happening in our Lodges, as well as the stories written by our members that cannot be accomplished in a monthly publication. The June issue is an example of what the OMN might look like in the future, should legislation be submitted and approved by the delegates. As the Publication Committee Chairman, I encourage you to share your thoughts about the OMN by using the form on the back of this issue or email, ks@masonic-oregon.com. Thank you for reading this issue, and please take care. Fraternally,

Richard C. Komraus, Grand Secretary

The Grand Lodge office in Forest Grove, Oregon

OMN June 2020 5

R.W.B. Michael J. McGuyerDeputy Grand Master

Michael J. ”Mike” McGuyer was born in

Dallas, Texas, in 1956. Eight years later, he was trans-planted to North Plains, Ore., with his grandpar-ents. Mike attended many public schools over the years. After graduating high school, he attend-ed two years at Portland State University. Just be-fore starting at PSU, he met his wife, Debbi, at the Oaks Park skating rink. They were married three years later and discovered that Debbi’s parents had also met at the Oaks Park skating rink just as they had.

Mike worked at the Wigwam sporting goods store in Hillsboro as a clerk until age 21 when he was offered a job and ca-reer with his stepdad, Lee Bishop.

He learned television and appliance repair as well as business operations for approximately 15 years. In 1992, he formed Oregon Satellite and T.V. Inc. with business partner Patrick Reagan. The company still provides statewide com-mercial satellite services to businesses, hotels, banks, and the FAA.

In 2004, Mike and Debbi moved from Oregon City to Molalla. Affordability was part of the equation, but an RC flying field helped in the decision.

Mike was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on Jan. 14, 2006, in Molalla Lodge No. 178, when it was in Mulino. He was the last Master Mason to be raised at the old lo-cation. A short time later, the Lodge building and property were sold, so the Lodge could move back to downtown Molalla be-coming more visible and

to better serve the com-munity.

Mike’s first office was to serve as Senior Warden in 2007 and Master of Molalla Lodge the following year in 2008. This was a very busy year as a new Lodge building was being built in the downtown Molalla location. He later served as Junior Warden in 2011, Senior Warden in 2012 and Master once more in 2013. In 2014, he received the Hiram Award.

Mike’s Grand Lodge ser-vice started in M.W.B. Art Bush’s year serving as Junior Grand Deacon, as well as Grand Pursuivant for M.W.B. Rich Martin and M.W.B. Don Stapleton. He served as District Deputy for M.W.B. David Fryday and M.W.B. Michael Wick. The biggest surprise came when M.W.B. Art Borland asked Mike to be his Senior Grand Deacon in 2016. Mike has chaired the Fellows of the Craft as well as The Long Range Planning Committee. Mike is proud to be a member of the York Rite, Scottish Rite, Al Kader Shrine, and Order of the Eastern Star.

McGuyerEXPECTED TO BE GRAND MASTER-ELECT

The Grand Lodge office in Forest Grove, Oregon

OMN June 20206

Grand Master’s ItineraryThe Grand Lodge of Oregon continues to closely monitor

directives around mitigation of the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus outbreak. Due to the pandemic, many events

printed on the Grand Master’s calendar have been cancelled or postponed.

Please visit www.masonic-oregon.com/calendar for an up-to-date calendar.

J U N E4 — Grand Lodge of Oregon 170th Annual Communication (abbreviated): Salem Scottish Rite Center - U, S (Invite only) Please visit www.masonic-oregon.com/annual- communication for information and updates. 4 — Closed Installation of Elected 2020-2021 Grand Lodge Officers: Salem Scottish Rite Center, 12 p.m. - U, S (Invite only)6 — MESH/Trustee Meeting, 8 a.m.

A NOTE from the Grand Master’s Wife

If it were possible, I would be sending each of you a big

smile and my best greetings — in person! Of course, that’s not going to happen any time soon! Ron has finished his year, and of course we had a great and grand Annual Communication planned, which, as is written from a line in “To a Mouse,” by Robert Burns: “The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men / Gang aft agley.” i.e. (“The best laid plans o’mice and men often go awry.”)

Although, we didn’t have the opportunity to share these last few months with all of you, I am extremely blessed and happy to have had the opportunity to be with Ron every step of the way. Thank you to each Mason, and his family members, for helping to make this year special! Thank you for all the generosity and kindness shown to us, not just this year, but for all the meetings, picnics, parades, dances, socials, lunches, dinners, and breakfasts! Thank you for supporting Ron’s project and for all your wonderful hellos and goodbyes! Mostly, thank you for your friendly and accepting hugs and great smiles! I am looking forward to seeing everyone really soon, and hope you all have a safe, calm, and happy summer!

My Best to You, Kathy Eggers

MEDICAL B ILLS

MEDICAL E�UIPMENT

DENTAL B ILLS

This supplemental financial aid is

available to benefit the children of

Oregon Master Masons (5+ years). 

L E A R N M O R E A T W W W . M A S O N I C - O R E G O N . C O M

HE L P I NG OUR

MASON IC AM I L �

(503) 357-3158

CALL US TODAY

F I NANC IAL ASS ISTANCE

FOR C� I LDREN

OMN June 2020 7

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES This second report on the activities of the Grand Lodge Trustees covers the months of November 2019 through April 2020.

The monthly meetings of the Trustees have contained plenty of issues and activity. There

has been continued interest and participation by the Lodges in the Creating A Partnership Program or (CAP). Lodges are making good use of the 50 percent reimbursement aspect to boost education-focused efforts in their communities. This program lets Lodges iden-tify the needs in their community and focus their efforts where they see the opportunity.

Another area of sustained interest is the Lodge Repair & Restoration Program. As it concludes its second year, I am happy to report that all $100K of the fund has been dispersed. The third year of this program will be starting soon, so Lodges get those applications in as soon as you can.

Under the supervision of R.W.B. Greg Jenkins, Senior Grand Warden, the Trustees reviewed many Educational Assistance cases this year and awarded almost $89,000 in assistance. Some are repeat cases; however, many are new applications. This program is available to the children and grandchildren of our members that meet the criteria for assistance.

Unfortunately, the Trustees still see avoidable Lodge issues. One issue being Lodges not fil-ing their 990N with the IRS and after three years of not filing, lose their tax-exempt sta-tus. Let me tell you, it is expensive and time-consuming to regain. Filing is an easy process done online and must not be overlooked.

The Trustees attended several Annual Communications in other Jurisdictions. One of the few times all the Trustees travel to the same venue is the Conference of Grand Masters. This year it was held in Louisville, Ky. The Western Conference was held on Friday, the day before the Conference of Grand Masters begins. R.W.B. Mark Posler, Junior Grand Warden, gave a presentation on Lodge Security, a timely topic that was well received.

Occasionally the Trustees take a road trip (or three). R.W.B. Greg Jenkins, Senior Grand Warden, and I made several trips from November to March (over 1,600 miles) to Port Orford Lodge No. 170 to assist the Lodge with complicated issues and help with consolida-tion. This would not have been possible with-out the vital assistance of the Brethren of Sidney Croft Lodge No. 206. The two Lodges will soon be consolidated into Sidney Croft No. 206. Brethren in both Lodges are working to-gether to make sure the rich 100-year history of Port Orford Lodge is preserved. Now that’s Brothers helping Brothers!

With the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Trustees had to meet multiple times online via Zoom and Go To Meeting in order to maintain “Social Distancing” as required by the governor’s order and endorsed by the Grand Master. Many extraordinary decisions had to be made by the Trustees. Led by M.W.B. Ronald J. Eggers, the Trustees were able to make difficult decisions, some of them unprecedented. One of the most challenging issues was deciding what to do about Annual Communication. The Grand Lodge Trustees had to try and develop a plan to hold the Annual Communication which complies with the governor’s orders and the Masonic Code, while minimizing the risk of infection. No small task. To that end, it was decided to cancel the public portion of the Annual Communication, all banquets and receptions, as well as the venue at the Salem Convention Center. The Trustees of the Grand Lodge placed the health and well-being of its members as the highest priority when making these complicated decisions.

Finally, on behalf of the Trustees, I would like to thank M.W.B. Eggers for his leadership and guidance this past year, especially in uncharted waters. For me, it has been both a pleasure and honor to serve the Craft with the other Trustees, the Grand Secretary and the Grand Lodge staff.

Fraternally,R.W.B. Michael J. McGuyer,

Deputy Grand Master

A NOTE from the Grand Master’s Wife

If it were possible, I would be sending each of you a big

smile and my best greetings — in person! Of course, that’s not going to happen any time soon! Ron has finished his year, and of course we had a great and grand Annual Communication planned, which, as is written from a line in “To a Mouse,” by Robert Burns: “The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men / Gang aft agley.” i.e. (“The best laid plans o’mice and men often go awry.”)

Although, we didn’t have the opportunity to share these last few months with all of you, I am extremely blessed and happy to have had the opportunity to be with Ron every step of the way. Thank you to each Mason, and his family members, for helping to make this year special! Thank you for all the generosity and kindness shown to us, not just this year, but for all the meetings, picnics, parades, dances, socials, lunches, dinners, and breakfasts! Thank you for supporting Ron’s project and for all your wonderful hellos and goodbyes! Mostly, thank you for your friendly and accepting hugs and great smiles! I am looking forward to seeing everyone really soon, and hope you all have a safe, calm, and happy summer!

My Best to You, Kathy Eggers

OMN June 20208

HIGHLIGHTS OF M.W.B. EGGERS’ YEAR AS GRAND MASTERPhotos captured or provided by R.W.B. Mark L. Posler

1. Multnomah No. 1’s outdoor barbecue and Stated meeting; 2. M.W.B. Eggers giving a speech at the Salem Scottish Rite’s honors night; 3. Grand Lodge Officers and M.W.B. Tom Valente, P.G.M. of Montana, during the Official Visit to Vista Masonic No. 215; 4. M.W.B. Eggers with W.B. Craig Wilcox at his official visit to Esoterika No. 227; 5. Grand Master’s Official Visit to Fidelity No. 54 with W.B. Vernon Harris; 6. M.W.B. Ron and Kathy Eggers during Al Kader Shrine’s 2020 Installation.

1

2 3

4 5 6

OMN June 2020 9

THANk YOU FOR A GREAT YEAR!

M.W.B. Ron,

It has been wonderful to work with you this year. While the COVID-19 pandemic didn’t allow you to ac-complish all of the things on your agenda, Masonry in Oregon is better because of you and the role you served as Grand Master. Wishing you and Kathy the best in the years to come!

Warm regards, The Grand Lodge office staff

7. M.W.B. Ron and Kathy Eggers during dinner at the Masonic Communities and Services Association’s Home tour in Forest Grove; 8. M.W.B. Eggers and R.W.B. Mark Posler at the Grand Lodge of Missouri; 9. The Grand Master with W.B. Joseph Piazza during his official visit to Kenton No. 145; 10. M.W.B. Eggers with W.B. Lawrence Burbidge, W.B. Adam Bayer, and Warren Burkholder, Jr., during the official visit to Portland No. 55; 11. The Masonic and Eastern Star Home Board with Grand Secretary Rick Komraus and Grand Lodge office staff during the Masonic Communities and Services Association’s Home tour in Forest Grove.

7 8

9 10

11

OMN June 202010

S P E A K U P

L E A D T H E C O N V E R S A T I O NA N D I M P A C T T H E C R A F T

Freemasonry is as relevant today as it has perhaps ever been.

However, in an ever-changing environment, how we

communicate this is one of our key challenges. 

Adopted from the Freemasons of New Zealand, the Speak Up

for Freemasonry campaign has launched in Oregon. NZ Grand

Master, Mark Winger notes it "is intended to encourage

discussion about freemasonry in the wider community, to

remove barriers and to educate the public as to how, if they

wish, they can join. If [a man of caliber] shows genuine

interest, he should be provided with authorized literature and

verbal answers to legitimate questions."

Such literature has been adapted for Oregon Freemasonry in

the form of the booklet included in this mailing. Additional

copies are available for order from the Grand Lodge office.

Find a digital copy at www.masonic-oregon.com/speakup.

WW

W.M

AS

ON

IC-O

RE

GO

N.C

OM

/S

PE

AK

UP

F O RF R E E M A S O N R Y

So, let's focus on talking about our

wonderful institution and take opportunities

to raise our profile with the public, identify

men of caliber and start a conversation

about Freemasonry.

Pins and stickers also available to order.

M A S O N I CM Y T H

B U S T E R !

W O R D  O F

M O U T H

F R I E N D S  &  

F A M I L Y

B I G G E S T O P P O R T U N I T Y

With the COVID-19 outbreak affecting Oregon and the world, we know that

many members may find themselves in need. In order to help Master Masons affected by the coronavirus, the Grand Lodge has created a special Distressed Masons of Oregon Relief Fund, under the management of MasonicAid. Public programs may help with unemploy-ment and some financial assistance; but we’re here to help fill in the gaps.

This is for family needs directly related to the hardships caused by the virus and its eco-nomic impact. This could be for COVID-19 re-lated medical needs, rent, groceries, and util-ity payments. The goal is to help our members wherever a genuine need exists.

ELIGIBILITY FOR EMERGENCY FUNDSThese emergency funds will prioritize the needs of all resident Oregon Master Masons with 5+ years of good standing, however, should you find yourself in need as a result of COVID-19, please do not hesitate to submit a request for assistance. This emergency finan-cial assistance can be applied for when other options have been exhausted.

• Demonstrate an immediate financial need• Be willing to apply for all eligible public benefits and resources• Be willing to complete an application and provide any supporting documen- tation, as requested

If you qualify for financial assistance through MasonicAid, you may receive funds through that program instead. We will help you navi-gate our programs as needed.

ADDITIONAL SERVICESThe Grand Lodge and the Masonic and Eastern Star Home offer additional services under the rubric of MasonicAid, including the following:

Information and referral servicesMasonicAid can recommend helpful services and resources available in your own commu-nity, including legal aid, employment support, food stamps/TANF benefits, other public as-sistance, and resources for economic issues such as foreclosure or eviction.

Case managementFor eligible Masons and their families who require additional support, MasonicAid case managers can provide ongoing case manage-ment for as long as needed. We work with you to develop a care plan that is flexible and spe-cific to your situation, including home visits and help connecting to local resources.

Financial assistanceMasonicAid can provide one-time financial support for eligible Masons, their wife or wid-ow, and female members of the Eastern Star. This support is offered to help fill financial gaps that may have occurred due to medical needs, loss of income, etc.

GETTING STARTED Questions or ready to apply? Submit a request for information online at www.masonic-oregon.com/relief or call us at (503) 357-3158. MasonicAid staff will get back to you as soon as possible.

WISHING TO SUPPORT THIS EFFORT? If you’d like to make a donation, you may do so at www.masonic-oregon.com/donate.

www.masonic-oregon.com/relief

OMN June 2020 11

S P E A K U P

L E A D T H E C O N V E R S A T I O NA N D I M P A C T T H E C R A F T

Freemasonry is as relevant today as it has perhaps ever been.

However, in an ever-changing environment, how we

communicate this is one of our key challenges. 

Adopted from the Freemasons of New Zealand, the Speak Up

for Freemasonry campaign has launched in Oregon. NZ Grand

Master, Mark Winger notes it "is intended to encourage

discussion about freemasonry in the wider community, to

remove barriers and to educate the public as to how, if they

wish, they can join. If [a man of caliber] shows genuine

interest, he should be provided with authorized literature and

verbal answers to legitimate questions."

Such literature has been adapted for Oregon Freemasonry in

the form of the booklet included in this mailing. Additional

copies are available for order from the Grand Lodge office.

Find a digital copy at www.masonic-oregon.com/speakup.

WW

W.M

AS

ON

IC-O

RE

GO

N.C

OM

/S

PE

AK

UP

F O RF R E E M A S O N R Y

So, let's focus on talking about our

wonderful institution and take opportunities

to raise our profile with the public, identify

men of caliber and start a conversation

about Freemasonry.

Pins and stickers also available to order.

M A S O N I CM Y T H

B U S T E R !

W O R D  O F

M O U T H

F R I E N D S  &  

F A M I L Y

B I G G E S T O P P O R T U N I T Y

S P E A K U P

L E A D T H E C O N V E R S A T I O NA N D I M P A C T T H E C R A F T

Freemasonry is as relevant today as it has perhaps ever been.

However, in an ever-changing environment, how we

communicate this is one of our key challenges. 

Adopted from the Freemasons of New Zealand, the Speak Up

for Freemasonry campaign has launched in Oregon. NZ Grand

Master, Mark Winger notes it "is intended to encourage

discussion about freemasonry in the wider community, to

remove barriers and to educate the public as to how, if they

wish, they can join. If [a man of caliber] shows genuine

interest, he should be provided with authorized literature and

verbal answers to legitimate questions."

Such literature has been adapted for Oregon Freemasonry in

the form of the booklet included in this mailing. Additional

copies are available for order from the Grand Lodge office.

Find a digital copy at www.masonic-oregon.com/speakup.

WW

W.M

AS

ON

IC-O

RE

GO

N.C

OM

/S

PE

AK

UP

F O RF R E E M A S O N R Y

So, let's focus on talking about our

wonderful institution and take opportunities

to raise our profile with the public, identify

men of caliber and start a conversation

about Freemasonry.

Pins and stickers also available to order.

M A S O N I CM Y T H

B U S T E R !

W O R D  O F

M O U T H

F R I E N D S  &  

F A M I L Y

B I G G E S T O P P O R T U N I T Y

S P E A K U P

L E A D T H E C O N V E R S A T I O NA N D I M P A C T T H E C R A F T

Freemasonry is as relevant today as it has perhaps ever been.

However, in an ever-changing environment, how we

communicate this is one of our key challenges. 

Adopted from the Freemasons of New Zealand, the Speak Up

for Freemasonry campaign has launched in Oregon. NZ Grand

Master, Mark Winger notes it "is intended to encourage

discussion about freemasonry in the wider community, to

remove barriers and to educate the public as to how, if they

wish, they can join. If [a man of caliber] shows genuine

interest, he should be provided with authorized literature and

verbal answers to legitimate questions."

Such literature has been adapted for Oregon Freemasonry in

the form of the booklet included in this mailing. Additional

copies are available for order from the Grand Lodge office.

Find a digital copy at www.masonic-oregon.com/speakup.

WW

W.M

AS

ON

IC-O

RE

GO

N.C

OM

/S

PE

AK

UP

F O RF R E E M A S O N R Y

So, let's focus on talking about our

wonderful institution and take opportunities

to raise our profile with the public, identify

men of caliber and start a conversation

about Freemasonry.

Pins and stickers also available to order.

M A S O N I CM Y T H

B U S T E R !

W O R D  O F

M O U T H

F R I E N D S  &  

F A M I L Y

B I G G E S T O P P O R T U N I T Y

WW

W.M

ASO

NIC

-OR

EG

ON

.CO

M/S

PE

AK

UP

MASONICMYTH

BUSTER!

OMN June 202012

EXCERPTS FROM THE MASONIC TRIAL OF ANDREW TAYLOR STILL, MD, DOFOUNDER OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINEBy Worshipful Brother David Tate, MPS

In the summer of 1874, Andrew Taylor Still, MD, sat for a Masonic trial in Baldwin City, Palmyra Lodge, No. 23, Grand Lodge of Kansas, A.F. & A.M. He was found not guilty by just one vote. Or was he?

Evidence for a Trial

In 1975, J. D. Raynesford, DO, an osteopathic phy-sician, examined the truth behind the trial of

Andrew Taylor (or A.T.) Still. As a student at Kirks-ville College of Osteopathy and Surgery in 1930,

Dr. Raynesford was taught that A.T. was “evicted from

membership in both his Methodist Church and Masonic Lodge”1 for his unorthodox concepts in medicine.

Later, when Dr. Raynes-ford became a Mason, he became less convinced of the trial’s story. The Grand Lodge of Kansas provided

a copy of Dr. Still’s mem-bership records, showing he

joined the Craft in 1868. A visit to the Lodge found

no direct evidence of a Masonic trial, but many of the early Lodge records had been destroyed by fire. A.T. had continued as a dues-paying Lodge member until 1886.

The best-written evidence of a trial comes from The Journal of Osteopathy, February 1929. The article is a lecture given by Charles E. Still, DO, son of A.T. Still, to the freshman class at Kirksville College of Osteopathy and Surgery. Similar to the story Raynesford heard one year later, Charles said, “The members also threat-ened to put him out of this Lodge. They lacked one vote of carrying out this threat.”2 Unfortu-nately, Charles stated in the same lecture that his father was the first Worshipful Master of the Lodge. We know this is not true since the Lodge was founded nine years before A.T.’s member-ship.

Dr. Still does not mention a Masonic trial in his autobiography or other writings. He did write that as a Mason, he was able to “grant all sects and individuals the right to choose and live with the religious, political or scientific organization of their choice.”3

All this, combined with the Masonic terminol-ogy in Dr. Still’s writings on osteopathy, makes it difficult to believe in a full, legal Masonic trial. If one did occur, it did not result in his expulsion from the fraternity or embitter him to the Craft.

The Perfection of ManStill “discovered” osteopathy on June 22, 1874.

Writing in his autobiography, “like a burst of sunshine the whole truth dawned on my mind, that I was gradually approaching a science by study, research, and observation that would be a great benefit to the world.”4 As summarized by biographer John Lewis;

“Ten years had passed since Still’s children died of meningitis and his doubts about medi-cine and Methodism remained unresolved. Troubling him most was the apparent contra-diction between the doctrine of original sin and the phrase, continually repeated by ministers, “All of God’s work is perfect… Why then, Still questioned, did ministers preach that ‘God’s works prove His perfection?’ If man - supposedly the crowning glory of ‘God’s work’ - was imper-fect, surely, that would prove His imperfection.”5

The perfection of man was a radical concept in mid-19th century America, both from a religious and a medical perspective. Medically, this was an era before the understanding of germs and disease. A physician’s intervention was mostly limited to quinine, mercury, opium, and whiskey. Broken limbs were amputated, and infections were fatal.

Since before the Civil War, Dr. Still had been experimenting with a number of treatments like light and water therapy for wound treatment, bone setting for fractures, and muscular-skele-tal manipulation to promote correct structure to improve blood circulation, breathing, and other body functions. His revelation in June 1874 was that God made man perfect because he created a body with the ability to heal itself; a reflection of God’s perfection. The role of the physician was to promote the patient’s healing, not distract it with poisons.

Dr. Andrew Taylor Still

OMN June 2020 13

Religiously, this was problematic as a son of a Methodist minister and founder of both the community and its university. From the pulpit, A.T. was called, “an apostate of the first water” who’s “tactics” would “land him in hell.”6 Pa-tients who came forward to testify about how his hands-on approach to healing sparked claims Dr. Still was trying to perform miracles. On July 7, he was publicly charged by the church with 10 crimes, including blasphemy and sacrilege.7

So we are asked to believe that sometime during this hectic period of about 60 days, the Brothers of Palmyra Lodge No. 23, according to Still family legend, held a Masonic trial and vot-ed to remove Dr. Still’s membership. This seems highly unlikely for a variety of reasons.

Without a doubt, Still’s actions and reactions from his professional colleagues, university lead-ership, and his pastor and congregation would have been well known to almost everyone in this small town, including Masons. Should Masons have been alarmed about what was being said by and about A.T. Still?

Is a Philosophy Claiming the Perfection of Man a Problem for Masonry?

At first glance, little about Masonry supports a philosophy based on the perfection of man. From the very beginning of our Masonic journey, we seek light, implying we are in the dark desir-ing a higher or more perfect state. We are clearly not in a state of perfection.

The imagery of the three movable jewels of the Lodge describes the perfection of man as A.T. Still applied Masonry to medicine. When a patient (rough ashlar) comes to the physician seeking treatment (light), Dr. Still believed that health and wellness (the perfect ashlar) were already within them as proclaimed by the Holy Bible (the trestleboard), “You must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”8

In other words, the physician does not create health and wellness, any more than the Lodge creates a perfect ashlar. The perfection of the

ashlar, as with the perfection of man, exists by the design of the Supreme Architect and glory of God. As the Lodge provides working tools that assist the Brother to shape the perfect ashlar, so the physician provides the working tools that as-sist the patient to return to perfection. In words accredited to Michelangelo, “The sculpture is al-ready complete within the marble block, before I start my work. It is already there, I just have to chisel away the superfluous material.”

A.T. Still’s claim was no different than Michel-angelo’s. As stated by a colleague of Dr. Still, “The theory back of the use of the drug was that some kind, or any substance, taken into the body would or could work a cure. In the midst of this dismal credulity came A. T. Still, MD, with this message: The body itself contains all the chemicals, all the medicines, necessary for the cure of disease.”9

ConclusionStill did not claim to place the design of hu-

man health and wellness upon the trestleboard of his patients. He believed this was the work of the Supreme Architect. The accusations of blas-phemy and sacrilege, at least from a Masonic viewpoint, were baseless.

While the evidence suggests no formal trial was held, had one been held, it is difficult to be-lieve a jury would have been split. Dr. Still’s belief in the body’s perfect design of self-regulation, self-healing, and health maintenance cannot be seen as a threat to Masonic philosophy.

Rather than a trial, I would submit that in the summer of 1874, Dr. Still’s behavior and public condemnation caused embarrassment to some Masons and a lively discussion, either within Lodge or at refreshment, centered on distanc-ing Dr. Still from the Lodge. In the end, by for-mal vote or informal consensus, a majority of his Brothers choose to stand by his side. Brotherly love and harmony may have been tested, but ul-timately prevailed.

In Memory of Worshipful Brother Eugene Updike Still, a longtime member at Sunnyside Lodge No. 163, A.F. & A.M. of Oregon, and great-grandson of Andrew Taylor Still, MD, DO. Prepared for the Publication Review Committee of Research Lodge No. 198, A.F. & A.M. of Oregon, for publication in the Oregon Masonic News on behalf of the Lodge.

1. An Inquiry Into the Masonic History of Andrew Taylor Still by J. D. Raynesford, DO; 2. The Journal of Osteopathy; 3. & 4. Autobiography of Andrew Taylor Still; 5., 6., & 7. A.T. Still: From the Dry Bone to the Living Man by John Lewis; 8. Matthew 5:48; 9. Dr. A.T. Still, Founder of Osteopathy by Michael A. Lane. *Source page available in the digital issue of the June OMN, www.masonic-oregon.com/oregon-masonic-news.

OMN June 202014

BEHIND THE CLOUD

While walking my dog on our morn-ing sojourn, I met a neighbor who

was bemoaning the myriad dark clouds covering the sky. “It’s so depressing,” she said. “I just want to hide out in my house.” This is a woman who is generally a smil-ing, happy soul. I said, “But behind all those dark, black clouds, the Sun is still shining warm and bright. Think about that. The clouds will move away and re-veal the beautiful light they have been hiding.” As we parted, I could not stop thinking about that picture that had come to me: light behind the darkness.

Recently, all our lives have been im-pacted by the heavy weight of a fright-ening pandemic, shutting us off from interpersonal relations, sequestering us in our homes. Suddenly the rich inter-change of social friendships, business, and vocational relationships, taken for granted just days before, were missed. As humans, we need smiles, laughter, con-versation, caring hugs, and warm greet-ings with handshakes. As God’s creatures we are not islands but individual links in a chain of unity, joined together for the benefit of each and all.

The more I thought of this sunlight be-hind the clouds the more I saw it as an opportunity for the Masonic renaissance I have long felt coming, just waiting for the right moment to burst through. More than ever I think that time is NOW.

The isolation of the current pandemic has brought home to those who have for too long separated themselves from others the revelation that life is better when shared. Some have hidden in self-

isolation to escape social or political tur-moil, some from fear of personal rela-tionships or failures of various kinds, and a vast majority have sheltered behind the impersonal addiction of social media. More and more eyes are opening, and hearts are crying out for love and fulfill-ment, not lives of loneliness and devoid of meaning.

As has been true for so many for so long: Masonry has the answer. The fraternity provides the opportunity for each man to have a loving and welcoming family, the promise of fulfillment by working side by side with others of like mind in building a life of high principles, service to oth-ers, and cooperation in bringing peace, brotherly understanding and caring to all humanity. Love is truly the strongest force in the world, and it travels in both directions on the Masonic Highway. Ma-sons are the truest of friends and genu-inely care for and about each other. The Masonic fraternity provides a warm and welcoming home to those who sincerely accept its precepts and unique philoso-phy of building a better man through re-spect and brotherhood.

Masons sweep away clouds of darkness and reveal the bright light that shines eternally on all. Dear Brothers, let your light be a blinding invitation to join in a renaissance of the human spirit. We have been handed a remarkable opportunity. USE IT.

Fraternally,W.B. Robert Stark, P.M. Medford Lodge No. 103

OMN June 2020 15

Corvallis Lodge

On Feb. 19, W.B. Ted Balestreri, Grand Orator, presented an educational lec-

ture on “Many of Masonic Secrets are more than what we hear in the degrees and that the Rosicrucians influenced our Degrees by leaving their Renaissance secrets in plain view within our Order.” There were over 45 Brothers in attendance for both Corvallis Lodge’s Stated meeting and refreshments. In addition to the Grand Orator, R.W.B. Rick Hammel, Jr., District Deputy No. 12, as well as seven Lodges — Eugene No. 11, Corvallis No. 14, St. Johns No. 17, Jefferson No. 33, Scio No. 39, McKenzie River No. 195, and Marys River No. 221 — were in attendance.

Submitted by, Worshipful Master Rusty Root

Beaverton Masonic Lodge

Monday, 9 a.m. sharp has been the unofficial meeting time for what is now known as

Monday Morning Coffee and in years past as Don’s Drop-in. This has been a time-honored tradition at Beaverton Masonic Lodge No. 100 for more than two decades. Except for a few holidays, we have only missed a handful of meetings. The Worshipful Master, Wardens, and a few Monday Morning Coffee regulars decided that social distancing will not be the reason for missing this tradition. Starting Monday, April 13, and every Monday since, several of our Monday Morning Coffee crew along with other Brothers and friends meet online. The Brothers laugh, talk, share gardening tips, and fellowship.

Submitted by, Worshipful Master Greg Jackson

Pictured left to right, top to bottom: James Sonsteng, SW; Jason Kaltenbacher, PM;

Don Martin, PM; and Dan Gray, PM

NEWS FROM OUR LODGES

Oregon Masonic NewsThe Oregon Masonic News is published monthly (except July and August) by authority of the trustees of The Grand Lodge, A.F. & A.M., of Oregon. Editors are the trustees of the Grand Lodge. Deadline for copy is the fifth of the month preceding the publication date. Example: May 5 for the June issue.High resolution photos, along with story submissions, may be sent electronically to the Grand Secretary. Photos should not be reduced in size. Printed photos are also acceptable. If you scan your own photos, they should be at least 300 dpi. Photocopies are NOT acceptable.The Oregon Masonic News is a publication of the Grand Lodge, A.F. & A.M., of Oregon and unauthorized dupli-cation is strictly forbidden. Proprietary rights to all articles published in the Oregon Masonic News are the sole property of the author and cannot be reproduced without express permission of the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge, A.F. & A.M., of Oregon.“News of Lodges” is solicited. Rights are reserved to edit all submitted material, and views expressed in articles may not necessarily be the official position of the Grand Lodge nor an endorsement thereof. Non-members’ do-mestic-subscription rate is $5 per year. PLEASE NOTE: The mailing address is Oregon Masonic News, 2150 Masonic Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116. Phone: 503-357-3158; outside the Portland-area, 800-970-9920. Fax: 503-357-1815. Website: www.masonic-oregon.com. Email: rkomraus@masonic-oregon.com.

OREGON MASONIC NEWSThe Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of OR2150 Masonic WayForest Grove, OR 97116

Change service requested

NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE

PAIDSALEM OR

PERMIT NO. 526

Scan this QR Code for a quick link to the Grand Lodge website.

OMN FEEDBACK FORM

What content do you enjoy most? What would you like to see that’s not included?

We want to hear from you! Help us improve the Oregon Masonic News by completing the feedback form below and mail to the Grand Lodge office, ATTN: Editor of the OMN, 2150 Masonic Way,

Forest Grove, OR 97116. Thank you!

Anything else we should know?

The Oregon Masonic News is not published during the months of July and August. If you are interested in submitting news from your Lodge or an article for publication, please email ks@masonic-oregon.com. Submission deadline for the September issue is Aug. 5.

What did you enjoy about this special issue?