The Dec. 19 article titled: “Freemasons fight City Hall,” which ran in the local section was certainly misleading and should be clarified. Freemasons, throughout their history, have been noted for their support of the established government. Like all other citizens in this country, as individuals they have a right to disagree with government officials from time to time and to take issue with government when it seems to be headed in the wrong direction.
As far as engaging in a fight with city hall, the city has condemned the long time meeting place of the Scottish Rite. It has offered an opening bid as compensation for the property. While the Scottish Rite has no desire to leave its long time home, it recognizes the authority of the city to acquire property though its legal processes. An attorney has been engaged to ensure that the organization receives a fair price for the property that will be taken from it and that all of the rights inherit in the law and constitution are properly applied. If the city’s condemnation of the property is within the law, then every Mason has an obligation to conform and submit to the ruling of the court.
As an individual member of the Scottish Rite and other Masonic bodies, I do not want to lose our existing meeting place since its central location is ideal for the meetings of the different Masonic groups in the area. Local applicants for a Scottish Rite Scholarship Foundation scholarship or fellowship are interviewed here. State wide, the Foundation awarded $193,000 in scholarships for the 2001-02 year. Over the last five years, local students have been awarded an average of $20,000 per year in scholarships and fellowships.
In addition, the location is ideal for parents of children with language disabilities to be trained in working with therapists in their child’s treatment and recovery. The treatment at these early childhood language disorders clinics is available at no cost and open to all children in the area as well as throughout the state of Washington.
The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry is a long time contributing member of this community. Far from “fighting city hall” it is an organization that supports good government and gives a whole lot back to the city it lives in.
Marysville
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