APRIL

GRAND COMMANDER'S MESSAGE

Greetings, Fraters;
Well, this shall not be the last time I will address you in that format, but it will be the last time I can as your Grand Commander. I'm reminded of the Von Trapp Family farewell song in the "Sound of Music," and so it is with mixed emotions that I will have passed the sword to your new Grand Commander, or will do so shortly after this issue is in your hands. I would like to say that it has been a great honor to have been elected, installed and served as your Grand Commander. With the approved tactics, all of the Oregon constituent Commanderies have the same ritual to follow, and though it is not the most important aspect of Templary, it aids to unify and I must say I am proud to have been properly received at all my Official visits. Still, the main effort must be to recruit and knight our replacements, to which your new Grand Commander pledges his effort. And so, my Fraters, I return to the ranks and continue my support of the Oregon Grand Commandery of Knights Templar.
Courteously,
John A. Friedrichsen, Grand Commander

INCOMING GRAND COMMANDER'S MESSAGE

We are beginning a new year, in a new decade, in a new millennium and we have our work cut out for us. We are losing members at such a high rate that if we continue without a change we will cease to exist as a Grand Commandery within the next ten years. We must get new members if we expect to continue as a Masonic Christian Order.
I believe our future lies in our programs, the Knight Templar Eye Foundation and the Holy Land Pilgrimage Program. We must carry those programs into our local communities to show the work we do. We must demonstrate to our Lodge brethren that Knights Templar is more than uniforms and marching, we are the Christian Masons who perform works of charity and brotherly love as taught by our Lord Jesus Christ.
As the Grand Officers, District Supervisors and I visit your Commanderies, we will share with you ways to improve visibility among our Masonic brethren and with those in our communities. Together we can turn this loss trend around and build a stronger Order of Christian Masons and make Knights Templar known throughout Oregon.
< In Hoc Signo Vinces,
Robert V. "Rob" Long
Deputy Grand Commander

Knights Templar Eye Foundation

Sir Knights,
Only thirty days remain for the 32nd Voluntary Campaign. April 30th is the closing deadline. The report you will hear at the Grand Conclave on April 8th will be the updated report, as of the 24th of March. This cutoff date is necessary because of the time element involved in sending the money to K.T.E.F., Chicago, and have their official report returned to me. Never fear, the final report will be in the Oregon Supplement as soon as the figures are complete from Chicago. Lets be sure all the contributions are sent in by April 30th.
Thanks again to those who have responded so well to this very worthwhile Voluntary Campaign.
Courteously,
Chuck Svensen
Chairman, K.T.E.F. in Oregon
24207 Old Peak Rd.
Philomath, Oregon 97370
Phone: 541-929-3824