Brethren,
Here is part 3 of the Weber – Olds story. The trial portion is shorter since much of it was the same. This is followed by the stories of several Masons who were involved; County Treasurer Frank Hacheney, Penumbra Kelly the Multnomah County Sheriff (you may have heard the name recently in connection to the disputed building in the Portland news) and Andrew Roberts. A number of other Masons are also included. More to come.
Michael Robinson 32º K.C.C.H.
Orient Historian
Brethren,
Here continues the story of the Killing of Emil Weber in front of the Masonic Temple in Portland. The trial of “Sandy” Olds took place soon after the murder. The details of the trial are herein revealed. This is followed by the stories of two Masons who were on the jury and the relatives of one of those men, who were also Masons. The next chapter will follow soon and has the stories of several other Masons who played a part in the event and the trial, and several other Masons connected to them.
Fraternally,
Michael D. Robinson, 32°, K.C.C.H.
Oregon Scottish Rite Orient Historian
Please enjoy the first part of Brother Michael Robinson’s revealing of the story of Emil Weber, murdered in 1889 at the former Masonic Temple at 3rd and Alder in downtown Portland.
Listen to “The Way of the Walk: Circumambulation itself” on Spreaker.
For your listening enjoyment Circumambulations; Scottish Rite Symbols & Stories.
This series sponsored by the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite, SJ, “explores the ideas and symbols of Freemasonry, in particular the Scottish Rite Degrees, and supplements them with insight from other historical, cultural and esoteric traditions from around the world.” Hosted by Illustrious Brother Mark Oldknow, 33°, from the Valley of Santa Fe in the Orient of New Mexico.
Brethren,
I wish that we could all be together for the Annual Grand Lodge Communication, but alas, such are the way of things right now. Over the last several months I have done my best to offer you stories of Masonic Light in this time of darkness. I have sent out 32 stories in 75 days, many written or greatly expanded during this time. I hope that I have been able to entertain and educate you about some of the great men and Masons in Oregon History, and given you some ideas for your Lodge Histories.
Today a new Grand Master will be elected and his officers appointed, we wish them all the best of luck in what will likely be another challenging year. Thank you MWB Eggers for allowing me to serve in your Grand Line this year, and thank you Brothers for taking the time to read my ramblings.
For my last act as Grand Historian, for the year, I present WB Joseph A. Sladen 33º. Through his long military career, he was the embodiment of Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence and Justice. A Peacemaker who worked across the color lines, serving as an office of Colored Troops during the Civil War and helping Gen. Howard bring opportunity and education to former Slaves during Reconstruction. Soldier, Hero, Doctor, and Professor, he repeatedly put himself on the line to bring Peace between Whites and the Native Americans tribes of the west. He left a legacy of service to this country, that rippled through several generations. I started his story with a biography written by Seth Pope, about one and a half pages; with some effort I was able to expand that a bit.
Click here to read Reading Masons and Masons Who Do Not Read by Albert Mackey
Click here to read Berryman Jennings Story by Brother Frank Knoll, annotated by WBr. Michael Robinson.
If you’ve missed any of Br. Robinson’s articles you can check out the previous publications here: https://oregonscottishrite.wordpress.com/history-papers-articles/
Photo credit WBr. Dan Gray from the Wreath Ceremony at MWBr. Berryman Jennings gravesite, May 30th, 2020
The Brethren assembled
Most Worshipful Brother Ron Eggers, 33°, Grand Master of Masons in Oregon 2019-2020, performing the dedication ceremony.
Brethren,
You will recall article #7, has a bio of Elbert Bede, here is his article about the Morgan Affair. Morgan, Taxil and their like, liars, cheats and conman, have their day, but when the spin stops history tells the story of who they really were, and from that they can not escape. When speaking of the vilification of the descent by the corrupt Bede points out “Again it was demonstrated that no party or movement can long endure when its controlling impulse is an intolerant attack upon the personal beliefs or social relationships of others. Bigotry, passion, hysteria, intolerance, hate may sway a people or a nation for a brief moment only.”
Michael D. Robinson Grand Historian
Click here to read The Morgan Affair
If you’ve missed any of Br. Robinson’s articles you can check out the previous publications here: https://oregonscottishrite.wordpress.com/history-papers-articles/