Manito Lodge No. 246
Free & Accepted Masons of Washington
October 2026 Trestle Board
From the East
Brethren,
As the days grow shorter and autumn settles upon us, we are reminded that the work of a
Mason is never truly finished. Just as the operative masons of old labored diligently to perfect
their craft, we too must continually strive to improve ourselves, strengthen our bonds of
Brotherhood, and uphold the principles upon which our great Fraternity was founded.
With our newly installed officers assuming their respective stations and places, we begin
another chapter in the history of Manito Lodge No. 246. I am grateful to each Brother who has
accepted the responsibility of serving our Lodge. The strength of any Lodge rests not simply in
the officers who lead it, but in the dedication of every Brother who contributes his time,
talents, and fellowship.
As we look toward the remainder of this Masonic year, I encourage each of you to consider how
you might contribute to the continued success of our Lodge. Whether through ritual
proficiency, committee service, mentorship, or simply being present, every Brother has
something valuable to offer.
The Work Before Us
Our October Stated Communication provided an opportunity to gather in fellowship and
continue preparing our newly installed officer corps for the work ahead.
We had originally contemplated conferring a Fellowcraft Degree on Saturday, October 10, but
determined that additional preparation would better serve both our officers and our candidate.
Rather than rush the work, we scheduled a Second Degree practice following our October
Stated Communication.
There is no shame in taking additional time to prepare. The ritual we have inherited deserves
our utmost care and attention. When we confer a Degree, we owe it to the candidate, to those
who have gone before us, and to those who will follow to present that work with the dignity,
precision, and sincerity it deserves.
I encourage every Brother, whether an officer or not, to take an active interest in our ritual
work. There is always something to learn, something to improve, and an opportunity to assist a
fellow Brother.
November Stated Communication
Monday, November 9, 2026
Dinner: 5:30 PM
Gavel: 6:30 PM
Location: Manito Masonic Temple, 2715 S. Grand Boulevard, Spokane
Attend in person or via Zoom.
Our November Stated Communication will include several important matters deserving the
attention of our membership.
Audit Committee Report
Our Audit Committee will present the results of its review of the Lodge's financial records. This
is an important part of our responsibility as stewards of the Lodge's resources, and I encourage
every Brother to attend and hear the committee's findings.
Financial accountability is essential to maintaining the trust of our membership and ensuring
that our Lodge remains on sound footing for generations to come.
Proposed Increase to Annual Dues
We will also discuss a proposed increase to our annual Lodge dues.
Like many organizations, our Lodge must balance the costs of maintaining its operations with
our responsibility to remain financially sustainable. As we consider the future of Manito Lodge,
we must ensure that the decisions we make today support the continued prosperity of our
Brotherhood.
A separate formal notice outlining the proposed dues adjustment will be mailed to the
membership in advance of a vote at our December 14, 2026, Stated Communication.
I encourage every Brother to review the proposal and participate in the discussion at our
November meeting. This is an important decision that deserves the thoughtful consideration of
our membership.
Your Participation Matters
Whether you regularly attend Lodge or have not joined us in some time, I encourage you to
make November 9 a priority.
For those unable to attend in person, we will offer the opportunity to participate via Zoom.
While nothing can quite replace the fellowship we enjoy when gathered together, technology
allows us to remain connected with Brothers who might otherwise be unable to attend.
Our Lodge belongs to its Brethren, and its future is shaped by those willing to take part in its
work.
Building for the Future
As we look toward the future of Manito Lodge, important conversations remain before us
regarding our facilities and the long-term needs of our Brotherhood.
Our Temple has been the setting for countless Degrees, friendships, celebrations, and
memories. These are not insignificant things, and the history contained within its walls deserves
our respect.
Yet a Lodge is not defined by the building in which it meets. It is defined by the Brethren who
assemble within it, the principles they uphold, and the Light they carry into the world.
As we continue considering our long-term facilities and the possibility of a new home for
Manito Lodge, I encourage every Brother to remain engaged, ask questions, and contribute
thoughtfully to our discussions.
Our responsibility is not simply to preserve what we have inherited, but to ensure that the
Brothers who follow us inherit a Lodge that is strong, vibrant, and prepared for the future.
Whatever course we ultimately choose, let us approach these decisions with harmony, mutual
respect, and a shared commitment to the continued prosperity of Manito Lodge No. 246.
The Importance of Brotherhood
It is easy to become occupied with Lodge business, ritual proficiency, and the responsibilities of
our respective offices. Yet we must never lose sight of one of Masonry's greatest gifts:
Brotherhood.
A simple telephone call, a shared meal, or an invitation to return to Lodge can mean more than
we realize.
We all know Brothers whose attendance has become less frequent. Some have moved away,
others face health challenges, and many simply find that the demands of life have made regular
attendance difficult.
I encourage each of you to reach out to a Brother you have not seen in a while. Not to ask him
to serve on a committee or take on another responsibility, but simply to let him know that he is
remembered and valued.
Brotherly Love is more than a phrase we hear in Lodge. It is an obligation we carry with us into
our daily lives.
The strength of our Fraternity is measured not only by the work performed within the Lodge,
but also by the genuine care we demonstrate for one another beyond its doors.
A Final Thought from the East
Brethren, the working tools of our Craft remind us that the improvement of our character
requires constant labor.
The Twenty-Four-Inch Gauge teaches us to make proper use of our time. The Common Gavel
reminds us to divest ourselves of the vices and superfluities of life. And the Square teaches us
to square our actions by the Square of Virtue.
These lessons are as relevant today as they were when we first received them.
We are not expected to be perfect men, but we are charged to become better men through the
lessons of Freemasonry.
As we continue this Masonic year, let us be deliberate in our actions, charitable in our
judgments, and faithful to the obligations we have taken.
May Brotherly Love prevail, may our labors be productive, and may the Great Architect of the
Universe continue to guide and protect Manito Lodge No. 246.
I look forward to seeing you on November 9, whether in person or via Zoom.
Fraternally and sincerely,
Dainon Setzer
Worshipful Master
Manito Lodge No. 246
Upcoming Lodge Dates
Monday, November 9, 2026: Stated Communication
Dinner at 5:30 PM
Gavel at 6:30 PM
Audit Committee presentation
Discussion of proposed annual dues increase
Attendance available in person or via Zoom
Monday, December 14, 2026: Stated Communication
Dinner at 5:30 PM
Gavel at 6:30 PM
Scheduled vote on proposed annual dues increase, subject to required notice and
procedures
Manito Masonic Temple
2715 S. Grand Boulevard
Spokane, WA
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for Brethren to dwell together in unity!
Psalm 133:1