08/03/2026
As you are undoubtedly aware, Eastern Washington - and particularly the Spokane region - has experienced devastating wildfires over the past several days. More than 60,000 people have been forced to evacuate their homes, and more than 640 homes have been lost. Many families continue to face uncertainty as firefighters work to contain these fast-moving fires.
Unfortunately, members of our own Scottish Rite family have been affected. While damage assessments continue, we know that several of our Brethren remain evacuated from their homes. Two Scottish Rite Masons have lost their homes entirely, another has sustained significant damage to his property, and we continue working to identify any additional brethren or families who may be in need of assistance.
I would ask each of you to please forward this message to the members of your Valley as soon as possible. Doing so will help ensure that Brethren who may need assistance know where to turn, and that those wishing to help have a reliable and coordinated means of doing so.
In times such as these, we are reminded that Scottish Rite is more than an organization - it is a Brotherhood founded upon compassion, relief, and our unwavering commitment to one another. I also ask that each Personal Representative and General Secretary reach out to the brethren in your Valley, particularly those who may have family or ties to Eastern Washington, to determine whether any additional assistance is needed.
To ensure that relief efforts are coordinated efficiently and assistance reaches those who need it most, we are asking that all donations be directed through Washington Masonic Services. Likewise, any brother or family in need of assistance should contact Washington Masonic Services directly, where immediate disaster relief resources are available.
To request assistance, please contact Washington Masonic Services at 253-442-2505 or 844-288-3531 to speak with a member of the Masonic Outreach Services Team.
To make a donation to the Washington Masonic Services Disaster Relief Fund, please visit:
https://www.masonscare.org/?give=8NDR96EK
For well over a decade, Scottish Rite in the Orient of Washington has partnered with Washington Masonic Services to provide donated medical equipment to Masons, their families and members of the general public throughout our state. Their proven ability to respond to the needs of our Masonic family makes them the ideal organization to coordinate this disaster relief effort as well.
Please continue to keep all those affected - including our Brethren, their families, first responders, and the many volunteers - in your thoughts and prayers. As additional information becomes available, I will continue to keep you informed.
Thank you for your continued compassion, generosity, and steadfast commitment to caring for one another. It is during times like these that the true strength of our fraternity is most clearly demonstrated.
Fraternally,
Roger Nelson, 33
Deputy of the Supreme Council
AASR Southern Jurisdiction
