Robert A. Farrow
Northwest Regional Deputy General Grand Master

The Northwest Region York Rite Conference will take place on October 18-20, 2018 at the Red Lion Downtowner hotel in Boise Idaho. The Northwest Region consists of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado.  It is held annually in Boise since it is a central location. Unlike most other Regions we must ask that all guns be left at the door.

There are two reasons for having this conference every year.  The first is the York Rite Leadership Program taught by John Palmer.  This course is free of charge and takes three conferences to complete.  This is a program for current or future leaders of all ages and is applicable to management responsibilities in any career field.  Many executives that have taken other expensive leadership classes have praised the quality of this one.

The second reason for the conference is to share experiences.  In the past many members came expecting to sit and be lectured on how they should do things.  We are changing that.  This Region covers a vast area and it is impossible for Cryptic Masons in Colorado to know at a distance what is working well or not in Alaska.  This is an opportunity for us to all come together and share what has worked and what hasn’t in their respective Grand Councils.

Members of the General Grand Council will be in attendance to add what they know has occurred in other Regions and answer any questions that you may have for them.

There will be a wine and cheese social on Thursday night.  Friday will start with introductions and presentations given by the three charities supported by the York Rite.  Breakout sessions will be Friday afternoon and Saturday morning.  There will be a banquet on Friday night.  Lunch on Saturday will conclude the conference.

I hope to see you there.  Please get your reservation in now.