July 2001

Iversen Appreciation Night In Washington, D.C. | California Scottish Rite Foundation Honored | Eagle's Nest Clinic In Rapid City, South Dakota | North Carolina's Masonic Unity Challenge (MUC)—2001 | First S.R. JROTC Award In Virgin Islands | Wilmington, N.C., Brethren Host Diverse Program | Dynamic Freedoms Donated To Libraries In Georgia | First Florida Clinic Directors Conference A Success | Deputy Joseph L. Martinez, 33°, 1920–2001, In Memoriam

On April 27, 2001, the Scottish Rite Brethren of Washington, D.C., reenacted the "This Is Your Life" television show, providing great entertainment for the Valley while also honoring S.G.I.G. Emeritus Charles S. Iversen, 33°. The evening began with the Scottish Rite Serenaders under the direction of Ill. Robert E. Redding, 33°, playing songs personally selected by the honoree. Ill. Iversen was then escorted into the auditorium by Ill. George R. Adams, 33°, Deputy of the Supreme Council in the Valley of Washington, D.C., and Ill. Jerold J. Samet, 33°, Personal Representative in D.C. Ill. Iversen then took his seat in the Valley's beautiful auditorium with his wife, Eleanor, his daughter, Joan, and two sons, Scott and Eric.

Grand Commander C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33°, congratulates Ill. Charles S. Iversen, 33°, S.G.I.G. Emeritus in Washington, D.C., during a special "This Is Your Life" tribute to Ill. Iversen on April 27, 2001. Photo: George J. Stoklas, 32°, K.C.C.H. Elect

In keeping with the tradition of the famous television program and its host Ralph Edwards, a welcome was offered by Ill. Dan L Frederick, 33°, Master of Ceremonies for the evening and Executive Director of the Valley. Before coming on stage, friends and Masonic colleagues spoke from behind the stage area by disguising their voices. Some could be recognized by the honoree, but others could not.

Among those who spoke about their recollections of working with Ill. Iversen were Bro. Richard L. Lester II, a longtime friend; Mr. H. L. "Robby" Robinson, a fellow member of Rotary; Wor. Bro. Akram R. Elias, Wor. Master of Benjamin B. French Lodge No. 15 in D.C. (Bro. Iversen's Mother Lodge); Ill. Martin D. Carlin, 33°, G.C., Secretary Emeritus, Washington, D.C., Scottish Rite; Ill. Samuel E. Harris, Jr., 33°, General Secretary, Washington, D.C., Scottish Rite; Most Excellent Companion Harold Grainger, Past Grand High Priest of Washington, D.C.; Most Excellent Companion John Vergalla, 32°, Past Grand High Priest of Washington, D.C.; Rt. Wor. Edward H. Fowler, Jr., 32°, Provincial Grand Master of the Royal Order of Scotland and Past Grand Master of Pennsylvania; Dr. Gilbert Herer, Childrens Hospital Administrator; Dr. Tommie L. Robinson, Jr., Clinic Director for the Scottish Rite Center for Childhood Language Disorders, Washington, D.C.; Most Wor. Bro. Theodore M. Kahn, 33°, Past Grand Master of Washington, D.C.; Most Wor. Bro. Grant R. Berning, 33°, Grand Master of Masons of Washington, D.C.; Ill. William G. Sizemore, 33°, G.C., Grand Executive Director of the Supreme Council; and Ill. C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander.

Many friends of Ill. Iversen stepped forward to make contributions in his name to the Washington, D.C., Scottish Rite Center for Childhood Language Disorders, raising more than $50,000 for this worthy charity. It was Ill. Iversen's request that donations be made to the center instead of any gifts to him.

After the ceremony, a reception was served in the refectory, and everyone present had a chance to speak with the honoree and his family. Guests could be heard paying compliments to a wonderful idea that was executed very well. "This Is Your Life, Charles Iversen" turned out to be a success for the honoree, for the Washington, D.C., Scottish Rite Brethren, and for the Scottish Rite Center for Childhood Language Disorders in the nation's capital.

Submitted by Ill. Dan L Frederick, 33°, and Bro. Paul M. Bessel, 32°

The California Scottish Rite Foundation has been honored by the California State Legislature and the California Speech, Language and Hearing Association for its public service to the community during the year 2001.

Holding Joint Resolution No. 564 from the California Legislature commending the California Scottish Rite Foundation are (l. to r.): M.W. Raymond A. Ebbage, 33°, P.G.M. California, and Personal Representative, Valley of Sacramento; Ill. W. Ronald Coale, 33°, Personal Representative, Valley of Stockton; and M.W. Leo B. Mark, 33°, P.G.M. California, and Personal Representative, Valley of San Jose.

In special ceremonies held last April in Monterey, California, Ill. W. Ronald Coale, 33°, Personal Representative, Valley of Stockton, presented Joint Resolution No. 564 to the California Scottish Rite Foundation on behalf of the State Legislature. This resolution, recognizing the good works of the Foundation, was authored by State Senator Michael Machado, 5th Senatorial District, and Assemblywoman Barbara Matthews, 17th Assembly District, both of whom are familiar with the Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders Center in Stockton. In concert with this Joint Resolution, the California Speech, Language and Hearing Association (CSHA) at their annual conference presented to the Foundation (and to each of the 13 individual Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders Clinics in California) their very special and most prestigious Public Service Award 2001.

The Stockton Center, in partnership with the University of the Pacific, has provided treatment for 327 children with over 8,570 hours of clinician time in 2000, and in 1999, 301 children were helped with over 9,400 hours of treatment. The Stockton Brethren are rightfully very proud of their Childhood Language Disorders Center, and of course the State Legislature's and CSHA's recognition of the California Scottish Rite Foundation.

Submitted by Ill. W. Ronald Coale, 33°, Personal Representative, Valley of Stockton

The Brethren of the Valley of Deadwood, South Dakota, have created a new way to give the Scottish Rite high positive public profile. They conceived of an "Eagle's Nest Clinic" in a Rapid City, South Dakota, children's park sponsored by Rotary. Called "Storybook Island," the park is free to anyone and has proved immensely popular with families. It consists of a number of play stations, including the new "clinic" which is a cooperative project of the Scottish Rite and Children's Care Hospital and School whose joint effort has created the CCHS/Scottish Rite Children's Clinic for Speech and Language Disorders.

Pictured on the porch of the new "Eagle's Nest Clinic" in Rapid City, South Dakota's "Storybook Island" children's park, are (l. to r.) Bro. Don Huxford, Rapid City Lodge No. 25; Ill. Ned E. Wick, 33°, Grand Cross, Personal Representative, Deadwood, S.D.; Ill. Robert L. "Bob" Morrow, 33° Elect; and Bro. Francis J. "Jim" Fernen, 32°, K.C.C.H. The "clinic" contains interactive children's toys that encourage communication and language skills, and literature is available to parents and the general public regarding the Scottish Rite's Childhood Language Disorders Program.

The 12'x12' rustic wooden building contains interactive equipment that allows children to manipulate wall toys that encourage communication and language. Literature will be available to refer parents to the Rapid City clinic, and a large color map showing all the Scottish Rite's clinics will be mounted on the building's slanted ceiling.

The Brethren of North Carolina have created a tremendous opportunity titled, "Masonic Unity Challenge—2001." It all began around a breakfast table in Charlotte, North Carolina, in October 2000 at the Sovereign York Rite College Convocation. Ill. William B. Brunk, 33°, S.G.I.G. in North Carolina and a P.G.M. of Masons in North Carolina, and Dr. Donald B. Street, 33°, Past Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in North Carolina, met with several others Brethren to devise a new way to present the beauty and panorama of Masonry through a combined conferral of the Scottish and York Rites.

The three Grand York Rite presiding Officers—Most Illustrious Benny Smith, Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in North Carolina; Right Illustrious Donald R. Long, 33°, Most Illustrious Grand Master of Royal and Select Masters of North Carolina; and Right Eminent Charles Ray Thomas, 32°, K.C.C.H., Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar in North Carolina—expressed support for such a meeting, and the race was on.

The dates were set for October 26–27, 2001, in Charlotte, North Carolina, at the Scottish Rite Temple, and Ill. Street was selected to chair the Executive Planning Committee which includes: Publicity, Bro. James E. Reddish, 32°, K.C. C.H.; Ritual and Lecture, Bro. Danial M. Hogue, Jr., 32°; Membership, Bro. M. Gene Lewellyn, 33°; Arrangements, Bro. Charles Ray Thomas, 32°, K.C.C.H., P.G.C; Budget and Finance, Bro. Paul C. Holbrook, 32°, P.G.H.P., and Bro. David L. Hargett, Jr., 32°, P.G.C.

Seven different Scottish Rite Valleys including Wilmington (4° to be conferred by the Grand Master William G. Mathis, 33°); Raleigh (14° to be conferred by S.G.I.G. Brunk); Asheville (18°), Winston–Salem (21°); Charlotte (30°); Greensboro (31°); and New Bern (32°), will be traveling with their Degree Teams to Charlotte to participate.
Four York Rite Bodies and the MUC Team will be conferring six York Rite Degrees and Orders, including Raleigh (Most Excellent Master), the MUC Team (Royal Arch Mason), Salisbury (Select Master), Monroe (Illustrious Order of the Red Cross and Knight of Malta), and Gastonia (Knight Templar).

Candidates who are members of a Blue Lodge only must take both the Scottish Rite Degrees and the York Rite Degrees. They will pay a reduced price and receive from the York Rite, their Chapter penny, the Malta Lapel pin, Life Membership in the Templar Eye Foundation, and the York Rite Certificate. Candidates will receive from the Scottish Rite their 14° Degree ring and 32° Patent. Dues for both Rites will be paid for the remainder of the year. A special commemorative MUC certificate, displaying both Rites, is being planned for presentation to those Masons who receive both Rites.

Scottish Rite Masons may take the York Rite Degrees and York Rite Masons may take the Scottish Rite Degrees. Degree work will begin promptly at 7:45 am both days and should be completed by 5:00 PM both days. Dr. Michael W. Brantley, 33°, will communicate the non-conferred Degrees. Everyone will be invited to participate in an informal banquet on Friday night.

A two-day special Ladies program, including a tour of the Charlotte Motor Speedway and Concord Mills, is being planned, and the Sheraton at Billy Graham Parkway will be the headquarters hotel. Reservations are to be made individually.

Because of the complexity and the many facets of this unique program, petitions for the Degrees must be received in the local Scottish Rite Valleys and York Rite Bodies by October 1, 2001. The monies received from the petitions remain with the local Valley and/or Body.

The Masonic Unity Challenge—2001 has met with a great deal of interest. Freemasons from many states will be attending MUC and going where no one has gone before. Join us for this historic event!

Submitted by Dr. Danial M. Hoque, 32°, K.C.C.H. Elect, Valley of Winston–Salem, North Carolina

On April 24, 2001, at Charlotte Amalie High School, St Thomas, United States Virgin Islands, Cadet Command Sergeant Major Chevell A. Leonard received the Scottish Rite's Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Education and Americanism Award. The Scottish Rite presents these awards throughout the Southern Jurisdiction in recognition of scholastic excellence and demonstrated Americanism. In addition to a certificate of recognition, Cadet Leonard received a medal, featuring the Scottish Rite double-headed eagle, and ribbon. Both the medal and ribbon can be worn on the JROTC uniform.

On April 24, 2001, at Charlotte Amalie High School, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, Bro. Billy B. Watkins, 32°, K.C.C.H. Elect, Valley of San Juan, Puerto Rico, presented the Scottish Rite's Education and Americanism Award (certificate, medal, and ribbon) to JROTC Cadet Command Sergeant Major Chevell A. Leonard. This is the first Scottish Rite JROTC Education and Americanism Award ever given in the United States Virgin Islands.

This is the first presentation by the Scottish Rite of this honor in the Virgin Islands since the United States Department of Defense approved this award in 1997. As of May 2001, the Supreme Council has distributed 5,219 JROTC kits through this very popular program. The Scottish Rite has always been an ardent supporter of free public school education and a strong military. Thus, we are pleased to be able to make this presentation in the Virgin Islands to this extraordinary Cadet. Ill. Billy B. Watkins, 32°, K.C. C.H. Elect, made the presentation on behalf of the Scottish Rite. The Junior ROTC faculty selected Cadet Leonard because of her academic achievement and outstanding Americanism, the latter demonstrated by her active participation in extracurricular and community activities.

On the evening of April 12, 2001, members of the Valley Of Wilmington, North Carolina, their families, guests, and members of the general public enjoyed a particularly interesting program at the Wilmington Scottish Rite Temple. It consisted, in large part, of three speakers: Rabbi James L. Apple, 32°, of the Temple Israel in Wilmington and current assistant Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina; Reverend E. G. Highsmith, 32°, Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge and currently the Pastor of Westview United Methodist Church in Burgaw, North Carolina; and Imam Mohammed Khan (Captain, US Army), currently battalion Chaplain at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Each speaker was introduced by M.W. William G. Mathis, 33°, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina, who is also the Personal Representative in the Valley of Wilmington. Using his extensive life experiences and formal education, each speaker addressed, from his individual prospective, the biblical and historical figure of Abraham. Despite their differences in theology, the clergymen, who represent the world's three largest Western religions, found much in common.

Rabbi Apple noted: "Jews look upon Abraham as the first monotheist, and these three religions follow the same principle, belief in one Creator." Next, wearing a traditional minister's robe, Rev. Highsmith spoke saying, "We, too, understand and confirm that Abraham is the father of all Western religions. Because we live together in a very fast-paced, fast-moving world, it is important for us to understand one another and our similarities." Imam Mohammed Khan, wearing a traditional East Indian dress, summarized his presentation on Islam saying, "This is the millennium. We're trying to show commonality, not differences. What we share is the most important thing to progress."

Congratulations to the Brethren of Wilmington for presenting so interesting a program based on the core Scottish Rite principle of toleration.

Submitted by Bro. Charles E. Ponton, 32°, Valley of Wilmington, North Carolina

Twenty copies of the book Dynamic Freedoms were donated to the Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty County Libraries, enough to place one copy in each branch in the three-county Georgia regional library system. Copies of the two children's books, Let's Meet Our Heroes and Let's Celebrate America, published by the Supreme Council, will also be donated to the libraries. Gratified by the reception given the books, Georgia Scottish Rite Masons are now planning to offer the same books to the public and private schools in the three-county area. Also, for years the Scottish Rite has participated in the Naturalization Ceremonies in Savannah and Brunswick, Georgia, and presented a copy of Dynamic Freedoms to each new citizen.

Presenting books to Ms. Susan K. Lee, Community Relations Coordinator for the CEL Regional Library of Georgia, are (l. to r.) Ill. Jimmy P. Smith, Jr., 33°, General Secretary, and Ill. John H. Pigott, 33°, Personal Representative in the Valley of Savannah, Georgia.

Recently, the Muscogee, Georgia, County School District was also the recipient of Supreme Council publications. The Brethren of the Valley of Columbus, Georgia, donated 100 copies of Dynamic Freedoms and 500 copies of the special flag issue (June 2000) of the Scottish Rite Journal. Both will be used in American History courses in the county's middle schools.

Shown right presenting copies of Dynamic Freedoms and the special flag issue of the Scottish Rite Journal to the Muscogee, Georgia, County School District are (l. to r.): Ill. James E. Miller, 33°, Secretary, Columbus Scottish Rite Bodies; Gordon Stallings, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction; John Wells, Member, Muscogee Country School Board; and Bro. John G. Norris, 32°, K.C.C.H., State Director of Americanism and Education for the Rite in Georgia.

On May 18, 2001, Directors/Administrators and Financial Administrators of the Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders Clinics in Florida gathered in Jacksonville for a special daylong conference. The meeting was held at the Baptist Medical Center and was hosted by Baptist Heath/Wolfson's Children's Hospital and Wolfson Children's Rehabilitation Services. The Scottish Rite Foundation of Florida provided some stipend for the cost of room and travel. Among topics on the conference agenda were: patient admission and policy/procedures; financial review/assistance criteria; program data collection, analysis, and reporting procedures; public relations and marketing activities; areas for programs collaboration; and updates on special projects, such as web pages, billboards, etc.

Ill. Robert L. Goldsmith, 33°, S.G.I.G. in Florida, met with 13 Florida Scottish Rite Clinic Directors and Administrators at a recent conference in Jacksonville.

This conference, the first of its kind in Florida, provided an excellent opportunity for everyone attending to work as a team, share ideas, and improve service. Its success was obvious in that those attending requested that a date be set for a similar meeting next year. Congratulations to the Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders Program in the "Sunshine State" for bringing our Order's flagship philanthropy to new levels of excellence.

The Brethren deeply mourn the passing on May 12, 2001, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, of Ill. Joseph L. Martinez, 33°, Deputy of the Supreme Council in Puerto Rico. Funeral services were held in the San Juan Scottish Rite Cathedral on May 16, and Ill. Jose R. Lopez, 33°, Orient Personal Representative and newly appointed Deputy of the Supreme Council in Puerto Rico, represented the Supreme Council at the service and extended condolences to the family.

Born in Camaguey, Cuba, on May 25, 1920, Ill. Martinez attended primary and secondary schools in New York City, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the Citadel Military College in South Carolina in 1942, and worked as a Civil Engineer until graduating with a Juris Doctor degree from the Interamerican University of San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 1964 and beginning his lifelong career as a self-employed Attorney-at-law.

Raised a Master Mason in Loarina Lodge No. 17, Bayamon, Puerto Rico, in 1952 (serving as Wor. Master in 1956), Ill. Martinez later became a member of St. John the Baptist Lodge No. 12 in San Juan and began an outstanding Masonic career in several Masonic Bodies and organizations. Among them were the following: Grand Lodge of Puerto Rico: Grand Junior Deacon, Grand Marshall, and Chairman of the Jurisprudence Committee; York Rite: Life Member of Borinquen Lodge No. 1, R.A.M. (High Priest, 1961), Life Member of Porto Rico Commandery No. 1, K.T. (Eminent Commander, 1962), Secretary–Recorder of Puerto Rico York Rite Bodies since 1971; Shrine: member of Abou Saad Temple since 1956, Secretary of its Shrine Club since 1962, Ceremonial Director since 1957, presented Life Membership in 1973; O.E.S.: Patron, Juanita Chapter No. 1, Grand Patron (1961) Grand Chapter of Puerto Rico, Chairman Jurisprudence Committee, 1972–75; Order of the Rainbow for Girls: recipient of the Grand Cross of Color.

In the Scottish Rite, Ill. Martinez was invested a Master of the Royal Secret, San Juan Consistory, in 1953, serving as Wise Master and Preceptor. For his many services to the Order, he was honored with the K.C.C.H. in 1967, 33° in 1973, and appointed Deputy of the Supreme Council in 1975. Competent and cordial, Ill. Joseph L. Martinez, 33°, guided the Orient of Puerto Rico for 26 years. His dedication and leadership will be deeply missed.