November 2001
Ill. Charles I. Ottem, 33°, Appointed Deputy In North Dakota | Masonic Community Involvement In Winter Park, Florida | Knoxville Speech/Hearing Program | El Paso S.R. Welcomes Public | Bro. Daniel A. Cobb, 32°, Named TSRHC Volunteer Of The Year | Surprise Blue Lodge Membership Dividend | Soccer Benefits S.R. Foundation | JROTC Awards In New Mexico | Ill. Jim Wright Honored | Bro. Snyder Installed As President Of National Sojourners, Inc. | JROTC Awards Cherished | Lions Clubs Sponsors Clinic Child | Workshop Combats Dyslexia | Smithsonian Program At Temple | Leadership In Olympia, Washington | Ill. Clyde B. Ridley, 33°, 1914–2001
On October 1, 2001, Ill. Charles
I. Ottem, 33°, succeeded Ill. John H. Ramlo, 33°, who
retired, as Deputy of the Supreme Council, 33°, in North Dakota.
Ill. Ottem was born on October 25, 1946, in Osnabrock, North Dakota. With his brother Jack, Deputy Ottem farms the 3,100-acre family farm, which his grandfather started in 1882. Ill. Ottem attended high school in Osnabrock and is a graduate of the University of North Dakota with a degree in accounting. A veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in Korea during the Vietnam War, he is active in veterans' affairs and is a Past Commander of Fismes Post 164 of the American Legion in Osnabrock.
Nearly all his adult life, Deputy Ottem has been active in the promotion and improvement of barley. He was a founding member of the North Dakota Barley Council and has served as its Chairman (1999–2001) and Director. He was President (1979–84) of the National Barley Growers Association; Chairman (1993–94) of the U.S. Feed Grains Council, an organization based in Washington, D.C., but with offices worldwide; and Secretary–Director of the North Dakota State Barley Show since 1976. In his various positions of leadership, Illustrious Ottem has traveled extensively in America and internationally (visiting 34 countries) promoting the use of U.S. barley. He continues active in all the organizations noted above and, in addition, operates the Charles I. Ottem Insurance Agency and is a Director of the Northeast Mutual Insurance Company of Cando, North Dakota.
Raised a Master Mason in Milton Lodge No. 48 in 1973, he served his Lodge as Master, 1977–78, and as Secretary for many years. Ill. Ottem belongs to the Langdon Scottish Rite Bodies, served as Wise Master for many years, was invested a K.C.C.H. in 1979, and coroneted a 33rd Degree in 1985. He belongs to Doric Chapter of the York Rite; Acacia Chapter No. 12, O.E.S.; Kem Temple of the Shrine; the 49er's Shrine Club; and the Royal Order of Jesters. Ill. Ottem was appointed District Deputy Grand Master in 1985 and served in that post until being appointed Junior Grand Steward in 1990. He moved progressively up the Grand Line until being elected Grand Master of Masons in the State of North Dakota on June 13, 1997, at the Annual Convention in Minot.
Among Ill. Ottem's many other local community activities are memberships in Dovre Lutheran Church, the Eagles, Elks, and VFW. He was Chairman of the Osnabrock Centennial Committee in 1987 and has served as Clerk of Alma Township since 1976. In his scarce spare time, he enjoys hunting and golfing.
Ill. Ottem's enthusiastic involvement in professional, community, and fraternal activities predicts he will continue this pattern of success as Deputy of the Supreme Council, 33°, in North Dakota.
Recently, the City of Winter Park Update, a community newspaper, recognized the Masons of Winter Park, Florida, Lodge No. 239 as "ranking at the top of dedicated volunteer groups for the City of Winter Park." Among the civic activities of the Lodge members, many of them Scottish Rite Masons, are preparing food and beverage for the city's traditional Old Fashioned July 4th Celebration; participating in "Run for the Trees," an ecology project; cleaning up litter along Howell Branch Road; ushering at the Bach Festival; answering telephones during the WMFE/90.7 FM membership campaign; donating blood to the Central Florida Blood Bank; and providing financial support for pre-school supplies, field trips, and holiday parties.
Congratulations, Brethren, on this busy (and enjoyable) community involvement!
Submitted by Brother William
S. Evans, 32°
Lodge Chairman, Public Relations, Orlando, Florida, Scottish Rite
Bodies
For the past 13 years, the Brethren of the Knoxville Scottish Rite Bodies have had a wonderful relationship with the University of Tennessee Speech and Hearing Center, where pre-school children receive speech, hearing, and other multi-faceted services under the Valley program. The Director of the program has been Ms. Deborah King, who is leaving the University to accept a similar post at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. On August 1, 2001, the Scottish Rite Foundation hosted a farewell luncheon for their longtime Program Director.
Ms. King was active in the operation of the Center, gave many talks to Masonic groups regarding her work, assisted the Scottish Rite in establishing other centers in East Tennessee, and conducted screening clinics for children in rural areas. In her honor, the Foundation has established a "Deborah King Scottish Rite Scholarship" in Speech Therapy at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Submitted by Ill. Bobby J. Demott, 33°, Knoxville, Tenn., Scottish Rite Bodies
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| On August 1, 2001, members of the Scottish Rite Foundation of Knoxville, Tennessee, hosted a farewell luncheon for Ms. Deborah King, Director for 13 years of the Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders Program at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Pictured seated (l. to r.) are: Ill. Bros. Judge C. Howard Bozeman; Dr. Frank P. Bowyer, Jr.; Dr. James L. Pointer; Ms. Deborah King; Ill. Bros. Hal E. Watts, Scottish Rite Secretary; and Dr. John E. Kesterson. Standing (l. to r.) are: Ill. Bros. Esco L. Owens, Grand Master of Masons in Tennessee; James E. Martin, Chairman of the Foundation; Douglas T. Harben, Treasurer Emeritus; Fred W. McPeake, Grand Cross; Frank L. Herron, Personal Representative of the S.G.I.G. in Knoxville; Vernon T. Hamilton, Venerable Master; and Dr. Bobby J. Demott, Editor Emeritus of the Knoxville Newsletter. |
A recent issue of the El Paso, Inc. weekly newspaper dedicated two full-color pages in its "Lifestyle" section of the El Paso Scottish Rite Temple. Under the attention-getting title of "Scottish Rite Temple lifts the veil of secrecy," Robbie Myrick Villalobos presented a very informative and positive description of the Temple. The article pictured the building's stunning 500-seat auditorium, elegant foyer, dignified second-floor Lodge Room, colorful wardrobe room, and signature sphinxes which give a unique appearance to the exterior of the classic-style edifice.
The main themes of the article were the beauty of the building, its historic treasures, its admirable Masonic purpose, and its availability to the public for tours or appropriate functions.
Congratulations to the Brethren of El Paso for this article and its attractive depiction of our Order. Far from being "secret," the Scottish Rite is eager to open its doors to the public and to be of service not only to our members but also to their communities.
Submitted by Ill. James P. Worsham, 33°, Personal Representative, El Paso, Texas
In May 2001, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (TSRHC) Bro. Daniel A. Cobb, 32°, Valley of Dallas, received the prestigious Samson Wiener Volunteer of the Year Award, a beautiful sculpture of children, given in recognition of exemplary commitment and meritorious service on a volunteer basis. Established in 1985 (Ill. Samson Wiener, 33°, Valley of Dallas, died May 7, 1986), the award is given annually to an individual or group who surpasses routine assignments striving for excellence in volunteerism. The award is named in honor of Ill. Wiener, who gave more than 40 years of volunteer service to the Scottish Rite, including service in the position of Vice Chairman of the hospital's Board of Trustees.
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Bro. Daniel A. Cobb, 32°, recipient of the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children Volunteer of the Year Award, is pictured with Ill. J. C. Montgomery, Jr., 33°, President of TSRHC (right). |
Bro. Cobb has been a volunteer at TSRHC for the past 14 years and has accumulated more than 4,500 volunteer hours. A retiree of the U.S. Postal Service, Brother Dan works in the mailroom, and his friendly face is often seen bringing mail to all areas of the hospital. Bro. Cobb works at many TSRHC weekend special events and is also an active volunteer in the Dallas community. He is the Master of Garland Lodge No. 441, Garland, Texas, and he spends time outside the hospital visiting with retired volunteers residing in area nursing homes. Perhaps the most impressive thing about Bro. Cobb is that his actions seem, to him, quite commonplace. "I'm astonished to have been chosen," he said, "and I'm so appreciative of the hospital for recognizing me and for bringing all my family to the awards ceremony to share it with me." He might not think it extraordinary, but Masonry is truly blessed that Bro. Cobb does what he does!
Beyond the hours and years that one spends volunteering, it is important to look at those who have benefited every day from his contribution. This is one volunteer who has touched many, many people, whether he knows it or not. We are privileged to be in Brother Dan's company and salute his dedication.
"Build it, and they will come" is a line from the Kevin Costner movie Field of Dreams. Similarly, good will built by the Scottish Rite Scholarship Foundation of Washington has brought Candidates to Blue Lodges.
In 2001, the Foundation awarded $195,000 to students who are residents of Washington State. These awards support undergraduate students studying a broad spectrum of subjects and assist graduate students enrolled in two specific Masters programs, Public Administration and Speech–Language Disorders.
Foundation Scholarship winner Joe Martin contacted Bro. Robert E. Larsen, 32°, K.C.C.H., of Everett, to request his personal reference on a Blue Lodge application, and he listed a few friends who also would be putting in applications to become Masons.
Bro. Kristopher Graap, 32°, of Olympia, announced that Michael Bishop, a Rinderhagen Scholar (a Foundation special award), would be receiving his Fellowcraft Degree in Harmony Lodge No. 18 in Olympia, Washington, in July.
The Foundation's Public Relations Chairman also received a note from Bro. Warren D. Monroe, 32°, of Kennewick, telling of the reinstatement of the father of a Foundation scholarship recipient. He had dropped out of Masonry several years ago, but returned after his son received the award. Bro. Monroe also noted that two-time scholarship winner Christa Fuhrer's grandfather has become a member of Kennewick Lodge No. 153.
What a wonderful bonus from the positive image our Masonic philanthropies give the public!
Submitted by Ill. Joseph W.
MacIntyre, 33°
Chairman, Public Relations Committee, S. R. Scholarship Foundation
of Washington
A unique community project of Pelham Lodge No. 423, Greenville, South Carolina, has been the sponsorship of an all-girls soccer tournament held each Memorial Day weekend. This soccer tournament is known as the "Palmetto Soccer Festival" and draws from 16 to 30 teams from a five-state area. The participating families, as they accompany the various teams, provide support for local businesses and generate funds for charitable community needs. The tremendous work provided by members of Pelham Lodge ensures a well-organized, fun-filled weekend. Pelham Lodge began "The Palmetto Soccer Festival" in 1988 and to date has been proud to have donated over $22,000 to local community charities and needs. The Scottish Rite Foundation has been their favorite recipient, receiving over $5,000 from past events. Future tournaments will be expanded to include soccer teams for both boys and girls in order to further enhance Masonic recognition in the community.
| Bro. Robert W. Zarn, 32°, Chairman, Americanism and Education Committee, Orient of New Mexico, reports the "Land of Enchantment" Scottish Rite Masons have presented the Supreme Council's Americanism and Education Award (with medals, ribbons, and certificates) to 22 worthy JROTC Cadets. Also, as part of an annual program, the Valley of Santa Fe awarded a scholarship (including airfare) to Air Force JROTC Cadet S/SGT Michelle Counts of Del Norte High School, Albuquerque, to attend the Freedoms Foundation "Spirit of America Youth Conference" held at Church Farm, Paolia, Pennsylvania, on July 26–29, 2001. In the photo, Bro. Zarn presents Cadet Counts with her airline ticket and scholarship. |  |
The Fort Worth Valley presented undergraduate scholarships and their prestigious Anson Jones Award in the Grand Ball Room of the Masonic Temple, May 23, 2001. The auspicious evening began with the kilted Fort Worth Scottish Rite bagpipers piping in the honored guests. Members and guests totaling 392 gathered at the Grand Annual Banquet in appreciation of those honored.
This year Fort Worth Scottish Rite Foundation, Inc., awarded 58 Scottish Rite scholarships of $1,000 each to 58 students for the 2001–2002 semesters. In addition, the top two students from the Masonic Home and School of Texas, Jesse Reynolds and David Bean, received four-year scholarships worth $1,400 per year. These scholarships were made possible through donations from individuals, Scottish Rite fund-raising projects, and contributing outside corporations.
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On May 23, 2001, "Mr. Speaker" Ill. James C. Wright, Jr., 33°, received the prestigious Anson Jones Award from the Valley of Fort Worth, Texas, in recognition of his lifetime humanitarian endeavors and outstanding citizenship. |
Ill. Bro. James D. Ward, 33°, President of the Foundation and Chairman of the Fort Worth Scottish Rite Bodies, then presented the Anson Jones Award to Ill. James C. Wright, Jr., 33°. The Valley created this award to recognize humanitarian endeavors and outstanding citizenship.
Known to the nation as Congressman Jim Wright or "Mr. Speaker," Ill. Wright was born in Fort Worth, Texas, and represented that city in Congress from 1955 through 1989. He spent his childhood days in Weatherford, Texas, completing public school in 10 years and finishing college within three years. When Pearl Harbor was attacked, Ill. Wright enlisted in the Army Air Corps, receiving its flyer's wings and a commission at 19 years of age. He flew combat missions in the South Pacific and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Legion of Merit.
After the war, the 23-year old won a seat in the Texas Legislature and, at 26, became the youngest mayor in Texas (Weatherford). Elected to Congress at 31, Bro. Jim served 18 consecutive terms. He served 10 years as Majority Leader before being sworn in as Speaker of the House in 1987 and re-elected to that post in 1989. A member of Congress for 34 years, Ill. Wright served with nine American Presidents. Many of the programs he helped create still stand today and are a benefit to all mankind.
When he returned from the South Pacific, Brother Wright received his Entered Apprentice in 1944 at Phoenix Lodge No. 275 in Weatherford. As a courtesy to his home Lodge, Liberty Lodge No. 300, Lincoln, Nebraska, conferred his Fellowcraft and Master Mason's Degrees in Nebraska where he was training pilots. He became a Scottish Rite Mason in 1948, Valley of Dallas, and was invested with the Knight Commander of the Court of Honor in Dallas in 1959. He then transferred to Fort Worth in 1973 and, in 1977, was coroneted a 33°, Inspector General Honorary. He is also a member of all the York Rite Bodies, Shrine, Grotto, Red Cross of Constantine, Honorary Member International Supreme Council Order of DeMolay, and holds the DeMolay Legion of Honor. By giving his talents, time, and love to his country and his fellowmen, Ill. James C. Wright, 33°, earns our deep respect, and we are proud to call him "Brother and Mr. Speaker."
After the award to Ill. Wright and the presentation of the scholarships, Ill. Wright gave a most inspiring speech about patriotism, Masonry, and Texas history. One student's father asked for a Masonic Petition, saying that he had to belong to such a special group of people.
Ill. Sam E. Hilburn, 33°, S.G. I.G. in Texas, closed the exciting evening with words of thanks to the Fort Worth Brethren, noting that they had given more than 400 scholarships over the years and so promoted the education of today's youth. Ill. Hilburn then congratulated the students and wished them great success in their lives. He closed by thanking Ill. Bro. David B. Dibrell, 33°, Most Worshipful Grand Master of Texas, for attending the festive evening filled with brotherly love, sincere patriotism, and charitable giving. The festivities will be long remembered by all attending.
Submitted by Philip R. Moore, 33°, Editor, Double Eagle Digest, Forth Worth, Texas
Ill. Norman R. Snyder, 32°,
K.C. C.H., a member of the Valley of Mobile, Alabama, since 1953,
was installed as the National President of National Sojourners,
Inc., on June 15, 2001, during the 81st Annual Convention of National
Sojourners, Inc., held in St. Louis, Missouri.
Brother Snyder joined National Sojourners in Hawaiian Chapter No. 9 in 1962. He served as the President of Saigon Chapter No. 409, Viet Nam from 1971–1972; as Commander of Captain John Parker Camp, Heroes of '76 from 1972–1973; as President of Albert J. Youndt Chapter No. 511, Mobile, Alabama, from 1989–1991; and Secretary from 1991–2000.
Nationally, Brother Snyder has served as a member of the Membership, Chapter Chartering, and the Bridge of Light Committees. He was appointed Deputy Area Representative for the Southeastern Area in 1994 and served in this capacity until 1997 when he was elected to the National Sojourners Line.
He is a Majority Member, Belevede Chapter, Baltimore, Maryland, Order of DeMolay. His Masonic career began in February 1952 when he was initiated as an Entered Apprentice in Baltimore Lodge No. 210 and was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in March 1952. He is a Life Member of: Honolulu Chapter, Council No. 1 York Rite, Honolulu, Hawaii; ABBA Shrine, Mobile, Alabama; Aiea Shrine Club, Aiea, Hawaii; Harmony Chapter No. 4, Honolulu, Hawaii: Order of the Eastern Star; Hickam Square and Compass Club, Honolulu; and Toulmin Lodge No. 875, Mobile, Alabama, where he currently serves as Senior Warden. He is a member of the Philalethes Society, Temple Forest No. 136, Tall Cedars of Lebanon, and a Charter Member of the Gulf Coast Chapter of Philalethes. In 2000, he became a Director of Collingwood Library and Museum on Americanism.
Brother Snyder entered the U.S. Army in October 1941 as a private and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force. He is married to the former Emma E. Gray of Baltimore, Maryland. They have four married daughters, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandson.
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On May 2, 2001, Henry Ford High School in Detroit, Michigan, held its Thirteenth Annual Awards Dinner and Program. A highlight of the event came when Cadet Brandon Jackson received the Supreme Council's JROTC Americanism and Education Award consisting of a certificate, ribbon, and medal. According to a letter to the Supreme Council from Captain Melvin L. Jolly, USAF (Ret.), Commander, MI 882 (pictured above with the award recipient), Cadet Jackson was thrilled and said the recognitions presented to him by the Scottish Rite of the Southern Jurisdiction would be among his most cherished possessions. |
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Once more, the Spokane, Washington, Central Lions Club has sponsored a child to receive speech therapy at the Spokane Scottish Rite Center for Childhood Language Disorders (SRCCLD). The $2,500 donation will support a complete year of therapy. Lions Club President Bill Eden, a Spokane attorney, is pictured with Christopher Crosby, the child the Lions Club is sponsoring. It is wonderful to have service clubs and community agencies working with the Scottish Rite to benefit America's children. Thank you very much! Submitted by Ill. Edwin E. Weber,
33° |
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A workshop on the identification of learning disabilities with emphasis on dyslexia was held in Covington County, Alabama, on August 28, 2001, at Straughn Elementary School. This was the first such a workshop in south central Alabama. Mrs. Sharon Dye, Principal, Straughn Elementary School, had requested the workshop, and Dr. Denise Gibbs, former Clinical Director for the Speech and Hearing Clinic at the University of Montevallo, was the presenter. Dr. Gibbs is employed by the Scottish Rite Foundation of Alabama and appeared through the courtesy of Ill. G. E. "Ed" Norred, 33°, Personal Representative in Montgomery.
After welcoming the group, Mrs. Dye introduced Ill. Robert P. Shelley, 33°, Director of Learning Programs for the Montgomery Scottish Rite Masonic Center. He praised Mrs. Dye's three-year involvement with, and her enthusiastic support for, the Scottish Rite's Childhood Language Disorders Program. Brother Shelley also expressed appreciation to Mrs. Dye for facilitating the workshop. Mrs. Dye held registration, posted directional signs, and arranged for door prizes and refreshments in preparation for the workshop.
Forty-eight teachers and six Scottish Rite guests were in attendance. Much interest was generated as Dr. Gibbs gave insights into what can be done to help children affected by childhood language disorders, especially dyslexia. At the conclusion of Dr. Gibbs' presentation, she continued with a Q&A period, furnished contact information for teachers who need help with any problems, and announced that she would be available for future workshops.
Other Scottish Rite Members attending were: Ill. Buddy M. Wilson, 33°; Ill. Billy H. Scott, 33°; Bro. J. Douglas Sorrells, 32°, K.C.C.H.; and Bro. Norman Wayne Geohagan, 32°.
Submitted by Ill. Robert P. Shelley, 33°
On Saturday August 18 and Sunday August 26, 2001, the Smithsonian Resident Associate Program sponsored a lecture on Freemasonry followed by a tour of the House of the Temple. The Smithsonian Resident Associate Program sponsors hundreds of cultural and educational programs in the Washington, D.C., area. More than 40 guests attended each day's lecture and tour, which sold out within one week of being advertised. All services and supplies were donated to the Smithsonian; the cost of the tickets covered the Smithsonian's administrative fee for such events.
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In the Library of the House of the Temple, Dr. S. Brent Morris, 33°, G.C., Director of Membership Development, speaks to guests from the Smithsonian Resident Associates program on August 26, 2001. Photo: Brother Carl E. Williams, 32° |
The program was the suggestion of Ill. Charles S. Iversen, 33°, Past S.G.I.G. in the District of Columbia, and Ill. Akram R. Elias, 33°, Worshipful Master of Benjamin B. French Lodge No. 15, Washington, D.C.
The guests gathered in the Library of the House of the Temple, and at 10:00 am they were escorted to the International Room where Bro. Thomas Cynkin, 32° welcomed them and introduced the speaker, Dr. S. Brent Morris, 33°, G.C., Director of Membership Development for the Supreme Council. Ill. Morris is a noted lecturer on Masonic and other topics, having spoken several times for the Smithsonian Resident Associates Program and at over 100 universities. He began the day with a brief overview of Freemasonry, from the Regius Poem of 1390 to the Bicentennial of the Mother Supreme Council in 2001. He then took questions from the floor that covered the Scottish Rite, Prince Hall Freemasonry, anti-Masonry, and the possible Masonic membership of relatives.
The guests were then guided through the Temple Architects Hall of Honor, Burns Room, and Hall of Scottish Rite Regalia, and into the George Washington Memorial Banquet Hall. There they were served coffee, juice, muffins, and bagels, courtesy of the members of Benjamin B. French Lodge No. 15.
While the guests enjoyed their refreshments, Illustrious Morris explained details of the Banquet Room's two magnificent paintings by Illustrious John D. Melius, 33°, "George Washington Laying the Cornerstone of the United States Capitol, Sept. 18, 1793" and "George Washington's Inauguration as the 1st President of the United States, Apr. 30, 1789."
After the break, Ill. Bro. Morris took the members on a tour of the House of the Temple: the Temple Room, the Executive Chambers, the Pillars of Charity Alcove, executive administrative offices, and the Supreme Council's Library, which stayed open until 1:00 pm, giving ample opportunity for browsing and further questions. Everyone was favorably impressed by the magnificence of the House of the Temple, the thoroughness of the lecture by Ill. Morris, and the friendliness of the guides provided by Benjamin B. French Lodge No. 15. It was an event that surely will be repeated in the future.
| Two members of the Valley of Olympia, Washington, have been elected to leadership positions in the Grand Lodge of Washington. In the photo (l. to r.), Ill. Robert L. VanZee, 33°, Grand Master of Masons in Washington State, reviews plans for the Olympia Valley Scottish Rite Center for Childhood Language Disorders with R.W. David P. Owen, 32°, newly elected Grand Secretary, and V.W.B. Christopher Grabowski, 32°, Deputy of the Grand Master in District No. 17, as W.B. Donald R. White, 33°, Personal Representative, Valley of Olympia, looks on. |  |
With great sadness, we report the
death on August 24, 2001, in Honolulu, Hawaii, of Ill. Clyde Blake
Ridley, Past Deputy of the Supreme Council, 33°, in Hawaii
(1976–1986). Ill. Ridley was 86 years old and had been confined
to his bed for some time prior to his passing.
Deputy Ridley was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, on December 15, 1914, and was an Ordinance Engineer for the Federal Government at Pearl Harbor. His dedicated service in this post as well as in many other community leadership positions was recognized and honored throughout his life.
Raised a Master Mason in Lodge Le Progres de l'Oceanie, Honolulu, Ill. Ridley was very active in Freemasonry, especially in Scottish Rite, Aloha Temple AAONMS, Honolulu, and in the International Order of DeMolay, which awarded him the Honorary DeMolay Legion of Honor (1980). Earlier in his life, Ill. Ridley was an active Boy Scout, 1st Class, and a Sea Scout. He was invested a 32° Master of the Royal Secret on June 1, 1950, and participated extensively in the Degree work of the Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Honolulu, in particular as the longtime Master of Honolulu Consistory. In recognition of his service to the Scottish Rite, Freemasonry and America, he was invested with the rank and decoration of Knight Commander Court of Honour in 1967 and coroneted an Inspector General Honorary Thirty-third Degree in 1973. In his being nominated for these honors, and throughout his Masonic, community, and professional work, he was frequently described as "an ardent worker in every respect."
Earlier this year, Ill. A. James Wriston, Jr., 33°, S.G.I.G. in Hawaii, and Ill. William E. Holsomback, 33°, Secretary of the Honolulu Scottish Rite Bodies, visited Ill. Ridley in his home and had the privilege of presenting him his 50-year pin and cap. On September 4, Inspector Wriston, with the assistance of Ill. Holsomback and accompanied by Brethren from the Honolulu Scottish Rite Temple, conducted a Scottish Rite funeral service over Ill. Ridley's ashes at the Diamond Head Mortuary in Honolulu. Ill. Clyde Blake Ridley, 33°, is survived by his wife, Marie, who lives in Honolulu, his son, Norman, and grandchildren.
Brethren throughout the Southern Jurisdiction mourn the passing of this dedicated Masonic worker and outstanding American.