C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33°
Sovereign Grand Commander

Leadership is not a matter of youth or age; it is a matter of determination.

In this special issue of the Scottish Rite Journal, you will find a report on the 2002 Scottish Rite Leadership Conferences in "Current Interest" as well as essay versions of several presentations given at the four regional conferences held at Charlotte, North Carolina; Des Moines, Iowa; Reno, Nevada; and New Orleans, Louisiana. A careful reading of this issue will bring the benefits of the 2002 Leadership Conferences to every Scottish Rite Mason in the Southern Jurisdiction.

Attending the Leadership Conferences energizes me in a way that few things do. The first responsibility of any leader is to secure the future of his organization, whether that is a nation, a business, or a fraternity. For a leader of a fraternity, the future is a special concern, for it is no secret that all such voluntary organizations are undergoing difficult times in terms of membership.

During the 2002 Leadership Conferences, I had the opportunity not only to meet with the outstanding men and Masons who form our present leadership cadre but also to greet the Scottish Rite Fellows, Brethren who, because of their dedication and ability, will lead us in the future. Many of these men will serve as officers in their Valleys, as chairmen of committees, or leaders of local Scottish Rite organizations. I have seen them sharing their ideas and learning from the conference presenters. The future will require bold thinking, and these men are well qualified to develop innovative approaches and creative programs.

These younger Masons face problems squarely. They have few illusions, but plenty of hope and energy. They understand that the Scottish Rite makes a difference in the world by making a difference in men.

We seasoned Brethren are very different from our younger Brethren in the television programs we watch, the music we enjoy, and our preference for reading a good book rather than reading from a computer monitor. Our younger Brethren are more likely to spend their leisure hours rock climbing or whitewater rafting and jotting abbreviated messages to each other by e-mail at the speed of light.

And yet, I enjoy meeting these dynamic younger Brothers, talking with them, and learning from them. Whatever our differences may be, we are all devoted to the Rite. We all realize that the Rite has an important role to play in the 21st Century. We realize the vital significance of our RiteCare Childhood Language Clinics, Centers, and Programs to the children of our nation. We understand the importance of a time and place where men can meet with men, build friendships, learn more of the great lessons of Freemasonry, and create a brighter personal, community, and fraternal future. The differences which separate my generation from these younger Scottish Rite Masons are trivial; the similarities are deeper and far more important. So, to the Scottish Rite Fellows of the 2002 Leadership Conferences, let me say, "Thank you for coming and thank you for your commitment to the future of the Fraternity we all love so much."

But there is also a message to the vast majority of our members who were unable to attend the Leadership Conferences. Each of these Brethren can be a leader in the Rite. Leadership is not a matter of youth or age; it is a matter of determination.

Leadership is not dependent upon having a title or an official position. It is dependent upon personal dedication and commitment. The great majority of the leaders in the Scottish Rite have no title, no letterhead, and no official status. But they do have a love of the Fraternity and a determination to see it survive and prosper.

Achieving this goal may be as simple as talking with your friends about the Scottish Rite and encouraging them to join. Think what a difference it would make to the Fraternity if each Scottish Rite Mason talked to his two best friends about joining! It may be finding a better way to change scenery during a Reunion. It may be developing a new program to raise funds for our RiteCare Childhood Language Program. It may be taking the lead in communicating with Brethren who are about to be suspended for non-payment of dues and reminding them of the importance of their membership. There are thousands of ways to lead. The great strength of the Rite is the men who work quietly with determination to make a difference in our Fraternity.

While there are still problems to solve and mountains to climb, I have faith in the leadership ability of the men I have seen at the Leadership Conferences and in the ability of all Scottish Rite Freemasons.